bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning, purification and characterization of tehalose-6-phosphate synthase PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 from Paeonia ostii
Authors: Cheng Qian , Chen Tian , Zhou Hong , Tao Jun , Sun Jing
Published: October 2023

Trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) as a key enzyme in trehalose metabolism plays important roles in metabolic regulation and abiotic stress tolerance in many species. In our previous study, 10 TPS family members in Paeonia ostii have been identified, and among them PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 were regarded as critical genes in regulating growth and development of P. ostii. In this study, the full-length of cDNAs with 1698 nucleotides encoding PoTPS1 and 2571 nucleotides encoding PoTPS5 from P. ostii were cloned. The sequence analysis revealed that PoTPS1 protein belongs to the Class I group and PoTPS5 was a Class II TPS protein, and they possess highly conserved residues. The expression levels of PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 were induced by sugar and abiotic stress, especially under glucose and high temperature treatments. Then, PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 protein were expressed at high level in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 recombinant proteins were about 116 kDa and 149 kDa respectively. The optimum temperature of PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 were 50 ℃ and 60 ℃, and the optimum pH for both PoTPS1 and PoTPS5 was 6.0. Metal cations such as Mg2+ and Zn2+ stimulated PoTPS1 activity significantly, and the Mg2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ motivated PoTPS5 activity tremendously. The addition of chondroitin sulfate was shown to stimulate enzyme activity.
A Plan to Transform Primary and Community Care at Catalonia based on a process improvement methodology
Authors: Coll Marc Sales , Manjón Sara , Salabert Jeroni , Pladevall Clara , Algar Daniel , Benaque Alba , Soler Júlia , de Echagüen Anna Ochoa
Published: October 2023

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catalan healthcare system sought to promote a plan to strengthen and transform primary care in order to provide high quality healthcare services whilst making an optimal use of resources. This article defines the implementation and deployment strategy across the Catalan region. The Lean methodology has been used extensively in other sectors for process improvement. More recently, it has been adopted in large hospitals, showing good results, so Lean was selected as the most appropriate method to achieve this project’s goal. The Process Office of the Catalan Health System, which is made up of experts in Lean methodology, has been involved in defining and deploying the strategy to all 374 primary care teams (PCTs) within the Catalan healthcare system. A deployment strategy comprised of four phases (each consisting of a number of sessions) was followed: (1) explaining the project’s goals and training the professionals in the methodology; (2) assessing the current status regarding the processes with the various PCTs; (3) identifying and implementing improvement projects; (4) defining key performance indicators to monitor the impact of the projects. As a conclusion, this project has allowed to successfully define and implement a standard at a strategic and deployment level of a project for primary care improvement that may be replicated in other regions. The key elements to ensure success have been the following: Leadership, implementation of an improvement methodology, standardization of sessions, and involvement and training of front-line professionals.
Effects of Suillus Luteus on the root morphology and endogenous hormones of Pinus massoniana seedlings under drought stress
Authors: Wang Yi , Ren Youzhi , Tu Guiying , Luo Xuemei , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: October 2023

Aims
Ectomycorrhizal fungus (ECMF) may enhance plant drought resistance. However, there is limited information regarding the effects of ECMF on drought resistance in Pinus massoniana, a native species representing an afforestation pioneer tree in subtropical regions of China.
Methods
We conducted a pot experiment to assess the effects of Suillus luteus on the root morphology and endogenous hormones of masson pine under drought stress. Four water levels (normal water, light drought, moderate drought and severe drought) and three inoculation levels (non-ECMF-inoculated, inoculated with S12 and inoculated with S13) were compared using a factorial design. Root morphology and endogenous hormones were tested after 45 days of stress.
Results
The results showed that total root length, projection area, total root surface area, total root volume, root tip number, connection count, average number of first-order lateral roots and angle of first-order lateral root of the masson pine seedlings which inoculated S. luteus were significantly increased under drought stress. The light drought stress is beneficial to the root morphological development of masson pine. Compared with the non-inoculated seedlings, the concentrations of gibberellic acid (GA), zeatin riboside (ZR) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) were increased, while the concentration of abscisic acid (ABA) was significantly decreased. Moreover, root morphology was positively correlated with GA, IAA, and ZR, but negatively correlated with ABA.
Conclusions
S. luteus can promote the root growth and development of masson pine seedlings, notably by regulating the balance in concentration of endogenous hormones, thus improving the drought resistance ability of masson pine seedlings.
Gender, Racial, and Geographical Disparities in Malignant Brain Tumor Mortality in the United States
Authors: Tan Jia Yi , Thong Jia Yean , Mbenga Kelly , Saleh Sabera
Published: October 2023

Background
Malignant brain tumors are malignancy which are known for their low survival rates. Despite advancements in treatments in the last decade, the disparities in malignant brain cancer mortality among the US population remain unclear.
Methods
We analyzed death certificate data from the U.S. CDC WONDER from 1999 to 2020 to determine the longitudinal trends of malignant brain tumor mortality. Malignant brain tumor (ICD-10 C71.0-71.9) was listed as the underlying cause of death. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were calculated by standardizing the AAMR to the year 2000 U.S. population.
Results
From 1999 to 2020, there were 306,375 deaths due to malignant brain tumor. The AAMR decreased from 5.57 (95% CI, 5.47–5.67) per 100,000 individuals in 1999 to 5.40 (95% CI, 5.31–5.48) per 100,000 individuals in 2020, with an annual percent decrease of -0.05 (95% CI, -0.22, 0.12). Whites had the highest AAMR (6.05 [95% CI, 6.02–6.07] per 100,000 individuals), followed by Hispanics (3.70 [95% CI, 3.64–3.76]) per 100,000 individuals, Blacks (3.09 [95% CI, 3.04–3.14] per 100,000 individuals), American Indians (2.82 [95% CI, 2.64-3.00] per 100,000 individuals), and Asians (2.44 [95% CI, 2.38–2.50] per 100,000 individuals). The highest AAMRs were reported in the Midwest region (5.58 [95% CI, 5.54–5.62]) per 100,000 individuals) and the rural regions (5.66 [95% CI, 5.61–5.71] per 100,000 individuals).
Conclusions
Our study underscores the importance of addressing the disparities in malignant brain tumor that existed across different genders, races and geographic regions.
Associations of parabens and age at natural menopause: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wang Liping , Luo Xinrui , Ren Mulan , Wang Yan
Published: October 2023

Background: Parabens were considered to have potential negative impacts on reproductive health. This study aimed to examine the association between parabens and the onset of natural menopause.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,668 participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2016. The outcome of this study was the onset of menopause. The exposure of this study was four parabens, including butyl paraben (BP), ethyl paraben (EP), methyl paraben (MP), and propyl paraben (PP). Each paraben was categorized based on its tertile. Weighted COX regression models were employed to investigate the associations between BP, EP, MP, PP, and onset of natural menopause, respectively. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on smoke status, drink status, and oral contraceptives.
Results: Natural menopause occurred in 1043 women in the total population. Compared with women with the lowest tertile of EP, women in the second tertile of EP [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.57] and the highest tertile of EP (HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.64) was associated with an increased risk of earlier onset of naturalmenopause. However, all BP, MP, and PP levels were not statistically associated with the onset of naturalmenopause. The results of subgroup analysis indicated that EP, MP, and PP were all associated with the earlier onset of natural menopause in women who did not used oral contraceptives.
Conclusion:Our findings suggested an association between higher EP levels and an earlier onset of natural menopause in general U.S. women. The findings of our study necessitate further prospective epidemiologic research to validate.
Design and Development of Multi-Dimensional Plurality Bearing Cup Assembly and Disassembly Tool
Authors: Baladhandapani Vivek Aravind , Kandavel Arunachalam
Published: October 2023

Efficient and safe disassembly of bearing cups is a significant challenge in the automotive sector. This research article presents a novel design, analysis, and applications of a Plurality Bearing Cup Disassembly Tool (PBCDT). The PBCDT is a specialized tool developed to enable the simultaneous disassembly of multiple-bearing cups, addressing the needs of diverse industries, including automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery. By eliminating the need for individual and stacking tools, the PBCDT overcomes the limitations of existing disassembly techniques, such as local weld and hit practices commonly used in workshops. This article presents a detailed design, with a focus on critical factors like material selection and manufacturing techniques. Structural analysis utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is conducted to ensure the robustness and durability of the tool. Furthermore, the article explores the ergonomic aspects and user-friendliness of the PBCDT, emphasizing the importance of operator comfort and efficiency during disassembly operations.The insights provided in this research article regarding the design, analysis, and potential applications of the PBCDT serve as a valuable resource for engineers, technicians, and researchers engaged in bearing cup disassembly operations. By employing the PBCDT, professionals can improve productivity, reduce disassembly time, and eliminate the risks associated with traditional disassembly methods.
Life after medicalised conception: An interpretative phenomenological analysis study exploring the experiences of pregnancy and early parenting
Authors: Foyston Zoe , Higgens Lucy , Smith Debbie , Wittkowski Anja
Published: October 2023

Background
Pregnancy resulting from Medicalised Conception (MAC) is increasingly prevalent. In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is the most common type of treatment which has been linked to increased pregnancy-specific anxiety and different approaches to parenting. This study was novel in exploring the lived experiences of pregnancy and early parenthood in individuals who conceived via IVF, identifying how they coped with any psychological difficulties.
Method
Twelve UK participants, who successfully achieved pregnancy via IVF and had given birth to an infant aged 12 weeks to 2 years old currently, were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Results
Three superordinate themes were identified: 1) The lasting imprint of IVF: unidentified and unmet psychological needs. The resultant loss, grief and powerlessness associated with the IVF treatment process left individuals emotionally vulnerable entering pregnancy. The lasting impact of IVF was evident, influencing birth preferences and feeding choices. 2) The fragility of pregnancy: helpless and existing in a world of uncertainty. Pregnancy was often approached with caution and trepidation, leading to methods of self-protection, such as difficulties in believing the existence of the pregnancy. 3) The parental function of healthcare systems: needing an anchor and a sense of safety highlighted the pivotal role of health systems and their ability to perpetuate or alleviate distress.
Conclusions
The psychological vulnerability of expectant parents needs to be considered throughout the perinatal period. Routine monitoring of psychological well-being and the implementation of specialist services and peer support for individuals who conceive via IVF is recommended.
The first modified mercalli intensity map of Maku, NW Iran
Authors: UCHTAPEH MOHAMMAD SADEGH MAMSEYDE , AKASHE BAHRAM , POURKERMANI MOHSEN , GHEITANCHI MOHAMMAD REZA , Dorostian Arezou , JARAHI HADI
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to provide a probabilistic modified Mercalli intensity (PMMI) map based on seismological studies for the Maku Quadrangle. The study area is located in the NW corner of Iran. The occurrence of several destructive earthquakes and the existence of active faults represent a high level of seismicity in this area. While investigating the seismotectonics and b-value, all active seismic sources were identified and the seismic parameters were calculated for those. Then the PMMI map was calculated using four attenuation equations. The results showed that the maximum intensity is in the form of a strip running NW-SE and showed good compatibility with the Iğdır and Balıkgölü faults. The present results are in good agreement with the shake map of earthquakes which occurred in the region.
An application of Atorvastatin to anti - fungal effects in acute myeloid leukemia: a multicenter, triple-blinded, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Saber-moghaddam Niloufar , nodeh Mohammad Moeini , Ghavami Vahid , Rahimi Hossein , azimi Sajjad Ataei , Seddigh-shamsi Mohsen , Kamandi Mostafa , Allahyari Abolghasem , maghani Somayeh Shariat , Elyasi Sepideh , Arasteh Omid
Published: October 2023

Background:
The development of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is a serious complication in Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who undergo an induction to remission chemotherapy. Given the increased mortality in AML patients with IFI despite prophylaxis, we need to solve this problem. Statins have traditionally been employed in the clinical setting as agents for reducing lipid levels. Nonetheless, recent investigations have brought to light their antifungal properties in animals, as well as in-vitro studies.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Atorvastatin in the treatment of invasive fungal infections in patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
Methods:
A randomized, multicenter, triple-blind study was conducted on 76 AML patients aged 18-70, who received either placebo or Atorvastatin in addition to Fluconazole. Patients were followed for 30 days in case of developing IFIs, patients’ survival and Atorvastatin related adverse drug reactions. Data have been analyzed with SPSS version 26.0. A level of significance of 0.05 was utilized as the threshold for all statistical tests.
Results:
The data were analyzed by adjusting for the effect of age, regarding that there was a significant difference between the two groups, and showed that Atorvastatin reduced the development of both probable and proven IFI (based on EORTC/MSGERC criteria) compared to placebo. IFI-free survival was also significantly better in the Atorvastatin group. The incidence of developing Aspergillosis did not differ between the two groups. No serious adverse events related to Atorvastatin were seen.
Conclusion:
The present investigation has substantiated the antecedent in-vitro and animal research on the fungicidal impact of statins and has suggested the need for additional research involving larger sample sizes and an extended duration of follow-up.
Predicting Acute Chest Syndrome Risk in Sickle Cell Anemia Children During Vaso-occlusive Crisis Hospitalizations
Authors: Alghamdi Faisal , Al-Kasim Fawaz , Obied Forat , Gharieb Etedal , Azmet Fauzia , Almudaibigh Adel , Baitalmal Lobna , Alnawfal Beddah , Alluqmani Rehab
Published: October 2023

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a globally prevalent inherited condition, with acute chest syndrome (ACS) being one of its most severe complications. ACS frequently leads to hospitalization, necessitates intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and can even result in death. This research aimed to discern early indicators of impending ACS in children with SCA who were initially hospitalized due to painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOC). A retrospective, case-control investigation was carried out at the King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, encompassing 120 patients aged 1 to 14 years from January 2021 to December 2022. Patients were classified into two groups: those who developed ACS during hospital stay (cases) and those who did not develop ACS (controls). The study compared demographic factors, laboratory results, vital and clinical signs, and treatment protocols between these groups. Findings revealed that a previous diagnosis of asthma, a history of ACS, recent upper respiratory tract symptoms prior to admission, and the need for a blood transfusion within the first 24 hours of admission due to a drop in hemoglobin levels were all significant predictors of impending ACS. Further regression analysis indicated that elevated steady-state mean corpuscular volume (MCV), leukocyte count, total bilirubin, and an increased absolute neutrophil count (ANC) level 24 hours post-admission also foreshadowed impending ACS in patients admitted for VOC. Additionally, the location of pain was found to be significant with ACS incidence being higher in patients experiencing back pain, while patients with pain confined to the limbs had a lower incidence of ACS during admission. The average duration of hospital stay was notably longer for the ACS group, averaging 7.6 days compared to 5.8 days for VOC alone. 15.7% of patients initially admitted with VOC were diagnosed with ACS. Most ACS cases were managed with transfusions and antibiotics, and nearly one-third of patients required admission to an ICU or high dependency area.
S9.6-based hybrid capture immunoassay for pathogen detection
Authors: Bothra Ankur , Perry Megan , Wei Elena , Moayeri Mahtab , Ma Qian , Biamonte Marco , Siirin Marina , Leppla Stephen
Published: October 2023

The detection of pathogens is critical for clinical diagnosis and public health surveillance. Detection is usually done with nucleic acid-based tests (NATs) and rapid antigen tests (e.g., lateral flow assays [LFAs]). Although NATs are more sensitive and specific, their use is often limited in resource-poor settings due to specialized requirements. To address this limitation, we developed a rapid DNA-RNA Hybrid Capture immunoassay (HC) that specifically detects RNA from pathogens. This assay utilizes a unique monoclonal antibody, S9.6, which binds DNA-RNA hybrids. Biotinylated single-stranded DNA probes are hybridized to target RNAs, followed by hybrid capture on streptavidin and detection with S9.6. The HC-ELISA assay can detect as few as 104 RNA molecules that are 2.2 kb in length. We also adapted this assay into a LFA format, where captured Bacillus anthracis rpoB RNA of 3.5 kb length was detectable from a bacterial load equivalent to 107 CFU per 100 mg of mouse tissue using either HC-ELISA or HC-LFA. Importantly, we also demonstrated the versatility of HC by detecting other pathogens, including SARS-CoV2 and Toxoplasma gondii, showing its potential for broad pathogen detection. Notably, HC does not require amplification of the target nucleic acid and utilizes economical formats like ELISA and LFA, making it suitable for use in sentinel labs for pathogen detection or as a molecular tool in basic research laboratories. Our study highlights the potential of HC as a sensitive and versatile method for RNA-based pathogen detection.
Unexpectedly detected high-grade plasma fallopian tube cancer: a case report
Authors: Zhou Juanhong , Ma Xinyun , Chen Fan , Fu Jiaojiao , Zhu Jiaojiao , Liu Xiaofeng , Liu Huiling
Published: October 2023

Primary fallopian tube cancer is a rare gynecologic malignancy that accounts for only a small percentage of cases. It can present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, and pelvic mass, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Confirmation of the disease relies on postoperative histopathology and immunohistochemical staining. The article presents a case of an elderly woman who was diagnosed with primary fallopian tube cancer after undergoing hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding. The patient's subsequent chemotherapy treatment resulted in a positive prognosis, highlighting the importance of clinical diagnosis and management of this rare cancer. Early detection, surgical resection, chemotherapy, and close follow-up are crucial for improving diagnosis and preventing recurrence. Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of primary fallopian tube cancer.
Facilely prepared carbon dots as effective anode modifier for enhanced performance of microbial fuel cells
Authors: Wei Hui-Xu , Qiu Rui , Li Ai-Yi , Liang Liu-Jie , Feng Yan-Nan , Li Shu-Hua , Li Nan
Published: October 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for obtaining energy in wastewater. Effective extracellular electron transfer is one of the key factors for its practical application. In this work, carbon dots (CDs) enriched with oxygen-containing groups on the surface were synthesized as an efficient anode modifier using a simple hydrothermal method and common reactants. The experimental results showed that CDs-modified anodes had higher electrical conductivity, and higher hydrophilicity, could load more microorganisms, enhanced electrochemical processes in the anode biofilm, and did not affect the total content of electrobacteria in the biofilm. The CDs-modified MFCs exhibited higher maximum power density (661.1 ± 42.6 mW m− 2) and open-circuit voltage (534.50 ± 6.4 mV), which were significantly better than those of the blank group MFCs (484.1 ± 14.1 mW m− 2 and 447.50 ± 12.1 mV). The use of simple carbon materials to improve the microbial loading on the MFCs anode and the electron transfer between the microbial-electrode may provide a new idea for the design of efficient MFCs.
Does boundary solutions of the Lucas endogenous growth model explain why some countries are not accumulating human capital?
Authors: Bella Giovanni , Kogan Konstantin , Mattana Paolo , Tsadikovich Dmitry , Venturi Beatrice
Published: October 2023

Recent data from World Bank provides evidence that there is a surprisingly large cluster of countries which have not been accumulating human capital since long time. This paper shows that this phenomenon is not necessarily at odds with the Lucas’ model (1988) of endogenous growth, provided that available time is relatively more productive in the goods-producing sector than in the schooling sector, even when all available effort is already committed to work (boundary solution). We also discuss sufficient conditions for the economy to enter a regular regime, starting to also accumulate human capital (interior solution). The elasticity of intertemporal substitution is a particularly relevant element able to shortens the no-human capital accumulation period: other things being equal, the more the economy values future, the quicker the economy is able to jump onto a transient orbit converging to the BGP.
Research on the anatomical application of robot and 3D guide-assisted lumbar cortical bone trajectory screw placement technique
Authors: Maimaiti Abulikemu , Xiao Yang , Zhang Rui , Dadihan Tursunjiang , Wang Yixi , Maitusong Muzaipaer , Sheng Weibin , Rexiti Paerhati , Cao Li
Published: October 2023

Background: To compare the accuracy of robotic and 3D guide-assisted cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw placement in lumbar spine in human cadaver wet specimens.
Methods:Six lumbar cadaver specimens were included. The left and right sides of L1-L5 vertebrae were randomly selected for screw placement using two techniques. Evaluation of preoperative planning time, intraoperative injury level and postoperative screw placement accuracy, number of cortical bone contact layers, and facet joint invasion rate were performed for two surgical techniques.
Results: A total of 60 screws were implanted. The accuracy of robot-assisted screw placement with 93% were significantly higher than 3D guide-assisted screw placement with 97% (15 screws with level 0, 13 screws with level 1, and 2 screws with level 2). The average number of cortical bone contact layers on the robot-assisted and 3D guide-assisted screw placement side were 4.6 and 4.1 (P<0.05). Four screws on the robot-assisted side were grade 2, and the remaining 26 screws were grade 0. The facet joints invasion rate was 13.3%. Two screws on the 3D guide-assisted side were grade 2, and the remaining 28 screws were grade 0, facet joints invasion rate was 6.7%. There was no statistical difference in facet joint invasion rate between the two screw placement methods (P>0.05).
Conclusion:Robot-assisted screw placement is more accurate, safe, and minimally invasive than 3D guide plate-assisted screw placement. It has advantages over 3D guide plate-assisted screw placement in terms of cortical bone contact, and can further increase the screw-holding force.
Concordance between two monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for the measurement of cysticercal antigen levels in sera of pigs experimentally infected with Taenia solium and Taenia hydatigena
Authors: Arroyo Gianfranco , Toribio Luz , Garrido Sara , Chile Nancy , Lopez-Urbina Teresa , Gomez-Puerta Luis A. , Muro Miguel , Gilman Robert H. , Castillo Yesenia , Dorny Pierre , O’Neal Seth E. , Gonzalez Armando E. , Garcia Hector H.
Published: October 2023

Background
Antigen detection in Taenia solium cysticercosis confirms viable infection in the intermediate host (either pig or human). The reference B158 / B60 antigen-detection ELISA (Ag-ELISA) has high levels of sensitivity and specificity in human neurocysticercosis (94% and 99% according to the manufacturer), although its sensitivity is lower in cases with single brain cysts, whereas in porcine cysticercosis the assay performance is affected by its frequent cross-reaction with Taenia hydatigena. Our group has produced 21 anti-T. solium monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reacting against antigens of the whole cyst, vesicular fluid, and secretory/excretory products, identifying TsW8 / TsW5 as the most promising pair of mAbs for an Ag-ELISA.
Methods
We report the use of our TsW8 / TsW5 Ag-ELISA for the measurement of parasite antigen levels in two panels of sera from pigs experimentally infected with T. solium (n = 26) and T. hydatigena (n = 12) from day 0 to day 90 post-infection (PI) and assessed the concordance of our assay with the reference B158 / B60 Ag-ELISA using Bland-Altman (BA) plots and Lin’s concordance coefficients (LCC).
Results
Our TsW8 / TsW5 Ag-ELISA measured antigen levels efficiently during the course of T. solium cysticercosis infections in pigs with a strong agreement with the reference B158 / B60 Ag-ELISA in almost all paired log-transformed optical density (OD) values. The limits of agreement (LoA) in the BA plot at days 0, 28, and 90 PI were 92.3%, 100% and 100%, respectively, and high concordance between assays was also found (LCC: 0.69, 0.92, and 0.96, respectively, all P < 0.001). In pigs infected with T. hydatigena, almost all paired log-transformed ODs were also within the LoA, whereas concordance between assays was low or moderate at days 0 and 28 PI, (LCC: 0.24 and 0.88), but higher at day 90 PI (LCC: 0.98, P < 0.001).
Conclusions / significance:
The TsW8 / TsW5 Ag-ELISA recognizes antigens in pigs with T. solium cysticercosis and is highly concordant with the B158 / B60 Ag-ELISA. However, its diagnostic use is hampered by cross-reactions with T. hydatigena, as in other mAb antigen detection assays.
Metabolomics approach to explore bioactive natural products derived from plant-root-associated Streptomyces
Authors: KUM Ekrem , Ince Ebru
Published: October 2023

Streptomyces, a prominent genus within the Actinobacteria phylum, is responsible for over 60% of clinically relevant antibiotics. Streptomyces strains inhabiting plant roots possess the potential to synthesize bioactive natural products, conferring defense and resilience to plants against pathogenic microorganisms. However, this potential remains largely unexplored. This study aims to screen for bioactive metabolites produced by Streptomyces strains in the plant rhizosphere.
Six Streptomyces isolates were cultivated using three modified media to induce the production of diverse metabolites, employing the OSMAC (One Strain Many Compounds) approach. Metabolite profiles of extracts from fermentation broths were analyzed using a non-targeted LC-MS/MS approach combined with GNPS molecular networking. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was assessed using the disc diffusion method.
The strains exhibited a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested organisms, with particularly pronounced inhibition observed against Gram-positive bacteria and Candida albicans, resulting in inhibition zones exceeding 30 mm. Within the metabolomes of these strains, the antibiotics spiramycin and actinomycin were detected. Additionally, lyngbatoxin, a tumor promoter, and potential new analogs were identified. Notably, a substantial portion of the generated metabolites did not match any known compounds, implying the presence of unidentified metabolites produced by these strains, which could potentially introduce novel chemical entities.
This study illuminates the potential for discovering bioactive compounds from Streptomyces strains associated with plant roots, offering valuable insights for antimicrobial drug development. Furthermore, the metabolomics approach utilized in this study serves as a rapid and valuable tool for the screening of microorganisms capable of producing bioactive metabolites.
Considerations on cataract surgery in wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (wAMD)
Authors: Vingolo Enzo Maria , Nebbioso Marcella
Published: October 2023

Background: Cataract and Age-related Macular Degeneration are two characteristic diseases of the so-called elderly age (75-90 years and older). Both determine an important visual impairment, so it is often difficult to understand how much of the visual loss is given by the cataract opacities and how much by the degeneration of the macula and this assumes a relevant medico-legal query in clinical practice.
Methods: From that pool we randomized in group A 735 eyes with wAMD (males 328, females 407) Average age: 76.23±13.87 years, and in Group B 819 eyes without clear signs of wAMD (males 361, females 451) Average age: was 75.88±18.21 years to randomize them we used the online randomization program (http://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/index.cfm) selecting random numbers and then randomly assign subjects to groups to undergo our observational study. All patients were examined with full ophtalmological visit including Best Corrected Visual Acuity (with Bailey-Lawson Chart), Anterior Segment examination, Fundus Examination, in all cases with wAMD was also performed OCT.
Results: number of patients with unsatisfactory surgery is significantly higher in the group of AMD patients, and this is easily understandable from what has been said above, but I would like to underline that in most patients there are very positive results, therefore cataract surgery is also indicated in AMD patients.
Conclusions: Cataract surgery has a positive impact on the patient's life in most cases, you shouldn't be afraid to operate. However, it is necessary to find surgical measures capable of minimizing the consequences of the intervention on the retina.
Serum ESPL1 Protein as an Early Warning Biomarker for the Initial Occurrence and Recurrence of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Bobin , Deng Deli , Liang Hengkai , Wang Rongming , Su Minghua , Wei Lu , Su Tumei , Li Qingmei , Yin Qianbing , Feng Yanfei , Jiang Jianning
Published: October 2023

Aim This study aims to assess the potential of serum Extra Spindle Pole Bodies-like 1 (ESPL1) protein as a biomarker for the effective early warning of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 119 patients who were classified into three groups: chronic hepatitis B (CHB), HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC), and HBV-HCC. Additionally, a longitudinal study included 49 patients in a non-recurrent (N-Rec) group with first occurrence of HBV-HCC and a recurrent (Rec) group with multiple HCC recurrences. Serum ESPL1 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differences in serum ESPL1 levels among the CHB, HBV-LC, and HBV-HCC groups and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels among these groups were compared. The dynamic changes of serum ESPL1 and AFP levels were analyzed in the N-Rec group before and after the hepatectomy and in the Rec group before and after each HCC recurrence.
Results Serum ESPL1 levels showed a gradual increase in the CHB, HBV-LC, and HBV-HCC groups (P<0.05). In the N-Rec group, serum ESPL1 levels exhibited a continuous upward trend in the 5 years before the hepatectomy, followed by a consistent decline over the subsequent 5 years. In the Rec group, serum ESPL1 levels demonstrated a fluctuating pattern of increase and decrease before and after each liver cancer resection. Conversely, the changes in serum AFP levels did not follow a consistent pattern.
Conclusion Serum ESPL1 has potential as a biomarker for effective early warning of initial and recurrent HBV-related HCC.
Correlation between body mass index and perianal abscess hazards: a Mendelian randomization investigation
Authors: Saad Hassan A. , Farid Mohamed I , Eraky Mohamed E , El-taher Ahmed k , Sharaf Khaled , Baz Azza , Riad Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Background:Perianal abscess is an infectious disease that frequently affects the perianal region. Body mass index (BMI) is a commonly used statistic to assess weight and weight gain. Although there is evidence linking obesity to several medical conditions, the relationship between BMI and perianal abscesses remains unclear. Whether BMI influences the likelihood of perianal abscess remains unclear.
Methods
A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted using weighted average, weighting the median, weighted inverse-variance weighted (IVW), and MR-Egger regression approaches. Using the accessible to everybody summarized collections of GWAS meta-analyses for BMI among people of South Asian descent (n = 8,658) as being exposed, a genome-wide association experiment (GWAS) for anal and rectal abscess from people who are involved in the OpenGWAS database (total n = 183 710; case = 1 287, control = 182 423) was used as the outcome.
Results:
We used GWASs to find 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genome-wide relevance, using BMI as the variable in question. The IVW technique indicateds that there was not enough information to determine a cause-and-effect link between BMI and perianal abscess (Beta = -0.093, SE = 0.097, P = 0.340). An analysis of MR-Egger regression revealed a lack of causality between BMI and perianal abscess (beta = -0.254, SE = 0.177, P = 0.162). The analysis also showed that directed multiplication did not influence the results (intercept = 0.024; P = 0.285). Furthermore, there is no evidence that a link between BMI and perianal abscess exists according to the weighted mean (Beta = -0.207, SE = 0.182, P = 0.813) or weighted median (Beta = -0.126, SE = 0.139, P = 0.363). The funnel plot and Cochran's Q test, which also revealed no evidence of diversity or imbalances, demonstrated that there was no directional pleiotropy.
In summary, there were insufficient data from the MR analysis to substantiate the theory linking a greater BMI with a higher incidence of perianal abscess.
Optimization of Clostridium beijerinckii Semi-solid Fermentation of Rape Straw to Produce Butyric acid by Genome Analysis
Authors: Kou Hui , Zheng Jia , Ye Guangbin , Qiao Zongwei , Zhang Kaizheng , Luo Huibo , Zou Wei
Published: October 2023

Butyric acid is a volatile saturated monocarboxylic acid, which is widely used in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, energy, and animal feed industries. This study focuses on producing butyric acid from pre-treated rape straw using simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis semi-solid fermentation (SEHSF). Clostridium beijerinckii BRM001 screened from pit mud of Chinese nongxiangxing baijiu was used. The genome of C. beijerinckii BRM001 was sequenced and annotated. Using rape straw as the sole carbon source, fermentation optimization was carried out based on the genomic analysis of BRM001. The optimized butyric acid yield was as high as 13.86 ± 0.77 g/L, which was 2.1 times higher than that of the initial screening. Furthermore, under optimal conditions, non-sterile SEHSF was carried out, and the yield of butyric acid was 13.42 ± 0.83 g/L in a 2.5-L fermentor. This study provides a new approach for butyric acid production which eliminates the need for detoxification of straw hydrolysate and makes full use of the value of fermentation waste residue without secondary pollution, making the whole process greener and more economical, which has a certain industrial potential.
E-Pharmacophore modelling, molecular docking and dynamics approaches for in silico identification of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from natural products against Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ramachandran Anu Kunnath , Birangal Sumit Raosaheb , Das Subham , Ranadive Niraja , Gautham Shenoy Gurupur , Bhat Varadaraj , Fayaz S M , Mudgal Jayesh , Joseph Alex
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia and one of the major causes of death worldwide. The ability of some natural compounds, such as flavonoids, to cross the blood-brain barrier and decrease the progression of such disorders has been described in the literature. This study aimed to identify potential natural product molecules as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors of Alzheimer's disease using silico computational approaches. A pharmacophore model was developed based on the 3D structure of the protein–ligand complex of the acetylcholinesterase protein (PDB:4EY7) using the Phase module. A natural product library of 30,926 ligands was prepared using LigPrep and was used for virtual screening. Based on the pharmacophore similarity score, the best ligands were identified and further scrutinized by molecular docking, MM/GBSA, induced fit docking, and ADME profiling. Two of the most promising natural products, NPC109925 and NPC170602, were evaluated to understand the stability of these ligands in the binding pocket using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for 100ns and post dynamic MM/GBSA was performed for 101 frames from MD simulation result which showed better binding energy in comparison with pre dynamic MM/GBSA. These molecules exhibited better binding affinity compared to the co-crystallized ligand in in silico studies. However, further in vitro and in vivo screening is recommended to confirm the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of these ligands which could serve as lead molecules for further development as anti- Alzheimer’s agents.
Surgical Outcomes of Robotic Thyroidectomy for Thyroid Tumors over 4 cm via the Bilateral Axillo-Breast Approach
Authors: Bae Hye Lim , Wong Junice Shi-Hui , Kim Su-jin , Jung Younghoon , Choi Jaebong , Kwak JungHak , Yu Hyeong Won , Chai Young Jun , Choi June Young , Lee Kyu Eun
Published: October 2023

The study investigated the feasibility of robotic bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) thyroidectomy for patients with thyroid tumors larger than 4 cm. BABA thyroidectomy has previously shown safety and effectiveness for thyroid surgeries but lacked extensive data on its application to larger tumors. Between October 2008 and August 2022, 74 patients underwent robotic BABA thyroidectomy. The mean patient age was 40.3 years. Fine needle aspiration results classified the tumors as benign (45.9%), atypia of undetermined significance (20.3%), follicular neoplasm (27.0%), suspicious for malignancy/malignancy (5.4%), or lymphoma (1.4%). The average tumor size was 4.9 cm, with the majority (85.1%) undergoing thyroid lobectomy, and the rest (14.9%) receiving total thyroidectomy. The mean total operation time was 178.4 minutes for lobectomy and 207.3 minutes for total thyroidectomy. Transient vocal cord palsy (VCP) was found in 3 patients (3.5%), and there was no permanent VCP. Among patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in three (27.2%), and permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in one (9.1%). There were no cases of open conversion, tumor spillage, bleeding, flap injury, or tumor recurrence. In conclusion, robotic BABA thyroidectomy may be a safe treatment option for large-sized thyroid tumors that carries no significant increase in complication rates.
Human neural stem cell secretome relieves endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis and improves neuronal functions after traumatic brain injury in a rat model
Authors: Ling Yating , Ramalingam Murugan , Lv Xiaorui , Niu Dongdong , Zeng Yu , Qiu Yun , Si Yu , Guo Tao , Ni Yinying , Zhang jingwen , Wang Ziyu , Hu Jiabo
Published: October 2023

Neural stem cell secretome (NSC-S) plays an important role in neuroprotection and recovery. Studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) is involved in the progression of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is a crucial cause of secondary damage and neuronal death after brain injury. Whether NSC-S is engaged in ER stress and ER stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis post-TBI has not been investigated. In the study, the Feeney SD male rat model was established. The results indicated that NSC-S treatment could significantly improve the behavior of TBI rats and reduce the area of brain contusion in rats. In addition, NSC-S relieved ER stress in TBI rats and was observed by transmission electron microscopy and western blot. The specific mechanism was further elucidated that restoration was achieved by alleviating the PERK-eIF2α pathway and thus protecting neurons from apoptosis. Notably, the discovery of calumenin (CALU) in NSC-S by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS/MS) may be related to the protective effect of NSC-S on ER stress in neurons. Also, the mechanism by which it functions may be related to ubiquitination. In summary, NSC-S improved prognosis and ER stress in TBI rats and might be a promising treatment for relieving TBI.
Tuning in to Emotion: Prosodic Discrimination Skills Mediate the Association Between Musical Aptitude and Vocal Emotion Recognition Ability
Authors: Vigl Julia , Talamini Francesca , Strauß Hannah , Zentner Marcel
Published: October 2023

The current study tested the hypothesis that the association between musical ability and vocal emotion recognition skills is mediated by accuracy in prosody perception. Furthermore, it was investigated whether this association is primarily related to musical expertise, operationalized by long-term engagement in musical activities, or musical aptitude, operationalized by a test of musical perceptual ability. To this end, we conducted three studies: In Study 1 (N = 85) and Study 2 (N = 93), we developed and validated a new instrument for the assessment of prosodic discrimination ability. In Study 3 (N = 136), we examined whether the association between musical ability and vocal emotion recognition was mediated by prosodic discrimination ability. We found evidence for a full mediation, though only in relation to musical aptitude and not in relation to musical expertise. Taken together, these findings suggest that individuals with high musical aptitude have superior prosody perception skills, which in turn contribute to their vocal emotion recognition skills. Importantly, our results suggest that these benefits are not unique to musicians, but extend to non-musicians with high musical aptitude.
Prognostic and predictive value of a mRNA signature in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma with an integrated computation analysis
Authors: Yang Fanchun , zhou Yang , Liao Caihe
Published: October 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death among women with gynecologic malignancies. High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is the deadliest subtype of OC, accounting for about 90 percent of all ovarian cancer subtypes. Recent studies have shown that HGSOC patients have mutations in proto-oncogenes within the genome. Genome-wide detection and diagnosis are helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of HGSOC. To explore the genomic and transcriptional characteristics of subtypes of HGSOC, achieve accurate typing of tumor types, and obtain genomic characteristics that can reflect the subtypes of HGSOC, Using NMF clustering, SAM, PAM and survival time analysis, copy number variation data and gene expression data of 698 HGSOC samples were analyzed and differential expression genes of different disease subtypes were enriched and analyzed. Functions of genes related to different disease subtypes were enriched. All patients with HGSOC could be stratified into three categories according to genetic variation information and gene expression value. There was significant difference in the survival time curves of patients in different subtypes. And we identified twenty-one genes as the ones with the strongest power to differentiate the samples, including FTH1, COL1A2, COL3A1, GFBP7, ACTB, SPARC, PTTG1IP, TIMP1 and HLA-DPA1. Furthermore, we found that JAK/STAT (Janus kinase and signal transducers and activators of transcription) signaling pathway changes obviously in different subtypes. By investigating the genetic features and gene expression features, subtypes of patients with HGSOC could be accurately judged, which is useful for selecting therapeutic methods.
Bacteremia from Streptococcus constellatus revealing a Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Chessa Salvatore , Belfiori Elena , Mandis Giulia , Urru Enrico , Manconi Giovanna , Scuteri Angelo
Published: October 2023

Background. Pyogenic Liver Abscesses (PLA) are the most common type of visceral abscess. They generally develop in a context of biliary disease or hematogenous seeding, but a complete diagnostic work-up is always required in order not to miss other important causes, including above all malignancies of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Case presentation. Herein, we report a particular case of a 80 years-old immunocompetent woman hospitalized for sepsis. At the end of the diagnostic process, Streptococcus constellatus(Sc) was identified as the cause of sepsis, multiple PLA were found together with a previous unknown ileal malignancy. We speculated about a possible correlation among these three entities (i.e. sepsis from Sc, PLA and tumors).
Conclusions. Detection of Streptococcus constellatus in blood should raise red flags in clinicians as aggressive clinical presentation are possible.