bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender-based roles, psychosocial variation, and power relations during delivery and postnatal care: a qualitative case study in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Shibeshi Ketema , Lemu Yohannes , Gebretsadik Lakew , Gebretsadik Abebe , Morankar Sudhakar
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly encouraged men to support women in receiving maternal healthcare. However, especially in developing countries, maternal healthcare has traditionally been viewed as an issue in women, with men making little or no contribution, even though sexuality and children are shared products. The study aims to understand how gender-based roles, psychosocial variation, and power relations are related to child delivery and postnatal care (PNC) services.

Methods

The study was conducted in three rural districts of Oromia regional state, Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. An in-depth interview and focus group discussion were held with carefully chosen health professionals, health extension workers, community health development armies, and religious leaders. The data was collected, translated, and transcribed by experienced men and women qualitative researchers. For data analysis, ATLAS.ti version 9 was used. The data were coded and categorized concerning delivery and PNC service utilization. Independent and shared gender-based roles were identified as a means to improve maternal healthcare service delivery.

Results

The result obtained three categories, namely, gender-based roles, psychosocial variation, and power relations. Men can persuade pregnant women to use delivery services and PNC. The place of delivery is determined by the levels of gender-based power relations at the household level, but women are usually the last decision-makers. The belief of the community that giving birth in a health facility makes women look clean and neat, as opposed to home delivery, increases their intention to use maternal healthcare services.

Discussion

The study contributes that the role of a man as a husband is crucial in mobilizing others to carry pregnant women to health facilities, contributing to early intervention during labor. The decision-making capacity of women has improved over time, with men accepting their right to make decisions about their health and fetuses. Home delivery and men not being present during delivery are perceived as signs of backwardness, whereas giving birth in health institutes is seen as a sign of modernization and the rights of women.
4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide induces immune cells death to onset early immunosuppression during oral squamous cell carcinoma development
Authors: Sahu Satya Ranjan , Thakur Shweta , Peroumal Doureradjou , Utkalaja Bhabasha Gyanadeep , Dutta Abinash , Kumari Premlata , Subhadarsini Ipsita , Acharya Narottam
Published: October 2023

4-Nitroquinoline N-oxide (4-NQO) and its derivatives react with genomic DNA to form stable quinolone monoadducts, which are highly mutagenic and genotoxic. While the chronic high-dose exposure of epithelial cells to a carcinogen such as 4-NQO leads to tumor development, its effect on other cells has not been explored yet. Since the immunosuppression due to aberrant immunological profile is recognized as a significant cause in tumors, here we determine the interaction between 4-NQO and immune cells both in vivo and in vitro, and its effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression in a murine model. Immune cell profiling of the spleen and peripheral blood revealed a significant decrease in the B-cell population in 4-NQO-exposed mice than the untreated group. Additionally, γδ T and CD5+ B lymphocyte populations decreased at both pre- and post-cancerous stages of OSCC. These results suggested that 4-NQO induced tumor transition from pre-malignant lesions to OSCC by altering certain immune cells systemically. Next, to establish the effect of 4-NQO on immune cells, human B- and T-cell lines were subjected to 4-NQO; the reduction in cell viability, increase in DNA damage response marker, and induction of apoptosis were more pronounced in B than T cells. Altogether, our results indicated that in addition to the genotoxicity of oral epithelial cells, 4-NQO potentiates long-range effects on specific immune cells to induce cell death to cause very-early immunosuppressive response during oral carcinogenesis, and thus immunosuppression and tumor development are coevolved.
Pembrolizumab combined with anlotinib improves therapeutic efficacy in pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma with TMB-H and PD-L1 expression: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Shugui , Wu Shanlian , Liao Xiaohong , Zhou Chaoming , Qiu Feng , Wang Chen , Zhong Wenjuan
Published: October 2023

Background

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a unique subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a high degree of malignancy and poor therapeutic effects. With the widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in recent years, few studies have reported that immunotherapy is effective against PSC. As a multi-target anti-vascular targeting agent, anlotinib showed a better anti-tumor effect in various cancer species. The paper reported the therapeutic and side effects of pembrolizumab combined with anlotinib in a patient with advanced PSC.

Case presentation

This is a 73 year old female patient who underwent thoracoscopy right upper lobectomy and was diagnosed as locally advanced PSC. However, the patient experienced tumor recurrence and metastasis 7 weeks after surgery and was unable to tolerate chemoradiotherapy. Moreover, she detected TP53 mutation and found that tumor mutation burden (TMB) and PD-L1 were high expression. Therefore, the patient received pembrolizumab combined with anlotinib treatment. After 15 cycles of treatment, the tumor significantly shrank with no tumor activity. The evaluation of tumor efficacy is partial response (PR). During the treatment period, she experienced one-degree thyroid-stimulating hormone elevation and two-degree hand-foot syndrome. Pembrolizumab and anlotinib was continued for two years as a maintenance treatment. The patient had a good quality of life and no disease progression was observed. Currently, the patient is still alive without tumor progression and has overall survival exceeding 45 months and toxic side effects were tolerable.

Conclusions

Combining ICIs and anti-angiogenic targeted therapy has brought new hope in treating advanced PSC. Additionally, TMB and PD-L1 expression could be potential predictive biomarkers of the efficacy in advanced PSC with immunotherapy.
Delineating spatial cell-cell interactions in the solid tumour microenvironment through the lens of highly multiplexed imaging
Authors: Cohn David E. , Forder Aisling , Marshall Erin A. , Vucic Emily A. , Stewart Greg L. , Noureddine Kouther , Lockwood William W. , MacAulay Calum E. , Guillaud Martial , Lam Wan L.
Published: October 2023

The growth and metastasis of solid tumours is known to be facilitated by the tumour microenvironment (TME), which is composed of a highly diverse collection of cell types that interact and communicate with one another extensively. Many of these interactions involve the immune cell population within the TME, referred to as the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME). These non-cell autonomous interactions exert substantial influence over cell behaviour and contribute to the reprogramming of immune and stromal cells into numerous pro-tumourigenic phenotypes. The study of some of these interactions, such as the PD-1/PD-L1 axis that induces CD8+ T cell exhaustion, has led to the development of breakthrough therapeutic advances. Yet many common analyses of the TME either do not retain the spatial data necessary to assess cell-cell interactions, or interrogate few (<10) markers, limiting the capacity for cell phenotyping. Recently developed digital pathology technologies, together with sophisticated bioimage analysis programs, now enable the high-resolution, highly-multiplexed analysis of diverse immune and stromal cell markers within the TME of clinical specimens. In this article, we review the tumour-promoting non-cell autonomous interactions in the TME and their impact on tumour behaviour. We additionally survey commonly used image analysis programs and highly-multiplexed spatial imaging technologies, and we discuss their relative advantages and limitations. The spatial organization of the TME varies enormously between patients, and so leveraging these technologies in future studies to further characterize how non-cell autonomous interactions impact tumour behaviour may inform the personalization of cancer treatment.​
Upwelling characteristics in the Gulf of Riga (Baltic Sea): multiple data source approach
Authors: Skudra Māris , Väli Germo , Ikauniece Anda , Papirtis Miks
Published: October 2023

Upwellings are characteristic for the Baltic Sea region including the Gulf of Riga, although the current knowledge is rather limited with only few research conducted in the Gulf itself. Upwelling events in the Gulf of Riga in 2010–2022 were studied by analyzing sea surface temperature time series from coastal stations and SmartBuoy, together with satellite data, model data, and CTD (conductivity, temperature, and depth) surveys. The starting/end point, active, and relaxation phases were defined in each event to describe the characteristics and length of each phase. Upwellings were less frequent (41%) on the eastern coast but lasted longer and had higher temperature drops than on the western coast. On the western coast, a variety of upwelling characteristics between stations only 30 km apart were found with the likely reason being the different orientations of the coastline with respect to the wind direction. Satellite data revealed that on the western coast of the Gulf, rather small upwelling events form along specific sections of the coastline. Of all upwelling events, 30% were characterized by an immediate temperature increase after reaching the minimum temperature, and we suggest that this is related to a distinct change in wind direction. The results from the simulations indicated smaller lateral density and salinity gradients in the sea surface than in larger Baltic Sea gulfs. It signals that conditions for the occurrence of baroclinic instabilities are rather small; thus, we suggest that weaker gradients could explain quite fast upwelling relaxation in the basin if compared to, e.g., the Gulf of Finland.
The causal relationship between gut microbiota and bone mineral density: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Xuejian , Tang Guangjun , Deng Pin , Qin Yuyan , Han Jinglu , Wang Shulong , Sun Xiaojie , Li Dongxiao , Chen Zhaojun
Published: October 2023

Background

The gut microbiota has emerged as an intriguing and potentially influential factor in regulating bone health. However, the causal effect of the gut microbiota on bone mineral density (BMD) appears to differ throughout various life stages.

Methods

We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and BMD in five distinct age groups: 0–15, 15–30, 30–45, 45–60, and 60 years and older. The analysis employed three different methods, namely MR-Egger, weighted median, and Inverse-variance weighting, to ensure the robustness of our findings, a series of sensitivity analyses were also conducted, such as horizontal pleiotropy tests, heterogeneity tests, and leave-one-out sensitivity tests.

Results

In the age group of 0–15 years, Eubacterium_fissicatena_group and Eubacterium_hallii_group were identified as risk factors for BMD. During the 15–30 age group, Phascolarctobacterium, Roseburia, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_003 were found to be protective factors for BMD. In the 30–45 age group, Lachnospira genus demonstrated a protective effect on BMD, while Barnesiella and Lactococcus were identified as risk factors for BMD. Moving on to the 45–60 age group, Eubacterium_ventriosum_group, Lachnospiraceae_UCG_004, and Subdoligranulum were observed to be protective factors for BMD, while Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Fusicatenibacter, and Lactococcus were associated with an increased risk of BMD. In individuals aged 60 years and older, Fusicatenibacter and Ruminococcaceae_UCG_002 were also noted as risk factors for BMD. Conversely, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, Alistipes, and Coprococcus_3 were found to be protective factors for BMD, whereas Barnesiella and Sellimonas were identified as risk factors for BMD.

Conclusion

A robust causal relationship between gut microbiota and bone mineral density (BMD) exists throughout all stages of life, with Firmicutes phylum being the primary group associated with BMD across age groups. Gut microbiota linked with BMD primarily belong to the Firmicutes phylum across age groups. The diversity of gut microbiota phyla associated with BMD depicts relatively stable patterns during the ages of 0–45 years. However, for individuals aged 45 years and above, there is an observed increase in the number of gut microbiota species linked with BMD, and by the age of 60 years, a trend toward an increase in the Bacteroidetes phylum categories is proposed.
Using CADD tools to inhibit the overexpressed genes FAP, FN1, and MMP1 by repurposing ginsenoside C and Rg1 as a treatment for oral cancer
Authors: Abouelwafa Manal , Ibrahim Tamer M. , El-Hadidi Mohamed S. , Mahnashi Mater H. , Owaidah Amani Y. , Saeedi Nizar H. , Attia Hany G. , Georrge John J. , Mostafa Amany
Published: October 2023

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancer types. Many factors can express certain genes that cause the proliferation of oral tissues. Overexpressed genes were detected in oral cancer patients; three were highly impacted. FAP, FN1, and MMP1 were the targeted genes that showed inhibition results in silico by ginsenoside C and Rg1. Approved drugs were retrieved from the DrugBank database. The docking scores show an excellent interaction between the ligands and the targeted macromolecules. Further molecular dynamics simulations showed the binding stability of the proposed natural products. This work recommends repurposing ginsenoside C and Rg1 as potential binders for the selected targets and endorses future experimental validation for the treatment of oral cancer.
Predicting mild cognitive impairment among Chinese older adults: a longitudinal study based on long short-term memory networks and machine learning
Authors: Huang Yucheng , Huang Zishuo , Yang Qingren , Jin Haojie , Xu Tingke , Fu Yating , Zhu Yue , Zhang Xiangyang , Chen Chun
Published: October 2023

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitory yet reversible stage of dementia. Systematic, scientific and population-wide early screening system for MCI is lacking. This study aimed to construct prediction models using longitudinal data to identify potential MCI patients and explore its critical features among Chinese older adults.

Methods

A total of 2,128 participants were selected from wave 5–8 of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study. Cognitive function was measured using the Chinese version of Mini-Mental State Examination. Long- short-term memory (LSTM) and three machine learning techniques, including 8 sociodemographic features and 12 health behavior and health status features, were used to predict individual risk of MCI in the next year. Performances of prediction models were evaluated through receiver operating curve and decision curve analysis. The importance of predictors in prediction models were explored using Shapley Additive explanation (SHAP) model.

Results

The area under the curve values of three models were around 0.90 and decision curve analysis indicated that the net benefit of XGboost and Random Forest were approximate when threshold is lower than 0.8. SHAP models showed that age, education, respiratory disease, gastrointestinal ulcer and self-rated health are the five most important predictors of MCI.

Conclusion

This screening method of MCI, combining LSTM and machine learning, successfully predicted the risk of MCI using longitudinal datasets, and enables health care providers to implement early intervention to delay the process from MCI to dementia, reducing the incidence and treatment cost of dementia ultimately.
Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy: shared neuropathology guides current and future treatment strategies
Authors: Lu Olivia , Kouser Taimur , Skylar-Scott Irina A.
Published: October 2023

Epilepsy is a cause of profound disability in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The risk of being diagnosed with AD increases the risk for epilepsy, and in parallel, a history of epilepsy increases the likelihood of the development of AD. This bi-directional relationship may be due to underlying shared pathophysiologic hallmarks, including decreased cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42), increased hyperphosphorylated tau protein, and hippocampal hyperexcitability. Additionally, there are practical treatment considerations in patients with co-morbid AD and epilepsy—namely, there is a higher risk of seizures associated with medications commonly prescribed for Alzheimer’s disease patients, including antidepressants and antipsychotics such as trazodone, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and first-generation neuroleptics. Anti-amyloid antibodies like aducanumab and lecanemab present new and unique considerations in patients with co-morbid AD and epilepsy given the risk of seizures associated with amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) seen with this drug class. Finally, we identify and detail five active studies, including two clinical trials of levetiracetam in the respective treatment of cognition and neuropsychiatric features of AD, a study characterizing the prevalence of epilepsy in AD via prolonged EEG monitoring, a study characterizing AD biomarkers in late-onset epilepsy, and a study evaluating hyperexcitability in AD. These ongoing trials may guide future clinical decision-making and the development of novel therapeutics.
Temporal dynamics of isolation calls emitted by pups in environmental and genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gal Ayelet , Raykin Eynav , Giladi Shaked , Lederman Dror , Kofman Ora , Golan Hava M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Environmental and genetic factors contribute to the increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, including deficits in the development of social communication. In the mouse, ultrasonic vocalizations emitted by the pup stimulate maternal retrieval and potentiate maternal care. Therefore, isolation induced ultrasonic vocalization emitted by pups provides a means to evaluate deficits in communication during early development, before other ways of communication are apparent. Previous studies in our labs showed that gestational exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the Methylenetetrahydrofolate (Mthfr)-knock-out mice are associated with impaired social preference, restricted or repetitive behavior and altered spectral properties of pups’ ultrasonic vocalization. In this study, we explore the temporal dynamics of pups’ vocalization in these Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) models.

Methods

We utilized the maternal potentiation protocol and analyzed the time course of pup vocalizations following isolation from the nest. Two models of ASD were studied: gestational exposure to the pesticide CPF and the Mthfr-knock-out mice.

Results

Vocalization emitted by pups of both ASD models were dynamically modified in quantity and spectral structure within each session and between the two isolation sessions. The first isolation session was characterized by a buildup of call quantity and significant effects of USV spectral structure variables, and the second isolation session was characterized by enhanced calls and vocalization time, but minute effect on USV properties. Moreover, in both models we described an increased usage of harmonic calls with time during the isolation sessions.

Discussion

Communication between two or more individuals requires an interplay between the two sides and depends on the response and the time since the stimulus. As such, the presence of dynamic changes in vocalization structure in the control pups, and the alteration observed in the pups of the ASD models, suggest impaired regulation of vocalization associated with the environmental and genetic factors. Last, we propose that temporal dynamics of ultrasonic vocalization communication should be considered in future analysis in rodent models of ASD to maximize the sensitivity of the study of vocalizations.
Diagnostic performance of CT scan–based radiomics for prediction of lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: HajiEsmailPoor Zanyar , Tabnak Peyman , Baradaran Behzad , Pashazadeh Fariba , Aghebati-Maleki Leili
Published: October 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) scan–based radiomics in prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in gastric cancer (GC) patients.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for original studies published until 10 November 2022, and the studies satisfying the inclusion criteria were included. Characteristics of included studies and radiomics approach and data for constructing 2 × 2 tables were extracted. The radiomics quality score (RQS) and Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) were utilized for the quality assessment of included studies. Overall sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to assess diagnostic accuracy. The subgroup analysis and Spearman’s correlation coefficient was done for exploration of heterogeneity sources.

Results

Fifteen studies with 7,010 GC patients were included. We conducted analyses on both radiomics signature and combined (based on signature and clinical features) models. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, and AUC of radiomics models compared to combined models were 0.75 (95% CI, 0.67–0.82) versus 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75–0.86), 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73–0.86) versus 0.85 (95% CI, 0.79–0.89), 13 (95% CI, 7–23) versus 23 (95% CI, 13–42), and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.81–0.86) versus 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87–0.92), respectively. The meta-analysis indicated a significant heterogeneity among studies. The subgroup analysis revealed that arterial phase CT scan, tumoral and nodal regions of interest (ROIs), automatic segmentation, and two-dimensional (2D) ROI could improve diagnostic accuracy compared to venous phase CT scan, tumoral-only ROI, manual segmentation, and 3D ROI, respectively. Overall, the quality of studies was quite acceptable based on both QUADAS-2 and RQS tools.

Conclusion

CT scan–based radiomics approach has a promising potential for the prediction of LNM in GC patients preoperatively as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. Methodological heterogeneity is the main limitation of the included studies.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/Prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=287676, identifier CRD42022287676.
Next-generation sequencing identifies CDKN2A alterations as prognostic biomarkers in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma predominantly receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Xue Liqiong , Tang Wenbo , Zhou Jiuli , Xue Junli , Li Qun , Ge Xiaoxiao , Lin Fengjuan , Zhao Wei , Guo Ye
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to identify potential biomarkers in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and further probe the prognostic implications of CDKN2A mutations, particularly within a subset receiving immunotherapy.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center study, we evaluated the next-generation sequencing (NGS) data from Foundation Medicine (FM) for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. Patients were stratified based on CDKN2A loss-of-function (LOF) versus wild-type (WT) categorizations, with a focused subgroup analysis on those administered immunotherapy.

Results

The study encompassed 77 patients, of which 62 had undergone immunotherapy. The median duration of follow-up was 22.6 months. For the CDKN2A LOF group, the median overall survival (OS) was 16.5 months, contrasted with 30.0 months in the CDKN2A WT group (P=0.014). Notably, female gender (hazard ratio [HR]=4.526, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.934-10.180, P=0.0003) and CDKN2A LOF (HR=2.311, 95% CI: 1.156-4.748, P=0.019) emerged as independent risk factors for mortality in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. Within the immunotherapy subset, the median OS was 11.7 months for the CDKN2A LOF group, and 22.5 months for the CDKN2A WT group (P=0.017). Further, the female gender (HR=4.022, 95% CI: 1.417-10.710, P=0.006), CDKN2A LOF (HR=4.389, 95% CI: 1.782-11.460, P=0.002), and a combined positive score below 1 (HR=17.20, 95% CI: 4.134-79.550, P<0.0001) were identified as significant predictors of mortality among patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC receiving immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Alterations manifesting as LOF in the CDKN2A gene stand as robust indicators of unfavorable survival outcomes in HNSCC patients, including the subset that underwent immunotherapy.
Case Report: Treatment and management of a child at high risk of caries
Authors: Fan Wen , Chen Qianjing , Zhang Yushan , Feng Jixian , Zhai Yuankun , He Baojie
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Caries are at the forefront of childhood diseases. Although childhood caries is usually not life-threatening, it can affect children's dental–maxillofacial development and mental health and place significant financial and psychological burdens on parents. As the focus of childhood dental caries shifts to early diagnosis and prevention rather than restorative dentistry alone, screening children at a high risk of dental caries is urgent. Appropriate caries prevention measures and treatment sequences can effectively reduce the occurrence and development of dental caries in children.

Case

We report the case of a 7-year-old boy presenting with a high risk of dental caries involving multiple primary teeth and premature eruption of the permanent teeth. We shifted the caries status of the child from high to moderate likelihood. At the 9-month post-treatment follow-up, the patient had no new dental caries, and the length and width of the dental arch were effectively maintained.

Conclusion

Oral health education, dental plaque removal in a regular basis, and fluoride application contribute to caries management.
Brainstem tumors in children: a monocentric series in the light of genetic and bio-molecular progress in pediatric neuro-oncology
Authors: Boukaka Rel Gerald , Beuriat Pierre-Aurélien , Di Rocco Federico , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Szathmari Alexandru , Mottolese Carmine
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Brainstem tumors represent a challenge. Their management and prognosis vary according to anatomopathological findings and genetic and bio-molecular fingerprints. We present our experience with pediatric brainstem tumors.

Material and methods

All patients admitted for a brainstem tumor at the Pediatric Neurosurgical Unit at Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant hospital between January 1997 and December 2019 were considered. Patients data were obtained through a retrospective review of the medical records; follow-up was from the last outpatient consultation.

Results

One hundred and twelve patients were included. Eighty-five patients (75.9%) had open surgery or stereotactic biopsy. Thirty-five patients were treated for hydrocephalus. Sixty-six received an adjuvant treatment. Several protocols were adopted according to the SFOP and SIOP during this time period. The overall survival rate was 45% with a median follow-up of five years (range 1–18 year). However, the survival rate was very different between the diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) and the others tumor types. If we exclude the DIPG (59 patients), of which only 1 was alive at 3 years, the survival rate was 90.6% (only 5 deaths over 53 patients) with a median follow up of 5 years.

Conclusions

Our series confirms that benign tumors of the brainstem have a good survival when treated with surgical removal ± adjuvant therapy. Diffuse pontine gliomas continue to have a dismal prognosis. Individualized treatment based on molecular fingerprints may help to select the best adjuvant therapy and hence potentially improve survival.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from plant Fagonia cretica and evaluating its anti-diabetic activity through indepth in-vitro and in-vivo analysis
Authors: Khan Haider Ali , Ghufran Mehreen , Shams Sulaiman , Jamal Alam , Khan Abbas , Abdullah  , Awan Zuhier A. , Khan Mohammad Imran
Published: October 2023

One of the most widespread metabolic diseases, Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is defined by high blood sugar levels brought on by decreased insulin secretion, reduced insulin action, or both. Due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness, plant-mediated green synthesis of nanomaterials has become more and more popular. The aim of the study is to synthesize AgNPs, their characterizations and furtherin-vitroandin-vivostudies. Several methods were used to morphologically characterise the AgNPs. The AgNPs were crystalline, spherical, and clustered, with sizes ranging from 20 to 50 nm. AgNPs were found to contain various functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This study focuses on the green-synthesis of AgNPs fromFagonia cretica(F. cretica) leaves extract to evaluate their synthesized AgNPs forin-vitroandin-vivoanti-diabetic function. For thein-vivotests, 20 male Balb/C albino-mice were split up into four different groups. Anti-diabeticin-vivostudies showed significant weight gain and a decrease in all biochemical markers (pancreas panel, liver function panel, renal function panel, and lipid profile) in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice.In vitroanti-diabetic investigations were also conducted on AgNPs, comprising α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibitions, and antioxidant assays. AgNPs showed antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and ABTS assays. The research showed that the isolated nanoparticles have powerful antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, especially against the main enzymes involved in T2DM.
Chlorophyll fluorescence is a potential indicator to measure photochemical efficiency in early to late soybean maturity groups under changing day lengths and temperatures
Authors: Mathur Sonal , Seo Beomseok , Jajoo Anjana , Reddy Kambham Raja , Reddy Vangimalla R.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we employed chlorophyll a fluorescence technique, to indicate plant health and status in response to changing day lengths (photoperiods) and temperatures in soybean early and late maturity groups. Chlorophyll a fluorescence study indicates changes in light reactions in photosystem II. Experiments were performed for 3-day lengths (12.5, 13.5, and 14.5 h) and five temperatures (22/14°C, 26/18°C, 30/22°C, 34/26°C, and 40/32°C), respectively. The I-P phase declined for changing day lengths. Active reaction centers decreased at long day length for maturity group III. We observed that low temperatures impacted the acceptor side of photosystem II and partially impacted electron transport toward the photosystem I end electron acceptor. Results emphasized that higher temperatures (40/32°C) triggered damage at the oxygen-evolving complex and decreased electron transport and photosynthesis. We studied specific leaf areas and aboveground mass. Aboveground parameters were consistent with the fluorescence study. Chlorophyll a fluorescence can be used as a potential technique for high-throughput phenotyping methods. The traits selected in the study proved to be possible indicators to provide information on the health status of various maturity groups under changing temperatures and day lengths. These traits can also be deciding criteria for breeding programs to develop inbreed soybean lines for stress tolerance and sensitivity based on latitudinal variations.
Uncovering the complex regulatory network of spring bud sprouting in tea plants: insights from metabolic, hormonal, and oxidative stress pathways
Authors: Tang Junwei , Chen Yao , Huang Chao , Li Congcong , Feng Yue , Wang Haoqian , Ding Changqing , Li Nana , Wang Lu , Zeng Jianming , Yang Yajun , Hao Xinyuan , Wang Xinchao
Published: October 2023

The sprouting process of tea buds is an essential determinant of tea quality and taste, thus profoundly impacting the tea industry. Buds spring sprouting is also a crucial biological process adapting to external environment for tea plants and regulated by complex transcriptional and metabolic networks. This study aimed to investigate the molecular basis of bud sprouting in tea plants firstly based on the comparisons of metabolic and transcriptional profiles of buds at different developmental stages. Results notably highlighted several essential processes involved in bud sprouting regulation, including the interaction of plant hormones, glucose metabolism, and reactive oxygen species scavenging. Particularly prior to bud sprouting, the accumulation of soluble sugar reserves and moderate oxidative stress may have served as crucial components facilitating the transition from dormancy to active growth in buds. Following the onset of sprouting, zeatin served as the central component in a multifaceted regulatory mechanism of plant hormones that activates a range of growth–related factors, ultimately leading to the promotion of bud growth. This process was accompanied by significant carbohydrate consumption. Moreover, related key genes and metabolites were further verified during the entire overwintering bud development or sprouting processes. A schematic diagram involving the regulatory mechanism of bud sprouting was ultimately proposed, which provides fundamental insights into the complex interactions involved in tea buds.
Law matters – assessment of country-level code implementation and sales of breastmilk substitutes in South Asia
Authors: Ching Constance , Sethi Vani , Nguyen Tuan Thanh , Murira Zivai , Shats Katherine , Rowel Dhammica , Ahmed Khadheeja , Dorji Kinley , Chakma Indrani , Haag Karan Courtney , Singh Phulgendra Prasad , Khatoon Salma , Bukhari Uzma Khurram , Aminee Ahmadwali , Ghosh Sebanti , Forissier Thomas , Kappos Kristen , Zambrano Paul , Khan Golam Mohiuddin
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study examines the status of implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes of eight countries in the South Asia region (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), and describes the sales value and volume of commercial milk formula (CMF) marketed as breastmilk substitutes (BMS) and baby food in four countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).

Design

A mix of descriptive methods is used to assess national status of Code implementation, including a desk review of the 2022 WHO/UNICEF/IBFAN Code Status Report, systematic content analysis of national Code measures, and insights generated from the participation of key government and UNICEF/WHO actors in a regional workshop that aimed to identify each country’s barriers, gaps, and the status of Code implementation. Data on the sales value and volume of CMF and baby food between 2007 to 2021 and with the prediction to 2026 in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka were obtained from Global Data.

Findings

There are major gaps in Code implementation in countries even with legal measures considered substantially aligned with the Code, such as the inadequate age range of CMF covered in the scope, insufficient safeguards against conflicts of interest in the health system, lack of warning of risks of intrinsic contamination of powdered milk formula, and an absence of effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Data on CMF sales shows health facilities and pharmacies sustain the highest sales. Lower sales volume of infant formula (including special formula), compared to other CMF such as follow-up formula and growing-up milk, has been observed in three of the four countries (Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka). Overall, GUM, followed by baby cereals, accounted for a large portion of CMF and baby foods sales in the same three countries.

Recommended actions include

(1) Closing the gaps between national measures and the Code, (2) Ensuring effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, (3) Strengthening conflicts of interest safeguards in the health system, (4) Tackling digital marketing, and (5) Galvanizing political support and support from in-country public health and women’s rights jurist networks.
Value-added asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) as healthy snacks using vacuum frying
Authors: Maisont Suchada , Samutsri Wisutthana , Khamweera Pemika , Phae-ngam Wuttichai , Limsuwan Pichet
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the possibility of using asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) to produce healthy snacks using vacuum frying. The tip and middle part of asparagus Grade C were soaked in 0.1% Calcium chloride solution and blanched at 95–98°C for 45 s, immediately soaked in water at 30°C for 2 min and packed in the bags to freeze at −18°C before vacuum frying. The samples were fried at 80°C and 986 mbar for 38, 40 and 42 min, and then excess oil in the sample was removed by a centrifuge before being measured properties. The effects of different frying times on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the vacuum-fried asparagus were analysed. A scanning electron microscope was used to study the structure of the vacuum-fried product. The result reveals that increasing frying time decreased moisture content, aw, yield, greenness value and crispiness of vacuumed snacks but increased lightness and yellowness values. SEM showed that vacuumed snacks with increasing frying time resulted in a gradual increase in the size of pores inside the product. When the frying time increased to 42 min, collapsed pores were observed, indicating a breakdown structure. A sensory evaluation of seasonings on vacuum-fried asparagus found that fried asparagus with truffle seasoning had the highest preference levels for all sensory attributes. The truffle seasoned fried asparagus at 80°C under vacuum at a pressure of 986 mbar for 40 min contained protein and fibre content of 14.21 and 15.55%, respectively, vitamin A and beta-carotene of 2.717 μg and 16.30 μg, respectively, and calcium and iron of 182.68 mg and 2.88 mg, respectively. Microorganisms found are under the regulated amount according to the Notification of the Ministry of Public Health. This study demonstrates that asparagus Grade C can be used to produce healthy and acceptable fried snacks.
External Fixation for Fracture Stabilization of the Sacrum in 15 Dogs
Authors: Flores Jose Antonio , Rovesti Gian Luca , Rodriguez-Quiros Jesus
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, complications, and outcomes of external fixation (EF) for the treatment of sacral fractures in dogs, either as a primary fixation system or as a complementary technique. A total of 15 dogs with sacral fractures were surgically treated using different EF configurations, either as primary or secondary stabilization. The results were evaluated for the extent of fracture reduction, stability during treatment, complications, and bone healing. In most cases, the outcomes were excellent in terms of bone healing, neurological conditions, and pain assessment. The mean bone healing time was 9.45 ± 5.66 weeks. One (6.66%) patient presented a complication due to the technique. In conclusion, the use of EF should be considered for the stabilization of sacral fractures because of its minimal invasiveness, stability, and ease of application.
Do people really care less about their cats than about their dogs? A comparative study in three European countries
Authors: Sandøe Peter , Palmer Clare , Corr Sandra A. , Springer Svenja , Lund Thomas Bøker
Published: October 2023

Previous studies have shown that cat owners seem to care less about their cats than dog owners care about their dogs – both in terms of their emotional state of attachment and in their willingness to pay for services that potentially benefit the animals. One study speculated that this difference is “driven by the behavior of the pet” – that the behavior of dogs encourages care more than the behavior of cats – and therefore is a universal phenomenon. However, previous studies mostly relied on convenience sampling of owners and were undertaken in single countries. Based on responses to a questionnaire from cat and dog owners drawn from representative samples of citizens (18 to 89 years of age) in three different European countries, Denmark, Austria and the United Kingdom, we tested the degree to which owners care about their cats and dogs. We used four different measures: Lexington attachment to pets scale (LAPS), possession of pet health insurance, willingness to pay for life-saving treatment, and expectation of veterinary diagnostic and treatment options. Dog owners had higher LAPS scores in all countries. However, the difference between dog and cat owners was greater in Denmark than in Austria and the United Kingdom. More dogs than cats were insured in all three countries, but the ratio was much less skewed in favor of dogs in the United Kingdom compared to Denmark. In terms of expensive life-saving treatment, in every country, more dog owners than cat owners were willing to spend over a certain amount, but the differences were much more pronounced in Denmark compared to the United Kingdom. In Denmark and Austria, dog owners expected more veterinary treatment options to be available, but species made no difference to the expectations of UK owners. People care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, but with a clear cross-country variation and a very modest difference in the United Kingdom. Therefore, it does not seem to be a universal phenomenon that people care much less about their cats than their dogs. This finding has practical implications for future efforts to expand the level of veterinary services provided for cat owners.
COVID-19 Detection from Chest X-ray Images Based on Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Mathesul Shubham , Swain Debabrata , Satapathy Santosh Kumar , Rambhad Ayush , Acharya Biswaranjan , Gerogiannis Vassilis C. , Kanavos Andreas
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges in accurately diagnosing the disease, as severe cases may present symptoms similar to pneumonia. Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) is the conventional diagnostic technique; however, it has limitations in terms of time-consuming laboratory procedures and kit availability. Radiological chest images, such as X-rays and Computed Tomography (CT) scans, have been essential in aiding the diagnosis process. In this research paper, we propose a deep learning (DL) approach based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to enhance the detection of COVID-19 and its variants from chest X-ray images. Building upon the existing research in SARS and COVID-19 identification using AI and machine learning techniques, our DL model aims to extract the most significant features from the X-ray scans of affected individuals. By employing an explanatory CNN-based technique, we achieved a promising accuracy of up to 97% in detecting COVID-19 cases, which can assist physicians in effectively screening and identifying probable COVID-19 patients. This study highlights the potential of DL in medical imaging, specifically in detecting COVID-19 from radiological images. The improved accuracy of our model demonstrates its efficacy in aiding healthcare professionals and mitigating the spread of the disease.
Design and Experiment of Greenhouse Self-Balancing Mobile Robot Based on PR Joint Sensor
Authors: Zhang Yaohui , Song Yugang , Lu Fanggang , Zhang Dongxing , Yang Li , Cui Tao , He Xiantao , Zhang Kailiang
Published: October 2023

To avoid issues such as the greenhouse working robot’s inability to perform normal tasks or reduced working accuracy due to the influence of uneven ground, this study designed a set of greenhouse self-balancing mobile robots. The self-balancing mobile robot system designed in this study uses a quadruped mobile robot as a carrier, equipped with a three-degrees-of-freedom wheel-leg structure and is complemented with a posture control algorithm. The algorithm calculates the adjustment of each leg based on the vehicle’s tilt angle and wheel-ground pressure, achieving control over the robot’s posture angle, the center of gravity height, wheel-ground contact force, and other functions. To address the issue of over-constrained (weak legs) posture adjustment during mobile robot fieldwork, a flexible joint sensor based on the PR structure has been designed and developed. After field testing, it was verified that the greenhouse self-balancing mobile robot proposed in this study can adapt well to field environments, such as climbing hills, overcoming obstacles, crossing furrows, and so on. The response speed of the flexible joint sensor can meet the requirements of self-balancing while effectively solving the problem of weak legs.
ChatGPT as a Virtual Dietitian: Exploring Its Potential as a Tool for Improving Nutrition Knowledge
Authors: Garcia Manuel B.
Published: October 2023

The field of health and medical sciences has witnessed a surge of published research exploring the applications of ChatGPT. However, there remains a dearth of knowledge regarding its specific potential and limitations within the domain of nutrition. Given the increasing prevalence of nutrition-related diseases, there is a critical need to prioritize the promotion of a comprehensive understanding of nutrition. This paper examines the potential utility of ChatGPT as a tool for improving nutrition knowledge. Specifically, it scrutinizes its characteristics in relation to personalized meal planning, dietary advice and guidance, food intake tracking, educational materials, and other commonly found features in nutrition applications. Additionally, it explores the potential of ChatGPT to support each stage of the Nutrition Care Process. Addressing the prevailing question of whether ChatGPT can replace healthcare professionals, this paper elucidates its substantial limitations within the context of nutrition practice and education. These limitations encompass factors such as incorrect responses, coordinated nutrition services, hands-on demonstration, physical examination, verbal and non-verbal cues, emotional and psychological aspects, real-time monitoring and feedback, wearable device integration, and ethical and privacy concerns have been highlighted. In summary, ChatGPT holds promise as a valuable tool for enhancing nutrition knowledge, but further research and development are needed to optimize its capabilities in this domain.
Correction: Liebig et al. The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Thermal Characteristic of a Lithium–ion Battery. Batteries 2020, 6, 3
Authors: Liebig Gerd , Kirstein Ulf , Geißendörfer Stefan , Zahid Omio , Schuldt Frank , Agert Carsten
Published: October 2023

Mr [...]