Cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy for people with peritoneal metastases from colorectal, ovarian or gastric origin: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: There is uncertainty in the relative benefits and harms of hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) when added to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) +/- systemic chemotherapy or systemic chemotherapy alone in people with peritoneal metastases from colorectal, gastric, or ovarian cancers. METHODS: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the medical literature until April 14, 2022 and applied methods used for high-quality systematic reviews. FINDINGS: We included a total of eight RCTs (seven RCTs included in quantitative analysis as one RCT did not provide data in an analyzable format). All comparisons other than ovarian cancer contained only one trial. For gastric cancer, there is high uncertainty about the effect of CRS + HIPEC + systemic chemotherapy. For stage III or greater epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing interval cytoreductive surgery, CRS + HIPEC + systemic chemotherapy probably decreases all-cause mortality compared to CRS + systemic chemotherapy. For colorectal cancer, CRS + HIPEC + systemic chemotherapy probably results in little to no difference in all-cause mortality and may increase the serious adverse events proportions compared to CRS +/- systemic chemotherapy, but probably decreases all-cause mortality compared to fluorouracil-based systemic chemotherapy alone. INTERPRETATION: The role of CRS + HIPEC in gastric peritoneal metastases is uncertain. CRS + HIPEC should be standard of care in women with stage III or greater epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing interval CRS. CRS + systemic chemotherapy should be standard of care for people with colorectal peritoneal metastases, with HIPEC given only as part of a RCT focusing on subgroups and regimes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42019130504.

Potential Cost-Effectiveness of Maternal Influenza Immunisation in Low-Income Countries: An Explorative Modelling Study and Value of Information Analysis to Guide Future Clinical Research.

Maternal influenza immunisation (MII) is recommended for protecting pregnant women and infants under six months of age from severe disease related to influenza. However, few low-income countries have introduced this vaccine. Existing cost-effectiveness studies do not consider potential vaccine non-specific effects (NSE) observed in some settings, such as reductions in preterm birth. A decision tree model was built to examine the potential cost-effectiveness of MII in a hypothetical low-income country compared to no vaccination, considering possible values for NSE on preterm birth in addition to vaccine-specific effects on influenza. We synthesized epidemiological and cost data from low-income countries. All costs were adjusted to 2021 United States dollars (USD). We considered cost-effectiveness thresholds that reflect opportunity costs (USD 188 per disability-adjusted life year averted; range: USD 28-538). Results suggest that even a small (5%) NSE on preterm birth may make MII a cost-effective strategy in these settings. A value of information analysis indicated that acquiring more information on the presence and possible size of NSE of MII could greatly reduce the uncertainty in decision-making on MII. Further clinical research investigating NSE in low-income countries may be of high value to optimise immunisation policy.

Interpretable Multi-Scale Deep Learning for RNA Methylation Analysis across Multiple Species.

RNA modification plays a crucial role in cellular regulation. However, traditional high-throughput sequencing methods for elucidating their functional mechanisms are time-consuming and labor-intensive, despite extensive research. Moreover, existing methods often limit their focus to specific species, neglecting the simultaneous exploration of RNA modifications across diverse species. Therefore, a versatile computational approach is necessary for interpretable analysis of RNA modifications across species. A multi-scale biological language-based deep learning model is proposed for interpretable, sequential-level prediction of diverse RNA modifications. Benchmark comparisons across species demonstrate the model's superiority in predicting various RNA methylation types over current state-of-the-art methods. The cross-species validation and attention weight visualization also highlight the model's capability to capture sequential and functional semantics from genomic backgrounds. Our analysis of RNA modifications helps us find the potential existence of "biological grammars" in each modification type, which could be effective for mapping methylation-related sequential patterns and understanding the underlying biological mechanisms of RNA modifications.

Transcriptome network analysis of inflammation and fibrosis in keloids.

BACKGROUND: Keloid (KL) is a common benign skin tumor. KL is typically characterized by significant fibrosis and an intensive inflammatory response. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between cellular inflammation and fibrotic cells is essential to elucidate the mechanisms driving the progression of KL and to develop therapeutics. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the transcriptome landscape of inflammation and fibrosis in keloid scars. METHODS: In this paper, we performed transcriptome sequencing and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing on unselected live cells from six human keloid tissues and normal skin tissues to elucidate a comprehensive transcriptome landscape. In addition, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to analyze intercellular communication networks and enrich fibroblast populations in two additional keloid and normal skin samples to study fibroblast diversity. RESULTS: By RNA sequencing and a miRNA-mRNA-PPI network analysis, we identified miR-615-5p and miR-122b-3p as possible miRNAs associated with keloids, as they differed most significantly in keloids. Similarly, COL3A1, COL1A2, THBS2, TNC, IGTA, THBS4, TGFB3 as genes with significant differences in keloid may be associated with keloid development. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data from 24,086 cells collected from normal or keloid, we report reconstructed intercellular signaling network analysis and aggregation to modules associated with specific cell subpopulations at the cellular level for keloid alterations. CONCLUSIONS: Our multitranscriptomic dataset delineates inflammatory and fibro heterogeneity of human keloids, underlining the importance of intercellular crosstalk between inflammatory cells and fibro cells and revealing potential therapeutic targets.

Identifying the Optimum Strategy for Identifying Adults and Children With Celiac Disease: A Cost-Effectiveness and Value of Information Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Celiac disease (CD) is thought to affect around 1% of people in the United Kingdom, but only approximately 30% are diagnosed. The aim of this work was to assess the cost-effectiveness of strategies for identifying adults and children with CD in terms of who to test and which tests to use. METHODS: A decision tree and Markov model were used to describe testing strategies and model long-term consequences of CD. The analysis compared a selection of pre-test probabilities of CD above which patients should be screened, as well as the use of different serological tests, with or without genetic testing. Value of information analysis was used to prioritize parameters for future research. RESULTS: Using serological testing alone in adults, immunoglobulin A (IgA) tissue transglutaminase (tTG) at a 1% pre-test probability (equivalent to population screening) was most cost-effective. If combining serological testing with genetic testing, human leukocyte antigen combined with IgA tTG at a 5% pre-test probability was most cost-effective. In children, the most cost-effective strategy was a 10% pre-test probability with human leukocyte antigen plus IgA tTG. Value of information analysis highlighted the probability of late diagnosis of CD and the accuracy of serological tests as important parameters. The analysis also suggested prioritizing research in adult women over adult men or children. CONCLUSIONS: For adults, these cost-effectiveness results suggest UK National Screening Committee Criteria for population-based screening for CD should be explored. Substantial uncertainty in the results indicate a high value in conducting further research.

Based on Bioinformatics to Explore the Mechanism of "Tangzhiqing" Decoction Alleviating Type 2 Diabetes-associated Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice by Regulating Hippocampal Neuron Apoptosis and Autophagy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is emerging as a chronic complication of diabetes that is gaining increasing international recognition. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation, Tangzhiqing decoction (TZQ), has shown the capacity to modulate the memory function of mice with DCD by ameliorating insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying the effects of TZQ remains elusive. METHODS: The chemical constituents of TZQ were screened using TCMSP databases, and DCDassociated disease targets were retrieved from various databases. Subsequently, core targets were identified through network topology analysis. The core targets underwent analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotations and enrichment in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Models were established through high-fat and high-glucose diet feeding along with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). TZQ and metformin were administered at varying doses over 8 weeks. The Morris water maze was employed to evaluate the cognitive capabilities of each rat group, while indicators of oxidative stress and insulin were assessed in mice. Neuronal apoptosis in distinct groups of mice's hippocampi was detected using TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL), and western blot (WB) analysis was conducted to assess the expression of apoptosis- and autophagy-related proteins, including Bax, Bcl2, Caspase3, Caspase8, Beclin1, ATG7, LC3, p62, and Lamp2, within the hippocampus. RESULTS: TZQ exhibited the capacity to modulate neuronal autophagy, ameliorate endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as to regulate synaptic plasticity and conduction. TZQ mitigated cognitive dysfunction in mice, while also regulating hippocampal inflammation and apoptosis. Additionally, it influenced the protein expression of autophagy-related factors such as Bax, Bcl2, Caspase3, Caspase8, Beclin1, ATG7, and LC3. Notably, this modulation significantly reduced neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus and curbed excessive autophagy. CONCLUSION: TZQ demonstrated a substantial reduction in neuronal apoptosis within the hippocampus and effectively suppressed excessive autophagy.

Quantum agriculture and experimental detection of wheat flour quality using thermal image technology.

Crop quality and productivity are the fundamental strategies of agricultural practice and technology; consequently, one of the priorities in agriculture is to be aware of new and innovative field experiments and production practices. The effectiveness of innovative practices and resources is influenced by a multitude of factors. This study aimed to propose a new quantum-based approach in agriculture using homoeopathic methodology which incorporates theories and concepts of quantum physics and employs a wave-based methodology for the functional measurement phase. A novel utilization of thermal imaging technology is suggested, wherein each pixel of the image indicates the wave parameters, frequency, or amplitude of wave, is proposed to analyse the functional information of the plant. The relationship between the new quantum-agriculture-based method and the functional characteristics of flour as measured by bio-photonic emissions was estimated, and the findings of this preliminary study on wheat flour are presented. Our preliminary results (i) confirm the superior performance of quantum agriculture (QA) based proposed soil and plant treatments, and (ii) suggest that quantitative analysis based on precise measurements of biophoton emission will provide a novel reliable tool for monitoring the quality of wheat in the future. Further investigations are required to replicate the results of this study under different environmental conditions. Additionally, incorporating comparative chemical analyses that would enhance our knowledge of the proposed agronomic practice.

Home Gardening of Yellow Cassava and Orange Maize for the Prevention of Nutritional Blindness in Children: An Economic Evaluation and Value of Information Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide, affecting mostly Sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to predict the cost-effectiveness of home gardening (HG) of yellow cassava and orange maize to prevent nutritional blindness in children below 5 years and to assess the likely value of obtaining additional information in reducing uncertainty surrounding its cost-effectiveness. METHODS: We developed a Markov model and carried out probabilistic sensitivity analysis with a value of information analysis. We costed resources from a societal perspective and outcomes were measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). RESULTS: HG was estimated to cost an additional Intl$395.00 per DALY averted, with a 72.27% likelihood of being cost-effective at a threshold of Intl$2800 per DALY. The expected value of information was estimated to be Intl$29 843.50 for 1 child or Intl$925 billion for 31 million Nigerian children affected by the decision. Further research is only worthwhile for 1 parameter (relative risk of low serum retinol; expected value of perfect parameter information Intl$29 854.53 per child and Intl$925 billion for 31 million children). CONCLUSION: HG of yellow cassava and orange maize is expected to be highly cost-effective in preventing nutritional blindness in Nigerian children. Worthwhile further research includes a cost analysis of the intervention and a high-quality randomized trial to assess the effectiveness of HG on serum retinol levels in young children.

Cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment of thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis: a value of information study.

BACKGROUND: Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis is one of the most prevalent arthritic conditions commonly treated with trapeziectomy alone or trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI). We evaluate the cost-effectiveness and value of perfect and sample information of trapeziectomy alone, LRTI, and non-operative treatment. METHODS: A societal perspective decision tree was modeled. To understand the value of future research in comparing quality-of-life after trapeziectomy, LRTI, and non-operative management we characterized uncertainty by fitting distributions to EQ-5D utility data published from the United Kingdom hand surgery registry. We used Monte Carlo simulation for the probabilistic sensitivity analysis and to evaluate the value of perfect and sample information. RESULTS: Both trapeziectomy alone and LRTI were cost-effective compared to non-operative management ($2,540 and $3,511/QALY respectively). Trapeziectomy alone (base case total cost $8,251, QALY 14.08) was dominant compared to LRTI (base case total cost $8,798, QALY 13.34). However, probabilistic sensitivity analysis suggested there is a 12.5% chance LRTI may be preferred at a willingness-to-pay of $50,000/QALY. Sensitivity analysis revealed postoperative utilities are the most influential factors in determining cost-effectiveness. The value of perfect information was approximately $1,503/person. A study evaluating the quality-of-life of 1,000 patients in each arm undergoing trapeziectomy alone or LRTI could provide an expected $1,117 of information value. With approximately 40,000 CMC arthroplasties performed each year in the U.S., the annual value is close to $45 million. CONCLUSIONS: Trapeziectomy without LRTI appears to be the most cost-effective procedure in treating late-stage CMC arthritis and should be considered as first-line surgical treatment. There is substantial societal value in conducting additional research to better understand the relative quality-of-life improvements gained from these two common hand surgeries.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Rad21/REC8 Gene Family in Cotton (Gossypium spp.).

Cohesin is a ring-shaped protein complex and plays a critical role in sister chromosome cohesion, which is a key event during mitosis and meiosis. Meiotic recombination protein REC8 is one of the subunits of the cohesion complex. Although REC8 genes have been characterized in some plant species, little is known about them in Gossypium. In this study, 89 REC8 genes were identified and analyzed in 16 plant species (including 4 Gossypium species); 12 REC8 genes were identified in Gossypium. hirsutum, 11 in Gossypium. barbadense, 7 in Gossypium. raimondii, and 5 in Gossypium. arboreum. In a phylogenetic analysis, the 89 RCE8 genes clustered into 6 subfamilies (I-VI). The chromosome location, exon-intron structure, and motifs of the REC8 genes in the Gossypium species were also analyzed. Expression patterns of GhREC8 genes in various tissues and under abiotic stress treatments were analyzed based on public RNA-seq data, which indicated that GhREC8 genes might have different functions in growth and development. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis showed that MeJA, GA, SA, and ABA treatments could induce the expression of GhREC8 genes. In general, the genes of the REC8 gene family of cotton were systematically analyzed, and their potential function in cotton mitosis, meiosis, and in response to abiotic stress and hormones were preliminary predicted, which provided an important basis for further research on cotton development and resistance to abiotic stress.

Genome-wide identification and analyses of cotton high-affinity nitrate transporter 2 family genes and their responses to stress.

Nitrate transporters (NRTs) are crucial for the uptake, use, and storage of nitrogen by plants. In this study, 42 members of the GhNRT2 (Nitrate Transporter 2 family) were found in the four different cotton species. The conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, conserved motifs, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and promoter region expression patterns of these 42 members were analyzed. The findings confirmed that members of the NRT2 family behaved typically, and subcellular localization tests confirmed that they were hydrophobic proteins that were mostly located on the cytoplasmic membrane. The NRT2 family of genes with A.thaliana and rice underwent phylogenetic analysis, and the results revealed that GhNRT2 could be divided into three groups. The same taxa also shared similar gene structure and motif distribution. The composition of cis-acting elements suggests that most of the expression of GhNRT2 may be related to plant hormones, abiotic stress, and photoreactions. The GhNRT2 gene was highly expressed, mainly in roots. Drought, salt, and extreme temperature stress showed that GhNRT2 gene expression was significantly up-regulated or down-regulated, indicating that it may be involved in the stress response of cotton. In general, the genes of the NRT2 family of cotton were comprehensively analyzed, and their potential nitrogen uptake and utilization functions in cotton were preliminarily predicted. Additionally, we provide an experimental basis for the adverse stress conditions in which they may function.

Genome-Wide Characterization and Gene Expression Analyses of Malate Dehydrogenase (MDH) Genes in Low-Phosphorus Stress Tolerance of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata).

Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) genes play vital roles in developmental control and environmental stress tolerance in sessile plants by modulating the organic acid-malic acid level. However, MDH genes have not yet been characterized in gymnosperm, and their roles in nutrient deficiency are largely unexplored. In this study, 12 MDH genes were identified in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), namely, ClMDH-1, -2, -3, …, and -12. Chinese fir is one of the most abundant commercial timber trees in China, and low phosphorus has limited its growth and production due to the acidic soil of southern China. According to the phylogenetic analysis, MDH genes were classified into five groups, and Group 2 genes (ClMDH-7, -8, -9, and 10) were only found to be present in Chinese fir but not in Arabidopsis thaliana and Populus trichocarpa. In particular, the Group 2 MDHs also had specific functional domains-Ldh_1_N (malidase NAD-binding functional domain) and Ldh_1_C (malate enzyme C-terminal functional domain)-indicating a specific function of ClMDHs in the accumulation of malate. All ClMDH genes contained the conserved MDH gene characteristic functional domains Ldh_1_N and Ldh_1_C, and all ClMDH proteins exhibited similar structures. Twelve ClMDH genes were identified from eight chromosomes, involving fifteen ClMDH homologous gene pairs, each with a Ka/Ks ratio of <1. The analysis of cis-elements, protein interactions, and transcription factor interactions of MDHs showed that the ClMDH gene might play a role in plant growth and development, and in response to stress mechanisms. The results of transcriptome data and qRT-PCR validation based on low-phosphorus stress showed that ClMDH1, ClMDH6, ClMDH7, ClMDH2, ClMDH4, ClMDH5, ClMDH10 and ClMDH11 were upregulated under low-phosphorus stress and played a role in the response of fir to low-phosphorus stress. In conclusion, these findings lay a foundation for further improving the genetic mechanism of the ClMDH gene family in response to low-phosphorus stress, exploring the potential function of this gene, promoting the improvement of fir genetics and breeding, and improving production efficiency.

A latanoprost cationic emulsion (STN1013001) vs. other latanoprost formulations (Latanoprost) in open angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension and ocular surface disease: an Italian cost-utility analysis.

BACKGROUND: STN1013001 is an innovative latanoprost cationic emulsion for open-angle glaucoma/ocular hypertension (OAG/OHT) and ocular surface disease (OSD). METHODS AND FINDINGS: A 5-year, 7 health states, 1-year cycle early Markov model-supported cost-utility analysis (CUA) of STN1013001 vs. other latanoprost formulations (Latanoprost) followed the Italian National Health Service (INHS) perspective.One-way, probabilistic and scenario sensitivity analyses tested the uncertainty of the baseline results. Value of information analysis (VOIA) investigated the potential cost-effectiveness of collecting further evidence. RESULTS: Over 5 years, the Markov model-supported CUA predicts STN1013001 to be potentially highly cost-effective vs. Latanoprost (+€57.60 cost at €2020 values; +0.089 Quality-Adjusted Life Years).The Incremental Cost-Utility Ratio (€647.65) falls well below the lower limit of the acceptability range proposed for Italy (€25,000-€40,000).Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the baseline findings. VOIA highlighted that further information might only be cost-effective for OAG/OHT utilities and OSD-related disutility. CONCLUSION: STN1013001 is potentially highly cost-effective and strongly dominant vs. Latanoprost for OAG/OHT+OSD patients from the INHS perspective. These findings should be re-assessed using the data from the ongoing Phase III trial (NCT04133311) comparing the efficacy and safety of STN1013001 vs. Latanoprost and with future real-world CUAs upon the availability of STN1013001 on the Italian market.

Cost-Effectiveness of Venetoclax Plus Obinutuzumab Versus Chlorambucil Plus Obinutuzumab for the First-Line Treatment of Adult Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: An Extended Societal View.

OBJECTIVES: Efficacy of venetoclax plus obinutuzumab (VenO) compared with chlorambucil plus obinutuzumab (ClbO) for treatment-naïve adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with coexisting medical conditions was investigated in CLL14 (NCT02242942). Our aim was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of VenO versus ClbO for these patients from a Dutch societal perspective. METHODS: A 3-state partitioned survival model was constructed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of VenO. The outcome of the analysis was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with effectiveness measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Uncertainty was explored through deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, scenario analyses, and value of information analysis (VOI). RESULTS: The base case resulted in a discounted ICER -49 928 EUR/QALY gained (with incremental negative costs and positive effects). None of the ICERs resulted from deterministic sensitivity and scenario analyses exceeded the chosen willingness-to-pay threshold of 20 000 EUR/QALY, and > 99% of the iterations in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis were cost-effective. VOI analyses showed a maximum expected value of eliminating all model parameter uncertainty of 183 591 EUR. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated VenO being dominant over ClbO in treatment-naïve adult patients with CLL assuming a Dutch societal perspective. We concluded that our results are robust as tested through sensitivity and scenario analyses. Additionally, the VOI analyses confirmed that our current evidence base is strong enough to generate reliable results for our study. Nevertheless, further research based on real-world data or longer follow-up period could further contribute to the robustness of the current study's conclusions.

Cost-Effectiveness and Value-of-Information Analysis Using Machine Learning-Based Metamodeling: A Case of Hepatitis C Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Metamodels can address some of the limitations of complex simulation models by formulating a mathematical relationship between input parameters and simulation model outcomes. Our objective was to develop and compare the performance of a machine learning (ML)-based metamodel against a conventional metamodeling approach in replicating the findings of a complex simulation model. METHODS: We constructed 3 ML-based metamodels using random forest, support vector regression, and artificial neural networks and a linear regression-based metamodel from a previously validated microsimulation model of the natural history hepatitis C virus (HCV) consisting of 40 input parameters. Outcomes of interest included societal costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), the incremental cost-effectiveness (ICER) of HCV treatment versus no treatment, cost-effectiveness analysis curve (CEAC), and expected value of perfect information (EVPI). We evaluated metamodel performance using root mean squared error (RMSE) and Pearson's R2 on the normalized data. RESULTS: The R2 values for the linear regression metamodel for QALYs without treatment, QALYs with treatment, societal cost without treatment, societal cost with treatment, and ICER were 0.92, 0.98, 0.85, 0.92, and 0.60, respectively. The corresponding R2 values for our ML-based metamodels were 0.96, 0.97, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.49 for support vector regression; 0.99, 0.83, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.82 for artificial neural network; and 0.99, 0.99, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.98 for random forest. Similar trends were observed for RMSE. The CEAC and EVPI curves produced by the random forest metamodel matched the results of the simulation output more closely than the linear regression metamodel. CONCLUSIONS: ML-based metamodels generally outperformed traditional linear regression metamodels at replicating results from complex simulation models, with random forest metamodels performing best. HIGHLIGHTS: Decision-analytic models are frequently used by policy makers and other stakeholders to assess the impact of new medical technologies and interventions. However, complex models can impose limitations on conducting probabilistic sensitivity analysis and value-of-information analysis, and may not be suitable for developing online decision-support tools.Metamodels, which accurately formulate a mathematical relationship between input parameters and model outcomes, can replicate complex simulation models and address the above limitation.The machine learning-based random forest model can outperform linear regression in replicating the findings of a complex simulation model. Such a metamodel can be used for conducting cost-effectiveness and value-of-information analyses or developing online decision support tools.

Análisis de la producción científica de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma en Scopus

Introducción: la evaluación científica y los estudios bibliométricos han devenido en procesos de gran interés e importancia debido a que la investigación científica es un indicador de calidad para las instituciones científicas y académicas. La Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma es una institución de Educación Médica Superior cuya finalidad es la formación y desarrollo de las Ciencias Médicas en la región basada en la integración docencia-asistencia-investigación. Es por esto que se hace necesario comprender el impacto y el comportamiento de su producción científica desde una perspectiva internacional. Objetivo: analizar la producción científica de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma en la base de datos bibliográfica Scopus. Métodos: se realizó un estudio bibliométrico retrospectivo y de carácter descriptivo de toda la producción científica de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Granma, usando como fuente de información la base de datos Scopus. Resultados: se identificó una alta concentración de trabajos en idioma español y en revistas cubanas de Q4 aunque predominaron las investigaciones originales. La colaboración internacional se comportó favorable. Por último, el posicionamiento internacional de la universidad es todavía insustancial. Conclusiones: la producción científica de la UCMG presenta valores moderados en cuanto a los indicadores de productividad, visibilidad e impacto. Este comportamiento presenta una marcada tendencia al aumento para los últimos años y se prevé un mejoramiento de estos patrones en años futuros.

Introduction: scientific evaluation and bibliometric studies have become processes of great interest and importance because scientific research is a quality indicator for scientific and academic institutions. The University of Medical Sciences of Granma is an institution of Higher Medical Education whose purpose is the training and development of Medical Sciences in the region based on teaching-assistance-research integration. This is why it is necessary to understand the impact and behavior of its scientific production from an international perspective. Objective: to analyze the scientific production of the Granma University of Medical Sciences in the Scopus bibliographic database. Methods: a retrospective and descriptive bibliometric study of all the scientific production of the University of Medical Sciences of Granma was carried out, using the Scopus database as a source of information. Results: a high concentration of works in the Spanish language and in Cuban Q4 journals was identified, although original research predominated. International collaboration behaved favourably. Finally, the international positioning of the university is still insubstantial. Conclusions: the scientific production of the UCMG presents moderate values ​​in terms of indicators of productivity, visibility and impact. This behavior shows a marked upward trend in recent years and an improvement in these patterns is expected in future years.

Introdução: a avaliação científica e os estudos bibliométricos tornaram-se processos de grande interesse e importância, pois a pesquisa científica é um indicador de qualidade para as instituições científicas e acadêmicas. A Universidade de Ciências Médicas do Granma é uma instituição de Ensino Superior Médico cuja finalidade é a formação e o desenvolvimento das Ciências Médicas na região com base na integração ensino-assistência-pesquisa. Por isso, é necessário compreender o impacto e o comportamento de sua produção científica a partir de uma perspectiva internacional. Objetivo: analisar a produção científica da Universidade de Ciências Médicas do Granma na base de dados bibliográfica Scopus. Resultados: identificou-se alta concentração de artigos em periódicos Q4 espanhóis e cubanos, emboratenha predominado pesquisas originais. A colaboração internacional foi favorável. Por fim, o posicionamento internacional da universidade aindaé insubstancial. Conclusões: a produção científica da UCMG apresenta valores moderados em termos de indicadores de produtividade, visibilidade e impacto. Esse comportamento mostra uma acentuada tendência de aumento nos últimos anos e espera-se uma melhora nesses padrões nos próximos anos.

Reflection on the construction of pharmacy and traditional Chinese pharmacy disciplines based on patent information analysis: taking “double first-class” universities as an example / 中国药科大学学报

@#Among the second round of “double first-class” construction universities, 12 universities are in the process of building first-class pharmaceutical and traditional Chinese medicine disciplines.The aim is to explore the innovative development trend of these 12 universities, based on their information related to pharmacy and traditional Chinese medicine in the past five years.The study used the PatSnap global patent database to search for pharmaceutical related patents applied by 12 universities from 2018 to 2022, and analyzed the information from perspectives such as application and authorization volume, technical themes, transfer and licensing status, and international patent situation.The results reveal that comprehensive universities and China Pharmaceutical University are superior to other pharmaceutical universities in terms of patent application volume and licensing rate.From the perspective of patent classification, most of the relevant patents involve the effective ingredients of drugs.Comprehensive universities and China Pharmaceutical University pay more attention to the research of anti-tumor drugs.Among all authorized patents, the quantity is insufficient, and most of them are exclusive licenses.The transfer of relevant rights mostly occurs between universities and enterprises.In terms of international patent applications, comprehensive universities dominate in terms of quantity, but the total amount is still insufficient.In the future innovation and development process of “double first-class” universities, it is necessary to improve the awareness of patent protection and layout, attract relevant talents, give full play to the advantages of university intellectual property information service centers, and promote the transformation of university achievements.

The hippocampal proteomics mechanism of thalidomide in Alzheimer's disease model mice induced by Aβ / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe the effect of thalidomide on the learning and memory ability and hippocampal tissue proteome of Alzheimer's disease(AD)mice,to screen the differential proteins of thalidomide in preventing and treating AD,the pathways involved in regulation,and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods The experimental mice were randomly divided into blank control group,model group,and thalidomide high and low dose groups. The drugs were administered by gavage every day for 21 days. After the administration,Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the mice,HE staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological tissue morphology of the mouse hippocampus,ELISA was employed to detect the mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complex in mouse brain,and the Label-free proteomics method was used to screen different groups of hippocampal proteome proteins. Results The results of the Morris water maze showed that compared with the model group,the escape latency time of the drug group was significantly reduced,and the number of crossing the platform significantly increased(P<0.05). Thalidomide administration could improve the morphological structure of neurons in hippocampus,and could increase the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex ,Ⅱ, and of the brain tissues of AD mice(P<0.05). A total of 4 378 differential proteins were identified,which had a significant regulatory effect on the expression of 580 proteins in hippocampus of AD mice(P<0.05). Energy metabolism may jointly participate in the regulation of neurodegeneration pathways-changes in pathways such as various diseases and Alzheimer's disease. Conclusions Thalidomide can significantly improve the learning and memory function of AD model mice induced by Aβ

Assessment of Quality Indices and Their Influence on the Texture Profile in the Dry-Aging Process of Beef.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the dry-aging method on the sensory properties, chemical composition, and profile parameters of the texture of beef obtained from local farms. The qualitative characteristics of the beef were investigated for five samples, respectively, fresh meat, and dry-aged beef for 14, 21, 28, and 35 days, in aging rooms with controlled parameters: temperature (1 ± 1 °C), relative humidity (80 ± 5%), and air circulation speed (0.5-2 m/s). During the dry-aging period, there was a decrease in humidity by about 6.5% in the first 21 days, which allowed the concentration of fat, protein, and total collagen content. The dry-aging process considerably influenced the pH value of the meat, which, in the second part of the dry-aging process (14-35 days), increased from 5.49 to 5.66. These values favored the increase by 37.33% of the water retention capacity and the activation of the meat's own enzymes (calpain, cathepsin, collagenase). This influenced the solubilization process of proteins and collagen, thus contributing to the improvement of the texture profile. Because variations in organoleptic and physicochemical parameters occurred simultaneously during dry-aging and storage, the method of analyzing the information was applied. Mutual information on the influence of physicochemical indicators on the texture profile parameters was followed, a factor of major importance in the consumer's perception. The degree of influence of soluble proteins, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins, fats, and soluble collagen content on the texture profile parameters (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness) of the dry-aged beef for 35 days was established. These investigations allowed the optimization of the beef dry-aging technological process in order to obtain a product with a sensory profile preferred by the consumer.

An Analysis of the Colony Structure of Prokaryotes in the Jialing River Waters in Chongqing.

At present, research on the influence of human activities (especially urbanization) on the microbial diversity, structural composition, and spatial distribution of rivers is limited. In this paper, to explore the prokaryotic community structure and the relationship between the community and environmental factors in the Jialing River Basin of Chongqing, so as to provide a basis for monitoring microorganisms in the watershed. The V3-V4 region of the 16 S rRNA gene was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing and the microbial community of the waters of the Jialing River was analyzed for the diversity and composition of the prokaryotic community as well as the species difference of four samples and correlations with environmental factors. The main results of this study were as follows: (1) The diversity index showed that there were significant differences in the biodiversity among the four regions. At the genus level, Limnohabitans, unclassified_f_Comamonadaceae, and Hgcl_clade were the main dominant flora with a high abundance and evenness. (2) A Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to analyze the differences of species composition among the communities and the following conclusions were drawn: each group contained a relatively high abundance of Limnohabitans; the Shapingba District had a higher abundance of Limnohabitans, the Hechuan District had a wide range of unclassified_f_Comamonadaceae, and the Beibei District had a higher Hgcl_clade. (3) Through the determination of the physical and chemical indicators of the water-namely, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand, chlorophyll A, and an analysis by an RDA diagram, the results demonstrated that the distribution of microbial colonies was significantly affected by the environmental factors of the water. Chemical oxygen demand and ammonia nitrogen had a significant influence on the distribution of the colonies. Different biological colonies were also affected by different environmental factors.