bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The correlation of CT-derived muscle density, skeletal muscle index, and visceral adipose tissue with nutritional status in polytrauma patients
Authors: Ee Elaine P. X. van , Verheul Esmee A. H. , Dijkink Suzan , Krijnen Pieta , Veldhuis Wouter , Feshtali Shirin S. , Avery Laura , Lucassen Claudia J. , Mieog Sven D. , Hwabejire John O. , Schipper Inger B.
Published: May 2024

Background
This study explored if computerized tomography-derived body composition parameters (CT-BCPs) are related to malnutrition in severely injured (“polytrauma”) patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Methods
This prospective cohort study included polytrauma (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16) patients, admitted to the ICU of three level-1 trauma centers between 2018–2022. Abdominal CT scans were retrospectively analyzed to assess the CT-BCPs: muscle density (MD), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). The Subjective Global Assessment was used to diagnose malnutrition at ICU admission and on day 5 of admission, and the modified Nutrition Risk in Critically ill at admission was used to assess the nutritional risk.
Results
Seven (11%) of the 65 analyzed patients had malnutrition at ICU admission, increasing to 23 patients (35%) on day 5. Thirteen (20%) patients had high nutritional risk. CT-BCPs were not related to malnutrition at ICU admission and on day 5. Patients with high nutritional risk at admission had lower MD (median (IQR) 32.1 HU (25.8–43.3) vs 46.9 HU (37.7–53.3); p < 0.01) and higher VAT (median 166.5 cm2 (80.6–342.6) vs 92.0 cm2 (40.6–148.2); p = 0.01) than patients with low nutritional risk.
Conclusion
CT-BCPs do not seem related to malnutrition, but low MD and high VAT may be associated with high nutritional risk. These findings may prove beneficial for clinical practice, as they suggest that CT-derived parameters may provide valuable information on nutritional risk in polytrauma patients, in addition to conventional nutritional assessment and screening tools.
The Effects of Depressive Symptoms and Self-Perceived Social Value on Adolescent Social Risk-Taking
Authors: Wang Weike , Evans Kylie , Schweizer Susanne
Published: May 2024

The Social Risk Hypothesis of Depression proposes that individuals, who perceive themselves as low in value to their social groups are at risk of developing depression. Behaviorally lower self-perceived social value is proposed to reduce individuals’ propensity to take risks in social contexts to avoid further lowering their social worth. This is in contrast with adolescent-typical behaviour, which is characterized by heightened risk-taking in social contexts. The current study aimed to investigate how low self-perceived social value influences risk-taking in social compared to non-social contexts during adolescence. 114 adolescents (aged 12–23 years) completed the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART) in individual and social contexts. The results demonstrated that older adolescents (18–23 years) took more risks than younger adolescents (12–17 years). Risk-taking across social and non-social contexts also varied as a function of self-perceived social value. In older adolescents lower self-perceived social value was associated with greater risk-taking in social compared to individual contexts. These findings suggest that self-perceived social value differentially influences social risk-taking across adolescence. In older adolescence, a time of peak risk-taking propensity, heightened social risk-taking may be a rational response for individuals with low self-perceived social value to avoid social exclusion by peers.
Prevalence of extubation failure and factor associated among pediatrics patient admitted to Pediatrics intensive care unit at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Belayhun Yosef , Damtie Addisalem , Ambachew Semienew , Arega Gashaw
Published: May 2024

Introduction: a critical component of pediatrics intensive care therapy is mechanical ventilation. It is used when the patient spontaneous breathing is inadequate. In pediatrics ICU the need of mechanical ventilation range from 20% to over 60% depending on the setting. Respiratory failure is the primary indication for the initiation of ventilator support in pediatrics as a result of airway or lung disease, multi organ failure or for post-operative care.
Objective: To asses prevalence of extubation failure and factor associated with extubation failure among pediatrics patients (0-14years) admitted to PICU, At TASH, Ethiopia 2024.
Methods: facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatrics patient (0-14 years) who had been admitted to TASH, PICU from September, 2019 to September, 2023 G, C. A total of 155 samples were included in the study. The data was collected using check list entered using Epi-info software and exported to SPSS version 25 and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with extubation failure. Variable with P value of < 0.05 were taken as statically significant Hosmer and Leme show goodness of fit test was used to check model fitness. Adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association between outcome variable and independent variable.
Result:the outcome of the study showed that 18.1% of intubated and extubated patients had extubation failure (CI: 12.9 - 24.5). The odds of extubation failure in those patient who stayed longer in the hospital, i.e longer than 30 days (AOR=2.81, 95%: CI 5.23-15.60) and 10 -30days (AOR=2.31, 95%: CI 3.10-17.76). Extubation failure is found to be 2.14 times higher for those patients who are not nebulized immediately after extubation than those who are nebulized. (AOR=2.14,95%:CI5.87-9.46).
Conclusion: The study revealed that the extubation failure rate being 18.1%. Prolonged hospital stay and failure to nebulize after extubation were found to be determinate for extubation failure.
Safety and Effectiveness of a Novel Liposomal Intra-Articular Lubricant in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A First in Human Study
Authors: Shemesh Shai , Dolkart Oleg , Goldberg Ronit , Jahn Sabrina , Khoury Amal , Warschawski Yaniv , Schermann Haggai , Salai Moshe , Agar Gabriel , Drexler Michael
Published: May 2024

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease that affects almost half the population at some point in their lives, causing pain and decreased functional capacity. New conservative treatment modalities are being proposed to provide symptomatic relief and delay surgical intervention. This study aimed at evaluating the safety of the novel liposomal boundary lubricant, injected intra-articulary in patients with moderate knee OA. Additionally, the effect on the functionality and life quality was assessed.
Methods: Eighteen of the 20 screened subjects met inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. After receiving a single IA injection of AqueousJoint, patients were prospectively evaluated at baseline and then at 2,4,8,12 and 26 weeks.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Short Form Health Survey (SF12) and range of motion were also recorded.
Results: The final analysis was conducted on 18 subjects. No adverse events related to the Investigational Product were observed in the study. No serious adverse events were observed at all. A significant decrease in pain was demonstrated at all time points VS baseline (Friedman X2 = 35.08, p < .001). Significant improvement was demonstrated in KOOS pain, symptoms, sports and ADL subscales (p < .001).
Conclusions: Despite a relatively small sample, it was demonstrated that single IA AqueousJoint injection is a safe procedure, resulting in significant pain reduction, higher ADL score, and higher KOOS sport scores. The effects lasted up to 6 months.
Sociodemographic and work-related factors associated with psychological resilience in South African healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mcizana Thandokazi , Adams Shahieda , Khan Saajida , Ntatamala Itumeleng
Published: May 2024

Background: Psychological resilience facilitates adaptation in stressful environments and is an important personal characteristic that enables workers to navigate occupational challenges. Few studies have evaluated the factors associated with psychological resilience in healthcare workers.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with psychological resilience in a group of South African medical doctors and ambulance personnel.
Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study used secondary data obtained from studies conducted with healthcare workers. Factors associated with resilience, as measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10), were evaluated.
Results: A total of 647 healthcare workers were included in the study. Resilience scores were low overall (27.6 ± 6.6) but higher for ambulance personnel (28.0 ±6.9) than for doctors (27.1 ± 6.0) (p=0.006). The factors associated with high resilience scores in doctors were male gender (p< 0.001), higher income (p=0.020), and current smoking (p=0.012), while for ambulance personnel, there was previous alcohol use (p=0.002). Significantly lower resilience was observed in participants with mental health conditions (doctors: p=0.037; ambulance personnel: p=0.010) who were receiving treatment for mental health conditions (ambulance personnel: p=0.029). Multivariable analysis confirmed that the protective factors for doctors were current smoking status (β= 3.52, p=0.009) and a higher salary (β= 5.11, p=0.006), while for ambulance personnel, the protective factor was previous alcohol use (β=3.22, p=0.003). Female gender (β=-1.77, p=0.032) and working overtime with doctors (β=-5.11 p=0.006) increased the likelihood of low resilience.
Conclusions: Resilience was relatively low in this group of South African healthcare workers. The strong association between low resilience and individual and workplace factors provides avenues for early intervention and building resilience in healthcare workers.
Association of remnant cholesterol with Coronary Artery Ectasia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mu Jing , Weng Yihan , Xiao Jiquan , Huang Yusi , He Xiang , Xie Zhixin , Yu Huimin
Published: May 2024

Objective
Coronary Artery Ectasia (CAE) is a condition characterized by the localized or widespread dilation of one or more coronary arteries. The majority of CAE cases do not present with clinical symptoms, and the exact cause of CAE remains unclear. Therefore, in our study, we conducted a retrospective analysis to explore potential causes of CAE.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent coronary angiography at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between 2017 and July 2022, of which 679 patients ultimately enrolled in our study. Among them, 260 patients were diagnosed with CAE, whereas 419 patients with normal coronary results served as the control group. Remnant cholesterol (RC) was calculated by total cholesterol (TC) minus high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) minus low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Association between RC levels and CAE was assessed using multivariable logistic models.
Results
Out of the 679 patients who participated in this study, with an average age of 59.9 years, 38.3% were diagnosed with CAE. Patients with CAE had higher RC levels compared to those without CAE (P = 0.001). A significant positive association was observed between RC levels and CAE, with a multivariable adjusted OR of 1.950 (95% CI: 1.163–3.270). There was a significant positive association between RC levels and CAE in both single-vessel and multivessel dilation cases, as well as in isolated CAE and dilation secondary to coronary atherosclerosis. In the subgroup analyses, RC levels were positively associated with CAE in participants with hypertension (OR, 1.065; 95% CI, 1.034–1.098).
Conclusion
Elevated RC levels are positively correlated with an increased risk of CAE, implying that a focus on RC could be beneficial in the research of CAE.
Predictors of Endocrine Resistance in a Cohort of Mexican Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: González-Ruíz Jonathan , Terry Mary Beth , Cabrera-Galeana Paula , Monroy-Chargoy Alberto , Horowitz Carol , Bickel Nina , García-Cuellar Claudia , Ramírez Andrea , Bargalló Enrique , Diaz-Chavez José , Barquet-Muñoz Salim , Cantú-de-León David , Prada Diddier
Published: May 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of endocrine resistance in a cohort of Hispanic Mexican breast cancer (BC) patients receiving care at Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan). Additionally, the clinical-pathological factors associated with endocrine resistance were identified, and their impact on patient survival was explored.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 200 BC patients who attended INCan between 2012 and 2016 with estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) positive tumors was made. Endocrine resistance was defined according to the International Consensus Guidelines for Advance Breast Cancer 2 definition. Their clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed to determine the association with endocrine resistance presence. We used sensitivity analyses and multivariate-adjusted logistic regressions, Kaplan-Meier curves, and multivariate-adjusted Cox regressions. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results
Endocrine resistance was observed in 32.5% of patients included in this study. The distinction between hormone resistance and sensitivity was influenced by tumor size and node status. It had a mean diameter of 7.15 cm in endocrine resistance cases compared to 5.71 cm in non-endocrine, with N3 status present in 20% of endocrine resistance cases versus only 2.2% in non-endocrine (p-value < 0.001). The clinical stage exhibited a strong association with endocrine resistance (Risk Ratio [RR] 4.39, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.50, 11.43). Furthermore, endocrine resistance significantly impacted mortality during the follow-up, with a Hazard Ratio [HR] of 23.7 (95%CI 5.20, 108.42) in multivariable-adjusted models. However, a complete pathological response reduced the endocrine resistance risk, as demonstrated by a Risk Ratio (RR) of 0.15 (95% CI 0.03, 0.75).
Conclusions
Advanced clinical stage at diagnosis predicted endocrine resistance in Hispanic Mexican BC patients. Complete pathologic response in locally advanced disease patients was also a key predictor of endocrine resistance. These results indicated that endocrine resistance was a critical factor in BC during follow-up.
Development of a New Accurate Lateral Flow Immunoassay for Enhanced Diagnosis of Human Leptospirosis
Authors: Pujato Nazarena , Gimenez Juan Manuel , Peretti Leandro E. , Landolt Noelia Y. , Jacob Paulina , Chiani Yosena T. , Schmeling Maria F. , Miraballes Iris , Vanasco Norma B.
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Leptospirosis is a global neglected disease. Current diagnostic methods are technically complex, expensive, and often inaccurate, primarily confined to specialized laboratories. New simple and accurate tests are mandatory to decentralize and improve diagnosis. Here, we introduced a new lateral flow immunoassay (Lepto-LF) for human leptospirosis.
Methods
We conducted a double-blinded assay using 104 serum samples from patients with or without leptospirosis, diagnosed according to the standard algorithm. Diagnostic performance of Lepto-LF was estimated across various days from onset of symptoms (dpo), comparing it with the current methods: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IgM-ELISA) and the slide agglutination test using temperature-resistant antigen (SATR).
Results
Lepto-LF exhibited perfect diagnostic performance with a Youden´s index J = 1, from the acute phase starting at 6 dpo. IgM-ELISA gave slightly lower accuracy (J = 0.91) with 95.5% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), while SATR showed very poor diagnostic yield (J = 0.41, Se = 95.5%, Sp = 45.5%). Performances remained similar in the convalescence phase of the disease (> 10 dpo).
Conclusion
Lepto-LF proved to be a reliable test with performance similar to current screening methods but with significant advantages. Due to its simplicity and speed, it can be used in low/medium-complexity labs, providing rapid results for early disease detection and timely treatment during the acute phase when antibiotics are highly effective. Additionally, Lepto-LF can serve as a confirmatory test, especially where the standard MAT is unavailable. Lepto-LF holds promise for remote areas and vulnerable environments, promoting decentralized diagnosis and ensuring equal access nationwide.
Sociodemographic inequalities related to the initiation of antenatal care visits during gestation in Peruvian women: an analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey between 2019 and 2022
Authors: Intimayta-Escalante Claudio
Published: May 2024

Methods
A cross-sectional analysis with data from the 2019–2022 Demographic and Family Health Survey in Peru was conducted. Weighted Cox regression models helped calculate adjusted Hazard Ratios (aHR), and the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) was used to measure how sociodemographic factors like age, education, location, insurance, and ethnicity influenced the timing of antenatal care initiation.
Results
The study included 22668 Peruvian women aged 18 to 49. Among these women, the mean age was 31.45 years. Only 30.63% of women started their antenatal care visits in the first month of pregnancy. Additionally, women without education (aHR: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.63 to 0.85, p < 0.001), those in urban areas (aHR: 0.94, 95%CI: 0.89 to 0.98, p = 0.003), and individuals of Quechua or Aymara descent (aHR: 0.91, 95%CI: 0.87 to 0.95, p < 0.001) were less likely to initiate antenatal care in the first months. Furthermore, individuals aged 18 to 29 (SII: -0.22, 95%CI: -0.26 to -0.18, p < 0.001), those without education (SII: -0.03, 95%CI: -0.04 to -0.02, p < 0.001), residing in rural areas (SII: -0.75, 95%CI: -0.78 to -0.71, p < 0.001), or living outside the capital (SII: -0.65, 95%CI: -0.70 to -0.60, p < 0.001) exhibited similar patterns.
Conclusion
Sociodemographic inequalities exist in the early beginning of antenatal care visits are evident among Peruvian women, especially impacting individuals in rural or non-capital regions with lower education levels and belonging to the Quechua or Aymara ethnic communities.
Oligomeric amyloid beta prevents myelination in a clusterin-dependent manner
Authors: Beiter Rebecca M. , Raghavan Tula P. , Suchocki Olivia , Ennerfelt Hannah E. , Rivet-Noor Courtney R. , Merchak Andrea R. , Phillips Jennifer L. , Bathe Tim , Lukens John R. , Prokop Stefan , Dupree Jeffrey L. , Gaultier Alban
Published: May 2024

Background:
White matter loss is a well-documented phenomenon in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients that has been recognized for decades. However, the underlying reasons for the failure of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to repair myelin deficits in these patients remain elusive. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in Clusterin has been identified as a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease and linked to a decrease in white matter integrity in healthy adults, but its specific role in oligodendrocyte function and myelin maintenance in Alzheimer’s disease pathology remains unclear.
Methods:
To investigate the impact of Clusterin on OPCs in the context of Alzheimer's disease, we employed a combination of immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy techniques, primary culture of OPCs, and an animal model of Alzheimer's disease.
Results:
Our findings demonstrate that Clusterin, a risk factor for late-onset AD, is produced by OPCs and inhibits their differentiation into oligodendrocytes. Specifically, we observed upregulation of Clusterin in OPCs in the 5xFAD mouse model of AD. We also found that the phagocytosis of debris, including amyloid beta (Aβ), myelin, and apoptotic cells leads to the upregulation of Clusterin in OPCs. In vivo experiments confirmed that Aβ oligomers stimulate Clusterin upregulation and that OPCs are capable of phagocytosing Aβ. Furthermore, we discovered that Clusterin significantly inhibits OPC differentiation and hinders the production of myelin proteins. Finally, we demonstrate that Clusterin inhibits OPC differentiation by reducing the production of IL-9 by OPCs.
Conclusion:
Our data suggest that Clusterin may play a key role in the impaired myelin repair observed in AD and could serve as a promising therapeutic target for addressing AD-associated cognitive decline.
How are autistic traits associated with mental health among Chinese university students: An examination of the mediating role of alexithymia and social camouflaging
Authors: Xie Qianyi , Li Xiangpeng , Lin Lizi , Weng Xuchu , Wang Sanmei , Zhang Kai , Pan Ning , Wang Xin
Published: May 2024

Background
Autistic traits are distributed along a continuum ranging from clinical presentations to the general population, being associated with high-risk of mental health problems. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Given that alexithymia, which contributes to emotional difficulties related to autistic traits, along with the utilization of social camouflaging as a potential mechanism for coping, may exacerbate mental health issues. This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of alexithymia and social camouflaging in the associations between autistic traits and symptoms of anxiety/depression.
Methods
A total of 1085 Chinese university students (age: 21.8 ± 2.7 years, 51.9% males) were recruited through an online survey which measured autistic traits, mental health problems (anxiety and depression), alexithymia, and social camouflaging. The mediator effects of alexithymia and social camouflaging on the associations of autistic traits with anxiety and depression were conducted, and two serial mediation models were verified by regression analysis.
Results
The findings revealed a significant positive association of autistic traits with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The manifestation of anxiety symptoms was found to be influenced by autistic traits, mediated sequentially by alexithymia and social camouflaging (β = 0.022, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.011–0.035). Differently, the depression symptoms were linked to autistic traits solely through alexithymia (β = 0.499, 95%CI: 0.423–0.578). According to the subgroup analysis, the results within the female group were consistent with the observations made in the overall sample. However, in the male group, the statistical significance of the mediating effect of social camouflaging between autistic traits and anxiety was no longer evident.
Limitations
This study can only identify associations between autistic traits and social camouflaging, not causal relationships. Neuroimaging research is necessary to unravel the neural mechanisms that underlie these associations.
Conclusions
Our findings found that alexithymia and social camouflaging play a serial mediating role in the relationship between autistic traits and mental health problems in Chinese university students, especially anxiety. The associations between autistic traits and mental health issues may vary between males and females. This study highlights a significant pathway that has the potential to improve mental well-being in individuals exhibiting high autistic traits.
Modified Sclerobanding ( Rubber Band Ligation combined with 3% Polidocanol Foam Sclerotherapy ) for the Treatment of Second and Third-Degree Hemorrhoidal Disease: clinical efficacy and safety evaluation—a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Wei , Lu Jun , Yang Mian , Yu Jiazi
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Sclerobanding (SB) is a novel technique that merges rubber band ligation with 3% polidocanol foam sclerotherapy for hemorrhoidal disease (HD) treatment. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of Modified Sclerobanding (mSB) for second- and third-degree HD.
Methods:Consecutive patients with grade II or III internal hemorrhoids underwent RBL treatment from January 2021 to December 2021, followed by mSB from January 2022 to December 2022 at Ningbo Medical Center of Lihuili Hospital. Primary outcomes, such as postoperative treatment failure rate and delayed bleeding (DB) incidence, and secondary outcomes, including postoperative complications (pain, swelling, anal edema, bleeding grade variation), were reviewed retrospectively. Long-term follow-up outcomes, including the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), Short Health Scale adapted for Hemorrhoidal Disease (SHSHD), and Patient Satisfaction (PS), were also assessed.
Results: Among 307 enrolled patients, 162 received mSB and 125 underwent traditional RBL. Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between groups, except for anticoagulant history and hospital stay length (P < 0.05). No delayed major bleeding occurred in the mSB group, contrasting with 5 cases in the RBL group. The mSB group exhibited a lower recurrence rate (6.8% vs. 17.0%) and treatment failure rate (6.8% vs. 18.6%) compared to the RBL group (P < 0.05). While postoperative complications did not significantly differ between groups, bleeding improvement on the 7th day was superior in the mSB group (P < 0.05). Long-term outcomes showed no significant differences in HDSS, SHS-HD, and PS scores.
Conclusion: The mSB procedure combines the advantages of sclerosant injection therapy and RBL, reducing the number of ligation sessions while lowering the risk of DB and decreasing the treatment failure rate. The modified injection method does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.
Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and associated factors among medical students at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Mengistu Segenet Bizuneh , Asnakew Melat Mesfin , Eskinder Mahlet , Sisay Mahlet , Zewdu Mahlet , Mamo Matiwos , Mulugeta Matyas , Gebrehana Alazar Wogayehu
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Medical students are exposed to high levels of stress, irregular eating habits, and academic pressure, which may predispose them to a higher risk of developing IBS.
Objective:To determine prevalence and associated factors of IBS among medical students at the University of Gondar, North West Ethiopia,2023.
Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 medical students at UOG-CMHS from December 11 to 31, 2023. We used simple random sampling by computer based lottery method to select 218 participants to our study. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic, symptoms of IBS using Rome IV criteria and possible risk factors and the data was entered in to SPSS cleaned, coded and analyzed.
Result: Fifty (23%) of participated medical students met the criteria for IBS, 40% of them had constipation dominant, 17.1% had diarrhea dominant and 42.9% had mixed type of IBS.
Emotional stress (P=0.01) and anxiety (P=0.023) were found to be significantly associated with IBS.
Optimizing the accession-level quantity of seeds to put into storage to minimize seed (gene)bank regeneration or re-collection
Authors: Hay Fiona R. , Baum Katherine J. , Oyatomi Olaniyi , Wolkis Dustin
Published: May 2024

Seed (gene)banking is an effective way to conserve cultivated and wild plant diversity. However, long-term funding is not always consistently sufficient, and there is need to both strengthen the effectiveness of genebank operations and maximize cost-efficiency. One way to control the cost of maintaining a germplasm collection is to optimize the quantity of seeds per accession that is placed into storage, depending on the expected length of time a seed lot will remain above the viability threshold, expected rates of use for distribution and viability testing, and on the requirement to ensure a reserve for regeneration/re-collection. Here, we express this as an equation which can be adjusted to different scenarios, including to inform decisions about use of accessions of wild species where the number of seeds available is limited, a common scenario for wild species conservation seed banks. For many crop genebanks, given the expected longevity of seeds, it would be worthwhile to increase the number of seeds produced and processed for storage. This would also help to diminish the risk of genetic drift due to frequent cycles of regeneration but would have implications in terms of how accessions are regenerated, in particular, how many plants are used for regeneration and the size of storage facilities. The equation we present can also be rearranged and used to plan how to allocate seeds for testing and use when the number of seeds available is limited; this may have particular relevance for species conservation seed banks.
Hippocampal sharp-wave ripple and hippocampal-prefrontal synchrony regulate memory-enhancing effects of intranasal insulin in an STZ-induced Alzheimer’s model
Authors: Karimani Farnaz , Taei Afsaneh Asgari , Kaveh Neda , Ghahfarokhi Mohammad Rabiei , Abolghasemi-Dehaghani Mohammad-Reza , Dargahi Leila
Published: May 2024

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by memory loss and pathological changes in the brain such as amyloid beta and tau pathology, as well as irregular neural network activity. We studied how intranasal insulin impacts memory and neural oscillations in an Alzheimer's disease rat model induced by STZ. Male Wistar rats were subjected to intracerebroventricular STZ injection, followed by intranasal insulin therapy. Electrophysiological recordings were conducted in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex to assess local field potentials, elucidating insignificant alterations in theta-gamma oscillations following insulin treatment. However, insulin administration ameliorated deficits in hippocampal sharp-wave ripples and augmented hippocampal-prefrontal theta coherence. Concurrently, insulin therapy conferred enhancements in spatial memory and object recognition memory performance in behavioral tests. Furthermore, insulin mitigated tau protein pathology and hippocampal neuronal loss. Our findings underscore the potential of intranasal insulin to enhance memory function via modulating hippocampal-prefrontal cortical synchronization and alleviating impairments in hippocampal sharp-wave ripples.
RETRACTED: A novel back-analysis method for improving predictions of time-dependent ground settlements in deep excavations in soft soils
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhang Shuai , Chen Guang-Nian , Lyv Yang , Wu Tao
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Pharmacokinetics of Cisplatin in the Systemic versus Hyperthermic Intrathoracic or Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Tao , Mu Wei , Liao Cheng-gong , Hou Yan , Song Jie , Hu Wen , Wang Yun , Chen Dongxu , Chen Yu , Liu Linna , Liu Lili
Published: May 2024

Objective: To compare the pharmacokinetics of cisplatin in the systemic chemotherapy (SC) versus in the hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Methods: Total 60 patients were enrolled into this study. After administering same dose of cisplatin via intravenous infusion (SC group), HITHOC or HIPEC procedure, concentration of cisplatin in the plasma and in the hyperthermic perfusion solution at various time points was quantified by HPLC analysis. The area under the plasma or perfusion solution concentration-time curve over the last 24h dosing interval (AUC0-24 h) were calculated and compared.
Results: In the perfusion solution, HITHOC group AUC0-24 h of cisplatin was significantly higher than that of HIPEC group (72.36 µg/mL·h vs 36.03 µg/mL·h, p < 0.01). In contrast, in the plasma, HITHOC group AUC0-24 h of cisplatin (2.57 µg/mL·h) was significantly lower than that of HIPEC group (3.02 µg/mL·h, p < 0.01) or SC group (3.15 µg/mL·h, p < 0.01). Absolute bioavailability of cisplatin in the thoracic and abdominal cavities was 23 and 11 times higher than that in the blood (SC group), respectively.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that administration of cisplatin via HITHOC or HIPEC results in significantly higher AUC0-24 h in the thoracic or abdominal cavities, but similar level of AUC0-24 h in the blood circulation compared to the group administered via intravenous infusion. This study provided pharmacokinetic evidence to further support the concept that topical application of cisplatin during HITHOC or HIPEC is superior to systemic chemotherapy for the malignant pleural effusion or ascites treatment.
Community Engagement conduct for Genetics and Genomics Research: a qualitative study of the experiences and perspectives of researchers, REC members, and research communities, in Uganda
Authors: Nankya Harriet , Alibu Vincent P. , Barugahare John , Matovu Enock , Wamala Edward
Published: May 2024

Background: Community engagement (CE) is one of the key strategies to optimize ethical integrity in research. However, the knowledge base on how CE should be effectively and ethically conducted, particularly for genetics and genomics research (GGR), is limited.Lessons have not been drawn from the experiences of key stakeholders in GGR, on CE, in Uganda.
Aim: To analyze the experiences and perspectives of the key stakeholders (GGR researchers, lay communities, and REC members) on engaging communities in GGR, to consequently inform how communities could be ethically engaged in such research, in Uganda.
Method: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted at; Makerere University, Uganda Virus Research Institute, and Mulago National Referral Hospital. Twenty-five GGR researchers, twenty REC members, and thirty-eight community members, participated in this study. Data were collected using in-depth interviews guides, and Focus group discussions. Data was analyzed thematically, using NVivo version 12 Plus.
Study findings: Thirteen GGR researchers had conducted CE in their research. The reasons for conducting CE were mainly instrumental including; to get the research accepted in the community. A few engaged for intrinsic reasons including; respect for community values. Researchers started their CE by defining the community for GGR. Community in GGR could include even individuals not directly involved in the research, but share genes with research participants. In the community, leaders were engaged first, to gain access and acceptance to conduct the research in the community. The conduct of CE was reported to mainly occur at sample collection and less at study conception, while never (had not) at the return of results stage. Engagement at conception was low because GGR researchers underestimate the community’s knowledge capability to make valuable contribution to genetic science, nor to inform the design of the study. Engagement in the return of results had not happened for any of the GGR projects recruited, and this was because of technical limitations and clinically relevant results were not yet derived and validated.
Conclusion:The CE processes described by respondents indicated that what researchers actually conducted was ‘recruitment of communities for sample collection’ which was indicative of sub optimal CE.
Effect of gamma irradiation on reproduction biology, inherited sterility and mating competitiveness of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in laboratory condition
Authors: Ashouri Shabnam
Published: May 2024

The beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua Hübner, is an invasive pest of sugar beet and other field crops and vegetables. Here, the potential of sterile insect technique and inherited sterility to control of Spodoptera exigua have been investigated by pupae irradiation with Co60 gamma ray. The emerged adult’s reproduction, sterility, growth biology, sex ratio, mating competitiveness and inherited sterility in P1 and or F1 generations were investigated. Completely P1 sterile females and males were found when pupae were irradiated with 250 and 400 Gy, respectively. Female emergence was significantly reduced at 400 Gy, but their longevity increased with higher doses. When P1 male or female pupae were irradiated with 250 or 180 Gy respectively, the period of F1 larvae was longer than the normal. The emergence of F1 males decreased with increasing dose. When treated male parents were crossed with normal females, the sex ratio of F1 shifted in favor of males. F1 progeny showed more sterility than P1 generation and F1 males inherited more sterility than F1 females. Laboratory mating competitiveness indicated that 250 Gy irradiated males (IM) were competitive against untreated males (UM) in mating with untreated females (UF) even at 1:1:1 (IM:UM:UF) ratio.
The interaction mechanism between the CO2 adsorption characteristics and the coal pore structures
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhang Zunguo , Tang Chao , Zhang Yifu
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the interaction mechanism between the CO2 adsorption characteristics and the coal pore structures by performed the isothermal adsorption experiments with high-pressure CO2 and the pore structures determined experiments comprehensive the low-temperature N2 adsorption method (LTGA-N2) and the low-pressure CO2 adsorption method (LPGA-CO2). The results show that the LTGA-N2 and LPGA-CO2 methods exhibit exactly opposite patterns in the obtained pore structure parameters as the coal rank varies, which can be attributed to the distinct pore ranges measured by each method. By collectively considering the parameters of coal pore structures determined via the two methods, the adsorption is affected by the intricate interplay of three factors: the total Vp (pore volume), total SSA (specific surface area), and Da (average diameter) of coal micropores. Increasing the first two factors enhances coal adsorption, while increasing the Da inhibits adsorption. The D-A model proves to be more suitable in explaining the adsorption behavior of coal samples compared the Langmuir model, and it Vmax (saturated adsorption amount) also shows a trend of "decreasing-increasing-decreasing" with the coal rank increases. The high-pressure CO2 isothermal adsorption experiment will change the pore structure and enhances the pore connectivity, resulting in an S-shaped feature in the adsorption curve.
Formation evaluation and reservoir potential of the Middle Miocene syn-rift Hammam Faraun sandstones from the offshore Esh Elmallha area, southern Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Authors: Farouk Sherif , Sen Souvik , ElBehery Ahmed K. , Ahmad Fayez , El-Kahtany Khaled
Published: May 2024

This study presents an integrated formation evaluation of the Middle Miocene syn-rift sandstones of the Hammam Faraun Member from southern Gulf of Suez. Core data, XRD, wireline logs and gas chromatography data have been utilized to assess the reservoir characteristics. Three lithofacies are identified from the cored intervals: i) fine to medium-grained massive sandstone (F-1), ii) low-angle cross-bedded fine-grained sandstone (F-2) and iii) coarse to very coarse-grained massive sandstone (F-3). The dominantly massive nature of the sand units with sharp erosive base and bottom rip-up clasts strongly indicates a high energy channel or fan deposit. XRD analysis exhibits quartz and feldspar to be the dominant constituents of these calcareous arkose. Montmorillonite and kaolinite are the major clay phases along with minor illite. Routine core analysis of a total of 168 core plugs indicates meso- to megaporous sandstones with porosity up to 28% and Kh up to 1171 mD. Permeability anisotropy analysis exhibit the dominance of primary depositional fabric and isotropic pores. Wireline log analysis yielded shale volume < 0.2 v/v, porosity ~ 0.18–0.24 v/v, and water saturation ~ 0.33–0.49 v/v. Various gas ratios (wetness, balance, character, and oil indicator ratio) estimated from the chromatograph data indicates the presence of liquid hydrocarbon within the studied reservoirs. The study concludes excellent reservoir properties in the Hammam Faraun clastic intervals of the Esh Elmallha area.
Evaluation of strength and durability of compacted bauxite tailings treated with cement
Authors: Nierwinski Helena Paula , Sosnoski Jonatas , Heidemann Marcelo
Published: May 2024

Improving soil properties by adding stabilizing materials, such as cement, has garnered significant attention from researchers, particularly for enhancing soils often deemed poor geotechnical quality. This approach becomes even more advantageous when applied to increase the stability of mining tailings deposits and ensure environmental safety. This study investigates the effects of cement addition and dry density on the strength and durability of compacted bauxite tailings-cement blends. The porosity/cement index, widely used in soil-cement mixture research, was adopted to analyze the parameters that control the strength and durability of these blends. Results demonstrate that increasing cement content and dry density significantly improves unconfined compressive strength (qu) and reduces accumulated mass loss (ALM) during wet/dry cycles. The porosity/cement index effectively describes the variations in qu and ALM, as expressed by an empirical equation, which can be highly beneficial for the practical application of treated mining tailings as construction materials.
Estimation of Fertilizer Requirement for Targeted Yield
Authors: Behera Jyotiranjan , Paul Kailash Chandra , Mahanti Minaketan
Published: May 2024

Based on a chemical examination of the soil, STCR is a quantitative method to suggest fertilizer doses for achieving the desired yield. The strategy is based on the presumption that a specific quantity of fertilizers must be ingested by the plant as absorption for the plant to produce a specific yield. To determine the amount of fertilizer required to produce a desired yield, the STCR technique develops fertilizer prescription equations that take into consideration the chemical properties of the soil. The approach has seen extensive application since it was developed as an AICRP project in 1967. The technique is predicated on the idea that the plant’s ability to absorb certain nutrients depends on the interaction between that nutrient present in the soil and in the applied fertilizer. Several studies support the idea that all the type of fertilizers used to feed the plant affects how much of a specific nutrient is absorbed. The reliability of fertilizer prescriptions made using the existing STCR approach is called into question because of the aforementioned shortcomings. We have created a new mathematical model for a targeted yield to address the shortcomings in the STCR technique. Data from carrot plantations were used to illustrate the model suggested by us.
Decadal Trends Analysis of Extreme High Temperatures and Case Simulation Assessment in Summer over Eastern China
Authors: Shen Xuemin , Feng Aixia , Gu Changgui , Wang Qiguang
Published: May 2024

Using the maximum temperature, minimum temperature and average temperature data from the 0.5° × 0.5° grid datasets (V2.0) covering China during 1961–2022, this study conducts a temporal and spatial analysis of temperature trend variations in summer in the region of east of 110°E in China. The results indicate that all the three temperatures show an increasing trend from 1961 to 2022, with the minimum temperature exhibiting a faster warming rate. After 2011, the three temperatures rise significantly higher than that in previous decades, with the average and maximum temperatures increasing by 0.04°C and 0.05°C, respectively. Approximately 22.34% part of the study region is covered with an annual average temperature between 27–30°C, increasing 14.49% compared to the smallest proportion. And the area with the annual average maximum temperature ranging from 30–33°C reach 64.1%. After 2011, the frequency of grid points experiencing heatwaves are more than 60 times which is doubled compared with other decades,while with an earlier onset dates occurring on April 2nd and later retreat dates on October 12th. In the summer of 2022, all three temperatures in the region show hotter than the annual average, with high anomaly values concentrating on the central area. Additionally, based on the hindcast of four operational models in 2022, this study evaluates their abilities to predict high temperature and heatwaves in the summer of 2022. The result shows that UKMO exhibits the best capability for predicting maximum temperature and heatwave. The results suggest that the heat extremes can become more frequent and intenser in the coming decade. And the evaluation of four models can provide some help to improve the ability of prediction.
A comparative study of stress response in mung beans (Vigna radiata L.) under low intensity electromagnetic field and heat shock
Authors: Panda Dinesh Kumar , Das Deb Pravat , Behera Santoshini , patra Nabin Kumar , patra Nabin Kumar
Published: May 2024

Low strength electromagnetic fields have an impact on biological materials by increasing their internal temperature and compromising their integrity through growth inhibition, oxidative damage, deactivation of enzymes, and other processes. In the present manuscript a comparative analysis of electromagnetic and heating stress has been mentioned. The significant growth about p > 0.001 has been observed in plants i.e. 67 5% less in radiation condition than in heating. Heating stress showed insignificant variation in terms of germination i.e. 45% less than control (p < 0.005). In biochemical experiment electrolyte leakage and membrane damage was seen in heat stressed plants more than that of radiation and control i.e. 76% higher (p < 0.001). enzyme activity and antioxidant enzyme de activation was higher in radiation treated ones i.e.23% and was significant. Proline accumulation was higher in heat stressed ones i.e.39% and significance was p < 0.001.
Tumour-derived Extracellular Vesicle and Particle Reprogramming of Interstitial Macrophages in the Lung Pre-Metastatic Niche Enhances Vascular Permeability and Metastatic Potential
Authors: Lyden David , Dror Shani , Lucotti Serena , Li Jianlong , Asao Tetsuhiko , Wortzel inbal , Berger Lee Shaashua , Matei Irina , Boudreau Nancy , Zhang Haiying , Jones David , Bromberg Jacqueline
Published: May 2024

Extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) are pivotal mediators of pre-metastatic niche formation and cancer progression, including induction of vascular permeability, which facilitates tumor cell extravasation and metastasis. However, the mechanisms through which EVPs exert this effect remain poorly understood. Here, we elucidate a novel mechanism by which tumor EVPs enhance endothelial cell permeability, tumor extravasation, and lung metastasis to different degrees, depending on tumor type. Strikingly, vascular leakiness is observed within 48h following tumor implantation and as early as one hour following intravenous injection of tumour-derived EVPs in naïve mice. Surprisingly, rather than acting directly on endothelial cells, EVPs first activate interstitial macrophages (IMs) leading to activation of JAK/STAT signaling and IL-6 secretion in IMs which subsequently promote endothelial permeability. Depletion of IMs significantly reduces tumour-derived EVP-dependent vascular leakiness and metastatic potential. Tumour EVPs that strongly induce vascular leakiness express high levels of ITGα5, and ITGα5 ablation impairs IM activation, cytokine secretion, and subsequently vascular permeability and metastasis. Importantly, IL-6 expression is elevated in IMs from non-involved tumor-adjacent lung tissue compared to distal lung tissue in lung cancer patients, highlight the clinical relevance of our discovery. Our findings identify a key role for IM activation as an initiating step in tumor type-specific EVP-driven vascular permeability and metastasis, offering promising targets for therapeutic intervention.