bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Troponin elevation is a potential marker for patients with acute ischemic stroke in intensive care unit: a retrospective observational trial
Authors: Qiu Xianming , Yang Yan , Wu Bingyun , Huang Weiwei
Published: September 2023

Background
Cerebral apoplexy is an acute medical disease, and the main clinical manifestations of it are cerebral ischemia and hemorrhagic injury. Some biomarkers have been implicated as the mechanisms of ischemic stroke. Recent studies have shown that troponin is elevated in acute stroke patients. What’s more, increased plasma inflammatory cytokine levels and leukocytes have been reported in ischemic stroke.
Methods
Based on the previous researchs, we explored the serum levels of biochemical indicators, inflammatory cytokines as well as cardiac risk factors to further reveal the biomarkers in patients with cerebral apoplexy in or out intensive care unit (ICU) setting. At the same time, we investigated the biomarkers that related to prognosis of patients with cerebral apoplexy in ICU by multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results
We found that there was no statistically significant difference in Hb, HCT, PLT, HCY, ALT, AST, Alb, BUN, CRE, UA, TAG, TC, HDL or LDL. Whereas NE and D-dimer in patients with AIS from ICU were significantly increased. In ICU, cTnl in patients who finally dead was significantly increased. Compared with patients alive, we also found that the elevated troponin is a risk factor for death in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Conclusions
Due to the acute stroke patients with higher neutrophils, D dimer were more likely to enter into the ICU, cTnI elevation is associated with poor prognosis of patients in ICU. Patients with inflammation, thrombosis and elevated cTnI levels should be closely monitored and received appropriate care to improve their conditions.
Inhibition of glucose uptake increase serial-killing capacity of NK cells
Authors: Picard Lea Katharina , Niemann Jens Alexander , Littwitz-Salomon Elisabeth , Waldmann Herbert , Watzl Carsten
Published: September 2023

Background
Tumor cells rely heavily on glycolysis to meet their high metabolic demands. While this results in nutrient deprivation within the tumor microenvironment and has negative effects on infiltrating immune cells such as NK cells, it also creates a potential target for cancer therapies.
Methods
Here we use Glupin, an inhibitor of glucose transporters, to study the effect of limited glucose uptake on Natural Killer cells and their anti-tumor functions.
Results
Glupin treatment effectively inhibited glucose uptake and restricted glycolysis in NK cells. However, acute treatment had no negative effect on NK cell cytotoxicity or cytokine production. Long-term restriction of glucose uptake by Glupin treatment only delayed NK cell proliferation as they could switch to glutaminolysis as alternative energy source. While IFN-g production was partially impaired, long-term Glupin treatment had no negative effect on degranulation. Interestingly, the serial killing activity of NK cells was even enhanced, possibly due to changes in NAD metabolism.
Conclusion
This demonstrates that NK cell cytotoxicity is remarkably robust and insensitive to metabolic disturbances and makes cellular metabolism an attractive target for immune-mediated tumor therapies.
A Rare Case of Digital Ulceration and Gangrene as an Initial Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Child
Authors: Vengala Shyam , Gupta Varnika , Kandukuri Vaishnavi , Nuthalapati Bala Sai Teja , Doddareddy Navya Pillikunte , Raj Deepanshu , Parmar Mihirkumar P.
Published: September 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an intricate autoimmune disorder that can manifest a plethora of symptoms. Tissue-binding autoantibodies and intricate immune complexes orchestrate the initial harm to organs and cellular structures. Amid its expansive array of manifestations, dermatological indications, notably digital gangrene and ulcers, are rare occurrences in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus and typically emerge in the advanced stages of the ailment. In this discussion, we present an exceptional case of early-onset digital gangrene and ulcers in a youthful patient grappling with systemic lupus erythematosus. This is a case study of a 7-year-old male who sought medical attention with urticarial rashes over his entire body and face, skin desquamation, and sporadic fever episodes. The preliminary assessment encountered challenges in distinguishing this presentation from acute urticaria. However, subsequent in-depth diagnostic scrutiny and serological analysis substantiated the patient's affliction with SLE. Digital gangrene, ulcers, and vasculitis became evident at the distal portions of the fingers. The diagnosis was conclusively established through clinical and serological methods. The patient exhibited positive results for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-ribonuclear protein (Anti-RNP) antibodies, anti-Smith (Anti-Sm) antibodies, and anti-Sjögren's syndrome-related antigen A (Anti-SS-A) antibodies. This case underscores the pivotal importance of acknowledgment of the rare and severe manifestations of SLE in the realm of medical practice.
The effects of freezing-induced sublethally injury and recovery on adhesion of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Zhai Yujun , Zhang Ru , Chen Kewei , Shi Hui
Published: September 2023

Freezing as an effective approach for food storage is commonly used in food industry. Notably, Escherichia coli O157:H7 can survive in a sublethally injured state after freezing and recover under suitable conditions, which is a great threat. This research was to investigate changes and mechanism in adhesion of sublethally injured E. coli O157:H7 during freezing and recovery. Adhesion on stainless steel or lettuce surface showed an increase after 16 h-freezing with sublethal ratio of more than 99%. Adhesion recovered to untreated level in recovery on lettuce while didn’t recover on stainless steel. Motility decreased as freezing time increasing, reached minimum after 12 h-freezing and didn’t recover to untreated level under recovery conditions, which was determined by diameter of motility halo. Extracellular polymeric substances production and carbohydrate to protein ratio both reached minimum after 4 h-freezing and then increased. No significant change of LPS structural feature or gene expression was observed during injury and recovery. Besides, the expressions of flagella, pili and EPS related genes were all down-regulated during freezing while were up-regulated after recovery. The results revealed adhesion behavior of freezing-induced sublethally injured E. coli O157:H7, which provides theoretical basis to bacterial prevention.
CT-Guided Microwave Ablation with Vertebral Augmentation for Spinal Metastases with Posterior Wall Defects
Authors: Zhang Xusheng , Niu Jiacheng , Fan Jing , Hu Miaomiao , Xing Chao , Yuan Qianqian , Yang Shen , Wang Baohu , Li Peishun , Man Qirong , Ren Yanchen , Wu Linlin , Zhang Kaixian
Published: September 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined microwave ablation (MWA) and vertebral augmentation (VA) in the treatment of spinal metastases with posterior wall defects.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective review was conducted for 67 patients (42 men, 25 women) with painful spine metastases with posterior wall defects who underwent MWA combined with VA. Among these patients, 52 vertebrae had no epidural invasion and 33 had mild invasion but did not compress the spinal cord. Procedural effectiveness was determined by comparing visual analog scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores before the procedure and during the follow-up period.
Results
The procedure was technically successful in all patients. The mean VAS score declined significantly from 6.85 ± 1.81 before the procedure to 3.27 ± 1.97 at 24 h, 1.96 ± 1.56 at 1 week, 1.84 ± 1.50 at 4 weeks, 1.73 ± 1.45 at 12 weeks, and 1.71 ± 1.52 at 24 weeks post-procedure (p < 0.01). The mean ODI score was lower post-procedure than before the procedure (p < 0.001). Transient nerve injury occurred in two patients(SIR classification D), and the incidence of asymptomatic bone cement ༈SIR classification A༉was 43.5% (37/85).
Conclusions
MWA combined with VA is an effective and safe treatment for painful spine metastases with posterior wall defects.
Risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in stagnant rainwater in Northwestern México
Authors: Archundia D. , González-Méndez B. , Loredo-Portales R.
Published: September 2023

Failures of urban stormwater runoff management can lead to flooding. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are commonly found in water runoff and flood. Thus, the population and receiving ecosystems can be exposed to chemical hazards. However, floodwater quality is usually overlooked. In the rainy season, flooding is a persistent problem in the city of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Thus, the present research deals with the content of PTEs in floodwater, possible threats to receiving ecosystems and flood-affected population. Aluminum (Al), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) showed the highest maximum concentrations, which were higher than those observed in runoff in other cities. The PTEs concentrations exceeded Mexican, Australian and the United States guideline criteria. Groups of PTEs sharing similar concentrations were identified relating to their sources and origin: i) stannum (Sn), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) and silver (Ag); ii) cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), beryllium (Be), nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and thallium (Tl). Potential non-carcinogenic health effects and cancer risk were observed in the floodwater analyzed indicating that management measures should be taken to protect the flood-affected population. The results show that floodwater represents a source of chemical hazards, hence their quality must be monitored to reduce possible related risks.
Control of Digitaria insularis (L.) Fedde in eucalyptus forests: shading increases sensitivity to glyphosate applied alone and in a mixture with carfentrazone-ethyl
Authors: Ferreira Guilherme Augusto de Paiva , Donato Luan Mateus Silva , Montes William Gomes , Rocha Leonardo Michel , Santos Leonardo David Tuffi
Published: September 2023

Shading, the predominant condition in most of the eucalyptus cultivation cycle, causes changes in the morphological and physiological weed's characteristics, which can alter their responses to glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl, important herbicides for the crop. The objective was to evaluate the influence of light on the efficiency of glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl used alone and in a mixture in Digitaria insularis control, a priority pest in the crop. The experiment was carried out in a 3x6 factorial scheme. The first factor corresponded to 3 cultivation environments (full sunlight, 45 and 63% shading) and the second factor to doses of glyphosate and carfentrazone-ethyl applied isolated (1920 and 40 g ai ha− 1) and mixed (1536 + 8; 1152 + 16; 768 + 24 and 384 + 32 g ai ha− 1), respectively. In shading, the glyphosate application alone at a dose of 1920 g ha− 1 and in a mixture with carfentrazone-ethyl at doses of 1536 + 8 and 1152 + 16 g ha− 1 were efficient in D. insularis management. In the environment of 63% shading, the dose of 768 + 24 g ha− 1 was also efficient in this species management. None of the doses were effective in controlling D. insularis in full sunlight. Isolated carfentrazone-ethyl was inefficient in controlling D. insularis, regardless of the growth environment. Shading increases the quantum yield of photosystem II and reduces the electron transport rate, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate of D. insularis. In shady environments, it is possible to control D. insularis with lower glyphosate doses, used alone and mixed with carfentrazone-ethyl, reducing costs and environmental impacts.
Reported Bacterial Infectious Diseases in Saudi Arabia: Overview and Recent Advances
Authors: Alhumaid Nada K. , Alajmi Areej M. , Alosaimi Nada F. , Alotaibi Maryam , Almangour Thamer A. , Nassar Majed S. , Memish Ziad A. , Binjomah Abdulwahab Z. , Al-Jedai Ahmed , Almutairi Abdulaziz S. , Algarni Saeed , Alshiban Noura M. , Aleyiydi Munirah S. , Tawfik Abdulkader F. , Shibl Atef , Tawfik Essam A.
Published: September 2023

Epidemiological surveillance is a critical tool to monitor the population's health and facilitate the prevention and control of infectious disease outbreaks. Bacterial infections are well known as one of the leading causes of global infection-related morbidity and mortality. Our study summarizes the number of bacterial infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia, along with an overview and recent advances in treatment or prevention modalities against these reported bacterial infections. This study only covers the reported bacterial infectious diseases in the Saudi Monthly Epidemiology Reports between 2018 and 2021. The results revealed that brucellosis, tuberculosis and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported bacterial infectious diseases in Saudi Arabia. Generally, males were more affected by bacterial infections than females. There was a variation in the distribution of bacterial infectious diseases between Saudi and non-Saudi citizens. Brucellosis and Salmonellosis infections were more common among Saudi citizens, while Tuberculosis was more common in non-Saudis. Interestingly, there was a decline in the incidence rates of numerous bacterial infectious diseases during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and COVID-19 restrictions. However, this decline in the incidence rates might be a result of underreporting during the national lockdown. Some bacterial infectious diseases were rarely reported in Saudi Arabia, including Syphilis, Diphtheria, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Ethnic disparities in children with acute appendicitis
Authors: Chidiac Charbel , Liu Olivia , Gorijavolu Rahul , Rhee Daniel S. , Garcia Alejandro V.
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Our study assesses if Hispanic children with acute appendicitis experience a more complicated hospital course than non-Hispanic children.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis from 2015-2020 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database. Hispanic were compared to non-Hispanic white patients.
Results: 65,976 patients were included, of which 23,462 (35.56%) were Hispanic and 42,514 (64.44 %) non-Hispanic white. Hispanic children were more likely to present to the hospital with complicated appendicitis (31.75% vs 25.15%,P<0.0001) and sepsis (25.22% vs 19.02%,P <0.0001) compared to non-Hispanic white. Hispanics had higher rates of serious complications (4.06% vs 3.55%,P=0.001) but not overall complications (5.37% vs 5.09%,P=0.12). However, after multivariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with an increased rate of serious postoperative complications (OR 0.93, CI 0.85-1.01,P=0.088); it was associated with less overall complications (OR 0.88, CI 0.81-0.96,P=0.003) but a longer postoperative length of stay (OR 1.09, CI 1.04-1.14,P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Hispanic children are more likely to present with complicated appendicitis. This leads to increased postoperative complications in Hispanic children. After adjusting for complicated appendicitis, outcomes may be favorable for Hispanic ethnicity. This emphasizes the need to understand delays in presentation to improve outcomes in the Hispanic population.
Level of evidence: III
The prevalence and associated factors of job burnout among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Qian Yinan , Wang Na , Gou Lili , Yuan Lei , Lu Lijun , Al-shdifat Mohammad Sulaiman Fadhi , Chen Xupeng , Chen Jiaping , Liu Sijun
Published: September 2023

Background Medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites are exposed to burnout syndrome due to repetitive and overload vaccination work. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prevalence of burnout among these medical workers and to explore its associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at COVID-19 vaccination sites in May 2021 in Nanjing, China. The online questionnaire included demographic, job and COVID-19 related characteristics, Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Social Support Rating Scale. Hierarchical multiple regression model was used to identify the risk factors for job burnout of medical workers. Results The overall prevalence of burnout symptoms among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites was 44.5% with a breakdown in severity as follows: 122 (28.7%) mild, 53 (12.5%) moderate, and 14 (3.3%) severe cases. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated that education level, health condition, job titles, self-reported increased work intensity, monthly income and social support were significantly related to job burnout (p < 0.05), which explained 37.6% of the variance of job burnout score (F = 16.046,p < 0.01). Conclusion The burnout symptoms were relatively common among medical workers at COVID-19 vaccination sites. More attention should be paid to medical workers with master degree or higher, poor health condition, junior or middle job titles, increased work intensity, lower income and low level of social support. Interventions that aim to reduce workload and increase social support can be effective approaches to prevent job burnout among medical workers during controlled COVID-19 period.
S288T mutation altering MmpL3 periplasmic domain channel and H-bond network: A novel dual drug resistance mechanism
Authors: Liu Ling , Luo Qing , Shi Quanshan , Ge Yutong , Zhang Zhigang , Yue Xinru , Tang Lingkai , Liang Li , Hu Jianping
Published: September 2023

Mycobacterial membrane proteins Large 3 (MmpL3) is responsible for the transport of mycobacterial acids out of cell membrane to form cell wall, which is essential for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and has become a potent anti-tuberculosis target. Drug resistance has always been the bottleneck problem in clinical treatment of tuberculosis. The S288T mutant of MmpL3 shows significant resistance to the inhibitor SQ109, while the specific action mechanism remains unclear. In this work, molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum mechanics (QM) simulations both were performed to compare inhibitor (i.e., SQ109) recognition, motion characteristics and H-bond energy change of MmpL3 after S288T mutation. The results show that MmpL3 S288T mutation causes local conformational change with little effect on the global structure. With MmpL3 bound by SQ109 inhibitor, the distance between D710 and R715 increases resulting in H-bond destruction, but their interactions and proton transfer function are still restored. In addition, the rotation of Y44 in the S288T mutant leads to an obvious bend in the periplasmic domain channel and an increased number of contact residues, reducing substrate transport efficiency. This work not only provides a possible dual drug resistance mechanism of MmpL3 S288T mutant, but also aids the development of novel anti-tuberculosis inhibitors.
Longitudinal Microbial and Molecular Dynamics in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung after Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor therapy
Authors: Martin Christian , Guzior Douglas V. , Gonzalez Cely T. , Okros Maxwell , Mielke Jenna , Padillo Lienwil , Querido Gabriel , Gil Marissa , Thomas Ryan , McClelland Marc , Conrad Doug , Widder Stefanie , Quinn Robert A.
Published: September 2023

Background
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder causing poor mucociliary clearance in the airways and subsequent respiratory infection. The recently approved triple therapy Elexacaftor-Tezacaftor-Ivacaftor (ETI) has significantly improved the lung function and decreased airway infection of persons with CF (pwCF). This improvement has been shown to occur rapidly, within the first few weeks of treatment. The effects of longer term ETI therapy on lung infection dynamics, however, remains mostly unknown.
Results
Here, we applied 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, untargeted metabolomics, and neutral models to high-resolution, longitudinally collected sputum samples from pwCF on ETI therapy (162 samples, 7 patients) and compared to similarly collected data set of CF subjects not taking ETI (630 samples, 9 patients). Because ETI reduces sputum production, samples were collected in freezers provided in the subject’s homes at least 3 months after first taking ETI, with those on ETI collecting a sample approximately weekly. The lung function (%ppFEV1) of those in our longitudinal cohort significantly improved after ETI (6.91, SD = 7.74), indicating our study cohort was responsive to ETI. The daily variation of alpha- and beta-diversity of both the microbiome and metabolome was higher for those on ETI, reflecting a more dynamic microbial community and chemical environment during treatment. Four of the seven subjects on ETI were persistently infected with Pseudomonas or Burkholderia in their sputum throughout the sampling period. The microbiome and metabolome dynamics on ETI were personalized, where some subjects had a progressive change with time on therapy, whereas others had no association with time on treatment. To further classify the augmented variance of the CF microbiome under therapy, we fit the microbiome data to a Hubbell neutral dynamics model in a patient-stratified manner and found that the subjects on ETI had better fit to a neutral model.
Conclusion
This study shows that the longitudinal microbiology and chemistry in airway secretions from subjects on ETI has become more dynamic and neutral, and that after the initial improvement in lung function, many are still persistently infected with CF pathogens.
Carbon Nanotubes Enhance the Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Thermally Sprayed Ceramic Coatings
Authors: Kalangi Chaithanya , Veeram Mahidhar Reddy
Published: September 2023

In order to evaluate the coating's characteristics, thermally sprayed ceramic coatings with varied weight percentages of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement were examined. AISI 1020 steel was coated with yttria-stabilized zirconia (ZrO2 + 8% Y2O3) using the air plasma spraying (APS) method. The study examined the CNT dispersion in the coating microstructure and evaluated the porosity, bond strength, and corrosion resistance of the coating. In addition, the coatings' thickness was measured. The coatings were characterised using a variety of techniques, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, image analysis, bond strength testing, and corrosion analysis. According to the findings, adding CNTs to the coatings improved their mechanical characteristics, particularly their hardness and wear resistance. Notably, the best levels of hardness and wear resistance were seen in coatings with a 5 percent CNT reinforcement. Additionally, the coatings' corrosion resistance was enhanced by the inclusion of CNTs. The results of this work show that the mechanical and corrosion properties of thermally sprayed ceramic coatings can be successfully improved by the inclusion of CNTs. This means that these CNT-reinforced coatings have a lot of potential for a variety of applications, such as wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and thermal barrier coatings.
The endocrine disruptor cadmium modulates the androgen-estrogen receptors ratio and induces inflammatory cytokines in luminal (A) cell models of breast cancer
Authors: Bimonte Viviana M. , Catanzaro Giuseppina , Po Agnese , Trocchianesi Sofia , Besharat Zein Mersini , Spinello Zaira , Curreli Mariaignazia , Fabi Alessandra , Bei Roberto , Milella Michele , Vacca Alessandra , Ferretti Elisabetta , Migliaccio Silvia
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy that affects women, and it is, to date, their leading cause of death. Luminal A molecular subtype accounts for 40% of BC and is characterized by hormone receptors positive/human epidermal growth factor 2 expression and current treatment consists of surgery plus aromatase inhibitor therapy. Interestingly, several studies demonstrated that the heavy metal cadmium (Cd), classified as a group 1 human carcinogen and widely spread in the environment, exerts estrogen-like activities in several tissues and suggested an intriguing relationship between increased Cd exposure and BC incidence. Thus, aim of this study was to evaluate effects of Cd on Luminal A BC estrogen receptor (ER) positive/progesterone receptor positive cell models in vitro to characterize the mechanism(s) involved in breast cell homeostasis disruption.
Methods: T47D and MCF7 were exposed to Cd (0.5-1µM) for 6-24 hrs to evaluate potential alterations in: cells viability, steroid receptors and intracellular signaling by western blot Moreover, we evaluated the expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin by RT-PCR.
Results: Our results showed a significant induction of androgen receptor (AR) and an increased AR/ER ratio. Further, Cd exposure increased pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)6, IL8 and tumor necrosis factor α levels. Finally, as previously demonstrated by our group, Cd alters pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinase family and protein kinase B.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Cd modifies the expression and pattern of ERs and AR in BC cell lines, suggesting an alteration of BC cells homeostasis, likely predisposing to a carcinogenetic microenvironment.
A microbial ecosystem enhanced by regulating soil carbon and nitrogen balance using biochar and nitrogen fertiliser five years after application
Authors: Meng Fanhao , Yang Hengshan , Fan Xiuyan , Gao Xin , Tai Jicheng , Sa Rula , Ge Xuanliang , Yang Xuezhen , Liu Qingyi
Published: September 2023

Indiscriminate use of nitrogen fertiliser (NF) is a barrier to improving soil quality and crop yields. However, the effect of the combined use of biochar and NF on soil microbial ecosystem (SME) and crop yields is unknown. In the western Liaohe Plain of China, we conducted a five-year field experiment to assess the effects of the combination of biochar and NF on soil structure, C-to-N ratio (CNR), microbial biomass, and spring maize yield. Biochar and NF were applied at 0, 8, 16, and 24 t/ha and 0, 150, and 300 kg/ha, respectively. Compared to their individual use, combination of biochar and NF resulted in a solid–liquid–gas ratio closer to the ideal value. Biochar alone and in combination with NF significantly increased the C, N, and CNR. Moderate use of biochar and NF resulted in the best biological and chemical properties of the soil. A comprehensive evaluation of soil and maize revealed that SME was enhanced by applying biochar and NF at moderate levels (8 t/ha and 150 kg/ha, respectively). The highest yield represents a 24.25% increase compared to the control. Moderate use of biochar and NF has potential as a valuable strategy in regions with similar climate.
Causal relationships between sleep duration and risk of breast tumors: A two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Shao Litong , Zhao Dan , Ji Jing , Lu Yajie
Published: September 2023

Background Previous observational studies reported that sleep traits were associated with breast tumors. However, the causal relationship between sleep duration and breast tumors is not clear.
Methods We performed a two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with publicly available GWAS summary statistics to detect the causal relationship between genetically predicted sleep duration and the risk of breast tumors, including breast cancer (estrogen receptor (ER)+/ER-, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2+/HER2-), benign breast tumors, and carcinoma in situ of the breast. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used as the gold standard for MR results, and MR Egger regression, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode methods were taken as auxiliary analyses. We also conducted sensitivity analyses, including tests for heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out analysis, to evaluate the validity of the detected causal relationships. An additional reverse-direction MR analysis was further performed to explore the causal effect of breast tumors on sleep duration.
Results Suggestive evidence for the causal effect of genetically predicted sleep duration on breast cancer was identified (odds ratio (OR) = 1.328, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013 – 1.741, p = 0.04). When distinguished by molecular phenotype, we found a causal association trend between sleep duration and ER+ and ER- breast cancer (ER+ breast cancer p = 0.051, ER- breast cancer p = 0.077). We did not detect a causal effect of sleep duration on benign breast tumors (OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 0.999 – 1.005, p = 0.242) or carcinoma in situ of the breast (OR = 1.090, 95%CI: 0.403 – 2.947, p = 0.08). Reverse MR analysis did not indicate that having breast cancer could affect sleep duration (OR = 0.998, 95%CI: 0.989 – 1.006, p = 0.670).
Conclusions The results of this study identified a causative effect of genetically predicted sleep duration on breast cancer, suggesting that ensuring appropriate sleep duration and avoiding excessive sleep might be helpful for preventing breast cancer.
Comparative Study With Deep Learning Driven in Two Stocks
Authors: Ghosh Prokarsha
Published: September 2023

This abstract discusses the application of time series analysis in predicting the stock market trends in Indian financial market. While short-term market forecasting can be challenging due to the complexity and emotional factors involved, long-term trends can be effectively studied using data science techniques such as statistical and analytical tools. In the past, predicting stock market changes has been difficult due to the intricate nature of financial markets and the influence of investor emotions. However, the use of data science methods like machine learning and deep learning has gained popularity, particularly because long-term stock market patterns often exhibit a more predictable trajectory. In a recent study it has found that time series analysis is a successful data science approach for uncovering patterns and trends in the stock market. By utilizing Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models is one of the promising methods for forecasting future market movements based on historical data. Additionally, exploring the connections between different stocks can provide valuable insights into market trends and potential investment opportunities. Investigating these linkages may reveal essential details about market trends and potential investment prospects. It is expected that further research and development in this field will advance stock market analysis and forecasting, with Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and supervised machine learning advancements in data science playing a significant role in this progress. Despite the difficulties that come with stock market forecasting, the development of data science approaches has allowed for major breakthroughs in this area. Scholars have made significant progress thanks in large part to the use of statistical and analytical techniques. The analysis and forecasting of the stock market are positioned to further expand as research and development activities continue, offering useful information to experts and investors alike. These developments in stock market analysis and prediction are anticipated to be greatly aided by the ongoing investigation of cutting-edge data science approaches like machine learning and deep learning. The potential benefits of this continuous development include providing stakeholders with crucial information that will enable them to make wise decisions in the financial markets.
Beyond microRNAs: Analysis of chimeric reads characterises the diverse targetome of AGO2-mediated regulation
Authors: Hejret Vaclav , Varadarajan Nandan Mysore , Klimentova Eva , Gresova Katarina , Giassa Ilektra-Chara , Vanacova Stepanka , Alexiou Panagiotis
Published: September 2023

Argonaute proteins are instrumental in regulating RNA stability and translation. AGO2, the major mammalian Argonaute protein, is known to primarily associate with microRNAs, a family of small RNA ‘driver’ sequences, and identifies its targets primarily via a ‘seed’ mediated partial complementarity process Despite numerous studies, a definitive experimental dataset of AGO2 'driver'-'target' interactions remains elusive. Our study employs two experimental methods - AGO2 CLASH and AGO2 eCLIP, to generate thousands of AGO2 target sites verified by chimeric reads. These chimeric reads contain both the AGO2 loaded small RNA 'driver' and the target sequence, providing a robust resource for modeling AGO2 binding preferences. Our novel analysis pipeline reveals thousands of AGO2 target sites driven by microRNAs and a significant number of AGO2 'drivers' derived from fragments of other small RNAs such as tRNAs, YRNAs, snoRNAs, rRNAs, and more. We utilize convolutional neural networks to train machine learning models that accurately predict the binding potential for each 'driver' class and experimentally validate several interactions. In conclusion, our comprehensive analysis of the AGO2 targetome broadens our understanding of its 'driver' repertoire and potential function in development and disease. Moreover, we offer practical bioinformatic tools for future experiments and the prediction of AGO2 targets. All data and code from this study are freely available at https://github.com/ML-Bioinfo-CEITEC/HybriDetector/
Assessment of the mathematical modelling of thermophysical properties during the pyrolysis of coking coals
Authors: Kumaresh Selvakumar , Kim Man Young
Published: September 2023

In order to understand the coking process and the behavior of the coal, the coal carbonization was examined by a system of parallel first-order reactions, such that the kinetics of volatile gas release was described by the Arrhenius relationship following Merrick’s work. The specific heat of coal had been analysed based on Einstein quantum theory and temperature dependent fits to determine the variation with temperature during the thermal decomposition of coal. The endothermic reactions reported were directly responsible for the influence of high specific heat, and the main secondary volatile species, methane, rising at high temperature proves the significance of an exothermic reaction. The effect of porosity due to lump coke and fissures establishes the characteristics of the semi-coke porous structure, and an increase in total porosity increases the true density of the coke material. The parametric analyses for the coal ranks facilitate the investigation of thermal conductivity and density as a function of temperature. Finally, the thermal conductivity of solid coal and coke was explained based on the correlation between particulate and coke charge in terms of temperature and porosity, and thereby the abrupt increase in conductivity was found to be caused by the radiative contribution after the resolidification of coal.
Hydrogen embrittlement properties of several stainless steels
Authors: Okayasu Mitsuhiro , Matsuura Hisanobu
Published: September 2023

The hydrogen embrittlement (HE) characteristics of various stainless steels were investigated. In this study, as-received, heated (1100°C, 15 h), and cold-rolled (30% strain) γ-austenite (AS), α-ferrite (FS), α′-martensite (MS), and γ–α duplex (DS) stainless steels were employed. For as-received stainless steels, severe HE occurred for DS and MS with static tensile loading, while no clear and weak HE was observed for AS and FS, respectively. This could be attributed to the different amounts of hydrogen diffusivity in the stainless steel. A large amount of hydrogen penetrated to (i) lattice vacancy with low atomic density for body-centered cubic FS, DS, and MS, compared to that for face-centered cubic (AS); (ii) the phase boundary between γ-austenite and α-ferrite for DS; and (iii) the boundary between the Cr base precipitate and the martensite matrix for MS. HE also occurred strongly for heated-DS owing to the grain growth, i.e., a high hydrogen concentration in grain and phase boundaries. Although no clear HE was detected in as-received AS with static loading, HE occurred in cold-rolled AS, where hydrogen penetrated lattice vacancies and α′-martensite formed through strain-induced martensite. Owing to strain-induced martensite created during cyclic loading, HE was detected even for as-received AS, which is dissimilar to the result of the tensile test. Details of HE characteristics of the strainless steels were examined using the four stainless steels with different microstructures, diferent strain level and oxide layer. Moreover, those were investigated under different loading conditions, such as constant, static, and cyclic loading.
Analysis of flowering-associated gene expressions and metabolic characteristics in adzuki bean (Vigna angularis L.) with different short-day induction
Authors: Dong Weixin , Li Dongxiao , Zhang Lei , Tao Peijun , Zhang Yuechen
Published: September 2023

Background
Adzuki bean is an important miscellaneous grain crop and a kind of typical short-day crop that is used in a variety of foods because of its high nutritional and medicinal value. The flowering time of adzuki beans is affected by multiple environmental factors, particularly the photoperiod. Adzuki bean can meet at flowering period, accelerate breeding process and avoid natural disasters by adjusting the day-length.Therefore, RNA-seq analysis was used to determine the effects of different day-length on the expression and metabolic characteristics of genes related to flowering time in adzuki beans.
Results
In this study, ‘Tangshan Hongxiaodu’ was used as experimental material. Transcriptome sequencing was performed under SD-5d, SD-10d and SD-15d treatments, respectively. The results showed that a total of 5,939 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by sequencing, Among these common genes, 38.09% were upregulated and 23.81% were downregulated in three groups. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed on the target genes to identify common functions related to photosystem I and II. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enriched analysis was performed t o predict two pathways involved in antenna proteinand circadian rhythm. And that the flowering of adzuki beans was promoted by downregulating genes in the circadian rhythm pathway through the blue light metabolic pathway, whereas the antenna protein promoted flowering by enhancing the reception of light signals and accelerating electron transport. In these two metabolic pathways, the number of DEGs was the greatest changes in SD-5d vs SD-15d comparison group. Real-time qRT-PCR validation of eight DEGs in these two metabolic pathways was consistent with the transcriptome results, indicating that the sequencing results were accurate and reliable and that these genes may be candidate genes affecting the regulation of short-day induction at the adzuki bean seedling stage.
Conclusion
The results indicated that short-day induction can downregulate the expression of genes related to adzuki bean flowering in the circadian rhythm and upregulate the expression of some genes in the antenna protein pathway. In addition, the results not only provide a theoretical reference for the molecular mechanism of adzuki bean flowering induced by short days, but also provide multi-level information on the next steps in exploring the functional verification of key genes regulating adzuki bean flowering.
Micro propagation of Annona muricata using different concentration of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP).
Authors: s archana , hupparagi kulapati , P Prakasha D , K Hedge N , G Prabhulinga , Haveri Noorulla
Published: September 2023

A commercially feasible technique of micro propagation requires the successful appearance of healthy shoots and an improved multiplication rate, which heavily depends on the make-up of the media employed as well as the kind of explant used, reaction, growth of new shoots. In the current study, the impact of BAP on invitro propagation of nodal and leaves explants of Annona muricata was seen. Among the different concentration of BAP T5 (0.75 mg/L), T6 (1.0 mg/L) and T7 (1.50 mg/L) treatments respectively were selected as it showed higher response with minimum days for shoot initiation, higher shoot induction per cent, maximum number of shoots and higher length compared with other treatments for green nodal explants and same treatments were selected for leaves as it possesses least contamination, good health better survival of explants.
Identification novel Necroptosis-related LncRNAs to predict prognosis and screen the population benefiting from anti-PD-1/PDL-1 treatment in breast cancer
Authors: Yu Hui , Yi Limu , Lin Lin , Li Nani , Huang Zhijian
Published: September 2023

Background: Breast Cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in the world. The rapid development of tumor immunotherapy and necroptosis has brought new directions to the treatment of breast cancer. To improve the situation, this project aims to identify biomarkers that can help predict prognosis and determine a precise treatment.
Method: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data was analyzed for coexpression relationships and univariate Cox regressions to identify lncRNAs associated with necroptosis.In addition, differential expression analysis, prognostic analysis, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were performed to determine whether Necroptosis-related lncRNA is an independent prognostic factor. Then, based on the risk model, principal component analysis (PCA), immune cell infiltration,immune functions, prediction of the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), and immune checkpoints were evaluated .Additionally, we divided the entire set into two clusters based on immunotherapy response between cold and hot tumors.
Results: We developed a signature consisting of seven necroptosis-related LncRNAs. Over 1, 3, and 5 years, the area's OS under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.748, 0.753, and 0.714, respectively. High-risk group immune cells were infiltrated less frequently and had lower immune functions than low-risk group immune cells. In addition, using clusters as a means to make a distinction between a cold tumor and a hot tumor could provide more precise treatment options.In Cluster 2, the tumor is considered to be hot tumor, which is more sensitive to immunotherapy drugs, such as anti-PD-1/PDL-1. Conclusion: According to our findings, necroptosis-related lncRNA can be used to predict prognosis and to distinguish cold and hot tumors in BC, thereby optimizing individual treatment.
Gut microbiota and metabolic changes in children with idiopathic short stature
Authors: Yan Luyan , Ye Bin , Yang Min , Shan Yongsheng , Yan Dan , Fang Danfeng , Zhang Kaichuang , Yu Yongguo
Published: September 2023

Background
Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is characterized by short stature with unknown causes. Recent studies showed different gut microbiota flora and reduced fecal short-chain fatty acids in ISS children. However, the roles of the microbiome and metabolites in the pathogenesis of ISS remains largely unknown.
Methods
We recruited 51 Chinese subjects, comprising 26 ISS children and 25 normal-height control individuals. Untargeted metabolomics was performed to explore the fecal metabolic profiles between groups. A shotgun metagenomic sequencing approach was used to investigate the microbiome at the strains level. Mediation analyses were done to reveal correlations between the height standard deviation (SD) value, the gut microbiome and metabolites.
Results
We detected marked differences in the composition of fecal metabolites in the ISS group, particularly a significant increase in erucic acid and a decrease in spermidine, adenosine and L-5-Hydroxytryptophan, when compared to those of controls. We further identified specific groups of bacterial strains to be responsible for the different metabolic profile. Through mediation analysis, 50 linkages were established. KEGG pathway analysis of microbiota and metabolites indicated nutritional disturbances. 13 selected features were able to accurately distinguish the ISS children from the controls (AUC = 0.933 [95%CI, 79.9–100%]) by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that the microbiome and the microbial-derived metabolites play critical roles in children’s growth. These findings provide a new research direction for better understand the mechanism(s) underlying ISS.
The Toll-like receptor 4 antagonist TAK-242 alleviates postoperative abdominal adhesion in a mouse model
Authors: wu yunhua , Guo Yu , Ye Changchun , Wang Qiaoe , Liu Bin , Nie Lingzhi , Liu Dong
Published: September 2023

Background
Postoperative abdominal adhesion is a common complication after abdominal surgery. The TLR4 pathway is a common inflammation-related pathways, and while TLR4 is highly expressed in adhesion tissue, the function of TLR4 in adhesion formation remains unclear. In our study, we demonstrated that the TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242 could reduce abdominal adhesion in a mouse model.
Methods
The expression of TLR4 was examined by immunohistochemical and double-immunofluorescence staining. Forty mice were randomly divided into five groups and treated with different drugs. Seven days after surgery, the mice were sacrificed, and specimens were collected. Inflammation was detected by HE staining and ELISA analysis of TGF-β1 and IL-6, collagen deposition was examined by Masson staining and IHC staining of α-SMA, and ROS were detected by ROS staining and MDA assays.
Results
TLR4 was highly expressed in adhesion tissue on days 3, 5 and 7 after surgery. TAK-242 plus sodium hyaluronate reduced the abdominal adhesion formation score. TAK-242 decreased the inflammation score and TGF-β1 and IL-6 levels in adhesion tissue, and collagen thickness and α-SMA level were lower than those in the control group. The TAK-242 group had lower ROS and MDA levels than the control group.
Conclusions
TLR4 was highly expressed in adhesion formation, and its inhibitor TAK-242 reduced adhesion formation by reducing inflammation and ROS and alleviating collagen deposition.
Seasonal Trend in the Occurrence of Myelomeningocele in Nigeria: a Hypothesis of Climate-induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Okpara Samuel E. , Iloabachie Izuchukwu C. , Mbanugo Tochukwu H. , Onyia Ephraim E. , Okpara Amarachi C. , Mbaeri Ikechi C. , Mathew Mesi , Uche Enoch O.
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Myelomeningocele is the most severe birth defect compatible with long-term survival. It accounts for 5.7% of neurological surgeries in Nigeria. However, the exact cause of this neural tube defect remains unidentified. This study aims to determine if seasonal variation is a potential environmental contributor.
Method
This study prospectively recruited 242 children diagnosed with myelomeningocele at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, Nigeria, between January 2010 and December 2022. Our primary outcome was the seasonal occurrence of myelomeningocele, while covariates included gender, birth order, maternal folic acid supplementation (FAS), and parental age. The estimated month of conception was derived from the mother's last menstrual period (LMP), and the occurrence of myelomeningocele across the various seasons in which these babies were conceived was assessed using the Lorenz curve and the Gini coefficient.
Results
242 patients were studied with a male-to-female ratio of 1.26. The majority of cases were lumbosacral (93.4%), and none of the mothers commenced FAS before conception. The highest proportion of cases (39.7%) occurred during the hottest period of the dry season (January–March), while the lowest proportion (15.7%) occurred during the early wet season (April–June). The Gini index of 0.29, and the Gini coefficient derived from 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations of 0.24, indicate a significant variation in the distribution of myelomeningocele cases across different seasons of conception.
Conclusion
The seasonal occurrence of myelomeningocele with a peak in January–March suggests a potential association with environmental factors including oxidative stress induced by solar radiation.