bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of host plant defenses against pathogens and herbivores by miRNA: Balancing resistance and productivity trade-offs
Authors: Kumar Kishor , Mandal Swarupa Nanda , Neelam Kumari , Reyes Benildo de los
Published: January 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is continuously challenged by various biotic
stresses including fungal, bacterial, viral, parasites, and insect
pests. These stresses threaten global rice productivity each year.
Numerous resistance (R) genes have been identified, but only a few of
them have been deployed in rice improvement programs due to the rapid
breakdown of resistance, pleiotropic effects, and negative associations
with important agronomic traits. Modern varieties are being developed by
pyramiding multiple R-genes from diverse germplasm. However, unregulated
expression of R-genes often comes with unexpected yield trade-offs and
poor plant fitness. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, short,
single-stranded, non-coding RNA molecules that function as master
regulators for balancing immunity and yield. Defense-related miRNAs such
as Osa-miR156, Osa-miR162, Osa-miR396, and Osa-miR1873 have been
identified in rice that fine-tunes immunity and yield under various
biotic stresses. Recent advances showed that many immune-responsive
miRNAs also regulate many complex traits of agronomic importance. This
allows researchers to assemble the appropriate combinations of
agriculturally important traits to be targeted using genetic engineering
approaches that involved miRNAs.
Relationship of depression with temporomandibular disorders in young conscripted males
Authors: Afshar Maryam Sadrzadeh , Salari Behzad , Nejad Sina Varasteh
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is among the most common
causes of non-odontogenic pain in the orofacial region. The aim of this
study was to investigate the relationship of depression level with TMDs
in young conscripted males as a populationwith chronic stresses .
Methods: A total number of 144 conscripted males with chronic stress and
different levels of depression were assigned to four groups according to
the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). The control group consisted of
age-matched conscripted males without chronic stress. The diagnosis of
TMD was made according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria Axis I. Data
were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. Results: The
participants with severe depression were significantly more susceptible
to have TMD (p < 0.05) followed by the moderate depression,
borderline clinical depression, mild mood disturbance, and control
groups. The TMD diagnoses were more prevalent within depression groups
compared with the control population (p < 0.05). Conclusion:
The level of depression is associated with the presence of TMD in young
conscripted males. The incidence of TMD increased by an increase in the
severity of depression.
Sign-changing solutions of critical quasilinear Kirchhoff-Schr\”{o}dinger-Poisson system with logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Feng ShengHao , wang li , Huang Ling
Published: January 2024

In the present paper, we deal with the following
Kirchhoff-Schr\”{o}dinger-Poisson system with
logarithmic and critical nonlinearity:
\begin{equation*} \begin{array}{ll}
\left \{
\begin{array}{ll}
\ds\B(a+b\int_\Omega|\nabla
u|^2\mathrm{d}x
\B)\Delta
u+V(x)u-\frac{1}{2}u\Delta
(u^2)+\phi u=\lambda
|u|^{q-2}u\ln|u|^2+|u|^4u,
&x\in \Omega,
\\ -\Delta
\phi=u^2,& x\in \Omega,
\\ u=0,& x\in
\R^3\setminus\Omega,
\end{array} \right .
\end{array} \end{equation*} where
$\lambda,b>0,a>\frac{1}{4},4
A sharp error analysis for the discontinuous Galerkin method of optimal control problems
Authors: Choi Woocheol , Choi Young-Pil
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we are concerned with a nonlinear optimal control problem
of ordinary differential equations. We consider a discretization of the
problem with the discontinuous Galerkin method with arbitrary order $r
\in \mathbb{N}\cup
\{0\}$. Under suitable regularity
assumptions on the cost functional and solutions of the state equations,
we provide sharp estimates for the error of the approximate solutions.
Numerical experiments are presented supporting the theoretical results.
A viscoelastic-Micropolar Medium with Voids and Microtemperatures: Comparisons of Different Theories
Authors: said samia
Published: January 2024

The model of two-dimensional plane waves is studied in a generalized
micropolar-thermoelastic medium with microtemperatures in the
three-phase-lag model (3PHL), dual-phase-lag model (Dual), and the
Green-Naghdi theory with energy dissipation (G-N III). Harmonic
representation of waves is used to find the solution to the problem.
Numerical values of the physical fields are visualized graphically to
display the effects of the gravity field magnetic field, and viscosity.
Managing endometrioma to optimize future fertility
Authors: Horan Maebh , Glover Louise , Wingfield Mary
Published: January 2024

Endometriosis is a chronic disease, affecting approximately 10% of
women of reproductive age. Ovarian endometriotic cysts or endometriomas
are of particular relevance to fertility due to the negative impacts of
both the disease and its treatment on prognosis. It is important for
clinicians, especially those in non-fertility settings, to be aware of
the evolving evidence and options for treatment in these women. The role
of assisted reproduction techniques, prior to or alongside surgery need
to be carefully considered. We outline an evidence-based framework to
help facilitate fertility-friendly discussion, counseling and management
of this complex disease.
Performance evaluation of an automated magnetic bead based DNA extraction and real-time PCR for detection of BK virus
Authors: Gu Ying , Fan Xiaodong , He Yuting , Huang Hao , Yu Xuegao , Huang Gang , Bin Huang , Chen Peisong
Published: January 2024

Background: To evaluate the analytical performance of a magnetic
bead-based automatic extraction platform DAAN Stream SP96 combined with
quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in detection of BK virus. Methods: A
total of 70 clinical specimens from renal transplant recipients (RTR)
were analyzed. The evaluation was carried out according to CLSI EP
documents. The performance parameters included precision, accuracy,
linearity, detection limit, interference test, cross-reactivity, and
method comparison. Results: The coefficient of variation (CV) for
within-run and intermediate precision of the high-, middle-, and
low-level samples were all <5％. For the accuracy, the mean
percent bias was 0.6% compared with the reference method. The linear
range was 5.0 × 103～5.0 × 108 copies/mL, and the limit of detection
(LOD) was 1.23×103 copies/mL. For anti-interference ability, 280 μmol/L
bilirubin, 18mmol /L triglycerides, and 20g /L hemoglobin had no
apparent effects on testing results. This assay didn’t show
cross-reaction with some common pathogenic viruses. The automated
magnetic bead-based DNA extraction combined qPCR has a good correlation
(R2= 0.8978) with the manual boiling extraction combined qPCR.
Conclusion: The DAAN Stream SP96 magnetic bead-based automatic
extraction platform combined qPCR showed good analytical performance in
the BKV DNA quantitative detection, which can meet the clinical testing
requirements well.
In vitro activity of selected natural products against Eimeria tenella sporozoites using Reproduction Inhibition Assay
Authors: Thabet Ahmed , Alzuheir Ibrahim , Alnassan Alaa Aldin , Daugschies Arwid , Bangoura Berit
Published: January 2024

Eimeria tenella is the causative agent of cecal coccidiosis
characterized by weight loss, hemorrhagic diarrhea, and high mortality
rates. Research into herbal candidates to control the disease increased
in the last decades by studying plant extracts with possible
anticoccidial activity. As alternative to animal experiments, an
in vitro reproduction inhibition assay (RIA) was previously
designed to determine the sensitivity of E. tenella isolates
against ionophores. In this study, RIA was used to test the
anticoccidial activity of nutmeg oil, cinnamon oil, and glabridin. The
concentration of nutmeg oil used in this study ranged between 1.1 μg/ml
and139.1 μg/ml. Nutmeg oil exhibited a moderate in vitro
inhibitory activity ranging from 35.5% to 49.5%. In contrast, no
inhibitory effect was detected by incubating E. tenella
sporozoites for 24 h with cinnamon oil at concentrations of 0.3 μg/ml
to80.5 μg/ml. Glabridin (0.08 - 41.7 μg/ml) impaired sporozoites to
replicate at a rate of14.1% to81.7% of inhibition. The calculated
minimum concentrations of glabridin needed to inhibit parasite
replication by 75%, 50%, and 30% (MIC , MIC
, and MIC ) were 21.43μg/ml,
5.28μg/ml, and 0.96 μg/ml, respectively. Further studies to assess the
in vitro efficacy of glabridin were performed by studying mRNA
gene expression of stress provoker genes (HSP-70, NADPH, and EtPP5)
after exposure of E. tenella sporozoites to glabridin at MIC
for 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h (time-dependent
experiment). Moreover, a dose-dependent experiment was performed using
glabridin at a concentration resembling MIC , MIC
, and MIC for 24 h. In the
time-dependent experiment, NADPH and EtPP5 were significantly (
p<0.05) overexpressed after 4 h of incubation with
glabridin at a concentration of 21.43 μg/ml. The dose-dependent
experiment exhibited a gradual overexpression in all studied genes which
indicates stress imposed by glabridin on E. tenella sporozoites.
In our hands, RIA was suitable toassess the strength of anticoccidial
activity exhibited by the tested natural products. Such in vitro
assays help to identify novel anticoccidial candidates such as herbal
extracts.
Spatio-temporal changes in downstream river bed during a dam construction
Authors: Can Murat , Çalışır Emre , Akpınar Adem
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the spatio-temporal changes in the downstream
river bed during a dam construction on the Büyükkumla river channel in
Bursa’s Gemlik district in Turkey. To achieve this goal, an evaluation
of the seasonal and annual effectiveness of dam construction activities
in the study area, identifying geomorphological effects during dam
construction, determining the spatio-temporal changes in the downstream
river bed based on the comprehensive field observations, and analyzing
the impacts on erosion–accumulation dynamics caused during the
establishment of the dam is discussed. The measurements for March of
2014, June and October of 2016, March and November of 2017, and April of
2018 were recorded from the beginning to the end of the dam
construction. The results dividing the downstream side from the dam to
the sea into two parts were obtained. In the upper zone of the study
area, just downstream of the dam, accumulation in summer and scouring in
winter were observed during the dam construction activities. Contrarily,
in the lower part of the study area where the river flows into the sea,
scouring in summer and accumulation in winter were dominant. One and
half years later, after the dam excavation was over, with a little
accumulation, the river bed reached an equilibrium condition.
Mul1/Mfn2-mediated mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy support protective effects of ginsenoside CK against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Huang Qingxia , Li Jing , Chen Jinjin , Zhang Zepeng , Xu Peng , Qi Hongyu , Chen Zhaoqiang , Liu Jiaqi , Lu Jing , Shi Mengqi , Zhang Yibin , Ma Ying , Zhao Daqing , Li Xiangyan
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose: Mitochondrial fission-fusion dynamics and
bioenergy dysfunctions are participated in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
(I/R) injury. Our study aims to investigate the role of Mul1-dependent
Mfn2 ubiquitination and its mediated mitochondrial dysfunctions and
explain the molecular mechanism of ginsenoside compound K (CK) targeting
Mul1 against cerebral I/R injury. Experimental Approach: We used a
combination of in vitro and in vivo models, including oxygen and glucose
deprivation/reperfusion-induced PC12 cell model and middle cerebral
artery occlusion/reperfusion-induced rat model, to mimic I/R injury. The
potential mechanisms and pharmacological effects of ginsenoside CK on
mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy were evaluated by Mul1 knockdown
and pharmacological antagonism study using a series of experiments. Key
Results: I/R injury stimuli upregulated the binding of Mul1 with Mfn2 to
regulate Mfn2 ubiquitination and degradation, which resulted in
increased mitochondrial fission, bioenergy dysfunction, neuronal
apoptosis, and neurological impairment. Knockdown of Mul1 exerted
beneficial effect on cerebral I/R-induced neuronal death by abolishing
mitochondrial fission, mitophagy, and bioenergy dysfunction. More
importantly, ginsenoside CK mainly inhibited Mul1 expression to reduce
Mfn2 ubiquitination and mitochondrial translocation of DRP1, thereby
inhibiting mitochondrial fission, mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis
against cerebral I/R injury in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Conclusions and Implications: These data for the first time explain
molecular basis of the Mul-dependent mitochondrial dysfunctions during
I/R damages and provide the evidence that ginsenoside CK may be a
promising therapeutic agent against cerebral I/R injury by targeting
Mul1/Mfn2-mediated mitochondrial dynamics and bioenergy.
Changing trends in the survival of immunosuppressed children with invasive fungal rhinosinusitis: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: RItter Amit , Barzilai-Birenboim Shlomit , Rapana Olga Gordon , Fischer Salvador , Levy Itzhak , Soudry Ethan , Gilony Dror
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis has been associated
with high mortality rates. We aimed to explore the contribution of novel
detection and treatment methods on the outcome of immunosuppressed
children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Design:
Retrospective observational cohort study. Setting: A tertiary children’s
hospital. Participants: The records of all children with a hematologic
or oncologic disease who developed AIFR between 2005-2020 were reviewed.
Results: Thirty-four patients were included. Aspergillosis and
mucormycosis were diagnosed in 20 patients (59%) and 12 patients
(35%), respectively. Panfungal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was
associated with a change of treatment in 36% of patients. Aggressive
surgical approach was adopted and 71% of the patients underwent
multiple surgical procedures. Overall, 26% of patients died of disease,
however no disease-specific death occurred since 2012. Diagnosis using
panfungal PCR (p=.04) and treatment with novel antifungal medications
(p=.017) were significantly associated with disease-specific survival.
Conclusions: Enhanced fungal detection using panfungal PCR and treatment
with novel antifungal agents, combined with rapid diagnosis and
treatment, aggressive surgical approach and better control over the
underlying oncological disease, may significantly improve the outcome of
immunosuppressed children with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis.
A new radiation index predicts the gross primary production of diverse terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Song Qing-Hai , Wang Shusen , Yu Guirui , Liang Naishen , Sha Li-qing , Zhou Wenjun , Liu Yuntong , Lin Hua , Grace John , Zhang Yi-Ping , Gnanamoorthy Palingamoorthy , Bibi Sadia , Zhao Junbin
Published: January 2024

Solar radiation is the primary energy source that drives the physical
and biochemical processes and determines the gross primary production
(GPP) of an ecosystem. Even though the relationship between solar
radiation and GPP is acknowledged, no radiation index (RI) has been
developed to estimate GPP. Using data consisting of a total of 267
site-years obtained from 54 flux sites of diverse ecosystems, we
introduced a RI that showed a strong linear relationship with GPP.
Importantly, the estimation of GPP using the RI is independent of
ecosystem types, making it a simple and universal method to estimate the
productivity of any terrestrial ecosystems. The results from this study
demonstrated the reliable performance of the RI in estimating GPP and
its potential application in upscaling and prediction.
Development and clinical validation of a Potential Penside Colorimetric LAMP Assay of Porcine Circovirus type 3
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Jie , Li Miaomiao , Ou Yunwen , Chen Danian , Ding Yaozhong , Zhang Weibing , Li Yanjun , Hou Qian , Li Xiaoyun , Zhou Luoyi , Podgorska Kataryna , Zaberezhny Alexei , Szczotka-Bochniarz Anna , Liu Yong-sheng
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES: Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), a novel
circovirus, imposes great burdens on the global pig industry. The
penside tests for detecting PCV3 are critical for assessing the
epidemiological status and adjusting disease prevention in the context
of no vaccine available. METHODS: A one-step molecular assay
based on visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (vLAMP) was
developed for simple and rapid detection of PCV3. We compared its
sensitivity and specificity with TaqMan quantitative real-time
polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and applied the developed assay in the
epidemiological study of 407 pooled swine sera collected in the whole
China mainland during 2017-2018. We also explored the feasibility of the
vLAMP assay for detecting crude samples without a prior DNA isolation
step to expand its application field. RESULTS: Results showed
that the vLAMP assay reliably detected PCV3 cap with a equal 10
DNA copies detection limit compared to that of Taqman qPCR assay. In the
epidemiological study, the PCV3 positive detection rate for 407 swine
pooled sera detected by the vLAMP assay was 37.35% (152/407) while it
was 39.01% (159/407) for Taqman qPCR. For the direct-detection method,
the results kept perfect specificity (100%) but displayed lower
sensitivity (100% for CT<32), indicating the method not
suited discrimination of low viral loads samples. CONCLUSIONS:
The one-step vLAMP is a convenient, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic
validation procedure on penside and will enable epidemiological
surveillance of PCV3 which has widely spread in China mainland.
Community environment analysis of giant panda and red panda in Wolong Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Liu Zhuotao , Zhou Houxiong , Li Qian , Li Zhaoyuan
Published: January 2024

In order to understand the community environment of giant panda and red
panda, so as to increase the understanding of their ecological evolution
and facilitate conservation and management. In our study, spatial data
monitored by infrared camera from 2017 to 2018 in Wolong, China was used
to analyze the spatial association network of terrestrial animals. The
results show that a total of 35 terrestrial species is recorded, of
which 20 species formed a spatial network including giant panda and red
panda. In the network, giant panda and red panda are directly related,
and 9 other species have direct spatial associations with them. Further
analysis show that: (1) Giant panda and red panda already ate bamboo at
the early stage of community evolution. Bamboo eating helps them blend
into the community and coexist. (2) Giant panda had moderate niche
separation with most of the species that have directly spatial
associations, the same to red panda. There is a commensalism
relationship between giant panda and red panda: red panda may create
suitable habitat for giant panda to some extent, which is beneficial to
the survival of giant panda. (3) In the existing community, giant panda
has no natural enemies, and has a mutually beneficial relationship with
golden snub-nosed monkey. (4) In the community, red panda has predator:
the yellow-throated marten. Yellow-throated marten not only preys on red
panda, but also may have evolved a unknown counter-anti-predatory
strategy to attract red panda, that can improve the chances of meeting
and preying. The red panda also moderately creates suitable habitat for
golden snub-nosed monkey, which is conducive to the survival of golden
snub-nosed monkey. (5) In the community, commensalism, mutualism, and
counter anti-predation strategies of predators enhanced inter-specific
associations significant. Compared with giant panda, red panda has more
interspecific associations and transfers more energy.
Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax as a late complication of COVID-19, a case report
Authors: naghavi fakhri , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Moradi Maryam
Published: January 2024

The first case of sever pneumonia caused by coronavirus (COVID-19) was
detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and spread rapidly around the
world. Pneumothorax has been reported as an uncommon complication
following COVID-19 infection which caused by alveolar rupture, air
leakage and interstitial emphysema after alveolar damages. Bilateral
pneumothorax is also an uncommon life threatening complication induced
by COVID-19 which has to be considered in patients present with late
sudden dyspnea after Coronavirus infection. In this case report, we are
presenting a patient with mild COVID-19 pneumonia with a left massive
pneumothorax following a late sudden dyspnea in third week of the
disease, during the hospitalization, in addition to aggravating the
respiratory condition, right pneumothorax was also added.
Covid-19 lockdown: management of children with recurrent wheezing and asthma in Spain.
Authors: Pérez Zarife Daoud , Arias Marcelo Rázquin , López-Escobar Alejandro , Conradi Alvaro Díaz , Casas Amalia Arce , Blanco Isabel Romero , Ruggeri Nora , Delgado Blanca Díaz , Wichner Paula Sol Ventura
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The effect of lockdown measures due to COVID-19 pandemic
in children with respiratory underlying conditions are still unclear. We
analyzed the impact of lockdown measures in the management and evolution
of children with asthma and preschool wheeze during the first wave of
COVID-19. Matherial and Methods: observational study carried out in
children with recurrent wheezing or asthma before and after the
implementation of the lockdown by using: a questionnaire aimed to
examine pre-existing respiratory disorders, step treatment (according to
Spanish Guide for Asthma Management) and level of asthma control
before/after lockdown (CAN questionnaire), COVID history and laboratory
testing including IgG SARS-CoV-2. Results: we enrolled 475 asthmatic and
preschool wheezers (60.6% males), mean age 5.6 years. There were not
differences in asthma treatment comparing both periods, since 81.7%
maintained the same treatment (p=0.103). According to CAN questionnaire
87.7% remained well controlled during confinement. Nearly a third of
children (34.9%) needed reliever treatment, mainly in older children.
Determination of IgG SARS-CoV-2 was performed in 233 children (49.1%)
of whom 17 (7.3%) tested positive. Seven patients positive to IgG
SARS-CoV-2 were assisted in the emergency department and two required
hospital admission. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 lockdown most of
the children with asthma and recurrent wheezing maintained their
preventive treatments unchanged and remained well controlled from their
underlying disease. Our results suggest that children that tested
positive to IgG SARS-CoV-2 showed significant increase in paediatric
hospital admissions and attendances to urgent care settings.
Population-based incidence of new ampicillin, cephalexin, cefaclor, and sulfonamide antibiotic allergies in exposed individuals with & without preexisting ampicillin, cephalexin, or cefaclor allergies
Authors: Macy Eric , Crawford William W. , Nguyen Myngoc T. , Adams John L. , McGlynn Elizabeth A. , McCormick Thomas A.
Published: January 2024

Rationale: There is a theoretical concern, unconfirmed by
population-based challenge data, that clinically-significant
immunologically-mediated hypersensitivity occurs between beta-lactams
sharing side chains. The population-based “allergy” incidence
associated with the use of beta-lactams sharing exact R1 side chains,
[ampicillin, cephalexin, and cefaclor (ACC)], with or without a
current ACC or sulfonamide antibiotic “allergy” has not been reported.
Methods: All courses of ACC and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,
used by any Kaiser Permanente California members in 2017 and 2018, with
follow-up through January 2019, were identified along with their
preexisting antibiotic “allergy” status and all new
antibiotic-specific “allergies” reported within 30 days of course
initiation. Results: There were 1,167,713 courses of ACC
administered to individuals with no sulfonamide antibiotic or ACC
“allergy” and 4,771 (0.41%) new ACC “allergies” were reported.
There were 130,032 courses of ACC administered to individuals with a
sulfonamide antibiotic “allergy” and no ACC “allergy” and 904
(0.70%) new ACC “allergies” were reported. There were 5,958 courses
of ACC administered to individuals with an ACC “allergy”, 2,341 who
also had sulfonamide antibiotic “allergy”, and 52 (0.87%) new ACC
“allergies” were reported. Conclusions: The incidence of new
ampicillin, cephalexin, or cefaclor “allergy” reports is minimally and
non-specifically increased when a preexisting ACC or sulfonamide
antibiotic “allergy” exists over the baseline incidence in the
population. This argues against clinically-significant
immunologically-mediated cross-reactivity between beta-lactams sharing
exact side chains in individuals with pre-existing, but unconfirmed,
beta-lactam “allergy”. Any previously reported, even unrelated,
antibiotic “allergy” appears to be a risk factor for reporting a new
antibiotic “allergy”.
Risk factors associated with mortality in hypersensitivity pneumonitis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Dasgupta Sanjukta , Bhattacharya Anindita , RoyChowdhury Sushmita , Chaudhury Koel
Published: January 2024

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), an immune-mediated form
of diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD), is triggered by inhalation
of a wide variety of allergens in susceptible individuals. Several
studies suggest that the death rate associated with this disease has
increased significantly in recent years. This meta-analysis investigates
the significant clinico-radiological characteristics which may be
appraised as potential risk factors associated with disease mortality.
Methods: Extensive literature search was conducted for original articles
published between 1st January 2009 and 30th April 2021 through PubMed,
Google Scholar, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library using the keywords:
“hypersensitivity pneumonitis”, “hazard ratio” and “mortality”.
Results: A total of 21 independent studies related to mortality of HP
subjects could be identified. The combined results of univariate and
multivariate analysis suggest that older age [univariate odds ratio
(OR): 1.038; multivariate OR: 1.036], male subjects [univariate OR:
1.508; multivariate OR: 1.396], honeycombing [univariate OR: 1.086;
multivariate OR: 1.121] and traction bronchiectasis [univariate OR:
1.141; multivariate OR: 1.107] are significantly associated with
mortality risk of HP subjects. Further, forced vital capacity, diffusing
capacity for carbon monoxide, ground glass opacity and mosaic
attenuation were associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality.
Although smoking status correlated with mortality risk, the findings
appeared to be insignificant. Conclusion: Individual male subjects with
older age and presence of extensive fibrosis, i.e., honeycombing and
traction bronchiectasis experience an increased mortality risk.
Additional observational and interventional studies are required to
validate the findings and to identify extent of the risk factors and
their association with disease mortality.
The miR-130a-5p regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary epithelial cells by targeting Foxa2 in lung branching morphogenesis
Authors: Li Xue , Liu Caixia , Wei Jun
Published: January 2024

Background: In previous study, we confirmed that the miR-130a-5p/Foxa2
axis regulates fetal lung development in congenital diaphragmatic hernia
(CDH). We also showed that miR-130a-5p and Foxa2 in lung tissues were
localized to the epithelial cells. However, the biological functions of
the miR-130a-5p/Foxa2 axis in pulmonary epithelial cells have yet to be
fully elucidated. In the present study, we focused on the effect of the
miR-130a-5p/Foxa2 axis on the proliferation and apoptosis of pulmonary
epithelial cells and explored the mechanisms underlying these processes.
Methods: We investigated the roles of miR-130a-5p and Foxa2 with regards
to cell viability and apoptosis, by transfecting miR-130a-5p
mimics/inhibitors, and Foxa2 overexpressed lentivirus/siRNA, into
BEAS-2B cells. We also conducted the CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, and ﬂow
cytometry. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and
ChIP-PCR were applied to study the molecular mechanism of
miR-130a-5p/Foxa2 axis affecting the the biological properties of
pulmonary epithelial cells. Results: We found that the upregulation of
miR-130a-5p suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis, while
the downregulation of miR-130a-5p had the opposite effects. Upregulation
of the direct target gene of miR-130a-5p, Foxa2, was able to rescue the
effects of miR-130a-5p in Human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells.
Chip-seq and Chip-PCR assays identified potential transcription factor
functions for Foxa2; Gli3 and Eya3 were identified as binding sites for
Foxa2, and the potential mechanism required our further study.
Conclusions: The results showed that miR-130a-5p/Foxa2 axis played an
important role in the epigenetic modification of pulmonary epithelial
cells, and our current ﬁndings provided a potential mechanism for lung
branching morphogenesis.
The Effect of N95 Respirators on Vital Parameters, PETCO2 and Physical Comfort among Healthcare Providers at the Pandemic Clinics
Authors: Karsli Emre , Yilmaz Atakan , Sabirli Ramazan , Canacik Omer , Ozen Mert , Seyit Murat , Sahin Levent , Oskay Alten , Turkcuer Ibrahim , Kemanci Aykut
Published: January 2024

Background Wearing face shields and masks, which used to have very
limited public use before the Covid-19 outbreak, has been highly
recommended by organizations, such as CDC and WHO, during this pandemic
period. The aim of this prospective study is to scrutinize the dynamic
changes in vital parameters, change in end tidal CO2 levels, the
relationship of these changes with taking a break, and the subjective
complaints caused by respiratory protection while healthcare providers
are performing their duties with the N95 mask. Methods The prospective
cohort included 54 healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, paramedics) who
worked in the respiratory unit of the emergency department (ED),
performed their duties by wearing valved N95 masks, face shields. The
vital parameters and end-tidal CO2 levels were measured at 0-4th-5th-and
9th hours of the work-shift. Results Only the decrease in diastolic BP
between 0-9 hours was statistically significant (p=0.038). Besides, MAP
values indicated a significant decrease between 0-9 hours and 5-9 hours
(p= 0.024 and p=0.049, respectively). In terms of the vital parameters
of the subjects working with and without breaks, only PETCO2 levels of
those working uninterruptedly increased significantly at the 4th hour in
comparison to the beginning-of-shift baseline levels (p=0.003).
Conclusion Although the decrease in SBP and MAP values is assumed to be
caused by increased fatigue due to workload and work pace as well as
increase in muscle activity, the increase in PETCO2 levels in the ED
healthcare staff working with no breaks between 0-4 hours should be
noted in terms of PPE-induced hypoventilation.
Serious adverse drug reactions in sub-Saharan Africa in the era of antiretroviral treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Mouton Johannes , Jobanputra Nicole , Tatz Gayle , Cohen Karen
Published: January 2024

Aim To summarise and describe the burden of serious adverse drug
reactions (ADRs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in the era of
antiretroviral therapy. Methods We searched Medline, CINAHL, Africa-Wide
Information, Scopus, and Web of Science, without language restriction up
to March 2021. We hand-searched reference lists, conference abstracts,
and dissertation databases. We included studies reporting proportions of
admissions attributed to ADRs, admissions prolonged by ADRs, or
in-hospital deaths attributed to ADRs. Two reviewers independently
screened studies, reviewed study quality using a previously published
tool, and extracted data. We tested for heterogeneity using
I2-statistics and summarised study results using medians and
interquartile ranges. Subgroup analyses summarised results by study
quality, setting, methodology, and population. Results From 1005 unique
references identified, we included 15 studies. Median study quality was
7/10; heterogeneity was very high. Median [IQR] proportion of
admissions attributed to ADRs was 4.8% [1.5% to 7.0%] (14
studies), and 6.4% [4.0% to 8.4%] in nine active surveillance
studies in adults. Two paediatric studies reported the proportion of
admissions prolonged by ADRs (0.29% and 0.99%). Three studies reported
the proportion of in-hospital deaths attributed to ADRs (2.5%, 13%,
and 16%). Antiretroviral and antituberculosis drugs were often
implicated in serious ADRs. Conclusion Evidence of the burden of serious
ADRs in SSA is patchy and heterogeneous. A few high-quality studies
suggest the burden is considerable, and that it reflects the regional
impact of the HIV pandemic. Further characterisation of this burden is
required, ideally in studies of standardised methodology.
Is gabapentin effective and safe in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Yuewen , Zhuang Xuhui , Ma Wuhua
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects 2.1-24% of women, causing
physical and psychological damage to women around the world. Objectives:
Based on the efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of chronic pain, we
conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentin
in reducing pain in female with CPP. Search strategy: Systematic
searches were performed in the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase,
Web of science, Scopus, Cochrane and Clinicalkey databases. Selection
criteria: Studies focused on comparing the efficacy of gabapentin and
placebo in the treatment of female CPP patients were included. Data
collection and analysis: RevMan 5.4 was used to analyze the results and
risk of bias. Two investigators independently selected eligible studies
and extracted related pain scores and side effects for meta-analysis.
Main results: In total, enrolled 4 RCTs totalling 425 patients in the
meta-analysis. Among patients receiving gabapentin, the average pain
scores in 3 and 6 months were significantly lower than those in the
placebo group(P<0.00001). The results showed that there was no
statistical difference between gabapentin and placebo in the reduction
of pain scores from baseline(P=0.41). The incidence of side effects in
the gabapentin group was significantly higher than that in the placebo
group(P<0.00001). Conclusion: This systematic review and
meta-analysis demonstrated that for female with CPP, gabapentin was
significantly different from placebo in average pain scores at 3 and 6
months. Gabapentin can bring more significant side effects, whether it
is a common side effect or a serious side effect. Funding: None.
Prescription Pattern and Management of Comorbid Conditions of HIV-positive Patients in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Study
Authors: H Seethalakshmi , Sharma Raghav , KC Bharathraj , Nayak Prashant , K Shreyas
Published: January 2024

Objective: During the management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
infection, comorbidities such as opportunistic infections and other
non-communicable diseases may occur which require co-medications and
monitoring. The objective of this study was to assess the prescription
pattern of antiretroviral drugs, comorbidities, and their management in
HIV positive patients. Methods: This retrospective observational study
evaluated the medical records of 150 in-patients diagnosed with HIV
infection. The antiretroviral drugs prescribed for these patients were
studied and the reported comorbidities and co-medications were
evaluated. Results: The mean age of study population was 45.75 ± 10.15
years and a majority of the patients (40.7%) belonged to the 40-49
years’ age group. Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) was prescribed in 72%
of the patients of which 88.0% were prescribed first-line ART. The most
common ART regimen was istenofovir + lamivudine + efavirenz (50.93%),
and lamivudine (88.0%) was the most commonly prescribed antiretroviral
drug. On an average, each patient had 2.07 ± 1.072 comorbidities and
tuberculosis was the most frequently encountered comorbidity (30.0%).
Antiulcerants and antiflatulents (87.3%) were the most extensively used
co-medications. A mean of 8 co-medications were prescribed per patient.
Conclusions: This study is another evidence where comorbidities are
common occurrence in HIV patients of all age groups and receive
significant amount of co-medications. Hence, excellent care should be
taken during prescribing and management of HIV- infected patients.
Iron nutritional status is associated with thyroid hormone levels in the second trimester of pregnancy: a case-control study
Authors: Wang Fengyi , Zhang Yuanxiao , Yuan Zongxiang , Li Yanning , Liu Shun , Zeng Xiaoyun , Qiu Xiaoqiang , Ye Li , Huang Dongping
Published: January 2024

Objective: To analyze the correlation between iron status and thyroid
hormone in pregnant women during their second trimester of pregnancy.
Design: A hospital-based case-control study. Population: A total of 550
pregnant women were recruited from Pingguo Maternity and Child Health
Hospital. Method: Data was grouped by SF concentration, and was
performed by correlation and regression analysis. Main outcome measure:
Iron nutritional status and thyroid hormones. Results: A significant
difference was found in thyroid hormone level, including FT3, FT4, and
TSH (all P < 0.01) between two groups (Mann-Whitney U test),
and the levels of FT3 and FT4 were significantly lower in the iron
deficiency group. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed that both of SF
and Hb were correlated with FT3, FT4, and TSH (all P < 0.01).
Canonical correlation was used to analyze the interrelationships between
iron status and thyroid hormones, showing SF was positively associated
with the FT3 level. The elastic network regression indicated that the
coefficient of Hb was greater than that of SF. Conclusion: Our study
indicated that iron nutritional status is associated with thyroid
hormone levels during the second trimester of pregnancy, suggesting that
ID may be an important risk factor in thyroid hormone levels. Involving
two common endocrine diseases in pregnancy, the relationship between ID
and thyroid hormone deserves further investigation. Tweetable abstract:
Iron nutritional status is associated with thyroid hormone levels during
the second trimester of pregnancy. Key-words: Iron status, thyroid
hormones, the second trimester of pregnancy, canonical correlation,
elastic network regression
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) Values as a Complementary Tool in the Prostate Gland Disease: A Prospective Evaluation of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) Values with Pathological Data
Authors: OĞUZDOĞAN GÜLŞEN YÜCEL , Adıbelli Zehra Hilal , Sefik Ertugrul , Arslan Fatma Zeynep
Published: January 2024

Background:This prospective study aims to reveal whether the lesion is a
benign pathological process or malignant by measuring ADC values under
PI-RADSv2.1 guidance on MpMRI examinations. Additionally, the paper
evaluates whether there is a correlation between malignant lesions’
pathological grade and ADC values, and whether ADC values provide
noninvasive information about prostate cancer aggressiveness. Purpose:To
determine the cut-off ADC values that may exist to identify and
distinguish between benign and malignant lesions and also identify
cancers with an ISUP score≥2 and cancers with an ISUP score1 defined as
silent disease. Methods:This study includes 243 patients and they were
diagnosed with TRUS-guided cognitive MRI fusion as tissue diagnosis.
MpMRI images were evaluated before biopsy according to PI-RADSv2.1
guideline by a radiologist. Three groups which are benign prostatic
tissue, prostatitis, prostate cancer, were obtained according to the
histopathological results. Results: When the cut-off value for ADC is
780 x10-3, sensitivity was 80%. When the cut-off value was taken as 668
x10-3, the sensitivity was found to be 72% and specificity 62%. When
the cut-off ADC value was taken as 647 x10-3, the sensitivity was 83%
and the specificity was 48.5%. ADC values varied significantly
according to ISUP groups [p= 0.003]. It was determined that ISUP 1
group was significantly higher than each of the other groups. ADC group
mean values did not show a statistically significant difference between
Group 2,3,4 and 5. Conclusion:ADC value shows significant potential, and
may it improve the diagnostic accuracy.
SEX-RELATED SIGNALLING OF ALDOSTERONE/MINERALOCORTICOID RECEPTOR PATHWAY IN CALCIFIC AORTIC STENOSIS
Authors: Matilla Lara , Jover Eva , Garaikoetxea Mattie , Arrieta Vanessa , Garcia-Pena Amaia , Navarro Adela , Fernandez-Celis Amaya , Gainza Alicia , Alvarez Virginia , Sadaba Rafael , EDITOR) Frédéric Jaisser (GUEST , López-Andrés Natalia
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are clear sex differences in the
pathophysiology of aortic valve (AV) calcification in aortic stenosis
(AS) patients. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying
such sex differences have not been elucidated yet. Aldosterone (Aldo)
promotes proteoglycan synthesis in valve interstitial cells (VICs) from
mitral valves via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). We investigated
the influence of sex in the role of Aldo/MR pathway in AV calcification
in AS patients. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH AND KEY RESULTS: MR was expressed
by primary aortic VICs and in AVs from AS patients. MR expression was
positively correlated with VICs activation markers in AVs from both
sexes. However, MR expression was positively associated with molecules
involved in AV calcification only AV from in men. Aldo enhanced VICs
activation markers in cells from men and women. Interestingly, Aldo
increased the expression of calcification markers only in VICs isolated
from men. MR antagonism blocked (spironolactone) all the above effects.
Cytokine arrays showed intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and
osteopontin to be specifically increased by Aldo in male VICs. In AVs
from men, MR expression positively associated with both ICAM-1 and
osteopontin. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings demonstrate
that the Aldo/MR pathway could play a role in early stages of AS by
promoting VICs activation and ulterior calcification. Importantly,
Aldo/MR pathway is involved in early AV calcification only in men.
Accordingly, MR antagonism emerges as a new sex-specific pharmacological
treatment to prevent AV calcification in men.
ACCELERATED NONSTANDARD FINITE DIFFERENCE METHOD FOR SINGULARLY PERTURBED BURGER-HUXLEY EQUATIONS.
Authors: Kabeto Masho , Duressa Gemechis
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces an accelerated uniformly convergent finite
difference numerical approach for the singularly perturbed Burger-Huxley
equation. The semi-linear property is treated with the help of the
quasilinearization technique. A first-order finite difference
approximation is applied in the temporal direction, and a nonstandard
methodology of Mickens procedure is used in the spatial direction. To
accelerate the rate of convergence from first to second-order, the
Richardson extrapolation technique is applied. The convergence analysis
of the proposed method has been established. Numerical experiments were
conducted to support the theoretical results. Further, the result shows
that the proposed method gives a more accurate solution than some
existing methods in the literature.
Detecting steps in spatial genetic data: which diversity measures are best?
Authors: Sentinella Alexander , Moles Angela , Bragg Jason , Rossetto Maurizio , Sherwin William
Published: January 2024

Accurately detecting steps in genetic diversity across landscapes is
important for locating barriers to gene flow, identifying selectively
important loci, and defining management units. However, there are many
metrics that researchers could use to detect steps and little
information on which might be the most robust. Our study aimed to
determine the best measure/s for genetic step detection along linear
gradients using biallelic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. We
tested the ability to differentiate between linear and step-like
gradients in genetic diversity, using a range of diversity measures
derived from the q-profile, including allelic richness, Shannon
Information, GST, and Jost-D, as well as Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. To
determine the properties of each measure, we repeated simulations of
different intensities of step and allele proportion ranges, with varying
genome sample size, number of loci, and number of localities. We found
that alpha diversity (within-locality) based measures were ineffective
at detecting steps. Further, allelic richness-based beta
(between-locality) measures (e.g., Jaccard and Sørensen dissimilarity)
were not reliable for detecting steps, but instead detected departures
from fixation. The beta diversity measures best able to detect steps
were: Shannon Information based measures, GST based measures, a Jost-D
related measure, and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. No one measure was best
overall, with a trade-off between those measures with high step
detection sensitivity (GST and Bray-Curtis) and those that minimised
false positives (a variant of Shannon Information). Therefore, when
detecting steps, we recommend understanding the differences between
measures and using a combination of approaches.
Research on Intellectualized Location of Coal Gangue Logistics Nodes Based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Quasi-Newton Algorithm
Authors: YANG Shengli , WANG Junjie , MING LI , YUE Hao
Published: January 2024

The optimization of integrated coal gangue system of mining, dressing
and backfilling in deep underground mining is a multi-objective and
complex decision-making process, and the factors such as spatial layout,
node location, transportation equipment need to be considered
comprehensively. In order to realize the intellectualized location of
the nodes of the logistics and transportation system of underground
mining and dressing coal and gangue, this paper establishes the model of
the logistics and transportation system of underground mining and
dressing coal gangue, and analyzes the key factors of the
intellectualized location of the logistics and transportation system of
coal and gangue. In order to solve the problems of complex iterative
update, slow running speed and poor stability of output results when
particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to solve the problem
of node location, this paper proposes a particle swarm optimization and
quasi-Newton algorithm (PSO-QNMs) for intellectualized node location of
coal gangue system. By using MATLAB, this paper compares the calculation
results of PSO algorithm and PSO-QNMs algorithm. The experimental
results show that PSO-QNMs algorithm reduces the complexity of the
calculation, increases the computational efficiency by 8 times, saves
42.8% of the cost, and improves the node optimization efficiency of the
mining, dressing and backfilling system under the complex underground
environment. Combined with the specific conditions of Xinjulong coal
mine, the key nodes of underground coal and gangue system are located
intelligently. The results prove that the method has high convergence
speed and solving accuracy, which provides a basis for the optimization
of mine logistics system in underground mining.