bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecting potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and gastroesophageal reflux disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Jia , Fei Bojian , Wang Chao
Published: October 2023

Background
Despite previous research indicating a strong correlation between gut microbiota (GM) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the exact causal relationship between these factors remains uncertain. Consequently, we conducted an extensive investigation utilizing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to elucidate the influence of GM on the susceptibility to developing GERD.
Method
This study utilized instrumental variables derived from 211 GM taxa obtained from the Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) data. Subsequently, a MR study was conducted to evaluate the impact of GM on GERD, utilizing data from the IEU open GWAS summary data repository, which included 129,080 cases and 473,524 controls. The primary method employed to analyze causality in this study was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) approach, and a range of sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the reliability and consistency of the findings.
Results
The IVW method revealed a positive association between the class Mollicutes (OR: 1.0976, 95% CI: 1.0046–1.1992, p = 0.0393), genus Coprococcus2 (OR 1.0620, 95% CI: 1.0026–1.1248, p = 0.0405), and phylum Tenericutes (OR 1.0976, 95% CI: 1.0043–1.1996, p = 0.0400) with the risk of GERD. However, the weighted median method did not support genus Coprococcus2 (OR 1.0672, 95% CI: 0.9893–1.1512, p = 0.0928) as a risk factor for GERD. Sensitivity analyses further validated the reliability of the MR findings.
Conclusion
Our study contributes evidence to the close relationship between the GM and GERD. Future research should focus on developing microbiome-oriented therapeutic approaches for managing GERD.
Biosorption of Antimony Species by Red Macroalgae and Cyanobacteria
Authors: Silva Renata Martins da , Viana Adriano Gonçalves , Anjos Vanessa Egéa dos
Published: October 2023

A biotechnological study with the Porphyra tenera (red macroalgae, “Nori”) and Spirulina platensis (cyanobacteria) was performed to evaluate the feasibility of non-living biomass as biosorbent for inorganic antimony species to be used in the remediation technology or as solid phase for analytical purposes such as preconcentration. The biosorption of Sb(III) and Sb(V) was studied using batch technique under similar conditions of the aquatic environments. High values of biosorption (over 70%) of both Sb species were determined and factors such as dosage of the biomass, contact time and pH, practically did not influenced in the sorption. The desorption was evaluated using different concentrations of HCl and HNO3. The biosorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), surface area (BET) and zeta potential. The FTIR analysis after biosorption of the Sb species suggested the involvement of protonated functional groups as amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl in the interaction mechanism. Thus, both biosorbents are suitable biosorption of Sb from aqueous solution.
Ultra-high spatio-temporal resolution imaging with parallel acquisition-readout structured illumination microscopy (PAR-SIM)
Authors: Xi Peng , Xu Xinzhu , Wang Wenyi , Qiao Liang , Fu Yunzhe , Ge Xichuan , Zhao Kun , Zhanghao Karl , Guan Meiling , Chen Xin , Li Meiqi , Jin Dayong
Published: October 2023

Parallel acquisition-readout SIM (PAR-SIM) achieves a fundamentally stupendous information temporal flux of 132.9 Mpixels per second, larger than 9.6-fold of the latest techniques, with the lowest SNR of -3.42 dB and 100 nm resolution. It successfully reconstructs diverse cellular organelles in dual wavelengths. Notably, mitochondrial dynamic tubulation and ongoing membrane fusion processes in live COS-7 cell have been captured with PAR-SIM at 408 Hz, without degrading the image reconstruction quality.
Gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence responses of Camellia sinensis grown under various culivations in different seasons
Authors: Chen Chung-I , Lin Kuan-Hung , Huang Meng-Yuan , Yang Chih-Kai , Lin Yu-Hsiu , Hsueh Mei-Li , Lee Li-Hua , Lin Shiou-Ruei , Wang Ching-Wen
Published: October 2023

Sod culture (SC) and conventional agriculture (CA) represent two distinct field management approaches utilized in the cultivation of tea plants in Taiwan. In this study, we employed gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence techniques to assess the impact of SC and CA methods on the photosynthetic machinery of Camellia sinensis cv. TTES No.12 (Jhinhsuan) in response to variable light intensities across different seasons. In spring, at photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) ranging from 800 to 2,000 μmol photon m−2 s−1, the net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), electron transport rate (ETR), and ΔF/Fm' and Fv/Fm values for plants grown using SC were comparatively higher than those cultivated under CA. Conversely, the non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) values for SC-grown plants were relatively lower compared to those grown under CA at 800 to 2,000 PPFD in spring. Additionally, when tea plants were exposed to PPFD levels below 1,500 μmol photon m−2 s−1, there was a concurrent increase in Pn, Gs, ETR, and NPQ. These photosynthetic parameters are crucial for devising models that optimize cultivation practices across varying seasons and specific tillage requirements, and for predicting photosynthetic and respiratory responses of tea plants to seasonally or artificially altered light irradiances. The observed positive impacts of SC on maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax), Fv/Fm, Gs, water-use efficiency (WUE), and ETR suggest that SC is advantageous for enhancing the productivity and stress resilience of tea plants, thereby offering a novel management model for tea gardens.
Effect of music on hemodynamic fluctuations in women during induction of general anesthesia: a prospective randomized controlled multicenter trial
Authors: Wang Jie , Jiang Linghui , Chen Wannan , Wang Zhiyao , Liu Manman , Tong Jie , Ding Ming , Zhong Jing , Miao Changhong , xiong wanxia
Published: October 2023

Background
Anxiety can cause perioperative stress and increase sympathetic nervous system activity, potentially contributing to negative clinical outcomes, including hemodynamic instability, prolonged anesthesia induction and cardiac arrhythmias. We aim to investigate the effect of music on hemodynamic fluctuations during induction of general anesthesia and reducing preoperative anxiety for women underwent elective non-cardiac surgery.
Methods
It is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. Participants were women who were underwent elective non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either a music intervention group (MI) or a control group (Control). The MI participants listened to their preferred music for more than 30 minutes in the waiting area. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure anxiety levels in the groups, and hemodynamic parameters (heart rate [HR], mean arterial pressure [MAP]) were continuously recorded before induction (T0), at loss of consciousness (T1), immediately before intubation (T2), and after intubation (T3). Intubation-related adverse events were also recorded. The primary outcome was the incidence of MAP changes more than 20% above baseline during T0–T2.
Results
A total of 164 patients were included in the final analyses. Incidence of MAP instability (change greater than 20% above baseline) during T0–T2 was lower in the MI (P = 0.03), and the 95% confidence interval for the rate difference (− 0.2708 to − 0.0164) demonstrated the superiority of MI. HR instability were less frequent in MI participants both in T0–T2 (P = 0.04) and T2–T3 (P = 0.005). The overall incidence of preoperative anxiety was 53.7% (88/164). After the music intervention, the mean score of STAI was significantly lower in the MI than in the Control, with a between-group difference of 8.01 (P < 0.001) by analysis of covariance.
Conclusions
Preoperative music intervention effectively prevented hemodynamic instability during anesthesia induction and significantly reduced preoperative anxiety in women underwent elective non-cardiac surgery.
Trial Registration:
The study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 26/11/2020 (ChiCTR2000040254, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=64383).
Effect of different defect areas of medial femoral condyle cartilage on Meniscal articular Cartilage stress: three-dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Yeming Zhang , Ling Zhang , Hongxing Gao , Di Wu , Chaokai Zhang , ShaoRong Liu , Yuanzuo Zhang , Song min , *Qing *Li
Published: October 2023

Background
The present-day three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEM) is widely used in human biomechanics research, but there are few studies on the effect of cartilage defect of medial femoral condyle on meniscus stress of knee in full extension.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore the changing trend of meniscus stress during the changing process of femoral medial condyle cartilage defect,to provide the simulated biomechanical insights into femoral condyle cartilage defect on meniscus,in order to provide the theory reference value for femoral condyle cartilage repair and clinical prevention of meniscus injury.)
Methods
One healthy male volunteer was chosen to obtain the three-dimensional digital finite element model. The material mechanical properties were input into the model with divided grids in the Abaques software. Using the boundary conditions and the loads to the model, the structural nonlinear finite element was calculated. Firstly, the stress distribution of the normal knee cartilage meniscus was observed under the condition of load, and then the stress distribution of the meniscus was observed under the condition of load when the medial femoral condyle cartilage was in different defects (0, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 mm). The stress changing on the meniscus was analyzed when the defect of the femoral condyle cartilage happened.
Results
When the diameter of femoral medial condyle cartilage defect was no less than 10 mm, the stress distribution of the meniscus was statistically different (the value of P is less than 0.05). When the medial femoral condyle cartilage defect occurred in different areas(d), the stress peak was mainly concentrated in the body part and posterior corner of the meniscus. Moreover, we found that the maximum, minimum and average stress of meniscus increased with the increased defect area. We also found that the increased defect area can lead to the increases of stress of the meniscus.
Dietary Variation Effect on Life History Traits and Energy Storage in Neotropical Species of Drosophila (Diptera; Drosophilidae)
Authors: Santos Camila Heloise dos , Gustani Emanuele Cristina , Machado Luciana Paes de Barros , Mateus Rogerio Pincela
Published: October 2023

The ability of an organism to respond to nutritional stress can be a plastic character under the action of natural selection, affecting several characteristics, including life history and energy storage. The Drosophila genus (Diptera; Drosophilidae) presents high variability regarding natural resource exploration. However, most works on this theme have studied the model species D. melanogaster (J.W.Meigen) and little is known about Neotropical species. Thus, the current work evaluated the effects of three diets, with different carbohydrate:protein ratios, on life history (viability and development time) and metabolic pools (triglycerides, glycogen, and total soluble protein contents) of three Neotropical species. Our results showed that Drosophila willistoni (A.H.Sturtevant) (Sophophora subgenus) was viable on all diets, while D. maculifrons (O.Duda) (Drosophila subgenus) was not, and D. ornatifrons (O.Duda) (Drosophila subgenus) was barely viable on the sugary diet. This diet increased the development time of D. willistoni and D. ornatifrons, and D. willistoni glycogen content. Thus, the viability of D. maculifrons and D. ornatifrons seems to depend on a certain amount of protein and/or a low concentration of carbohydrate in the diet. A more evident effect of the diets on triglyceride and protein pools was detected in D. ornatifrons, which could be related to its capacity to explore dung and carrion as food resource in nature. The results found demonstrated that the evolutionary history and differential adaptations to natural macronutrient resources are important to define the amplitude of response that a species can present when faced with dietary variation.
The effect of COVID-19 on TB case detection and treatment outcomes in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa city.
Authors: Kebede Dawit , Demissie Meaza , Taye Hawult , Baye Netsanet , Genet Simon
Published: October 2023

Background:
In the context of the global tuberculosis (TB) epidemic, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to reverse promising progress toward global TB targets. During the pandemic, similar to most countries, the Ethiopian government announced movement restrictions targeting the control of the spread of COVID-19.
Methods:
A quantitative retrospective study was used based on secondary data collected from the Addis Ababa city-Health Bureau DHIS-2 database for a study period of four years (April/2018-March/2021). Two-year pre- and two intra-COVID-19 periods. The study area included all health facilities providing TB care in Addis Ababa. The data were collected using a structured format, and analysis was performed using STAT version 17 and Excel software.
Result.
Overall, 13190 TB cases were detected during the COVID-19 era and 15038 in pre-COVID-19, representing a 12.3% decline with P= 0.0092. The highest decrease was in Q-1 and Q-2 by (30% and 29.8%) CI 95% during COVID-19 in the first year and in the second year in Q-4 by 21.2%.
All forms of TB case notifications were significantly decreased (P< 0.001). RELAPSE and clinically diagnosed TB showed the highest decrease (30%, P<0.001 and 20.6%, P<0.001) CI 95%.
Of TB treatment outcomes, completed, lost to follow-up and death rates had better outcome rates during the COVID-19 era. In the first year after the COVID-19 pandemic, the TB treatment completion rate was higher (63.8% vs. 60%, P=0.0001) (CI 95%), with a lower rate of loss to follow-up (1.8% vs 1.9%, P=0.659) and death rate (3.8% vs 4.8% P=0.0034). In the second year after the COVID-19 pandemic, the TB treatment completion rate was higher (64.5% vs. 62.4%, P= 0.0003), with a lower rate of loss to follow-up (1.7% vs 1.9%, P=0.2036) and death rate (4.3% vs 4.6%, P=0.2232).
Conclusion
Finally, the unpredicted study finding of treatment outcomes had the potential to change the existing DOT treatment policy in Ethiopia. In view of this, further study in a broader context at the health minister level is recommended. Moreover, to mitigate the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB case detection, improving access to quality TB care services is mandatory to enhance TB detection. Ultimately, it is able to reverse the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB care program activities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The effect of hydraulic and leaf photosynthesis properties on the spread and distribution of Dasiphora fruticosa in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau alpine meadows
Authors: Fan Baoli , Ding Nana , Gao Pengfei , Tian Tingting , Ai Dongxia , Wan Yongkuan , Sun Kun
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the largest alpine grassland area in the world. Alpine region is a typical and unique plateau ecosystem. Natural and human-induced factors have resulted in shrub encroachment in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau alpine meadows. Yet, the role of functional traits of different plant organs in shrub encroachment remain insufficiently explored. Methods Here, we measured stem and leaf hydraulics, leaf photosynthesis characteristics, and other functional traits ofD. fruticosain different habitats. Results We found that hydraulic traits (KL, KS, π0, ε) and leaf photosynthetic capacity (Aa, Am, gs) were key factors in the shrub encroachment ofD. fruticosa. In addition, variations in root average diameter (RAD) and specific root length (SRL) were mainly influenced by soil total nitrogen (STN) and soil total phosphorus (STP) between two habitats. On soil water and nutrient deficient sunny slopes, below-ground functional traits ofD. fruticosatend to favour a resource acquisition strategy to acquire more soil nutrients. On less stressful shady slopes, the above-ground organs ofD. fruticosaexhibited higher hydraulic efficiency and photosynthetic capacity, and adopted a resource acquisition strategy. Thus it seems the below- and above-ground functional traits ofD. fruticosain different habitats are coordinated to comprise the whole plant ecological response. Conclusion Our study clearly shows hydraulic functional traits and leaf photosynthesis characteristics play key roles in shrub encroachment. This research also provides new insights for understanding the adaptation strategies of plant functional traits under different habitats.
Increased nerve growth factor expression and osteoclast density are associated with subchondral bone marrow lesions in osteoarthritic knees
Authors: Aso Koji , Sugimura Natsuki , Wada Hiroyuki , deguchi Syo , Masahiko Ikeuchi
Published: October 2023

Background
Subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs) detected on MRI in knee osteoarthritis (OA) are associated with knee pain. However, the pain mechanisms of BMLs are unknown. Increased nerve growth factor (NGF) expression at the osteochondral junction and increased osteoclast density in subchondral bone appear to be key features associated with bone pain in knee OA. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to identify the association of NGF and osteoclasts with BMLs in knee OA.
Methods
Twenty tibial plateaus were obtained from patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty for medial knee OA with BML at the medial tibia plateau (MTP). Osteochondral tissue with and without BML from the weight-bearing area in the MTP and without BML from the weight-bearing area in the lateral tibial plateau (LTP) was collected. Osteoarthritis bone score, Mankin score, NGF expression and density of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts were compared among the three osteochondral tissues.
Results
The osteoarthritis bone score, total Mankin score, NGF-expressed area and osteoclast density of the subchondral bone with BML in MTP were significantly higher than those of subchondral bone without BML in MTP and subchondral bone without BML in LTP. The mean differences of NGF-expressed area and osteoclast density between subchondral bone with BML and without BML in MTP were 9.0% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 5.9–12.1%) and 0.6 osteoclasts/mm (95% CI: 0.3–0.9%), respectively. In sections from subchondral tissue with BML in MTP, NGF immunoreactivity was detected in multinucleate osteoclasts, fibroblast-like cells, mononuclear cells and cartilage islands in the bone marrow space.
Conclusions
Increased NGF expression and osteoclast density are associated with subchondral BMLs in knee OA. This study will contribute to understanding the mechanisms of BML-related pain in OA and identifying new therapeutic targets for the management of bone pain in knee OA.
AI-based Strategies in Breast Mass ≤ 2cm classification with Mammography and Tomosynthesis: A Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Shao Zhenzhen , Hao Yujuan , Hu Congyi , Yu Ziling , Shen Yue , Gao Fei , Zhang Fandong , Ma Wenjuan , Zhou Qian , Chen Jingjing , Lu Hong
Published: October 2023

Purpose To evaluate the efficiency of digital mammography (DM) and combined digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) on AI-based strategies for breast mass ≤ 2cm classification.
Methods DM and DBT images in 483 patients including 512 breast masses were acquired from November 2018 to November 2019. The radiomics and deep learning methods were employed to extract the breast mass features in images and finally for benign and malignant classification. The DM and combined DBT (DM+DBT) images were fed into radiomics and deep learning models to construct corresponding models, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was estimated models performance. A comprehensive comparison of the subgroups AUCs of the best optimal model was calculated on age, tumor size, and breast density category.
Results In the testing dataset, the AUC of DM combined DBT by radiomics and deep learning models were 0.869 and 0.908, respectively. Compared with the DM model, the combined DBT models based on radiomics and deep learning both showed statistically significant higher AUCs (0.869 vs. 0.810, P<0.001, by radiomics; 0.908 vs. 0.867, P<0.001, by deep learning). The deep learning models present superior than the radiomics models in the experiments with only DM (P<0.001) and DM+DBT (P<0.003). The advantage of the deep learning model is especially prominent in patients with small masses less than 1cm, 20 to 40 years old, and dense breast.
Conclusions Deep learning model based on DM+DBT has a best diagnostic efficiency. AI-based stragies will play a major role in detecting early breast cancer in screening.
Effects of Management of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding of Patients Undergoing Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Yang Xin , Han Ruxue , Zhang Feifeng , Jiang Xiaolin , Wang Chaohua
Published: October 2023

Objective Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was an underestimated bleeding complications of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The study aims to investigate the benefits of menstrual management in women undergoing HSCT.Methods Patients who had undergone HSCT in the Gynecological Endocrinology Clinic of Peking University People's Hospital were included in ten years. The data of hematology and menstruation of all participants had been collected. The management methods of intervention group include GnRHa, COC or low-dose mifepristone. Patients who did not receive management were included in the control group.Results There were 112 patients included in the intervention group and 218 patients included in the control group. There were 90.0% of patients presenting with HMB before HSCT. In the control group, 83.5% of patients experienced uterine bleeding in the LAFR, while only 22.3% did in the intervention group. The rate of recurrent uterine bleeding after HSCT was significantly higher in the control group (50.9% vs. 17.9%, P < 0.001). Patients who did not undergo menstrual management had a higher risk of uterine bleeding than those who did (OR = 18.12, P < 0.001).Conclusion Menstrual management significantly reduces the incidence of uterine bleeding in HSCT patients and acts as a protective factor against uterine bleeding in the LAFR.
Sexual differences in neuronal and synaptic properties across subregions of the mouse insular cortex
Authors: Iezzi Daniela , Cáceres-Rodríguez Alba , Strauss Benjamin , Chavis Pascale , Manzoni Olivier
Published: October 2023

Background
The insular cortex (IC) plays a pivotal role in processing interoceptive and emotional information, offering insights into sex differences in behavior and cognition. The IC comprises two distinct subregions: the anterior insular cortex (aIC), that processes emotional and social signals, and the posterior insular cortex (pIC), specialized in interoception and perception of pain. Pyramidal projection neurons within the IC integrate multimodal sensory inputs, influencing behavior and cognition. Despite previous research focusing on neuronal connectivity and transcriptomics, there has been a gap in understanding pyramidal neurons characteristics across subregions and between sexes.
Methods
Adult male and female C57Bl/6J mice were sacrificed and tissue containing the IC was collected for ex vivo slice electrophysiology recordings that examined baseline sex differences in synaptic plasticity and transmission within aIC and pIC subregions.
Results
Clear differences emerged between aIC and pIC neurons in both males and females: aIC neurons exhibited distinctive features such as larger size, increased hyperpolarization, and a higher rheobase compared to their pIC counterparts. Furthermore, we observed variations in neuronal excitability linked to sex, with male pIC neurons displaying a greater level of excitability than their female counterparts. We also identified region-specific differences in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity and the balance between excitation and inhibition in both male and female mice. Adult females demonstrated greater synaptic strength and maximum response in the aIC compared to the pIC. Lastly, synaptic long-term potentiation occurred in both subregions in males but was specific to the aIC in females.
Conclusions
We conclude that there are sex differences in synaptic plasticity and excitatory transmission in IC subregions, and that distinct properties of IC pyramidal neurons between sexes could contribute to differences in behavior and cognition between males and females.
Clinical Symptoms and Neuroanatomical Substrates of Daytime Sleepiness in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Rosinvil Thaïna , Postuma Ronald , Rahayel Shady , Bellavance Amélie , Daneault Véronique , Montplaisir Jacques , Lina Jean-Marc , Carrier Julie , Gagnon Jean-François
Published: October 2023

Background: Clinical and neuroanatomical correlates of daytime sleepiness in Parkinson’s disease remain inconsistent in the literature.
Objectives: Two studies were conducted. The first study evaluated the interrelation between non-motor and motor symptoms associated with daytime sleepiness in Parkinson’s disease. The second study identified the neuroanatomical substrates associated with daytime sleepiness in Parkinson’s disease using magnetic resonance imaging.
Methods: Seventy-seven participants with Parkinson’s disease were included in the first study. They completed extensive clinical and cognitive testing in addition to a polysomnographic recording. Principal component analysis was performed to evaluate the interrelation between daytime sleepiness and clinical symptoms and to discriminate between individuals with (n=25) and without (n=52) excessive daytime sleepiness on the components identified. In the second study, 29 individuals with Parkinson’s disease also underwent MRI acquisition of T1-weighted images. Vertex-based cortical and subcortical surface analysis, deformation-based morphometry, and voxel-based morphometry were performed to assess the association between daytime sleepiness severity and structural brain changes in participants.
Results: Individuals with excessive daytime sleepiness showed a higher score on a component including higher dosage of dopaminergic agonist, motor symptoms severity, shorter sleep latency, and greater sleep efficiency. Moreover, increased daytime sleepiness severity was associated with a larger surface area in the right insula, contracted surfaces in the right putamen and right lateral amygdala, and a larger surface in the right posterior amygdala.
Conclusion: Daytime sleepiness in Parkinson’s disease was associated with dopaminergic agonist dosage, motor impairment, and objective sleep measures. Moreover, neuroanatomical changes in cortical and subcortical regions related to vigilance, motor, and emotional states were associated with more severe daytime sleepiness.
Performance of Bt cotton evaluated in relation to mulching and weed control measures in north-west India
Authors: DEVI PRIYANKA , SINGH KARMAL , SEWHAG MEENA , KUMAR SUSHIL
Published: October 2023

Weed infestation in cotton has been reported to offer severe competition and causing yield reduction to a large extent. Weeding via cultural practices is time consuming, tedious and expensive due to long duration of cotton crop and regular monsoon rains. Chemical weed control in cotton has been successfully utilized in the recent past. However, continuous use of similar herbicides leads to resistance in weeds against herbicides and when sprayed to the field herbicides not only suppress the weeds that are targeted but they can leave undesirable residues in the soil that are hazardous to environment. Therefore, a study was performed at cotton research area, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana during two consecutive kharif season (2020 and 2021). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with two mulching levels (No mulch and Mulching with rice straw @ 7.5 t/ha) and seven weed management levels [Weedy check, Weed free, pendimethalin (PRE) 1.5 kg/ha fb two hoeing at 45 and 90 DAS, Two hoeing at 30 and 60 DAS fb quizalofop-p-ethyl 62.5 g/ha at 90 DAS, Two hoeing at 30 and 60 DAS fb propquizafop-p-ethyl 50 g/ha at 90 DAS, pendimethalin (PRE) 1.5 kg/ha fb one hoeing 45 DAS fb paraquat 0.5% (protected spray) at 90 DAS and pendimethalin (PRE) 1.5 kg/ha fb one hoeing 45 DAS fb glyphosate 1% (protected spray) at 90 DAS] with three replications. Mulching with rice straw @7.5 t/ha resulted in significantly higher seed cotton yield (3189 and 3084 kg/ha) and better weed control in comparison to no mulch (2990 and 3189 kg/ha) in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Among weed management levels apart from weed free, significantly lowest seed cotton yield (1841 and 1757 kg/ha) recorded in weedy check in comparison to other treatments while all other treatments were statistically at par with each other during both years of crop experimentation respectively. Herbicide efficiency index (7.13 and 7.31) achieved with application of pendimethalin (PRE) @1.5 kg/ha fb one hoeing at 45 DAS fb glyphosate 1% (protected spray) at 90 DAS during kharif 2020 and 2021 respectively
Study of evoked potentials and early development in premature infants
Authors: min kyeongil , Shin Hyun lee , Jeong Minjae , Kim Du Hwan , Park Myung Woo , Lee Byung Chan
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between evoked potentials (EP) and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Premature infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary referral hospital between March 2020 and March 2023 were included in the study. Among them, only those with EP at a corrected age of 40 weeks were included, meanwhile, infants who did not undergo the test or had abnormal results were excluded. Additionally, patients with follow-up developmental outcomes such as the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) or the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) were included. A total of 24 participants were included in this study. No significant differences in the clinical factors and results of the EP studies were observed between the two groups divided by a HINE score of 60. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis revealed that visual EP was the only factor that correlated with the lying and rolling domains of the GMFM (P = 0.028). A significant association was observed between the GMFM and visual EP. Integrating the visual EP latency with other parameters may improve clinical assessments to predict developmental outcomes beyond the dichotomous classification of normal or abnormal outcomes, possibly improving the accuracy of medical interventions and patient outcomes.
School Boarding, Bullying, and Students’ Mental Health in Rural China
Authors: Li Yunsen , Li Yunlu
Published: October 2023

This study aims to examine the effects of school boarding on the mental health of rural Chinese students using data from the National Children’s Study of China (NCSC). The OLS and estimates based on propensity score matching method show that boarding is not significantly associated with students’ self-confidence, self-esteem, self-concept, and belief in justice. Nonetheless, it is significantly correlated to lower subjective well-being, and higher levels of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Further robustness test also supports the findings. Additionally, this paper finds that non-left-behind children, elementary students, and female students are more likely to experience the negative effects of boarding at school. The vital mechanism analysis indicates that the adverse effects of boarding may result from significantly increased school bullying in boarding schools.
Research and Application of a User Academic Profile Analysis Platform Based on AHP-EW
Authors: Yu Qian , Wang Jinmin , Wu Jinyuan , Liu Jing , Zhou Wei , Liu Rong , Zhang Yanqiu
Published: October 2023

Academic achievement is a crucial factor in evaluating the academic level of students. However, there is a problem in that academic performance solely reflects grades and cannot assess students' comprehensive abilities and qualities. To address this issue, we have developed and implemented a platform for the analysis of a user's academic profile based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process-Entropy Weight (AHP-EW) method. The platform comprises input and calculation modules for academic performance, construction and evaluation of quality evaluation indicators, diagnostic analysis reports, and knowledge graphs. It constructs students’ academic performance portraits, delivers academic diagnosis and analysis services for various educational regions and schools, and generates academic performance portrait across different levels. It improves the clarity, coherence, and comprehensibility of academic performance and plays a vital role in diagnosing, analyzing, evaluating, and providing feedback on academic performance.
hESC-derived mesenchymal stem cells Promote Oral Mucositis Healing via the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Lv Kejia , Gao Bicong , Shen Chenlu , Ye Weijia , Yao Yanan , Yao Hua
Published: October 2023

Objective
Oral mucositis (OM) is among the most pervasive adverse reactions caused by radiotherapy or chemotherapy during cancer treatment. This study focused on the reparative effects of human embryonic stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hESC-MSCs) in OM and possible mechanisms.
Materials and Methods
An ulcer model was created in the rat buccal mucosa to simulate OM, and hESC-MSCs were injected 48h later to assess their reparative effects. The efficacy of hESC-MSCs in regulating apoptosis and proliferation in LPS- or 5-FU-injured HaCaT cells was studied in vitro using a transwell coculture system. Subsequently, the PI3K inhibitor LY24002 was used to assess whether hESC-MSCs regulated injured HaCaT cells through PI3K/AKT pathway.
Results
We found that hESC-MSCs injection promoted OM healing in rats through the acceleration of re-epithelialization, and a decrease in apoptosis. Our findings also revealed that the hESC-MSCs treatment led to a reduction in the quantity of HaCaT cells undergoing apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that hESC-MSCs activated AKT, resulting in increased protein levels of PCNA and BCL-2, decreased protein levels of Bax and Caspase-3. Whereas, LY294002 reversed these changes.
Conclusions
hESC-MSCs promoted OM healing, inhibited LPS- or 5-FU-injured HaCaT cell apoptosis, and increased their proliferation via the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Community Based Screening for High Blood Pressure and Diabetes among Albaraha Residents, Khartoum Sudan 2022
Authors: MohammedElamin Khanssa , Sabir Mustafa , Abdulabgi Rasheeda , Emad Ola , Mohammed Ola , Mohammed Fatin , Awad Ibrahim , Fadulelmola Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Background:
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and Hypertension constitutes a huge burden for low-income countries, so a screening program for identifying those at risk or at the early stages can be beneficial. The Aim of the study is to screen Albaraha residents for DM and high blood pressure.
Methods:
An observational descriptive cross sectional community based study, which was conducted in Khartoum state, Bahri city, Albaraha area, the population of which were Albaraha residents. A screening campaign was carried out for both DM and High blood pressure at the primary health care center at the area, between October-November 2022. A simple random sampling method was taken from individuals attending Albaraha primary health care center, whom fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this study, and a questionnaire assessing the risk/ predisposing factors was filled by all study participants. A single blood pressure reading of > 130/90 was regarded as high blood pressure and a Fasting blood glucose of > 126 mg/dl with a positive risk factor was considered to be DM. The collected data were entered into an Excel form, processed then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.
Results:
A total of 385 individuals were comprised as a sample in the study, all resides at Albaraha area in Bahri locality, most of them 47.8% aged 18–39 and only 4.9% aged more than 70 years. 52.7% of them were females and 52.5% were currently married. Most of them (57.9%) had University degree of education and 46.7% were currently employed. Only 54 of them had High fasting blood glucose and 182 had high blood pressure according to European Society of Hypertension 2023 guideline. 60% of the participant had their parent, brother, sister or their own child with a history of Diabetes and only 8.8% had no family history whatsoever of diabetes nor hypertension. People who had a positive family history of diabetes had 2 times the risk (95% CI 0.6–11.9) of having high fasting blood glucose levels compared with those who didn’t have a family history.
Conclusion:
This study illustrated that Community based screening for high blood pressure and high fasting blood glucose level can be carried out feasibly and it is highly effective in identifying undiagnosed diabetic and hypertensive individuals, especially in a low income country like Sudan in which the incidence of DM and hypertension are rising.
Genotype and haplotype analysis between ESR1 variants and breast cancer in the Bangladeshi patients: A PCR-RFLP-based genetic association study
Authors: Hossen Md. Shafiul , Aziz Md. Abdul , Barek Md Abdul , Jahan Nusrat , Afroz Nahida , Begum Mobashera , Islam Mohammad Safiqul
Published: October 2023

Background
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Bangladeshi women, and its pervasiveness is increasing day by day. This case-control study attempted to determine the association between ESR1 polymorphisms and breast cancer susceptibility.
Methods
This study genotyped two ESR1 genetic variants (rs2234693 and rs9340799) in a total of 399 confirmed breast cancer patients (201 cases and 198 controls) by applying the PCR-RFLP method. SPSS software (v25.0) was used for statistical analysis, and SHEsis web program and Haploview (v4.2) were used for linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analyses, respectively.
Results
A statistically significant association of rs2234693 variant with grade 3 tumor (OR = 0.17, p = 0.0004) and rs9340799 variant with overweight (OR = 0.46, p = 0.034), infiltrating breast cancer (OR = 0.25, p < 0.0001), and positive lymph node status (OR = 2.34, p = 0.005) were observed. Again, rs2234693 variant was found to be significantly associated with breast cancer in codominant 1 (OR = 0.60, p = 0.045), codominant 2 (OR = 0.50, p = 0.021), dominant (OR = 0.56, p = 0.020), and allelic model (OR = 0.73, p = 0.028). In the case of rs9340799 variant, no significant link was observed for breast cancer. Haplotype analysis revealed a significant correlation of TA and CA haplotypes with breast cancer susceptibility (OR = 1.37, p = 0.028 and OR = 0.41, p = 0.0002, respectively). Besides, both rs2234693 and rs9340799 are found to be in strong linkage disequilibrium (D’=1.00, r2 = 0.697).
Conclusions
In this study, a significant correlation of ESR1 rs2234693 and rs9340799 genetic variants with breast cancer susceptibility has been observed. The findings of this study need to be investigated further to confirm the association.
Myosteatosis and Aortic Calcium Score on Abdominal CT as Prognostic Markers in Non- Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Kim Ahyun , Lee Chul-min , Kang Bo-Kyeong , Kim Mimi , Choi Jong Wook
Published: October 2023

We aimed to examine the relationship between abdominal computed tomography (CT)-based body composition data and both renal function decline and all-cause mortality in patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD). This retrospective study comprised non-dialysis CKD patients who underwent consecutive unenhanced abdominal CT between January 2010 and December 2011. CT-based body composition was measured using semiautomated method that included visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, skeletal muscle area and density, and abdominal aortic calcium score (AAS). Risk factors for CKD progression and survival were identified using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard regression models. Survival between groups based on myosteatosis and AAS was compared using the Kaplan–Meier curve. 149 patients (median age: 70 years) were included; 79 (53.0%) patients had sarcopenia and 112 (75.2%) had myosteatosis. The median AAS was 560.9 (interquartile range: 55.7–1478.3)/m2. The prognostic factors for CKD progression were myosteatosis (odds ratio [OR] = 4.31, p = 0.013) and high AAS (OR = 1.03, p = 0.001). Skeletal muscle density (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.93, p = 0.004) or myosteatosis (HR = 4.87, p = 0.032) and high AAS (HR = 1.02, p = 0.001) were independent factors for poor survival outcomes. The presence of myosteatosis and the high burden of aortic calcium were significant factors for CKD progression and survival in patients with non-dialysis CKD.
Fibrates and Risk of Congenital Malformations: A Nationwide Cohort Study in South Korea
Authors: Kay Hee Yeon , Jang Ha Young , Kim In-wha , Oh JungMi
Published: October 2023

Purpose
To examine the association between maternal prescriptions for fibrates and congenital malformations in live births.
Methods
Nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted using the data sourced from the Korean National Health Insurance database. A cohort of 756,877 completed pregnancies linked to live-born infants in 215,600 women with dyslipidemia between 2012 and 2021. The study compared data on congenital anomalies between pregnancies who were exposed to fibrates and those who were not exposed to fibrates in the first trimester. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by a multivariable analyses using logistic regression models to adjust for potential confounders.
Results
260 pregnancies (0.12%) were exposed to fibrates during the first trimester. The prevalence of malformations in exposed offspirng was 10.77%, not significantly different compared with 9.68% in offspring of women who were not prescribed fibrates during pregnancy in patients with dyslipidemia (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.75–1.70).
Conclusion
This study implies that the use of fibrates during pregnancy may be safe, as it did not show any association with congenital anomalies. However, caution is warranted due to an elevated risk associated with prolonged exposure.
The role of Helicobacter suis, Fusobacterium gastrosuis and the pars oesophageal microbiota in gastric ulceration in slaughter pigs receiving meal or pelleted feed
Authors: Taillieu Emily , Taelman Steff , De Bruyckere Sofie , Goossens Evy , Chantziaras Ilias , Steenkiste Christophe Van , Yde Peter , Hanssens Steven , De Meyer Dimitri , Criekinge Wim Van , Stock Michiel , Maes Dominiek , Chiers Koen , Haesebrouck Freddy
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the role of causative infectious agents in ulceration of the non-glandular part of the porcine stomach (pars oesophagea). In total, 150 stomachs from slaughter pigs were included, 75 from pigs that received a meal feed, 75 from pigs that received an equivalent pelleted feed with a smaller particle size. The pars oesophagea was macroscopically examined after slaughter. (q)PCR assays for H. suis, F. gastrosuis and H. pylori-like organisms were performed, as well as 16S rRNA sequencing for pars oesophagea microbiome analyses. All 150 pig stomachs showed lesions. F. gastrosuis was detected in 115 cases (77%) and H. suis in 117 cases (78%), with 92 cases (61%) of co-infection; H. pylori-like organisms were detected in one case. Higher infectious loads of H. suis increased the odds of severe gastric lesions (OR = 1.14, p = 0.038), while the presence of H. suis infection in the pyloric gland zone increased the probability of pars oesophageal erosions (16.4% (95%CI: 0.6–32.2%)). The causal effect of H. suis was mediated by decreased pars oesophageal microbiome diversity (-1.9% (95%CI: -5.0–1.2%)), increased abundances of Veillonella and Campylobacter spp., and decreased abundances of Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Enterobacteriaceae spp. Higher infectious loads of F. gastrosuis in the pars oesophagea decreased the odds of severe gastric lesions (OR = 0.8, p = 0.0014). Feed pelleting had no significant impact on the prevalence of severe gastric lesions (OR = 1.72, p = 0.28). H. suis infections are a risk factor for ulceration of the porcine pars oesophagea, probably mediated through alterations in pars oesophageal microbiome diversity and composition.
Is cone beam computed tomography accurate in predicting inferior alveolar nerve exposure during third molar extraction?
Authors: CHEN Kenan , Chen Youbai , Chen Peng , Jiang Junqi , Wang Junlin , Wang Enbo , Guo Chuanbin , Xu Xiangliang
Published: October 2023

Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in predicting the exposure of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) during complicated mandibular third molars (M3M) extraction.
Methods
115 M3Ms with canal cortical defect (CCD) signs on CBCT were extracted. Candidate variables included basic information and CCD size. Primary outcome were IAN exposure and exposed IAN size measured under endoscope. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to identify the association between outcome and candidate variables.
Results
85/115 M3Ms had intraoperative IAN exposure. The average length and width of exposed IAN were significantly smaller than those of CCD. Logistic regression showed that IAN exposure was significantly associated with the length of CCD on CBCT (P = 0.001). Linear regression analyses showed that the size of exposed IAN were significantly associated with the CCD length (P = 0.013) and width (P＜0.001).
Conclusions
The size of CCD on CBCT is larger than that of intraoperative exposed IAN. IAN exposure can be predicted by the length of CCD on preoperative CBCT. IAN exposure is prone to occur in cases with a length of CCD ≥ 3.4 mm on CBCT.
Clinical Relevance:
Endoscope provides the possibility to observe and record the IAN exposure directly. IAN exposure can be predicted by the length of CCD on preoperative CBCT. IAN exposure is prone to occur in cases with a length of CCD ≥ 3.4 mm on CBCT.