bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Outcomes Following External Beam Radiation Therapy for Patients with Prior Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
Authors: Wajswol Ethan , Crompton David J , Igel Todd , Attia Albert , Dora Chandler 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction/ Background
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an increasingly popular size-independent technique of treating male voiding dysfunction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy. Some patients after HoLEP may develop clinically significant prostate cancer and opt for definitive treatment with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Little is known about the safety of EBRT after HoLEP and how it may functionally impact voiding after HoLEP has altered the anatomy of the prostate. Our study aimed to assess patient-reported voiding outcomes following EBRT after HoLEP with a focus on incontinence related patient outcomes.
Methods/ Materials
This study was conducted with approval from our hospital’s institutional review board. Patients that underwent HoLEP followed by EBRT were identified and data was collected in a retrospective nature from a single surgeon HoLEP cohort over the past 4 years (2019–2023). Patient demographics, disease and radiation therapy characteristics, radiation therapy, and baseline voiding symptoms were recorded. Current functional voiding outcomes were also collected via phone-call or portal communication in a cross-sectional manner with questions pertaining to type of incontinence, IPSS quality of life score, and administration of the Michigan Incontinence Symptom Index (M-ISI). Adverse events encountered during follow-up were recorded.
Results
24 patients were identified who received RT for prostate cancer after HoLEP with an average age of 73.6 (+/- 5.3). One third of patients reported no incontinence whatsoever after radiation and of those who experienced incontinence, the majority felt that it was not worsened after radiation. Median IPSS QoL score following radiation was 1 (range 0–6), median M-ISI Severity Score was 4 out of a maximum of 32, and median M-ISI Bother Score was 0 out of a maximum of 8. One patient developed a bladder neck contracture (BNC) approximately 1 year following his radiation therapy (approximately 18 months after HoLEP) causing bothersome incontinence and LUTS.
Conclusions
In our cohort most patients who received RT after HoLEP reported a high urinary-symptom related quality of life and a low rate of urinary incontinence. One patient who received SBRT suffered a BNC which is a known adverse event with RT but given our small sample size it remains unclear if the risk is higher in patients receiving RT after HoLEP. Larger studies should focus on examining the rate of bladder neck contracture in patients receiving RT after HoLEP, particularly focusing on whether the degree of dose fractionation may impact their development.
Microbiota-dependent T-cell response to α-synuclein-derived antigens triggers the development of hypersensitivity and neuroinflammation associated with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Manjarres Zulmary , Ugalde Valentina , Prado Carolina , Castro-Córdova Pablo , Chovar-Vera Ornella , Valdés Ivania , Espinoza Alexandra , Valenzuela Sebastián , Ricca Micaela , Martínez-Hernández J. Eduardo , Petrosino Joseph , Riquelme Erick , Martin Alberto J.M. , Calvo Margarita , Pacheco Rodrigo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background. Previous evidence has shown that both the T-cell response and the microbiota play fundamental roles on the development of Parkinson's Disease (PD), which involves motor impairment and chronic pain. PD physiopathology involves the generation of pathogenic forms of α-synuclein (aSyn), which are associated with abnormal post-translational modifications and aggregation, and represent a source of neoantigens able to trigger an autoreactive T-cell response. Nevertheless, the relationship between the microbiota and the development of this autoreactive T-cell response in PD remains unexplored. Here we studied whether the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and the T-cell response toaSyn-derived antigens associated to PD are functionally connected.Methods. We used a transgenic mouse model that involves the overexpression of human a-Syn (SNCAmice). To deplete the microbiota, we used a wide-spectrum antibiotic cocktail. To deplete lymphocytes we generatedSNCAmice deficient on recombination-activating gen 1 or deficient on membrane-bound IgM. Microbiome was analysed by sequencing the variable V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Co-culture experiments of lymphocytes isolated from cervical or mesenteric lymph nodes and dendritic cells loaded with synthetic peptides were conducted to determine adaptive responses to phosphorylates and nitrated forms of aSyn.Results. We observed that the depletion of either gut microbiota or T-cells, but not B-cells, abrogated the development of motor deficits, sensory disturbances, neuroinflammation, and gut inflammation. Furthermore,SNCAmice developed an autoreactive T-cell response to a-synuclein-derived neo-antigens accumulated in the gut mucosa, a process that was triggered by the microbiota dysbiosis.Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the development of both motor and non-motor manifestations as well as neuroinflammation in PD involves a T-cell mediated autoimmune response, which is triggered by changes in the gut microbiota that induce increased intestinal barrier permeability.
Chalcogen and halogen surface termination coverage in MXenes – structure, stability, and properties
Authors: Dahlqvist Martin , Rosen Johanna 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

MXenes are a diverse family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides. They can be synthesized through both top-down approaches, such as selective etching of A-layers from MAX phases using acids or molten salts, and bottom-up approaches, such as direct synthesis using chemical vapor deposition. However, the degree of the surface termination coverage depends on the synthesis route and is one key parameter for controlling its properties. This study focuses on halogen and chalcogen terminated MXenes, particularly M2CTx where M = Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, and T = S, Se, Te, Cl, Br, I, and with surface termination coverage ranging from 100% (ideal, x = 2) to 50% (x = 1). The incorporation of oxygen on vacant termination sites was also evaluated. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we investigated the structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of these MXenes. Our findings reveal that non-ideal termination coverage (x < 2) is more favorable for MXenes terminated with a larger size of T, such as Ti2CBrx, Nb2CClx, and Ta2CClx, and leads to mixed termination sites and lower binding energies. A reduced binding energy may facilitate delamination into single sheets, however, too low termination coverage may also cause structural collapse. Electronic properties showed increased number of states at the Fermi level under non-ideal coverage, potentially enhancing the conductivity. Mechanically, we find the moduli of MXenes to be comparable to other 2D materials, such as transition metal chalcogenides and hexagonal boron nitride, indicating their suitability for applications requiring flexibility and durability. This study underscores the potential of tailoring MXene properties through precise control of termination coverage and composition, paving the way for enhanced application-specific performance.
Is transperineal prostate biopsy through a single access point safe and reproducible?
Authors: Rios-Melgarejo Carlos , Velasco-Rubio José Ramón , Pulido-Contreras Enrique , Gastelum-Rivera Esteban , Bonilla-Lara David , Avendaño-Bastidas Santiago Arturo , Gonzalez-Villegas Hedler Olaf , Gomez-Mendoza Miguel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To compare the complication rates and diagnostic efficacy between transperineal single-access ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TPPB) and transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRPB) among patients with suspected prostate cancer.
Methods
We collected and analyzed data from 241 patients with prostate cancer suspicion and divided them into two groups: 171 TPPB and 70 TRPB. For the detection of complications associated with the technique, patients were followed–up for 3 months; furthermore, histopathological results to confirm prostate cancer were compiled.
Results
Histopathological reports showed 132 patients with malignancy (54.77%) and 109 with negative results (45.22%). TPPB detected malignancy in 60.2% of patients, compared with 41.4% detected by TRPB (p = 0.008). The most frequent complications in TPPB were hematuria (53.8%), post-procedural pain (6.4%), hematospermia (6.4%), and acute urinary retention (2.3%). All patients undergoing TRPB experienced pain during and after the procedure (p < 0.001). The TPPB technique was shown to be a protective factor against the development of complications (OR 0.028, 95% CI 0.009–0.09; p < 0.001). In contrast, complications associated with the TRPB technique were significantly higher (OR 35.5, 95% CI 10.7–117.6; p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Transperineal single-access prostate biopsy offers greater capability for prostate cancer detection and should be adopted as the first-choice method for prostate cancer diagnosis given its lower rates of infectious complications and can be performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and sedation, without the need for prior intestinal preparation or antibiotic prophylaxis.
Child Labor Laws and Educational Rights for Children in Pakistan a Contextual Analysis
Authors: Hanane Merzougui , Xianghe Gong , Ali Danish 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Child labor is defined as the exploitation of children in any form of labor that destructively affects the child's mental, social, and physical health and creates hurdles to obtaining a regular education. This study was conducted to investigate the main socio-economic factors contributing to child labor and barriers to education and analyze the practical implications of child labor laws in Pakistan. The study area in this study is KPK province, Pakistan. The data collection, including the primary and secondary data. The primary data was collected through an online questionnaire survey from teachers, school administrators, government officials responsible for enforcing child labor laws and educational policies, and representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), while personal observations and interviews were used for the collection of data from child laborers, parents or guardians of child laborers. A total of 80 teachers or education experts, 70 children and their guardians, 30 policymakers, and 20 social workers were participants in the data collection process. The outcomes of this study concluded that about 78% of participants lacked awareness of these laws, while 71% perceived them as ineffective. The socioeconomic factors contributing to child labor are quantitatively assessed, with poverty identified as the primary factor (65%). The statistical analysis indicates that the socioeconomic factors have a significant contribution to the implementation of child education laws in Pakistan (a p-value lower than the level of significance (0.05). Discrimination based on gender or social status, high cost of education, and insufficient qualified teachers are significant barriers to providing quality education for children in Pakistan. This study recommends promoting inclusive education and strengthening social welfare programs to support their efficacy in combating child labor and ensuring access to quality education for all children in Pakistan.
Development of Novel Rectal/Uterine Clamping Device
Authors: Urabe Shoichiro , Hata Taishi , Kobayashi Eiji , Ishii Yuji , Takeda Mitsunobu , Sekido Yuki , Hata Tsuyoshi , Hamabe Atsushi , Ogino Takayuki , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Uemura Mamoru , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Nakajima Kiyokazu , Ushimaru Yuki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We developed a novel clamping device for laparoscopic surgery, free from conventional pinch structure, capable of uniformly occluding any ductal organ. This study aimed to evaluate performance of the new clamper compared to the pinch-type clamper. The new clamper consists of two metal bars with ties at each end, which enables parallel clamping. A resected porcine stomach was used, with an infusion tube at the anal end to increase intra-luminal pressure. The oral side of the stomach was clamped with either the new clamper or the pinch-type clamper, and their performances were evaluated in qualitative and semi-quantitative manner. Qualitative evaluation involved imaging the clamping site at intra-gastric pressures from 0 to 15 mmHg using microfocus computed tomography. The new clamper showed no gap even under increased intra-luminal pressure, while the pinch-type clamper showed a gap on the distal side. Quantitative evaluation measured bursting pressure under continuous air insufflation. Air leakages were observed in the new clamper at higher intra-luminal pressures than in the pinch-type clamper (46.1 mmHg vs. 13.6 mmHg, P < 0.01). Our new clamping device showed superior performance in preclinical setting compared to the conventional pinch-type clamper. We are currently working on its design freezing and aiming for early commercialization.
The Influence Mechanism of Grit on Innovation Ability among College Students: the Chain Mediating Effect of Social support perception and Learning Interest
Authors: Du Xuemin , Liu Xiaojiao , Yan Rui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
To explore the impact of grit quality on innovation ability and analyze the mechanism of social support perception and learning interest among college students.
Methods
The Grit Scale, the Innovative Behavior Scale, the Social support perception Scale, and the Learning Interest Scale were used to investigate 472 Chinese undergraduate students in school, and chain mediation test and Bootstrap analysis were applied.
Results
(1) Grit and Social support perception (r = 0.428, P < 0.01), learning interest (r = 0.601, P < 0.01), and innovation ability (r = 0.491, P < 0.01) are significantly positively correlated; Social support perception is significantly positively correlated with learning interest (r = 0.503, P < 0.01) and innovation ability (r = 0.416, P < 0.01); learning interest is significantly positively correlated with innovation ability (r = 0.536, P < 0.01); (2) Social support perception and learning interest play a partial mediating role between grit and innovation ability, and the mediating effect is composed of three paths: "grit → Social support perception→ innovation ability", "grit → learning interest → innovation ability", and "grit → Social support perception→ learning interest → innovation ability". The effect size of these three paths accounts for 13.50%, 30.66%, and 8.39%, respectively.
Conclusion
This study shows that grit quality helps to improve college students' innovation ability, and this effect can be achieved by improving the ability to perceive social support and enhancing interest in learning.
Patient-reported walking difficulty predicting the post-discharge overall function in patients with lung cancer undergoing minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Tian Xin , Mao Peiyang , Lei Cheng , Yu Hongfan , Dai Wei , Wei Xing , Zhang Jingyu , Xu Wei , Shi Qiuling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Postoperative mobility of patients with lung cancer is crucial for their physical rehabilitation. This study aimed to identify severe walking difficulty and establish a threshold for predicting the functional recovery of patients with lung cancer undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
Methods
This prospective study enrolled patients with lung cancer who underwent MIS, divided into two cohorts. The 0–10-scale walking difficulty score was assessed daily during hospitalization following surgery and weekly for 4 weeks after discharge. Chi-square and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were employed to establish the threshold, with the Timed Up and Go Test on postoperative day 2 as an anchor in cohort 1. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 was assessed biweekly for 1 month post-discharge. Post-discharge functional status trajectories were compared based on the threshold.
Results
Based on cohort 1, the threshold for walking difficulty was set to 4. Cohort 2 patients were categorized using the threshold: 71.26% exhibited no or mild, while 28.74% experienced severe walking difficulty upon discharge. Compliance rates for reporting walking difficulty post-discharge consistently exceeded 60%. Significant differences in post-discharge physical function (P < 0.001), emotional function (P = 0.008), role function (P < 0.001), and quality of life (P = 0.033) were observed among patients with differing walking difficulty severities.
Conclusions
A patient-reported walking difficulty score of ≥ 4 indicates severe walking difficulty. Significant differences in post-discharge functional status were observed among patients with different walking difficulty degrees. Intensive care for severe walking difficulty is crucial for post-discharge functional recovery.
Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000033016
Impact of Infill Strategy and Process Parameters on Selectivity and Performance of PLA Structures Obtained by 3D Printing
Authors: NASSER Mohamed , Rezg Mehrez Ben , Felleh Mamoun , Montagne Alex 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In recent years, fused deposition manufacturing (FDM) techniques have been seen as the processes of the future. One of the main challenges is to identify the optimal parameterization of the 3D printing process in terms of quality, productivity, and service durability of the resulting structures. Hardness is little studied in the literature dedicated to PLA structures, despite its importance in terms of mechanical strength and wear resistance. The correlations between the hardness of PLA structures and the parameters for adjusting 3D printing processes are almost unstudied in the scientific literature. In contrast, this work evaluates the impact of FDM process parameters on the resulting microhardness characteristics (Top/Bottom) using Design of Experiment (DOE) tools. The impact of input factors such as filling strategy, extrusion temperature and layer number in 3D printing on the behavior of polylactic acid (PLA) was discussed and justified. Response surface optimization (RSM) methodology and ANOVA analyses were used to establish a decision support strategy for the selection and parameterization of FDM processes. As a result, the microhardness of the surfaces (Top/Bottom) on samples (1 cm3) was measured for different combinations of the 3D printing factors. In fact, the coupling between the physical (structural homogeneity) and mechanical (microhardness) characteristics allowed us to establish a performance index to maximize microhardness while minimizing structural heterogeneity. Optimal factors were identified and discussed using ANOVA analysis and multi-objective optimization for the selection of materials and structures. The originality of this work lies in the coupling of the RSM methodology with the ANOVA analysis in the selection of process parameters for the expected microhardness and structural homogeneity performances. The multi-objective optimization approach revealed the optimal 3D printing conditions: A ZIGZAG filling strategy, a temperature of 230°C for a 4-layer construction with a thickness of 0.2 mm. These combinations of process control factors result in optimal performance in terms of surface microhardness and the homogeneity of the resulting PLA structures.
miR-161 inhibits ferroptosis by targeting EGLN2 in vascular dementia rat model
Authors: Zhou Xianxi , Zhou Liting , Ma Chunmei , Kong Jiechen , Liu Aijun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Vascular dementia (VD) was characterized by both motor and non-motor dysfunctions and accounts for approximately 20% of dementia patients. Although VD has been given enormous attention owing to its high morbidity and severe consequence, the pathologic mechanisms of VD remain unclear. In this study, the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2-VO) rat, which has similar symptoms to VD,was explored the effect of miRNAs and the correlation between ferroptosis and Egl nine homolog 2 (EGLN2) in VD. RT-qPCR showed that miR-161, a new miRNA found in the 2-VO rat, was down-regulated in the frontal lobe, concomitant with increased EGLN2 expression.Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining results showed, compared with control, the expression of EGLN2 has a significant increase consistently. Target prediction analysis and luciferase-3'‑untranslated region (3’UTR) reporter assay identiﬁed the 3’UTR of EGLN2 mRNA to be the direct target of miR-161. Compared with miR-161 treatment, miR-161 inhibition resulted in higher EGLN2 expression. To further explore the role of EGLN2, bioinformatics was used to screen genes. The results showed that glutathione-dependent antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression is significantly lower in the brains of VD patients than those in the normal brain. The results of protein interaction analysis showed that GPX4 and EGLN2 could interact with each other. Further experimental results showed, the expression of GPX4 was downgrade in vivo. For PC12 cells, the effect of EGLN2 silencing was consistent with miR-161 decreased GPX4 levels. In conclusion, multiple experimental results elucidated that miR-161 regulates ferroptosis by targeting EGLN2 expression in the frontal lobe which provides a perspective to develop a potential new therapeutic strategy for VD.
Immunohistochemical expression of Parathyroid hormone-related protein and Ezrin in Invasive Breast Carcinoma of No Special Type: A retrospective Analysis
Authors: Shalaby Menna Allah , Dawoud Marwa , Gadallah Marwa , Abdou Asmaa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Globally, breast cancer ranks among the most common malignancies and has a high mortality rate. Invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) presents a heterogeneous group with variable prognosis. Identifying reliable biomarkers is crucial for improving treatment strategies and predicting outcomes. This study investigates the immunohistochemical expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and ezrin in IBC-NST and their correlation with clinicopathological features and overall survival.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed 160 paraffin-embedded tissue samples, including 123 IBC-NST and 37 normal breast tissues, collected from patients treated at Menoufia University Hospital during the period from January 2018 to January 2022. Immunohistochemical staining for PTHrP and ezrin was performed, and expression levels were quantified using the H score.
Results
PTHrP expression was significantly higher in IBC-NST than in adjacent DCIS and normal tissues (p < 0.001). High PTHrP percent of expression was associated with metastasis (p = 0.009), bone metastasis (p = 0.012), and lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.037). Ezrin expression was also significantly elevated in IBC-NST, with higher H score values correlating with high tumor grade (p = 0.002), high N stage (p = 0.045), advanced AJCC stage grouping (p = 0.0043) and metastasis (p = 0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between PTHrP and ezrin expression (rs = 0.341, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high ezrin expression, in terms of intensity (p = 0.007) and H score (p = 0.002), was linked to poorer survival.
Conclusion
The study highlights the significant roles of PTHrP and ezrin in breast cancer progression. Elevated levels of these proteins are associated with more aggressive disease, suggesting their capability as prognostic indicators and treatment targets in breast cancer. Additional studies are required to investigate their interaction and collective influence on breast cancer metastasis and treatment.