bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyanotoxin Occurrence and Diversity in 98 Cyanobacterial Blooms From Swedish Lakes and the Baltic Sea
Authors: Dirks Caroline , Cappelli Paolo , Blomqvist Maria , Ekroth Susanne , Johansson Malin , Persson Max , Drakare Stina , Pekar Heidi , Zuberovic Muratovic Aida
Published: April 2024

The Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 includes the parameter microcystin-LR, a cyanotoxin, which drinking water producers need to analyze if the water source has potential for cyanobacterial blooms. In light of the increasing occurrences of cyanobacterial blooms worldwide and given that more than 50 percent of the drinking water in Sweden is produced from surface water, both fresh and brackish, the need for improved knowledge about cyanotoxin occurrence and cyanobacterial diversity has increased. In this study a total of 98 cyanobacterial blooms were sampled in 2016-2017 and identified regarding their toxin production and taxonomical compositions. The surface water samples from freshwater lakes throughout Sweden including brackish water from 8 east coast locations along the Baltic Sea were analyzed for their toxin content with LC-MS/MS and taxonomic composition with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Both the extracellular and the total toxin content was analyzed. Microcystin´s prevalence was highest with presence in 82% of blooms, of which as free toxins in 39% of blooms. Saxitoxins were found in 36% of blooms in which the congener decarbamoylsaxitoxin (dcSTX) was detected for the first time in Swedish surface waters at four sampling sites. Anatoxins were most rarely detected, followed by cylindrospermopsin, which were found in 6% and 10% of samples, respectively. As expected, nodularin was detected in samples collected from the Baltic Sea only. The cyanobacterial operational taxonomic unit (OTU) with the highest abundance and prevalence could be annotated to Aphanizomenon NIES-81 and the second most profuse cyanobacterial taxon to Microcystis PCC-7914. In addition, two correlations were found, one between Aphanizomenon NIES-81 and saxitoxins and another between Microcystis PCC-7914 and microcystins. This study is of value to drinking water management and scientists involved in recognizing and controlling toxic cyanobacteria blooms.
How to Improve Surveillance Program for Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC): Gap Analysis and Pilot Study
Authors: Sora Valerio Massimo , Zaghen Francesca , Zecconi Alfonso
Published: April 2024

Several pathotypes of enteric E. coli have been identified. The group represented by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) is of particular interest. Raw milk and raw milk products are significant sources of STEC infection in humans; therefore, identifying pathogens at the herd level is crucial for public health. Most national surveillance programs focus solely on raw milk and raw milk cheeses that are ready for retail sale, neglecting the possibility of evaluating the source of contamination directly at the beginning of the dairy chain. In order to assess the viability of new molecular methodologies applied to raw milk filters enabling the identification of the presence of STEC serotypes in milk production and apply the same methods to identify the presence of these pathogens in calf feces we analyzed, through a commercial real-time PCR assay, a total of 290 samples coming from 18 different dairy herds; 88 bulk tank milk (BTM), 104 raw milk filters (RMF) and 98 calves’ feces samples. In total 3.4% of BTM, 41.4% of RMF and 73.4% of calves’ feces tested positive for stx presence, supporting our hypothesis that BTM is not a suitable matrix to assess the STEC presence at herd level, underestimating it. Our conclusion is that the surveillance program needs critical and extensive improvements such as RMF and calves’ feces analysis implementation in order to be more efficient in detecting and preventing STEC infections. The epidemiology of these infections and the characteristics of the pathogen clearly show how a One Health approach will be pivotal to improve our capabilities to control the spread of these infections.
Determinan Praktik Penghindaran Pajak
Authors: Tiara Rani Santoso
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuktikan pengaruh pertumbuhan penjualan, konservatisme akuntansi dan risiko perusahaan terhadap penghindaran pajak. Penghindaran pajak dalam penelitian ini dihitung menggunakan CETR. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kuantitatif  dengan data sekunder berupa laporan keuangan perusahaan makanan dan minuman yang berasal dari Bursa Efek Indonesia (BEI) periode 2017-2021. Total sampel yang digunakan adalah sebanyak 80. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling dan data dianalisis menggunakan analisis regresi linear berganda menggunakan SPSS versi 26.  Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pertumbuhan penjualan berpengaruh negatif terhadap penghindaran pajak. Konservatisme akuntansi dan risiko perusahaan tidak memiliki pengaruh terhadap penghindaran pajak.
Unveiling the potential role of ARID3A in the colon adenocarcinoma Immune Microenvironment using TCGA Data
Authors: Baldi Salem , Gao Yaqin , Mohammed Shadi A.D. , Alnadari Fawze , AL-Mogahed Maged , Alazizi Esmail M. Y.
Published: April 2024

The tumour microenvironment can be shaped by tumour-infiltrating immune cells that control the fate of immunotherapy effects. The association between AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 3A (ARID3A) and immune cell infiltration and oxidative stress in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remains unknown. In the current study, we explored the correlation between ARID3A expression, immune cell infiltration, and potential pathological pathways in COAD. ARID3A expression level in COAD were analyzed by the TNMplot and GEPIA2 using COAD TCGA databases. ARID3A expression was significantly higher in COAD tissues than adjacent normal tissues and associated with adverse outcome in COAD patients. Immunohistochemistry staining for ARID3A reveals no positivity staining in normal human colon tissue but varying degrees of positivity in malignant colon tissue. ARID3A showed a strong negative correlation with tumour-infiltrating NK and CD8+ T cells, and a positive correlation with macrophages and neutrophils infiltration in COAD patients. These findings suggest that ARID3A is a potential prognostic biomarker that could promote COAD progression and negatively correlates with tumor immune cells infiltration in the COAD microenvironment. ARID3A gene affects cellular oxidative stress and other important pathological pathways in cancer. In conclusion, ARID3A may improve tumor cell survival by activating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, which accelerates ECM breakdown, facilitates invasion, suppresses apoptosis, and prevents cell death. This study might contribute to uncovering the mechanism and providing a new strategy of diagnosis and therapies for COAD. Further studies are warranted on current topic.
Structural and functional determination of peptide versus small molecule ligand binding at the apelin receptor
Authors: Davenport Anthony , Williams Thomas , Kuc Rhoda , Macrae Robyn , Sinha Sanjay , Maguire Janet , Verdon Grégory , Currinn Heather , Bender Brian , Solcan Nicolae , Schlenker Oliver , Brown Jason , Schütz Marco , Zhukov Andrei , DeGraaf Chris , Brown Alastair , Graf Stefan
Published: April 2024

We describe a structural and functional study of the apelin receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds two endogenous peptide ligands, apelin and Elabela/Toddler (ELA), to regulate cardiovascular development and function. Characterisation of novel, naturally occurring apelin receptor variants from the UK Genomics England 100,000 Genomes Project, in combination with AlphaFold2 modelling, identified T892.64 as an important residue in the ELA binding site, and R1684.64 as forming extensive interactions with the C-termini of both peptides. Base editing to introduce an R/H1684.64 variant into stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes demonstrated that this residue is critical for receptor binding and function in a clinically relevant setting. Additionally, we present a novel apelin receptor crystal structure bound to the G protein-biased, small molecule agonist, CMF-019, which revealed a deeper binding mode versus peptides at lipophilic pockets between transmembrane helices associated with GPCR activation. Overall, the data provide proof-of-principle for using genetic variation to fast-track the identification and characterisation of key sites that regulate receptor-ligand engagement, potentially informing future drug design.
Susceptibility to febrile malaria is associated with an inflammatory gut microbiome
Authors: Schmidt Nathan , Ham Kristin Van Den , Bower Layne , Li Shanping , Lorenzi Hernan , Doumbo Safiatou , Doumtabe Didier , Kayentao Kassoum , Ongoiba Aissata , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter
Published: April 2024

Malaria is a major public health problem, but many of the factors underlying the pathogenesis of this disease are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate in Malian children that susceptibility to febrile malaria following infection with Plasmodium falciparum is associated with the composition of the gut microbiome prior to the malaria season. Gnotobiotic mice colonized with the fecal samples of malaria-susceptible children had a significantly higher parasite burden following Plasmodium infection compared to gnotobiotic mice colonized with the fecal samples of malaria-resistant children. The fecal microbiome of the susceptible children was enriched for bacteria associated with inflammation, mucin degradation, gut permeability and inflammatory bowel disorders (e.g., Ruminococcus gauvreauii, Ruminococcus torques, Dorea formicigenerans, Dorea longicatena, Lachnoclostridium phocaeense and Lachnoclostridium sp. YL32). However, the susceptible children also had a greater abundance of bacteria known to produce anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids and those associated with favorable prognosis and remission following dysbiotic intestinal events (e.g., Anaerobutyricum hallii, Blautia producta and Sellimonas intestinalis). Metabolomics analysis of the human fecal samples corroborated the existence of inflammatory and recovery-associated features within the gut microbiome of the susceptible children. There was an enrichment of nitric oxide-derived DNA adducts (deoxyinosine and deoxyuridine) and long-chain fatty acids, the absorption of which has been shown to be inhibited by inflamed intestinal epithelial cells, and a decrease in the abundance of mucus phospholipids. Nevertheless, there were also increased levels of pseudouridine and hypoxanthine, which have been shown to be regulated in response to cellular stress and to promote recovery following injury or hypoxia. Overall, these results indicate that the gut microbiome may contribute malaria pathogenesis and suggest that therapies targeting intestinal inflammation could decrease malaria susceptibility.
Design of 2D/2D ZnIn2S4/MgAl-LDH core-shell nanostructures toward enhanced photodegradation of organic dyes
Authors: gao qiang , Ye Lingchun , Ma Fang , Liu Wei , Li Junxi , Cui Yuchen , Xu Naicai , Zhang Mingjin
Published: April 2024

The rational design of semiconductor photocatalysts with multi-dimensional nanostructures is an effective way to solve the problem of water environmental pollution. Herein, a series of ZnIn2S4/MgAl-LDH (ZIS/LDH) composites with core-shell nanostructures were synthesized by in-situ growth of 2D ZnIn2S4 nanosheets onto the hexagonal LDH sheets. The obtained ZIS/LDH composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance with 100% degradation efficiency for methyl orange (MO) within 20 min illumination, which was mainly attributed to the heterostructure formed by the excellent interface contact of the nanostructure, thereby inhibiting the recombination of photogenerated charges. Additionally, the as-synthesized photocatalyst shown satisfactory photocatalytic activity in stability tests and removal experiments for various dye pollutants. The present work provides a novel insight for the design of heterojunction photocatalysts with multidimensional nanostructures and environmentally friendly applications.
Mercury (Hg) in Ryugu particles and implications for the origin of volatile elements in early Earth
Authors: Shirai Naoki , Ito Motoo , Yamaguchi Akira , Tomioka Naotaka , Uesugi Masayuki , Imae Naoya , Kimura Makoto , Greenwood Richard , Liu Ming-Chang , Ohigashi Takuji , Sekimoto Shun , Uesugi Kentaro , Nakato Aiko , Yogata Kasumi , Yuzawa Hayato , Kodama Yu , Hirahara Kaori , Sakurai Ikuya , Okada Ikuo , Karouji Yuzuru , Nakazawa Satoru , Okada Tatsuaki , Tanaka Satoshi , Saiki Takanao , Terui Fuyuto , Yoshikawa Makoto , Miyazaki Akiko , Nishimura Masahiro , Yada Toru , Abe Masanao , Usui Tomohiro , Watanabe Sei-ichiro , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: April 2024

Solar system abundances of the elements, which are determined by spectroscopic measurements of the solar photosphere and laboratory analyses of CI (Ivuna-type) carbonaceous chondrites, are a cornerstone to understand the origin and evolution of planets and other constituents, such as asteroids and comets. Mercury (Hg) is one of the elements whose solar system abundance is still poorly constrained due to no observable lines for Hg in the solar spectrum and large variations of the Hg abundance in CI chondrites caused by mainly terrestrial contamination. Here we determined elemental abundances including Hg for uncontaminated CI-like material from asteroid Ryugu by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft. The new solar system abundance of Hg is 0.907±0.108 atoms/106 Si atoms. Our results demonstrate that Hg in bulk silicate Earth originated from the addition of chondritic material after core formation, late sulfide segregation and/or degassing, and volatile elements are depleted in late-accreted materials relative to CI chondrites.
Survey Study on Areas of Interest Among Highly Educated Female Patients with Non-Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Sha Huizi , Zhang Lianru , Yan Qiu , Liu Baorui , Xie Li
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the specific concerns and areas of interest among highly educated female patients with non-advanced breast cancer.
Methods: A cohort of 156 female patients with non-advanced breast cancer, who sought medical care at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital on March 8, 2021, was selected as the study population. A structured questionnaire survey was administered to collect and analyze data related to patients' educational backgrounds, age, marital status, reproductive history, and their specific areas of interest.
Results: Among the 156 non-advanced breast cancer patients, 128 individuals had their staging and surgical information verified. Among these patients, 36 had attained a university education or higher (classified as highly educated). Furthermore, 41.7% of patients were under the age of 40, 72.2% were covered by Nanjing City Employee Medical Insurance, and 72.2% had a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 18.5 to 23.9. Among the highly educated non-advanced breast cancer patients who had detailed staging and surgical data available (28 cases), 46.4% underwent breast-conserving surgery, 46.4% opted for mastectomy, and 7.1% underwent reconstructive surgery. Additionally, 89.3% of these patients were diagnosed at an early stage, while 10.7% were diagnosed at an intermediate stage. Socioeconomic and pathological analysis revealed differences among patients with varying educational backgrounds (128 cases). Highly educated patients accounted for the highest proportion (35.7%) among patients under 40 years old, and 75% of highly educated patients with medical insurance were covered by Nanjing City Employee Medical Insurance. Highly educated patients tended to have fewer offspring. In the income group of 200,000 to 500,000, highly educated patients constituted the largest proportion (28.6%). The disparities among these educational groups were all statistically significant, with p-values <0.05. Regarding the areas of interest among the 156 surveyed patients, over 90% expressed interest in topics encompassing dietary guidance, lifestyle recommendations, rehabilitation and exercise, symptoms indicative of recurrence and metastasis, risk assessment for recurrence and mortality, breast cancer prevention, available treatment modalities for breast cancer, and the significance of post-recurrence and metastasis treatment.
Conclusion: Highly educated female patients with non-advanced breast cancer were more likely to be younger, have fewer children, and higher family incomes (all with p-values <0.05). There were no substantial differences in areas of interest between highly educated breast cancer patients and those with lower educational backgrounds. Clinical healthcare providers should prioritize effective communication with patients regarding breast cancer prevention, treatment, and post-treatment lifestyle guidance.
Hybrid heating in Fused Filament Fabrication process
Authors: SAVU Ionel Danut , Savu Sorin Vasile , SIRBU Nicusor-Alin
Published: April 2024

Changing the heating regime of the polymer during printing by the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process can produce changes in the behavior of the polymer, but also changes in the characteristics of the printed product. The work proposes to replace the traditional resistive heating system with two hybrid heating systems that bring an additional temperature of 120-160oC: resistive and hot air jet, resistive and infrared radiation. The samples printed by using the two hybrid heating systems were DSC analyzed and visual tested. The filaments used for the experimental program were commercial filaments of ABS and PLA. A model to evaluate the melting of the polymer during the printing process was proposed, and it was experimentally confirmed. The visual testing revealed that the printed lattice’s structure is characterized by lower dimension voids of the structure, being built by depositions that are not circular in section, but flattened, due to the longer time in viscous / partially molten state. The elongation viscosity and the storage modulus decreased with about 10%, being slightly lower in the case of the infrared radiation heat source. The glassy temperature remained unchanged; the mobility of the molecules being not affected by the supplementary heat. The energy consumed to form the crystals is not changed by the supplementary heat. Mechanical behavior of the printed piece, during compression tests, was also influenced by the addition of the second heat source. For both materials a decrease in deformability is recorded as the temperature of the hot air jet increases.
Reliability of center of pressure measures in chronic stroke survivors: Effect of motor and cognitive loads
Authors: Parsa Mitra , Abdollahi Iraj , Negahban Hossein , Sanjari Mohammad Ali , Akhbari Behnam , Bakhshi Enayatollah , Haddadiyan Haniyeh Fakur , Rouhani Mina , Moghaddam Mohammad Sadegh Torabi
Published: April 2024

Background: One of the major objectives of stroke rehabilitation is to
enhance balance control. Therefore, it is crucial to have standardized and reliable balance measures to pinpoint areas for rehabilitation. This study examines the between-day and within-day reliabilities of the center of pressure (CoP) measures in chronic stroke survivors in different standing positions during the effect of motor and cognitive loads.
Methods: Sixteen people (49.31±15.5 years, 5 females) with chronic stroke were assessed in two sessions, 48 hours apart in three conditions: single-task, motor dual-task, and cognitive dual-task. In each condition, three trials of open-eyes quiet standing and three trials of semi-tandem standing were completed, while in the single task condition, three trials of closed-eyes quiet standing were also done. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,3), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated for CoP mean velocity, mean velocity in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions, the standard deviation of AP and ML velocity, and sway area.
Results: Within-day ICC values were higher than between-day values (ICCs ranged from 0.78 to 0.96). Mean velocity and mean and SD of velocity in the AP direction showed the highest relative (ICC: 0.82 and 0.92, 0.83 and 0.90, and 0.84 and 0.90, respectively) and absolute reliabilities (SEM: 0.74 and 1.24, 0.67 and 0.84, and 0.87 and 1.08) in an open-eyes quiet standing position. Dual-task performance could also increase the reliability of the CoP measures, except for the sway area (ICC:0.53-0.93 changed to 0.84-0.96). The semi-tandem standing position was the least reliable position in a single-task condition (ICC:0.53-0.89).
Conclusions: CoP measures during various positions and conditions have sufficient reliability in chronic stroke survivors. Assessing the postural control system during dual-task conditions provides more reliable CoP measures, especially in a semi-tandem standing position.
Insight into spatial intratumoral genomic evolution in glioblastoma
Authors: Anand Atul , Petersen Jeanette , Andersen Lars , Burton Mark , Larsen Martin , Erichsen Philip , Pedersen Christian , Poulsen Frantz , Grupe Peter , Thomassen Mads , Kristensen Bjarne
Published: April 2024

Glioblastoma undergoes a complex and dynamic evolution involving genetic and epigenetic changes. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this evolution is vital for the development of efficient therapeutic strategies. Although treatment resistance is associated with intratumoral heterogeneity in glioblastoma, it remains uncertain whether hypometabolic and hypermetabolic lesions observed through clinical positron emission tomography (PET) imaging are influenced by spatial intratumoral genomic evolution. In this study, we precisely isolated autologous hypometabolic and hypermetabolic lesions from glioblastoma using advanced neurosurgical and brain tumor imaging technologies, followed by comprehensive whole-genome, exome and transcriptome analyses. Our findings unveil that hypermetabolic lesions, originating from hypometabolic lesions, exhibit strategic focal amplifications and deletions, and heightened APOBEC3 activity. Furthermore, we identify dipeptidase 1 as a novel vascular endothelial tip marker for hypermetabolic lesions in glioblastoma, facilitating angiogenesis and tumor metabolism by regulating transporter activities. This study underscores a spatial genomic evolution with diagnostic implications and elucidates challenges and opportunities crucial for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Effectiveness of Registered Dietitian-Led Management of Early Nutritional Support in the Emergency Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Hayashi Mamoru , Nishikido Yuki , Banno Hiroyuki , Michitaka Tsuzuki , Tachibana Eiko , Tsukahara Takayoshi
Published: April 2024

Background
Appropriate nutritional management in critically ill patients has a positive impact on prognosis. The Japanese Guidelines for Nutritional Therapy of Critically Ill Patients issued in 2016 recommend that enteral nutrition be started within 48 h of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and that an enteral nutrition protocol be developed. In November 2021, we assigned a dietitian exclusively to our emergency ICU (EICU), created a flowchart for initiating early nutritional support and an early enteral nutrition protocol, and strengthened the management system for early nutritional supports. This new system was evaluated based on the nutritional management status and safety of patients admitted to the EICU.
Methods
This retrospective observational study included patients who stayed in the EICU for at least 5 days between April 2021 and May 2022. Patients admitted before and after the system was implemented were defined as the control group (n = 56) and early support group (n = 58), respectively. Primary and secondary endpoints were compared among the groups. The primary endpoints were the time until enteral nutrition initiation after admission to the EICU and the rate of enteral nutrition initiation within 48 h. The secondary endpoints were the rate of enteral feeding up to 7 days after admission to the EICU, the rate of complications in tube feeding management, the number of times a nutrition management plan was proposed to the primary care physician, and outcomes.
Results
The time taken to start enteral nutrition after admission was shorter in the early support group. The enteral nutrition energy and protein sufficiency rates increased with nutritional supports. In terms of complications during tube feeding, the incidence of diarrhea was lower in the early support group. No significant differences in outcomes were observed between the groups.
Conclusions
The early nutritional support system in our EICU effectively reduces the time it takes to initiate enteral nutrition, thereby improving the nutritional sufficiency rate, and decreases the incidence of diarrhea during tube feeding. Our findings highlight the significance of dedicating a dietitian exclusively to lead the nutritional management system in the EICU.
Anti-fibrogenic effect of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell conditioned media in human esophageal fibroblasts
Authors: Choi Yoon Jeong , Kim Jee Hyun , Lee Yeonju , Pyeon Hee Jang , Yoo In Kyung , Yoo Jun Hwan
Published: April 2024

Esophageal fibrosis and strictures can develop due to caustic or radiation injuries. Umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) are known to mitigate fibrosis in various organs. However, the potential effects of UC-MSCs on human esophageal fibrosis remain underexplored. This study investigated the anti-fibrogenic properties and mechanisms of UC-MSC-derived conditioned media (UC-MSC-CM) on human esophageal fibroblasts (HEFs). HEFs were treated with TGF-β1 and then co-cultured with UC-MSC-CM, and the expression levels of RhoA, myocardin related transcription factor A (MRTF-A), serum response factor (SRF), Yes-associated protein (YAP), and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in the HEFs were measured. UC-MSC-CM suppressed TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HEFs, as evidenced by the downregulation of extracellular matrix components. UC-MSC-CM notably diminished the expression of RhoA, MRTF-A, and SRF triggered by TGF-β1. In TGF-β1-stimulated HEFs, UC-MSC-CM significantly decreased the nuclear localization of MRTF-A and YAP. Additionally, UC-MSC-CM significantly diminished the TGF-β1-induced nuclear expressions of YAP and TAZ, while concurrently enhancing the cytoplasmic presence of phosphorylated YAP, which was previously reduced by TGF-β1. Human UC-MSC-CM can potentially inhibit TGF-β1-induced fibrogenic activation in HEFs by targeting the Rho-mediated MRTF/SRF and YAP/TAZ pathways. Thus, UC-MSC-CM is a potential candidate for stem cell therapies for esophageal fibrosis.
Translation, Adaptation, and Validation of Person-Centered Primary Care Measures for Patients in Family Doctor Contract Services within Mainland China
Authors: Wang Yang , Yu Dehua , Jin Hua
Published: April 2024

Background:
In the context of China's health reforms enhancing its primary care function through Family Doctor Contract Service Program, effectively measuring its health-beneficial features is paramount. This study endeavors to translate, adapt, and validate the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure (PCPCM) for primary care patients enrolled in family doctor contract services in mainland China.
Methods
Following the guidelines by Sousa and Rojjanasrirat, we translated and adapted the PCPCM into simplified Chinese and evaluated its psychometric properties. Our assessment involved 583 patients in family doctor contract services from 10 primary care facilities in Shanghai, China. We analyzed various aspects, including internal consistency, stability, homogeneity, construct-related validity, criterion-related validity, dimensionality, and model fit of the adapted PCPCM. Additionally, we conducted subgroup analyses focusing on patients with hypertension and/or diabetes and seniors aged 65 and above.
Results:
The adaptation resulted in the PCPCM for patients under the family doctor contract service program(PCPCM-SC-FDCP), tailored for primary care patients under the family doctor contract service program in mainland China. Initial pilot testing led to refinements for clearer applicability, particularly for Item 5. The PCPCM-SC-FDCP demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94), homogeneity (Correlation = 0.67–0.85), construct-related validity (Correlation = 0.72, p < 0.001), and criterion-related validity (Correlation = 0.54, p < 0.001), alongside satisfactory dimensionality and model fit. Stability reliability (ICC = 0.56), while slightly below the ideal, was deemed acceptable. The instrument also performed well in subgroup analyses.
Conclusions:
The PCPCM-SC-FDCP proves to be an effective patient-reported outcome measure, for measuring patient experiences with primary care's functional features among those enrolled in family doctor contract services in mainland China. Its widespread adoption is anticipated to significantly aid the strategic reform of China's primary care system by highlighting and improving functional features within the local healthcare framework.
Experimental Study on the Energy Change and Microstructure of Roasted Bentonite
Authors: Hai Long , Wang Jiarui
Published: April 2024

Sodium bentonite was roasted at different temperatures, and the raw ore and roasting products were analysed via thermogravimetry‒differential scanning calorimetry (TG‒DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‒EDS). The changes in energy, microphase, and microform during the roasting process were investigated. The diffraction peaks of montmorillonite, the main sodium bentonite phase, broadened and decreased significantly during roasting below 700°C, and the degree of curling at the edges of the bentonite particles increased with increasing temperature. After roasting at 900°C, the diffraction peaks of montmorillonite disappeared, many amorphous phases were observed, the edges of the particles appeared fused, the particles were adherent, and the curling was reduced. After roasting at 1100°C, the amorphous phase recrystallized, the diffraction peak of quartz significantly increased, and most of the bentonite particles were in a molten state and adhered together. The bentonite roasted at 700~900°C was used as a filling material additive, not only to ensure a certain degree of expansion but also to improve the activity of volcanic ash. These results provided theoretical support for the use of roasted bentonite in mine filling materials to.
Neurovirulence of Usutu virus in human fetal organotypic brain slice cultures resembles Zika and West Nile virus
Authors: Marshall Eleanor M. , Rashidi Ahmad S. , Gent Michiel , Rockx Barry , Verjans Georges M. G. M.
Published: April 2024

Usutu (USUV), West Nile (WNV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) are neurotropic arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) that cause severe neurological disease in humans. However, USUV-associated neurological disease is rare, suggesting a block in entry to or infection of the brain. To investigate whether USUV is able to infect the brain similarly to WNV and ZIKV, we determined the replication, cell tropism and neurovirulence of these arboviruses in human brain tissue using a well-characterized human fetal organotypic brain slice culture model. Furthermore, we assessed the efficacy of interferon-β and 2’C-methyl-cytidine, a synthetic nucleoside analogue, in restricting viral replication. All three arboviruses replicated within the brain slices, with WNV reaching the highest titers. USUV and ZIKV reached comparable titers and all three viruses primarily infected neuronal cells. USUV- and WNV-infected cells exhibited a shrunken morphology, not associated with detectable cell death. Pre-treatment with interferon-β inhibited replication of the arboviruses, while 2’C-methyl-cytidine reduced titers of USUV and ZIKV, but not WNV. Collectively, USUV can infect human brain tissue, showing similarities in replication, tropism and neurovirulence as WNV and ZIKV. Further, this model system can be applied as a preclinical model to determine the efficacy and safety of drugs to treat viral infections of the brain.
Impacts of Model Resolution on the Simulation of Sea-level Variability by a Global Ocean-Sea Ice Model
Authors: WANG YAQI , Liu Hailong , Yu Zipeng , Lin Pengfei , Ding Mengrong
Published: April 2024

Previous studies have explored the impacts of model resolution on sea-level simulations, but no quantitative conclusion has been derived. To this end, in this research, we analyze the effects of model resolution on the simulation of sea-level variability based on the second-generation climate system ocean model from the State Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Atmospheric Science and Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Institute of Atmosphere Physics (LICOM2) with resolutions of 1° (LICOM2-L) and 0.1° (LICOM2-H). The results show that the spatial distribution and variation trends of the time-averaged dynamic sea level (DSL) simulated by the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H are consistent with the observations. The magnitude of the zonal-averaged DSL from the LICOM2-H is closer to the observations, especially in high latitudes. Furthermore, the LICOM2-H simulations can also depict mesoscale characteristics in the western boundary currents and Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) regions. The interannual variability, decadal variability, and variation trends of the DSL are estimated using a multivariate linear regression model based on the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H datasets during 1958–2007. The distributions of the interannual variability, decadal variability, and variation trends of the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H simulations are identical in the tropics and mid-latitudes, and the differences are also concentrated in the regions of the western boundary currents and ACC, which are primarily caused by the thermosteric sea level (TSSL) and the halosteric sea level. In contrast, the DSL variability differences in the Southern Ocean are mainly due to the TSSL. Analyses of ocean heat content (OHC) budgets suggest that the variations in the OHC drive variations in the TSSL. The differences between the LICOM2-L and LICOM2-H simulations are mainly in decadal variability and variation trends. Both large-scale mean advection and eddy-induced transport are responsible for the differences.
Study of stress distribution in the various interfaces present in the 3D printing microelectronic systems: applies to boxes produced by additive manufacturing.
Authors: houmimi mohamed , Benaissa Hamza Ait , Zaghar Hamid , Moujibi Nabil , Sossey-Alaoui Ismail , Ziat Abderrazak
Published: April 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the production of complex geometries that are not accessible using conventional processes. During manufacture, residual stresses pose a problem of geometric stability, which affects the performance of an object printed by the 3D printing process. Residual stresses need to be anticipated in order to improve part quality. A semi-crystalline polypropylene PP polymer is used for the FDM (Fused Material Deposition) process, as it is characterized by deformability due to crystallization. Designers use numerical models to predict the thermomechanical behavior of a part printed by the FDM process, in order to find the best printing parameters. Improving these models enables a prediction close to reality. This study investigates the thermomechanical behavior of a semi-crystalline polymer (polypropylene) during a change of material deposition shape from a parallelepiped filament to a cylindrical one in a numerical study. During printing, time and temperature affect the thermomechanical properties and crystallization kinetics of polypropylene. Based on printing conditions (extrusion temperature, line weft pattern, filling, printing speed and layer thickness), the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of changing the shape of material deposition, in a numerical study, from a parallelepiped filament to a cylindrical one on residual stresses in a 3D printed part. A coupling solid mechanics, heat transfer and crystallization kinetics was considered as a Multiphysics model to predict temperature profiles, residual stresses and degree of crystallization during the FDM process. For an assessment of residual stresses during 3D printing, two samples were selected, the first for a parallelepiped material deposit and the second for a cylindrical material deposit. A choice of six points distributed over the sample enables temperature, residual stress and degree of crystallization to be analyzed and calculated, in order to study the effect of the change in deposition shape on the thermomechanical behavior of the polypropylene polymer PP. The results found in a numerical study of changing the shape of a deposit provide a reliable approach to predicting and adjusting the predicted behavior to the actual thermomechanical properties of a printed part. This change minimizes residual stresses, enhancing the development of a model that presents an accurate prediction for finding the optimum parameters to create high-quality parts.
Effect of Lentilactobacillus buchneri on chemical and microbial compositions of herba leonuri (Leonurus japonicus Houtt.)-contained alfalfa silage
Authors: Zhang Mingjie , Liao Chaosheng , Ou Yangwen , Tang Xiaolong , Zhang Yubo , Wang Bi , Lu Guangrou , Chen Cheng , Wang Pan , Huang Xiaokang , Li Lin , Chen Chao , Li Ping
Published: April 2024

Inoculants with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used in silage production.The potential effects from LAB inoculants in silage containing antimicrobial components have not been well explored. Herein, the harvested alfalfa and were thoroughly mixed with dried Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (LJH) at a ratio of 9:1 on fresh weight basis, and treated without (CK) or with either a lactic acid bacterial inoculant (L; Lentilactobacillus buchneri). The mixtures were stored under anaerobic conditions in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags for 30 days at ambient temperature. The L-treated silage exhibited high levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (4.98% dry matter (DM)) and acid detergent fiber (27.88% DM). Compared to that of treatment CK, treatment with L increased the acetic acid content of the silage, as result from increased (P < 0.05) bacterial dominance and decreased (P < 0.05) bacterial richness indices (e.g., Pielou’s E, Shannon, and Simpson) in the pre-storage period. However, these changes gradually reduced as the storage length increased. Treatment L reshaped the bacterial community structure of silage, by increasing prevailiance of Lactobacillus and reducing relative abundances of Enterococcus and Weissella. However, the principal coordinate and bray curtis index analyses illustrated that samples from the L-treated silages exhibited similarities to the CK samples post-fermentation. Overall, the effect of LJH on LAB was only observed in the later stages of fermentation, which did not sufficiently change the silage quality. Hence, using LJH in silage is vital for clean livestock production without compromising the function of LAB when mixed with alfalfa silage.
The Association between Older Persons’ Nutrition and Frailty Risk and Chewing and Swallowing Disorders in Tainan City, Taiwan
Authors: Teng Chia-Jen , Li Tsuey-fong , Chen Shu-Chuan , Huang Wan-CI , Su Siao-Ting , Ho Pei-Shan
Published: April 2024

Background
Delaying disability is a current and crucial public health issue. Addressing how to prevent the consequences of malnutrition, such as frailty, sarcopenia, and even death, is challenging. However, determining which assessment tools to use to effectively identify potential cases for intervention is an area where frontline public health personnel currently require significant assistance.
Methods
In this study, a community screening approach was employed, incorporating diverse assessment tools and scales such as the MNA-SF, SOF, GDS-15, AD8, EAT-10, and a chewing assessment scale. The analysis involves physiological measurements to identify correlations among these assessment tools. The AUC (area under the curve) is then utilized to assess the predictive power of these tools.
Results
The primary factors influencing the presence of nutritional risk in patients included age, grip strength, level of physical activity, history of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes), severity of depression, and presence of chewing difficulties. The AUC for these factors reached 0.6668. The main factors influencing the risk of frailty in patients included the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, the severity of depression, the presence of swallowing difficulties, and the presence of nutritional risk, with a high AUC of 0.7956. The findings highlight the practical utility of these relevant tools in community screening.
Conclusion
Using the Chewing Scale and EAT-10 enables rapid screening for malnutrition and frailty, aiding frontline health workers in providing timely interventions, education, and counseling and reducing associated risks and mortality. Combining the GDS-15 score enhances the predictive capability.
Developing a nomogram for predicting patients’ 24h-fatigue after digestive endoscopy with anesthesia assistance: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Bing-Bing , Fang Liang-Yu , Jia Ying-Ying , Gu Dong-Zhou , Lu Xiao-Dan , Li Xiang-Yun
Published: April 2024

Background
Postoperative fatigue (POF) widely exists in patients underwent digestive endoscopy under anesthesia, seriously affecting patients’ postoperative rehabilitation and quality of life, there is few predicted tools for POF. We aim to identify predictors of 24 hours-postoperative fatigue (24h-POF) in patients underwent digestive endoscopy with anesthesia assistance and develop a nomogram.
Methods
This cross-sectional study involved 1306 patients underwent digestive endoscopy in The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine from May to November in 2023. Christensen Fatigue Scale was used to evaluate POF. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to ascertain independent predictors, and a nomogram was developed based on these findings. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate the predictive model’s performance.
Results
528 patients (40.43%) reported experiencing 24h-POF. Five modifiable factors (preoperative anxiety, average dosage of propofol, change rates of heart rate, fatigue 30 min after endoscopy, intraoperative hypotension) and nine non-modifiable factors (age, gender, drinker, numbers of comorbidities, degree of education, marital, Buddhist, endoscopic treatment, intraoperative tracheal intubation) were independently associated with 24h-POF in patients undergoing digestive endoscopy. The model exhibited good discrimination with an AUC of 0.865 and 0.891 in training cohort and validation cohort, respectively. The calibration curves and DCA curves demonstrated excellent calibration and clinical practicability.
Conclusion
The nomogram can effectively predict 24h-POF of digestive endoscopic patients, providing valuable assistance for early intervention to expedite patient recovery.
Bridging Research, Accurate Information, and Dialogue (BRAID) to Improve Trust in Clinical Research Trials
Authors: Yone Nang S. , Jacobs Sarah A. , McNeilly Sarah M. , EdD Debra Williams , Gutnick Damara
Published: April 2024

Background
Lack of trust in scientific research and in healthcare systems is a well-documented barrier to minoritized participation in clinical trials.
Objective
To apply the Bridging Research, Accurate Information and Dialogue (BRAID) model to understand barriers to participation and improve trust in science and clinical trials.
Methods
Community leaders from Bronx, NY community-based organizations were invited to participate in a series of BRAID Conversation Circles regarding clinical trials. Clinical and scientific guests joined to address questions. Twelve Circles were convened between June and August 2022 via Zoom. Inductive thematic analysis was used to code Circle transcripts. Pre/post surveys assessed participants' knowledge and attitudes.
Results
Twenty community experts participated. Ages 26–75, 71% female, 59% Non-Hispanic Black, 41% Hispanic/Latino. Five overarching themes emerged: Influence of historic and contemporary racism; Personal factors impacting participation; Motivations to participate; Methods to improve participation; BRAID as a model for restitution. Surveys demonstrated increased trust in clinical research: 85% Post vs. 38% Pre would definitely consider participating in a clinical trial; 83% Post vs. 58% Pre would definitely recommend participation to others.
Conclusion
The BRAID model was effective in improving trust in science and clinical research. To ensure diverse representation of marginalized populations in clinical research, interventions must be sensitive to historical injustices and address structural barriers that persist today. BRAID is an effective and reproducible model of community trust-building that has potential to provide restitution by validating experiences, emphasizing progress, and empowering trusted messengers to spread accurate health information within larger social networks.
Investigation of Transcriptome Profile of Genes in Rats with Injured Spinal Cord after Transplantation of Menstrual Blood-derived Stem Cells and Treadmill Training by Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Sun Yuyu , Zhang Jinlong , Hong Hongxiang , Chen Liang
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study was to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) undergoing treatment with menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) and treadmill training, compared to untreated SCI rats. Spinal cord injury models were induced in SD rats via dorsal hemisection at T10, following which rats were divided into CTMT (cells and treadmill training) and SCI groups. In the CTMT group, MenSCs (1.0×105) were microinjected into the injured area, followed by 2 weeks of aerobic exercise training. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on injured spinal cord tissues, with subsequent analyses encompassing differential gene expression, GO pathway enrichment, KEGG pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Motor function recovery was assessed using the Basso, Bresnahan, and Beattie (BBB) scoring system, while local pathological changes were evaluated via H&E staining. Validation of DEGs was conducted using qRT-PCR and Western blot. Transcriptome analysis revealed 247 up-regulated and 174 down-regulated genes in the CTMT group, with notable up-regulated genes including Bdnf, Hmox1, Sd4, Mmp3, and Cd163. KEGG and GO analyses indicated involvement in growth, development, metabolism, and immune-inflammatory processes, with the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway enriched for BDNF genes. CTMT led to significant improvements in locomotor function and local pathology, accompanied by increased BDNF gene expression. The combined approach of MenSCs and treadmill training effectively enhanced motor function recovery and upregulated BDNF gene expression in SCI rats, suggesting a promising intervention target for SCI treatment and introducing a novel avenue for SCI management.