bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of clinical factors impacting recurrence in myxofibrosarcoma
Authors: chen wenlin , sun ye , wei Yongzhong
Published: October 2023

Background
Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a malignant fibroblastic/myofibroblastic neoplasm with the prominent myxoid area. It has the clinical features of frequent local recurrence (LR) and occasional distant metastasis. Robust epidemiological data of China on MFS are lacking. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to understand the natural history of MFS and aim to identify prognostic factors of recurrence and describe real-life outcomes of MFS.
Methods
We reviewed 52 patients with primary MFS from the first affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and diagnosed between 2016 and 2020. All tumors were retrospectively univariate analyzed for prognostic factors of the disease, including tumor size, grade, location and gender, patient age, planned operation, surgical margin and laboratory results. Then the significant factors of univariate analysis were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Overall survival (OS), post-treatment LR and metastatic-free survival were assessed as outcomes.
Results
Median age was 61 years (range, 13–93). Fourteen (26.92%) were low grade, 38 (73.08%) were high grade. 29 males, 23 females, 15 cases(28.85%) occurred in the trunk and 37 ༈71.15%༉cases in the extremities, 26 received planned surgery and 26 underwent an unexpected operation. The margin was negative in 39 ༈75%༉cases and positive in 13 cases༈25%༉. Serum creatine kinase (CK) was high level in 33(63.46%) cases and low level in 19(36.54%) cases. LR occurred in 25 cases༈48.08%༉ and metastasis in 4 cases. A worse LR rate was found in low CK level (84.21%) than in the high CK level (27.27%) at 5 years (p ༜0.05). The LR rate of patients undergoing planned surgery was lower than that of patients undergoing unplanned surgery (p ༜0.05). The patients with positive margin were significantly higher than that of patients with negative margin (92.30%,33.33%, respectively, p ༜0.05). And tumors recorded as superficial were also associated with higher recurrence rate of 2/20 (10%) when compared to deep tumors, at 23/32 (71.86%) (p ༜0.05).
Conclusions
The probability of LR of MFS was significantly higher in patients with unplanned operation, positive margin, low serum CK levels and superficial tumor depth. These data could help identify a high-risk patient group, thus selecting a more careful follow-up for higher-risk patients. Diagnosis and treatment in qualified regular medical centers can reduce the local recurrence rate of MFS.
Expression characteristics of the Cyp19a1b aromatase gene and its response to 17β-estradiol treatment in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Zhang Dongyun , Tian Taihang , Han Linqiang , Du Jingxing , Zhu Tao , Lei Caixia , Song Hongmei , Li Shengjie
Published: October 2023

To investigate the regulatory role of the Cyp19a1b aromatase gene in the sexual differentiation of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, LMB), we obtained the full-length cDNA sequence of Cyp19a1b using rapid amplification of cDNA ends technique. Tissue expression characteristics and feedback with 17-β-estradiol (E2) were determined using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), while gonad development was assessed through histological section observations. The cDNA sequence of LMB Cyp19a1b was found to be1950 base pairs (bp) in length, including a 5' untranslated region of 145 bp, a 3' untranslated region of 278 bp, and an open reading frame encoding a protein consisting of 1527 bp that encoded 508 amino acids. The qRT-PCR results indicated that Cyp19a1b abundantly expressed in the brain, followed by the gonads, and its expression in the ovaries was significantly higher than that observed in the testes. (P < 0.05). After feeding fish with E2 for 30 days, the expression of Cyp19a1b in the pseudo-females gonads (XY-F) was significantly higher than that in males (XY-M) (P < 0.05), whereas expression did not differ significantly between female (XX-F) and XY-M fish (P > 0.05). Although the expression of Cyp19a1b in XY-F and XX-F fish was not significantly different after 60 days (P > 0.05), both exhibited significantly higher levels than that of XY-M fish (P < 0.05). Histological sections analysis showed the presence of oogonia in both XY-F and XX-F fish at 30 days, while spermatogonia were observed in XY-M fish. At 60 days, primary oocytes were abundantly observed in both XY-F and XX-F fish, while a few spermatogonia were visible in XY-M fish. At 90 days, the histological sections results showed that a large number of oocytes were visible in XY-F and XX-F fish. Additionally, the gonads of XY-M fish contained numerous spermatocytes. These results suggest that Cyp19a1b plays a pivotal role in the development of ovaries and nervous system development in LMB.
Clinical evaluation of AI-assisted muscle ultrasound for monitoring muscle wasting in ICU patients
Authors: Nhat Phung Tran Huy , Van Hao Nguyen , Lam Minh Yen , Nguyen Hoang Anh , Dong Phu Khiem , Kerdegari Hamideh , Le Thanh Phuong , Vo Tan Hoang , Nguyen Thanh Ngoc , Le Ngoc Minh Thu , Truong Ngoc Trung , Pisani Luigi , Razavi Reza , Yacoub Sophie , Nguyen Van Vinh Chau , King Andrew P. , Thwaites Louise , Denehy Linda , Gomez Alberto
Published: October 2023

Background
Muscle ultrasound has been shown to be a valid and safe imaging modality to assess muscle wasting in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This typically involves manual delineation to measure the Rectus Femoris cross-sectional area (RFCSA), which is a subjective, time-consuming, and laborious task that requires significant expertise. We aimed to develop and evaluate an AI tool to support non-expert operators in measurement of the RFCSA using muscle ultrasound.
Method
This is a prospective study conducted in the ICU at the Hospital of Tropical Diseases (HTD), Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Patients diagnosed with severe tetanus underwent three muscle ultrasound examinations of their Rectus Femoris muscle (on day 1, day 7 and ICU discharge). Patients were randomized to undergo the examinations performed by a group of non-expert users, with or without an AI tool for assistance.
Results
Twenty patients were recruited at the Adult ICU at HTD between Feb 2023 and July 2023 and were randomized sequentially to operators using AI (n = 10) or non-AI (n = 10). The median (IQR) ICU stay was 23 days (IQR 20–30). Muscle loss during ICU stay was similar for both methods: 26 ± 15% for AI and 23 ± 11% for the non-AI, respectively (p = 0.13). In total 59 ultrasound examinations were carried out (30 without AI and 29 with AI). When assisted by our AI tool, the operators showed less variability between measurements with higher intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs 0.999 95%CI 0.998–0.999 vs. 0.982 95%CI 0.962–0.993) and lower Bland Altman limits of agreement (± 1.9% vs. ± 6.6%) compared to not using the AI tool. The time spent on scans reduced significantly from a median of 19.6 mins (IQR 16.9–21.7) to 9.4 mins (IQR 7.2–11.7) compared to when using the AI tool (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
AI-assisted muscle ultrasound removes the need for manual tracing, increases reproducibility and saves time. This system may aid monitoring muscle size in ICU patients assisting rehabilitation programmes.
Fabrication of Ammonia Gas Sensor Using In Situ Synthesis of Polypyrrole-Zinc Oxide Nanorod Nanocomposites on Textiles
Authors: Maity Debasis , Kumar D. Ranjith , Kumar Ramasamy Thangavelu Rajendra
Published: October 2023

A flexible textile modified with Polypyrrole and ZnO was fabricated through a polymerization process, effectively converting an insulating textile into a conductive one. The resulting modified textile was thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and contact angle measurement. The performance of the sensor was evaluated for its ability to detect ammonia vapors at room temperature by measuring changes in resistance. The presence of ZnO significantly enhanced the sensor's performance, resulting in a 21.8% increase in sensitivity towards 20 ppm of ammonia. Notably, the sensor exhibited selectivity towards ammonia with a rapid response time of 24 seconds and a recovery time of 118 seconds for continuous measurements over 20 cycles. It also displayed excellent linearity across different concentrations of ammonia, ranging from 20 to 100 ppm. The ammonia sensing mechanism was elucidated based on the formation of a p-n junction between polypyrrole and ZnO, along with the potentization of polypyrrole. This understanding of the sensing mechanism is crucial for optimizing the sensor's performance and sensitivity. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated minimal impact from humidity levels within the range of 23% to 86%, indicating its robust stability over a prolonged period of seven weeks. This characteristic ensures reliable and consistent sensing capabilities in various environmental conditions.
An evolutionary view of the Fusarium genome
Authors: Gomez-Chavarria Daniel A. , Rua-Giraldo Alvaro L. , Alzate Juan F.
Published: October 2023

Fusarium is an Ascomycota with several relevant pathogenic species of plants and animals. Some phytopathogenic species have received special attention due to their negative economic impact on the agricultural industry around the world. Traditionally, identification and taxonomic analysis of Fusarium have relied on morphological and phenotypic features, including the hosts of the fungus, leading to taxonomic conflicts that have been solved using molecular systematic technologies. In this work, we applied a phylogenomic approach that allowed us to resolve the evolutionary history of the species complexes of the genus and present evidence that supports the F. ventricosum species complex as the most basal lineage of the genus. Additionally, we present evidence that proposes modifications to the previous hypothesis of the evolutionary history of the F. staphyleae, F. newnesense, F. nisikadoi, F. oxysporum, and F. fujikuroi species complexes. Evolutionary analysis showed that the genome GC content have a tendency to be lower in more modern lineages, below 49.3%, while genome size gain and losses are present during the evolution of the genus. Interestingly core genome duplication events have a positive correlation with the genome size. Evolutionary and genome conservation analysis supports the F3 hypothesis of Fusarium as a more compact and conserved group in terms of genome conservation. By contrast the most basal clades, outside the F3 hypothesis only share 8.8% of its genomic sequences with the F3 clade.
Coexistence of chiral phonons and antiferroelectricity in breathing kagome semiconductor Nb3I8 at room-temperature
Authors: Duan Chun-Gang , Hong Jin , Sui Fengrui , Wang Kaiqi , Han Xin , Zheng Yufan , Tong Wen-yi , Deng Xing , Guan Zhao , Tian Bobo , Qi Ruijuan , Huang Rong , Zhong Ni , Peng Hui , Yue Fangyu , Chu Junhao , Shi Youguo
Published: October 2023

Searching for a material platform to realize the control of chiral phonons relevant to the ferroics is practically significant for information application including novel phononic devices1,2. The newly-emerging van der Waals (vdWs) layered breathing kagome semiconductor Nb3X8 (X=Cl, Br, I) featuring a 2D network of corner-sharing triangles is theoretically proposed to possess emergent properties including ferro-electricity/magnetism, and ferrovalley, but lacks of correlative experimental evidences3-6. Here, we visualize the intriguing unconventional atomic arrangement with alternating vdWs gaps in Nb3I8, based on which we confirm the phonon chirality and realize the electric-field induced antiferroelectric-ferroelectric transition at room temperature. The phonon chirality is tied with the circular vibration of breathing lattices, and the origin of the ferroelectricity is from the local net dipole moment reversal due to the size switching of the alternate triangles involving the rearrangements of intralayer ferrielectric-like and interlayer antiferroelectric-like orders. The coexistence of phonon chirality and antiferroelectricity/ferroelectricity in Nb3I8 suggests a promising exploration of multiferroicity in breathing kagome lattices via the control of the phonon chirality, which should be of importance for designing the phonon-based information devices.
Brain anatomy of a clonal fish, the Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa): Effects of early-life environment
Authors: Nadema Hayo , Reich Tyler , Cunningham Debbie , Wong Elvis , Schlupp Ingo , Kotrschal Alexander
Published: October 2023

During ontogeny, environmental factors can impact the development of manifold traits that often aid in survival. This may include differential investment in brain regions in response to cognitive challenges. Especially the brain anatomy of fishes seems to respond readily to biotic and abiotic factors. However, we currently lack sufficient data to determine the extent to which such changes are consistent across species. To extend the phylogenetic breadth in this endeavour we studied how brain anatomy of Amazon mollies (Poecilia formosa) responds to the presence or absence of physical enrichment and/or social companions. The Amazon molly is a clonal species and genetically highly uniform, so that differences in brain anatomy of individuals from the same clonal lineage are most likely due to the environmental conditions provided, not to inherent genetic differences. We quantified brain anatomy by determining the volumes of six main brain regions (olfactory bulb; telencephalon; optic tectum; cerebellum; dorsal medulla; hypothalamus) and overall brain size. While brain anatomy was overall unaffected by the visual presence of a conspecific, we found that the cerebellum was larger in animals reared in an environmentally complex habitat. Our results corroborate the idea that usage of certain cognitive domains fosters enlargement in the region governing those.
Emotion Regulation from a Virtue Perspective
Authors: Kim Jeong Han , Chun Jina , Kim Jaeyoung , Ju Hyun-Ju , Kim Byung Jin , Jeong Jeongwoon , Lee Dong Hun
Published: October 2023

Background: The ability to regulate one’s emotional state is an important predictor of several behaviors such as reframing a challenging situation to reduce anger or anxiety, concealing visible signs of sadness or fear, or focusing on reasons to feel happy or calm. This capacity is referred to as emotion regulation. Deficits in this ability can adversely affect one’s adaptive coping, thus are associated with a variety of other psychopathological symptoms, including but not limited to depression, borderline personality disorder, substance use disorders, eating disorders, and somatoform disorders.
Methods: The present study examined emotion regulation in relation to the virtue-based psychosocial adaptation model (V-PAM). 595 participants were clustered based on their Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) score, producing two clusters (i.e., high functioning vs. low functioning). Then, emotion regulation group membership was discriminated by using five V-PAM virtue constructs, including courage, integrity, practical wisdom, committed action, and emotional transcendence.
Results: Results show that five virtues contribute to differentiating group membership. Practical wisdom was the strongest contributor, followed by integrity, emotional transcendence, committed action, and courage. Predictive discriminant analysis was conducted and 71% of cases were correctly classified. A discussion of the relationship between emotion regulation and virtues was elaborated.
Conclusion: The concept of virtue holds significant importance in the comprehension of an individual's capacity to regulate their emotions, meriting future study.
Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Risk of Rapid Renal Function Decline: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhao Zhicheng , Wan Yu , Fu Han , Ying Shuo , Zhang Peng , Hayashi Shiki , Song Yu , Fu Naikuan
Published: October 2023

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients face the risk of rapid kidney function decline leading to adverse outcomes like dialysis and mortality. Lipid metabolism might contribute to acute kidney function decline in CKD patients. Here, we utilized the Mendelian Randomization approach to investigate potential causal relationships between drug target-mediated lipid phenotypes and rapid renal function decline.
Methods: In this study, we utilized two methodologies: summarized data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) and inverse variance-weighted Mendelian randomization (IVW-MR), to approximate exposure to lipid-lowering drugs. This entailed leveraging expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) for drug target genes and genetic variants proximal to drug target gene regions, which encode proteins associated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, as identified in genome-wide association studies. The objective was to investigate causal associations with the progression of rapid kidney function decline.
Results: The SMR analysis revealed a potential association between high expression of PCSK9 and rapid kidney function decline (OR=1.001, 95% CI= [1.11–1.23]; p=0.044). Similarly, IVW-MR analysis demonstrated a negative association between LDL cholesterol mediated by HMGCR and kidney function decline (OR=0.74, 95% CI=0.60–0.90; p=0.003).
Conclusion: Genetically predicted inhibition of HMGCR is linked with the progression of kidney function decline, while genetically predicted PCSK9 inhibition is negatively associated with kidney function decline. Future research should incorporate clinical trials to validate the relevance of PCSK9 in preventing kidney function decline.
Development and validation of hierarchical signature for precision individualized therapy based on the landscape associated with necroptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yao Gao-sheng , Dai Jun-shang , Tan Zhi-ping , Dai Lei , Chen Wei , Luo Jun-Hang , Wei Jin-huan
Published: October 2023

Background
Increasing evidences show that necroptosis has a unique clinical significance in the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. Here, we systematically evaluated the role of necroptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and analyzed its regulatory patterns.
Results
We screened 97 necroptosis-related genes and demonstrated that they were dysregulated in ccRCC. Through Cox analysis and LASSO regression, a prognostic prediction signature including seven genes was built. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier (KM) analyses both showed that the model was accurate, and univariate/multivariate Cox analysis showed that as an independent prognostic factor, the higher the risk score, the poorer the survival outcome. Besides, the predicted scores based on the signature were observably associated with immune-cell infiltration and mutation of specific genes. In addition, the risk score could potentially predict the patients’ responsiveness to different chemotherapy regimens. In specific, Nivolumab is more effective for patients with higher scores.
Conclusion
The necroptosis-related signature we constructed can accurately predict the prognosis of ccRCC patients, and further providing clues for targeted, individualized therapy.
Fluoroquinolone derivatives have a synergistic effect on the antifungal activity of echinocandins in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Kang Suzie , Choi Jin-Ju , Lee Yoonseo , Lee Dong-Hyun , Yun Cheol-Won
Published: October 2023

The antifungal drugs of the echinocandins family showed high antifungal activity against A. fumigatus. However, echinocandins have a paradoxical effect and it is necessary to improve the paradoxical effect of echinocandins. To develop a new antifungal drug that improves the paradoxical effect of echinocandins, we performed a drug screening using a chemical library consisting of 8,000 unique chemicals with 0.5µg/ml of caspofungin. From the screening chemical library, we found that fluoroquinolone compounds activate the antifungal activity of caspofungin and no paradoxical effect of echinocandins was detected. 50 chemicals from the chemical library had a synergistic effect on the antifungal activity of caspofungin and among them, 16 compounds were fluoroquinolone derivative compounds with low antifungal activity when treated alone against A. fumigatus. NE-E07, which is one of the fluoroquinolone compounds we screened, showed a synergistic effect with all kinds of the echinocandins antifungal drugs, but no synergistic effect with other families of antifungal drugs such as voriconazole and amphotericin B. Furthermore, the quinolone antibiotics, which have a fluoroquinolone structure, did not show any synergistic effect with caspofungin. Finally, co-treatment of NE-E07 and caspofungin increased the viability of mice infected with A. fumigatus. These results indicate that the fluoroquinolone compounds we screened have a unique function of antifungal drugs and provide a new paradigm for antifungal drugs.
The host-guest system of resorcinolcalix[4]arene and pyridine-containing compounds: their syntheses, structures, antioxidant and antibacterial activity analyses
Authors: Chen Lu-Si , Zhou Xin-Min , Wang Qing , Jia Ai-Quan , Zhang Qian-Feng
Published: October 2023

Self-assembly of C-iso-butyl-resorcinolcalix[4]arene (CBCR) with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) or 3-dimethylaminopyridine (3-DMAP) in ethanol afforded two host-guest complexes CBCR4-AP (1) and CBCR2(3-DMAP) (2), respectively. Complexes 1 and 2 were characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR spectroscopies and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The antioxidant and antibacterial experiments were conducted on complexes 1 and 2. The DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging rate could reach 91.73% and 98.55% when the concentration of complex 2 was 500 and 31.25 mg/mL, respectively. The clearance rate of complex 1 for both free radicals is weaker than 2. When the concentration of 1 was 31.25 mg/mL, the ABTS free radical scavenging rate was 74.60%. The antibacterial test of complexes 1 and 2 showed that the antibacterial circle diameter of complex 1 against Escherichia coli was 10.25 mm, with a MIC value of 12.5 mg/mL, and the antibacterial circle diameter against Staphylococcus aureus was 14.33 mm with a MIC value of 3.12 mg/mL; complex 2 has a diameter of 11.27 mm and a MIC value of 12.5 mg/mL for Escherichia coli, and a diameter of 16.40 mm and a MIC value of 1.56 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus. Co-crystallization of pyridine-containing compounds and CBCR might enhance antioxidant and antibacterial activity.
Computational investigations of potential inhibitors of Monkeypox virus envelope protein E8 through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Das Rohit , Bhattarai Anil , Karn Rohit , Tamang Buddhiman
Published: October 2023

Monkeypox has recently surfaced as a global public health issue, and the virus has spread rapidly worldwide in the post-COVID-19 period. These emerging infections affect human health and hinder the advancement of the socio-economic conditions of the affected countries. There are currently no authorized medications to treat this condition. As a result, this study gap motivates us to seek a viable inhibitor from a natural source. In the present study, some plant-derived compounds and commercialized drugs were investigated using computational approaches to identify the potent monkeypox virus envelope protein E8 inhibitors. Docking analysis revealed that punicalagin has a greater affinity for the target protein (-9.1 kcal/mol) when compared to the control drug maraviroc (-7.4 kcal/mol). The protein-ligand interaction dynamics were computed using 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. MD results demonstrated better stability of punicalagin with the target envelope protein, compared to the control drug maraviroc. This finding was validated by decreased RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA with increased H-bonding in the MPVX E8-punicalagin complex. Thus, we hypothesize that punicalagin may act as a potent inhibitor of monkeypox virus.
Simultaneously enhancing microelastic response and degradability for poly(butylene succinate) composite monofilaments by silanized microcrystalline cellulose
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liao He , Zhang Yue , Zhang Yumei
Published: October 2023

With the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, research on cellulose/bio-based polyester composites has received increasing attention. However, the hydrophilicity of cellulose remains a major factor in its poor interaction with hydrophobic bio-based polyester. To prepare microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composite monofilaments with high cellulose content to suppress the deformation of PBS, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (KH1631) was selected for surface silylation of MCC in a mass ratio of 1:0.5 based on the principle of polarity similarity. The physical-chemical double crosslinking of KH1631 with MCC enhanced the interface bonding of MCC and PBS, so the composite monofilaments with mMCC content up to 35 wt% were prepared by melt spinning. After multi-stage and high-ratio thermal stretching, mMCC/PBS composite monofilaments exhibited uniformly distributed microporous structure, as well as double yield behaviors and microelastic response, indicating that mMCC/PBS composite monofilaments exhibited excellent tensile elasticity, fatigue resistance, and lower residual strains under small deformation (15%). Notably, the addition of 15–35 wt% mMCC increased the degradability of mMCC/PBS composite monofilaments following 100 days of treatment in an aqueous environment and 180 days of burial in soil. Overall, our work has significantly enhanced the compatibility between MCC and PBS without the use of any high-cost modifiers or complex processing methods, and successfully developed mMCC/PBS composite monofilaments that exhibit excellent dimensional stability during use and quick degradation after disposal.
Trends and Forecasts of Industrial Carbon Emission Changes in China's Major Energy Provinces
Authors: Lu Ying , Li Xudong
Published: October 2023

The industrial sector is an important source of carbon emissions. This study took Guizhou Province as an example, and based on the energy balance sheet and national and Guizhou provincial statistical data, the IPCC method was used to measure the industrial carbon emissions of Guizhou Province from 2000 to 2021.The STIRPAT model,ridge regression model and scenario analysis method predicted the industrial carbon emissions in Guizhou province from 2022 to 2060.The results showed that (1) during the period of 2000–2021, the total amount of industrial carbon emissions in Guizhou Province was generally on the rise, and the carbon emission intensity experienced a trend of increasing and then changing; (2) the industrial energy consumption structure in Guizhou Province is dominated by coal and electricity, but the proportion of coal has declined in recent years, and the proportion of electricity has risen with fluctuations; and (3) different scenarios reached peak emissions in 2030–2038. The low-carbon scenario corresponded to the smallest peak, will peak in 2030. The uncontrolled inertia scenario and the energy-saving scenario, with smaller emission reductions, were unable to realize the "dual-carbon" target.
WITHDRAWN: Ciprofol Suppresses Glycolysis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Colorectal Cancer Cells by Activating Adenomatous Polyposis Coli to Modulate the Wnt/β- catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wu Han , Gao Jiening , Wang Yong , Zhang Yao , Jia Li , Li Weijing
Published: October 2023

Propofol, frequently employed as a perioperative anesthetic for patients with colorectal cancer, has been documented to demonstrate anticancer properties. Ciprofol, an innovative anesthetic derived from propofol, showcases unexplored impacts on the viability of colorectal cancer cells. To investigate the impact of ciprofol on glycolysis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer cells and its role in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In vitro experiments were conducted utilizing cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch assays, and Transwell assays to assess the impact of ciprofol on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Downregulation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) expression was utilized to ascertain the potential reversal of ciprofol's inhibitory effects. Lactate and glucose levels were assessed using assay kits in KYSE30 cells. Western blot analysis was employed to assess the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway components, invasion-related proteins, and mRNA in colorectal cancer cells. In vivo experiments involved establishing a xenograft mouse model to verify the effects of ciprofol on HT29 cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ciprofol suppressed the EMT process and glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells. Ciprofol activated APC protein, and downregulation of APC mitigated the inhibitory effects of ciprofol on colorectal cancer cells. Ciprofol suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, downregulated the protein expression of Hexokinase 2 (HK2), Lactate Dehydrogenase A (LDHA), Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and E-cadherin, and upregulated N-cadherin protein expression. In vitro experiments also revealed that ciprofol inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mice, with protein expression changes consistent with in vivo results. Ciprofol suppresses the EMT process and glycolysis in colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, ciprofol may exert its anticancer effects by activating APC to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Highly Stretchable Biobased Poly(butylene succinate) Elastomer Copolymerized with Naphthalate-Monomer-Derived Shape Memory having Self-healing Properties
Authors: Mao Hsu-I , Chang Shih-Hung , Chen Chin-Wen
Published: October 2023

In this study, a series of poly(butylene succinate)-based copolymers containing various quantities of dimethyl 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate (NDC) were synthesized via melt polymerization. The thermal stabilities of the copolymers were maintained, while a slight increment in the stability was observed as the NDC content increased. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray diffraction demonstrated a reduction in the crystallizability of the copolymers with increasing NDC concentration. Unexpectedly, the tensile tests showed significant enhancement of the elongation rate from 122.5 to 2645.0% as the NDC content increased from 0 to 32 mol%. Samples with 28, 30, and 32 mol% NDC showed remarkable abilities with recovery rates above 90% after three test cycles. Moreover, apparent cut mark repairing behaviors were observed under 70°C heating in samples containing 25, 28, and 30 mol% NDC. These results indicate the potential of the copolymers for self-healing and highly stretchable shape memory wound dressing material applications.
Follitropin delta combined with menotropin in patients at risk for poor ovarian response during in vitro fertilization cycles: a prospective controlled clinical study
Authors: Duarte-Filho Oscar , Miyadahira Eduardo , Matsumoto Larissa , Yamakami Lucas , Tomioka Renato , Podgaec Sergio
Published: October 2023

Background
The maximum daily dose of follitropin delta for ovarian stimulation in the first in vitro fertilization cycle is 12 µg (180 IU), according to the algorithm developed by the manufacturer, and based on patient's ovarian reserve and weight. This study aimed to assess whether 150 IU of menotropin combined with follitropin delta improves the response to stimulation in women with serum antimullerian hormone levels less than 2.1 ng/mL.
Methods
This study involved a prospective intervention group of 44 women who received 12 µg of follitropin delta combined with 150 IU of menotropin from the beginning of stimulation and a retrospective control group of 297 women who received 12 µg of follitropin delta alone during the phase 3 study of this drug. The inclusion and exclusion criteria and other treatment and follow-up protocols in the two groups were similar. The pituitary suppression was achieved by administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. Ovulation triggering with human chorionic gonadotropin or GnRH agonist and the option of transferring fresh embryos or using freeze-all strategy were made according to the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Results
Women who received follitropin delta combined with menotropin had higher estradiol levels on trigger day (2,150 pg/mL vs. 1,373 pg/mL, p < 0.001), more blastocysts (3.1 vs. 2.4, p = 0.003) and more top-quality blastocysts (1.8 vs. 1.3, p = 0.017). No difference was observed in pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, and live birth rates after the first embryo transfer. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome did not differ between the groups. However, preventive measures for the syndrome were more frequent in the group using both drugs than in the control group (13.6% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
In women with serum antimullerian hormone levels less than 2.1 ng/mL, the administration of 150 IU of menotropin combined with 12 µg of follitropin delta improved the ovarian response, making it a valid therapeutic option in situations where ovulation triggering with a GnRH agonist and freeze-all embryos strategy can be used routinely.
Trial registration:
U1111-1247-3260 (Brazilian Register of Clinical Trials, available at https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2kmyfm)
Negative capacitance effect using a pure imaginary electric mobility controled by an adiabatic parameter in thin film materials based on Drude model
Authors: NOUPEYI S. D. , JIOTSA A. KENFACK
Published: October 2023

Existence of a pure imaginary mobility of charge carriers in organic polymers materials, precisely the poly p-phenylene vinylene is explored in this work. Indeed, we propose a new model of dynamic equation of particles able to carry electric charges, we introduce a control parameter of the adiabatic evolution combined with a phase difference between the external perturbation of the material and the position of carrier, leading from then on to the non-use of the complex mobility. This model after transformation allowed us to demonstrate the existence of negative capacitance at low and high frequencies in the poly p-phenylene vinylene. Also thanks to this new model, we were able to obtain results in line with the experimental ones, thus confirming the validity of our model.
Teaching quantum mechanics to electrical engineering students
Authors: Bonilla-Licea Moise , E. Moises Bonilla
Published: October 2023

The second quantum revolution is taking place nowadays with quantum computing and quantum communications. This implies the necessity of providing to electrical engineering students, not necessarily physicists, a clear presentation of the quantum theory in the least amount of time. Since the publication of Dirac's book, in 1930, there has been different approaches to introduce quantum mechanics. Nevertheless, they are all based on the assumption of the physics students syllabus, and not on the conventional knowledge of electrical engineering students. For this reason, in the present work it is proposed a presentation, addressed to electrical engineering students, to approach the quantum formalism, by means of matrix algebra and Fourier series, which are familiar topics for electrical engineering students.
MicroRNA‐365 Targets Nrf2 To Enhance Erastin-Induced Ferroptosis In Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Cao Hui , Ding Ming , Zhao Kai
Published: October 2023

Gastric cancer is globally recognized as a significant malignancy and a leading cause of cancer mortality. Ferroptosis, as a new form of regulated cell death, is attracting increasing attention in worldwide. As knows that, MicroRNA-365 (miR-365) has been implicated in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer, but its role in ferroptosis remains elusive. The aim of our study is to clarify how miR-365 regulate ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells. Erastin is regarded as a ferroptosis inducer, our study found that with over-expression of miR-365 mimics also could enhance erastin-induced ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells. Additionally, miR-365 overexpression further upregulated the levels of MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in gastric cancer cells exposed to erastin, while antioxidant GSH levels were further downregulated, suggestive of enhanced lipid oxidation in gastric cancer cells upon erastin treatment through miR-365 overexpression. Notably, Nrf2 participated in the ferroptosis of cancer cells, as its upregulation was observed in gastric cancer cells after erastin exposure. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis has shown that after exposed with erastin, the transcription and translation levels of Nrf2 in SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells was increased. Overexpression of miR-365 in these cells attenuated the induction of Nrf2 by anti-aging drugs. The luciferase reporter assays data providing the evidence that miR-365 could directly target Nrf2. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that MicroRNA-365 could directly targets Nrf2. And its expression enhance ferroptosis induced by erastin in gastric cancer cells. This may provide a new target for therapy of gastric cancer regarding ferroptosis.
The effect of the pericardial patching exclusion technique in Left Atrial Appendage Closure on its postoperative reopening rate
Authors: wang Qinpu , Su Yijing , Zhong Jiajun , Li Jianan , Ren Xinlei , Xuan Junze , Huang Weicong , Wang Jue
Published: October 2023

Background: The left atrial appendage (LAA) is the primary source of cardiogenic embolism in atrial fibrillation patients. Traditional LAA closure methods have shown suboptimal clinical outcomes. In recent years, some surgeons have proposed employing a pericardial slice for suturing the LAA.
Methods: This study included patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent LAA closure during mitral valve surgery at our center between January 2019 and December 2021. There are two types of left atrial appendage closure surgical methods. The transesophageal echocardiogram performed 6 months after surgery will be used to verify the success of left atrial appendage closure. Left atrial appendage closure failure will be defined as reopening of the left atrial appendage or constant blood flow into the left atrial appendage.
Result: Among the 104 patients included (mean age: 65.0 ± 7.58 years, male: 52.50%), a total of 7 patients were found to have reopened left atrial appendage, of which 5 patients belonged to the suture closure group and 2 patients (15.6% vs 2.8%, p=0.047) belonged to the pericardial patch exclusion group.
Conclusions: The pericardial patch exclusion technique is a reliable technique to close the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation, which can effectively reduce the possibility of reopening the left atrial appendage.
Permanent Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Improves Mitral Regurgitation and Cardiac Function in Patients with Right Bundle Branch Block
Authors: Ma Jifang , Hu Juan , Song Weifeng , Chen Ke , Zang Xiaobiao , Zhou You , Wang Xianqing , Zhao Yonghui , Fu Haixia
Published: October 2023

Background
Permanent left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) can correct left bundle branch block. However, the correction of LBBAP in the right bundle branch block (RBBB) is undefined.
Objective
To investigate the effect and safety of permanent LBBAP in patients with RBBB.
Methods
Ninety-two consecutive patients who successfully experienced permanent LBBAP were recruited from May. 2019 to Dec. 2022 in our single center. Twenty patients with RBBB were analyzed in our study. They were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the LBBAP procedure. The QRS duration (QRSd) on the V1 lead of the 12-lead electrocardiogram was measured and compared before and after the LBBAP procedure, as well as left ventricular ejection (LVEF) and mitral regurgitation via echocardiography. The acute pitfills and delayed complications of the LBBAP procedure were recorded to assess safety.
Results
. The mean age of the RBBB patients was 66.35 ± 11.55 years, 60% were male, 75% had severe AVB, 20% had SSS, 25% had heart failure, 30% had atrial fibrillation, 45% had coronary heart diseases, 35% had hypertension, and 15% had diabetes mellitus. The average operation time of the LBBAP procedure was 106.53 ± 2.72 min, with 9 patients (45%) needing temporary cardiac pacing during surgery. QRS duration was significantly narrowed in RBBB patients after the LBBAP procedure (132.60 ± 31.49 vs. 119.55 ± 18.58 ms, P = 0.046). The average LVEF at the 12-month follow-up increased significantly from 55.15 ± 10.84% to 58.5 ± 10.55% (P = 0.018), with the median mitral regurgitation alleviated from 4.46 (0.9, 7.3) to 2.29 (0, 3.49) cm2 (P = 0.033). No ventricular septum perforation or pericardial effusion was found during the LBBAP procedure or follow-up.
Conclusion
LBBAP can shorten the QRS duration in patients with RBBB immediately, with mitral regurgitation and cardiac function improving during the 12-month follow-up.
Floquet stability analysis of a two-layer oscillatory flow near a flexible wall
Authors: Barcenas-Luque Antonio Jose , Coenen Wilfried , Gutiérrez-Montes Cándido , Martínez-Bazán Carlos
Published: October 2023

We investigate the linear Floquet stability of two fluid layers undergoing oscillations in the direction parallel to the flexible wall that separates them. This canonical configuration is inspired by the cerebrospinal fluid flow in the spinal canal of subjects with hydro-/syringomyelia. The analysis focuses on the marginal conditions for the onset of instability, and how these depend on the spatial wavelength of the perturbation, and on the values of the control parameters, which are the two channel widths, the Reynolds number, and the wall stiffness. Unstable perturbations are found to oscillate synchronous with the base flow. The wavelength of the most unstable perturbation, of the order of the stroke length of the basic oscillatory motion, depends strongly on the wall stiffness, but is only weakly influenced by the channel widths and the Reynolds number. In general, around criticality, it was found that increasing the Reynolds number has a destabilizing effect, and that decreasing the canal widths stabilizes the instability. The wall stiffness on the other hand has a non-monotonic effect, exhibiting an intermediate value for which the instability is maximally amplified. The present analysis is a first step towards a better understanding of the physical mechanisms that govern many (bio)fluid mechanical problems that involve oscillatory flows near compliant walls.
Maintenance immunosuppressive therapy in liver transplantation: results from CESIT study, an Italian retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bellini Arianna , Finocchietti Marco , Rosa Alessandro Cesare , Masiero Lucia , Trapani Silvia , Cardillo Massimo , Massari Marco , Alegiani Stefania Spila , Pierobon Silvia , Ferroni Eliana , Zanforlini Martina , Leoni Olivia , Ledda Stefano , Garau Donatella , Davoli Marina , Addis Antonio , Belleudi Valeria
Published: October 2023

Introduction
Post-liver transplantation immunosuppressive therapy typically involves the combination of various drugs: calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus-TAC or cyclosporine-CsA), with the potential addition of mycophenolate-MMF or mTOR inhibitors with/without corticosteroids. This study aimed to investigate the use of immunosuppressive treatments and compare their risk-benefit profiles in clinical practice.
Methods
This retrospective multicenter cohort study integrated data from the national transplant information system and administrative claims data from 4 Italian regions. All adult patients who underwent incident liver transplantation between 2009 and 2019 were identified and categorized into two groups: cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma-HCC. The trend of immunosuppressive treatment over the years was analyzed, and their effectiveness/safety profiles were compared using multivariate Cox models (HR;95%CI).
Results
The study comprised 785 subjects in the cirrhosis cohort and 1,196 in the HCC cohort. Over the study years, there was a decline in the use of CsA, while combination therapy involving TAC with other drugs increased compared to monotherapy. Overall, TAC-monotherapy use was slightly over 40% in both groups, followed by TAC+MMF (39.5%-cirrhosis; 30.6%-HCC) and TAC+mTORi (8.5%-cirrhosis; 13.3%-HCC).
No significant differences emerged in risk-benefit profile of different TAC-based therapies, except for a higher risk of mortality in cirrhosis subjects under TAC-monotherapy compared to TAC+MMF (HR: 2.07;1.17-3.65).
Conclusions
The study highlights a shift over time in post-liver transplant therapeutic patterns, favoring the use of TAC in combination with MMF or mTORi, rather than monotherapy. Moreover, a potential association between TAC-monotherapy and increased mortality in the cirrhosis cohort was identified. Further research is warranted to optimize treatment strategies for liver transplant recipients.
Comparative genomics of the Neodiprion sertifer nucleopolyhedrovirus from Turkey with the fewest ORFs among baculoviruses
Authors: DOĞAN Özgül , BUDAK Mahir , SALMAN Melissa Şafak , KORKMAZ Ertan Mahir
Published: October 2023

The complete genome of the European pine sawfly Neodiprion sertifer nucleopolyhedrovirus was sequenced and characterized from next-generation sequencing data of the N. sertifer larva from Turkiye. This genome was comparatively analysed by previously reported genomes baculoviruses. The baculovirus phylogeny was reconstructed and the species boundary of the NeseNPV-TR was delineated using K2P distance. The length of the genome was 82,052 bp, with a G + C content of 33.28%. It contained 82 putative ORFs, including 33 baculovirus core genes, three lepidopteran baculovirus core genes, three non-conserved genes. It had five hrs with 20.6% overall mean distance on average. The pairwise K2P distances of lef-9 and polh genes were lower than the specified threshold value, while those of lef-8, combinations of three genes and 33 genes were slightly higher between NeseNPV-TR and NeseNPV. The most variable genes were lef-2, helicase, p40, desmoplakin, p6.9, vp91 and vp39, while the most conserved were lef-8, lef-9, odv-e18, pif2 and lef-5 among baculoviruses. The genome of NeseNPV-TR is smaller and contains the fewest ORFs among baculoviruses. Some of unassigned ORFs had conserved domains and hence, we suggest further investigation to determine their structural and functional roles. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed its position within Gammabaculovirus. The NeseNPV-TR can be considered as the same species with NeseNPV. The different divergence rates in the baculovirus core genes may be related with different selection pressures acting on the genes. The lower genetic diversity of Group I alphabaculoviruses is most probably due to recent emergence.