bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of tobacco consumption on the individual and population risk of non-communicable diseases in the Russian Federation
Authors: Salagay O. O. , Antonov N. S. , Sakharova G. M. , Stadnik N. M.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to assess the individual and population risks of 20 non-communicable diseases (NCD) among the adult population of the Russian Federation.Materials and methods. The study used a database of Selective monitoring of the health status of the population conducted by Rosstat in 2023. To estimate the association of tobacco consumption with NCD, two groups were analyzed: current tobacco users and people who have never used tobacco. The prevalence of tobacco use and nicotine dependence were calculated. The relationship between tobacco consumption and development of disease was assessed using individual relative risk (RR), as well as age-adjusted RR (RRv) and nicotine dependence-adjusted RR (RRn). The impact of tobacco consumption on public health was assessed using population attributive risk.Results. The prevalence of tobacco/nicotine consumption in 2023 was 21.3% among the adults, 35.0% among men and 10.2% among women. Nicotine dependence of moderate and higher degree was detected in 16.7% of the total adult population, 28.9% of men and 6.9% of women. When assessing RRv, tobacco was identified as a risk factor for only five diseases. RRn assessment revealed 13 diseases for which tobacco was a risk factor with a dose-dependent effect. For most of these diseases, RR in women was higher than in men.Conclusion. Tobacco is a strong risk factor for the most of NCD. In the population in 2013, at least 3–11% of additional cases of NCD was associated with tobacco that could be prevented by tackle of the tobacco consumption.
LAS ÁREAS MARINAS PROTEGIDAS DE LA REPÚBLICA DE ARGENTINA
Authors: Aguilar Facundo Daniel , Gurrieri Daniela
Published: July 2024

This article analyzes the situation of the Argentine Republic for the protection of Marine Areas in order to conserve biodiversity and ecosystem processes. In this regard, we see how the normative process began in 2013 with the creation of the first Protected Marine Area Namuncurá Banco Burdwood I and continued with the creation of a National System of Protected Marine Areas and the creation of two new protected areas: Namuncurá Banco Burdwood II and Yaganes. In line with this, and notwithstanding the progress made by the country in terms of care and conservation of these spaces, there is a lack of Management and Conservation Plans, as well as human and economic resources, in order for the legal protection of these areas to be truly effective.
A double-masked, sham-controlled trial of rose bengal photodynamic therapy for the treatment of fungal and acanthameoba keratitis: Rose Bengal Electromagnetic Activation with Green Light for Infection Reduction (REAGIR) Study
Authors: Prajna Venkatesh , Prajna Lalitha , Sharma Sankalp , de Freitas Denise , Höfling-Lima Ana Luisa , Varnado Nicole , Abdelrahman Sarah , Cavallino Victoria , Arnold Ben , Lietman Tom , Rose-Nussbaumer Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Background: Infectious keratitis secondary to fungus or acanthamoeba often has a poor outcome despite receiving the best available medical therapy. In vitro Rose Bengal Photodynamic therapy (RB-PDT) appears to be effective against fungal and acanthamoeba isolates.22,23 In one published series RB-PDT reduced the need for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in severe bacterial, fungal, and acanthameoba keratitis not responsive to medical therapy.
Methods: This international, randomized, sham and placebo controlled 2-arm clinical trial, randomizes patients with smear positive fungal and acanthameoba and smear negative corneal ulcers in a 1:1 fashion to one of two treatment arms: 1) Topical antimicrobial plus sham RB-PDT or 2) Topical antimicrobial plus RB-PDT
Discussion: We anticipate that RB-PDT will improve best spectacle corrected visual acuity and also reduce complications such as corneal perforation and the need for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. This study will comply with the NIH Data Sharing Policy and Policy on the Dissemination of NIH-Funded Clinical Trial Information and the Clinical Trials Registration and Results Information Submission rule. Our results will be disseminated via clinicaltrials.gov website, meetings, and journal publications. Our data will also be available upon reasonable request.
Trial Registration: NCT, NCT05110001, Registered November 5, 2021.
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05110001
From Microscope to AI: Developing an Integrated Diagnostic System with Real-Time Object Detection for Endometrial Cytology
Authors: Terasaki Mika , Tanaka Shun , Shimokawa Ichito , Toda Etsuko , Takakuma Shoichiro , Tabata Ryo , Sakae Kensuke , Kajimoto Yusuke , Kunugi Shinobu , Shimizu Akira , Terasaki Yasuhiro
Published: July 2024

Endometrial cytology is essential in detecting and diagnosing endometrial cancer, a prevalent gynecological malignancy. However, diagnosis proves intricate and time-intensive due to hormone-induced morphological changes in cells and cell cluster thickness. While recent artificial intelligence (AI)-supported cytodiagnosis systems rely on whole-slide imaging (WSI), focusing issues caused by cell cluster thickness hinder endometrial cytological slide digitalization. Despite the high demand for these systems, progress in endometrial cytodiagnosis has been slow. This study utilizes You Only Look Once (YOLOv5x) under a microscope to detect abnormal cell clusters in real-time without the need for WSI. We analyzed 146 preoperative endometrial cytology cases collected at Nippon Medical School between 2017 and 2023, confirmed by hysterectomy specimens. And we trained YOLOv5x using 3,151 images captured with a smartphone from 96 cytology slides. For real-time detection, images were captured via a microscope-mounted charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and processed by YOLOv5x. For real-time abnormal evaluation, thresholds for cell cluster and slide levels were adjusted using 30 new cases. The AI model's diagnoses for 20 new cases were compared with those made by pathologists and medical students with varying experience levels. The AI model outperformed human evaluators, achieving accuracy, precision, and recall of 85%, 82%, and 90%, respectively. Additionally, AI-assisted diagnosis shortened the median evaluation time from 4,458 to 2,460 seconds, equivalent to a reduction of 44.82%. Although diagnosis accuracy of inexperienced medical students did not significantly improve, notable enhancements in recall were achieved among pathologists and AI-trained students, particularly those familiar with the AI system. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the proposed AI system significantly hastens detection of abnormal cell clusters while seamlessly integrating into existing workflows without the need for expensive specialized equipment, which makes it particularly suitable for resource-constrained settings.
Comparison of two degraded lower Gangetic floodplain wetlands in India: assessing the effects of management practice on SIF diversity
Authors: Das Basanta Kumar , Debnath Sanjeet , Dutta Snigdhodeb , Lianthuamluaia Lianthuamluaia , Karnatak Gunjan , Mondal Kausik , Chakraborty Sangeeta
Published: July 2024

The ecological status and the challenges faced by two floodplain wetlands, Chamta and Sindrani, located in the lower Gangetic eco-climatic region, were investigated. These wetlands are currently dealing with several problems, such as unscientific management of the fisheries, overfishing, obstruction in the connectivity barriers with the parent river, encroachment and depth reduction. The productivity of both Chamta and Sindrani wetlands was limited by floating, emergent, submerged and marginal vegetation. In the monsoon season, Shannon-Weiner index (1.289 and 1.245), Simpson index (0.933 and 0.929) and McIntosh index (0.752 and 0.746) concerning SIF were calculated for both the wetlands. The obtained SimJ and SimS values were 0.91 and 0.95, respectively, which means that both ecosystems were not fully similar in terms of fish species. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed seasonal variation in the fish species caught was driven by environmental factors such as hardness (116.66-167.25ppm), dissolved oxygen (07.00-08.62 mg/l), conductivity (398.83-504.07 µS/cm), surface water temperature (32.32–34.43°C) and pH (07.14–08.05). The average annual production of SIFs from Chamta and Sindrani was calculated as 7215.75 kg and 13394 kg, respectively. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) analysis reveals that high-quality, sustainable, and planned management practices focusing on wetland fisheries can positively contribute to better fish species diversity in Sindrani. Particularly, species and habitat conservation efforts of Sindrani wetlands were found to be the manifestation of better fish diversity in the concerned wetlands. Our study recommends biological control of macrophytes, ensuring connectivity with adjacent rivers, scientific stocking programs and application of indigenous conservation technologies for better wetland ecosystem health; the following enhanced production will also aid in the nutritional and livelihood security of the dependent fishers.
Type 1 innate lymphoid cell–immature neutrophil axis suppresses acute tissue inflammation
Authors: Shibuya Akira , Matsuda Kenshiro , Iijima Ayana
Published: July 2024

Immature neutrophils (imNeu) are a minor population of circulating neutrophils that migrate from the bone marrow (BM) into the circulation and inflamed tissues during infection, injury, physical stress, and cancer1–6. However, the underlying mechanism of their mobilization from BM and its pathophysiological significance remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) derived from type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) enhanced the migration of imNeu, but not mature neutrophils, from the BM into inflamed liver tissue with ischemia–reperfusion injury and the blood circulation during polymicrobial sepsis in mice. Mechanistically, the scaffold protein Ahnak, which is specifically expressed in imNeu, underpins Smad7 nuclear translocation in response to IFN-γ, thus downregulating C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 expression critical for neutrophil retention in the BM. Furthermore, imNeu produce interleukin-10 to ameliorate tissue inflammation. Our findings reveal the ILC1–imNeu axis that protects tissues from acute inflammation due to injury or microbial infection.
Diaphragmatic hernia after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kitsou Konstantina Soultana , Kaplanis Charalampos , Prentza Sofia Konstantina , Bakola Maria , Jelastopulu Eleni , Maroulis Ioannis , Tsachiridi Maria
Published: July 2024

Purpose: The study aims to examine the current literature on the surgical management and outcomes associated with POHH (post-operative hiatal hernia) and to present a case of POHH after Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy, to enrich our knowledge on this specific field.
Case presentation: A 57-year-old man who underwent neoadjuvant RT-CT and subsequent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy underwent urgent laparotomy. The operation revealed a strangulated necrotic small bowel inside the diaphragmatic hernia sac and part of the descending colon without ischemia. A total of 40 cm of small bowel was removed. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired with interrupted sutures. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful.
Conclusion: POHH is a major surgical complication after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy due to EC (Esophageal cancer), requiring surgical repair. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, diaphragmatic hernia remains a challenging postoperative issue. Since surgery is the only available approach for the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia containing a strangulated abdominal organ, early diagnosis is crucial. Due to a high rate of emergency surgery with life-threatening complications, early surgical repair may be indicated rather than watchful waiting.
Exploring the antioxidant potential of a notorious weed using a microwave-based transformation to gold nanoparticles: The case of Mikania micrantha
Authors: Das Sinchan , Dwivedi Apoorva , Tiwari Vaishali , Yadav Varsha , Satpathy Swaha , Mohapatra Debadatta , Sahu Alakh N , Kazi Mohsin , Hussain Muhammad Delwar , Goyal Manoj , Mukherjee Souvik , Khan Altamash , Mandal Vivekananda , Patra Arjun
Published: July 2024

Purpose
We used a notorious weed, Mikania micrantha (Asteraceae), to developed and optimize a microwave-assisted quick, single-step, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and safe approach for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to investigate its antioxidant potential.
Methods
M. micrantha AuNPs (MMAuNPs) were produced in 75 seconds under microwave irradiation. The UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, HR-TEM, SAED, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and DLS analysis was used to describe the AuNPs. DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays showed antioxidant activity. Anticancer potential was assessed by MTT assay against breast cancer cells. Swiss albino mice were tested for BBB impact by actophotometer and tail immersion.
Results
The synthesis of MMAuNPs was confirmed by a characteristic ruby red coloration and surface plasmon resonance peak at 534 nm. The MMAuNPs are predominantly spherical in shape, small (107.82 nm), and crystalline in nature. The antioxidant properties of the MMAuNPs were found to be better than M. micrantha aqueous extract. MMAuNPs showed anticancer potential with IC50 values of 157.1 and 174.2 µg/mL against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, respectively. MMAuNPs did not show a significant response of locomotor count and antinociceptive activity.
Conclusion
Natural creations always have a purpose, and even the most renowned weeds have something worthwhile to impart on society. The results may provide unforeseen opportunities in terms of maximizing trash usage. Nevertheless, more investigation is necessary to evaluate the in vivo effects of MMAuNPs prior to their widespread use in the field of medicine, whether as independent therapies, antioxidant, or anticancer substances, or as drug carriers.
Mechanism of oligosaccharides on nitrogen and ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities in aerobic composting processes
Authors: Duan Manli , Li Mingxiu
Published: July 2024

To explore the effects of oligosaccharides on nitrogen and ammonia-oxidizing microbial communities during aerobic composting of cattle manure and straw, this study conducted composting experiments with four concentrations of oligosaccharides: 0.1% (M0.1), 0.5% (M0.5), 1.0% (M1), and 2.0% (M2), along with a control group (CK). The results indicated that different concentrations of oligosaccharides increased the peak temperatures during the thermophilic phase of composting to above 60°C, higher than that of the CK (57.4°C), while ensuring that all treatments met the requirements for harmless disposal. Particularly, the GI value of the 0.5% oligosaccharide treatment reached 109.3%, demonstrating excellent treatment efficacy. The 0.5% oligosaccharide treatment significantly increased the NO3-N content in compost (P < 0.05), thereby enhancing nitrogen content. AOB amoA functional gene detection identified two dominant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira, with Nitrosomonas primarily present in the 0.5% oligosaccharide treatment, playing a crucial role in ammonia nitrogen fixation. SEM analysis showed a significant positive correlation between AOB amoA genes and NO3-N in the 0.5% oligosaccharide treatment, indicating effective promotion of nitrogen conversion by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in the compost. In conclusion, the addition of 0.5% oligosaccharides can increase the dominance of AOB genera, enhance nitrogen transformation during composting, provide more available nitrogen sources for crops, and thereby improve nitrogen fertilizer utilization efficiency.
Enhanced soil carbon storage by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a long-term nutrient management under soybean-based cropping system
Authors: Agnihotri Richa , Pandey Ashu , Sharma Mahaveer P , Prakash Anil , Ramesh Aketi , Maheshwari Hemant Singh , Verma Rakesh Kumar , Nargund Raghvendra , Billore Sunil Datt
Published: July 2024

To ensure the sustainability of crop production and ecosystem functioning, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms governing soil carbon (C) -sequestration and soil health is essential. This study examined the effects of three nutrient management practices (organic, inorganic, and integrated and two cropping systems (soybean-wheat and soybean-chickpea), on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and soil C-sequestration in a long-term (12 years) field experiment. We measured the stocks of soil organic carbon, total-glomalin-related soil protein, pertinent soil quality parameters such as microbial biomass carbon, β-glucosidase activity along with AMF biomass [microscopic parameters and 16:1ω5cis phospholipid fatty acid (AM. PLFA) and neutral lipid fatty acid (AM. NLFA)]. It was observed that the measures of AMF biomass were positively correlated with the soil organic carbon stocks, total-glomalin related soil protein stocks, and soil quality parameters. Organic practice recorded significantly higher AMF spores, mycorrhizal colonization percentage, AM. PLFA (2.58 nmoles g− 1 soil), AM. NLFA (7.95 nmoles g− 1 soil), soil organic carbon stocks (15.78 Mg ha− 1), total-glomalin related soil protein stocks (2.10 Mg ha− 1), and soil quality parameters such as microbial biomass carbon, β-glucosidase activity than inorganic and integrated practices. In comparison to soybean-chickpea, C-sequestration was higher in soybean-wheat. Principal component analysis validated the said results and differentiated soybean-wheat under organic practice from the rest of the treatments. In conclusion, our results suggest that organic management in conjunction with soybean-wheat crop rotation enhances AMF and can be recommended for improving soil quality and C sequestration without compromising crop yield.
Enhancing Photopolymerization and Modeling Kinetic Degradation in Dental Composites
Authors: Boyron Olivier , Latoui Rayenne , Belhani Mohamed Affif , Bouzid Djallel
Published: July 2024

This study aims to optimize the photopolymerization process of a dental composite in order to increase the degree of conversion and reduce the release of unpolymerized monomers. In addition, it seeks to understand the kinetics of composite degradation under various oral environmental conditions. Optimization of the photopolymerization process is carried out using a Box-Behnken design, exploring factors such as irradiation time, intensity and distance. Infrared spectroscopy is used to evaluate photopolymerization parameters. Release of unpolymerized monomers is quantified using liquid chromatography at different pH levels, incubation media and time. Thermogravimetric analysis is used to study thermal degradation and establish a kinetic model. Optimized conditions for photopolymerization, determined as an irradiation time of 40 seconds, an intensity of 1500 mW cm− 2, and a distance of 5 mm, lead to a degree of conversion of 61%, reducing the presence of unpolymerized monomers. Chromatographic analysis reveals a pH-dependent release of monomers, with acid saliva showing the highest release. Thermal analysis indicates variable activation energy values depending on ageing conditions, underlining the importance of optimal conversion for increased material strength. This study offers a comprehensive approach to improving the properties of dental resins, providing optimized conditions for light-curing that increase material strength.
Multifunctional dysprosium iron oxide nanoparticles: synthesis and properties
Authors: Gul Gulsah Celik , Beyaz Seda
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a fast and cost-effective synthesis method for obtaining nano scaled multifunctional dysprosium iron oxide. The effects of reaction time and stirring rate on the compound's chemical and physical properties are investigated as synthesis parameters. The structural, morphological, thermal, magnetic, and optical characterizations of the compound are extensively investigated by current universal instruments. It was found in an orthorhombic system as DyFeO3 (ICSD = 98-028-0091). Their particle sizes were calculated as 7–10 nm by transmitting electron microscopy. Vibration sample magnetometer was used to obtain M-H curves that showed superparamagnetic properties in low magnetic fields. The band gap value was calculated 3.6 eV for the sample preparing at 30 min by McClean analysis using reflectance graphics. The fluorescence spectroscopy indicated a sharp transition at 4F9/2→ 6H13/2 which confirms the Dy3+ ion acting as luminescence center. Additionally, the nanoparticles exhibited a remarkably high microbial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. These comprehensive characterizations contribute to a better understanding of the synthesized nanomaterials and its use of their biomedical potential applications.
Establishment an Indirect ELISA Detection Method for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus NSP4
Authors: Sha Huiyang , Li Gan , Zheng Yajie , Luo Qin , Zhao Mengmeng , Pang Jiankun , Zhang keshan
Published: July 2024

Background
The non-structural protein 4 (NSP4) of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) possesses 3C-like serine protease (3CLSP) activity, which can influence PRRSV replication, suppress host IFN-β production, induce host cell apoptosis, and play a crucial role in PRRSV detections. Wild or attenuated vaccine strains will produce antibodies against non-structural proteins, while inactivated vaccines will not produce antibodies against non-structural proteins. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbnent Assay (ELISA) method for non-structural proteins can distinguish immunity effect of inactivated vaccine from wild strain or attenuated vaccine strains. Antibodies induced by NSP4 can effectively serve as indicators of infections caused by the wild-type virus. In the present study, the NSP4 protein from the PRRSV XH-GD strain (GenBank No. EU624117.1) was cloned, expressed, and used as a coating protein to establish an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detection method. The specificity, repeatability, sensitivity, and agreement rates with those of commercial ELISA kits were compared in this study.
Results
The developed NSP4 indirect ELISA method displayed excellent specificity, repeatability, and sensitivity, with an impressive agreement rate of 91.74% with the PRRSV IDEXX ELISA kit.
Conclusion
The indirect ELISA method for PRRSV NSP4 was successfully constructed., Utilizing the PRRSV NSP4s to establish an ELISA antibody detection method was a more conducive for sustained antibody monitoring in pig farms over time Therefore, the establishment of an NSP4 indirect ELISA detection method provides technical support for the detection of PRRSV antibodies. The coincidence rate between this method and commercial kit is high, which lays a foundation for distinguishing inactivated vaccine from attenuated vaccine.
Design and synthesis of multilevel structured Co3O4 double-shell dodecahedron as non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for H2O2 detection
Authors: Zhang Zhixuan , Liang Zhiqi , Huang Meishi , Shen Dong , Hu Zufei , Yang Yang , Wu Zhouling
Published: July 2024

In this work, we used ZIF-67 as a template to prepare multilevel structured Co3O4 with a high surface area. The synthesized materials were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD and N2 physisorption.The double-shell dodecahedron multileve structure of Co3O4 (DS Co3O4) was found to have the most favorable morphology and largest specific surface area, and was demonstrated to be an effective electrochemical non-enzymatic H2O2 sensor. The efficiency is due to the unique multilevel structure of DS Co3O4, providing abundant active sites for H2O2 oxidation. The sensor showed a fast response time of 5 s, a high sensitivity of 1168.9 µA·mM− 1cm− 2 and a detection limit of 0.048 µM (S/N = 3) in the linear range 0.0005–10 mM, significantly better than other reported high performance Co3O4-based H2O2 sensors. The as-fabricated DS Co3O4/RDE materials are promising sensors for H2O2 due to their excellent sensitivity, selectivity and long-term stability.
Synthesis of a (Pbx, Fey, Cz) Oe matrix composite
Authors: PEI Xinjun , CHENG Ge , Li Aina , Lin Yizhen , LIU Wenbin
Published: July 2024

A (Pbx, Fey, Cz) Oe matrix composite was synthesized by mixing the powders of pure lead (Pb), pure iron (Fe), graphite (C) and pure nickel (Ni) under atmospheric pressure at a maximum temperature of 1530℃.The mixture of pure lead, pure iron, graphite and pure nickel can be used as a new kind of brazing materials for alumina ceramics. The phase composition, cross-sectional microstructure, hardness, ferromagnetism and insulating properties of the (Pbx, Fey, Cz) Oe matrix composite were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), optical microscope, Vickers hardness tester, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), a permanent magnet and a multimeter. The (Pbx, Fey, Cz) Oe matrix composite exhibits favorable wettability with the alumina ceramic and is bounded to the alumina ceramic through an interface and is composed of the (Pbx, Fey, Cz) Oe matrix composite, PbO and Fe3O4. The (Pbx, Fey, Cz) Oe matrix composite belongs to ferromagnetism and insulating material with 301Hv.
Advantages of the Split-leg Supine position Single-port plus one laparoscopic Surgery Approach
Authors: Xin Wang , Yongkui Yu , Zimin Qin , Lei Xu , Haojie Wang , Jinyi Xie , Yiju Wu , Zihou Xu , Peinan Chen , Qi Liu , Haomiao Li , Zongfei Wang , Yongfeng Chen , Fanyu Meng , Wenqun Xing
Published: July 2024

Background: The goal of this study was to compare the advantages of CLS and SSP SILS+1 in esophageal surgery.
Methods: This study enrolled 73 patients who previously underwent radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer from August 2021 to February 2023. Among them, 36 patients underwent SSP SILS+1, whereas the remaining 37 patients underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS). Surgical time, bleeding volume, number of dissected lymph nodes, incision length, and postoperative abdominal pain score between the two groups of patients were compared using either the Student's t-test or chi-square test.
Results: Time of abdominal incision (1.4±0.2 min vs. 5.2±0.7 min，p<0.001) and bleeding volume (7.0±3.0 mL vs. 8.0±4.0mL，p<0.001) were significantly lower in patients in the SSP SILS+1 group compared with those in the CLS group. However, the average incision length was shorter in the SSP SILS+1 group compared with that in the CLS group (35.4±4.0 cm vs 4.6±4.1 cm, p<0.001). Notably, the pain score on postoperative day (POD) 1 was significantly lower in the SSP SILS+1 group compared with that in the CLS group (5.7±0.7 vs.6.3±0.7，p=0.001). The SCAR score was alsovsignificantly lower in the SSP SILS+1 group compared with that in the CLS group (3.5±0.9 vs 8.3±1.4, p=0.019). There was no significant difference in the number of dissected abdominal lymph nodes and positive lymph nodes (p>0.01) between the two groups.
Conclusion: The SSP SILS+1 intervention offers multiple benefits over conventional surgical procedures, encompassing shorter incision length and pain scores on POD 1. In accelerated rehabilitation surgery for esophageal cancer, this surgical procedure demonstrated high safety, feasibility.
Comprehensive expanded carrier screening using next-generation sequencing in Southern Chinese couples
Authors: Guo Danhua , Zhou Nani , He Qianqian , Lin Na , He Shuqiong , He Deqin , Dai Yifang , Li Ying , Chen Xuemei , Huang Hailong , Jia Jia , Cao Hua , Xu Liangpu
Published: July 2024

Background
Carrier screening has been an effective way to prevent severe birth defects in many countries. However, it has not been widely performed in China. In order to identify the local carrier mutation spectrum of autosomal/X-linked recessive diseases in the southeast coastal region in China, a pilot study of mutation carrier screening analysis of a 332-genes panel has been performed on 440 samples from Fujian Province.
Methods
An NGS-based, expanded carrier screening (ECS) panel of 332 genes implicated in 343 AR/XLR diseases in 220 couples in the Fujian region has been developed. Multidimensional data analysis on the detected SNV/Indels and CNVs, including demographics, carrier frequencies and mutation burden of the corresponding diseases has been performed.
Results
511 mutations, including 43 (8.41%) CNVs, were identified in 440 samples, involving 133 genes and 123 diseases. The overall estimated incidence is 1/51. The average P/LP mutation burden per sample (MBP) was 1.16. The highest MBP was observed in Reproductive Assistance (RA)-group who had histories of second and third trimesters fetal loss/abnormalities or postnatal abnormalities. The rate of at-risk couples (ARCs) was 6.36% (n = 14), implicating seven diseases. No difference was observed in the ARCs rate between the Genetic Screening (GS)-group and RA-group. Totally 23 diseases were identified (28 genes) with accumulated carrier frequency ≥ 1/100. The recurrent mutations in GAA, GALT, CYP1B1, and MEFV showed a different mutation spectrum compared to hotspots previously reported in the Han Chinese.
Conclusions
Our study showed that NGS-based ECS has great potential to identify disease carrier burdens and at-risk couples in this Southeast China coastal region, Fujian province. Regional carrier screening disease priority list, instead of a general Chinese population screening gene list, should be carefully determined before the launch of an official public health decision to perform carrier screening at local hospitals in this region.
Prevalence and topography of bifid and trifid mandibular canal in Turkish Western Anatolia Population: Evaluation of the inferior alveolar canal with CBCT
Authors: Bulut Duygu Göller , alçın Gizem Kartal Y , Tanrıseven Zeynep , Aydın Banu , Taşkın Betül
Published: July 2024

Purpose Various anatomical variations of the inferior alveolar canal increase the incidence of surgical complications; Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the frequency and configuration of bifid and trifid mandibular canals using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Turkish subpopulation.Methods The inferior alveolar canal was evaluated on 1014 hemi-mandibles in the CBCT (I-CAT 3D Imaging System) images of 513 patients. The frequency and configuration of the bifid and trifid mandibular canal (MC) were examined. The relationship between bifid MC configuration and dental status and age groups was analyzed. The distance of the accessory canal to the buccal and lingual walls and to the alveolar crest was measured. The diameter of the main canal and accessory canal was measured and its relationship with dental status and age groups was evaluated.Results Bifid mandibular canal was found in 266 hemi-mandibles (24.7%) and 212 (41.3%) of 513 patients. The most common type of bifid MC was the retromolar canal (87 sides), followed by the forward canal without confluence (41; 4%) and the dental canal (34; 3.4%). 10 of the dental canals were opening to the 1st molar, 14 of the 2nd molars, and 10 of the 3rd molars. The number of retromolar foramina was 1 on 56 sides, 2 on 15 sides, and 3 on 4 sides. Forward canal without confluence was more common in edentulous patients than in dentulous patients, while the dental canal was more common in dentulous patients. The main canal diameter was 3.53 ± 0.97 mm and bifid MC diameter was 1.82 ± 0.70 mm. Distance of the bifid MC to the lingual wall was higher in > 64 years group than in 18–39 years group (p = 0.022). Distance of the bifid MC to the alveolar crest was lower in the > 64 years group compared to 18–39 years group and 40–64 years group (p = 0.015). The main canal diameter was higher in 40–64 years group than in 18–39 years group (p = 0.012).Conclusion Bifid Mandibular canal has a high prevalence, occurring in almost one in two patients. Dental and retromolar types, which are close to the teeth, are more common, and this increases the possibility of complications. CBCT is the most accurate imaging technique used to detect and define these variations.
Predictive model and clinical application for lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Su Yuanhao , Sun Tingkai , Wu Yongke , Li Cheng , Li Yunhao , Jin Xing , Ji Yuanyuan , Wang Zhidong
Published: July 2024

Purpose
Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMC), small tumors under 10 mm, represent a major part of the increase in papillary thyroid cancer cases. The treatment plans for PTMC patients with lymph node metastasi should be different from those without lymph node metastasis. Therefore, accurately identifying patients with cervical lymph node metastasis is of great clinical significance.
Methods
We analyzed data from 256 patients diagnosed with PTMC, using age, gender, tumor size, lesion count, and ACR score as predictors. Outcomes were based on cervical lymph node pathology. Four machine learning models—Random Forest, Multivariate Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, and Xgboost—were tested for their predictive accuracy and clinical utility. We then created an online website for direct prediction and designed online platforms that allow other researchers to upload their data for model building and prediction. The website and platform design is based on "shiny" package.
Results
The Random Forest model proved optimal, achieving an AUC of 0.92. It showed high sensitivity (0.83) and specificity (0.90) at the best threshold of 0.46. The link to the website we built based on this model is as follows: http://yucemoxing.online:8082. Additionally, the link to the online platforms that allows userss to upload their own data for model building and prediction is as follows: http://yucemoxing.online:8081,http://yucemoxing.site:8089,http://yucemoxing.online:8084,http://yucemoxing.online:8085,http://yucemoxing.online:8083,http://yucemoxing.online:8088, http://yucemoxing.online:8087, http://yucemoxing.online:8086
Conclusions
Machine learning tools can reliably predict cervical lymph node metastasis in PTMC patients. The developed websites offer valuable tools for clinical application, enhancing decision-making in treatment strategies.
Climate and Tectonic Aspects of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Central Brazil) From the Perspective of Pleistocene Alluvial Fans
Authors: Lopes Fabrício Antonio , Castro Paulo de Tarso Amorim , Carvalho Alex , Lana Cláudio Eduardo
Published: July 2024

This study presents data related to the unconsolidated alluvial fans of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, a little-studied geomorphological and sedimentary feature located in southeastern Brazil. These alluvial fans were submitted to stratigraphic survey and dating by Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL). The description and interpretation of the sedimentary facies evidenced a lack of aggradational processes, which are inactive. About 40% of the identified facies are plastic (Gmm) and pseudoplastic (Gcm) debris flows interspersed with occasional channel-filling facies (Gt), hyper-concentrated (Sm) and mud (Fm) flows. The geochronological data elucidated the importance of the SAR protocol, where the quartz grains demonstrated high sensitivity and adequate dose-response curves, allowing better reflections and reliability of determined ages. The unconsolidated alluvial fans of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero had their genesis throughout the Pleistocene, mostly in a dry climate, with vegetation retraction and sedimentary filling of river valleys. The Cenozoic tectonics acted on the surface of the fans through the strong fluvial incision in the Holocene, caused by uplifts of the Brazilian continental shelf.
Integrated Virtual Screening and MD Simulation Study to Discover Potential Inhibitors of Mycobacterial Electron Transfer Flavoprotein-Oxidoreductase
Authors: Arshad Kaleem , Kanwal Nazia
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health crisis, contributing significantly to both morbidity and mortality. The escalating resistance to existing drugs exacerbates the urgency for innovative therapeutic strategies. This study focuses on repurposing drugs against the crucial mycobacterial protein, electron transfer flavoprotein oxidoreductase (EtfD), integral to utilizing fatty acids and cholesterol as a carbon source during infection. The research adopted an integrative approach, beginning with virtual screening of approved drugs against EtfD, followed by molecular docking, and concluding with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Virtual screening and molecular docking against a database of approved drugs identified diacerein, levonadifloxacin, and gatifloxacin as promising candidates for repurposing against TB. The MD simulations revealed stable binding of these compounds to EtfD, supported by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Binding free energy calculations and ADMET analyses further confirmed their potential efficacy and safety for TB treatment. Diacerein and levonadifloxacin, previously unexplored in anti-tuberculous therapy, alongside gatifloxacin, known for its efficacy in drug-resistant TB, emerged as promising candidates. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and favorable pharmacokinetic profiles suggest potential as alternatives to current TB treatments, especially against resistant strains. This study underscores the efficacy of computational drug repurposing, highlighting bacterial energy metabolism and lipid catabolism as fruitful targets. Further research is necessary to validate the clinical suitability and efficacy of diacerein, levonadifloxacin, and gatifloxacin, potentially enhancing the arsenal against global TB.
Vaccine refusal and hesitancy in Spain: an online cross-sectional questionnaire
Authors: Huguet-Feixa Agnes , Artigues-Barberà Eva , Sol Joaquim , Gomez-Arbones Xavier , Godoy Pere , Bravo Marta Ortega
Published: July 2024

Blackground Vaccine refusal and hesitancy pose a critical challenge to public health, leading to delays in vaccination and compromising herd immunity. Method To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive observational study on the adult Spanish population in 2021. Through an online questionnaire, we explored the sociodemographic and sociocultural factors, beliefs, and opinions of those refusing or holding hesitancy about vaccines, and their vaccination behaviours by vaccine type and sex. Results There were 1,312 respondents: 74.5% were female, 73.7% were between 31 and 59 years old, and 71.0% had university studies. Our findings revealed that vaccine refusal rates were relatively low (16.8%), and mainly associated with influenza vaccination (10.3%). Greater refusal of vaccination was observed in over 60 years old, in those expressing hesitancy due to vaccine components and opposing free and compulsory vaccination, unaware that vaccination protects the community and being against consuming cow’s milk and the use of infant formulas for breastfeeding. Vaccine hesitancy was greatest in individuals under 31 years old, women, parents of children under 15 years old, against compulsory vaccination, unaware that vaccination protects the community, with hesitancy due to vaccine costs, and in favour of alternative and complementary treatments. Conclusions These insights underscore the need for strategies to improve education about vaccination and dispel misconceptions are crucial for effectively reducing vaccine refusal and hesitancy across the population.
guidedNOMe-seq quantifies chromatin states at single allele resolution for hundreds of custom regions in parallel.
Authors: Schwaiger Michaela , Mohn Fabio , Bühler Marc , Kaaij Lucas
Published: July 2024

Since the introduction of next generation sequencing technologies, the field of epigenomics has evolved rapidly. However, most commonly used assays are enrichment-based methods and thus only semi-quantitative. Nucleosome occupancy and methylome sequencing (NOMe-seq) allows for quantitative inference of chromatin states with single locus resolution, but this requires high sequencing depth and is therefore prohibitively expensive to routinely apply to organisms with large genomes. To overcome this limitation, we introduce guidedNOMe-seq, where we combine NOMe profiling with large scale sgRNA synthesis and Cas9-mediated region-of-interest (ROI) liberation. To facilitate quantitative comparisons between multiple samples, we additionally develop an R package to standardize differential analysis of any type of NOMe-seq data. We extensively benchmark guidedNOMe-seq in a proof-of-concept study, dissecting the interplay of ChAHP and CTCF on chromatin. In summary we present a cost-effective, scalable, and customizable target enrichment extension to the existing NOMe-seq protocol allowing genome-scale quantification of nucleosome occupancy and transcription factor binding at single allele resolution.
Effect of Oregano and Cinnamon Essential Oils in Salmon Trout Fish Diets on Growth Performance and Meat Traits 1
Authors: Hasan Yazen Wisam , Yılmaz Erdal , Konca Yusuf
Published: July 2024

This study was conducted to determine the effects of oregano and cinnamon essential oil supplementation in the trout diet (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on growth performance and meat quality. The experiment placed 96 trout fry fish in 12 controlled laboratory ponds. The water temperature was adjusted to 14 to 15°C, oxygen was 12.2 mg/liter, and water circulated continuously with the circulation system for 24 hours/day. Each aquarium included eight fish, which were fed twice daily. The experimental groups are as follows: 1: Control diet (basal diet, no supplementation), 2: addition of 100 mg/kg oregano essential oil (OEO), and 3: addition of 100 mg/kg cinnamon essential oil (CEO) in feeds. Performance traits, survival, activity in tanks, meat quality, blood components, meat fatty acid composition, and antioxidant activity were determined. The result of cinnamon and oregano essential oils did not have a significant effect on body weight, weight gain, and feed intake. The feed conversion ratio had a significant dissimilarity between the groups. There was no statistically significant effect among the groups regarding fish activity in the tank or interest in feeding. The best survival rate was in the CEO-supplemented group. The addition of OEO and CEO did not affect the carcass characteristics and fish meat's chemical composition (dry matter, crude protein, fat, ash, and fatty acid composition). No significant difference was observed in fish meat colors (L*: lightness, a*: redness, b*: yellowness), pH, cooking, and thawing losses. No significant effect was recorded in the blood lipid profile, glucose, AST, and ALT. Still, in the EO-supplemented groups, the serum lipid total protein ratio was lower than that of the control group. In conclusion, essential oils from oregano and cinnamon can be used without negatively affecting performance and carcass quality traits. However, they can increase the livability of fry trout fish.
Elastic Properties of TiS 2 Material at High Pressure, Using Pseudo-Potentials Technique
Authors: Guesmi Ibtissam , Malki Siham , Darhi Zakariae , Bouammali Mohammed Amine , Challioui Allal , Farh Larbi El
Published: July 2024

Our study investigates the effect of pressure within the range of 0 to 20 GPa on elastic properties of titanium disulfide (TiS2) using density-functional theory (DFT), plane waves (PW), and pseudopotentials (PP) techniques within the framework of the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA). Our primary objective is to unveil the anisotropic nature of TiS2's elastic properties by scrutinizing the spatial variations in key parameters, including shear modulus (G), bulk modulus (B), Young's modulus (E), hardness (H), and Debye temperature (ƟD), under variable pressure conditions. The elastic properties of TiS2 exhibit a significant degree of anisotropy due to its hexagonal crystal structure, where the arrangement of atoms results in variable mechanical responses along the crystallographic axes. However, this anisotropy tends to decrease progressively with increasing pressure. These results not only deepen our understanding of TiS2's mechanical behavior but also open avenues for potential applications in diverse technological domains such as flexible electronics, optoelectronics and the energy industry.
Nonlinear vibration isolation performance enhancement using elastic constraint and linkage mechanism
Authors: Dai Wei , Xu Weiye , Wang Lin , Yang Jian , Li Tianyun , Zhu Xiang
Published: July 2024

This research presents nonlinear vibration isolators with elastic constraint included in linkage mechanism with geometry nonlinearity. The vibration attenuation enhancement of integrating nonlinear elements to a single-stage isolation system and an isolation system with flexible foundation considering the applications in marine engineering or aerospace engineering is investigated. The harmonic balance method (HBM) with the Alternating Frequency/Time (AFT) scheme and a time-marching method are employed to calculate responses. The vibration transmissibilities and power transmission indices are taken as measures of isolation performance. The results show that the nonlinear isolator dramatically decreases power flow and vibration transmissibility to the base in a broad frequency range. The use of the elastic constraint enables wider ranges of parameters of spring-linkage in design and the proposed isolator can provide improved vibration attenuation capabilities in low frequencies. By a collaborative design using the elastic constraint and linkage mechanism, the peaks in curves force transmission and power flow to the flexible foundation can be significantly suppressed and shifted towards lower frequencies. The study demonstrates that the proposed isolator designs can be further applied in the isolation platform of mechanical systems on board.
Utilising pupillometry as a biomarker for diagnosing ADHD
Authors: Bhatt Pranjal , Maroju Dheeraj
Published: July 2024

Neurodivergent conditions, notably Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), pose considerable challenges in unraveling their pathophysiology due to intricate genetic underpinnings and diverse symptom presentations. The locus coeruleus-norepinephrine (LC-NE) system, central to noradrenergic signaling crucial for cognitive processes like sustained attention, has emerged as a focal point for understanding these conditions. However, the LC's small size and deep brainstem location pose significant hurdles to its cellular, molecular, and physiological investigation. Given these challenges, this study explores pupillometry as a non-invasive, objective measure of cognitive load reflecting LC-NE activity. The aim is to establish pupillometry as a novel biomarker and potentially an endophenotype for ADHD. Leveraging an elastic-net logistic model alongside meticulous five-fold cross-validation and hyperparameter tuning, our research yields promising evidence for future research, achieving an Area under the Curve (AUC) score of 0.969, accompanied by a precision of 100% and a recall of 86%. These findings underscore the efficacy of pupillometry in discerning dysfunction within the LC-NE system, thereby enabling accurate diagnosis of ADHD in pediatric populations.