bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaping the Future in Rare Lung Diseases: From Imaging to Patient Management
Authors: Humphry Nicola
Published: October 2023

This symposium was held during the 2023 European Respiratory Society (ERS) International Congress in Milan, Italy. The main objective was to discuss unmet needs in the diagnosis and management of rare lung diseases, with a particular emphasis on alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Presentations focused on promising approaches to meet these needs, including the feasibility of genomic diagnosis, the development of improved biomarkers of disease progression, such as quantitative CT and novel blood biomarkers, the use of digital lung auscultation, and increased screening for AATD in vulnerable populations. The overarching message from the symposium was that advancements in technology, multidisciplinary collaboration, and partnerships between academic institutions, patient associations, and industry are crucial to the continued improvement of patient management in rare diseases, and that the education of healthcare professionals is vital to enhance the understanding and awareness of these conditions.
SERMAYE PİYASASI VEYA SERMAYE PİYASASI ARAÇLARI SUÇUN MADDİ KONUSU OLABİLİR Mİ?
Authors: ORHAN Uğur
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışma bakımından temel düzenleme olan 6362 sayılı Sermaye Piyasası Kanunu’nun İkinci Bölüm’ünde sermaye piyasası suçları düzenlenmiştir. Sermaye piyasası suçları bağlamında hem öğreti hem de uygulama, “sermaye piyasası” veya “sermaye piyasası araçları”nın suçun maddi konusu olabileceğini kabul etmektedir. Ancak bu tespitleri yapmadan önce suçun maddi konusundan ne anlaşıldığının ve sermaye piyasası ile sermaye piyasası araçlarının özelliklerinin belirtilmesi gerekir. Nitekim, suçun maddi konusuyla ilgili kabul edilen anlayışa göre varılacak sonuç değişmektedir. Suçun maddi konusu kavramı tabii bakış açısıyla ele alındığında, davranışın üzerinde gerçekleştirilmesi gereken insan veya şeyin maddi bir varlığı olması gerekir. Bir diğer anlatımla, doğada gözlemlenemeyen, maddi varlığı bulunmayan şeyler suçun maddi konusu olamazlar. Bu anlayış kabul edildiğinde, “sermaye piyasası” veya “piyasa” gibi soyut bir varlığın herhangi bir suçun maddi konusu olamayacağını belirtmek gerekir. Sermaye piyasası araçları bakımından da benzer bir değerlendirme yapmak mümkündür. Günümüzde sermaye piyasası veya sermaye piyasası araçları dijital hâle gelmişlerdir. Bu nedenle, sermaye piyasası aracının dijital ortamda bulunan gayri maddi bir varlık olması hâlinde, suçun maddi konusu olabileceğini söylemek güçtür.
Artificial Life, Feeling Machines, and the Text of Deconstruction
Authors: Rosenthal Adam R.
Published: October 2023

Recent efforts in soft robotics and Artificial Life are attempting to construct homeostatically functioning machines with ‘feeling’ analogues. Such robots are designed to be ‘vulnerable’ and, thus, depart from traditional approaches to machine design and construction. In this paper, I explore a representative proposal by Antonio Damasio and Kingson Man, and ask how we can understand the deconstruction of ‘life’ in Derrida, Stiegler, Malabou and Wills to relate to such efforts. I argue that the adoption of biological and phenomenological principles in machine design calls for attention to the precise extent that it may not result in robots that adhere either to biological or to mechanical models. It is with this admission, of the essentially unknowable character of what may result from these efforts, that deconstruction can assist roboticists and synthetic biologists today.
Deconstruction and the Yale School: An Interview with J. Hillis Miller
Authors: Yizhong Ning , Miller J. Hillis
Published: October 2023

J. Hillis Miller (1928–2021) was one of the most prominent figures in literary criticism and theory. After receiving his Ph.D. from Harvard University, he taught at Johns Hopkins University, Yale University and the University of California at Irvine. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2002. Miller was president of the Modern Language Association of America in 1986 and contributed significantly to professional academic institutions and organizations throughout his career. As an important representative of the Yale School, he had close relationships with Derrida, Paul de Man, Geoffrey Hartman and Harold Bloom. Dr. Ning Yizhong did postdoctoral research under his supervision at UCI from 1997 to 1998. This is part of his interviews with Professor Miller during that time. In this interview, Miller talks about the Yale School in general, and Jacques Derrida, Paul de Man and Harold Bloom in particular. 1
Distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD): Relato y Actualidad
Authors: Takahashi-Ferrer Carolina Mayo
Published: October 2023

A mediados de los 1800 se presentaron los primeros casos de pacientes con detalles clínicos de una enfermedad, caracterizada por una disminución gradual de músculo que suele aparecer o ser notorio en los primeros 3 años de vida. No fue hasta dentro de 52 años más tarde, que el médico británico Edward Meryon (1809-1880) realizó las primeras descripciones precisas, luego de estudiar las biopsias musculares provenientes de cuatro hermanos, quienes fallecieron todos antes de los 17 años, debido a que tenían una enfermedad llamada distrofia muscular de Duchenne, en memoria del valioso retratista y médico Duchenne de Boulogne. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo, detallar los principales autores que cooperaron con brindar una detallada descripción acerca de los pacientes con distrofia muscular de Duchenne, también hacer un resumen de las características, etiología, tratamiento y problemática en el Perú.
Glosario de Semiología
Authors: Morales Soto Nelson Raúl
Published: October 2023

Expresa la autora en la Presentación: “La Semiología es una ciencia médica, dentro de otra vasta e intensa que es laMedicina Humana. En la formación universitaria de todo médico, a nivel mundial, es un curso importante y fascinante, yaque nos permite recorrer el cuerpo humano, reconociendo signos, síntomas o ambos, para lograr la identificación de unaenfermedad, a través de una detallada elaboración mental. Su esencia contiene el arte de abordar al paciente para iniciaruna relación sólida, cálida y trascendente: la relación médico-paciente, la misma que influye notablemente en el procesosalud-enfermedad”.
Inminencia del impacto del Fenómeno El Niño
Authors: Morales-Soto Nelson Raúl
Published: October 2023

Cada 2 a 7 años se produce un calentamiento gradual del océano Pacífico que dura 9 a 12 meses configurando el patrón climático del Fenómeno El Niño. Éste produce calor ambiental excesivo, lluvias intensas en algunas regiones y sequías en otras, asociándose a inundaciones, tormentas, ciclones e incendios(1). Los daños mayores se concentran en la infraestructura de vivienda, transporte y producción agrícola, ocasionando además afecciones de salud y destrucción de instalaciones sanitarias, hambre, migraciones y pobreza. Son recurrentes las regiones donde esto ocurre.
Daños por inundaciones en instalaciones de salud y preparativos sanitarios
Authors: Loro-Chero Luis M.
Published: October 2023

El Perú se encuentra ubicado en la parte central y occidental de América del Sur en el denominado Cinturón de Fuego del Pacífico junto a Ecuador y Colombia, zona que registra cerca del 90% de la actividad sísmica de todo el planeta y tiene una extensión de 40,000 km de largo; además de albergar más del 75% de los volcanes activos existentes en el mundo. Del mismo modo sus costas son bañadas por la Corriente de Humboldt (corriente peruana) de aguas frías que corre en dirección de sur a norte a la par de los vientos alisios, siendo que, a la altura del Ecuador, se encuentra con la corriente cálida ecuatorial del Niño que viene de norte a sur, la cual llega al Perú en fechas cercanas a la navidad, provocando un incremento de la temperatura superficial del mar y ocasionando un período de lluvias conocido como “Fenómeno El Niño”.
Leveraging mechanobiology and biophysical cues in lung organoids for studying lung development and disease
Authors: Shao Ziming , De Coppi Paolo , Michielin Federica
Published: October 2023

Lung organoids have emerged as powerful tools for studying lung distal diseases by recapitulating the cellular diversity and microenvironment of the lung tissue. This review article highlights the advancements in leveraging mechanobiology and biophysical cues in lung organoid engineering to improve their physiological relevance and disease modelling capabilities. We discuss the role of mechanobiology in lung development and homeostasis, as well as the integration of biophysical cues in the design and culture of lung organoids. Furthermore, we explore how these advancements have contributed to the understanding of lung distal diseases pathogenesis. We also discuss the challenges and future directions in harnessing mechanobiology and biophysical cues in lung organoid research. This review showcases the potential of lung organoids as a platform to investigate the underappreciated impacts of biophysical and biomechanical properties in enhancing lung organoids complexity and functionality, and ultimately provide new insight into embryonic lung development and pulmonary distal diseases pathogenesis.
Exploring the disruption of SARS-CoV-2 RBD binding to hACE2
Authors: Carter Camryn , Airas Justin , Gladden Haley , Miller Bill R. , Parish Carol A.
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was declared due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. Viral infection is caused by the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and the human ACE2 receptor (hACE2). Previous computational studies have identified repurposed small molecules that target the RBD, but very few have screened drugs in the RBD–hACE2 interface. When studies focus solely on the binding affinity between the drug and the RBD, they ignore the effect of hACE2, resulting in an incomplete analysis. We screened ACE inhibitors and previously identified SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors for binding to the RBD—hACE2 interface, and then conducted 500 ns of unrestrained molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of fosinopril, fosinoprilat, lisinopril, emodin, diquafosol, and physcion bound to the interface to assess the binding characteristics of these ligands. Based on MM-GBSA analysis, all six ligands bind favorably in the interface and inhibit the RBD–hACE2 interaction. However, when we repeat our simulation by first binding the drug to the RBD before interacting with hACE2, we find that fosinopril, fosinoprilat, and lisinopril result in a strongly interacting trimeric complex (RBD-drug-hACE2). Hydrogen bonding and pairwise decomposition analyses further suggest that fosinopril is the best RBD inhibitor. However, when lisinopril is bound, it stabilizes the trimeric complex and, therefore, is not an ideal potential drug candidate. Overall, these results reveal important atomistic interactions critical to the binding of the RBD to hACE2 and highlight the significance of including all protein partners in the evaluation of a potential drug candidate.
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in inflammatory bowel disease: insights from gut microbiota
Authors: Hou Jun-Jie , Ma A-Huo , Qin Yue-Hua
Published: October 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease that affects more than 3.5 million people, with rising prevalence. It deeply affects patients’ daily life, increasing the burden on patients, families, and society. Presently, the etiology of IBD remains incompletely clarified, while emerging evidence has demonstrated that altered gut microbiota and decreased aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activity are closely associated with IBD. Furthermore, microbial metabolites are capable of AHR activation as AHR ligands, while the AHR, in turn, affects the microbiota through various pathways. In light of the complex connection among gut microbiota, the AHR, and IBD, it is urgent to review the latest research progress in this field. In this review, we describe the role of gut microbiota and AHR activation in IBD and discussed the crosstalk between gut microbiota and the AHR in the context of IBD. Taken as a whole, we propose new therapeutic strategies targeting the AHR–microbiota axis for IBD, even for other related diseases caused by AHR-microbiota dysbiosis.
Monthly versus daily administration of vitamin D3 in children: a retrospective propensity score-matched study
Authors: Choi Jinjoo , Choe Yunsoo , Yang Seung
Published: October 2023

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of monthly vitamin D3 administration compared to a daily dosing regimen in healthy children with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

This retrospective study included vitamin D deficient (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] < 20 ng/mL) children with precocious puberty who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist every 4 weeks between December 2019 and November 2022. We used propensity scores to 1:1 match daily (1,000 IU daily) and monthly (25,000 IU per 4 weeks) administration of vitamin D3 based on age, sex, body mass index Z-scores, season of blood collection, and baseline serum 25(OH)D concentrations.

Results

Of 299 children, 192 were matched based on propensity scores (126 girls and 66 boys, 10.5 ± 1.4years). After a mean follow-up of 5.9 months (standard deviation [SD] 2.5 months), the monthly group showed a statistically significant increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations (10.9 ± 5.3 vs. 8.2 ± 7.2 ng/mL; p = 0.018), higher corrected dose-response (12.3 ± 5.9 vs. 8.2 ± 7.2 ng/mL increase per 1,000 IU daily; p = 0.002), and a higher proportion of patients attaining 25(OH)D > 20 ng/mL (78.1% vs. 58.3%,; p=0.005) compared with the daily group. No cases of hypercalcemia were observed in either group.

Conclusions

Monthly administration of vitamin D3 may be an effective and safe alternative to correct hypovitaminosis D in pediatric population, possibly attributed to enhanced compliance.
Frictional performance of chemically modified cottonseed-based fossil-free biolubricant oil in a sliding tribopair
Authors: Ghumman I. S. S. , Afaq S. K. , Usman Ali
Published: October 2023

In this study, the tribological properties of a green lubricant synthesized from cottonseed oil through a two-step transesterification process are investigated, with a specific focus on the maximum throughput of the second step that involves the reaction of cottonseed methyl ester with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol alcohol and a titanium isopropoxide (TIS) catalyst. The research centers on evaluating the physiochemical characteristics of this biolubricant and comparing them with those of commercial oil (5W30) and the ISO VG40 standard. Furthermore, the influence of crucial process variables, such as temperature, pressure, reaction time, and TIS catalyst concentration, is examined by analyzing variance in experimental data. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis is employed to identify functional groups, particularly emphasizing the impact of temperature and reaction time. By optimizing the second transesterification process under specific conditions (pressure = 19.42 mmHg, temperature = 175°C, catalyst concentration = 0.63%, and reaction time = 4.0 h), a cottonseed oil-based biolubricant is successfully produced, exhibiting properties comparable to those of commercial mineral lubricants. Notably, the findings reveal significant enhancements in the coefficient of friction (CoF) with a 49% reduction and wear resistance with a maximum 19% reduction. This study contributes valuable insights into optimizing biolubricant production derived from cottonseed oil through two-step transesterification, emphasizing its novel potential in improving frictional and wear characteristics.
Medical students’ perceptions of LGBTQ+ healthcare in Singapore and the United Kingdom
Authors: Fu Michael X. , Zou Tangming , Aiyappan Raksha , Ye Xinyu , Onanuga Simisola , Tan Angela , Smith Susan , Baptista Ana
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+) individuals have an increased scope of healthcare needs and face many barriers to accessing healthcare. However, LGBTQ+ healthcare education remains scarce, and students’ understanding of LGBTQ+ healthcare remains largely uncharacterised. This study investigated the knowledge of and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ healthcare among medical students in Singapore and the United Kingdom (UK), two culturally different countries.

Methods

Medical students in two medical schools, one in Singapore and the other in the UK, completed self-administered cross-sectional surveys using multiple-choice, Likert scale, and free-text questions to explore their ideas, concerns, and expectations about LGBTQ+ healthcare education within their medical curricula.

Results

From 330 responses, students’ knowledge levels were moderate overall, with pronounced gaps in certain areas, including terminology, sexual health, and conversion therapy. Deficiencies in knowledge were significantly greater among students in Singapore compared to the UK (p < 0.001), whilst LGBTQ+ students and non-religious students had more positive knowledge and attitudes than students not identifying. At least 78% of students had positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, but 84% had not received LGBTQ+-specific medical education. Although junior UK students were more satisfied with the adequacy of teaching by their medical school’s incorporation of LGBTQ+ inclusive teaching in a newer curriculum, qualitative analyses suggested that students in both countries wanted to receive more training. Students further suggested improvements to the medical curriculum to meet their needs.

Conclusion

Students in both schools lacked understanding of commonly-used terminology and topics such as sexual healthcare despite affirming attitudes towards LGBTQ+ healthcare. Although sociolegal contexts may affect students’ perspectives, differences were less than thought, and students were equally keen to provide affirmative care to their patients. They emphasised a need for more formal teaching of LGBTQ+ healthcare professions to overcome healthcare disparities in these communities.
Fruit waste: a current perspective for the sustainable production of pharmacological, nutraceutical, and bioactive resources
Authors: Sha Shankar Prasad , Modak Debabrata , Sarkar Sourav , Roy Sudipta Kumar , Sah Sumit Prasad , Ghatani Kriti , Bhattacharjee Soumen
Published: October 2023

Fruits are crucial components of a balanced diet and a good source of natural antioxidants, that have proven efficacy in various chronic illnesses. Various kinds of waste generated from fruit industries are considered a global concern. By utilizing this fruit waste, the international goal of “zero waste” can be achieved by sustainable utilization of these waste materials as a rich source of secondary metabolites. Moreover, to overcome this waste burden, research have focused on recovering the bioactive compounds from fruit industries and obtaining a new strategy to combat certain chronic diseases. The separation of high-value substances from fruit waste, including phytochemicals, dietary fibers, and polysaccharides which can then be used as functional ingredients for long-term health benefits. Several novel extraction technologies like ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) could provide an alternative approach for successful extraction of the valuable bioactives from the fruit waste for their utilization as nutraceuticals, therapeutics, and value-added products. Most of these waste-derived secondary metabolites comprise polyphenols, which have been reported to have anti-inflammatory, insulin resistance-treating, cardiovascular disease-maintaining, probiotics-enhancing, or even anti-microbial and anti-viral capabilities. This review summarizes the current knowledge of fruit waste by-products in pharmacological, biological, and probiotic applications and highlights several methods for identifying efficacious bioactive compounds from fruit wastes.
The anatomy of the four streams of the prefrontal cortex. Preliminary evidence from a population based high definition tractography study
Authors: Skandalakis Georgios P. , Barrios-Martinez Jessica , Kazim Syed Faraz , Rumalla Kavelin , Courville Evan N. , Mahto Neil , Kalyvas Aristotelis , Yeh Fang-Cheng , Hadjipanayis Constantinos G. , Schmidt Meic H. , Kogan Michael
Published: October 2023

The model of the four streams of the prefrontal cortex proposes 4 streams of information: motor through Brodmann area (BA) 8, emotion through BA 9, memory through BA 10, and emotional-related sensory through BA 11. Although there is a surge of functional data supporting these 4 streams within the PFC, the structural connectivity underlying these neural networks has not been fully clarified. Here we perform population-based high-definition tractography using an averaged template generated from data of 1,065 human healthy subjects acquired from the Human Connectome Project to further elucidate the structural organization of these regions. We report the structural connectivity of BA 8 with BA 6, BA 9 with the insula, BA 10 with the hippocampus, BA 11 with the temporal pole, and BA 11 with the amygdala. The 4 streams of the prefrontal cortex are subserved by a structural neural network encompassing fibers of the anterior part of the superior longitudinal fasciculus-I and II, corona radiata, cingulum, frontal aslant tract, and uncinate fasciculus. The identified neural network of the four streams of the PFC will allow the comprehensive analysis of these networks in normal and pathological brain function.
Central pontine myelinolysis: a rare finding in hyperosmolar hyperglycemia
Authors: Qu Hui-Ling , Sun Xiao-Yu , Dai Ying-Jie
Published: October 2023

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) is a heterogeneous nervous system disease of pontine demyelination, usually caused by rapid correction of hyponatremia. In the present study, we report a unique case of a 46-year-old man with a hyperglycemic state complicated with CPM. MRI demonstrated a high signal on T2 and symmetric restricted diffusion in the pontine. In conclusion, the clinical case described confirmed that the hyperosmolar state inherent in hyperglycemia was a likely cause of CPM.
Coffee consumption and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older adults: should we consider cognitive function?
Authors: Lin Fabin , Shi Yisen , Zou Xinyang , Wang Huaicheng , Fu Shibo , Wang Xuefei , Yang Zeqiang , Cai Guofa , Cai Guoen , Wu Xilin
Published: October 2023

Background

The association between coffee and mortality risk has been found in most previous studies, and recent studies have found an association between coffee consumption and cognition. However, there is still a lack of research exploring whether the association between coffee and mortality is influenced by cognitive function.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the association of coffee, caffeine intake in coffee and decaffeinated coffee with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in older adults with different cognitive performances.

Methods

The study was based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014. Coffee and caffeine consumption data were obtained from two 24-h dietary recalls. Individual cognitive functions were assessed by CERAD-word learning test (CERAD-WLT), animal fluency test (AFT), and digit symbol substitution test (DSST). In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed with the above test scores to create global cognitive score. The lowest quartile of scores was used to classify cognitive performance. Cox regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were applied to assess the relationship between coffee and caffeine consumption and mortality.

Results

In the joint effects analysis, we found that those with cognitive impairment and who reported without drinking coffee had the highest risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality compared with others. In the analysis of population with cognitive impairment, for all-cause mortality, those who showed cognitive impairment in the AFT displayed a significant negative association between their total coffee consumption and mortality {T3 (HR [95% CI]), 0.495 [0.291–0.840], p = 0.021 (trend analysis)}. For DSST and global cognition, similar results were observed. Whereas for CERAD-WLT, restricted cubic spline (RCS) showed a “U-shaped” association between coffee consumption and mortality. For CVD mortality, a significant negative trend in coffee consumption and death was observed only in people with cognitive impairment in AFT or DSST. In addition, we observed that decaffeinated coffee was associated with reduced mortality in people with cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that the association between coffee consumption and mortality is influenced by cognition and varies with cognitive impairment in different cognitive domains.
Collagen-I influences the post-translational regulation, binding partners and role of Annexin A2 in breast cancer progression
Authors: Mahdi Amira F. , Nolan Joanne , O’Connor Ruth Í. , Lowery Aoife J. , Allardyce Joanna M. , Kiely Patrick A. , McGourty Kieran
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been heavily implicated in the development and progression of cancer. We have previously shown that Annexin A2 is integral in the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and in the clinical progression of ER-negative breast cancer, processes which are highly influenced by the surrounding tumor microenvironment and ECM.

Methods

We investigated how modulations of the ECM may affect the role of Annexin A2 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells using western blotting, immunofluorescent confocal microscopy and immuno-precipitation mass spectrometry techniques.

Results

We have shown that the presence of collagen-I, the main constituent of the ECM, increases the post-translational phosphorylation of Annexin A2 and subsequently causes the translocation of Annexin A2 to the extracellular surface. In the presence of collagen-I, we identified fibronectin as a novel interactor of Annexin A2, using mass spectrometry analysis. We then demonstrated that reducing Annexin A2 expression decreases the degradation of fibronectin by cancer cells and this effect on fibronectin turnover is increased according to collagen-I abundance.

Discussion

Our results suggest that Annexin A2's role in promoting cancer progression is mediated by collagen-I and Annexin A2 maybe a therapeutic target in the bi-directional cross-talk between cancer cells and ECM remodeling that supports metastatic cancer progression.
Impact of mRNA-based vaccines in the prevention of adverse outcomes of COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: a single-center cohort study
Authors: Tudisco Riccardo , Garufi Cristina , Rizzo Francesca , Polimeno Teresa , Lanzone Antonio , De Carolis Sara
Published: October 2023

Several data have suggested that pregnant women have an increased risk of severe COVID-19 compared to those who are not pregnant. Moreover, different studies have showed that severe COVID-19 is limited mostly to unvaccinated women. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the different maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 according to their vaccination status. A retrospective cohort study was carried out including all women admitted to the high-risk pregnancy unit of our center with COVID-19 between December 2021 and February 2022. Among the 163 women included in the study, 60 were vaccinated with an mRNA vaccine and 103 were unvaccinated. Pregnancy outcome and obstetrical and neonatal complications were encountered. Vaccinated women showed higher educational levels and lower prevalence of cases, with BMI >25 compared to unvaccinated women. Moreover, vaccinated women were admitted mostly for obstetrical indications rather than for COVID-related symptoms. In addition, the risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia was significantly higher in unvaccinated women (p = 0.01) compared with vaccinated ones. Furthermore, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes showed some differences in the two cohorts. In unvaccinated women, the rate of C-section was higher (p = 0.03), and the mean birthweight percentile in their infants was impaired by COVID-19 infection (p = 0.01) when compared to those born to vaccinated women. Based on these results, we suggest that women who received a full course of vaccination were protected from the severity of the disease, having milder symptoms of SARS-Cov2 infection, while also presenting a more favorable pregnancy outcome.
Repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier of traditional Chinese medicine for ulcerative colitis: a review
Authors: Zong Yichen , Meng Jie , Mao Tangyou , Han Qiang , Zhang Peng , Shi Lei
Published: October 2023

Damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier play an important role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Discovering the key regulators and repairing the disturbed barrier are crucial for preventing and treating UC. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been proved to be effective on treating UC and has exhibited its role in repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier. We summarized the evidence of TCM against UC by protecting and repairing the physical barrier, chemical barrier, immune barrier, and biological barrier. Mechanisms of increasing intestinal epithelial cells, tight junction proteins, and mucins, promoting intestinal stem cell proliferation, restoring the abundance of the intestinal microbiota, and modulating the innate and adaptive immunity in gut, were all involved in. Some upstream proteins and signaling pathways have been elucidated. Based on the existing problems, we suggested future studies paying attention to patients’ samples and animal models of UC and TCM syndromes, conducting rescue experiments, exploring more upstream regulators, and adopting new technical methods. We hope this review can provide a theoretical basis and novel ideas for clarifying the mechanisms of TCM against UC via repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier.
Seed fungal endophytes as biostimulants and biocontrol agents to improve seed performance
Authors: Rétif Félix , Kunz Caroline , Calabro Kevin , Duval Clémence , Prado Soizic , Bailly Christophe , Baudouin Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

Seed germination is a major determinant of plant development and final yield establishment but strongly reliant on the plant’s abiotic and biotic environment. In the context of global climate change, classical approaches to improve seed germination under challenging environments through selection and use of synthetic pesticides reached their limits. A currently underexplored way is to exploit the beneficial impact of the microorganisms associated with plants. Among plant microbiota, endophytes, which are micro-organisms living inside host plant tissues without causing any visible symptoms, are promising candidates for improving plant fitness. They possibly establish a mutualistic relationship with their host, leading to enhanced plant yield and improved tolerance to abiotic threats and pathogen attacks. The current view is that such beneficial association relies on chemical mediations using the large variety of molecules produced by endophytes. In contrast to leaf and root endophytes, seed-borne fungal endophytes have been poorly studied although they constitute the early-life plant microbiota. Moreover, seed-borne fungal microbiota and its metabolites appear as a pertinent lever for seed quality improvement. This review summarizes the recent advances in the identification of seed fungal endophytes and metabolites and their benefits for seed biology, especially under stress. It also addresses the mechanisms underlying fungal effects on seed physiology and their potential use to improve crop seed performance.’
Genome-wide association mapping in hairy vetch (Vicia villosa) discovers a large effect locus controlling seed dormancy
Authors: Tilhou Neal , Kucek Lisa Kissing , Carr Brandon , Marion Annie , Douglas Joel , Englert John , Ali Shahjahan , Raasch John , Bhamidimarri Suresh , Mirsky Steven Brian , Monteros Maria J. , Krogman Sarah , Hayes Ryan , Azevedo Mark , Riday Heathcliffe
Published: October 2023

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), a winter-hardy annual legume, is a promising cover crop. To fully leverage its potential, seed production and field performance of V. villosa must be improved to facilitate producer adoption. Two classic domestication traits, seed dormancy (hard seed) and dehiscence (pod shatter), are selection targets in an ongoing breeding program. This study reports a genome-wide association study of 1,019 V. villosa individuals evaluated at two sites (Knox City, Texas and Corvallis, Oregon) for the proportion of dormant seed, visual pod dehiscence scores, and two dehiscence surrogate measures (force to dehiscence and pod spiraling score). Trait performance varied between sites, but reliability (related to heritability) across sites was strong (dormant seed proportion: 0.68; dehiscence score: 0.61; spiraling score: 0.42; force to dehiscence: 0.41). A major locus controlling seed dormancy was found (q-value: 1.29 × 10−5; chromosome 1: position: 63611165), which can be used by breeding programs to rapidly reduce dormancy in breeding populations. No significant dehiscence score QTL was found, primarily due to the high dehiscence rates in Corvallis, Oregon. Since Oregon is a potentially major V. villosa seed production region, further dehiscence resistance screening is necessary
Prediction and surveillance of de novo HCC in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease after hepatitis C virus eradication with direct antiviral agents
Authors: Elbahrawy Ashraf , Atalla Hassan , Mahmoud Abdulla A. , Eliwa Ahmed , Alsawak Alaa , Alboraie Mohamed , Madian Ali , Alashker Ahmed , Mostafa Sadek , Alwassief Ahmed , Aly Hussein H.
Published: October 2023

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diminishes in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related advanced chronic liver disease after virological cure. However, despite viral clearance, HCV-induced epigenetic alterations, immune dysregulations, and hepatic parenchymal injuries remain, contributing to de novo HCC occurrence. While HCC incidence is low (0.45 – 0.5%) in patients with advanced fibrosis (F3), the presence of liver cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension increases the HCC risk. The cost-effectiveness of lifelong HCC surveillance in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) has sparked debate, raising questions about the most reliable noninvasive tests and stratification models for predicting HCC in patients with sustained virological response (SVR). Furthermore, identifying cACLD patients who may not require long-term HCC surveillance after SVR remains crucial. Several HCC risk stratification scores have been suggested for patients with cACLD, and emerging evidence supports individualized care based on personalized risk assessments. This review focuses on revising the pretreatment and posttreatment predictors of HCC, as well as the indications for HCC surveillance in cACLD patients treated with direct-acting antivirals.
Coupling Effects of Optimized Planting Density and Variety Selection in Improving the Yield, Nutrient Accumulation, and Remobilization of Sweet Maize in Southeast China
Authors: Ye Delian , Chen Jiajie , Wang Xiao , Sun Yanfang , Yu Zexun , Zhang Ran , Saddique Muhammad Abu Bakar , Su Da , Muneer Muhammad Atif
Published: October 2023

Low planting density and lack of density-tolerant varieties are the critical factors limiting the yield of sweet maize in Southeast China. However, there is relatively limited information about the interaction effects of plant density and variety on sweet maize in Southeast China. A two-year (2021–2022) field experiment was conducted with two sweet maize varieties (MT6855 and XMT10) and three plant densities (D1: 45,000 plants ha−1, D2: 60,000 plants ha−1, and D3: 75,000 plants ha−1). The results showed that plant density and variety had significant interaction effects on sweet maize yield and most traits. Increasing plant density significantly increased the fresh ear yield of MT6855, while it did not affect the XMT10 variety. The increase in fresh ear yield for MT6855 under D2 treatment was 14.9% and 14.0% higher than that under D1 treatment in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Meanwhile, increasing plant density significantly increased the bare plant rate and decreased the number of grains per ear of XMT10, while no sustainable changes were observed in MT6855. Moreover, we observed significantly increased pre-silking dry matter, N, P, and K accumulation across different densities in both varieties. In contrast, during the post-silking stage, the increasing plant density significantly improved the accumulation of dry matter, N, P, and K, only in MT6855 but not in XMT10. Meanwhile, harvest index, dry matter remobilization, and leaf N, P, and K remobilization of MT6855 were significantly higher than those of XMT10. Increasing plant density significantly increased N, P, and K partial factor productivity of MT6855 but did not remarkably affect those of XMT10. In addition, fresh ear yield of sweet maize was significantly and positively correlated with pre-silking, post-silking, and total N and P accumulation but had no significant relationship with leaf K remobilization across the two varieties. These results suggest that MT6855 is a density-tolerant variety of sweet maize, and optimizing planting density with a density-tolerant variety can improve the accumulation and remobilization of dry matter and nutrients, thereby improving the fresh ear yield and nutrient use efficiency of sweet maize.
Association of Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders with Bovine Ovarian Follicular Cysts
Authors: Xu Xiaoling , Bai Jiahua , Liu Kexiong , Xiao Linli , Qin Yusheng , Gao Meihong , Liu Yan
Published: October 2023

After estrus, when mature follicles fail to ovulate, they may further develop to form follicular cysts, affecting the normal function of ovaries, reducing the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows and causing economic losses to cattle farms. However, the key points of ovarian follicular cysts pathogenesis remain largely unclear. The purpose of the current research was to analyze the formation mechanism of ovarian follicular cysts from hormone and gene expression profiles. The concentrations of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), leptin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and ghrelin in follicle fluid from bovine follicular cysts and normal follicles were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or 125I-labeled radioimmunoassay (RIA); the corresponding receptors’ expression of theca interna cells was tested via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the mRNA expression profiling was analyzed via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The results showed that the follicular cysts were characterized by significant lower E2, insulin, IGF1 and leptin levels but elevated ACTH and ghrelin levels compared with normal follicles (p < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of corresponding receptors, PGR, ESR1, ESR2, IGF1R, LEPR, IGFBP6 and GHSR, were similarly altered significantly (p < 0.05). RNA-seq identified 2514 differential expressed genes between normal follicles and follicular cysts. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis linked the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway, especially the STAR, 3β-HSD, CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 genes, to the formation of follicular cysts (p < 0.01). These results indicated that hormone metabolic disorders and abnormal expression levels of hormone synthesis pathway genes are associated with the formation of bovine ovarian follicular cysts.
Challenges in Sheltering Seized Animals from Hoarders from a One Welfare Perspective
Authors: Fossati Paola
Published: October 2023

Animal hoarding is a complex issue that, when discovered, frequently necessitates opening shelter doors to many animals. This is due to hoarders’ inability to provide even the most basic welfare standards for their animals, resulting in poor welfare conditions that frequently border on mistreatment. These people are frequently unaware of their failure to care for their animals, as well as of the harm that they cause to people around them and the environment. They usually do not care for themselves either. The majority of hoarders have difficult histories, and they all need help getting back on track. When the agencies discover the status quo, the animals are usually seized and taken to shelters, where they face a variety of welfare consequences, beginning with confinement in an unknown environment that is associated with additional risks (e.g., infectious diseases, behavioral deterioration, and distress). Furthermore, the targeted shelters are frequently overcrowded and cannot adequately accommodate the large numbers of animals found in hoarders’ environments. The One Welfare approach, which is increasingly being used alongside One Health to work at the intersection of human and animal health and welfare, could be adopted to benefit animals while also addressing the poor states of humans. This concept’s depiction of the interconnections between animal welfare, human well-being, and the environment can fit with all the components of the animal-hoarding phenomenon, including the peculiarities of the hoarding environment, as well as those of shelters where animals are often moved. The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into how the One Welfare concept may be critical in tackling all of the interests concerned in these cases and offering solutions.
Adverse Events Associated with Prolonged Antibiotic Therapy for Periprosthetic Joint Infections—A Prospective Study with a Special Focus on Rifampin
Authors: Reinecke Pia , Morovic Paula , Niemann Marcel , Renz Nora , Perka Carsten , Trampuz Andrej , Meller Sebastian
Published: October 2023

Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) is a significant contributor to patient morbidity and mortality, and it can be addressed through a range of surgical interventions coupled with antibiotic therapies. Following surgical intervention(s), prolonged administration of oral antibiotics is recommended to cure PJI. There is a lack of reports on the adverse events (AEs) associated with oral antibiotics, particularly rifampin. This investigation sought to elucidate the occurrence of antibiotic-related AEs after an initial regimen of intravenous antibiotic administration, supplemented by an extended course of oral antibiotics. A prospective study of patients diagnosed with PJI of the hip, knee, or shoulder who underwent single-stage exchange arthroplasty (SSE) (10%), two-stage exchange arthroplasty (TSE) (81%), or debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) (6%) was performed. The primary outcome of interest was the detection of AEs, the secondary outcome the detection of a correlation between rifampin use and the incidence of AEs, and the tertiary outcome was whether oral antibiotic treatment needed to be adjusted or discontinued due to AEs. In addition, subjective tolerability was monitored throughout the study. A total of 336 events were identified for 73 out of 80 patients. The most frequently used antibiotics were rifampin and co-trimoxazole. Most AEs occurred in the gastrointestinal tract (46%). The most frequent AEs were nausea, inappetence, diarrhea, and skin rash. In 6% of cases, the AEs led to antibiotic discontinuation, and in 29% of cases, a dose adjustment of the oral therapy occurred, mainly with amoxicillin or co-trimoxazole. The majority of patients (55%) rated the subjective tolerability as good. In conclusion, AEs during antibiotic treatment for PJI are common. They mainly affect the gastrointestinal tract. Rifampin use might be a reason for the higher incidence of AEs compared to non-rifampin antibiotic treatment.
The Numerical Study for the Effect of Stiffness Matching on Wheel–Rail Curve Squeal Noise
Authors: Gao Yanxin , Zhang Gongde , Yuan Miaomiao , Ji Jianyi , Cui Nannan , Huang Shiping
Published: October 2023

This study delves into the phenomenon of high-frequency squeal noise occurring as trains traverse small-radius curved tracks and investigates the factors influencing wheel–rail curve squeal noise, particularly focusing on stiffness matching. To achieve this, we initially construct a finite element model of the wheel–rail friction system using finite element software ABAQUS 2022, validating its accuracy against Coulomb’s friction law. Subsequently, we employ complex eigenvalue analysis to extract the complex eigenvalues and vibration modes of the wheel–rail system, enabling us to study the positions and vibrational patterns associated with squeal noise by analyzing the amplitudes of unstable modes. Finally, we assess the impact of wheel–rail stiffness matching on curve squeal noise, using wheel–rail material stiffness and rail support stiffness as key variables. The outcomes of this study reveal the following insights: (1) Unstable modes closely align with the resonant frequency and mode shape of the wheel and rail. (2) Curve squeal noise primarily emanates from vibrations at the rim, railhead, and rail foot. (3) Wheel and rail stiffness significantly affect squeal noise, with a significant deviation in the elastic modulus between rail and wheel increasing the likelihood of squeal noise, while an optimal ratio of about 1.2 is observed. (4) Rail support stiffness plays a discernible role in controlling curve squeal noise. Theoretically, maintaining an appropriate support stiffness level can minimize the negative damping ratio of unstable modes, providing a viable avenue for curve squeal noise control.
Development of an Industrial Safety System Based on Voice Assistant
Authors: Ayala Taco Jaime Paúl , Ibarra Jácome Oswaldo Alexander , Ayala Pico Jaime Luciano , López Castro Brian Andrés
Published: October 2023

Currently, there are limitations in the human–machine interfaces (HMIs) used in industry, either due to the characteristics of users’ cognitive abilities or interfaces, which hinder communication and interaction between humans and equipment. For this reason, this work presents an alternative interaction model based on a voice assistant, Alexa, which promotes more natural, intuitive, direct, and understandable communication. The purpose of this work is the development of an industrial safety system for a controlled electric motor based on Alexa voice assistant, which allows the monitoring of its operating parameters, such as phase current, housing temperature, and rotor vibration, as well as making it possible to control ignition and shut down and change the rotation of the motor with a prior password, as a safety measure. Commercial smart devices and Arduino-compatible modules were used to achieve this, providing them with the Internet of Things (IoT) feature. In addition, several software platforms, such as Blynk, Tuya Smart, Node Red, and Voiceflow, are used to perform data transmission, device management, and programming of the Alexa skill, oriented to the execution of the security and run system. This shows the potential capacity of voice assistants in the industry to deliver information more naturally to humans and obtain optimal notifications. However, problems were evidenced, such as the influence of noise in the environment when communicating with the assistant, the vocalization of words, low voice tones, and accents typical of the language, that will increase the security level of the system and prevent potential identity theft.