bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Using Feed Impact on Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Culture Using a Dynamics System Approach
Authors: Kurniawan Ade , Gani Abdul , Muhammad Endang , Numberi George M. , Papare Endang Y. , Asti  , Sada Otto
Published: October 2023

Feed was the most important part in aquaculture. Not only affecting growth, but the feed also impacted the cultivation environment. Poor feeding management in the use of feed will have a negative impact on the cultivation process. The purpose of the research was to create a dynamic system model. In the model a systemized algorithm was structured that would assist cultivators in carrying out aquaculture activities and with this model, problems that occurred were immediately resolved. The dynamic system model was the method used in this research. This model was used to determine the optimization of feed use based on several variables that support the process of using the feed. In this research, the production of Oreochromis niloticus was 14 kg, the amount of feed used was 10 kg, which affects the increase in the amount of organic matter, which was 3626.4 g (total feces + uneaten feed) in 65 days cultivation period. The result showed that the total feed was connected with organic waste, namely total N, total P, total feces, and total uneaten feed. The results obtained from this research were then poured into a dynamic system and the results were found, namely the relationship between feeding and organic waste, namely linear or perpendicular. The design of this dynamic system model was expected to enable tilapia cultivators to develop aquaculture businesses that were more environmentally friendly, effective, and efficient.
Omega-6 and Omega-3 Intake Ratio in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients and Its Correlation with Depression Score
Authors: Fawzia Nabila , Lestari Wiji , Nurwidya Fariz , Agustin Heidy , Hasyim Ammar Abdurrahman
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Depression affects 45.19% of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) patients' adherence to treatment, resulting in increased morbidity and death, medication resistance, and continued disease transmission. This study aimed to examine the relationship between omega-6/omega-3 (ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake ratio and depression score in patients with pulmonary TB at Persahabatan National Respiratory Referral Hospital, Jakarta.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 99 subjects with pulmonary TB. Data were collected using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), anthropometric measurements, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II).
Results: Correlation analysis used the Spearman test and revealed the ratio of ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFAs intake of 7.78 ± 1.13, the median value of depression score was 9 (10-36). There was no correlation between ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFA intake and depression score (r = 0.063; p = 0.534).
Conclusion: There was no correlation between ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFAs intake ratio and depression scores in pulmonary TB patients. This is the first study to examine the correlation between ꞷ-6/ꞷ-3 PUFA intake ratio and depression score in pulmonary TB patients.
Comparative Analysis of the Pathogen Structure in Patients with Community-Acquired and Nosocomial Pneumonia in Medical Organizations of the Rostov, Tyumen Regions and Khabarovsk Territory at the Current Stage of a New Coronavirus Infection Pandemic
Authors: Pavlovich N. V. , Chemisova O. S. , Aronova N. V. , Tsimbalistova M. V. , Anisimova A. S. , Gudueva E. N. , Kolotova O. N. , Kataeva L. V. , Stepanova K. B. , Bondarenko A. P. , Teplyakova E. D. , Trotsenko O. E. , Stepanova T. F. , Noskov A. K.
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the spectrum and antibiotic resistance of secondary pneumonia pathogens isolated in the territories of the Rostov, Tyumen Regions and Khabarovsk Territory against the background of a new coronavirus infection pandemic.

Materials and methods. We investigated sputum samples from coronavirus-positive and coronavirus-negative patients with community-acquired pneumonia from medical organizations using bacteriological method, PCR mass spectrometry.

Results and discussion. The study of the etiological structure of secondary pneumonia agents isolated from patients in medical organizations of the Southern, Ural and Far Eastern Federal Districts has revealed that the dominant cultures in SARS‑CoV‑2 “+” and SARS‑CoV‑2 “–” patients were yeast and yeast-like fungi. It has been found that under diversity of isolated fungi, Candida albicans species prevailed. The bacterial microflora is represented by a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, of which Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniaе were most often present in sputum. It has also been established that even before hospitalization of patients, community-acquired pneumonia could be caused by microorganisms of the ESKAPE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniaе, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp.), which are usually considered as polyantibiotic-resistant pathogens of nosocomial infections. Moreover, in coronavirus-positive patients with secondary community-acquired pneumonia, those pathogens were isolated 2–3 times more frequently than in coronavirus-negative ones. Assessment of sensitivity/resistance of isolated strains to antibacterial drugs has revealed a general trend: the majority of the strains, regardless of the type, were characterized by a narrow spectrum of sensitivity, having 3 or more markers of antibiotic resistance. This confirms the necessity and expediency of microbiological support of the patient during the entire infectious process. The most adequate drugs of choice, providing activity against 60–70 % of strains of the Enterobacteriaceae family, are amikacin and cefoperazone/sulbactam.
Dynamics of the Epidemic Process of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Irkutsk Region in 2001–2021
Authors: Tolmacheva M. I. , Nikitin A. Ya. , Andaev E. I. , Chumachenko I. G.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this work was to analyze the spatial and temporal features of the epidemic process dynamics of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Irkutsk Region in 2001–2021.

Materials and methods. The data of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the Irkutsk Region, the Reference Center of the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute, the materials of the state statistical reporting form No. 2 “Information on infectious and parasitic diseases”, and scientific publications were analyzed. The chronological and chorological features of the change in the incidence of TVE have been traced. In the latter case, the administrative-territorial formations (ATF) of the subject were differentiated by epidemiological risk groups over two ten-year periods: 2001–2010 and 2011–2020. At each time interval, the grouping of areas according to the level of TBE incidence was carried out using the calculation of 95% confidence interval. Time sequences of observations were analyzed using the construction of regression equations. Standard methods of variation statistics in the Microsoft Excel were deployed.

Results and discussion. Over the course of the 21st century, the incidence of TBE in Irkutsk Region has been declining. Based on 2001–2010 data, there were no cases of TBE in six ATF, and endemic areas were divided into three groups: with low (15 districts), medium (6) and high (8) incidence of TBE. A separate assessment of morbidity rates was conducted in the administrative center of the entity, the city of Irkutsk. In 2011–2020, the structure of ATF with varying epidemiological risk of TBE underwent a change. Six non-endemic areas, groups of low (12 ATFs), medium (9), high (6) and very high (2) epidemiological risk were identified. The spatial arrangement of high epidemiological risk zones changed, and their area increased. Each ATF cluster with different TBE incidence in 2011–2020 is characterized by the number of TBE cases and the volume of measures to prevent the infection. It is concluded that preventive measures were insufficient in ATF groups of high and very high epidemiological risk.
Epizootiological and Epidemiological Situation on Leptospirosis in the Russian Federation over the Period of 2013–2022 and the Forecast for 2023
Authors: Trankvilevsky D. V. , Kiseleva E. Yu. , Korzun V. M. , Breneva N. V. , Verzhutskaya Yu. A. , Zarva I. D. , Skudareva O. N. , Balakhonov S. V.
Published: October 2023

The aim of the work was to analyze the epizootic and epidemiological situation on leptospirosis in the territory of the Russian Federation in 2013–2022 and to forecast its development in 2023. The long-term dynamics of leptospirosis incidence in the Russian Federation tends to decrease. Cases were registered in 58 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, in all federal districts. The highest incidence rates were noted in the North-Western Federal District. When studying the material from small mammals using bacteriological, immunological and molecular-biological methods, Leptospira circulation was detected in 52 entities of the Russian Federation, in all federal districts. In 2023, sporadic cases of infection are to be expected in the territories of the North-Western Federal District, the Central Federal District, and the Southern Federal District; imported cases of infection from countries with subequatorial and equatorial climates are not excluded.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Immunodominant Peptides of Rabies Virus (Rabies lyssavirus, Rhabdoviridae)
Authors: Galeeva A. G. , Khammadov N. I. , Efimova M. A.
Published: October 2023

There is a need to develop a new generation of anti-rabies vaccines that provide a protective level of antibodies after a single injection. Prospects for solving this problem are opened by the latest developments in the field of “reverse vaccinology”. The main parameter that determines the effectiveness of recombinant vaccines is the design of the antigen-coding sequence. In this regard, the aim of the work was to conduct a bioinformatic analysis of rabies virus (Rabies lyssavirus, Rhabdoviridae) peptides to identify immunogenic epitopes.

Materials and methods. Analysis of 5 candidate protein sequences of more than 100 strains and epizootic isolates of the rabies virus was performed using standard in silico prediction methods using Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) (NIH, USA).

Results and discussion. As a result of the analysis of primary amino acid sequences, carried out using the most commonly used bioinformatics tools, the number of immunogenic epitopes and the types of immune response detected (T- and B-cell epitopes, class I MHCbinding epitopes) were established for viral proteins: glycoprotein (G), nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), matrix protein (M), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L). In the amino acid structure of these proteins, N- and O-glycosylation sites, signal peptides, and transmembrane domains were additionally identified. In order to predict the safety and efficacy of these proteins as components of recombinant vaccines, an in silico assessment of their physicochemical properties was carried out. Despite the fact that the predominant number of epitopes is concentrated in the structure of the glycoprotein, the epitopes of other proteins, ranging according to the level of antigenicity and conservatism, may also be of interest as components of preventive drugs or diagnostics. The presented data can be used in the design of the insert during the construction of a candidate virus-vector vaccine or control positive samples in diagnostic methods based on the indication of viral genome fragments.
Alkyl Sulfatase of Cholera Vibrios
Authors: Duvanova O. V. , Podoinitsyna O. A. , Pisanov R. V. , Vodop’yanov S. O. , Vodop’yanov A. S. , Shipko E. S. , Kruglikov V. D. , Chemisova O. S. , Noskov A. K.
Published: October 2023

The aim of the work was to study the structure of the alkyl sulfatase (asu) gene in Vibrio cholerae strains of various serogroups, as well as to compare nucleotide and amino acid sequences of alkyl sulfatases using various methods of bioinformatic analysis.

Materials and methods. 483 strains of V. cholerae O1, O139 and nonO1/nonO139 serogroups were employed in the work. The search for the gene, its recurrence, and localization was carried out applying the Blast software. The nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequences of the gene, as well as its structure, were studied using bioinformatic analysis. Sequencing was performed on the MiSeq (Illumina) platform. The enzymatic activity was detected using a medium, confirming the presence/absence of the gene by PCR in vitro and in silico.

Results and discussion. Bioinformatic analysis of the nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequences of the asu gene has been carried out and its structure investigated. Four functional domains have been identified. In the beta-lactamase domain, a conservative amino acid sequence -HAHADH- has been found in all strains of cholera vibrios, which is part of the Zn2+ binding motif. It has been established that the alkyl sulfatase of cholera vibrios belongs to the family of Zn2+-dependent β-lactamases. Blast analysis has revealed the similarity of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of alkyl sulfatases in representatives of V. cholerae O1 and O139 serogroups (ctxAB+tcpA+) and representatives of the genera Aeromonas and Pseudomonas, which is in the line with the data of 3D modeling of the amino acid sequence structures of the alkyl sulfatase enzyme in these microorganisms. The bioinformatic analysis of nucleotide and amino acid sequences of alkyl sulfatases in cholera vibrios has showed the conservativeness of these sequences in toxigenic strains and the presence of a number of single mutations in the asu gene in atoxigenic ones. The presence or absence of the asu gene has been established by PCR in vitro and in silico and confirmed by the results obtained using the Blast program. It is demonstrated that the presence/absence of the asu gene correlates with the ability/inability of O139 strains to hydrolyze SDS on the medium. These results can be used in studying mechanisms of cholera vibrios adaptation, persistence and pathogenicity.
Spatial screening for environmental pool management opportunities
Authors: Neipert Elizabeth , Steissberg Todd , Theiling Charles
Published: October 2023

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) reservoir projects significantly alter river ecosystem structure and function. Each project adheres to a defined set of operating rules to achieve primary objectives, which typically include flood risk management, hydropower, or navigation along with ancillary objectives for drinking water/irrigation, recreation, and natural resources management. Environmental flows (E-Flows) planning under the Sustainable Rivers Program has demonstrated new opportunities for environmental pool management (EPM; Theiling et al. 2021a, 2021b) that have no negative impact on other reservoir functions. In some locations, water level drivers can be managed to improve ecological outcomes, like wetlands, waterbirds, reptiles, and water quality, by altering the magnitude, timing, frequency, and duration of pool level changes that affect riparian and shoreline plant communities. Reservoirs with large delta areas may provide particularly important wetland or riparian habitat management along avian migratory pathways or in wildlife conservation regions (Johnson 2002). These large deltas can be identified and characterized using available satellite imagery, which along with water level habitat drivers available in hydrology databases, can be used to identify USACE reservoirs with good potential for EPM. A spatial analysis of USACE reservoirs capable to support EPM can be developed utilizing estimates of water occurrence, transition, and seasonality as well as surface elevation data derived from satellite imagery to assess geomorphology drivers. USACE water management records can be used to assess wetland drivers. Nationwide screening will be broken down into ecoregions to establish the anticipated geographic range of variation for wetland and riparian habitat drivers. Southwestern US reservoirs, for example, will have much different hydrology and fauna than Midwest and Eastern US reservoirs.
Pilot-scale optimization : Research on Algae Flotation Techniques (RAFT)
Authors: Cender Clinton , Thomas Catherine , Greeling Benjamin , Sartain Bradley , Gonzalez Ashley , Page Martin
Published: October 2023

The impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) on US national waterways continue to cause significant economic and environmental damage. Re-searchers at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center successfully demonstrated the Research on Algae Flotation Techniques (RAFT) project at pilot scale. This study was designed to show that the sur-face concentrations of algal biomass can be effectively increased with near linear scalability utilizing the natural methods by which some algae entrap air within excreted mucilage for flotation. The surface concentration of cyanobacteria measured as phycocyanin pigment increased by six-fold after RAFT flocculation treatment. Further optimization of chemical delivery systems, mixing, and dissolved air exposure will be required before full scale readiness.
Volumetric Structure of the Bachat Earthquake (Kuzbass) Aftershock Area and Stress State of Rock Mass under Open-Pit Mine
Authors: Emanov A.A. , Emanov A.F. , Shevkunovа E.V. , Fateev A.V. , Rebetsky Yu.L.
Published: October 2023

—The Bachat earthquake (M = 6.1) with the epicenter coordinates of 54.29° N, 86.17° E occurred on June, 18 2013 near the Bachatsky coal strip mine, is the world’s largest earthquake induced while mining solid minerals. More than 5000 aftershocks were registered and the spatial volumetric structure of the aftershock area was investigated. The Bachat coal field is located in the Salair zone of the Kuznetsk Depression and is represented by a brachysynclinal fold of a very complex structure characterized by the damage and fracturing behaviors of rocks. The main event is confined to the coal-mine pit wall, with the greatest density of aftershocks observed in its middle portion. In the cross section, aftershocks form a wide area with its deepened portion shifted towards the Kuznetsk Depression, while large faults bounding the depression dip down under the Salair Ridge. In the exposed pit wall, at a depth of 4 km, the activated area resembles a rhombus whose horizontal diagonal line runs across the entire length of the mine pit and decreases both in upward and downward directions. The area is seismically activated to a depth of 6 km, with more intense activation of rock mass observed within the 1–3 km depth interval. Results of the study of the mechanisms of aftershock sources revealed a disagreement between the stress state of rock mass of the Bachatsky open-pit coal mine modeled from the mechanisms of aftershocks, and the mainshock mechanism of the Bachat earthquake.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure in National Hospital of Sri Lanka from Year 2005 to 2020 – A Retrospective Observational Study.
Authors: Don Sandun Prabath Iddagoda Hewage , Kuruppu Chamini , Dunuwille Asunga , Wijayawardena Asanka , Gunawardena Rohan
Published: October 2023

Background
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been a well-established treatment modality for moderate to severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with dyssynchrony. This is the pioneering study which has been conducted in Sri Lankan context to analyze the cohort which has undergone CRT implantation in National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo from 2005–2020.
Objectives
This study was carried out to describe socio demographic factors, improvement in clinical outcome (symptoms, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic features) and post CRT complications in the study population and also to determine the efficacy of CRT in heart failure.
Method
A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients who have undergone CRT implantation from 2005 to 2020. The data was gathered from all the consented patients who visited device programming clinic using a physician-administered questionnaire and clinical records. Data was analyzed using software SPSS 25 and significant statistics were assessed with McNemer test, Student T test and Chi-Squared test.
Results
Study included 50 patients with a mean age of 52.82+/-11.66 years and female predominance (56%, n = 28). Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (50%, n = 25) was the leading etiological factor followed by ischemic Cardiomyopathy (28%, n = 14). Clinical symptoms had been improved significantly with CRT implantation (p < 0.001). A significant improvement was found in NYHA functional class (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.072 to 0.284), QRS width (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.229 to 0.534), ejection fraction (p < 0.001, 95% CI = -16.437 to -8.504) and LV EDD (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 2.89 to 9.24). Post CRT complications included lead malfunction acute (6%, n = 3) and chronic (14%, n = 7), bleeding/ hematoma (2%, n = 1), pocket erosion/ infection (6%, n = 3), infective endocarditis (2%, n = 1).
Conclusion
The study has shown the efficacy of CRT in moderate to severe heart failure with significant clinical and functional improvement.
Caspase-4 promotes both metastasis and interferon-γ-induced cell death in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Endo Motoyoshi , Chiba Yosuke , Doi Tomomitsu , Obayashi Kunie , Sumida Kazuhiro , Nagasaka Shohei , Wang Ke-Yong , Yamasaki Kei , Masago Katsuhiro , Matsushita Hirokazu , Kuroda Hiroaki , Yatera Kazuhiro
Published: October 2023

Caspase-4 (CASP4) is a member of the inflammatory caspase subfamily and promotes inflammation. Here, we report that CASP4 in non-small cell lung cancer cells contributes to both tumor progression via angiogenesis and tumor hyperkinesis and tumor cell killing in response to high interferon (IFN)-γ levels. We revealed that elevated CASP4 expression within the primary tumor was associated with cancer progression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Further, CASP4 knockout attenuated tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in syngeneic mouse models. CASP4 enhanced the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis and cell migration through nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cell signaling without lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor in lung cancer cell lines. CASP4 was induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress or IFN-γ via signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. Most notably, lung cancer cells with high CASP4 expression were more prone to IFN-γ-induced cell death than those with low CASP4 expression. Our findings indicate that the CASP4 level in primary non-small cell lung cancer can predict metastasis and responsiveness to high-level IFN-γ therapy.
Thyroid gland: A rare site of metastasis
Authors: Orlandi Ana María , Alcaraz Graciela , Bielski Laila , Brenta Gabriela , Jozami Lorena Castro , Cavallo Andrea , Guerra Jorgelina , Zund Santiago
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Despite its rich vascularity, metastasis (MTS) to the thyroid tissue is unusual, ranging from 1 to 3%. This entity is not usually considered as differential diagnosis and is not included in the upfront approach in patients with thyroid nodules. Once diagnosed, treatment is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnosis, treatment and outcome at the end of follow-up in patients with a diagnosis of MTS to the thyroid.
Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was designed from 1985 to 2022; 29 patients with MTS to the thyroid gland were included in the analysis.
Results: Clinical presentation included the presence of a thyroid nodule (65.5%), compression symptoms (17.2%), diffuse goiter (10.3%), and suspicious lymph nodes in the neck (7%). Primary tumor sites were: kidney (44.8%), breast (24.1%), lung (13.8%), neuroendocrine system (6.9%), colon (3.4%), cervix (3.4%), and ovary (3.4%). In 18/23 patients, suspicious ultrasound criteria for malignancy were described. Preoperative diagnosis was made in 23/27 patients by FNA, and confirmed in 18 cases by immunohistochemistry. Seventeen patients underwent surgery. At the end of follow-up, 19 patients had died of oncological disease, and 6 were alive (2/6 disease-free with isolated intra-thyroidal MTS).
Conclusion: Renal carcinoma was the tumor that most frequently metastasized to the thyroid gland. Immunodiagnosis was a very useful tool for etiological confirmation. Patients with MTS to the thyroid gland as a unique site had a more favorable course compared to patients with multiple metastatic sites. Finally, outcomes and prognosis essentially depended on the biology of the primary tumor.
Platelet and Erythrocyte Membranes Coassembled Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Heart Failure Treatment
Authors: Wang Yuan , Li YuYu , Yu Jiaqi , chen Cheng , Cheng Weiyao , Cui Wei , Meng Jiali , Du Jie
Published: October 2023

Cardiac fibrosis is a prevalent pathological process observed in the progression of numerous cardiovascular diseases and is associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 has powerful anti-fibrosis properties, its clinical application is extremely limited due to its side effects. There is still an unmet need for effective, safe and low-cost treatment. Here, a multifunctional biomimetic nanoparticle drug delivery system (PM&EM nanoparticles) is presented, which is assembled by platelet membranes and red blood cell membranes to deliver JQ1 for treating cardiac fibrosis. The platelet membrane endows PM&EM nanoparticles with the ability to target cardiac myofibroblasts and collagen, while the participation of erythrocyte membrane can increase the long-term circulation ability of the nano drug-loaded system and can be further engineered to increase fluidity. In addition, PM&EM nanoparticles can deliver sufficient JQ1 with controllable release to achieve excellent anti-fibrosis effects. Based on these advantages, it is demonstrated in both pressures overloaded induced mouse cardiac fibrosis model and MI-induced mouse cardiac fibrosis that injection of novel fusion membrane biomimetic nanodrug carrier system can effectively reduce fibroblast activation, reduce collagen secretion, and improve cardiac fibrosis. In addition, it can greatly reduce the toxic and side effects of long-term JQ1 treatment on the liver, kidney and intestinal tract. These results suggest that the integration of native platelet and erythrocyte membranes as a multifunctional biomimetic drug delivery system has great potential value in the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and the prevention of drug side effects.
Noise-Resilient Single-Pixel Compressive Sensing with Single Photon Counting
Authors: Huang Yu-Ping , Li Lili , Kumar Santosh , Sua Yong Meng
Published: October 2023

The fast expansion of photon detection technology has fertilized the rapid growth of single-photon sensing and imaging techniques. While promising significant advantages over their classical counterparts, they suffer from ambient and quantum noises whose effects become more pronounced at low light levels and thus must be addressed to achieve high quality results.
Here we study how photon-counting noises degrade a single-pixel optical classifier via compressive sensing, and how its
performance can be restored by using quantum parametric mode sorting (QPMS). Using MNIST handwritten digits as an
example, we examine the effects of detector dark counts and in-band background noises, and demonstrate the effectiveness of
mode filtering and upconversion detection in addressing those issues. We achieve 94% classification accuracy in the presence of 500 times stronger in-band noise than the signal received. Our results suggest a robust and efficient approach to single photon sensing in noisy environment.
Unraveling the Relationship Between High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein and Frailty: Evidence from Longitudinal Cohort Study and Genetic Analysis
Authors: Luo Yu-Feng , Cheng Zi-Jian , Wang Yan-Fei , Jiang Xi-Yuan , Lei Shu-Feng , Deng Fei-Yan , Ren Wen-Yan , Wu Long-Fei
Published: October 2023

Background
This study aimed to investigate the association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with incident frailty as well as its effects on pre-frailty progression and regression among middle-aged and older adults.
Methods
Based on the frailty index (FI) calculated with 41 items, 6,890 eligible participants without frailty at baseline from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were categorized into health, pre-frailty, and frailty groups. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the longitudinal association between baseline hs-CRP and incident frailty. Furthermore, a series of genetic approaches were conducted to confirm the causal relationship between CRP and frailty, including Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), pleiotropic analysis, and Mendelian randomization (MR). Finally, we evaluated the association of hs-CRP with pre-frailty progression and regression.
Results
The risk of developing frailty was 1.34 times (95% CI: 1.05–1.72) higher in participants with high levels of hs-CRP at baseline than low levels of hs-CRP participants during the 3-year follow-up. MR analysis suggested that genetically determined hs-CRP was potentially positively associated with the risk of frailty (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.08). Among 5,241 participants with pre-frailty at baseline, we found pre-frailty participants with high levels of hs-CRP exhibit increased odds of progression to frailty (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08–1.80) and decreased odds of regression to health (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70–0.95) when compared with participants with low levels of hs-CRP.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that reducing systemic inflammation is significant for developing strategies for frailty prevention and pre-frailty reversion in the middle-aged and elderly population.
Epicutaneous Immunotherapy for food allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Xiaohong , Hu Jingwei , Sachu Rangui , Gao Chonghua , Niu Hongyan , Gao YI , Chen Shiju , Cui Xiaotian , Li Xiang
Published: October 2023

Background
There is ongoing debate about the safety and efficacy of Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) in treating food allergies. With this in mind, the purpose of this study is to evalute the safety and efficacy of EPIT.
Methods
We conducted a comprehensive search across four databases (to June 2023) to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EPIT with non-EPIT for the treatment of food allergies, with no language restrictions.
Result
Ten studies involving 1970 participants were included. Ten high-quality RCTs focusing on peanut allergy and cow's milk allergy were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that EPIT promoted desensitization in patients with food allergy (RR2.11,95%CI 1.72–2.58; I2 = 0%, high certainty), particularly in aged ≤ 11 years (RR3.84,95%CI 2.39–6.26; I2 = 34%). Additionally, treatment duration ≥ 52 weeks was found to increase immune tolerance (RR 3.37, 95% CI 2.39–4.75; I2 = 13%). Patients who undergo EPIT treatment not only raised the local adverse reactions (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10–2.41; I2 = 82%, low certainty), but also raised systemic adverse reactions (RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01–2.28; I2 = 0%, high certainty).
Conclusion
After EPIT treatment, patients with food allergy can effectively increase their immune tolerance to food. However, it also significantly increases mild to moderate anaphylaxis. There is limited data on the impact of EPIT on quality of life and other food allergic diseases, indicating a need for further research. PROSPERO ID: CRD42023438950
Long-Lasting Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lifestyle and Body Weight: Results of Representative Cross-Sectional Surveys in Adults in Germany
Authors: Hauner Hans , Blanken Carmen Pieta Susanna , Holzapfel Christina
Published: October 2023

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected people’s daily lives and health. Few studies have looked into the persistence of these changes. In the current study, we investigated to what extent changes in lifestyle and body weight were sustained after two years of restrictions.
Methods
We performed two representative online surveys among adults living in Germany. The first survey (S1) was performed in April 2021; the second survey (S2) in June 2022. The questionnaire focused on changes in physical activity, dietary habits, body weight, and mental stress levels. Furthermore, demographic and socioeconomic data were collected. The data were weighted to optimally represent the general population of Germany and results were descriptively compared between the two surveys. Furthermore, Chi-square tests and binomial logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with weight gain.
Results
A total of 1,001 (S1) and 1,005 (S2) adults completed the survey, of which 50.4% were men and 49.6% were women in both surveys. Mean age was 45.4 ± 14.4 years in S1 and 45.7 ± 14.5 years in S2. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.4 ± 6.0 kg/m² (S1) and 27.1 ± 5.5 kg/m² (S2). Reduced physical activity was reported by 52% of the participants in S1 and by 40% in S2. Moderate to severe stress was reported by 71% of the participants in S1 and by 62% in S2. Both surveys indicated that approximately one-third of the participants changed their dietary habits. Weight gain was reported by 40% of the participants in S1 and by 35% in S2; weight loss by 11% (S1) and by 15% (S2). Weight gain was associated with higher BMI, reduced physical activity levels, less healthy nutrition and increased consumption of energy-dense food.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that two years and three months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the adverse effects on health-related lifestyle factors and body weight still existed, albeit to a lesser degree than directly after the first year of the pandemic. Targeted strategies are needed to better support the population subgroups most likely to change their lifestyle when faced with disruptions of their everyday lives.
Butyric acid alleviates LPS-induced intestinal mucosal barrier damage by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK2/MLCK signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Luqiong , Chen Tong , Xie Zhenrong , Zhang Yongjin , He Chenglu , Huang Yongkun
Published: October 2023

Bacground and Aim Butyric acid (BA), as a short-chain fatty acid, can improve intestinal barrier function, meanwhile intestinal mucosal epithelial injury is a common clinical phenomenon, especially in children. Moreover, RhoA/ROCK2/MLCK signaling pathway has been confirmed to play a vital role in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial permeability. However, the specific mechanism by which BA protects intestine mucosal barrier still needs to be clarified. This study intended to investigate the effect of BA in LPS-induced Caco2 cells, and determine whether BA protected epithelial barrier by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK2/MLCK signaling pathway. Methods The optimal concentration and intervention time of the protective effect of BA on Caco2 were investigated by CCK-8 assay. On this basis of the above results, the damaged effect of LPS to Caco2 cells near the optimal time of BA protection was explored, then the optimal time and concentration were explored when BA and LPS were simultaneously administrated to Caco2 cells, the data were used to conduct further study. Then, cell growth status was observed, TEER and FD-4 permeability of monolayer barrier of Caco2 cells were detected, the mRNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin, RhoA, ROCK2 and MLCK was detected by RT-qPCR. Moreover, immunofluorescence staning was adopted to observe the expression and distribution of ZO-1, Occludin, as well as RhoA, ROCK2 and MLCK in Caco2. After that, RhoA/ROCK2/MLCK pathway inhibitor Y-27632 was added to Caco2 cells, the cell growth status, TEER and FD-4 permeability of monolayers barrier, the expression level and distribution of ZO-1 and Occludin, RhoA, ROCK2 and MLCK in Caco2 cells were detected. Results The final concentration of 0.2mM BA action for 24 h had the greatest effect on the viability of Caco2 cells. After Caco2 cells exposure to LPS for 24 h, the final concentration of 5ug/ml LPS significantly decreased the viability of Caco2 cells. When combined with BA and LPS, compared with LPS alone, BA improved the growth state of Caco2 cells, restored the declined TEER, and reduced FD-4 permeability, as well as improved the mRNA expression of ZO-1, Occludin and inhibited the mRNA expression of RhoA, ROCK2 and MLCK, the expression and distribution of ZO-1, Occludin, RhoA, ROCK2 and MLCK were reversed in Caco2 cells. After treatment of Y-276432, the cell growth state and mucosal barrier function were further improved, the mRNA expression of ZO-1 and Occludin was further increased, the mRNA expression of RhoA, ROCK2 and MLCK was further decreased, and the expression and distribution of these proteins in Caco2 cells were further reversed. Conclusion This study provided complementary data for BA as a potential target for attenuating intestinal barrier injury induced by LPS through inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK2/MLCK signaling pathway, supporting a further research on BA protection intestinal barrier from damage and as a new therapeutic method.
Three cannabis products attenuated oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy by inhibiting proteins that mediate oxaliplatin transport.
Authors: Sun Kaiyu , Wu Yuliu , Yan Xiaoqi , Tong Xu , Liu Yuanyuan , Song Yanping , Li Jinlian , WU DONGMEI
Published: October 2023

Oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) has greatly limited its clinical application. The aim of this study was to investigate whether three plant cannabinoid products could reduce OXA-induced peripheral neurotoxicity by selectively inhibiting OXA uptake transporter expression. The results showed that the three cannabinoid products with CBD as the main component could effectively inhibit the expression of transporter OCT2/OCTN1/OCTN2, thereby reducing the platinum content in DRG and inhibiting OIPN. And promote the anti-tumor effect of OXA. Among them, full spectrum CBD containing 0.3%THC and other secondary cannabinoids has the most significant therapeutic effect, and the safe therapeutic dose range is wider. These results suggest that CBD down-regulates the expression of OXA transporter and inhibits the main component of OIPN. The addition of THC and other secondary cannabinoids can overcome the dose limitation of purified CBD and exert more significant therapeutic effect in synergy with CBD.
Colorant extraction from turmeric (Curcuma Longa L) and optimization of its application on chrome-free tanned paiche (Arapaima gigas) leather
Authors: MARRUFO-SALDAÑA LILIANA , SUELDO-ROJAS HENRY , CONTRERAS-PANIZO ROSA , SEGUNDO-ESPADA MÁXIMO , BARRA-HINOJOSA JULIO , BULEJE-DEL-CARPIO ROBERT , CHUNGA-CHUNGA WILMER , LAURA-TITO MISAEL
Published: October 2023

The tanning of paiche skins represents an opportunity to give added value to waste generated in aquaculture. It requires clean technologies, as the substitution of highly-toxic chemicals. Basic chromium sulfate, a tanning agent used because of the physical-mechanical and thermal properties it imparts to leather, and synthetic dyes, including azo compounds, are among the most toxic but important products in the process. This research aimed to obtain a natural colorant from Curcuma Longa L. for dyeing paiche skins tanned with phenolic-syntans and glutaraldehyde compounds. Curcumin, the coloring principle, was extracted from turmeric rhizomes in aqueous medium, and characterized by HPLC-DAD and UV-visible spectrophotometry, and its response to variations in temperature, time, and mass of turmeric was evaluated at the laboratory level. Subsequently, a Box-Behnken design was established to optimize dyeing at the pre-pilot level. The factors studied were dyeing time (x1), turmeric colorant concentration (x2) and mordant concentration (x3), while response variable was the Color Intensity of dyed leather (y1). Through ANOVA analysis, the main effects and behavior of the response variable were determined. Process was scaled-up to the pilot level at the optimal point, evaluating chemical, mechanical, and colorfastness properties of leather. Results indicate the extraction of curcumin increases with temperature and the mass of turmeric. Optimal process values were 100.5 minutes, 5.06 % colorant, and 13.20 % mordant. Chemical and mechanical results suggest that leather is suitable to produce footwear, clothing, and leather goods; however, it is necessary to improve its lightfastness.
The impact of wind speed measurement method on MRT and UTCI values ​​in limited air flow conditions within urban green areas.
Authors: Lindner-Cendrowska Katarzyna , Kuchcik Magdalena
Published: October 2023

Wind speed is an important variable in the assessment of thermal comfort. Different types of meteorological devices provide different accuracy of air velocity (va) measurements, what under limited air flow conditions, may result in an underestimation of actual thermal stress level. Simultaneous measurements on warm summer days, performed with a cup anemometer and hot-wire probe, prove that too high starting threshold of the first of these sensors can lead to underestimation of actual wind speed, and as a consequence can distort MRT (estimated with globe thermometer) and UTCI values ​​up to 10°C and 2°C respectively.
The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) as a host for tick species in Gurbantunggut desert
Authors: Liu Gang , Tan Wenbo , Han Xiaoshuang , Hornok Sándor , Zhao Shanshan , Mi Ligu , Wang Suwen , Yang Meihua , Wang Yuanzhi
Published: October 2023

Background
Rodents play an important role in the life cycle of ixodid and argasid ticks, particularly as hosts of larvae and nymphs. The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), the preferred prey item of several carnivores (e.g., the red fox and the marbled polecat), is the dominant rodent species in the Gurbantunggut Desert, in northwestern China. The aim of this study was to investigate tick species associated with different hosts in the habitat of great gerbils, including wildlife and livestock.
Methods
During 2018–2023, ticks were removed from 326 great gerbils (Rhombomys opimus), two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), three marbled polecats (Vormela peregusna), 35 pastured sheep (Ovis aries), and one long-eared desert hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus) in the Gurbantunggut Desert. Ticks were identified according to standard morphological keys. Then they were further analyzed by molecular and phylogenic methods based on two mitochondrial markers, the 16S rDNA and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes.
Results
A total of 889 ticks were collected, representing five species. These included Hyalomma asiaticum (n = 425: 24 larvae, 79 nymphs and 322 adults), Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 153: 2 nymphs and 151 adults), Haemaphysalis erinacei (n = 298: 4 larvae, 7 nymphs and 287 adults), Ixodes acuminatus (n = 7: 4 nymphs and 3 adults) and Ornithodoros tartakovskyi (6 adults). Based on COI sequences, molecular and phylogenetic analyses showed that i) I. acuminatus from great gerbils and marbled polecats clustered with I. acuminatus reported from Europe; ii) O. tartakovskyi found in northwestern China belonged to an independent clade; and iii) Hy. asiaticum, R. turanicus and Ha. erinacei had 100% sequence identities to conspecific ticks sampled previously in China.
Conclusions
The great gerbil is an important host for the developmental stages of I. acuminatus, O. tartakovskyi, Ha. erinacei, Hy. asiaticum and R. turanicus, thus supporting the life cycle of several tick species which, as adults, parasitize predators (the red fox and the marble polecat), as well as pastured sheep and hedgehogs in the Gurbantunggut Desert. Ixodes acuminatus and O. tartakovskyi were found for the first time on great gerbil and marbled polecat, respectively.
Adsorption and migration of lithium ions on the surface of C 3 N under electric field
Authors: Wang Li , Bai Hongyu , Zheng Xichen , Yin Chaofan , Qin Feng , Geng ShangRui , Dong Binbin
Published: October 2023

The nitrogen-doped graphene (C3N) had special physical and chemical properties, thus it was widely used in various fields, especially as a lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anode material. However, the electric field was one of the important factors affecting the performance of C3N as an anode electrode material for LIBs. Consequently, in this work, first-principal calculations were adopted to investigate the adsorption and migration properties of lithium ions on C3N surface by electric field. Calculation results show that the C3N monolayer exhibited a narrower band gap (0.0191eV) and lower diffusion barrier (0.107 eV) under the application of the electric field, and the negative value of the adsorption energy increased by degrees with the increase of the electric field. Bader charge analysis and charge density difference calculations also provided forceful evidence for the ability of C3N to adsorb lithium ions. As a result, our theoretical results demonstrated that C3N should be a new type of anode material for LIBs.
Prenatal diagnosis of patent urachus by demonstrating bi-directional flow from the bladder
Authors: PEKAR-ZLOTIN Marina , Zmora Osnat , Maymon Ron , Svirsky Ran
Published: October 2023

Patent urachus connects the urinary bladder with the umbilicus and is an intra-abdominal portion of the allantois duct. In most cases, the urachus obliterates at approximately six weeks of gestation. The prenatal diagnosis of patent urachus is rare and can lead to both maternal and physician anxiety. Here in we present a case of prenatal diagnosis of open urachus by demonstrating a bi-directional flow from the bladder to both the penis and the urachus and its outcome.
Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen to Serum Albumin Ratio Is an Adverse Prognostic Predictor for Septic shock in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Hu Hai , He Dan , Qiu Minshan , Tan Wupeng , Liu Lingyan , Liu Shuai , Guo Youqiao , lyu Jun , Yin Haiyan
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND Septic shock is a life-threatening subset of sepsis, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum albumin are inexpensive and easily available biomarkers. BUN to serum albumin ratio (BAR) has been identified as a valuable prognostic marker in various diseases. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to explore the relationship between BAR and mortality risk in septic shock.
METHODS From 2008 to 2019, we enrolled 3, 220 patients diagnosed with septic shock from the MIMIC-IV database. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to visualize the relationship between BAR and mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to evaluate differences in survival rates among three groups: low-BAR (<9.6), medium-BAR (≥9.6, <20.0), and high-BAR (≥20.0). Box plot analysis was performed to compare the distribution of BAR between survivors and non-survivors. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the independent association between BAR and all-cause mortality. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the performance of BAR for predicting mortality.
RESULTS The mean age was 66.1 years. The 28-day mortality risk increased non-linearly with BAR values as shown by RCS. Compared to the low-BAR or medium-BAR group, the high-BAR group had significantly higher mortality according to Kaplan-Meier curves for in-hospital, 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortalities. The boxplot demonstrated that patients who survived had lower BAR compare to non-survived in terms of in-hospital, 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year. The results of both the univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that BAR was an independent risk factor for predicting in-hospital, 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortalities, with higher BAR values associated with increasing mortality.
For sensitivity analysis, the Cox regression analysis also showed that compared with the low-BAR group, the high-BAR group had a higher risk of in-hospital, 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality rates in both the unadjusted and adjusted models.
Conclusions The study showed that BAR was an independent risk factor for predicting both short-term and 1-year mortality rates in septic shock patients.