bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Pediatric Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ali Tahani , FAKHER Faihaa HKIMA ABOU , Alawir Malek , Allababidi Abdulsater , Hasan Aya Sheikh
Published: February 2024

Background:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system leading to motor, sensory, and sometimes autonomic manifestations. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), which involves the selective removal of pathological molecules, such as auto-antibodies, from plasma, has proven to be safe and effective in adults with GBS. However, its application in pediatric patients lacks sufficient evidence. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPE in pediatric patients with GBS.
Methods:
This is a single-center retrospective study of 36 GBS patients aged between 2 and 13 years. A total of 122 TPE sessions were administered, with a median of four sessions per patient. A human albumin solution was the exchange fluid in all the sessions. Clinical improvement was evaluated through general examination and muscle power assessment using the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale.
Results:
All patients showed clinical improvement upon treatment with TPE. The grade of power in the upper extremities increased from a mean of 1.7 ± 1.1 at the peak of illness to 3.7 ± 0.9 at discharge, indicating an increase of 2.0 ± 1.1 (95% CI, 1.6 to 2.4, p < 0.001). Alternatively, in the lower extremities, it increased from 1.2 ± 1.1 to 2.5 ± 0.8, indicating a significant rise of 1.4 ± 0.8 (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6, p < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the cranial, autonomic, and respiratory functions among all patients. Half of the patients were available for follow-up and showed full recovery, with six of them still exhibiting minimal residual deficits. TPE-related complications were mostly mild or moderate, with tachycardia, hypotension, and mild anemia being the most common. However, serious complications occurred in three of the patients, necessitating the discontinuation of the treatment in two of them. There was no mortality related to TPE in this study.
Conclusions:
TPE shows promise in treating pediatric GBS by accelerating the restoration of normal neurological functions and yielding better outcomes. However, balancing its benefits with potential risks requires careful clinical judgment and rigorous monitoring to ensure patient safety and optimize outcomes.
Optimizing operational performance through industry 4.0: a comprehensive model for data reliability and OEE enhancement
Authors: Anwar Meddaoui , Ahmed En-nhaili , Abdelhamid Zaki
Published: February 2024

In today's industrial context, three key elements are guiding the course of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) towards improved productivity, efficient operations, and sustainable growth. The introduction of Industry 4.0 signifies a groundbreaking shift, integrating state-of-the-art technologies into manufacturing processes and propelling industries towards heightened efficiency and competitiveness. This article deals with the crucial role of productivity measurement in SMEs and examines the impact of data reliability on operational performance assessment. It explores the strategic use of Industry 4.0 tools to enhance data reliability in processes like production, quality, and maintenance. The research focuses on designing a comprehensive model for data collection, reliability, and utilization, ultimately aiming to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) within SMEs. By showcasing the synergistic integration of Industry 4.0 advancements, the article provides practical insights for SME stakeholders to optimize operational performance. The proposed model contributes to the understanding and implementation of efficient methodologies for data management, fostering sustainable improvements using calculation of OEE within SMEs. The case study was conducted in a plastics manufacturing SME that produces components for various industries. These findings can be enhanced and improved through additional case studies to refine the proposed model.
First in vitro cell co-culture experiments using laser-induced high energy electron FLASH irradiation – potential for anti-cancer therapeutic strategies
Authors: Sima Felix , Orobeti Stefana , Sima Livia Elena , (Porosnicu) Ioana Dinca , Diplasu Constantin , Giubega Georgiana , Cojocaru Gabriel , Ungureanu Razvan , Dobrea Cosmin , Serbanescu Mihai , Mihalcea Alexandru , Stancu Elena , Staicu Cristina Elena , Jipa Florin , Bran Alexandra , Axente Emanuel , Sandel Simion , Zamfirescu Marian , Tiseanu Ion
Published: February 2024

Radiation delivery at ultra-high dose rates (UHDRs) demonstrated its potential to be used as a new anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. The FLASH effect induced by UHDR irradiation was shown to maintain anti-tumor efficacy while reducing normal tissue toxicity that limits the use of conventional radiotherapy, however, the FLASH effect was difficult to demonstrate in vitro. The new high-intensity petawatt laser-driven accelerators can deliver very high energy electrons (VHEE) at dose rates as high as 1013 Gy/s in very short pulses (10− 13 s). We present here the first in vitro experiments carried out on cancer cells and normal non-transformed cells exposed concurrently to laser-plasma accelerated (LPA) electrons. Specifically, melanoma cancer cells and normal melanocyte co-cultures grown in chamber slides were simultaneously irradiated by LPA electrons. Non-uniform dose distribution on cell cultures was revealed by gafchromic films placed behind the chamber slide supporting the cells. In parallel experiments, cell co-cultures were exposed to pulsed X-ray irradiation, serving as positive controls for radiation-induced nuclear DNA double-strand breaks. By measuring the impact on discrete areas of the cell monolayers, it was revealed that the highest propensity of damaged DNA-containing nuclei was achieved by LPA electrons at a cumulated dose of one order of magnitude lower than the dose obtained by pulsed X-ray irradiation. Interestingly, on certain discrete areas, we observed that LPA electron exposure had a different pattern of DNA damage impact on healthy NHEM melanocyte cells than on the A375 melanoma cells – normal cells were less affected than cancer cells.
A pan-cancer analysis has uncovered CCDC58, a mitochondrial gene associated with epilepsy, as a potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarker for various cancer types, including gliomas
Authors: You Zhipeng , Huang Cong , Li Jiran , Liu Yang , Wei Fan , Fan Zhijie , Liu Xingan , Sun Jiahang
Published: February 2024

Approximately 30 percent of individuals with intracranial tumors may experience seizures. Seizures can often be the first clinical symptom of glioblastoma. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an extremely significant role in both carcinogenesis and epilepsy. Therefore, exploring the common pathogenesis of glioma and epilepsy will help to identify potential therapeutic targets for both. We first screened the eight MitDEGs most closely related to epilepsy using the Epilepsy and Mitochondrial Gene Database, and by building a diagnostic model of the disease, we found that CCDC58 had the highest diagnostic value in epilepsy, and CCDC58 has been seldom reported in epilepsy as well as in other diseases. Therefore, we chose CCDC58 as a key molecule for subsequent pan-cancer analysis. Based on our research, CCDC58 exhibits significant expression in several types of cancer, including gliomas, and a robust correlation exists between CCDC58 expression and cancer prognosis. Age, Race, and WHO classification are among the clinicopathological characteristics that have been linked to the gene expression level of CCDC58 in gliomas. Additionally, extensive pan-cancer analyses have revealed a substantial association between the degree of immune cell infiltration into the tumor and the epilepsy-associated mitochondrial gene CCDC58, as well as important indicators such as TMB and MSI. Our in vitro experiments confirm that CCDC58 acts as an oncogene, promoting the growth, migration, and invasiveness of glioma cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that the epilepsy-associated mitochondrial gene CCDC58 shows potential as a prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarker for various cancer types, including glioma.
Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization Coupled by Machine Learning Technique for Estimating Relative Permeability and Capillary Pressure Functions During Low-Salinity Flood
Authors: Khosravi Razieh , Simjoo Mohammad , Chahardowli Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Experimental methods to estimate the relative permeability and capillary pressure data are expensive and time-consuming, thus evolutionary and stochastic algorithms to estimate these parameters could be a promising solution. This study aims to determine the relative permeability and capillary pressure functions of a heterogeneous sandstone core in the presence and absence of clay during low-salinity water flood. The relative permeability and capillary pressure data were determined by automatic history matching recovery factor and pressure drop results from previously lab-reported data, through coupling a simulator with the particle swarm optimization algorithm. A series of correlations were proposed based on multiple-linear regression for relative permeability parameters at the desired low-salinity conditions. They were validated against experimental results of no clay and clayey formation with regression of 95% and 97%, and MSE of 1.2E-04 and 8E-05. One single curve for relative permeability and capillary pressure obtained from averaging methods was assigned to the grid cells for core scale low-salinity flood simulation. Accordingly, the effect of salinity and clay content on the obtained curves was investigated. The proposed hybrid method could be a suitable tool to estimate relative permeability and capillary pressure functions at the core and field level of the water-based EOR methods.
Characteristics of Historical Earthquake Sequences and Seismogenic Background around Jiaokou Reservoir, eastern China
Authors: Gao Yajing , Wang Zhenjie , Zhang Qi , Sun Yunqiang
Published: February 2024

The Jiaokou Reservoir area is one of the areas with relatively frequent seismicity in Zhejiang, eastern China. We made an analysis and summary of seismicity near Jiaokou Reservoir from 1983 to 2022 using data such as seismic waveforms from stations, earthquake catalogs, and seimic observation reports. Firstly, we analyzed spatio-temporal variations of historical seismicity and b-values of earthquake sequences around Jiaokou Reservoir in different periods. Then, we used HypoDD method to relocate events after 2008, and used CAP and HASH methods to obtain focal mechanisms of events with ML ≥ 3.0 after 2008. Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of earthquake distribution, stress field, seismogenic structures, and seismogenic mechanisms in the region. The main views are as follows: (1) The relocation results indicate that the narrow-band distribution characteristics of earthquake sequences after 2008 around Jiaokou Reservoir are apparent, with a strike of roughly NW-SE 110° and a high dip angle of roughly SW 70-80°. (2) The focal mechanisms show that these events are basically left-lateral strike-slip rupture form. Combined with relocation results, it is inferred that the seismogenic fault is close to a nodal plane with a strike of 99°, dip of SW 73°, and rake of -5°. (3) P-axis directions of Jiaokou events are NE-SW, and T-axis directions are NW-SE, with relatively small dip angles, which shows the near horizontal compression in NE-SW and near horizontal tension in NW-SE. The two directions of tension and compression axes are consistent with the stress field directions of eastern China. (4) Combined with the tectonic features of fault zones around Jiaokou Reservoir area, it is inferred that the main seismogenesis structures of events after 2008 may be minor strike-slip faults with a strike of NW-SE (about 99-110°) and a high dip angle of SW (about 70-80°), which are located in Changxing-Fenghua fault zone system. (5) Under the influence of water infiltration and corrosion in Jiaokou Reservoir, the fracture strength of underground rock decreases, the fault plane softens, and the friction strength decreases. Due to far-field tectonic loading and interaction between Changxing-Fenghua and Yuyao-Lishui fault systems, stress on faults in Changxing-Fenghua fault system had reached a critical and unstable state, triggering earthquakes around the reservoir. Jiaokou earthquakes belong to the "triggered type".
Attending a patient education seminar before body-contouring surgery and its effect on total time admitted to hospital and postsurgical opioid use - a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Poulsen Signe , Sollie Martin
Published: February 2024

Objective: To investigate whether attending a one-day patient education seminar before body-contouring surgery after massive weight loss surgery could affect postsurgical opioid use and the total time admitted to the hospital. Secondly, we wanted to see if other patient characteristics could influence the above variables.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing body-contouring surgery at our department from April 2017 to December 2020. All patients had been invited to attend our patient education seminar prior to surgery, with around half accepting the invitation.
Results: We included a total of 276 patients. One hundred fifty patients had attended the patient education seminar and were compared to the one hundred and twenty-six who did not participate. Attending a patient education seminar prior to body-contouring surgery was associated with reduced total admission time after surgery. It did not affect the use of postoperative analgesics. Previous gastric bypass and previous body-contouring surgery were associated with a shorter duration of stay. Males reported higher use of analgesics compared to women. More extensive surgery, such as abdominoplasty and circular body lift, was associated with a longer stay duration than more minor procedures such as thighplasty, upper arm lift, and chest correction.
Conclusion: Our results indicate that attending a patient education seminar could reduce the total admission time in relation to their body-contouring surgery. As a result of this study, we have made participation in the patient education seminar mandatory before body-contouring surgery.
Practice implications: Healthcare personnel should be aware of the importance of proper pre-operative preparation and, if feasible, arrange a patient education seminar. They should also be aware of other factors that could affect hospital admission time, such as previous gastric bypass and previous body-contouring surgery. The area of surgery and gender of the patients could also affect the need for analgesics after surgery.
Comparison of prognosis for locally advanced T4b rectal cancer with different pelvic compartment involvement treated using neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and implications for refinement of the current TNM staging system
Authors: Zhang Yang-zi , Song Maxiaowei , Li Shuai , Tie Jian , Wang Hong-zhi , Geng Jian-hao , Zhu Xiang-gao , Liu Zhi-yan , Li Yong-heng , Wu Ai-wen , Cai Yong , Wang Wei-hu
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Although classified as one stage, T4b rectal cancer actually represents a group of heterogeneous diseases. Our study aimed to assess the prognosis of locally advanced T4b rectal cancer involving inferior pelvic and other pelvic compartments. This information may be helpful in further refinement of the current TNM staging system.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed data from 195 patients with magnetic resonance imaging-identified locally advanced T4b rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy between January 2010 and December 2019. 104 patients had only inferior pelvic compartment involvement (group A) while 91 patients had anterior, posterior or lateral pelvic compartment involvement (group B). Short-term and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results
After neoadjuvant therapy, 80.8% of patients (84/104) in group A and 92.3% of patients (84/91) in group B underwent surgery. The R0 resection rates were 97.6% and 89.3%, respectively (P = 0.061). In addition, 8.7% patients (9/104) in group A achieved clinical complete response and adopted watch-and-wait strategy. Patients in group A had significantly superior 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) (67.8% vs. 55.5%, P = 0.032) and overall survival (OS) (89.6% vs. 71.8%, P = 0.001) than group B. Multivariable Cox regression analysis also identified pelvic compartment involvement classification as an independent predictor of OS (hazard ratio 3.477, P = 0.004).
Conclusion
T4b rectal cancers with only inferior pelvic compartment involvement had superior prognosis than those involving other pelvic compartments. These differences should be investigated further and taken into consideration in refinement of the TNM staging system.
Theoretical and experimental study on ballistic performance of CFRP laminates under high velocity impact
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yao Changfeng , Dai Hui , Xin Hongmin , Li Guangping
Published: February 2024

This work investigated the ballistic performance of CFRP laminates with different thicknesses using a ballistic gun testing apparatus. By combining high-speed camera and recovered target plates, the failure mechanisms of CFRP laminates under high-velocity impact were revealed. The results showed that due to the combined action of compressive and shear loads, fiber fracture, matrix crushing, and splitting along the fiber direction mainly occurred on the impact face of the target plate. The back face of the target plateprimarily appeared fiber fracture and delamination failure under tensile loading condition. When the projectile impact velocity exceeds the ballistic limit, the energy absorption value of the target plate becomes relatively flat, and the average energy absorption and the ballistic limit of CFRP laminates of the target plate increases with the increase of plate thickness. The rigid projectile perforation model by Chen & Li can predict the ballistic performance of spherical projectiles impacting CFRP laminates at high velocity well. Furthermore, it’s better to match the theoretical prediction model of the target plate inertia effect and the experimental data.
Chemically Modified MicroRNA Delivery via DNA Tetrahedral Frameworks for Dental Pulp Regeneration
Authors: Wei Xiaoling , Xu Huaxing , Zhou Mengqi , Zhou Qiangqiang , Li Mingqiang , Liu Yuehua
Published: February 2024

Dental pulp regeneration is a promising strategy for addressing tooth disorders. Incorporating this strategy involves the fundamental challenge of establishing functional vascular networks using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to support tissue regeneration. Current therapeutic approaches lack efficient and stable methods for activating DPSCs. In the study, we used a chemically modified microRNA (miRNA)-loaded tetrahedral-framework nucleic acid nanostructure to promote DPSC-mediated angiogenesis and dental pulp regeneration. Incorporating chemically modified miR-126-3p into tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (miR@TDNs) represents a notable advancement in the stability and efficacy of miRNA delivery into DPSCs. These nanostructures enhanced DPSC proliferation , migration, and upregulated angiogenesis-related genes, enhancing their paracrine signaling effects on endothelial cells. This enhanced effect was substantiated by improvements in endothelial cell tube formation, migration, and gene expression. Moreover, in vivo investigations employing matrigel plug assays and 1 ectopic dental pulp transplantation confirmed the potential of miR@TDNs in promoting angiogenesis and facilitating dental pulp regeneration. Our findings demonstrated the potential of chemically modified miRNA-loaded nucleic acid nanostructures in enhancing DPSC-mediated angiogenesis and supporting dental pulp regeneration. These results highlighted the promising role of chemically modified nucleic acid-based delivery systems as therapeutic agents in regenerative dentistry and tissue engineering.
Experiences of externalisation in recovery from anorexia nervosa: a reflexive thematic analysis
Authors: Cripps Sophie Charlotte , Serpell Lucy , Pugh Matthew
Published: February 2024

Background: Many individuals perceive anorexia nervosa (AN) as a part of their personal identity. Externalisation involves making the “problem” a separate entity, external to the individual. It is an attitude taken by the client and family, stimulated by the therapist to build engagement with treatment and supportive relationships around the individual. Externalisation is used in NICE recommended treatments for AN, however there is a paucity of research exploring the therapeutic effects of this approach. This research aims to address this gap by exploring the role of externalisation in treatment for AN to elicit an understanding of how this practice can help and hinder recovery.
Methods: This qualitative study used a reflexive thematic analysis. Thirteen adults with a current and/ or past diagnosis of AN participated in semi-structured interviews.
Analysis: Participants described their experience of externalisation as a journey which is depicted by five themes. ‘Separation’ portrays the separation of the individual’s internal dialogue from the ‘self’. ‘Making sense of AN’ describes the experience of language and exercises used to separate AN. ‘A third entity in relationships’ illustrates the impact of externalisation on relationships. ‘A relationship with AN’ elucidates the use of externalisation to explore the function and effects of the individual’s relationship to AN. ‘Managing AN’ explains the experience of a continued relationship with the externalised AN entity post-treatment.
Conclusions: The notion of separating one’s internal dialogue from one’s concept of self may initially be rejected. As the individual develops trust in the therapist, they may begin to realise two sides within them, the “healthy self” (HS) and the “anorexia voice” (AV). However, social-cultural discourses around eating contribute to ambiguity during the dichotomous categorisation of thoughts. Externalising practices were most helpful when led by the individual using their own experience-near language. Externalisation which did not permit the individual to feel seen as a person beyond AN was hindering to recovery. Therapists, treatment teams and family members should be cognisant of the emotional effects of language used to externalise AN. Future research should elicit an understanding of the experience of externalisation among a diverse sample of young people and families.
Analysis of lettuce transcriptome reveals the mechanism of different light/dark cycle in promoting the growth and quality
Authors: Dai Mengdi , Tan Xiangfeng , Ye Ziran , Chen Xuting , Zhang Yi , Ruan Yunjie , Ma Bin , Kong Dedong
Published: February 2024

Light/dark cycle plays a crucial role in controlling the production and quality of vegetables. However, the mechanism of light/dark cycle on vegetable growth and quality is scarce studied. To investigate the impact of light/dark cycle on lettuce growth and quality, we designed three diel scenarios, including 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness (1C), 12 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness (1.3C), and 8 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness (2C). Lettuce grew taller under the 2C scenario than under 1C light cycle scenarios. Under the 2C scenario, the lettuce leaves exhibited greater enhancements in the levels of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and carotenoid content compared to the other scenarios. By comparing the expression levels under different diel scenarios (1C vs 1.3C, 1C vs 2C, and 1.3C vs 2C), we identified 7,209 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Additionally, 3 gene modules that were closely related to light/dark cycle of lettuce were selected by WGCNA analysis. The eigengenes of three gene modules were enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, sphingolipid metabolism, and nucleocytoplasmic transport pathways. Through network analysis, we identified six hub genes (CIP1, SCL34, ROPGEF1, ACD6, CcmB, and Rps4) in the three gene modules, which were dominant in plant circadian rhythms and greatly affected lettuce growth. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the diurnal response patterns of the 6 hub genes in different treatments were significant. This study intensively enhanced our comprehension of the light/dark cycle in the growth morphology, nutritional quality, and metabolic pathways of lettuce.
Physiological pharmacology education: The effects of acombined problem‑based learning and flipped classroom teaching method
Authors: An Junxia
Published: February 2024

Background: Some studies have primarily implemented problem-based learning (PBL) or flipped classroom (FC) teaching models in different majors; however, research has not been conducted on the combined PBL-FC teaching method in physiological pharmacology education. Therefore, we investigated the effects of the combined PBL-FC method in teaching physiological pharmacology.
Methods: A total of 102 second-year chemistry students and 93 third-year students majoring in pharmaceutical engineering at Northwest Normal University participated in this study. Antihypertensive agents were administered in this study. A total of 56 second-year chemistry students in Grade 2021 and 48 third-year students majoring in pharmaceutical engineering in Grade 2020 were allocated to the PBL-FC group, whereas 46 second-year chemistry students in Grade 2020 and 45 third-year students majoring in pharmaceutical engineering in Grade 2019 were allocated to the traditional lecture-based classroom group. A pre-quiz and a post-quiz were conducted before and after the classes. All quiz questions were classified into two categories based on Bloom’s taxonomy: basic theoretical knowledge and clinical case analyses. The results were compared and the students had to complete a questionnaire to evaluate their perceptions and experiences.
Results: The average scorein the post-quiz was higher than that of the pre-quiz for both the PBL-FC and traditional groups. In addition, the post-quiz showed that the students in the PBL-FC group scored significantly higher than the students in the traditional group. Further analysis revealed that only the difference in clinical case analysis between the PBL-FC and the traditional group was significant after the course. Scores for all questionnaire items were higher in the PBL-FC group than in the traditional group. Most students agreed that the combined teaching method helped them to improve their performance, although it increased their workload.
Conclusions: The combined flipped classroom and PBL teaching approach is a better option than the traditional lecture-based classroom for teaching antihypertensive medication during physiological pharmacology teaching, although it increases students’ workload. Further optimization is required to ensure a wider acceptance and implementation.
GC-MS with Нeadspace Extraction for non-invasive Diagnostics of IBD dynamics in a Model of DSS-induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Shagaleeva Olga Yu. , Kashatnikova Daria A. , Kardonsky Dmitry A. , Danilova Elena Yu. , Ivanov Viktor A. , Evsiev Suleiman S. , Zubkov Eugene A. , Abramova Olga V. , Zorkina Yana A. , Morozova Anna Y. , Konanov Dmitry N. , Silantiev Artemiy S. , Efimov Boris A. , Kolesnikova Irina V. , Bespyatykh Julia A. , Stimpson Joanna , Zakharzhevskaya Natalya B.
Published: February 2024

Background/Aims: Inflammatory bowel diseases are extremely common throughout the world. However, in most cases its asymptomatic at the initial stage. Therefore, it is important to develop non-invasive diagnostic methods that allow identification of the IBD risks in timely manner. It’s well known that gastrointestinal microbiota secreted volatile compounds (VOCs) and its composition may change in IBD. We propose a non-invasive method to identify the dynamics of IBD development in the acute and remission stage at the level of VOCs in stool of rats with chemically induced colitis measured by headspace GC/MS (HS GC/MS).
Methods: VOCs profile was identified using a headspace GC/MS (HS GC/MS). GC/MS data were processed using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 ( http://www.metaboanalyst.ca ) and GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software. The disease activity index (DAI) and histological method were used to assess intestinal inflammation.
Results: The peak of intestine inflammation activity was reached on day 7, according to the disease activity index. Histological examination data showed changes in intestine due to different in inflammation stages. As the acute inflammation stage was reached, the metabolomic profile also underwent changes especially at short-fatty acids level. In remission stage, disease activity indexes decreased, and the histological picture also improved. But metabolome changes continued despite the withdrawal of the DSS examination.
Conclusions: We observed changes in the metabolomic profile in the DSS model when a high inflammatory activity index was achieved. When DSS exposure was discontinued, the volatile profile was expected to return to initial levels. However, VOC levels continued to increase, indicating that reconstruction of microbiota composition continues even in remission. Thus, we hypothesize that with minor inflammatory damage to the intestinal mucosa, comparable to the initial stage of IBD development, changes in the composition of the microbiome are observed, which can be recorded by determining of VOCs.
Elucidating Synergistic Effect of In-Situ Hybrid Process Towards Paraquat Abatement
Authors: Pandey Yamini , Dhindsa Aarsee , Verma Anoop , Toor Amrit Pal
Published: February 2024

Presence of non-biodegradable organic compounds, mainly pesticides in water bodies peril humans as well as aquatic life. Paraquat (PQ) is one such widely used Class II herbicide associated with Parkinson’s disease. Herein, pristine TiO2 (PT), as well as metal (Fe-PT, Ni-PT) and nonmetal (C-PT, S-PT), modified TiO2 was synthesized using hydrothermal treatment for mineralization and degradation of PQ. The crystallite size from XRD exhibited the prepared catalysts to be nanomaterials while FESEM confirmed the nanorod formation. Moreover, morphological analysis established the occurrence of doping in PT. Through optical properties, reduction in band gap from 3.2 eV to 2.4 eV was found which was accompanied by decrease in electron-hole recombination rate. Further, nanocomposites were investigated for PQ removal with S-PT depicting 93% degradation under solar radiations followed by Fe-PT degrading 87% PQ indicating that with optimum doping levels and proper reduction of band gap, TiO2 can be made more enthusiastic towards degradation and remediation process. Further, hybrid process employing photocatalysis and photo-Fenton simultaneously was utilised by synthesising Fe-S-PT, a codoped catalyst. This codoped Fe-S-PT resulted in a sharp decrement of 47% in processing time which is attributed to the presence of OH˙ and e−. Moreover, a degradation mechanism for Fe-S-PT was proposed along with the evaluation of extent of mineralization taking place. Lately, intermediates formed during the process were identified. Overall, study is extremely significant towards providing a practical and economical solution for PQ degradation using hybrid process within 80 mins at the benign pH of 6.3.
C-terminal region of Rv1039c (PPE15) protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis targets host mitochondria to induce macrophage apoptosis
Authors: Priyanka Taank , Sharma Sadhna , Sharma Monika
Published: February 2024

The genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) encodes a unique family called Proline-Glutamate/Proline-Proline-Glutamate (PE/PPE) gene family, which is exclusive to pathogenic mycobacterium. Several proteins of this family are known to be virulent and utilize host signalling and cell death pathways leading to host immune response modulation, but functions of many of the PE/PPE proteins are yet to be identified. We studied the Rv1039c (PPE15) protein, which is known to be expressed at later stages of infection and known to be upregulated during dormancy. The C-terminal region of Rv1039c was found to be disordered, coiled and hydrophobic in nature and was observed to target the mitochondria of THP1 macrophages. Rv1039c with a deleted C-terminal reduced the mitochondrial perturbations, resulting in reduced depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and the generation of mitochondrial superoxides. The C-terminal region of Rv1039c is responsible for activation of caspases 3, 7 and 9 along with enhanced expression of pro-apoptotic factors like Bax and Bim. Rv1039c also induced Cytochrome-C release from the mitochondria. Additionally, the C-terminal region of Rv1039c was observed to upregulate the expression levels of TLR4-NF-κB-TNF-α and antigen presenting HLA-DR molecules. These findings revealed that the C-terminal region of Rv1039c is a molecular mimic of a pro-apoptotic host protein, inducing mitochondria-dependent macrophage apoptosis.
Orthanq: transparent and uncertainty-aware haplotype quantification with application in HLA-typing
Authors: Uzuner Hamdiye , Köster Johannes , Schadendorf Dirk , Paschen Annette
Published: February 2024

Background Identification of Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types from DNA-sequenced human samples is important in organ transplantation and cancer immunotherapy and remains a challenging task considering sequence homology and extreme polymorphism of HLA genes.
Results We present Orthanq, a novel statistical model and corresponding application for transparent and uncertainty-aware quantification of haplotypes. We utilize our approach to perform HLA typing while, for the first time, reporting uncertainty of predictions and transparently observing mutations beyond reported HLA types. Using 99 gold standard samples from 1000 Genomes, Illumina Platinum Genomes and Genome In a Bottle projects, we show that Orthanq can provide superior accuracy and shorter runtimes than state-of-the-art HLA typers.
Conclusions Orthanq is is the first approach that allows to directly utilize existing pangenome alignments and type all HLA loci. Moreover, it can be generalized for usages beyond HLA typing, e.g. for virus lineage quantification. Orthanq is available under https://orthanq.github.io.
Identifying Loci in Mobility Networks with Applications in New Zealand Work Commutes : A Statistical Test for Identifying Extreme Stationary Distribution Values in Markov Transition Matrices
Authors: Kane Michael , Gilani Owais , Khusainova Elena , Urbanek Simon
Published: February 2024

Human mobility describes physical patterns of movement of people within a spatial system. Many of these patterns, including daily commuting, are cyclic and quantifiable. These patterns capture physical phenomena tied to processes studied in epidemiology, and other social, behavioral, and economic sciences.This paper advances human mobility research by proposing a statistical method for identifying locations that individual move {\em to and through} at a rate proportionally higher than other locations, using commuting data for the country of New Zealand as a case study. These locations are termed {\em mobility loci} and they capture a global property of communities in which people commute. The method makes use of a directed-graph representation where vertices correspond to locations and traffic between locations correspond to edge weights. Following a normalization, the graph can be regarded as a Markov chain whose stationary distribution can be calculated. The proposed permutation procedure is then applied to determine which stationary distribution values are larger than what would be expected, given the structure of the directed graph and traffic between locations. The results of this method are evaluated, including a comparison to what is already known about commuting patterns in the area as well as a comparison with similar features.
Metabolic variables are associated with colorectal neoplasia in an Australian outpatient population
Authors: Kumar Rina , Brown Allison , Okano Satomi , Simms Lisa , Lord Anton , O’Sullivan Timothy , Hartel Gunter , Radford-Smith Graham
Published: February 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths within the Australian population. Colonoscopy and polypectomy represent effective forms of prevention. Factors such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia have been linked to adenoma development across a range of ethnicities, however there are limited data from the Australian population. This study investigates established and potential risk factors for early colorectal neoplasia in an Australian population.
Methods: This was a prospective, observational case-control study in subjects aged 20-85 years, referred for outpatient colonoscopy. Clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical variables were collected at baseline. Polyps were classified as conventional adenomas or sessile serrated lesions, and correlated with clinical and biochemical variables.
Results: The study included 357 subjects, median age 55 years (IQR: 43.0 – 64.0), and 52.9% were female. 41.7% had metabolic syndrome. Individuals with increased triglyceride (aOR: 2.23; 95%CI: 1.05 – 4.73) demonstrated a positive association with advanced adenoma. Multiple positive associations were observed in those over 40 years and with a BMI ≥ 25, including any polyp (aOR: 2.26; 95%CI: 1.22 – 4.18); adenoma (aOR: 2.64; 95%CI: 1.31 – 5.31); and, advanced adenoma (aOR: 3.30; 95%CI: 1.29 – 8.47).
Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that elevated BMI is an independent risk factor for colorectal neoplasia in Australians undergoing colonoscopy. Further efforts should be focused on both diet and weight optimization in the general population given these findings and the recent national statistics indicating that almost two-thirds of the population are either overweight or obese.
Warming effects on plant regrowth after clipping are modified by repeated clipping in Mongolian pasture species
Authors: Hu Richa , Yoshihara Yu , Gantsetseg Batdelger , Kinugasa Toshihiko
Published: February 2024

Global warming may pose a threat to the productivity of grazed grasslands. In this study, we investigated changes in the warming response of aboveground regrowth with the repetition of simulated grazing in two Mongolian pasture species, Agropyron cristatum and Stipa krylovii. Plants were grown under warming or non-warming conditions and subjected to repeated clipping of aboveground parts three times at 4-week intervals. Aboveground parts collected at each clipping and whole plants harvested at the end of the experiment were dried and weighed. In both species, warming had little effect on regrowth when clipping was repeated one or two times. In A. cristatum, however, warming significantly diminished regrowth when clipping was repeated three times. Belowground biomass decreased with clipping–regrowth cycles only in A. cristatum, and the decline was enhanced by warming, implying that the depletion of belowground reserves contributed to the reduction of regrowth in this species. Our results suggest that warming would likely have little effect on regrowth performance of grassland plants under lightly grazed conditions, but warming can decrease regrowth when grazing frequency is high, with the degree of decrease being species dependent.
Anterior Segment Ocular Coherence Tomography (as-oct) Based Central Corneal Epithelial Thickness (Ccet) as a Potential Biomarker for Diabetic Keratopathy: an Observational Study on Diabetic Patients in North India
Authors: Kaushik Jaya , SINGH ANKITA , Jha Rakesh , Bhatta Sunandan , Chauhan Neha , Agrawal Ishan , Parihar Jitendra Kumar Singh
Published: February 2024

Background: The effect of Diabetes Mellitus on central corneal epithelial thickness (CCET) and central corneal thickness (CCT) can be measured by the non-invasive ASOCT technique, which may serve as the potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for detecting diabetic-induced keratopathy in the early stage
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate central corneal epithelial thickness (CCET) and central corneal thickness (CCT) among diabetic subjects and to compare the results with non-diabetic subjects.
Design: Observational cross-sectional study
Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center of in North India, wherein (n=75 eyes) of 75 diabetic patients (diabetic group) and (n=75 eyes) of 75 healthy subjects (control group) underwent Anterior Segment Ocular coherence tomography (AS-OCT) based measurement of CCET and CCT corresponding to 5-mm diameter area of the cornea. Tear film breakup time (TBUT) and Schirmer's test measurements were recorded. The data obtained were compared between the diabetic and control group.
Results: The mean CCET in the diabetic group (47.09 ± 7.09 µm) was thinner compared to the control group (50.19 ± 5.92 µm), and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.004). There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.85) between the mean CCT in the diabetic group (520.21 ± 35.01 µm) and the control group (519.04 ± 40.32 µm). The mean TBUT was significantly lower among the diabetic group (p=0.001), but the Schirmer test values were non-significant (p= 0.06). In the diabetic group, the duration of diabetes had a statistically significant negative correlation with CCET (Rs=-0.81) and TBUT (Rs=-0.51).
Conclusion: The CCET and TBUT were reduced among diabetic subjects, and the reduction was higher with the increased disease duration. The measurement of baseline CCET and T-BUT values along with serial monitoring may be a valuable tool to detect the early progression of diabetic eye disease and may emerge as a valid adjunctive biomarker for diabetic keratopathy.
Dietary Diversity and Food Variety as Indicators of Nutritional Status of the Elderly Karbi Population of Kamrup district, Assam
Authors: Goswami Ritu Geu , Thakur Mini Bhattacharyya
Published: February 2024

A study was conducted to assess the food variety and dietary diversity among elderly Karbi population of Kamrup district of Assam. The data was collected by using schedules for socio-demographic profile, food frequency, 24 hr-recall method and anthropometric measurements. A total of 154 elderly male and female population of Karbi tribe of Dimoria block of Kamrup district in the age group of 60 to 80 years were selected by using purposive random sampling method. Elderly with spinal curvatures was not encountered in the study population. Body Mass Index was determined by measuring the height and weight of the selected respondents by using standard procedures. Results revealed that the mean BMI were above 18.5 kg/m2. The results showed that the Karbi elderly population included variety of foods and dietary diversity was good. The food habits and consumption pattern, dietary intake and nutritional status of the studied Karbi elderly population was satisfactory in comparison to other tribal groups of India. Overall, it may be stated that the studied Karbi population were in good physical, mental and social health because of their conventional food habits, dietary diversity, consumption pattern and quantity of food consumed along with a conducive family environment.
"Analyzing Survival Predictors and Treatment Strategies in Gallbladder Cancer: A Comprehensive Survival Analysis Study": Single center experience over 10 years
Authors: Nellikoppad Hareesh Shanthappa , Pandey Anshuman , Sarda Hitesh , Regmi Sudip , Singh Bhanu Pratap , Yadav Ajay , Singh Rahul
Published: February 2024

Background/ Aims
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) known for its grim prognosis. A multitude of factors exert influence on the outcomes. Combining diverse treatment approaches holds promise for survival benefit. This study aims to analyse prognostic factors of GBC, feasibility of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and outcome of incidental tumors.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of operated patients between 2012 and 2022, and prospective analysis of patients who received NACT. Information on demographics, treatment, histopathology, and follow-up collected. Categorical and continuous variables assessed using log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard analysis, respectively. p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Of 127 patients, 40 patients were from NACT group. Of 94 patients who underwent surgery, 7 patients (Response rate 17.5%) from NACT group. Median follow-up period was 31 months, Forty six patients (56%) had disease recurrence. Estimated 1and 3year DFS rates were 73% and 47%, respectively. The median OS was 58, 46, 22 and 11 months in Stage I, II, III, and IV respectively. Inferior OS and DFS were seen with Node positive tumour, pT3/T4 tumour, perineural invasion (PNI), Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and tumour differentiation. Incidental tumours didn’t show no survival difference compared to primary GBC cases.
Conclusion
NACT necessitates improvement in patient selection and refinement of effective regimens through further randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Factors such as Stage, Nodal spread, LVI and PNI influence OS and DFS. Embracing a multimodal approach for GBC holds promise for enhancing patient survival. Notably, the timing of surgery for incidental GBC has shown to yield improved outcomes.
Ion sensing with a calix[4]arene bifunctional receptor with thiosemicarbazone moieties and naphthalene chromophore
Authors: Gómez-Machuca Horacio , Quiroga-Campano Cinthia , Pessoa-Mahana Hernán , Saitz Claudio
Published: February 2024

We have developed a chemosensor using calix[4]arene, which features a thiosemicarbazone binding unit and a naphthalene chromogenic group. Our objective was to understand the intricate binding affinity of these chemosensors towards a diverse range of anions and cations using UV-Visible, HNMR and IR spectroscopic techniques. We show that the chemosensor forms complexes with Ag(I), Cu (II), CN− and F− ions. To understand the complexation behavior, our analysis provides information on the interaction patterns between the receptors and the ions. The sulfur and imine nitrogen on the thiosemicarbazone substituent are vital sites of engagement for cation ions, as evidenced by the observed changes in IR. Studies with anions in HNMR indicate the participation of the thiosemicarbazone hydrogens in the interaction. The interactions that take place during complex formation lead to changes in the color of the solution or solid complex. Our study improves the understanding of molecular recognition in this chemosensor, emphasizing its potential for ion- selective detection.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of Phytoene desaturase in pigeonpea and groundnut
Authors: Prasad Kalyani , Gadeela Harika , Bommineni Pradeep Reddy , Reddy Palakolanu Sudhakar , Tyagi Wricha , Yogendra Kalenahalli
Published: February 2024

The CRISPR/Cas9 technology, renowned for its ability to induce precise genetic alterations in various crop species, has encountered challenges in its application to grain legume crops such as pigeonpea and groundnut. Despite attempts at gene editing in groundnut, the low rates of transformation and editing have impeded its widespread adoption in producing genetically modified plants. This study seeks to establish an effective and stable CRISPR/Cas9 system in pigeonpea and groundnut through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, with a focus on targeting the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene. The PDS gene is pivotal in carotenoid biosynthesis, and its disruption leads to albino phenotypes and dwarfism. Two constructs (one each for pigeonpea and groundnut) were developed for the PDS gene, and transformation was carried out using different explants (leaf petiolar tissue for pigeonpea and cotyledonary nodes for groundnut). By adjusting the composition of the growth media and refining Agrobacterium infection techniques, transformation efficiencies of 15.2% in pigeonpea and 20% in groundnut were achieved. Mutation in PDS resulted in albino phenotype, with editing efficiencies ranging from 4–6%. Sequence analysis uncovered a nucleotide deletion (A) in pigeonpea and an A insertion in groundnut, leading to a premature stop codon and, thereby, an albino phenotype. This research offers a significant foundation for the swift assessment and enhancement of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technologies in legume crops.