bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic nutritional index: A potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of decompensated liver cirrhosis
Authors: Xie Yanan , He Chiyi , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Background

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is an independent predictor of the prognosis of various diseases. However, the prognosis value of PNI in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) remains unknown. The study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of PNI in patients with DLC.

Methods

A total of 214 eligible patients were enrolled in the study’s development cohort between January 2018 and March 2021. The clinical primary study endpoints were mortality at 3 and 6 months. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the PNI’s prediction accuracy, and Youden’s index was utilized to determine the PNI’s optimal cut-off value. Moreover, based on the optimal cut-off value, patients were categorized into high and low PNI groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors for mortality, while the relationship between PNI and the risk of death was identified and demonstrated using restricted cubic splines (RCS). A validation cohort of 139 patients was to verify the predictive power of the PNI.

Results

In the development cohort, the mortality rate at 3 and 6 months were 10.3% (22) and 14.0% (30), respectively. The PNI had comparable predictive power with the MELD score at all follow-up endpoints. Decreased PNI was an independent predictor of adverse prognosis at all follow-up endpoints. The RCS revealed a linear correlation between PNI and the risk of death. We confirmed that lower PNI was an independent predictor of poor prognosis in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

The findings showed that lower PNI is an independent factor of poor outcomes and might be utilized as a potentially promising prognostic predictor in patients with DLC.
Effects of citrus essential oils on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated fish oil by spray-drying
Authors: Durmus Mustafa , Özogul Yesim , Ozyurt Gulsun , Ucar Yilmaz , Kosker Ali Riza , Yazgan Hatice , Ibrahim Salam A. , Özogul Fatih
Published: January 2023

The effects of citrus essential oils (orange, lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit) on the oxidative stability of microencapsulated fish oil by spray-drying were evaluated. The encapsulation efficiency of microcapsules was in the range of 42.25 and 62.43%. Twelve active substances were determined as major volatile components of citrus essential oils. The highest phenolic content was obtained from grapefruit essential oil (44.32 mg GAE/g). Lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) were obtained for microencapsulated fish oils with essential oils compared to control. At the end of storage, the highest peroxide value (PV) was observed in the control group (25.30 meq O2/kg oil) while the lowest value was in the lemon (13.40 meq O2/kg oil) and orange group (13.91 meq O2/kg oil). The results of this study showed that citrus essential oils can be used to improve the oxidative stability of fish oil microcapsules.
Transparency of clinical trials in pancreatic cancer: An analysis of availability of trial results from the ClinicalTrials.gov database
Authors: Huang Ren-Qian , Zhou You , Zheng Hai-Xia , Wang Dan , Zheng Xiao-Yi , Li Zhao-Shen , Hu Liang-Hao
Published: January 2023

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumor of the digestive system. As clinical trials involving PC are increasingly being conducted, the transparency of the generated data has become an important issue of concern. In other areas of medicine, clinical trial transparency presents a worrying state of affairs. However, at present, there has been no study examining the transparency of data derived from PC clinical trials.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted in the ClinicalTrial.gov database for clinical trials investigating pancreatic cancer as of June 2022. We examined the availability of clinical trial results and recorded the characteristics of the trials.

Results

A total of 856 trials were included in this study, of which 668 were completed and 188 were terminated or suspended. The results of 626 trials (73.13%) were available, of these 230 trials (26.87%) did not disclose any information on the trial data in any form. The publication rate for trials with available results was 86.10%, but the report rate on ClinicalTrial.gov was only 39.78%.

Conclusion

Although approximately 90% of clinical trial investigating interventions on patients with PC have published study results, 30% of trials did not report any findings, and the disclosure of trial results from ClinicalTrial.gov was unsatisfactory. In general, there is still room for improvement in the transparency of PC clinical trials.
CSF rhinorrhoea after endonasal intervention to the skull base (CRANIAL): A multicentre prospective observational study
Authors:   CRANIAL Consortium,   Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group British Neurosurgical Trainee Research Collaborative
Published: January 2023

Objective

Despite progress in endonasal skull-base neurosurgery, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea remains common and significant. The CRANIAL study sought to determine 1) the scope of skull-base repair methods used, and 2) corresponding rates of postoperative CSF rhinorrhoea in the endonasal transsphenoidal approach (TSA) and the expanded endonasal approach (EEA) for skull-base tumors.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study of 30 centres performing endonasal skull-base neurosurgery in the UK and Ireland (representing 91% of adult units). Patients were identified for 6 months and followed up for 6 months. Data collection and analysis was guided by our published protocol and pilot studies. Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used for analysis.

Results

A total of 866 patients were included - 726 TSA (84%) and 140 EEA (16%). There was significant heterogeneity in repair protocols across centres. In TSA cases, nasal packing (519/726, 72%), tissue glues (474/726, 65%) and hemostatic agents (439/726, 61%) were the most common skull base repair techniques. Comparatively, pedicled flaps (90/140, 64%), CSF diversion (38/140, 27%), buttresses (17/140, 12%) and gasket sealing (11/140, 9%) were more commonly used in EEA cases. CSF rhinorrhoea (biochemically confirmed or requiring re-operation) occurred in 3.9% of TSA (28/726) and 7.1% of EEA (10/140) cases. A significant number of patients with CSF rhinorrhoea (15/38, 39%) occurred when no intraoperative CSF leak was reported. On multivariate analysis, there may be marginal benefits with using tissue glues in TSA (OR: 0.2, CI: 0.1-0.7, p<0.01), but no other technique reached significance. There was evidence that certain characteristics make CSF rhinorrhoea more likely – such as previous endonasal surgery and the presence of intraoperative CSF leak.

Conclusions

There is a wide range of skull base repair techniques used across centres. Overall, CSF rhinorrhoea rates across the UK and Ireland are lower than generally reported in the literature. A large proportion of postoperative leaks occurred in the context of occult intraoperative CSF leaks, and decisions for universal sellar repairs should consider the risks and cost-effectiveness of repair strategies. Future work could include longer-term, higher-volume studies, such as a registry; and high-quality interventional studies.
Multivariate analysis in data science for the geospatial distribution of the breast cancer mortality rate in Colombia
Authors: Rubio Carlos , Alfaro Miguel , Mejia-Giraldo Armando , Fuertes Guillermo , Mosquera Rodolfo , Vargas Manuel
Published: January 2023

This research is framed in the area of biomathematics and contributes to the epidemiological surveillance entities in Colombia to clarify how breast cancer mortality rate (BCM) is spatially distributed in relation to the forest area index (FA) and circulating vehicle index (CV). In this regard, the World Health Organization has highlighted the scarce generation of knowledge that relates mortality from tumor diseases to environmental factors. Quantitative methods based on geospatial data science are used with cross-sectional information from the 2018 census; it’s found that the BCM in Colombia is not spatially randomly distributed, but follows cluster aggregation patterns. Under multivariate modeling methods, the research provides sufficient statistical evidence in terms of not rejecting the hypothesis that if a spatial unit has high FA and low CV, then it has significant advantages in terms of lower BCM.
Research progress of abnormal lactate metabolism and lactate modification in immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yiwei , Hao Xiaodong , Ren Yidan , Xu Qinchen , Liu Xiaoyan , Song Shuliang , Wang Yunshan
Published: January 2023

Tumors meet their energy, biosynthesis, and redox demands through metabolic reprogramming. This metabolic abnormality results in elevated levels of metabolites, particularly lactate, in the tumor microenvironment. Immune cell reprogramming and cellular plasticity mediated by lactate and lactylation increase immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment and are emerging as key factors in regulating tumor development, metastasis, and the effectiveness of immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. Reprogramming of glucose metabolism and the “Warburg effect” in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lead to the massive production and accumulation of lactate, so lactate modification in tumor tissue is likely to be abnormal as well. This article reviews the immune regulation of abnormal lactate metabolism and lactate modification in hepatocellular carcinoma and the therapeutic strategy of targeting lactate-immunotherapy, which will help to better guide the medication and treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Global research trends in penile cancer: Bibliometric and visualized analysis
Authors: Deng Sheng , Xuan Zhihua , Feng Junlong , Li Haisong , Wang Bin , Yang Zhen , Xuan Lihua , Meng Fanchao , Wang Lu , Xiao Yangchun , Wang Jisheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Penile cancer is a malignant tumor of the genitourinary system that mostly occurs in middle-aged and elderly men aged 50–70 years, which can seriously affect physical, psychological, and sexual health. Hundreds of original articles and reviews on penile cancer are published each year. However, a bibliometric analysis of these publications has not been performed.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically analyze and visualize penile cancer-related publications through bibliometrics and reveal identified topics, hotspots, and knowledge gaps in related fields.

Methods

Based on the Web of Science core collection database, we first analyzed the quantity and quality of publications in the field of penile cancer. Second, we profiled the publishing groups in terms of country, institution, author’s publication, and cooperation network. Then, we systematized and summarized the hot topics of research.

Results

This bibliometric analysis was conducted from 2001 to 2022. The analysis identified 1,687 articles and reviews, which were published in 432 journals. The number of publications and citations on penile cancer-related research has steadily increased over the last two decades. Furthermore, academic institutions in Europe and the United States play a leading role in penile cancer research. The country, institution, journal, and author with the most publications were the United States (507), H Lee Moffitt Cancer Research Center (96), Journal of Urology (83), and Spiess P (87), respectively. The most frequently used keywords were penile cancer (743), squamous-cell carcinoma (717), cancer (380), carcinoma (232), lymphadenectomy (229). 16 keyword clustering information was obtained, including #0 male circumcision, #1 lichen sclerosus, #2 chemotherapy, #3 penile neoplasms, #4 targeted therapy, #5 resection margin, #6 cervical cancer, #7 lymph node dissection, #8 prognostic factor, #9 prostate cancer, #10 inguinal lymph node dissection, #11 human papillomavirus DNA, #12 gene, #13 penile intraepithelial neoplasia, #14 male sexual function, and #15 penile cancer.

Conclusion

More and more scholars are devoted to the research on penile cancer. This bibliometric analysis revealed that the main research topics and hotspots in penile cancer included risk factors and surgical treatment plans.
Opportunities and challenges of hepatocellular carcinoma organoids for targeted drugs sensitivity screening
Authors: Xie Cuiying , Gu Ancheng , Khan Muhammad , Yao Xiangcao , Chen Leping , He Jiali , Yuan Fumiao , Wang Ping , Yang Yufan , Wei Yerong , Tang Fang , Su Hualong , Chen Jiamin , Li Jinxia , Cen Bohong , Xu Zhongyuan
Published: January 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the malignancies worldwide with a high mortality rate and an increasing incidence. Molecular Targeted agents are its common first-line treatment. Organoid technology, as a cutting-edge technology, is gradually being applied in the development of therapeutic oncology. Organoid models can be used to perform sensitivity screening of targeted drugs to facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges of hepatocellular carcinoma organoids in targeted drug sensitivity testing as well as a future outlook.
Reduction in broad-spectrum antimicrobial prescriptions by primary care pediatricians following a multifaceted antimicrobial stewardship program
Authors: Pagano F , Amato C , De Marco G , Micillo M , Cecere G , Poeta M , Guarino A , Lo Vecchio A
Published: January 2023

Background

Since 2016, following the Italian “National Plan to Contrast Antimicrobial Resistance”, Campania Region has implemented an antimicrobial stewardship program, including the obligation to associate an appropriate International Classification of Diseases-9 code to each antibiotic prescription, the publication of schemes for empirical antibiotic therapy and educational interventions.

Methods

To evaluate the impact of these interventions on the prescribing habits of family pediatricians, we conducted a retrospective cohort study (January 2016–December 2020), including all patients registered in an associate practice of Primary Care Pediatricians. We collected data on antibiotic prescriptions through a specific study management software; our primary outcomes were the annual prescription rates, calculated for both the number of patients in follow-up and the number of medical consultations, and the annual prescription rates for selected antibiotic classes and molecules. To investigate the hypothesis that chronic conditions would be associated with an increased rate of prescription, we also tested the association between underlying conditions and the number of antibiotics received.

Results

During the study period, 2,599 children received 11,364 antibiotic prescriptions (mean 4.37, SD 4.28). From 2016 to 2020 we observed a substantial reduction in both the annual prescription rate per 100 patients (9.33 to 3.39; R2 = 0.927, p = 0.009), and the annual prescription rate per 100 medical consultations (25.49 to 15.98; R2 = 0.996, p < 0.01). The prescription rates of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (50.25 to 14.21; R2 = 0.983, p = 0.001) and third generation Cephalosporins (28.43 to 5.43; R2 = 0.995, p < 0.01) significantly decreased; we didn't find significant modifications in the prescription rates of Amoxicillin and Quinolones; finally, we observed a trend toward reduction in the prescription of Macrolides. No statistical association was found between antibiotics prescribing frequency and history of chronic diseases.

Discussion

Following the implementation of the regional interventions on antimicrobial stewardship, we observed a substantial reduction in the overall antibiotic prescription per patients and per medical consultations, with a statistically significant reduction in the use of broad-spectrum molecules. Considering the results of our analysis, new guidance and training interventions addressed to specialists in the primary care sector should be implemented to further limit antibiotic resistance.
Case report: Cystic fibrosis with kwashiorkor: A rare presentation in the era of universal newborn screening
Authors: Wolfe Annemarie G. , Gilley Stephanie P. , Waldrop Stephanie W. , Olson Christina , Harding Emma , Widmer Kaitlin , Gumer Lindsey B. , Haemer Matthew , Hoppe Jordana E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Universal newborn screening changed the way medical providers think about the presentation of cystic fibrosis (CF). Before implementation of universal screening, it was common for children with CF to present with failure to thrive, nutritional deficiencies, and recurrent infections. Now, nearly all cases of CF are diagnosed by newborn screening shortly after birth before significant symptoms develop. Therefore, providers often do not consider this illness in the setting of a normal newborn screen. Newborn screening significantly decreases the risk of complications in early childhood, yet definitive testing should be pursued if a patient with negative newborn screening presents with symptoms consistent with CF, including severe failure to thrive, metabolic alkalosis due to significant salt losses, or recurrent respiratory infections.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 6-month-old infant male with kwashiorkor, severe edema, multiple vitamin deficiencies, hematemesis secondary to coagulopathy, and diffuse erythematous rash, all secondary to severe pancreatic insufficiency. His first newborn screen had an immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) value below the state cut-off value, so additional testing was not performed, and his growth trajectory appeared reassuring. He was ultimately diagnosed with CF by genetic testing and confirmatory sweat chloride testing, in the setting of his parents being known CF carriers and his severe presentation being clinically consistent with CF. Acutely, management with supplemental albumin, furosemide, potassium, and vitamin K was initiated to correct the presenting hypoalbuminemia, edema, and coagulopathy. Later, pancreatic enzyme supplementation and additional vitamins and minerals were added to manage ongoing deficiencies from pancreatic insufficiency. With appropriate treatment, his vitamin deficiencies and edema resolved, and his growth improved.

Conclusion

Due to universal newborn screening, symptomatic presentation of CF is rare and presentation with kwashiorkor is extremely rare in resource-rich communities. The diagnosis of CF was delayed in our patient because of a normal newborn screen and falsely reassuring growth, which after diagnosis was determined to be secondary to severe edematous malnutrition. This case highlights that newborn screening is a useful but imperfect tool. Clinicians should continue to have suspicion for CF in the right clinical context, even in the setting of normal newborn screen results.
Chronic hypoxia prolongs postoperative mechanical ventilation and reduces the left atrial pressure threshold in children with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Huang Jiangshan , Ding Jie , Wu Xie , Jia Yuan , Liu Qiao , Yuan Su , Yan Fuxia
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic hypoxia induces pulmonary microvascular endothelial dysfunction. The left atrial pressure (LAP) represents the hydrostatic pressure of pulmonary microcirculation. The conjunction of the LAP and any abnormal pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier function will have an impact on pulmonary exudation, resulting in prolonged mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to investigate the tolerance threshold of the pulmonary microcirculation to LAP in children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) to avoid prolonged mechanical ventilation after surgery.

Methods

This retrospective study included 297 Chinese patients who underwent TOF correction at Fuwai Hospital. Patients were categorized according to their preoperative oxygen saturation (SpO2) level. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) revealed a total of 126 participants in the SpO2 < 90% and SpO2 ≥ 90% groups. Between-group comparisons were conducted to verify the correlation between hypoxia and prolonged mechanical ventilation. A subgroup analysis was performed to reveal the significant role of postoperative LAP stewardship on prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Results

Failure to extubate within the first 48 h (23.81% vs. 9.52%, P = 0.031) and prolonged mechanical ventilation (26.98% vs. 11.11%, P = 0.023) were more commonly observed in children with preoperative SpO2 < 90%. The incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation consistently increased with LAP in both the SpO2 < 90% and SpO2 ≥ 90% groups, although LAP was still within the normal range (6–12 mmHg). Children in chronic hypoxic conditions tolerated lower LAP well. The tolerance threshold for postoperative LAP in children diagnosed with TOF under chronic hypoxic conditions was identified as 7 mmHg.

Conclusions

Children in a chronic hypoxic state may suffer from a high incidence of prolonged mechanical ventilation after surgical correction of TOF and may not tolerate higher postoperative LAP. To improve pulmonary prognosis, it is better to control and maintain the postoperative LAP at a lower state (≤7 mmHg) in children with chronic hypoxia.
Autosomal dominant chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis with STAT1 mutation can be associated with chronic active hepatitis: A case report
Authors: Liu Lingling , Huang Yuan , Liao Yi , Shu Sainan
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is a heterogeneous primary immunodeficiency disease characterized by chronic or recurrent Candida infections of the skin, nails, and mucosa and is mostly associated with STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) mutation (GOF-STAT1 mutation).

Case presentation

A two-year-old girl was presented with recurrent liver dysfunction, oral candidiasis, acute bronchial pneumonia, and cytomegalovirus infection. Even after a series of treatments, including antifungal voriconazole, nystatin treatment for oral Candida, antibiotics against bacterial infection, and bicyclol to protect the liver, the child still exhibited signs of splenomegaly. Although we performed relevant etiological tests on the child and conducted histopathology and electron microscopic examination of the liver, we could not explain the clinical symptoms. So, a genetic test was conducted to clarify the diagnosis. Since the child suffered recurrent fungal infections, we speculated that she had combined immunodeficiency. Therefore we performed high-precision clinical display PLUS detection and found that the transcription factor STAT1 had a heterozygous GOF mutation (p. R274W) in its coiled-coil domain.

Conclusion

The clinical manifestations of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis caused by GOF-STAT1 mutations are complex and range from mild local fungal infections to severe systemic diseases and are sometimes fatal. Clinicians need to be aware of the possibility of this disease in children with recurrent fungal infections for early diagnosis and treatment.
Tetramethylpyrazine ameliorates acute lung injury by regulating the Rac1/LIMK1 signaling pathway
Authors: Min Simin , Tao Weiting , Ding Dushan , Zhang Xiaonan , Zhao Shidi , Zhang Yong , Liu Xiaojie , Gao Kefei , Liu Saisai , Li Li , Hou Min , Li Yan
Published: January 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a respiratory disorder characterized by severe inflammation of the alveoli and lung parenchyma. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), the main active compound in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort (LC), can protect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI. Our study aimed to investigate how TMP protects the endothelial cell barrier in pulmonary capillaries. We administered TMP intraperitoneally at different doses and found that acute lung injury in mice was improved, but not in a dose-dependent manner. TMP toxicity was tested in vitro. We observed that LPS-induced cytoskeletal remodeling was inhibited by TMP. Murine ALI was induced as follows: For the 1st hit, LPS (2 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally; after 16 h, for the 2nd hit, LPS (4 mg/kg) was instilled intratracheally. The mice in treatment groups had TMP or dexamethasone administered intraperitoneally 30 min prior to the 1st hit and 30 min past the 2nd hit. Mice were euthanized 24 h after the last injecting. We measured protein and mRNA levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), respectively. The ultrastructural analysis was performed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the cytoskeleton was observed by immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to detect protein expression in the Rac1/LIMK1/ZO-1/occludin signal pathway. The results showed that TMP treatment decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and alleviated LPS-induced damage in lung tissue. Also, TMP significantly inhibited the Rac1/LIMK1/ZO-1/occludin signaling pathway. Our findings show that using TMP during sepsis can protect the pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell barrier and suppress inflammation. Therefore, TMP may have a promising therapeutic role in preventing acute lung injury from sepsis.
BRAF L485–P490 deletion mutant metastatic melanoma sensitive to BRAF and MEK inhibition: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Simeng , Yang Zichang , Cheng Yu , Guo Xiaoyu , Liu Chang , Wang Shuo , Zhang Lingyun
Published: January 2023

Background: The combination therapy of BRAF inhibitors (BRAFis) and MEK inhibitors (MEKis) has been approved as a first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma with BRAF V600 mutants. Recently, BRAF mutations have been divided into three subtypes based on biochemical and signaling characteristics. Unlike V600 mutants that show class I BRAF mutations, evidence of the effects of using BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors in patients with non-V600 BRAF mutations remains unclear. The exploration of effective therapy for non-V600 BRAF mutations in melanoma has thus attracted much interest.

Case presentation: We reported a case of a 64-year-old female metastatic melanoma patient with a novel BRAF p.L485–P490 deletion mutation. The patient received anti-PD1 agent pembrolizumab (100 mg) therapy as the first-line treatment for two cycles, which was terminated due to an intolerable adverse effect. Considering the p.L485–P490 deletion mutation signal as an active dimer which is akin to a class II BRAF mutation, the patient underwent dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy as a second-line treatment. After two cycles of combination treatment, the patient achieved a partial response confirmed by radiological examinations. At the last follow-up date, the patient had obtained over 18 months of progression-free survival, and the treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusion: The combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib has been proven to be an effective method as a later-line therapy for metastatic melanoma patients with class II BRAF in-frame deletion mutations.
Gender-specific association between the regular use of statins and the risk of irritable bowel syndrome: A population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Liu Yuyao , Ou Yanghui , Yang Man , Yuan Jinqiu , He Qiangsheng , Li Yanfei , Mi Ningning , Xie Peng , Li Wenjing , Wu Siqin , Qin Xiwen , Qi Jian , Xia Bin
Published: January 2023

Introduction: In addition to lipid-lowering effects, statins might modulate the gut microbiome and alleviate systematic inflammation, which in turn, may have a protective effect against irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the gender-specific association between statin exposure and the risk of IBS.

Method: We undertook a prospective analysis based on the United Kingdom Biobank, a large ongoing cohort including 477,293 participants aged 37–73 years. We included participants based on information on their personal statin use and also those free of IBS and cancer at the baseline. We evaluated the gender-specific hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with Cox proportional hazards regression, adjusting for demographic factors, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and statin indications.

Result: A total of 438,805 participants (206,499 males and 232,306 females) were included in the analysis. Among male participants, the regular use of statins was associated with a decreased risk of IBS (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61–0.97). This association persists across multiple sensitivity and subgroup analyses and did not show clear evidence of variance among the major types of statins. We did not find sufficient evidence of the association between the statin use and IBS risk in females (HR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.82–1.16).

Conclusion: Our study found that the regular use of statins was associated with a decreased risk of IBS in male participants. Further studies are required to confirm the beneficial effect of statins.
Enhanced secretion of hepatocyte growth factor in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in rats
Authors: Chen Huanjie , Luo Yulong , Zhu Yiping , Ye Yongshun , Chen Difei , Song Xinyu , Xiao Zhulin , Liu Ming , Li Shiyue
Published: January 2023

Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) are a reportedly promising choice in the treatment of irreversible pulmonary fibrosis and lethal interstitial lung disease with limited drug treatment options. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of UCMSCs overexpressing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which is considered one of the main anti-fibrotic factors secreted by MSCs. Adenovirus vector carrying the HGF gene was transfected into UCMSCs to produce HGF-modified UCMSCs (HGF-UCMSCs). Transfection promoted the proliferation of UCMSCs and did not change the morphology, and differentiation ability, or biomarkers. Rats were injected with HGF-UCMSCs on days 7 and 11 after intratracheal administration of bleomycin (10 mg/kg). We performed an analysis of histopathology and lung function to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effect. The results showed that HGF-UCMSCs decreased the Ashcroft scores in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, the percentage positive area in Masson trichrome-stained sections, and the hydroxyproline level in lungs. Forced expiratory volume in the first 300 m/forced vital capacity was also improved by HGF-UCMSCs. To explore the possible therapeutic mechanism of HGF-UCMSCs, we detected inflammatory factors in the lungs and performed mRNA sequencing in UCMSCs and HGF-UCMSCs. The data indicated that inhibition of interleukin-17 in the lung may be related to the anti-fibrosis of HGF-UCMSCs, and overexpressed HGF probably played a primary role in the treatment. Collectively, our study findings suggested that the overexpression of HGF may improve the anti-fibrotic effect of UCMSCs through directly or indirectly interacting with interleukin-17-producing cells in fibrotic lungs.
Systematic analysis of the role and significance of target genes of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine injections in the progression and immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Lili , Xu Shaoheng , Guo Hui , Guan Hewen , Wang Qiannan , Jiang Xueyan , Fei Mingyang , Zhang Jinbao
Published: January 2023

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine in China is an important adjuvant therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and traditional Chinese medicines injections have a wide range of clinical applications. The purpose of this study was to identify the active ingredients and related genes of traditional Chinese medicine injections that can treat hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: Effective small molecule components were extracted from 14 types of traditional Chinese medicines from 8 injections and the main gene targets were identified. The 968 patients with HCC were classified based on the target gene set, and the characteristics of patients with different subtypes were analyzed. Patients with two subtypes of HCC were compared with normal tissues and cirrhosis to identify important gene targets related to traditional Chinese medicines in HCC progression.

Results: In this study, 138 important genes associated with traditional Chinese medicines were identified and two HCC subtypes were identified. By analyzing the differences between the two subtypes, 25 related genes were associated with HCC subtypes. Through clinical and pharmacological analysis, this study identified quercetin as an important traditional Chinese medicines small molecule and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) as an important oncogene in HCC.

Conclusion: Traditional Chinese medicines injection is an important adjuvant treatment modality for HCC. SPP1 is an important oncogene in HCC.
Uncertainty quantification in electromagnetic observables of nuclei
Authors: Acharya Bijaya , Bacca Sonia , Bonaiti Francesca , Li Muli Simone Salvatore , Sobczyk Joanna E.
Published: January 2023

We present strategies to quantify theoretical uncertainties in modern ab initio calculations of electromagnetic observables in light and medium-mass nuclei. We discuss how uncertainties build up from various sources, such as the approximations introduced by the few- or many-body solver and the truncation of the chiral effective field theory expansion. We review the recent progress encompassing a broad range of electromagnetic observables in stable and unstable nuclei.
Single-cavity dual-comb fiber lasers and their applications
Authors: Yang Jianjun , Zhao Xin , Zhang Liqian , Zheng Zheng
Published: January 2023

Single-cavity, dual-comb lasers are those specially designed mode-locked lasers that can emit more than one, asynchronous ultrashort pulse trains with stable repetition frequency difference between them. Unlike the long-studied, widely-used femtosecond lasers generating one stable pulse train, systematic investigation on them and their potential dual-comb applications only began, based on the fiber laser platform, around a decade ago, despite sporadic and limited reports of similar lasing phenomena since the beginning of the mode-locked laser studies. From a historic perspective, the birth of this novel technology is the lucky outcome of the timely collision of perpetual search for novel pulsing laser dynamics and concerted pursuit of open-minded solutions for out-of-lab dual-comb systems in the 2010s. In this review article, first, the current schemes to implement single-cavity dual optical frequency comb fiber lasers and their applications are summarized, based on the concept of multiplexed mode-locked lasers. The characteristics of reported single-cavity, dual-comb fiber lasers are discussed as well as their applications in spectroscopy, ranging, Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, and asynchronous optical sampling (ASOPS). Finally, the more recent development of single-cavity, multi-comb lasers is presented.
Nodal degeneracy of guided modes in uniaxial crystal slabs
Authors: Pan Xinyang , Li Haitao , Dong Weijie , Zhou Xiaoxi , Xing Ke-Ao , Hu Chuandeng , Wang Gang , Hou Bo
Published: January 2023

We study the dispersions of the guided modes in the continuous uniaxial crystal slab waveguide and engineer their degeneracies through dielectric anisotropy. By switching the uniaxial positivity and negativity, we can obtain distinctive nodal types, point and line, for the lowest degeneracy in frequency. The mirror symmetry protections, Mx and My, are pointed out, and the degeneracy properties are intuitively analyzed through comparing the approximate slopes of the guided modes. Our results reveal a link between the lowest nodal types and the positivity/negativity of the uniaxial crystal, and provide a new approach to regulate the topology of degeneracy in two-dimensional photonic bands.
10 kHz repetition rate picosecond green laser for high-accuracy satellite ranging
Authors: Fan Zhongwei , Liu Xiaopeng , Zhang Zhongping , Meng Wendong , Long Mingliang , Bai Zhenao
Published: January 2023

Picosecond pulse laser is the main light source for satellite laser ranging. In this paper, a 10 kHz repetition rate picosecond green laser with an average output power of 5.3 W is demonstrated. The laser generates a pulse width of 18.6 ps at a center wavelength of 532.20 nm with a spectral width of .066 nm. The beam quality is well preserved with M2 of 1.1 with the beam divergence measured to be .62 mrad and pointing stability of 7 μrad over 30 min of operation. The laser system was then applied to measure the BeiDou satellite (Compass-I3) and generated a single range accuracy of 3.2 mm, which is the highest reported range accuracy for synchronous orbit satellite laser ranging.
Combining ability studies of grain Fe and Zn contents of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) in West Africa
Authors: Gaoh Bassirou Sani Boubacar , Gangashetty Prakash I. , Mohammed Riyazaddin , Ango Issoufou Kassari , Dzidzienyo Daniel Kwadjo , Tongoona Pangirayi , Govindaraj Mahalingam
Published: January 2023

Micronutrient malnutrition is a major challenge in Africa, where half a million children die each year because of lack of micronutrients in their food. Pearl millet is an important food and fodder crop for the people living in the Semi-Arid regions of West Africa. The present study was conducted to determine the stability, combining ability, and gene action conditions of the high level of Fe and Zn content in grain and selected agronomic traits. Hence, eight genotypes were selected based on the availability of grain Fe and Zn contents and crossed in a full diallel mating design. Progenies from an 8 × 8 diallel mating along with the parents were evaluated in an alpha lattice design with three replications in three locations for two years. The parental lines Jirani, LCIC 9702 and MORO, had positive significant general combining ability (GCA) effects for grain Fe concentration, while Jirani and MORO had positive significant GCA effects for grain Zn concentration. For the specific combining ability (SCA), among the 56 hybrids evaluated, only the hybrids LCIC 9702 × Jirani and MORO × ZANGO had positive significant SCA effects for grain Fe concentration across locations, and for grain Zn concentration, the hybrids Gamoji × MORO, LCIC 9702 × Jirani, and ICMV 167006 × Jirani had positive significant SCA effects. The reciprocal effects were significant for grain Zn concentration, grain yield, flowering time, plant height, test weight, and downy mildew incidence, suggesting that the choice of a female or male parent is critical in hybrid production. Grain Fe and Zn concentration, flowering time, plant height, panicle length, panicle girth, panicle compactness, and downy mildew incidence were found to be predominantly under additive gene action, while grain yield and test weight were predominantly under non-additive gene action. A highly positive correlation was found between grain Fe and Zn concentrations, which implies that improving grain Fe trait automatically improves the grain Zn content. The stability analysis revealed that the hybrid ICMV 167006 × Jirani was the most stable and high-yielding with a high level of grain Fe and Zn micronutrients.
Role of oxidative stress in the physiology of sensitive and resistant Amaranthus palmeri populations treated with herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase
Authors: Eceiza Mikel Vicente , Barco-Antoñanzas María , Gil-Monreal Miriam , Huybrechts Michiel , Zabalza Ana , Cuypers Ann , Royuela Mercedes
Published: January 2023

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in the mode of action of acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides. Two populations of Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson from Spain (sensitive and resistant to nicosulfuron, due to mutated ALS) were grown hydroponically and treated with different rates of the ALS inhibitor nicosulfuron (one time and three times the field recommended rate). Seven days later, various oxidative stress markers were measured in the leaves: H2O2, MDA, ascorbate and glutathione contents, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression levels. Under control conditions, most of the analysed parameters were very similar between sensitive and resistant plants, meaning that resistance is not accompanied by a different basal oxidative metabolism. Nicosulfuron-treated sensitive plants died after a few weeks, while the resistant ones survived, independently of the rate. Seven days after herbicide application, the sensitive plants that had received the highest nicosulfuron rate showed an increase in H2O2 content, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymatic activities, while resistant plants did not show these responses, meaning that oxidative stress is linked to ALS inhibition. A supralethal nicosulfuron rate was needed to induce a significant oxidative stress response in the sensitive population, providing evidence that the lethality elicited by ALS inhibitors is not entirely dependent on oxidative stress.
Corn yield components can be stabilized via tillering in sub-optimal plant densities
Authors: Veenstra Rachel L. , Messina Carlos D. , Berning Dan , Haag Lucas A. , Carter Paul , Hefley Trevor J. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Ciampitti Ignacio A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Crop plasticity is fundamental to sustainability discussions in production agriculture. Modern corn (Zea mays L.) genetics can compensate yield determinants to a small degree, but plasticity mechanisms have been masked by breeder selection and plant density management preferences. While tillers are a well-known source of plasticity in cereal crops, the functional trade-offs of tiller expression to the hierarchical yield formation process in corn are unknown. This investigation aimed to further dissect the consequences of tiller expression on corn yield component determination and plasticity in a range of environments from two plant fraction perspectives – i) main stalks only, considering potential functional trade-offs due to tiller expression; and ii) comprehensive (main stalk plus tillers).

Methods

This multi-seasonal study considered a dataset of 17 site-years across Kansas, United States. Replicated field trials evaluated tiller presence (removed or intact) in two hybrids (P0657AM and P0805AM) at three target plant densities (25000, 42000, and 60000 plants ha-1). Record of ears and kernels per unit area and kernel weight were collected separately for both main stalks and tillers in each plot.

Results

Indicated tiller contributions impacted the plasticity of yield components in evaluated genotypes. Ear number and kernel number per area were less dependent on plant density, but kernel number remained key to yield stability. Although ear number was less related to yield stability, ear source and type were significant yield predictors, with tiller axillary ears as stronger contributors than main stalk secondary ears in high-yielding environments.

Discussions

Certainly, managing for the most main stalk primary ears possible – that is, optimizing the plant density (which consequently reduces tiller expression), is desirable to maximize yields. However, the demonstrated escape from the deterministic hierarchy of corn yield formation may offer avenues to reduce corn management dependence on a seasonally variable optimum plant density, which cannot be remediated mid-season.
Wounding rapidly alters transcription factor expression, hormonal signaling, and phenolic compound metabolism in harvested sugarbeet roots
Authors: Fugate Karen K. , Finger Fernando L. , Lafta Abbas M. , Dogramaci Munevver , Khan Mohamed F. R.
Published: January 2023

Injuries sustained by sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) roots during harvest and postharvest operations seriously reduce the yield of white sugar produced from stored roots. Although wound healing is critically important to reduce losses, knowledge of these processes is limited for this crop as well as for roots in other species. To better understand the metabolic signals and changes that occur in wounded roots, dynamic changes in gene expression were determined by RNA sequencing and the activity of products from key genes identified in this analysis were determined in the 0.25 to 24 h following injury. Nearly five thousand differentially expressed genes that contribute to a wide range of cellular and molecular functions were identified in wounded roots. Highly upregulated genes included transcription factor genes, as well as genes involved in ethylene and jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis and signaling and phenolic compound biosynthesis and polymerization. Enzyme activities for key genes in ethylene and phenolic compound biosynthesis and polymerization also increased due to wounding. Results indicate that wounding causes a major reallocation of metabolism in sugarbeet taproots. Although both ethylene and JA are likely involved in triggering wound responses, the greater and more sustained upregulation of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling genes relative to those of JA, suggest a preeminence of ethylene signaling in wounded sugarbeet roots. Changes in gene expression and enzymes involved in phenolic compound metabolism additionally indicate that barriers synthesized to seal off wounds, such as suberin or lignin, are initiated within the first 24 h after injury.
Strategies for indica rice adapted to high-temperature stress in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Zhang Man , Li Zhong , Feng Kaixuan , Ji Yalan , Xu Youzun , Tu Debao , Teng Bin , Liu Qiumeng , Liu Jingwen , Zhou Yongjin , Wu Wenge
Published: January 2023

High temperatures caused by climate warming severely affect the grain yield and quality of rice. In this study, the rice cultivars Longliangyou Huazhan (LLYHZ) and Quanliangyou 2118 (QLY2118) were selected as the experimental materials for investigation of an optimal cultivation system under high-temperature treatment. In addition, the heat-resistant cultivar Huanghuazhan (HHZ) and heat-sensitive cultivar Huiliangyou 858 (HLY858) were chosen as the experimental materials to study the effects of exogenous plant growth regulators on heat stress responses under high-temperature treatment. The results showed that mechanical transplanting of carpet seedlings and delayed sowing effectively increased the leaf area index and reduced the canopy temperature of LLYHZ and QLY2118. Furthermore, carpet seedling mechanical transplantation and delayed sowing improved grain yield and quality. Spray application of five plant growth regulators revealed that brassinolide and salicylic acid had the strongest effects on significantly improving antioxidant enzyme activities in the panicle, which would reduce the damage caused by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and enhance plant tolerance of high-temperature stress. In addition, brassinolide and salicylic acid enhanced the percentage of anther dehiscence and percentage seed set. In this study, a set of simplified eco-friendly cultivation techniques for single-season indica rice adaptation to high-temperature stress was established. These results will be of great importance in alleviating the effects of high-temperature stress on rice production.