bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes guided by quantitative flow ratio in multivessel disease and ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xian Huimin , Luo Xing , Liu Yanzong , Guo Bingchen , Guo Yiyuan , Zhang Ruoxi
Published: August 2023

Background
Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) had good feasibility and accuracy in assessing the hemodynamisc compared with fraction flow reservation (FFR) as the reference. Diabetes mellitus (DM) worsens the prognosis of multivessel disease and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MVD-STEMI) patients. However, the role of QFR in MVD-STEMI patients with DM is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with MVD-STEMI under different diabetes status and revascularization assignment guided by quantitative flow ratio (QFR).
Methods
A total 724 patients were enrolled in our study and allocated into nondiabetes mellitus (nonDM) cohort and DM cohort. Under the guidance of QFR, cohorts are divided into functional complete revascularization (FCR) layering and functional incomplete revascularization (FIR) layering. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiac death, ischemia-driven revascularization (target vessel revascularization and nontarget vessel revascularization), rehospitalization due to unstable angina pectoris, and nonfatal myocardial infarction at 3-year follow up.
Results
DM cohort (22.9% vs 13.6%, P = 0.002) and FIR layering (24.0% vs 12.6%, P < 0.001) were more prone to MACE. The incidence of MACE in four groups were as follows: 27.9% DM + FIR > 18.5% nonDM + FIR > 16.1% DM + FCR > 9.8% nonDM + FCR. Besides, DM and FIR had been proven to be important predictors of MACE after adjustment for baseline clinical differences (HR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.03–2.49, P = 0.036; HR = 1.71, 95%CI = 1.13–2.57, P = 0.011). By incorporating QFR-guided residual SYNTAX score (rSSQFR) into model of clinical risk factors, the predictive ability of the model for MACE was significantly improved, especially in the DM (+ IR) population (AUC = 0.812, 95%CI = 0.750–0.874) vs AUC = 0.666, 95%CI = 0.581–0.751, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Diatebes status and functional incomplete revascularization strategy increased 3-year rates of MACE in patients with MVD-STEMI. The use of QFR by DM population is more valuable than that of nonDM population.
Development and deployment of UV-based pest control mechanism using solar systems for Farmland
Authors: Madduri Kshitij , Hiremath Shivashankar , Lokesh J , Chiniwar Dundesh S , Shrisahil M H
Published: August 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Ultra-fast vitrification: Minimizing toxicity of cryoprotective agents and osmotic stress in mouse oocyte cryopreservation
Authors: Cho Jung Ran , Yu Eun Hee , Lee Hyun Joo , Kim In Hye , Jeong Ji Hye , Lee Dan Bi , Cho Seong Keun , Joo Jong Kil
Published: August 2023

Globally, women have been adopting oocyte cryopreservation (OC) for fertility preservation for various reasons, such as inevitable gonadotoxic treatment for specific pathologic states or social preferences. While conventional vitrification (C-VIT) technology has advanced the success rate of OC, challenges remain regarding the possible toxicities of high concentration cryoprotective agents and osmotic stress. To overcome such difficulties, we evaluated the ultra-fast vitrification (UF-VIT) method, which reduces non-vitrification stage exposure time compared to C-VIT, by observing mouse oocyte intracellular organelles. Consequently, compared to fresh mouse oocytes, UF-VIT had significant differences only in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) intensity and mitochondria (MT) distribution. Meanwhile, C-VIT showed significant differences in the survival rate and all ER and MT parameters. Among the two methods, UF-VIT had fewer damages than C-VIT in all MT parameters. Meiotic spindle (spindle and chromosome) morphology showed no significant changes between the groups during the vitrification/warming (VW) process, suggesting that the VW process did not harm the meiotic spindle of the oocytes. In conclusion, UF-VIT seems more effective in OC by efficient cytoplasmic water molecule extraction, osmotic stress reduction, and minimization of cell contraction and expansion amplitude, thus compensating for the drawbacks of C-VIT.
Unraveling the Molecular Links between Benzopyrene Exposure, NASH, and HCC: An Integrated Bioinformatics and Experimental Study
Authors: Yang Zheming , Li Jiayin , Song Haixu , Mei Zhu , Jia Xiaodong , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: August 2023

Benzopyrene (B[a]P) is a widely recognized carcinogen that, upon chronic exposure, can induce chronic inflammation and fibrosis in liver tissue, ultimately resulting in liver disease. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver condition characterized by fat accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis, often resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the intricate connections between B[a]P exposure, NASH, and HCC. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with B[a]P exposure, NASH, and liver cancer using publicly available gene expression profiles. Subsequent network analysis revealed hub genes and protein-protein interactions, highlighting cellular metabolic dysfunction and disruption of DNA damage repair in the B[a]P-NASH-HCC process. Particularly, HSPA1A and PPARGC1A emerged as significant genes in this pathway. To validate their involvement, we performed qPCR in NASH mouse liver tissues and immunohistochemistry labeling in mouse and human HCC liver sections. Our findings providing crucial insights into the potential regulatory mechanisms underlying benzopyrene-induced hepatotoxicity. These results shed light on the pathogenesis of B[a]P-associated NASH and HCC and suggest that HSPA1A and PPARGC1A hold promise as therapeutic targets. Enhancing our understanding of their regulatory roles may facilitate the development of targeted therapies, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Examination of iatrogenic FDG accumulation after COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Manabe Osamu , Shizukuishi Kazuya , Shibata Hiroshi , Kawakami Hiroki , Ohtsuka Akira , Oyama-Manabe Noriko
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the frequency of COVID-19 vaccine-induced reactive change and potential factors correlated with increased FDG uptake on positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT).
Materials and methods
We evaluated 285 patients who underwent PET/CT between June and September 2021 and had a known history of COVID-19 vaccination. Information on the injection site, vaccine type, and adverse reactions was obtained. We visually assessed the presence or absence of accumulation in the axillary and supraclavicular lymph nodes and the deltoid muscles. We measured the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) using semi-quantitative analysis.
Results
Our study included 158 males and 127 females aged 16 to 94 years. The median time between vaccination and PET/CT was nine and 42 days for patients who had received their first and second doses, respectively. We observed axillary lymph node accumulation, supraclavicular lymph node accumulation, and deltoid muscle accumulation in 99 (SUVmax 1.07–25.1), nine (SUVmax 2.28–14.5), and 33 cases (SUVmax 0.93–7.42), respectively. In cases with axillary lymph node (P = 0.0066) or deltoid muscle (P = 0.047) accumulation, the shorter the time since vaccination, the higher the FDG accumulation. Patients with axillary lymph node accumulation were significantly younger (P < 0.0001) and had a significantly higher frequency of adverse reactions such as fever (P < 0.0001) and myalgia (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis also showed that age, sex, days since vaccination, and adverse reactions such as fever and myalgia were important factors for axillary lymph node accumulation.
Conclusion
Our study found that FDG accumulation in the axillary lymph nodes and deltoid muscle was higher within a shorter time after vaccination, and axillary lymph node accumulation was higher in young patients, females, and those with adverse reactions of fever and myalgia. Confirming the vaccination status, time since vaccination, and the presence of adverse reactions before PET may reduce false positives.
Exploring pineapple peel hydrolysate as a sustainable carbon source for xylitol production
Authors: Nasoha Nur Zahidah , Luthfi Abdullah Amru Indera , Roslan Muhammad Faizuddin , Hariz Hikmah Bajunaid , Bukhari Nurul Adela , Manaf Shareena Fairuz Abdul
Published: August 2023

This study explores utilizing pineapple peel (PP) hydrolysate as a promising carbon source for xylitol production, covering scopes from the pre-treatment to the fermentation process. The highest xylose concentration achieved was around 20 g/L via mild acid hydrolysis (5% nitric acid, 105°C, 20-minute residence time). Two sets fermentability experiments were carried out of varying pH levels in synthetic media that includes acetic acid as the main inhibitors and hydrolysate supplemented with diverse nitrogen source. The results revealed that pH 7 exhibited the highest xylitol production, yielding 0.35 g/g. Furthermore, urea was found to be a highly promising and cost-effective substitute for yeast extract, as it yielded a comparable xylitol production of 0.31 g/g with marginal difference of only 0.01g/g compared to yeast extract further highlights the viability of urea as the preferred option for reducing xylitol production cost. The absence of a significant difference between the synthetic media and hydrolysate, with only a marginal variance of 0.35 to 0.32 g/g, implies that acetic acid is indeed the primary constraint in xylitol production using PP hydrolysate. The study sheds light on PP biomass's potential for xylitol production, aligning economic benefits with environmental sustainability and waste management.
Construction of an index system of the biosafety incident response capability for nursing staff: A Delphi study
Authors: Wu Chao , Zhang Yinjuan , Zhang Xinyan , Fu Mimi , Zhang Hongli , Wu Jing , Li Lu , Chen Nana , Guo Xiaolan , Lang Hongjuan
Published: August 2023

Aim: This study was to establish an index system of the biosafety incident response capability for nursing staff.
Background: Faced with austere situations of the biosafety threat, the study on the requirement for nursing staff to respond to the biosafety incidents is not clear.
Methods. A modified recommendation for the Conducting and Reporting of Delphi studies was used to guide this study. After two-round Delphi survey, 28 nursing specialists from 6 provinces and cities around China, with expertise in three prevention research, epidemiology, military health service and biosafety incident rescue, established the index system of the biosafety incident response capability for nursing staff.
Results: The index system of the biosafety incident response capability for nursing staff following the two-round Delphi survey is composed of 4 primary indicators, namely, biosafety incident preparedness, monitoring capability, protection ability and nursing disposal capabilities, 10 secondary indicators and 49 tertiary indicators. The authority coefficient, judgment coefficient and familiarity degree of Delphi experts were 0.877, 0.911 and 0.843 respectively.
Conclusions: The index system of the biosafety incident response capability for nursing staff is scientific and reliable. It is helpful for nursing staff to perform better in biosafety incident by clarifying the specific items of biosafety response capability.
Relevance to clinical practice: Nursing staff, who are part of clinical workers, play an important role in maintaining biosafety. They must make clear how to manage the pertinent instances in light of the growing biosafety concern. The nursing staff can use the index system of the biosafety incident response capacity as a training resource to enhance their preparedness for the response, monitoring and early warning, protection and sensitivity management, and nursing disposal capabilities.
On-chip Raman spectroscopy of live single cells for the staging of oesophageal adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Farooq Alisha , Wood Christopher D. , Ladbury John E. , Evans Stephen D.
Published: August 2023

The absence of early diagnosis contributes to oesophageal cancer being the sixth most common cause of global cancer-associated deaths, with a five-year survival rate of < 20%. Barrett’s oesophagus (BO) is the main pre-cancerous condition to adenocarcinoma development, characterised by the morphological transition of oesophageal squamous epithelium to metaplastic columnar epithelium. Early tracking and treatment of oesophageal adenocarcinoma could dramatically improve with diagnosis and monitoring of patients with BO. Current diagnostic methods involve invasive techniques such as endoscopies, and with only a few identified biomarkers of disease progression, the detection of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is costly and challenging. In this work, single-cell Raman spectroscopy was combined with microfluidic techniques to characterise the development of oesophageal adenocarcinoma through the progression of healthy epithelial, Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines. Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were used to classify the different stages of cancer progression. with the ability to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells with an accuracy of 97%. Whilst the approach could also separate the diysplastic stages from healthy or cancer with high accuracy – the intra-class separation was approximately 68%. Overall, these results highlight the potential for rapid and reliable diagnostic/prognostic screening of BO patients.
Grafting of cotton fabrics with diallyldimethylammonium chloride
Authors: Kusuktham Miss Boonsri
Published: August 2023

The grafting of cotton fabrics with diallyldimethylammonium chloride was studied. The objective was to improve reactive dyes adsorption and antibacterial properties. The cotton fabric was modified with the diallyldimethylammonium chloride at room temperature using the redox initiator system of potassium persulfate as an initiator and N,N,N/,N/-tetramethylethylenediamine as an accelerator. It was found that the nitrogen content of the cationized cotton fabrics increased with an increase in the diallyldimethylammonium chloride concentration and stayed constant at a concentration of 40% (v/v). The adsorption of the reactive dyes on the cotton fabrics was investigated. The contact time of the reactive dyes adsorption on the modified cotton fabrics reached equilibrium at 30 minutes. The dye adsorption properties of the modified cottons depended on the concentration of the diallyldimethylammonium chloride, dyes concentration, chemical structure, and molecular weight of the reactive dyes. By grafting the fabrics with the diallyldimethylammonium chloride, the cotton fabric's antibacterial function was also enhanced.
Understanding flood plain aquaculture practice: An evidence from Daudkandi, Cumilla District, Bangladesh
Authors: Jareen Nadia Afreen , Imran Md. Faisal , Habib AHM Shafiullah , Naser Md. Niamul , Hossain Md. Nuralam
Published: August 2023

The floodplains of Bangladesh represent a vital common-pool resource, and the aquaculture sector stands alone as one of the most prosperous industries in the country. This industry is essential for the provision of food and nutrition, employment opportunities, and earnings in foreign currencies for a country's development and economic growth. This study examines the prevailing fish culture practices, assemblage and growth patterns, marketing strategies, profit-sharing mechanisms, costs and benefits, community-based approaches, management protocols, poaching activities, and the current administrative setup at the government level. This research was conducted at "Shapla Fisheries", a floodplain fish culture venture at Raipur Village, in Daudkandi Upazila, Cumilla. This study applied the participatory rural appraisal (PRA) approach to understand the floodplain's intensive and nonintensive culture practices. The survey identified 39 fish species in the study area, with 5% endangered, 10% nearly threatened, 8% vulnerable, 54% least concerned, and 23% unlisted according to Red List 2015 criteria. Under rigorous culture, Barbonymus gonionotus reached 4566.67% growth. In 2018, the proportion of induced species in the intense system was 79.63%, representing a significant increase from the 60.18% observed in 2008. Intensive aquaculture systems boost earnings and have improved profits but lost biological biodiversity. This study demonstrates that small indigenous species (SIS) maintain a healthy ecology despite intensive farming focused on financial growth. Thus, the current floodplain aquaculture system lacks community association and guaranteed earnings. This study proposed community-based native aquaculture practices to protect wild species, conserve small indigenous species (SIS), and support floodplain-dependent populations.
LncRNA MLLT4-AS1 induces autophagy to inhibit tumorigenesis of cervical cancer through modulating the myosin-9/ATG14 axis
Authors: zhang Tingting , Ji tiantian , Xue Yuanyuan , Duan Zhao , Fan Yinxia
Published: August 2023

The regulatory mechanism of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in autophagy is as yet not well established. In this research, we show that the lncRNA MLLT4-AS1 is induced by the MTORC inhibitor PP242 and rapamycin in cervical cells. Overexpression of MLLT4-AS1 promotes autophagy and inhibits tumorigenesis and the migration of cervical cancer cells, whereas knockdown of MLLT4-AS1 attenuates PP242-induced autophagy. Mass spectrometry, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH), and immunoprecipitation assays were performed to identify the direct interactions between MLLT4-AS1 and other associated targets, such as myosin-9 and autophagy-related 14(ATG14). MLLT4-AS1 was upregulated by H3K27ac modification with PP242 treatment, and knockdown of MLLT4-AS1 reversed autophagy by modulating ATG14 expression. Mechanically, MLLT4-AS1 was associated with the myosin-9 protein, which further promoted the transcription activity of the ATG14 gene. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MLLT4-AS1 acts as a potential tumor suppressor in cervical cancer by inducing autophagy, and H3K27ac modification–induced upregulation of MLLT4-AS1 could cause autophagy by associating with myosin-9 and promoting ATG14 transcription.
Analysis of Factors Associated with Undescended Testis in Patients with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Umeda Satoshi , Yoshida Masayuki , Matsumoto Sayaka , Sakai Takaaki , Noguchi Yuki , Matsuura Rei , Zenitani Masahiro , Usui Noriaki
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical factors associated with undescended testes (UDT) in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of UDT in male neonates admitted to our institution and underwent surgery for CDH between January 2006 and December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of UDT, and risk factors for UDT were compared between the two groups.
Results
Among the 66 male neonates with CDH, 16 (24.2%) developed UDT. Patients with UDT had a significantly smaller gestational age (p = 0.026), lower birth weight (p = 0.042), and lower Apgar score at 1 minute (p = 0.016) than those without UDT. They had a significantly higher incidence of large diaphragmatic defects (p = 0.005), received more patch closures (p = 0.020), had a longer mechanical ventilation period (p = 0.034), and longer hospital stay (p = 0.028).
Conclusion
Our data indicate a strong correlation between CDH and UDT. In patients with CDH, the incidence of UDT was related not only to patients’ prematurity but also to the large diaphragmatic defect, suggesting that an insufficient increase in intra-abdominal pressure during the foetal period may result in the development of UDT in patients with CDH.
Effect of bilateral low serratus anterior plane block on quality of recovery after trans-subxiphoid robotic thymectomy: Results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Fu Yu , Fu Huimin , Liu Huqing , Wen Zongmei , Lv Xin , Lu Yugang
Published: August 2023

Scientific literature about pain management for patients undergoing trans-subxiphoid robotic thymectomy (TRT) remains limited. This randomized placebo-controlled trial aimed to investigate the impact of ultrasound-guided, bilateral, low level (T8-T9) deep serratus anterior plane (DSAP) blocks on postoperative recovery quality and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing TRT. 39 patients undergoing TRT were randomized to receive either low DSAP blocks (T8-T9) with 20 ml 0.375% ropivacaine under general anesthesia (Group S) or the sham block with 0.9% normal saline (Group C) on each side. The primary outcome was the global Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) score at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included numeric rating scale (NRS) scores over time, postoperative 48 hours opioid consumption, QoR-40 scores at 48 hours, 30 days and 90 days after surgery. The QoR-40 scores on POD1-2 were higher among Group S compared with those in Group C [179.1 (4.9) vs 167.7 (2.8), P < 0.01; 187.7 (4.6) vs 178.1 (3), P < 0.01, respectively]. Pain scores were significantly lower in Group S than in Group C, both during resting and motion at postoperative 6h, 12h, and 24h (P < 0.05 for each). The total amount of sufentanil consumed in the first 48 h was lower in Group S than in Group C [61.4 (4.9) vs 78.9 (4.6), P < 0.001]. The bilateral low DSAP blocks with ropivacaine enhanced the quality of recovery for 2 days postoperatively, relieved postsurgical pain, and reduced opioid consumption during the early postoperative period in patients undergoing TRT.
Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Patients With Covid- 19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Are There Mortality Impacts?
Authors: Gutiérrez Luis , Araya Karina , Becerra Mara , Pérez Camilo , Valenzuela Jorge , Lera Lydia , Lizana Pablo A. , Sol Mariano , Muñoz-Cofré Rodrigo
Published: August 2023

Background
The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) can generate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring advanced management within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) using invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). However, managing this phenomenon has seen learning and improvements through direct experience. This study aimed to describe the assessment of IMV variables for ARDS patients following COVID-19 hospitalization in the ICU, and their relation with mortality.
Methods
Observational and retrospective study. The sample was divided into two, the surviving group (SG) and the non-surviving group (NSG). Clinical data were extracted from the electronic clinical file and the respiratory therapist record sheet. The following information was obtained: Patient medical history: gender, age, co-morbidities, arterial gases, days on IMV, and IMV parameters. Cox proportional regression models for 2–68 days of mortality were estimated to analyze adjusted hazard ratios (HR) by the presence of multimorbidity and ventilation reduction.
Results
Out of a total of 101 patients, the total mortality was 32%. There was a significant rise in respiratory rate (RR) (29.12 ± 4.24–26.78 ± 3.59, p = 0.006), Driving pressure (DP) (11.33 ± 2.39–9.67 ± 1.84, p = 0.002), Ventilatory rate (VR) (2.26 ± 0.66–1.89 ± 0.45, p = 0.001) and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood (PCO2)(45.91 ± 8.59–41.90 ± 6.4, p = 0.001) and a significant decrease in Static compliance (Cest) (35.49 ± 8.64–41.45 ± 9.62, p = 0.003) and relation between Arterial oxygen pressure/Inspirated oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2) (201.5 ± 53.98–227.8 ± 52.11, p = 0.008) after 72 hours of IMV, within the NSG compared to the SG. Apart from these points, multi-morbidity (HR = 3.208, p = 0.010) and DP (HR = 1.228, p = 0.030) and VR variables (HR = 2.267, p = 0.027) had more death probabilities.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that there was a significant increase in FR, DP, VR, and CO2 and a significant drop in Cest and PaO2/FiO2 among the NSG compared with the SG. Apart from this, the DP and VR variables, multi-morbidity and being male. have more possibility of death.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of experimental techniques in altering intrusive memories of lab-analogue trauma
Authors: Hu Xiaoqing , Varma Mohith , Zeng Shengzi , Singh Laura , Holmes Emily , Huang Jingyun
Published: August 2023

Experiencing trauma can lead to intrusive memories, a hallmark symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder and transdiagnostic feature of stress-related disorders. Understanding why intrusions increase or decrease is pivotal in developing effective interventions to safeguard mental wellness following trauma. Building on lab-analogue trauma paradigms, we conducted a pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42021224835)meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of experimental techniques in either reducing or increasing intrusion frequency (e.g., assessed with a daily diary), intrusion-related distress and symptoms. Aggregating data from 126 articles examining 118 techniques with 584 effect sizes and 11,132 participants, we found that techniques hypothesized to reduce intrusion frequency significantly decreased intrusion frequencies, intrusion-related distress and symptoms (g = 0.11— 0.49). Moreover, techniques hypothesized to increase intrusions significantly increased intrusion frequencies and their associated distress (g = -0.15 — -0.19). Moderator and focal analyses showed that behavioral techniques tapping into imagery-based processing (e.g. playing Tetris following trauma reminder) were most effective in reducing intrusion frequency and symptoms (g = 0.22 — 0.68). However, those targeting verbal-based processing (e.g., rumination, adding contextual information) significantly increased intrusions, albeit to a small degree (g = -0.29 — -0.30). We further supplement the meta-analysis with a website that allows researchers to analyze the dataset to facilitate research synthesis and future endeavor. While techniques that reduce intrusions can inform the development of evidence-based interventions to reduce intrusions in real life, techniques that may (inadvertently) increase intrusions underscore vulnerabilities factors and thus can inform preventive measures.
Dental anxiety and oral health-related quality of life among pregnant women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: de Araujo Gabriela , Casarin Maísa , Savian Cristiane Medianeira , Emmanuelli Bruno , Tomazoni Fernanda , Santos Bianca Zimmermann
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between dental anxiety and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among pregnant women.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with pregnant women attended at public health services in a Southern Brazilian city. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral factors. The OHRQoL was measured using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) was used to assess the level of dental anxiety. Dental caries was assessed by the Decayed, Missing and Filled Surfaces (DMFS) index and gingivitis was evaluated by the Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). Poisson regression models were used to assess the association of dental anxiety and OHIP-14 scores. The results are presented as Means Ratio (MR) and its respective 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: The sample comprised 256 pregnant women. The mean total OHIP-14 score was 8.74 (± 9.00). The average scores from specific domains ranged from 0.66 (functional limitation) to 2.20 (psychological discomfort). Pregnant women with dental anxiety (DAS ³15) have 36% higher OHIP-14 scores (MR 1.36; CI95% 1.02-1.78) showing poorer OHRQoL. Besides, participants with gingivitis have also higher OHIP-14 scores (MR 1.34; CI 95% 1.00-1.78).
Conclusion: The present study showed that pregnant women with dental anxiety and those with gingivitis were more likely to report a poorer OHRQoL.
Mapping of Rf20(t), a minor fertility restorer gene for rice wild abortive cytoplasmic male sterility in the maintainer line ‘Zhenshan97B’
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Zuopeng , Du Yuanyue , Huang Benxi , Li Meng , Zhang Lijia , Zhao Xiangqiang , Liu Qiaoquan , Tang Shuzhu , Zhang Honggen
Published: August 2023

Three-line hybrid rice has primarily been developed on wild abortive (WA)-type cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), and has helped increase the yield of rice globally. The development of WA-type CMS lines and hybrids was expedited through the identification and mapping of the fertility restorer gene (Rf) in maintainers. This study observed fertile plants in WA-TianfengA/Zhenshan97B//TianfengB population, indicating that the maintainer line ‘Zhenshan97B’ should carry Rfs for WA-type CMS. Several advanced backcross populations were generated with the genetic background of the ‘WA-TianfengA’, and the pollen fertility levels of the backcrossed individuals in BC3F1, BC4F1, and BC4F2 populations are governed by a new gene, Rf20(t), from ‘Zhenshan97B’. Employing bulk segregant analysis of fertile and sterile pools from the BC4F1 population, Rf20(t) was genetically mapped to a candidate region on chromosome 10. Subsequently, Rf20(t) was located between RM24883 and RM24919 through recombination analysis of molecular markers using the BC4F2 population. Implementing a substitution mapping strategy, Rf20(t) was ultimately mapped to a 245 kb region between the molecular markers STS10-122 and STS10-126 and obtained the most likely candidate gene LOC_Os10g02650, which is predicted to encode pentatricopeptide repeat-containing (PPR) protein. These results enhance our understanding of the fertility restoration of WA-type CMS lines, facilitating the development of high-quality pairs of WA-type CMS and maintainer lines.
Impact of ambient temperature on respiratory disease: a case-crossover study in Seoul
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Yoon Hee-Young
Published: August 2023

Background: Respiratory diseases contribute to global morbidity and mortality, and temperature is a significant factor. We investigated the association between ambient temperature and emergency department (ED) visits for various respiratory diseases in Seoul, South Korea.
Methods: Using data from the National Emergency Department Information System (2008-2017), we analysed1,616,644 ED visits for respiratory diseases, categorised according to the Korean Standard Classification of Diseases 7th revision codes (J00-J99). Using a time-stratified case-crossover design and a distributed lag nonlinear model, we investigated the effect of temperature exposure on ED visits for respiratory diseases, calculating the relative risk (RR) for the maximum risk temperature (MaxRT) of both cold and hot extremes compared to the minimum risk temperature (MinRT).
Results: Cold temperatures (MaxRT: -9.0°C) resulted in a 2.68-fold increase (RR=2.68, 95% CI=2.26-3.14) in ED visits for total respiratory diseases, while hot temperatures (MaxRT: 29.4°C) led to a 1.26-fold increase (RR=1.26, 95% CI=1.11-1.42) compared to the MinRT (24.8°C). Cold temperatures increased the risk of most respiratory diseases, except interstitial lung disease, whereas hot temperatures increased ED visits for acute upper respiratory infections and influenza. Cold temperatures increased ED visits for all age groups, especially those aged 18-64 (RR=3.54, 95% CI=2.90-4.33), while hot temperatures significantly affected those <18 (RR=1.45, 95% CI=1.27-1.66). The risk levels were similar in both males and females, regardless of hot and cold temperatures.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the significant impact of both cold and heat exposure on ED visits for respiratory diseases, with varying intensities and risk profiles across different population groups.
Trends in disability, chronic medical conditions, and mortality in Japanese older adults: analyses based on a national dataset
Authors: Jung Hungu , Kawamura Atsuko , Akishita Masahiro , Ishii Shinya
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to characterize trends in disability and chronic medical conditions in adults aged 65 and older, by age. From the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (2001–2019), Patient Survey (1996–2020), and Vital Statistics (1995–2020), we documented disability rates, rates of treatment for nine chronic medical conditions (malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, pneumonia, fractures, osteoporosis, and joint disorders), total mortality rates, and rates of mortality from specific causes (malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and pneumonia) in both sexes and in five age groups (65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, and 85–89 years). Overall, rates of disability decreased significantly in both sexes. The rates of treatment for most of the medical conditions also significantly decreased. However, the treatment rate of diabetes mellitus, pneumonia, and fractures in adults aged 85–89 remained high or did not decrease. Both total mortality rates and rates of mortality from specific medical causes declined significantly. We suggest that although most of the disability, chronic medical conditions, and mortality rates decreased, adequate public health policies and healthcare services are necessary to decrease the need for treatment of certain medical conditions that cause disability.
Myocardial dysfunction assessed by Speckle-Tracking in good-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage patients (WFNS 1-2) A prospective observational study
Authors: de Courson Hugues , Chadefaux Grégoire , Loiseau Alexandre , Georges Delphine , Biais Matthieu
Published: August 2023

Background Cardiac complications due to non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are usually described using classical echocardiographic evaluation. Strain imaging appears to have better sensitivity than standard echocardiographic markers for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction defined as a Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) ≥-20% in patients with good-grade SAH (WFNS 1 or 2).Methods Seventy-six patients with good-grade SAH were prospectively enrolled and analyzed at admission for neurocritical care. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on days 1, 3, and 7 after hemorrhage. Routine measurements, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), were performed. Off-line analysis was performed by a blinded examiner, to determine 2-, 3-, and 4-cavity longitudinal strain and left ventricular GLS. GLS was considered altered if it was ≥ -20%. LVEF was considered altered if it was < 50%.Results 60.6% of patients had GLS ≥ -20% on day 1, followed by 55.3% and 56.4% on days 3 and 7, respectively. In comparison, alteration of LVEF was present in only 1.7% of patients on day 1, 1.4% on day 3, and 5.9% on day 7. The concordance rate between LVEF < 50% and GLS ≥ -20% and LVEF ≥ 50% and GLS < -20% was 46%. Troponin elevations and ECG abnormalities on day 1 were present in 50% and 52% of patients, respectively.Conclusion Strain imaging showed a higher prevalence (60.6%) of left ventricular dysfunction during the acute phase of good-grade SAH (WFNS 1 or 2) than previously described.
Sodium butyrate inhibits the malignant proliferation of colon cancer cells via the miR-183/DNAJB4 axis
Authors: Pan Dingguo , Hao Jingchao , Yang Zhaoyu , Shen Tao , Yu Kun , Li Qiang , Hu Ruixi , Wu Tao , Li Yunfeng
Published: August 2023

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive tract. It was found that butyric acid could inhibit the expression of miR-183 to slow down malignant progression of CRC in the earlystage. However, its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. This study screened the IC50 value of butyrate on inhibition of CRC cells malignant progression. Its inhibitory effects were detected by MTT assay, colony formation experiment, Transwell migration experiment and apoptosis evaluation by flow cytometry. Next, the expressions of miR-183 and DNAJB4 were respectively determined in butyrate-treated and miR-183 analog or si-DNAJB4-transfected CRC cells to further detect the role of up-regulated miR-183 or silencing DNAJB4 in CRC cells malignant progression. Subsequently, the targeted regulatory relationship between miR-183 and si-DNAJB4 was confirmed by bioinformatic prediction tools and double luciferase report genes analysis method. The regulatory mechanism of butyrate on miR-183/DNAJB4 axis signal pathway was evaluated in molecular level, andverified in nude mouse xerograft tumor model and immunohistochemical analysis tests of Ki67 positive rates. The results displayed that butyrate with increased concentration can hinder the proliferation and improve apoptosis of CRC cells by decreasing the expression of miR-183. Thus, butyrate reduces miR-183 expression and increases DNAJB4 expression via the miR-183/DNAJB4 axis, ultimately inhibiting the malignant progression and increasing apoptosis of CRC. While over expression of miR-183 down-regulate the expression of DNAJB4, which can reverse the inhibitory effect of butyrate.
The level and factors associated with caregiver burden among parents of children with cerebral palsy: A cross-sectional study in southwest China
Authors: Zhong Xiaoying , Wijesinghe Champa J. , Li Xixi , Guo Xiujing , Wang Junbang , Wu Hongjing
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study was conducted to determine the level of care burden and its related factors in the parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Design and methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of 165 children with cerebral palsy who were enrolled in children rehabilitation departments of three tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, Sichuan Province between September 2021 and December 2022. Besides demographic information, the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics (correlation and multiple linear regressions analysis).
Results
The mean (± SD) CBI score of the parents was 42.18 ± 18.79. The score of FSS and PHQ-9 demonstrated positive moderate to strong correlations with caregiver burden (r = 0.461, P < 0.001; r = 0.630, P < 0.001, respectively). The results of the multiple linear regressions analysis showed that a low level of education, long caring time and combined visual impairment, higher depression and fatigue had a influence on caregiver burden, and 46.4% of the variance in caregiver burden was explained by these factors.
Conclusions
The key predictors of caregiver burden include the level of education, caring time, children with visual impairment and the degree of depression and fatigue. Effort should be made to relieve burden in parents of children with cerebral palsy.
Optimization of SLIPI-polarization ratio imaging for droplet sizing characterization of dense sprays
Authors: Garcia S. , Stiti M. , Doublet P. , Lempereur C. , Orain M. , Berrocal E.
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the combination of structured illumination method and polarization ratio technique is successfully applied to the particle sizing of an industrial dense water spray. The polarization ratio technique is based on the acquisition of the perpendicular and parallel polarized components of Lorenz-Mie scattered light, which ratio is proportional to the surface mean diameter, D21. One of the main advantages of this technique, compared to some other laser imaging techniques for particle sizing, is that no fluorescent dye is required. This makes the technique suitable for the characterization of sprays under evaporating conditions, such as combustion applications. The aim of this work is to study the experimental parameters that influence the reliability of the technique, such as the orientation of the incident light polarization, the complex refractive index or even the scattering angle. The results show that the intensity oscillations are strongly attenuated when the incident signal is predominantly in parallel polarization. Furthermore, it is shown that the technique is applicable for refractive indices larger than 1.4, by choosing carefully the scattering angle. Additionally, in order to attenuate the strong Mie ripples, which appear in the scattered light intensity, measurements are carried out in a polydisperse spray. Finally, a 3D reconstruction of D21 is performed on a dense industrial spray, using a calibration by the phase Doppler anemometer technique. This quantitative result shows the robustness and efficiency of the technique.
Quantitative determination of macro and micro elements and heavy metals accumulated in wild fruits by ICP-OES method
Authors: Al-Juhaimi Fahad , Kulluk Duygu Akçay , Ahmed Isam A. Mohamed , Özcan Mehmet Musa
Published: August 2023

The moisture amounts of wild fruits ranged from 51.07% (rosehip) to 88.49% (raspberry (yellow)). Wild strawberry generally contained the highest amounts of P, K and Ca. In addition, the highest Mg result was recorded in wild strawberry, fig and rosehip fruits. P and K amounts of wild edible fruits were recorded between 385.07 mg/kg (blackberry) and 2538.33 mg/kg (fig) to 6114.69 (medlar) and 18619.27 mg/kg (wild strawberry), respectively. Depending on the fruit variety and type, the microelements found in the highest amounts were Zn, Cu, Mn and B. Fe resultss of fruits were reported at very low levels. Fe results of wild edible fruits changed between 0.205 (apple) and 1.32 mg/kg ((fig). Zn and Cu values of wild edible fruits were recorded between 1.39 (apple) and 16.37 mg/kg (fig) to 1.54 (apple) and 18.42 mg/kg (wild strawberry), respectively. Cu contents of raspberry (red), raspberry (yellow), blackberry, jujube and medlar fruits were found to be very close to each other. Arsenic (As) contents of wild fruits were recorded to be higher than those of other elements. In addition, some fruits have high heavy metal contents. The heavy metal found in the highest amounts in fruits was As, followed in descending order by Ali Ba, Se, Ni and Pb. The high As content of these fruits is likely due to the As content of the soil where the plants are grown and its contamination with As-rich industrial waste. While As contents of edible wild fruits are detected between 4.21 (rosehip) and 65.74 (wild strawberry), Al results of fruits were reported between 0.027 (rosehip) and 16.02 µg/g (mulberry (white)).
Germline Variants of the MMR/EPCAM Genes in Russian Patients with Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Tsukanov Aleksey S. , Barinov Aleksey A. , Shubin Vitaly P. , Loginova Anna N. , Pikunov Dmitriy Y. , Shakhmatov Dmitriy G. , Shelygin Yuri A. , Achkasov Sergei I.
Published: August 2023

Lynch syndrome is the most common hereditary cancer syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in the MMR/EPCAM genes. The aim of this work was to study the germline variants of these genes in the largest sample of patients with Lynch syndrome in Russia. The study included all data on pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in the MMR/EPCAM genes taken from the Center’s local Registry of hereditary forms of colorectal cancer. We analyzed all available data from 141 probands with Lynch syndrome: 78 men and 63 women aged 21 to 80 years who were treated in our Center from 2012 to 2023. The number of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants found in the key genes were MLH1 – 69, MSH2 – 57, MSH6 – 10, EPCAM – 3, PMS2 – 1, PMS1 – 1. Among 141 germline variants, 17 (12.1%) were found for the first time: MLH1 – 8, MSH2 – 8, MSH6 – 1. Thirteen (9.2%) of the identified variants were related to large deletions/duplications. The most frequent pathogenic variants in the MLH1 gene were: c.1852_1854del (9 probands), c.350C>T (4) and c.1459C>T (3), and in the MSH2 gene: c.942+3A>T (9) and c.1288A>T (3). The results obtained have made it possible to establish the frequency and range of different types of germline variants in the MMR/EPCAM genes, which made it possible to optimize the algorithm for selection and diagnosing Russian patients with Lynch syndrome.
Modeling mixtures with PC-SAFT: Insights from large-scale parametrization and group-contribution method for binary interaction parameters
Authors: Rehner Philipp , Bardow André , Gross Joachim
Published: August 2023

Vapor/liquid equilibria of mixtures are of utmost importance in the design of chemical processes. Because of the combinatorial complexity of mixtures, the available experimental data is small when considering the large molecular space. To fill this knowledge gap, molecular equations of state like PC-SAFT show promise due to their explicit consideration of intermolecular interactions that can be transferred to mixtures. In this work, we comprehensively assess and exploit PC-SAFT for modeling phase equilibria of mixtures. First, we provide binary interaction parameters for 7861 binary systems for which pure-component parameters and experimental data are available. Bubble and dew point pressures are described with a median deviation of 2.3%. Secondly, we adjust a matrix of binary group/group interaction parameters for the homosegmented and heterosegmented group-contribution (GC) methods for PC-SAFT. Amongst 1389 mixtures that can be described with the GC methods, the median deviation in bubble and dew point pressures are 6.4% for the homosegmented approach and 5.1% for the heterosegmented approach. The detailed analysis shows the importance of hydrogen bonds in mixtures of non-self-associating components with self-associating components. The parametrization is only possible by introducing a fast numerical method to calculate the derivative of bubble and dew point pressures with respect to model parameters.
Social Media Platforms and their Digital Carbon Footprints: Analyzing Awareness level of Social Media Users of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Naeem Roha , Bajwa Amir , Sattar Humayun , Naeem Bisma
Published: August 2023

The increasing use of social media platforms has raised concerns about its environmental impact in terms of digital carbon footprint. This research aims to analyze the awareness level of social media users in Punjab, Pakistan, regarding the concept of digital carbon footprint, and to identify the pro environmental behaviors that can encourage social media users to reduce their social media usage. Quantitative approach with survey research design has been used to reach the desired objectives. The research was carried out under the umbrella of Theory of planned behavior. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select sample (n = 335) respondents between the ages of 18 and 26 from the cities i.e. Lahore, Okara, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The findings reveal a lack of awareness among social media users in Punjab regarding digital carbon footprint. However, the results also highlights the potential of pro-environmental behavior as a means to reduce social media usage which indirectly decreases the digital carbon footprint., Ultimately, this research aims to foster a more environmentally conscious digital society by promoting responsible social media use and reducing the digital carbon footprint.