bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of tea extract (Camellia sinensis) on shelf life and intrinsic quality of tempe
Authors: Astawan Made , Prayudani Ayu P G , Hadiningtias Primanisa , Wresdiyati Tutik , Andi Early Febrinda
Published: June 2024

Tempe is Indonesian traditional food made from fermented soybeans. Tempe has a short shelf life due to its high moisture content and the activity of microorganisms. The shelf life of tempe can be increased by using tea extract in tempe processing because tea contains antioxidant and antimicrobial components. This research aims to evaluate the effect of using tea extract in tempe processing on the shelf life, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory profile of tempe. During storage, the shelf-life test used the descriptive observation method on the colour, flavour, taste, and texture. The use of 0.5% black tea extract in the initial soaking of soybeans can increase the shelf life of tempe to 4 and 6 days at room and refrigerator temperature, respectively. The result showed that tempe had significantly (p<0.05) lower ash content (0.81% wb), brightness (65.37), and pH (6.50), while the texture (15.3 Kg force) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the control (untreated tempe). The results of sensory evaluation using the hedonic rating test showed that fresh tempe with black tea extract treatment had significantly lower (p<0.05) colour, texture, and overall attributes than the control one. The same evaluation on fried tempe showed that the black tea extract treatment significantly increased (p<0.05) the texture attribute compared to the control.
Improving the safety and quality of fermented shrimp paste (terasi) through supplementation of betel leaf (Piper betle L.) essential oil
Authors: Surya Reggie , Santos Reinaldo Socorro
Published: June 2024

Terasi is a traditional fermented shrimp paste that has been an integral part of Indonesian cuisine and food culture. Despite its broad use and complex distinctive flavor, shrimp paste could be harmful for human consumption, particularly when its quality has deteriorated. Indeed, many chemical reactions and microbial activities taking place during shrimp paste fermentation could lead to a decrease in quality and the formation of toxic compounds that are potentially injurious to human health. Thus, this study aimed to explore to improve the safety and quality of shrimp paste by incorporating betel leaf (Piper betle L.) essential oil, known to exert antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The supplementation of betel leaf essential oil (1% and 5%) reduced lipid peroxidation as well as the formation of toxic compounds, including histamine and acrylamide in the shrimp paste fermented for 30 and 60 days. This phenomenon was associated with the inhibition of microbial growth in shrimp paste supplemented with betel leaf essential oil. The sensory analysis revealed that the supplementation of 1% betel leaf essential oil did not affect the consumer’s preference for shrimp paste. Therefore, the present study highlights the potential of betel leaf essential oil as a food additive to improve the safety and quality of fermented shrimp paste.
The Implementation of Dynamic Society Oriented 6c Skills Assessment Instruments in Case Method and Team Based Project Learning
Authors: Rosidin Undang , Widyastuti Widyastuti , Kadaritna Nina , Handoko
Published: June 2024

This research aims to describe the implementation of the dynamic society-oriented 6C assessment instrument in case method and team-based project learning. This quantitative descriptive research was conducted at the Lampung University and UIN Raden Intan Lampung (RIL), in the course which were implemented case method and/or team-based project learning-chosen by purposive sampling technique. The data analysis technique was used validity, reliability, tabulation of questionnaire results, descriptive and inferential statistics. The research results show that the 6C instruments are effective implemented in case method and team-based project learning. It was also found that in the implementation of case method and team-based project learning: i) the critical, creative, computational, and collaborative thinking skills of students at the University of Lampung were higher than the students at UIN RIL; ii) students' self-compassion at UIN RIL is higher than Lampung University; and iii) there are no students which gains high category of collaboration skills.
Additional feedforward mechanism of Parkin activation via binding of phospho-UBL and RING0 in trans
Authors: Lenka Dipti , Dahe Shakti , Antico Odetta , Sahoo Pritiranjan , Prescott Alan R. , Muqit Miratul M. K. , Kumar Atul
Published: June 2024

Loss of function Parkin mutations lead to early-onset of Parkinson’s disease. Parkin is an auto-inhibited ubiquitin E3 ligase activated by dual phosphorylation of its ubiquitin-like (Ubl) domain and ubiquitin by the PINK1 kinase. Herein, we demonstrate a competitive binding of the phospho-Ubl and RING2 domains towards the RING0 domain, which regulates Parkin activity. We show that phosphorylated Parkin can complex with native Parkin, leading to the activation of autoinhibited native Parkin in trans. Furthermore, we show that the activator element (ACT) of Parkin is required to maintain the enzyme kinetics, and the removal of ACT slows the enzyme catalysis. We also demonstrate that ACT can activate Parkin in trans but less efficiently than when present in the cis molecule. Furthermore, the crystal structure reveals a donor ubiquitin binding pocket in the linker connecting REP and RING2, which plays a crucial role in Parkin activity.
A rapid aureochrome opto-switch enables diatom acclimation to dynamic light
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Zhang Huan , Xiong Xiaofeng , Guo Kangning , Zheng Mengyuan , Cao Tianjun , Yang Yuqing , Song Jiaojiao , Cen Jie , Zhang Jiahuan , Jiang Yanyou , Feng Shan , Tian Lijin
Published: June 2024

Diatoms often outnumber other eukaryotic algae in the oceans, especially in coastal environments characterized by frequent fluctuations in light intensity. The identities and operational mechanisms of regulatory factors governing diatom acclimation to high light stress remain largely elusive. Here, we identified the AUREO1c protein from the coastal diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a crucial regulator of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), a photoprotective mechanism that dissipates excess energy as heat. AUREO1c detects light stress using a light-oxygen-voltage (LOV) domain and directly activates the expression of target genes, including LI818 genes that encode NPQ effector proteins, via its bZIP DNA-binding domain. In comparison to a kinase-mediated pathway reported in the freshwater green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the AUREO1c pathway exhibits a faster response and enables accumulation of LI818 transcript and protein levels to comparable degrees between continuous high-light and fluctuating-light treatments. We propose that the AUREO1c-LI818 pathway contributes to the resilience of diatoms under dynamic light conditions.
Effects of water surface photovoltaic systems on the water physiochemical parameters and biodiversity
Authors: Ma Zhijun , Yang Sen , Zhang Youzheng , Tian Dengfeng
Published: June 2024

The implementation of water surface photovoltaic (WSPV) systems as a source of renewable power has expanded rapidly worldwide in recent decades. WSPV prevents negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, while the impacts on aquatic physiochemical traits and biodiversity are unclear. To understand the ecological and environmental impacts of WSPV systems, we conducted a field survey on water physicochemical parameters, plankton, and birds of 26 WSPV systems in the Yangtze River basin in China during the winter and summer of 2022. We found that WSPV systems decreased water temperature, dissolved oxygen and uncovered area of the water surface, which caused a reduction in species richness and individual density and altered the community composition of plankton. WSPV systems also caused an overall decrease in bird diversity and changed bird community compositions. These findings suggested that WSPV systems have long-term impacts on the water ecology and environment.
Using a barrier analysis to identify determinants of dietary diversity among adult men and women in rural Odisha, India
Authors: Sivalogan Kasthuri , Salinger Allison P. , Kalam Md. Abul , Bisoyi Alokananda , Chapnick Melissa , Clasen Thomas F. , Sinharoy Sheela S.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Dietary diversity, a predictor of micronutrient adequacy, is low in rural Odisha, India. We conducted formative research to understand determinants of dietary diversity and to inform the design of an agriculture-nutrition intervention in rural Odisha.
Methods: We conducted a sequential mixed-method study in June-July 2022. First, an abbreviated 24-hour dietary recall was conducted with 429 respondents from 11 villages to capture food consumption patterns. Then, a barrier analysis was conducted among 41 doers, who consumed ≥5 of 10 food groups, and 40 non-doers, who consumed <5 food groups, to identify enablers and barriers to dietary diversity. Closed-ended responses were analyzed using Fishers exact test. Open-ended responses were analyzed using rapid qualitative methods.
Results: Participants in the barrier analysis included men and women from indigenous and non-indigenous groups. Most doers (88%) reported consuming 5 food groups in the past 24 hours. Non-doers reported consuming 2-4 food groups with almost half (47.5%) consuming 3 food groups in the past 24 hours. Accessibility to non-governmental policies, programmes or information channels was the only significant determinant of dietary diversity [p=0.016]. Qualitative results indicated that self-efficacy, access and affordability, perceived consequences of a diverse diet, and dietary practices associated with religious and cultural events influenced dietary diversity.
Conclusion: These results indicate that individual, market, socio-cultural, and policy level factors were all determinants of dietary diversity in rural Odisha. Findings will be used to design a homestead food production intervention to target determinants for improved nutrition.
Proper ink management impact on Overall Environmental Equipment Efficiency for Sustainability – a case study for the printing company
Authors: Krystosiak Krzysztof , Kluczek Aldona , Werpachowski Wojciech
Published: June 2024

Printing as a process itself generates many environmental concerns. The paper presents the subject matter of ink management in terms of environmental issues in the label printing industry. The goal of this paper is to present how a proper ink management system has an impact on the overall printing process efficiency for environmental sustainability in a printing company.
A case study-based methodology has been used to depict the impact of ink management on the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) in terms of the material quantity and costs of a typical printed job. Results have shown a positive aspect of sustainability in the printing process due to the decrease of wasted inks, printing substrates, and energy.
A modified approach to the management of components to produce labels and packaging has been presented using automatic ink dispensing systems in companies producing labels and packaging. Proper ink management in a printing house might provide significant effects in the following areas: efficiency, quality, environmental impact, and social aspects. In addition, potential future directions, and the practical implications for supporting operational excellence on production in manufacturing have also been described. Through the case study, this research has turned attention to the reality of company operations at the intersection of sustainability and industry.
JEL Classifications L0, L6, L8, L9
Cuff Shaving Procedure for Distal Cuff Erosion in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients – Three-Year Follow-up
Authors: Maroz Natallia , Gilkeson Julie , Kamel Tony
Published: June 2024

Background
Erosion of the distal cuff of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters can lead to exit site infections, tunnel infections, peritonitis, and often culminates in catheter loss, necessitating catheter replacement or permanent transition to hemodialysis (HD). Surgical shaving of the distal cuff has been reported as an alternative option for management of distal cuff erosion. In this paper, we report promising results of a three year follow up study of a patient with distal cuff erosion who was treated with surgical shaving of the distal cuff.
Methods
We performed a retrospective review for a patient with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who uses PD, who had documented subclinical erosion of the PD cuff and was managed with surgical shaving of the eroded portion. The PD catheter was originally inserted by a vascular surgeon with the outer cuff implanted subcutaneously, approximately 2–3 cm away from the exit site. The patient did not experience any post-surgical complications following catheter insertion. The PD catheter was in use for more than one year prior to erosion. Shaving of the distal cuff was performed and the patient’s case was reviewed over a period of 3 years.
Results
We identified a patient with distal cuff erosion for whom the cause of erosion was documented as mechanical force. The patient was noted to have normal function of their PD catheter at the time of diagnosis without any signs or symptoms of infection. Over a period of 3 years after cuff shaving, there were no episodes of exit-site infection, tunnel infection, or peritonitis. The patient experienced excellent catheter function following surgical shaving, and throughout follow up.
Conclusion
Shaving of the distal Dacron cuff is a viable option for the management of select peritoneal dialysis patients with erosion of the distal cuff of the catheter. This treatment modality has the potential to reduce the incidence of catheter related infections, spare patients from surgical complications related to catheter removal and replacement, and prevent a permanent transition to hemodialysis due to cuff erosion.
Comparison of the safety of flexible ureteroscopy with the different irrigation methods in a 3D print kidney model
Authors: Bai Baohua , Jiang Shuangjian , Zhang Junlong , Zeng Qinsong , Mo Chengqiang , Wu Rongpei
Published: June 2024

Objective
To compare intrarenal pressure(IRP) and irrigation flow at various suspended water heights and use hand pumping during flexible ureteroscopy in an ex vivo 3D print kidney model.
Methods
A 3D print silica gel model was used to simulate the kidney. The ureteral access sheath(UAS) was connected to the kidney model and positioned at the ureteropelvic junction. Central venous pressure tubing was connected to monitor the pressure in the renal pelvis under different conditions. 12Fr and 14Fr sheath sizes were tested with different flexible ureteroscope(fURS) sizes of 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5Fr, respectively. The irrigation was gravity-based, and the hung water heights were set at 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 cm. A manual pumping group was also measured.
Results
Using a 12Fr sheath with a 9.5Fr fURS loading with no accessories resulted in IRP ranging from 8.4–17.5 cmH2O while manual pumping perfusion pressure exceeded 60 cmH2O. Loading a 200um laser fiber decreased the pressure to 6.4–10.5 cmH2O and 4.0–5.0 cmH2O when loading a stone basket. Using a 14Fr sheath with a 9.5Fr fURS resulted in an IRP of 2.5-6.0 cmH2O, compared to 17cmH2O with manual pumping. With a 12Fr sheath and a 7.5Fr fURS, the IRP ranged from 5.4–8.2 cmH2O, while manual pumping resulted in 25.5 cmH2O. With a 14Fr sheath and a 7.5Fr fURS, the IRP ranged from 1.5-4.3cmH2O, while manual pumping resulted in 9.0 cmH2O.
Conclusion
When using a UAS in a flexible ureteroscopy, the IRP can be maintained in a safe range with different fURS/UAS combos with a suspended water height of less than 180cm. While in specific fURS/UAS(9.5Fr/12Fr) combos, the IRP exceeded the safe limit when using manual pumping. Gravity irrigation of less than 180cm hung water height is safe in this simulated clinical experiment environment.
Non-Contact, Non-Visual, Multi-Person Hallway GaitMonitoring
Authors: Abedi Hajar , Ansariyan Ahmad , Hedge Eric T. , Mastrandrea Carmelo J. , Morita Plinio P. , Boger Jennifer , Wong Alexander , Hughson Richard L. , Shaker George
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a multi-person gait monitoring system designed for efficient operation in cluttered environments. Thesystem demonstrates robust capabilities in tracking multiple closely spaced individuals and accurately extracting the walkingspeed, even in the presence of others. We address two significant challenges, including enhancing radar resolution andmitigating multipath effects in cluttered settings. Our method shows remarkable accuracy, with a maximum error of 0.33 m/sand a minimum of 0.005 m/s, as validated through 25 walking tests in a bedrest study. Its adaptability makes it a valuableclinical tool, offering insights for predicting underlying health issues in older adults.
The efficacy and safety analysis of oral isavuconazole therapy of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Gu Yanli , Zhang Rong , Ding Wei , Sun Bing , Chen Wei , Meng Zili , Chen Liang , Zhang Fang
Published: June 2024

To explore the efficacy and safety of oral isavuconazole in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) through a retrospective study. The clinical and laboratory data of patients admitted to the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) of Huaian No.1 People’s Hospital from 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024, clinically diagnosed with IPA, and treated with oral isavuconazole were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 31 patients were involved, including 10 dead and 21 survivors at 42 days. The average hospitalization time was 21.81 ± 8.03 days. The average usage time of isavuconazole was 25.10 ± 12.87 days, while the survival group was greater than the death group (28.62 ± 12.56 days vs 17.70 ± 10.56 days) (P = 0.025). The average time frame between hospitalization and isavuconazole administration was 9.97 ± 7.08 days. The survival group was significantly shorter than the death group (7.86 ± 4.51 days vs 14.4 ± 9.47 days) (P = 0.013). Among the surviving patients, the average hospitalization time for early use was shorter than that for late use (16.33 ± 2.65 days vs 25.83 ± 5.87 days) (P < 0.001). Laboratory parameters including coagulation function, serum electrolytes, liver and kidney function, and blood routine were not significantly affected by oral isavuconazole (all P > 0.05), and no patient was required to discontinue isavuconzole use due to an adverse event. Early oral administration of isavuconazole may reduce mortality rates and hospitalization time, with fewer adverse reactions and a high level of safety.
Predictive value of modified Thrive-c model in the prognosis of AIS patients after reperfusion therapy
Authors: Liu Jianguang , Yang Shuyin , Le Chang wen , Qin Yueyue , Li Jingjing
Published: June 2024

Purpose
To explore the predictive value of combining the TyG index with the THRIVE score at admission for AIS patients following reperfusion therapy.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled 284 AIS patients who had undergone reperfusion therapy. Patients were classified into good or poor prognosis groups based on their modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. We analyzed the relationship between the TyG index, the THRIVE score at admission, and the prognosis of AIS. We applied Spearman correlation analysis to investigate the correlation between the TyG index and the THRIVE score at admission against the 90-day mRS scores of AIS patients post-reperfusion. The study developed a logistic regression analysis model to establish a combined predictive formula. ROC curves were constructed to evaluate the predictive power of the TyG index, the admission THRIVE score, their combined use, the THRIVE-c model, and the modified THRIVE-c model for AIS prognosis.
Results
There were significant differences observed between the groups with poor and good prognoses regarding diabetes, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, gender, NIHSS score at admission, admission THRIVE score, TyG index, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose. Logistic regression analysis determined that both the TyG index and THRIVE score at admission serve as independent risk factors for poor 90-day prognosis in ischemic stroke patients. The combined predictive coefficient, the THRIVE-c model, and the modified THRIVE-c model yielded AUCs of 0.784, 0.81, and 0.847, respectively, indicating their reliable predictive efficacy.
Conclusion
Both the TyG index and the THRIVE score assessed at admission are significant independent predictors of adverse outcomes in AIS patients post-reperfusion therapy. The integration of these metrics, along with the THRIVE-c and modified THRIVE-c models, enhances the accuracy of prognosis prediction for AIS patients.
Anesthesia management for patients with Prader-Willi syndrome undergoing bariatric surgery: a single-center retrospective case series study
Authors: Tan Juan , Liu Haibei , Yang Huawu , Luo Dan , Fu Qiang , Li Qiang
Published: June 2024

Background
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease caused by abnormalities on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. Due to the characteristics of this syndrome, there are many difficulties in the anesthetic management of PWS patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
Methods
We reported five times anesthetic management in three patients with PWS undergoing bariatric surgery under general anesthesia combined with nerve block in the Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu.
Results
Obesity, sleep apnea, airway ventilatory dysfunction and hypotonia were the main challenge for patients with PWS in our study. We took some special measures, mainly including reverse Trendelenburg position, gradually deepening sedation, multimode analgesia and perioperative progressive respiratory exercise. Only in case1a, respiratory obstruction occurred during mask ventilation, which improved through the oropharynx and nasopharyngeal ventilation tract. In addition, delayed awakening occurred in case1a after surgery, and the respiratory condition did not improve significantly after the use of neostigmine and atropine. Her tracheal tube was removed on the first postoperative day. When she came in the second time (case1b), we used sugammadex as the antagonistic muscle relaxants and successfully removed the tracheal tube 10 minutes after the procedure.
Conclusions
We recommend choosing sugammadex as the antagonistic muscle relaxant, progressive respiratory exercise and multimode analgesia in PWS patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Besides, the oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal ventilatory tract should be prepared before the anesthesia induction.
Frequency of temporomandibular disorders and their correlation with improper operating posture in Iranian dentists
Authors: Onsori Maryam , Barzegar Mohsen , Mehrparvar Amir Houshang , Pouyafard Adele
Published: June 2024

Objectives
This study aimed to assess the frequency of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and their correlation with improper operating posture in Iranian dentists.
Materials and Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 59 dentists practicing in Yazd city, Iran with improper operating posture according to the rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) tool (level 2 or higher). Neck pain and disability were evaluated by the neck disability index (NDI), and neck flexion and rotation were assessed by the flexion rotation test-active (FRT-A). The frequency of TMDs was evaluated by clinical examination and Fonseca’s questionnaire. Data were analyzed by the Fisher’s exact test and Spearman’s correlation test (alpha = 0.05).
Results
A significant correlation was noted between improper posture and TMDs in 23-28-and 29–34-year-old age groups, males and females, in dentists with less than 4 years of work experience, in general dentists, in participants working for a maximum of 38 hours/week and a minimum of 39 hours/week, those visiting a maximum of 3 patients or a minimum of 4 patients per shift, those not using a dental loupe, and those with a suitable dental unit according to their dominant hand (P < 0.05). A significant correlation was found between the RULA level and severity of TMDs in dentists (r = 0.476, P < 0.001). The NDI score had a significant direct correlation with the TMD score (r = 0.476, P < 0.001) while a significant inverse correlation was found between the FRT-A and TMD scores (r=-0.414, P = 0.023).
Conclusion
The frequency of TMDs and neck disability was higher in dentists with improper operating posture.
Diabetes Telemedicine Mediterranean Diet (DiaTeleMed) Study: study protocol for a fully remote randomized clinical trial evaluating personalized dietary management in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Berube Lauren T. , Popp Collin J. , Curran Margaret , Hu Lu , Pompeii Mary Lou , Barua Souptik , Bernstein Emma , Salcedo Vanessa , Li Huilin , St-Jules David E. , Segal Eran , Bergman Michael , Williams Natasha J. , Sevick Mary Ann
Published: June 2024

Background
The Diabetes Telemedicine Mediterranean Diet (DiaTeleMed) Study is a fully remote randomized clinical trial evaluating personalized dietary management in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study aims to test the efficacy of a personalized behavioral approach for dietary management of moderately-controlled T2D, versus a standardized behavioral intervention that uses one-size-fits-all dietary recommendations, versus a usual care control (UCC). The primary outcome will compare the impact of each intervention on the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE).
Methods
Eligible participants are between 21 to 80 years of age diagnosed with moderately-controlled T2D (HbA1c: 6.0–8.0%), and managed on lifestyle alone or lifestyle plus metformin. Participants must be willing and able to attend virtual counseling sessions and log meals into a dietary tracking smartphone application (DayTwo), and wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for up to 12 days. Participants are randomized with equal allocation (n = 255, n = 85 per arm) to one of three arms: 1) Personalized, 2) Standardized, or 3) UCC. Measurements occur at 0 (baseline), 3, and 6 months. All participants receive isocaloric energy and macronutrients targets to meet Mediterranean diet guidelines plus 14 intervention contacts over 6 months (4 weekly then 10 biweekly) to cover diabetes self-management education. The first 4 UCC intervention contacts are delivered via synchronous videoconferences followed by educational video links. Participants in Standardized receive the same education content as UCC on the same schedule. However, all intervention contacts are conducted via synchronous videoconferences, paired with Social Cognitive Theory (SCT)-based behavioral counseling, plus dietary self-monitoring of planned meals using a mobile app that provides real-time feedback on calories and macronutrients. Participants in the Personalized arm receive all elements of the Standardized intervention, plus real-time feedback on predicted post-prandial glycemic response (PPGR) to meals and snacks logged into the mobile app.
Discussion
The DiaTeleMed study will address an important gap in the current landscape of precision nutrition by determining the contributions of behavioral counseling and personalized nutrition recommendations on glycemic control in individuals with T2D. The fully remote methodology of the study allows for scalability and innovative delivery of personalized dietary recommendations at a population level.
Trial registration:
The DiaTeleMed Study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT05046886)
A Study on Factors Influencing Delayed Sputum Conversion in Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis Based on Bacteriology and Genomics
Authors: Pang Mengdi , Dai Xiaowei , Wang Nenhan , Yi Junli , Sun Shanhua , Miao Honghao , Zhang Jie , Zhang Hongtai , Li Jie , Ding Beichuan , Yang Xinyu , Li Chuanyou
Published: June 2024

Conversion of sputum from positive to negative is one of the indicators of intensive phase treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. We analyzed the sputum conversion of 1782 patients diagnosed sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in Beijing between 2021–2022 and designed a case-matched study including 24 pairs of delayed and timely sputum-conversion patients. We collect isolates from delayed-sputum-conversion patients before and after anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) and initial isolates of timely-sputum-conversion patients who reported sputum positive only once. 75 strains were conducted drug sensitivity testing (DST) of 13 anti-TB drugs and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to analyze the risk factors of delayed conversion and the dynamics changes of drug resistance and genomics of MTB during ATT. We found TB patients who achieve sputum negative conversion at the end of 2 months of ATT have better treatment outcomes and whose initial isolates show lower levels of drug resistance. Clinical isolates from delayed conversion patients showed dynamically changing resistance phenotypes and intra-host heterogeneity and changes in dominant pathogenic bacteria. SNP profiles showed large differences between groups. The study provided insight into the bacteriological and genomic variation of delayed-sputum-conversion. It would be helpful for early assessment of sputum conversion and Guidance on anti-tuberculosis treatment.
Wealth-based equity in essential newborn care practices in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Delele Tadesse , Persson Lars Åke , Alemu Kassahun , Schellenberg Joanna , Lemma Seblewengel , Defar Atkure , Getachew Theodros , Taye Girum , Shiferaw Solomon , Abdissa Zewditu , Tariku Amare , Zelalem Meseret , Berhanu Della
Published: June 2024

Background
The World Health Organization has listed several newborn care practices as essential for health and survival. Reports from low-income countries, including Ethiopia, show inequities in practices but need more comprehensiveness. We aimed to analyze wealth-based equity of selected essential newborn care practices, i.e., skin-to-skin care, delayed bathing, proper cord care, and timely breastfeeding initiation among neonates born at health facilities and homes in Ethiopia.
Methods
The Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia 2019–2020 survey was conducted in five Ethiopian regions, representing 90% of the total population. We used data on 2,493 newborns. Wealth quintiles were based on principal component analysis of household assets. Wealth-based equity of selected essential newborn care practices was analyzed separately for facility and home deliveries using equiplot, equity gaps, equity ratios, and concentration indices.
Results
Overall, the equiplots for skin-to-skin care and delayed bathing practices showed minimal inequities for babies born in health facilities. When comparing the extreme groups, socio-economic differences were seen in delayed bathing and timely breastfeeding initiation. Using wealth as a continuous variable across all respondents, delayed bathing and proper cord care were more frequent in the better-off households. In home births, the equiplots showed that all selected essential newborn care practices were more common in the least poor groups. While comparing the extreme groups, socio-economic inequities were present in skin-to-skin care and delayed bathing practices. Using wealth as a continuous variable, skin-to-skin care and delayed bathing were more common in better-off households.
Conclusion
The coverage of selected essential newborn care practices was higher in facility deliveries. There were minimal socio-economic differences in newborn care of facility births, while inequities in skin-to-skin care and delayed bathing were prominent in home births. Initiatives should focus on increasing facility delivery and improving newborn care practices at home to ensure newborn care equity in Ethiopia.
Zinc isotope fractionation in soil-rice systems constrained by varying water regimes and Zn fertilizer application: implication for Zn biofortification
Authors: Zhong Songxiong , Gao Ruichuan , Liu Yuhui , Cao Kaiwen , Jin Chao , Li Xiaomin , Fang Liping , Liu Tongxu , Liu Chuanping , Li Fangbai
Published: June 2024

Background and aims Zinc (Zn) deficiency in rice (Oryza sativa L.) induced by flooded conditions is a persistent global issue that limits grain Zn accumulation. Soil drainage and Zn fertilizer can enhance soluble Zn in the soil to address Zn deficiency in rice grains. However, the mechanisms underlying the uptake and transport in rice plants remain unclear.
Methods Zn uptake and transport processes in rice constrained by water regimes and Zn fertilizers were elucidated using Zn isotope and gene analyses.
Results Compared with bulk soil, the Zn isotope compositions of CaCl2 and HCl-extracted pools were systematically higher, but the soil solution was much lighter. All the soil pools marginally varied with the constraining water regimes. In rice, ZIP family genes were constitutively downregulated in the roots and nodes, whereas OsHMA2 was upregulated under the drainage regime and Zn addition relative to the flooding regime. Soil solution-to-shoot and node I-to-grain isotope fractionation were hardly affected by the water regime. However, the fractionation shifted negatively with Zn addition during uptake and was less pronounced for shoot-to-node I, and node I-to-grain transport.
Conclusions Switching water regimes from flooding to drainage negligibly affected soil solution-to-shoot transport and node-controlled allocation of isotopically light Zn to grains. However, rice utilizes a low-affinity transport system to isotopically transport light Zn, and the ZIP family transporters become less important when Zn fertilizer is applied. This study demonstrated that Zn fertilizer is more robust for reinforcing grain Zn relative to the drainage regime.
Geographic Equity in Essential Newborn Care Practices in Ethiopia: a cross- sectional study
Authors: Delele Tadesse , Persson Lars Åke , Schellenberg Joanna , Berhanu Della , Lemma Seblewengel , Defar Atkure , Getachew Theodros , Taye Girum , Shiferaw Solomon , Abdissa Zewditu , Tariku Amare , Zelalem Meseret , Alemu Kassahun
Published: June 2024

Background
Essential newborn care practices vary across different social groups, but evidence on the geographic equity of newborn care in Ethiopia is scarce. We aimed to assess the geographic distribution and equity of selected essential newborn care practices recommended by the World Health Organization that are initial skin-to-skin care, delayed bathing, proper cord care, timely breastfeeding initiation, and immunizations of BCG and first-dose polio vaccines among neonates born at health facilities and homes in Ethiopia.
Methods
We analyzed data from 2,493 neonates in the Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia 2019–2021 survey in five Regions and Addis Ababa City Administration. We studied the geographic variation of selected essential newborn care practices using Global Moran’s I statistics and hot and cold spot analysis (Local Getis-Ord Gi* statistic), and the coverage of these practices were predicted for the whole Country using Kriging interpolation.
Results
This study showed that selected essential newborn care practices were higher among neonates in health facilities, those born in Central, Northern, Southern, and a few areas in Southwest and Northwest Ethiopia. Geographic inequities were demonstrated in delayed bathing in facility and home births, proper cord care in facility births, and first immunizations in both facility and home births. Geographic inequities were not observed for initial skin-to-skin care and timely breastfeeding initiation.
Conclusion
Selected essential newborn care practices were higher among neonates born in health facilities, and the recommended essential newborn care practices were higher in Central and Northern Ethiopia. There were geographic inequities in delayed bathing and immunizations of BCG and first-dose polio vaccines among neonates born in health facilities and homes. Enhancing facility delivery, availing first vaccinations in facilities, and improving discharge counseling for mothers during antenatal, delivery and postnatal care are crucial to ensuring geographic equity in essential newborn care in Ethiopia.
Male-origin microchimerism and risk of cancer: a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Li Jun , Shao Tingting , Kou Junyan , Ni Liwei
Published: June 2024

Background: Many women carry male cells of presumed fetal origin–so-called male-origin microchimerism (MOM) in their circulation and tissues. Numerous studies have reported contradicting results on the relationship between MOM and cancer risk. We aim to quantify the incidence of cancer among patients and to synthesize the available research evidence.
Methods: We performed a systemic search of the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. Studies reporting the cancer risk in women who test positive for male microchimerism were included. A random-effects model was applied to abtain the pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs).
Results: Twelve studies consisting of 3078 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Data regarding risk of breast, colon, ovarian, endometrial, thyroid and brain cancer among patients were subjected to quantitative analysis. Pooled analysis showed a significantly reduced rate of cancer (pooled RR = 0.51, 95%CI 0.32–0.82) among MOM-positive women.
Conclusions: Individuals harboring MOM exhibits a significantly low risk of cancer.
Association of Trouble Sleeping with Increased Risk of Gallstone Disease in U.S. Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES 2017-2020
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiang , Huang Yisen , Huang Yingxuan , Lin Chanchan , Xu Boming , Zeng Yilin , Chen Peizhong , Liu Xiaobo , Wang Yubin
Published: June 2024

Background
Trouble sleeping is prevalent in modern society and is known to be associated with various health problems. However, studies on the relationship between trouble sleeping and gallstones are relatively few. This study aims to explore the potential association between trouble sleeping and gallstones among adult Americans.
Methods
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020 were analyzed, including 7,438 adult participants. The relationship between trouble sleeping and gallstones was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models, with sensitivity analyses performed using multiple imputation, weighted analysis, and propensity score matching.
Results
Among the 7,438 participants, 780 (10.5%) reported having gallstones. The analysis showed a significantly increased risk of gallstones among participants with trouble sleeping (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26–1.76, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses indicated consistent associations across different subgroups based on sex, age, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, with interaction observed in age subgroups.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that trouble sleeping may be an independent risk factor for gallstones. This highlights the potential importance of improving sleep quality in the prevention of gallstones.
Investigating the success rate of Microwave Ablation under the ultrasound guide in the treatment of Benign Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Babaei Mohammad Reza , Naserifard Akram , Heydari Iraj , Shafiee Nadia , Golmohammadi Sara , Shafiee Atefe , Taghizadeh Nima , Mohammadi Soha
Published: June 2024

Background
One of the common reasons for patients to visit the clinic for endocrine diseases is thyroid disorders, especially benign thyroid nodules. Different pharmacological and nonpharmacological strategies are used to treat benign thyroid nodules. This study was conducted to determine the success rate of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.
Methods
In this descriptive/cross-sectional study, the number of 22 patients with benign thyroid nodules who were treated with MWA from 2017 to 2020 was examined 6 and 12 months after treatment in terms of nodule volume changes and side effects. The data were analyzed with SPSS.
Results
The average age of patients is 35.45 years. 90.9% were female and 9.1% were male. The average volume of benign thyroid nodules in the patients under study was 15.37 ± 8.67 before treatment, 8.25 ± 6.52 in the sixth month of treatment, and 5.12 ± 6.65 in the twelfth month of treatment (P < 0.001). Among the side effects of MWA, pain was reported by 1 person, pressure symptoms were reported by 1 person, and scarring occurred by 2 people.
Conclusions
MWA is an effective, successful, and relatively safe procedure for the treatment of benign thyroid nodules.
Testosterone and Estradiol's Protective Influence on Primary Liver Cancer
Authors: Hu Yuhai , ou wenshi , Yang Mingzhi , Chen Tianbin
Published: June 2024

Background:
Primary liver cancer (PLC) poses a significant global health threat, with sex hormones implicated in its pathogenesis. Testosterone and estradiol's influence on PLC risk remains debated. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers a robust method to assess causal relationships.
Methods:
We conducted MR analyses using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to investigate the causal impact of testosterone and estradiol on PLC risk. Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9(TNFRS9) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator(uPA) were explored as potential mediators.
Results:
Our MR analysis revealed a protective effect of testosterone and estradiol against PLC. Testosterone was negatively associated with PLC risk (OR = 0.9987, P = 0.0316), with TNFRS9 mediating 9.1% of this effect. Estradiol exhibited a negative correlation with PLC risk (OR = 0.9985, P = 0.0125), with uPA mediating 8% of this effect.
Conclusions:
Contrary to traditional beliefs, both testosterone and estradiol demonstrate protective effects against PLC. TNFRS9 and uPA pathways mediate a significant portion of these effects, providing novel insights into the sex hormone-PLC relationship and potential therapeutic targets. Further research should validate these findings across diverse populations.
Overexpression and infiltration of ER stress proteins in the sublining layer of human inflamed synovial membranes
Authors: Gendebien Zoe , Deroyer Celine , Poulet Christophe , Paulissen Genevieve , Cobraiville Gael , Daniel Christophe , Thirion Thierry , Bianchi Elettra , Delvenne Philippe , Ribbens Clio , de Seny Dominique
Published: June 2024

A strong crosstalk exists between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and synovitis. Several ER chaperone proteins, besides their function in protein folding, can enhance inflammation and immunogenicity when secreted. This research aims at localizing and quantifying by immunohistochemistry (IHC) ER stress proteins (BiP, HYOU1, MANF, PDIA4, GANAB, HSP90B1, TXNDC5, DNAJB11, LMAN1, ERP29 and CALR) in synovial membranes provided from patients with osteoarthritis (OA; n = 9), chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy (CPPA; n = 7) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 8) and exhibiting continuous degree of inflammation. It also investigates ER protein expressions in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) under ER stress, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic conditions. This study demonstrates the restricted localization of these proteins to the lining layer when inflammation was mild and in the whole synovium when the inflammation was severe. Differential expression of some ER stress proteins in synovitis was confirmed by using the CIOA mouse model. Tunicamycin-induced ER stress enhanced the intracellular protein expression of BiP, HYOU1, MANF, PDIA4, HSP90B1, LMAN1 and CALR in FLS and their extracellular secretion (except for HYOU1, MANF and LMAN1). Induction of inflammation with TNF-a upregulated BiP, HYOU1, MANF and PDIA4 expression, whereas exposure to the pro-fibrotic mediator TGF-b elevated expression of BiP, HYOU1, MANF and DNAJB11 in FLS.
Body Mass Index and the Prevalence of High-Risk Colorectal Adenomas in a Population Undergoing Screening Colonoscopy in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hutchinson John M. , Chow Joshua , Farah Eliya , Warkentin Matthew T. , Ruan Yibing , Hilsden Robert J. , Brenner Darren R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose
There is limited evidence regarding body mass index (BMI) as an early marker of high-risk adenoma (HRA) at the time of screening colonoscopy. Because high-risk adenomas (HRA) can develop into colorectal cancer (CRC), BMI could serve as an important clinical predictor of future risk of CRC.
Methods
We examined data from 1,831 adults undergoing screening colonoscopy at the Forzani & MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre in Alberta, Canada. We fit multivariable logistic regression models to examine the association between BMI and HRA. Non-linear relationships for BMI on HRA were also evaluated using restricted cubic splines.
Results
The mean BMI in patients with HRA was 28.2 kg/m2 compared to 27.4 kg/m2 in patients without adenomas (t-test: p = 0.003). In the adjusted models, those with a BMI over 30 kg/m2 had 1.44 (95% CI: 1.05–1.99) times the odds of HRA detected during colonoscopy compared to those with a BMI below 25 kg/m2. Examining BMI as continuous, the odds of HRA were 1.20 (95% CI: 1.05–1.37) times higher for every 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI.
Conclusion
The findings of this study suggest that excess body mass is associated with higher risk of HRA among a screening population and may be useful an early marker of future disease.
Hyperferritinemia screening to aid identification and differentiation of patients with hyperinflammatory disorders
Authors: Carol Hallie A. , Mayer Adam S. , Zhang Michael S. , Dang Vinh , Varghese Jemy , Martinez Zachary , Schneider Corinne , Baker Joy (Elizabeth) , Tsoukas Paul , Behrens Edward M. , Cron Randy Q. , Diorio Caroline , Henderson Lauren A. , Schulert Grant , Lee Pui , Kernan Kate F. , Canna Scott W.
Published: June 2024

High ferritin is an important and sensitive biomarker for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a diverse and deadly group of cytokine storm syndromes. Early action to prevent immunopathology in HLH often includes empiric immunomodulation, which can complicate etiologic work-up and prevent collection of early/pre-treatment research samples. To address this, we instituted an alert system where serum ferritin > 1000ng/mL triggered real-time chart review, assessment of whether the value reflected “inflammatory hyperferritnemia (IHF)”, and biobanking of remnant samples from consenting IHF patients. We extracted relevant clinical data; periodically measured serum total IL-18, IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), and CXCL9; retrospectively classified patients by etiology into infectious, rheumatic, or immune dysregulation; and subjected a subgroup of samples to a 96-analyte biomarker screen. 180 patients were identified, 30.5% of which had IHF. Maximum ferritin levels were significantly higher in patients with IHF than with either hemoglobinopathy or transplant, and highly elevated total IL-18 levels were distinctive to patients with Stills Disease and/or Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS). Multi-analyte analysis showed elevation in proteins associated with cytotoxic lymphocytes in all IHF samples when compared to healthy controls and depression of proteins such as ANGPT1 and VEGFR2 in samples from hyperferritinemic sepsis patients relative to non-sepsis controls. This single-center, real-time IFH screen proved feasible and efficient, validated prior observations about the specificity of IL-18, enabled early sample collection from a complex population, suggested a unique vascular biomarker signature in hyperferritinemic sepsis, and expanded our understanding of IHF heterogeneity.