bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STATE OF FORAGE AND LIVESTOCK IN TATARSTAN
Authors: Krupin Evgeniy , Shakirov Shamil' , ChEVTAEVA Natal'ya
Published: October 2023

The article provides an analysis of the dynamic assessment of the areas of cultivation of fodder crops (perennial grasses, annual grasses, corn for silage and grain), fodder mixtures in Tatarstan in the period from 1985 to 2021. The yield of fodder crops is described and the production volumes of bulky fodder are given in the period from 2000 to 2021. An analysis is given of the dynamics of the production of milk, meat and eggs for the above period, as well as the dynamics of the livestock of animals and birds, the level of their productivity: milk, meat, egg production. It has been established that for the studied period of time in Tatarstan, the areas of cultivation of fodder crops, the yield of fodder crops, and the volume of fodder production in general have changed. This is largely due to climate change. The livestock of agricultural animals and birds has undergone changes, and their productivity has also changed. The dynamics of productivity is associated with the stability and quality of the forage base. The development of animal husbandry is due to the stability of the forage base, which is closely related to the characteristics of climate change.
ENVIRONMENT-FORMING ROLE OF AGROECOSYSTEMS WITH LONG-YEAR-OLD DIFFERENT RIPENING MULTICUT CEREALS HERBAGE
Authors: Zhezmer Natalya
Published: October 2023

The accumulation of the root mass and the consolidation of the nutrient substances in it for 28 years of multidimensional use of high-speed cereal herbows are given. A change and increase in soil fertility under longevity agricultural focus has been established.
CREATION OF A HYBRID CLOVER VARIETY ADAPTED TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE KALININGRAD REGION IS A PROMISING DIRECTION IN BREEDING
Authors: Pyatakov Maksim
Published: October 2023

This paper outlines a science-based approach to solving future significant economic and social problems in solving the problems of agro-industrial complex, as it is aimed at finding ways to increase the productivity of valuable legume crop — clover hybrid.
SCREENING OF VARIETAL SAMPLES OF SORGHUM AND MILLET CROPS OF VARIOUS ECOLOGICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE SOUTH OF WESTERN SIBERIA
Authors: ChEBATAREV Anatoliy , VOLODIN Aleksandr , DEYNES Nikolay , ZhARKOVA Stalina , ChEBATAREVA Mariya
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of the study of economically valuable traits of varieties of sorghum and millet crops in the conditions of the forest-steppe of the Ob region of the Altai Territory. The research was carried out in 2020–2022. 15 varieties of sorghum and millet crops were taken as objects of research. The conducted research allowed us to identify the most valuable varieties of fodder crops in terms of agrobiological indicators and productivity: the Zemlyachka variety (Sudanese grass), the Gusar variety (sorghum-Sudanese hybrids), the Tandem variety (sugar sorghum), the Villa variety (mogar), the Barnaul 18 variety (seed millet), the L-98 line-4 (paiza), Fodder grade 155 (African millet).
Hepatoprotective outcome of Silymarin against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rabbit model
Authors: Ashfaq Khurram , Haq Shahbaz Ul , Tehreem Aila , Rahim Abdur , Saddiqui Shahrood Ahmed , Ullah Asad , Taj Raheela , Usmani Muhammad Wasim , Khan Arsalan
Published: October 2023

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used to treat human and animal ailments. Recent research indicated Silymarin as commonly employed antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiviral and antifibrotic. Anti-oxidant properties are believed to be responsible for its hepatoprotective effect. In this research, 46 rabbits were utilized in total. Each rabbit was separated into 04 groups: Group A (n=13) served as control and received neither Silymarin nor CCl4 treatment. Group B (n=13) was given 100 mg/Kg CCl4 as treatment. CCl4 and Silymarin were administered to Groups C and D (n=10), respectively. Using commercially available assays, the parameters Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and serum urea were determined for each animal. Multiple comparisons between each of the four categories were analyzed statistically. Administration of Silymarin in CCl4-induced liver toxicity improved all parameters significantly (P<0.05). The AST Mean ± SE of Groups A, B, C and D was 73.98 ± 2.22, 137.00 ± 4.22, 120.90 ± 3.00 and 95.43 ± 2.85 respectively. Groups A, B, C, and D had respective ALT Mean SE values of 44.51+ 2.64, 99.47 + 3.19, 74.60 + 3.20, and 54.60 + 3.20. Total Bilirubin for Groups A, B, C, and D were 0.622 + 0.023, 1.302 + 0.025, 0.959 + 0.033, and 0.765 + 0.024, respectively. 100 mg Silymarin demonstrated more significant results than 50 mg Silymarin. In conclusion, Silymarin has hepatoprotective, anti-fibrotic, and anti-cirrhosis properties. It is well-tolerated and efficacious antidote for CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity
Propostas de Sérgio Abreu para estudos de Fernando Sor
Authors: Madeira Bruno
Published: October 2023

O artigo analisa as gravações de estudos de Fernando Sor (1778-1839) de Sérgio Abreu (1948-2023), presentes no LP Sérgio Abreu toca Paganini e Sor (1980). As gravações foram comparadas com as edições fac-símiles, edições publicadas anteriormente e posteriormente ao disco, e com a gravação de alguns dos estudos por seu irmão Eduardo. As alterações propostas por Abreu refletem seu posicionamento crítico em relação ao repertório, independentemente de ter sido composto por um compositor-violonista, contribuindo para a compreensão de seu estilo interpretativo e das práticas interpretativas dos séculos XX e XXI.
Versão de Sérgio Abreu para Poco Adagio, de C.P.E. Bach: comparação e análise instrumental
Authors: Canilha Cauã , Wolff Daniel , Gloeden Edelton
Published: October 2023

O presente texto aborda a versão para violão solo de Sérgio Abreu do Poco adagio, da Sonata per il flauto traverso solo senzabasso, Wq 152 (H 562), de Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788), comparando-o com o original e analisando suas características instrumentais. Busca-se esclarecer as modificações, os procedimentos e as soluções instrumentais encontradas pelo arranjador. Abreu acrescenta linhas de baixos e acompanhamentos, modifica notas da melodia, reordena notas da melodia, modifica ritmos, substitui pausas por notas, reescreve trechos com polifonias implícitas e adiciona ornamentos. São analisados também recursos mecânicos referentes à realização prática de uma possível versão ao violão, como as digitações de melodias em uma mesma corda, o uso de cordas soltas para mudanças de posição, a utilização de dedos guias, dedos pivôs, aberturas e sobreposições inversas. A partir deste debate é possível apresentar os aspectos musicais e instrumentais do arranjo e as características envolvidas nas escolhas do arranjador.
Os violões “Modelo Abreu” presentes na ETMD Ivanildo Rebouças da Silva de Cubatão-SP
Authors: Messias dos Santos Jéssica , Moraes Taffarello Tadeu
Published: October 2023

Este trabalho pretende apresentar uma parte da história que contempla a parceria de Sérgio Abreu e a empresa Tranquillo Giannini S/A na construção dos violões conhecidos popularmente como “Modelo Abreu” e como tais instrumentos foram parar na Escola Técnica de Música e Dança Ivanildo Rebouças da Silva, em Cubatão. O objetivo deste artigo é investigar a história e uso desses instrumentos, desde a aquisição pela ETMD até a forma com que foram usados e conservados pela escola. Para isso, foi feita uma pesquisa qualitativa que consistiu, além de um resgate histórico em jornais, revistas e documentos históricos, entrevistas com professores e coordenadores que fizeram parte dessa história ou que atualmente trabalham com esses instrumentos. Ao final dessa pesquisa, foi possível obter toda a trajetória histórica de vida desses violões, desde quando surgiram até quando foram adquiridos pela escola.
Catalogação dos violões Sérgio Abreu
Authors: Boza Walmor Angelo , Boza Daiane , Bergmann Filho Juarez
Published: October 2023

Este artigo apresenta a catalogação dos violões construídos pelo renomado luthier brasileiro Sérgio Abreu. O catálogo foi desenvolvido por meio de uma pesquisa documental, utilizando os livros de encomendas do próprio luthier, bem como uma pesquisa de campo realizada nas redes sociais, que envolveu a coleta de depoimentos de músicos e proprietários dos violões Abreu. O objetivo principal desta pesquisa é documentar e preservar o legado do construtor, destacando sua importância tanto no cenário nacional quanto internacional, e fornecer uma visão abrangente dos instrumentos por ele criados e seus métodos de produção. Através desse estudo, é possível compreender a significância de Sérgio Abreu para as práticas musicais, a luteria e a cultura do violão de concerto como um todo. Este trabalho representa um passo inicial na documentação desse legado, e espera-se que sirva como base para pesquisas futuras, visando ampliar e aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a obra desse renomado luthier.
Exploring animal breeding through the lenses of authoritarian and liberal eugenics: why some breeding practices are wrong and what could be new ethical standards?
Authors: Louis-Maerten Edwin
Published: October 2023

Animal breeding is a mainstay of our relationship with domesticated species. However, it is sometimes leading to serious health and welfare issues, such as canine brachycephaly or double-muscling phenotype in Belgian Blue cattle. How then can we re-think our breeding system in animals? In this paper, I discuss the ethics of domestic animal breeding and new ways to achieve it. In doing so, I focus primarily on the concept of eugenics and its two major accounts: authoritarian and liberal eugenics. Indeed, the debates surrounding eugenics in humans is a quite prolific framework to question how we can justify animal breeding and has the merits to clarify the conditions needed to consider some practices as morally wrong (e.g. in the case of authoritarian eugenics). I argue that pure-bred breeding is comparable in many ways with authoritarian eugenics primarily because it does not consider the benefits for the animals but external factors such as beauty, productivity or certain behaviors. But arguing so raises the question whether this renders all types of animal breeding unethical. I refute this conclusion and give some arguments to support an active use of more ethical kinds of breeding systems. Specifically, I explore the concept of liberal eugenics and its limitations to defend a breeding practice that is both liberal and responsible. Such new standards can warrant a focus on animal welfare and put forward the central role of breeders in this process.
Transcriptomics of Lactobacillus paracasei: metabolism patterns and cellular responses under high-density culture conditions
Authors: Li Liangzhi , Zhang Hetian , Meng Delong , Yin Huaqun
Published: October 2023

Lactobacillus paracasei has significant potential for development and application in the environmental field, particularly in addressing malodor pollution. This study aims to investigate the cellular response of L. paracasei B1 under high-density culture conditions. The selected strain has previously shown effective deodorizing and bacteriostatic abilities. Transcriptomics techniques are employed to dissect the nutrient metabolism pattern of L. paracasei B1 and its response mechanism under environmental stress. The study characterizes the functions of key differentially expressed genes during growth before and after optimizing the culture conditions. The optimization of fermentation culture conditions provides a suitable growth environment for L. paracasei B1, inducing an enhancement of its phosphotransferase system for sugar source uptake and maintaining high levels of glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism. Consequently, the strain is able to grow and multiply rapidly. Under acid stress conditions, glycolysis and pyruvate metabolism are inhibited, and L. paracasei B1 generates additional energy through aerobic respiration to meet the energy demand. The two-component system and quorum sensing play roles in the response and regulation of L. paracasei B1 to adverse environments. The strain mitigates oxygen stress damage through glutathione metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, base excision repair, and purine and pyrimidine metabolism. Additionally, the strain enhances lysine synthesis, the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolic pathways, and relies on the ABC transport system to accumulate amino acid-compatible solutes to counteract acid stress and osmotic stress during pH regulation. These findings establish a theoretical basis for the further development and application of L. paracasei B1 for its productive properties.
Layer-dependent excellent thermoelectric materials: from monolayer to trilayer tellurium based on DFT calculation
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Yang Rennong , Sun Zhehao , Chen Xihao , Huang Sizhao , Wang Ning
Published: October 2023

Monoelemental two-dimensional (2D) materials, which are superior to binary and ternary 2D materials, currently attract remarkable interest due to their fascinating properties. Though the thermal and thermoelectric (TE) transport properties of tellurium have been studied in recent years, there is little research about the thermal and TE properties of multilayer tellurium with interlayer interaction force. Herein, the layer modulation of the phonon transport and TE performance of monolayer, bilayer, and trilayer tellurium is investigated by first-principles calcuations. First, it was found that thermal conductivity as a function of layer numbers possesses a robust, unusually non-monotonic behavior. Moreover, the anisotropy of the thermal transport properties of tellurium is weakened with the increase in the number of layers. By phonon-level systematic analysis, we found that the variation of phonon transport under the layer of increment was determined by increasing the phonon velocity in specific phonon modes. Then, the TE transport properties showed that the maximum figure of merit (ZT) reaches 6.3 (p-type) along the armchair direction at 700 K for the monolayer and 6.6 (p-type) along the zigzag direction at 700 K for the bilayer, suggesting that the TE properties of the monolayer are highly anisotropic. This study reveals that monolayer and bilayer tellurium have tremendous opportunities as candidates in TE applications. Moreover, further increasing the layer number to 3 hinders the improvement of TE performance for 2D tellurium.
Network-constrained flexible ramping product provision of prosumer aggregator: a data-driven stochastic bi-level optimization
Authors: Ai Xin , Hu Huanyu , Hu Junjie , Wang Zhe , Wang Kunyu
Published: October 2023

Prosumers are expected to provide the flexible ramping product (FRP) in the power system. However, voltage violations and line congestion may arise in the distribution network, when FRP delivered by prosumers. Hence, this paper proposes a data-driven stochastic bi-level optimization model to coordinate the prosumer aggregator to decide FRP-offering while ensuring distribution network security under FRP delivery. In the proposed bi-level model, the upper-level is a min-max problem, representing the minimum expected cost under the worst-case scenario probability distribution for the prosumer aggregator. The lower-level is the operation cost minimization within the distribution network security for distribution network operator. The proposed model is converted into a single-level model using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker condition and strong duality theory, and applied to the modified IEEE 33-bus network with three prosumers. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Self-adaptive heat extraction controller for solar thermal tower operational with molten salt tanks
Authors: Ahmed Farooq , Guanghua Lyu , Akram Farah , Hussain Fida , Hussain Shah Syed Hadi , Soomar Arsalan Muhammad , Kamel Salah
Published: October 2023

Molten salts are commonly used in solar thermal power plants to store heat when sunlight is unavailable. However, solidifying the salts can lead to operational interruptions and prevent an optimal energy output. A self-adaptive heat extraction method has been proposed to regulate salt pipeline temperatures, enabling continuous operations that mitigate unplanned shut-downs. Such a method focuses on maintaining operational temperatures and preventing interferences caused by the freezing of the salts. The proposed Self-Adaptive Heat Extraction Controller (SAHEC) relies on fuzzy logic integrated into MATLAB Simulink to ensure optimal heat extraction control utilizing four distinct temperature variables. Modeling this approach through a created MATLAB-based simulation reveals that SAHEC offers an undeniable improvement over standard conventional methods for manipulating temperatures.
Super enhancer-driven core transcriptional regulatory circuitry crosstalk with cancer plasticity and patient mortality in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Shi Wensheng , Zhong Bowen , Dong Jiaming , Hu Xiheng , Li Lingfang
Published: October 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a clinically aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Core transcriptional regulatory circuitry (CRC) consists of autoregulated transcription factors (TFs) and their enhancers, which dominate gene expression programs and control cell fate. However, there is limited knowledge of CRC in TNBC. Herein, we systemically characterized the activated super-enhancers (SEs) and interrogated 14 CRCs in breast cancer. We found that CRCs could be broadly involved in DNA conformation change, metabolism process, and signaling response affecting the gene expression reprogramming. Furthermore, these CRC TFs are capable of coordinating with partner TFs bridging the enhancer-promoter loops. Notably, the CRC TF and partner pairs show remarkable specificity for molecular subtypes of breast cancer, especially in TNBC. USF1, SOX4, and MYBL2 were identified as the TNBC-specific CRC TFs. We further demonstrated that USF1 was a TNBC immunophenotype-related TF. Our findings that the rewiring of enhancer-driven CRCs was related to cancer immune and mortality, will facilitate the development of epigenetic anti-cancer treatment strategies.
Participation in genetic screening: testing different outreach methods across a diverse hospital system based patient population
Authors: Dickey Lindsay , Gronowski Ben , Jones Kyle , Rinaldi J. B. , Emery Kate , Clemens Jon , Gordon Ora , Vartanian Keri
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Genomics has the potential to transform medicine by identifying genetic risk factors that predispose people to certain illnesses. Use of genetic screening is rapidly expanding and shifting towards screening all patients regardless of known risk factors, but research is limited on the success of broad population-level outreach for genetic testing and the effectiveness of different outreach methods across diverse populations. In this study, we tested the effectiveness of Digital Only (emailing and texting) and Brochure Plus Digital (mailed brochure, emailing, and texting) outreach to encourage a diverse patient population to participate in a large hospital system’s whole genome sequencing program.

Methods: Disproportionate stratified sampling was used to create a study population more demographically diverse than the eligible population and response rates were analyzed overall and by demographics to understand the effectiveness of different outreach strategies.

Results: 7.5% of all eligible patients enrolled in the program. While approximately 70% of patients invited to complete genetic testing identified in their EHR as being Hispanic, Black or African America, Asian, or another non-White race, these patients generally enrolled at lower rates than the overall population. Other underrepresented groups had higher enrollment rates including people with Medicaid coverage (8.7%) and those residing in rural areas (10.6%). We found no significant difference in enrollment rates between our Digital-Only and our Brochure Plus Digital outreach approaches in the overall population, but enrollment rates were significantly higher for Asian patients and patients who resided in rural areas in the Brochure Plus Digital group. Across both outreach approaches, links provided in emails were most commonly used for enrollment.

Discussion: Our study reveals expected enrollment rates for proactive outreach by a hospital system for genetic testing in a diverse population. As more hospital systems are adopting population-scale genetic testing, these findings can inform future outreach efforts to recruit patients for genetic testing including those patients traditionally underrepresented in genomics.
Single-cell analysis technologies for cancer research: from tumor-specific single cell discovery to cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Jiang Weibo , Du Yanhui , Yang Manshi , Pan Yihan , Li Huan , Cui Mengying
Published: October 2023

Single-cell sequencing (SCS) technology is changing our understanding of cellular components, functions, and interactions across organisms, because of its inherent advantage of avoiding noise resulting from genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity across numerous samples. By directly and individually measuring multiple molecular characteristics of thousands to millions of single cells, SCS technology can characterize multiple cell types and uncover the mechanisms of gene regulatory networks, the dynamics of transcription, and the functional state of proteomic profiling. In this context, we conducted systematic research on SCS techniques, including the fundamental concepts, procedural steps, and applications of scDNA, scRNA, scATAC, scCITE, and scSNARE methods, focusing on the unique clinical advantages of SCS, particularly in cancer therapy. We have explored challenging but critical areas such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), lineage tracing, tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and tumor immunotherapy. Despite challenges in managing and analyzing the large amounts of data that result from SCS, this technique is expected to reveal new horizons in cancer research. This review aims to emphasize the key role of SCS in cancer research and promote the application of single-cell technologies to cancer therapy.
Multi-omics analysis reveals the involvement of origin recognition complex subunit 6 in tumor immune regulation and malignant progression
Authors: Zhu Jinfeng , Chen Qitong , Zeng Liyun , Gao Hongyu , Wu Tong , He Yeqing , Xu Jiachi , Pang Jian , Peng Jing , Deng Yueqiong , Han Yi , Yi Wenjun
Published: October 2023

Background

Origin recognition complex 6 (ORC6) is one of the six highly conserved subunit proteins required for DNA replication and is essential for maintaining genome stability during cell division. Recent research shows that ORC6 regulates the advancement of multiple cancers; however, it remains unclear what regulatory impact it has on the tumor immune microenvironment.

Methods

Unpaired Wilcoxon rank sum and signed rank tests were used to analyze the differences in the expression of ORC6 in normal tissues and corresponding tumor tissues. Multiple online databases have evaluated the genetic alterations, protein expression and localization, and clinical relevance of ORC6. To evaluate the potential prognostic impact and diagnostic significance of ORC6 expression, we carried out log-rank, univariate Cox regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The ICGC-LIRI-JP cohort, CGGA-301 cohort, CGGA-325 cohort, CGGA-693 cohort, and GSE13041 cohort were used for external validation of the study findings. The associations between ORC6 expression and immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and immunotherapy cohorts was further analyzed. To explore the functional and signaling pathways related to ORC6 expression, gene set enrichment analysis was performed. To clarify the expression and function of ORC6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) and glioma, we conducted in vitro experiments.

Results

Expression of ORC6 is upregulated in the majority of cancer types and is associated with poor patient prognosis, notably in cases of LIHC and gliomas. In addition, ORC6 may be involved in multiple signaling pathways related to cancer progression and immune regulation. High expression of ORC6 correlates with an immunosuppressive state in the tumor microenvironment. The results of further immunotherapy cohort analysis suggested that patients in the ORC6 high-expression group benefited from immunotherapy. Inhibiting ORC6 expression suppressed the proliferative and migratory abilities of LIHC and glioma cells.

Conclusion

High expression of ORC6 may be used as a biomarker to predict the poor prognosis of most tumor patients. The high expression of ORC6 may be involved in the regulation of the tumor immunosuppressive environment, and it is expected to become a molecular target for inhibiting tumor progression.
Using combined single-cell gene expression, TCR sequencing and cell surface protein barcoding to characterize and track CD4+ T cell clones from murine tissues
Authors: Nedwed Annekathrin Silvia , Helbich Sara Salome , Braband Kathrin Luise , Volkmar Michael , Delacher Michael , Marini Federico
Published: October 2023

Single-cell gene expression analysis using sequencing (scRNA-seq) has gained increased attention in the past decades for studying cellular transcriptional programs and their heterogeneity in an unbiased manner, and novel protocols allow the simultaneous measurement of gene expression, T-cell receptor clonality and cell surface protein expression. In this article, we describe the methods to isolate scRNA/TCR-seq-compatible CD4+ T cells from murine tissues, such as skin, spleen, and lymph nodes. We describe the processing of cells and quality control parameters during library preparation, protocols for multiplexing of samples, and strategies for sequencing. Moreover, we describe a step-by-step bioinformatic analysis pipeline from sequencing data generated using these protocols. This includes quality control, preprocessing of sequencing data and demultiplexing of individual samples. We perform quantification of gene expression and extraction of T-cell receptor alpha and beta chain sequences, followed by quality control and doublet detection, and methods for harmonization and integration of datasets. Next, we describe the identification of highly variable genes and dimensionality reduction, clustering and pseudotemporal ordering of data, and we demonstrate how to visualize the results with interactive and reproducible dashboards. We will combine different analytic R-based frameworks such as Bioconductor and Seurat, illustrating how these can be interoperable to optimally analyze scRNA/TCR-seq data of CD4+ T cells from murine tissues.
Disease progression in patients with usual interstitial pneumonia and probable UIP patterns on computed tomography with various underlying etiologies: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Shuqiao , Wang Jing , Sun Di , Wang Yiran , Xue Changjiang , Ye Qiao
Published: October 2023

Background

Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) is a pattern of interstitial pneumonia that is caused by different etiologies. This study aimed to investigate the transplant-free survival (TFS) and the decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) of the patients with UIP and probable UIP patterns on CT caused by various underlying conditions.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling patients with interstitial lung disease exhibiting a CT pattern consistent with UIP or probable UIP. Clinical and prognostic data of patients categorized by the etiology were compared.

Results

A total of 591 patients were included and classified into the following groups: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 320), connective tissue disease (CTD)-UIP (n = 229), asbestosis-UIP (n = 28), and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)-UIP (n = 14). Advanced age, elevated levels of serum cytokeratin fraction 21-1 and percentage of neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage were observed in all groups. IPF patients showed a more rapid decline in FVC (133.9 mL/year) compared to CTD-UIP (24.5 mL/year, p = 0.001) and asbestosis-UIP (61.0 mL/year, p = 0.008) respectively. Sub-analysis of CTD-UIP revealed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-UIP (88.1 mL/year) or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV)-UIP (72.9 mL/year) experienced a faster deterioration in FVC compared to those with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS)-UIP (25.9 mL/year, p < 0.05). Kaplan–Meier curves showed that IPF had the poorest TFS (median 55.9 months), followed by HP-UIP (57.5 months), CTD-UIP (66.7 months), and asbestosis-UIP (TFS not reached). RA-UIP or AAV-UIP did not exhibit any prognostic advantages compared to IPF, while asbestosis-UIP and pSS-UIP showed better survival rates.

Conclusion

Patients with UIP caused by different underlying conditions share certain common features, but the trajectories of disease progression and survival outcomes differ.
Absolute oxygen-guided radiation therapy improves tumor control in three preclinical tumor models
Authors: Gertsenshteyn Inna , Epel Boris , Giurcanu Mihai , Barth Eugene , Lukens John , Hall Kayla , Martinez Jenipher Flores , Grana Mellissa , Maggio Matthew , Miller Richard C. , Sundramoorthy Subramanian V. , Krzykawska-Serda Martyna , Pearson Erik , Aydogan Bulent , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Tormyshev Victor M. , Kotecha Mrignayani , Halpern Howard J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Clinical attempts to find benefit from specifically targeting and boosting resistant hypoxic tumor subvolumes have been promising but inconclusive. While a first preclinical murine tumor type showed significant improved control with hypoxic tumor boosts, a more thorough investigation of efficacy from boosting hypoxic subvolumes defined by electron paramagnetic resonance oxygen imaging (EPROI) is necessary. The present study confirms improved hypoxic tumor control results in three different tumor types using a clonogenic assay and explores potential confounding experimental conditions.

Materials and methods

Three murine tumor models were used for multi-modal imaging and radiotherapy: MCa-4 mammary adenocarcinomas, SCC7 squamous cell carcinomas, and FSa fibrosarcomas. Registered T2-weighted MRI tumor boundaries, hypoxia defined by EPROI as pO2 ≤ 10 mmHg, and X-RAD 225Cx CT boost boundaries were obtained for all animals. 13 Gy boosts were directed to hypoxic or equal-integral-volume oxygenated tumor regions and monitored for regrowth. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to assess local tumor control probability (LTCP). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the hazard ratio of tumor progression of Hypoxic Boost vs. Oxygenated Boost for each tumor type controlling for experimental confounding variables such as EPROI radiofrequency, tumor volume, hypoxic fraction, and delay between imaging and radiation treatment.

Results

An overall significant increase in LTCP from Hypoxia Boost vs. Oxygenated Boost treatments was observed in the full group of three tumor types (p < 0.0001). The effects of tumor volume and hypoxic fraction on LTCP were dependent on tumor type. The delay between imaging and boost treatments did not have a significant effect on LTCP for all tumor types.

Conclusion

This study confirms that EPROI locates resistant tumor hypoxic regions for radiation boost, increasing clonogenic LTCP, with potential enhanced therapeutic index in three tumor types. Preclinical absolute EPROI may provide correction for clinical hypoxia images using additional clinical physiologic MRI.
Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China
Authors: Ding Xiaowen , Guan Ziyi , Liu Nan , Bi Mingli , Ji Fang , Wang Huining , Zhang Xueyan , Liu Baolong , Niu Dongsheng , Lan Tian , Xie Tingting , Li Jue , Yan Tenglong
Published: October 2023

Objective

The workers in emerging manufacturing are at decreased risk of traditional occupational diseases, while probably at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing.

Methods

A total of 3,359 valid questionnaires were collected from 10 enterprises in the electronics, pharmaceutical, and motor manufacturing industries. The prevalence of WMSDs was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The work posture load was evaluated through a questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that the highest prevalence of WMSDs was observed in part of the neck (15.0%), followed by the lower back (12.5%), shoulders (11.2%), and upper back (7.1%). Female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, workers with a BMI of ≥28 kg/m2, longer working experience, never exercised had a higher prevalence of WMSDs. Logistic regression analysis showed that female workers, workers aged older than 35 years, with a middle school education and college degree, and workers who never exercised had a higher risk of WMSDs. In addition, workers who sat for long during work, worked hard with upper limbs or hands, worked in uncomfortable postures, and performed repetitive operations were positively related with the increased risk of WMSDs.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that WMSDs were prevalent among emerging manufacturing workers in Beijing, China, while efforts should be made to reshape the risk factors associated with WMSDs, such as prolonged sitting, uncomfortable positions, and repetitive operations. Encouraging exercise and promoting ergonomic interventions probably be also benefit to induce the risk of WMSDs.
Integrated analysis of the oral and intestinal microbiome and metabolome of elderly people with more than 26 original teeth: a pilot study
Authors: Nishimoto Yuichiro , Salim Felix , Yama Kazuma , Kumagai Kota , Jo Ryutaro , Harada Minori , Maruyama Yuki , Aita Yuto , Fujii Narumi , Inokuchi Takuya , Kawamata Ryosuke , Sako Misato , Ichiba Yuko , Tsutsumi Kota , Kimura Mitsuo , Mori Yuka , Murakami Shinnosuke , Kakizawa Yasushi , Kumagai Takashi , Fukuda Shinji
Published: October 2023

Elderly subjects with more than 20 natural teeth have a higher healthy life expectancy than those with few or no teeth. The oral microbiome and its metabolome are associated with oral health, and they are also associated with systemic health via the oral-gut axis. Here, we analyzed the oral and gut microbiome and metabolome profiles of elderly subjects with more than 26 natural teeth. Salivary samples collected as mouth-rinsed water and fecal samples were obtained from 22 healthy individuals, 10 elderly individuals with more than 26 natural teeth and 24 subjects with periodontal disease. The oral microbiome and metabolome profiles of elderly individuals resembled those of subjects with periodontal disease, with the metabolome showing a more substantial differential abundance of components. Despite the distinct oral metabolome profiles, there was no differential abundance of components in the gut microbiome and metabolomes, except for enrichment of short-chain fatty acids in elderly subjects. Finally, to investigate the relationship between the oral and gut microbiome and metabolome, we analyzed bacterial coexistence in the oral cavity and gut and analyzed the correlation of metabolite levels between the oral cavity and gut. However, there were few associations between oral and gut for bacteria and metabolites in either elderly or healthy subjects. Overall, these results indicate distinct oral microbiome and metabolome profiles, as well as the lack of an oral-gut axis in elderly subjects with a high number of natural teeth.
Isolation and identification of antagonistic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens HSE-12 and its effects on peanut growth and rhizosphere microbial community
Authors: Li Huying , Li Chaohui , Song Xin , Li Jintai , Zhang Pengcheng , Sun Fengxia , Geng Zhigang , Liu Xunli
Published: October 2023

The HSE-12 strain isolated from peanut rhizosphere soil was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by observation of phenotypic characteristics, physiological and biochemical tests, 16S rDNA and gyrB gene sequencing. In vitro experiments showed that the strain possessed biocontrol activity against a variety of pathogens including Sclerotium rolfsii. The strain has the ability to produce hydrolytic enzymes, as well as volatile organic compounds with antagonistic and probiotic effects such as ethyleneglycol and 2,3-butanediol. In addition, HSE-12 showed potassium solubilizing (10.54 ± 0.19 mg/L), phosphorus solubilization (168.34 ± 8.06 mg/L) and nitrogen fixation (17.35 ± 2.34 mg/g) abilities, and was able to secrete siderophores [(Ar-A)/Ar × 100%: 56%] which promoted plant growth. After inoculating peanut with HSE-12, the available phosphorus content in rhizosphere soil increased by 27%, urease activity increased by 43%, catalase activity increased by 70% and sucrase activity increased by 50% (p < 0.05). The dry weight, fresh weight and the height of the first pair of lateral branches of peanuts increased by 24.7, 41.9, and 36.4%, respectively, compared with uninoculated peanuts. In addition, compared with the blank control, it increased the diversity and richness of peanut rhizosphere bacteria and changed the community structure of bacteria and fungi. The relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms such as Sphingomonas, Arthrobacter, RB41, and Micromonospora in rhizosphere soil was increased, while the relative abundance of pathogenic microorganisms such as Aspergillus, Neocosmospora, and Rhizoctonia was decreased.
Mediating effect of amygdala activity on response to fear vs. happiness in youth with significant levels of irritability and disruptive mood and behavior disorders
Authors: Suk Ji-Woo , Blair Robert J. R. , Vaughan Brigette , Lerdahl Arica , Garvey William F. , Edwards Ryan , Leibenluft Ellen , Hwang Soonjo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Irritability, characterized by a tendency to exhibit increased anger, is a common clinical problem in youth. Irritability is a significant clinical issue in youth with various psychiatric diagnoses, especially disruptive behavior, and mood disorders (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder). Although there have been previous studies focusing on functional alteration in the amygdala related to irritability, there is no comprehensive model between emotional, neuronal, and behavioral characteristics.

Methods

Using an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) procedure, we investigated the relationships between behavioral irritability, selective impairments in processing facial emotions and the amygdala neural response in youth with increased irritability. Fifty-nine youth with disruptive mood and behavior disorder completed a facial expression processing task with an event-related fMRI paradigm. The severity of irritability was evaluated using the Affective Reactivity Index.

Results

In the result of behavioral data, irritability, and reaction time (RT) differences between interpreting negative (fear) and positive (happiness) facial expressions were positively correlated. In the fMRI result, youth showed higher activation in the right cingulate gyrus, bilateral cerebellum, right amygdala, right precuneus, right superior frontal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus, during the happiness condition vs. fear condition. No brain region exhibited greater activation in the fear than in the happiness conditions. In the result of the mediator analysis, increased irritability was associated with a longer RT toward positive vs. negative facial expressions. Irritability was also positively associated with the difference in amygdala blood oxygen level-dependent responses between the two emotional conditions (happiness > fear). This difference in amygdala activity mediated the interaction between irritability and the RT difference between negative and positive facial expressions.

Discussion

We suggest that impairment in the implicit processing of facial emotional expressions with different valences causes distinct patterns of amygdala response, which correlate with the level of irritability. These results broaden our understanding of the biological mechanism of irritability at the neural level and provide information for the future direction of the study.
SafeCrowdNav: safety evaluation of robot crowd navigation in complex scenes
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Wanruo , Cai Jialun , Liu Hong
Published: October 2023

Navigating safely and efficiently in dense crowds remains a challenging problem for mobile robots. The interaction mechanisms involved in collision avoidance require robots to exhibit active and foresighted behaviors while understanding the crowd dynamics. Deep reinforcement learning methods have shown superior performance compared to model-based approaches. However, existing methods lack an intuitive and quantitative safety evaluation for agents, and they may potentially trap agents in local optima during training, hindering their ability to learn optimal strategies. In addition, sparse reward problems further compound these limitations. To address these challenges, we propose SafeCrowdNav, a comprehensive crowd navigation algorithm that emphasizes obstacle avoidance in complex environments. Our approach incorporates a safety evaluation function to quantitatively assess the current safety score and an intrinsic exploration reward to balance exploration and exploitation based on scene constraints. By combining prioritized experience replay and hindsight experience replay techniques, our model effectively learns the optimal navigation policy in crowded environments. Experimental outcomes reveal that our approach enables robots to improve crowd comprehension during navigation, resulting in reduced collision probabilities and shorter navigation times compared to state-of-the-art algorithms. Our code is available at https://github.com/Janet-xujing-1216/SafeCrowdNav.
A mixed-methods study on the implementation of a mobile health application (mHealth app) for stroke caregivers in Malaysia: healthcare providers’ perspective
Authors: Sidek Norsima Nazifah , Tengku Ismail Tengku Alina , Kamalakannan Sureshkumar , Chen Xin Wee , Romli Muhammad Hibatullah , Mat Said Mohamad Zarudin , Papachristou Nadal Iliatha , Ibrahim Khairul Azmi , Musa Kamarul Imran
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Recognizing the burden experienced by caregivers of stroke survivors, an intervention using mobile health applications (mHealth apps) has been proposed to support and empower stroke caregivers. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and expectations of healthcare providers, who play a vital role as gatekeepers in the healthcare system, to ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention.

Methods

This was a concurrent mixed-method study design, with healthcare providers involved in stroke care management in the northeast regions of Malaysia as study participants. The qualitative component of the study was conducted using a phenomenological approach that involved in-depth interviews to explore the acceptability and expectations of healthcare providers regarding the adoption of mHealth apps in the context of stroke caregiving. The study was complemented by quantitative data collected through an online survey using an adjusted version of the technology acceptance model tool.

Results

In total, 239 participants from diverse backgrounds and professions were enrolled in the study, with 12 in the qualitative component and 227 in the quantitative component. The findings from the quantitative survey showed that over 80% of the participants expressed their intention to use mHealth apps. The qualitative component generated two themes related to the acceptability and expectations of mHealth apps, which were integrated with the quantitative findings. Additionally, in-depth interviews revealed a new theme, namely the key features of mHealth, with three sub-themes: availability of services for caregivers, provision of knowledge skills, and supporting caregivers in managing stroke patients.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers demonstrated excellent acceptability of this mHealth intervention as part of caregiving assistance, particularly with the inclusion of essential key features. However, future investigations are necessary to establish the feasibility of integrating the mHealth app into the healthcare system and to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Brain MRI findings in severe COVID-19 patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Boparai Montek S. , Musheyev Benjamin , Hou Wei , Mehler Mark F. , Duong Tim Q.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Neurocognitive symptoms and dysfunction of various severities have become increasingly recognized as potential consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although there are numerous observational and subjective survey-reporting studies of neurological symptoms, by contrast, those studies describing imaging abnormalities are fewer in number.

Methods

This study conducted a metanalysis of 32 studies to determine the incidence of the common neurological abnormalities using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with COVID-19.

Results

We also present the common clinical findings associated with MRI abnormalities. We report the incidence of any MRI abnormality to be 55% in COVID-19 patients with perfusion abnormalities (53%) and SWI abnormalities (44%) being the most commonly reported injuries. Cognitive impairment, ICU admission and/or mechanical ventilation status, older age, and hospitalization or longer length of hospital stay were the most common clinical findings associated with brain injury in COVID-19 patients.

Discussion

Overall, the presentation of brain injury in this study was diverse with no substantial pattern of injury emerging, yet most injuries appear to be of vascular origin. Moreover, analysis of the association between MRI abnormalities and clinical findings suggests that there are likely many mechanisms, both direct and indirect, by which brain injury occurs in COVID-19 patients.
Disappearance of aura symptoms in patients with hemiplegic migraine after patent foramen ovale closure: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Pian , Yao Fengyou , Zhang Hongbo , Yu Qian , Wang Yan
Published: October 2023

Hemiplegic migraine (HM) can cause significant functional impairment and negatively affect the quality of life of affected individuals. Emerging evidence suggests an association between migraines and congenital patent foramen ovale (PFO), which is a small opening between the atria of the heart that normally closes shortly after birth. This report describes a 34 years-old woman with sporadic hemiplegic migraine (SHM) who was diagnosed with PFO. Following percutaneous PFO closure, her hemiplegic symptoms disappeared, but her headache exacerbated. After 3 years of follow-up, her headache severity gradually reduced, and the frequency remained consistent at 2–3 times per year with no aura symptoms. This case highlights the dissociation between the resolution of hemiplegic symptoms and the persistence of headaches after PFO closure in sporadic HM. Patients with HM may experience changes in aura symptoms and headache severity after PFO closure. Before performing PFO closure in patients with hemiplegic migraine, the indications should be thoroughly understood.