bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recidiva de los cánceres superficiales de vejiga posterior a quimioterapia intravesical con doxorrubicina
Authors: Pardina Salazar Ronald
Published: August 2023

Introducción: El cáncer de vejiga es una enfermedad de gran prevalencia, siendo su mayor problema la tendencia a la recidiva y a la progresión. Para disminuir en lo posible esta recidiva y progresión se han utilizado muchos quimioterapéuticos intravesicales aplicados a lo largo de meses tras la resección transuretral de vejiga con resultados desiguales. La doxorrubicina es un antibiótico antraciclino con actividad antitumoral producido por Streptococcus peucetius var. caesius. Tiene la capacidad de intercalarse con el DNA, afecta muchas de sus funciones e inhibe la síntesis de DNA y RNA, que por vía intravesical actúa evitando la implantación de células tumorales circulantes.

Metodología: El estudio será de tipo observacional descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal, comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 2018 y el 31 de enero de 2021 y desarrollado en el Servicio de Urología del Hospital Teodoro Maldonado Carbo.

Resultados: Fueron 148 casos analizados. La especificidad del índice fue de 81 %, con un valor predictivo (VP) positivo del 77 % y VP negativo de 68 %. La sensibilidad de la ascitis 85 % y la masa abdominal palpable del 79 %. En las pacientes que presentaron valores de antígeno CA-125 menor a 1000 U/ml, el riesgo de obtener una citorreducción óptima fue OR: 0.15 (IC95%  0.069 – 0.307; P: 0.0001); las pacientes que presentaron valores del índice de irresecabilidad entre 1 y 2 puntos versus 3 y 4  fue de OR: 7.04 (IC95% 3.33 -14.87, P: 0.0001).

Conclusiones: el cáncer de vejiga es una enfermedad prevalente que presenta desafíos significativos debido a su propensión a la recidiva y progresión. Para abordar este problema, se han utilizado diversos quimioterapéuticos intravesicales después de la resección transuretral de vejiga, aunque con resultados variables. La doxorrubicina, un antibiótico antraciclino con propiedades antitumorales, ha demostrado la capacidad de interferir con el ADN y el ARN, lo que la convierte en una opción valiosa para prevenir la implantación de células tumorales circulantes cuando se administra por vía intravesical.
Disriminative Policy of The Prohibition To Hold Land Ownership For Chinese -Indonesian In Yogyakarta
Authors: Wasisto Muhammad Adiz
Published: August 2023

Chinese-Indonesians who live in Yogyakarta can no longer possess land ownership legally since the Instructions of the Head of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Number K.898 Year 1975 came into effect. Surprisingly, the discrimination finds its root even before the creation of the nation state of Indonesia. Dutch colonial government is the first authority to initiate such discriminative policy to attenuate Chinese, Arabs, and Indians economic influence in the region and monopolize economic assets above the land. This ethnocentric legal norm permeates and continues its influence in Yogyakarta until now. This paper demonstrates that the instruction as the legal basis in prohibiting Chinese-Indonesians to enjoy land ownership is discriminative. Thus, it is against the legal norms that are applicable in Indonesia. Indonesian legal system treats its citizen equally and does not endorse an ethno-nationalist view that discriminate particular ethnicities. In addition, this paper demonstrates that the instruction cannot be classified as a law, according to legal procedure in Indonesia, therefore renders it unlawful. Lastly, this paper also demonstrates that the instruction is ineffective to serve its purpose because there are many legal loopholes and practices that can avoid its provision.
Carrot or stick? A study on “bid-rigging norms” by simulation: inducing factors and deterring measures
Authors: Morofuji Hideyuki , Kurahashi Setsuya
Published: August 2023

This study aims to analyze the structure of the emergence and maintenance of the cartel mechanism as an informal organization and the measures to deter bid-rigging. We propose an agent-based bid-rigging norms model and validate it with a mathematical model. We clarify that the auction system primarily used in public procurements has a structure inducing bid-rigging in which meta-norms are unnecessary. We also show that punishment for deviation from bid-rigging plays a critical role in establishing and maintaining it. In addition, we explore the authorities' actions to deter bid-rigging by examining three measures: the flexible setting of reserve prices, the administrative surcharge and leniency system under the Antimonopoly Law, and applying the bid-rigging offense under the Criminal Law. As a result, the study reveals that the administrative surcharge and the leniency system are insufficient to deter bid-rigging, and the adequate measures are the flexible setting of reserve prices and applying the bid-rigging offense. Furthermore, the simultaneous implementation of these three measures more effectively enables deterring bid-rigging.
A critical assessment of the Candida strains isolated from cigar tobacco leaves
Authors: Jia Yun , Zhou Wen , Yang Zhen , Zhou Quanwei , Wang Yue , Liu Yi , Jia Yuhong , Li Dongliang
Published: August 2023

Introduction:Candida genus plays a crucial role in cigar fermentation, and strains from different sources might have differences in metabolic characteristics. Therefore, this study conducted directional isolation of Candida strains from cigar tobacco leaves and compared their fermentabilities to screen suitable strains for cigar fermentation, thereby improving the cigar quality.

Methods: First, the Candida strains from cigars tobacco leaves in different production areas were directionally isolated by pure culture. Then, the isolated strains were screened based on chemical indexes and flavor component contents. Finally, the fermentabilities of preferred strains were verified by sensory evaluation.

Results: Five strains of C. parapsilosis and four strains of C. metapsilosis were obtained through directional isolation. By comparing the physicochemical indexes of nine strains of Candida, it was found that C. parapsilosis P1 and C. metapsilosis M4 not only reduced the alkaloids content (by 25.3% and 32.6%, respectively) but also increased the flavor components content (by 25.2% and 18.9%, respectively). Among them, P1 could raise the content of chlorophyll degradation products, carotenoid degradation products, and Maillard reaction products, and enhance the beany and nutty flavor of cigars. M4 could raise the content of chlorophyll degradation products, cembranoids degradation products, and Maillard reaction products, and improve the baking, nutty, cocoa, and honey flavor of the cigar.

Discussion: In this study, the Candida strains were directionally isolated from cigars tobacco leaves in different production areas, and two functional strains suitable for cigar fermentation were screened based on physicochemical indexes and sensory evaluation, which would contribute to the directed regulation of cigar quality and flavor diversification.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis characterized by abnormal elevation of Lactobacillus in patients with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy
Authors: Liang Xiuping , Li Yanhong , Cheng Lu , Wu Yinlan , Wu Tong , Wen Ji , Huang Deying , Liao Zehui , Tan Chunyu , Luo Yubin , Liu Yi
Published: August 2023

Aim

The gut microbiota plays an important role in human health. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether and how gut microbiota communities are altered in patients with immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) and provide new ideas to further explore the pathogenesis of IMNM or screen for its clinical therapeutic targets in the future.

Methods

The gut microbiota collected from 19 IMNM patients and 23 healthy controls (HCs) were examined by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Alpha and beta-diversity analyses were applied to examine the bacterial diversity and community structure. Welch’s t test was performed to identify the significantly abundant taxa of bacteria between the two groups. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between gut microbiota and clinical indicators. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to reflect the sensitivity and specificity of microbial biomarker prediction of IMNM disease. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Nineteen IMNM patients and 23 HCs were included in the analysis. Among IMNM patients, 94.74% (18/19) of them used glucocorticoids, while 57.89% (11/19) of them used disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and the disease was accessed by MITAX (18.26 ± 8.62) and MYOACT (20.68 ± 8.65) scores. Participants in the groups were matched for gender and age. The diversity of the gut microbiota of IMNM patients differed and decreased compared to that of HCs (Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson indexes: p < 0.05). In IMNM patients, the relative abundances of Bacteroides, Roseburia, and Coprococcus were decreased, while that of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus were relatively increased. Furthermore, in IMNM patients, Lactobacillus was positively correlated with the levels of anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) antibodies, anti-Ro52 antibodies, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), while Streptococcus was positively correlated with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) antibodies and C-reactive protein (CRP). Roseburia was negatively correlated with myoglobin (MYO), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), ESR, CRP, and the occurrence of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Bacteroides was negatively correlated with ESR and CRP, and Coprococcus was negatively correlated with ESR. Finally, the prediction model was built using the top five differential genera, which was verified using a ROC curve (area under the curve (AUC): 87%, 95% confidence interval: 73%–100%).

Conclusion

We observed a characteristic compositional change in the gut microbiota with an abnormal elevation of Lactobacillus in IMNM patients, which was accompanied by changes in clinical indicators. This suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis occurs in IMNM patients and is correlated with systemic autoimmune features.
The extent, perceived causes and impacts of land use and land cover change in Tyhume Valley, South Africa
Authors: Masiza Wonga , Hamandawana Hamisai , Chirima Johannes George , Khoboko Pitso , Parkies Nombuso
Published: August 2023

There is limited knowledge on how people living in communal areas perceive land use and land cover (LULC) change and the impacts it has on sustainable access to essential ecosystem goods and services. This study used seven wet season Landsat images covering 1989 to 2019 and the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm to map LULC in Tyhume Valley, South Africa. Analyses of trends in LULC and long-term changes in rainfall over the same period were based on the Mann Kendall (MK) statistical technique. Perceptions on the causes and impacts of the observed trends were solicited from 102 respondents and summarized through frequency analysis. Major trends that emerged from image-based analysis include the expansion of Vachellia karroo by 25% (τ = 0.98; p = 0.004), decrease in pastureland by 18% (τ = –0.90, p = 0.007), decrease in cropland by 9.6% (τ = –0.90, p = 0.007), decrease in surface water by 1.1% (-0.90, p = 0.007), and increase in built-up area by 2.5% (τ = 1.00, p = 0.003). Perceived causes of these trends include the eradication of land access control systems, poor management of surface water, lack of farmer support programs, and 14 years of negative rainfall anomalies. The impacts of these changes include long-distance trekking of animals to pastures and watering points, increased livestock malnutrition and mortality, decline of medicinal and culturally significant trees, increased purchasing of stock feed, increased unemployment, and consumption of unhealthy food. The study concludes by highlighting the need to accommodate local perceptions in the formulation of policies and practices for sustainable use of ecosystem services.
Angiotensin II modulates THP-1-like macrophage phenotype and inflammatory signatures via angiotensin II type 1 receptor
Authors: Barhoumi Tlili , Mansour Fatmah A. , Jalouli Maroua , Alamri Hassan S. , Ali Rizwan , Harrath Abdel Halim , Aljumaa Maha , Boudjelal Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a major component of the renin–angiotensin or renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, which is the main element found to be involved in cardiopathology. Recently, long-term metabolomics studies have linked high levels of angiotensin plasma to inflammatory conditions such as coronary heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Monocyte/macrophage cellular function and phenotype orchestrate the inflammatory response in various pathological conditions, most notably cardiometabolic disease. An activation of the Ang II system is usually associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease; however, the direct effect on monocyte/macrophages has still not been well elucidated. Herein, we have evaluated the cellular effects of Ang II on THP-1-derived macrophages. Ang II stimulated the expression of markers involved in monocyte/macrophage cell differentiation (e.g., CD116), as well as adhesion, cell–cell interaction, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis (CD15, CD44, CD33, and CD49F). Yet, Ang II increased the expression of proinflammatory markers (HLA-DR, TNF-α, CD64, CD11c, and CD38) and decreased CD206 (mannose receptor), an M2 marker. Moreover, Ang II induced cytosolic calcium overload, increased reactive oxygen species, and arrested cells in the G1 phase. Most of these effects were induced via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Collectively, our results provide new evidence in support of the effect of Ang II in inflammation associated with cardiometabolic diseases.
Assessment of pulmonary artery stiffness by multiparametric cardiac magnetic resonance-surrogate for right heart catheterization
Authors: Körperich Hermann , Eckstein Jan , Atito Medhat , Barth Peter , Laser Kai Thorsten , Burchert Wolfgang , Weber Oliver M. , Stehning Christian , Piran Misagh
Published: August 2023

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging allows for multiparametric assessment of healthy pulmonary artery (PA) hemodynamics. Gender- and aging-associated PA stiffness and pressure alterations have remained clinically unestablished, however may demonstrate epidemiological differences in disease development. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of CMR as a surrogate for catheter examinations by providing a comprehensive CMR assessment of sex- and age-related reference values for PA stiffness, flow, and pressure.

Methods and Results

PA hemodynamics were studied between gender and age groups (>/<50 years) using phase-contrast CMR. Corresponding correlation analyses were performed. 179 healthy volunteers with a median age of 32.6 years (range 11.3–68.2) were examined. Males demonstrated increased PA compliance (median [interquartile range] or mean ± standard deviation) (20.8 mm2/mmHg [16.6; 25.8] vs. 19.2 ± 7.1 mm2/mmHg; P < 0.033), higher pulse wave velocity (2.00 m/s [1.35; 2.87] vs. 1.73 m/s [1.19; 2.34]; P = 0.018) and a reduced full width half maximum (FWHM) (219 ± 22 ms vs. 235 ± 23 ms; P < 0.001) than females. Mean, systolic, diastolic PA pressure and pulmonary proportional pulse pressure were significantly elevated for males compared to females (P < 0.001). Older subjects (>50 years) exhibited reduced PA elasticity (41.7% [31.0; 52.9] vs. 66.4% [47.7; 83.0]; P < 0.001), reduced PA compliance (15.4 mm2/mmHg [12.3; 20.7] vs. 21.3 ± 6.8 mm2/mmHg; P < 0.001), higher pulse wave velocity (2.59 m/s [1.57; 3.59] vs. 1.76 m/s [1.24; 2.34]; P < 0.001) and a reduced FWHM (218 ± 29 ms vs. 231 ± 21 ms; P < 0.001) than younger subjects.

Conclusions

Velocity-time profiles are dependent on age and gender. PA stiffness indices deteriorate with age. CMR has potential to serve as a surrogate for right heart catheterization.
Hunting paleoceanographic archives of ice sheet-ocean interaction in the northwestern Ross Sea, Antarctica
Authors: Kim Sookwan , De Santis Laura , Hong Jong Kuk , Colizza Ester , Kim Sunghan , Bergamasco Andrea , Lee Sang-Hoon , Kang Seung-Goo , Lee Min Kyung , Kim Hyoungjun , Choi Yeonjin , Geniram Andrea , Choi Hyoung Gyu , Lee Jae Il , Yoo Kyu-Cheul , Park Yongcheol
Published: August 2023

The analysis of sedimentary deposits influenced by bottom currents in glaciated continental margins provides crucial insights into paleo-depositional and oceanographic conditions. These reconstructions enable the assessment of interactions between advance and retreat of grounded ice sheets and past ocean circulation patterns. However, questions regarding these interactions and their specific mechanisms remain largely unanswered due to a lack of data in this remote area. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis by integrating marine geophysical data, surficial sediment cores, oceanographic measurements, and ocean circulation models. Our aim was to understand spatial and temporal variations in sedimentary and oceanographic conditions during the past glacial and interglacial periods in combination with the long-term stratigraphic evolution. By integrating and cross-referencing diverse datasets, we were able to infer how bottom-current-controlled deposits (i.e., contourites) developed along the western bathymetric high of the Central Basin in the northwestern Ross Sea margin, Antarctica. Contouritic deposits lying over and along the flanks of bathymetric highs were identified through their mound-shaped external geometry and acoustically stratified facies, characterized by reflectors pinching toward the moat. Acoustic facies and multi-beam backscatter results, in conjunction with sedimentary core data, revealed contrasting patterns. Bathymetric highs exhibited thin (<10 m thick) coarser-grained sedimentary layers with higher backscatter, while the lower slope and rise displayed thick (>10 m thick), finer-grained stratified sediments with lower backscatter. These findings indicate that seabed winnowing occurred by strong bottom current during past glacial periods as supported by sedimentological analysis. The pathways of the westward-deflected dense shelf water outflow and the westward-flowing along-slope current, as simulated by oceanographic models, explain the distinctive development of contourites influenced by bottom-current processes. Moreover, the large accumulations of sediment in the contourites, resulting from bathymetric barriers in the north of the Central Basin, may contribute to submarine slope failures.
The science of citizen science: a systematic literature review on educational and scientific outcomes
Authors: Finger Lena , van den Bogaert Vanessa , Schmidt Laura , Fleischer Jens , Stadtler Marc , Sommer Katrin , Wirth Joachim
Published: August 2023

Citizen Science is an ever-growing field of public engagement with science, and recent years have seen an increasing number of studies examining its potential. This study reviews this research to determine the educational and scientific outcomes of Citizen Science. A literature search produced 1,240 articles that were subsequently coded according to their main focus. Articles fell into one of three main categories: (a) empirical scientific articles, (b) narrative project descriptions, and (c) theoretical and technical conceptualizations. Hundred and forty-eight studies investigated educational outcomes of participation in Citizen Science such as effects on interest in science or motivation. These studies were examined further to assess the achievement of educational outcomes of Citizen Science. In terms of changing epistemological beliefs, for example, Citizen Science seems to have little effect. Overall, there is currently a lack of empirical studies to assess the educational outcomes comprehensively. In contrast, many empirical scientific articles answered research questions in different scientific disciplines based on Citizen Science data and many studies confirmed a high level of Citizen Science data quality providing information on the scientific outcomes. Implications for future research on Citizen Science are discussed.
TOETVA parathyroid autofluorescence detection: hANDY-i endoscopy attachment
Authors: Seo Stefanie , Ali Khalid Mohamed , Wolfe Samantha A. , Nagururu Nimesh V. , Ding Andy S. , Desai Dipan , Harbison R. Alex , Kim Yoseph , Ning Bo , Cha Richard Jaepyeong , Russell Jonathon O.
Published: August 2023

Background

Treatment options for thyroid pathologies have expanded to include scarless and remote access methods such as the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA). Currently, no standardized methods exist for locating parathyroid glands (PGs) in patients undergoing TOETVA, which can lead to parathyroid injury and subsequent hypocalcemia. This early feasibility study describes and evaluates the hANDY-i endoscopic attachment for detecting PGs in transoral thyroidectomy.

Methods

We used a prototype parathyroid autofluorescence imager (hANDY-i) that was mounted to a 10-mm 0-degree endoscope. The device delivers a split screen view of Red-green-blue (RGB) and near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) which allows for simultaneous anatomical localization and fluorescence visualization of PGs during endoscopic thyroid dissection.

Results

One cadaveric case and two patient cases were included in this study. The endoscopic hANDY-i imaging system successfully visualized PGs during all procedures.

Conclusion

The ability to leverage parathyroid autofluorescence during TOETVA may lead to improved PG localization and preservation. Further human studies are needed to assess its effect on postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.
Automated detection and detection range of primate duets: a case study of the red titi monkey (Plecturocebus discolor) using passive acoustic monitoring
Authors: van Kuijk Silvy M. , O’Brien Sun , Clink Dena J. , Blake John G. , Di Fiore Anthony
Published: August 2023

Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) – an approach that uses autonomous acoustic recording units (ARUs) – can provide insights into the behavior of cryptic or endangered species that produce loud calls. However, extracting useful information from PAM data often requires substantial human effort, along with effective estimates of the detection range of the acoustic units, which can be challenging to obtain. We studied the duetting behavior of pair-living red titi monkeys (Plecturocebus discolor) using PAM coupled with an open-source automated detection tool. Using data on spontaneous duetting by one titi pair, combined with recordings from two Song Meter SM2 ARUs placed within their home range, we estimated that the average source level of titi duets was ~105 dB re 20 μPa at 1 m with an attenuation rate of 8 dB per doubling of distance, and we determined that the detection radius for manual annotation of duets in audio recordings was at least 125 to 200 m, depending on the approach used. We also used a supervised template-based detection algorithm (binary point matching) to evaluate the efficacy of automated detection for titi duets in audio recordings using linear arrays of ARUs within a ~2 km2 area. We used seven titi duet templates and a set of “off-target” howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) templates to reduce false positive results. For duets with a signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio > 10 dB (corresponding to a detection radius of ~125 m) our detection approach had a recall (the number of all duets that are correctly detected) of 1.0. Performance decreased when including duets with a lower SNR (recall = 0.71, precision = 0.75). The fact that multiple lines of evidence suggest an effective detection radius of 125 to 200 m for titi duets across upland terra firme and seasonally flooded forest lends support to our findings. We suggest that PAM studies of other cryptic but vocally active species would benefit from following similar experimental and analytic procedures to determine an ARU’s effective detection radius and to improve the performance of automated detection algorithms.
SNDVI: a new scalable serverless framework to compute NDVI
Authors: Iacono Lucas , Pacios David , Vázquez-Poletti Jose Luis
Published: August 2023

Farmers and agronomists require crop health metrics to monitor plantations and detect problems like diseases or droughts at an early stage. This enables them to implement measures to address crop problems. The use of multispectral images and cloud computing is conducive to obtaining such metrics. Drones and satellites capture extensive multispectral image datasets, while the cloud facilitates the storage of these images and provides execution services for extracting crop health metrics, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The use of the Cloud to compute NDVI poses new research challenges, such as determining which cloud technology offers the optimal balance of execution time and monetary cost. In this article, we present Serverless NDVI (SNDVI), a new framework based on serverless computing for NDVI computation. The objective of SNDVI is to minimize the monetary costs and computing times associated with using a Public Cloud while processing NDVI from large datasets. One of SNDVI's key contributions is to crop the dataset into subsegments to leverage Lambda's ability to run up to 1,000 NDVI computing functions in parallel on each subsegment. We deployed SNDVI using Amazon Lambda and conducted two experiments to analyze and validate its performance. Both experiments focused on two key metrics: (i) execution time and (ii) monetary costs. The first experiment involved executing SNDVI to extract NDVI from a multispectral dataset. The objective was to evaluate the overall SNDVI functionality, assess its performance, and verify the quality of SNDVI output. In the second experiment, we conducted a benchmarking analysis comparing SNDVI with an EC2-based NDVI computing architecture. Results from the first experiment demonstrated that the processing times for the entire SNDVI execution ranged from 9 to 15 seconds, with a total cost (including storage) of 4.19 USD. Results from the second experiment revealed that the monetary costs of EC2 and Lambda were similar, but the computing time for SNDVI was 411 times faster than the EC2 architecture. In conclusion, the investigation reported in this paper demonstrates that SNDVI successfully achieves its goals and that Serverless Computing presents a promising native serverless alternative to traditional cloud services for NDVI computation.
Skin infiltrating NK cells in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma are increased in number and display phenotypic alterations partially driven by the tumor
Authors: Scheffschick Andrea , Nenonen Julia , Xiang Mengmeng , Winther Anna H. , Ehrström Marcus , Wahren-Herlenius Marie , Eidsmo Liv , Brauner Hanna
Published: August 2023

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are characterized by focal infiltration of malignant T cell clones in solitary skin lesions. Many CTCL patients experience an indolent disease, but some progress to advanced disease with high fatality. We hypothesized that natural killer (NK) cells participate in local control of tumor growth in CTCL skin. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis of the density, localization, phenotype and function of NK cells in twenty-nine fresh or formalin-fixed skin biopsies from twenty-four CTCL patients and twenty-three biopsies from twenty healthy controls highlighted higher numbers of CD56+CD3- NK cells in CTCL skin. A reduced fraction of CTCL skin NK cells expressed the maturation marker CD57, the cytotoxic protein granzyme B and the activation marker CD69, indicating reduced tumor-killing abilities of the NK cells. Retained expression of immune checkpoint proteins or inhibitory proteins including PD1, TIM3, LAG3, CD73 and NKG2A and the activating receptors CD16 and NKp46 indicated maintained effector functions. Indeed, the capacity of NK cells to produce anti-tumor acting IFNγ upon PMA+ionomycin stimulation was similar in cells from CTCL and healthy skin. Co-cultures of primary human NK cells or the NK cell line NKL with CTCL cells resulted in reduced levels of granzyme B and CD69, indicating that close cellular interactions with CTCL cells induced the impaired functional NK cell phenotype. In conclusion, increased numbers of NK cells in CTCL skin exhibit a partially impaired phenotype in terms of activity. Enhancing NK cell activity with NK cell activating cytokines such as IL-15 or immune checkpoint blockade therefore represents a potential immunotherapeutic approach in CTCL.
Proposal for the identification of residual stresses after turning and hardening of bearing steel
Authors: Šafář Marek , Valíček Jan , Harničárová Marta , Šajgalík Michal , Tozan Hakan , Kušnerová Milena , Drbúl Mário , Kadnár Milan , Czán Andrej
Published: August 2023

Residual stresses are defined as the stresses that occur in the material without the application of an external load. Their occurrence is related to the technology of production and treatment of the material. This article proposes the identification of residual stresses in a steel material for bearing production, specifically 100Cr6 (1.3505) material. The identification consists in measuring the material by X-ray diffraction method, for which the Proto iXRD mobile diffractometer was chosen. The first measurement was carried out on turned bearing rings and a subsequent second measurement was carried out on the same rings after heat treatment, namely quenching and tempering. This article also proposes a measurement methodology for the bearing rings, where each ring is measured in 6 positions rotated 60° with respect to each other. The measurement results are compared with the individual manufacturing operations, i.e. turning and heat treatment. The results clearly show the expected increase in residual stresses after turning and subsequent decrease after heat treatment. The technological parameters of turning fundamentally influence the residual stresses and thus also affect the quality of the product in subsequent production operations.
Does invasive acupuncture improve postoperative ileus after colorectal cancer surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiaohu , Si Shangkun , Liu Xin , Liu Jingxuan , Zhang Dongbin , Mu Yuejun , Hou Aihua
Published: August 2023

Background

Postoperative ileus (POI) is one of the main complications after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, and there is still a lack of effective treatment. At present, the evidence for improvement of POI by invasive acupuncture (manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture, IA) is limited. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to systematically review and evaluate the effect of IA in improving POI after CRC surgery.

Methods

This meta-analysis was reported according to PRISMA statement and AMSTAR guidelines. The retrieval time was from the inception to February 2023. The RCTs were screened by searching the databases (PubMed, Ovid, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Sinomed Database, and WANFANG). Two independent investigators screened and extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias, and performed statistical analysis. The statistical analysis was carried out by RevMan5.3. The PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews received this research for registration (CRD42023387700).

Results

Thirteen studies with 795 patients were included. In the primary outcome indicators: the IA group had shorter time to the first flauts [stand mean difference (SMD), −0.57; 95% CI, −0.73 to −0.41, p < 0.00001], shorter time to the first defecation [mean difference (MD), −4.92 h, 95% CI −8.10 to −1.74 h, p = 0.002] than the blank/sham stimulation (B/S) group. In the secondary outcome indicators: the IA group had shorter time to the first bowel motion (MD, −6.62 h, 95% CI −8.73 to −4.50 h, p < 0.00001), shorter length of hospital (SMD, −0.40, 95% CI −0.60 to −0.21, p < 0.0001) than the B/S group. In terms of the subgroup analysis: IA associated with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) group had shorter time to the first flauts (MD, −6.41 h, 95% CI −9.34 to −3.49 h, p < 0.0001), shorter time to the first defacation (MD, −6.02 h, 95% CI −9.28 to −2.77 h, p = 0.0003) than ERAS group.

Conclusion

Invasive acupuncture (IA) after CRC surgery, acupuncture or electricacupuncture with a fixed number of times and duration at therapeutic acupoints, can promote the recovery of POI. IA combined with ERAS is better than simple ERAS in improving POI.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=387700, identifier CRD42023387700.
Genome-wide identification of the opsin protein in Leptosphaeria maculans and comparison with other fungi (pathogens of Brassica napus)
Authors: Mohri Marzieh , Moghadam Ali , Burketova Lenka , Ryšánek Pavel
Published: August 2023

The largest family of transmembrane receptors are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors respond to perceived environmental signals and infect their host plants. Family A of the GPCR includes opsin. However, there is little known about the roles of GPCRs in phytopathogenic fungi. We studied opsin in Leptosphaeria maculans, an important pathogen of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) that causes blackleg disease, and compared it with six other fungal pathogens of oilseed rape. A phylogenetic tree analysis of 31 isoforms of the opsin protein showed six major groups and six subgroups. All three opsin isoforms of L. maculans are grouped in the same clade in the phylogenetic tree. Physicochemical analysis revealed that all studied opsin proteins are stable and hydrophobic. Subcellular localization revealed that most isoforms were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane except for several isoforms in Verticillium species, which were localized in the mitochondrial membrane. Most isoforms comprise two conserved domains. One conserved motif was observed across all isoforms, consisting of the BACTERIAL_OPSIN_1 domain, which has been hypothesized to have an identical sensory function. Most studied isoforms showed seven transmembrane helices, except for one isoform of V. longisporum and four isoforms of Fusarium oxysporum. Tertiary structure prediction displayed a conformational change in four isoforms of F. oxysporum that presumed differences in binding to other proteins and sensing signals, thereby resulting in various pathogenicity strategies. Protein–protein interactions and binding site analyses demonstrated a variety of numbers of ligands and pockets across all isoforms, ranging between 0 and 13 ligands and 4 and 10 pockets. According to the phylogenetic analysis in this study and considerable physiochemically and structurally differences of opsin proteins among all studied fungi hypothesized that this protein acts in the pathogenicity, growth, sporulation, and mating of these fungi differently.
Neuroimaging markers of Alice in Wonderland syndrome in patients with migraine with aura
Authors: Mastria Giulio , Mancini Valentina , Viganò Alessandro , Piervincenzi Claudia , Petsas Nikolaos , Puma Marta , Giannì Costanza , Pantano Patrizia , Di Piero Vittorio
Published: August 2023

Background

The Alice in Wonderland syndrome (AIWS) is a transient neurological disturbance characterized by sensory distortions most frequently associated with migraine in adults. Some lines of evidence suggest that AIWS and migraine might share common pathophysiological mechanisms, therefore we set out to investigate the common and distinct neurophysiological alterations associated with these conditions in migraineurs.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study acquiring resting-state fMRI data from 12 migraine patients with AIWS, 12 patients with migraine with typical aura (MA) and 24 age-matched healthy controls (HC). We then compared the interictal thalamic seed-to-voxel and ROI-to-ROI cortico-cortical resting-state functional connectivity between the 3 groups.

Results

We found a common pattern of altered thalamic connectivity in MA and AIWS, compared to HC, with more profound and diffuse alterations observed in AIWS. The ROI-to-ROI functional connectivity analysis highlighted an increased connectivity between a lateral occipital region corresponding to area V3 and the posterior part of the superior temporal sulcus (STS) in AIWS, compared to both MA and HC.

Conclusion

The posterior STS is a multisensory integration area, while area V3 is considered the starting point of the cortical spreading depression (CSD), the neural correlate of migraine aura. This interictal hyperconnectivity might increase the probability of the CSD to directly diffuse to the posterior STS or deactivating it, causing the AIWS symptoms during the ictal phase. Taken together, these results suggest that AIWS in migraineurs might be a form of complex migraine aura, characterized by the involvement of associative and multisensory integration areas.
Exploring the impact of ketogenic diet on multiple sclerosis: obesity, anxiety, depression, and the glutamate system
Authors: Ortí Jose Enrique de la Rubia , Cuerda-Ballester María , Sanchis-Sanchis Claudia Emmanuela , Lajara Romance Jose María , Navarro-Illana Esther , García Pardo María Pilar
Published: August 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disorder. Individuals with MS frequently present symptoms such as functional disability, obesity, and anxiety and depression. Axonal demyelination can be observed and implies alterations in mitochondrial activity and increased inflammation associated with disruptions in glutamate neurotransmitter activity. In this context, the ketogenic diet (KD), which promotes the production of ketone bodies in the blood [mainly β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB)], is a non-pharmacological therapeutic alternative that has shown promising results in peripheral obesity reduction and central inflammation reduction. However, the association of this type of diet with emotional symptoms through the modulation of glutamate activity in MS individuals remains unknown.

Aim

To provide an update on the topic and discuss the potential impact of KD on anxiety and depression through the modulation of glutamate activity in subjects with MS.

Discussion

The main findings suggest that the KD, as a source of ketone bodies in the blood, improves glutamate activity by reducing obesity, which is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, promoting central inflammation (particularly through an increase in interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17). This improvement would imply a decrease in extrasynaptic glutamate activity, which has been linked to functional disability and the presence of emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Descriptive review of current practices and prognostic factors in patients with ovarian cancer treated by pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC): a multicentric, retrospective, cohort of 234 patients
Authors: Kefleyesus Amaniel , Bhatt Aditi , Escayola Cecilia , Khomyakov Vladimir , Hübner Martin , Reymond Marc A. , Thieme René , Sgarbura Olivia , Willaert Wouter , Ceelen Wim , Di Giorgio Andrea , Vizzielli Giuseppe , Glehen Olivier , Robella Manuela , Bakrin Naoual
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the primary cause of mortality in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer. Our study assessed pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) as treatment for peritoneal surface metastases (PSM) from recurrent or progressive OC and conducted survival analyses to identify prognostic factors.

Material and methods

This retrospective cohort study, conducted across 18 international centers, analyzed the clinical practices of patients receiving palliative treatment for PSM from OC who underwent PIPAC. All patients were initially treated appropriately outside any clinical trial setting. Feasibility, safety, and morbidity were evaluated along with objective endpoints of oncological response. Multivariate analysis identified prognostic factors for OS and PFS.

Results

From 2015-2020, 234 consecutive patients were studied, from which 192 patients were included and stratified by platinum sensitivity for analysis. Patients with early recurrence, within one postoperative month, were excluded. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups regarding platinum sensitivity (platinum sensitive (PS) and resistant (PR)), but chemotherapy frequency differed, as did PCI before PIPAC. Median PCI decreased in both groups after three cycles of PIPAC (PS 16 vs. 12, p < 0.001; PR 24 vs. 20, p = 0.009). Overall morbidity was 22%, with few severe complications (4-8%) or mortality (0-3%). Higher pathological response and longer OS (22 vs. 11m, p = 0.012) and PFS (12 vs. 7m, p = 0.033) were observed in the PS group. Multivariate analysis (OS/PFS) identified ascites (HR 4.02, p < 0.001/5.22, p < 0.001), positive cytology at first PIPAC (HR 3.91, p = 0.002/1.96, p = 0.035), and ≥ 3 PIPACs (HR 0.30, p = 0.002/0.48, p = 0.017) as independent prognostic factors of overall survival/progression-free survival.

Conclusions

With low morbidity and mortality rates, PIPAC is a safe option for palliative treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Promising results were observed after 3 PIPAC, which did improve the peritoneal burden. However, further research is needed to evaluate the potential role of PIPAC as an independent prognostic factor.
Research progress of nanovaccine in anti-tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Yao Min , Liu Xiyu , Qian Zhangbo , Fan Dianfa , Sun Xinjun , Zhong Liping , Wu Pan
Published: August 2023

Tumor vaccines aim to activate dormant or unresponsive tumor-specific T lymphocytes by using tumor-specific or tumor-associated antigens, thus enhancing the body’s natural defense against cancer. However, the effectiveness of tumor vaccines is limited by the presence of tumor heterogeneity, low immunogenicity, and immune evasion mechanisms. Fortunately, multifunctional nanoparticles offer a unique chance to address these issues. With the advantages of their small size, high stability, efficient drug delivery, and controlled surface chemistry, nanomaterials can precisely target tumor sites, improve the delivery of tumor antigens and immune adjuvants, reshape the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and enhance the body’s anti-tumor immune response, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Nanovaccine, a type of vaccine that uses nanotechnology to deliver antigens and adjuvants to immune cells, has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy due to its ability to stimulate immune responses and induce tumor-specific immunity. In this review, we discussed the compositions and types of nanovaccine, and the mechanisms behind their anti-tumor effects based on the latest research. We hope that this will provide a more scientific basis for designing tumor vaccines and enhancing the effectiveness of tumor immunotherapy.
Local injection therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhou TianQi , Wu ZhuoRao , Gou XingYun , Xia HaiSha , Ding JiLin , Ai ShuangChun
Published: August 2023

Objective: Clinical research has shown that local injections for carpal tunnel syndrome reduce the symptoms of patients and enhance their quality of life considerably. However, there are several therapy options, and the optimal choice of regimen remains uncertain. Therefore, we comprehensively evaluated the variations in clinical efficacy and safety of several medications for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods: Computer searches of Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were used to collect articles of randomized controlled trials on local injections for treating carpal tunnel syndrome from database creation till 10 June 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted information, evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies, and performed network Meta-analysis using Stata 17.0 software. Drug efficacy was assessed using symptom severity/function and pain intensity. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) ranking was used to determine the advantage of each therapy.

Results: We included 26 randomized controlled trials with 1896 wrists involving 12 interventions, such as local injections of corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, 5% dextrose, progesterone, and hyaluronidase. The results of the network meta-analysis showed the following: (i) symptom severity: at the 3-month follow-up, D5W combined with splinting (SUCRA = 95%) ranked first, and hyaluronidase (SUCRA = 89.6%) at 6 months; (ii) functional severity: either at the 3-month follow-up (SUCRA = 89.5%) or 6 months (SUCRA = 83.6%), iii) pain intensity: 5% dextrose in water combined with splinting was the most effective at the 3-month (SUCRA = 85%) and 6-month (SUCRA = 87.6%) follow-up.

Conclusion: Considering the combination of symptoms/function and pain intensity, combining 5% dextrose in water with splinting is probably the treatment of choice for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. It is more effective than glucocorticoids and no adverse effects have been observed.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022370525.
YKL-40 promotes chemokine expression following drug-induced liver injury via TF-PAR1 pathway in mice
Authors: Jing-Lun Zhan , Shuang Chai , Li-Mei Zhao , Xiao-Dong Liu
Published: August 2023

Background: The inflammatory factor YKL-40 is associated with various inflammatory diseases and is key to remodeling inflammatory cells and tissues. YKL-40 (Chi3l1) promotes the activation of tissue factor (TF), leading to intrahepatic vascular coagulation (IAOC) and liver injury. TF is a key promoter of the exogenous coagulation cascade and is also involved in several signaling involving cell proliferation, apoptosis, charring, migration and inflammatory diseases pathways. However, the effect of YKL-40-induced TF-PAR1 pathway on the expression of downstream chemokines remains unknown.

Methods: We established a liver injury model using Concanavalin A (ConA) in C57 BL/6 mice. By adopting various experimental techniques, the effect of YKL-40 induced TF-PAR1 pathway on the expression of downstream chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and IP-10 was verified.

Results: We found that overexpression of YKL-40 increased the expression of TF, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), CCL2 and IP-10 in mice and exacerbated the severity of liver injury. However, blocking the expression of TF significantly reversed the extent of liver injury.

Conclusion: We found that YKL-40 promotes the expression of downstream chemokines ligand 2 (CCL2) and IP-10 by activating the TF-PAR1 pathway, leading to increased recruitment of inflammatory cells and exacerbating the progression of liver injury. This provides a new approach for the clinical treatment of drug-induced liver injury.