bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of Wild Finescale Dace (Phoxinus neogaeus) to Experimental Spills of Cold Lake Blend Diluted Bitumen at the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area, Northwestern Ontario
Authors: Timlick Lauren , Dearnley Jamie , Blais Jules M. , Rodríguez-Gil José L. , Hanson Mark , Hollebone Bruce P. , Orihel Diane M. , Peters Lisa E. , Stoyanovich Sawyer S. , Palace Vince P.
Published: August 2022

Pipelines carrying diluted bitumen (dilbit) traverse North America and may result in dilbit release into sensitive freshwater ecosystems. To better understand the potential effects of a freshwater oil release, the Boreal-lake Oil Release Experiment by Additions to Limnocorrals project at the International Institute for Sustainable Development-Experimental Lakes Area (Ontario, Canada) modeled seven dilbit spills contained within a 10-m diameter of littoral limnocorrals in a boreal lake. Wild finescale dace (Phoxinus neogaeus) were released in the limnocorrals 21 days after oil addition and remained there for 70 days. Dilbit volumes covered a large range representing a regression of real spill sizes and total polycyclic aromatic compounds (TPAC) between 167 ng L−1 day−1 and 1989 ng L−1 day−1. We report the effects of chronic exposure on reproductive potential as well as physiological responses in the gallbladder and liver. In exposures >1000 ng L−1 day−1, there was a significant decrease in fish retrieval, culminating in zero recapture from the three highest treatments. Among the fish from the limnocorrals with lower levels of TPAC (<500 ng L−1 day−1), effects were inconsistent. Gallbladder bile fluorescence for a naphthalene metabolite was significantly different in fish from the oil-exposed limnocorrals when compared to the lake and reference corral, indicating that fish in these lower exposures were interacting with dilbit-derived polycyclic aromatic compounds. There were no significant differences in condition factor, somatic indices, or hepatocyte volume indices. There were also no significant changes in the development of testes or ovaries of exposed dace. The results from the present study may serve to orient policymakers and emergency responders to the range of TPAC exposures that may not significantly affect wild fish. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2745–2757. © 2022 SETAC
Expansion of the Conceptual Model for the Accumulation of Selenium in Lentic Food Chains to Include Redox-Controlled Generation and Diffusion of Selenite and Dissolved Organo-Selenium Compounds
Authors: Martin Alan J. , Kuang Cheng , Wallschläger Dirk
Published: August 2022

The controls governing the availability of reduced selenium (Se) species, namely selenite (Se[IV]) and dissolved organo-Se (DOSe), to primary producers at the sediment–water interface in depositional environments (i.e., lentic systems) were assessed through consideration of theoretical principles and field data. Selenite is generated in suboxic sediment porewater via the microbially mediated reduction of selenate (Se[IV]) and/or reductive dissolution of Se-bearing iron oxides. Field data for lentic environments demonstrate that the production of DOSe in sediment porewaters can also be redox- and depth-dependent. In this manner, the remobilization depths of Se(IV) and DOSe in depositional environments are dependent on the vertical redox gradient (dEh/dz), where deeper depths of remobilization are observed in less reducing sedimentary environments (lower dEh/dz). In turn, remobilization depth has a direct bearing on the concentration of dissolved Se(IV) and DOSe that may be realized at the sediment–water interface because the depth of reaction governs the diffusive path length, concentration gradient, and rate of diffusional transport toward the sediment–water interface. The principles that link sediment redox gradients, depth of remobilization, diffusive transport processes, and concentration of reduced Se species at the sediment–water interface have a direct bearing on the potential for Se uptake by primary producers in lentic food chains (e.g., phytoplankton, biofilms, bacteria). Overall, these processes complement the current conceptual “benthic detrital food chain” model that describes the accumulation of Se in lentic systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2859–2869. © 2022 SETAC
The effects of biogenic amines in Chinese Huangjiu on the behavior of mice and hangover headache‐related indices
Authors: Zhao Wenmei , Fu Zukang , Wang Xin , Mao Qingzhong , Luan Chunguang , Chen Shanbin , Zhang Fengjie , Yu Jiajun , Yao Yiping , Li Yishu , Hao Feike , Wang Deliang , Li Nan , Huangfu Jie , Wang Chengtao
Published: August 2022

Huangjiu (Chinese rice wine) is a popular and traditional alcoholic beverage in China; however, the consumption of Huangjiu readily results in hangover symptoms. The aim of this study was to identify the main components associated with behavioral inhibition, headache, and the relevant mechanisms by using a mice hangover model. The results of an open‐field experiment revealed that the key biogenic amine associated with mice behavior was histamine, which inhibited the behavior activity of mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, histamine treatment decreased the levels of serotonin (5‐HT) and 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid. In addition, the levels of dopamine and nitric oxide, which are associated with migraine, increased in the brain tissue of mice. In addition, the expression of receptor genes of 5‐HT, including Htr1a, Htr1f, and Htr2c, is essential in regulating various behaviors and mental activities. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that histamine is a key component in Huangjiu, and it is related to hangover symptoms by affecting the level of 5‐HT and its receptors.
3D modeling of the impact of ancient Yellow River floods on urban landscapes: A new look at the late imperial landscape at the Shuntianmen Site of Kaifeng City, Henan Province, China
Authors: Panpan Chen , Peng Lu , Ruixia Yang , Storozum Michael J. , Yingzhuo Zhang , Qifeng Ge , Cheng Wang , Lijie Yan , Xia Wang , Lanbo Guo , Zhen Wang , Haiguo Zhai
Published: August 2022

Floods had a massive impact on the development of ancient cities around the world and understanding this phenomenon constitutes an essential part of the history of long‐term and dynamic human–environment interactions. There remains, however, an enormous challenge in identifying records of ancient floods in urban environments due to various sedimentation and postdepositional processes that often remove, erase, and alter such environmental records. During archaeological excavations in the famous historic city of Kaifeng, we identified records of two historical floods at the Shuntianmen site. Related stratums were carefully studied, from which dating and sediment samples were collected. These excavated stratums were also scanned to obtain digital data for modeling. Combining these data, we then applied three‐dimensional modeling to reconstruct the evolution of the natural and cultural landscape of the site since the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD), which was not possible in previous studies due to the deep burial of archaeological strata. Our results indicate that the two floods occurred during the late Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD) and the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912 AD), respectively. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Shuntianmen was an important part of Kaifeng, which was, at that time, the capital of China and one of the largest cities in the world. Later, during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, Shuntianmen became a suburban settlement situated along various traffic routes. During the Qing Dynasty, the area became a small village. Subsequently, the area was completely abandoned and deserted until modern Kaifeng, which was built at the same place. The evolution of the regional landscape is the direct result of the interaction between the natural environment and human activities, among which the precarious alluvial processes of the Yellow River were playing an increasingly vital role. Over the centuries, the Yellow River floods, warfare, and wind‐blown sand accumulation reduced the Kaifeng region from a prosperous capital to a comparatively deserted area.
Postoperative outcomes in robotic gastric resection compared with laparoscopic gastric resection in gastric cancer: A meta‐analysis and systemic review
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Wang Yang , Ding Jianyue , Wang Daorong
Published: August 2022

Background

Robotic gastrectomy is a commonly used procedure for early gastric cancer and it also overcomes the limitation of laparoscopic. However, the complications of robotic gastrectomy (RG) still need to be assessed. Our study was designed to compare postoperative complications of RG with laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG).

Materials and Methods

A meta‐analysis and systemic review were prospectively collected using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE database of published studies by comparing the RG and LG with gastric cancer up to December 2021. To evaluate the postoperative outcomes, odds ratios were calculated for Dichotomous data and the mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for continuous data, and measured by the random‐effect model.

Results

Thirty‐two retrospective studies describing 13,585 patients (4484 RG and 9101 LG) satisfied the inclusion criteria. A statistically significant result was in blood loss (MD = −17.97, 95% Cl: −25.61 to 10.32, p < 0.001), Clavien−Dindo grade Ⅲ (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.48−0.76, p < 0.01), and harvested lymph node (MD = 2.62, 95% CI: 2.14−3.11, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between robotic gastrectomy surgery (RGS) and laparoscopic gastrectomy surgery (LGS) regarding distal resection margin (DRM), proximal resection margin (PRM), conversion rate, anastomotic leakage, and overall complications.

Conclusion

Having significant outcomes in Clavien–Dindo grade III, and blood loss, harvested lymph nodes are more common in RGS, and they also help in increasing the quality of life.
Identification of an immune‐related gene signature as a prognostic target and the immune microenvironment for adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Xu Chengdang , Qin Caipeng , Jian Jingang , Peng Yun , Wang Xinan , Chen Xi , Wu Denglong , Song Yuxuan
Published: August 2022

Background

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy. Even with complete tumor resection and adjuvant therapies, the prognosis of patients with ACC remains unsatisfactory. In the microtumor environment, the impact of a disordered immune system and abnormal immune responses is enormous. To improve treatment, novel prognostic predictors and treatment targets for ACC need to be identified. Hence, credible prognostic biomarkers of immune‐associated genes (IRGs) should be explored and developed.

Material and methods

We downloaded RNA‐sequencing data and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set, Genotype‐Tissue Expression data set, and Gene Expression Omnibus data set. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was applied to reveal the potential functions of differentially expressed genes.

Results

GSEA indicated an association between ACC and immune‐related functions. We obtained 332 IRGs and constructed a prognostic signature on the strength of 3 IRGs (INHBA, HELLS, and HDAC4) in the training cohort. The high‐risk group had significantly poorer overall survival than the low‐risk group (p < .001). Multivariate Cox regression was performed with the signature as an independent prognostic indicator for ACC. The testing cohort and the entire TCGA ACC cohort were utilized to validate these findings. Moreover, external validation was conducted in the GSE10927 and GSE19750 cohorts. The tumor‐infiltrating immune cells analysis indicated that the quantity of T cells, natural killer cells, macrophage cells, myeloid dendritic cells, and mast cells in the immune microenvironment differed between the low‐risk and high‐risk groups.

Conclusion

Our three‐IRG prognostic signature and the three IRGs can be used as prognostic indicators and potential immunotherapeutic targets for ACC. Inhibitors of the three novel IRGs might activate immune cells and play a synergistic role in combination therapy with immunotherapy for ACC in the future.
WD repeat domain 6 as a novelty prognostic biomarker correlates with immune infiltration in lung cancer: A preliminary study
Authors: Lv Minghe
Published: August 2022

Background

WD repeat domain 6 (WDR6), a novel human WD‐repeat gene, encodes a member of the WD repeat protein family, and its tumorigenic effect has rarely been reported so far.

Methods

Our study used Oncomine, TIMER2.0, GEPIA2, Kaplan–Meier plotter, PrognoScan, and TISIDB tools to analyze the differential expression between pan‐cancer, especially lung cancer, and corresponding normal tissue, and further explore the prognostic and immunological role of WDR6 expression.

Results

Our results showed WDR6 was lower expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma than in normal tissue, but WDR6 expression was correlated obviously with clinical stage in Lung adenocarcinoma. The overall survival, first progression, postprogression survival, and Relapse‐free survival of lung cancer patients were longer in the WDR6 high‐expression group than in the low‐expression group. We found the expression of WDR6 significantly correlated with immune molecules, including immunomodulators, lymphocytes, and chemokines in lung cancer.

Conclusion

WDR6 can be used as a prognostic marker for lung cancer and is significantly associated with immune cell infiltration.
Voyage of selenium from environment to life: Beneficial or toxic?
Authors: Banerjee Manisha , Chakravarty Dhiman , Kalwani Prakash , Ballal Anand
Published: August 2022

Selenium (Se), a naturally occurring metalloid, is an essential micronutrient for life as it is incorporated as selenocysteine in proteins. Although beneficial at low doses, Se is hazardous at high concentrations and poses a serious threat to various ecosystems. Due to this contrasting ‘dual' nature, Se has garnered the attention of researchers wishing to unravel its puzzling properties. In this review, we describe the impact of selenium's journey from environment to diverse biological systems, with an emphasis on its chemical advantage. We describe the uneven distribution of Se and how this affects the bioavailability of this element, which, in turn, profoundly affects the habitat of a region. Once taken up, the subsequent incorporation of Se into proteins as selenocysteine and its antioxidant functions are detailed here. The causes of improved protein function due to the incorporation of redox‐active Se atom (instead of S) are examined. Subsequently, the reasons for the deleterious effects of Se, which depend on its chemical form (organo‐selenium or the inorganic forms) in different organisms are elaborated. Although Se is vital for the function of many antioxidant enzymes, how the pro‐oxidant nature of Se can be potentially exploited in different therapies is highlighted. Furthermore, we succinctly explain how the presence of Se in biological systems offsets the toxic effects of heavy metal mercury. Finally, the different avenues of research that are fundamental to expand our understanding of selenium biology are suggested.
Ischemic preconditioning/ischemic postconditioning alleviates anoxia/reoxygenation injury via the Notch1/Hes1/VDAC1 axis
Authors: Wang Lijun , Lai Songqing , Zou Huaxi , Zhou Xueliang , Wan Qing , Luo Yong , Wu Qicai , Wan Li , Liu Jichun , Huang Huang
Published: August 2022

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), and ischemic postconditioning (IPost) have a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury by alleviating oxidative stress and mitochondrial disturbances, although the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. The study was to demonstrate that cardioprotection against anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury is transduced via the Notch1/Hes1/VDAC1 signaling pathway. Using mass spectrometry and tandem affinity purification (TAP), to screen for differentially expressed proteins associated with Hes1, followed by standard bioinformatics analysis. The co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay confirmed an interaction between Hes1 and VDAC1 proteins. H9c2 cells were transfected with Hes1 adenoviral N‐terminal TAP vector (AD‐NTAP/Hes1) and Hes1‐short hairpin RNA adenoviral vector (AD‐Hes1‐shRNA) to establish A/R injury, IPC, and IPost models, respectively. The expression of Hes1 and VDAC1 proteins were measured by western blot analysis, while the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. AD‐NTAP/Hes1 can activate the exogenous protein expression of Hes1, thus decreasing creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and promoting cell viability. The study found that VDAC1 was a potential target protein for Hes1 and the overexpression of Hes1 protein expression downregulated protein expression levels of VDAC1, reduced ROS production, stabilized ΔΨm, and inhibited apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Additionally, downregulation of Hes1 protein expression also upregulated VDAC1 protein expression, increased ROS production, imbalanced ΔΨm, promoted cell apoptosis, and attenuated the cardioprotection afforded by IPC and IPost. The Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway activated by IPC/IPost can directly downregulate the protein expression of VDAC1 and consequently relieve A/R injury.
Age and depressive symptoms change predict the 4‐year self‐concept trajectory for youth after anxiety treatment
Authors: Fjermestad Krister W. , Bellika Katarina , Matre Caroline , Silverman Wendy K. , Wergeland Gro Janne
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To investigate the self‐concept trajectory from before to 4 years after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for youth with anxiety disorders, including predictors.

Methods

Youth with anxiety diagnoses (N = 179; M = 11.5 years, SD = 2.1; 53.6% girls; 46.4% boys) received CBT in community clinics. Self‐concept, anxiety/depression symptoms, and diagnostic status were assessed at pre‐, post, 1‐year, and 4‐year posttreatment.

Results

Growth curve analyses showed that the self‐concept improved significantly over time (d = 0.07 to 0.34). Higher age and a decrease in the depressive symptom trajectory predicted increased self‐concept trajectory from baseline to 4 years posttreatment. Not dropping out of treatment also contributed positively to the self‐concept trajectory, but not above and beyond decreased depressive symptoms. The correlation between self‐concept and depressive symptoms was r = 0.60, indicating these are related but distinct.

Conclusion

Self‐concept can improve after CBT, also long‐term. This change appears to primarily be associated with decreased depressive symptoms over time.
Eating disorder psychopathology and resilience in Iranian college students: A network analysis
Authors: Sahlan Reza N. , Sala Margaret
Published: August 2022

Objective

Eating disorder (ED) psychopathology is common among Iranian college students. Resilience (i.e., the ability to bounce back and adapt in the face of adverse and stressful conditions) has been found to be a protective factor against ED psychopathology in the West. However, no research to date has examined resilience as a protective factor against ED psychopathology in Iran. The current study used network analysis to examine an ED and resilience network in an Iranian sample.

Method

Participants were Iranian college students (N = 478) who completed the Farsi‐Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire and Farsi‐Brief Resilience Scale. We estimated a network of ED symptoms and resilience processes and identified central and bridge symptoms.

Results

Central ED and resilience nodes were discomfort in seeing one's own body, feeling guilty about eating due to shape/weight, and thinking about shape and weight making it difficult to concentrate. Having a hard time making it through stressful events bridged with binge eating and fear of losing control over eating.

Conclusion

Processes related to managing stress and binge eating appear to maintain the association between ED symptoms and resilience processes.
Personality and mentalization: A latent profile analysis of mentalizing problematics in adult patients
Authors: Gagliardini Giulia , Gullo Salvatore , Teti Arianna , Colli Antonello
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between patients' mentalizing problematics and their personality; specifically, it aimed to identify clusters of individuals characterized by specific patterns of mentalizing imbalances and to analyze the relationship between these and diagnosis of personality disorder (PD), nonmentalizing modes, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal reactivity.

Methods

Four hundred therapeutic dyads were recruited. A part of these (n = 183) only completed clinician‐report measures, Mentalization Imbalances Scale, and Modes of Mentalization Scale, while others (n = 217) also completed patients' self‐report measures, which were Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Interpersonal Reactivity Index.

Results

A latent profile analysis enlightened the presence of four clusters with problematics in the dimensions of mentalization, indicated by cluster names: (1) Affective‐self‐automatic profile (ASA‐P) (with higher percentage of PDs); (2) External profile (E‐P) (with lower percentage of PDs); (3) Others‐automatic‐affective profile (OAA‐P); (4) Cognitive‐self‐automatic profile (CSA‐P). Multivariate analysis of variances confirmed that the four clusters differed in relation to the quality of mentalization, emotional dysregulation and interpersonal reactivity, with higher levels of nonmentalization modes, uncertainty about mental states and emotion dysregulation in ASA‐P, higher levels of good mentalization in E‐P, lower impulsivity in CSA‐P, and greater empathic concern in OAA‐P.
“You say you're inclusive, but can you show us?” The importance of cultural competence when working with sexual minorities in a mental health setting
Authors: Bishop Joshua , Crisp Dimity A. , Grant Janie Busby , Scholz Brett
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Sexual minorities experience higher rates of psychological distress than heterosexual people, likely due to minority stress. While rates of help‐seeking by sexual minorities are high, sexual minorities report greater dissatisfaction with mental health service providers. This dissatisfaction may result from poor cultural competence practices. Our study sought to determine the importance of service provider cultural competence practices to a community sample of sexual minority people.

Methods

Participants (n = 274) were sexual minority Australians recruited from affirming Facebook groups, organizations, and research‐based organizations. To measure the importance of cultural competence practices, participants completed a modified online version of the Gay Affirming Practices Scale (GAP) and responded to open‐ended questions.

Results

Between 80% and 99% of participants endorsed each item on the GAP, indicating the importance of service providers demonstrating an array of culturally affirming practices. No significant associations were found between overall GAP score and age or sexual orientation, though further analyses revealed individual items on the GAP showed associations with age. A structured tabular thematic analysis, of open‐ended participant responses, found positive attitudes, knowledge, and affirming practices were the three most important characteristics for service providers seeking to demonstrate culturally competent practices, mirroring the tripartite model (attitudes, knowledge, and skills) of cultural competence.

Conclusion

Recommendations for service providers to demonstrate cultural competence include: utilizing affirming practices such as inclusive language, increasing knowledge about sexual minorities, and utilizing education resources such as cultural competence workshops, lived experience stories, and seeking mentorship from service providers with expertise in working with sexual minorities.
Is there benefit to concurrent x‐ray imaging of the wrist, forearm and elbow in paediatric patients following a fall on the outstretched hand?
Authors: Sgualdino Daniel G , Neep Michael J , Spuur Kelly , Hughes Clarissa
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Concurrent X‐ray imaging of the wrist, forearm and elbow in paediatric patients following a fall on the outstretched hand (FOOSH) is intended to minimise the risk of an undetected co‐occurring injury and is typically performed on patients aged 0–10 years. The purpose of this study was to explore the benefit of this strategy and to identify if age could provide evidence for imaging.

Methods

A 12‐month retrospective review of all X‐ray examinations of the wrist, forearm and distal humerus of patients aged 0–10 years referred from the Emergency Department of Logan Hospital, Queensland was undertaken. The frequency, type and location of radiographic abnormalities and the requested examinations region of interest (ROI), referral notation and patient's age were recorded. Analysis was made by descriptive statistics.

Results

Four hundred and seventy‐six examinations met the studies inclusion criteria, 4.8% (n = 23) identified an abnormality outside of the documented ROI. On review of the admission and treatment notes, 1.7% (n = 8) were deemed to have detected traumatic abnormalities as a direct outcome of concurrent imaging. No age‐related evidence for imaging was identified.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates limited benefit (1.7%) to concurrent imaging following a FOOSH. The results suggest that a thorough physical evaluation of the paediatric upper limb performed by the referrer is sufficient to accurately guide X‐ray imaging. These findings have the potential to positively impact a reduction in the number of X‐rays performed on paediatric patients and in turn contribute to limiting radiation dose. Further studies may be beneficial in verifying the study's findings.
Screening of undernutrition in children with Hirschsprung disease using preoperative anthropometric parameters: A multicenter cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Di , Zhu Tianqi , Zhu Liye , Ji Chunyi , Zhou Bingyan , Zhang Guofeng , Yin Qiang , Yang Heying , Feng Jiexiong
Published: August 2022

Background

The prevalence of malnutrition is unknown in patients with Hirschsprung disease. Undernutrition is associated with poor clinical outcomes. This study aims to describe the nutrition status among patients with Hirschsprung disease at admission.

Methods

We retrospectively used data from children with Hirschsprung disease admitted to three pediatric surgery centers in China from January 2016 to December 2020. The weight‐for‐age z scores (WAZ), height‐for‐age z scores (HAZ), and body mass index‐for‐age z scores (BAZ) were calculated as the reference for nutrition risk according to the World Health Organization child growth standards. The nutrition status of enrolled children was described and nutrition risk in each clinical characteristic was compared. The association between nutrition status and clinical outcomes was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 624 patients were included in this study. The mean WAZ, HAZ, and BAZ of all patients was −0.64 ± 1.40, −0.45 ± 1.78, and −0.43 ± 1.50, respectively. Moderate to severe overall undernutrition was 16.3% (102/624). We found that WAZ and BAZ were significantly reduced with the length of aganglionic segments (P = 0.001). Children who had a definitive surgery at 3 years of age or older had significantly lower HAZ (P = 0.001). A multivariate regression model assessing postoperative Hirschsprung‐associated enterocolitis showed that the WAZ was one of the independent risk factors (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Undernutrition is prevalent among children with Hirschsprung disease. Nutrition assessment to identify individuals at risk of undernutrition for further intervention is necessary.
Prognostic value of the modified advanced lung cancer inflammation index in overweight or obese patients with lung cancer: Results from a multicenter study
Authors: Xie Hailun , Ruan Guotian , Wei Lishuang , Zhang Qi , Ge Yizhong , Song Mengmeng , Zhang Xi , Lin Shiqi , Liu Xiaoyue , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Kangping , Yang Ming , Tang Meng , Song Chunhua , Shi Hanping
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the modified advanced lung cancer inflammation index (mALI) and the survival of overweight or obese patients with lung cancer (LC).

Methods

The mALI was defined as the appendix skeletal muscle index multiplied by the serum albumin level/neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio. The cutoff values for males and females were assessed separately. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method, and statistical differences were determined using the log‐rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used for the survival analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to compare the prognostic value of mALI with other nutrition assessment indicators.

Results

The mALI cut‐offs for males and females were 8.59 and 8.26, respectively. Malnutrition, high systemic inflammation, and advanced stage for overweight or obese LC patients were found to be correlated with a low mALI. The median survival of patients with a low mALI was significantly lower than patients with a high mALI by approximately 25 months. In addition, the mALI can be used as an effective supplement to the traditional pathological stage. Multivariable analysis found that mALI was an independent prognostic factor of overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.531; 95% CI, 0.402–0.700; P < 0.001). The prognostic predictive performance of mALI was superior to that of other nutrition assessment indicators.

Conclusions

The mALI was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of overweight or obese LC patients, and a useful supplement to the pathological stage.
Establishment and validation of a clinical model for diagnosing solitary pulmonary nodules
Authors: Zhou Liwei , Zhou Zhigang , Liu Fenghui , Sun Huifang , Zhou Bing , Dai Liping , Zhang Guojun
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to develop and validate a clinical model for estimating the risk of malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs).

Methods

A total of 672 patients with SPNs were retrospectively reviewed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was applied for variable selection. A regression model was then constructed with the identified predictors. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical validity of the model were evaluated by the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Ten predictors, including gender, age, nodule type, diameter, lobulation sign, calcification, vascular convergence sign, mediastinal lymphadenectasis, the natural logarithm of carcinoembryonic antigen, and combination of cytokeratin 19 fragment 21‐1, were incorporated into the model. The prediction model demonstrated valuable prediction performance with an AUC of 0.836 (95% CI: 0.777–0.896), outperforming the Mayo (0.747, p = 0.024) and PKUPH (0.749, p = 0.018) models. The model was well‐calibrated according to the calibration curves. The DCA indicated the nomogram was clinically useful over a wide range of threshold probabilities.

Conclusion

This study proposed a clinical model for estimating the risk of malignancy in SPNs, which may assist clinicians in identifying the pulmonary nodules that require invasive procedures and avoid the occurrence of overtreatment.
Secondary cytoreductive surgery for low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Chang David
Published: August 2022

Background

In patients with low‐grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN), a secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCRS) is often performed if recurrent disease is detected.

Methods

In patients with a complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS), the clinical‐ and treatment‐related variables associated with the index CRS and the SCRS were statistically assessed for their impact on overall survival after SCRS.

Results

Eighty‐eight patients of 450 patients (19.6%) had SCRS. The mean survival was 15.3 years for patients requiring SCRS as compared to 24.5 years for the group as a whole. Variables associated with improved survival as a result of the index CRS by multivariant modeling were absence of total gastrectomy (p = 0.0038), moderate peritoneal cancer index of 15–30 (p = 0.0020) and time interval of greater than 36 months from CRS to SCRS (p = 0.0013). Multivariant modeling associated with SCRS were complete CRS (p = 0.0104) and disease progression limited to the abdominal wall (p = 0.0106). Early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) 5‐fluorouracil used with CRS improved the outcome with SCRS (p = 0.0095).

Conclusions

A requirement for SCRS in 88 patients decreased median survival to 15.3 years as compared to 24.5 years in all 450 LAMN patients (p < 0.0001). Prognostic indicators from both the index CRS and the SCRS had an impact on the outcome of SCRS.
A review of hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma—Analyzing patient characteristics and treatment strategies
Authors: Ajay Pranay S. , Tsagkalidis Vasileios , Casabianca Anthony , Burchard Paul R. , Melucci Alexa D. , Chacon Alexander , Goyal Subir , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Kooby David A. , Carpizo Darren R. , Shah Mihir M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEH) is a rare vascular tumor of unknown etiology and unpredictable natural history. To date, no large‐scale studies have been published evaluating this disease due to its rare occurrence.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was reviewed between 2004 and 2016 to identify patients with HEH. Univariate analysis with overall survival (OS) was performed by Cox proportional hazards model. Kaplan–Meier method was used to create OS curves and compared using the log‐rank test.

Results

We identified 229 patients with HEH. The majority of patients were female (61.1%), white (84.3%), and had a Charlson–Deyo score of 0 (75%). Chemotherapeutic intervention was seen in 26% of the patients while 33% received surgical intervention in the form of wedge/segmental liver resection (n = 27), hepatectomy lobectomy/extended lobectomy (n = 18), and liver transplant (n = 22). Five‐year survival in surgical patients was 90.5%, 66.5% and 81%, respectively (p = 0.485). Age greater than 55 years (hazard ratio [HR], 2.78; p < 0.001), Asian ethnicity compared to white (HR, 2.84; p = 0.012), and a higher Charlson–Deyo score (score 1: HR, 2.28; p < 0.001 and score ≥2: HR, 2.76; p = 0.011) were associated with worse OS.

Conclusion

Treatment for HEH remains variable with only a third of the patients undergoing surgery. International collaboration is necessary to determine the optimal treatment for this rare disease.
Diverse socialising patterns in wine tourist experiences: A segmentation‐based analysis of visitors to the wineries in South Australia
Authors: Napolitano Ester , Atzeni Marcello , Kim Aise , Del Chiappa Giacomo
Published: August 2022

Wine tourism is a social phenomenon influenced by the presence and the dynamics of many individuals (e.g. service personnel, travel companions, and other tourists). This study, carried out in South Australia on 394 winery visitors, attempts to confirm, and further explore, the important role of social interaction as part of the winescape experience, its multidimensionality and its impact on wine tourist decision‐making behaviour. Results of the factor‐cluster analysis demonstrate that different clusters exist based on wine tourists' perceptions of their social interactions (i.e. ‘social interaction enthusiasts’ and ‘travel companion‐oriented interactors’), thus supporting the idea that social interaction can be considered a valid market segmentation variable. The findings also show that segments differ in terms of their overall wine tourism experience and behaviour. Moreover, the two groups show significant differences also regarding several socio‐demographic characteristics, as well as travel patterns. Contributions to the body of knowledge and managerial implications are discussed, and suggestions for further research are given.
Ultrasound Radiomics‐Based Logistic Regression Model to Differentiate Between Benign and Malignant Breast Nodules
Authors: Shi Shanshan , An Xin , Li Yuhong
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To explore the potential value of ultrasound radiomics in differentiating between benign and malignant breast nodules by extracting the radiomic features of two‐dimensional (2D) grayscale ultrasound images and establishing a logistic regression model.

Methods

The clinical and ultrasound data of 1000 female patients (500 pathologically benign patients, 500 pathologically malignant patients) who underwent breast ultrasound examinations at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The cases were randomly divided into training and validation sets at a ratio of 7:3. Once the region of interest (ROI) of the lesion was manually contoured, Spearman's rank correlation, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and the Boruta algorithm were adopted to determine optimal features and establish a logistic regression classification model. The performance of the model was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration and decision curves (DCA).

Results

Eight ultrasound radiomic features were selected to establish the model. The AUC values of the model were 0.979 and 0.977 in the training and validation sets, respectively (P = .0029), indicating good discriminative ability in both datasets. Additionally, the calibration and DCA suggested that the model's calibration efficiency and clinical application value were both superior.

Conclusions

The proposed logistic regression model based on 2D grayscale ultrasound images could facilitate differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast nodules. The model, which was constructed using ultrasound radiomic features identified in this study, demonstrated good diagnostic performance and could be useful in helping clinicians formulate individualized treatment plans for patients.
Adsorption of hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride dye on MgO‐PbFe2O4: Experimental study and statistical physics modeling via double‐layer model
Authors: Jethave Ganesh , Fegade Umesh , Siddiqui Mohd Faizan Alam , Ahamed Mohd Imran , Suryawanshi Kiran E.
Published: August 2022

MgO doped PbFe2O4 (MgO‐PbFe2O4) is synthesized by co‐precipitation followed by ultrasonication method. The study was carried out for the effective adsorption of hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride dye (HPCD) on MgO‐PbFe2O4 from the industrial effluent. The experimental and theoretical physical models are used to explain the mechanism of the dye adsorption process. The simulation of dye adsorption assuming interaction HPCD + MgO‐PbFe2O4 is proposed from two types (a) adsorption of dye on MgO‐PbFe2O4 surface, and (b) the trapping of the HPCD dye in the pores and cavities present in the MgO‐PbFe2O4 surface. A theoretical measurement displays the parameter n pattern as a solution temperature function was n = 0.373, 0.371, and 0.321 at 298, 308, and 318 K, respectively (i.e., all values were below 1). Thus, during interactions between HPCD and MgO‐PbFe2O4 active sites, horizontal molecular positioning and multi‐locking mechanisms were involved. The kinetic model shows that the HPCD adsorptions on MgO‐PbFe2O4 follow the reaction's pseudo‐first‐order. Langmuir isotherm modeling best fitted and describes the HPCD‐MgO‐PbFe2O4 adsorption system for HPCD dye in 40 min with Qmax at 333.33 (mg L–1). The reused study and application in the removal of dye from the industrial effluent make MgO‐PbFe2O4 effective material for pollution control.
Consumer (dis)engagement coping profiles using online services in managing health‐related stressors
Authors: Keeling Debbie I. , de Ruyter Ko , Laing Angus
Published: August 2022

Online health services are a rapidly growing coping resource for consumers to draw on in managing health‐related stressors. We apply a (dis)engagement coping lens to understand consumer coping, identify the distinct purposes of consumer coping captured in six coping scales, and develop an inventory (via multiple studies), to measure consumer positioning on these scales. In a final survey (N = 623), we assess the extent to which consumers use online health services, the ways in which they draw on these services as coping resources using the 6‐scale inventory and the influence of health status on coping efforts. We demonstrate that consumer engagement coping efforts with respect to health‐related stressors are largely directed toward direct management of health stressors (e.g., active planning). We also identify how consumers combine multiple ways of coping through distinguishing three coping profiles based on the enactment and perceived helpfulness of the six coping scales and current health status. Our profiles emphasize the need to understand the progress of health conditions as a determiner of coping efforts. Practitioners and policymakers can use this structured understanding of coping efforts to strategically plan future service provision, although some caution is noted with respect to health inequalities.
ER stress and inflammation crosstalk in obesity
Authors: Ajoolabady Amir , Lebeaupin Cynthia , Wu Ne N. , Kaufman Randal J. , Ren Jun
Published: August 2022

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) governs the proper folding of polypeptides and proteins through various chaperones and enzymes residing within the ER organelle. Perturbation in the ER folding process ensues when overwhelmed protein folding exceeds the ER handling capacity, leading to the accumulation of misfolded/unfolded proteins in the ER lumen—a state being referred to as ER stress. In turn, ER stress induces a gamut of signaling cascades, termed as the “unfolded protein response” (UPR) that reinstates the ER homeostasis through a panel of gene expression modulation. This type of UPR is usually deemed “adaptive UPR.” However, persistent or unresolved ER stress hyperactivates UPR response, which ultimately, triggers cell death and inflammatory pathways, termed as “maladaptive/terminal UPR.” A plethora of evidence indicates that crosstalks between ER stress (maladaptive UPR) and inflammation precipitate obesity pathogenesis. In this regard, the acquisition of the mechanisms linking ER stress to inflammation in obesity might unveil potential remedies to tackle this pathological condition. Herein, we aim to elucidate key mechanisms of ER stress‐induced inflammation in the context of obesity and summarize potential therapeutic strategies in the management of obesity through maneuvering ER stress and ER stress‐associated inflammation.
A novel heterozygous ERCC6 variant identified in a Chinese family with non‐syndromic primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Kuang Lele , Liu Bin , Xi Di , Gao Yuping
Published: August 2022

Background

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome occurring in women before 40 with decreased ovarian function. Up to 25% of POI cases result from genetic factors that remain largely unknown. The Excision repair cross‐complementing, group 6 (ERCC6) variant has been found to cause POI, which is hardly ever diagnosed in adolescents.

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on a 19‐year‐old proband with non‐syndromic POI and her parents. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the identified variant. The effect of the variant on the protein was analyzed in silico and Swiss‐MODEL.

Results

A novel heterozygous missense variant, c.2444G > A (p. GLy815Asp) of ERCC6 was identified in the proband who inherited the variant from her father. The variant was confirmed in another POI patient from the pedigree and was absent in the proband's mother and sister who presented normally. In silico analysis predicted this variant was deleterious. Swiss‐Model revealed that the mutant amino acid formed multiple H‐bonds with adjacent residues, which may lead to a dysfunction of ERCC6 protein.

Conclusion

We firstly diagnosed an adolescent POI case associated with a novel heterozygous ERCC6 variant. The results expanded the variants spectrum of ERCC6 and provided guidance for POI diagnosis and genetic counselling.
Fibonacci collocation method for solving a class of nonlinear pantograph differential equations
Authors: Çakmak Musa
Published: August 2022

In this study, a collocation method based on Fibonacci polynomials is used for approximately solving a class of nonlinear pantograph differential equations with initial and boundary conditions. The problem is first reduced into a nonlinear algebraic system via collocation points, later the unknown coefficients of the approximate solution function are calculated. Also, some problems are presented to test the performance of the proposed method by using the absolute error functions. Additionally, the obtained numerical results are compared with exact solutions of the test problems and approximate ones obtained with other methods in literature.
Modulation of the Gut Microbiota and Glycometabolism by a Probiotic to Alleviate Amyloid Accumulation and Cognitive Impairments in AD Rats
Authors: Wang Yuanwang , Wang Dehua , Lv Houjiao , Dong Qinchen , Li Jiajia , Geng Weitao , Wang Jinju , Liu Fufeng , Jia Longgang , Wang Yanping
Published: August 2022

Scope

Regulating the gut microecology by probiotics is an efficient strategy to rational prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there is currently a lack of well‐known probiotic species in the protection against AD, and the involved mechanism has not been clearly interpreted.

Methods and results

Herein, Lactobacillus plantarum MA2 (MA2), a functional probiotic isolated from traditional Chinese Tibetan kefir grains, is demonstrated to improve the cognitive deficits and anxiety‐like behaviors in the d‐galactose/AlCl3 induced AD rats, and attenuate the neuronal degeneration and Aβ accumulation in the brain. Moreover, the study finds MA2 could alleviate the intestinal mucosal impairments, and impedes the activation of microglia and neuroinflammation through TLR4/MYD88/NLRP3 signaling pathway. 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis indicate that MA2 reshapes the gut microbiota structure and composition, and remarkably modulates the glycometabolism. In that case, the exopolysaccharides (EPS) that derived from MA2 is furtherly proved with inhibitory effects on the Aβ42 aggregation and amyloid‐induced cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

MA2 or MA2 EPS may be used as functional food and nutritional supplement for regulating the gut microbiota and metabolism disorders in AD. This study is of great significance to develop new intervention and therapeutic strategy on AD using probiotics and their metabolites.