bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between tobacco and breast cancer incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: He Yujing , Si Yuexiu , Li Xiangyuan , Hong Jiaze , Yu Chiyuan , He Ning
Published: September 2022

Background

The effect of tobacco on breast cancer (BC) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between tobacco and BC.

Methods

A search was conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases before February 2022. The adjusted odd ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to examine the relationship between active or passive smoking and BC risk.

Results

A total of 77 articles composed of 2,326,987 participants were included for this meta-analysis. Active (OR=1.15, 95% CI=1.11-1.20, p<0.001) and passive (OR=1.17, 95% CI=1.09-1.24, p<0.001) smoking increased the risk of BC in the female population, especially premenopausal BC (active smoking: OR=1.24, p<0.001; passive smoking: OR=1.29, p<0.001), but had no effect on postmenopausal BC (active smoking: OR=1.03, p=0.314; passive smoking: OR=1.13, p=0.218). Active smoking increased the risk of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) BC risk (OR=1.13, p<0.001), but had no effect on estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) BC (OR=1.08, p=0.155). The risk of BC was positively associated with the duration and intensity of smoking, negatively associated with the duration of smoking cessation. Active smoking increased the risk of BC in the multiparous population (OR=1.13, p<0.001), but had no effect on the nulliparous population (OR=1.05, p=0.432), and smoking before the first birth (OR=1.22, 95% CI=1.17-1.27) had a greater impact on the risk of BC than smoking after the first birth (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.04-1.12).

Conclusion

Smoking (active and passive) increased the risk of BC in women. The effect of smoking on BC was influenced by smoking-related factors (duration, intensity, years of quitting), population-related factors (fertility status), and BC subtypes.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier CRD42022322699.
Use of caliper-based external measurement of body surface in assessing the severity of pectus excavatum
Authors: Chen Tian , Chen Chenghao , Zeng Qi , Zhang Yan , Jiao Jinghua , Zhang Xu , Zhang Na , Yu Jie
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Objective assessment of the severity of pectus excavatum (PE) mainly depends on internal imaging examination, which poses radiation exposure risks and high financial costs. Our study explores the feasibility of caliper-based external measurements of the body surface to assess PE severity.

Materials and methods

Patients with PE aged 4–18 years who underwent both internal imaging examinations and external measurements were chosen for the study. Overall, 176 patients underwent surgery and 21 underwent regular observation. The Haller index (HI) and correction index (CI) were used to derive the external measurement indices, HI-caliper and CI-caliper. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis provided the optimal cut-off values and compared the diagnostic values of HI-caliper and CI-caliper. Spearman's correlation coefficient and Cohen's kappa coefficient were used to analyze the correlation and consistency between HI-caliper or CI-caliper and HI-CT or CI-CT, respectively. Also, a paired samples t-test was used to compare the differences of HI-caliper or CI-caliper before and after surgery.

Results

HI-caliper and CI-caliper measurements had strong correlations with HI-CT and CI-CT results (rs = 0.70, p < 0.001; rs = 0.69, p < 0.001), respectively. The optimal cut-off values of HI-caliper and CI-caliper were 1.83 (sensitivity = 0.841, specificity = 0.905) and 12% (sensitivity = 0.881, specificity = 0.857), exhibiting comparable diagnostic values with HI-CT and CI-CT. HI-caliper > 1.83 or CI-caliper > 12% had medium intensity consistency with HI-CT ≥ 3.25 or CI-CT ≥ 28% (k = 0.545, 95% confidence interval: 0.374–0.716, p < 0.001). The HI-caliper and CI-caliper values were significantly different before and after surgery.

Conclusion

Caliper-based external measurement is a feasible method to screen patients who require surgical intervention and for monitoring the progression of PE severity.
A review on development of placental transfusion in term and preterm infants
Authors: Lu Jiangyi , Yue Guang , Wang Qianying , Zhou Xiaofeng , Ju Rong
Published: September 2022

In recent years, it has been verified that placental transfusion can replenish blood volume of neonates, improve organ perfusion in the early postnatal stage, and facilitate the transition from fetal circulation to adult circulation. Meanwhile, placental transfusion can reduce the need for blood transfusion and the onset of intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and other complications. Furthermore, it can improve the iron store and the long-term prognosis of central nervous system, and reduce infant mortality. Different methods have been used, including delayed cord clamping, intact umbilical cord milking, and cut umbilical cord milking. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other academic organizations recommend the routine use of delayed cord clamping at birth for the most vigorous term and preterm neonates. However, details of placental transfusion should be clarified, and the short/long-term impacts of this technology on some infants with special conditions still require further study.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: A rare disease with spinal deformity and severe hip dysfunction
Authors: Sun Dong , Liu Peng , Wang Zhaolin , Mu Jianhu , Cao Jian
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Progressive fibrous dysplasia ossification (FOP) is a rare genetic disease characterized by congenital bone malformations and soft tissue masses that progress to heterotopic ossification. Congenital great toe deformity and progressive heterotopic ossifications with an anatomical and temporal pattern are the two classical clinical characteristics of FOP. We present a unique case of FOP characterized by mandibular angle fascial contracture and back and iliopsoas muscle ossification managed via surgery in a 13 year old girl.

Case presentation

A 13 year old girl with a history of right cervical fascial release surgery and back heterotopic osteotomy presented to our clinic due to recurrence of heterotopic ossification, scoliosis, and progressive joint stiffness. Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination confirmed heterotopic ossification of the left back and left iliopsoas muscle and spinal scoliosis. Two years after the surgery, the patient presented with recurrence of back heterotopic ossification and rapidly advancing ossification of the left iliopsoas muscle. Six months after surgery, the patient had no disability, pain and clinical recurrence, and the joint function recovered.

Conclusions

In patients with multiple-site heterotopic ossification caused by FOP, oral function and hip stiffness improve with detailed facial release surgery and rehabilitation treatment. However, dorsal fascia ossification and spinal scoliosis can recur shortly after resection.
Histone modification and histone modification-targeted anti-cancer drugs in breast cancer: Fundamentals and beyond
Authors: Feng Jianwei , Meng Xinyue
Published: September 2022

Dysregulated epigenetic enzymes and resultant abnormal epigenetic modifications (EMs) have been suggested to be closely related to tumor occurrence and progression. Histone modifications (HMs) can assist in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, transcription, and chromatin modulation within breast cancer (BC) cells. In addition, HMs are reversible, dynamic processes involving the associations of different enzymes with molecular compounds. Abnormal HMs (e.g. histone methylation and histone acetylation) have been identified to be tightly related to BC occurrence and development, even though their underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. EMs are reversible, and as a result, epigenetic enzymes have aroused wide attention as anti-tumor therapeutic targets. At present, treatments to restore aberrant EMs within BC cells have entered preclinical or clinical trials. In addition, no existing studies have comprehensively analyzed aberrant HMs within BC cells; in addition, HM-targeting BC treatments remain to be further investigated. Histone and non-histone protein methylation is becoming an attractive anti-tumor epigenetic therapeutic target; such methylation-related enzyme inhibitors are under development at present. Consequently, the present work focuses on summarizing relevant studies on HMs related to BC and the possible mechanisms associated with abnormal HMs. Additionally, we also aim to analyze existing therapeutic agents together with those drugs approved and tested through pre-clinical and clinical trials, to assess their roles in HMs. Moreover, epi-drugs that target HMT inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors should be tested in preclinical and clinical studies for the treatment of BC. Epi-drugs that target histone methylation (HMT inhibitors) and histone acetylation (HDAC inhibitors) have now entered clinical trials or are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, the review covers the difficulties in applying HM-targeting treatments in clinics and proposes feasible approaches for overcoming such difficulties and promoting their use in treating BC cases.
Bibliometric and visualized analysis of the application of nanotechnology in glioma
Authors: Du Xue , Chen Chunbao , Yang Lu , Cui Yu , Tan Bangxian
Published: September 2022

Background: Glioma is the most prevalent malignant tumor in the central nervous system (CNS). Due to its highly invasive characteristics and the existence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the early diagnosis and treatment of glioma remains a major challenge in cancer. With the flourishing development of nanotechnology, targeted nano-therapy for glioma has become a hot topic of current research by using the characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs), such as it is easier to pass the blood–brain barrier, degradable, and aids controllable release of drugs in the brain. The purpose of this study is to visualize the scientific achievements and research trends of the application of nanotechnology in glioma.

Methods: We searched the literature related to glioma nanotechnology on the Web of Science (WOS). The bibliometric and visual analysis was performed mainly using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and R software, for countries/regions, authors, journals, references, and keywords associated with the field.

Results: A total of 3,290 publications from 2012 to June 2022 were searched, and 2,041 works of literature were finally obtained according to the search criteria, the number of publications increasing year by year, with an average growth rate (AGR) of 15.22% from 2012 to 2021. China published 694 (20.99%), followed by the United States (480, 20.70%). The institution with the highest number of publications is Fudan Univ (111, 13.16%), and 80% of the top ten institutions belong to China. HUILE GAO (30) and XINGUO JIANG (30) both published the largest number of research studies. STUPP R (412) was the most cited author, followed by GAO HL (224). The degree of collaboration (DC) among countries/regions, research institutions, and authors is 23.37%, 86.23%, and 99.22%, respectively. International Journal of Nanomedicine published the largest number of publications (81), followed by Biomaterials (73). Biomaterials (1,420) was the most cited journal, followed by J Control Release (1,300). The high frequency of keywords was drug delivery (487), followed by nanoparticle (450), which indicates that nanoparticles (NPs) as a carrier for drug delivery is a hot topic of current research and a direction of continuous development.

Conclusion: In recent years, nanotechnology has attracted much attention in the medical field. Cooperation and communication between countries/regions and institutions need to be strengthened in future research to promote the development of nanomedicine. Nanotherapeutic drug delivery systems (NDDS) can enhance drug penetration and retention in tumor tissues, improve drug targeting, and reduce the toxic side effects of drugs, which has great potential for the treatment of glioma and has become the focus of current research and future research trends in the treatment of glioma.
Beyond the three monkeys of workforce diversity: Who hears, sees, and speaks up?
Authors: Kusku Fatma , Araci Ozlem , Tanriverdi Veysi , Ozbilgin Mustafa F.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to explain differences between employees who feel a sense of belonging and those who feel a sense of otherness in terms of their opinions about diversity works in their organizations. We conducted an empirical study to examine the perceptual differences between two independent groups of the study “who feel a sense of belonging” and “who feel a sense of otherness.” We collected data from 792 employees working for organizations in different sizes, industries, and capital structures, which enriched the representativeness of the sample. The findings show that out-group members remain less satisfied with diversity works in their organizations based on four main issues such as “competence of diversity actors,” “embeddedness of diversity works in organizational policies/practices,” “diversity awareness in the HRM functions,” and “diversity-related employee satisfaction.” This paper makes two contributions. First, it contributes to the extant literature an understanding of the differences between those who remain indifferent to diversity works and those who care to see, speak, and hear about them. Second, with a few exceptions, extant studies on diversity works have been dominated by Western-centered research. Research is needed on countries with different macro-contextual conditions, such as different legal regulations, socio-political status, and history. For this study, survey data were collected from people who work in Turkey, a country which has limited legal measures and underdeveloped discourses for equality, diversity, and inclusion. The paper provides significant insights into leading diversity works in national settings with less developed supportive mechanisms for diversity.
The influence of entrepreneurial spirit on sports culture construction from the perspective of cognitive regulation
Authors: Pang Bo , Liu Hao , Liu Zhongqiang
Published: September 2022

The purposes of this study are to extract the essence from the in-depth study of entrepreneurial spirit and the exploration of China’s sports culture construction, find out the beneficial parts in line with China’s sports culture construction, and put forward operational suggestions and countermeasures for dealing with the relationship between entrepreneurial spirit and sports culture to help China’s sports culture construction move toward a new level. This exploration discusses the influence of entrepreneurial spirit on sports culture from the perspective of cognitive regulation, and explores the importance of entrepreneurial spirit from the aspects of social psychology, system, economy, and ethics. The structure of sports culture is analyzed, and the role of entrepreneurial spirit in promoting the construction of sports culture is expounded. Moreover, a questionnaire survey is conducted to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial spirit on the construction of sports culture from the cognitive regulation perspective. The results show that most people agree with the development of the entrepreneurial spirit and positively impact the promotion of entrepreneurial spirit. Most people are not satisfied with the attention and level of sports culture construction. In China’s sports culture, the proportion of the entrepreneurial spirit is still tiny. Thereby, entrepreneurial spirit education must be vigorously promoted to enhance the integration of entrepreneurial spirit and sports culture. The entrepreneurial spirit needs to be introduced in the construction of sports culture. It is essential to do a good job in promoting entrepreneurial spirit, improving the supporting facilities related to sports culture and strengthening the correlation between sports culture and the entrepreneurial spirit. By discussing the influence of entrepreneurial spirit on sports culture, this exploration puts forward relevant opinions for developing sports culture. It is expected that they can have some reference values. This exploration provides new ideas for promoting the combination of sports culture construction and the dissemination of entrepreneurial spirit, which has crucial theoretical and practical significance.
Empirically supported psychodynamic psychotherapy for common mental disorders–An update applying revised criteria: Systematic review protocol
Authors: Leichsenring Falk , Abbass Allan , Heim Nikolas , Keefe John R. , Luyten Patrick , Rabung Sven , Steinert Christiane
Published: September 2022

The approach of evidence-based medicine has been extended to psychotherapy. More than 20 years ago, criteria for empirically supported psychotherapeutic treatments (ESTs) were defined. Meanwhile a new model for empirically supported psychotherapeutic treatments has been proposed. While the empirical status of psychodynamic therapy (PDT) was assessed in several reviews using the previous criteria, the proposed new model has not yet been applied to PDT. For this reason, we will carry out a systematic review on studies of PDT in common mental disorders applying the revised criteria of ESTs. As suggested by the new model we will focus on recent systematic quantitative reviews. A systematic search for meta-analyses on the efficacy of PDT in common mental disorders will be carried out. Meta-analyses will be selected and evaluated by at least two raters along the criteria of the new proposed model. In addition, systematic reviews and individual studies addressing mechanisms of change in PDT, effectiveness under real-world conditions, cost-effectiveness and adverse events will be systematically searched for and evaluated. Finally, quality of evidence, the extent to which benefits exceed harms and strength of recommendations will be assessed per disorder using GRADE.
Promotion of knowledge, attitude, and practice among medical undergraduates regarding infection control measures during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Saati Abdullah A. , Alkalash Safa H.
Published: September 2022

Background

Medical students are exposed to many serious healthcare-associated infections throughout their learning and training time particularly during a pandemic like COVID-19. Therefore, promotion of their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding infection control measures is a mandatory action.

Objective

This study was executed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical undergraduates toward infection control measures before and after the implementation of practical infection control training for them.

Methods

A quasi-experimental prospective study was conducted on a simple random sample of medical undergraduates at Al-Qunfudah College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, KSA. A total of 177 medical undergraduates were recruited for this study and completed a predesigned survey on their knowledge regarding infection control measures. Moreover, their practice of infection control measures was evaluated through a checklist before and 6 months after receiving practical infection control training during their academic year 2020–2021.

Results

A total of 177 and 176 responses were obtained at the pre-test and post-test, respectively. The mean ages of students who participated in pre-training and post-training assessments were (22.50 ± 1.02 and 22.03 ± 1.34), respectively with female sex predominance (62.1 and 61.9%). Mean knowledge and practice scores among them were enhanced from (7.79 ± 2.10 and 4.56 ± 2.58) at their pre-test to (11.06 ± 1.27 and 15.68 ± 1.90) at post-test (P-value 0.001 and <0.001), respectively. After training, almost all of them recommended infection control training for all medical students due to its great value.

Conclusion

The training course has shown its capability in the promotion of medical undergraduates' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward infection control measures.
A study on digital inclusion of Chinese rural older adults from a life course perspective
Authors: Zhang Huan , He Ruimin
Published: September 2022

Digital inclusion is viewed as a crucial strategy for promoting social inclusion and addressing issues related to aging. This study focuses on the digital inclusion practices of rural senior citizens and introduces a life course research perspective to move the study of influencing factors from the proximal to the distal end. The motivations, trajectories, and barriers to digital inclusion among rural elderly groups are presented through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with 34 elderly people in a village in northern China. It was discovered that digital inclusion or exclusion is the cumulative result of life events, social roles, and personal agency in the life course, while it is difficult for the elderly to break away from traditional culture and social relations in rural areas in the digital age. The digital practice is not only an inner adjustment in the process of life stage transition for rural seniors but also an individual pursuit of active aging.
Tuberculosis with cavities? Rapid diagnosis of Rhodococcus equi pulmonary infection with cavities by acid-fast staining: A case report
Authors: Jiang Yuhang , Li Jian , Qin Weichao , Gao Yuan , Liao Xin , Zeng Yan
Published: September 2022

Rhodococcus equi is a conditionally pathogenic bacterium widely distributed in soil, water, and marine environments, which can cause respiratory infections, pleurisy, blood and even bone marrow infections in immunocompromised people, and particularly in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This case report describes a patient with initially suspicion of tuberculosis (TB) as an outpatient in a TB clinic. However, laboratory findings identified R. equi in his sputum sample based on a positive acid-fast stain, which was highly suggestive of a pulmonary infection caused by R. equi. The patient was subsequently admitted to the respiratory unit for treatment. Once the source of infection was identified, the patient was treated with a combination of antibiotics for 2 weeks and was discharged with a significant improvement in symptoms.
Industrial noise: A new stimulus for dental pulp aging? Qualitative and quantitative analysis in Wistar rat teeth–A pilot study
Authors: Cavacas Maria Alzira , Doroteia Carolina , Leonardo Ana Margarida , Proença Luís , Tavares Vítor
Published: September 2022

Morphological changes induced by industrial noise have been experimentally observed in several organs. This study aims to characterize the effect of industrial noise on the pulp cell density of Wistar rats from a histological point of view, through qualitative and quantitative analysis. The histologic sections were observed over the optical microscope and photographed using 10x and 40x magnifications and analyzed using an image processing software. They refer to a group of animals exposed to industrial noise for 3 months and for 7 months (EG) and another group of animals kept in silence for control (CG) during the same periods. There was a significant decrease in pulp cell density in teeth of the animals exposed for 3 months when compared to control teeth group (p = 0.01). However, in the group exposed for 7 months, no statistically significant differences were found (p = 0.66). Even so, we found an evident relationship between exposure to industrial noise and teeth morphological changes. The observed changes are similar to the modifications found on aged teeth. Therefore, this study places industrial noise as an aggressive stimulus that can cause a reaction of the pulp-dentin complex with morphological changes compatible with premature aging of the tooth.
A long trip into the universe: Psychedelics and space travel
Authors: Lerer Leonard , Varia Jeet
Published: September 2022

Prolonged periods in space have potentially deleterious physiological and psychological effects. Ensuring the physical health and mental well-being of astronauts will inevitably supersede the need for technological innovation, as the major challenge in long-duration space travel. We propose a role for psychedelics (psychoactive fungal, plant, and animal molecules that cause alterations in perception, mood, behavior, and consciousness) and in particular psychedelic mushrooms to facilitate extended sojourns in space. Psychedelics research is in the midst of a renaissance and psychedelics are being explored not only for their therapeutic potential in psychiatry but also for their ability to promote neuroplasticity, modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Psychedelics may be to long-duration space travel in the 21st century, what citrus fruits were to long-distance sea travel in the 18th century—breakthrough and facilitatory. The human intergalactic experience is just beginning and it would be wise to consider the benefits of ensuring that astronauts undertaking potentially perilous space voyages benefit from our planet’s rich psychedelic heritage. There is also some justification for considering the application of psychedelics in the processing and integration of the profound and spiritual experience of deep space travel.
Assessing attentional bias for alcohol-related cues using eye tracking in a virtual reality environment
Authors: Simon Jessica , Grogna David , Rivard Marie-Christine , Heck Michelle , Bouchard Stéphane , Quertemont Etienne
Published: September 2022

Several experimental paradigms were developed to measure attentional biases towards alcohol-related cues. However, most of them are based on reaction times to two-dimensional stimuli displayed on a computer screen, such that their ecological validity has been questioned. To address this, we integrated an eye tracking system into a virtual reality headset (ET-VR) and measured attentional biases in a subclinical population of alcohol users. In this exploratory study, forty social drinkers were recruited and immersed in a virtual bar including alcohol-related stimuli. Attentional focus was assessed using dwell time and number of fixations for these alcohol-related stimuli as well as for neutral stimuli unrelated to alcohol consumption. The results show that the number of fixations and, to a lesser extent, the dwell time for alcohol-related cues were positively correlated with the drinking motivation of the participants. In contrast, no significant correlation was found for neutral stimuli. In conclusion, the present study shows that alcohol-induced attentional biases can be studied using an ET-VR device in a subclinical population of alcohol users.
Planetary bioengineering on Earth to return and maintain the atmospheric carbon dioxide to pre-industrial levels: Assessing potential mechanisms
Authors: Moore David , Heilweck Matthias , Petros Peter
Published: September 2022

We are all familiar with the episodes in the deep time history of Earth that enabled life to emerge in such abundance. Episodes like the formation of a Moon large enough and near enough to cause tides in the Earth’s waters and rocks, a core of sufficient iron with sufficient angular momentum to generate a protective magnetosphere around Earth, and assumption of a planetary axis angle that generates the ecological variation of our seasonal cycles. The living things that did arise on this planet have been modifying their habitats on Earth since they first appeared. Modifications that include the greening of Earth by photosynthetic organisms, which turned a predominantly reducing atmosphere into an oxidising one, the consequent precipitation of iron oxides into iron ore strata, and the formation of huge deposits of limestone by calcifying organisms. The episodes on which we wish to concentrate are 1) the frequent involvement of marine calcifiers (coccolithophores, foraminifera, molluscs, crustacea, corals, echinoderms), that have been described as ecosystem engineers modifying habitats in a generally positive way for other organisms, and 2) the frequent involvement of humans in changing the Earth’s biosphere in a generally negative way for other organisms. The fossil record shows that ancestral marine calcifiers had the physiology to cope with both acidified oceans and great excesses of atmospheric CO2 periodically throughout the past 500 million years, creating vast remains of shells as limestone strata in the process. So, our core belief is that humankind must look to the oceans for a solution to present-day climate change. The marine calcifiers of this planet have a track record of decisively modifying both oceans and atmospheres but take millions of years to do it. On the other hand, humanity works fast; in just a few thousand years we have driven scores of animals and plants to extinction, and in just a few hundred years we have so drastically modified our atmosphere that, arguably, we stand on the verge of extinction ourselves. Of all Earth’s ecosystems, those built around biological calcifiers, which all convert organic carbon into inorganic limestone, are the only ones that offer the prospect of permanent net removal of CO2 from our atmosphere. These are the carbon-removal biotechnologies we should be seeking to exploit.
Feasibility and applicability of pulmonary nodule day surgery in thoracic surgery
Authors: Han Jiajun , Zhu Ruijun , Ding Cheng , Zhao Jun
Published: September 2022

Background

More patients with lung diseases were identified with low-dose computed tomography (CT) popularization and increasing physical examination awareness. Day surgery was routinely conducted in many departments as a relatively mature diagnosis and treatment mode. Thus, this study aimed to assess the feasibility of day surgery in thoracic surgery for pulmonary surgery and provide guidance for selecting suitable patients.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with pulmonary nodule surgeries. Patients were divided into the day and routine surgery groups following chest tube removal within 48 h postoperatively and the discharge criteria. Each group was further divided into the wedge and anatomic lung resection groups. The feasibility and applicability of day surgery in thoracic surgery was evaluated by calculating the percentage of the day surgery group and comparing the clinical data of the two groups, and corresponding guidance was given for selecting suitable patients for day surgery.

Results

The day surgery group accounted for 53.4% of the total number of patients in both groups. Data comparison revealed differences in age, hypertension, coronary heart disease, pulmonary function index, nodule localization, pleural adhesion, total postoperative drainage, and complications in the wedge resection and age, gender, smoking history, pulmonary function indexes, intraoperative adhesions, operative duration, total postoperative drainage volume, and complications in the anatomic lung resection (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the rates of re-hospitalization (1/172 ratio 1/150) and re-drainage (0/172 ratio 1/150) (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study concluded that more than half of the pulmonary surgery can be applied to the treatment mode of day surgery, and day surgery can be applied to the screened patients. It conforms to the concept of accelerated rehabilitation and can speed up bed turnover so that more patients can receive high-level medical treatment promptly.
Clinical effects and pharmacokinetics of nebulized lidocaine in healthy horses
Authors: Minuto Jillian , Bedenice Daniela , Ceresia Michelle , Zaghloul Iman , Böhlke Mark , Mazan Melissa R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Nebulized lidocaine appears promising as a novel corticosteroid-sparing therapeutic for equine asthma, but its safety and pharmacokinetic behavior have yet to be confirmed.

Objective

To describe the effect of nebulized lidocaine on upper airway sensitivity, lung mechanics, and lower respiratory cellular response of healthy horses, as well as delivery of lidocaine to lower airways, and its subsequent absorption, clearance, and duration of detectability.

Animals

Six healthy university- and client-owned horses with normal physical examination and serum amyloid A, and no history of respiratory disease within 6 months.

Methods

Prospective, descriptive study evaluating the immediate effects of 1 mg/kg 4% preservative-free lidocaine following nebulization with the Flexineb®. Prior to and following nebulization, horses were assessed using upper airway endoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, and pulmonary function testing with esophageal balloon/pneumotachography and histamine bronchoprovocation. Additionally, blood and urine were collected at predetermined times following single-dose intravenous and nebulized lidocaine administration for pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results

Upper airway sensitivity was unchanged following lidocaine nebulization, and no laryngospasm or excessive salivation was noted. Lidocaine nebulization (1 mg/kg) resulted in a mean epithelial lining fluid concentration of 9.63 ± 5.05 μg/mL, and a bioavailability of 29.7 ± 7.76%. Lidocaine concentrations were higher in epithelial lining fluid than in systemic circulation (Cmax149.23 ± 78.74 μg/L, CELF:Cmaxplasma64.4, range 26.5–136.8). Serum and urine lidocaine levels remained detectable for 24 and 48 h, respectively, following nebulization of a single dose. Baseline spirometry, lung resistance and dynamic compliance, remained normal following lidocaine nebulization, with resistance decreasing post-nebulization. Compared to the pre-nebulization group, two additional horses were hyperresponsive following lidocaine nebulization. There was a significant increase in mean airway responsiveness post-lidocaine nebulization, based on lung resistance, but not dynamic compliance. One horse had BAL cytology consistent with airway inflammation both before and after lidocaine treatment.

Conclusions

Nebulized lidocaine was not associated with adverse effects on upper airway sensitivity or BAL cytology. While baseline lung resistance was unchanged, increased airway reactivity to histamine bronchoprovocation in the absence of clinical signs was seen in some horses following nebulization. Further research is necessary to evaluate drug delivery, adverse events, and efficacy in asthmatic horses.
Misalignment of Reward Response With Healthful Behavior: An Underappreciated Driver of Population Health Deficits and Health Disparities?
Authors: Braithwaite R. Scott , Schwartz Mark D.
Published: September 2022

Socioeconomic status-related (SES-related) health disparities are worsening across resource-rich environments, despite increased knowledge about health determinants and inducements for healthful behavior change. We ask whether insights from addiction science and evolutionary biology may assist understanding and counteracting SES-related health disparities. It is known that a mismatch between evolved traits and behaviors that conserve energy drives many health deficits. We posit that this energy mismatch is one manifestation of a more expansive mismatch in levels of reward activation, between environments more versus less manipulated by human activity. This larger mismatch explains why SES-related health disparities arise not only from overeating and excessive sedentism, but also from alcohol, nicotine, other substances, and mood disorders. Lower SES persons are more likely to have lower baseline reward activation, which leads to higher prioritization of reward elevating activities, and at the same time are less likely to act on knowledge about unhealthfulness of behaviors.
Proteomic Approaches in the Study of Placenta of Pregnancy Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lapolla Annunziata , Traldi Pietro
Published: September 2022

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a glucose intolerance developing or first recognized during pregnancy, leads to a series of short- and long-term maternal and fetal complications, somehow related to placenta structural and functional changes. The focus and the objective of the present review are to discuss the results which can be obtained by different mass spectrometric approaches in the study of placenta protein profile. Thus, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI) has been applied on placenta omogenates before and after one-dimensional electrophoretic separation, followed by tryptic digestion. MALDI imaging was used for direct investigation on the placenta tissue (both maternal and fetal sides). The results showed that some differences among the absolute abundances of some proteins are present for placenta samples from GDM patients. The majority of investigations were carried out by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) followed by LC-MS/MS or, directly by the label-free LC-MSE approach. It should be emphasized that all these techniques were showed differences in the protein expression between the placenta samples from healthy or GDM subjects. 2DE was also employed to separate and compare placental protein levels from GDM and the control groups: differentially expressed proteins between the two groups were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry and were further confirmed by Western blotting. The physiopathological significance of the obtained results are reported and discussed in this narrative review. The experimental data obtained until now show that the newest, mass spectrometric approaches can be considered a valid tool to investigate the possible changes of placenta in the presence of GDM.
The Adipose Organ Is a Unitary Structure in Mice and Humans
Authors: Giordano A. , Cinti F. , Canese R. , Carpinelli G. , Colleluori G. , Di Vincenzo A. , Palombelli G. , Severi I. , Moretti M. , Redaelli C. , Partridge J. , Zingaretti M. C. , Agostini A. , Sternardi F. , Giovagnoni A. , Castorina S. , Cinti S.
Published: September 2022

Obesity is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. In mice and humans with obesity, the adipose organ undergoes remarkable morpho-functional alterations. The comprehension of the adipose organ function and organization is of paramount importance to understand its pathology and formulate future therapeutic strategies. In the present study, we performed anatomical dissections, magnetic resonance imaging, computed axial tomography and histological and immunohistochemical assessments of humans and mouse adipose tissues. We demonstrate that most of the two types of adipose tissues (white, WAT and brown, BAT) form a large unitary structure fulfilling all the requirements necessary to be considered as a true organ in both species. A detailed analysis of the gross anatomy of mouse adipose organs in different pathophysiological conditions (normal, cold, pregnancy, obesity) shows that the organ consists of a unitary structure composed of different tissues: WAT, BAT, and glands (pregnancy). Data from autoptic dissection of 8 cadavers, 2 females and 6 males (Age: 37.5 ± 9.7, BMI: 23 ± 2.7 kg/m2) and from detailed digital dissection of 4 digitalized cadavers, 2 females and 2 males (Age: 39 ± 14.2 years, BMI: 22.8 ± 4.3 kg/m2) confirmed the mixed (WAT and BAT) composition and the unitary structure of the adipose organ also in humans. Considering the remarkable endocrine roles of WAT and BAT, the definition of the endocrine adipose organ would be even more appropriate in mice and humans.
Identification of a Novel Missense Mutation of POLR3A Gene in a Cohort of Sicilian Patients with Leukodystrophy
Authors: Musumeci Antonino , Calì Francesco , Scuderi Carmela , Vinci Mirella , Vitello Girolamo Aurelio , Musumeci Sebastiano Antonino , Chiavetta Valeria , Federico Concetta , Amore Greta , Saccone Salvatore , Di Rosa Gabriella , Nicotera Antonio Gennaro
Published: September 2022

Recessive mutations in the POLR3A gene cause POLR3-HLD (the second-most-common form of childhood-onset hypomyelinating leukodystrophy), a neurodegenerative disorder featuring deficient cerebral myelin formation. To date, more than 140 POLR3A (NM_007055.3) missense mutations are related to the pathogenesis of POLR3-related leukodystrophy and spastic ataxia. Herein, in a cohort of five families from Sicily (Italy), we detected two cases of patients affected by POLR3-related leukodystrophy, one due to a compound heterozygous mutation in the POLR3A gene, including a previously undescribed missense mutation (c.328A > G (p.Lys110Glu)). Our study used an in-house NGS gene panel comprising 41 known leukodystrophy genes. Successively, we used a predictive test supporting the missense mutation as causative of disease, thus this mutation can be considered “Likely Pathogenic” and could be as a new pathogenetic mutation of the POLR3A gene causing a severe form of POLR3-HLD.
Differential Response to Sorafenib Administration for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Song-Fong , Chong Sio-Wai , Huang Chun-Wei , Hsu Heng-Yuan , Pan Kuang-Tse , Hung Chien-Fu , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chao-Wei , Hsieh Chia-Hsun , Wang Ching-Ting , Chai Pei-Mei , Yu Ming-Chin
Published: September 2022

Sorafenib has been used to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). However, there is no evidence for a response of different target lesions to sorafenib administration. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of sorafenib on various aHCC target lesions. The outcomes of sorafenib treatment on aHCC, i.e., treatment response for all Child A status patients receiving the drug, were analyzed. Of 377 aHCC patients, 73 (19.3%) had complete/partial response to sorafenib, while 134 (35.4%) and 171 (45.2) had a stable or progressive disease, respectively, in the first six months. Of the evaluated metastatic lesions, 149 (39.4%), 48 (12.7%), 123 (32.5%), 98 (25.9%), 83 (22.0%), and 45 (11.9%) were present in liver, bone, lung, portal/hepatic vein thrombus, lymph nodes, and peritoneum, respectively. The overall survival and duration of treatment were 16.9 ± 18.3 and 8.1 ± 10.5 months (with median times of 11.4 and 4.6, respectively). Our analysis showed poor outcomes in macroscopic venous thrombus and bone, higher AFP, and multiple target lesions. ALBI grade A had a better outcome. Sorafenib administration showed good treatment outcomes in selected situations. PD patients with thrombus or multiple metastases should be considered for sorafenib second-line treatment. The ALBI liver function test should be selected as a treatment criterion.
Recent Advances in Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapies Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Bertolino Giuliana Minani , Maumus Marie , Jorgensen Christian , Noël Danièle
Published: September 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being widely investigated as acellular therapeutics in regenerative medicine applications. EVs isolated from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are by far the most frequently used in preclinical models for diverse therapeutic applications, including inflammatory, degenerative, or acute diseases. Although they represent promising tools as cell-free therapeutic agents, one limitation to their use is related to the batch-to-batch unreliability that may arise from the heterogeneity between MSC donors. Isolating EVs from MSCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iMSCs) might allow unlimited access to cells with a more stable phenotype and function. In the present review, we first present the latest findings regarding the functional aspects of EVs isolated from iMSCs and their interest in regenerative medicine for the treatment of various diseases. We will then discuss future directions for their translation to clinics with good manufacturing practice implementation.
Hemostasis System and Plasminogen Activity in Retrochorial Hematoma in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Tikhonova Natalia B. , Kuznetsova Natalya B. , Milovanov Andrey P. , Goufman Eugene I. , Fokina Tatiana V. , Aleksankin Andrey P. , Aleksankina Valentina V. , Stepanova Irina I. , Stepanov Alexandr A. , Boltovskaya Marina N. , Nizyaeva Natalia V.
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The components of the fibrinolytic system and its main component, plasminogen, play a key role in the first months of pregnancy. The effect of autoantibodies interacting with plasminogen in the formation of retrochorial hematoma is unknown. The aim of our study was to determine the role of plasminogen and IgA, IgM, and IgG, which bind to plasminogen, in retrochorial hematoma. (2) Methods: Prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), partial activated thromboplastin time (aPTT), soluble fibrin-monomer complex (SFMC), D-dimer, plasminogen activity (%Plg), plasminogen concentration (Plg), and the levels of IgG (IgG-Plg), IgM (IgM-Plg), IgA (IgA-Plg) interacting with plasminogen were determined in plasma samples of 57 women with normal pregnancy and 16 with retrochorial hematoma. (3) Results: %Plg in plasma samples from women with retrochorial hematoma was significantly lower than in plasma samples from women with normal pregnancy. The diagnostic significance of %Plg in the ROC analysis was AUC = 0.85. A direct correlation was found between aPTT and the level of autologous IgM interacting with plasminogen. (4) Conclusions: A decrease in the activity of plasminogen in the blood serum of women in the first trimester of pregnancy may indicate disturbances in the hemostasis system and the formation of retrochorial hematoma. According to the results of the study, it is possible to recommend the determination of plasminogen activity in the management of pregnant women in gynecological practice.
Hyperactive Akt1 Signaling Increases Tumor Progression and DNA Repair in Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma RD Line and Confers Susceptibility to Glycolysis and Mevalonate Pathway Inhibitors
Authors: Codenotti Silvia , Zizioli Daniela , Mignani Luca , Rezzola Sara , Tabellini Giovanna , Parolini Silvia , Giacomini Arianna , Asperti Michela , Poli Maura , Mandracchia Delia , Vezzoli Marika , Bernardi Simona , Russo Domenico , Mitola Stefania , Monti Eugenio , Triggiani Luca , Tomasini Davide , Gastaldello Stefano , Cassandri Matteo , Rota Rossella , Marampon Francesco , Fanzani Alessandro
Published: September 2022

In pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), elevated Akt signaling is associated with increased malignancy. Here, we report that expression of a constitutively active, myristoylated form of Akt1 (myrAkt1) in human RMS RD cells led to hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) pathway, resulting in the loss of both MyoD and myogenic capacity, and an increase of Ki67 expression due to high cell mitosis. MyrAkt1 signaling increased migratory and invasive cell traits, as detected by wound healing, zymography, and xenograft zebrafish assays, and promoted repair of DNA damage after radiotherapy and doxorubicin treatments, as revealed by nuclear detection of phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γH2AX) through activation of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Treatment with synthetic inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt was sufficient to completely revert the aggressive cell phenotype, while the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin failed to block cell dissemination. Furthermore, we found that pronounced Akt1 signaling increased the susceptibility to cell apoptosis after treatments with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and lovastatin, enzymatic inhibitors of hexokinase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), especially in combination with radiotherapy and doxorubicin. In conclusion, these data suggest that restriction of glucose metabolism and the mevalonate pathway, in combination with standard therapy, may increase therapy success in RMS tumors characterized by a dysregulated Akt signaling.