bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ebselen inhibits the proliferation and migration of bladder cancer by inducing autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Song Shuaishuai , Huang Qianhao , Zhang Zhiyong , Huang Yifan , Wang Tao , Chen Yuedong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Ebselen on the proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells and to attempt to find the regulatory mechanism to provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Materials and Methods
The effects of different concentrations (40 µM, 50 µM and 60 ΜM) of Ebs on the activity, cell cycle, proliferation and migration as well as the evolution of the expression of apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins in T24 and UMUC-3 cell lines were studied. The inhibitory effect of Ebselen on the proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells was also verified at the animal level.
Results
The results showed that T24 and UMUC-3 cells significantly reduced cell activity, proliferation ability and migration ability, and the proportion of the G2/M stage was increased considerably. The expression of pro-apoptosis-related protein BAX, cleaved-caspase-3/caspase-3 and autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and LC3II/Ⅰ were significantly increased. The expression levels of the proteins BCL-XL, P62, P-PI3K, P-AKT, P-mTOR and STAT3 were significantly decreased. In addition, the tumour volume of mice in the Ebs group was reduced considerably, and the results of H&E staining and immunohistochemical staining also indicated that inflammatory infiltrating cells were significantly reduced in the Ebs group. Meanwhile, the number of cells positive for Ki-67, P63 and STAT3 proteins was significantly decreased.
Conclusion
We have concluded that Ebs has a significant anti-tumour effect in inducing apoptosis, and autophagy and inhibiting proliferation and migration of BCC cells, which may be achieved by inhibiting proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, activating cellular autophagy, blocking tumour cell cycle as well as inducing apoptosis and down-regulating the expression of STAT3 protein.
Misinterpretation of Non-happy Eyes as “Happy” in Otherwise Smiling Faces: Role of Attention
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Aida , Fernández-Martín Andrés , Líbano Mario Del , Calvo Manuel G. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

There is a wide variety of smiles, many of which do not convey genuine happiness. Observers often have difficulties interpreting them accurately. We investigated how a smiling mouth in blended facial expressions with non-happy eyes (neutral, surprised, sad, fearful, disgusted, or angry) can wrongly bias their judgement as “happy” and slow down their correct evaluation as “not happy”. Attention was initially cued to the mouth of face stimuli, followed by free viewing, with online assessment of eye movements. The face eye region was congruent with the mouth (same eye-mouth expression), incongruent (non-happy eyes and a smile), or unrelated (no-mouth control). Results revealed: (1) interference effects of a smile in the incongruent condition, with non-happy eyes being incorrectly judged as “happy” and slowly judged as “not happy”; (2) the eyes, but not the mouth, were looked at longer and more often when they were incongruent; and (3) both effects varied depending on the type of non-happy eye expression. These findings are discussed in terms of two properties of the smiling mouth: (a) visual saliency driving an early perceptual-overshadowing/inattentional-blindness mechanism, and (b) diagnostic value driving a later semantic/categorical-priming mechanism. They presumably underlie the discrimination difficulties for non-happy eyes in blended facial expressions.
Screening for nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus reduces peritonitis risk in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD)
Authors: Alfano Gaetano , Pittiglio Michele , Ferri Camilla , Romaniello Roberta , Oliviero Giuseppe , Cancelli Ylenia , Melara Laura , Tonelli Laura , Montani Martina , Raimondo Davide , Morisi Niccolò , Ligabue Giulia , Giovanella Silvia , Fontana Francesco , Magistroni Riccardo , Donati Gabriele 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Screening for nasal carriage of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is associated with a reduction of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated infections, but conflicting results have questioned the benefit of this practice. This study evaluated the clinical effectiveness of the screening program for nasal carriage of S. aureus in reducing the peritonitis rate in the PD population.
Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted on all patients on PD diagnosed with peritonitis from 1999 to 2023. Screening for S. aureus with nasal swabs before the start of PD was implemented in our program. The study period was divided into pre-screening (1999-2010) and post-screening (2011-2023) phases. Nasal colonization for S. aureus was checked in any case of peritonitis.
Results: The study included 195 patients who experienced 345 peritonitis episodes. Median age was 67 years The overall peritonitis rate was 0.21 episodes/patient-year. Post-screening, the S. aureus peritonitis rate decreased significantly from 0.036 to 0.009 episodes/patient-year (p < 0.001). The screening did not reduce the total episodes of peritonitis. Indeed, the cumulative peritonitis rate difference between the two phases was not significant (p=0.31). The screening at the time of peritonitis showed that 50% of patients with S. aureus peritonitis were colonized by S. aureus and that recolonization can frequently occur in this population. Multivariate regression analysis showed that S. aureus screening was the only protective measure to reduce the risk of S. aureus peritonitis (OR, 0.36; CI95%, 0.14-0.91; p=0.03)
Conclusion: In our center, screening for nasal carriage of S. aureus significantly reduced S. aureus peritonitis rates but did not impact the overall peritonitis rates. Recolonization is a real event that warrants a better preventive strategy.
Orthologous genes of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum and the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Cabañas Noel , Cedden Doga , Bucher Gregor 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
Tribolium castaneum and Drosophila melanogaster are prominent insect model organisms for investigating developmental and evolutionary processes. Both have a significant kit of genetic and molecular tools and a substantial quantity of omic data at their disposal that makes this species pair suitable for comparative genomic and gene function studies. However, for such comparisons, careful assignment and compilation of the orthologs that these organisms share are essential. Here, we generated and provided a list of orthologous genes between Drosophila and Tribolium, which will be useful for future comparative genomic studies including single-cell sequencing.
Data description:
We used the reference genomes of Tribolium castaneum and Drosophila melanogaster to compute phylogenetic orthology inference using the OrthoFinder platform and employed the eggNOG 6.0 database and manual phylogenetic tree analyses to assess our results. Our analysis identified more than 9,000 orthologous genes between Drosophila and Tribolium. We posit that this comprehensive list is a valuable resource for comparative studies among these insect species, including single-cell sequencing or large-scale gene function comparisons. The results are open-access and freely available for download or to be explored interactively in iBeetleBase.
CT Assessment of the Visceral Fat as a Predictor of Early Post-Operative Complications after Hernioplasty
Authors: Shawali Islam Haney , Hamed Menna-Tullah Salem , Saqr Ahmed Saeed , Elnafrawy Marwa Shaker 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Increased risk of wound healing complications following abdominal wall procedures may be associated with obesity and elevated body mass index (BMI).Our study's objectives are to assess the influence of visceral fat volume (VFV) on 30-day post-operative complications after hernioplasty procedure.
Results
At follow-up, 28.2% of patients had developed postoperative complications. The most frequent complication was surgical site infection (SSI) (25.4%) followed by, surgical site hematoma (4.2%) then cutaneous sinus tract (2.8%).Sensitivity analysis showed that defect size, visceral fat volume, and subcutaneous fat volume can significantly predict postoperative complications with cut-off values 2.9 cm, 125 cm3 and 301 cm3 with sensitivity 100%, 79%, 73.7% and specificity 79%, 65%, and 65% respectively.
Conclusion
Visceral fat volume (VFV) was significantly associated with postoperative complication following hernioplasty operation. This study suggests VFV as a risk assessment tool for patients undergoing hernioplasty.
Transformative Insights for Tailoring Parenting Programs for Deaf Families in Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ikwara Asher Emmanuel , Okello Charles , Isiko Isaac 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
This study explored insights from International Deaf Awareness Week and the International Day of Sign Language in Uganda, highlighting distinctive challenges faced by deaf families. Communication barriers, limited resources, and societal stigmatization were addressed. The study emphasized the transformative potential of specialized parenting programs to empower deaf families and advocates for inclusive interventions, aiming to inspire recognition and support.
Methods
This qualitative study explored the transformative potential of specialized parenting programs to empower deaf families during Uganda's International Deaf Awareness Week. Participants selected purposively from the National Association of the Deaf events, underwent in-depth interviews. The data was divided into 9 themes and thematic content analysis was employed for data analysis and interpretation. Ethical approval was obtained before the research ensuring and the confidentiality of the participants was ensured. Reflexivity was acknowledged in addressing researchers' biases.
Results
This study illuminated challenges faced by deaf parents, emphasizing unemployment and discrimination as barriers to parenting program access. Crucial insights included advocating awareness programs, inclusive planning involving deaf parents, collaboration with local authorities, fostering behavioural change, leveraging technology, providing training, promoting peer support, and recognizing the need for psychosocial support in tailored parenting programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings from this qualitative study underscored the importance of tailoring parenting programs for deaf families by incorporating inclusivity, awareness-building, collaboration with local authorities, behavioural change, technological integration, and psychosocial support. The transformative insights gleaned from the participants provided a foundation for developing more effective and culturally sensitive parenting programs that cater to the unique needs of deaf families in Uganda.
Both intra-articular and intravenous tranexamic acid enhance visual clarity and reduce postoperative pain following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a comparison study using propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Kim Hyojune , Oh Taeho , Yoon Min Sun , Jeon In-Ho , Koh Kyoung Hwan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous research has highlighted the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), emphasizing the need for a detailed exploration of its benefits and risks across different administration methods (intra-venous; IV, and intra-articular; IA). We aimed to find the distinctions between IV and IA TXA concerning intraoperative visual clarity, postoperative pain management, and the incidence of complications like thromboembolism during ARCR.
Methods
In our retrospective cohort, propensity score matching study, we included patients who had a history of rotator cuff tears and at least six months of unsuccessful conservative treatment. The primary outcome, visual clarity during surgery, was evaluated using a five-grade arthroscopic visual scale (AVS) by the operating surgeon. This scale ranged from grade 1, indicating optimal clarity, to grade 5, the least clarity necessitating a switch to open surgery. These assessments were made at 10-minute intervals during the review of the operation’s video footage. We also measured the duration of the surgery and postoperative pain levels as secondary outcomes.
Results
IA group included 30 patients and the IV group had 31 patients, with no significant differences in demographics or tear dimensions (P = 0.686). The IA and IV groups showed similar irrigation fluid volumes, operation times, and AVS mean scores. IA group had lower grade of AVS grade 1–2 compared to IV group (90.0% vs 64.5%, p = 0.011). Pain assessment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) suggested a trend towards less pain in the IA group at various postoperative times, and less pain at postoperative 48 hours (IA 2.7 vs IV 4.2, p = 008). Notably, 4 patients in the IA group required anticoagulants due to thromboembolic events, a contraindication for intravenous TXA administration.
Conclusions
Both IA and IV routes are effective and safe for the administration of TXA in ARCR. However, given the increased distribution of low grade of AVS in IA group, the slight trend towards reduced postoperative pain, and context of patients with thromboembolic events requiring anticoagulants, IA administration presents a more viable alternative.
Level of evidence:
Retrospective cohort study (Level 3)
Diagnostic performance of Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in Assessment of Upper Gastro-Intestinal Tract Oncologic Operative Bed Lesions and Metastatic potentials
Authors: Abdelmohsen mohsen Ahmed , Shaban Ahmed , Rezk Mahmoud Mohamed Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Imaging of the upper gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) operative bed and anastomotic sites is challenging, in the early post operative period there is expected edema and related fat stranding, in the late post operative period there is expected fibrosis limiting adequate distention of the targeted bowel loops.
Combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) is useful addition in the management of oncologic GIT post operative patients with added value in staging, assessment of treatment response, and can alter the management plan according to the situation.
Results:
33 patients were included in this study ,27 males (81.8%) and 6 females (18.18%) all with history of upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies managed by surgery with or without adjuvant chemoradiotherapy subjected to positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT|) follow up.
Eighteen patients (54.5%) were presented with positive findings of tumor recurrence or metastatic lesions. And 15 patients (45.45%) were presented with unremarkable operative bed findings. PET/CT results was confirmed by histopathological assessment when accessible and serial follow up.
Conclusions:
Upper GIT anastomotic sites and operative beds are challenging imaging problem
FDG uptake is adding in the confirmation of residual/recurrent neoplastic process and can be useful tool in the management planning.
On the Mechanism of Mid-Pleistocene Transition
Authors: Chen Jing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The mechanism of Mid-Pleistocene Transition has been under intense discussion for several decades. We build a simple model of temperature changes on the earth based on the theory of electric circuits. Electric circuits with different parameters respond to external energy inputs of different periodicities with different strengths. Similarly, the earth under different temperature respond to external energy inputs of different periodicities with different strengths. As the temperature of the earth trended lower, the temperature change on the earth transformed from no apparent periodicity to short periodicity and then to long periodicity.
A pilot-scale micropropagation plant for two commercial varieties of pineapple Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. reveals shortcuts in a complex system through the recycling of fruit
Authors: Francisco-Rodríguez Juan Alberto , Chalchi-Martínez Mauricio , López-Arjona Héctor , Pérez-Molphe-Balch Eugenio , Morales-Serna José Antonio , VILLALOBOS-AMADOR ENRIQUE 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Globally, Mexico ranks ninth among the main producers of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.), despite its production system still relying on field-based vegetative propagation, which limits the establishment of new cultivation areas. Consequently, the primary challenge in Mexico is the implementation of in vitro cultivation protocols that enable rapid and effective propagation of pineapples. This study describes a pilot-scale production process for the Cayena Lisa and MD-2 varieties, covering the establishment of in vitro cultures using waste plant material, the propagation of shoots from fruit crowns, acclimatisation, adaptation to the field, and subsequent fruiting in the Papaloapan Basin region, the main production area in Mexico. We evaluated the production of shoots induced with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), monitoring the shoot forming capacity (SFC) and the geometric rates of propagation up to the fourth subculture in both semi-solid and liquid Murashige and Skoog (MS) media. In the leaf culture, four types of morphogenic responses were observed: direct organogenesis, rhizogenesis, and both direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis in both varieties. During the rooting stage, we achieved 100% efficiency using indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or activated charcoal. The follow-up extended to flowering and fruiting in the field, where pineapples were harvested with weights of 1.41 kg (13.9 °Brix) and 1.27 kg (14.43 °Brix). Finally, the procedure was scaled up using temporary immersion bioreactors (TIB) in both normal and double phases, alternating with closed containers.
Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation in a 1-Month-Old Infant: A Call for Strengthening Antenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Ngalya Edward Faustine , Jackson Andrew Kisenha , Khamis Ramadhan , Assenga Evelyne Neema 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare condition that poses diagnostic and management challenges because of a low index of suspicion. Most reported cases of CPAM are diagnosed postnatally via chest X-ray and/or chest CT scan or MRI, despite the high diagnostic efficacy of obstetric ultrasound. The management of symptomatic CPAM is surgical excision.
Case details
This is a case report of a delayed diagnosis of a 1-month-old male infant who presented with signs of respiratory distress since week one of life associated with one episode of fever and a history of being treated for pneumonia with no improvement. On admission to our tertiary unit, the infants’ preliminary differential diagnoses were severe pneumonia, suspected left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia or acyanotic congenital heart defect. A chest X-ray revealed a large left-sided cystic lesion with a pressure effect on the left lung and a mediastinal shift to the right side of the chest, which was confirmed by a CT scan of the chest. Left lower lobectomy was performed, resulting in significant improvement with complete resolution of the signs of respiratory distress by postoperative day 13.
Conclusion
A low index of suspicion among healthcare practitioners can lead to significant morbidity in infants with a delayed diagnosis of CPAM. Postnatal chest X-ray and CT scans play crucial roles in confirming the diagnosis, assessing the extent of the lesion, and guiding the surgical approach in our case, resulting in a favorable outcome. Prenatal diagnosis is still the cornerstone for early detection and early intervention.
Molecular interaction and Temperature-induced Structural alteration of hydrophilic CdSe:CdS:ZnS Quantum Dots-Apoferritin composite
Authors: Chaudhary Shikha , Maurya Anjali , Das Uddipan , Tripathi Ravi Mani , Yadav Subhash Chandra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The encapsulation of core-shell quantum dots (QDs) on apoferritin protein and the thermal stability of these composites have been sparingly reported. In this study, we created a quantum dot-apoferritin composite and investigated its interaction and temperature-induced structural changes. The encapsulation of mercaptopropionic acid functionalized CdSe:CdS:ZnS core-shell QDs in apoferritin was validated using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The increasing concentrations (0-250 ng/mL) of QDs in composite (using 0.1 mg/mL apoferritin) showed an increase in absorbance, a decrease in tryptophan fluorescence intensity, and a change in circular dichroism characteristic peaks with increasing temperatures (25 °C, 37 °C and 55 °C). HR-TEM image supports these findings, showing an increase in size (12.0±1.0 nm at 25 °C, 12.5±1.0 nm at 37 °C, and 15±1.3 nm at 55 °C) and gradual release of QDs from the core showing 6±1% (37 °C) and 68±5% (55 °C) hollow composite particles. The single particle analysis for molecular structural elucidation using the negative stain sample confirmed the encapsulation of four QD particles at 25 °C. However, it showed multiple 2D class averages at 37 °C and 55 °C. This heterogeneity in 2D class averages confirms the destabilization of this composite at 37 °C and 55 °C. The single particle analysis revealed the molten globule-like structure of the QD-apoferritin composite at 55 °C. This study revealed that QDs induced significant structural alteration in the apoferritin at a much lower temperature than its melting temperature (80 °C).