bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcoholismo como principal causa de hepatopatía crónica según sexo y edad reportados en Hospital Civil “Fray Antonio Alcalde”
Authors:   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Guel-Padilla Ahtziri , Fernández-Avalos Vanesa ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Salazar-Orozco Kennia ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Morales-Guzmán Luis ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Escobedo-Galván Marco ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Vázquez-Tavares Fernando ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Cruz-Miranda Ana ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, López-de la Mora David ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Flores-Contreras Lucia
Published: September 2023

Objetivo. Analizar las principales causas de hepatopatía crónica reportadas en el Hospital Civil Fray Antonio Alcalde durante el año 2013. Introducción. Las enfermedades del hígado son la cuarta causa de mortalidad en México. Las hepatopatías crónicas tienen múltiples causas, tales como alcoholismo, virus de la hepatitis B (VHB), virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH), autoinmunidad y en muchos casos la causa no está determinada, lo que hace más difícil su trata-miento. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo. Base de datos del departamento de gastroenterología, HC “Fray Antonio Alcalde”. Se obtuvo la causa de hepatopatía crónica reportada por los médicos del servicio de gastroenterología en el expediente de los casos clínicos de todo el año 2013, se capturó en una base de datos electrónica y se realizó un análisis descriptivo calculando medias y razones. Conclusiones. La principal causa reportada en el HC “Fray Antonio Alcalde” durante el 2013 de hepatopatías crónicas es el alcoholismo, con el mayor número de afectados en adultos masculinos. Esto nos ayuda a saber en qué puntos podemos focalizar la prevención de las enfermedades hepáticas. Además de conocer la tendencia causal de las enfermedades hepáticas y estar mejor preparados para tratarlas.
Incidencia de Infección por Virusde Hepatitis C por género, Diagnosticados en el Hospital Civil “Fray AntonioAlcalde”, durante 2013
Authors:   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Fernández-Ávalos Vanessa , Salazar-Orozco Kennia ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Guel-Padilla Ahtziri ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Morales-Guzmán Luis ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Vázquez-Tavares Fernado ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Escobedo-Galván Marco ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Cruz-Miranda Ana ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, López-de la Mora David ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Flores-Contreras Lucia ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México
Published: September 2023

El virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) es la causa más común de hepatitis en el mundo. En México, la transmisión es principalmente por contacto biológico y material quirúrgico contaminado. Permanece asociado a los hepatocitos durante periodos largos. La inflamación y fibrosis están asociadas a la enfermedad produciendo daño hepático crónico que lleva a la pérdida de la función. Objetivos. Analizar la tasa de incidencia de infección por VHC durante el 2013. Encontrar si las variables género y VHC son dependientes. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal. Se analizaron los expedientes de los casos clínicos de todo el 2013 de la base de datos del departamento de gastroenterología del Hospital Civil (H.C.) “Fray Antonio Alcalde” y se analizó estadísticamente. Por medio de Chi cuadrada se comparó los casos reportados con VHC contra los casos no infectados y se observó si las variables género y VHC son dependientes. Se analizó la proporción de VHC según genero. Conclusiones. Los datos obtenidos durante todo el 2013 nos muestran que hay una mayor incidencia en las mujeres de VHC lo cual es preocupante en nuestra sociedad. Se podría pensar que las mujeres están más expuestas al virus por lo que tendríamos que analizar el manejo de la prevención en la población tanto en hombres como en mujeres. Este tipo de estudios nos permite conocer el comportamiento de la enfermedad
Acercamiento a las explicaciones de los sobrevivientes de un suicidio
Authors:   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Orozco-Mares Imelda , Chávez-Ireta Gregorio ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México,   Licenciatura de Salud Pública, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Ruíz-Herrera María ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México,   Licenciatura de Salud Pública, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, Becerra-Santiago Luz ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México,   Licenciatura de Salud Pública, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México, González-Pineda Karina ,   Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México,   Licenciatura de Salud Pública, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonalá, México
Published: September 2023

El estudio respondió a dos objetivos, uno con fines académicos que fue acercar a los estudiantes de la licenciatura en salud pública a los procesos cualitativos y otro que fue generar datos cualitativos sobre las explicaciones que los sobrevivientes de un suicida construyen. Metodología. Se realizaron 24 entrevistas con hombres y mujeres que perdieron a alguien por suicidio. Las interacciones se registraron con la finalidad de comprender el entorno. Las entrevistas fueron transcritas y segmentadas en 4 códigos para su análisis. Resultados. Los sobrevivientes a un suicida no pueden elaborar explicaciones satisfactorias y para ello recurren a varias causalidades. El contexto del suicidio rebasa la decisión personal, incluye la construcción social de grupos y familias inciertas carentes de mecanismos de apoyo. El impacto del suicidio es vivido como una tragedia con tendencias a su ocultamiento.
Sensor implementation on Eulerian Obs - revised edition
Authors: Coppola L.
Published: September 2023

Implementation of pH sensor on Eulerian observations in the Mediterranean Sea (DYFAMED site)
Role and Perception of Parents in Guiding Students’ Mathematics Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Habibi Mhmd , Erdayani Rizki , Mulfina Emelya Putri , Qomariah Winda Fajar , Ilham Muhammad , Fitri Intan
Published: September 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has compelled a shift to online learning, thereby necessitating parental involvement in their children's education at home. In this study, we aim to explore the perceptions and roles of parents in guiding their children's mathematics education during the pandemic. Our research comprises a sample of 67 participants who are parents of junior high school students with diverse occupational backgrounds in Jambi, Riau, and West Sumatra. We adopted an accidental sampling technique to select our research sample. The primary instrument for our study is a questionnaire that consists of closed questions that probe parents' emotions, knowledge, and perceptions regarding their responsibility in supporting their children's learning at home. Our survey was conducted in two phases: the initial phase spanning six months at the onset of the pandemic, and the second phase occurring several months later. Our findings indicate that during the first phase, parents were generally unaware of their roles and held negative perceptions of the online learning process. However, in the second phase, parents demonstrated a more proactive and mentoring role in supporting their children's online learning. Our study highlights the vital role of parents in facilitating their children's education during the pandemic and suggests that parental involvement is essential for optimizing online learning outcomes.
Consideraciones sobre la relevancia de la formación humanista en la UAA
Authors: Departamento de Formación y Actualización Académica
Published: September 2023

El Humanismo, como enfoque filosófico educativo, es el sello característico de la educación a la que aspira la Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA), nace con esta perspectiva, y bajo ella se ha orientado el desarrollo de sus actividades sustantivas (docencia, investigación, vinculación y gestión), entre las que destaca la docencia como función primordial para el desarrollo de sus procesos educativos. En el contexto del 50º aniversario de la UAA, se presentan las reflexiones de dos actores educativos que han contribuido a la comprensión y realización del mismo: el doctor Enrique Luján Salazar, docente de esta máxima casa de estudios, escritor y editor; y de la licenciada Paulina Ávalos Valladares, responsable de la coordinación de las actividades del Programa Institucional de Formación Humanista en la misma. A través de las concepciones expuestas en estas entrevistas, se profundiza en el sentido de la formación humanista de la educación que se imparte en la UAA, dichas reflexiones giran en torno de algunos planteamientos sobre ¿qué es el Humanismo?, ¿por qué la UAA es humanista?, ¿cuáles son los principales rasgos y características de la educación humanista? y, en este sentido, ¿qué es la formación humanista?, ¿cuáles los ideales que se promueven principalmente?, ¿qué líneas del conocimiento se promueven desde este enfoque?, ¿por qué es importante su fomento?, ¿cómo se puede autogestionar y fomentar la formación humanista a través de la práctica docente?
Perancangan Sarung Bantal Hias Untuk Sofa Dengan Teknik Makrame
Authors: Wati Erna , Josef Adji Isworo
Published: September 2023

Pillowcase is a place that is used to protect the pillow from dust and dirt. The macrame technique is a knotted knot craft consisting of several ropes or threads to make a work. There are very few macrame pillowcase products on the market, this causes the product to be less popular. Because judging from the manufacturing process looks complicated and takes a long time. So this is the background of the Design of Decorative Pillowcases for Sofas with the Makrame Technique. This design aims to make macrame pillowcase products easy to produce. The creation method used is SP Gustami's theory which consists of 3 stages, namely exploration, design and embodiment. The result of the creation of this work is a sofa cushion cover made using the macrame technique. This sofa cushion cover is intended as a decoration on a sofa or room.Keywords: Pillowcase, Sofa, Macrame
Dynamic actin/septin network in megakaryocytes co-ordinates proplatelet elaboration
Authors: Becker Isabelle C. , Wilkie Adrian R. , Unger Bret A. , Sciaudone Anthony R. , Fatima Farheen , Tsai I-Ting , Xu Ke , Machlus Kellie R. , Italiano Joseph E.
Published: September 2023

Megakaryocytes (MKs) undergo extensive cytoskeletal rearrangements as they give rise to platelets. While cortical microtubule sliding has been implicated in proplatelet formation, the role of the actin cytoskeleton in proplatelet elongation is less understood. It is assumed that actin filament reorganization is important for platelet generation given that mouse models with mutations in actin-associated proteins exhibit thrombocytopenia. However, due to the essential role of the actin network during MK development, a differential understanding of the contribution of the actin cytoskeleton on proplatelet release is lacking. Here, we reveal that inhibition of actin polymerization impairs the formation of elaborate proplatelets by hampering proplatelet extension and bead formation along the proplatelet shaft, which was mostly independent of changes in cortical microtubule sliding. We identify Cdc42 and its downstream effectors, septins, as critical regulators of intracellular actin dynamics in MKs, inhibition of which, similarly to inhibition of actin polymerization, impairs proplatelet movement and beading. Super-resolution microscopy revealed a differential association of distinctive septins with the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton, respectively, which was disrupted upon septin inhibition and diminished intracellular filamentous actin dynamics. In vivo, septins, similarly to F-actin, were subject to changes in expression upon enforcing proplatelet formation through prior platelet depletion. In summary, we demonstrate that a Cdc42/septin axis is not only important for MK maturation and polarization but is further required for intracellular actin dynamics during proplatelet formation.
Pharmacology Teaching by Concept Map Method
Authors: Rashid Sulthan Al , Rahman Syed Ziaur
Published: September 2023

Abstract not available
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 22 No. 04 October’23 Page : 942-944
Sosialisasi Mengenai Eco-enzyme Dan Pembuatan Kerajinan Tangan Dari Botol Plastik Bekas
Authors: Hakim Alifiah Hamidah , Triadnyani Ida Ayu Putri , Nugroho Fajar , Putra I Made Bayu Aditya , Antari Ni Putu Bayu Widhi
Published: September 2023

Sampah telah menjadi isu yang serius bagi sebagian besar masyarakat Indonesia. Sampah itu sendiri merupakan materi sisa yang sudah tidak diinginkan yang berasal dari suatu kegiatan atau aktivitas yang telah selesai dilakukan. Seiring dengan perkembangan zaman, masyarakat sudah mulai memunculkan ide-ide yang variatif dalam rangka mengelola sampah agar tidak menumpuk dan mencemari lingkungan. Salah satunya adalah penemuan Eco-enzyme. Eco-enzyme adalah hasil olahan fermentasi kulit buah-buahan maupun sayuran yang dicampur dengan gula merah dan air sesuai dengan takarannya. Sementara itu, pengelolaan sampah plastik memiliki sistem yang berbeda, karena sifat dari plastik itu sendiri tidak dapat terurai dengan tanah. Meminimalisir penghasilan sampah plastik dapat diawali dengan mengolah kembali botol plastik bekas menjadi barang yang berguna seperti vas bunga, tempat pensil, mainan, bahkan tirai dekorasi. Tujuan pengabdian masyarakat yang dilakukan yaitu sosialisasi mengenai Eco-enzyme di SD Negeri 1, Desa Geluntung adalah untuk meningkatkan wawasan sekaligus pemahaman, mengenai pengolahan sampah organik dan non organik menjadi barang olahan yang bernilai ekonomis. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini yaitu edukasi. Berdasarkan hasil pengabdian masyarakat menunjukan pemahaman yang lebih jauh terkait cara pengelolaan sampah organik dan non organik dengan metode Eco-enzyme. Selain itu para siswa mampu menuangkan kreatifitas mengubah sampah menjadi produk bernilai dan bermanfaat.
Penataan Taman Dan Fasilitas Sekolah Tk Islam Al-Ma’Un Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Minat Bermain Dan Belajar Anak, Di Kecamatan Dau, Kabupaten Malang
Authors: Budiyono Debora , Kurniawan Hendra , Sumiati Astri
Published: September 2023

Keberadaan taman dan fasilitas sekolah seperti taman bermain, perpustakaan, dan ruang serupa sangat dibutuhkan karena dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai ajang bermain dan belajar, oleh karena itu perlu penataan yang dapat berfungsi sebagai eco-edukasi untuk meningkatkan minat bermain dan belajar siswa. Program penataan taman dan fasilitas sekolah Taman Kanak-kanan (TK) sebagai sarana proses pengenalan dan belajar siswa mengenai lingkungan juga belum menjadi perhatian untuk ditangani dengan baik. Salah satu TK yang memiliki permasalah penataan taman dan fasilitas sekolah yaitu TK Islam Al-Ma’un. Permasalahan utama pihak mitra yaitu tidak memiliki sumberdaya manusia yang kompeten dibidang penataan taman dan fasilitas sekolah yang fungsional dan estetika. Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat di Sekolah Tk Islam Al-Ma’Un sebagai upaya meningkatkan minat bermain dan belajar anak, di Kecamatan Dau, Kabupaten Malang. Metode pendekatan yaitu participation learning action (PLA) dan Focussed Group Discussion (FGD) yang digunakan dalam pelatihan dan pendampingan meningkatkan kapasitas mitra dalam pengelolaan taman dan fasilitas sekolah TK Islam Al-Ma’Un. Berdasarkan hasil pengabdian yang dilakukan menghasilkan karya taman dan fasilitas sekolah yang memadai dan estetika serta minat belajar dan bermain anak-anak sekolah Tk Islam Al-Ma’Un mengalami peningkatan.
Distinct bacterial communities associated with photosynthetic picoeukaryotes in Lake Dongting throughout the seasonal cycle as revealed by flow cytometry sorting
Authors: Li S , Li Z , Peng H , Yu L , Wang M , Shen Z , Gu Q
Published: September 2023

Associations and interactions between bacteria and phytoplankton are prevalent in aquatic systems. However, the coexistence of bacteria with the smallest phytoplankton groups is mostly unknown. Here, the associated bacteria (AB) of photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPEs) in the Yangtze-connected Lake Dongting were studied using flow cytometry sorting combined with high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene throughout the seasonal cycle. Bacteria in the corresponding whole water (WWB) were also investigated for comparison. Our results revealed a distinct bacterial community of AB compared to WWB. The taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity indices, as well as the richness, of AB were significantly lower than those of WWB; however, AB showed higher Pielou’s evenness. Proteobacteria (53.8%) was the most abundant phylum in AB, whereas Actinobacteria was predominant in WWB (36.0%). Several abundant clades, including Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Rheinheimera, Novosphingobium, and Sphingomonas, were significantly enriched in AB. Functional prediction analysis identified 116 KEGG pathways differing significantly between AB and WWB. Particularly, functional properties involved in cellular processes (mainly bacterial chemotaxis), environmental information processing, organismal systems and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism were greatly enriched in AB. Total nitrogen, temperature and chlorophyll a correlated significantly with the community dissimilarity between AB and WWB. Our results shed new light on the bacterial diversity and function associated with the smallest phytoplankton.
EMPIRICAL OBSERVATION OF WIRELESS NETWORK PERFORMANCE FOR TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROTOCOL (TCP) UPSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM FOR DIFFERENT USERS SCENARIOS
Authors: P. Davids Chijioke , A. Ahaneku Mamilus , N. Nwawelu Udora , Michael Michael ,   University of Nigeria
Published: September 2023

The increase in demand for proper and fast access to network infrastructure around the University environment by staff, students, and visitors in the quest to carry out daily tasks or keeping up with trends/innovations around the globe is a daily experience resulting in some challenges. But these challenges are not unexpected. The access to network infrastructure around the environment encourages proper development. This paper presents an empirical observation of transmission control protocol upstream throughput (TCPupT) and downstream throughput (TCPdownT) performance for an IEEE 802.11g wireless local area network (WLAN) installed at a corridor space of University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus. This work measured the TCP upstream and downstream throughput values for single, double, and multiple users (several Users) accessing an installed WLAN access point. The paper adopted basic WLAN system setup approach while observing the TCP performance in relation to SNR. Data collected for each environment were statistically analyzed, equations and results were also presented. The observed TCP throughput values vary as users increase thereby affecting the observed round-trip time (RTT). The generated equations were also used to predict TCP throughput which would aid network engineers in the deployment of IEEE 802.11g WLAN systems especially around the university environment. It is now clear that the generated model equations can be used for predicting the expected performance of IEEE 802.11g WLAN systems during deployment. This work gives WLAN engineers, researchers and users an apparatus to rapidly estimate the TCP upstream and downstream throughput, by monitoring the received SNR for IEEE 802.11g systems.
Inverse design of anisotropic bone scaffold based on machine learning and regenerative genetic algorithm
Authors: Liu Wenhang , Zhang Youwei , Lyu Yongtao , Bosiakov Sergei , Liu Yadong
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) is widely used in the design of bone scaffolds due to its structural advantages. However, the current approach to designing bone scaffolds using TPMS structures is limited to a forward process from microstructure to mechanical properties. Developing an inverse bone scaffold design method based on the mechanical properties of bone structures is crucial.

Methods: Using the machine learning and genetic algorithm, a new inverse design model was proposed in this research. The anisotropy of bone was matched by changing the number of cells in different directions. The finite element (FE) method was used to calculate the TPMS configuration and generate a back propagation neural network (BPNN) data set. Neural networks were used to establish the relationship between microstructural parameters and the elastic matrix of bone. This relationship was then used with regenerative genetic algorithm (RGA) in inverse design.

Results: The accuracy of the BPNN-RGA model was confirmed by comparing the elasticity matrix of the inverse-designed structure with that of the actual bone. The results indicated that the average error was below 3.00% for three mechanical performance parameters as design targets, and approximately 5.00% for six design targets.

Discussion: The present study demonstrated the potential of combining machine learning with traditional optimization method to inversely design anisotropic TPMS bone scaffolds with target mechanical properties. The BPNN-RGA model achieves higher design efficiency, compared to traditional optimization methods. The entire design process is easily controlled.
Improved production of recombinant β-mannanase (TaMan5) in Pichia pastoris and its synergistic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Zheng Fengzhen , Basit Abdul , Zhang Zhiyue , Zhuang Huan , Chen Jun , Zhang Jianfen
Published: September 2023

Mannan, a highly abundant and cost-effective natural resource, holds great potential for the generation of high-value compounds such as bioactive polysaccharides and biofuels. In this study, we successfully enhanced the expression of constructed GH5 β-mannanase (TaMan5) from Trichoderma asperellum ND-1 by employing propeptide in Pichia pastoris. By replacing the α-factor with propeptide (MGNRALNSMKFFKSQALALLAATSAVA), TaMan5 activity was significantly increased from 67.5 to 91.7 U/mL. It retained higher activity in the presence of 20% ethanol and 15% NaCl. When incubated with a high concentration of mannotriose or mannotetraose, the transglycosylation action of TaMan5 can be detected, yielding the corresponding production of mannotetraose or mannooligosaccharides. Moreover, the unique mechanism whereby TaMan5 catalyzes the degradation of mannan into mannobiose involves the transglycosylation of mannose to mannotriose or mannotetraose as a substrate to produce a mannotetraose or mannopentose intermediate, respectively. Additionally, the production of soluble sugars from lignocellulose is a crucial step in bioethanol development, and it is noteworthy that TaMan5 could synergistically yield fermentable sugars from corn stover and bagasse. These findings offered valuable insights and strategies for enhancing β-mannanase expression and efficient conversion of lignocellulosic biomass, providing cost-effective and sustainable approaches for high-value biomolecule and biofuel production.
Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of commercially pure titanium and alloy development for the LPBF process
Authors: Haase Fabian , Siemers Carsten , Rösler Joachim
Published: September 2023

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of titanium or titanium alloys allows fabrication of geometrically more complex and, possibly, individualized implants or osteosynthesis products and could thus improve the outcome of medical treatments considerably. However, insufficient LPBF process parameters can result in substantial porosity, decreasing mechanical properties and requiring post-treatment. Furthermore, texturized parts with anisotropic properties are usually obtained after LPBF processing, limiting their usage in medical applications. The present study addresses both: first, a design of experiments is used in order to establish a set of optimized process parameters and a process window for LPBF printing of small commercially pure (CP) titanium parts with minimized volume porosity. Afterward, the first results on the development of a biocompatible titanium alloy designed for LPBF processing of medical implants with improved solidification and more isotropic properties are presented on the basis of conventionally melted alloys. This development was performed on the basis of Ti-0.44O-0.5Fe-0.08C-0.4Si-0.1Au, a near-α alloy presented by the authors for medical applications and conventional manufacturing, with yttrium and boron additions as additional growth restriction solutes. In terms of LPBF processing of CP titanium grade 1 powder, a high relative density of approximately 99.9% was obtained in the as-printed state of the volume of a small cubical sample by using optimized laser power, scanning speed, and hatch distance in combination with a rotating scanning pattern. Moreover, tensile specimens processed with these volume settings and tested in the as-printed milled state exhibited a high average yield and ultimate tensile strength of approximately 663 and 747 N/mm2, respectively, combined with a high average ductility of approximately 24%. X-ray diffraction results suggest anisotropic mechanical properties, which are, however, less pronounced in terms of the tested specimens. Regarding alloy development, the results show that yttrium additions lead to a considerable microstructure refinement but have to be limited due to the occurrence of a large amount of precipitations and a supposed higher propensity for the formation of long columnar prior β-grains. However, phase/texture and microstructure analyses indicate that Ti-0.44O-0.5Fe-0.08C-0.4Si-0.1Au-0.1B-0.1Y is a promising candidate to achieve lower anisotropy during LPBF processing, but further investigations on LPBF printing and Y2O3 formation are necessary.
An immunoproteomics study of antisera from patients with gonorrhea identifies novel Neisseria gonorrhoeae proteins
Authors: Dijokaite-Guraliuc Aiste , Humbert Maria Victoria , Skipp Paul , Cleary David W. , Heckels John E. , Christodoulides Myron
Published: September 2023

Background

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcus) is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea, for which no vaccines exist. Efforts are being made to identify potential vaccine protein antigens, and in this study, an immunoproteomics approach was used to identify protein signatures in gonococci that were recognized by sera from patients with gonorrhea.

Methods

Sera from patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea and from controls were reacted on Western blot with gonococcal whole-cell lysate separated by 2D electrophoresis. Reactive bands were excised and digested, and peptides were analyzed by mass spectrometry to identify protein hits. Proteins were analyzed with in-silico bioinformatics tools (PSORTb v3.0, CELLO, SOSUI-GramN, LipoP 1.0, SignalP 5.0, TMHMM 2.0, eggNOG-mapper 5.0) to select for surface-exposed/outer membrane proteins (OMPs) and exclude cytoplasmic proteins and most periplasmic proteins. Sera were tested for bactericidal activity against homologous and heterologous gonococcal strains.

Results

Patient sera reacted with 180 proteome bands, and 18 of these bands showed ≥2-fold increased reactivity compared with sera from individuals (n = 5) with no history of gonococcal infection. Mass spectrometry produced peptide signatures for 1,107 proteins, and after bioinformatics analyses, a final collection of 33 proteins was produced that contained 24 OMPs/extracellular proteins never previously studied to our knowledge, 6 proteins with homologs in Neisseria meningitidis that can generate functional immune responses, and 3 unknown proteins. The sera showed little or no significant bactericidal activity, which may be related to the immunoproteomic identification of contraindicated proteins Rmp and H.8 that can generate blocking antibodies.

Conclusion

Studies on the vaccine potential of these newly identified proteins deserve consideration.
Grainyhead-like 2 is required for morphological integrity of mouse embryonic stem cells and orderly formation of inner ear-like organoids
Authors: Forrester-Gauntlett Blaise , Peters Linda , Oback Björn
Published: September 2023

Mutations in the transcription factor gene grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) are associated with progressive non-syndromic sensorineural deafness autosomal dominant type 28 (DFNA28) in humans. Since complete loss of Grhl2 is lethal in mouse embryos, we studied its role during inner ear pathology and hearing loss in vitro. To this end, we generated different homozygous deletions to knockout Grhl2 in mouse embryonic stem cells (Grhl2-KO ESCs), including some mimicking naturally occurring truncations in the dimerisation domain related to human DFNA28. Under naïve culture conditions, Grhl2-KO cells in suspension were more heterogenous in size and larger than wild-type controls. Adherent Grhl2-KO cells were also larger, with a less uniform shape, flattened, less circular morphology, forming loose monolayer colonies with poorly defined edges. These changes correlated with lower expression of epithelial cadherin Cdh1 but no changes in tight junction markers (Ocln, Tjp2) or other Grhl isoforms (Grhl1, Grhl3). Clonogenicity from single cells, proliferation rates of cell populations and proliferation markers were reduced in Grhl2-KO ESCs. We next induced stepwise directed differentiation of Grhl2-KO ESCs along an otic pathway, giving rise to three-dimensional inner ear-like organoids (IELOs). Quantitative morphometry revealed that Grhl2-KO cells initially formed larger IELOs with a less compacted structure, more eccentric shape and increased surface area. These morphological changes persisted for up to one week. They were partially rescued by forced cell aggregation and fully restored by stably overexpressing exogenous Grhl2 in Grhl2-KO ESCs, indicating that Grhl2 alters cell-cell interactions. On day 8, aggregates were transferred into minimal maturation medium to allow self-guided organogenesis for another two weeks. During this period, Grhl2-KO cells and wild-type controls developed similarly, expressing neural, neuronal and sensory hair cell markers, while maintaining their initial differences in size and shape. In summary, Grhl2 is required for morphological maintenance of ESCs and orderly formation of IELOs, consistent with an essential role in organising epithelial integrity during inner ear development. Our findings validate quantitative morphometry as a useful, non-invasive screening method for molecular phenotyping of candidate mutations during organoid development.
The spleen as a possible source of serine protease inhibitors and migrating monocytes required for liver regeneration after 70% resection in mice
Authors: Elchaninov Andrey , Vishnyakova Polina , Kuznetsova Maria , Gantsova Elena , Kiseleva Viktoria , Lokhonina Anastasiya , Antonova Maria , Mamedov Aiaz , Soboleva Anna , Trofimov Dmitry , Fatkhudinov Timur , Sukhikh Gennady
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The role of the immune system in liver repair is fundamentally complex and most likely involves the spleen. The close connection between the two organs via the portal vein enables delivery of splenic cytokines and living cells to the liver. This study evaluates expression of inflammation-related genes and assesses the dynamics of monocyte-macrophage and lymphocyte populations of the spleen during the recovery from 70% hepatectomy in mice.

Methods: The study used the established mouse model of 70% liver volume resection. The animals were sacrificed 24 h, 72 h or 7 days post-intervention and splenic tissues were collected for analysis: Clariom™ S transcriptomic assay, immunohistochemistry for proliferation marker Ki-67 and macrophage markers, and flow cytometry for lymphocyte and macrophage markers.

Results: The loss and regeneration of 70% liver volume affected the cytological architecture and gene expression profiles of the spleen. The tests revealed significant reduction in cell counts for Ki-67+ cells and CD115+ macrophages on day 1, Ly6C + cells on days 1, 3 and 7, and CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes on day 7. The transcriptomic analysis revealed significant activation of protease inhibitor genes Serpina3n, Stfa2 and Stfa2l1 and decreased expression of cell cycle regulatory genes on day 1, mirrored by inverse dynamics observed on day 7.

Discussion and conclusion: Splenic homeostasis is significantly affected by massive loss in liver volume. High levels of protease inhibitors indicated by increased expression of corresponding genes on day 1 may play an anti-inflammatory role upon reaching the regenerating liver via the portal vein. Leukocyte populations of the spleen react by a slow-down in proliferation. A transient decrease in the local CD115+ and Ly6C+ cell counts may indicate migration of splenic monocytes-macrophages to the liver.
Compact and modular system architecture for a nano-resonator-mass spectrometer
Authors: Reynaud Adrien , Trzpil Wioletta , Dartiguelongue Louis , Çumaku Vaitson , Fortin Thomas , Sansa Marc , Hentz Sebastien , Masselon Christophe
Published: September 2023

Mass measurements in the mega-to giga-Dalton range are essential for the characterization of natural and synthetic nanoparticles, but very challenging to perform using conventional mass spectrometers. Nano-electro-mechanical system (NEMS) based MS has demonstrated unique capabilities for the analysis of ultra-high mass analytes. Yet, system designs to date included constraints transferred from conventional MS instruments, such as ion guides and high vacuum requirements. Encouraged by other reports, we investigated the influence of pressure on the performances of the NEMS sensor and the aerodynamic focusing lens that equipped our first-generation instrument. We thus realized that the NEMS spectrometer could operate at significantly higher pressures than anticipated without compromising particle focusing nor mass measurement quality. Based on these observations, we designed and constructed a new NEMS-MS prototype considerably more compact than our original system, and which features an improved aerodynamic lens alignment concept, yielding superior particle focusing. We evaluated this new prototype by performing nanoparticle deposition to characterize aerodynamic focusing, and mass measurements of calibrated gold nanoparticles samples. The particle capture efficiency showed nearly two orders of magnitude improvement compared to our previous prototype, while operating at two orders of magnitude greater pressure, and without compromising mass resolution.
Association between admission-blood-glucose-to-albumin ratio and clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zhen Cien , Chen Wei , Chen Weikun , Fan Hualin , Lin Zijing , Zeng Lihuan , Lin Zehuo , He Weibin , Li Yu , Peng Shimin , Zeng Lin , Duan Chongyang , Tan Ning , Liu Yuanhui , He Pengcheng
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is unclear whether admission-blood-glucose-to-albumin ratio (AAR) predicts adverse clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who are treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Here, we performed a observational study to explore the predictive value of AAR on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with STEMI who underwent PCI between January 2010 and February 2020 were enrolled in the study. The patients were classified into three groups according to AAR tertile. The primary outcome was in-hospital all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), as well as all-cause mortality and MACEs during follow-up. Logistic regression, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazard regression were the primary analyses used to estimate outcomes.

Results

Among the 3,224 enrolled patients, there were 130 cases of in-hospital all-cause mortality (3.9%) and 181 patients (5.4%) experienced MACEs. After adjustment for covariates, multivariate analysis demonstrated that an increase in AAR was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.72, 95% CI: 1.47–5.03, P = 0.001] and MACEs (adjusted OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.18–3.10, P = 0.009), as well as long-term all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.64, 95% CI: 1.19–2.28, P = 0.003] and MACEs (adjusted HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.16–2.14, P = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that AAR was an accurate predictor of in-hospital all-cause mortality (AUC = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.675–0.761) and MACEs (AUC = 0.672, 95% CI: 0.631–0.712).

Discussion

AAR is a novel and convenient independent predictor of all-cause mortality and MACEs, both in-hospital and long-term, for STEMI patients receiving PCI.
Automatic image-based tracking of gadolinium-filled balloon wedge catheters for MRI-guided cardiac catheterization using deep learning
Authors: Neofytou Alexander Paul , Kowalik Grzegorz Tomasz , Vidya Shankar Rohini , Huang Li , Moon Tracy , Mellor Nina , Razavi Reza , Neji Radhouene , Pushparajah Kuberan , Roujol Sébastien
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a promising alternative to standard x-ray fluoroscopy for the guidance of cardiac catheterization procedures as it enables soft tissue visualization, avoids ionizing radiation and provides improved hemodynamic data. MRI-guided cardiac catheterization procedures currently require frequent manual tracking of the imaging plane during navigation to follow the tip of a gadolinium-filled balloon wedge catheter, which unnecessarily prolongs and complicates the procedures. Therefore, real-time automatic image-based detection of the catheter balloon has the potential to improve catheter visualization and navigation through automatic slice tracking.

Methods

In this study, an automatic, parameter-free, deep-learning-based post-processing pipeline was developed for real-time detection of the catheter balloon. A U-Net architecture with a ResNet-34 encoder was trained on semi-artificial images for the segmentation of the catheter balloon. Post-processing steps were implemented to guarantee a unique estimate of the catheter tip coordinates. This approach was evaluated retrospectively in 7 patients (6M and 1F, age = 7 ± 5 year) who underwent an MRI-guided right heart catheterization procedure with all images acquired in an orientation unseen during training.

Results

The overall accuracy, specificity and sensitivity of the proposed catheter tracking strategy over all 7 patients were 98.4 ± 2.0%, 99.9 ± 0.2% and 95.4 ± 5.5%, respectively. The computation time of the deep-learning-based segmentation step was ∼10 ms/image, indicating its compatibility with real-time constraints.

Conclusion

Deep-learning-based catheter balloon tracking is feasible, accurate, parameter-free, and compatible with real-time conditions. Online integration of the technique and its evaluation in a larger patient cohort are now warranted to determine its benefit during MRI-guided cardiac catheterization.
The role of C-peptide in diabetes and its complications: an updated review
Authors: Chen Jintao , Huang Yajing , Liu Chuanfeng , Chi Jingwei , Wang Yangang , Xu Lili
Published: September 2023

Worldwide, diabetes and its complications have seriously affected people’s quality of life and become a serious public health problem. C-peptide is not only an indicator of pancreatic β-cell function, but also a biologically active peptide that can bind to cell membrane surface signaling molecules and activate downstream signaling pathways to play antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and inflammatory roles, or regulate cellular transcription through internalization. It is complex how C-peptide is related to diabetic complications. Both deficiencies and overproduction can lead to complications, but their mechanisms of action may be different. C-peptide replacement therapy has shown beneficial effects on diabetic complications in animal models when C-peptide is deficient, but results from clinical trials have been unsatisfactory. The complex pattern of the relationship between C-peptide and diabetic chronic complications has not yet been fully understood. Future basic and clinical studies of C-peptide replacement therapies will need to focus on baseline levels of C-peptide in addition to more attention also needs to be paid to post-treatment C-peptide levels to explore the optimal range of fasting C-peptide and postprandial C-peptide maintenance.
Exome sequencing improves genetic diagnosis of congenital orofacial clefts
Authors: Yan Shujuan , Fu Fang , Li Ru , Yu Qiuxia , Li Fucheng , Zhou Hang , Wang You , Huang Ruibin , Ma Chunling , Guo Fei , Wang Dan , Yang Xin , Han Jin , Lei Tingyin , Li Dongzhi , Liao Can
Published: September 2023

Objective:This retrospective study aims to evaluate the utility of exome sequencing (ES) in identifying genetic causes of congenital orofacial clefts (OFCs) in fetuses with or without other structural abnormalities, and to further explore congenital OFCs genetic causes.

Methods:The study enrolled 107 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with fetal OFCs between January 2016 and May 2022, and categorized them into two groups: isolated cleft lip and/or palate (CL/CP) and syndromic CL/CP. Cases with positive karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis results were excluded. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on eligible fetuses and their parents. Monogenic variants identified by ES and perinatal outcomes were recorded and evaluated during postnatal follow-up.

Results:Clinically significant variants were identified in 11.2% (12/107) of fetuses, with no significant difference in detection rate between the isolated CL/CP group and the syndromic CL/CP group (8/83, 9.6% vs. 4/24, 16.7%,p= 0.553). Additionally, sixteen (16/107, 15.0%) fetuses had variants of uncertain significance. We identified 12 clinically significant variations that correlated with clinical phenotypes in 11 genes from 12 fetuses, withCHD7being the most frequently implicated gene (n = 2). Furthermore, we observed a significant difference in termination rates and survival rates between the isolated CL/CP and syndromic CL/CP groups (41.0% vs. 70.8% and 56.6% vs. 20.8%,p <0.05 for both).

Conclusion:Based on our findings, it is clear that ES provides a significant increase in diagnostic yield for the molecular diagnosis of congenital OFCs, thereby substantially improving the existing prenatal diagnostic capabilities. This study also sheds light on seven novel pathogenic variants, broadening our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of OFCs and expanding the disease spectrums of relevant genes.
Increased lipocalin-2 expression in pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Galaris Apostolos , Fanidis Dionysios , Tsitoura Eliza , Kanellopoulou Paraskevi , Barbayianni Ilianna , Ntatsoulis Konstantinos , Touloumi Katerina , Gramenoudi Sofia , Karampitsakos Theodoros , Tzouvelekis Argyrios , Antoniou Katerina , Aidinis Vassilis
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease with dismal prognosis. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are poorly understood, resulting in a lack of effective treatments. However, recurrent epithelial damage is considered critical for disease initiation and perpetuation, via the secretion of soluble factors that amplify inflammation and lead to fibroblast activation and exuberant deposition of ECM components. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) that has been suggested as a biomarker of kidney damage. LCN2 has been reported to modulate innate immunity, including the recruitment of neutrophils, and to protect against bacterial infections by sequestering iron.

Methods

In silico analysis of publicly available transcriptomic datasets; ELISAs on human IPF patients' bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs); bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice: pulmonary function tests, histology, Q-RT-PCR, western blot, and FACS analysis.

Results and discussion

Increased LCN2 mRNA expression was detected in the lung tissue of IPF patients negatively correlating with respiratory functions, as also shown for BALF LCN2 protein levels in a cohort of IPF patients. Increased Lcn2 expression was also detected upon BLM-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, especially at the acute phase correlating with neutrophilic infiltration, as well as upon LPS-induced ALI, an animal model characterized by neutrophilic infiltration. Surprisingly, and non withstanding the limitations of the study and the observed trends, Lcn2−/− mice were found to still develop BLM- or LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, thus questioning a major pathogenic role for Lcn2 in mice. However, LCN2 qualifies as a surrogate biomarker of pulmonary inflammation and a possible indicator of compromised pulmonary functions, urging for larger studies.
ROSes-FINDER: a multi-task deep learning framework for accurate prediction of microorganism reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes
Authors: Yan Yueyang , Shi Zhanpeng , Wei Haijian
Published: September 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules that play important roles in microbial biological processes. However, excessive accumulation of ROS can lead to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Microorganism have evolved a diverse suite of enzymes to mitigate the harmful effects of ROS. Accurate prediction of ROS scavenging enzymes classes (ROSes) is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of oxidative stress and developing strategies to combat related diseases. Nevertheless, the existing approaches for categorizing ROS-related proteins exhibit certain drawbacks with regards to their precision and inclusiveness. To address this, we propose a new multi-task deep learning framework called ROSes-FINDER. This framework integrates three component methods using a voting-based approach to predict multiple ROSes properties simultaneously. It can identify whether a given protein sequence is a ROSes and determine its type. The three component methods used in the framework are ROSes-CNN, which extracts raw sequence encoding features, ROSes-NN, which predicts protein functions based on sequence information, and ROSes-XGBoost, which performs functional classification using ensemble machine learning. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate the superior performance and robustness of our method. ROSes-FINDER is freely available at https://github.com/alienn233/ROSes-Finder for predicting ROSes classes.