bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urodynamic findings in children with primary refractory nocturnal enuresis: 10 years' experience of a tertiary center
Authors: Sharifiaghdas Farzaneh , Narouie Behzad , Ahmadzade Mohadese , Rouientan Hamidreza , Najafi Darya , Dadpour Mehdi , Latifi Nariman , Hanafi Bojd Hamideh , Sabzi Sobhan
Published: October 2023

Background/Aim

To identify correlations between urodynamic study (UDS) findings and urinary symptoms in children with refractory monosymptomatic and nonmonosymptomatic primary nocturnal enuresis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 96 neurologically normal children were enrolled, 44 consecutive boys and 51 consecutive girls, aged 5–18 years, of whom 41 (38.8%) had refractory monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (MNE) and 55 (61.2%) had refractory non‐MNE (NMNE). We assessed the urodynamics of all children to detect any underlying bladder overactivity. A comparative analysis was carried out between the two groups of patients.

Results

Detrusor overactivity (DO), low bladder capacity, low compliance, and increased postvoid residual (PVR) were identified in 70 (72.9%), 35 (36.5%), 43, and 76 (79.2%) patients, respectively. The mean bladder compliance was 21.66 ± 14.52 mL/cmH2O (2–75 cmH2O). Of the NMNE patients, 50 (90.9%) had abnormal urodynamic findings, while 40 (97.5%) had abnormal urodynamic findings in the MNE group. There was a statistically significant relationship between NMNE and both increased PVR and abnormal voiding patterns. Both high PVR and DO were significantly associated with obstructive urinary symptoms. Constipation and history of urinary tract infection (UTI) did not significantly correlate with UDS abnormality (p = 1.0 and p = 0.49, respectively).

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of bladder function disorders in both refractory MNE and NMNE patients in our study. This included small functional capacity, low bladder compliance, and marked DO. A nocturnal enuresis may be the only presenting symptom, however, it may be associated with bladder overactivity, UTI, and constipation; the UDS findings may aid in guiding the assessment and treatment of children suffering from primary refractory nocturnal enuresis and its association with bladder and bowel symptoms.
Detection of fetal facial anatomy in standard ultrasonographic sections based on real‐time target detection network
Authors: Liu Zhonghua , Yu Weifeng , Wu Xiuming , Yang Tong , Lyu Guorong , Liu Peizhong , Xue Hao
Published: October 2023

At present, prenatal ultrasound is one of the important means for screening fetal malformations. In the process of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis, the accurate recognition of fetal facial ultrasound standard plane is crucial for facial malformation detection and disease screening. Due to the dense distribution of fetal facial images, no obvious structure contour boundary, small structure area, and large area overlap in the middle of the structure detection frame, this paper regards the fetal facial standard plane and its structure recognition as a universal target detection task for the first time, and applies real‐time YOLO v5s to the fetal facial ultrasound standard plane structure detection and classification task. First, we detect the structure of a single slice, and take the structure of a slice class as the recognition object. Second, we carry out structural detection experiments on three standard planes; then, on the basis of the previous stage, the images of all parts included in the ultrasound examination of multiple fetuses were collected. In the single‐class structure detection experiment and the structure detection and classification experiment of three types of standard planes, the overall recognition effect of Precision and Recall index data is better, with Precision being 98.3% and 98.1%, and Recall being 99.3% and 98.2%, respectively. The experimental results show that the model has the ability to identify fetal facial anatomy and standard sections in different data, which can help the physician to automatically and quickly screen out the standard sections of each fetal facial ultrasound.
Primary Flagellar Abnormality Is Associated With an Increased Rate of Spermatozoa Aneuploidy
Authors: Rives Nathalie , Mousset‐Simeon Nathalie , Mazurier Sophie , Mace Bertrand
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The frequencies of aneuploid and diploid spermatozoa were determined in 3 patients presenting a complete asthenozoospermia due to a primary and specific flagellar anomaly: patients 1 and 2 presented a “stump tail syndrome,” more than 50% of spermatozoa with a short flagella, patient 3 had a Kartagener syndrome including situs inversus, sinusitis, and bronchiectassis. No pregnancy was obtained after 3 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempts in patients 1 and 2. A 3‐color fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis was performed on their spermatozoa using centromeric probes for chromosomes X, Y, and 18 and compared with those of 8 fertile males. The frequency of disomic 18 and hyperhaploid XY spermatozoa was not significantly increased in the 3 patients when compared with controls. However, the 3 patients showed elevated frequencies of XX, YY, and diploid spermatozoa. These data add to growing evidence that systematic sperm anomalies of flagella increase the rate of spermatozoa aneuploidy and may also reduce the chances of pregnancy after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Uric acid promotes interleukin‐17 expression to cause kidney injury
Authors: Yang Lina , He Tianwei , Yu Yanming
Published: October 2023

Uric acid, an oxidation end‐product of purine metabolism, is reportedly to be a risk factor for kidney injury. However, its underlying mechanism is still a mystery. This study aimed to reveal the detailed roles of uric acid in inducing kidney injury and the possible mechanisms. Injection of rats with uric acid significantly increased tubular injury score, and levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urine kidney injury molecule‐1. Uric acid increased the expression of collagen I, alpha‐smooth muscle actin, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis result showed the IL‐17 signaling pathway as the most significantly enriched pathway involved in hyperuricemia‐related kidney injury. Long‐term injection of uric acid induced significant production of IL‐17 and recruitment of Th17 cells. Treating rats with the anti‐IL‐17 mAb attenuated uric acid‐induced kidney injury, accompanied by the inactivation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). In conclusion, uric acid was confirmed to be a risk factor for kidney injury via inducing IL‐17 expression. Neutralization of IL‐17 using the specific mAb relieved uric acid‐induced kidney injury via inhibition of NF‐κB signaling.
The mediating effects of anxiety on the relationships between persistent thinking and life satisfaction: A two‐wave longitudinal study in patients with anxiety disorders
Authors: Skalski‐Bednarz Sebastian Binyamin , Konaszewski Karol , Toussaint Loren L. , Harder Jean‐Pierre , Hillert Andreas , Surzykiewicz Janusz
Published: October 2023

Objective

According to cognitive theories, anxiety disorders may result from distorted beliefs, sensations, feelings, and decisions, leading to an overestimation of the danger presented by various stimuli.

Methods

In this two‐wave longitudinal study of 435 German patients with anxiety disorders, we assessed the association of negative persistent thinking, anxiety, and life satisfaction.

Results & Conclusion

Structural equation modeling results suggest that persistent thinking may initiate the occurrence of anxiety, which in turn influences a decrease in life satisfaction. The convergence of the evidence from this longitudinal study with earlier results of evidence‐based trials fortifies the case supporting the need to identify and reduce cognitive distortions in therapeutic interventions to improve health in people with anxiety disorders.
Targeting phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase for inhibiting maxillary bone resorption
Authors: Santos Mariana de S. , Lima Virgínia T. M. , Barrioni Breno R. , Vago Juliana P. , de Arruda José Alcides A. , Prazeres Pedro D. , Amaral Flávio A. , Silva Tarcília A. , Macari Soraia
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have suggested a role of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase gamma (PI3Kγ) in bone remodeling, but the mechanism remains undefined. Here, we explored the contribution of PI3Kγ in the resorption of maxillary bone and dental roots using models of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), orthodontic‐induced inflammatory root resorption, and rapid maxillary expansion (RME). PI3Kγ‐deficient mice (PI3Kγ−/−), mice with loss of PI3Kγ kinase activity (PI3KγKD/KD) and C57BL/6 mice treated with a PI3Kγ inhibitor (AS605240) and respective controls were used. The maxillary bones of PI3Kγ−/−, PI3KγKD/KD, and C57BL/6 mice treated with AS605240 showed an improvement of bone quality compared to their controls, resulting in reduction of the OTM and RME in all experimental groups. PI3Kγ−/− mice exhibited increased root volume and decreased odontoclasts counts. Consistently, the pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion of PI3K resulted in increased numbers of osteoblasts and reduction in osteoclasts during OTM. There was an augmented expression of Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and alkaline phosphatase (Alp), a reduction of interleukin‐6 (Il‐6), as well as a lack of responsiveness of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β (Rank) in PI3Kγ−/− and PI3KγKD/KD mice compared to control mice. The maxillary bones of PI3Kγ−/− animals showed reduced p‐Akt expression. In vitro, bone marrow cells treated with AS605240 and cells from PI3Kγ−/− mice exhibited significant augment of osteoblast mineralization and less osteoclast differentiation. The PI3Kγ/Akt axis is pivotal for bone remodeling by providing negative and positive signals for the differentiation of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, respectively.
Brooks' theorem with forbidden colors
Authors: Casselgren Carl Johan
Published: October 2023

We consider extensions of Brooks' classic theorem on vertex coloring where some colors cannot be used on certain vertices. In particular we prove that if is a connected graph with maximum degree that is not a complete graph and is a set of vertices where either

at most colors are forbidden for every vertex in , and any two vertices of are at distance at least 4, or

at most colors are forbidden for every vertex in , and any two vertices of are at distance at least 3,

then there is a proper ‐coloring of respecting these constraints. In fact, we shall prove that these results hold in the more general setting of list colorings. These results are sharp.
Follow‐up of humoral immune response after HPV vaccination using first‐void urine: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Téblick Laura , Pattyn Jade , Van Keer Severien , De Smet Annemie , De Coster Ilse , Tjalma Wiebren A. A. , Rajbhandari Ira , Panicker Gitika , Unger Elizabeth R. , Vorsters Alex
Published: October 2023

Assessment of humoral immune responses following human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination currently relies on invasive blood sampling. This longitudinal cohort study explores the usability of first‐void urine as a noninvasive alternative sample for antibody detection. In this study, 58 women receiving three doses of the 9vHPV vaccine within a Gardasil9 (9vHPV) Phase III randomized controlled trial were included. Participants provided paired first‐void urine and blood samples before vaccination (M0), 1 month after the third dose (M7), and ~3 years after the third dose (M43). Type‐specific antibody responses to the 9vHPV types were analyzed in 174 first‐void urine and 172 serum samples using a virus‐like particle‐based IgG multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, total human IgG concentrations were determined using the BioPlex assay. At M7, 1 month after complete 9vHPV vaccination, 95%–100% of first‐void urine and 100% of serum samples had detectable concentrations, varying by HPV type. At M43, 84%–100% of first‐void urine and 98%–100% of serum samples had HPV‐specific antibody concentrations. Results show significant Spearman rank correlations between type‐specific HPV‐antibody concentrations for paired first‐void urine and serum at all time points. This study confirms the potential feasibility of utilizing first‐void urine as a noninvasive immunological sample within HPV vaccine trials.
Comprehensive evaluation of the effect of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination on female fertility: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ba Zaihua , Yang Aijun , Zhu Shiheng , Li Yuqi , Ma Jiao , Zhang Yingze , Li Zewu , Chen Fei
Published: October 2023

Fear of possible negative effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine on fertility is the main reason for vaccine hesitancy among the public especially women of childbearing age. Despite the high coverage of COVID‐19 vaccination in China, more scientific evidence is still needed to address their concerns and guide fertility counseling and management in the future. Herein, we performed a retrospective cohort study at a single large center for reproductive medicine in China between August 2020 and May 2023. Patients aged 20–42 years with no history of laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 were included and categorized into different groups according to their vaccination status. The serum sex hormone levels, anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated and compared among them. We found there were no significant differences in the concentrations of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone between the unvaccinated, first‐dose, second‐dose, and booster vaccinated groups. However, the estradiol showed a highly significant increase in the one‐dose vaccinated group compared with its levels in other groups. Among unvaccinated and either vaccinated patients, anti‐Müllerian hormone levels were comparable (p = 0.139). The number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate and good‐quality embryo rate were all similar between each group of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. No significant differences were observed regarding other laboratory parameters. Moreover, the vaccination status of infertile couples did not exert any adverse effect on the pregnancy outcomes in all assisted reproductive technologies cycles. In short, we comprehensively evaluated the reproductive safety of inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine and found any dose of vaccination wouldn't negatively affect female fertility parameters such as sex hormone levels and ovarian reserve. Moreover, this is the first study to complete the live birth follow‐up of the cohort after receiving inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine, further dispelling the misconception and providing reassurance for decision‐making by clinicians.
Alleviated symptoms of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infection in chronic hepatitis B patients with immune control
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Huiqing , Kong Jianing , Liu Shiyi , Chen Liping , Jiang Yanming , Wang Jie , Zhang Binbin , Ye Xiaoping , Gong Ling , Zhou Xiang , Chen Gongying , Li Jie , Pan Xiaoben , Zhang Haifeng , Shi Junping
Published: October 2023

The impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) disease remains controversial. We aimed to investigate whether pre‐existing chronic HBV (CHB) infection and therapy with anti‐HBV nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) influence the clinical presentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron variant infection. In this study, clinical information was collected via a questionnaire from patients with COVID‐19, and their clinical symptoms were quantitatively assessed for comparative analyses. Additionally, hepatitis B‐related laboratory data were collected for CHB patients. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize confounding biases. A total of 785 patients with COVID‐19 were included in the cohort, of which 387 were identified as being infected with CHB infection and they were categorized as being in the immune control or clearance phase. After PSM, the CHB group (n = 222) had a shorter duration of fever and disease course, milder clinical symptoms, and lower incidence of pneumonia than the non‐CHB group (n = 222) after Omicron variant infection (p < 0.05). After the adjustment of confounding factors, CHB patients showed a lower risk of prolonged fever, severe clinical symptoms, and pneumonia (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the clinical symptoms and incidence of pneumonia between CHB patients who received and did not receive NAs, or CHB patients who received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and entecavir (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the crosstalk of anti‐HBV immunity may contribute to the alleviated symptoms of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variants infection in the CHB patients, independent of anti‐HBV NA therapy.
Remediation of hydrocarbons and metals by hydrocarbon utilizing Pseudomonas taiwanensis YSA‐17 isolated from soil contaminated with petroleum
Authors: Wani Parvaze A. , Olusebi Yusuff K. , Rilwan Bello A.
Published: October 2023

Careless handling of petroleum in petrochemical industries releases toxic hydrocarbons and metals to soil and water. The aim of the present study was to isolate hydrocarbon‐utilizing and metal‐tolerant bacteria. Hydrocarbon‐utilizing bacteria from petroleum‐contaminated soils were isolated on the Bushnell Hass medium. Hydrocarbon degradation by Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain YSA‐17 was observed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Bioaccumulation of metals by strain YSA‐17 was assessed in nutrient broth. Among different strains, YSA‐17 showed the highest potential for hydrocarbon utilization. After 20 days of incubation, YSA‐17 completely degraded one compound and during its degradation, there was the formation of 13 new compounds which were absent in uninoculated control. Results of scanning electron microscope and Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR) indicated degradation of hydrocarbons. FTIR showed the formation of new functional groups in YSA‐17 inoculated medium. Expression of the total quantity of hydrocarbon‐degrading gene (AlkB and NehAc) in petroleum‐amended nutrient broth inoculated with strain YSA‐17 enhanced significantly during 20 days of incubation compared to control. YSA‐17 also significantly removed metals. This study concluded that bioinoculant can be utilized for the bioremediation of pollutants cocontaminated with hydrocarbons and metals. Petroleum‐contaminated soil will be remediated for pollutants.
Metagenomic characterization reveals virus coinfections associated with Newcastle disease virus among poultry in Kenya
Authors: Panyako Philip M. , Ommeh Sheila C. , Kuria Stephen N. , Lichoti Jacqueline K. , Musina Johns , Nair Venugopal , Nene Vish , Oyola Samuel O. , Munir Muhammad
Published: October 2023

Newcastle disease (ND) is an endemic viral disease affecting poultry and causing massive economic losses. This cross‐sectional purposive study detected coinfections that are associated with the Newcastle disease virus among poultry from selected regions in Kenya. Cloacal (n = 599) and oral–pharyngeal (n = 435) swab samples were collected and pooled into 17 and 15 samples, respectively. A total of 17,034,948 and 7,751,974 paired‐end reads with an average of 200 nucleotides were generated from the cloacal and oral–pharyngeal swab samples, respectively. Analysis of the de novo assembled contigs identified 177 and 18 cloacal and oral–pharyngeal contigs, respectively with hits to viral sequences, as determined by BLASTx and BLASTn analyses. Several known and unknown representatives of Coronaviridae, Picobirnaviridae, Reoviridae, Retroviridae, and unclassified Deltavirus were identified in the cloacal swab samples. However, no Newcastle disease virus (family Paramyxoviridae) was detected in the cloacal swabs, although they were detected in the oropharyngeal swabs of chickens sampled in Nairobi, Busia, and Trans Nzoia. Additionally, sequences representative of Paramyxoviridae, Coronaviridae, and Retroviridae were identified in the oral–pharyngeal swab samples. Infectious bronchitis virus and rotavirus were chickens' most prevalent coinfections associated with the Newcastle disease virus. The detection of these coinfections suggests that these viruses are significant threats to the control of Newcastle disease as the Newcastle disease virus vaccines are known to fail because of these coinfections. Therefore, this study provides important information that will help improve disease diagnosis and vaccine development for coinfections associated with the Newcastle disease virus.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of colistin & meropenem conjugated silver nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Şirin M. Cem , Cezaroğlu Yasemin , Sesli Çetin E. , Arıdoğan Buket , Trak Diğdem , Arslan Yasin
Published: October 2023

The progressive increase in infections caused by multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacteria and the emergence of resistance to last‐resort antimicrobial drugs in recent years necessitate the development of new therapeutic strategies. This study was conducted to obtain nanostructured antimicrobials by conjugating colistin (COL) and meropenem (MEM) antibiotics with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (bio‐AgNPs) via the green synthesis method using Rosa damascena extract, and to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of these nanostructures against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, high‐resolution‐transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy analyses were performed to determine the physical and chemical properties of synthesized bio‐AgNPs, COL@bio‐AgNPs, MEM@bio‐AgNPs, and COL&MEM@bio‐AgNPs. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of nanoparticles were determined on standard and MDR clinical strains. The antibiofilm efficacy and cytotoxic effect of nanoparticles were evaluated by the crystal violet dye method and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide dye method, respectively. The characterization analyses demonstrated that the synthesized nanoparticles had crystal structure and spherical morphology (5.6–30.2 nm in size). Antibiotic conjugated nanoparticles exhibited better antimicrobial activity and lower MIC values (0.125–4 µg/mL) on the tested strains compared to free antibiotics, and MIC values were decreased up to 1024‐fold (p < 0.05). Antibiotic conjugated nanoparticles were found to be more effective in biofilm eradication than free antibiotics and bio‐AgNPs and had a less inhibitory effect on peripheral blood mononuclear cell viability. The findings revealed that antibiotic‐conjugated nanoparticles have the potential to be used as an effective antimicrobial drug against MDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains.
Creativity in Older Adults: Elucidating the Interactions between Cognitive Functions Underlying Creativity and the Role of Demographic Variables
Authors: Alcock Stephanie , Ferreira‐Correia Aline , Cockcroft Kate
Published: October 2023

Creativity involves generating novel and valuable ideas. While the importance of creative thinking is widely acknowledged, its cognitive basis is poorly understood, particularly in older adults. This study aimed to develop and test an explanatory model of creative thinking to elucidate its underlying cognitive functions in an elderly sample. The role of demographic variables, including age, multilingualism, socioeconomic status (SES), level of education, and gender in creative thinking was also investigated. One hundred and twenty‐five participants aged 65 years and above‐completed measures of divergent, convergent and associative thinking, as well as task‐switching, inhibition and fluid intelligence. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyzed the relationships between these cognitive functions, and group differences assessed whether there were significant differences in the cognitive measures based on the demographic variables. Creative thinking appeared to entail the cooperation between divergent and convergent thinking, which both rely on associative thinking, suggesting an associative basis of creative thinking. Creative thinking involved fluid intelligence and task‐switching, but not inhibition, recasting it as a higher‐order function. This study supports the dual‐process account of creative thinking by demonstrating an associative basis and the role of executive functions. Differences among education and SES groups occurred for most cognitive functions analyzed. These findings inform prevailing theoretical frameworks of creative thinking.
Oncoplastic surgery for breast cancer: Global perspectives and trends
Authors: Armstrong Kate , Maxwell Jessica
Published: October 2023

Oncoplastic surgery (OPS) is a form of breast conservation that combines definitive oncologic resection with optimal aesthetic outcomes. Various definitions exist, with most focusing on volume displacement techniques to close the lumpectomy defect and redistribute the remaining breast volume over the preserved breast. Although its oncologic safety has been well demonstrated, uptake into practice varies globally. This article details the definition, safety, training opportunities, and practice patterns of OPS on a global scale.
The African Research Group for Oncology: A decade fostering colorectal cancer research in Nigeria
Authors: Dare Anna J. , Olatoke Samuel A. , Okereke Chukwuma E. , Abdulkareem Fatimah B. , Adeyeye Ademola , Badejo Olawale , Du Mengmeng , Fayenuwo Oluwaleke J. , Gali Bata M. , Kahn Rivka , Knapp Gregory , Ntiamoah Peter , Olcese Cristina , Oludara Mobolaji A. , Omisore Adeleye , Omoyiola Oluwatosin Z. , Owoade Israel A. , Brennan Murray F. , Kingham T. Peter , Alatise Olusegun I. ,   for the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO)
Published: October 2023

The African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO) was formed in 2013 to undertake methodologically rigorous cancer research in Nigeria, and to strengthen cancer research capacity in the country through training and mentorship of physicians, scientists, and other healthcare workers. Here, we describe how ARGO's work in colorectal cancer (CRC) has evolved over the past decade. This includes the consortium's scientific contributions to the understanding of CRC in Nigeria and globally and its research capacity‐building program.
An update on the global trends in the burden of primary liver cancers
Authors: Khan Asama , Dhir Mashaal
Published: October 2023

Liver cancer (LC) remains one of the major causes of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. The Incidence, mortality, and prevalence associated with primary LCs were analyzed over the past decade, using GLOBOCAN 2012 and 2020, to understand the trends related to geographic and socioeconomic factors. While total cases of primary LCs continue to rise, global rates of LC incidence and mortality are slowing, mostly driven by changes seen in historically endemic regions.
Adoption of cytoreductive surgery in the management of peritoneal malignancies—Global trends
Authors: Sedighim Shaina , Khan Aaqil , Li Amy Y. , Tajik Fatemeh , Radhakrishnan Vinodh K. , Eng Oliver , Turaga Kiran , Senthil Maheswari
Published: October 2023

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has now been accepted as an integral component in the management of gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers with peritoneal metastases. Since the adoption of CRS is influenced by access to advanced medical facilities, trained multidisciplinary teams, and funding, there is wide variability in incorporation of CRS into routine clinical practice between high‐ versus low‐ and middle‐income countries. This review highlights the global trends in the adoption of CRS for peritoneal malignancies with a specific focus on the establishment of CRS programs and barriers to incorporate CRS into routine clinical care in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Recognizing benign and malignant skin lesions: Effect of a dermoscopy training course for general practitioners
Authors: Bruijn Marjolein S. , Visser Els , van der Heide Wouter K.
Published: October 2023

Background

The incidence of skin cancer is rapidly increasing, leading to a growing amount of general practitioner (GP) consultations of patients with suspected skin lesions. It is essential that GPs have good training skills to differentiate between benign and malignant skin lesions. Dermoscopy in addition to clinical examination can help them to develop these skills.

Objectives

In this article, we examine the effect of a 2‐day training course in dermoscopy among Dutch GPs.

Methods

The educational intervention was designed as blended learning and consisted of a 2‐day training course on dermoscopy, clinical features, and management of patients with suspected skin lesions in primary care. Before the training course, all participants were required to take a test (T0). This test was repeatedly administered at the end of the second course day (T1) and within 6 months after completion of the course (T2). Outcomes were the specificity and sensitivity of recognizing skin lesions and the changes between the test moments.

Results

In total, 400 GPs participated in the training course. At T1, the specificity for detecting benign lesions was higher than at T0 (0.91 vs. 0.75). This specificity remains at the same level at T2, 6 months after the course (0.91 p < 0.001). The sensitivity for detecting malignant lesions stayed about the same level: 0.80 at T0 and 0.84 at T2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of our study show a sustaining positive effect of a 2‐day training course on detecting benign skin lesions by GPs.
The gut microbiota metabolite butyrate mitigates MPTP/MPP+‐induced Parkinson's disease by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Ji Li‐Li , Huang Ting‐Ting , Mao Lun‐Lin , Xu Yuan‐Feng , Chen Wen‐Ya , Wang Wei‐Wei , Wang Li‐Hui
Published: October 2023

Butyrate (BU), a gut microbiota‐derived metabolite, has been reported to play a neuroprotective role in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the specific molecular mechanism of BU has not been fully interpreted. This work aimed to verify the protective effects of BU against MPTP/MPP+‐induced neurotoxicity and explore the mechanisms involved. The results showed that BU protected against MPTP‐induced motor dysfunction and decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) levels. Additionally, BU pretreatment improved PC12 cell viability and reduced MPP+‐induced PC12 cell apoptosis. BU treatment also attenuated MPP+‐stimulated oxidative stress and inflammatory response in PC12 cells. Furthermore, BU inhibited MPTP/MPP+‐induced hyperactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling in mice and PC12 cells. Besides, a JAK2 agonist, Coumermycin A1 (C‐A1), substantially reversed BU‐mediated inhibition on JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation in MPP+‐challenged PC12 cells and abated BU‐induced repression on MPP+‐triggered apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in PC12 cells. To sum up, BU might exert neuroprotective effects against MPP+/MPTP‐induced neurotoxicity by inactivating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling.
Photoirradiation‐Gated Excitation‐Dependent Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence in Through‐Space Charge Transfer Molecules
Authors: Li Jiangang , Xing Guohui , Wu Jilong , Zhang Ye , Wei Juan , Liu Shujuan , Ma Yun , Zhao Qiang
Published: October 2023

Organic materials showing reversible changes in persistent room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) upon exposure to external stimuli have attracted considerable attention in recent years. One potentially groundbreaking development in this area is the introduction of the gating concept for organic persistent RTP materials. This refers to a material where a desired responsive ability only occurs when it is triggered by a specific stimulus, but it remains a formidable challenge. In this study, photoirradiation‐gated excitation‐dependent (Ex‐De) persistent RTP is achieved. A series of molecules, triphenylphosphine and carbazole derivatives connected through flexible carbon chains, are designed and prepared. Upon removal of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, all these compounds doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films exhibit obvious blue or green afterglow RTP. Among them, (2‐(9H‐[3,9′‐bicarbazol]−9‐yl)ethyl)triphenylphosphonium bromide (TPP‐2C‐Cz) doped PVA film initially exhibits blue persistent RTP after removal of 300 nm excitation but no RTP upon ceasing 365 nm irradiation. Interestingly, upon UV irradiation with a power density of 0.05 W cm−2 (UVA) for 50 min, the Ex‐De RTP behavior of TPP‐2C‐Cz doped PVA film is activated. Eventually, photoirradiation‐gated Ex‐De afterglow emission will be used for a wide range of applications, including the quantitative determination of UV irradiation dose and the permanent record of UV irradiation history, and read on‐demand.
How gamifying AI shapes customer motivation, engagement, and purchase behavior
Authors: Elmashhara Maher Georges , De Cicco Roberta , Silva Susana C. , Hammerschmidt Maik , Silva Maria Levi
Published: October 2023

Recently, firms started to gamify conversational artificial intelligence (AI) agents, such as chatbots, to improve purchase outcomes. This article explores strategies for incorporating gamification into AI systems by investigating the impact of utilitarian and hedonic motivations facilitated by gamified chatbots on various dimensions of customer engagement (cognitive, emotional, and behavioral), as well as the subsequent effects of these dimensions on customers' purchase behavior. By conducting one cross‐sectional and two experimental studies involving real interactions with gamified chatbots, this research identifies two crucial paths that warrant attention: an optimal path from hedonic motivation to behavioral engagement, resulting in enhanced purchase, and a detrimental path from utilitarian motivation to emotional engagement, which reduces purchase. Furthermore, the research compares the effects of two types of gamified chatbots and reveals that a game‐of‐chance‐based chatbot, as opposed to a knowledge‐sharing gamified chatbot, aligns with the optimal path, leading to higher purchasing while at the same time avoiding that customers feel obligated to play the game. Based on these findings, the article provides actionable insights for eliciting favorable psychological and behavioral responses through gamified AI interactions.
Improving the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction of polyamide 6 polymer and its composite by adding wax under self‐operation conditions
Authors: Unal H. , Yetgin S. H. , Kastan A. , Ermis K. , Unal V. F.
Published: October 2023

Polyamide polymers are widely used in tribological areas in a wide range of industries. The purpose of this study is to extend the tribological life of this material. For this purpose, composite materials were produced by adding solid lubricants such as graphite and wax to the polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix at different rates, and the synergistic effect of these composites on tribological behavior was investigated. Tribological experiments were carried out under dry sliding conditions and on themselves. The polyamide 6/graphite/wax composites were first produced in the form of granules in a twin‐screw extruder, and then test samples were molded using the injection molding technique. Wear tests were performed using a pin‐on‐disc wear device. Tribological tests were carried out at a sliding speed of 0.5 m s−1 and under loads ranging from 10 N to 250 N. Following the experiments, the friction coefficient, specific wear rate, and surface wear were determined under the condition of the materials working on each other. The results showed that the lowest specific wear rate and friction coefficient were obtained for the polyamide 6 composites containing 6 % wax and 15 % glass fiber working on each other.
Research progress in degradable metal‐based multifunctional scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: He Jian , Li Kun , Wu Tingkui , Chen Jiafang , Li Sanqiang , Zhang Xiangchun
Published: October 2023

The increasing prevalence of orthopedic‐related diseases necessitates the development of effective orthopedic implants. Conventional metal scaffolds used in orthopedic devices have limitations such as poor biocompatibility and the need for a second surgery to remove the scaffold. Degradable metal‐based scaffolds, including metal‐based scaffolds and multifunctional scaffolds doped with metal elements, are a rapidly developing tissue engineering strategy aimed at utilizing the mechanical and biological properties of metal elements to create a support structure that matches the complex bone regeneration environment. Repairing bone defects involves the regeneration of various tissues, and incomplete repair can negatively affect bone function and overall recovery. Therefore, combining metal‐based degradable materials with other active components has great potential for enhancing the versatility and clinical applications of scaffolds. Multifunctional scaffolds doped with metal elements have better biocompatibility, osteoinductivity, biodegradability, matching mechanical, and microenvironmental adjustment capabilities. Moreover, these metal‐doped scaffolds possess the advantages of controlled release of metal ions, multifunctionality, and faster degradation. This review focuses on the materials and techniques used for constructing degradable metal‐based scaffolds. Furthermore, this study discussed the potential for designing and constructing multifunctional biodegradable metal‐based scaffolds doped with metal elements by integrating multiple strategies.
Relationship between the Rod complex and peptidoglycan structure in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ago Risa , Tahara Yuhei O. , Yamaguchi Honoka , Saito Motoya , Ito Wakana , Yamasaki Kaito , Kasai Taishi , Okamoto Sho , Chikada Taiki , Oshima Taku , Osaka Issey , Miyata Makoto , Niki Hironori , Shiomi Daisuke
Published: October 2023

Peptidoglycan for elongation in Escherichia coli is synthesized by the Rod complex, which includes RodZ. Although various mutant strains of the Rod complex have been isolated, the relationship between the activity of the Rod complex and the overall physical and chemical structures of the peptidoglycan have not been reported. We constructed a RodZ mutant, termed RMR, and analyzed the growth rate, morphology, and other characteristics of cells producing the Rod complexes containing RMR. The growth and morphology of RMR cells were abnormal, and we isolated suppressor mutants from RMR cells. Most of the suppressor mutations were found in components of the Rod complex, suggesting that these suppressor mutations increase the integrity and/or the activity of the Rod complex. We purified peptidoglycan from wild‐type, RMR, and suppressor mutant cells and observed their structures in detail. We found that the peptidoglycan purified from RMR cells had many large holes and different compositions of muropeptides from those of WT cells. The Rod complex may be a determinant not only for the whole shape of peptidoglycan but also for its highly dense structure to support the mechanical strength of the cell wall.
Accelerated Transcranial Ultrasound Neuromodulation in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Samuel Nardin , Ding Mandy Yi Rong , Sarica Can , Darmani Ghazaleh , Harmsen Irene E. , Grippe Talyta , Chen Xingyu , Yang Andrew , Nasrkhani Negar , Zeng Ke , Chen Robert , Lozano Andres M.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Low‐intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (TUS) is a novel method for neuromodulation. We aimed to study the feasibility of stimulating the bilateral primary motor cortices (M1) with accelerated theta‐burst TUS (a‐tbTUS) on neurophysiologic and clinical outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive active or sham a‐tbTUS for the first visit and the alternate condition on the second visit, at least 10 days apart. a‐tbTUS was administered in three consecutive sonications at 30‐minute intervals. We used an accelerated protocol to produce an additive effect of stimulation. Patients were studied in the OFF‐medication state. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)‐elicited motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were used to assess motor cortical excitability before and after TUS. Clinical outcomes after a‐tbTUS administration were assessed using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS)‐III.

Results

A total of 20 visits were conducted in 10 PD patients. Compared to the baseline, TMS‐elicited MEP amplitudes significantly increased following active but not sham sonication (P = 0.0057). MEP amplitudes were also higher following a‐tbTUS than sham sonication (P = 0.0064). There were no statistically significant changes in MDS‐UPDRS‐III scores with active or sham a‐tbTUS.

Conclusions

a‐tbTUS increases motor cortex excitability and is a feasible non‐invasive neuromodulation strategy in PD. Future studies should determine optimal dosing parameters and the durability of neurophysiologic and clinical outcomes in PD patients. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Genotypic variants of the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis genes in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia from different regions of Iran
Authors: Nezhad Seyed Reza Kazemi , Aligoodarzi Pegah Namdar , Rostami Golale , Shariati Gholamreza , Galehdari Hamid , Saberi Alihossein , Sedaghat Alireza , Hamid Mohammad
Published: October 2023

Background

Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) is a metabolic disorder classified into phenylalanine‐4‐hydroxylase (PAH) and non‐PAH deficiency. The latter is produced by mutations in genes involved in the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) biosynthesis pathway and DNAJC12 pathogenetic variants. The BH4 metabolism, including de novo biosynthesis involved genes (i.e., guanosine 5′‐triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH/GCH1), sepiapterin reductase (SR/SPR), 6‐pyruvoyl‐tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS/PTS)), and two genes that play roles in cofactor regeneration pathway (i.e., dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR/QDPR) and pterin‐4α‐carbinolamine dehydratase (PCD/PCBD1)). The subsequent systemic hyperphenylalaninemia and monoamine neurotransmitter deficiency lead to neurological consequences. The high rate of consanguineous marriages in Iran substantially increases the incidence of BH4 deficiency.

Methods

We utilized the Sanger sequencing technique in this study to investigate 14 Iranian patients with non‐PAH deficiency. All affected subjects in this study had HPA and no mutation was detected in their PAH gene.

Results

We successfully identified six mutant alleles in BH4‐deficiency‐associated genes, including three novel mutations: one in QDPR, one in PTS, and one in the PCBD1 gene, thus giving a definite diagnosis to these patients.

Conclusion

In this light, appropriate patient management may follow. The clinical effect of reported variants is essential for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in the patients' families and significant for the improvement of precision medicine.
Early‐onset diabetes mellitus as a presenting feature of Werner's syndrome in an Indian family
Authors: Hoff Fieke W. , Xing Chao , Simha Vinaya , Agarwal Anil K. , Zhang Xunzhi , Lekkala Leena , Vaishnav Madhumati S. , Vuitch Frank , Garg Abhimanyu
Published: October 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) in children and adolescents is typically caused by type 1 DM, followed by type 2 DM and maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY). We report an unusual Asian Indian family in which three members presented with DM at ages 15, 20, and 30, but not fitting the typical clinical picture of type 1 DM, type 2 DM, or MODY. The primary objective was to elucidate the molecular genetic basis of DM in this family.

Methods

The proband, a 22‐year‐old man, had short stature, gray hair, osteoporosis, and markedly reduced subcutaneous fat on the body, especially on the extremities along with acanthosis nigricans, and developed myxoid malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Detailed family history revealed multiple loops of consanguinity. The proband underwent whole‐genome sequencing, and seven relatives underwent whole‐exome sequencing.

Results

The proband and three additional family members were found to have the homozygous c.561A>G nucleotide variant of WRN RecQ‐like helicase (WRN) gene consistent with the diagnosis of Werner's syndrome. The c.561A>G variant induces a new splicing site on exon 6 resulting in a truncated WRN protein, p.Lys187Trpfs*13.

Conclusion

Our report brings to attention the onset of DM during childhood or early adulthood in patients with Werner's syndrome who typically develop type 2 DM around the age of 30–40 years. Presence of consanguinity among parents, dysmorphic features, and malignancy should prompt consideration of diagnosis of Werner's syndrome.
Dynamic analysis of viscoelastic foundation plate with fractional Kelvin–Voigt model using shifted Bernstein polynomials
Authors: Qu Jingguo , Zhang Qi , Cui Yuhuan , Yang Aimin , Chen Yiming
Published: October 2023

The fractional Kelvin–Voigt (FKV) viscoelastic constitutive model has been employed to build the fractional differential governing equation of viscoelastic foundation plate. Shifted Bernstein polynomial algorithm is implemented to solve the governing equations on a direct time domain numerically. Furthermore, the validity of the method is demonstrated by convergent analysis and error estimation of a math example. Finally, the dynamic analysis of viscoelastic foundation plate under different uniform loads. The movement of plate with different aspect ratios in viscoelastic foundation under the same load is studied. The stress of viscoelastic foundation plates of two materials under identical loading situations is investigated.