bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting the Gut Microbiome to Improve Immunotherapy Outcomes: A Review
Authors: David Adi , Lev-Ari Shaked
Published: September 2024

The following narrative review embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the role played by the gut microbiome within the Diet-Microbiota-Immunity (DMI) tripartite, aiming to enhance anti-cancer immunotherapy efficacy. While revolutionizing cancer treatment, resistance to immunotherapy and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) remain challenges. The tumor microenvironment (TME), shaped by cancer cells, influences immunotherapy resistance. The gut microbiome, influenced by genetics, environment, diet, and interventions, emerges as a critical player in TME reshaping, thereby modulating immune responses and treatment outcomes. Dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, caloric restriction modifications, and specific nutritional components show promise in influencing the tumor microenvironment and gut microbiome for better treatment outcomes. Antibiotics, disrupting gut microbiota diversity, may compromise immunotherapy efficacy. This review emphasizes the need for tailored nutritional strategies to manipulate microbial communities, enhance immune regulation, and improve immunotherapy accessibility while minimizing side effects. Ongoing studies investigate the impact of dietary interventions on cancer immunotherapy, pointing toward promising developments in personalized cancer care. This narrative review synthesizes existing knowledge and charts a course for future investigations, presenting a holistic perspective on the dynamic interplay between dietary interventions, the gut microbiome, and cancer immunotherapy within the DMI tripartite.
Prospective Multi-Center Longitudinal Study to Validate Accuracy of the Global Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) Score in Predicting Major Acute Limb Events in Patients With Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia Undergoing Endovascular Intervention: The PROMOTE-GLASS Study Protocol
Authors: Darwish Maram , D’Oria Mario , Croo Alexander , Melo Ryan Gouveia , Meecham Lewis ,   On behalf of the European Vascular Research Collaborative (EVRC)
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Developed by the Global Vascular Guidelines committee, the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) is an angiographic scoring system used for quantifying infrainguinal disease extent and predicting treatment success with endovascular techniques (EVT). Currently, no other risk prediction model is available for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) undergoing EVT. GLASS’ validation and adoption outside academic institutions for research are limited. Thus, this longitudinal multicenter prospective study aims to examine GLASS’ validity and reliability in predicting major acute limb events and overall survival (OS) in patients with CLTI undergoing EVT.

Methods and Analysis

This prospective, international, multicenter, observational study will include patients with CLTI undergoing EVT (PROMOTE-GLASS) (ClinicalTrials.gov; ID: NCT06186544) identified through routine clinical referrals and emergency visits to vascular units in participating centers. Only patients who are referred for EVT will be recruited. The primary outcomes are immediate technical success, immediate technical failure, and 1-year limb base patency. The secondary outcomes are major adverse limb events, major lower limb amputation, and OS in patients presenting with CLTI who undergo EVT up to 1 year after the procedure. Clinical and imaging data will be analyzed at the end of follow-up to validate risk prediction. This protocol outlines our approach for identifying cases, GLASS score calculation, outcome measures assessment, and a statistical analysis plan.

Anticipated Implications

PROMOTE-GLASS holds significant implications and can potentially revolutionize clinical decision-making by assisting clinicians in identifying patients who are likely to benefit from EVT. Ultimately, reduce the need for more invasive procedures and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, PROMOTE-GLASS can provide useful information, including patient selection, for future randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating EVT for CLTI. PROMOTE-GLASS anticipated implications on the vascular community are rooted in its potential to improve patient care, inform future research, and address limitations in existing literature regarding CLTI treatment outcomes.
Post-acute sequelae of COVID infection and cerebral venous outflow disorders: Overlapping symptoms and mechanisms?
Authors: Clausen Thomas Mandel , Fargen Kyle M , Primiani Christopher T , Sattur Mithun , Amans Matthew R , Hui Ferdinand K
Published: September 2024

Neurological long Covid (NLC) is a major post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting up to 10% of infected patients. The clinical presentation of patients with NLC is varied, but general NLC symptoms have been noted to closely mimic symptoms of cerebral venous outflow disorders (CVD). Here we review key literature and discuss evidence supporting this comparison. We also aimed to describe the similarity between CVD symptomatology and neuro-NLC symptoms from two perspectives: a Twitter-distributed survey for long covid sufferers to estimate nature and frequency of neurological symptoms, and through a small cohort of patients with long covid who underwent CVD work up per our standard workflow. Over 700 patients responded, and we argue that there is a close symptom overlap with those of CVD. CVD workup in a series of 6 patients with neurological long COVID symptoms showed jugular vein stenosis by CT venography and varying degrees of increased intracranial pressure. Finally, we discuss the potential pathogenic association between vascular inflammation, associated with COVID-19 infection, venous outflow congestion, and its potential involvement in NLC.
Navigating the mind’s eye: Understanding gaze shifts in visuospatial bootstrapping
Authors: Nikolov Teodor Y , Allen Richard J , Havelka Jelena , Darling Stephen , van de Vegte Baz , Morey Candice C
Published: September 2024

Visuospatial bootstrapping refers to the well-replicated phenomena in which serial recall in a purely verbal task is boosted by presenting digits within the familiar spatial layout of a typical telephone keypad. The visuospatial bootstrapping phenomena indicates that additional support comes from long-term knowledge of a fixed spatial pattern, and prior experimentation supports the idea that access to this benefit depends on the availability of the visuospatial motor system. We investigate this by tracking participants’ eye movements during encoding and retention of verbal lists to learn whether gaze patterns support verbal memory differently when verbal information is presented in the familiar visual layout. Participants’ gaze was recorded during attempts to recall lists of seven digits in three formats: centre of the screen, typical telephone keypad, or a spatially identical layout with randomised number placement. Performance was better with the typical than with the novel layout. Our data show that eye movements differ when encoding and retaining verbal information that has a familiar layout compared with the same verbal information presented in a novel layout, suggesting recruitment of different spatial rehearsal strategies. However, no clear link between gaze pattern and recall accuracy was observed, which suggests that gazes play a limited role in retention, at best.
Adoption of cashless economy in Bangladesh
Authors: Huda S S M Sadrul , Rimthi Rameza Rashed , Islam Tazin , Mowla Syeda Madeha
Published: September 2024

Bangladesh has seen significant strides in technological developments that have positively affected its GDP. Different modes of financial transactions, such as mobile banking, and credit and debit cards, have proven beneficial for the economy. bKash, Nagad, and other online transaction platforms are widely used by the population of Bangladesh. People, starting from Dhaka to many other rural areas of Bangladesh, are gradually becoming habituated to the digital mode of payment. The case thoroughly analyzed and highlighted the concept of a cashless society and showed how technological advancements in financial services can contribute to broader sustainability goals, including carbon-reduction. Moreover, the case presented three different scenarios on Bangladesh’s devotion towards going cashless. Additionally, the case utilized the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, to identify the different categories of innovation adopters, and elucidated their traits in the context of adopting a cashless economy.
Digital health utilization during pregnancy and the likelihood of preterm birth
Authors: Brinson Alison K , Jahnke Hannah R , Henrich Natalie , Karwa Smriti , Moss Christa , Shah Neel
Published: September 2024

Objective

Given the complex nature of preterm birth, interventions to reduce rates of preterm birth should be multifaceted. This analysis aimed to explore the association between the duration of using Maven, a digital health platform for women's and family health, and the odds of preterm birth.

Methods

Data came from 3326 pregnant, nulliparous Maven users who enrolled in Maven during their pregnancy between January 2020 and September 2022. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests compared characteristics between users who developed gestational conditions and users who did not. This retrospective cohort study used logistic regression models to estimate the association between the duration of Maven use and odds of preterm birth, stratified by the presence of gestational conditions.

Results

Compared to those without gestational conditions, individuals who developed gestational conditions were more likely to have a preterm birth (8.7% vs. 3.4%; p < 0.001). For every 1 h of Maven use, users experienced a 2% reduction in their odds of experiencing a preterm birth [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.98 (0.95, 0.998), p = 0.04]. Among individuals who developed gestational conditions, every 1 h increase in Maven use was associated with a 5% reduction in the odds of experiencing a preterm birth [AOR (95% CI) = 0.95 (0.91, 0.99), p = 0.037]. There was no statistically significant association between Maven use and preterm birth in individuals without gestational conditions.

Conclusion

Among those who developed gestational conditions, use of a digital health platform was associated with a decreased likelihood of preterm birth.
Digital health in perinatal care: Exploring usage, attitudes, and needs among Swiss women in urban and rural settings
Authors: Oelhafen Stephan
Published: September 2024

Background

Switzerland's healthcare system is known for its quality but faces challenges such as slow digitalization and fragmentation, especially in perinatal care. This study investigates Swiss women's use, needs, and attitudes in respect of digital health tools during pregnancy and postpartum, focusing on any differences between rural and urban populations.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional survey targeted pregnant women and those who had given birth in the last 12 months. Participants were recruited through social media, and the data were analyzed using principal component analysis and multivariable regressions to explore factors affecting the use of digital tools and attitudes toward eHealth.

Results

A total of 1160 participants completed the survey. Healthcare professionals (92%) and private networks (77%) were the primary sources of information. Women expressed a strong preference for app features such as data access (73%), prescription management (73%), and scheduling appointments with healthcare professionals (71%). However, they also raised concerns about the impersonal nature of digital healthcare interactions (71%). Overall, rural women had more negative attitudes toward online health information seeking, which can be attributed to differences in education levels.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that while Swiss women in the perinatal period do utilize digital tools, they focus more on nonmedical topics such as tracking physiological development. The study underscores the importance of adapting digital health solutions to the specific needs of women in the perinatal period. Emphasis should be placed on developing applications that are not only informative but also empower women on their healthcare journey while ensuring data privacy and supporting personal interactions with healthcare providers.
Non-Marathi Hindutva Pop Culture and the Imagery of Shivaji: A Digital Ethnographic Exploration of YouTube Contents and Communities
Authors: Keshari Mihir
Published: September 2024

The presence of cultural materials across Internet platforms should not be solely seen as diffused and disconnected propaganda materials directed towards a passive target audience. Instead, they should be seen as elements representing a community and as having the potential to form a dynamic and active community of their own through their presence in certain digital spaces through certain channels. Hence, a study of such online communities and their constituent cultural materials, together with their interrelation with the physical community, can help us to understand the actual social phenomenon marking such cultural production.

In this background, the aim of this article is to understand the ways through which the image of Shivaji is employed in Hindutva cultural discourses, along with the reasons which account for the large-scale emotional appeal of the figure of Shivaji, particularly in the non-Marathi cultural landscape. This is done through an analysis of certain popular YouTube channels, their contents and the communities they appear to form. For this purpose, the article is divided into two parts: While part one surveys a few selected YouTube channels, their communities and contents, the second part analyses and contextualises the data thus gathered within the larger historiographical debates concerning Shivaji, to argue that the reason behind the popular emotional appeal and acceptability of the figure of Shivaji in Hindutva cultural discourse emanates from the sociocultural and historical ambivalence associated with his character, where he represents a fresh new revolutionary force against external onslaught as well as against internal orthodoxy. It is argued that it is this ambivalence which has made the figure of Shivaji emotionally appealing and hence acceptable to a wide section of the Hindu populace, allowing each of them to interpret, appropriate and relate with the figure of Shivaji in its own way.
Public Sphere and Deliberations for Frontier Nagaland: Reflections on Recognition and Identity
Authors: Longkoi Khiamniungan. T. , Sunil Babu C.T.
Published: September 2024

To achieve a separate state named ‘Frontier Nagaland’, the civil society of Eastern Nagaland protested against taking part in the Hornbill Festival in 2022, the state festival of the Government of Nagaland, India. Initially, the civil society also decided to boycott the Nagaland Legislative Elections in 2023. Civil society organisations have refrained from participating in the festival after deliberating on the matter through different media platforms. Abstention from the festival, a cultural means of protest, brought the question of identity by highlighting not only the unequal development in the region but also their recognition as a ‘significant other’. This study argues that the protest and deliberation in the public sphere communicated well with the public, state and union government, creating a conducive atmosphere for deliberative democracy.
A Novel Protocol for the Early Detection of COVID-19 at a Skilled Nursing Facility
Authors: Mayhue Linda , Choi Jeong Woo (Glen) , Yang Sun Jong (Sam) , Jacobsen Jennifer , Lee Yuna , Ahmed Salim
Published: September 2024

Accurate measurement of vital signs are important at skilled nursing facilities (SNF). Recent technological advancements now enable automated vital sign measurements. This overcomes the limitations of traditional manual vital sign measurement, which is time-consuming and error-prone. We present a novel case where continuous vital sign measurement was used to detect meaningful vital sign changes that led to early detection of a COVID-19 outbreak at a SNF. Residents were continuously monitored for changes to baseline respiratory rate and heart rate and with a Probability of Change (POC). Variations in baseline respiratory rate and heart rate occurred in 66% and 42%, respectively, of COVID-19 positive individuals; 83% of participants had statistically significant variations in either vital sign. Clinical investigations are typically triggered by vital signs outside normal ranges. We present a novel methodology to detect subtle vital sign changes that can lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from infections, like COVID-19.
Clinical review of non-invasive ventilation
Authors: Criner Gerard J. , Gayen Shameek , Zantah Massa , Dominguez Castillo Eduardo , Naranjo Mario , Lashari Bilal , Pourshahid Seyedmohammad , Gangemi Andrew
Published: September 2024

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is the mainstay to treat patients who need augmentation of ventilation for acute and chronic forms of respiratory failure. The last several decades have witnessed an extension of the indications for NIV to a variety of acute and chronic lung diseases. Evolving advancements in technology and personalised approaches to patient care make it feasible to prioritise patient-centred care models that deliver home-based management using telemonitoring and telemedicine systems support. These trends may improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for patients who suffer from chronic diseases that precipitate respiratory failure.
Impact of the expanded label for elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis with no F508del variant in the USA
Authors: Cromwell Elizabeth A. , Ostrenga Josh S. , Sanders Don B. , Morgan Wayne , Castellani Carlo , Szczesniak Rhonda , Burgel Pierre-Regis
Published: September 2024

Background

Elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI), which is approved for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) with a F508del variant, was further approved based onin vitrodata in the USA for those carrying at least one of 177 rareCFTR(cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) variants.

Methods

PwCF, aged ≥6 years, carrying no F508del variant but with at least one of these 177 rare variants, were identified within the US Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) between 2020 and 2022. The evolution of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) percentage predicted and rates of pulmonary exacerbations were analysed over the first year following ETI initiation, using a linear regression with generalised estimating equations and a negative binomial model, respectively.

Results

A total of 1791 individuals aged ≥6 years with rareCFTRvariants were eligible for ETI, corresponding to 5.2% of CFFPR participants. 815 individuals (45.5%), of which 57.9% were already treated with another CFTR modulator, initiated ETI within the first 2 years following approval. Individuals with more severe respiratory disease were more likely to initiate ETI, whereas those previously treated with another CFTR modulator or those with no private insurance coverage had less ETI initiation. ETI initiation was associated with an increase in mean FEV1% pred by +3.39 (95% CI 2.14–4.64) and a decrease in the rates of pulmonary exacerbations (adjusted rate ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.38–0.79). These effects were greater in individuals naïve of previous CFTR modulators.

Conclusions

Extension of the ETI label to rareCFTRvariants is associated with meaningful improvements in lung function and a marked reduction in pulmonary exacerbations.
Benchmarking UMI-aware and standard variant callers for low frequency ctDNA variant detection
Authors: Maruzani Rugare , Brierley Liam , Jorgensen Andrea , Fowler Anna
Published: September 2024

Background

Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is a subset of cell free DNA (cfDNA) released by tumour cells into the bloodstream. Circulating tumour DNA has shown great potential as a biomarker to inform treatment in cancer patients. Collecting ctDNA is minimally invasive and reflects the entire genetic makeup of a patient’s cancer. ctDNA variants in NGS data can be difficult to distinguish from sequencing and PCR artefacts due to low abundance, particularly in the early stages of cancer. Unique Molecular Identifiers (UMIs) are short sequences ligated to the sequencing library before amplification. These sequences are useful for filtering out low frequency artefacts. The utility of ctDNA as a cancer biomarker depends on accurate detection of cancer variants.

Results

In this study, we benchmarked six variant calling tools, including two UMI-aware callers for their ability to call ctDNA variants. The standard variant callers tested included Mutect2, bcftools, LoFreq and FreeBayes. The UMI-aware variant callers benchmarked were UMI-VarCal and UMIErrorCorrect. We used both datasets with known variants spiked in at low frequencies, and datasets containing ctDNA, and generated synthetic UMI sequences for these datasets. Variant callers displayed different preferences for sensitivity and specificity. Mutect2 showed high sensitivity, while returning more privately called variants than any other caller in data without synthetic UMIs – an indicator of false positive variant discovery. In data encoded with synthetic UMIs, UMI-VarCal detected fewer putative false positive variants than all other callers in synthetic datasets. Mutect2 showed a balance between high sensitivity and specificity in data encoded with synthetic UMIs.

Conclusions

Our results indicate UMI-aware variant callers have potential to improve sensitivity and specificity in calling low frequency ctDNA variants over standard variant calling tools. There is a growing need for further development of UMI-aware variant calling tools if effective early detection methods for cancer using ctDNA samples are to be realised.
Evaluation of memory drought stress effects on storage compounds seedlings of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and in-silico analysis of glutathione reductase
Authors: Faghani Elham , Hashemi Amenehsadat , Kazemian Mina , Razzaghi Mohammad Hossein
Published: September 2024

In breeding programs, stress memory in plants can develop drought stress tolerance. Memory stress, as an approach, can keep stress data by activating tolerance mechanisms. This research was conducted to evaluate some physiologically effective mechanisms in inducing memory drought stress in the seeds that were exposed to water stress three times in four treatments including rainfed, 33%, 66%, and 100% of field capacity (FC). After the production of the seeds, the third-generation seeds were placed under different irrigation treatments, seed and seedling traits, starch to carbohydrate ratio in seed, protein concentration and glutathione reductase were investigatied in a factorial format based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that percentage of changes from the lowest to the highest value for traits including seed vigor, seed endosperm weight, seed coat weight, accelerated aging, cold test, seedling biomass and seedling length were 25, 37, 65, 65, 55, 77, 55, 65 and 79, respectively and germination uniformity was 3.9 times higher than the lowest amount. According to the deterioration percentage, seed vigor and the percentage of seed germination in cold test data, it can be reported that seed production by 100% FC was not appropriate for rainfed plots. However, considering the the appropriate results in the percentage of germination for a cold test, germination uniformity percentage, and the lowest accelerated aging seeds, seed production under the rainfed conditions with 33% FC watering can be recommended. In-silico analysis was coducted on Glutathione reductase (GR) enzymes in Gossypium hirsutum. It is clear that GR has a Redox-active site and NADPH binding, and it interacts with Glutathione S transferase (GST). So, memory drought stress through inducing physiological drought tolerance mechanisms such as starch-to-carbohydrate ratio and GR can determine the suitable pattern for seed production for rainfed and low rainfall regions in a breeding program. Our study thus illustrated that seed reprduction under 33% FC equipped cotton with the tolerance against under draught stress from the seedling stage. This process is done through activating glutathione reductase and balancing the ratio of starch to carbohydrates concentration.
RNA-seq analyses on gametogenic tissues of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) revealed plant reproduction- and ploidy-related genes
Authors: Palumbo Fabio , Gabelli Giovanni , Pasquali Elisa , Vannozzi Alessandro , Farinati Silvia , Draga Samela , Ravi Samathmika , Della Lucia Maria Cristina , Bertoldo Giovanni , Barcaccia Gianni
Published: September 2024

Background

In alfalfa (Medicago sativa), the coexistence of interfertile subspecies (i.e. sativa, falcata and coerulea) characterized by different ploidy levels (diploidy and tetraploidy) and the occurrence of meiotic mutants capable of producing unreduced (2n) gametes, have been efficiently combined for the establishment of new polyploids. The wealth of agronomic data concerning forage quality and yield provides a thorough insight into the practical benefits of polyploidization. However, many of the underlying molecular mechanisms regarding gene expression and regulation remained completely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by examining the transcriptome profiles of leaves and reproductive tissues, corresponding to anthers and pistils, sampled at different time points from diploid and tetraploid Medicago sativa individuals belonging to progenies produced by bilateral sexual polyploidization (dBSP and tBSP, respectively) and tetraploid individuals stemmed from unilateral sexual polyploidization (tUSP).

Results

Considering the crucial role played by anthers and pistils in the reduced and unreduced gametes formation, we firstly analyzed the transcriptional profiles of the reproductive tissues at different stages, regardless of the ploidy level and the origin of the samples. By using and combining three different analytical methodologies, namely weighted-gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), tau (τ) analysis, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, we identified a robust set of genes and transcription factors potentially involved in both male sporogenesis and gametogenesis processes, particularly in crossing-over, callose synthesis, and exine formation. Subsequently, we assessed at the same floral stage, the differences attributable to the ploidy level (tBSP vs. dBSP) or the origin (tBSP vs. tUSP) of the samples, leading to the identification of ploidy and parent-specific genes. In this way, we identified, for example, genes that are specifically upregulated and downregulated in flower buds in the comparison between tBSP and dBSP, which could explain the reduced fertility of the former compared to the latter materials.

Conclusions

While this study primarily functions as an extensive investigation at the transcriptomic level, the data provided could represent not only a valuable original asset for the scientific community but also a fully exploitable genomic resource for functional analyses in alfalfa.
Overweight and vitamin D deficiency are common in patients with irritable bowel syndrome - a cross-sectional study
Authors: Roth Bodil , Ohlsson Bodil
Published: September 2024

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease with unknown etiology. Poor dietary intake with nutritional deficiency and overweight have been described to increase the risk of IBS. The aim of the present study was to compare weight and circulating levels of micronutrients in IBS compared with healthy controls.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with IBS and healthy volunteers were recruited. Participants had to complete a dietary diary book and the questionnaires Rome IV, IBS-severity scoring system (IBS-SSS), and visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS). Weight and height were measured, and blood samples were drawn. C-reactive protein (CRP), cobalamin, folate, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and 25-hydroxy (25-OH) vitamin D were analyzed. Differences were calculated between groups and generalized linear model for regressions was adjusted for false discovery rate (FDR).

Results

IBS patients (n = 260) were elder than controls (n = 50) (44.00 (33.25-56.00) vs. 37.85 (30.18–45.48) years; p = 0.012). After adjustment for age, both weight (β: 5.880; 95% CI: 1.433–10.327; p = 0.010, FDR = 0.020) and body mass index (BMI) (β: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.68–3.36; p = 0.003, FDR = 0.012) were higher in patients. Among IBS participants, 48.1% were overweight/obese compared with 26.0% in controls (p = 0.007). Diarrhea-predominated IBS had highest weight (p < 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.077). CRP and cobalamin were higher in patients than controls (p = 0.010 vs. p = 0.007), whereas folate was highest in controls (p = 0.001). IBS patients had lower intake of vegetables (p = 0.026), dairy products (p = 0.004), and cereals (p = 0.010) compared with controls. Despite 21.5% of IBS patients were taking vitamin D supplements, 23.65% of them had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L, compared with 26.0% observed in the control group (p = 0.720). Vitamin D levels were lower in overweight than in normal weight IBS patients (60 (48–73) nmol/L vs. 65 (53–78) nmol/L, p = 0.022). Vitamin D correlated with cobalamin and folate but correlated inversely with TIBC and BMI. IBS patients had a high degree of gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms, which were inversely associated with iron levels. Extraintestinal symptoms were associated with increased BMI.

Conclusion

IBS patients were often overweight or obese, with low vitamin D levels. High burden of extraintestinal symptoms were associated with overweight and lower iron levels.

Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05192603 (Date of registration 11/29/2021) and NCT03306381 (Date of registration 09/18/2017), respectively.
Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata dietary supplementation in mitigating heat stress-induced behavioral, metabolic and genetic alterations in broiler chickens
Authors: Fayed Rabie H. , Ali Sara E. , Yassin Aya M. , Madian K. , Bawish Basma M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental stressors on poultry production and welfare worldwide. Identification of innovative and effective solutions is necessary. This study evaluated the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata on behavioral patterns, hematological and biochemical parameters, Oxidative stress biomarkers, and HSP70, I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR genes expression in different organs of broiler chickens under chronic HS conditions. A total of 208 one-day-old Avian-480 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatments (4 replicate/treatment, 52 birds/treatment): Thermoneutral control treatment (TN, fed basal diet); Thermoneutral treatment (TN, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY).

Results

The findings of the study indicate that HS led to a decrease in feeding, foraging, walking, and comfort behavior while increasing drinking and resting behavior, also HS increased red, and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) counts, and the heterophile/ lymphocyte (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05); while both mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, HS negatively impacted lipid, protein, and glucose levels, liver and kidney function tests, and oxidative biomarkers by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreasing reduced glutathion (GSH) activity (P < 0.05). Heat stress (HS) caused the upregulation in HSP70, duodenal TLR4 gene expression, and the downregulation of I-FABP2, IL10, mTOR in all investigated tissues, and hepatic TLR4 (P < 0.05) compared with the TN treatment. Phytogenic feed additives (PHY) effectively mitigated heat stress’s negative impacts on broilers via an improvement of broilers’ behavior, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress biomarkers with a marked decrease in HSP70 expression levels while all tissues showed increased I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR (except liver) levels (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Phytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata have ameliorated the HS-induced oxidative stress and improved the immunity as well as the gut health and welfare of broiler chickens.
Is artificial intelligence a hazardous technology? Economic trade-off model
Authors: Herzog Bodo
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) demonstrates various opportunities and risks. Our study explores the trade-off of AI technology, including existential risks. We develop a theory and a Bayesian simulation model in order to explore what is at stake. The study reveals four tangible outcomes: (i) regulating existential risks has a boundary solution of either prohibiting the technology or allowing a laissez-faire regulation. (ii) the degree of ‘normal’ risks follows a trade-off and is dependent on AI-intensity. (iii) we estimate the probability of ‘normal’ risks to be between 0.002% to 0.006% over a century. (iv) regulating AI requires a balanced and international approach due to the dynamic risks and its global nature.
Comparison of various test methods to quantify the deterioration degree of archaeological leather
Authors: Yao Shuli , Lin Yirui , Lei Chao , Wang Ya-nan , Yu Yue , Zeng Yunhang
Published: September 2024

Quantifying the degree of deterioration is crucial for developing prevention strategies for archaeological leather. In this work, the morphology, chemical compositions, and physical properties of artificially aged leather samples were analyzed using a series of test methods to determine non-destructive or micro-destructive technologies for quantifying the degree of deterioration in archaeological leather. Results show that the hydroxyproline (Hyp) content of leather decreases with the increase of deterioration degree because deterioration leads to the gradual destruction of the collagen fiber network of leather. Moreover, the Hyp content of leather can be micro-destructively determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Therefore, the determination of Hyp content is recommended to quantify the degree of deterioration in archaeological leather.
Application of CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock out GluB gene for developing low glutelin rice mutant
Authors: AlHusnain Latifa , AlKahtani Muneera D. F. , Attia Kotb A. , Sanaullah Tayyaba , Elsharnoby Dalia E.
Published: September 2024

The nutritional quality improvement is among the most integral objective for any rice molecular breeding programs. The seed storage proteins (SSPs) have greater role to determine the nutritional quality of any cereal grains. Rice contains relatively balanced amino acid composition and the SSPs are fractioned into albumins (ALB), globulins (GLO), prolamins (PRO) and glutelins (GLU) according to differences in solubility. GLUs are further divided into subfamilies: GluA, GluB, GluC, and GluD depending on resemblance in amino acid. The GLU protein accounts for 60–80% of total protein contents, encoded by 15 genes located on different chromosomes of rice genome. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system was employed to knockout Glu-B (LOC-Os02g15070) gene in non-basmati rice PK386 cultivar. The mutant displayed two base pair and three base pair mutation in the targeted regions. The homozygous mutant plant displayed reduction for both in total protein contents and GLU contents whereas, elevation in GLO, ALB and PRO. Moreover, the mutant plant also displayed reduction in physio-chemical properties e.g., total starch, amylose and gel consistency. The agronomic characteristics of both mutant and wild type displayed non-significant differences along with increase in higher percentage of chalkiness in mutant plants. The results obtained from scanning electron microscopy showed the loosely packed starch granules compared to wild type. The gene expression analysis displayed the lower expression of gene at 5 days after flowering (DAF), 10 DAF, 15 DAF and 20 DAF compared to wild type. GUS sub-cellular localization showed the staining in seed which further validated the results obtained from gene expression. Based on these findings it can be concluded Glu-B gene have significant role in controlling GLU contents and can be utilized in breeding programs to enhance the nutritional quality of rice, and may serve as healthy diet for patient allergic with high GLU contents.
Enhanced photo-induced optical activity of crisscrossed self-organized gratings in photosensitive nanolayers by introducing bi-periodicity
Authors: Nahal Arashmid , Kiasatfar Ozra
Published: September 2024

In the present work, the enhancement of photoinduced optical activity in a photosensitive nanolayer of AgCl doped by Ag nanoparticles, using bi-periodic crisscrossed self-organized periodic nanostructures (C-SPNs) is achieved. We found that the formation of two non-identical SPNs (i.e., with different periods), which crisscrossed each other, enhances the rotation of the polarization plane of the linear polarized probe beam, compared to the case when the two nanostructures are identical (i.e., having the same period). The difference in periods of the two C-SPNs increases the anisotropy of the medium, which in turn boosts the optical chirality produced by the formation of complex crisscrossed gratings made of Ag nanoparticles. The angle between the two gratings can be a control parameter for the amount and sign of rotation of the polarization plane of the probe beam. The enhanced optical activity of the bi-periodic C-SPNs, compared to the identical C-SPNs, can be attributed to the formation of more intricate chiral building blocks at the intersections of the two gratings.
Transfemoral hepatic vein access in double vein embolization – initial experience and feasibility
Authors: Carling Ulrik , Berger Sigurd , Gjønnæss Eyvind , Røsok Bård , Yaqub Sheraz , Lassen Kristoffer , Fretland Åsmund Avdem , Dorenberg Eric
Published: September 2024

Background

Hepatic vein embolization in double vein embolization (DVE) can be performed with transhepatic, transjugular or transfemoral access. This study evaluates the feasibility and technical success of using a transfemoral access for the hepatic vein embolization in patients undergoing preoperative to induce hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR).

Material and methods

Retrospective analysis of single center cohort including 17 consecutive patients. The baseline standardized FLR was 18.2% (range 14.7–24.9). Portal vein embolization was performed with vascular plugs and glue through an ipsilateral transhepatic access. Hepatic vein embolization was performed using vascular plugs. Access for the hepatic vein was either transhepatic, transjugular or transfemoral. Technical success, number of hepatic veins embolized and complications were registered. In addition, volumetric data including degree of hypertrophy (DH) and kinetic growth rate (KGR), and resection data were registered.

R: Seven of the 17 patients had transfemoral hepatic vein embolization, with 100% technical success. No severe complications were registered. In the whole cohort, the median number of hepatic veins embolized was 2 (1–6). DH was 8.6% (3.0–19.4) and KGR was 3.6%/week (1.4–7.4), without significant differences between the patients having transfemoral versus transhepatic /transjugular access (p = 0.48 and 0.54 respectively). Time from DVE to surgery was median 4.8 weeks (2.6–33.9) for the whole cohort, with one patient declining surgery, two having explorative laparotomy and one patient having change of surgical strategy due to insufficient growth.

Conclusion

Transfemoral access is a feasible option with a high degree of technical success for hepatic vein embolization in patients with small future liver remnants needing DVE.
Debulking Surgery After Muscular Paraffin Oil Injections: Effects on Calcium Homeostasis and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Yahyavi Sam Kafai , Wall-Gremstrup Gustav , Makki Ahmad , Juel Jacob , Theilade Simone , Berg Jais Oliver , Juul Anders , Momsen Ole , Eldrup Ebbe , Blomberg Jensen Martin
Published: September 2024

Context

Cosmetic paraffin oil injections can lead to granuloma formation, causing hypercalcemia and kidney failure.

Objective

This study explores whether debulking surgery is an effective treatment for improving calcium homeostasis, inflammation, and clinical symptoms.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we reviewed 33 patients undergoing debulking surgery. Changes in calcium, inflammatory markers, and renal function from baseline up to 12 months after surgery were assessed. Patients were interviewed after surgery.

Results

The patients were 34.6 years of age (SD 6.9) and had 1104 grams (SD 591) of granuloma tissue removed following injection of 1329 mL (SD 803) paraffin oil 7.9 years (SD 3.2) earlier. Seventeen patients had hypercalcemia and experienced a significant decline in ionized calcium from 1.48 mmol/L (SD 0.16) at baseline to 1.33 mmol/L (SD 0.03) at 12 months (P < .002), although only 4 men (23.5%) became normocalcemic. Serum ferritin was reduced by 50% after 12 months (P = .048). Sixteen patients were normocalcemic and had no change in calcium homeostasis but experienced a 20% drop in serum ferritin levels (P = .025) after surgery. Fifteen patients completed all their planned surgeries within the study period and experienced a decline in serum ionized calcium (P = .031), ferritin (P = .011), and interleukin 2-receptor (P = .037). A survey showed that 55% of patients reported postoperative satisfaction scores of 10/10, and 59% of the patients reported reduced pain.

Conclusion

Surgery improved calcium homeostasis in a fraction of patients and reduced inflammation and subjective symptoms such as pain and mental well-being in a patient group left with few treatment options except high-dose prednisolone.
The Association Between Plasma Fatty Acids and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study of the UK Biobank
Authors: Huang Jianv , Li Jiacong , He Lu , Miao Junyan , Zhu Meng , Dai Juncheng , Jin Guangfu , Ma Hongxia , Hang Dong , Shen Hongbing
Published: September 2024

Context

Fatty acids (FAs) have emerged as significant contributors to tumorigenesis, yet prospective evidence regarding their specific effects on lung cancer risk remains scarce.

Objective

To investigate the association between plasma FAs and lung cancer incidence, as well as a potential modification effect of genetic susceptibility on lung cancer risk.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted involving 112 547 cancer-free participants from the UK Biobank, with measurements of plasma FAs, including saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), at baseline (2006-2010). Cox regression models were employed to assess lung cancer risk according to plasma FA quartiles or 1-SD increments. Furthermore, interaction between plasma FAs and polygenic risk score was evaluated using an additive model.

Results

Over an average 10.9-year follow-up, 1122 lung cancer cases occurred. After multivariable adjustment, MUFAs were positively associated with lung cancer risk (hazard ratio [HR] per 1-SD = 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13-1.54). In contrast, PUFAs, particularly n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid, and linoleic acid, were associated with a lower risk of lung cancer, with HRs ranging from 0.79 (95% CI, 0.72-0.87) to 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83-0.95). SFAs were not significantly associated with lung cancer risk. Moreover, we observed an additive interaction between plasma PUFAs and genetic risk. Individuals with a high genetic risk and the lowest quartile of plasma PUFAs had the highest risk of lung cancer (HR = 2.20, 95% CI, 1.43-3.38).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that plasma PUFAs may serve as protective factors, while MUFAs represent risk factors for lung cancer, offering novel insights into lung cancer carcinogenesis and prevention.
Genre, Place, and the Persian Literary Imagination in the Punjab, ca. 1650–1750
Authors: Shah Zahra
Published: September 2024

This article examines descriptions of the Punjab, particularly Lahore and its environs, in Persian writings from the mid-seventeenth to the mid-eighteenth centuries. Specifically, it traces the usage and movement of topographical registers and imagery across genres and literary forms that are usually studied separately, highlighting the ways in which they interacted with (and resisted) each other. It suggests that such experimentations with the writing of place were central to the ways in which individuals engaged in processes of self-fashioning. Further, it argues that such experimentations with literary-topographical themes and registers also helps explain the increasing interest in the Punjabi qiṣṣa and other regional narratives in Persian during this period. These observations help to further nuance understandings of the ways in which genres and languages interacted in the early modern Punjab.
To Africa
Authors: Otta Yoshiaki
Published: September 2024

This article examines how one of modern Japanese literature's inaugural texts envisions Japan's geographical self-image. The focus here is on Ukishiro monogatari (Floating Castle) by Meiji statesman Yano Ryūkei (1851–1931). Ukishiro monogatari tells the story of an adventure undertaken by Japanese men with a shared political objective who are diversely skilled in areas such as military expertise, medicine, geography, and technology. They are so dissatisfied with the delay in Japan's territorial expansion that in 1878 they travel to Southeast Asia as the first step in an ambitious attempt to establish Japanese territory in central Africa. By exploring why and how the crew of the Ukishiro heads to Africa, this article argues that the Ukishiro crew's plans take shape in relation to their drive to eschew Japan's status as an island nation (deislandization) and establish Japan as a continent (pseudocontinent).
Writing Confucian History in an Indian Language
Authors: Green Nile
Published: September 2024

This article uses a case study of an Urdu translation of the classical Chinese Shujing (Book of Documents) to bring to light a process of multiperson, mediated, and ultimately transimperial translation in which European source texts played crucial roles in transmitting detailed knowledge of China to the Indian public sphere. After outlining the theoretical approach of transimperial history and its value for Asian intellectual history, the article positions the Urdu Shujing in relation to earlier Indian and Middle Eastern accounts of China whose triangulated transmission—from East Asia to Europe and thence to South or West Asia—set various precedents for the translation of the Shujing from a prior English translation. The article then focuses on the Urdu version to reveal the transimperial mechanisms it used to not only translate and transliterate classical Chinese but also to “transcalculate” dates and render Chinese history comparable to both Europe's and India's past. The conclusions argue that, from Ming China via the early modern Catholic empires to the occult subcurrents of British colonial culture, the transimperial pathways along which Confucian history reached India were ultimately Eurasian rather than narrowly inter-Asian in scope. This reliance on earlier European translations would later recur with the spread of “world literature” in the postcolonial era.