bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tandem transcription factors PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 synergistically activate the transcription of PpPGF to regulate softening during peach fruit ripening
Authors: Zhang Langlang , Wang Xiaofei , Dong Kang , Tan Bin , Zheng Xianbo , Ye Xia , Wang Wei , Cheng Jun , Feng Jiancan
Published: November 2023

Rapid softening after harvest is a significant challenge for peach production, as it results in fruit rotting and significantly reduces shelf life. In this study, we conducted an analysis that revealed the presence of two tandem genes, PpNAC56 and PpNAC72, within the sr(slow ripening) locus, which are highly conserved in dicots. Additionally, we found that PpNAC56 is the orthologous gene of Non-ripening (NOR) in tomato. Transcript analysis demonstrated that both PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 are highly expressed in peach fruit, with their transcript levels up-regulated at the onset of peach fruit ripening. The yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays showed PpNAC56 interacts with PpNAC72 and this interaction is also detected in tomato and apple. Transient VIGS experiments showed that PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 positively regulate peach fruit softening. The Yeast one-hybrid, the dual luciferase assay and LUC bioluminescence imaging proved that PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 directly binds to the PpPGF promoters and activate its transcription. Notably, PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 together, have a higher levels of activation activity for PpPGF than the genes of PpNAC56 or PpNAC72 alone. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the tandem transcription factors PpNAC56 and PpNAC72 synergistically activate the transcription of PpPGF to regulate fruit softening during peach fruit ripening.
Pure Red Cell Aplasia Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children Response to Rituximab– A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Ou Rongqiong , Zhang Bihong , Li Sha , Tan Weiping
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study analyzes the clinical presentation of SLE-associated PRCA in a pediatric patient at our institution and evaluates rituximab's therapeutic efficacy.
Methods: To summarize the clinical characteristics of SLE related PRCA in a child diagnosed in our hospital by literature review, and discuss the efficacy of rituximab in treating this disease.
Results: A 12-year-old girl from Guangdong, China, was admitted to our hospital with the chief complaint of "3 years of SLE history and anemia persisting for 16 days." She received her initial SLE diagnosis at 8 years and 5 months of age. Intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse and methylprednisolone (MP) pulse therapy were administered, followed by maintenance treatment with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). During her follow-up, she maintained an SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score of "0." At 12 years of age, the patient developed progressive anemia, A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pure red cell aplastic anemia. The anemia did not respond to immunoglobulin, corticosteroids, or cyclosporine A. Subsequently, rituximab was administered, leading to a gradual normalization of her hemoglobin and reticulocyte count. She was subsequently treated with MMF for maintenance, with an SLEDAI score of "0" during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: Corticosteroids have traditionally been the mainstay of treatment for SLE-related PRCA, and the combination of cyclosporine and corticosteroids has shown promise in improving remission rates and reducing recurrence rates. The administration of rituximab, followed by sequential MMF use in the presented case, demonstrated significant efficacy.
Green Nanochemistry: Argyreia Nervosa-Assisted Synthesis of Cu-Ag Bimetallic Nanoparticles with Enhanced Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Kalakonda Parvathalu , Kathi Rajitha , Ligory Merlinsheeba Gali , Dabbeta Naveen Kumar , Madipoju Naveen Kumar , Mynepally. Soujanya Lakshmi , Morampudi Vijay , Banne Sreenivas , Mandal Pritam , Savu Ramu Naidu , Khanam Sarvani Jowhar , Banavoth Murali , Eve Nainavinodini Sudarsanam , Podila Bala Bhaskar
Published: November 2023

Scientist have demonstrated substantial interest in the biosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles, particularly for their applications in the fields of bio-nanotechnology and medicine. Our study specifically explores the biosynthesis of copper-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Cu-Ag BMNPs) using Argyreia Nervosa (AN) plant leaf green extract as a versatile agent for capping, reducing, and stabilizing. This biosynthesis method is characterized by its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, utilizing silver nitrate (AgNO3) and cupric oxide (CuO) as precursor materials. Our comprehensive characterization of the Cu-Ag BMNPs, employing techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis Spectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Zeta Sizer, and Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), unveiled important structural and compositional details. The FTIR results confirmed the successful removal of organic and inorganic impurities, findings supported by the XRD data. To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the Cu-Ag BMNPs, we conducted disk diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays against Escherichia coli (E. coli), with results compared to the standard Gentamicin antibiotic. These assays showcased the improved antimicrobial activity of Cu-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles, highlighting their synergistic effect, characterized by high MIC values and a broad zone of inhibition in the disc diffusion tests against E. coli. These results emphasize the significant antibacterial potential of the synthesized BMNPs, with a medicinal plant Argyreia Nervosa leaf extract playing a pivotal role in enhancing this activity.
Response mechanisms of Candida tropicalis incubated with a dilute acid hydrolysate from corn stover
Authors: Zhang zhengyue , Wu Lan , Li Qi , Shu Baichao , Li Dang , Chen Yulei , Tang Jiaye , Long Siyi , Liao Jie , Zhao Yifan , Wang Hanyu , Ma Menggen
Published: November 2023

Understanding the cellular response mechanisms of Candida tropicalis is crucial to biofuel production from corn stover, and targeted genetic modification of a C. tropicalis fermentation strain can improve the biofuel yield. In this report, metabolomic analysis of a hydrolysate obtained from dilute acid hydrolysis of corn stover identified 1,469 substances, including sugars, aldehydes, acids and phenols. In the presence of the corn stover hydrolysate, cell growth was inhibited. Moreover, subcellular observations revealed that C. tropicalis SHC-03 accumulated reactive oxygen species and maintained endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis when incubated with this hydrolysate. For detoxification of byproducts in the hydrolysate that inhibit cell growth and survival, genes associated with reduced glutathione, ergosterol, and ubiquinone-n biosynthesis and misfolded protein and fatty acid degradation were upregulated upon incubation with the hydrolysate. These results will help guide genetic modifications that increase the intracellular synthesis of NADH/NADPH and acetyl-CoA for ergosterol and fatty acid accumulation to improve tolerance to hydrolytically toxic byproducts and accelerate industrial production of bioethanol and other bioproducts.
WITHDRAWN: Kinetics of microbial digestion of leachate generated from municipal solid waste
Authors: Bhambore Nandini , Kumar M. Suresh
Published: November 2023

The study addresses the challenge of leachate generation and explores various treatment processes. Specifically, it focuses on the characterization of Bhandewadi municipal solid waste leachate and evaluates its biodegradability. This evaluation involves the removal of organic and inorganic components under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions at different inoculum ratios. Additionally, the study employs mathematical kinetics models to optimize and validate the data obtained. Two sets of experiments were conducted using 25%, 50%, and 100% (raw leachate) inoculum ratios by combining leachate with inoculum seed. In the aerobic environment, a COD removal efficiency of 75% was achieved within 14 days, while in the anaerobic environment, 77% removal was observed over 18 days. To model biogas production, first-order, modified Gompertz, and logistic function models were employed and fitted to the experimental data of the 25% anaerobic set. The logistic function model proved to be the most compatible with the experimental data for this scenario. Furthermore, mathematical kinetics were also applied to validate the COD removal efficiency in the 25% inoculum ratio of the aerobic study. In this case, the first-order equation was found to be the best fit for the data. Overall, the study indicates that lower inoculum concentrations can also result in better treatment performance, particularly with a 25% inoculum ratio displaying the highest degradation efficiency under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Transgenerational Impacts of Oxidative Damage Induced by Prenatal Ethanol Exposure on Spatial Learning/Memory and BDNF in the Hippocampus of Male Rats
Authors: Ghahremanlou Mousa Shaabani , Hojati Vida , Sharafi Shahram
Published: November 2023

Background and Aim:
Alcohol use during pregnancy causes damage to normal fetal development and induces oxidative stress (OS), and intervenes in the expression of neurotrophic factors (NTFs).
Materials and Methods
A rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) was initially generated to reflect on the deficits in the first generation, and then those transmitted via the male germline to the unexposed male ones. The pregnant rats were thus divided into four groups, namely, the control group (CTRL) receiving only distilled water, and three groups being exposed to ethanol (20%, 4.5 g/kg) by oral gavage, during the first 10-days gestation (FG), the second 10-days gestation (SG), and the entire gestation (EG) periods. Half of the male offspring were then subjected to the Morris water maze (MWM) test on the 30 postnatal days. The other half was further recruited to evaluate the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the hippocampus. Ultimately, the qRT-PCR was practiced to measure the BDNF gene expression.
Results
Prenatal ethanol exposure caused spatial learning/memory deficits during the SG and EG in both generations. The elevated MDA levels, along with the decreased GPx and SOD activity and BDNF gene expression occurred all through the SG and EG of the first filial generation (F1), and the reduction in the GPx and SOD activity together with the BDNF gene expression was only observed in the EG of the second filial generation (F2) of the male rats.
Conclusion
OS could play a leading role in the diminished BDNF gene expression as well as the spatial learning/memory decline induced by prenatal ethanol exposure.
Comparative Analysis of Surgical Techniques in the Management of Chronic Subdural Hematomas and Risk Factors for Poor Outcomes.
Authors: HOUNKPATIN Stachys , STIERER Marine , Paul FRECHON , Frederick RAULT , KELANI Aminath , EMERY Evelyne , GABEREL Thomas , LECLERC Arthur
Published: November 2023

Background. Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) are increasingly prevalent, especially among the elderly. Surgical intervention is essential in most cases. However, the choice of surgical technique, either craniotomy or burr-hole opening, remains a subject of debate. Additionally, the risk factors for poor long-term outcomes following surgical treatment remain poorly described.
Methods. This article presents a 10-year retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center that aimed to compare the outcomes of two common surgical techniques for CSDH evacuation: burr hole opening and craniotomy. The study also identified risk factors associated with poor long-term outcome, which was defined as an mRS score ≥ 3 at 6 months.
Results. This study included 582 adult patients who were surgically treated for unilateral CSDH. Burr-hole opening was performed in 43% of the patients, while craniotomy was performed in 57%. Recurrence was observed in 10% of the cases and postoperative complications in 13%. The rates of recurrence, postoperative complications, death and poor long-term outcome did not differ significantly between the two surgical approaches. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative general complications, recurrence, and preoperative mRS score ≥ 3 as independent risk factors for poor outcomes at 6 months.
Conclusion. Burr-hole opening is as effective and less invasive than craniotomy and should be preferred. Although chronic subdural hematoma is often considered benign, general complication and recurrence are significant long-term prognostic factors that should not be overlooked. Our results highlight the importance of preventing postoperative complications through early mobilization and avoiding the prescription of corticosteroids in this elderly population.
Evaluation of the Impact of Rural Streetscape Enhancement on Relaxation-Arousal Responses Based on EEG and VR
Authors: Ren Hongguo , Wang Yujun , Zhang Jing , Wang Qingqin , Zheng Ziming
Published: November 2023

Targeting the issue of emotional deficiency in rural human environments, this study combines electroencephalogram (EEG) and virtual reality (VR) technologies thus we choose as experimental images the current situation scenes of five rural main street nodes as well as the comparative transformation scenes. It then assesses the subjects' subjective cognition and level of relaxation-arousal responses using the α/β index in the EEG data and the three subjective scale indexes of "Interested," "Comfortable," and "Sense of vitality." The study's findings demonstrated that: 1. All three scores increased in the transformation scenarios, and subjects' subjective assessments varied significantly across all five sets of scenes. 2. Every transformation scene showed relaxation responses in comparison to status quo scenes, except for the T8 electrode, which displayed the only arousal response in the second set of scenes, out of all the α/β index values that were substantially different. 3. The Pz electrode in the parietal lobe area was found to be the most sensitive to the visual response to the green landscape and the form of the building façade along the street, and the T8 electrode in the right temporal lobe area was the most sensitive to the response to the overall perception of the surrounding environment, according to a comparison of the longitudinal α/β values. More options for rural streetscape design as well as fresh insights and methodologies for assessing the rural human environment in the future are anticipated from this study.
MUS81 Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xie Rong , Su Xinyu , Yang Yonggang
Published: November 2023

Researchers have demonstrated that MUS81 is a powerful tumor suppressor, and plays in important role in DNA damage repair and maintenance of chromosomal stability in mice. To explore its role and expression pattern in human breast cancer (BC), which currently are unknown, we carried out this study to examine the correlation between MUS81 expression and the proliferation and invasiveness of BC cells. The expression of MUS81 in BC was predicted by bioinformatics. QRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to determine MUS81 expression levels in BC. Stable transfection of MUS81 overexpression lentivirus (MUS81) or MUS81 interference lentivirus (MUS81 RNAi) to establish its overexpression or knockdown in BC cells. CCK8 and colony formation experiments were used to determine the proliferation ability of the cells; scratch and transwell experiments were performed to detect the invasiveness of the cells. MUS81 overexpression cells were inoculated subcutaneously at the dorsal flanks of nude mice to form subcutaneous xenografts and evaluate the functional impact of MUS81 on the growth of BC. The expression of MUS81 and Ki-67 in xenografts were also detected by immunohistochemistry. Both MUS81 mRNA and protein expression levels were reduced significantly in BC tissues and cells compared with the corresponding normal tissues and MCF-10A. In vitro experiments indicated overexpression or silencing of MUS81 respectively decreased and facilitated proliferation and invasion of BC cells than control groups. In vivo experiment revealed a significant reduction in the growth of BC cells and tumor weight of their formed subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice was noted upon overexpression of MUS81. The expression level of Ki 67 was also dramatically reduced following the overexpression of MUS81. MUS81 was significantly low-expressed in breast cancer, and the low expression was correlated with the enhanced proliferation and aggressiveness of breast cancer cells, suggesting that MUS81 as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.
A comparison of coffee effects on vigilance and attention in pilots across simple and complex lab environments
Authors: Bergen Geertje van , Miltenburg Maykel van , Stiphout Ruud van , Drongelen Alwin van , Riesenbeck Lea , Sieters Jane , Dijksterhuis Garmt , Vingerhoeds Monique , Aarts Esther
Published: November 2023

Professionally realistic multi-task environments, such as the NASA Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MATB-II), are employed for measuring vigilance and attention in professionals. However, it is unclear whether well-known intervention effects on performance during simple lab-based tasks, such as those of caffeine, also translate to these more realistic working situations. In a preregistered, double-blind, randomized, controlled repeated-measures experiment (https://osf.io/2zubx), we compared the performance of thirty-five civil pilots during vigilance- and attention-related tasks in simple (psychomotor vigilance task; auditory oddball detection) versus multitask environments (MATB-II system monitoring; MATB-II communications) after consuming regular vs. decaffeinated coffee. For vigilance tasks, no coffee intervention effects were found. Instead, a reversed task repetition effect was found, with participants being slower in session 2 in the simple task environment, but faster in session 2 in the complex environment. For attention-related tasks, regular coffee improved performance accuracy in the simple, but not the multitask environment. Coffee versus decaf effects in the simple task environment did not correlate with those in the complex task environment, neither for vigilance nor for selective attention. However, an experiment-wide increase in sleepiness was attenuated if participants drank regular coffee in the second session. This finding was supported by heart rate and eye blink measures. Results suggest that intervention-related findings do not easily translate to different vigilance- and attention-related tasks if task environments differ in complexity. The MATB-II multi-task environment, in its current form, is perhaps more suitable for assessing intervention effects on physiological measures of fatigue and vigilance than on cognitive performance.
Risk factors associated with neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of the university teaching hospital in Lusaka, Zambia: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Tembo Deborah , Bessing Barnabas , Abobo Francis D N , Kaonga Patrick , Jacobs Choolwe
Published: November 2023

Background: Globally, several children die shortly after birth and many more of them within the first 28 days of life. Sub-Sharan Africa accounts for almost half (43%) of the global neonatal death with slow progress in reduction. These neonatal deaths are associated with lack of quality care at or immediately after birth and in the first 28 days of life. This study aimed to determine the trends and risk factors of neonatal mortality in a major referral hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods: We conducted retrospective analysis involving all neonates admitted in the University Teaching Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (UTH-NICU) in Lusaka from January 2018-December 2019 (N=2340). We determined the trends and assessed the factors associated with neonatal mortality using Generalized Linear Models (GLM) with a Poisson distribution and log link function.
Results: Overall, the neonatal mortality was 40.2% (95% CI: 38.0-42.0) per 1000 live births for the two-year period with a slight decline in mortality rate from 42.9% (95% CI: 40.0-46.0) in 2018 to 37.3% (95% CI: 35.0-40.0) in 2019. In a final multivariable model, home delivery (ARR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.46-1.96), preterm birth (ARR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.36-1.85), congenital anomalies (ARR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.34-1.88), low birthweight (ARR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.37-1.79), and health centre delivery (ARR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.25-1.75) were independently associated with increase in neonatal mortality. Conversely, hypothermia (ARR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.22-0.60), antenatal attendance (ARR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68-0.85), and one-day increase in neonatal age (ARR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.97) were independently associated with reduction in neonatal mortality.
Conclusion: In this hospital-based study, neonatal mortality was high compared to the national and global targets. While non-modifiable risk factors were associated with increase in neonatal mortality, proper management of modifiable risk factors resulted in reduced neonatal mortality. Early identification and interventions to reduce the impact of both non-modifiable and modifiable risks factors of neonatal mortality in Zambia are important.
P5C inhibit T cell glycolysis in prostate cancer microenvironment by SHP1/PKM2/LDHB axis
Authors: Chang Lei , Li Guohao , Jiang Shan , Li Jie , Yang Jin , Zhou Le , Song Hanrui , Deng Leyuan , Luo Zhiguo , Shah Kavita , Guo Yonglian , Yan Yutao
Published: November 2023

Background: Our previous studies demonstrated that 1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) released by prostate cancer cells inhibit T cell proliferation and function. We designed this study to further explore the influence of P5C on T cell metabolism, and produce an antibody for targeting P5C to restore the functions of T cells.
Method: We obtained SHP1 from T cells through co-immunoprecipitation and analyzed the proteins that were co-immunoprecipitated with SHP1 using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). The influence of P5C on T cells metabolism also could be detected by LC/MS-MS. Seahorse XF96 analyzer was used to identify the effect of P5C on T cells glycolysis. Then we designed and produced an antibody for targeting P5C by monoclonal technique, and verified its effectiveness to restore the function of T cells in vitro and in vivo.
Result: PKM2 and LDHB bind SHP1 in T cells, and P5C could increase the levels of p-PKM2 while have no effect on the levels of PKM2 and LDHB. We further found that P5C influences T cell energy metabolism and carbohydrate metabolism. P5C also inhibits the activity of PKM2 and decrease the content of intracellular lactic acid while increasing the activity of LDH. Using seahorse XF96 analyzer, we confirmed that P5C remarkably inhibits glycolysis in T cells. We produced an antibody for targeting P5C by monoclonal technique, and verified that the antibody could oppose the influence of P5C to restore the process of glycolysis and function in T cells. Meanwhile, the antibody also inhibits the growth of prostate tumors in animal model.
Conclusion: Our study revealed that P5C inhibits the process of glycolysis in T cells by targeting SHP1/PKM2/LDHB complexes. Moreover, it is important that the antibody for targeting P5C could restore the function of T cell and inhibit the growth of prostate tumors.
Reduced Training Data for Robust Ultrasound Signal Interpretation by Neural Networks
Authors: Rus Janez , Fleury Romain
Published: November 2023

We introduce an experimental setup to generate large datasets of ultrasonic signals relevant for quality inspection. A reconfigurable defect is induced by a heating laser projecting a short line on a shape memory polymer foil, which has a special property that its Young’s modulus and ultrasound attenuation level can locally be controlled by its temperature field. Ultrasound is generated by a laser pulse at one fixed position and detected by a laser vibrometer at another fixed position for 64 different defect positions and 3 different configurations of the specimen. The obtained diversified datasets are used to optimize the network architecture for the interpretation of ultrasound signals. We study the robustness of the model in cases of reduced and dissimilar training datasets. In our first study, we classify the specimen configurations with the defect position being the disturbing parameter. The model shows high performance on a dataset of signals obtained at all the defect positions, even if only trained on a completely different dataset containing signals obtained at few defect positions. In our second study, we perform precise defect localization. The model becomes robust to the changes in the specimen configuration when a reduced dataset, containing signals obtained at two different specimen configurations, is used for the training process. These conclusions show the great potential of the demonstrated machine learning algorithm for industrial quality control. High-volume products (simulated by a reconfigurable specimen in our work) can be rapidly tested on the production line using this single-point and contact-free ultrasonic method.
Reducing Umbilical Catheter Migration Rates By Using a Novel Securement Device
Authors: Scottoline Brian , Perl Juliana , Crabtree-Beach Tanya , Olyaei Amy , Hedges Madeline , Jordan Brian
Published: November 2023

Objective
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a novel device, LifeBubble, in reducing umbilical cord catheter (UC) migration and associated complications in neonates.
Study Design:
A retrospective review was performed at Oregon Health & Science University's NICU (2019–2021) to compare standard adhesive securement with LifeBubble. The primary outcomes were UC migration, discontinuation due to malposition, and CLABSI incidence. Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon Rank Sum, Pearson Chi Square tests, and logistic regression adjusted for weight and age.
Results
Among 119 neonates (89 LifeBubble, 106 adhesive), LifeBubble significantly reduced UC migration > 1 vertebral body (5.6% vs 44%) and UVC discontinuation due to malposition (5.6% vs 39%). The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one instance of these outcomes was 3. No significant difference was found in UAC outcomes or CLABSI rates.
Conclusion
LifeBubble effectively reduces UC migration and premature discontinuation, indicating its potential in enhancing neonatal care and safety.
Impact of Public Health Education on Healthcare-Seeking Behavior among Migrants: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Zihao , Gu Jinghong , Chen Huiying , Xu Qinglin , Lin Zi , Gu Hai
Published: November 2023

Public health education (PHE) effectively improves migrants' healthcare-seeking behavior (HSB). This study leverages data from the 2017 China Migrant Dynamic Survey (CMDS) to explore the association between PHE and HSB, employing the Probit model and Propensity Score Matching method. The results showed that: (1) PHE can significantly contribute to migrants’ attitudes(β=0.020, p<0.01), preferred primary(β=0.032, p<0.01), and local medical institutions (β=0.010, p<0.05) toward health care; (2) In healthcare attitudes and local medical institutions preferences, the impact is strongest among older adults, rural residents, higher education levels, women, and lower-income groups. HSB more effectively influences primary medical institution preference among older adults, urban residents, higher education levels, men, and lower-income groups. (3) Mechanism testing confirms that PHE influences the healthcare attitude (β=0.064, p<0.01; Z=5.627, p<0.01) and prioritizing primary medical institution (β=0.150, p<0.01; Z=8.526, p<0.01) of migrants through health literacy; (4) Regarding healthcare attitudes and preferences for primary medical institutions, New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) shows a positive moderating effect (β=0.008, p<0.01), whereas BMISUE has a contrary (β=-0.007, p<0.01; β=-0.025, p<0.01). However, when it comes to preferring local medical treatment, BMISUE exhibits a negative moderating effect (β=0.001, p<0.05). Based on the research, the government should enhance PHE, boost NRCMS participation and reimbursement, and target specific groups, such as middle-aged, lower-educated, and high-income individuals, improve healthcare utilization, promote preferred primary medical institutions, and reduce cross-regional treatment.
The Role of Moesin in Diagnosing and Assessing Severity of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Song Xixi , Cai Hui , Peng Wenjun , Chen Ke , Abuduxukuer Zilinuer , Zeng Yingying , Zhu Guiping , Lu Chong , Chen Yu , Wang Jian , Ye Ling , Jin Meiling
Published: November 2023

Background
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare disease which is easily misdiagnosed. Vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D), as the most common biomarker, however, is not so perfect for the diagnosis and severity assessment of LAM.
Materials and methods
The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based method was used to identify a cytoskeleton protein, moesin. 84 patients with LAM, 44 patients with other cystic lung diseases (OCLD), and 37 healthy control subjects were recruited for collecting blood samples and clinical data. The levels of moesin in serum were evaluated by ELISA assay. The relationships of moesin with lymphatic involvement, lung function, and treatment decision were explored in patients with LAM.
Results
The candidate protein moesin was identified by the proteomics-based bioinformatic analysis. The serum levels of moesin were higher in patients with LAM [219.0 (118.7-260.5) pg/mL] than in patients with OCLD (125.8 ± 59.9 pg/mL, P < 0.0001) and healthy women [49.6 (35.5–78.9) ng/mL, P < 0.0001]. Moesin had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.929 for predicting LAM diagnosis compared to healthy women (sensitivity 81.0%, specificity 94.6%). The combination of moesin and VEGF-D made a better prediction in differentiating LAM from OCLD than moesin or VEGF-D alone. Moreover, elevated levels of moesin were related to lymphatic involvement in patients with LAM. Moesin was found negatively correlated with FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC, and DLCO%pred (P = 0.0181, r = -0.3398; P = 0.0067, r = -0.3863; P = 0.0010, r = -0.4744). A composite score combining moesin and VEGF-D improved prediction for sirolimus treatment, compared with each biomarker alone.
Conclusion
Higher levels of moesin in serum may indicate impaired lung function and lymphatic involvement in patients with LAM, suggest a more serious condition, and provide clinical guidance for sirolimus treatment.
Geochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Sylhet Limestone and Kopili Formations in Joypurhat Limestone Mine Area
Authors: Khan Rashed Ahmed , Chowdhury Mahabub Arefin , Sultan-Ul-Islam Md , Howlader Rakib
Published: November 2023

The Bengal Basin's Eocene Sylhet limestone deposit is important for geological research. The present work aims to identify the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the Sylhet Limestone and Kopili Formations in the borehole GDH-29 of Joypurhat Limestone Mine Area, and interpret the environments of deposition of limestone. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of eleven samples selected from different depth reveal that the CaO, MgO, SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 are the major oxides whereas P2O5, SO3, K2O, TiO2, Cr2O3, MnO, SrO and NiO are the minor oxides. Besides the major and minor oxides, some trace elements like V2O5, CuO, ZnO, Y2O3 and ZrO2 are also present. The CaO content is higher in most of the samples that increases with depth. Its weight percentage is higher in Sylhet Limestone Formation than the Kopili Formation. The Harker’s variation diagrams for the Sylhet Limestone show a negative correlation of CaO vs other oxides like Na2O, SiO2, MgO, Al2O3, SO3, P2O5, K2O, TiO2, MnO, Cr2O3, Fe2O3, SrO, Cl etc. All these oxides decrease with the increase in CaO. But in the Kopili Formation these also show negative trend except for few minor and trace elements like Na2O, MgO, P2O5 and ZrO2. This trend supports that the carbonate depositional environments deteriorated from beginning of deposition of the Sylhet Limestone to the end of the Kopili Formation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of ten representative samples exhibits the dominance of calcite followed by alpha-iron, quartz and chlorite-serpentine. Calcite is the predominant carbonate mineral in the Sylhet Limestone. The alpha-iron with chlorite-serpentine are also present as insignificant components. Quartz and alpha iron are the most abundant minerals in the Kopili Formation with a minor proportion of calcite.
Asystasia gangetica, beyond its Widespread Distribution Recorded in Two Indonesian Herbaria Since 1863: A Nuisance or A Blessing?
Authors: Tanjung Livia Rossila , Nurainas Nurainas , Zulaspita Witri
Published: November 2023

In the world of botanical diversity, some plants manage to find their niche through adaptability and widespread distribution. Asystasia gangetica, one of those versatile species, has established itself in various ecosystems worldwide. Based on specimen collections of the Herbarium Bogoriense and the Herbarium Anda, we investigated the global distribution of this plant by highlighting its characteristics, ecological adaptability, significance, implications, and potential benefits. This study showed that A. gangetica had flourished in Malaysia in 1863, 30 years before it had in Indonesia, refuting the popular belief that it had been introduced to the country in 1876. Furthermore, given the two A. gangetica subspecies differ in phenotype and genotype, we propose that they should be considered distinct species. So, the subsp. gangetica, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and is synonymous with Asystasia coromandeliana, should be named Asystasia gangetica, while the subsp. micrantha, native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and is synonymous with Asystasia intrusa, should be named Asystasia micrantha. This study confirmed that A. micrantha is more invasive than A. gangetica. Both plants, however, exhibit advantageous qualities beneficial to humans. As a cover crop, it is useful for conservation efforts. As a food source, it is nutritious for humans and animals. As a bioactive compound source, it can be developed into novel drugs. Its beneficial properties imply that this plant is intended to benefit humans and animals, even though its invasiveness needs to be monitored and regulated. Thus, we believe its advantages outweigh its drawbacks.
Molecular Mechanisms of Reduced Risk of Decompression Sickness in Deep Diving Cetaceans
Authors: Guo Boxiong , Sun Yixuan , Wang Yuehua , Zhang Ya , Xu Shixia , Yang Guang , Ren Wenhua , Zheng Yu
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCetaceans, having experienced prolonged adaptation to aquatic environments, have undergone evolutionary changes in their respiratory systems. This process of evolution has resulted in the emergence of distinctive phenotypic traits, notably the abundance of elastic fibers in their lungs. These fibers facilitate the collapse of cetaceans' lungs during dives and subsequent re-expansion upon surfacing, effectively reducing the risk of decompression sickness. Such adaptations play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of decompression sickness during deep dives. Nevertheless, the scientific inquiry into the mechanisms through which these unique phenotypic characteristics govern the diving behavior of marine mammals, including cetaceans, remains unresolved.ResultsThis study entails an evolutionary analysis of 42 genes associated with pulmonary fibrosis across 45 mammalian species. Twenty-one genes in cetaceans exhibited accelerated evolution, featuring specific amino acid substitutions in 14 of them. Primarily linked to the development of the respiratory system and lung morphological construction, these genes play a crucial role. Moreover, among marine mammals, we identified eight genes undergoing positive selection, and the evolutionary rates of three genes significantly correlated with diving depth. Specifically, the SFTPC gene exhibited convergent amino acid substitutions. Through in vitro cellular experiments, we illustrated that convergent amino acid site mutations in SFTPC contribute positively to pulmonary fibrosis in marine mammals, thereby reducing the risk of decompression sickness during diving.ConclusionsThe study unveils pivotal genetic signals in cetaceans and other marine mammals, arising through evolution. These discoveries yield substantial biological insights into how these species mitigate the risk of decompression sickness during dives. Moreover, the research serves as a valuable reference for delving deeper into human diving physiology.
CTGAN-ENN: A tabular GAN-based Hybrid Sampling Method for Imbalanced and Overlapped Data in Customer Churn Prediction
Authors: Adiputra I Nyoman Mahayasa , Wanchai Paweena
Published: November 2023

Class imbalance is one of many problems of customer churn datasets. One of the common problems is class overlap, where the data have a similar instance between classes. The prediction task of customer churn becomes more challenging when there is class overlap in the data training. In this research, we suggested a hybrid method based on tabular GANs, called CTGAN-ENN, to address class overlap and imbalanced data in datasets of customers that churn. We used five different customer churn datasets from an open platform. CTGAN is a tabular GAN-based oversampling to address class imbalance but has a class overlap problem. We combined CTGAN with the ENN under-sampling technique to overcome the class overlap. CTGAN-ENN reduced the number of class overlaps by each feature in all datasets. We investigated how effective CTGAN-ENN is in each machine learning technique. Based on our experiments, CTGAN-ENN achieved satisfactory results in KNN, GBM, and XGB machine learning performance for customer churn predictions. We compared CTGAN-ENN with common over-sampling and hybrid sampling methods, and CTGAN-ENN achieved outperform results compared with other sampling methods. We provide a time consumption algorithm between CTGAN and CTGAN-ENN. CTGAN-ENN achieved less time consumption than CTGAN. Our research work provides a new framework to handle customer churn prediction problems with several types of imbalanced datasets and can be useful in real-world data from customer churn prediction.
A Deep Learning Approach for Spine Cervical Injury Severity Determination through Axial and Sagittal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Wiguna I Gusti Lanang Ngurah Agung Artha , Kristian Yosi , Deslivia Maria Florencia , Limantara Rudi , Cahyadi David , Liando Ivan Alexander , Hamzah Hendra Aryudi , Kusuman Kevin , Dimitri Dominicus , Anastasia Maria , Suyasa I Ketut
Published: November 2023

Objectives: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) require extensive efforts to predict the outcome of patients. While the ASIA Impairment Scale is the gold standard to assess patients with SCI, it has some limitations due to the subjectivity and impracticality in certain cases. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) and image recognition have prompted research into using these tools to predict outcomes. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive analysis using deep learning techniques to evaluate and predict cervical spine injuries from MRI scans.
Materials & Method: This is a cross-sectional database study, with patients admitted with traumatic and nontraumatic cervical SCI from 2019 to 2022 were included in our study. MRI images were labelled by four senior resident physicians. We trained a deep convolutional neural network using axial and sagittal cervical MRI images from our dataset and assessed model performance.
Result: In the axial spinal cord segmentation, we achieved a dice score of 0.94 for and IoU score of 0.89. In the sagittal spinal cord segmentation, we obtained a dice scores up to 0.9201 and IoU scores up to 0.8541. The model for axial image score classification gave a satisfactory result with an f1 score of 0.72 and AUC of 0.79.
Conclusion: Deep learning has been used in automated diagnostic tools, showing promise for significant future advancement. Our models were effectively able to identify cervical spinal cord injury on T2-weighted MR images with satisfactory performance. Further research is necessary to create an even more advanced model for predicting patient outcomes in spinal cord injury cases.
Small bowel lymphoma on small bowel endoscopic ultrasound: Case presentation and literature review
Authors: Liu Zhongcheng , Huang Zicheng , Peng Bo , Xiao Ting , Li Miao , Guo Qin
Published: November 2023

Diagnosing small bowel lymphoma is difficult, for which small bowel ultrasound endoscopy can be used effectively. This study summarizes the presentation of small bowel lymphoma on small bowel endoscopic ultrasound. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features and imaging and endoscopic characteristics of five patients with small bowel lymphoma admitted to the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between April and October 2023. A literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed database, Web of Science, and Embase using “small bowel,” “small intestinal,” “endoscopic ultrasound,” and “lymphoma” as search terms with a date range from January 2000 to October 2023. We included five patients (four men and 1 woman) of 48–72 years of age. Enteroscopy indicated ulcerative small bowel lymphoma in two cases and mass-like small bowel lymphoma in three cases. Three cases were surgically treated, and two were treated using chemotherapy. We classified the small bowel endoscopic ultrasound presentation of small bowel lymphoma into two types based on enteroscopic presentation. (1) Limited or diffuse circumferential thickening of the bowel wall with homogeneous hypoechogenicity and loss of its normal layered organization and (2) Thickening of the entire bowel wall but without fusion, presenting as thickening of the muscularis propria.
Associations between parenting styles and non-suicidal self-injury in children aged 10-12: the mediating role of negative attentional biases and emotional symptoms
Authors: Dai Xiaohui , Yan Guoli , Li Minghui , Yang Tengfen , Yan Qiuping , Hou Xiaofei , Yin Huifang , Sun Ling , Xu Guangming
Published: November 2023

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in children aged 10-12 is often associated with increased suicide risk and more severe clinical presentation, yet research on the mechanisms and factors influencing NSSI in this group is extremely limited. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between parenting styles and non-suicidal self-injury in children aged 10-12, and to further explore the mediating role of negative attentional bias and emotional symptoms in this context.
Methods: A total of 1452 children from eight primary schools in Tianjin, China, were surveyed using handy sampling and assessed for NSSI, emotional and behavioural problems by self-report and parent report. Logistic regression was used to examine the effects of parenting style, negative attentional bias, and emotional symptoms on NSSI. Chained mediation model analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro program developed by Hayes.
Results: The detection rate of self-injury in children aged 10-12 was 23.8% (346/1452); Verbosity was significantly positively correlated (r = 0.06, p < 0.05); and there was a significant positive correlation between children's self-injurious behaviour and students' self-rated emotional symptoms (r = 0.238, p < 0.001) and parents' rated emotional symptoms (r = 0.119, p < 0.001). Negative attentional bias and mood symptoms play a chain-mediated role in the relationship between Verbosity and NSSI.
Limitations: All survey methods were self-reported and recall bias may have affected the responses. Causality cannot be inferred in a cross-sectional study.
Conclusion: Verbosity was found to indirectly influence NSSI behaviour through children's negative attentional bias and emotional symptoms.
Can electroencephalography-based neurofeedback treat post-traumatic stress disorder? A meta-analysis study
Authors: Matsuyanagi Kana
Published: November 2023

Objective
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options. Although EEG neurofeedback has garnered attention as a prospective treatment modality for PTSD, no comprehensive meta-analysis has been conducted to assess its efficacy and compare different treatment protocols. This study aims to provide a multi-variable meta-regression analysis of EEG neurofeedback's impact on PTSD symptoms, while also assessing variables that may influence treatment outcomes.
Methods
A systematic review was performed to identify controlled trials studying the efficacy of EEG neurofeedback on PTSD. The overall effectiveness was evaluated through meta-analysis, and a multi-variable meta-regression was employed to discern which protocols were more efficacious than others.
Results
EEG neurofeedback yielded a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms immediately post-intervention, with sustained effects at one and three months follow-up. A sub-analysis of sham-controlled studies confirmed that outcomes were not driven by placebo effects. Our findings also identified the target frequency and region, as well as feedback modality, as significant factors for treatment success. In contrast, variables related to treatment duration were not found to be significant moderators, suggesting cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions
EEG neurofeedback emerges as a promising and cost-effective treatment modality for PTSD with the potential for long-term benefits. Our findings challenge commonly utilized protocols and advocate for further research into alternative methodologies to improve treatment efficacy.
Exploring the relationship across self-determined motivation, affects, and anxiety among gym practitioners during the second COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Antunes Raúl , Rodrigues Filipe , Jacinto Miguel , Amaro Nuno , Matos Rui , Monteiro Diogo
Published: November 2023

The present study explores the influence of self-determined motivation and the interplay of positive and negative affect on anxiety levels among individuals engaged in gym practitioners during the second COVID-19 lockdown. A total of 196 exercisers (29.17 ± 10.77) were enrolled in the present study, of which 112 (57.1%) were women and 84 (42.9%) were men. The survey included sociodemographic data, as well as validated instruments measuring self-determined motivation, positive and negative affect, and anxiety states related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed a positive association between self-determined motivation and positive affect (β = 0.36, CI = 0.12, 0.37; p < 0.001), and a negative association between self-determined motivation and negative affect (β = -0.17, CI = -0.31, -0.01; p = 0.03). Moreover positive, and negative affect are negatively (β = -0.33, CI = -0.43, -0.24; p < 0.001) and positively (β = 0.72, CI = 0.57, 0.82; p < 0.001) associated to anxiety, respectively. Thus, this study appears to emphasize the impact of self-determined motivation on affect as a potential buffer against anxiety levels, particularly in a context where practitioners found themselves restricted in their usual gym practices.