bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ideal systems, chemical and mass equilibrium
Authors: Limmer David T.
Published: August 2024

In this chapter, we will consider the application of statistical mechanics to the simplest of systems, those consisting of components that do not interact. Such ideal systems, like gases, dilute solutions, or collections of quasiparticles, provided an initial concrete testing grounds for many of the earliest ideas in statistical mechanics. Many concepts born from ideal systems are widely useful, like the laws of mass action and chemical equilibrium. Moreover, ideal systems often serve as a useful reference state from which to develop more sophisticated descriptions. The strategy for the evaluation of partition functions of ideal systems is based on factorization, the idea that for systems that can be approximated as not interacting, the enumeration of the states is equivalent to summing the states of a single particle up to factors that account for particle indistinguishability. We will explore this extensively in the following. Throughout we will consider systems described by both quantum and classical mechanics.
Linear response and Gaussian field theories
Authors: Limmer David T.
Published: August 2024

Here we will consider in particular cases where a system can be thought of as behaving close to specific reference, and develop the theory of linear response around those references. Linear response theory, a perturbation theory, relies of the evaluation of measures of correlations between particles to employ. Such correlation functions can be evaluated using Gaussian field theories, which can be thought of simple effective models of complex systems. So the combination of linear response theory and Gaussian models can be used synergistically to deduce the behaviors of complex systems. Here we will largely focus on examples drawn from theories of solvation and liquid state structure, but the techniques are general. We will mostly consider classical systems as these techniques are most useful in cases where both energetic and entropic effects are important, though an extension to quantum mechanical phenomena is worked out at the end of the chapter.
Molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Limmer David T.
Published: August 2024

Molecular dynamics simulations are a computational tool used to study the behav- ior of complex systems at the atomic and molecular level. For an autonomously evolving system complex enough for the ergodic hypothesis to be valid, simulating the dynamics over time can simultaneously provide insights into the structure and thermodynamics of a wide range of systems. The basic idea of molecular dynamics is to approximate an equation of motion by discretizing it. When the discretization is chosen appropriately, the emergent behavior of many interacting particles can be viewed within a statistical mechanics framework. Here the standard algorithms employed in the study of molecular dynamics are reviewed and their limitations explored. Particular emphasis is placed on the properties of specific approximations to the equations of motion. Practical aspects associated with efficient simulation as well as a few more advanced sampling algorithms that can be employed with molecular dynamics simulations are discussed.
Informality at Work—Towards a Law on Livelihoods?
Authors: Sankaran Kamala
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the manner in which informality and related concepts are defined in the law and labour statistics, and how these concepts can be better aligned to capture the reality of changes in the world of work. The chapter examines the many ways in which formal and informal forms of work are distinct, and yet may overlap. It further examines different explanations for the presence of formal and informal forms of work and how labour statistics define and measure informal forms of work. The chapter focuses on certain key challenges confronting the world of work as we move ahead to create decent work and livelihoods for all and argues for a law on livelihoods to capture the myriad forms of informal employment and work.
Accommodations
Authors: Bell Mark
Published: August 2024

In many jurisdictions, the law of work increasingly contains measures that place employers under a duty to make adjustments to the way in which work is organized and/or performed in response to the personal situation of workers. Internationally, this is best illustrated by the obligation on employers to provide reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities in order to remove barriers to their participation in employment on an equal basis with others. Certain jurisdictions have adopted further instruments that, in various ways, require employers to provide accommodation for other reasons, such as in response to the religious practices of workers, or flexibilities for workers who are parents or carers. This chapter explores the rationale for placing employers under such obligations and it examines how these instruments typically function in practice. It reflects on this trajectory in the law and its potential for further evolution.
Debates About the Role of Labour Law in Development
Authors: Marshall Shelley
Published: August 2024

Proponents and detractors of labour law often draw battle lines around the relationship between labour market regulation and social and economic development. This chapter examines three such debates. It starts by surveying contests about labour market regulation’s role in fostering decommodification and freedoms of various types. It then scrutinizes the turn towards ‘big data sets’ to resolve debates around economic growth. Finally, it studies the recent flourishing of the business and human rights movement as the forum for addressing the global disparity of power between workers and capital, and labour standards in global supply chains. Mapping these debates reveals the unsettling fact that the biggest battles over labour market regulation’s purpose in the past thirty years have occurred outside of the institutions of labour standard-setting in which organized labour has ‘insider’ status. Sidelining organized labour to the periphery of these debates has shaped its winners and losers.
Trends in Social Cognition and Its Principles
Authors: Carlston Donal E.
Published: August 2024

In the first edition of this handbook, Carlston and Schneid analyzed the PsycInfo database to assess trends in publications on social cognition. This chapter reports a similar effort, analyzing publications up to and including the first two years of the 2020s. Among other things, these analyses indicate that social cognition is mentioned in a smaller percentage of peer-reviewed social psychology articles in recent years than in the 2000s, breaking a multidecade trend upward. Several explanations are proposed, including the possibility that social cognition, like other areas of social psychology, has followed a natural pattern of rising to, and then falling from, prominence. Other possibilities are that social cognition and its principles have become so ubiquitous that they often aren’t explicitly labeled as such and that the field has morphed into something that is barely recognizable as “your grandfather’s social cognition.”
Social Learning and Culture in Birds (class Aves)
Authors: Aplin Lucy
Published: August 2024

Birds have emerged as important experimental systems for the study of culture and cultural evolution. There is also increasing evidence from wild birds of social learning, cultural inheritance, and culture across diverse taxa and behavioural domains. In this chapter the author reviews these dual literatures, focusing on three behavioural domains where most work has been concentrated: vocalizations, migration, and foraging. The author then discusses how studies in birds have shown that the spread of innovations and establishment of new cultures can be a source of behavioural flexibility in novel environments. The author ends with recommendations for future research directions and by highlighting how research in birds has the exciting potential to elucidate the evolutionary ecology of social learning and culture.
Abstract 8: Facilitating Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Patients with Infantile Krabbe Disease Identified by Newborn Screening
Authors: Vaco Alejandra Escobar , Kurtzberg Joanne
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Krabbe disease is a rare lysosomal storage disease characterize by the deficiency of galactocerebrosidase (GALC), essential for the turnover of myelin in the nervous system. In its most severe form, infantile Krabbe disease (IKD), symptoms appear before 12 months of age and patients die before 2 years of age. Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) using cord blood performed <30 days of age has been shown to improve survival and neurological function of affected babies. The timeline for diagnosis to transplant creates unique challenges to be addressed.

Objectives

Describe steps from a positive newborn screen (NBS) to timely transplantation for IKD.

Methods

Data review and discussion with experts treating IKD

Results

Currently 12 US states perform NBS for IKD. Enzymatic activity of GALC is measured using dried blood samples. Samples with low GALC activity undergo second tier testing of Psychosine (PSY). A PSY >10 confirms the diagnosis of IKD. Over the past 17 years, >6M babies have been screened and ~25 newborns diagnosed with IKD

Discussion

In 2024, IKD was added to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP) which means that additional states will be adding IKD to their NBS panels in the next few years. Given the short timeline from diagnosis to transplant, each state should develop a KD NBS Preparedness algorithm to ensure affected babies have access to treatment. The roadmap for preparedness includes (1) rapid PSY testing, (2) Communication of results to a physician familiar with IKD who can talk with the parents, (3) An established partnership with a pediatric transplant center willing to take urgent referrals, (4) Repeat disease testing, mutational analysis, and HLA typing (*do not wait for mutation results to proceed to transplant), (5) transfer of baby from Mom’s to their own insurance; (6) Counselling of parents and referral to TC, (7) inpatient workup, (8) placement of CVL and G-Tube prior to chemo, (9) testing of candidate cord blood units for CT and GALC level, (10) initiation of chemotherapy regardless of bilirubin and also before final cord blood unit is identified. Additional details about the roadmap to transplant and transplant preparedness will be discussed.
Xpert MTB/RIF assay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in children in tertiary care setting in South India
Authors: Velayutham Banurekha , Hissar Syed , Thiruvengadam Kannan , Narayan Sivaramakrishnan Gomathi , Subramanyam Balaji , Navaneethapandian Pooranagangadevi , Reddy Devarajulu , Nair Dina , Kannabiran Bhavani , Balaji Sarath , Selladurai Elilarasi , Ganesh Jayachandran , Aravind Malayappan Ayyavu , Rathinam Prabhakaran , Chellaiah Luke Ravi , Rose Winsley , Luke Elizabeth Hannah , Sakaya Annie , Joseph Bency , Sundaralingam Vennila , Karthikeyan Sananthya , Dhanaraj Baskaran , Natrajan Mohan , Swaminathan Soumya
Published: August 2024

Xpert MTB/RIF is recommended for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in children. We determined the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in children. The characteristics of children influencing Xpert MTB/RIF positivity were explored. Children aged <15 years with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary TB were prospectively enrolled from 2013 to 2019. Two sputum/early morning gastric aspirate specimens were collected for examination by smear (fluorescence microscopy), Xpert MTB/RIF, and culture [Mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT)/Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) medium]. Diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF was evaluated using LJ and or MGIT culture positivity as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Stratified analysis was done; P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Of the total 1727 enrolled children, 1674 (97%) with complete results for at least one sputum/gastric aspirate sample were analyzed. The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF was 68.5% in sputum and 53.6% in gastric aspirate while the specificity was 99% for both. The sensitivity compared to smear was 68.5% vs. 33.7% (P < .001) and 53.6% vs. 14.5%; (P < .001) in sputum and gastric aspirate, respectively. The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF was 23.9% with decision to treat as reference standard. Xpert MTB/RIF positivity was significantly influenced by sex, age, nutritional status, chest X-ray abnormality, TB infection status, and symptoms suggestive of TB. Xpert MTB/RIF as an upfront test compared to smear improves diagnosis of pulmonary TB in children yet the sensitivity is suboptimal. Newer TB diagnostic tools with improved sensitivity is warranted in children.
Prospects for a sequence-based taxonomy of influenza A virus subtypes
Authors: Poon Art F. Y
Published: August 2024

Hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins are the primary antigenic targets of influenza A virus (IAV) infections. IAV infections are generally classified into subtypes of HA and NA proteins, e.g. H3N2. Most of the known subtypes were originally defined by a lack of antibody cross-reactivity. However, genetic sequencing has played an increasingly important role in characterizing the evolving diversity of IAV. Novel subtypes have recently been described solely by their genetic sequences, and IAV infections are routinely subtyped by molecular assays, or the comparison of sequences to references. In this study, I carry out a comparative analysis of all available IAV protein sequences in the Genbank database (over 1.1 million, reduced to 272,292 unique sequences prior to phylogenetic reconstruction) to determine whether the serologically defined subtypes can be reproduced with sequence-based criteria. I show that a robust genetic taxonomy of HA and NA subtypes can be obtained using a simple clustering method, namely, by progressively partitioning the phylogeny on its longest internal branches. However, this taxonomy also requires some amendments to the current nomenclature. For example, two IAV isolates from bats previously characterized as a divergent lineage of H9N2 should be separated into their own subtype. With the exception of these small and highly divergent lineages, the phylogenies relating each of the other six genomic segments do not support partitions into major subtypes.
Giant mucinous liposarcoma of the abdominal cavity: A case report
Authors: Li Yi-Ming , Zhu Hai-Hong , Wang Xiang-Qian , Shi Meng-Zhen , ShangGuan Chao-Liang
Published: August 2024

Rationale:

Mucinous liposarcoma myxoid liposarcoma is a malignant mucoid soft tissue tumor derived from undifferentiated stromal cells in perivascular, subbody cavity and intermuscular space, and composed of cells at different stages of differentiation from preadipocytes to mature cells. In rare cases, it may change from lipoma malignancy. The main manifestations is painless mass, relatively slow growth, the course can last decades, the prevalence of liposarcoma in the population is 14% to 18%, mainly in adults, male prevalence is higher than women, but not significant. The main good hair part is the thigh, have mucinous sex, high differentiation type, dedifferentiation type, polymorphic type. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, and there are no obvious symptoms in the early stage, so the diagnosis should be combined with B ultrasound, MRI, CT, and other auxiliary examinations. The gold standard is pathological examination. In December 2023, our department admitted a patient with a mucinous abdominal mass. The report is as follows.

Patient concerns:

Does liposarcoma metastasize? Is any chemotherapy required after surgery? Will it ever relapse in the future? What is the survival period after surgery?

Diagnosis:

Mucinous liposarcoma.

Interventions:

Surgical resection of the sarcoma.

Results:

The nodule sample was 33 * 28 * 13 cm, with complete capsule, gray and yellow sections, fine texture, soft, gray, red, grayish, and yellow mucoid nodules in some areas, and the maximum diameter of the nodules was 21cm. Immunohistochemistry was: CD34 (+), CDK 4 (+), CK (−), Desmin (weak +), Ki67 (index 5%), MDM 2 (−), p16 (weak +), S-100P (+), Vimentin (+), BCL-2 (+). He was also sent to the Department of Pathology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital for consultation with Professor Lu Zhaohui, whose consultation opinion was in line with myxoliposarcoma.

Conclusion:

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a common retroperitoneal tumor, but it is relatively rare in clinical practice; the overall morbidity is low, mainly manifested as abdominal pain and abdominal distension, abdominal distension, and a long course of disease; it is not sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and should be closely follow up by CT examination to understand the recurrence and metastasis.
Beliefs, preferences, and acceptance of personal protective equipment for a shock room team in a tertiary care center
Authors: Ott Matthias , Hein Anna Sophie , Krohn Alexander , Jaki Christina , Dengler Florian , Schilling Tobias , Heymer Johannes
Published: August 2024

Background:

During coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic a standard usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare was mandatory, while actually the usage of PPE is currently decreasing. This raises the question about the further use of PPE in the clinical setting because healthcare workers (HCW) are at greater risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. The primary objective of this study is to determine the proportion of shock room team members approving the further use of PPE including a FFP2 respirator in simulation training and reality. The secondary objectives are to describe the expertise and difficulties faced while using PPE in the shock room care.

Methods:

Fifty-four HCW participated in a shock room simulation training at a large urban tertiary care hospital in Germany, utilizing a PPE comprising an FFP2 mask, gloves, goggles, and gown. Subsequently, participants completed an online questionnaire featuring 15 questions presented on a 5-point Likert scale or as multiple-choice questions with predefined answers.

Results:

Sixty-eight point five percent of our participants voted for an established standard PPE in shock room care. The largest fraction of our participants (40.7%) favors a standard PPE consisting of FFP2 mask, gown, and gloves. Less HCW (31.5%) want to wear PPE in shock room simulation training. Except for goggles we could not detect relevant difficulties faced while using PPE in the shock room environment. Incorrect use of PPE was observed in 14.8%.

Conclusion:

A majority of our participants favored a standard PPE including a FFP2 respirator in shock room care. In addition, we recommend the use of PPE in shock room simulation training, while further awareness of and training in proper use of PPE seems to be necessary to reduce risk of infectious diseases for HCW.
Association between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic respiratory diseases in a Japanese population: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shen Shaoning , Zeng Hanbing , Wei Hao , Wu Lianguo
Published: August 2024

Past observational studies have documented an association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic respiratory diseases. Undertaking the approach of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, this research aims to delve deeper into the probability of a causal connection between RA and chronic respiratory diseases. Collated genome-wide association study data covering RA with 4199 cases against 208,254 controls, asthma comprising 8216 cases versus 201,592 controls, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) detailing 3315 cases in contrast to 201,592 controls were derived from the repository of the Japanese Biobank. A selection of 10 RA-related, 8 asthma-related, and 4 COPD-related single nucleotide polymorphisms notable for their statistical significance (P < 5 × 10−8) were identified as instrumental variables. The primary analytical technique was the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, alongside the MR-Egger protocol, weighted median, and weighted mode to reinforce the validity and solidity of the principal results. For scrutinizing possible implications of horizontal pleiotropy, we harnessed the MR-Egger intercept examination and the Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy REsidual Sum and Outlier test. Employing the inverse variance-weighted technique, we established a positive correlation between genetic predispositions for RA and actual occurrences of asthma (odds ratios [OR] = 1.14; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.04–1.24; P = .003). This correlation remained strong when testing the results utilizing various methods, including the MR-Egger method (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.09–1.60; P = .023), the weighted median (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.06–1.26; P < .001), and the weighted mode (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11–1.32; P = .002). Furthermore, our findings from the inverse variance-weighted method also demonstrated a positive association between genetically predicted RA and COPD (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.02–1.29; P = .021). However, no such link was discerned in supplementary analyses. In a shifted perspective—the reverse MR analysis—no correlation was identified between genetically predicted instances of asthma (IVW, P = .717) or COPD (IVW, P = .177) and RA. The findings confirm a causal correlation between genetically predicted RA and an elevated risk of either asthma or COPD. In contrast, our results offer no support to the presumed causal relationship between genetic susceptibility to either asthma or COPD and the subsequent development of RA.
Risk factors for fasting blood glucose control in middle-aged and elderly type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Kuang Nang-yue , Hong Ye , Chen Jie-ping , Li Hui , Tang Na
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate and analyze the medication use, fasting blood glucose control, and associated risk factors among residents with type 2 diabetes at the grassroots level in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. A multi-stage cluster sampling method was employed to conduct a questionnaire survey among residents aged 45 and above in battalions (communities) as the smallest unit. The medication use was recorded, and fasting blood glucose control was considered as the dependent variable. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors influencing fasting blood glucose control among different population characteristics. A total of 2316 participants were included in the study, of which 1072 were male (45.12%), 1418 were aged 65 and above (61.23%), 2031 were Han Chinese (87.69%), and 1551 were from the surrounding areas of Urumqi (66.97%). The main medications used among the top three classes were metformin, insulin, and α-glucosidase inhibitors. The treatment rate for type 2 diabetes was 71.80%, and the fasting blood glucose control rate was 27.98%. Multivariate analysis identified living outside the Urumqi surrounding area, age 65 and above, body mass index ≥ 24, abnormal blood lipids, and untreated hypertension as independent risk factors for poor fasting blood glucose control, while treatment was a protective factor for achieving blood glucose control. The treatment rate and fasting blood glucose control rate among grassroots residents with type 2 diabetes in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps need improvement. Efforts should be made to enhance patient medication adherence and health management awareness through education. Targeted interventions should be implemented for high-risk populations with identified risk factors to reduce or delay the occurrence of diabetes and its complications, ultimately aiming to reduce mortality rates and improve quality of life.
Investigation into the potential mechanism and therapeutic targets of Cangzhu Erchen decoction for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on bioinformatics and network pharmacology
Authors: Gu Xiaofei , Ju Jiangang , Chen Qingqing , Ge Minjie , Huang Huaqiong
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Cangzhu Erchen decoction (CZECD) in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using microarray analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking. The active components and candidate targets of CZECD were obtained using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and Swiss Target Prediction. COPD-related targets were collected from 5 databases. Access to drug-disease interface targets in the Venny platform. The Cytoscape program and the STRING database were used for protein–protein interaction analysis and subsequent core target screening. The DAVID database was used for Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment pathway analysis, while AutoDockTools was used for molecular docking to confirm binding affinity between drugs and key targets. A total of 140 compounds from CZECD and 5100 COPD-related targets were identified. SRC, PIK3CA, STAT3, PIK3R1, AKT1, HSP90AA1, PIK3CB, GRB2, PIK3CD, and MAPK1 were identified as the major targets of CZECD in its anti-COPD activity. GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment studies revealed that CZECD mainly affects biological processes such as protein phosphorylation, xenobiotic response, positive regulation of the MAPK cascade, and inflammatory responses. Cancer, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK were the key pathways mediating these effects. The positive association between the core targets and the compounds was further validated by molecular docking. CZECD exerts its therapeutic role in COPD mainly through multiple compounds, targets, and pathways.
The therapeutic value of ipsilateral supraclavicular lymphadenectomy in locally advanced breast cancer: A review
Authors: Li Sen , Shi Yingfang , Wang Zhichun
Published: August 2024

The treatment of isolated ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis for locally advanced breast cancer has always been a controversial issue for breast surgeons. However, with the further understanding of the metastasis and treatment of breast cancer, it is now considered to be a locally advanced disease, and there is a new debate on the treatment of isolated ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis. The author reviewed the relevant literature and briefly discussed the clinical significance of supraclavicular lymph node resection in patients with locally advanced breast cancer presenting with isolated ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis.
The impact and mechanism study of Sijunzi decoction and Rg1 on proliferation and differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells: An experimental study
Authors: Lu Yafei , Ma Chuanxue , Zhang Yajie , Zhu Weina , Huangfu Shaohua , Zhou Ying , Zhou Chungen , Qin Fuhao , Wang Jianmin , Li Ming , Jiang Bin
Published: August 2024

Background:

Previous researches have demonstrated that the traditional Chinese medicine could therapeutically treat inflammatory and hypoxic diseases by enhancing the functionality of mesenchymal stem cells. However, its mechanism was not yet clear. This research aimed to investigate the impact of the traditional Chinese medicine Sijunzi decoction and its herb monomer ginsenoside Rg1 on the proliferation and differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

Different concentrations of Sijunzi decoction and Rg1 were applied to differentiating induced hUC-MSCs. The CCK-8 test was utilized to evaluate cell proliferation activity and identify suitable drug concentrations. Alizarin Red staining was employed to detect the formation of calcium nodules, and Oil Red O staining was used to assess the formation of lipid droplets. PCR was utilized to examine gene expression related to osteogenic differentiation, adipogenic differentiation, and the HIF-1α signaling pathway in hUC-MSCs. Western blot analysis was conducted to evaluate protein expression in osteogenic differentiation and HIF-1α. ELISA was performed to measure HIF-1α signaling factors and inflammatory cytokine expression. Biochemical assays were used to assess changes in oxidative stress indicators.

Results:

The Sijunzi decoction and Rg1 both demonstrated a dose-dependent promotion of hUC-MSC proliferation. The Sijunzi decoction significantly increased the expression of genes and proteins relevant to osteogenesis, such as osterix, osteocalcin, RUNX2, and osteopontin, and activated the HIF-1α pathway in hUC-MSCs. (P < .05). Similar effects were observed at the gene level after treatment with Rg1. Simultaneously, Sijunzi decoction significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, while increasing the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 during osteogenic differentiation (P < .05). Moreover, Sijunzi decoction lowered oxidative stress levels and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of hUC-MSCs during osteogenic differentiation (P < .05). However, the impact of Sijunzi decoction on hUC-MSCs toward adipogenic differentiation was not significant (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Sijunzi decoction promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hUC-MSCs, potentially through the activation of the HIF-1α signaling pathway and by modulating the microenvironment via reducing inflammation and oxidative stress levels. Rg1 might be involved in this process.
Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis predict the mechanisms of Huangbai liniment in treating oral lichen planus
Authors: Chang Wei , Shi Jing , Li Lingzhi , Zhang Ping , Ren Yanrong , Yan Yan , Ge Yana
Published: August 2024

This study explored the mechanism of Huangbai liniment (HB) for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP) through network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques. The study identified HB’ active ingredients, therapeutic targets for OLP, and associated signaling pathways. The chemical composition of HB was screened using the HERB database. The disease targets of OLP were obtained through the GeneCards and OMIM databases. A protein–protein interactions network was constructed with the String platform. Topological analysis was performed using Cytoscape software to identify core targets. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the Hiplot database, and the active ingredients and core targets were verified by molecular docking. Date analysis showed that the active composition of HB in the treatment of OLP were quercetin, wogonin, kaempferol, and luteolin. This survey identified 10 potential therapeutic targets, including TNF, CXCL8, IL-6, IL1B, PIK3R1, ESR1, JUN, AKT1, PIK3CA, and CTNNB1. Molecular docking revealed stable interactions between OLP’ key targets and HB. These key targets were predominantly involved in the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, AGE–RAGE signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway. HB plays a crucial role in the treatment of OLP, acting on multiple targets and pathways, particularly the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway. It regulated biological processes like the proliferation of epithelial cells and lymphocytes and mediates the expression of transcription factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical trial and application of HB in the therapy of OLP.
A case report of iliopsoas abscess and literature review
Authors: He Wenyu , Yuan Ye , Huang Jihua
Published: August 2024

Rationale:

Iliopsoas abscess is a rare acute medical condition. It usually occurs because of the spread of infection from adjacent structures and hematogenous spread. Clinical features include fever, backache, radiating nerve root pain, and leg weakness. When sepsis occurs, prompt recognition is required to initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical drainage.

Patient concerns:

A 65-year-old male presented to the outpatient department with a 2-day history of lower back, hip, and leg pain, for which analgesics were administered. During hospitalization, he experienced deterioration, becoming febrile, hypoxic, hypotensive, tachycardiac, and delirious.

Interventions:

The patient was then intubated and ventilated. His family reported an additional history of acupuncture for back pain, which sustained an inflamed wound on his right forearm. Abdominal computed tomography was performed, which confirmed bilateral iliopsoas abscess without involvement of intra-abdominal organs. A preliminary report of blood culture revealed Gram-positive cocci. Echocardiography showed vegetation on the aortic valve, and moderate aortic regurgitation was sustained. He was started on vancomycin along with piperacillin–tazobactam. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage was inserted into the bilateral abscess. Pus and blood yielded methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. He remained septic. The repeat computed tomography showed the right abscess enlarged. A repeated echocardiogram showed that the vegetation increased. Further incision and surgical drainage were performed with continuous wash-out.

Outcome:

His condition improved after management and he was discharged to a regional hospital for ongoing care.

Conclusion:

Prompt diagnosis and surgical treatment are essential to improve patient outcomes. The unique aspect of this case is the persistence of the methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infection. Centralized surgical services are pivotal in conjunction with robust antimicrobial regimens.

Lesson:

This case reinforces the importance of high clinical suspicion of an unknown source of sepsis.
Research on privacy protection in the context of healthcare data based on knowledge map
Authors: Ouyang Ting , Yang Jianhua , Gu Zongyun , Zhang Lei , Wang Dan , Wang Yuanmao , Yang Yinfeng
Published: August 2024

With the rapid development of emerging information technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things, the world has entered the era of big data. In the face of growing medical big data, research on the privacy protection of personal information has attracted more and more attention, but few studies have analyzed and forecasted the research hotspots and future development trends on the privacy protection. Presently, to systematically and comprehensively summarize the relevant privacy protection literature in the context of big healthcare data, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to clarify the spatial and temporal distribution and research hotspots of privacy protection using the information visualization software CiteSpace. The literature papers related to privacy protection in the Web of Science were collected from 2012 to 2023. Through analysis of the time, author and countries distribution of relevant publications, we found that after 2013, research on the privacy protection has received increasing attention and the core institution of privacy protection research is the university, but the countries show weak cooperation. Additionally, keywords like privacy, big data, internet, challenge, care, and information have high centralities and frequency, indicating the research hotspots and research trends in the field of the privacy protection. All the findings will provide a comprehensive privacy protection research knowledge structure for scholars in the field of privacy protection research under the background of health big data, which can help them quickly grasp the research hotspots and choose future research projects.
Nontargeted metabolomic profiling analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing corn silk treatment
Authors: Cheng Yu , Chao Hong , Liu Jinghua , Liu Jicheng
Published: August 2024

To explore the corn silk’s effect and possible mechanism on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by untargeted metabolomics. Newly diagnosed patients with T2DM admitted to the endocrinology department of the author’s hospital from March 2020 to September 2021 were chosen and then allocated to either the intervention or the control group (NC) randomly. Patients in the intervention group were administered corn silk in the same way as the patients in the NC were given a placebo. A hypoglycemic effect was observed, and an untargeted metabolomics study was done on patients of both groups. Compared with the NC, the glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose of patients in the intervention group significantly decreased after 3 months of treatment (P < .05), identified using tandem mass spectrometry, and analyzed by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. A total of 73 differential metabolites were screened under the conditions of variable important in projection value >1.0 and P < .05. Differential metabolites are mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, purine metabolism, and endocrine resistance. Through untargeted metabolomic analysis, it is found that corn silk water extract may reduce blood glucose in patients with T2DM through multiple pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and purine metabolism.
Bioinspired Bimetallic Ions Functionalized MOF SAzyme Nanocomposites for Synergistic Ferroptosis/Cuproptosis-Enhanced Immune Checkpoint Therapy
Authors: Yang Linjiao , Pan Mengmeng , Hu Haofan , Liu Furong , Jiang Ming , Ning Shangwu , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Zhanguo , Yu Xu , Xu Li
Published: August 2024

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) generates sustained responses in immunogenic cancers, but its effectiveness is limited in tumors lacking immune activity. Here, we construct a bioinspired bimetallic ions functionalized nanoscale metal-organic framework (NMOF) single-atom nanozyme (SAzyme) loaded with doxorubicin (Dox) (NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox nanocomposite) to effectively trigger anti-tumor immune responses while addressing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox nanocomposite has been demonstrated to efficiently reverse the TME by generating reactive oxygen species and oxidizing glutathione. Camouflaging NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox nanocomposites with bioinspired cancer cell membrane (NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox@M) enables its navigation to the tumor region through homologous targeting. The highly efficient uptaken by cancer cells selectively induced synergistic ferroptosis and cuproptosis in these cells. Furthermore,in vitroandin vivoexperiments demonstrate that the ferroptosis in cancer cells can polarize tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) towards anti-tumoral M1 phenotype and significantly diminish pro-tumoral M2 phenotype. We find that NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox@M could induce the ferroptosis of M2 macrophages, while no effect to M1 macrophages. In addition, a significant increase of anti-tumor infiltrating CD8+T cells, while a remarkable decrease of CD4+regulatory T cells were observed. These findings suggested that NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox@M could efficiently modulate TME, enhance tumoricidal immunity and elevate the therapeutic efficiency of ICB. Moreover, the combination of NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox@M with αPD-1 effectively eradicated hepatocellular carcinoma cellsin vivo, outperforming the use of either NMOF-Fe/Cu-Dox@M or αPD-1 alone. In summary, our study presents a therapeutic strategy that leverages coordinated ferroptosis and cuproptosis with therapeutic efficiency of ICB, underscoring the promise of combined chemoimmunotherapy.
Association between the choroid plexus volume and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults without dementia: A population-based cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Hidaka Yosuke , Hashimoto Mamoru , Suehiro Takashi , Fukuhara Ryuji , Ishikawa Tomohisa , Tsunoda Naoko , Koyama Asuka , Honda Kazuki , Miyagawa Yusuke , Yoshiura Kazuhiro , Yuuki Seiji , Kajitani Naoto , Boku Shuken , Ishii Kazunari , Ikeda Manabu , Takebayashi Minoru
Published: August 2024

Background

Choroid plexus (CP) volume increase may be associated with cognitive decline in older individuals without dementia. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether CP volume can be an imaging marker of cognitive decline in older adults, verify its association with cognitive decline in older individuals compared with brain parenchymal and CSF volumes, and explore the factors associated with the CP volume.

Methods

We measured the CP volume, brain parenchyma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces associated with disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH), an imaging feature of normal-pressure hydrocephalus, in community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years without dementia.

Results

In 1,370 participants, lower Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were significantly associated with higher CP volume, even after adjusting for DESH-related CSF space and brain parenchymal volume. CP volume was more strongly associated with MMSE scores than DESH-related CSF space and brain parenchymal volume. History of smoking, white matter hyperintensity, enlarged perivascular spaces, age, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus were associated with increased CP volume.

Conclusions

In community-dwelling older individuals without dementia, CP volume is associated with cognitive decline independent of the brain parenchyma and CSF volumes and may be one of the most sensitive imaging markers of cognitive decline. Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating CP volume increase to maintain cognitive function in older individuals. Further longitudinal studies are required.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC

Choroid plexus (CP) volume increase has been associated with cognitive decline in older individuals without dementia; however, the influence of volumes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain parenchyma in this association remains unexplored. The extent to which CP volume is involved in cognitive decline in older adults compared with brain parenchymal and CSF volumes is unclear.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

CP volume is associated with cognitive decline in older individuals independent of the volumes of CSF and brain parenchyma. CP is one of the structures most closely related to cognitive impairment in older individuals without dementia.

HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE OR POLICY

Our study provides a reference for investigating CP volume increase to maintain cognitive function in older individuals.
Engineered Nanotopographies Induce Transient Openings in the Nuclear Membrane
Authors: Sarikhani Einollah , Patel Vrund , Li Zhi , Meganathan Dhivya Pushpa , Rahmani Keivan , Sadr Leah , Hosseini Ryan , Visda Diether , Shukla Shivani , Naghsh-Nilchi Hamed , Balaji Adarsh , McMahon Gillian , Chen Shaoming , Schöneberg Johannes , McHugh Colleen A. , Shi Lingyan , Jahed Zeinab
Published: August 2024

Materials with engineered nano-scale surface topographies, such as nanopillars, nanoneedles, and nanowires, mimic natural structures like viral spike proteins, enabling them to bypass biological barriers like the plasma membrane. These properties have led to applications in nanoelectronics for intracellular sensing and drug delivery platforms, some of which are already in clinical trials. Here, we present evidence that nanotopographic materials can induce transient openings in the nuclear membranes of various cell types without penetrating the cells, breaching the nucleo-cytoplasmic barrier and allowing uncontrolled molecular exchange across the nuclear membrane. These openings, induced by nanoscale curvature, are temporary and repaired through ESCRT-mediated mechanisms. Our findings suggest a potential for nano topographic materials for direct nuclear sensing and delivery, holding promise for improving the delivery, efficiency, and safety of therapeutic agents to the nucleus.
Discovery of Z1362873773: A Novel Fascin Inhibitor from a Large Chemical Library for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Alejandro , Giraldo-Ruiz Lucía , Ramos Maria C. , Luque Irene , Ribeiro Diogo , Postigo-Corrales Fátima , Alburquerque-González Begoña , Montoro-García Silvia , Arroyo-Rodríguez Ana Belén , Conesa-Zamora Pablo , Hurtado Ana María , Luengo-Gil Ginés , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio
Published: August 2024

Metastasis is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Fascin is involved in this process by bundling actin filaments and producing protrusions in cancer cells, which facilitate their migration. It has been shown that the overexpression of this protein is related to the appearance of different types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. In this study, we conducted an in silico screening against the enamine library, a compound library with a broad chemical space (≈1.4M compounds), followed by further validation with physicochemical assays and cellular migration and cytotoxicity tests, thereby obtaining a molecule with considerable fascin inhibitory and migration-arresting capacity similar to other inhibitors already known in the literature.

Graphical Abstract
Genetic differentiation and adaptive evolution of buff-tailed bumblebees in Asia
Authors: Su Long , Ding Lele , Williams Paul H. , Liu Yan , Wang Ruijuan , Dai Xiaoyan , Zhao Shan , Fu Haolin , Zhao Xiaomeng , Wang Quangui , Li Yancan , Sang Huiling , Waterhouse Robert M. , Zhai Yifan , Sun Cheng
Published: August 2024

Bumblebees are ecologically and economically important pollinating insects, so their declines resulting from environmental changes have received intensive attention. Understanding how environmental factors shape the genetic differentiation of natural populations and identifying the genetic basis of local adaptation will provide insights into how species may cope with environmental changes. The buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) has a wide natural distribution range and has been successfully domesticated to produce commercial colonies for greenhouse pollination. Previous population genetics studies onB. terrestrishave mainly focused on populations in Europe; however, populations in Asia, representing the eastern side of its natural distribution, have been less thoroughly sampled. To fill this gap, we collected wildB. terrestrissamples from Asia, as well as wildB. terrestrisfrom Europe and samples from domesticated colonies. We conducted whole-genome resequencing for 77 collectedB. terrestrisworkers and performed population genomics analysis. Our results revealed significant genetic differentiation (FST= 0.076) between buff-tailed bumblebees in Europe and Asia, along with notable morphological and physiological differences. Consequently,B. terrestrisin Asia represents a distinct new genetic resource. Demographic analysis suggested that the population size of buff-tailed bumblebees had increased during historic cold periods, confirming their cold-adapted characteristics. Selective sweep analysis identified 331 genes under selection in the genomes of AsianB. terrestris, likely involved in their adaptation to high ultraviolet radiation, low temperature, and low precipitation in their habitats. Our research provides insights into the population genetic structure and genetic basis of local adaptation in the buff-tailed bumblebee, which will be useful for its conservation and management.