bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIRT1 Downregulation Contributes to Surgery-Induced Cognitive Impairment Through Autophagy-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in the Hippocampi of Aged Mice
Authors: jin shaowu , Wang Xinlin , Wang Jiao , jin Qiqi , Cai Weicha , Cai Jiajing , Lin Qicheng , Pan Chi , Mao Xinyu , Nivar John , Tao Yuanxiang , Cao Hong , Li Jun
Published: September 2023

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is characteristic of cognitive dysfunction in older people following anesthesia and surgery. There has remained a lack of clinical measures for effective prevention and treatment. Recent studies have shown that Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), autophagy, and the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are closely associated with the development of neurodegeneration. However, the relationship among SIRT1, autophagy, and NLRP3 inflammasome in microglial activation during POCD development remains largely unclear. In this study, eighteen-month-old C57BL/6 mice underwent splenectomy for POCD model construction under sevoflurane anesthesia. Some mice received the SIRT1-specific agonist SRT1720, others received SRT1720 and the autophagy blocker 3-MA or vehicle intraperitoneal injection only. Behavioral studies were performed on the first, third, and seventh after surgery using the Morris water maze, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR, Western blots, and ELISAs were used to assess the expression of target genes at the transcriptional and translational levels. Our data indicate that surgery-induced cognitive impairments were associated with significant increases in Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNF-α, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC), cleaved caspase-1. Enhancement of SIRT1 expression can upregulate the level of autophagy to inhibit the activation of inflammasomes and thus improve postoperative cognition in aged mice.
Group A Streptococcal Meningitis in Children: A Short Case Series in China and Systematic Review
Authors: Dou Zhenzhen , Hu Hui-Li , Guo Xin , Hu Bing , Chen Tian-ming , Chen He-ying , Guo Ling-yun , Liu Gang
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Group A streptococcal (GAS) meningitis is an uncommon presentation of invasive GAS (iGAS) infection, there are limited large case series studies about GAS meningitis. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical/laboratory characteristic and outcomes of GAS meningitis in children.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed children with GAS meningitis who were hospitalized in Beijing Children’s Hospital, and performed a systematic review about GAS meningitis in children.
Results: We reported 5 new GAS meningitis cases, we also found a total of 57 articles during the process of literature review; a total of 235 cases were reviewed in this study, including 67 cases from case reports, 163 cases from case series studies and 5 cases we reported in this study. Children younger than 1 year old had peak incidence(37.5%). Parameningeal infections and soft tissues infection were the most common extracranial infection among cases ≥3 years old and cases< 1 year old separately. The overall case fatality rate was high both in case reports (14.1%) and case series studies (ranged from 0% to 42.9%), all of deaths were primary infection cases, the majority of them younger than 1 year old and died of shock; 16 of 33 survivors with follow-up information had neurological sequela.
Conclusions: Death and neurological sequela were common for children with GAS meningitis; cases <1 year old, primary infection cases and complicated with shock might had higher risk of death, we should give more aggressive treatments to them.
Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Prognosis of Infrapopliteal Arterial Disease in Patients Post-EVT: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Huo SiYan , Cheng Jun
Published: September 2023

Background
Atrial fibrillation and lower limb arterial disease present comparable risks and have a mutually exacerbating effect. However, the prognostic influence of atrial fibrillation on lower limb arterial lesions, particularly those susceptible to embolism and infrapopliteal lesions, remains uncertain.
METHODS
In this single-center retrospective study conducted from January 2014 to December 2021, patients who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) for infrapopliteal arterial lesions were classified based on the presence of atrial fibrillation and followed up for at least a year. For the comparative analysis of outcome events, We calculated person-years incidence rates, derived HR values, determined 95% CI via Poisson regression, and tested significance with Cox regression. The primary endpoint involved limb-related adverse events, while secondary outcomes incorporated cardio-cerebrovascular events and all-cause death.
Results
This study involved 176 patients (59 women, 117 men; median age 76, IQR 68–81; range 52–93 years), including 84 with atrial fibrillation (AF) and 92 without. The AF group had higher incidence of limb-related events (70.2% vs 59.8%, P = 0.027), combined limb and cardio-cerebral vascular outcomes (76.2% vs 65.2%, P = 0.001), and cardio-cerebral vascular events alone (31.0% vs 15.2%, P = 0.001). AF was independently associated with adverse limb (Adjusted HR 1.729, 95% CI 1.155–2.588) and cardio-cerebral vascular outcomes (Adjusted HR 2.338, 95% CI 1.202–4.550) in infrapopliteal arterial lesion patients.
Conclusion
Atrial fibrillation independently predicts both cardio-cerebral vascular and limb adverse outcomes post-EVT in patients with infrapopliteal arterial occlusions. For these patients, monitoring should extend beyond cardio-cerebral vasculature to include limb blood supply and vascular conditions.
Do Accrual-based Financial Statements Improve Local Public Sector Efficiency? Evidence from Japan
Authors: KONDOH HARUO , OGAWA AKINOBU
Published: September 2023

After international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) advocated for national governments to adopt accrual accounting, in line with the precepts of New Public Management (NPM), more countries switched from traditional cash-based accounting to accrual accounting methods. NPM aims to enhance budget transparency, efficiency, and accountability of decision-making using business-like management tools such as double-entry bookkeeping. This study examines the impact of the local public accounting reforms on the efficiency of Japanese local governments using a stochastic frontier approach and panel data. Our results indicate that preparing accrual-based financial statements may increase local government efficiency.
Analyzing of Rock Physics Models for 3D and 4D Seismic Feasibility Study in the Carbonate Reservoirs and Developing an Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Jalini Saghi , Falahat Reza
Published: September 2023

Rock physics models provide a quantitative relationship between reservoir parameters and seismic response. Most rock physics models were developed for specific reservoirs/conditions that only cover the variation of some of the reservoir parameters. Therefore, hybrid models have been formed to overcome at the limitations of individual models. However, the hybrid models still contain some of the original limitations that prevent the direct application of these models on the 3D and 4D seismic feasibility studies. This study employs five of the most well-known rock physics models to analyze their advantages and limitations. Then, an integrated model (Improved Shiri-Falahat (ISF)) is developed to cover the main parameters of a 4D seismic interpretation, including pressure and fluid saturation variation, mineralogy, porosity, and pore type. A set of sensitivity analyses are performed on the six models. The results identify the ISF method as the most sensitive model to variation of major reservoir static and dynamic properties. Furthermore, the six models are used to estimate compressional and shear velocity logs in an oil field. The results are compared with the measured sonic logs, where the ISF method provides the least RMS error, 8.11% for compressional and 7.26% for shear velocities, respectively.
Adenosine monophosphate, one metabolite from lower respiratory tract, promotes the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in pediatric with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ma Runwei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Cheng Liming , Li Xiang , Mu Chunjie , Gui Wenting , Deng Yao , Zhao Minzhang , Ren Haobo
Published: September 2023

Background The PI3K/AKT pathway is a crucial signaling pathway linked to cell growth and death in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In this study, we profiled the metabolic changes associated with PAH and investigated the role of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in regulating PI3K/AKT signaling during PAH progression.
Methods The metabolites in the lung tissue lavage fluids from PAH patients and healthy controls were subjected to metabolite profiling. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) were subjected to AMP treatment, and the cell phenotype changes were assessed by CCK-8 proliferation assay, migration assay and in vitro tube formation assay. The impacts of AMP on PI3K/AKT pathway and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HPAECs were examined by Western blot. A rat model of PAH was established to evaluate the roles of AMP and PI3K/AKT signaling in PAH progression.
Results We identified AMP as an upregulated metabolite in the lung tissue lavage fluids of PAH patients. AMP treatment inhibited the cell growth and angiogenic potential of HPAECs, while the AMP enhanced the EMT and migration in HPAECs. AMP treatment increased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT and mTOR in HPAECs. PI3K knockdown could reverse the effects of AMP on HPAECs. In the rat model of PAH, AMP administration aggravated the fibrosis of pulmonary artery by augmenting PI3K/AKT signaling, which could be alleviated by PI3K inhibitor.
Conclusion Our study showed that AMP promotes PAH progression by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inducing EMT in pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Targeting AMP/PI3K/AKT signaling could be employed as strategy to alleviate PAH.
Stable oxygen isotopes in modern ostracods from the Caspian Sea
Authors: Tkach A. A. , Tkach N. T. , Zenina M. A.
Published: September 2023

This paper is the first one to investigate the stable oxygen isotope values of modern ostracods sampled across the whole area of the Caspian Sea. Six taxa were analyzed for δ18Oost. The correlation between δ18Oost and some parameters of the aquatic environment, such as water temperature, salinity and δ18Owater, was examined, providing the basis for reliable paleoenvironmental reconstructions in the future using oxygen isotope data. The results of 105 δ18Oost measurements taken from 76 sites are consistent with the temporal and spatial indicators of the bottom water masses, as impacted by regional hydrography and physical processes. It has been proven that the δ18O of Caspian ostracods is mainly determined by a species-specific isotopic offset with an average value of + 1‰. The corresponding inference allows to successfully identify the properties of the water mass, where the carapace has been formed, and also enables to recognize the climatical signal in the δ18O records. The vital offset for the mixed ostracod samples was found to be equivalent to the average species-specific isotopic offset calculated on the mean annual and winter temperatures of the Caspian Sea water; it equals to + 1 (± 0.5) ‰. The regression analysis showed correlations to temperature and salinity parameters that may also facilitate the prediction of water-mass characteristics when being applied to core sediment records. The predicted temperatures correspond to actual measured temperatures at the site of collection, and the oxygen isotope composition of the studied species can be a reliable indicator of water temperatures corresponding to the period of shell calcification. However, in the context of the Caspian Sea environmental changes during the Quaternary period, such attempts of calculating paleotemperatures may lead to false results, since the paleotemperature equation and its variations are only applicable to a water body in its steady state.
Carbon Cycle Perturbations and Environmental Change of the Middle Permian and Late Triassic paleo-Antarctic Circle
Authors: Lestari Wahyuningrum , Suwaidi Aisha Al , Fox Calum , Vajda Vivi , Hennhoefer Dominik
Published: September 2023

During the Middle Permian through the Triassic, Tasmania moved from paleo-latitudes of 78° to 69°S, wedged between Antarctica and Australia, within the paleo-South polar circle. During this time, significant global carbon cycle disturbances triggered major environmental and climatic change and mass extinction events globally. The Bicheno-5 core from Eastern Tasmania, Australia, provides the opportunity to examine Mid-Permian and Upper Triassic sediments from the paleo-Antarctic, using high-resolution organic carbon isotope (δ13CTOC) chemostratigraphy, pXRF, and sedimentology, combined with new palynological data integrated with the existing radiometric age model. While there is a significant unconformity in the Upper Permian to the Middle Triassic associated with eustatic sea-level fall as a result of regional uplift in eastern Australia, three distinct carbon isotope excursions (CIEs), characterized by negative shifts of up to -6‰ were identified; the Late Permian Guadalupian Carbon Isotope Excursions (G-CIE), the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE), and the mid-Norian Event (MNE). These three events highlight a significant climate shift through glacial and interglacial cycles to warmer non-glacial intervals in the Late Triassic, with evidence of the polar record of the Carnian Pluvial Episode and the mid-Norian Event, which are poorly studied in the Southern Hemisphere, specifically within the Paleo-Antarctic circle. Supplementary material: A detailed chemostratigraphy data and palynomorph plate are available at https://doi.org/xxxx.
Age-related decline in melatonin contributes to enhanced osteoclastogenesis via disruption of redox homeostasis
Authors: Wu Di-Zheng , Zhao Kai , Gao Jia-Wen , Cai Gui-Xing , Li Hong-Zhou , Huang Yu-Sheng , Tu Chen , Zhuang Jing-Shen , Huang Zhi-Wei , Zhong Zhao-Ming
Published: September 2023

Background
Increased oxidative stress contributes to the enhanced osteoclastogenesis and age-related bone loss. Melatonin is an endogenous antioxidant and declines with aging. However, it was unclear whether decline of melatonin was involved in enhanced osteoclastogenesis in the aging process.
Methods
The plasma level of melatonin, oxidative stress status, bone mass, the number of bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMMs) and its osteoclastogenesis were analyzed in young (3-month old) and old (18-month old) mice. In vitro, BMMs isolated from aged mice were treated with or without melatonin, followed by detecting the change of osteoclastogenesis and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Furthermore, old mice were treated with melatonin for 2 months to investigate the therapeutic effect.
Results
The serum level of melatonin was markedly lower in aged mice compared with young mice. Age-related decline in melatonin was accompanied by enhanced oxidative stress, osteoclastogenic potential and bone loss. Melatonin intervention significantly suppressed the RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, decreased intracellular ROS and enhanced antioxidant capacity of BMMs from aged mice. Melatonin supplementation significantly attenuated oxidative stress, osteoclastogenesis, bone loss and deterioration of bone microstructure in aged mice.
Conclusions
These results suggest that age-related decline in melatonin enhanced osteoclastogenesis via disruption of redox homeostasis. Melatonin may serve as a key regulator in osteoclastogenesis and bone homeostasis, thereby highlighting its potential as a preventive agent for age-related bone loss.
Risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease after an episode of acute kidney injury with full recovery
Authors: Mahmoud Nouha Ben , Hamouda Mouna , Maatoug Jihene , Salem Meriem Ben , Salah Manel Ben , Letaief Ahmed , Aloui Sabra , Skhiri Habib
Published: September 2023

Acute kidney injury is a clinico-biological syndrome responsible even after recovery of normal renal function for a higher short-term risk of developing chronic kidney disease. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study that included patients hospitalized for acute kidney injury with full recovery between January 2002 and December 2015 and who were followed up to one year after their discharge. In the short term, 176 patients were followed, of whom 18 patients (10.2%) had developed chronic kidney disease with an average delay of 9.07 ± 0.4 months. Patients reaching the chronic kidney disease stage were older, half were over 70 years old, 61% were diabetics; 13 of them were multitared and 15 had a glomerual filtration rate < 60 ml/min at discharge. Our results suggest that the development of chronic kidney disease most often occurred in the first year following an episode of acute kidney injury
A generalised computer vision model for improved glaucoma screening using fundus images
Authors: Chaurasia Abadh K , Liu Guei-Sheung , Greatbatch Connor J , Gharahkhani Puya , Craig Jamie E , Mackey David A , MacGregor Stuart , Hewitt Alex W
Published: September 2023

Worldwide, glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. Timely detection is paramount yet challenging, particularly in resource-limited settings. Herein, we sought to develop and validate a generalised deep-learning-based algorithm for screening glaucoma using fundus images. We collected glaucomatous data from 20 publicly accessible databases worldwide and selected the best-performing model from 20 pre-trained models. The top-performing model was further trained for classifying healthy and glaucomatous fundus images using Fastai and PyTorch libraries. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping was used to visualise significant areas of fundus images for model decision-making. The best-performing model was validated on 1,364 glaucomatous discs and 2,047 healthy discs. Validation performance metrics indicate robust discriminative ability, with an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) of 0.9920 (95% CI: 0.9920 to 0.9921) for glaucoma and 0.9920 (95% CI: 0.9920 to 0.9921) for healthy class. The model performed well on an external validation (unseen) set of the Drishti-GS dataset, with an AUROC of 0.8751 and an accuracy of 0.8713. Although the model's accuracy slightly decreased when evaluated on unseen data, this study highlighted the potential of computer vision to assist in glaucoma screening.
Analysing the Determinants of Surface Solar Radiation with Tree-Based Machine Learning Methods: Case of Istanbul
Authors: Guven Denizhan
Published: September 2023

This study estimates both hourly and daily Downward Surface Solar Radiation (SSR) in Istanbul while determining the importance of variables on SSR using tree-based machine learning methods, namely Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosted Regression Tree (GBRT). The hourly and daily data of climatic factors for the period between January 2016 and December 2020 are gathered from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts' (ECMWF) ERA5 reanalysis data sets. In addition to the meteorology data, hourly data of selected aerosols are obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. Temperature, cloud coverage, ozone level, precipitation, pressure, and two components of wind speeds, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2 are utilized to train and test the established models. The model performances are determined with the out-of-bag errors by calculating R-squared, MSE, RMSE, and MBE. The GBRT model is found to be the most accurate model with the lowest error rates. Furthermore, this study provides the variable importance in determining the SSR. Although all models provide different values for the variable importance; temperature, ozone level, cloud coverage, and precipitation are found to be the most important variables in estimating daily SSR. For the hourly estimation, the time of day (hour) becomes the most important factor in addition to temperature, ozone level, and cloud coverage. Finally, this study shows that the tree-based machine learning methods used with these variables to estimate hourly and daily SSR results are very accurate when it is not possible to measure the SSR values directly.
Analysis of clinical features and outcomes in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis according to anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-seropositivity: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Byung Joo , Park Jimin , Ahn Hyosook , Lim Hyun Taek
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To comparatively analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) who were referred to an ophthalmology clinic, according to anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AchR Ab)-seropositivity.
Methods: Medical records of patients with OMG who presented to a tertiary eye care center between 2003 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, ophthalmologic characteristics, response to medical treatment, presence of autoimmune thyroid disease and thyroid autoantibody were compared between the AchR Ab seropositive and seronegative groups.
Results: A total of 130 patients with OMG were identified; among them, 46 patients (35.4%) had autoantibody against acetylcholine receptors. The mean age at symptom onset was 42.4±18.9 years. There were no differences in mean age at symptom onset, gender ratio, and mean follow-up period between patients with seropositive and seronegative OMG. Graves ophthalmopathy was significantly more frequent in seronegative patients (p=0.04), while thymic disease (p<0.01) was in seropositive patients (p<0.01). Among patients with seropositive OMG, 52.3% showed a good response to medical treatment, while only 31.4% of the seronegative patients were classified as good responders (p=0.01). Thyroid dysfunction was found in 27.4% patients with OMG and the proportion of thyroid dysfunction was not different according to anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-seropositivity.
Conclusion: Seropositivity to acetylcholine receptor antibody is associated with a better response to medical treatment and lower risk of concomitant autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with OMG.
Appraisal and evaluation of Hydrochemical Processes in the Aquifer System of the South Eastern Coastal Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Dina Nafisa Tamannaya , Deeba Farah , Kabir Mohammad Zafrul , Rasul Md. Golam , Alam Md. Ferdous , Sultana Salma , Rahman Syed Hafizur
Published: September 2023

Hydrochemical study of groundwater in the aquifer system of the southeast coastal area of Bangladesh was carried out to investigate the processes of groundwater hydrochemistry as well as the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes. Water samples from tube wells (depths 6.5–165 m) were collected and examined several water quality parameters to describe the hydrogeochemical characteristic. Most of the water samples were found as fresh and soft water with few numbers of hard and brackish water. The overall sequence of cation and anion throughout the study area are Ca2+> Na+> Mg2+> K+ and HCO3−> CO3−> NO3−> SO42−> Cl− respectively. Maximum water quality parameters satisfy the drinking water quality standard proposed by WHO. Piper diagram suggests that Ca2+- Mg2+- HCO3− (80%) and Ca2+- Na+- HCO3− (20%) facies are the predominant water type. Gibb’s plot implies a rock dominant inheritance that regulates the groundwater chemistry. The most significant hydrochemical processes in the study area are carbonate weathering and cation exchange. Correlation analysis recommends that TDS, EC, Na+, Ca2+, Cl− and SO42− are strongly correlated with each other, indicating their contribution to water mineralization. The principal component analysis (PCA) and Cluster analysis shows weathering and leaching of parent rocks are the leading environmental sources, while intensive farming incorporating the extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers might be another anthropogenic component that influences the groundwater hydrochemistry.
Healthcare provider perceptions and reported practices regarding opioid prescription for patients with chronic pain
Authors: Arthur Joseph , Edwards Tonya , Lu Zhanni , Amoateng Doris Magdalene , Koom-Dadzie Kwame , Zhu Hongxu , Long James , Do Kim-Anh , Bruera Eduardo
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE
Data indicates that clinicians might be under-prescribing opioids for patients with chronic cancer pain, and this could impact adequate chronic pain management. Few studies have sought to understand healthcare provider (HCP) perceptions and practices regarding the prescription of opioids for chronic pain. We assessed HCP perceptions and practices regarding opioid prescription for patients with chronic pain since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
An anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among 186 HCPs who attended an opioid educational event in April 2021 and 2022.
RESULTS
61/143(44%) opioid prescribers reported reluctance to prescribe opioids for chronic pain. In a multivariate logistic model, younger participants (log OR -0.04, 95% CI: -0.085, -0.004; p = 0.033) and pain medicine clinicians (log OR -1.89, CI: -3.931, -0.286; p = 0.034) were less reluctant, whereas providers who worry about non-medical opioid use (NMOU) were more reluctant to prescribe opioids (log OR 1.58 95% CI: 0.77–2.43; p < 0.001). 53/143(37%) respondents had experienced increased challenges regarding opioid dispensing at pharmacies, and 84/179(47%) reported similar experience by their patients. 54/178(30%) HCPs were aware of opioid-related harmful incidents to patients or their families, including incidents attributed to opioid misuse by a household or family member.
CONCLUSION
A significant number of opioid prescribers were reluctant to prescribe opioids for patients with chronic pain. Many reported challenges regarding dispensing of opioids at the pharmacies. These may be unintended consequences of policies to address the opioid crisis. Future measures should focus on addressing regulatory barriers without undermining the gains already made to combat the opioid crisis.
Occupational exposure of dental nurses in a tertiary dental hospital in Beijing: A single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Yuge , Wang Lingxiao
Published: September 2023

Dental nurses are a high-risk group for occupational exposure, but how to reduce occupational exposure rates still faces challenges. This study aims to conduct a retrospective questionnaire survey with dental nurses from a tertiary A specialized dental hospital in Beijing as the main target to study the dental nursing population: 1) exposure events, including the types and times of occupational exposure, as well as the devices that cause occupational exposure; and 2) occupational expectations and attitudes toward patients with infectious diseases. This project aims to provide a theoretical basis for improving the safety awareness of dental nurses and reducing occupational exposure risks to a certain extent.
Analysis of perioperative chemotherapy-mediated genomic changes in gastric cancer
Authors: Ikegame Ko , Omori Hayato , Hada Masao , Watanabe Hideki , Takano Atsushi , Kimura Ayako , Inoue Masayuki , Furuya Kazusige , Yasutome Michiya , Imuro Yuji , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Amemiya Kenji , Hirotsu Yosuke , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Omata Masao
Published: September 2023

Background:
Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for advanced gastric cancer, but in recent years perioperative chemotherapy has been administered in attempt to improve treatment results. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has illuminated the molecular landscape of gastric cancer. However, genomic changes before and after perioperative chemotherapy and the associated effects on treatment resistance remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify genomic change in gastric cancers treated with perioperative chemotherapy.
Methods:
Of the 532 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 2015 and December 2020, this study included eight patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We collected biopsy samples before NAC and surgical samples after NAC. Recurrent biopsy samples after adjuvant chemotherapy were also collected in two cases. DNA and RNA were extracted from these samples and analyzed by next-generation sequencing.
Results:
Most of the oncogenic mutations found before NAC (TP53, CDH1, KRAS, PIK3CA, RNF43, and SMAD4) were also found in the post-NAC surgical sample. Several gene mutations with low allele frequency were lost or gained. In the recurrent biopsy samples, gene mutations shared before NAC and after NAC were also detected. In addition, some gene mutations were acquired as new mutations following surgery. Gene expression analysis showed genes related to the MAPK signaling pathway were overexpressed in the group without recurrence.
Conclusions:
Most of the oncogenic mutations were maintained throughout perioperative chemotherapy and remained in recurrent tumors. There is a need for development of drugs that affect oncogenic mutations during perioperative chemotherapy is required.
Reduced retinol (Vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) blood levels and increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in Children with High Myopia
Authors: Mikoluc Bozena , Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Berk Klaudia , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Powierza Katarzyna , Zalewska Anna , Szulimowska Julita , MacDonald Justyna , Koput Alicja , Karpinska Joanna , Sawczuk Roza , Hryniewicka Marta , Bakunowicz-Lazarczyk Alina
Published: September 2023

The study was aimed at assessing the chosen parameters of redox status in the plasma of patients suffering from high myopia (HM). Thirty-five children with mean age 13.7 ± 2.7 years with HM and 40 healthy children were included. Plasma redox status parameters were determined using colorimetric kits. The levels of retinol, α-tocopherol and coenzyme Q10 were determined with a high-performance liquid chromatograph. Negative correlations between axial length of the eye and retinol, and α-tocopherol levels (p < 0.001, p = 0.026, respectively) were observed. Increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (p = 0.018) and decreased concentrations of retinol (p< 0.001) and α-tocopherol (p = 0.023) in patients with HM and the axial length of the eye > 26 mm compared to the controls were established. Significantly lower retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations in patients with the axial length of the eye > 26 mm compared to those with ≤ 26 mm length were found (p < 0.001, p = 0.021, respectively). Increased MPO activity in advanced stages of HM may confirm an inflammatory process in HM patients. Reduced retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations and their link to the disease progression indicate the need for monitoring their levels and supplementation in children with HM.
Sequential Optimization and Purification of α-Galactosidase from Actinoplanes utahensis: A way for Enhanced Production and Industrial Prospects
Authors: K Balumahendra , C Venkateswarulu T , D John Babu
Published: September 2023

α-Galactosidase is an important exoglycosidase belonging to the hydrolase class of enzyme, which has therapeutic and industrial potential. It plays a crucial role in hydrolyzing α-1,6 linked terminal galacto-oligosaccharide residues such as melibiose, raffinose, and branched polysaccharides such as Galacto-glucomannans and Galactomannans. In this study Actinoplanes utahensis was explored for α-Galactosidase production, yield improvement and activity enhancement by purification. Initially nine media components were screened by using the Plackett-Burman design (PBD). Among these components, sucrose, soya bean flour, and sodium glutamate were identified as best supporting nutrients for highest enzyme secretion by A. utahensis. Later, the Central Composite Design (CCD) was implemented to fine-tune the optimization of these components. Based on sequential statistical optimization methodologies, a significant, 3.64-fold increase in α-galactosidase production, from 16 to 58.37 U/mL was achieved. The enzyme was purified by ultrafiltration-I followed by multimode chromatography and ultrafiltration-II. The purity of the enzyme was confirmed by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate –Polyacrylamide Agarose Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) which revealed a single distinctive band with a molecular weight of approximately 72kDa. Additionally, it was determined that this process resulted in a 2.03-fold increase in purity. The purified α-galactosidase showed an activity of 2304 U/mL with a specific activity of 288 U/mg. This study demonstrates the feasibility of scalable α-galactosidase production, which has various industrial applications.
Copper(II) Complex with (E)-N ′ (3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzilidene)-2-Hydroxybenzohydrazide
Authors: Fatullayeva Perizad Amrulla , Medjidov Ajdar Akper , Ismayilov Rayyat Huseyn , Abdullayev Asim Sabri , Lahicova Sevinc Rafiq , Abbasova Gulu Qanimet , Bayramov Mahammad Allahverdi
Published: September 2023

Annotation
A mononuclear complex of copper(II) with (E)-N′(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzilidene) -2-hydroxybenzohydrazide (H3sahz)2 was synthesized. The structure of the complex [Cu(H2sahz)(DMF)] was studied by elemental analysis, IR and EPR spectroscopy, and monocrystal X-ray analysis. It was shown that the complex has a square planar structure, in which the ligand is tridentate and dianionic. The coordination of the Cu(II) ion is carried out by the oxygen atom of the ditertbutyl fragment, the azomethine nitrogen atom, the hydrazide oxygen atom in the enol form, and the oxygen of the DMF molecule. In aqueous solutions, the DMF molecule in the complex is easily exchanged for a water molecule. The obtained ligand and complex possess high bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The results of these studies indicated that the metal complexes exhibit a stronger antibacterial and antifungal efficiency than their corresponding Schiff base ligands.
Structural equation model for the assessment of Big Data Value proposition in the UK Facilities Management
Authors: Konanahalli Ashwini , Marinelli Marina , Oyedele Lukumon
Published: September 2023

Big data analytics (BDA) has been introduced in the past few years in most industries as a factor capable of revolutionizing their operations by offering significant efficiency opportunities and benefits. To compete in this digital age, businesses must adopt a client centric service model, founded on data delivering continuous value, achieving optimal performance whilst also upgrading their own decision making and reporting processes. This study focuses on value outcomes (i.e. the end results of the implementation process) associated with the BDA adoption in the Facilities Management (FM) sector in United Kingdom (UK). Drawing upon qualitative case-study findings and an industry-wide questionnaire survey, a novel fifteen-variable model for BDA outcomes was developed and validated. This paper further uses the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to establish the relationships between the variables and reveal the model’s principal dimensions. The identified themes focus on improved client experiences and efficient resource management and planning. In the current dynamic market environment, the findings of this study will help FM organisations to formulate effective data-driven strategies and client facing business models.
Performance Evaluation of A Future Concept of Prsesnt Living:Smart Homes
Authors: Talwandi Navjot Singh , Tripathi Anubhav , Grewal Jaspreet Kaur
Published: September 2023

The trajectory of home control is hurtling towards a future where technological marvels converge to create a seamless and dynamic living environment. This abstract delves into the landscape of futuristic home control, where interconnected smart structures determined by the non-natural intellect that is “AI” and “IoT” culminate in an unparalleled fusion of convenience, sustainability, and security. At the core of this vision is a tapestry of IoT-enabled devices that seamlessly communicate with one another. These devices, ranging from smart appliances and energy-efficient HVAC systems to biometric security mechanisms, create an intricate network that anticipates and accommodates occupants' needs. This intelligence is further amplified by AI algorithms, which learn from user behavior and external cues to optimize energy consumption, tailor ambiance, and predict potential hazards. The marriage of AI and automation begets a novel concept of anticipatory living. The home proactively adjusts lighting, temperature, and energy usage based on occupants' habits and preferences. Enhanced security protocols, driven by AI-driven surveillance and biometric authentication, redefine safety standards by intelligently identifying anomalies and thwarting potential threats. Customization forms the cornerstone of futuristic home control. Interfaces become intuitive and versatile, enabling interactions through voice commands, gestures, and even neural interfaces. Beyond personalization, homes also prioritize occupants' well-being, modulating surroundings to influence mood and productivity. In conclusion, the impending era of futuristic home control promises an era where technology seamlessly integrates into the fabric of daily life. Through the harmonious interplay of IoT, AI, and automation, homes metamorphose into sentient entities, forever reshaping the concept of smart living. This abstract serves as a glimpse into this enticing future, where innovation knows no bounds, and homes evolve into nurturing and responsive ecosystems.
Molecular characterization of the complete genome sequence of polygonatum kingianum yellow leafroll virus (PKYLV) infecting Polygonatum kingianum Coll. et Hemsl in Yunnan, China
Authors: Zheng Kuanyu , Zhang Zhongkai
Published: September 2023

The complete genome sequence of a putative novel potyvirus, tentatively named polygonatum kingianum yellow leafroll virus (PKYLV; GenBank accession no. ON428226), infecting Polygonatum. kingianum in China was obtained by next-generation sequencing (NGS), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). PKYLV exhibits typical genomic structure characteristics of genus Potyvirus, with a length of 10,002 nucleotides (nt) and a large open reading frame (108 to 9,746 nt), encoding a polyprotein with 3,213 amino acid (aa) (363.68 kDa). Pairwise comparisons revealed that the PKYLV polyprotein shares 50.5～68.6% nt and 43.1～72.2% aa sequence identity with reported members of the genus Potyvirus. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis indicated that PKYLV is closely related to polygonatum kingianum virus 1 (PKgV1; accession no. MK427056). These results suggest that the PKYLV is a novel member of the genus Potyvirus of the family Potyviridae.
Sentinental Analysis for Finding the Imapct of Medical Data Breaches on Chronic Diseases Using Tomek Link Method
Authors: S Tamilarasi , Pavithra S , Chawla Divyansh , Agarwal Khushi , Chowdhry Harshit
Published: September 2023

The study focuses on the impact of medical data breaches on chronic diseases. The research involves the collection and analysis of data from online health forums, social media posts, patient surveys, and demographic, medical history, and biometric data. To analyze the sentiments and effects of data breaches using deep learning techniques such as Tomek link method, metagenomics, and polysegmentation. A proposed Sentiment analysis along with Tomek link method, are used to extract the sentiment of the text data and also understand the patients opinion and emotion towards medical data breaches. The data is integrated with the dataset used for predicting chronic diseases with the help of metagenomics and polysegmentation method, which is used to identify the impact of medical data breaches on chronic diseases. The proposed model performance is assessed using cross-validation and testing on a separate dataset and also our framework achieves better results with improved parameters F1 score is 98.82 percent.
Mean computed tomography Value to predict Spread through air spaces in clinical N0 lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yamamoto Marino , Tamura Masaya , Miyazaki Ryohei , Okada Hironobu , Wada Noriko , Toi Makoto , Murakami Ichiro
Published: September 2023

Background The aim of this study was to assess the ability of radiologic factors such as mean computed tomography (mCT) value, consolidation/tumor ratio (C/T ratio), solid tumor size, and standardized uptake (SUV) value to predict the presence of spread through air spaces (STAS) of lung adenocarcinoma.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 118 patients those diagnosed with clinically without lymph node metastasis and having a pathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to assess the ability to use mCT value, C/T ratio, tumor size, and SUV to predict STAS. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent variables for the prediction of STAS.Results Forty-one lesions (34.7%) were positive for STAS and 77 lesions were negative for STAS. The STAS positive group was strongly associated with a high mCT value, high C/T ratio, large solid tumor size, large tumor size and high SUV. The mCT values were − 324.9 ± 19.3 HU for STAS negative group and − 173.0 ± 26.3 HU for STAS positive group (p < 0.0001). The ROC area under the curve value of the mCT value was the highest (0.738), followed by SUV (0.720), C/T ratio (0.665), solid tumor size (0.649). Multiple logistic regression analyses using the preoperatively determined variables revealed that mCT value (p = 0.013) was independent predictive factors of predicting STAS. The maximum sensitivity and specificity were obtained at a cutoff value of -251.8 HU.Conclusions The evaluation of mCT value was useful for predicting the presence of STAS and may potentially contribute to the selection of suitable treatment strategies.
Whole exome sequencing and polygenic assessment of a Swedish cohort with severe developmental language disorder
Authors: Yahia Ashraf , Li Danyang , Lejerkrans Sanna , Rajagopalan Shyam , Kalnak Nelli , Tammimies Kristiina
Published: September 2023

Background
Developmental language disorder (DLD) overlaps clinically, genetically, and pathologically with other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), corroborating the concept of the NDD continuum. There is a lack of studies to understand the whole genetic spectrum in individuals with DLD.
Methods
Previously, we recruited 61 probands with severe DLD from 59 families and examined 59 of them and their families using microarray genotyping with a 6.8% diagnostic yield. Herein, we investigated 53 of those probands using whole exome sequencing (WES). Additionally, we used polygenic risk scores (PRS) to understand the within family enrichment of neurodevelopmental difficulties and examine the associations between the results of language-related tests in the probands and language-related PRS.
Results
We identified clinically significant variants in five probands, resulting in a 9.4% (5/53) molecular diagnostic yield. Those variants were in CHD3, PAK2, MED13, PLCB4, and TNRC6B. We also prioritized additional variants for future studies for their role in DLD, including high-impact variants in PARD3 and DIP2C. PRS did not explain the aggregation of neurodevelopmental difficulties in these families. However, we detected positive associations between neurodevelopmental difficulties and PRS for educational attainment and cognitive performance within the families (p = 0.006 and 0.02, respectively). We did not detect significant associations between PRS for language quantitative measures and their corresponding PRS.
Conclusion
Our results support using WES as the first-tier genetic test for DLD as it can identify monogenic DLD forms. Large-scale sequencing studies for DLD are needed to identify new genes and investigate the polygenic contribution to the conditions.
Construction of luciferase-expressing Neospora caninum and drug screening
Authors: Wang Fei , Xue Yangfei , Pei Yanqun , Yin Meng , Sun Zhepeng , Zhou Zihui , Liu Jing , Liu Qun
Published: September 2023

Background: Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan parasite which is particularly responsible for abortions in cattle and neuromuscular disease in dogs. New therapeutics are urgently needed to control Neosporosis due to the limited effectiveness of currently available drugs. Luciferase-based assays are potentially powerful tools in the search for antiprotozoal compounds, permitting the development of faster and more automated assays. The aim of this study was to construct a luciferase-expressing N. caninum and evaluate anti-N. caninum drugs.
Methods: The CRISPR/Cas9 was used to construct the luciferase-expressing N. caninum (Nc1-Luc). After testing the luciferase expression and phenotype of Nc1-Luc strains, we determined the drug sensitivity of Nc1-Luc strains by treating them with known positive or negative drugs and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) calculation. Then the selective pan-RAF inhibitor TAK-632 was evaluated for anti-N. caninum effects using Nc1-Luc by luciferase activity reduction assay and other in vitro and in vivo pharmacodynamic studies.
Results: The phenotypes and drug sensitivity of Nc1-Luc strains were consistent with those of the parent strains Nc1, and Nc1-Luc strains can be used to determine IC50 for anti-N. caninum drugs. Using Nc1-Luc strains, TAK-632 showed promising activities against N. caninum, with an IC50 of 0.6131 mM and a selectivity index (SI) of 62.53. In vitro studies showed that TAK-632 inhibited invasion, proliferation and divison of N. caninum tachyzoites. In vivo studies showed that TAK-632 attenuated the virulence of N. caninum in mice and significantly reduced the parasite burdens in the brain.
Conclusions: In conclusion, a luciferase-expressing N. caninum strain was successfully constructed, which provides an effective tool for drug screening and related research on N. caninum. In addition, TAK-632 was found to inhibit the growth of N. caninum, which could be considered as a candidate lead compound for new therapeutics for neosporosis.
Interference Minimized Delay Reduction Based Routing Protocol (IMDRRP) For Wireless Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Thenmozhi M. , Devaraju S. , Somasundaram A. , Jawahar S.
Published: September 2023

A wireless ad hoc network paves way for many real time applications. Delay consideration over the transmission is the critical part of research which helps better packet delivery. Over the wireless medium interference is the common phenomenon which significantly reduces the performance and life time of the network. In this research work, delay reduction is focused along with minimizing interference in wireless ad hoc network scenario. The proposed protocol is termed as interference minimized delay reduction-based routing protocol (IMDRRP). Minimum interference, average interference and route interference are estimated. After that single – hop topology is constructed and then delay constrained spanning tree mechanisms are used. IMDRRP is evaluated for performance in terms of throughput, average energy consumption and delay. From the simulation results, it is inferred that, IMDRRP performs better with the chosen compared protocols.