bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of an extremely severe internal herniation in a 39-week pregnant female with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass resulting in short bowel syndrome: a case report.
Authors: Poucke Evelien , Terryn Francois-Xavier , Devlieger Roland
Published: July 2024

Internal herniation (IH) is a common but potentially fatal complication (up to 10%) of gastric bypass which is often lately or misdiagnosed during pregnancy. While in non-pregnant bariatric patients, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are red flags, these symptoms are frequently reported in normal pregnancies, therefore leading to serious treatment delays and possible life-threatening complications. Intestinal obstruction and volvulus can lead to necrosis and perforation within 8-16 hours. Previous reviews report higher risk of maternal (9%) and fetal (13.6%) death when diagnosis is delayed over 48 hours. The lack of clear clinical or laboratory findings and the reticence for radiologic imaging techniques during pregnancy delays diagnosis even more. If bowel necrosis is extended, bowel resection may be indicated, possibly leading to short bowel syndrome for life. Here, a rare case of short bowel syndrome is presented, requiring home parenteral nutrition (HPN) after extremely severe internal hernia at 39 weeks of pregnancy and several practical challenges encountered in the recognition and management of IH during pregnancy.
A case of Pierre Robin sequence in a child with multiple organ dysfunction
Authors: Pan HuiYi , Pan HuiYi
Published: July 2024

The Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) has an incidence rate of 1/20000 ~ 1/8500. Due to recurring lung infections and difficulty in swallowing, the patient was diagnosed with PRS after birth. The patient displayed multiple organ dysfunction, including the heart and kidneys, during the treatment. Subsequent treatment with mandibular lengthening device implantation, prone ventilation, and rehabilitation training improved the patient’s swallowing and breathing difficulties. However, the patient died due to severe lung infection and multiple organ dysfunction. Thus, timely surgery, oxygen therapy, rehabilitation visits, and strengthened nursing care can improve the quality of life of such children. Hence, further understanding of Pirot syndrome and entirely realizing the collaboration between multiple disciplines is necessary for jointly developing effective treatment plans for the disease.
Non-uniform flow and heat transfer characteristics and parametric study of generator hydrogen double-flow ring seal
Authors: Meng-Li ZHANG , Jiang Jinbo , Hong Jun , Xu Yongli , Meng Xiangkai , Peng Xudong
Published: July 2024

The double-flow floating ring seal is a key basic component to prevent crossflow between the hydrogen-cooled generator chamber and the bearing lubricating oil chamber of the hydrogen-cooled turbogenerator. Considering the relationship between lubricating oil physical properties and temperature, as well as the heat exchange between fluid domain and solid domain, the effect of oil physical property model and heat transfer model on the temperature rise and crossflow characteristics of double-flow ring seal were compared and analyzed. The quantitative characterization, formation mechanism, impact parameters and their interactive effects on the axial and circumferential non-uniform flow and heat transfer characteristics of the oil film in the sealing gap of double-flow ring seal were discussed in detail. The results show that the viscosity-temperature relationship of lubricating oil and the fluid-solid heat transfer have a significant impact on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the ring seal. The oil flow in the sealing gap both on the air-side and hydrogen-side of the seal is closer to the adiabatic flow. Remarkble local high temperature rise region formed both at air-hydrogen section and hydrogen-side outlet, and it is sensitive to the pressure differential between oil inlet and outlet and axial length of sealing ring. The circumferential non-uniform pressure and temperature rise are mainly caused by eccentric clearance, and are highly sensitive to initial seal clearance and rotating speed. There is a strong interactive relationship among the temperature rise, crossflow and floating characteristics of the double-flow ring seal.
Development and In Vitro - In Vivo Evaluation of Composite Hydrogel-Forming Microneedles Containing Diclofenac Sodium with Box-Behnken Design Using SLA 3D-Printed Microneedle Molds
Authors: Tunçel Emre , Tort Serdar , Han Sevtap , Yücel Çiğdem , Tırnaksız Figen
Published: July 2024

With developing manufacturing technologies, the use of 3D printers in microneedle production is becoming widespread. In recent years, microneedles have gained considerable popularity as dermal drug delivery systems. Hydrogel-forming microneedles (HFMs), a variant of microneedles, demonstrate distinctive features such as a high loading capacity, controlled drug release, and enhanced drug absorption. In this study, the molds, created using a Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer, were utilized to create composite HFMs containing diclofenac sodium. Using an experimental design approach (Box–Behnken Design), the effects of different polymers on the in vitro performance of the developed HFMs, as well as the impact of polymer mixtures on microneedle formation were investigated. The skin penetration and drug release properties of the proposed formulations were assessed. Ex vivo studies were conducted on formulations to determine drug penetration and accumulation in tissue, and the MTT testing revealed non-cytotoxicity. Subsequently, in in vivo studies, the efficacy of the optimal formulation was assessed for the treatment of xylene-induced ear edema by contrasting it to the conventional dosage form. As a result, it was observed that HFMs could provide high amounts of drug accumulation in the skin tissue.
Validation of 3D multiphase pyroclastic dilute current model: Effects of confinement on the flows
Authors: Tonoyama Shungo , Nakamura Takashi , Lube Gert
Published: July 2024

The volcanology community started to systematically test numerical models for pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) against benchmarks that are defined through large-scale experiments. Here, we present the results of a three-dimensional LES model for the case of a partially channel-confined, fully dilute, fully turbulent experimental PDC. Our LES model is based on solving the three- dimensional Navier-Stokes equations using a finite-difference method, CIP-CUP scheme. The model results are compared to the experimental benchmark and to the results of a previous validation of a one-dimensional depth-averaged model. To better understand the effect of three dimensionalities of the flow and entrainment of ambient air on flow evolution, we contrast two scenarios: (1) a fully channel-confined simulation, limiting lateral entrainment of air, and representing a three-dimensional scenario of the two-dimensional case, and (2) a partially confined simulation following the set-up geometry of the experimental benchmark. For the first case, the modelling results are similar to those obtained in the depth-averaged simulation, with a close agreement of the position of the flow front against time but showing a more prominent head shape and body height than the physical experiment. In the second case, the front velocity is slightly overpredicting. However, the height of the gravity current nose, the body thickness, and the vertical velocity profiles closely mimic those measured in the experiment. The downstream dilution of the PDCs is significantly enhanced in the partially confined scenario due to the formation of vortexes that laterally spill over the sidewalls, which is also seen in the large-scale experiment.
Impairment of Theta Oscillation in Hippocampus CA1 mediates age-dependent movements’ alternations in 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Ni Hong , Guo Zhongzhao , Wang Jie , Zhu Zilu , Xia Chenyi , Xu Ming , Zhang Guohui , Wang Deheng
Published: July 2024

Clinical evidences indicate that multifaceted gait abnormalities may manifest in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, which associated with cognitive decline. Although the correlation between hippocampal theta power and locomotion has been known for a long time, the mechanisms by how hippocampus impairment participates in the altered gait seen in AD is not fully understood. To explore the manifestations of gait disorders in AD, we characterized gait performance in 3-, 6-, and 9-month-old male 5xFAD and control mice in the semi-automated, highly sensitive, Catwalk XT system. The 5xFAD mice displayed a decrease in kinetic parameters (average speed and cadence), and spatial parameters (paw area), while the temporal parameters (stance and swing time) were significantly increased. The parameters of interlimb coordination also displayed deficits. The majority of impairment variables related to the slow speed in 5xFAD mice at 9-month-old. We further explored the theta oscillations in the brain by tetrode in vivo recording of the hippocampus CA1. The results showed that the theta oscillations reduced in the hippocampus CA1 of 5xFAD mice, which related to the gait impairments. In conclusion, gait impairments started at 6 months of age, manifested at 9 months of age in 5xFAD mice. A reduction in theta oscillation power of the hippocampus CA1 might be responsible for the gait impairments.
Purification and identification of hydrolyzed peptides from Lates calcarifer by-products and their anti-inflammatory function in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells
Authors: Cheng Ann-Chang , Liang Hua Yi , Balantyne Rolissa , Liu Chun-Hung
Published: July 2024

Fish by-product is considered a sustainable source for obtaining natural protein and hydrolysates with functional and biological activity. The present study explored the potential of barramundi, Lates calcarifer by-products as a natural source to generate bioactive peptides with anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The results indicated that the highest degree of hydrolysis was achieved at 4% papain at a rate of 26.15 ± 2.67% in 48 hours. The hydrolyzed peptides had a total amino acid content of 51.55%, with essential and non-essential amino acids accounting for 27.28% and 24.27%, respectively. The active peptides were purified with ultrafiltration and Sephadex G-15 column. Eight peptide exhibited anti-inflammatroy properties were identified by using LC-MS/MS. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory peptides using the PreAIP database revealed high anti-inflammatory scores (0.501–0.659) for peptide sequences LKLLLL, KPKLLL, and LQLLL, and moderate scores (0.433–0.436) for peptide sequences LALDIEIATYR and LQLL, while GPVS, FGVS, and AMSP had lower scores (0.261–0.293). Molecular docking simulations revealed that two peptide sequences, LALDIEIATYR and LKLLLL, can effectively bind to Toll-like receptor (TLR4), with leucine playing a major role in receptor binding. The hydrolyzed peptides from barramundi by-products exhibit potential for improving the inflammatory response, as they effectively inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α after LPS stimulation and increased the gene expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-10 and IL-12. Therefore, the study suggests that the hydrolyzed peptides from barramundi by-products offer a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of inflammatory responses.
The effect of low molecular weight heparin on prognosis of patients with radical gastrectomy
Authors: Wei Yanqiang , Li Wenxing , Lin Jinhe , Wang Danfang , Dang Chengxue , Diao Dongmei , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2024

The safety and feasibility of perioperative anticoagulation remains unclear and controversial. In this study, we aim to explored whether postoperative anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can improve long-term survival in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy. We retrospectively enrolled 1486 patients diagnosed with primary gastric cancer (GC) and undergoing radical resection in our medical center between January 2015 and February 2018. Patients were grouped into anticoagulation group and non-anticoagulation group based on postoperative anticoagulant therapy, and clinicopathological features were collected and compared. The correlation between parameters and survival was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and univariate and multivariate COX regression models. Forest plots were constructed based on subgroup analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Among the 1486 patients, 513 (34.5%) received postoperative anticoagulation therapy. In multivariate survival analysis, non-anticoagulation significantly reduced overall survival (OS), but not disease-free survival (DFS). Furthermore, elevated plasma CEA, CA19-9, lower erythrocyte and lymphocyte counts, and advanced N stage were also shown to be independent poor prognostic factors for OS, and they were also independent prognostic factors for DFS, in addition to lymphocyte counts. Anticoagulation with LMWH after radical gastrectomy can significantly improve the OS of GC patients.
The prognosis associated factors of chronic hepatitis C patients and a case report of resistance-associated substitutions to sofosbuvir-velpatavir treatment
Authors: Xiong Hao , Pan Shaokun , Zhou Zhaohui , Shi Hong , Xie Youhua , Guo Jinsheng
Published: July 2024

This study retrospectively analyzed the risk factors associated with liver cancer and cirrhosis in 358 HCV infected chinese patients with positive viral load. Among them, 80 patients treated with sofosbuvir-velpatavir (SOF-VEL) were further investigated for the efficacy and safety. An unusual SOF-VEL resistance case was investigated for the resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) using next-generation sequencing. HCV genotype 1 infection (45.5%) was most prevalent in this Chinese cohort. By single and multivariate factor analyses it was found that genotype 3 infection had a poorer prognosis. Age ≥50 years, male gender, Child-Pugh Grade B and C, and FIB-4 ≥3.25 were risk factors for liver cancer, while age ≥50 years, with diabetes, and ANA positive were risk factors for cirrhosis. Treating CHC patients with SOF-VEL revealed a sustained virologic response (SVR12) rate reaching 95%. The patient who experienced response-relapses once SOF-VEL was withdrawn had a HCV genotype 2a strain infection which harbored F28S mutation in NS5A, and T273A, M289L, A421V mutations in NS5B as RAS sites. We concluded thatSOF-VEL-basedpan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral treatment for CHC patients resulted in a high rate of achieving primary endpoint. However, the patients should be carefully monitored for SVR12 after the end of treatment.
On the effect of thermal expansion coefficient in prestressed concrete beams
Authors: Ruano Gonzalo , Quintana Virginia , Scala Armando La , Foti Dora
Published: July 2024

Prestressed concrete beams are commonly employed for building concrete slabs. These structures could be exposed to accidental fires and recently there has been a significant effort to understand how them perform under extreme load conditions. One key issue is the stress state of prestressed concrete beams subjected to thermal loads because stresses vary in time according to the temperature profile and are added to the prestressing process. For high temperature and transient thermo-mechanical analysis, temperature-dependent properties are extensively employed. Slender structures, like prestressed beams, are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, unlike the more robust cross-sections found in reinforced concrete. Particularly this paper analyses the structural influence of the coefficient of thermal expansion in slender structures subjected solely to high temperature through validation with experimental tests. Additionally, subjecting the structure only to a temperature rise does not overlap for other effects such as mechanical loads. The mechanical response of the tests under high temperature is noteworthy, and the finite element numerical analysis is used to properly capture the influence of the temperature-dependent coefficient of thermal expansion in these structures. A better understanding of this problem is achieved and structural engineers could be aware of the use of commonly used temperature-dependent properties into their assessments.
Clinical evaluation of the efficacy and safety of focused extracorporeal shock-wave therapy in patients with cervical spondylosis
Authors: Li Shuangyue , Liu Jie , Wang Yan , Zhu Chan , Tang Yahong , Gu Minghong
Published: July 2024

Background
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a contemporary modality in physiotherapy, demonstrating efficacy in addressing musculoskeletal disorders. Despite its potential, the clinical efficacy of ESWT in the context of cervical spondylosis remains understudied, with a dearth of robust empirical evidence. To bridge this gap, the present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic impact of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (fESWT) on pain alleviation and functional improvement in individuals afflicted with cervical spondylosis.
Method
A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical study was conducted, collecting data from five clinical studies on the treatment of cervical spondylosis with fESWT from June 2021 to March 2024. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis, aged 20–70, without severe underlying diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc. The exclusion criteria included pregnant women, nursing women, patients with bleeding tendencies, or those with cardiac pacemakers. The control group received conventional physical therapy, while the experimental group received fESWT in addition to conventional physical therapy. The main observation indicators included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain scoring, Neck Disability Index (NDI) scoring, cervical range of motion (ROM) scoring, and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) quality of life survey scoring.
Results
A total of 320 subjects were included in the study, with 160 in the experimental group and 160 in the control group. Post-treatment, the VAS and NDI scores in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), while the cervical range of motion (ROM) and SF-36 scores were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). The overall treatment efficacy rate in the experimental group exceeded 90%, markedly higher than the approximately 70% rate in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.
Conclusion
As a non-invasive treatment method, fESWT has shown promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. It effectively reduces patient pain, improves cervical function, and enhances the quality of life, with a high safety profile and minimal adverse reactions, making it worthy of clinical promotion and application.
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) with Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy (RPLN) have outcomes similar to locally advanced disease if treated with radical intent.
Authors: Agrawal Sushma , naik Nagendra , Priyanka Parul
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy is considered as metastatic disease in GBC, however some surgical series of radical surgery with RPLN dissection have shown results marginally inferior to those with non-RPLN lymph-node dissection. Radiological RPLN comprises a major proportion of advanced non-metastatic GBC (40% ). There is dilemma in the intent of treatment to be offered in such cases. Hence we are reporting our series of GBC treated with first line CT and consolidation CTRT in responders with comparison of outcomes of patients with RPLN versus non-RPLN.
Materials and methods:
Non-metastatic advanced GBC with good performance status (KPS.80) were initiated on first line chemotherapy (CT, cisplatin-gemcitabine) and thereafter responders were evaluated by CT-angiography and PET-CT scan for resectability. If found unresectable, they were offered chemo-radiotherapy (CTRT) to a dose of 45 Gy by conventional fractionation (3D-CRT technique) along with concurrent capecitabine @1250mg/m2 to GBC and regional lymphatics including RPLN. Thereafter boost dose of 9Gy/5# was given to GBC only. Response assessment was done using CT scan abdomen by RECIST criteria. Outcomes (overall survival) between the 2 groups (RPLN vs Non RPLN) were computed with Kaplan-Meier survival curves and chi-square tests using spss v 20.
Results:
Amongst 189 patients of advanced non-metastatic GBC recruited from 2011–2022, 80 had RPLN. The demographic features of both groups were comparable. 68% patients were women, 30% underwent upfront stenting for obstructive jaundice, 90% had T3 and T4 disease and 45%, 30% and 25% had N0, N1, N2 in non-RPLN arm. Only 10% had undergone upfront laparoscopic staging and had pathological proven RPLN. 40% patients received 4 cycles CT only and 50% patients received 6 cycles or more, and 33% received CTRT. By RECIST criteria, 10% vs 16% achieved complete response (CR), 39% vs 41% achieved partial response (PR), 16% vs 15% achieved stable disease (SD), 2.7% vs 6% had disease progression (PD) and 14.5% vs 3.7% were non-evaluable in Non-RPLN vs RPLN group respectively. 12% vs 6% could undergo radical surgery in Non-RPLN vs RPLN group (p = 0.03). The overall median overall survival was 9 months (95% CI 7.6–10.3 months) vs 10 months (95% CI 8-9.8 months) (p = NS) in Non-RPLN vs RPLN group respectively. In those who received CT only, the median OS was 7 months vs 8 months, while in those who received CT followed by CTRT, the median OS was 14 months vs 13 months (p = 0.65) in non-RPLN vs RPLN group respectively.
Conclusions:
Based on this analysis, we conclude that advanced non-metastatic GBC patients with RPLN have outcomes similar to those without RPLN if treated with radical intent.
Relationships Between Emotional Labor, Job Burnout, and Emotional Intelligence: An Analysis Combining Meta-analysis and Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Chen Yin-Che , Huang Zhi-Ling , Chu Hui-Chuang
Published: July 2024

The present study adopted a meta-analysis design that incorporated structural equation modeling to explore the relationships between emotional labor (EL), job burnout (JB), and emotional intelligence (EI), and enable model validation. The results revealed that EL and JB were significantly and positively correlated, that EI was significantly and positively correlated with EL, and that EI was significantly and negatively correlated with JB. The SEM parameter estimation values were all positive, reaching the level of significance and meeting the basic fit criteria. The total effect size of EL on JB was 0.307, which was equal to the sum of the direct and indirect effect sizes (0.423–0.116). This result indicated that EL affected JB through EI, validating the presence of a moderating effect. Finally, the results were discussed, and practical suggestions were proposed.
Dynamic Characteristics Research on Undisturbed Saturated Soft Clay
Authors: Fang Yuanming , Wang Sui , Chen Bin , Gao Zhihua , Zhao Peng
Published: July 2024

Due to the extremely strong rheological properties of soft clay, the dynamic characteristics of undisturbed saturated soft clay with sand layers in Ningbo area were studied. Experimental results demonstrate that the dynamic pore pressure, cumulative axial strain and double amplitude dynamic strain of unidirectional vibration cycle increase with the axial cyclic stress ratio increasing, and because the excess hydrostatic pore water pressure will gradually dissipate with vibration cycle increasing, the strain increases and the dynamic pore pressure decreases with the progress of vibration cycle. Besides, it can be noticed that the dynamic pore pressure and double amplitude dynamic strain of bidirectional vibration cycle are generally larger than that of unidirectional vibration cycle. Because bidirectional vibration cycle needs controlling the change of axial stress in the horizontal and vertical direction, larger instantaneous strain will be generated by external load, and excess hydrostatic pore water pressure is larger. In addition, due to the negative correlation between dynamic elastic modulus and strain, the dynamic elastic modulus of bidirectional vibration cycle is generally smaller than that of unidirectional vibration cycle. Finally, with the cyclic vibration continuing, energy is continuously lost and damping ratio decreases.
Genome-wide identification, characterization and evolutionary analysis of the pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) and dehydrin (DHN) genes in Solanum lycopersicum under drought stress
Authors: Maghraby Amaal , Alzalaty Mohamed
Published: July 2024

The pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS), succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) and dehydrin (DHN) genes play major roles in the response to drought stress. This is the first study to identify the P5CS, SSADH and DHN genes in Solanum lycopersicum viagenome-wide analysis under drought stress. The qRT‒PCR results indicated that P5CSand DHN were upregulated, with fold changes of 2.39 and 1.23, respectively, whereas the expression level of SSADH decreased to 0.73. Genome-wide analysis revealed 2 P5CS, 16 SSADH and 2 DHN genes in S. lycopersicum. P5CS genes were found on chromosomes 6 and 8. The SSADH genes were found on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12. DHN genes were found on chromosomes 2 and 4. The Ka/Ks ratios indicated that the P5CS, SSADH and DHN genes were influenced primarily by purifying selection, which indicated that the P5CS, SSADH and DHN genes received strong environmental pressure during evolution. The number of duplications of the P5CS paralogous gene pairs ranged from approximately 40.030 Mya. The duplication time of the SSADH paralogous gene pair ranged from approximately 7.892 to 210.890 Mya. The number of duplications of the DHNparalogous gene pairs ranged from approximately 189.799 Mya. Synteny analysis of the P5CS, SSADH and DHN genes revealedcollinearity orthologous relationships in S. tuberosum and A. thaliana but no orthologs of the P5CS, SSADH and DHN genes with O. sativa. In addition, collinearity analysis revealed that 2 orthologous P5CS genes, 18 orthologous SSADH genes and 2 orthologous DHN genes were paired with those in S. tuberosum. Collinearity analysis revealed that 14 orthologous SSADH genes and 1 orthologous DHN gene were paired with those in A. thaliana. Our present study increases our knowledge about the characteristics and roles of the P5CS, SSADH and DHN genes in drought stress in S. lycopersicum.
Altitude shapes gut microbiome composition accounting for diet, thyroid hormone levels, and host genetics in a subterranean blind mole rat
Authors: Solak Halil Mert , Kreisinger Jakub , Čížková Dagmar , Sezgin Efe , Schmiedová Lucie , Murtskhvaladze Marine , Henning Yoshiyuki , Çolak Faruk , Matur Ferhat , Yanchukov Alexey
Published: July 2024

The animal gut microbiome acts as a crucial link between the host and its environment, playing a vital role in digestion, metabolism, physiology, and fitness. Using 16S rRNA metabarcoding, we investigated the effect of altitude on the microbiome composition of Anatolian Blind Mole Rats (Nannospalax xanthodon) across six locations and three altitudinal groups. We also factored in the host diet, as well as host microsatellite genotypes and thyroid hormone levels. The altitude had a major effect on microbiome composition, with notable differences in the relative abundance of several bacterial taxa across elevations. Contrary to prior research, we found no significant difference in strictly anaerobic bacteria abundance among altitudinal groups, though facultatively anaerobic bacteria were more prevalent at higher altitudes. Microbiome alpha diversity peaked at mid-altitude, comprising elements from both low and high elevations. The beta diversity showed significant association with the altitude. Altitude had a significant effect on the diet composition but not on its alpha diversity. No distinct altitude-related genetic structure was evident among the host populations, and no correlation was revealed between the host genetic relatedness and microbiome composition nor between the host microbiome and the diet. Free thyroxine (FT4) levels increased almost linearly with the altitude but none of the bacterial ASVs were found to be specifically associated with hormone levels. Total thyroxine (TT4) levels correlated positively with microbiome diversity. Although we detected correlation between certain components of the thyroid hormone levels and the microbiome beta diversity, the pattern of their relationship remains inconclusive.
External Validation of the Budget Impact Analysis of the Drug Fingolimode in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Campello Cesar Ricardo Simioni , Costa Marcia Gisele Santos da , Pinto Márcia
Published: July 2024

Background
To carry out external validation of the analysis of the budget impact of the drug fingolimod after its incorporation into the Brazilian Unified Health System, comparing the real parameters arising from its incorporation in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis with the estimates presented in the incorporation report in 2017.
Methods
Survey of the target population validated by demand measured through the dispensing of drugs, in the Brazilian Unified Health System of patients with multiple sclerosis; validation of the unit costs of drugs through purchases made by the Logistics Department of the Ministry of Health; determination of market share within the time horizon defined based on drugs purchases; estimation of direct administration costs; and monitoring of drugs to compare estimated values with the real value.
Results
Divergences were identified between real-life data collected in relation to the study's defined population and the market share of the drug fingolimod over the studied time horizon. There was a significant increase in the fingolimod market share, with the bigger market shares being in 2019 and 2020. The budget impact presented in the incorporation report was US$ 277,431,260.28, and the validated impact was US$ 194,955,442.76.
Conclusions
The validation process of the budget impact analysis of the incorporation of the drug fingolimod in 2017 resulted in savings of around US$ 82,4 million in relation to the value proposed for incorporation. The percentage of market share and drugs costs were the most divergent factors in relation to what had been proposed in the incorporation report.
Influence of luting strategies on dentin bond performance of self-adhesive resin luting cement combined with a universal adhesive
Authors: Muto Rei , Takamizawa Toshiki , Shiratsuchi Koji , Kasahara Yuta , Suda Shunichi , Watanabe Hidehiko , Latta Mark A. , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: July 2024

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the dentin bond performance of various resin luting cement (RLC) systems combined with universal adhesives in different luting strategies. Materials and Methods Three self-adhesive RLCs were used with universal adhesives as primers. Twelve specimens per group were prepared to measure shear bond strength (SBS) under distinct luting strategies in etch-&-rinse and self-etch modes. Regarding luting strategies, the bonded specimens were categorized into four groups based on tooth primer application and the curing mode of the RLC paste: (i) with light irradiation of the tooth primer (wL) + dual-cure mode (DC) of the RLC paste, (ii) wL + self-cure mode (SC) of the RLC paste, (iii) without light irradiation of the tooth primer (woL) + DC mode of the RLC paste, and (iv) woL + SC mode of the RLC paste. Specimens were also subjected to different storage conditions: 24 h in water (baseline condition) and 10,000 cycles of thermal cycling. Results Luting strategy, storage condition, and RLC system type significantly influenced dentin SBS values in both etching modes. Notably, certain RLCs exhibited significantly higher dentin SBS when the primer was light-irradiated compared with no primer irradiation. Conclusion Most RLCs demonstrated higher dentin bond strength with light-irradiated primers, suggesting potential enhancement of dentin bond performance via primer light irradiation.
PCSK7, a potential target for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration: inhibition of retinal epithelial cell death
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Zhao Xin , Xin Xiangyang
Published: July 2024

AIM
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex disease whose pathophysiology is not fully understood. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the specific manifestations of PCSK7 in retinal epithelial cells.
METHODS
Lentiviral vectors overexpressing PCSK7 were infected into H2O2-treated ARPE-19 cells to investigate the mechanism of action. WB and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the overexpression efficiency. Then, CCK8 assay was used to investigate the proliferation of ARPE-19 cells, while flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to study the apoptosis. Iron accumulation and GSH content in cells were determined by ELISA and WB was used to determine the expression of anti-ferroptosis protein. Finally, JC-1 staining was used to investigate cellular mitochondrial membrane potential.
RESULTS
Overexpressing PCSK7 enhanced the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of ARPE-19 cells treated with H2O2. Meanwhile, Increased PCSK7 expression suppressed intracellular iron levels and GSH content and inhibited the ferroptosis process. In addition, overexpression of PCSK7 restored mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby alleviating H2O2-induced mitochondrial damage.
CONCLUSION
PCSK7 might be one of the targets for the treatment of AMD through the regulation of retinal epithelial cell death.
Natural finger-tapping tempo reflects intrinsic neuropsychological characteristics
Authors: Sun Sai , Wu Daw-An , Shehata Mohammad , Akashi Takuya , Furudate Morimichi , Zhang Chao , Tsutsui Ken-Ichiro , Shioiri Satoshi , Shimojo Shinsuke
Published: July 2024

Individuals have unique natural tempos in daily activities such as walking and speaking, with significant variability. It remains largely unknown how our brains generate and represent these unique tempos to modulate various sensory-motor functions. We propose that natural tempo differs from externally imposed tempos and is associated with intrinsic brain functions. Using EEG, we monitored brain activity while participants performed spontaneous and constrained finger-tapping tasks. Results show that individuals have consistent and unique natural tapping tempos. The peak frequency of delta/theta brainwaves in the motor cortex aligns with each person's motor tempo. Tapping at natural tempos led to decreased cognitive control and increased relaxation, evidenced by lower frontal error negativity (Ne)-like amplitude, higher parietal alpha power, and increased DMN activity. Additionally, natural tempo was negatively correlated with individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF), frontal Ne-like amplitude, and DMN source activity. These findings suggest that natural motor tempo is a stable cognitive "fingerprint" of brain activity.
Identification and validation an anoikis-related gene signature for clinical diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Haochen , Wang Tao , Li Suyin , Pan Xiangxue , Tan Weifeng , Sun Xuehua
Published: July 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most widespread malignancy in the universe, with low early diagnosis rates and high mortality. Therefore, early detection and treatment are critical to improving patients' life. Anoikis is one of the modes of cell death, and resistance to anoikis arising by aggressive tumor cells has been considered a pivotal element in cancer proliferation, while rarely have studies focused on the relationship between HCC and anoikis.
Methods
Anoikis-related genes were gathered from the GeneCards and MSigDB, and the R software of "limma” and the WGCNA were employed to select anoikis-related differentially expressed genes (ARDEGs). Patients from three independent cohorts (TCGA-LIHC, ICGC, and GSE14520) were classified by Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NMF) to analyze the overall survival (OS), copy number variation (CNV), tumor microenvironment (TME), and biological characteristics of different HCC clusters. We then rely on the expression of prognostic anoikis-related differentially expressed genes (PARDEGs) to build the signature by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, then patients were assigned into two risk groups. The study of enrichment pathways, immune microenvironment, clinicopathologic feature stratification, nomogram, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and drug prediction related to the signature was performed. More importantly, the mRNA level of the critical genes was verified at the HCC tissue level.
Results
HCC patients were randomly segmented into four clusters based on the PARDEGs. The result showed that clusterC2 had the worst survival time and clinical performance. Four PARDEGs, including CD24, SKP2, E2F1, and NDRG1, were selected for conducting a risk model. This risk model was significantly validated by different datasets (TCGA-LIHC, ICGC, and GSE14520) to distinguish the survival status of other HCC patients. Analysis such as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, concordance index(C-index), and nomogram indicated that the model had excellent sensitivity and specificity. Drug response and immunotherapy also manifested differently in two risk HCC patients.
Conclusion
A model constructed with four PARDEGs helps to improve the detection rate of early HCC, long-term prognostic stratification of HCC patients, and postoperative personalized monitoring and treatment plan development, reflecting the medical concept of early screening, early diagnosis, early and precise therapy of HCC.
Improved Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm based on Conditional Value-at-Risk for Portfolio Optimization
Authors: Yu Qingqing , Jin Rong
Published: July 2024

This paper presents an improved Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm variant based on Conditional Value-at-Risk for addressing portfolio optimization problems. Portfolio optimization is a NP-hard combinatorial problem that aims to select an optimal set of assets and their quantities to balance risk against expected return. The proposed approach uses the QAOA to find the optimal asset combination that maximizes returns while minimizing risk, with a focus on the tail end of the loss distribution. An enhanced QAOA ansatz introduced that offers a balance between optimization quality and circuit depth, leading to faster convergence and higher probabilities of obtaining optimal solutions. Experiments are conducted using historical stock data from Nasdaq, optimizing portfolios with varying numbers of stocks. In the case of 16 stocks, our method achieves optimal cost values with merely 35 iterations, whereas the standard QAOA requires 700 iterations. Our method outperforms other approaches, particularly as the size of the problem increases.
Overexpression of Vitis GRF4-GIF1 improves regeneration efficiency in diploid Fragaria vesca Hawaii 4
Authors: Sanchez Esther Rosales , Price R. Jordan , Marangelli Federico , McLeary Kirsty , Harrison Richard J. , Kundu Anindya
Published: July 2024

Background
Plant breeding played a very important role in transforming strawberries from being a niche crop with a small geographical footprint into an economically important crop grown across the planet. But even modern marker assisted breeding takes a considerable amount of time, over multiple plant generations, to produce a plant with desirable traits. As a quicker alternative, plants with desirable traits can be raised through tissue culture by doing precise genetic manipulations. Overexpression of morphogenic regulators previously known for meristem development provides an efficient strategy for easier regeneration and transformation in multiple crops. In this study, we show the results for overexpression of chimeric GRF4-GIF1 in diploid strawberry Fragaria vesca Hawaii 4 (strawberry) where Vitis GRF4-GIF1 chimera provides significantly higher regeneration efficiency.
Results
We present here a comprehensive protocol for strawberry regeneration and transformation under control condition as compared to ectopic expression of GRF4-GIF1 chimeras from different plants. We report that ectopic expression of Vitis vinifera VvGRF4-GIF1 provide significantly higher regeneration efficiency during retransformation over wild-type plants. On the other hand, deregulated expression of miRNA resistant version of Vitis GRF4-GIF1 or TaGRF4-GIF (wheat) resulted in abnormalities. Transcriptomic analysis between the different chimeric GRF4-GIF1 lines indicate that differential expression of FvExpansin might be responsible for the pleiotropic effects. Similarly, cytokinin dehydrogenase/oxygenase and cytokinin responsive response regulators also showed differential expression indicating GRF4-GIF1 pathway playing important role in controlling cytokinin homeostasis.
Conclusion
Our data indicate that ectopic expression of Vitis vinifera VvGRF4-GIF1 chimera can provide significant advantage over wild-type plants during strawberry regeneration without producing any pleiotropic effects seen for the miRNA resistant VvGRF4-GIF1.
Carbon Sequestration Strategies in the Oil and Gas Industry: Focus on Reservoir Storage
Authors: Kumar B. Santhosh , Venkat GS. Kapilesh , JAYAKUMAR C
Published: July 2024

Carbon sequestration is of crucial importance in combating the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions and is becoming increasingly important in the current environmental debate. This study examines different methods of carbon sequestration, particularly in the reservoirs of major oil and gas industries. Important factors to consider in this complicated area are the identification of suitable storage sites, thorough evaluation of injection methods, implementation of strong monitoring techniques, and comprehensive assessment of potential environmental impacts. Through a thorough analysis of current research and real-world examples, this study provides valuable perspectives on the effectiveness and practicality of carbon storage in reservoirs developed specifically for the oil and gas sector.
Age-related changes in the prevalence of negative responses to the online body shaming among teenagers aged 11-17
Authors: Kvintova Jana , Novotny Jan Sebastian , Vachova Lucie , Szotkowski René , Liu Hongyang , Kopecky Kamil
Published: July 2024

The increased time spent online and the growth of social networking among teenagers are associated with a heightened risk of online body shaming, eliciting diverse negative responses. Understanding how these responses vary with age remains an area requiring further exploration. This research investigates age-related variations in the prevalence of reactions to online body shaming among teenagers aged 11–17. Findings indicate distinct trends in the prevalence of responses across different age groups, with early teenagers (11–13 years) commonly experiencing somatic difficulties, intense negative emotions, and a propensity to withdraw from social interactions. Conversely, an escalation in drug use, diminished trust, and a rise in negative thoughts and uncontrollable emotions are noted among middle to late teenagers (14–17 years). Additionally, the occurrence of negative responses is markedly higher in girls than in boys. These insights underscore the importance of tailoring prevention programs and interventions to address the specific needs and experiences of teenagers at various stages of adolescence. The study provides significant implications for future research and practitioners working with youth to mitigate the adverse effects of online body shaming.
Malaria Outbreak Investigation And Associated Risk Factors In Siraro District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia,2021
Authors: Mideksa Girma
Published: July 2024

Background
In Ethiopia, malaria is highly seasonal in many communities ,with epidemic-prone transmission patterns and serious public health emergencies that have a major impact on health and the economy. This investigation aimed to assess the malaria outbreaks, determine risk factors for infection and preventive measures in the Siraro district.
Methods
A unmatched case-control study with a 1:1 case-to-control ratio was conducted in the Siraro District from 16 June 2021 to 03 August 2021. The calculated sample size for this study was 148 and a simple random sampling technique was used to select cases and controls. We reviewed the previous five year’s malaria data to establish a threshold level. Both descriptive and analytical statistical procedures were performed. The data were entered using Epi-Info version 7.2.4.0 software and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent factors associated with malaria infection.
Results
Of the total malaria cases (n = 183), Plasmodium falciparum species are about 149(81.4%) and almost 100% of the cases were confirmed by RDT/Microscopy. Age group ≥ 5 years were the most affected with an attack rate (AR) of 2.04/1000. Multivariate analysis revealed the place of stay during night adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.62, 95% CI = 1.016–31.069, a person with malaria in the house with AOR 15.74,95% CI = 3.029–81.865, presence of stagnant water near to house AOR of 25.60, 95% CI = 4.696-139.649, availability of plants with temporary water pools in the compound an AOR of 90.94,95% CI = 9.019-917.012 and a person who does not hear about malaria prevention on insecticide-treated bed nets utilization adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) of 0.14,95% CI: 0.076, 1.061 were the main associated risk factors for the occurrence of the outbreak.
Conclusions
The malaria outbreak in Siraro District mostly affected children above 5 years of age. Of the variables studied, a people with malaria in the house, stagnant water, and plants with temporary water pools and lack of awareness about malaria transmission were all significantly associated with the occurrence of malaria outbreaks. The community should be aware of malaria prevention and control measures.