bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peri-therapeutic multi-modal hemodynamic assessment and detection of predictors for symptomatic in-stent restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting
Authors: Song Xiaowen , Qiu Hancheng , Yang Shuo , Liu Yuqi , Cao Yong , Wang Shuo , Zhao Jizong
Published: April 2023

Backgrounds

This study performed multi-modal hemodynamic analysis including quantitative color-coded digital subtraction angiography (QDSA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to delineate peri-therapeutic hemodynamic changes and explore the risk factors for in-stent restenosis (ISR) and symptomatic ISR (sISR).

Methods

Forty patients were retrospectively reviewed. Time to peak (TTP), full width at half maximum (FWHM), cerebral circulation time (CCT), angiographic mean transit time (aMTT), arterial stenosis index (ASI), wash-in gradient (WI), wash-out gradient (WO) and stasis index were calculated with QDSA and translesional pressure ratio (PR) and wall shear stress ratio (WSSR) were quantified from CFD analysis. These hemodynamic parameters were compared between before and after stent deployment and multivariate logistic regression model was established to detect predictors for ISR and sISR at follow-up.

Results

It was found that stenting generally reduced TTP, stasis index, CCT, aMTT and translesional WSSR while significantly increased translesional PR. ASI decreased after stenting, and during the mean follow-up time of 6.48 ± 2.86 months, lower ASI (<0.636) as well as larger stasis index were corroborated to be independently associated with sISR. aMTT showed a linear correlation with CCT before and after stenting.

Conclusion

PTAS not only improved cerebral circulation and blood flow perfusion but also changed local hemodynamics significantly. ASI and stasis index derived from QDSA were proved to play a prominent role in risk stratification for sISR. Multi-modal hemodynamic analysis could facilitate intraoperative real-time hemodynamic monitoring and help the determination of the end point of intervention.
The effect and safety of constraint-induced movement therapy for post-stroke motor dysfunction: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Xiao Xianjun , Jin Qizu , Li Juan , Zhong Dongling , Li Yuxi , Qin Yan , Zhang Hong , Liu Xiaobo , Xue Chen , Zheng Zhong , Jin Rongjiang
Published: April 2023

Background

Due to motor function insufficiency, patients with post-stroke motor dysfunction (PSMD) have limitations in performing an activity, feel restricted during social participation, and feel impaired in their quality of life. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a neurorehabilitation technique, but its effectiveness on PSMD after stroke still remains controversial.

Objective

This meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effect and safety of CIMT for PSMD.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched from their inception to 1 January 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of CIMT for PSMD. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias and reporting quality. The primary outcome was a motor activity log for the amount of use (MAL-AOU) and the quality of movement (MAL-QOM). RevMan 5.4, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.0, and STATA 13.0 software were used for statistical analysis. The certainty of the evidence was appraised using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. We also performed the TSA to assess the reliability of the evidence.

Results

A total of 44 eligible RCTs were included. Our results showed that CIMT combined with conventional rehabilitation (CR) was superior to CR in improving MAL-AOU and MAL-QOM scores. The results of TSA indicated that the above evidence was reliable. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that CIMT (≥6 h per day or duration ≤ 20 days) combined with CR was more effective than CR. Meanwhile, both CIMT and modified CIMT (mCIMT) combined with CR were more efficient than CR at all stages of stroke. No severe CIMT-related adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

CIMT may be an optional and safe rehabilitation therapy to improve PSMD. However, due to limited studies, the optimal protocol of CIMT for PSMD was undetermined, and more RCTs are required for further exploration.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=143490, identifier: CRD42019143490.
Serum homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for 1-year stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke and H-type hypertension: results from the Xi'an stroke registry study of China
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Liu Zhongzhong , Guo Weiyan , Lu Qingli , Zhang Huan , Lei Zhen , Liu Pei , Huang Congli , Wang Jing , Chang Qiaoqiao , Lin Xuemei , Wang Fang , Wu Songdi
Published: April 2023

Background

H-type hypertension has a high prevalence in China. However, the association of serum homocysteine levels with 1-year stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and H-type hypertension has not been studied.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients with AIS admitted to hospitals between January and December 2015 in Xi'an, China, was conducted. Serum homocysteine levels, demographic data, and other relevant information were collected from all patients upon admission. Stroke recurrences were routinely tracked at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge. The blood homocysteine level was studied as a continuous variable and tertiles (T1–T3). A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model and a two-piecewise linear regression model were utilized to evaluate the association and ascertain the threshold effect regarding the serum homocysteine level and 1-year stroke recurrence in patients with AIS and H-type hypertension.

Results

Overall, 951 patients with AIS and H-type hypertension were enrolled, of whom 61.1% were male. After adjusting for confounders, patients in T3 had a significantly increased risk of recurrent stroke within 1 year, compared with those in T1 as the reference (hazard ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–4.97, p = 0.047). Curve fitting showed that serum homocysteine levels were positively curvilinearly correlated with 1-year stroke recurrence. Threshold effect analysis showed that an optimal threshold of serum homocysteine level <25 μmol/L was effective in reducing the risk of 1-year stroke recurrence in patients with AIS and H-type hypertension. Elevated homocysteine levels in patients with severe neurological deficits on admission significantly increased the risk of 1-year stroke recurrence (p for interaction = 0.041).

Conclusions

In patients with AIS and H-type hypertension, the serum homocysteine level was an independent risk factor for 1-year stroke recurrence. A serum homocysteine level of ≥25 μmol/L significantly increased the risk of 1-year stroke recurrence. These findings can inform the creation of a more precise homocysteine reference range for the prevention and treatment of 1-year stroke recurrence in patients with AIS and H-type hypertension and provide a theoretical foundation for the individualized prevention and treatment of stroke recurrence.
Recovery sleep attenuates impairments in working memory following total sleep deprivation
Authors: Peng Ziyi , Hou Yanhong , Xu Lin , Wang Haiteng , Wu Shuqing , Song Tao , Shao Yongcong , Yang Yan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The detrimental effects of sleep deprivation (SD) on cognitive function and quality of life are well known, and sleep disturbances are a major physical and mental health issue worldwide. Working memory plays an important role in many complex cognitive processes. Therefore, it is necessary to identify strategies that can effectively counteract the negative effects of SD on working memory.

Methods

In the present study, we utilized event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the restorative effects of 8 h of recovery sleep (RS) on working memory impairments induced by total sleep deprivation for 36 h. We analyzed ERP data from 42 healthy male participants who were randomly assigned to two groups. The nocturnal sleep (NS) group completed a 2-back working memory task before and after normal sleep for 8 h. The sleep deprivation (SD) group completed a 2-back working memory task before and after 36 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD) and after 8 h of RS. Electroencephalographic data were recorded during each task.

Results

The N2 and P3 components—which are related to working memory—exhibited low-amplitude and slow-wave characteristics after 36 h of TSD. Additionally, we observed a significant decrease in N2 latency after 8 h of RS. RS also induced significant increases in the amplitude of the P3 component and in the behavioral indicators.

Discussion

Overall, 8 h of RS attenuated the decrease in working memory performance caused by 36 h of TSD. However, the effects of RS appear to be limited.
Altered whole-brain gray matter volume in form-deprivation myopia rats based on voxel-based morphometry: A pilot study
Authors: Liu Jiayan , Lei Yahui , Diao Yuyao , Lu Yamei , Teng Xingbo , Chen Qingting , Liu Lian , Zhong Jingxiang
Published: April 2023

Background

Myopia is one of the major public health problems worldwide. However, the exact pathogenesis of myopia remains unclear. This study proposes using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to investigate potential morphological alterations in gray matter volume (GMV) in form-deprivation myopia (FDM) rats.

Methods

A total of 14 rats with FDM (FDM group) and 15 normal controls (NC group) underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Original T2 brain images were analyzed using VBM method to identify group differences in GMV. Following MRI examination, all rats were perfused with formalin, and immunohistochemical analysis of NeuN and c-fos levels was performed on the visual cortex.

Results

In the FDM group, compared to the NC group, significantly decreased GMVs were found in the left primary visual cortex, left secondary visual cortex, right subiculum, right cornu ammonis, right entorhinal cortex and bilateral molecular layer of the cerebellum. Additionally, significantly increased GMVs were found in the right dentate gyrus, parasubiculum, and olfactory bulb.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a positive correlation between mGMV and the expression of c-fos and NeuN in the visual cortex, suggesting a molecular relationship between cortical activity and macroscopic measurement of visual cortex structural plasticity. These findings may help elucidate the potential neural pathogenesis of FDM and its relationship to changes in specific brain regions.
STNet: A novel spiking neural network combining its own time signal with the spatial signal of an artificial neural network
Authors: Liu Fang , Tao Wentao , Yang Jie , Wu Wei , Wang Jian
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This article proposes a novel hybrid network that combines the temporal signal of a spiking neural network (SNN) with the spatial signal of an artificial neural network (ANN), namely the Spatio-Temporal Combined Network (STNet).

Methods

Inspired by the way the visual cortex in the human brain processes visual information, two versions of STNet are designed: a concatenated one (C-STNet) and a parallel one (P-STNet). In the C-STNet, the ANN, simulating the primary visual cortex, extracts the simple spatial information of objects first, and then the obtained spatial information is encoded as spiking time signals for transmission to the rear SNN which simulates the extrastriate visual cortex to process and classify the spikes. With the view that information from the primary visual cortex reaches the extrastriate visual cortex via ventral and dorsal streams, in P-STNet, the parallel combination of the ANN and the SNN is employed to extract the original spatio-temporal information from samples, and the extracted information is transferred to a posterior SNN for classification.

Results

The experimental results of the two STNets obtained on six small and two large benchmark datasets were compared with eight commonly used approaches, demonstrating that the two STNets can achieve improved performance in terms of accuracy, generalization, stability, and convergence.

Discussion

These prove that the idea of combining ANN and SNN is feasible and can greatly improve the performance of SNN.
Prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in gastric cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Siheng , Qiu Chao , Yu Hanzhi , Xu Yan , Xu Xiaoming
Published: April 2023

Background

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a cost-effective and easily identifiable inflammatory biomarker that has been shown to be closely associated with tumor prognosis and predict survival in patients with multiple malignancies. However, the predictive value of NLR in patients with gastric cancer (GC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has not been fully explored. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the potential of NLR as a predictor of survival in this population.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases from inception to the present for observational researches on NLR and its relationship with progression or survival in GC patients receiving ICIs. To assess the prognostic significance of NLR on overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS), we used fixed or random-effect models to derive and combine hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also examined the relationship between NLR and treatment efficacy by calculating relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs for objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) in patients with GC receiving ICIs.

Results

Nine studies of 806 patients were eligible. OS and PFS data were obtained from 9 and 5 studies, respectively. In nine studies, NLR was associated with poor survival, the pooled HR was 1.98 (95% CI 1.67- 2.35, p < 0.001), indicating a significant association between high NLR and worse OS. We conducted subgroup analyses based on study characteristics to confirm the robustness of our findings. A relationship between NLR and PFS were reported in five studies with a HR of 1.49 (95% CI 0.99- 2.23, p = 0.056), which was not significantly associated. Pooling four studies that examined the correlation between NLR and ORR/DCR in GC patients, we observed a significant correlation between NLR and ORR (RR = 0.51, p = 0.003), but no significant correlation between NLR and DCR (RR = 0.48, p = 0.111).

Conclusion

In summary, this meta-analysis indicates that increased NLR is significantly linked to worse OS in patients with GC receiving ICIs. In addition, lowering NLR can improve ORR. Thus, NLR can serve as a predictor for prognosis and treatment response in GC patients treated with ICIs. Nevertheless, further high-quality prospective studies are required to verify our findings in the future.
Echocardiographic and ultrasound evaluation of haemodynamic parameters in hypoxic neonates treated with hypothermia: Study protocol
Authors: Brunets Natalia , Brunets Veronika , Bokiniec Renata
Published: April 2023

Background

Episodes of ischaemia-hypoxia in the perinatal period as well as the changes in the redistribution of blood may lead to decreased perfusion and ischaemia of the cardiac muscle. Additionally, there is a negative impact from the reduced contractility of the cardiac muscle secondary to acidosis and hypoxia. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) improves the late effects in moderate and severe cases of hypoxia-ischaemia encephalopathy (HIE). The direct impact of TH on the cardiovascular system includes moderate bradycardia, increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), inferior filling of the left ventricle (LV) and LV stroke volume. The above-mentioned consequences of TH and episodes of HI in the perinatal period are therefore exacerbation of respiratory and circulatory failure. The impact of the warming phase on the cardiovascular system is not well researched and currently few data has been published on this topic. Physiologically, warming increases heart rate, improves cardiac output and increases systemic pressure. The effect of TH and the warming phase on the cardiovascular values has a decisive impact on the metabolism of drugs, including vasopressors/inotropics, which in turn affects the choice of medication and fluid therapy.

Method

The study is a multi-centre, prospective, case-control, observational study. The study will include 100 neonates (50 subjects and 50 controls). Echocardiography and cerebral and abdominal ultrasound will be performed in the first 1/2 days after birth as well as during warming i.e., on day 4/7 of life. In neonatal controls these examinations will be performed for indications other than hypothermia, most frequently because of poor adaptation.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw approved the study protocol prior to recruitment (KB 55/2021). Informed consent will be obtained from the carers of the neonates at the time of enrolment. Consent for participation in the study can be withdrawn at any time, without consequences and without obligation to justify the decision. All data will be stored in a secure, password-protected Excel file that is only accessible to researchers involved in the study. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at relevant national and international conferences.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT05574855.
Revealing the Mechanism of Huazhi Rougan Granule in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Through Intestinal Flora Based on 16S rRNA, Metagenomic Sequencing and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Liu Yingying , Tan Yingying , Huang Jiaqi , Wu Chao , Fan Xiaotian , Stalin Antony , Lu Shan , Wang Haojia , Zhang Jingyuan , Zhang Fanqin , Wu Zhishan , Li Bing , Huang Zhihong , Chen Meilin , Cheng Guoliang , Mou Yanfang , Wu Jiarui
Published: April 2023

Background: The incidence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL) is increasing year by year, growing evidence suggests that the intestinal flora plays a causative role in NAFL. Huazhi Rougan Granule (HRG) is commonly used in the clinical treatment of NAFL. It is reported that it can reduce lipids and protect the liver, but no research has confirmed whether the drug’s effect is related to the intestinal flora. Therefore, we investigated whether the effect of HRG is related to the regulation of intestinal flora to further explore the mechanism of HRG in the treatment of NAFL through intestinal flora.

Methods: In this study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks, and the high-fat diet plus HRG or polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules were each administered by gavage for 5 weeks. High-throughput sequencing, network pharmacology, and molecular docking were used to explore the mechanism of HRG in the treatment of NAFL through intestinal flora.

Results: HRG treatment can reduce body weight gain, lipid accumulation in liver and lipogenesis and reduce serum biochemical indexes in high-fat-fed mice. Analysis of intestinal flora showed that HRG changed the composition of intestinal flora, which was characterized by a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Moreover, the species distribution was significantly correlated with AKP, HDL-C, and TG. Metagenetic analysis showed that HRG altered the functional composition and functional diversity of microorganisms, which was mainly characterized by an increase in the abundance of metabolic pathways. The network pharmacology results show that the mechanism of HRG in the treatment of NAFL through intestinal flora is mainly reflected in the biological process of gene function and related to infectious diseases, immune systems, and signal transduction pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Chagas disease, IL-17 signaling pathway and other signaling pathways.

Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that HRG may alleviate NAFL by preventing IFD.
A molecular network-based pharmacological study on the protective effect of Panax notoginseng rhizomes against renal ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Li Dan-Dan , Li Na , Cai Chui , Wei Chun-Mian , Liu Guang-Hua , Wang Ting-Hua , Xu Fu-Rong
Published: April 2023

Objective: We aimed to explore the protective effect of Panax notoginseng rhizomes (PNR) on renal ischemia and reperfusion injury (RIRI) and the underlying molecular network mechanism based on network pharmacology and combined systemic experimental validation.

Methods: A bilateral RIRI model was established, and Cr, SCr, and BUN levels were detected. Then, the PNR was pretreated 1 week before the RIRI model was prepared. To determine the effects of the PNR in RIRI, histopathological damage and the effect of PNRs to the kidney was assessed, using TTC, HE, and TUNEL staining. Furthermore, the underlying network pharmacology mechanism was detected by screening drug–disease intersection targets from PPI protein interactions and GO and KEGG analysis, and the hub genes were screened for molecular docking based on the Degree value. Finally, the expression of hub genes in kidney tissues was verified by qPCR, and the protein expression of related genes was further detected by Western blot (WB).

Results: PNR pretreatment could effectively increase Cr level, decrease SCr and BUN levels, reduce renal infarct areas and renal tubular cell injury areas, and inhibit renal cell apoptosis. By using network pharmacology combined with bioinformatics, we screened co-targets both Panax notoginseng (Sanchi) and RIRI, acquired ten hub genes, and successfully performed molecular docking. Of these, pretreatment with the PNR reduced the mRNA levels of IL6 and MMP9 at postoperative day 1 and TP53 at postoperative day 7, and the protein expression of MMP9 at postoperative day 1 in IRI rats. These results showed that the PNR could decrease kidney pathological injury in IRI rats and inhibit apoptotic reaction and cell inflammation so as to improve renal injury effectively, and the core network mechanism is involved in the inhibition of MMP9, TP53, and IL-6.

Conclusion: The PNR has a marked protective effect for RIRI, and the underlying mechanism is involved in inhibiting the expression of MMP9, TP53, and IL-6. This striking discovery not only provides fruitful evidence for the protective effect of the PNR in RIRI rats but also provides a novel mechanic explanation.
The method of moments for electromagnetic scattering analysis accelerated by the polynomial chaos expansion in infinite domains
Authors: Yuan Xiaohui , Ma Yujing , Huang Yajun , Huo Ruijin , Wang Zhongwang
Published: April 2023

An efficient method of moments (MoM) based on polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) is applied to quickly calculate the electromagnetic scattering problems. The triangle basic functions are used to discretize the surface integral equations. The polynomial chaos expansion is utilized to accelerate the MoM by constructing a surrogate model for univariate and bivariate analysis. The mathematical expressions of the surrogate model for the radar cross-section (RCS) are established by considering uncertain parameters such as bistatic angle, incident frequency, and dielectric constant. By using the example of a scattering cylinder with analytical solution, it is verified that the MoM accelerated by PCE presents a considerable advantage in computational expense and speed.
Multi-criteria assessment to screen climate smart rice establishment techniques in coastal rice production system of India
Authors: Mohapatra Kiran Kumar , Nayak A. K. , Patra R. K. , Tripathi Rahul , Swain Chinmaya Kumar , Moharana K. C. , Kumar Anjani , Shahid Mohammad , Mohanty Sangita , Garnaik Saheed , Nayak Hari Sankar , Mohapatra Simran , Nagothu Udaya Sekhar , Tesfai M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Conventional rice production techniques are less economical and more vulnerable to sustainable utilization of farm resources as well as significantly contributed GHGs to atmosphere.

Methods

In order to assess the best rice production system for coastal areas, six rice production techniques were evaluated, including SRI-AWD (system of rice intensification with alternate wetting and drying (AWD)), DSR-CF (direct seeded rice with continuous flooding (CF)), DSR-AWD (direct seeded rice with AWD), TPR-CF (transplanted rice with CF), TPR-AWD (transplanted rice with AWD), and FPR-CF (farmer practice with CF). The performance of these technologies was assessed using indicators such as rice productivity, energy balance, GWP (global warming potential), soil health indicators, and profitability. Finally, using these indicators, a climate smartness index (CSI) was calculated.

Results and discussion

Rice grown with SRI-AWD method had 54.8 % higher CSI over FPR-CF, and also give 24.5 to 28.3% higher CSI for DSR and TPR as well. There evaluations based on the climate smartness index can provide cleaner and more sustainable rice production and can be used as guiding principle for policy makers.
An assessment of the physicochemical characteristics and essential oil composition of Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. exposed to different salt stress conditions
Authors: Singh Ruby , Ahmed Sajad , Luxmi Savita , Rai Garima , Gupta Ajai Prakash , Bhanwaria Rajendra , Gandhi Sumit G.
Published: April 2023

Salt stress adversely influences growth, development, and productivity in plants, resulting in a limitation on agriculture production worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of four different salts, i.e., NaCl, KCl, MgSO4, and CaCl2, applied at various concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mM on the physico-chemical properties and essential oil composition of M. longifolia. After 45 days of transplantation, the plants were irrigated at different salinities at 4-day intervals for 60 days. The resulting data revealed a significant reduction in plant height, number of branches, biomass, chlorophyll content, and relative water content with rising concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2. However, MgSO4 poses fewer toxic effects than other salts. Proline concentration, electrolyte leakage, and DPPH inhibition (%) increase with increasing salt concentrations. At lower-level salt conditions, we had a higher essential oil yield, and GC–MS analysis reported 36 compounds in which (−)-carvone and D-limonene covered the most area by 22%–50% and 45%–74%, respectively. The expression analyzed by qRT-PCR of synthetic Limonene (LS) and Carvone (ISPD) synthetic genes has synergistic and antagonistic relationships in response to salt treatments. To conclude, it can be said that lower levels of salt enhanced the production of essential oil in M. longifolia, which may provide future benefits commercially and medicinally. In addition to this, salt stress also resulted in the emergence of novel compounds in essential oils, for which future strategies are needed to identify the importance of these compounds in M. longifolia.
Using process features to investigate scientific problem-solving in large-scale assessments
Authors: Gong Tao , Shuai Lan , Jiang Yang , Arslan Burcu
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study investigates the process data from scientific inquiry tasks of fair tests [requiring test-takers to manipulate a target variable while keeping other(s) constant] and exhaustive tests (requiring test-takers to construct all combinations of given variables) in the National Assessment of Educational Progress program.

Methods

We identify significant associations between item scores and temporal features of preparation time, execution time, and mean execution time.

Results

Reflecting, respectively, durations of action planning and execution, and execution efficiency, these process features quantitatively differentiate the high- and low-performing students: in the fair tests, high-performing students tended to exhibit shorter execution time than low-performing ones, but in the exhaustive tests, they showed longer execution time; and in both types of tests, high-performing students had shorter mean execution time than low-performing ones.

Discussion

This study enriches process features reflecting scientific problem-solving process and competence and sheds important light on how to improve performance in large-scale, online delivered scientific inquiry tasks.
Mapping food surveillance chains through different sectors
Authors: Amato Laura , Benedetti Guido , Di Giuseppe Paola , Hénaux Viviane , Lailler Renaud , Nordeng Zuzana , Scharffenberg Tora Alexandra Ziesler , Skjerdal Taran , Cito Francesca
Published: April 2023

European countries are investing in strengthening disease surveillance from a One Health (OH) perspective. During the MATRIX project, in the context of the One Health European Joint Programme, existing surveillance chains across the sectors of animal health, food safety, and public health have been investigated through questionnaires. Provided information has then been selected to be displayed in a single slide using an implemented mapping template. Two real-life scenarios are presented as case studies: the surveillance activities in place in France for Salmonella in the pork meat food chain, and in Norway for Listeria monocytogenes in the dairy food chain. The results collected through the questionnaires and the lessons learnt during the mapping process are reported, to share the advantages and drawbacks of the methodology. Moreover, the presented template could be adjusted and applied to different contexts. Mapping the components of existing disease surveillance systems is a fundamental step in understanding the relationships between its components, and subsequently facilitating their collaboration and integration under a OH approach.
The role of booster vaccination in decreasing COVID-19 age-adjusted case fatality rate: Evidence from 32 countries
Authors: Zhou Cui , Wheelock Åsa M. , Zhang Chutian , Ma Jian , Dong Kaixing , Pan Jingxiang , Li Zhichao , Liang Wannian , Gao Jing , Xu Lei
Published: April 2023

Background

The global COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, and cross-country and cross-period variation in COVID-19 age-adjusted case fatality rates (CFRs) has not been clarified. Here, we aimed to identify the country-specific effects of booster vaccination and other features that may affect heterogeneity in age-adjusted CFRs with a worldwide scope, and to predict the benefit of increasing booster vaccination rate on future CFR.

Method

Cross-temporal and cross-country variations in CFR were identified in 32 countries using the latest available database, with multi-feature (vaccination coverage, demographic characteristics, disease burden, behavioral risks, environmental risks, health services and trust) using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). After that, country-specific risk features that affect age-adjusted CFRs were identified. The benefit of booster on age-adjusted CFR was simulated by increasing booster vaccination by 1–30% in each country.

Results

Overall COVID-19 age-adjusted CFRs across 32 countries ranged from 110 deaths per 100,000 cases to 5,112 deaths per 100,000 cases from February 4, 2020 to Jan 31, 2022, which were divided into countries with age-adjusted CFRs higher than the crude CFRs and countries with age-adjusted CFRs lower than the crude CFRs (n = 9 and n = 23) when compared with the crude CFR. The effect of booster vaccination on age-adjusted CFRs becomes more important from Alpha to Omicron period (importance scores: 0.03–0.23). The Omicron period model showed that the key risk factors for countries with higher age-adjusted CFR than crude CFR are low GDP per capita and low booster vaccination rates, while the key risk factors for countries with higher age-adjusted CFR than crude CFR were high dietary risks and low physical activity. Increasing booster vaccination rates by 7% would reduce CFRs in all countries with age-adjusted CFRs higher than the crude CFRs.

Conclusion

Booster vaccination still plays an important role in reducing age-adjusted CFRs, while there are multidimensional concurrent risk factors and precise joint intervention strategies and preparations based on country-specific risks are also essential.
The effect of residual antibiotics in food on intestinal microbiota: a systematic review
Authors: Sadighara Parisa , Rostami Shahrbano , Shafaroodi Hamed , Sarshogi Ali , Mazaheri Yeghaneh , Sadighara Melina
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The gut microbiota may be altered following changes in diet or exposure to drugs. Humans can be exposed to antibiotic residue in food. People may be exposed to these compounds for years. But in determining the maximum residue level (MRL), the effects of antibiotic residue on the intestinal microbiota are not investigated. Some evidence suggests that antibiotics in small amounts also lead to changes in the intestinal microbiota. Therefore, a systematic study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of antibiotic residues in food on the intestinal microbiota.

Method

The main criterion of this research was to investigate the effects of antibiotics at low doses. For this purpose, a search was made in the databases with keywords antibiotic, veterinary antibiotic, food, residue, microbiome, and microbiota. The investigated doses of each of the antibiotics in the studies were compared with their MRL in food.

Results

The most significant change in the structure and function of the microbiota was made by tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, cefquinome, florfenicol and tylosin. The lowest observed effect was related to the antibiotics fosfomycin and amoxicillin.

Discussion

Exposure to antibiotic residues through food is usually a long-term exposure. In vivo studies, changes in the intestinal microbiota were observed. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the breeders and competent authorities in order to comply with the principles of treatment. The gut microbiota may be altered following changes in diet or exposure to drugs.
Case report: Severe, refractory hypoglycemia in a 9-year-old Brittany Spaniel with renal nephroblastoma
Authors: Simons Paula , Lyons Bridget , Bentley Adrienne , Mazzaferro Elisa , Thalheim Lindsay , Finotello Riccardo , Ressel Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

A 9-year-old female spayed Brittany Spaniel presented for weakness and stumbling, and was diagnosed with severe hypoglycemia. An insulin to glucose ratio was not consistent with insulinoma as a cause for hypoglycemia. Diagnostic imaging (abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography) revealed a large left renal mass and a possible metastatic lesion in the right kidney. Glucagon therapy was initiated, but hypoglycemia was refractory to therapy. A left nephrectomy was performed and hypoglycemia subsequently resolved. Histopathology of the mass was consistent with nephroblastoma and immunohistochemistry for anti-insulin-like Growth Factor-2 (IGF-2) antibody revealed immunoreactivity in over 50% of the neoplastic cells. Chemotherapeutic treatment was initiated with a combined protocol of vincristine and doxorubicin. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report documenting the treatment of severe, refractory non-islet cell tumor-induced hypoglycemia in a dog, suspected to be secondary to an IGF-2 secreting nephroblastoma.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Extremity Osteoradionecrosis after Limb-Sparing Surgery and Adjuvant Radiotherapy
Authors: Lu Yun-Jui , Chen Chun-Chieh , Chen Shih-Heng , Lin Cheng-Hung , Lin Yu-Te , Lin Chih-Hung , Hsu Chung-Chen
Published: April 2023

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a major complication after radiotherapy. Most studies on ORN have focused on patients with mandibular lesions, with few studies including patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS). We included 198 patients with extremity STS who underwent limb-sparing surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy between 2004 and 2017. The incidence rate of extremity ORN was 3.5% (7/198), with most lesions (6/7) located in the lower extremities. The mean follow-up time was 62 months. Clinical presentations included chronic ulcers, soft tissue necrosis, sinus discharge, bone nonunion, and pathological fractures. Compared with the non-ORN group, the ORN group had a significantly higher total radiation dose (68 Gy vs. 64 Gy, p = 0.048) and greater use of intraoperative periosteal stripping (p = 0.008). Repeat surgeries and subsequent soft tissue reconstruction or limb amputation were performed as treatments. The risk and management of ORN in patients with extremity STS was ignored previously. Because the disease is complex and affects both clinicians and patients, careful surveillance should be undertaken.
Specific Septic Complications after Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Critical Multicentre Study
Authors: Popa Călin , Prunoiu Virgiliu-Mihail , Puia Paul , Schlanger Diana , Brătucu Mircea-Nicolae , Strâmbu Victor , Brătucu Eugen , Moisă Hortensia-Alina , Chiru Eduard-Georgian , Ileanu Bogdan Vasile , Radu Petre
Published: April 2023

The postoperative septic complications in gastrointestinal surgery impact immediate as well as long-term outcomes, which lead to reinterventions and additional costs. The authors presented the experience of three surgery clinics in Romania regarding the specific septic complications occurring in patients operated on for rectal cancer. The study group comprised 2674 patients who underwent surgery over a 5-year period (2017–2021). Neoplasms of the middle and lower rectum (76%) were the majority. There were 85% rectal resections and 15% abdominoperineal excisions of the rectum. In total, 68.54% of patients were operated on laparoscopically, and 31.46% received open surgery. Without taking wound infections into account, 97 (3.67%) patients had abdominal-pelvic septic complications. The aim was to evaluate the causes of the complications. The percentage of suppurations after surgery of the rectum treated by radiochemotherapy was considerably higher than after surgery of the non-radiated upper rectum. The fatality rate was 5.15%. The risk of fistulas was significantly associated with the preoperative treatment, tumour position and type of intervention. Sex, age, TNM stage or grade were not significant at 0.05 the threshold. The risk of fistulas is reduced with low anterior resection, but the gravity of these complications is higher in the lower rectum compared with the superior rectum. Preoperative radiochemotherapy is a contributing factor to septic complications.
Clinical Characteristics, Diagnostic Approach and Outcome of Thyroid Incidental Findings vs. Clinically Overt Thyroid Nodules: An Observational Single-Centre Study
Authors: Jansen Tom , Stikkelbroeck Nike , van de Ven Annenienke , van Engen-van Grunsven Ilse , Janssen Marcel , Bonenkamp Han , Gotthardt Martin , Netea-Maier Romana T.
Published: April 2023

Context: Thyroid nodules are common and can present as clinically overt nodules (visible, palpable or symptomatic nodules) and so-called incidentalomas (coincidental findings on imaging techniques). The majority are benign but recognizing clinically relevant nodules remains a challenge. Current Dutch guidelines recommend to refrain from additional diagnostic testing in incidentalomas other than FDG-PET-incidentalomas, unless there are suspicious clinical and/or sonographic features. However, there is no consensus on the further approach and no “real-life” data on the outcome of such an approach. Objective: To compare clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches and clinical outcome between patients referred with thyroid incidentalomas and non-incidentalomas at one academic referral thyroid clinic. Methods: Clinical and demographical characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and outcome were retrospectively obtained from the files of all patients newly referred because of thyroid incidentalomas or non-incidentalomas to our institution (between March 2011 and January 2017). Subsequently, the data were compared between both groups. Results: In total, 351 patients (64.3%) were referred because of non-incidentalomas and 195 (35.7%) because of incidentalomas. Incidentalomas were smaller (48.7% <2 cm) than non-incidentalomas (23.4% <2 cm). Furthermore, incidentalomas were less often symptomatic (15.9 vs. 42.7% p < 0.001). Fine-needle aspiration was performed in a similar percentage of the patients in the two groups (62.6% of incidentalomas vs. 69.8% in non-incidentaloma, p = 0.08). Significantly less malignancies were found among incidentalomas compared to non-incidentalomas (5.1% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.019). Moreover, significantly more malignancies occurred in PET-incidentalomas than non-PET-incidentalomas (11.8% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.023). In fact, the proportion of malignancies in PET-incidentalomas and non-incidentalomas was similar (11.8% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.895). Stability or decrease in size was observed in 96.5% of nodules receiving ultrasound follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with small asymptomatic thyroid incidentalomas represent an important proportion of the patients referred for additional diagnostic evaluation. The risk of malignancy in these patients is lower than in those with symptomatic palpable lesions, particularly in the patients with incidentalomas discovered on CT, MRI or US. Our findings support the current recommendations from the Dutch guidelines to not indiscriminately perform additional analysis and treatment on all incidentalomas, but prioritize this to FDG-PET-incidentalomas and clinically relevant non-PET-incidentalomas. Moreover, US features can further refine the selection of the patients who require immediate FNAC and/or surgery.
Gene Targets of CAR-T Cell Therapy for Glioblastoma
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Li Yuntao , Gu Lijuan , Chen Ran , Zhu Hua , Zhang Xu , Zhang Yonggang , Feng Shi , Qiu Sheng , Jian Zhihong , Xiong Xiaoxing
Published: April 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis following conventional therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the blood–brain barrier (BBB) severely impedes the permeation of chemotherapy drugs, thereby reducing their efficacy. Consequently, it is essential to develop novel GBM treatment methods. A novel kind of pericyte immunotherapy known as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell treatment uses CAR-T cells to target and destroy tumor cells without the aid of the antigen with great specificity and in a manner that is not major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted. It has emerged as one of the most promising therapy techniques with positive clinical outcomes in hematological cancers, particularly leukemia. Due to its efficacy in hematologic cancers, CAR-T cell therapy could potentially treat solid tumors, including GBM. On the other hand, CAR-T cell treatment has not been as therapeutically effective in treating GBM as it has in treating other hematologic malignancies. CAR-T cell treatments for GBM have several challenges. This paper reviewed the use of CAR-T cell therapy in hematologic tumors and the selection of targets, difficulties, and challenges in GBM.
Local Delivery of Immunomodulatory Antibodies for Gastrointestinal Tumors
Authors: Silva-Pilipich Noelia , Covo-Vergara Ángela , Smerdou Cristian
Published: April 2023

Cancer therapy has experienced a breakthrough with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) based on monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are able to unleash immune responses against tumors refractory to other therapies. Despite the great advancement that ICIs represent, most patients with gastrointestinal tumors have not benefited from this therapy. In addition, ICIs often induce adverse effects that are related to their systemic use. Local administration of ICIs in tumors could concentrate their effect in the malignant tissue and provide a higher safety profile. A new and attractive approach for local delivery of ICIs is the use of gene therapy vectors to express these blocking antibodies in tumor cells. Several vectors have been evaluated in preclinical models of gastrointestinal tumors to express ICIs against PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4, among other immune checkpoints, with promising results. Vectors used in these settings include oncolytic viruses, self-replicating RNA vectors, and non-replicative viral and non-viral vectors. The use of viral vectors, especially when they have replication capacity, provides an additional adjuvant effect that has been shown to enhance antitumor responses. This review covers the most recent studies involving the use of gene therapy vectors to deliver ICIs to gastrointestinal tumors.
Overcoming the Fibrotic Fortress in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Myo Min Kay K. , Ffrench Charlie B. , Jessup Claire F. , Shepherdson Mia , Barreto Savio George , Bonder Claudine S.
Published: April 2023

An overabundance of desmoplasia in the tumour microenvironment (TME) is one of the defining features that influences pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Desmoplasia is characterised by the recruitment and activation of fibroblasts, heightened extracellular matrix deposition (ECM) and reduced blood supply, as well as increased inflammation through an influx of inflammatory cells and cytokines, creating an intrinsically immunosuppressive TME with low immunogenic potential. Herein, we review the development of PDAC, the drivers that initiate and/or sustain the progression of the disease and the complex and interwoven nature of the cellular and acellular components that come together to make PDAC one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat cancers. We review the challenges in delivering drugs into the fortress of PDAC tumours in concentrations that are therapeutic due to the presence of a highly fibrotic and immunosuppressive TME. Taken together, we present further support for continued/renewed efforts focusing on aspects of the extremely dense and complex TME of PDAC to improve the efficacy of therapy for better patient outcomes.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Genetic Sight: Plant Traits during Postharvest”
Authors: Tilahun Shimeles
Published: April 2023

Modern breeding alternatives are less costly and sustainable solutions to increase quality, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and to reduce postharvest losses of crops [...]
Ellipsometry Characterisation for the Cd1-xZnxTe1-ySey Semiconductor Used in X-ray and Gamma Radiation Detectors
Authors: Herraiz Lidia Martínez , Plaza Canga-argüelles Jose Luis , Braña de Cal Alejandro Francisco
Published: April 2023

The study of the optical properties of the Cd1-xZnxTe1-ySey (CZTS) crystal provides a clear idea about its response to incident X-ray or gamma radiation. This is important for selecting a proper composition of CZTS to achieve superior quality and high-resolution X-ray and gamma radiation detectors at room temperature and reduce their production cost. This article’s novelty is in lowering the cost of the optical and compositional characterisation of CZTS using the ellipsometry technique. The most significant successes achieved are the composition ellipsometry model determination of CZTS based on the Effective Medium Approximation (EMA) substrate of the binary compound CdTe and ZnSe with an oxide layer of CdTe and the experimental verification that the bandgap moves to lower energies with the addition of Se.