bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WHAT DO PEOPLE PREFER TO SUPPORT DIABETES TREATMENT IN TURKIYE? A STUDY ON OLIVE LEAF AND DIABETES
Authors: MANCAK Methiye , KOCA ÇALIŞKAN Ufuk
Published: February 2024

Objective: A questionnaire study was conducted to evaluate the applications of plants and herbal products consumed by diabetic patients for the treatment of chronic health conditions. Evaluation of the questionnaire confirmed that olive leaf is one of the most used herbs in the treatment of diabetes, in line with its traditional use in the literature. In vitro biological activity studies were performed to determine whether different olive leaf samples have antidiabetic effects. Additionally, the major component oleuropein was quantitively determined in the samples.
Material and Method: The established survey was firstly approved by the ethics committee at Gazi University then the survey was conducted at the University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology between January 2021, and July 2021. Based on the result of the survey, pharmacognostic analyses, chromatographic analyses, and inhibition on diabetes-related enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and aldose reductase) were performed on the samples of olive leaves collected from nature, obtained from herbalists, markets and pharmacies.
Result and Discussion: Evaluation of the survey revealed that the patients mostly used cinnamon (29.3%) and olive leaves (21.7%) for the treatment of diabetes, and these plants were generally obtained from herbalists (51.7%). The study findings showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts prepared from olive leaf samples contained 190.3-374.3 mg/g oleuropein. The amount of oleuropein in the ready-made olive leaf extract from herbalists was found to be much lower (50.9 mg/g) than the other olive leaf extracts. When the enzyme inhibition activity assays were evaluated, it was determined that all olive leaf samples had inhibitory effects on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and aldose reductase enzymes. All olive leaf samples, including teas prepared by the public at home with water, were found to have capacity to decrease the blood level in other words antidiabetic activities in vitro. The oleuropein contents detected in this study once again revealed the importance of meticulous examination in herbal products.
"You Need To Let Go of Control”: Critical Reflections of a Participatory Action Research Doctoral Project with Muslim Women in Britain
Authors: Akalu Hanna
Published: February 2024

This article explores the ethical and practical complexities of conducting participatory action research (PAR) as a doctoral student and shares findings from a doctoral study co-developed with Muslim women living in Britain to promote social change. Through the development of a visual methods (Photovoice) project, 16 Muslim women collaborated to document new understandings of what Muslim womanhood, religious agency, and empowerment mean to them, within the broader context of gendered Islamophobia. The findings reveal the complexities of establishing an equal partnership, and negotiating power dynamics, trust, ownership, and group conflict in PAR, which problematises assumptions around community empowerment within participatory approaches. The article concludes with critical reflections captured during the project, which advances understandings of how diverse Muslim women respond to PAR within the British context.
Kelp holdfasts in the Great African Seaforest provide habitat for diverse assemblages of macroinvertebrates
Authors: Katharoyan C , Peer N , Landschoff J , Griffiths CL , Samaai T , Beeslaar D
Published: February 2024

Kelp forests along the southwestern and west coasts of South Africa, dominated by the species Ecklonia maxima and Laminaria pallida, are locally termed ‘the Great African Seaforest’. They form 3-dimensional biogenic habitats that provide 4 distinct microhabitats—canopy, fronds, stipe and holdfast—with the latter typically supporting the highest abundance and diversity of associated macroinvertebrates. The macrofauna inhabiting kelp holdfasts in South Africa have rarely been studied, resulting in a near complete lack of baseline data. In this study, macrobenthic assemblages from 40 E. maxima holdfasts were examined over 2 marine ecoregions and 4 locations. Macroinvertebrates were identified and counted for univariate and multivariate analyses using family-level data. A total of 120 families from 9 phyla were identified and were generally dominated by Arthropoda (48 families), Annelida (24 families) and Mollusca (23 families). Marine ecoregion had no significant effect on composition of macroinvertebrate assemblages, whereas location had a significant effect. There was no significant relationship between holdfast volume and macroinvertebrate diversity or abundance, suggesting that other environmental and physicochemical factors are important in determining community structure. This study serves as a baseline for future research aimed at understudied holdfast macroinvertebrate communities in the Great African Seaforest.
Epidemiological cut-off values for Yersina ruckeri disc diffusion data generated by a standardised method
Authors: Smith P , Le Devendec L , Jouy E , Larvor E , Verner-Jeffreys D , Joseph AW , Stanton E , Light E , Cortinovis L , Pretto T , Manfrin A , Boitard PM , Jamin M , Keck N , Le Breton A , Thuillier B , Ravaille C , Baron S
Published: February 2024

In order to establish the meaning of data generated in antimicrobial agent susceptibility tests, it is necessary to develop internationally harmonised interpretive criteria. Currently, such criteria have not been developed for data generated in studies of the susceptibility of the fish pathogen Yersinia ruckeri. This work generated the data that would be required to set epidemiological cut-off values for the susceptibility data of this species that had been generated using a standardised disc diffusion method that specified the use of Mueller Hinton agar and incubation at 22°C for 24-28 h. Using this method, sets of inhibition zones data for 4 antimicrobial agents were generated by 3 independent laboratories. The data from these laboratories were aggregated and analysed using the statistically based normalised resistance interpretation. For ampicillin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole the cut-off values calculated by this analysis were ≥16, ≥23, ≥24 and ≥30 mm, respectively. Evidence is presented demonstrating that the data for these 4 agents was of sufficient quantity and quality that they could be used by the relevant authorities to set internationally harmonised, consensus epidemiological cut-off values for Y. ruckeri.
Benedict Kišdy: Founding Father of the University of Košice
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Fedorčák Peter
Published: February 2024

Benedict Kišdy (Kisdy, Kisdi, Kischdy), bishop of Eger and an important fi gure in the recatholicization of north-eastern Hungary, is one of the most important fi gures in the history of Košice in the early modern period. Kišdy’s most memorable activity was the founding of the University of Košice, which had a longterm impact on the cultural and intellectual development of the city beyond the fi rst intention of its founder, i.e. recatholicization. The present study analyses the place of Kišdy in historiography from the time of the Jesuits and the possibilities of using the biographical method in the case of Benedict Kišdy. An important role in Kišdy’s life was played by his attitude towards Peter Pázmaň, Jesuits and Franciscans. The theoretical question of Kišdy’s place among the most important personalities in the history of Košice is raised, which is partly answered by the still vivid commemoration and places of remembrance connected with Kišdy.
Modern Instrumental Methods of Diagnosis of Traumatic Lesions of Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Yarikov A. , Lobanov I. , Kazakova L. , Kornakova O. , Fraerman A. , Perlmutter O. , Tsybusov S. , Pavlova E. , Komkova E. , Zaitseva N.
Published: February 2024

Damage to the peripheral nervous system is a serious medical and social problem due to high disability and high economic losses. To improve the results of treatment, an accurate diagnosis of the degree and level of nerve damage is necessary. This article reveals all modern instrumental methods for the diagnosis of traumatic injuries of the peripheral nervous system: electroneuromyography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are described.
Greek Modernity and its Reception in the Great Exhibition of 1851
Authors: Marinou Chryssa
Published: February 2024

The article explores the participation of Greece in the 1851 Exhibition as an event that offers a glimpse into Greek modernity and its reception in the Victorian press. Greece, a nascent state, partook in the ‘Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations’ with a display that attested to modern economic interests and a knowledge of the commercial value of its past: the thirty one exhibits included products for exports like tobacco, raisins, and figs, some fabrics and garments, and several types of marble which were shown side by side with national Greek costumes, woodcarvings, marble bas-reliefs, and reproductions of ancient monuments. The marginal position of the Greek display on the floor plan of the Exhibition designated the country as belonging more to the Orient, rather than the European nations. Located in an imaginary ‘grey area,’ between the European West and the Levantine East, the Greek pavilion reinforces the Victorian impulse to negotiate the old with the new and thus contributes to the cultural hybridity that characterised modern Greece. I suggest that the display and the ways it was received in the press be viewed as a register of the relation between Victorian culture and modern Greece, a country which resisted taxonomy and assimilation within the given modern categorisations.
La experiencia de la interdisciplinariedad y de la transdisciplinariedad como componentes claves de la educación planetaria. Una mirada desde Morin
Authors: Jasso Alfieri Romina Denisse
Published: February 2024

Este trabajo trata de analizar la contribución moriniana para la articulación educativa de las epistemologías trans e interdiciplinarias, entendiendo que esta metodologías y enfoques epistémicos son cruciales para articular nuevos modos de pensar capaces de ligar y solidarizar conocimientos separados o desmembrados que se prologuen en una ética de la dependencia y de la solidaridad entre humanos. Se trata de pensar un pensamiento capaz de integrar lo local y lo específico, apto para favorecer el sentido de la responsabilidad y de la ciudadanía y de construir por tanto una reforma del pensamiento que tenga consecuencias existenciales, éticas y cívicas.
Intuitu pecuniae versus intuitu personae. Mujeres y pleitos en los protocolos notariales malagueños de fines del Antiguo Régimen
Authors: García Gil Elizabeth
Published: February 2024

Este artículo realiza un estudio sobre los pleitos en los que participaban las mujeres a fines del Antiguo Régimen, diferenciando entre los actos en los que prevalece la atención al dinero y aquellos que tienen un carácter personalista. Se examinan las actas notariales conservadas en los libros de protocolos, como poderes, autos de ejecución, declaratorias y convenios. Se consultan diferentes pleitos de tres de los partidos judiciales más representativos de la provincia: Málaga, Antequera y Vélez-Málaga, así como la literatura jurídica y los códigos legales relativos a este tipo de pleitos, con objeto de conocer cómo el modelo jurídico se ajustaba al contexto cultural. Los resultados muestran que la tendencia más habitual era la realización de convenios extrajudiciales, a fin de evitar las elevadas costas de los procesos.
Delitos contra la mujer, defensa del hombre: alegaciones en derecho sobre estupro y rapto (Aragón, s. XVII)
Authors: Jarque Martínez Encarna
Published: February 2024

Se estudian aquí una serie de Alegaciones del siglo xvii aragonés sobre estupro y rapto, delitos calificados como atroces por las leyes aragonesas. Son escrituras de apelación de la sentencia del tribunal ordinario a la instancia superior, la Sala Criminal de la Audiencia del reino. A través de estos documentos se puede recomponer el proceso criminal y los asuntos que se valoraban en delitos considerados de difícil probanza.

Estas alegaciones se redactaban generalmente en beneficio del presunto delincuente, el hombre. Sin embargo, son importantes para la mujer. Descubren que la denuncia de estos delitos partió del procurador astricto (fiscal local) que actuaba de oficio. Ese oficial logró que estos crímenes no quedaran impunes por causa de la debilidad de las afectadas.
Mulheres a procurar Justiça no Tribunal da Relação Eclesiástica de Braga (século XVIII)
Authors: Lobo de Araújo Maria Marta
Published: February 2024

Neste trabalho analisamos fontes do Tribunal Eclesiástico de Braga possibilitando-nos conhecer as dinâmicas femininas nesta instituição da Igreja Católica ao longo de setecentos. Para maior esclarecimento, dividimos os processos analisados em dois grupos: um referente a processos movidos contra mulheres que viviam em clausura e outro por incumprimento do voto de Santiago. Estamos, por conseguinte, perante mulheres diferentes e com causas também distintas. Todas eram acusadas de incumprimento, no primeiro caso violando leis importas à instituição e às religiosas e no segundo devido ao não pagamento do voto de Santiago. Neste percurso foi possível conhecer o funcionamento da instituição e as mudanças que conheceu, mas também penas atribuídas.
El Calabacino: de aldea medieval a ecoaldea alternativa. Historia de una localidad de la "España vaciada"
Authors: Hidalgo-Capitán Antonio Luis , Cubillo-Guevara Ana Patricia
Published: February 2024

Con una mirada de largo plazo, haciendo uso de la extrapolación microterritorial de las dinámicas macroterritoriales y apoyándose en fuentes documentales diversas, se traza la historia de la localidad de El Calabacino (Alájar, Huelva), arrancando de su conformación como aldea medieval (s. XIV-XV), fruto de la repoblación cristiana; pasando por la consolidación del asentamiento (s. XVI-XVII); siguiendo por su auge impulsado por la arriería, el comercio y el contrabando (s. XVIII-XIX); continuando por su declive y abandono debido al éxodo rural (1900-1979); hasta llegar a su renacimiento derivado del establecimiento de una comunidad neorrural (1979), reconvertida en ecoaldea alternativa (2017). El objetivo de ello es poner en perspectiva histórica la utilidad del establecimiento de ecoaldeas como estrategia frente a la España vaciada.
Research gaps and future needs for allergen prediction in food safety
Authors: Fernandez A. , Danisman E. , Taheri Boroujerdi M. , Kazemi S. , Moreno F. J. , Epstein M. M.
Published: February 2024

The allergenicity and protein risk assessments in food safety are facing new challenges. Demands for healthier and more sustainable food systems have led to significant advances in biotechnology, the development of more complex foods, and the search for alternative protein sources. All this has increased the pressure on the safety assessment prediction approaches anchored into requirements defined in the late 90's. In 2022, the EFSA's Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms published a scientific opinion focusing on the developments needed for allergenicity and protein safety assessments of new products derived from biotechnology. Here, we further elaborate on the main elements described in this scientific opinion and prioritize those development needs requiring critical attention. The starting point of any new recommendation would require a focus on clinical relevance and the development of a fit-for-purpose database targeted for specific risk assessment goals. Furthermore, it is imperative to review and clarify the main purpose of the allergenicity risk assessment. An internationally agreed consensus on the overall purpose of allergenicity risk assessment will accelerate the development of fit-for-purpose methodologies, where the role of exposure should be better clarified. Considering the experience gained over the last 25 years and recent scientific developments in the fields of biotechnology, allergy, and risk assessment, it is time to revise and improve the allergenicity safety assessment to ensure the reliability of allergenicity assessments for food of the future.
Fabrication and properties of PLA/β-TCP scaffolds using liquid crystal display (LCD) photocuring 3D printing for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Wang Boqun , Ye Xiangling , Chen Guocai , Zhang Yongqiang , Zeng Zhikui , Liu Cansen , Tan Zhichao , Jie Xiaohua
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Bone defects remain a thorny challenge that clinicians have to face. At present, scaffolds prepared by 3D printing are increasingly used in the field of bone tissue repair. Polylactic acid (PLA) has good thermoplasticity, processability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, but the PLA is brittle and has poor osteogenic performance. Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) has good mechanical properties and osteogenic induction properties, which can make up for the drawbacks of PLA.

Methods: In this study, photocurable biodegradable polylactic acid (bio-PLA) was utilized as the raw material to prepare PLA/β-TCP slurries with varying β-TCP contents (β-TCP dosage at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 35% of the PLA dosage, respectively). The PLA/β-TCP scaffolds were fabricated using liquid crystal display (LCD) light-curing 3D printing technology. The characterization of the scaffolds was assessed, and the biological activity of the scaffold with the optimal compressive strength was evaluated. The biocompatibility of the scaffold was assessed through CCK-8 assays, hemocompatibility assay and live-dead staining experiments. The osteogenic differentiation capacity of the scaffold on MC3T3-E1 cells was evaluated through alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) detection, immunofluorescence experiments, and RT-qPCR assays.

Results: The prepared scaffold possesses a three-dimensional network structure, and with an increase in the quantity of β-TCP, more β-TCP particles adhere to the scaffold surface. The compressive strength of PLA/β-TCP scaffolds exhibits a trend of initial increase followed by decrease with an increasing amount of β-TCP, reaching a maximum value of 52.1 MPa at a 10% β-TCP content. Degradation rate curve results indicate that with the passage of time, the degradation rate of the scaffold gradually increases, and the pH of the scaffold during degradation shows an alkaline tendency. Additionally, Live/dead staining and blood compatibility experiments suggest that the prepared PLA/β-TCP scaffold demonstrates excellent biocompatibility. CCK-8 experiments indicate that the PLA/β-TCP group promotes cell proliferation, and the prepared PLA/β-TCP scaffold exhibits a significant ability to enhance the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro.

Discussion: 3D printed LCD photocuring PLA/β-TCP scaffolds could improve surface bioactivity and lead to better osteogenesis, which may provide a unique strategy for developing bioactive implants in orthopedic applications.
A complete workflow for single cell mtDNAseq in CHO cells, from cell culture to bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Foley Alan , Lao Nga , Clarke Colin , Barron Niall
Published: February 2024

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have a long history in the biopharmaceutical industry and currently produce the vast majority of recombinant therapeutic proteins. A key step in controlling the process and product consistency is the development of a producer cell line derived from a single cell clone. However, it is recognized that genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity between individual cells in a clonal CHO population tends to arise over time. Previous bulk analysis of CHO cell populations revealed considerable variation within the mtDNA sequence (heteroplasmy), which could have implications for the performance of the cell line. By analyzing the heteroplasmy of single cells within the same population, this heterogeneity can be characterized with greater resolution. Such analysis may identify heterogeneity in the mitochondrial genome, which impacts the overall phenotypic performance of a producer cell population, and potentially reveal routes for genetic engineering. A critical first step is the development of robust experimental and computational methods to enable single cell mtDNA sequencing (termed scmtDNAseq). Here, we present a protocol from cell culture to bioinformatic analysis and provide preliminary evidence of significant mtDNA heteroplasmy across a small panel of single CHO cells.
Drug-eluting stents for coronary artery disease in the perspective of bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zeng Ying , Xu Jiawei , Deng Yuxuan , Li Xiaoxing , Chen Wen , Tang Yu
Published: February 2024

Drug-eluting stents (DES) play a crucial role in treating coronary artery disease (CAD) by preventing restenosis. These stents are coated with drug carriers that release antiproliferative drugs within the vessel. Over the past two decades, DES have been employed in clinical practice using various materials, polymers, and drug types. Despite optimizations in their design and materials to enhance biocompatibility and antithrombotic properties, evaluating their long-term efficacy and safety necessitates improved clinical follow-up and monitoring. To delineate future research directions, this study employs a bibliometric analysis approach. We comprehensively surveyed two decades' worth of literature on DES for CAD using the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). Out of 5,778 articles, we meticulously screened them based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, we conducted an in-depth analysis encompassing annual publication trends, authorship affiliations, journal affiliations, keywords, and more. Employing tools such as Excel 2021, CiteSpace 6.2R3, VOSviewer 1.6.19, and Pajek 5.17, we harnessed bibliometric methods to derive insights from this corpus. Analysis of annual publication data indicates a recent stabilisation or even a downward trend in research output in this area. The United States emerged as the leading contributor, with Columbia University and CRF at the forefront in both publication output and citation impact. The most cited document pertained to standardized definitions for clinical endpoints in coronary stent trials. Our author analysis identifies Patrick W. Serruys as the most prolific contributor, underscoring a dynamic exchange of knowledge within the field.Moreover, the dual chart overlay illustrates a close interrelation between journals in the “Medicine,” “Medical,” and “Clinical” domains and those in “Health,” “Nursing,” and “Medicine.” Frequently recurring keywords in this research landscape include DES coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary intervention, implantation, and restenosis. This study presents a comprehensive panorama encompassing countries, research institutions, journals, keyword distributions, and contributions within the realm of DES therapy for CAD. By highlighting keywords exhibiting recent surges in frequency, we elucidate current research hotspots and frontiers, thereby furnishing novel insights to guide future researchers in this evolving field.
Clinical considerations and challenges in TAV-in-TAV procedures
Authors: Hayek Ahmad , Prieur Cyril , Dürrleman Nicolas , Chatelain Quentin , Ibrahim Reda , Asgar Anita , Modine Thomas , Ben Ali Walid
Published: February 2024

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as a viable treatment for aortic valve disease, including low-risk patients. However, as TAVR usage increases, concerns about long-term durability and the potential for addition interventions have arisen. Transcatheter aortic valve (TAV)-in-TAV procedures have shown promise in selected patients in numerous registries, offering a less morbid alternative to TAVR explantation. In this review, the authors aimed to comprehensively review the experience surrounding TAV-in-TAV, summarize available data, discuss pre-procedural planning, highlight associated challenges, emphasize the importance of coronary obstruction assessment and provide insights into the future of this technique.
Case Report: A 42-year-old male with IABP developing multiple organ embolism and intestinal necrosis
Authors: Yang Wanying , Lu Jing , Du Ting , Sha Lulin , Wang Wei , Wang Xin , Gong Qian
Published: February 2024

We report a 42-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and subsequently underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for revascularization. The patient was transferred to the cardiac intensive care unit for intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) due to frequent malignant arrhythmia after PCI. Then the patient experienced the most severe complications of IABP, including multiple organ embolism and intestinal necrosis. This report highlights the rare serious complications of IABP and the challenges encountered in handling this complex case.
Using interactive learning objects in teaching accounting sciences: a case study
Authors: Gaviria-Rodríguez Diana , Arango-Arango Juan , Valencia-Arias Alejandro , Verde Flores Lilian Janet , Valencia Jackeline , Zavala Luisa Rodríguez
Published: February 2024

Interactive learning objects (ILOs) are tools that can enhance and promote teaching in various fields of knowledge. For instance, GeoGebra is free educational software designed for teaching and learning mathematics. It is interactive mathematical software that can help students better understand accounting concepts and visualize complex financial relationships, making it easier to learn abstract concepts. Additionally, it can be used to explore what-if financial scenarios, which can help students develop their decision-making skills. The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of GeoGebra on the development of mathematical skills among accounting science students. It contributes to the literature by demonstrating the effectiveness of teaching financial concepts through the application of five linear functions and their mathematical relationships in GeoGebra. This approach bridges the gap between differential calculus knowledge and the ability to achieve a geometric understanding and interpretation of the lines that can be created with this dynamic software. It also enables the interpretation of financial statement concepts based on the variations of the lines. GeoGebra, mathematical software, will feature a comprehensive income statement (CIS) as one of its relevant financial statements in financial accounting. Starting with an equation containing 15 variables, 2 are selected to represent the abscissa and ordinate axes, while the remaining 13 are considered parameters that can be adjusted by the user in the OIA windows. By changing these values, the equation will produce a straight line. It is worth noting that using OIA can be an effective strategy for enhancing one’s understanding of the basic sciences. The study emphasizes the significance of accuracy in financial management, the interplay among variables, and the utilization of technological tools to aid in comprehending these concepts.
Weight changes from early to middle adulthood and cardiometabolic multimorbidity later in life among middle-aged and older adults: a retrospective cohort study from the NHANES 1999-2018
Authors: Zhao Fayun , Zhao Qiang , Wang Huandong , Wang Kun , Kong Shenke , Ma Peiyao , Wang Xin
Published: February 2024

Background

Weight gain in adulthood can influence the development of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It is speculated that weight gain is related to cardiometabolic multimorbility (CMM). This study was designed to examine the relationships between weight changes from early to middle adulthood and the risk of CMM.

Methods

Data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 cycles were analyzed in the present study. Weights at age 25 years and 10 years before recruitment were self-reported and were used to define five weight change patterns including stable normal, maximum overweight, obesity to non-obesity, non-obesity to obesity, and stable obesity patterns. Meanwhile, absolute weight changes were classified into five groups: weight loss≥ 2.5 kg, weight change within 2.5 kg, 2.5 kg≤ weight gain < 10.0 kg, 10.0 kg≤ weight gain < 20.0 kg, and weight gain≥ 20.0 kg. CMM was defined as the coexistence of two or three of diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), and stroke.

Results

A total of 25,994 participants were included. Across adulthood, compared to stable normal weight, maximal overweight, obesity to non-obesity, non-obesity to obesity, and stable obesity were consistently associated with increased risks of diabetes, CHD, and CMM. For instance, stable obesity was respectively related to 358.0% (HR: 4.58, 95% CI: 4.57, 4.58), 88.0% (HR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.88, 1.88), and 292.0% (HR: 3.92, 95% CI: 3.91, 3.92) higher risks of diabetes, CHD, and CMM. Meanwhile, any account of weight loss and gain was linked to higher risks of diabetes, CHD, and CMM than weight change within 2.5 kg. However, participants with maximum overweight had a decreased incidence of stroke (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.86), and weight loss ≥ 2.5 kg and weight gain ≥ 2.5 and <20 kg were also related to a lower risk of stroke. J-shaped or U-shaped associations of absolute weight changes with the risks of diabetes, CHD, and CMM were observed.

Conclusions

Maintaining a stable normal weight can benefit more from the prevention of diabetes, CHD, and CMM. Both weight gain and loss across adulthood were accompanied by increased risks of diabetes, CHD, and CMM.
Enhancing the biomethane yield of groundnut shells using deep eutectic solvents for sustainable energy production
Authors: Olatunji Kehinde O. , Madyira Daniel M.
Published: February 2024

This study examined the influence of DES pretreatment using choline chloride and ethyl glycerol with the molar ratio of 1: 1 at different solid:liquid ratios and temperatures on groundnut shells’ microstructural arrangement and biomethane yield. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study the effects of pretreatment on microstructural arrangements, and the pretreated substrate was digested at mesophilic temperature to determine its biomethane potential. The result of SEM analysis indicated that DES pretreatment alters the microstructural arrangement of groundnut shells, and XRD analysis showed an optimum crystallinity index of 20.71% when the substrate with a solid:liquid ratio of 1:2 was experimented at 80°C. The highest theoretical biomethane yield of 486.81 mL CH4/gVSadded was recorded when the substrate with a 1:4 solid:liquid ratio was investigated at 100°C, and the highest biodegradability rate (84.87%) was observed from the substrate treated with a 1:2 solid:liquid ratio at 100°C. The optimum biomethane yield of 365.70 mL CH4/gVSadded, representing a 226.05% increase, was observed from 1:2 of solid:liquid ratios at 100°C. Therefore, DES pretreatment using choline chloride and ethyl glycerol is a bright, low-cost pretreatment method for enhancing the biomethane yield of lignocellulose feedstocks.
A simulation model of the real-world fuel and energy consumption of light-duty vehicles
Authors: Zacharof Nikiforos , Doulgeris Stylianos , Zafeiriadis Alexandros , Dimaratos Athanasios , van Gijlswijk René , Díaz Sonsoles , Samaras Zissis
Published: February 2024

The European Union has intensified efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from the transport sector, with the target of reducing tailpipe CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicle new registrations by 55% by 2030 and achieving zero emissions by 2035 according to the “Fit for 55” package. To promote fuel and energy consumption awareness among users under real-world conditions the MILE21—LIFE project provided tools such as a self-reporting tool and a find-a-car tool that included the official and representative on-road fuel/energy consumption values. In order to produce representative values, an in-house vehicle longitudinal dynamics simulation model was developed for use in the background of the on-line platform utilizing only a limited amount of inputs. To achieve this, the applied methodology is based on precalculated efficiency values. These values have been produced using vehicle micro-model simulations covering a wide range of operating conditions. The model was validated using measurements from a dedicated testing campaign and performed well for petrol vehicles with an average divergence of −1.1%. However, the model showed a divergence of 9.7% for diesel vehicles, 10.6% for hybrids and 8.7% for plug-in hybrids. The model was also applied to US vehicles and showed a divergence of 1.2% and 10% for city and highway driving, respectively. The application of the developed model presented in this work showed that it is possible to predict real-world fuel and energy consumption with the desired accuracy using a simplified approach with limited input data.
Influential factors on urine EV DNA methylation detection and its diagnostic potential in prostate cancer
Authors: Ding Ting , Diao Yanjun , Zeng Xianfei , Zhou Lei , Wu Guojun , Liu Jiayun , Hao Xiaoke
Published: February 2024

The value of Extracellular vesicles (EVs) diagnostic markers is widely recognized. However, current research on EV DNA remains limited. This study investigates the biological properties, preprocessing factors, and diagnostic potential of EV DNA. We found that DNA positive vesicles account for 23.3% ± 6.7% of the urine total EV, with a large amount of DNA attached to the outside. EV DNA fragments are large, there is no significant effect on uEV DNA when store urine less than 6 h at 4°C. In addition, the influence of different EV extraction methods on methylation detection is also minor. More importantly, RASSF1A methylation in urine total EV DNA can distinguish between PCa and BPH, with an AUC of 0.874. Our results suggest the potential of urine EV DNA as a novel marker for PCa diagnosis. This provides a new idea for the study of urinary tumor markers.
Genomic characterisation and dissection of the onset of resistance to acetyl CoA carboxylase-inhibiting herbicides in a large collection of Digitaria insularis from Brazil
Authors: Sehgal Deepmala , Oliveira Claudia , Mathioni Sandra , Widdison Stephanie , Plumb Will , Campos Breno , Kaundun Shiv Shankhar
Published: February 2024

An in-depth genotypic characterisation of a diverse collection of Digitaria insularis was undertaken to explore the neutral genetic variation across the natural expansion range of this weed species in Brazil. With the exception of Minas Gerais, populations from all other states showed high estimates of expected heterozygosity (HE > 0.60) and genetic diversity. There was a lack of population structure based on geographic origin and a low population differentiation between populations across the landscape as evidenced by average Fst value of 0.02. On combining haloxyfop [acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicide] efficacy data with neutral genetic variation, we found evidence of presence of two scenarios of resistance evolution in this weed species. Whilst populations originating from north-eastern region demonstrated an active role of gene flow, populations from the mid-western region displayed multiple, independent resistance evolution as the major evolutionary mechanism. A target-site mutation (Trp2027Cys) in the ACCase gene, observed in less than 1% of resistant populations, could not explain the reduced sensitivity of 15% of the populations to haloxyfop. The genetic architecture of resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides was dissected using a genome wide association study (GWAS) approach. GWAS revealed association of three SNPs with reduced sensitivity to haloxyfop and clethodim. In silico analysis of these SNPs revealed important non-target site genes belonging to families involved in herbicide detoxification, including UDPGT91C1 and GT2, and genes involved in vacuolar sequestration-based degradation pathway. Exploration of five genomic prediction models revealed that the highest prediction power (≥0.80) was achieved with the models Bayes A and RKHS, incorporating SNPs with additive effects and epistatic interactions, respectively.
Investigating the causal relationship and potential shared diagnostic genes between primary biliary cholangitis and systemic lupus erythematosus using bidirectional Mendelian randomization and transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Tao Tian , Tang Anqi , Lv Lizeyu , Yuan Jianhua , Wu Ling , Zhao Liangbin , Chen Jun
Published: February 2024

Background

The co-occurrence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been consistently reported in observational studies. Nevertheless, the underlying causal correlation between these two conditions still needs to be established.

Methods

We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess their causal association. Five MR analysis methods were utilized for causal inference, with inverse-variance weighted (IVW) selected as the primary method. The Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) and the IVW Radial method were applied to exclude outlying SNPs. To assess the robustness of the MR results, five sensitivity analyses were carried out. Multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was also employed to evaluate the effect of possible confounders. In addition, we integrated transcriptomic data from PBC and SLE, employing Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to explore shared genes between the two diseases. Then, we used Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment methods to perform on the shared genes. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression algorithm was utilized to identify potential shared diagnostic genes. Finally, we verified the potential shared diagnostic genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)-specific cell populations of SLE patients by single-cell analysis.

Results

Our MR study provided evidence that PBC had a causal relationship with SLE (IVW, OR: 1.347, 95% CI: 1.276 - 1.422, P < 0.001) after removing outliers (MR-PRESSO, rs35464393, rs3771317; IVW Radial, rs11065987, rs12924729, rs3745516). Conversely, SLE also had a causal association with PBC (IVW, OR: 1.225, 95% CI: 1.141 - 1.315, P < 0.001) after outlier correction (MR-PRESSO, rs11065987, rs3763295, rs7774434; IVW Radial, rs2297067). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the MR findings. MVMR analysis indicated that body mass index (BMI), smoking and drinking were not confounding factors. Moreover, bioinformatic analysis identified PARP9, ABCA1, CEACAM1, and DDX60L as promising diagnostic biomarkers for PBC and SLE. These four genes are highly expressed in CD14+ monocytes in PBMCs of SLE patients and potentially associated with innate immune responses and immune activation.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed the bidirectional causal relationship between PBC and SLE and identified PARP9, ABCA1, CEACAM1, and DDX60L genes as the most potentially shared diagnostic genes between the two diseases, providing insights for the exploration of the underlying mechanisms of these disorders.
Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5 of black fruit bat (Pteropus alecto) displays a broad inhibition of RNA viruses
Authors: Clayton Emily , Atasoy Mustafa O. , Naggar Rania F. El , Franco Ana Cláudia , Rohaim Mohammed A. , Munir Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Bats are natural host reservoirs and have adapted a unique innate immune system that permits them to host many viruses without exhibiting symptoms. Notably, bat interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) have been shown to play antiviral roles. Interferon induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5 (IFIT5) is a well-characterised ISG in humans with antiviral activities against negative-sense RNA viruses via inhibiting viral transcription. Here, we aim to investigate if Pteropus alecto (pa) IFIT5 (paIFIT5) possess the ability to inhibit negative-sense RNA viruses. Initially, gene syntenic and comparative structural analyses of multiple animals highlighted a high level of similarity between Pteropus alecto and human IFIT5 proteins. Our results showed that paIFIT5 was significantly inducible by viral and dsRNA stimulation. Transient overexpression of paIFIT5 inhibited the replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Using minireplicon and transcription reporter assays, we demonstrated the ability of paIFIT5 specifically to inhibit H17N10 polymerase activity. Mechanistically, we noticed that the antiviral potential of paIFIT5 against negative sense RNA viruses was retributed to its interaction with 5’ppp containing RNA. Taken together, these findings highlight the genetic and functional conservation of IFIT5 among mammals.
A bibliometric insight into neoadjuvant chemotherapy in bladder cancer: trends, collaborations, and future avenues
Authors: Huang Yi , Liao Chengxiao , Shen Zefeng , Zou Yitong , Xie Weibin , Gan Qinghua , Yao Yuhui , Zheng JunJiong , Kong Jianqiu
Published: February 2024

Background

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical cystectomy (RC) remains the cornerstone of treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). While platinum-based regimens have demonstrated benefits in tumor downstaging and improved long-term survival for selected patients, they may pose risks for those who are ineligible or unresponsive to chemotherapy.

Objective

We undertook a bibliometric analysis to elucidate the breadth of literature on NAC in bladder cancer, discern research trajectories, and underscore emerging avenues of investigation.

Methods

A systematic search of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was conducted to identify articles pertaining to NAC in bladder cancer from 1999 to 2022. Advanced bibliometric tools, such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and SCImago Graphica, facilitated the examination and depicted the publication trends, geographic contributions, institutional affiliations, journal prominence, author collaborations, and salient keywords, emphasizing the top 25 citation bursts.

Results

Our analysis included 1836 publications spanning 1999 to 2022, indicating a growing trend in both annual publications and citations related to NAC in bladder cancer. The United States emerged as the predominant contributor in terms of publications, citations, and international collaborations. The University of Texas was the leading institution in publication output. “Urologic Oncology Seminars and Original Investigations” was the primary publishing journal, while “European Urology” boasted the highest impact factor. Shariat, Shahrokh F., and Grossman, H.B., were identified as the most prolific and co-cited authors, respectively. Keyword analysis revealed both frequency of occurrence and citation bursts, highlighting areas of concentrated study. Notably, the integration of immunochemotherapy is projected to experience substantial growth in forthcoming research.

Conclusions

Our bibliometric assessment provides a panoramic view of the research milieu surrounding neoadjuvant chemotherapy for bladder cancer, encapsulating the present state, evolving trends, and potential future directions, with a particular emphasis on the promise of immunochemotherapy.
Leprosy: treatment, prevention, immune response and gene function
Authors: Li Xiang , Ma Yun , Li Guoli , Jin Guangjie , Xu Li , Li Yunhui , Wei Pingmin , Zhang Lianhua
Published: February 2024

Since the leprosy cases have fallen dramatically, the incidence of leprosy has remained stable over the past years, indicating that multidrug therapy seems unable to eradicate leprosy. More seriously, the emergence of rifampicin-resistant strains also affects the effectiveness of treatment. Immunoprophylaxis was mainly carried out through vaccination with the BCG but also included vaccines such as LepVax and MiP. Meanwhile, it is well known that the infection and pathogenesis largely depend on the host’s genetic background and immunity, with the onset of the disease being genetically regulated. The immune process heavily influences the clinical course of the disease. However, the impact of immune processes and genetic regulation of leprosy on pathogenesis and immunological levels is largely unknown. Therefore, we summarize the latest research progress in leprosy treatment, prevention, immunity and gene function. The comprehensive research in these areas will help elucidate the pathogenesis of leprosy and provide a basis for developing leprosy elimination strategies.
Uncovering lupus nephritis-specific genes and the potential of TNFRSF17-targeted immunotherapy: a high-throughput sequencing study
Authors: Zou Xiaojuan , Yang Mingyue , Ye Zhuang , Li Tie , Jiang Zhenyu , Xia Ying , Tan Shenghai , Long Yu , Wang Xiaosong
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to identify LN specific-genes and potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

We performed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from LN patients. Healthy individuals and SLE patients without LN were used as controls. To validate the sequencing results, qRT-PCR was performed for 5 upregulated and 5 downregulated genes. Furthermore, the effect of the TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 on patient plasma cells and B cells was evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

Our analysis identified 1493 and 205 differential genes in the LN group compared to the control and SLE without LN groups respectively, with 70 genes common to both sets, marking them as LN-specific. These LN-specific genes were significantly enriched in the ‘regulation of biological quality’ GO term and the cell cycle pathway. Notably, several genes including TNFRSF17 were significantly overexpressed in the kidneys of both LN patients and NZB/W mice. TNFRSF17 levels correlated positively with urinary protein levels, and negatively with complement C3 and C4 levels in LN patients. The TNFRSF17-targeting drug IBI379 effectively induced apoptosis in patient plasma cells without significantly affecting B cells.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that TNFRSF17 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for LN. Moreover, IBI379 is presented as a promising treatment option for LN.