bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of subclinical P300 event-related potentials changes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors.
Authors: Kroczka Slawomir , Kwiecinska Kinga , Gergont Aleksandra , Grela Anna , Gorowska Olga , Skoczen Szymon
Published: January 2024

Modern treatment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
resulted in high cure rate. However, it causes central nervous system
toxicity. A group of 136 ALL survivors were screened for P300 potentials
changes. Therapy was conducted according to modified New York (NY - 30
patients) and two subsequent revisions of modified
Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM - 32 and 74 patients). The control group
consisted of 58 patients. The survivors had significantly prolonged the
mean latency of P300 (331.31+/-28.71 vs 298.14+/-38.76 ms,
P<0.001) and reaction time (439.51+/-119.86 vs 380.11+/-79.94
ms, P=0.002) compared to the control group. Abnormalities in the
endogenous evoked potentials were observed in 36 patients (26,5%). The
mean latency time was significantly longer compared to the control group
(NY: 329.13+/-28.07 ms, P=0.001; pBFM: 332.97+/-23.97 ms,
P<0.001; BFM95: 331.47+/-31.05 ms, P<0.001). The
reaction time was similarly prolonged in both groups. The most
significant prolongation was recorded in the NY group (461.8+/-140.3 vs
380.1+/-78.04 ms, P=0.039). Significantly higher frequency of prolonged
reaction time in non-irradiated BFM95 patients was found (21.62 vs
15.85%, P=0.007). Radiotherapy have significantly reduced the P300 wave
amplitude (mean values: 10.395+/-5.727 vs 12.739+/-6.508 ms, P=0.027).
Endogenous P300 event-related potentials may be useful in screening of
subclinical cognitive changes in ALL survivors.
Menstrual characteristics and its related morbidities among adolescents girls living in North Borneo, Malaysia: A questionnaire-based study
Authors: Azhary Jerilee , Lai Kim Leng , Razali Nuguelis , Sulaiman Sofiah , Wahab Ana Vetriana Abd , Adlan Aizura , Hassan Jamiyah
Published: January 2024

Objective: To determine the menstrual characteristic and its related
morbidities among adolescent girls living in Sabah of North Borneo,
Malaysia. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Three government high
schools located in Ranau, Sabah. Population or Sample: A total of 757
girls aged between 14 and 19 years. The participants were female
adolescent volunteers who have attained menarche. Methods: Data were
based on a quantitative survey. Main Outcome Measures: Based on the
analysis of questionnaires completed by 757 adolescent girls, the mean
age was 17 ± 1.4, and the mean menarche age was 12.2 ± 1.1. Our data
demonstrated that 85.7% of the participants experienced dysmenorrhea,
of which at least 42% (mean pain score±SD: 4.81±0.76, 95% CI: 4.7,
4.9) experienced moderate dysmenorrhoea and 11.3% (mean pain score ±
SD: 7.86±0.97, 95% CI: 7.6, 8.1) documented severe dysmenorrhea. More
than 70% of these girls complained of tiredness, headache, and appetite
change during their menses. Conclusion: The prevalence of menstrual
disorders and its related morbidities among girls residing in Sabah is
high. Reproductive health issues remain poorly addressed in rural and
socio-economic deprived areas. The main consequence of neglecting
menstrual disorder and its related morbidities is impaired future sexual
reproductive health as an adult. Hence, addressing adolescent
reproductive health issues is crucial, especially among girls living in
areas where healthcare accessibility is difficult. Information gathered
from this study is required to strategise an effective intervention to
improve adolescents’ reproductive health status in rural areas.
Analysis of risk factors for cervical insufficiency: a retrospective controlled study
Authors: Han Yu , Wang Na , Wang Chao , Yang Hailan
Published: January 2024

Objective：To study the risk factors of cervical insufficiency (CI).
Design：Retrospective controlled study. Setting：First Hospital of
Shanxi Medical University. Population：209 CI patients with a singleton
pregnancy (CI group) and 348 patients randomly selected (control group).
Methods and main outcome measures：All patients were required to have
records of the whole pregnancy. The general conditions and pregnancy
complications of the two groups were collected. A model of logistic
regression and ROC curves were used. Results：Patients with a history of
multiple pregnancies had a 17.51 times higher risk of CI than negative
patients(OR=17.51, 95%CI: 2.16-141.85, P=0.007); patients who were
pregnant by IVF-ET/ovulation induction had a 3.26 times higher risk of
CI than negative patients(OR=3.26, 95%CI: 1.69-6.30,
P<0.001); patients with gestational diabetes (GDM) or
pregnancy with diabetes (PGDM) had a 2.88 times higher risk of CI than
negative patients(OR=2.88, 95%CI：1.87-4.44, P<0.001);
patients with PCOS had an 8.72 times higher risk of CI than negative
patients (OR=8.72, 95%CI: 2.33- 32.64, P=0.001); and patients with
uterine malformations had a 4.00 times higher risk of CI than negative
patients(OR=4.00, 95%CI：1.07-14.97, P=0.040) . The ROC curve showed
the combination of multiple indicators have a certain predictive ability
for CI (AUC=0.728). Conclusions：Previous multiple pregnancy,
IVF-ET/ovulation induction conception, diabetes mellitus (GDM or PGDM),
uterine malformations, and PCOS are risk factors for the incidence of
CI, and the combination of multiple indicators has some predictive
ability for CI. Funding：None
HCN1 channels mediate mu opioid receptor long-term depression at insular cortex inputs to the dorsal striatum
Authors: Munoz Braulio , Fritz Brandon , Attwood Brady
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose: Mu opioid receptors (MORs) are expressed in the
dorsal striatum, a brain region that mediates goal-directed (via the
dorsomedial striatum), and habitual (via the dorsolateral striatum, DLS)
behaviors. Our previous work indicates that glutamate transmission is
depressed when MORs are activated in the dorsal striatum, inducing
MOR-mediated long-term synaptic depression (MOR-LTD) or short-term
depression (MOR-STD), depending on the input. In the DLS, MOR-LTD is
produced by MORs on anterior insular cortex (AIC) inputs and MOR-STD
occurs at thalamic inputs, suggesting input-specific MOR plasticity
mechanisms. Experimental Approach: We evaluated the mechanisms of
induction of MOR-LTD and MOR-STD in the DLS using pharmacology and
optogenetics combined with patch clamp electrophysiology. To evaluate
glutamatergic synapses, we used C57BL/6J (all glutamatergic inputs or
targeted probing of AIC-DLS inputs), Emx1-Ai32 (cortical inputs),
VGluT2-Ai32 (thalamic inputs) and HCN1-flox (AIC-DLS HCN1 deletion)
mice. Key Results: We found that cAMP/PKA signaling and protein
synthesis are necessary for MOR-LTD expression, similar to previous
studies of endocannabinoid-mediated LTD (eCB-LTD) in DLS. However,
MOR-LTD does not require mTOR signaling as eCB-LTD does. MOR-STD does
not utilize these same mechanisms. We characterized a novel role of
presynaptic HCN1 channels in MOR-LTD induction as HCN1 channels
expressed in AIC are necessary for MOR-LTD expression in the DLS.
Conclusion and Implications: These results show a novel mechanism in
which MOR activation needs HCN1 to induce MOR-LTD, suggesting a new
target for pharmacological modulation of synaptic plasticity, providing
new opportunities to develop novel drugs to treat alcohol and opioid use
disorders.
Sufficiency and duality for nonsmooth optimization problems involving symmetric invex interval-valued functions
Authors: Guo Yating , Ye Guoju , Liu Wei , Zhao Dafang
Published: January 2024

This paper deals with a class of nonsmooth interval-valued optimization
problems (NIVOPs) whose objective and constraints are interval-valued
functions (IVFs). For this, we propose a new concept of symmetric
invexity (S-invexity) for IVFs based on gH-symmetrically derivative, and
deduce a sufficient optimality condition for non-dominated solutions.
Furthermore, we establish appropriate duality theorems for Wolfe and
Mond-Weir type duals. Examples are also presented to illustrate
corresponding results.
Physiological Control of Water Exchange in Anurans
Authors: Lemenager Lee , Tracy Christopher , Christian Keith , Tracy C. Richard
Published: January 2024

1. Research on water exchange in frogs has historically assumed that
blood osmotic potential drives water exchange between a frog and its
environment, but here we show that the “seat patch” (the primary site
of water exchange in many anurans), or other sites of cutaneous water
uptake, act as an anatomic “compartment” with a water potential
controlled separately from water potential of the blood, and the water
potential of that compartment can be the driver of water exchange
between the animal and its environment. 2. We studied six frog species
(Xenopus laevis, Rana pipiens, R. catesbeiana, Bufo boreas, Pseudacris
cadaverina and P. regilla) differing in ecological relationships to
environmental water. We inferred the water potentials of seat patches
from water exchanges by frogs in sucrose solutions ranging in water
potential from 0 to 1000 -kPa. 3. Terrestrial and arboreal species had
seat patch water potentials that were more negative than the water
potentials of more aquatic species, and their seat patch water
potentials were similar to the water potential of their blood, but the
water potentials of venters of the more aquatic species were different
from (and less negative than) the water potentials of their blood. 4.
These findings indicate that there are physiological mechanisms among
frog species that can be used to control water potential at the sites of
cutaneous water uptake, and that some frogs may be able to adjust the
hydric conductance of their skin when they are absorbing water from very
dilute solutions. 5. Largely unexplored mechanisms involving aquaporins
are likely responsible for adjustments in hydric conductance, which in
turn, allow control of water potential at sites of cutaneous water
uptake among species differing in ecological habit and the observed
disequilibrium between sites of cutaneous water uptake and blood water
potential in more aquatic species.
A traditional clinical prescription, Langchuangding, induces β-oestradiol-activated Jurkat T cell apoptosis to treat systemic lupus erythaematosus
Authors: Lv Huiqing , Li Qianqian , Xie Zhijun , Li Haichang , Wang Weijie , Gu Huanpeng , Wen Chengping
Published: January 2024

Systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease
associated with inflammation and organ damage. Based on accumulating
evidence, activated T cells are key cells promoting the pathogenesis of
SLE. Langchuangding (LCD) is an effective clinical traditional Chinese
medicine prescription for treating SLE with few side effects and good
patient compliance. LCD has proven great potential as a supplement to
conventional treatments in previous clinical studies However, few
studies have investigated its potential mechanism. Here, we prepared
LCD-treated rat serum (LCDs) and evaluated their effects on activated
Jurkat T cells stimulated with β-oestradiol in vitro. We developed a
sensitive and reliable high-performance liquid chromatography coupled
with quadrupole time-of-ﬂight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS) method
for the quality control of LCDs. T cell proliferation and apoptosis were
detected with the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis. Caspase-3
mRNA and protein expression were detected using real-time PCR and
western blotting, respectively. Two compounds, ferulic acid and
isoferulic acid were simultaneously identify and their concentrations of
high, middle and low doses of LCDs (H, M and L) were determined
respectively. LCDs treatment inhibited the proliferation
(P<0.05) of activated Jurkat T cells and induced apoptosis by
up-regulating the mRNA and protein levels of caspase-3. Taken together,
our results suggested that LCDs treatment depressed
β-oestradiol-activated T cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis
through caspase-3 activation, ﬁnally contributing to the amelioration of
SLE. Thus, LCD potentially represents a promising therapeutic
prescription for SLE supplement treatment with no adverse effects.
Case Report: Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome with a new frameshift mutation in KMT2A
Authors: He Jun , Deng Aimin , chen Ying , Yan Shuyuan , wang yanling , Wang Tuanmei , Peng Xiangwen
Published: January 2024

Here we report a 5 year old girl with a new frameshift mutation
(c.2318dup:p.S774Vfs*12) in the KMT2A gene.The patient’s clinical
manifestations: postnatal growth retardation, early teething, rapid
tooth replacement,dysplasia of dentition; wide eye spacing; generalized
hirsutism; stubby fingers; low muscle tension and retarded mental
development.
Distribution evaluation of tacrolimus in the ascitic fluid of liver transplant recipients with liver cirrhosis by a sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method
Authors: Yang Na , Du Yao , He Jun , Ge Jiajia , Wang Min , Sun Runbin , zhu huaijun , Ge Weihong
Published: January 2024

Background: Tacrolimus (TAC), an important immunosuppressant for liver
transplantation, has a narrow therapeutic index and large individual
differences in pharmacokinetics. Ascitic fluid is commonly drained after
liver transplantation. However, the distribution of TAC in ascitic fluid
and the influence of drained ascitic fluid on whole-blood TAC are
unclear. Methods: The ascitic fluid samples from twenty liver transplant
recipients who were received TAC treatment within 12h after the
transplantation surgery were collected for consecutive 24h in different
days after the surgery. The distribution of TAC in ascitic fluid were
evaluated by using a sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method. Chromatographic
separation was achieved on an Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus Phenyl-Hexyl
column (2.1×100mm, 3.5μm). Mass spectrometry was performed in multiple
reaction monitoring (MRM) conditions of transitions m/z 821.4→768.5 for
TAC. Results: The concentrations of TAC in ascitic fluid samples range
from 0.2 to 3.0 ng/mL, accounting for 1.19-31.87% of whole-blood TAC
concentrations. A linear mixed model showed a statistically significant
positive correlation between the steady-state trough blood concentration
of TAC (C0) and the corresponding amount of TAC excreted in the ascitic
fluid for 24 consecutive hours, especially after normalization by the
daily dose per unit body weight (D/W). Conclusions: These data suggested
that the distribution of TAC in ascitic fluid has great individual
differences. The whole-blood TAC concentration, D/W and other
confounding factors may contribute to the excretion of TAC in ascitic
fluid, but the influence of TAC excretion in drained ascitic fluid on
the whole-blood TAC concentration is negligible.
Correlation of UniPolar Electrogram modification with Ablation Index during Atrial Fibrillation ablation: a pilot study ( COUPE–AF)
Authors: Paymard Mohammad , Deyell Marc , Laksman Zachary , Yeung-Lai-Wah John , Chakrabarti Santabhanu
Published: January 2024

Introduction Pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency catheter
ablation is the standard of care for patients with drug-refractory
atrial fibrillation. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the
local unipolar electrogram (UEGM) modification characteristics of the
different target areas of left atrium and the associated ablation index
parameters during pulmonary vein isolation procedure. Methods The study
analyzed ten patients who underwent pulmonary vein isolation using
radiofrequency energy at our Centre in 2021. The local
electrophysiological properties and ablation parameters of 15 designated
areas of interest in the left atria targeted by radiofrequency catheter
ablation were collected. Results Out of the ten patients, six were men
(mean age 66 years) and the majority (n=8) had paroxysmal atrial
fibrillation. UEGM modification was observed in every studied RF
ablation lesion. The mean time to achieve the UEGM modification in the
posterior wall was shorter than that of the anterior wall( 8.9 seconds
vs 11.1 seconds, respectively). The time to achieve the UEGM
modification for every target was significantly shorter than delivered (
p<.001). Conclusion This study demonstrated that during
pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency energy, local UEGM
modification, representing a real-time surrogate of transmural lesion
creation, is achieved in significantly shorter time reaching the
conventional Ablation Index-guided approach in current practice.
Impact of long-COVID on health-related quality of life in Japanese COVID-19 patients
Authors: Tsuzuki Shinya , Miyazato Yusuke , Terada Mari , Morioka Shinichiro , Ohmagari Norio , Beutels Philippe
Published: January 2024

Background: The empirical basis for a quantitative assessment of the
disease burden imposed by long-COVID is currently scant. We aimed to
assess the disease burden caused by long-COVID in Japan. Methods: We
conducted a cross sectional self-report questionnaire survey. The
questionnaire was mailed to 530 eligible patients, who were recovered
from acute COVID-19 in April 2021. Answers were classified into two
groups; participants who have no symptom and those who have any ongoing
symptoms that lasted longer than four weeks at the time of the survey.
We compared health-related quality of life scores estimated by the
EQ-5D-3L questionnaire between these two groups after adjusting basic
characteristics of the participants by propensity score matching.
Results: 349 participants reported no symptoms and 108 reported any
symptoms at the time of the survey. The participants who reported any
symptoms showed a lower value on a Visual Analogue Scale (median 70
[IQR 60-80]) and on the EQ-5D-3L (median 0.81 [IQR 0.77-1.0])
than those reporting no symptoms (median 85 [IQR 75-90] and 1.0
[IQR 1.0-1.0], respectively). After adjusting for background
characteristics, these trends did not change substantially (Visual
Analog Scale: median 70 [IQR 60-80] vs 80 [IQR 77-90], EQ-5D-3L:
median 0.81 [IQR 0.76-1.0] vs 1.0 [IQR 1.0-1.0]). Conclusions:
Due to their long duration, long-COVID symptoms represent a substantial
disease burden expressed in impact on health-related quality of life.
Unequal distribution of limited resource induces jealous behaviours in birds
Authors: gao lifang , Yang Tian-Chang , Wang Shao-Xue , Zi Shu-Mei , Wang Qian , Liu Fang-Yuan , Zhang Xiao-Dan , Zhu Zhen-Qin , Du Bo
Published: January 2024

In social animals, when conspecific individuals use limited resources
differently jealousy will occur. To address whether jealousy is an
environmental variable underlying negative evolutionary responses to
superior phenotypes, we investigated jealous behaviours in the
azure-winged magpie, Cyanopica cyanus, under natural and experimental
conditions. Within a triad composed of a feeder, a target and three
differently-ranked third-party individuals, the target was fed
exclusively to experimentally imitate a scene of uneven resource
distribution. Three jealousy-type behaviours were exhibited by the
third-party (i.e., raiding and assaulting the target, ingratiating
themselves with the feeder) and target (expelling and flaunting the worm
to third-party, ingratiating itself with the feeder), respectively, that
were significantly affected by their social ranks. It suggests that
uneven distribution of limited resources should account for the
occurrence of jealous behaviours, and that jealousy may function as a
reverse evolutionary force to neutralize the potentially too quick
diffusion of superior phenotypic traits.
OAE-based data mining and modeling analysis of adverse events associated with the three licensed HPV vaccines
Authors: Zi Wenrui , Yang Qiuyue , Su Jun , Xie Jiangan
Published: January 2024

Aims: Three licensed human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines (Cervarix,
Gardasil, and Gardasil 9) have been effectively used to prevent
infection with oncogenic HPV types, however, many adverse events (AEs)
have also been reported following HPV vaccination. In order to evaluate
the safety of the three licensed HPV vaccines, we investigated their AE
profiles based on the data from Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System
(VAERS). Methods: The AE data for Cervarix, Gardasil, and Gardasil 9 was
retrieved from VAERS database respectively. The combinatorial biomedical
statistical methods were used to identify the statistically significant
AEs. The Gamma-Poisson Shrinker (GPS) with gender/age stratification
models were developed to ascertain the serious adverse events (SAEs).
The AE profiles were classified and represented by the Ontology of
Adverse Events (OAE) for further analysis. Results: As of July 31, 2020,
VAERS recorded 3,112, 31,606, and 6,872 AE case reports for Cervarix,
Gardasil, and Gardasil 9, respectively. Our Frequentist statistical
methods identified 135 Cervarix-enriched AEs, 55 Gardasil-enriched AEs,
and 17 Gardasil 9-enriched AEs. Based on the OAE hierarchical
classification, these AEs were clustered in the AEs that related to
behavioral and neurological conditions, immune system, nervous system,
and reproductive system. Combined with GPS modeling, 46 statistically
significant SAEs were founded to be associated with at least one of the
three vaccines. Conclusion: The results in this study cannot be used to
ascertain the cause and effect relationships between the HPV vaccination
and specific AEs. The hypotheses on the relationships deserver further
epidemiological investigations as well as clinical trial studies.
Combination Therapy for Unresectable Primitive Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumor of Infancy: A Story of Cure
Authors: Memmott Trevor , Alfonso Jessica Hass , Udayasankar Unni , Pariury Holly
Published: January 2024

Primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy is a rare, locally
aggressive, chemotherapy-refractory pediatric sarcoma with a high
morbidity and mortality rate. Surgical resection is the gold standard of
treatment, but a significant number of cases are initially unresectable
due to tumor location. For these individuals, traditional first-line
chemotherapy with vincristine, actinomycin, and cyclophosphamide has
yielded no benefit. Alternatively, therapy with doxorubicin and
ifosphamide-based regimens have shown success in several cases. We
present a case of a pediatric patient with unresectable PMMTI
successfully cured after receiving a combination of ifosphamide and
doxorubicin followed by surgery and adjunctive proton beam radiation.
The effect of using personal protective equipment and aerosol box in the emergency department on the intubation times
Authors: Ramadan Hayri , Altintas Emel
Published: January 2024

Background: Endotracheal intubation is a procedure commonly performed in
the emergency department. Endotracheal intubation poses a risk of
exposure to infectious aerosol droplets. The present study aims to test
the effect of using an aerosol box and personal protective equipment on
the intubation time while performing on endotracheal intubation manikin.
Methods: The study participants (11 emergency specialist, 11 emergency
physician and 11 general practitioner) performed endotracheal intubation
on a training manikin in three different airway simulations. Simulation
1 had neither PPE nor AB, simulation 2 had PPE, and simulation 3 had
both PPE and AB. The intubation times, the number of intubation
attempts, and the discomfort caused by the aerosol box were recorded.
Results: There was no significant difference in the number of intubation
attempts between the physicians according to their position and airway
simulations (p>0.05). There was a significant difference at
all time points except for the time to endotracheal tube cuff inflation
in three different airway simulations using personal protective
equipment and an aerosol box (p<0.05). The median intubation
times were longer using PPE and an AB. Conclusion: The use of personal
protective equipment and an aerosol box significantly increases the
total intubation time. Keywords: Endotracheal intubation, Personal
protective equipment, Aerosol box, Video-laryngoscope
Utilization of alpha blocker medications post transurethral resection of prostate (TURP)
Authors: Ghaith Ahmed , Eldeeb Mohamed , Metwally Mahmoud , Al-Shaiji Tariq
Published: January 2024

The aims To evaluate the exact role of alpha blocker use for treatment
of persistent LUTS after TURP. Methods This is a narrative review of
existing manuscripts regarding the alpha blockers use after TURP. The
search was done through PubMed in June 2021. The search was conducted
using the following key words” alpha blocker” AND “after
transurethral prostatectomy”. Results Publications between 2000 and
2020 were reviewed using PubMed database search. 111 studies were found.
Seven records were considered for this review. Surgery for BPH is
successful in eliminating the need for medical therapy in 75% in
patients who use medications before surgery. However, number of patients
still have persistent LUTS after TURP. There are no guidelines to direct
the management of LUTS after TURP. A little research regarding the
outcomes of alpha blockers use for treatment of persistent LUTS after
TURP are detected. Based on the studies, theoretical basis exists for
using of alpha blockers to treat post TURP urinary symptoms. Conclusion
Alpha blockers can be used for treatment of post TURP urinary symptoms
whether they are a continuation or de novo. Further large studies are
needed.
Revisiting speciation theories and recent verifications
Authors: Xiao Yu , Wang Xi , Li Ling-ling , He Zi-han , Hu Xin-sheng
Published: January 2024

Speciation is a constant theme in evolutionary biology. The continuity
of population evolution makes it hard to define species. Here, we
revisited three geographical patterns of speciation (sympatric,
parapatric and allopatric speciation) and their recent empirical
evidence, based on the classical concept of biological species. A survey
of the literature reveals the molecular genetics basis of postzygotic
barriers and the supporting evidence derived from analyses of population
genomic data, including BDMI (Bateson-Dobzhansky-Muller
incompatibility), QTL (quantitative trait locus) analysis, Haldane’s
rule and the large X-chromosome effects. One prezygotic barrier to
speciation, which is often not emphasized, is the pattern of mating
system. Given the occurrence of a more common transition to selfing from
outcrossing than the reverse direction in plant species, the so-called
selfing syndromes for both flower characters and genomic structure could
amplify population genetic structure and enhance speciation. It also
increases the occurrence of asymmetric or absent gene introgression
between incipient species with different mating systems. The role of
driving or reinforcing speciation that mating system plays awaits
identification with appropriate data collections.
CO2 reduction and the production of high-value biomaterials using waste medium by Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Park Ju-Yong , Yu Jaeyoung , Nguyen Ngoc Tu , Kim Yang-Hoon , Min Jiho
Published: January 2024

The purple non-sulfur photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodobacter sphaeroides,
are capable of growing under a variety of environmental conditions. R.
sphaeroides wastewater treatment has received considerable attention,
since it can simultaneously realize wastewater purification and biomass
recycling. In addition, poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB), a biopolymer that
can be used as a biodegradable thermoplastic material for waste
management strategies, and other polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are
accumulated by many bacteria as energy and carbon reserve material. In
this study, the used culture media of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces
cerevisiae were reutilized to grow R. sphaeroides to produce PHB and
reduce carbon dioxide. Moreover when using used media, photopigments,
such as bacteriochlorophyll and carotenoid, was also synthesized.
Finally, the co-fermentation of R. sphaeroides and S. cerevisiae showed
the potential of enhancing ethanol production with higher yield than the
single use of S. cerevisiae. Therefore, this approach provides a
low-cost and eco-friendly process that uses waste media to fix carbon
dioxide, and produce high-value biomaterials.
Supraclavicular Artery Island Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction.
Authors: Wu Peng , Ye Fan , Zhang Linghao , Lin Renyu , Chen Jianfu , Li He
Published: January 2024

Objective: Share our practices for the use of the supraclavicular artery
island flap (SCAIF) in head and neck reconstruction. Methods: A
retrospective review was conducted from October 2017 to June 2020 on
patients who had undergone SCAIF reconstructions of head and neck
defects in our hospital. The following data were collected: Age, gender,
primary disease, type of surgical defect, flap harvest time, flap
dimensions, length of hospital stay, complications and clinical
outcomes. Results: Nine patients had undergone SCAIF reconstruction and
three of them also had undergone pectoralis major myocutaneous flap
reconstruction simultaneously. All patients were male with the average
age of 60.56±11.27 years. Four reconstructions were performed to repair
anterior neck skin defects or fistulae related to previous treatment.
The SCAIF was used in three patients to repair defects following
hypopharyngeal resection or total laryngectomy. Two reconstructions were
performed to repair defects following salvage surgery of recurrent head
and neck tumor. The average flap harvest time was 31.78±4.55 mins. The
average flap size of was 15.22±0.63 × 5.89±0.74 cm. The average length
of hospital stay was 37.67±18.48 days. No complete flap loss or major
complications occurred during their stays in hospital. Two patients had
partial necrosis of the distal portion of the flap. One patient
developed fistula. No donor site complications and compromised shoulder
function were observed. Conclusions: The SCAIF can be successfully used
for reconstruction of head and neck defects with good cosmetic outcomes
and limited morbidity.
The prognostic utility of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) biomarkers for predicting preeclampsia: A secondary analysis of data from the INSPIRE trial
Authors: Kifle Meron , Dahal Prabin , Vatish Manu , Cerdeira Ana Sofia , Ohuma Eric
Published: January 2024

Objective: To compare the prognostic performance of biomarkers soluble
fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), Placental Growth Factor (PIGF), and
sFlt-1/PIGF ratio as continuous values or as a binary cut-off of 38 for
predicting preeclampsia (PE) within 7 days. Design: Observational study
using a clinical trial data Setting: Oxford University Hospitals,
Oxford, United Kingdom (UK). Population: Pregnant women between 24+0 to
37+0 weeks of gestation with a clinical suspicion of preeclampsia. Main
outcome: Onset of preeclampsia within seven days of the initial
biomarker test. Methods: Logistic regression models for (i) sFlt-1 (ii)
PlGF, (iii) sFlt-1/PlGF ratio (continuous), and (iv) sFlt-1/PlGF ratio
as a cut-off above or below 38. Results: Of the total 370 women, 42
(11.3%) developed PE within seven days of screening. Models with sFlt-1
and sFlt-1/PIGF ratio (continuous) had greater overall performance than
models with PIGF or with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as a cut-off at 38 (R2:
sFlt-1=55%, PIGF=38%, sFlt-1/PIGF ratio=57%, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as
cut-off at 38 model=46%). The discriminative performance was highest in
the models with sFlt-1 (c-statistic=0.94) and sFlt-1/PIGF ratio
(continuous) (c-statistic=0.94) compared to PIGF model
(c-statistic=0.87) or sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cut-off at 38
(c-statistic=0.88). Conclusion: Models using values of continuous
sFlt-1/PIGF ratio or sFlt-1 only had better predictive performance
compared to a PIGF only model or the model with sFlt-1/PlGF ratio as a
cut-off at 38. Further studies based on a larger sample size are
warranted to substantiate this finding.
Association genetics of early season cold and late season frost tolerance in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Elango Dinakaran , Wang Xiaoyu , Bhatnagar Rohil , Tan Qixian , Gaffoor Iffa , Hu Zhenbin , Xue Weiya , Roth Gregory , Morris Geoffrey , Reddivari Lavanya , Chopra Surinder
Published: January 2024

Sorghum is known as camel among the crops, grown worldwide for food,
fodder, and fuel. However, sorghum is highly susceptible to low
temperature stress, which greatly affects seed germination, seedling
vigor, root architecture, level of cyanogenic glycosides, fertility, and
grain yield. Adaptation to low temperature is very crucial for achieving
desirable yields under temperate conditions. Here, an association
mapping study was conducted using the large global sorghum diversity
germplasm accessions to delineate the genetics of early season cold
(ESC) and late season frost (LSF) tolerance in sorghum. A total of 10
single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 17 quantitative trait loci
(QTLs) were identified for ESC and 40 SNPs were identified for LSF. Two
ESC tolerance QTLs identified from our study were co-localized with the
classical tannin genes Tan1 and Tan2. This study identified probable
candidate genes: Sobic.001G157100 (NPH3), Sobic.001G156600 (Lectin
receptor-like serine/threonine kinase), and Sobic.006G061100 (SnRK1
gamma sub-unit) as for ESC tolerance and Sobic.006G139900
(UDP-glucoronosyl and UDP-glucosyl transferase), Sobic.002G187400
(Serine/threonine protein kinase), and Sobic.004G333700
(Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase) for LSF tolerance in
sorghum. The identified candidate genes were known to play a major role
in seed germinability under cold stress and involved in plant signal
transduction and regulation of cold and other biotic and abiotic
stresses in crop plants.
Recurrent atrial septal defect following closure with CardioCel: A case report
Authors: Shah Nischay , Mously Haytham , Elgudin Yakov , Al-Kindi Sadeer
Published: January 2024

An atrial septal defect is a commonly seen congenital heart defect of
which secundum atrial septal defect is the most common. In a patient
with evidence of right ventricular failure or significant shunt,
operative repair is the treatment of choice to achieve hemodynamic
stability. The use of a pericardial patch is required for the closure of
large atrial septal defects. Case presentation: Here we present a case
of a 50-year-old male who underwent surgical closure of secundum atrial
septal defect who subsequently found to have part of the pericardial
patch used for repair degraded in less than a month. Conclusion: There
is a paucity of long-term outcomes data following the use of the
CardioCel for septal defects, with no reports of such degradation within
a month to the best of our knowledge. Further study is required to
identify the incidence and implications of such findings.
Interruption of influenza transmission under public health emergency response based on real-world data, Beijing.
Authors: Sun Ying , Wang Quanyi , Wang Xiaoli , Wu Shuangsheng , Zhang Yi , Pan Yang , Zhang Li , Duan Wei , Ma Chunna , Yang Peng , Wei Zaihua
Published: January 2024

Background. To estimate effect of COVID-19 control measures taken to
mitigate community transmission in many regions, we analyzed data based
on influenza surveillance system in Beijing from week 27th, 2014 to week
26th, 2020. Methods. We collected weekly number of influenza-like
illness (ILI), weekly positive proportion of ILI and weekly ILI
proportion in outpatients and the date of COVID-19 measures. We compared
influenza activity indicators of influenza season 2019/2020 with
preceding five seasons and built two ARIMAX models to estimate the
effective of COVID-19 measures. Results. Compared with preceding five
influenza seasons, ILIs, positive proportion of ILI, and duration of
influenza epidemic period decreased from 13% to 54%, especially, the
number of weeks from the peak to the end of influenza epidemic period,
decreased from 12 to one. After natural decline considered, weekly ILIs
decreased by 48.6% and weekly positive proportion dropped 15% in the
second week after emergency response declared, and finally COVID-19
measures reduced 83%. Conclusions. We conclude public health emergency
response can interrupt the transmission of influenza and other
respiratory infectious diseases markedly. Keyword. COVID-19 control
measures; influenza; ARIMAX
Metacommunity research can benefit from including context-dependency
Authors: Kolasa Jurek , Hammond Matthew , Yan Joyce
Published: January 2024

Context-dependency, C-D, of outcomes occurs when several factors affect
a focal metric. Remedies for treating milder cases of C-D are readily
available but severe cases, where some contributory factors cause
non-linear changes in others, escaped routine scrutiny. This poses a
universal challenge to standard research strategies. We suggest that
metacommunity framework may be particularly vulnerable because its core
notions (habitat structure, dispersal, and species interactions) are
functionally entangled. When these notions are generalized to include
many species and situations, they become interdependent. To illustrate
the significance of such interdependence, we test two hypotheses. One
that holding combination of parameters constant in all but one
dimension, can alter inference of a study and the second that the
severity of context-dependency increases when core metacommunity
dimensions interact and transform one another through a variety of
mechanisms. The results support these ideas and imply that C-D predicts
a dauntingly vast space of possible empirical outcomes and
interpretations, most of which can arise from reciprocal interactions
among metacommunity core dimensions. We proffer that an adaptable and
structured use of macro-variables is a place to start investigating
metacommunity mechanisms more efficiently.
Seroprevalence and COVID-19 deaths in Indian Cities
Authors: He Daihai , Fei Yiming , Zhao Shi , Xu Hainan , Zhang Xingyue , Musa Salihu
Published: January 2024

Population-based sero-epidemiological studies are widely used to
estimate the proportion of a population infected (infection attack rate,
IAR) with SARS-CoV-2. However, the accuracy of the estimates relies on
the design of the study (e.g. sample size) and the sensitivity (e.g.
decay of sensitivity) of the assay used. This study aims to resolve
these issues with the seroprevalence of COVID-19 and infection attack
rates in 12 Indian cities as examples. We examine serological data that
used Abbott to reconstruct a sensitivity decay function and use it to
infer attack rates and seroprevalence based on reported COVID-19 death
in these cities. We find that the reconstructed seroprevalence matched
with the reported scenario reasonably well in most cities, where Abbott
or similar assay was likely used, but failed in two cities, where
non-Abbott assay was likely used. We propose an approach to connect the
serological data and the reported COVID-19 deaths with the testing
sensitive decay function to increase the confidence in estimating the
size of the epidemic.
Purification and characterization of beta 1,3-1,4 glucanase from Aspergillus niger CCUG33991
Authors: vinche Masoumeh Heidary , Khanahmadi Morteza , Ataei Seyed ahmad , Danafar Firoozeh
Published: January 2024

Beta 1,3-1,4 glucanase was purified 12.3-fold to homogeneity with a
yield of 20.3% in two steps which comprised, ammonium sulfate
precipitation and size exclusion chromatography. The molecular mass was
determined to be 39 kDa. The isoelectric point and optimum pH were 4.5
and 5.0 and beta-glucanase at low pH was more stable than that at high
pHs. The optimum temperature of beta-glucanase was 50°C and it was
relatively stable at below 40°C for 60 min. The half-lives of the enzyme
at 50°C and 70°C were 120 min and 29.5 min, respectively. The Km of the
enzyme on beta-glucan was 5.1 mg/ml, and the Vm on beta-glucan was 52.1
µmol of glucose equivalents per mg of the protein per min. The purified
enzyme was highly sensitive to Mn+2, but showed less sensitivity to
other divalent ions. Results indicated that produced beta 1,3-1,4
glucanase with relatively good thermal stability and stability at low
pH, might be used in industrial applications particularly in animal feed
industry.
Association between serum vitamin A, D and E status and respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants -- a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Zhang Yinying , He Peiyan , Ji Xiaoyi , Li Ye
Published: January 2024

Objective: This study aimed to assess whether the serum levels of
vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E are associated with respiratory
distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. Methods: This retrospective
research included 179 neonates born before 35 weeks of gestation in
Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2020 to
December 2020. Depending on whether or not have RDS, participants were
classified into the RDS group (59 neonates) and the control group (120
neonates). The 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was
performed to balance the baseline confounding factors and then the
groups were compared in terms of serum vitamin levels and RDS morbidity.
Results: A total of 34 pairs of preterm infants were involved after PSM.
There were significant differences in vitamin D level ((12.13
(8.44-17.85) ng/mL vs. 16.84 (10.75-25.83) ng/mL), vitamin D deficiency
rate (85.3% vs. 55.9%), as well as vitamin A level (134.91
(105.01-156.74) ng/mL vs. 152.46 (120.06-200.00) ng/mL) in the two
groups. However, the vitamin A deficiency rate, vitamin E status, as
well as vitamin E deficiency rate did not differ significantly between
the two groups. Logistic analysis showed that a low level of vitamin D
was an independent risk factor for RDS in preterm neonates (OR
0.917，95%CI 0.851-0.989). Conclusion： Low serum vitamin D level may
contribute to the development of RDS in preterm infants, but no
significant effect of serum vitamin A and vitamin E levels is found.
Pregnancy, mental well-being and lockdown: a nationwide online survey in France
Authors: GAUCHER Laurent , Barasinski Chloé , Dupont Corinne , Razurel Chantal , Viaux-Savelon Sylvie , CORTET Marion , FRANCK Nicolas , HAESEBAERT Frederic , Haesebaert Julie
Published: January 2024

Objective: To compare the mental well-being of French women who
were and were not pregnant during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Design: Survey. Setting: France. Population:
Women between 18 and 45 years of age during the second and third weeks
of global lockdown (March 25–April 07, 2020) during the COVID-19
pandemic. Methods: Nationwide online quantitative survey.
Main Outcome Measures: Mental well-being measured by the
Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). Results:
This study analysed 275 responses from pregnant women and compared them
with those from a propensity score–matched sample of 825 non-pregnant
women. The median WEMWBS score was 49.0 and did not differ by pregnancy
status. Women living in urban areas reported better well-being, while
those with sleep disorders or who spent more than an hour a day watching
the news reported poorer well-being. Conclusion: During the
first lockdown in France, women had relatively low mental well-being
scores, with no significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant
women. More than ever, health-care workers need to find a way to
maintain their support for women’s well-being. Minor daily annoyances of
pregnancy, such as insomnia, should not be trivialised because they are
a potential sign of poor well-being.
Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections after vaccination: A critical review
Authors: Afshar Zeinab Mohseni , Barary Mohammad , Mansouri Feizollah , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Nazary Kosar , Sio Terence , Sullman Mark , Carson-Chahhoud Kristin , Babazadeh Arefeh
Published: January 2024

At the beginning of the current pandemic, it was believed that severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection would
induce lifelong immunity and that reinfections would be unlikely.
However, after several cases of reinfection were documented in
previously infected patients, this was understood to be a false
assumption, and this waning humoral immunity has raised significant
concerns. Accordingly, long-term and durable vaccine-induced antibody
protection against infection have also become a challenge, as several
breakthroughs of COVID-19 infection have been identified in individuals
who were fully vaccinated. This review discusses the current evidence on
breakthrough COVID-19 infections occurring after vaccination.
PdCu supported on dendritic mesoporous CexZr1-xO2 as superior catalysts to boost CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Wang Xilong , Alabsi Mohnnad , Zheng Peng , Mei Jinlin , Ramirez Adrian , Duan Aijun , Xu Chunming , Huang Kuo-Wei
Published: January 2024

A dendritic PdCu/Ce0.3Zr0.7O2 (PdCu/CZ-3) catalyst was prepared for
boosting the catalytic performance of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
(MeOH). The open dendritic pore channels and small particle sizes
increase the accessibility between the active sites (PdCu alloy and
oxygen vacancy) and the reactants (H2 and CO2). More spillover hydrogen
could be generated due to the highly dispersed PdCu active metals over
the PdCu/CZ-3 catalyst. PdCu/CZ-3 can stimulate the generation of more
Ce3+ cations, which is beneficial to produce more oxygen vacancies on
the surface of the CZ-3 composite. Spillover hydrogen and oxygen vacancy
could promote the formate and methoxy routes over PdCu/CZ-3, which were
the primary intermediates to produce MeOH. PdCu/CZ-3 displayed the
highest CO2 conversions (25.5 %), highest MeOH yield (6.4 %), highest
PdCu- TOFMeOH (7.7 h-1) and superior 100 h long-term stability than
those of other PdCu/CexZr1-xO2 analogs and the reference PdCu/CeO2 and
PdCu/ZrO2 catalysts.
Cryoablation vs. Anti-Arrhythmic drug therapy as a first line treatment in Atrial fibrillation (meta-analysis and systematic review)
Authors: Remlawi Akram EL , Awar Kameel El , Zein Ola EL , Refaat Marwan
Published: January 2024

Intro: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently diagnosed
arrhythmia in practice. Current guidelines on management of AF suggest
that patients should be treated with antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) as
first-line therapy, our meta-analysis aims to assess the benefit of
using of Cryoablation as a first line therapy for people with atrial
fibrillation. Methods: We conducted an electronic search using Medline,
Embase, CINAHL and google scholar along with other clinical trial
registries. Results: 2 studies out of 9,244 studies fit our eligibility
criteria. A total of 521 subjects were included in both studies and 4
distinct meta-analyses were performed. In terms of recurrence CA was
superior to AAD with a RR of 0.6. For serious adverse events CA was also
superior to AAD with a RR of 0.66 and for treatment related SAE the
results were insignificant. Conclusion: CA proved to be superior in
terms of recurrence and adverse effects versus AAD.
Numerical Simulation of Space-Time Fractional Hyperbolic Bioheat Equation using Radial basis functions and Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Bansu Hitesh , Kumar Sushil
Published: January 2024

The current study is devoted to finding the numerical solution of space
and time-fractional hyperbolic Pennes bioheat equation (HPBE). The
generalised Caputo fractional derivative is used to get space and
time-fractional HPBE. A technique of collocation has been introduced for
numerical solution. In this technique, discretizations for space and
time are not depending on each other. Hence, we have used a fusion of
two different basis functions, namely radial basis functions and
Chebyshev polynomials, obtained with the aid of the Kronecker product.
We have examined the behavior of the heat transfer process for the
fractional rate of change in the parabolic as well as the hyperbolic
Pennes bioheat model.