bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of Ethanamizuril Dispersed by Different Solvents In Chickens After Oral Administration
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Wang Chunmei , Zhang Zhihao , Zhang Keyu , Xue Feiqun , Zhang Lifang , Fei Chenzhong , Hang Taijun
Published: August 2023

In this study Ethanamizuril in different dispersants were administrated orally to target animal, chickens for pharmacokinetic study. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography method was established for sample detection and the extraction method was validated. Internal standard was used to calculate the drug concentration in chicken plasma. The results showed that the peak time of Ethanamizuril in chicken under the three dispersants was 4 ~ 5 hours, and the half-life (t1/2) of Ethanamizuril in sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution (CMC-Na), PEG300 and Ethanamizuril solution diluted by water had a significant difference (P < 0.05) and AUC and Cmax had no significant difference which also showed no significant difference in drug exposure. AUC and Cmax were important indicators of drug exposure in toxicity studies. The study showed that different dispersants had little effect on the evaluation of toxicity studies of the drug.
Satisfaction with Assistive Technology among Users with disabilities: Findings from a Sub-national Study in India
Authors: Senjam Suraj Singh , Manna Souvik , Titiyal Jeewan Singh , Kumar Anil , Kishore Jugal
Published: August 2023

Background
User satisfaction with Assistive Technology (AT) is one of the integral outcomes of successful AT service. The current study aimed to estimate the satisfaction with AT and reasons for dissatisfaction among users with disabilities in India
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in eight districts, representing four zones of India, using the WHO Rapid Assistive Technology Assessment tool. Multi-stage cluster random sampling along with the probability proportional to size technique was used to select smaller administrative units from the larger ones. Satisfaction was reported in terms of assistive products and service delivery.
Results
In total, 8486 participants were surveyed out of 8964 individuals enumerated with a response rate of 94.6%. Around 22.2% (1888) of participants with disabilities reported using AT, out of which 7.8% (147) were dissatisfied with their products. The proportion of respondents with disabilities reporting satisfaction with their products, AT services in terms of assessment and training, and AT repair and maintenance were 92.2%, 88.4%, and 85.2%. However, 12.4% (234) and 14.9% (282) of respondents reported that their AT was not suitable for home and public environments, respectively. Another 13.4% (253) respondents reported that their AT does not help them in executing their daily living activities. Discomfort (56.6%), poor fitting (37.7%), low quality of service (20.7%), and poor aesthetic values (18.9%) were identified as reasons for dissatisfaction. Satisfaction was good for AT received from friends and family but was poor for those received from the public sector.
Conclusion
The study shows that overall satisfaction and suitability with AT were high among users with disabilities, yet few have reported barriers to effective device use and facing challenges in accessing repair and follow-up services.
Neutralization against Omicron sublineages (BA.2/BA.5/BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5) in bivalent BNT162b2-vaccinated HCWs with or without risk factors, or following BT infection with Omicron
Authors: Amano Masayuki , Otsu Sachiko , Uemura Yukari , Ichikawa Yasuko , Matsumoto Shota , Higashi-Kuwata Nobuyo , Matsushita Shuzo , Shimada Shinya , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: August 2023

SARS-CoV-2-BA.4/5-adapted-bivalent-BNT162b2-vaccine (bvBNT), developed in response to the recent emergence of immune-evasive Omicron-variants, has been given to individuals who completed at least 2-doses of the monovalent-BNT162b2-vaccine (mvBNT).
In the present cohort study, we evaluated neutralization-titers (NT50s) against Wuhan-strain (SCoV2Wuhan) and Omicron-sublineages including BA.2/BA.5/BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5, and vaccine-elicited S1-binding-IgG in sera from participants-vaccinated with 5th-bvBNT following 4th-mvBNT.
The 5th-bvBNT-dose elicited good protective-activity against SCoV2Wuhan with geometric-mean (gMean)-NT50 of 1,966~2,091, higher than the peak-values post-4th-mvBNT, and favorable neutralization-activity against not only BA.5 but also BA.2, with ~3.2-/~2.2-fold greater gMean-NT50 compared to the peak-values post-4th-mvBNT-dose, in participants with or without risk-factors. However, neutralization-activity of sera post-5th-bvBNT-dose was low against BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5. Interestingly, participants receiving bvBNT following breakthrough (BT) infection during Omicron-wave had significantly enhanced neutralization-activity against SCoV2Wuhan/BA.2/BA.5 with ~4.6-/~6.3-/~8.1-fold greater gMean-NT50, respectively, compared to uninfected participants receiving bvBNT. Sera from BT-infected-participants receiving bvBNT had enhanced neutralization-activity against BQ.1.1/XBB/XBB.1.5 by ~3.8-fold compared to those from the same participants post-4th-mvBNT-dose, and had enhanced gMean-NT50 ~5.4-fold greater compared to those of uninfected-participants’ sera post-bvBNT.
These results suggest that repeated stimulation brought about by exposure to BA.5’s-Spike elicit favorable cross-neutralization-activity against various SARS-CoV-2-variants, and that bvBNT vaccination be administered in particular to the individuals who experienced BT-infection.
Malignant pheochromocytoma with multiple bone metastases: case report and literature review
Authors: Sun Chunyue , Zhao Yonghua , Yang Can , Ren Shaokun , Shen Daqing
Published: August 2023

Background
Pheochromocytomas are neuroendocrine tumors originating from the adrenal medulla, with an incidence of 2–9 cases per million people per year. Malignant pheochromocytomas account for approximately 10% of cases, and they can metastasize to the lymph nodes, bone, liver, and lungs. In this paper, we report a case of a patient with malignant pheochromocytes and multiple bone metastases.
Case presentation
We report a 63-year-old male patient who presented with multiple bone metastases 4 years after the first pheochromocytoma resection. The patient presented with low back pain, and outpatient CT suggested bone destruction and hypodense shadows in the left lamina and transverse process of L1. By reviewing the medical history, we found that the patient had a history of pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent further imaging and tissue biopsy. The patient's history and findings confirmed the presence of multiple bone metastases from pheochromocytoma. The patient underwent lumbar spine surgery and radiotherapy.
Conclusions
Patients with pheochromocytoma should be followed up for a long period for early diagnosis and treatment, which will help them to survive disease-free for a long time.
The effect of self-care education with smart phone applications on the severity of mucositis and infection after stem cell transplantation in leukemia patients
Authors: Jalal Rezaei , Roya Azouji , Masoumeh ZakeriMoghadam
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Side effects after stem cell transplantation are still widespread despite huge advances, and self-care education is of paramount importance in such patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of self-care education using smart phone applications on the post-SCT severity of mucositis and infection in leukemia patients.
Materials and methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 104 SCT patients with leukemia who were assigned to two intervention and control groups with the blocked randomization method. In the control group, patients received routine care, and self-care education with smart phone applications, in addition to routine care, was provided to the intervention group. The questionnaires for transplantation side effects were completed by the control and intervention groups 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after the start of the intervention. Data were analyzed with Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Friedman tests using SPSS version 25 software.
Results: The severity of mucositis in patients was significantly different in the two groups at all three post-transplantation time points (2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months) (p-value = 0.000). Patients' infection levels in the two groups differed significantly at all three post-transplantation time points (2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months) (p-value = 0.000).
Conclusion: The post-SCT severity of mucositis and infection is influenced by self-care education using smart phone applications.
Clinical trial code: IRCT20100725004443N28
Binding affinity predictions with hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural networks
Authors: Domingo Laia , Djukic Marko , Johnson Christine , Borondo Florentino
Published: August 2023

Central in drug design is the identification of biomolecules that uniquely and robustly bind to a target protein, while minimizing their interactions with others. Accordingly, precise binding affinity prediction, enabling the accurate selection of suitable candidates from an extensive pool of potential compounds, can greatly reduce the expenses associated to practical experimental protocols. In this respect, recent advances revealed that deep learning methods show superior performance compared to other traditional computational methods, especially with the advent of large datasets. These methods, however, are complex and very time-intensive, thus representing an important clear bottleneck for their development and practical application. In this context, the emerging realm of quantum machine learning holds promise for enhancing numerous classical machine learning algorithms. In this work, we take one step forward and present a hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network, which is able to reduce by 20% the complexity of the classical counterpart while still maintaining optimal performance in the predictions. Additionally, this results in a significant cost and time savings of up to 40% in the training stage, which means a substantial speed-up of the drug design process.
Multi-omics joint analysis to explore new therapeutic targets for Crohn's disease
Authors: Wang Songjie , Zhang Zhe , Liu Xia , Wang Dandan , Yao Yao , Feng Baisui
Published: August 2023

Background
Infliximab (IFX), the mainstay of current treatment for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD), markedly improved clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients. However, not all patients can benefit from IFX. This study aims to identify new therapeutic targets for primary nonresponders through combination of transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.
Methods
The plasma and peripheral leukocytes were collected from seven good responders and four primary nonresponders with CD. To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and proteins (DEPs), we performed reference transcriptome analyses and Olink proteomics analyses by Leukocytes and plasma respectively. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were then intersected with DEGs to screen for the differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs). We subsequently construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network with the DEIRGs. We also investigated the expression of DEGs and DEPs in the intestinal mucosa.
Results
A total of 1170 DEGs were identified, including 533 upregulated and 637 downregulated genes in primary nonresponders. After mapping DEGs to IRGs, 128 DEIRGs were screened. We identified five hub genes in the PPI network mapped by the DEIRGs, namely IL1B, MMP9, CXCL10, CD8A and CCR7 genes. Similarly, the Olink proteomics analysis discovered 13 DEPs. In the intestinal mucosa of primary nonresponders, hub genes IL1B, MMP9, CXCL10, and DEPs SLAFM1, MMP1, CXCL11, HGF, IFN-γ, and CXCL10 were also substantially expressed. Combined analysis of DEGs and DEPs revealed a common enrichment in the IL 17 signaling pathway, with CXCL10 being the only DEGs to overlap.
Conclusions
We first connected the intestinal biopsy series expression matrix to the peripheral blood transcriptome and proteome, confirming CXCL10 as a new therapeutic target. IL1B, MMP9, SLAFM1, MMP1, CXCL11, HGF, and IFN-γ were also deserving of consideration as prospective therapeutic targets.
Real-time Multimodal Sensory Detection Using Widefield Hippocampal Calcium Imaging
Authors: French Chris , Sun Dechuan , Yu Yang , Habibollahi Forough , Unnithan Ranjith
Published: August 2023

The hippocampus is a complex structure that has a major role in learning and memory. It also integrates information from multisensory modalities, supporting a comprehensive “cognitive map” for both spatial and non-spatial information. Previous studies have been limited to real-time spatial decoding, typically using electrodes. However, decoding hippocampal non-spatial information in real-time has not been previously described. Here, we have constructed a real-time optical decoder driven by calcium activity of large neuronal ensembles to decode spatial, visual, and auditory information effectively. Using advanced machine learning techniques, our rapid end-to-end decoding achieves high accuracy and provides a “cognitive translation” method. This method enables the real-time investigation of hippocampal neural coding and allows for direct neural communication with animals and patients affected by functional impairments. The ability to decode multimodal sensory inputs in real-time thus forms the basis for a novel all-optical brain-computer interface.
Facial Emotion Recognition using Deep Learning: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Kaur Kanwarpreet
Published: August 2023

The study of facial emotion recognition (FER) holds significant importance within the realm of academic research, since it has wide-ranging ramifications across multiple areas such as mental health assessment and human-computer interaction. This work introduces a novel methodology for FER that integrates Gabor filter-based feature extraction with a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The utilisation of Gabor filters enables extraction of prominent textural characteristics from facial images, whilst CNNs acquire informative representations to achieve precise emotion classification. The proposed methodology is assessed using the FER2013 dataset and compared with pre-existing methodologies. The findings illustrate the efficacy of our methodology in accurately identifying facial expressions of emotions, emphasising its potential for practical implementation in the fields of mental health research and emotion-sensitive systems. The method demonstrates improved accuracy and resilience by combining Gabor filters and CNNs, showing potential for enhancing mental health evaluation and enabling adaptive human-computer interaction. This study makes a valuable contribution to the fields of health, mental health, and adaptation by advancing the creation of emotion-aware technologies that are designed to address the unique emotional requirements of individuals.
Performance of the MeltPro TB assay as initial test for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with drug-resistance detection
Authors: Liu Zhi-bin , Cheng Li-ping , Pan Hong-qiu , Wu Xiao-cui , Lu Fu-hui , Cao Jie , Wang Lei , Wei Wei , Chen Hong-yu , Sha Wei , Sun Qin
Published: August 2023

Background
The MeltPro TB assay (MeltPro) is a molecular rapid diagnostic test designed for detecting resistance to antituberculosis drugs. However, the performance of MeltPro as an initial diagnostic test for simultaneously detecting the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and drug resistance has not been evaluated. This study aims to assess the performance of MeltPro as initial diagnostic test for simultaneous detection of MTB and drug resistance in clinical samples from patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB).
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1283 patients with presumptive PTB from two clinical centers, out of which 875 were diagnosed with PTB. The diagnostic accuracy of MeltPro, Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert), and MGIT 960 for PTB detection was evaluated. Rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), streptomycin (STR), and fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance were detected using MeltPro, with Xpert and/or the broth microdilution plate method (MYCOTB) results as references.
Results
For the diagnosis of PTB, MeltPro showed a sensitivity of 69.0%, which was similar to Xpert (72.7%; P > 0.05) and higher than MGIT (58.1%; P < 0.001). The specificity of MeltPro was 97.1%, similar to Xpert (98.0%; P > 0.05). In smear-negative patients, MeltPro's sensitivity was 50.9%, similar to Xpert (56.5%; P > 0.05), and higher than MGIT (33.1%; P < 0.001). Based on Xpert and/or MYCOTB results, MeltPro exhibited a sensitivity and specificity of 98.3% and 99.2%, respectively, for detecting RIF resistance. Based on MYCOTB results, MeltPro's sensitivity for detecting resistance to INH, EMB, STR, and FQ was 96.4%, 89.1%, 97.5%, and 90.3%, respectively, with specificities of 96.0%, 96.0%, 95.2%, and 99.4%, respectively.
Conclusion
The MeltPro TB assay proves to be an effective alternative as the initial test for rapid diagnosis of PTB with drug-resistance detection in clinical practice.
Clinical nurses' compassion fatigue psychological experience process: a constructivist grounded theory study
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zou Jie , Wang Xiao , Luo Yaoyue , Xiong Zhiyao , Zhang Jingping
Published: August 2023

Background
Clinical nurses are susceptible to compassion fatigue when exposed to various types of traumatic events in patients for extended periods of time. However, the developmental process, staging, and psychological responses distinct to each stage of compassion fatigue in nurses are not fully clarified. This study aimed to explore the processes of compassion fatigue and the psychological experiences specific to each phase of compassion fatigue among clinical nurses.
Methods
Charmaz’s Grounded Theory Constructivist methodology was used in this qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 clinical nurses with varying degrees of compassion fatigue from December 2020 to January 2021. Interview data were analyzed using grounded theory processes.
Results
A core category of “The dynamic and cumulative process of compassion fatigue” emerged. Clinical nurses’ experience of compassion fatigue was developed as five processes: compassion experience period, compassion decrement period, compassion discomfort period, compassion distress period, and compassion fatigue period.
Conclusion
Clinical nurses who experience compassion fatigue may go through five stages that are stage-specific and predictable. The findings can shed light on local and global applications to better understand the problem of nurses' compassion fatigue. The interventions for addressing compassion fatigue in clinical nurses should be stage-specific, targeted, and individualized.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Medical Students Towards Role of Physical Activity in Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases
Authors: Mohamed Sami , Muhammad Abdulqadir Surajo , Mohamed Abdikarim Abdi , Alhaj Ahmad Mahmud , Bulama Ahmad Abdullahi , Eldeen Ahmad Al-Mujtaba Esam
Published: August 2023

Background
Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death and the main issue in modern and future public health worldwide. Non-communicable diseases are amenable to health promotion, prevention and medical interventions. Improved social conditions, quality of diet, body weight, smoking cessation, and increased physical activity can greatly reduce the burden of NCDs.
Methods
This study aims to assess the attitude and practice of medical students towards the role of physical activity in non- communicable diseases prevention in Nile University as perceived by students. An Observational-based analytical, cross-sectional study design. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software.
Result
The study included 81 males(43.1%) and 107 females(56.9%). Out of total number of students, 51% do not engage in physical activities and 49% participate in planned physical activities. The frequency of participation in physical activities are; Students who engage in physical activities daily (14, 7.4%) and weekly (37, 19.7%), while 40 students (21.3%) engage in physical activity monthly. Students that participate in planned physical activities for health benefits were 86(45.7%), and 4 students (2.1%) practice physical activities for social reasons, while a single student practices due to doctor’s advice 1 (5%). The majority of students had good background knowledge (83%) and most provde advice to their friends (38.3%) and family (51.1&).
Conclusion
Maority of the students had an acceptable background knowledge about the role of physical activities in prevention of major NCDs. However, they had low frequency of participation in planned physical activities despite having positive advocating attitude.
A highly selective Pyrene appended Oxacalixarene receptor for MNA and 4- NP detection: an experimental and computational study
Authors: Upadhyay Himali , Harikrishnan Uma , Bhatt Devanshi , Dhadnekar Namrata , Kumar Kapil , Panchal Manthan , Trivedi Pooja , Sindhav Gaurang , Modi Krunal
Published: August 2023

A novel bipyrene-substituted calix[4]arene (BPOC) was designed and synthesized to employ as a fluorescent probe, which enables the detection of MNA and 4-NP among all the explosive materials. Utilizing 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FT-IR analysis techniques, its structure was characterized. The binding property of BPOC to various NACs, including 1,3-DNB, 2,3-DNT, 2,4-DNT, 2,6-DNT, 4-NP, 4-NT, and PA, revealed that the sensor binds to MNA and 4-NP with remarkable selectivity and detection limits of 0.2 µM and 0.3 µM, respectively, for MNA and 4-NP. Using docking and density functional theory (DFT), computational insights were provided for investigating the stability and spectroscopic analysis of the inclusion complex. The calculations supplement the findings significantly and clarify the structural geometry and mode of interactions in supramolecular complexation. In an MTT experiment on human PBMC to check for cytotoxicity, this chemical was found to influence 1 × 105 cell viability dose-dependently.
Investigation of perfusion impairment in degenerative cervical myelopathy beyond the site of cord compression
Authors: Lebret Anna , Lévy Simon , Pfender Nikolai , Farshad Mazda , Altorfer Franziska C.S. , Callot Virginie , Curt Armin , Freund Patrick , Seif Maryam
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to determine tissue-specific blood perfusion impairment of the cervical cord above the compression site in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) using intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) imaging. A quantitative MRI protocol, including structural and IVIM imaging, was conducted in healthy controls and patients. In patients, T2-weighted scans were acquired to quantify intramedullary signal changes, the maximal canal compromise, and the maximal cord compression. T2*-weighted MRI and IVIM were applied in all participants in the cervical cord (covering C1-C3 levels) to determine white matter (WM) and grey matter (GM) cross-sectional areas (as a marker of atrophy), and tissue-specific perfusion indices, respectively. IVIM imaging resulted in microvascular volume fraction (F), blood velocity (D*), and blood flow (F·D*) indices. DCM patients additionally underwent a standard neurological clinical assessment. Regression analysis assessed associations between perfusion parameters, clinical outcome measures, and remote spinal cord atrophy. Twenty-nine DCM patients and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. At the level of stenosis, 11 patients showed focal radiological evidence of cervical myelopathy. Above the stenosis level, cord atrophy was observed in the WM (-9.3%; p = 0.005) and GM (-6.3%; p = 0.008) in patients compared to healthy controls. Blood velocity (BV) and blood flow (BF) indices were decreased in the ventral horns of the GM (BV: -20.1%, p = 0.0009; BF: -28.2%, p = 0.0008), in the ventral funiculi (BV:-18.2%, p = 0.01; BF: -21.5%, p = 0.04) and lateral funiculi (BV: -8.5%, p = 0.03; BF: -16.5%, p = 0.03) of the WM, across C1-C3 levels. A decrease in microvascular volume fraction was associated with GM atrophy (R = 0.46, p = 0.02). This study demonstrates tissue-specific cervical perfusion impairment rostral to the compression site in DCM patients. IVIM indices are sensitive to remote perfusion changes in the cervical cord in DCM and may serve as neuroimaging biomarkers of hemodynamic impairment in future studies. The association between perfusion impairment and cervical cord atrophy indicates that changes in hemodynamics caused by compression may contribute to the neurodegenerative processes in DCM.
Prefrontal cortex neurons encode ambient light intensity differentially across
regions and layers
Authors: Sabbah Shai , Zangen Elyashiv , Hadar Shira , Lawrence Christopher , Rasras Hala , Obeid Mustafa , Aslan Ori , Zur Eyal , Cohen-Hatab Daniel , Schulcz Nadav , Samama Yona , Li Yi , Dobrotvorskia Irina
Published: August 2023

While light can affect emotional and cognitive processes of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC),
no light-encoding was hitherto identified in this region. Here, extracellular recordings in awake
mice revealed that over half of studied mPFC neurons showed photosensitivity, that was
diminished by chemogenetic inhibition of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells
(ipRGCs), or of the upstream thalamic perihabenular nucleus (PHb). In 15% of mPFC
photosensitive neurons, firing rate changed monotonically along light-intensity steps and
gradients. These light-intensity-encoding neurons comprised four types, two enhancing and two
suppressing their firing rate with increased light intensity. These types were also identified in the
PHb, where they exhibited shorter latency and increased sensitivity. Light suppressed prelimbic
activity but boosted infralimbic activity, mirroring their contrasting roles in fear-conditioning,
drug-seeking, and anxiety. We posit that prefrontal photosensitivity represents a substrate of
light-susceptible, mPFC-mediated functions, which could by studied as a therapeutical target in
psychiatric and addiction disorders.
Ozone treatment attenuates the ferroptosis induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via activation of the Nrf2/Slc7a11/Gpx4 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Farong , Liu Yu , Wang Xinlei , Wu Zhouquan
Published: August 2023

Background
The pathogenesis of brain ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) insult is characterised by the loss of neurons as a result of excessive oxidative stress responses. A form of oxidative cell death known as ferroptosis can be triggered when there is a breakdown in the equilibrium that exists between antioxidants and pro-oxidants in cells. As a natural bioactive molecule with antioxidant/anti-apoptotic and pro-autophagic properties, ozone can enhance the capacity of the antioxidant system and ameliorate oxidative stress. Yet, the mechanism of its role in neuronal ferroptosis remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the functions and possible mechanisms of ozone in cerebral I/R-induced ferroptotic neuronal death.
Methods
A model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was created in S-D rats that had been pretreated with ozone. Intraperitoneal administration of the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, the Slc7a11 inhibitor Erastin, and the Gpx4 inhibitor RSL3 was performed 1h prior to the creation of the model.
Results
According to the findings of our research, ozone preconditioning was able to mitigate neuronal damage caused by cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), lessen the severity of neurological deficits, lower the volume of cerebral infarcts, and reduce cerebral infarct volume in MCAO rats. One possible mechanism for this protective effect is the suppression of neuronal ferroptosis. Transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting findings all pointed to ferroptosis in the aftermath of MCAO-induced brain damage. The present study found that MCAO caused morphological damage to neuronal mitochondria, enhanced the accumulation of lipid peroxidation, and promoted MDA production. Moreover, MCAO decreased the levels of FTH1 and GPX4, which act as negative regulators of ferroptosis, and increased the levels of ACSL4, which acts as a positive regulator of ferroptosis. Ozone preconditioning has been shown to have a protective impact on neuronal by increasing the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of Slc7a11 and Gpx4. Meanwhile, treatment with ML385, Erastin and RSL3 significantly reversed the protective effect of ozone preconditioning on neuronal ferroptosis.
Conclusion
Ozone treatment attenuates the ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury rat model via Nrf2/Slc7a11/Gpx4 Pathway, which lays a new theoretical foundation for the use of ozone as a possible therapy to prevent ischemic stroke.
Studying the periodic solitary, rational solitary and solitary waves of the nonlinear (2+1)-dimensional Maccari couple model in water wave dynamics
Authors: Yaro David , Akuamoah Saviour Worlanyo , Apeanti Wilson Osafo
Published: August 2023

The analytical and explicit solutions to nonlinear partial differential models are quite an interesting area in nonlinear sciences. The new ansatz transformation on Riccati equation rational expansion method is implemented in this study to ascertain the exact, periodic solitary and solitary wave solutions of the nonlinear (2+1)-dimensional Maccari couple model. By selecting appropriate values for the constant parameters, the dynamic behaviors of some chosen solutions are displayed in terms of 3-D, 2-D, and contour plots. The results indicate that the suggested approach is easy to understand, effective and basic, which is anticipated to provide some fresh ideas for the investigation of traveling wave solutions.
Long-term Functional Outcomes and Complications of Microsurgical Resection of Brainstem Cavernous Malformations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Albalkhi Ibrahem , Shafqat Areez , Bin-Alamer Othman , Mallela Arka N. , Kuminkoski Chloe , Labib Mohamed A. , Lang Michael J. , Lawton Michael T. , Morcos Jacques J. , Couldwell William T. , Abou-Al-Shaar Hussam
Published: August 2023

Background
Brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs) encompass up to 20% of all intracranial CMs and are considered more aggressive than cerebral CMs because of their high annual bleeding rates. Microsurgical resection remains the primary treatment modality for CMs, but long-term functional outcomes and complications are heterogenous in the literature.
Methods
The authors performed a systematic review on brainstem CMs in 4 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar. We included studies that reported on the long-term functional outcomes and complications of brainstem CM microsurgical resection. A meta-analysis was performed and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.
Results
The search yielded 4781 results, of which 19 studies met our inclusion criteria. Microsurgery was performed on 940 patients (mean age 35 years, 46% females). Most of the brainstem CMs were located in the pons (n = 470). The pooled proportions of improved, stable, and worsened functional outcomes after microsurgical resection of brainstem CMs were 56.7% (95% CI 48.4–64.6), 28.6% (95% CI 22.4–35.7), and 12.6% (95% CI 9.6–16.2), respectively. CMs located in the medulla were significantly (p = 0.003) associated with a higher proportion of improved outcome compared with those in the pons and midbrain. Complete resection was achieved in 93.3% (95% CI 89.8–95.7). The immediate postoperative complication rate was 37.2% (95% CI 29.3–45.9), with new-onset cranial nerve deficit being the most common complication. The permanent morbidity rate was 17.3% (95% CI 10.5–27.1), with a low mortality rate of 1% from the compiled study population during a mean follow-up of 58 months.
Conclusion
Our analysis indicates that microsurgical resection of brainstem CMs can result in favorable long-term functional outcomes with transient complications in the majority of patients. Complete microsurgical resection of the CM is associated with a lower incidence of CM hemorrhage and the morbidity related to it.
Bio-based pH‐responsive nanofibrous membranes for controlled release of tetracycline hydrochloride
Authors: Zhu Miaomiao , Xu Wenxuan , Wu Duo , Liu Zhuangcheng , Song Yuanyuan , Zhou Aying , Xiong Ranhua , Huang Chaobo
Published: August 2023

Design and fabrication of pH-responsive nanofibrous membranes by biomaterials is a key step for drug delivery systems. Currently, there is an increasing attention on design of biocompatible nanofibrous drug delivery systems. Here, a bio-based pH‐responsive nanofibrous membranes loaded with antibiotic were fabricated for the controlled release of tetracycline hydrochloride (TH). The in vitro drug release behavior of varied pH‐responsive nanofibrous with different mass ratios of poly (lactic acid) and cellulose acetate phthalate was investigated to clarify the release mechanism. The prepared fibrous membranes possess sufficient antibacterial activity against both to Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. At the same time, it also has good biocompatibility. Therefore, the fabricated nanofibrous membranes was demonstrated to be a pH-responsive nanoplatform for drug delivery, which may be serve as a novel antibacterial wound dressing.
Identification of phenomic data in the pathogenesis of cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract: A UK biobank data analysis
Authors: Tan Shirin Hui , Guan Catherina Anak , Bujang Mohamad Adam , Lai Wei Hong , Voon Pei Jye , Sim Edmund Ui-Hang
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers account for a significant incidence and mortality rates of cancers globally. Utilization of a phenomic data approach allows researchers to reveal the mechanisms and molecular pathogenesis of these conditions. We aimed to investigate the correlation between the phenomic features and gastrointestinal cancers in a large cohort study.
Methods: We included 502369 subjects aged 37-73 years in the UK Biobank recruited since 2006. Socio-demographic factors, blood chemistry, anthropometric measurements and lifestyle factors of participants collected at baseline assessment were analysed. Unviariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine the significant risk factors for the outcomes of interest, based on the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: The analysis included a total of 441141 participants, of which 7952 (1.8%) were incident GI cancer cases and 433189 were healthy controls. A marker, cystatin C was associated with total and each gastrointestinal cancer (adjusted OR 2.43; 95% CI 2.23-2.64). Compared to Asians, Whites ethnicity had higher risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers. Several other factors were associated with distinct GI cancers.
Conclusion: Cystatin C and ethnicity appear to be important features in GI cancers, suggesting some overlap in the molecular pathogenesis of GI cancers.
Analysis of the predictive value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index for osteoporosis in elderly patients with T2DM: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Sun Silu , Tao Simin , Xi Xiaoyan , Jiang Tao , Zhu Qian , Zhou Yan , Li Hui
Published: August 2023

Background: Nutritional status is associated with muscle strength and bone mineral density, and malnutrition is recognized as a risk factor for osteoporosis and T2DM. Previous studies have demonstrated the relationship between nutritional assessment tools and BMD. However, few studies have reported the validity of three nutritional risk assessment tools in predicting osteoporosis in the elderly with T2DM. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between three nutritional assessment tools (GNRI, PNI, CONUT) and BMD and to compare their validity in predicting osteoporosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus in the elderly.
Method: This retrospective study collected clinical data including general information, biochemical indicators, and bone densitometry from 525 elderly patients with T2DM calculated GNRI, PNI, and CONUT scores, and categorized the patients into osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic groups. The correlation between the three nutritional assessment tools and BMD was analyzed using Spearman partial correlation. Binary logistic regression analyzed the relationship between GNRI and osteoporosis. ROC curves were used to compare the validity of GNRI, PNI, and CONUT in predicting osteoporosis.
Results: The osteoporotic group was older and had lower LDL, femoral neck BMD, lumbar spine BMD, and total hip BMD compared with the nonosteoporotic group. Spearman's partial correlation showed a positive correlation between femoral neck BMD and lumbar spine BMD, but no correlation was observed between total hip BMD and GNRI. Logistic regression analyses showed no association between PNI, CONUT scores, and the development of osteoporosis. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, ALB, Cr, UA, FBG, TG, and HDL, the correlation between GNRI and osteoporosis remained. ROC curve analysis showed that GNRI in combination with age and albumin had better predictive ability for osteoporosis than PNI and CONUT.
Conclusion: GNRI levels were positively correlated with femoral neck BMD and lumbar spine BMD; GNRI was an independent protective factor against osteoporosis in elderly patients with T2DM, and the predictive ability of GNRI for osteoporosis in elderly patients with T2DM was better than that of PNI and CONUT scores.
Construction and validation an autophagy and immune-related prognostic signature in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Hairui , Nie Jianyun
Published: August 2023

Increasing evidence has revealed the association between autophagy and tumor microenvironment. However, reliable prognostic signatures based on a combination of autophagy and immune-relate genes have not been well-established. This study aimed to construct an autophagy and immune-related risk model to predict prognosis in patients with breast cancer (BC). The eleven genes (AIMP1, APOBEC3F, APOH, BCL3, CCL24, CCL5, CD14, CD74, CMTM4, CRHR1, DAXX) were identified to constructed an autophagy-immune-related prognostic risk model. High-risk patients had worse overall survival compared with low-risk patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses showed this model had a significant prognostic of survival. The nomogram yielded favorable performance to predict survival and risk stratification. Gene enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified immune and metabolism-related pathways enriched in the high-risk group. Moreover, the rate of immune infiltrating cells was higher in the low-risk group.
Diversity and ecological function of urease-producing bacteria in the cultivation environment of Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis
Authors: Pei Pengbing , Aslam Muhammad , Wang Hui , Ye Peilin , Li Tangcheng , Liang Honghao , Lin Qi , Chen Weizhou , Du Hong
Published: August 2023

Urease-producing bacteria (UPB) provide inorganic nitrogen for primary producers by hydrolyzing urea, and play an important role in marine nitrogen cycle. However, there is still an incomplete understanding of UPB and their ecological functions in the cultivation environment of the red macroalgae Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis. This study comprehensively analyzed the diversity of culturable UPB and explored their effects on urea uptake by G. lemaneiformis. A total of 34 isolates belonging to four main bacterial phyla i.e. (Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria) were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing and were screened for UPB by urea agar chromogenic medium assay and ureC gene cloning. Our data revealed that only 8 strains contained urease. All of these UPB exhibited different urease activities, which were determined by the Berthelot reaction colorimetry assay. Additionally, the UPB strain (G13) isolated from G. lemaneiformis with higher urease activity was selected for co-culture with G. lemaneiformis to explore its role in promoting or inhibiting nitrogen uptake by macroalgae. The results showed a significant increase in urea consumption in the culture medium and the total cellular nitrogen in G. lemaneiformis in the UPB-co culture group compared to the sterile group (p < 0.05). This suggests that the selected UPB strain positively influences nitrogen uptake by G. lemaneiformis. Similarly, isotopic assays revealed that the δ15N content of G. lemaneiformis was significantly higher in the UPB-co culture than in the control group, where δ15N-urea was the only nitrogen source in the culture medium. This indicates that the UPB helped G. lemaneiformis to absorb more nitrogen from urea. Moreover, the highest content of δ15N was found in G. lemaneiformis with epiphytic bacteria compared to sterilized (i.e. control), showing that epiphytic bacteria, along with UPB, have a compound effect in helping G. lemaneiformis absorb more nitrogen from urea. Taken together, these results provide unique insight into the ecological role of UPB and suggest that urease from macroalgae environment-associated bacteria might be an important player in marine nitrogen cycling.
Sonometric assessment of cough predicts extubation failure. SonoWean: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Bonny Vincent , Joffre Jeremie , Gabarre Paul , Urbina Tomas , Missri Louai , Ladoire Mathilde , Gasperment Maxime , Baudel Jean-Luc , Guidet Bertrand , Dumas Guillaume , Maury Eric , Brochard Laurent , Ait-Oufella Hafid
Published: August 2023

Background Extubation failure is associated with increased mortality. Cough ineffectiveness may be associated with extubation failure but its quantification for patients undergoing weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) remains challenging.Methods patients under IMV for more than 24 hours completing a successful spontaneous T-tube breathing trial (SBT) were included. At the end of the SBT, we performed quantitative sonometric assessment of three successive coughing efforts using a sonometer. The mean of the 3-cough volume in decibels was named Sonoscore.Results During a 1-year period, 106 patients were included. Median age was 65 [51–75] years, mainly men (60%). Main reasons for IMV were acute respiratory failure (43%), coma (25%) and shock (17%). Median duration of IMV at enrollment was 4 [3–7] days. Extubation failure occurred in 15 (14%) patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between success and failure extubation groups, except percentage of simple weaning which was lower and MV duration which was longer in extubation failure patients. Sonoscore was significantly lower in patients who failed extubation (58 [52–64] vs. 75 [70–78] dB, P < 0.001). After adjustment on MV duration and comorbidities, Sonoscore remained associated with extubation failure. Sonoscore was predictive of extubation failure with an area under the ROC curve of 0.91 (IC 95% [0.83–0.99], P < 0.001). A threshold of Sonoscore < 67.1 dB predicted extubation failure with a sensitivity of 0.93 IC 95% [0.70–0.99] and a specificity of 0.82 IC 95% [0.73–0.90].Conclusion Sonometric assessment of cough strength might be helpful to identify patients at risk of extubation failure in patients undergoing IMV.
Prognostic value of different surgical treatment strategies in patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Luo MingPeng , Yuan Li , Gao Xin , Cao Qiaochang , Zhou Jichun , Ruan Shanming , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2023

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of different surgical treatment options selected based on the clinical and pathological characteristics of colorectal liver metastasis (CLM) patients through a retrospective study.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on CLM patients from 2000 to 2018 based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis and propensity score matching were used to evaluate the survival outcomes and risk factors of different surgical treatment strategies.
Results
A total of 32,308 eligible CLM patients were included in this study, with 15,409 (47.69%) patients receiving no surgery, 469 (1.45%) patients undergoing liver cancer surgery only without colorectal cancer surgery, 11,559 (35.78%) patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery only without liver cancer surgery, and 4,871 (15.08%) patients undergoing both liver cancer and colorectal cancer surgery. Multivariate survival analysis showed that patients who underwent both surgeries had the best prognosis, while patients who underwent only liver cancer surgery or only colorectal cancer surgery had similar survival curves, indicating similar prognostic outcomes. Patients who did not undergo surgery had the worst prognosis (P < 0.001). Propensity score matching eliminated potential confounding factors and verified the aforementioned findings.
Conclusion
In all conditions, even when only partial conditions meet the indications for surgery, proactive surgical treatment remains the primary choice with adequate consideration for safety. Personalized surgical resection strategies contribute to improved survival rates for patients.
K-line tilt: A novel potential predictive indicator for the effectiveness of conservative cervical spondylotic radiculopathy management
Authors: Deng Wei , Zhou Qingsong , Zhou Yue , Chen Qian , Wang Shengtao , Yin Yong , Feng Ganjun
Published: August 2023

Background: Cervical spondylotic radiculopathy is a prevalent degenerative cervical spine disease. K-line tilt is a recently discovered cervical spine sagittal plane parameter. However, the relationship between K-line tilt and conservative cervical spondylotic radiculopathy management remains unknown.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 188 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy who were conservatively treated at our hospital from May 2016 to May 2022. The effective and ineffective conservative treatment groups included 90 patients and 98 patients, respectively. Cervical sagittal parameters, including K-line tilt, C2–C7 sagittal plane axial vertical distance (C2–C7 SVA), T1 slope, and C2–C7 lordosis, were measured and compared. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to analyze risk factors for effective conservative treatment.
Results: The results revealed that K-line tilt and C2–C7 lordosis were significantly different for the effective and ineffective groups (P < 0.05). Multifactorial regression analysis revealed a K-line tilt of <6.11° as a risk factor for effective conservative cervical spondylotic radiculopathy treatment (P < 0.05), and receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated a moderate diagnostic value with an area under the curve of 0.77.
Conclusions: This study confirms K-line tilt (<6.11°) as a potential risk factor for the effectiveness of conservative cervical spondylotic radiculopathy treatment. Conservative treatment may be less effective when the K-line tilt of the cervical spine is >6.11°.
Co-culturing with Streptococcus anginosus alters Staphylococcus aureus transcriptome when exposed to tonsillar cells
Authors: Bastakoti Srijana , Pesonen Maiju , Ajayi Clement , Julin Kjersti , Corander Jukka , Johannessen Mona , Hanssen Anne Merethe
Published: August 2023

Improved understanding of Staphylococcus aureus throat colonization in the presence of other co-existing microbes is important for mapping S. aureus adaptation to the human throat, and recurrence of infection. Here, we explore the responses triggered by the encounter between two common throat bacteria, S. aureus and Streptococcus anginosus, in the presence of human tonsillar epithelial cells, to identify genes in S. aureus that are important for colonization competition. We performed an in vitro co-culture experiment followed by RNA sequencing to identify important pathways and biological processes affected. A total of 332 and 279 significant differentially expressed genes were identified after 1 h and 3 h post-infection, respectively. S. aureus expression of genes encoding proteins involved in adhesion, immune evasion and iron regulation or homeostasis were altered during co-culturing with S. anginosus and host cells. These findings may be useful for development of interventions against S. aureus throat colonization and could be further investigated to decipher the detailed roles of the identified genes in the host immune response in the context of a throat commensal landscape.