bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness of second‐line ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma: A real‐world population‐based cohort study of resource utilization
Authors: Lu Brandon , Dai Wei Fang , Croxford Ruth , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Beca Jaclyn , Menjak Ines B. , Petrella Teresa M. , Mittmann Nicole , Earle Craig C. , Gavura Scott , Mercer Rebecca E. , Hanna Timothy P. , Chan Kelvin K. W.
Published: March 2023

Background

The efficacy‐effectiveness gap between randomized trial and real‐world evidence regarding the clinical benefit of ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma (MM) has been well characterized by previous literature, consistent with initial concerns raised by health technology assessment agencies (HTAs). As these differences can significantly impact cost‐effectiveness, it is critical to assess the real‐world cost‐effectiveness of second‐line ipilimumab versus non‐ipilimumab treatments for MM.

Methods

This was a population‐based retrospective cohort study of patients who received second‐line non‐ipilimumab therapies between 2008 and 2012 versus ipilimumab treatment between 2012 and 2015 (after public reimbursement) for MM in Ontario. Using a 5‐year time horizon, censor‐adjusted and discounted (1.5%) costs (from the public payer's perspective in Canadian dollars) and effectiveness were used to calculate incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in life‐years gained (LYGs) and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), with bootstrapping to capture uncertainty. Varying the discount rate and reducing the price of ipilimumab were done as sensitivity analyses.

Results

In total, 329 MM were identified (Treated: 189; Controls: 140). Ipilimumab was associated with an incremental effectiveness of 0.59 LYG, incremental cost of $91,233, and ICER of $153,778/LYG. ICERs were not sensitive to discounting rate. Adjusting for quality of life using utility weights resulted in an ICER of $225,885/QALY, confirming the original HTA estimate prior to public reimbursement. Reducing the price of ipilimumab by 100% resulted in an ICER of $111,728/QALY.

Conclusion

Despite its clinical benefit, ipilimumab as second‐line monotherapy for MM patients is not cost‐effective in the real world as projected by HTA under conventional willingness‐to‐pay thresholds.
Long‐term follow‐up results of spine tumor treatment using high‐dose radiotherapy after 3‐dimensional‐printed vertebral bodies implantation
Authors: Xiao Yao , Wang Yuxia , Wei Feng , Zhuang Hongqing
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the long‐term safety and efficacy of high‐dose radiotherapy after 3D‐printed vertebral body implantation in the treatment of spinal tumors.

Methods

Thirty‐three participants were recruited between July 2017 and August 2019. 3D‐printed vertebral bodies were implanted in each participant, followed by postoperative robotic stereotactic radiosurgery at a dose of 35–40 Gy/5f. The tolerance of the 3D‐printed vertebral body and the participant to the high‐dose radiotherapy were evaluated. In addition, the local control of tumor and the local progression‐free survival of the study participants following 3D‐printed vertebral body implantation and high‐dose radiotherapy were measured as indexes of effectiveness.

Results

Of the 33 participants included in the study, 30, including three participants (10%) with esophagitis of grade 3 or above and two participants (6.7%) with advanced radiation nerve injury, successfully underwent postoperative high‐dose radiotherapy. The median follow‐up was 26.7 months, and IQR was 15.9 months. Most participants had primary bone tumors with 27 cases (81.8%), and the rest had bone metastases in six cases (18.2%). After high‐dose radiotherapy, the 3D‐printed vertebrae maintained good vertebral stability and exhibited histocompatibility, without implant fractures. The local control rates were 100%, 88%, and 85% 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after high‐dose radiotherapy, respectively. Tumors recurred in four participants (12.1%) during the follow‐up period. The median local progression‐free survival after treatment was 25.7 months, with a range of 9.6–33.0 months.

Conclusion

High‐dose radiotherapy for spinal tumors after 3D‐printed vertebral body implantation is feasible, elicits low toxicity, and yields satisfactory tumor control.
Characteristics of endoplasmic reticulum stress in colorectal cancer for predicting prognosis and developing treatment options
Authors: Geng Jingbo , Guo Yunkai , Xie Mingjie , Li Zhipeng , Wang Peng , Zhu Donghui , Li Jing , Cui Xiaopeng
Published: March 2023

Background

An increasing body of evidence supports an essential role for endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we developed an ERS‐related genes (ERSRGs) model to aid in the prognostic evaluation and treatment of CRC patients.

Methods

The training set and validation set data were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), respectively. ERSRGs were obtained from the GeneCards database. A prognostic risk scoring model was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) along with univariate Cox regression analysis. To further predict the probability of survival for patients at 1, 2, and 3 years, a nomogram was devised. The advantages of the prognostic risk score model in screening patients’ sensitive to chemotherapy and immunotherapy were analyzed by drug sensitivity analysis and immune correlation analysis. Finally, hub genes associated with poor prognosis in the risk model were screened by Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and their expression was validated using clinical specimens.

Results

A risk model for overall survival (OS) was developed using 16 ERSRGs associated with prognosis. Through analyses, we demonstrated a high degree of reliability for the prognostic risk scoring model. The constructed nomograms performed well in predicting patient survival over 1, 3, and 5 years. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) supported a high degree of accuracy for the model. Patients in the low‐risk group had a lower IC50 for the common chemotherapy drug, 5‐FU, and responded better to immunotherapy. hub poor prognostic genes were validated in CRC clinical specimens.

Conclusion

We have identified and validated a new ERS prognostic marker that can accurately predict the survival status of CRC patients for clinicians and better provide personalized treatment plans.
Efficacy and safety of TACE combined with lenvatinib and PD‐1 inhibitors for unresectable recurrent HCC: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Wang Wei‐Jun , Liu Zong‐Han , Wang Kang , Yu Hong‐Ming , Cheng Yu‐Qiang , Xiang Yan‐Jun , Feng Jin‐Kai , Zhou Li‐Ping , Zhou Hong‐Kun , Pan Wei‐Wei , Guo Wei‐Xing , Shi Jie , Cheng Shu‐Qun
Published: March 2023

Background

There is no consensus on the optimal regimen for unresectable recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), so this retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with lenvatinib and PD‐1 inhibitors (T‐L‐P) versus TACE combined with lenvatinib (T‐L) or TACE alone.

Method

Data were collected from 204 patients with unresectable recurrent HCC who received T‐L‐P, T‐L, or TACE alone at three medical centers from January, 2019 to December, 2020 for analysis. The survival outcomes, tumor response, and adverse events were compared between three groups, and risk factors were further investigated.

Results

The median overall survival in the T‐L‐P, T‐L, and TACE alone groups were not reached, 25.6, and 15.7 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The median progression‐free survival in the T‐L‐P, T‐L, and TACE alone groups were 24.1, 17.3, and 13.7 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The best objective response rate in the T‐L‐P, T‐L, and TACE alone groups were 70.4%, 48.9%, and 42.5%, respectively. The best disease control rate in the T‐L‐P, T‐L, and TACE alone groups were 100.0%, 97.8%, and 87.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference between the T‐L‐P and T‐L groups for Grade 3/4 adverse events.

Conclusion

T‐L‐P regimen was safe and superior to T‐L or TACE alone in improving survival for unresectable recurrent HCC patients.
The Study of Impedance and Conductivity of New Modified Polystyrene Used as an Effective Adsorbent of Ba(II) Ions
Authors: Smida Nourhene Ben , Abdelhak Othmani , Raoudha Abderrahim
Published: March 2023

In the research described here we prepared a novel, modified polystyrene (PS) with iminoether as the complexing agent for Ba2+. Most heavy metals cause environmental, atmospheric pollution.[1–2] They cause consequence for humans health and aquatic life due to their toxicity. They become strongly toxic by mixing with different environmental elements and their removal from contaminated water is very important. The structure of all modified polystyrene such as nitrated polystyrene (PS−NO2), aminated polystyrene (PS−NH2), aminated polystyrene with imidate group (PS−NH−Im) and the complex with barium metal (PS−NH−Im/Ba2+) were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and the formation of N‐2‐Benzimidazolyl iminoether grafted PS was proved. The thermal stability and structure of the polystyrene and modified polystyrene were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), respectively. The elemental analysis was used for the determination of the chemical composition of the modified PS. The grafted polystyrene was used in order to adsorb barium from wastewater with an acceptable cost before the wastewater distribution in the environment. The impedance analysis of the polystyrene complex PS−NH−Im/Ba2+ indicated an activated thermal conduction mechanism.The conductivity analysis of the complex with barium metal PS−NH−Im/Ba2+ was studied; the activation energy was deduced from an Arrhenius plot and corresponded to,
, suggesting PS−NH−Im/Ba2+ was a proton‐type of semiconductor.
Cytotoxic Terpenes from the Flowers of Inula japonica against Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Wang Tianpeng , Chen Tianyang , Zhang Qiang , Cheng Yexin , Xie Chunfeng , Zhang Quan , Ding Yahui
Published: March 2023

Two new 1,10‐seco‐eudesmanolides (1 and 2) were isolated from the flowers of Inula japonica together with two eudesmanolide analogs (3 and 4) and two monoterpene derivatives (5 and 6). Their structures were established on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analyses and electronic circular dichroism data. All isolates were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities against human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and SMMC‐7721 cells. Japonipene B (3) exhibited the most potent effect with the IC50 values of 14.60±1.62 and 22.06±1.34 μM against HepG2 and SMMC‐7721 cells, respectively. Furthermore, japonipene B (3) showed significant efficacies of arresting the cell cycle at the S/G2‐M stages, inducing mitochondria‐mediated apoptosis, and inhibiting cell migration in HepG2 cells.
Necrotizing pneumonia due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa secondary to severe COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Hirai Jun , Mori Nobuaki , Asai Nobuhiro , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: March 2023

Necrotizing pneumonia (NP) can occur as a secondary infection even if the clinical course of COVID‐19 pneumonia is favorable, particularly in patients on mechanical ventilation and under immunosuppression.
Construction of Polymeric DNA Network and Application for Cell Manipulation
Authors: Chang Lele , Zhang Rui , Wang Jing , Yao Chi , Yang Dayong
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a biomacromolecule, as well as a polymeric material, whose sequences with different manipulative structures enable them to implement a series of functions, such as reorganization, target, and catalysis. Compared to existing traditional materials incapable of multifunctional integration, the polymeric DNA network is a form of material that can achieve functional integration while maintaining specific DNA properties. Furthermore, precise target enabled by DNA network is one of the most essential components of cellular manipulation. Hence, the DNA network is indispensable and irreplaceable to cell manipulation that it is a versatile tool for the understanding of basic laws of living life and treatments of diseases, such as cell isolation, cell delivery, and cell interference. Herein, the construction of polymeric DNA network is briefly introduced from the aspects of assembly modules, construction methods, and properties. Subsequently, the applications of DNA network in the field of cell manipulation, including cell isolation and encapsulation, intracellular inference and detection, and tumor therapy are summarized. Finally, we provide some prospects for further research and applications of DNA network for cell manipulation.
Mixed Phase Nickel‐Cobaltite for High Energy Density Asymmetric Supercapacitor using Cathodic Overpotential Synthesis Route
Authors: Joshi Ved Prakash , Sahoo Bhanuprakash , Kumar Nitish , Pathak Prakash Kumar , Rath Dharitri , Salunkhe Rahul R.
Published: March 2023

For flexible solid‐state electronics, it is essential to accelerate the transition to renewable materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures. Symmetric supercapacitors (SCs) have a limited voltage window and capacity, hampering their use in practical applications such as portable electronics, hybrid vehicles, and transportation. To improve the energy density of supercapacitors, the strategy of using an advanced pseudo‐capacitive electrode in an asymmetric device configuration is feasible and effective. Here, we report on the design and synthesis of hierarchical honeycomb‐like morphology with controlled Ni/Co molar ratios of NiCo2O4 (NCO) coatings on flexible stainless‐steel substrates utilizing high cathodic overpotential deposition. The NCO electrode retains 90.5% of the three‐electrode capacitance (911 F g−1, or 594 C g−1) even after increasing the current density to 10 A g−1 (∼10 times). Furthermore, we have fabricated a 1.5 V asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC, NCO//AC); such a device delivers maximum specific energy and specific power of 76.8 Wh kg−1 and 16858 W kg−1 in 2 M KOH electrolyte and excellent cycling stability (∼88% retention after 5000 cycles).
Epidemiology of monoclonal gammopathy in Morocco – A hospital‐based study
Authors: Ouzzif Zohra , Doghmi Kamal , Messaoudi Nezha , Bouhsain Sanae , El Machtani Samira , Biaz Asmae , Rachid Achraf , Dami Abdallah , Bezza Ahmed , El Maataoui Aissam
Published: March 2023

Background

Monoclonal gammopathies are a group of disorders associated with clonal proliferation of plasma cells that produces a monoclonal protein.

Aims

The main objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and immunochemical characteristics of monoclonal gammopathies diagnosed during 19 years in a Moroccan teaching hospital.

Materials and Results

This retrospective study enrolled 443 Moroccan patients with monoclonal gammopathy, patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria in at the biochemistry department of Military Hospital in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, from January 2000 to August 2019. Of the 443 enrolled patients, 320 (72.23%) were men and 123 (27.77%) were women. All patients were of Caucasian origin, from 12 Moroccan regions. The patient's samples were collected and subjected to serum protein electrophoresis and serum immunofixation electrophoresis to further characterize the monoclonal protein. The mean ± SD age of the 443 participants was 62.24 ± 13.14 years. Reasons for being admitted to the hospital were as follows, bone pain (41.60%), renal failure (19.08%), alteration of the general condition (12.21%), and anemia (10.69). Plasma cell proliferative disorders in our study were as follows, multiple myeloma (MM) (45.65%), Monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS) (39.05%), Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (5.58%), Lymphoma (2.27% + 1.2%), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (2.48%), Plasma cell leukemia (1.86%), Plasmacytoma (0.62%), POEMS syndrome (0.41%), and Amyloidosis (0.84%). The most frequent isotypes in MM were the IgGκ (62) 36.5%, IgGλ (52) 30.6%, IgAκ (27) 15.9%, and the IgAλ (19) 11.2%. It is also worth noting that Free light chain MM represents 20% of all cases of MM.

Conclusions

We found that monoclonal gammopathies are age‐related and affects men more than women, also the results of this study point to the delayed diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathies, since most of our patients were diagnosed at the MM stage. The most frequent isotypes were the IgGκ and IgGλ in MM and MGUS, in Waldenström macroglobulinemia were IgMκ and IgMλ and the oligoclonal profile represented only 3.70%.
Network energy optimization and intelligent routing in WSN applicable for IoT using self‐adaptive coyote optimization algorithm
Authors: Naveen G. , Prathap P. M. Joe
Published: March 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a recent wireless telecommunications platform, which contains a set of sensor nodes linked by wireless sensor networks (WSNs). These approaches split the sensor nodes into clusters, in which each cluster consists of an exclusive cluster head (CH) node. The major scope of this task is to introduce a novel CH selection in WSN applicable to IoT using the self‐adaptive meta‐heuristic algorithm. This paper aids in providing the optimal routing in the network based on direct node (DN) selection, CH selection, and clone cluster head (CCH) selection. DNs are located near the base station, and it is chosen to avoid the load of CH. The adoption of the novel self‐adaptive coyote optimization algorithm (SA‐COA) is used for the DN selection and CCH selection. When the nodes are assigned in the network, DN and CCH selection is performed by the proposed SA‐COA. Then, the computation of residual energy helps to select the CH, by correlating with the threshold energy. CCH is proposed to copy the data from the CH to avoid the loss of data in transmitting. By forming the CCH, the next CH can be easily elected with the optimal CCH using SA‐COA. From the simulation findings, the best value of the designed SA‐COA‐LEACH model is secured at 1.14%, 3.17%, 1.18%, and 7.33% progressed than self‐adaptive whale optimization algorithm (SAWOA), cyclic rider optimization algorithm (C‐ROA), krill herd algorithm (KHA), and COA while taking several nodes 50. The proposed routing of sensor networks specifies better performance than the existing methods.
CD99 and NKX2.2 positive neuroblastoma diagnosed on cytology: A potential diagnostic pitfall and necessity of pathological evaluation of the primary site
Authors: Aparna Devi Chenniappan , Alashetty Soumya , Champaka Gopal , Dharmalingam Priya , Kapali Anuradha , Kumar Nuthan
Published: March 2023

Immunohistochemistry plays a vital role in the diagnosis of small round cell tumors. CD99 immunonegativity is one of the features, which helps in distinguishing neuroblastoma from other small round cell tumors. NKX2.2 is a specific marker of Ewing sarcoma, which is a differential for poorly differentiated neuroblastoma. Here, we present a case of metastatic neuroblastoma showing immunoreactivity for both CD99 and NKX2.2 on cytology of the metastatic site causing diagnostic dilemma. Biopsy study of the adrenal lesion revealed presence of differentiating cells and neuropil, highlighting the importance of evaluation of the primary site and limitation of cytology.
A data set of the crackdown on cross‐border wildlife crimes in China, 2014–2020
Authors: Song Tianjian , Luo Zexu , Huang Yuxin , Li Yonghua , Fang Lei , Chang Jiang
Published: March 2023

Wildlife crimes that involve smuggling threaten national security and biodiversity, cause regional conflicts, and hinder economic development, especially in developing countries with abundant wildlife resources. Over the past few decades, significant headway has been made in combating wildlife smuggling and the related illegal domestic trade in China. Previous studies on the wildlife smuggling trade were based mainly on customs punishment and confiscation data. From the China Judgments Online website, we retrieved cases related to cross‐border wildlife and wildlife products smuggling from 2014 to 2020. In total, 510 available cases and 927 records for more than 110 species were registered. We studied each judgment and ruling file thoroughly to extract information on cases, defendants, species, sentences, and origins and destinations of wildlife and wildlife products. Furthermore, the frequency of origin–destination place occurrences and spatial patterns of cross‐border wildlife crime in China were shown in this data paper. The main purpose of our data set is to make these wildlife and wildlife products trade data accessible for researchers to develop conservation studies. We expect that this data set will be valuable for network analysis of regional or global wildlife trafficking, which has attracted global attention. There are no copyright restrictions on the data; we ask that researchers please cite this paper and the associated data set when using the data in publications.
The small molecule ACM‐001 improves cardiac function in a rat model of severe cancer cachexia
Authors: Poetsch Mareike S. , Palus Sandra , Van Linthout Sophie , von Haehling Stephan , Doehner Wolfram , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Stefan D. , Springer Jochen
Published: March 2023

Aims

Cachexia, a common manifestation of malignant cancer, is not only associated with weight loss, but also with severe cardiac atrophy and impaired cardiac function. Here, we investigated the effects of ACM‐001 (0.3 or 3 mg/kg/day) in comparison to carvedilol (3 or 30 mg/kg/day), metropolol (50 or 100 mg/kg/day), nebivolol (1 or 10 mg/kg/day) and tertatolol (0.5 or 5 mg/kg/day) on cardiac mass and function in a rat cancer cachexia model.

Methods and results

Young male Wistar Han rats were inoculated i.p. with 108 Yoshida hepatoma AH‐130 cells and treated once daily with verum or placebo by gavage. Cardiac function (echocardiography), body weight and body composition (nuclear magnetic resonance scans) were assessed. The hearts of animals were euthanized on day 11 (placebo and 3 mg/kg/day ACM‐001) were used for signalling studies. Beta‐blockers had no effect on tumour burden. ACM‐001 reduced body weight loss (placebo: −34 ± 2.4 g vs. 3 mg/kg/day ACM‐001: −14.8 ± 8.4 g, p = 0.033). Lean mass wasting was attenuated (placebo: −16.5 ± 2.34 g vs. 3 mg/kg/day ACM‐001: −2.4 ± 6.7 g, p = 0.037), while fat loss was similar (p = 0.4) on day 11. Placebo animals lost left ventricular mass (−101 ± 14 mg), which was prevented only by 3 mg/kg/day ACM‐001 (7 ± 25 mg, p < 0.01 vs. placebo). ACM‐001 improved the ejection fraction (EF) (ΔEF: placebo: −24.3 ± 2.6 vs. 3 mg/kg/day ACM‐001: 0.1 ± 2.9, p < 0.001). Cardiac output was 50% lower in the placebo group (−41 ± 4 ml/min) compared to baseline, while 3 mg/kg/day ACM‐001 preserved cardiac output (−5 ± 8 ml/min, p < 0.01). The molecular mechanisms involved inhibition of protein degradation and activation of protein synthesis pathways.

Conclusion

This study shows that 3 mg/kg/day ACM‐001 restores the anabolic/catabolic balance in cardiac muscle leading to improved function. Moreover, not all beta‐blockers have similar effects.
The role of the bone in complex regional pain syndrome 1—A systematic review
Authors: Kollmann Gil , Wertli Maria M. , Dudli Stefan , Distler Oliver , Brunner Florian
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to appraise and analyse the knowledge on bone‐related biochemical and histological biomarkers in complex regional pain syndrome 1 (CRPS 1).

Database

A total of 7 studies were included in the analysis (biochemical analyses n  = 3, animal study n  = 1, histological examination n  = 3).

Results

Two studies were classified as having a low risk of bias and five studies with a moderate risk of bias. Biochemical analysis indicated an increased bone turnover with increased bone resorption (elevated urinary levels of deoxypyridinoline) and bone formation (increased serum levels of calcitonin, osteoprotegerin and alkaline phosphatase). The animal study reported an increased signalling of proinflammatory tumour necrosis factor 4 weeks postfracture, which did, however, not contribute to local bone loss. Histological examination from biopsies revealed thinning and resorption of cortical bone, rarefication and reduction in trabecular bone and vascular modification in the bone marrow in acute CRPS 1, and replacement of the bone marrow by dystrophic vessels in chronic CRPS 1.

Conclusion

The limited data reviewed revealed certain potential bone‐related biomarkers in CRPS. Biomarkers hold the potential to identify patients who may benefit from treatments that influence bone turnover. Thus, this review identifies important areas for future research in CRPS1 patients.
Anti‐Helicobacter pylori activity of Fagopyrum Tataricum (L.) Gaertn. Bran flavonoids extract and its effect on Helicobacter pylori‐induced inflammatory response
Authors: Qing Liting , Li Shu , Yan Shiying , Wu Chengmeng , Yan Xin , He Zongyu , Chen Qian , Huang Min , Shen Caihong , Wang Songtao , Cao Mei , Zhao Jian
Published: March 2023

Tartary buckwheat flavonoids have a variety of effects on anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidation, as well as anti‐tumor and are valuable for academic research and industrial application. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with various gastrointestinal diseases in humans, and an increase in its resistance has led to the failure of many drugs. In this study, we quantified the main monomers of tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum Tataricum (L.) Gaertn.) bran flavonoids extract through HPLC analysis. Then, we investigated the anti‐H. pylori activity and the effect on cell inflammation of tartary buckwheat flavonoids extract and its four main flavonoid monomers (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and nicotiflorin). The results showed that tartary buckwheat flavonoids extract and its four flavonoid monomers could inhibit the growth of H. pylori and down‐regulate the expression of proinflammatory factors IL‐6, IL‐8, and CXCL‐1 in H. pylori‐induced GES‐1 cells. Moreover, we also confirmed that tartary buckwheat flavonoids extract could reduce the expression of virulence factor gene of H. pylori. In summary, tartary buckwheat can alleviate the cell inflammation induced by H. pylori, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of tartary buckwheat healthcare products.
Mulberroside A ameliorates CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice via inhibiting pro‐inflammatory response
Authors: Shi Baozhang , Qian Jinqiang , Miao Hongyue , Zhang Shuo , Hu Yue , Liu Puqing , Xu Liping
Published: March 2023

Liver fibrosis is caused by a variety of pathogenic factors. It is mainly characterized by chronic liver damage mediated by the imbalance between extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. If the injury factor cannot be removed for a long time, fibrosis will progress to cirrhosis or even cancer. The development of liver fibrosis is a very complex process which is related to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), oxidative stress, and cytokines produced by immune cells. At present, screening of substances with anti‐inflammatory activity from natural plant extracts has become a new research focus in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. Mulberry twig is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. Pharmacological studies have shown that mulberry twig has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Thus, it is likely that Mulberry twig contains active substances with liver protection functions. The present study aimed to explore the effect of Mulberroside A (MulA), the main active ingredient from Mulberry twig, on acute liver injury induced by CCl4 in mice. MulA treatment could significantly alleviate the CCl4‐induced liver injury, as evidenced by histological analysis and Masson staining. However, we observed that MulA inhibited the expressions of collagen I and α‐SMA in livers of CCl4‐treated mice but did not directly inhibit the proliferation and activation of HSCs. Finally, we analyzed the anti‐inflammatory effect of MulA and demonstrated that it could markedly inhibit the pro‐inflammatory cytokines release in liver tissues and in cultured macrophages, thereby alleviating liver fibrosis. Our findings suggest MulA as a potential therapeutic candidate for liver injury and inflammatory diseases.
Role of peptide transporters in small peptide uptake of bovine mammary epithelial cells cultured in a transwell chamber
Authors: Zhou Miaomiao , Huang Fei , Qi Yehui
Published: March 2023

Small peptides can be absorbed by the bovine mammary gland for the synthesis of milk protein, but the absorption mechanism still needs further study. In this study, the role of peptide transporters in small peptide uptake by bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) was studied. First, BMECs were obtained and cultured in a transwell chamber. After 5 days of culture, the FITC‐dextran permeability of the cell layer was detected. Then, 0.5 mM methionyl‐methionine (Met‐Met) was added to the medium of the lower and upper transwell chambers, respectively. The culture medium and BMECs were collected after 24 h of treatment. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to detect the concentration of Met‐Met in the culture medium. Real‐time PCR was used to detect the mRNA abundance of β‐casein, oligopeptide transporter 2 (PepT2), and small peptide histidine transporter 1 (PhT1) in BMECs. Then, the BMECs were transfected with siRNA‐PepT2 and siRNA‐PhT1, respectively, and the uptake of β‐Ala‐Lys‐N‐7‐amino‐4‐methylcoumarin‐3‐acetic acid (β‐Ala‐Lys‐AMCA) in BMECs was detected. The results showed that, after 5 days of culture, the FITC‐dextran permeability of BMECs was 0.6%, which was significantly lower than that of the control group. The absorption rates of Met‐Met in the culture medium of the upper and lower chambers were 99.99% and 99.95%, respectively. The addition of Met‐Met to the upper chamber significantly increased the mRNA abundance of β‐casein and PepT2. The addition of Met‐Met to the lower chamber significantly improved the mRNA abundance of β‐casein, PepT2, and PhT1. The uptake of β‐Ala‐Lys‐AMCA significantly decreased in BMECs transfected with siRNA‐PepT2. These results suggested that the BMECs were successfully cultured in the transwell chamber and formed a cell layer with little permeability. The small peptides in both the upper and lower chambers of the transwell can be absorbed by BMECs in different ways. PepT2 plays an important role in the uptake of small peptides on both the basal and apical sides of BMECs, and PhT1 may be involved in the uptake of small peptides on the basal side of BMECs. Therefore, the addition of small peptides in dairy cow diets may be an effective dietary manipulation to increase milk protein concentration or yield.
Barriers and enablers to a healthy food environment in Australian childcare services: Exploring directors' perspectives
Authors: Kirkegaard Amy , Irwin Chris , Byrne Rebecca , Sambell Ros , Vincze Lisa
Published: March 2023

Issue Addressed

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings are ideal environments to optimise nutrition and positively influence children's food behaviours. However, recent research has identified the need to improve nutrition policies, food provision, and mealtime environments in Australian ECEC settings. This study explored the perceptions of ECEC directors regarding barriers and enablers to a health‐promoting food environment within ECEC services.

Methods

Eleven directors from ECEC services in Nerang, Queensland, and surrounding areas, participated in qualitative interviews between March and May 2021. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis that followed a deductive‐inductive approach employing nutrition‐related domains from the Wellness Child Care Assessment Tool, these being: (i) nutrition policy; (ii) nutrition education; (iii) food provision; and (iv) mealtimes. Transcripts were coded independently by two researchers in NVivo and consensus for barriers and enablers was achieved through discussion.

Results

Barriers and enablers were reported across four domains (nutrition policy, nutrition education, food provision, and mealtimes). Comprehensive nutrition‐related policies were an enabler to a healthy nutrition environment but were sometimes described as lacking detail or customisation to the service. Nutrition education for children was described as competing with other activities for time and resources in an already‐crowded curriculum. Financial and time pressures faced by families were a barrier to healthy food provision in services where families provided food for children. The ability of staff to sit with children and engage in conversation during mealtimes was an enabler; however, competing demands on time and the unavailability of food for staff were cited as barriers to health‐promoting mealtimes.

Conclusions

Directors in ECEC services report both barriers and enablers to a healthy food environment. Nutrition policies were an enabler when comprehensive and relevant but a barrier when vague and not tailored to the service environment. ECEC services should be supported to develop and implement service‐specific nutrition policies and practices by engaging with parents and staff.

So What?

The barriers and enablers reported in this study should be considered when designing and implementing future evidence‐based interventions to improve the nutrition environment in ECEC services.
Approach to managing obesity in small mammals
Authors: Chitty John
Published: March 2023

Background:Obesity is an important issue in small mammal pet species. As in other species, it results from an imbalance between dietary calorie intake and calorie use. Knowledge of the normal diet and biological activities of these species is important to not only identify the cause of the obesity, but to plan the management of obesity and obesity‐related disorders.

Aim of the article:This article discusses the issue of obesity and its causes, as well as the recognition and consequences of it in small mammal pet species. It will also cover the management of the condition and its prevention. There is a wide range of small mammal species kept as pets, so the article concentrates on those that are most common (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and ferrets) but, where appropriate, it will also refer to some of the less frequently seen species (eg, chinchillas and skunks).
Dimethyl fumarate‐mediated Nrf2/ARE pathway activation and glibenclamide‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome cascade inhibition alleviate type II diabetes‐associated fatty liver in rats by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Dwivedi Durgesh K. , Jena G. B.
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is much higher in patients with type II diabetes (T2D). Inflammasomes are multimolecular complexes reported to involve inflammatory conditions. The nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like factor 2/antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2/ARE) pathway is an important regulator of antioxidant status in cells. Antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (GLB) is reported as  NACHT, leucine‐rich repeat, and pyrin domain domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome inhibitor, whereas anti‐multiple sclerosis drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is reported as an Nrf2/ARE pathway activator. Both GLB and DMF possess anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, therefore, the hypothesis was made to look into the alone as well as the combination potential of GLB, DMF, and GLB + DMF, against NAFLD in diabetic rats. This study was aimed to investigate (1) the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome and Nrf2/ARE signaling in diabetes‐associated NAFLD (2) the effect of GLB, DMF, GLB + DMF, and metformin (MET) interventions on NLRP3 inflammasome and Nrf2/ARE signaling in diabetes‐associated NAFLD. The rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) 35 mg/kg and fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 17 consecutive weeks to induce diabetic NAFLD. The oral treatment of GLB 0.5 mg/kg/day, DMF 25 mg/kg/day, their combination and MET 200 mg/kg/day, were provided from the 6th to the 17th week. Treatment with GLB, DMF, GLB + DMF, and MET significantly alleviated HFD + STZ‐induced plasma glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, %HbA1c, hepatic steatosis, NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain, CARD, caspase‐1, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), Nrf2, superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, IGF 1, heme oxygenase 1, receptor for the advanced glycation end product (RAGE), and collagen‐1 in diabetic rats. Further, a mechanistic molecular study employing other specific NLRP3 inhibitors and Nrf2 activators will significantly contribute to the development of novel therapy for fatty liver diseases.
Investigating correlations between the PAT and three hand‐skill exercises to performance in preclinical laboratory courses
Authors: Imbery Terence A. , Malone Catherine J. , Alhaddad Ali S. , Goolsby Susie R. , Janus Charles , Baechle Mary A. , Carrico Caroline K.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Perceptual ability test (PAT) is a valid determinant for spatial perceptions. However, proven psychomotor skill tests for dentistry do not currently exist. This study aimed to determine whether performance on the PAT, Operation game, mirror tracing, and wax carving exercises correlate to preclinical laboratory performance in Dental Anatomy and Restorative Dentistry courses.

Methods

First‐year dental students (n = 96) participated in the study. Final laboratory grades were obtained from course directors of preclinical Restorative Dentistry and Dental Anatomy courses. Admissions committee provided participants' PAT results. Participants completed a wax carving exercise by carving a cube and a semicircle into a wax block using the wax subtraction method. Two calibrated faculty graded the carvings as Ideal (5), Satisfactory (3), or Unsatisfactory (1). Time to complete the Operation game and number of infractions were recorded. Participants traced the six‐pointed star pattern on the Auto Scoring Mirror Tracer instrument in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Completion times and number of instances outside the pattern were recorded. Spearman Rank Correlations were used to determine associations at 0.05 confidence interval.

Results

Mean PAT score was 21.7; mean times to complete the Operation game and mirror tracing exercise were 4:20 and 1:30, respectively. Mean score on the wax carving exercise was 3.19. Correlations between the independent and dependent variables were minimal to weak. The wax carving exercise was the most reliable predictor of performance.

Conclusions

When PAT scores are striated into low (less than 20), middle (21–22), and high (23–30), it was possible to predict performance in both preclinical laboratory courses.
Incorporation of podcast as an adjunctive study material for national board examination: A preliminary study
Authors: Sethi Neha , Lettelleir Jessica , Mays Keith A.
Published: March 2023

Background

In 2020, higher education embraced alternative content delivery to provide academic instruction to accommodate for the pandemic. Although this adaptation of content delivery was temporary for some, the uses of YouTube videos, Podcast, and distance learning have been an increasingly desired format for students. The transition of the traditionally two‐part National Board Dental Examination into a one‐part, integrating biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences initiated in 2018 started with limited study resources. This study hypothesized that podcast would be a useful format for Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) review. The study's purpose was to evaluate the students’ perspective of podcasts as INBDE supplemental review resource.

Methods

Seven episodes, 10–15 min long, case‐based clinical scenario podcasts were recorded. Students and faculty reviewed academic content and accuracy. Episodes were recorded and published on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts under the channel “Dental Study Bites” as INBDE review material. Listeners were invited to complete a 16‐item Google form questionnaire. Respondents were deidentified, and descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

Podcast episodes were played 256 times with 31 survey respondents. Listeners on Spotify represented seven different countries with 61.3% females and 38.4% males. Ninety percent of respondents found cases useful and helpful. Eighty‐six percent found cases promoted learning and 90% believed podcasts could be useful in the dental curriculum.

Conclusion

The Dental Study Bites Podcast served as a helpful and useful method to deliver instructional content. The use of podcast offers flexible means for students to review instructional materials and can be created inexpensively.
An evaluation of isocentre shift magnitude and treatment site on image‐guided radiation therapy online decision analysis times
Authors: Clark Sarah , Pollard Natalie , Brown Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The ability to capture more anatomical detail in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging compared to kilovoltage (kV) and megavoltage (MV) imaging, has seen a documented shift towards CBCT image verification and staff adopting more extensive image analysis processes. The timeframe associated with assessing online CBCT images, termed the online decision analysis time, if drawn out, can affect treatment efficiency and accuracy. This study aimed to determine the current CBCT online decision analysis time at Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Ipswich Road (ROPAIR) and investigate the influence of isocentre shift magnitude and treatment site considerations on this timeframe.

Methods

This retrospective clinical audit collected treatment parameters from 202 CBCT images over 2 treatment days. The online decision analysis time was calculated by subtracting the image acquisition timestamp from the image verification shift application timestamp. The quantitative data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and range in the following categories: all CBCTs, CBCTs grouped by isocentre shift magnitude and CBCTs grouped by treatment site. Content analysis was performed on staff comments made during image analysis.

Results

The average online decision analysis time was 2:37 ± 1:28 min. On average approximately, head and neck, spine and extremity treatment sites measured 1 min, pelvis, breast, and chest measured 2–3 min with abdomen measuring 4 min. Common categories reported in staff comments included anatomical changes, repositioning, and organs at risk size.

Conclusion

The results provide baseline online decision analysis times. Further refinement is required to determine if the image match method, treatment site considerations, and rotational discrepancies influence this timeframe.
Providing patient‐centred care as Medical Radiation Practitioners to children and young persons in out of home care
Authors: Denham Gary , Denham Sharon Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

Modern healthcare focuses on patient‐centred care where patients' needs, beliefs, choices and preferences are valued and lead to better health outcomes. Children and young persons in out of home care (OOHC) require more health care services compared with children from similar social and economic backgrounds. Each state and territory government are responsible for statutory child protection in Australia. If a child is unsafe in their current environment, they may be removed and placed into OOHC where they have ongoing case management with either a government or non‐government agency. Complex trauma is the prolonged and uncontrolled exposure to traumatic events, like those experienced by maltreated children. Complex trauma can create a toxic stress response that produces biological alteration to the developing brain and affects the lives of the child, other family members and their descendants. Children with complex trauma often do not have the ability to regulate their responses to stimuli, reacting to minor triggers with disproportionate reactions. Many of these children will present with challenging behaviours. Trauma‐informed care is a method of service delivery that seeks to actively minimise re‐traumatisation. Creating a safe space is an essential element of trauma‐informed care. Children with a history of complex trauma have life experiences that may be re‐lived in a healthcare setting. There are ethical and legal considerations like privacy, consent and mandatory reporting when dealing with children in OOHC. By practising trauma‐informed care Medical Radiation Practitioners can minimise further trauma to one of the most vulnerable population groups in Australia.
Hot corrosion behaviour of the γ‐Y2Si2O7 ceramic exposed to NaVO3 or V2O5 molten salt
Authors: Fang Bin , Li Yi , Xu Xi
Published: March 2023

The hot corrosion behaviour of the γ‐Y2Si2O7 ceramic exposed to NaVO3 or V2O5 molten salt was studied at 1000–1300°C. YVO4 was identified as the corrosion product due to the chemical interaction of the two corrosive agents with the γ‐Y2Si2O7 ceramic. Although YVO4 produced in the two corrosion reactions had the same crystallographic structure, they had different morphologies. YVO4 produced by the corrosion of NaVO3 with the γ‐Y2Si2O7 ceramic showed a rod‐like shape, whereas it was particle‐shaped in the corrosion reaction of V2O5 with the γ‐Y2Si2O7 ceramic. Additionally, the degradation of γ‐Y2Si2O7 ceramic by V2O5 was more severe than that by NaVO3, and the thickness of the corrosion layer significantly increased with temperature. In this study, a model describing the formation of the corrosion product was established, and the formation of YVO4 with different morphologies in the two corrosion reactions was explained based on the growth characteristics of the YVO4 crystals.
Free peroneal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of traumatic limb soft tissue defects: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Song Jia‐lin , Bao Bing‐bo , Chen Chen , Qian Yun , Zheng Xian‐You
Published: March 2023

Background

The free peroneal artery perforator (FPAP) flap is used for soft tissue defects after burns and trauma. However, the use of FPAP flaps to repair limb soft tissue defects for immediate reconstruction was rarely reported previously. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to evaluate free peroneal artery perforator flap to reconstruct traumatic limb soft tissue defects for immediate reconstruction.

Patients and Methods

A total of 25 cases of limb soft tissue defects undergoing immediate reconstruction of FPAP flap transfer were retrospectively evaluated from January 2019 to June 2019 in our institute. The locations of defects included the palm (10 cases), finger (5 cases), foot (7 cases), ankle (2 cases) and wrist (1 case). The sizes of defect varied from 3 × 2 cm to 15 × 7 cm (54.1 cm2 in average). Flaps were harvested based on the peroneal perforator vessels, initially marked using hand‐held Doppler.

Results

Average size of harvested flap was 9.7 × 6.2 cm (ranging from 3.5 × 2 cm to 16 × 8 cm). All perforators were harvested from the peroneal artery and the arterial diameter ranged from 0.8 to 1.7 mm. The average pedicle length was 3.04 cm (range, 1.85–4.75 cm). Five vascular thrombosis were found including three cases of arterial thrombosis and two cases of venous thrombosis which were successfully salvaged by re‐operation and vein graft. Satisfying functional outcome and acceptable appearance were achieved at 6 months or longer after surgery (range, 6–15 months, 12 months in average). All flaps survived at the end‐point.

Conclusions

The FPAP flap is a reliable and thin fasciocutaneous flap, which can be used for repairing limb soft tissue defects. The FPAP flap can be used for covering defects with various appearances, locations, and sizes.
Materialdesign von Festkörpern
Authors: Kieslich Gregor
Published: March 2023

Um Designprinzipien für Funktionsmaterialien zu entwickeln, verwendet Gregor Kieslich Koordinationspolymere als Materialplattform und macht sich ihre Freiheitsgrade zu nutze.
Ig‐Nobelpreis: Surfende Küken und falsche Elche
Authors: Kuschmitz Paul
Published: March 2023

Dieses Jahr ging es bei der Vergabe des Ig‐Nobelpreis um die ganz großen Gefühle: Liebe, Sex und Eiscreme.