bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and in silico evaluation of Carthamus tinctorius L. oil emulgel: a promising treatment for bacterial skin infections
Authors: Saeed Javaria , Hussain Shah Syed Nisar , Javed Hina , Aslam Asma , Ali Anam , Siddique Farhan , Zahra Tahreem , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Wondmie Gezahign Fentahun , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bourhia Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The current study aimed to develop a topical herbal emulgel containingCarthamus tinctoriusL. (CT) oil extract, which has been scientifically proven for its antibacterial and antioxidant activities for the ailment of bacterial skin infections.

Method

The CT emulgel was formulated by response surface methodology (RSM) and was evaluated by various parameters like extrudability, spreadability, pH, viscosity, and antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Molecular docking was also performed using AutoDock.

Results

Among all formulated CT emulgels, F9 and F8 were optimized. Optimized formulations had shown good spreadability and extrudability characteristics. Sample F8 had % inhibition of 42.131 ± 0.335, 56.720 ± 0.222, and 72.440 ± 0.335 at different concentrations. Sample F9 had % inhibition of 26.312 ± 0.280, 32.461 ± 0.328, and 42.762 ± 0.398 at concentrations of 250 µg/ml, 500 µg/ml, and 1,000 µg/ml, respectively, which shows that both samples F8 and F9 have significant antioxidant potential. Optimized CT emulgels F8 and F9 had significant antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia coliat p-value = 0.00, the Emulgel-F8 shows zone of inhibition of 24 mm forE-coliand 19 mm forS-aureus. Emulgel-F9 shows zone of inhibition of 22 mm forE-coliand 15 mm forS-aureuswhile pure CT- Oil extract shows zone of inhibition of 25 mm forE-coliand 20 mm forS-aureusand ciprofloxacin used as standard shows 36mm zone of inhibition against bothE-coliandS-aureus. The comparative investigation through molecular docking binding affinities and interactions of ligands with various target proteins provides insights into the molecular processes behind ligand binding and may have significance for drug discovery and design for the current study.

Conclusion

The current study suggests thatC. tinctoriusL.-based emulgel has good antioxidant and antibacterial activities againstE. colifor the treatment of bacterial skin infections.
Assessment of left ventricular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by non-invasive myocardial work
Authors: Cao Wenjia , Deng Yan , Lv Linyi , Liu Xuebing , Luo Anguo , Yin Lixue , Li Zhaohuan
Published: September 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that poses a serious risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, early detection of impaired cardiac function with non-invasive myocardial imaging is critical for improving the prognosis of patients with DM.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by non-invasive myocardial work technique.

Materials and methods

In all, 67 patients with T2DM and 28 healthy controls were included and divided into a DM group and a control group. Two-dimensional dynamic images of apical three-chamber view, apical two-chamber view, and apical four-chamber view were collected from all subjects, consisting of at least three cardiac cycles. LV myocardial strain parameters, including global longitudinal strain (GLS) and peak strain dispersion (PSD), as well as myocardial work parameters, including global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), global work index (GWI), and global work efficiency (GWE), were obtained and analyzed.

Results

A total of 15 subjects were randomly selected to assess intra-observer and inter-observer consistency of myocardial work parameters and strain parameters, which showed excellent results (intra-class correlation coefficients: 0.856 - 0.983, P<0.001). Compared with the control group, the DM group showed significantly higher PSD (37.59 ± 17.18 ms vs. 27.72 ± 13.52 ms, P<0.05) and GWW (63.98 ± 43.63 mmHg% vs. 39.28 ± 25.67 mmHg%, P<0.05), and lower GWE (96.38 ± 2.02% vs. 97.72 ± 0.98%, P<0.001). Furthermore, the PSD was positively correlated with GWW (r = 0.565, P<0.001) and negatively correlated with GWE (r = -0.569, P<0.001).

Conclusion

Uncoordinated LV myocardial strain, higher GWW, and lower GWE in patients with T2DM may serve as indicators for the early assessment of cardiac impairment in T2DM.
Operation strategies of capital-constrained small and medium-sized enterprises based on blockchain technology
Authors: Huang Zuqing , Wu Zhen , Cao Bingbing
Published: September 2023

Introduction: In reality, due to the low credit rating of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it is difficult for them to obtain sufficient financing from a single financier. This paper considers a dual-channel supply chain consisting of a capital-constrained manufacturer, an e-commerce platform (ECP), a third-party logistics company (3PL) and consumers. There are two innovations in this paper: the manufacturer obtains sufficient production funds through hybrid financing of the ECP and 3PL, and consumers want to know product information and compare prices. The contributions of this paper are to investigate new applications of blockchain in both hybrid financing and meeting consumer information search needs.

Methodology: We discuss the operation and pricing decisions of supply chain in two scenarios. These two scenarios are without adopting blockchain (N) and with adopting blockchain (B). Then, we compare the equilibrium decisions in two scenarios.

Results: The results show that the supply chain will adopt blockchain when certain conditions are met. The initial adoption of blockchain is bad for the ECP and 3PL. Further, we find that with the increase of financing ratio, the optimal financing interest rate of the ECP decreases, while the optimal financing interest rate of the 3PL increases.

Discussion: The numerical analysis shows that the adoption of blockchain can be more profitable when the cost of information search is high.

Management insights: In order to achieve supply chain coordination, the manufacturer should give subsidies the ECP and 3PL.
Molecular dynamics simulation of surfactant induced wettability alteration of shale reservoirs
Authors: Kong Debin , Meng Xianglong , Zhu Jiadan , Zhou Wenning
Published: September 2023

Shale oil has recently received considerable attention as a promising energy source due to its substantial reserves. However, the recovery of shale oil presents numerous challenges due to the low-porosity and low-permeability characteristics of shale reservoirs. To tackle this challenge, the introduction of surfactants capable of modifying wettability has been employed to enhance shale oil recovery. In this study, we perform molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the influence of surfactants on the alteration of wettability in shale reservoirs. Firstly, surfaces of kaolinite, graphene, and kerogen are constructed to represent the inorganic and organic constituents of shale reservoirs. The impact and underlying mechanisms of two types of ionic surfactants, namely, the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) and cationic surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), on the wettability between oil droplets and surfaces are investigated. The wettability are analyzed from different aspects, including contact angle, centroid ordinates, and self-diffusion coefficient. Simulation results show that the presence of surfactants can modify the wetting characteristics of crude oil within shale reservoirs. Notably, a reversal of wettability has been observed for oil-wet kaolinite surfaces. As for kerogen surfaces, it is found that an optimal surfactant concentration exists, beyond which the further addition of surfactant may not enhance the efficiency of wettability alteration.
Assessing the impacts and feasibility of emissions reduction scenarios in the Po Valley
Authors: Colombo Loris , Marongiu Alessandro , Malvestiti Giulia , Fossati Giuseppe , Angelino Elisabetta , Lazzarini Matteo , Gurrieri Gian Luca , Pillon Silvia , Lanzani Guido Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

This study is focused on a pivotal objective: enhancing air quality and attaining pollutant concentrations in accordance with WHO guidelines. The study extensively evaluates the feasibility of reducing emissions, specifically targeting an 80% decrease in SOX, NOX, PM, NH3, and NMVOC emissions within a limited timeframe. Despite notable emission curtailments of 50% and 80%, the research reveals that recommended pollutant levels are unlikely to be met across most areas of the Po Valley region. Even when implementing the finest available technologies across various sectors, particularly within the Lombardia region, this goal remains unattainable without simultaneous reductions in activity levels. This involves diminishing factors like vehicle miles traveled, energy consumption for heating, and industrial, agricultural, and livestock production. Overall, achieving improved conforming to the new AQG limits is a multifaceted endeavor involving numerous stakeholders and diverse strategies. Successful adherence to Air Quality limits mandates the implementation of Source-Specific emissions standards at the EU level, alignment of the National Emission Reduction Directive with limits specified in the Air Quality Directive, and the formulation of comprehensive Air Quality Plans at national, regional, and local tiers.
RNAi-chitosan biopesticides for managing forest insect pests: an outlook
Authors: Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Roy Amit
Published: September 2023

The expanding world population demands superior forest protection to fulfil feasible environmental certainty. The persistent pest infestations negatively influence forest health and cause substantial economic losses. In contrast, the traditional use of conventional pesticides results in a loss of soil microbial biodiversity, a drop in the population of pollinators, and adverse effects on other non-target organisms, including humans. Global forestry is looking for solutions to reduce the adverse environmental effects of current chemical pesticides. RNAi-nanotechnology has recently drawn much attention for its use in pest management. The advantages of engineered RNAi-chitosan nano-formulations in terms of simple digestion and dissolution, non-toxicity, high adsorption power, potential biodegradation in nature, and widespread availability and cost-effectiveness, have been well documented for pest management in agroecosystems. However, deploying such control strategies in forest ecosystems is still pending and demands further research. Hence, we highlight the putative uses of RNAi-chitosan biopesticides and their preparation, characterization, and putative application methods for forest pest management. We also discussed potential environmental risks and plausible mitigation strategies.
Long-chain noncoding RNA sequencing analysis reveals the molecular profiles of chemically induced mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Wei Mengzhen , Tang Wenkui , Lv Danwei , Liu Mingxing , Wang Guodong , Liu Quanhui , Qin Liangshan , Huang Ben , Zhang Dandan
Published: September 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were important regulators affecting the cellular reprogramming process. Previous studies from our group have demonstrated that small molecule compounds can induce goat ear fibroblasts to reprogram into mammary epithelial cells with lactation function. In this study, we used lncRNA-Sequencing (lncRNA-seq) to analyze the lncRNA expression profile of cells before and after reprogramming (CK vs. 5i8 d). The results showed that a total of 3,970 candidate differential lncRNAs were detected, 1,170 annotated and 2,800 new lncRNAs. Compared to 0 d cells, 738 lncRNAs were significantly upregulated and 550 were significantly downregulated in 8 d cells. Heat maps of lncrnas and target genes with significant differences showed that the fate of cell lineages changed. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these differently expressed (DE) lncRNAs target genes were mainly involved in signaling pathways related to reprogramming and mammary gland development, such as the Wnt signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, arginine and proline metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction, and MAPK signaling pathway. The accuracy of sequencing was verified by real-time fluorescence quantification (RT-qPCR) of lncRNAs and key candidate genes, and it was also demonstrated that the phenotype and genes of the cells were changed. Therefore, this study offers a foundation for explaining the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in chemically induced mammary epithelial cells.
Factors influencing immunogenicity and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in liver transplantation recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Xinyi , Lessomo Fabrice Yves Ndjana , Yu Zhimin , Xie Yong
Published: September 2023

Background

This review summarizes the factors influencing the efficacy and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in LTR through meta-analysis, hoping to provide strategies for vaccine use.

Methods

Electronic databases were screened for studies on mRNA vaccines in LTR. The primary outcome was the pooled seroconversion rate, and the secondary outcome was the incidence of adverse events+breakthrough infections. Subgroup analyses were made based on BMI, associated comorbidities, presence of baseline leukopenia, time since transplant, and drugs used.

Result

In total, 31 articles got included. The pooled seroconversion rate after at least two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was 72% (95% CI [0.52-0.91). With significant heterogeneity among studies I2 = 99.9%, the seroconversion rate was about 72% (95%CI [0.66-0.75]), from the studies reporting two doses of vaccine slightly higher around 75%(95%CI [0.29-1.22]) from studies reporting three doses. The pooled seroconversion rate within the lower to normal BMI group was 74% (95% CI [0.22-1.27], Pi=0.005) against 67% (95% CI [0.52-0.81], Pi=0.000) in the high BMI group. The pooled seroconversion rate in the ‘‘positive leukopenia’’ group was the lowest, 59%. Leukopenia could influence the vaccine seroconversion rate in LTR. From the time since transplant analysis after setting seven years as cut off point, the pooled seroconversion rate after at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccination was 53% (95% CI [0.18-0.83], P=0.003, I2 = 99.6%) in <7years group and 83% (95% CI [0.76-0.90], P=0.000 I2 = 95.7%) in > 7years group. The only time since transplantation had reached statistical significance to be considered a risk factor predictor of poor serological response (OR=1.27 95%CI [1.03-1.55], P=0.024). The breakthrough infection rate after vaccination was very low2% (95% CI 0.01-0.03, I2 = 63.0%), and the overall incidence of adverse events, which included mainly pain at the injection site and fatigue, was 18% (95%CI [0.11-0.25], I2 = 98.6%, Pi=0.000).

Conclusion

The seroconversion rate in LTR vaccinated with at least two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine could be significantly affected by the vaccine type, immunosuppressant used, BMI, leukopenia, associated comorbidities, and time since transplantation. Nevertheless, booster doses are still recommended for LTR.
Current advances in cancer vaccines targeting NY-ESO-1 for solid cancer treatment
Authors: Zhou Hong , Ma Yipeng , Liu Fenglan , Li Bin , Qiao Dongjuan , Ren Peigen , Wang Mingjun
Published: September 2023

New York-esophageal cancer 1 (NY-ESO-1) belongs to the cancer testis antigen (CTA) family, and has been identified as one of the most immunogenic tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) among the family members. Given its ability to trigger spontaneous humoral and cellular immune response and restricted expression, NY-ESO-1 has emerged as one of the most promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer vaccines, an important element of cancer immunotherapy, function by presenting an exogenous source of TAA proteins, peptides, and antigenic epitopes to CD4+ T cells via major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) and to CD8+ T cells via major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I). These mechanisms further enhance the immune response against TAAs mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T cells. NY-ESO-1-based cancer vaccines have a history of nearly two decades, starting from the first clinical trial conducted in 2003. The current cancer vaccines targeting NY-ESO-1 have various types, including Dendritic cells (DC)-based vaccines, peptide vaccines, protein vaccines, viral vaccines, bacterial vaccines, therapeutic whole-tumor cell vaccines, DNA vaccines and mRNA vaccines, which exhibit their respective benefits and obstacles in the development and application. Here, we summarized the current advances in cancer vaccines targeting NY-ESO-1 for solid cancer treatment, aiming to provide perspectives for future research.
Preparation of biodegradable polypropylene carbonate-polylactic acid core yarn by electrospinning and its antibacterial finishing
Authors: Zhou Ning , Zhu Ling , Dong Yi-Hang , Kim Ick Soo , Gao Hong-Guo , Zhang Ke-Qin
Published: September 2023

With the improvement of living standards, people’s awareness of health and environmental protection continues to strengthen. The production of textiles with antibacterial functions is one of the effective ways to protect people from or reduce bacterial invasion. Therefore, textiles with antibacterial functions are increasingly favored by people. At the same time, due to the impact of global warming, people are committed to reducing carbon emissions in all aspects of life. The biodegradable material polypropylidene carbonate (PPC) that can consume carbon dioxide (CO2) in the production process fully conforms to people’s environmental protection concept. However, polypropylidene carbonate itself has poor thermal stability and narrow application range. Polypropylidene carbonate thermoplastic polyurethane (PPC-TPU) is obtained by chain extension modification, which can broaden the application range of polypropylidene carbonate. To develop a yarn with excellent antibacterial and mechanical properties, which can be woven into fabrics for medical applications while taking into account environmental protection and degradability, the antibacterial yarn in this article was prepared by electrospinning using PPC-TPU and polylactic acid (PLA) yarn as raw materials. The preparation process was optimized by adjusting the supply speed, winding collection speed and horn barrel speed, and the optimal concentration of antimicrobial agent was explored by adding different concentrations of benzalkonium bromide antimicrobial. Through the characterization of the properties of the materials, we believe that PPC-PLA yarn with the addition of 5% benzalkonium bromide has broad development prospects in the medical field due to its excellent mechanical and antibacterial properties.
A nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality of gastrointestinal bleeding patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Ni Jianfang , Zhang Hongwei , Diao Mengyuan
Published: September 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common condition in clinical practice, and predictive models for patients with GIB have been developed. However, assessments of in-hospital mortality due to GIB in the intensive care unit (ICU), especially in critically ill patients, are still lacking. This study was designed to screen out independent predictive factors affecting in-hospital mortality and thus establish a predictive model for clinical use.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1,442 patients with GIB who had been admitted to the ICU. They were selected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) 1.0 database and divided into a training group and a validation group in a ratio of 7:3. The main outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Least absolute shrinkage and section operator (LASSO) regression was used to screen out independent predictors and create a nomogram.

Results

LASSO regression picked out nine independent predictors: heart rate (HR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), acute physiology score III (APSIII), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), cerebrovascular disease, acute kidney injury (AKI), norepinephrine, vasopressin, and dopamine. Our model proved to have excellent predictive value with regard to in-hospital mortality (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.906 and 0.881 in the training and validation groups, respectively), as well as a good outcome on a decision curve analysis to assess net benefit.

Conclusion

Our model effectively predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with GIB, indicating that it may prove to be a valuable tool in future clinical practice.
Antibiotic resistance indicator genes in biofilm and planktonic microbial communities after wastewater discharge
Authors: Haenelt Sarah , Richnow Hans-Hermann , Müller Jochen A. , Musat Niculina
Published: September 2023

The spread of bacteria with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in aquatic ecosystems is of growing concern as this can pose a risk of transmission to humans and animals. While the impact of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent on ARG abundance in surface waters has been studied extensively, less is known about the fate of ARGs in biofilms. The proximity and dense growth of microorganisms in combination with the accumulation of higher antibiotic concentrations in biofilms might render biofilms a reservoir for ARGs. Seasonal parameters such as water temperature, precipitation, and antibiotic concentrations should be considered as well, as they may further influence the fate of ARGs in aquatic ecosystems. Here we investigated the effect of WWTP effluent on the abundance of the sulfonamide resistance genes sul1 and sul2, and the integrase gene intI1 in biofilm and surface water compartments of a river in Germany with a gradient of anthropogenic impact using quantitative PCR. Furthermore, we analyzed the bacterial community structure in both compartments via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, following the river downstream. Additionally, conventional water parameters and sulfonamide concentrations were measured, and seasonal aspects were considered by comparing the fate of ARGs and bacterial community diversity in the surface water compartment between the summer and winter season. Our results show that biofilm compartments near the WWTP had a higher relative abundance of ARGs (up to 4.7%) than surface waters (<2.8%). Sulfonamide resistance genes were more persistent further downstream (>10 km) of the WWTP in the hot and dry summer season than in winter. This finding is likely a consequence of the higher proportion of wastewater and thus wastewater-derived microorganisms in the river during summer periods. We observed distinct bacterial communities and ARG abundance between the biofilm and surface water compartment, but even greater variations when considering seasonal and spatiotemporal parameters. This underscores the need to consider seasonal aspects when studying the fate of ARGs in aquatic ecosystems.
Dynamic networks of cortico-muscular interactions in sleep and neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Rizzo Rossella , Wang Jilin W. J. L. , DePold Hohler Anna , Holsapple James W. , Vaou Okeanis E. , Ivanov Plamen Ch.
Published: September 2023

The brain plays central role in regulating physiological systems, including the skeleto-muscular and locomotor system. Studies of cortico-muscular coordination have primarily focused on associations between movement tasks and dynamics of specific brain waves. However, the brain-muscle functional networks of synchronous coordination among brain waves and muscle activity rhythms that underlie locomotor control remain unknown. Here we address the following fundamental questions: what are the structure and dynamics of cortico-muscular networks; whether specific brain waves are main network mediators in locomotor control; how the hierarchical network organization relates to distinct physiological states under autonomic regulation such as wake, sleep, sleep stages; and how network dynamics are altered with neurodegenerative disorders. We study the interactions between all physiologically relevant brain waves across cortical locations with distinct rhythms in leg and chin muscle activity in healthy and Parkinson’s disease (PD) subjects. Utilizing Network Physiology framework and time delay stability approach, we find that 1) each physiological state is characterized by a unique network of cortico-muscular interactions with specific hierarchical organization and profile of links strength; 2) particular brain waves play role as main mediators in cortico-muscular interactions during each state; 3) PD leads to muscle-specific breakdown of cortico-muscular networks, altering the sleep-stage stratification pattern in network connectivity and links strength. In healthy subjects cortico-muscular networks exhibit a pronounced stratification with stronger links during wake and light sleep, and weaker links during REM and deep sleep. In contrast, network interactions reorganize in PD with decline in connectivity and links strength during wake and non-REM sleep, and increase during REM, leading to markedly different stratification with gradual decline in network links strength from wake to REM, light and deep sleep. Further, we find that wake and sleep stages are characterized by specific links strength profiles, which are altered with PD, indicating disruption in the synchronous activity and network communication among brain waves and muscle rhythms. Our findings demonstrate the presence of previously unrecognized functional networks and basic principles of brain control of locomotion, with potential clinical implications for novel network-based biomarkers for early detection of Parkinson’s and neurodegenerative disorders, movement, and sleep disorders.
Lactational and geographical variation in the concentration of six oligosaccharides in Chinese breast milk: a multicenter study over 13 months postpartum
Authors: Liu Shuang , Mao Yingyi , Wang Jin , Tian Fang , Hill David R. , Xiong Xiaoying , Li Xiang , Zhao Yanrong , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Understanding the variations of oligosaccharide in breast milk contribute to better study how human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) play a role in health-promoting benefits in infants.

Methods

Six abundant HMOs, 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT), Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT), 3’-sialyllactose (3’-SL) and 6’-sialyllactose (6’-SL), in breast milk collected at 0–5 days, 10–15 days, 40–45 days, 200–240 days, and 300–400 days postpartum from six locations across China were analyzed using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography-pulsed amperometric detector.

Results

The concentration of individual HMO fluctuated dynamically during lactational stages. The median ranges of 2’-FL, 3-FL, LNT, LNnT, 3’-SL, and 6’-SL across the five lactational stages were 935–2865 mg/L, 206–1325 mg/L, 300–1473 mg/L, 32–317 mg/L, 106–228 mg/L, and 20–616 mg/L, respectively. The prominent variation was observed in the content of 6’-SL, which demonstrates a pattern of initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease. Among the five lactational stages, the transitional milk has the highest concentration, which was 31 times greater than the concentration in mature milk at 300–400 days postpartum, where the content is the lowest. Geographical location also influenced the content of HMOs. LNT and LNnT were the highest in mature milk of mothers from Lanzhou among the six sites at 40–240 days postpartum. Breast milks were categorized into two groups base on the abundance of 2’-FL (high and low). There was no significant difference in the proportions of high and low 2’-FL phenotypes among the six sites, and the percentages of high and low 2’-FL phenotypes were 79% and 21%, respectively, across all sites in China.

Discussion

This study provided a comprehensive dataset on 6 HMOs concentrations in Chinese breast milk during the extended postpartum period across a wide geographic range and stratified by high and low 2’-FL phenotypes.
Influence of beam pruning techniques on LET and RBE in proton arc therapy
Authors: Henjum Helge , Tjelta Johannes , Fjæra Lars Fredrik , Pilskog Sara , Stokkevåg Camilla H. , Lyngholm Erlend , Handeland Andreas H. , Ytre-Hauge Kristian S.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Proton arc therapy (PAT) is an emerging treatment modality that holds promise to improve target volume coverage and reduce linear energy transfer (LET) in organs at risk. We aimed to investigate if pruning the highest energy layers in each beam direction could increase the LET in the target and reduce LET in tissue and organs at risk (OAR) surrounding the target volume, thus reducing the relative biological effectiveness (RBE)-weighted dose and sparing healthy tissue.

Methods

PAT plans for a germinoma, an ependymoma and a rhabdomyosarcoma patient were created in the Eclipse treatment planning system with a prescribed dose of 54 Gy(RBE) using a constant RBE of 1.1 (RBE1.1). The PAT plans was pruned for high energy spots, creating several PAT plans with different amounts of pruning while maintaining tumor coverage, denoted PX-PAT plans, where X represents the amount of pruning. All plans were recalculated in the FLUKA Monte Carlo software, and the LET, physical dose, and variable RBE-weighted dose from the phenomenological Rørvik (ROR) model and an LET weighted dose (LWD) model were evaluated.

Results and discussion

For the germinoma case, all plans but the P6-PAT reduced the mean RBE-weighted dose to the surrounding healthy tissue compared to the PAT plan. The LET was increasingly higher within the PTV for each pruning iteration, where the mean LET from the P6-PAT plan was 1.5 keV/μm higher than for the PAT plan, while the P4- and P5-PAT plans provided an increase of 0.4 and 0.7 keV/μm, respectively. The other plans increased the LET by a smaller margin compared to the PAT plan. Likewise, the LET values to the healthy tissue were reduced for each degree of pruning. Similar results were found for the ependymoma and the rhabdomyosarcoma case. We demonstrated a PAT pruning technique that can increase both LET and RBE in the target volume and at the same time decreased values in healthy tissue, without affecting the target volume dose coverage.
Delta radiomic patterns on serial bi-parametric MRI are associated with pathologic upgrading in prostate cancer patients on active surveillance: preliminary findings
Authors: Midya Abhishek , Hiremath Amogh , Huber Jacob , Sankar Viswanathan Vidya , Omil-Lima Danly , Mahran Amr , Bittencourt Leonardo K. , Harsha Tirumani Sree , Ponsky Lee , Shiradkar Rakesh , Madabhushi Anant
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to quantify radiomic changes in prostate cancer (PCa) progression on serial MRI among patients on active surveillance (AS) and evaluate their association with pathologic progression on biopsy.

Methods

This retrospective study comprised N = 121 biopsy-proven PCa patients on AS at a single institution, of whom N = 50 at baseline conformed to the inclusion criteria. ISUP Gleason Grade Groups (GGG) were obtained from 12-core TRUS-guided systematic biopsies at baseline and follow-up. A biopsy upgrade (AS+) was defined as an increase in GGG (or in number of positive cores) and no upgrade (AS−) was defined when GGG remained the same during a median period of 18 months. Of N = 50 patients at baseline, N = 30 had MRI scans available at follow-up (median interval = 18 months) and were included for delta radiomic analysis. A total of 252 radiomic features were extracted from the PCa region of interest identified by board-certified radiologists on 3T bi-parametric MRI [T2-weighted (T2W) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)]. Delta radiomic features were computed as the difference of radiomic feature between baseline and follow-up scans. The association of AS+ with age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS v2.1) score, and tumor size was evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Various prediction models were built using random forest (RF) classifier within a threefold cross-validation framework leveraging baseline radiomics (Cbr), baseline radiomics + baseline clinical (Cbrbcl), delta radiomics (CΔr), delta radiomics + baseline clinical (CΔrbcl), and delta radiomics + delta clinical (CΔrΔcl).

Results

An AUC of 0.64 ± 0.09 was obtained for Cbr, which increased to 0.70 ± 0.18 with the integration of clinical variables (Cbrbcl). CΔr yielded an AUC of 0.74 ± 0.15. Integrating delta radiomics with baseline clinical variables yielded an AUC of 0.77 ± 0.23. CΔrΔclresulted in the best AUC of 0.84 ± 0.20 (p < 0.05) among all combinations.

Conclusion

Our preliminary findings suggest that delta radiomics were more strongly associated with upgrade events compared to PIRADS and other clinical variables. Delta radiomics on serial MRI in combination with changes in clinical variables (PSA and tumor volume) between baseline and follow-up showed the strongest association with biopsy upgrade in PCa patients on AS. Further independent multi-site validation of these preliminary findings is warranted.
Parasitemia and antibody response to benznidazole treatment in a cohort of patients with chronic Chagas disease
Authors: Moreira Carlos Henrique Valente , Bierrenbach Ana Luiza , Taconeli Cesar Augusto , de Oliveira-da Silva Léa Campos , Buss Lewis F. , Keating Sheila M. , Manuli Erika Regina , Carvalho Noemia Barbosa , Guastini Cristina , Coco Sonia Bakkour , Lindoso José Ângelo Lauletta , Franco Lucas Augusto Moyses , Ghilardi Fabio , Sales Flavia Cristina da Silva , Contestable Paul , Di Germanio Clara , Busch Michael P. , Sabino Ester Cerdeira
Published: September 2023

Background

Evaluating the effectiveness of Chagas disease treatment poses challenges due to the lack of biomarkers for disease progression and therapeutic response. In this study, we aimed to assess the clearance of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) parasites in a group of benznidazole (BNZ)-treated chronic Chagas disease patients using high-sensitivity quantitative PCR (qPCR) and track T. cruzi antibody levels through a semiquantitative chemiluminescent assay.

Methods

A total of 102 T. cruzi seropositive patients with previous PCR-positive results were enrolled in the study. We collected samples 30 days before treatment (T-30d), on the day before initiating BNZ treatment (T0d), and at follow-up visits 60 days (T60d), 6 months (T6M), 12 months (T12M), and 36 months (T36M) after treatment initiation. Treatment efficacy was assessed by testing of serial samples using a target-capture qPCR assay specific to satellite T. cruzi DNA and the ORTHO T. cruzi ELISA Test System for antibody quantitation.

Results

Of the enrolled individuals, 87 completed at least 50% of the treatment course, and 86 had PCR results at follow-up visits T6M, T12M, and T36M. PCR results exhibited fluctuations before and after treatment, but levels were significantly lower post-treatment. Only 15 cases consistently tested PCR-negative across all post-treatment visits. Notably, nearly all participants demonstrated a declining antibody trajectory, with patients who tested PCR-negative at T36M exhibiting an earlier and more pronounced decline compared to PCR-positive cases at the same visit.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that serial PCR results pose challenges in interpretation. In contrast, serial antibody levels may serve as an ancillary, or even a more reliable indicator of parasite decline following BNZ treatment. Monitoring antibody levels can provide valuable insights into the efficacy of treatment and the persistence of parasites in Chagas disease patients.
Early life adverse exposures in irritable bowel syndrome: new insights and opportunities
Authors: Zhou Guo Qiong , Huang Meng Jie , Yu Xin , Zhang Na Na , Tao Shan , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2023

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Extensive research has identified multiple factors contributing to its development, including genetic predisposition, chronic infection, gut dysbiosis, aberrant serotonin metabolism, and brain dysfunction. Recent studies have emphasized the critical role of the early life stage as a susceptibility window for IBS. Current evidence suggests that diet can heighten the risk of IBS in offspring by influencing the microbiota composition, intestinal epithelium structure, gene expression, and brain-gut axis. The use of antibiotics during pregnancy and the neonatal period disrupts the normal gut microbiota structure, aligning it with the characteristics observed in IBS patients. Additionally, early life stress impacts susceptibility to IBS by modulating TLR4, NK1, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis while compromising the offspring's immune system. Formula feeding facilitates the colonization of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines, concurrently reducing the presence of probiotics. This disruption of the Th1 and Th2 cell balance in the immune system weakens the intestinal epithelial barrier. Furthermore, studies suggest that delivery mode influences the occurrence of IBS by altering the composition of gut microbes. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing evidence regarding the impact of adverse early life exposures on IBS during pregnancy, intrapartum, and neonatal period. By consolidating this knowledge, the review enhances our understanding of the direct and indirect mechanisms underlying early life-related IBS and offers new insights and research directions from childhood to adulthood.
Treatment of non-tuberculosis mycobacteria skin infections
Authors: Wang Xin-Yu , Jia Qian-Nan , Li Jun
Published: September 2023

Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) skin infections have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, presenting a unique challenge in clinical management. This review explored the complexities of NTM infections localized to the superficial tissues and provided valuable insights into the optimal therapeutic strategies. The antibiotic selection should base on NTM species and their susceptibility profiles. It is recommended to adopt a comprehensive approach that considers the unique characteristics of superficial tissues to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, infection recurrence, and treatment failure. Infection control measures, patient education, and close monitoring should complement the treatment strategies to achieve favorable outcomes in managing NTM skin infections. Further efforts are warranted to elucidate factors and mechanisms contributing to treatment resistance and relapse. Future research should focus on exploring novel treatment options, innovative drug development/delivery platforms, and precise methodologies for determining therapeutic duration. Longitudinal studies are also needed to assess the long-term safety profiles of the integrated approaches.
A lightweight method for maize seed defects identification based on Convolutional Block Attention Module
Authors: Li Chao , Chen Zhenyu , Jing Weipeng , Wu Xiaoqiang , Zhao Yonghui
Published: September 2023

Maize is widely cultivated and planted all over the world, which is one of the main food resources. Accurately identifying the defect of maize seeds is of great significance in both food safety and agricultural production. In recent years, methods based on deep learning have performed well in image processing, but their potential in the identification of maize seed defects has not been fully realized. Therefore, in this paper, a lightweight and effective network for maize seed defect identification is proposed. In the proposed network, the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) was integrated into the pretrained MobileNetv3 network for extracting important features in the channel and spatial domain. In this way, the network can be focused on useful feature information, and making it easier to converge. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed network, a total of 12784 images was collected, and 7 defect types were defined. Compared with other popular pretrained models, the proposed network converges with the least number of iterations and achieves the true positive rate is 93.14% and the false positive rate is 1.14%.
Morphological performance and seasonal pattern of water relations and gas exchange in Pistacia lentiscus plants subjected to salinity and water deficit
Authors: Álvarez Sara , Acosta-Motos Jose Ramon , Sánchez-Blanco María Jesús
Published: September 2023

Soil water deficit and salinity represent a major factor impacting plant survival and agricultural production. The frequency and severity of both abiotic stresses are expected to increase in a context of climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This work studied the growth pattern, biomass and mineral distribution and the seasonal pattern of water status, photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance in plant of Pistacia lentiscus grown under different levels of water deficit and salinity. P. lentiscus plants growing under greenhouse conditions were subjected to four irrigation treatments during 11 months: control (C, 1 dS m-1), moderate water deficit (MW, 1dS m-1, 60% of the control), severe water deficit (SW, 1 dS m-1, 40% of the control) and saline (S, 4dS m-1). The results show that Pistacia lentiscus plants were more affected by deficit irrigation than salinity. Deficit irrigation and salinity inhibited plant height, with reductions of 20%, 22% and 35% for S, MW and SW, respectively. Total leaf area was not modified by effect of the treatments, with the result that plant compactness increased in MW. The salt stressed plants only showed lower relative growth rate at the end of the experiment. Plants responded to saline or drought stress by increasing their osmotic adjustment, which was more pronounced under salinity. Saline plants had the highest values in Na+ and Cl- ions and the lowest values for K+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ ratios in leaves and stems, which is correlated with a decrease in growth, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and stem water potential, and can be used as a diagnostic tool to assess plant tolerance to salinity stress. As a measure of plant hydration, relative water content was more sensitive to deficit irrigation than salinity, being a good indicator of water stress. P. lentiscus plants subjected to both deficit irrigation treatments exhibited an increase in their intrinsic water use efficiency, which is an important adaptation for plants growing in environments with water scarcity.
Crossability of miniature rose and quantitative and qualitative traits in hybrids
Authors: Meral Ezgi Doğan
Published: September 2023

Potted miniature roses are popular indoor ornamental plants. Due to consumer demands, different varieties are introduced to the market every year. The most widely used method for the development of potted miniatures is cross breeding. Six divergent popular pot miniature roses as female parents and Rosa centifolia and Black Baccara as male parents as well as 190 of their F1 hybrids were studied to determine the extent of crossability and the heterosis effects for several quantitative and qualitative traits for determining miniature rose breeding potential. The percentage of pollen viability and the pollen germination rate differed between 48.61% and 61.27% and between 23.26% and 32.19%, respectively. All cultivars exhibited a strong correlation between the fruit set, the weight of fruit, the total set, the weight of seed, the number of seeds per fruit, and the seed germination rate. The cultivar Rosa White Star as a female parent exhibited a good fruit set and crossing success, whereas Juanita Kordana showed a poor crossing success rate. The maximum setting after the crossing was that of Rosa White Star × R. centifolia comprising 75% of fruits, 132 total seeds, and seed weight of 0.68 g. The highest number of seeds per fruit (12.63) was obtained from Rosa Bling Love Star × R. centifolia, and the Red Romance × Black Baccara had the maximum germination of seed rate (48%). The potential for heterobeltiosis and heterosis varied and exhibited a contrasting performance for various qualitative and quantitative traits between F1 progenies. The parents and F1 hybrids were sorted into three major groups by cluster analysis based on the phenotypic variation.
Empathy and bystander helping behavior in cyberbullying among adolescents: the mediating role of internet moral judgment and the moderating role of internet self-efficacy
Authors: Hu Yang , Zhang Tian , Shi Hui-fen , Fan Cui-ying
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cyberbullying poses a significant challenge among adolescents. If bystanders stand up and help victims, their helping behavior may be able to reduce the frequency and negative impact of cyberbullying. This study investigates the association of empathy, internet moral judgment, and internet self-efficacy with bystander helping behavior among adolescents, building upon the empathy-altruism hypothesis, bystander intervention model, and dual-process model of morality.

Methods

A sample of 919 Chinese adolescents from 3 schools in Hunan, Jiangxi and Guangdong provinces completed the Basic Empathy Scale, Internet Moral Judgment Questionnaire, Internet Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and Styles of Bystander Intervention Scale. And we constructed a moderated mediation model to examine the relationship between empathy and bystander helping behavior in cyberbullying and assessed the mediating role of internet moral judgment and the moderating role of internet self-efficacy.

Results

Our findings revealed a significant positive correlation between empathy and bystander helping behavior in cyberbullying. Internet moral judgment mediated the relationship between empathy and helping behavior, whereas internet self-efficacy moderated the latter half of the mediation pathway. Specifically, the association between internet moral judgment and helping behavior was stronger for bystanders with higher levels of internet self-efficacy compared with those that have lower levels.

Discussion

These results further deepen our understanding of the mechanisms involved in bystander helping behavior in cyberbullying, thus providing a basis for future interventions to encourage more helping actions from bystanders during cyberbullying incidents.