bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modern methods of assessing the viability of the intestinal wall (review)
Authors: Valiev Amir A. , Hasanov R. Sh. , Galimova L. L. , Gataullin I. G. 
Published: August 2023

AIM: to highlight modern methods of assessing the viability of the intestinal wall.MATERIALS AND METHODS: the search was made using electronic databases. We explored multiple sources, including, but not limited to, monographs, journal articles, books and websites.RESULTS: despite recent advances in scientific methods and technologies, currently the visual method remains the most popular for assessing the viability of the intestinal wall, which includes parameters such as color of the intestinal wall, peristalsis, and arterial pulsation.CONCLUSION: it would be fair to conclude that such methods as hyperspectral imaging, multimodal coherent tomography provide greater flexibility and details on the intestinal viability. However, further research is needed to determine their value in clinical practice. To the date, the most studied and applied method is fluorescent angiography, which allows to assess the viability of the intestine for most of its length.
The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum: a retrospective propensity-score matched study
Authors: Gordeev S. S. , Belenkaya Ya. V. , Magarramova Z. N. , Komarov I. G. , Malikhov A. G. , Mamedli Z. Z. , Stilidi I. S. 
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: there is a lack of information chemoradiotherapy (CRT) efficacy in signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum (SRCCR). The aim of our research was to investigate the efficacy of preoperative CRT in patients with SRCCR.PATIENTS AND METHODS: we conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records from the archive of Research Institute FSBI “N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center” of the Ministry of Health of Russia and multicenter registry of the Russian Society of Specialists in Colorectal Cancer (RSSCC) from 2000 to 2020 and included in the study group patients with histologically confirmed primary SRCCR who received preoperative CRT. A control group with rectal adenocarcinoma was created using propensity-score matching from the institutional database 1:1 taking into account sex, age, tumor size, the cT and cN clinical stage. We estimated the rate of Dworak tumor regression grade 3-4, RECIST, 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates.RESULTS: the study and control group included 22 patients each. The study group included 11 patients (50%) with cT3 and cT4 clinical stage. 10 (45,5%) patients had cT3 clinical stage and 12 (54,5%) patients had cT4 clinical stage in the control group (p = 0,763). The number of patients with cN1-2 clinical stage was 17 (77,3%) and 16 (72,7%) in the study and control group, respectively (p = 0,728). The rate of Dworak tumor regression grade 3–4 was 40,9% in the group of patients with SRCCR and 45,5% in the group of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (p = 0,761).When assessed by RECIST scale, 9 (40,9%), 12 (54,5%) and 1 (4,5%) patients with SRCCR had partial tumor response, stabilization and progression, respectively. Partial response was observed in 18 (81,8%) patients and stabilization — in 4 (18,2%) patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (p = 0,018). Median followup was 58,8 months. The 5-year OS was 34% in the SRCCR group and 71,3% in the group with rectal adenocarcinoma (p = 0,024), and the 5-year PFS was 30,2% with SRCCR and 52,2% with adenocarcinoma (p = 0,115).CONCLUSIONS: CRT leads to comparable grade 3–4 tumor regression in SRCCR and rectal adenocarcinoma, but the objective response rate is lower. This histological subtype has significantly lower OS values.
Validation of the risk questionnaire for colorectal cancer detection
Authors: Kulovskaya D. P. , Shelygin Yu. A. , Frolov S. A. , Achkasov S. I. 
Published: August 2023

AIM: to develop and validate of the colorectal cancer screening questionnaire.PATIENTS AND METHODS: six hundred ninety seven patients without any significant complaints were prospectively included in study. All patients underwent colonoscopy and specific questionnaire. Regression model was performed to stratificate significance level of definite questions.RESULTS: colorectal cancer (CRC) was diagnosed in 39 (5.6%) patients, benign colon neoplasms — in 283 (40.6%) patients. In the ROC analysis, a cut-off of 23 points divides the group of patients into high and low risk of colorectal neoplasms with a sensitivity of 92.8% and a specificity of 39.2%. The area under the curve was 0.724, which corresponds to the good predictive value.CONCLUSION: the developed questionnaire show good predictive power for high CRC risk patients identification, and can be included in the screening program model.
Dual-functional cellulase-mediated gold nanoclusters for ascorbic acid detection and fluorescence bacterial imaging
Authors: Wang Baojuan , Fang Jinxin , Tang Huiliang , Lu Shan , Chen Yan , Yang Xiaoqi , He Yuezhen 
Published: August 2023

Protein-protected metal nanomaterials are becoming the most promising fluorescent nanomaterials for biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications due to their obvious fluorescent molecular properties, favorable biocompatibility and excellent physicochemical properties. Herein, we pioneeringly prepared a cellulase protected fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Cel-Au NCs) exhibiting red fluorescence under the excitation wavelength of 560 nm via a facile and green one-step method. Based on the fluorescence turn-off mechanism, the Cel-Au NCs were used as a biosensor for specificity determination of ascorbic acid (AA) at the emission of 680 nm, which exhibited satisfactory linearity over the range of 10–400 µM and the detection limit of 2.5 µM. Further, the actual sample application of the Au NCs was successfully established by evaluating AA in serum with good recoveries of 98.76%–104.83%. Additionally, the bacteria, including gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), were obviously stained by Cel-Au NCs with strong red emission. Thereby, as dual-functional nanoclusters, the prepared Cel-Au NCs have been proven to be an excellent fluorescent bioprobe for the detection of AA and bacterial labeling in medical diagnosis and human health maintenance.
Epidemiologic trends and survival of early-onset gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Yao Hailing , Hu Gengcheng , Jiang Chen , Fan Mengke , Yuan Lanlai , Shi Huiying , Lin Rong 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe epidemiologic trends and survival related to early-onset gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) have not been well explored.MethodsTrends in the incidence and incidence-based mortality of early-onset GEP-NENs between 1975 and 2018 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, and were stratified by age, sex, race, tumor site, stage, and grade. Associated population data were used to determine overall survival (OS) and independent prognostic factors for patients with early-onset GEP-NENs.ResultsA total of 17299 patients diagnosed with early-onset GEP-NENs were included in this study. Results revealed an increase in the incidence (5.95% per year, 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.75-6.14%) and incidence-based mortality (4.24% per year, 95% CI, 3.92-4.56%) for early-onset GEP-NENs from 1975 to 2018, with higher rates of increase than those of later-onset GEP-NENs (incidence: 4.45% per year, 95% CI, 4.38-4.53; incidence-based mortality: 4.13% per year, 95% CI, 3.89-4.37; respectively). Increases in incidence were observed across all age, races, tumor sites, grades, and stages, except for patients with unknown stage. Compared to those with later-onset GEP-NENs, a higher proportion of female gender (54.5% vs. 49.0%, p &lt;0.001), well-differentiated tumor (31.1% vs. 28.0%, p &lt;0.05), and localized disease (55.2% vs. 46.7%, p &lt;0.05) were observed in the cohort of patients with early-onset GEP-NENs. Moreover, early-onset GEP-NENs exhibited a superior overall survival in comparison to later-onset GEP-NENs, irrespective of tumor site, grade, or stage (p &lt;0.0001). Multivariable survival analysis identified that race, marital status, stage, grade, chemotherapy, and primary site were significantly correlated with OS in individuals with early-onset GEP-NENs.ConclusionsThe incidence and incidence-based mortality rates of early-onset GEP-NENs have steadily increased over time, with higher rates of increase than those of later-onset GEP-NENs. The clinical characteristics and survival were different between early-onset and later-onset GEP-NENs groups. Race, marital status, stage, grade, chemotherapy, and primary site were independent prognostic factors for early-onset GEP-NENs. Further investigations are warranted to better understand the characteristics of this disease subgroup.
Human immature testicular tissue organ culture: a step towards fertility preservation and restoration
Authors: Younis Nagham , Caldeira-Brant Andre L. , Chu Tianjiao , Abdalla Shtaywy , Orwig Kyle E. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundCryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is currently the only option to preserve fertility of prepubertal patients. Autologous transplantation of ITT may not be safe or appropriate for all patients. Therefore, methods to mature ITT ex vivo are needed.ObjectivesAim to investigate the feasibility of inducing in vitro spermatogenesis from ITT cryopreserved for pediatric patients prior to initiation of gonadotoxic therapy.Materials and methodsCryopreserved-thawed ITT from prepubertal and peripubertal patients were cultured for 7, 16, and 32 days in medium with no hormones or supplemented with 5 IU/L FSH, 1 IU/L hCG, or 5IU/L FSH+1 IU/L hCG. Samples were evaluated histologically to assess tissue integrity, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to identify VASA (DDX4)+ germ cells, UCHL1+ spermatogonia, SYCP3+ spermatocytes, CREM+ spermatids, SOX9+ Sertoli cells. Proliferation (KI67) and apoptosis (CASPASE3) of germ cells and Sertoli cells were also analyzed. Sertoli and Leydig cell maturation was evaluated by AR and INSL3 expression as well as expression of the blood testis barrier protein, CLAUDIN11, and testosterone secretion in the culture medium.ResultsIntegrity of seminiferous tubules, VASA+ germ cells and SOX9+ Sertoli cells were maintained up to 32 days. The number of VASA+ germ cells was consistently higher in the peripubertal groups. UCHL1+ undifferentiated spermatogonia and SOX9+ Sertoli cell proliferation was confirmed in most samples. SYCP3+ primary spermatocytes began to appear by day 16 in both age groups. Sertoli cell maturation was demonstrated by AR expression but the expression of CLAUDIN11 was disorganized. Presence of mature and functional Leydig cells was verified by INSL3 expression and secretion of testosterone. Gonadotropin treatments did not consistently impact the number or proliferation of germ cells or somatic cells, but FSH was necessary to increase testosterone secretion over time in prepubertal samples.ConclusionITT were maintained in organotypic culture for up to 32 days and spermatogonia differentiated to produce primary spermatocytes in both pre- and peripubertal age groups. However, complete spermatogenesis was not observed in either group.
Removal of incense smoke and corollary particulate matter using a portable bipolar air ionizer in an unventilated setup
Authors: Gupta Nishant , Agarwal Ashok Kumar , Singhal Rajeev Kumar , Jindal Sanjay Kumar , Ali Daoud , Wanale Shivraj Gangadhar , Kumar Goklesh , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Patel Ashish 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Indoor air pollution-associated health risk is substantially higher than outdoor. Incense smoke represents a group of multiple hazardous air pollutants including particulate matter. Bipolar air ionizers have been one of the most escalated indoor air cleaning options in recent years. Albeit, removal efficiency against incense smoke and potential byproduct ozone have been little understood due to limited studies.Method: The present study assessed a portable needlepoint technology-based bipolar air ionizer’s removal efficacy against incense smoke in unventilated glass boxes (size 0.16 m3). A series of experiments were performed in order to estimate the average efficiency. The total removal efficacy of bipolar air ionizer (BAI eff.) was estimated by using empirical equations of the particulate matter PM2.5 (BAI eff. pm2.5) and PM10 removal (BAI eff.pm10). Particulate matter was used as the marker of incense smoke in this study. The concentration of particulate matter, potential byproduct ozone, relative humidity, and the temperature was monitored by a customized sensor-based air quality monitor.Results: The tested bipolar air ionizer showed a significant decline in incense smoke. The average reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentration was observed by 74%–75%. The overall efficacy (BAI eff) against incense smoke particulate proportion was 90% ± 10% compared to the control. Byproduct ozone was not exceeded abnormally. However, the marginal elevation in temperature and humidity (up to 5°C or 21%) and humidity (1.8%) were observed when the bipolar air ionizer was conducted.Discussion: Incense smoke consists of multiple hazardous air pollutants including volatile organic compounds and carcinogens. Incense smoke may be the major source of household pollution. A portable bipolar air ionizer could be an auxiliary air cleaning option where incense burning practices are common.
The risk of COVID-19 in IBD patients is increased by urban living and is not influenced by disease activity or intravenous biologics
Authors: Lelong Margaux , Josien Régis , Coste-Burel Marianne , Rimbert Marie , Bressollette-Bodin Céline , Nancey Stéphane , Bouguen Guillaume , Allez Matthieu , Serrero Mélanie , Caillo Ludovic , Rouillon Cléa , Blanc Pierre , Laharie David , Olivier Raphaël , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Dib Nina , De Maissin Astrid , Montuclard Céline , Trang-Poisson Caroline , Vavasseur Fabienne , Gallot Géraldine , Berthome Mathilde , Braudeau Cécile , Chevreuil Justine , Bourreille Arnaud , Le Berre Catherine 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundPatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have a modified immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients treated with infliximab or vedolizumab, to analyze the factors associated with the infection, the impact of treatments and trough levels.MethodsPatients with IBD treated with intravenous biologics in 14 French centers were included between March and June 2020 and followed-up for 6 months. Blood samples were collected for serologies and trough levels. The analysis of factors associated with COVID-19 was conducted in a matched 1:1 case-control sub-study with positive patients.ResultsIn total, 1026 patients were included (74.9% infliximab). Over the follow-up period, 420 patients reported the occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms; 342 had been tested of whom 18 were positive. At the end of follow-up, 38 patients had a positive serology. Considering both nasal tests and serologies together, 46 patients (4.5%) had been infected. The risk of COVID-19 was related neither to the use of treatments (whatever the trough levels) nor to disease activity. Infections were more frequent when using public transport or living in flats in urban areas.ConclusionsThe prevalence rate of COVID-19 in this IBD population treated with intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab was the same as the one in the French population before the start of the vaccination campaign. The risk was increased by urban living and was not influenced by disease activity or biologics. Sanitary barrier measures remain the best way to protect against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with IBD in biological therapy.
Resistance to anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1: galectin-3 inhibition with GB1211 reverses galectin-3-induced blockade of pembrolizumab and atezolizumab binding to PD-1/PD-L1
Authors: Mabbitt Joseph , Holyer Ian D. , Roper James A. , Nilsson Ulf J. , Zetterberg Fredrik R. , Vuong Lynda , Mackinnon Alison C. , Pedersen Anders , Slack Robert J. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundGalectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that is highly expressed within the tumor microenvironment of aggressive cancers and has been suggested to predict a poor response to immune checkpoint therapy with the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab. We aimed to assess if the effect of Gal-3 was a result of direct interaction with the immune checkpoint receptor.MethodsThe ability of Gal-3 to interact with the PD-1/PD-L1 complex in the absence and presence of blocking antibodies was assessed in in vitro biochemical and cellular assays as well as in an in vivo syngeneic mouse cancer model.ResultsGal-3 reduced the binding of the checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) and atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1), by potentiating the interaction between the PD-1/PD-L1 complex. In the presence of a highly selective Gal-3 small molecule inhibitor (GB1211) the binding of the anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 therapeutics was restored to control levels. This was observed in both a surface plasmon resonance assay measuring protein-protein interactions and via flow cytometry. Combination therapy with GB1211 and an anti-PD-L1 blocking antibody reduced tumor growth in an in vivo syngeneic model and increased the percentage of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes.ConclusionOur study suggests that Gal-3 can potentiate the PD-1/PD-L1 immune axis and potentially contribute to the immunosuppressive signalling mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. In addition, Gal-3 prevents atezolizumab and pembrolizumab target engagement with their respective immune checkpoint receptors. Reversal of this effect with the clinical candidate GB1211 offers a potential enhancing combination therapeutic with anti-PD-1 and -PD-L1 blocking antibodies.
Beyond cyanotoxins: increased Legionella, antibiotic resistance genes in western Lake Erie water and disinfection-byproducts in their finished water
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Lee Seungjun , Hu Chenlin , Marion Jason W. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundWestern Lake Erie is suffering from harmful cyanobacterial blooms, primarily toxic Microcystis spp., affecting the ecosystem, water safety, and the regional economy. Continued bloom occurrence has raised concerns about public health implications. However, there has been no investigation regarding the potential increase of Legionella and antibiotic resistance genes in source water, and disinfection byproducts in municipal treated drinking water caused by these bloom events.MethodsOver 2 years, source water (total n = 118) and finished water (total n = 118) samples were collected from drinking water plants situated in western Lake Erie (bloom site) and central Lake Erie (control site). Bloom-related parameters were determined, such as microcystin (MC), toxic Microcystis, total organic carbon, N, and P. Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) [total trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)] were assessed in finished water. Genetic markers for Legionella, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements were quantified in source and finished waters.ResultsSignificantly higher levels of MC-producing Microcystis were observed in the western Lake Erie site compared to the control site. Analysis of DBPs revealed significantly elevated THMs concentrations at the bloom site, while HAAs concentrations remained similar between the two sites. Legionella spp. levels were significantly higher in the bloom site, showing a significant relationship with total cyanobacteria. Abundance of ARGs (tetQ and sul1) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were also significantly higher at the bloom site.DiscussionAlthough overall abundance decreased in finished water, relative abundance of ARGs and MGE among total bacteria increased after treatment, particularly at the bloom site. The findings underscore the need for ongoing efforts to mitigate bloom frequency and intensity in the lake. Moreover, optimizing water treatment processes during bloom episodes is crucial to maintain water quality. The associations observed between bloom conditions, ARGs, and Legionella, necessitate future investigations into the potential enhancement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Legionella spp. due to blooms, both in lake environments and drinking water distribution systems.
Long-term environmental enrichment is associated with better fornix microstructure in older adults
Authors: Klimecki Olga M. , Liebscher Maxie , Gaubert Malo , Hayek Dayana , Zarucha Alexis , Dyrba Martin , Bartels Claudia , Buerger Katharina , Butryn Michaela , Dechent Peter , Dobisch Laura , Ewers Michael , Fliessbach Klaus , Freiesleben Silka Dawn , Glanz Wenzel , Hetzer Stefan , Janowitz Daniel , Kilimann Ingo , Kleineidam Luca , Laske Christoph , Maier Franziska , Munk Matthias H. , Perneczky Robert , Peters Oliver , Priller Josef , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Roy Nina , Scheffler Klaus , Schneider Anja , Spruth Eike Jakob , Spottke Annika , Teipel Stefan J. , Wiltfang Jens , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Yakupov Renat , Düzel Emrah , Jessen Frank , Wagner Michael , Roeske Sandra , Wirth Miranka ,   the DELCODE study group
Published: August 2023

BackgroundSustained environmental enrichment (EE) through a variety of leisure activities may decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This cross-sectional cohort study investigated the association between long-term EE in young adulthood through middle life and microstructure of fiber tracts associated with the memory system in older adults.MethodsN = 201 cognitively unimpaired participants (≥ 60 years of age) from the DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE) baseline cohort were included. Two groups of participants with higher (n = 104) or lower (n = 97) long-term EE were identified, using the self-reported frequency of diverse physical, intellectual, and social leisure activities between the ages 13 to 65. White matter (WM) microstructure was measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the fornix, uncinate fasciculus, and parahippocampal cingulum using diffusion tensor imaging. Long-term EE groups (lower/higher) were compared with adjustment for potential confounders, such as education, crystallized intelligence, and socio-economic status.ResultsReported participation in higher long-term EE was associated with greater fornix microstructure, as indicated by higher FA (standardized β = 0.117, p = 0.033) and lower MD (β = −0.147, p = 0.015). Greater fornix microstructure was indirectly associated (FA: unstandardized B = 0.619, p = 0.038; MD: B = −0.035, p = 0.026) with better memory function through higher long-term EE. No significant effects were found for the other WM tracts.ConclusionOur findings suggest that sustained participation in a greater variety of leisure activities relates to preserved WM microstructure in the memory system in older adults. This could be facilitated by the multimodal stimulation associated with the engagement in a physically, intellectually, and socially enriched lifestyle. Longitudinal studies will be needed to support this assumption.