bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Farmyard Manure Application on Potential Zinc Solubilizing Microbial Species Abundance in a Ferralsol of Western Kenya
Authors: Bolo Peter , Mucheru-Muna Monicah , Kachiuru Romano Mwirichia , Kinyua Michael , Ayaga George , Kihara Job
Published: September 2023

Zinc is an important nutrient for plant growth and development. Its availability is influenced by zinc solubilizing microbes (ZSM). Effects of commonly promoted agronomic practices on the abundance of ZSM are so far not well understood. In this study, we assessed the effects of farmyard manure (FYM) application, either sole, or in combination with residue and/or inorganic fertilizer inputs on ZSM community structure using 11 treatments in a long-term (17 years) integrated soil fertility management experiment located in western Kenya, The study was conducted in 2019. Bacterial and fungal community composition (at 0-15 cm depth) was evaluated by amplicon sequencing on an Illumina Miseq platform following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Microbial diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson and Chao1) and statistical analyses were computed using R project packages. Putative ZSM (i.e., the ZSM generally considered to possess the zinc solubilizing capabilities) were clustered in two major clades based on either application or no application of FYM. Sole application of FYM significantly (P<0.05) increased the abundance of several ZSM under maize-tephrosia rotation. In addition, systems with combined application of FYM with other inputs generally showed significantly increasing trends for some ZSM under maize-tephrosia rotation. Moreover, combined application of FYM and P rather than P only significantly increased abundance of some ZSM under maize-monocropping systems. Furthermore, besides affecting ZSM abundance, soil chemical variables involving soil organic carbon (SOC), total N and Olsen P significantly increased with FYM application. This study indicated that management practices like application of FYM that increase SOC, and other soil chemical parameters, also/concomitantly increase ZSM abundance; implying enhanced capacities for microbial-linked zinc availability.
Prospective Survey on Sociodemographics and Lifestyle Cancer Risk Factors among a Population of Caribbean Immigrants Living in the USA
Authors: Justiz-Vaillant Angel A. , Gopaul Darren
Published: September 2023

: Aim: The aim in this study was to conduct a prospective survey regarding the sociodemographics and lifestyle risk factors for cancer of a population of Caribbean immigrants living in the U.S. Materials and Methods: The data were processed and analysed using SPSS software 27 and Excel. Crosstabulations were performed. The chi-square test was used to evaluate different hypotheses. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Statistically significant differences in the country of birth of the Caribbean immigrants were found for sex (p = 0.038) and the cleanness of their neighbourhoods (p = 0.045). We found differences in occupations between men and women (p = 0.001). Men were less unemployed than women (p = 0.011). Sex also showed statistically significant differences in how easily the immigrants balanced their work and personal life (p = 0.044). Age groups depicted differences in the physical health of the immigrants (p = 0.001). The use of alcohol and tobacco was not an important risk factor among participants (p = 0.529). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the sociodemographics risk factors for cancer among a population of Caribbean immigrants were significantly different between the sexes. However, the use of tobacco and alcohol showed insignificant differences among the immigrants.
Short-Term Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Cattle Slurry for Silage Maize: Effects of Placement and the Nitrification Inhibitor 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole Phosphate (DMPP)
Authors: Taghizadeh-Toosi Arezoo , Baral Khagendra Raj , Sørensen Peter , Petersen Søren O.
Published: September 2023

Cattle slurry is an important nitrogen source for maize on dairy farms. Slurry injection is an effective measure to reduce ammonia emissions after field application, but with higher risk of nitrous oxide emission than surface application. This study compared soil mineral nitrogen dynamics and nitrous oxide emissions with two ways of application. First, traditional injection at 25 cm spacing between rows followed by ploughing (called “non-placed slurry”), and second, injection using a new so-called goosefoot slurry injector that placed the slurry in ploughed soil as a c. 30 cm broad band at 10 cm depth below maize crop rows with 75 cm spacing (named “placed slurry”). Furthermore, the effect of treating slurry with the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) in Vizura® was tested with both application methods. The field experiment was conducted on a sandy loam soil in a temperate climate. Both nitrous oxide emissions, and the dynamics of soil mineral nitrogen, were monitored for eight weeks after slurry application and seeding of maize using static chambers. The level of nitrous oxide emissions was higher with non-placed compared to placed slurry, mainly due to higher emissions during the first four weeks. That might be due to higher rates of nitrification rate and in turn stimulation of denitrification process. In both placed and non-placed slurry treatments, Vizura® caused higher soil ammonium concentrations and lower nitrate concentrations, particularly from 3 to 8 weeks after slurry application. The final level of soil nitrate was similar with and without the nitrification inhibitor, but higher with placed compared to non-placed slurry. Adding Vizura® to non-placed slurry reduced nitrous oxide emissions by 70 % when compared to placed slurry. Surprisingly, there was a non-significant trend towards higher cumulative emissions from placed slurry with the nitrification inhibitor compared to untreated slurry, which were due to higher emissions in the last part of the monitoring period (5-7 weeks after slurry application). Possibly degradation of the nitrification inhibitor, and nitrification activity inside the slurry band as the soil dried, promoted nitrous oxide emissions by this time. In summary, placement of untreated slurry in a broad band under maize seeds reduced nitrous oxide emissions compared to non-placed slurry with more soil contact. A comparable reduction was achieved by adding a nitrification inhibitor to non-placed slurry. The pattern of nitrous oxide emissions from placed slurry treated with the inhibitor was complex and requires more investigation.
Drug-Drug Interactions between Tamsulosin and Mirabegron in Healthy Individuals Do Not Affect Pharmacokinetics and Hemodynamic Parameters Significantly
Authors: Shin Wonsuk , Yang A-Young , Yoo Hyounggyoon , Kim Anhye
Published: September 2023

Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by urinary urgency and increased urinary frequency, and can impact quality of life significantly. Tamsulosin and mirabegron combination therapy has been studied as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with OAB. This study evaluated the effects of combining these two drugs on their pharmacokinetics and safety profiles in healthy Korean males. In this open-label, fixed-sequence, 3-period, drug-drug interaction phase 1 study, a total of 36 male participants were administered multiple doses of tamsulosin alone (0.2 mg once daily), mirabegron alone (50 mg once daily), and a combination of both drugs. The results showed that the combination of tamsulosin and mirabegron increased tamsulosin exposure in the plasma by approximately 40%. In contrast, the maximum plasma concentration of mirabegron reduced by approximately 17%, when administered along with tamsulosin. No clinically significant changes in safety profiles, vital signs, or clinical laboratory test results were observed in this study. In conclusion, there were no clinically relevant drug-drug interactions between tamsulosin and mirabegron in terms of pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability, suggesting that their combination therapy could be a promising treatment option for patients with OAB.
Comparison of Three Interstitial Glucose Level Prediction Models for People with Diabetes
Authors: Moser Othmar , Sourij Harald , Lobanovs Sergejs , Kistkins Svjatoslavs , Mihailovs Timurs , Pīrāgs Valdis , Bļizņuks Dmitrijs
Published: September 2023

Background: Novel technologies like continuous glucose monitor (CGM) systems are improving diabetes management by means of real-time sensor glucose levels, retrospective course of glucose and trend arrows. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) offers real-time alerts for (prognostic) hypo- and hyperglycemia, fast dropping or increasing glucose, and hence improving glycaemia under unstable conditions like during meals, physical activity and exercise management. Complex CGM systems challenge people with diabetes and health care professionals in interpreting rapid changes, sensor delay (~10-minute difference between interstitial and plasma glucose), and malfunctions. Enhanced prediction models are necessary for optimal insulin dosing, daily activities, and especially for future fully closed-loop systems.
Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of three different predictive models for glucose responses: 1) an autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA), 2) logistic regression, 3)and long short-term memory networks (LSTM), in predicting glucose levels after 15 minutes and one hour. We compared and evaluated the performance of these models in predicting hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL), euglycemia (70-180 mg/dL), and hyperglycemia (>180 mg/dL). In more detail, by assessing metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, and accuracy, we specifically assessed which model provided the most accurate and reliable predictions for glucose levels
Results: As expected, ARIMA showed the worst accuracy especially predicting hypoglycaemia withing 1-hour (7.3%). The accuracy of the logistic regression model, predicting hypoglycemia during the first 15 min was higher (98%), comparing to LSTM (88%). However, the LSTM model (87%) exceeded the accuracy of hypoglycemia prediction of the logistic regression (83%) during an hour prognosis. The same pattern observed in hyperglycemia - ARIMA model (60%, 1 hour), logistic regression (96%, 15 minutes) and LSTM (85%, 1 hour)
Conclusions: These findings suggest that different models may have varying strengths and weaknesses in predicting glucose levels, and the choice of model should be carefully considered based on the specific requirements and context of the clinical application. The logistic regression model was more accurate for the next 15 minutes, especially predicting hypoglycemia. However, the LSTM model exceeded logistic regression for the next one hour prediction. Future research could explore hybrid models or ensemble approaches that combine the strengths of multiple models to further improve the accuracy and reliability of glucose predictions.
Metformin-Loaded into Chitosan Hydrogel Suppresses Bladder Tumour Growth in an Orthotopic Mouse Model via Intravesical Administration
Authors: Zhang Xingjian , Hu Xin , Xie Yijun , Xie Lejing , Chen Xiangyi , Peng Mei , Li Duo , Deng Jun , Xiao Di , Yang Xiaoping
Published: September 2023

Our previous study found that intravesical perfusion metformin has excellent inhibitory effects against bladder cancer (BC). However, this administration route allows the drug to be diluted and excreted in urine. Therefore, increasing the adhesion of metformin to the bladder mucosal layer may prolong the retention time and increase the pharmacological activity. It is well known that chitosan (Cs) has a strong adhesion to the bladder mucosal layer. Thus, this study established a novel for-mulation of metformin to enhance its antitumor activity by extending its retention time. In this research, we prepared Cs freeze-dried powder and investigated the effect of metformin-loaded chitosan hydrogels (MLCH) in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that MLCH had a strong in-hibitory effect against proliferation and colony formation in vitro. The reduction in BC weight and expression of tumour biomarkers in orthotopic mice showed the robust antitumor activity of MLCH via intravesical administration in vivo. The non-toxic profile of MLCH was observed as well, using histological examinations. Mechanistically, MLCH showed stronger functional activation of the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway compared with metformin alone. These findings highlighted the potential of this novel formulation as an efficient candidate for managing BC via intravesical ad-ministration.
Printing Cu on Cold Sprayed Cu Plate via Selective Laser Melting–A Hybrid Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chai Qing , Jiang Chaoxin , Huang Chunjie , Xie Yingchun , Yan Xingchen , Lupoi Rocco , Zhang Chao , Yin Shuo
Published: September 2023

The development of the additive manufacturing (AM) technology proffers challenging requirements for forming accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, a hybrid additive manufacturing technology combining fusion-based selective laser melting (SLM) and solid-state cold spraying (CS) was proposed in order to enable the fast production of near-net-shape metal parts. The idea is to fabricate a bulk deposit with a rough contour first via “fast” CS process and then add fine structures and complex features through “slow” SLM. The experimental results show that it is feasible to deposit SLM part onto CS part with good interfacial bonding. However, the CS parts must be subject to heat treatment to improve their cohesion strength before being sending for SLM processing. Otherwise, the high tensile residual stress generated during SLM process will cause fracture and cracks in the CS part. After heat treatment, pure copper deposited by CS undergoes grain growth and recrystallization, resulting in improved cohesive strength and release of the residual stress in the CS parts is released. The tensile test on the SLM/CS interfacial region indicates that the bonding strength increased by 38% from 45±7 MPa to 62±1 MPa after the CS part is subject to heat treatment, and the SLM/CS interfacial bonding strength is higher than the CS parts. This study demonstrates that the proposed hybrid AM process is feasible and promising for manufacturing free-standing SLM-CS components.
Surviving and Thriving: Empowering Student-Centered Solutions for Post-Pandemic Mental Health, Time Management, and Stress Reduction
Authors: Eslit Edgar R.
Published: September 2023

In the evolving landscape of higher education, St. Michael's College (SMC) recognizes the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student welfare. This paper emphasizes the critical importance of addressing mental health, time management, and stress in the college environment, underlining their influence on academic success and personal growth. The call to action urges students to prioritize their well-being. Diverse cultural and religious perspectives, including Islam, emphasize the importance of a balanced mind and body. The wide-ranging literature review uncovers empirically supported strategies for mental health, time management, and stress reduction. Personal autonomy emerges as crucial in addressing these challenges. This study underscores the importance of these dimensions, calls for student action, and highlights the diversity of perspectives contributing to holistic well-being.
Energy Resources and Environmental Impacts of Heating Systems
Authors: Mannheim Viktoria , Nehéz Károly , Brbhan Salman , Bencs Péter
Published: September 2023

This paper utilizes a life cycle assessment to evaluate the energy resources and environmental impacts of three heating systems. In the first step, life cycle assessments (LCAs) are prepared for the renewable, conventional, and combined systems. The system boundary of the LCA method is "cradle to gate," which means it includes the entire life cycle of a product or process. This includes energy supply, transport, energy generation, and operational energy use. The system scenarios were compared based on ecological and energy loads in the second step. Primary energy, resources, emissions, and environmental potentials are calculated for the system scenarios using the life cycle assessment methods CML 2016 and ReCiPe 2016. Finally, models for environmental reliability and complex decision-support tools have been developed. This work addresses two main questions: how to characterize the environmental and energy impacts of the systems under study, and what is the optimal scenario for the system? The research results show that the gas boiler system has a greater environmental impact. The most significant differences between the systems relate to the degrada-tion of abiotic fossil fuels when using a gas boiler and the process of acidification when using an electric heat pump. The results can be used to develop sustainable heating systems with reduced environmental impacts and enhanced energy efficiency.
Synergistic Inhibition of Enterococcus faecalis by Essential Oils and Antibiotics: Implications for Enhanced Root Canal Therapy
Authors: John Stanley , Lee Jeung Woon , Lamichhane Purushottam , Dinh Thanhphuong , Nolan Todd , Yoon Thomas
Published: September 2023

Recurrent infections after root canal treatments often involve Enterococcus faecalis, a microorganism closely associated with therapy failures due to its biofilm production, survival in nutrient-deprived conditions, and antibiotic tolerance. Essential oils (EOs), which display anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, exhibit inhibitory effects on the growth of many microorganisms including E. faecalis. This study assessed the in vitro efficacy of combining antibiotics (Gentamicin 1.5mg/ml, Streptomycin 2.5 mg/ml, Ampicillin 5 mg/ml, and Kanamycin 2.5 mg/ml) with Cinnamon (1.25% to 5%) or Clove (25% to 50%) EOs using disk diffusion tests. Disks were treated with EOs-only, antibiotics-only, or EO-antibiotic combinations, placed on BEA agar plates, incubated for 24 hours, and zones of inhibition were measured against E. faecalis. Results showed robust growth inhibition by cinnamon and clove EOs across all tested concentrations. Furthermore, there were synergistic antimicrobial effects when gentamicin, streptomycin and kanamycin were combined with 2.5% and 50% concentrations of cinnamon and clove EOs, respectively, leading to significant growth inhibition of E. faecalis by 139% to 193% compared to using antibiotics or EOs alone. Clove EO showed positive synergism with three antibiotics (gentamicin, streptomycin, and kanamycin) whereas cinnamon EO showed synergism with two antibiotics (streptomycin and kanamycin). These findings suggest that combining cinnamon and clove EOs with aminoglycoside antibiotics can significantly reduce the expansion of E. faecalis compared to antibiotics alone. Further in vivo studies should determine the safety, efficacy, and treatment duration, with the potential to reduce antibiotic dosages and associated toxicity while preventing recurrent infections.
Determinants of Stunting in Toddlers In Gatak Subdistrict, Sukoharjo Regency
Authors: Johar Syefira Ayudia , Sartika Iik
Published: September 2023

Indonesia faces nutritional problems that have an impact on the quality of human resources. One of the nutritional problems is the incidence of stunting experienced by more than half of stunting toddlers in the world who come from ASIA (55%). The highest number of stunting cases is based on e-PPGBM data for 2020-2021 in Sukoharjo Regency in Gatak District. In Gatak District, from 2020 to 2021, there has been an increase in stunting cases in toddlers. In 2020 in Gatak District, the number of stunted toddlers was 414 toddlers while in 2021 the number of stunted toddlers increased to 463 toddlers. This research is a quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach. The bound variables in this study are the incidence of stunting in toddlers, while the free variables in the study are maternal knowledge about nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding status, parental income, BBLR history and child care. The research sample was taken with a sampling quota with a total sample of 96 respondents who were toddlers in Gatak District, Sukoharjo Regency in 2021. The analysis used by researchers to determine the relationship of each variable using chi square analysis. The value of P is said to be related if the Value of P is <0.05. Based on the frequency distribution is mostly on productive age, higher education level, mostly employed, and income level is largely less than the UMR. There is a significant relationship between maternal knowledge, exclusive breastfeeding status, BBLR history and parenting with stunting events (p value = 0.000 < 0.05), while parental income has nothing to do with stunting events (p value = 0.067 > 0.05).
Effect of Giving Combinations Petrissage Massage with Kenanga Aromatherapy on the Level of Dysmenorrhea
Authors: Hapsari Bunga Kunti , Kostania Gita , Argaheni Niken Bayu , Prihati Dwi Retna
Published: September 2023

Background: The number of dysmenorrhea in Indonesia is 64,25%. About 54,98% had primary dysmenorrhea, and 9,36% had secondary dysmenorrhea. The continuity of abdominal muscle contraction causes the pain of dysmenorrhea during the menstrual period. A combination of gentle massage and linalool in aromatherapy will stimulate the hypothalamus to produce endorphin hormones to reduce the tension of the uterus’s muscle due to the menstrual.

Objective: To know the effect of combining petrissage massage with Cananga aromatherapy for dysmenorrhea in teenage girls at senior high school.

Methods: This research used Pre Experimental method with one group pretest-postest approach. The population for this study is 540 people. The sampling technique used a rule of thumb by the number of 30 people of teenage girls at the high school. A parametric test and paired t-test processed the data.

Result: After giving intervention was available, 28 respondents (93%) with dysmenorrhea reduced, and 2 respondents (7%) remained dysmenorrhea. The analysis result was obtained with a p = 0,000 (p<0,05), which showed the effect of combining petrissage massage with Cananga aromatherapy for dysmenorrhea.

Conclusion: A combination of petrissage massage with Cananga aromatherapy can reduce dysmenorrhea
Efforts to Increase Understanding of COVID-19 Screening in Assisted Reproductive Technology Services
Authors: Budihastuti Uki Retno , Laqif Abdurahman , Laqif Abdurahman , Melinawati Eriana , Melinawati Eriana , Prakosa Teguh , Prakosa Teguh , Udiyanto Hermawan , Udiyanto Hermawan , Priyanto Heru , Priyanto Heru , . Darto , . Darto , Ratnasari Affi Angelia , Ratnasari Affi Angelia , Anggraeni Asih , Anggraeni Asih
Published: September 2023

Background: The assisted reproductive technology (ART) program for examining infertile couples requires face-to-face with a doctor. This face-to-face examination for the ART program has a risk for the transmission of COVID-19 to all medical personnel and infertile couples who want to undergo the ART program. This study aims to understand pre- and post-test education about COVID-19 screening on ART services.

Methods: A total of 50 infertile couples in the ART program are given education online. The use of online methods using the Zoom application due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Evaluation of the level of understanding using pre and post-test providing education. Data analysis was carried out using the SPSS 23 application.

Results: Analysis of the level of understanding of pre-test and post-test education using the Wilcoxon test. Pre-test results were 69.90±12.05, post-test 73.00±10.83 with significance values p<0.001. Chi-Square test analysis results obtained p<0.001 and OR = 15.68.

Conclusion: There was a significant increase in understanding of COVID-19 screening in the post-test education ART service via the Zoom application compared to pre-test education.
The Representation of Values of Mutual Cooperation as A Part of Character Education in An English Textbook
Authors: Mandala Bisma Yudha , Pujiati Hanip
Published: September 2023

This study aims to analyze all of the written expressions that represent values of mutual cooperation in the English textbook entitled “English in Mind Second Edition (Student’s Book Starter) Special Edition used for seventh graders in Al-Azhar Islamic Junior High Schools in Indonesia and to provide a description regarding to what extent the values of mutual cooperation are encouraged in the textbook. In data collection, content analysis approach was applied following the indicators of values of mutual cooperation from Kemendikbud and other sources. The findings show that (1) 172 expressions are considered having the values of mutual cooperation from six different kinds of values of mutual cooperation, and the most among others is the values of tolerance with the amount of 25% of the total expressions, (2) each of the six different kinds of values of mutual cooperation has different characteristics indicated by keywords, and (3) to some extent, the values of mutual cooperation play a major part that they exist in every section of the materials in the textbook, especially the values of tolerance, and that similar keywords encouraging values of mutual cooperation occur in every section of the textbook.
High School Teachers’ and Students’ Perception of ICT Use in Learning English
Authors: Rejeki Siti
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to find out high school teachers' and students’ perceptions of the use of digital technology, commonly called Information and Communication Technology (ICT), in teaching and learning English. The research used a qualitative method with quantitative data collected from a questionnaire and interviews with high school English teachers and students at MGMP Jakarta Timur I. The results showed that both respondents perceive positive attitudes towards the potentials and benefits of ICT use in English teaching and learning activities. However, their mastery of ICT competencies is high, especially in the Basic Computer and Internet Basic competencies, but insufficient in ICT competencies for learning and Advanced Computer Competence. Even so, the teachers think that they need more training whereas the students do not think the same. This result can be used as evaluation for English teachers as implementers in the field and for institutions as policy makers.
Employing Online Paraphrasing Tools to Overcome Students’ Difficulties in Paraphrasing
Authors: Inayah A. M Nurul , Sulistyaningrum Siti Drivoka
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical engineering vocational education students’ difficulties in making paraphrasing in academic writing course and to investigate the use of the online paraphrasing tools in overcoming those difficulties. The data were taken from two questionnaires distributed to the students regarding the two problems mentioned previously. The items were adapted from Paraphrasing Strategy theory by Schuemann (2006), and Kirszner (2008) which consists of four strategies: 1) changing its synonym; 2) changing part of speech; 3) changing the sentence pattern from active to passive; 4) keep using keywords from the original text. The study revealed that the most commonly used strategy was to change the synonyms with a percentage of 69%. Then, the most difficult problems in terms of content, structure, language, and paraphrase strategy are paraphrasing itself, using punctuation, identifying the part of speech, and inability to state the same information as the source text. Further research is needed in which a more significant number of participants and various academic writing difficulties should take part in, and a variety of research instruments should be employed.
Cold impacts on vehicle electrical systems : developing a baseline for cold testing military vehicles
Authors: Stott Alexander , Callaghan Caitlin , Punt Douglas , Elliott Tyler
Published: September 2023

Low temperatures can significantly affect vehicle operation. While many of the effects, like increased fluid viscosity and decreased battery capacity, are well documented, the impacts on the electrical system as a whole are not. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of tempera-ture on the electrical systems of select military vehicles and to develop a baseline for future testing. A High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), and a four-person diesel Polaris MRZR D4 were subjected to 15°C, 0°C, and −15°C temperatures while the loads on the battery and alternator were monitored. The HMMWV and MRZR were able to start on the first try for all tests. They both showed a slight increase in vehicle load current draw from the alternator as temperatures decreased. Future testing with more iterations and at lower temperatures will help identify clearer trends and improve testing procedures. As the Army becomes more reliant on electronic systems, it is becoming increasingly important that we understand how various climates will impact them.
The significant difference in compensatory mechanism of sagittal spinopelvis between patients with lumbar disc herniation and patients with spondylolisthesis
Authors: Chen Ying , Yang Zong , Liang Jie , Ru Neng , Wu Weifei
Published: September 2023

Background: Sagittal spinopelvis plays an important role in occurrence and development in spinal disorders, no study was focused on the differences of spinopelvic alignment between patients with LDH and patients.
Objective: to study differences of spinopelvic alignment and to analyze differences of correlation between sagittal alignment parameters among patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), spondylolisthesis (SPL) and normal population.
Methods: Standard up-standing antero-posterior and lateral X-ray of the whole spine were preformed in all subjects. Evidence of LDH was confirmed by CT or MRI. SPL was diagnosed by X-ray or MRI. The parameters were measured including TK, LL, PI, SS, PT and SVA in lateral radiography.
Results: 60 patients with LDH, 62 patients with SPL and 57 normal were included. Significant differences for the SS, TK, LL and SVA (P <0.05) was found among three groups. PI of SPL patients was the highest among the three groups (P <0.05). PT of both SPL patients and LDH patients were significant higher than controls’ (P <0.05). LL of LDH patients was the lowest among the three groups (P <0.05). PI was less correlated with LL (P <0.05) in patients with LDH and SPL. PT was more strongly negative correlated with SS, LL and TK in LDH group (P <0.05). SS was more strongly positive correlated with TK (P <0.05), and SS and LL were more strongly negative correlated with SVA (P <0.05) in LDH patients.
Conclusions: the present results indicated a disharmonious spinopelvic relationship and exhibited different compensatory models of spine to adapt changes in spinal alignment in LDH patients and SPL patients.
Variations in time to breast cancer treatment initiation and survival across ethnoracial groups: a DAG-based protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hesari Parisa M. , Lizotte Daniel J. , Bauer Greta R.
Published: September 2023

Background
Racial disparities in access to care are a known driver of differential health outcomes. There is a need to synthesize knowledge on the impact and mechanisms of ethnoracial variations in initiation of breast cancer treatment. The aim of the study described in this protocol is to systematically review the existing evidence on ethnoracial disparities in initiation of breast cancer treatments and their impact on patients’ survival in the United States.
Methods
A comprehensive systematic search of databases including PubMed, Ovid, Web of science, and the Cochran library will be performed. An extra search filtered on the title will be carried out on Google Scholar. Two main keywords, ‘breast cancer’ and ‘time to treatment,’ will be used in search strings. The review process will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and the Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines and will include studies of cohorts of female breast cancer patients who were diagnosed with stage I-III in the US. The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies – of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool will be applied for bias assessment, and only studies with low or moderate risk of bias will be included. A modified checklist for applying the Evidence synthesis for constructing directed acyclic graphs (ESC-DAGs) method is developed to describe the causal relationships between ethnoracial group membership, other study variables, delays to treatment, and survival.
Discussion
This systematic review will summarize the impact of racial disparity on breast cancer survival considering delays in receiving treatments as a mediator. Future directions will be identified to address existing gaps potentially relevant to creating equity for racial and ethnic minority groups. The results can help health authorities to develop approaches for addressing racial disparities in access to breast cancer treatment at the population level.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) Treated Two Types of Osteosarcoma Cell Lines for Identifying Differentially Expressed Genes
Authors: Guo Xiangfei , Wang Linbang , Yang Honghao , He Guanping
Published: September 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) primarily affects in adolescents, and is more prevalent in males than females. It is characteristics by local invasive growth and early pulmonary metastases. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapeutic drugs due to their high selectivity and effectiveness. Previous studies have demonstrated the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) as a treatment for various tumors except OS. In this study, we use RNA-seq analysis to investigate the underlying biological mechanism involved in the process of ZnO NPs-treated different types of OS cell lines. We identified 928 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both 143B and MG-63 cells, and we validated the expression of the eight most significant DEGs using RT-qPCR. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis displayed regulation of transcription factor on nucleic acid binding in molecular function term, and extracellular space in cellular components term in both OS cell lines. Additionally, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed the co-enrichment of the MAPK, Toll-like receptor, and NF-κB pathways in both OS cell lines. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis highlighted the involvement of HMOX1, MAFB, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in various biological processes in OS cells treated with ZnO NPs. Furthermore, we confirmed the key protein molecules in the differential signaling pathways of both OS cell lines using Western Blot (WB). Our findings shed light on the potential antitumor mechanisms and exploitable bioeffects of ZnO NPs in the treatment of OS. This study provides more targets and possible mechanisms for the treatment of ZnO NPs, as well as more theoretical basis for the treatment of OS.
Advance care planning and a structured palliative plan in primary health care decrease cancer deaths in hospital: A prospective controlled non-randomized intervention trial
Authors: Driller Bardo , Talseth-Palmer Bente , Strømskag Kjell Erik , Hole Torstein , Brenne Anne-Tove
Published: September 2023

Background: Advance care planning (ACP) enables patients to define goals and preferences, reflecting a person’s wishes and current medical condition. Spending less time in hospital and not dying in hospital are advocated to be desirable outcomes in palliative care (PC). In 2015, 36% of cancer patients died in hospital and 13% died at home in Norway.
Method: From 2015 to 2022 this prospective controlled non-randomized intervention trial included and observed 151 cancer patients from the Romsdal region with or without an organized ACP conversation with a conclusive and structured palliative plan in primary health care (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02170168, June 23, 2014). The patients were identified through their contact with the local hospital, cancer outpatient clinic or hospital-based PC team.
Results: During the observation period, 135 patients died. Of these, 74 patients had a structured palliative plan (intervention (I) group) and 61 had not (control (C) group). Dying in hospital was significantly less common for patients in the I group compared to the C group (16.2% vs 34.4%; p=0.014; X2 (1, n = 135) = 6.00). Patients with the intervention were more likely to die at home (33.8% vs 29.5%) or in nursing home (50.0% vs 36.1%). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups according to days at home, in nursing home, or in hospital during the last 90 days of life. Observed differences between the groups when it came fulfilment of preferred place of death (PPOD) and actual place of death (APOD) on 109 patients (42.2% in I group and 26.7% in C group) did not reach statistical significance (p=0.096).
Conclusion: Organized ACP conversations with a conclusive and structured palliative plan in primary health care decreased the number of cancer deaths in hospital in our study. A structured ACP approach integrating palliative care into oncology within primary health care, supports patients´ preferences by changing the current care profile to a more outpatient care and is feasible within the Norwegian health care system.
Use of Photoacoustic Imaging to Study the Effects of Anemia on Placental Oxygen Saturation in Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Noble Ronan M. N. , Kirschenman Raven , Wiedemeyer Alyssa , Patel Vaishvi , Rachid Jad-Julian , Zemp Roger J. , Davidge Sandra T. , Bourque Stephane L.
Published: September 2023

We aimed to evaluate fetal and placental oxygen saturation (sO2) in anemic and non-anemic pregnant rats throughout gestation using photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Female Sprague Dawley rats were fed an iron-restricted or iron-replete diet before and during pregnancy. On gestational days 13, 18, and 21, PAI was coupled with high resolution ultrasound to measure oxygenation of the fetus, whole placenta, mesometrial triangle, as well as the maternal and fetal faces of the placenta. PAI was performed in 3D, which allowed sO2 to be measured within an entire region, as well as in 2D, which enabled SO2 measurements in response to a hypoxic event in real time. Both 3D and 2D PAI were performed at varying levels of FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen). Iron restriction caused anemia in dams and fetuses, a reduction in fetal body weight, and an increase in placental weight, but overall had minimal effects on sO2. Reductions in FiO2 caused corresponding reductions in sO2 which correlated to the severity of the hypoxic challenge. Regional differences in sO2 were evident within the placenta, and between the placenta and fetus. In conclusion, PAI enables non-invasive measurement of sO2 both rapidly and with a high degree of sensitivity. The lack of overt changes in SO2 levels between control and anemic fetuses may suggest reduced oxygen extraction and utilization in the latter group, which could be attributed to compensatory changes in growth and developmental trajectories.
Treatment of 95 post-Covid patients with SSRIs
Authors: Rus Carla P. , de Vries Bert E.K. , de Vries Ingmar E.J. , Nutma Idelette , Kooij J.J. Sandra
Published: September 2023

After Covid-19 infection, 12.5% develops post-Covid-syndrome (PCS). Symptoms indicate numerous affected organ systems. After a year, chronic fatigue, dysautonomia and neurological and neuropsychiatric complaints predominate. In this study, 95 PCS patients were treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This study used an exploratory questionnaire and found that two-thirds of patients had a reasonably good to strong response on SSRIs, over a quarter of patients had moderate response, while 10% reported no response. Overall, patients experienced substantial improved well-being. Brainfog and sensory overload decreased most, followed by chronic fatigue and dysautonomia. Outcomes were measured with three different measures that correlated strongly with each other. The response to SSRIs in PCS conditions was explained by seven possible neurobiological mechanisms based on recent literature on PCS integrated with already existing knowledge. Important for understanding these mechanisms is the underlying biochemical interaction between various neurotransmitter systems and parts of the immune system, and their dysregulation in PCS. The main link appears to be with the metabolic kynurenine pathway (KP) which interacts extensively with the immune system. The KP uses the same precursor as serotonin: tryptophan. The KP is overactive in PCS which maintains inflammation and which causes a lack of tryptophan. Finally, potential avenues for future research to advance this line of clinical research are discussed.
Pooled endogenous protein tagging and recruitment for scalable discovery of effectors for induced proximity therapeutics
Authors: Shalem Ophir , Serebrenik Yevgeniy , Mani Deepak , Maujean Timothé , Burslem George
Published: September 2023

The field of induced proximity therapeutics is in its ascendancy but is limited by a lack of scalable tools to systematically explore effector-target protein pairs in an unbiased manner. Here, we combined Scalable POoled Targeting with a LIgandable Tag at Endogenous Sites (SPOTLITES) for the high-throughput tagging of endogenous proteins, with generic small molecule-based protein recruitment to screen for novel proximity-based effectors. We apply this methodology in two orthogonal screens for targeted protein degradation: the first using fluorescence to monitor target protein levels directly, and the second using a cellular growth phenotype that depends on the degradation of an essential protein. Our screens revealed a multitude of potential new effector proteins for degradation and converged on members of the CTLH complex which we demonstrate potently induce degradation. Altogether, we introduce a platform for pooled induction of endogenous protein-protein interactions that can be used to expand our toolset of effector proteins for targeted protein degradation and other forms of induced proximity.
Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Older Adults: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Its Association With In-Hospital Mortality
Authors: Nascimento Ginivaldo Victor Ribeiro do , Teixeira Maria Clara Lopes , de Jesus Kezia França , Soares Isabella Melo , de Araújo Ludmila Carvalho
Published: September 2023

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious illness with high mortality rates, particularly in older adult patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Early detection of AKI is crucial to prevent complications, but creatinine-based eGFR could result in systematic bias in older patients.
Methods: This study aimed to analyze estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Berlin Initiative Study (BIS)-creatinine and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations in older adult who developed AKI after admission in ICU and assess its association with mortality.
Results: A total of 36 patients who developed AKI during their ICU stay were included. The majority were women (66.7%), average age of 71.67 years. All patients required mechanical ventilation support and 91.7% required the administration of vasopressors during hospitalization, only 25% of the patients were notified to nephrologists. Initial serum creatinine levels appeared normal (0.87 ± 0.22 mg/dL), but eGFR values indicated reduced renal function, particularly using BIS-creatinine (33% vs 18.2%, CKD-EPI). Regarding KDIGO classification, 69% of the patients were classified as stage 1. Mortality was 88.9% and in the multivariate analysis, the factors associated were age (odds ratio [OR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.5, p = 0.049), persistent AKI (OR 16.20, 95% CI: 2.38-48.88, p = 0.026 and BIS-creatinine value < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-4.79, p = 0.048). Serum creatinine alone was unsatisfactory screening test for evaluating renal function in older adult patients, leading to under-recognition of AKI.
Conclusion: In conclusion, monitoring renal function through eGFR calculation, particularly BIS-creatinine, is crucial for detection and management of AKI in older adult ICU patients. Lower eGFR values were associated with increased mortality. These findings emphasize the need for proper investigation and referral of older adults with renal injury to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality.
[68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Versus [18F]F-FDG PET/CT in Tenis Syndrome - a Head-to-head Comparison With Elevated and Suppressed Tsh Levels in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma – a Pilot Study
Authors: Almeida Ludmila Santiago , Santos Allan , Assumpção Ligia , Costa Tiago Oliveira , Araújo Maidane , Lima Mariana , Zantut-Wittmann Denise Engelbrecht , Etchebehere Elba
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND
TENIS syndrome (Thyroglobulin-Elevated Negative Iodine Scintigraphy) in differentiated thyroid carcinoma is characterized by reduced expression of sodium-iodine symporter, rising serum thyroglobulin levels (Tg), and negative whole-body [131I]Iodine scans. In such patients, somatostatin receptor imaging with [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT (SSR PET/CT) and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT (FDG PET/CT) can identify metastases. To compare the uptake pattern of SSR PET/CT and FDG PET/CT in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with TENIS Syndrome under two conditions: elevated (eTSH) and suppressed (sTSH) TSH serum levels. Based on imaging findings in these patients, we intend to identify potential candidates for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRNT). Fifteen patients with PTC and TENIS Syndrome were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent both SSR PET/CT and FDG PET/CT with sTSH and eTSH. Images were blindly evaluated for differences in SUVmax values and lesion detectability. The reference standard consisted of neck ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET/CT, biopsy, and follow-up. Three patients were selected for PRRNT due to lesion uptake similar or higher than the liver.
RESULTS
On a per-patient and on a per-lesion based analysis, sTSH SSR PET/CT detected a greater number of cervical and distant LNs (both p = 0.0253 on per-patient and p = 0.0176 and p = 0.0391 on per-lesion, respectively) when compared to sTSH FDG PET/CT. Likewise, eTSH SSR PET/CT detected a greater number of patients with local recurrences (p = 0.0455) and distant LN metastases (p = 0.0143) and in a per-lesion based analysis greater number of cervical and distant LNs (p = 0.0337 and p = 0.0039, respectively) when compared to eTSH FDG PET/CT. No differences were found for lung and bone metastases. One of three patients submitted to 3 cycles of PRRNT presented with a visual partial response, a 20% reduction in quantitative analyses and stable disease regarding Tg and TgAb levels.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with PTC and TENIS Syndrome, SSR PET/CT detected a greater number of loco-regional and distant LN metastases than FDG PET/CT with both sTSH and eTSH. One of 3 patients submitted to PRRNT presented a partial response to treatment. Our findings may impact in patient restaging, management and theranostics strategies with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs.