bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plastic Waste in the Amazon Forest: What Is the Future of the Ecosystem Services Provided by the Local Bats?
Authors: Correiaª Letícia Lima , Ribeiro-Basil Danielle Regina Gomes , Garcia Magali Gonçalves , Silva Daniela de Melo e , Vieira Thiago Bernardi
Published: September 2023

Microplastics (MPs) have become an environmental concern, and studies with humans and different animals are being carried out and improved. Thus, the objective of the present work was to verify the ingestion of PMs in bats from the Brazilian legal Amazon. Therefore, the entire digestive (esophagus to the anus) and respiratory (trachea to the lungs) systems of 81 individuals of bats of 25 different species were analyzed separately. This is the first report of microplastics in Amazonian bats, among the analyzed bats, 95.06% showed contamination by PMs; the digestive system was the one with the highest contamination and the fibers were the only form found. Ingestion and inhalation of plastic waste can happen through direct or indirect contact with contaminated air, water or food. With the verification of contamination by PMs, mainly in the digestive system, future works can analyze their feces to verify the amount of PMs that are being excreted.
Trends of Chronic Disease Management Research (1992–2022): A Scientometric Review
Authors: Wang Dandan , Li Yajie , Mu Liping
Published: September 2023

Background:
​Chronic disease management (CDM) is a scientific management model that aims to improve the health level of patients, delay the deterioration of diseases and reduce the medical costs. Its research has grown rapidly in the past 30 years, covering multiple aspects such as graded management, risk management, management models and intervention subjects of chronic diseases. Although several scholars have conducted literature reviews and analyses on these aspects, there are still some key issues that have not been fully answered, such as the publication subjects, pioneering and landmark literature, mainstream and future research topics of CDM research. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a systematic review.
Methods:
​This paper selected 6 core databases of WoS (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, A&HCI, CPCI-S, CPCI-SSH, ESCI) as the data source. The time span was set from January 1, 1992 to August 2, 2022, and the search mode was: TS = (“chronic disease management*” OR “chronic illness management*” OR “chronic condition management*”), with the retrieval date being August 2, 2022. Then the document type was refined by selecting “Article” and “Review” and the document language by selecting “English”. Finally, the 2986 studies were comprehensively evaluated and incorporated into Cite Space for review and analysis.
Results:
​The results show that authors and institutions in United States are the main contributors to CDM research and that interdisciplinary collaboration is gradually growing. Using document co-citation analysis, research hotspots in the field were investigated. Furthermore, the research frontiers and trendy topics in CDM from 1922 to 2022 were found by using burst detection, and research gaps were identified.
Conclusions:
​The findings provide valuable insights for both researchers and practitioners involved in CDM. But there are also some limitations, including (1) data sources can be enriched (2) search terms can be more flexible (3) scientometric sources selection can be more diverse, etc.
Surgical outcomes for patients with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung disease after 1 year of age following transanal endorectal pull-through
Authors: xie chuanping , Yan Jiayu , Wang Kexin , Pang Wenbo , Zhang Dan , Wang Kai , Chen Yajun
Published: August 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the differences in postoperative complications and long-term bowel function outcomes between patients with rectosigmoid Hirschsprung disease (HD) who underwent transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) beyond infancy (age＞ 1 year of age) and those during infancy (≤ 1 year of age).
Methods: All patients with rectosigmoid HD at Beijing Children’s Hospital between January 2011 and December 2020 were eligible. They were divided into two groups based on age at TEPT: group A was defined as patients who performed TEPT beyond infancy (age＞1 year of age), and group B as patients who performed TEPT during infancy (age≤ 1 year of age). Clinical details were collected from medical records. Bowel function outcomes were assessed by the Rintala questionnaire (age≥4 years).
Results: A total of 339 patients were included: 216 (63.7%) who operated with TEPT beyond infancy and 123 (36.3%) during infancy (group B). Regarding postoperative complications, all patients sufferinga anastomosis leakage following TEPT (7/216, 3.2%) occurred in group A and the rate of anastomosis leakage in group A was significantly higher than in group B (3.2% vs 0.0%, p=0.044). 228 patients (228/327, 69.7%) completed the Rintala questionnaire. There was no significant difference in long-term bowel function outcomes between the two groups.
Conclusion: Compared with patients who performed TEPT during infancy, those beyond infancy are more likely to suffer anastomosis leakage, but long-term bowel function outcomes are comparable. TEPT should be performed during infancy for HD patients.
Type of Study: A retrospective single-center study
Level of evidence: Ⅲ
Effect of high temperatures on the mechanical and thermal properties of Notre-Dame de Paris Lutetian limestone
Authors: guenser colin , CORN Stéphane , SALGUES Marie , MORENON Pierre , DOMEDE Nathalie
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine mechanical and thermal properties of Saint-Maximin limestone, similar to the Lutetian stone found in the vaults of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, and their variations after heating-cooling cycles at temperatures up to 800°C. An extensive experimental campaign, including both destructive and non-destructive testing, was carried out. The results indicate that the samples can be considered to be isotropic, and the effect of temperature on Poisson's ratio, static modulus of elasticity, compressive and tensile strengths were measured. Non-destructive testing revealed that the usual correlation equations between ultrasonic measurements and mechanical properties are not valid for heated stone samples, particularly when estimating Poisson's ratio. An alternative measurement method using impulse modal analysis was proposed to overcome this issue. Uniaxial compressive tests on specimens of different geometries were used for the estimation of shape factors specific to Saint-Maximin stone. Some of these shape factors contradict the current European standard for stone, which seems to overestimate the effect of slenderness. The study also suggests shape factors after heating at 300°C and 600°C to account for the effect of heating on the compressive strength. The results demonstrate that, while the correlations established for stones at room temperature remain valid, they are not necessarily accurate after a heating-cooling cycle. This study provides important information for the numerical modelling of this material from mechanical and thermal perspectives.
Plastic juvenile growth rates and offspring size: A response to anthropogenic shifts in prey size among populations
Authors: Chamberlain Jeremy D. , Clifton Ian T. , Gifford Matthew E.
Published: September 2023

Variation in prey characteristics among populations is frequently associated with similar variation in predator body sizes. Increasingly, human-mediated alterations in prey landscapes impose unique ecological pressures on predators that may lead to rapid shifts in predator body size. Here, we ask whether adult body size differences among populations are the product of genetic adaptation or phenotypic plasticity of juvenile growth in response to human-altered prey size differences. Using a common-garden design, we measured growth rates of neonate diamond-backed watersnakes (Nerodia rhombifer) from fish farms populations that vary substantially in prey size distributions. We also investigated the influence of initial offspring size differences on growth rate. We found that juvenile growth rates were faster for snakes from populations with access to larger average prey sizes. Our data suggest that these differences are the product of phenotypic plasticity, mediated through differences in initial size and prey consumption. Population-level differences in growth rate were not detected when initial size and prey mass consumed were included in the model. We propose that larger offspring sizes may favor increased growth rates, mediated through a larger energy processing capacity relative to smaller individuals. This experiment provides evidence supporting the growing body of literature that adaptive plasticity may be a significant driver of rapid phenotypic divergence among populations across a landscape. This mechanism may explain the stability and colonization of populations in the face of rapid, human-mediated, landscape changes.
ACLY is a prognostic biomarker of head and neck squamous carcinoma
Authors: Tan Ming , Li Dong , Xu Ruiqi
Published: September 2023

Background
ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) is considered to be a tumor promoter in multiple human cancers. However, the mechanism of ACLY in head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) progression is unclear.
Methods
ACLY expression in pan-cancer was analyzed by combining TCGA and GTEx databases. The correlation between ACLY expression and HNSC patients’ prognosis were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve. The relationship between ACLY expression and clinicopathological features was investigated by Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate/multivariate cox regression analysis, ACLY-involved pathway was explored by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Correlation between ACLY expression and immune cell infiltration in HNSC was analyzed in TCGA database. ACLY expression in HNSC cells was measured by qRT-PCR.
Results
ACLY expression was remarkably increased in HNSC tumor tissues. ROC curve showed that ACLY expression in HNSC had significant diagnostic ability (AUC = 0.865). High expression of ACLY could be used to predict poorer overall survival in HNSC patients, and ACLY was confirmed to be an independent prognostic indicator of HNSC. GSEA analysis obtained 5 pathways significantly associated with ACLY overexpression. In addition, ACLY expression in HNSC was also correlated with immune cell infiltration level. qRT-PCR also confirmed that ACLY expression was upregulated in HNSC cell lines.
Conclusions
ACLY might be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HNSC.
Comparison of therapeutic effects between big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty for medically unresponsive Acanthamoeba keratitis
Authors: Qi Xiaolin , Mao Huilin , Liu Jinhui , Dong Yanlin , Du Man , Liu Ting , Zhang Ting , Lu Xiuhai , Gao Hua
Published: September 2023

Purpose
To compare the outcomes of big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (BB-DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in the management of medically unresponsive Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).
Methods
This retrospective study included 27 eyes of BB-DALK and 24 eyes of PKP from a tertiary ophthalmology care centre. Glucocorticoid eye drops were subsequently added to the treatment plan 2 months postoperatively based on the evaluation using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The clinical presentations, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative refractive outcomes, graft survival, and Acanthamoeba recurrence were analyzed.
Results
The AK patients included in the study were in stage 2 or stage 3, and the percentage of patients in stage 3 was higher in the PKP group (P = 0.003). Clinical presentations were mainly corneal ulcers and ring infiltrates, and endothelial plaques, hypopyon, uveitis and glaucoma were more common in the PKP group (P = 0.007). The BCVA and the graft survival rate showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups at 1 year after surgery. However, 3 years postoperatively, the BCVA of 0.71 ± 0.64 logMAR, the graft survival rate of 89.5%, and the endothelial cell density of 1899 ± 125 cells per square millimeter in the BB-DALK group were significantly better than those of the PKP group (P = 0.010, 0.046, and 0.032, respectively). 3 eyes (11.1%) in the BB-DALK group and 2 eyes (8.3%) in the PKP group experienced Acanthamoeba recurrence, but the rates showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 1.000). In the PKP group, immune rejection and elevated intraocular pressure were observed in 5 and 6 eyes, respectively.
Conclusion
Corneal transplantation is recommended for AK patients unresponsive to antiamoebic agents. The visual acuity and graft survival can be maintained after BB-DALK surgery. Acanthamoeba recurrence is not related to the surgical approach performed, whereas complete dissection of the infected corneal stroma and delayed prescribing of glucocorticoid eye drops were important to prevent recurrence.
Raman time-delay in attosecond transient absorption of strong-field created Krypton vacancy
Authors: Zhao Zengxiu , Wang Xiaowei , Wang Li , Bai Guangru , Zhao Jing , Gao Cheng , Wang Jiacan , Xiao Fan , Tao Wenkai , Song Pan , Qiu Qianyu , Liu Jinlei
Published: September 2023

One of the cornerstone for attosecond science is strong field ionization that injects a transient vacancy in the atom which is entangled to the outgoing photoelectron. When the electron is finally detached, the ions are left in a statistical population of different excited states with part of the coherence information lost. The preserved coherence of matter after interacting with intense short pulses has important consequences on the subsequent nonequilibrium evolution and energy relaxation. Here we employ attosecond chronoscopy to measure the time-delay of the resonant transitions of Krypton vacancy during their creation. It is observed that the absorptions by the two spin-orbit split states are modulated at different paces when varying the time delay between the near-infrared pumping pulse and the isolated attosecond probing pulse. It is shown that the coupling of the injected ions with the remaining field leads to a suppression of ionic coherence. The comparison between theory and experiments uncovers that the coherent Raman coupling between the two spin-orbit split states induces time-delay between the resonant absorptions, which provides new insight into laser-ion interactions enriching attosecond chronoscopy.
Association between a single nucleotide polymorphism of obesity related gene FTO and tuberculosis severity
Authors: Liu Xiao-Shu , Zhang Juan , He Jian-Qing
Published: September 2023

Background. Obesity is recognized to impact cell-mediated immune responses and increase the susceptibility to various diseases. Studies have identified an association between fat mass and obesity-related genes (FTO) and the susceptibility of tuberculosis. We aim to investigate whether FTO polymorphism is linked to the severity of tuberculosis.
Methods. We conducted a case-control study, comprising 411 cases of multisystem tuberculosis and 579 cases of mild tuberculosis, admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Participants, aged 15 to 45 years, underwent whole blood DNA extraction, and multiple SNP typing using SNPscanTM. Three TagSNPs located at loci rs9909, rs16952577 and rs16952730 of the FTO gene were selected for analysis.
Results. The minor allele G of rs16952730 demonstrated a significant association with a reduced risk of severe tuberculosis (OR: 0.800, 95% CI: 0.658-0.973; P=0.026). These results remained consistent after adjusting for age and sex (ORa: 0.799, 95% CI: 0.655-0.974; Pa=0.026). The rs16952730 GG genotype showed a significantly lower risk of severe tuberculosis compared to the AA genotype, even after adjusting for age and sex (ORa: 0.596, 95% CI: 0.378-0.941; Pa =0.026). In genetic model analysis, rs16952730 exhibited a significantly reduced risk of severe tuberculosis in additive models before and after adjusting for age and sex (OR: 0.807, 95% CI: 0.666-0.978; P =0.029 and ORa: 0.806, 95% CI: 0.664-0.979; Pa =0.03). However, no significant association was observed between rs9909, rs16952577, and tuberculosis severity.
Conclusions. The obesity-related gene FTO is associated with the severity of tuberculosis in the Chinese Han population.
Pooling Sputum Samples for the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay: a Practical Screening Strategy for Highly Infectious Tuberculosis Cases
Authors: Zeng Jianfeng , Huang Huan , Liu Xuhui , Huang Zhen , Liu Weijian , Liu Houming , Lu Shuihua
Published: September 2023

The Xpert MTB/RIF test (Xpert) can help in the accurate screening of tuberculosis, however, its widespread use is limited by its high cost and lack of accessibility. Pooling of sputum samples for testing is a strategy to cut expenses and enhance population coverage but may result in a decrease in detection sensitivity due to the dilution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) by sample mixing. We investigated how the mixing ratio affected the detection performance of Xpert. We used frozen sputum samples that had been kept after individual Xpert assays of the sputa from Mtb-confirmed TB patients and non-TB patients. Our results showed that the overall sensitivity of the Xpert pooling assay remained higher than 80% when the mixing ratio was between 1/2 and 1/8. When the mixing ratio was raised to 1/16, the positive detection rate fell to 69.0%. For patients with either a high sputum Mtb smear score ≥ 2+, a time-to-positive culture ≤ 10 days, or an Xpert test indicating a high or medium abundance of bacteria, the pooling assay positivity rates were 93.3%, 96.8%, and 100% respectively, even at a 1/16 mixing ratio. For participants with cavities and cough, the pooling assay positivity rates were 86.2% and 90.0% at a 1/8 ratio, higher than for those without these signs. Our results show that the Xpert pooled assay has a high overall sensitivity, especially for highly infectious patients. This pooling strategy with lower reagent and labor costs could support TB screening in communities with limited resources, thereby facilitating reductions in the community transmission and incidence of TB worldwide.
Differences in sex hormones and brain morphology between females with offspring and nulliparous
Authors: Huo Huiyan , Yu Chunyan , Sun Qiyuan , Li Mifang , Zhang Chuanmeng , Zhang Lingyan
Published: September 2023

Background
This study aims to investigate differences in sex hormone levels and brain morphology among women with offspring and nulliparous to explore the changes that the reproduction induces.
Methods
A total of 66 females of reproductive age range 20–40 years were enrolled, including 35 offspring women, and 31 nulliparous. Participants’ sex hormone levels were assessed. T1 structural images were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner, and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was implemented to investigate gray matter changes between the two groups and extract brain volume including gray matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Results
Analysis of sex hormones revealed no significant differences in E2 (z = − 0.28,p = 0.782), LH (z = − 0.62,p = 0.537), and P (z = − 1.34,p = 0.181), whereas significant differences were found in FSH (z = 3.86,p < 0.001), T (z = − 3.92,p < 0.001), and PRL (z = − 3.27, p = 0.018). Differences in brain volumes, including GMV (t = − 3.53,p = 0.001), CSF (t = − 2.39,p = 0.020), were observed. VBM analysis showed that compared with nulliparous women, those with offspring exhibited decreased cortical areas in the left superior frontal gyrus and right putamen, but no increased cortical areas were found.
Conclusion
Females of reproductive age in the 20–40 years group, compared with nulliparous female, sex hormones of female with offspring changed, and the volume of the cerebral cortex decreased, which indicated that females were developing in the direction of functional decline. Further research should explore the mechanism underlying these discrepancies, and their potential consequences for female health.
Accuracy of Computer Vision-Based Pose Estimation Algorithms in Predicting Joint Kinematics During Gait
Authors: Hulleck Abdul Aziz , Mohseni Mahdi , Hantash Mohd Khalil Abu , Katmah Rateb , Almadani Murad , Arjmand Navid , Khalaf Kinda , Rich Marwan El
Published: August 2023

Accurate and user-friendly joint kinematic measurement is essential in clinical gait assessment. Pose estimation algorithms offer an alternative to cumbersome marker-based motion capture, whether optical or IMU-based. This study assesses AlphaPose and BlazePose pose estimation tools efficacy in determining gait joint kinematics against Vicon motion capture. Ten healthy male participants walked at varied speeds, with concurrent measurements via thirty-nine reflective skin markers and a GoPro RGB camera in sagittal plane. Pose estimation tools processed videos, and trigonometric calculations derived joint angles. BlazePose demonstrated lower root mean square error (RMSE) values than Vicon, with a maximum of 14.2° in the left knee during slow gait. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed significant joint measurement differences, worsening with speed. Both AlphaPose and BlazePose differ in performance compared to Vicon. AlphaPose generally yielded higher ranges of motion (RoM) and larger RMSE values, while BlazePose exhibited elevated normalized RMSE values. With further improvements to BlazePose algorithm, clinicians will be empowered to conduct real-time pre- and post-intervention gait assessments effortlessly using standard cameras.
New Insights into the Intensification of Cyclones over Arabian Sea-A Case Study on Biparjoy
Authors: K maneesha
Published: September 2023

In recent decades, there has been notable variability in the occurrence, frequency, and intensification of cyclones worldwide, and a significant trend has emerged in the northern Indian Ocean, notably the Arabian Sea. The recent cyclone, Biparjoy, stands out as a significant event among these occurrences. Through an extensive analysis utilizing available datasets (both in-situ and model-based) along the vertical trajectory of cyclone paths, it has been ascertained that the intensity of cyclones is influenced by the advection of warm saline (referred to as "Spicy") water originating north of the cyclone's track. This influx of high-saline waters occurs at various depths, inducing alterations in the vertical water column configuration. Notably, the diffusion of heat overtakes that of salt, resulting in the gradual dispersion of the saline water. These high salinity levels are prevalent at depths ranging from 0 to 300 meters, with a pronounced concentration up to 100 meters below the surface. The presence of these warm saline waters overlying the colder, fresher waters gives rise to a phenomenon known as "salt fingering" (45o < Tu < 90o), which establishes a stable surface layer predominantly controlled by temperature gradients. This stable surface layer, extending up to approximately 50 meters in depth holding a substantial heat, fostering a positive feedback loop that amplifies cyclone intensity. As the spiciness of the Arabian Sea experiences an ascending trend in recent years, the continued extension of saline water advection bears intense implications for upper ocean heat content. This, in turn, creates a favorable environment for the formation and rapid intensification of cyclones.
Reversible tongue atrophy in a patient with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Wang Aihua , Zhang Wenbo , Yang Yang , Si Zhihua , Liu Ying , Xu Huifan , Wang Dawei , Wang Yi , Xu Juanjuan , Kan Wenjing , Liu Rutao
Published: August 2023

Background
Tongue atrophy is an uncommon symptom of myasthenia gravis (MG), especially rare in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive patients (AchR-MG). Little information could be acquired about its prognosis.
Case presentation:
Here, we report a case of pronounced tongue atrophy in a 53-year-old AchR-MG man who has been misdiagnosed as myopathy for seven years. After treating with oral corticosteroid and pyridostigmine bromide for 3 months, the tongue volume and the electrophysiological changes restored quickly.
Conclusion
Our case shows a good prognosis of the tongue atrophy in AchR-MG following correct and timely diagnosis.
Agent-based modeling of the prostate tumor microenvironment uncovers spatial tumor growth constraints and immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Eduati Federica , Genderen Maisa van , Kneppers Jeroen , Zaalberg Anniek , Bekers Elise , Bergman Andries , Zwart Wilbert
Published: August 2023

Inhibiting androgen receptor (AR) signaling through androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) reduces prostate cancer (PCa) growth in virtually all patients, but response is temporary, and resistance inevitably develops, ultimately leading to lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development and progression of PCa. In addition to tumor cells, TME-resident macrophages and fibroblasts express AR and are therefore also affected by ADT. However, the interplay of different TME cell types in the development of CRPC remains largely unexplored.
To understand the complex stochastic nature of cell-cell interactions, we created a PCa-specific agent-based model (PCABM) based on in vitro cell proliferation data. PCa cells, fibroblasts, “pro-inflammatory” M1-like and “pro-tumor” M2-like polarized macrophages are modeled as agents from a simple set of validated base assumptions. PCABM allows us to simulate the effect of ADT on the interplay between various prostate TME cell types. The resulting in vitro growth patterns mimic human PCa.
Our PCABM can effectively model hormonal perturbations by ADT, in which PCABM suggests that CRPC arises in clusters of resistant cells, as is observed in multifocal PCa. In addition, fibroblasts compete for cellular space in the TME while simultaneously creating niches for tumor cells to proliferate in. Finally, PCABM predicts that ADT has immunomodulatory effects on macrophages that may enhance tumor survival. Taken together, these results suggest that AR plays a critical role in the cellular interplay and stochastic interactions in the TME that influence tumor cell behavior and CRPC development.
Changes in microbial composition and interaction patterns of female urogenital tract and rectum in response to HPV infection
Authors: Dong Yong-Hong , Luo Yu-Hua , Liu Chen-Jian , Huang Wen-Yu , Feng Lin , Zou Xing-Yuan , Zhou Jin-Yan , Li Xiao-Ran W
Published: August 2023

Background
Previous studies have shown that changes in the microbial community of the female urogenital tract are associated with Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, research on this association was mostly focused on a single site, and there are currently few joint studies on HPV infection and multiple sites in the female urogenital tract.
Methods
We selected 102 healthy women from Yunnan Province as the research object, collected cervical exfoliation fluid, vaginal, urethral, and rectal swabs for microbial community analysis, and measured bacterial load, and related cytokine content. The link between HPV, microbiota, and inflammation was comprehensively evaluated using bioinformatics methods.
Findings:
The impact of HPV infection on the microbial composition of different parts varies. We have identified several signature bacterial genera that respond to HPV infection in several detection sites, such as Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Campylobacter, and Cutibacterium have been detected in multiple sites, reflecting their potential significance in cross body HPV infection responses. There was a solid microbial interaction network between the cervix, vagina, and urethra. The interrelationships between inflammatory factors and different bacterial genera might also affect the immune system's response to HPV infection.
Interpretation:
It might be an effective strategy to prevent and treat HPV infection by simultaneously understanding the correlation between the microbial changes in multiple parts of the female genitourinary tract and rectum and HPV infection, and controlling the microbial network related to HPV infection in different parts.
The effect of ellagic acid on sex hormones and miRNA-21 expression in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Khoshvaghti Ameneh , Rahbari Raha
Published: August 2023

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The syndrome's multifactorial etiology involves genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors. PCOS also extends its impact to metabolic abnormalities, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Addressing PCOS requires a comprehensive approach due to its diverse effects.
Results: A study investigated the potential effects of ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol found in fruits and vegetables, on PCOS. Using a mouse model, the study examined hormonal profiles, ovarian morphology, and miRNA-21 expression. PCOS mice exhibited elevated LH levels, reduced numbers of primordial and graafian follicles, and altered miRNA-21 expression compared to control mice. Ellagic acid treatment showed reduced LH levels and restoration of follicular development, particularly primordial and graafian follicles, along with modulation of miRNA-21 expression. Moreover, ellagic acid exhibited positive effects on ovarian morphology, including decreased theca layer thickness, increased oocyte diameter, and improvements in antral and preovulatory follicles. This suggests ellagic acid's potential in addressing follicular development and oocyte quality in PCOS.
Conclusions: The study underscores the therapeutic potential of ellagic acid in ameliorating PCOS-related abnormalities. Ellagic acid treatment improved hormonal profiles, restored follicular development, and influenced miRNA-21 expression. These findings suggest ellagic acid as a potential complementary approach in PCOS management. While the study is promising, further research, including clinical trials, is required to elucidate ellagic acid's mechanisms and clinical efficacy in human PCOS subjects.
Reasonable Vertical Position of the Advanced Center Drift in Super Deep-buried Soft-rock Tunnel
Authors: Wang Fengxi
Published: September 2023

In super deep-buried soft-rock tunnels, significant deformation disasters often accompany high-ground stress. Advanced center drift stress release technology to release some in-situ stress in advanced can effectively solve many problems caused by large deformation. Therefore, based on the Haba Snow Mountain Tunnel in the Lijiang Section of the Yunnan-Tibet Railway, the research on the vertical reasonable position of the advanced center drift is carried out. Using literature research, numerical simulation, and on-site experiments, the deformation of surrounding rock, the stress distribution of support, and the distribution of plastic zone of surrounding rock at different vertical positions of the advanced center drift are studied. The application effect of the advanced center drift is analyzed through on-site monitoring data. The results show that different vertical positions of the advanced center drift have a particular stress-release effect. When the arch top of the advanced center drift is 2 m away from the main tunnel arch top, the stress release effect and support stress are relatively ideal, and the on-site measured tunnel deformation can reduce by an average of 44.52%. The research results can provide reference for the design of advanced center drift in similar projects.
The hepatic transcriptome is differentially regulated by a standardized meal in healthy individuals compared to patients with fatty liver disease
Authors: Grandt Josephine , Johansen Christian D. , Jensen Anne-Sofie H. , Werge Mikkel P. , Rashu Elias B. , Møller Andreas , Junker Anders E. , Hobolth Lise , Mortensen Christian , Vyberg Mogens , Serizawa Reza Rafiolsadat , Møller Søren , Gluud Lise Lotte , Albrechtsen Nicolai J. Wewer
Published: September 2023

The human liver is dynamic organ with minute to hourly adaptions in response to feeding. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis have altered transcriptomic features compared to controls but how and if food intake affects such is unknown in humans. Our aim was to investigate the hepatic transcriptome at both fasting and postprandial states in patients with NAFLD, cirrhosis, and healthy controls and secondly to develop a browsable resource enabling easy and unrestricted access to such data. We obtained liver tissue by transjugular liver biopsies from patients with NAFLD (n = 9, mean age 49 (16 SD) y, BMI 35 (5) kg/m2), cirrhosis (n = 9, age 61 (11) y, BMI 32 (5) kg/m2) and healthy controls (n = 10, age 25 (3) y, BMI 23 (3) kg/m2). The hepatic transcriptome was sequenced using NGS and evaluated in bioinformatic analyses to assess differentially expressed genes (DEG) and gene ontology biological processes (GOBP). We identified 553 DEG between healthy controls and patients with NAFLD, 5527 DEG between healthy controls and patients with cirrhosis, and 3898 DEG in NAFLD compared with cirrhosis. A hitherto uncharacterized gene (MET proto-oncogene) was differentially expressed in human NAFLD and cirrhosis. The hepatic transcriptome changed significantly during a standardized meal and these changes were blunted in patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis. GOBP analyses revealed an increase in pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes in NAFLD and cirrhosis, as well as a decrease in genes related to metabolism. Data were made browsable using two web-based apps. The hepatic transcriptome is differentially regulated by a standardized meal in healthy individuals compared to patients with fatty liver disease.
Exploring Critical Language Awareness (Cla) in Arabic Pedagogy: Case Studies at Teaching Colleges in Indonesia – Malaysia
Authors: Sauri Sofyan , Maulani Hikmah , Hamzah Abdullah bin , Sanusi Anwar , Saleh Nalahuddin , Khalid Shofa Musthofa
Published: September 2023

This study explores the practices of Critical Language Awareness (CLA) in Arabic language pedagogy among pre-service Arabic language teachers in teacher education institutions in Indonesia and Malaysia. This is based on the fact that both Indonesia and Malaysia have an official curriculum for Arabic at the school level. This curriculum sets learning objectives, competency standards, and learning materials that must be included in teaching Arabic. The research adopts a qualitative approach using a case study design. Data collection involves participants consisting of students and lecturers from two teacher education institutions in Indonesia and Malaysia, totalling 125 participants, with a breakdown of 100 students and 25 lecturers. Data is collected through observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The data analysis reveals that CLA helps students understand Arabic in a broader context, while effective pedagogy enables interactive, relevant, and diverse teaching of the Arabic language. Combining CLA and effective pedagogy helps students develop a deeper understanding, strong language skills, and higher awareness of Arabic and culture. CLA expands students' understanding of Arabic within its social, political, historical, and cultural contexts. Effective pedagogy in Arabic language learning integrates CLA with diverse, relevant teaching methods that cater to students' needs. Combining CLA and effective pedagogy helps students develop a profound understanding, strong language skills, and intercultural awareness of Arabic and culture.
Impact of family-centered care interventions on parental related outcomes among parents of children with cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Deribe Leul , Girma Eshetu , Gidey Abdulkadir , Teferra Solomon , Lindström Nataliya Berbyuk , Addissie Adamu
Published: September 2023

Background
Family-centered care (FCC) is a globally accepted health care delivery system characterized by collaboration among the parents, by facilitating family participation, effective communication and respect/dignity care. The implementation of FCC in different settings employed various implementation strategies based on what works best for a specific context.
Aim
To identify key-components of FCC implemented among parents of children with cancer and evaluate the effects of FCC on parental-related outcomes.
Method
A systematic review was conducted in adherence to the standardized reporting format: PRISMA 2020 statement an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. We searched six data bases i.e., Cochrane library, Web of science, PubMed, Ovidweb, CINAHL and PsycINFO for studies published from establishment of each database to May 29, 2023. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of FCC among parents of children with cancer were included. Data were extracted using a pretested data extraction tool and analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess risk of bias in the studies included.
Result
The search identified 1,710 interventional studies of which 16 met our criteria and were at the end included in the systematic review. Ten of the studies were non-randomized clinical trials, four were randomized trials and two were qualitative studies. The review identified three themes for components of FCC in pediatric oncology setting. These are providing Information/education, family preparation, support and empowerment and facilitating communication. In relation to its effect on parental outcomes, it is found that FCC interventions will help to improve psycho-social condition of parents, communication of parents with other family members and health care professionals and improved their understanding about childhood cancer.
Conclusion
Three areas i.e., information sharing, communication and empowerment of FCC, were implemented in pediatric oncology setting and all studies reported positive effect of FCC interventions on parental outcomes. The findings indicated that FCC concepts among parents of children with cancer are still in the development process and remain to be fully characterized. Future researches need to aim at achieving a consensus on clear definitions and elements of FCC and designing more comprehensive interventions.
Registration:
Registered in PROSPERO with registration number of CRD42022384890
An in vitro evaluation of biofilm removal from simulated root canals using sodium hypochlorite irrigation solution at various temperature settings
Authors: Şenel Kevser , uzun ismail
Published: September 2023

Objectives
Using NaOCl irrigation solution at various temperatures is common for removing biofilms in root canals and isthmus. While numerous studies have examined the impact of temperature on biofilm removal in extracted teeth, there needs to be more research on 3D-printed artificial teeth. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of needle irrigation using NaOCl irrigation solution heated at different temperatures on the structure of E. faecalis biofilm on artificial teeth produced via 3D printing technology.
Materials and Methods
The isthmus in the mesial canals of 55 artificial tooth samples produced using 3D printing technology from the 3D model obtained by micro-CT analysis of the lower first molar tooth was evaluated. Standard strain E. faecalis ATCC 19433 was used to infect artificial tooth specimens. The samples were divided into a negative control group and four experimental groups receiving sodium hypochlorite solutions at 21°C, 45°C, 60°C, and 150°C. Following irrigation, SEM imaging was conducted at varying magnifications to visualize remaining biofilm areas in root canals and isthmus. The ImageJ program quantified biofilm areas in the isthmus region, and statistical analyses, including Shapiro-Wilks, Kruskal Wallis H, and t-tests, were performed on the measurements.
Results
The results did not differ between the control and 21°C groups (P > 0.05). However, removal areas were larger in the 45, 60 and 150°C groups than in the control group (p ≤ 0.05). No difference was observed in the biofilm removal efficiency in different isthmus regions (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Findings revealed that an increase in temperature increased the removal areas.
Clinical Relevance:
The temperature of the irrigation solution could be as high as possible to obtain optimum removal of the biofilms.
Hyperoside induces cell cycle arrest and suppresses tumorigenesis in bladder cancer through the interaction of EGFR-Ras and Fas signaling pathways
Authors: Yang Kai , Qi Zhi-Xiang , Sun Ming-Xin , Xie Li-Ping
Published: August 2023

Background
Hyperoside is a natural flavonol glycoside widely found in plants and has been reported to have a variety of pharmacological effects, including anticancer abilities. However, the antitumor effect of hyperoside on bladder cancer has not been studied, and its exact mechanism and targets remain unclear.
Methods
The human bladder cancer cells T24 and 5637 were treated by hyperoside and evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The underlying mechanisms were investigated by quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analyses. The variation of proteins was confirmed by Western blot. In vivo studies were conducted using tumor-bearing mice to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of hyperoside in bladder cancer.
Results
We demonstrated for the first time that hyperoside repressed the proliferation of bladder cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, hyperoside could not only induce cell cycle arrest, but also cause apoptosis of a few bladder cancer cells. Specifically, hyperoside induced overexpression of EGFR, Ras and Fas proteins, which affects a variety of synergistic and antagonistic downstream signaling pathways, including MAPKs and Akt, ultimately contributing to its anticancer effects in bladder cancer cells.
Conclusions
This study reveals that hyperoside could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention of bladder cancer.
The presence of spread through air spaces predicts poor postoperative survival in pathological IA stage non-small cell lung cancer patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Jing , Chen Peirui , Wu Jianqiang , Wen Zhi , Wei Jing , Zhao Changming
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Spread through air spaces (STAS) is an independent predictive indicator of poor survival in intermediate and advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether the presence of STAS is significantly related to worse prognosis in early-stage NSCLC, especially in IA stage NSCLC, remains unclear. Thus, this study was designed to explore the role of STAS in predicting postoperative long-term survival of pathological IA stage NSCLC patients based on current evidence.
Methods
Several databases were searched up to January 16, 2023, for relevant studies. The primary and secondary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS)/cancer-specific survival (CSS). The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined, and all statistical analyses were conducted by STATA 15.0 software.
Results
A total of eight retrospective studies were included. The pooled results demonstrated that the presence of STAS was significantly associated with worse RFS (HR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.52–2.23, P < 0.001), OS (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.47–2.39, P < 0.001) and CSS (HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.05–3.94, P = 0.035) in pathological IA stage NSCLC. In addition, subgroup analysis based on country showed similar results.
Conclusion
The presence of STAS is predictive of poor long-term survival of pathological IA stage NSCLC patients. However, more prospective high-quality studies are still needed to verify the above results.
The clinical indicators predicting the efficacy of acitretin in the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: Luo Li , Gong Yugang , Lu Mao , Li Ling , Tian Yu , Zhang Yalin , Shen Zhu , Yan Huang , Sun Chaonan
Published: August 2023

To identify the related factors affecting the efficacy of acitretin treatment for psoriasis and the correlations between these factors, thereby guiding the use of acitretin in psoriasis patients.156 cases of hospitalized psoriasis patients who received conventional acitretin treatment from 2018–2022 were collected. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was used as an observation indicator for efficacy. Treatment efficacies were divided into four Grades according to PASI50, PASI75, and PASI90. The patients' basic information, clinical features, laboratory examinations and other factors were retrospectively analyzed for correlations. The ROC curve of Hs-CRP predicting PASI90 was drawn, and the logistic multivariate regression model of AST and efficacy was established. PASI score was positively correlated with acitretin efficacy (r = 0.410, p < 0.001). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was negatively correlated with acitretin efficacy (r=-0.160, P < 0.046). The pre-treatment serum parameters of white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEU), neutrophil ratio (NEU-R), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and albumin (Alb) were different in four efficacy Grades and had a very good correlation. In the ROC curve of PASI90 predicted by Hs-CRP, the area under the curve was 0.731, and the cutoff point was 18.65.Acitretin treatment showed significant efficacy for psoriasis. AST had the highest correlation with therapeutic response and was significant for predicting treatment efficacy. Hs-CRP was meaningful for predicting PASI90. Hs-CRP, NEU-R and Alb had some guiding value in predicting treatment response to acitretin.
Determination of Toluene and Xylene Levels in Postmortem Tissues of Rats as a Human Autopsy Process
Authors: Oflaz Eda , Butun Celal , Kuloglu Merve , Tekin Tugba , Yayla Murat , Mercan Selda , Turkmen Zeynep , Unver Mehmet Fatih
Published: September 2023

Background
Toluene and xylene are frequently used aromatic hydrocarbons in industry. It is also a subject of abuse by inhalation since they have lipid solubility and may affect the blood-brain barrier easily. Toluene or xylene exposure has been reported to cause death. Analyzing the levels of Toluene and xylene in toxicological samples obtained during the autopsy process is important for determining the cause of death. It is also known that the levels of toxic substances show differences during the postmortem period. To make a differential diagnosis of toluene or xylene exposure-related deaths, it is necessary to consider the changes in the levels of these two substances in tissues during the postmortem period. This study aimed to examine the changes in toluene or xylene levels in toxicological samples obtained from rats exposed to lethal doses of Toluene or xylene in the postmortem period.
Methods;
In our study, intraperitoneal administration of toluene, xylene, and corn oil for the control group was administered to the female Wistar Albino rats. All three groups of rats were also classified according to their postmortem sampling after 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours. Each group (Toluene, Xylene, Control) had 16 samples in the pool chart. Toluene and xylene levels in all tissue specimens were investigated by Head Space-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Statistical analysis of the data were performed by using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 windows based statistical package program.
Results
Xylene was detected at the maximum level at hour zero in liver, adipose and brain tissues. Toluene was measured at its highest level at hour zero in liver, followed by brain, adipose and blood tissues.
Conclusion
The changes among tissue levels of these two substances in the postmortem period showed different patterns. This Head Space-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry method validated for tissue procedures, is highly valuable for determining the amounts of toluene and xylene in tissues