bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How much progress has been made toward a smoke-free environment in the restaurants and bars of Japan following enforcement of smoke-free legislation? Two years longitudinal study in Japan
Authors: Kataoka Aoi , Muraki Isao , Nakamura Masakazu , Ito Yuri
Published: March 2024

Background
In April 2020, the revised Health Promotion Act and Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance to prevent second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure was fully enforced. The government has provided an exemption for small-scale, existing establishments by allowing them ‘unregulated’ status, and it is unclear to what extent indoor smoking bans have been applied in these small bars and restaurants. In this study, we report on indoor smoking status before/after the enforcement of the current legislation both regulated and unregulated restaurants and bars.
Methods
Self-questionnaire surveys were conducted in March 2020 and 2021. We applied the questionnaire to 6,000 restaurants and bars in Tokyo, Osaka and Aomori in the first survey and to 3609 restaurants in the second survey, including those that had responded to the first survey as well as 2800 additional establishments. We calculated the proportions of indoor smoking status before/after enforcement both regulated and unregulated establishments. In addition, we calculated the national estimate of indoor smoking status in all restaurants and bars in Japan after the enforcement using a restaurant guide website and the results of this study.
Results
The responded establishments were 879 to the first (response rate: 14.7%) and 837 to the second (response rate: 23.2%). Of all the establishments, 67.0% kept “separate smoking or smoking” status, and 62.1% of unregulated establishments kept “separate smoking or smoking”. Although all the regulated establishments were required to change to “no smoking” by law, 78.4% that were “separate smoking or smoking” before the enforcement did not change their indoor smoking status. The national estimate of smoking status showed that the proportion of “no smoking” would change from 54.5% to 69.4% after the enforcement. If all regulated establishments changed smoking status to “no smoking”, the ideal proportion of “no smoking” would be 85.8% in Japan.
Conclusions
More unregulated restaurants and bars changed to “no smoking” than planned before the enforcement. In contrast, most of the regulated restaurants and bars continued to be “separate smoking or smoking” in non-compliance with the legislation. In order to prevent SHS exposure in all restaurants and bars, we need comprehensive legislation for indoor smoking bans in Japan.
Investigating the Causal Association between Intestinal Microbiota and Esophageal Diseases Using Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization
Authors: kaihao Du , Lizhao Hou , Cong Liu , Pandeng Zhou , Yanzhao Li , Zhangtuo Xue , Zhanjin Wang , Zhan Wang
Published: March 2024

Objective: Using the Mendelian randomization approach with two-sample analysis, this study explores the causal relationship between gut microbiota and esophageal diseases, providing valuable biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets for esophageal diseases.
Methods: Genomewide association data were analyzed with gut microbiota at the genus level as the exposure variable and esophageal diseases (Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal cancer, esophagitis) as the outcome variables. Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Outlier tests, heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses, Pleiotropic analyses, and the removal of single nucleotide polymorphisms with confounding factors were performed.
Results: Three genera (Eubacterium eligens group, Actinomyces, Clostridium sensu stricto 1) were protective against Barrett's esophagus, while six genera (Oxalobacter, Allisonella, Ruminococcaceae UCG009, Haemophilus, Sutterella, Anaerostipes) were risk factors for Barrett's esophagus. Two genera (Lachnospiraceae UCG004, Methanobrevibacter) were protective against gastroesophageal reflux disease, and two genera (Prevotella 9, Anaerostipes) were risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Three genera (Coprococcus 1, Bilophila, Candidatus Soleaferrea) were protective against esophageal cancer, while six genera (Coprobacter, Catenibacterium, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group, Marvinbryantia, Sutterella, Ruminococcaceae UCG010) were risk factors for esophageal cancer. Two genera (Parasutterella, Howardella) were protective against esophagitis.
Conclusion: Our study utilizes genetic prediction to identify specific GMs and establishes the causal relationship between them, potentially providing valuable biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets for the four esophageal diseases mentioned above.
Insights into catalytic reforming from a new oscillating reaction
Authors: Christensen Jakob , Zhang Yu , Wang Qian , Glarborg Peter , Andersson Martin , Wagner Jakob B. , Johansen Keld , Torp Thomas , Jensen Anker , Hou Chaofeng , Ge Wei
Published: March 2024

A new oscillating catalytic reaction is discovered: steam reforming of CH4 in the presence of SO2 over Rh nanoparticles. The reducing products from reforming convert SO2 into adsorbed sulfur, which deactivates the catalyst. Theoretical calculations show how sulfur adsorption causes a subtle shift in the atoms at the stepped edge of the nanoparticle by just one atomic spacing. This subtle change alters the step from a 211 to a 110 configuration, which lowers the reaction rate 25-fold. This quells the reforming reaction and sulfur is removed by steam as SO2. The edge atoms then shift back and reactivity reemerges, which initiates a new cycle. This illustrates how heterogeneous catalysts can be extremely sensitive to the detailed configuration of the active site, identifies the 211 step as the active site for the practically important steam reforming and shows how theoretical calculations can now predict the structural changes causing oscillations in catalytic reactions.
Effect of potassium on the agronomic traits and fruit quality of Lycium barbarum L
Authors: Wan Ru , Shi Zhigang , Li Yuekun , Huang Ting , Cao Youlong , An Wei , Zhang Xiyan , Zhao Jianhua , Qin Ken , Wang Xiao , Yang Libin
Published: March 2024

To investigate the effects of potassium (K) application on the agronomic traits and fruit quality of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji), three levels of K fertilizer, namely LK (25 g/plant), CK (50 g/plant), and HK (75 g/plant), were applied to plants in phytotron for observing and measuring relevant indicators. The investigation involved seven agronomic traits: plant height, plant stem diameter, new branch increment, yield of fresh fruits per plant, dry fruit quantity within 50 g, ratio of different grade fruits, and ratio of longitudinal diameter to transverse diameter of Goji fruits. The results showed that K application level had significant effect on ratio of the longitudinal diameter to the transverse diameter of fresh Goji fruits, and that the influence on other agronomic traits was slight. In the meanwhile, the concentrations of amino acids, betaine, polysaccharides and flavonoids of Goji fruits in different levels of K fertilizer were tested. The K treatment increased the content of glutamic acid, and decreased that of flavonoids (P < 0.05), whereas the content of other amino acids, polysaccharides and betaine were unaffected. A total of 132 flavonoid metabolites was identified. Among them, K treatment up-regulated 36 metabolites and down-regulated 30 metabolites (P < 0.05). The results provided a basis for balanced K supply to regulate the agronomic traits and nutrients of Goji fruits.
Exendin-4-induced reduction of steatosis in HepG2 cells implicates upregulation of essential lipid metabolism genes via modulation of MALAT1
Authors: Khalifa Olfa , Ayoub Sama , Arredouani Abdelilah
Published: March 2024

Background
The favorable effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) Exendin-4 (Ex-4) on steatosis induced by fatty acids such as oleic acid (OA) in HepG2 cells is characterized by the modulation of the expression of several long-non-coding RNAs, notably downregulating MALAT1. This in vitro study delves into the intricacies of MALAT1 involvement in the observed amelioration of OA-induced steatosis under the influence of Ex-4.
Methods
We established steatotic HepG2 cells by treating them with oleic acid (OA). Reduction of steatosis was induced by the treatment of steatotic cells with Ex-4, and gene expression was quantified using total RNA. HepG2 cells were transfected with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) using lipofectamine RNAiMAX to induce the silencing of MALAT1.
Results
Exposure of HepG2 cells to 200nM of Ex-4 for 3h led to a significant reduction in lipid accumulation induced by OA stimulation. OA treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of essential lipid metabolism-related genes, SREBP-1, PPARγ, SCD1, FAS, ACC, DGAT1, DGTA2, CPT1A, MTTP, NR1H2, and CD36, with a concurrent downregulation of ACADL expression. The presence of Ex-4, in addition to OA, significantly mitigated the upregulation of SREBP-1, PPARγ, DGAT1, DGAT2, SCD1, ACC, and NR1H2. Interestingly, Ex-4 further increased CD36 expression, while it did not significantly affect the expression levels of FAS, ACADL, CPT1A, and MTTP. The silencing of MALAT1 expression had no significant impact on the expression levels of SREBP-1 and PPARγ observed in response to OA and Ex-4 treatment. However, it exerted varying degrees of influence on the expression of other genes. Remarkably, MALAT1 suppression robustly counteracted the exacerbated increase in CD36 expression induced by Ex-4.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that the beneficial effect of Ex-4 on steatosis could partially result from the downregulation of MALAT1, which in turn regulates several lipid metabolism genes, especially downregulation of CD36 and subsequent reduction of. Further functional investigations are warranted to confirm these findings in in vivo models of hepatic steatosis.
Harnessing Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Plant Diversity
Authors: Jain Ekta , Rose Michelle , Jayapal Praveen Kumar , Singh Gajendra P. , Ram Rajeev J.
Published: March 2024

Here, we explore the application of Raman spectroscopy for the assessment of plant biodiversity. Raman spectra from 11 vascular plant species commonly found in forest ecosystems, specifically angiosperms (both monocots and eudicots) and pteridophytes (ferns), were acquired in vivo and in situ using a Raman leaf-clip. We achieved an overall accuracy of 91% for correct classification of a species within a plant group and identified lignin Raman spectral features as a useful discriminator for classification. The results demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy in contributing to plant biodiversity assessment.
Watershed Prioritization using Morphometricand Land Use Land Cover Parameters of Kamalang River Watershed using Remote Sensing and GIS Technology
Authors: Rai Roshni , Pardeshi Suchitra S , Prbam Rocky
Published: March 2024

With the increase in population and constant need of land and resources activities like cutting of trees, traditional 'Jhum' cultivation (shifting cultivation) are rapidly destroying the virgin tropical vegetation, apart from which natural hazards such as floods, erosion, and Stormy weather etc. are some of the natural causes because of which the natural environment of Kamlang River watershed area is disturbed. To manage the natural resources like land and water, for mitigating the impact of natural disasters and for achieving sustainable development in the study area a quantitative analysis for prioritization of watershed through morphometric and land use land cover parameters is calculated using watershed as it is an ideal unit for the study area of Kamlang watershed. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques provide planners with decision making resources and tools hence it became a popular tool for such kinds of studies. Morphometric parameters (linear and shape) and land use land cover parameters were used for assigning ranks based on which prioritization and ranking were made for all the sub-watersheds. Various categories of priority from high to low rank were assigned depending on the parameters and lastly, the compound value (Cp) of all the sub-watershed was calculated. Higher Cp was of low priority, lower Cp was of higher priority. The study showed the presence of high priority in the sub-watershed of SW64 and SW65 based on morphometric studies. Whereas based on land use land cover more numbers of sub-watersheds are in the high priority range for example SW1, SW6, SW8, SW12, etc. The collective result of morphometric and land use/cover analysis, however, gives a different result i.e., only SW65 is in the high priority zone. This means the sub-watershed of SW65 is more prone to erosion due to its morphometry and land use land cover type. Therefore, the implementation of soil and water conservation measures for this sub-watershed is necessary.
Gene expression analysis of anti-TNF-treated rheumatoid arthritis patients reveals the links between NADPH oxidase expression profile and immunophenotypic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Wysocki Tomasz , Wajda Anna , Kmiołek Tomasz , Wroński Jakub , Roszkowska Magdalena , Olesinska Marzena , Paradowska-Gorycka Agnieszka
Published: March 2024

Objectives
The aim of this research was to prospectively evaluate the impact of NOX2 gene expression profile (including NCF1, NCF2 and NCF4 genes) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on immune signatures, clinical characteristics and responsiveness to anti-TNFα treatment in RA patients.
Methods
Blood specimens were collected from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy control pairs before anti-TNF treatment and 16 RA patients were followed at two timepoints (months 3 and 6) populations were determined based on mRNA expression of nine selected genes (NCF1, NCF2, NCF4, TNFα, CD14, FCGR3A, CXCR3, CXCR4, CX3CR1). Four immunoregulatory cytokines concentrations during anti-TNF treatment. NADPH oxidase profile and immunophenotypic characteristics of monocytes and lymphocytes (IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IL-17A, IL-10) were measured by ELISA. Differences between RA patients before and during anti-TNF treatment as well as between responders and non-responders were assessed.
Results
We observed the significant upregulation of NCF4 and CD14 expression in RA group. After anti-TNFα treatment, we demonstrated a significant association between mRNA levels of NCF1 and TNFα. The mRNA levels of NCF1 and CD14 positively correlated both in RA patients before anti- TNFα treatment (p = 0.03) and healthy controls (p = 0.014). Although no associations were found between NOX2 gene expression profile and anti-TNF responsiveness, we found that CXCR3 is significantly overexpressed in non-responders at month 3 (p = 0.004).
Conclusions
In contrary to previous reports we observed no relationships between NOX2-related genes expression and RA activity. TNFα inhibition has not influenced NOX2 expression either. Notably, this study indicate the novel links between expression levels of NCF1, monocyte differentiation antigen CD14 and TNFα. The additional finding of the study was the potential predictive value of CXCR3 expression for clinical response to anti-TNFα agents.
Methods to improve 5G signal transmittance in modern buildings
Authors: Xu Chen , Feng Jiqiang , Li Feipeng , Deng Kewen , Wang Xingyu
Published: March 2024

Modern buildings increasingly use low-emissivity (low-e) energy-efficient glass to achieve thermal insulation and reduce energy consumption. However, the low-e coating in energy-efficient glass also leads to high attenuation of wireless signals in the microwave frequency range (-25dB to -30dB), severely impacting the use of indoor wireless communication devices. In this paper, we investigate the use of Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) to address the indoor high attenuation issue of wireless signals. Through the transmission matrix method, we calculate the transmittance and reflectance coefficients of energy-efficient glass to optimize the unit structure of FSS, achieving enhanced indoor propagation of 5G high-frequency signals with dual polarization, wide-angle, and high transparency. The performance of FSS is verified through simulation and experimental validation. Without affecting the thermal insulation properties of energy-efficient glass, the signal attenuation in the sub-6G frequency range is reduced by 20-30dB, significantly improving the communication quality of 5G signals in modern building interiors.
Investigation of temperature-effect separation of monitoring data for large-span suspension bridges
Authors: ZHANG Wei , HU Yuanyuan , LUO Jing , Liu Wanjun
Published: March 2024

The Ministry of Transport has arranged and implemented numerous health monitoring systems for long and large bridges in Guizhou in recent years. Bridge safety duration may be estimated and residual bearing capacity can be estimated using the monitoring data that these systems gather. To more accurately evaluate the structural changes utilizing the bridge structure data, the association between the temperature, strain, and structural deformation data is investigated. The temperature influence is then separated out using the wavelet transform theory. The results show that there is very little variation in the surface temperature of steel truss beam constructions and the surrounding air during the winter months when solar radiation is low. Bridge supports' longitudinal deformation, vertical deformation, and structural strain are all significantly impacted by temperature.The main beam's longitudinal deformation and temperature have a stronger link with one another than they do with vertical deformation.The effects of temperature variations on bridge structural reactions can be efficiently eliminated by using wavelet transform to structural monitoring data for denoising, which enables the extraction of structural responses under vehicle loads. This makes it easier to analyze how the bridge structure will react to loads.
Radiomics-Based Prediction of Breast Cancer Recurrence, Metastasis, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Zeng Jiale , Wang Zairui , Guan Lin , Aikula Gulizhareye , Luo Ting , Xu Ya , Liu Yantong , Qiu Yuting , Jin Shaoqiao , Fu Liren , Liu Shijie , Bi Zhuofei
Published: March 2024

Objectives
To construct a prognostic framework utilizing preoperative MRI derived radiomics and clinical characteristics in the early prediction of recurrence and metastasis for breast cancer patients.
Methods
In this retrospective study, breast cancer patients with preoperative MR scans were analyzed. Radiomic features from T2WI, CE-T1WI, and DWI were extracted and refined using ICC analysis and LASSO method. Clinical characteristics were selected via univariate logistic regression. Clinical model, radiomic model, clinical-radiomics score model were constructed using multivariate logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated using AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, with AUC comparisons via the DeLong test. Calibration curves and decision curves assessed model fit and clinical benefit, respectively. The log-rank test was used for disease-free survival analysis.
Results
The study comprised a total of 153 patients, with 109 patients assigned to the training group and 44 patients assigned to the test set. The clinical-radiomics score model demonstrated superior performance compared to the clinical model (AUC = 0.97 vs. 0.74 for the training cohort, p < 0.001; AUC = 0.87 vs. 0.66 for the test cohort, p = 0.011). The radiomics model demonstrated superior performance compared to the clinical model, with an AUC of 0.97 versus 0.74 in the training cohort (p < 0.001), and an AUC of 0.86 versus 0.66 in the test cohort (p = 0.046). However, there was no significant advantage observed when combining the clinical and radiomics scores, as the AUC remained at 0.97 for the training cohort (p < 0.504) and 0.87 for the test cohort (p = 0.614) when compared to the radiomics model alone. The log-rank test demonstrated that, according to the clinical-radiomics score model, the groups predicted to be at high risk of recurrence and metastasis exhibited significantly shorter disease-free survival compared to those in the low-risk groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The prognostic model presented in this research exhibits remarkable accuracy in detecting high-risk recurrence and metastasis among breast cancer patients, thus laying the groundwork for the implementation of individualized treatment protocols in breast cancer care.
Protective potential of microencapsulated recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin-C in a murine staphylococcal mastitis model
Authors: Deepak D. , Preena P. , Vaidya R. , Ali S. A. , Boby N. , Pati B. K. , De U. K. , Verma M.R. , Sahoo Monalisa , Chaudhury Pallab , Mukherjee Reena
Published: March 2024

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland and is considered an economically important disease of the dairy industry. S. aureus is the contagious pathogen involved in both subclinical and clinical mastitis in dairy cows. Due to the hardy nature of S. aureus and the emergence of multi-drug resistant S. aureus, the chance of treatment failure in infections is relatively high. Hence, it is generally accepted that antibiotics alone cannot solve the overall therapeutic dilemma, and other treatment modalities, such as vaccines or immunotherapies, are urgently needed. Staphylococcal enterotoxin type C (SEC) is one of the most important immunogenic determinants among the different enterotoxins and is invariantly expressed by bovine isolates of S. aureus. In the present study, we examined whether recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin C (rSEC) protein encapsulated in poly lactide-co-glycolide microparticles (PLGA) can be used for active immunization against staphylococcal mastitis in a murine model. Adult Swiss albino female mice (n = 6) were allotted into five groups for immunization in a prime-boost regimen: (1) control group (sterile PBS); (2) rSEC-PLGA group; (3) bacterin group; (4) PLGA group; and (5) rSEC group. The immunoglobulin G titre in serum was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the PLGA-rSEC group than in the bacterin group. Furthermore, male and female mice (1:3 ratio) were cohabitated after the second immunization to ensure impregnation of the female mice for intramammary bacterial challenge. Three days postpartum, immunized lactating mice were challenged with 107 colony forming units (CFUs) of β-hemolytic coagulase positive S. aureus in the mammary ducts. The protective mechanism of PLGA-encapsulated rSEC against intramammary challenge of S. aureus was evaluated using S. aureus-specific IgG, IL-10, CRP, bacterial load and histopathology. PLGA-rSEC exhibited a strong immune response against S. aureus and could therefore be a promising vaccine candidate against S. aureus bovine mastitis.
Radiomics of voxel-wise DCE-MRI time-intensity-curve profile map enable quantitative assessment of temporal and spatial hemodynamic heterogeneity within breast lesions
Authors: Liu Zhou , Wang Meng , Sun Meng , Yao Bingyu , Ren Ya , Wen Jie , Yang Qian , Qian Long , Cui Wei , Luo Dehong , Zhang Na
Published: March 2024

Background
To investigate the usefulness of radiomics analysis based on voxel-wise mapping of DCE-MRI time-intensity-curve (TIC) profiles in quantifying temporal and spatial hemodynamic heterogeneity.
Methods
From December 2018 to August 2022, 428 patients with 639 breast lesions were retrospectively enrolled. The TIC profile of each voxel within the manually segmented 3D lesion was categorized into 19 subtypes based on wash-in rate (nonenhanced, slow, medium, and fast), wash-out enhancement (persistent, plateau, and decline), and wash-out stability (steady and unsteady). Three feature sets were calculated separately, including composition ratio (type-19) and radiomics features (type-19-radiomics) of 19 TIC profile subtypes, and radiomics features based on third-phase DCE-MRI images (phase-3-radiomics). Using support vector machine, four models (type-19, type-19-radiomics, type-19-combined, and phase-3-radiomics) were constructed to distinguish benign and malignant breast lesions.
Results
In differentiating benign and malignant lesions, both cross-validation and independent testing showed that type-19-combined model significantly outperformed phase-3-radiomics model (AUC = 0.906 vs. 0.823, P < 0.001, AUC = 0.867 vs. 0.762, P = 0.026). However, in cross-validation and testing, no significant difference in performance was observed between phase-3-radiomics model and type-19 model (P = 0.577 and 0.085), between phase-3-radiomics model and type-19-radiomics model (P = 0.182 and 0.200), or between type-19-radiomics model and type-19 model (P = 0.073 and 0.454).
Conclusions
In addition to radiomics analysis based on a single phase DCE-MRI, radiomics analysis of voxel-wise DCE-MRI time-intensity-curve (TIC) profiles map enables quantifying temporal and spatial hemodynamic heterogeneity simultaneously, thereby aiding in the differentiation of breast lesions.
Uptake of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils is suppressed by inflammation and induces an aberrant phenotype in human microglia
Authors: Niskanen Jonna , Peltonen Sanni , Ohtonen Sohvi , Luk Kelvin C. , Koistinaho Jari , Malm Tarja , Goldsteins Gundars , Albert Katrina , Lehtonen Šárka
Published: March 2024

Microglia are brain resident immune cells and maintain proteostasis and cellular homeostasis there. Recent findings suggest that microglia dysfunction could contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. One of the hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease is the aggregation and accumulation of alpha-synuclein into Lewy bodies inside nerve cells. Microglia may worsen the neuronal microenvironment by persistent inflammation, resulting in deficient clearing of aggregated alpha-synuclein. To model microglial behavior in Parkinson’s, we utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells to generate functionally active microglia. We studied the microglial uptake of alpha-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs) and the effect of pro-inflammatory stimulation by interferon gamma. We demonstrate that inflammatory stimulation impairs PFF uptake in microglia and increases cytokine production. Excessive PFF uptake by microglia results in autophagy impairment and induction of iNOS. Taken together, we demonstrate that this model is valuable for investigating the behavior of microglia in Parkinson’s disease and provide new insights on how human microglia process aggregated alpha-synuclein.
Patient and caregiver perceptions of electronic health records interoperability in the NHS and its impact on care quality: A focus group study
Authors: Li Edmond , Lounsbury Olivia , Clarke Jonathan , Ashrafian Hutan , Darzi Ara , Neves Ana Luisa
Published: March 2024

Background
The proliferation of electronic health records (EHR) in health systems of many high-income countries has ushered in profound changes to how clinical information is used, stored, and disseminated. For patients, being able to easily access and share their health information electronically through interoperable EHRs can often impact safety and their experience when seeking care across healthcare providers. While extensive research exists examining how EHRs affected workflow and technical challenges such as limited interoperability, much of it was done from the viewpoint of healthcare staff rather than from patients themselves. This leaves a critical knowledge gap in our evidence base to inform better implementation of health information technologies which needs addressing.
Aims and Objectives
This study aimed to explore how patients with chronic conditions or polypharmacy and their caregivers perceive the current state of EHR interoperability, identify instances where it was associated with negative health outcomes, and elucidate patient-driven recommendations to address concerns raised.
Methods
A total of 18 patients and caregivers participated in five online focus groups between May-July 2022. Thematic analysis was performed to generate codes and derive higher-order themes.
Results
Participants highlighted that EHR interoperability in the NHS does not meet patient needs and expectations. While patients’ understanding of the concept of EHR interoperability was mixed, most were able to describe how the inability to seamlessly share health information within EHR has negatively impacted care. Limited interoperability contributed to inaccurate medical records, perpetuated existing incorrect information, impaired clinical decision-making, and often required patients to resort to using workarounds. Patients also voiced ideas for potential solutions for consideration. These included a move towards a one-centralised system approach, strengthening data security measures to augment other efforts to increase interoperability, prioritising health information technology training for NHS staff, and involving more allied health professionals and patients themselves in the EHR data curation process.
Conclusion
Our study contributes to the existing body of literature by providing the perspectives of patients and carers most likely to encounter interoperability challenges and therefore those most ideally positioned to propose potential solutions. As highlighted by patients, researchers and policymakers should consider social, educational, and organisational solutions, in addition to technical solutions.
Vector Competence of Culex quinquefasciatus for Tembusu Virus and Viral Determinants for Virus Transmission by Mosquitoes
Authors: Tang Yibing , He Yu , Wang Xiaoli , Wu Zhen , Du Senyan , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Huang Juan , Ou Xumin , Sun Di , Cheng Anchun , Chen Shun
Published: March 2024

The recent pandemic of flaviviruses all over the world has underscored the importance of studying flavivirus vector competence, as the evolutionary enhancement of mosquito transmission played a significant role in its spread. Tembusu virus is an avian-related mosquito-borane flavivirus, which is mainly epidemic in China and Southeast Asia since 2010. However, the reason for the outbreak of Tembusu virus in 2010 remains unclear, and it is unknown whether changes in vector transmission played an essential role in this process. To address these questions, we conducted a study using Culex quinquefasciatus as a model for Tembusu virus infection, employing both oral infection and microinjection methods. Our findings confirmed that both vertical and horizontal transmission collectively contribute to the cycle of Tembusu virus within the mosquito population, with persistent infection observed. Importantly, our data revealed that the prototypical Tembusu virus MM_1775 strain exhibited significantly higher infectivity and transmission rates in mosquitoes compared to a duck Tembusu virus (CQW1 strain). Furthermore, we identified that the viral E protein and 3' untranslated region are key elements responsible for these differences. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the mosquito transmission of Tembusu virus and provides valuable insights into the factors influencing its infectivity and transmission rates. These findings contribute to a better understanding of Tembusu virus epidemiology and can potentially aid in the development of strategies to control its spread.
Level of Mycotoxins Consumption and Burden of Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in People subsisting on sorghum based products in Nigeria: A Risk Assessment
Authors: GARBA MUHAMMAD HARUNA , MAKUN HUSSAINI ANTHONY , Jigam ALI AUDU , Hadiza LAMI MUHAMMAD , NJOBEH PATRICK BERKA
Published: March 2024

Sorghum is a local grain that grows predominantly in the semi-arid, savannah and grassland region of Northern Nigeria and other parts of the world. Sorghum samples were collected from five districts in each of the six agro-ecological zones. In contrast the sorghum based products such as gruel, pap and porridge were sampled using A quantitative food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) followed by measurement of the body weight and the quantity of food consumed by the respondents. The mycotoxin concentrations in both raw sorghum sample and the sorghum based products was determined using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mycotoxin concentrations determined from the two different samples were used to determine the amount of mycotoxins consumed by respondents from different age groups and subsequently the burden of aflatoxin induced Hepato cellular carcinoma(HCC) in communities that subsist on sorghum and sorghum-based products. There was a significant difference (P = 0.05) between the concentration of the mycotoxins in the raw and the processed sorghum samples in all the agro-ecological zones with the exemption of zearalenone from the Southern guinea savannah (SGS) that was observed to increase by 272.3% in pap (kamu/ogi) sample and aflatoxin and ochratoxin in porridge sample from the Sudan savannah that was observed to increase by 70.0 and 66.7% respectively. The processing methods employed in the in the preparation of these products could not reduce the toxin level below the PTDI and TDI levels set by the regulatory agencies. Average daily consumption of sorghum based products based on age range was found to be 192.5g/day, 617.0g/day, 810.2g/day and 746.1g/day for the infants, children, adults and elderly respectively The incidence of HCC and the burden aflatoxin induced HCC in the HbeAg and the HbsAg populations alarmingly high and appeared to increase in severity from forested derived savannah region towards the drier savannah areas in the hinterlands. Sorghum is a major grain corn in the world agricultural economy and represents an important staple food for the populations of many developing countries. The cereal is part of the diet of millions of people, representing for them a major source of energy and nutrients. Nevertheless, the nutritional value of sorghum as human food, as well as a feed material for food-producing animals, is impaired by its infection by fungi and fungal metabolites which calls for urgent mitigation strategies to avoid health emergencies particularly in the poverty stricken countries of the sub Saharan Africa where this crop is a common staple.
Physical and social disorder, but not tree cover, contribute to lower perceptions of safety in urban green spaces
Authors: Berdejo-Espinola Violeta , Zahnow Renee , Fuller Richard
Published: March 2024

Feeling unsafe is an important barrier to spending time in nature and therefore gaining the benefits that such experiences offer. Some research suggests that dense vegetation in green spaces can impede visibility, create hiding places for would-be offenders and reduce perceptions of safety among visitors. Drawing on data from 352 residents of a metropolitan area in Paraguay, we discovered that green space biophysical characteristics including tree cover and park size were not associated with perceptions of safety in urban green spaces. In contrast, signs of physical disorder significantly reduced perceptions of safety, although the associations were indirect and mediated by social factors. In our sample, perceived safety of green spaces did not significantly relate to frequency of visits to urban green spaces, suggesting safety must be considered alongside a suite of other factors when considering barriers, and catalysts, to spending time in nature. These results challenge a widely held assumption that dense vegetation reduces the perceived safety of green spaces, and highlight the broad implications of disorder for impeding safety and potentially limiting the use of public nature spaces.
Body composition analysis using CT at three aspects of the lumbar third vertebra and its impact on the diagnosis of sarcopenia
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhi Huaiqing , Shen Qingzheng , Gao Zekan , Cai Wentao , Wang Xiang , Chen Xiaodong , Shen Xian , Zhang Weiteng
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) revised the consensus in 2018, including that using computed tomography (CT) imaging of the lumbar third vertebra (L3) for the evaluation of muscle mass. However, there is currently discrepancy and confusion in the application of specific cross-sectional and cutoff values for L3. This study aimed to standardize the diagnosis of low muscle mass using L3-CT.
Materials and Methods
This study included patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer between July 2014 and February 2019. Sarcopenia factors were measured preoperatively. Patients were followed up to obtain actual clinical outcomes. We used the cutoff values obtained based on the inferior aspect of L3-CT images to diagnose sarcopenia in three aspects, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare long-term and short-term postoperative prognostic differences.
Results
Sarcopenia was found to be an independent risk factor for postoperative complications and overall survival in patients with all three diagnoses of sarcopenia. According to the multivariate model for predicting postoperative complications, patients with inferior-L3 sarcopenia had a greater odds ratio (OR) than patients with superior-L3 sarcopenia or transverse-L3 sarcopenia did (OR, inferior sarcopenia vs. superior sarcopenia, transverse sarcopenia, 2.030 vs. 1.608, 1.679). Furthermore, patients with inferior-L3 sarcopenia had the highest hazard ratio (HR) (HR, inferior sarcopenia vs. superior sarcopenia, transverse sarcopenia, 1.491 vs. 1.408, 1.376) in the multivariate model for predicting overall survival.
Conclusion
We recommend that when diagnosing low muscle mass using L3-CT, the intercepted cross section should be uniform and consistent with the aspect on which the cutoff value is based.
The freshwater fish genus Thymallus (Thymallidae) in the upper OB-Irtysh River: its evolutionary history and implications for conservation
Authors: Peng Wenjie , Han Haoxiang , Ma Bo
Published: March 2024

Quaternary geological and climatic events in central Asia have influenced the evolutionary history of populations of endemic species, and patterns in their distribution. We investigate species of grayling (Thymallus) from the upper OB-Irtysh River, Xinjiang, China, using mitochondrial DNA sequences and 10 microsatellite markers. Phylogenetic analyses attribute this species to Thymallus brevicephalus, and validate its divergence from a sister taxon, the Mongolian grayling (Thymallus brevirostris) through geomorphological changes caused by uplift of the Altai Mountains. Microsatellite analysis using STRUCTURE and pairwise FST analysis reveals significant genetic differentiation between eastern and western T. brevicephalus populations, which we estimate to have diverged approximately 0.81 million years ago (MY). High haplotype and low nucleotide diversities, and patterns of population history, indicate the western population of T. brevicephalus has slowly expanded following the Last Glacial Maximum approximately 0.4–0.1 MY. Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium and within-population inbreeding coefficients identify a founder effect in this species. The origin of T. brevicephalus corresponds to the uplift of the Altai Mountains. Simultaneously, internal differentiation and population expansion occurred during repeated Quaternary climatic glacial–interglacial cycles. If management of T. brevicephalus, an endemic fish species in the upper Irtysh River in the Altai Mountains, was an option, we recommend establishing two management units separated by the Crane River. Release activities should be carried out independently for the eastern and western populations, and international cooperation in conservation efforts should be strengthened.
Formulation of Quinoa oil-alginate loaded nanoemulsion and its anticancer efficacy as a therapy for chemically induced breast cancer
Authors: El-makawy Aida I. , Mabrouk Dalia M. , Ibrahim Faten M. , Abdel-Aziem Sekena H. , EL-Kader Heba A.M. Abd , Youssef Dalia A , Sharaf Hafiza A. , Mohammed Shaimaa E.
Published: March 2024

Quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) have grown in interest due to their naturally occurring phytochemicals and antioxidants. It was stated that it has a powerful anticancer effect against human colorectal cancer. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the quinoa oil fatty acids. Sodium alginate was used as a loading agent to encapsulating the nanoemulsion, and its acute oral toxicity was assessed in rats. The nanoemulsion's ability to scavenge free radicals was evaluated using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay. The in vivo anticancer potential of the quinoa oil nanoemulsion on 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats was studied. Quinoa oil nanoemulsions were given daily to DMBA-breast cancer models for one month. Through the assessment of ROS, protein carbonyl, gene expression evaluation of anti-oncogenes, and histopathological analysis, the anticancer activity of the nanoemulsion was studied. Quinoa oil nanoemulsion administration significantly decreased the rise in serum ROS and PC levels brought on in breast cancer tissue. The quinoa oil nanoemulsion alleviated the mRNA expression levels of anti-oncogenes in breast cancer tissue. As well, nanoemulsions improved breast tumor tissue architecture.
Conclusion: We can infer from the results that quinoa oil nanoemulsion can obstruct the breast cancer cells of the rats.
CYP2E1 deficit mediates cholic acid-induced malignant growth in hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Hao Zhiwei , Liu Xuemin , He Huanhuan , Wei Zhixuan , Shu Xiji , Wang Jianzhi , Sun Binlian , Zhou Hongyan , Wang Jiucheng , Niu Ying , Hu Zhiyong , Hu Shaobo , Liu Yuchen , Fu Zhengqi
Published: March 2024

Background
An increased serum cholic acid (CA) is concurrently appeared with a decreased CYP2E1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether and how CA may be involved in promoting hepatocarcinogenesis has not been elucidated. This study was aimed to investigate the role of CYP2E1 on CA-induced HCC cell growth and its underlying mechanism.
Methods
Our proteomic analysis of liver tumor tissues from DEN-induced male SD rats treated with CA administration revealed that CA downregulated CYP2E1 level. The proliferative ability of CA-treated HCC cells was examined by colony formation assays. Autophagic flux was detected by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The protein levels of CYP2E1, mTOR, AKT, p62 and LC3Ⅱ were detected by Immunoblotting. The effect of CYP2E1 on CA-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis was explored in vivo by establishing a xenograft tumor model in nude mice. We also investigated the clinical value of CYP2E1 in HCC patients.
Results
CA increased the clonogenicity of HCC cells and promoted the growth of xenograft tumors with a simultaneous reduction of CYP2E1 expression. Further studies revealed that both in vitro and in vivo, upregulating CYP2E1 could effectively inhibit cell growth of HCC with a blockage of autophagic flux, downregulation of AKT phosphorylation and upregulation of mTOR phosphorylation. CYP2E1 was involved in CA-activated autophagy through the AKT/mTOR signaling, which promoted CA-stimulated HCC cell growth. Finally, a decreased CYP2E1 expression was observed in the tumor tissues of HCC patients and the CYP2E1 level in tumor was negatively correlated with the serum level of total bile acids (TBA) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT).
Conclusions
CYP2E1 deficit contributes to CA-induced HCC development with the mechanisms involving regulation of autophagy, thus CYP2E1 may serve as a potential target for HCC drug development.
Investigation Potential Antidiabetic Activity of Angelica gigas Nakai Leaf Extract
Authors: Lee Jaehak , Taufik Iqbal Maulana , Lim Seungtae , Kim Gur-Yoo , Jhoo Jin-Woo
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to investigate Angelica gigas Nakai leaf extract (ALE) as an antidiabetic. The inhibitory activity of ALE on α-glucosidase inhibition and rat intestinal disaccharidase were measured. Also, its effect on glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells was analyzed. Supplementation of ALE up to 150µg/mL showed cell viability higher than 90% in 3T3-L1 cells. The 60% and 80% of ethanol ALE revealed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Further, the 60% ethanol ALE extracts were freeze-dried (FD60) and spray-dried (SD60) to evaluate their antidiabetic effects. The α-glucosidase inhibitory assay revealed that the IC50 of SD60 and FD60 were 4.08 mg/mL and 2.93 mg/mL, respectively. A Lineweaver-Burk plot showed that ALE demonstrates mixed-type inhibition. FD60 and SD60 showed no significant difference in inhibiting maltase, sucrase, and glucoamylase of rat intestinal disaccharidase. FD60 and SD60 significantly (p < 0.05) increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells compared to D-pinitol. Moreover, ALE could increase the expression of pAkt Thr308 in Vero 76 cells via western blot analysis. These findings suggest that ALE has potential antidiabetic properties.
Efficacy and safety of PD‑1 monoclonal antibody combined with interferon‑alpha 1b and anlotinib hydrochloride as the second-line therapy in patients with unresectable advanced melanoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Bolun , Tang Jingyi , Zhang Mengyu , Zou Daopei , Liu Fang , Feng Ting , Li Chunying , Shi Qiong , Gao Tianwen , Zhu Guannan
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors are now used more commonly in combination than monotherapy as the first-line choice in patients with unresectable advanced melanoma. Nevertheless, for cases that progressed after the initial combination therapy, the subsequent regimen option can be very difficult. Herein, we reported the efficacy and safety of a triple combination regimen in Chinese unresectable advanced melanoma patients who had poor responses to the first-line immune therapy.
Materials and Methods
We reviewed the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed with stage IIIC-IV melanoma between June 1, 2020, and September 30, 2023. The patients who failed the prior immune therapies and received anti-PD-1 mono antibody plus interferon(IFN)‑alpha 1b and anlotinib hydrochloride as the second-line therapy were enrolled in the retrospective analysis. Additionally, we examined the exhaustion of T-cells using mIHC staining in available tumor samples.
Results
56 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 13.6 months. The objective response rate evaluated by the investigators was 8.9%(1CR, 4PR). The disease control rate was 46.4%. The median overall survival was 17.5 months, and the median progression-free survival was 2.8 months. The adverse events rate of any grade was 100%. Grade 3 or 4 irAEs were observed in 28.6% of cases. Multiplex immunohistochemical staining revealed an increased trend of TIM3 expression on tumor-infiltrating T cells in patients without objective response.
Conclusion
PD‑1 monoclonal antibody plus interferon‑alpha 1b plus anlotinib showed acceptable tolerability and anticancer benefits in Chinese metastatic melanoma patients as a second-line therapy.