bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gingival mesenchymal stem cells derived from patients with rheumatoid arthritis treats experimental arthritis
Authors: Hou Yuluan , Zeng Donglan , Yang luo , Zhang Ximei , Dang Jun , Wu wenbin , Xiong Yiding , Zhao jun , Zhu Shangling , Huang Jianlin , Yuan jia , Wang Shuhong , Wang julie , Xu Hanshi , Chen zheng , Zheng Song Guo
Published: November 2023

Background
Therapeutic strategy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been accepted as a novel therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Human gingiva derived MSCs (GMSCs) are superior in regulating immune responses. To avoid the potential risks of allogenic MSC, autologous MSCs are the optimal candidate. However, whether autologous GMSCs from RA patients are therapeutic remains unknown.
Methods
In this study, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of GMSCs derived from patients with RA (RA-GMSCs) and that from health donors (H-GMSCs) in vivo and in vitro. Then, we utilized RNA-sequencing, the molecular and cellular assays to determine the immunomodulatory molecules that contribute to therapeutic effect of RA-GMSCs on both collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and humanized synovitis models.
Results
We demonstrated that GMSCs derived from patients with RA (RA-GMSCs) and that from health donors (H-GMSCs) shared the similar expression of immunomodulatory molecules. Moreover, RA-GMSCs were as effective as H-GMSCs in suppressing T cell proliferation, proinflammatory cytokines secretion, as well as osteoclast differentiation in vitro. In addition, RA-GMSCs had a robust therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Specifically, RA-GMSCs decreased the frequency of Th1 and Th17 cells whereas enhanced Treg cells, reducing the joint histopathological scores of lymphocytes, osteoclasts and cartilages. Importantly, RA-GMSCs were also effective in suppressing inflamed synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and cartilage invasion in a humanized synovitis model in vivo.
Conclusion
Our study implies that manipulation of RA-GMSCs is therapeutic in CIA mice and humanized synovitis models and may have a therapeutic potential in RA patients using autologous GMSCs in the future.
Graphical abstract
Cytological mapping of a powdery mildew resistance locus PmRc1 by the construction of wheat-Roegneria ciliaris structural aberration library
Authors: Cheng Menghao , Zhang Huajian , Zhang Yao , Tang Xiong , Wang Zongkuan , Zhang Xu , Song Xinying , Li Xingyue , Cui Huimin , Wang Tong , Song Rongrong , Xiao Jin , Wang Haiyan , Wang Xiue
Published: November 2023

Powdery mildew (Pm) is a fungal disease threatening wheat production. The identification of novel Pm resistance genes, especially those from wild relatives, will greatly broaden the genetic diversity of wheat breeding. Roegneria ciliaris (2n=4x=28, genome ScScYcYc) is a wheat relative. We developed 14 disomic addition lines in previous research. In this study, we identified addition line DA1Sc exhibited stable improved Pm resistance. We confirmed the Pm resistance was attributed by the added 1Sc in wheat background, and designated the locus as PmRc1. To develop translocation lines for facilitate the breeding use of PmRc1, we induced 1Sc chromosomal structural aberrations by irradiation and the Chinese Spring ph1b deletion mutant. Forty-three wheat-R. ciliaris 1Sc aberrations were identified and characterized by GISH/FISH and marker analysis using 1Sc diagnostic markers. The 1Sc cytological bin map was constructed and 1Sc was dissected into 28 bins. Pm resistance evaluation of the aberrations enabled us to allocate the PmRc1 into bin 1ScS-8, flanked by markers CMH93-2 and CMH114-1. Two compensative translocation lines (T1ScS•1BL and T1ScS-1AS•1AL), both carrying the PmRc1 and Pm resistant, were investigated for agronomic traits. T1ScS•1BL had increased grain size and weight, while decreased grain numbers. T1ScS-1AS•1AL had increased number of spikelet per spike. The translocation lines provide new genetic resource for improving Pm resistance in wheat breeding program.
In Silico Predictive Homology Modeling of PKHD-1 Protein: A Comparative Study among Three Different Species
Authors: SB Arunannamalai
Published: November 2023

PKHD-1 (Polycystic Kidney and Hepatic Disease-1) gene encodes a vital pro- tein critical for renal and hepatic functions. Mutations in PKHD-1 lead to a severe type of disorder in early infancy called Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). The PKHD-1 protein structure remains unavailable in databases such as PDB, with only a few low-resolution structures accessible in the Swiss Model Template Library. Therefore, Homology Modeling was employed to generate structural models of PKHD-1 proteins derived from three different species [Homo sapiens (Human), Mus musculus (Mouse), Canis lupus familiaris (Dog)]. The mouse PKHD-1 protein was structurally predicted by employing the AlphaFold DB model based on the PKHD1 ciliary IPT domain of fibro- cystin/polyductin from Rattus norvegicus as a reference template. Additionally, the human and dog PKHD-1 proteins were modeled using the AlphaFold DB model of the G8 domain-containing protein from Marmota monax as the template for the prediction process. In addition, we employ GOR4 for analyzing secondary structure, ProtParam for assessing physicochemical properties, QMEAN for eval- uating the quality of protein structure, and MolProbity for validating protein structures along with obtaining the Ramachandran plot. The binding pockets were also predicted using P2Rank tool (PrankWeb web server).
Epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of special-cause burns: analysis of 33,619 burn patients in a major regional burn center in China from 2004 to 2021
Authors: Li Ze , Jiang Meijun , Xi Maomao , Xie Weiguo
Published: November 2023

Special-cause burn injuries are usually more severe and difficult to manage, and often and often contribute a high mortality in severely injured patients. The aim of this study was to present the epidemiological characteristics of special-cause burn in a major regional burn center in China between 2004 and 2021 and determine the risk factors associated with the mortality of burn patients. A total of 33619 burn patients were included the study, among which 4452 (13.2%) were special-cause burn patients. Compared to the thermal burn group, the special-cause burn patients were usually male, elder, married and III-IV degree of burn with onset of upper extremity in summer and autumn. Moreover, a greater proportion of patients in the special-cause burn group underwent surgical treatment and amputation and had a higher median hospital stay and treatment costs. During the multivariate logistic regression, older age, male, unmarried, winter, III-IV degree of burn, ≥ 3 burn sites, and larger total body surface area (TBSA) of burn were significantly associated with higher burn mortality (all P < 0.05), however, patients with special-cause burn injuries have not increased odds for mortality (P > 0.05). These results suggested that special cause-burn patients suffer more severe injuries, resulting in longer hospital stays and higher health care expenditures, but it did not significantly improve the mortality risk. Therefore, burn clinicians should not only have the responsibility to cure burns, but also need to know and popularize burn epidemiological characteristic and precaution.
The Effect of Intratesticular Injection of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) on Sperm Retrieval Rates and IVF Outcomes in Men with Non-Obstructive Azoospermia and History of Failed Testicular Sperm Extraction
Authors: Güdelci Tansu , Çakıroğlu Yiğit , Yücetürk Ayşen , Batır Sevil , Karaosmanoğlu Özge , Korun Zeynep , Tüfek İlter , Kural Ali , Tıraş Bülent
Published: November 2023

In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of intratesticular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on sperm retrieval rates and in vitro fertilization outcomes in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) who had previously undergone at least one unsuccessful microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) procedure. We divided participants into two groups: Group 1 with one prior failed micro-TESE procedure and Group 2 with two or more previous failures.
Three months after the PRP injection, micro-TESE procedure was done on the day of egg retrieval. Sperm was successfully retrieved in 22 out of 80 of patients (27.5%) in Group 1, and 9 out of 55 patients (16.4%) in Group 2. Fertilization rates after intracytoplasmic sperm injection was 86.4% (19/22) in Group 1 and 100% (9/9) in Group 2. In Group 1, 31.81% of cases (7/22) and, in Group 2, 22.22 % of cases (2/9) resulted in live births.
The use of autologous PRP in men with the diagnose of NOA who had a history of failed micro-TESE is a promising new experimental method in the field of male infertility. Nevertheless, additional investigation through randomized controlled trials is necessary to refine the technique and determine its effectiveness.
Review on Grid-based system and applied GIS in Natural Resource management: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kumari Arpita , Geetha P , Shashank A , Rajendrakumar S
Published: November 2023

In this review study, grid-based methods and applied Geographic Information methods (GIS) for resource management are compared. The analysis looks at research or comparison studies to illustrate the benefits and drawbacks of grid-based resource management systems. Through a collection of real-world case studies in water, air, soil, forestry, and disaster monitoring, it discusses the practical impact of GIS in assisting resource management techniques. In order to effectively use GIS for resource management, the findings highlight the significance of data availability and quality, integration of various data sources, spatial analytical complexity, data privacy and security, and cost concerns. The potential of GIS in resolving these issues and promoting sustainable decision-making in natural resource management is covered in the paper's conclusion. Recent research is represented through graphic representation from different websites for upcoming Grid-based approach references. Citation-based statistics are utilized in this research to identify significant publishing sectors, such as the most popular keywords, best-selling books, most-cited journal articles, nations, and writers who have found success in the Grid-based system. The knowledge gained from this review aids in a better understanding of the relative merits and drawbacks of grid-based systems and applied GIS in resource management, offering helpful recommendations for further study and real-world implementations.
External Validation of an Artificial Intelligence Algorithm for the Analysis of Chest X-Rays in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Catalina Queralt Miró , Vidal-Alaball Josep , Fuster-Casanovas Aïna , Escalé-Besa Anna , Comellas Anna Ruiz , Solé-Casals Jordi
Published: November 2023

Interpreting chest X-rays is a complex task, and artificial intelligence algorithms for this purpose are currently being developed. It is important to perform external validations of these algorithms in order to implement them. This study therefore aims to externally validate an AI algorithm's diagnoses in real clinical practice, comparing them to a radiologist’s diagnoses. The aim is also to identify diagnoses the algorithm may not have been trained for. A prospective observational study for the external validation of the AI algorithm in a region of Catalonia, comparing the AI algorithm’s diagnosis with that of the reference radiologist, considered the gold standard. The external validation was performed with a sample of 278 images and reports, 51.8% of which showed no radiological abnormalities according to the radiologist's report. Analysing the validity of the AI algorithm, the average accuracy was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92; 0.98), the sensitivity was 0.48 (95% CI 0.30; 0.66) and the specificity was 0.98 (95% CI 0.97; 0.99). The conditions where the algorithm was most sensitive were external, upper abdominal and cardiac and/or valvular implants. On the other hand, the conditions where the algorithm was less sensitive were in the mediastinum, vessels and bone. The AI algorithm has proven to be useful when identifying images with or without conditions. However, in order to be a valuable tool to help and support experts, it requires additional real-world training to enhance its diagnostic capabilities for some of the conditions analysed.
Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Adverse Outcomes of Bacterial Vaginosis among Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sethi Neha , Narayanan Vallikkannu , Saaid Rahmah , Adlan Aizura Syafinaz Ahmad , Ngoi Soo Tein , Shuan Cindy , Hamidi Mashitah
Published: November 2023

Background
The existence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy has currently attracted the attention of the scientific community due to its possible association with adverse clinical outcomes. However, the practical implications of BV in pregnant women are still not that well defined. This study aims to critically review and report the prevalence, risk factors, and adverse outcomes of BV among pregnant women.
Methods
A comprehensive systematic search on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane databases was conducted based on the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) criteria.
Results
The search yielded a total of 2237 records; among them, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The results indicated a higher prevalence of BV among the African population. The risk of developing BV during pregnancy was highest among women with multiple sexual partners. Additionally, factors including age, socioeconomic status, unhygienic practices, ethnic background, 2nd trimester, spontaneous abortion, vaginal douching, symptoms, and history of sexually transmitted infections were also associated with a higher prevalence of BV. Overall, 58.3% of the studies reported adverse outcomes during pregnancy which was directly associated with BV. It was found that premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, and low birth weight were the most frequently reported adverse outcomes in pregnant women with BV.
Conclusion
The high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis necessitates a global surveillance approach to delineate the health risks imposed on both mother and child, and promote cost-effective strategic measures to alleviate the undesired consequences of BV during pregnancy.
Research on the Grinding Performance of Grinding Wheel in the Initial Grinding Stage after Electric Spark Dressing of Grinding Wheel
Authors: Liu Lifei , Fang Mouxin
Published: November 2023

Electrical discharge dressing has advantages of high precision, high efficiency and low cost, which is an effective dressing method for metal bonded diamond grinding wheel. In this paper, the influence of discharge voltage, discharge current and power pulse width on the surface morphology of the grinding wheel were studied by single factor method. The grinding experiments of SiC ceramics were carried out and the surface morphology of the grinding wheel and the surface roughness of the workpiece after grinding a certain volume of SiC ceramics were analyzed. The experimental results show that large electrical parameters can improve the dressing efficiency, but the grinding wheel surface appears more adverse phenomena such as abrasive shedding, looseness, bond melting recasting. In the early stage of grinding wheel, surface damage is serious, and grinding workpiece surface roughness is poor. It provides a practical reference for the reasonable selection of EDM dressing of metal bond diamond grinding wheel.
Low-Density Urbanisation: Prestate Settlement Growth in a Pacific Society
Authors: Parton Phillip , Clark Geoffrey
Published: November 2023

The recognition of low-density urbanisation has been important in documenting how diverse human settlements generated enduring social and economic change. In tropical regions, the key challenges to studying low-density urbanisation have been the difficulty in acquiring past built environment data and integrating the frameworks that illuminate the social behaviours intrinsic to urbanisation. The introduction of lidar mapping and urban science methods has proven revolutionary in our understanding of low-density urbanisation as demonstrated by emerging research on settlements and states in Mesoamerica and Southeast Asia. These studies draw on urban theory to highlight patterns in the built environment associated with profound societal changes including the rise of social institutions, agglomeration effects and ongoing settlement growth. Here, we present an approach that combines lidar survey and archaeological fieldwork with recent developments in urban science to understand the built environment of Tongatapu; the location of an archaic state whose influence spread across the southwest Pacific Ocean between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries a.d. Quantitative results show—for the first time—that settlements on a Pacific island were urbanised in a distinct low-density form, and that the processes of urbanisation began prior to state development. This study highlights the contribution of Pacific landscapes to urban science and the low-density settlement phenomena given the presence of large populations, hierarchical societies, and vast distributions of archaeological built remains on many island groups.
The employment activated by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan in the construction sector at the regional level
Authors: Camussi Silvia Anna Maria , Dottori Davide , Mancinelli Marco , Mancini Anna Laura , Modena Francesca , Recchia Pasquale , Russo Emanuele , Tanzi Giulia Martina
Published: November 2023

This work estimates the regional employment generated by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) in the construction sector, based on the resources already assigned to new projects. These resources are associated with the creation of regional value added, estimated using a standard Leontief model applied to 2019 Input-Output tables. Then, the number of employees needed to reach the expected increase in production is derived. In the second part of the analysis, possible channels to satisfy the estimated labor demand are discussed, taking into account the regional heterogeneity in labor supply and workers’ mobility.
JEL Classification: D57, J2, H50
Unveiling Cross-Linguistic Mastery: Advancing Multilingual Handwritten Numeral Recognition with Attention-driven Transfer Learning
Authors: Fateh Amirreza , Birgani Reza Tahmasbi , Fateh Mansoor
Published: November 2023

In the realm of data analysis and document processing, the recognition of handwritten numerals stands as a pivotal advancement. This contribution has steered transformative shifts in optical character recognition, historical handwritten document analysis, and postal automation. A persistent challenge in this arena is the recognition of handwritten digits across a spectrum of languages, each with its idiosyncrasies. We present an innovative paradigm to surmount this hurdle, transcending the confines of monolingual recognition. Unlike the status quo, which gravitates toward a narrow subset of languages, our method orchestrates a comprehensive solution spanning 12 distinct languages, deftly navigating linguistic intricacies. The catalyst for this efficacy is transfer learning, amplifying image quality and recognition acumen. Emboldening this framework is an ingenuity-charged attention-based module that refines precision. Our rigorous experimentations substantiate quantum leaps in image quality and the prowess of linguistic and numeral recognition. Notably, we unearth significant accuracy strides, eclipsing 2% enhancements in specific languages vis-à-vis antecedent methodologies. This endeavor epitomizes a sturdy, economically sound avenue, unshackling multilingual handwritten numeral recognition to an expansive spectrum of languages.
Automated rodent sleep spindle detector: MATLAB app using two complementary search algorithms
Authors: Holly Kevin Scott , Murray Teresa Ann , Kumler Allison C. , Dhungel Pragya , Rudrashetty Sai Mohan , Villarrubia Sadie , Merten John E. , Kemp Aaron S. , Iasemidis Leonidas , Larson-Prior Linda
Published: November 2023

A Rodent Sleep Spindle Detector (RSSD) application (app) was developed to assist researchers working with high volume studies examining the impact of sleep on neurological function. Our RSSD is a MATLAB-based software program with a user interface that automatically identifies sleep spindles from intracranial EEG (iEEG) recordings of rodents using two novel yet complementary algorithmic approaches, a primary and secondary one. To validate the program, 6,000 copies of real spindles of 5 different types, ranging from 11–17 Hz with a duration of at least 0.3 seconds, were randomly placed within a noisy simulated prefrontal cortex iEEG signal of 50,000 seconds in duration. When compared to the ground truth on a datapoint-by-datapoint basis (individual spindle detection), the program had an accuracy of 98.40 ± 5.62% (mean ± SD) with 95% C.I. [91.93, 100] and 96.90 ± 4.34% (mean ± SD) with 95% C.I. [91.91, 100] for the primary and secondary algorithmic approach, respectively. Evaluating total spindle count, the program had an accuracy of 93.68 ± 13.66% (mean ± SD) with 95% C.I. [81.71, 100], and of 99.85 ± 0.12% (mean ± SD) with 95% C.I. [99.71, 99.96] for the primary and secondary algorithmic approach, respectively. The robustness of the sleep spindle detection was further validated for a range of spindle's duration, amplitude, and frequency by embedding in the iEEG signal respective artificial spindles. Finally, the RSSD app further improves its performance by first processing available video recordings of rodents to identify periods of quiescence and then running the sleep spindle detection algorithms on the iEEG only for those periods.
Evaluation of the optimal cutting performance of high speed steel and tungsten carbide cutting tools in the machining of aisi 304 steel.
Authors: Aboloje Alfred Eviwanrherhe , sada samuel oro-oghene , Ekpu Mathias , Eyenubo Jonathan
Published: November 2023

With the increasingly rapid development of technology, and the rising need to promote productivity that is based on quality, energy and cost, it imperative that cutting tools are not selected at random. It is particularly important to note, that aligning work piece materials to specific cutting tools, generally improves manufacturing costs, lead-time, quality of the overall product, and provides greater flexibility when this is done along with the corresponding optimal cutting parameters. All these significantly dictate, and contribute to the overall manufacturing cost of finished products. This study has been performed using the High speed steel and Tungsten carbide tools to comparatively determine the most suitable cutting tool for the machining of a 304 Austenite Steel cylindrical bar. The tool wear of the cutting tools was selected as a measured to ascertain their performance in the turning operation. Response surface methodology was employed to analyzing the results and determining their optimal performance. From the study, the tungsten carbide tool recorded optimal parameters as follows; cutting speed 1303m/min, feed rate 0.354 mm/rev, and depth of cut 0.458mm with a tool wear of 1.173mm. And for the high speed steel tool; cutting speed 1321m/min, feed rate 0.208 mm/rev, and depth of cut 0.682mm with a tool wear of 2.073mm. The study judging from the tool wear shows the efficiency of the tungsten carbide tool over the high speed steel cutting tool, as it can be seen from the results obtained that the lowest tool wear in the turning of the cylindrical steel bar, is recorded from the use of the tungsten carbide cutting tool. From the 3D surface plots, it can be confirmed that to obtained a good performance from the different cutting tools, the cutting speed best suited for the cutting tool must be taken into consideration.
Study of the characteristics and application of new filling material for buried Karst caves
Authors: Wang Zhijia , Li Haojie , Xie Peng , Duan Shusu , Zhang Youliang
Published: November 2023

During the construction of the subway, the treatment of the abandoned soil would bring a series of problems, including higher transportation costs, environmental pollution, material waste, and so on. Therefore, a new type of fill material for buried Karst caves was collocated using the abandoned soil in this paper. Firstly, in-situ soil, volcanic ash silicate cement (P·P 42.5), nanoscale silica, sodium silicate, polycarboxylate superplasticizer, and water was the raw materials and systematic orthogonal experiments with three influencing factors at four levels designed. Concurrently, the compressive strength of samples sourced using unconfined compressive strength tests, and the experimental data (curing time is 28 days) met the demand for actual engineering reinforcement. Subsequently, the analysis of range of experimental data was conducted, and the optimal mixing proportion ( In-situ soil：volcanic ash silicate cement (P·P 42.5)：Nanoscale silica：Sodium silicate：polycarboxylate superplasticizer：water) is equal to 2000:500:12.5:30:7.5:444. Finally, the SEM (scanning electron microscope) analysis of in-situ samples shows the microstructure of the new kind of fill material was the filamentous and sheet-like connection, and the application of buried Karst cave filling in Shenzhen Metro Line 3 Project proved the validity of the new kind of fill material. All the above conclusions provided significant support and data reference for the grouting treatment of buried Karst caves.
Larvicidal, Ovicidal and Repellent Activities of Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq Essential Oil against Anopheles arabiensis
Authors: Fikru Sisay , Tolossa Ketema , Lindemann Peter , Bucar Franz , Asres Kaleab
Published: November 2023

Background: Despite tremendous efforts made to curb malaria morbidity and mortality, malaria control has slowed down due to resistance to all currently used insecticides by mosquitoes, and their negative effect on the non-target organisms and the ecosystem. Thus, there is an urgent need to search and develop new plant-based malaria vector control strategy from medicinal plants origin such as essential oil.
Methods: Larvicidal effect was tested against the fourth instar An. arabiensis wild larvae whilst freshly laid ova of An. arabiensis were used to determine ovicidal activity of the essential oil at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 400 ppm. Concentrations of 41.6–366.7 µg/cm2 were used to evaluate repellent activity of the essential oil on 3–5 days old adult female An. Arabiensis. The essential oil composition of Leucas stachydiformis was also analyzed using GC-MS.
Results: Larvicidal, ovicidal and repellent activities of the essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from leaves of the endemic Ethiopian plant Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq was investigated against Anopheles arabiensis, the dominant malaria vector species in Ethiopia. The study revealed that the oil possesses the highest larvicidal activity at 400 ppm and 200 ppm after 24 h and 48 h treatment. LC50 values for the fourth larval instar after 24 h and 48 h treatment were 43.4 ppm and 34.2 ppm, respectively. After 72 h exposure, the oil displayed 100% ovicidal activity at 400 ppm with IH50 value of 32.2 ppm. In the repellency test, at concentrations of 366.7, 133.3 and 41.6 µg/cm2, the oil gave total percentage protection of 67.9 ± 4.2%, 37.2 ± 2.8% and 32 ± 2.2%, respectively, for 4 hours. The highest concentration (366.7 µg/cm2) gave 100% protection up to 90 min. GC-MS analyses of the oil revealed the presence of 24 compounds representing 90.34% of the total oil with caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, and trans-caryophyllene constituting more than 50% of its components.
Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that the essential oil of L. stachydiformis has the potential to be used for the control of An. arabiensis mosquitos.
Optimizing Red Sokoto Buck Performance and Sustainable Resource Utilization: Fish Pond Wastewater- Derived Sawdust Diets for Enhanced Livestock Productivity. Enhancing goat performance and reducing pollution
Authors: Anigbogu Nnamdi Mbanefo , OBIOMA Chidiebere Anyalewachi , Agida Christopher Agboje , Aroh Izuchukwu Martin , ONWUABUGHIJE Cyril Bright , OHANEHI Anselem Arinze , OKWUDIFELE Moses Chukwuebuka , MACARTAN Benjamin P
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the impact of feeding Red Sokoto bucks in an intensive management system with fermented and unfermented sawdusts derived from fish pond wastewater and compared its effects on goats. The research focused on evaluating the proximate composition, mineral analysis, growth performance, and nutrient efficiency of the bucks under different dietary treatments and lasted for nine weeks. Dietary treatments (T1, T2, and T3) were administered to 486 bucks, weighing between 12 to 14 kg, with each treatment replicated six times. T1 contained 40% untreated sawdust, T2 had 40% treated sawdust, and T3 included 70% treated sawdust. The study assessed the proximate composition, mineral analysis, and nutrient efficiencies of these sawdusts as well as the growth performance of goats fed these materials. Data were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variances, revealing significant differences (p<0.05) and (p<0.01) among the treatments. Mineral analysis confirmed safe levels for all dietary treatments. Notably, bucks fed with dietary two (40% treated sawdust) outperformed other groups (p<0.05). This study suggests that incorporating 40% fish pond wastewater effluent-treated sawdust in Red Sokoto buck diets can optimize performance while effectively managing organic solid waste and fish pond effluents. This approach enhances the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of ruminant feeds, promoting sustainability and resource utilization in livestock farming.
Integrated analyses revealed the potential role and immune link of mitochondrial dysfunction between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Authors: Song Jinlin , Pan Shengyuan , Yang Lanxin , Zhong Wenjie , Wang He , Lan Yuyan , Chen Qiyue , Yu Simin , Yang Fengze , Yan Pingping , Peng Houli , Liu Xuan , Gao Xiang
Published: November 2023

There is a reciprocal comorbid relationship between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent studies have suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) might be the key driver underlying this comorbidity. Through bioinformatics approaches and experimental validation, this study aimed to elucidate the interactions between MD and this comorbidity to lay the groundwork for the development of novel treatment approaches. MD-related differentially expressed genes (MDDEGs) were identified. Enrichment analyses and PPI network analysis were then conducted. Six algorithms were used to explore the hub MDDEGs, and these were validated by ROC analysis and qRT-PCR. Co-expression and potential drug targeting analyses were then performed. Potential biomarkers were identified using LASSO regression. The immunocyte infiltration levels in periodontitis and T2DM were evaluated via CIBERSORTx and validated in mouse models. Subsequently, MD-related immune-related genes (MDIRGs) were screened by WGCNA. The in vitro experiment verified that MD was closely associated with this comorbidity. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that the connection between periodontitis and T2DM was mainly enriched in immuno-inflammatory pathways. In total, 116 MDDEGs, eight hub MDDEGs, and two biomarkers were identified. qRT-PCR revealed a distinct hub MDDEG expression pattern in the comorbidity group. Altered immunocytes in disease samples were identified, and their correlations were explored. The in vivo examination revealed higher infiltration levels of inflammatory immunocytes. The findings of this study provide insight into the mechanism underlying the gene-mitochondria-immunocyte network and provide a novel reference for future research into the function of mitochondria in periodontitis and T2DM.
A machine learning-based approach to prognostic model of sepsis with PANoptosis-related genes and performance of scRNA-seq data to assess prognostic signatures
Authors: Shao Jinglin , He Haihong , Huang Tingting , Lan Xi , Cui Shengjin , Wu Yunfeng , Zhang Lijun , Guo Shixing , Liu Jiao , Li Shuping , Sun Xiang , Chen Lei , Zhou Yiwen , Song Chunli
Published: November 2023

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria into the body. PANoptosis is an inflammatory programmed cell death with key characteristics of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and/or neoptosis. At present, there is no strong evidence to suggest that the prognosis of sepsis is closely related to PANoptosis. In this study, 38 key differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were obtained by analyzing DEGs in sepsis microarray data GSE65685 and GSE95233 and crossing them with the PANopotosis gene set. Then, gene features were screened through univariate analysis, lasso regression analysis, and multivariate COX regression analysis to construct a prognosis model consisting of three predictive features: IKBKB, AIM2, and CTSG. We used Kaplan Meier (K-M) survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) time curve analysis, internal validation, and principal component analysis to evaluate the performance of the prognostic model. In addition, sepsis patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on risk scores and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) results, and significant differences were found in multiple immune cell functions and immune related KEGG signaling pathways. Subsequently, scRNA seq data and immune cell infiltration analysis showed that the IKBKB and AMI2 genes were highly expressed in all immune cells of sepsis patients, while the CTSG gene was mainly highly expressed in monocytes, neutrophils, NK cells, and proliferative T cells. In the analysis of target genes for 16 immunosuppressive drugs, only CSF3 was highly expressed in high-risk patients, indicating that CSF3 may be the most promising target for treating sepsis.
Causal relationships between delirium and Parkinson’s Disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Bai Xiaoliang , Zhang Anna , Zhou Qingbo , Wang Hongli
Published: November 2023

Background
Previous observational studies have suggested a notably elevated prevalence of delirium in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD), thereby implying a potential increased susceptibility to delirium among PD patients. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that observational studies inherently possess limitations, rendering it arduous to establish a definitive causal or reverse causal association between delirium and PD.
Methods
To explore the relationship between delirium and PD, a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted using summary statistics obtained from genome-wide association studies. The main analysis was performed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, with further analyses conducted using MR Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode to ensure accuracy of findings. Additionally, Cochran's Q statistics and MR Egger intercept were utilized to assess heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy, respectively.
Results
According to the results obtained from the IVW model, no compelling evidence was found to support a potential causal association between delirium and PD (IVW: odds ratio [OR]: 0.996, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.949–1.043, P = 0.845). Additionally, in the reverse direction, based on the results obtained from the IVW model, no significant evidence was found to support a causal association between PD and delirium (IVW: OR: 1.078, 95%CI = 0.960–1.204, p = 0.225). A sensitivity analysis verified the reliability of the results.
Conclusion
According to the MR findings, a bidirectional causal relationship between delirium and PD is not observed. It is crucial to conduct further research in clinical practice to investigate the association between delirium and the risk of PD.
Morphologically graded scalable nanoarchitected materials
Authors: Kagias Matias , Greer Julia R.
Published: November 2023

Nanoarchitected materials present a frontier in materials science, offering unique properties stemming from meticulously controlled nanoscale geometries. Despite considerable advancements, elucidating the connections between nanoscale architecture and macroscopic mechanical properties remains a complex challenge. In this study, we employ cryogenic 3D X-ray ptychography alongside \textit{in situ} mechanical testing of nanoarchitected pillars (diameter of approximately 40 micrometers) to illuminate the intricate interplay between morphological features and mechanical response in scalable polymer-based nano-architected metamaterials. These materials, endowed with features on the order of (approximately 500 nanometers), were created using metasurface enabled holographic lithography, and exhibited specific energy absorption in the order of 48 kJ/kg. Our analysis revealed a pronounced correlation between two spatially separated deformation modes, specifically barreling versus layer-by-layer collapse, and the principal curvatures inherent to the material's nanoscale architecture. This morphological variation demonstrates the feasibility of scalable functionally graded nanoarchitected materials with holographic lithography.
User Experience Design Methodologies for Building User Interfaces for Teleround System for Intensive Care Units
Authors: Moura Ana Beatriz Frade , Silva Lyvia Mota , Motter Fabiane Raquel , Silva Izadora Coelho , Silva William Aparecido Santos , Leao Beatriz de Faria , Col Shoraya Virginio Carneiro Dal , Gadenz Sabrina Dalbosco
Published: November 2023

Integrating design methods with telehealth intervention development offers an opportunity to understand user needs and to address potential barriers to using new digital tools.
Objective: This study aimed to apply user experience (UX) design methodologies for the construction of interfaces with users of the Mangará Digital Telemedicine platform, specifically for carrying out Telerounds with Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in remote locations.
Methods: This is a methodological study for developing a telemedicine platform. We used the Double Diamond Model to guide the design process. This method consists of four stages (Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver), which include the following steps: 1. Construction of the initial vision of the Product Discovery journey through the CSD Matrix (Certainties, Assumptions, and Doubts); 2. Desk Research (DR); 3. Rapid Ethnographic research; 4. Comparison with previous projects using the methodology of “benchmarking”; 5. Creation of personas and empathy maps 6. Situational Diagnosis of ICUs. 7. User journey mapping; 8. Initial creation of the digital product using the Sitemap and UserFlow tools. 9. Construction of the usability of wireframes according to Nielsen's heuristics.
Results: The use of UX methodologies for the design of the user interface was necessary for the construction of the Mangará Digital Telerounds platform since it allowed the development of a friendly platform that meets the expectations and needs of its users.
Conclusion: This work demonstrates the importance of using UX methodologies to design the interfaces of electronic medical record systems in high-demand and complex environments such as ICUs.
Transcriptome data analysis provides insights into the conservation of Michelia lacei, a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations distributed in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Yang , Cai Lei , Sun Weibang
Published: November 2023

Background
Michelia lacei W.W.Smith (Magnoliaceae) is an evergreen tree with high ornamental and scientific value. It was classified as a Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations (PSESP) by the Yunnan Provincial Government in both 2012 and 2021, due to the extremely small population size and narrow geographical distribution. Currently, research on M. lacei is limited to assessing the conservation status and population ecology, and to date there is no population genetics study. In this study, transcriptome data analysis was conducted on a total of 64 individuals from 7 populations of wild and cultivated M. lacei, resulting in the generation of 104,616 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that can be used in subsequent analyses.
Results
The population structure of M. lacei was analyzed using three methods, and the existing populations could be divided into three genetic clusters. In an analysis of population genetic diversity, the average π, HO, HE, FIS, and Tajima's D calculated across all populations were 0.298, 0.190, 0.702, 0.358, and 1.090, respectively. The population dynamics also reflected population changes in M. lacei during two past glaciations. The population size is thought to have stabilized about 10,000 years ago, however, there are now only 52 individuals of M. lacei known from the wild in China. Environmental changes have also promoted adaptive evolution of the species, as analysis of outlier loci indicates that some populations have high potential to adapt to the adverse environments, providing valuable genetic resources for the conservation of this species.
Conclusions
Our study clearly reveals the genetic background of M. lacei in different populations and the genetic diversity among the populations. Past gene flow between populations also reflects the causes of the current genetic structure. Combining inference of population history and adaptive analysis of M. lacei provides new insights into the conservation of genetic resources and facilitate the recovery of population size in this threatened plant species.
Treatment of type 5 acromioclavicular separation with minimal invasive closed-loop double-endobutton technique
Authors: Yang Wei-Hsiang , Liu Chung-Ting
Published: November 2023

Background:
Acromioclavicular (AC) separation ranks among the prevalent shoulder girdle injuries, accounting for 50% of all sports-related shoulder ailments. Surgical intervention is advocated for type IV-VI injuries. AC joint congruity and the anatomical integrity of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament complex are prerequisites for robust scar tissue healing. As such, the aim of our study was to describe our technique of indirect osteosynthesis, using a minimally invasive closed-loop double endobutton (TightRope) technique for fixation of type 5 AC separation, and to evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes and complications.
Methods:
Fifty-one patients with a Rockwood type 5 AC separation were treated surgically using the TightRope fixation, between January 2017 and December 2021. Clinical and radiological results were assessed using the Constant-Murley score, with concurrent documentation of any complications.
Results:
In this study, the distribution of cases across the respective groups was as follows: 16 cases in the well-reduced group (31.4%), 5 cases in the incomplete reduction group (9.8%), 20 cases in the partial loss of reduction group (39.2%), and 10 cases in the failure of reduction group (19.6%). Notably, there were no statistically significant differences observed among the first three groups, whereas the complete loss of reduction group demonstrated a significantly lower Constant-Murley score.
Conclusion:
The Tightrope system offers strength for Rockwood type 5 AC separation, yielding favorable clinical outcomes; however, radiographic findings may not be entirely satisfactory. Partial reduction loss had minimal impact, but complete loss had inferior results. Precise Tightrope placement, ensuring button perpendicularity and avoiding coracoid tip positioning is crucial.
Neoadjuvant sintilimab and chemotherapy for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective, single-arm, phase II study
Authors: Jincheng Guo , chengrui Qiao , jiabin Lu , shiqiang Yang , boyi Zhang , dongxia Tang , hui Pang
Published: November 2023

Background: Combining PD-1 blockade with chemotherapy has widely used in first line treatment of metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, their efficacy as neoadjuvant therapy in resectable ESCC is little known. This study was performed to assess the activity and safety profile of the combination of sintilimab and chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant treatment of ESCC.
Methods: In this single-arm, phase II study, we recruited patients with histopathologically diagnosed resectable ESCC who had clinical cT1-3/N0-1M0 (stage II-Ⅲ). Patients were given sintilimab (200mg, iv, d1) in combined with chemotherapy (nab-paclitaxel 260 mg/m2, d1 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2, d1-3) every 3 weeks for 2 cycles. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR).
Results：Between Nov 2020 and Nov 2022, 29 patients were enrolled and 27 patients completed the two cycles of neoadjuvant therapy. A total of 21 patients underwent surgery without treatment-related surgical delay. The major pathologic response (MPR) rate was 42.9% (9/21) and the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate was 28.6% (6/21). The most frequent grade 3 or 4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were leukopenia (26.7%), neutropenia (20%) and pneumonia (6.7%). There was no surgical delays or unexpected surgical complications related to drug toxicity.
Conclusions: The combination of sintilimab and chemotherapy shows an encouraging pCR rate and a favorable safety profile in this study, which indicated this treatment regimen may become an alternative option in the neoadjuvant treatment of resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, especially for Chinese patients.
Investigation of experimental for optical properties of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) thin films using neural networks
Authors: Mohamed R. A. , El-Nahass M. M. , El-Bakry M. Y. , El-Dahshan El-Sayed A. , Aamer E. H. , Habashy D. M.
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, transition metal oxide (TMO), the semi-conductor molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) is under investigation. MoO3 is a good choice because of its many industrial applications and alluring qualities. It has a significant role as an industrial catalyst and has electrochromic properties. The first part is an experimental study of the optical behaviour of the above mentioned thin film onto various substrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed an orthorhombic structure. Measurements were obtained of the average crystallite size and dislocation density, which were 132.8 nm and 5.7* 10− 4 nm-2, respectively. With the use of spectrophotometric measurements of transmittance (T) and reflectance (R) at normal incidence in the 300–1400 nm wavelength range at 310 nm thickness, the optical behaviour of the mentioned film onto various substrates was examined. The dispersion and oscillator energies were measured using the single oscillator model employing a Wemple–DiDomenico relation and indirect optical transitions with corresponding h ע energy gaps were identified for glass and quartz substrates. The second part introduces estimation optical behaviour of the above mentioned thin film using ANN model. Experimental data is used as inputs. The ANN modelling outputs optical characterization provide excellent results. Error values support the success of the modelling process (MSE > 10− 1). Moreover, the theoretical equation describing the experimental results was obtained depending on the ANN model which represents the relation between the inputs and outputs. According to this research, the ANN model can be utilized as an efficient tool to simulate and predict the optical parameters of the above mentioned film. Additionally, it can establish strong connections between theoretical and experimental fields.