bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow-derived C-kit⁺ cells improved inflammatory IL-33/ST-2/ILC2 axis in the lung tissue of type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Milad , Athari Seyed Zanyar , Ghiasi Fariba , Keyhanmanesh Rana , Ghaffari-Nasab Arshad , Roshangar Leila , Korjan Elnaz Salmani , Delkhosh Aref , Bavil Fariba Mirzaei
Published: December 2023

Inflammation is an essential factor in pulmonary complications of diabetes. Bone marrow (BM)-derived C-kit⁺ cells have immunomodulatory properties and their transplantation is suggested as a promising strategy for ameliorating diabetes complications. This study evaluated the effect of BM-derived C-kit⁺ cells on the inflammation signaling pathway in lung tissue of type 2 diabetic male rats. Ten rats were used to extract C-kit cells, and 48 male Wistar rats weighing 180±20 gr were randomly divided into four equal groups: 1) Control (Cont), 2) Diabetic (D), 3) Diabetic+C-kit⁺ cells (D+C-kit pos) intravenously injected 50 μl- Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) containing 300,000 C-kit⁺ cells, and 4) Diabetic+C-kit- cells (D+C-kit neg); intravenously injected C-kit- cells. Diabetes induction increased IL-33, ST-2, CD127, and IL-2 levels and decreased IL-10. C-kit+ cell therapy significantly decreased IL-33 and CD127 and increased IL-10. In addition, lung histopathological changes significantly improved in the C-kit⁺ group compared to the diabetic group. These findings suggest that C-Kit+ cells may have a potential therapeutic role in mitigating diabetes-induced respiratory complications via ameliorating the inflammation and histopathological changes in lung tissue.
miR-155-5p promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 through the SOCS1/JAK-STAT1/c-Fos pathway.
Authors: Lu Jian , shu zhiyun , Ren Hou , zhang wenqing , Xie Shishun , Cheng Hongyuan , Zhou Yangling , Li XiangJun
Published: December 2023

[Background] Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant tumor of bone in adolescents, often affecting the limbs and prone to lung metastasis. Therefore, the development of molecular targeted therapy is an exciting approach to improve the prognosis of OS.
[Methods] Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to establish the connection between miR-155-5p and the SOCS1/JAK-STAT1/c-Fos pathway. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays were performed to assess the impact of miR-155-5p on MG-63 cells. Transfection of miR-155-5p mimics and inhibitors into MG-63 cells was carried out to examine the expression of miR-155-5p, SOCS1, STAT1, and c-Fos mRNA and protein levels using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot experiments.
[Results] Through bioinformatics analysis and experimental results, we established the following mechanism: upregulation of miR-155-5p in MG-63 cells suppressed the expression of SOCS1, thereby inhibiting the activation of the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway and further promoting the oncogenic role of c-Fos. In other words, miR-155-5p promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MG-63 cells. The relationship between miR-155-5p and abnormal expression of SOCS1, STAT1, and c-Fos was validated through real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot experiments, confirming that miR-155-5p inhibits the expression of SOCS1 and STAT1 while promoting the expression of c-Fos.
[Conclusion] Overexpression of miR-155-5p leads to the suppression of SOCS1 expression, subsequently inhibiting the JAK-STAT1 pathway and promoting the oncogenic role of c-Fos, ultimately contributing to the malignant progression of OS. Therefore, miR-155-5p is considered a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for OS.
Synergistic evolution and driven path of digital economy, green technology innovation and ecological resilience: An empirical analysis based on city clusters in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in China
Authors: Wang Linyan , Hu Haiqing , Wang Xianzhu , Zhang Xincheng , Liang Zhikang , Yan Zhishan
Published: December 2023

In the background of the synergistic development of digitalization and greening, how to achieve the synergistic development of digital economy, green technology innovation and ecological resilience has become an important research issue. This study combines the TOE theory to construct a theoretical framework for the synergistic development of digital economy, green technology innovation and ecological resilience. Combined with the data of 28 cities in the city cluster in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River from 2011 to 2021, the level of synergistic evolution of digital economy, green technological innovation and ecological resilience was measured by using the Haken model, and the driven path of synergistic development was analyzed with the help of fsQCA. The results of the study show that: (1) the synergistic evolution level of the city cluster in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in the observation period has a rising trend, and there is a significant difference between the cities. (2) The difference in the level of synergistic evolution, the second stage of the first stage of synergistic level has been improved, but more than half of the cities are still in the low-level synergistic stage, and there is still a large space for the future to rise. (3) Four paths have evolved from low-level to high-level synergistic evolution, the digital economy-led path, the green technology innovation and digital economy synergy-driven path, the digital economy and ecological resilience synergy-driven path, and the multi-dimensional synergy-driven path, respectively.
Low salt skin preservation with Gossypium hirstum seed-a cleaner approach
Authors: Mahmud Yead , Sarker Shashanka Shekhar , Hossain Md. Mokarom , Ahmed Sharmin , Hossain Md. Khabir , Azad Md. Abul Kashem , Razzaq Md. Abdur
Published: December 2023

Hides and skin preservation has been prominently undergoing salt curing technique for centuries which uses high amount of NaCl (40%) that causes huge amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) and salinity in soaking wastewater of leather processing. Recently, Phyto based preservation is getting emphasis due to being sustainable with less environmental impact. In this study, Gossypium hirstum (cotton) seed powder (5%-7.5%) with 10% salt were applied as a novel source for goatskin preservation. Curing efficiency was monitored by checking organoleptic property, physiochemical property (moisture content, shrinkage temperature, bacterial count, nitrogen content, etc.) at regular interval. Accomplishing the preservation period, preserved skins were processed into shoe upper leather. The pollution parameters were checked from soaking waste liquor to evaluate the environmental impact. SEM analysis and physical properties of the were evaluated to the quality of the produced shoe upper leather. The results revealed that newly developed preservative can preserve goatskin up to 28 days without any deterioration. Experiments reduced pollution by lowering chloride levels 65.33%-66.91%, total dissolved solids by 41.06%-35.2%, biochemical oxygen demand by 30.86%-34.28% percent, and chemical oxygen demand by 41.06%-35.2%. According to the correlation study, there were significant dependencies between the goatskin preservation efficacy parameters, with various strong correlation (r = − 0.976, p<0.001) found between shrinkage temperature and moisture content. Surface topography, physical strength of the produced leather was compatible to conventional shoe upper leather. Thus the introduced seed powder could be one of the valuable sources of eco-friendly leather preservation to reduce environmental pollution.
Bayesian Optimization Acquisition Functions for Accelerated Search of Energy Convex Hull of Multi-Component Alloys
Authors: Wen Dongsheng , Tucker Victoria , Titus Michael
Published: December 2023

Atomistic simulations such as density functional theory and embedded-atom method calculations are essential for predicting many materials properties in the integrated computational materials engineering framework. For many thermodynamic properties, searching the convex hull is necessary to obtain phase stability information for materials selection, synthesis, and characterization in simulations/experiments. With increasingly complicated structures and compositions of materials, the computational cost of the expensive density functional theory calculations has become a barrier to materials design. Thus, there is a need to maximize information gained from each calculation while simultaneously identifying subsequent high-value calculations. In this work, we show that new data acquisition strategies can consider the geometry of the convex hull to maximize the yield of batch experiments done with limited computational resources. Based on Bayesian-Gaussian optimization, we developed uncertainty-based acquisition functions for weighing the conﬁgurations of multi-component alloys to learn the ground-state line. The proposed acquisition methods were validated by learning the formation energy convex hulls of the Co-Ni metallic system, the Zr-O ionic compound system, the Ni-Al-Cr ternary alloys, and the intermetallic (Ni 1−x ,Co x ) 3 Al planar defect system. By comparing to the conventional acquisition scheme using the genetic algorithm models, we demonstrated that the proposed strategies have the advantages of reducing training parameters and user interactions for selecting candidate batch experiments. We show that new acquisition functions can reduce the number of experiments required to obtain the ground-state line error by more than 30%. The new strategies can be extended to multicomponent systems and coupled with cost functions.
A comprehensive investigation of the interactions of human serum albumin with polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Ural Merve Seray , Joseph Joice Maria , Wien Frank , Li Xue , Tran My-An , Taverna Myriam , Smadja Claire , Gref Ruxandra
Published: December 2023

Nanoparticles (NPs) engineered as drug delivery systems continue to make breakthroughs as they offer numerous advantages over free therapeutics. However, the poor understanding of the interplay between the NPs and biomolecules, especially blood proteins, obstructs NP translation to clinics. Nano-bio interactions determine the NPs’ in vivo fate, efficacy and immunotoxicity, potentially altering protein function. To fulfill the growing need to investigate nano-bio interactions, this study provides a systematic understanding of two key aspects: i) protein corona (PC) formation and ii) NP-induced modifications on protein’s structure and stability. A methodology was developed by combining orthogonal techniques to analyze both quantitative and qualitative aspects of nano-bio interactions, using human serum albumin (HSA) as a model protein. Protein quantification via, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) clarified adsorbed protein quantity and stability. CZE further unveiled qualitative insights into HSA forms (native, glycated HSA and cysteinylated), while synchrotron radiation circular dichroism enabled analyzing HSA’s secondary structure and thermal stability. Comparative investigations of NP cores (organic vs hybrid), and shells (with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG)) revealed pivotal factors influencing nano-bio interactions. Polymeric NPs based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and hybrid NPs based on metal-organic frameworks (nanoMOFs) presented distinct HSA adsorption profiles. PLGA NPs had protein-repelling properties while inducing structural modifications on HSA. In contrast, HSA exhibited a high affinity for nanoMOFs forming a PC altering thereby the protein structure. A shielding effect was gained through PEGylation for both types of NPs, avoiding the PC formation as well as the alteration of unbound HSA structure.
Energy recovery from the wastes collecting from a biorefining process for butyrate production
Authors: Li Jianzheng , Liu Jiazhi , Pan Zhen , Gao Wenlin , Zhang Yupeng , Meng Jia , Li Jiuling
Published: December 2023

A novel process of alkali-heat pretreatment - mixed culture fermentation was proposed to produce butyric acid from rice straw, but generating alkali-heat pretreatment waste (PW) and butyric acid fermentation waste (FW). In this study, the feasibility of methane fermentation from the wastes was confirmed, with the methane production from PW and FW of 351.1 ± 11.8 and 741.5 ± 14.2 mLCH4/gVS, respectively. The initial pH and VFW/VPW of methane fermentation using the mixed waste of PW and FW were optimized at 7.5 and 1.8, respectively. The methane fermentation using the mixed waste was also verified by operating two anaerobic digesters in sequencing batch mode. At the VFW/VPW of 0.25 (actual ratio), methane production was 301.20 mLCH4/gVS with the waste load of 0.64 kgVS/m³/d. When the VFW/VPW was 1.8 (optimal ratio), methane production reached 396.45 mLCH4/gVS at the waste load of 1.20 kgVS/m3/d. This study facilitates the comprehensive utilization of all components within rice straw.
A case report of diffuse renal cortical necrosis in sickle cell trait
Authors: Alnasrallah Basil , Alqawain Abdullah , Alabbad Eman , Aljishi Manaf , Alzayer Husam , Khuraidah Zainab Al , Aljishi Mohammed Mansour , Alrubh Jafar , Alkhamees Osama , Alfaraj Shatha
Published: December 2023

Background:
Sickle cell disorders are the most common hereditary hematological disorders; they are characterized by a genetic mutation at the ß-globin locus, the heterozygous inheritance leads to sickle cell trait (SCT), a largely benign phenotype with mild clinical manifestations, if any. Unlike sickle cell disease (SCD), clinical presentations for SCT patients are rarely attributed to their underlying hematological status. Different types of renal manifestations have been identified in SCT. Renal cortical necrosis (RCN) is a rare and severe form of kidney injury that has not been associated in the literature with SCT. We report a case of diffuse RCN with stage 3 of acute kidney injury in a patient with SCT with no apparent trigger and partial recovery.
Case presentation:
A 41-year-old non-smoker male, with a background of SCT and no other medical history presented with acute abdominal pain and an initial serum creatinine of 530 μmol/L. His toxicology, viral, and immunological screen were negative with a normal renal ultrasound scan. His urea was 14 mmol/L, hemoglobin of 12 g/dL, normal platelet levels and no schistocytes. His urine protein to creatinine ratio was 1040 mg/g. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin were elevated at 2606 U/L and 31 umol/L, respectively. His kidney biopsy showed diffuse renal cortical necrosis. The patient received conservative therapy and had partial recovery of renal function; his creatinine improved to 176 micromol/L six months later with an eGFR of 42 ml/min/1.73m2
Conclusions:
SCT has long been considered a benign condition. However, recent evidence suggests that, although uncommon, vaso-occlusive manifestations can occur, especially in the context of stressors such as dehydration or physical exhaustion. This is the first described case of diffuse RCN in SCT, highlighting the need for vigilance in managing SCT and its potential severe clinical manifestations.
The development of a complex digital and behavioural Antimicrobial Stewardship intervention for hospitals in England
Authors: Mureyi Dudzai , Cresswell Kathrin , Sivyer Katy , Heed Andrew , Weir Christopher J , Adamestam Imad , Sharp Rona , Ennis Holly , Dogar Omara , Pontefract Sarah , Coleman Jamie , Lilford Richard , Watson Neil , Price David , Hinder Susan , Slee Ann , Chuter Antony , Beggs Jillian , Slight Sarah , Mason James , Sheikh Aziz , Williams Robin
Published: December 2023

Background
Computerised prescribing systems, which are becoming widely adopted, have the potential to improve antimicrobial stewardship, but often lack relevant in-built components to optimally facilitate good antimicrobial stewardship practices.
Objectives
To co-develop with stakeholders, a complex ePrescribing antimicrobial stewardship intervention (ePAMS+) comprising multiple technological and non-technological components, designed to integrate with commercial computerised prescribing (ePrescribing) systems and work processes in hospitals in England.
Methods
ePAMS+’s development was informed by a qualitative person-based approach. This involved literature reviews, structured stakeholder workshops and interviews with policymakers, practitioner and patient representatives, vendors and international experts. Engagements and interviews focused on identifying key barriers to and facilitators of appropriate prescribing and post-prescription reviewing of antimicrobial therapy by users of ePrescribing systems in hospitals. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and, where feasible, used to inform the design ePAMS + features .
Results
Several barriers exist to the implementation of appropriate prescribing and post-prescription review of antimicrobial therapy for users of computerised prescribing systems. These mainly relate to beliefs about what constitutes appropriate antimicrobial use and the inaccessibility of information within ePrescribing systems that would facilitate appropriate prescribing and review. ePAMS + addresses these barriers by making relevant information and tools accessible from within the ePrescribing system.
Conclusions
ePrescribing systems have the potential to facilitate good antimicrobial prescribing and review practice if they incorporate features that make relevant informational resources accessible to healthcare practitioners within ePrescribing systems. Such features can be determined through iterative and structured stakeholder engagement, which can be effective in eliciting requirements for developing interventions, although further adaptations may be necessary after evaluation of early implementation.
The Oncogenic Role and Prognostic Value of PXDN in Human Stomach Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tian Yuan , Qiu Shenghui , Yang Song , Jiang Yuanjian , Hu Hao , Yang Chengcheng , Cao Jinyong , Chen Shaomin , Hao Mingqing , Li Hongling , Zhu Jianlin
Published: December 2023

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD), recognized for its prevalence and poor prognostic profile, necessitates the urgent identification of novel therapeutic targets. Peroxidasin (PXDN), an enzyme with documented peroxidase activity, has been implicated in oncogenesis according to preceding research. However, its specific implications in STAD remain insufficiently characterized. In our investigation, we utilized public databases and clinical specimens to ascertain that PXDN expression is markedly elevated in STAD tissues and serves as an independent prognostic indicator for patient outcomes. Subsequently, our in vitro assays substantiated that PXDN silencing substantially attenuated proliferation, invasion and migration abilities in STAD. Mechanistically, we discovered that PXDN promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and angiogenic capabilities in STAD cells, and may be regulated by the PI3K/AKT. Further scrutiny unveiled that PXDN levels influence the susceptibility of STAD cells to various chemotherapeutic and small molecule drugs. Moreover, we discerned a significant association between PXDN levels and the abundance of diverse immune cell types within STAD. Crucially, our study elucidated a profound linkage between PXDN level and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIM), proposing PXDN as a viable metric for evaluating the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Advancing beyond these findings, we found that PXDN exhibits significant associations with multiple immune checkpoints. In summary, our investigation suggested that PXDN plays critical roles in STAD and its levels could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker. Furthermore, targeting PXDN could offer an effective treatment strategy for STAD.
Using photogrammetry to assess the recovery of a cypress forest and its impact on water-borne erosion. Case study: Guadalupe Island.
Authors: Vera-Ortega Laura Abigail , Hinojosa-Corona Alejandro , Luna Luciana , Gudiño-Elizondo Napoleón
Published: December 2023

We used photogrammetry to assess and monitor the recovery of the cypress forest on Guadalupe Island, Mexico, an ecosystem impaired by fires and overgrazing. Two drone surveys were conducted over the forest area during the summers of 2016 and 2019 with natural color (RGB) and near infrared (NIR) cameras. It is the first complete 3D reconstruction of the cypress forest on the island. The image process products were the canopy height model (CHM), digital surface model (DSM), and digital terrain model (DTM), which were used to calculate the number, density, and height of the trees. The CHM highly correlates with the forest's structure, R = 0.92, according to field measurements of the trees' heights and geo-position. Results account for ~ 67,340 trees higher than two meters in 2019 and a horizontal expansion of 134 ha from 2016 to 2019. Over 90% of the cypress population were young trees between 2 and 3 m that recovered after an extensive fire in 2008. We developed a novel method to calculate the C cover factor of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) using CHM and DSM obtained by photogrammetry. Modeled erosion rates vary from 0 to 2 Kg m− 2y− 1in areas with trees of different ages to values ​greater than 15 Kg m− 2y− 1in areas with steep slopes. According to our results, the derived products from photogrammetry point clouds allow us to describe the vertical structure of the cypress forest with high accuracy and resolution and calculate the cover factor of RUSLE.
Determinants Of Unintended Pregnancy Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic At AIIMS Patna – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Roy Nilanjan , Kumar Purusottam , Kumari Anuradha , Ahmad Shamshad , Sinha Pragya kumar
Published: December 2023

Background:
Unintended pregnancies remain a global health challenge, impacting women, families, and societies. This study explores the determinants of unintended pregnancies among 289 participants at AIIMS Patna's Antenatal Care clinic.
Methods:
Using a cross-sectional design, data was collected through a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, obstetric parameters, contraceptive practices, and knowledge about contraception. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of unintended pregnancies.
Results:
Out of 289 participants attending AIIMS Patna's Antenatal Care clinic, 33.2% reported experiencing unplanned pregnancies, highlighting the persistent challenge of unintended pregnancies in the region. Sociodemographic analyses unveiled significant associations with pregnancy planning. Women married before the age of 20 showed a higher likelihood of unintended pregnancies, and those with partners aged 20-29 were more prone to such outcomes. Partner's education and socioeconomic status also played crucial roles, with higher educational attainment and upper socioeconomic status associated with a reduced risk of unplanned pregnancies.
Obstetric parameters exhibited noteworthy associations. Participants with an age at first sexual behavior after 18 years and those with more than one living child were less likely to experience unintended pregnancies. Surprisingly, education demonstrated a paradoxical relationship, as illiterate women had a higher likelihood (56.5%) of unintended pregnancies.
Conclusion:
This study provides comprehensive insights into the determinants of unintended pregnancies among women attending AIIMS Patna's Antenatal Care clinic. The findings emphasize the complex interplay of sociodemographic and obstetric factors in shaping pregnancy intentions. Addressing these multifaceted determinants is crucial for the development of targeted interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and improving overall reproductive health outcomes in Bihar, India.
Pesticide, trace metal and microbiological analyses of open field and greenhouse–harvested crops from Trinidad before and after processing
Authors: Maharaj Rohanie , Mathura Farrah , Alli Inteaz
Published: December 2023

Greenhouse–grown crops are generally considered safer than open field crops. The study objectives were to determine whether greenhouse–grown crops in Trinidad were safer than open field crops by monitoring microbiological, trace metal and pesticide levels via a “farm-to-fork” approach. Open field tomatoes were compared to those grown in greenhouses over a two-year period. Additionally, greenhouse–grown tomatoes and sweet peppers from the university experimental station were analysed for food safety. Quantitative analyses were based on the presence of 45 pesticide residues, trace metals (lead and cadmium) and microbiological contaminants (faecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp.). Meals prepared from open field tomatoes in year 2 were analysed for food safety. Neither greenhouse–grown crops (tomatoes and sweet peppers) nor open field tomatoes had a hazardous quantity of the microbes screened or trace metals, except for a batch of open field tomatoes that contained 0.12 mg/kg lead. Eight pesticides (profenofos, ethion, lambda cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, bifenthrin, iprodione, permethrin, and endosulfan) detected in both the open field and greenhouse–grown crops over a two-year period were present below the EU and Codex MRLs, except for a batch of the university experimental station greenhouse–grown tomatoes and sweet peppers, which exceeded the Codex MRL for lambda cyhalothrin. More pesticides were found in year two due to possible additive effects. Meals prepared using tomatoes posed no health risk to children. Overall, the quality of the open field and greenhouse crops was acceptable for consumers, but annual monitoring of these parameters can assure food safety.
Combined short-term exposure to meteorological, pollution factors and pertussis in different groups from Jining, China
Authors: Cao Haoyue , Hou Weiming , Jiang Jingjing , Wang Wenjun , Jiang Wenguo , Yun Xiang , Yuan Juxiang
Published: December 2023

Background
Previous studies have typically explored daily lagged relationships among pertussis and meteorology, with little assessment of effect and interaction among pollutants mixtures.
Methods
Our researchers collected pertussis cases data from 2017–2022 as well as meteorological and contaminative factors for the Jining region. Firstly, we reported the application of the moving epidemic method (MEM) to estimate epidemic threshold and intensity level. Then we developed a weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model to assess single, multiple effects and interaction of meteorological and pollution factors on pertussis cases for different sex, delayed and epidemic threshold groups.
Results
There has been a yearly upward trend in the incidence of pertussis in Jining regions. High prevalence threshold years were in 2018–2019, the epidemic peak was mainly concentrated in 32 weeks. Totally, pertussis infections disease was separately 2.1% (95% CI: 1.3, 2.8 and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.3, 1.9) higher per decile increase in temperature and SO2. And pertussis infections disease was 1.1% lower per decile increase in humidity. In the different stratified analyses, air pressure was a strong negative effect in males and in the lagged 11–20 days group, with 7.3% and 14.7%, respectively. SO2 had a relatively weak positive effect in males, females and the group after 20 days lag, ranging from 0.5 to 0.6%. The main positive effectors affecting the onset of disease at low and high threshold levels were O3 and SO2, respectively, while the negative effectors were SO2 and CO, respectively.
Conclusions
This is the first mathematically based study of seasonal threshold of pertussis in China, which allows accurate estimation of epidemic level. Our findings support that short-term exposure to pollutants is the risk factor for pertussis. We should concentrate on pollutants monitoring and effect modeling.
Talaromyces marneffei central nervous system infection unveiled by the novel Mp1p antigen detection assay in AIDS patient
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Wang Jing , He Jing , Zhang Haiyan , Luo Ming
Published: December 2023

Background: In acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infections are mostly disseminated and may involve the skin, mucosa, respiratory system, digestive system, lymphatic system, and as some reports indicate, the nervous system. Mp1p, a cell wall-specific polysaccharide in T. marneffei, is used for laboratory diagnosis of T. marneffei in blood and urine samples. However, the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infection by T. marneffei in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not been reported.
Case presentation: We present the case of an AIDS 35-year-old woman who has had dizziness and headache and was infected with central nervous system Talaromycosis.Magnetic resonance imaging scan which showed intracranial infectious lesions, altered brain atrophic, and periventricular demyelination.The Mp1p antigen was positive by using immunofluorescence in the CSF. T. marneffei was isolated from the CSF.After antifungal treatment, her clinical symptoms significantly improved.
Conclusions: The case illustrates important features of this nervous system infection and the role of antigen detection in early diagnosis. The T. marneffei Mp1p antigen in CSF was detected using a T. marneffei antigen detection kit, which allows early and rapid diagnosis of talaromycosis.
Predictive value of inflammatory factors and lymphocyte counts in tracheal intubation and death after infection with COVID-19
Authors: xu zhongying , Zhang Debao
Published: December 2023

Objective This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of inflammatory cytokines and lymphocyte levels in predicting disease progression among patients with COVID-19 infection.Methods Ninety-two hospitalized COVID-19 patients were retrospectively included as subjects for this study. General clinical information and various indicators, including lymphocyte count, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), were collected. All patients received treatment according to the ninth edition of the guidelines for COVID-19. Incidences of endotracheal intubation and mortality within 28 days were observed.Results 1.Lymphocyte count and inflammatory factors demonstrated predictive value for endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients. The critical lymphocyte count value was 0.91, with a sensitivity of 38.8%, specificity of 92.9%, and AUC of 0.687 (95% CI: 0.580–0.795). The critical IL-6 value was 38.21, with a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 63.3%, and AUC of 0.771 (95% CI: 0.6670.872). The critical IL-8 value was 54.09, with a sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity of 75.5%, and AUC of 0.665 (95% CI: 0.545–0.771). The critical IL-10 value was 5.05, with a sensitivity of 71.4%, specificity of 65.3%, and AUC of 0.712 (95% CI: 0.601–0.813). The tumor necrosis factor cutoff was 1.98, with a sensitivity of 52.4%, specificity of 73.5%, and AUC of 0.648 (95% CI: 0.530–0.756). 2.Lymphocyte count and inflammatory factors also exhibited predictive value for death in COVID-19 patients. The critical lymphocyte count value was 0.56, with a sensitivity of 71.2%, specificity of 57.5%, and AUC of 0.641 (95% CI: 0.528–0.754). The critical IL-6 value was 53.05, with a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 71.2%, and AUC of 0.770 (95% CI: 0.6690.870). The critical IL-8 value was 54.09, with a sensitivity of 62.5%, specificity of 63.5%, and AUC of 0.687 (95% CI: 0.5780.796). The critical IL-10 value was 5.05, with a sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 63.5%, and AUC of 0.683 (95% CI: 0.5740.792). The tumor necrosis factor cutoff was 0.98, with a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 34.6%, and AUC of 0.636 (95% CI: 0.523–0.749).Conclusion Elevated inflammatory factors and decreased lymphocyte levels have prognostic value for predicting endotracheal intubation and mortality in COVID-19 patients, providing valuable insights for clinicians in anticipating disease progression.
A Programmable Microfluidic Platform to Monitor Calcium Dynamics in Microglia during Inflammation
Authors: Jones Caroline , Shebindu Adam , Kaveti Durga , Umutoni Linda , Kirk Gia , Burton Michael
Published: December 2023

Calcium dynamics significantly influence microglial cell immune responses, regulating activation, migration, phagocytosis, and cytokine release. Understanding microglial calcium signaling is vital for insights into central nervous system immune responses and their impact on neuroinflammation. We introduce a calcium monitoring micro-total analysis system (CAM-μTAS) for quantifying calcium dynamics in microglia (BV2 cells) within defined cytokine microenvironments. The CAM-μTAS leverages the high efficiency pumping capabilities of programmable pneumatically actuated lifting gate microvalve arrays and the flow blocking capabilities of the Quake valve to deliver a cytokine treatment to microglia through a concentration gradient, therefore, biomimicking microglia response to neuroinflammation. Lifting gate microvalves precisely transfer a calcium indicator and culture medium to microglia cells, while the Quake valve controls the cytokine gradient. In addition, a method is presented for the fabrication of the device to incorporate the two valve systems. By automating the sample handling and cell culture using the lifting gate valves, we could perform media changes in 1.5 seconds. BV2 calcium transient latency to peak reveals location-dependent microglia activation based on cytokine and ATP gradients, contrasting non-gradient-based widely used perfusion systems. This device streamlines cell culture and quantitative calcium analysis, addressing limitations of existing perfusion systems in terms of sample size, setup time, and biomimicry. By harnessing advancements in microsystem technology to quantify calcium dynamics, we can construct simplified human models of neurological disorders, unravel the intricate mechanisms of cell-cell signaling, and conduct robust evaluations of novel therapeutics.
Disabling foot pain and its impact on daily living among people with Psoriatic Arthritis in Singapore: A cross-sectional observational investigation
Authors: Teo Vanessa HY , Chia Kai Li , Bowen Catherine , Lahiri Manjari , Cheung Peter PM , Turner Deborah E , Carter Kate
Published: December 2023

Background
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)-related foot involvement has been shown to have a profound impact on daily functioning, with most studies having focused on predominantly Caucasian populations. The aim was to describe disabling foot pain (DFP) and its impact on daily living in PsA in Singapore.
Methods
A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted using clinical data collected during a single-visit to a rheumatology clinic in Singapore. Records for adults with physician-diagnosed PsA were reviewed for sociodemographic information, disease characteristics, global disease activityand burden. Foot-specific measures included clinical assessment and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index used to define DFP and evaluate between-group differences.
Results
Forty-two participants with PsA (83% female, 57% Chinese, 31% Malay, 9.5% Indian, mean (SD) age 54-years (16)) attended the rheumatology clinic over the study-period. The median (IQR) disease duration was 2-years (11) and all were taking current DMARDs. Global disease measures demonstrated mild-to-moderate global disease activity and mild functional impairment, and were significantly higher in those with DFP.
Despite 90% reporting to be coping well with their condition, self-care and having emotional support (n=38), this study sample demonstrated high levels of anxiety/depression (29%), sleep disturbance (34%) and fatigue (24%), and a lack of disease- and drug-specific knowledge (64%). Further management was indicated for medication adherence counselling (48%), occupational therapy (43%), physiotherapy (36%) and podiatry (30%).
Nearly half had current foot pain with 40% reporting DFP (n=17), which caused significantly greater difficulty walking 3km and with 1-2 household tasks than those without DFP (p<0.05). Rearfoot enthesitis (plantar fasciitis, Achilles enthesitis) was the most common cause of DFP (67%) with pain lasting longer than 1-year. 72% were overweight or obese, with a high proportion not engaging in any cardiovascular exercise (70%). Three of 42 participants had previously seen a podiatrist.
Conclusions
People with DFP in PsA experience more severe global disease activity, reduced mobility and higher levels of negative impact on their daily lives in Singapore. In the absence of working in a multidisciplinary-team, there is value in comprehensive assessments that have potential to capture a holistic view of personal impact and improve person-centred care in PsA.
Exploring the Potential of PEG and Sucrose as Growth Retardant of Geranium wallichianum
Authors: Ashraf Zubair , Khan Sabaz Ali , Baig Ayesha , Akhtar Gulzar , Hussain Imran , Sajjad yasar
Published: December 2023

Geranium wallichianum is a medicinal plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. It is mainly found in the East Asian Himalayas. Because of its numerous ethnomedicinal uses in the community, this plant is threatened by over-exploitation and over-harvesting. Pakistan has already lost its population by more than 75%. Considering its medicinal importance, this plant must be conserved before it becomes extinct. This study aimed to provide the protocol for in vitro conservation of G. wallichianum. Owing to the plant conservation applications of osmotic stress inducers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sucrose, their ability to regulate the in vitro growth of this medicinally significant plant was evaluated. Using nodal segments as explants, the effect of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of PEG (0, 0.5, and 1.5%) and sucrose (0, 4, and 8%) on various growth parameters was investigated. At 45-day intervals, PEG (0.5 and 1.5%) treatment was found to be more effective than sucrose treatment in reducing in vitro growth (0.92 and 0.57 cm), with minimum fresh (0.06 and 0.04 g) and dry weight (0.04 and 0.02 g), respectively. Total soluble sugars (4.07 and 4.12 mg/g) and total phenolic content (0.96 and 0.19 mg/g) were significantly increased by PEG treatment (0.5 and 1.5%, respectively), whereas total chlorophyll content (0.17 and 0.14 mg/g) and total protein content (2.38 and 2.32 mg/g) were decreased. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis confirmed that total phenolic content was negatively correlated with chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, whereas shoot length was negatively correlated with total phenolic content but positively correlated with fresh weight and dry weight. According to the principal component analysis, total phenolics and total sugars, which clustered distinctly from the other parameters, indicated relatively higher osmotic stress responses to PEG and sucrose. Based on these findings, it appears that PEG was more effective than sucrose at slowing in vitro growth during short-term conservation.
Cervical cancer of unknown primary: Unveiling primary tumor sites through machine learning on DNA methylation signatures
Authors: Stark Leonhard , Kasajima Atsuko , Stögbauer Fabian , Schmidl Benedikt , Rinecker Jakob , Holzmann Katharina , Färber Sarah , Pfarr Nicole , Steiger Katja , Wollenberg Barbara , Ruland Jürgen , Winter Christof , Wirth Markus
Published: December 2023

Background
The unknown primary in cervical cancer of unknown primary (cCUP) results in invasive diagnostic and unspecific treatment options for patients. The most common histological subtype, squamous cell carcinoma, can stem from various tumor primary sites including the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, facial skin, lungs, and esophagus. DNA methylation profiles are highly tissue specific and have been successfully used to classify tissue origin.
We aimed to implement a SVM based classifier with publicly available DNA methylation profiles of commonly cervically metastasizing squamous cell carcinomas (n=1103) in order to compare the tissue of origin of own squamous cell cCUP samples (n=28). Methylation analysis was performed with Infinium MethylationEPIC v1.0 BeadChip by Illumina.
Results
The highest overall accuracy of tested classifiers was achieved by support vector machine algorithm with 87%. Sqamous cell cCUP samples on DNA methylation level resembled squamous cell carcinomas commonly metastasizing into cervical lymph nodes.
The most frequently predicted entity was oral cavity (11 39%) followed by oropharynx and larynx (both 7, 25%), skin (2, 7%) and esophagus (1, 4%). These rates did not differ from expected distribution of lymph node metastases in literature.
In tSNE clustering, cCUP samples graphically distributed into three different groups corresponding to clusters of cervically metastasizing cancer entities.
Conclusions
On DNA Methylation level cCUP is comparable to cancer entities that commonly metastasize to cervical lymph nodes. Our SVM based classifier can accurately predict these cancers and could greatly reduce invasiveness of cCUP diagnostics and therapy after clinical validation.
Behavioral, cognitive and emotional determinants of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the mediating role of institutional trust among young adults in Cyprus
Authors: Konstantinou Pinelopi , Kyprianidou Maria , Christodoulou Andria , McHugh Louise , Constantinou Marios , Epiphaniou Eleni , Vahey Nigel , Nicolaou Christiana , Middleton Nicos , Karekla Maria , Kassianos Angelos P.
Published: December 2023

Background
Vaccination uptake is a complex behavior, influenced by numerous factors. Behavioral science theories are commonly used to explain the psychosocial determinants of an individual’s health behavior. This study examined the behavioural, cognitive, and emotional determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention based on well-established theoretical models: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Additionally, it examined the mediating role of institutional trust in the relationship between determinants of these models and vaccination intentions.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2022, where university students in Cyprus completed an online survey.
Results
A total of 484 University students in Cyprus completed an online survey, with 23.8% reporting being vaccinated with fewer than three vaccination doses and/or no intention to vaccinate further. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that higher scores in institutional trust, perceived severity, motivation, physical and psychological capability were significantly associated with higher odds of vaccination intention. Higher psychological flexibility and not being infected with COVID-19 were also associated with higher odds of vaccination intention, but not in the final model when all determinants were included. Additionally, significant indirect effects of psychological capability, motivation and perceived severity on vaccination intention were found to be mediated by institutional trust.
Conclusions
When tackling COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects should be considered. Stakeholders and policymakers are advised to implement targeted vaccination programs in young people while at the same time building trust and improving their capabilities and motivation towards getting vaccinated.
Adsorption of Congo red dye from aqueous solution by using siderite waste accompanying phosphate mines: Performance and mechanism
Authors: Talaat Aya , Gabr Rabei M. , Moneim Mohamed A. , Ahmed Ezzat A. , El-Ayaat Abdalla M. , Abukhadra Mostafa R.
Published: December 2023

Natural siderite (NS) collected from Abu Tartur area, Egypt was used as an adsorbent of Congo red from an aqueous solution. Activated siderite (AS) was prepared by calcination at 350°C for 2 hrs. The AS adsorbent was characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Surface area measurement (BET), XRF analyses, and texture analysis. The impact of various adsorption parameters (adsorbent dosage, Congo red concentration, pH, contact time, and temperature) was studied in a batch system in order to optimize the maximum dye sorption. The optimum parameters were found to be pH. 2, initial dye concentration 150 mg/L, contact time 30 minutes, and adsorbent dose 0.2 g. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherm of the ANS adsorbent were studied using pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovich models. Moreover, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied for the interpretation of the obtained equilibrium data. The obtained data were found to best fit the Langmuir model, while the adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order equation. The intra-particle diffusion investigations indicate that the diffusion process is not the rate-controlling step. The analysis of our data was extended to estimate the kinetic and thereafter the thermodynamic functions. Accordingly, the functions such as free energy change (ΔG°), enthalpy change (ΔH°), the activation energy of adsorption (Ea), and entropy change (ΔS°) were estimated and found to be -226.42, -2.443, 33.71 kJ/mol and 0.751 kJ/mol.K, respectively. Overall these findings let us infer that the use of ANS as an adsorbent has the potential to be an effective and cheap adsorbent for removing dyes from industrial wastewater.
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Initial Generator Capacitor Voltage on Granite Fragmentation by High Voltage Pulse Discharge
Authors: Che Long , Pan Linlin , Gu Xiaohui
Published: December 2023

High voltage pulse discharge technology has been proven to have good prospects in rock fragmentation and drilling, yet its mechanisms are not fully understood and there are many influencing factors, which are the main obstacles to restricting the commercialization of this method. This study investigates the discharge channel responses in the process of high voltage pulse discharge crushing granite by using physical-mathematical model and numerical simulation model, which includes the state, electrical characteristics and physical feature of the discharge channel, and analyzes the effect of the initial generator capacitor voltage. The results show the discharge voltage and current, the maximum depth and width of the discharge channel developing into the granite obtained based on the simulation can effectively reflect the experimental results. In addition, the simulation of the initial generator capacitor voltage from 240kV to 420kV illustrates the number, time, cross-sectional area of the main discharge channel between the two discharge electrodes, power and energy of injection into discharge channel, the maximum conductivity, length, pressure, radius of the discharge channel and the extended maximum depth of the main discharge channel increase as the initial generator capacitor voltage increases. This suggests that to enlarge the initial voltage of the high voltage pulse discharge power supply can improve the fragmentation effect. This study has a certain guiding significance for improving crushing efficiency, optimization of the discharge electrode structure and selection of the power supply parameters in the process of high voltage pulse discharge crushing granite.