bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Magnetic Auricular Acupuncture on Pain during Ophthalmic Examination of the Newborn: A Multicenter, Triple-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Li Long , Tuerxun Roukeyan , Su Yajie , Yao Yanli , Yang Chuangzhong , Wang Hongyun , Wang Lili , Wu Hui , Chen Yanxiang , Liu Xiuxiang , Jiang Hong , Gao Hongxia , li Dong , Wu Fang , Shi Yuan , Li Xiaoying , Sun Huiqing , Wang Yanchen , Wang Laishuan , Lee Shoo K.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Newborn ophthalmologicexamination is a painful procedure. Untreated pain experiences in infants have both short-term and long-term consequences, and pain control is essential. Unfortunately, non-pharmacological pain strategies are usually ineffective for complex and protracted procedures, whereas many pharmacologic agents have adverse effects. Magnetic auricular acupuncture (MAA) is a new method of pain relief that is potentially safe and effective. The objective of this study was to conduct a large definitive triple blinded randomized controlled trial of MAA for reducing pain in neonates undergoing ophthalmologic examination. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ChiCTR1900027474). The registration was completed on November 14, 2019.
Methods: This was a multi-centerrandomized controlled trial conducted at 16 tertiary hospitals in the People’s Republic of China. Infants were eligible for participation if they were born at 26 to 42 weeks gestational age (GA) and admitted to participating NICUs during the study enrollment period, and scheduled to receive an eye examination for the first time at <44 weeks’ corrected GA. Written informed consent was obtained from parents. Infants who were critically ill, dying or receiving sedatives were excluded. Infants randomized to the intervention (MAA) group receivedmagnetic stickers applied prior to the ophthalmologic procedure. Control group infants received placebo stickers with the magnets removed. We compared the primary outcome of Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) score during the procedure between the two groups.
Results: A total of 408 patients were randomized, but 14 patients in each of the placebo and intervention groups did not receive ophthalmologic examination; leaving 190 patients in control group and 190 in intervention group. Infant characteristics were similar in the two groups,mean PIPP scores during eye exam were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (median (IQR): 10.00 (5.00,13.00) v 12.00 (7.00,14.00), p = 0.038).
Conclusions：MAA may offer an alternate to current non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions to alleviate neonatal pain. Future studies should assess the long term outcomes.
Precise Generation of Conformational Ensembles for Intrinsically Disordered Proteins via Fine-tuned Diffusion Models
Authors: Chen Haifeng , Zhu Junjie , Li Zhengxin , Zheng Zhuoqi , Zhang Bo , Zhong Bozitao , Bai Jie , Wang Taifeng , Wei Ting , Yang Jianyi
Published: July 2024

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play pivotal roles in various biological functions and are closely linked to many human diseases including cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer disease. Structural investigations of IDPs typically involve a combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and experimental data to correct for intrinsic biases in simulation methods. However, these simulations are hindered by their high computational cost and a scarcity of experimental data, severely limiting their applicability. Despite the recent advancements in structure prediction for structured proteins, understanding the conformational properties of IDPs remains challenging partly due to the poor conservation of disordered protein sequences and limited experimental characterization. Here, we introduce IDPFold, a method capable of generating conformational ensembles for IDPs directly from their sequences using fine-tuned diffusion models. IDPFold bypasses the need for Multiple Sequence Alignments (MSA) or experimental data, achieving accurate predictions of ensemble properties across numerous IDPs. By sampling conformations at the backbone level, IDPFold provides more detailed structural features and more precise property estimation compared to other state-of-the-art methods. IDPFold is ready to be used in the elucidate the sequence-disorder-function paradigm of IDPs.
A comprehensive study of cellulignin production from sugarcane bagasse, sugarcane straw, and energy cane for advanced biofuels: liquor composition and cellulignin characterizations
Authors: Gonçalves Igor M. , Chaves Diego M. , Rufino Ana B. M. X. , Antunes Tales R. , Quintão Ana J. S. , Silva Renê C. da , Ferreira Sukarno O , Silva Gilmare A. da , Peternelli Luiz A. , Barbosa Márcio H. P. , Teofilo Reinaldo F
Published: July 2024

This work aims to comprehensively study the optimal conditions for hydrothermal pretreatment for sugarcane bagasse (SCB), sugarcane straw (SCS), and energy cane (EC). Raw SCB, SCS, and EC were submitted to hydrothermal pretreatments in a reactor at temperatures ranging from 180 to 300 oC. Aliquots of the liquor were collected over time (0 to 180 minutes). Glucose, xylose, arabinose, furfural, hydroxymethyl furfural, and acids were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The solid materials, i.e., biomass and cellulignin, were characterized using X-ray diffraction, mid-infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Best pentose and furfural yields were obtained from SCB pretreatment, reaching 98.8 g kg− 1 and 30.6 g kg− 1 at 90 min and 180 ºC, respectively. SCS reached at 170 ºC and 165 min, 60.7 g kg− 1 and 24.7 g kg− 1 of pentoses and furfural, respectively. EC provided 50.6 and 28.5 g kg− 1 of pentose and furfural, respectively, at 180 ºC and 90 min. In general, the best results were obtained at 180 ºC and 75 minutes for pentoses and values above 190 ºC and 90 min for furfural. Hydrochar was observed above 230 ºC. SCB exhibited the highest release of acetic acid, resulting in a faster rate of pentose release.
Valorization of Dairy Wastewater into microbial lipid by an oleaginous yeast Pseudozymasp. for Sustainable Biodiesel Production
Authors: Kumari Ritu , Rapelli Divya , Manuel Jerold
Published: July 2024

This study evaluated the potential accumulation of lipid of isolated Yeast from soil sample by using Synthetic dairy wastewater as a renewable feedstock for biodiesel production. on the basis of their lipid accumulation five oleaginous Yeast (i.e.Y1, Y2, Y5, Y6, Y7) were screened (lipid content >20%) and the productivity on a Yeast Peptone medium. The effect on capacity of lipid accumulation by different carbon sources (i.e. Galactose, Glucose, Starch, Sucrose and Cellulose) of the Yeast isolates was evaluated. The Y1 oleaginous yeast which shows closet relation to Pseudozyma genus could accumulate (54%) lipid, biomass production (2.47g/l) using Glucose and galactose as a source of carbon. Furthermore, the Y1 yeast strains demonstrated effective utilization of dairy wastewater, resulting in a substantial reduction (~50%) in Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), along with notable lipid accumulation (49.8%) and biomass production (1.5 g/l). The lipids produced by Yeast Y1 had the presence of various fatty acid i.e. oleic acid, alpha linolenic acid etc., and presence of high percent of saturated fatty acid over total fatty acid as visually confirmed by Nile red staining and chemical characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. NMR analysis indicated that the lipids extracted from Yeast Y1 were suitable for biodiesel applications. Overall, the findings of this study underscore the potential of leveraging dairy wastewater as a cost-effective and efficient resource for biodiesel production using oleaginous yeast. This approach not only addresses contemporary concerns regarding fuel shortages, food security and climate change but also contributes to the sustainable management of wastewater resources.
Bariatric Surgery Outcomes in People with Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2)
Authors: Tan Sarah Ying Tse , Liang Trilene Ruiting , Chua Jasmine Kai Ling , Tan Hong Chang , Ho Emily Tse Lin , Kovalik Jean Paul , Eng Alvin Kim Hock , Lim Chin Hong , Tan Jeremy Tian Hui , Chan Weng Hoong , Lim Eugene Kee Wee , Foo Angelina Xiangying , Goh Orlanda Qi Mei , Lee Phong Ching
Published: July 2024

Introduction
The benefits of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) in people with body mass index (BMI) ≥50kg/m2 are not well-established, with concerns of increased risk and poorer weight loss. Optimal surgical type (gastric bypass [GB] versus sleeve gastrectomy [SG]) is unclear, with studies comparing complication rates, weight loss, and glycemic outcomes reporting mixed results.
Methods
Participants with BMI≥50kg/m2 undergoing MBS (SG or GB) from 2008-2022 were recruited. Demographics, anthropometrics, biochemistry and diabetes status were analysed at baseline, 12-months, and 24-months post-operatively. Surgical outcomes and complications were analysed.
Results
The study included n=184 with BMI≥50kg/m2 (57.6% female, age 38.6±10.5years, BMI 55.3±6.0kg/m2). Pre-operatively, 21.1% had pre-diabetes and 33.2% had diabetes (mean HbA1c 8.0±1.7%).
Most subjects (89.1%) underwent SG. The overall 30-day adverse event rate was 4.9%, higher in GB group (GB=15%, SG=3.7%, p=0.061). The GB group had longer length of stay (GB =4.5±0.6days, SG=3.1±0.2, p=0.023). The 30-day readmission rate was 2.2%, and rate of revisional surgery was 2.7%, with no significant difference between groups.
The follow-up rate was 67.9% at 12-months, 51.1% at 24-months. Average %total weight loss at 12-months (27.4±9.0%, SG=27.6±9.0%, GB=26.0±9.4%, p=0.481) and 24-months (27.1±10.9%, SG=27.4±11.1%, GB=24.9±8.9%, p=0.495) were similar between groups. The GB group had a larger HbA1c reduction (3.2±1.1%) than SG (1.9 ±1.3%, p=0.030), but no difference in diabetes remission rates (69.2% at 12-months, 76.7% at 24-months).
Conclusion
MBS is safe and effective for individuals with BMI≥50kg/m2, with good weight loss and glycemic outcomes with both SG and GB. Complication rates were low, although higher in the GB group.
Improving mental health and self-efficacy in older people through a mindfulness-based community intervention
Authors: Juraga Denis , Rukavina Tomislav , Glavić Mihaela Marinović , Roviš Darko , Bilajac Lovorka , Knežević Maša , Raat Hein , Vasiljev Vanja
Published: July 2024

Ageing is a process that involves biological, psychological, and social changes making older people more susceptible to decreased self-efficacy and deteriorating their mental health. With the global population ageing, there is a growing demand for interventions tailored to address their specific mental health problems and improve their overall well-being. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based community intervention on mental health and self-efficacy in older individuals. The study involved 257 participants who were divided into an intervention and a control group. Assessments were conducted at the beginning and 6 months after its completion. The results revealed a significant reduction in depression within the intervention group (p <.001). Furthermore, the intervention led to significant improvements in general self-efficacy, chronic disease self-management self-efficacy, physical activity and nutrition self-efficacy within the intervention group compared to the control group. Overall, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based community interventions in improving mental health and self-efficacy in older people in community settings. The results of the present study showed that this programme resulted in immediate health benefits in terms of mental health and self-efficacy of older people, while giving a contribution to the development of effective strategies for chronic disease self-management.
The Protective Effect of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning on Acute Kidney Injury Following Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Peiwen , Wang Guozhen , An Yong
Published: July 2024

Objective
To determine whether remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) improves renal outcomes in children undergoing pediatric cardiac surgery.
Method
A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of RIPC on the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and ICU length of stay.
Results
Six RCTs with 1098 patients were included.RIPC significantly reduced the incidence of AKI (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.25–0.60, P < 0.00001, I²=38%). There was no significant effect on postoperative sCr, TNF-α levels and ICU length of stay (all P values > 0.05, I² >80%). Sensitivity analyses showed a large impact of some studies on the results.
Conclusion
RIPC significantly reduced the incidence of AKI after pediatric cardiac surgery, showing its potential renoprotective effect. Although the effect on other postoperative indicators was not significant, high heterogeneity limits the certainty of the conclusions. Future studies should focus on multicenter, large-scale trials with detailed subgroup analyses to explore the mechanism of action and effects of RIPC in different patient populations.
Root characteristics, microbial population, yield and uptake by wheat crop influenced by priming and plant geometry under modified system of wheat intensification
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Sharma B.C , Puniya R. , Kumar Anil , Majajan Amit , Verma Akhil
Published: July 2024

The two year experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized block design with 10 treatments and 3 replications in order to investigate the influence of suitable plant geometry in conjunction with seed priming on root characteristics, microbial population, yield and uptake by wheat crop. The experiment constitutes ten treatments which involves 4 different primed and unprimed wheat crop sown at four different plant geometries along with conventional sown wheat. In context to organic seed priming formulation which comprised of vermi-compost, water, cow urine and Jaggery in the ratio of 1.0: 1.0: 0.5: 0.1. The two years of experimental findings revealed that primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 5 cm recorded significantly highest grain yield (5244.7 kgha-1). This treatment is statistically at par in yield with primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 10 cm and conventional sown primed wheat. Further, Primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 5 cm recorded the significantly higher grain yield, microbial population and uptake of N, P, K in grain and straw as compared to other treatments. Root characteristics of wheat crop in terms of root length, root weight and root volume were recorded significantly higher under primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm during 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively. However, primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm took lesser number of days to attain initial and complete plant emergence with 4 days and 8.67 days. Significantly (P <0.05) highest available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was recorded in plots of un-primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm. Thus, Primed seed sown at plant geometry of 20 cm × 5 cm proved to be the most remunerative as it recorded highest grain yield during both the years of research study.
Study of Thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence properties of synthesised CaB2O4 nanoparticles doped with copper
Authors: Hemam Ritesh , Singh L Robindro , Singh Sh Dorendrajit
Published: July 2024

CaB2O4 nanorods doped with different concentrations of Cu were prepared by using co-precipitation method. The recorded Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of CaB2O4:Cu samples for different concentrations of Cu irradiated with 6 Gy of X-Ray shows that 0.05 at.wt% of Cu concentrations have higher sensitivity. The TL and OSL kinetic parameters of glow curves were evaluated using “tgcd” and conventional fitting methods. The TL glow curve of the CaB2O4:Cu have three individual glow peaks with maximum peak temperatures at 404.50, 453.04 and 484.02 K respectively. The OSL glow curves of the CaB2O4:Cu nanoparticles follow non-first order kinetics which can be fitted with the sum of two first order decay curves.
Phase Angle as a predictor of motor function decline in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hu Qin , Chen Xiaoyong , Luo Shaojie , Wang Yanhong , Fan Peicong , Wu Xiaona , Zhou Hui , Xu Huayan , Li Na , Cai Xiaotang
Published: July 2024

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a prevalent X-linked recessive muscle degeneration disorder that involves the gradual loss of functional muscle mass. The Phase Angle (PhA) can indicate changes in cell membrane integrity and intercellular space. It has been recognized as a valuable tool for assessing disease severity and predicting patient outcomes. However, there is limited research on the application of PhA in children with neuromuscular diseases, including DMD.
Objective: More biological indicators are needed to reflect clinical progress in DMD children. We specifically examined the correlation between segmental PhAs and motor function and evaluated the effectiveness of segmental PhAs as a measure for assessing motor function in DMD children
Methods:A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 399 boys with DMD in West China Second University Hospital (2016-2023) was performed. The correlation between PhA and motor function were analyzed through spearman correlation analysis. The predictive value of PhA and PhA combining age for lower limb motor function loss was analyzed by ROC curve.
Results: The time of peak of PhAs are earlier than NNSA score (peak at 6-7years old). TR-PhA reaches its peak at 6 years old, while other PhAs reaches its peak at 5-6 years old and subsequently declines over time. There was a significant correlation between PhAs and the NSAA score, with the strongest correlation observed in leg PhA (r=0.753, P<0.001). PhAs in legs demonstrate the strongest correlation and highest predictive value for lower limb motor function loss(AUC from 0.725 to 0.863). Additionally, PhAs combined with age had more excellent predictive ability for lower limb function loss than PhAs((AUC from 0.929 to 0.951).
Conclusion: 1）The phase Angle increases first and then decreases with the progression of DMD disease; the phase Angle changes earlier than motor function and presents a good correlation, which is a sensitive index to predict the progression of DMD disease. PhA could serve as a simple, fast, and non-invasive marker to predict the loss of lower limb motor function in DMD children.
ZIP8 modulates ferroptosis to drive esophageal carcinoma progression
Authors: Yang Zhaojie , Zhao Kexin , Li Xiangping , Yanzhang Ruoping , Zhang Huijun , Yu Yin , Yan Mingyang , Fang Shaobo , Li Tao , Li Hao , Chu Xiao , Han Siyuan , Zhang Ziliang , Teng Junyan , Jin Guoguo , Guo Zhiping
Published: July 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive malignancy, and a better understanding of its molecular drivers is crucial for developing targeted therapies. Through bioinformatic analyses of gene expression data and immunohistochemistry, we identified the zinc transporter ZIP8 as being overexpressed in ESCC tumors compared to normal esophageal tissue. Functional studies revealed that ZIP8 knockdown impaired ESCC cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Mechanistically, elevated ZIP8 expression enhanced zinc-dependent phosphorylation of CREB, leading to upregulation of the ferroptosis suppressor GPX4 and inhibition of this iron-dependent cell death modality. Significantly, we discovered that the natural compound nobiletin targeted ZIP8, inhibiting ESCC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Our findings demonstrate ZIP8 as a potential therapeutic target in ESCC and suggest that promoting ferroptosis through ZIP8 inhibition may represent a novel anti-cancer strategy for ESCC therapy.
Aliens on the Menu: High Prevalence of Introduced Ants in the Diet of Galápagos Lava
Lizards, Microlophus spp.
Authors: Moreno-Buitrón Ignacio J. , Boada-Viteri Estefanía , Guayasamin Juan Manuel , Guerra-Correa Estefany S. , Becdach-Mesia Isabel , Betancourt-Cargua Lenyn , Román Andrea C. , Ramón-Cabrera Giovani Marcelo
Published: July 2024

The Galápagos Archipelago, a unique and ever-changing natural experiment, has seen an increase in introduced species due to increased human mobility. Among these, introduced ants represent a significant concern given their potential to reach high densities and displace native fauna. This study analyzed the diet of six Galápagos lava lizard species (Microlophus spp.) through the examination of 177 fecal pellets collected over two seasons. We identified 7084 food items across 39 categories, with ants predominating, making up 65% of occurrences and 90% of the total abundance. Notably, introduced ants constituted 57.1% of these occurrences and 79.4% of the total abundance, indicating a significant prevalence of non-native prey. This finding
suggests a substantial shift in the islands’ ecological dynamics away from their natural state (i.e., without introduced ants). We also explore the dietary breadth of each lizard species and their similarity. Finally, we discuss the possible direct and indirect effects of the high prevalence of ants in the diet of Galápagos lava lizards, report interesting findings in their diet, and advocate for the use of feces as a non-invasive method to monitor for invasive ants. Our study highlights the ecological changes underway on these islands, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive species and preserve Galápagos biodiversity.
Effect of Iron and Cobalt Substitution on the electrical properties of Praseodymium based perovskites
Authors: SrinivasRe Padigela , Srip Suresh , Prakash Antham Chendra , .S Rajesh , Vaidya Prashanth Kumar , Mallikarjun A , Reddy M Ravindar , Mettu Maheshwar Reddy , Mahendrakar Sangeetha
Published: July 2024

Praseodymium-based perovskite samples of Pr0.8Sr0.2FexCo1−xO3 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) (PSFCO) manufactured by sol-gel technique. TEM images established particles size and cluster of particles as per morphology. The thermal behavior and electrical properties of prepared samples were characterized by a dilatometer and LCR impedance meter which are necessary for the development of the solid oxide fuel cells. The variations in dielectric loss and dielectric constant concerning frequency temperature and also thermal expansion of all samples were studied. The substitution of Iron and Cobalt content shows a great variation in the dielectric behavior and thermal expansion coefficient, which explains chemical compatibility of the cathode materials using electrolyte and shows higher ionic conductivity with lower values of thermal expansion, which plays a key part in SOFC applications.
Identification of Hub Genes Associated with the Progression and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer through Systematic Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xu Wei , Gong Dandan , Man Changfeng , Zhang Shiqi , Wang Xiaoyan , Fan Yu
Published: July 2024

Objective: Gastric cancer (GC) is recognized as one of the prevailing solid malignant tumors globally, with a notable rate of recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, this study utilized database mining to analyze potential key genes (hub genes) that are associated with the progression and prognosis of GC, aiming to offer new clues for the prognosis and targeted treatment for GC.
Methods: This study utilized the GSE79973 dataset from the GEO to conduct DEGs in conjunction with the WGCNA. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis was performed on disease-characteristic differentially expressed genes. In addition, a PPI network through the STRING database to screen for characteristic genes involved in the molecular mechanisms of GC. The diagnostic capabilities of these characteristic genes were ascertained through ROC curve analysis, integrating the clinical data of GC from TCGA.
Results: Systematic bioinformatics analysis pinpointed four genes—COL1A1, COL1A2, COL4A1, and TLR2—as closely related to the onset and progression of GC. ROC curve revealed their robust diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for GC (AUC(COL1A1)=0.9478, AUC(COL1A2)=0.8768, AUC(COL4A1)=0.8482, AUC(TLR2)=0.8452, all P < 0.0001), presenting significant clinical translational application value.
Conclusion: As newly discovered functional genes closely related to the onset and progression of GC, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL4A1, and TLR2, can be deemed as novel biomarkers for clinical diagnosis of GC, paving the way for new effective targets in the treatment of GC.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty: a retrospective cohort study of 90 patients in Colombia.
Authors: Silva Camilo Ortiz , Mosquera Maria Pamela Delgado , Barney Valeria Atenea Acosta
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure that reduces the stomach volume using an endoscope and suturing device, creating a sleeve-like shape to limit food intake and promote weight loss. ESG has proven more effective in promoting weight loss than dietary and lifestyle changes, with a low incidence of complications. In Colombia, data on the effectiveness and safety of this procedure are lacking.
Methods: This descriptive retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent ESG between January 2022 and July 2023. Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed descriptively. Changes in weight, BMI, and weight loss percentages at 1, 3, and 6 months were assessed.
Results: 90 patients were included. The median baseline weight was 85.5 kg, and the median BMI was 33 kg/m2. Weight reductions were observed after 3 and 6 months, with weights of 73 kg and 69.5 kg, respectively (p < 0.001). Weight loss percentage increased to 8.3%, 15.5%, and 20.0% at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.001). BMI decreased to 27.4 kg/m2 in the third month and 25.9 kg/m2 in the sixth month (p < 0.001). Complications were mostly minor, occurred within the first month of follow-up, and included abdominal pain (21.1%), nausea (28.9%), and vomiting (14.4%). Gastrointestinal bleeding (3.3), heartburn (4.4%), and regurgitation (5.6%) were less common.
Conclusion: ESG is a safe and effective adjuvant treatment for obesity. This study showed significant weight loss and BMI reduction at 3- and 6-months post-procedure follow-ups, with a low incidence of minor complications.
DnaK of Parvimonas micra OMVs interacted with the host fibroblast Bag3-IKK-γ axis to accelerate TNF-α secretion in oral lichen planus
Authors: Ji Xiaoli , Zhi Mengfan , Gu Xiufeng , Han Ying , Lan Xiang , Song lixiang , Sun Peipei , Li Jingyuan , Qi XiangMin , Feng Qiang
Published: July 2024

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most frequent oral mucosal diseases associated with chronic inflammation despite extremely insufficient knowledge of its pathogenic mechanism.Results Here, the microbiome of buccal and lip mucosae, tongue dorsum and saliva among OLP patients and healthy individuals was analyzed. It was found that the oral microbiome, especially the buccal mucosa, varied significantly in OLP patients. Network, random forest and Netshift analyses simultaneously showed that Parvimonas micra (P. micra) was an important bacterium of OLP disease. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing profiling suggested that fibroblasts were the candidate target with the characteristic of up-regulating the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-қB) signaling pathway related to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and communicating with multiple immune cell types. Mechanism analysis showed that P. micra, P. micra-derived conditional medium (CM) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) could induce the activity of NF-қB signaling pathway and inhibit autophagy in buccal mucosal fibroblasts. As one of the main pathogenic effectors, the DnaK of P. micra-derived OMVs could inhibit autophagy and promote TNF-α secretion via the DnaK-Bcl-2 associated athanogene 3 (Bag3)-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit gamma (IKK-γ) signaling axis.Conclusions Here we demonstrate that P. micra’s OMV drives OLP via DnaK -Bag3-IKK-γ/NF-қB signaling axis in the fibroblasts as new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of OLP.
Mitral annular calcification in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy: risk factors and prognosis
Authors: Guo Bowen , Song Bangrong , Xu Xiaoyu , Dang Haiming , Dong Ran
Published: July 2024

Objective
This research aimed to ascertain the risk factors for the development of mitral annular calcification (MAC) in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) and the impact of MAC on prognosis.
Methods
HOCM patients underwent interventricular diaphragmatic myectomy were collected and examined by echocardiography and CT to test whether MAC occurred or not. General data and risk factors affecting MAC development in HOCM patients were observed. Differences in cardiac function indicators and perioperative clinical data were compared between patients with MAC and those without MAC. After surgery, patients were followed up until December 2022, with the primary endpoint being postoperative all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint being major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). Prognosis and MACCE occurrence were analyzed, and differences in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Apelin, and Galectin-3 levels were assessed between patients with MAC and patients without MAC, and the correlation between factor levels and cardiac function indicators were explored.
Results
There were 24 patients with MAC (7.74%) and 286 patients without MAC (92.26%). Female and older patients were more common in the MAC group. The MAC group had a higher incidence of SAM sign, aortic annular calcification, aortic calcification, coronary artery calcification, mitral leaflet thickening, and moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation. Gender, age, aortic calcification, aortic annular calcification, SAM sign, and mitral leaflet thickening were independent risk factors for MAC development. The MAC group had higher LVEDD, lower LVEF and heavier LVMM than the no-MAC group. Patients in the no-MAC group had a better prognosis and better MACCE incidence than patients in the MAC group.
Conclusion
Independent risk factors affecting MAC development in HOCM patients are gender, age, aortic calcification, aortic annular calcification, SAM sign, and mitral leaflet thickening. MAC development may lead to a poor prognosis in HOCM patients.
Exploring the perception and the needs of pharmaceutical care perceived by family caregivers of pediatric asthma patients in Guangdong Province, China: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Lin Guohua , Chen Dehui , Hu Hao , Ung Carolina Oi Lam
Published: July 2024

Background: Asthma brings a huge burden to children and their families. The aim of this study is to investigate the level of understanding of asthma among family caregivers, the burden they facing in caring for children with asthma, and their needs of pharmaceutical care.Methods: A questionnaireinformed by recent literature was distributed to family caregivers of children (<18 years old) diagnosed with asthma from Guangdong Province, China. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the caregivers’ need of pharmaceutical care.Results: A total of 610 valid questionnaires were collected. Most of the participants were women (60%) or aged between 35 and 44 years (48%). Only 38.9% of participants believed that they had good asthma related knowledge. There were 59.2%of participants bearing high burden due to pediatric asthma, and 54.9% of the participants indicated great need for pharmaceutical intervention. The results of multiple linear regression showed that pharmaceutical care needs were significantly associated with their gender, age, duration of taking care of pediatric asthma patients, and overall burden (allp<0.05).Conclusions: Caregivers of pediatric asthma patients self-reported inadequate levels of asthma knowledge, high level of burden, and unmet needs for pharmaceutical care, all of which presented great opportunities for pharmacists to contribute to pediatric asthma management at the community level.
Heresy in ENSO teleconnections: Atmospheric Rivers as disruptors of canonical seasonal precipitation anomalies in the Southwestern US
Authors: Luna-Niño Rosa , Gershunov Alexander , Ralph F. Martin , Weyant Alexander , Guirguis Kristen , DeFlorio Michael J. , Cayan Daniel R. , Williams A. Park
Published: July 2024

In spite of forecasts for anomalous dryness based on the canonical La Niña signal, Water Years 2011, 2017, and 2023 brought copious precipitation to California and the Southwestern United States (SWUS). Although El Niño—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the main source of seasonal precipitation predictability for the region, outstanding Atmospheric River (AR) activity produced the unexpected regional wetness in each of these heretical water years (WYs). We define heretical WYs as those that result in precipitation anomalies that oppose those expected based on ENSO alone. We assess the contribution of ARs and other storms to these WYs, finding that heretical La Niña/El Niño WYs were characterized by anomalously robust/deficient AR activity. In California, precipitation accumulation during the heretical La Niña WYs was comparable to or even exceeded that observed during the exceedingly wet WY1998 — the textbook canonical El Niño year. Our findings indicate a weaker/stronger relationship between ENSO and AR/non-AR precipitation, primarily driven by storm frequency. Although ARs can disrupt the ENSO-precipitation signal, ENSO still influences the frequency of AR precipitation in the southwestern U.S. desert, the region influenced by ARs that make landfall in Baja California, Mexico. These results highlight the complexity of ENSO's impact on precipitation in the Western US and underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of ENSO’s influence on ARs to improve seasonal precipitation prediction.
Burnout factors among residents in surgical and non-surgical specialties: a scoping review
Authors: Wang Wei Cen , Biswas Abhirup , Kirpalani Amrit , Wang Peter Zhan Tao
Published: July 2024

Objectives
Resident burnout is heterogeneous across specialties. This scoping review explores burnout factors within surgical and non-surgical specialties and how unique challenges within each discipline contribute to burnout.
Methods
A literature search was conducted on OVID Medline and 4 other databases with terms in: 1. residency, 2. burnout, 3. factors, and 4. burnout assessment measures. Original English articles published in North America were included. A frequency is calculated for each factor reported to have a statistically significant association with burnout within the surgical residency category and non-surgical residency category.
Results
There were 46, 50, and 1 study in surgical specialties, non-surgical specialties, and both, respectively. Sixty-five burnout factors were identified. The top personal factors were gender, mindset/mentality, and having a partner/children for both disciplines. The top program-related factors for both disciplines were training stage and workload, and mentorship for surgical specialties and work-life balance for non-surgical specialties. The top external factors for both disciplines were workplace relations, rotations, and co-resident support. The top two institutional factors were autonomy and administrative tasks for surgical specialties, and vice versa for non-surgical specialties.
Conclusion
Common burnout factors suggest ubiquitous challenges in residency. The differences in the burnout experience are driven by innate personal differences, medical culture, and hidden curriculum. Implementation of protective strategies would require thorough consideration of such similarities and differences and control for balancing factors to maintain the quality of education and patient care.
Organic farming drives higher diversity of beetles, with more predators and less pests
Authors: Chouangthavy Bounsanong , Fourcade Yoan
Published: July 2024

Agricultural intensification has led to significant species losses and has been associated with a decline in ecosystem services proved by insects. Reconciling biodiversity and agriculture production is a key challenge of the 21st century, for which solutions such as organic farming emerge, but remain to be tested in a wide range of ecological and socio-economic contexts. In Asia, particularly in Lao PDR, biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices such as the production of organic crops have been promoted to address these challenges, although intensification continues to progress. In this study, we examined beetle community composition in three organic and three conventional farming systems in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Our results indicate that beetle abundance was relatively consistent in both farm types, while species richness was higher in organic farming compared to conventional farming. Furthermore, predators were over 18 times more abundant, and insect pests 9 times less abundant, in organic farming, suggesting an enhanced pest control. Abundance and richness of beetles also exhibited seasonal variation during the year. These findings have enormous significance for the promotion of sustainable agriculture and the preservation of biodiversity in Southeast Asia and tropical countries in general, and they greatly advance our understanding of the ecological effects of various farming methods. They may also contribute to assisting government policy, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, which plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting the development of organic agriculture in Lao PDR.
Rigid finite element method in modelling of dynamics of risers with consideration of large deflections
Authors: Adamiec-Wójcik Iwona , Brzozowska Lucyna , Drąg Łukasz , Wojciech Stanisław
Published: July 2024

Dynamic analysis of risers often requires consideration of large deflections. One of the discretisation methods which includes analysis of large deflections is the rigid finite element method (RFEM). This paper presents a new, numerically effective, planar formulation of the method. The model takes into account large deflections caused by bending and longitudinal flexibilities. The models elaborated are, after validation, applied in calculations of static deflections and analysis of free frequencies of risers. Investigations are concerned with how a riser’s parameters (such as length and top/bottom supports), the sea current and internal flow all influence frequencies of free vibrations. Analysis of dynamics of a riser with and without an additional mass attached to the bottom of the riser is also carried out.
Atmospheric Pressure Portable Catalytic Air Plasma System for Fast Synthesis of Aqueous NO2− and NO3− Fertilizer in High Concentration
Authors: Ghorui Srikumar , Parab Harshala
Published: July 2024

Meaningful deployment of plasma water-based nitrogen fixation (PWBNF) in agricultural application is hindered primarily due to its poor synthesis rate in compact systems. The study reports a directly deployable thermal plasma based portable catalytic compact system, offering typical synthesis rate as high as 1035 mg/min for nitrate and 635 mg/min for nitrite directly from naturally abundant atmospheric air and water. Developed technology is clean, sustainable, easily decentralizable, and completely free from fossil fuels and harmful intermediates like ammonia. The system avoids safety hazards and costs related to the requirements of continuous energy resources, pressurized environment for synthesis, regulated storage, refrigeration need, transportation of raw materials and distribution of fertilizer, as may be required by other competing technologies. Described system, consisting of air plasma torch, reaction chamber, water injection manifold and catalytic bed creates a unique nascent reactive plasma environment at ambient pressure that auto activates the catalyst in the field of thermal plasma for highly efficient fixation of nitrogen. Presented results indicate that use of combination catalysts with mechanically enhanced surface area allows drastic enhancement in the nitrogen fixation. Possible reaction chemistries, results of trials with different catalysts, time evolution of concentration, auto-conversion from nitrite to nitrate in aqueous media, time stability of concentration of the synthesized nitrate and observed remarkable effectiveness in the actual field trials are presented. Achieved synthesis rates are compared with those reported in literature in the area of thermal and non-thermal plasma.
Bowel Function, Urinary Tract Function, and Health-related Quality of Life in Males With Anorectal Malformations
Authors: Gertler Joshua , Granström Anna Löf , Oddsberg Jenny , Gunnarsdóttir Anna , Svenningsson Anna , Wester Tomas , Örtqvist Lisa
Published: July 2024

Purpose
There is a knowledge gap regarding long-term outcomes for males undergoing surgery for an anorectal malformation (ARM). The purpose of this study was to investigate bowel function, bladder function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in male patients with an anorectal malformation.
Methods
This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included males treated for ARM at our institution between 1994 and 2017. Bowel function was assessed with bowel function score (BFS) whilst urinary tract function was assessed with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) questionnaires. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was investigated using age-relevant questionnaires (KIDSCREEN and PGWBI). Patient characteristics were retrospectively collected from the medical records and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Functional outcomes were compared with gender and age-matched controls whilst HRQoL was compared to normative data. The study was approved by ethics review authorities.
Results
A total of 58 (44.6%) of 130 males responded to the questionnaires. Regarding bowel function, twenty-four (42.1%) of 57 patients and 81 (95.3%) of 85 controls, respectively, reported a well-preserved bowel function represented by a BFS ≥ 17 (p < 0.001). Soiling issues and ‘feels urge’ items improved significantly with age. In a linear regression model, BFS increased significantly with age. For most parameters, the proportion of ARM patients with lower urinary tract symptoms was larger, though not significantly, compared to the controls. However, straining and stress incontinence were reported significantly more often by ARM patients. In patients and controls, voiding outcomes in terms of prevalence of having symptoms and the number of cumulative symptoms drop with increasing age. Children and adults reported similar or, in some domains, better HRQoL outcomes when compared to normative European data.
Conclusion
Bowel function is impaired in male patients with ARM but significantly improves with age. Urinary tract function was affected, but overall comparable to the controls. HRQoL was unaffected. No significant association between the studied outcomes could be shown.
Machine learning assisted single-molecule sensing of per- and polyfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids: Quantification without standards
Authors: Qiu Kaipei , Zuo Jiaqi , Li Hong-Shuang , Tang Wen , Zhao Xian , Cheng Meng-Yuan , Yang Zekai , Tian Siyu , Li Pufeng , Xie Xueying , Luo Dan
Published: July 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCA) are of great concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment. Despite a severe shortage of authentic standards, compared to the rapid increase of possible structures identified, it remains difficult to quantify a mixture of PFCA without references. Herein, a standard-free single-molecule electrochemical sensing method was developed for the first time by establishing a linear correlation between current blockades and the volumes of PFCA simulated by molecular dynamics. A nearly 100% accuracy was realized for the simultaneous determination of 13 pristine or H- / Cl-substituted PFCA, using frequency-modulated multi-feature classification. Shortlisting the 21 high-priority features reduced the required number of training data by 7.6 folds, and almost 80% quantification reliability was maintained even with interference of 100 times concentration. Moreover, the detection limit of trifluoroacetic acid (an ultrashort-chain PFCA) went down to 57 ng·L-1, comparable to the state-of-the-art performance.
Natural compounds from Ginkgo biloba L. targeting MPO, ERAP-2, DPP-4, PPAR-α, and ET B in cardiovascular diseases: Molecular docking and ADMET predictions
Authors: Chahal Shiwani , Ridhal Pooja , Singh Inderjeet , Jain Heena , Rani Anita , Siwach Priyanka
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular diseases stand as the foremost global cause of mortality. With most of the present-day drugs associated with serious side effects, the quest for safer interventions continues. Natural compounds from Ginkgo biloba L., an important Asian medicinal plant, were selected for investigations verifying their potential as new drug lead molecules against selected FDA-approved target proteins. A total of twenty-two compounds were analyzed against five targets: myeloperoxidase (MPO), endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and endothelins (ETB). Molecular docking was done using AutoDock Vina software package after the evaluation of physiochemical parameters. The binding energies were calculated from RASPD + and Vina, and correlation was calculated. For post-docking analysis, two programs (Pymol and Discovery Studio Biovia 2017) were applied. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity parameters were calculated using Swiss ADME, Admet SAR, Protox-II servers, and pkCSM. Eighteen compounds were found to exhibit 0/1 violations from Lipinski's rule of five. All these compounds exhibited high binding affinities for the selected target proteins, binding energies ranged from − 4.6 to -10.1 kcal/mol. Moderate to strong positive correlations were observed between energy values produced by RASPD + and VINA. Post-docking analysis further validated the strong binding affinities by revealing the number and nature of different atomic interactions. ADMET profiles also revealed the status of these compounds for good intestinal solubility in humans, oral bioavailability, inactive cytotoxicity, and liver toxicity. The analysis identified three compounds showing the highest affinity for the selected target proteins- bilobetin against MPO (-10.1) and DPP4 (-8.5); isoginkgetin against MPO (-10.0), ERAP2 (-8.7), PPARα (-10.1), and ETB (-9.5); and sciadopitysin against DPP4 (-8.7), energies in kcal/mol. These three compounds also exhibited high GI values, a non-substrate status for P-gp, a non-inhibitory nature for CYP enzymes, a high lead-likeness score, and low toxicity, further validating the safety, selectivity, and effectiveness as potent drug lead molecules for treating CVDs and inflammation.