bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete sequence and genome characterization of Miscanthus virus M, a new betaflexivirus from Miscanthus sp.
Authors: Abrahamian Peter , Grinstead Samuel , Kinard Gary R , Goenaga Ricardo , Rott Philippe , Mollov Dimitre
Published: November 2023

A novel betaflexivirus, tentatively named Miscanthus virus M (MiVM), was isolated from Miscanthus sp. The complete genome of MiVM is 7,388 bp (excluding the poly-A tail). It is predicted to encode five open reading frames and has a genome organization similar to those of the families Alphaflexiviridae and Betaflexiviridae(Quinvirinae). The amino acid sequences of both the replicase and coat protein shared less than 45% identities with the corresponding sequences of members of either family. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that MiVM belongs to the family Betaflexiviridaeand subfamily Quiniviriane but this virus did not cluster with any currently recognized genus sufficiently to be placed in it. We propose that Miscanthus virus M represents a novel species and genus within the family Betaflexiviridae.
Value of bronchial amylase level for predicting ventilator associated pneumonia in intubated adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Tingzhen , Shen Qinkang , He Yuting , Pan Xiaozhuang , Huang Haijun , Xu Hua
Published: November 2023

Background: The ability of bronchial amylase level for predicting ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) has been extensively studied with conflicting results. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the value of bronchial amylase for predicting VAP in intubated adults.
Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to November 2023. The diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve was estimated, and the area under the curve (AUROC) was calculated.
Results: Overall, six studies including 769 patients were included in this review, of whom 273 (36%) were developed VAP. The cutoff values of bronchial amylase level were ranged from 8.1 U/L to 4681.5U/L. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed with an overall Q = 1.99, I2 = 0, and P = 0.185, The pooled sensitivity and specificity for the overall population were 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.86] and 0.75(95% CI 0.56–0.88) respectively. The DOR was 11(95% CI 3.0–40.0). The pooled AUROC was 0.83 (95%CI 0.80 - 0.86).
Conclusions: The bronchial amylase is a helpful marker for predicting VAP in intubated adults. However, it cannot be recommended as the single definitive test for VAP, but rather it must be interpreted in context with information from careful medical history, physical examination, and when feasible, microbiological assessment.
Developing an initial 3D hydrostratigraphical model of the emerged part of the Pelotas Basin along the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil
Authors: Marquetto Luciano , Jüstel Alexander , Troian Guilherme Casarotto , Reginato Pedro Antonio Roehe , Simões Jefferson Cardia
Published: November 2023

The coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul state is highly vulnerable to expected changes in sea level, while having an increasing population and consequently increasing water demands. Adequate management is essential to restrain contamination, depletion and salinization of the region’s aquifers considering current and future challenges, but geologic knowledge is essential to guide groundwater sustainable practices. To contribute to this discussion this work integrated existing geological data from the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul state to create a three dimensional representation of the main hydrostratigraphical units of the region and its relation to the basement rocks, expanding the current knowledge of the coastal aquifer system. A review of existing data was carried out, consisting of 307 borehole logs from 13 municipalities inside the area of interest, as well as 19 vertical electrical soundings and 37 logs from oil and coal exploratory drillings, that resulted in 315 input points for the model. This work builds up on the conceptual model previously developed for the area, that defined four hydrostratigraphical units for the region, and was able to constrain the geometries of the main aquifers (unit 1 and 3) and aquitards (unit 2 and 4) and their relation to the basement rocks, showing them to be more heterogeneous in thicknesses and extent than previously thought. In addition, this work was able to model what could be a fifth hydrostratigraphical unit, that strongly differs from the other four and could be an indication of the alluvial fans previously described in the literature.
The impact on postoperative complications and analgesia of different nerve block techniques after hypospadias repair: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Lan , Zheng Jiang , Zheng Xiangqi , Ma Yu , Fu Hong
Published: November 2023

Hypospadias is the most common congenital anomaly of the genitourinary system, and hypospadias repair is one of the most common urological surgeries performed. Regional anesthesia utilized for this penile reconstructive surgery is typically either caudal block(CB) or penile nerve block(PB) or pudendal nerve block(PNB), but the evidence regarding whether these techniques will increase postoperative complications is still controversial. Therefore we aimed to assess the association between block type and the incidence of postoperative complications. Relevant studies were identified by searching electronic databases, including randomized controlled trials, case-control, and cohort studies from inception until June 10th, 2023 and performed this network meta-analysis.
A total of 29 studies were included, involving a population of 5284 pediatric patients. Our network meta-analysis revealed that PB may be the optimal nerve block technique to minimize postoperative complications in hypospadias repair surgery. Regarding postoperative analgesic effects, PNB ranked first to reduce consumption of postoperative analgesics, followed by PB. Therefore PB may be one of the most effective techniques to decrease complication rates in hypospadias repair, and significantly reduced reliance on postoperative analgesics of these patients. However, due to clinical and methodology heterogeneity among included studies, further validation is warranted.
Integrative analyses of genes associated with oxidative stress and cellular senescence in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Wu Lihua , Zheng Hongyan , Guo Xiaorong , Li Nan , Qin Luyao , Li Xiaoqing , Lou Ge
Published: November 2023

Purpose
This study was intended to construct a prognostic model based on oxidative stress and cellular senescence related difference expression genes (OSCSRDEGs) for TNBC.
Methods
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to identify OSCSRDEGs. The relationship between OSCSRDEGs and immune infiltration was examined using single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), ESTIMATE, and the CIBERSORT algorithm. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses, Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were employed to construct a prognostic model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, nomograms, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the prognostic efficacy. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were utilized to explore the potential functions and mechanism.
Results
A comprehensive analysis identified a total of 27 OSCSRDEGs, out of which 15 genes selected for development of a prognostic model. A high degree of statistical significance was observed for the riskscores derived from this model to accurately predict TNBC Overall survival. The decision curve analysis (DCA) and ROC curve analysis further confirmed the superior accuracy of the OSCSRDEGs prognostic model in predicting efficacy. Notably, the nomogram analysis highlighted that DMD exhibited the highest utility within the model. In comparison between high and low OSCScore groups, the infiltration abundance of immune cells was statistically different in the TCGA-TNBC dataset.
Conclusion
Our study identified four essential OSCSRDEGs (CFI, DMD, NDRG2, and NRP1) and precisely constructed an OSCS-related prognostic model for patients with TNBC.
Remittances and Household-level Gender Disparity in Education Attainment: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Sohail Zahra , Khan Muhammad Omer , Tahir Rabiya , Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: November 2023

This paper focuses on a key gender norm prevalent in many developing economies, particularly in South Asian economies, whereby the education of males is preferred over females within a household—giving rise to disparities in education attainment. Specifically, we investigate the impact of remittances on gender disparity in educational attainment. We construct household-level measures of gender disparity in mean years of schooling and out-of-school children using the Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement Survey (PSLM) 2019–2020. Using propensity score matching methods we construct counterfactuals that help in estimating the causal impact of remittances on gender disparity in educational attainment. Our results indicate that gender disparity against women both in terms of mean years of schooling and out-of-school children declines in households that receive remittances. Moreover, the disparity-reducing impact of remittances is robust to different specifications of propensity score matching methods. The endogenous treatment effects model also shows that the remittances reduce household level gender disparity in education, although the impact is more pronounced in urban areas compared to rural areas. These results suggests that remittances are one of the key channels that result in the transformational change in gender norms related to education.
Subject classification codes: J16, F24, I24, R23
Laser treatment for scars after cleft lip surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Xuefei , Chi Haoshu , Zhan Zongli , Yu Zuyin , Cai Ming
Published: November 2023

Background
Current studies are controversial on the optimal treatment of postoperative scar treatment by cleft lip. Our objective is to elucidate the therapeutic effect of laser on postoperative cleft lip scar treatment.
Methods
A systematic review was performed and reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We searched five electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CNKI, from their inceptions until August 8, 2023) and independently assessed the methodological quality and bias risk of the included studies by two investigators using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. Quality assessment of the certainty of evidence was performed based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. Weighted mean difference of Vancouver Scar Scale were calculated to conduct meta-analysis by Stata statistical software version 14. We also estimated the pool sensitivity as well as testing the possibility of publication bias.
Results
Five studies were included in this meta-analysis involving 255 subjects. Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, laser was more effective in treating post-cleft lip scars (WMD = 4.39, 95%CI = 0.54–8.23; Five studies with 255 participants; Low evidentiary certainty, I2 = 99.4%).
Conclusions
Patients treated with laser therapy for postoperative cleft lip scar treatment tend to have lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores, indicating a significant therapeutic effect. However, our results should be interpreted with caution due to the limitations.
Trial registration
identifier CRD42023397042 (18/02/2023) [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/].
Prompt Enhance API Recommendation: Visualize the User’s Real Intention behind this Query
Authors: Wang Yong , Chen Linjun , Gao Cuiyun , Fang Yingtao , Li Yong
Published: November 2023

Developers frequently rely on APIs in their daily programming tasks, as APIs have become an indispensable tool for program development. However, with a vast number of open-source libraries available, selecting the appropriate API quickly can be a common challenge for programmers. Previous research on API recommendation primarily focused on designing better approaches to interpret user input. However, in practical applications, it is often difficult for users, especially novice programmers, to express their real intentions due to the limitations of language expression and programming capabilities.To address this issue, this paper introduces PTAPI, an approach that visualizes the user's real intentions based on their query to enhance recommendation performance. Firstly, PTAPI identifies the prompt template from Stack Overflow (SO) posts based on the user's input. Secondly, the obtained prompt template is combined with the user's input to generate a new question. Finally, the newly generated question leverages dual information sources from SO posts and API official documentation to provide recommendations.To evaluate the effectiveness of PTAPI, we conducted experiments at both the class-level and method-level. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, with a significant improvement in the success rate.
Retinal Nerve Fiber layer Thickness and Radial Peripapillary Capillaries Density in Myopic Adults with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Ma Chunhui , Chen Chunwen , Zhang Yutong , Yao Jingyan
Published: November 2023

Purpose
To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) and radial peripapillary capillaries (RPC) density in adults with different degrees of myopia using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and explore their relationship with ocular factors, such as axial length (AL) and disc area.
Methods
A total of 188 subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. The eyes were divided into four groups according to AL. OCTA was used for the assessment of RNFLT, RPC density, and other optic disc measurements, such as disc area. One-way analysis of variance was performed to compare differences between four groups, and P value < 0.01 was considered significant.
Results
The RNFLT was significantly thinner in high myopia (HM) group at inferior nasal (IN) quadrant (P = 0.004) than low myopia (LM) group, but thicker at temporal inferior (TI) quadrant (P = 0.006). The RPC density of nasal superior (NS) quadrant, nasal inferior (NI) quadrant, and inferior nasal (IN) quadrant significantly decreased as AL increasing. By simple linear regression analysis, the inside disc RPC (iRPC) density tended to be correlated significantly with AL (0.3997%/mm, P < 0.0001). Peripapillary RPC (pRPC) density was in significant correlation with AL (-0.2791%/mm, P = 0.0045), and peripapillary RNFLT (pRNFLT) was in significant correlation with disc area (0.2774%/mm2, P = 0.0001).
Conclusion
RNFLT and RPC density were closely associated with AL and disc area. They might be new indexes in assessing and detecting myopia development via OCTA.
Comparison of Manual, Automatic, and Voice Control in Wheelchair NavigationSimulation in Virtual Environments: Performance Evaluation of User and MotionSickness.
Authors: Pedroza-Santiago Enrique A. , Quiroz-Ibarra J. Emilio , Bojorges-Valdez Erik R. , Padilla-Castañeda Miguel A.
Published: November 2023

Mobility is a fundamental necessity for individuals with physical disabilities, and wheelchairs play a vital role in improving their quality of life. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in designing and developing more advanced wheelchairs, particularly regarding control systems that enable users to interact effectively and efficiently with their chairs. Implementing different control systems in wheelchairs has been the subject of research and development to enhance user experience and overcome limitations associated with conventional controls. Virtual reality (VR) is a valuable tool for testing new technologies, ensuring user safety, and reducing development time. This article aims to present a comparative evaluation of various controls implemented in a simulated wheelchair, analyzing their effectiveness and ease of use through navigation in three different daily-life scenarios. Twenty participants(11 males and 9 females) received VR operation and controls training. Each participant completed three tests per control in each scenario. The results showed that participants performed better while navigating with autonomous and manual controls than with voice controls. However, participants experienced associated motion sickness during the interaction. Contrary to voice control, despite causing less motion sickness, the participants' performance shows that a high voice command recognition rate and reliability are mandatory to be a viable option. Our setup represents a useful experimental setup for future research and improvements in developing wheelchair control systems in virtual environments to cater to the individual needs and abilities of end-users in reality.
The Association of Implemented Care Team Configuration Models with Length of Stay and Charges in Hospitalized Patients with Congestive Heart Failure: A Retrospective Analysis of EHR Data
Authors: Williams Tremaine B. , Crump Alisha , Parker Pearman , Garza Maryam Y. , Seker Emel , Swindle Taren , Robins Taiquitha , Sexton Kevin Wayne
Published: November 2023

Background: Clinicians are the conduits of high-quality care delivery. Clinicians have driven advancements in pharmacotherapeutics, devices, and related interventions and improved morbidity and mortality in patients with congestive heart failure over the past decade. Yet, the management of congestive heart failure has become extraordinarily complex and has fueled recommendations from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology to optimize the composition of the care team to reduce the health, economic, and health system burden of high length of stay and hospital charges. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which care team configuration models of non-specialty clinicians were associated with high length of stay and high charges during the hospitalizations of patients with congestive heart failure.
Methods: This study performed a retrospective analysis of EHR-extracted data on 3,099 patients and their encounters from the Arkansas Clinical Data Repository. The data was analyzed using binomial logistic regression in which adjusted odds ratios reflected the association of specific care team configuration models (i.e., combination of clinical roles) with length of stay and hospital charges.
Results: Care team configuration models that included physicians, residents, and advanced nurse practitioners were generally associated with greater odds of a patient having a high length of stay or a high charge hospital encounter. Registered nurses were the only specific care team role found within all care team configuration models and has consistently been associated with decreased length of stay and decreased charges. Additionally, the study validated the Van Walraven Elixhauser Comorbidity Score by finding that its quartiles were statistically significantly associated with length of stay and charges.
Conclusions: Cardiologists, alone, cannot shoulder the burden of caring for hospitalized patients with congestive heart failure. Care team configuration data within electronic health record systems of hospitals could be an effective method of isolating and tracking high risk patients. Within multidisciplinary care teams, registered nurses may be particularly effective in advancing real-time risk stratification by applying the Van Walraven Elixhauser Comorbidity Score at the point-of-care.
Treatment-free remission after a second TKI discontinuation attempt in patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia re-treated with dasatinib – interim results from the DAstop2 trial
Authors: Flygt Hjalmar , Söderlund Stina , Richter Johan , Saussele Susanne , Koskenvesa Perttu , Stenke Leif , Mustjoki Satu , Dimitrijevic Andreja , Stentoft Jesper , Majeed Waleed , Roy Lydia , Wolf Dominik , Dreimane Arta , Gjertsen Bjorn , Gedde-Dahl Tobias , Ahlstrand Erik , Markevärn Berit , Hjorth-Hansen Henrik , Janssen Jeroen , Olsson-Strömberg Ulla
Published: November 2023

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discontinuation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has become part of routine care for patients with a sustained deep molecular response (DMR). Approximately 50% experience a molecular relapse upon TKI cessation. Most of them quickly regain DMR upon TKI resumption. Whether these patients can achieve a second treatment-free remission (TFR) remains unclear. DAstop2 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03573596) is a prospective study including patients with a failed first TFR attempt re-treated with any TKI for ≥ one year. Upon entering the study, patients received the TKI dasatinib for additional two years. Patients with sustained DMR for ≥1 year qualified for a second TKI stop. Ninety-four patients were included between Oct 2017-Dec 2021. At the time of data analysis, 62 patients had attempted a 2nd stop. After a median follow-up of 27 months from 2nd stop, TFR rates were 61%, 56% and 46% at 6, 12 and 24 months respectively. No progression to advanced stage disease was seen and 87% had re-achieved MR4 within a median of 3 months from TKI re-initiation. In summary, we show that a 2nd TFR attempt after dasatinib treatment is safe, feasible and TFR rates seem in the range of those reported in trials of a first TKI stop.
Influence of roughness height on the distribution of modeled turbulence statistics in non-aerated skimming flows in steep stepped spillways
Authors: Toro Juan Pablo , Blanc Alex , Moreno-Casas Patricio , Sepúlveda Sebastián
Published: November 2023

The stepped spillway design is widely used globally for its energy dissipation capabilities through its stepped design and air entrainment capacity, crucial for safe hydraulic structure operation. The most common condition found in stepped spillways is the skimming flow regime. This study numerically investigated the influence of the roughness height (KS) on the distribution of mean flow variables and modeled turbulence statistics in the non-aerated portion of a steep stepped spillway with a constant angle of 51.34°. Three roughness heights of 6.26, 3.13 and 1.57 cm were considered corresponding to a relation step height/horizontal length of 10/8, 5/4 and 2.5/2 (cm/cm), respectively. The results show that profiles of modeled turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) at different step edges can be collapsed into one single curve for relative roughness (Ks/h) smaller than 0.8. For larger ratios of roughness height to water depth, this behavior is not observed and for a given distance away from the wall, values of TKE show a broad range of values, with increasing values as boundary layer grows. A similar trend was obtained for the distribution of TKE along a water column that includes the cavity. The existence of an upper limit for the ratio between the roughness height and the water depth can now be incorporated in the hydraulic design of new steep stepped spillways.
A multiplexed microfluidic continuous-flow electroporation system for efficient cell transfection
Authors: VanderBurgh Jacob A. , Corso Grant T. , Levy Stephen L. , Craighead Harold G.
Published: November 2023

Cellular therapies have the potential to advance treatment for a broad array of diseases but rely on viruses for genetic reprogramming. The time and cost required to produce viruses has created a bottleneck that constricts development of and access to cellular therapies. Electroporation is a non-viral approach for genetic reprogramming that bypasses these bottlenecks, but current electroporation technology suffers from low throughput, tedious optimization, and difficulty scaling to large-scale cell manufacturing. Here, we present an adaptable microfluidic electroporation platform with the capability for rapid, multiplexed optimization with 96-well plates. Once parameters are optimized using small volumes of cells, transfection can be seamlessly scaled to high-volume cell manufacturing without re-optimization. We demonstrate optimizing transfection of plasmid DNA to Jurkat cells, screening hundreds of different electrical waveforms of varying shapes at a speed of ~3 s per waveform using ~ 20 µL of cells per waveform. We selected an optimal set of transfection parameters using a low-volume flow cell. These parameters were then used in a separate high-volume flow cell where we obtained similar transfection performance by design. This demonstrates an economical method for scaling to the volume required for producing a cell therapy without sacrificing performance.
Effectiveness of data-augmentation on deep learning in evaluating rapid on-site cytopathology at endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration
Authors: Fujii Yuki , Uchida Daisuke , Sato Ryosuke , Obata Taisuke , Matsumi Akihiro , Miyamoto Kazuya , Morimoto Kosaku , Terasawa Hiroyuki , Yamazaki Tatsuhiro , Matsumoto Kazuyuki , Horiguchi Shigeru , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Kato Hironari , Cho Ten , Tanimoto Takayoshi , Ohto Akimitsu , Inoue Hirofumi , Kawahara Yoshiro , Otsuka Motoyuki
Published: November 2023

Rapid on-site cytopathology evaluation (ROSE) has been considered an effective method to increase the diagnostic ability of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA); however, ROSE is unavailable in most institutes worldwide due to the shortage of cytopathologists. To overcome this situation, we created an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system (the ROSE-AI system), which was trained with the augmented data to evaluate the slide images acquired by EUS-FNA. This study aimed to clarify the effects of such data-augmentation on establishing an effective ROSE-AI system by comparing the efficacy of various data-augmentation techniques. The ROSE-AI system was trained with increased data obtained by the various data-augmentation techniques, including geometric transformation, color space transformation, and kernel filtering. By performing five-fold cross-validation, we compared the efficacy of each data-augmentation technique on the increasing diagnostic abilities of the ROSE-AI system. We collected 4,059 divided EUS-FNA slide images from 36 patients with pancreatic cancer and nine patients with non-pancreatic cancer. The diagnostic ability of the ROSE-AI system without data augmentation had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 87.5%, 79.7%, and 83.7%, respectively. While, some data-augmentation techniques decreased diagnostic ability, the ROSE-AI system trained only with the augmented data using the geometric transformation technique had the highest diagnostic accuracy (88.2%). We successfully developed a prototype ROSE-AI system with high diagnostic ability. Each data-augmentation technique may have various compatibilities with AI-mediated diagnostics, and the geometric transformation was the most effective for the ROSE-AI system.
Rhoifolin Improves Bleomycin-induced Fibrosis in Vivo and in Vitro through NRF2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Wang Xuehua , Wang Qing , Zhou Panyu , Zhang Junhong , Su Haojie , Liu Fanlu , Wu Jingjing , Han Ling , Liu Liang , Xiao Fengxia
Published: November 2023

Purpose: An investigation shows that COVID-19's convalescing pulmonary lesions will experience varying degrees of fibrosis after being inspected by an imaging test. Traditional Chinese medicine frequently treats pulmonary fibrosis using honeysuckle. Rhoifolin (ROF), which is in large amounts of honeysuckle and has some anti-inflammatory qualities, has yet to be researched to see if it also has anti-fibrosis properties. This investigation will examine the main mechanism and see if rhoifolin can alleviate experimental lung fibrosis.
Methods: Bleomycin was used to establish the lung fibrosis model in SD rats, and the effects of ROF on lung histopathology and appearance, as well as PCR measurements, were observed. Expression levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Bleomycin and LPS were used to cause pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation in A549 lung epithelial cells. Related mRNA were measured using real-time PCR following treatment with BLM and LPS, respectively. A western blot was performed to identify the signal pathway's activation.
Results: The results showed that ROF lessened lung tissue damage in rats with pulmonary fibrosis. Reduce the level of pulmonary fibrosis in rat lung tissue and increase SMAD7 and HO-1 protein expression while lowering N-cadherin protein expression in vivo. In an in vitro experiment, A549 cells were modeled using BLM and LPS, respectively. ROF may decrease the relative protein expression of N-cadherin, P-JAK1, P-IKKβ, and PP65 while increasing Nrf2, Smad7, and HO-1 protein expression.
Conclusion: The findings of this study provide proof that ROF has a strong inhibitory effect on pulmonary fibrosis and that its mechanism is closely linked to the NRF2/HO-1 pathway. As a result, our research provides robust experimental support for the potential use of ROF as a potential therapeutic agent for ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis.
The efficacy and safety of adding anlotinib in gradual progression on third-generation EGFR-TKIs for EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xiang Hai , Ding Danna , Chen Xuefei , Zhao Jinkai , Jin Guangjun
Published: November 2023

Background: Acquired resistance is unavoidable with the approval of third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for first-line therapy of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some studies have found that combining anti-angiogenesis medicines with EGFR-TKI may benefit clinical outcomes in EGFR-mutant NSCLC. However, it is unclear whether EGFR TKI paired with anti-angiogenesis therapy could further improve survival for patients with gradual progression. Thus, we evaluated the clinical effectiveness and safety of continuous EGFR-TKI in combination with anlotinib in patients who had gradual progression on third-generation EGFR-TKI treatment.
Methods: The effectiveness and safety of anlotinib coupled with continuous EGFR-TKI versus EGFR-TKI monotherapy in EGFR-mutant patients treated with first-line third-generation EGFR-TKIs in gradual progression were compared. The efficacy and safety were analyzed. The compare of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between two groups was used the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results: Our study comprised 121 eligible patients in total.In the combination group, there were 60 patients, while in the EGFR-TKI monotherapy group, there were 61 patients. The objectiveresponse rates (ORR) were 25.0% and 0%, the disease response rate (DCR) was 91.7% and 86.9% in combination group and EGFR-TKIs monotherapy group. The median PFS of combinedanlotinib and EGFR-TKIs treatment were 6.7 months and mPFS was 3.6 months in the EGFR-TKI monotherapy group (P <0.001). Regarding the OS, there were no significant differences between the two groups. The common adverse reaction were diarrhea(21.7%), hypertension (21.6%) and proteinuria (20.0%) in combination group. Seven patients experienced the grade 3 or higher adverse event, no patients discounted the treatment or died due to the toxicity.
Conclusion: The results of our study indicated that, when combined with anlotinib following gradual progression on EGFR-TKIs, it was more efficacious for EGFR mutant NSCLC patients than EGFR TKI monotherapy. And the toxicity was clinically manageable.
Lipids, lipid-modifying drug Target genes and Bladder cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Pan Wenkai , Xianjing Hu , Ren Siyan , Hu Chenliang , Lin Baochai
Published: November 2023

Background
Bladder cancer (BLCA) is among the 10th most common malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. Statins and emerging lipid-modifying drug targets may also show potential in treating BLCA and lowering cholesterol levels. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis provides insights into the causal relationship between exposure and disease. This study aimed to explore genetically predicted lipid traits, drug targets and their relationship with BLCA risk.
Methods
Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using genetic variants associated with lipid traits and gene variants encoding protein targets for various lipid-lowering drugs. Specific drug classes studied include HMGCR, PCSK9, NPC1L1, LDLR and APOB. For lipid-modifying drug targets that exhibited suggestive significance, cis-expression quantitative trait locus and genome-wide association study colocalization analyses were implemented to assess whether causal variants were shared.
Results
BLCA risk was associated with HDL (OR 1.0002, 95% CI 0.9992-1.0011, P=0.723), LDL (OR 1.0005, 95% CI 0.9997-1.0012, P=0.220), and TG (OR 1.0004, 95% CI 0.9992-1.0015, P=0.511). IVW-MR analysis observed HMGCR inhibition was significantly associated with a reduced risk of BLCA (OR 0.9954, 95% CI 0.9920-0.9988, P=0.009). Similarly, SMR analysis found that a higher expression of HMGCR was associated with a higher risk of BLCA (OR 1.0034, 95% CI 1.0006-1.0063, P=0.0179). Sensitivity analyses found no statistically significant evidence of pleiotropy or genetic confounding for bias.
Conclusion
In summary, this MR study demonstrated that inhibiting HMGCR may have a protective effect on BLCA, independent of the lipid-lowering effects of statins. Further research should investigate the precise mechanisms and translational potential of statins for BLCA prevention and treatment beyond cholesterol lowering.
Using ancient sedimentary DNA to forecast ecosystem trajectories under climate change
Authors: Alsos Inger Greve , Boussange Victor , Rijal Dilli Prasad , Beaulieu Marieke , Brown Antony Gavin , Herzschuh Ulrike , Svenning Jens-Christian , Pellissier Loïc
Published: November 2023

Ecosystem response to climate change is complex. In order to forecast ecosystem dynamics, we need high-quality data on changes in past species abundance that can inform process-based models. Ancient DNA has revolutionised our ability to document past ecosystems' dynamics. It provides time-series of increased taxonomic resolution compared to microfossils (pollen, spores), and can often give species-level information, especially for past vascular plant and mammal abundances. Time series are much richer in information than contemporary spatial distribution information, which have been traditionally used to train models for predicting biodiversity and ecosystem responses to climate change. Here, we outline the potential contribution of sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) to forecast ecosystem changes. We showcase how species-level time-series may allow quantification of the effect of biotic interactions in ecosystem dynamics, and be used to estimate dispersal rates when a dense network of sites is available. By combining palaeo-time series, process-based models, and inverse modelling, we can recover the biotic and abiotic processes underlying ecosystem dynamics, which are traditionally very challenging to characterise. Dynamic models informed by sedaDNA can further be used to extrapolate beyond current dynamics and provide robust forecasts of ecosystem responses to future climate change.
Reasons why huge saccular aneurysms do not rupture in patient with polycythemia: a case report
Authors: Mitsuishi Atsuyuki , Nakamura Hiromasa , Miura Yujiro , Miyata Tsuyoshi , Orihashi Kazumasa , Yoshida Keisuke , Araki Kouhei
Published: November 2023

Background
Morphologically, the risk of aortic aneurysm rupture is mainly evaluated based on the diameter and type (e.g., fusiform or saccular). Recently, based on finite element analysis, a sac depth/neck width > 0.8 and aspect ratio (vertical diameter/horizontal diameter) < 1.0 indicate a high risk of rupture. However, some aneurysms do not rupture despite a high risk according to the morphology. Therefore, the influence of other risk factors of aortic aneurysm rupture should be considered.
Case presentation:
A saccular aortic aneurysm (84 mm) was incidentally detected during preoperative examination for chronic empyema in a 74-year-old male patient with a history of polycythemia. Aortic arch graft replacement using an open stent was performed.
Conclusions
Morphologically, this case was associated with a very high risk of rupture; nevertheless, it did not rupture. It has been reported that the wall stress based on finite element reflects the risk of rupture more accurately than the rupture risk based on the diameter of aneurysm. The neck of saccular aneurysm is the highest peak wall stress and is linked to the rupture point. Additionally, it has been reported that the disappearance of endothelial cells is associated with a high risk of rupture. Although a mural thrombus leads to vascular necrosis and aneurysm formation by blocking blood supply from vasa vasorum, in this case, a mural thrombus (likely formed due to polycythemia) covered the neck of aneurysm and embolized within saccular aneurysm preserving intima like coil embolization, and a decrease in peak wall stress could be attributed to reduction in the risk of rupture even for huge saccular aneurysms.
Novel Methods for Post-Fire Self-healing of Concrete
Authors: Vedrtnam Ajitanshu , Palou Martin T. , Varela Hugo , Kalauni Kishor , Barelunga Gonzalo , Chaturvedi Shashikant
Published: November 2023

Fire is a significant threat to civil infrastructures. It is well established that fire exposure deteriorates, whereas selected bacteria self-heal the concrete. Civil engineers crave to substitute concrete with alternatives having superior post-fire performance. The post-fire rehydration of concrete allows recovery of the pore structures to an extent without much change in the mechanical properties and durability. The present work reports the post-fire self-healing of the concrete using encapsulated or immobilized bacteria for the first time in literature. The significant challenges to achieving post-fire self-healing are ensuring the survival of bacteria during the fire and triggering activation afterward. Novel encapsulation and immobilization strategies are reported to protect bacteria incorporated in the concrete samples during the fire and later facilitate bacteria activation for strengthening. Along with the destractive testing, ultrasonic testing was performed to evaluate deterioration of concrete due to fire. Morphology of the samples was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy. Finally, a comparison of post-fire self-healing methods of concrete is discussed. The study establishes temperature limits for self-healing with the tested encapsulation methods.
Pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and its active metabolites in patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery: A prospective clinical study
Authors: Zhang Mengyu , Jin Ying , Yuan Xueying , He Chaoqun , Han Mei , Tu Faping , Wang Zhenlei
Published: November 2023

Purpose Lidocaine is widely used in laparoscopic bariatric surgery for obese patients. However, the impact of obesity on the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and its metabolites is still unclear. This study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and its active metabolites in patients with obesity and normal-weight patients after a single lidocaine intravenous administration during surgery.
Methods Sixty patients were enrolled in this study, including thirty patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and thirty normal-weight patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. All patients were administered a single intravenous bolus of lidocaine (2%, 1.5 mg/kg) before the operation. Arterial blood samples were collected during the surgery to analyze the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and its metabolites. The lidocaine-related adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the study.
Results: The obese patients showed a significantly higher peak time (P = 0.008), half-life (P <0.0001), and volume of distribution (P <0.0001) of lidocaine compared to the normal-weight patients. Conversely, the lidocaine peak concentration (P = 0.035), clearance (P = 0.032), and elimination rate (P <0.0001) were lower in the patients with obesity. The differences in the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine metabolites between the two groups were similar to those of lidocaine. No serious AEs related to lidocaine were reported.
Conclusion Obesity significantly affects the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine and its active metabolites, and administrating lidocaine intravenously based on adjusted body weight is safe and reasonable for obese patients.
Trial registration ChiCTR2200064980, 25 October 2022
Spatial analysis of remote sensing and meteorological indices in a drought event in southwestern Spain
Authors: Quirós Elia , Fragoso-Campón Laura
Published: November 2023

The effects of global warming and climate change are being felt through more extreme and prolonged periods of drought. Multiple meteorological indices are used to measure drought, but they require hydrometeorological data; however, other indices measured by remote sensing and used to quantify vegetation vigor can be correlated with the former. This, this study investigated the correlation between both index types by vegetation type and season. The correlations were also spatially modeled in a drought event in southwestern Spain. In addition, three maps with different levels of detail in terms of vegetation categorization were compared. The results generally showed that grassland was the most well correlated category between the SPEI and the FAPAR, LAI and NDVI. This correlation was more pronounced in autumn and spring, which is when most changes in vegetation senescence occur. The spatiotemporal analysis indicated a very similar behavior for grasslands grouped in an area indicated by the climate change adaptation maps as having a high evapotranspiration forecast. Finally, in a forest-based forecast analysis, the indices that best explained the performance of the SPEI were again FAPAR, LAI and NDVI, with a lag of up to 20 days. Therefore, the results showed that remotely sensed indices are good indicators of drought status and can be variably explanatory of traditional drought indicators. Moreover, complementing the study with spatiotemporal analysis made it possible to detect areas particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Isomerization pathway of a C-C sigma bond dinickel(II) bis(octaazamacrocyclic) complex activated by deprotonation - a DFT study
Authors: Jelemenská Ingrid , Zalibera MIchal , Rapta Peter , Dobrov Anatoly A. , Arion Vladimir B. , Bučinský Lukáš
Published: November 2023

The anti (a) to syn (s) isomerization pathway of the deprotonated form of the carbon-carbon (C-C) σ dimer complex with two nickel(II) 15-membered octaazamacrocyclic units was investigated. For the initial anti (a) structure, a deprotonation of one of the bridging (sp3 hybridized) carbon atoms is suggested to allow for an a to s geometry twist. A 360° scan around the bridging C-C dihedral angle was performed first to find an intermediate geometry. Subsequently, the isomerization pathway was explored via individual steps using a series of mode redundant geometry optimizations and geometry relaxations leading to the s structure. The prominent geometries (intermediates) of the isomerization pathway are chosen and compared to the a and s structures. Finally, geometry relaxations of the protonated forms of selected intermediates are considered. It is shown that albeit the reaction barrier appears to be higher than that obtained in the experiment, the DFT series of mode redundant geometry optimizations and geometry relaxations proves itself useful in the exploration of the isomerization pathway of the chosen diastereomeric dinickel(II) bis(octaazamacrocyclic) complex.
Behaviour and Satisfaction of Agricultural Extension Workers Towards the Impact of Usage Technical Guidance and Socialization Propaktani
Authors: Juniarti Hafni Amalia , Raya Alia Bihrajihant , Subejo Subejo , Kaliky Rahima , Andarwati Siti
Published: November 2023

Most extension workers in Indonesia participated in the Technical Guidance and Socialization of the Corporate-Based Food Crop Area Development Program (BTS Propaktani) information system as one of the adoption innovation channels. The variables studied were Behavioral Intention, Usage Behavior, User Satisfaction, and Net Impact. The population of this study was agricultural extension workers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, as many as 371 people, and the sampling method used accidental sampling of 133 extension workers. Data analysis is using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling. The model estimator is the PLS Algorithm. This research used a higher-order construct on Behavioural Intention reflected by System Quality, Hedonic Motivation, and Personal Innovativeness. Use Behavior is reflected in the suitability of use. User Satisfaction is reflected in satisfaction with attending webinars and rewatching. The Net Impact of use is reflected in individual and organizational impacts. Behavioural Intention has a positive and significant effect on Usage Behavior of 0.581. Usage Behavior has a positive and significant effect on the net impact of 0.299. Usage Behavior has a positive and significant effect on user satisfaction of 0.395. User satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on the net impact of 0.621. Behavioural Intention significantly affects the net impact by mediating Usage Behavior and User Satisfaction with a path coefficient of 0.143. This study describes that Usage Behaviour, User Satisfaction, and Net Impact have Q2 values categorized as medium, small, and medium predictive relevance. The SRMR result is 0.054 <0.10, as the model fits the empirical data.
Keywords: Agriculture extension, information system, behaviour intention, usage behaviour, user satisfaction, net impact
Quantitative analysis of normal coronary artery luminal dimensions in Ethiopia
Authors: Zena Dawit , Bifa Nuwama , Alemayehu Bekele , Guteta Senbeta , Abebe Sintayehu
Published: November 2023

Background: Coronary luminal dimension is proven to affect the revascularization procedures techniques and outcomes. On the other hands, coronary atherosclerotic disease distribution has been shown to vary among communities due to variation in coronary sizes. This study aims to determine the normal coronary arteries lumen dimensions in Ethiopia.
Methods: 152 normal coronary angiographies were selected from 834 consecutive angiographies conducted at two hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March 2017 through December 2020. Selection was for smooth vessel lumen borders, and / or absence of filling defects indicating freedom from atherosclerosis. Quantification of each coronary luminal diameter at proximal, middle and distal segments in standardized projection was conducted by a fully automated edge detection software system.
Results: Mean luminal diameter for total study population found to be 3.35 ± 0.48mm for proximal right coronary artery, 4.48 ± 0.70mm for left main coronary artery, 3.65 ± 0.60mm for left anterior descending artery and 3.32 ±0.53mm for left circumflex coronary artery.
Conclusions: This may mark the first estimates of coronary vessels diameters in Ethiopia.