bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Basic research for the development of assembly and demonstration safety index
Authors:   Korean Association of Public Safety and Criminal Justice, Kim SoYeong , Lee WanHee , Park Heekyun
Published: April 2023

Security police work occupies an important axis of national police work, and conducts police activities to prevent and suppress situations such as national emergencies, emergencies, illegal acts, and disasters in order to maintain public peace and order. The representative task of these security police is the management of assemblies and demonstrations. Assemblies and demonstrations are fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, and can be restricted by law as they may violate public peace and order and the basic rights of others. Therefore, guarantees and restrictions on assemblies and demonstrations are important duties, duties and duties of the police. However, the environment for coping with demonstrations by the police has not improved, such as the abolition of the police force, an increase in the number of assemblies, a decrease in the police force, and the number of assemblies in which the police force is mobilized does not decrease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to establish big data related to rallies and demonstrations to enable the police to increase their responsiveness to rallies and efficiently manage their careers, and to propose the necessity of developing an assembly and demonstration safety index based on this. To this end, the necessity of developing a safety index for assemblies and demonstrations was suggested by analyzing the cases of the National Police Agency, the Fire and Marine Police Agency, and foreign countries that are currently operating a system that proposes a safety index and an optimal model using big data.
Microvascular damage, neuroinflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in Col18a1 knockout mice as a model for early cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Khoshneviszadeh Mahsima , Jandke Solveig , Morton Lorena , Kaushik Rahul , Arndt Philipp , Norman Oula , Jukkola Jari , Dunay Ildiko Rita , Seidenbecher Constanze , Heikkinen Anne , Schreiber Stefanie , Dityatev Alexander
Published: April 2023

Collagen XVIII (COL18A1) is an abundant heparan sulfate proteoglycan in vascular basement membranes. Here, we asked (i) if the loss of collagen XVIII would result in blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, pathological alterations of small arteries and capillaries and neuroinflammation as found in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and (ii) if such changes may be associated with remodeling of synapses and neural extracellular matrix (ECM). We found that 5-month-old Col18a1-/- mice had elevated BBB permeability for mouse IgG in the deep gray matter, and intravascular erythrocyte accumulations were observed in capillaries and arterioles in the cortex, hippocampus, and deep gray matter, with a lesser accumulation in the white matter. The permeability of the BBB increased with age in Col18a1-/- mice and affected cortical regions and the hippocampus in mice aged 12 months. However, none of the Col18a1-/- mice displayed hallmarks typical of more advanced stages of CSVD, such as perivascular space enlargement or large bleeds or infarcts. Collagen XVIII deficiency-induced BBB leakage was accompanied by activation of microglia and astrocytes, a loss of aggrecan in the ECM of perineuronal nets associated with fast-spiking inhibitory interneurons and accumulation of the perisynaptic ECM proteoglycan brevican and the microglial complement protein C1q at excitatory synapses. As the pathway underlying these regulations, we found increased signaling through the TGF-ß1/Smad3/TIMP-3 cascade. Thus, collagen XVIII proved to be crucial for the structural integrity of small vessels and its absence leads to pathological changes typical of early stages of CSVD. Furthermore, this study highlights an association between the alterations of perivascular ECM, extracellular proteolysis, and perineuronal/perisynaptic ECM, as a possible substrate of synaptic and cognitive alterations in CSVD.
Quantitative trait loci for mineral accumulation efficiency and biomass production in barley under different levels of zinc supply
Authors: Khan Waleed Amjad , Shabala Sergey , Zhang Xueqing , Cao Fangbin , Penrose Beth , Zhou Meixue
Published: April 2023

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a common limiting factor in agricultural soils that significantly reduces both yield and nutritional quality of agricultural produce. Exploring the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for shoot and grain Zn accumulation would help to develop barley cultivars with greater Zn accumulation efficiency. In this study, two glasshouse experiments were conducted by growing plants under adequate and low Zn supply. From the preliminary screening of ten barley cultivars, Sahara (0.05 mg/pot) and Yerong (0.06 mg/pot) showed the lowest difference while Franklin (0.16 mg/pot) had the highest difference in shoot Zn accumulation as a result of the change in Zn supply for plant growth. Therefore, the double haploid (DH) population derived from Yerong x Franklin was selected for the identification of QTL for shoot mineral accumulation and biomass production. A major QTL hotspot was detected on chromosome 2H between 31.91–73.12 cM encoding genes for regulating shoot mineral accumulations of Zn, Fe, Ca, K and P, and the biomass. Further investigation demonstrated that 16 potential candidate genes for mineral accumulation, in addition to a single candidate gene for shoot biomass were found in the identified QTL region of this study. The genomic region identified in this study could be a useful resource for the improvement of mineral nutrient composition and yield potential in future barley breeding programs.
Safety of Digoxin Loading in Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.
Authors: Rubino Anna , Mahmoud Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Background: Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response (Afib-RVR) is a hemodynamically unstable arrythmia encountered in the critically ill patient. Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside, may be an appropriate treatment option for managing Afib-RVR with contraindications or unresponsiveness to traditional agents. Currently, there is limited guidance for the use of digoxin supported with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
Aim: The primary outcome of this study is the incidence of bradycardia (Heart rate less than 60 beats per minute) within 48 hours following digoxin initiation. Secondary outcomes include the time to achieve rate control after digoxin initiation and the proportion of time rate controlled within the first 48 hours of digoxin therapy.
Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients admitted to an intensive care unit between March 2018 and October 2021 with a diagnosis of Afib-RVR, received a digoxin loading dose while supported with CRRT. Exclusion criteria included prior digoxin use, use other than Afib-RVR concurrent beta-blocker or calcium-channel blocker therapy.
Results: Nine patients met the inclusion criteria, there were no incidences of bradycardia within the first 48 hours following digoxin initiation. The median digoxin loading dose, time to rate control and proportion with rate control was 9.01 ± 2.04 mcg/kg, 7±13 hours and 54 ± 23% respectively.
Conclusions: In our cohort of patients in Afib-RVR loaded with digoxin while supported on CRRT did not experience any bradycardic episodes. This data supports a cautious approach to digoxin use in this patient population and serves as a platform for future studies for the optimal dosing regimen.
Integration of multi-criteria decision analysis and statistical models for landslide susceptibility mapping in the western Algiers province (Algeria) using GIS techniques and remote sensing data
Authors: MOKADEM Safia , Lounis Ghani Cheikh , Machane Djamel , Goumrasa Abdeldjalil
Published: April 2023

Landslide susceptibility assessment and prediction are among the main processing for disaster management and land use planning activities. Therefore, the general purpose of this research was to evaluate GIS-based spatial modeling of landslides in the western Algiers province using five models, namely: frequency ratio (FR), weights of evidence (WoE), evidential belief function (EBF), logistic regression (LR) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP), then, compare their performances. At first, a landslide inventory map was prepared according to Google Earth satellite images, historical records, and extensive field surveys. The recorded landslides were divided into two groups (70% and 30%) to establish the training and validation models. In the next step, GIS techniques and remote sensing data were used, to prepare a spatial database containing thirteen landslide conditioning factors; lithology, distance to lithological boundaries, permeability, slope, exposure, altitude, profile curvature, plan curvature, precipitation, distance to rivers, TWI, NDVI, and distance to roads. Finally, the landslide susceptibility maps were produced using the five models and validated by the areas under the relative operative characteristic curve (AUC). The AUC results showed a significant improvement in susceptibility map accuracy, the FR model has the best performance in the training and prediction process (90%), followed by LR (88%, 89%), WoE (88%, 87%), EBF (86%,86%), and AHP (76%,75%), respectively. The produced maps in the current study could be useful for land use planning and hazard mitigation purposes in western Algiers province.
Laparoscopic assisted sclerotherapy in pediatric intra-abdominal cystic lymphatic malformations
Authors: Shi Hao , Lv Zhibao , Xu Weijue , Liu Jiangbin , Sheng Qingfeng , Ren Xiang , Chen Zhou
Published: April 2023

BackgroundSclerotherapy is an effective treatment for CLMs of the head and neck. However, Management of intra-abdominal cystic lymphatic malformations(CLMs) remains debates. The purpose of this study was to examine safety and efficacy of laparoscopic assisted sclerotherapy for intra-abdominal CLMs in pediatric patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the patients treated with laparoscopic assisted sclerotherapy for intra-abdominal CLMs at a single tertiary medical center between July 2020 and July 2022.The basic information and clinical data of maximal diameter, dose, reduction of lesion’s volume and complications were analyzed. The efficacy was assessed by comparing the pre-operative and post-operative cross-sectional images.Results7 patients were included in this study and underwent a total of 9 sclerotherapy sessions. 4 patients were symptomatic and majored in abdominal pain. The primary sclerotherapy did not response in better clinical outcome in 2 patients due to intra-cystic hemorrhage and additional procedure were performed. Lesions in 6 patients reduced ≥90% in volume which met the complete response criteria. No further complications were recorded during the follow-up.ConclusionsLaparoscopic assisted sclerotherapy is a safe and effective method of managing intra-abdominal CLMs. Laparoscopy could localize the origin of lesions and provides more accuracy and stabilization during the injection procedure.
Re-Irradiation Combined with Bevacizumab for Recurrent Glioblastoma beyond Bevacizumab Failure: Survival Outcomes and Prognostic Factors
Authors: You Weir-Chiang , Lee Hsu-Dung , Pan Hung-Chuan , Chen Hung-Chieh
Published: April 2023

Purpose
The combination of re-irradiation and bevacizumab has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for patients experiencing their first glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) recurrence. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the re-irradiation and bevacizumab combination in treating second-progression GBM patients who are resistant to bevacizumab monotherapy.
Methods and materials
This retrospective study enrolled 64 patients who developed a second progression after single-agent bevacizumab therapy. The patients were divided into two groups: 35 underwent best supportive care (none-ReRT group), and 29 received bevacizumab and re-irradiation (ReRT group). The study measured the overall survival time after bevacizumab failure (OST-BF) and re-irradiation (OST-RT). Statistical tests were used to compare categorical variables, evaluate the difference in recurrence patterns between the two groups, and identify optimal cutoff points for re-irradiation volume.
Results
The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the re-irradiation (ReRT) group experienced a significantly higher survival rate and longer median survival time than the non-ReRT group. The median OST-BF and OST-RT were 14.5 months and 8.8 months, respectively, for the ReRT group, while the OST-BF for the none-ReRT group was 3.9 months (p < 0.001). The multivariable analysis identified the re-irradiation target volume as a significant factor for OST-RT. Moreover, the re-irradiation target volume exhibited excellent discriminatory ability in the area under the curve (AUC) analysis, with an optimal cutoff point of greater than 27.58 ml.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that incorporating re-irradiation with bevacizumab therapy may be a promising treatment strategy for patients with recurrent GBM resistant to bevacizumab monotherapy. The re-irradiation target volume may serve as a valuable selection factor in determining which patients with recurrent GBM are likely to benefit from the combined re-irradiation and bevacizumab treatment modality.
The receptor for advanced glycation end products is involved in Campylobacter jejuni cytolethal distending toxin intracellular trafficking
Authors: Lai Chih-Ho , Lai Yi-Ru , Chang Yu-Fang , Huang Yi-Ping , Chou Chia-Huei , Ho Mao-Wang , Chiu Cheng-Hsun
Published: April 2023

Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) belongs to the genotoxin family and is closely related to Campylobacter jejuni-induced gastroenteritis. We recently reported that CDT triggers the danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP)-associated signaling to exert deleterious effects on host cells. However, how CDT traffics in cells and the mechanism of CDT toxicity remain to be elucidated. In this study, we first reported that CDT interacts with receptor of advanced glycation end product (RAGE) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) to enter the cells. Our results further indicate that CdtB transportation in cells through the dynamin-dependent endocytic pathway and lysosomes is involved in this process. Conversely, knockdown of RAGE using CRISPR-Cas9 resulted in a significant reduction in CDT-arrested cell cycles, indicating that RAGE is essential for CDT action in cells. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the pathogenic potential of CDT-producing bacteria, such as C. jejuni.
Ultrathin Carboxymethyl Cellulose/ Fish Scale Collagen Based Hydrogel Films: Vitamin E Loading, Controlled Release, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Zallaghi Mahsa , Esmkhani Maryam , Javanshir Shahrzad
Published: April 2023

Collagen-based hydrogels as scaffolds are one of the most widespread biological materials used in biomedicine and drug carriers. The aim of the current study was to develop a vitamin E (VE) loaded hydrogel films based on fish scale collagen (FSC) and carboxymethyl cellulose crosslinked with triethanolamine (TEA) to evaluate their Vitamin E release efficiency, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The effect of different collagen content on film properties was investigated. The physical and morphological properties of the extracted FSC and the films were determined different analytical technics. The in-vitro properties of the films, the loading and releasing of VE showed that the highest amount of VE loading (98.1%) and release (92.3%) was achieved for the 14.1 wt% collagen film. The antibacterial assay of the prepared film againstE. coliandS. aureusindicated a 2log reduction after 24 h, corresponding to 99% percent reduction. Based on DPPH radical scavenging activity, FSC/CMC/TEA/VE film showed scavenging activity when compared with standard Vitamin C and FSC/CMC/TEA. Moreover, according to the results of MTT test, the film has no toxic effect. Based on these results, the prepared hydrogel film seems to be a promising option in the field of drug delivery.
Regulatory T cell-associated signature: predicting prognosis and immunotherapy in ovarian cancer
Authors: Ji Yaya , Liu Jinhui , Sun Ying , Wang Fengxu , Xia Weiyi , Wang Xiaoke , Zhao Xinyuan , Zhang Pengpeng , Luo Yonghua , Yu Shali
Published: April 2023

Background Immunosuppression is a key feature of cancer, promoting tumor growth and progression. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subset of T lymphocytes that mediate immunosuppression in cancer. However, the role of Treg-related genes in ovarian cancer (OC) remains largely unexplored.Methods To identify marker genes related to Tregs in OC, we utilized scRNA-seq analysis. Treg scores were then constructed using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) based on these markers. To identify gene modules with the strongest correlation with Treg scores in bulk RNA-seq data, we employed the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) algorithm. Multiple machine learning algorithms were then used to construct risk models with superior predictive performance, which were validated using external independent datasets. A risk score was developed for each OC sample based on the optimal model to evaluate differences in prognosis, immune infiltration, pathway activity, and immunotherapy between high and low-risk groups.Results We identified 365 genes regulating Treg activity using the WGCNA algorithm, and found that 70 of these genes were associated with the prognosis of OC based on univariate cox analysis. Using a combination of the Random Survival Forest (RSF) and Lasso algorithms, we constructed a risk model with the highest c-index based on the assigned risk scores. The model's performance was validated using four external datasets. Our analysis revealed that the low-risk group had a better prognosis, more immune cell infiltration, higher immune checkpoint expression, and significant differences in pathway enrichment and immunotherapy efficacy between the different risk groups.Conclusion Our findings provide new insights into the role of Treg cells in the development and progression of OC and highlight the potential for developing novel Treg-targeted therapies for the treatment of this disease.
Assessment of brain tumour perfusion using early-phase 18F-FET -PET: comparison with perfusion-weighted MRI
Authors: Filss Christian P. , Cramer Julian , Löher Saskia , Lohmann Philipp , Stoffels Gabriele , Stegmayr Carina , Kocher Martin , Heinzel Alexander , Galldiks Norbert , Wittsack Hans J. , Sabel Michael , Neumaier Bernd , Scheins Jürgen , Shah N. Jon , Meyer Philipp T. , Mottaghy Felix M. , Langen Karl-Josef
Published: April 2023

Background: Morphological imaging using MRI is essential for brain tumour diagnostics. Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) perfusion-weighted MRI (PWI), as well as amino acid PET, may provide additional information in ambiguous cases. Since PWI is not always performed as part of standard MRI in brain tumours, we explored whether maps of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in brain tumours can be extracted from the early phase of PET using O-(2-18F-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (18F-FET).
Using a hybrid BrainPET/MRI scanner, PWI and dynamic 18F-FET PET were performed in 33 patients with cerebral glioma and in four patients with highly vascularized meningiomas. Based on the dynamic PET data in meningiomas, the time interval from 0 – 2 min p.i. was selected to best reflect the blood pool phase in 18F-FET PET. For each patient, maps of MR-rCBV, early 18F-FET PET (0-2 min p.i.) and late 18F-FET PET (20-40 min p.i.) were generated and coregistered. Volumes of interest were placed on the tumour (VOI-TU) and on the normal-appearing contralateral brain tissue (VOI-REF). The correlation between the tumour-to-brain ratios (TBR) of the different parameters was analyzsed. In addition, three independent observers evaluated the MR-rCBV and early 18F-FET maps (18F-FET-rCBV) for concordance in signal intensity, tumour extent and intratumoural distribution.
Results: TBRs calculated from MR-rCBV and 18F-FET-rCBV showed a significant correlation (r = 0.89, p < 0.001), while there was no correlation between late 18F-FET PET and MR-rCBV (r = 0.24, p = 0.16) or 18F-FET-rCBV (r = 0.27, p = 0.11). Visual rating yielded widely agreeing findings or only minor differences between the MR-rCBV maps and 18F-FET-rCBV maps in 93 % of the tumours (range of three independent raters 91–94%, kappa among raters 0.78-1.0).
Conclusion: Early 18F-FET-maps (0-2min p.i.) in gliomas provide similar information to MR-rCBV maps and may be helpful when PWI is not possible or available. Further studies in recurrent gliomas are needed to evaluate whether 18F-FET-rCBV provides the same clinical information as MR-rCBV.
Effect of Interpersonal Effectiveness Skills Training Intervention on Interpersonal Communication Competence and Social Functioning among Patients with Depression
Authors: atta mohamed , ghazi ghada
Published: April 2023

Background Study group (21 male and 9 female) of adult patients with depression were offered a three-month interpersonal effectiveness skill training.Objective Determine the effect of implementing interpersonal effectiveness skills training intervention on interpersonal communication competence and social functioning among patients with depression than those who didn’t receive such intervention. Design of study: A quasi-experimental research design. Settings: The study was conducted in psychiatric outpatient clinics of the Main University Hospital of Alexandria University. Subjects: 30 patients with depression for applying the interpersonal effectiveness training intervention and30 patients with depression for control group. Tools: Three tools were used to collect the data for this study; socio-demographic and clinical data structured interview schedule, interpersonal communication competence scale (ICCS) and social functioning scale (SFS).Results There are statistically significance differences in ICCS and SFS in total and subscales scores among study group before and after conducting interpersonal effectiveness skills intervention and vice versa is true for control group.Conclusion Patients with depression can be enhanced through interpersonal effectiveness skill training. Recommendations: Interpersonal effectiveness skills training is recommended for patients with depression as well as pharmacological treatment.
mTOR inhibition alleviates CD8+ T-cell senescence in activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ syndrome 2 patients
Authors: Han Lingli , Liu Luyao , Zhao Qifan , Bu Huaqin , Wang Wenjie , Sun Bijun , Ying Wenjing , Hui Xiaoying , Yao Haili , Hou Jia , Wang Xiaochuan , Wang Ying , Lu Wei , Sun Jinqiao
Published: April 2023

Background We investigated the clinical and immunological features in a Chinese cohort of activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase δ syndrome 2 (APDS2) and assessed the efficacy of Rapamycin therapy and the underlying mechanism.Results The shared clinical manifestation of patients included recurrent respiratory tract infection, lymphadenopathy, persistent or recurrent splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly. Three patients carry PIK3R1 c.1425 + 1G > A mutation, and one patient has the mutation c.1425 + 2T > G. Patients have defective humoral immunity with decreased B lymphocytes, especially memory B cells, and suffered from decreased naïve T cells and elevated senescent CD8+ T cells. Two patients after rapamycin therapy showed improved clinical symptoms. They also have decreased CD8+ effector memory T cells and terminal effector memory cytotoxic T cells. TCF1 was downregulated in CD8+ T cells of PIK3R1 patients but upregulated after Rapamycin treatment, which was correlated with decreased senescent CD8+ T cells.Conclusions mTOR inhibitor rapamycin improved clinical symptoms in APDS2 patients and reversed CD8+ T cell senescence through TCF1-dependent signal pathway.
Associations between anthropometric markers derived from a body scanner and relative fat-free mass in a population-based study
Authors: Dietzmann Maximilian , Radke Dörte , Markus Marcello RP , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan B. , Dörr Marcus , Bahls Martin , Ittermann Till
Published: April 2023

Low relative fat free mass (FFM) is associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality, but FFM assessment in clinical routine is time consuming and currently not performed. Our aim was to identify easily accessible anthropometric markers for FFM derived by either bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) or air displacement plethysmography (ADP). We analyzed data of 1,593 individuals (784 women; 49.2%, age range 28 – 88 years) enrolled in the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND 1). Forty-seven anthropometric markers were derived from a body scanner. Anthropometric measurements were associated with FFM by sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for body height and age. Anthropometric markers were ranked according to the coefficient of determination (R2) derived from these regression models. Circumferences of high hip, belly, middle hip, waist and high waist showed the strongest inverse associations with FFM. These relations were stronger in females than in males. Associations of anthropometric markers with FFM measured by ADP were stronger compared to FFM assessment by BIA. Manually measured waist and hip circumference showed slightly weaker associations with the FFM compared to the automated measurements. The detected anthropometrics could be helpful in assessing FFM in clinical routine.
Accuracy in osteotomy drilling using a new universal and disposable drill-stop device for dental implant drills: an in vitro study using a bovine rib model
Authors: Camacho-Alonso Fabio , Pérez-Sayáns Mario , Pato-Mourelo Jesús , Martínez-Martínez Juan Enrique
Published: April 2023

Objective To evaluate the surgical accuracy of a new universal disposable stop system for implant drills (FCA Universal Drill Stop).Materials and Methods A total of 60 bovine ribs were included in this in vitro study. The ribs were randomized into three study groups (n = 20 ribs per group). In each study group (Group1: drills without stop or control group, Group 2: prefabricated drills with stop or gold standard group, and Group 3: drills with FCA Universal Drill Stop) a total of 100 osteotomies were performed with implant drills in each group, following the drilling sequence for the placement of a dental implant of 10 mm length and 4 mm diameter. The accuracy of the depth of the osteotomies was quantified clinically (with periodontal probe) and radiologically, using ImageJ version 1.48v software.Results The order of highest to lowest accuracy (clinical and radiological) in the depth of osteotomies was: FCA Universal Drill Stop > prefabricated drills with a stop > drills without stop, with statistically significant differences being observed between both systems with stop with respect to the control group, although not between them.Conclusions The new universal disposable stop system for implant drills, offers similar accuracy to prefabricated drills with stop, with both systems being much more accurate than implant drills without stop. Clinical relevance: Our results indicate that the new FCA Universal Drill Stop system is an accurate device for implant osteotomies, offering the advantage of being a universal system for all brands of dental implants, but further clinical studies are necessary.
The common mycorrhizal network originated from Brachiaria brizantha suppresses the growth of seedlings from the grass itself and native trees in shouthern Brazil
Authors: Bertagnoli Breynner G. Pavão , Filho Arnaldo Colozzi , Pimenta José Antonio , Zangaro Waldemar
Published: April 2023

The common mycorrhizal network (CMN) is formed by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) that interconnect plant roots, and promote the exchange of nutrients, water, and signaling compounds, in addition to serving as a mechanism of competition among plants. It was evaluated the influence of CMN, originated from the adult invasive grass Brachiaria brizantha, on the development of seedlings of B. brizantha itself and of the native trees Heliocarpus popayanensis (early-successional) and Cariniana estrellensis (late-successional). The plants were grown in a substrate composed of fertile soil and sterilized sand in a 3:1 ratio, with 640 native AMF spores per gram of soil. The treatments were: 1) Seedlings of B. brizantha, H. popayanensis, and C. estrellensis grew under the influence of CMN originated from adult B. brizantha for 225 days; 2) Ninety days after the influence of CMN, two adult B. brizantha prunings were carried out, the first occurring 90 days after emergence and the second 180 days after the first pruning; 3) Ninety days after the influence of the CMN, the communication network was severed by the weekly rupture of the fungal hyphae; 4) The control treatment consisted of the isolated growth of five seedlings of each species without contact with the CMN. The CMN originated from B. brizantha suppressed the growth of seedlings of the three species. CMN severing completely eliminated the suppressive effects of adult B. brizantha on seedlings. The adult B. brizanta pruning mitigated the negative effects on seedlings, however after regrowth, suppression returned. The seedlings of H. popayanensis connected to the CMN originated from adult B. brizantha died, while the seedlings of C. estrellensis and B. brizantha itself survived, altough suppressed.
The long-term effect on surgery-free survival of biological compared to conventional therapy in Crohn’s disease in real world-data: a propensity-score matched study
Authors: Valvano Marco , Vinci Antonio , Cesaro Nicola , Frassino Sara , Ingravalle Fabio , Ameli Marta , Viscido Angelo , Necozione Stefano , Latella Giovanni
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND: The introduction of biological drugs has led to great expectations and growing optimism in the possibility that this new therapeutic strategy could favourably change the natural history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and in particular that it could lead to a significant reduction in surgery in the short and long term. The evaluation of the incidence of intestinal resection after the introduction of biological therapy is very complex and subject to several potential bias, the most prominent being the shift in IBD management over the last few decades.
This study aims to assess the impact of biological versus conventional therapy on surgery-free survival time (from the diagnosis to the first bowel resection) and on the overall risk of surgery in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) who were never with the surgical option.
METHODS: This is a retrospective, double-arm study including CD patients treated with either biological or conventional therapy (mesalamine, immunomodulators, antibiotics, or steroids). All CD patients admitted at the GI Unit of the S. Salvatore Hospital (L’Aquila. Italy) and treated with biological therapy since 1998 were included in the biological arm. Data concerning the CD patients receiving a conventional therapy were retrospectively collected from our database. These patients were divided into a pre-1998 and post-1998 group. Our primary outcome was the evaluation of the surgery-free survival since CD diagnosis to the first bowel resection. Surgery-free time and event incidence rates were calculated and compared among all groups, both in the original population and in the propensity-matched population.
RESULTS: 203 CD patients (49 biological, 93 conventional post-1998, 61 conventional pre-1998) were included in the study. Kaplan-Mayer survivorship estimate shows that patients in the biological arm had a longer surgery-free survival compared to those in the conventional arm (p=0.03). However, after propensity matching analysis, no significant difference was found in surgery-free survival (p=0.3). A sub-group analysis showed shorter surgery-free survival in patients on conventional therapy in the pre-biologic era only (p=0.02) while no significative difference was found between the biologic and conventional post-biologic groups (p=0.15).
CONCLUSION: This study shows that the introduction of biological therapy had only a slight impact on the occurrence of surgery in CD patients over a long observation period. Nevertheless, biological therapy appears to delay the first intestinal resection.
Acute and Short-term changes in binocular Vision with Spectacles & Spherical Equivalent Soft Contact Lens Wear in Low Myopic Astigmatism
Authors: Sapkota Arjun , Baral Nabin , Koirala Bipin , Mahat Manoj
Published: April 2023

Background
Binocular vision is a complex process that involves the coordination of the two eyes to produce a single image. Spectacles and soft contact lenses are common refractive correction options for low myopic astigmatism. However, the effect of these correction methods on binocular vision has not been extensively studied in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate the acute and short-term changes in binocular vision between spectacles and spherical equivalent soft contact lens wear in low myopic astigmatism.
Purpose
To investigate the acute and short-term changes in binocular vision with spectacles & spherical equivalent soft contact lens wear in low myopic astigmatism.
Method
All the subjects underwent a thorough optometric examination and a complete binocular vision evaluation was performed with spectacles and contact lenses on the same day in a group of 36 participants. The accommodative amplitude and accommodative facility, stereo acuity, cover test, horizontal phoria, near the point of convergence (NPC), negative relative accommodation (NRA), positive relative accommodation (PRA), positive fusional reserve, and negative fusional reserve were compared with myopic spectacles and spherical equivalent corrected contact lenses in these subjects.
Results
Statistically significant differences were found with the use of soft contact lens in comparison to the spectacle: a higher value of NPC (MD; -0.36±0.76, p=0.007), lag of accommodation (MD; -0.11± 0.31, p=0.03) and PRA (MD; 0.35± 0.16, p=0.035).
Conclusion
The NPC, lag of accommodation, and PRA were changed while wearing contact lenses although other parameters did not show statistical significance. These findings imply that; the spherical equivalent corrected soft contact lens could not be prescribed even in a patient with low myopic astigmatism before screening all the binocular vision parameters.
Elucidating pharmacists’ perception towards utilisation of Pharmacy Research Priorities when conducting research in Malaysia: findings from focus group discussions
Authors: Muhsin Nor I A , Ho See Wan , Nordin Noraini , Chan Pui Lim , Yahaya Abdul H M
Published: April 2023

Background The Pharmacy Research Priorities in Malaysia (PRPM) was published by the Pharmaceutical Services Programme (PSP), Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) in 2018. This study was aimed to explore the perceptions of MOH pharmacists in utilising this document while conducting their respective research.Methods Two online focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were conducted among pharmacists who represented various disciplines in MOH and with different level of research experience. Thematic analysis was performed on the verbatim transcriptions of the FGDs and relevant themes and sub-themes were derived.Results Five thematic categories emerged, which were (1) awareness of the MOH pharmacists towards the document; (2) perception and perceived functions of the PRPM document; (3) utilisation practice and motivation to refer to the document; (4) barriers in utilising the document; and (5) recommendations to improve the uptake of the PRPM document. Overall, the document was perceived to be useful among MOH pharmacists to guide them while conducting their research activities but their utilisation practice was low. The document was used as categorisation tool instead and most of the pharmacists did not refer to the PRPM document when planning their research. There were several barriers including exhaustive length of the document as well as partial understanding of its function and how to make use of it by the MOH pharmacists. Minimal promotional activities for the document had been identified as potential contributing factor to the low utilisation of the document.Conclusions Overall, the PRPM document was perceived to be beneficial but the response received from the FGDs showed low uptake of the PRPM document among the pharmacists when planning research activities. Further study should be conducted to further assess the uptake of this document by pharmacy researchers as a whole and various initiatives need to be taken to improve the PRPM utilisation.
Patterns and characteristics of mismatch repair deficiency colorectal cancer from central China
Authors: Luo Yuhang , Fang Min , Wu Xiaofeng , Xu Yunhua , Li Shuxiang , Yuan Jinyi , Zhou Chenghui , Huang Qiulin , Fu Kai , Xiao Shuai
Published: April 2023

Background: Up to 30% colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are inherited tendency. Lynch syndrome (LS) which is caused by mismatch repair (MMR) genes germline mutation, is the most prevalent form of hereditary CRC. Ethnical and regional differences would lead to diverse characteristics of LS. However, Studies of LS from China are few and with relatively small sample sizes.
Method: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing for MMR deficiency (dMMR) is advocated to preliminarily screen LS in recent guidelines. This single center retrospective study from central China performed IHC to prescreen dMMR and analyze the patterns and characteristics of dMMR CRCs.
Results: 12.0% (180/1505) CRCs had dMMR status in this study, they had the universal features such as younger diagnostic age, more proximal colon location, more poorly differentiated with an excess of mucinous type, advanced pT stage and lower pN stage (all P ＜ 0.05), but had larger tumor size and less perineural invasion (all P ＜ 0.05) compared with proficiency MMR CRCs, which were not reported before. Moreover, PMS2 deficiency (8.7%) was common in this study which was different from studies in Western. MLH1/PMS2, isolated PMS2, MSH2/MSH6 and isolated MSH6 were the most common deficiency patterns, and the MSH2/MSH6 subtype had the most often family history.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated dMMR CRCs from central China had the similar general characteristics as reported studies, but had larger tumor size and less perineural invasion which were not reported before. What’s more, PMS2 deficiency (8.7%) was common in this study which was different from studies in Western.
Importance of Differential Diagnosis of Palate Pleomorphic Adenoma; Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Acaban M. Baver
Published: April 2023

The most common location of pleomorphic adenomas within the minor salivary glands is the palate. These are rigid, immobile, slow-growing benign masses. In the presence of a slowly growing mass in which the mucosa is intact, it is one of the first masses to be considered. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is not recommended due to disruption of the capsule structure and invasive metastasis. Information about the cranial bone invasion of the mass with computed tomography and the characteristic of the mass with magnetic resonance imaging can be obtained. Definitive diagnosis is established by histological evaluation. In our literature review, it was determined that some patients had their teeth extracted due to misdiagnosis.
Macronutrients and Lung carcinoma: a Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yang Longtao , Chen Zhe , Wang Xuanye , Li Cong , He Shaqi , Liu Jun
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThe relationships of lung cancer with macronutrients are in an increasing number of research nowadays. However, the causal effects between them are still unclear.MethodsThe macronutrients summary statistics from the greatest genome-wide meta-analysis produced by DietGen and other cohorts, and the largest genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-summary analysis in lung cancer were used in this two-sample bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) investigation. The causal relationships between macronutrients and lung cancer were investigated by using inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger regression, weighted median, weighted model, and simple mode methods.ResultsIVW estimates suggested that fat and protein had casual associations with lung cancer. As for lung cancer, the IVW estimate of the fat [OR:0.44, 95% CI: 0.38–0.51, PIVW=1.50×10− 24]; As for lung adenocarcinoma, the IVW estimate of the fat [OR:0.25, 95% CI: 0.12–0.53, PIVW=2.40×10− 4], protein [OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.73, PIVW=3.10×10− 3]; As for lung cancer in never smokers, the IVW estimate of the fat [OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13–0.86, PIVW=2.30×10− 2], protein [OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03–0.32, PIVW=1.90×10− 4]; As for lung cancer in ever smokers, the IVW estimate of the fat [OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29–0.96, PIVW=3.60×10− 2].ConclusionsThis MR investigation discovered that fat and protein were served as protective factors and causally linked to lung cancer. To fully understand how fat and protein affect lung cancer, more research is required.
A broadband waveguide-to-50 Ω-microstriptransition with low-loss
Authors: Cubillos Diana , Saldaña Camilo , Monasterio David , Pizarro José , Bronfman Leonardo , Finger Ricardo , Mena F. Patricio
Published: April 2023

The increment in the demand for high-frequency monolithic integrated circuits has driven the development of waveguide-to-microstrip transition that allow their characterization and integration with waveguide components. Unfortunately, some of these transitions currently feature a rather narrow bandwidth, especially when the substrate is inserted transversal to the propagation direction of the waveguide. Here we present a new design that overcomes this problem. The transisition was originally designed for a bandwidth of 33.5–60 GHz (extended V-Band) with the simulation results showing reflections below −19.5 dB in a fractional bandwidth of 55% and, moreover, can be scaled to other frequencies keeping good electrical characteristics. To validate the design we show the scaling, construction, and measurement in an extended Q-band (27–50 GHz) with the additional advantage of having a standard impedance of 50 Ω. The most novel feature is a staggered air cavity for the microstrip and planar probe, which generates return losses better than 20 dB in a fractional bandwidth of 53%.
Two Distinct Subpopulations of Marginal Zone B Cells Exhibit Differential Antibody-Producing Capacity and Radioresistance
Authors: Kim Tae Jin , Im Se Jin , Lee Sujin , Ko Yeunjung , Lee Hyun Woo , Oh Won Joon , Hong Hun Gi
Published: April 2023

Marginal zone (MZ) B cells are innate-like B cells that not only rapidly secrete antibodies (Abs) against blood-borne pathogens but also serve Ab-independent functions such as antigen presentation and immune regulation, which may reflect their heterogeneity. Here, we discovered a subpopulation of MZ B cells that expressed higher levels of CD80, but not CD86, in naïve mice. CD80high MZ B cells revealed higher Ab-producing, proliferative, and IL-10-secreting capacities than CD80low MZ B cells. Notably, the CD80high MZ B cells survived 2 Gy whole-body irradiation, whereas CD80low MZ B cells were preferentially depleted by the irradiation and repleted in a month after the irradiation. The CD80high MZ B cells expressed higher levels of genes involved in proliferation, plasma cell differentiation, antioxidant response, and immune regulation. The CD80high MZ B cells contained autoreactive BCRs reactive to double-stranded DNA or type II collagen. Next-generation sequencing revealed more immunoglobulin heavy chains with a shorter complementarity-determining region 3 and no N-nucleotides in the CD80high MZ B cells than in CD80low MZ B cells. In summary, MZ B cells can be divided into two populations differing in CD80 expression, Ab-productive capacity, radioresistance, and B cell receptor repertoire, which may have different homeostatic functions.
A simultaneous wet-spinning strategy for high-strength antimicrobial cellulose fibers embedded with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Moon Joon Yeon , Lee Joshua , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang
Published: April 2023

Developing a strategy to fabricate nanoparticle-embedded microfibers a single step has industrial and academic impact for a variety of functionally demanding textile applications. Here, we report a straightforward strategy for decorating the fiber surface with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) while simultaneously carrying out the deacetylation of cellulose acetate (CA) into cellulose (CE) microfibers using sodium hydroxide (NaOH). We obtained antibacterial regenerated cellulose microfibers by successfully embedding silver nanoparticles and achieving a high level of tensile strength improvement at the same time. The physicochemical properties of regenerated cellulose microfibers embedded with AgNPs were compared with pure CA microfibers using various characterization techniques. Fiber thickness (270 vs 300 µm), mechanical properties (>5 vs <1 MPa Young's modulus), and antibacterial ability (50 vs 0 mm2 zone of inhibition) of the fibers were also measured. The proposed method has been confirmed as a strategy that can greatly simplify the manufacturing process of CE@AgNPs microfibers with high strength and antibacterial properties, promising high applicability in fields requiring functional, antibacterial fibers.
Diphenyl ditelluride assisted synthesis of noble metal-based Silver-Telluride 2D organometallic Nanofibers with enhanced aggregation-induced emission (AIE) using oleylamine.
Authors: Lodeiro Carlos , Djafari Jamila , Duarte Frederico , Fernández-Lodeiro Javier , Fernández-Lodeiro Adrián , Santos Hugo , Bladt Eva , Bals Sara , Savvidou Aikaterini Flessa , Balicas Luis , Rodriguez-González Benito , Santos Alcindo Dos , Capelo-Martínez José Luis
Published: April 2023

Silver-Telluride 2D organometallic nanofibers using diphenyl ditelluride (DPDT) as a precursor were synthesized. The synthesis was carried out by reacting DPDT with AgNO3 in acetonitrile at room temperature (RT) under an inert atmosphere. The resulting material was fully characterized using various techniques, including UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy, steady-state and excited-state fluorescent spectroscopy, IR-FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, HR ESI MS spectrometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), BF-STEM or HAADF-STEM, and confocal fluorescence microscopy images and conductivity measurements. Initially, the nanofibers were almost non-emissive. However, a remarkable modification was observed after treating the nanofibers with oleylamine under ultrasound treatment. This methodology induced an aggregation emission effect (AIE) in the solution and in the solid state, resulting in the formation of a highly red emissive fluorescent nanomaterial. This research provides valuable insights for developing new fluorescent materials with potential applications in various optical fields. Initially, the nanofibers were almost non-emissive. However, we observed a remarkable modification after treating the nanofibers with oleylamine under ultrasound treatment. This treatment induced an aggregation emissive effect (AIE) in the solution and solid state, resulting in the formation of a highly red emissive fluorescent material. Overall, our findings demonstrate the successful synthesis of 2D Silver-Telluride 2D organometallic nanofibers and the induction of AIE in the resulting material through oleylamine treatment. This research provides valuable insights for developing new fluorescent materials with potential applications in various fields.