bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of mucilage and drying and wetting cycles on rhizosheath development
Authors: Rahim Riffat , Amelung Wulf , Siebers Nina
Published: November 2023

Aims: Mucilage is vital for rhizosheath formation, the soil adhering to plant roots after gentle shaking. We hypothesized that alternating drying-wetting cycles affect mucilage's role in rhizosheath development and soil aggregation within the rhizosphere. To explore this, we employed flax cord as an artificial root model, subjecting it to soils with varying clay contents (22% and 32%), both sterilized and unsterilized.
Methods: We moistened the model roots with 0.12 g of dry chia seed mucilage per g of water and incubated them under controlled conditions. Soil moisture levels were maintained at 75% of water holding capacity (reference) & subjected to five dry-wet (DW) cycles, mimicking wet-dry fluctuations. Control experiments omitted mucilage addition. Subsequently, we isolated the rhizosheath through gentle shaking and analyzed surrounding soil particle-size distribution and aggregate properties using laser diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Results: Mucilage presence doubled the rhizosheath quantity compared to mucilage-free soil. Remarkably, constant wet conditions had an even more pronounced impact, significantly enhancing rhizosheath development, particularly in unsterilized soil with 22% clay. Conversely, DW cycles led to a notable reduction in rhizosheath compared to the wet treatment, likely due to physical interactions affecting rhizosheath formation. Notably, there were minimal treatment effects on particle aggregation outside the rhizosheath, with an average diameter of < 10 µm and limited influence from the water regime.
Conclusions: We conclude that water regime emerged as the key factor influencing mucilage's contribution to rhizosheath formation, while clay content and microbial activity played minor roles in this laboratory-based experiment.
Single Cell Atlas of Murine Crypt with Acute Radiation Enteritis
Authors: Chang Xudong , Li Hongyu , Guo Xiaozhong , Wang Le , Liu Han , Sun Guangchen , Chen Jiang , Gao Fei
Published: November 2023

Although intestinal stem cells (ISC) from the basement of the intestinal crypt play an essential role in intestinal mucosal repair and epithelial regeneration, and stem cell transplantation is effective in treating rats and dogs with radioactive enteritis, there is still a dearth of relevant research. We performed extensive single-cell sequencing of colon crypts and immune cells in irradiated enteritis mice. We presented the significant differences in cell clusters of mice intestinal crypts after radiation, and further identified the significantly differentially expressed gene PLAC8, a novel specific marker of radio-inflammatory damage in Goblet cells. Our results further confirm the plasticity of Goblet cells in radiation enteritis, and the upregulation of the PLAC8 gene promotes Goblet cells' involvement in epithelial regeneration, providing new insights into the molecular pathways of radiation injury-induced regeneration and fundamental data for the treatment of radiation enteritis.
An Efficient Forward Semi-Lagrangian Model
Authors: Sun Wen Yih
Published: November 2023

An efficient forward trajectory model is proposed, in which the property and position of the fluids advected from the Euler coordinates to the Lagrangian coordinates can be accurately evaluated. After sorting and aligning those fluid elements on the irregular Lagrangian curves, we apply the cubic or other high-degree polynomials to interpolate the properties of the elements from the irregular curves to the regular grids. There is no need to solve the cubic equations and the associated coefficients as proposed previously. The model is very simple, accurate, and much more efficient than the previous models. It also allows higher-order polynomials to be employed in the interpolations. It is suitable for simulating the multi-dimensional fast-moving flows with large Courant Numbers, the transport of pollutants in the atmosphere and ocean, and movement of raindrops in atmospheric models.
Lymphedema after Saphenous Harvesting for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Mirhosseini Seyed Mohsen , Soltanipur Masood , Yarmohammadi Hossein , Rezaei Mahdi , Sheikhi Zahra
Published: November 2023

Different causes have been reported for secondary lymphedema as reported in this article. A 75-year-old man was diagnosed with lymphedema about one decade after saphenous harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery. It took two years for him to find out his diagnosis and receive the proper treatment. After standard complete decongestive therapy, his volume and pain decreased and his quality of life was improved, especially its physical aspect. It is important to recognize the possibility of lymphedema development after saphenous harvesting among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery to prevent significant disturbance of quality of life with timely management.
Historical and Projected Changes in Chill Hours and Spring Freeze Risk in the Midwest United States
Authors: Ford Trent , Chen Liang , Wahle Elizabeth , Todey Dennis , Nowatzkie Laurie
Published: November 2023

In the United States Midwest region, the dormant or cold season has experienced significant change over the past several decades due to human-caused global warming, and changes are projected to continue or intensify through the end of the century. Realized and potential changes in crop chill hour accumulation and spring freeze injury risk are particularly concerning for specialty growers in the Midwest region, but relatively little work has been done to assess these changes and help guide producer management strategies accordingly. In this study, we use a combination of historical observations and CMIP6 multi-model ensemble projections to assess recent and projected changes in chill hour accumulation and spring freeze injury risk in the Midwest, using specific examples of apple and peach crops. We find chill hour accumulation has increased in much of the Midwest since 1950 and CMIP6 projections show continued increases through the next 70+ years. While the southern Midwest is projected to lose chill hours through late century, the rate of decrease likely does not necessitate a substantial shift to lower chill requirement fruit cultivars. All varieties of apples and peaches tested would still be chill hour suitable for all but the far southern Midwest by late century under even the highest emissions scenario. Model projections also show decreased spring freeze injury risk across the southern Midwest due to earlier last spring freeze dates and slightly later bloom dates. Most of the central and northern Midwest are projected to experience small or negligible changes in spring freeze injury risk due to roughly equivalent trends in spring freeze and bloom dates. We present an important assessment of climate change impacts on Midwest perennial cropping systems; however, more collaborative work is needed between scientists, practitioners, and providers to both assess the current and future specialty crop agriculture risks due to climate change and explore viable solutions to ensure a resilient and growing Midwest specialty crop industry in the face of changing climate, economic, and social systems.
Infrared thermography to assess thermoregulatory reactions of buffalo heifers
supplemented with cumin and molasses during different seasons under field conditions
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Singh Sohanvir , Bhalakiya Nikita , Ukey Apeksha , Jaglan Rajkumar
Published: November 2023

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of cumin and molasses supplementation on thermographic profile of Murrah heifers at different anatomical locations viz., forehead temperature (°C), eye temperature (°C), ear temperature (°C), elbow joint temperature (°C) and flank temperature (°C) during different season. A total of 24 Murrah heifers, maintained at Kathura village of Sonipat district (India) were selected and monitored for the thermal profiling at different anatomical locations of body using infrared thermography at monthly interval during winter, hot dry and hot humid seasons using an IR camera (ThermaCamTM SC2000;FLIR Systems, Inc., Wilsonville, OR, USA). Thermograms were analysed by ThermaCamTM Researcher 2001 software (FLIR Systems AB, Danderyd, Sweden). Statistical analysis revealed that different supplement and seasons had significant (P < 0.05) effect on body surface temperature at different anatomical sites. The magnitude of the increase in the IRT temperature at different anatomical regions of Murrah heifers was lower in the treatment groups compared to control group. The temperature of the eye region and the rectal temperature of Murrah heifers were found to be closely related. The results of the study suggest that cumin and molasses can be used to alleviate heat stress in Murrah buffaloe heifers. Further, infrared thermography of eyes can be used as non-invasive method for assessing the heat stress levels of Murrah heifers without disturbing the animal welfare.
Diabetes: A potential mediator of associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and stroke
Authors: Zhang Aikai , Zhang Hongda , Mi Lijie , Ding Lei , Jiang Zihan , Yu Fengyuan , Tang Min
Published: November 2023

Epidemiological evidence suggests associations between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), while diabetes is a common risk factor on CVD. The present study aims to clarify the effect of high PAH exposure on diabetes and stroke in general population. A total of 7,849 individuals aged ≥ 20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016 were included in the study. The logistic regression analysis modeled the association between PAH exposure and diabetes as well as stroke. The analysis yielded odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The study also evaluated the potential mediating role of diabetes in the relation between PAH exposure and stroke via mediating effects analyses. Of the 7849 eligible participants, 1,424 cases of diabetes and 243 cases of stroke were recorded. After adjusting for covariates including age, gender, smoking status, education level, marital status, physical activity, hypertension, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and BMI, the ORs for stroke in the highest quartile (Q4) of total urinary PAHs were 1. 96 (95% CI: 1.11–3.46, P = 0.020) as compared to the lowest quartile (Q1) of total urinary PAHs. The ORs for diabetes in the Q4 of total urinary PAHs were 1.56 (95% CI: 1.15–2.11, P = 0.005). Additionally, the ORs between Q4 and Q1 for stroke and diabetes concerning exposure to 2-hydroxynaphthalene were 2.20 (95%CI: 1.18–4.07, P = 0.013) and 1.39 (95%CI: 1.07–1.82, P = 0.015) correspondingly. The mediation analysis found that diabetes accounted for 5.31% of the associations between urinary PAHs and the prevalence of stroke. Urinary metabolites of PAH have been linked to stroke and diabetes. Increasing the risk of diabetes may play a significant role in mediating the association between exposure to PAHs and increased risk of stroke. Monitoring and improving glucose metabolism in individuals with high exposure to PAHs may aid in reducing the prevalence of stroke.
Insulator, resister, and conductor are capacitors
Authors: Shang Muyuan
Published: November 2023

The phenomenon of dispersion and absorption in materiel has been interpreted by dielectric polarization for more than a century. A different theory for the phenomenon was constructed after the capacitance had been found in rock. The new theory has also proven that an insulator is with capacitance. The phenomenon of negative dielectric constant in the conductor (metals) is hard to be explained by polarization theory. All the formulas describing the dispersion based on the polarization theory are empirical formulas and contradict with each other. This essay shows that the conductor (metals) is also with capacitance and the negative dielectric constant is mainly caused by induction. The bottleneck effect for the current causes material capacitance. The capacitance formula of this new theory is same to the different polarization based empirical formulas mathematically. The material capacitance formula can be adopted to insulators, resistors, and conductors. In the previous articles conducted by the author, it was proven that the capacitance formula can be adopted to insulators and resistors. In this article, it has mainly proven that the capacitance formula can be also adopted to the conductor. In brief, all the materials such as the insulator, the resistor, and the conductor have capacitance. This paper puts together the explanation of dispersion from the empirical formula to the theory conduced formula.
Comparison of Upgrading to Conduction System Pacing and Biventricular Pacing in Patients with Pacemaker-induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Ying , Ma Peipei , Yang Yiheng , Li Guocao , Ma Chengming , Fa Qing , Gao Lianjun , Xia Yunlong , Dong Yingxue
Published: November 2023

Background: Pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) is common in patients with right ventricular pacing (RVP). We are still not clear whether the conduction system pacing (CSP) upgrade is better than the traditional biventricular pacing (BiVP) upgrade.
Objective: To illustrate the performances of different upgrade modalities in patients with PICM.
Methods: All patients with PICM were consecutively enrolled and followed for at least one year regardless of resynchronization upgrade from 2017 to 2021. Clinical data, including echocardiographic parameters, electrocardiogram measurements and cardiac function, were collected and compared.
Results: A total of 73 patients were enrolled. Forty-eight patients had a resynchronization upgrade including 11 patients with BiVP, 24 patients with HBP and 13 patients with LBBP. The QRS duration (127.81±31.89 vs. 177.08±34.35ms, P<0.001), NYHA class (2.28±0.70 vs. 3.04±0.54, P<0.05), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (54.08±4.80 vs. 57.50±4.85mm, P<0.05) and LVEF (44.46±6.39 vs. 33.15±5.25%, P<0.001) improved significantly in patients with upgrade, while no improvement was detected in patients without upgrade. The range of improvement in QRS duration (59.65±11.71 vs. 34.67±13.32ms, P<0.001), LVEDD (5.80±1.71 vs. 3.16±1.35mm, P<0.001), LVEF (12.80±3.66 vs. 6.93±3.04%, P<0.001) were more significant in patients with CSP compared with BiVP. However, the range of improvement of LVEDD and LVEF were not different between LBBP and HBP. The threshold in LBBP was lower than HBP (1.01±0.43 vs. 1.33±0.32V, P=0.019).
Conclusion: The improvement of clinical outcomes in CSP were more significant than in BiVP. CSP may be an alternative therapy of CRT in patients with PICM. LBBP would be a better choice for achieving lower thresholds compared with HBP.
Impact of co-morbid common mental disorder symptoms in people with epilepsy in Ethiopia on quality of life and functional disability: a cohort study
Authors: Tsigebrhan Ruth , Medhin Girmay , Belina Merga , Newton Charles R. , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: November 2023

Background
There is very limited prospective evidence on the impact of co-morbid mental health conditions in people with epilepsy living in low and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of common mental disorder (CMD; depression/anxiety) symptoms and risky substance use in people with epilepsy in Ethiopia on quality of life and functioning over six months.
Methods
A prospective cohort study of people with epilepsy was carried out in four districts of south-central Ethiopia. Comorbid CMD symptoms, risky substance uses (exposures) and the primary outcome, quality of life (QoL) was measured at baseline and 6 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes functional disability and seizure frequency were measured at follow-up. Multivariable linear regression was employed to evaluate whether comorbid CMD symptoms predicted a change in QoL and functional disability. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to examine direct and indirect pathways linking co-morbid CMD symptoms with QoL or functional disability.
Results
In the multivariable regression model, neither CMD symptoms (β coef= -0.37, 95%CI -1.30, + 0.55) nor moderate to high risk of alcohol use (β= -0.70, 95% CI -9.20, + 7.81) were significantly associated with a change in QoL, and there was no effect modification by treatment engagement. In SEM, QoL at 6 months was significantly predicted by seizure frequency. The summative effect of CMD on QoL was significant (B= -0.27, 95%CI -0.48, -0.056), although direct and indirect associations were non-significant. Change in functional disability was not significantly associated with baseline CMD symptoms (β coef.= -0.03, 95% CI-0.48,+0.54) or with moderate to high risk of alcohol use (β coef.= -1.31, 95% CI -5.89, 3.26). However, in the SEM model, functional disability at 6 months was predicted by both baseline CMD symptoms (B = 0.24, 95% CI 0.06, 0.41) and seizure frequency (B = 0.67, 95% CI 0.46, 0.87).
Conclusions
In this rural Ethiopian setting, co-morbid CMD symptoms and seizure frequency in PWE independently predicted functional disability in people with epilepsy. The association between CMD symptoms and QoL was less conclusive. Integrated management of mental health and neurological conditions is needed to better address the psychosocial needs and improved functioning of people with epilepsy.
Enhancing the lab scale biohydrogen production from co-substrates through dark fermentation by bacterial monocultures and bacterial consortium
Authors: Mumtha Chelladurai , Mahalingam Pambayan ulagan
Published: November 2023

Dark fermentative biohydrogen production with other waste biomass needs to be explored as an alternative for sustainable biohydrogen production in future. the biohydrogen production from co-substrates (DW + SCB) using bacterial monocultures and its consortium was performed through dark fermentation in a laboratory scale reactor. Co-substrates are a promising substrate for enhanced biohydrogen production. For the experimental set-up, a 1-L-working-volume reactor was used for biohydrogen production by bacterial monocultures and consortium on co-substrates. A batch experiment was performed at 37°C with an initial pH of 7.0 and a mixing ratio of 600:300 between DW and solid SCB. Total solids, volatile solids, total chemical oxygen demand, soluble chemical oxygen demand, and hydrogen production rate were determined from co-substrates during the dark fermentation process. Morphological changes of biohydrogen producing bacteria binds on co-substrates after the fermentation process were determined using SEM imaging. The bacteria can degrade the substrate when they attach to it causing hole formation and cracked the surface area. The level of biohydrogen production by bacterial consortium was observed and the results revealed a 8 cumulative hydrogen production of 1098 mL H2/L, HPR of 35.9 mL H2/h/L, and HY of 3.6 mL/H2/gVS(removal) utilizing co-substrates at pH 7.
Optimizing Nicardipine Dosage for Effective Control of Pituitrin-Induced Hypertension in Laparoscopic Myomectomy Undergoing Total Intravenous Anesthesia
Authors: Wang Tingting , Wang Chen , Chen Yunyun , Zhang Xixue
Published: November 2023

Background
This study aimed to determine the median effective dose (ED50) and 95% effective dose (ED95) of nicardipine for treating pituitrin-induced hypertension during laparoscopic myomectomy, providing guidance for the management of intraoperative blood pressure in such patients.
Methods
Among the initial 40 participants assessed, 24 underwent elective laparoscopic myomectomy. A sequential up-and-down method was employed to ascertain the ED50 of nicardipine based on its antihypertensive efficacy. Nicardipine was initially administered at 6 µg/kg following the diagnosis of pituitrin-induced hypertension in the first patient. Dosing adjustments were made to achieve the desired antihypertensive effect, restoring systolic blood pressure and heart rate to within ± 20% of baseline within 120 seconds. The dosing increment or reduction was set at 0.5 µg/kg for effective or ineffective responses, respectively. The ED50 and ED95 of nicardipine were calculated using Probit regression by Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) to establish dose-response curves and confidence intervals.
Results
24 patients were included for analysis finally. The ED50 and ED95 of nicardipine for blood pressure control after pituitrin injection were determined. The study found that the ED50 of nicardipine for treating pituitrin-induced hypertension was 4.839 µg/kg (95% CI: 4.569–5.099 µg/kg), and the ED95 was estimated at 5.308 µg/kg (95% CI: 5.065–6.496 µg/kg). Nicardipine effectively mitigated the hypertensive response caused by pituitrin without inducing significant tachycardia or hypotension.
Conclusions
Nicardipine effectively controlled blood pressure after pituitrin injection during laparoscopic myomectomy, with ED50 and ED95 values established. This research highlights the potential utility of nicardipine in addressing hypertensive responses induced by pituitrin, particularly in clinical settings where pituitrin is routinely administered.
Drone agrotechnology’s for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Protection against pest and diseases in Western of Burkina Faso
Authors: ZONGO Adama , BADINI Oumar , KABORE Emile , TRAORE Adama , SAWADOGO Sylvestre , SAWADOGO Mahamadou
Published: November 2023

Background
Drone technologies, also known as "unmanned aerial vehicles" (UAVs) or "unmanned aerial systems" (UAS), have a wide range of applications, including mapping, land-use planning, crop/infrastructure damage assessment, fertilizer spraying and precision crop protection. However, its use is still very limited in the agricultural sector in Africa in general and in Burkina Faso in particular.
Results
This study was initiated to explore the potential of UAVs for optimizing cotton yields through monitoring and phytosanitary efficiency. To this end, phytosanitary treatments and monitoring of vegetation status using multispectral drone imagery were carried out on cotton. The experimental sample consisted of four (04) cotton fields in four (04) locations. Phytosanitary treatments and aerial photography were respectively carried out using a DJI AGRAS T16 spray drone and a DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral drone. Phytosanitary treatment with DJI AGRAS T16 drone resulted in savings of 32.41% in treatment duration, 23.58% in water, 1% in pesticides and 10.5% in labor compared with manual spraying, but did not have a positive impact on boll yields due to jassid populations attack. The RGB and NDVI vegetation indices generated by photogrammetric processing of multispectral images acquired by drone enabled us to perceive phytosanitary state of cotton plants during their development cycle.
Conclusion
Information provided by these vegetation indices and by this study in general can be used to improve the efficiency of phytosanitary treatments against cotton pests and diseases.
Functional Analysis of SAA3 During Interaction Between Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeand Porcine Alveola Macrophages
Authors: Bei Weicheng , He Qiyun , yan Kang , Tang Jia , Gu Jun , Zheng Yaxuan , Dou Beibei , Yang Fengming , Peng Mingzheng , Tian Yanhong , Chen Huanchun
Published: November 2023

The spread of Porcine contagious pleuropneumonia (PCP), a severe disease that occurs in pigs caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), remains a threat to the porcine farms and has been known to cause severe economic losses. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein rapidly expressed in response to infection and inflammation in vertebrates. This study aimed to investigate the function of SAA3 in bacterial infections. Here, APP was used to infect porcine alveolar macrophages (3D4/21) and mice. The results showed that SAA3 expression was significantly upregulated in 3D4/21 cells and APP-infected mouse lung tissue. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were also upregulated in SAA3-overexpressing (SAA3-OE) cells. APP levels were substantially upregulated in the supernatant of SAA3-OE cells. Also, SAA3-OE promoted the adsorption and invasion of APP-infected target cells. These results suggested that porcine SAA3 promoted the proliferation of APP, providing insights into the role of porcine SAA3 in the course of bacterial infection.
Refining and Illuminating Acetogenic Eubacterium Strains for Reclassification and Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Flaiz Maximilian , Poehlein Anja , Wilhelm Wiebke , Mook Alexander , Daniel Rolf , Dürre Peter , Bengelsdorf Frank R.
Published: November 2023

Background: The genus Eubacterium is quite diverse and includes several acetogenic strains capable of fermenting C1-substrates into valuable products. Especially, Eubacterium limosum and closely related strains attract attention not only for their capability to ferment C1 gases and liquids, but also due to their ability to produce butyrate. Apart from its well-elucidated metabolism, E. limosum is also genetically accessible, which makes it an interesting candidate to be an industrial biocatalyst.
Results: In this study, we examined genomic, phylogenetic, and physiologic features of E. limosum and the closest related species E. callanderi as well as E. maltosivorans. We sequenced the genomes of the six Eubacterium strains ‘FD’ (DSM 3662T), ‘Marburg’ (DSM 3468), ‘2A’ (DSM 2593), ‘11A’ (DSM 2594), ‘G14’ (DSM 107592), and ‘32’ (DSM 20517) and subsequently compared these with previously available genomes of the E. limosum type strain (DSM 20543T) as well as the strains ‘B2’, ‘KIST612’, ‘YI’ (DSM 105863T), and ‘SA11’. This comparison revealed a close relationship between all eleven Eubacterium strains, forming three distinct clades: E. limosum, E. callanderi, and E. maltosivorans. Moreover, we identified the gene clusters responsible for methanol utilization as well as genes mediating chain elongation in all analyzed strains. Subsequent growth experiments revealed that strains of all three clades can convert methanol and produce acetate, butyrate, and hexanoate via reverse β-oxidation. Additionally, we used a harmonized electroporation protocol and successfully transformed eight of these Eubacterium strains to enable recombinant plasmid-based expression of the gene encoding the fluorescence-activating and absorption shifting tag (FAST). Engineered Eubacterium strains were verified regarding their FAST-mediated fluorescence at a single-cell level using a flow cytometry approach. Eventually, strains ‘FD’ (DSM 3662T), ‘2A’ (DSM 2593), ‘11A’ (DSM 2594), and ‘32’ (DSM 20517) were genetically engineered for the first time.
Conclusion: Strains of E. limosum, E. callanderi, and E. maltosivorans are outstanding candidates as biocatalysts for anaerobic C1-substrate conversion into valuable biocommodities. A large variety of strains is genetically accessible using a harmonized electroporation protocol, and FAST can serve as a reliable fluorescent reporter protein to characterize genetically engineered cells. In total eleven strains have been assigned to distinct clades, providing a clear and updated classification. Thus, the description of respective Eubacterium species has been emended, improved, aligned, and is requested to be implemented in respective databases.
Pyogenic Granuloma of the Inferior Turbinate :A Case Report
Authors: Pari Vishnupriya , Arya Ajay Kumar , Thirunavukarasu Yuvaraj
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND
Pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly growing benign fibrovascular lesion involving the skin and mucous membranes. It usually affects the head and neck regions. The most common site is the oral cavity, while involvement of the nasal cavity is quite rare. Though few cases in the nasal cavity have been reported, occurrence in the inferior turbinates is extremely rare. The exact aetiology is unknown.It is often associated with pregnancy. Microtrauma, hormonal changes, and contraceptives may be the causative factors for the development of this vascular mass.
CASE PRESENTATION
Here we present the case of a 28-year-old woman, 2 weeks postpartum, with epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy revealed a vascular mass arising from the right inferior turbinate. The patient was treated successfully by endoscopic excision of the mass.Histopatholoical examination showed as pyogenic granuloma.
CONCLUSION
Pyogenic granuloma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in any pregnant woman presenting with a vascular mass in the head and neck region.
Acute Venous Thromboembolism Plasma and Red Blood Cell Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Potential New Early Diagnostic Biomarkers: observational clinical study
Authors: Febra Claudia , Saraiva Joana , Vaz Fátima , Macedo Joao , Al-Hroub Hamza Mohammad , Semreen Mohammad H , Maio Rui , Gil Vitor , Soares Nelson , Penque Deborah
Published: November 2023

Background:Venous thromboembolism(VTE) is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. The diagnosis of acute VTE is still based on complex imaging exams due to the lack of biomarkers. Moreover, studies assessing the diagnostic capacity of novel metabolomics biomarkers in VTE are scarce. Our aim was to determine whether patients with acute VTE have differences in the metabolomic profile from plasma and red blood cells (RBCs).
Methods: This observational trial included 62 patients with clinical suspicion of acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) admitted to the emergency room (ER). After gold standard imaging exams, we analysed the plasma and RBCs from 50 acute VTE and 12 nonacute VTE patients. We performed a metabolomics study and used mixed-effects modelling to compare the differences in metabolites.
Results:The plasma metabolome had a suboptimal capability for differentiating between the presence or absence of acute VTE, with 23 significantly different molecules, but with ‘good’ performance for the best ROC curves. The metabolic pathway of D-glutamine and D-glutamate had the strongest impact on the acute VTE phenotype (p = 0.001, false discovery rate = 0.06). RBCs revealed a consistent metabolomic signature of acute VTE. Among the 23 differentially abundant metabolites, we found 3 high-performance ROC curves with an area under the curve (AUC) higher than 0.9, including adenosine 3',5'-diphosphate (0.983), glutathione (0.923), and adenine (0.91). The metabolic set most impacting the differences observed was purine metabolism (p = 0.000354, false discovery rate = 0.68).
Conclusions:Our findings show that metabolite differences exist between acute VTE and nonacute VTE patients admitted to the ER in the early phases. Three potential biomarkers obtained from RBCs showed high performance for acute VTE diagnosis. Further studies should investigate accessible laboratory methods for the future daily practice usefulness of these metabolites for the early diagnosis of acute VTE in the ER.
Epidemiology, management and diagnostic workup for endometriosis related pelvic pain
Authors: Warzecha Damian , Salloum Daria , Wielgoś Mirosław , Sochacki-Wójcicka Nicole , Laudański Piotr
Published: November 2023

Background: It’s believed that around 10% of gynecology appointments are related to pelvic pain. Although in most cases the underlying etiology remains unknown, endometriosis is one of the most causes of this condition. The aim of our study was to investigate the epidemiology, diagnostic workup and management of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain among women suffering from endometriosis.
Methods: An electronic, anonymous questionnaire was prepared by the authors and shared by social media. Women were asked to identify the bases of the diagnosis of their endometriosis in accordance with the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines. The study protocol included only pre-menopausal women, aged 16–56 years. 33,769 respondents took part in the survey. The credibility of completed surveys was checked to exclude the possibility of bias arising from malicious bots. The study group included 2,862 females with the diagnosis of endometriosis, according to the ESHRE guidelines.
Results: The prevalence of endometriosis within the overall Polish population can be estimated at 8.7%. The mean time elapsed between the first symptoms and final confirmation of the disease was 11.8 years. The incidence and severity of all analyzed complaints was significantly higher that among the patients without previous confirmation of endometriosis (dysmenorrhea 84% vs 65.1%; dyspareunia 52.9% vs 25.5%; chronic pelvic pain 61.8% vs 25.4%) Patients suffering from endometriosis were older than the unaffected controls (33.3 vs 31.6 years, p <0.0001) and of lower BMI levels (24.0 vs 24.6, p = <0.0001) Endometriotic patients report painful symptoms to their gynecologist almost twice as often as unaffected controls suffering from any kind of pelvic pain (88.9% vs 48.7%. p < 0.0001). 27.7% of patients suffering from endometriosis experience a non-satisfactory reduction in dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain after painkillers.
Conclusion: Although endometriotic patients report painful symptoms to the gynecologist almost twice as often as unaffected women, the diagnostic delay is still unacceptably long. Due to high rate of non-satisfactory reduction in dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain after taking painkillers simultaneous treatment with other options such as hormonal therapy should be introduced as early as possible.
Circulating miR-451a, miR-5571-3p, CLN6, HSD11B1 and PDE4 levels in differential diagnosis of Granulomatous lobular mastitis, breast cancer and breast fibroadenoma
Authors: LING JIE , WU SHITING , DENG XIANGUANG , ZHOU YAO , SU JINGQUN , FAN HONGQIAO , LIU LIFANG
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of miR-451a, miR-5571-3p, CLN6, HSD11B1, and PDE4 as potential biomarkers for distinguishing patients with Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM), breast cancer (BC), and breast fibroadenoma. A total of 55 participants were included in each group. The serum expressions of miR-451a and miR-5571-3p were significantly higher in the GLM (0.95 ± 0.47, 7.20 ± 3.99) and control groups (0.21 ± 0.13, 1.74 ± 1.49) than in the BC group (p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the expression of miR-451a and miR-5571-3p in GLM was significantly higher than in the control group (0.21 ± 0.13, 1.74 ± 1.49; p < 0.001). The levels of CLN6 in the GLM(1.37 ± 0.87) and BC((1.57 ± 0.84) groups were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, HSD11B1 and PDE4 expressions were significantly increased in the BC (1.92 ± 1.14, 1.54 ± 0.88) and GLM (1.07 ± 0.70, 0.85 ± 0.51) groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01), with higher levels observed in the BC group than in the GLM group (p < 0.01). Taken together, these findings suggest that serum miR-451a, miR-5571-3p, and CLN6 may serve as noninvasive biomarkers for differentiating GLM, BC, and breast fibroadenoma. This study provides a basis for future investigations in the differential diagnosis of these breast diseases.
Does a Higher Sense of Gain to Primary Health Care Institutions Lead to a Greater Frequency of First Contact?
Authors: Lin Jianpeng , Lv Wenxin , Li Qiong , Zhang Linjie , Cao Xianqiang
Published: November 2023

Background
China hopes to reach the policy goal of patients' first contact with primary health care (PHC) institutions through several health care reform policies. Sense of gain is an essential yardstick for measuring reform proposed in China in recent years. However, how high are patients' "sense of gain" (SG) and frequency of first contact with PHC institutions in China, and what is the relationship between the two? These questions still need findings from relevant empirical studies.
Methods
An empirical study was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and robust ordered logistic regression methods based on objective statistics from 50 randomly sampled cities in mainland China in 2018 and subjective survey data on access to PHC institutions in 2020.
Results
In this study, we found that patients' sense of gain to PHC institutions in China in 2020 was medium, and the frequency of patients' first contact with PHC institutions "frequently" and above was low. Different aspects of patients' sense of gain to PHC institutions had a differential impact on the frequency of first contact to PHC institutions. There is a significant positive effect on patients' sense of quantity, quality, equity, and improvement of PHC, but no significant effect on accessibility. Patients' sense of gain to PHC institutions has a differential effect on the frequency of first contact with PHC institutions in different ranks of cities. Sense of quantity has a significant effect only in higher-rank cities. In contrast, the sense of quality and improvement has a significant effect only in lower-rank cities.
Conclusion
It is necessary for the government to scientifically consider the development status of cities of different ranks and pay attention to the actual demand and expectation of patients for PHC. Then effectively improve patients' sense of gain to achieve the policy goal of patients' first contact with PHC institutions.
Biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles using aloe vera leaves extract and their evaluation of antibacterial, anticancer in human Hela cancer cells
Authors: Rafique Saima , Akram Rizwan , Javed Tooba , Bashir Shazia , Noreen Zobia
Published: November 2023

This research work assessed the shape-dependent anti-cancer activity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized from aloe vera leaf extract on the human HeLa cell line (ATCCCCL-2TM) and their antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The CuO NPs were synthesized by varying the concentration of precursor and aging time to obtain different shapes of nanoparticles. The synthesized particles had rod-like, cube-shaped, triangular, and spherical morphologies. The CuO NPs were examined against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that NPs inhibit the growth of these bacteria and antibacterial activity depends on the size and shape of CuO NPs. The minimum inhibition concentration obtained was 0.325 mgml− 1 for E. coli at 0.2 M and 24 hrs aging time. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was observed using CuO NPs. CuO NPs caused significant morphological alterations in Hela cell lines, including shrinkage, detachment, and distorted shape. These findings imply that different-shaped CuO NPs may inhibit bacterial growth, elevate oxidative stress, and induce apoptosis in addition shows cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
Criteria for Evaluating Faculty Members Based on Expectations of Beneficiaries in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences: A qualitative study
Authors: Azizi Hanieh , Alizadeh Mahasti , Gholipour Kamal , Abadi Saeed Aslan , Azadifar Ali , Behshid Mozhgan
Published: November 2023

Objective:
This study aimed to identify the evaluation criteria used for faculty members’ evaluation, as viewed from the perspective of various stakeholders at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
Methods:
The present study is a qualitative investigation that was carried out at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. The study employed 74 semi-structured interviews in addition to a focused group discussion that involved students, graduates, faculty members, as well as experts. Participants for this research were chosen using the Purposive Sampling technique, and the data were evaluated through content analysis methodology. The interviews were recorded with participants' informed consent and transcribed verbatim. Subsequent analysis of all data started with the first interview session.
Results:
Participants had expectations about the evaluation of faculty members categorized into scientific and technical features and moral and behavioral characteristics. The scientific and technical features included Scientific and practical capability, Scientific records, and Teaching methods, while the moral and behavioral features consisted of Professional ethics and behavior, Communication skills, and Ethics and Behavior.
Conclusion:
Based on the results, it is essential to adopt systemic approaches in evaluating professors that would consider various technical, human, and perceptual aspects. Management of the evaluation process considering environmental and structural features is also necessary to improve its effectiveness.
Using machine learning to develop a five-item short form of the Children’s Depression Inventory
Authors: Lin Shumei , Wang Chengwei , Jiang Xiuyu , Zhang Qian , Luo Dan , Li Jing , Li Junyi , Xu Jiajun
Published: November 2023

Background
There are many adolescents experience depression that is not detected and treated in time. The Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) is widely used in China, but no localized revision or simplified form has been formulated. Consequently, the present study aimed to formulate an abbreviated version of the CDI with only five items, using a large sample of 20,675 Chinese children aged 7 to 15 years in Sichuan Province.
Methods
First, different versions of the short-form scales were identified by backward elimination. Then, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of five machine learning (ML) algorithms on the short-form scales were compared. Finally, the prediction performance of each short-form scale was evaluated with the metric of the naïve Bayes (NB).
Results
The study identified a five-item short-form CDI with a judgment threshold of 4 as the most appropriate scale considering all assessment indicators. The scale had 81.48% fewer items than the original version, indicating good predictive performance (AUC = 0.81, Accuracy = 0.83, Recall = 0.76, Precision = 0.71). Based on the test of 315 middle school students, the results showed that the five-item CDI had good measurement indexes (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.72, criterion-related validity = 0.77).
Conclusions
This five-item short-form CDI is the first shortened and revised version of the CDI in China based on large local data samples.
NatB-dependent acetylation protects procaspase-8 from UBR4-mediated degradation and is required for full induction of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway
Authors: Aldabe Rafael , Guedes Joana , Boyer Jean , Elurbide Jasmin , Carte Beatriz , Redeker Virginie , Sago Laila , Meinnel Thierry , Côrte-Real Manuela , Giglione Carmela
Published: November 2023

N-terminal acetyltransferase B (NatB) is a major contributor to the N-terminal acetylome and is implicated in several key cellular processes including apoptosis and proteostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms linking NatB-mediated N-terminal acetylation to apoptosis and its relationship with protein homeostasis remain elusive. In this study, we generated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) with an inactivated catalytic subunit of NatB (Naa20−/−) to investigate the impact of NatB deficiency on apoptosis regulation. Through quantitative N-terminomics, label-free quantification, and targeted proteomics, we demonstrated that NatB does not influence the proteostasis of all its substrates. Instead, our focus on putative NatB-dependent apoptotic factors revealed that NatB-mediated acetylation serves as a protective shield against UBR4 and UBR1 Arg/N-recognin-mediated degradation. Notably, Naa20−/− MEFs exhibited reduced responsiveness to extrinsic pro-apoptotic stimuli, a phenotype that was partially reversible upon UBR4 Arg/N-recognin silencing and consequent inhibition of procaspase-8 degradation. Collectively, our results shed light on how the interplay between NatB-mediated acetylation and the Arg/N-degron pathway impacts apoptosis regulation, providing new perspectives in the field including in therapeutic interventions.
A prospective study of immune responses in patients with lung metastases treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy with or without concurrent systemic treatment
Authors: Duda Dan , Gkika Eleni , Firat Elke , Adebahr Sonja , Graf Erika , Eichhorst Alexandra , Radicioni Gianluca , Lo Simon , Spohn Simon , Nestle Ursula , Nicolay Nils , Niedermann Gabriele , Grosu Anca-Ligia
Published: November 2023

We prospectively evaluated the effects of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) on circulating immune cells. Patients with oligo-metastatic and oligo-progressive pulmonary lesions were treated with SBRT with (cSBRT) or without (SBRT group) concurrent systemic treatment (chemotherapy or immune checkpoint blockade) using different fractionation regimes. Immunoprofiling of peripheral blood cells was performed at baseline, during, at the end of SBRT, and at the first and second follow-ups. The study accrued 100 patients (80 with evaluable samples). The proportion of proliferating CD8+ T-cells significantly increased after treatment. This increase remained significant at follow-up in the SBRT group, but not in the cSBRT group and was not detected with doses of >10Gy per fraction indicating that lower doses are necessary to increase proliferating T-cells' frequency. We detected no favorable impact of concurrent systemic treatment on systemic immune responses. The optimal timing of systemic treatment may be post-SBRT to leverage the immune-modulating effects of SBRT.
Colletotrichum species associated with loquat anthracnose in Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures, Japan
Authors: AKIMITSU Kazuya , Poti Teeranai , Kisaki Gan , Akimitsu Kazuya
Published: November 2023

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the serious diseases of loquat, but diversification of the species of Colletotrichum associated with loquat in Japan has not been adequately surveyed. In this study, 46 isolates were isolated from diseased leaves and fruits of loquat in Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures in 2017 and 2018. Using a combination of morphological features and molecular approaches, seven Colletotrichum species were identified: C. fioriniae, C. nymphaeae, C. karsti, C. aenigma, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides s. s., and C. siamense. The most prevalent species was C. karsti followed by C. fioriniae and C. gloeosporioides s. s., accounting for 43.5, 21.7, and 13.0%, respectively. All identified species were confirmed to be the causal agents of loquat anthracnose by applying Koch’s postulates. Moreover, potential cross-infection from loquat to kiwifruit, satsuma mandarin, persimmon, and peach was found, in which loquat isolates of C. fioriniae, C. fructicola, and C. siamense caused symptoms on all the tested plants. This report is the first on C. karsti and C. aenigma associated with loquat anthracnose and the first record of C. fructicola and C. gloeosporioides s. s. in Japan, providing crucial information for epidemiology.
Exploiting hot electrons from a plasmon nanohybrid system for the photoelectroreduction of CO2
Authors: Sa Jacinto ,   Ananta Dey1 Ananta Dey, Silveira Vitor R. , Vadell Robert Bericat , Lindblad Andreas , Lindblad Rebecka , Shtender Vitalii
Published: November 2023

Plasmonic nanohybrid systems efficiently convert light into electrical charges and heat, enabling their role as mediators in catalytic transformations. While numerous instances of plasmonic photothermal catalytic reactions exist, the participation of hot carriers in these processes remains a subject of vigorous debate. In this study, we present a direct utilization of plasmon hot electrons in the photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 using visible light. Through the deliberate construction of a plasmonic nanohybrid system comprising NiO/Au/ReI(phen-NH2)(CO)3Cl (phen-NH2 = 1,10-Phenanthrolin-5-amine), we demonstrate the immediate involvement of hot electrons in CO2 reduction. Supporting evidence for the engagement of hot electrons in the catalytic process is derived from ultrafast spectroscopy, in situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemistry, and catalytic testing. Unbiased in situ spectroscopy verified the stepwise reduction of the catalytic system and the generation of CO. This, coupled with the low thermal stability of the ReI(phen-NH2)(CO)3Cl complex, explicitly establishes plasmonic hot carriers as the primary contributors to the process. Mediating catalytic reactions by plasmon hot carriers is feasible and holds promise for further exploration and development in diverse transformations with significant societal impact.