Significant Increase Research Articles

Abstract 3979: PD-1 signals regulate NKG7 that is required for CD8+ T cells to sustain cytotoxicity and durable antitumor memory responses

Abstract Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells play a key role in response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy. However, the exact effector molecules that are regulated by PD-1 signals in cytotoxic CD8+ T cells have not been completely defined. Lack of this knowledge is a crucial problem in addressing how to overcome the low clinical response rate to ICI therapy. When exploring why certain patients not responding to ICI therapy, we found non-responders did not have an elevated NKG7 expression in CD8+ T cells as responders to ICI therapy. The difference in NKG7 expression in CD8+ T cells between non-responders and responders to anti-PD-1 therapy prompted us to investigate the potential role of PD-1 signaling in regulating NKG7 expression. To that end, we generated a CD8+ T cell-specific Pdcd1 conditional knockout mice (CD8 E8ICre-Pdcd1fl/fl, also known as CD8-PD-1 cKO) where Pdcd1 is deleted after thymic selection of single positive CD8+ T cells. We observed a delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival in CD8-PD-1 cKO mice compared to control mice after B16-OVA melanoma tumor challenge. On Day 12, when the CD8-PD-1 cKO mice demonstrated their ability to control tumor growth, we conducted single cell RNA sequencing on isolated tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells, revealing a significant increase of Nkg7 expression in effector CD8+ T cells in the Pdcd1 deficient CD8+ T cells compared to the control wild type T cells. Pdcd1-deficient effector CD8+ T cells also had increased expression of genes linked to NFAT/Calcineurin signaling pathway including Nfatc1, S100a4, Tbet and Tox, suggesting Nkg7 could be regulated by Pdcd1 via the NFAT pathway. To determine the impact of increased NKG7 expression in CD8+ T cells, we used OVA protein as a surrogate tumor antigen in vaccination. We found a complete B16-OVA tumor rejection in CD8-PD-1 cKO mice compared to control mice when tumor cells were injected on day 7 after vaccination with OVA protein and poly (I:C) (as an adjuvant), but only a partial rejection on day 21. The CD8-PD-1 cKO mice that were tumor-free for 30-40 days rejected 2nd tumor challenge with B16-OVA tumors. This long-term protection is tumor antigen (OVA) specific because these mice did not reject B16F10 tumor cells that do not express OVA antigen. We also found effector memory CD8+ T cells with high cytotoxicity increased in the spleen of CD8-PD-1 cKO mice after OVA antigen immunization compared to control. In conclusion, we found NKG7 is one of the effector molecules in cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, which can be regulated by PD-1 signals through NFAT signaling. Targeting the PD-1-NFAT pathway may be a new option to overcome low responses of T cells to ICI therapy in treatment of refractory cancer. Citation Format: Zhiming Mao, Joanina Gicobi, Jacob Hirdler, Xin Liu, Michelle Hsu, Emilia Dellacecca, Wenjing Zhang, Fabrice Lucien-Matteoni, Hai dong. PD-1 signals regulate NKG7 that is required for CD8+ T cells to sustain cytotoxicity and durable antitumor memory responses [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3979.

Abstract 551: Investigation of the antipoliferative effect of the Xylopia Aethiopicaextract in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer and has very limited treatment options. Xylopia Aethiopica (XA) is a common spice that is widely used in the regions of central and western Africa. It is known to have various pharmacological properties, one of which is anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory effect may portend antiproliferative activity. We hypothesized that the extract of XA will exert antiproliferative activity against TNBC cells. The study aimed to establish the molecular mechanism underlying the antiproliferative activity of XA extract (XAE) against TNBC. The dried fruits of XA were crushed in a mixer and macerated using diethyl ether for 72 h. The macerate was subjected to vacuum and rotary evaporation to remove the organic solvent, and a stock solution was prepared in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Assessment of the efficacy of XAE was performed using serial dilutions (100 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml, 5 µg/ml, and 1µg/ml) of the XAE stock solution, followed by in vitro testing against two TNBC cell lines (MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468 cells). The cytotoxic effect of the XAE was then measured using the resazurin dye assay. XAE resulted in a concentration-dependent cell death in both cell lines. At the highest concentration (100 µg/ml), XAE induced cytotoxic cell death of 89% and 91% in MDAMB231 and MDAMB468 cells, respectively. This was consistent with IC50 values of 32.95 ± 1.32 µg/ml (MDAMB231) and 20.83 ± 1.05 µg/ml (MDAMB468). At the molecular level, western blot analysis of mitogenic markers associated with MAPK oncogenic signaling pathway demonstrated the inhibition of EGFR and AKT protein levels after a 48-h treatment. Acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining showed a concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis in both cell lines. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to quantify the apoptotic cells. A significant increase of apoptotic cells was observed in treatment groups as compared to control after 72 h. Apoptotic induction was associated with increased p53 protein levels after 48 h treatment compared to control. The study results underscore the anticancer effects of XAE in TNBC cells mediated through induction of apoptosis. Citation Format: Shailvi Soni, Shail Rakesh Modi, Terrick Andey. Investigation of the antipoliferative effect of the Xylopia Aethiopicaextract in triple-negative breast cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 551.

Fetal anemia causes placental and maternal cellular damage: a lesson from fetal hemoglobin Bart's disease

IntroductionThe studies about effect of fetal anemia on placental and maternal molecular changes have rarely been published. This study aimed to compare oxidative stress levels and mitochondrial function in the placenta and maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PMBCs) between anemic fetuses (using fetal Hb Bart's disease as a study model) and non-anemic fetuses. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnancies affected by Hb Bart's disease and non-anemic fetuses between 16 and 22 weeks of gestation. Placental tissue and maternal blood for PBMCs were collected after pregnancy termination for determination of oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. ResultsA total of 18 pregnancies affected by Hb Bart's disease and 12 non-anemic fetuses were enrolled. Placental thickness was significantly greater (p-value <0.001) in the affected pregnancies, whereas all Doppler indices of uteroplacental blood flow were comparable. Mitochondrial dysfunction was significantly increased (p-value <0.001) in the placenta of the affected fetuses. In the mothers of affected fetuses, there was an increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress levels with a significant increase in mitochondrial dysfunction in isolated PBMCs (p-value <0.001). DiscussionIn the presence of normal uteroplacental Doppler studies, fetal anemia can induce a significant increase in oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the placentas and mothers. The findings support that the placenta can be a source of oxidative stress agents which are released into systemic circulation prior to development of maternal adverse outcomes, and may explain pathophysiology of subsequent preeclampsia in late gestation, as commonly seen in pregnancies affected by fetal Hb Bart's disease, if pregnancy is not terminated.

Facilitating Effects of Reductive Soil Disinfestation on Soil Health and Physiological Properties of Panax ginseng

Chemical soil fumigation (CSF) and reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) have been proven to be effective agricultural strategies to improve soil quality, restructure microbial communities, and promote plant growth in soil degradation remediation. However, it is still unclear how RSD and CSF ensure soil and plant health by altering fungal communities. Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of CSF with chloropicrin, and RSD with animal feces on soil properties, fungal communities and functional composition, and plant physiological characteristics were evaluated. Results showed that RSD and CSF treatment improved soil properties, restructured fungal community composition and structure, enhanced fungal interactions and functions, and facilitated plant growth. There was a significant increase in OM, AN, and AP contents in the soil with both CSF and RSD treatments compared to CK. Meanwhile, compared with CK and CSF, RSD treatment significantly increased biocontrol Chaetomium relative abundance while reducing pathogenic Neonectria relative abundance, indicating that RSD has strong inhibition potential. Furthermore, the microbial network of RSD treatment was more complex and interconnected, and the functions of plant pathogens, and animal pathogen were decreased. Importantly, RSD treatment significantly increased plant SOD, CAT, POD activity, SP, Ca, Zn content, and decreased MDA, ABA, Mg, K, and Fe content. In summary, RSD treatment is more effective than CSF treatment, by stimulating the proliferation of probiotic communities to further enhance soil health and plant disease resistance.

Effects of non-invasive cervical spinal cord neuromodulation by trans-spinal electrical stimulation on cortico-muscular descending patterns in upper extremity of chronic stroke.

Background: Trans-spinal electrical stimulation (tsES) to the intact spinal cord poststroke may modulate the cortico-muscular control in stroke survivors with diverse lesions in the brain. This work aimed to investigate the immediate effects of tsES on the cortico-muscular descending patterns during voluntary upper extremity (UE) muscle contractions by analyzing cortico-muscular coherence (CMCoh) and electromyography (EMG) in people with chronic stroke. Methods: Twelve chronic stroke participants were recruited to perform wrist-hand extension and flexion tasks at submaximal levels of voluntary contraction for the corresponding agonist flexors and extensors. During the tasks, the tsES was delivered to the cervical spinal cord with rectangular biphasic pulses. Electroencephalography (EEG) data were collected from the sensorimotor cortex, and the EMG data were recorded from both distal and proximal UE muscles. The CMCoh, laterality index (LI) of the peak CMCoh, and EMG activation level parameters under both non-tsES and tsES conditions were compared to evaluate the immediate effects of tsES on the cortico-muscular descending pathway. Results: The CMCoh and LI of peak CMCoh in the agonist distal muscles showed significant increases (p < 0.05) during the wrist-hand extension and flexion tasks with the application of tsES. The EMG activation levels of the antagonist distal muscle during wrist-hand extension were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with tsES. Additionally, the proximal UE muscles exhibited significant decreases (p < 0.05) in peak CMCoh and EMG activation levels by applying tsES. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in LI of peak CMCoh of proximal UE muscles during tsES. Conclusion: The cervical spinal cord neuromodulation via tsES enhanced the residual descending excitatory control, activated the local inhibitory circuits within the spinal cord, and reduced the cortical and proximal muscular compensatory effects. These results suggested the potential of tsES as a supplementary input for improving UE motor functions in stroke rehabilitation.

Effect of radiofrequency on postmenopausal adipose tissue: A randomized control trial

Aim. To determine the effect of radiofrequency on anthropometric measurements and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. Material and methods. Sixty postmenopausal women diagnosed as having abdominal adiposity and abnormal lipid profiles were incorporated into this study. Participants were assigned at random into two equal groups. Group A adhered to a Mediterranean diet and engaged in aerobic exercise for 12 weeks (n = 30), whereas group B followed a Mediterranean diet and participated in both aerobic exercise and radiofrequency treatments for the same 12-week period (n = 30). Both groups had their anthropometric measurements, encompassing weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference, along with lipid profile components involving total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides (TG), assessed before and after the 12-week program duration. Results. Significant improvements (p &lt; 0.05) were noted in all outcome measures within both groups. Upon post-treatment comparison, both groups exhibited statistically significant reductions in all anthropometric measurements, LDL and TG (p &lt; 0.05), while there was a statistically significant increase in HDL (p &lt; 0.05) favoring group B. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between groups for TC and VLDL (p &gt; 0.05) after treatment. Conclusion. Radiofrequency has positive effect on anthropometric measurements and lipid profile in postmenopausal women.

Comparative Efficacy of different Funnel Diameters in Light Traps against Major Phototactic Insect Pests of rabi Season

Light traps have been long used to reduce and manage insect populations. Although there are numerous types and designs of insect light traps. Four distinct light traps were employed for the study and positioned within the BSP Unit Adhartal, JNKVV Jabalpur from mid-November 2022 to mid-April 2023 for the study of the efficiency test of different funnel diameters of light traps based on performance. Comparative studies of light trap catches revealed that 50 cm funnel diameter light traps have given higher response in following species for Helicoverpa armigera (13.91%), Agrotis ipsilon (14.36%), Creatonotus gengis (13.97%), Gryllus bamaculatus (22.26%), Gryllotalpa orientalis (45.30%), Nezara viridula (9.82%), Amata cyssea (13.35%), Asota ficus (7.01%), Perina nuda (21.78%), and Thysanoplusia orichalcea (22.75%). There was a statistically significant increase in trap catches in the 50 cm funnel diameter light traps compared to the 40 cm funnel diameter traps. However, there was a statistically non-significant difference between the 40 cm and 50 cm funnel diameter traps for Spodoptera litura and Theretra oldenlandiae species, although the trap catches were numerically higher in the 50 cm funnel diameter traps because 50 cm funnel diameter provide large catchment area for insects.

Ghrelin ameliorates neuronal damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, and GFAP expression in traumatic brain injury

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the effects of ghrelin on oxidative stress, working memory, inflammatory parameters, and neuron degeneration. Methods TBI was produced with the weight-drop technique. Rats in the G+TBI and TBI+G groups received ghrelin for 7 or 2 days, respectively. The control group received saline. On the 8th day of the study, the brain and blood tissue were taken under anesthesia. Results A significant increase in brain GSH-PX, MDA, IL-1β, TGF-β1, and IL-8 levels and a significant decrease in CAT levels were found in the TBI group compared to the control. Serum MDA, GSH, IL-1β, and IL-8 levels were increased with TBI. Ghrelin treatment after TBI significantly increased the serum GSH, CAT, GSH-PX, and brain GSH and CAT levels, while it significantly decreased the serum MDA, IL-1β, and brain MDA, TGF-β1, and IL-8 levels. Histological evaluations revealed that ghrelin treatment led to a reduction in inflammation, while also significantly ameliorating TBI-induced neuron damage and vascular injuries. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that GFAP staining intensity was significantly increased in the cortex and hippocampus in TBI, and GFAP immunoreactivity was decreased with ghrelin treatment. Conclusion The results from this study suggested that ghrelin may have curative effects on TBI.

Application and Effects of Different Herbicides against Weed Flora in Wheat Crop for Sustainable Agriculture

Weed management is a sustainable approach which promotes the majority of crop production. To control weeds in various cropping systems, farmers employ a variety of techniques, although nowadays, the most popular method is the application of herbicides, which can be attributed to labour shortage. Application and effects of different herbicides against weed flora in wheat crop for sustainable agriculture," was conducted in 2020 and 2021. The experiment's goal was to assess how many herbicides performed against complex weed flora in wheat crop. The experiment was planned and laid out with nine treatments which are pre-emergance application of pendinethalin 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at (3 DAS) (T2) and post emergence application of metribuzin 0.3 kg a.i. ha-1 (T1), sulfosulfuron 0.03 kg a.i. ha-1 (T3), metsulfuron-methyl 0.005 kg a.i. ha-1 (T4), clodinafop-propargyl 0.04 kg a.i. ha-1 kg (T5), 2,4-D 0.6 kg a.i. ha-1 (T6), carfentrazone-ethyl 0.025 kg a.i. ha-1 (T7), weed free (T8) and weedy check (T9) and four replications under randomized block design. The major weeds infesting the wheat crop field were Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Phalaris minor, Parthenium hysterophorus and Cyperus rotundus. The post-emergence application of carfentrazone-ethyl 0.025 kg a i/ha at 33 days after sowing was most efficient in controlling the weeds (both grassy and non-grassy) among the various applied herbicides. Weed growth suppression effect of carfentrazone-ethyl 0.025 resulted significant increase the growth parameters, yield attributes and higher economic yield of wheat over check control in order to promote the sustainability.

The Implementation of Digital Entrepreneurship Learning in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review

The phenomenon and topic of digital entrepreneurship learning remain popular for analysis in the era of digitization. Previous literature reviews discussed the context and concept of digital entrepreneurship only. This article presents a literature review aimed at facilitating the search for research publications on digital entrepreneurship, in order to understand the track record, learning models, the impact of implementing digital entrepreneurship learning, and future research opportunities. The article has used the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method using the Scopus database. This article has used "digital entrepreneurship" keyword for search the resources in January 2014 to May 2023 period. The result of the literature screening process yielded 19 relevant journals. The results of the literature review indicate that research on this topic has shown a significant increase and has the potential to continue to grow. Digital entrepreneurship learning can be designed using experiential learning approaches or the Internet of Things (IoT) and technology approaches. The implementation gives an impact on business opportunities, entrepreneurial intention, innovation, entrepreneurial attitude, and student problem-solving. This study contributes to providing an overview of learning models that can be replicated or modified in future research.&#x0D; Highlights:&#x0D; &#x0D; Growing research on digital entrepreneurship education; impactful learning approaches identified.&#x0D; Experiential and IoT-based methods enhance digital entrepreneurship learning outcomes.&#x0D; Positive impact on business opportunities, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills observed.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Digital Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Learning, Learning Model

Non-targeted metabolomic analysis reveals the mechanism of quality formation of citrus flower-green tea.

Citrus flower-green tea (CT) is a scented tea processed from green tea (GT) and fresh citrus flower, which is favored by consumers due to its potential health benefits and unique citrus flavor. This study evaluated the quality of CT and revealed the mechanism of its quality formation. The CT had a significant citrus flavor and a good antioxidant activity, and its sensory quality was superior to that of GT. Headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) analysis revealed that the scenting process resulted in a significant increase of alkenes such as β-pinene, trans-β-ocimene, α-farnesene, isoterpinolene, and γ-terpinene, as well as a significant decrease of alcohols such as α-terpineol, l-menthol, and linalool in CT in comparison with GT. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis revealed that the levels of flavonoids (such as neohesperidin, hesperidin, tangeritin, hesperetin 5-O-glucoside, and nobiletin) and alkaloids (such as trigonelline and theobromine) in CT increased significantly after scenting process, while the levels of amino acids (such as valine and l-phenylalanine) and organic acids (such as ascorbic acid) decreased significantly. These observations showed that the scenting process promoted the absorption of aroma from citrus flowers by GT and the changes in its non-volatile metabolites, leading to the formation of citrus flavor quality in CT. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Professional competence of primary education teachers to educate pupils with disabilities

Developments in the practice of inclusive education have led to significant increase of the expectations of a teacher having professional competence. The hitherto ‘two-track’ professional preparation of teachers for their professional role in mainstream and special schools should be replaced by the preparation that enables each teacher to achieve high educational outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. The aim of the study was to analyze early education teachers’ assessment of their own professional competence to educate students with and without disabilities. A total of 130 teachers participated in the study, in which a diagnostic survey method (Perceived Teacher Professional Competence Questionnaire and Sociodemographic Questionnaire) was applied. The results indicate that both having a background in special education and having experience working with students with disabilities were associated with higher levels of evaluation of a teachers’ perceived competence to work with students with disabilities.

Interstitial needles versus intracavitary applicators only for locally advanced cervical cancer: results from real-life dosimetric comparisons.

Image-guided adapted brachytherapy (IGABT) is superior to other radiotherapy techniques in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). We aimed to investigate the benefit of interstitial needles (IN) for a combined intracavitary/interstitial (IC/IS) approach using IGABT over the intracavitary approach (IC) alone in patients with LACC after concomitant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and chemotherapy. We included consecutive patients with LACC who were treated with IC/IS IGABT after radiochemotherapy (RCT) in our retrospective, observational study. Dosimetric gain and sparing of organs at risk (OAR) were investigated by comparing the IC/IS IGABT plan with a simulated plan without needle use (IC IGABT plan) and the impact of other clinical factors on the benefit of IC/IS IGABT. Ninety-nine patients were analyzed, with a mean EBRT dose of 45.5 ± 1.7 Gy; 97 patients received concurrent chemotherapy. A significant increase in median D90% High Risk Clinical target volume (HR-CTV) was found for IC/IS (82.8 Gy) vs IC (76.2 Gy) (p < 10-4). A significant decrease of the delivered dose for all OAR was found for IC/IS vs IC for median D2cc to the bladder (77.2 Gy), rectum (68 Gy), sigmoid (53.2 Gy), and small bowel (47 Gy) (all p < 10-4). HR-CTV coverage was higher with IC/IS IGABT than with IC IGABT, with lower doses to the OAR in patients managed for LACC after RCT. Interstitial brachytherapy in the management of LACC after radiotherapy provides better coverage of the target volumes, this could contribute to better local control and improved survival of patients.

Spraying with nano-moringa leaf extract affects growth and yields four maize varieties

A field experiment was carried out in the spring agricultural season of 2023 at Ibn Al-Bitar Vocational Preparatory School in the Al-Husseiniyah area in the Holy Karbala Governorate, to study the effect of spraying nano-moringa leaf extract on the growth characteristics and yield of four maize varieties. The split-block experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots included of four concentrations of nano-moringa leaf extract (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg L-1) sprayed every two weeks until physiological maturity. The subplots included four varieties of maize (NadH9055, NadH362, NadH386, and NadH315). The results showed that spraying with nano Moringa leaf extract at a concentration of 400 and 600 mg L-1 caused a significant increase in the number of days up to 50% tasseling, number of days up to 50% silking, leaf area, leaf area index, number of grains per row, weight of 500 grains, and grain yield, which gave averages of (74.08 and 74.08 day), (80.42 and 80.75 day), (4643.42 and 4662.81 cm2), (2.48 and 2.49), (28.02 and 30.15 grains row-1), (117.17 and 117.58 g), (5.06 and 5.41 Mg ha-1). The results also showed the superiority of the NadH9055and NadH362 varieties in the number of days up to 50% tasseling, number of days until 50% silking, and number of grains per row gave averages of (66.33 and 67.00 days), (68.75 and 70.50 days), and (31.02 and 32.31 grains per row-1) compared to the rest of the varieties. As for grain yield, the NadH362 variety excelled with an average of (6.39 Mg ha-1) for the rest of the varieties. While the NadH315 variety outperformed in leaf area, leaf area index, and weight of 500 grains, , it gave averages of (5409.08 cm2), (2.88), and (136.42 g) In light of the results presented, it is clear the importance of spraying nano-moringa leaf extract in improving the growth characteristics of maize, which was reflected positively in increasing the yield of four varieties of maize.&#x0D;

Genetic gains underpinning a little-known strawberry Green Revolution

The annual production of strawberry has increased by one million tonnes in the US and 8.4 million tonnes worldwide since 1960. Here we show that the US expansion was driven by genetic gains from Green Revolution breeding and production advances that increased yields by 2,755%. Using a California population with a century-long breeding history and phenotypes of hybrids observed in coastal California environments, we estimate that breeding has increased fruit yields by 2,974-6,636%, counts by 1,454-3,940%, weights by 228-504%, and firmness by 239-769%. Using genomic prediction approaches, we pinpoint the origin of the Green Revolution to the early 1950s and uncover significant increases in additive genetic variation caused by transgressive segregation and phenotypic diversification. Lastly, we show that the most consequential Green Revolution breeding breakthrough was the introduction of photoperiod-insensitive, PERPETUAL FLOWERING hybrids in the 1970s that doubled yields and drove the dramatic expansion of strawberry production in California.

Surgical and medical outcomes in robotic compared to laparoscopic colectomy global prospective cohort from the American college of surgeons national surgical quality improvement program.

Evidence regarding the outcomes benefits of robotic approach, when compared to a laparoscopic approach, in colectomy remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the value of robotic approach compared to laparoscopic approach in minimally invasive colectomy. Cohort study of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). This study included data from the NSQIP from 1/2016 to 12/2021. Adult patients undergoing minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic) colorectal surgery. Robotic versus laparoscopic colectomy. Risk ratios for the incidence of medical and surgical morbidity and overall mortality. Compared to laparoscopic, robotic colectomy was associated with a significant decrease in postoperative morbidity [RR 0.84 (95%CI 0.72-0.96), P < 0.001], a significant reduction in postoperative mortality [RR 0.83 (95%CI 0.79-0.90), P 0.010)], and in post operative ileus [RR: 0.80 (95%CI 0.75-0.84), P < 0.001]. Yet, robotic approach was associated with a significant increase in total operative time despite a significant decrease in total length of stay. No benefit was observed regarding anastomotic leak. Observational nature of the study cannot exclude residual bias. In this prospective cohort from the NSQIP, robotic colectomy was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative ileus, unplanned conversion to open surgery, morbidity, and overall mortality when compared to laparoscopic colectomy.

Effects of various parameters on the mechanical properties of composite lozenge‐shaped core sandwich panels subjected to flat‐wise compression test

AbstractThis paper studied the compressive behavior of a composite sandwich panel with a lozenge‐shaped core reinforced with graphene nanoparticles (GNPs) under different conditions. The fabrication process involves the utilization of Kevlar fibers and epoxy resin to construct the sandwich panels, followed by introducing polyurethane (PU) foam through vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). Flat‐wise compression testing is conducted to assess the mechanical properties and behavior of the sandwich panels. The study investigates the effect of various parameters, including core angle, core height, weight percentage (wt%) of GNPs, and PU foam, on the compressive strength of the structure. The experimental results are validated through finite element simulation using ABAQUS software, and a satisfactory agreement is observed between the simulated and experimental data. The research findings indicate that the inclusion of 3 wt% of GNPs in the structure leads to a notable 25% enhancement in the compressive strength of the sandwich panel. However, when the GNP content was further increased to 0.4 wt%, a contrasting trend was observed and the strength of the structure decreased by about 12%. Furthermore, an increase in the core angle is associated with a substantial 46% improvement in the sandwich panel's strength. Conversely, an increase in the core height is found to cause an 18% reduction in the sandwich panel's strength. Also, the addition of PU foam results in a significant increase of approximately 42% and 58% in the strength and energy absorption of the sandwich panel, respectively. This comprehensive parametric study offers valuable insights to engineers and designers seeking to construct sandwich panels with optimal strength against compressive loads.Highlights Adding GNPs modifies the mechanical properties of the sandwich panel. Adding 0.4% of GNPs leads to the reduction of the structure's strength. Increasing the core angle increases the sandwich panel's strength. Increasing the core height decreases the sandwich panel's strength. PU foam significantly increases the sandwich panel's strength.

Novel triterpenoid pyrones, phthalimides and phthalates are selectively cytotoxic in CCRF-CEM cancer cells – Synthesis, potency, and mitochondrial mechanism of action

A series of triterpenoid pyrones was synthesized and subsequently modified to introduce phthalimide or phthalate moieties into the triterpenoid skeleton. These compounds underwent in vitro cytotoxicity screening, revealing that a subset of six compounds exhibited potent activity, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Further biological evaluations, including Annexin V and propidium iodide staining experiment revealed, that all compounds induce selective apoptosis in cancer cells. Measurements of mitochondrial potential, cell cycle analysis, and the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins confirmed, that apoptosis was mediated via the mitochondrial pathway. These findings were further supported by cell cycle modulation and DNA/RNA synthesis studies, which indicated a significant increase in cell accumulation in the G0/G1 phase and a marked reduction in S-phase cells, alongside a substantial inhibition of DNA synthesis. The activation of caspase-3 and the cleavage of PARP, coupled with a decrease in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL proteins, underscored the induction of apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Given their high activity and pronounced effect on mitochondria function, trifluoromethyl pyrones 1f and 2f, and dihydrophthalimide 2h have been selected for further development.

Surgical outcomes of total duct excision in the diagnosis and management of nipple discharge.

Total duct excision (TDE) is performed for the diagnosis and management of nipple discharge. The Association of Breast Surgery's recent guidelines recommend considering diagnostic surgery for single-duct, blood-stained or clear nipple discharge, and for symptomatic management. We retrospectively reviewed the diagnostic and surgical outcomes of all cases of TDE between January 2013 and November 2019. In total, 259 TDEs were carried out: 219 for nipple discharge, 29 for recurrent mastitis, 3 for screening abnormalities and 8 for breast lumps. Of the nipple discharge group, 121 had blood-stained discharge. Mean patient age was 52 years (range 19-81). Median follow-up time was 45 months (interquartile range 24-63). The following cases were identified on histopathology: 236 benign breast changes, 10 atypical ductal hyperplasia, 4 lobular carcinoma in situ, 2 low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), 3 intermediate-grade DCIS, 2 high-grade DCIS and 2 invasive ductal carcinomas. In total, 3.5% of patients who underwent TDE had a diagnosis of DCIS or invasive carcinoma. Blood-stained discharge was associated with a significant increase in risk of DCIS or carcinoma compared with other nipple discharge colours (p = 0.043). The most common complications of TDE were infection, poor wound healing and haematoma. Nipple discharge recurred in 14.2% of cases. TDE can be considered for the diagnostics and management of nipple discharge. Blood-stained nipple discharge increases the risk of DCIS or malignancy, but the majority of the time TDE reveals benign breast pathology.

Load-Bearing Capacity of Bended FRP Reinforcement with Various Anchorage Lengths

The research builds upon the analysis of bent glass-fibre-reinforced-polymer reinforcement. The presented work focuses on examining the influence of anchor length on the overall tensile strength of bent FRP rebar. In general, to ensure secure anchoring of the reinforcement in concrete, it is necessary to determine a specific length of the straight section of the rebar beyond the bend, which prevents the reinforcement from being pulled out of the concrete. A total of 27 pieces of bent rebar were tested in the research and divided into four subgroups based on the anchor length beyond the bend. The reference value of the load-carrying capacity of the straight reinforcement was tested on four experimental samples. The research results confirmed that the reduction in tensile strength depends on the anchor length and suggest that the minimum anchorage length stated in the literature should be sufficient; exceeding it does not lead to a significant increase in the load-carrying capacity of the rebar. The research findings expand the Czech Republic’s design knowledge of FRP reinforcement and facilitate the resolution of subsequent phases of the project.