bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of warming ropivacaine on ultrasound-guided subgluteal sciatic nerve block: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: He Jiliang , Ma Yijun , Zhou NanNan , Xu Jingpin , Wu Weidong , Jiang Jiajie , Zhang Fengjiang
Published: September 2023

Background Currently, no information is available on the influence of local anaesthetics at different temperatures on sciatic nerve block. This study aims to determine whether warming ropivacaine has an influence on the onset of subgluteal sciatic nerve block under the ultrasonic guidance .
Methods Fifty-four patients with distal lower limbs surgery were randomly allocated into warming group (group W, n = 27 ) or room tempeture gruop (group R, n = 27 ). A sciatic nerve block with subgluteal approach under ultrasound guidance was performed with either 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine at a temperature of 23℃for group R or 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine at a temperature of 30℃for group W. The sensory and motor blockade were assessed every 2 minutes over a 30-minute period following injection.The primary outcome was the onset of limb sensory block .
Results In comparison with the group R, the time to onset of motor and sensory block in group W was significantly reduced. No obvious differences for the satisfaction of patients and duration of anesthesia were discovered between both groups. No complications associated with nerve block were observed 2 days after surgery.
Conclusions Warming ropivacaine 0.5% to 30℃ received a significantly faster onset of anesthesia during subgluteal sciatic nerve block.
Trial registration The trial was registered on October 3, 2022 in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=181104), registration number ChiCTR2200064350.(03/10/2022).
Use of Ganoderma lucidum Grown on Agricultural Waste to Remove Antibiotics from Water
Authors: Salandez Vanessa , Emami Shiva , Taha Ameer Y. , Saponara Valeria La
Published: September 2023

Antibiotic-rich effluents from farming and medical applications into waterways pose a serious risk for antibiotic drug resistance, promoting a need for effective strategies of removal from the food chain and the environment. In this work, we show proof-of-concept laboratory-scale bioremediation experiments to remove antibiotics in synthetic wastewater. A white rot fungus, Ganoderma lucidum, was grown on biomass formed by agricultural waste from California (almond shells, cover crop stalks). Water containing or lacking Ganoderma lucidum was inoculated with twenty antibiotics from six different classes. The extent of antibiotic removal was measured at baseline and after 3 days with ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass-spectrometry. The data were analyzed with a two-way repeated ANOVA for 17 antibiotics data sets meeting residuals' normality, and a mixed-effects model for 3 antibiotics sets that did not. Treatment with mycelial biomass caused a statistically significant reduction, compared to the baseline, in the concentration in 3 quinolones and 2 sulfonamides, after just 3 days. Our findings provide a first proof-of-concept to bioremediate certain antibiotics, (particularly quinolones), in synthetic wastewater and with repurposed agricultural waste.
Multi-Objective Optimization Design of Double Resilient Groove Metal Seat for Ball Valve in Liquid Hydrogen Receiving Stations
Authors: Li Shuxun , Zheng Mingxing , Wang YIxue , Yang Lingxia , Ma Tingqian
Published: September 2023

For the liquid hydrogen receiving station ball valve seat in ultra-low temperature working conditions the cold shrinkage deformation is easy to lead to valve seal failure. Design a dual-elastic groove metal valve seat and a preliminary assessment of its performance. the seat performance is optimized based on the RBF approximation model combined with the NSGA-II algorithm. Use the Spearman method to analyze the sensitivity analysis and determine the optimized design variable. Based on the maximum equivalent stress Smax, maximum deformation Dmax, minimum fatigue life Lmin, and mass M as the optimized goal, the optimal Latin superposition method samples the valve seat structure parameters, and the establishment of High-precision RBF proxy model combined with the NSGA-Ⅱ algorithm to find excellent PARETO cutting-edge solutions, comprehensively considering the performance requirements of valve seats to determine the optimal structural parameters of the valve seat. The maximum stress of the valve seat after the optimization decreased by 43.45%, the maximum deformation decreased by 45.33%, the quality was reduced by 22.49%, and the life expectancy increased by 114.11%. The finite element analysis of the seal verifies that the optimized seat has an excellent compensation effect under the ultra-low temperature conditions of liquid hydrogen.
Soluble TGF-β decoy receptor TGFBR3 exacerbates AD lesions by modifying microglial function
Authors: Zhou lijun , Wang Nan , Feng Wenzheng , Liu Xin , Xu Zihua , Wu Qiong , Chen Jiangxia , Jiao Xinming , Ning Xinyue , Qi Zhentong , Jiang Xiaowen , Zhao Qingchun
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the major causative factors that induces progressive dementia, which is characterized by memory loss and progressive neurocognitive dysfunction. To elucidate the molecular mechanism contributing to AD, we analyzed an RNA-seq cohort of temporal cortex in AD patients using a bioinformatics workflow and demonstrated that transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 is a crucial gene regulating AD. Nevertheless, soluble TGFBR3 (sTGFBR3) rather than membrane-bound TGFBR3 is abnormally elevated in AD patients and animals. We then demonstrated that sTGFBR3 knockdown restored spatial learning and memory deficits in APP/PS1 and STZ-induced tau hyperphosphorylation mice. Mechanistically, sTGFBR3 knockdown promoted microglial polarization to the M2 phenotype from the M1 phenotype, inhibited proinflammatory and chemotactic activity, and enhanced phagocytic activity. In addition, sTGFBR3 knockdown significantly reduced acute LPS-induced neuroinflammation and ameliorated STZ-induced neuronal function impairment. These findings suggest that sTGFBR3 is a potential therapeutic target for AD.
Predictive factors for esophageal stenosis in patients receiving prophylactic steroid therapy after endoscopic submucosal dissection for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Mizuno Junichi , Urabe Yuji , Oka Shiro , Konishi Hirona , Ishibashi Kazuki , Fukuhara Motomitsu , Tanaka Hidenori , Tsuboi Akiyoshi , Yamashita Ken , Hiyama Yuichi , Kotachi Takahiro , Takigawa Hidehiko , Yuge Ryo , Hiyama Toru , Tanaka Shinji
Published: September 2023

Background
Methods to prevent esophageal stenosis (ES) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have received increasing attention. Although steroid administration is a prophylactic treatment, steroid use may also be a risk factor for ES. Therefore, we retrospectively evaluated risk factors for refractory ES in patients administered prophylactic steroids after ESD for ESCC.
Methods
Among 795 patients with ESCC (854 lesions), 180 patients (211 lesions) who received preventive administration of local triamcinolone acetonide (TrA) and/or oral administration of prednisolone were enrolled. We compared the total number of endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) procedures performed for post-ESD ES and clinical findings (tumor size, a history of ESD or chemoradiation therapy [CRT], entire circumferential resection, muscle layer damage, supplemental oral prednisolone administration, EBD with TrA injection, and additional CRT) between patients with refractory and non-refractory ES. EBD was continued until dysphagia resolved.
Results
Univariate analysis revealed (non-refractory group vs. refractory group) tumor size (34.4 ± 1.5 vs. 46.2 ± 1.5, p < 0.01), a history of CRT (8/144 vs. 9/50, p = 0.023), entire circumferential resection (19/133 vs. 28/31, p < 0.01), and supplemental oral prednisolone administration (72/80 vs. 20/39, p = 0.013) to be significantly associated with refractory ES (≥ 8 EBD). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed that a history of CRT and entire circumferential resection were independently associated with refractory ES. The withdrawal rates of EBD at 3 years were 96.1% (52/53) and 58.5% (39/59) in the non-refractory and refractory groups, respectively.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that entire circumferential resection and a history of CRT are risk factors for refractory post-ESD ES in ESCC, even with prophylactic steroid administration.
Efficacy of Iron Supplementation on Physical Capacity in Non-anaemic Iron Deficient Individuals: Protocol for an Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis
Authors: Dugan Cory , Peeling Peter , Burden Richard , Richards Toby
Published: September 2023

Background
A deficiency in iron stores is associated with various adverse health complications, which, if left untreated, can progress to states of anaemia, whereby there is significant detriment to an individual’s work capacity and quality of life due to compromised erythropoiesis. The most common methods employed to treat an iron deficiency include oral iron supplementation, and in persistent and/or unresponsive cases, intravenous iron therapy. The efficacy of these treatments, particularly in states of iron deficiency without anaemia, is equivocal. Indeed, both randomised control trials and aggregate data meta-analyses have produced conflicting evidence. Therefore, this study aims to assess the efficacy of both oral and intravenous iron supplementation on physical capacity, quality of life, and fatigue scores in iron deficient non-anaemic individuals using individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis techniques.
Methods
All potential studies, irrespective of design, will be sourced through systematic searches on the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE Ovid; Embase Ovid; Web of Science: Science Citation Index Expanded; Web of Science: Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science; Clinicaltrials.gov; World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Individual patient data from all available trials will be included and subsequently analysed in a two-stage approach. Predetermined sub-group and sensitivity analyses will be employed to further explain results.
Discussion
The significance of this IPD meta-analysis is one of consolidating a clear consensus to better inform iron deficient individuals of the physiological response associated with iron supplementation. The IPD approach, to the best of our knowledge, is novel for this research topic. As such, the findings will significantly contribute to the current body of evidence.
Registration:
PROSPERO CRD42020191739 (Additional file 1).
Evaluation of kharif rainfed rice yield predictability using Extended Range Forecast System over Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: A MEHNAJ THARRANUM. , D.R. Pattanaik , Goroshi Sheshakumar
Published: September 2023

The estimation of rice yields using weather observations of three consecutive seasons: 2019, 2020 and 2021, and comparing them with spliced up extended range forecasts of every week from Southwest monsoon seasons JJAS-2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, gives a glimpse into usability of ERF in future, for the purpose of agriculture. The performance assessment in effectively simulating rainfed rice yields has been done for over 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh, using crop simulation model DSSAT v.4.8, for the seasons 2019, 2020 and 2021, covering JJAS (June, July, August and September) monsoon season. The correlations carried between Yield, Harvest Index (HI) forecasts obtained using category 1 dataset (only observed weather) and category 2 (observed + ERF +Normal) and category 3 (observed + Normal) shows that replacing climatological normal with ERF at vegetative phase of the rainfed rice crop doesn’t show much improvement in its performance, except for season 2019 HI. In reproductive phase, only in 2021 season, yield and HI forecasts obtained with category 2 dataset with ERF splicing, were found to have better correlation coefficients with those obtained with category 1 dataset. Yield forecast obtained by splicing ERF data during October were better correlated to that obtained using observation weather, in ripening phase of the crop. It was also observed that only in 2021 season, stage 2 (End of Juvenile -Panicle Initiation phase) rainfall accumulation with ERF splicing was found to be better correlated with observed rainfall than that without ERF. Rainfall accumulated in Panicle Initiation -End of Leaf Growth phase (stage 3) achieved by splicing ERF data, was significantly correlated to observed rainfall than category 3 weather dataset rainfall without ERF, in season 2019. Rainfall accumulated in grain filling phase (stage 5) by splicing ERF data, was significantly correlated to observed rainfall only in season 2020 at date 14th October as initial (r= 0.922**), and was better than category 3 dataset whose correlation coefficient was 0.663* to observed rainfall.
Efficacy of MTwo-R Compared with M3-RT re-treatment files in Removing Obturation Material from Moderated Curved Root Canals: An ex-vivo Micro–Computed tomography study
Authors: Zhao-Wei TAI , Du Rong , Zhu Ya-Qin
Published: September 2023

Background: Comparing the advantages and drawsback of MTwo-R and M3-RT re-treatment files in root canal fillings removal in terms to provide references for clinical application.
Methods: After Twenty-eight mesial root canal with moderate curvature of extracted first mandibular permanent molar were collected, M3-PRO preparation files were used for root canal glide path and shaping preparation. All the samples were then underwent root canal obturation. MTwo-R and M3-RT re-treatment files were used to remove the root canal fillings. Micro-CT scan was used before and after the removal of root canal fillings. All data including time required and clearance rate of root canal fillings removal, apical transportation and deformation of re-treatment files were recorded. Independent sample t-test and chi-square testwere used to compare the differences between groups.
Results: M3-RT group exhibited a higher efficiency and clearance rate in root canal fillings removal; Apical transportation occurred at apical 1mm, 3mm and 5mm in both M3-RT and MTwo-R groups; MTwo-Rgroup exhibited a higher instruments deformation rate in re-treatment files.
Conclusion: M3-RT re-treatment files showed higher efficiency and clearance rate in root canal fillings removal, as well as the lifespan and safety coefficientwhen compared with MTwo-R system. Thus, M3-RT is more suitable for root canal fillings removal in moderate curved root canals when apical transportation rate is not significant.
Spatial Distribution of Drought Vulnerability Mapping: Introducing a new methodology
Authors: Li HeYu , Meng XiangJie , Arabameri Alireza , santosh M , Arora Aman
Published: September 2023

Droughts as a natural calamity have wreaked havoc on human health, environment, and the economy around the world. Due to its complex and multi-faceted nature, the risk assessment of drought requires the analysis of diverse parameters and machine learning techniques provide an effective tool to approach this problem. In the present work, we have employed four machine learning models, Naïve Bayes (NB), Rotational tree- Forest by Penalizing Attributes (RF-FPA), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) for the drought vulnerability mapping in the Najafabad watershed, Isfahan Province, Iran. The country faces serious challenge from hydrological and meteorological drought conditions. A total of 20 conditioning factors comprising of 3 topographical (slope, elevation, geomorphology), 6 environmental (NDVI, soil depth, LU/LC, soil texture, EC, soil moisture), 4 hydrological (groundwater level, drainage density, distance to stream, TWI), 4 meteorological (annual precipitation and temperature, evaporation, humidity), and 3 socio-economic (ADP, deep tune, population density) were included for the drought vulnerability mapping. The collinearity effects were checked with multicollinearity analysis prior to the spatial modelling. The variable importance of the different parameters was analysed using AdaBoost model. The results show that soil moisture is the most important parameters among all variables. It also came into the results that the RF-FPA, among all four models, is the most successful model during training (AUC = 0.976) and validation (AUC = 0.968).
Short-term and long-term efficacy of accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shi Ruifeng , Wang Zuxin , Yang Dong , Hu Yujie , Zhang Zhongyang , Lan Daotao , Su Yihan , Wang Yunqiong
Published: September 2023

Background
In recent years, accelerated transcranial magnetic stimulation (aTMS) has been developed, which has a shortened treatment period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term maintenance effects of aTMS in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Methods
We systematically searched online databases for aTMS studies in patients with MDD published before February 2023 and performed a meta-analysis on the extracted data.
Results
Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 before-and-after controlled studies were included. The results showed that depression scores were significantly lower after the intervention than before (SMD = 1.80, 95% CI (1.31, 2.30), P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in antidepressant efficacy between aTMS and standard TMS (SMD = -0.67, 95% CI (-1.62, 0.27), P = 0.16). The depression scores at follow-up were lower than those immediately after the intervention postexperimental based on the depression rating scale (SMD = 0.22, 95% CI (0.06, 0.37), P = 0.006). This suggests that there may be a long-term maintenance effect of aTMS. The results of the subgroup meta-analysis suggest that the delayed effect of aTMS may be related to the stimulation pattern of TMS, that there may be a delayed effect of the rTMS pattern in that depressive symptoms continue to remit after cessation of stimulation (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI (0.10, 0.49), I2 = 22%, p = 0.003) and that the iTBS pattern may only maintain the posttreatment outcome (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI (-0.45, 0.47), I2 = 66%, p = 0.98).
Conclusions
aTMS can rapidly improve depressive symptoms, with no significant drop in efficacy compared to standard TMS. aTMS may also have long-term maintenance effects, but longer follow-up periods are needed to evaluate this possibility.
Trial registration:
This article is original and not under simultaneous consideration by another publication. The study has been registered on PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) (Number: CRD42023406590)
δ98/95 Mo records in ferromanganese crust suggest downward movement of Oxygen Minimum Zones in the early Eocene
Authors: Li Jie , Yin Lu , Zhang Jing , Yao Huiqiang , Lin Zhiyong , Zhao Pei-Pei , Long Xiaoping , Xu Yigang
Published: September 2023

The seawater Molybdenum isotopic composition has been thought to have undergone little change over the Cenozoic Era, compared to other redox sensitive isotope systems, such as Carbon and Sulfur. However, newly reconstructed Cenozoic Era seawater δ98/95 Mo values, based on analysis of a hydrogenic ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) crust obtained from the Pacific Ocean, reveal a significant decrease in seawater δ98/95Mo values from 2.80% at 53 Ma to 2.34% at 36.7 Ma. By utilizing a steady-state mass balance model, we observed that the primary factor contributing to this decline was likely the shrinkage of oxygen minimum zones (OMZ) in shallow shelf environments. OMZ sediments on shallow shelves typically exhibit lighter Mo isotope signatures than those on deep slopes and reduced burial of lighter Mo isotopes would reduce the seawater δ98/95Mo value. Coincidentally, this decline temporally coincided with the initial arc collision and subsequent closure of the foreland basin between India and Asia. Therefore, we consider that the seawater δ98/95 Mo may reflect the gradual contraction of the shallow shelf and downward migration of sediment along the continental margin in the early Eocene.
The influence of systemic condition and medications on alveolar bone loss and tooth attrition
Authors: Tagger-Green‬‎ Nirit , Refael Asaf , Szmukler-Moncler Serge , Nemcovsky Carlos , Chaushu Liat , Kolerman Roni
Published: September 2023

Background
Periodontitis is an infectious disease leading to reduced periodontal support, reflected radiographically as marginal bone loss (MBL). Periodontitis is linked to systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc. Periodontitis elevates the bacterial load and spreads systemic inflammation through infection and inflammation. Risk factors, including medications, smoking, age, and gender, can influence periodontal health. Tooth wear, characterized by irreversible enamel and dentin changes like wear facets, cracks, or fractures, has limited documented systemic conditions and medication associations.
Aim
To assess the influence of systemic conditions and medication on radiographic signs of tooth wear (TW) and marginal bone loss (MBL).
Materials and methods
A retrospective analysis encompassed 3900 patients with detailed medical documentation, including systemic diseases and medication, and a full-mouth radiographic survey. Odds ratio and logistic regression analysis were applied to ascertain the correlation between systemic conditions and medication on MBL and TW.
Results
Most systemic conditions exhibited a significant effect on TW and/or MBL. Age, gender, and smoking exhibited an elevated odds ratio for TW occurrence. Age, gender, smoking, diabetes, and psychiatric conditions were associated with an increased odds ratio for MBL.
Conclusion
Most systemic conditions and medications notably impacted MBL, with TW showing a less pronounced impact.
The lightening Secret of Halosydnella punctulata (Grube, 1856)
Authors: Miranda Vinicius Rocha , Brasil Ana Claudia dos Santos
Published: September 2023

Animals use two pathways to emit light: bioluminescence and fluorescence. Bioluminescence occurs through chemical reactions, while fluorescence is a physical response where light energy is absorbed and reflected in a different spectrum. Bioluminescence has been reported in several polychaete species, especially in Polynoidae, while fluorescence is relatively unknown. Halosydnella, a genus of Polynoidae, has six valid species occurring in South and Central America, and none of them were known to produce light. Here we report the occurrence of fluorescence in the elytra of the anterior region of H. punctulata that can be observed in living specimens illuminated with Ultra Violet light, as well as in preserved specimens.
A New Method to Evaluate Lower Esophageal Distension Capacity in Eosinophilic Esophagitis by using functional lumen imaging probe (Endoflip™)
Authors: Casabona-Francés Sergio , Sanz-García Ancor , Ortega Guillermo , Santander Cecilio , Perez-Fernandez Teresa , Majano Pedro , Olalla José María , Juárez-Tosina Rocío , Mueller Ralph , Attwood Stephen , Lucendo Alfredo
Published: September 2023

Background
Endoluminal functional lumen impedance planimetry (EndoflipTM) has become the gold standard to evaluate esophageal distensibility, although the study itself and its analysis present challenges. We propose here a new method to assess lower esophageal distension capacity, which overcomes several limitations of prior approaches including incomplete and corrupted EndoflipTM recordings.
Methods
Esophageal distension capacity was evaluated with a 16-channel EndoflipTM in 10 controls and 14 patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Controls were evaluated once. EoE patients were evaluated at baseline and after at least six weeks treatment with budesonide orodispersible tablet 1mg bd.
Balloon volumes were increased 5-mL stepwise either reaching maximum volume of 60 mL, or maximum balloon pressure of 60mmHg. Recordings were analyzed with a home-made R script. The mean esophageal diameter at 60 mL D(60mL) was calculated or extrapolated depending on whether the 60 mL volume was reached.
Results
By fitting a Michaelis-Menten curve across all measured diameters throughout all constant volume steps, mean D(60mL) was estimated. For control subjects, the mean±SD value of diameter at D(60mL) was 17.08±1.69 mm and for EoE patients at baseline D(60mL) was 14.51±2.68 mm. After six weeks of treatment of EoE patients, D(60mL) significantly increased to 16.22±1.86mm (paired Wilcoxon signed test: p=0.0052), although the values for control subjects were not reached.
Conclusions
Estimated mean esophageal diameter at 60 mL is a good proxy for esophageal distension capacity, which correlates with clinical outcomes in EoE. The method presented in this study overcome difficulties encountered during the standard measurement protocol, allowing analysis of recordings from incomplete and corrupted registries.
Pan-cancer Analysis of the Prognostic and Immunological Effects of PIK3C3
Authors: Xie Qianxin , Zhou Jie , Guan Junfeng , She Siqi , Li Junfeng , Liu Wenhong , Xu Ye , Hu Mengjiao , Tao Fangfang
Published: September 2023

Background
Autophagy-related protein plays a pivotal role in cancer development, progression, and prognosis. Among these proteins, PIK3C3 holds significant importance as it is involved in canonical autophagy, endocytosis, and vesicle trafficking, thereby exerting influential effects on various types of cancer progression. However, the diverse biological significance of PIK3C3 in pan-cancer has not been systematically and comprehensively studied.
Methods: Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) were utilized, and bioinformatics approaches were also employed to explore the potential mechanisms of PIK3C3 in diverse cancers.
Results: PIK3C3 exhibited upregulation in several tumors and showed prognostic associations. Low expression of PIK3C3 predicted poorer overall survival (OS) in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma patients, while high expression of PIK3C3 predicted poorer OS in adrenocortical carcinoma, bladder urothelial carcinoma, brain lower grade glioma, and liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, PIK3C3 expression significantly correlated with immune infiltrating cells and tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability and neoantigens in several cancer types. Furthermore, knockdown of PIK3C3 in colorectal cancer cells lines significantly suppressed cell proliferation and metastasis.
Conclusion: PIK3C3 can be used as an auxiliary indicator for early tumor diagnosis and a prognostic marker for many types of tumors.
ARDS patients with CRS less than 45 cm/H2O and small body sizes may not be fit for high-PEEP levels: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Ximu , Cao Chongfeng , Ma LeWei , Zhang Shi
Published: September 2023

Object: Identification of respiratory mechanics phenotypes could provide novel information for the selection of suitable positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in specific ARDS patients.
Methods: Patient information data and other data in the current study were downloaded from a randomized controlled trial (low-PEEP vs. high-PEEP for ARDS) on the ARDS network public database (http://www.ardsnet.org/). Based on respiratory mechanics characteristics, phenotypes were identified through an unsupervised clustering algorithm applied to routinely available respiratory mechanics features within 24 hours of hospital presentation before the patients were treated with lower-PEEP or higher-PEEP. The respiratory mechanics characteristics included direct or indirect lung injury, respiratory rate, mean airway pressure, inhaled oxygen concentration, arterial partial pressure of oxygen, arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, respiratory system compliance (CRS) and plateau pressure. Statistical analysis of 60-day mortality was utilized to identify specific patients with ARDS who could benefit (or could be harmed) from a lower versus a higher PEEP, with a P<0.05 cut-off.
Results: A total of 549 patients with ARDS were enrolled in the current secondary analysis, of which 273 patients had a low-PEEP (8.3±3.2 cm/H2O), and 276 patients had a high-PEEP (13.2±3.5 cm/H2O). Three respiratory mechanics phenotypes were identified, and phenotype I was classified as the “higher-PEEP not fit for” phenotype since higher-PEEP resulted in a significant increase in 60-day mortality compared with low-PEEP (39.0% vs 23.1%). Patients with phenotype I showed a worse CRS (29.8±16.1 ml/cm/H2O), were more commonly female (67.3%) and were more commonly characterised by a lower height (164.5±7.5 cm) and/or a decreased weight (76.8±20.3 kg). Statistical analysis of the mortality indicated that there were no significant differences between the high-PEEP groups and low-PEEP groups in the cohorts with other phenotypes.
Conclusion: ARDS patients with CRS less than 45 cm/H2O and a small body size may not be good candidates for a high-PEEP strategy.
Effect of mental illness stigma upon the quality of life among families with schizophrenic patients in Mental Health Centre, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
Authors: Abdulkarim Araz Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Background:Family caregivers of members with schizophrenia are subjected to stigmatization that significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) and causes delays in caregiving and treatment seeking for schizophrenic patients.Objective:To assess the stigma of mental illness and QoL levels and to determine its association among family caregivers of schizophrenic patients.Patients and Methods:A quantitative cross-sectional study was performed on 100 family caregivers with schizophrenia in 100 patients selected at the Mental Health Center, General Teaching Hospital in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq, from December 2022 to February 2023. A questionnaire used for data collection by interviewing the caregivers was composed of three parts; socio-demographic characteristics of family caregivers and patients, the stigma of mental illness scale, and QoL-BREF.Results:Most family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were males (72%) and siblings (49%). Moderate prevalence of stigma (78%) and low level of life (91%) levels were observed among caregivers. The likelihood ratio test results indicated that stigma was significantly associated with QoL (LR=4.912, P<0.05). The multinomial logistic regression model analysis showed that family caregivers with a high level of stigma were significantly four times lower QoL (P<0.05, odds ratio=4.43).Conclusions:Family caregivers experienced a moderate level of stigma and low QoL that reflects a failure to use practical approaches to prompt and satisfy their needs in the community.
Low mercury concentrations in a Greenland glacial fjord attributed to oceanic sources
Authors: Lindeman Margaret , Straneo Fiammetta , Adams Hannah , Nelson Monica , Schartup Amina
Published: September 2023

High mercury concentrations found in meltwater from the southwest Greenland Ice Sheet and surface waters of nearby fjords, including neurotoxic and bioaccumulative methylmercury (MeHg), have raised concerns about regional ecosystem and community health. We present full water column profiles of MeHg and total mercury (THg) from Sermilik Fjord, a large glacial fjord in southeast Greenland, fed by multiple marine-terminating glaciers. We measured THg concentrations of 0.23-1.1 pM and MeHg of 0.02-0.17 pM, similar to nearby coastal waters and 1-3 orders of magnitude lower than reported in southwest Greenland. We show that the dominant source of mercury species to the fjord is inflowing ocean waters from the continental shelf, while the exported glacially-modified waters are relatively depleted in inorganic mercury (Hg(II)). We deduce that Hg(II) is removed from the water column within the fjord, implying that the fjord is a net sink of oceanic mercury.
Physical activity and sleep changes among children with obesity during a period of school closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dunn Jessilyn , Singh Karnika , Armstrong Sarah , Wagner Brooke , Counts Julie , Skinner Asheley , Kay Melissa , Li Jennifer , Shah Svati , Zucker Nancy , Neshteruk Cody , Suarez Lilianna , Kraus William , Zizzi Alexandra
Published: September 2023

Daily routines, including in-person school and extracurricular activities, are important for maintaining healthy physical activity and sleep habits in children. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted daily routines as in-person school and activities closed to prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to examine and assess differences in objectively measured physical activity levels and sleep patterns from wearable sensors in children with obesity before, during, and after a period of school and extracurricular activity closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared average step count and sleep patterns (using the Mann Whitney U Test) before and during the pandemic-associated school closures by using data from activity tracker wristbands (Garmin VivoFit 3). Data was collected from 94 children (aged 5-17) with obesity, who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial testing a community-based lifestyle intervention for a duration of 12-months. During the period that in-person school and extracurricular activities were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children with obesity experienced objectively-measured decreases in physical activity, and sleep duration. From March 15, 2020 to March 31, 2021, corresponding with local school closures, average daily step count decreased by 1,655 steps. Sleep onset and wake time were delayed by about an hour and 45 minutes, respectively, while sleep duration decreased by over 12 minutes as compared with the pre-closure period. Step counts increased with the resumption of in-person activities. These findings provide objective evidence for parents, clinicians, and public health professionals on the importance of in-person daily activities and routines on health behaviors, particularly for children with pre-existing obesity. We demonstrate the utility of wearable sensors in objectively measuring longitudinal physical activity and sleep behavior patterns in children with obesity and in quantifying changes in their health behaviors due to disruption of structured, daily routines following in-person school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trial Registration: Clinical trial registration: NCT03339440.
Expression and functional characterization of oryzacystatin II protein from Oryza sativa L. Indica rice and its potential role as a bioinsecticide against rice pests
Authors: Premachandran Krishnamanikumar , Alphonse Carlton Ranjith Wilson , Shyu Douglas J.H. , Vattikuti Jhansi Lakshmi , Sriniva Thanga Suja
Published: September 2023

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial staple food crop globally, facing significant challenges from various pests that affect crop productivity and quality. Conventional pesticide usage has limitations, necessitating the development of sustainable pest management strategies. This study focuses on the expression, purification, and functional characterization of Oryzacystatin II (OC II), a protein derived from Oryza sativa L. Indica rice, intending to evaluate its potential as a bioinsecticide against rice pests. The OC II gene was cloned into the pET28a (+) vector and transformed into BL21 DE3 bacterial system for protein expression. The expressed protein was purified and confirmed its molecular weight (~ 12 kDa) and protein sequence through LC-MS/MS analysis, and western blotting. IC50 value of OC II and E-64 was calculated as 0.06 µM and 0.14 µM for inhibiting 0.02 ng/µL cathepsin B enzyme respectively. The inhibition was identified as a competitive inhibition with increasing Km values regarding increasing OC-II concentrations while the Vmax remains 254.5 ΔRFU/minute. The Ki value of OC-II was determined as 5x10^-8 M (0.05 µM). In vivo, studies were conducted to assess the efficacy of OC-II protein against major rice pests, BPH and WBPH. The protein exhibited efficient control of both pests at the nymph and adult stages, with lower probing marks observed on treated plants. The inhibition of cathepsin B enzyme activity further confirmed the bioactivity of OC-II protein. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the interaction between OC-II protein and cathepsin enzymes reported in BPH and WBPH. The successful expression, purification, and characterization of OC-II, along with its promising bio-insecticidal activity, provide valuable insights into its potential application as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides. Further investigations can focus on optimizing production methods and exploring the specificity and efficacy of OC-II protein against other pests to enhance its practical application.
Identification of a Family with van der Hoeve's syndrome Harboring a Novel COL1A1 Mutation and Generation of Patient-Derived iPSC Lines and CRISPR/Cas9-Corrected Isogenic iPSCs
Authors: Li Sijun , Mei Lingyun , He Chufeng , Cai Xinzhang , Wu Hong , Feng Yong , Song Jian
Published: September 2023

Van der Hoeve's syndrome, also known as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by fragile, fracture-prone bone and hearing loss. The disease is caused by a gene mutation in one of the two type I collagen genes COL1A1 or COL1A2. In this study, we identified a novel frameshift mutation of the COL1A1 gene (c.1607delG) in a family with OI using whole-exome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and Sanger sequencing. This mutation may lead to the deletion of a portion of exon 23 and the generation of a premature stop codon in the COL1A1 gene. To further investigate the impact of this mutation, we established two induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of OI patients carrying a novel mutation in the COL1A1 gene. Using a CRISPR-based homology-directed repair strategy, we corrected the OI disease-causing COL1A1 novel mutations in iPSCs generated from an affected individual. Two OI patients' iPSCs and corrected OI-iPSC lines displayed a normal karyotype, morphology, pluripotency, and potential to differentiate into three germ layers. These findings demonstrate the potential of iPSCs derived from affected OI patients and corrected OI-iPSCs as a tool to study the pathophysiologic mechanisms of specific mutations. Overall, our results provide new insights into the genetic basis of Van der Hoeve's syndrome and highlight the potential of iPSC technology for disease modeling and therapeutic development.
The evaluation of the anti-cancer effects of Anoectochilus roxburghii on hematological cancers in vitro
Authors: Gunes Buket Altinok , Ozkan Tulin , GONULKIRMAZ Nurbanu , Sunguroglu Asuman
Published: September 2023

The cause of hematological cancers is the uncontrolled proliferation of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, and chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. However, adverse side effects of chemotherapy are common. Therefore, the use of plant extracts as a method for treating cancer is becoming increasingly popular. Anoectochilus roxburghii (wall.) Lindl. (A. roxburghii) is one of the original sources of the valuable medicinal plants known as the king medicine and the golden grass. This study investigated the potential anticancer effect of A. roxburghi (AR) on JURKAT, MM1S, THP1 and U266 cells. To test the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of AR, hematological cancer cells were exposed to increasing doses of AR (0.1–0.5 µg/µl). The spectrophotometric MTT assay and the flow cytometric Annexin V staining were used to examine the viability and apoptosis of the cells, respectively. qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression levels of the apoptosis-related genes BAD, BAX, BIM and BCL-2. Our results show that AR treatment decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis in each cell line. Our RT-PCR data showed that AR significantly increased the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene in JURKAT and MM1S cells, whereas it significantly increased the expression levels of both BAX and BIM in U266 cells. This is the first study to investigate how AR modulates apoptosis in hematological cancer cells. As a result, AR therapy may be a promising treatment modality for the treatment of cancer.
Co-encapsulation of berberine and piperine in coaxial electrosprayed chitosan nanoparticles for sustained release and improved berberine bioavailability
Authors: Cao-Luu Ngoc-Hanh , Luong-Huynh Vu-Thanh , Nguyen-Thi Bich-Thuyen , Nguyen Trong-Tuan , Dang Huynh-Giao , Mac Chi-Tam , Ha Hieu-Tien
Published: September 2023

Berberine (BBR) has many pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and against many diseases, especially cancer. However, berberine is a large molecular compound with rapid metabolism by enzymes in the human body and limited bioavailability. To improve, berberine needs to be coated and combined with other active ingredients. In this study, berberine is successfully encapsulated by coaxial electro-sprayed chitosan (CS) without cross-linked agents, and piperine (PPR) is also added via two different approaches to improve absorption and bioavailability. The obtained nanoparticles have a spherical shape with smooth surface and relatively wide particle size distribution observed by SEM. The uniform core/shell structure with clear boundary, non-agglomerated encapsulated spheres, and average diameter of 143.67 ± 56.16 nm (for BBR-PPR@CS), and 152.91 ± 48.50 nm (for BBR@PPR-CS) were analyzed by TEM images. The appearance of some weak peaks and slight shifting of major peaks in FTIR spectra of BBR-PPR@CS and BBR@PPR-CS samples and their high encapsulation efficiencies reflected their successful encapsulation. In drug release experiments, as expected, with the combination of PPR and CS in the outer shell (BBR@PPR-CS), the release of PPR was faster than that of BBR. The amount of drug in all samples was released more strongly at pH 5.0 than at pH 7.4, and the release time extended up to 36 hours. Therefore, coaxial electrosprayed chitosan nanoparticles is a promising functional material for the simultaneous encapsulation of BBR and PPR, as well as increasing bioavailability of BBR, contributing to the development of controlled drugs towards effective anticancer.
Comparative evaluation on the effect of different cavity disinfectant nano gels; Chlorohexidine, Propolis, Liquorice versus Diode Laser in terms of composite microleakage
Authors: Saleh Reham , mansy maryam el , Tadros Silvia , Abdelmonem Rehab , Menoufy Hala El , Shawky Naglaa
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION: The application of different cavity disinfectants is an essential step that eliminates bacteria after cavity preparation. However, some of these materials may affect restoration sealing ability.
AIM:This study aimed to assess the degree of microleakage at the tooth restoration interface after using different nano prepared cavity disinfectants versus Diode Laser.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three disinfectants were prepared on the nanoscale; Propolis, Liquorice and Chlorhexidine. A total of 40 extracted premolars with standard class V cavities were prepared on the facial surface. Teeth were divided into five groups according to the applied cavity disinfection protocol; no treatment, Chloehexidine, Propolis, Liquorice, and Diode Laser. After application of composite resin restoration, all teeth were subjected to thermocycling, afterwords the degree of microleakage was measured in mm. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, followed by Bonferroni’s and Tukey’s post hoc test.
RESULTS: The highest mean microlekage value was recorded in no treatment group, followed by Liquorice, Propolis. While Diode Laser group showed the lowest degree of microleakage.
CONCLUSION: Diode Laser cavity disinfectant has no negative effect on the restoration sealing ability. Nano prepared Propolis showed comparative results to nanoChloehexidine as both had low degree of microleakage.
Deep learning-based earthquake catalog reveals the seismogenic structures of the 2022 Mw6.9 Chihshang earthquake
Authors: Sun Wei-Fang , Pan Sheng-Yan , Huang Chun-Ming , Guan Zhuo-Kang , Yen I-Chin , Ho Chu-Wei , Chi Tsung-Chih , Ku Chin-Shang , Huang Bor-Shouh , Fu Ching-Chou , Kuo-Chen Hao
Published: September 2023

On September 18 2022, the Mw 6.9 Chihshang earthquake struck the south half of the valley and caused severe damage. A precisely and rapidly report for the distribution of aftershock sequence after a devastating earthquake provides a key information for deciphering the seismogenic structure in the source region. The utilization of deep-learning methodologies for earthquake event detection offers a significant acceleration in data analysis. In this study, we use SeisBlue, a deep-learning platform/package, to extract the whole earthquake sequence, from September to October 2022, including the Mw 6.5 Guanshan foreshock, the Mw 6.9 mainshock, over 14,000 aftershocks, and 866 foal mechanisms from two sets of broadband networks. The entire earthquake sequence was well recorded by a dense broadband array install in the adjacent area in Chihsang, the Chihshang seismic network. As a result, after applying hypoDD for these seismic events, the distribution of aftershock sequence clearly depicts not only the Central Range fault and the Longitudinal fault but also several local, shallow tectonic structures that have not been observed along the southern Longitudinal Valley.
Relationship of the roller burnishing process parameters with the surface and subsurface properties of Inconel 718.
Authors: De Godoi Eduardo Luiz , Casarin Samuel José , Sanchez Luiz Eduardo de Angelo , Gonçalves Gilberto de Magalhães Bento
Published: September 2023

This study aims to evaluate how deep the roller burnishing (RB) operating variables (temperature, number of passes and load applied by the bearing) affect the surface properties of an Inconel 718 part, in particular the surface roughness and nanohardness, based on nanoindentation results and image analysis techniques by confocal microscopy. It was evaluated how intensity these same variables of roller burnishing operations cause the phenomenon of strain-softening. Through the results obtained, it can be noted that, with up to two passes of RB, the surface roughness improves significantly. By increasing the number of RB passes, the phenomenon of strain-softening of deformation by stress of the Inconel 718´s sample was verified. For all RB operations (at room temperature and 310oC) the nanohardness levels (HV) were higher than those of the only turned sample, showing that, regardless of the test temperature the nanohardness of the part that underwent the RB operation increased. Metallographic analysis of the samples that underwent RB was performed and the abundant presence of the δ phase was observed. A gap was filled in research involving both the roller burnishing technique and the resulted properties of the Inconel 718.
Berry-Esseen bound and Cramér-type moderate deviations of drift estimation in SPDEs driven by additive noise
Authors: Jiang Hui , Zhou Jingjing
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we study the asymptotic properties for the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) of the drift estimationin a stochastic fractional heat equation driven by additive noise. Via the change of measure method and asymptotic analysis technique, we establish the exponential nonuniform Berry-Esseen bound and (self-normalized) Cram\'er-type moderate deviation for the MLE in three asymptotic regimes: large timeasymptotics, increasing number of Fourier modes, large time asymptotics and increasing number of Fourier modes.
MSC Classification: 60F10 , 60H15 , 62F12 , 62M05