bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hsa_circ_0002371/hsa-miR-502-5p/ATG16L1 axis modulates the survival of intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis and autophagy in macrophages
Authors: Zhang Jinyi , He Yumo , Ruan Qiaoling , Bi Aixiao , Zhou Jingyu , Weng Shufeng , Ma Huixia , Lin Taiyue , Wang Honghai , Xu Ying
Published: July 2023

Background
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role in pathological mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and can be used as a new biomarker for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. Therefore, we identified significantly dysregulated circRNAs in TB patients and healthy controls (HC) and explored the role of hsa_circ_0002371 in TB and its molecular mechanism.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed to identify significantly dysregulated circRNAs in TB patients and HC. The diagnostic value of hsa_circ_0002371 was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), western blot (WB), immunofluorescence, and colony-forming unit (CFU) assay were conducted to investigate the role of hsa_circ_0002371in BCG-infected THP-1 human macrophages. Bioinformatics, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, and WB were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

Hsa_circ_0002371 was significantly up-regulated in PBMCs of TB patients and H37Rv- or BCG-infected THP-1 human macrophages. Functional experiments demonstrated that hsa_circ_0002371 inhibited autophagy of BCG-infected THP-1 human macrophages and promoted intracellular BCG survival rate. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0002371 promoted the expression of hsa-miR-502-5p, and hsa_circ_0002371overexpression-induced protective effects in BCG-infected THP-1 human macrophages was largely overturned by the inhibition of hsa-miR-502-5p. Notably, hsa-miR-502-5p inhibited autophagy via suppressing autophagy related 16 like 1 (ATG16L1) in BCG-infected macrophages and thus promoting intracellular BCG growth. In summation, hsa_circ_0002371 increased the suppression of hsa-miR-502-5p on ATG16L1 and inhibited autophagy to promote Mycobacteria growth in macrophages.
Conclusion
Our data suggested that hsa_circ_0002371 was significantly up-regulated in the PBMCs of TB patients compared with HC. The hsa_circ_0002371/hsa-miR-502-5p/ATG16L1 axis promoted the survival of intracellular Mtb and inhibited autophagy in macrophages. Our findings suggested hsa_circ_0002371 could act as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
Dynamic tail modeling and motion analysis of a beaver-like robot
Authors: Chen Gang , Xu Yidong , Wang Zhenyu , Tu Jiajun , Hu Huosheng , Chen Chen , Xu Yuhang , Chai Xinxue , Zhang Jingjing , Shi Jianwei
Published: July 2023

The beaver-like underwater robot can crawl and swim, playing a significant role in the exploration of amphibious environments. Its fan-shaped tail can provide part of the forward power and maintain its motion stability. However, no mature dynamic modeling method is available to model its tail motion until now. This paper presents a segmented dynamic modeling approach to build the propulsion and lift models of a beaver-like robot tail. It combines hydrodynamics and material mechanics and forms the fan-shaped flexible dynamics modeling theory. A performance index is created to measure the motion performance of the tail, which provides a theoretical basis for describing and evaluating the tail function. Simulations and experiments are conducted to verify the tail dynamic model and the motion performance under different swing amplitude coefficients. The obtained optimal swing amplitude coefficient is 2, which lays the foundation for robot motion control. The study could further promote the development of dynamic modeling and analysis for other underwater biomimetic robots.
Structure and function of the geldanamycin amide synthase from Streptomyces hygroscopicus
Authors: Kirschning Andreas , Zeilinger Carsten , Preller Matthias , Ewert Wiebke , Bartens Christian , Ongouta Jekaterina , Holmes Monika , Heutling Anja , Kishore Anusha
Published: July 2023

Amide synthases catalyze the formation of macrolactam rings from aniline-containing polyketide-derivedseco-acids as found in the important class of ansamycin antibiotics. One of these structurally and functionally hitherto undescribed amide synthases is the geldanamycin amide synthaseShGdmF, which we isolated for the first time and studied in detail both functionally as well as structurally. Here we show that purifiedShGdmF catalyzes the amide formation using synthetically derived simplified substrates. The atomic structures of the apo enzyme and in complex with simplified substrates reveal distinct structural features of the substrate binding site and a putative role of the flexible interdomain region for the catalysis reaction.
Nitrogen-contained nanoporous hyper-cross-linked polymer: A new turn-on fluorescence probe for detection of Ag+ ions in aqueous media
Authors: Nasimpoor Fariba , Mansournia Mohammadreza , Badiei Alireza
Published: July 2023

A fluorescence probe was designed using nitrogen-contained mesoporous hyper-cross-linked polymer precursor (NH2-HCP) in order to selectively detect silver (Ag+) ions. NH2-HCP has a fluorescence intensity, but only upon the addition of Ag+, a significant enhancement in fluorescence signal is observed, and the relationship between fluorescence intensity enhancement and Ag+ concentration exhibit a linear and monotonic trend. The probe's response to various other cations such as Al3+, Fe3+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ca2+, Na+, and K+ was also investigated. Under optimal conditions, the probe demonstrated a linear range of 0.1-3 μM and a detection limit of 0.01 μM.
Depressive symptoms and their associations with anger and aggression in Russian adolescents
Authors: Ruchkin Vladislav , Stickley Andrew , Koposov Roman , Sukhodolsky Denis G. , Isaksson Johan
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the prevalence of clinically significant (current major depressive episode) and subthreshold depressive symptoms and explored their association with aggression and anger, while controlling for comorbid mental health problems in a general population sample of adolescents from Northern Russia. The sample consisted of 2600 participants, aged 13–17 years (59.3% female; 95.7% ethnic Russian). Symptoms of a major depressive episode, types of anger and aggression (anger rumination, trait anger, physical, verbal and social aggression) and comorbid problems (posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, anxiety, and hyperactivity/impulsivity) were assessed by means of self-reports. The prevalence of a clinically significant depressive episode in the past month was 3.5%, while for subthreshold depression it was 21.6%. All anger and aggression variables, as well as comorbid problems increased together with increasing levels of depression. When adjusting for comorbidity, depression was only significantly associated with social aggression and anger rumination. Among adolescents with depression, boys reported higher levels of social and verbal aggression and of anger rumination than girls. Overt aggressive behavior associated with depression was primarily explained by comorbid mental health problems, whereas anger rumination and social aggression had more direct associations with depression, independent of comorbidity and were gender-specific. The results of this study suggest that interventions aiming to reduce aggressive behavior in adolescents should consider depression and its comorbid conditions.
Adaptive super-twisting global nonsingular terminal sliding mode control for robotic manipulators
Authors: Sun Chenchen , Huang Zhangmin , Wu Haiteng
Published: July 2023

This paper develops a novel global nonsingular terminal sliding mode control (GNTSMC) strategy based on an adaptive super-twisting algorithm (STA) for tracking control of robotic manipulators with uncertain perturbations. A novel global nonsingular terminal sliding manifold is designed to steer the system trajectory to reach the switching surface at the beginning, thereby removing the reaching stage and achieving strong robustness throughout the entire response. Moreover, the proposed sliding manifold can ensure the finite time convergence of the trajectory error to the origin. Then, an adaptive STA, which does not require the boundary information of the perturbations, is devised not only to attenuate the chattering effect without degrading the tracking precision, but also to guarantee the finite time stability of the system. Finally, the superiority of the adopted GNTSMC is validated by comparative studies.
Poor Quality of Sleep among Women during the perinatal period in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tinsae Techilo , Shumet Shegaye , segon Tesfaye , Melkam Mamaru , Medifu Girmaw , Rtbey Gidey , Nakie Girum , Fentahun Setegn , Andualem Fentahun , Getinet Wondale
Published: July 2023

Background
Sleep is a very crucial physiological process for human beings. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, sleep becomes very vital and it needs additional total sleep time for a better pregnancy outcome. However, poor sleep quality remains a major public health concern, particularly for perinatal women. Therefore, the pooled prevalence and risk factors from the study will provide a more conclusive result to take evidence-based measures against poor sleep in perinatal women.
Methods
Ten published studies with a total of 4,297 participants were included. All appropriate databases and grey literature were searched to get relevant articles. Studies reporting the prevalence and associated risk factors of poor sleep quality among perinatal women were included. The quality of each study was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment Scale (NOS). Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel 2010 and the analysis was done using STATA version 11 software. The pooled prevalence and its associated factors were determined using the random effect model. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using the I2 test. In addition, Publication bias was checked in subjective technique by funnel plot and using Egger’s statistical test.
Results
The pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality was 44.81% (95% CI = 32.29, 57.34; I2 = 99.1%). Depression ((POR) = 3.87: 95% CI: 1.09, 12.40; I2 = 0.0%) and third-trimester ((POR) = 4.09: 95% CI: 1.05, 15.39; I2 = 0.0%) were risk factors of poor sleep quality.
Conclusion
More than two-thirds of perinatal women were exposed to poor quality of sleep. This indicates poor quality of sleep is a high health burden in women during the perinatal period in Ethiopia. The Government should incorporate maternal mental health policy along with prenatal and postnatal health care services.
Imaging Analysis of the Biological Parameters of the Lens in Patients with Cortical Age-Related Cataracts Using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy
Authors: Yu Zhiying , Li Na , Wang Fenglei , Fu Jing , Xue Shasha , Wang Ling
Published: July 2023

Background
The spatial position of the lens in patients with cortical age-related cataract (CARC) is unclear. We investigated a basis for the assessment of visual quality after cataract surgery by analysing the ultrasound biomicroscopic characteristics of the biological parameters of the lens in patients with (CARC)
Methods
In this retrospective study, 119 patients (50 males and 69 females, totalling 238 eyes) with CARC who underwent simple cataract surgery were selected. The lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens vault (LV), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), iris-lens angle (ILA), iris-lens contact distance (ILCD) were measured by A-scan ultrasound and ultrasound biomicroscopy. The corresponding lens position (LP) and relative lens position (RLP) were calculated.
Results
LP was greater in men than in women (P < 0.05), LV was smaller in men than in women (P = 0.002), ILA and ILCD were not statistically significant (P = 0.072 and P = 0.854, respectively). There were significant differences in TIA, ILA, and ILCD in the four quadrants (all P < 0.05), with a trend in the distribution of TIA: superior < inferior < nasal < temporal, ILA: nasal < inferior < temporal < superior, and ILCD: superior < temporal < inferior < nasal.
Conclusions
The lens protrudes more obviously in females than in males and the lens tilts to a certain extent with the increase of age and tends to be more upward and temporal in the supine position. Therefore, trends in lens-related parameters in patients with CARC should be taken seriously.
Efficacy, Safety, and Predictive Model of Palbociclib in the Treatment of HR-Positive and HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Wei , Lei Wenqian , Fang Ziru , Jiang Ruiyuan , Wang Xiaojia
Published: July 2023

Purpose This research designeded to: 1. Analyze the efficacy and safety of Palbociclib treatment in HR-positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer(MBC) patients. 2. Establish and validate a nomogram model for predicting the progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months in HR+/HER2- MBC patients after receiving Palbociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET). Patients and Methods: 1. This research retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of Palbociclib combined with ET in 214 patients with HR+/HER2- MBC. 2. A nomogram was designed and constructed with the retrospective clinical data of 214 patients with HR+/HER2- MBC who received Palbociclib plus ET at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital in China from August 2018 to August 2022. Among these patients, 161 were randomly assigned to the training cohort, while 53 to the validation cohort. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was assessed through the analysis the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis(DCA). Results 1. Median PFS was 7.17 months (95% CI: 7.61–10.05 months), with an objective response rate (ORR) of 2.80% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 34.58%. The most prevalent grade 3–4 adverse event was neutropenia (38.79%). 2. Multiple variable analysis of the training set revealed that age < 60 years old, PR < 20%, Ki-67 ≥ 20%, luminal B molecular subtype, primary resistance to ET, receipt of late-stage chemotherapy, and presence of liver metastasis or ≥ 2 visceral metastases were independent prognostic factors associated with poor PFS (P < 0.05). Then, the predictive model underwent development and validation utilizing the aforementioned parameters. On the one hand, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values of the training set at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months were 0.771, 0.783, and 0.790, respectively, indicating a strong predictive ability of the developed model. On the other hand, the AUC of the validation set at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months were 0.720, 0.766, and 0.754, respectively, suggesting the favorable discriminatory ability of the model. The calibration curves also exhibited a good fit with the ideal curves, and the DCA demonstrated the clinical applicability of the model. The nomogram's different scores could distinguish PFS. Conclusion This retrospective study demonstrates the efficacy of Palbociclib in Chinese breast cancer patients. Moreover, the clinical parameters showed a significant association with the prognosis of HR+/HER2- MBC, and the prognostic models constructed based on these variables also displayed robust predictive power, which could offer more intuitive and convenient references for clinical doctors to formulate follow-up treatment plans.
Examination of Medicinal Plants for Radionuclides Absorption and Their Health Implications
Authors: Popoola Felix Adegoke , Isola Oladotun Bamiji , Fakeye Oluseye Daniel , Owolabi Tunde Ayobami , Sanyaolu Modupe Eunice , Owoyemi Sheu Isiaq , Elijah Isaac Oluwafemi
Published: July 2023

This study tests the concentration of 40K, 238U, and 232Th radionuclides and also evaluates the possible radiological health risks in medicinal plants found in Ewu, Edo State, Nigeria, using a NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometer. The six selected medicinal plants are Magnifera indica, Dacryodes edulis, Terminalia catappa, Cymbopogon citratus, Anacardium occidentale, and Persea Americana. The results showed that the activity concentrations for 40K ranged from 146.59 ± 4.81 in Persea americana to 296.08 3.42 Bq/kg in Cymbopogon citratus with a mean of 209.43 ± 5.14 Bq/kg, 238U ranged from 2.25 ± 0.06 to 5.57 ± 0.15 Bq/kg with a mean of 4.73 ± 0.15 Bq/kg and 232Th varied from 4.50 ± 0.35 to 12.07 ± 0.57 Bq/kg with a mean of 8.00 ± 0.40 Bq/kg. The maximum and minimum activity concentrations of both 238U and 232Th were found in Magnifera indica and Cymbopogon citratus respectively. The calculated radiological hazards assessment due to the investigated medicinal plants is well within the internationally recommended safe limits. 232Th contributes 54.91% to the total ECED , while 6.35% for 238U is the least. 232Th exhibit a very strong, positive, and significant relationship with (ECED and ELCR), and it contributes largely to the ECED and ELCR due to ingestion of the examined herbal plant. Therefore, the use of these medicinal plants is radiologically safe for human consumption.
A study to evaluate the extent of bone healing in mandibular distraction osteogenesis using preoperative and postoperative pixel value ratio
Authors: yuhe shen , Kong Liangliang , weimin shen , Chen Xinjian
Published: July 2023

Background
the aim of this study was to investigate the value and potential influencing factors of pixel value ratio (PVR) in early phase of mandible healing by distraction osteogenesis.
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis on 342 patients with bilateral mandibular lengthening surgery, measured PVRs in osteotomy position of children before surgery, and monitored PVRs in early stage of bone regenerating at 1st, 2nd and 3rd month respectively after surgery. The potential effects of gender, weight, and age on fixation period were also analyzed.
Results
PVRs before osteotomy and at 1st, 2nd and 3rd month after osteotomy were (R0.96 ± 0.04, L0.97 ± 0.05), (R0.4 ± 0.1, L0.42 ± 0.1), (R0.68 ± 0.11, L0.71 ± 0.11), (R0.97 ± 0.04, L0.98 ± 0.04) which had significant differences (p < 0.001). We found no significant difference in PVRs by gender. In terms of age, there was a significant difference in PVRs between children aged less than 28 days and older than 120 days before surgery. There were also significant differences between those aged less than 28 days and older than 120 days, and children aged 8–28 days and aged 29–60 days at the 3rd month after surgery. Consider weight, children with birth weight less than 4 kg and those with admission weight less than 2.5 kg were significant different.
Conclusion
PVRs were gradually increased during the early 3 months after the osteotomy. Gender had no effect on PVRs, while age, birth weight, and admission weight had a greater effect. Our results may inform the assessment of PVRs and potential impact of patients with early bone lengthening.
Characteristics and Risk Factors of Severe infection in ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: liang xiaowan , wang tingting , zhu xiaoye , mao xiaoyi , wu yuanhao , lu lin , you li , Xue Jun
Published: July 2023

Background: There is a close relationship between ANCA-associated vasculitis and infections. Based on a cohort of ANCA-associated vasculitis patients from East China, this study aimed todescribe the infection characteristics and prognosis of the patients, and explore the risk factors for severe infections.
Methods: Relevant data from the cohort of ANCA-associated vasculitispatients (n=82) at the affiliated Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, collected between 2012 and 2021 was retrospectively reviewed to describe the basic characteristics and treatment response of the completely relieved vasculitis patients (n=63) and non-completely relieved AAV patients (n=19), and to compare the incidence of severe infections and prognosis between AAV patients with underlying infections (n=17) and those without infection(n=65).
Results: 65% of the infections occurred within the first three months of AAV-induced treatment. The main site of common infection was the urinary system, with Escherichia coli being the most common pathogen. The main site of severe infections was the respiratory system, and the main pathogenic bacteria included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus. The complete remission rate of patients with underlying infections before diagnosis of AAV was lower than that of patients without underlying infections before the onset of the disease (58.82% vs 81.84%, p=0.048), and even if the dose of immunosuppressants was reduced, the incidence of severe infections in patients with underlying infections was higher than that in patients without infections (63.64% vs 32.36%, p=0.0055). The presence of underlying infections at the time of diagnosis of AAV (HR=4.569, 95% CI=1.518-14.302, p=0.007), elevated ALT at the onset of the disease (HR=3.163, 95% CI=1.060-9.371, p=0.039), and the use of cyclophosphamide (HR=4.081, 95% CI=1.246-13.279, p=0.020) were found to be the risk factors for severe infections.
Conclusions: Bacterial and fungal pneumonia are the main types of severe infection after ANCA-associated vasculitis immunosuppressive therapy. The presence of underlying infection and impaired liver and kidney function at the time of diagnosis of AAV are independent risk factors for severe infections in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients after receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Patients with underlying infection with AAV have a lower complete response rate and are still prone to severe infection after receiving reduced immunosuppressive therapy.
Long-term continuous cultivation of Kenyan infant fecal microbiota using the host adapted PolyFermS model
Authors: Rachmühl Carole , Lacroix Christophe , Cabrera Paula Momo , Geirnaert Annelies
Published: July 2023

Appropriate in vitro models to investigate the impact of novel nutritional strategies on the gut microbiota of infants living in rural Africa are scarce. Here, we aimed to develop such a continuous gut fermentation model based on the PolyFermS platform. Eight immobilized Kenyan infant fecal microbiota were used as inoculum for continuous PolyFermS colon models fed with medium mimicking the weaning infant diet. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) supplementation (1, 4 and 8 g/L) and cultivation pH (5.8 and 6.3) were stepwise investigated. Conditions providing a close match between fecal and in vitro microbiota (pH 5.8 with 1 g/L FOS) were selected for investigating long-term stability of four Kenyan infant PolyFermS microbiota. The shared fraction of top bacterial genera between fecal and in vitro microbiota was high (74–89%) and stable during 107 days of continuous cultivation. Community diversity was maintained, and two distinct fermentation metabolite profiles, propiogenic and butyrogenic, of infant fecal microbiota established from day 8 onwards and stayed stable. We present here the first rationally designed and accurate continuous cultivation model of African infant gut microbiota. This model will be important to assess the effect of dietary or environmental factors on the gut microbiota of African infants with high enteropathogen exposure.
Structure and dynamics of endogenous protein complexes in human heart tissue captured by native nanoproteomics
Authors: Ge Ying , Chapman Emily , Roberts David , Tiambeng Timothy , Andrews Jaan , Wang Man-Di , Reasoner Emily , Melby Jake , Li Brad , Kim Donguk , Alpert Andrew , Jin Song
Published: July 2023

Protein complexes are highly dynamic entities that display substantial diversity in their assembly, post-translational modifications, and non-covalent interactions, allowing them to play critical roles in various biological processes. The heterogeneity, dynamic nature, and low abundance of protein complexes in their native states present tremendous challenges to study using conventional structural biology techniques. Here we develop a “native nanoproteomics” strategy for the native enrichment and subsequent native top-down mass spectrometry (nTDMS) of low-abundance protein complexes. Specifically, we demonstrate the first comprehensive characterization of the structure and dynamics of cardiac troponin (cTn) complexes directly from human heart tissue. The endogenous cTn complex is effectively enriched and purified using peptide-functionalized superparamagnetic nanoparticles under non-denaturing conditions to enable the isotopic resolution of cTn complexes, revealing their complex structure and assembly. Moreover, nTDMS elucidates the stoichiometry and composition of the heterotrimeric cTn complex, localizes Ca2+ binding domains (II-IV), defines cTn-Ca2+ binding dynamics, and provides high-resolution mapping of the proteoform landscape. This native nanoproteomics strategy opens a new paradigm for structural characterization of low-abundance native protein complexes.
Meta-analysis of three randomized trials of capecitabine plus cisplatin (XP) versus S-1 plus cisplatin (SP) as first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Kazuhiro Nishikawa , Kawakami Hisato , Shimokawa Toshio , Fujitani Kazumasa , Tamura Shigeyuki , Endo Shunji , Kobayashi Michiya , Kawada Junji , Kurokawa Yukinori , Tsuburaya Akira , Yoshikawa Takaki , Sakamoto Junichi , Satoh Taroh
Published: July 2023

Background
S-1 plus cisplatin (SP) and capecitabine plus cisplatin (XP) are standard first-line regimens for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) worldwide. We conducted a meta-analysis using individual participant data (IPD) to investigate which is more suitable.
Methods
IPD from three randomized trials were collected. In these trials, patients with AGC were randomly allocated to SP (S-1 80–120 mg for 21 days plus cisplatin 60 mg/m2 (q5w)) or XP (capecitabine 2,000 mg/m2 for 14 days plus cisplatin 80 mg/m2 (q3w)).
Results
In 211 eligible patients, median overall survival (OS) for SP versus XP was 13.5 and 11.7 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.787; p = 0.114), progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.2 and 5.1 months (HR, 0.767; P = 0.076), and TTF was 5.1 and 4.0 months (HR, 0.611; P = 0.001). The most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events with SP or XP were neutropenia (18% vs. 29%) and anorexia (16% vs.18%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant interaction between treatment effect and performance status > 1 (HR, 0.685; P = 0.036), measurable lesion (HR, 0.709; P = 0.049), primary upper third tumor (HR, 0.539; P = 0.040), and differentiated type (HR, 0.549; interaction, 0.236; P = 0.019). For the differentiated type, OS was significantly longer in the SP group (13.2 months) than in the XP group (11.1 months) (HR, 0.549; P = 0.019). For the undifferentiated type, OS was similar in the SP group (14.2 months) and in the XP group (12.4 months) (HR, 0.868; P = 0.476).
Conclusions
SP and XP were both effective and well tolerated. SP might be suitable for the pathological differentiated subtype of AGC.
Phylogeography, character evolution and taxonomy of Scurrulinae (Loranthaceae): New insights into the circumscription of the genus Taxillus
Authors: Le Chi Toan , Lu Limin , Du Nguyen Van , Chen Zhiduan , Omollo Wyckliffe Omondi , Liu Bing
Published: July 2023

Background
Exploring the relationship between parasitic plants and answering taxonomic questions are still challenging. The subtribe Scurrulinae (Loranthaceae), which has a wide distribution in Asia and Africa, provides an excellent example to illuminate this scenario. Using a comprehensive taxon sampling of the subtribe, this study focuses to infer the phylogenetic relationships within Scurrulinae, investigate the phylogeography of the subtribe, and establish a phylogenetically-based classification incorporating both molecular and morphological evidence. We conducted phylogenetic, historical biogeography, and ancestral character state reconstruction analyses of Scurrulinae based on the sequences of 6 DNA regions from 89 individuals to represent all 5 tribes of the Loranthaceae and the dataset from eleven morphological characters.
Results
The results strongly support the non-monophyletic of Scurrulinae, with Phyllodesmis recognized as a separate genus from its allies Taxillus and Scurrula. “Afrotaxillus” is well supported as a new genus from Africa. The mistletoe Scurrulinae originated in Asia during the Oligocene. Scurrulinae was inferred to have been widespread in Asia but did not disperse to other areas. “Afrotaxillus” was confirmed to have originated in Africa from African Loranthaceae ca. 17 Ma, and likely the genus independently evolved from Taxillus in Asia.
Conclusions
This study based on comprehensive taxon sampling of the subtribe Scurrulinae, strongly supports the relationship between genera. The taxonomic treatment for Phyllodesmis, Afrotaxillus were provided. The historical biogeography of mistletoe Scurrulinae was determined with origin in Asia during the Oligocene. Taxillus and Scurrula diverged during the climatic optimum in the middle Miocene. Afrotaxillus originated in Africa from African Loranthaceae. Diversification of Scurrulinae and the development of endemic species in Asia may have been supported by the fast-changing climate, including cooling, drying, and the progressive uplift of the high mountains in central Asia, especially during the late Pliocene and Pleistocene.
Evaluation of urethral traumas in children: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kaba Mehmet , Kılıç Sinan , Gecit İlhan
Published: July 2023

Objective: The leading cause of child mortality is trauma. Urethral injuries, although rare and with low mortality rates, pose a challenging treatment process. In this study, we conducted a retrospective evaluation of cases from two centers with anterior, posterior urethral, and bladder neck injuries associated with trauma. Our aim was to discuss the obtained results in conjunction with the existing literature.
Materials and Methods: A total of 14 cases with urethral and bladder neck injuries resulting from trauma were retrospectively analyzed. These cases were selected from the period between 2010 and 2015 in the first clinic, and between 2017 and 2022 in the second clinic. Parameters such as age, gender, mechanism of injury, location of urethral injury, presence of additional injuries, surgical interventions performed, and treatment outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.
Results: The average age was 10.2±2.9 years (Range: 4-13 years). Motor vehicle accidents were documented in nine cases, fall down from higher places were in two cases, bicycle accidents in three cases, and injury due to clean intermittent catheterization in one case. Based on the identified localization of urethral injuries, seven cases involved bladder neck injuries, six cases had posterior urethral injuries, and one case had an anterior urethral injury. All patients were observed from their first admission to full recovery.
Conclusion: Urethral injuries in childhood are considered rare traumas that often lack sufficient expertise in a single center. While most mild anterior and posterior urethral injuries in children can be managed with urethral catheterization, advanced strictures may necessitate frequent dilation and anastomotic resection. It is crucial to meticulously plan personalized treatment strategies to ensure voluntary and satisfactory voiding with appropriate calibration.
Effects of Meteorological Variation and Air Pollution on Pediatric Allergic Visits: A retrospective study
Authors: Li Yahui , Gu Yujing , Gu Xiaohong , Zhang jing , Deng Huiwen
Published: July 2023

Background: The health of children can be seriously affected by adverse weather conditions and high levels of air pollution. However, it is not clear how different environmental exposures affect allergic diseases in children in different regions. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of meteorological factors and air pollutants on allergic diseases in children in Wuxi, China.
Objectives: The objective of this research was to measure and compare the influence of meteorological conditions and air pollutants on allergic illnesses among children residing in Wuxi, China.
Methods: The study collected data on children who visited Wuxi Children's Hospital from 2015 to 2023 due to asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD). Meteorological data, including daily average temperature, air pressure, precipitation, relative humidity, and wind speed, were obtained from the China Meteorological Data website. Air pollution data, such as PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3, were downloaded from China National Environmental Monitoring Station. The paper used a combination of quasi-Poisson regression and distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM), as well as Poisson regression and generalized linear model, to assess the impact of meteorological factors and air pollutants on allergic diseases among children in Wuxi.
Results: The study reported a total of 10,099 cases of asthma, 15,209 cases of AR, and 59,440 cases of AD. The findings suggest that most environmental factors were significantly associated with childhood allergic diseases. Among them, mean daily temperature (standard β: 0.017 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.013, 0.021)) and wind speed (standard β: 0.029 (95% CI: 0, 0.058)) were found to play a more important role in the development of these allergic diseases than other environmental factors.
Conclusions: The relationship between climate change and air pollution and their impact on allergic diseases in children has been studied. The research suggests that while both factors are linked to allergic diseases, climate factors have a greater influence on their development. These findings have significant implications for the development of prevention strategies for allergic diseases in children.
Construction of a tree-species classification map using multispectral images of UAVs: A case study of the Dong Rui Commune wetlands, Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Dung Trung , Nguyen Khanh Quoc , Dang Cuong Hung , Dang Ngoc Thi
Published: July 2023

Wetlands provide resources, regulate the environment, and stabilize shorelines; however, they are among the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world. Managing and monitoring wetland ecosystems are important for the development and maintenance of ecosystem services and their sustainable use in the context of climate change. We used Phantom 4 multispectral unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to collect data from wetland areas in the Dong Rui Commune, which is one of the most diverse and valuable wetland ecosystems in northern Vietnam. A tree-species classification map was constructed through a combination of the visual classification method and spectral reflectance values of each plant species, and the characteristic distributions of mangrove plants, including Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora stylosa, and Kandelia obovata, were determined with an overall accuracy of 91.11% and a kappa coefficient (K) of 0.87. Universal reflectance graphs of each mangrove plant species were constructed for five wave channels, including blue, green, red, red edges, and near-infrared and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). An experiment was conducted to map plant taxonomy in the same area based only on a graph of spectral reflectance values at five single-spectral bands and constructed NDVI values, resulting in an overall accuracy of 78.22% and a K of 0.67. The constructed map is useful for classifying, monitoring, and evaluating the structure of each group of mangroves, thereby enabling the efficient management and conservation of the Dong Rui Commune wetlands.
Determining the Intermediate and High Strain Rate Properties of Bar Bending Braking System Material in a Forward Velocity Sled
Authors: Sriniva Sathiya Naarayan , B Nagarajappa , Vorkady Yathish , Kumar Sharad , J Dhayanidhi
Published: July 2023

The Bar Bending Braking System (BBBS) in a forward velocity sled utilizes the plastic deformation of the metallic bars to dissipate the Kinetic energy of impact and generate the required deceleration pulse. The National Aerospace Laboratories forward velocity sled’s BBBS material, Mild steel St37-2, is characterized in compression at room temperature, using the quasi-static tests and the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) at strain rates ranging from 10− 3/s − 2500/s. Very high strain rate dependence of yield and flow stress was observed from these tests as there was nearly a 100% increase in the yield stress between the highest and lowest strain rates. Thinner samples (L/D < 0.5) were used for the SHPB tests apart from the usual ratio (L/D = 0.5) samples and it was observed that the stress strain curves of these thinner samples were consistent with those of the samples with L/D = 0.5 showing that there was no significant effect of the three-dimensional state of stress on the curves. The Compression stress-strain data for the steel, which has over 12 stress strain curves at different strain rates, is analysed to determine the Viscoplastic Johnson-Cook (JC) model and the Cowper-Symonds (CS) Model. The JC Model was developed over a limited strain rate range (0.001-300/s), as linear dependence of the log(strainrate) to the yield or flow stress was only possible in this range. The CS model was developed for the entire range and effectively models the stress strain curves throughout the range of strain rate. The values of the JC and CS constants are compared with existing literature for St 37 steel and are found similar for strain rate sensitivity though there is considerable difference in the static plasticity constants.
The Red Queen hypothesis from a structural perspective: a case study over 30 years of Dengue virus in Brazil
Authors: Penteado André Bernt , Ribeiro Geovani de Oliveira , Araújo Emerson Luiz Lima , Kato Rodrigo Bentes , Freire Caio Cesar de Melo , de Araújo Joselio Maria Galvão , Wallau Gabriel da Luz , Salvato Richard Steiner , de Jesus Ronaldo , Bosco Geraldine Goés , Franz Helena Ferreira , Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida da , Leal Elcio de Souza , Trossini Gustavo Henrique Goulart , Neto Daniel Ferreira de Lima
Published: July 2023

The interaction between the dengue virus (DENV) and the human dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) receptor plays a crucial role in viral entry and infection. Understanding the dynamics of this interaction and its evolution over time is essential for comprehending the host-virus relationship and the emergence of viral strains with increased pathogenicity. In this study, we employed phylogenetic filtering to provide a structural approach to investigate the co-evolutionary patterns between DENV envelope (E) protein and human DC-SIGN receptor throughout the evolutionary history of the virus sampling the sequences available in Brazil for the past 30 years. The obtained complexes of DENV E and DC-SIGN were then subjected to molecular dynamics simulations to examine the atomistic interaction using the MM/GBSA methodology. Our results revealed conserved evolutionary patterns of interaction in the DENV E protein We identified specific amino acid residues in the E protein that showed evidence of positive selection and were potentially involved in the interaction with DC-SIGN. This study provides valuable insights into the co-evolutionary dynamics of DENV and the human DC-SIGN receptor. Understanding the evolutionary arms race between viruses and their hosts is critical for developing effective strategies to combat emerging viral pathogens such as DENV. The findings presented here contribute to our knowledge of DENV pathogenesis and may facilitate the design of novel therapeutic interventions targeting the E protein-DC-SIGN interaction by providing a structural perspective on the evolutionary gains this virus must aquire.
Experimental study on the dissolution characteristics of ethane into oil-based mud in complex oil and gas wellbore environments
Authors: Song Xuncheng , Liu Yongwang , Huang Hongqiang , Lin Guojun , Sukari Bernard Francis , Cai Jun , Wang Lei ,   8)	Zhiqiang Jiang
Published: July 2023

Accurate determination of ethane solubility in oil-based mud is significant to identify the gas kick severity and implementing proper well control procedures. The main factors affecting the ethane gas solubility in oil-based drilling fluid are base oil content, pressure, temperature, and the drilling fluid viscosity. This work tests the complete series of solubility of high-purity ethane in oil-based mud simulating downhole conditions on a 5000m deep well relative to temperature, pressure, viscosity and base oil content with temperature range 40 ℃ to 140 ℃ and partial pressure range 0.17MPa to 5.92MPa by using PVT autoclave, then the effects of temperature, pressure, base oil content and drilling fluid viscosity on the test target are analyzed by using multiple experimental data processing methods. It is found that the variation of ethane solubility with pressure and temperature are almost linearly under interested ranges, the effects of pressure (1.24 ~ 2.78%/MPa) are almost 50 times higher than that of temperature (-0.013 ~ -0.049%/℃) in oil-based drilling mud, the solubility of ethane decreases as viscosity increases, the ethane solubility in 80% and 90% of oil-based muds are about 1.6 times and 2.0 times higher than that in 70% of oil-based mud under the same test conditions. Models for predicting ethane solubility have been developed using screening procedures and statistics regression, which can be integrated into gas-liquid flow models so as to investigate flow behavior while gas kicking.
Immobilized Enzyme Microreactors for Efficient Analysis of Tryptic Peptides in β-Casein and β-Lactoglobulin
Authors: Rodzik Agnieszka , Railean Viorica , Pomastowski Paweł , Buszewski Bogusław , Szumski Michał
Published: July 2023

In this study, our primary aim was to design and implement a rapid and effective analytical method for the examination of trypsin-digested peptides of two model proteins found in cow's milk: β-casein and β-lactoglobulin. These proteins were selected for their abundant nutrient content and functional attributes, notwithstanding their structural and compositional differences. We employed two methods for this purpose: the traditional in-gel protein digestion method and protein digestion using immobilized enzyme microreactors (μ-IMER). Both techniques made use of ZipTip pipette tips filled with C18 reverse phase media. These tips served to concentrate and purify the peptide samples, with the objective of determining the influence of such sample preparation on the improvement or reduction of sequence coverage results. In the preparation of the microreactor, we utilized a monolithic copolymer synthesized from GMA and EDMA. This was followed by surface modifications to attach the enzyme with the highest efficiency. We then evaluated the efficiency of the prepared microreactor under HPLC chromatographic conditions using a small-molecule trypsin substrate, BAEE. In the final stage, we analyzed the hydrolysates obtained from both the microreactor and the traditional digestion in solution method, with and without the presence of ZipTip pipette tips, using MALDI-TOF MS. This comprehensive approach facilitated a thorough study of peptides in β-casein and β-lactoglobulin, thereby enhancing our understanding of these vital cow's milk proteins.
Two polysaccharides in Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim with protective effects against Parkinson's disease
Authors: Huang Jiahui , Hui Haochen , Gao Meng , Zhao Xuerong , Li Kunjie , Luo Ziyi , Song Bo , Yin Lian-hong
Published: July 2023

BackgroundZanthoxylum bungeanumMaxim can alleviate cognitive dysfunction, improve learning and memory impairment in mice. However, there are no reports on structure identification of polysaccharides fromZ. bungeanum, and no data on the effects and possible mechanisms of polysaccharides from the plant against Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods In the present study, crude polysaccharides were obtained by hydroextraction and alcoholic precipitation, DEAE-52 and dextran G-75 chromatographic columns were used for the separation and purification. high-performance gel-permeation chromatography, ion chromatography, GC-MS and NMR were used for structure identification. Activity evaluation was performed by CCK-8, ROS, RT-PCR and Western Blotting experiments. Results Two degraded polysaccharides (WZBP-1-2 and WZBP-2) fromZ. bungeanumwere purified and identified, and their biological activities were evaluated. WZBP-1-2 and WZBP-2 with average molecular weight (Mw) of 10.89 and 18 kDa mainly contained galacturonic acid, and they were homogalacturonans with the main chain of →4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→. Biological investigation showed that WZBP-1-2 and WZBP-2 significantly increased the viabilities of MN9D cells induced by N-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and reduced ROS levels compared with model groups. Mechanism study showed that WZBP-1-2 and WZBP-2 markedly increased the expression levels of SIRT1 and Nrf2, and inhibited the protein or mRNA levels of NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-6. Conclusion WZBP-1-2 and WZBP-2 fromZ. bungeanummay exhibit protective effects against MPP+-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress through activation of SIRT1 signaling and should be considered as candidates for the treatment of PD.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer: Clinical and molecular characteristics and survival
Authors: Boysen Mette L. , Troelsen Frederikke S. , Sørensen Henrik T. , Erichsen Rune
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Studies suggest that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) may be at increased risk of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC). We investigated clinical and molecular characteristics and survival of T2D patients with PCCRC to elucidate how T2D-related PCCRC may arise.
Methods
We identified T2D patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) from 1995 to 2015 and computed prevalence ratios (PRs) comparing clinical and molecular characteristics of CRC in T2D patients with PCCRC vs. in T2D patients with colonoscopy-detected CRC (dCRC). We also followed T2D patients from the diagnosis of PCCRC/dCRC until death, emigration, or study end and compared mortality using Cox-proportional hazards regression models adjusted for sex, age, year of CRC diagnosis, and CRC stage.
Results
Compared with dCRC, PCCRC was associated with a higher prevalence of proximal CRCs (54% vs. 40%; PR: 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27–1.62) in T2D patients. We found no difference between PCCRC vs. dCRC for CRC stage, histology, and mismatch repair status. The proportion of CRCs that could be categorized as PCCRC decreased over time. Within one year after CRC, 63% of PCCRC vs. 78% of dCRC patients were alive (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.47–2.31]). Within five years after CRC, 44% of PCCRC vs. 54% of dCRC patients were still alive (HR: 1.44 [95% CI: 1.11–1.87]).
Conclusion
The increased prevalence of proximally located PCCRCs and the poorer survival may suggest overlooked colorectal lesions, as well as changed or rapid tumor progression as explanations for T2D-related PCCRC.