bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mendelian randomization studies reveal the risk of inflammatory bowel disease onset associated with certain dietary factors
Authors: Li Fan , Wang Zhi , Chang Yu , Zhao Qi , Wang Zhaodi , Xu Zifeng , Han Xiaoping , Li Yuqin , Tang Tongyu
Published: October 2023

Aims: Dietary factors have been extensively explored as an environmental factor that can affect the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in observational studies. However, the pres-ence of multiple unavoidable confounding factors has made direct and accurate elucidation of the conclusions difficult. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal effect of dietary factors on the onset of IBD.
Methods: We conducted MR analysis of the impact of diet on IBD by using inverse-variance–weighted, weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, and MR-Robust Adjusted Profile Score methods with genome-wide association study data from the UK Biobank and the International IBD Genetics Consortium (IIBDGC).
Results: MR studies showed that consuming mashed potatoes, sweet corn, baked beans, broad beans, whole-wheat pasta, cheese spreads, ham, and tinned tuna increased the risk of IBD. Consumption of plums, grapes, watercress, ham, sausages, fruit compotes, and artificially sweetened coffee increased the risk of Crohn’s disease. Additionally, consuming blue cheese, instant coffee, and chocolate cookies increased the risk of ulcerative colitis.
Conclusion: Different fruits and vegetables showed variable effects on the onset of IBD and its subtypes. Baked goods, dairy products, processed foods, and instant coffee had path-ogenic effects on IBD, while meat consumption did not show a direct association with IBD onset. The findings imply that changes in dietary patterns, rather than simply eliminating specific foods, are required to prevent the occurrence of IBD.
Efficacy and acceptance of virtual mentorship of maternal postpartum hemorrhage training Helping Mothers Survive Bleeding After Birth in Madagascar: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abou-Zamzam Aida , Colaco Julia , Niarison Howard Razanajatovo , Ravelojaona Vaonandianina Agnes , Shilkofski Nicole
Published: October 2023

Background
The Helping Mothers Survive: Bleeding After Birth (HMS:BAB) training has been shown to reduce the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage among women in low-resource settings. Given Covid-19 pandemic related restrictions, a virtual adaptation of the training was necessary to continue the distribution of this life-saving curriculum.
Method
A virtually mentored HMS:BAB training (VT) was piloted in Antsirabe, Madagascar. US-based master trainers joined local Malagasy trainers as course mentors via Zoom. The MD AirSupport system was incorporated into this virtual training to assess the utility of this technology in this setting. Eight months later, local Malagasy trainers led a new cohort of participants through an independent HMS:BAB training (IT). Attitudes towards the virtual training were surveyed. Knowledge and skill acquisition were assessed via written assessments and observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).
Results
A total of 78 participants completed the training, 19 in the VT and 59 in the IT. Participants performed comparably on the written assessment during VT compared to IT (87.4% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.19). Participants demonstrated similar scores on OSCE 1 in VT versus IT (95.6% vs. 97.7%, p = 0.16). IT participants performed significantly better on OSCE 3 versus VT (97.6% vs. 93.4%, p < 0.01). The MD AirSupport system faced some technological limitations such as battery capacity and noise pollution but was successfully integrated into the VT. Survey results showed that most participants (88.3%, n = 68) did not have Wi-Fi access in their workplaces. The majority of participants thought the training could be cost effective if it were distributed online (73.4%, n = 56) and preferred a virtual refresher training versus an in-person training (58.4%, n = 45).
Conclusions
Local trainers in Madagascar were able to successfully distribute the HMS:BAB training after participating in a virtually mentored training, as demonstrated by comparable written assessment and OSCE scores. The virtual course adaptations piloted in this training are feasible, but infrastructural obstacles remain that prevent a fully remote dissemination of this curriculum despite desire.
Spin–Orbit-Lattice Locking in Strain-Engineered Sr2FeReO6 Double Perovskites
Authors: Choi Si-Young , Noh Gahee , Lee Hansol , Kim Yong-Jin , Jin Yeongrok , Lee Donghwa , Lee Ho Nyung , Lee Jaekwang , Yang Chan-Ho , Sohn Changhee
Published: October 2023

Ferromagnetic double perovskites utilizing d-orbitals exhibit appealing physical properties due to their unique electronic band structures, which involve a combination of 3d and 5d orbitals. These magnetic and electronic properties can be also manipulated by strain, thus resulting in spin-orbit-lattice locking. Here, we demonstrate that strain-assisted spin-orbit-lattice locking can be a powerful tool for modulating the magnetic and electronic properties in Sr2FeReO6, a 3d–5d ferromagnetic double perovskite. Intriguingly, pliable Re orbitals along with the crystallogrphic asymmetry exhibit strain-sign-dependent reversal of orbital polarization, leading to variations in magnetic anisotropy and electronic properties. This work provides valuable insights into the tunability of magnetism and transport characteristics in 3d–5d ferromagnetic double perovskite for the development of spintronic devices.
Prevalence of Echocardiographic Abnormalities in HIV-Infected Adults on Long-Term Combination Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Luo Ling , Li Xi , Song Xiaojing , Lv Wei , Liu Zhengyin , Wang Huanling , Han Yang , Li Xiaoxia , Li Yanling , Chen Tielong , Xiong Yong , He Yun , Li Huiqing , Ye Hanhui , Cao Wei , Li Tai-Sheng
Published: October 2023

Background
The prevalence of cardiac dysfunction in people living with HIV (PLWH) on long-term combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Asia remains unclear. This study sought to investigate the prevalence of echocardiographic dysfunction in Chinese PLWH on long-term cART and explore related risk factors.
Methods
The Chinese Long-Term Antiretroviral Treatment (CLTA) study is a multi-center, prospective cohort study aimed to determine the comorbidities in PLWH treated on long-term cART. 371 PLWH on long-term cART were enrolled in the echocardiographic substudy. 268 cART-Naïve PLWH and 110 HIV-negative individuals were included as control groups after being matched for gender, age and blood pressure. The prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was assessed and compared between different groups.
Results
The median age of the long-term CART (CLTA) group was 41.1 years (83.3% male). The CLTA participants had received cART for a median of 6.2 years with a current CD4+ T cell count 509 cells/mm3. 99.1% of them were viral suppressed. The prevalence of LVSD, PAH and LVH in the CLTA group was 1.1%, 3.9%, 10.3%, respectively. Among 268 pairs of CLTA and cART-Naïve PLWH, CLTA group had a significantly lower prevalence of PAH (4.0% vs 12.7 %, P=0.010). Among 110 pairs of CLTA and HIV-negative controls, the CLTA group had a significantly higher prevalence of LVH than HIV-negative controls (23.8% vs 5.5%, P=0.004). Incomplete immune reconstitution (CD4 <350 cells/mm3, OR=4.286, P=0.007), female gender (OR=18.014, P<0.001) and elevated triglycerides (OR=1.199, P=0.008) were associated with increased risk of LVH in PLWH on long-term cART.
Conclusions
In this Chinese PLWH on long-term cART cohort, the prevalence of LVSD and PAH are relatively low. Compared with HIV-negative controls, PLWH on long-term cART had a higher prevalence of LVH, which is associated with both traditional CVD risk factors and incomplete immune reconstitution.
Trial Registration
The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04463810)
Left Knee Septic Monoarthritis in a Pediatric Patient due to Shewanella putrefaciens: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Madrid Nathalie Yepes , Mejia Luis Fernando , Urrego Jose Fernando Gomez
Published: October 2023

Background
Shewanella putrefaciens is a gram-negative, non-fermenting, oxidase-positive, hydrogen sulfate-producing bacillus, a halophilic bacterium. Responsible for unusual infections in humans; considering itself an opportunistic germ in many patients. With varied symptoms in the literature, generating a significant impact on human health with a total of 260 disorders described in the literature in the last 40 years, which indicates the potential danger it represents.
Case presentation:
We present the case of a previously healthy 15-year-old male patient with a self-inflicted sharp-object injury while doing fieldwork and a secondary septic monoarthritis due to Shewanella putrefaciens.
Conclusions
We describe the bacteriological, and clinical characteristics and antibiogram of this bacteria spp since in recent years there has been an increase in notifications of Shewanella infections, mainly by S. algae and S. putrefaciens; which leads us to keep it in mind in patients whose clinical history shows evidence of contact with bodies of water due to the special resistance patterns that must be taken into account when managing these patients, so as not to induce intrinsic antimicrobial resistance.
Multidimensional characteristics of musculoskeletal pain and risk of hip fractures among elderly adults: The first longitudinal evidence from CHARLS
Authors: Mei Fengyao , Li Jiao Jiao , Lin Jianhao , Xing Dan , Dong Shengjie
Published: October 2023

Background
Hip fractures are a major public health concern among middle-aged and older adults. It is important to understand the associated risk factors to inform health policies and develop better prevention strategies. Musculoskeletal pain is a possible implicating factor, being associated with physical inactivity and risk of falls. However, the association between musculoskeletal pain and hip fractures has not been clearly investigated.
Methods
A nationally representative sample of the Chinese population was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The study collected patient information on their demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, other health-related behavior, and history of musculoskeletal pain and hip fractures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to investigate the factors influencing the risk of hip fracture, including factors related to the individual and to musculoskeletal pain. P for trend test was performed to assess the trend of each continuous variable.
Results
Among the 18,813 respondents, a total of 215 individuals reported that they have experienced a hip fracture. An increased risk of hip fracture was associated with the presence of waist pain and leg pain (P < 0.05), as well as with an increased number of musculoskeletal pain sites (P < 0.05). For individuals aged 65 and above, a significant association was found between age and the risk of hip fracture (P < 0.05). Furthermore, respondents with lower education level had a higher risk of hip fracture compared to those with higher education levels (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
In the Chinese population, the risk of hip fracture was found to be associated with both the location and extent of musculoskeletal pain, as well as with other factors such as age and demographic characteristics. The findings of this study may be useful for informing policy development and treatment strategies, and provide evidence for comparison with data from other demographic populations.
Under-nutrition in children under-five in Ethiopia: A hierarchical analysis
Authors: Gagabo Sisay Yohannes , Kuse Kenenisa Abdisa
Published: October 2023

Background
In most developing nations, under-nutrition is a serious public health issue that disproportionately affects young children under the age of five. Ethiopia has one of the worst rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight. The current study sought to determine the prevalence of under-nutrition indicators and the factors that contribute to them in Ethiopian children under the age of five.
Methods
The 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey provided the data for the study. In the final analysis, a weighted sample of 7960 children under five was used. The indices of under-nutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight) in Ethiopia were examined using multilevel binary logistic regression analysis. To quantify under-nutrition indicator variation between and within areas of Ethiopia, the data were fitted to the multilevel random coefficient model.
Results
The percentage of children that were stunted, wasted, and underweight was 36.6%, 12.2%, and 25.2%, respectively. Across the Ethiopian clusters, there were notable malnutrition variances. Stunting, wasting, and underweight were statistically significantly predicted by a child's age (measured in months), type of toilet facility, type of cooking fuels, number of under-five children in the household, wealth index of mothers, sex of the child, duration of breastfeeding, mother's educational level, region of residence, place of residence, zone, source of drinking water, father's educational level, and mother's BMI. But a key factor in determining stunting and wasting was the birth gap before (in months).
Conclusions
The current investigation discovered strong evidence of nutritional status variations within and between zonal clusters. The variation seen within regions was far greater than the variation found across Ethiopia's regions. Finally, it was discovered that under-five malnutrition contributes to a number of public health issues in the lower part of the nation, particularly regionally.
Designing of a Dual-Degree-of-Freedom Passive Ankle Exoskeleton
Authors: Zhu Haoran , Yin Huijun , Liu Chenglin
Published: October 2023

The current passive spring-actuated ankle-foot exoskeleton draws inspiration from the muscle-tendon unit. However, it still faces challenges such as operational noise, reliability and overbinding due to the lack of freedom. This study presents a novel passive powered clutch-spring design, where disengagement is achieved through cable length control via a pre-tensioning mechanism. The exoskeleton features two rotational degrees of freedom in the sagittal and coronal planes, enabling ankle inversion and eversion. The efficacy of the exoskeleton was evaluated by analyzing lower limb joint angles, joint moment, and calf muscle activation during walking. Preliminary findings suggest that this exoskeleton can offer up to 25% of the natural ankle joint moment, assisting in reducing joint moments and calf muscle activation during walking. These results highlight the potential of this ankle-foot exoskeleton for enhancing daily human activities.
Use of botanical extracts and bacterial inoculants for the suppression of Alternaria solani causing Early Blight disease in Tomato
Authors: Hyder Sajjad , Gondal Amjad Shahzad , Khan Aimen Razzaq , Riaz Nadia , Rizvi Zarrin Fatima , Iqbal Rashid , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman , Malik Tabarak , Ali Iftikhar
Published: October 2023

Early blight-EB, caused by Alternaria solani, is a serious problem in tomato production. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria promote plant growth and inhibit plant disease. The present study explored the bio-efficacy of antagonistic rhizobacterial isolates and ginger powder extract against tomato EB disease, singly and in combination. Six fungal isolates from symptomatic tomato plants were identified as A. solani on the basis of morphological features i.e., horizontal septation (6.96 to 7.93 µm), vertical septation (1.50 to 2.22 µm), conidia length (174.2 to 187.6 µm), conidial width (14.09 to 16.52 µm), beak length (93.06 to 102.26 µm), and sporulation. Five of the twenty-three bacterial isolates recovered from tomato rhizosphere soil were nonpathogenic to tomato seedlings and were compatible with each other and with ginger powder extracts. Out of five isolates tested individually, three isolates (St-149D, Hyd-13Z, and Gb-T23) showed maximum inhibition (56.3%, 48.3%, and 42.0% respectively) against mycelial growth inhibition of A. solani. Among combinations, St-149D + ginger powder extract (GPE) had the highest mycelial growth inhibition (76.9%) over the untreated control. Bacterial strains molecularly characterized as Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus cereus and were further tested in pot trials through seed bacterization for disease control. Seeds treated with bacterial consortia + ginger plant extract-GPE had the highest disease suppression percentage (78.1%), followed by St-149D + GPE (72.2%) and Hyd-13Z + GPE (67.5%). Maximum seed germination was obtained in the bacterial consortia + GPE (95.0 ± 2.04) followed by St-149D + GPE (92.5 ± 1.44) and Hyd-13Z + GPE (90.0 ± 2.04) over control (73.8 ± 2.39) and chemical control as standard treatment (90.0 ± 2). Ginger powder extracts also induce the activation of defence-related enzymes (TPC, PO, PPO, PAL, and CAT) activity in tomato plants. These were highly significant in the testing bacterial inoculants against A. solani infection in tomato crops.
Elevated Serum Soluble Trigger Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cell-1 Levels in Placenta Accreta Spectrum Pregnancies
Authors: Energin Hasan , demir emine turen , kilic fatma , kurban sevil
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the association between soluble trigger receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 (sTREM-1) levels and placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) pregnancies.
Methods: A prospective case-control study was designed for this study. The study group included PAS pregnancies, and the control group had healthy singleton pregnancies. The control group consisted of healthy women with singleton pregnancies who had the same gestational age and body mass index (BMI) as the study group. Women with PAS were invited to participate in the study if they had no known systemic diseases (e.g., chronic hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic renal–liver diseases), autoimmune disorders, multiple pregnancies, or fetal structural and chromosomal anomalies. They also did not have pregnancy cholestasis, preterm delivery, or chronic and active infection indications. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was used to measure the sTREM-1 level.
Results: This study was conducted in the obstetrics department of a university hospital between November 2021 and January 2023. Thirty surgically and pathologically confirmed PAS pregnancies were included in the study group, and thirty healthy pregnancies were included in the control group. The plasma sTREM-1 level was significantly higher in the PAS pregnancy group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean sTREM-1 level in the PAS pregnancy group was 121.8 + 26.02 and 94.3 + 16.9 pg/mL in the control group.
Conclusion: Our study showed that patients with PAS pregnancies had significantly higher serum sTREM-1 levels than those with healthy pregnancies. These findings provide novel insight into the potential pathophysiological processes underlying PAS disorders.
Drought vulnerability assessment and its severe impact on crop production and livelihood of people: An empirical analysis of Barind Tract
Authors: Tahasin Anika , Haydar Mafrid , Hossen Md. Sabbir , Sadia Halima
Published: October 2023

North-Western section of Bangladesh is experiencing a protracted decrease in precipitation, irregular rainfall, and the depletion of ground water, which results in water scarcity and extreme dry weather that impedes the production of agricultural commodities and threatens the people's way of life. Analyzing the precipitation deficit and ground water deficit, the vegetation cover, temperature condition, and the condition of the vegetation is a crucial component of drought vulnerability assessment. Rajshahi zilla, a region of Bangladesh located in the middle of the Barind tract, is experiencing a severe water shortage. The irregular rainfall, decrease in rainfall, prolonged absence of rainfall and ground water depletion results in drought. The study aims to access the vulnerability of drought through analysis of the precipitation rate and ground water depletion level and temperature condition, vegetation condition and the vegetative droughts to find out the severe condition of droughts and the severe effects of this in the livelihoods of the farmers and their crop production practices. In this case the study aims determine NDVI, NDWI, NDMI, VCI, TCI, and VHI. By conducting few questionnaire surveys and Focus Group Discussion the present situation of crop production and the livelihoods of the people has been analyzed. After analyzing data, it has been found that Rajshahi is facing a critical problem of drought that tends to water scarcity problem which has severe effect on agricultural production and livelihoods.
Associations of Wnt5a expression with liver injury in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Ji Xiang-Fen , Zhou Qi , Wang Jing-Wei , Sun Fei , Gao Shuai , Wang Kai
Published: October 2023

Background
Aberrant Wnt5a expression contributes to immunity, inflammation and tissue damage. However, it remains unknown whether Wnt5a is associated with liver injury in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
Methods
Wnt5a mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed in 31 acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) patients, 82 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and 20 healthy controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Intrahepatic Wnt5a protein expression from 32 chronic HBV infection patients and 6 normal controls was evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining.
Results
Wnt5a mRNA expression was increased in CHB patients and ACHBLF patients compared to that in healthy controls and were positively correlated with liver injury markers and the HBV DNA load. Furthermore, intrahepatic Wnt5a protein expression was elevated in chronic HBV infection patients compared to that in normal controls. Moreover, chronic HBV infection patients with higher hepatic inflammatory grades had increased intrahepatic Wnt5a protein expression than those with lower hepatic inflammatory grades. In addition, the cut off value of 12.59 for Wnt5a mRNA level was a strong indicator for identifying ACHBLF from CHB.
Conclusions
We indicated that Wnt5a expression was associated with liver injury in chronic HBV infection patients. Wnt5a might be involved in the exacerbation of chronic HBV infection procedure.
Pre-hospital ECPR in an Australian Metropolitan setting: A single-arm feasibility assessment. The CPR, pre-Hospital ECPR and Early Reperfusion (CHEER3) study
Authors: Richardson Alexander Sacha
Published: October 2023

Survival from refractory out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without timely return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) utilising conventional advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) therapies is dismal. CHEER3 was a safety and feasibility study of pre-hospital deployed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory OHCA in metropolitan Australia. Methods This was a single jurisdiction, single-arm feasibility study. Physicians, with pre-existing ECMO expertise, responded to witnessed OHCA, age < 65 yrs, within 30 minutes driving-time, using an ECMO equipped rapid response vehicle. If pre-hospital ECPR was undertaken, patients were transported to hospital for investigations and therapies including emergent coronary catheterisation, and standard intensive care (ICU) therapy until either cardiac and neurological recovery or palliation occurred. Analyses were descriptive. Results From February 2020 to May 2023, over 117 days, the team responded to 709 “potential cardiac arrest” emergency calls. 358 were confirmed OHCA. Time from emergency call to scene arrival was 27 minutes (15–37 minutes). 10 patients fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria and all were successfully cannulated on scene. Time from emergency call to ECMO initiation was 50 minutes (35–62 minutes). Time from decision to ECMO support was 16 minutes (11–26 minutes). CPR duration was 46 minutes (32–62 minutes). All 10 patients were transferred to hospital for investigations and therapy. 4 patients (40%) survived to hospital discharge neurologically intact (CPC 1/2). Conclusion Pre-hospital ECPR was feasible, using an experienced ECMO team from a single-centre. Overall survival was promising in this highly selected group. Further prospective studies are now warranted.
Development and validation of a long-read metabarcoding platform for the detection of filarial worm pathogens infecting animals and humans
Authors: Huggins Lucas George , Atapattu Ushani , Young Neil D. , Traub Rebecca J. , Colella Vito
Published: October 2023

Background: Filarial worms are important vector-borne pathogens of a large range of mammalian hosts, including humans and are responsible for some of the most pervasive, and pernicious diseases within the tropics. In humans, lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia spp., as well as loiasis caused by Loa loa are all categorized as neglected tropical diseases. Moreover, some emerging or difficult-to-eliminate filarioid pathogens are zoonotic using animals like canines as reservoir hosts, for example Dirofilaria sp. ‘hongkongensis’. Diagnosis of filariasis through commonly available methods, like microscopy, can be challenging as microfilaremia may wane below the limit of detection. In contrast, conventional PCR methods are more sensitive and specific but may show limited ability to detect coinfections as well as emerging and/or novel pathogens. Use of deep-sequencing technologies obviate these challenges, providing sensitive detection of entire parasite communities, whilst also being better suited for the characterisation of rare or novel pathogens.
Methods: Here we present a novel long-read metabarcoding assay for deep-sequencing the filarial worm cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene on Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ (ONT) MinIONTM sequencer. We assessed the overall performance of our assay against commonly used diagnostic methods for filarial worm detection, such as conventional PCR (cPCR) with Sanger sequencing and the microscopy-based modified Knott’s test (MKT)
Results: We confirmed our metabarcoding assay can characterise filarial parasites from a diverse range of genera, including, Breinlia, Brugia, Cercopithifilaria, Dipetalonema, Dirofilaria, Onchocerca, Setaria, Stephanofilaria and Wuchereria. We demonstrated proof-of-concept for this assay by using blood samples from Sri Lankan dogs, whereby we identified infections with the filarioids Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Brugia sp. Sri Lanka genotype and zoonotic Dirofilaria sp. ‘hongkongensis’. When compared to traditionally used diagnostics, such as the MKT and cPCR with Sanger sequencing, we identified additional filarioid species and numerous additional mono- and coinfections.
Conclusions: Our developed metabarcoding assay may show broad applicability for the metabarcoding and diagnosis of the full spectrum of filarioids from a wide range of animal hosts, including mammals and vectors, whilst the utilisation of ONT’ small and portable MinIONTM means that such methods could be deployed for field use.
Mechanical pupil dilation, posterior capsule rupture, and cystoid macular oedema in illuminated chopper-assisted cataract surgery
Authors: Kim Tae Hun , Hwang Sung Ha , Eom Youngsub , Nam Dong Heun
Published: October 2023

Background: To evaluate the use of mechanical pupil dilation and capsule staining, and the rate of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) and cystoid macular oedema (CME) in illuminated chopper-assisted cataract surgery.
Methods: One university hospital, retrospective non-randomized consecutive case series. Six hundred forty-eight eyes of 648 consecutive patients who underwent illuminated chopper-assisted cataract surgery were included in this study. The use of iris hooks and capsule staining, pupil size, operation time, and complications (PCR and CME) were evaluated.
Results: In 39 of the 648 eyes (6.6%), the red reflex was insufficient for safe cataract surgery. Of 39 eyes, iris hooks and capsule staining were used in 7 (1.08%) and 1 (0.15%), respectively, while even without any iris hooks or capsule staining, illuminated chopper-assisted capsulorhexis was safely performed in 31 (4.78%) eyes. The rates of PCR and clinically significant CME were 0% (0/648 eyes) and 4.1% (26/648 eyes), respectively.
Conclusion: Not only the use of mechanical pupil dilation and capsule staining but also PCR and CME were very low in illuminated chopper-assisted cataract surgery.
Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
Age, growth, and energy storage of the cavefish Triplophysa rosa
Authors: Xu Yuan , Jing Yangyang , Zhou Jing , Long Rui , Meng Juanzhu , Yang Ya , Luo Yiping
Published: October 2023

Background
The age, growth, and energy storage of Triplophysa rosa, a typical cavefish, were explored in this study. A total of 102 wild T. rosa were collected in Wulong County, Chongqing, China, from 2018-2022. The otoliths were used for age determination.
Results
The earliest mature individuals were 4.8 years old, and the maximum ages for both females and males were estimated to be 15.8 years and 12.2 years, respectively. The length (L, cm)-weight (W, g) relationship was the same for both sexes, i.e., W = 0.0046L3.03. The von Bertanlanffy growth models were fitted to the total length at age data with an asymptotic length of 23.4 cm and a value of the K-parameter of 0.060 year-1. This implies growth rates that are lower than those in the majority of previously reported other fish but within the range of values for other Triplophysa species. The body content of protein, ash, and glycogen did not significantly correlate with the total length of T. rosa. However, both lipid and energy content increased significantly with total length. The lipid (ranging from 40.5 to 167.1 mg g-1) and energy (ranging from 4.50 to 11.39 kJ g-1) contents indicate high storage features of T. rosa.
Conclusions
The results confirm that T. rosa has characteristics that make it suitable for survival in cave conditions, i.e., slow growth, small size, and high lipid energy storage.
The impact of different censoring methods for analyzing survival using real-world data with linked mortality information: a simulation study
Authors: Hsu Wei-Chun , Crowley Aaron , Parzynski Craig S.
Published: October 2023

Background
Evaluating outcome reliability is critical in real-world evidence studies. Overall survival is a common clinical outcome in these studies; however, its capture in real-world data sources is incomplete and often supplemented with linked mortality information from external sources. There are conflicting recommendations for censoring overall survival in real-world evidence studies. We conducted a simulation study to understand the impact of these different methods on estimating median survival and log hazard ratios when external mortality information is not fully captured.
Methods
We used Monte Carlo simulation to emulate a non-randomized comparative effectiveness study of two treatments with real-world data from electronic health records and linked external mortality data. We simulated the time to death, the time to last database activity and the time to data cutoff. We attributed death events after the last database activity to linked external mortality data and randomly set them to missing to reflect the sensitivity and specificity of contemporary real-world data sources. Two censoring schemes were evaluated: (1) censor at the last activity date without an observed death, and (2) censor at the end of data availability (data cutoff). We used bias, coverage, and rejection rate to assess the performance of each method in estimating median survival and log hazard ratios under varying amounts of incomplete mortality information and varying treatment effects, length of follow-up, and sample size.
Results
When mortality information was captured, median survival estimates were unbiased when censoring at data cutoff and underestimated when censoring at the last activity. When linked mortality information was missing, censoring at the last activity date underestimated the median survival, while censoring at the data cutoff overestimated it. As missing linked mortality information increased, bias decreased when censoring at the last activity date and increased when censoring at data-off.
Conclusions
Researchers should understand the completeness of linked external mortality information when choosing how to censor the analysis of overall survival using real-world data. Substantial bias in median survival estimates can occur if an inappropriate censoring scheme is selected. We advocate for real-world data providers to perform validation studies of their mortality data and to publish their findings to inform methodological decisions better.
Understanding Hip Contact Stress Based on Hip Morphometry and Types of Physical Activity : A Systematic Review
Authors: Indra Arief , Winarni Tri Indah , Pramono Adriyan , Jamari J. , Kamarul Tunku , Syahrom Ardiyansyah
Published: October 2023

Background
High contact stresses involving the hip have been shown to increase the risk of developing hip osteoarthritis (OA). Although several risk factors have been identified for OA, a holistic approach to predicting contributed factors towards increased hip contact stresses have not been explored. This study was conducted to comprehensively understand the effects of hip morphometry (HM) and level of physical activity on high hip contact stress as predisposing factors of hip osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods
The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42022296638. Full articles that matched our inclusion criteria were selected using PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus search engines and keywords such as “hip contact stress”, “hip contact force” and/or “hip contact pressure”. Category of factors, experimental design, results of the study, and evidence from each article were analyzed.
Results
In total 7972 papers were reviewed and resulting 11 papers in hip morphometry group and 21 papers belong to physical activity group.
Conclusions
Hip morphometry (n = 11) and physical activity (n = 21) have correlation with high hip joint contact stress in various manner. However, the reviewed studies vary in their methods. This finding suggested that this area is not well investigated and warrants future research.
ONMCA: One-Network-Multi-Chain Architecture for Customizable Asset-Oriented Blockchain Systems
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhou Wenying , Zuo Lina , Liu Haibo
Published: October 2023

The development of modern digital economies requires trusted digital asset management (DAM), for which blockchain technology is increasingly being adopted. However, the current architecture for constructing blockchain-based DAM systems (BDAMSs) is inadequate. Existing BDAMSs adopt a modified layered architecture, which enriches the database layer by adding a blockchain platform that acts as a third party to process DAM business logic with pre-written smart contracts. This architecture faces four issues that make it non-credible and non-customizable to DAM demands: 1) pseudo decentralization, 2) not asset-oriented, 3) contract dependency, and 4) high load of chains. To overcome these issues, we propose the One-Network-Multi-Chain Architecture (ONMCA), which allows multiple heterogeneous chains to be established within a same network. ONMCA enables diverse digital assets to be managed in a customizable way through the following features: 1) asset stakeholders are allowed to join the blockchain network, eliminating third parties; 2) transactions are designed to portray the changes in asset states, making the system asset-oriented; and 3) a control layer is added to take over business logic, and smart contracts are forced to regulate asset transactions full-time. We formalize ONMCA and analyze it comprehensively, and the results show that ONMCA meets the requirements of DAM and is qualified to build credible and adaptive BDAMSs.
Identification of Adult Resistant Genes to Stripe Rust in Wheat from Southwestern China Based on GWAS and WGCNA Analysis
Authors: Qiao Liang , Gao Xue , Jia Zhiqiang , Liu Xingchen , Wang Huiyutang , Kong Yixi , Qin Peng , Yang Baoju
Published: October 2023

Wheat stripe rust, which is caused by the wheat stripe rust fungus (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Pst) is one of the world’s most devastating diseases of wheat. Genetic resistance is the most effective strategy for controlling diseases. Although wheat stripe rust-resistance genes have been identified to date, only a few of them confer strong and broad-spectrum resistance. Here, the resistance of 335 wheat germplasm resources (mainly wheat landraces) from Southwestern China to wheat stripe rust was evaluated at the adult stage. Combined genome-wide association study (GWAS) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) based on RNA sequencing from stripe rust resistant accession Y0337 and susceptible accession Y0402, five candidate resistance genes to wheat stripe rust (TraesCS1B02G170200, TraesCS2D02G181000, TraesCS4B02G117200, TraesCS6A02G189300, and TraesCS3A02G122300) were identified. The transcription level analyses showed that these five genes were significantly differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible accessions post inoculation with Pst at different times. These candidate genes could be experimentally transformed to validate and manipulate fungal resistance which is beneficial for development of the wheat cultivars resistant to stripe rust.
Efficacy and safety of treat-and-extend intravitreal Brolucizumab in naive and switched patients with macular neovascularization: one-year follow-up study.
Authors: Faraldi Francesco , Lavia Carlo Alessandro , Nassisi Marco , Kilian Raphael , Rizzo Clara , Savastano Maria Cristina , Rizzo Stanislao , Giansanti Fabrizio , Bacherini Daniela
Published: October 2023

Purpose
to analyse, at one year, the efficacy and safety of treat-and-extend (T&E) intravitreal (IV) Brolucizumab in patients affected by macular neovascularization (MNV). Both naïve and previously treated (i.e. switched) patients were included.
Methods
anatomical (i.e. central subfoveal thickness, CST; presence of fluid), functional (i.e. best corrected visual acuity, BCVA) and treatment-related (i.e. number of IV injections within the study period; number of patients reaching 12-weeks IV injections interval) data from 41 eyes (41 subjects; 20 naïve, 21 switched) were analysed. Patients were treated with 3 monthly IV injections followed by a T&E regimen basing on a disease activity assessment performed at each scheduled IV treatment.
Results
significant CST reduction and BCVA improvement were observed in the naïve group while in the switched cohort both parameters were almost stable. In the naïve and switched groups, 55% and 33.5% of patients reached a 12-weeks IV injections interval at one year, with a mean of 6.55 ± 1 and 7.43 ± 0.68 IV treatments, respectively. One case of mild anterior uveitis, without sequelae, was recorded.
Conclusion
in patients with MNV, IV Brolucizumab injections following a T&E regimen demonstrated a good efficacy and safety, with greater anatomical and functional results in naïve patients.
Structural characterization of Lactobacillus plantarum M616 microcapsule powder and its in vitro digestion and colonization in gut
Authors: Liu Yanxia , Cui Yaoming , Feng Mingxing , Guo Zhenhong , Zhang Mengqi , Huang Peiyu , Lv Zeqian , Liang Wenjing , Zhang Min , Guan Junjun
Published: October 2023

Background:To enhance the stress resistance of Lactobacillus plantarum M616, various wall materials including 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, sorbitol, soybean oil, phospholipids, and enzymatically hydrolyzed soy protein were employed to prepare microcapsule powder. Results:The structural characterization involved Fourier infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning surface calorimetry, cryo-scanning electron microscopy, and fluorescent labeling. The findings revealed the formation of a microcapsule structure between the wall body and Lactobacillus plantarum M616, with the aqueous phase located externally and the oil phase encapsulating both the microcapsule and Lactobacillus plantarum M616.The storage resistance of microcapsule powder was assessed, revealing that the viable bacteria count of microcapsules stored at 4°C for 8 weeks was 1.03×109 CFU/g, indicating favorable storage resistance at 4°C. Subsequently, an in vitro simulated digestion test was conducted on the microcapsules, resulting in a viable bacteria count of 5.1×109 CFU/g after 120 minutes of gastrointestinal fluid digestion. These findings demonstrate that the microcapsule structure effectively shields Lactobacillus plantarum M616 from the detrimental effects of gastric acid's low pH and facilitates successful release in the intestine.The results of in vivo experiments conducted on microcapsules demonstrated that the utilization of microencapsulation could enhance the colonization efficiency of Lactobacillus plantarum M616 within the intestinal tract. Conclusions:Consequently, microcapsules exhibit significant potential as valuable additives for both human and animal food products.
An enzymatic cascade system based on molybdenum-derived single atom nanozyme for bacteria infected wounds treatment
Authors: Jia Haoruo , Feng Tongtong , Qu Jining , Zheng Ziyuan , Yu Hongtao , Lu Qingda , Su Fei , Yang Yating , Zhu Zhoujun , Jie Qiang
Published: October 2023

Resistant organism caused by overuse of antibiotics brings endless resistance in wound infections treatment. As a new generation of antibacterial strategy, which inspired by the irreversible oxidative damage to bacteria caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), chemodynamics therapy has drawn considerable attention in recent years. However, the chemodynamics-mediate antibacterial effect is restricted owing to the near-neutral pH and insufficient H2O2 concentration at infection site, and the addition of exogenous H2O2 would cause serious side effects. Here, a molybdenum-derived single atom nanozyme (Mo-zyme) was prepared by the coordination of nitrogen atoms in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks with single-atom molybdenum. Subsequently, glucose oxidase (GOx) loading and hyaluronic acid (HA) encapsulation were accomplished via electrostatic attraction to form the nanozyme system (Mo/GOx@HA) with enzyme-activated cascade catalyzed property. Upon Mo/GOx@HA contacts with infected tissue, the catalytic reaction was triggered by bacteria-secreted hyaluronidase (HAase), leading to glucose oxidation and lowered the local pH, which could continuously provide H2O2 for the in-situ generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) on bacteria surfaces, and advantageous to initiate the cascade-mediated antibacterial process. Wound infection treatment has demonstrated that the as-prepared Mo/GOx@HA exhibits excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. This work provided a promising enzymatic cascade reaction nanoplatform for the treatment of bacteria infected wounds.
Health-related quality of life in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in upper Egypt: A single-center study
Authors: Mahgoob Mohamed Hashem , Ali Marwa Waly Eldin
Published: October 2023

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is considered a significant health issue in Egypt, with an increased percentage of those with steroid-resistant courses. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the health-related quality of life for those children with SRNS (steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome) can contribute to improved healthcare management strategies for them.
Methods: This case control study consisted of a total of 160 participants, categorized into 3 distinct cohorts: 60 individuals with SRNS, and two control groups that were matched accordingly. The healthy control group included healthy children and a diseased control group with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) children. We use The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales) for the assessment of quality of life (QoL) in all the study participants.
Results: The mean scores of PedsQL domains in the SRNS group were found to be significantly lower compared to the SSNS group (P < 0.05) as well as the healthy control group (P = 0.01). The findings of the regression analysis revealed that duration of illness, active disease at enrolment, number of relapses, number of hospital admissions, cushingoid facies, obesity, and receiving cyclosporine, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide were found to be correlated with decreased total PedsQL scores (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study concluded that we need integrated efforts, including both pediatric nephrologists and psychiatrists, to properly evaluate and improve QoL in Egyptian children suffering from SRNS. The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales is a straightforward and convenient tool that can be utilized as a preliminary evaluation to assess the QoL in NS children.
Higher Educational Attainment Reduces the Risk of Acute Pancreatitis by Decreasing Triglycerides and the Occurrence of Cholelithiasis
Authors: Liu Xuxu , Wang Liyi , Wang Heming , Wang Qiang , Yu Jingjing , Jing Qingxu , Lv Zhenyi , Du Zhiwei , Zheng Yi , Liu Tianming , Hao Chenjun , Xue Dongbo , Zhang Yingmei
Published: October 2023

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a significant public health concern. Although a higher level of education attainment (EA) has been observed to be associated with a lower incidence of AP, the causal relationship and potential mediators remain unclear.
Method: In this study, we investigated the years of schooling as the primary indicator of EA, as well as cognitive performance and intelligence as secondary indicators. We used a large-scale database to obtain genome-wide association data on factors related to Years of schooling, cognitive performance, intelligence, cholelithiasis, triglycerides, alcohol consumption, and AP. Through two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, including inverse variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger methods, we explored the causal relationship between years of schooling, cognitive performance, intelligence, and AP. MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO were used for sensitivity analysis to address pleiotropy issues. Additionally, multivariable MR analysis helped identify independent protective factors and potential mediators.
Results: Longer years of schooling (OR=0.556, 95% CI: 0.456-0.677, P=6.01E-09), better cognitive performance (OR=0.796, 95% CI: 0.653-0.970, P=0.024), and higher intelligence (OR=0.789, 95% CI: 0.637-0.977, P=0.030) had a causal effect on reducing the incidence of AP. Furthermore, cholelithiasis and triglycerides mediated the causal relationship between years of schooling and AP risk. In this causal relationship, cholelithiasis and triglycerides together accounted for 19.6% of the mediation effect.
Conclusion:These research findings support the causal impact of education attainment on the occurrence of AP, with a substantial portion of the causal effect being mediated by modifiable risk factors. This suggests that strategies aimed at improving education levels are feasible for preventing AP, and interventions targeting cholelithiasis and triglyceride levels can reduce AP cases caused by imbalances in education attainment.