bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined use of drug therapy and IPL technology in patients with rosacea and acne
Authors: Kruglova L. S. , Matushevskaya Yu. I. , Bridan-Rostovskaya A. S.
Published: May 2023

In recent years, issues of the complex use of phototherapy methods and drugs in the treatment of patients with rosacea and acne have been actively developed and studied. Due to the wide range of therapeutic effects, IPL therapy has theoretical prerequisites for use in these diseases. However, many issues of efficacy and safety of the combined use of topical drugs and broadband pulsed light remain open and require further study. The article presents data on the effectiveness of combined methods. The study included 45 patients diagnosed with rosacea with a combination of erythematous-telangiectatic subtype and papulo-pustular subtype. All patients received the following therapy: Mirvaso® Derm – one time per day in the morning, Solantra® – 1 time per day at night, specialized Cetaphil® dermatocosmetics. All patients underwent IPL-therapy one time in 3 weeks, the average course was 4–6 procedures. In accordance with the dynamics of Dermatological Index Scale of Symptoms (DISS), 37 (82.2 %) patients managed to fully control the process, 8 (17.8 %) showed significant improvement. It should be noted that not a single patient interrupted treatment, which indicates the high safety of the complex method of therapy. Also under observation were 19 patients with papulopustular acne of moderate severity, who were prescribed complex therapy: A fixed combination of BPO + adapalene (Effezel®) – one time per day in the evening, specialized Cetaphil® dermatocosmetics on an ongoing basis and IPL therapy a time per day for a four week period, the course consisted of four procedures. The dynamics of the total APSEA score was 74.6 %. Thus, all patients noted the high efficiency of the complex method, which was confirmed by a pronounced positive effect on the quality of life. These own data confirm the feasibility of an integrated approach in the treatment of patients with both rosacea and acne.
Xerosis of skin on background of anticancer therapy: Literature review and own experience with use of dermatocosmetics
Authors: Kruglova L. S. , Polonskaya A. S. , Shatokhin E. A.
Published: May 2023

Xerosis is one of the most common dermatological side effects of anticancer drug therapy. The present observational study included 34 patients, among them 19 women, 15 men, mean age was 37.9 ± 3.5 years. All patients had skin xerosis, as well as various class-specific skin toxic reactions for drugs from the EGFR group (acne-like rash, paronychia, and others). With regard to skin toxic reactions, a thorough assessment of the severity was carried out and adequate therapy was prescribed in accordance with Russian clinical guidelines. In order to stop xerosis, all patients were recommended Lipikar Baume AP+М, Lipikar Syndet AP+, Cicaplast Baume B 5, Anthelios Invisible Fluid on an ongoing basis. As a result of observation (8 weeks), all patients noted the excellent organoleptic properties of La Roche-Posay products and the comfort of their use. All patients managed to control xerosis and other skin toxic reactions), none of the patients required dose reduction or withdrawal of anticancer therapy.
Psoriasis with facial skin lesions that arose against background of withdrawal of ixekizumab (clinical case)
Authors: Vladimirova I. S. , Smirnova I. O.
Published: May 2023

Facial skin lesions in psoriasis, one of the most common dermatoses, are traditionally considered a relatively rare manifestation of the disease, especially in adult patients, but according to modern data, it is observed in at least 40 % of patients. It is believed that facial skin lesions are more typical for young patients with severe widespread skin lesions, involvement of the nail plates and a protracted course. Localization of rashes on the skin of the face – in a cosmetically and socially significant area – is accompanied by significant impairments in the quality of life of patients. The treatment of facial psoriasis is difficult, and few algorithms have been developed for the management of patients with facial psoriatic lesions. We present a patient with psoriasis involving facial skin that first developed after discontinuation of systemic therapy with an IL-17A inhibitor (ixekizumab). During the follow-up of the patient, it became necessary to re-administer systemic biological therapy with the potential risk of an escape effect. In the article, we discuss the clinical manifestations of facial psoriasis and the impact on the quality of life of patients. A description of the observation of a patient with lesions of the facial skin in severe plaque psoriasis and the role of biological therapy in this direction is presented.
Contemporary approaches to conservative treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Pelishenko T. G. , Koryagin F. N.
Published: May 2023

This article provides an overview of contemporary views on the conservative treatment of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, based on etiology and pathogenesis of the disease. The review includes data from foreign and domestic researchers, which allow us to assess trends in modern approaches to the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Particular attention is paid to the mechanism of type 2 inflammation, which is predominant in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps in the Caucasian population. Also, biological therapy that affect different links in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP are considered.
Confronting a Source of Contemporary Student Disengagement
Authors: Gerber David A.
Published: May 2023

The author teaches undergraduate seminars on problems of justice arising historically from the freedom of expression clause of the US Constitution’s First Amendment. He began this instruction before the present fraught intellectual climate, with its ideological polarization and its claims, Left and Right, against the traditional arguments for tolerance for opinions different from one’s own. He has long favored confronting what Ken Bain, the author of What the Best College Teachers Do, has called “the big questions,” and in these seminars asks: is it possible for a democratic society to achieve simultaneously the desirable ends of justice and order? Recently he has taught students with strong responses to big questions. The campus is often characterized by vigorous expression of the progressive student consensus but quiescence on the part of the not inconsiderable number of conservative students and students less secure in their opinions. This seminar has maintained proactive conversations, with generally broad participation. In this article, he explains how, through structured discussions, simulations, and the study of judicial processes, historical lawsuits and court decisions have provided frameworks for classes that are explicitly less divisive and more productive of analytical thinking. The article concludes, however, with a discussion of an abiding problem within this generally successful model: the disengaged student whose opinions lie outside the abidingly liberal-progressive campus consensus and who seeks to avoid participation.
Hard History: Teaching the Japanese American Experience in American Concentration Camps
Authors: Kotzin Daniel P.
Published: May 2023

How should “hard history” be confronted to understand the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II? This article shares a way of teaching this topic that not only confronts directly the real experiences of Japanese Americans in concentration camps but also humanizes the story. Encouraging students to learn the history experientially, the author uses two different sets of historical primary sources, offering both an “outsider” and “insider” perspective. First, the author explains that he focuses on the biographies and objectives of different photographers who took photos at Manzanar, highlighting how this context helps illuminate students’ perceptions and understanding of these photographs, revealing a larger story about the experience of Japanese Americans. Second, he describes how he incorporates the diary of Stanley Hayami, a Japanese American teenager interned at Heart Mountain who used his diary to retain agency within an oppressive system. Through an analysis of the diary with students, the author demonstrates how this diary captures the complexity of the Japanese American experience in American concentration camps.
Pelaksanaan Mosintuwu Mamporewu Balita Stunting di Desa Bulili dan Kageroa, Kabupaten Poso
Authors: Madoli John Yus , Syahmaeni Syahmaeni , Askir Askir , Ramadhan Kadar
Published: May 2023

The role of the Local Government Organizations (OPD) in the district is very important in efforts to reduce the incidence of stunting in the region. One of the efforts made by the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappelitbangda) of Poso District is to carry out the Mosintuwu Mamporewu program. The aim of this program is to provide intervention to toddlers who suffer from stunting. The program was carried out in the villages of Bulili and Kageroa, Poso District. This program was conducted for 3 months, from October 2022 to December 2022. The activities carried out included socialization of accelerated stunting reduction with stakeholders and relevant parties, including providing assistance. The results of this program showed a decrease in the number of stunted children from 6 to 5. We hope that the village government will ensure that the convergence funding for stunting reduction through mandatory village funds is carried out in accordance with existing regulations, and we also hope that the health center will actively provide further assistance.
Cookin’: O jazz gravado ao ‘vivo’ e ‘à mesa’
Authors: Menezes José , Lopes Eduardo
Published: May 2023

A música tem a capacidade de representar e inferir o que é ser Humano, estando intimamente relacionada ao que somos, fazemos e ambicionamos ser e fazer. Assim sendo, facilmente se transfere para outras atividades, resultando em experiências cognitivas multissensoriais como no caso gastrossônico. Música, comida e bebida tiveram e têm uma relação especial no Jazz. No interface da ludicidade e prazer sensorial, razões históricas levaram a que grandes momentos da prática do Jazz acontecessem em estabelecimentos de consumo de comida e bebida, tornando restaurantes, bares e clubes grandes palcos mundiais de concertos. Neste artigo abordaremos três registos fonográficos de grande relevo na história do Jazz que aconteceram em estabelecimentos com prática de restauração. Nestes seminais discos de Jazz, registou-se não só momentos de grande arte musical como também é percetível todos os sons de ambiente de restauração. Assim e nestes discos, música e outros sons estão em contraponto e harmonia, (re)criando a experiência multissensorial das apresentações ao vivo de jazz no seu mais tradicional contexto.
Classification of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease using feature selection and classification based on wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Xiao Peng , Ma Ke , Ye Xiaoyuan , Wang Gengyuan , Duan Zhengyu , Huang Yuancong , Luo Zhongzhou , Hu Xiaoqing , Chi Wei , Yuan Jin
Published: May 2023

Background: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is a common and easily blinded uveitis entity, with choroid being the main involved site. Classification of VKH disease and its different stages is crucial because they differ in clinical manifestations and therapeutic interventions. Wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (WSS-OCTA) provides the advantages of non-invasiveness, large-field-of-view, high resolution, and ease of measuring and calculating choroid, offering the potential feasibility of simplified VKH classification assessment based on WSS-OCTA.

Methods: 15 healthy controls (HC), 13 acute-phase and 17 convalescent-phase VKH patients were included, undertaken WSS-OCTA examination with a scanning field of 15 × 9 mm2. 20 WSS-OCTA parameters were then extracted from WSS-OCTA images. To classify HC and VKH patients in acute and convalescent phases, two 2-class VKH datasets (HC and VKH) and two 3-class VKH datasets (HC, acute-phase VKH, and convalescent-phase VKH) were established by the WSS-OCTA parameters alone or in combination with best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP), respectively. A new feature selection and classification method that combines an equilibrium optimizer and a support vector machine (called SVM-EO) was adopted to select classification-sensitive parameters among the massive datasets and to achieve outstanding classification performance. The interpretability of the VKH classification models was demonstrated based on SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).

Results: Based on pure WSS-OCTA parameters, we achieved classification accuracies of 91.61% ± 12.17% and 86.69% ± 8.30% for 2- and 3-class VKH classification tasks. By combining the WSS-OCTA parameters and logMAR BCVA, we achieved better classification performance of 98.82% ± 2.63% and 96.16% ± 5.88%, respectively. Through SHAP analysis, we found that logMAR BCVA and vascular perfusion density (VPD) calculated from the whole field of view region in the choriocapillaris (whole FOV CC-VPD) were the most important features for VKH classification in our models.

Conclusion: We achieved excellent VKH classification performance based on a non-invasive WSS-OCTA examination, which provides the possibility for future clinical VKH classification with high sensitivity and specificity.
Reconstruction after hemisacrectomy with a novel 3D-printed modular hemisacrum implant in sacral giant cell tumor of the bone
Authors: Lv Zhaorui , Li Jianmin , Yang Zhiping , Li Xin , Yang Qiang , Li Zhenfeng
Published: May 2023

Background: There are a limited but increasing number of case reports and series describing the use of 3D-printed prostheses in bone tumor surgery.

Methods: We describe a new approach to performing nerve-preserving hemisacrectomy in patients with sacral giant cell tumors with reconstruction using a novel 3D-printed patient-specific modular prosthesis. The series included four female and two male patients with a mean age of 34 years (range, 28–42 years). Surgical data, imaging assessments, tumor and functional status, implant status, and complications were retrospectively analyzed in six consecutive patients.

Results: In all cases, the tumor was removed by sagittal hemisacrectomy, and the prosthesis was successfully implanted. The mean follow-up time was 25 months (range, 15–32 months). All patients in this report achieved successful surgical outcomes and symptomatic relief without significant complications. Clinical and radiological follow-up showed good results in all cases. The mean MSTS score was 27.2 (range, 26–28). The average VAS was 1 (range, 0–2). No structural failures or deep infections were detected in this study at the time of follow-up. All patients had good neurological function. Two cases had superficial wound complications. Bone fusion was good with a mean fusion time of 3.5 months (range, 3–5 months).

Conclusion: These cases describe the successful use of custom 3D-printed prostheses for reconstruction after sagittal nerve-sparing hemisacrectomy with excellent clinical outcomes, osseointegration, and durability.
Advanced silk materials for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration
Authors: Nie Kexin , Zhou Sicheng , Li Hu , Tian Jingyi , Shen Weiliang , Huang Wenwen
Published: May 2023

Musculoskeletal diseases are the leading causes of chronic pain and physical disability, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in the field of bone and cartilage tissue engineering to combat the limitations of conventional treatments. Among various materials used in musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, silk biomaterials exhibit unique mechanical robustness, versatility, favorable biocompatibility, and tunable biodegradation rate. As silk is an easy-to-process biopolymer, silks have been reformed into various materials formats using advanced bio-fabrication technology for the design of cell niches. Silk proteins also offer active sites for chemical modifications to facilitate musculoskeletal system regeneration. With the emergence of genetic engineering techniques, silk proteins have been further optimized from the molecular level with other functional motifs to introduce new advantageous biological properties. In this review, we highlight the frontiers in engineering natural and recombinant silk biomaterials, as well as recent progress in the applications of these new silks in the field of bone and cartilage regeneration. The future potentials and challenges of silk biomaterials in musculoskeletal tissue engineering are also discussed. This review brings together perspectives from different fields and provides insight into improved musculoskeletal engineering.
Metformin attenuates high-fat diet induced metabolic syndrome related osteoarthritis through inhibition of prostaglandins
Authors: Liu Xiaonan , Guo Qiaoyue , Wang Lei , Gu Yiru , Meng Senxiong , Gu Yuan , Yu Bin
Published: May 2023

High-fat diet induces bone marrow inflammation and osteoarthritis phenotype in knee joint, but the underlying mechanisms is unknown. Here, we report that high-fat diet induces aberrant bone formation and cartilage degeneration in knee joint. Mechanistically, a high-fat diet increases the number of macrophages and the secretion of prostaglandins in subchondral bone, promoting bone formation. Metformin treatment is able to decrease the number of macrophages and also the level of prostaglandins induced by high-fat diet in subchondral bone. Importantly, metformin rescues aberrant bone formation and cartilage lesions by decreasing the number of osteoprogenitors and type-H vessels, which also results in relief of osteoarthritis pain response. Thus, we demonstrate prostaglandins secreted by macrophages may be a key reason for high-fat diet induced aberrant bone formation and metformin is a promising therapy for high-fat diet induced osteoarthritis.
Gut microbiota dysbiosis with hepatitis B virus liver disease and association with immune response
Authors: Yan Fengna , Zhang Qun , Shi Ke , Zhang Yi , Zhu Bingbing , Bi Yufei , Wang Xianbo
Published: May 2023

Background and aims

Given hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) exhibits unique gut microbiota characteristics and a significant immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, a better understanding of the correlation between gut microbiota and the immunosuppressive response may help predict occurrence and prognosis of HBV-HCC.

Methods

Here, in a cohort of ninety adults (healthy control n=30, HBV-cirrhosis n=30, HBV-HCC n=30) with clinical data, fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing, matched peripheral blood immune response with flow cytometry analysis. Correlation between the gut microbiome of significantly different in HBV-HCC patients and clinical parameters as well as the peripheral immune response was assessed.

Results

We found that community structures and diversity of the gut microbiota in HBV-CLD patients become more unbalanced. Differential microbiota analysis that p:Acidobacteriota, p:Proteobacteria, p:Campilobacterota, f:Streptococcaceae, g:Klebsiella associated with inflammation were enriched. The beneficial bacteria of f:Clostridia UCG−014, f:Oscillospiraceae, f:_Rikenellaceae, g:_Barnesiella, g:Prevotella, g:Agathobacter were decreased. Functional analysis of gut microbiota revealed that lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, lipid metabolism, butanoate metabolism were significantly elevated in HBV-CLD patients. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that Muribaculaceae, Akkermaniacaeae, [Eubacterium]_coprostanoligenes_group, RF39, Tannerellaceae have positive correlation with CD3+T, CD4+T and CD8+T cell counts while negatively correlated with liver dysfunction. Furthermore, paired peripheral blood showed a decreased proportion of CD3+T, CD4+T and CD8+T cells, while an increased T (Treg) cells. The immunosuppressive response of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), immune receptor tyrosine based inhibitor motor (ITIM) domain (TIGIT), T-cell immune domain, and multiple domain 3 (TIM-3) of CD8+T cells were higher in HBV-HCC patients. They were positively correlated with harmful bacteria, such as Actinobaciota, Myxococota, Streptococcaceae and Eubacterium coprostanoligenes.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that gut beneficial bacteria, mainly Firmicutes and Bacteroides appeared dysbiosis in HBV-CLD patients. They have negative regulation of liver dysfunction and T cell immune response. It provides potential avenues for microbiome-based prevention and intervention for anti-tumor immune effects of HBV-CLD.
Case report: Non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion: an unusual cause of unilateral leg swelling in a patient with endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Zeman Jan , Kompella Ritika , Lee JuYong , Kim Agnes S.
Published: May 2023

81-year-old female presented with subacute right lower extremity edema due to iliac vein compression by a markedly enlarged external iliac lymph node later identified as newly relapsed metastatic endometrial carcinoma. The patient underwent a full evaluation of the iliac vein lesion and cancer and had an intravenous stent placed with complete resolution of symptoms post-procedure.
The interplay between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Finney Alexandra C. , Das Sandeep , Kumar Dhananjay , McKinney M. Peyton , Cai Bishuang , Yurdagul Arif , Rom Oren
Published: May 2023

Therapeutic approaches that lower circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol significantly reduced the burden of cardiovascular disease over the last decades. However, the persistent rise in the obesity epidemic is beginning to reverse this decline. Alongside obesity, the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has substantially increased in the last three decades. Currently, approximately one third of world population is affected by NAFLD. Notably, the presence of NAFLD and particularly its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), serves as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), thus, raising interest in the relationship between these two diseases. Importantly, ASCVD is the major cause of death in patients with NASH independent of traditional risk factors. Nevertheless, the pathophysiology linking NAFLD/NASH with ASCVD remains poorly understood. While dyslipidemia is a common risk factor underlying both diseases, therapies that lower circulating LDL-cholesterol are largely ineffective against NASH. While there are no approved pharmacological therapies for NASH, some of the most advanced drug candidates exacerbate atherogenic dyslipidemia, raising concerns regarding their adverse cardiovascular consequences. In this review, we address current gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms linking NAFLD/NASH and ASCVD, explore strategies to simultaneously model these diseases, evaluate emerging biomarkers that may be useful to diagnose the presence of both diseases, and discuss investigational approaches and ongoing clinical trials that potentially target both diseases.
Serial stenosis assessment—can we rely on invasive coronary physiology
Authors: Ilic Ivan , Timcic Stefan , Odanovic Natalija , Otasevic Petar , Collet Carlos
Published: May 2023

Atherosclerosis is a widespread disease affecting coronary arteries. Diffuse atherosclerotic disease affects the whole vessel, posing difficulties in determining lesion significance by angiography. Research has confirmed that revascularization guided by invasive coronary physiology indices improves patients' prognosis and quality of life. Serial lesions can be a diagnostic challenge because the measurement of functional stenosis significance using invasive physiology is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) pullback provides a trans-stenotic pressure gradient (ΔP) for each of the lesions. The strategy of treating the lesion with greater ΔP first and then reevaluating another lesion has been advocated. Similarly, non-hyperemic indices can be used to assess the contribution of each stenosis and predict the effect of lesion treatment on physiology indices. Pullback pressure gradient (PPG) integrates physiological variables of coronary pressure along the epicardial vessel and characteristics of discrete and diffuse coronary stenoses into a quantitative index that can be used to guide revascularization. We proposed an algorithm that integrates FFR pullbacks and calculates PPG to determine individual lesion importance and to guide intervention. Computer modeling of the coronaries and the use of non-invasive FFR measurement together with mathematical algorithms for fluid dynamics can make predictions of lesion significance in serial stenoses easier and provide practical solutions for treatment. All these strategies need to be validated before widespread clinical use.
Effectiveness of a teaching methodology based on the theory of historical thinking through active methods and digital resources in Spanish adolescents
Authors: López-García Alejandro
Published: May 2023

Twenty-first century education is firmly committed to training young people in new competencies that are transferable to a variety of life situations. Historical thinking as a methodological theory is emerging in a large number of countries. In thinking historically, the skills of the historians are used, so that the sources of the past can be interpreted and the generation of effective historical narratives can be enhanced. This study aims to compare the general perception of the teaching of history between two groups of baccalaureate students, with respect to the effectiveness and transferability of learning historical thinking. Specifically, the existing perception of the implementation of historical thinking competencies is collected after the pre- and post-evaluation of a unit plan developed with 93 students. A quantitative method was used, namely a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group. The results indicate a substantial improvement in the responses observed in the experimental group, compared to those obtained in the control group. This impact is associated with the didactic methodology implemented with both groups, which showed notable changes in the perception of the theory of historical thinking, as well as in the use of other digital resources and active methods. For the future, it is imperative to transfer these first indications to controlled evaluations of academic outcomes to consolidate the academic status of competency-based teaching in secondary education levels.
Precocious puberty under stressful conditions: new understanding and insights from the lessons learnt from international adoptions and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Street Maria Elisabeth , Ponzi Davide , Renati Roberta , Petraroli Maddalena , D’Alvano Tiziana , Lattanzi Claudia , Ferrari Vittorio , Rollo Dolores , Stagi Stefano
Published: May 2023

Neuro-biological variations in the timing of sexual maturation within a species are part of an evolved strategy that depend on internal and external environmental conditions. An increased incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP) has been described in both adopted and “covid-19 pandemic” children. Until recently, it was hypothesised that the triggers for CPP in internationally adopted children were likely to be better nutrition, greater environmental stability, and improved psychological wellbeing. However, following data collected during and after the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, other possibilities must be considered. In a society with high levels of child wellbeing, the threat to life presented by an unknown and potentially serious disease and the stressful environment created by lockdowns and other public health measures could trigger earlier pubertal maturation as an evolutionary response to favour early reproduction. The main driver for increased rates of precocious and rapidly progressive puberty during the pandemic could have been the environment of “fear and stress” in schools and households. In many children, CPP may have been triggered by the psychological effects of living without normal social contact, using PPE, being near adults concerned about financial and other issues and the fear of getting ill. The features and time of progression of CPP in children during the pandemic are similar to those observed in adopted children. This review considers the mechanisms regulating puberty with a focus on neurobiological and evolutionary mechanisms, and analyses precocious puberty both during the pandemic and in internationally adopted children searching for common yet unconsidered factors in an attempt to identify the factors which may have acted as triggers. In particular, we focus on stress as a potential factor in the early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and its correlation with rapid sexual maturation.
Stress granules: potential therapeutic targets for infectious and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Li Wenyuan , Wang Yao
Published: May 2023

Eukaryotic cells are stimulated by external pressure such as that derived from heat shock, oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, or infections, which induce the formation of stress granules (SGs) that facilitates cellular adaptation to environmental pressures. As aggregated products of the translation initiation complex in the cytoplasm, SGs play important roles in cell gene expression and homeostasis. Infection induces SGs formation. Specifically, a pathogen that invades a host cell leverages the host cell translation machinery to complete the pathogen life cycle. In response, the host cell suspends translation, which leads to SGs formation, to resist pathogen invasion. This article reviews the production and function of SGs, the interaction between SGs and pathogens, and the relationship between SGs and pathogen-induced innate immunity to provide directions for further research into anti-infection and anti-inflammatory disease strategies.
The tumor stroma influences immune cell distribution and recruitment in a PDAC-on-a-chip model
Authors: Geyer Marlene , Gaul Lisa-Marie , D`Agosto Sabrina Luigia , Corbo Vincenzo , Queiroz Karla
Published: May 2023

The dense tumor stroma of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and its secreted immune active molecules provide a barrier for chemotherapy treatment as well as for immune cell infiltration to the tumor core, providing a challenge for immunotherapeutic strategies. Consequently, the investigation of processes underlying the interaction between the tumor stroma, particularly activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and immune cells may offer new therapeutic approaches for PDAC treatment. In this study, we established a 3D PDAC model cultured under flow, consisting of an endothelial tube, PSCs and PDAC organoids. This was applied to study the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on immune cell recruitment and its effect on partly preventing their interaction with pancreatic cancer cells. We observed that stromal cells form a physical barrier, partly shielding the cancer cells from migrating immune cells, as well as a biochemical microenvironment, that seems to attract and influence immune cell distribution. In addition, stromal targeting by Halofuginone led to an increase in immune cell infiltration. We propose that the here developed model setups will support the understanding of the cellular interplay influencing the recruitment and distribution of immune cells, and contribute to the identification of key players in the PDAC immunosuppressive TME as well as support the discovery of new strategies to treat this immune unresponsive tumor.
Optimization of asphalt mixture design based on the compressible packing model
Authors: Muhadeer Yeermulati , Liang Sun , Peiwen Hao , Ningbo Li , Junbiao Wang
Published: May 2023

Traditional design methods seldom consider accumulation properties, which influence the structure of asphalt mixtures. Therefore, this study is the first to put forward a modified compressible packing model. The filling characteristics of coarse aggregate were studied. Different matrix compaction indexes η and compaction indexes K were selected to study the influence of the modified compressible model on pavement performance. Design methods based on a 4% air void and minimum voids in mineral aggregate were compared through the volumetric parameters and pavement performance based on the modified compressible packing model. The asphalt mixture performances with three gradations were analyzed. The test results showed that as the matrix compaction index η decreased, the optimum asphalt content of both methods increased, while the VMA decreased. Finally, an optimized asphalt mixture design method based on the compressible packing model was proposed, which showed good prospects for application.
FAIL-T (AFP, AST, tumor sIze, ALT, and Tumor number): a model to predict intermediate-stage HCC patients who are not good candidates for TACE
Authors: Kaewdech Apichat , Sripongpun Pimsiri , Assawasuwannakit Suraphon , Wetwittayakhlang Panu , Jandee Sawangpong , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Piratvisuth Teerha
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients with un-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are a diverse group with varying overall survival (OS). Despite the availability of several scoring systems for predicting OS, one of the unsolved problems is identifying patients who might not benefit from TACE. We aim to develop and validate a model for identifying HCC patients who would survive <6 months after their first TACE.

Methods

Patients with un-resectable HCC, BCLC stage 0-B, who received TACE as their first and only treatment between 2007 and 2020 were included in this study. Before the first TACE, demographic data, laboratory data, and tumor characteristics were obtained. Eligible patients were randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio to training and validation sets. The former was used for model development using stepwise multivariate logistic regression, and the model was validated in the latter set.

Results

A total of 317 patients were included in the study (210 for the training set and 107 for the validation set). The baseline characteristics of the two sets were comparable. The final model (FAIL-T) included AFP, AST, tumor sIze, ALT, and Tumor number. The FAIL-T model yielded AUROCs of 0.855 and 0.806 for predicting 6-month mortality after TACE in the training and validation sets, respectively, while the “six-and-twelve” score showed AUROCs of 0.751 (P < 0.001) in the training set and 0.729 (P = 0.099) in the validation sets for the same purpose.

Conclusion

The final model is useful for predicting 6-month mortality in naive HCC patients undergoing TACE. HCC patients with high FAIL-T scores may not benefit from TACE, and other treatment options, if available, should be considered.
Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with sickle cell disease: an integrative review
Authors: Pereira Laura Resende Guimarães , da Silva Maria Vitoria Gomes , Germano Carla Maria Ramos , Estevao Isabeth F. , Melo Débora Gusmão
Published: May 2023

Sickle cell disease is the most common hemoglobinopathy among humans. As the condition promotes susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, and hypercoagulability disorders, several international agencies have included individuals with this disease in the COVID-19 risk group for severe outcomes. However, available information about the subject is not properly systematized yet. This review aimed to understand and summarize the scientific knowledge about the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with sickle cell disease. Searches were performed in the Medline, PubMed, and Virtual Health Library databases based on descriptors chosen according to the Medical Subject Headings. We analyzed studies published between 2020 and October 2022, developed with qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology, and written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The search resulted in 90 articles organized into six categories. There is disagreement in the literature about how different aspects related to sickle cell disease, such as chronic inflammation status, hypercoagulability, hemolytic anemia, use of hydroxyurea, and access to medical care interference with the clinical course of COVID-19. These topics deserve further investigation. It is evident, however, that the infection may manifest in an atypical way and act as a trigger for the development of sickle cell-specific complications, such as acute chest syndrome and vaso-occlusive crises, conditions that are associated with great morbidity and mortality. Therefore, healthcare professionals must be aware of the different forms of presentation of COVID-19 among these individuals. Specific guidelines and therapeutic protocols, as well as public policies for sickle cell individuals, must be considered.

Systematic review registration

This review (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NH4AS) and the review protocol (https://osf.io/3y649/) are registered in the Open Science Framework platform.
Addressing the spread of health-related misinformation on social networks: an opinion article
Authors: Polyzou Maria , Kiefer David , Baraliakos Xenofon , Sewerin Philipp
Published: May 2023

This article deals with the spread of misinformation in a general context and specifically in the health sector. It presents a theoretical view of the problem and analyzes its characteristics with a focus on medicine and mainly rheumatology. Finally, conclusions from the previous analysis are formulated as well as suggestions for reducing the dimensions of the problem in the health sector.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-mediated activation of plant defense responses in direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Malviya Deepti , Singh Prakash , Singh Udai B. , Paul Surinder , Kumar Bisen Pradeep , Rai Jai P. , Verma Ram Lakhan , Fiyaz R. Abdul , Kumar A. , Kumari Poonam , Dei Sailabala , Ahmed Mohd. Reyaz , Bagyaraj D. J. , Singh Harsh V.
Published: May 2023

Rhizosphere is the battlefield of beneficial and harmful (so called phytopathogens) microorganisms. Moreover, these microbial communities are struggling for their existence in the soil and playing key roles in plant growth, mineralization, nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning. In the last few decades, some consistent pattern have been detected so far that link soil community composition and functions with plant growth and development; however, it has not been studied in detail. AM fungi are model organisms, besides potential role in nutrient cycling; they modulate biochemical pathways directly or indirectly which lead to better plant growth under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. In the present investigations, we have elucidated the AM fungi-mediated activation of plant defense responses against Meloidogyne graminicola causing root-knot disease in direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). The study describes the multifarious effects of Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus fasciculatus, and Rhizophagus intraradices inoculated individually or in combination under glasshouse conditions in rice plants. It was found that F. mosseae, R. fasciculatus and R. intraradices when applied individually or in combination modulated the biochemical and molecular mechanisms in the susceptible and resistant inbred lines of rice. AM inoculation significantly increased various plant growth attributes in plants with simultaneous decrease in the root-knot intensity. Among these, the combined application of F. mosseae, R. fasciculatus, and R. intraradices was found to enhance the accumulation and activities of biomolecules and enzymes related to defense priming as well as antioxidation in the susceptible and resistant inbred lines of rice pre-challenged with M. graminicola. The application of F. mosseae, R. fasciculatus and R. intraradices, induced the key genes involved in plant defense and signaling and it has been demonstrated for the first time. Results of the present investigation advocated that the application of F. mosseae, R. fasciculatus and R. intraradices, particularly a combination of all three, not only helped in the control of root-knot nematodes but also increased plant growth as well as enhances the gene expression in rice. Thus, it proved to be an excellent biocontrol as well as plant growth-promoting agent in rice even when the crop is under biotic stress of the root-knot nematode, M. graminicola.
Effects of dietary crude protein levels in the concentrate supplement after grazing on rumen microbiota and metabolites by using metagenomics and metabolomics in Jersey-yak
Authors: Dai Rongfeng , Ma Xiaoming , Dingkao Renqing , Huang Chun , La Yongfu , Li Xinyi , Ma Xiaoyong , Wu Xiaoyun , Chu Min , Guo Xian , Pei Jie , Yan Ping , Liang Chunnian
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The crude protein level in the diet will affect the fermentation parameters, microflora, and metabolites in the rumen of ruminants. It is of great significance to study the effect of crude protein levels in supplementary diet on microbial community and metabolites for improving animal growth performance. At present, the effects of crude protein level in supplementary diet on rumen fermentation parameters, microbial community, and metabolites of Jersey-Yak (JY) are still unclear.

Methods

The purpose of this experiment was to study the appropriate crude protein level in the diet of JY. The rumen fermentation indexes (volatile fatty acids and pH) were determined by supplementary diets with crude protein levels of 15.16 and 17.90%, respectively, and the microbial community and metabolites of JYs were analyzed by non-target metabonomics and metagenome sequencing technology, and the changes of rumen fermentation parameters, microbial flora, and metabolites in the three groups and their interactions were studied.

Results and Discussion

The crude protein level in the supplementary diet had significant effects on pH, valeric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.05). The protein level had no significant effect on the dominant microflora at the phylum level (p > 0.05), and all three groups were Bacteroides and Firmicutes. The results of metabolite analysis showed that the crude protein level of supplementary diet significantly affected the metabolic pathways such as Bile secretion and styrene degradation (p < 0.05), and there were different metabolites between the LP group and HP group, and these different metabolites were related to the dominant microbial to some extent. To sum up, in this experiment, the effects of crude protein level in supplementary diet on rumen microorganisms and metabolites of JY and their relationship were studied, which provided the theoretical basis for formulating a more scientific and reasonable supplementary diet in the future.
Analysis of phenolic compounds in Parkinson’s disease: a bibliometric assessment of the 100 most cited papers
Authors: Perdigão José Messias , Teixeira Bruno José Brito , Baia-da-Silva Daiane Claydes , Nascimento Priscila Cunha , Lima Rafael Rodrigues , Rogez Herve
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the 100 most cited articles on Parkinson’s disease (PD) and phenolic compounds (PCs).

Methods

Articles were selected in the Web of Science Core Collection up to June 2022 based on predetermined inclusion criteria, and the following bibliometric parameters were extracted: the number of citations, title, keywords, authors, year, study design, tested PC and therapeutic target. MapChart was used to create worldwide networks, and VOSviewer software was used to create bibliometric networks. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to identify the most researched PCs and therapeutic targets in PD.

Results

The most cited article was also the oldest. The most recent article was published in 2020. Asia and China were the continent and the country with the most articles in the list (55 and 29%, respectively). In vitro studies were the most common experimental designs among the 100 most cited articles (46%). The most evaluated PC was epigallocatechin. Oxidative stress was the most studied therapeutic target.

Conclusion

Despite the demonstrations in laboratorial studies, the results obtained point to the need for clinical studies to better elucidate this association.
Automatic facial coding predicts self-report of emotion, advertisement and brand effects elicited by video commercials
Authors: Höfling T. Tim A. , Alpers Georg W.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Consumers’ emotional responses are the prime target for marketing commercials. Facial expressions provide information about a person’s emotional state and technological advances have enabled machines to automatically decode them.

Method

With automatic facial coding we investigated the relationships between facial movements (i.e., action unit activity) and self-report of commercials advertisement emotion, advertisement and brand effects. Therefore, we recorded and analyzed the facial responses of 219 participants while they watched a broad array of video commercials.

Results

Facial expressions significantly predicted self-report of emotion as well as advertisement and brand effects. Interestingly, facial expressions had incremental value beyond self-report of emotion in the prediction of advertisement and brand effects. Hence, automatic facial coding appears to be useful as a non-verbal quantification of advertisement effects beyond self-report.

Discussion

This is the first study to measure a broad spectrum of automatically scored facial responses to video commercials. Automatic facial coding is a promising non-invasive and non-verbal method to measure emotional responses in marketing.
Estimates of total neuron number show that neonatal ethanol causes immediate and lasting neuron loss in cortical and subcortical areas
Authors: Smiley John F. , Bleiwas Cynthia , Marino Brandon M. , Vaddi Prerana , Canals-Baker Stefanie , Wilson Donald A. , Saito Mariko
Published: May 2023

In neonatal brain development there is a period of normal apoptotic cell death that regulates adult neuron number. At approximately the same period, ethanol exposure can cause a dramatic spike in apoptotic cell death. While ethanol-induced apoptosis has been shown to reduce adult neuron number, questions remain about the regional selectivity of the ethanol effect, and whether the brain might have some capacity to overcome the initial neuron loss. The present study used stereological cell counting to compare cumulative neuron loss 8 h after postnatal day 7 (P7) ethanol treatment to that of animals left to mature to adulthood (P70). Across several brain regions we found that the reduction of total neuron number after 8 h was as large as that of adult animals. Comparison between regions revealed that some areas are more vulnerable, with neuron loss in the anterior thalamic nuclei > the medial septum/vertical diagonal band, dorsal subiculum, and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus > the mammillary bodies and cingulate cortex > whole neocortex. In contrast to estimates of total neuron number, estimates of apoptotic cell number in Nissl-stained sections at 8 h after ethanol treatment provided a less reliable predictor of adult neuron loss. The findings show that ethanol-induced neonatal apoptosis often causes immediate neuron deficits that persist in adulthood, and furthermore suggests that the brain may have limited capacity to compensate for ethanol-induced neuron loss.