bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relationship between carbapenemase production and biofilm formation in Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates
Authors: Naggar Nora M. El , Shawky Riham M. , Serry Fathy M. E. , Emara Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Background
Infections caused by K. pneumoniae rely heavily on biofilm formation, which also contributes to its ability to withstand the effects of antibiotics. Carbapenemase production in K. pneumoniae poses a formidable challenge, rendering it resistant to multiple antibiotic classes. Both biofilms and carbapenemases exert a significant influence on the pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae. This study aimed to explore the association between carbapenemase production and biofilm formation by employing a collection of clinically isolated K. pneumoniae strains.
Research Surgical outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with Child-Pugh grade B liver function and beyond Milan criteria
Authors: Lu Zhan , Li Jindu , Gao Junping , Xie Yilin , Gong Wenfeng , Xiang Bangde
Published: November 2023

Background
Due to impaired liver function, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Child-Pugh grade B (CPG-B) liver function need carefully chosen treatment. Radical treatment for patients beyond Milan criteria is limited. It has not been established whether hepatectomy is safe and effective under these circumstances.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of patients from January 2010 to October 2021 in a tertiary care centre. Postoperative complications and oncological prognosis were observed. Then, we investigated the feasibility of major hepatectomy for HCC in patients with CPG-B liver function.
Results
Among HCC patients with CPG-B liver function, recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) significantly differed between patients with Milan criteria and those beyond Milan criteria (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in 90-day mortality (4.8% vs. 4.4%) or postoperative complications (55.4% vs. 57.0%). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS for patients beyond Milan criteria were 42.2%, 22.8%, and 15.1%, respectively, while the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 76.6%, 48.1%, and 36.0%, respectively. In HCC patients beyond Milan criteria, an inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis revealed significant differences in RFS and OS between minor hepatectomy and major hepatectomy (p < 0.05). Cox proportional analysis also revealed that major hepatectomy was a prognostic factor for worse RFS (hazard ratio (HR): 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–2.73) and OS (HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.01–2.82).
Conclusion
Hepatectomy is still feasible in HCC patients with CPG-B liver function and beyond Milan criteria, but major hepatectomy will result in a poor prognosis.
Amorphous multimetal catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Zishuai , Vieira Daniela , Barralet Jake E , Merle Geraldine
Published: November 2023

The development of efficient, low-cost water splitting electrocatalysts is needed to store energy by generating sustainable hydrogen from low power clean but intermittent energy sources such as solar and wind. Here, we report a highly sustained low overpotential for oxygen evolution reached by the unique combination of three metals (NiCoV) prepared from a simple low temperature auto-combustion process. The amorphous multimetal oxygen evolving catalyst could be stably coated on a stainless-steel support using a tribochemical particle blasting method to create an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrode with a low overpotential of 230 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a low Tafel slope of 40 mV dec-1. In addition to their low overpotential, this oxygen evolving electrocatalyst preserved performance demonstrating a stability after 10 hours at the technologically relevant current density and without any surface morphology alteration. Given the importance of sustainable hydrogen production, the development of this new OER catalyst points the way to removing a key technical bottleneck for the water splitting reaction and could offer a route to cost reduction and lowering hurdles to more widespread adaptation of electrolyser technologies for hydrogen production.
Incidence and Warning Signs for Complications of Human Brucellosis: A Multi-center Observational Study from China
Authors: Shi Qingnan , Qin Hui-Jie , Lu Qiao-Shan , Li Shu , Tao Zhong-Fa , Fan Meng-Guang , Aishan Mu-Heta , Kou Zeng-Qiang , Chen Qiu-Lan , Yin Wen-Wu , Zhang Yan-Ping
Published: November 2023

background
Brucellosis is one of the most serious “ignored zoonoses” in the world and especially affects poverty-stricken nations. Early diagnosis of focal complications in brucellosis increases treatment success. However, up to now, no clear joint indicators of symptoms or biomarkers for the diagnosis of complications. Hence, we investigated the warning signs of focal complications in human brucellosis aimed to provide practical parameters for clinicians in patients diagnosis and management.
Methods
A multi‑center cross‑sectional study was conducted in China from December 2019 to August 2021. The clinical characteristics and complications of brucellosis patients were based on questionnaire survey and medical record system. Warning signs of complications were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used for variable screening and model evaluation.
Results
A total of 880 participants of human brucellosis were enrolled. Of the patients, median age was 50 years [interquartile range (IQR):41.5,58.0] and 54.8% had complications. The complication involved any organ, common in osteoarticular system (43.1%), including peripheral arthritis (30.0%), spondylitis (16.6%), paravertebral abscess (5.0%) and sacroiliitis (2.7%); followed by genitourinary system (4.7%), respiratory system (4.7%), and hematologic system (4.6%). Long delay in diagnosis [odds ratio (OR):3.963, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.906–8.238 for > 90days], underlying disease(OR:1.675, 95%CI:1.176–2.384), arthralgia(OR:3.197, 95%CI:1.986–5.148), bulging pain(OR:3.482, 95%CI:1.349–8.988), C-reactive protein (CRP) > 10 mg/L (OR:1.910, 95%CI:1.310–2.784)and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) elevation (OR:1.663, 95%CI:1.145–2.415)were the relevant factors for focal brucellosis. The optimal cutoff value in ROC analysis was > 5.4 mg/L for CRP (sensitivity 73.4% and specificity 51.9%) and > 25 mm/h for ESR (sensitivity 47.9% and specificity 71.1%).
Conclusions
Over half of brucellosis patients suffered complications. Diagnostic delay, underlying disease, arthralgia, bulging pain, and high CRP and ESR were significant relevant markers of complications. Regardless of culture results and standard tube agglutination test (SAT) titers, patients with these conditions should be on the alert for complications.
Estimates of Combining Ability in Spring-Summer Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] for Yield and some Morphological Traits Using Line X Tester Analysis
Authors: Bhadouriya Gyan Pratap Singh , Bhadouriya Narendra Singh
Published: November 2023

In kharif-2022 at crop research centre-1 of ITM University, Gwalior situated in gird agroclimatic zone of Madhya Pradesh, (India). eight sorghum genotypes were crossed following line x tester mating design giving rise to 15 hybrids which were cultivated during spring-summer season 2023 at same place to estimate the combining ability. Hybrids were evaluated for yield and its allied characters namely Days to 50% flowering, Days to maturity, Plant height (cm), Number of leaves, Leaf length (cm), Leaf breadth (cm), Leaf area (cm2) and 1000 seed weight (gm). For all the characters under study non additive gene action was predominant as σ2 GCA/ σ2 SCA ratio was less than unity. It was observed that line CSV 15 and tester RVJ 1862 were good combiners for grain yield per plant while JJ 1022 was a good combiner for plant height, crosses JJ 1022 x JJ 938 and SPV2376 x RVJ 1862 was found desirable for plant height. SPV 2688 x RVJ 1862 and SPV2376 x JJ 938 were found good for grain yield per plant.
Ship path-tracking with real disturbance and exponential cost function
Authors: Zhang Lihao
Published: November 2023

Intelligent ship technology is currently an international research hotspot, and model predictive control is widely used in the path-tracking control of intelligent vehicles. To construct an intelligent ship anti-disturbance path-tracking control method, firstly, an environmental disturbance model was constructed with the actual meteorological data of the target sea area. Secondly, the Fossen ship equation of motion is linearized and discretized as the ship motion model. Thirdly, the expression of the prediction equation is derived from the ship motion model. Fourthly, the cost function is constructed by using the polar diameter and polar angle values of the ship. Fifth, the power function in the cost function is replaced with an exponential function to obtain an improved cost function. Sixthly, according to the Lyapunov theory and the MPC terminal constraint theory, the stability of the improved cost function is verified. Seventh, different test paths are set up, the environmental disturbance model is taken as the external disturbance, the ship motion model, the prediction equation, and the improved cost function are used to design the anti-disturbance path-tracking control algorithm according to the model prediction control idea for simulation experiments. Finally, different MATLAB simulation results show that the improved cost function can resist disturbance of the external wave, current, and wind, and effectively track the target path. Therefore, this study provides a reference for improving the navigation safety of ship path-tracking.
A SEER-Based Analysis of Trends in HPV-associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Su Il , Lee Jung Woo , Eun Young-Gyu , Lee Young Chan
Published: November 2023

Background
The trends in the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) according to various epidemiologic factors have not been analyzed in detail in previous studies. We aimed to evaluate the trends of HPV-associated OPSCC in the United States.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 13081 patients with OPSCC from large population-based data using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 2010–2016 database. Patients were diagnosed with OPSCC primarily in the base of tongue, posterior pharyngeal wall, soft palate, and tonsil and were tested for HPV infection status. We analyzed how the trends in the incidence of patients with OPSCC changed according to various demographic factors. Additionally, we forecasted and confirmed the incidence of HPV (+) and (-) patients with OPSCC using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model.
Results
The incidence of HPV (+) patients with OPSCC has increased over the past 7 years, but the degree of increase varied greatly according to the age, sex, and subsites. The incidence of HPV (-) patients increased until 2014 in all age and sex groups for each site, but did not show clear increasing tendency since then. Appropriate ARIMA models were applied to forecast the incidence of HPV (+) and (-) patients, and the predicted data matched the actual data well.
Conclusion
This large population-based study suggests that the trends of the incidence in HPV (+) patients with OPSCC has increased and will continue to increase. However, the trends of HPV (+) and (-) patients differed greatly according to various demographic factors. These results present a direction for establishing appropriate preventive measures to deal with HPV-related OPSCC in more detail.
A novel alternavirus with three dsRNA segments from Fusarium pseudograminearum, the pathogen of Fusarium Crown Rot in wheat
Authors: Liu Fuyu , Xia Lele , Cao Shulin , Sun Haiyan , Chen Huaigu , Deng Qingchao , Li Wei
Published: November 2023

Three dsRNA sequences were detected from the Fusarium pseudograminearum strain CF14029, a pathogen causing Fusarium Crown Rot in China. Characterization and sequencing analyses confirmed that these dsRNA sequences originated from the same virus. The virus consists of three dsRNA segments: dsRNA1 (3,560 nt in length) encoding an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), dsRNA2 (2,544 nt in length), and dsRNA3 (2,478 nt in length) which encodes a coat protein (CP). Phylogenetic analysis based on the RdRp and CP amino acid sequences revealed a high similarity of this virus with alternaviruses isolated from other Fusarium fungi of the genus Alternavirus within the family Alternaviridae. As a novel member of the Alternavirus genus, this virus is provisionally named Fusarium pseudograminearum alternavirus 1 (FpgAV1). Similar to other alternaviruses in Fusarium fungi, the positive-sense strand of each genomic dsRNA of FpgAV1 possesses a poly(A) tail and a distinctive 5'-terminal nonamer sequence (5’-GGC TGT GTG-3’). This study represents the first comprehensive description of the genomic sequence of an Alternavirus identified in F. pseudograminearum.
Effects of Different Nitrogen Flow Rates on Structure and Optical Characteristics in AlN Films by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhu Chunyan
Published: November 2023

AlN coatings were deposited on Si (100) substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering with nitrogen-to-argon flow ratios being varied. The main focus of this study was to analyze and provide a theoretical explanation for how the N2 flow ratio affects the crystal structure, surface morphology, and optical properties of films oriented along the C-axis. The findings indicated that AlN films displayed the highest level of stability and premium quality when the N2 flow ratio was set at 40%. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated prominent (002) diffraction peaks for AlN films obtained at varying N2 flow levels between 20% and 50%. Furthermore, the examination conducted via scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that higher N2 flow ratios resulted in an improved structural order of the films on the (002) crystal plane, ultimately leading to enhanced preferred orientation. Through the manipulation of the N2 flow ratio, the deposition rate and optical characteristics were effectively improved. These findings have significant implications for improving the crystalline quality of AlN films made through sputtering. Furthermore, this study explores the relationship between the N2 flow ratio and performance parameters of the films, which facilitates their application in optoelectronic and electronic devices.
Robustness of Civil Aviation Air Cargo Network Based on Scara Robot Dynamics Model
Authors: li lin , Zhang ya
Published: November 2023

As an integral part of the civil aviation network, the freight network is an indispensable and important channel in the logistics and transportation. As the construction of the cargo network continues to increase, the environment has become more complex. The challenges posed by its risks place higher demands on the robustness of the freight network. The improvement of network robustness, the establishment of preventive measures, and the stabilization of transportation network are the basis for health management and construction of aviation network. Therefore, in this paper, the robustness of the civil aviation air cargo network was deeply studied by combining the SCARA robot dynamics model. On the basis of the general situation of the development of the freight network, a basic understanding of the complex characteristics of the network structure was obtained. Then the robustness analysis provided support for the subsequent network optimization, and a robust controller was constructed using the dynamic model. Finally, the network state changes under random attack and selection attack were observed through simulation experiments. The simulation data has showed that the degree of change in the outer freight network after re-identification and optimization is very significant. The growth rates of the number of routes, average degree, network efficiency and clustering coefficient were 12.16%, 10.07%, 13.14% and 5.47%, respectively, the average path length also decreased by 4.63% due to the increase of isolated nodes. This shows that the optimal control under the SCARA robot dynamics model improves the overall robustness of the civil aviation air cargo network, which has important practical value for planning and improving the structure of the air cargo network, maintaining stable cargo transportation capacity, and improving logistics efficiency.
The effect of silicon on the oxidation behavior of iron aluminide produced using powder metallurgy
Authors: Khoshhal Razieh , Masjedi Abbas , Abad Seyed Vahid Alavi Nezhad Khaili
Published: November 2023

Iron aluminides are widely considered the most important materials due to their lightweight, low cost, easy sintering, and resistance to oxidation and sulfidation. The presence of silicon in some alloys containing aluminum has had positive effects on their oxidation resistance. Few researchers have addressed the effect of silicon on the oxidation behavior of iron aluminide which is formed using elemental powders of Fe, Al, and Si. Therefore, in this research, the amount of silicon was changed and the effects of Si content on the oxidation behavior of iron aluminide were investigated. To achieve this goal, the elemental powders of Fe and Al (with a molar ratio of 1:1) along with different amounts of Si were pressed and sintered at 950°C. The samples were oxidized in air at temperatures of 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C, consequently. The findings confirm that silicon up to a certain content can improve the oxidation resistance of iron aluminide. The morphology of the obtained phases is influenced by the amount of silicon as well.
Controlled Low Strength Material with Waste Materials for Trench Filling in Expansive Soils and Contaminated Sites
Authors: J Sumalatha , C Nataraja M , L Sivakumar Babu G
Published: November 2023

Expansive soils exerting swelling pressures can lead to structural damage in underground utilities like foundations and pipelines. To address this issue, non-swelling materials can be used as substitutes for backfilling trenches. Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM) serves as a suitable alternative and can be prepared using industrial wastes and by-products. The objective of this research work is to replace the conventional filling materials with CLSM, especially in areas where swelling soils exert pressure on sewer pipes, water pipes, and structure footings. To ensure sustainability, industrial wastes like crumb rubber, arecanut fiber, and coconut fiber are incorporated to create the CLSM. From the compression tests, the ideal CLSM mixture identified was 1:10:25 of Cement: Flyash: Sand, with 5% Rubber, 0.2% Arecanut fiber, and 0.2% Coconut fiber. The swelling pressure of black cotton soil estimated by constant volume method was 317.65 kPa, which is relatively high. Consequently, replacing the swelling soils with CLSM emerges as a viable solution to prevent structural damages in lightweight structures. The utilization of CLSM in contaminated soils was also studied as the pollutants in the soil may cause structural damages to the foundation materials. The soil and CLSM materials were filled in trenches and the leaching tests were conducted with copper and zinc solutions of 1000 ppm. From the results, it was found that the CLSM prepared using waste materials is effective in reducing the migration of metals through it and hence it can be effectively used as a trench filling material in contaminated sites.
Prevalence of, and risk factors for, recurrent episodes of depressive or anxiety disorders: A Systematic review
Authors: Brooks Samantha K. , Hall Charlotte E. , Greenberg Neil
Published: November 2023

Background
Previous research papers have suggested that with each successive episode of depression or anxiety disorder the chance of recurrence significantly increases. However, the causes of such recurrences have been less well studied. Indeed, studies often report multiple, often conflicting, risk factors. The current review aimed to systematically collate recent literature on this topic to both estimate the likelihood of recurrence after an initial episode of depression or generalised anxiety disorder and elucidate factors which make recurrence more or less likely.
Methods
In May 2022, searches were conducted across four electronic databases: Medline, Global Health, PsycInfo and Embase for records published in English since 2018 in peer-reviewed journals reporting on the prevalence of recurrence of depressive/anxiety disorders, or risk factors for recurrence of depressive/anxiety disorders.
Results
A total of 2,173 citations were screened and 36 papers were included in the review. Recurrence rate reported in the retained papers ranged from 11.6–91.8%, with a mean and median recurrence rate of 42%. There was limited consensus on factors associated with recurrence, but previous experience of trauma, especially during childhood, was found to be the most predictive.
Limitations:
Grey literature was not included within this review which may have resulted in a loss of potentially important studies.
Conclusion
We found no evidence that disease-related factors were predictive of relapse. Instead, our results also showed that, other than exposure to prior trauma, there was no clear consensus as to what risk factors impacted risk of recurrence. Suggestions for future research are suggested.
The causal role of immune cells in rheumatoid arthritis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: yang wei , Li Zhenhua , Han Xiuzhen , Cui Miao , Han Mingze , Yu Jianan , Qu Yi , Shi Haorui
Published: November 2023

Objective
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, and inflammatory disease of unknown etiology, mainly affecting synovial joints, resulting in severe pain, stiffness, limited function, poor quality of life, and work disability. However, the current pathogenesis of RA is not very clear, and autoimmunity may be one of its causes. The complex immune factors that affect the transition between pro-inflammatory and inflammatory phenotypes may play an important role in the homeostasis of the joint environment, but the relationship between the two still needs further confirmation. This study used a comprehensive analysis of two sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the relationship between immune cell characteristics and the risk of RA.
Methods
Based on publicly available genetic data, the study used Mendelian randomization (MR) comprehensive analysis method to explore the causal relationship between 731 immune cell features and RA risk. To reduce data bias, we used GWAS data from two independent European populations of RA cohorts: the UK Biological Sample Library (Ncase = 1605Ncontrol = 359589) and the FinnGen database (Ncase = 4594Ncontrol = 214196) for MR analysis. Among them, we use the GWAS data of RA in the UK biological sample library as the "discovery queue data", and the GWAS data of RA in the FinnGen database as the "validation queue data". Then, we conduct MR analysis and meta-analysis separately. Use Cochran's Q test and MR Egger intercept test analysis to evaluate the heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and stability of SNPs in RA.
Result
We found that a total of 46 SNPs were associated with RA in 731 immune cell features and GWAS data from the UK biological sample library (P < 0.05), while 59 SNPs were associated with RA in the FinnGen database (P < 0.05). Subsequently, we performed meta-analysis on the two sets of data, and if the statistical heterogeneity was significant (I ²༞ 50%), using a random effects model; On the contrary, using a fixed effects model, six SNPs were found to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis (P < 0.05), including: CD39 + secretory CD4 regulatory T cell% secretory CD4 regulatory T cell (P = 0.0001, OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.9552–0.985), CD39 + secretory CD4 regulatory T cell% CD4 regulatory T cell (P = 0.0038, OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.9502–0.9902), CD39 + CD4 + T cell% T cell (P = 0.0093, OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.9652–0.995), CD3 on CD39 + resting CD4 regulatory T cell (P = 0.0411, OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.8674–0.9971), CD80 on myeloid Dental Cell (P = 0.0419, OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.0021–1.1212), HLA DR on CD33- HLA DR+(P < 0.0001, OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.118–1.3975).
Conclusion
We conducted MR analysis on GWAS data based on large-scale population studies to demonstrate a close relationship between immune cell characteristics and RA from a genetic perspective, which will provide scientific basis for further research on the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of RA.
Study of mechanical characteristics and microstructure on ZM21 alloy with Tricalcium Phosphate using Friction stir processing
Authors: Muzammiluddin Mohd , Thirumurugan M.
Published: November 2023

Friction stir processing (FSP) at 1120 rpm was performed to refine surface characteristics of a magnesium alloy which included tri-calcium phosphate. Hardness tests showed that measurements of average hardness and the hardness of the surface layer have been significantly altered by the dispersed nanoparticles. Due to the deposition of greater Ca/P mineral phase, the FSP ZM21 saw less weight loss than the unprocessed alloy during immersion test investigations conducted in simulated body fluids (SBFs) in 24 hours. As demonstrated by the results of the tensile testing, the FSP ZM21 alloy had a greater ultimate tensile strength than the parent alloy. Additionally, the tensile specimens were tested after being subjected to the corrosive medium SBF for 24 hours. Results indicate an enhanced effect of grain refinement, reduced intermetallic phase, and development of supersaturated grains on retaining the improved mechanical characteristics following degradation.
Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain 1 (NOD1) regulates microglia activation in Pseudorabies Virus Infection
Authors: Sun Xiuxiu , Jin Xinxin , Lin Zhengdan , Liu Xi , Yang Junjie , Li Li , Feng Helong , Zhang Wanpo , Gu Changqin , Hu Xueying , Liu Xiaoli , Cheng Guofu
Published: November 2023

The primary cause of viral encephalitis is the invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by the virus, leading to neuroinflammation, which poses a significant threat to global public health. Microglia, as CNS-resident macrophages, play a crucial role in neuroinflammation and are often identified as the preferred target for the prevention or treatment of viral encephalitis. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) is a pattern recognition receptor associated with various human inflammatory diseases. In this study, we used pseudorabies virus (PRV) as a model to investigate the regulation of microglial responses during viral encephalitis and explored whether NOD1 suppressed neuroinflammation by regulating microglial activation. Cellular experiments revealed microglia activation accompanied by cell migration, characteristic morphological changes, phagocytosis, inflammatory cytokine production, and antigen presentation. Subsequently, we studied the impact of NOD1 on PRV-induced microglia activation. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that PRV infection upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of NOD1. Modulation of NOD1 expression, either through inhibition or overexpression, resulted in a corresponding reduction or enhancement of the JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways, regulating microglial activation and the inflammatory response induced by PRV.
BACKGROUND
Viral encephalitis is an acute inflammatory process resulting from viral infections in the CNS. Microglia, as the primary effectors of inflammation in the CNS, play a crucial role. Notably, NOD1/RIP2 signalling is implicated in the initiation of inflammatory responses to viruses. Our study offers novel perspectives for developing protective strategies against neuroinflammation by elucidating the NOD1/RIP2-mediated regulation of microglia. Furthermore, it identifies NOD1 as a potential target for mitigating microglia hyperactivation.
The impact of karst landform types and land uses on the leaching of nitrogen and phosphorus in soil solution
Authors: Gong Chunjin , Han Jun-lei , Dai Jun-feng , Wan Zu-peng , Xu Bao-li , Zhang Shuai-pu , Xu Jing-xuan
Published: November 2023

To analyze the impact of karst landform types and land use patterns on the movement of nitrogen and phosphorus in soil solution, we utilized soil solution nitrogen and phosphorus monitoring data from the Huixian Wetland Experimental Area in the Li River Basin from March to December 2021. The study area was divided into three categories based on karst landform types, namely, non-karst landforms, peak-cluster depressions, and peak-forest plains. Additionally, two categories were considered based on land use patterns, namely, paddy fields and uplands. Single-factor variance analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to examine the transportation of soil solution nitrogen and phosphorus at different soil depths during the irrigation and non-irrigation seasons. The results indicate that (1) the concentrations of NO3--N in the soil solution at depths of 30 cm, 60 cm, and 100 cm exhibited significant differences between the irrigation and non-irrigation seasons. The total nitrogen (TN) concentration at a depth of 30 cm also displayed significant differences between the two seasons. Pearson correlation analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the soil solution revealed a significant positive correlation between NO3--N and TN, with a correlation coefficient of 0.666 (p<0.01). (2) The downward migration distance of NO3--N varied among different karst landform types, following the sequence of peak-forest plains > peak-cluster depressions > non-karst landforms. The NH4+-N migration distance followed the order of peak-cluster depressions > peak-forest plains > non-karst landforms. (3) The NO3--N concentration in irrigated paddy fields generally remained at a high level at a depth of 100 cm during the irrigation season. In upland areas, the NO3--N concentration followed a consistent pattern of 30 cm > 60 cm > 100 cm. However, during periods of heavy rainfall, anomalous increases or decreases in concentration were observed at depths of 60 cm and 100 cm.
Metabolic engineering of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 for the improved production of phenylpropanoids
Authors: Kukil Kateryna , Lindberg Pia
Published: November 2023

Background
Phenylpropanoids are a large group of plant secondary metabolites with various biological functions, derived from aromatic amino acids. Cyanobacteria are promising host organisms for sustainable production of plant phenylpropanoids. We have previously engineered Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 to produce trans-cinnamic acid (tCA) and p-coumaric acid (pCou), the first intermediates of phenylpropanoid pathway, by overexpression of phenylalanine- and tyrosine ammonia lyases. In this study, we aimed to enhance the production of the target compounds tCA and pCou in Synechocystis.
Results
We eliminated the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) activity, which is a competing pathway consuming tyrosine and, possibly, phenylalanine for tocopherol synthesis. Moreover, several genes of the terminal steps of the shikimate pathway were overexpressed alone or in operons, such as aromatic transaminases, feedback insensitive cyclohexadienyl dehydrogenase (TyrC) from Zymomonas mobilis and the chorismate mutase (CM) domain of the fused chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydratase enzyme from Escherichia coli. The obtained engineered strains demonstrated nearly 1.5 times enhanced tCA and pCou production when HPPD was knocked out compared to the parental production strains, accumulating 138 ± 3.5 mg L− 1 of tCA and 72.3 ± 10.3 mg L− 1 of pCou after seven days of photoautotrophic growth. However, there was no further improvement when any of the pathway genes were overexpressed. Finally, we used previously obtained AtPRM8 and TsPRM8 Synechocystis strains with deregulated shikimate pathway as a background for the overexpression of synthetic constructs with ppd knockout.
Conclusions
HPPD elimination enhances the tCA and pCou productivity to a similar extent. The use of PRM8 based strains as a background for overexpression of synthetic constructs, however, did not promote tCA and pCou titers, which indicates a tight regulation of the terminal steps of phenylalanine and tyrosine synthesis. This work contributes to the establishing cyanobacteria as hosts for phenylpropanoid production.
Development and Validation of the MOUD Access Policy Implementation Index (MAPI2) Measuring Implementation of Policies Supportive of Increased Access to MOUD by Arizona MOUD Providers
Authors: Bentele Keith G. , Meyerson Beth E. , Brady Benjamin R.
Published: November 2023

Background: U.S. federal regulations allowed treatment accommodations during the COVID-19 pandemic to assure access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Objective: To develop and validate a MOUD Access Policy Implementation Index (MAPI2) measuring the extent to which providers implement allowed MOUD accommodations.
Methods: Responses from a survey of 74 Arizona MOUD providers from September 2021-April 2022 measuring reported adoption of 10 accommodations were used to assess instrument validity. Implementation was measured for three time periods: before COVID, during the COVID lock down and currently (at the time of survey). Three MAPI2 versions tracking different implementation characterizations were examined by regression analysis with robust standard errors, testing associations between provider characteristics in each version of the MAPI2.
Results: In the unadjusted MAPI2, the mean count of accommodations increased from 1.2 accommodations pre-COVID-19 to 3.2 during the COVID shutdown, and remained at 3.1 at the time of the survey. The two other versions of the MAPI2, the adjusted and the relevant MAPI2, exhibited a similar pattern of increase and leveling off across the three time periods. Paired t-tests on the three index versions found significant increases in the index scores between the pre-COVID and COVID shutdown periods. No significant differences were found between the COVID shutdown and time of survey periods, suggesting continued implementation of most accommodations at the time of survey. Significant associations were found between various provider characteristics and degree of implementation as measured by the indices. Specifically, providers with larger patient limits and those offering methadone treatment were found to have higher levels of accommodation implementation as measured by the MAPI2. MAPI2 was found to have excellent content validity, acceptable internal consistency, and strong construct validity.
Conclusions: The MAPI2 can be used to assess the implementation of newly allowed MOUD access accommodations both between MOUD providers and over time. As wide variation exists in MOUD accommodations implementation nationally, MAPI2 offers a tool to track changes in MOUD accessibility over time and across individual providers and locations. It will be an important tool given anticipated federal expansion of MOUD treatment accommodations.
The Naturally Occurring m1A RNA Modification Can Be Efficiently Incorporated into RNA by SARS-CoV-2 RdRp
Authors: Apostle Alexander , Arneson Reed , Yuan Yinan , Fang Shiyue
Published: November 2023

When it is in the template RNA, the naturally occurring m1A epitranscriptomic RNA modification was recently reported to be able to stop the RNA polymerization reaction catalyzed by the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. In this report, we report that m1A via its triphosphate form (m1ATP) can be incorporated into RNA by the same RdRp. These two findings point a new direction for antiviral drug development based on m1A for combatting COVID-19. More broadly, it is possible that the large pool of epigenetic RNA as well as DNA modifications could serve as a treasury for drug discovery aimed at combating various infectious and other diseases.
Prognostic Significance of Lymph Node Ratio in Rectal Cancer on Overall Survival: An Alternative not a substitute. A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Taha Abdallah M. , Amin Anwar T. , Saada Ahmed M. , Jabir Murad A.
Published: November 2023

Background: Accurate rectal cancer N staging requires the histopathological evaluation of at least 12 lymph nodes. Retrieval of that count is not always possible, Lymph Node Ratio (LNR) could be used as an alternative.
Patients and Methods: Retrospective cohort study on 229 patients who underwent curative surgery for resectable rectal cancer. Receiver Operating Characteristic ROC) curve analysis was used to find the optimal cutoff value for Lymph Node count (LNC), Positive Lymph Nodes count (PLN), and LNR affecting overall survival (OS). The Kaplan-Meier product limit method was used for univariate analysis of factors affecting OS. Log Rank (Mantel-Cox) test was used to test significance. Cox-Regression Hazard model was used to detect the most significant factor affecting OS.
Results: ROC curve analysis of PLNs revealed the poor value of the test with a sensitivity 51.9%, at PLNs 4 cutoff value, with shorter mean OS aboveit ( 21.71±11.597 vs. 31.20 ± 16.634 for ≥4 vs. <4). ROC curve analysis of LNC revealed the poor value of the test, with a sensitivity 56% at LNC 12 cutoff value, with longermean Overall Survival (OS) above it ( 28.21±15.432 vs. 22.22±12.97 for LNC ≥12 vs. <12). ROC curve analysis of LNR revealed a good value of the test for predicting survival with a sensitivity 95% at LNR 18.82% cutoff value, with longer mean OS above it (21.44±11.607 vs. 39.82±15.085 for LNR ≥18.8% vs. <18.8%).
In Univariate analysis, factors significantly affecting OS were histopathological examination (p = .000), Lymph-Vascular Invasion (LVI) (p =.014), LNC cutoff value (p =.002.), PLN cutoff value (p =.008), LNR cutoff value (p=.000). In Multivariate analysis, the LNR cutoff value of 18.8% was found to be the most significant factor affecting OS (p =.000).
Conclusion: Higher LNR with 18.82% cutoff value is an independent adverse prognostic factor affecting OS in resectable rectal cancer. LNR could be considered as a good alternative to absolute number of PLN, particularly in patients with a low LNC. Higher LNC ≥12 was associated with a longer OS; maximum possible lymphadenectomy should be done in every single patient.
Solid-state fermentation using wheat bran to produce glucose syrup and functional cereal bars
Authors: Figueiredo Célia Cristina Malaguti , Granero Filipe Oliveira , Silva Luciana Pereira , Nogueira Ilca Fabiane Amâncio , de Souza Joyce Faria , Escaramboni Bruna , Neto Pedro de Oliva , Silva Regildo Márcio Gonçalves da
Published: November 2023

Wheat bran is one of the most abundant by-products from grain milling, which can be applied as substrate for solid-state fermentation to obtain enzymes able to convert this agro-industrial residue into glucose syrup, which in turn can be used for the production of different food products. Present study aimed to determine centesimal composition of wheat bran, obtain enzymatic extract that converts wheat bran into wheat glucose syrup, produce rice flakes cereal bars using glucose syrup, and evaluate their nutritional composition and the presence of functional compounds, as well as their antioxidant potential. Cereal bars were evaluated to determine reducing sugars, soluble proteins, and total polyphenols and flavonoids content. Antioxidant evaluation and enzymatic extract obtained presented amylolytic activity and it was able to produce cereal bar. Produced with wheat glucose syrup proved to be a source of dietary fiber (1.8 g) and soluble protein (7.2 g) while the rice flakes produced with corn glucose syrup did not present these nutritional components. Cereal bar produced with glucose syrup presented phenolic compounds, among them flavonoids. In addition, they exhibited antioxidant activity by radical scavenging (47.46%), reduced ion iron (71.70 µM Trolox equivalent/g) and radical stabilization (711.89 µM Trolox Equivalent/g). Final product maintained organoleptic profile characteristic of cereal bars and it showed a decrease in caloric value and sodium content. Therefore, the present study showed that the bioprocess yields a nutritional, ecological, and functional food product, which might be of great interest for food industry, adding nutritional and functional value to a well-stablished product.
Low-dose apatinib and CPT synergistically optimize the tumor microenvironment and enhance the antitumor effects of PD-1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hankang , Gao Congcong , Chen Feng , Li Guijie , Li Xiaodong
Published: November 2023

Background
Apatinib is a selective vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has been shown to apply to a variety of solid tumors, including advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Clinical outcome prove that the combination of apatinib and anti programmed death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors has a cooperate with anti-tumor effect. In this study, we investigated the synergistic enhancement of the antitumor effect of PD-1 inhibitor in HCC by camptothecin (CPT) and low-dose apatinib.
Methods
The effect of low-dose apatinib in combination with CPT on the antitumor effects of PD-1 inhibitor was evaluated in making use of the H22 mouse model (n = 32), which was divided into four treatment groups. Immunohistochemical staining and western blotting were used to detect nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as well as sequestosome 1 (p62), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), PD-1, and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1).
Results
The results showed that the average size of the tumor of the combination group was significantly less than that of the apatinib + PD-1 inhibitor group. The expression levels of Nrf2, p62, VEGFA,VEGFR2, PD-1, and PD-L1 in the apatinib + PD-1 inhibitor group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The expression levels of these genes were significantly lower in the combination group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
There was no obvious difference in body weight and liver and kidney functions between the four groups of mice. In conclusion, CPT synergistically enhanced the antitumor effect of PD-1 inhibitor in HCC with low-dose apatinib.
Perspectives on improving wound care for Aboriginal Health workers in rural and remote communities in Queensland, Australia.
Authors: King Helena Jane , Whiteside Eliza , Ward Raelene , Kauter Kate , Byrne Martin , Horner Vicki , Nutter Helen , Lea Jackie
Published: November 2023

Background: The care of wounds is an ongoing issue for Indigenous people worldwide, yet culturally safe Indigenous wound care training programs for rural and remote Australian Aboriginal Health Workers are largely unavailable. The higher prevalence of chronic disease, lower socioeconomic status and poorer access to services means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are adversely affected by chronic wounds. This study aimed to examine experiences of Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners and nurses for managing chronic wounds within rural and remote Aboriginal Medical Services in Queensland, Australia. Identifying the barriers and enablers for delivering wound care will establish areas of need for facilitating the development of a specific wound care program for Aboriginal Health Workers and Aboriginal Health Practitioners. This paper reports the first phase of a larger project directly aligned to the Indigenous Australians’ Health Program’s objective of supporting the delivery and access to high quality, culturally appropriate health care and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Methods: Yarning circles were utilised to interview Aboriginal Health Workers, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, and nurses currently employed within four Aboriginal Medical Services located in rural and remote areas of Queensland, Australia.
Results: Two themes emerged from the data. Specifically, participants’ experiences of managing wounds and barriers and enablers to effective wound care.
Conclusions: This study contributes an insight into the experiences of Aboriginal Health workers on the current barriers and enablers to timely treatment of chronic wounds. Results from this study indicate a significant barrier to obtaining timely and effective wound care in regional and remote settings is access to an appropriately skilled, culturally competent and resourced health work force. A lack of education and professional development for AHW can compromise their ability to maximise patient outcomes and delay wound healing. Findings have informed the development of an evidence based, culturally competent open access chronic wound care education program for AHW.
Effect of Temperature on Post-yield Behavior of Pvc Foams
Authors: Vedire Anudeep Reddy , Fatt Michelle S. Hoo , Pakala Akshay Kumar
Published: November 2023

Experiments were conducted on Divinycell HCP30 foam to develop equations predicting its elastic and post-yield behavior from-40 to +60 oC. In these experiments, the foam was subjected to post-yield cyclic tension, compression and shear and monotonic biaxial tension and compression loading in the environmental chamber of an MTS servo-hydraulic machine. Elastic modulus and yield strength of the foam were found to decrease linearly with increasing temperature and could be expressed by a single equation in terms of room temperature properties. Post-yield behavior involved plasticity, viscoelasticity, and damage. An elastic-plastic viscoelastic damage model was used to predict post-yield behavior of the foam at different temperatures. Temperature dependent plastic hardening and viscoelastic damage functions were extracted from the experimental results and used to simulate elastic and post-yield stress-strain behavior in ABAQUS Explicit using a user-defined material subroutine. The ABAQUS user-defined material was validated with experiments on Divinycell HCP30 foam sheets at various temperatures. Good comparisons were found between ABAQUS and experimental results.