bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Copper uptake and subcellular distribution in five marine phytoplankton species
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Yang , Zhang Li
Published: November 2022

Copper (Cu) uptake and trophic transfer in marine plankton at the environmentally relevant levels have rarely been investigated. In this study, we investigated the Cu uptake and subcellular distribution in five phytoplankton (Isochrysis zhanjiangensis, Phaeocystis sp., Isochrysis galbana, Chaetoceros sp. and Phaeodactylum tricornutum) belonging to two taxa Chrysophyta and Bacillariophyta, and the following trophic transfer to rotifer Brachionus plicatilis by using stable isotope tracing method. In 2-hour exposure, Cu uptake rates were 20.8–60.3 amol h-1 cell-1 (amol = 10-18 mol) in the phytoplankton exposure to 4.82 × 10-13 mol L-1 free Cu activity ([Cu2+]). Cu uptake rates were increased with the increase of [Cu2+] in all the phytoplankton species. Generally, Cu uptake rate constants (kus) were lower in Bacillariophyta (Chaetoceros sp. and P. tricornutum) than Chrysophyta (I. zhanjiangensis, Phaeocystis sp. and I. galbana). While in long-term (6 day) exposure, more Cu was accumulated in the Bacillariophyta than in Chrysophyta, suggesting Bacillariophyta might have more Cu capacity than Chrysophyta. Size effects of cells on Cu uptake were not observed among these five phytoplankton. Cu was mainly distributed in the heat-denatured protein plus organelle fraction and head-stable protein fraction in all the five phytoplankton. The Cu assimilation efficiencies (AEs) in rotifer feeding I. zhanjiangensis, Phaeocystis sp., I. galbana, Chaetoceros sp. and P. tricornutum were 63.4%, 57.6%, 60.2%, 77.4% and 14.6%, respectively. These Cu AEs were positively correlated to the Cu distribution in the trophically available metal fraction (TAM) in different phytoplankton. These results herein demonstrated that different marine phytoplankton had different strategies to accumulate Cu that influence Cu transfer to the predators. Therefore, the variation of the phytoplankton community will change the Cu biogeochemistry in marine environment.
Growth mechanism of carbonated tricalcium silicate (C3S) under the high concentration of CO2: A novel research for CCUS wells
Authors: Lian Jihong , Wu Zhiqiang , Lei Yu , Gao Qiang , Mei Kaiyuan , Cai Jingxuan , Cheng Xiaowei
Published: November 2022

Under the engineering background of the carbon dioxide capture and geological storage technology (CCUS) cementing project, an experiment on the generation of cement single-phase tricalcium silicate CO2 carbonization products were carried out. Combining the phase diffraction pattern data and the thermogravimetric experiment, a relative crystallinity algorithm is proposed, which combines the quantitative results of the carbonized products with the relative crystallinity (RCP) results of each component. The growth and development mechanism of tricalcium silicate carbide crystal products under high temperature, high pressure and high concentration CO2 environment is deduced. The experimental results show that under the conditions of early gas phase carbonization, the carbonization rate of C3S first increases and then decreases as the carbonized crystal product grows. Under the conditions of early liquid phase carbonization, the carbonization rate of C3S first decreases and then increases with the generation and fragmentation of the hydration barrier layer. It provides a research basis and a new perspective for the subsequent analysis of the changes in the microstructure of the cement paste in the carbonization process under the CCUS engineering background.
Development of anti-membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase nanobodies as immunoPET probes for triple negative breast cancer imaging
Authors: Mulero Francisca , Oteo Marta , Garaulet Guillermo , Magro Natalia , Rebollo Lluvia , Medrano Guillermo , Santiveri Clara , Romero Eduardo , Sellek Ricela E. , Margolles Yago , Campos-Olivas Ramón , Arroyo Alicia G. , Fernández Luis Angel , Morcillo Miguel Angel , Martínez-Torrecuadrada Jorge L.
Published: November 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by aggressiveness and high rates of metastasis. The identification of relevant biomarkers is crucial to improve outcomes for TNBC patients. Membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) could be a good candidate because its expression has been reported to correlate with tumor malignancy, progression and metastasis. Moreover, single-domain variable regions (VHHs or Nanobodies) derived from camelid heavy-chain-only antibodies have demonstrated improvements in tissue penetration and blood clearance, important characteristics for cancer imaging. Here, we have developed a nanobody-based PET imaging strategy for TNBC detection that targets MT1-MMP. A llama-derived library was screened against the catalytic domain of MT1-MMP and a panel of specific nanobodies were identified. After a deep characterization, two nanobodies were selected to be labeled with gallium-68 (68Ga). ImmunoPET imaging with both ([68Ga]Ga-NOTA-3TPA14 and [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-3CMP75) in a TNBC mouse model showed precise tumor-targeting capacity in vivo with high signal-to-background ratios. (68Ga)Ga-NOTA-3CMP75 exhibited higher tumor uptake compared to (68Ga)Ga-NOTA-3TPA14. Furthermore, imaging data correlated perfectly with the immunohistochemistry staining results. In conclusion, we found a promising candidate for nanobody-based PET imaging to be further investigated as a diagnostic tool in TNBC.
Management of stent-related tracheoesophageal fistula in complex post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis: A case report
Authors: Bai Yang , Yin Yuting , Chi Jing , Li Shuang , Li Yishi , Guo Shuliang
Published: November 2022

Background

The covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) have been used to manage benign tracheobronchial stenosis, especially the complex post-tuberculosis (TB) tracheobronchial stenosis (PTTS) with cartilage destruction or malacia. This procedure could lead to stent-related tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF).

Case presentation

A 21-year-old woman, who had one covered Y-shaped SEMS inserted to manage complex PTTS 2 years ago, presented with dyspnea and frequent coughing on drinking water. The bronchoscopy confirmed extensive granulation tissue hyperplasia and a TEF on the upper edge of the covered SEMS. The covered SEMS was removed in three steps, and another fully covered Y-shape SEMS (Microtech Co., Ltd., Nanjing, China) was inserted to restore patency in the tracheobronchial tree and occlude the TEF orifice. Recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (rbFGF) (6,000 IU/time) was sprayed into and around the fistula through the V-System single-use cannula via the flexible bronchoscope every other week. The patient showed sustained clinical and radiographic improvement, and the TEF healed.

Conclusion

We presented a three-step bronchoscopic approach to managing a stent-related TEF in a patient with complex PTTS. Subsequently, regular bronchoscopic debridement of granulation tissue developing on the upper edge of SEMS is necessary to maintain the stent patency and reduce the risk of recurrent stent-related TEF. A fully covered SEMS associated with the local administration of rbFGF seems to offer an alternative simplified one-stage procedure for the temporary management of TEF combined with complex PTTS in non-surgical candidates.
Organomineral fertilizer application enhances Perilla frutescens nutritional quality and rhizosphere microbial community stability in karst mountain soils
Authors: Li Ying , Shen Qi , An Xiaochi , Xie Yuanhuan , Liu Xiuming , Lian Bin
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Applications of organomineral fertilizer (OMF) are important measures for developing organic agriculture in karst mountain areas. However, the influence of OMF on the structure and function of soil microbial diversity and their relationship with crop yield and quality are still unclear.

Methods

Based on soil science, crop science, and high-throughput sequencing methods, we investigated the changes of rhizosphere soil microbial communities of Perilla frutescens under different fertilization measures. Then, the relationship between P. frutescens yield and quality with soil quality was analyzed.

Results

The results showed that the addition of OMF increased the amount of total carbon and total potassium in soil. OF, especially OMF, improved P. frutescens yield and quality (e.g., panicle number per plant, main panicle length, and unsaturated fatty acid contents). Both OF and OMF treatments significantly increased the enrichment of beneficial microorganism (e.g., Bacillus, Actinomadura, Candidatus_Solibacter, Iamia, Pseudallescheria, and Cladorrhinum). The symbiotic network analysis demonstrated that OMF strengthened the connection among the soil microbial communities, and the community composition became more stable. Redundancy analysis and structural equation modeling showed that the soil pH, available phosphorus, and available potassium were significantly correlated with soil microbial community diversity and P. frutescens yield and quality.

Discussion

Our study confirmed that OMF could replace CF or common OF to improve soil fertility, crop yield and quality in karst mountain soils.
Structural characterization and conformational dynamics of alpha-1 antitrypsin pathogenic variants causing alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Shaik Noor Ahmad , Saud Al-Saud Najla Bint , Abdulhamid Aljuhani Thamer , Jamil Kaiser , Alnuman Huda , Aljeaid Deema , Sultana Nasreen , El-Harouni Ashraf AbdulRahman , Awan Zuhier Ahmed , Elango Ramu , Banaganapalli Babajan
Published: November 2022

Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) is a progressive lung disease caused by inherited pathogenic variants in the SERPINA1 gene. However, their actual role in maintenance of structural and functional characteristics of the corresponding α-1 anti-trypsin (A1AT) protein is not well characterized.

Methods: The A1ATD causative SERPINA1 missense variants were initially collected from variant databases, and they were filtered based on their pathogenicity potential. Then, the tertiary protein models were constructed and the impact of individual variants on secondary structure, stability, protein-protein interactions, and molecular dynamic (MD) features of the A1AT protein was studied using diverse computational methods.

Results: We identified that A1ATD linked SERPINA1 missense variants like F76S, S77F, L278P, E288V, G216C, and H358R are highly deleterious as per the consensual prediction scores of SIFT, PolyPhen, FATHMM, M-CAP and REVEL computational methods. All these variants were predicted to alter free energy dynamics and destabilize the A1AT protein. These variants were seen to cause minor structural drifts at residue level (RMSD = <2Å) of the protein. Interestingly, S77F and L278P variants subtly alter the size of secondary structural elements like beta pleated sheets and loops. The residue level fluctuations at 100 ns simulation confirm the highly damaging structural consequences of all the six missense variants on the conformation dynamics of the A1AT protein. Moreover, these variants were also predicted to cause functional deformities by negatively impacting the binding energy of A1AT protein with NE ligand molecule.

Conclusion: This study adds a new computational biology dimension to interpret the genotype-protein phenotype relationship between SERPINA1 pathogenic variants with its structural plasticity and functional behavior with NE ligand molecule contributing to the Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Our results support that A1ATD complications correlates with the conformational flexibility and its propensity of A1AT protein polymerization when misfolded.
Nucleosomes and their complexes in the cryoEM era: Trends and limitations
Authors: Armeev Grigoriy A. , Gribkova Anna K. , Shaytan Alexey K.
Published: November 2022

Twenty-five years have passed since the appearance of the first atomistic model of the nucleosome structure, and since then the number of new structures has gradually increased. With the advent of cryo-microscopy, the rate of accumulation of models has increased significantly. New structures are emerging with different histone variants and a variety of proteins that bind to nucleosomes. At the moment, there are more than four hundred structures containing nucleosomes in the Protein Data Bank. Many of these structures represent similar complexes, others differ in composition, conformation and quality. In this perspective, we investigate the diversity of known nucleosome structures, analyze data and model quality, variations in histone/DNA content of nucleosomes and spectrum of their interactors. We outline those parts of the nucleosome “structurome” that are already explored and those awaiting further exploration.
Normal left atrial diameter is associated with better performance on a cognitive screener among a cohort of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Gootee Emma , Stein Colin , Walker Alex , Daneshvari Nicholas O. , Blaha Michael J. , Lima Joao A. C. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Johansen Michelle C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Cardiac structure is an important determinant of ischemic stroke (IS) etiology; however, whether an association between cardiac structural markers and cognition post-IS exists is not yet established. The aim of this study is to examine the association between LAD and LVEF with cognitive performance among IS patients.

Methods

IS patients admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital (2017–2019) underwent transthoracic echocardiography. IS was classified (TOAST) by a masked reviewer. Left atrial diameter (LAD) was evaluated as a non-linear continuous variable with one spline knot at 4 cm; left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was dichotomized, then further evaluated as a non-linear continuous variable with spline knots at 50% and 70%. Patients were contacted by telephone on average 422 days post-stroke and administered the Six-Item Screener (SIS) to assess for dementia. SIS scores were dichotomized into low and high, imputing low scores for non-answerers. Multivariable logistic regression determined the association of SIS category with LAD or LVEF. A sensitivity analysis re-evaluated the association between SIS category and LAD, excluding participants with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Results

Participants (N = 108) were on average 61 years old (range = 18–89 years), 55% male, and 63% Black. Among patients considered to have a normal LAD (≤ 4 cm), a 1 mm larger LAD was associated with 1.20 greater odds (95%CI = 1.05–1.38) of scoring in the high SIS category in the final adjustment model. This association remained significant when excluding participants with prevalent AF. There was no association between a 1 mm larger LAD and SIS category among patients with a LAD >4 cm in both the primary analysis and the sensitivity analysis. There was no association between LVEF and SIS category.

Conclusions

In this prospective study, among ischemic stroke patients with a LAD within the normal range, a 1 mm increase in LAD was associated with higher scores on a telephone cognitive battery, without an association found among those with a LAD >4 cm.
The accumulation of muscle RING finger-1 in regenerating myofibers: Implications for muscle repair in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy
Authors: Yang Meng-Ge , Zhang Qing , Wang Hong , Ma Xue , Ji Suqiong , Li Yue , Xu Li , Bi Zhuajin , Bu Bitao
Published: November 2022

Background

Muscle RING finger-1 (MuRF-1) plays a key role in the degradation of skeletal muscle proteins. We hypothesize the involvement of MuRF-1 in immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).

Methods

Muscle biopsies from patients with IMNM (n = 37) were analyzed and compared to biopsies from patients with dermatomyositis (DM, n = 13), dysferlinopathy (n = 9) and controls (n = 7) using immunostaining.

Results

MuRF-1 staining could be observed in IMNM, DM and dysferlinopathy biopsies, whereas the percentage of MuRF-1 positive myofibers was significantly higher in IMNM than in dysferlinopathy (p = 0.0448), and positively correlated with muscle weakness and disease activity in IMNM and DM. Surprisingly, MuRF-1 staining predominantly presented in regenerating fibers but not in atrophic fibers. Moreover, MuRF-1-positive fibers tended to be distributed around necrotic myofibers and myofibers with sarcolemma membrane attack complex deposition. Abundant MuRF-1 expression in IMNM and DM was associated with rapid activation of myogenesis after muscle injury, whereas relatively low expression of MuRF-1 in dysferlinopathy may be attributed to damaged muscle regeneration.

Conclusions

MuRF-1 accumulated in regenerating myofibers, which may contribute to muscle injury repair in IMNM and DM. MuRF-1 staining may help clinicians differentiate IMNM and dysferlinopathy.
A novel nomogram model for clinical outcomes of severe subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Huang Han-Yu , Yuan Bin , Chen Shu-Juan , Han Yan-ling , Zhang Xin , Yu Qing , Wu Qi
Published: November 2022

Background

Systemic responses, especially inflammatory responses, after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are closely related to clinical outcomes. Our study aimed to explore the correlation between the systemic responses in the acute stage and the mid-term outcomes of severe SAH patients (Hunt-Hess grade III-V).

Materials and methods

Severe SAH patients admitted to Jinling Hospital from January 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed in the study. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk factors of 6-month clinical outcomes in severe SAH patients. A predictive model was established based on those risk factors and was visualized by a nomogram. Then, the predictive nomogram model was validated in another severe SAH patient cohort from January 2020 to January 2022.

Results

A total of 194 patients were enrolled in this study. 123 (63.4%, 123 of 194) patients achieved good clinical outcomes at the 6-month follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age, Hunt-Hess grade, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and complications not related to operations were independent risk factors for unfavorable outcomes at 6-month follow-up. The areas under the curve (AUC) analysis showed that the predictive model based on the above four variables was significantly better than the Hunt-Hess grade (0.812 vs. 0.685, P = 0.013). In the validation cohort with 44 severe SAH patients from three different clinical centers, the AUC of the prognostic nomogram model was 0.893.

Conclusion

The predictive nomogram model could be a reliable predictive tool for the outcome of severe SAH patients. Systemic inflammatory responses after SAH and complications not related to operations, especially hydrocephalus, delayed cerebral ischemia, and pneumonia, might be the important risk factors that lead to poor outcomes in severe SAH patients.
Clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of alveolar soft part sarcoma in children: A single-center, retrospective study
Authors: Tan Zhichao , Liu Jiayong , Xue Ruifeng , Fan Zhengfu , Bai Chujie , Li Shu , Gao Tian , Zhang Lu , Wang Xinyu
Published: November 2022

Background

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare sarcoma that has been shown to be highly effective to antiangiogenic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, but most reported studies about ASPS were concentrated on adult population. In this study, we aimed to describe the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of ASPS in children.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with ASPS in our institution since Jan 2015. All patients included in this study were pathologically confirmed ASPS and aged under 12 years at the time of initial diagnosis. Demographic characteristics, tumor sizes, primary tumor sites, metastasis, treatments used, therapeutic responses and survivals were evaluated.

Results

We identified a total of 56 patients to be initially diagnosed as ASPS since Jan 2015. A predisposition of high occurrence in head and neck (32.1%) was observed (versus 41.1% in limbs and 21.4% in trunk). 26 (46.4%) patients developed metastasis at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up. Tumors in tongue, pharynx and larynx had the least likelihood to metastasize (7.7%, P<0.05). Observation was recommended for 15 stage IV patients with only pulmonary metastasis. 7 (46.7%) patients remained stable until last follow up. The 1-year PFS rate was 83.3% and median progression-free survival time (PFS) was 29.4 months. 15 patients with progressive disease received mono or combined therapy. 11 patients received PD-1 monotherapy. 2 patients achieved partial response and 5 stable disease. The overall response rate was 18.2%. The median PFS of this group was 22.0 months, and the 1-year PFS rate was 70.0%. 4 patients received a combination therapy of PD-1 inhibitors plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors. All of them remained stable. No disease-related death occurred during follow-up.

Conclusions

ASPS exhibits a higher occurrence in head and neck in children. ASPS originating from glossopharyngeal region tends to have a lower metastasis rate. ASPS displays a more indolent growth pattern in children, which makes observation a preferable choice for children with sole pulmonary metastasis. Pediatric ASPS appears to be less effective to targeted therapy and immunotherapy than adults. The treatment of progressive ASPS in children remains challenging.
An attention base U-net for parotid tumor autosegmentation
Authors: Xia Xianwu , Wang Jiazhou , Liang Sheng , Ye Fangfang , Tian Min-Ming , Hu Weigang , Xu Leiming
Published: November 2022

A parotid neoplasm is an uncommon condition that only accounts for less than 3% of all head and neck cancers, and they make up less than 0.3% of all new cancers diagnosed annually. Due to their nonspecific imaging features and heterogeneous nature, accurate preoperative diagnosis remains a challenge. Automatic parotid tumor segmentation may help physicians evaluate these tumors. Two hundred eighty-five patients diagnosed with benign or malignant parotid tumors were enrolled in this study. Parotid and tumor tissues were segmented by 3 radiologists on T1-weighted (T1w), T2-weighted (T2w) and T1-weighted contrast-enhanced (T1wC) MR images. These images were randomly divided into two datasets, including a training dataset (90%) and an validation dataset (10%). A 10-fold cross-validation was performed to assess the performance. An attention base U-net for parotid tumor autosegmentation was created on the MRI T1w, T2 and T1wC images. The results were evaluated in a separate dataset, and the mean Dice similarity coefficient (DICE) for both parotids was 0.88. The mean DICE for left and right tumors was 0.85 and 0.86, respectively. These results indicate that the performance of this model corresponds with the radiologist’s manual segmentation. In conclusion, an attention base U-net for parotid tumor autosegmentation may assist physicians to evaluate parotid gland tumors.
Tumor microbiome – an integral part of the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Ciernikova Sona , Sevcikova Aneta , Stevurkova Viola , Mego Michal
Published: November 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a significant role in tumor progression and cancer cell survival. Besides malignant cells and non-malignant components, including immune cells, elements of the extracellular matrix, stromal cells, and endothelial cells, the tumor microbiome is considered to be an integral part of the TME. Mounting evidence from preclinical and clinical studies evaluated the presence of tumor type-specific intratumoral bacteria. Differences in microbiome composition between cancerous tissues and benign controls suggest the importance of the microbiome-based approach. Complex host-microbiota crosstalk within the TME affects tumor cell biology via the regulation of oncogenic pathways, immune response modulation, and interaction with microbiota-derived metabolites. Significantly, the involvement of tumor-associated microbiota in cancer drug metabolism highlights the therapeutic implications. This review aims to summarize current knowledge about the emerging role of tumor microbiome in various types of solid malignancies. The clinical utility of tumor microbiome in cancer progression and treatment is also discussed. Moreover, we provide an overview of clinical trials evaluating the role of tumor microbiome in cancer patients. The research focusing on the communication between the gut and tumor microbiomes may bring new opportunities for targeting the microbiome to increase the efficacy of cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Recent advances in the progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer: A review
Authors: Shen Jingjing , Wang Zhongming
Published: November 2022

Most patients with advanced gastric cancer were treated with palliative therapy, which had a poor curative effect and a short survival time. In recent years, the clinical research of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced gastric cancer has made a breakthrough and has become an important treatment for advanced gastric cancer. The modes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer include single drug, combined chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and multiple immune drug combination therapy, among which combination therapy shows better clinical efficacy, and a large number of trials are currently exploring more effective combination therapy programs. In this paper, the new clinical research progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer is reviewed, with an emphasis on combination therapy.
Are contrast enhanced mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis equally effective in diagnosing patients recalled from breast cancer screening?
Authors: Siminiak Natalia , Pasiuk-Czepczyńska Anna , Godlewska Antonina , Wojtyś Piotr , Olejnik Magdalena , Michalak Joanna , Nowaczyk Piotr , Gajdzis Paweł , Godlewski Dariusz , Ruchała Marek , Czepczyński Rafał
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Full-field digital mammography (FFDM) is widely used in breast cancer screening. However, to improve cancer detection rates, new diagnostic tools have been introduced. Contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) are used in the diagnostic setting, however their accuracies need to be compared.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEM and DBT in women recalled from breast cancer screening program.

Methods

The study included 402 consecutive patients recalled from breast cancer screening program, who were randomized into two groups, to undergo either CEM (202 patients) or DBT (200 patients). All visible lesions were evaluated and each suspicious lesion was histopathologically verified.

Results

CEM detected 230 lesions; 119 were classified as benign and 111 as suspicious or malignant, whereas DBT identified 209 lesions; 105 were classified as benign and 104 as suspicious or malignant. In comparison to histopathology, CEM correctly detected cancer in 43 out of 44 cases, and DBT in all 33 cases, while FFDM identified 15 and 18 neoplastic lesions in two groups, respectively. CEM presented with 97% sensitivity, 63% specificity, 70% accuracy, 38% PPV and 99% NPV, while DBT showed 100% sensitivity, 60% specificity, 32%, PPV, 100% NPV and 66% accuracy. The CEM’s AUC was 0.97 and DBT’s 0.99. The ROC curve analysis proved a significant (p<0.000001) advantage of both CEM and DBT over FFDM, however, there was no significant difference between CEM and DBT diagnostic accuracies (p=0.23).

Conclusions

In this randomized, prospective study CEM and DBT show similar diagnostic accuracy.
Pan-cancer analysis reveals DDX21 as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of multiple tumor types
Authors: Hu Ankang , Wang Yonghui , Tian Jiahao , Chen Zihan , Chen Renjin , Han Xufeng , Chen Yang , Liu Tingjun , Chen Quangang
Published: November 2022

Background

DExD-box helicase 21 (DDX21) is an essential member of the RNA helicase family. DDX21 is involved in the carcinogenesis of various malignancies, but there has been no comprehensive research on its involvement in different types of cancer.

Method

This study used TCGA, CPTAC, GTEx, GEO, FANTOM5, BioGRID, TIMER2, GEPIA2, cBioPortal, STRING, and Metascape databases and Survival ROC software to evaluate DDX21 gene expression, protein expression, immunohistochemistry, gene mutation, immune infiltration, and protein phosphorylation in 33 TCGA tumor types, as well as the prognostic relationship between DDX21 and different tumors, by survival analysis and similar gene enrichment analysis. Furthermore, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell studies were employed to assess the effect of DDX21 expression on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell proliferation and migration.

Result

The DDX21 gene was highly expressed in most cancers, and overexpression was associated with poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). DDX21 mutations were most common in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC; >5%), and DDX21 expression was positively correlated with the degree of infiltration of CAF and CD8+ cells in several tumor types. Numerous genes were co-expressed with DDX21. Gene enrichment analysis revealed close links between DDX21, RNA metabolism, and ribosomal protein production. In vitro analysis of LUAD cells showed that DDX21 expression was positively correlated with cell proliferation and migration capacity, consistent with prior bioinformatics studies.

Conclusions

DDX21 is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, and overexpression in some cancers is associated with poor prognosis. Immune infiltration and DDX21-related gene enrichment analyses indicated that DDX21 may affect cancer development through mechanisms that regulate tumor immunity, RNA metabolism, and ribosomal protein synthesis. This pan-cancer study revealed the prognostic value and the oncogenic role of DDX21.
Vacuum-assisted staged omphalocele reduction: A preliminary report
Authors: Nissen Matthias , Romanova Anna , Weigl Elena , Petrikowski Laura , Alrefai Mohamad , Hubertus Jochen
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Omphalocele represents a rare congenital abdominal wall defect. In giant omphalocele, due to the viscero-abdominal disproportion, gradual reintegration of eviscerated organs is often associated with medical challenges. We report our preliminary experience combining staged gravitational reduction with vacuum (VAC) therapy as a novel approach for treatment of giant omphalocele.

Patients and methods

Retrospective chart review of six patients (five females) born between September 2018 and May 2022 who underwent staged reduction of giant omphalocele in conjunction with VAC therapy was conducted. Treatment was performed at two German third-level Pediatric Surgery Departments. Biometric and periprocedural data were assessed. Main outcome measure was the feasibility of VAC therapy for giant omphalocele. Data are reported as median and interquartile range (Q1–Q3).

Results

Gestational age was 37 (37–38) weeks, and birth weight was 2700 (2500–3000) g. VAC dressing was changed every 3 (3–4) days until abdominal fascia closure at the age of 9 (3–13) days. Time to first/full oral feeds was 3 (1–5)/20 (12–24) days with a hospital stay of 22 (17–30) days. Follow-up was 8 (5–22) months and complications were of minor extent (none: n = 2; Clavien–Dindo I: n = 3; Clavien–Dindo II: n = 1), comprising a delayed neo-umbilical cord rest separation (n = 2) and/or concomitant neo-umbilical site infection (n = 2) with no repeat surgery.

Conclusion

In neonates with giant omphalocele, VAC constitutes a promising and technically feasible enhancement of the staged gravitational reduction method. This study shows evidence that VAC may accelerate restoration of the abdominal wall integrity in giant omphalocele, thus minimizing associated comorbidities inherent to a prolonged hospitalization.
Sanguisorba officinalis L. suppresses non-small cell lung cancer via downregulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway based on network pharmacology and experimental investigation
Authors: Li Hong , Lin Jing , Yang Fei , Deng Junzhu , Lai Jia , Zeng Jing , Zou Wenjun , Jiang Nan , Huang Qianqian , Li Hua , Liu Jian , Li Mao , Zhong Zhirong , Wu Jianming
Published: November 2022

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SOL), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine called Diyu, has been shown to have potent antitumor effects. However, the role of SOL in suppressing NSCLC remains unknown.

Methods: Network pharmacology was employed for acquiring the potential targets and mechanisms of SOL in NSCLC. Based on the predictions of network pharmacology, we used CCK8 and EdU assays to investigate cell proliferation, flow cytometry to investigate apoptosis, wound healing assay to investigate cell migration, and transwell assay to investigate cell invasion in vitro. Western blot was employed for detecting the potential proteins, including signaling pathways and apoptosis. The A549-bearing athymic nude mice were employed to verify the effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis in vivo.

Results: SOL significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptotic ratio and ROS level of NSCLC cells increased significantly with increasing concentrations. AKT and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway were analyzed as the most relevant target and pathway via network pharmacology predictions. Western blotting revealed that the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR in NSCLC cells treated with SOL were significantly downregulated, while cleaved PARP-1 and caspase-3 were upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. The results in the mouse xenograft model were consistent with those in NSCLC cell lines.

Conclusion: SOL downregulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to suppress NSCLC.
Interaction of spin-orbit angular momentum in the tight focusing of structured light
Authors: Guo Ji-Xiang , Wang Wen-Yue , Cheng Tian-Yu , Lü Jia-Qi
Published: November 2022

As an intrinsic property of light, angular momentum has always been an important research object of light field. In the past few years, the interactions between spin angular momentum and orbital angular momentum in tightly focused structured light have attracted much attention. Different from the independent conservation in the paraxial condition, the polarization-dependent spin angular momentum and the phase-dependent orbital angular momentum are coupled under tight focusing condition based on different physical mechanisms. The research on spin-orbit interaction will be helpful to deeply understand the nature of photon as well as extend the applications of light. Here, different forms of spin-orbit interaction during the tight focusing of structured light have been briefly introduced and classified. Besides, the existing problems and development prospects in the research about spin-orbit interaction of light are discussed, including the quantitative detection of the local distribution of optical spin and orbital angular momentum in experiments and the further applications of spin-orbit interaction.
Comparative and phylogenetic analyses of the chloroplast genome reveal the taxonomy of the Morus genus
Authors: Zeng Qiwei , Chen Miao , Wang Shouchang , Xu Xiaoxiang , Li Tian , Xiang Zhonghuai , He Ningjia
Published: November 2022

Mulberry (genus Morus) is an economically important woody plant with an altered ploidy level. The variable number of Morus species recognized by different studies indicates that the genus is in need of revision. In this study, the chloroplast (CP) genomes of 123 Morus varieties were de novo assembled and systematically analyzed. The 123 varieties represented six Morus species, namely, Morus alba, Morus nigra, Morus notabilis, Morus rubra, Morus celtidifolia, and Morus serrata. The Morus CP genome was found to be 158,969~159,548 bp in size with 125 genes, including 81 protein coding, 36 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. The 87 out of 123 mulberry accessions were assigned to 14 diverse groups with identical CP genome, which indicated that they are maternally inherited and share 14 common ancestors. Then 50 diverse CP genomes occurred in 123 mulberry accessions for further study. The CP genomes of the Morus genus with a quadripartite structure have two inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,654~25,702 bp) dividing the circular genome into a large single-copy (LSC) region (87,873~88,243 bp) and small single-copy (SSC) region (19,740~19,994 bp). Analysis of the phylogenetic tree constructed using the complete CP genome sequences of Morus revealed a monophyletic genus and that M. alba consisted of two clades, M. alba var. alba and M. alba var. multicaulis. The Japanese cultivated germplasms were derived from M. alba var. multicaulis. We propose that the Morus genus be classified into six species, M. nigra, M. notabilis, M. serrata, M. celtidifolia, M. rubra, and M. alba with two subspecies, M. alba var. alba and M. alba var. multicaulis. Our findings provide a valuable resource for the classification, domestication, and breeding improvement of mulberry.
Reproducing experiential meaning in translation: A systemic functional linguistics analysis on translating ancient Chinese poetry and prose in political texts
Authors: Liu Qiannan , Li Xiaolong
Published: November 2022

Ancient Chinese poetry and prose (ACPP) are the essence of traditional Chinese culture and also literary gems of the world. Despite the long tradition of previous Chinese Presidents using ACPP in their political addresses, the translation work on the three volumes ofXi Jinping: The Governance of Chinawith much ACPP still poses a daunting challenge to the translation of literary texts in non-literary texts. As experiential meaning is inherent in all kinds of texts, literature, and non-literature, this study, drawing on the sights of Halliday's experiential mode of meaning and register theory in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), explored how the ACPP's experiential meaning was rendered in the political texts, and factors motivating transitivity patterns and shift tendencies. Statistics showed that the translations tend to reproduce the experiential meaning such that it involves more representations of the flow of events and the creation of relationships among entities, focusing more on construing the experience of the physical world rather than personal emotions, feelings, or cognition. Besides, the target text is also inclined to simplify the experiential meaning by compressing and omitting unnecessary transitivity processes and the participant and circumstance nominalization. This research found that the factors responsible for such tendencies include the features of political texts, language differences, the distribution of process types, the delicacy of the transitivity system, and register variations of fields of activity. With these findings, the study is expected to contribute to the SFL approach of studying literary translation in non-literary texts through the prism of experiential meaning and offer guidance in the translation of political literature with ACPP.
Enneagram typologies and healthy personality to psychosocial stress: A network approach
Authors: Ramos-Vera Cristian , Barrientos Antonio Serpa , Baños-Chaparro Jonatan , Saldarriaga José Vallejos , Saintila Jacksaint
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Enneagram typologies may impact psychological well-being and stressful situations in college students. However, the literature is still limited in the study of dynamic personality models such as the Enneagram in Spanish-speaking university students, and a better understanding is needed.

Objective

To analyze network associations and centrality measures of Enneagram personality typologies in Peruvian university students.

Methods

A total of 859 Peruvian university students responded to two instruments assessing: The Pangrazzi’s Enneagram personality types and healthy personality to psychosocial stress. All instruments showed good psychometric values (validity and consistency). A regularized cross-sectional network structure was estimated with Gaussian graphical model and the graphical LASSO.

Results

Enneagram types 4, 5, and 6 presented the highest and positive associations in the network structure. Type 6 emerged as the node with the highest predictability. The healthy personality and type 7 acted as bridges between the communities, with types 6, 7, and 8 being the most central nodes.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that Enneagram type 7 with healthy personality to psychosocial stress plays an important role in the development of the causal activation of the network model. The network shows causal associations between psychosocial stress and types 6, 7, 8, and 9.
The stress response of intensive care unit medical doctors facing repeated severe emergencies
Authors: Ciuffini Roberta , Marrelli Alfonso , Leuter Cinzia , Stratta Paolo , Paladini Antonella , Ciccozzi Alessandra , Marsili Ida , Marinangeli Franco , Piroli Alba
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study assesses the psychopathological distress experienced by doctors working in an Intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These doctors were the same who faced the consequences of a previous natural disaster, a severe 6.3 magnitude earthquake. A second objective is to evaluate their current mental attitude, professional performances and coping strategies adopted in the pandemic in relation to the conditioning effect of that first emergency, the earthquake.

Methods

Thirty-seven ICU medical doctors were recruited and assessed using Rapid Stress Assessment (RSA) rating scale, Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III. Comparison between exposure to the earthquake and COVID pandemic has been made in terms of professional role and psychological burden.

Results

Comparison between 2009 earthquake catastrophe and COVID pandemic conditions evidenced relevant changes in professional role, team, environment, shifts, and work organization.

Conclusion

The doctors, who already experienced the 2009 earthquake reported a feeling of greater insecurity facing this latter catastrophe, the COVID pandemic, as well as perception of greater concern for their family and the global situation. However, having participated in the medical management of another emergency (the 2009 earthquake) appears to have contributed to limiting demoralization and psychological distress. The feeling of having greater decision-making possibilities and participation in the organization of work, strengthen coping skills in the face of the emergency.
Exploring agency and entrainment in joint music-making through the reported experiences of students and teachers
Authors: Stolp Eveliina , Moate Josephine , Saarikallio Suvi , Pakarinen Eija , Lerkkanen Marja-Kristiina
Published: November 2022

This qualitative interview-based study draws on the reported experiences of students and teachers to explore how agency and entrainment resource and constrain each other in joint music-making. The participants were 23 students of Grades 6 and 11 music teachers from different primary schools. The qualitative content analysis of the 11 student pair interviews and 11 one-to-one teacher interviews indicated that experiences of music-related interpersonal entrainment intertwine with different dimensions of agency. In the analysis, four themes were identified as follows: presence, belonging, safety, and continuity. These findings provide insights into the relationship between agency and entrainment in classroom-based joint music-making and provide a novel lens through which to examine the complementary experiences of students and teachers. This study builds bridges between the concepts of agency and entrainment in the context of music education, offering theoretical clarification as to how and why joint music-making can be considered an intersubjective activity that fosters group cohesion and social interaction. The findings further present a view of the constitutive nature of the relationship among agency, entrainment, and intersubjectivity in joint music-making. The findings offer educators concrete grounds for using joint music-making as a platform for an agency.
The viewpoints of residents of Kerman, Iran regarding the challenges and barriers of preparing households against earthquakes: A theory-guided qualitative content analysis
Authors: Rezabeigi Davarani Esmat , Farahmandnia Hojjat , Khanjani Narges , Nekoei-Moghadam Mahmood
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Earthquakes cause a lot of damage and casualties. For various reasons, most households are not prepared for earthquakes. This study aims to identify the challenges and barriers to households' preparedness against earthquakes from the viewpoint of Kerman residents.

Methods

This qualitative-directed content analysis study was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 in the city of Kerman in southeast Iran. Data was collected by purposive sampling through in-depth and semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews with 48 households.

Results

After multiple rounds of analyzing and summarizing the data based on the social-cognitive theory and taking into consideration similarities and differences, five main categories and 19 subcategories created based on the results of data analysis and including (1) Challenges related to cognitive factors (2) Challenges related to behavioral factors (3) Challenges related to the physical environment (4) Challenges related to the social environment and (5) Challenges related to financial factors.

Conclusion

Although the participants listed many challenges and barriers in different fields, in order to overcome the barriers and challenges of preparing households for an earthquake, the support of the authorities and the cooperation of the residents are necessary.
Addressing responsibility in innovation processes for sustainability: Lessons for responsible management of sustainable innovation form a systematic literature review
Authors: Mangelkramer Delia
Published: November 2022

Analyzing the impact of a sustainability agenda in research and innovation on system transition is a critical research topic. This literature stream aims to examine how research and innovation can deal with wicked-problems at a dynamic system level to create more sustainable future systems. However, this study addresses two main issues in the current sustainability transition literature. First, the literature to date offers little insight into concrete implications for the management of innovation processes at the organizational level. Second, sustainability is often addressed asper sedesirable. While the concept of Sustainable Innovation (SI) can valuably contribute in addressing the first issue by providing essential features to analyze business management procedures and their broader implications on socio-technical systems, it falls short in addressing the second issue. Essential aspects of sustainability, such as the responsibility for potential future trade-offs through innovation, are not strategically integrated into the current framework. This study argues that without strategic integration of responsibility, there is a risk of contributing to a partially-sustainable—”irresponsible”—socio-technical system change as a result of business innovation activities. Therefore, an extended innovation process model for sustainability to embed responsibility at the core of innovation activities is required. For this purpose, the framework of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is utilized. This paper reports on findings from a systematic literature review of a representative sample of empirical studies from the SI and RRI literature. Thereby, the goal was to extend the understanding of management opportunities within innovation processes for sustainability through the implementation of RRI principles, in order to create sustainable socio-technical systems.