bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbe-Drug Association Prediction Model Based on Graph Convolution and Attention Networks
Authors: Wang Bo , Wang Tongxuan , Du Xiaoxin , Li Jingwei , Wang Junqi , Wu Peilong
Published: March 2024

In order to overcome the long time, high cost and low efficiency of traditional experimental methods in predicting the potential association between microorganisms and drugs, a new prediction model named GCNATMDA is proposed in this paper. The model combines two deep learning models, Graph Convolutional Network and Graph Attention Network, and aims to reveal potential relationships between microbes and drugs by learning related features, Thus improve the efficiency and accuracy of prediction. We first integrated the microbe-drug association matrix from the existing dataset, and then combined the calculated microbe-drug characteristic matrix as the model input. The GCN module is used to dig deeper into the potential characterization of microbes and drugs, while the GAT module further learns the more complex interactions between them and generates the corresponding score matrix. The experimental results show that the GCNATMDA model achieves 96.59% and 93.01% in AUC and AUPR evaluation indexes, respectively, which is significantly better than the existing prediction models. In addition, the reliability of the prediction results is verified by a series of experiments.
Antioxidative and Cardioprotective Effects of Minocycline in Ischemia/reperfusion Injury in Experimental Model of Hypertension
Authors: Rudic Tamara , Stojanovic Aleksandra , Sobot Nikola , Novakovic Jovana , Bolevich Sergey , Bolevich Stefani , Fisenko Vladimir , Krylova Irina Nikolaevna , Nikolic Marina , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Srejo Ivan
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Cardiovascular diseases remains leading cause of death and disabilities. Coronary artery occlusion and consequent ischemia leads to acute myocardial infarction, but restoration of blood flow provokes further myocardial damage known as reperfusion injury. Minocycline is possessing anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity, immune-modulating and antioxidative properties besides its primary antibacterial effect. Recently it gained significant interest in preventing cardiac damage especially due to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI). The aim of this study was to assess protective ability of preconditioning and postconditioning of isolated hearts from healthy and spontaneously hypertensive rats with minocycline, on functional recovery and redox status after MI/RI using Langendorfftechnique.
Methods: Using sensor in left ventricle, the cardiodynamic parameters were recorded and in the samples of the coronary venous effluent oxidative stress biomarkers were analyzed. Minocycline was injected directly into the coronary vessels, in preconditioning 5 min before global ischemia, and in postconditioning during the first 5 min of reperfusion.
Results: Changes in redox balance induced by minocycline were more pronounced in postconditioning fashion of application. Cardioprotective effects of minocycline due to MI/RI are even more pronounced in hypertensive hearts.
Conclusion: Minocycline showed significant cardioprotective effects, which was more pronounced in hypertensive compared to healthy hearts. Reduction of pro-oxidative biomarkers was more pronounced in hypertensive hearts compared to the normotensive, especially if it is applied in the form of post-conditioning. The fact that better effects are achieved during postconditioning is particularly important, bearing in mind that it is not possible to predict the occurrence of a heart attack.
Cognitive Load Associated with Speaking Clearly in Reverberant Rooms
Authors: Ishikawa Keiko , Murgia Silvia , Li Hannah , Renkert Elisabeth , Bottalico Pasquale
Published: March 2024

Communication is a fundamental aspect of human interaction, yet many individuals must speak in less-than-ideal acoustic environments daily. Adapting their speech to ensure intelligibility in these varied settings can impose a significant cognitive burden. Understanding this burden on talkers has significant implications for the design of public spaces and workplace environments, as well as speaker training programs. The aim of this study was to examine how room acoustics and speaking style affect cognitive load through self-rating of mental demand and pupillometry. Nineteen adult native speakers of American English were instructed to read sentences in both casual and clear speech—a technique known to enhance intelligibility—across three levels of reverberation (0.05s, 1.2s, and 1.83s at 500–1000 Hz). Our findings revealed that speaking style consistently affects the cognitive load on talkers more than room acoustics across the tested reverberation range. Specifically, pupillometry data suggested that speaking in clear speech elevates the cognitive load comparably to speaking in a room with long reverberation, challenging the conventional view of clear speech as an ‘easy’ strategy for improving intelligibility. These results underscore the importance of accounting for talkers' cognitive load when optimizing room acoustics and developing speech production training.
L1 Schemes for time-fractional differential equations: A brief survey and new development
Authors: Xiao Jingjing , Chen Yanping , Zeng Fanhai , Zhang Zhongqiang
Published: March 2024

We summarize the L1 method and its variants for the discretization of the Caputo derivative and develop a weighted L1 (WL1) method. The WL1 method includes the classical L1 method as a special case but improves the L1 method in accuracy while accommodating the intrinsic weak singularity of solutions to fractional differential equations. The WL1 method inherits several properties of the L1 method and the analysis of the new method is presented in a simple way. Compared to several variants of the L1 method, the new method accommodates the intrinsic weak singularity of the time-fractional derivatives in a more flexible way, especially for variable-order fractional differential equation. We also develop the fast WL1 method and apply it to initial and boundary value problems. Numerical simulations and comparisons verify our theoretical analysis and demonstrate the flexibility and efficiency of our method.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 26A33 · 65M06 · 65M12 · 65M15 · 35R11
Terra Preta production from Ghanaian and Zambian soils using domestic wastes
Authors: Neina Dora , Glaser Bruno
Published: March 2024

Quests for productive soils to close yield gaps call for innovative strategies. This study tested an off-site formation of the Amazonian Terra Preta (TP) in a potential modern analogon under coastal savannah climatic conditions of Ghana. Four Ghanaian and two Zambian soils; two types of biochar (i.e., rice husk biochar and charcoal residues); domestic wastes (i.e., kitchen leftovers, animal manures, human urine, and kitchen ash) were mixed with the soils wetted to 100% water holding capacity, and incubated under aerobic conditions for nine months. Indicators of the TP include total carbon (C), pH, base saturation, basic cations, and plant-available P, which were measured using standard methods of soil analysis. The TP formation enhanced soil pH by 0.02 to 2.9, ranging from pH 7.2 to 8.2, with charcoal residues having the highest effect on pH. The modern TP was characterized by relatively high total C, pH, K, Ca, Mg, Na, base saturation, and plant-available P. These properties reflect unique interactions between the chars, wastes, and soils, suggesting the potential for on-site TP formation. It calls for further studies, commitment, and perseverance in their formation in the future.
Anthropogenic Effects on Tropical Cyclones near Western Europe
Authors: Wang Shuai , Murakami Hiroyuki , Cooke William
Published: March 2024

There is less consensus on whether human activities have significantly altered tropical cyclone (TC) statistics, given the relatively short duration of reliable observed records. Understanding and projecting TC frequency change is more challenging in certain coastal regions with lower TC activity yet high exposure, such as Western Europe. Here, we show, with large-ensemble TC-permitting simulations, that the observed increase in TC frequency near Western Europe from 1966 to 2020 is likely linked to the anthropogenic aerosol effect. Under a future scenario featuring regionally controlled aerosol emissions and substantially increased greenhouse gas concentrations (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5-85), our simulations show a potential decrease in TC frequency near Western Europe by the end of the 21st century. These contrasting trends in historical and future TC frequencies are primarily due to the rise for 1966-2020 and potentially subsequent fall for 2030-2100 in TC genesis frequency in the North Atlantic. The response of large-scale environmental conditions to anthropogenic forcing is found to be crucial in explaining the historical and future changes in TC frequency near Western Europe.
Steering diffusion selectivity of chemical isomers within aligned nanochannels of metal-organic framework thin film
Authors: Haldar Ritesh , Maity Tanmoy , Sarkar Susmita , Kundu Susmita , Panda Suvendu , Sarkar Arighna , Mandal Kalyaneswar , Ghosh Soumya , Mondal Jagannath
Published: March 2024

The movement of molecules (i.e. diffusion) within angstrom-scale pores of porous materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zeolites is influenced by multiple complex factors that can be challenging to assess and manipulate. Nevertheless, understanding and controlling this diffusion phenomenon is crucial for advancing energy-economic membrane-based chemical separation technologies, as well as for heterogeneous catalysis and sensing applications. Through precise assessment of the factors influencing diffusion within a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) thin film, we have developed a chemical strategy to manipulate and reverse chemical isomer diffusion selectivity. In the process of cognizing the molecular diffusion within oriented, angstrom-scale channels of MOF thin film, we have unveiled a dynamic chemical interaction between the adsorbate (chemical isomers) and the MOF using a combination of kinetic mass uptake experiments and molecular simulation. Leveraging the dynamic chemical interactions, we have reversed the haloalkane (positional) isomer diffusion selectivity, forging a novel chemical pathway to elevate the overall efficacy of membrane-based chemical separation and selective catalytic reactions.
Comparison of high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy versus nasal cannula in sedated transesophageal echocardiography in patients with mitral regurgitation: a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Li Wanlin , Qiu Ziqi , Zhang Wenwen , Xu Yajie , Fang Zhaojing , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhang Yong , Ling Meirong , Shi Hongwei
Published: March 2024

Background
Hypoxia is common among mitral regurgitation patients and may be more susceptible to anesthetics. To evaluate the security and efficacy of high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNC) and nasal cannula for sedated transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Methods
226 patients scheduled to receive TEE under sedation were randomized into two groups: HFNC group (Group H) and nasal cannula group (Group C). The incidence of hypoxia during the TEE procedure was the main result. Secondary outcomes included hypoxia-related measures and interventions, ventilation and adverse events related to sedation.
Results
In comparison to Group C, Group H exhibited a significant decrease in the incidences of hypoxia and severe hypoxia, dropping from 26.3–15.0% (P < 0.05) and 1.8–0% (P < 0.05), respectively.
Conclusion
Compared with nasal cannula, HFNC can reduce hypoxia during TEE procedure in patients with mitral regurgitation.
Trial registration
ChiCTR2300068412, 17/02/2023.
Primary posterior laser capsulotomy (PPCL) after cataract surgery: 2-year results
Authors: Schultz Tim , Schojai Merita , Dick H. Burkhard
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of primary posterior laser capsulotomy (PPLC) as a new method to prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO).
Setting: University Eye Hospital Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Design: Prospective randomized intraindividual comparative trial.
Methods: 16 patients were examined two years after cataract surgery in both eyes. In one eye routine cataract surgery and a PPLC (PPLC group) were performed. In the other eye only routine cataract surgery (Control group) was done. For the PPLC, the posterior capsule between the anterior hyaloid surface and the optic surface of the IOL was identified with integrated 3-dimensional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and treated with a femtosecond second laser. The main outcome measures were safety parameters such as intraocular pressure, macular thickness and volume, correct visual acuity, and the formation of PCO in both groups.
Results: No significant difference was measured between the groups in intraocular pressure, endothelial cell count and macular thickness. Two eyes of the control group had Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy and were excluded from the PCO analysis. In the PPLC group the total PCO score was significant lower in comparison to the control group (0.04, SD: 0.08 to 0.26, SD: 0.31; p value 0.06). The central area of the IOL optic demonstrated no PCO in all eyes of the PPLC group.
Conclusions: The formation of PCO was effectively prevented by performing PPLC; there were no long-term complications in eyes that underwent this short additional intervention.
Patients with Sepsis‑associated acute kidney injury undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy in the intensive care unit: epidemiology, clinical features, and early prognosis
Authors: Tian Jing , Yan Cao , Dong Yan , Zhou Tao , Xu Hongyang
Published: March 2024

Purpose
Sepsis is the most common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical illness, but information on sepsis‑associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is limited. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and early prognosis of SA-AKI.
Methods
This was a single-center retrospective study that included critically ill patients treated with CRRT at the Affiliated Wuxi People' s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, classified as patients with and without SA-AKI according to the definition of the Acute Disease Quality Initiative (ADQI).
Results
A total of 108 individuals met the inclusion criteria, including 59 SA-AKI patients and 49 non-SA-AKI patients from different general wards. The SA-AKI patients were older [60.0 (51.0–72.0) years vs. 73.0 (65.0–78.0) years, P < .05] and had higher APACHE II [21 (19–25) vs. 11 (15–17), P < .05] and SOFA scores [12 (11–14) vs.8 (7–9), P < .05]. During ICU stay, SA-AKI patients had longer duration of mechanical ventilation [11 (4–23) days vs. 4 (1–10) days, P < .05] a, longer ICU stay [13 (6.5–24) days vs. 8 (5–16) days, P < .05], and significantly higher 28-day mortality rate [35 (59.3%) vs. 14 (28.6%), P < .05], which was about twice that of non-SA-AKI patients. SA-AKI patients' age (HR,0.978; 95%CI 0.957-1.000; P < .05) and lactate level (HR,1.146; 95%CI 1.018–1.291; P < .05) were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality.
Conclusions
Patients with SA-AKI treated with CRRT require longer duration of therapy and still face a poorer situation in terms of early prognosis and recovery of renal function, especially in patients of advanced age and hyperlactatemia.
The Incidence and Intensity of Postoperative Pain and Flare-up Following the Use of Three Different Intracanal Medicaments In Teeth With Posttreatment Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Angın Adile Esen , Özkan Hicran Dönmez , Saral İlkim Pınar , Aydın Berdan
Published: March 2024

Objectives
This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effect of intracanal medicaments on the incidence of postoperative pain and flare-up with posttreatment apical periodontitis (PTAP) of retreatment cases.
Materials and Methods
One hundred-twenty patients diagnosed with PTAP with single-rooted teeth with single-canal without spontaneous pain or swellings were included and randomly divided into three groups according to the intracanal medicament used. Intracanal medicaments were placed into the root canals following the removal of previous root canal fillings and re-instrumentation. Calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)2), chlorhexidine gel (CHX), calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine gel combinations were used as intracanal medicaments. Postoperative pain scores were recorded at 6 and 12 hours and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days using visual analog scale (VAS). Sensitivity on percussion, spontaneous pain, swelling, antibiotic and analgesic requirements of the patients were evaluated during clinical examinations performed postoperatively after 2 and 7 days.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of VAS scores following the intracanal medicament application (p > 0.05). However, compared to the patients belong to 20–34 and 50–65 age groups, greater VAS scores was observed in patients between the ages of 35–49 at 12 hour, and 3, 4, 7 days (p < 0.05). Flare-up was observed in only one patient in CHX gel group, and no flare-up was observed in other groups.
Conclusions
Similar postoperative pain incidence in all experimental groups indicates that all three medicaments are clinically acceptable in inter-appointment management of retreatment cases in terms of post endodontic pain and flare-up.
Clinical Relevance:
In this randomized clinical trial, three different intracanal medicaments were utilized in nonsurgical endodontic retreatment and their effect on the postoperative pain and flare-up incidance was examined. There are limited number of prospective clinical trials in the literature about this issue. Thus, this study will be significant contribute to the literature.
Modulation of mouse dendritic cells in vitro by Lactobacillus gasseri postbiotic proteins
Authors: Luongo Diomira , de Sena Vincenzo , Maurano Francesco , Rossi Mauro
Published: March 2024

Different lactobacilli are probiotics for their beneficial effects that confer to the host. Recently, some of these effects were associated to released metabolic products/constituents (postbiotics). In the present study, the potential immunomodulatory capacity of the probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri OLL2809 cell-free supernatant (sup) was investigated in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Bacteria induced significantly higher expression of all examined cytokines than those induced by the stimulatory lipolysaccharide (LPS) itself. On the contrary, sup only induced the anti-inflammatory IL-10 similarly to LPS, whereas IL-12 and IL-6 secretions were stimulated at a lower level. Moreover, sup reduced the surface expression of the analysed co-stimulatory markers CD40, CD80 and CD86. Treatments of sup with different digestive enzymes indicated the proteinaceus nature of these immunomodulatory metabolites. Western blot and immunoadsorption analyses revealed cross-reactivity of sup with the surface layers proteins (SLPs) isolated from OLL2809. Therefore, we directly tested the ability of OLL2809 SLPs to stimulate specifically cytokine expression in iDCs. Interestingly, we found that all tested cytokines were induced by SLPs and in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results highlighted distinct immune properties between L. gasseri OLL2809 and its metabolites, supporting the concept that bacterial viability is not an essential prerequisite to exert immunomodulatory effects.
Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome in a Tanzanian patient: A case report
Authors: Alphonce Baraka , Magitta Ng’weina , Komanya Francisca , Bitesigilwe Mbelwa , Meda John , Nyundo Azan
Published: March 2024

Background
Dyke-Davidoff-Masson Syndrome (DDMS) is a rare neurological disorder resulting from an insult to the developing brain in utero or during early life which is characterized by refractory seizures and a wide variety of deficits. Due to its rarity, the condition is often overlooked although a detailed history and imaging can help distinguish it from other similar conditions and provide early diagnosis.
Case presentation:
A thirty-year-old female presented with a history of recurrent seizures and intellectual disability. Her delivery was through the vaginal route with unremarkable post-natal history. Her developmental milestones were normal until the age of three years when she was hospitalized for two weeks due to a febrile illness and generalized seizures, with full recovery. She earned a score of 14/60 on the Ravens Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) indicating an intellectual disability. The neurological examination revealed constructional apraxia, facial nerve upper motor neuron lesion (UMNL). A slow, sinuous writhing movement involving all fingers on the left hand was observed, and left spastic paresis. She underwent a computed tomography (CT) of the head which confirmed DDMS due to presence of right cerebral hemisphere volume loss with gross dilatation of the right lateral ventricle with ex-vacuo dilatation of the right lateral ventricle, right calvarial thickening and hyperpneumatization of the right frontal sinus. She was managed conservatively with anticonvulsants and had her seizure well controlled.
Conclusion
In the setting of recurrent seizures, intellectual disability, hemiparesis, or facial asymmetry, a clinician should have a high index of suspicion for DDMS. Late diagnosis is often related to intractable seizures to anticonvulsants, necessitating hemispherectomy, which is not a readily available option in limited resource settings.
Fetal hemoglobin induction in azacytidine responders enlightens methylation patterns related to blast clearance in higher-risk MDS and CMML
Authors: Chatzilygeroudi Theodora , Chondrou Vasiliki , Boers Ruben , Siamoglou Stavroula , Athanasopoulou Katerina , Verigou Evgenia , Gribnau Joost , Alexis Spyridon , Labropoulou Vassiliki , Kourakli Alexandra , Patrinos George , Sgourou Argyro , Symeonidis Argiris
Published: March 2024

Background
As new treatment options for patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes are emerging, identification of prognostic markers for hypomethylating agent (HMA) treatment and understanding mechanisms of their delayed and short-term responses are essential. Early fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction has been suggested as a prognostic indicator for decitabine treated patients. Although epigenetic mechanisms are assumed, responding patients’ epigenomes have not been thoroughly examined. We aimed to clarify HbF kinetics and prognostic value for azacytidine treated patients, as well as the epigenetic landscape that might influence HbF re-expression and its clinical relevance.
Results
Serial HbF measurements by high performance liquid chromatography (n = 20) showed induction of HbF only among responders (p = 0.019). Moreover, HbF increase immediately after the first azacytidine cycle demonstrated prognostic value for progression free survival (PFS) (p = 0.032, HR = 0.19, CI:0.24–1.63). Changes in methylation patterns were revealed with methylated DNA genome-wide sequencing analysis (n = 7) for FOG-1, RCOR-1, ZBTB7A and genes of the NuRD complex components. Targeted pyrosequencing methodology (n = 28) revealed a strong inverse correlation between the degree of γ-globin gene (HBG2) promoter methylation and baseline HbF levels (p = 0.003, rs=-0.663). A potential epigenetic mechanism of HbF re-expression in azacytidine responders was enlightened by targeted methylation analysis, through hypomethylation of site − 53 of HBG2 promoter (p = 0.039, rs=-0.504), which corresponds to MBD2-NuRD binding site, and to hypermethylation of the CpG326 island of ZBTB7A (p = 0.05, rs=0.482), a known HbF repressor. These changes were associated to blast cell clearance (pHBG2=0.011, rs=0.480/ pZBTB7A=0.026, rs=0.427) and showed prognostic value for PFS (pZBTB7A=0.037, HR = 1.14, CI:0.34–3.8).
Conclusions
Early HbF induction is featured as an accessible prognostic indicator for HMA treatment and the proposed potential epigenetic mechanism of HbF re-expression in azacytidine responders includes hypomethylation of the γ-globin gene promoter region and hypermethylation of the CpG326 island of ZBTB7A. The association of these methylation patterns with blast clearance and their prognostic value for PFS paves the way to discuss in depth azacytidine epigenetic mechanism of action.
Exploring Craniofacial Anthropometry in the Ethnic Adult Population of Meghalaya, Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sinha Pranoti , Chakraborty Suvamoy , Balakrishnan Manu Coimbatore , Das Sauradeep , Banerjee Indranil
Published: March 2024

Craniofacial anthropometry is important for identity, diagnosis of congenital anomalies etc. The incidence of craniofacial abnormalities is high in the Southeast Asian region. The population of Meghalaya differs in features from other states of Northeast India and the neighbouring East Asia. The objective was to study the craniofacial anthropometric features of the ethnic adults in the Meghalaya state of Northeast India. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Head length (HL), head breadth (HB), Cephalic index (CI), intercanthal distance (ICD), lateral canthal distance (LCD) and ear length (EL) were measured. A total of 104 adults were included. The majority of the individuals belonged to the Khasi community 51 (49%) followed by the Garo community 27 (26%) and the Jaintia community 26 (25%). The mean ± S.D age of the total sample population was 29.5 ± 8.4 years. The mean CI of the total sample population was 79.13 (mesocephalic). No statistically significant difference was noted between male-female CI in the total and subpopulation groups. In our study, the common head types were dolichocephalic (29%), brachycephalic (29%), mesocephalic (21%), hyperbrachycephalic (16%) and ultrabrachycephalic (5%). A statistically significant difference was noted between Khasi and Jaintia in HL, HW, CI, LCD; between Khasi and Garo in HL, ICD, LCD and between Garo and Jaintia in HW, CI, ICD. We believe our conventional craniofacial anthropometry data could add to the pool of regional anthropometry data and be used for future scientific purposes like anthropology, maxillofacial surgeries, designing helmets, forensic analysis and gender differentiation.
Ablation Performance of C/SiC-ZrC Composites
Authors: Hailang GE , ZHANG Lu , Jinkang DU , Fanjie FENG , Xiguang GAO , Yingdong SONG
Published: March 2024

To reveal the ablation performance of C/SiC-ZrC composites under different ablation methods, C/SiC-ZrC composites were prepared by chemical vapor deposition and precursor impregnation cracking methods. Single ablation and cyclic ablation tests were conducted on C/SiC-ZrC composites using an oxyacetylene flame to obtain ablation parameters and macroscopic and microscopic ablation morphology for different ablation methods. The results show that the line ablation rate and mass ablation rate of different ablation methods decrease with increasing time; The linear ablation rate and mass ablation rate of cyclic ablation are 12% and 24.2% lower than those of single ablation; Within the same ablation time, the C/SiC-ZrC composites subjected to cyclic ablation has shallower and more evenly distributed pits caused by high-temperature airflow ablation; The material surface has a white oxide layer composed of SiO2 and ZrO2, and the carbon fibers inside are wrapped by oxide particles, which improves the ablation resistance of C/SiC-ZrC composites.
Double-camouflaged tellurium nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal immunotherapy of tumor
Authors: Li Chaoqing , Yang Luyao , Zhang Bin , Li Jiahao , Cai Bingjie , Ni Wei , Zhang Gunjun
Published: March 2024

The photothermal conversion properties of tellurium (Te) nanoparticles have been extensively investigated, rendering them a promising candidate for tumor photothermal therapy. However, there is still room for improvement in the development of efficient Te-based drug delivery systems. Here, Te nanoparticles are mineralized with bioactive molecules within attenuated Salmonella (S-Te), which are subsequently taken up by macrophages (RAW264.7) to construct a double-camouflaged delivery platform (RS-Te). Remarkably, RS-Te retains superior photothermal properties under near-infrared irradiation. The mineralization process eliminates bacterial proliferation potential, thereby mitigating the risk of excessive bacterial growth in vivo. Furthermore, the uptake of bacteria by macrophages not only polarizes them into M1 macrophages to induce an anti-tumor immune response but also circumvents any adverse effects caused by complex antigens on the bacterial surface. The results show that RS-Te can effectively accumulate and retain in tumors. RS-Te-mediated photothermal immunotherapy largely promotes the maturation of dendritic cells and priming of cytotoxic T cells induced by near-infrared laser irradiation. Moreover, RS-Te can switch the activation of macrophages from an immunosuppressive M2 phenotype to a more inflammatory M1 state. The double-camouflaged delivery system may offer highly efficient and safe cancer treatment.
Assessing receptivity to malaria using case surveillance and forest data in a near-elimination setting in northeast Thailand
Authors: Walshe Rebecca , Pongsoipetch Kulchada , Mukem Suwanna , Kamsri Tanong , Singkham Navarat , Sudathip Prayuth , Kitchakarn Suravadee , Maude Rapeephan Rattanawongnara , Maude Richard James
Published: March 2024

Background
Thailand aims to eliminate malaria by 2024, and as such is now planning for future prevention of re-establishment. Understanding the receptivity of local areas to malaria allows the appropriate targeting of interventions. Current approaches to assessing receptivity involve collecting entomological data. Forest coverage is known to be associated with malaria risk, as an environment conducive to both vector breeding and high-risk human behaviours.
Methods
Geolocated, anonymised, individual-level surveillance data from 2011 to 2021 from the Thai Division of Vector-Borne Disease (DVBD) was used to calculate incidence and estimated Rc at village level. Forest cover was calculated using raster maps of tree crown cover density and year of forest loss from the publicly available Hansen dataset. Incidence and forest cover were compared graphically and using spearman’s rho. The current foci classification system was applied to data to the last 5 years (2017–2021) and forest cover for 2021 compared between the classifications. A simple risk score was developed to identify villages with high receptivity.
Results
There was a non-linear decrease in annual cases by 96.6% (1,061 to 36) across the two provinces from 2011 to 2021. Indigenous Annual Parasite Index (API) and approximated Rc were higher in villages in highly forested subdistricts, and with higher forest cover within 5km. Forest cover was also higher in malaria foci which consistently reported malaria cases each year than those which did not. An Rc > 1 was only reported in villages in subdistricts with > 25% forest cover. When applying a simple risk score using forest cover and recent case history, the classifications were comparable to those of the risk stratification system currently used by the DVBD.
Conclusions
There was a positive association between forest coverage around a village and indigenous malaria cases. Most local transmission was observed in the heavily forested subdistricts on the international borders with Laos and Cambodia, which are where the most receptive villages are located. These areas are at greater risk of importation of malaria due to population mobility and forest-going activities. Combining forest cover and recent case surveillance data with measures of vulnerability may be useful for prediction of malaria recurrence risk.
Impact of molar incisor hypomineralization and hypersensitivity on oral health-related quality of life
Authors: Schoeffel Amanda Cristina , Rolim Tatiane Zahn Cardoso , de Souza Luíse Gomes , Lourenço Yohana , Alves Isadora , de Menezes José Vitor Nogara Borges , Zanon Luciana Reichert Assunção , de Souza Juliana Feltrin
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Evaluate the impact of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and hypersensitivity on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in school children.
Materials and Methods: A representative random sample of 568 eight-year-old children, enrolled in public schools in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, were selected. The children were clinically evaluated to diagnose MIH by Ghanin (2015) criteria, hypersensitivity by the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale (SCASS) scale, and dental caries by ICDAS criteria. OHRQoL was assessed by the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ8-10) and the Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM (PedsQL™). The OHRQoL scores were compared according to the clinical outcomes by the U - Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. The CPQ and PedsQL™ scores were tested by Spearman correlation (𝛂=0.05).
Results: The prevalence of MIH was 17% (IC95% 14% - 20%), in which 36,1% was mild and 63,9% moderated/severe. Although the presence of MIH did not impact significantly OHRQoL, children with severe MIH harmed the OHRQoL. Thus, the presence of hypersensitivity reports in MIH-affected teeth or the presence of post-eruptive or dental caries cavity in MIH-affected teeth impacts significantly the OHRQoL, for both questionnaires (p<0,05). The scores of both Questionnaires had a significantly strong correlation (r=-0,761;p<0,05).
Conclusions: Only the presence of MIH did not impact the OHRQoL, however, the clinical consequences of MIH, such as post-eruptive or cavity caries lesions and the presence of hypersensitivity harmed OHRQoL.
Clinical Relevance: Dental hypersensitivity is a common symptom present in cases of hypomineralization, recognizing its impact on quality of life makes it possible to develop patient-centered outcomes.
Anakinra in the Management of Adult-Onset Still’s Disease: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Kilic Berkay , Parlar Kerem , Karup Sejla , Ozturk Admir , Karaahmetli Kardelen , Ugurlu Serdal
Published: March 2024

Objectives
Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic autoinflammatory disorder of unknown etiology characterized by systemic inflammation, high fever, salmon-colored skin rash, arthralgia, and arthritis. Patients with AOSD may also present with elevated inflammatory markers, hyperferritinemia, anemia, leukocytosis, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Glucocorticoids and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including the anti-interleukin-1 agent anakinra, are used in the management of AOSD.
Methods
This retrospective single-center study included patients with AOSD who were registered at our tertiary center, and received anakinra treatment. The primary outcome of our study was the proportion of patients who achieved complete remission of disease-related clinical and laboratory complications. The glucocorticoid treatment profiles of the included patients before and after anakinra treatment were also analyzed. The occurrence of serious and non-serious adverse events was recorded to analyze the safety profile of anakinra.
Results
Thirty-four patients with AOSD, including 25 females (73.5%), were enrolled in the study. Twelve patients (35.3%) achieved complete remission and 14 patients (41.2%) achieved partial remission after anakinra treatment. Eight patients (23.5%) did not response to anakinra. Anakinra significantly decreased the number of patients receiving glucocorticoid treatment [33 (97%) vs. 22 (64.7%), p < 0.001] and the mean daily glucocorticoid dose [19 ± 13.5 mg vs. 4.6 ± 5.8 mg, p < 0.001]. Mild adverse events occurred in 11 patients (32.3%) with injection site reactions being the most common. One patient (2.9%) was diagnosed with tuberculosis within the treatment period.
Conclusion
Anakinra is an effective and generally safe option for biological treatment initiation in the management of AOSD.
A survey study on the evaluation of posed smiles by social group
Authors: Zhong Birong , Zhou Guilong , Yang Yong , Zhao Jinlong , Tian Lei , Ma Qin
Published: March 2024

Background
Smiling, one of the main facial expressions, expresses positive emotions that promote psychological well-being and facilitate individuals’ acceptance of society. Smiles can influence others’ perceptions of facial attractiveness. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of the perception of smiling structures on the attractiveness of smiles among raters in different groups.
Methods
Smile photographs were selected and digitally manipulated to determine changes in various smile aesthetic parameters (the lip thickness ratio, smile line/ smile index, lower upper lip curve, and smile arc/dental curvature). These altered images were rated by Chinese participants stratified by social group: dentists, clinicians, nurses, and nonmedical professionals. A total of 1469 subjects were recruited to complete the questionnaire. Smile strength scores were calculated, and comparisons between groups were made.
Results
All respondents chose a 1:1.5 lip thickness ratio, average smile line, upwards upper lip curvature and a consonant smile arc parallel to the lower lip curvature smile arc. However, significant differences were detected in the rating scores across occupational groups.
Conclusions
The smile variables of the lip thickness ratio, smile line, upper lip curvature, and smile arc are predominant factors influencing smile attractiveness and should be given priority when considering and managing aesthetic treatment plans. In addition, it is necessary to account for the influence of profession on individuals’ evaluations and to conduct individualized evaluation and treatment.
Benchmarking multi-omics integrative clustering methods for subtype identification in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Lv Jiali , Fan Zhe , Gu Bingbing , Fan Bingbing , Li Chunxia , Wang Cheng , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives
Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a heterogeneous malignancy that has concerned global burden of incidence and mortality. The traditional tumor-node-metastasis staging system has exhibited certain limitations. With the advancement of omics technologies, researchers are directing their focus on developing a more precise multi-omics molecular classification. Therefore, the utilization of unsupervised multi-omics integrative clustering methods in CRC, advocating for the establishment of a comprehensive benchmark with practical guidelines. In this study, we obtained CRC multi-omics data, encompassing DNA methylation, gene expression, and protein expression from the TCGA database. We then generated interrelated CRC multi-omics data with various structures based on realistic multi-omics correlations, and performed a comprehensive evaluation of eight representative methods categorized as early integration, intermediate integration, and late integration using complementary benchmarks for subtype classification accuracy. Lastly, we employed these methods to integrate real-world CRC multi-omics data, survival and differential analysis were used to highlight differences among newly identified multi-omics subtypes.
Results
Through in-depth comparisons, we observed that similarity network fusion (SNF) exhibited exceptional performance in integrating multi-omics data derived from simulations. Additionally, SNF effectively distinguished CRC patients into five subgroups with the highest classification accuracy. Moreover, we found significant survival differences and molecular distinctions among SNF subtypes.
Conclusions
The findings consistently demonstrate that SNF outperforms other methods in CRC multi-omics integrative clustering. The significant survival differences and molecular distinctions among SNF subtypes provide novel insights into the multi-omics perspective on CRC heterogeneity with potential clinical treatment. The code and its implementation are available in GitHub https://github.com/zsbvb/Comparison-of-Multiomics-Integration-Methods-for-CRC.
Ferrous Ascorbate as A Potential Biomarker for Diabetic Retinopathy: A Vitreous Humour Metabolomics Study
Authors: Liu Jinmeng , Liu Shuang , Hui Peng , Teng Siying , Xie Jinghui , Sun Yabin
Published: March 2024

Background
This study aimed to explore differences in vitreous humour metabolites and metabolic pathways between patients with and without diabetic retinopathy (DR) and identify potential metabolite biomarkers.
Methods
Clinical data and vitreous fluid samples were collected from 125 patients (40 without diabetes, 85 with DR). The metabolite profiles of the vitreous fluid samples were analysed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, Q-Exactive mass spectrometry, and multivariate statistical analysis. A machine learning model based on Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Regularized logistic regression was used to build a risk scoring model based on selected metabolite levels. Candidate metabolites were regressed to glycated haemoglobin levels by a logistic regression model.
Results
Twenty differential metabolites were identified between the DR and control groups and were significantly enriched in five Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways (arginine biosynthesis; tricarboxylic acid cycle; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; tyrosine metabolism; and D-glutamate metabolism). Ferrous ascorbate was risk factor for glycaemic control.
Conclusions
Disorders in the metabolic pathways of arginine biosynthesis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, alanine, aspartate, glutamate metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and D-glutamate metabolism were associated with DR. Risk scores based on vitreous fluid metabolites can be used for the diagnosis and management of DR. Ferrous ascorbate can provide insights into potential new pathogenic pathways for DR.
Identification Of Pathogenic Mutations And Application Of Polygenic Risk Scores To Differentiate MODY Patients From Other Diabetes Types
Authors: Atava Ivanna , Reščenko Raimonds , Brīvība Monta , Birzniece Līga , Elbere Ilze , Megnis Kaspars , Pečulis Raitis , Lauga-Tuņina Una , Kirillova Ināra , Konrāde Ilze , Dzīvīte-Krišāne Iveta , Kalniņa Ineta , Klovins Janis
Published: March 2024

Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) presents a diagnostic challenge, with a large proportion of cases lacking identifiable genetic mutations. This study investigates the genetic basis of MODY in a Latvian cohort comprising 66 suspected MODY families, contrasted with 177 non-diabetic controls. Employing panel-based and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), we identified 22 pathogenic mutations in three MODY genes (GCK, HNF1A, and HNF4A), eight of them being novel. We selected and tested the best-performing population specific type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) polygenic risk score (PRS) models on the established MODY cohort and controls. Patients without genetically confirmed MODY had a significantly higher risk for T1D compared to controls. A 75% centile of T1D-PRS included only 8.7% of the genetically confirmed MODY patients, compared to 34% of patients without mutations, providing good specificity for the identification of indicative T1D at this PRS range. While T2D-PRS was increased in the MODY cohort, it did not demonstrate an ability to discriminate between both MODY subgroups. In summary, our study demonstrates that the application of WGS improves diagnostic accuracy and highlights the potential of T1D-PRS as a critical tool for stratification of MODY suspected patients.
Using HD-EMG to Assess Motor Units in Vastus Lateralis with the Lokomat: A Pilot Study with Young, Elderly and Individuals Post-Stroke
Authors: Corvini Giovanni , Lorusso Matteo , Tagliamonte Nevio Luigi , Masciullo Marcella , Molinari Marco , Scivoletto Giorgio , Tamburella Federica , Moreno Juan C.
Published: March 2024

Despite its increasing use in research, High-Density EMG (HD-EMG) has yet to gain widespread acceptance in routine clinical evaluations, particularly for assessing age-related variations and central nervous system disorder. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using a portable HD-EMG system during daily rehabilitation tests with the Lokomat, a robotic platform widely used in neurorehabilitation, to study MU properties in different populations. Nine participants, categorized in three groups (healthy young, healthy elderly and individual with chronic stroke) were recruited. Participants performed isometric sub-maximal contractions at three force levels within the Lokomat, and myoelectrical signals were acquired through a portable 64-channel HD-EMG system. Our findings suggest that traditional sEMG amplitude and spectral parameters fail to identify differences among healthy control groups, whereas HD-EMG can effectively capture age-related variations through the analysis of MU properties (i.e., number of extracted MUs). Additionally, in contrast to the traditional parameters typically used by clinicians, MU property analysis revealed distinct neuromuscular alterations when comparing individuals who had a stroke with healthy groups. Results highlight the potential of HD-EMG in exploring specific neuromuscular changes associated with stroke. Therefore, this pilot study shows the feasibility of integrating HD-EMG into clinical test sessions with the Lokomat. By studying MU properties, HD-EMG provides valuable insights into muscle behavior, potentially advancing our understanding of neuromuscular conditions and effectively optimizing rehabilitation treatments. We believe that further research in this direction is needed to establish HD-EMG as a standard clinical diagnostic tool.
Asymptotic solution of electromagnetic heating of skin tissue with lateral heat conduction
Authors: Jaime-Yepez Ulises , Wang Hongyun , Foley Shannon E. , Zhou Hong
Published: March 2024

We study the temperature evolution in the three-dimensional skin tissue exposed to an electromagnetic beam of millimeter wavelength. The skin absorption coefficient at the beam frequency determines how deep the electromagnetic energy penetrates into the skin tissue, which gives a sub-millimeter penetration depth for a 94 GHz wave. In contrast, in the lateral directions perpendicular to the depth, the beam size is usually much larger than the penetration depth. Based on this separation of length scales, we establish a formulation in which each term has separable dependences on the depth coordinate and on the lateral coordinates. We solve the equations in the formulation analytically to obtain a two-term asymptotic solution of the temperature distribution in the three-dimensional skin tissue. This closed-form analytical solution provides a practical and accurate way of predicting the temperature. It is useful when the beam size is moderately larger than the penetration depth. In that situation, the effect of lateral heat conduction is not negligible and is well captured in the asymptotic solution.