bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Targeted Oxygen Therapy for Non-Tension Pneumothorax in Full-Term Neonates
Authors: Ghuzlan Alaa , Ali Wajih , Jouni Oday
Published: October 2023

Background: Pneumothorax is deemed a medical exigency that bears substantial morbidity and mortality. Recently, efficacious management approaches have been reported for pneumothorax in hemodynamically stable neonates, involving the utilization of targeted oxygen to circumvent drainage and its associated complications.
Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to assess the outcomes of oxygen therapy as a conservative approach to treating pneumothorax.
Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted over one year (2021-2022) at Tishreen University Hospital in Lattakia-Syria. The study enrolled full-term neonates diagnosed with non-tension unilateral pneumothorax, who were treated by administering oxygen via nasal cannula while closely monitoring for any indications of deterioration in the condition. The primary outcome measured was the time to resolution of pneumothorax through chest X-ray (CXR). The study was approved by Scientific Research Ethics Committee at Tishreen University on 1/6/2021. Written informed consent was obtained from the patients legal guardians.
Results: Among the 23 neonates diagnosed with pneumothorax, 13 (56.5%) were male and 10 (43.5%) were female, exhibiting an average age and weight of 31.95±28.8 hours and 2803.04±336.01 g, respectively. Clinical signs manifested as tachypnea in all cases (100%), followed by intercostal retraction in 21 cases (91.3%) and subcostal retraction in 9 cases (39.1%). Pneumothorax was located on the right side for 11 cases and on the left side for 12 cases, with a mean volume of 10±4.4%. Consequently, there was a significant reduction in inspired oxygen concentration during follow-up periods(p:0.0001), resulting in an average resolution rate of approximately 17.70±8.1%/12 hour. observed across patients' data sets; complete resolution occurred within12 hours for11 cases(47 .8 %)and within 24 hours for the other cases.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the present investigation has unearthed that resorting to oxygen therapy serves as a means of expediting the resolution of pneumothorax among neonates who are in stable condition.
Establishment and validation of rat model of cervical spondylosis with unbalanced dynamic and static forces
Authors: Qian Jiaming , Wang Xiaole , Fang Ting , Ren Changan , Qiu Zikai , Zhao Xiaolan , Yang Yuqian , Zhu Jinchao , Deng Biao , Liu Fushui
Published: October 2023

Background: Cervical spondylosis (CS) presents a trend of generalization and rejuvenation, which has a major impact on society and economy. This study aimed to construct a rat model of CS and verify its reliability.
Methods: Twelve 6-month-old SD rats were selected and divided into normal group and model group according to the random number table method. The rats in the model group were modeled with the method of unbalanced dynamic and static forces. After three months, X-ray films and open-field experiments were performed. Rats were sacrificed and splenius head muscles were taken for HE staining and qPCR.
Results: Compared with the normal group, cervical degeneration score was significantly increased in the model group （P < 0.05）; HE staining suggested that the muscle fiber hyperplasia was accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. The open-field experiments showed that the total distance and average speed of the model group were smaller (P < 0.05, P < 0.05); the total rest time was longer （P < 0.05）. In the expression of FGF7, FGF9 and KDR mRNA in the splenius head muscles of rats, the model group was less (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: The rat model of CS with unbalanced dynamic and static forces was successfully established. The pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis has been also preliminarily studied.
Investigation of ferroptosis-associated molecular subtypes and immunological characteristics in lupus nephritis based on artificial neural network learning
Authors: Zhang Li , Yan Qing , Lin Miao , He Juanjuan , Tian Jie , Chen Zhihan , Hong Fuyuan
Published: October 2023

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with poor treatment outcomes. The role and underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis in LN remain largely unknown. We aimed to explore ferroptosis-related molecular subtypes and assess their prognostic value in LN patients.
Methods: Molecular subtypes were classified on the basis of differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) via the Consensus ClusterPlus package. The enriched functions and pathways, immune infiltrating levels, immune scores, and immune checkpoints were compared between the subgroups. A scoring algorithm based on the subtype-specific feature genes identified by artificial neural network machine learning, referred to as the NeuraLN, was established, and its immunological features, clinical value, and predictive value were evaluated in patients with LN. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis was performed to validate the expression and role of feature genes in glomerular tissues from LN patients and controls.
Results: A total of 10 differentially expressed FRGs were identified, most of which showed significant correlation. Based on the 10 FRGs, LN patients were classified into two ferroptosis subtypes, which exhibited significant differences in immune cell abundances, immune scores, and immune checkpoint expression. A NeuraLN-related protective model was established based on nine subtype-specific genes, and it exhibited a robustly predictive value in LN. The nomogram and calibration curves demonstrated the clinical benefits of the protective model. The high-NeuraLN group was closely associated with immune activation. Clinical specimens demonstrated the alterations of ALB, BHMT, GAMT, GSTA1, and HAO2 were in accordance with bioinformatics analysis results, GSTA1 and BHMT were negatively correlated with the severity of LN.
Conclusion: The classification of ferroptosis subtypes and establishment of protective model may a foundation for the personalized treatment of LN patients.
Determination of Oxidative Stress Responses in Dreissena polymorpha by the Effect of Temperature in Combined Rare Earth Elements (Terbium, Lanthanum, Gadolinium and Praseodymium)
Authors: SERDAR Osman , AYDIN Ayse Nur
Published: October 2023

The continuous development of industry and industry drives people to seek new resources, and for this purpose, the usage areas of Rare Earth Elements (REE), whose usage areas are increasing day by day, are increasing rapidly. Increasing concentrations of REEs as a result of increased use create pollution in the environment and harm living organisms. This pollution interacts with increasing temperature and causes more negative synergistic effects of the pollutant in the environment and the living body. In this study, sublethal concentration values were determined by literature review and the concentration value was determined as 125 mg/L. It is aimed to investigate some oxidative stress and antioxidant responses of Terbium, Lanthanum, Gadolinium and Praseodymium REEs in Dreissena polymorpha at 125 mg/L concentration at 3 different temperatures (16, 18, 20 0C) with biomarkers. For this purpose, a 24-hour and 96-hour trial design was created and 7 D. polymorpha were used in each trial group, and the application experiments were carried out in 3 repetitions. The samples, whose trial phase was finished, were kept at -80 degrees until analysis. In this study, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activities and gulutathion (GSH) and Thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) level biomarker responses were determined with ELISA test microplate reader. CAYMAN brand SOD (Catalog No 706002), CAT Catalog No 707002) and GPx (Catalog No 703102), GSH (Catalog No 703002) and TBARS (Catalog No 10009055) were used in the study. According to the study data, statistically significant decreases were observed in SOD and CAT activities in the oxidative stress responses of REEs on D. polymorpha with increasing temperature, while there was no significant change in GPx activities. It was determined that there were increases in TBARS levels and decreases in GSH levels.
Obtaining and study of biodegradable granules loaded with oxamyl as eco-friendly preparation for Globodera rostochiensis control
Authors: Sukhanova A.A. , Boyandin A.N. , Ertiletskaya Natalya Leonidovna , Churakov A.A.
Published: October 2023

Potato cyst nematode (PCN) poses a great challenge for potato cultivation throughout the world. Being a rather difficult parasite due to a number of its physiological features, specifically a long-term viability of the eggs, PCN causes drastic damage to worldwide agriculture. Development of long-acting preparations deposited with nematicidal ingredients could be a novel prospective approach for PCN management. In this work, composite granules based on polycaprolactone and montmorillonite (PCL/MMT) (100:0; 90:10; 75:25; 50:50) were studied as carriers for oxamyl nematicide (~ 10 wt.% of granules). It was shown that the obtained granules are able to maintain the activity of oxamyl for 20 days and facilitate its gradual release. The maximum release of oxamyl was noted for PCL/MMT 50% granules and amounted to 82.6 µg/ml. The nematicidal effect of PCL/MMT 50% granules with oxamyl against G. rostochiensis has been demonstrated on potato variety "Krasnoyarskiy ranniy".
Development of scaffold-free tissue-engineered constructs with serum-free media from mesenchymal stem cell-derived cells for cartilage repair and long-term preservation
Authors: Maeda Satoshi , matsumoto masaya , Segawa Kotaro , Konishi Hiromu , Iwamoto Kaori , Nakamura Norimasa
Published: October 2023

Background: Synovial mesenchymal stem cells (sMSCs) have great therapeutic potential for cartilage repair and have been used for clinical application. However, therapeutic design considering products effectively without loss efficacy and safety with eliminated unknown factors or adverse effects remains a challenge. In addition, because long-term preservation is indispensable to maintain high levels of cell-based products until implantation, factors that affect quality must be evaluated and demanded to reduce their fluctuations throughout the distribution. This study aimed to investigate the properties and feasibility of novel scaffold-free tissue-engineered constructs using serum-free media and develop long-term preservation methods considering logistic and distribution strategies.
Methods: sMSCs obtained from the human synovium were cultured in serum-free media, seeded at high density in a monolayer, and finally developed as a sheet-like construct called “gMSC1.” The properties of the frozen gMSC1 (Fro-gMSC1) using a control rate freezer were compared with those of refrigerated gMSC1 (Ref-gMSC1). gMSC1s were examined by cell number, viability, and surface antigen expression profile by flow cytometry, immunostaining, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Chondrogenic differentiation potential was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and quantification of glycosaminoglycan content in the pellet culture. Xenografts into the cartilage defects in rat knees were evaluated by histological staining.
Results: gMSC1 showed nearly similar properties independent of the preservation conditions. The animal experiment demonstrated that the defect could be filled with cartilage-like tissue under both gMSC1 application groups at approximately the same level with good integration to the adjacent tissue, suggesting that gMSC1 was formed and replaced the cartilage. Furthermore, several chondrogenesis-related factors were significantly secreted inside and outside the gMSC1. The morphological analysis of Fre-gMSC1 revealed comparable levels of quality against fresh gMSC1 in immunostaining and SEM observations. Thus, if cryopreserved, gMSC1, with no complicated materials or processes, could have sustained cartilage repair capacity under stable quality attributes and no adverse effects on efficacy or safety.
Conclusions: gMSC1 is a prominent candidate in novel clinical practice for cartilage repair, allowing for large quantities to be manufactured at one time and preserved for a long term by freezing.
Survival niches of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea, causal agent of bacterial blight in soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: de Melo Luana Laurindo , Nascimento Daniele Maria do , Soman José Marcelo , Silva João César Lourencetti da , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira , Maringoni Antonio Carlos , Júnior Tadeu Antônio Fernandes da Silva
Published: October 2023

Bacterial blight caused by Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. glycinea (Psg) is a prevalent disease in soybean crops worldwide, and crop rotation is a potential management strategy. However, the importance of alternative crops and soil as hosts of Psg is not well understood. This study aimed to assess the survival of Psg in four soil types, the phyllosphere and rhizosphere of 12 crops rotated with soybean, and endophytic colonization of crops by Psg. The pathogenic strain Soj. 1462 of Psg, resistant to rifampicin, was used in all experiments, and PCR confirmed bacterial survival. Psg survived for a maximum of two days in all soil types. In the phyllosphere, soybean had the longest Psg survival (70 days), followed by white oat, black oat, ryegrass, sunflower, and sorghum (35 days). In the rhizosphere, the longest Psg survival was obtained for white oat, black oat, ryegrass, barley, corn, soybean, and wheat (28 days), and less than 21 days for all other crops. In endophytic colonization, Psg survived for 70 days in soybean, white oat, black oat, ryegrass, corn, and sorghum, and between 42 to 56 days in other crops, when inoculated in artificially wounded plants. In plants inoculated by spray, the highest Psg survival was in ryegrass and soybean (70 days), and between 14 to 63 days in other crops. Cultivating sunn hemp, common bean, and radish in succession with soybean is recommended to reduce Psg inoculum since the survival periods recorded for these crops were lower.
Variable Clinical Presentation of DCLRE1C Deficiency from Childhood to Adulthood
Authors: Hazar Esra , Karaselek Mehmet Ali , Kapakli Hasan , Dogar Oznur , Artac Hasibe , Fındık Sıdıka , Arslan Sevket , Uygun Vedat , Guner Sukru , Reisli Ismail , Keles Sevgi
Published: October 2023

In this study, we aimed to report long term follow up of our patients with DCLRE1C hypomorphic mutation including children and adults with leaky SCID. Eighteen patients, aged 6–29 (11 children, 7 adults), were enrolled in the study. Clinical and immunological features, including immunoglobulin levels, T and B cells, natural killer cell subsets, Treg cell ratios/markers, and cytokines, were assessed pre- and post-HSCT and compared with healthy controls. Recurrent infections (78%) and skin findings including granulomatous skin lesions, warts, vitiligo (61%) were the most frequently observed clinical findings. Autoimmune diseases were observed in 33% and malignancy in 17% of the patients. Most patients had low serum IgA and B and T cell lymphopenia at the first admission. RTE, Tnaive, Bnaive, CD56dimCD16+ cell ratios were significantly lower in the patients compared to control, however, TFH and Th1 (IFN-γ) cell ratios were significantly higher than the control. Although, Treg ratio and its functional receptors tend to be high but not significant. Eleven patients (61.1%) were treated with HSCT. Mean follow-up times of transplant patients was 46.41± 25.77 months. Patients with hypomorphic DCLRE1C mutations can present with variable clinical and laboratory findings at different ages. Our study showed a Th1 dominant immune response in patients before and after HSCT. Increased IFN-γ and TFH cells ratio could be a reason for chronic inflamation and autoimmunity developing before and after HSCT. Long term follows up of those patients after HSCT will help to better understanding of the disease and its pathophysiology.
Dynamic changes of regional brain activity in adolescents with internet gaming disorder
Authors: Lang Yan , Wang Rui-qi , Li Yan-ge , Zhang Yi-bo , Wu Jie , Zhao Tao
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to explore the dynamic changes of regional brain activity in adolescent with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) based on the analysis of dynamic low-frequency amplitude. Methods: Forty-four patients with IGD and 50 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy controls (HC group) were recruited for resting state magnetic resonance imaging analysis of their regional brain activities. The collected imaging data was analyzed using two independent-sample t-test in which the MATLAB software was used to extract dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) values of abnormal active brain regions. Person correlation analysis were used to analyze the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the SCL-90 scores. Finally, IAT scores, factor scores in the SCL-90 scale and dALFF values of abnormal brain regions in the IGD group were analyzed for moderating effects using the process 4.1 plug-in of the SPSS26 statistical software. p < 0.05 suggests the existence of regulatory effects. Results: IGD group exhibited alterations in the local dynamic activity of signals in several brain regions, compared to HC group. Reduced dALFF values were mainly found in the inferior temporal gyrus, precuneus, posterior cerebellum lobe, and cerebellum vermis regions. The results of dynamic low-frequency amplitude analysis showed a negative correlation between left precuneus dALFF values and IAT scores in the IGD group (r=-0.403, p = 0.008). The results of the correlation analysis with the clinical scale indicated that the dALFF values in the left posterior cerebellum lobe (cerebellum region VI) were negatively correlated with the interpersonal sensitivity factor score (r=-0.314, p = 0.034) and depression factor score (r=-0.342, p = 0.033) in the SCL-90 scale. Conclusions: IGD in adolescents may have an impact on their mental health, and the severity of Internet gaming disorder may play a moderating role between the posterior cerebellum lobe and the mental health status of adolescent Internet addicts, which may provide some useful information in the future to explain clinical phenomena such as Internet addicts with different degrees of emotional problems.
Stocking Density of the Pangasius Hypophthalmus Reared in Raceway System
Authors: Rodrigues Juliano Silva , Gomides Pedro Fellipe Vieira , Arnhold Emmanuel , de Paula Fernanda Gomes , Mascarenhas Alessandra Gimenez , Mello Heloisa Helena de Carvalho
Published: October 2023

The objective was to evaluate the impact of stocking density on the productive and physiological parameters of Pangasius hypophthalmus throughout the production period. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications, resulting in a total of 20 experimental units. The densities tested were as follows: 30, 50, 70, 90, and 110 fish/m³, which corresponded to 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 fish per box, respectively. The experimental period lasted 90 days. Stocking density did not influence feed conversion ratio, mortality, carcass yield, serum biochemical profile, or hematology. Body weight gain and feed intake responded linearly to the different densities. The limnological variables of temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen were not affected, unlike nitrite (NO2), total ammonia (NH4+ + NH3), and non-ionized ammonia (NH3) levels, which rose linearly with increasing stocking density. In conclusion, it is advisable to consider stocking densities above 87 fish/m3 for the intensive cultivation of P. hypophthalmus in tropical climatic conditions.
A telephone follow-up management model for oral outpatient chemotherapy featuring concerted interventions by hospital and community pharmacists, and physicians
Authors: Makihara Reiko Ando , Hayashi Yoshikazu , Miki Akiko , Watanabe Noriko Watanabe , Sano Atsuhiko , Ohara Akane , Makino Yoshinori Makino , Sawada Yasufumi , Iwasa Satoru , Morizane Chigusa , Ueno Hideki , Okusaka Takuji , Hashimoto Hironobu
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Despite the critical importance of patients’ recognition and self-management of adverse drug effects (ADEs) in oral outpatient chemotherapy, continuous care and patient education in this field have not been fully explored in Japan. We conducted a prospective pilot study to examine the feasibility of a management model for oral outpatient chemotherapy.
Methods
The inclusion criterion was patients treated with S-1 alone or in combination with other agents. In the management model, patients underwent consultation with a hospital oncology pharmacist after a checkup with their physician, and were followed up by a community pharmacist on the telephone at least once a week until their next hospital visit. Both pharmacists focused on drug-related problems (e.g., obstacles to adherence, early ADEs), provided counseling, and informed the physician of any ADEs. The primary outcome was feasibility of the management model. The secondary outcomes were medication adherence, ADEs, and patient satisfaction.
Results
Among 23 eligible patients, 20 (with colorectal, pancreatic, or biliary cancer) agreed to participate. Of these, 14 were treated with S-1 monotherapy and 6 with S-1, irinotecan, and bevacizumab (SIRB) or S-1, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab (SOX/BV). The completion rate of telephone follow-up was 100%. Mean adherence was 99.5% (range: 95.5–100.0). Community pharmacists identified 16 ADE cases during the treatment period. In a satisfaction questionnaire, 17/17 patients indicated that the hospital pharmacist consultation was useful, and 15/17 viewed the telephone follow-up as helpful.
Conclusions
Our new management model featuring concerted interventions enables continuous management for safe and effective oral outpatient chemotherapy.
Benchmarking of Methods for DNA Methylome Deconvolution
Authors: Thienpont Bernard , De Ridder Kobe , Che Huiwen , Leroy Kaat
Published: October 2023

Defining the number and abundance of different cell types in tissues is important for understanding disease mechanisms as well as for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. Typically, this is achieved by immunohistological analyses, cell sorting, or single-cell RNA-sequencing. Alternatively, cell-specific DNA methylome information can be leveraged to deconvolute cell fractions from a bulk DNA mixture. However, comprehensive benchmarking of deconvolution methods and modalities was not yet performed. Here we evaluated 13 deconvolution algorithms, developed either specifically for DNA methylome data or more generically. We assessed the performance of these algorithms, and the effect of normalization methods, while modelling variables that impact deconvolution performance, including cell abundance, cell type similarity, reference panel size, method for methylome profiling (array or sequencing), and technical variation. We observed differences in algorithm performance depending on each these variables, emphasizing the need for tailoring deconvolution analyses. The complexity of the reference, the number of marker loci and, for sequencing-based assays, the sequencing depth have a marked influence on performance. By developing handles to select the optimal analysis configuration, we provide valuable source of information for studies aiming to deconvolute array- or sequencing-based methylation data.
A nomogram for predicting overall survival in patients with Appendiceal mucinous carcinoma: A population-based analysis
Authors: Sun Xu , Li Rui , Zhao Wen , Li Dingchang , Dong Guanglong
Published: October 2023

Background
Appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma (AMA) is a rare tumor and prognostic prediction models have rarely been reported. The aim of our study was to establish and evaluate a nomogram to predict the overall survival of AMA patients.
Methods
We selected patients diagnosed with AMA from 2000 to 2020 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. They were randomized in a 7:3 ratio to be further divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses were used to select prognostic independent risk factors and further to select variables for nomogram. The validity of the nomogram was assessed using the consistency index (C index), area under the curve of time-dependent ROC curves (time-dependent AUC), and calibration curves. The net benefit of nomograms with different threshold probabilities was quantified using Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) and compared to the net benefit of AJCC standard-based tumor staging. The Net Reclassification Index (NRI) and Integrated Discriminatory Improvement (IDI) were also employed to compare the clinical use of the nomogram with AJCC standard-based tumor staging. Comparison of risk stratification for nomogram and AJCC standard-based tumor staging.
Results
A total of 2489 patients were enrolled according to the admission and exclusion criteria and divided into training cohort (n = 1739) and validation cohort (n = 750) in a 7:3 ratio. Six variables were selected to establish the nomogram of AMA based on univariate and multivariate regression analyses. C-index (0.724 for the training cohort, and 0.693 for the validation cohort) and time-dependent AUC (> 0.7) indicated that the nomogram had a satisfactory discriminatory ability. In both the training and validation cohorts, the calibration curves demonstrated a decent agreement between the predictions of the nomogram and the actual observations. the NRI values (training cohort: 0.308 for 1 year, 0,300 for 3 years, 0.187 for 5 years OS prediction; validation cohort:0.178 for 1 year, 0.172 for 3 years and 0.148 for 5 years OS prediction) and IDIs (training cohort: 0.052 for 1 year, 0.076 for 3 years, 0.069 for 5 years OS prediction; validation cohort: 0.035for 1 year, 0.053 for 3 years, 0.058 for 5 years OS prediction) indicated that the constructed nomogram significantly outperforms tumor staging based on the AJCC standard alone (P < 0.05). Furthermore, DCA showed that the nomogram has clinical utility to identify patients at higher risk than AJCC standard-based tumor staging.
Conclusion
We established and validated a prognostic nomogram to help clinicians evaluate the prognosis of patients with AMA. In the future, we hope that more external validation will be added to increase its efficacy.
Validation of The Health Promotion Literacy Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Taiwan's University Social Responsibility Context
Authors: Wang Yu-Ming , Hung Chia-Hui , Li Yi-Ching , Ho Yung-Chuan , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Huang Cheng Yi
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
The development of a Health Promotion Literacy Scale within the USR Curriculum is crucial for addressing the existing gap in measuring the impact of USR on students' citizenship and social engagement. This study aimed to develop and assess the psychometric properties of the Health Promotion Literacy-based Scale in USR (HPLS-USR) scale on medical university students through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Taiwan.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study and recruited a convenience sample of 405 students in central Taiwan. The HPLS-USR scale, developed by Hung et al. in 2022, comprises four factors—personal growth, responsibility of citizenship, social interaction, and intellectual development—that together accounted for 61.83% of the total variance. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 and AMOS (version 22.0) to perform a CFA to verify the model's goodness of fit.
Results: The modified model derived 17 items in 3 factors, with 51.02% of the total variance explained. The structural equation model displayed a good fit, suggesting that personal growth, responsibility for citizenship, and social interaction were latent variables of the Health Promotion Literacy-based Scale on a USR curriculum. The Cronbach's alphas for the overall scale and the three subscales ranged from 0.82 to 0.93. The psychometric properties of the scale demonstrated good to excellent model fit in the CMIN/DF (χ2/df) = 3.149, GFI = 0.91, AGFI = 0.88, SRMR = 0.04, RMSEA = 0.07, NFI = 0.90, NNFI = 0.92, RFI = 0.89, IFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.93, PNFI = 0.78, and PCFI = 0.81. The Cronbach's alphas ranged between.81 and.89; the composite alphas ranged between.87 and.94.
Conclusion:
The present study validates the HPLS-USR structure, a reliable and valid instrument with excellent psychometric properties for reflecting literacy by USR students.
Chitosan/PLA-loaded Magnesium oxide nanocomposite to attenuate oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurotoxicity in rat models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Rajkumar Manickam , Prabha Govindaraj , Vimala Karuppaiya , Thangaraj Ramasundaram , Kannan Soundarapandian
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and dysfunction in the mitochondria and cholinergic system. In this study, the synthesis of chitosan-polylactic acid-loaded magnesium oxide nanocomposite (CH/PLA/MgONCs) was examined using the green precipitation method. The synthesized CH/PLA/MgONCs were confirmed by using the UV-Vis spectrum, FT-IR, SEM-EDAX, and physical properties. The experiments were carried out using male Wistar rats by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) bilaterally into the brain's ventricles through the intracerebroventricular (ICV) route at a dose of 3 mg/kg. We also evaluated the effects of CH/PLA/MgONCs at doses of 10 mg/kg. To assess the cognitive dysfunction induced by ICV-STZ, we performed behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological analyses. In our study results, UV-Vis spectrum analysis of CH/PLA/MgONCs showed 285 nm, FT-IR analyses confirmed that the various functional groups were present, and SEM-EDAX analysis confirmed that a cauliflower-like spherical shape, Mg and O were present. Treatment with CH/PLA/MgONCs (10 mg/kg) showed a significant improvement in spatial and non-spatial memory functions. This was further supported by biochemical analysis showing improved antioxidant enzyme (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx activity) activities that significantly attenuated cholinergic activity and oxidative stress. In the CH/PLA/MgONCs-treated group, significant improvement was observed in the mitochondrial complex activity. ICV-STZ-induced neuroinflammation, as indicated by increased levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP, was significantly reduced by CH/PLA/MgONCs treatment. Additionally, CH/PLA/MgONCs treated histological results showed improved healthy neuronal cells in the brain. Furthermore, in silico studies confirm that these molecules have good binding affinity and inhibit Aβ aggregation. In conclusion, CH/PLA/MgONCs treatment reversed AD pathology by improving memory and reducing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings recommend that CH/PLA/MgONCs are possible therapeutic agents to treat AD.
Isolated respiratory tract microorganisms and clinical characteristics in asthma exacerbation of obese patients: a multicenter study
Authors: Park Sojung , Hwang Yong Il , Lee Sei Won , Kim Hyo-Jung , Kim Byung-Keun , Lee Jin Hwa , Ryu Yon Ju , Kim So Ri , Chang Jung Hyun
Published: October 2023

Background: Viral infection is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation (AE). However, bacterial infections related to AE in adults are poorly known. On the other hand, obese patients with asthma have their own clinical and biological characteristics compared with non-obese patients.
Methods: We investigated the differences in causative pathogens for AE between obese and non-obese patients with asthma. We included 407 patients with AE from 24 medical centers in Korea. Microorganisms isolated from culture, RT-PCR or serologic tests using lower respiratory tract specimens were retrospectively investigated.
Results: A total of 171 obese and 236 non-obese patients with asthma were included for analysis. Compared to non-obese patients, obese patients were associated with women (77.2% vs. 63.6%), never smoker (82.5% vs. 73.9%), shorter duration of asthma (7.9 ± 8.4 vs. 10.5 ± 10.1 years), less history of pulmonary tuberculosis (8.8% vs. 17.4%), and more comorbidity of allergic rhinitis (48.5% vs. 0.8%). Viral and/or bacterial infections were detected in 205 patients (50.4%) with AE. The numbers of patients with viral only, bacterial only, or both infections were 119, 49, and 37, respectively. The most commonly isolated bacterium was Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Obese patients showed a lower incidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. In the non-obese group, bacterial infection, especially Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, was significantly associated with the duration of systemic corticosteroid use (13.6 ± 19.8 vs. 9.7 ± 6.7 days, p = 0.049).
Conclusion: AE in obese patients with asthma presented particular clinical characteristics. Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae infection was less associated with obese patients with AE. Isolated microbial data may help to choose proper treatment of AEs in obese patients in Korea.
“Teaching Capital” – a sociological analysis of medical educator portfolios for promotion
Authors: Christensen Mette Krogh , Pedersen Iris Maria , Wichmann-Hansen Gitte
Published: October 2023

Medical educator portfolios (MEP) are increasingly recognized as a tool for developing and documenting teaching performance in Health Professions Education. However, there is a need to better understand the complex interplay between institutional guidelines and how teachers decode those guidelines and assign value to teaching merits. To gain a deeper understanding of this dynamic, this study employed a sociological analysis to understand how medical educators aspiring to professorships use MEPs to display their teaching merits and how cultural capital is reflected in these artefacts. We collected 36 medical educator portfolios for promotion from a large research-intensive university and conducted a deductive content analysis using institutional guidelines that distinguished between mandatory (accounting for the total body of teaching conducted) and optional content (arguing for pedagogical choices and evidencing the quality, respectively). Our analysis showed that the portfolios primarily included quantifiable data about teaching activities, e.g., numbers of students, topics and classes taught. Notably, they often lacked evidence of quality and scholarship of teaching. Looking at these findings through a Bourdieusian lens revealed that teachers in this social field exchange objectified evidence of hours spent on teaching into teaching capital recognized by their institution. Our findings highlight how institutional guidelines for MEPs construct a pedagogical battlefield, where educators try to decode and exchange the “right” and recognized teaching capital. This indicates that MEPs reflect the norms and practices of the academic field more than individual teaching quality.
Clinicopathological and molecular features of genome-stable colorectal cancers
Authors: Jin Lingyan , Jin Hye-Yeong , Kim Younghoon , Cho Nam-Yun , Bae Jeong-Mo , KIm Jung Ho , Han Sae_Won , Kim Tae-You , Kang Gyeong Hoon
Published: October 2023

Colorectal cancers (CRCs) are traditionally divided into CRCs with either chromosomal instability (CIN) or microsatellite instability (MSI). By utilizing TCGA data, the Laird team found a subset of CRCs, namely, genome stable CRCs (GS CRCs), which lack both CIN and MSI. Although the molecular features of GS CRCs have been described in detail, the clinicopathological features are not well defined.
A total of 437 CRCs were analyzed for copy number variation (CNV) statuses in 8 genes (ARID1A, EGFR, FGFR1, KDM5B, MYBL2, MYC, SALL4, and SETDB1) using droplet-digital PCR. CRCs that showed CNV in ≤one gene and no MSI were defined as GS CRCs. Clinicopathological and molecular features of GS CRCs were compared with those of CIN CRCs. GS CRCs comprised 4.6% of the CRCs. Compared with the CIN subtype,the GS subtype showed a predilection toward the proximal colon, lower nuclear optical density, KRAS mutation, PIK3CAmutation, and aberrant expression of KRT7. Survival analysis showed no significant difference between the three subgroups.
Through our study, the GS subtype was found to comprise a minor proportion of CRCs and have proclivity toward proximal bowel location, hypochromatic tumor nuclei, aberrant KRT7 expression, and a high frequency of KRAS and PIK3CA mutations.
Validation of a targeted sequencing panel with automatic analysis system for clinical decision support in cancer therapy
Authors: Che Jingmin , Kwon Woo Sun , Kim Jaeyoung , Jadamba Erkhembayar , Han Hyo Jun , Kim Yuhnam , Lee Choong-kun , Chung Hyun Cheol , Rha Sun Young
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Precision cancer therapy relies on the identification of tumor-specific genomic alterations, which can be achieved through next-generation sequencing (NGS). In the clinic, personalized treatment for patients with advanced treatment-refractory solid tumors often requires rapid and comprehensive multi-dimensional molecular signature analysis using tumor-only samples because paired normal specimens are unavailable in most cases. To address this issue, we developed a CancerMaster panel, targeted NGS panel with 524 key genes specifically designed for multi-dimensional molecular signature analysis of solid tumors.
Methods
Its asynchronous and parallel one-stop automated analysis pipeline with a reporting system provides a comprehensive solution to shorten the turnaround time from analysis to reporting. The panel can detect common genomic alteration types, including SNVs/Indels and CNVs, fusions, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)/Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden (TMB) status and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing.
Results
We confirmed its reproducibility (100%) and analytical sensitivity (99%) using reference materials and performed clinical validation of the panel, which demonstrated a high accuracy (94%). Using the CancerMaster panel, we identified actionable mutations (TP53, KRAS, and PIK3CA) and CNV (ERBB2 amplification) mainly in gastric and colorectal cancer. We also found a high correlation between MSI and TMB in our patient samples (n = 668, r = 0.75, p < ), especially for gastric cancer (n = 412, r = 0.75, p < ) and colorectal cancer (n = 66, r = 0.87, p < ).
Conclusion
The CancerMaster panel demonstrated the potential for clinical decision support in personalized cancer treatment.
Efficient Path Coverage-based Test Data Generation using an Enhanced Pelican Algorithm
Authors: Salehi Mojtaba , Parsa Saeed , Joudaki Saba
Published: October 2023

White box test data generation typically relies on an optimized search through the program input space. Metaheuristic algorithms, such as Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Simulated Annealing, are commonly utilized to address this problem. However, it is observed that existing algorithms often fall short in generating diverse test data. Their primary focus is identifying the optimal solution rather than a diverse set of reasonable solutions. This paper aims to address the issue of limited diversity in test data generation by proposing a modified version of the Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA). The goal is to improve coverage and reduce the fitness evaluations required for generating test data. Additionally, the paper aims to tackle the challenge of minimizing test data volume while achieving high coverage, which is a significant concern in automatic test data generation. The proposed approach introduces the adapted POA to solve the diversity problem in test data generation. The modified algorithm outperforms eight well-known metaheuristic algorithms regarding coverage and the number of fitness evaluations needed. The approach also incorporates techniques to address the challenge of reducing test data volume while maintaining high coverage. Compared to similar well-known methods, our enhanced Pelican algorithm can improve test coverage by up to 83% when generating a thousand test data for benchmark programs. Without a doubt, the diversity in test data leads to less overlap between the paths covered by the test data, which in turn results in increased path coverage and improved test effectiveness. The superior performance of the adapted POA highlights its effectiveness in generating diverse and high-coverage test data.
The mechanism of effective components compatibility of Astragalus and Nelumbinis folium on the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia by regulating cholesterol reversal transport
Authors: Chen Jian , Shi Cheng , Zhang Yufang , Gao Ya , Li Dantong , Gu Ying , Zhang Yixin , Zhang Muqing
Published: October 2023

Background
Astragalus saponins (AS) and Nelumbinis folium alkaloids (NFA) are the main active components of Astragalus membranaceus and Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. This research investigated the beneficial effects and mechanisms of AS-NFA in preventing and treating dyslipidemia.
Methods
Rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for to establish a dyslipidemia model and HepG2 cells were induced by cholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol to establish a steatosis cell model, treating with AS-NFA. The levels of blood lipids and liver function were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. HE staining and oil red O staining were used to observe the pathological morphological changes and steatosis. The uptake of Dil-HDL by HepG2 cells was observed and detected by fluorescence microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Cholesterol reverse transport (RCT)-related mRNA and protein. in rat liver and HepG2 cells were detected by RT-PCR, immunofluorescent staining and Western Blot.
Results
AS-NFA had remarkable effects on regulating blood lipids, improving liver function, alleviating pathological injury of liver tissues, and reducing hepatic lipid accumulation. AS-NFA dramatically reduced total cholesterol (TC), total bile acid (TBA) levels, and lipid accumulation, and increased the intake of HDL in HepG2 cells. AS-NFA can regulate RCT by upregulating scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), recombinant cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1), and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the HFD rats and HepG2 steatosis cells. The effects of AS-NFA on the SR-B1/CYP7A1/FXR signaling pathway were abolished when SR-B1 was inhibited by BLT-1 (a selective SR-B1 inhibitor) in HepG2 cells.
Conclusion
AS-NFA has an efficient lipid-regulating effect mediated by activation of the SR-B1/CYP7A1/FXR signaling pathway to regulate RCT. Our findings provide new insight and evidence for the discovery of a new lipid-regulating drug for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia in the clinic.
Molecular insights of an avian species with low oxygen affinity, the crystal structure of duck methemoglobin
Authors: Ponnuraj Sathya Moorthy , Kamariah Neelagandan , Moovarkumudalvan Balasubramanian , Ramadoss Ramya , N. Ponnuswamy M.
Published: October 2023

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing metalloprotein which plays a major role in the transportation of oxygen from lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide back to lungs. The structural investigations on avian hemoglobin are limited when compared with the enormous work has been carried out on mammalian hemoglobin. Here, the crystal structure of methemoglobin from domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos), a low oxygen affinity avian species, determined to 2.1 Å resolution is presented. It has been crystallized in orthorhombic space group C2221 with unit cell parameters a = 59.89, b = 109.42 and c = 92.07 Å. The final model is refined to an R-factor and Rfree of 19.5% and 25.2%, respectively. The structural analysis reveals that duck methemoglobin adopts a unique quaternary structure that is distinct from any of the liganded hemoglobin structures. Moreover, it closely resembles the deoxy hemoglobin of bar-headed goose, a high oxygen affinity species. Besides the amino acid αPro 119 located in the α1β1 interface, a unique quaternary structure with a constrained heme environment is attributed for the intrinsic low oxygen affinity of duck hemoglobin.
Digital media use, depressive symptoms and support for violent radicalization among young Canadians: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Miconi Diana , Santavicca Tara , Frounfelker Rochelle L. , Rousseau Cécile
Published: October 2023

Background.
Despite the prominent role that digital media play in the lives and mental health of young people as well as in violent radicalization (VR) processes, empirical research aimed to investigate the association between Internet use, depressive symptoms and support for VR among young people is scant. We adopt a person-centered approach to investigate patterns of digital media use and their association with depressive symptoms and support for VR.
Methods.
A sample of 2,324 Canadian young people (Mage = 30.10; SDage = 5.44 ; 59% women) responded to an online questionnaire. We use latent class analysis to identify patterns of digital media use and linear regression to estimate the associations between class membership, depressive symptoms and support for VR.
Results.
We identified three classes of individuals in regards to digital media use, named Personal sphere/Low Trust, Social conformity/Institutional Trust, Online Community/Undifferentiated Trust. Linear regression indicated that individuals in the Online Community/Undifferentiated Trust class were at greater risk, whereas individuals in the Social conformity/Institutional Trust class were at lower risk of both depression and supporting VR compared to individuals in the Personal sphere/Low Trust.
Conclusions.
It is essential to tailor prevention and intervention efforts to mitigate risks of VR to the specific needs and experiences of different groups in society, within a socio-ecological perspective. Prevention should consider both strengths and risks of digital media use and simulteaneously target both online and offline experiences and networks, with a focus on the relational/emotional components of Internet use.
Do Medications Increase the Risk in Elderly Patients for Hospitalizations Due to Syncope? A Case Controlled Study.
Authors: Hermush Vered , Shimoni Zvi , Nir Kobe , Froom Paul
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION In the elderly, syncope, a form of temporary loss of consciousness with no focal neurologic deficits is common. The association with drug therapy however is uncertain. In fact, we are unaware of previous studies demonstrating such a relationship, except to show that potentially inappropriate drug use is common in patients with syncope and falls. METHODS: In the following study, we selected elderly patients (65–85 years old) hospitalized because of a syncopal episode. They will be matched according to hospitalization date to other elderly hospitalized patients with other admission diagnoses. The major predictor variable is admission drug therapy, focusing on benzodiazepines and diuretics, but will consider other drug groups such as other hypertensive drugs, antipsychotics, and antihypertensives. Secondary predictors will include age, gender, presence of dementia, ability to walk freely, hypotensive blood pressure (SBP ≤ 100 mmHg) on admission, and laboratory tests that determine if the patient had a hemoglobin < 10 g/L, a BUN ≥ 30 mg/dL, a serum potassium < 3.5 meq/L or a serum sodium < 135 meq/L. RESULTS: Both on univariate and multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals) only psychiatric drugs (1.91, 1.31–2.77) were associated with syncope. Walking freely was a risk factor and polypharmacy and an elevated blood urea nitrogen were negatively associated with syncope. The model was poor with a c-statistic of only 0.645(0.606–0.682). The results were the same if we included only those with vasovagal and orthostatic syncope. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the association between psychiatric drugs and the risk of syncope.