bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objective assessment of the association between frailty and sedentary behavior in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chang Wen-Ning , Tzeng Pei-Lin , Huang Wei-Jia , Lin Yu-Hung , Lin Kun-Pei , Wen Chiung-Jung , Chou Yi-Chun , Liao Yung , Hsueh Ming-Chun , Chan Ding-Cheng
Published: August 2023

Background

Given the inconsistent findings of the association between frailty and sedentary behavior in older adults, this cross-sectional study investigated the aforementioned association using four different frailty criteria and two sedentary behavior indices in older adults.

Methods

Data from older adults (age ≥ 65 y) who participated in health examinations or attended outpatient integrated clinics at a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan, were collected. Frailty was measured using the modified Fried Frailty Phenotype (mFFP), Clinical Frailty Scale in Chinese Translation (CFS-C), Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) index, and Clinical Frailty-Deficit Count (CF-DC) index; sedentary behavior was assessed with a waist-worn accelerometer. Adjusted linear regression ascertained the association between frailty and both sedentary behavior outcomes.

Results

Among the 214 participants (mean age 80.82 ± 7.14 y), 116 were women. The average total sedentary time and number of sedentary bouts were 609.74 ± 79.29 min and 5.51 ± 2.09 times per day, respectively. Frail participants had a longer total sedentary time (odds ratio [OR]: 30.13, P = .01 and 39.43, P < .001) and more sedentary bouts (OR: 3.50 and 5.86, both P < .001) on mFFP and CFS-C assessments, respectively. The SOF index revealed more sedentary bouts among frail than in robust participants (OR: 2.06, P = .009), without a significant difference in the total sedentary time. Frail participants defined by the CF-DC index were more likely to have frequent sedentary bouts (OR: 2.03, P = .016), but did not have a longer total sedentary time.

Conclusions

Regardless of the frailty criteria adopted, frailty was positively associated with the number of sedentary bouts per day in older adults. A significant correlation between frailty and total sedentary time was detected only with mFFP and CFS-C indices. Further research may target decreasing the sedentary bouts in older adults as a strategy to improve frailty.
Key causes and long-term trends related to emergency department and inpatient hospital admissions of homeless persons in England
Authors: Paudyal Vibhu , Vohra Neha , Price Malcolm , Jalal Zahraa , Saunders Karen
Published: August 2023

Background

It is estimated that approximately 300,000 people are experiencing homelessness in England. The aim of this study was to evaluate key causes and long-term trends of emergency departments (EDs) and in hospital inpatient admissions of persons experiencing homelessness in England.

Methods

ED and hospital inpatient admissions data were obtained from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) covering all National Health Service (NHS) England hospitals. Anyone identified or declared to be experiencing homelessness during the service usage are recorded in HES datasets. Data were extracted for the 10-year study period and compared to the general population, which includes all patients attending the ED or admitted to inpatient care in England.

Results

Drug- and alcohol-related causes contribute to the most frequent reasons for attendance and admissions of persons experiencing homelessness in the ED and inpatient respectively. A total of 30,406 ED attendances were recorded for persons experiencing homelessness in the year 2018/2019 (+ 44.9% rise vs 2009/10) of which injuries and poisoning respectively represented 21.8% and 17.9% of all persons experiencing homelessness presentations to the ED. Poisoning (including drug overdose) represented only 1.9% of all attendances by the general population during the same study year (rate ratio vs general populations 9.2 95% CI 9.0–9.4). High mortality rates were observed in relation to presentations attributed to drug- and alcohol-related causes. A total of 14,858 persons experiencing homelessness inpatient admissions were recorded in 2018/2019 (+ 68.6% vs 2009/2010). Psychoactive substance use constituted 12.7% of all admissions in 2018/2019 compared to 0.4% of in the general populations (rate ratio: 33.3, 95% CI: 31.9–34.7). There was a 44.3% rise in the number of admissions related to poisoning in the study period amongst persons experiencing homelessness in England (vs 14.2% in general population).

Conclusion

Marked disparities around primary causes of ED and inpatient admissions were identified between persons experiencing homelessness and the general population. There is a continued need for prevention measures to reduce the prevalence of drug and alcohol, injury and poisoning-related admissions to the ED, enhanced service provision at the community level, and multisector collaborations. These initiatives should maximise opportunities for early interventions and improve outcomes for persons experiencing homelessness, including increased accessibility of healthcare and mental health services, particularly in areas that demonstrate increasing ED and inpatient attendance rates over time.
Trade-offs between immunity and competitive ability in fighting ant males
Authors: Metzler Sina , Kirchner Jessica , Grasse Anna V , Cremer Sylvia
Published: August 2023

Background

Fighting disease while fighting rivals exposes males to constraints and trade-offs during male-male competition. We here tested how both the stage and intensity of infection with the fungal pathogenMetarhizium robertsiiinterfere with fighting success inCardiocondyla obscuriorant males. Males of this species have evolved long lifespans during which they can gain many matings with the young queens of the colony, if successful in male-male competition. Since male fights occur inside the colony, the outcome of male-male competition can further be biased by interference of the colony’s worker force.

Results

We found that severe, but not yet mild, infection strongly impaired male fighting success. In late-stage infection, this could be attributed to worker aggression directed towards the infected rather than the healthy male and an already very high male morbidity even in the absence of fighting. Shortly after pathogen exposure, however, male mortality was particularly increased during combat. Since these males mounted a strong immune response, their reduced fighting success suggests a trade-off between immune investment and competitive ability already early in the infection. Even if the males themselves showed no difference in the number of attacks they raised against their healthy rivals across infection stages and levels, severely infected males were thus losing in male-male competition from an early stage of infection on.

Conclusions

Males of the antC. obscuriorhave a well-developed immune system that raises a strong immune response very fast after fungal exposure. This allows them to cope with mild pathogen exposures without compromising their success in male-male competition, and hence to gain multiple mating opportunities with the emerging virgin queens of the colony. Under severe infection, however, they are weak fighters and rarely survive a combat already at early infection when raising an immune response, as well as at progressed infection, when they are morbid and preferentially targeted by worker aggression. Workers thereby remove males that pose a future disease threat by biasing male-male competition. Our study thus reveals a novel social immunity mechanism how social insect workers protect the colony against disease risk.
The aggregate value of cancer screenings in the United States: full potential value and value considering adherence
Authors: Philipson Tomas J. , Durie Troy , Cong Ze , Fendrick A. Mark
Published: August 2023

Background

Although cancer mortality has been decreasing since 1991, many cancers are still not detected until later stages with poorer outcomes. Screening for early-stage cancer can save lives because treatments are generally more effective at earlier than later stages of disease. Evidence of the aggregate benefits of guideline-recommended single-site cancer screenings has been limited. This article assesses the benefits in terms of life-years gained and associated value from major cancer screening technologies in the United States.

Methods

A mathematical model was built to estimate the aggregate benefits of screenings for breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancer over time since the start of US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations. For each type, the full potential benefits under perfect adherence and the benefits considering reported adherence rates were estimated. The effectiveness of each screening technology was abstracted from published literature on the life-years gained per screened individual. The number of individuals eligible for screening per year was estimated using US Census data matched to the USPSTF recommendations, which changed over time. Adherence rates to screening protocols were based on the National Health Interview Survey results with extrapolation.

Results

Since initial USPSTF recommendations, up to 417 million people were eligible for cancer screening. Assuming perfect adherence to screening recommendations, the life-years gained from screenings are estimated to be 15.5–21.3 million (2.2–4.9, 1.4–3.6, 11.4–12.3, and 0.5 million for breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung cancer, respectively). At reported adherence rates, combined screening has saved 12.2–16.2 million life-years since the introduction of USPSTF recommendations, ~ 75% of potential with perfect adherence. These benefits translate into a value of $8.2-$11.3 trillion at full potential and $6.5-$8.6 trillion considering current adherence. Therefore, single-site screening could have saved an additional 3.2–5.1 million life-years, equating to $1.7-$2.7 trillion, with perfect adherence.

Conclusions

Although gaps persist between the full potential benefit and benefits considering adherence, existing cancer screening technologies have offered significant value to the US population. Technologies and policy interventions that can improve adherence and/or expand the number of cancer types tested will provide significantly more value and save significantly more patient lives.
Developing prognostic models for health care utilization in patients with work-related mental health problems
Authors: Willert Morten Vejs , Christiansen David Høyrup , Dalgaard Ligaya , Vestergaard Jesper Medom , Andersen Johan Hviid , Kyndi Marianne
Published: August 2023

Background

The long-term prognosis for employees with work-related mental health problems is unclear. We aim to describe long-term trends in health care utilization (HCU) and develop multivariable prognostic models for long-term mental health care utilization.

Methods

From the Danish Occupational Medicine Cohort we included mental health patients (N = 17,822) assessed from 2000 to 2013 at Departments of Occupational Medicine. Outcomes were general health (general practitioner, somatic hospital) and mental health (psychiatrist/psychologist, psychiatric hospital) HCU obtained from registries five years before/after assessment. The 10-year period was divided into phases relative to assessment: 5 − 3 years before, 2 years before/after, and 3–5 years after. We developed gender-stratified Lasso-penalized multivariable prognostic models for HCU 3–5 years after assessment assessing both calibration and discrimination.

Results

Prevalent HCU for general practitioner, psychiatrist/psychologist and psychiatric hospital services was relatively stable 5 − 3 years prior to assessment, then rising during the 2 years before/after. At 3–5 years after assessment prevalent general practitioner HCU declined to previous levels, while prevalent HCU for psychologist/psychiatrist and psychiatric hospital services remained elevated compared to previous levels during years 5 − 3. Prognostic models for long-term psychologist/psychiatrist and psychiatric hospital HCU indicated acceptable calibration and modest discrimination.

Conclusions

Prevalent HCU rose two years before/after assessment and remained elevated for psychiatrist/psychologist and psychiatric hospital HCU 3–5 years after. Gender-stratified prognostic models were developed for long-term mental health HCU, but discrimination and calibration should be further improved before out-of-sample application for personal prognosis.

Trial registration

The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04459793) prior to analyses.
Whole-exome sequencing analysis identifies novel variants associated with Kawasaki disease susceptibility
Authors: Zhang Xing , Sun Ying , Meng Lijuan , Ye Caixia , Han Huifeng , Zhang Tiesong , Feng Yue , Li Jianxiao , Duan Lifen , Chen Yanfei
Published: August 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute pediatric vasculitis affecting genetically susceptible infants and children. Although the pathogenesis of KD remains unclear, growing evidence links genetic susceptibility to the disease.

Methods

To explore the genes associated with susceptibility in KD, we applied whole-exome sequencing to KD and control subjects from Yunnan province, China. We conducted association study analysis on the two groups.

Results

In this study, we successfully identified 11 significant rare variants in two genes (MYH14 and RBP3) through the genotype/allele frequency analysis. A heterozygous variant (c.2650G > A, p.V884M) of the RBP3 gene was identified in 12 KD cases, while eight heterozygous variants (c.566G > A, p.R189H; c.1109 C > T, p.S370L; c.3917T > G, p.L1306R; c.4301G > A, p.R1434Q; c.5026 C > T, p.R1676W; c.5329 C > T, p.R1777C; c.5393 C > A, p.A1798D and c.5476 C > T, p.R1826C) of the MYH14 gene were identified in 8 KD cases respectively.

Conclusion

This study suggested that nine variants in MYH14 and RBP3 gene may be associated with KD susceptibility in the population from Yunnan province.
Investigation of the factors influencing spinal manipulative therapy force transmission through the thorax: a cadaveric study
Authors: Mikhail Jérémie , Funabashi Martha , Sobczak Stéphane , Descarreaux Martin , Pagé Isabelle
Published: August 2023

Background

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) clinical effects are believed to be linked to its force–time profile characteristics. Previous studies have revealed that the force measured at the patient-table interface is most commonly greater than the one applied at the clinician-patient interface. The factors explaining this force amplification remains unclear.

Objective

To determine the difference between the force applied to a cadaveric specimen’s thoracic spine and the resulting force measured by a force-sensing table, as well as to evaluate the relationship between this difference and both the SMT force–time characteristics and the specimens’ characteristics.

Methods

Twenty-five SMTs with different force–time profiles were delivered by an apparatus at the T7 vertebra of nine human cadaveric specimens lying prone on a treatment table equipped with a force plate. The difference between the force applied by the apparatus and the resulting force measured by the force plate was calculated in absolute force (Fdiff) and as the percentage of the applied force (Fdiff%). Kinematics markers were inserted into T6 to T8 spinous and transverse processes to evaluate vertebral displacements during the SMT thrusts. Mixed-effects linear models were run to evaluate the variance in Fdiff and Fdiff% explained by SMT characteristics (peak force, thrust duration and force application rate), T6 to T8 relative and total displacements, and specimens’ characteristics (BMI, height, weight, kyphosis angle, thoracic thickness).

Results

Sixty percent of the trials showed lower force measured at the force plate than the one applied at T7. Fdiff¸ was significantly predicted (R2marginal = 0.54) by peak force, thrust duration, thoracic thickness and T6–T7 relative displacement in the z-axis (postero-anterior). Fdiff% was significantly predicted (R2marginal = 0.56) by force application rate, thoracic thickness and total T6 displacements. For both dependant variables, thoracic thickness showed the highest R2marginal out of all predictors.

Conclusion

Difference in force between the clinician-patient and the patient-table interfaces is influenced by SMT force–time characteristics and by thoracic thickness. How these differences in force are associated with vertebral displacements remains unclear. Although further studies are needed, clinicians should consider thorax thickness as a possible modulator of forces being transmitted through it during prone SMT procedures.
Machine learning for classification of cutaneous sebaceous neoplasms: implementing decision tree model using cytological and architectural features
Authors: Kamyab-Hesari Kambiz , Azhari Vahidehsadat , Ahmadzade Ali , Asadi Amoli Fahimeh , Najafi Anahita , Hasanzadeh Alireza , Beikmarzehei Alireza
Published: August 2023

Background

This observational study aims to describe and compare histopathological, architectural, and nuclear characteristics of sebaceous lesions and utilized these characteristics to develop a predictive classification approach using machine learning algorithms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian patients with sebaceous tumors from two hospitals between March 2015 and March 2019. Pathology slides were reviewed by two pathologists and the architectural and cytological attributes were recorded. Multiple decision tree models were trained using 5-fold cross validation to determine the most important predictor variables and to develop a simple prediction model.

Results

This study assessed the characteristics of 123 sebaceous tumors. Histopathological findings, including pagetoid appearance, neurovascular invasion, atypical mitosis, extensive necrotic area, poor cell differentiation, and non-lobular tumor growth pattern, as well as nuclear features, including highly irregular nuclear contour, and large nuclear size were exclusively observed in carcinomatous tumors. Among non-carcinomatous lesions, some sebaceoma and sebaceous adenoma cases had features like high mitotic activity, which can be misleading and complicate diagnosis. Based on multiple decision tree models, the five most critical variables for lesion categorization were identified as: basaloid cell count, peripheral basaloid cell layers, tumor margin, nuclear size, and chromatin.

Conclusions

This study implemented a machine learning modeling approach to help optimally categorize sebaceous lesions based on architectural and nuclear features. However, studies of larger sample sizes are needed to ensure the accuracy of our suggested predictive model.
Tissue poromechanical deformation effects on steam pop likelihood in 3-D radiofrequency cardiac ablation
Authors: Wongchadakul Patcharaporn , Datta Ashim K. , Rattanadecho Phadungsak
Published: August 2023

Radiofrequency Cardiac Ablation (RFCA) is a common procedure that heats cardiac tissue to destroy abnormal signal pathways to eliminate arrhythmias. The complex multiphysics phenomena during this procedure need to be better understood to improve both procedure and device design. A deformable poromechanical model of cardiac tissue was developed that coupled joule heating from the electrode, heat transfer, and blood flow from normal perfusion and thermally driven natural convection, which mimics the real tissue structure more closely and provides more realistic results compared to previous models. The expansion of tissue from temperature rise reduces blood velocity, leading to increased tissue temperature, thus affecting steam pop occurrence. Detailed temperature velocity, and thermal expansion of the tissue provided a comprehensive picture of the process. Poromechanical expansion of the tissue from temperature rise reduces blood velocity, increasing tissue temperature. Tissue properties influence temperatures, with lower porosity increasing the temperatures slightly, due to lower velocities. Deeper electrode insertion raises temperature due to increased current flow. The results demonstrate that a 5% increase in porosity leads to a considerable 10% increase in maximum tissue temperature. These insights should greatly help in avoiding undesirable heating effects that can lead to steam pop and in designing improved electrodes.
Fluid dynamic design for mitigating undesired cell effects and its application to testis cell response testing to endocrine disruptors
Authors: Lee Seungjin , Ahn Jinseop , Kim Seok-Man , Kim Daehan , Yeom Jiun , Kim Jeongmok , Park Joong Yull , Ryu Buom-Yong
Published: August 2023

Microfluidic devices have emerged as powerful tools for cell-based experiments, offering a controlled microenvironment that mimic the conditions within the body. Numerous cell experiment studies have successfully utilized microfluidic channels to achieve various new scientific discoveries. However, it has been often overlooked that undesired and unnoticed propagation of cellular molecules in such bio-microfluidic channel systems can have a negative impact on the experimental results. Thus, more careful designing is required to minimize such unwanted issues through deeper understanding and careful control of chemically and physically predominant factors at the microscopic scale. In this paper, we introduce a new approach to improve microfluidic channel design, specifically targeting the mitigation of the aforementioned challenges. To minimize the occurrence of undesired cell positioning upstream from the main test section where a concentration gradient field locates, an additional narrow port structure was devised between the microfluidic upstream channel and each inlet reservoir. This port also functioned as a passive lock that hold the flow at rest via fluid-air surface tension, which facilitated manual movement of the device even when cell attachment was not achieved completely. To demonstrate the practicability of the system, we conducted experiments and diffusion simulations on the effect of endocrine disruptors on germ cells. To this end, a bisphenol-A (BPA) concentration gradient was generated in the main channel of the system at BPA concentrations ranging from 120.8 μM to 79.3 μM, and the proliferation of GC-1 cells in the BPA gradient environment was quantitatively evaluated. The features and concepts of the introduced design is to minimize unexpected and ignored error sources, which will be one of the issues to be considered in the development of microfluidic systems to explore extremely delicate cellular phenomena.
Cerebrospinal fluid lipidomic fingerprint of obstructive sleep apnoea in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dakterzada Farida , Benítez Iván D. , Targa Adriano , Carnes Anna , Pujol Montse , Jové Mariona , Mínguez Olga , Vaca Rafi , Sánchez-de-la-Torre Manuel , Barbé Ferran , Pamplona Reinald , Piñol-Ripoll Gerard
Published: August 2023

Background

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has a high prevalence in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Both conditions have been shown to be associated with lipid dysregulation. However, the relationship between OSA severity and alterations in lipid metabolism in the brains of patients with AD has yet to be fully elucidated. In this context, we examined the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipidome of patients with suspected OSA to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and to provide insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the effect of OSA on AD.

Methods

The study included 91 consecutive AD patients who underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) to diagnose severe OSA (apnoea-hypopnea index ≥ 30/h). The next morning, CSF samples were collected and analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in an LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS platform.

Results

The CSF levels of 11 lipid species were significantly different between AD patients with (N = 38) and without (N = 58) severe OSA. Five lipids (including oxidized triglyceride OxTG(57:2) and four unknown lipids) were significantly correlated with specific PSG measures of OSA severity related to sleep fragmentation and hypoxemia. Our analyses revealed a 4-lipid signature (including oxidized ceramide OxCer(40:6) and three unknown lipids) that provided an accuracy of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.71–0.89) in the detection of severe OSA. These lipids increased the discriminative power of the STOP-Bang questionnaire in terms of the area under the curve (AUC) from 0.61 (0.50–0.74) to 0.85 (0.71–0.93).

Conclusions

Our results reveal a CSF lipidomic fingerprint that allows the identification of AD patients with severe OSA. Our findings suggest that an increase in central nervous system lipoxidation may be the principal mechanism underlying the association between OSA and AD.
Hypoxic oligodendrocyte precursor cell-derived VEGFA is associated with blood–brain barrier impairment
Authors: Manukjan Narek , Majcher Daria , Leenders Peter , Caiment Florian , van Herwijnen Marcel , Smeets Hubert J. , Suidgeest Ernst , van der Weerd Louise , Vanmierlo Tim , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Backes Walter H. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Staals Julie , Fulton Daniel , Ahmed Zubair , Blankesteijn W. Matthijs , Foulquier Sébastien
Published: August 2023

Cerebral small vessel disease is characterised by decreased cerebral blood flow and blood–brain barrier impairments which play a key role in the development of white matter lesions. We hypothesised that cerebral hypoperfusion causes local hypoxia, affecting oligodendrocyte precursor cell—endothelial cell signalling leading to blood–brain barrier dysfunction as an early mechanism for the development of white matter lesions. Bilateral carotid artery stenosis was used as a mouse model for cerebral hypoperfusion. Pimonidazole, a hypoxic cell marker, was injected prior to humane sacrifice at day 7. Myelin content, vascular density, blood–brain barrier leakages, and hypoxic cell density were quantified. Primary mouse oligodendrocyte precursor cells were exposed to hypoxia and RNA sequencing was performed. Vegfa gene expression and protein secretion was examined in an oligodendrocyte precursor cell line exposed to hypoxia. Additionally, human blood plasma VEGFA levels were measured and correlated to blood–brain barrier permeability in normal-appearing white matter and white matter lesions of cerebral small vessel disease patients and controls. Cerebral blood flow was reduced in the stenosis mice, with an increase in hypoxic cell number and blood–brain barrier leakages in the cortical areas but no changes in myelin content or vascular density. Vegfa upregulation was identified in hypoxic oligodendrocyte precursor cells, which was mediated via Hif1α and Epas1. In humans, VEGFA plasma levels were increased in patients versus controls. VEGFA plasma levels were associated with increased blood–brain barrier permeability in normal appearing white matter of patients. Cerebral hypoperfusion mediates hypoxia induced VEGFA expression in oligodendrocyte precursor cells through Hif1α/Epas1 signalling. VEGFA could in turn increase BBB permeability. In humans, increased VEGFA plasma levels in cerebral small vessel disease patients were associated with increased blood–brain barrier permeability in the normal appearing white matter. Our results support a role of VEGFA expression in cerebral hypoperfusion as seen in cerebral small vessel disease.
UPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS profiling, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative activities and in silico molecular docking analysis of Barleria strigosa
Authors: Lei Ming , Wang Lei , Olatunde Oladipupo Odunayo , Singh Sudarshan , Ovatlarnporn Chitchamai , Basit Abdul , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua
Published: August 2023

Background

This study investigated the in vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of B. strigosa hydrophilic (BSTR) and lipophilic (LSB) leaves extracts. The phytochemical profile was also performed using UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS.

Results

The results indicated that BSTR and LSB showed excellent antioxidant properties in the DPPH scavenging, ABTS scavenging, FRAP and MCA assays. The extracts also demonstrated α-glucosidase (81.56–157.56 µg/mL) and α-amylase (204.44 µg/mL) inhibitory activities. In addition, the extracts showed significant cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects against oral squamous carcinoma (CLS-354/WT) cancer cells. Furthermore, the extracts showed excellent antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Both extracts exhibited a significant reduction in nitric oxide secretion against activated macrophage cells. The UHPLC–MS analysis revealed that B. strigosa is rich in terpenoids, iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The plethora of these compounds may be responsible for the observed activities. In addition, the bioactive compounds identified by UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS were analyzed using silico molecular docking studies to determine the binding affinity with α-amylase and α-glucosidase.

Conclusions

These results suggest that B. strigosa is an excellent pharmacological active plant and it provides the basis for further studies on the exploration of its potentials in oxidative stress induced disorders.

Graphical Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle-based mRNA delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Han Jieun , Lim Jaesung , Wang Chi-Pin James , Han Jun-Hyeok , Shin Ha Eun , Kim Se-Na , Jeong Dooyong , Lee Sang Hwi , Chun Bok-Hwan , Park Chun Gwon , Park Wooram
Published: August 2023

Cancer immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system, has shown immense promise in the fight against malignancies. Messenger RNA (mRNA) stands as a versatile instrument in this context, with its capacity to encode tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune cell receptors, cytokines, and antibodies. Nevertheless, the inherent structural instability of mRNA requires the development of effective delivery systems. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as significant candidates for mRNA delivery in cancer immunotherapy, providing both protection to the mRNA and enhanced intracellular delivery efficiency. In this review, we offer a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in LNP-based mRNA delivery systems, with a focus on strategies for optimizing the design and delivery of mRNA-encoded therapeutics in cancer treatment. Furthermore, we delve into the challenges encountered in this field and contemplate future perspectives, aiming to improve the safety and efficacy of LNP-based mRNA cancer immunotherapies.

Graphical Abstract
Tertiary referral hospital experience of methanol poisoning in the COVID-19 era: a cross-sectional study in Northwestern Iran
Authors: Jafarizadeh Ali , Sobhi Navid , Abdollahi Mirsaeed , Khamnian Zhila , Mousavi Farideh , Jabbari Saba , Jabbari Hossein
Published: August 2023

Background

Methanol poisoning is a worldwide phenomenon that has resulted in deaths and irreversible complications. However, studies show it is more prevalent in developing countries and areas with lower socioeconomic status. So, accurately recognizing socio-economic risk factors, increasing people's awareness about methanol poisoning, and proper hospital management will reduce its dangerous complications and mortality.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted retrospectively at Sina Hospital, a poisoning center and tertiary referral center in northwestern Iran, and investigated demographic findings and hospital management indicators through systematic random sampling between February 20, 2020, and September 22, 2022 (or the COVID-19 era). We assessed variable correlations using Spearman's correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskall–Wallis.

Results

Out of 131 patients, 126 (96.2%) were males, and 5 (3.8%) were females. 45.5% and 30.3% of poisoning incidents occurred between the winter and spring, respectively. 67 patients (50.8%) were referred to this hospital due to vision complaints. Unfortunately, 10 patients (7.6%) passed away despite receiving care. Employed individuals were referred to the treatment facility more quickly than unemployed individuals (P-value = 0.01). Patients with medical insurance coverage were referred faster after consuming alcohol (P-value = 0.039). Older patients referred to the hospital later. (P-value = 0.006).

Conclusions

Mortality and morbidity following methanol poisoning are likely to be affected by factors including access to medical care, financial stability, and employment status. Consequently, reducing mortality and morbidity requires attention to these concerns.
Exploration of Malignant Characteristics in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy-Resistant Rectal Cancer, Focusing on Extramural Lesions
Authors: Kubota Shunsuke , Miura Takuya , Wakiya Taiichi , Yoshizawa Tadashi , Goto Shintaro , Morohashi Hajime , Sakamoto Yoshiyuki , Tatara Yota , Kijima Hiroshi , Hakamada Kenichi
Published: August 2023

Background

Extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) and tumor deposits (TD) are poor prognostic factors in rectal cancer (RC), especially when resistant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We aimed to define differential expression in NAC responders and non-responders with concomitant EMVI and TD.

Methods

From 52 RC surgical patients, post-NAC resected specimens were extracted, comprising two groups: cases with residual EMVI and TD (NAC-resistant) and cases without (NAC-effective). Proteomic analysis was conducted to define differential protein expression in the two groups. To validate the findings, immunohistochemistry was performed in another cohort that included 58 RC surgical patients. Based on the findings, chemosensitivity and prognosis were compared.

Results

The NAC-resistant group was associated with a lower 3-year disease-free survival rate than the NAC-effective group (p = 0.041). Discriminative proteins in the NAC-resistant group were highly associated with the sulfur metabolism pathway. Among these pathway constituents, selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) expression in the NAC-resistant group decreased to less than one-third of that of the NAC-effective group. Immunohistochemistry in another RC cohort consistently validated the relationship between decreased SELENBP1 and poorer NAC sensitivity, in both pre-NAC biopsy and post-NAC surgery specimens. Furthermore, decrease in SELENBP1 was associated with a lower 3-year disease-free survival rate (p = 0.047).

Conclusions

We defined one of the differentially expressed proteins in NAC responders and non-responders, concomitant with EMVI and TD. SELENBP1 was suspected to contribute to NAC resistance and poor prognosis in RC.
Metaverse Framework Designing for Energy Scheduling in Energy Internet of Things Considering Emergence
Authors: HAN Yechen , He Xing , ZHANG Haihong , ZUO Yuanjun , ZHANG Wenjing , Ai Qian , CHEN Zhuo
Published: August 2023

The traditional scheduling approach, which primarily considers energy oligarchs like large-scale loads and large-scale generators, is challenged by the rapid rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) in energy internet of things (EIoT). Metaverse is emerging as one of the most promising technologies considering emergence from DERs in EIoT. Our work, from a macro perspective in the virtual space, provides a metaverse framework to harness the swarm intelligence that emerges from the aggregation behavior of massive diverse DERs in EIoT. The presented framework is built upon virtual twins, data science, systems theory, and 4th-Paradigm (data-intensive scientific discovery paradigm), enabling a novel energy scheduling mode. Our goal is to achieve data empowerment and intelligence improvement through data connectivity, virtual and real interaction, which will ultimately result in a new theory on complex system scheduling.
Perspectives in fraud theories – A systematic review approach
Authors: Chimonaki Christianna , Papadakis Stelios , Lemonakis Christos
Published: August 2023

Background: Increasing progress is being made in the field of accounting fraud, and extensive theoretical research is needed to develop future research topics using trend analysis. Our research consists of a literature review that examines the most common fraud theories and attempts to interpret the characteristics of human behaviour that lead to fraud as well as current methods of detecting corporate fraud.

Methods:   We searched the Scopus database for articles on a fraud theory. We analyse articles published between 2004 and 2022, using a keyword search for ‘Fraud Triangle’, ‘Fraud Diamond’, ‘Fraud Pentagon’, and ‘Fraud Hexagon’. Furthermore, we include all document types like articles, conference papers, reviews, book chapters, conference reviews, notes, and data papers. The investigation was limited to papers published in English from 2004 to 2022, not including the current year 2023, as documents are still being published. The last research was done at the end of January 2023. The results from the above criteria are to collect 302 papers.  We used VOS program viewer in our bibliometric analysis.

Results: According to our network analysis, the Fraud Diamond theory seems to be the most functional fraud theory. According to our findings of the published articles, the main human behavioural characteristics that can lead a manager to commit fraud are the components of the fraud diamond theory: capability - opportunity - pressure - rationalization. Thus, the fraud diamond theory analyses more than the fraud triangle, pentagon, and hexagon theories. So human behavioural characteristics have a positive effect and can lead to fraud in companies.

Conclusions:  Future research needs to analyse more Pentagon and Hexagon fraud theories, which are more recent and have not yet been analysed in detail. Also, future research needs to analyse more of the human behaviour characteristics related to the Pentagon and Hexagon fraud theories.
Sonar-guided attention in natural tasks
Authors: Wohlgemuth Melville , Salles Angeles , Moss Cynthia
Published: August 2023

Little is known about neural dynamics that accompany rapid shifts in spatial attention in freely behaving animals, primarily because reliable, fine scale indicators of attention are lacking in standard model organisms engaged in natural tasks. The echolocating bat can serve to bridge this gap, as it exhibits robust dynamic behavioral indicators of spatial attention while it explores its environment.  In particular, the bat actively shifts the aim of its sonar beam to inspect objects in different directions, akin to eye movements and foveation in humans and other visually dominant animals. Further, the bat adjusts the temporal features of sonar calls to attend to objects at different distances, yielding a direct metric of acoustic gaze along the range axis. Thus, an echolocating bat’s call features not only convey the information it uses to probe its surroundings, but also reveal its auditory attention to objects in 3D space. These explicit metrics of spatial attention provide a powerful and robust system for analyzing changes in attention at a behavioral level, as well as the underlying neural mechanisms.
SCREENING FOR BIOMORPHOLOGICAL AND CYTOGENETIC FEATURES OF POLEMONIUM CAERULEUM L. AFTER COLCHICINE APPLICATION
Authors: Khazieva Firdaus M. , Basalaeva Irina V. , Konyaeva Elena A. , Burova Alla E. , Samatadze Tatyana Е.
Published: August 2023

Background. Currently, it is quite relevant in breeding to create varieties with high yields of raw materials and the content of biologically active compounds.

This work aim is to identify promising forms of P. caeruleum L. is for further inclusion in the breeding process based on biomorphological, anatomical, cytogenetic studies and the bioproductivity of colchicine-induced and wild-growing forms in comparison with the Lazur variety.

Materials and methods. To obtain polyploids in 2018, the seeds of the P. caeruleum L. the Lazur variety were germinated in Petri dishes on filter paper at room temperature. When the roots reached the length of the seed, they were placed in different concentrations of colchicine solution 0.05 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 % and 0.52 % for 12 and 24 hours, then washed in running water for three hours.

Results. The article for the first time presents data on a comparative study of three forms of Polemonium caeruleum L. in terms of morphological characteristics, microscopy of the leaf epidermis and cytogenetic analysis. It was established that the raw materials productivity of the underground part of the plants tetraploid forms in the C1 generation significantly exceeded the diploid and wild forms of plants by 32 %, as well as the yield of seeds by 22 %. In the C2 generation, the yield of raw materials (rhizomes with roots) in tetraploid plants increases in relation to the control by 56 %, seeds by 34 %. Quantitative determination of the amount of triterpene saponins in terms of β-escin in the plant material of three forms of P. caeruleum L. showed an excess of this indicator in the colchicine form by 24 % in the grass and by 36 % in rhizomes with roots, in the wild-growing form - by 15 % in the aerial part and decrease in the underground part by 9 % in relation to the control. It was found that plants of colchicine and wild forms differ in the presence of larger stomata compared to the control. Based on the pattern of DAPI-bandin and the distribution of 45S rDNA and 5S rDNA genes, a generalized species idiogram of blue cyanosis was constructed, taking into account polymorphic variants of DAPI-bandin patterns and indicating the location of the sites of 45S rDNA and 5S rDNA genes. The cytogenetic stability of the resulting tetraploid form was revealed.

Conclusion. The article presents comparative studies on morphological characteristics, bioproductivity, microscopy of the leaf epidermis and cytogenetic analysis of the tetraploid form (colchicine) of P. caeruleum L. in comparison with the variety Lazur (diploid form) and the wild form of P. caeruleum L. plants.
GENDER FEATURES OF THE TEENAGE ATHLETES’ LIFE QUALITY AND PERSONAL ANXIETY DYNAMICS (BY THE HEALTH SCHOOL LESSONS RESULTS)
Authors: Khudonogov Igor Yu. , Pevneva Marina V. , Lyashenko Kristina N.
Published: August 2023

Relevance. This work is devoted to social diagnostics and social prevention of possible negative side effects of medical, social and psychological plan that occur against the background of the main training and educational processes of pubertal athletes, taking into account their gender.

Purpose: to assess the gender characteristics of the life quality and personal anxiety (PA) dynamics of the Brothers Samurgashevs’ Rostov Region Olympic Reserve Sports School No. 35 high school students against the background of classes at the health school (HS).

Methods: historical, pedagogical, socio-psychological, social prevention, sociological, statistical and graphic methods, as well as the method of content analysis.

Results: after the HS classes PA decreased more than 40% overall for the sample. The decrease in PA was accompanied by an increase in QoL by almost 15%. The main PA priorities for female athletes turned out to be the following signs: “You are in danger of failure, bad luck”; “To see bad or “prophetic” dreams”; “Something is not working out for you”. Among male athletes, the initial level of PA was lower than that of female by 40.1%. The priorities of male anxiety were such signs as: “You are in danger of failure, bad luck”; “They don’t pay attention to you”; “You can’t do your homework”. After HS classes, girls most quickly eliminated PA in such areas as “Waiting for parents after their personal conversation with the school principal” and “Seeing bad or “prophetic” dreams”, and boys - “You don’t understand the teacher’s explanations”, “(They) fell silent when you approached”, “Something is not working out for you”. The initial level of QoL of young female athletes was significantly lower by 8.7% than that of young male athletes, and after training at the HS, it exceeded the corresponding indicator in the group of young male athletes by 4.7%. After classes at the HS, young male athletes noted an improvement in relations during their studies (with peers, superiors, etc.), however, in quantitative terms, this improvement was 9 times lower than in the group of young female athletes. Also, young male athletes noted an improvement in their physical condition and strengthening of skills and abilities in organizing their time, but 5 and 4 times (respectively) less pronounced than in the group of young female athletes.

Conclusion. The results obtained can be widely disseminated in similar sports schools to ensure monitoring and bringing the level of personal anxiety and quality of life of students to age norms.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF TIME AND THE LEVEL OF NEURO-MENTAL STRESS IN MILITARY UNIVERSITY CADETS
Authors: Yanitsky Mikhail S. , Utyuganov Alexey A. , Ivanov Mihail S. , Frolova Larisa V.
Published: August 2023

Background. The article discusses the problem of psychological health safety of military university cadets, defined in the study through the concept of neuro-psychic tension. The content of the cadets’ attitude to time as a personal correlate of psychological health is analyzed.

Materials and methods. To study the attitude to time, Wasserman’s «Semantic Time Differential» and F. Zimbardo ZTPI techniques are used. To measure the level of neuro-psychic tension, an abbreviated version of the MMPI technique and a method for measuring the level of neuropsychic stability are used. Statistical methods (Mann-Whitney comparative analysis, cluster analysis) were used in the processing. The study was conducted at the Novosibirsk Military Institute of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation on a sample of 172 cadets.

Results. The study shows statistically significant differences in the characteristics of the time perspective and the semantic content of the attitude to time between cadets with different levels of neuro-psychic tension.

Conclusion. It is concluded that there is a nonlinear relationship between the studied characteristics according to the principle of «optimum»: the optimal indicators of the attitude to time correspond to the normal (average) level of neuro-psychic tension.
CHANGE CHARACTERISTICS IN SALIVA AND FECES MICROBIOTA OF A DESMINOPATHY T341P PATIENT
Authors: Pauls Viacheslav Yu.
Published: August 2023

Background. A rare muscular disease, desminopathy, is caused by mutations in the DES gene. At present, information about changes in the microbiota of biological media present in such patients is very scarce.

Purpose. The aim of the study is to study changes in the saliva and feces microbiota of patients with desminopathy T341P in a heterozygous state.

Materials and methods. The retrospective investigation comprised observation of the observation of a proband with the family form of desminopathy T341P. 56 clinically significant microorganisms were numerically analyzed immediately in the obtained biological material by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method.

Results. The emergence of Epstein-Barr viruses, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes spp and gram-negative rods was noted in the proband’s biological media under investigation during the desminopathy progression. Excessive bacterial growth of fecal microbiota was observed along with a decrease in saliva microorganisms. There is an excess of the norm in the total number of microorganisms and an increase in their species diversity. Propionibacterium jensenii, Eubacterium spp and Eggerthella lenta predominated in the feces and Clostridium ramosum – in the saliva. An increase in fecal microbiota transient with Peptostreptococcus anaerobius 18623 dominance was observed along with the emergence and rapid 441-time growth of potentially dangerous bacterium Clostridium difficile. The total level of endotoxin in the proband’s saliva and fecal microbiota increases to exceed the norm in 13.7 and 81.8 times, respectively. At the same time, a low level of plasmalogen was noted.

Conclusion. The investigation results can be useful for developing complex intervention tactics.