bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peningkatan Dukungan Keluarga dalam Perawatan Klien Tuberkulosis melalui Terapi Psikoedukasi
Authors: Jauhar Muhamad , Darmawati Laesa , Wijayati Sugih , Surahmi Fajar
Published: December 2024

ENGLISHAs many as 1.02 million cases of tuberculosis have been reported in poor nations. Non-compliance with prescribed treatments is one of the causes. The result is the spread of disease among the family and community. The family plays a crucial part in addressing the issue since they act as a drug monitor. Psychoeducational therapy is the intervention that can be given to the family. The purpose is to determine how psychoeducation treatment affects family support for treating TB patients. The study included a control group and a quasi-experimental pre-post-test approach. From February to March 2020, the study was carried out at the Public Health Center Semarang Regency. Purposive sampling was used to choose the 28-person sample that was used for each group. The tool employed had a reliability rating of 0.698 and was a questionnaire about family assistance for tuberculosis patients. Both paired and independent t-tests were employed in the data analysis. With p = 0.000 (p 0.05), psycho-educational therapy greatly influences families' willingness to help TB patients. The family that provided this therapy can become better at supporting the patient during treatment. To improve tuberculosis drug adherence, psychoeducation therapy can be incorporated with the DOTS program at all healthcare facilities. INDONESIATren peningkatan kasus tuberkulosis terlihat di negara-negara berkembang termasuk Indonesia dengan jumlah kasus sebanyak 1,02 juta kasus. Salah satu faktor penyebabnya adalah ketidakpatuhan pengobatan. Dampaknya adalah penularan penyakit dalam keluarga dan masyarakat. Keluarga sebagai pengawas menelan obat memiliki peran penting dalam menyelesaikan masalah tersebut. Salah satu intervensi yang dapat diberikan kepada keluarga adalah terapi psikoedukasi. Penelitian ini mengidentifikasi pengaruh terapi psikoedukasi terhadap dukungan keluarga untuk merawat klien TB. Desain penelitian menggunakan pre-post-test quasi-eksperimental dengan kelompok kontrol. Penelitian dilakukan di Balai Kesehatan Masyarakat Kabupaten Semarang pada bulan Februari sampai Maret 2020. Jumlah sampel 28 untuk setiap kelompok dipilih secara purposive sampling. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan kuesioner dukungan keluarga klien tuberkulosis dengan nilai reliabilitas 0,698. Analisis data menggunakan paired t-test dan independent t-test. Penelitian ini telah lolos uji etik dari Komisi Bioetika Universitas Sultan Agung dengan nomor 094/III/2020/Komisi Bioetika. Terdapat pengaruh terapi psikoedukasi terhadap peningkatan dukungan keluarga untuk merawat klien TB secara signifikan dengan p=0,000 (p<0,05). Keluarga yang telah mendapatkan terapi ini dapat meningkatkan kemampuannya dalam memberikan dukungan selama pengobatan. Terapi psikoedukasi dapat diintegrasikan dengan program DOTS di fasilitas layanan kesehatan untuk meningkatkan kepatuhan terapi obat tuberkulosis.
Potential of Local Microorganisms Solution from Chicken Manure as a Bioactivator in Liquid Waste Treatment from the Fish Cracker Processing Industry
Authors: ABDULGANI HAMDANI , HADIYANTO  , SUDARNO
Published: December 2024

The wastewater produced by traditional food industry is a source of problem due to its high levels of organic compounds pollutant that can increase the level of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD) values that exceed the established wastewater quality standard thresholds. The difficulty in removing high concentrations of organic material through conventional waste treatment necessitates the use of special treatment methods using local microorganisms’ solution as bioactivators to accelerate the decomposition of organic compounds. This research aims to identify bacteria in local microorganisms’ solution with potential applications in reducing organic compounds by its enzymatic activities. Based on the research results, among the 42 isolates examined, six isolates demonstrated the ability to hydrolyze starch, protein and fat based on qualitative tests. These isolates belong to the genus Bacillus based on partial sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. The qualitative tests confirmed the potential of these isolates as they exhibited enzymatic activities that showed potential to reduce organic compounds.
Farmers' Perception Towards Agroforestry Practices in Siburan
Authors: MATTHEW JACKLIN , JAMALI MUHAMMAD HIBATULLAH , KALY SITTHAN VANISHRI , TAGANG ROMIA RONA , IBRAHIM MOHAMAD HILMI
Published: December 2024

Climate change increasingly affects agricultural output and productivity, prompting a search for resilient and sustainable land use practices. Among these, agroforestry has gained recognition as a crucial strategy, offering mitigation against climate change and providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. Agroforestry is a practice that integrates trees and crops for sustainable land management to mitigate climate change and generate income. Although there are successful pilot projects for wet rice cultivation in Kampung Skuduk and Kampung Chupak, agroforestry activities in the paddy fields have yet to be documented. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce agroforestry practices to farmers in order to diversify their income sources and aid in their adaptation to climate change. Thus, this study aimed to determine farmers’ perception towards agroforestry, as it will influence farmers’ attitudes and the likelihood of them adopting agroforestry practices to adopt agroforestry practice. Data was gathered via structured questionnaire interviews, employing a five-point Likert scale to evaluate respondents’ views on agroforestry. The data were analysed using SPSS and the trend of the composite score was used to interpret the five-point Likert scale data. The results show that the respondents have a positive attitude toward agroforestry practices. They also expected awareness-raising activities and workshops on agroforestry, indicating that they are willing to learn more about these practices. Eighty percent of respondents who do not practice agroforestry are interested in practicing agroforestry if there are no obstacles. This positive attitude indicates that farmers in the study area are ready and willing to practice agroforestry if there are no obstacles, because a positive attitude towards an agricultural innovation will increase the likelihood of adoption.
Fundamental Analysis Of Financial Statements on PT. Indosat Tbk
Authors: Mumu D. S. S. , Veronica M.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to determine the value of the company PT Indosat Tbk by analysing the financial statements of PT Indosat Tbk using fundamental analysis. The method used in this research is quantitative with the data used is the financial statements and stock prices of PT Indosat Tbk obtained from the Indonesia Stock Exchange and Yahoo Finance. The results of the fundamental analysis of the financial statements of PT Indosat Tbk show that the value of the company's PBV, PER, EPS, ROA, ROE, DER and Dividend Yield ratios from 2020 to 2022 has changed towards a positive direction. This is indicated by an increase in revenue, net income, total assets, total equity, and a decrease in corporate debt. Fundamental analysis of the financial statements of PT Indosat Tbk shows that the company is in a good fundamental condition and the company is experiencing growth and development in running a business so that it has a positive impact on company value. Fundamental analysis of financial statements is important to use when making investment decisions in a company with the aim of reducing risk and making profits in the future.
Long noncoding RNA, PURPL is associated with aneuploidy and its magnitude of expression level is dependent on P53 status
Authors: Malakar Pushkar
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a fascinating, but still largely uncharacterized, class of genes. Recently, lncRNAs have attracted significant attention due to their emerging functions in development and disease. The role of lncRNAs in chromosome instability or aneuploidy is not extensively studied.

Methods

We started with the objective of characterizing lncRNAs that play an important role in chromosome instability (CIN) or aneuploidy. Here, we report the initial functional characterization of PURPL in the context of chromosomal instability or aneuploidy.

Results

We report the over-expression of lncRNA PURPL in three experimental models of chromosomal instability, or aneuploidy. In addition, the study also showed that the extent or magnitude of PURPL expression is dependent upon p53 status. Our research also showed that turning off PURPL is enough to create a CIN phenotype in RPE-1 cell lines that were previously karyotypically stable. Moreover, PURPL knockdown cells are more sensitive to CIN or aneuploidy inducers.

Discussion

These findings show that PURPL is essential for maintaining chromosomal or genomic stability in mammalian cells. Collectively, the study demonstrated that lncRNA-PURPL significantly contributes to CIN, or aneuploidy.
Art can provide a means for promoting biophilia as an aspect of zoonoses risk communication
Authors: Beaumont Peyton
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a call to action for scientists to find new and creative ways to prevent future pandemics. Because value-based emotions underly human behavior, scientific facts alone have proven to be a poor motivator to change the behaviors that increase zoonotic spillover risk. Emotions can translate in psychological stances such as biophobia, the fear of or aversion to nature, and biophilia, the appreciation of nature. Educating the public about species that may pose a zoonotic risk can have the unintended effect of inducing biophobia into the public psyche. This can lead to increased zoonoses risk. In this Perspective, I make the case that strategically employing art can be an effective method to communicate zoonotic risk while promoting biophilia. Using art as a method of communication has been explored by various scientific fields but has not been sufficiently applied to infectious disease messaging.
Causality of genetically determined glucosamine supplementation on cognition and sarcopenia: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Kang Yi , Tang Yidan , Kong Weishuang , Zhu Tao , Chen Guo
Published: December 2024

Background

Evidence indicates a negative link between glucosamine and age-related cognitive decline and sarcopenia. However, the causal relationship remains uncertain. This study aims to verify whether glucosamine is causally associated with cognitive function and sarcopenia.

Method

Forty-eight genetic variants linked to glucosamine use were extracted from the MRC-IEU consortium. Besides, we gathered cognition proxy indicators [cognitive performance and fluid intelligence score (FIS)], and sarcopenia-related indicators, namely, appendicular lean mass (ALM), whole body fat-free mass (WBFM), low hand grip strength, facial aging (FA), moderate to vigorous physical activity levels, usual walking pace and DNA methylation GrimAge acceleration from the large publicly available genome-wide association studies. Initially, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to ascertain the causal impact of glucosamine on cognition and sarcopenia-related traits. Subsequently, the two-step MR and multivariable MR (MVMR) were employed to examine whether any mediators causally mediated the observed associations.

Result

MR analysis indicated that glucosamine was associated with increased cognitive performance (p = 8.46E-04), FIS (p = 7.50E-04), ALM (p = 6.45E-08), WBFM (p = 1.97E-03), usual walking pace (p = 2.55E-07), and moderate to vigorous physical activity levels (p = 3.29E-03), but associated with decreased FA risk (p = 3.77E-05) and DNA methylation GrimAge acceleration (p = 0.001). However, there were no significant causal associations between glucosamine and low hand grip strength. Multivariable MR showed that glucosamine continued to have a significant effect on cognitive performance, FIS, ALM, WBFM, usual walking pace, and moderate to vigorous physical activity levels after controlling for osteoarthritis (OA) and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05). We further found that C-reactive protein levels (CRP) may mediate the association of glucosamine and ALM, WBFM, usual walking pace, and physical activity (p < 0.05), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) may mediate the association of glucosamine and cognitive performance, FIS, ALM, WBFM, and usual walking pace (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Regular glucosamine use enhances cognitive function and postpones sarcopenia for preserving the functional capacities necessary, and the impact of glucosamine on cognition and sarcopenia could be partially attributed to the mediation of BMR and CRP.
Gender and activity disparities in the relationship between circadian syndrome and gallstone disease
Authors: Feng Binbin , Wang Tianlin , Han Junquan , Yang Zhaoshuai , Wang Hong , Li Huizhen
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore the potential correlation between gallstone disease (GSD) prevalence and circadian syndrome (CircS).

Methods

The cross-sectional research utilized data spanning 2017 to March 2020, sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The GSD data were collected via questionnaires, with appropriate sample weights applied to ensure the study population was representative. Three multivariable logistic regression models were built to clarify the connection between CircS and GSD. Furthermore, subgroup analysis and interaction test were carried out, categorized based on demographic traits and lifestyle aspects, to discern the potential influence of these variables on the correlation.

Results

The analysis included 4,126 participants, with a prevalence of 38.68% for CircS and 12.04% for GSD. The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between CircS and the prevalence of GSD (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.336, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.048, 1.702). When stratified by the number of CircS components, a positive correlation was observed between the number of CircS components and the prevalence of GSD (P for trend < 0.05). In particular, individuals with six or more CircS components had a higher prevalence of GSD than those with three or fewer components (OR = 2.608, 95% CI: 1.464, 4.647). The subgroup analysis and interaction test revealed that a positive correlation between CircS and GSD prevalence was mainly observed in female individuals (OR = 1.701, 95% CI: 1.236, 2.341) and individuals not engaged in moderate activity (OR = 1.990, 95% CI: 1.158, 3.418).

Conclusion

There is a positive correlation between CircS and GSD prevalence, particularly among females and individuals not engaging in moderate activity. These findings offer new insights for research directions in GSD and may impact preventive and therapeutic strategies.
The systemic inflammation response index as a significant predictor of short-term adverse outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure patients: a cohort study from Southern China
Authors: Xie Lin , Wang Qun , Lu Hengcheng , Kuang Maobin , He Shiming , Xie Guobo , Sheng Guotai , Zhang Shuhua , Wang Wei , Zou Yang
Published: December 2024

Objective

The deterioration of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with abnormal activation of inflammatory pathways. This study aims to evaluate the impact and predictive value of a novel inflammatory marker, the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), on short-term adverse outcomes in ADHF patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1,448 ADHF patients from Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital between 2019-2022. SIRI was calculated using the formula: (neutrophil count × monocyte count)/lymphocyte count. In the correlation analysis, the study outcome was the 30-day mortality in patients with ADHF. Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were employed to investigate the risk assessment and predictive value of the SIRI for 30-day mortality in ADHF patients. Finally, we also exploratively assessed the mediation effect of nutritional factors (albumin: Alb, total cholesterol: TC, and lymphocyte count) on the association between SIRI and 30-day mortality in ADHF patients.

Results

During the 30-day follow-up, 53 deaths were recorded. Mortality rates across SIRI tertiles were 0.62%, 2.07%, and 8.28%, respectively. There was a significant linear positive correlation between SIRI and 30-day mortality in ADHF patients (HR: 1.21; P for non-linearity = 0.113). Additionally, compared to ADHF patients with low SIRI, those with high SIRI had a 685% increased risk of 30-day mortality (HR: 7.85). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that SIRI significantly improved the predictive value for 30-day mortality in ADHF patients compared to neutrophil count, monocyte count, and lymphocyte count alone (AUC: neutrophil count 0.7633, monocyte count 0.6835, lymphocyte count 0.7356, SIRI 0.8237; all DeLong P<0.05). Mediation analyses indicated that, except for lymphocyte count, both Alb and TC had significant indirect effects on the SIRI-related 30-day mortality in ADHF patients; Specifically, Alb accounted for approximately 24.46% of the mediation effect, while TC accounted for approximately 13.35%.

Conclusion

This cohort study based on a Southern Chinese population demonstrates a significant linear positive correlation between SIRI and 30-day mortality in ADHF patients, highlighting its substantial predictive value. Incorporating SIRI into the monitoring regimen of ADHF patients may be crucial for preventing further disease progression.
Association between SOFA score and risk of acute kidney injury in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis: an analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Hua Yiming , Ding Ning , Jing Huaizhi , Xie Yifei , Wu Hao , Wu Yue , Lan Beidi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is a widely utilized clinical tool for evaluating the severity of organ failure in critically ill patients and assessing their condition and prognosis in the intensive care unit (ICU). Research has demonstrated that higher SOFA scores are associated with poorer outcomes in these patients. However, the predictive value of the SOFA score for acute kidney injury (AKI), a common complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between SOFA scores and the incidence of AKI in patients with DKA.

Methods

The study population was divided into two groups based on the median SOFA score (Q1: SOFA ≤3; Q2: SOFA >3). The primary endpoint was the incidence of AKI in patients with DKA. Secondary endpoints included renal replacement therapy (RRT) utilization and in-hospital mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards models, and logistic regression models were employed to assess the association between SOFA and therisk of AKI in patients with DKA.

Results

Overall, 626 patients with DKA were included in this study, of which 335 (53%) were male. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis included that patients with higher SOFA scores experienced significantly increased cumulative incidences of AKI, higher rates of RRT utilization, and elevated in-hospital mortality. Furthermore, after adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analyses confirmed that SOFA scores remained significantly associated with the incidence of AKI in patients with DKA.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that a high SOFA score is an independent risk predictor for the occurrence of AKI, the utilization of RRT, and in-hospital mortality in patients with DKA. The sofa score can be utilized as a biomarker to assess the risk of AKI in this patient population.
Elevated levels of exogenous prolactin promote inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface via the JAK2/STAT5B signaling axis
Authors: Williams Alycia , Hossack Daniel J. , Thompson Nia , Sim Yul Eum , Wilson Cristina , Schuch Viviane , Hailstorks Tiffany , Chakraborty Rana , Johnson Erica L.
Published: December 2024

The placenta is a unique organ with various immunological and endocrinological roles that modulate maternal and fetal physiology to promote maternal-fetal tolerance, pregnancy maintenance, and parturition at term. During pregnancy, the hormone prolactin (PRL) is constitutively secreted by the placenta and is necessary for implantation, progesterone support, fetal development, and overall immune modulation. While PRL is essential for pregnancy, studies suggest that elevated levels of serum PRL (hyperprolactinemia) are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and preeclampsia. However, there is a lack of mechanistic studies to support these observations. Here we investigated the impact of elevated levels of PRL on placental cells and evaluated PRL effects on the JAK2/STAT5 inflammatory signaling cascade. Elevated levels of exogenous PRL enhances PRL and PRL-receptor expression, along with JAK2/STAT5 signaling in primary decidual mononuclear cells and the placental trophoblast cell line, JEG-3. Following PRL exposure, the STAT5 isoform, STAT5B, is preferentially activated and there is a significant upregulation in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and IL-1β. This inflammatory cascade is supported via PRL-induced reduction of SOCS1 and SOCS2. Furthermore, LPS exacerbates PRL expression and JAK2/STAT5 signaling, leading to increased secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α. These results highlight the inflammatory roles of elevated PRL at the maternal-fetal interface, underscoring the need for further mechanistic studies to elucidate its functions in pregnancy.
From multi-omics to predictive biomarker: AI in tumor microenvironment
Authors: Hai Luo , Jiang Ziming , Zhang Haoxuan , Sun Yingli
Published: December 2024

In recent years, tumors have emerged as a major global health threat. An increasing number of studies indicate that the production, development, metastasis, and elimination of tumor cells are closely related to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, particularly in large language models, have rapidly propelled research in the medical field. This review focuses on the current state and strategies of applying AI algorithms to tumor metabolism studies and explores expression differences between tumor cells and normal cells. The analysis is conducted from the perspectives of metabolomics and interactions within the TME, further examining the roles of various cytokines. This review describes the potential approaches through which AI algorithms can facilitate tumor metabolic studies, which offers a valuable perspective for a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of tumors.
Regulating unmanned aircraft systems in Antarctica: challenges and collaborative solutions
Authors: Chen Yitong , Wu Shu
Published: December 2024

The increasing use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) globally presents significant opportunities and challenges for Antarctic governance, particularly in terms of operational safety and environmental protection. This study investigates the challenges faced by various stakeholders in regulating UAS operations in Antarctica and identifies collaborative solutions, employing both empirical and comparative research methodologies. Data on domestic UAS regulations and Antarctic-specific rules from Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties (ATCPs) were obtained through their official civil aviation websites, while the involvement of non-state actors in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) was assessed using information provided by the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. The findings reveal that ATCPs have developed guidelines, manuals, and other regulatory tools and contribute actively to ATCM discussions. Non-state actors, leveraging their interdisciplinary expertise and research capabilities, also play a critical role in shaping UAS regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, current rules governing UAS operations in Antarctica remain fragmented, underscoring the need for a more cohesive and comprehensive regulatory framework. As UAS regulations in Antarctica continue to evolve, effective rulemaking will require collaboration among diverse actors, integrating practical expertise, global regulatory standards, and the unique operational conditions of the Antarctic region. A comprehensive legally binding Measure or at least a resolution adopted by ATCM may be good start for this integrated regulatory process.
Perfecting China’s anti-monopoly legal system: international shipping in the digital economy era
Authors: Shi Yuanhong
Published: December 2024

The rapid development of digital economy promotes the transformation and upgrading of China’s shipping fields. Among them, the international shipping anti-monopoly legal system is one of the important contents of China’s shipping legislation. In the era of digital economy, it is difficult for the existing system to better regulate the international liner shipping market with shipping alliance as the core. Countries have re-examined the anti-monopoly legal regulation system of international shipping. As both a major shipping and trading country, it is urgent for China to improve its shipping legislation with the anti-monopoly system as its core. In order to cope with the new pattern of shipping alliance in the era of digital economy, we should learn from the advanced experience of international shipping legislation, base on the perspective of China’s shipping economic development and our own needs, and make effective exploration from the aspects of coordinating the development of digital economy and shipping management mechanism, improving shipping supervision ability and accelerating the improvement of shipping legal system with Chinese Characteristics.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound as a valuable tool to detect minimal inflammation in RA patients in sustained remission
Authors: Polido-Pereira Joaquim , António Manuel S. , Khmelinskii Nikita , Arese Marta , Teixeira Rui , Vieira-Sousa Elsa , D'Agostino Maria A. , Fonseca João E.
Published: December 2024

Objective

The study aimed to explore the utility of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as a tool for detecting minimal inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in sustained remission (SR) and to correlate the findings with Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) status scores and various ultrasound (US) scores.

Patients and methods

Thirty RA patients in SR (minimum 6 months), 12 with active disease, and 10 healthy controls were included. Clinical evaluations and US assessments were performed, including grayscale US (GSUS), power Doppler US (PDUS), and Global OMERACT-EULAR Synovitis Score (GLOESS). The CEUS was performed in the two most active joints and was scored semi-quantitatively (SQ) and quantitatively.

Results

Healthy controls and remission RA patients had similar total US scores. Active RA patients had higher US scores than the healthy and remission groups, with statistically significant differences in all the groups compared to the healthy group. However, significant differences were only observed in the GSUS and GLOESS when comparing active RA patients with the remission group. Ninety-five joints were selected for the CEUS, and we detected more microvascularization with the SQ CEUS score than with the PDUS in all groups (18 vs. 58% in the remission group; p-value 0.006). The weighted Cohen's kappa for the intra-rater and inter-rater IACUS CEUS score was 0.714 (confidence interval 0.610–0.819, p-value < 0.001) and 0.540 (confidence interval: 0.419–0.662, p-value < 0.001), respectively. Spearman's correlation between the SQ CEUS and quantitative scores was 0.655.

Conclusion

For the majority of RA patients in SR, conventional US may fail to detect microvascularization potentially related to the subclinical disease. The CEUS may be helpful for this purpose.
Antimicrobial activity of nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with Melaleuca armillaris essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus sensitive and resistant to methicillin
Authors: Buldain Daniel , Gortari Castillo Lihuel , Marchetti Laura , Buchamer Andrea , Honor Irala Federico , Islan German , Mestorino Nora
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Bovine mastitis is a major infectious disease affecting dairy cattle, impacting public health and milk industry profitability. Staphylococcus aureus is a contagious pathogen responsible for causing bovine subclinical mastitis. Its pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance highlight the need for alternative treatments, being the nanoencapsulation of essential oils (EO) very promising.

Methods

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing 5% of Melaleuca armillaris EO were synthesized and characterized. Their physicochemical characteristics, antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant and sensitive S. aureus (MRSA and MSSA, respectively), and protective activity against polymorphonuclear cells were evaluated.

Results

NLC-EO nanoparticles were morphologically spherical and the mean size was around 190 nm, Polydispersity index (PdI) was 0.21 (±0.01), Z potential was −18.4 (±0.4) and EO encapsulation efficiency was 71.5%. Of this parameters Z potential was the only which changed after 6 months of storage at four°C, turning into a more negative value of −31.6 (±1.9). NLC-EO showed a biphasic behavior with a fast initial release during the first 6 h, followed by a slow phase for at least 72 h. Free and nanoencapsulated EO had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90) of 6.25 μL/mL; however, free EO had a minimum inhibitory concentrations of biofilm formation (MICB90) of 3.12 μL/mL and for EO nanoencapsulated was 6.25 μL/mL. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of biofilm formation and eradication (MECB90) were 12.5 μL/mL and 6.25 μL/mL for the nanoencapsulated EO and free EO, respectively. Empty NLC inhibited biofilm formation, but not planktonic growth or eradicated preformed biofilms.

Discussion

The EO was efficiently encapsulated and released from NLC, and its antimicrobial activity against MRSA and MSSA was high. Neutrophil viability was higher when EO was encapsulated, being an important result for future experiments evaluating intracellular EO activity, where Staphylococcus aureus survives and evades poorly penetrating antibiotics activity.
STZ-induced hyperglycemia differentially influences mitochondrial distribution and morphology in the habenulointerpeduncular circuit
Authors: Jodeiri Farshbaf Mohammad , Matos Taelor A. , Niblo Kristi , Alokam Yacoub , Ables Jessica L.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder of glucose homeostasis that is a significant risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, as well as mood disorders, which often precede neurodegenerative conditions. We examined the medial habenulainterpeduncular nucleus (MHb-IPN), as this circuit plays crucial roles in mood regulation, has been linked to the development of diabetes after smoking, and is rich in cholinergic neurons, which are affected in other brain areas in Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the impact of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia, a type 1 diabetes model, on mitochondrial and lipid homeostasis in 4% paraformaldehyde-fixed sections from the MHb and IPN of C57BL/6 J male mice, using a recently developed automated pipeline for mitochondrial analysis in confocal images. We examined different time points after STZ-induced diabetes onset to determine how the brain responded to chronic hyperglycemia, with the limitation that mitochondria and lipids were not examined with respect to cell type or intracellular location.

Results

Mitochondrial distribution and morphology differentially responded to hyperglycemia depending on time and brain area. Six weeks after STZ treatment, mitochondria in the ventral MHb and dorsal IPN increased in number and exhibited altered morphology, but no changes were observed in the lateral habenula (LHb) or ventral IPN. Strikingly, mitochondrial numbers returned to normal dynamics at 12 weeks. Both blood glucose level and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) correlated with mitochondrial dynamics in ventral MHb, whereas only HbA1C correlated in the IPN. We also examined lipid homeostasis using BODIPY staining for neutral lipids in this model given that diabetes is associated with disrupted lipid homeostasis. BODIPY staining intensity was unchanged in the vMHb of STZ-treated mice but increased in the IPN and VTA and decreased in the LHb at 12 weeks. Interestingly, areas that demonstrated changes in mitochondria had little change in lipid staining and vice versa.

Discussion

This study is the first to describe the specific impacts of diabetes on mitochondria in the MHb-IPN circuit and suggests that the cholinergic MHb is uniquely sensitive to diabetesinduced hyperglycemia. Further studies are needed to understand the functional and behavioral implications of these findings.
Effects of pre-harvest application of melatonin, 24-epibrassinolide, and methyl jasmonate on flavonoid content in blueberry fruit
Authors: Zheng Hui , Yang Yong , Wu Sizheng , Jia Fan , Jiang Jiani , Yu Lin , Ou Guangmei , Shu Man , Qin Wei
Published: December 2024

The application of plant growth regulators is an effective method to enhance flavonoid content in certain fruits; however, there is limited research comparing the effects of different plant growth regulators. This study evaluated the impact of pre-harvest application with melatonin, 24-epibrassinolide, and methyl jasmonate on flavonoid content in blueberry fruit. All three plant growth regulators increased the total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant capacities, and the activities of key enzymes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, including flavone synthase, flavanone 3-hydroxylase, flavonol synthase, anthocyanidin synthase, and leucoanthocyanidin reductase. Among these, melatonin exhibited the most significant effect. Further comparative analyses showed that 0.5 mM melatonin was particularly effective in promoting the accumulation of flavonols, anthocyanins, and flavanones, as well as specific compounds such as avicularin, astragalin, morin, and reynoutrin in blueberry fruit, whereas 1.0 μM 24-epibrassinolide was more effective in enhancing the accumulation of flavones and flavanols, such as quercetin, leucocyanidin, phloretin, and epicatechin. In general, melatonin resulted in a greater enhancement of flavonoid content in blueberry fruit compared to 24-epibrassinolide and methyl jasmonate. This study highlights the distinct effects of these three plant growth regulators on flavonoid accumulation in blueberry fruit, providing valuable insights for the production of high-quality blueberries.
Penpulimab and Anlotinib in PDL1 high-expression pulmonary giant cell carcinoma with cerebral metastases: case report and review
Authors: Xie Minghong , Zhao Yunlong , Hou Xiaohua , Li Ning , Niu Sha , Xu Xinju
Published: December 2024

Pulmonary giant cell carcinoma (PGCC) is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) characterized by complex pathology, high rates of misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, an aggressive clinical course, rapid progression, and poor prognosis. This case report describes a 67-year-old Chinese male with a left upper lobe lung mass, diagnosed via CT-guided lung biopsy as PGCC with symptomatic multiple cerebral metastases. The tumor showed strong PD-L1 positivity, and genetic testing revealed a TP53 exon 4 c.313G mutation. Treatment involved first-line therapy with Penpulimab injection combined with Anlotinib and concurrent cranial radiotherapy. Significant reduction in both the pulmonary and cerebral metastatic lesions was observed, with notable efficacy. As of June 2024, there has been no disease progression for 26 months, with the patient currently maintained on Anlotinib monotherapy. This case demonstrates the favorable efficacy of Penpulimab injection combined with Anlotinib in treating advanced PGCC. These findings indicate that this combination therapy may offer a promising new therapeutic option for this rare type of lung cancer.
U-shaped relationship between serum uric acid and gastric cancer risk: a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Huang Junjun , Mi Ningning , Yang Jingli , Zheng Ya , Yuan Jinqiu , Meng Wenbo
Published: December 2024

Objective

We conducted this study to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study with 475659 cancer-free participants from the UK Biobank. All subjects were grouped into quartiles, and we used a Cox proportional hazards model to analyze the association between SUA levels and the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer and explore the potential sex-specific relationship.

Results

Of the 475659 participants, 883 eventually developed upper gastrointestinal cancers over a median follow-up period of 6.7 years. We observed that SUA level was positively correlated with the risk of female oral cancer (hazard ratio Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 2.05(1.03,4.06)) and negatively associated with the risk of esophageal cancer in the general population (hazard ratio Quartile 3 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 0.65(0.45,0.93)). The risk of gastric cancer in males showed a U-shaped trend, decreasing and then increasing as SUA levels increased (hazard ratio Quartile 3 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 0.51(0.32,0.81)). The risk of small intestine cancer in females showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing with increasing SUA levels (hazard ratio Quartile 3 vs Quartile 1 (95% CI): 3.34(1.10,10.13)). Interaction analysis indicated that various factors, such as age, sex, smoking and drinking status, family history of cancer and BMI might play an important role in the relationship between SUA and cancer.

Conclusion

SUA levels are positively associated with the risk of oral cancer risk in females and negatively associated with the risk of esophageal cancer in the general population. Both low and high SUA levels were associated with increased risk of gastric cancer, supporting a U-shaped association.
Artificial intelligence in lung cancer: current applications, future perspectives, and challenges
Authors: Huang Dongdong , Li Zifang , Jiang Tao , Yang Chaojuan , Li Ning
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted various fields, including oncology. This comprehensive review examines the current applications and future prospects of AI in lung cancer research and treatment. We critically analyze the latest AI technologies and their applications across multiple domains, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, immunomics, microbiomics, radiomics, and pathomics in lung cancer research. The review elucidates AI’s transformative role in enhancing early detection, personalizing treatment strategies, and accelerating therapeutic innovations. We explore AI’s impact on precision medicine in lung cancer, encompassing early diagnosis, treatment planning, monitoring, and drug discovery. The potential of AI in analyzing complex datasets, including genetic profiles, imaging data, and clinical records, is discussed, highlighting its capacity to provide more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans. Additionally, we examine AI’s potential in predicting patient responses to immunotherapy and forecasting survival rates, particularly in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The review addresses technical challenges facing AI implementation in lung cancer care, including data quality and quantity issues, model interpretability, and ethical considerations, while discussing potential solutions and emphasizing the importance of rigorous validation. By providing a comprehensive analysis for researchers and clinicians, this review underscores AI’s indispensable role in combating lung cancer and its potential to usher in a new era of medical breakthroughs, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Safety assessment of deutetrabenazine: real-world adverse event analysis from the FAERS database
Authors: Shu Yanping , Wang Yuanhe , Liu Jiaoying , Hu Lingyan , Tong Sichao , Wu Gang , Zhu Xianlin
Published: December 2024

Background

Deutetrabenazine is a widely used drug for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia (TD), and post-marketing testing is important. There is a lack of real-world, large-sample safety studies of deutetrabenazine. In this study, a pharmacovigilance analysis of deutetrabenazine was performed based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to evaluate its relevant safety signals for clinical reference.

Methods

Adverse events (AEs) of FAERS with deutetrabenazine as the primary suspect drug were collected from the first quarter (Q1) of 2017 to Q1 of 2024. Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Empirical Bayesian Geometric Mean (EBGM) were used to mine AEs risk signals of deutetrabenazine. AEs were standardized and classified using the System Organ Class (SOC) and Preferred Terms (PTs) from Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) version 23.0.

Results

A total of 3,583 AEs with deutetrabenazine as the primary suspect drug were collected in this study. We found that these AEs involved 23 SOCs, and the positive signals were mainly concentrated in systemic disease and various reactions at the site of administration (n = 1816, ROR = 1.23, PRR = 1.18, IC = 0.24, EBGM = 1.18), neurological disorders (n = 1736, ROR = 3.02, PRR = 2.60, IC = 1.38, EBGM = 2.60) and psychiatric disorders (n = 1,659, ROR = 4.15, PRR = 3.52, IC = 1.82, EBGM = 3.52). We eventually identified 100 valid PTs that met the criteria of the four algorithms. Drug ineffective, dyskinesia, depression, somnolence, suicidal ideation were considered to be the common PTs of deutetrabenazine. Tongue thrust (n = 4, ROR 253.47, PRR 253.35, IC 7.88, EBGM 235.95), grunting (n = 5, ROR 78.49, PRR 78.45, IC 6.26, EBGM 76.71) and drooling (n = 17, ROR 13.21, PRR 13.19, IC 3.72, EBGM 13.14) were not mentioned in the specification, but the high signal intensity suggested that they may be the potential adverse reactions.

Conclusion

The efficacy of deutetrabenazine may be accompanied by some potential adverse effects in several systems. Adverse events in psychiatric, neurologic, gastrointestinal and respiratory need to be monitored in clinical practice.
Scientometric approach to the scientific trends in articles on seagrass in the Atlantic Coast published between 1969-2024
Authors: Souza Luiza Reis de , Pereira Renato Crespo , Soares-Gomes Abílio
Published: December 2024

Submerged or partially floating seagrasses in marine or brackish waters form productive seagrass beds, feeding grounds for a rich and varied associated biota, play key ecological roles in mitigating climate change and provide ecosystem services for humanity. The objective of this study was to perform a temporal quali- and quantitative analysis on the scientific production on seagrasses in the Atlantic Ocean during last 64 years (1960 to 2024) through defined workflow by scientometric analysis on Scopus database. Publications in this database date back to 1969, comprising a total of 3.482 scientific articles, primary focused on seagrass ecology. These articles were published in 574 distinct peer-reviewed scientific ecological journals, and are divided into four periods based on the number of articles, keywords and biograms, with an average annual increase of 8.28% in the number of articles published. Zostera marina, Halodule wrightii and Thalassia testudinum were the most researched species, especially in Atlantic coastal areas of Europe and North/Central America. Studies on seagrasses along the Atlantic coast have been well consolidated by a few authors with prolific scientific output, but much of the research has been conducted by non-specialists who published only one or a few articles. We also found that researches from each continent tend to focus on specific topics: North America researches investigated future climate change scenarios and seagrass ecology, while those from Europe prioritize on restoration plans. Additionaly, European researchers from Europe predominantly collaborate with local scientists, a trend also observed among American researches. This indicates a need for increase research and scientific production in the South Atlantic region.
Growing in red: impact of different light spectra and lighting conditions on lentil microgreens growth in vertical farming
Authors: Silva Marlus Dias , Vasconcelos Jaqueline Martins , Silva Fábia Barbosa da , Bailão Adriano Soares de Oliveira , Guedes Ítalo Moraes Rocha , Vilela Márcio da Silva , Costa Adriano Carvalho , Rosa Márcio , Silva Fabiano Guimarães
Published: December 2024

Vertical Farming Systems (VFS) emerge as an approach to optimize plant growth in urban and controlled environments, by enabling sustainable and intensive production in reduced spaces. VFS allow for greater control over growing conditions, such as light, temperature and humidity, resulting in higher quality crops and with less use of resources, such as water and fertilizers. This research investigates the effects of different lighting regimes (Constant and Gaussian) and spectral qualities (white, RBW, blue and red) on the growth, photosynthesis, and biomass accumulation of lentil microgreens (Lens culinaris) in VFS. The results demonstrate that constant lighting regimes, particularly under red, white, and RBW lights, significantly increase biomass production and energy efficiency. On the other hand, the Gaussian regime promotes the accumulation of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, especially under red light. Chlorophyll content and the photochemical coefficient (qP) also varied across treatments, with significant variations between lighting regimes and spectral combinations. Tailored lighting strategies, adjusted to specific production goals, have the potential to enhance both productivity and nutritional quality in VFS. The analysis contained in the research provides relevant information for optimizing lighting management in controlled agricultural environments, providing practical applications to improve harvest performance.