bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of augmented reality-based 3D navigation system for brachial plexus tumor surgery
Authors: Zhao Xuanyu , Zhao Huali , Zheng Wanling , Gohritz Andreas , Shen Yundong , Xu Wendong
Published: January 2024

Background

Augmented reality (AR), a form of 3D imaging technology, has been preliminarily applied in tumor surgery of the head and spine, both are rigid bodies. However, there is a lack of research evaluating the clinical value of AR in tumor surgery of the brachial plexus, a non-rigid body, where the anatomical position varies with patient posture.

Methods

Prior to surgery in 8 patients diagnosed with brachial plexus tumors, conventional MRI scans were performed to obtain conventional 2D MRI images. The MRI data were then differentiated automatically and converted into AR-based 3D models. After point-to-point relocation and registration, the 3D models were projected onto the patient’s body using a head-mounted display for navigation. To evaluate the clinical value of AR-based 3D models compared to the conventional 2D MRI images, 2 senior hand surgeons completed questionnaires on the evaluation of anatomical structures (tumor, arteries, veins, nerves, bones, and muscles), ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

Results

Surgeons rated AR-based 3D models as superior to conventional MRI images for all anatomical structures, including tumors. Furthermore, AR-based 3D models were preferred for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation, demonstrating their added value. The mean positional error between the 3D models and intraoperative findings was approximately 1 cm.

Conclusions

This study evaluated, for the first time, the clinical value of an AR-based 3D navigation system in preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation for brachial plexus tumor surgery. By providing more direct spatial visualization, compared with conventional 2D MRI images, this 3D navigation system significantly improved the clinical accuracy and safety of tumor surgery in non-rigid bodies.
Transformation to small cell lung cancer is irrespective of EGFR and accelerated by SMAD4-mediated ASCL1 transcription independently of RB1 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ding Xi , Shi Min-xing , Liu Di , Cao Jing-xue , Zhang Kai-xuan , Zhang Run-dong , Zhang Li-ping , Ai Kai-xing , Su Bo , Zhang Jie
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Histological transformation to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been identified as a mechanism of TKIs resistance in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aim to explore the prevalence of transformation in EGFR-wildtype NSCLC and the mechanism of SCLC transformation, which are rarely understood.

Methods

We reviewed 1474 NSCLC patients to investigate the NSCLC-to-SCLC transformed cases and the basic clinical characteristics, driver gene status and disease course of them. To explore the potential functional genes in SCLC transformation, we obtained pre- and post-transformation specimens and subjected them to a multigene NGS panel involving 416 cancer-related genes. To validate the putative gene function, we established knocked-out models by CRISPR-Cas 9 in HCC827 and A549-TP53-/- cells and investigated the effects on tumor growth, drug sensitivity and neuroendocrine phenotype in vitro and in vivo. We also detected the expression level of protein and mRNA to explore the molecular mechanism involved.

Results

We firstly reported an incidence rate of 9.73% (11/113) of SCLC transformation in EGFR-wildtype NSCLC and demonstrated that SCLC transformation is irrespective of EGFR mutation status (P = 0.16). We sequenced 8 paired tumors and identified a series of mutant genes specially in transformed SCLC such as SMAD4, RICTOR and RET. We firstly demonstrated that SMAD4 deficiency can accelerate SCLC transition by inducing neuroendocrine phenotype regardless of RB1 status in TP53-deficient NSCLC cells. Further mechanical experiments identified the SMAD4 can regulate ASCL1 transcription competitively with Myc in NSCLC cells and Myc inhibitor acts as a potential subsequent treatment agent.

Conclusions

Transformation to SCLC is irrespective of EFGR status and can be accelerated by SMAD4 in non-small cell lung cancer. Myc inhibitor acts as a potential therapeutic drug for SMAD4-mediated resistant lung cancer.
NAT10 mediated ac4C acetylation driven m6A modification via involvement of YTHDC1-LDHA/PFKM regulates glycolysis and promotes osteosarcoma
Authors: Mei Zhongting , Shen Zhihua , Pu Jiaying , Liu Qian , Liu Guoxin , He Xuting , Wang Yang , Yue Jinrui , Ge Shiyu , Li Tao , Yuan Ye , Yang Lei
Published: January 2024

The dynamic changes of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) during cancer progression participate in various cellular processes. However, less is known about a possible direct connection between upstream regulator and m6A modification, and therefore affects oncogenic progression. Here, we have identified that a key enzyme in N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) acetylation NAT10 is highly expressed in human osteosarcoma tissues, and its knockdown enhanced m6A contents and significantly suppressed osteosarcoma cell growth, migration and invasion. Further results revealed that NAT10 silence inhibits mRNA stability and translation of m6A reader protein YTHDC1, and displayed an increase in glucose uptake, a decrease in lactate production and pyruvate content. YTHDC1 recognizes differential m6A sites on key enzymes of glycolysis phosphofructokinase (PFKM) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) mRNAs, which suppress glycolysis pathway by increasing mRNA stability of them in an m6A methylation-dependent manner. YTHDC1 partially abrogated the inhibitory effect caused by NAT10 knockdown in tumor models in vivo, lentiviral overexpression of YTHDC1 partially restored the reduced stability of YTHDC1 caused by lentiviral depleting NAT10 at the cellular level. Altogether, we found ac4C driven RNA m6A modification can positively regulate the glycolysis of cancer cells and reveals a previously unrecognized signaling axis of NAT10/ac4C-YTHDC1/m6A-LDHA/PFKM in osteosarcoma.
ZDHHC5-mediated S-palmitoylation of FAK promotes its membrane localization and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in glioma
Authors: Wang Yang , Shen Na , Yang Yang , Xia Yuan , Zhang Wenhao , Lu Yu , Wang Zhicheng , Yang Ze , Wang Zhangjie
Published: January 2024

Background

Abnormal activation of FAK is associated with tumor development and metastasis. Through interactions with other intracellular signalling molecules, FAK influences cytoskeletal remodelling, modulation of adhesion signalling, and activation of transcription factors, promoting migration and invasion of tumor cells. However, the exact mechanism that regulates these processes remains unresolved. Herein, our findings indicate that the S-palmitoylation of FAK is crucial for both its membrane localization and activation.

Methods

The palmitoylation of FAK in U251 and T98G cells was assessed by an acyl-PEG exchange (APE) assay and a metabolic incorporation assay. Cellular palmitoylation was inhibited using 2-bromopalmitate, and the palmitoylation status and cellular localization of FAK were determined. A metabolic incorporation assay was used to identify the potential palmitoyl acyltransferase and the palmitoylation site of FAK. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assays, colony formation assays, and Transwell assays were conducted to assess the impact of ZDHHC5 in GBM. Additionally, intracranial GBM xenografts were utilized to investigate the effects of genetically silencing ZDHHC5 on tumor growth.

Results

Inhibiting FAK palmitoylation leads to its redistribution from the membrane to the cytoplasm and a decrease in its phosphorylation. Moreover, ZDHHC5, a protein-acyl-transferase (PAT), catalyzes this key modification of FAK at C456. Knockdown of ZDHHC5 abrogates the S-palmitoylation and membrane distribution of FAK and impairs cell proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Taken together, our research reveals the crucial role of ZDHHC5 as a PAT responsible for FAK S-palmitoylation, membrane localization, and activation.

Conclusions

These results imply that targeting the ZDHHC5/FAK axis has the potential to be a promising strategy for therapeutic interventions for glioblastoma (GBM).
Tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles facilitate omental metastasis of ovarian cancer by triggering activation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Gong Lanqing , Li Guoqing , Yi Xiaoqing , Han Qing , Wu Qiulei , Ying Feiquan , Shen Lu , Cao Ying , Liu Xiaoli , Gao Lingling , Li Wenhan , Wang Zehua , Cai Jing
Published: January 2024

Background

Omental metastasis is the major cause of ovarian cancer recurrence and shortens patient survival, which can be largely attributed to the dynamic evolution of the fertile metastatic microenvironment driven by cancer cells. Previously, we found that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) undergoing a phenotype shift toward cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) participated in the orchestrated omental premetastatic niche for ovarian cancer. Here, we aim to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Small extracellular vesicles were isolated from ovarian cancer cell lines (ES-2 and its highly metastatic subline, ES-2-HM) and patient ascites using ultracentrifugation. Functional experiments, including Transwell and EdU assays, and molecular detection, including Western blot, immunofluorescence, and RT–qPCR, were performed to investigate the activation of ADSCs in vitro. High-throughput transcriptional sequencing and functional assays were employed to identify the crucial functional molecules inducing CAF-like activation of ADSCs and the downstream effector of miR-320a. The impact of extracellular vesicles and miR-320a-activated ADSCs on tumor growth and metastasis was assessed in subcutaneous and orthotopic ovarian cancer xenograft mouse models. The expression of miR-320a in human samples was evaluated using in situ hybridization staining.

Results

Primary human ADSCs cocultured with small extracellular vesicles, especially those derived from ES-2-HM, exhibited boosted migration, invasion, and proliferation capacities and elevated α-SMA and FAP levels. Tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles increased α-SMA-positive stromal cells, fostered omental metastasis, and shortened the survival of mice harboring orthotopic ovarian cancer xenografts. miR-320a was abundant in highly metastatic cell-derived extracellular vesicles, evoked dramatic CAF-like transition of ADSCs, targeted the 3′-untranslated region of integrin subunit alpha 7 and attenuated its expression. miR-320a overexpression in ovarian cancer was associated with omental metastasis and shorter survival. miR-320a-activated ADSCs facilitated tumor cell growth and omental metastasis. Depletion of integrin alpha 7 triggered CAF-like activation of ADSCs in vitro.

Conclusions

miR-320a in small extracellular vesicles secreted by tumor cells targets integrin subunit alpha 7 in ADSCs and drives CAF-like activation, which in turn facilitates omental metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Hepatocyte GPCR signaling regulates IRF3 to control hepatic stellate cell transdifferentiation
Authors: Yu Jae-Hyun , Choi Myeung Gi , Lee Na Young , Kwon Ari , Lee Euijin , Koo Ja Hyun
Published: January 2024

Background

Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF3) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the innate immune response by recognizing and responding to foreign antigens. Recently, its roles in sterile conditions are being studied, as in metabolic and fibrotic diseases. However, the search on the upstream regulator for efficient pharmacological targeting is yet to be fully explored. Here, we show that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can regulate IRF3 phosphorylation through of GPCR-Gα protein interaction.

Results

IRF3 and target genes were strongly associated with fibrosis markers in liver fibrosis patients and models. Conditioned media from MIHA hepatocytes overexpressing IRF3 induced fibrogenic activation of LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In an overexpression library screening using active mutant Gα subunits and Phos-tag immunoblotting, Gαs was found out to strongly phosphorylate IRF3. Stimulation of Gαs by glucagon or epinephrine or by Gαs-specific designed GPCR phosphorylated IRF3. Protein kinase A (PKA) signaling was primarily responsible for IRF3 phosphorylation and Interleukin 33 (IL-33) expression downstream of Gαs. PKA phosphorylated IRF3 on a previously unrecognized residue and did not require reported upstream kinases such as TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Activation of Gαs signaling by glucagon induced IL-33 production in hepatocytes. Conditioned media from the hepatocytes activated HSCs, as indicated by α-SMA and COL1A1 expression, and this was reversed by pre-treatment of the media with IL-33 neutralizing antibody.

Conclusions

Gαs-coupled GPCR signaling increases IRF3 phosphorylation through cAMP-mediated activation of PKA. This leads to an increase of IL-33 expression, which further contributes to HSC activation. Our findings that hepatocyte GPCR signaling regulates IRF3 to control hepatic stellate cell transdifferentiation provides an insight for understanding the complex intercellular communication during liver fibrosis progression and suggests therapeutic opportunities for the disease.
Cryopreservation of Abies alba × A. numidica and Pinus nigra embryogenic tissues by stepwise dehydration method
Authors: Hazubska-Przybył Teresa , Wawrzyniak Mikołaj Krzysztof , Obarska Agata , Salaj Terezia
Published: January 2024

Background

Cryopreservation makes it possible to preserve plant biodiversity for thousands of years in ex situ storage. The stepwise dehydration method is a simple and versatile cryopreservation technique based on the vitrification phenomenon. However, the commonly used dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in this cryopreservation technique is considered harmful for plant material, thus alternative methods are needed to be applied.

Results

In this study, the possibility of cryopreservation of embryogenic tissues (ETs) of Abies alba x A. numidica and Pinus nigra was investigated. Before freezing, ETs were partially dehydrated in the presence of increasing concentrations of sucrose (from 0.25 to 1.0 M) for 7 days, followed by desiccation of the tissues over silica gel for 2 and 2.5 h, respectively. After these pretreatments, the plant material was frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN; –196 °C). For both coniferous trees the ET survival rate was high and reached 84.4% for A. alba x A. numidica (28 days) and 86.7% for P. nigra (35 days) after recovery of the tissues from liquid nitrogen (LN). The regenerated tissue of A. alba x A. numidica was characterized by more intense growth after storage in LN compared to tissue that had not been cryopreserved (control). The tissue of this tree also undertook relatively rapid growth after thawing from LN. In turn, the ET growth of P. nigra was significantly lower after thawing compared to the other treatment.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated, that the stepwise dehydration method could be successfully applied to the cryostorage of ETs of both studied trees. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on ET cryopreservation based on this method for Abies and Pinus genus representatives, which may be the alternative way for efficient, long-term preservation of germplasm in LN.
The hidden scabies: a rare case of atypical Norwegian scabies, case report and literature review
Authors: Mauro Angela , Colonna Cristiana , Taranto Silvia , Garella Vittoria , Castelletti Francesca , Giordano Laura , Monzani Nicola Adriano , Bernardo Luca
Published: January 2024

Background

Norwegian scabies is a rare dermatological manifestation that usually affects the most fragile populations, such as elderly and immunocompromised patients, and its diagnosis is quite complex, due to its low prevalence in the general population and because of a broad spectrum manifestation.

Case Presentation

Here we describe a rare case of Norwegian scabies that was previously misdiagnosed in a sixteen year old patient affected by Down syndrome and we conducted a non-systematic literature review about this topic. Lesions were atypical, pruritic and associated with periodic desquamation of the palms and soles and after a series of specialist evaluations, she finally underwent topical treatment with complete remission.

Conclusion

It is therefore crucial to take in consideration the relation between Down syndrome and community acquired crusted scabies, to enable preventative measures, early detection, and proper treatment.
Lung clearance index short-term variability in cystic fibrosis: a pre-post pulmonary exacerbation study
Authors: De Marchis Matteo , Montemitro Enza , Boni Alessandra , Federici Alessandra , Di Giovanni Daniele , Cristiani Luca , Cutrera Renato , Fiocchi Alessandro G.
Published: January 2024

Background

Multiple Breath washout (MBW) represents an important tool to detect early a possible pulmonary exacerbation especially in Cystic Fibrosis (CF) disease. Lung clearance index (LCI) is the most commonly reported multiple breath washout (MBW) index and in the last years was used as management measure for evaluation. Our aim was to analyze clinical utility of LCI index variability in pulmonary exacerbation in CF after intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.

Methods

A single-center study was conducted at CF Unit of Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital among hospitalized > 3 years patients for pulmonary exacerbations and treated with antibiotic IV treatment for 14 days. MBW and spirometry were evaluated within 72 h of admission to hospital and at the end of hospitalization. Descriptive analysis was conducted and correlations between quantitative variables were investigated.

Results

Fifty-seven patients (M22/F35) with an average age 18.56 (± 8.54) years were enrolled. LCI2.5 was significantly reduced at the end of antibiotic treatment in both pediatric and adult populations with an average reduction of -6,99%; 37/57 patients denoted an improvement, 20/57 are stable or worsened in LCI2.5 values and 4/57 (7.02%) had a significant deterioration (> 15%) at end of treatment. On the contrary a significative elevation of FEV1 and FVC were found, respectively of + 7,30% and of + 5,46%. A positive good correlection among LCI 2.5 and Scond (rho = + 0,615, p = 0.000) and LCI 2.5 and Sacin (rho = + 0,649, p = 0.000) and a negative strong correlation between FEV1 and LCI 2.5 were found in post treatment period. A similar modification of LCI 2.5 and FEV1 was noticed in both adult and pediatric population.

Conclusions

LCI may have a role in the routine clinical care of both adult and pediatric CF patients as a good tool to assess response to IV antibiotic end-therapy in the same way as FEV1.
Investigation of early literacy skills of preschool children with hearing loss
Authors: Akmese Pelin Pistav , Kucuk Destina Sezgin , Kirazli Gulce
Published: January 2024

Background

Early literacy development is critical for children with hearing loss to develop literacy skills in the years to come. The aim of this study is to compare the early literacy skills of 60–72 months’ children with hearing loss to the results of children with normal hearing.

Methods

A total of 40 children (20 children with hearing aid (HA) and 20 children with normal hearing (NH) were evaluated in the study. Receptive and expressive language was assessed by Test of Early Language Development (TELD-3) and Early Literacy Test (EROT) was applied to assess the early literacy skills of all children in the study.

Results

The receptive and expressive language results of the hearing-impaired group were significantly lower than those of normal hearing. Moreover, in EROT when a general analysis is made with main test titles such as, the vocabulary knowledge, letter knowledge, the listening comprehension, results showed that there was a significant difference between the HA and NH groups.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of supporting early literacy skills, which are prerequisite skills for reading and writing skills, in children who receive both mainstreaming education and special education in the risk group and/or continue their education in kindergarten.
Protein profiling in systemic sclerosis patients with different pulmonary complications using proteomic antibody microarray
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhu Honglin , Liu Sijia , Li Mengtao , Li Yisha , Luo Hui , Zuo Xiaoxia
Published: January 2024

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and interstitial lung disease (ILD) are leading causes of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-related death. In this study, we aimed to identify biomarkers for detecting SSc pulmonary complications that are mild and in the early stages to improve the prognosis.

Methods

We screened for serum biomarkers using a proteomic antibody microarray that simultaneously assessed 1000 proteins. Differentially expressed proteins were further verified using ELISA. Finally, we performed a correlation analysis using clinical data.

Results

We identified 125 differentially expressed proteins, of which calcitonin, sclerostin (SOST), CD40, and fibronectin were selected for further verification. Serum calcitonin and SOST levels were significantly elevated in all SSc pulmonary complication subgroups, whereas serum calcitonin levels were higher in the SSc with PAH subgroup than in the SSc without PAH and ILD subgroup. Serum SOST levels were possibly associated with the presence of ILD and positively related to the presence of cardiac and gastrointestinal involvement. Serum CD40 and calcitonin levels appeared to be positively related to the presence of renal involvement, and serum calcitonin was also positively related to the presence of gastrointestinal involvement.

Conclusions

This study indicated that serum calcitonin and SOST levels may be promising biomarkers for SSc-related PAH and ILD, respectively. Further research is needed to verify this result and understand the underlying mechanisms.
MRSamePopTest: introducing a simple falsification test for the two-sample mendelian randomisation ‘same population’ assumption
Authors: Woolf Benjamin , Mason Amy , Zagkos Loukas , Sallis Hannah , Munafò Marcus R. , Gill Dipender
Published: January 2024

Two-sample MR is an increasingly popular method for strengthening causal inference in epidemiological studies. For the effect estimates to be meaningful, variant-exposure and variant-outcome associations must come from comparable populations. A recent systematic review of two-sample MR studies found that, if assessed at all, MR studies evaluated this assumption by checking that the genetic association studies had similar demographics. However, it is unclear if this is sufficient because less easily accessible factors may also be important. Here we propose an easy-to-implement falsification test. Since recent theoretical developments in causal inference suggest that a causal effect estimate can generalise from one study to another if there is exchangeability of effect modifiers, we suggest testing the homogeneity of variant-phenotype associations for a phenotype which has been measured in both genetic association studies as a method of exploring the ‘same-population’ test. This test could be used to facilitate designing MR studies with diverse populations. We developed a simple R package to facilitate the implementation of our proposed test. We hope that this research note will result in increased attention to the same-population assumption, and the development of better sensitivity analyses.
Sampling approaches and geographic coverage in Mayi Kuwayu: the national study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing
Authors: Thandrayen Joanne , Walker Jennie , Chapman Janet , Lovett Raymond , Thurber Katherine A
Published: January 2024

Objective

The objective of this paper is to investigate the geographic distribution of participants in Mayi Kuwayu, the National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing. The Mayi Kuwayu Study is the largest national longitudinal study of the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults (aged 16 years and over) in Australia. It is an Aboriginal-led and governed Study with embedded community engagement. The Study collects data through self-report questionnaires, using multiple sampling approaches: (1) a large-scale mail-out based on stratified random sampling; (2) convenience sampling; (3) snowball sampling; (4) voluntary sampling. A comparison of the geographic distribution of Mayi Kuwayu Study participants to that of the total Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was also conducted.

Results

A total of 9,843 people participated in the Mayi Kuwayu Study baseline survey from 2018 to 2022. Participants resided in all Australian States and Territories. The geographic distribution of participants broadly matched the total population distribution, with participants generally located on the east and south-east coast of Australia. Apparent differences in the geographic distribution were identified by sex and age group.
Emergency department CT examinations demonstrate no evidence of early viral circulation at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic—a multicentre epidemiological study
Authors: Crombé Amandine , Dupont Claire , Casalonga François , Seux Mylène , Favard Nicolas , Coulon Agnès , Jurkovic Thomas , Nivet Hubert , Gorincour Guillaume
Published: January 2024

Background

Biological studies suggested that the COVID-19 outbreak in France occurred before the first official diagnosis on January 24, 2020. We investigated this controversial topic using a large collection of chest CTs performed throughout French emergency departments within 6 months before the 1st lockdown.

Results

Overall, 49,311 consecutive patients (median age: 60 years, 23,636/49,311 [47.9%] women) with available chest CT images and reports from 61 emergency departments between September 1, 2020, and March 16, 2020 (day before the 1st French lockdown), were retrospectively included in this multicentre study. In the macroscopic analysis of reports automatically (labelled for presence of ground glass opacities [GGOs], reticulations, and bilateral and subpleural abnormalities), we found a significant breakpoint on February 17, 2020, for the weekly time series with 1, 2 and ≥ 3 of these 4 radiological features, with 146/49,311 (0.3%) patients showing bilateral abnormalities and ground glass opacities (GGOs) from that day. According to radiologists, 22/146 (15.1%) CT images showed typical characteristics of COVID-19, including 4/146 (2.7%) before February 2020. According to hospital records, one patient remained without microbial diagnosis, two patients had proven influenza A and one patient had concomitant influenza A and mycoplasma infection.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 was not circulating in the areas covered by the 61 emergency departments involved in our study before the official beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in France. In emergency patients, the strong resemblance among mycoplasma, influenza A and SARS-CoV-2 lung infections on chest CT and the nonspecificity of CT patterns in low prevalence periods is stressed.

Critical relevance statement

We proposed here an innovative approach to revisit a controversial ‘real’ start of the COVID-19 pandemic in France based on (1) a population-level approach combining text mining, time series analysis and an epidemiological dataset and (2) a patient-level approach with careful retrospective reading of chest CT scans complemented by analysis of samples performed contemporarily to the chest CT. We showed no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 was actively circulating in France before February 2020.

Graphical Abstract
CT energy spectral parameters of creeping fat in Crohn’s disease and correlation with inflammatory activity
Authors: Li Xianchu , Wu Wei , Yuan Yan , Zhu Zhiming , Liu Xiaowei , Xiao Desheng , Long Xueying
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Creeping fat is a kind of unique abnormal mesenteric tissue at the sites of diseased bowel of Crohn’s disease. By using dual-energy CT enterography, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of spectral parameters in the quantitative analysis of mesenteric adipose tissue or creeping fat.

Methods

In this study, patients with known or suspected Crohn’s disease who underwent dual-energy CT enterography from March 1, 2019, to March 31, 2021, were enrolled. Among them, 40 patients with surgery and pathology-proven creeping fat were selected as the creeping fat Crohn’s disease group, and 40 normal patients were selected as the control group. The quantitative spectral parameters including the slope of the Hounsfield unit curve, normalised fat–water concentration, normalised fat-iodine concentration, and normalised fat volume fraction at the enteric phases were obtained. Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were applied to compare quantitative parameters among various groups.

Results

A significant difference was observed in the slope of the Hounsfield unit curve, normalised fat–water concentration, normalised fat-iodine concentration, and normalised fat volume fraction between mesenteric adipose tissue and creeping fat with Crohn’s disease at the enteric phase (all p < 0.001). The slope of the Hounsfield unit curve of creeping fat at the enteric phase had a better capability to distinguish inactive and active Crohn’s disease (AUC = 0.93, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Dual-energy CT enterography with quantitative spectral parameters is a potentially novel noninvasive tool for evaluating creeping fat in Crohn’s disease.

Critical relevance statement

Energy spectral parameters of creeping fat in Crohn’s disease are significantly different from normal mesenteric adipose tissues and are correlated with inflammatory activity.

Key points

• Dual-energy CT enterography allows quantitatively assessing creeping fat with spectral parameters.

• The creeping fat has distinct spectral parameters to normal mesenteric adipose.

• The spectral parameters accurately differentiate active and inactive Crohn’s disease.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of the ability of exosomes and ectosomes derived from adipose-derived stromal cells to promote cartilage regeneration in a rat osteochondral defect model
Authors: Xu Tengjing , Yu Xinning , Xu Kaiwang , Lin Yunting , Wang Jiajie , Pan Zongyou , Fang Jinghua , Wang Siheng , Zhou Zhuxing , Song Hongyun , Zhu Sunan , Dai Xuesong
Published: January 2024

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) offer promising prospects for stimulating cartilage regeneration. The different formation mechanisms suggest that exosomes and ectosomes possess different biological functions. However, little attention has been paid to the differential effects of EV subsets on cartilage regeneration.

Methods

Our study compared the effects of the two EVs isolated from adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) on chondrocytes and bone marrow–derived MSCs (BMSCs) in vitro. Additionally, we loaded the two EVs into type I collagen hydrogels to optimize their application for the treatment of osteochondral defects in vivo.

Results

In vitro experiments demonstrate that ASC-derived exosomes (ASC-Exos) significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of both cells more effectively than ASC-derived ectosomes (ASC-Ectos). Furthermore, ASC-Exos facilitated a stronger differentiation of BMSCs into chondrogenic cells than ASC-Ectos, but both inhibited chondrocyte apoptosis to a similar extent. In the osteochondral defect model of rats, ASC-Exos promoted cartilage regeneration in situ better than ASC-Ectos. At 8 weeks, the hydrogel containing exosomes group (Gel + Exo group) had higher macroscopic and histological scores, a higher value of trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), a lower value of trabecular thickness (Tb.Sp), and a better remodeling of extracellular matrix than the hydrogel containing ectosomes group (Gel + Ecto group). At 4 and 8 weeks, the expression of CD206 and Arginase-1 in the Gel + Exo group was significantly higher than that in the Gel + Ecto group.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that administering ASC-Exos may be a more effective EV strategy for cartilage regeneration than the administration of ASC-Ectos.
An apicoplast-localized deubiquitinase contributes to the cell growth and apicoplast homeostasis of Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Xia Jie , Yang Yimin , Chen Xueqiu , Song Kaiyue , Ma Guangxu , Yang Yi , Yao Chaoqun , Du Aifang
Published: January 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is among the most important parasites worldwide. The apicoplast is a unique organelle shared by all Apicomplexan protozoa. Increasing lines of evidence suggest that the apicoplast possesses its own ubiquitination system. Deubiquitination is a crucial step executed by deubiquitinase (DUB) during protein ubiquitination. While multiple components of ubiquitination have been identified in T. gondii, the deubiquitinases involved remain unknown. The aim of the current study was to delineate the localization of TgOTU7 and elucidate its functions. TgOTU7 was specifically localized at the apicoplast, and its expression was largely regulated during the cell cycle. Additionally, TgOTU7 efficiently breaks down ubiquitin chains, exhibits linkage-nonspecific deubiquitinating activity and is critical for the lytic cycle and apicoplast biogenesis, similar to the transcription of the apicoplast genome and the nuclear genes encoding apicoplast-targeted proteins. Taken together, the results indicate that the newly described deubiquitinase TgOTU7 specifically localizes to the apicoplast and affects the cell growth and apicoplast homeostasis of T. gondii.
I-REFF diagrams: enhancing transparency in systematic review through interactive reference flow diagrams
Authors: Walker Vickie R. , Lemeris Courtney R. , Magnuson Kristen , Sibrizzi Christopher A. , Shipkowski Kelly A. , Taylor Kyla W. , Rooney Andrew A.
Published: January 2024

Systematic review methods are recognized for their rigor and transparency and are widely adapted to frameworks that cover review types such as systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and systematic evidence maps. Reporting guidelines help promote better systematic review practices and detailed documentation of the review process for different types of health research (e.g., PRISMA—Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; CONSORT—Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials; and STROBE—Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology). Transparency in the systematic review process and reporting of results is one of the key advantages of the methods and particularly important for hazard and risk assessments due to the high level of scrutiny these reviews face from scientific, political, and public communities. Data visualizations are important to clearly convey information from a review by helping readers perceive, understand, and assess the displayed information easily and quickly. The study flow diagram is a required element of a systematic review and maps out the number of included and excluded records identified, and the reasons for exclusion. Static literature flow diagrams help viewers readily understand the general review methodology and summarize the number of records included or excluded at each stage of the review. However, such diagrams can be time-consuming to develop and maintain during a systematic review or scoping review, and they provide limited summary-level information. We explored how the use of online systematic review tools such as DistillerSR coupled with visualization software such as Tableau can efficiently generate an Interactive REFerence Flow (I-REFF) diagram that is linked to the literature screening data, thus requiring minimal preparation, and resulting in a simplified process for updating the diagram. Furthermore, I-REFF diagrams enhance transparency and traceability by not only summarizing the records in the review but also allowing viewers to follow specific records throughout the review process. We present an example I-REFF diagram and discuss recommendations for key interactive elements to include in these diagrams and how this workflow can improve efficiency and result in an accessible and transparent interactive literature flow diagram without advanced programming.
Systematic review using a spiral approach with machine learning
Authors: Saeidmehr Amirhossein , Steel Piers David Gareth , Samavati Faramarz F.
Published: January 2024

With the accelerating growth of the academic corpus, doubling every 9 years, machine learning is a promising avenue to make systematic review manageable. Though several notable advancements have already been made, the incorporation of machine learning is less than optimal, still relying on a sequential, staged process designed to accommodate a purely human approach, exemplified by PRISMA. Here, we test a spiral, alternating or oscillating approach, where full-text screening is done intermittently with title/abstract screening, which we examine in three datasets by simulation under 360 conditions comprised of different algorithmic classifiers, feature extractions, prioritization rules, data types, and information provided (e.g., title/abstract, full-text included). Overwhelmingly, the results favored a spiral processing approach with logistic regression, TF-IDF for vectorization, and maximum probability for prioritization. Results demonstrate up to a 90% improvement over traditional machine learning methodologies, especially for databases with fewer eligible articles. With these advancements, the screening component of most systematic reviews should remain functionally achievable for another one to two decades.
Basic types and evolutionary characteristics of the socialist built heritage in China, 1949–1978: bibliometrics analysis of the People’s Daily
Authors: Ma Xidong , Zhang Yukun , Li Yan , Zhang Mengdi
Published: January 2024

The socialist built heritage (SBH) is a product of the great and typical socialist construction and is considered to be one of the unique contemporary legacies. However, due to political controversy and a shorter history, its conservation status is dire. In order to better understand and promote future conservation, this study explored the typology and evolution of SBH, using representative socialist China as an example. Based on the official People’s Daily, the spatial term database of various socialist construction fields was generated by utilizing Python and Excel software. Through qualitative logical induction and quantitative word frequency statistics, the basic types and evolutionary characteristics of SBH were obtained. It was found that (1) the composite, multiscale, and extensive SBH were identified as twenty-six basic types. It was most widespread in the industry and agroforestry fields, while factories and facilities, collective organization buildings, government agencies, and assembly buildings were the most common basic types. (2) Related to social development, the fastest growth stage for SBH was from 1953 to 1960 and vice versa from 1966 to 1975. The evolution of SBH in technology field shifted from a non-significant increase to a sudden increase, while those in the finance and trade, and diplomacy fields fluctuated. The remaining fields were marked by large fluctuations to smoothness. The nature of SBH has become more modernized over time. These results further illustrated the distinctive value of the SBH, and can provide positive targeted support for their conservation.
Mechanisms involved in plant growth promotion by Enterobacter cloacae DJ under salinity-alkalinity stress
Authors: Fan Yajun , Wang Hanna , Zhang Zhe , Li YuXing , Zhao Ziyi , Ni Xiuzhen
Published: January 2024

Background

Plant-promoting bacteria are safer alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers, reduce environmental pollution, and increase crop yields. We isolated an Enterobacter cloacae strain DJ with plant-promoting effects from the rhizosphere soil of a plant (Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel) in the western region of Jilin Province of China and investigated the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of the DJ bacteria to salinity-alkalinity environments and the molecular mechanisms of the cross-talk between DJ bacteria and cucumber seedlings.

Results

The average diameter of the colonies on the salinity-alkalinity medium after incubation for 24 h was 3.3 cm, and this was significantly higher than the 1.9 cm diameter in ADF medium (p < 0.01). Comparative proteomic analysis revealed that 188 differentially expressed proteins, comprising 116 upregulated and 72 downregulated proteins, significantly changed in salinity-alkalinity groups compared to the control groups. The top one upregulated pathway of KEGG enrichment was bacterial chemotaxis, DJ bacteria adapted to salinity-alkalinity environments by upregulating the genes associated with bacterial chemotaxis. The contents of putrescine in salinity-alkalinity and control groups were 4.73 μg/mL and 3.02 μg/mL, whereas the contents of spermidine were 46.18 ng/mL and 0.34 ng/mL, respectively. Comparing to the control cohorts, the concentrations of both polyamines in the experimental cohorts exhibited statistically significant increases (p < 0.01). The expression of Pt gene encoding polyamine transporter protein was sharply up-regulated in cucumber roots after treatment with DJ bacteria under salinity-alkalinity stress; the expression was more than tenfold higher than that in the control groups. The enzyme activities of POD, SOD, and CAT in cucumber seedlings were higher compared to those in the control groups (p < 0.01). The stem height, number of lateral roots, and fresh weight of cucumber seedlings in the DJ treatment groups were 6.0 cm, 17 roots, and 0.42 g, respectively, whereas those of the control groups were 3.8 cm, 14 roots, and 0.28 g, respectively, with a notable difference between two cohorts (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

DJ bacteria can live in salinity-alkalinity conditions by upregulating the expression of genes associated with chemotaxis. The resistance of cucumber seedlings under salinity-alkalinity conditions through the antioxidant pathway was increased by polyamines produced by DJ bacteria.

Graphical Abstract
Closure of open window thoracostomy due to MRSA pyothorax by EWS bronchial occlusion and modified extraperiosteal air plombage: a case report
Authors: Kuramochi Masami , Shinonaga Mayumi , Kuraoka Setsuo
Published: January 2024

Background

Refractory pyothorax caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a challenging clinical condition; complications such as bronchopleural fistulae can further hinder its treatment. To avoid a fatal state caused by aspirating pneumonia, open window thoracotomy is not only sometimes performed, but subsequent closure of the window can also be difficult. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with MRSA pyothorax with bronchopleural fistula in whom a successful closure of window thoracostomy was achieved by utilizing Endobronchial Watanabe Spigot　(EWS; Novatech, La Ciotat, France) bronchial occlusion and a modified extraperiosteal air plombage technique.

Case presentation

A 66-year-old man underwent an open window thoracotomy for pyothorax with bronchopleural fistula with MRSA infection at the age of 59. After 7 years, he was referred to our department for the closure of the window. Initially, we occluded the right B6a + b by EWS under bronchoscopy. Subsequently, we dissected the intercostal muscles between the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th ribs to collapse the pyothorax cavity and ensure the coverage of the fistula of lung including the hypertrophied parietal pleura and soft tissues of the chest wall. We filled the extrapleosteal space with a pedicled anterior serratus muscle flap to compress the parietal pleura. Postoperatively, lung expansion was satisfactory, and there has been no recurrence for 6 years since the window closure surgery.

Conclusions

We were able to achieve closure and healing in a patient who underwent open window thoracostomy for MRSA bronchopleural fistula by applying EWS and modified extraperiosteal air plombage technique.
A case series of prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy use with purse-string closure in stoma closure wounds in infants
Authors: Kumata Yuka , Ishii Daisuke , Ishii Seiya , Motoki Keita , Ueno Naomi , Hinooka Ranko , Miyagi Hisayuki
Published: January 2024

Background

The study introduces the application of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in pediatric stoma closure, emphasizing the importance of enhancing aesthetics and minimizing surgical site infections (SSI).

Case presentation

The case series involves four infants undergoing non-umbilical stoma closure with a combination of purse-string closure (PSC) and NPWT, focusing on aesthetic outcomes and infection prevention. NPWT was initiated immediately after surgery, and patients were monitored every 3–4 days. Notably, none of the four infants experienced SSI or other complications. The patients adequately tolerated NPWT, with no significant adverse events. Furthermore, Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) was 9 [7–10], and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) (observer) was 12.5 [12–19], POSAS (patient) was 12.5 [11–16] (all median values [minimum–maximum]), indicating that excellent aesthetic outcomes were achieved.

Discussion

We emphasizes the significance of aesthetics in pediatric patients; in addition, our findings demonstrate that four infants who received NPWT combined with PSC achieved superior outcomes that did the most recent four infants who underwent PSC only at our institution. It also addresses the risk of SSI in stoma closure and discusses the pros and potential cons of using NPWT in pediatric cases, underlining the need for further research and the accumulation of additional reports.

Conclusions

This is the inaugural report of prophylactic NPWT for pediatric stoma closure, emphasizing the effectiveness of combining PSC and NPWT for SSI prevention and improved aesthetics. The study calls for additional research and reports on NPWT in pediatric cases to further solidify its benefits in this patient population.