bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of etiology, sex, diabetes mellitus and remission status on erythrocytic profile in patients with Cushing’s syndrome: a large population database study
Authors: Dery Laura , Stern Julia , Shimon Ilan , Rudman Yaron , Kushnir Shiri , Shochat Tzipora , Fleseriu Maria , Akirov Amit
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The study aimed to characterize the erythrocytic profile in patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS) versus controls from the normal population according to etiology, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercortisolemia remission status.
Methods
This retrospective cohort analysis compared erythrocytic parameters between patients with CS of pituitary (CD) and adrenal (aCS) etiology and age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status-matched controls in a 1:5 ratio. Laboratory values at baseline were calculated as mean values during the year preceding CS diagnosis, and over one year thereafter.
Results
The cohort included 397 CS patients (68.26% female; mean age 51.11 ± 16.85 years) and 1970 controls. Patients with CS had significantly higher baseline median levels of hemoglobin (Hgb) (13.70 g/dL vs. 13.12 g/dL [p < 0.0001]) and hematocrit (Hct) (41.64% vs. 39.80% [p < 0.0001]) compared to controls. These differences were observed for both CD and aCS and for both sexes. Patients who attained remission had Hgb and Hct levels comparable to controls (13.20 g/dL and 40.08% in patients with CD and aCS vs. 13.20 g/dL and 39.98% in controls). Meanwhile, those with persistent/recurrent disease maintained elevated levels. Patients with comorbid DM had similar Hgb but higher Hct (p = 0.0419), while patients without DM showed elevated erythrocytic values compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Our data illustrates that erythrocytic parameters are directly influenced by glucocorticoid excess as Hgb and Hct are higher in patients with CS, and normalize after remission. We have identified the influence of DM on erythrocytic parameters in patients with CS for the first time.
A Multiple Linear Regression Forecast of PM10 Air Contamination
Authors: Kumar Lokesh , Kumar Gaurav
Published: February 2024

Proper estimation of air pollutants, especially Particulate Matter (PM), is essential for convincing and successful air quality control. A wide range of factors impact PM prediction, and in addition to guarantee the most reliable forecasts, it is imperative to integrate the most pertinent input variables. In order to choose the most relevant input and output variables for an air pollution model, this study uses the multiple linear regression approach. In this work, the concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and the air quality index (AQI) are used to determine the concentration of PM10.
Decomposing the AIA~304 channel into its cool and hot components
Authors: Antolin Patrick , Auchère Frédéric , Winch Ethan , Soubrié Elie , Oliver Ramon
Published: February 2024

The AIA~304 channel on board the \textit{Solar Dynamics Observatory} (SDO) offers a unique view of low transition region (TR) plasma emitting in the He II 304 ˚A line. However, when observing off-limb, the emission of the (small) cool structures in the solar atmosphere (such as spicules, coronal rain and prominence material) can be of the same order as the surrounding hot coronal emission from other spectral lines included in the 304 passband, particularly over active regions. In this paper we investigate three methods based on temperature and morphology that are able to distinguish the cool and hot emission within the 304 passband. The methods are based on the Differential Emission Measure (DEM), a linear decomposition of the AIA response functions (RFit) and the Blind Source Separation (BSS) technique. All three methods are found to produce satisfactory results in both quiescent and flaring conditions, largely removing the diffuse corona and leading to images with cool material off-limb in sharp contrast with the background. We compare our results with co-aligned IRIS data in the SJI 1400 and 2796 channels, and find the RFit method to best match the quantity and evolution of the cool material detected with \textit{IRIS}. Some differences can appear due to plasma emitting in the log T = 5.1 − 5.5 temperature range, particularly during the catastrophic cooling stage prior to rain appearance during flares. These methods are in principle applicable to any passband from any instrument suffering from similar cool and hot emission ambiguity as long as there is good coverage of the hot temperature range.
Increasing monocytes after lung cancer surgery triggers the outgrowth of distant metastases, causing recurrence
Authors: Kawaguchi Yo , Okamoto Keigo , Kataoka Yoko , Shibata Kohei , Saitoh Hiroki , Shiratori Takuya , Ueda Keiko , Ohshio Yasuhiko , Hanaoka Jun
Published: February 2024

Patients with lung cancer have a high incidence of tumor recurrence even after curative surgical resection. Some reports indicated that immunosuppressive cells induced by surgical stress could contribute to tumor recurrence after surgery; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we found that increased postoperative blood monocytes served as a risk factor for tumor recurrence in 192 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We established the lung cancer recurrent mouse model after tumor resection and showed that the surgical stress immediately increased the level of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), which subsequently increased blood monocytes. These blood monocytes were rapidly recruited into distant micrometastases and became tumor growth-promoting TAMs (tumor associated macrophages). Furthermore, even after the blood MCP-1 and monocytes decreased enough 72 hours after tumor resection, TAMs in micrometastases remained rich because the MCP-1 secreted by micrometastases themselves continued to recruit monocytes around the tumor. Consequently, tumor resection triggered the outgrowth of distant metastases via the MCP-1–Monocyte–TAM axis. When we administered the MCP-1 inhibitor to the lung cancer recurrent model mice, blood monocytes decreased after tumor resection, and TAMs in micrometastases also dramatically decreased. Finally, peri- and postoperative treatment with the MCP-1 inhibitor suppressed distant metastases after surgery. Targeting the MCP-1–Monocyte–TAM axis may inhibit surgical stress-induced NSCLC recurrence by attenuating postoperative immunosuppressive monocytes in micrometastases.
Mosquito ShieldTM, a transfluthrin passive emanator, protects against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae s.l in central Benin
Authors: Fongnikin Augustin , Ahoga Juniace , Ndombidje Boris , Hueha Corneille , Souza Esperantos , Oti-Tossou Ruth , Govoetchan Renaud , Ngufor Corine
Published: February 2024

Background: Spatial repellents can provide personal and household protection against biting vector mosquitoes by volatising repellents into the air within a given area. Mosquito ShieldTM is a transfluthrin passive emanator undergoing evaluation for malaria control. Studies evaluating its entomological impact against different local malaria vector populations would help guide its deployment in endemic countries.
Methods: We performed a two-arm single-blinded small-scale household randomised entomological trial to assess the impact of Mosquito ShieldTM on the human landing rate of wild pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae sl vector mosquitoes in houses in the Ganhoua village of the Zakpota District of central Benin. From a total of 30 houses, 15 were randomly allocated to receive Mosquito ShieldTM while the remainder received a placebo product. The trial lasted through the life of the Mosquito ShieldTM product (32 days). Mosquito sampling was performed by human landing catches at baseline and at 6 timepoints post-intervention (days 0-1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29 and 31-32). Collections were performed for 2 days at each sampling time point. WHO cylinder bioassays were conducted during the trial with F1, An gambiae sl mosquitoes that emerged from larvae from the study area to assess the intensity of resistance to pyrethroids in the wild vector population.
Findings: The vector population in the study area showed a high intensity of resistance to pyrethroids. Baseline An gambiae sl human landing rates were similar in houses in both study arms before product application (11.53/person/night vs 11.67/person/night, p>0.05). A total of 5736 mosquitoes were collected in the placebo control arm and 3862 in the Mosquito ShieldTM arm post-intervention. Overall An gambiae sl human landing rates post-intervention were significantly lower in houses in the Mosquito ShieldTM arm 18.13/person/night) compared to the houses in the placebo control arm (26.84/person/night, IRR=0.658, p<0.001). Over the lifespan of the product, Mosquito ShieldTM provided a significant protective efficacy of 34.2% (22.1%-44.4%, p<0.001) against wild pyrethroid-resistant An gambiae s.l. vectors compared to the placebo. Human landing rates of other nuisance vector mosquito species (Culex and Mansonia) were also reduced in houses treated with Mosquito ShieldTM compared to the placebo.
Conclusion: Mosquito ShieldTM, a transfluthrin passive emanator, provided significant protection against pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors to households in Benin. The spatial repellent shows potential to reduce malaria transmission by pyrethroid-resistant An gambiae sl vector mosquitoes and cover gaps in malaria control when deployed to complement existing vector control interventions.
Analysis of the effect of photodetector filter bandwidth and optical preamplifier gain on the performance of high-power LED 16 QAM-OFDM VLC system
Authors: Paliwal Rajat , Patel Piyush , Atieh Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Commercial phosphorous light emitting diodes (PLEDs) have many impairments such as slow response, low bandwidth (BW), and signal attenuation which limit the performance of VLC systems. In our previous work, we proposed an efficient 16 QAM link integrating an optical preamplifier with a PLED. We successfully demonstrated the transmission of 0.5 Gbps over a VLC link of 7 m range. In this work, we have further modified the 16 QAM system and upgraded it to 16 QAM-OFDM employing an optical preamplifier and a bandpass filter (BPF) after the photodetector. The effect of the preamplifier gain and the BPF bandwidth on the performance of the 16 QAM-OFDM system have been investigated. The results showed that a BPF with BW of 375 MHz offers an optimum performance of the system at a data rate of 1 Gbps. A minimum Log of BER of -3.515 is achieved.
The effect of the optical preamplifier gain on the link performance is also investigated. When the gain is 15 dB, the distance is restricted to 1.5 m only when considered SFEC limit. However, when the gain is 20 dB a maximum distance up to 3 m is achieved while considering SFEC limit.\\ The BPF optimized bandwidth of 375 MHz, and the preamplifier gain of 20 dB are used successfully to transmit a data rate of 6 Gbps for distance of 1.5 m while considering the SFEC limit. When the data rate is incresead to 7 Gbps, the link range is abruptly decreased to 0.5 m.
Screening for depression among medication overuse headache patients and treatment could be useful for improving their quality of life
Authors: Srdjan  , Damjanovic Radomir , Todorovic Stefan , Djokovic Filip
Published: February 2024

Background
There is no clear negative impact of medication overuse headache (MOH) on quality of life (QoL).
Objective
The aim of this study was to identify clinical and headache-related parameters that directly affect the HRQoL of MOH patients.
Patients and Methods:
A total of 183 patients (111 men and 72 women) first diagnosed with MOH and 81 healthy subjects (22 men and 59 women) in the control group (CG) were enrolled in this study. The age of the study subjects ranged from 18 to 71 years. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36), which includes the physical composite score (PCS), mental composite score (MCS) and total score (TS).
Results
The HRQoL of all patients (PCS, MCS, TS) was lower in the MOH than in the CG (p < 0.001). In the MOH, depression itself was a risk factor for all aspects of HRQoL according to the PCS (B = -0.70, 95% CI -1.32–0.08, p = 0.027); for the MCS (B = -0.71, 95% CI -1.14 - − 0.29, p = 0.001); and for the TS (B = -0.69, 95% CI -1.16 - − 0.22, p = 0.005)), with female sex being an associated risk factor only for PCS (B = -15.47, 95% CI -26.79 - − 4.14, p = 0.008). The results did not reveal a predictive role of anxiety, stress, or ruminative style of thinking for HRQoL in MOH patients (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Screening for depression among MOH patients and treatment could be useful for improving their HRQoL.
Asteroidal Organics from the Sample Return Mission Hayabusa2 and their Implication for Understanding our Origins
Authors: Tachibana Shogo , Sakai Nami
Published: February 2024

The C-type asteroid Ryugu samples returned by the Hayabusa2 spacecraft are the chemically most pristine material in the Solar System, as they have not been exposed to terrestrial environments. The organic matter in Ryugu records the molecular evolution from the Sun’s parent molecular cloud chemistry to asteroidal aqueous alteration. In this article, we review the results of Ryugu sample analysis and discuss the evolution of organic matter in the early Solar System by comparing these results with recent radio and infrared observations of protostars and protoplanetary disks.
DETERMINAÇÃO MULTIELEMENTAR EM AMOSTRAS DE BIODIESEL EMPREGANDO ESPECTROMETRIA DE FLUORESCÊNCIA DE RAIOS-X POR DISPERSÃO DE ENERGIA APÓS EXTRAÇÃO INDUZIDA POR QUEBRA DE EMULSÃO
Authors: Almeida Jorge , Domingos Stênio , Meira Lucilia , Teixeira Josanaide , Teixeira Leonardo
Published: February 2024

MULTI-ELEMENT DETERMINATION IN BIODIESEL SAMPLES USING ENERGY DISPERSIVE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY AFTER EXTRACTION INDUCED BY EMULSION BREAKING. A method for determining Cd, Cr, Cu, and Fe in biodiesel samples is proposed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) after extraction induced by emulsion breaking (EIEB). A volume of 7.0 mL of biodiesel and an aliquot of 500 µL of Triton X-100 solution (2%, v v-1) prepared in nitric acid were used to prepare the emulsion. After 5 min of manual agitation, phase separation was performed by centrifugation for 5 min at 2000 rpm. A 100 µL aliquot of the enriched aqueous phase was collected and applied to the center of a filter paper. After drying, the analysis was performed directly on the paper using EDXRF. The detection limits were 60, 20, 30, and 60 μg kg-1 for Cd, Cr, Cu, and Fe, respectively. Recovery tests were performed by adding 450 μg kg-1 of the analytes in biodiesel samples, and the results varied between 87 and 113%. The procedure was applied to biodiesel samples, and the concentrations obtained for the four analytes were compared with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after sample digestion.
Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Çevre Okuryazarlıklarının Farklı Değişkenler Açısından İncelenmesi: Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Örneği
Authors: YILDIZ Sayiter , OLGAÇ Buse
Published: February 2024

Bu çalışmada Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi öğrencilerinin çevre okuryazarlıklarının farklı değişkenler açısından incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çevre okuryazarlığı ölçeği bilgi alt boyutu, tutum alt boyutu, çevresel davranış alt boyutu ve çevresel algı alt boyutu olmak üzere dört alt boyuttan oluşmaktadır. Verilerin değerlendirmesinde hangi testin kullanılacağını belirlemek için Kolmogorov-Smirnov normallik testi uygulanmıştır. Normal dağılım gösteren iki kategorili değişkenler için t testi, ikiden fazla kategoriye sahip değişkenler için ANOVA testi kullanılmıştır. Normal dağılım göstermeyen iki kategorili değişkenler için Mann Whitney U testi ve ikiden fazla kategoriye sahip değişkenler için Kruskal Wallis H testi kullanılmıştır. Ayrıca normal dağılım gösteren verilerin ikili karşılaştırmalarında gruplar homojen varyanslı ise Tukey, homojen varyanslı değilse Welch testi kullanılmıştır. Öğrencilerin %15.8’i 1. sınıf, %35.3’ü 2. sınıf %15.8’i 3. sınıf ve %33.1’i 4. sınıf öğrencisidir. Çalışmada öğrenciler çevre okuryazarlığı ölçeğinin bilgi alt boyutundan 13.07±2.70, tutum alt boyutundan 70.53±9.08, çevresel davranış alt boyutundan 41,41±6.34 ve çevresel algı alt boyutundan ise 10.76±1.87 puan almışlardır. Çalışma da çevresel okuryazarlık alt boyutlarının cinsiyet, sınıf, yaş, yaşadığı yer gibi farklı değişkenlere göre anlamlı düzeyde farklılaştığı ancak anne bananın çalışma durumu, eğitim durumu, gelir düzeyi gibi bazı değişkenlerden ise etkilenmediği sonucuna varılmıştır.
Identification of hydrologically homogenous watersheds and climate-vegetation dynamics in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Mihret Temesgen Tsehayeneh , Zemale Fasikaw A. , Worqlul Abeyou W. , Ayalew Ayenew D. , Fohrer Nicola
Published: February 2024

Identification of hydrologically homogenous watersheds in the Upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia is challenging due to the large number of watersheds and the lack of consistent and reliable data. Traditional methods, such as expert-based classification, are time-consuming, subjective, and often not reproducible. Therefore, this study aims to identify homogenous gauged watersheds using hydrometeorological and remote sensing data. In this study 76 watersheds were delineated from a 30-m digital elevation model (SRTM-DEM). Twelve watershed characteristics were selected to aid the classification process. Three homogenous climate regions were identified using rainfall data from 42 stations, and for each homogeneous climate region, gauged watersheds were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering were used for classification. The PCA reduced 12 watershed characteristics into three principal components using a threshold of 80% accounted variance and eigenvalues greater than one. K-means clustering classified the 76 watersheds into nine homogenous clusters. In the classified regions, vegetation dynamics within three decades have also been analyzed. This helped identify trends in vegetation cover and its spatial and temporal dynamics. The results of the investigation will potentially be used for runoff prediction of ungauged watersheds and for water resource management models in the future.
Recent and future exposure of water, sanitation, and hygiene systems to climate-related hazards in Zambia
Authors: Libanda Brigadier , Rand Emily , Gyang Gloria Nyam , Sindano Charity Tuseko , Simwanza Lukundo , Chongo Mkhuzo
Published: February 2024

Climate change-driven water scarcity will lead to inequitable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) access. However, current research in Zambia has ignored linking climate science dimensions to WASH access programs, thus limiting WASH-related climate action across the country. Here, we combine analyses of in situ datasets, modeling techniques, and systematic literature reviews to provide a solid climate science basis for WASH–climate action in Zambia. We find that in a warm near future climate, the stretch along the Copperbelt–Livingstone railroad from the north to the south of the country is expected to record an increase in heavy rainfall single-day events ranging between 50 and ≥150 mm. As such, bacterial diseases, such as cholera outbreaks, are expected to increase, especially in the Copperbelt, Central, Lusaka, Southern, and the Eastern Provinces. Models further predict a drier Zambia in the near and far future of up to 12 days year−1, suggesting a higher risk of increased aridity which will compound challenges to the provision of safe drinking water. The projected rapid population growth in these regions will also heighten the challenges of accessing safe drinking water. Strategic investments in enhancing WASH access in these areas should be considered a matter of urgency.
Modeling climate change effects on transport and fate of pathogens in an urban coastal area of Lake Michigan
Authors: Hamidi Sajad Ahmad , Bravo Hector , McLellan Sandra L. , Lorenz David
Published: February 2024

Infrastructure renewal and public health efforts require prediction of climate change effects on the occurrence of pathogens in the Great Lakes' urban coastal waters. This paper presents an investigation that addressed the climate change effects on transport and the fate of bacteria in Milwaukee's urban coastal area. This investigation was part of a study on climate change risks and impacts that included downscaling of climate change data for meteorological stations around Lake Michigan, and implementation of a hydrologic model that predicts tributary flows and bacteria loads. A method to select scenarios appropriate to link watershed and lake transport processes is presented. For the watershed, the sensitivity of bacterial loads with respect to changes in spring-season precipitation and air temperature is critical, while for lake transport, the most important driver is the wind field. Watershed and lake processes are linked by using spring-season watershed loading in the simulation of coastal transport. Scenarios for hydrodynamic modeling were developed by selecting climate projections that yielded high-and-low percentile projected spring-season wind speed. The patterns of bacteria transport showed significant changes under climate change conditions, and the changes in fecal coliform concentration at critical locations were explained by changes in current vector fields.
Virucidal efficacy of hypochlorous acid water for aqueous phase and atomization against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kubo Makoto , Eda Ryotaro , Maehana Shotaro , Fuketa Hiroshi , Shinkai Norihiro , Kawamura Naohisa , Kitasato Hidero , Hanaki Hideaki
Published: February 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged at the end of 2019. SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through droplets, aerosols, and fomites. Disinfectants such as alcohol, quaternary ammonium salts, and chlorine-releasing agents, including hypochlorous acid, are used to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of ionless hypochlorous acid water (HOCl) in suspension and by spraying to inactivate SARS-CoV-2. The virucidal efficacy of HOCl solution in tests against SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated as 50% tissue culture infectious dose. Although the presence of organic compounds influenced the virucidal efficacy, HOCl treatment for 20 s was significantly effective to inactivate Wuhan and Delta strains in the suspension test. HOCl atomization for several hours significantly reduced the SARS-CoV-2 attached to plastic plates. These results indicate that HOCl solution with elimination containing NaCl and other ions may have high virucidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2. This study provides important information about the virucidal efficacy and use of HOCl solution.
A modified integrated physical advanced primary treatment to enhance particulate organic carbon removal in municipal wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Lasaki Behnam Askari , Maurer Peter , Schönberger Harald
Published: February 2024

In the pursuit of a treatment approach that is both cost-effective and environmental-friendly, the applicability of microscreen (MS) techniques coupled with a primary sedimentation tank (PST) as a physical advanced primary treatment (APT) to enhance the removal of particulate organic carbon (POC) from municipal wastewater was investigated. A pilot unit, including a modified MS, adjustable to different meshes (including 20 and 15 μm) was operated continuously downstream to the PST at the Büsnau wastewater treatment plant in Stuttgart, Germany, and monitored for more than half a year. A strategy involving time-dependent backwashing and recirculation of MS permeate was employed to remove as much POC as possible from primarily treated wastewater, thereby extending the application of the MS. The optimal configuration, PST + 15-μm MS, achieved maximum removal efficiencies of 90% for turbidity, 90% for total suspended solids (TSS), and 80% for total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD). These results are significant, as comparable removal levels for these parameters were conventionally achieved using less eco-friendly methods such as physiochemical APT, including coagulation–flocculation with iron or aluminum salts followed by microscreening or sedimentation. However, this study's findings ascertained that solo physical APT applications could produce equivalent effluent quality with a much smaller footprint while keeping the advanced primary treated wastewater suitable for biological treatment.
Prediction Model for Therapeutic Responses in Ovarian Cancer
Patients using Paclitaxel-resistant Immune-related lncRNAs
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Huiqiang , Wang Fanchen , Yuan Jia , Guan Wencai , Xu Guoxiong
Published: February 2024

Background:

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest malignant tumor in women with a
poor prognosis due to drug resistance and lack of prediction tools for therapeutic responses to anti-
cancer drugs.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to launch a prediction model for therapeutic responses
in OC patients.

Methods:

The RNA-seq technique was used to identify differentially expressed paclitaxel (PTX)-
resistant lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs). The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-OV and ImmPort
database were used to obtain immune-related lncRNAs (ir-lncRNAs). Univariate, multivariate,
and LASSO Cox regression analyses were performed to construct the prediction model. Kaplan-
Meier plotter, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), nomogram, immune function analysis,
and therapeutic response were applied with Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC),
CIBERSORT, and TCGA databases. The biological functions were evaluated in the CCLE
database and OC cells.

Results:

The RNA-seq defined 186 DE-lncRNAs between PTX-resistant A2780-PTX and PTXsensitive
A2780 cells. Through the analysis of the TCGA-OV database, 225 ir-lncRNAs were
identified. Analyzing 186 DE-lncRNAs and 225 ir-lncRNAs using univariate, multivariate, and
LASSO Cox regression analyses, 9 PTX-resistant immune-related lncRNAs (DEir-lncRNAs) acted
as biomarkers were discovered as potential biomarkers in the prediction model. Single-cell
RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of OC confirmed the relevance of DEir-lncRNAs in immune
responsiveness. Patients with a low prediction score had a promising prognosis, whereas patients
with a high prediction score were more prone to evade immunotherapy and chemotherapy and had
poor prognosis.

Conclusion:

The novel prediction model with 9 DEir-lncRNAs is a valuable tool for predicting
immunotherapeutic and chemotherapeutic responses and prognosis of patients with OC.
Discovery of Pyroptosis-inducing Drugs and Antineoplastic Activity
based on the ROS/ER Stress/Pyroptosis Axis
Authors: Gan Xin , Xie Jingwen , Dong Zhaojun , Wu Yuna , Zeng Xiaoqing , Yang Zhenzhen , Liu Bo , Zhu Min , Wang Bozhen , Li Wulan , Wang Ledan , Zhang Huajie , Wu Jianzhang , Hu Yue
Published: February 2024

Background:

Pyroptosis, a cell death process triggered by chemotherapy drugs, has
emerged as a highly promising mechanism for combating tumors in recent years. As the lead of
new drugs, natural products play an important role in the discovery of anticancer drugs. Compared
to other natural products, the medicine food homologous natural products (MFHNP) exhibit a superior
safety profile. Among a series of MFHNP molecular skeletons, this study found that only
benzylideneacetophenone (1) could induce cancer cell pyroptosis. However, the anti-cancer activity
of 1 remains to be improved.

Aims:

This study aimed to find a pyroptosis inducer with highly effective antitumor activity by
modifying the chalcone structure.

Methods:

To examine the effect of the Michael receptor in compound 1 on the induction of pyroptosis,
several analogs were synthesized by modifying the Michael acceptor. Subsequently, the anticancer
activity was tested by MTT assay, and morphological indications of pyroptosis were observed
in human lung carcinoma NCI-H460 and human ovarian cancer CP-70 cell lines. Furthermore,
to improve the activity of the chalcone skeleton, the anticancer group 3,4,5-
trimethoxyphenyl was incorporated into the phenyl ring. Subsequently, compounds 2-22 were designed,
synthesized, and screened in human lung cancer cells (NCI-H460, H1975, and A549). Additionally,
a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was established using the
eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning library to identify the pharmacophore.
Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the molecular
mechanisms of pyroptosis induced by the active compound.

Results:

α, β-unsaturated ketone was the functional group of the chalcone skeleton and played a
pivotal role in inducing cancer cell pyroptosis. QSAR models showed that the regression coefficients
(R2) were 0.992 (A549 cells), 0.990 (NCI-H460 cells), and 0.998 (H1975 cells). Among these
compounds, compound 7 was selected to be the active compound. Moreover, compound 7 was
found to induce pyroptosis in lung cancer cells by upregulating the expression of CHOP by increasing
the ROS level. Furthermore, it effectively suppressed the growth of lung cancer xenograft
tumors.

Conclusion:

Compound 7 exhibits antineoplastic activity by regulating the ROS/ER stress/pyroptosis
axis and is a kind of promising pyroptosis inducer.
Observation of the Short-term Efficacy of Technetium-99 Conjugated with
Methylene Diphosphonate Combined Therapy in the Treatment of
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Sun Wen , Xie Quan , Yan Juan-Juan , Huang Ying , Zhou Ying , Xiao Huan , Wang Chao-Qun
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of Yunke (technetium-99
conjugated methylene diphosphonate) combined with pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) and
Gukang capsule in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP).

Methods:

A total of 112 patients with PMOP who received treatment in the Department of Nuclear
Medicine of the hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were selected and randomly divided
into 4 groups of 28 patients each. Group A received Yunke and PEMFs, group B received
Gukang capsules and PEMFs, group C received Yunke and Gukang capsules and PEMFs, and
group D received PEMFs. All groups were given adequate amounts of calcium and active vitamin
D. Intervention 2 sessions of 3 months each. Outcome measures were bone mineral density
(BMD) and pain improvement.

Results:

Compared with 1 course of treatment, the symptoms of bone pain were relieved more
significantly after 2 courses of treatment in group A (50.0% vs. 64.3%), group B (46.4% vs
64.3%), group C (78.6% vs 92.9%) and group D (21.4% vs 28.6%) (P < 0.05). After 2 courses of
treatment, bone pain symptoms were less relieved in group A (96.4% vs. 64.3%), group B
(96.4% vs 64.3%), and group D (96.4% vs 28.6%) compared with group C (P < 0.05). Compared
with group C, BMD values of L4 vertebrae and femoral neck were significantly decreased in
groups A, B, and D (P < 0.05). Compared with those before treatment, BMD of L4 vertebrae and
femoral neck increased significantly in groups A, B, C, and D after 2 courses of treatment (P <
0.05).

Conclusion:

Yunke combined therapy can effectively relieve the pain symptoms, increase BMD,
and reduce the risk of fracture in patients with PMOP in a short period, which is an effective
method for the treatment of PMOP.
Phage Therapy in Bacterial Pneumonia Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Akhlaquer , Verma Kapil Kumar , Posa Mahesh Kumar
Published: February 2024

Background:

Phage therapy could play an important role in the bacterial pneumonia.
However, the exact role of phage therapy in bacterial pneumonia is unclear to date.

Aim:

The current study aims to find out the role of phage therapy in preclinical models of bacterial
pneumonia.

Methods:

The studies were searched in databases with proper MeSH terms along with Boolean
operators and selected based on eligibility criteria as per the PRISMA guidelines. The Odd Ratio
(OR) was calculated with a 95% confidence interval and the heterogeneity was also calculated.
The funnel plot was used to conduct a qualitative examination of publication bias.

Results:

The OR was observed to be 0.11 (0.04, 0.27)] after 24 hrs, 0.11 [0.03, 0.34] after 7
days and 0.04 [0.01, 0.15] after 10 days that showed a significant role of phage therapy in reduction
of deaths in the bacterial pneumonia models as compared to the placebo group. However,
after 48hrs, a non-significant reduction was observed.

Conclusion:

There was a significant role of phage therapy in the reduction of deaths in the bacterial
pneumonia models.
Effects of HSV-G47Δ Oncolytic Virus on Telomerase and Telomere Length Alterations in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cancer Stem Cells Under Hypoxia and Normoxia Conditions
Authors: Vazifehmand Reza , Saeed Ali Dhuha , Monem Homaie Foroozandeh , Molaei Jalalvand Fatemeh , Othman Zulkefley , Deming Chau , Stanslas Johnson , Sekawi Zamberi
Published: February 2024

Background:

Due to the existence of tumor stem cells with tumorigenicity properties
and resistance patterns, treatment of glioblastoma is not easy. Hypoxia is a major concern in
glioblastoma therapy. Telomerase activity and telomere length alterations have been known to
play a critical role in glioblastoma progression and invasion.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of HSV-G47Δ oncolytic virus on telomerase
and telomere length alterations in U251GBMCSCs (U251-Glioblastoma cancer stem cells) under
hypoxia and normoxia conditions.

Methods:

U251-CSCs were exposed to the HSV-G47Δ virus in optimized MOI (Multiplicity of infection=
1/14 hours). An absolute telomere length and gene expression of telomerase subunits
were determined using an absolute human telomere length quantification PCR assay. Furthermore,
a bioinformatics pathway analysis was carried out to evaluate physical and genetic interactions between
dysregulated genes with other potential genes and pathways.

Results:

Data revealed that U251CSCs had longer telomeres when exposed to HSV-G47Δ in normoxic
conditions but had significantly shorter telomeres in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore,
hTERC, DKC1, and TEP1 genes were significantly dysregulated in hypoxic and normoxic microenvironments.
The analysis revealed that the expression of TERF2 was significantly reduced in
both microenvironments, and two critical genes from the MRN complex, MER11 and RAD50,
were significantly upregulated in normoxic conditions. RAD50 showed a significant downregulation
pattern in the hypoxic niche. Our results suggested that repair complex in the telomeric structure
could be targeted by HSV-G47Δ in both microenvironments.

Conclusion:

In the glioblastoma treatment strategy, telomerase and telomere complex could be potential
targets for HSV-G47Δ in both microenvironments.

conclusion:

In glioblastoma treatment strategy, telomerase and telomere complex could be potential targets for HSV-G47∆ in both microenvironments.
The Interplay of Comorbidities in Chronic Heart Failure: Challenges and
Solutions
Authors: Agress Shashipriya , Sheikh Jannat S. , Perez Ramos Aida A. , Kashyap Durlav , Razmjouei Soha , Kumar Joy , Singh Mankaranvir , Lak Muhammad Ali , Osman Ali , Zia ul Haq Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chronic heart failure (HF) is frequently associated with various comorbidities.
These comorbid conditions, such as anemia, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, and
sleep apnea, can significantly impact the prognosis of patients with HF.

Objective:

This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the prevalence, impact, and management
of comorbidities in patients with chronic HF.

Methods:

A comprehensive review was conducted, with a rigorous selection process. Out of an
initial pool of 59,030 articles identified across various research modalities, 134 articles were
chosen for inclusion. The selection spanned various research methods, from randomized controlled
trials to observational studies.

Results:

Comorbidities are highly prevalent in patients with HF and contribute to increased hospitalization
rates and mortality. Despite advances in therapies for HF with reduced ejection fraction,
options for treating HF with preserved ejection fraction remain sparse. Existing treatment
protocols often lack standardization, reflecting a limited understanding of the intricate relationships
between HF and associated comorbidities.

Conclusion:

There is a pressing need for a multidisciplinary, tailored approach to manage HF
and its intricate comorbidities. This review underscores the importance of ongoing research efforts
to devise targeted treatment strategies for HF patients with various comorbid conditions.
Study of Thermal and Physical Mechanic Properties of CEB-reused PET
Authors: Molar-Orozco María Eugenia , Muñoz-Jiménez Libertad , Pérez-Sánchez Josué Francisco , Luna-Domínguez Jorge , Suarez-Dominguez Edgardo J.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Currently, housing is a necessity in Mexico, considered a national problem that must be addressed through adequate housing proposals. The earth is a material that has worked since ancient times to produce structural elements, presenting advantages mainly in the areas near the site where housing is required due to availability as well as use strategies. On the other hand, it is known that the continuous increase of waste derived from polymers such as PET requires reuse strategies to reduce the environmental impact.

Materials and Methods

This paper, it is presents the analysis of compressed earth bricks with soil from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, which has been produced dosed and undipped with PET shrapnel obtained from reused waste, characterizing its mechanical and thermal properties in addition to electron microscopy and scanning analysis tests.

Results

From the results obtained, it is observed that there is a 5% reduction in the mechanical resistance to compression, but without a significant difference in water absorption. Thermal diffusivity is also greatly improved.

Conclusion

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis results show that high compression can compact PET back to its original shape by removing stress, which can produce micro-cracks, which explains the compressive strength changes.
Effects of Filter Material on the Permeability of Sapric Peat in Flexible Wall Permeability Tests
Authors: Ngelambai Walter Janting Anak , Hasan Alsidqi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Installation of Prefabricated Vertical Drains (PVDs) is one of the alternatives for ground improvement used in peatland deposits. However, filter paper is commonly used as standard filter material to determine the permeability of peat rather than the PVD material itself.

Aims

This paper presents preliminary data on the effect of using two different filter materials on the permeability behavior of Sapric peat.

Methods

A series of flexible wall permeability tests (FWPTs) was conducted to evaluate the peat permeability behavior under compression using two filter materials. This study compared Whatman standard filter paper and Prefabricated Vertical Drain (PVD), which is a non-woven geotextile filter material.

Results

The results showed that both tests using filter paper and a PVD filter exhibited a high initial coefficient of permeability, which depends on the hydraulic gradient. The coefficient of permeability significantly decreased until a certain period and then diminished with time. The coefficient of permeability from PVD filter tests was found to be approximately 2.6 times higher than that of the standard filter paper under the same compression. The duration required to reach a semi-steady state flow condition from the PVD test was 0.9 times faster than the standard filter paper. The random error of the coefficient of permeability data from the tests using the PVD filter was lower than the data of the standard filter paper.

Conclusion

This preliminary result suggests that standard filter material might not represent the actual coefficient of permeability of Sapric peat. The coefficient of permeability value was less consistent compared to the PVD filter. The selection of filter material plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate and reliable results, especially when dealing with PVD construction in peat. Using the PVD filter in FWPT appears to be suitable for the design of PVD in peat. The findings of this study contribute to evaluating the correct parameters for engineers to design and analyze the effectiveness of the ground treatment method using PVD in peat.
The Incorporation of Spent Coffee Grounds as an Additive in Cement Ventilation Blocks
Authors: Shahid Khairul Anuar , Ganesh Vignesh , Ghazali Norhaiza
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The growing coffee industry has created a lot of waste in the form of spent coffee grounds (SCG), mainly disposed of through landfills. Recycling them into concrete construction products helps reduce their carbon effect on the atmosphere. According to earlier investigations, the SCGs have potential usage as supplemental construction materials across various civil engineering applications. However, the absence of thorough research and successful practical implementations in the sector necessitate further detailed studies in ventilation block application.

Aims

This study investigates the workability, compressive strength, water absorption and thermal performance of cement mortar containing different percentages of SCG in ventilation block production.

Methods

Cement, sand, and water with the 1: 2.75: 0.6 ratio and different percentages of SCG are used in the mortar mix as additives. The specimens were cast in cubes (50 mm x 50 mm x 50 mm) to investigate the workability, strength, water absorption and dry density. Further, the ideal mix was chosen to produce ventilation blocks. The prototype cubicles made from the SCG ventilation blocks were used for continuous indoor temperature monitoring.

Results

The results show that adding high amounts of SCGs into mortar has decreased workability and compressive strength in cement mortar blocks. However, the water absorption has reduced with the increased percentage of SCG added to the mix. Based on the results, the SCG0.75 is the most suitable ratio to be used as it showed a flowability of 48%, a compressive strength of 12.574 MPa and water absorption of 6.107%, which is ideal for producing the ventilation block. In addition, the temperature monitoring results showed a reduction in the indoor temperature that used the SCG ventilation block.

Conclusion

This result suggests incorporating SCG in the ventilation block requires a suitable percentage of the SCG to fulfill the workability and strength of the block. Nevertheless, it may reduce indoor temperature, thus providing better thermal comfort. This study enables the SCG waste products to be used as sustainable materials in ventilation block production.
Seismic Response Analysis of Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Tank Constructed on Loess Soil
Authors: Ren Jiaqi , Vafaei Mohammadreza , Alih Sophia C.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Liquid storage tanks are an essential container structure widely used in various industries. In earthquake disasters, liquid storage tanks cause not only direct disasters but also induce secondary severe disasters, such as fires, explosions, nuclear leaks, and human and animal poisoning. The latest research on seismic analysis of structures showed that soils with different stiffness can affect the seismic response characteristics of surface structures, and various irregular topographies can also alter the degree of seismic-induced damage to surface structures. Studying the seismic response of liquid storage tanks can mitigate the risk of earthquake damage to these vital structures.

Methods

This study used finite element simulations. Three sizes of liquid storage tanks with different aspect ratios were selected, including the squat, square, and slender tanks. Three conditions were considered for the tanks' liquid: empty, half-filled, and fully filled. Two types of topographies were considered, including flat and step-like slope topography with an inclination angle of 116.6°. Nine natural earthquake records were used for seismic analysis and divided into three categories: high-frequency, medium-frequency, and low-frequency. Established finite element models were validated through comparison with the results of other studies. The dynamic time history analysis was carried out for each finite element model. The tank's base shear forces, the normal stress in the tank wall, the shear stress in the tank bottom, and the maximum displacement of the tank wall were measured and compared.

Results

The step-like slope topography and loess soil significantly amplified the seismic response of the liquid storage tank. Moreover, as the liquid height and the tanks’ aspect ratio increased, the seismic damage intensity also increased. The seismic response of the liquid storage tank was generally more sensitive to low-frequency and medium-frequency seismic records. The Eurocode 8’s equation underestimated tanks’ base shear when located on a step-like slope topography.

Conclusion

The obtained results demonstrated the significant effect of irregular topography and loess soil on the seismic response of liquid storage tanks. Therefore, it was concluded that they should be considered when liquid storage tanks are designed for seismic actions.
Association of TAS1R2 (rs35874116 or rs9701796) Gene Polymorphism with Dental Caries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Motahari Paria , Molaei Zahra , Adhami Ziya Ebrahim
Published: February 2024

Background:

Gene variations affecting taste preference and glucose consumption have recently been linked to dental caries.

Aims:

Possible associations between dental caries and the TAS1R2 gene polymorphisms rs35874116 and rs9701796 have been investigated, but conflicting results have been found. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to find comprehensive and more specific results in this direction.

Methods:

The work started by searching English articles until April 2023 from the reliable databanks PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science. Then, relevant articles were carefully chosen in various steps based on defined selection criteria and assessed by comprehensive meta-analysis v.2.0 software.

Results:

Based on six selected articles, the meta-analyses showed a significant association between dental caries risk and the TAS1R2 gene polymorphism rs9701796 (p<0.05), with the GG genotype in rs9701796 increasing the risk. No significant relation was found for rs35874116.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis concluded that the rs9701796 polymorphism increases the risk of dental caries. Studies with larger sample sizes can clarify the relationship further.