bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving reproductive health literacy of couples on the verge of marriage By using the FOCUS-PDCA model
Authors: Dabiri Fatemeh , Hajian Sepideh , Zayeri Farid , Teshnizi Saeed Hosseini , Fashami Mahta Abbasi
Published: January 2023

Background: Education and counseling during marriage is an opportunity to raise some issues needed by couples on the verge of marriage. This study was conducted with the aim of improving reproductive and sexual health literacy of couples on the verge of marriage.
Methods: The current study was participatory action research conducted based on the Find.Organize.Clarify.Understand.Select-Plan.Do.Check.Act (FOCUS-PDCA) model in 9 steps during 2019-2020 in the city of Bandar Abbas. According to the steps of this model, a qualitative study was conducted to examine the views of service providers and couples on the verge of marriage regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the training content and the way of providing the training. Then, the process of providing service to couples was designed, implemented, and evaluated based on the results. The Reproductive Health Literacy Scale and the Service Quality (SERVQUAL) Questionnaire were used to evaluate the interventions. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26. A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered.
Results: The mean age of women and men participating in the quantitative part of the study was 21 ± 5 and 25.84 ± 3.9 years, respectively, which was similar to their counterparts in this part of the study, and the difference in the mean scores of reproductive health literacy before and after the changes in the program showed a significant difference (p>0.001). The study results showed that, except for the understanding dimension, most participants were at an insufficient level in other dimensions of reproductive health literacy. The result of measuring the satisfaction of service recipients indicated good satisfaction in the two dimensions of warranty and accountability, and there was a gap in empathy, assurance, and tangibility dimensions, which the biggest gap was related to the empathy dimension.
Conclusion: The changes made in improving the reproductive health literacy of couples were effective, which can be taken into consideration based on the added items in the current program of providing educational services in marriage preparation classes for couples.
Rationally designed inhibitors of the Musashi protein-RNA interaction by hotspot mimicry
Authors: Bai Nan , Adeshina Yusuf , Bychkov Igor , Xia Yan , Gowthaman Ragul , Miller Sven , Gupta Abhishek , Johnson David , Lan Lan , Golemis Erica , Makhov Peter , Xu Liang , Pillai Manoj , Boumber Yanis , Karanicolas John
Published: January 2023

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are key post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, and thus underlie many important biological processes. Here, we developed a strategy that entails extracting a "hotspot pharmacophore" from the structure of a protein-RNA complex, to create a template for designing small-molecule inhibitors and for exploring the selectivity of the resulting inhibitors. We demonstrate this approach by designing inhibitors of Musashi proteins MSI1 and MSI2, key regulators of mRNA stability and translation that are upregulated in many cancers. We report this novel series of MSI1/MSI2 inhibitors is specific and active in biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assays. This study extends the paradigm of "hotspots" from protein-protein complexes to protein-RNA complexes, supports the "druggability" of RNA-binding protein surfaces, and represents one of the first rationally-designed inhibitors of non-enzymatic RNA-binding proteins. Owing to its simplicity and generality, we anticipate that this approach may also be used to develop inhibitors of many other RNA-binding proteins; we also consider the prospects of identifying potential off-target interactions by searching for other RBPs that recognize their cognate RNAs using similar interaction geometries. Beyond inhibitors, we also expect that compounds designed using this approach can serve as warheads for new PROTACs that selectively degrade RNA-binding proteins.
Structure of an endogenous mycobacterial MCE lipid transporter
Authors: Chen James , Fruhauf Alice , Fan Catherine , Ponce Jackeline , Ueberheide Beatrix , Bhabha Gira , Ekiert Damian
Published: January 2023

To replicate inside human macrophages and cause the disease tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) must scavenge a variety of nutrients from the host1,2. The Mammalian Cell Entry (MCE) proteins are important virulence factors in Mtb1,3, where they are encoded in large gene clusters and have been implicated in the transport of fatty acids4–7 and cholesterol1,4,8 across the impermeable mycobacterial cell envelope. Very little is known about how cargos are transported across this barrier, and how the ~10 proteins encoded in a mycobacterial mce gene cluster might assemble to transport cargo across the cell envelope remains unknown. Here we report the cryo-EM structure of the endogenous Mce1 fatty acid import machine from Mycobacterium smegmatis, a non-pathogenic relative of Mtb. The structure reveals how the proteins of the Mce1 system assemble to form an elongated ABC transporter complex, long enough to span the cell envelope. The Mce1 complex is dominated by a curved, needle-like domain that appears to be unrelated to previously described protein structures, and creates a protected hydrophobic pathway for lipid transport across the periplasm. Unexpectedly, our structural data revealed the presence of a previously unknown subunit of the Mce1 complex, which we identified using a combination of cryo-EM and AlphaFold2, and name LucB. Our data lead to a structural model for Mce1-mediated fatty acid import across the mycobacterial cell envelope.
Prognostic nutritional index as a potential prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer after distal pancreatectomy: A single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Enliang , Zhao Chongyu , Li Xiaohui , Cui Bokang
Published: January 2023

Background
Inflammation plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Although many nutrition–inflammation markers have been identified as potential prognostic factors for various cancers, the role of these markers in predicting the prognosis and recurrence of pancreatic body and tail cancer (PBTC) after distal pancreatectomy remains unclear.
Methods
A total of 102 patients diagnosed with PBTC after surgical resection were enrolled in this study. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were evaluated to identify a suitable nutrition–inflammation marker. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to analyze the predictive factors of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to compare the predictive ability of the abovementioned nutrition–inflammation markers.
Results
Multivariate analysis revealed that PNI was the only independent predictor of OS (P = 0.039) and PFS (P = 0.001) in patients with PBTC after surgical resection. The predictive accuracy of PNI was superior to that of other nutrition–inflammation markers. Additionally, perineural invasion and R0 resection were identified as independent predictive factors for OS (P = 0.002, P = 0.006, respectively) and PFS (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), and NLR (P = 0.003), T stage (P = 0.038), and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.046) were identified as independent predictive factors for PFS.
Conclusion
PNI is an efficient nutrition–inflammation marker for predicting the prognosis and recurrence of PBTC after surgical resection. Patients should be stratified based on PNI before resection. Compared with patients with higher PNI values, those with lower PNI values require more frequent postoperative surveillance.
Chemoenzymatic indican for sustainable light-driven denim dyeing
Authors: Bidart Gonzalo , Teze David , Jansen Charlotte , Pasutto Eleonora , Putkaradze Natalia , Sesay Anna-Mamusu , Fredslund Folmer , Leggio Leila Lo , Ögmundarson Olafur , Sukumara Sumesh , Qvortrup Katrine , Welner Ditte
Published: January 2023

Blue denim, a billion-dollar industry, is currently dyed with indigo in an unsustainable process requiring harsh reducing and alkaline chemicals. Several innovations aim to replace the damaging chemicals and processes with ecologically attractive alternatives, but the economic and social aspects of sustainability are often overlooked, resulting in poor implementation. Forming indigo directly in the yarn through indican (indoxyl-β-glucoside) is a promising route with mild conditions. However, a sustainable source of indican is missing. We employed enzyme and process engineering guided by techno-economic analyses to develop an economically viable drop-in indican synthesis technology. Engineering of PtUGT1, a glycosyltransferase from the indigo plant, alleviated the severe substrate inactivation observed at the titers needed for bulk production. We further discovered a mild, light-driven dyeing process. Techno-economic, social sustainability, and comparative life-cycle assessments showed that these novel technologies have the potential to significantly reduce dyeing impacts.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) Tumor microenvironment is more suppressive than colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) Tumor microenvironment.
Authors: Santagata Sara , Castaldo Daniela , Rea Giuseppina , Napolitano Maria , Capiluongo Anna , D'Alterio Crescenzo , Trotta Anna Maria , Ieranò Caterina , Portella Luigi , Tatangelo Fabiana , Albino Vittorio , Guarino Rita , Cutolo Carmen , Izzo Francesco , Scala Stefania
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose: HCC is inflammation-associated cancer and develops on chronic inflamed liver while CRLM develop on permissive healthy liver microenvironment. To evaluate the immune aspects of these two different environments, peripheral blood-(PB), peritumoral-(PT) and tumoral tissues-(TT) from HCC and CRLM patients were evaluated.
Methods: 40 HCC and 34 CRLM were enrolled and freshly TT, PT and PB were collected at the surgery. PB-, PT- and TT-derived CD4+CD25+ Tregs and PB-derived CD4+CD25− Teffector cells (Teffs) were isolated and characterized for phenotype and function. Tregs function was evaluated in the presence of Peptide-R29, AMD3100 or anti-PD-1. RNA was extracted from PB/PT/TT-tissues and tested for FOXP3, CXCL12, CXCR4, CCL5, IL-15, CXCL5, Arg-1, N-cad, Vim, CXCL8, TGFb and VEGF-A expression.
Results: In HCC/CRLM-PB higher number of functional Tregs, CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ were detected, although PB-HCC Tregs exert a more suppressive function as compared to CRLM-Tregs. In HCC/CRLM-TT Tregs were highly represented with Activated/ENTPD-1+Tregs prevalent in HCC. As compared to CRLM, HCC overexpressed CXCR4 and N-cadherin/Vimentin in a contest rich of arginase and CCL5. Monocytic-MDSCs were highly represented in HCC/CRLM while high Polymorphonuclear-MDSCs were detected only in HCC. Interestingly, CXCR4-PB-Tregs inhibition, through the inhibitor-R29, impaired Tregs function in HCC/CRLM.
Conclusion: in HCC and CRLM, peripheral blood, peritumoral and tumoral tissues-Tregs are highly represented and functional. Nevertheless, HCC display a more immunosuppressive TME due to Tregs, MDSCs, intrinsic tumor features (CXCR4, CCL5, arginase) and the contest in which it develops. As CXCR4 is overexpressed in HCC/CRLM tumor/TME cells, CXCR4 inhibitors may be considered for double hits therapy in liver cancer patients.
To investigate the crystalline grain size, morphological structure and microwave properties of PANI/PbO composite materials
Authors:   Nagajyoti1, B Manjunatha ,   B T Vijaykumar3, Lagashetty Arunkumar , shetty Aparna , Kalayne Sangshetty
Published: January 2023

PANI/PbO was prepared by with the help of chemical oxidative polymerisation method and hcl acts as an oxidant agent. The above prepared composite material were characterised by the structural properties carried out X-ray diffraction (XRD), morphological properties by (SEM) and also microwave properties.
Gut microbiota and diet matrix modulate the effects of the flavonoid quercetin on atherosclerosis
Authors: Rey Federico , Kasahara Kazuyuki , Kerby Robert , Cross Tzu-Wen , Everhart Jessica , Kay Colin , Bolling Bradley , Bäckhed Fredrik
Published: January 2023

Gut bacterial metabolism of dietary flavonoids results in the production of a variety of phenolic acids, whose contributions to health remain poorly understood. Here, we show that supplementation with the commonly consumed flavonoid quercetin impacted gut microbiome composition and resulted in a significant reduction in atherosclerosis burden in conventionally-raised (ConvR) Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout (KO) mice fed a high- MAC (microbiota-accessible carbohydrates) diet. However, this effect was not observed in animals consuming a defined diet containing low levels of MAC. Furthermore, we found that the effect of quercetin on atherosclerosis required gut microbes, as supplementation of this flavonoid to germ-free (GF) ApoE KO mice consuming the high-MAC diet did not affect the development of atherosclerosis. Metabolomic analysis revealed that consumption of quercetin significantly increased plasma levels of benzoylglutamic acid and protocatechuic acid in ConvR mice exposed to the high-MAC diet, while these increases were not observed in GF mice or conventional animals consuming the low- MAC diet supplemented with the flavonoid. Furthermore, levels of these metabolites were negatively associated with atherosclerosis burden. Altogether, these results suggest that the beneficial effects of quercetin on atherosclerosis are influenced by gut microbes and dietary MAC.
A Multifunctional Fluorescent Sensor for Ag+ and Hg2+ detection in seawater
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Deng Ziqi , Feng Hongbo , Shao Bingqian , Liu Debing
Published: January 2023

In order to detect Ag+ and Hg2+ in seawater, we explored a multifunctional fluorescence sensor. A multifunctional Ag+ and Hg2+ sensor was designed by using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as quenching agent, PicoGreen dye as fluorescent probe of base pairing double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and combining the characteristics of Ag+ making C base mismatch and Hg2+ making T base mismatch. Meanwhile, the DNA logic gate was constructed by establishing logic circuit, truth table and logic formula. The relevant performances of the sensor were investigated. The results revealed that the sensor can detect Ag+ in the range of 100 nM to 700 nM with R2 = 0.98129, and its detection limit is 16.88 nM (3σ/ Slope). The detection range of Hg2+is 100 nM- 900 nM with R2 = 0.99725, and the detection limit is 5.59 nM (3σ/ Slope). An AND-AND-NOR-AND molecular logic gate has been successfully designed. with the characteristics of high sensitivity, multi-function and low cost, the recommended detection method has the potential to be applied to the detection of Ag+ and Hg2+ in seawater.
Engineered high-affinity dual targeting cellular nanovesicles for optimized cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Luyao , Zhao Xu , Niu Yanan , Ma Xiaoya , Yuan Wei , Ma Jie
Published: January 2023

Background: Dual targeting to immune checkpoints has achieved a better therapeutic efficacy than single targeting due to synergistic extrication of tumor immunity. However, most dual targeting strategies are usually antibody dependent which facing drawbacks of antibodies, such as poor solid tumor penetration and unsatisfied affinity. Therefore, we considered combining the genetic programming of immune checkpoint proteins with nanotechnology and expected to improve the therapeutic efficacy of existing strategies.
Methods: We engineered a cell membrane displaying a fusion protein composed of SIRPα and PD-1 variants, the high-affinity consensus (HAC) of wild-type molecules, and with which prepared fusion cellular nanovesicles (NVs). Through disabling both SIRPα/CD47 and PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, HAC NVs significantly activated the phagocytosis and antitumor effect of macrophages and T cells respectively.
Results: Therapeutic study revealed HAC NVs had good tumor penetration and excellent binding affinity to CD47 and PD-L1 on tumor cells in contrast to dual targeting with either anti-CD47 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies or the NVs expressing fusion protein of wild-type SIRPα and PD-1. Exhilaratingly, dual-blockade of CD47 and PD-L1 with HAC NVs exhibited best therapeutic efficacy, while retaining excellent biosafety.
Conclusion: This study provided a novel biomaterial against tumoral immune escape and more importantly an attractive biomimetic technology of protein delivery for multi-targeting therapies.
ACE – Inhibitor Induced Angioedema With Acute Kidney Failure : A Uniqe Case in Our Emergency Department
Authors: Dorter Melis , Sahin Selin Merve , Aktas Can
Published: January 2023

Background
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a commonly prescribed and effective medication to treat hypertension [1] . ACE inhibitors are the leading cause of drug-induced angioedema in the United States because they are so widely prescribed.
ACE inhibitör anjioedema is mediated by bradykinins and less than 1% of those taking these medications may develop it [2]. Patients most commonly present with swelling of the lips, tongue, or face. Angioedema is an asymmetric, nonpitting swelling of the subcutaneous or submucosal tissues that most commonly affects nondependent areas. There is an absence of itching or urticaria in ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema, and the presence of urticaria suggests a different group of etiologies [3]. While this situation is considered rare, acute kidney failure findings with progressive angioedema are even more rare.
Case Presentation
We present a case of a 25-year-old man who lives with IgA nephritis presented with acute kidney failure findings and angioedema of the upper lip had progressed to the tongue and oropharynx during his treatment in the emergency department.
Conclusions
Our patient was unique in that symmetric lip swelling and acute kidney failure had completely improved. It is useful to discontinue the use of ACEI medications in patients who present with angioedema and initiate a new class of antihypertensive.
Mortality and short-term outcomes of preterm infants of multiple versus singleton gestations
Authors: Alhasoon Mohammad A , Alqahtani Bader M , Alreefi Mohammad A , Homedi Abdulaziz , Alnami Ghadah , Alsaif Saif A , Ali Kamal
Published: January 2023

Objective
To compare mortality and major neonatal morbidities between singleton preterm infants and preterm infants of multiple gestations born between 23 + 0 to 32 + 6 weeks.
Method
This is a retrospective cohort study of preterm infants (23 + 0 to 32 + 6 weeks gestational age) born at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City Riyadh (KAMC-R) between January 2016 to December 2020.
Results
Total of 803 preterm infants were included: 567 (70.6%) were singletons, 158 (19.6%) were twins and 36 (4.5%) infants were triplets and higher multiples. The mortality was significantly higher in preterm infants of multiple gestations compared to singleton (12.3% vs. 7.9%; p = 0.003; OR, 2.2; CI, 1.3–3.7). Preterm infants of multiple gestations had an increased risk of ROP (11% vs. 6.5%; P = 0.033; OR, 1.1, CI, 1.04–2.99), BPD at 36 weeks PMA (29.7% vs. 20.5%; P = 0.003; OR, 1.7; CI, 1.2–2.5) and sepsis (24.2% vs 17.5%, P = 0.044; OR, 1.5; CI, 1.01–2.2) compared to preterm singletons. There were no differences in mortality and adverse neonatal outcomes between twins and higher multiples.
Conclusion
Preterm infants of multiple gestations suffered higher mortality and neonatal morbidities compared to preterm singleton infants despite a higher utilization of maternal antenatal steroids and better antenatal care.
Efficacy and LASSO-derived Predictors of Long-term Iontophoresis-assisted Transepithelial Corneal Cross-linking for Progressive Keratoconus
Authors: Liu Yu , shen Dan , Wang Haoyu , Qi Mengying , Zeng Qingyan
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To report the 3 year efficacy and predictors of transepithelial corneal cross-linking assisted by iontophoresis (I-CXL) for 10 min using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression in Chinese patients with progressive keratoconus.
Methods: This retrospective study included 30 eyes of 25 patients, of mean age 18.48 ± 4.02 years (range: 11 to 28 years). All patients underwent stromal imbibition of riboflavin solution for iontophoresis for 10 min, followed by epithelium-on CXL. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA; in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [LogMAR] units), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA; in LogMAR units), spherical equivalent (SE); max keratometry (Kmax); minimum corneal thickness (MCT); the index of surface variance (ISV); the index of vertical asymmetry (IVA); the keratoconus index (KI); the center keratoconus index (CKI); and the index of height decentration (IHD), corneal optical coherence tomography (OCT), and confocal microscopy were evaluated at baseline and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Predictors of changes in CDVA and Kmax 3-year postoperatively compared with baseline were analyzed using the LASSO regression with internal tenfold cross-validation, as indicated by average root mean squared error (RMSE) and R-squared (R2) values.
Results: Corneal OCT at 1 month detected the demarcation line in 24 eyes (80%), at a mean depth of 238.97 ± 53.69 μm. Average CDVA improved from 0.26 ± 0.17 LogMAR at baseline to 0.19 ± 0.13 LogMAR at 3 years (P < 0.05), average Kmax decreased from 59.72 ± 8.71 diopters (D) at baseline to 58.03 ± 7.96 D at 3 years (Delta: −1.68 ± 3.15 D, P < 0.05). ISV, IVA, KI, and IHD also decreased significantly. After LASSO regression for predictor selection, ten parameters (age, gender, baseline UDVA, CDVA, SE, MCT, ISV, IVA, KI, and IHD) were the predictors of CDVA changes 3 years after I-CXL (RMSE = 0.0054; R2 = 0.89). Age, baseline MCT, KI, and CKI value were associated with Kmax changes (RMSE = 7.3828; R2 = 0.57).
Conclusions: I-CXL for 10 min is safe and effective in patients with keratoconus, with good 3 year outcomes and the symmetry indices could predict the improvement of CDVA at 3 year after I-CXL.
The impact of environmental management on business performance: evidence from the hotel industry
Authors: Chiu Chia-Ning
Published: January 2023

Although the topic of environmental sustainability and firm performance is an ongoing debate, existing research studies have not yielded conclusive results yet. This study examines how macro-environmental factors affect the business performance of hotels using panel data with two stage least squares and robustness models for confirmation. The empirical results reveal that macro-environmental factors such as implementing recycling and reducing waste have statistically significant impacts on the hotel industry. Moreover, cities or counties with lower air quality index create a positive environment, leading to tourists being more likely to stay at the hotels there. The managerial implication of this study will provide novel insights to hotel operators and governmental and environmental planners into the development of environmental sustainability, which will in turn benefit the hotel industry and increase the competitiveness of tourist destinations.
Preparation and in vitro evaluation for amorphous solid dispersion of azithromycin
Authors: Alsayad Rawan , laham Antoun
Published: January 2023

The present work aimed to formulate azithromycin as amorphous solid dispersion for bitter taste masking, improving stability in an acid medium, and reducing the side effects. Solid dispersion with pH-dependent polymers (Eudragit L100, Eudragit S100) were prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The influence of polymer and drug-polymer ratio on production yields and loading% were evaluated. The F2 (AZI: L100 1:4) that gave the highest yield and loading (96 ± 0.3, 92.3 ± 0.07 respectively) was examined using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT‑IR), Powder X‑ray diffraction (PXRD) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Taste masking evaluation was performed in vitro by two methods (in vitro drug release at saliva pH, and comparison of bitter taste threshold with the optimal formulation). (FT‑IR) study displayed that there was no interaction happen between azithromycin and Eudragit L100. DSC and PXRD emphasized the conversion of azithromycin from the crystalline to the amorphous form and entrapped inside the solid dispersion. In vitro, taste assessment detected no azithromycin release in salvia pH (6.8) within 5 min and minimal release in pH 1.2 which indicate this method might be a suitable approach to achieve taste masking of AZI and to improve stability in acid conditions.
Nickel/Photoredox Dual-Catalyzed Regioselective Alkyl-Aminoalkylation of Alkenes
Authors: Ye Fu , Yang Yiqian , Wang Wenlong , Yuan Weiming
Published: January 2023

Selective alkene dialkylation represents one of the most challenging transformations in alkene difunctionalization reactions. Here, we report an excellent site-selective dialkylation of alkenes via photoredox/nickel dual catalysis. Taking advantage of the synergistic catalytic model, excellent orthogonal substrate activation could be achieved to address otherwise difficult-to-controlled chemo- and regioselectivity issues. Alkyl halides and alkyl tertiary amines are used as mild alkylating reagents, thus bypassing the use of sensitive organometallic reagents. The present strategy shows a broad scope for both alkyl electrophiles and nucleophiles, and provides a facile access to valuable β-amino acid derivatives, which are key structural units among numerous biologically active compounds.
Engineering a facile and versatile nanoplatform to facilitate the delivery of multiple agents for targeted breast cancer chemo-immunotherapy
Authors: Bahreyni Amirhossein , Mohamud Yasir , Zhang Jingchun , Luo Honglin
Published: January 2023

Background
There is growing evidence showing that single administration of immunotherapeutic agents has limited efficacy in a number of cancer patients mainly due to tumor heterogeneity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this study, a novel nanoparticle-based strategy was applied to achieve efficient tumor-targeted therapy by combining chemotherapeutic agents, i.e., doxorubicin (Dox) and melittin (Mel), with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (PD-L1 DsiRNA). The proposed nanoparticle was prepared by the formation of a complex between Mel and PD-L1 DsiRNA (Dicer-substrate short-interfering RNA), followed by the loading of Dox. The surface of the resultant particles (DoxMel/PD-L1 DsiRNA) was then modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) to increase their stability and distribution. In addition, HA can also act as a tumor-targeting agent through binding to its receptor CD44 on the surface of cancer cells.
Results
We demonstrated that the surface engineering of DoxMel/PD-L1 DsiRNA with HA significantly enhances its specificity towards breast cancer cells. Moreover, we observed a noticeable reduction in PD-L1 expression together with a synergistic effect of Dox and Mel on killing cancer cells and inducing immunogenic cell death, leading to significantly diminished tumor growth in 4T1-breast tumor bearing Balb/c mice, improved survival rate and extensive infiltration of immune cells including cytotoxic T cells into the tumor microenvironment. Safety analysis revealed that there is no significant toxicity associated with the developed nanoparticle.
Conclusion
All in all, the proposed targeted combination treatment strategy can be considered as a useful method to reduce cancer-associated mortality.
The mirid predator Macrolophus basicornis smells and avoids eggs of Tuta absoluta parasitized by Trichogramma pretiosum
Authors: Lenteren Joop C. van , Bueno Vanda H.P. , Santos-Silva Mariana , Montes Flavio C. , Cusumano Antonino , Fatouros Nina E.
Published: January 2023

Biological control, which uses natural enemies to reduce pest populations, is a non-polluting powerful method to manage impacts of (invasive) pests. Currently, polyphagous mirid predators are increasingly used in commercial, augmentative biological control. Information about their foraging behaviour is essential, especially if one intends to use several natural enemies for control of one or more pests in a crop, to detect if negative intraguild effects occur. We studied a case of intraguild predation (IGP) involving a predator, Macrolophus basicornis, of the worldwide invasive South American tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta, and explored how this predator deals with prey parasitized by Trichogramma pretiosum. Behavioural observations show that M. basicornis predators contacted significantly fewer old, parasitized eggs of T. absoluta than recently parasitized ones. Olfactometer tests revealed that predators could smell differences between volatiles of tomato leaves infested with eggs of different quality to locate suitable prey. They preferred volatiles from leaflets with unparasitized eggs above control leaflets, and, moreover, preferred volatiles from leaflets with recently parasitized eggs over volatiles of leaflets with 5-day old parasitized eggs. When predators and parasitoids are used together to control T. absoluta, parasitoids should be introduced days before predators to prevent high levels of IGP.
Value of C-reactive protein, white blood cells and neutrophils to distinguish appendicitis in pediatric patients
Authors: Kaur Manvinder , Oltean Irina , Grandpierre Viviane , Larocca Victoria , Tsampalieros Anne , Barrowman Nick , Nasr Ahmed
Published: January 2023

The value for ordering laboratory tests like CRP for appendicitis in children is debatable. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic utility of CRP, WBC, and NP to differentiate acute and perforated appendicitis. A retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients referred for appendicitis at CHEO from January 2016 to January 2019 was conducted. Comparisons of laboratory test results were made using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. ROC curves were used to examine diagnostic utility. One hundred and eighty (101 male) of 899 children with appendicitis had CRP, WBC, and NP levels available with a median age of 11.1 (8.1, 13.7) years. There were 93 (51.7%) patients with acute appendicitis and 87 (48.3%) were perforated. The median CRP level for patients with acute appendicitis was 20.3 (6.9, 38.3) versus 65.3 (48.7, 180.8) for perforated appendicitis (p <0.001). The area under the ROC curve for CRP was 85.1 % (95% C.I. 79.5-90.7), higher than that of WBC’s 68.1 % (95% C.I. 60.1- 76.1). Our study demonstrates that CRP can achieve good sensitivity without compromising specificity. These findings suggest that CRP performs better than WBC and NP in terms of discriminating between acute versus perforated appendicitis.
Labor & Delivery Operating Room Staffing and Operating Efficiency Using Queueing Theory
Authors: Lim Grace , Lim Annamarie J. , Quinn Beth , MBBCh Brendan Carvalho , Zakowski Mark , Lynde Grant C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Strategies to achieve efficiency in non-operating room locations have been described, but emergencies and competing priorities in a birth unit can make setting optimal staffing and operation benchmarks challenging. This study used Queuing Theory Analysis (QTA) to identify optimal birth center staffing and operating room (OR) resources using real-world data.
Methods: Data from a Level 4 Maternity Center (9,626 births/year, cesarean delivery (CD) rate 32%) were abstracted for all labor and delivery OR activity from July 2019 - June 2020. QTA has two variables: Mean Arrival Rate, λ and Mean Service Rate µ. QTA formulas computed probabilities: P0 = 1-(λ/ µ) and Pn = P0 (λ/µ)n where n = number of patients. P0…n is the probability there are zero patients in the queue at a given time. Multiphase multichannel analysis was used to gain insights on optimal staff and space utilization assuming a priori safety parameters (i.e., 30 min decision to incision in unscheduled CD; ≤5 min for emergent CD; no greater than 8 hours for nil per os time). To achieve these safety targets, a <0.5% probability that a patient would need to wait was assumed.
Results: There were 4,017 total OR activities and 3,092 CD in the study period. Arrival rate λ was 0.45 (patients per hour) at peak hours 07:00-19:00 while λ was 0.34 over all 24 hours. The service rate per OR team (µ) was 0.87 (patients per hour) regardless of peak or overall hours. The number of server teams (s) dedicated to OR activity was varied between two and five. Over 24 hours, the probability of no patients in the system was P0 = 0.61, while the probability of 1 patient in the system was P1 = 0.23, and the probability of 2 or more patients in the system was P≥2 = 0.05 (P3 = 0.006). However, between peak hours 07:00-19:00, λ = 0.45, µ = 0.87, s = 3, P0 = 0.48; P1 = 0.25; and P≥2 = 0.07 (P3 = 0.01, P4 = 0.002, P5 = 0.0003).
Conclusion: QTA is a useful tool to inform birth center OR efficiency while upholding assumed safety standards and factoring peaks and troughs of daily activity. Our findings suggest QTA is feasible to guide staffing for maternity centers of all volumes through varying model parameters. QTA can inform individual hospital-level decisions in setting staffing and space requirements to achieve safe and efficient maternity perioperative care.
Seasonal Fluctuation and Preference for Wild Fruits of Drosophila suzukii in Cultivated and Noncultivated Areas of Blackberry Crops
Authors: Rebollar-Alviter Angel , Barreto-Barriga Ornella , Pérez-Pérez Monserrat , Flores-González Erick , Juárez-Gutiérrez Ana Celestina , Samuel Pineda-Guillermo , Segura-Ledesma Sergio D , Ibarra-Bautista Bernardino
Published: January 2023

Spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is one of the most important pests of berry crops globally. Knowledge of the seasonal fluctuation of SWD population in cultivated and noncultivated areas of blackberry, in relation to preference for wild fruits, can contribute to the development of effective management strategies. In this study, the seasonal dynamics of SWD was determined in cultivated blackberry (Rubus sp.) and noncultivated areas. Moreover, the preference of SWD for wild fruits growing in the blackberry producing region in Michoacán, Mexico, was determined. From 2013 to 2015, field surveys were performed on the seasonal dynamics of SWD. Furthermore, to determine whether the wild and noncultivated plants in this region were hosts to SWD, choice and no-choice experiments were performed, using fruits, under laboratory conditions. The seasonal fluctuation of SWD was not only influenced by wild plant species as alternate hosts, but also by cultural practices, such as the mowing down of blackberry plants and the vegetation surrounding the blackberry crop. In addition to cultivated blackberry, Psidium guajava, Rubus adenotrichos, Spondias mombin, and Prunus serotina var. capuli are reported as new hosts for SWD in the study region. The results of this study will help develop sustainable regional management of this invasive pest in blackberry crops in Mexico.
WITHDRAWN: Nanoparticle Drug Eluting Stents for Treatment of Coronary Re-stenosis in unsteady non- Newtonian magneto-hemodynamics: Computational fluid dynamic simulation
Authors: Vasu B. , Tripathi Jayati , Bég O. Anwar , Gorla Rama Subba Reddy , Kuharat S.
Published: January 2023

Stent implantation has been a significant breakthrough in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Permanent stent embedding affects the hemodynamics of diseased arteries and can lead to re-stenosis. The deployment of drug eluting stents (DES) has proven to be a very beneficial clinical strategy and has been shown to reduce significantly the possibility of subsequent re-stenosis. The dispensation of drugs designed with biodegradable polymer nanoparticles as carriers has also emerged as a very robust development capitalizing on biocompatibility and increasing capacity to expedite prolonged drug release times. Motivated by this progress, the present study investigates theoretically and numerically the two-dimensional laminar magneto-hemodynamic flow through a DES implanted diseased artery subject to an extra-corporeal (external) magnetic field. The arterial section also features an overlapped stenosis closer to the inlet. Coated hybrid magnetic hybrid nanoparticles are considered by combining titania and alumina. The Carreau model is utilized to simulate non-Newtonian characteristics of blood. To solve the emerging highly non-linear non-dimensional conservation equations with associated boundary conditions, the forward time centred space (FTCS) finite difference technique has been deployed. Comprehensive solutions are displayed for all key flow characteristics in DES implanted arterial transport to aid in understanding the effects of nanoscale, magnetic and biorheological parameters. Comparison between the cases where a stent is present or absent, shows that higher magnitudes of blood flow velocity are achieved by embedding drug eluting stent through diseased artery i. e. greater flow acceleration is achieved. An elevation in hybrid nanoparticle volume fractions (ϕ1, ϕ2) also achieves substantial flow acceleration. The hybrid nanoparticles inclusion in blood is therefore demonstrated to be beneficial for combatting impeded hemodynamics in diseased artery blood circulation. The computations also confirm that via implanting the drug eluting stent, the chances of later re-stenosis are considerably reduced. Detailed graphical plots and tables for a range of emerging parameters are also presented.
Correlation between microbial diversity and geochemistry of representative elements in the surface environment of the antimony mining area in Xikuangshan, China
Authors: Wang Can , Zhang Rui-yong , Xia Jin-lan , Liu Hong-chang , Liu Yue , Zhou Yu-hang , Nie Zhen-yuan , Shu Wen-sheng
Published: January 2023

Microbes are key mediators in maintaining environmental stability and the migration of geological elements. Although the effect of environmental factors on the geochemical distribution of elements and microbes in Xikuangshan have been studied, the connection between the above two remains to be clarified. In this study, the distribution of elemental forms, especially heavy metals, various geochemical conditions, and the microbial community compositions of the soil, sediment and water samples collected from different sites of Xikuangshan were investigated to study the correlation between representative elemental geochemistry and microbial diversity. The results show that the pH values of the soil samples were significantly lower than those of the sediment and water samples, and the soil had the highest microbial biomass. The contents of As and Sb in the samples are higher than those of other heavy metal elements, and the most abundant occurrence form of heavy metals is reducible. The most abundant type of the microorganisms is bacteria, followed by fungi and archaea. The correlation analyses between environmental factors and microbial diversities indicated that the microbial community structure composition of Xikuangshan was strictly correlated with the content and speciation of elements. The main factors impacting microbial diversity are pH and redox potential, as well as the content and occurrence forms of Sb, As and Fe. This study is of value for revealing the geochemical characteristics of heavy metal occurrence forms associated with microbial diversity in the Xikuangshan mine and for pollution control of Sb mines.
Programmed Cooling and Vitrification Method Applied to the Germplasm Preservation of Eriobotrya Plants
Authors: Liu Yicun , Huang Tianqi , Lin Shunquan , Jiang Yuanyuan
Published: January 2023

Long-term cryopreservation of germplasm is of great importance to maintaining genetic resources. A cryopreservation technology system has not yet been established for Eriobotrya, an important fruit tree in the Rosaceae. In this study, Eriobotrya plants were used as test materials for the following purposes: to study different types of vitrification solution, compare different methods involving programmed cooling vitrification and rapid freezing vitrification; and evaluate the effects of vitrification solution loading time, low-temperature acclimation culture, dark culture, and cryoprotectant use in preculture medium for ultra-low-temperature preservation of Eriobotrya germplasm resources. Plant vitrification solution 1 had the best comprehensive effect on different vitrification solution tests. The programmed cooling and vitrification method yielded a certain survival rate with different vitrification solutions and materials, but the survival rate under the rapid freezing method was 0%. The longer the vitrification solution was loaded, the higher the survival rate. The most suitable time for dark culture of Eriobotrya plants after cryopreservation was 20 days. The preculture medium supplemented with 5% dimethyl sulfoxide resulted in significantly higher preservation than the control medium, and the optimal sucrose concentration was 0.3 mol⋅L−1. A stable, high-survival, and novel cryopreservation procedure for loquat plants was established. The operating procedures are described in a procedural and standardized manner. These findings provide a theoretical basis for research of the cryopreservation of germplasm resources of Eriobotrya plants.
Dynamics of Nutrients in Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) at Different Maturity Stages, Cultivars, and Locations in the Southwest United States
Authors: Sapkota Govinda , Delgado Efren , VanLeeuwen Dawn , Holguin F. Omar , Flores Nancy , Heyduck Robert , Yao Shengrui
Published: January 2023

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is also called Chinese date. There are ∼100 jujube cultivars with limited commercial availability, and the majority of them have scant details in the United States. In this study, nutrient dynamics during fruit maturation of different jujube cultivars grown at Las Cruces, Los Lunas, and Alcalde, NM, were examined in 2018 and 2019. Cultivars varied by location and year, and included ‘Li’, ‘Lang’, ‘Sugarcane’, ‘September Late’, and ‘Sherwood’. Parameters tested were total phenolic content (TPC), proanthocyanidins (PAs), vitamin C, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and antioxidant capacity: 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). Moisture, TPC, PAs, FRAP, and vitamin C content decreased with fruit maturity; however, the latter stage of fruit maturity showed an increase in cAMP. Compared with fruit at full-red maturity, creamy fruit had TPC, PA, FRAP, and vitamin C concentrations that were 1.0 to 1.8, 4.4 to 12.4, 1.9 to 2.6, and 0.1 to 1.3 times higher, respectively, depending on location (P < 0.05). From creamy to full-red maturity, cAMP increased by 0.9 to 4.5 times. At full-red maturity, estimated TPC in jujube fruit ranged from 10.6 to 16.8 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram dry weight (DW), whereas estimated PAs ranged from 1.8 to 5.3 mg PA B2/g DW. Jujube fruit at full-red maturity had a vitamin C content that ranged from 649.0 to 1153.3 mg/100 g DW. At full-red maturity, the concentration of cAMP ranged from 148.1 to 277.6 μg/g DW in Las Cruces samples.
ULAMA DAN UMARA DALAM MODERNISASI PENDIDIKAN ISLAM DI TANAH BUGIS ABAD XX
Authors: Dalle Muhammad , Jundi Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap peran dan hubungan antara para ulama dan umara dalam modernisasi pendidikan Islam di tanah Bugis abad XX. Penelitian berjenis library research ini dilakukan dengan pendekatan kualitatif, data bersumber dari berbagai literatur ilmiah sejarah, dan dikumpulkan dengan metode dokumentasi serta dianalisis menggunakan kaca mata hermeneutika modern. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa peran ulama dan umara dalam modernisasi pendidikan Islam di tanah Bugis pada Abad XX diwujudkan dalam beberapa gerakan besar, yaitu: Muhammadiyah, As’adiyah, Darud Da’wah wal irsyad, Amiriyyah, dan Universitas Muslim Indonesia. Di tanah Bugis, para ulama sangat dimuliakan sebab mereka bukanlah ulama rendahan yang bisa disuap dan menjilat penguasa. Justru para umara lah yang cenderung memperlihatkan ketergantungan terhadap para ulama. Di saat yang sama, terjadi hubungan simbiosis mutualisme anatara keduanya dimana umara memfasilitasi terwujudnya iklim pendidikan Islam yang kondusif untuk membangun sumber daya manusia yang berakhlak mulia, dan ulama pun tidak pernah tinggal diam jika melihat sebuah kemungkaran dengan langsung mengkritik serta mengingatkan umara. Meskipun demikian, hubungan simbiosis mutualisme ini sedikit ternodai oleh upaya pemaksaan umara terhadap ulama untuk mendukung hasrat politik kelompok mereka.
Petrophysical substantiation of geological section elastic-velocity property recovery potential based on TEM data
Authors: Shelokhov I. A. , Pospeev A. V. , Buddo I. V.
Published: January 2023

The geological section of Eastern and Western Siberia (Russia) is a very complicated object for seismic exploration. The research presented in the article is aimed at studying a petrophysical relation between electrical resistivity and P-wave velocity, as a basis for predicting the velocity model of the upper part of the section based on TEM sounding. Having performed a numerical modeling of petrophysical function, the authors calculated the dependency curves of electrical resistivity on the P-wave velocity. The obtained results of mathematical modeling and field experiments have proved the effectiveness of the proposed methodology as it increases the accuracy of geological model construction and enhances prediction reliability. Based on the dependences obtained, conclusions were drawn about the geological conditions favorable for a steady transition of section geoelectric characteristics to the velocity ones. The proposed technology is shown to provide a reliable reconstruction of the velocity model of the upper part of the section. The use of the developed methodology allows to improve the quality of seismic data processing and increase the accuracy of geological section boundary mapping at minimum cost based on the nature of the problem under investigation.
Hydrothermal conditions of southern and northern slope soils of northeastern Great Xing'an Mountain, China
Authors: Yu Miao , Pavlova N. A. , Dai Changlei
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the article is to study the influence features of polar-oriented slopes on the near-surface energy and hydrothermal balance in the seasonal cryolithozone. The authors carried out a complex of field observations including measurement of air and underlying surface temperature, soil moisture, solar radiation and wind speed at the hydrological stations of Songling (southern slope) and Luoguhe (northern slope) in the northeast of the Great Xing'an Mountain (China). The analysis of the data obtained allowed to conclude that, on the one hand, the long-term influence of the thermal balance components causes significant differences in the soil structure and properties on differently oriented slopes. The number of daily freeze-thaw soil cycles on the southern slope (100 cycles) significantly exceeds the ones on the northern slope (56 cycles). The soil on the southern soil is 3 °C warmer than that on the northern slope, and its humidity in the area of the Songling hydrological station is lower than that at the Luoguhe station. On the other hand, differences in soil properties control the energy exchange between the atmosphere and the earth's surface, this means that the incoming short-wave solar radiation and heat flux into the soil on the southern slope is greater than on the northern one. Therefore, slope orientation is one of the significant environmental factors affecting the influx of solar energy, temperature and humidity of the soils in the northeastern Great Xing'an Mountain. It also has a decisive role for the spatial distribution and evolution of seasonal permafrost in the region and, accordingly, affects the stability and safety of engineering structures. The performed research is important for understanding the relationship between climate and frozen soil in the mountainous areas with seasonal cryolithozone as well as for optimization of boundary conditions when modeling rock freeze-thaw processes.