bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood body mass index trajectories, adult-onset type 2 diabetes, and obesity-related cancers
Authors: Jensen Britt W , Aarestrup Julie , Blond Kim , Jørgensen Marit E , Renehan Andrew G , Vistisen Dorte , Baker Jennifer L
Published: October 2022

Background

Elevated childhood body mass index (BMI), commonly examined as a “once-only” value, increases the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adulthood. Continuous exposure to adiposity during childhood may further increase cancer risk. We examined whether longitudinal childhood BMI trajectories were associated with adult obesity-related cancer and the role of adult-onset T2D in these associations.

Methods

Five sex-specific latent class BMI trajectories were generated for 301 927 children (149 325 girls) aged 6-15 years from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register. Information on obesity-related cancers and T2D was obtained from national health registers. Incidence rate ratios (IRR), cumulative incidences, and confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Poisson regressions.

Results

Compared with the average childhood BMI trajectory (containing approximately 40% of individuals), the rate of obesity-related cancer (excluding breast cancer) increased with higher childhood BMI trajectories among women. The highest rates occurred in the overweight (IRR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.17 to 1.38) and obesity (IRR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.53 to 2.08) BMI trajectories. Similar patterns were observed among men. In contrast, women with the obesity childhood BMI trajectory had the lowest rate of pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer (IRR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.80, and IRR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.57, respectively). For all trajectories, the cumulative risk of obesity-related cancer increased with adult-onset T2D.

Conclusion

Consistent childhood overweight or obesity may increase the rates of adult obesity-related cancer and decrease the rates of breast cancer. Adult-onset T2D conferred additional risk for obesity-related cancer, but the effect did not differ across childhood BMI trajectories.
Epigenetic regulation of RARB overcomes the radio-resistance of colorectal carcinoma cells via cancer stem cells
Authors: Shu Yuxian , Lan Jun , Hu Zhaobing , Liu Weiguo , Song Rongfeng
Published: October 2022

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are able to survive after cancer therapies, leading to cancer progression and recurrence in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Therapies targeting CSCs are believed to be promising strategies for efficiently eradicating cancers. This study was to investigate that how retinoic acid receptor beta (RARB) affected the biological characteristics of CSCs and radio-resistance in CRC and the epigenetic mechanism. The sensitivity of CSCs isolated from HCT116 cells to radiotherapy was reduced compared with the parental cells. Using database querying, we found that RARB was one of the most significantly downregulated gene in radio-resistant cells in CRC. Also, RARB was poorly expressed in our isolated CSCs, and overexpression of RARB inhibited the properties of CSCs and enhanced radiotherapy sensitivity. Mechanistically, the methylation of RARB was higher in CSCs compared with HCT116 cells, which was significantly reduced after the application of DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-azaC). DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1) was found to be recruited into the RARB promoter. 5-AzaC treatment inhibited DNMT1 activity and improved radiotherapy sensitivity by promoting RARB expression. Our results imply that inhibition of DNMT1 can display a new mechanism for the epigenetic mediation of RARB in radio-resistant CRC.
Institutional analyses of refugee protection
Authors: Hamlin Rebecca
Published: October 2022

This article uses empirical institutional studies to illustrate the ways in which institutional analyses help scholars to understand key features of refugee protection, such as discretion, interpretation, compliance, and advocacy. The ideals of international law must be implemented in practice by people on the ground, and those people are embedded in institutions. Sometimes these institutions are elements of a powerful administrative state and sometimes they take the form of international organizations, which are themselves massive bureaucracies. Institutions shape and constrain the choices of decision-makers, they incentivize certain behaviours and discourage others, and when institutions interact with one another and pursue their agenda, they can create conflict. Institutional analyses help us to understand how law works, not just ‘on the books’, but in action, because they involve an examination of both the formal rules and the informal agency culture that helps shape outcomes.
Formation of the CH/CD molecules through radiative association of C with H/D
Authors: Jones (nee Burdakova) Daria , Gustafsson Magnus , Nyman Gunnar
Published: October 2022

Reaction rate constants have been calculated for the formation of CH and CD molecules through radiative association of C and H/D atoms in their ground states. Quantum mechanical and semiclassical/classical methods were used to obtain the reaction cross-sections. Shape resonances and inverse pre-dissociation are accounted for with Breit–Wigner theory. The potential, permanent/transition dipole moment curves and experimental pre-dissociation widths are taken from the literature. The resulting reaction rate constants were fitted to the Kooij formula for use in astrochemical modelling. Our rate constant is 3.5 × 10−17 cm3 s−1 at 100 K and it peaks at 20 K, where it is 8.0 × 10−17 cm3 s−1. These values are larger than what has been obtained in earlier studies but not large enough to account for the interstellar abundance of CH.
The thermodynamics of stellar multiplicity: an analytic model for the dynamical evolution of binary star populations in dense stellar environments due to single–binary interactions
Authors: Leigh N W C , Stone N C , Webb J J , Lyra W
Published: October 2022

We recently derived, using the density-of-states approximation, analytic distribution functions for the outcomes of direct single-binary scatterings. Using these outcome distribution functions, we present in this paper a self-consistent statistical mechanics-based analytic model obtained using the Fokker–Planck limit of the Boltzmann equation. Our model quantifies the dominant gravitational physics, combining both strong and weak single–binary interactions, which drives the time evolution of binary orbital parameter distributions in dense stellar environments. We focus in particular the distributions of binary orbital energies and eccentricities. We find a novel steady-state distribution of binary eccentricities, featuring strong depletions of both the highest and the lowest eccentricity binaries. In energy space, we compare the predictions of our analytic model to the results of numerical N-body simulations, and find that the agreement is good for the initial conditions considered here. This work is a first step towards the development of a fully self-consistent semi-analytic model for dynamically evolving binary star populations in dense stellar environments due to direct few-body interactions.
Polyarthritis presented in a patient with untreated chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Kikuchi Kenichi , Fukuda Koji , Hayashi Shinya , Maeda Toshihisa , Takashima Yoshinori , Fujita Masahiro , Ikuta Kenmei , Anjiki Kensuke , Tachibana Shotaro , Onoi Yuma , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Kuroda Ryosuke , Matsubara Tsukasa
Published: October 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause arthritis, but it is rarely reported. In the current report, we present a case of chronic polyarthritis in a patient with untreated HBV infection. A 63-year-old woman suffering from polyarthritis in her fingers visited our institution. She had experienced exacerbations and remissions of polyarthritis for more than 20 years. She had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and had been treated with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by her primary care doctor, but the csDMARDs were discontinued at the request of the patient 10 years before the first visit to our hospital. The blood test showed negative for rheumatoid factor and anticyclic citrullinated peptides antibody but positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV-Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) were increased to 312.6 (IU/ml) and 4.6 (log copies/ml), respectively. Based on the results of abdominal computed tomography and echography, she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Treatment for HBV infection was begun with oral tenofovir at 25 mg/day. The polyarthritis in her fingers gradually disappeared and has not relapsed for 6 months after the initiation of treatment for HBV infection. When polyarthritis is diagnosed, the possibility that chronic HBV infection can be one of the causes of polyarthritis should be considered.
gutMDisorder v2.0: a comprehensive database for dysbiosis of gut microbiota in phenotypes and interventions
Authors: Qi Changlu , Cai Yiting , Qian Kai , Li Xuefeng , Ren Jialiang , Wang Ping , Fu Tongze , Zhao Tianyi , Cheng Liang , Shi Lei , Zhang Xue
Published: October 2022

Gut microbiota plays a significant role in maintaining host health, and conversely, disorders potentially lead to dysbiosis, an imbalance in the composition of the gut microbial community. Intervention approaches, such as medications, diets, and several others, also alter the gut microbiota in either a beneficial or harmful direction. In 2020, the gutMDisorder was developed to facilitate researchers in the investigation of dysbiosis of gut microbes as occurs in various disorders as well as with therapeutic interventions. The database has been updated this year, following revision of previous publications and newly published reports to manually integrate confirmed associations under multitudinous conditions. Additionally, the microbial contents of downloaded gut microbial raw sequencing data were annotated, the metadata of the corresponding hosts were manually curated, and the interactive charts were developed to enhance visualization. The improvements have assembled into gutMDisorder v2.0, a more advanced search engine and an upgraded web interface, which can be freely accessed via http://bio-annotation.cn/gutMDisorder/.
Spatial transcriptomic analysis delineates epithelial and mesenchymal subpopulations and transition stages in childhood ependymoma
Authors: Fu Rui , Norris Gregory A , Willard Nicholas , Griesinger Andrea M , Riemondy Kent A , Amani Vladimir , Grimaldo Enrique , Harris Faith , Hankinson Todd C , Mitra Siddhartha , Ritzmann Timothy A , Grundy Richard R , Foreman Nicholas K , Donson Andrew M
Published: October 2022

Background

The diverse cellular constituents of childhood brain tumor ependymoma, recently revealed by single cell RNA-sequencing, may underly therapeutic resistance. Here we use spatial transcriptomics to further advance our understanding of the tumor microenvironment, mapping cellular subpopulations to the tumor architecture of ependymoma posterior fossa subgroup A (PFA), the commonest and most deadly childhood ependymoma variant.

Methods

Spatial transcriptomics data from intact PFA sections was deconvoluted to resolve the histological arrangement of neoplastic and non-neoplastic cell types. Key findings were validated using immunohistochemistry, in vitro functional assays and outcome analysis in clinically-annotated PFA bulk transcriptomic data.

Results

PFA are comprised of epithelial and mesenchymal histological zones containing a diversity of cellular states, each zone including co-existing and spatially distinct undifferentiated progenitor-like cells; a quiescent mesenchymal zone population, and a second highly mitotic progenitor population that is restricted to hypercellular epithelial zones and that is more abundant in progressive tumors. We show that myeloid cell interaction is the leading cause of mesenchymal transition in PFA, occurring in zones spatially distinct from hypoxia-induced mesenchymal transition, and these distinct EMT-initiating processes were replicated using in vitro models of PFA.

Conclusions

These insights demonstrate the utility of spatial transcriptomics to advance our understanding of ependymoma biology, revealing a clearer picture of the cellular constituents of PFA, their interactions and influence on tumor progression.
Synchrotron-based characterization of metal halide perovskites: advances and prospects from Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory sources
Authors: Szostak Rodrigo , Tolentino Hélio Cesar Nogueira , Nogueira Ana Flavia
Published: October 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received much attention in the past years due to their fast efficiency rise, low cost and easy preparation. However, several fundamental aspects still need better understanding before PSC is mature for the market. Here, we present a short review of the use of in situ grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering and nano-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (nano-FTIR) techniques for characterizing hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites. These techniques provide relevant information and allow a deeper understanding of the properties of PSC materials helping to improve their properties. Perspectives and challenges for the use of nano-scanning are also discussed.
Daidzein Hydroxylation by CYP81E63 Is Involved in the Biosynthesis of Miroestrol in Pueraria mirifica
Authors: Suntichaikamolkul Nithiwat , Akashi Tomoyoshi , Mahalapbutr Panupong , Sanachai Kamonpan , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Bassard Jean-Etienne , Schaller Hubert , De-Eknamkul Wanchai , Vimolmangkang Sornkanok , Yamazaki Mami , Sirikantaramas Supaart
Published: October 2022

White Kwao Krua (Pueraria candollei var. mirifica), a Thai medicinal plant, is a rich source of phytoestrogens, especially isoflavonoids and chromenes. These phytoestrogens are well known; however, their biosynthetic genes remain largely uncharacterized. Cytochrome P450 (P450) is a large protein family that plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of various compounds in plants, including phytoestrogens. Thus, we focused on P450s involved in the isoflavone hydroxylation that potentially participates in the biosynthesis of miroestrol. Three candidate P450s were isolated from the transcriptome libraries by considering the phylogenetic and expression data of each tissue of P. mirifica. The candidate P450s were functionally characterized both in vitro and in planta. Accordingly, the yeast microsome harboring PmCYP81E63 regiospecifically exhibited either 2′ or 3′ daidzein hydroxylation and genistein hydroxylation. Based on in silico calculation, PmCYP81E63 had higher binding energy with daidzein than with genistein, which supported the in vitro result of the isoflavone specificity. To confirm in planta function, the candidate P450s were then transiently co-expressed with isoflavone-related genes in Nicotiana benthamiana. Despite no daidzein in the infiltrated N. benthamiana leaves, genistein and hydroxygenistein biosynthesis were detectable by liquid Chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Additionally, we demonstrated that PmCYP81E63 interacted with several enzymes related to isoflavone biosynthesis using bimolecular fluorescence complementation studies and a yeast two-hybrid analysis, suggesting a scheme of metabolon formation in the pathway. Our findings provide compelling evidence regarding the involvement of PmCYP81E63 in the early step of the proposed miroestrol biosynthesis in P. mirifica.
High-purity magnesium screws modulate macrophage polarization during the tendon–bone healing process in the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction rabbit model
Authors: Cheng PengFei , Weng ZhenJun , Hamushan Musha , Cai Weijie , Zhang Yubo , Ren Zun , Sun Yunchu , Zhang XiaoNong , Shen Hao , Han Pei
Published: October 2022

Magnesium (Mg) screws perform clinical potential in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and promote fibrocartilaginous entheses regeneration at the femoral entrance. We aim to prove that high-purity Magnesium (HP Mg) screws modulate macrophage polarization in fibrocartilage interface regeneration both in vitro and in vivo. HP Mg extracts performed good cytocompatibility and significantly promoted M2 macrophage polarization in the flow cytometry and ELISA assays. M2 macrophages stimulated fibrochondrocyte differentiation of co-cultured hBMSCs, and HP Mg extracts had synergistic effect on the process. Then we applied HP Mg screws, with Ti screws as control, in the ACL reconstruction rabbit model. In the histological and immunofluorescence analysis, HP Mg screws inhibited M1 polarization at 2 weeks and highly promoted M2 polarization at 2 and 4 weeks at the tendon–bone interface. Furthermore, regeneration of fibrocartilaginous entheses, rather than the fibrovascular scar interface, was detected in the HP Mg group at 12 weeks. For further mechanism study via RNA-seq detection and WB assays, we found that AKT1 was highly activated in M2 polarization, and HP Mg could stimulate AKT1 expression, rather than AKT2, in the early phase of tendon–bone healing. Our study elucidated macrophage polarization during tendon–bone healing process and emphasized HP Mg on M2 polarization and fibrocartilage interface regeneration via the selective activation of AKT1 and PI3K/AKT pathway.
TCDD induces cleft palate through exosomes derived from mesenchymal cells
Authors: Chen Qiang , Xie Yue , Dong Xiaobo , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Yunxuan , Yuan Xingang , Ding Xionghui , Qiu Lin
Published: October 2022

TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) is a ubiquitous environmental toxicant and a notable teratogenic agent for cleft palate (CP), a common congenital structural malformation that can result from abnormalities during palatal shelf connection and/or fusion. The development of the palate requires precise coordination between mesenchymal and epithelial cells. Exosomes are vesicles secreted by cells and participate in organ development by transferring various bioactive molecules between cells and regulating cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT); these vesicles represent a new method of intercellular communication. To explore how TCDD could influence palatal cell behaviors and communication, we treated mesenchymal cells with TCDD, collected the exosomes secreted by the cells, assessed the 2 types of palatal cells, and then observed the effects of TCDD-induced exosomes. We found that the effects of TCDD-induced exosomes were equal to those of TCDD. Thus, TCDD might change the genetic materials of palatal cells and exosomes to cause dysregulated gene expression from parental cells, affect cellular information communicators, and induce abnormal cellular behaviors that could lead to CP.
First evidence of nanoparticle uptake through leaves and roots in beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: Ballikaya Paula , Brunner Ivano , Cocozza Claudia , Grolimund Daniel , Kaegi Ralf , Murazzi Maria Elvira , Schaub Marcus , Schönbeck Leonie C , Sinnet Brian , Cherubini Paolo
Published: October 2022

Trees have been used for phytoremediation and as biomonitors of air pollution. However, the mechanisms by which trees mitigate nanoparticle pollution in the environment are still unclear. We investigated whether two important tree species, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), are able to take up and transport differently charged gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) into their stem by comparing leaf-to-root and root-to-leaf pathways. Au-NPs were taken up by roots and leaves, and a small fraction was transported to the stem in both species. Au-NPs were transported from leaves to roots but not vice versa. Leaf Au uptake was higher in beech than in pine, probably because of the higher stomatal density and wood characteristics of beech. Confocal (3D) analysis confirmed the presence of Au-NPs in trichomes and leaf blade, about 20–30 μm below the leaf surface in beech. Most Au-NPs likely penetrated into the stomatal openings through diffusion of Au-NPs as suggested by the 3D XRF scanning analysis. However, trichomes were probably involved in the uptake and internal immobilization of NPs, besides their ability to retain them on the leaf surface. The surface charge of Au-NPs may have played a role in their adhesion and uptake, but not in their transport to different tree compartments. Stomatal conductance did not influence the uptake of Au-NPs. This is the first study that shows nanoparticle uptake and transport in beech and pine, contributing to a better understanding of the interactions of NPs with different tree species.
Taxonomic revision of the Australian stick insect genusCandovia(Phasmida: Necrosciinae): insight from molecular systematics and species-delimitation approaches
Authors: Forni Giobbe , Cussigh Alex , Brock Paul D , Jones Braxton R , Nicolini Filippo , Martelossi Jacopo , Luchetti Andrea , Mantovani Barbara
Published: October 2022

The Phasmida genus Candovia comprises nine traditionally recognized species, all endemic to Australia. In this study, Candovia diversity is explored through molecular species-delimitation analyses using the COIFol gene fragment and phylogenetic inferences leveraging seven additional mitochondrial and nuclear loci. Molecular results were integrated with morphological observations, leading us to confirm the already described species and to the delineation of several new taxa and of the new genus Paracandovia. New Candovia species from various parts of Queensland and New South Wales are described and illustrated (C. alata sp. nov., C. byfieldensis sp. nov., C. dalgleishae sp. nov., C. eungellensis sp. nov., C. karasi sp. nov., C. koensi sp. nov. andC. wollumbinensis sp. nov.). New combinations are proposed and species removed from synonymy with the erection of the new genus Paracandovia (P. cercata stat. rev., comb. nov., P. longipes stat. rev., comb. nov., P. pallida comb. nov., P. peridromes comb. nov., P. tenera stat. rev., comb. nov.). Phylogenetic analyses suggest that the egg capitulum may have independently evolved multiple times throughout the evolutionary history of these insects. Furthermore, two newly described species represent the first taxa with fully developed wings in this previously considered apterous clade.
Evaluation of Thrombocytopenia in Patients Receiving Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support With an Impella Device
Authors: Houry Erin A. , Gengler Brooke E. , Alberts Justin L. , Van Tuyl Joseph S.
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Evaluate the time course of thrombocytopenia in patients with Impella devices (Abiomed, Danvers, MA).

DESIGN:

This was a retrospective, multicenter review of electronic medical records at a large hospital system from April 2018 to August 2020.

SETTING:

Electronic medical records of patients at SSM Health hospitals were reviewed.

PATIENTS:

Patients 18–89 years old admitted to an SSM Health hospital from April 2018 to August 2020 who received greater than or equal to 24 hours of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) with an Impella device were included. Exclusion criteria were use of other pMCS devices, history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), and presence of device upon transfer from an outside hospital.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Ninety-three patients were included. The median duration of pMCS was 63.5 hours. Thrombocytopenia occurred in 86% of patients and was evident 24 hours after device placement. The platelet nadir occurred 84 hours after device placement. Platelet recovery occurred 86.5 hours after device removal. The duration of thrombocytopenia was 156 hours. Signs of hemolysis were present in 44.09% of patients, were evident 12–24 hours after device placement, and resolved after device removal.

CONCLUSIONS:

Thrombocytopenia occurred in the majority of patients and was evident 24 hours after device placement. The time course of thrombocytopenia mirrored that of hemolysis.
Sepsis-Related Mortality Rates and Trends Based on Site of Infection
Authors: Prest Jonathan , Nguyen Thai , Rajah Tiffany , Prest Alayna B. , Sathananthan Matheni , Jeganathan Niranjan
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction triggered by an underlying infection. A recent study noted that the overall sepsis-related mortality rate in the United States is stable. In this study, we evaluated the sepsis-related mortality rates and trends associated with the three most common sites of infection.

DESIGN:

Retrospective population-based study.

SETTING:

Multiple Cause of Death (MCOD) database available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

PATIENTS:

Decedents with sepsis-related deaths and the source of sepsis were identified using previously validated International Classification of Diseases codes.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

From 2004 to 2018, using the MCOD, the age-adjusted mortality rate per 1,000,000 population from pulmonary sepsis was 111.8, from abdominal sepsis was 46.7, and from genitourinary sepsis was 52. Mortality rates from all three sites increased. Males had a higher mortality rate from pulmonary sepsis and abdominal sepsis and lower mortality rate from genitourinary sepsis. Black and Native American decedents had the highest mortality rates from all three sepsis sites. Compared with White decedents, Hispanic decedents had a higher mortality rate from pulmonary sepsis but lower rate from genitourinary sepsis. Asian decedents had the lowest mortality rates from abdominal and genitourinary sepsis but similar mortality rates from pulmonary sepsis as White decedents. The mortality rate increased in White and Native American decedents for all three sepsis sites, whereas in Hispanic decedents only abdominal and genitourinary sites increased, and in Black and Asian decedents only abdominal sepsis rates increased.

CONCLUSIONS:

Despite the overall stable sepsis-related mortality rates, the rates secondary to pulmonary, abdominal, and genitourinary sepsis are increasing in both sexes and all age groups. This is likely due to improved identification/documentation of a site of infection in patients with sepsis. We noted significant racial variation in mortality rates/trends, which should be considered in future studies.
Impact of antagonist peptides and chelators on the diagnostic performance of PET/CT using gallium-68–labeled somatostatin receptor antagonists
Authors: Xing Haiqun , Zhu Wenjia , Cheng Yuejuan , Yang Qiao , Jia Ru , Zhao Hong , Bai Chunmei , Huo Li , Wu Wenming
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Different SSTR2 antagonists have been developed. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different peptides and chelators on the diagnostic performance of SSTR2 antagonists in well-differentiated NETs.

Methods:

In this prospective study, participants were equally randomized into 2 arms: arm A, participants would undergo a whole-body 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 PET/CT scan on the first day and 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 PET/CT scan on the second day; arm B, participants would undergo a whole-body 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 PET/CT scan on the first day and 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 PET/CT scan on the second day. Biodistribution in normal organs, lesion detection ability, and tumor uptakes were compared within each arm.

Results:

A total of 40 participants (age, 49.5 ± 13.4, 21 men), 20 in each arm, were recruited in the study. In arm A, 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 showed lower background. However, the lesion detection ability (overall lesion detected, 445 vs 548; P = .005) and the lesion uptake (overall lesions SUVmax, 19.8 ± 17.2 vs 35.3 ± 28.8; P < .001) was significantly lower than those of 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3. In arm B, both 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 and 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 showed similar biodistribution and lesion uptake (SUVmax, 28.5 ± 23.8 vs 25.0 ± 20.0; P < .001) despite minor differences. The lesion detection ability was the same between these 2 tracers (overall lesion detected, 503 vs 503).

Conclusions:

The diagnostic performance of SSTR2 antagonists was sensitive to chelators. Both 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 and 68Ga-NODAGA-JR11 outperformed 68Ga-DOTA-LM3 with higher lesion uptake and detection ability, of which 68Ga-NODAGA-LM3 had marginally but significantly higher lesion uptake.
GSDME with a moonlighting function in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: a narrative review
Authors: Huang Bo
Published: October 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) originates in the exocrine pancreas and accounts for 95% of pancreatic cancers, with 5-year survival rates of approximately 10%. Multiple factors are involved in PDAC pathogenesis, including internal genetic alterations and external inflammation-related stimuli. Overflow of exocrine pancreatic enzymes caused by PDAC obstruction inevitably results in autolysis of surrounding normal cells and extracellular matrix, generating tissue damage-related inflammation; however, this process does not cause autolysis of PDAC cells. How tumor cells acquire resistance to pancreatic enzymatic digestion has been ignored for a long time. In this review, we discuss how PDAC cells mobilize gasdermin E, a pore-forming protein, to achieve resistance to autolysis by pancreatic digestive enzymes.
Incidence and Management of Facial Paralysis After Skull Base Trauma, an Administrative Database Study
Authors: Wamkpah Nneoma S. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Buss Joanna L. , Durakovic Nedim
Published: October 2022

Objective

Report the incidence of and treatment patterns for facial nerve palsy after skull base fracture.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

IBM MarketScan Commercial Database (2006–2019).

Patients

Human subjects with skull base fracture, per International Classification of Diseases—9th and 10th Revisions—Clinical Modification diagnosis codes.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcomes were the incidence and median time to facial nerve palsy diagnosis within 30 days of skull base fracture. Secondary outcomes were treatments (corticosteroids, antivirals, facial nerve decompression, botulinum toxin, and facial reanimation), demographics, and rates of hearing loss, vertigo, tympanic membrane rupture, cerebrospinal fluid leak, comorbidities, and loss of consciousness.

Results

The 30-day incidence of facial nerve palsy after skull base trauma was 1.0% (738 of 72,273 patients). The median (95% confidence interval [CI]) time to diagnosis was 6 (6–7) days, and only 22.9% were diagnosed within 1 day. There were significantly higher rates (risk difference, 95% CI) of hearing loss (26%, 22–29%), tympanic membrane rupture (6.3%, 4.5–8.1%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (6.4%, 4.5–8.3%), comorbidity (14%, 10.4–17.6%), and loss of consciousness (24.3%, 20.7–27.9%). Loss of consciousness was associated with longer median (95% CI) time to facial nerve palsy diagnosis: 10 (9–10) days. Corticosteroids were the most common treatment but only reported for less than one-third of patients. Only eight patients underwent facial nerve decompression.

Conclusions

Facial nerve palsy after skull base fracture is associated with higher comorbidity, and the diagnosis is often delayed. Few patients were treated with surgery, and there are inconsistencies in the types and timing of treatments.
Clinical efficacy of acupuncture in patients with adhesive intestinal obstruction: A meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Yujia , Zheng Chengwen , Tan Xiyue , Li Zongyu , Zhang Yiyi , Liu Yuan
Published: October 2022

Background:

Adhesive intestinal obstruction (AIO) is a common surgical emergency. Surgical exploration has a considerable risk of intestinal injury, and surgical treatment may greatly reduce the quality of life after surgery and cause AIO after re-operation. The nonsurgical treatment is effective for approximately 70% to 90% of patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO). However, the high recurrence (30%) and mortality (2%) rates of ASBO are concerning. Moreover, the ideal management method of ASBO remains debatable. Studies have shown that acupuncture can also promote postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery and prevent postoperative complications such as nausea, vomiting, and visceral pain.

Aim:

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of AIO.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture for adhesive bowel obstruction published until November 2021 were identified by searching 8 comprehensive databases. Data analysis was performed using RevMan v. 5.4 and Stata software v. 16.0. The random-effects model and the fixed-effects model were used to perform the meta-analysis on the experimental group and control group.

Results:

Twelve studies with a total of 892 participants were included. The results showed that the experimental group had a significantly higher effective rate (relative risk: 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.28; P < .00001) and a markedly shorter time of the first defecation (mean difference: −11.49, 95% CI: −19.31 to −3.66; P = .004) than the control group. The experimental group also showed a reduction in the duration of abdominal pain, and the reduced length of hospital stay. However, no statistical differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of the surgery conversion rate.

Conclusion:

Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of AIO. It can remarkably alleviate some clinical symptoms in patients with AIO.
Brain metastasis from colorectal cancer: Treatment, survival, and prognosis
Authors: Li Wenxia , Wang Tongsheng , Zhu Yubing , Yu Haijiao , Ma Ling , Ding Yuhan , Hong Gao , Lei Ding
Published: October 2022

To investigate the clinical characteristics, survival, prognostic factors, and treatment of brain metastasis (BM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). Twenty-one patients with BM from CRC were retrospectively reviewed. Predictive factors for BM and prognostic factors after the diagnosis of BM were examined by univariate and multivariate COX analysis. The time from the development of extracranial metastases, including lung, bone, and liver, to the occurrence of BM was recorded separately. The median overall survival time was 7 months. In univariate prognostic analysis, median survival with multimodal therapy was better than that with unimodal therapy (10 months vs 3 months, P = .000). In addition, median survival with Karnofsky performance status (KPS) < 70, 1 BM lesion, primary tumor stage of II-III, extracranial lesions < 2, and no extracranial metastasis were much better than the other groups (P < .05 of all). Although there was not a significant difference in median survival between patients receiving combination treatment with bevacizumab and those who did not, treatment with bevacizumab was associated with better survival (10 months vs 5 months, P = .436). The time intervals from bone, liver, and lung metastases to BM were 3, 6.5, and 11 months, respectively. Based on multivariate Cox analysis, KPS and treatment modalities were independent prognosis factors (P = .039 and P = .000, respectively). CRC patients with a high KPS and multimodal treatment have improved survival.
Estimation of biochemical factors affecting survival in intensive care COVID-19 patients undergoing chest CT scoring: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Dal Hakan , Karabulut Keklik Esra Sultan , Yilmaz Hakan , Avcil Mücahit , Yaman Eda , Dağtekin Gökçe , Diker Süleyman , Can Sema
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly spreading deadly respiratory disease that emerged in the city of Wuhan in December 2019. As a result of its rapid and widespread transmission, the WHO declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020 and studies evaluating mortality and prognosis in COVID-19 gained importance. The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the survival of COVID-19 patients followed up in a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) and undergoing chest computed tomography (CT) scoring. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with the approval of Uşak University Medical Faculty Ethics Committee between July and September 2020. It included 187 symptomatic patients (67 females, 120 males) with suspected COVID-19 who underwent chest CT scans in the ICU. Demographics, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II), chest CT scores, COVID-19 real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) results, and laboratory parameters were recorded. SPSS 15.0 for Windows was used for the data analysis. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 94 and the mean age was 68.0 ± 13.9 years. The COVID-19 RT PCR test was positive in 86 (46.0%) patients and 110 patients (58.8%) died during the follow-up. ICU stay (P = .024) and total invasive mechanical ventilation time (P < .001) were longer and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was higher (P < .001) in the nonsurvivors. Patients with an APACHE II score of 23 and above had a 1.12-fold higher mortality rate (95% CI 0.061–0.263). There was no significant difference in total chest CT score between the survivors and nonsurvivors (P = .210). Chest CT score was not significantly associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients. Our idea that COVID-19 will cause greater mortality in patients with severe chest CT findings has changed. More studies on COVID-19 are needed to reveal the markers that affect prognosis and mortality in this period when new variants are affecting the world.
A fetus with Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome characterized by bilateral ventricle widening: A case report and related literature review
Authors: Sun Yu , Guo Lili , Sha Jing , Tao Huimin , Wang Xuezhen , Liu Ying , Zhai Jingfang , Wu Jiebin , Zhao Yongxiu
Published: October 2022

Rationale:

Bosch–Boonstra–Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function variants in the Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 2 Group F Member 1 (NR2F1). Here, we report a case of fetal BBSOAS. The fetus is typically featured by bilateral ventricle widening in the late second trimester, meanwhile, a 7.94-Mb deletion fragment on 5q14.3q15 involving the whole NR2F1 gene was confirmed by copy number variation sequencing (CNV-Seq) combined with karyotyping analysis. Our aim is to provide comprehensive prenatal clinical management strategy for fetal BBSOAS.

Patient concerns:

A 29-year-old primipara and her husband were referred to our prenatal diagnosis center due to the widening of bilateral ventricles at 29 + 1 weeks of gestation age.

Diagnoses:

Ultrasound revealed the fetal widening posterior horns of bilateral ventricles at the GA of 27 + 3 weeks, 11 mm on the left and 10 mm on the right. At the following 29 + 1 weeks, ultrasound showed the posterior horn of the left lateral ventricle: 12 mm while the width of the right decreased to 9 mm, and intracranial arachnoid cyst. Furthermore, MRI confirmed that intracranial cyst might originate from an enlarged cisterna venae magnae cerebri, with mild dilation of 13.5 mm on the left ventricle. The fetal karyotyping analysis and CNV-Seq detection confirmed a 7.94-Mb deleted fragment on 5q14.3q15 (89340000_97280000) through the amniocentesis at 29 + 4 weeks of GA.

Interventions:

The fetus was closely monitored and underwent the following assessment by the multidisciplinary team.

Outcomes:

The pregnancy was terminated in the end.

Lessons:

It is vital to use molecular and cytogenetical detections combined with a dynamic development history to make a definite diagnosis and evaluate the genetic status for the fetuses with BBSOAS.
The gamma-glutamyl transferase to platelet ratio for noninvasive evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Avcioğlu Ufuk , Eruzun Hasan , Ustaoğlu Müge
Published: October 2022

The gamma-glutamyl transferase to platelet ratio (GPR) has been reported to be as effective as the aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on the 4 factors (FIB-4) in showing the fibrosis stage in patients with chronic hepatitis B. It has been demonstrated that APRI and FIB-4 are successful in the assessment of fibrosis in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). We investigated the effectiveness of GPR in predicting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with biopsy-proven untreated PBC. A total of 35 patients with biopsy-proven PBC were included in this study. The biopsy fibrosis stages of all patients at diagnosis were compared using the APRI, FIB-4, and GPR values. The diagnostic accuracy of GPR for detecting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis was also investigated. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of GPR was 0.84, the cutoff point was 4.81, the sensitivity was 0.41, and the specificity was 0.96 for detecting advanced fibrosis. Our study showed that GPR was more sensitive than APRI and FIB-4 in detecting advanced fibrosis in patients with PBC. GPR could be used as an effective noninvasive marker in PBC to show advanced fibrosis at the time of diagnosis.
New smokeless moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: A study protocol for a multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chen Lusheng , Ren Xiumei , Li Fengxing , Deng Haiping , Ding Guanghong , Yao Wei , Zhao Ling , Shen Xueyong
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with high morbidity and disability. As the aging and obese population increase, so will the medical services for this disease. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion and traditional moxibustion in the treatment of KOA and to determine the clinical efficacy of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion in the treatment of KOA.

Methods/design:

This is a multicenter, two parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Eighty-eight subjects with KOA (Kellgren Lawrence grade II or III) will be recruited and randomly treated with smokeless moxibustion or traditional moxibustion in the ratio of 1:1. The smokeless moxibustion group will use plant herbal activated carbon smokeless moxa cone. The traditional moxibustion group will be treated with pure moxa cone. Subjects in both groups will receive treatment at the affected knee(s) at the acupuncture point ST35, EX-LE2, and EX-LE4. Subjects in both groups will receive 3 sessions per week of moxibustion for 4 weeks. The primary outcome are changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain scores from baseline to week 24. Secondary outcomes include visual analog scale, 50 yards fast walking time, short-form heath survey 36, overall clinical efficacy evaluation, self-assessment of safety, treatment credibility and expectancy, and cytokines related to osteoarthritis in serum.

Discussion:

This randomized single-blind controlled trial takes traditional moxibustion as the control group to provide strict evidence for the clinical efficacy and safety of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion in the treatment of KOA.
The role of PTP1B (PTPN1) in the prognosis of solid tumors: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Jiupeng , Guo Hui , Zhang Yongfeng , Liu Heng , Dou Quanli
Published: October 2022

Background:

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) played different role in different solid tumors, and was associated with the prognosis of solid tumors. However, the roles existed controversy. This meta-analysis was performed to determine whether PTP1B was relevant to the prognosis of solid tumors.

Materials and methods:

A literature search in Web of Science, Embase and PubMed databases were performed up to November 1, 2021. A meta-analysis dealed with PTP1B assessment in solid tumors, providing clinical stages and survival comparisons according to the PTP1B status.

Results:

High PTP1B expression was significantly associated with later clinical stage of solid tumors (Odds ratio [OR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71–2.98, P < .001). For solid tumors, the hazard ratio (HR) for disease free survival (DFS) detrimental with high PTP1B expression compared with low PTP1B expression was 1.07 (95%CI: 0.67–1.73, P = .77) with the obvious heterogeneity (P = .03, I
2 = 66%). The HR of overall survival (OS) for solid tumors with high PTP1B expression versus low PTP1B expression was 1.26 (95%CI: 1.03–1.55, P = .03) with significant publication bias (t = 3.28, P = .005). Subgroup analysis indicated that the high expression of PTP1B was remarkably correlated with poor OS in colorectal carcinoma, only (HR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.18–1.74; P = .003).

Conclusions:

High PTP1B expression is significantly associated with later clinical stage of solid tumors. The high expression of PTP1B is remarkably correlated with poor OS in colorectal carcinoma, only. There is no definite conclusion that PTP1B was, or not associated with DFS and OS of solid tumors because of heterogeneity and publication bias. Whether PTP1B can be used as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis of solid tumors needs further study.
Reference intervals of complete blood count parameters for individuals aged 80 to 89 years in Guizhou, China: A STROBE-compliant retrospective study
Authors: Long Jinlie , Wang Xiuhong , Yuan Jianbo , Yang Jianru , Zhou Jie , Chen Yuan , Hu Enxi , Zhou Yuanzhong , Min Xun
Published: October 2022

The reference intervals of complete blood count (CBC) parameters were commonly based on healthy individuals aged 20 to 79 years. However, these values are not optimal for correct clinical diagnosis in older individuals (e.g., 80–89 years). Although the reference intervals for this age group have been reported in China, there is no population-based report in Guizhou province. A total of 481 healthy adults (238 males and 243 females) aged 80 to 89 years were recruited from Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University in Guizhou. The CBC parameters were detected by Sysmex XN-9000 automatic hematology analyzer. The reference intervals of the components were analyzed according to the guidelines of International Federation of Clinical Chemistry. This study reported the reference intervals of CBC parameters. There were significant differences were examined in some reference intervals between the different gender groups, especially for RBC-related parameters. Compared with national standards, the most of all conventional reference intervals for CBC parameters were decreased. The present study provided the local reference intervals of CBC parameters for individuals aged 80 to 89 years in Guizhou, China. Some of our results were sex-specific, and most of our results show lower values while comparing with commonly used reference intervals in China. Therefore, more attentions should be paid to these differences, and accurate reference intervals will facilitate clinical diagnosis and decision-making in these populations.