bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The causal association between primary hypertension, triglycerides, insomnia and risk of spinal stenosis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Ding-Qiang , Xu Wen-Bin , Xiao Ke-Yi , Que Zhi-Qiang , Sun Nai-Kun , Cai Di-Xin , Rui Gang , Feng Jin-Yi
Published: September 2023

Background
The risk factors for spinal stenosis are unclear. During this research, we conducted an exploration of the causal relationships between primary hypertension, triglycerides, insomnia, and spinal stenosis in European-origin patients.
Methods
Genome-wide association study data from large sample projects related to our reaserch were downloaded from the IEU OpenGWAS Project. These data relate mainly to the following characteristics: primary hypertension, insomnia, triglycerides, and spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis was taken as the consequence and the three other features as the exposure. The analyses were conducted with single and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR). The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR served as the primary measure of analysis. To test the stability and reliability of causal estimates, we conducted a variety of sensitivity tests, which included consistent, heterogenicity, and pleiotropy analyses.
Results
According to the IVW results of MR univariate analysis, spinal stenosis risk is higher in patients with primary hypertension (odds ratio (OR): 1.0124; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0036–1.0213; P value: 5.49×10 − 3), insomnia (OR: 1.0062; 95% CI: 1.0008–1.0116; P value: 0.023), and triglycerides (OR: 1.0012; 95% CI: 1.0003–1.0021; P value: 0.004). However, multivariable MR analysis indicated triglycerides (OR: 1.0010; 95% CI: 1.0001–1.0019; P value: 0.018) had an independent causal relationship with spinal stenosis risks.
Conclusion
This study indicated the effect of primary hypertension, triglycerides, and insomnia on spinal stenosis risks.
Genetically determined thyroid disease and risk of preeclampsia : a Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Zhang Zhan , Li Jianfeng , Angwen Chenglinlongzhu , Li Zhongwei , Wang Bowen , Wang Rong , Wang Xin , Liu Duo , Xie Ping
Published: September 2023

Background: Observational studies suggest a possible correlation between thyroid disease and preeclampsia. However, the causal relationship between them is unclear.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to examine at the potential links between thyroid illness and preeclampsia.
METHODS: A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) research was conducted using data from a genome-wide association analysis to investigate the probable causal influence of thyroid disease and preeclampsia. In this study, the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary result.
RESULTS: The results of the study showed that hypothyroidism (OR=3.804, 95% CI: 1.121-12.911; p=0.0321), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (OR=1.128, 95% CI: 1.009-1.260; p=0.0340) were positively associated with preeclampsia. No significant association was found between genetic predisposition to hyperthyroidism and preeclampsia.
CONCLUSION: This MR study found a positive association between genetically predicted hypothyroidism, TSH and preeclampsia.
Single-centre epidemiological investigation and diagnosis analysis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Liu Wangyan , Yue Ju’an , Guo Xiaozhong , Wang Randong , Li Bing , Sun Qiang , Chen Jiao , Zhao Fengnian , Fu Hao
Published: September 2023

Purpose
In this retrospective case investigation, we analysed the data of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in a single centre to reveal demographic and clinical diagnostic features of ONFH and provide a reference for its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Methods
We collected data from patients in our hospital, focusing on the aetiology and diagnosis of ONFH. Medical records and self-design questionnaires were used to collect information for statistical analysis, including age, aetiology, reason for glucocorticoid use, hospital level at first visit, and diagnosis.
Results
In total, 203 patients with complete medical records were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 41.23 ± 12.61 years. The peak age distribution was in the 30s among men and in the 40s among women. Of the total, 100 patients had steroid-induced ONFH (49.26%), 55 had alcoholic ONFH (27.09%), 23 had traumatic ONFH (11.33%), and 25 had idiopathic ONFH (12.32%). Forty-seven patients had intakes of ≥ 2 g prednisone or its equivalent within a 3-month period, and fifty-three patients had a history of low-dose steroid in the past 3 years. Of the total, 112 patients were diagnosed with ONFH at the first visit (diagnosis rate55.17%). The rate of misdiagnosis at all hospital levels was highest for lumbar disc herniation.
Conclusions
Most patients with ONFH were middle-aged and had steroid-induced ONFH. The misdiagnosis rate of ONFH at the first visit was very high, especially for misdiagnosis of lumbar disc herniation, indicating that the diagnosis of ONFH must be improved.
Bacteraemia-associated Hypertensive Response, a Case (Report) for the Inflammation/hypertension Axis
Authors: Russwurm Martin , Hoyer Joachim
Published: September 2023

Background:
Hypertensive crises are life-threatening conditions that can be associated with organ damage including acute heart failure, intracerebral haemorrhage, seizures and coma and are common in dialysis patients.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of a sudden onset of repeated episodes of hypertensive crises in a young dialysis patient. Surprisingly, we found a catheter-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected right atrial thrombus and smouldering endocarditis to be the cause for these exacerbations in blood pressure. Anti-hypertensive therapy did not suffice to control critical surges of blood pressure particularly at dialysis. An anti-infective approach comprising antibiotics, catheter removal and finally extraction of the thrombus by open-heart surgery led to resolution of severe hypertension.
Conclusions:
This case contradicts canonical assumptions that severe infections with bacteraemia unambiguously lead to hypotension introducing the septic vicious cycle. The specific characteristics of the case (remitting hypertensive crisis while the thrombus experienced shear stress at dialysis, supposedly leading to bacterial antigen flooding and resolution of hypertension after thrombus removal) support the hypothesis that infection was the decisive cause of severe hypertension here. With that, albeit naturally anecdotally, this case might serve as a hint that infection can be causative for hypertension or amplifying it. Thus, this case emerges as premier direct evidence for the substantiation of the increasingly well-established hypertension/inflammation axis.
Colonial Microcystis’ biomass affects its shift to attached diatom dominance under aeration mixing
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Che Xuan , Zhou Jian , Qin Boqiang , Tang Xiangming , Liu Ziqiu , Liu Xingguo
Published: September 2023

The effect of hydrodynamic mixing on controlling Microcystis blooms or changing the algal community to diatom dominance has been widely studied; however, the effects of colonial Microcystis biomass on the development of the algal community are poorly known. Here, in order to study the changes in Microcystis blooms under continuous aeration mixing, an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with factors of varying biomass of Microcystis and inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus enrichment in summer. There were three chlorophyll a (Chl-a) levels in six treatments: low Chl-a level of 68.4 µg L− 1 (L, L-E), medium Chl-a level of 468.7 µg L− 1 (M, M-E), and high Chl-a level of 924.1 µg L− 1 (H, H-E). Treatments L-E, M-E and H-E were enriched with the same inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. During the experiment of 30 days, the concentration of Microcystis and Chl-a decreased, and diatom Nitzschia palea cells appeared in all the treatments, which became dominant in treatments M, M-E, H and H-E, with the highest biomass of 9.41 ± 1.96 mg L− 1 Nitzschia in treatment H-E on day 30. The rank order of the biomass of Nitzschia from low to high was (L = L-E) < (M = M-E) < H < H-E (P < 0.05). In addition, N. palea cells were aggregates attached to Microcystis colonies in all the treatments. The results showed that the initial biomass of colonial Microcystis affected the algal shift from Microcystis dominance to Nitzschia dominance. However, the enriched inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus was not so important for the algal shift. The shift from Microcystis dominance to diatom dominance under continuous aeration mixing may be caused by low light conditions as well as the nutrients. And the aerobic condition caused by aeration mixing maintained the colonial mucilaginous sheath to support the growth of Nitzschia cells in aggregation.
Combining Neural Networks, UMAP and DBM Clustering to Identify Cell Populations Accurately, Quickly and Easily in Mass and Fluorescence Cytometry
Authors: Meehan Connor , Meehan Stephen , Ebrahimian Jonathan , Moore Wayne , Parks David , Walther Guenther , Herzenberg Leonore
Published: September 2023

Identifying cell populations in flow cytometry data is mostly done via a “manual gating” method that often lacks verifiability and reproducibility, even in the hands of experienced investigators. In 2018, flowLearn outperformed the previous best automatic gating methods by demonstrating near perfect identification of known populations on two fluorescence cytometry datasets. Then LDA exemplified similar accuracy on five mass cytometry datasets, but with much easier dataset training. However, for optimal results, LDA requires extensive manual gating on the samples it classifies with that training.
Here, we introduce an easily trainable multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network for automatic gating. Compared to LDA, FlowSOM and PhenoGraph on three mass and six fluorescence cytometry datasets, MLP is most accurate by a significant margin, tied with LDA as the fastest and uniquely able to replace manual gating except for training purposes. Furthermore, combining MLP with UMAP’s guided dimensionality reduction feature and DBM’s clustering effectively detects new populations.
Synthesis, structures, luminescent and color properties of polyethylmethacrylate (PEMA) polymers doped with rare earths
Authors: Aktaş Demet Kaya , Buhari Thami , Erdem Murat , Eryürek Gönül
Published: September 2023

Solid-state bulk polymer hosts doped with rare earths are expected to play a central role in the development of future light-emitting diodes and photonic devices due to the superior properties of polymers. In this study, linear polyethylmethacrylate (PEMA) and crosslinked PEMA gels doped with CdNb2O6: Er3+/Yb3+ nanocrystal powders were synthesized by free-radical crosslinking copolymerization. Er3+/Yb3+ ion structures embedded in PEMA polymers were investigated by the X-ray diffraction technique. The average crystalline particle sizes were found using the Pielazsek particle distribution and the Scherrer equation. The particle sizes decreased from 60 nm to 17 nm for CdNb2O6: Er3+/Yb3+ powders when they were embedded in PEMA polymers. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy monitored the change in the morphology of polymer samples doped with CdNb2O6: Er3+/Yb3+ powders. The optical properties of polymer samples were investigated by measuring luminescence spectra at room temperature. The doped Er3+/Yb3+ ion excited with a 975 nm diode laser achieved the up-conversion (UC) emissions by involving two-photon absorptions in the visible region. The UC intensities and absorbed photon numbers were increased by increasing crosslinker content. The effects of change in the structure and morphology of the host polymer material on the color tuning, color coordinates and color quality parameters were observed.
Analysis of the Restoration Effect of Soil Seed Bank on Waste Mining Land
Authors: Zhao Xinfeng , Hailiang XU , Jia WANG , Aili Aishajiang
Published: September 2023

Aims
Many studies have analyzed the reasons why it is difficult to plant plants in local mining areas, revealing the restoration effect of artificial replanting measures in abandoned mining areas. It is remains unclear if this restoration effect will continue or only be reflected within 1–2 years after repair.
Methods
This study used continuous 10 years of field monitoring to answer this question by analyzing the restoration effect of seed supplementation on abandoned mining areas.
Results
(1) In the second year after seed-supplement, the plant growth indicators (vegetation coverage, vegetation height, plant density, aboveground biomass) and plant species diversity (species richness, Shannon-Wiener, Simpson, and Pielou) under the commercial grass seed treatment (mode A) and the soil seed bank treatment (mode B) are significantly higher than that of the CK (P < 0.01). (2) In the 7th year after seed-supplement, the above indicators of plant growth in mode B are respectively significantly higher than those in mode A in sequence. In mode B, in soil layer of 0 ~ 10 cm, 10 ~ 20 cm, 20 ~ 30 cm, 30 ~ 40 cm and 40 ~ 50 cm, the soil-stone ratio are respectively 2.53, 11.31, 22.37, 21.77 and 11.19 times higher than that of the CK; And the soil bulk density are respectively decreased by 40.15%, 20.09%, 25.58% and 10.20% compared with the CK. (3) There is a significant positive correlation between plant growth and soil-stone ratio (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
It is not ideal of actual restore effect when commercial seeds are used in compared to soil seed bank.
Shaping Carbon into Carbon matrices with Tuneable Diameter and Photo luminescent Properties
Authors: Torre Alessandro La
Published: September 2023

We report on a new form of nanoscale carbon in the shape of hemispherical carbon matrices and with the bonding characteristics of either sp1 or sp2 carbon. The carbon matrices are formed spontaneously at high temperature from organic molecules adsorbed on the surface of colloidal nanoparticles, with the metal core acting simultaneously as catalyst and template for the carbon matrices growth. This new method of synthesis has demonstrated unprecedented levels of control over the carbon matrices formation, as thermally driven Ostwald ripening of the metal core provides for precise control of the carbon matrices diameter, whilst the propensity of metal nanoparticles to self-assemble into super-lattices enables the formation of highly ordered hexagonal arrays of the carbon matrices on different types of surfaces. Significantly, this new form of carbon is optically active. We have demonstrated experimentally that photoluminescence properties of carbon matrices confirmed the theoretical prediction for carbyne species.
Exosomes mediate mitochondria dynamic and metabolic reprogramming for periodontal bone homeostasis
Authors: Xie Yunyi , Fu Chuanqiang , Peng Yingying , Cheng Zhilan , Niu Qingru , Yu Le , Yang Shuqing , Lin Chuanmiao , Tang Deqian , Liu Manqing , Wang Yan , Ou Qianmin
Published: September 2023

Background
The crosstalk between periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and macrophages plays an important role in periodontal bone homeostasis. Metabolic reprogramming is necessary for osteoclastic differentiation of macrophages. However, whether PDLSCs exert immunomodulatory function via modulating the metabolic reprogramming of macrophages is unknown.
Methods
PDLSCs from healthy individuals (H-PDLSCs) and patients with periodontitis (I-PDLSCs) were collected, then the exosomes were respectively isolated (H-Exo, I-Exo). The functions of H-Exo and I-Exo on the osteoclast function and periodontitis treatment were compared. The molecular mechanism of H-Exo on periodontitis was detected by microRNA sequence. And the metabolic reprogramming of macrophages was analyzed by seahorse test and 13C-glucose tracer.
Results
The results indicated that H-Exo inhibited osteoclastic differentiation and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo, while I-Exo has no obvious inhibitory effects. miRNA sequencing revealed that miR-92a-3p was a key molecule involved in the immunomodulatory effects of H-Exo. H-Exo modulates mitochondrial dynamics and cellular metabolism of macrophages via the miR-92a-3p/MFN1/PKM2 axis.
Conclusions
This study offers valuable insight into the crosstalk between PDLSCs and macrophages in periodontal bone homeostasis. In addition, this study also confirms that Exo from PDLSCs can modulate macrophage mitochondria dynamic and metabolism, which is a new way for PDLSCs to exert its immunoregulatory function.
Application of Micro-computed Tomography in the Microstructure of Cervical Uncinate Processes Trabecular Bone
Authors: Hao Yunteng , Ma Yuan , Zhang Shaojie , Wang Chaoqun , Wang Wei , Li Xiaohe , Gao Shang , Li Kun , Chen Jie , Wang Haiyan , yang Yang , Gao Mingjie , Wang Jian , Li Zhijun , Shi Jun , Wang Xing
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to observe the distribution and morphological characteristics of the trabecular bone in the uncinate process of the cervical spine on micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) to identify the morphological characteristics of the microstructure in the uncinate process. Micro-CT scans were performed on 31 sets of C3-C7 vertebrae comprising 155 complete bone specimens. The measurement software of the Micro-CT system was used to identify the relevant parameters of the trabecular bone in the uncinate process. Trabecular bone in the uncinate process was mainly crisscrossed longitudinally and was continuous with the trabecular bone in the vertebral body. There was a significant difference in the bone surface area between the left and right sides (P < .05); however, there were no other significant differences between the sides (P > .05). Also, there was no obvious regularity in the change with the increase in vertebral sequence number. The peaks of each parameter were mostly concentrated in C4-C6, and there were significant differences between C3 and other cervical vertebrae for other parameters (P < .05); differences between other vertebrae were not obvious. Micro-CT can be used to observe the arrangement of trabecular bone in the uncinate process of the cervical spine and allows the measurement of morphometric parameters. The trabecular bone in the uncinate process does not significantly differ between sides and vertebrae in adults.
The expression profile analysis of high-throughput lncRNA sequencing in preterm brain tissue induced by intrauterine infection/inflammation
Authors: Xie Yixuan , Ye Zhiyi , Zhou Jingqian , Yuan Tianming
Published: September 2023

Background
Intrauterine infection, is one of the important causes of brain injury in preterm infants. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a class of RNA molecules defined as being > 200 nucleotides in length which play a key role in brain development. In this study, we investigate the role of lncRNAs in a rat model of preterm brain tissue induced by intrauterine infection/inflammation.
Method
We divided the rats into the intrauterine infection/inflammation group and the control group then collected brain tissues from fetal or newborn rats at E17, E21, D1 and D3, respectively. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze differentially expressed lncRNAs in brain tissue from rats and utilized bioinformatics analyzes to investigate the potential functions of these differentially expressed lncRNAs. Finally, to validated the lncRNA-sequencing results were reliable and explore the timeliness changes, we selected lncRNAs for quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis at each point of time.
Result
A total of 377 differentially expressed lncRNAs were detected in brain tissue at E17, including 189 were upregulated and 188 were downregulated. Then detected 317 differentially expressed lncRNAs at D1, among which 168 were upregulated and 149 were downregulated. Moreover, the expression levels of selected lncRNAs were identified by qRT-PCR, demonstrating that the expression levels were consistent with the high-throughput sequencing results and has time-space specificity.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the profile of lncRNA expression in brain tissue induced by intrauterine infection/inflammation was different from that in the normal control. Then, provides valuable data and new insights into the biological mechanisms of preterm brain injury.
Phenotypic age and biological age mediate the association between Life's Essential 8 and diabetic retinopathy among US adults
Authors: Wang Jia , Jin Ming-rui , Li Yu-jing , Li Xiao-xuan , Sun Yu-xin , Xiang Shuai , Zhang Meng-qi , Li Xiang-jun , Liu Wen , Qiu Zhenkang
Published: September 2023

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is closely associated with Diabetic retinopathy (DR), and the prevalence of DR is steadily increasing. Life's Essential 8 (LE8), a recently updated assessment of cardiovascular health (CVH), was examined in this study to determine if it was related to diabetes among adults in the United States.
Methods
316 DR participants and 2,314 non-DR participants were included in the analyses using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database (2005–2018). LE8 scores, derived from eight individual metrics, were categorized into three groups: low (0–49), moderate (50–74), and high (75–100). Combining certain biomarker sets allowed for the measurement of both phenotypic age (PA) and biological age (BA). In order to evaluate the relationship between LE8 scores and DR, weighted logistic regression and linear analysis were used. The mediating function of PA and BA was investigated by mediation analysis.
Results
After adjusting for all covariates, higher LE8 scores were associated with a lower risk of DR (odds ratio [OR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.93; P for trend = 0.027). A 10-score increase in LE8 score was related to a 17% decrease in the risk of DR (multivariate-adjusted OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.73–0.95). Mediation analysis indicated that PA and BA partially mediated 47.57% and 28.11% of the association between LE8 scores and DR, respectively.
Conclusion
A negative association was found between LE8 scores and the presence of DR, possibly mediated by PA and BA. As a result of these findings, encouraging adherence to optimal CVH levels may be beneficial in reducing the prevalence of DR.
Coexistence of IgG4-Related Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis and Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis: A Rare Clinical Presentation
Authors: Tan Hu , Lan Huan , Ning Lidong , Wei Chengcong , Zhou Zhiyu
Published: September 2023

We present a case study involving a 53-year-old male patient exhibiting a unique combination of IgG4-related hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IgG4-RHP) and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The patient's clinical manifestations, characteristics, and laboratory findings collectively showcased features characteristic of both IgG4-RHP and anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The patient's clinical course was marked by a diverse array of symptoms, encompassing progressive visual impairment, recurrent psychiatric and behavioral disruptions, left upper limb weakness, and radiological indications of diffuse dural thickening with prominent enhancement, coupled with diffuse cerebral edema. During the acute phase, the patient presented with a mildly elevated serum IgG4 level, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis yielded positive results for NMDA antibodies. Histopathological assessment of the pachymeninges revealed fibroblastic proliferation accompanied by localized lymphocytic infiltration. Treatment involving corticosteroid administration led to significant alleviation of the patient's clinical symptoms and MRI-detected abnormalities. To our best knowledge, there are no analogous instances documented in existing literature. Further clinical investigations and neuropathological studies are imperative to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and determine optimal therapeutic strategies for managing this distinctive coexisting condition.
Clinical variables influencing the perception of fatigue in people with Multiple Sclerosis: a cross-sectional study using FSIQ-RMS
Authors: Sellitto Giovanni , Ruotolo Ilaria , Ianniello Antonio , Felicetti Federica , D’Ambrosi Giorgia , Berardi Anna , Galeoto Giovanni , Conte Antonella , Pozzilli Carlo
Published: September 2023

Background
Physical fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms in people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Several factors might influence the development of fatigue, such as gender, education, body mass index (BMI), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, working status (Ws), physiotherapy (Ph), and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Fatigue Symptoms and Impacts Questionnaire-Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis (FSIQ-RMS) is a patient-reported outcome (PRO) that allows one to define the impact of fatigue in PwMS clearly. This study aimed to assess fatigue impact on PwMS by using FSIQ-RMS.
Methods
The participants were enrolled from May to July 2021 in MS Centers of Sant'Andrea Hospital and Policlinico Umberto I Hospital in Rome. Fatigue was evaluated using the FSIQ-RMS, validated, and culturally adapted in Italian. Clinical and demographic data were collected at the same time.
Results
We enrolled 178 PwMS [Female 74.16%; RMS 82.58%, SPMS 17.52%]. FSIQ-RMS scores were significantly correlated with EDSS (p-value < 0.01). Analysis of variance between means showed a statistically significant difference between the BMI groups at the 24hours_FSIQ-RMS score and the 7days_FSIQ-RMS score (p < 0.01), with the lower BMI group having the highest scores. Furthermore, perceived fatigue significantly improved both in subjects performing Ph (p < 0.05) and in those who actively work (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
The use of FSIQ-RMS in a real-world setting confirmed that underweight and high levels of disability are closely related to fatigue. In addition, Ph and active Ws are strongly correlated with fatigue in PwMS.
Molecular surveillance reveals a potential hotspot of tick-borne disease in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Tian Junhua , Liu Jing , Zhao Hongqing , Chen Xiaomin , Geng Xueqin , Lu Miao , Li Kun
Published: September 2023

A molecular surveillance of tick-borne diseases was performed in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia. A total of 149 ticks including three species (Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, and Dermacentor silvarum) were collected. As many as 11 tick-borne bacterial pathogens were identified in them. Some of them have high positive rates. For example, Candidatus Rickettsia tarasevichiae was detected with a high prevalence of 72.48%, while Candidatus Lariskella sp. was detected in 31.54% of ticks. For both Rickettsia raoultii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, two distinct genotypes were identified based on their phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA, gltA, and groEL sequences. Remarkable genetic diversity was also observed for 16S and flaB genes of Borreliella garinii, an agent of Lyme disease. Rickettsia heilongjiangensis causing Far-Eastern spotted fever (2.68%, 4/149), Ehrlichia muris causing human ehrlichiosis (4.70%, 7/149), Borrelia miyamotoi causing relapsing fever (2.01%, 3/149), and Borreliella afzelii causing Lyme disease (2.01%, 3/149) were also detected. Additionally, a previously uncharacterized Anaplasma species closely related to Anaplasma ovis was identified. Herein we name it “Candidatus Anaplasma mongolica”. Based on these results, we propose that Hulunbuir City, as well as the northeast part of Inner Mongolia, might be a potential hotspot of tick-borne diseases.
Selective medial septum lesions in healthy rats induce longitudinal changes in microstructure of limbic regions, behavioral alterations, and increased susceptibility to status epilepticus
Authors: Luna-Munguia Hiram , Gasca-Martinez Deisy , Garay-Cortes Alejandra , Coutiño Daniela , Regalado Mirelta , Rios Ericka de los , Villaseñor Paulina , Hidalgo-Flores Fernando , Flores-Guapo Karen , Benito Brandon Yair , Concha Luis
Published: September 2023

Septo-hippocampal pathway, crucial for physiological functions and involved in epilepsy. Clinical monitoring during epileptogenesis is complicated. We aim to evaluate tissue changes after lesioning the medial septum (MS) of normal rats and assess how the depletion of specific neuronal populations alters the animals’ behavior and susceptibility to establishing a pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected into the MS with vehicle or saporins (to deplete GABAergic or cholinergic neurons; n = 16 per group). Thirty-two animals were used for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); scanned before surgery and 14 and 49 days post-injection. Fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient were evaluated in fimbria, dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, dorso-medial thalamus and amygdala. Between scans 2 and 3, animals were submitted to diverse behavioral tasks. Stainings were used to analyze tissue alterations. Twenty-four different animals received pilocarpine to evaluate the latency and severity of the status epilepticus two weeks after surgery. Eight animals were only used to evaluate the extent of neuronal damage inflicted on the MS one week after the molecular surgery. Progressive changes in DTI parameters in both white and gray matter structures of the four evaluated groups were observed. Behaviorally, the GAT1-saporin injection impacted spatial memory formation, while 192-IgG-saporin triggered anxiety-like behaviors. Histologically, the GABAergic toxin also induced aberrant mossy fiber sprouting, tissue damage and neuronal death. Regarding the pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, this agent provoked an increased mortality rate. Selective septo-hippocampal modulation impacts the integrity of limbic regions crucial for certain behavioral skills and could represent a precursor for epilepsy development.
The COVID-19 pandemic effect on psychologists’ professional quality of life and mental health
Authors: Kercher Amy , Rahman Jodie , Pedersen Mangor
Published: September 2023

Background: Psychologists are at known risk of work-related stress, secondary trauma, and burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic increased stress and anxiety for communities worldwide and corresponded with an increased demand for mental health services. Our study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on psychologists’ professional quality of life, psychological symptoms and work-related stress in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Method: Ninety-nine registered psychologists were recruited via NZ professional psychology organisations, representing 3% of the total workforce. Survey data collected included symptoms of compassion fatigue and satisfaction, psychological symptoms, COVID-19-related stress and resilience, and professional and personal circumstances during the third year of the pandemic, 2022.
Results: Seventy per cent reported that their work stress had increased, and 60% that their caseload intensity had increased during COVID-19. Psychologists reported receiving little to no additional personal or professional support, while 55% reported increased personal responsibilities during the pandemic (for example, closed childcare and schools during lockdowns). High rates of compassion fatigue (burnout and secondary traumatic stress) were reported, and low resilience. We observed that psychological distress was higher than the community averages before the pandemic and comparable with frontline healthcare professionals. Compassion fatigue was associated with COVID-related stress, psychological distress, years in practice and more frequent supervision, but not with working with at-risk clients, levels of personal support or having children at home. Despite these difficulties, high Compassion Satisfaction scores were also reported, with over 90% indicating they had no intention of leaving the profession in the foreseeable future.
Conclusions: Compassion Fatigue rates appear to have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as have psychological distress symptoms among psychologists. Our findings suggest that mental health workforces are not immune to crisis-related changes. We hope that increased awareness and understanding of psychological difficulties experienced during COVID-19 can be used to tackle future crises better, and better support mental health professionals.
Impact of ocean acidification on bioactive compounds production by marine phytoplankton, Off Visakhapatnam, Bay of Bengal
Authors: Rao D. Bhaskara , Kumar BSK , GVM Gupta
Published: September 2023

Shallow coastal regions face heightened vulnerability due to human development, making them susceptible to substantial influxes of human-caused inputs alongside waters with low pH levels. This research delved into a microcosm pH alteration experiment to explore the impact of pH reduction on the generation of bioactive substances by marine phytoplankton in the eutrophic coastal waters of the Bay of Bengal. Initially, the prevalent compounds in the surface seawater were fucoxanthin at 75%, zeaxanthin at 10%, and other bioactive elements like diadinoxanthin, diatoxanthin, and β-carotene collectively contributing to around 15%. Notably, all bioactive compounds and Chl-a concentrations significantly favored the control container (ranging from 35–70%), while the least growth occurred in the more acidified experimental containers (15–40%). In alignment with the above findings, the nutrient uptake rates were comparably diminished in the acidified experimental containers compared to the control group. The ratio between protective bioactive compounds (Diato + Diadino + Zea + β-Car) and synthetic bioactive compounds (Fuco + Chl-a) varied from 0.03 to 0.8, with the control container exhibiting the lowest values, and the more acidified experimental containers displaying the highest values of significance. Similarly, the DT index (diatoxanthin / (diatoxanthin + diadinoxanthin)) ratios followed a parallel pattern, with the control container showing the lowest average ratios and the acidified experimental containers displaying the highest ratios. Furthermore, based on our current study, we postulated that acidified water stimulates the proliferation of carotenoid-based bioactive compounds in marine regions more prominently than their synthetic counterparts. Mainly, the production of bioactive compounds in these experiments could also be influenced by our acidification method.
Comprehensive and Comparative Survey of Microbial Fuel Cell Performance in the Presence of Graphite and Carbon Felt Electrodes Modified with Nano Bio-Nickel Thin Film
Authors: Mahmoodzadeh Fatemeh , Navidjouy Nahid , Alizadeh Saber , Rahimnejad Mostafa
Published: September 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have garnered significant interest from researchers as a self-sustaining and environmentally friendly system for the simultaneous treatment of urban and industrial wastewater and production of bioelectricity. The type and material of the electrode are critical factors that can influence the efficiency and energy production of this treatment process, with porosity, surface area, conductivity, and stability being key considerations. In this study, graphite plates and carbon felt were modified through the electrodeposition of nickel followed by the formation of a biofilm, resulting in conductive bio-anode thin film electrodes with enhanced power generation capacity. The structural and morphological properties of the electrode surfaces were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques. The results confirmed that nickel was successfully doped and that sufficient amounts of microorganisms were attached to the nickel-deposited electrodes, leading to improved electron transfer and increased power generation. To validate this claim, various parameters such as maximum voltage, current density, and power generation were investigated using a dual-chamber MFC equipped with a Nafion 117 membrane and bio-nickel-doped carbon felt (bio-Ni@CF) and bio-nickel-doped graphite plate (bio-Ni@GP) electrodes under constant temperature conditions. The polarization curve obtained during four loading stages using different anode electrodes indicated that the maximum voltage achieved was 468.0 mV using the bio-Ni@CF electrode, representing an increase of 35.0%, 18.37%, and 9.82% compared to the bare GP, bare CF, and bio-Ni@GP electrodes, respectively. The highest power density and current density achieved using the bio-Ni@CF electrode were 130.72 mW/m2 and 760.0 mA/m2, respectively. Furthermore, the modified electrodes demonstrated appropriate stability and resistance during successful runs. These results suggest that nickel-doped carbon-based electrodes can serve as suitable and stable supported catalysts and conductors for improving efficiency and increasing power generation in MFCs.
Desmoplasia in cervical cancer is associated with a more aggressive tumor phenotype
Authors: Wolf Benjamin , Weydandt Laura , Dornhöfer Nadja , Hiller Grit Gesine Ruth , Höhn Anne Katrin , Nel Ivonne , Jain Rakesh K. , Horn Lars-Christian , Aktas Bahriye
Published: September 2023

In cancer of the uterine cervix, the role of desmoplasia, i.e., peritumoral stromal remodeling characterized by fibroblast activation and increased extracellular matrix deposition, is not established. We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on data from 438 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for cervical cancer as part of the prospective Leipzig Mesometrial Resection study between 1999 and 2021. Using non-parametric tests, Kaplan-Meier plotting, and Cox regression modeling, we calculated the prognostic impact of desmoplasia and its association with other risk factors. Desmoplasia was present in 80.6% of cases and was associated with a higher frequency of lymphovascular space involvement (76.5 vs. 56.5%, p < 0.001) and venous infiltration (14.4 vs. 2.4%, p < 0.001). Lymph node metastasis (23.0 vs. 11.8%, p < 0.05) and parametrial involvement (47.3 vs. 17.6%, p < 0.0001) were also more common in patients with desmoplasia. The presence of desmoplasia was associated with inferior overall (80.2% vs. 94.5% hazard ratio [HR] 3.8 [95%-CI 1.4–10.4], p = 0.002) and recurrence-free survival (75.3% vs. 87.3%, HR 2.3 [95%-CI 1.2–4.6], p = 0.008). In addition, desmoplasia was associated with significantly less peritumoral inflammation (rho − 0.43, p < 0.0001). In summary, we link desmoplasia to a more aggressive phenotype of cervical cancer, reduced peritumoral inflammation, and inferior survival.
Facilitators and Barriers of Midwife-led Model of care at Public Health Institutions of Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021 A qualitative study
Authors: Hailu Mickiale , Mohammed Aminu , Tadesse Daniel , Abdurashid Neil , Abera Legesse , Ali Samrawit , Dejene Yesuneh , Weldeamaniel Tadesse , Girma Meklit , Hailemariyam Tekelebirhan , Melkamu Netsanet , Getnet Tewodros , Manaye Yibekal , Derese Tariku , Yigezu Muluken , Dechasa Natnael , Atle Anteneh
Published: September 2023

Background: The midwife-led model of care is woman-centered and based on the premise that pregnancy and childbirth are normal life events, and the midwife plays a fundamental role in coordinating care for women and linking with other health care professionals as required. Worldwide, this model of care has made a great contribution to the reduction of maternal and child mortality. For example, the global under-5 mortality rate fell from 42 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 39 in 2018. The neonatal mortality rate fell from 31 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2000 to 18 deaths per 1,000 in 2018. Even if this model of care has a pivotal role in the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality, in recent years it has faced many challenges.
Objective: To explore facilitators and barriers to a midwife-led model of care at a public health institution in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia, in 2021.
Methodology: A qualitative study with the supporting philosophy of phenomenology was conducted at Dire Dawa public health institution from March 1–April 30, 2022. Data was collected using a semi-structured, in-depth interview tool guide, focused group discussions, and key informant interviews. A convenience sampling method was implemented to select study participants, and the data were analyzed thematically using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software Atlas.ti7. The thematic analysis with an inductive approach goes through six steps: familiarization, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up.
Result: Two major themes were driven from facilitators of the midwife-led model of care (professional pride and good team spirit), and seven major themes were driven from barriers to the midwife-led model of care (lack of professional development, shortage of resources, unfair risk or hazard payment, limited organizational power of midwives, feeling of demoralization absence of recognition from superiors, lack of work-related security).
Conclusion and recommendation: The midwifery-led model of care is facing considerable challenges, both pertaining to the management of the healthcare service locally and nationally. A multidisciplinary and collaborative effort is needed to solve those challenges.
Exploration of the Shared Gene and Molecular Mechanisms between Breast Cancer and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on Available Public Transcriptome Sequencing Data
Authors: Chen Buyang , Tian Nan , Qian Ying , Li Jie , Wang Qi , Yu Zhiling , Zhao Hong , Dou Xiaobing
Published: September 2023

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women; its etiology is unknown. A meta-analysis demonstrates a close association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and BC. However, the mechanism of their association remained unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the associations between BC and NAFLD.
Method: The transcriptome sequence data on BC and NAFLD were downloaded from the The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, respectively. The co-expression modules related to BC and NAFLD were identified using Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). ClueGo software was used for enrichment analysis on BC and NAFLD common genes. Moreover, the common microRNAs (miRNAs) in BC and NAFLD were obtained from the Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD), and the target genes of these miRNAs were predicted using the miRTarbase. Disease enrichment was performed using lncRNA from the Starbase. We then constructed the common miRNAs–mRNAs network. In addition, we obtained a correlation analysis of common genes and BC unique genes.
Result: Several modules were identified as significant with BC and NAFLD based on WGCNA results. ClueGO enrichment analysis revealed that vasculature development is a feature shared by the pathophysiology of BC and NAFLD. The miRNA enrichment BP and lncRNA disease enrichment analyses revealed a link between BC and NAFLD. Furthermore, we identified three BC features that may be involved in the transition from NAFLD to BC and disease-crucial genes FOXO1 and PKD2.
Conclusion: Our study revealed that vasculature development may be an important point for BC and NAFLD, with parts of BC patients evolving from NAFLD by three group feature genes. Furthermore, these gene modules could be biomarkers or potential diagnostic targets in NAFLD patients.
Thermoplastic compression is a technique of pure titanium microstructure enhancement for biomedical applications
Authors: Bańczerowski Jakub , Pawlikowski Marek , Płociński Tomasz , Zagórski Andrzej , Sawicki Sylwester , Gieleta Roman
Published: September 2023

Pure titanium due to its high corrosion resistance, low stiffness and good mechanical properties is commonly used in medicine for orthopaedic applications. However, its material properties can be further enhanced to better fulfil the role of the biocompatible material. The thermoplastic deformation in heightened temperature is proposed as a method for microstructure improvement. Titanium samples were compressed in different temperatures and strain rates in order to determine the best conditions for grain fragmentation – the main factor responsible for strength and hardness increase. The thermoplastic stress-strain curves were registered. Then microstructure observations and electron backscatter analysis were performed on the chosen samples. Finally, mechanical response of the previously deformed material was obtained in room temperature compression tests. A significant grain fragmentation was recorded for the material deformed in 400 °C, at 0.1/s and 1/s strain rates. Desirable results were also noticed for the deformation performed at 500-600 °C. However, high temperatures (700-800 °C) and strain rates (10/s) resulted in dynamic recrystallization, causing undesirable grain growth. An increase in hardness was observed in all cases, with higher values recorded in lower deformation temperatures. Room temperature compression tests revealed slight increase of ductility.
Comparative analysis of multiple nutritional scoring tools to predict the incidence of adverse events in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI
Authors: Zhu Xing-Yu , Yang Dan-Dan , Zhang Kai-Jie , Zhu Hui-Jing , SU Fei-Fei , Tian Jian-Wei
Published: September 2023

To determine the most appropriate nutritional assessment tool for predicting the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year in elderly ACS patients undergoing PCI from four nutritional assessment tools including PNI, GNRI, CONUT, and BMI. Consecutive cases diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of the Air Force Specialty Medical Centre from 1 January 2020 to 1 April 2022 were retrospectively collected. The basic clinical characteristics and relevant test and examination indexes were collected uniformly, and the cases were divided into the MACE group (174 cases) and the non-MACE group (372 cases) according to whether a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) had occurred within 1 year. Predictive models were constructed to assess the nutritional status of patients with the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Controlling nutritional status (CONUT) scores, and Body Mass Index (BMI), respectively, and to analyze their relationship with prognosis. The incremental value of the four nutritional assessment tools in predicting risk was compared using the Integrated Discriminant Improvement (IDI) and the net reclassification improvement (NRI). The predictive effect of each model on the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year in elderly ACS patients undergoing PCI was assessed using area under the ROC curve (AUC), calibration curves, decision analysis curves, and clinical impact curves; comparative analyses were performed. Among the four nutritional assessment tools, the area under the curve (AUC) was significantly higher for the PNI (AUC: 0.798, 95%CI: 0.755-0.840 P < 0.001) and GNRI (AUC: 0.760, 95%CI .0.715-0.804 P < 0.001) than for the CONUT (AUC: 0.719,95%CI. 0.673-0.765 P < 0.001) and BMI (AUC:0.576, 95%CI:0.522-0.630 P < 0.001). The positive predictive value (PPV) of PNI: 67.67% was better than GNRI, CONUT, and BMI, and the negative predictive value (NPV): of 83.90% was better than CONUT and BMI and similar to the NPV of GNRI. The PNI, GNRI, and CONUT were compared with BMI, respectively. The PNI had the most significant improvement in the Integrated Discriminant Improvement Index (IDI) (IDI: 0.1732, P < 0.001); the PNI also had the most significant improvement in the Net Reclassification Index (NRI) (NRI: 0.8185, P < 0.001). In addition, of the four nutritional assessment tools used in this study, the PNI was more appropriate for predicting the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) within 1 year in elderly ACS patients undergoing PCI.