bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Dimensional Comparison of Functioning Blebs Following PRESERFLO-Microshunt and XEN-Gel-Stent, a Study Using Anterior Segment OCT
Authors: Hasan Somar , Theilig Theresa , Papadimitriou Menelaos , Meller Daniel
Published: May 2023

Background:
Evaluation of bleb morphology is a vital part of successful filtration glaucoma surgery. The PRESERFLO-MicroShunt (PRESERFLO) and the XEN-Gel-Stent (XEN) are drainage devices which are implanted through different surgical approaches (ab-externo versus ab-interno, respectively). This might result in different bleb morphology. Studying these morphological differences is important in leading post-operative care.
Methods:
Functioning blebs following implantation of PRESERFLO and XEN were retrospectively included and examined using high resolution anterior segment OCT. A qualitative assessment using the Jenaer Bleb Grading System and quantitative assessment by measuring 12 parameters representing bleb dimensions were performed. Results were compared between both groups.
Results:
Included were 80 eyes of 80 patients (41 after PRESERFLO, 39 after XEN). Functioning blebs following PRESERFLO showed higher frequency of hyperreflective tenon changes compared to XEN (31.7% VS 10.3% respectively, p = 0.02) and lower frequency of cavernous changes (17.1%VS 35.9%, p = 0.05) along with higher frequency of visible episcleral lake (92.7% VS 30.8%, p < 0.001). Blebs after PRESERFLO showed larger height (2.13 ± 0.5 VS 1.85 ± 0.6mm, p = 0.03), width (10.31 ± 2.3 VS 9.1 ± 2.3mm, p = 0.02), length (9.13 ± 1.8 VS 8.24 ± 1.9mm, p = 0.04), were located more posterior to limbus (6.21 ± 1.2 VS 5.21 ± 1.8mm, p = 0.005) and showed a thicker bleb wall (1.60 ± 0.5 VS 1.1 ± 0.4mm, p = 0.004).
Conclusions:
Functioning blebs after PRESERFLO and XEN are morphologically different. Main reasons might be the different surgical techniques (ab-externo versus ab-interno) and different dimensions of stents. These morphological differences should be considered when evaluating blebs as this might affect judgement of bleb functionality and thus on the decision when and how to intervene in the post-operative phase.
Fecal carriage and enrichment of multidrug-resistant Enterococci among admitted children in a pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Shirvani Fariba , Hassanzadeh Romina , Attaran Bahareh , Ghandchi Ghazale , Abdollahi Nafiseh , Gholinjad Zari , Sheikhi Zahra , Behzad Azita , Fallah Fatemeh , Azimi Leila , Safarkhani Azam , Karimi Abdollah , Mahdavi Alireza , Armin Shahnaz , Ghanaie Roxana Mansour , Tabatabaei Sedigheh Rafiei , Fahimzad Seyed Alireza , Alebouyeh Masoud
Published: May 2023

Background: The present study aimed to investigate intestinal carrier’s status ofEnterococcusspp. in children and revealing role of hospitalization on alteration of their resistance phenotype and clonal diversity during the admission and discharge periods.Methods: Two separate rectal swab samples were collected from hospitalized patients in pediatric intensive care unit at the admission and discharge time. Culture was done and confirmed colonies ofEnterococcuswere analyzed for antimicrobial susceptibility and carriage of vanA/B/C/Dgene subtypes. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR was used for phylogenetic study to check homology of pairs of the isolates.Results: The results showed colonization of Enterococci in 31% of the cases at the admission, 28.7% at the discharge, and 40.1% at both time points. Resistance to vancomycin, ampicillin and rifampicin was higher inE. faecium, but resistance to ciprofloxacin was higher inE. faecalis. The frequency of MDR was higher inE. faecalisthanE. faeciumisolates. No significant difference in colonization with VRE, MDR-Enterococci and resistance to antibiotics were detected at the time of admission and discharge; however, there was a significant relationship between the longer hospitalization stay and VREcolonization. While homology of the isolates was low among different patients, identical and similar RAPD-PCR pattern was detected in 9% and 21% of pairs of the isolates in each patient, respectively.Conclusions: High rate of intestinal colonization with VRE, HLGR, and MDR-Enterococci before admission and their enrichment during hospitalization in PICU shows the importance of antibiotic stewardship programs to control their transmission and spread.
The relationship between Mood Disorder, Personality Disorder and Suicidality in Adolescence: Does personality disorder play a significant role in predicting suicidal behavior?
Authors: Williams Riccardo , Chiesa Marco , Moselli Marta , Frattini Camilla , Casini Maria Pia , Fonagy Peter
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
Current research points to the importance of diagnosing personality pathology emerging patterns in adolescence for understanding suicidal risk. Studies have mainly focused on the role of BPD and only marginally investigated the interaction of personality disorder (PD) as overall diagnosis and individual PDs and major depression (MDD). In this paper, the independent and cumulative effects of MDD and DSM-IV PDs on suicidal risk are investigated in a longitudinal study.
Methods:
A sample of 118 adolescents (mean age = 15.48 ± 1.14) referred for assessment and treatment on account of suicidal ideation or behavior were administered the CSSRS, SCID II, Kiddie-SADS; after six months the CSSRS was applied again to all patients. In order to test the significance of the associations and predictions between categorical and dimensional PD, BPD, NPD, Major Depression, suicide attempts, number of suicide attempts and potential lethality of suicide attempt, non-parametric bivariate correlations, logistic regression models and mixed-effects Poisson regression were performed PD.
Results:
BPD was confirmed to be a significant risk factor for suicide. Personality disorders assessed at a categorical and dimensional level and Unipolar depression exert an influence on suicidal behaviors and their lethality both as independent and cumulative risk factors.
Limitations: While we incorporated dimensional thinking into our approach to assessing psychopathology, our study still relied on traditional defined. Future studies should include AMPD-defined personality pathology in adolescence to truly represent dimensional thinking.
Conclusion:
These results point to the importance of early identification of emerging patterns of personality disorders in adolescence.
Uncommon histology of adnexal masses: A Case Series
Authors: . Shalini , Jha Sangam , Jafeesha B
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
Adnexal masses can arise from uterus, ovary, fallopian tubes or surrounding tissues. They often pose diagnostic and management dilemmas. This diagnostic dilemma exists because their location, clinical presentation and difficult differentiation on imaging. However accurate preoperative diagnosis is desirable to avoid unnecessary extensive radical surgeries.
Case report:
We report cases of adnexal masses with varied histology in reproductive age women. Age group ranged from 20-70 years. All 4 women presented with pain abdomen with progressively increasing abdominal lump. In all the cases CECT abdomen and pelvis revealed malignant ovarian tumor, case1 underwent staging laparotomy with right salpingo-ophorectomy with multiple peritoneal biopsies, however histology returned as ovarian lipoleiomyoma with chondroid differentiation. Case 2 underwent abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy, histology reported as chronic salpingitis. Case 3 had staging laparotomy with removal of uterus, bilateral tubes and ovaries, omentectomy and retroperitoneal lymphnode dissection, histology revealed leiomyoma with cystic degeneration. Case 4 was postmenopausal lady with pre-operative diagnosis of bilateral ovarian mass, she also received radical surgery, histology reported as benign mucinous cystadenoma with calcified cyst wall.
Conclusion:
This case series highlight the varied nature of adnexal mass, importance of correct interpretation of imaging and corelation of clinicoradiological findings in reaching to accurate diagnosis thereby managing the cases with less extensive surgery.
Solar panel shunt diodes and techniques for diagnosing them
Authors: Shaturaev Jakhongir , Muhabbat Hakimova , Farxod Turabekov , Jalil Hamidov , Kholmuratov Salim
Published: May 2023

The research article indicates the importance of carrying out measures for the diagnosis and maintenance of good-order standing shunt diodes as part of the solar panel. The study was carried out using the theoretical analytical analysis of information data on shunt diodes and their diagnostics. Defects considered solar panels due to defective shunt diodes. Used computer modeling in the PVSYST program, simulation of failures of shunt diodes on solar YL-250P-29b panels and their diagnostics by methods of short-circuit current analysis at partial shading and open circuit voltage parameter under normal conditions. It has been established that the methods of thermal imaging diagnostics (including using a drone) and visual inspection are not accurate tools. cops searching for faulty shunt diodes. For small solar power plants (as well as for diagnostic sticks of shunt diodes of solar panels from spare parts, tools, and fixtures on large solar power plants), short-circuit current analysis methods are applicable in partial shading and open circuit voltage parameter under normal conditions. For a complete diagnosis of shunt faults diodes at large solar power plants, the method of thermal imaging diagnostics using an external source.
Randomised Phase II Trial of Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) plus Ramucirumab (RAM) versus Trifluridine/tipiracil for Previously treated Patients with Advanced Gastric or Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma (RETRIEVE study, WJOG15822G)
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Hara Hiroki , Nagashima Kengo , Hirata Kenro , Masuishi Toshiki , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Kawakami Hisato , Yamazaki Kentaro , Hironaka Shuichi , Boku Narikazu , Muro Kei
Published: May 2023

Background Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) prolongs survival in the third- or later-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer (GC), esophagogastric junction (EGJ) adenocarcinoma, and colorectal cancer. While single-arm phase II trials showed promising outcomes of FTD/TPI plus ramucirumab (RAM) as third- or later-line treatments for advanced GC or EGJ cancer, there have been no clinical trials to directly compare FTD/TPI plus RAM with FTD/TPI monotherapy. Therefore, we have started a randomised phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FTD/TPI plus RAM compared with FTD/TPI monotherapy as third- or later-line treatments in patients with advanced GC and EGJ adenocarcinoma.Methods This RETREVE trial (WJOG15822G) is a prospective, open-label, randomised, multicentre phase II trial comparing FTD/TPI plus RAM versus FTD/TPI monotherapy in a third- or later-line setting. Eligibility criteria include age of > 20 years; performance status of 0 or 1; unresectable or recurrent gastric or EGJ adenocarcinoma; confirmed HER2 status; refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidine, taxane or irinotecan; refractory to RAM (not intolerant); and at least a measurable lesion per RECIST 1.1. FTD/TPI (35 mg/m2 twice daily, evening of day 1 to morning of day 6 and evening of day 8 to morning of day 13) was administered orally every 4 weeks, and RAM (8 mg/kg) was administered intravenously every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints are overall survival, objective response rate, disease control rate, and safety. The expected hazard ratio of PFS is set as 0.7, assuming 4-month PFS rate of 27% in FTD/TPI monotherapy and 40% in FTD/TPI plus RAM. The number of subjects was 110, with a one-sided alpha error of 0.10 and power of 0.70.Discussion This study will clarify the additional effect of RAM continuation beyond disease progression on FTD/TPI in the third- or later-line setting for patients with advanced GC or EGJ cancer.Trial registration jRCTs041220120.
Enterprise's Strategies to Improve Financial Capital under Climate Change Scenario – Evidence of the Leading Country
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Hoang , Nguyen Quang Loc , La Viet-Phuong , Bhatti Muhammad Ishaq , Hoang Vuong-Quan
Published: May 2023

The threat of climate change poses manifold dangers for human health and well-being and the world’s ecosystems as well. One of the most widely accepted helpful measures to mitigate climate change-related risks is at the business or corporate level, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and innovate climate-friendly technology. However, doing so requires comprehensive factors, including legislation, company strategy, and finance. Using the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (MBF) for analyzing 178 enterprises listed in the S&P 500 companies from 2016 to 2021, this paper examines how climate risk-mitigating efforts can affect their stock price and market value. The findings suggest that carbon dioxide emissions seriously affect stock price. In contrast, the income and mitigation strategies, including producing eco-friendly products, using renewable energy, and environmental expenditures investments, are positively associated with an increase in share value. However, such mitigation efforts are conditional on the income made by the company. Indicated here is that corporations must be able to transform financial capital from the stock market into bankable, climate-resilient projects. Based on these findings, we suggest that building an eco-surplus culture by stimulating climate change knowledge constitutes a promising approach to promoting a corporation’s mitigation efforts.
Effect of Functionalization of 2D Graphene Nanosheets on the Oxidation Stress the Cellular Response of BEAS-2B Cells
Authors: Umadevi Kovuri , Sundeep Dola , Varadharaj Eswaramoorthy K , Sastry Chebiyyam Chandrasekhara , Jhansi Ragala , Rajarikam Nagarjunachary
Published: May 2023

The present study is intended to determine the physiochemical properties of functionalized graphene leading to potential molecular or cellular injury. We investigated the role of functionalization of graphene oxide nanoflakes (GONPs) and the cellular responses in terms of viability and cytotoxicity of BEAS-2B cells. GONPs were synthesized by hummer’s method and obtained fine GONPs of 1.87 nm size. The crystalline dimensions, microstrain, and dislocation densities of the GONPs were analyzed by using XRD and a FESEM was used to determine the shape of the as-synthesized GONPs. The cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were evaluated using cultured BEAS-2B cells. GONPs were exposed to the cultured cells in an incremental dosage pattern. The interactions of GONPs with the cultured cells were studied using the analytical techniques flow cytometry, and FE-SEM imaging. It is found that GONPs interacted with the plasma membrane and whereas high concentration GONPs were detached from the cells and remained as foreign bodies which is observed through FESEM analysis From the obtained results we summarize the effect of functionalization of GNPs and their altered properties and their mechanism of interaction with non-phagocytic cell lines.
Effect of clinical and morphological characteristics on small and medium-sized(<15mm) intracranial aneurysm rupture
Authors: Cui Xiaopeng , Wang Liang , Cheng Cheng , Zhao Yan , Song Yunfei , Wang Bangyue , Wu Zhuolin , Zhang Hengrui , Chen Lei , Yang Xinyu
Published: May 2023

Objective The aim of the present study was to retrospectively analyze and investigate the clinical and morphological data of 204 cases of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RIAs) and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). The risk factors predicting aneurysm rupture were explored from the perspective of the clinical and geometric morphology of small and medium-sized(< 15mm) intracranial aneurysm (IA) .Methods The geometric morphological parameters, including the condition of the aneurysm-carrying vessels, the shape of the daughter aneurysm, the distribution and size of the aneurysm location, the height of the aneurysm, the wide diameter of the aneurysm, the width of the aneurysm neck, AR, SR, BN, and HWR. A comprehensive and detailed analysis, ROC curve analysis and multifactor logistic regression analysis, were performed to explore the risk factors for small and medium-sized aneurysm rupture, including the incidence angle, aneurysm angle.Results Multifactor logistic regression analysis suggested that there were significant differences between Groups RIA and UIA regarding age(OR 2.458), atherosclerosis, bifurcation-type IA(OR 5.523), and SR(OR 4.695) (P < 0.05).The threshold values of Age and SR were 59.5 and 0.86.Conclusions Age(< 59.5), SR(> 0.86) and aneurysm at the bifurcation could be used as risk factors for small and medium-sized(< 15mm) IA rupture.In addition, the present findings indicated that atherosclerosis have a protective effect on aneurysm rupture.
A unified framework towards diagnostic test development and evaluation during outbreaks of emerging infections
Authors: Karch André , Chaturvedi Madhav , Köster Denise , Bossuyt Patrick , Gerke Oke , Hofner Benjamin , Jurke Annette , Kretzschmar Mirjam , Lütgehetmann Marc , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Reitsma Johannes , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole , Siebert Uwe , Stekly Carina , Ehret Christoph , Rübsamen Nicole , Zapf Antonia
Published: May 2023

Background
Diagnostic tests play a crucial role during an epidemic or a pandemic, both for individual patient care, and as a tool in population-level non-pharmaceutical interventions. The development and evaluation of such tests during epidemics faces numerous challenges, including short timeframes, and changing disease prevalence, pathogen characteristics, and testing applications. In this position paper, we describe these challenges through an interdisciplinary lens and present potential solutions, based on experiences during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Methods
We conducted a workshop that brought together experts from various disciplines involved in diagnostic test development and evaluation, from molecular test development to public health decision-making. The challenges and potential solutions we discuss are derived from discussions had and conclusions drawn in the workshop.
Results
We identified a feedback loop between evaluation of test accuracy, integration of test accuracy estimates in modelling studies for public health decision-making, and population-level interventions that determine testing strategies, and can define how diagnostic tests might need re-evaluation. Incorporating this feedback loop into test evaluation can help diagnostic test development be optimised for both individual patient care and population level measures. Furthermore, adaptive and seamless designs for diagnostic studies provide a promising methodological solution to narrow timeframes and the need for continuous re-evaluation of diagnostic tests during epidemic or pandemic situations.
Conclusions
We present a framework for diagnostic test development and evaluation that acknowledges the feedback loop between diagnostic test studies and infectious disease modelling studies, and provides solutions to challenges faced in test development and evaluation during outbreaks of emerging infectious agents.
Impact assessment of self-medication on COVID-19 prevalence in Gauteng, South Africa, using an age-structured disease transmission modelling framework
Authors: Avusuglo Wisdom S. , Han Qing , Woldegerima Woldegebriel Assefa , Bragazzi Nicola , Asgary Ali , Ahmadi Ali , Orbinski James , Wu Jianhong , Mellado Bruce , Kong Jude Dzevela
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Self-medication, as a global phenomenon, remains a pressing issue that requires attention worldwide, in particular, the Global South. It has been a hindrance to infectious disease control as it, in most cases dampens interventions put forth by health authorities. It is imperative, therefore, that disease dynamics relating to self-medication are incorporated into mathematical models used to inform infectious disease-related public health interventions and policy. COVID-19-associated self-medication is well documented, and its implications for disease prevention and control are alarming. We investigated the impact of self-medication across different age groups on the transmission dynamics of the disease; the interplay of vaccination and self-medication on the spread of the disease; and the age group with the most tendency for self-medication. We used Gauteng Province, South Africa, as a case study.
Methods: We employed ordinary differential equations (ODEs), formulated within an age-structured compartmental disease modelling framework. Model parameters were estimated using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation scheme. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis were carried out on model parameters.
Results: The model implied estimates indicates that self-medication is predominant among Age group 15-64 (83.13%), followed by Age group 65+ (44.17%). Age group 0-14 records 33.82%. The mean value of the basic reproduction number, first epidemic peak, and first epidemic peak time are 3.19838, 821536, and 214.988, respectively.
Conclusion: Self-medicationplays a crucial role in combating COVID-19, and that regardless of the levelof effectiveness of instituted vaccination programs, it must be put in check. Appropriate campaign against COVID-19 related self-medication is justified. It is also worth noting that campaigns should target the active population (ages 14-64)
Image-based leaf disc assay for the rapid evaluation of genetic resistance to fire blight in apples
Authors: Tegtmeier Richard , Hickok David , Robins Kelly , Khan Awais
Published: May 2023

Fire blight, caused by Erwinia amylovora, is a destructive bacterial disease that severely hampers apple production. To conduct QTL (Quantitative Trait Locus) studies for breeding resistant apple cultivars, phenotyping of large genetic mapping populations of apples for fire blight resistance is essential. This, however, necessitates precise, quantitative data spanning multiple years, locations, and pathogen strains. It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive to keep QTL mapping populations for apples in the field and greenhouse. This creates a bottleneck for identifying novel QTL for fire blight resistance or developing resistant cultivars. To address this challenge, we present an image-based method for rapid and accurate phenotyping fire blight resistance using apple leaf discs. This leaf disc assay demonstrates significant (p < 0.05) percent disease area (PDA) differences in fire blight inoculations among eight apple genotypes with well-known resistance levels. Furthermore, the image-based leaf disc assay consistently shows a 40–70% difference in PDA between resistant and susceptible checks. We also report high within and across trial broad sense heritability values ranging from 0.86–0.97. We demonstrate the use of K-means clustering and best linear unbiased estimators (BLUEs) to combine multiple trials. This assay offers an efficient alternative to traditional fire blight screening methods, potentially improving our understanding of the host response and accelerating the development of resistant apple cultivars.
Design, Development and Validation of the Self-Perceived Health Scale (SPHS)
Authors: Tinajero-Chávez Lorena Ishel , Mora-Romo José Fernando , Bravo-Doddoli Andrea , Cruz-Narciso Beatríz Viridiana , Calleja Nazira , Toledano-Toledano Filiberto
Published: May 2023

Health is a multidimensional concept with notable psychological factors, such as self-perceived health (SPH). SPH is defined as the subjective assessment of individual health status, and it integrates information related to both physical and psychological aspects, such as lifestyle. This study describes the development of the Self-Perceived Health Scale (SPHS) and its validation in a Mexican sample (n = 600). Exploratory factor analysis (n = 303) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 293) were carried out, and they supported the three-dimensionality of the SPH construct: physical health, psychological health and healthy lifestyle. A final 12-item scale was obtained, and the scale showed adequate validity and reliability, as well as measurement invariance between sexes, indicating its robustness.
Effective PV Source Integration using Dynamic shunt active power filter with Power Quality Augmentation in Three Phase System
Authors: Penagaluru Suresh , Sudheer Kasa
Published: May 2023

With the widespread use of power electronics in power system generates a lot of harmonics, voltage imbalance and reactive power demand, causing serious power quality problems. Harmonics and reactive power are the two important indicators for measuring grid power quality. Thus, reducing harmonics is an utmost task. With the increasingly severe energy crisis, development and utilization of new energy are inevitable. This paper designs a The DSAPF for improving power quality has great market application value. The ANFIS SMC based DSAPF control method is proposed for dealing with the abnormalities in supply in order to provide quality power to load. In control strategy, ANFIS SMC controller is proposed and compared their performance in terms of %THD and power factor at PCC. The performance of the proposed system is analyzed for distorted source and unbalanced source conditions. The proposed control strategies are verified by using MATLAB/SMULINK environment.
Flexibility and inflexibility in an Iranian sample: Psychometric properties of MPFI based on the Hexaflex model
Authors: Moosivand Mahboobeh , Koulemarzi Mohammad Javad Bagian , Shirazi Maryam Sayad
Published: May 2023

Objectives Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) emphasizes psychological flexibility as a factor of emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and inflexibility as a predictor of psychological disorders. The analysis of psychometric properties based on the multidimensional Hexaflex model is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) based on the Hexaflex model in a sample of Iranian university students.
Methods The present research was conducted using a correlational design. The present study investigated the psychometric properties of the flexibility/inflexibility scale (MPFI, Rolffs et al., 2016) in a sample of Iranian students. Results In the analysis of exploratory factors in a sample of 300 students, six factors were discovered for flexibility and six for inflexibility (56.3% for boys and 43.7% for girls). In the analysis of confirmatory factors in a sample of 388 people, the results confirmed 60 items in a total of six flexibility and inflexibility factors. This value can be used as a good approximation of flexibility, inflexibility, second-order model, and final model. Cronbach’s alpha values of acceptance, present moment awareness [or contact with the present moment], self as context, cognitive defusing, values, committed action, total flexibility, experiential avoidance, lack of present-moment awareness, self as content, fusion, lack of contact with values, inaction, and total inflexibility were reported as 0.818, 0.869, 0.862, 0.904, 0.935, 0.935, 0.942, 0.895, 0.839, 0.883, 0.904, 0.912, 0.941, and 0.941, respectively.
Conclusions The Farsi version of the MPFI for university students thus has excellent psychometric properties and can be utilized as a reliable ACT assessment tool. Keywords Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Flexibility and Inflexibility, Hexaflex Model.
Characterization of oxidative stress-induced cgahp, a gene coding for alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, from industrial importance Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Si meiru , Hu mengdie , Yang Mingfei , Peng Zhaoxin , Li Donghan , Zhao yuying
Published: May 2023

Alkyl hydroperoxide reductase (Ahp), comprised of four different subunits AhpC, AhpD, AhpE, and AhpF, is a thiol-based antioxidative enzyme with the ability to protect bacteria against oxidative stress. Functionally, AhpC and AhpE considered as peroxidases directly detoxify peroxides, while AhpD and AhpF as oxidoreductases restore oxidized peroxidases to their reduced form. Corynebacterium glutamicum ncgl0877 encodes a putative Ahp with a unique Cys-Pro-Phe-Cys (C-P-G-C) active-site motif, similar with those of the thiol-disulfide oxidoreductases such as thioredoxin (Trx), mycoredoxin-1 (Mrx1) and AhpD. However, its physiological and biochemical functions remain unknown in C. glutamicum. Here, we report that NCgl0877, designated CgAhp, is involved in the protection against organic peroxide (OP) stress. The cgahp-deleted strain is notably more sensitive to OP stress. The cgahp expression is controlled by a MarR-type transcriptional repressor OasR (organic peroxide- and antibiotic-sensing regulator). The physiological role of CgAhp in resistance to OP stresses is corroborated by its induced expression under stresses. Although CgAhp has a weak peroxidase activity toward OP, it mainly supports the OP-scavenging activity of the thiol-dependent peroxidase preferentially linked to the dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (Lpd)/dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase (SucB)/NADH system. The C-P-G-C motif of CgAhp is essential to maintain the reductase activity. In conclusion, our study identifies CgAhp, behaving like AhpD, as a key disulfide oxidoreductase involved in the oxidative stress tolerance and the functional electron donor for peroxidase.
Predictive factors of survival in people with cystic fibrosis from a Spanish rare disease registry.
Authors: Rueda-Nieto Senay , Mondejar-Lopez Pedro , Mira-Escolano María-Pilar , Cutillas-Tolín Ana , Maceda-Roldán Luis-Alberto , Arense-Gonzalo Julián-Jesús , Palomar-Rodríguez Joaquín-A.
Published: May 2023

Background:Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common multisystem, chronic, and life-threatening rare disease in the Caucasian population. Progressive loss of lung function remains the leading cause of death. However, improvementsin prognosis and survival have caused CF to go from being a lethal disease in childhood to becoming an increasingly frequent pathology in adults. In Spain, the factors that influence survival have not been determined. The objective of the study is to analyse survival and determine the factors associated with it in people with CF from a region in southeastern Spain based on information from a rare disease registry.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in people with a confirmed diagnosis of CF up to December 31 2018, who were registered in the Rare Disease Information System of the Region of Murcia (SIERrm). The Kaplan‒Meier method and the log-rank test were used to estimate and compare survival curves. Predictors of survival were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model.
Results:Of the 192 patients registered in SIERrm with a confirmed diagnosis of CF, 39 patients died with a median age of 22 years (IQR: 15.0 - 33.0), of which 77% were classified within high-risk genotypes. The median survival age was 26.0 years (95% CI: 22.0 - 30.0),and the 10-year survival from diagnosis was 87.6%. In addition, high-risk genotype [HR: 5.8 (95% CI: 1.97 - 16.94)], pancreatic insufficiency [HR: 5.4 (95% CI: 1.24 - 23.48)], chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa [HR: 6.8 (95% CI: 1.21 - 38.54)], the development of CF-related liver disease [HR: 5.0 (95% CI: 1.61 - 15.61)] and bone anomalies [HR: 6.4 (95% CI: 1.91 - 21.61)] were associated with decreased survival (p<0.05).
Conclusions: In the Regionof Murcia, people with a high-risk genotype, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and the development of CF-related bone and liver complications predict a higher risk of dying or being transplanted and therefore a decrease in survival. The use of population registries is useful for estimating survival and showing the factors associated with it, which is important for planning care needs and implementing personalized medicine that influences these factors.
Recurrence monitoring using ctDNA in patients with metastasis of colorectal cancer: COSMOS- oligo study
Authors: Oki Eiji , Nakanishi Ryota , Ando Koji , Nambara Sho , Takemasa Ichiro , Watanabe Jun , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Kato Takeshi , Kagawa Yoshinori , Kotaka Masahito , Hirata Keiji , Sugiyama Masahiko , Kusumoto Tetsuya , Miyamoto Yuji , Toyosaki Kayo , Kishimoto Junji , Kimura Yasue , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Nakamura Yoshiaki
Published: May 2023

The best treatment strategy for resectable metastatic colorectal cancer is surgical resection of the metastatic site. However, approximately 60% of patients show recurrence after the resection of metastatic lesions, and some patients require aggressive perioperative chemotherapy. We initiated new trials to evaluate the clinical benefits of circulating tumor DNA analysis and refine precision adjuvant therapy for resectable metastatic colorectal cancer, named COSMOS-oligo trials, including two studies. The COSMOS-CRC03 study is a prospective observational study to monitor circulating tumor DNA in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who can undergo complete surgical resection. The AURORA trial is a randomized Phase II study designed to test whether postoperative mFOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab is superior to the standard therapy with FOLFOX6 for 6 months in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer if the circulating tumor DNA status is positive at week 4 after curative surgery in the COSMOS-CRC03 study. In these studies, only patients with resectable distant metastases of colorectal cancer will be included. The study will examine the negative predictive value of circulating tumor DNA for recurrence, whether stratification using 28-day postoperative circulating tumor DNA results can select a population with a good prognosis, and whether circulating tumor DNA testing every 12 weeks will detect recurrence earlier than diagnostic imaging. Further, the Phase II trial will determine whether intensive treatment of circulating tumor DNA-positive cases can reduce recurrence. Stage IV colorectal cancer has no standard perioperative treatment. We designed this study to stratify patients using circulating tumor DNA and determine the optimal treatment. COSMOS-CRC03(jRCT2072220055); AURORA trial(jRCT1071220087)
AI-based drone system for medical support in congested areas
Authors: Kumar Chandrashekhar , T. Muthumanickam
Published: May 2023

Serving the needs of human beings is much more important to us. So, considering how to service the product or provide medicinal support is also very important to reach the destination. While supported by the local field-side forces, it is going through delays and getting affected by the delays in medical treatment. Why this failure in medical support? To avoid this delay, I have come up with a trend in technology in real life to send things like oxygen to the nearby hospital and make it emergency support on an urgent basis. At the same time, we can look for college and industry, food, and grocery items that we can utilize for the same methods. We can make it using AI technology used in the drone system and so by using different scales of sensors and cameras for recognition for bill service for auto-detection and bill payment as well. Nowadays, most people try to use their outside food purchases quickly, so we can get it via air drone easily without delay. This process is unintentionally free and GPS-based, with an advantage system to track the location. And confirmation of customer detection can help to unlock the lock-unlock the drone's locked body, get material, and lock the door once service is received. If there is any unwanted attack, it will be updated with the tracking system. There is an anti-drone system used here. This activity can be avoided.
Fixed points of single and multivalued mappings in metric spaces with applications
Authors: Pant Rajendra , Khantwal Deepak
Published: May 2023

We present some new existence results for single and multivalued mappings in
metric spaces on very general settings. Some illustrative examples are presented to validate
our theorems. Finally, we discuss an application to the Volterra-type integral inclusions.
The COP9 signalosome reduces neuroinflammation and attenuates ischemic neuronal stress in organotypic brain slice culture model
Authors: Tian Yuan , Milic Jelena , Monasor Laura Sebastián , Chakraborty Rahul , Wang Sijia , Yuan Yue , Asare Yaw , Behrends Christian , Tahirovic Sabina , Bernhagen Jürgen
Published: May 2023

The constitutive photomorphogenesis 9 (COP9) signalosome (CSN) is a deNEDDylase controlling ubiquitination activity of cullin-RING-E3 ligases (CRLs) and thus the levels of key cellular proteins. While the CSN and its catalytic subunit CSN5 have been extensively studied in cancer, its role in inflammatory and neurological diseases is less understood. Following verification that CSN5 is expressed in mouse and human brain, here we studied the role of the CSN in neuroinflammation and ischemic neuronal damage employing models of relevant brain-resident cell types, an ex vivo organotypic brain slice culture model, and the CRL NEDDylation state-modifying drugs MLN4924 and CSN5i-3, which mimic and inhibit, respectively, CSN5 deNEDDylase activity. Unbiased mass spectrometry-based proteomics revealed that MLN4924 and CSN5i-3 substantially alter the microglial proteome, including inflammation-related proteins. Applying these drugs, mimicking microglial and endothelial inflammation as well as ischemic neuronal stress by TNF-α and oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD­/RO) treatment, we could link CSN5/CSN-mediated cullin deNEDDylation to reduction of microglial inflammation, attenuated cerebral endothelial inflammation, improved barrier integrity, as well as protection from ischemia stress-induced neuronal cell death. Specifically, MLN4924 reduced phagocytic activity, motility, and inflammatory cytokine expression of BV2 and primary microglial cells, and this was linked to inhibition of inflammation-induced NF-kB, MAPK, and Akt signaling. Inversely, Csn5 knockdown and CSN5i-3 increased NF-kB signaling. Moreover, MLN4924 abrogated TNF-a-induced NF-kB and MAPK signaling in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMECs) and rescued hCMEC monolayers from OGD/RO-triggered barrier leakage via restoring tight junctions, while CSN5i-3 exacerbated permeability. In an ex vivo organotypic brain slice model of ischemia/reperfusion stress, MLN4924 protected from neuronal death, while CSN5i-3 impaired neuronal survival. Neuronal damage was attributable to microglial activation and inflammatory cytokines, as indicated by microglial shape tracking and TNF-a-blocking experiments. Our results indicate a protective role of the CSN in neuroinflammation via several brain-resident cell types involved in ischemic brain disease and implicate CSN activity-mimicking deNEDDylating drugs as potential therapeutics.
Effect of the oxidation potential of shielding gas on Cr (VI) generation during Metal Inert/ Active Gas Welding (MIG/ MAG) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes
Authors: Vats Vishal , Melton Geoff , Islam Meez , Krishnan Venkatesan Venkata
Published: May 2023

In this work, the role played by shielding gases in welding environments on carcinogenic Cr(VI) fume formation, is assessed. Shielding gases are characterized by oxidation index (OI), which is a crucial parameter likely to influence Cr(VI) formation in arc welding. The study found that the behavior of shielding gases towards Cr(VI) production differs between Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Solid wire welding (MIG/ MAG), with the OI of the shielding gas playing a much more significant role for solid wire welding. The study also found that arc stability and ionization potential, induced by the choice of the shielding gas, influence the amount of Cr(VI) produced, as well. The use of a mixture of CO2 and O2 resulted in the least amount of Cr(VI) formation for the solid wire welding. In Flux cored wires (FCW) welding, the highest amount of Cr(VI) was observed when using Argon as the shielding gas due to the presence of Na and K in the wires, which promote the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The use of oxidizing shielding gases (higher values of OI) reduces the amount of Cr(VI) formation as Na and K react with oxygen to form their oxides, reducing the tendency to form chromates and dichromates, which are the most significant Cr(VI) containing compounds in the fumes. Inductive Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Ion Chromatography (IC) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used primarily to obtain these findings, coupled with statistical techniques such as Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient.
Effect of Life-space on Quality of life of Older Adult in Chinese Communities: the Chain Mediating Role of Social Support and Subjective Well-being
Authors: zhang LJ , Chen WJ , Hong X , Li GR , Wu HB
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVE To explore the factors influencing the quality of life of older adult by assessing their current life-space, and to examine the mechanisms mediating the effects of social support and Subjective Well-being on the quality of life in older adults’ life-space.METHODS This study surveyed 311 older adults with the Chinese version of the Life Space Assessment, Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74, Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness, and Social Support Scale.RESULTS The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed a two-way correlation between life-space, quality of life, social support, and Subjective Well-being in older adults (r = 1.141, 0.164, 0.294, 0.304,0.447, 0.597, P < 0.001), life-space significantly positively predicted the quality of life of older adults (β = 0.294, t = 5.399, P < 0.001); the analysis of mediating effects showed that social support and Subjective Well-being mediated the chain effect between life-space and quality of life in older adults.CONCLUSION In addition to having a direct impact on older individuals' quality of life, their life-space can also have an indirect impact through social support and Subjective Well-being.
A High-Efficiency Primary-Side Regulation Control Strategy for Half-Bridge LLC Resonant Converter with Wide Input Voltage Range
Authors: Dai Mian , Sun Daying , Wei Xinyu , Cong Lihui , Wang Chong
Published: May 2023

The requirement of the half-bridge LLC resonant converter with a wide input voltage range is becoming higher in photovoltaic applications because of its simple structure and low switching loss. Conventional frequency modulation (FM) requires a wide switching frequency range and a high-quality factor circuit design, leading to reduced efficiency and large component volumes at light loads. To solve the problems, a high-efficiency control strategy using adaptive pulse-width and frequency modulation (APWFM) is proposed. APWFM adjusts the gain by changing the switching frequency and duty cycle simultaneously. When the output power is below the reference value, the switching frequency decreases linearly as the output power decreases, and the duty cycle is simultaneously modulated to achieve constant output voltage, so the switching frequency variation range is smaller than FM. This results in improved light or medium load efficiency in a limited frequency range while keeping a small volume of magnetic components. Also, the proposed control strategy is realized with primary-side regulation (PSR) to eliminate the optocoupler and simplify the control circuit. Experimental results demonstrate a significant improvement in efficiency at medium and light loads compared to FM, and the average efficiency is improved by 5% based on low cost and simple operation.
First report on comparative assessment of real-time polymerase chain reaction to standard PCR and microscopy for detection of Babesia bigemina in cattle and buffaloes of North India.
Authors: Kaur Paramjit , Juyal Paryag Dutt , Sharma Amrita , Chachra Deepti , Mukhopadhyay Chander Sekhar , Singla Lachhman Das
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Detection efficacy of real-time PCR targeting 18s SSU ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of Babesia bigemina in comparison to standard PCR and classical microscopy was evaluated from the samples suspected to be positive for bovine babesiosis.
Materials & methods: Blood samples (n =95) suspected to be positive B. bigemina based on clinical signs and history of tick infestation were analyzed comparatively by three techniques. Real-time PCR was standardized targeting the 18s rRNA gene with the 10 fold serial dilutions in duplication of the given positive control (2x106 copy number) ranging from 106- 100 copy number/µL and mean Ct value of each dilution was taken to extrapolate the curve.
Results: Blood samples (n=95) analysis revealed 5.26, 22.10 and 51.58% to be positive by microscopy, standard PCR and real-time PCR, respectively. Samples positive by microscopy, PCR and real-time PCR were cut down in range of >106-104, 104-103, and 103-<10 copy number/ µL, respectively of 18s rRNA gene. The concordance of real-time PCR with conventional PCR and microscopy was moderate (Kappa= 0.523) and mild (Kappa= 0.09), respectively. Real-time PCR assay indicated cows to be at four times more at risk than buffaloes (Odds ratio:3.85, CI:1.4255 - 10.4370) for getting B. bigemina infection and also indicated as most important risk factor associated with the prevalence of babesiosis.
Conclusion: Results of this first report on comparative analysis indicated real-time PCR to be more perceptive than conventional PCR and microscopy. This needs further investigations on large random sample size to evaluate the factual depiction.
lncRNA: a promising target for cataracts
Authors: dong xiaoming , liu yuxuan , ji liyang , wang jing , zhang jisong
Published: May 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are nonprotein-coding transcripts containing >200 nucleotides. lncRNA was first considered the “noise” of genome transcription and had no biological function. With the deepening of research, lncRNA has been found to regulate gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and translation levels, thus affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, viability, immune response, and oxidative stress. More and more studies have shown that the expression and function of lncRNA are closely related to ophthalmic diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. This review summarized the classification and mechanism of known lncRNAs and the role of lncRNAs in eye diseases, especially in cataracts, and further clarified their mechanism.