bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Searching for an optimal Preclinical Model for Breast Cancer Research: A Study on the Effects of Diet on Tumor Development in Rats
Authors: Claro Francisco , Angelis Camila , Morare Joseane , Vanzela Emerielle Emerielle , Schiozer Wandir , Velloso Lício , Sarian Luis Otavio 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Breast cancer research heavily relies on effective preclinical models to accurately study the complex interactions and heterogeneity observed in humans. While in vitro cell lines and athymic mice have been utilized, they have limitations in reflecting the true breast cancer microenvironment and immune response. To bridge this gap, the use of preclinical models developed in immunocompetent hosts is essential for better translation of experimental findings to human breast cancer behavior. This manuscript aims to address the critical lack of data on breast cancer models developed in immunocompetent hosts by presenting a preclinical model that meets specific prerequisites. The proposed model involves inducing luminal breast tumors in rats through a cafeteria diet, which allows for tumor development within a short time frame while maintaining intact host immunity. This model closely simulates the clinical scenario by emulating the microenvironment surrounding luminal tumors, ensuring study reproducibility, and ceasing the effects of the carcinogenic agent on the tumor and other animal tissues upon withdrawal. Additionally, the model allows for a sufficient remaining lifespan of the host post-tumor development to observe tumor evolution over time. The manuscript describes the technical details of the proposed preclinical model and presents experimental results derived from its implementation. By addressing the limitations of previous models, this research enhances our understanding of the breast cancer microenvironment and provides valuable insights into treatment strategies. This model serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the microenvironment, studying risk factors, and assessing treatment outcomes in breast cancer research.
Effects of motor control combined with cervicothoracic spine self-mobilization on chronic non-specific neck pain
Authors: Sun Ximei , Chai Liangwei , Huang Qiuyu , Zhou Hua , Liu Hua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

To investigate the effects of motor control training and cervicothoracic spine self-mobilization with chronic non-specific neck pain. Thirty participants with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomly divided into motor control, synergistic cervical spine self-mobilization combined with motor control, and synergistic cervicothoracic spine self-mobilization combined with motor control groups. Neck pain, cervical range of motion, neck disability, strength and endurance of deep cervical flexors and quality of life were assessed before and after the 6-week training period. After the intervention, pain, strength and endurance of the deep cervical flexors and neck disability significantly improved in three groups (p < 0.05), cervical extension range of motion and quality of life significantly improved in the two synergistic self-mobilization groups (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons showed that the effect size was larger for the two synergistic self-mobilization groups than the motor control group (d = 1.27–1.46) and that the synergistic cervicothoracic self-mobilization had a larger effect size than the other two groups for reducing pain and increasing cervical rotational motion (d = 0.81–1.66) and a moderately larger effect size than the other two groups for dysfunction and quality of life physical function (d = 0.46–1.09). Motor control can enhance strength and endurance of deep cervical flexors, while self-mobilization can improve cervical extension range of motion. Combined with thoracic mobilization, it can further improve lateral flexion and rotation range of motion, thereby reducing pain and dysfunction and improving quality of life.
Developed and characterization of a novel Cd doped CeO2 nanofilm and application of pesticide removed by photodegradation
Authors: Çergel Müge Söyleyici , Demir Ersin , Kurtaran Sema 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) doped cerium oxide (CeO2) films were prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) technique. The structural, surface and optical properties of the prepared Cd doped CeO2 films were investigated. All of the films were polycrystalline in exhibiting a cubic fluorite structure. In addition, the optical band gap obtained using the UV data ranged from 3.23 to 3.52 eV. For Cd doped CeO2 films, Raman scattering, in which the multi-peak setting of the first optical longitudinal mode was observed, indicates the Raman shift of the characteristic peak in the ~ 461 cm− 1 range. In addition, the photodegradation capacities of Cd doped CeO2 films were investigated in pesticides removed polluting human and environmental health. As a result, the proposed Cd doped CeO2 thin films show very high photocatalytic activity for the removal of important pollutant as Methyl Orange dyestuff. Consequently, Cd doped CeO2 film could be easily reused for five cycles without significant change in the photocatalytic activity.
DEPTOR levels in patients with mycosis fungoides
Authors: Çerman Aslı Aksu , Bulat Ceylan , Çetinkaya Pınar Özdemir , Kurt Birgül Özkesici , Odabaşı Merve Sena , Altunay İlknur 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is upregulated in the pathogenesis of many cancers, including cutaneous T cell lymphoma. DEPTOR is an mTOR binding protein and endogenous mTOR inhibitor. However, the significance of DEPTOR in the development of mycosis fungoides (MF) is not known. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of DEPTOR in the pathogenesis of MF. Forty patients with MF and 40 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum fasting DEPTOR levels of the study groups were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mean serum DEPTOR levels were significantly lower in patients with MF than controls (p<0.05). In conclusion, DEPTOR is possibly a novel tumor suppressor protein in MF. DEPTOR reactivation may be a potential therapeutic approach for patients with MF.
Impact of immunization-preventable infectious diseases on population health using disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Spain
Authors: Pérez-Rubio Alberto , Mestre-Ferrandiz Jorge , López-Belmonte Juan Luis , Díaz Ariadna , Lorenzo-Herrero Seila , Crespo Carlos 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study is to estimate the burden of immunization-preventable infectious diseases in Spain using the Burden of Communicable Diseases in Europe (BCoDE) methodology and focusing on the national immunization program and potential new inclusions.
Methods
The BCoDE methodology relies on an incidence and pathogen-based approach to calculate disease burden via disability-adjusted life year (DALY) estimates. It considers short and long-term sequelae associated to an infection via outcome trees. The BCoDE toolkit was used to populate those trees with Spanish-specific incidence estimates, and de novo outcome trees were developed for four infections (herpes zoster, rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], and varicella) not covered by the toolkit. Age/sex specific incidences were estimated based on data from the Spanish Network of Epidemiological Surveillance; hospitalization and mortality rates were collected from the Minimum Basic Data Set. A literature review was performed to design the de novo models and obtain the rest of the parameters. The methodology, assumptions, data inputs and results were validated by a group of experts in epidemiology and disease modelling, immunization and public health policy.
Results
The total burden of disease amounted to 163.56 annual DALYs/100,000 population. Respiratory infections represented around 90% of the total burden. Influenza exhibited the highest burden, with 110.01 DALYs/100,000 population, followed by invasive pneumococcal disease and RSV, with 25.20 and 10.57 DALYs/100,000 population, respectively. Herpes zoster, invasive meningococcal disease, invasive Haemophilus influenza infection and hepatitis B virus infection fell behind in the ranking with less than 10 DALYs/100,000 population each, while the rest of infections had a limited burden (< 1 DALY/100,000 population). A higher burden of disease was observed in the elderly (≥ 60 years) and children < 5 years, with influenza being the main cause. In infants < 1 year, RSV represented the greatest burden.
Conclusions
Aligned with the BCoDE study, the results of this analysis show a persisting high burden of immunization-preventable respiratory infections in Spain and highlight for the first time a high number of DALYs due to RSV. These estimates provide a basis to guide prevention strategies and make public health decisions to prioritize interventions and allocate healthcare resources in Spain.
In Situ Needle Fenestration for Aortic Arch Pathologies During Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Li Gang , Li Minghui , Dong Zhiqiang , Gu Jiaxi , Liu Hong , Xu Xinyang , Gu Weidong , Shao Yongfeng , Ni Buqing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the clinical outcomes and the validity of the in situ needle fenestration (ISNF) technique during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for patients with aortic arch pathologies.
Methods
In total, 115 patients with aortic arch pathologies treated with ISNF during TEVAR between January 2018 and December 2021 were incorporated. Several clinical variables were recorded, including postoperative mortality, adverse events, aorta-related reintervention, and patient survival rates.
Results
The median age of the patients was 62.0 years, and 10.4% (12/115) were female. The median follow-up time was 31.0 months. A total of 175 supra-arch branches were reconstructed. A single branch was fenestrated in 79 patients, while the left subclavian artery (LSA) and left common carotid artery (LCCA) were fenestrated simultaneously in 12 patients, and all supra-arch branches were fenestrated in 24 patients. The rate of technical success was 100%, 30-day mortality was 2.6% (3/115), overall mortality was 8.7% (10/115), and aortic-related mortality was 2.6% (3/115). Aortic-related reintervention was required in 7.8% (9/115) of patients. Among the major postoperative complications, four patients developed retrograde type A dissection requiring emergent open surgery, three patients had cerebrovascular accidents, two patients suffered paraplegia, and one patient had an endoleak. No occlusions or stenoses of the main or branch aortic stents were observed.
Conclusions
The mid-term results of the ISNF technique during TEVAR for aortic arch pathologies were within the acceptable range; however, further follow-up results are needed and long-term stability and durability needs to be assessed. Related fenestration devices also require further development.
Establishment and characterization of NCC-DFSP5-C1: a novel patient-derived dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans cell line
Authors: Ono Takuya , Noguchi Rei , Osaki Julia , Akiyama Taro , Adachi Yuki , Kojima Naoki , Toda Yu , Fukushima Suguru , Yoshimatsu Yuki , Yoshida Akihiko , Kawai Akira , Kondo Tadashi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is the most prevalent dermal sarcoma, characterized by the presence of the fusion of the collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1) gene with the platelet-derived growth factor beta chain (PDGFB) gene. Although PDGF receptor inhibitor imatinib mesylate was approved for the treating patients with unresectable or metastatic DFSP, disease progression was shown in 9.2% of the patients. Therefore, developing novel therapeutic strategies is crucial for improving the prognosis of DFSP. Patient-derived cell lines play a vital role in preclinical studies; however, only a limited number of DFSP cell lines are currently available in public cell banks. Here, we successfully established a novel DFSP cell line (NCC-DFSP5-C1) using surgically resected tumor tissue from a patient with DFSP. NCC-DFSP5-C1 cells were confirmed to carry the COL1A1-PDGFB translocation and maintain the same mutation as the original tumor tissue. They exhibited consistent growth, formed spheroids, and were invasive. By screening a drug library using NCC-DFSP5-C1 and four previously established DFSP cell lines, we identified anti-cancer drugs that inhibit DFSP cell proliferation. Our observations suggest that the NCC-DFSP5-C1 cell line holds promise as a valuable tool for conducting fundamental and preclinical studies for DFSP.
Predictors of mortality among children at Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania: A cohort study
Authors: Damian Diana K , Furia Francis F , Leyna Germana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Tanzania is among the countries in the sub-Saharan Africa with the highest under-five mortality rate. Strategies for reducing under-five mortality require a good knowledge of driving factors, which are largely unknown necessitating this study to be conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital to determine factors associated with under-five mortality.
Method
We conducted a prospective cohort study to determine the predictors of deaths among children aged 1–59 months admitted in the paediatric department wards from October 2017 to April 2018. We recruited children consecutively and followed them up until discharge or death. We calculated the mortality rate as the incidence density rate, and determined causes and predictors of mortality. We analysed data to identify and quantify predictors of deaths, and used Kaplan-Meir and Cox regression analyses to determine predictors of survival. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
We recruited 925 children aged 1–59 months with a median age of 13 and (IQR) of (6, 26) months, females constituted 40.8% (377/925). The overall mortality rate was 12.2% (95% CI: 10.2%-14.5%). We found septicaemia (27%), malnutrition (12%), congenital heart disease (12%), pneumonia (11%), and HIV (9%) to be leading causes of mortality. More deaths were observed at night, during the first 24 hours of admission, and on weekends. Independent factors for mortality were found to be low wealth quintiles (lowest quintile (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.19–13.51), second quintile (AOR = 5.2; 95% CI: 1.65–16.69) and middle quintile (AOR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.14–11.33)), unconsciousness on admission (AOR = 18; 95% CI: 6.70-56.82), inability to feed (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 1.97–16.51), lethargy (AOR = 4.9; 95% CI: 2.32–10.40), severe wasting (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.49–8.10) and respiratory distress (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.40–4.97)
Conclusion
High mortality rate was noted in this study and low wealth quantile, low parental education, and lack of health insurance were associated with high mortality. Patients had the highest risk of mortality within 24 hours of admission, therefore it is important to raise awareness and improve monitoring of patients, especially within 24 hours of admission.
Combined application of organic material and inorganic compound fertilizer impacting on the structure and function of soil bacterial community
Authors: Yang Kai , Li Yanfeng , Du Yanquan , Wang Mingwei , Zhou Qianshun , Zhang Xixing , Zhu Jianqiang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Excessive application of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers leads to soil degradation, while the application of organic materials helps to restore and maintain soil microecological balance. However, different applications of organic materials combined with inorganic fertilizers are possible to produce different influences on soil microbial communities. Therefore, field experiments of five fertilization treatments were carried out, that were: single inorganic compound fertilizer (CK), sheep manure + inorganic compound fertilizer (AF), cassava residue + inorganic compound fertilizer (PF), woody peat + inorganic compound fertilizer (MF), and monosodium glutamate waste slurry + inorganic compound fertilizer (IF). The results revealed that only the MF treatment significantly increased bacterial community richness compared to the CK. The relative abundance of Acidobacteriota was significantly lower in the treatment with combined application of organic materials and chemical fertilizers compared to the sole application of chemical fertilizers. Additionally, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Gemmatimonadota was significantly higher in the AF, while the relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly higher in the IF. Soil organic carbon had the greatest impact on bacterial community structure. The IF significantly enhances soil carbon carbohydrate metabolism, while the AF significantly improves soil amino acid metabolism. The MF treatment had a higher abundance of anaerobic bacteria, while the PF treatment had a higher abundance of biofilm-forming bacteria. The IF treatment had the highest abundance of Gram-positive bacteria. The above results indicated that we can regulate the structure and function of soil bacterial communities, thus providing a favorable condition for crop production.
Selective SERCA2a activator as a candidate for chronic heart failure therapy
Authors: Arici Martina , Hsu Shih-Che , Ferrandi Mara , Barassi Paolo , Ronchi Carlotta , Torre Eleonora , Luraghi Andrea , Chang Gwo-Jyh , Ferrari Patrizia , Bianchi Giuseppe , Peri Francesco , Zaza Antonio , Rocchetti Marcella 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background.
The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) depression substantially contributes to diastolic dysfunction in heart failure (HF), suggesting that SERCA2a stimulation may be a mechanism-based HF therapy. Istaroxime is a drug endowed with both a SERCA2a stimulatory activity and a Na+/K+ pump inhibitory activity for acute HF treatment. Its main metabolite PST3093 shows a more favorable therapeutic profile as compared to the parent drug, but it is still unsuitable for chronic usage. Novel PST3093 derivatives have been recently developed for oral (chronic) HF treatment; compound 8 was selected among them and here characterized.
Methods. Effects of compound 8 were evaluated in a context of SERCA2a depression, by using streptozotocin-treated rats, a well-known model of diastolic dysfunction. The impact of SERCA2a stimulation by compound 8 was assessed at the cellular level ad in vivo, following i.v. infusion (acute effects) or oral administration (chronic effects).
Results. As expected from SERCA2a stimulation, compound 8 induced SR Ca2+ compartmentalization in STZ myocytes. In-vivo echocardiographic analysis during i.v. infusion and after repeated oral administration of compound 8, detected a significant improvement of diastolic function. Moreover, compound 8 did not affect electrical activity of healthy guinea-pig myocytes, in line with the absence of off-target effects. Finally, compound 8 was well tolerated in mice with no evidence of acute toxicity.
Conclusions. The pharmacological evaluation of compound 8 indicates that it may be a safe and selective drug for a mechanism-based treatment of chronic HF by restoring SERCA2a activity.
Distinct serial dependence between small and large numerosity processing
Authors: Huang Yue , Li Haokun , Qiu Shiming , Ding Xianfeng , Li Min , Liu Wangjuan , Fan Zhao , Cheng Xiaorong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The serial dependence effect (SDE) is a bias in which the representation of current stimuli is attracted to previous stimuli. Although SDE has been observed in many substrates of visual processing, it remains unsolved whether humans adopt a similar SDE to achieve continuity and stability of numerosity processing in two distinct numerical ranges: subitizing (i.e., small numerosity processing, likely related to early object recognition) and estimation (i.e., large numerosity processing, likely related to ensemble numerosity extraction). Here, we demonstrate that subitizing and estimation are characterized by distinct SDEs, underpinned by different mechanisms: a temporal hysteresis-based perceptual mechanism for subitizing and a combination of perceptual and post-perceptual mechanisms for estimation. Critically, a novel type of SDE characterized by reduced processing precision is found in subitizing only, implying that the continuity and stability of numerical processing can be dissociable in dynamic situations where numerical information is integrated over time. Our findings reveal the multifaceted nature of SDE mechanisms and suggest their engagement with cognitive modules likely subserving different functionalities.
Evaluation of the behavioral, histopathological and immunohistochemical effects resulting from ventriculosubcutaneous shunt obstruction in kaolin-induced hydrocephalus in rats
Authors: Souza¹ Stephanie Naomi Funo , Machado¹ Helio Rubens , Lopes² Luisa Silva , Marques² Pamella Silva Beggiora , Silva² Stephanya Covas , Dutra² Maurício , Aragon³ Davi Casale , Santos¹ Marcelo Volpon 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose. Hydrocephalus is a brain disease prevalent in the pediatric population that presents complex pathophysiology and multiple etiologies. The best is still ventricular shunting. Mechanical obstruction is the most frequent complication, but the resulting pathological effects are still unknown.
Objective. Evaluation and comparison of clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects in the acute phase of experimental hydrocephalus induced by kaolin, after treatment with adapted shunt, and after shunt obstruction and posterior disobstruction.
Methods. Wistar rats aged 7 days were used and divided into 4 groups: control group without kaolin injection (n = 6), untreated hydrocephalic group (n = 5), hydrocephalic group treated with ventriculosubcutaneous shunt (DVSC) (n = 7), and hydrocephalic treated with shunt, posteriorly obstructed and disobstructed (n=5). The animals were submitted to memory and spatial learning evaluation through the Morris water maze test. The rats were sacrificed at 28 days of age and histological analysis of the brains were performed with luxol fast blue, in addition to immunohistochemical analysis in order to evaluate reactive astrocytosis, inflammation, neuronal labeling and apoptotic activity.
Results: The group with shunt obstruction had worse performance in memory tests. Reactive astrocytosis was more evident in this group, as was the inflammatory response.
Conclusions: Obstruction of the shunt results in impaired performance of behavioral tests and causes irreversible histopathological changes when compared to findings in the group with treated hydrocephalus, even after unblocking the system. The developed model is feasible and efficient in simulating the clinical context of shunt dysfunction.