bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Radiobiological Mechanisms Induced by 177Lu-DOTATATE in Comparison to External Beam Radiation Therapy
Authors: Delbart Wendy , Karabet Jirair , Marin Gwennaëlle , Penninckx Sébastien , Derrien Jonathan , Ghanem Ghanem E. , Flamen Patrick , Wimana Zéna
Published: October 2022

Radionuclide Therapy (RNT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE targeting somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) in neuroendocrine tumours (NET) has been successfully used in routine clinical practice, mainly leading to stable disease. Radiobiology holds promise for RNT improvement but is often extrapolated from external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) studies despite differences in these two radiation-based treatment modalities. In a panel of six human cancer cell lines expressing SSTRs, common radiobiological endpoints (i.e., cell survival, cell cycle, cell death, oxidative stress and DNA damage) were evaluated over time in 177Lu-DOTATATE- and EBRT-treated cells, as well as the radiosensitizing potential of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibition (PARPi). Our study showed that common radiobiological mechanisms were induced by both 177Lu-DOTATATE and EBRT, but to a different extent and/or with variable kinetics, including in the DNA damage response. A higher radiosensitizing potential of PARPi was observed for EBRT compared to 177Lu-DOTATATE. Our data reinforce the need for dedicated RNT radiobiology studies, in order to derive its maximum therapeutic benefit.
Cell Fate of Retinal Progenitor Cells: In Ovo UbC-StarTrack Analysis
Authors: Olmos-Carreño Cindy L. , Figueres-Oñate María , Scicolone Gabriel E. , López-Mascaraque Laura
Published: October 2022

Clonal cell analysis outlines the ontogenic potential of single progenitor cells, allowing the elucidation of the neural heterogeneity among different cell types and their lineages. In this work, we analyze the potency of retinal stem/progenitor cells through development using the chick embryo as a model. We implemented in ovo the clonal genetic tracing strategy UbC-StarTrack for tracking retinal cell lineages derived from individual progenitors of the ciliary margin at E3.5 (HH21-22). The clonal assignment of the derived-cell progeny was performed in the neural retina at E11.5-12 (HH38) through the identification of sibling cells as cells expressing the same combination of fluorophores. Moreover, cell types were assessed based on their cellular morphology and laminar location. Ciliary margin derived-cell progenies are organized in columnar associations distributed along the peripheral retina with a limited tangential dispersion. The analysis revealed that, at the early stages of development, this region harbors multipotent and committed progenitor cells.
The Antimicrobial Peptide 1018-K6 Interacts Distinctly with Eukaryotic and Bacterial Membranes, the Basis of Its Specificity and Bactericidal Activity
Authors: Ambrosio Rosa Luisa , Rosselló Catalina Ana , Casares Doralicia , Palmieri Gianna , Anastasio Aniello , Escribá Pablo V.
Published: October 2022

Since penicillin was discovered, antibiotics have been critical in the fight against infections. However, antibiotic misuse has led to drug resistance, which now constitutes a serious health problem. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a natural group of short proteins, varying in structure and length, that act against certain types of bacterial pathogens. The antimicrobial peptide 1018-K6 (VRLIVKVRIWRR- NH2) has significant bactericidal and antibiofilm activity against Listeria monocytogenes isolates, and against different strains and serotypes of Salmonella. Here, the mechanism of action of 1018-K6 was explored further to understand the peptide–membrane interactions relevant to its activity, and to define their determinants. We combined studies with model synthetic membranes (liposomes) and model biological membranes, assessing the absorption maximum and the quenching of 1018-K6 fluorescence in aqueous and lipid environments, the self-quenching of carboxyfluorescein, as well as performing lipid sedimentation assays. The data obtained reflect the differential interactions of the 1018-K6 peptide with eukaryotic and prokaryotic membranes, and the specific interactions and mechanisms of action in the three prokaryotic species studied: Salmonella Typhimurium2GN, Escherichia coli3GN, and Staphylococcus aureus3GP. The AMP 1018-K6 is a candidate to prevent (food preservation) or treat (antibiotic use) infections caused by certain pathogenic bacteria, especially some that are resistant to current antibiotics.
H4K5 Butyrylation Coexist with Acetylation during Human Spermiogenesis and Are Retained in the Mature Sperm Chromatin
Authors: de la Iglesia Alberto , Jauregi Paula , Jodar Meritxell , Barrachina Ferran , Ded Lukas , Mallofré Carme , Rodríguez-Carunchio Leonardo , Corral Juan Manuel , Ballescà Josep Lluís , Komrskova Katerina , Castillo Judit , Oliva Rafael
Published: October 2022

Male germ cells experience a drastic chromatin remodeling through the nucleo-histone to nucleo-protamine (NH-NP) transition necessary for proper sperm functionality. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of H4 Lys5, such as acetylation (H4K5ac), play a crucial role in epigenetic control of nucleosome disassembly facilitating protamine incorporation into paternal DNA. It has been shown that butyrylation on the same residue (H4K5bu) participates in temporal regulation of NH-NP transition in mice, delaying the bromodomain testis specific protein (BRDT)-dependent nucleosome disassembly and potentially marking retained nucleosomes. However, no information was available so far on this modification in human sperm. Here, we report a dual behavior of H4K5bu and H4K5ac in human normal spermatogenesis, suggesting a specific role of H4K5bu during spermatid elongation, coexisting with H4K5ac although with different starting points. This pattern is stable under different testicular pathologies, suggesting a highly conserved function of these modifications. Despite a drastic decrease of both PTMs in condensed spermatids, they are retained in ejaculated sperm, with 30% of non-colocalizing nucleosome clusters, which could reflect differential paternal genome retention. Whereas no apparent effect of these PTMs was observed associated with sperm quality, their presence in mature sperm could entail a potential role in the zygote.
Longitudinal Serum Protein Analysis of Women with a High Risk of Developing Breast Cancer Reveals Large Interpatient Versus Small Intrapatient Variations: First Results from the TESTBREAST Study
Authors: Hagenaars Sophie , Dekker Lennard , Ravesteijn Bob , van Vlierberghe Ronald , Romijn Fred , Verhoeff Linda , Witkamp Arjen , Schenk Karin , Keymeulen Kristien , Menke-Pluijmers Marian , Dassen Anneriet , Kortmann Birgitta , de Vries Jakob , Rutgers Emiel , van der Burgt Yuri , Meershoek-Klein Kranenbarg Elma , Cobbaert Christa , Luider Theo , Mesker Wilma , Tollenaar Rob
Published: October 2022

The prospective, multicenter TESTBREAST study was initiated with the aim of identifying a novel panel of blood-based protein biomarkers to enable early breast cancer detection for moderate-to-high-risk women. Serum samples were collected every (half) year up until diagnosis. Protein levels were longitudinally measured to determine intrapatient and interpatient variabilities. To this end, protein cluster patterns were evaluated to form a conceptual basis for further clinical analyses. Using a mass spectrometry-based bottom-up proteomics strategy, the protein abundance of 30 samples was analyzed: five sequential serum samples from six high-risk women; three who developed a breast malignancy (cases) and three who did not (controls). Serum samples were chromatographically fractionated and an in-depth serum proteome was acquired. Cluster analyses were applied to indicate differences between and within protein levels in serum samples of individuals. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA to select proteins with a high level of clustering. Cluster analyses on 30 serum samples revealed unique patterns of protein clustering for each patient, indicating a greater interpatient than intrapatient variability in protein levels of the longitudinally acquired samples. Moreover, the most distinctive proteins in the cluster analysis were identified. Strong clustering patterns within longitudinal intrapatient samples have demonstrated the importance of identifying small changes in protein levels for individuals over time. This underlines the significance of longitudinal serum measurements, that patients can serve as their own controls, and the relevance of the current study set-up for early detection. The TESTBREAST study will continue its pursuit toward establishing a protein panel for early breast cancer detection.
Reconstructed Genome-Scale Metabolic Model Characterizes Adaptive Metabolic Flux Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Severe COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Tang Hao , Liu Yanguang , Ruan Yao , Ge Lingqiao , Zhang Qingye
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses a mortal threat to human health. The elucidation of the relationship between peripheral immune cells and the development of inflammation is essential for revealing the pathogenic mechanism of COVID-19 and developing related antiviral drugs. The immune cell metabolism-targeting therapies exhibit a desirable anti-inflammatory effect in some treatment cases. In this study, based on differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, a genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM) was reconstructed by integrating transcriptome data to characterize the adaptive metabolic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in severe COVID-19 patients. Differential flux analysis revealed that metabolic changes such as enhanced aerobic glycolysis, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, fluctuating biogenesis of lipids, vitamins (folate and retinol), and nucleotides played important roles in the inflammation adaptation of PBMCs. Moreover, the main metabolic enzymes such as the solute carrier (SLC) family 2 member 3 (SLC2A3) and fatty acid synthase (FASN), responsible for the reactions with large differential fluxes, were identified as potential therapeutic targets. Our results revealed the inflammation regulation potentials of partial metabolic reactions with differential fluxes and their metabolites. This study provides a reference for developing potential PBMC metabolism-targeting therapy strategies against COVID-19.
A Narrative Review of Immersive Technology Enhanced Learning in Healthcare Education
Authors: Jacobs Chris , Foote Georgia , Joiner Richard , Williams Michael
Published: October 2022

Immersive technology is a growing field in healthcare education—attracting educationalists to evaluate its utility. There has been a trend of increasing research in this field; however, a lack of quality assurance surrounding the literature prompted the narrative review. Web Of Science database searches were undertaken from 2002 to the beginning of 2022. The studies were divided into three mixed reality groups: virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 360 videos, and learning theory subgroups. Appraising 246 studies with the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) indicated a gap in the validation of measures used to evaluate the technology. Although, those conducted in VR or those detailing learning theories scored higher according to MERSQI. There is an educational benefit to immersive technology in the healthcare setting. However, there needs to be caution in how the findings are interpreted for application beyond the initial study and a greater emphasis on research methods.
Harnessing Nasal Immunity with IgA to Prevent Respiratory Infections
Authors: Joseph John
Published: October 2022

The nasal cavity is a primary checkpoint for the invasion of respiratory pathogens. Numerous pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, S. pneumoniae, S. aureus, etc., can adhere/colonize nasal lining to trigger an infection. Secretory IgA (sIgA) serves as the first line of immune defense against foreign pathogens. sIgA facilitates clearance of pathogenic microbes by intercepting their access to epithelial receptors and mucus entrapment through immune exclusion. Elevated levels of neutralizing IgA at the mucosal surfaces are associated with a high level of protection following intranasal immunizations. This review summarizes recent advances in intranasal vaccination technology and challenges in maintaining nominal IgA levels at the mucosal surface. Overall, the review emphasizes the significance of IgA-mediated nasal immunity, which holds a tremendous potential to mount protection against respiratory pathogens.
Research on Apparel Retail Sales Forecasting Based on xDeepFM-LSTM Combined Forecasting Model
Authors: Luo Tian , Chang Daofang , Xu Zhenyu
Published: October 2022

Accurate sales forecasting can provide a scientific basis for the management decisions of enterprises. We proposed the xDeepFM-LSTM combined forecasting model for the characteristics of sales data of apparel retail enterprises. We first used the Extreme Deep Factorization Machine (xDeepFM) model to explore the correlation between the sales influencing features as much as possible, and then modeled the sales prediction. Next, we used the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model for residual correction to improve the accuracy of the prediction model. We then designed and implemented comparison experiments between the combined xDeepFM-LSTM forecasting model and other forecasting models. The experimental results show that the forecasting performance of xDeepFM-LSTM is significantly better than other forecasting models. Compared with the xDeepFM forecasting model, the combined forecasting model has a higher optimization rate, which provides a scientific basis for apparel companies to make adjustments to adjust their demand plans.
Radiation Hormesis to Improve the Quality of Adult Spodoptera litura (Fabr.)
Authors: Vimal Neha , Angmo Nilza , Sengupta Madhumita , Seth Rakesh Kumar
Published: October 2022

Mass rearing of insects of high biological quality is a crucial attribute for the successful implementation of sterile insect release programs. Various ontogenetic stages of Spodoptera litura (Fabr.) were treated with a range of low doses of ionizing radiation (0.25–1.25 Gy) to assess whether these gamma doses could elicit a stimulating effect on the growth and viability of developing moths. Doses in the range of 0.75 Gy to 1.0 Gy administered to eggs positively influenced pupal weight, adult emergence, and growth index, with a faster developmental period. The enhanced longevity of adults derived from eggs treated with 0.75 Gy and 1.0 Gy, and for larvae and pupae treated with 1.0 Gy, indicated a hormetic effect on these life stages. Furthermore, the use of these hormetic doses upregulated the relative mRNA expression of genes associated with longevity (foxo, sirtuin 2 like/sirt1, atg8) and viability/antioxidative function (cat and sod), suggesting a positive hormetic effect at the transcriptional level. These results indicated the potential use of low dose irradiation (0.75–1 Gy) on preimaginal stages as hormetic doses to improve the quality of the reared moths. This might increase the efficiency of the inherited sterility technique for the management of these lepidopteran pests.
A Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Factors (SARIMAX) Forecasting Model-Based Time Series Approach
Authors: Alharbi Fahad Radhi , Csala Denes
Published: October 2022

Time series modeling is an effective approach for studying and analyzing the future performance of the power sector based on historical data. This study proposes a forecasting framework that applies a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with exogenous factors (SARIMAX) model to forecast the long-term performance of the electricity sector (electricity consumption, generation, peak load, and installed capacity). In this study, the model was used to forecast the aforementioned factors in Saudi Arabia for 30 years from 2021 to 2050. The historical data that were inputted into the model were collected from Saudi Arabia at quarterly intervals across a 40-year period (1980−2020). The SARIMAX technique applies a time series approach with seasonal and exogenous influencing factors, which helps reduce the error values and improve the overall model accuracy, even in the case of close input and output dataset lengths. The experimental findings indicated that the SARIMAX model has promising performance in terms of categorization and consideration, as it has significantly improved forecasting accuracy compared with the simpler autoregressive integrated moving average-based techniques. Furthermore, the model is capable of coping with different-sized sequential datasets. Finally, the model aims to help address the issue of a lack of future planning and analyses of power performance and intermittency, and it provides a reliable forecasting technique, which is a prerequisite for modern energy systems.
Bioinformatics Analysis of Common Differential Genes of Viral Myocarditis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Screening for Potential Pharmacological Compounds
Authors: Zhang Junyi , Xu Mingzhu , Chen Tan , Zhou Yafeng
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: The mechanism of viral myocarditis (VMC) progression to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify key genes in the progression of VMC to DCM, so as to find potential therapeutic drugs and provide insights for future research. (2) Methods: Differential expression analysis of GSE4172 and GSE17800 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was performed using GEO2R, which contained genome-wide analysis of myocardial biopsies from VMC and DCM, respectively. We used the Venn diagram analysis to screen the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were also performed. Then we conducted protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks using STRING and identified hub genes using Cytoscape. Finally, we used cMAP to screen out candidate compounds targeting these hub genes; (3) Results: In total, 2143 DEGs for VMC and 1365 DEGs for DCM were found. Then a total of 191 common DEGs were identified. Biological processes and pathway involved in these genes mainly include GABA−gated chloride ion channel activity and Rap1 signaling pathway. A total of 14 hub genes were identified. PPI network showed these hubs mainly enriched in regulation of WNT signaling pathway and GABA-gated chloride ion channel activity. Subgroup analysis of Severe VMC cohort revealed 10 hub genes which mainly clustered in GABA channel activity, extracellular matrix remodeling and sarcomere dysfunction. Using cMAP, we obtained top 10 potential medications, but only amlodipine is currently viable; (4) Conclusions: Our study finds the hub genes and reveals the important role of GABA-gated chloride ion channel, Rap1 signaling pathway, WNT signaling pathway, extracellular matrix remodeling and sarcomere dysfunction in the progression from VMC to DCM. Amlodipine is a potential viable drug in preventing the progression of VMC to DCM.
Length of Hospitalization-Related Differences and Associated Long-Term Prognosis of Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort
Authors: Yu Yu , Huang Hao , Cheng Sijing , Deng Yu , Cai Chi , Gu Min , Chen Xuhua , Niu Hongxia , Hua Wei
Published: October 2022

Previous studies indicated that prolonged lengths of hospitalization (LOH) during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation are associated with poorer physical status and higher in-hospital mortality. However, evidence on the impact of LOH on the long-term prognosis of CRT patients is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess LOH-related prognostic differences in CRT patients. In the propensity score-matched cohort, patients with standard LOH (≤7 days, n = 172) were compared with those with prolonged LOH (>7 days, n = 172) for cardiac function and study outcomes during follow-up. The study outcomes were all-cause death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization. In addition, cardiac function and changes in cardiac function at the follow-up period were used for comparison. At a mean follow-up of 3.36 years, patients with prolonged LOH, as compared with those with standard LOH, were associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–2.96, p = 0.007), and a higher risk of HF hospitalization (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.08–2.63, p = 0.023). Moreover, patients with standard LOH had a more significant improvement in cardiac function and a pronounced reduction in QRS duration during follow-up than those with prolonged LOH. LOH-associated differences were found in the long-term prognosis of CRT patients. Patients with prolonged LOH had a worse prognosis than those with standard LOH.
Daratumumab Interferes with Allogeneic Crossmatch Impacting Immunological Assessment in Solid Organ Transplantation
Authors: Ho Chak-Sum , Putnam Kyle R. , Peiter Christine R. , Herczyk Walter F. , Gerlach John A. , Lu Yee , Campagnaro Erica L. , Woodside Kenneth J. , Cusick Matthew F.
Published: October 2022

We report the first case of Daratumumab interference of allogeneic crossmatch tests repeatedly causing aberrant false-positive results, which inadvertently delayed transplant for a waitlisted renal patient with multiple myeloma. Daratumumab is an IgG1κ human monoclonal antibody commonly used to treat multiple myeloma, characterized by cancerous plasma cells and often leads to renal failure requiring kidney transplant, by depleting CD38-expressing plasma cells. In this case study, the patient had end-stage renal disease secondary to multiple myeloma and was continuously receiving Daratumumab infusions. The patient did not have any detectable antibodies to human leukocyte antigens but repeatedly had unexpected positive crossmatch by the flow cytometry-based method with 26 of the 27 potential deceased organ donors, implying donor-recipient immunological incompatibility. However, further review and analysis suggested that the positive crossmatches were likely false-positive as a result of interference from Daratumumab binding to donor cell surface CD38 as opposed to the presence of donor-specific antibodies. The observed intensity of the false-positive crossmatches was also highly variable, potentially due to donor- and/or cell-dependent expression of CD38. The variability of CD38 expression was, therefore, for the first time, characterized on the T and B cells isolated from various tissues and peripheral blood of 78 individuals. Overall, T cells were found to have a lower CD38 expression profile than the B cells, and no significant difference was observed between deceased and living individuals. Finally, we show that a simple cell treatment by dithiothreitol can effectively mitigate Daratumumab interference thus preserving the utility of pre-transplant crossmatch in multiple myeloma patients awaiting kidney transplant.
A Machine Learning Model to Predict Cardiovascular Events during Exercise Evaluation in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Shen Tao , Liu Dan , Lin Zi , Ren Chuan , Zhao Wei , Gao Wei
Published: October 2022

Objective: To develop and optimize a machine learning prediction model for cardiovascular events during exercise evaluation in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods: 16,645 cases of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) conducted in patients with CHD from January 2016 to September 2019 were retrospectively included. Clinical data before testing and data during exercise were collected and analyzed. Results: Cardiovascular events occurred during 505 CPETs (3.0%). No death was reported. Predictive accuracy of the model was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC). AUCs for the SVM, logistic regression, GBDT and XGBoost were 0.686, 0.778, 0.784, and 0.794 respectively. Conclusions: Machine learning methods (especially XGBoost) can effectively predict cardiovascular events during exercise evaluation in CHD patients. Cardiovascular events were associated with age, male, diabetes and duration of diabetes, myocardial infarction history, smoking history, hyperlipidemia history, hypertension history, oxygen uptake, and ventilation efficiency indicators.
Epidemiology, Prevention and Clinical Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: More Understanding, Better Patient Care
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2022

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a noninfectious inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa mediated by IgE after atopic individuals are exposed to inhaled allergens and involving a variety of immune cells and cytokines [...]
Advances in the Aetiology and Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Phillipou Andrea
Published: October 2022

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex psychiatric disorder [...]
Diagnostic Value of Middle Meatal Cultures versus Maxillary Sinus Culture in Acute and Chronic Sinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Do Hyun , Kim Sung Won , Basurrah Mohammed Abdullah , Hwang Se Hwan
Published: October 2022

Background: To assess the diagnostic utility of middle meatal culture (MMC) in patients with acute and chronic sinusitis; Methods: Six databases were thoroughly reviewed up to March 2022. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were extracted. Methodological quality was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 instrument; Results: Fifteen reports were analyzed. MMC results exhibited a significant correlation (r = 0.7590, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.6855; 0.8172], p < 0.0001) with those of maxillary sinus puncture. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of MMC (reference = maxillary sinus culture) was 8.5475 [3.9238; 18.6199]. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.761. The sensitivity and specificity of MMC were 0.7759 [0.6744; 0.8526] and 0.7514 [0.6110; 0.8534], respectively. We performed subgroup analysis based on age (children vs. adults), duration of disease (acute vs. chronic), and specimen collection method (biopsy, swabs, suction tips). The DORs, specificities, and negative and positive predictive values varied significantly. Diagnostic accuracy was highest for children and individuals with chronic disease, and when samples were collected via suction.; Conclusions: MMC provided fair diagnostic accuracy in patients with acute or chronic sinusitis. Although some institutional differences were evident, the middle meatal and maxillary sinus culture results were similar.
Hospitalised Myocarditis and Pericarditis Cases in Germany Indicate a Higher Post-Vaccination Risk for Young People Mainly after COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Montag Karsten , Kampf Günter
Published: October 2022

It was recently described that the overall risk of myopericarditis after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is low, except for younger males receiving mRNA vaccines [...]
A Split Face Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of 40% Pyruvic Acid vs. Microdermabrasion with 40% Pyruvic Acid on Biomechanical Skin Parameters in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris
Authors: Rusztowicz Monika , Chilicka Karolina , Szyguła Renata , Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Yanakieva Antoniya , Asanova Binnaz , Wilczyński Sławomir
Published: October 2022

The synergy of cosmetic acids, with their keratolytic and antibacterial properties, with the mechanical exfoliation of the epidermis brings faster and better treatment results. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of using only pyruvic acid and the synergy of microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation. In total, 14 women diagnosed with acne took part in the study. Two areas were marked on the participants’ faces: the right side (microdermabrasion treatment and a preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) and the left side (preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) without mechanical exfoliation. A series of four treatments was performed at 2-week intervals. Skin parameters such as stratum corneum hydration and sebum secretion were measured. Before the treatments, all patients had moderate acne according to GAGS (Min: 19, Max: 22, Md: 20), and after the treatments, it decreased to mild acne according to GAGS (Min: 13, Max: 17, Md: 140). On the right side of the face, there was a statistically significant reduction in sebum secretion in all the examined areas of the face and increase in the hydration of the stratum corneum. On the left side of the face, the differences were also observed in the decrease of sebum value and increase of hydration level; however, they were smaller than on the right side. The use of microdermabrasion in combination with pyruvic acid led to better results in the case of increased hydration and reduction of sebum secretion than using only pyruvic acid treatment.
Intraoperative Assessment of Surgical Stress Response Using Nociception Monitor under General Anesthesia and Postoperative Complications: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hirose Munetaka , Okutani Hiroai , Hashimoto Kazuma , Ueki Ryusuke , Shimode Noriko , Kariya Nobutaka , Takao Yumiko , Tatara Tsuneo
Published: October 2022

We present a narrative review focusing on the new role of nociception monitor in intraoperative anesthetic management. Higher invasiveness of surgery elicits a higher degree of surgical stress responses including neuroendocrine-metabolic and inflammatory-immune responses, which are associated with the occurrence of major postoperative complications. Conversely, anesthetic management mitigates these responses. Furthermore, improper attenuation of nociceptive input and related autonomic effects may induce increased stress response that may adversely influence outcome even in minimally invasive surgeries. The original role of nociception monitor, which is to assess a balance between nociception caused by surgical trauma and anti-nociception due to anesthesia, may allow an assessment of surgical stress response. The goal of this review is to inform healthcare professionals providing anesthetic management that nociception monitors may provide intraoperative data associated with surgical stress responses, and to inspire new research into the effects of nociception monitor-guided anesthesia on postoperative complications.
The Influence of Steroid Therapy on the Treatment Results in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Rozbicki Paweł , Usowski Jacek , Siewiera Jacek , Jurkiewicz Dariusz
Published: October 2022

Oral, intravenous, or intratympanic steroid therapy (ST) are commonly applied methods of pharmacotherapy in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL). There are vast discrepancies on the recommended initial dose and the duration of ST in medical reports. The aim of the research is a retrospective comparison of patients’ examination results with different therapeutical strategies. The medical records of 218 patients treated for SSNHL at the Military Institute of Medicine were subjected to retrospective analysis by comparison of the results of pure tone audiometry prior to and after treatment with steroid therapy (first-dose delay, mass of first dose, duration of treatment). Postponement of implementation of ST to 5 days resulted in a significant improvement of hearing across all frequencies. The implementation of ST sequentially in periods (5th–10th day; >10th day) resulted in a statistically insignificant improvement of hearing in the following frequencies: 250 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1500 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, 4000 Hz. There was a statistical improvement of hearing within all frequencies analyzed for the initial dose of prednisone above 50 mg. For an initial dose below 50 mg, in 4000 Hz, the improvement of hearing was statistically insignificant. The research demonstrated a significant influence of steroid therapy on treatment results in patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.
Cochlear Implantation in Obliterated Cochlea: A Retrospective Analysis and Comparison between the IES Stiff Custom-Made Device and the Split-Array and Regular Electrodes
Authors: Hoffmann Julia Anna Christine , Warnecke Athanasia , Timm Max Eike , Kludt Eugen , Prenzler Nils Kristian , Gärtner Lutz , Lenarz Thomas , Salcher Rolf Benedikt
Published: October 2022

Anatomical malformations, obliterations of the cochlea, or re-implantations pose particular challenges in cochlear implantation. Treatment methods rely on radiological and intraoperative findings and include incomplete insertion, the implantation of a double array, and radical cochleostomy. In addition, a stiff electrode array, e.g., the IE stiff (IES) custom-made device (CMD, MED-EL), was prescribed individually for those special cases and pre-inserted prior to facilitate cochlear implantation in challenging cases. Data on outcomes after implantation in obliterated cochleae are usually based on individual case reports since standardised procedures are lacking. A retrospective analysis was conducted to analyse our cases on obliterated cochleae treated with MED-EL devices in order to allow the different cases to be compared. Impedances and speech perception data of patients treated with the IES CMD and the double array were retrospectively compared to patients treated with a STANDARD or FLEX electrode array (the REGULAR group). Patients with a Split-Array CMD had a poor speech perception when compared to patients treated with the IES CMD device. Thus, the IES CMD can successfully be used in patients with obliterated cochleae who would otherwise be non-users, candidates for a Split-Array CMD, or candidates for partial insertion with insufficient cochlear coverage.
Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (LARC) Treated with Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Martín-Carnicero Alfonso , Ramalle-Gomara Enrique , Rubio-Mediavilla Susana , Alonso-Lago Martina , Zorrilla-Larraga Miriam , Manrique-Abós Isabel , de las Heras-Dueña María E. , Larrayoz Ignacio M. , Martínez Alfredo
Published: October 2022

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is one of the standards of care in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This retrospective study examines clinical, analytical, and pathological parameters collected from 77 patients with locally advanced (cT3-4 or cN+) rectal carcinoma diagnosed between 2007 and 2017 at our institution that were treated with preoperative CRT and surgery. In the prognosis analysis, lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.008), lower lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) (p = 0.011), and higher platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (p = 0.029) in the second determination (Hb2, LMR2 and PLR2) were associated with the relapse group. The number of positive nodes after surgery (N+) showed a statistically significant association with relapse (p = 0.012). KRAS mutations were associated with a worse prognosis for 5 years progression-free and overall survival (p = 0.005 and 0.022; respectively). We propose a prognostic model based on four parameters (number of positive lymph nodes after surgery, hemoglobin levels, LMR, and PLR after neoadjuvant therapy) that can be a useful tool to estimate relapse risk. Moreover, bilirubin could be a useful parameter to predict the response to neoadjuvant CRT.
Comparison between Fourth-Generation FloTrac/Vigileo System and Continuous Thermodilution Technique for Cardiac Output Estimation after Time Adjustment during Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Oh Chahyun , Lee Soomin , Oh Pyeonghwa , Chung Woosuk , Ko Youngkwon , Yoon Seok-Hwa , Kim Yoon-Hee , Ji Sung-Mi , Hong Boohwi
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Previous studies reported limited performance of arterial pressure waveform-based cardiac output (CO) estimation (FloTrac/Vigileo system; CO-FloTrac) compared with the intermittent thermodilution technique (COint). However, errors due to bolus maneuver and intermittent measurements of COint could limit its use as a reference. The continuous thermodilution technique (COcont) may relieve such limitations. (2) Methods: The performance of CO-FloTrac was retrospectively assessed using continuous recordings of intraoperative physiological data acquired from patients who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) surgery with CO monitoring using both CO-FloTrac and COcont. Optimal time adjustments between the two measurements were determined based on R-squared values. (3) Results: A total of 134.2 h of data from 30 patients was included in the final analysis. The mean bias was –0.94 (95% CI, −1.35 to −0.52) L/min and the limits of agreements were −3.64 (95% CI, −4.44 to −3.08) L/min and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.21 to 2.57) L/min. The percentage error was 66.1% (95% CI, 52.4 to 85.8%). Depending on the time scale and the size of the exclusion zone, concordance rates ranged from 61.0% to 75.0%. (4) Conclusion: Despite the time adjustments, CO-FloTrac showed non-negligible overestimation, clinically unacceptable precision, and poor trending ability during OPCAB surgery.
Non-Physical Disease Facets in Spondyloarthritis: An ASAS Health Index-Based Analysis between Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Queiro Rubén , Alonso Sara , Morante Isla , Alperi Mercedes
Published: October 2022

Background: Psychosocial health is a key driver of quality of life (QoL) in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but it is often overlooked in clinical practice. We aimed to analyze this aspect of QoL by using the Assessment of SpA International Society–Health Index (ASAS HI) in both SpA phenotypes. Patients and methods: One hundred and eleven patients with axSpA and 90 with PsA were consecutively recruited from two rheumatology centers. In both populations, the categories of stress handling (ASAS HI items #11 and 17) and emotional functions (ASAS HI item #13) were analyzed based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). A multivariate regression model was used to analyze the explanatory factors associated with positive responses to these items. Results: Thirty-four of the 90 PsA patients (37.8%) and 37/111 of the patients (33.3%) with axSpA reported a positive response to at least one of the stress-handling items. Compared to the patients with PsA, patients with axSpA were less likely to report stress-handling issues (OR 0.48, p < 0.05). Thirty-one of the 90 PsA patients (34.4%) and 44/111 of the patients (39.6%) with axSpA reported positive responses to item #13. In both groups of SpA patients, disease activity and severity (OR 6.6, p < 0.001) were independently associated with alterations in psychosocial health. Compared with those in the axSpA group, the psychosocial health items were better correlated with each other and with the ASAS HI sum score in the PsA group. Conclusions: Psychosocial health is frequently altered in SpA. Both disease activity and severity are associated with this issue. However, psychosocial factors seem to have a greater impact on QoL in PsA than in axSpA.
Pulmonary Function in Paediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bąk-Drabik Katarzyna , Malik Michalina , Gwoździewicz Karolina , Jarzumbek Anna , Krakowczyk Helena , Głowinkowska Monika , Adamczyk Piotr
Published: October 2022

Background: Among the extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), those involving the lungs are relatively rare and often overlooked. There are only scarce data on the prevalence of IBD-associated lung involvement in children. Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess pulmonary function in IBD children by different methods and to evaluate the influence of immunosuppressive therapy on disease severity. Methods: Seventy-two children with IBD (mean age of 14.45 ± 2.27 years) and 40 age-matched healthy controls (mean age of 14.17 ± 2.82) were included in the study. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were carried out by means of spirometry, oscillometry (IOS) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) to assess the pulmonary involvement. Results: Certain differences were observed between the study group and the control group, regarding the spirometric and oscillometry parameters. The fractions of exhaled nitric oxide did not differ between the group with IBD patients and the control group with regards to disease activity, the duration of illness and the administered immunosuppressive treatment. Conclusions: The mean spirometry results were significantly different in the study group compared to the controls, although they were still within the normal limits. The pulmonary function abnormalities did not depend on either the disease activity or the immunosuppressive therapy. Oscillometry could be a supplementary method to assess pulmonary resistance. In turn, FeNO does not appear to be useful either in screening IBD children for pulmonary involvement or for the evaluation of disease activity. It appears then that only general screening of asymptomatic patients is a suitable method and a necessary recommendation in this population, prompting a revision of the current diagnostic approach.
8-Hydroxy-2-Deoxyguanosine and 8-Iso-Prostaglandin F2α: Putative Biomarkers to assess Oxidative Stress Damage Following Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP)
Authors: Di Minno Alessandro , Aveta Achille , Gelzo Monica , Tripodi Lorella , Pandolfo Savio Domenico , Crocetto Felice , Imbimbo Ciro , Castaldo Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common type of cancer. Biomarkers help researchers to understand the mechanisms of disease and refine diagnostic panels. We measured urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-IsoF2α) to assess oxidative stress damage in PCa patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Methods: Forty PCa patients were enrolled in the study. Urine was collected before (T0) and 3 months after the RARP procedure (T1). 8-OHdG and 8-IsoF2α were measured through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Sex- and age-matched healthy subjects served as controls (CTRL). Results: At T0, patients exhibited significantly higher levels of 8-OHdG than CTRL (p = 0.026). At T1, 23/40 patients who completed the 3-month follow-up showed levels of 8-OHdG that were significantly lower than at T0 (p = 0.042), and comparable to those of the CTRL subjects (p = 0.683). At T0, 8-Iso-PGF2α levels were significantly higher in PCa patients than in CTRL subjects (p = 0.0002). At T1, 8-Iso-PGF2α levels were significantly lower than at T0 (p < 0.001) and were comparable to those of CTRL patients (p = 0.087). Conclusions: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method reveals enhanced OHdG and 8-Iso-PGF2α in the urine of PCa patients. RARP normalizes such indices of oxidative stress. Large-sized sample studies and long-term follow-ups are now needed to validate these urinary biomarkers for use in the early prevention and successful treatment of PCa.
COVID-19 Infections in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease—A Prospective Single-Center Study in an Outpatient Setting
Authors: Langes Nora , Meierhofer Christian , Nagdyman Nicole , Maurer Susanne J. , Bourier Felix , Halle Martin , Holdenrieder Stefan , Ewert Peter , Tutarel Oktay
Published: October 2022

Background: COVID-19 might pose a risk for adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). However, data regarding the rate of infection as well as myocardial involvement in ACHD patients are currently lacking. Methods: During the study period from January to June 2021, all consecutive outpatients from our ACHD clinic were eligible to participate. Clinical data were collected. An antibody test for COVID-19 was performed in all patients. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) was offered to those with a positive antibody test. Results: Overall, 420 patients (44.8% female, mean age 36.4 ± 11.6 years) participated. Congenital heart defect (CHD) complexity was simple in 96 (22.9%), moderate in 186 (44.3%), complex in 117 (27.9%), and miscellaneous in 21 (5.0%) patients. Altogether, 28 (6.7%) patients had a positive antibody test. Out of these, 14 had an asymptomatic course. The others had mainly mild symptoms and were managed as outpatients. Furthermore, 11 patients (39.3%) had even not been aware of their infection. Fourteen patients underwent a CMR without signs of myocardial involvement in any of them. Conclusions: We observed a number of undetected cases of COVID-19 infections in our ACHD population. Reassuringly, in all cases, the infection had a mild clinical course.
Calcium Phosphate-Based Biomaterials for Bone Repair
Authors: Hou Xiaodong , Zhang Lei , Zhou Zifei , Luo Xiong , Wang Tianlong , Zhao Xinyu , Lu Bingqiang , Chen Feng , Zheng Longpo
Published: October 2022

Traumatic, tumoral, and infectious bone defects are common in clinics, and create a big burden on patient’s families and society. Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based biomaterials have superior properties and have been widely used for bone defect repair, due to their similarities to the inorganic components of human bones. The biological performance of CaPs, as a determining factor for their applications, are dependent on their physicochemical properties. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) as the most thermally stable crystalline phase of CaP is mostly used in the form of ceramics or composites scaffolds with polymers. Nanostructured CaPs with large surface areas are suitable for drug/gene delivery systems. Additionally, CaP scaffolds with hierarchical nano-/microstructures have demonstrated excellent ability in promoting bone regeneration. This review focuses on the relationships and interactions between the physicochemical/biological properties of CaP biomaterials and their species, sizes, and morphologies in bone regeneration, including synthesis strategies, structure control, biological behavior, and the mechanisms of CaP in promoting osteogenesis. This review will be helpful for scientists and engineers to further understand CaP-based biomaterials (CaPs), and be useful in developing new high-performance biomaterials for bone repair.
Precise Design Strategies of Nanotechnologies for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Huang Shiyi , Ding Xianting
Published: October 2022

Rapid advances in nanotechnologies are driving the revolution in controlled drug delivery. However, heterogeneous barriers, such as blood circulation and cellular barriers, prevent the drug from reaching the cellular target in complex physiologic environments. In this review, we discuss the precise design of nanotechnologies to enhance the efficacy, quality, and durability of drug delivery. For drug delivery in vivo, drugs loaded in nanoplatforms target particular sites in a spatial- and temporal-dependent manner. Advances in stimuli-responsive nanoparticles and carbon-based drug delivery platforms are summarized. For transdermal drug delivery systems, specific strategies including microneedles and hydrogel lead to a sustained release efficacy. Moreover, we highlight the current limitations of clinical translation and an incentive for the future development of nanotechnology-based drug delivery.