bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Does Distributed Leadership Promote Employees' Innovation Behavior: Mediating Role of idiosyncratic deals and Moderating Role of Proactive Personality
Authors: Fan Zili , Li Yitong , Wu Yige , Peng Ting , Li Shangju , Xue Jinli
Published: August 2023

Background
As a new way of leadership, distributed leadership plays an important role in dealing with complex external environment, optimizing organizational decision-making and promoting employee participation. Based on social cognitive theory, this paper reveals how distributed leadership promotes employees' innovation behavior through idiosyncratic deals, as well as moderating role of proactive personality in this process.
Methods
In order to reduce the effects of common method biases and causal lag effect, this study was divided into three stages for data collection, with a time interval of half a month. 321 employees from 7 enterprises in Wuhan, China were selected as samples. Hypothesis test was carried out by Linear Regression method, Bootstrap method and Johnson-Neyman method.
Results
The results show that distributed leadership is positively related to innovation behavior; distributed leadership has a positive impact on innovation behavior through idiosyncratic deals; proactive personality positively moderates the relationship between distributed leadership and idiosyncratic deals, and further moderates mediating effect of idiosyncratic deals between distributed leadership and innovation behavior.
Conclusion
This paper expands the research perspective of distributed leadership, indicating that it can not only support employees from top to bottom, but also enable employees to actively negotiate idiosyncratic deals with the organization from bottom to top, which promotes the enthusiasm and initiative of employees in innovation. This provides theoretical basis and practical enlightenment for managers to adopt distributed leadership.
Bioinformatic analyses and integrated machine learning reveal the role of lactate, a metabolic driver of the immune landscape, serves in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhang Shunan , Han Guiling , Yang Ting
Published: August 2023

Background: The development and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are significantly influenced by altered lactate metabolism. However, the exact mechanism has not been elucidated. This study attempted to find novel lactate metabolism-related gene signatures that could be used to predict the diagnosis, prognosis, and immune environment of IPF patients.
Methods: Transcriptome data of PBMC samples with IPF and lactate metabolism-related genes were obtained from GEO database and freely accessible data sources, respectively. DEGs analysis and integrated machine learning (LASSO regression, Random Forest, and SVM) were used to identify key genes. On the screened genes, GO analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, GSEA, and PPI network were carried out. ROC curves and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance and prognostic value of key genes. The ssGSEA analysis was used for estimating the characteristics of immune cell infiltration. In addition, we predicted the transcription factors and miRNAs upstream of the identified key genes.
Results: 50 differentially expressed lactate metabolism-related genes (DELMRGs) were identified, with 30 genes upregulated and 20 genes downregulated; 6 key DELMRGs (CA5A, COQ2, SCO2, NDUFAF4, PC, and SLC25A10) were found by additional screening using integrated machine learning. Multiple enriched terms associated with mitochondrial function and energy metabolism were found using GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis. Diagnostic efficacy and survival analysis showed that all 6 key DELMRGs could potentially be used as diagnostic biomarkers for IPF; among them, CA5A, COQ2, and SCO2 were negatively associated with prognosis while NDUFAF4 was positively associated with prognosis in IPF. The ssGSEA and correlation analysis showed that the percentage of MDSCs, macrophages, neutrophils, gamma delta T cells, and regulatory T cells was increased in IPF; their infiltration levels were closely correlated with the expression profiles of 6 key DELMRGs.
Conclusions: Altered lactate metabolism presents in IPF and correlates with immuneresponse. We screened 6 key DELMRGs to predict the diagnosis, prognosis, and features of immune landscape with IPF. This study provides a new viewpoint to comprehend the roles of lactate metabolism and metabolic regulation of immune response serve in IPF.
A Novel Approach for Autonomous Mobile Robot Learning and Control Using a Customized Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Abubaker Brwa Abdulrahman , Razmara Jafar , Karimpour Jaber
Published: August 2023

The application of reinforcement learning in autonomous mobile robots is a challenging task and paid more attention to in previous years. Traditional reinforcement learning (TRL) methods have several limitations, such as extensive trial-and-error searches, complex control frameworks, slow convergence, and prolonged computation time. This article proposes a novel approach for autonomous mobile robot learning and control in unknown environments using a customized Spiking Neural Network (SNN). The proposed model combines spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) with dopamine modulation as a learning algorithm. This study uses the efficient and biologically plausible Izhikevich neuron model, which can lead to the development of more biologically-inspired and computationally efficient control systems that can adapt to changing environments in unknown environments. Accordingly, this paper aims to develop an algorithm for target tracking amidst obstacles. We conducted extensive simulation experiments to evaluate the proposal in the Webots robotic environment simulator. The findings demonstrate that our proposal achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in reaching the target for the SNN trained with one obstacle without any collisions during the 972 simulated seconds. However, the SNN trained with three obstacles achieved a slightly lower success rate of 96%, with collisions occurring approximately 4% of the time during the 214 simulated seconds. These findings suggest that training the SNN with a single obstacle is more effective than training with three obstacles.
Collecting Real-World Patient Reported Outcome Through Community Pharmacies
A Pilot Exploratory Study Applied on the Effects of Introducing the Fixed Dose Combination Xultophy in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Alkis Nada Bassam , Bjerrum Ole Jannik
Published: August 2023

This article addresses the possibility to initiate Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) therapy in form of Xultophy without prior exposure to the individual active entities of the FDC in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study used real-world patient reported outcomes (PROs) measures to compare FDC product intended for the three therapies (initial therapy, add-on therapy and substitution therapy) tested under real-world clinical practice using community pharmacy setting. The collected Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) during the real-world clinical practice might be compared to the PROs used under controlled clinical trial settings to support labelling claims, facilitate decision making and gain authority approval. It was found that the real-world data collected may give valuable data useful for both the authority and the physician’ decision when it comes to select the suitable treatment for the individual patient.
Structural Transformation and Degradation of Cu Nanocatalysts during Electrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Drisdell Walter , Lee Soo Hong , Acosta Jaime Avilés , Lee Daewon , Larson David , Li Hui , Chen Junjie , Blair Sarah , Gallo Alessandro , Zheng Haimei , Tassone Christopher , Jaramillo Thomas
Published: August 2023

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) holds enormous potential as a carbon-neutral route to the sustainable production of fuels and platform chemicals. The durability for long-term operation is currently inadequate for commercialization, however, and the underlying deactivation process remains elusive. A fundamental understanding of the degradation mechanism of electrocatalysts under realistic working conditions, which can dictate the overall device performance, is needed. In this work, we report the structural dynamics and degradation pathway of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) during the CO2RR by using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). The in situ SAXS reveals Cu NPs are agglomerated through a particle migration and coalescence process in the early stage of the reaction, followed by Ostwald ripening (OR) as the dominant degradation mechanism for the remainder of the reaction. As the applied potential becomes more negative, the OR process becomes more dominant, and for the most negative applied potential, OR dominates for the entire reaction time. Other reaction parameters, including reaction intermediates and bubble generation, induce changes in the agglomeration process and final morphology of the Cu NPs electrode, supported by post-mortem ex situ microscopic analysis. The in situ XAS analysis suggests that the majority of the Cu NPs detached from the electrode as soon as the reaction began, and the remaining Cu NPs reduced into the metallic state before the structural transformation was observed. The introduction of high surface area carbon supports with ionomer coating mitigates the degree of structural transformation and detachment of the Cu NPs electrode. These findings show the dynamic nature of Cu nanocatalysts during the CO2RR and can serve as a rational guideline toward a stable catalyst system under electrochemical conditions.
Research on Intrusion Detection Method Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Tian Chongrui , Zhang Fengbin , Li Zhaoxiang , Wang Ruidong , Huang Xunhua , Xi Liang , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2023

In today's information age, the scale of the Internet is growing, the information capacity is also expanding explosively, and network security is becoming more and more important. Intrusion detection is regarded as a traditional security protection technology and is a key means to ensure the security of the network environment. Among them, the deep belief network performs well, and it can automatically learn abstract features for classification. In order to further improve the detection rate and reduce the false positive rate, it is necessary to improve the detection rate of small sample data. This paper builds an intelligent deep learning model and analysis model for intrusion detection data based on TensorFlow. By learning to identify network intrusion characteristic data, the characteristic data and model are stored in the big data storage system built by Hadoop. This algorithm has achieved good experiments. result. Build a model knowledge base and an intrusion feature behavior library, use the decision tree model to automatically match the security control strategy, realize a highly intelligent security control model with self-learning ability, and solve the rapid identification of unknown intrusion behaviors. Experiments show that the algorithm can effectively improve the detection rate.
Scaffold for the Minimally Invasive Repair of Soft Tissue Inspired by Soggy Shrunk Puffed Food
Authors: He Yong
Published: August 2023

Minimally invasive injection of tissue engineering scaffolds has been gaining attention due to featuring several advantages of requiring a small incision, entailing a simple operation procedure, and involving a quick recovery. However, it remains challenge because larger scaffolds must pass through an extremely thin injection needle. Herein, inspired by the phenomenon that puffed food becomes soggy and shrinks when exposed to air, a novel scaffold treatment method is proposed; namely, lyophilization & dampening (L&D) treatment, which reduces the printed hydrogel scaffold volume by around 90%. Lyophilization treatment can remove water inside the scaffolds; Dampening treatment, that is, placing the freeze-dried scaffolds into a vapor atmosphere, can make scaffolds shrunk to a suitable size for minimally invasive injection. Moreover, unlike existing air-dried technique that feature high mechanical modulus, the soggy scaffolds developed herein feature low mechanical modulus (2.88 kPa), thus minimizing the foreign body sensation after implantation. Furthermore, the injected soggy scaffolds can rapidly swell into their original size and act as tissue regeneration media. Accordingly, a specialized tool namely “BioGun” is designed for the minimally invasive injection of soggy scaffolds ("BioBullet”). This novel strategy would potentially overcome existing technical bottlenecks limiting the clinical soft tissue defect repair.
Thermal Stimuli-Responsive Nanoplatform Based on Phase Change Material for Synergistic Enhancement of p53 Protein Expression in HCC
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Zhang Ting , Zhang Wenning , Jia Weilu , liu shiwei , Peng Hao , Zhang Haidong , Yang Rui , Zhang Yewei
Published: August 2023

TP53 is one of the most important tumor suppressor genes and is known as the “genetic guardian”. Targeting the MDM2-p53 loop is an attractive tumor treatment strategy. Herein, an organic PCM with a melting point of 43.5℃ was prepared by using biocompatible fatty acids and alcohols. PCM was used to co-encapsulate a photosensitizer (IR780) and a novel MDM2-p53 inhibitor (APG-115). The final prepared multifunctional temperature responsive release nanoplatform (PIA NPs) can not only effectively deliver APG-115 and IR780 but also act as a “gatekeeper” to protect the delivered drug, avoid hydration of IR780, and prevent drug leakage. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, the protected IR780 can melt the PCM by generating the photothermal effect, thereby achieving drug release regulated by exogenous stimuli (light). Furthermore, the oxidative stress signal (ROS) generated by the PDT effect of IR780 can promote the expression of p53 protein, collaborating with APG-115 to improve the therapeutic efficiency of HCC. PIA NPs have shown superior therapeutic effects in vivo and vitro. This PDT/PTT/MDM2-p53 inhibitor combined therapy strategy provides an unprecedented approach to the treatment of HCC via synergistically enhancing p53 expression.
Identifying Six Chromatin Remodeling-related Genes As Diagnostic Biomarkers in Sepsis Using Bioinformatic Analyses
Authors: Miao Yansong , Xing Lifeng , Li Bing , Xiao Wei , Dai Junru , Liu Ning , Qin Xuchang , He Yang , Zhao Yiming , Chen Zhonghua , Hu Li , Liu Lian , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: August 2023

Epigenetic modifications like chromatin remodeling play a vital role in regulating sepsis immunity. Understanding the role of chromatin remodeling in sepsis can help identify new potential therapeutic targets. Differentially expressed chromatin remodeling-related genes (DE-CRRGs) were identified between the sepsis and normal groups in GSE65682. LASSO regression, SVM, and random forest algorithms were employed to screen out six hub genes. The abundance of different immune cells in the two groups was determined using CIBERSORT. ceRNA regulatory and co-expression networks of the hub genes were constructed. Finally, using the Drug Gene Interaction Database to predict potential drugs for sepsis. Seventeen DE-CRRGs were identified, from which six hub genes were screened out: SPON2, TGM2, MMP9, DNMT1, LY96, and FOXO1. The infiltration of 16 types of immune cells differed significantly between the two groups. The hub genes were significantly correlated with activated NK cells, CD8 T cells, and plasma cells. Genes in the ceRNA regulatory and co-expression networks were mainly involved in interleukin-18 signaling, response to biological stimuli, positive regulation of cell development, etc. Finally, sixty-two drugs were predicted.
Mutual cross-feeding drives marine biofilm assembly on various carbon sources
Authors: Zhang Weipeng , Cui Han , Fan Shen , Sun Meng , Zhang Jie , Zhang Heng , Wang Shougang , Su Xiaoyan , Tian Renmao , Ding Wei , Zhang Yu
Published: August 2023

A major factor affecting the assembly of microbial community is environmental carbon source. It is still unclear, however, to which extent the community structure is determined by the type of carbon source, especially for marine microbiota with high diversity. Here, this research question has been systematically addressed by enrichment culture of a marine biofilm community with 69 different carbon sources, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, followed by analysis of 3.2 Tb of metagenomic datasets. The finding revealed that the taxonomic composition of the enrichment cultured communities is not primarily determined by carbon source. Analysis of 535 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes revealed strong microbial coexistence across different carbon sources. Moreover, co-culture experiments with isolated strains suggested extensive microbial cooperation, which expands the range of available carbon sources. Furthermore, co-culture metabolomics and transcriptomics indicated the presence of an extracellular amino acid pool that facilitate cross-feeding, which is probably regulated by complementary gene expression. Altogether, cross-feeding based on the metabolism of essential elements (e.g., amino acids) lays the foundation of microbial cooperation, diminishing the influence of carbon source on community assembly.
Feasibility of microwave drying for analysis and processing of medicinal plants
Authors: Bala Esha , Dey Saurav , Patra Sanjukta , Singha Siddhartha
Published: August 2023

Drying herbal products is essential for sample preparation and ensuring product quality. This study explored the efficacy of microwave-based drying (MW) as an alternative method for moisture content (MC) determination and quality preservation of herbal plants viz, Centella asiatica, Eryngium foetidum, Enhydra fluctuans and Marsilea minuta. Compared to the standard drying method (oven drying at 105°C), the microwave-based loss-on drying method demonstrated significantly more efficiency in reducing drying time and spatial distribution. The study confirms that MW has similar macro-properties and antioxidant activity to freeze-drying. Among the four herbs studied, MW had 10-20% more extractability and had high similarity (Pearson correlation coefficient <0.8 and low Euclidean distance) among soluble components. LC-MS analysis of Centella asiatica revealed that MW shared 46% common compounds while convective drying only had 27% common compounds to freeze drying. Overall, MW proved to be a faster drying process and reliable MC determination method with better retention of bioactive compounds. These findings contribute to rapid and qualitative sample preparation for analyzing both physicochemical properties and secondary metabolites of medicinal plants and herbal products. This, in turn, can positively impact the development of herbal products with improved drying techniques, meeting the growing demand for high-quality culinary and medicinal products.
Predictors of nasolacrimal duct intubation failure for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction——A CT dacryocystography study
Authors: Wang Wushuang , Lin Tong , Gong Lan , Wang Yan
Published: August 2023

Background: Whether to choose nasolacrimal duct intubation or dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) therapy is an important question in clinic practice. The purpose of this study is to find the potential lacrimal sac characteristics which can be used for the predictors of unsuccessful intubation for PANDO based on computed tomography-dacryocystography (CT-DCG).
Methods: In this retrospective comparative observational study, we included PANDO patients who had a history of failed intubation for nasolacrimal duct obstruction as intubation failure group, and PANDO patients without intubation history as control group. We analyzed the lacrimal sac height, lacrimal sac width and obstruction site based on CT-DCG, all measured based on several reference levels on axial sections (upper, intermediate, lower level, common canaliculus level and lowermost contrast level), which were defined according to the contrast and the bony structure.
Results: A total of 114 sides of PANDO were studied, including 36 sides in intubation failure group the other 78 sides in control group. The intubation failure group showed smaller lacrimal sac height (11.69±4.59 mm) and width (2.28±1.97 mm, intermediate level) than control group (14.13±2.92 mm, 3.32±2.02 mm, P = 0.005 and 0.012, respectively). Intubation failure group showed higher obstruction site than control group (P = 0.009).
Conclusions: A small lacrimal sac and a high obstruction site are predictors of nasolacrimal duct intubation failure for PANDO. For PANDO patients with small lacrimal sac or high obstruction position, DCR is more recommended than intubation.
The combination of high-dose radiotherapy and low-dose radiotherapy patterns can enhance antitumor immunity in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Duo , Huang Liuying , Qian Danqi , Huang Zhaohui , Cao Yulin , Wu Xiaohan , Ming Liang , Tang Junhui , Yin Yuan , Zhou Leyuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The function of HDRT in promoting antitumor immunity has both positive and negative effects, whereas LDRT appears to play an essential role in controlling the tumor immune microenvironment. New preclinical evidence indicates that the combination of HDRT and LDRT in radiotherapy protocols offers the benefits of both.Hence, we examined the impact and process of utilizing immunotherapy in conjunction with HDRT and LDRT radiation to combat tumor immunity.
Methods and Materials:
The optimal low-dose irradiation was selected by analyzing the RNA sequence transcriptome and immunohistochemistry using a model of bilateral mouse tumor irradiation.Following the addition of ICI, the presence of immune cells within the tumor was identified through the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and flow cytometry (FCM).Subsequently, the possible means of improving the immune response against tumors was explored through bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification.
Results
Administering HDRT (20 Gy) to the primary tumor along with LDRT (6 Gy) to the abscopal tumor resulted in an improved abscopal response in comparison to solely administering HDRT treatment.The combination of HDRT, LDRT, and ICI can increase the effectiveness of ICI treatment.According to the IHC and FCM findings, the presence of immune cells in the triple therapy group was notably higher.The improvement of the abscopal impact was primarily linked to the increase in the chemokine CCL17 and the infiltration of CD8 + T-cells triggered by CCL17.
Conclusions
Our research revealed that the application of HDRT/LDRT radiation together could enhance the immune cell infiltration in mice tumors and boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Pregnant women autonomy when choosing their way of delivery: scoping review
Authors: Silva Carlos Henrique Mascarenhas , Laranjeira Claudia Lourdes Soares , Pinheiro Wallisson Fonseca , de Melo Carolina Soares Barros , Silva Vitor de Oliveira Campos e , Brandão Augusto Henrique  Fulgêncio , Rego Francisca , Nunes Rui
Published: August 2023

Background
Women autonomy during labour is an important issue that obstetricians and assistant teams must be conscious and aware of when attending maternity and hospitals. The objective was to conduct a scoping review in order to study the literature and evidence of how autonomy is being offered to the parturient.
Methods
In December 2022, research was done using the terms “pregnant women” AND “birth” AND “autonomy” in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo and LILACS. The research included articles from 2016 to 2022. Of the 173 articles found, 7 met the criteria selected by researchers and were considered in this review.
Results
When women have the autonomy to choose on their own, their preference is for vaginal birth. When the decision is made together with the healthcare team, the incidence of caesarean section is greater. Autonomy and the perception of this practice is obtained when the medical staff listens and consider the woman’s will, thus respecting the woman’s choice of childbirth.
Conclusion
Pregnant women want to choose their method of birth, and autonomy is an important aspect to get satisfaction during their labour and childbirth. This participation is feasible and does not affect the safety of giving birth or the perinatal results, when duly researched and followed-up.
Membrane lung dead space value as a predictor of ECMO failure: a pilot study
Authors: Lino Giovanni , Rossetti Matteo , Capitanio Guido , Coppolecchia Sara , Occhipinti Giovanna , Longo Rosalia , Alduino Rossella , Tuzzolino Fabio , Arcadipane Antonio , Panarello Giovanna
Published: August 2023

Veno-venous ECMO respiratory assistance is a milestone treatment in refractory respiratory failure and may provide sufficient respiratory assistance in patients with deranged lung functions. Despite its crucial role in patient survival, especially in an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) setting, veno-venous ECMO leads to a systemic inflammatory state resulting in prothrombotic activation that gives rise to the deterioration of the extracorporeal membrane lung itself. This derangement eventually leads to sudden ECMO mechanical failure exposing the patient to severe hypoxemia, which can have fast and dramatic consequences. For these reasons, we measured a number of parameters (such as membrane lung pressure drop and partial oxygen pressure in blood at the outflow tract of the membrane lung) to try to predict the possibility of a sudden ECMO failure. None of these indicators alone seems to have significant power in the clinical setting. Considering membrane lung physiology, we built a pilot study to explore the behavior of membrane lung dead space as a possible quantifiable indicator of membrane lung efficiency and as a reliable predictor of ECMO failure.
Determinants of Household Poverty: Analysis of Multidimensional Aspect in Rural and Urban Areas in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulusew Asmamaw , Mingyong Hong , W/rufael Mesfin , Kesete Mebratu
Published: August 2023

It would be easier for policymakers to create effective poverty-alleviation policies and programs for multi-deprived poor households if they were aware of the causes and extent of multidimensional household poverty. To that end, the study tried to measure the intensity, acuteness, and factors that can determine households’ multidimensional poverty in rural and urban areas. The study employed a Logit model to analyse the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of poor households. The MPI method was used to define a multidimensional poverty line threshold for the poor and non-poor. The poverty indices were used to analyse the incidence and intensity of multidimensional poverty among households. The findings of the study show that the multidimensional headcount ratio (H), intensity (or breadth) of poverty (A), and total Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) were found to be 0.47%, 0.43%, and 0.20% in urban areas and 0.81%, 0.48%, and 0.39% in rural areas, respectively, with much higher values for rural households. The results obtained from a binary logistic model indicate that a household’s education level, remittances, and house ownership were found to be negatively correlated with being poor. Besides, In rural areas, household marital status, livestock, and remittances were found to be negatively correlated with being poor. The variables HH size, sex, and total dependency ratio significantly affected HH falling into poverty, while other variables were not significant and rather inconclusive. The major findings of the study reveal that poverty exists severely in the region, especially in rural areas. This finding strongly supports the idea that multidimensional poverty can be improved in the region by focusing on education, stabilising food prices, and creating job opportunities.
Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of Novel Compounds Targeting Inflammasome and IL-1β and IL-6 Signaling Pathways in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Chen I-Cheng , Chen Wan-Ling , Chang Kuo-Hsuan , Lee Jun-Wei , Lin Te-Hsien , Lin Wenwei , Chen Chiung-Mei , Lee-Chen Guey-Jen
Published: August 2023

At least seven dominantly inherited spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are caused by expansions of polyglutamine (polyQ)-encoding CAG repeat. The misfolded and aggregated polyQ-expanded proteins increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), cellular toxicity and neuroinflammation in the disease pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory potentials of coumarin derivatives LM-021, LMDS-1 and LMDS-2, and pharmacological chaperone tafamidis that stabilizes the correctly folded tetrameric transthyretin protein, using mouse BV-2 microglia and SCA3 ATXN3/Q75-GFP SH-SY5Y cells. The four tested compounds displayed anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production and CD68, MHCII expression in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BV-2 microglia. In retinoic acid-differentiated ATXN3/Q75-GFP-expressing SH-SY5Y cells inflamed with LPS/IFN-γ-primed BV-2 conditioned medium, treatment with test compounds mitigated the increased caspase 1 activity and lactate dehydrogenase release, reduced ROS and ATXN3/Q75 aggregation, and promoted neurite outgrowth. Examination of inflammasome, IL-1β and IL-6-mediated signaling pathways revealed that LM-021, LMDS-1, LMDS-2 and tafamidis decreased NLRP1, JNK/JUN, IκBα/P65, P38/STAT1 and/or JAK2/STAT3 signaling. The study results suggest the potential of LM-021, LMDS-1, LMDS-2 and tafamidis in treating SCA3 and probable other polyQ diseases.
Influence of Splenomegaly and Splenectomy on the Immune-Cell Profile of Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disease
Authors: Viallard Jean-François , Parrens Marie , Blanco Patrick , Moreau Jean-Francois , Oksenhendler Eric , Fieschi Claire
Published: August 2023

Purpose About 25% of patients with common variable immunodeficiency disease (CVID) have splenomegaly necessitating splenectomy but its consequences on the immunological profile of CVID patients have never been studied. We analyzed 11 CVID patients’ comprehensive blood immune-cell phenotypes before and after splenectomy.
Methods Flow-cytometry analyses of immune-cell populations.
Results Among 89 CVID-cohort patients, 41 with splenomegaly, splenomegaly was strongly associated with granulomatous disease, autoimmune disorders, lymphoid hyperplasia and portal hypertension. CVID patients with splenomegaly have significant peripheral lymphopenia (p=0.001), significantly fewer peripheral class-switched memory B cells (smBs) (p=0.001), CD4+ T lymphocytes (p=0.001), NK (p=0.0001) and dendritic cells (p≤0.01), and significantly more circulating CD4+ and CD8+ (p=0.00001) T-cell-subset activation (p=0.00005), than CVID patients without splenomegaly. Examination of splenectomy impact on circulating lymphocyte-subset distributions demonstrated the drastically enhanced total circulating-lymphocyte count post-splenectomy, predominantly B lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells. However, splenectomy did not change B-cell distribution, with smBs remaining persistently low, in contrast to complete inversion of the circulating T-cell composition, with reversal of the CD4+/CD8+ ratio suggesting that amplification of the CD8+ T-cell compartment is a CVID characteristic in patients with splenomegaly. Our results highlight this CD8+ amplification in splenomegaly–CVID patients which might be explained by a homing effect to the spleen and/or possible chronic virus replication, which in turn could induce T-cell expansions.
Conclusion CVID patients with lymphopenia and splenomegaly should not be thought to have combined immune deficiency, but rather true CVID, as their lymphopenia might suggest lymphocyte trapping in the spleen.
A theoretical study on the mechanism of small carbon clusters growth in low-temperature plasma
Authors: Polynskaya Yulia G. , Matsokin Nikita A. , Kedalo Yegor M. , Knizhnik Andrey A. , Sinitsa Alex S. , Potapkin Boris V.
Published: August 2023

Understanding the interaction between small alkane radical ions and methane could lead to more efficient ways of hydrogen production, which is an essential component in the field of green energy. It can contribute to developing new plasma processing methods for natural gas utilization or for its conversion into other useful products. In this study, using first-principles calculations we analyzed interactions between small alkane radical ions and methane molecules, which result in growth of carbon clusters and production of hydrogen in methane plasma. Our observations revealed that anion-methane interactions initiate from C-H bond rupture in CH4, with the lowest activation barrier seen in negative ions undergoing a hydrogen transfer reaction. Positive alkane ion radicals demonstrated a different initial step in the clustering process where CH3 and H transfer reactions occur simultaneously. The total reaction between positive ethyl ion and methane has low activation energy in accordance with experimental studies. Also, estimated rate constants are in reasonable agreement with experimental values for a wide range of temperatures. Our calculations showed that both negative and positive ethyl ions readily react with methane, forming hydrogen molecules and C3 ion radicals. However, the continued growth of these radicals encounters increasing activation barriers, suggesting a slowdown in the carbon ion clusterization rate and hydrogen production for larger clusters. These findings are crucial for carbon nanoparticle generation and hydrogen production using the plasma catalysis process.
An unexpected case of a dog from Poland co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis
Authors: Mateusz Pękacz , Katarzyna Basałaj , Martina Miterpáková , Zbigniew Rusiecki , Diana Stopka , Dominika Graczyk , Anna Zawistowska-Deniziak
Published: August 2023

Background
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease caused by parasitic nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria spp., considered an emerging problem of both veterinary and human medicine. Due to the climate changes and human activities, like traveling with pets, diseases spread to new non-endemic regions. Poland is dominated by subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by D. repens infections. Cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis, also known as a heartworm disease is much more rare with only single autochthonous cases reported so far. Also, imported infections are observed sporadically in dogs traveling to endemic countries. In the present study, we report a first case of a dog from Poland, that has never traveled abroad, co-infected with Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis.
Case presentation:
A 14-year-old mixed breed, an intact male dog with fever, lightly pale mucosal membranes, moderate abdominal pain, and mild cough was presented in a veterinary clinic in Warsaw, Poland. The examination of the blood sample collected for complete morphology and biochemistry revealed alive microfilariae. Presence of the DNA of both microfilariae species was detected using Real-Time PCR with species-specific primers.
Conclusions
Since the remaining diagnostic methods like Knott's test, antigen test or echocardiography did not reveal the presence of D. immitis, we discussed the impact of microfilariae periodicity and low worm burden infections on the limited efficiency of these techniques. We strongly recommend using a mixed diagnostic approach for the most sensitive and specific diagnosis as the ideal diagnostic method does not exist and several factors may easily lead to misdiagnosis. Furthermore, we considered factors that contribute to the uncontrolled spread of dirofilariasis like climate changes, introduction of new species of mosquitoes competent for the transmission of the disease, and wildlife animals as an important reservoir of this parasitosis. Since Poland borders countries considered endemic and pre-endemic for D. immitis, like Slovakia or Ukraine, we could expect an increase in autochthonous heartworm infection and changes in the epidemiological pattern of dirofilariasis in the near future.
Concepts of lines of therapy in cancer treatment: Findings from an expert interview-based study
Authors: Falchetto Lisa , Bender Bernd , Erhard Ian , Zeiner Kim N. , Stratmann Jan A. , Koll Florestan J. , Wagner Sebastian , Reiser Marcel , Gasimli Khayal , Stehle Angelika , Voss Martin , Ballo Olivier , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Maier Daniel
Published: August 2023

Objective
The concept of lines of therapy (LOT) in cancer treatment is often included for decision making in tumor boards and clinical management, but lacks a common definition across medical specialties. The complexity and heterogeneity of malignancies and treatment modalities contribute to an inconsistent understanding of LOT among physicians. This study assesses the heterogeneity of understandings of the LOT concept, its major dimensions and criteria from the perspective of physicians of different specialties with an oncological focus in Germany. Semi-structured expert interviews with nine physicians were conducted and evaluated using qualitative content analysis.
Results
Most interviewees agreed that there is no single definition for LOT and found it difficult to explicate their understanding. A majority of experts stated that they had already encountered misunderstandings with colleagues regarding LOT and that they had problems with deciphering LOT from medical records of their patients. Disagreement emerged about the roles of the following within the LOT concept: maintenance therapy, treatment intention, different therapy modalities, changing pharmaceutical agents, and therapy breaks. Respondents predominantly considered the same criteria as decisive for the definition of LOT as for a change in LOT (e.g., the occurrence of a progression event or tumor recurrence).
Evaluation of SII (systemic immune-inflammation index) for predicting late onset fetal growth restriction
Authors: Fıratlıgil Fahri Burçin , Sucu Serap Topkara , Tuncdemir Sitare , Saglam Erkan , Dereli Murat Levent , Ozkan Sadullah , Reis Yıldız Akdas , Yucel Kadriye Yakut , Celen Sevki , Caglar Ali Turhan
Published: August 2023

Introduction;

To determine a cut-off value for systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (neutrophil × platelet /lymphocyte) in the prediction of fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Materials – Method;

This retrospective case control study was designed at the Obstetrics - Gynecology and Perinatology Clinics. Singleton pregnant women with late onset FGR who were followed up in the outpatient clinics or hospitalized and whose pregnancy resulted in our hospital were included in study group (group I). Healthy early- and full- term singleton pregnant women with spontaneous labor who were followed up in the same hospital and whose pregnancy resulted in the same hospital were included in the control group (group II). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the performance of SII value in predicting FGR.

Results;

We recruited 79 cases (pregnant with late onset fetal growth restriction) and 79 controls (healthy pregnant), matched for age, body mass index, and parity. ΔSII was statistically significantly higher in the pregnant with late onset FGR compared with healthy pregnant (123 vs -65; p= 0.039). The values in ROC curves with the best balance of sensitivity/specificity were >152 109/L (49% sensitivity, 70% specificity) and >586 109/L (27% sensitivity, 90% specificity) for late onset FGR.

Discussion;

Elevated ΔSII in maternal blood indicates an inflammatory process causing FGR. Obstetricians should be cautious in ΔSII levels of >152 109/L (49% sensitivity, 70% specificity) and >586 109/L (27% sensitivity, 90% specificity) for late onset FGR.
Rheumatoid meningitis sine arthritis: an emerging cause of isolated pachymeningitis and leptomeningitis with typical features
Authors: Bonnan Mickael , Faillot Matthieu , Carle Adrien , Defoor Nicolas , Rocca Juliette , Balley Gédéon , Bielle Franck , Cazals-Hatem Dominique , Fernari Fahima , Henry Carole
Published: August 2023

Background.
Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a meningeal inflammation rarely occurring during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), which are highly specific biomarkers of RA, may allow RM sine arthritis (RMSA) to be diagnosed as an extra-articular early lesion of RA. MRI typically displays pachymeningitis and/or leptomeningitis predating convexity, and CSF diffusivity is focally restricted. Blood ACPA is a strong clue and intrathecal synthesis of ACPA is characteristic.
Case presentation.
We report two cases of RMSA that were confirmed by meningeal biopsy and intrathecal synthesis, and which abated after steroids alone or associated with rituximab.
Conclusions.
We reviewed all published cases of RM and found that RMSA may account for 15% of RM.
Control of Fusarium wilt disease of tomato and improvement of some growth factors through green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Jomeyazdian Aminsajad , Pirnia Mahdi , Alaei Hossein , Taheri Abdolhosein , Sarani Shirahmad
Published: August 2023

Metabolites from biomass of Trichoderma harzianum were used for green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) from zinc nitrate (ZnNO3) and GC/MS analysis of metabolite was performed. Then, the antifungal activity of synthesized ZnONPs was evaluated against Fusarium oxysporum under the laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Results were compared to different concentrations of Iprodione + Carbendazim (Rovral-TS®) fungicide. Synthesized ZnONPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectrometry (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). UV-Vis spectra showed an intense peak at 339 nm. X-ray diffraction pattern showed the crystalline nature and purity of the ZnONPs. FTIR revealed various functional groups including phenols, ketones, aldehydes, aliphatic and primary amines, nitriles, alkanes and alkynes in synthesized ZnONPs. Size of ZnONPs determined in the range from 25–60 nm. Based on atomic absorption spectroscopy, foliar application of synthesized ZnONPs, led to considerable accumulation of zinc in the leaves and suitable for compensate zinc deficiency. Some growth factors including root length, root volume, stem length, stem diameter and number of leaves improved in the treatments containing metabolite of T. harzianum, ZnNO3 and ZnONPs. Complete inhibition of mycelia growth of F. oxysporum was observed in 100 µg/ml concentration of ZnONPs in the laboratory conditions and disease percentage significantly reduced in the greenhouse conditions, indicated that green synthesized ZnONPs gave better results in low concentration than the fungicide. Therefore, application of green synthesized ZnONPs could be recommended as effective alternative and eco-friendly method for crop protection instead chemical fungicides.
A Nomogram for Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival of Hodgkin lymphoma in Children and Young Adulthood: an Observational Study using SEER Population-based Data
Authors: Zhang Luyao , Liu Changpeng , Wang Kaijuan , Raveendran Aravind , Zhang Naifang , Chen Tianhui , Zhang Yaodong
Published: August 2023

Background Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is the most common neoplasm in children and young adults; GLOBOCAN 2020 shows a total of 83,087 new cases and 23,376 deaths of HL worldwide. This study developed a prognostic nomogram of HL in children and young adulthood for purpose to discuss independent risk factors for HL patients with the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database.
Methods We downloaded the clinicopathological data of children and young adulthood with HL from 1975 to 2020 in the SEER database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen children and young adulthood independent risk factors for Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS). These risk factors were used to construct a nomogram to predict the CSS of children and young adulthood with HL. A series of validation methods, including calibration curve, consistency index (C-index), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), were used to validate the accuracy and reliability of the prediction model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to validate the clinical application efficacy of predictive models. All patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups based on the nomogram score. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were used to compare survival differences between the two groups.
Results A total of 13,529 children and young adulthood with HL were included. Univariate and multivariate analysis suggested that Age, sex, stage, radiation, chemotherapy, histological type were independent risk factors. Nomograms were established based on these factors to predict 3-, 5-, and 10-years CSS of children and young adulthood with HL. The calibration plots showed that the predicted value was highly consistent with the actual value. In the training and validation cohorts, the C-index was 0.682 (0.665–0.700) and 0.694 (0.672–0.716), respectively. The AUC of the training and validation cohorts also showed similar results. The DCA showed that the nomogram had good clinical value.
Conclusion We constructed a new nomogram to predict the CSS of HL in children and young adults. This predictive model is accurate and reliable and can help doctors and patients develop clinical strategies.
Identification of a novel cuproptosis-related pattern and its tumor microenvironment infiltration characteristics in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Huang Guozhen , Ouyang Guoqing , Liu Zhipeng , Dai Luo , Wei Jie , Xu Tingfeng , He Songqing , Yuan Guandou
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Cuproptosis is a novel mechanism of copper-dependent cell death mechanism that can regulate the progression, immune response, and prognosis of tumors. However, the potential roles of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in the clinical outcomes, tumor microenvironment (TME), and immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear.
Methods
We comprehensively evaluated the CRG patterns in PC samples from two GEO datasets and TCGA based on 19 CRGs. LASSO and multivariate Cox regression were used to construct the cuproptosis model, and a nomogram was constructed to predict the sensitivity of anticancer drugs.
Results
Methylation regulated the expression level of eight CRGs in PC. Three distinct cuproptosis-related patterns with different biological processes and prognoses were developed. The immune infiltration features of the three cuproptosis patterns were immune-excluded, immune-inflamed, and immune-desert phenotypes, respectively. Higher expression of CRGs indicated a poor prognosis of PC. Based on the cuproptosis phenotype associated signature genes, we constructed a cuproptosis score to study the cuproptosis modification pattern of the individual sample. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed the cuproptosis risk score model is an independent prognosis biomarker. The high-risk group was characterized by poor prognosis, high expression of CRGs, high frequency of mutation and immune activation, and immunotherapy advantage. The sensitivity of anticancer drugs was significantly different between the high- and low-risk score groups. CRG pattern associated with the clinical-pathological features, TME, and prognosis of PC.
Conclusions
The newly developed cuproptosis model could guide the design of individualized treatment strategies and facilitate accurate prognosis prediction for PC.