bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of adoptive immunotherapy for the treatment of herpesvirus infection
Authors:   National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Obninsk, Russian Federation, Gelm Yu.V. , Pasova I.A. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Obninsk, Russian Federation, Grivtsova L.Yu. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Obninsk, Russian Federation, Ivanenko K.V. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Obninsk, Russian Federation, Petrov V.A. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Obninsk, Russian Federation,   Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy, National Research Nuclear University "MEPhI", Obninsk, Russian Federation, Ivanov S.A. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Obninsk, Russian Federation,   Рeoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation, Kaprin A.D. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre, Obninsk, Russian Federation,   Рeoples Friendship University of Russia (RUDN), Moscow, Russian Federation,   P.А.Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: March 2024

Given the ability of the herpes simplex virus to persist for a long time, leading to a decrease in the specific immune response, the treatment of cancer patients with concomitant herpesvirus infection (HVI) is a difficult task. In the 1980s, progress was made in the study of HVI related to the development of the first drug from the group of acyclic nucleosides. Usually, the treatment of HVI includes antiviral agents, analgesics, antipyretics, local drugs with antiviral components and anesthetics. However, wellknown treatment for the disease does not provide complete elimination of the virus, and often after drug withdrawal, the symptoms occur, which causes problems in providing the medical care. Thus, the search for new ways to treat HVI, including in patients with a cancer, is relevant and necessary. The article describes the method for treating patients with HVI using in vitro activated autologous lymphocytes. Six clinical cases of successful treatment of genital herpes infection in patients were considered. Two patients had cancer, in the first case – cervical cancer, in the second – anal cancer. The conducted study allows to conclude that the uing of the method of adoptive immunotherapy for the treatment of patients with HVI improves the quality of life of the patient, induces the high immune response, which manifests itself in the duration of the relapse-free period from 8 to 45 months. Key words: adoptive immunotherapy, autologous lymphocytes, herpes virus infection, cancer patient
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 16.03.2024 г. по 22.03.2024 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриве Людмила , Чумачкова Елена , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: March 2024

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 16.03.2024 г. по 22.03.2024 г.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Activities of Religious Associations and Control Over Them
Authors: Popova S. S.
Published: March 2024

Objective: to identify gaps and formulate proposals on legal regulation of the use of artificial intelligence in the activities of religious associations and control (supervision) over them.

Methods: the study is based on sectoral and risk-oriented approaches, formal-logical and comparative general scientific methods, as well as on the method of legal forecasting.

Results: the author noted similarity of ethical principles formulated all over the world in the sphere of artificial intelligence development and application, as well as their general shortcomings, namely, the lacking consideration of the specificity in certain spheres of human life (religious sphere), cultural peculiarities, historical development of a country and people. The shortcomings of principles stipulated by the codes of ethics include their recommendatory nature, which creates a basis for abusing them in certain cases. The author proposes that if control and supervisory authorities caused harm while using artificial intelligence, the relevant public authority should be recognized as liable and obliged to compensate for the harm caused.

Scientific novelty: the paper summarizes the practice of religious associations using AI, formulates current and prospective directions of the use of artificial intelligence by religious associations, and makes proposals for the AI use in controlling (supervising) religious associations’ activities.

Practical significance: the main conclusions and proposals can be used for the improvement of legislation on religious associations’ activities and control (supervision) over them, as well as for developing legal regulation of the AI use in control and supervision activities. The author identified the possibilities for religious associations using AI to popularize religion, inform about their activities, manage property, analyze sacred texts to improve their understanding and interpretation, as well as for conducting scientific research, systematization and accumulation of information, preservation of cultural heritage, and educational activities. The use of artificial intelligence in controlling the religious associations’ activities can reduce the period of religious organizations’ registration and inspections and optimize the work of control bodies, including by monitoring the religious situation.
Personal Data in Artificial Intelligence Systems: Natural Language Processing Technology
Authors: Ilin I. G.
Published: March 2024

Objective: to conceptualize, from the viewpoint of personal data protection legislation, the development of natural language processing technology, identifying possible legal barriers to such development and directions for further research of the issue.

Methods: the research is based on general scientific methods of cognition, along with which formal-legal and comparative-legal methods were applied, as well as the method of theoretical modeling.

Results: it was found that the observance of personal data regime natural language processing in the development of natural language processing technology leads technology, to a conflict between private-legal and public-legal interests, which, personal data in turn, creates obstacles for further development of this technology. The shortcomings of the existing legal order are shown, namely, the insufficient correspondence to the technical features of technology development. This may lead to the risks of excessive regulation, or, on the contrary, to the risks of neglecting critical areas that require protection. Problems in qualifying the data involved in the technology development are outlined. An attempt is made to define the limits of ensuring the lawfulness of personal data processing within the natural language processing technology. The material, temporal and territorial effect of the legal regulation in this field is identified as the limits of ensuring the legality. The author touches upon the possibility of using personal data as a consideration, which is important for the development of natural language processing technology and for the improvement of the information and communication technology industry.

Scientific novelty: the paper supplements the scientific discussion on the legal regulation of personal data processing by artificial intelligence systems with an analysis of natural language processing technology. The latter is insufficiently studied, making it relevant to research information law, namely, the legal relations arising around artificial intelligence systems, and to assess the impact of a personal data regime on the development of natural language processing technology.

Practical relevance: the applied aspects of the problems researched and the results obtained can be used to improve the legal regulation of public relations in the field of creation and development of artificial intelligence, as well as to identify and assess the legal risks arising in the personal data processing by developers of digital products based on natural language processing technology.
An Immune Microenvironment-Associated Gene Signature Predicts Outcomes and Therapeutic Response in Pediatric Medulloblastoma
Authors: Han DongMing , Jia Zetian , Wang Ziwei , Chen Xuan , Yang Zhengtao , Zou Wanjing , Liu Raynald , Jiang Yifei , Jin Xin , Hu Yuhua , Qiu Xiaoguang , Li Chunde , Liu Hailong , Li Shuaicheng , Li Jiankang , Jiang Tao
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a pivotal factor in the progression and treatment response of cancers, including medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant brain tumor in children. This study investigates TME-specific gene signatures to create a prognostic model for MB patient outcomes.
Methods: We sequenced 240 MB patient samples at Beijing Tiantan Hospital with RNASeq and analyzed TME components. Through co-expression network analysis and regression models, we identified an eight-gene signature that correlated with TME elements. This signature was tested against an independent dataset (GSE85217) for validation.
Results: Our study presents the TME-associated risk score (TMErisk), which incorporates the eight-gene (CEBPB, OLFML2B, GGTA1, GZMA, TCIM, OLFML3, NAT1, and CD1C) signature. Higher TMErisk scores were associated with decreased overall survival and lower immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint activity, and human leukocyte antigen expression. There was also a notable negative correlation between TMErisk scores and both TMB and IPS, varying across MB molecular subtypes. Moreover, the TME-risk was inversely related to the tumor mRNAsi, implying the influence of the TME on tumor stemness.
Conclusions:Our findings identify a TME-specific eight-gene prognostic model that may serve as a predictive biomarker for MB patient outcomes and responses to immunotherapy. This gene signature model offers a supplementary tool to current WHO molecular subtypes and provides a potential target for future TME-focused MB treatment strategies. However, the distinct TME landscapes across MB subtypes pose new challenges for further research.
Keywords: gene signature, immune cells, medulloblastoma, tumor microenvironment, prognostic model, tumor, stromal cells
A Multistage, Multiarmed, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Human Transdermal Vitamin D Supplement Study (TransVitD)
Authors: Hibbard Thomas , Andriollo Paolo , Lim Chui Hua , Guo Qing , Lawrence Karl , Coker Bolaji , Malek Rayka , Douiri Abdel , Alhnan Mohamed A , Jones Stuart
Published: March 2024

Background: Life-style changes have meant that it is problematic to maintain adequate vitamin D concentrations in many people across the globe. Given that it's mainly generated by UV-catalysed production in the skin where it uses vitamin D binding protein to facilitate systemic absorption., it is questionable if oral administration of this vitamin is the optimal means to replace it. However, supplementing this oil-soluble vitamin is problematic as it gets stuck in the stratum corneum after topical application. This clinical study will test the ability of a new vitamin D ester, vitamin D phosphate, which is more water-soluble compared to vitamin D, can be administered via a transdermal patch to improve vitamin D status.
Method: This is a two-part study comprising a dose-escalation with the vitamin D phosphate transdermal patch followed by a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-armed, multi-stage clinical trial. It is a single-centred, 12-week study that will enrol a maximum of 100 participants. The blinded, randomised trial will test different dose frequencies for four weeks compared to a placebo, then after an interim analysis, the best dosing frequency will be assessed against a placebo. The dose escalation study will monitor safety and tolerability using serum calcium levels. The primary outcome for the multi-stage clinical study will be the concentration of 25(OH)D3 in the serum (ng/mL) at weeks 4 and 8 compared to baseline. The secondary outcome measures include serum vitamin D binding protein levels, skin interstitial fluid biomarker concentrations, and nail appearance after 4 and 8 weeks compared to baseline.
Discussion: This study will determine if a vitamin D phosphate transdermal patch can improve vitamin D status. In addition, it could provide a better understanding of how vitamin D is absorbed after application directly to the skin by measuring the serum vitamin D binding protein and skin biomarker responses to transdermal supplementation.
Trial Registration: Clinical Trials .gov NCT06098846, registered on 23rd October 2023
Intensive short-term sampling with long-term consequences: characterizing pollutant transport with implications for developing monitoring
Authors: Anderson Elliot , Schilling Keith
Published: March 2024

Riverine sampling of pollutants is commonly used to understand pollutants’ transport pathways, relationships with hydrology, and overall presence in a waterbody. However, gaps between sample collection introduce errors to these efforts, and guidance prescribing sampling frequency remains sparse. The magnitude of error often depends on the type of contaminant and watershed size, making the creation of comprehensive sampling guidance difficult. This study analyzed a unique dataset that measured 18 analytes, including pesticides, nutrients, and pathogens, in three Iowa rivers for 90 consecutive days (May 4 – August 1, 2000). This dataset provided a novel opportunity to relate pollutants to local hydrology and quantify errors associated with recurring sampling.
Pesticide concentrations followed the spring flush phenomenon, where values were greatest during high streamflow in May and June but often depleted by July. Fecal coliform and total phosphorus (TP) also coincided with high flow, but unlike pesticides, their concentrations never diminished. Nitrate exhibited more complex behavior; concentrations were diluted during high flows and then increased as streamflow receded. Autocorrelations were significant for nitrate and atrazine in larger rivers but negligible for fecal coliform and TP.
Loads were calculated for four pollutants with minimal non-detects (atrazine, fecal coliform, nitrate, and TP). We simulated intermittent sampling by selecting evenly spaced subsets of measured values to estimate loads, which were compared to the actual loads to quantify error. This method typically overestimated nitrate loads but underestimated other pollutants, and errors often decreased in larger watersheds. Nitrate generally had the lowest error, while fecal coliform had the highest. We used these results to approximate the sampling frequency needed to bind errors within a certain threshold.
Comparative analysis of electrical conductivity of groundwater from Hand-dug wells and Boreholes in Bida, Nigeria
Authors: Temaugee Samuel Terungwa , Kudu Hauwa Mohammed , Daniel Theresa Avusuahi , Umar Abubakar , Akano Benedict Ubawuike , Lasisi Akangbe Ramoni , Dania Clement Majebi , Arzika Yusuf Koko , Dangana Abubakar Idris , Abdullahi Mohammed
Published: March 2024

The human body is composed of three-quarters of water, emphasizing the significant influence of water quality on our health. Consequently, it is essential to assess water quality in each lithologically distinct region. This research aimed to assess the Electrical Conductivity (σ) of water from Hand-dug Wells and Boreholes in Bida. A total of 40 samples, 20 from each source, were collected from key locations within Bida town. Analysis of the samples was performed using the Jenway DDS-307 conductivity meter, a versatile digital device adaptable to temperature changes through a probe. The mean values for Hand-dug Wells ranged from (260.00 ± 8.02) - (1335.67 ± 40.60) μS.cm−1. Borehole mean σ values varied from (33.53±0.67) - (1485.33±7.37) μS.cm−1. Among the 40 sampled Wells, nine (9) exceeded the benchmark, while six (6) approached the benchmark of 1000 μS.cm−1 specified by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for drinking water. Consequently, in terms of σ as a drinking water standard, this study recommends that 15 sources (both Hand-dug and Boreholes) are unsuitable for drinking but may be utilized for other purposes. The study also suggests further investigation of physico-chemical parameters and radionuclide concentration of groundwater in Bida town.
Fast-Food Consumption Intention among High School Students in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Ariful , Khatun Shanzida , Begum Taslima , Khatun Fahima
Published: March 2024

Background: Intention to Fast Food Consumption among children and adolescents has been recognized as a serious health concerns globally.
Objective: The objective of the study was to identify factors influencing student’s intentions toward fast food consumption.
Methods: A correlational study was conducted using a convenience sampling technique. Participants included high school students in grades 9th to 10th from two selected schools. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
Results: The average age of the students was 15.32 years. The intention to consume fast food was negatively correlated with the students' age (r=-.281, p<.001) and female students had a higher intention to consume fast food (t =-5.386, p<.001). The results showed a statistically significant relationship that the higher scores of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control were positively correlated with higher intention to fast food consumption (p<.05) respectively. Further analysis showed that attitude and perceived behavioral control were the significant predictors of intention to consume fast food (ꞵ=.296, p<.001), and (ꞵ=.478, p<.001) together explained 42% of the variance in the intention to consume fast food among students.
Conclusion: The findings of this study provide baseline information for policymakers to develop strategies following effective health education programs to raise awareness of attitudes among students. Further studies should examine the constructive ways of changing attitudes and reasonable alternatives to alter perceived behavioral control regarding the intention to fast food consumption.
Process Development of Fibre-Cement Flat Sheets by Young and Mature Coconut Fibres Replaced Asbestos for Eco-Friendly Products
Authors: Khamput Prachoom , Klathae Tawich , Choosakul Chookiat , Dueramae Saofee
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the young and mature coconut fibres as asbestos replacement in fibre- cement flat sheet. The ratio of fibre content was ranged from 5–9.5% with an increment of 0.5% by weight of binder. Moreover, crushed rock dust (CRD) was also utilized in this study at ratio of 50% as sand replacement. The results showed that the addition of young coconut fibre (YCF) and mature coconut fibre (MCF) in flat sheet increased with the decreasing of bulk density and thermal conductivity. The optimum fibre content was used at 6.5-7% by weight of binder for two types of fibre with the highest flexural strength of 12–13 MPa. Especially, the modulus of rupture and density of fibre- cement flat sheet used YCF were higher than that of fibre- cement flat sheet used MCF, which is clarified by SEM results due to denser structure of MCF. Moreover, the modulus of rupture was directly proportional to the modulus of elasticity in fibre- cement flat sheet.
The prognostic and immune significance of SLAMF9 in pan-cancer and validation of its role in colorectal cancer
Authors: zhao chunmei , zhu xingjia , dong qingyu , sun jing , Sun Baolan , Wang Guihua , wang xudong
Published: March 2024

SLAMF9 is a member of the family of conserved lymphocyte activation molecules (SLAMF), Unlike other SLAMs, which have been extensively studied, investigations on SLAMF9 have primarily concentrated on an individual or limited number of types of cancers, but without systematic investigation across different cancer types. Through systematic pan-cancer analysis, we demonstrated that SLAMF9 expression was increased in a variety of tumor tissues, and that overexpression of this protein may lower patient survival in the majority of malignancies. Furthermore, as per the correlation analysis the expression of SLAMF9 was strongly correlated with the expression of numerous immune cell infiltrates, immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor mutation load, and microsatellite instability. More importantly, the expression of SLAMF9 is highly correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) score. Additionally, it was demonstrated through cell-based research that SLAMF9 knockdown may lessen the proliferative activity, cell motility, and invasion potential of CRC cells. A nude mouse xenograft model showed that suppressing of SLAMF9 expression could considerably slow tumor growth. Therefore, the results of this study indicated that SLAMF9 can be exploited as a potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarker of tumors and it may have a substantial role in the proliferation as well as migration of CRC cells.
4-furanylvinylquinoline derivative as a new scaffold for the design of oxidative stress initiator and glucose transporters inhibitor drugs
Authors: Kuczak Michał , Cieślik Wioleta , Musioł Robert , Mrozek-Wilczkiewicz Anna
Published: March 2024

In the present work, a detailed analysis of the effect of a substitution at the C4 position of the quinoline ring and substituents on the structure-antitumour activity relationship was conducted. After analysing a library of derivatives from the styrylquinoline and furanylvinylquinoline groups, we selected the most active (IC50 below 100 nM) derivative 13 that contained the strongly electron-withdrawing nitro group in the furan substituent. The mechanism of action of this compound has been studied on cell lines that differ in their p53 protein status. For this derivative, both cell cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis were revealed. These studies were then confirmed by other methods at the gene and protein levels. Interestingly, we observed differences in the mechanism of action depending on the presence and mutation of the p53 protein, thus confirming its key role in the cellular processes. Incubation with derivative 13 resulted in the induction of oxidative stress and triggered a cascade of cellular defence proteins that failed in the face of such an active compound. In addition, the results showed an inhibition of the glucose transporter, which is extremely important in the context of anti-cancer activity.
Static magnetic field-induced IL-6 secretion in periodontal ligament stem cells accelerates orthodontic tooth movement
Authors: Luo Shitong , Li Zhilian , Liu Lizhiyi , zhao Juan , ge Wenbing , Zhang kun , Zhou Zhi , Liu Yali
Published: March 2024

Static magnetic field (SMF) promoting bone tissue remodeling is a potential non-invasive therapy technique to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), which are mechanosensitive cells, are essential for force-induced bone remodeling and OTM. However, whether and how the PDLSCs influence the process of inflammatory bone remodeling under mechanical force stimuli in the presence of SMFs remains unclear. In this study, we found that local SMF stimulation significantly enhanced the OTM distance and induced osteoclastogenesis on the compression side of a rat model of OTM. Further experiments with macrophages cultured with supernatants from force-loaded PDLSCs exposed to an SMF showed enhanced osteoclast formation. RNA-seq analysis showed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) was expressed at the highest level in force-loaded PDLSCs exposed to SMFs. IL-6 expression was also elevated on the pressure side of a rat OTM model with an SMF. The OTM distance induced by an SMF was significantly decreased after injection of the IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab. These results imply that SMF promotes osteoclastogenesis by inducing force-loaded PDLSCs to secrete the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, which accelerates OTM. This will help to reveal the mechanism of SMF accelerates tooth movement and should be evaluated for application in periodontitis patients.
Identification of anticancer enzymes and biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma through constraint-based modeling
Authors: Wang Feng-Sheng , Zhang Hao-Xiang
Published: March 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results in the abnormal regulation of cellular metabolic pathways. Constraint-based modeling approaches can be utilized to dissect metabolic reprogramming, enabling the identification of biomarkers and anticancer targets for diagnosis and treatment. In this study, two genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) were reconstructed by employing RNA-sequence expressions of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their healthy counterparts. An anticancer target discovery (ACTD) framework was integrated with the two models to identify HCC targets for anticancer treatment. The ACTD framework encompassed four fuzzy objectives to assess both the suppression of cancer cell growth and the minimization of side effects during treatment. Ten different nutrient media were employed for nutrient uptake in the ACTD framework to identify corresponding anticancer enzymes. The results indicated that target enzymes in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway were successfully identified in a cholesterol-free cell culture medium. Additionally, the enzymes PGS1 and CRL1 were identified across the ten-nutrient media. Furthermore, the ACTD framework encompasses two-group representations of target combinations involving the pairing of a single-target enzyme with an additional nutrient uptake reaction. Computational results revealed that the cell viability for all two-target combinations surpassed those for their corresponding one-target enzymes. Thus, combining a target enzyme while modulating an additional exchange reaction can effectively reduce the rates of cell proliferation and ATP generation in treated cancer cells. However, most two-target combinations result in enhanced side effects compared with their corresponding single-target enzymes. Furthermore, differential expressions of metabolites between cancer cells and their healthy counterparts were evaluated through parsimonious flux variability analysis using the GSMMs to identify potential biomarkers. The variabilities of fluxes and metabolite flow rates in cancer and healthy cells were classified into seven categories. Accordingly, two secretions and thirteen uptakes (including eight essential amino acids and two conditionally essential amino acids) were identified as potential biomarkers. The findings of this study indicated that cancer cells exhibit a higher uptake of amino acids compared with their healthy counterparts.
Phase angle and its determinants among adolescents: influence of body composition and physical fitness level
Authors: Ferreira Giovana O. C. , Ferrari Gerson , Langer Raquel D. , Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Gomez-Campos Rossana , Lázari Evandro , Moraes Anderson M.
Published: March 2024

Objective
To examine the association between levels of physical fitness, parameters of body composition and phase angle amongst adolescents.
Methods
A total of 152 adolescents (84 girls) aged 11–16 years were included in this study. Flexibility, abdominal strength, upper and lower limb strength, agility, speed and cardiorespiratory fitness were analysed. Generalized Linear Models were applied to verify significant differences across sexes. Stepwise linear regression was used to establish an association between the variables studied.
Results
The study established a significant association between PhA and weight, FFM, BMI, FM, %FM and medicine ball throw (MBT) for girls. As for the boys, a significant association was verified between PhA and weight, FFM, BMI, standing long jump (SLJ), MBT and the three allometric VO2peak variables analyzed. A negative association was found between PhA and the boys’ square agility test (SAT) and 20-m shuttle run test (20SRT).
Conclusion
Boys showed a greater phase angle than girls; In girls, BMI and %FM, were determinant of 32.4% (r = 0.57). PhA variability which is influenced by physical fitness, body composition and, therefore, the tissues electrical conductivity. Furthermore, boys’ height, FFM, upper limb strength, and agility account for 58.4% (r = 0.76) PhA variability. There was a positive correlation between the physical fitness tests and the PhA.
The composition and diversity of soil microbial community were changed by introducing Phallus impudicus into a Gastrodia elata Bl.-based soil
Authors: Wang Yanhong , Xu Jiao , Yuan Qingsong , Guo Lanping , Zheng Gang , Xiao Chenghong , Yang Changgui , Jiang Weike , Zhou Tao
Published: March 2024

Background
The Gastrodia elata Bl. has an ancestral and historical usage in traditional Chinese medicine to treat headache. Being as Orchid, its growth and cultivation demand the species from Armillaria, e.g. Armillaria gallica, or Armillaria mellea etc. The strong competitiveness of Armillaria members has always been a concern of major threat to other soil organisms, thus disrupt the equilibrium of soil biodiversity. A rotation management by introducing other object could possibly alleviate the problems associated with that; however, the underlying mechanisms and their impact on the soil microbial community remains unclear.
Results
This study aimed to characterize the microbial groups associated with soil biochemical properties responding to different cultivation objects, i.e. G. elata and Phallus impudicus. To assess the composition and diversity of soil microorganisms, we performed the 16 S rRNA and ITS rRNA amplicons analysis of samples collected from soil adhering to the G. elata and P. impudicus. Biochemical properties of soil samples were also measured. The results revealed the composition and diversity of soil microbial community were changed by cultivations of G. elata and P. impudicus. Besides that, the cultivation of G. elata induced significant increases in soil pH and NO3−-N content compared with fallow land. Whereas, subsequent cultivation of P. impudicus reversed the G. elata-induced decreases in soil pH and nutrient levels, which were coincidence with the changes of relative abundances of several potentially beneficial genera. The results of CCA and heatmap also confirmed that the soil microbial community had strong correlations with soil pH and available nutrient.
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that the cultivation of P. impudicus might have potential benefits as result of affecting soil microorganisms through changes in soil nutrient profile.
Associations between Polypharmacy and Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional and Prospective Study in Wuhan, Hubei Province
Authors: FENG DA , Ge Handa , Wang Jia , Zou Jian , Liu Yuxin , Chen Chaoyi , Zheng Zehao , Cao Yan , Huang Rui , Sun Yangfan , Zhong Qiao , Feng Zhanchun
Published: March 2024

Background: Exploring the relationship between polypharmacy behaviors and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic diseases is crucial for public health. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between polypharmacy behaviors and depression in patients with chronic diseases.
Methods: A cluster sampling survey of patients with chronic diseases was initially conducted in March-April 2019 in 8 administrative districts of Wuhan. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D10). To reduce confounding bias, the propensity score weighting method was applied, then a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to test the relationship between polypharmacy behaviors and depressive symptoms.
Results: Inpatients with polypharmacy behaviors exhibited a higher risk of depressive symptoms (OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.17-2.16) compared to individuals without polypharmacy behaviors. In addition, higher education level (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.30-0.87),physical exercise (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.34-0.76) and usage of Chinese medicine for treatment were associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. It also has been found that depression was linked to hypertension (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.00-2.17), poor (OR=5.15, 95%CI: 3.43-7.84) and fair (OR=2.48, 95%CI: 1.61-3.86) self-rated health status, as well as have more chronic diseases (OR=1.27, 95%CI: 1.11-1.47).
Conclusion: The occurrence of polypharmacy behaviors was significantly related to the patient's depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the patient's health information and educational level were related to depression. For chronic diseases patients who have poor mental health, interventions should be taken to reduce their inappropriate polypharmacy behaviors.
GIV Modulation of Microglial Activation in Ischemic Stroke: Impact of FTO- Mediated m6A Modification
Authors: Xie Peng , Xia Mingyan , Long Tingting , Guo Dongfen , Cao Wenpeng , Sun Ping , Yu Wenfeng
Published: March 2024

Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of death in the world. The lack of effective pharmacological treatments for ischemic stroke is primarily due to a lack of understanding of its pathogenesis. Gα-Interacting vesicle-associated protein (GIV) is a multimodular signal transducer and guanine nucleotide exchange factor that controls important signaling downstream of multiple receptors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of GIV in ischemic stroke. In the present study, we found that GIV is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). However, GIV protein levels decreased, while GIV transcript level was increased in the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Additionally, GIV was insensitive LPS exposure. Additionally, we found that GIV overexpression dramatically restrained microglial activation, inflammatory response and M1 polarization in BV2 microglia induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). On the contrary, GIV knockdown had the opposite impact. Mechanistically, we found that GIV activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by interacting with DVL2. Notably, FTO decreased the m6A modification-mediated increase of GIV expression and attenuated the inflammatory response in BV2 stimulated by OGD/R. Taken together, our results demonstrate that GIV inhibited the inflammatory response via activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway which expression regulated in an FTO-mediated m6A modification in IS. These results broaden our understanding of the role of the FTO-GIV axis in IS development.
Human pancreatic islet-derived stromal cells reveal combined features of mesenchymal stromal cells and pancreatic stellate cells
Authors: Ebrahim Nour , Kondratyev Nikolay , Artyuhov Alexander , Timofeev Alexei , Gurskaya Nadya , Andrianov Aleksey , Izrailov Roman , Volchkov Egor , Dyuzheva Tatyana , Kopantseva Elena , Kiseleva Ekaterina , Golimbet Vera , Dashinimaev Erdem
Published: March 2024

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) show great potential in the field of regenerative medicine due to their multipotent differentiation capabilities and immunomodulatory properties. However, the characterization and classification of MSCs, particularly those derived from the pancreas, remains challenging, leading to a proliferation of terminology in the literature. Here, we present a comprehensive study elucidating the successful isolation of human pancreas-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hPD-MSCs) from pancreatic tissue, their immortalization using lentiviral transduction of hTERT, and the maintenance of characteristic spindle-shaped morphology over extended passages. Flow cytometry analysis confirms the expression of classical MSC markers CD90, CD73, CD105, and CD44, along with CD106 (VCAM-1), indicative of immunomodulatory potential. Moreover, hPD-MSCs exhibit multilineage differentiation capacity into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Transcriptomic analysis reveals distinct gene expression profiles, highlighting similarities to pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and identifying specific genes that characterize hPD-MSCs in comparison with mesenchymal cells of different origins. Notably, among these genes, hPD-MSCs exhibit differential expression in genes associated with pancreatic function, such as ISL1, and neural development (for example, NPTX1 and ZNF804A). The analysis also reveals a gene with an unknown function (ENSG00000286190). Our findings contribute to the understanding of hPD-MSCs and their potential in regenerative medicine, particularly in pancreatic pathology.
Congruent evaporation of borosilicate glass strengthening silica fiber
Authors: Eronyan M. A. , Kulesh A. Yu. , Tsibinogina M. K. , Glita D. V. , Untilov A. A. , Sitnikova V. E. , Dukelskiy K. V. , Zlobin P. A. , Meshkovskiy I. K.
Published: March 2024

The work aims to study the evaporation process of borosilicate glass used for strengthening of silica fiber light guides. The composition of glass after high-temperature treatment was determined based on refractive index measurement. It was found that at temperature 2100 oC two-component SiO2-B2O3 glass vaporizes without changing its composition at a boron oxide content of ≈ 4 mol% in both oxygen and nitrogen atmospheres. The IR absorption spectra of borosilicate glass indicate the absence of boroxol rings of B2O3, which can explain the low partial pressure of its vapors compared to the ideal melt state. It is experimentally shown that the content of only 1 mol % B2O3 in the outer cladding of silica fiber increases its strength by 10% when the drawing temperature is reduced to 1900°C. Such a small addition of boron oxide to silica glass decreases its viscosity, ensuring the occurrence of compressive stresses in the borosilicate cladding.
Fabrication and Analysis of Surface Patterned Regular Porous Silicone Films
Authors: Rehman Hafiz Sami ur , Manzoor Tareq , Islam Ghalib ul , Anwer Tauseef , Manzoor Habibullah , Cristiano Carlomagno
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we present fabrication and characterization of surface patterned regular porous silicones using the breath figure arrays (BFAs) method with a controlled pore size. The purpose of this study is to develop the regular porous surface patterned films with high consistency silicone elastomers MED-4035 and MED-4080 that could be potentially used for various applications like filtration and separation, energy storage and thermal insulation. The influence of process parameters on morphology of BFAs was studied. The study was carried out at various conditions to achieve the optimized porous regular films. The structure of obtained films characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy that revealed the surface feature of films like pore regularity, pores geometry and pores size distribution. The geometrical features of films are analyzed and regularity of the films has been evaluated.
Persistent umbilical cord cysts and pregnancy outcome: a ten-year retrospective study in a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Yang Linyi , Zhou Shu , Ruan Jie
Published: March 2024

Background Umbilical cord cysts represent the second most common anomalies of the umbilical cord structure, although they seldom persist in the second and third trimesters. The majority of these cysts exhibit a favorable prognosis when fetal chromosomal abnormalities are ruled out; however, a small subset has been associated with acute fetal distress or demise due to compression of the umbilical vessels.
Methods A retrospective review was conducted on pregnant women who delivered at our centre in the past decade and were prenatally diagnosed with umbilical cord cysts. Information on pathological results, prenatal sonographic findings, maternal demographics, and perinatal outcomes was extracted from the medical records. Follow-up assessments for surviving children involved phone interviews to collect data on language and motor development, as well as any developmental complications.
Results 24 hospitalized patients were identified with umbilical cord cysts on postnatal examination. Two of these cases involved combined fetal chromosome abnormalities or severe fetal structural anomalies, leading to an overall poor prognosis. Intrauterine death occurred in two cases, and the remaining 22 fetuses had a preterm birth rate of 31.8%, with two instances of fetal distress and three cases of combined small-for-gestational-age infants. Caesarean section was the predominant mode of delivery.
Conclusion This study represents the largest investigations into persistent umbilical cord cysts. Cysts persisting into the second and third trimesters may cause local complications, increasing the risk of fetal distress and demise. Currently, there are no validated indicators to predict adverse intrauterine events in umbilical cord cysts. Physicians, in cases of particular concern, may discuss the need for and feasibility of intrauterine therapy with patients. Aspiration of cyst fluid may not provide complete relief and could be more suitable for women desiring vaginal delivery to reduce cyst volume before delivery. For those wishing to continue the pregnancy, umbilical cord cyst ostomy may be considered as another option for intrauterine treatment.
Functional Redundancy in Candida auris Cell Surface Adhesins Crucial for Cell-Cell Interaction and Aggregation
Authors: Jabra-Rizk Mary Ann , Wang Tristan , Sofras Dimitrios , Montelongo-Jauregui Daniel , Paiva Telmo , Carolus Hans , Dufrene Yves , Alfaifi Areej , McCracken Carrie , Bruno Vincent , Dijck Patrick Van
Published: March 2024

Candida auris is an emerging nosocomial fungal pathogen associated with life-threatening invasive disease due to its persistent colonization, high level of transmissibility and multi-drug resistance. Aggregative and non-aggregative growth phenotypes for C. auris strains with different biofilm forming abilities, drug susceptibilities and virulence characteristics have been described. Using comprehensive transcriptional analysis we identified key cell surface adhesins that were highly upregulated in the aggregative phenotype during in vitro and in vivo grown biofilms using a mouse model of catheter infection. Phenotypic and functional evaluations of generated null mutants demonstrated crucial roles for the adhesins Als5 and Scf1 in mediating cell-cell adherence, coaggregation and biofilm formation. While individual mutants were largely non-aggregative, in combination cells were able to co-adhere and aggregate, as directly demonstrated by measuring cell adhesion forces using single-cell atomic force spectroscopy. This co-adherence indicates their role as complementary adhesins, which despite their limited similarity, may function redundantly to promote cell-cell interaction and biofilm formation. Functional diversity of cell wall proteins may be a form of regulation that provides the aggregative phenotype of C. auris with flexibility and rapid adaptation to the environment, potentially impacting persistence and virulence.
Do special economic zones help the diversification of African economies?
Authors: MASSIL JOSEPH KENECK , ERIC TAMNO TEKAM JACQUES
Published: March 2024

This paper analyses the effect of special economic zones (SEZs) on economic diversification using a sample of 45 African countries over the period 1996–2021. After constructing the SEZ variable by means of a literature search and using Bayesian analysis to select the relevant determinants of diversification and the entropy balance method to assess the impact, we established that countries that have adopted SEZs notice an improvement in their level of economic diversification compared to those that have not, all other things being equal. This result remains valid when controlling for a range of economic, geographic, socio-cultural and institutional variables. The results are robust with various alternative measures of SEZs, the use of alternative estimation methods and sample heterogeneity by geographic region. Financial development, technological development and labour force are the main channels through which SEZ adoption increases economic diversification in African countries.
Granulomatous hypophysitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Hao , Guo Junxiao , Wei Xingrong , Zeng Defeng , Wang Xiaolu , Zhang Chenggong , Zhang Shuguang , Wei Zhenqing
Published: March 2024

Granulomatous hypophysitis (GRH) is an extremely rare inflammatory disease of the pituitary. GRH commonly presents with nonspecific clinical and radiological patterns and is commonly misdiagnosed as pituitary adenoma—a 48-year-old male patient presented with a one-week history of headache, dizziness, and blurred vision. An MRI scan confirmed the diagnosis of pituitary adenoma, and further evaluation revealed decreased levels of thyrotropin, indicating pituitary dysfunction. The patient underwent transnasal sella resection, during which inflammatory hyperplastic tissue was identified. Post-surgery, the patient received glucocorticoid shock therapy, resulting in significant relief of symptoms. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of a patient diagnosed with granulomatous pituitaritis through operation and pathology. We discussed the patient's clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, and treatment methods by incorporating relevant literature from both domestic and international sources.
Splenic cyst deroofing complicated with B lymphoma
Authors: De Quirós Mercedes Bernaldo , Jiménez-Romero Carlos , Suárez Antonio , Vazquez Pablo , Loinaz Carmelo , Justo Iago
Published: March 2024

Background: Splenic cysts are uncommon and very rarely malignant therefore their treatment isn’t standardised. In case of symptomatic cysts different surgical approaches have been suggested. Primary malignant lymphoma of the spleen comprises less than 1% of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. To our knowledge, only 203 cases of splenic large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) have been reported to date and only 2 of them were fibrin-associated splenic cysts.
Case presentation: 27-year-old model with a 19x13cm splenic cyst without data of malignancy in the preliminary study and therefore treated with laparoscopic deroofing. After histological diagnosis of LBCL with a fibrin/EVB-associated splenic pseudocyst the patient received 4 cycles of Rituximab and a laparoscopic splenectomy was performed due to resurgence of the pseudocyst. No evidence of malignancy has been found in controls performed after the splenectomy.
Discussion and Conclusions: the value of tumour markers and radiology for diagnosis of splenic cysts is put into question.
Only 60 cases of Fibrin-associated LBCL (FA-LBCL) have been described in the literature therefore there are no treatment guidelines for them even though surgery together with systemic treatment has been the prevalent route with good results in most cases.