bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visceral adipose tissue in predicting survival in patients with advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Xiangliang , Ji Wei , Chen Xinqiao , Zheng Kaiwen , Zhao Yixin , Liu Yining , Shi Hanping , Cui Jiuwei , Li Wei
Published: October 2023

Background
The effect of adiposity on the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer has long been controversial. This study intended to investigate the prognostic value of visceral adipose tissue in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, which accumulates within the abdominal cavity and acts as an endocrine organ.
Methods
Clinical data from 320 advanced colorectal cancer patients were collected. General characteristics and laboratory test results were gathered. Visceral fat area(VFA) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass were examined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The restricted cubic spline was used to model the relationship between VFA and overall survival. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to analyze the correlation between VFA and overall survival (OS). Spearman's analysis was used to explore the relationship between VFA and inflammatory indicators
Results
185 males (57.8%) and 135(42.2%) females were conducted in this study. The restricted cubic spline showed higher VFA was associated with better prognosis in males, and the cut-off value was 83.41(p = 0.0006). After adjusting for weight and appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), the cut-off values for VFA/weight and VFA/ASM were 1.22(p = 0.0004) and 3.71(p = 0.0002), respectively. The Kaplan–Meier curve showed the higher VFA group in males had a better prognosis(p < 0.0001). The median survival time was 43.73 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37.87–49.59) in the high VFA/weight group and 31.57 months (95% CI: 25.20-37.94) in the low VFA/weight group. The median survival time was 43.60 months (95% CI: 37.80–49.40) in the high VFA/ASM group and 31.57 months (95% confidence interval CI: 25.62–37.51) in the low VFA/ASM group. The VFA cut-off value in females was 88.11(p = 0.0407). However, there was no significant difference in prognosis between the high and low VFA groups for women. Analysis of the association between VFA and inflammatory factors showed a negative correlation between VFA and NLR, and the negative correlations between VFA/weight and VFA/ASM and NLR were even more pronounced (r=-0.54; r=-0.75).
Conclusion
Appropriate VFA range is associated with a favorable prognosis for patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
Accuracy and lower limits for iodine quantification in dual-energy CT with deep learning reconstruction
Authors: Shiotsuki Kenshi , Tokurei Shogo , Kuramoto Taku , Shiroo Tomoaki , Noto Daichi , Asayama Yoshiki
Published: October 2023

Iodine quantification is a diagnostic indicator of vascularization in lesions; however, accurate and repeatable measurements, especially at low iodine concentrations, are challenging due to the limits of instruments used for iodine quantification. Measurements of iodine concentrations below the instrument limits are unrepeatable and can lead to misdiagnoses. Although the accuracies of iodine quantification have been reported, no prior studies have comprehensively examined the limits of the instrument. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ) of iodine quantification using fast kilovoltage-switching dual-energy computed tomography (DECT). We used iodine inserts with seven nominal iodine concentration and performed DECT scans in small and large phantom at different CT dose indexes. We assessed accuracy using relative measurement errors, calculated the LOD using calibration curves between the nominal and measured iodine densities, and examined the LOQ using the relative standard deviation of repeated measurements. We found that LOD and LOQ decreased with increasing CT dose indices and were lower for the small phantom than for the large phantom. The measured iodine densities plateaued for 0.3 and 0.5 mgI/mL in small and large phantoms, respectively, and these results indicate the limits of instrument used for iodine quantification. The relative measurement errors decreased with increasing nominal iodine concentrations above the LOD or LOQ levels. However, no clear trend was observed below these limits. Therefore, these findings revealed the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation of accuracy and LOD/LOQ for iodine quantification to diagnose lesions reliably with iodine density.
Follow-up of New Diagnoses of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV in 2018 in 8 Latin American Countries in the Plantaids Cohort: 3 Years Later
Authors: Vallejo Beatriz Álvarez , Lobo Alicia Hernanz , García Itzíar Carrasco , Pérez Tomás Bruno , Mino-Leon Greta , Pazmiño Judith Rosabel Soffe , Lorenzana Julio Werner Juarez , Drummond Tatiana , Ruz Noris Marlene del Socorro Pavía , Hernández María del Rocío Muñoz , Pérez Dulce María Morales , Estripeaut Dora , Luciani Kathia , Martínez Karen Sobeida Erazo , Villatoro Luis Guillermo Castaneda , Madrigal Oscar Porras , Ivankovich-Escoto Gabriela , Tato Luis Manuel Prieto , Gómez María Luisa Navarro
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The frequency of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Latin America has decreased considerably. However, new infections continue to be recorded, and the pediatric population remains one of the most vulnerable groups in this region. The main objective of the study was to describe the evolution of new diagnoses of HIV MTCT in 2018 in the PLANTAIDS network (Paediatric Network for Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of HIV in Children) during the 3 years following diagnosis.
Methodology: Retrospective, multicenter, descriptive study based on a 3-year follow-up of patients diagnosed with HIV infection due to MTCT in 2018 in 10 hospitals in 8 Latin American countries (Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala and Venezuela). The hospitals belonged to the PLANTAIDS network, which is included in CYTED (Ibero-American Programme of Science and Technology for Development).
Results: The study population comprised 72 pediatric patients (38.9% male). The median age at diagnosis was 2.4 years (IQR: 0.8-5.4). There were 35 cases of opportunistic infections corresponding to 25 patients (34.7%), with tuberculosis being the most common. Adequate childhood vaccination coverage was achieved in 80.5%. There were 3 cases of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, and these were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) classification, the most frequent clinical-immunological stage at all check-ups was C1. Three patients died from opportunistic infections and/or advanced HIV infection.
Conclusions: HIV infection has a poor prognosis in children, necessitating adequate follow-up to ensure adherence to health care and ART. However, this can be difficult at times in pediatrics. In our study, SARS-CoV-2 infection did not appear to be severe in children with HIV.
Parental imprisonment, childhood behavioral problems, and adolescent and young adult cardiometabolic risk: Results from a prospective Australian birth cohort study
Authors: Roettger Michael E. , Tan Jolene , Houle Brian , Najman Jake M. , McGee Tara
Published: October 2023

Objectives
Recent studies have demonstrated that parental imprisonment (PI) is associated with cardiometabolic risk later in life. However, underlying risk factors for these associations have not previously been explored. The present study examines how early childhood behaviors and parental imprisonment may be associated with cardiometabolic risk in adulthood.
Methods
The study follows a subset of 7,223 live, singleton births from 1981–1984 in Brisbane, Australia where data was collected on parental imprisonment at ages 5 & 14 and behaviors from the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) at age 5. Our sample examines 1884 males and 1758 females whose mothers completed prenatal, age 5, and age 14 interviews and respondents completed one or more interviews at ages 14, 21, and 30. Multivariate regression was used to examine cross-sectional results, while individual growth models examined longitudinal patterns.
Results
Dividing analysis by sex, we examined how parental imprisonment was potentially mediated or moderated by CBCL subscale measures for aggression, social-attention-thought disorders and general internalizing. No associations were found among male respondents. Among female respondents, controlling for these behaviors, there was a significant association between parental imprisonment and higher systolic blood pressure at age 30, while all CBCL measures were found to moderate waist circumference at age 30 and BMI at ages 14, 21, and 30. Using individual growth curve modelling, we observed the increased CBCL aggression and SAT scores were more strongly associated with higher BMI in adulthood.
Conclusions
Using prospective cohort data, our results suggest that PI and high levels of behavioral problems are associated with significantly increased cardiometabolic risk in women, with potentially increasing risk in adulthood.
Evaluation of biochemical changes and treatment efficacy in patients with bruxism following botox or splint therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: KARAGOZOGLU Irem , OZCAN Mutlu , ULUSAL Hasan
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This clinical study aims to analyse the levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of persons with bruxism and to compare the efficacy of Botox and occlusal splint treatments through biomarkers.
Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients with bruxism were selected according to the clinical examination and anamnesis of which 20 patients received occlusal splint treatment and 20 botulinum toxin treatment. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken from the patients before and after treatment. Cortisol, DHEA and TNF-alpha levels were measured by ELISA test. The change in measurements between time and groups and the time-group interaction were tested by repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: In individuals with bruxism, a statistically significant decrease in cortisol levels was observed after both treatments (p < 0.05), while DHEA levels increased after treatment but were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between tnf-alpha intra-group measurements (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Stress and inflammatory biomarkers were found to be associated with the bruxism. Cortisol levels decreased in people with bruxism after treatment with both occlusal splint and Botox.
Clinical Relevance: It can be suggested that splint and botox treatment are effective for bruxism by reducing the stress levels. Botox treatment is also more effective in reducing stress levels.
Investigating the effects of frailty on longer-term outcomes in older major trauma patients: a multi-site study.
Authors: Cole Elaine , Crouch Robert , Baxter Mark , Wang Chao , Sivapathasuntharam Dhanupriya , Peck George , Jennings Cara , Jarman Heather
Published: October 2023

Background
Frailty is associated with adverse in-hospital outcomes after major trauma in older people, but the association with longer term survival and recovery is unclear. We aimed to investigate post discharge survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older patients at six months after major trauma centre (MTC) admission.
Methods
This was a multi-centre study of patients aged ≥65 years admitted to five MTCs. Data were collected via questionnaire at hospital discharge and six months later. The primary outcome was patient-reported HRQoL at follow up using Euroqol EQ5D-5L visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included health status according to EQ5D dimensions and care requirements at follow up. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between predictor variables and EQ-5D-5L VAS at follow up.
Results
Fifty-four patients died in the follow up period, of which two-third (64%) had been categorised as frail pre-injury, compared to 21 (16%) of the 133 survivors. There was no difference in self-reported HRQoL between frail and not-frail patients at discharge (Mean EQ-VAS: Frail 55.8 vs. Not-frail 64.1, p=0.137) however at follow-up HRQoL had improved for the not-frail group but deteriorated for frail patients (Mean EQ-VAS: Frail: 50.0 vs. Not-frail: 65.8, p=0.009). There was a two-fold increase in poor quality of life at six months (VAS ≤50) for frail patients (Frail: 65% vs. Not-frail: 30% p<0.009). Frailty (β-13.741 [95% CI -25.377, 2.105], p=0.02), increased age (β -1.064 [95% CI [-1.705, -0.423] p=0.00) and non-home discharge (β -12.017 [95% CI [118.403, 207.203], p=0.04) were associated with worse HRQoL at follow up. Requirements for professional carers increased five-fold in frail patients at follow-up (Frail: 25% vs. Not-frail: 4%, p=0.01).
Conclusions
Frailty is associated with increased mortality post trauma discharge and frail older trauma survivors had worse HRQoL and increased care needs at six months post-discharge. For older trauma patients frailty is a predictor of poor longer-term HRQoL after injury should enable early specialist review and discharge planning.
Sentiment Analysis of Twitter Data to Detect and Predict Political Leniency Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Kowsik V. V. Sai , Yashwanth L. , Harish Srivatsan , Kishore A. , S Renji , Jose Arun Cyril
Published: October 2023

This paper analyses twitter data to detect the political lean of a profile by extracting and classifying sentiments expressed through tweets. The work utilizes natural language processing, augmented with sentiment analysis algorithms and machine learning techniques, to classify specific keywords of interest as either positive or negative, based on the sentiment score of each keyword. The proposed methodology initially performs data pre-processing, followed by multi-aspect sentiment analysis for computing the sentiment score of the extracted keywords, which are then used for precisely classifying users into various clusters based on similarity score with respect to a sample user in each cluster. The proposed technique also predicts the sentiment of a profile towards unknown keywords and gauges the bias of an unidentified user towards political events or social issues. The proposed technique was tested on Twitter dataset with 1.72 million tweets taken from over 10,000 profiles, and was able to successfully identify the political leniency of the user profiles with 99% confidence level. The paper could also identify the impact of political decisions on various clusters, by analyzing the shift in number of users belonging to the different clusters.
Surviving the Heat: How Rhamdia voulezi Fish Battle Oxidative Stress at High Temperatures
Authors: Silva Diego Ortiz da , Ratko Jonathan , Côrrea Ana Paula Nascimento , Silva Niumaique Gonçalves da , Pereira Diego Mauro Carneiro , Schleger Ieda Cristina , Neundorf Ananda Karla Alvez , de Souza Maria Rosa Dmengeon Pedreiro , Herrerias Tatiana , Donatti Lucélia
Published: October 2023

When exposed to high temperatures, changes in the respiration rate of fish occur, leading to an increase in the formation of reactive oxygen species. Thus, enzymatic and non-enzymatic responses of antioxidant defense may be altered to avoid cellular-level stress. Rhamdia voulezi is an endemic species of the Iguaçu River in Paraná, Brazil, and is of great economic interest for fish farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of enzymatic biomarkers of antioxidant defense (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), the concentration of non-protein thiols (reduced glutathione), and markers of oxidative damage (lipoperoxidation and carbonylation) in the livers, gills, and kidneys of R. voulezi after acute exposure to an elevated temperature (31°C) for 2, 6, 12, 24, and 96 hours. Control animals were kept at 21°C. In the liver, there were increases in superoxide dismutase up to 12 h and glutathione S-transferase at 12 h and 96 h at the high temperature (31°C). In the gills, there were increases in superoxide dismutase after up to 24 h of exposure and lipoperoxidation after 2, 6, 12 and 96 h of exposure to the high temperature. Among the fish maintained at 31°C, there was also an induction of a heat stress response in the kidneys at 12 h, with increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Lipid peroxidation was also observed after 2 and 6 h of exposure to a temperature of 31°C. The three tissues evaluated responded differently to heat stress, and the liver showed a greater ability to adjust to the high temperature. The expression patterns of multiple biomarkers of antioxidant defence and oxidative damage in response to exposure to a high temperature suggest that R. voulezi exhibited oxidative stress.
Mitochondrial Diabetes Mellitus with Mitochondrial DNA 3316G>A Mutation: A Unique Autopsy Case Presenting with Sepsis-Associated Cholestasis
Authors: Mashiba Chikara , Shioya Akihiro , Kumagai Motona , Hoshi Daisuke , Yoshida Mitsuteru , Shimasaki Miyako , Oyama Takeru , Shirakawa Tomohiko , Yamada Sohsuke
Published: October 2023

Background: We describe a unique autopsy case of mitochondrial diabetes mellitus (MDM) with mitochondrial DNA 3316G>A mutation, in which, a characteristic sepsis-associated cholestasis was finally recognized via the pathological examinations, and the clinical diagnosis of the cause of jaundice with conjugated hyperbilirubinemiawas very difficult. Case Presentation: A 74-year-old Japanese female was diagnosed with MDM showing a point mutation at mitochondrial DNA 3316G>A on the age of 38. She had been treated with hemodialysis due to the diabetic nephropathy and end-stage renal failure since the age of 66. She noticed urinary tract infection and diabetic gangrene of foot with Gram-negative Bacteroides fragilis bacteremia, followed by aggressive jaundice with high serum level of direct bilirubin, and died 2 months after the symptom onset. At autopsy, multiple foci of bacteremia-induced hemorrhagic infarction were observed in the congestive bilateral lungs, whereas the cholestatic liver revealed no overt gross cholangiectasis. Microscopic findings characteristically showed many bile thrombi in the biliary canaliculi of hepatic lobules without any evidence of severe shock liver. Finally, we diagnosed exclusively and conclusively as sepsis-associated cholestasis due to the marked elevation of Gram-negative bacteria-derived endotoxins and inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusion: We propose that these unique liver features in our MDM case might be one of new clues to unveil its enigmatic etiology. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the presence and significance of sepsis-associated cholestasis, after collecting and investigating a larger number of MDM cases with mitochondrial DNA 3316 mutation examined.
Patients With Age-related Macular Degeneration Lack Knowledge and Self-management Skills of Age-related
Authors: Yuqian Ren , Haiyan Luo , Liu Qiong , Meidan Wen , Tao Ling
Published: October 2023

Objective:To understand the status quo and factors influencing self-management behavior in patients with age-related macular degeneration, provide evidence for better self-management and develop self-management evaluation tools.
Methods:A lot of 17 patients with age-related macular degeneration were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. The phenomenological research method was applied, and the data were collated according to Colaizzi's 7-step phenomenological analysis method.
Results: The status quo and factors influencing self-management behavior in patients with age-related macular degeneration could be summarized into five themes:1）serious daily dysfunction caused by visual impairment and inability to cope with methods and skills; 2）lack of disease cognition, timely treatment, and poor compliance; 3）the presence of underlying diseases and poor management of comorbidity; 4）lack of disease health knowledge and display of bad habits and rebuilding healthy behavior motivation; 5）negative emotion .
Conclusion: Patients with age-related macular degeneration have poor self-management knowledge and self-management ability. There is a need to strengthen the thematic popular science education of age-related macular degeneration at the social level, learn from advanced countries, collaborate with medical association and communities, and actively promote the development and application of visual rehabilitation training, social psychological intervention and self-management projects.Taken together these approaches could improve the self-management ability of patients with AMD.
The combination of doxazosin and metyrosine as a preoperative treatment for pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas
Authors: Ohmachi Yuka , Yamamoto Masaaki , Inaba Yuiko , Makino Shohei , Urai Shin , Matsumoto Risa , Bando Hironori , Kanie Keitaro , Tsujimoto Yasutaka , Motomura Yuma , Sasaki Yuriko , Oi Yuka , Yamamoto Naoki , Suzuki Masaki , Takahashi Michiko , Iguchi Genzo , Kanzawa Maki , Furukawa Junya , Shigemura Katsumi , Mizobuchi Satoshi , Ogawa Wataru , Fukuoka Hidenori
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Preoperative medical management is critical to prevent intraoperative cardiovascular complications in patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Initial treatment involves α-adrenergic receptor blockers. However, while the routine use of metyrosine alongside these blockers is not strongly recommended due to a lack of evidence supporting its efficacy and associated safety concerns, there are previous studies on combination therapy with phenoxybenzamine and metyrosine. There are few reports on combination therapy with the selective α1-adrenergic receptor blocker, doxazosin. Therefore, we investigated this combination treatment, which theoretically can affect perioperative outcomes in patients with PPGLs. To our knowledge, this is the first such study.
Methods: This retrospective single-center observational study involved 51 patients who underwent surgical resection of PPGLs at Kobe University Hospital between 2014 and 2022. All patients received doxazosin at maximum doses. Fourteen patients received concomitant metyrosine, while 37 received doxazosin alone. Their perioperative outcomes were compared.
Results: No severe event, such as acute coronary syndrome, was observed in either group. Intraoperatively, the doxazosin + metyrosine group exhibited a lower median minimum systolic blood pressure (56 [54-60] vs. 68 [59-74] mmHg, P = 0.03), and required lower median remifentanil (P = 0.04) and diltiazem (P = 0.02) doses than the doxazosin-alone group.
Conclusion: The combination of metyrosine and doxazosin as a preoperative treatment for PPGLs affects intraoperative circulatory hemodynamics, such as a reduced occurrence of blood pressure elevation during surgery. Further research is necessary to identify patients who will benefit most from this combination treatment.
Genome-wide investigation of UDP-Glycosyltransferase family in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum)
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xiao , Guan Jingru , Wang Bo , Wu Xiaoying , Song Minli , Wei Aili , Liu Zhang , Huo Dongao
Published: October 2023

Background: Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) belongs to Polygonaceae family and has attracted increasing attention owing to its high nutritional value. UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) glycosylate a variety of plant secondary metabolites to control many metabolic processes during plant growth and development. However, there have been no systematic reports of UGT superfamily in F. tataricum.
Results: We identified 173 FtUGTs in F. tataricum based on their conserved UDPGT domain. Phylogenetic analysis of these genes with 73 Arabidopsis UGTs clustered them into 21 families. FtUGTs from the same family usually had similar gene structure and motif compositions. Most of FtUGTs did not contain introns or had only one intron. Tandem repeats contributed more to FtUGTs amplification thansegmental duplications. Expression analysisindicates that FtUGTs are widely expressed in various tissues and likely play important roles in plant growth and development. The gene expression analysis response to different abiotic stresses showed that some FtUGTs were involved in response to drought and cadmium stress. Our study provides useful information on the UGTs in F. tataricum, and will facilitate their further study to better understand their function.
Conclusions: Our results provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the functional characteristics of FtUGTs and for understanding the growth, development, and metabolic model in F. tataricum.
Do PET-positive supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes predict overall survival or the success of primary surgery in patients with advanced ovarian cancer?
Authors: Braun Christian , Grünig Hannes , Peikert Julia , Strobel Klaus , Christmann-Schmid Corina , Brambs Christine
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
Compared with conventional CT, FDG-PET/CT detects a higher rate of lymph node and distant metastases in ovarian cancer patients. However, it is not currently routinely performed in the pre-operative work-up. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic value of a pre-operative FDG-PET/CT in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its predictive value regarding surgical resection to no residual disease. Specifically, a potential significance of PET-positive supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes (SDLN) on these parameters was evaluated.
Methods:
All patients with FIGO IIA-IVB EOC diagnosed between 03/2014–01/2021 at our certified gynecological cancer center with a FDG PET/CT prior to primary surgical therapy were retrospectively included.
Results:
A total of consecutive 53 patients were included in the study. 18 (34%) had PET-positive SDLN. We could not demonstrate a significant correlation between PET-positive SDLN and median overall survival (OS; SDLN positive: 58.76 months, SDLN negative: 60.76 months; p = 0.137) or intra- and perioperative outcomes.
Conclusion:
In ovarian cancer, FDG PET/CT has a higher detection rate for SDLN compared to CT detection rates described in the literature. PET-positive SDLNs failed to predict the intraoperative outcome or overall survival.
Changes in clinicopathological characteristics and surgical methods of adrenal tumors: high-volume institution experience of 1358 cases
Authors: Fu Weijin , Ma Chunlei , Yi Chufan , Zhang Mingjin , Lan Yibi
Published: October 2023

Background: The aim of this study to investigate the change trends in clinicopathological characteristics and surgical methods of adrenal tumors(AT) at a high-volume institution experience.
Methods: Data of AT patients who underwent adrenalectomy at our institution from January 2012 and December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The change trends of age, gender, nationality, tumor side, clinical manifestations, endocrine type,tumor diameter,pathological types and surgical methods indicators were analyzed between the two stages.
Result: A total of 1358 patients (mean age 46.2 years and diameter 3.38 cm) with underwent adrenalectomy were identified. There were 793 females and 565 males. Nationality include 905 han, 404 zhuang and 49 the other nationalities. There were 714 left side, 625 right side and 19 bilateral sides. Clinical manifestation included 914 clinical and 444 incidental types. Endocrine types included 729 function and 629 non-function.Histopathological diagnosiss included 1315 benign tumors (508 non-function adenomas, 298 primary aldosteronism, 215 pheochromocytomas,88 Cushing syndrome, 62 cyst,55 non-function nodular hyperplasia and 89 the other tumors) and 43 malignancies (17 adrenocortical cancer,9 metasta­sis and 17 the other tumors). The sum of the surgical types included 1059 RPLA,145 TPLA,106 OA and 48 RALA.
Conclusions: In our institution,there were more females than males.Simultaneously, Han were more than Zhuang nationalities. AT tended to occur on the left side, predominant clinical and functional types. Non-functional adenomas and ACC were the main pathological types of benign and malignant tumors, respectively. Although there were various surgical types for AT, RPLA was still the main surgical methods in our center. Keywords: Adrenal tumors, Clinicopathological characteristics, Surgical methods, Change trends
WITHDRAWN: Geoelectric Structure of Yalova-termal Town Bymagnetotelluric Data, Northwestern Turkey
Authors: Sevim Fatih , Pekşen Ertan , Dikbaş Aynur
Published: October 2023

In this study, the resistivity distribution of Termal town in the eastern Marmara region and its territory was investigated. Termal district is a seismically active region located between northern and southern branches of North Anatolian Fault in the Armutlu Peninsula. In the study area, magnetotelluric data were measured at 39 sounding locations. After the basic processing of collected MT data including the static shift correction, the resistivity structure of the corresponding area was obtained as a 3D earth model. Our aim is to obtain the underground conductivity structure of the study area, and to accomplish this, we utilize a well that produces hot water at a depth of 680 meters. The cross-sections in different directions obtained from the 3D earth model suggest that the study area is basically consisted of three distinguishable layers. The uppermost layer is a conductive layer and its thickness varies between 500 m and 1.5 km. 3D modelling of MT data infers a N-NW dipping major deep structure on the northern part of the Armutlu Peninsula. We propose that the north-dipping structure represents a tectonic contact between different tectonostratigraphic units exposed in the region. The results of this study and the geology of the region are compatible with each other. The result obtained from 3D MT, combined with the presence of a production well, confirms that the middle layer may serve as a potential aquifer for hot water in the surveyed area.
Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Oxanthromicin against Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Wang Li-Jun , Wen Feng , Li Li-Xia , Xia Zhan-Feng
Published: October 2023

Oxanthromicin, an anthranone-type natural product isolated from Streptomyces sp. TRM 15522, exhibits high antifungal activity. However, the mechanisms underlying its antifungal activity remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated its mode of action against the phytopathogen Verticillium dahlia. Oxanthromicin substantially suppressed spore germination and mycelial growth in V. dahlia. Electron microscopy and staining with propidium iodide and Rhodamine 123 indicated that oxanthromicin causes cell membrane damage and induces changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. These findings indicate that oxanthromicin exerts its fungicidal activity by disrupting the fungal membrane structure. This discovery could facilitate its development as a biological pesticide.
Gravity and trade in video on demand services
Authors: Studnicka Zuzanna , Broocks Annette
Published: October 2023

Over the last decade, watching videos online has become one of the primary uses of the internet, with streaming services accounting for more than 60% of global internet traffic. In this paper, we use a novel data set on Netflix, the largest streaming platform worldwide, to estimate the patterns of catalogue availability (extensive margin) and the number of clicks per title (intensive margin) across twenty countries. This data set also gives us a unique opportunity to estimate the importance of quality in viewing patterns. Our results show evidence of the gravity framework explaining both margins of Netflix watching. In addition, we find that there is a strong preference for domestic content, better-rated titles, and Netflix Original productions. These findings suggest that as Netflix produces more content, this will interact with its streaming dominance to provide a significant advantage in reaching viewers and promoting specific content.
JEL Classification: F10, L82, Z10
Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) spontaneously differentiated into myofibroblast to repairer diabetic wounds
Authors: Li Yuxiao , Su Qi , Tao Zhaoyu , Cai Xiang , Zhao Yueping , Zhou Zhiying , Huang Yadong , Xiang Qi
Published: October 2023

Diabetic ulcer healing is affected by persistent hyperglycemia, and the current treatment methods are extremely limited. We aim to take the advantages of stem cell therapy and try to use periodontal ligament stem cells that have not yet become therapeutic cells to repair diabetic wounds, so as to provide theoretical basis for its application in clinical practice. Methods: The effect of AGEs on the myofibroblast differentiation ability of hPDLSCs was investigated by RT-qPCR and WBto detect the gene and protein expressions of α-SMA and COLIA1. HE staining and Masson staining were used to observe the effect of hPDLSCs on wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic mice, and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of α-SMA and CD31. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of CD206 and iNOS in the tissue of wound area.hPDLSCs can spontaneously differentiate into myoblasts during culture. In α-MEM medium, at 25μg/mL AGEs, the expression of COLIA1 in the seventh passage (P7) cells was significantly decreased, and α-SMA was increased (P < 0.05). hPDLSCs hydrogel injection was used to heal the wounds of C57 mice, and it was found that the healing rate of hPDLSCs group was 65.247% on the 7th day of healing while that of the model group was 48.938%. The healing rate of hPDLSCs treatment group was much higher than that of the model group. Conclusion: hPDLSCs can repair the skin wounds of diabetic mice by spontaneously differentiating into myofibroblasts and resisting the damage of AGEs, which is expected to be used in clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Effect of gradation on Macro-meso shear properties of the alluvial- diluvial soil-rock mixture (ADSRM)
Authors: Liu Longqi , Fan Zhenhao , Yao Linhu , Yang Yunshu
Published: October 2023

Alluvial-diluvial soil-rock mixture (ADSRM) is a special geological material, mainly composed of pebbles, gravel, and soils. Gradation design has a remarkable effect on improving the shear strength of ADSRM. Therefore, the N-method of gradation theory was applied to the gradation design of ADSRM fillers, and the influence of gradation on macro-meso shear properties of ADSRM samples was analyzed. Macro-mechanical test results show that the shear strength, the equivalent cohesion, and the friction angle of the graded sample are much higher than that of the ungraded sample, and the shear dilatancy of the graded sample is more obvious. Meso-shear properties indicate that the percentage of pore area of the graded sample is less than that of the ungraded sample, while the percentage of the number of the small pore to the total pore and the crushed rock blocks under the same normal stress are more than that of the ungraded sample. Pore abundance shows the shape of most pores on the shear plane is oblate, secondly, near-equiaxed, and the least long-strip. Finally, the percentage of pore area decreases gradually with the increase of the shear displacement, while the percentage of crushed rock block area increases first and then decreases, which can reflect the change of shear strength at different shear stages. The number of pores and broken rock blocks mainly affect the strength and equivalent cohesion of the filler, while the abundance, roundness, shape coefficient, and fractal dimension of rock block contour mainly affect the internal friction angle.
Chemical bonding and valence states in Au-associated host minerals
Authors: Nzulu Gabriel , Magnusson Martin
Published: October 2023

Natural minerals play a vital role and exhibit unique electronic and structural properties that can be attributed to the presence of gold. Therefore, research on the chemical bonding of these materials is essential for contributing to better exploration, separation, and recovery techniques. The study of minerals from mining areas and their differences in correlation to Au contributes to an understanding of the chemical forms of invisible gold in rocks as well as their association with other mineral deposits. Here, we investigate the structural chemistry of gold (Au) and pathfinder elements in soil sediments (Au concentrates) containing host minerals of pyrite (FeS2), magnetite (Fe3O4), and quartz (SiO2) identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The samples were collected at an alluvial small-scale mining site and investigated by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) at the Au 2p3/2 and Ag 1s absorption edges. XANES shows that the average valence states of Au have different weights of Au0, Au1+ and Au3+ depending on the composition of the host minerals at the mineral deposit. EXAFS shows that the interatomic Au-Au distances increase to 2.99–3.03 Å compared to 2.85 Å for Au metal, while the Ag-Ag distances increase to 2.93–2.97 Å compared to Ag metal of 2.86 Å. As shown in this work, XANES and EXAFS reveal the structural composition and chemical bonding of Au and Ag in host minerals that play an important role in the formation and stability of Au-associated mineral deposits. The results also reveal the alloying of Au with Ag and its association with S and O ligands in the host minerals as indistinguishable in X-ray diffraction. The knowledge will aid in mineral exploration and extraction based on geochemical data of the constituent minerals in potential geological zones.
THE ROLE OF NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING IN LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Moskalenko Julia , Vynnychenko Oleksandr , Sulaieva Oksana , Moskalenko Roman
Published: October 2023

Among all malignant neoplasms, lung cancer is the cause of death in approximately every fifth patient. Next-generation sequencing can solve the issue of not only diagnosis but also the further treatment of lung cancer.
Aim. The work aims to search, process, generalize and bibliometrically analyze the scientific literature to study the main trends in next-generation sequencing in diagnosing non-small cell lung cancer.
Materials and methods. One thousand nine hundred thirty-one literature sources, including information about next-generation sequencing, were published between 2010 and 2023. The data search was carried out in electronic databases Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords: "lung cancer," "next-generation sequencing," "targeted therapy," "genetic mutations," "circulating tumor DNA," and "liquid biopsy." The authors used the bibliometric tools of the Scopus and SciVal databases to analyze the year, source, type of study, subject area, and country of publication.
Results and discussion. Next-generation sequencing is gradually becoming the new diagnostic standard. This technology allows to detect biological markers with high accuracy and specificity. Many studies have confirmed the effectiveness of next-generation sequencing for diagnosing lung cancer, assessing response to treatment and sensitivity to drug therapy, and predicting the prognosis of the disease. Lung cancer is one of the most common tumors with a high mutational load. Unique diagnostic panels allow for a short period to examine tumor tissue for a wide range of biological markers. The article aims to investigate the main areas of application of next-generation sequencing in patients with lung cancer and current clinical trials in this field. The bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature consisted of the study of publication activity from 2010 to 2023, the geography of publications, and the identification of scientific journals where the articles about the role of next-generation sequencing were publicized.
Conclusions. Next-generation sequencing is widely used in medicine. This method can become one of the leading methods for diagnosing lung cancer because it can accurately identify specific biological markers. Tumor tissue embedded in paraffin blocks and various biological fluids can be used for diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing is effective even in cases where the amount of tumor tissue is limited and other methods cannot identify it. The advantages of the method are confirmed in clinical trials and described in many scientific publications of the leading countries of the world. As a result, next-generation sequencing appears to be an effective method for diagnosing lung cancer and selecting the most appropriate regimen of targeted or immunotherapy. Disadvantages of the method include the high cost in developing countries and the need for appropriate software.
CO-INFECTION OF DENGUE AND CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUSES: A SEROLOGICAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN WARANGAL, TELANGANA, INDIA
Authors: Sreedevi S. , Krishna Gudikandula
Published: October 2023

Background: All around India, Dengue and Сhikungunya (CHIK) diseases seem to be rising. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes frequently transmit the CHIK virus and Dengue virus (DENV). Both viruses can spread together in regions where they cocirculate.
Objectives: The objective of the current investigation is to determine the seroprevalence of coinfection with Dengue and Сhikungunya.
Methods: The present study was conducted at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana, India, from January to December 2022. The district health authority and the admitted cases provided the samples. The patients had symptoms typical of CHIK and DEN infections, including high fever (>39°C), chills, rashes, joint pain, joint swelling, nausea, and headache, myalgia, and pain behind the eyes.
Results: Between January 2022 and December 2022, a total of 4892, 3344, and 2103 hospitalised patients underwent serological testing for the Dengue virus (DENV), the Сhikungunya virus (CHIKV), and both Dengue and Сhikungunya virus for co-infection, respectively. IgM Capture ELISA was used for all tests. 153 (7.8%) of the cases had both Dengue virus (DENV) and Сhikungunya virus IgM positivity. (CHIKV). Dengue virus (DENV) monoinfection, or 703 (14.3%), denotes the presence of Dengue virus. 313 (9.3%) individuals tested positive for the Сhikungunya virus, or mono-infected with the virus (CHIKV). Chikungunya IgM, Dengue IgM, and Co-infection
Conclusion: Dengue and Chikungunya virus co-infections are clinically more serious than a single infection. However, in endemic regions, particularly during the monsoon season, clinically suspected cases should be tested for both viruses. To determine the severity and clinical result of co-infection, more thorough investigations are needed to analyse the pathophysiology and complications of co-infection.
Chemical, rheological, and sensory properties of wheat biscuits fortified with local buckwheat
Authors: Hussein Ahmed , Abd El-Aal Hala A. , Morsy Nahla M. , Hassona Mohamed M.
Published: October 2023

The research featured two species of buckwheat: Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. and Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.
The authors used 10, 20, or 30% of buckwheat flour to substitute soft wheat flour in order to obtain biscuits with improved sensory and nutritional properties.
The biscuits were tested for chemical composition, rheology, color, baking quality, sensory properties, and texture. The sample made of soft wheat flour and F. tataricum contained less protein and fat than the sample with F. esculentum. The samples with F. tataricum demonstrated greater amounts of fiber and ash while the samples made of soft wheat flour were rich in carbohydrates. The additional increment enhanced the arrival time, dough development time, dough stability, the mixing tolerance index, and weakening. Compared to the control, the samples with F. esculentum demonstrated lower peak, trough, breakdown, final, and setback viscosities. F. tataricum, on the contrary, increased the viscosity readings. The biscuits fortified with F. esculentum and F. tataricum contained more protein, fat, ash, and crude fiber the control. The control biscuits also exceeded the total carbohydrates. The experimental biscuits with F. esculentum and F. tataricum were darker in color than the control: the lightness (L*) and redness values (b*) decreased as the proportion of F. esculentum/F. tataricum rose. However, the experimental biscuits had a higher level of yellowness (a*). As the replacement levels rose, F. esculentum and F. tataricum reduced biscuit weight and volume.
According to the research results, 30% F. esculentum and 20% F. tataricum proved able to yield nutritious biscuits with outstanding physical properties. Greater proportions of F. esculentum/F. tataricum resulted in poor sensory ratings for color, taste, flavour, texture, appearance, and overall acceptability.
Development of an online analyser to meet challenging new discharge limits for mercury in flue gas desulphurisation wastewater
Authors: Lancaster Shaun T. , Corns Warren T. , Krupp Eva M. , Feldmann Jörg
Published: October 2023

Anthropogenic emissions of mercury to the environment are of great concern due to its toxicity. The burning of coal contributes highly to Hg emissions and, as such, much lower effluent discharge limits for Hg in flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) wastewater have recently been proposed in the USA. Lower detection limits are required to meet the most demanding discharge limit of 10 ng L−1. Therefore, in this work, a new analyser for online monitoring of Hg in FGD wastewater based on syringe injections of chemicals combined with gold amalgamation – atomic fluorescence spectrometry has been developed. The instrument has been validated against international standard method ISO 17852, as well as an interference study with extreme levels of salts majorly present in FGD water. Detection limits of 1.8 ng L−1 as well as accurate performance in an on-site field trial indicate that the methodology is fit to meet the new legislation.
The Meaningful Function of the Emerging Clinical Targets-lncRNA MEG3 in
Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Yingchi , Jiang Yutong , Bai Huahui , Wen Yu
Published: October 2023

LncRNA MEG3, a tumor suppressor gene, is related to reducing the proliferation, migration, and invasion
as well as apoptosis abilities of gastric cancer (GC), which is a promising therapeutic target in patients.
We conducted a comprehensive search of the literature on Pubmed using the keywords “lncRNA MEG3 and
gas cancer” from 2014 to the present. Here, we provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of existing
knowledge of the lncRNAs MEG3 and reveal its biological function and specific mechanisms in gastric cancer.
MEG3 is involved in many molecular mechanisms that inhibit the development and progression of gastric
cancer. For example, MEG3 can inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of
miR-21, miR-665, miR-148, miR-208, etc. MEG3 inhibits gastric carcinogenesis by inhibiting the negative
regulator MDM2, regulating the expression of tumor suppressor genes p53 and Rb gene, and managing
PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Additionally, gastric cancer patients with low MEG3 expression
have poor prognosis, and transfection of MEG3 can improve the overall survival time of normal cells.
Eventually, lncRNA MEG3 can be used as a biomarker or target for intervention, thereby providing new insights
for gastric cancer therapy.