bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors versus leiomyomas by special stains
Authors: zhang shiwei , qin pan , ji hongliang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate whether special stains can differentiate gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and gastrointestinal leiomyomas (GILs). In this retrospective study, 39 cases of GISTs (diameter, 0.2–8.8 cm) and 75 cases of GILs (diameter, 0.2–4.5 cm) were recruited, all biopsy specimens were surgically resected under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance. GISTs and GILs were the most common types of mesenchymal tumors found anywhere along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, from the esophagus to the rectum. GISTs were often associated with a higher risk of malignancy. In this study, the gender, age of onset, size and sites of the lesions, together with the number of mucosal or lamina propria lesionsa all have significant differences, nevertheless, there was no significant difference in cell morphology of GISTs and GILs tested by hematoxylin eosin (HE) stain, and all showed low echo areas by EUS examination. In this retrospective study, the GISTs and GILs had been diagnosed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), combined with clinical signs and symptoms. Subsequently, special stains including Masson's trichrome (MT) stain, Alcian blue periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) stain, Wright-Giemsa (W-G) stain and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) combined with diastase periodic acid Schiff (D-PAS) stains were also applied in the diagnosis, the retrospective study results showed that 92.3% GISTs were stained blue with MT stain, 97.3% GILs were stained red with MT stain (P < 0.01), almost all GISTs were PAS-negative (light purple), in contrast, all GILs were PAS-positive (rose red) (P < 0.01), all of these experiments set control using the blood vessels stained by MT and AB-PAS stains. Nevertheless, there was no significant difference between GISTs and GILs stained by W-G stain. These obvious and meaningful differential results were also confirmed in the detection of new GISTs and GILs cases using MT and AB-PAS stains. In conclusion, MT and AB-PAS stains could also identify GISTs and GILs cases, particularly, AB-PAS was more sensitive and more specific, providing a more cost-effective, simple, and high sensitivity and specificity inspection methods, which can instead of IHC analysis in the future, especially in resource-limited grass-roots testing institution.
A highly conserved amino acid mutation in TaCHLI-7D affects leaf color and yield-related traits in wheat
Authors: Wang Zixu , Xu Huiyuan , Wang Faxiang , Sun Lingling , Meng Xiangrui , Li Zhuochun , Xie Chang , Jiang Huijiao , Ding Guangshuo , Hu Xinrong , Gao Yuhang , Qin Ran , Zhao Chunhua , Sun Han , Cui Fa , Wu Yongzhen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Chlorophyll is essential for plant growth and productivity. The CHLI subunit of the magnesium chelatase protein plays a key role inserting magnesium into protoporphyrin IX during chlorophyll biosynthesis. Here, we identify a novel wheat mutant chlorophyll (chl) that exhibits yellow-green leaves, reduced chlorophyll levels, and increased carotenoid content, leading to an overall decline in yield-related traits. Map-based cloning reveals that the chl phenotype is caused by a point mutation (Asp186Asn) in the TaCHLI-7D gene, which encodes subunit I of magnesium chelatase. Furthermore, the three TaCHLI mutants: chl-7b-1 (Pro82Ser), chl-7b-2 (Ala291Thr), and chl-7d-1 (Gly357Glu), also showed significant reductions in chlorophyll content and yield-related traits. However, TaCHLI-7D overexpression in rice significantly decreased thousand-grain weight, yield per plant, and germination. Additionally, natural variations in TaCHLI-7A/B are significantly associated with flag leaf, spike-stem length, and yield per plant. Notably, the favorable haplotype, TaCHLI-7B-HapII, which displayed higher thousand-grain weight and yield per plant, is positively selected in wheat breeding. Our study provides insights on the regulatory molecular mechanisms underpinning leaf color and chlorophyll biosynthesis, and highlights TaCHLI functions, which provide useful molecular markers and genetic resources for wheat breeding.
Study on characterization of SrO Aerosols Generated by Optimized Thermal Plasma Torch Aerosol Generator
Authors: Kumar Amit , Usha P. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Plasma Torch Aerosol Generation System (PTAGS) has been employed to generate nano aerosols with desirable characteristics. The operational parameters of PTAGS installed in the aerosol test facility have been optimized, and aerosols are generated using non-radioactive SrO2 powder. The current-voltage characteristics, electro-thermal efficiency and torch power are studied as a function of the flow rate of the plasma-generating gas (mixture of argon and nitrogen) and the arc current of the plasma torch. The arc characteristics relation is determined using the Nottingham formulation. Based on this, torch parameters are evolved and optimized as 20 kW power, 70% electro-thermal efficiency, 25 L min− 1 flow rate of plasma forming gas, 5 mg min− 1 powder feed rate and for 4–5 min torch operation towards the generation of SrO nano aerosols to achieve 1012 m− 3 and ~ 25 mg m− 3 for the count and mass concentration of aerosol respectively. The initial size distribution of the aerosols is in the few tens of nanometre range (10–40 nm) with a mean diameter of 26 nm (σg = 1.45). SEM and EDAX analysis reveal that the morphology of nano aerosols was nearly spherical and the formation of SrO nanoparticles. A set of operational parameters of PTAGS has been standardized to perform further experiments related to reactor safety analysis. PTAGS shall be tuned for aerosol generation in a large facility to achieve the characteristics equivalent to reactor accidental conditions.
Awareness and Practical Evaluation of Correct Use of Iron Chelators; A Study to Track the Ambiguities of Thalassemia Patients on Their Medications in Iran
Authors: Mousavi Mina Saddat , Mohammadnezhad Ghader , Yaghmaei Farideh , Azarkeivan Azita , Esmaily Hadi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward iron chelating agents (ICAs) in Iranian major thalassemia patients.
Methods
A total of 101 patients with major thalassemia were involved in this cross-sectional survey. A deep medication review was done, and participants' knowledge, attitude, and practice were evaluated by a validated instrument based on a 20-scoring system.
Results
Statistical analyses showed 52 patients (51.5%) had a poor knowledge level (scores < 10) about their medications, 37 (36.6%) had a moderate level (scores 10–15), and 12 (11.9%) had a satisfactory level (scores > 15). Seventy-seven (76.2%) patients have positive beliefs regarding the dependence of their current health status on taking iron chelators, and 63 (62.4%) believed that they would become very ill without taking medication. The results also showed that the mean practice score in patients who received deferoxamine was 5.81 ± 3.50; in the patients who received deferiprone and those who received deferasirox, the mean scores were 7.36 ± 5.15 and 14.94 ± 4.14. Also, the knowledge and practice level had a direct linear correlation based on the regression analyses (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
In conclusion, results of the present research suggests that the patients' knowledge about the administration, adverse events, and necessity of ICAs was not satisfactory. Improving the knowledge of thalassemia patients toward their medicines through educational interventions is highly recommended to improve their practice level.
Effects of tofacitinib on bone turnover markers and bone modulators in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Adami Giovanni , Orsolini Giovanni , Rossini Maurizio , Fratucello Anna , Fassio Angelo , Viapiana Ombretta , Fracassi Elena , Bixio Riccardo , Gatti Davide 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by bone loss. It is unclear whether JAK inhibitors can attenuate bone loss in RA by modulating bone metabolism. The main objective of our study is to investigate the effects of tofacitinib on serum levels of bone turnover markers and modulators. Secondary objectives were to assess changes in bone mineral density (BMD), metacarpal index, bone erosions.Methods We conducted a prospective observational study on patients with active RA failure to bDMARDs or tsDMARDs initiating treatment with tofacitinib. We measured at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months: serum bone turnover markers (CTX, P1nP, B-ALP), bone modulators (Dkk-1, sclerostin, vitamin D, PTH, OPG and RANKL), BMD and radiographic parameters (Sharp van der Heijde score [SvdH], bone health index [BHI] and metacarpal index [MCI]).Results 30 patients were enrolled in the study of whom 21 completed the study through month 12. Tofacitinib was clinically effective by suppressing DAS28-CRP. Glucocorticoids daily dose significantly decreased from baseline. We found a negative correlation between pre-study cumulative and daily dose of glucocorticoids and baseline B-ALP serum levels (r -0.592, p 0.012). Sclerostin serum levels increased significantly during the study period, while P1nP and B-ALP (markers of bone formation) decreased significantly. BMD levels, BHI, MCI and SvdH score did not change.Conclusion Treatment with tofacitinib was associated with a significant increase in sclerostin serum levels and a parallel decrease in markers of bone formation. However, no significant bone loss was observed.
WITHDRAWN: Anal Fistula with Multiple External Openings: A Case Report Successful Treatment Through Fistulectomy and Sphincteroplasty Integration “Case Report”
Authors: Nawalkar Parag , Attar Mohd Azharuddin Azim , Kapoor Vaibhav , Khurana Sushant 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Complex anal fistulas with multiple openings are rare and difficult to treat. Hence, it is necessary to choose appropriate surgical treatment and ensure the sphincter reconstruction to avoid postoperative complications.
Method
In this study, a 23-year-old man was presented with fistula-in-ano with three external openings and no internal opening. Confirmation of the findings was obtained through magnetic resonance (MR) fistulography. Treatment consisted of fistulectomy in conjunction with laser ablation. External sphincteroplasty was conducted using vicryl 2 − 0 absorbable sutures.
Results
The patient was discharged the next day after surgery and followed up for 8 weeks without experiencing any postoperative complications
Conclusion
Combining fistulectomy with sphincteroplasty could offer a more effective and safer treatment approach for complex fistulas.
The value of nomogram analysis in prediction of cerebral spread of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis
Authors: Tian Pengqi , Long Changyou , Men Miaomiao , Xing Yujie , Danzeng Yeang , Zhang Xueqian , Bao Haihua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:The prognosis after brain metastasis of alveolar echinococcosis is very poor, but there is currently no effective method to predict brain metastasis.
Purpose:To explore the value of a nomogram constructed based on CT plain scan and enhanced imaging features combined with clinical indicators in predicting brain metastasis of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE).
Materials and Methods:The imaging characteristics and clinical indicators of 116 patients diagnosed with HAE in the Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University from 2015 to 2022 were retrospectively collected. The data were randomly divided into training set and validation set according to 7:3, and the difference between the two groups was analyzed.Binary logistic regression analysis was used to obtain independent predictors of brain metastasis in HAE, and a prediction model was constructed based on this and expressed in the form of a nomogram.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve (CRC) were used to evaluate model performance, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical value of the predictive model.
Result:A total of 116 HAE patients were included (average age 38.07±15.09 years old, 54 males and 62 females, 81 patients (70%) in the training set and 35 patients (30%) in the validation set).There was no statistically significant difference between CT plain scan and enhanced imaging features combined with clinical indicators between the training set and the validation set (p>0.05).After statistical analysis, it was found that whether there is invasion of the inferior vena cava, whether there is invasion of the hepatic artery, and whether there is metastasis to other organs are independent predictors of brain metastasis in HAE.A prediction model was built based on these three variables.The area under the ROC curve (AUC), cutoff value, sensitivity, and specificity of the training set and validation set were 0.922 and 0.886, 0.6934 and 0.6643, 75.00 and 84.62, 94.34 and 81.82 respectively.CRC shows good consistency between the predicted probability and the actual value of the sample. DCA showed that the clinical value of the model was high.
Conclusion:The nomogram constructed based on imaging features combined with clinical indicators can effectively predict whether HAE will develop brain metastasis, which is helpful for clinicians to formulate reasonable treatment plans, evaluate patient prognosis, and is more conducive to the realization of individualized and precise medical decisions.
Climate drives the long-term reproductive investment of a tropical ant community
Authors: Uquillas Adriana , Bonilla Nathaly , Arizala Stephanie , Basset Yves , Barrios Héctor , Donoso David A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Forecasting insect responses to environmental variables at local and global spatial scales remains a crucial task in ecology. However, predicting future responses requires long-term datasets, which are rarely available for insects, especially in the tropics. From 2002 to 2017, we recorded male ant incidence, a measure of ant reproductive investment, of 155 ant species at ten sites on Barro Colorado Island. In this Panamanian tropical rainforest, Malaise traps were deployed for two weeks during the wet and dry seasons. Short-term changes in community structure were pronounced, and compositionally distinct assemblages flew during the wet and dry seasons. Notably, the composition of these distinct assemblages oscillated in a consistent 5-year cycle but did not change during the 16-y study period. Across time, a Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMAX) model explained 75% of long-term variability in male ant incidence, which responded negatively to monthly maximum temperature and positively to sea surface temperature, a surrogate for El Niño Southern Oscillation events. Establishing these relationships allowed us to forecast ant incidence for five years until 2022, when year-long local climate variables were available. Consistent with the data, the forecast indicated no significant changes in long-term temporal trends of male ant incidence between 2017 and 2022. However, simulations of probable changes in ant incidence given different scenarios of climatic variables showed that strong El Niño events and maximum temperature are the environmental factors that could impact ant incidence the most. Our results highlight the dependence of ant reproductive investment on both short- and long-term changes in temperature, which is critical under current global warming scenarios.
GDNF improves the cognitive ability of PD mice by promoting glycosylation and membrane distribution of DAT
Authors: Ma Chengcheng , An Panpan , Yan Yalong , Su Mingyu , Xu Wei , Chen Jing , Tang Chuanxi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The core of clinic treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) is to enhance dopamine (DA) signaling within the brain. The regulation of dopamine transporter (DAT) is integral to this process. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on DAT, thereby gaining a profound understanding its potential value in treating PD. Here, we investigated the effects of GDNF on both cells and mice with PD, including the glycosylation and membrane distribution of DAT detected by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting, DA signal measured by neurotransmitter fiber imaging technology, Golgi morphology observed by electron microscopic, as well as cognitive ability assessed by behavior tests. In this study, GDNF enhanced the glycosylation and membrane distribution of DAT of the injured DA neurons both in vivo and invitro, while reversing GRASP65 loss and Golgi fragmentation leading to alleviation of DAT accumulation in the Golgi. Moreover, GRASP65 overexpression increased DAT distribution in PD cells and mice, whereas, the inhibition of GRASP65 could leading to diminished role of GDNF on DAT. In addition, GDNF could enhance the reutilization of neurotransmitter uptake by presynaptic membranes in the PFC and enhance the effective DA release signal after a single electrical stimulation, ultimately improving the cognitive impairment of PD mice. Thus, we proposed that GDNF promotes the glycosylation and membrane distribution of DAT by facilitating Golgi reaggregation, leading to an enhancement of DA signal utilization, ultimately resulting in an improvement in cognitive ability of PD mice. This study illustrates from a new perspective the beneficial role of GDNF in enhancing DA utilization and improving cognition in PD.
Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Outcomes from a Tertiary Cancer Care Center in Northern India
Authors: Ray Mukurdipi , Pathak Bhawani , Venugopal Ravi , Sonvane Shwetal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer originating from the peritoneum. The prognosis for MPM has historically been poor, and treatment options are limited. This study evaluated the impact of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a treatment modality for MPM, although optimal management is still evolving.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis included fifteen patients diagnosed with MPM between 2012 and 2023 at a tertiary referral cancer care center in North India. Patients underwent CRS followed by HIPEC. The study assessed outcomes based on overall survival (OS) and postoperative morbidity rates.
Results:Demographic analysis revealed a female preponderance (60%) and a majority of younger patients, 80% of whom were younger than the age of 50. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was infrequent (13.33%), while the most common histopathological subtype was epithelioid (66.67%). The mean peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was 14.0, with 60% of patients having a PCI above the mean. The completeness of cytoreduction (CC) varied, with 40% achieving CC0, 33.33% CC1, and 26.67% CC2. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 60% of the patients. The mean blood loss was 577 ml, and the mean operation duration was 350 minutes. Postoperative complications ranged from mild to life-threatening, with a mortality rate of 6.67%. The median follow-up period was 25 months, revealing an overall median survival of 27.0 months, with 1- and 3-year survival rates of 86.7% and 33.3%, respectively. On univariate analysis, only histological subtype emerged as a predictive factor for overall survival.
Conclusion: CRS combined with HIPEC is a viable and effective treatment option for patients with MPM and offers improved survival rates and an acceptable safety profile. These findings support the integration of this treatment modality into the management plan for select patients with MPM, although optimal management is still evolving.
Efficacy and safety of vascular-targeting agents plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients：A multicenter observational clinical trial
Authors: Luo Guanhong , Qin Guanjie , Su Yixin , Pan Yufei , Lu Jianxun , Xie Yueyun , Zhang Bin , Dai Jinxuan , Kong Xiangyun , Xie Yuan , Ruan Xiaolan , Mo Yunyan , Zhang Ruyun , Jiang Wei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy is important for the treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinomas (RM-NPCs). However, the prognosis of RM-NPC patients remains poor. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of vascular-targeting agentsplus chemotherapy for RM-NPC treatment.
Methods: This observational clinical trial, conducted at seven hospitals in Guangxi between January 2017 and December 2021, included 198 patients (158 males [79.8%]; median age, 51 years [IQR, 45–57years]). Chemotherapy was administered with and without vascular-targeting agents in 66 and 132 patients, respectively. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), assessed by a blinded independent review committee according to RECIST v.1.1. The secondary end points were overall survival (OS) and safety.
Results: After a median follow-up of 20 months, 31 (47.0%) and 82 (62.1%) deaths occurred in the combination therapy and chemotherapy alone groups, respectively. Median PFS was significantly higher in the combination group (7.0 months [95% CI, 5.7–8.3 months]) than in the chemotherapy alone group (5.0 months [95% CI, 4.1–5.9 months], P = 0.034), with a hazard ratio of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.54–0.98). The combination group exhibited a higher median OS compared to the chemotherapy alone group (37 months [95% CI, 21.3–52.7] vs. 20 months [95% CI, 13.0–27.0months], P = 0.047), representing a hazard ratio of 0.66 (95% CI, 0.45–0.97). In the combination therapy group, the most common adverse events were hypertension (n = 10/66 [15.1%]).
Conclusion: The addition of vascular-targeting agents to chemotherapy for RM-NPC patients provided superior efficacy compared to chemotherapy alone, along with a manageable safety profile.
Epidemiological and clinicopathologic characteristics, and prognostic factors of patients with Extra-skeletal Osteosarcoma
Authors: Liu Zhengzhong , Gao Fapeng , Du Li , Zhu Chenhua , Wang Yinan , Wu Haixiao , Musaev Elmar R. , Wang Jun , Zhang Chao , Liu Zheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and prognostic factors of Extra-skeletal Osteosarcoma (ESOS) and to establish and validate a prognostic model. The baseline information and survival outcome of patients was illustrated according to different primary tumor sites. The independent prognostic factors for ESOS were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed using these prognostic factors to predict the prognostic survival of patients. Kaplan-Meier method was performed to estimate survival and both log-rank test and Wilcoxon-Breslow-Gehan test were used to compare the survival. A total of 4567 patients with osteosarcoma who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, including 4317 patients with osteosarcoma of bone and joint origin and 250 patients with ESOS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year tumor-specific survival rates for ESOS were lower than those for skeletal osteosarcoma. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that older age at diagnosis, distant staging, and presence of bone metastases were independent risk factors affecting patient prognosis, and surgery of the primary site was an independent factor suggesting a better survival outcome. A nomogram was created based on these factors to predict OS at 1, 3 and 5 years in patients with ESOS. An internally validated nomogram consistency index showed satisfactory results between predictions. Primary focus surgery is an important factor in improving survival outcomes in patients with ESOS. The nomogram for predicting the prognostic of patients with ESOS was proved to be favorable accuracy and reliability. Such prognostic nomogram may assist clinicians optimize clinical treatment.