bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized LSTM for Accurate Smart Grid Stability Prediction Using a Novel Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Karim Faten Khalid , Khafaga Doaa Sami , El-kenawy El-Sayed M. , Eid Marwa M. , Ibrahim Abdelhameed , Abualigah Laith , Khodadadi Nima , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A.
Published: August 2024

The stability of smart grids is crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient power distribution in modern energy systems. This paper presents an optimized Long Short-Term Memory model for predicting smart grid stability, leveraging the Novel Guide-Waterwheel Plant Algorithm (Guide-WWPA) for enhanced performance. Traditional methods often struggle with the complexity and dynamic nature of smart grids, necessitating advanced approaches for accurate predictions. The proposed LSTM model, optimized using Guide-WWPA, addresses these challenges by effectively capturing temporal dependencies and nonlinear relationships in the data. The proposed approach involves a comprehensive preprocessing pipeline to handle data heterogeneity and noise, followed by the implementation of the LSTM model optimized through Guide-WWPA. The Guide-WWPA combines the strength of the WWPA with a novel guidance mechanism, ensuring efficient exploration and exploitation of the search space. The optimized LSTM is evaluated on a real-world smart grid dataset, demonstrating superior performance compared to traditional optimization techniques. Experimental Results indicate significant improvements in prediction accuracy and computational efficiency, highlighting the potential of the Guide-WWPA optimized LSTM for real-time smart grid stability prediction. This work contributes to the development of intelligent energy management systems, offering a robust tool for maintaining grid stability and enhancing overall energy reliability. On the other hand, statistical evaluations were carried out to prove the stability and difference of the proposed methodology. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the Guide-WWPA + LSTM strategy is superior to the other machine learning approaches.
Learning from farmers on potentials and limits for an agroecological transition: a participatory action research in Western Sicily
Authors: Conte Luigi , Prakofjewa Julia , Floridia Tiziana , Stocco Alice , Comar Vito , Gonella Francesco , Lo Cascio Martina
Published: August 2024

Like many Mediterranean areas, the Italian island of Sicily faces multiple environmental pressures such as soil loss, fire hazards, and extreme meteorological events, all of which negatively impact local food systems. In response to these threats, a re-thinking of local agriculture and natural resource management is increasingly needed. Agroecology is recognized as a robust proposal for building more resilient food systems grounded in farmers’ knowledge and practices. However, agroecological farming experiences struggle to operate and survive in Sicily due to unfavorable political-cultural, environmental, and socio-economic conditions. Learning from small-scale farmers about the ways they perceive, understand, and overcome structural limits and environmental constraints is key for a transition to agroecology in the study area. Understanding its potentials and limits is essential for planning and identifying transformative actions. We approached the problem by adopting a participatory action research methodology involving selected groups of farmers in Western Sicily. We applied a co-creative approach and developed a systemic analysis of the socio-ecological narratives to identify possible leverage points for a transition to agroecology in the study area. We identified a local potential for shifting the current system of water and fire hazards management to new systems of participatory land stewardship. To be effective, these systems should support agroecological farmers’ income by altering social practices related to food and reducing the influence of dominant agribusiness actors. Our findings indicate that implementing solutions based on the circulation of local ecological knowledge within systems of participatory guarantees can favor the development of solidarity economies and mutualistic relations between farmers, scientists, and communities. Our work suggests that scientists’ facilitation and knowledge co-creation might be of key importance in structuring local, more sustainable food systems.
Variation in internode length patterns: a data analysis of internode length and serial number in three bamboo species
Authors: Tan Jiewen , Liu Xiaonan , Li Qiying , Ma Kehang , Huang Weiwei
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, and its young culms are formed by the elongation of internodes. However, the mathematical intricacies of its internode elongation are not well understood.

Methods

This study investigated the internode length growth of Phyllostachys edulis, Phyllostachys iridescens, and Pseudosasa amabilis at ten different culm height developmental stages (G1–G10).

Results and discussion

The tempo of internode elongation from the culm base to the tip generally followed a “slow-fast-slow” growth rhythm. The internode length and the serial number relationship showed a right-skewed curve. As the bamboo grows taller, the longest internode moves from the base to the middle of the culm. The relationship between relative internode number (RIN) and relative cumulative internode length (RCIL) displayed a typical S-shaped growth curve. The modified Brière (MBE) sigmoid equation achieved better goodness-of-fit than the logistic, power, and third-order functions in fitting the RIN-RCIL curves with the smallest average root mean square error (RMSE). The elongation rates of internodes varied not only with the growth of culm height, but also with the position of the bamboo culm from base to tip. In addition, as the bamboo grows in height, more internodes gradually contribute to the culm height growth. At G1 development stage, 24.01–38.23% of the internodes contributed 65.27–73.59% of the culm height, whereas at G10 stage, 49.28–61.07% of the internodes contributed 66.70–78.18% of the culm height. Our findings provide new insights into the mathematical characterization of bamboo internode elongation patterns involved in the rapid culm growth.
HNF1β, LHX1, and GGNBP2 deletion contributed to kidney and reproductive dysfunction in 17q12 deletion syndrome: evidence from a case report
Authors: Song Chun-Yu , Yang Jing , Jiang Sheng , Du Guo-Li
Published: August 2024

17q12 deletion syndrome is a chromosomal abnormality, where there is a small missing piece (deletion) of genetic material on the long arm (q) of chromosome 17. Sign and symptoms can vary widely among different patients. Recently, a patient was diagnosed with 17q12 deletion syndrome in our hospital, and the clinical characteristics presented as absence of the right kidney, compensatory hypertrophy of the left kidney, multiple small cysts in the left kidney, pancreatic atrophy, hypomagnesemia, bowed uterus, multiple follicular cysts in both lobes of the thyroid gland, and maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY-5). A 1.5-Mb deletion with haploinsufficiency for 20 genes within the 17q12 region was found through copy number variation (CNV) analysis based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology. In addition to HNF1B absence, the LIM-class homeobox 1 transcription factor (LHX1) and GGNBP2 absence was also involved in regulation of kidney development and the reproductive system through bioinformatics analysis. The inheriting risk of 17q12 deletion syndrome is about 50%, and it is recommended to provide genetic counseling to all patients who are suspected or diagnosed with the syndrome.
Collective action, premodern good government, and the transformation from subaltern to politically engaged citizenry
Authors: Blanton Richard E. , Fargher-Navarro Lane F.
Published: August 2024

Research inspired by collective action theory has provoked a rethinking of premodern governance, including state formation. We briefly summarize key elements of this theoretical turn, first, by demonstrating that, as predicted by the existing theory, political collective action is enhanced when the provision of good government motivates taxpayer compliance. Beyond that key process, our cross-cultural comparative investigation identified a suite of corollary social and cultural factors, including civic ritual, that, side-by-side with good government, served to undergird the institution of political collective action. We investigate, in particular, policies and practices that fostered the transformation of what had been a dominated and socially fragmented subaltern into a politically engaged and conditionally compliant citizenry. We discuss this process in relation to administrative policies and practices and in relation to evidence we found for directed cultural change purposed to enhance consensus and forbearance in the face of social divisiveness and political inequality.
A multidisciplinary non-invasive approach to monitor response to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in neurodegenerative Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a real-world study
Authors: Trambusti Irene , Barba Carmen , Mortilla Marzia , Rizzi Susanna , Romano Katiuscia , Coniglio Maria Luisa , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Tondo Annalisa , Guerrini Renzo , Sieni Elena
Published: August 2024

Aims

Early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative Langerhans cell histiocytosis (ND-LCH) have been suggested to prevent neurodegenerative progression. The aim of the study is to validate a standardized multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up to monitor the intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) treatment response and the natural course of the disease in untreated patients.

Methods

Patients with abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) received monthly 0.5 g/kg IVIG. The diagnostic protocol included structural 3T MRI, neurological examination, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and SEPs.

Results

Twenty-two patients were followed for 5.2 years (median) from the first MRI evidence of ND-LCH. Eleven patients received IVIG for 1.7 years (median). At treatment start neurological examination was abnormal in 10 patients, of whom two had severe clinical impairment and four had abnormal BAEPs. At last follow-up, 1/11 remained stable and 7/11 improved, while worsening of neurological or neurophysiological findings, or both, occurred in 3/11. Risk factors for worsening were a severe clinical or MRI ND-LCH at treatment initiation and prolonged exposure to LCH. Of the 11 untreated patients, none improved and three worsened.

Conclusions

Using a standardized diagnostic protocol, we demonstrated that IVIG treatment can lead to clinical stabilization or improvement in all pauci-symptomatic patients with an MRI grading of less than 4.
Multi-omics analysis reveals the impact of influenza a virus host adaptation on immune signatures in pig tracheal tissue
Authors: Laybourn Helena Aagaard , Hellemann Polhaus Chrysillis , Kristensen Charlotte , Lyngfeldt Henriksen Betina , Zhang Yaolei , Brogaard Louise , Larsen Cathrine Agnete , Trebbien Ramona , Larsen Lars Erik , Kalogeropoulos Konstantinos , auf dem Keller Ulrich , Skovgaard Kerstin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a global respiratory disease, which annually leads to 3-5 million cases of severe illness, resulting in 290,000-650,000 deaths. Additionally, during the past century, four global IAV pandemics have claimed millions of human lives. The epithelial lining of the trachea plays a vital role during IAV infection, both as point of viral entry and replication as well as in the antiviral immune response. Tracheal tissue is generally inaccessible from human patients, which makes animal models crucial for the study of the tracheal host immune response.

Method

In this study, pigs were inoculated with swine- or human-adapted H1N1 IAV to gain insight into how host adaptation of IAV shapes the innate immune response during infection. In-depth multi-omics analysis (global proteomics and RNA sequencing) of the host response in upper and lower tracheal tissue was conducted, and results were validated by microfluidic qPCR. Additionally, a subset of samples was selected for histopathological examination.

Results

A classical innate antiviral immune response was induced in both upper and lower trachea after infection with either swine- or human-adapted IAV with upregulation of genes and higher abundance of proteins associated with viral infection and recognition, accompanied by a significant induction of interferon stimulated genes with corresponding higher proteins concentrations. Infection with the swine-adapted virus induced a much stronger immune response compared to infection with a human-adapted IAV strain in the lower trachea, which could be a consequence of a higher viral load and a higher degree of inflammation.

Discussion

Central components of the JAK-STAT pathway, apoptosis, pyrimidine metabolism, and the cytoskeleton were significantly altered depending on infection with swine- or human-adapted virus and might be relevant mechanisms in relation to antiviral immunity against putative zoonotic IAV. Based on our findings, we hypothesize that during host adaptation, IAV evolve to modulate important host cell elements to favor viral infectivity and replication.
Spatial patterns of microparticle ingestion by myctophids near a major river mouth in the northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: Boisen Olivia C. , Brodeur Richard D. , Brander Susanne M. , Heppell Scott A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Plastics carried in the outflow of major rivers can be made available and subsequently ingested by marine fishes, causing lethal and sublethal effects. Highly abundant, vertically migrating myctophids play a crucial role in facilitating nutrient cycling between the epi- and mesopelagic zones. However, this diel movement may also make myctophids significant conduits for transporting ingested microparticles from surface waters to deeper food webs.

Methods

We examined the gastrointestinal tracts of 340 myctophids caught at varying distances from the Columbia River mouth in the epipelagic zone of the northeast Pacific Ocean to determine if proximity to a presumed point source influences microparticle ingestion.

Results

While we found no direct spatial connection with ingestion frequency, we discovered that (a) ~34% of myctophids had either synthetic or other anthropogenic particles retained in their GI tract, (b) microparticle ingestion was higher in an active-feeding species of myctophid (Tarletonbeania crenularis) than an inactive-feeding species (Stenobrachius leucopsarus), and (c) species and standard length were the most influential predictors of microparticle consumption in our best fit model.

Discussion

Our failure to detect a significant relationship between distance from a source and ingestion by myctophids is likely due to the particles undergoing fluctuations in dispersal patterns once they enter the ocean, particularly for microfibers which can be transported across large distances. Biological factors like body size may be more relevant to understanding microparticle ingestion patterns in mesopelagic fishes. Overall, our study highlights the potential role myctophids serve as multidirectional transporters of microparticles in Northern California Current food webs, with potential impacts on fisheries and human food systems.
Hydrothermal alteration of seawater biogeochemistry in Deception Island (South Shetland Islands, Antarctica)
Authors: Belyaev Oleg , Huertas I. Emma , Navarro Gabriel , Amaya-Vías Silvia , de la Paz Mercedes , Sparaventi Erica , Heredia Sergio , Sukekava Camila F. , Laglera Luis M. , Tovar-Sánchez Antonio
Published: August 2024

Deception Island (DI) is an active volcanic caldera in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, with an inner bay, Port Foster, formed by an ancient eruption. The bay’s seafloor hydrofracture system contains hydrothermal seeps and submarine vents, which are a source of trace metals (TMs) like Fe, Ni, Co, V, and greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2 and CH4. This study presents measurements of TMs and GHGs in Port Foster’s surface waters during January-February 2021 to characterize their spatial distribution. TMs concentrations in the northeastern region of the bay, particularly V (74 nM), Fe (361 nM), Co (3.9 nM) and Ni (17.2 nM), were generally higher than in the Southern Ocean, likely due to hydrothermal activity. As some TMs such as Fe are scarce in the SO and limit primary productivity, inputs of these nutrients from DI into surrounding waters may also regionally promote increased primary productivity. Higher surface temperature (ST), elevated partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), and lower salinity were found near submarine fumaroles, with ST positively correlated with pCO2 and negatively with salinity. Although hydrothermal sites showed localized CO2 outgassing, the bay overall acted as a CO2 sink, with a median flux of -2.78 mol m-2 yr-1 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 3.84 mol m-2 yr-1. CH4 highest concentration levels were found in the southeastern sector. The median concentration was 8.9 nM with an IQR of 1.9 nM, making Port Foster a regional net CH4 source with a median flux of 9.7 μmol m-2 d-1 and an IQR of 3.4 μmol m-2 d-1. Ultimately, the analysis of spatial patterns of the measured variables suggested that fumaroles of DI may be playing a significant role in the alteration of regional seawater biogeochemistry.
Genetic variation and recombination analysis of PRRSV-2 GP3 gene in China from 1996 to 2023
Authors: Lv Chen , Zheng Yajie , Liu Kexin , Li Gan , Luo Qin , Zhang Hang , Sha Huiyang , Wang Ruining , Kong Weili , Zhao Mengmeng
Published: August 2024

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has become widespread in China particularly the highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndromes (HP-PRRSV), NADC30, and NADC34 strains, and has posed a threat to the swine industry for over 20 years. To monitor genetic variation in PRRSV-2 GP3 strains in China, we analyzed 618 strains isolated between 1996 to 2023 and constructed phylogenetic trees. Additionally, 60 selected strains were used to analyze nucleotide and amino acid homology. PRRSV GP3 gene exhibited nucleotide identity ranging from 78.2% to 100.0% and amino acid similarity ranging from 74.9% to 99.6%. The GP3 gene in the 60 selected strains consisted of 254 amino acids, and amino acid mutations in the strains primarily occurred in B-cell epitopes, T-cell epitopes, and highly variable regions. The glycosylation sites of the strains used for amino acid sequence comparisons remained unaltered, except for the N29 site in the GD20220303-2022 strain. PRRSV-2 strains in China belong to lineages 1, 3, 5, and 8. Recombination analysis detected two recombination events, involving lineages 1 and 8. In conclusion, this study investigated multiple strains of the PRRSV-2 GP3 gene to explore the prevalence and genetic diversity of the GP3 gene in China from a gene family perspective. The results of the analyses provide a basis for clinical prevention strategies and vaccine development.
Artificial intelligence-driven reverse vaccinology for Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaccine: Prioritizing epitope-based candidates
Authors: Kant Ravi , Khan Mohd. Shoaib , Chopra Madhu , Saluja Daman
Published: August 2024

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea. The increasing prevalence of this disease worldwide, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains, and the difficulties in treatment necessitate the development of a vaccine, highlighting the significance of preventative measures to control and eradicate the infection. Currently, there is no widely available vaccine, partly due to the bacterium’s ability to evade natural immunity and the limited research investment in gonorrhea compared to other diseases. To identify distinct vaccine candidates, we chose to focus on the uncharacterized, hypothetical proteins (HPs) as our initial approach. Using the in silico method, we first carried out a comprehensive assessment of hypothetical proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, encompassing assessments of physicochemical properties, cellular localization, secretary pathways, transmembrane regions, antigenicity, toxicity, and prediction of B-cell and T-cell epitopes, among other analyses. Detailed analysis of all HPs resulted in the functional annotation of twenty proteins with a great degree of confidence. Further, using the immuno-informatics approach, the prediction pipeline identified one CD8+ restricted T-cell epitope, seven linear B-cell epitopes, and seven conformational B-cell epitopes as putative epitope-based peptide vaccine candidates which certainly require further validation in laboratory settings. The study accentuates the promise of functional annotation and immuno-informatics in the systematic design of epitope-based peptide vaccines targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Zinc chalcogenide nanostructures: synthesis methodologies and applications—a review
Authors: Chatterjee Anindita , Kumar G. Kiran , Roymahapatra Gourisankar , Das Himadri Sekhar , Jaishree G. , Rao T. Siva
Published: August 2024

Zinc chalcogenide nanostructures are an important class of non-toxic nanomaterials due to their biocompatible nature, surface flexibility, high degree of crystallinity, and high photoluminescence efficiency that makes them applicable in solar cells biosensors, photocatalysts, LEDs, and electroluminescence materials. There are various methods for synthesizing zinc chalcogenides, including ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe, through colloidal, hydrothermal, solvothermal, microwave, and core shell synthesis to prepare highly luminescent material for drug delivery and biomedical applications. The main focus of this review is to explore various synthetic approaches to tune the morphology, size, and surface properties of zinc-based chalcogenide nanostructures, revealing their potential as biocompatible quantum dots. Despite their advantages, zinc chalcogenides also have certain drawbacks, such as low mechanical strength, limited bandgap tunability, and less thermal stability, that can point the way for future research. Thus, this review may prove beneficial for developing and designing more advanced nanomaterials based on existing knowledge, protocols, and strategies.
Frontiers and hotspots evolution in mild cognitive impairment: a bibliometric analysis of from 2013 to 2023
Authors: He Chunying , Hu Xiaohua , Wang Muren , Yin Xiaolan , Zhan Min , Li Yutong , Sun Linjuan , Du Yida , Chen Zhiyan , Wang Huan , Shao Haibin
Published: August 2024

Background

Mild cognitive impairment is a heterogeneous syndrome. The heterogeneity of the syndrome and the absence of consensus limited the advancement of MCI. The purpose of our research is to create a visual framework of the last decade, highlight the hotspots of current research, and forecast the most fruitful avenues for future MCI research.

Methods

We collected all the MCI-related literature published between 1 January 2013, and 24 April 2023, on the “Web of Science.” The visual graph was created by the CiteSpace and VOSviewer. The current research hotspots and future research directions are summarized through the analysis of keywords and co-cited literature.

Results

There are 6,075 articles were included in the final analysis. The number of publications shows an upward trend, especially after 2018. The United States and the University of California System are the most prolific countries and institutions, respectively. Petersen is the author who ranks first in terms of publication volume and influence. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease was the most productive journal. “neuroimaging,” “fluid markers,” and “predictors” are the focus of current research, and “machine learning,” “electroencephalogram,” “deep learning,” and “blood biomarkers” are potential research directions in the future.

Conclusion

The cognition of MCI has been continuously evolved and renewed by multiple countries’ joint efforts in the past decade. Hotspots for current research are on diagnostic biomarkers, such as fluid markers, neuroimaging, and so on. Future hotspots might be focused on the best prognostic and diagnostic models generated by machine learning and large-scale screening tools such as EEG and blood biomarkers.
Nicotine use during late adolescence and young adulthood is associated with changes in hippocampal volume and memory performance
Authors: Happer Joseph P. , Courtney Kelly E. , Baca Rachel E. , Andrade Gianna , Thompson Courtney , Shen Qian , Liu Thomas T. , Jacobus Joanna
Published: August 2024

Background

With the advent of electronic nicotine delivery systems, the use of nicotine and tobacco products (NTPs) among adolescents and young adults remains high in the US. Use of e-cigarettes additionally elevates the risk of problematic use of other substances like cannabis, which is often co-used with NTPs. However, their effects on brain health, particularly the hippocampus, and cognition during this neurodevelopmental period are poorly understood.

Methods

Healthy late adolescents/young adults (N = 223) ages 16–22 completed a structural MRI to examine right and left hippocampal volumes. Memory was assessed with the NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test (PSMT) and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). Cumulative 6-month NTP and cannabis episodes were assessed and modeled continuously on hippocampal volumes. Participants were then grouped based on 6-month NTP use to examine relationships with the hippocampus and memory: current users (CU) endorsed weekly or greater use; light/abstinent users (LU) endorsed less than weekly; and never users (NU).

Results

NTP use predicted larger hippocampal volumes bilaterally while cannabis use had no impact nor interacted with NTP use. For memory, larger left hippocampal volumes were positively associated with PSMT performance, RAVLT total learning, short delay and long delay recall for the NU group. In contrast, there was a negative relationship between hippocampal volumes and performances for LU and CU groups. No differences were detected between NTP-using groups.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the hippocampus is sensitive to NTP exposure during late adolescence/young adulthood and may alter typical hippocampal morphometry in addition to brain-behavior relationships underlying learning and memory processes.
Recovery of neutron-irradiated VVER-440 RPV base metal and weld exposed to isothermal annealing at 343°C up to 2,000 h
Authors: Altstadt Eberhard , Bergner Frank , Brandenburg Jann-Erik , Chekhonin Paul , Dykas Jakub , Houska Mario , Ulbricht Andreas
Published: August 2024

Neutron irradiation causes embrittlement of reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steels. Post-irradiation annealing is capable of partly or fully restoring the unembrittled condition. While annealing at high temperatures (e.g., 475°C) was successfully applied to extend the lifetime of operating VVER-440 reactors, the benefit of annealing at lower temperatures (e.g., 343°C–the maximum to which the primary cooling water can be heated) is a matter of debate. In this study, neutron-irradiated VVER-440 RPV base metal and weld were exposed to isothermal annealing at 343°C up to 2,000 h. Given the limited amount of material, the degree of recovery was estimated in terms of Vickers hardness, the ductile-brittle transition temperature derived from small punch tests, and the master curve reference temperature derived from fracture mechanics tests of mini samples. For the base metal, small-angle neutron scattering was applied to underpin the findings at the nm-scale. We have found significant partial recovery in both materials after annealing for 300 h or longer. The variations of the degree of recovery are critically discussed and put into the context of wet annealing.
Lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects of Polygonatum fermented liquor: a study on intestinal microbiota and brain–gut axis in mice
Authors: Yang Xuan , Fang Leyao , Shen Junxi , Tan Zhoujin , Zeng Wenhong , Peng Maijiao , Xiao Nenqun
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study aims to investigate the effects of Polygonatum fermented liquor (PFL) on improving lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in mice by regulating the gut microbiota.

Methods

Forty SPF-grade male Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (NC), general liquor group (GC), fresh Polygonatum fermented liquor group (FPC), and nine-steam-nine-bask Polygonatum fermented liquor group (NPC). Each group was administered with sterile water, general liquor, fresh Polygonatum fermented liquor, and nine-steam-nine-bask Polygonatum fermented liquor, respectively, by gavage. The mice's liver, brain tissue, serum, and intestinal contents were collected. The indicators of oxidative stress in the liver, four blood lipid indicators, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain tissue were measured, liver hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed, and the gut microbiota in the small intestine were analyzed using 16S rRNA second-generation sequencing technology.

Results

Compared with the NC group, the NPC group showed significantly increased liver glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) content in mice (p < 0.05), reduced number of lipid droplets in the liver cells, and increased GABA and BDNF content in the brain tissues. The NPC group regulated lipid metabolism by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) content in the mouse serum. Gut microbiota analysis showed significant changes in the gut microbiota of mice in the FPC and NPC groups, with increased richness and species diversity. These two groups increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, unclassified Muribaculaceae, unclassified Bacilli, and uncultured Bacteroidales bacterium while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Candidatus Arthromitus, and Staphylococcus, with a particularly significant reduction in Staphylococcus (p < 0.05). It is speculated that the two types of PFL may exert lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects by modulating the abundance of these dominant bacteria. Further studies showed that various environmental factors are closely related to the dominant gut bacteria. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly negatively correlated with Lactobacillus and unclassified Bacilli, superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly negatively correlated with Staphylococcus (p < 0.01) and significantly negatively correlated with Candidatus Arthromitus (p < 0.05), and HDL-C was significantly negatively correlated with Staphylococcus and Facklamia (p < 0.05).

Discussion

The two types of PFL chosen in this study may exert lipid-lowering and antioxidant effects by modulating the composition and function of the gut microbiota, providing guidance for the industrial application of Polygonatum.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of global publications on kaempferol
Authors: Tang Ruying , Lin Longfei , Liu Yuling , Li Hui
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Kaempferol, a flavonoid found in numerous foods and medicinal plants, offers a range of health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, anticancer, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects.

Methods

Herein, a bibliometric and visual analysis of global publications on kaempferol was performed to map the evolution of frontiers and hotspots in the field. Using the search string TS = kaempferol, bibliometric data for this analysis was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database and analyzed using the VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica software.

Results

As a result, by February 26, 2024, 11,214 publications were identified, comprising articles (n = 10,746, 96%) and review articles (n = 468, 4%). Globally, the annual number of kaempferol publications surpassed 100 per year since 2000, exceeded 500 per year since 2018, and further crossed the threshold of 1,000 per year starting in 2022. The major contributing countries were China, the United States of America, and India, while the top three institutes of the citations of kaempferol were the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Consejo Superio de Investigaciones Cientficas, and Uniersidade do Porto. These publications were mainly published in agricultural and food chemistry journals, food chemistry, and phytochemistry.

Discussion

The keywords frequently mentioned include phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, flavonoids, NF-kappa B, inflammation, bioactive compounds, etc. Anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti-cancer have consistently been the focus of kaempferol research, while cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, antiviral, and anti-bacterial effects have emerged as recent highlights. The field of kaempferol research is thriving.
Inflammatory diet, gut microbiota and sensorineural hearing loss: a cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Nie Jiayi , Yan Kaige , Wang Jing , Wang Xin , Zhao Yuxiang
Published: August 2024

Aims

Inflammatory diets can trigger chronic inflammation and affect gut microbiota. However, the relationship between dietary preferences and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between different dietary preferences and sensorineural deafness.

Methods

The Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) and SNHL were defined by data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and exploring their relationship. Using Mendelian randomization (MR) to analyze the relationship between 34 dietary preferences, 211 gut microbiota, and SNHL.

Results

Smooth curve fitting indicated that the risk of SNHL increased with increasing DII score when the DII score was greater than 5.15. MR results suggest that a diet including both oily and non-oily fish can substantially reduce the risk of SNHL. Additionally, six specific gut microbiota were found to have significant causal relationship with SNHL.

Conclusion

An inflammatory diet may increase the risk of developing SNHL. The observed relationship between fish consumption, gut microbiota, and SNHL suggests the existence of a gut-inner ear axis.
Ovarian carcinosarcomas: p53 status defines two distinct patterns of oncogenesis and outcomes
Authors: Dhillon Gurdial , Llaurado-Fernandez Marta , Tessier-Cloutier Basile , Sy Keiyan , Bassiouny Dina , Han Guangming , Wong Nelson K. Y. , McRae Kathryn , Kinloch Mary , Pors Jennifer , Hopkins Laura , Covens Allan , Köbel Martin , Lee Cheng-Han , Carey Mark S.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Ovarian carcinosarcoma (OCS) is a rare and lethal type of ovarian cancer. Despite its incredibly poor prognosis, it has received little research attention. In this study, we aim to evaluate the molecular features of OCS and elucidate their clinical significance.

Study methods

We examined 30 OCS by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and targeted panel sequencing collected from a single institution (2003–2013) as the initial molecularly characterized cohort (Cohort A). From November 2016 to April 2023, we collected an additional 67 OCS cases from three institutions across British Columbia and Alberta as the contemporary cohort (Cohort B) for clinical correlation. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate overall and progression-free survival, and differences in survival rates were compared using the log-rank test. All tests were two-sided. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The majority of OCS (82%) in the initial Cohort A were p53-mutated, and the carcinomatous component displayed the histological and molecular features of a high-grade tubo-ovarian serous carcinoma (HGSC-like). In a minority of OCS, the epithelial components were characteristics of endometrioid or clear cell carcinomas, and IHC staining was wild type for p53. In the contemporary Cohort B, we observed the same histological findings related to the p53 IHC staining pattern. The median overall survival of the p53-mutated HGSC-like OCS (47 patients) was significantly higher (43.5 months) compared with that of the p53 wild-type OCS (10 patients, 8.8 months; P < 0.01). Pathogenic BRCA1/2 germline/somatic mutations were observed in 7 patients (17.5%) of HGSC-like OCS, and all these patients were alive at 3 years from diagnosis compared to a 51% 3-year survival among the patients with BRCA1/2 wild-type HGSC-like OCS (33 patients) (p = 0.022). Majority of patients (6/7) with BRCA1/2-mutated OCS received poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor as maintenance therapy in this cohort.

Conclusions

Most OCSs have a morphologic and molecular profile resembling HGSC; however, some OCSs display a molecular profile that suggests origin through non-serous oncogenic pathways. This molecular distinction has both prognostic and treatment (predictive) implications. These findings underscore the importance of routine p53 IHC testing on all OCS and BRCA1/2 testing on p53-mutated OCS.
Establishment and validation of a predictive nomogram for central venous catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients: a retrospective nested case-control study
Authors: Wang Xuexing , Dai Xiao , He Yuan , Chu Jie , Wang Yufeng
Published: August 2024

Background

Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a common complication for patients who receive central venous catheter (CVC) placement. This study investigated the risk factors for CRT and developed a nomogram for CRT prediction among cancer patients.

Methods

This nested case-control study was conducted in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University between January 2019 and February 2021. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for CRT. A nomogram was developed to predict CRT. Receiver operating curves (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curves were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram in the training and validation sets.

Results

A total of 4,691 cancer patients were included in this study. Among them, 355 (7.57%) had CRT, and 70% of CRTs occurred in the first week of insertion. Among the 3,284 patients in the training set, the multivariable analysis showed that nine characteristics were independently associated with CRT, and a nomogram was constructed based on the multivariable analysis. The ROC analysis indicated good discrimination in the training set (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.802–0.862) and the testing set (AUC = 0.827, 95% CI: 0.783–0.871) for the CRT nomogram. The calibration curves showed good calibration abilities, and the decision curves indicated the clinical usefulness of the prediction nomograms.

Conclusion

The validated nomogram accurately predicts CRT occurrence in cancer patients. This model may assist clinicians in developing treatment plans for each patient.
Ramucirumab plus FOLFIRI or irinotecan as second-line treatment for patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma: a review and meta-analysis of an emerging option
Authors: Park Haeseong , Klempner Samuel J. , Chao Joseph , Wainberg Zev A. , Lukanowski Mariusz , Chenji Suresh , Bourke Shannon , Chatterjee Anindya , Lorenzen Sylvie
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to provide a review of the clinical evidence for use of ramucirumab (RAM) plus folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU), and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) or irinotecan as second-line treatment in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA).

Methods

A systematic and comprehensive search of PubMed was performed to identify phase 2 clinical trials or retrospective studies using RAM plus FOLFIRI or irinotecan in GEA, including abstracts from major congresses, in addition to published manuscripts. An aggregated review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the effectiveness (overall response rate [ORR] as primary outcome) and safety data of RAM plus FOLFIRI or irinotecan. ORR for each study was calculated with 95% confidence interval estimated from normal approximation. To generate the combined ORR with 95% confidence interval, random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize response data from available studies.

Results

Six studies were identified with non-overlapping populations, 3 phase 2 clinical trials and 3 retrospective studies. Across these studies the ORR ranged from 22% to 38%, and pooled ORR was 25.4%. Two of the 3 studies reported better ORR in patients pretreated with taxanes followed by RAM plus FOLFIRI. Treatment with RAM plus FOLFIRI or irinotecan was well tolerated. Neutropenia and diarrhea were the most common adverse events reported across studies.

Conclusion

The studies examined in this review suggest that RAM plus FOLFIRI or irinotecan have activity in previously treated GEA irrespective of prior-taxane use. Overall, RAM plus FOLFIRI or irinotecan was well tolerated with no new safety concerns identified beyond established profiles for these regimens.
Evaluation of agreement of IOP measurements by Tono-Vera tonometer to Goldmann applanation tonometry
Authors: Niles Charles R. , Crinzi Alexander R. , Bonaventura Russell , Taylor David A.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of the new Tono-Vera rebound tonometer (Reichert Inc, Buffalo, NY) compared to Goldmann Applanation Tonometry.

Methods

This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was designed in accordance with ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009 guidelines for tonometer comparison. Intraocular Pressure (IOP) was measured by Goldmann Applanation and Tono-Vera on 160 eyes of 160 subjects. Corneal Astigmatism and Central Corneal Thickness were also measured. A single investigator (CN) conducted all measurements. The average of two measurements from each tonometer was used in the analysis. Bland-Altman plots, total least squares regression analysis, and simple linear regression were used to evaluate agreement between the tonometers.

Results

Average IOP values from Goldmann Applanation and Tono-Vera were not significantly different (19.17 and 19.03 respectively, p=0.40, paired t-test). The total least squares regression analysis indicated strong agreement between the two tonometers (slope +0.97, offset +0.49 mmHg, standard deviation 2.11 mmHg). There were 2 IOP measurement pairs that exceeded the ± 5 mmHg limits of agreement required in ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009, which is within the range of acceptability specified in the standards.

Conclusion

We evaluated IOP measurements by Tono-Vera Rebound Tonometer vs Goldmann Applanation Tonometry for eyes with a wide range of IOP values and found no statistically significant differences in the results. Tono-Vera meets the requirements of ANSI Z80.10-2014 and ISO 8612-2009, demonstrating accuracy comparable to Goldmann tonometry.
Predictive value of coagulation profiles for Kawasaki disease shock syndrome: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Bowen , Liu Xiaoliang , Shao Shuran , Wu Ping , Wu Mei , Liu Lei , Hua Yimin , Duan Hongyu , Zhou Kaiyu , Wang Chuan
Published: August 2024

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is characterized as an acute febrile inflammatory disorder, which may potentially escalate into a more severe condition termed Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS). The objective of this research is to understand the clinical attributes of KDSS and to explore the predictive significance of coagulation profiles in the incidence of KDSS.

Method

Patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) were prospectively enrolled and divided into the KDSS group (n = 29) and the non-KDSS group (n = 494). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the relationship between coagulation profiles and KDSS. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of the coagulation profile for the occurrence of KDSS.

Result

Among the KDSS patients, the median age was higher and cervical lymph node involvement was greater compared to the non-KDSS group. Additionally pericardial effusion, valve regurgitation, cardiac enlargement, coronary artery lesions (CALs), and Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance were significantly more frequent in the KDSS group than in non-KDSS group. Notably, Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), D-dimer, and fibrin degradation products (FDP) were significantly elevated in the KDSS group compared to the non-KDSS group. Conversely, total thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen, and antithrombin III (ATIII) activity were significantly reduced. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PT, APTT, D-dimer, and ATIII were independent risk factors for predicting KDSS occurrence. ROC curve analysis established critical values for PT, D-dimer, FDP, and ATIII as 13.45 s, 2.03 mg/L, 7.45 μg/ml, and 77.5%, respectively. Sensitivity for predicting KDSS occurrence was 76%, 79%, 83%, and 76%, while specificity was 51%, 72%, 63%, and 80%, respectively. When we performed a combined ROC curve analysis of the four indicators, we found that its predictive sensitivity was much higher. Moreover, the Delong test results showed that the AUC of the combined analysis was significantly higher than that of the individual analyses.

Conclusion

Characteristic features of KDSS include older age, a greater likelihood of experiencing pericardial effusion, valve regurgitation, cardiac enlargement, CALs, and IVIG resistance. KD patients with a hypercoagulable state during the acute phase are at a higher risk of developing KDSS.
Alpinia officinarum Hance: a comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacokinetic and pharmacology
Authors: Lei Xia , Wang Jiapeng , Zuo Kun , Xia Tianli , Zhang Jinfeng , Xu Xiangyue , Liu Qing , Li Xiaoliang
Published: August 2024

The dried root and rhizome of Alpinia officinarum Hance (A. officinarum) have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to alleviate pain, promote digestion, warm the stomach, and disperse cold. This review aims to comprehensively and in-depth summarize the most recent research on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology of A. officinarum. By searching various databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for literature on “A. officinarum Hance,” as well as relevant textbooks and digital documents, an overall and critical review of the subject was conducted. The traditional uses of A. officinarum were summarized, and 337 compounds from A. officinarum were summarized, including flavonoids, diarylheptanoids, volatile oils, and other compounds. Studies have found that the crude extract of A. officinarum and its compounds has a wide range of biological activities, such as improving gastrointestinal function, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-tumor activity, antibacterial properties, memory enhancement, and analgesic effects. Modern pharmacological studies have provided strong evidence and explanations for the traditional medicinal uses of A. officinarum, which brings a broad prospect for its medicinal use. However, more research is needed to explore the structure-activity relationship and potential mechanisms of action of its bioactive chemicals. Furthermore, it is essential to conduct more clinical trials in order to accelerate research and development of the drug.