bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the behavioral, histopathological and immunohistochemical effects resulting from ventriculosubcutaneous shunt obstruction in kaolin-induced hydrocephalus in rats
Authors: Souza¹ Stephanie Naomi Funo , Machado¹ Helio Rubens , Lopes² Luisa Silva , Marques² Pamella Silva Beggiora , Silva² Stephanya Covas , Dutra² Maurício , Aragon³ Davi Casale , Santos¹ Marcelo Volpon
Published: November 2023

Purpose. Hydrocephalus is a brain disease prevalent in the pediatric population that presents complex pathophysiology and multiple etiologies. The best is still ventricular shunting. Mechanical obstruction is the most frequent complication, but the resulting pathological effects are still unknown.
Objective. Evaluation and comparison of clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects in the acute phase of experimental hydrocephalus induced by kaolin, after treatment with adapted shunt, and after shunt obstruction and posterior disobstruction.
Methods. Wistar rats aged 7 days were used and divided into 4 groups: control group without kaolin injection (n = 6), untreated hydrocephalic group (n = 5), hydrocephalic group treated with ventriculosubcutaneous shunt (DVSC) (n = 7), and hydrocephalic treated with shunt, posteriorly obstructed and disobstructed (n=5). The animals were submitted to memory and spatial learning evaluation through the Morris water maze test. The rats were sacrificed at 28 days of age and histological analysis of the brains were performed with luxol fast blue, in addition to immunohistochemical analysis in order to evaluate reactive astrocytosis, inflammation, neuronal labeling and apoptotic activity.
Results: The group with shunt obstruction had worse performance in memory tests. Reactive astrocytosis was more evident in this group, as was the inflammatory response.
Conclusions: Obstruction of the shunt results in impaired performance of behavioral tests and causes irreversible histopathological changes when compared to findings in the group with treated hydrocephalus, even after unblocking the system. The developed model is feasible and efficient in simulating the clinical context of shunt dysfunction.
The Niche Differentiation and Biogeography of Bathyarchaeia in Paddy Soil Ecosystems: A Case Study in Eastern China
Authors: Yi Xingyun , Brandt Kristian Koefoed , Xue Shu-Dan , Peng Jingjing , Wang Yi-Fei , Li Meng , Deng Ye , Duan Guilan
Published: November 2023

Bathyarchaeia (formerly Bathyarchaeota) is a group of highly abundant archaeal communities that play important roles in global biogeochemical cycling. Bathyarchaeia is predominantly found in sediments and hot springs. However, their presence in arable soils is relatively limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the spatial distributions and diversity of Bathyarchaeia in paddy soils across eastern China, which is a major rice production region. The relative abundance of Bathyarchaeia among total archaea ranged from 3–68% in paddy soils, and Bathy-6 was the dominant subgroup among the Bathyarchaeia (70–80% of all sequences). Bathyarchaeia showed higher migration ability and wider niche width based on the neutral and null model simulations. Bathy-6 was primarily assembled by deterministic processes. Soil pH and C/N ratio were identified as key factors influencing the Bathyarchaeia composition, whereas C/N ratio and mean annual temperature influenced the relative abundance of Bathyarchaeia. Network analysis showed that specific Bathyarchaeia taxa occupied keystone positions in the archaeal community and co-occurred with some methanogenic archaea, including Methanosarcinia and Methanobacteria, and ammonia-oxidizing archaea belonging to Nitrososphaeria. This study provides important insights into the biogeography and niche differentiation of Bathyarchaeia particularly in paddy soil ecosystems.
Piloting a language translation device for Mandarin-speaking patients presenting for radiotherapy treatment – assessing patient and radiation therapist perspectives
Authors: Hunter Darren , Anderson Nigel , Oates Richard , Kok David , Sapkaroski Daniel , Treffry Nicola , Wright Caroline
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) cancer patients report unmet informational and emotional needs when receiving radiotherapy (RT). This feasibility study aimed to evaluate the clinical use of an instant translation device (ITD) to facilitate communication between Mandarin-speaking patients and radiation therapists (RTTs) within the Australian public RT setting. The primary aim was to assess the ability to convey information relating to daily patient care and build rapport using the device.
Methods
A single-arm prospective interventional trial was employed with patient and RTT participants. Eligible patient participants were aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with cancer, referred for RT with self-reported Mandarin as the primary language spoken at home. Patients who had previously received RT were excluded. Consenting patient participants completed a baseline assessment of health literacy (REALM-SF) and English proficiency (LexTALE). Surveys were administered to patients and consenting RTTs at the cessation of treatment, forming two distinct participant groups. Descriptive statistics were used to compare participant groups.
Results
Eleven patients and 36 RTTs were recruited to the study. Descriptive statistics demonstrated participant group agreement in conveying treatment instructions, though differing experiences were reported against general conversation. Although the reporting of technical difficulties were inconsistent, both groups recommended the application of the ITD within the RT domain.
Conclusion
This feasibility study demonstrated encouraging accounts of patients and RTTs with regard to ITD use in the context of RT treatment. Expanded, multi-institutional recruitment is required to yield statistical significance, inform the impact of the device and determine requisite training requirements.
miRNA Profiling of 3'UTR Variations in Sporadic Lung Carcinoma Tumours
Authors: Bagci Ozkan
Published: November 2023

Background
The aim of the study was to determine the exonic and 3'UTR sequences of EGFR, PIK3CA and KRAS genes in 39 sporadic lung cancer tumors and to reveal the relationship between the changes in the miRNA binding profile of tumors with somatic variation in the 3'UTR region and the metastatic status of the tumors.
Methods
The exonic and 3'UTR sequences of three genes in 39 sporadic lung carcinoma tumors were extracted by next generation sequencing. In tumors with somatic variation in the 3'UTR region, the changes caused by the variation in the miRNA binding profile were determined by bioinformatic analysis. The expression profile of miRNAs in lung cancer and other solid tumors compared to normal tissue was determined. Pathway analysis was performed to determine which signaling pathways are affected by miRNAs that differ depending on variation.
Results
A statistically significant correlation was found between the presence of miRNA that could not bind to the 3'UTR region due to variation in at least one of the EGFR or KRAS genes and the presence of metastasis in the tumor. It was revealed that variations in the 3'UTR regions of EGFR and KRAS oncogenes may be associated with the mechanism of metastasis and drug resistance as a result of their ability to cause increased expression of these oncogenes by preventing the binding of some miRNAs.
Conclusion
In this study, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-506-3p, hsa-miR-1290 and hsa-miR-6514-3p were found to be particularly prominent in lung carcinoma in relation to these biological pathways.
In situ infrared of gas/particle conversion reaction of SO2, NO2 and NH3 mixture gases
Authors: Deng Wenye , Ai Ni , Yang Jing , Xie Yongxin , Liu Yi , Wu Yongmei , Yu Huailiang , Zhang Xuezhu
Published: November 2023

The gas/particle transformation reaction of gaseous precursors (SO2, NO2, NH3) at high concentrations is the main pathway for the generation of secondary inorganic particulate matter (SIPM), and the change of SIPM concentration is closely related to the change of PM2.5 mass concentration, so the control of the emission of SO2, NO2, and NH3 is the key to reduce the formation of secondary inorganic particulate matter (SIPM). This paper focuses on the gas/particle transformation process of SO2, NO2 and NH3 gas mixture in the atmosphere and explores the influence of environmental factors on the gas/particle transformation reaction. The results show that in the gas mixture of SO2, NO2 and NH3, NH3 is favorable for the gas/granule transformation reaction of mineral particles to generate (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 after the oxidation of SO2 and NO2 into SO2- 4 and NO- 3. The environmental conditions have an effect on the gas/granule transformation reaction of secondary inorganic ions, and the gas/granule transformation reaction is favorable for the gas/granule transformation reaction with the appropriate gas/granule ratio of the pollutants, a certain amount of relative humidity, and a certain amount of illumination is favorable for the gas/granule conversion reaction.
Cytological Characteristics of Bone Marrow in Sepsis-Associated Thrombocytopenia: A Retrospective Case-control Study
Authors: Zhao Jiwei , Luo Qu , Zeng Fanlang , Xiang LeYang , Zhi Yaowei , Cai Yueqing , Zhang Meng , Zeng Zhifen
Published: November 2023

Objective To compare the cytological characteristics of bone marrow cells in patients with sepsis with or without thrombocytopenia and their clinical significance.
Methods Ninety-one patients diagnosed with sepsis in the Department of General Practice, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between February 2016 and December 2022 were retrospectively recruited in this study, and their clinical parameters, bone marrow smears and examination results, and blood routine examination results were collected. Patients were divided into thrombocytopenia (TP) group and non-thrombocytopenia (non-TP) group according to the count of peripheral blood platelets, the clinical parameters and the cytological characteristics of bone marrow cells were compared between two groups.
Results Hypoplasia of marrow was more frequent in TP group (26.5%, 13/49) compared to the non-TP group (4.8%, 2/42; P = 0.005) and the occurrence of reduced megakaryocyte or dysmaturity was more common in TP group (31/49, 63.3%) compared to that in the non-TP group (13/42, 31.0%; P = 0.002). The number of bone marrow megakaryocytes was positively correlated with the count of peripheral blood platelets in all patients (r = 0.2884, P = 0.0056) and the non-TP group (r = 0.3316, p = 0.0319), but there was no correlation in the TP group; Moreover, the hemoglobin level, the white blood cell, granulocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte count were lower in TP group than those in non-TP group. Furthermore，a significant higher incidence of MODS was observed in TP group (29/49, 59.2%) compared to non-TP group (14/42, 33.3%; P = 0.014) and the mean SOFA scores in TP group were higher than that in non-TP group (9.69 ± 3.92 vs 7.83±3.87, P = 0.026).
Conclusions The decreased production of platelets, which is secondary to marrow cell failure, is an exact mechanism of sepsis-associatedthrombocytopenia. Thus, precautions and intervention should been taken early during the treatment.
Leveraging Diverse Regulated Cell Death for Prognostic Prediction of Pancreatic Cancer Using Machine Learning and Multi-omics Analysis
Authors: wu zhaowei , Zhou Chao , Jiang Shiming , Chen Yong
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive form of cancer with poor prognosis. Recent findings indicate that regulated cell death (RCD) significantly contributes to tumor growth, which could be a potential prognostic indicator for pancreatic cancer. We utilized weighted gene co-expression network analysis to extract 103 genes shared by different subtypes of RCD (apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and entotic cell death). Following our analysis, we conducted cross-validation on 15 machine learning algorithms, testing a total of 167 combinations to establish a predictive model. The combination of deep learning and random survival forest achieved the highest C-index among the 167 evaluated machine learning algorithms. Therefore, it has been selected for further research. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk group. The high-risk group of pancreatic cancer patients had poorer prognosis when validated in three independent datasets. Further analysis revealed that individuals in the high-risk group were more likely to respond to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Based on the proteome data, the protein expression of shared genes was significantly differentially expressed between pancreatic cancer and normal control. For MYOF, a shared gene, expression levels were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues by PCR. Additional experimental results demonstrate MYOF's involvement in various processes, including proliferation, viability, invasion, and migration in pancreatic carcinoma cells. These results highlight its potential as a significant target for further investigation.
Toward neutral carbon integrated production y silvopastoral systems: an Uruguayan study case modeled using agent-based technique
Authors: Cameroni Francisco José Dieguez , Casadey Fabián Varela , Boscana Mariana , Bussoni Adriana
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to assess management practices, productivity, and greenhouse gas outcomes using multi-agent modeling of a livestock system incorporating agroforestry modules. The agent-based model simulates the dynamics of animal growth, forage, and tree vegetation in several scenarios. Simulation results were evaluated over 10-year periods using a case study. Rotational grazing and forestry presence in grazing paddocks induce changes in system-wide interactions and productivity. That combined production allows for adjusting animal stocking rates and achieving a balance between forage availability and cattle demand, considering also tree-cattle interactions. Through stocking rate management, a balance between forage supply and demand can be achieved, with an improvement in net greenhouse gas reduction as livestock weight gain increases. In our study case, carbon-neutral beef production is achieved with a ratio of 380 steers at 606 ha grazing area with 13% forested surface. Estimated greenhouse gas emission intensity exhibits an inverse exponential relationship with weight gain. The agent-based modeling is a valuable tool for understanding the complexity of these systems, generating emergent properties. The study underscores the importance of implementing sustainable livestock practices and integrating agroforestry systems as a mitigation strategy.
Two-sample Mendelian randomization study reveals no causal relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and urological cancers
Authors: Zhang Haoyang , Hu Can , Zhang Zhiyu , Li Peng , Shen Gang , Sun Jiale
Published: November 2023

Background:Relationships between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and urologic cancers have been identified in previous epidemiologic and observational studies, but causality remains uncertain. We tried to examine whether IBD was causally associated with urological cancers in this Mendelian randomization (MR) study.Methods:The causal relationship between IBD and its main subtypes and urological cancers were investigated using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. To get a more reliable conclusion, all outcomes were then divided into training set and validation set. Eligible single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected as instrumental variables (IVs) based on the assumptions of the MR analysis. The Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was applied as the main method with four others as complementary methods.Results:In this two-sample MR study, no genetic evidence for causal effect of IBD on urological cancers was found neither in the training set nor in the validation set using IVW method. Likewise, we did not observe any significant association of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) on urological cancers. Results of other methods were in accordance with those of the IVW method.Conclusion:In this study, we confirmed that IBD was not a genetic causal risk factor for urological cancers in European population.
Identification of hypoxia- and immune- based prognostic signature and validation of TFRC as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in BLCA
Authors: Tang Runhua , Wang Haoran , Liu Jianyong , Song Liuqi , Hou Huimin , Liu Ming , Wang Jianye , Wang Jianlong
Published: November 2023

Background
Bladder cancer is a common malignancy of the urinary system, and the survival rate and recurrence rate of patients with muscular aggressive (MIBC) bladder cancer are not ideal. Hypoxia is a pathological process in which cells acquire special characteristics to adapt to anoxic environment, which can directly affect the proliferation, invasion and immune response of bladder cancer cells. Understanding the exact effects of hypoxia and immune-related genes in BLCA is helpful for early assessment of the prognosis of BLCA. However, the prognostic model of BLCA based on hypoxia and immune-related genes has not been reported.
Purpose
Hypoxia and immune cell have important role in the prognosis of bladder cancer (BLCA). The aim of this study was to investigate whether hypoxia and immune related genes could be a novel tools to predict the overall survival and immunotherapy of BLCA patients.
Methods
Firstly, we downloaded transcriptomic data and clinical information of BLCA patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. A combined hypoxia and immune signature was then constructed on the basis of the training cohort via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis and validated in test cohort. Afterwards, Kaplan-Meier curves, univariate and multivariate Cox and subgroup analysis were employed to assess the accuracy of our signature. Immune cell infiltration, checkpoint and the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm were used to investigate the immune environment and immunotherapy of BLCA patients. Furthermore, we We confirmed the role of TFRC in bladder cancer cell lines T24 and UMUC-3 through cell experiments.
Results
A combined hypoxia and immune signature containing 8 genes were successfully established. High-risk group in both training and test cohorts had significantly poorer OS than low-risk group. univariate and multivariate Cox analysis indicated our signature could be regarded as an independent prognostic factor. Different checkpoint was differently expressed between two groups, including CTLA4, HAVCR2, LAG3, PD-L1 and PDCD1. TIDE analysis indicated high-risk patients had poor response to immunotherapy and easier to have immune escape. The drug sensitivity analysis showed high-risk group patients were more potentially sensitive to many drugs. Meanwhile, TFRC could inhibit the proliferation and invasion ability of T24 and UMUC-3 cells.
Conclusion
A combined hypoxia and immune-related gene could be a novel predictive model for OS and immunotherapy estimation of BLCA patients and TFRC could be used as a potential therapeutic target in the future.
Smart City Digital Twin Framework for Real-Time Multi-Data Integration and Wide Public Distribution
Authors: Adreani Lorenzo , Bellini Pierfrancesco , Fanfani Marco , Nesi Paolo , Pantaleo Gianni
Published: November 2023

Digital Twins are becoming fundamental tools to monitor the status of entities, predict their future evolutions, and simulate alternative scenarios to understand the impact of possible changes. More recently, Digital Twin solutions have been applied in the context of Smart Cities. Thanks to the large deployment of sensors, together with the increasing amount of information available for municipalities and government organizations, it is possible to build wide virtual reproductions of urban environments including structural data and real-time information that can undoubtfully help city councils and decision makers to face future challenges in the urban development and improve the citizen quality of life. In this paper, the Snap4City Smart City Digital Twin framework is presented, which is capable to respond to requirements identified in recent literature and by international forums. The proposed architecture provides an integrated solution for data gathering, indexing, computing, and information distribution, therefore realizing a continuously updated digital twin of the urban environment at global and local scales. It addresses 3D building models, road networks, Internet of Things entities, point of interests, paths, as well as results from analytical processes for traffic density reconstruction, pollutant dispersion, predictions, and what-if analysis with dynamic and constrained routing, all integrated into a freely accessible interactive 3D web interface, enabling stakeholder and citizens participation to the city decision processes. As case of study, the digital twin of the city of Florence (Italy) is presented. The solution is released on top of the Snap4City platform as open-source and made available through our GitHub repository (https://github.com/disit) and as Docker compose.
Examining Surgeon Stress in Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Sujka Joseph , Ahmed Abrahim , Kang Richard , Grimsley Emily A. , Weche Mcwayne , Janjua Haroon , Mi Zhiyong , English Diana , Martinez Carolina , Velanovich Vic , Bennett Robert , Docimo Salvatore , Saad Adham , DuCoin Christopher , Kuo Paul
Published: November 2023

Background:
Robotic surgery may decrease surgeon stress compared to laparoscopic. To evaluate intraoperative surgeon stress, we measured salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol. We hypothesized robotic elicited lower increases in surgeon salivary amylase and cortisol than laparoscopic.
Study Design:
Surgical faculty (n=7) performing laparoscopic and robotic operations participated. Demographics: age, years in practice, time using laparoscopic vs robotic, comfort level and enthusiasm for each. Operative data included operative time, WRVU (surgical “effort”), resident year. Saliva was collected using passive drool collection system at beginning, middle and end of each case; amylase and cortisol measured using ELISA. Standard values were created using seven-minute exercise (HIIT), collecting saliva pre- and post-workout. Linear regression and Student’s t test used for statistical analysis; p-values < 0.05 were significant.
Results:
Ninety-four cases (56 robotic, 38 laparoscopic) were collected (April-October 2022). Standardized change in amylase was 8.4±4.5 (p<0.001). Among operations, raw maximum amylase change in laparoscopic and robotic was 23.4±11.5 and 22.2±13.4; raw maximum cortisol change was 44.21±46.57 and 53.21±50.36 respectively. Values normalized to individual surgeon HIIT response, WRVU, and operative time, showing 40% decrease in amylase in robotic: 0.095±0.12, vs laparoscopic: 0.164±0.16 (p<0.02). Normalized change in cortisol was: laparoscopic 0.30±0.44, robotic 0.22±0.4 (p=NS). On linear regression (p<0.001), surgeons comfortable with complex laparoscopic cases had lower change in normalized amylase (p<0.01); comfort with complex robotic was not significant.
Conclusion:
Robotic may be less physiologically stressful, eliciting less increase in salivary amylase than laparoscopic. Comfort with complex laparoscopic decreased stress in robotic, suggesting laparoscopic experience is valuable prior to robotic.
Analyses of CTNNB1 mutation, β-catenin expression and clinicopathological characteristics in 179 cases of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Wang Jian , Lu Chenglu , Sun Lin , Shao Bing , Gao Song , Sun Yan
Published: November 2023

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a low-grade malignant tumour, that mainly affects young females. Given its typical clinical characteristics, histopathological morphology and immunohistochemical nuclear expression of β-catenin, it is usually not difficult to diagnose SPN. However, nuclear expression of β-catenin is occasionally negative or false negative in SPN, leading to a missed diagnosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of CTNNB1 mutation detection for diagnosing SPN and explore the difference in clinicopathological characteristics between female and male patients at different ages. We detected point mutations in exon 3 of CTNNB1 in 74.3% (133/179) of SPNs by Sanger sequencing. The main mutation sites were D32 (26%), S33 (23%), S37 (21%), G34 (14%) and T41 (11%). In the 3 SPNs without nuclear expression of β-catenin, Sanger sequencing showed the S33C mutation in exon 3 of CTNNB1 in two cases but not in one case in which next-generation sequencing detected the S37C mutation. Therefore, for atypical cases, testing for CTNNB1 mutations can help in the accurate diagnosis of SPN. The median age of the 179 patients was 31 years (6 ~ 64 years), and there were 32 male patients (17.9%) in this cohort. The tumour size, Ki-67 index, and the negative rates of β-catenin nuclear expression and syn expression in the paediatric group were higher than those in youth group and old group (P < 0.05 for all). There was no significant difference in age, tumour site; tumour size; expression of β-catenin, CD10, PR, Vimentin or Syn; Ki-67 index; or proportion of CTNNB1 mutations between male and female patients (P < 0.05 for all). Compared with middle-aged and elderly patients, paediatric with SPN may be more prone to recurrence, and their immunohistochemical phenotype is more complex, requiring additional care in the diagnosis and postoperative follow-up.
The co-development and evaluation of an e-learning course on spinal cord injury physical activity counselling: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hoekstra Femke , Gainforth Heather L. , Broeksteeg Rogier , Corras Stephanie , Collins Delaney , Eleftheriadou Electra , Gaudet Sonja , Giroux Emily E. , Kuipers Laura S. , McCallum Shannon , Ma Jasmin K. , Passillé Erica , Rakiecki Diane , Rockall Shannon , Berg-Emons Rita , Vilsteren Anniek , Williamson Megan , Wilroy Jereme , Ginis Kathleen A. Martin
Published: November 2023

Background
Health, fitness and lifestyle professionals can play important roles in promoting physical activity in groups at risk of developing an inactive lifestyle, such as people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Tailored counselling is a promising tool to promote and improve physical activity levels. To support professionals to effectively have a conversation about physical activity with clients with SCI, evidence-based training and resources are needed. This project aimed to 1) co-develop an e-learning course on best practices for SCI physical activity counselling and, 2) examine the effectiveness and usability of this course.
Methods
Guided by the technology-enhanced learning (TEL) evaluation framework, we used a systematic, multistep approach to co-develop and evaluate an e-learning course. The development process was informed by input and feedback from a diverse group of end-users and experts (n > 160) via online surveys and (think-aloud) interviews. A randomized controlled trial was used to compare learning outcomes (post-knowledge and self-efficacy) between participants who completed the course (intervention group) and the wait-listed control group. Usability, learning experiences, and satisfaction were assessed among all participants.
Results
Forty-one participants (21 intervention-group; 20 control-group) with various backgrounds (e.g., lifestyle counsellors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, fitness trainers) enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. After completing the course, participants in the intervention group showed significantly improved knowledge on the best practices for SCI physical activity counselling and higher self-efficacy for using these best practices in conversations with clients with SCI compared to the control group (p < .001). Participants reported above average usability scores, positive learning experiences, and high levels of satisfaction when completing the course.
Conclusion
We used a systematic, multi-step, theory-informed approach to co-develop and evaluate an evidence-based e-learning course on SCI physical activity counselling to support professionals to promote physical activity in their daily practices. The overall positive findings demonstrate that the e-learning course is feasible and ready for further implementation in various health and community settings. Implementation of the e-learning course can help professionals improve the physical activity support they provide to their clients, and subsequently increase physical activity participation in people with SCI.
Association between increased Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and postoperative delirium in older intertrochanteric fracture patients
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Huang Jin , Chen Xiachan , Lin Mian
Published: November 2023

Background and Purpose
Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a novel inflammation index derived from counts of circulating platelets, neutrophils and lymphocytes, has been studied in developing incident acute cancer and ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the clinical value of SII in postoperative delirium patients had not been further investigated. The purpose of our research was to study the incidence and preoperative risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) and verify whether SII could serve as a potential marker for POD in older intertrochanteric fracture patients. Finally, we create a novel nomogram for predicting POD patients with older intertrochanteric fracture.
Methods
We enrolled elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture who underwent proximal femoral nail anti-rotation(PFNA)between February 2021 to April 2023. Uni variate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to confirm the risk factors and then construct a nomogram model. The calibration curve and clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the model’s fitting performance. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.
Results
293 patients were eligible for inclusion in the study, 25.6% (75/293) of patients had POD. The POD patients had higher SII levels than the non-POD group. SII is the stronger correlator for POD in older intertrochanteric fracture patients, of which the optimal cut-off value was 752.6×109. Multivariate analysis revealed that the age, diabetes, total albumin,SII > 752.6×109 and CRP > 20.25mg/L were independent risk factors for POD patients. Incorporating these 5 factors, the model achieved a concordance index of 0.745 (95% CI, 0.683–0.808) and had a well-fitted calibration curve and good clinical application value.
Conclusion
The SII was a simple and valuable biomarker for POD, and the new nomogram model based on it can accurately forecast the occurrence of POD. They can be utilized in clinical practice to identify those at high risk of POD in older intertrochanteric fracture patients.
Effect of hydrothermal growth period on structural, morphological and thermoelectric properties of SrTiO3 /GO nanocomposites
Authors: N. Yalini Devi , K. Vijayakumar , S. Alagar Nedunchezhian A. , D. Sidharth , P. Rajasekaran , M. Arivanandhan , R. Jayavel
Published: November 2023

SrTiO3 and SrTiO3/GO nanocomposites were synthesized by varying hydrothermal reaction period as 12, 24 and 48 h. XRD analysis confirms the crystal structure of prepared samples. Morphological changes from spherical to cubic with increased growth period was confirmed by SEM and TEM. The functional groups in GO and SrTiO3/GO were studied by FTIR. From Raman Spectrum, Id/Ig ratio was calculated which reveals the formation of GO. The electrical resistivity of 48 h samples were relatively lower than that of other samples. Seebeck Coefficient of 24 h and 48 h samples were higher than that of as prepared sample. From the obtained Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity, the power factor was calculated. The 48 h sample exhibited relatively high power factor of 0.70 × 10− 6 Wm− 1K− 2 at 450 K compared to other samples. Thus, GO plays an important role in enhancing the power factor of SrTiO3/GO nanocomposites.
Dysregulated SNORD93 promotes colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Xu Yingzhi , Cai Mingzhen , 李 家明 , Wu Huihui , Zheng Tingjin , zhang zhishan
Published: November 2023

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Recently, mounting evidence has identified dysregulated snoRNAs active in cancer by influencing cell transformation and carcinogenesis, and meanwhile, SNORD93 is abnormally expressed and associated with poor prognosis in many cancers. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the function of SNORD93 in CRC.
Methods
The expression levels of SNORD93 were measured in CRC tissues and cells by qRT-PCR. Then, the biological significance of SNORD93 on proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis with gain function analyses was explored by CCK8, colony formation, wound healing, and flow cytometry. Additionally, The expression of related proteins was quantified through Western blotting.
Result
A significant downregulation of SNORD93 was identified in CRC tissues and cells. Simultaneously, downregulated SNORD93 was considerably associated with poor survival of CRC patients. Furthermore, the overexpression of SNORD93 suppressed CRC cell proliferation via inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, while it didn’t affect CRC cell migration.
Conclusion
SNORD93 functions as a significant tumor suppressor snoRNA in CRC.
Evaluation of cardiac function in patients with pemphigus vulgaris before and after rituximab infusion
Authors: Jafari Mahsa , Pighgahi Mehdi , Shahidi-Dadras Mohammad , Ghalamkarpour Fariba , Tehranchinia Zohreh , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh , Moravvej Hamideh , Robati Reza , Mozafari Nikoo , Namazi Nastaran , Diab Reem , Razzaghi Zahra , Toudeshki Kimia Karimi , Dadkhahfar Sahar , Nasiri Soheila
Published: November 2023

Background
Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. Immunosuppressive drugs such as rituximab have been used as treatment of this possibly fatal disease. Rituximab infusion is associated with multiple complications such as cardiac side effects. Global strain measurement (GLS) has emerged as an important index of cardiac performance that adds incremental predictive value to standard measures such as the LVEF.
Method
This cross-sectional and prospective study was performed on patients with pemphigus vulgaris. To evaluate cardiac function, global longitudinal strain estimation, echocardiography, and ECG examination were investigated before and after the rituximab infusion.
Results
Thirty-six pemphigus vulgaris patients with a mean age of 47.86 ± 12.02 years were enrolled in this study. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean of GLS after the rituximab infusion (p-value = 0.0001). Correlation between age and LVEF changes were significantly inverse (r=-0.378, p-value = 0.023), and correlation between age and PASP changes was significantly positive (r = 0.398, p-value = 0.002), but the correlation between age and GLS change was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
It seems that rituximab infusion may have cardiotoxic effects, leading to subclinical cardiac dysfunction, and prone these patients to EF reduction and heart failure in the future.
Isometric strength of quadriceps as a best fall predictor among older adults: analysis by machine learning approach
Authors: Madhanagopal Jagannathan , Abdulla Fuad A , Baniyasin Faris Bin , Singh Om Prakash , Kulinkumar Pandya Rutwa , Balaganapathy Murugananthan
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to: i) investigate which maximum voluntary isometric strength (MVIS) of lower limb muscle groups has good sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) in predicting fall among older adults against the reference standard (history of fall) and their comparison with functional mobility (FM) and fear of falling (FoF); ii) identify the top three index measures in influencing fall to facilitate targeted assessment and exercise prescription by clinicians. A cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted among one hundred and forty older adults (47 fallers) and (93 non-fallers) and recruited using consecutive sampling. The MVIS of plantar flexors, dorsiflexors, knee extensors and flexors, hip flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors were measured using a microFET®2 hand-held dynamometer, FM using the timed up and go test, and FoF using the modified fall efficacy scale. The Se, Sp, accuracy (Ac), and precision (Pr) of all index measures against the reference standard were evaluated by four machine learning (ML) models. The top index measures in influencing fall were evaluated by mean decline in the Gini index (DGI). Among ML models, the Random Forest revealed that the MVIS of the quadriceps (Se = 81%, Sp = 90%, Ac = 87%, Pr = 80%) has the highest diagnostic features against the reference standard compared to other muscle groups, FM (Se = 48%, Sp = 75%, Ac = 66%, Pr = 50%), and FoF (Se = 46%, Sp = 79%, Ac = 68%, Pr = 53%). DGI suggests that the MVIS of quadriceps has the greatest influence on fall, followed by plantar flexors and hip flexors, while FoF has the least. These results suggest that MVIS of the quadriceps is the best fall predictor in older adults, followed by plantar flexors and hip flexors. The findings imply that clinicians can better predict and impact falls in older adults by targeting muscles with higher fall influence during intervention prescribing.
Neutrophils recruited by NKX2-1 suppression via activation of CXCLs/CXCR2 axis promote lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: La’ah Anita S , Tsai Ping-Hsing , Yarmishyn Aliaksandr A. , Ching Lo-Jei , Chien Yueh , Chen Jerry Chieh-Yu , Tsai Ming-Long , Chen Yi-Chen , Ma Chun , Hsu Po-Kuei , Luo Yung-Hung , Chen Yuh-Min , Lu Kai-Hsi , Chou Yu-Ting , Wang Mong-Lien , Chiou Shih-Hwa
Published: November 2023

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression is dependent on the immune tumor microenvironment through paracrine signaling. NKX2-1 is the lineage-specific transcription factor that serves as a well-characterized pathology marker to define LUAD with progressive impact in patients. However, the involvement of NKX2-1 in modeling the tumor immune microenvironment is still unclear. Here, we demonstrated that NKX2-1-low tumors expedite tumor progression in LUAD by recruiting tumor-promoting neutrophils.
Method: Single-cell RNA sequencing and Visium in situ capturing profiling were used to characterize the infiltration of neutrophils in orthotopic syngeneic tumors. Clinical relevance of NKX2-1 expression and disease status were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of LUAD tissue arrays and the overall survival analysis was performed by using TCGA dataset. Chemokine secretion was analyzed by chemokine array and validated by qRT-PCR. ATAC-seq was used to confirm the modulatory role of NKX2-1 on the chromatin accessibility of CXC chemokine genes.
Results: NKX2-1 downregulation was observed in high-grade LUAD with increased neutrophil recruitment and infiltration. NKX2-1 knockdown promoted the expression and secretion of CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL5 in LUAD cells. ATAC-seq revealed the restrictive regulation of NKX2-1 on the promoters of CXCL1, CXCL2and CXCL5. Single-cell RNA sequencing and Visium in situ capturing revealed that the infiltrated neutrophils exhibited strong cell-cell communication through the activation of CXCLs/CXCR2 signaling with increased tumor growth and vice versa when inhibited with CXCR2 antagonist SB225002.
Conclusion: This study revealed that NKX2-1 negatively regulates the infiltration of tumor-promoting neutrophils by suppressing CXCLs/CXCR2-dependent mechanisms. Hence, targeting CXCR2 in NKX2-1-low tumors is a potential antitumor therapy that may improve LUAD patient outcomes.
Alkali-Heat Treatment Enhancing Oxygen Tolerance of CO2 electroreduction to HCOOH on SnO2/CN
Authors: Su Mingxue , Guo Zhenguo , Li Ning , Zhu Bing
Published: November 2023

Tin oxide/carbon nitride composite catalyst (SnO2/CN) exhibits high selectivity to CO2 electroreduction reaction (eCO2RR) to HCOOH. However, industry flue gas, with the presence of O2 and relatively low CO2 concentration, inhibits the electrocatalytic activity of this kind of catalyst. In this study, alkali-heat treatment was introduced into the pretreatment process of CN carrier to improve the electrocatalytic activity and oxygen tolerance of SnO2/CN. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that alkali-heat treatment can expose more surface amino groups of CN, enhancing the alkalinity of composite catalysts and thus the adsorption of CO2. Electron transfer occurred significantly from N of alkali-heat treated CN to Sn via enhanced metal-support interaction, forming highly electron-rich centers of Sn species and further benefiting the activation and reduction of CO2. The analysis of CO2 temperature programmed desorption also revealed that alkali-heat treatment could improve binding between catalyst and CO2. The multi-component competitive adsorption curve further indicated that alkali-heat treatment was beneficial for CO2/O2 separation as well. Finally, the electrochemical experiments demonstrated that faradaic efficiency (FE) of HCOOH reached 90.5% at a potential of -1.8V (vs. Ag/AgCl) after 2 h of eCO2RR over alkali-heat treated SnO2/CN. And in the case of simulated industry flue gas, the FE of HCOOH still reached 76.4% with the enhanced oxygen tolerance compared to untreated SnO2/CN.
Post-COVID diabetes mellitus in cross-sectional study: autoimmune disease with endothelial dysfunction?
Authors: Alieva Anna , Khalilova Dilovar , Saidova Saodat , Salimova Alinur
Published: November 2023

Purpose: To study the characteristics of diabetes occurring after COVID-19.
Methods: Hemostasis parameters, vitamin D, and beta cell-specific autoantibodies in 70 patients with post-COVID-19-diagnosed diabetes were tested.
Results: In our cross-sectional study, we found a relatively high incidence of type 1 DM (16.7%) and LADA (4.76%) among adults who were diagnosed with DM after COVID-19. Adult patients with type 1 DM were younger, predominantly female, and had a high rate of family history of DM. The majorityof patients with type 1 DM had mild COVID-19 and did not use corticosteroids during acute COVID-19. Patients with not only severe but also mild COVID-19 also had a risk for diabetes onset. All patients with newly diagnosed DM had low vitamin D levels, although Uzbekistan has good insolation. New cases of DM were registered within 0 to 24 months after COVID-19. The majority of type 1 cases were registered during the first 2 months and at 15-20 months after acute COVID-19. The incidence of new type 2 DM cases was consistent during the 2-year period after COVID-19.
As expected, patients with type 2 had high levels of D-dimer and von Willebrand factor. Type 1 DM patients – both adults and children – also had increased levels of D-dimer and von Willebrand factor. VCAM-1 levels were high in all patients, including children, with the highest levels in patients with LADA, indicating endothelial dysfunction.
Conclusion. The increased incidence of type 1 DM with positive diabetes-specific antibodies after COVID-19 indicates damage to islet cells and their components by SARS-CoV-2 with further activation of autoimmune mechanisms. Young females with a family history of DM who were diagnosed with diabetes after COVID-19 should be tested for diabetes-specific antibodies for proper differentiation of the type of the disease and timely insulin treatment. Type 1 DM developed after COVID-19 should be treated as a disease with cardiovascular disease with endothelial dysfunction.
Highly Efficient Anionic Ring-Opening Reactions of Epoxide Triggered by Phosphide
Authors: Ariyoshi Tomoyuki , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: November 2023

Potassium diphenyl phosphide (KPPh2), which forms a highly nucleophilic phosphide anion, was used as an initiator for the anionic ring-opening polymerization of glycidyl phenyl ether (GPE). GPE was selected as a model compound for the practical application of various glycidyl-type epoxy resins. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the resulting polymer clarified the presence of a diphenyl phosphine moiety at initiation, confirming that the anionic polymerization was initiated by nucleophilic attack of the phosphide anion on the epoxide. In addition, compared to various basic catalysts such as phosphines and amines, KPPh2 catalyzed the ring-opening addition of epoxide with o-cresol much more efficiently, demonstrating its potential for application to epoxy–phenol curing systems.
Model test and numerical analysis of height restriction frame to over-height vehicle impact
Authors: Zhou Yan , Guo Zhushan , Zhang Kai , Yi Jinzhi
Published: November 2023

This study develops a simplified model incorporating an over-height vehicle and the height restriction frame (HRF) to explore the failure modes and mechanical properties of the HRF when subjected to an impact from the over-height vehicle. Within the study context, rigorous model tests have been constructed for simulation analysis. The validity of these numerical simulations is confirmed by comparing the test results to the calculated outcomes. The study also analyzes the dynamic response of vehicles varying in speed and weight when impacting the HRF. The findings reveal that most of the beam's displacement can be attributed to the column's overturning, while a lesser portion is due to the plastic deformation of the beam. The column's displacement is primarily caused by its own overturning. Both the beam and the column's base demonstrate evidence of elastoplastic deformation. It is observed that the displacement and stress of crucial nodes rise with the increase in vehicle speed and weight. Vehicle speed emerges as the predominant factor influencing the impact force of the vehicle when compared to the vehicle's weight. Furthermore, the increase in vehicle weight extends the collision time between the vehicle and the HRF, indicating that the weight of the vehicle plays a significant role in the column's overturning. The study findings can potentially serve as both an experimental and theoretical reference for the design and calculation of the HRF.
Influence of a nonlinear asymmetric shock absorber on vibration of a bus subjected to harmonic excitation
Authors: Tran Huu Nhan , E. Gunawan Fergyanto , Pham Ngoc Dai
Published: November 2023

The main focus of paper is to get full understanding of four different types of shock absorbers characteristics and their effects on the vertical evaluation indexes of a bus subjected to harmonic excitation. The quarter car with two degree of freedom (2DOF) model was employed to calculate the vertical evaluation indexes. The bus is assumed to travel at a constant velocity on a road surface with a profile following a sinusoidal function. The four types of the shock absorber are Linear Symmetric (LS), Nonlinear Symmetric (NS), Linear Asymmetric (LA), and Nonlinear Asymmetric (NA). As for the LS type, the damping force is a linear function of the relative velocity, and the damping force is symmetric for the conditions of the positive and negative relative velocities. Same as for the LA type, it means that the damping force is linear, however it is asymmetric and differentiated according to the suspension state of stroke (compression or extension). As for the NS type, the damping force function is symmetric, nonlinear, differentiated according to the magnitude of the relative velocity. As for the last NA type, the damping force function is also nonlinear and differentiated according to the magnitude of the relative velocity, but it is also asymmetric. The obtained evaluation indexes of the relative displacement of the bus suspension, acceleration of the bus body, and the dynamic tire load within the frequency range of 0 and 25 (Hz), the common frequency range of the bus in operations. The results suggest that the NA shock absorber type is more effective in reducing the suspension dynamic deflection stroke, improving the road holding and maintaining the ride comfort. The systematic assessments of the shock absorber characteristics should guide interested readers in selecting the most appropriate damping coefficient.