bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Particulate Banana Epoxy Composite with Fruit Waste (Dragon Fruit Peel) Micro Filler for Household Applications
Authors: Sathyanathan M. , Ramesh Kumar R.
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the thermo-mechanical characteristics of eco-friendly composite made of particulate banana fiber (reinforcement), epoxy resin (matrix) and dragon fruit peel powder (micro filler). The composites were developed using compression moulding technique with 3 factors,
4 variations and Taguchi orthogonal array design (L16). The proposed filler characterization results revealed that the density was 0.97 g/cm3 and combination of C–O, Ca–O, and Ca–Co could improve mechanical strength. Composites with 5 mm fiber length, 40 wt.% fiber
weight, and 15 wt.% filler weight have a maximum tensile strength of 25.58 MPa, flexural strength of 44.47 MPa, impact strength 180.33 J/m, and hardness of 82.50 SD. The best composite’s thermal, wear, water and fatigue studies were proposed to suit household applications. The proposed
filler improves fiber-resin bonding, which increases thermal stability to 245 °C, wear resistance, decreases water absorption, and results in a fatigue life count of 121000 cycles. Thus, this study concluded that the increasing filler content and decreasing particulate size had an impact
on the thermo-mechanical characteristics of banana-reinforced polymeric composites. As a result, an eco-friendly polymeric composite mixer coupler model was developed. Comparative structural and model analyses were performed using ANSYS R17.2. The analysis results confirmed that the proposed
composite had higher natural frequencies of 2766.5 Hz and lower deformation values of 0.089293 mm. This proves the proposed eco-friendly composite is a suitable replacement for a synthetic mixer coupler.
Potential of Growing Energy Crops and Then Producing Liquid Fuels in Marginal Land: A China Scenario
Authors: Li Xueqin , Chen Zhuo , Liu Peng , Wang Zhiwei , Yang Shuhua , Sun Tanglei , Yang Yantao , Huhe Taoli , Wu Youqing , Lei Tingzhou
Published: February 2024

To explore the potential of growing energy crops and then producing liquid fuels in marginal land in China, in this paper, the status quo of existing biomass resources and marginal land utilization in China have been first analyzed and the development process of biomass liquid fuels
has then been reviewed. Secondly, using ethyl levulinate (EL) as our research subject, the production capacity of growing energy crops in marginal land and their potential to prepare liquid fuels have been explored. Finally, the problems in developing marginal land have been summarized, and
proposed policy recommendations for marginal land development, energy crop cultivation, and liquid fuel development suitable for Chinese conditions. The results showed that the potential of sweet sorghum, cassava, jatropha curcas, and switchgrass cultivation in China in producing is 75.76
million tonnes, 1.52 million tonnes, 4.57 million tonnes, and 5.16 million tonnes, respectively. Among these crops, sweet sorghum and switch grass have a higher production capacity and are more suitable to be planted on marginal land and used to produce liquid fuels. The planting of these
two crops has absorbed about a 111.11 million tonnes and 7.57 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), respectively, presenting significant carbon sequestration and oxygen-producing effects, which provides a theoretical basis for the analysis of land use change.
The Impact of Drought and Salinity Stress on the Physiological Growth of Fontanesia Fortunei Carr.
Authors: Yang Zhaoxia , Na Ling , Tong Qibin , Zheng Panyan , He Weihong , Gao Handong
Published: February 2024

In order to understand the drought resistance and salt tolerance of maple leaves of Fontanesia fortunei Carr. In this study, seeds of Fontanesia fortunei Carr. were treated with different concentrations of PEG and NaCl solutions to investigate their effects on growth and physiology.
The results demonstrated that the control group had the highest germination rate. PEG had a significant impact on root length but a minimal influence on plant height, with mild drought stress promoting root growth. Increasing concentrations of PEG were associated with higher MDA content, peaking
at 10% concentration, while SOD activity reached its maximum at 10% PEG concentration. When the NaCl concentration was 0%, seedling root length and plant height were both maximized. NaCl primarily influenced root length but had a minor effect on plant height. Maximum MDA content was observed
at 0.8% NaCl concentration, whereas SOD activity reached its peak at 0.6% NaCl concentration. This study has significant implications for landscape architecture and horticultural production.
Effects of Astragalus complanatus Flavonoids (FAC) on Immune Function and Liver Fibrosis in Alcohol-Induced Liver Rats by Mediating TNF-α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Xianmei , Liu Liangying , Shi Gang
Published: February 2024

This study investigated the effects of Astragalus complanatus flavonoids on immune function and liver fibrosis in alcohol-induced liver rats. 80 healthy ACL female rats were grouped as healthy group, alcohol liver group (AL group), low-dose group (30 mg/kg) (LD group), and high-dose
group (120 mg/kg) (HD group). ALT and AST were measured by CD4+ and CD8+ were measured by flow cytometry. Radioimmunoassay measured HA, LN, PC-III, and IV-c, while Western blot measured TNF-α/TLR4/MYD88/NF-kB. The liver cells from healthy group were neatly arranged with clear
boundaries, disordered in the alcohol liver group with blurred lobules, with a large number of vacuoles and inflammatory cell infiltrations. The liver cells from 2 intervention groups were relatively clearly arranged and intracellular vacuoles were reduced. The ALT and AST levels in AL group
were highest than healthy group (P < 0.05), followed by LD (P < 0.05) and HD group (P < 0.05). Compared with healthy group, the CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ content in the AL group decreased and CD8+ increased (P < 0.05). In comparison with AL group, CD4+ and
CD4+/CD8+ level increased and CD8+ decreased (P < 0.05) in LD and HD group with increased HD group (P < 0.05). The expressions of HA, LN, PC-III, IV-c, TNF-α, TLR4, MYD88, and NF-kB in healthy group were lower than AL group (P < 0.05) and lowly expressed
in AL group and highly expressed in HD group (P < 0.05). The flavonoids of Astragalus complanatus can therefore reduce the degree of liver fibrosis in alcohol-induced rats and improve the immunity of rats by inhibiting cytokines in the TNF-α signaling pathway (Fig. 1).
Identification and Quantitative Analysis of the Pharmacologically Active Components of Jianxin Granules by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-Based Metabolomics
Authors: Zhang Luting , Chen Yongzhong , Guo Jinjian , Ouyang Qiufang
Published: February 2024

Jianxin Granules, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), consisting of eight flavors, including Huang Qi (astragalus), Hong Shen (red ginseng), Pu Huang (pollen typhae), Dan Shen (salvia miltiorrhiza), Zhu Ling (polyporus), Bai Zhu (atractylodes macrocephala), Gui Zhi (cassia twig),
Ting Li Zi (semen lepidii). Jianxin granules has a multi-system, multi-target, and multi-directional comprehensive regulatory effect on inhibiting ventricular remodeling, which is an effective formulation for the prevention and treatment of heart failure, and has a good application prospect.
However, many of the ingredients, including pharmacologically active ingredients, in the Jianxin granules remain unclear. Here, we attempted to develop a metabolomics method of component identification, quantitation, pattern recognition, and cross-comparison of Jianxin granules. Chemical analysis,
component identification and quantification analyse of Jianxin granules were conducted with a combination of UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS with bioinformatics. Assessment of the correlation between technical and bio-replicated pharmacological active ingredients was implemented by Principal Component Analysis
(PCA), in addition to Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). UHPLC-QTOFMS/ MS, a metabolomics method, was developed and adapted to characterize Jianxin granules, which consisted of 178 to 216 molecular signatures. The quantitative analysis of 95 frequently occurring molecular
signatures of Jianxin granules was carried out by a single exogenous reference internal standard. Of these, 47 have been identified using diverse databases, including 2 glycosylglycerol derivatives, 2 lipids, 2 spiro compounds, 2 cyclohexanecarboxylic acids, 2 glycosides, 5 terpenoids, 7 oligopeptides,
17 favonoids, and 8 various compounds, such as hydroxycoumarin, chalcone, benzofuran, benzodioxole, benzaldehyde, aromatic ketone, and alkyl cafeate ester. The established method demonstrates robust reliability and reproducibility, making it suitable for various applications including compositional
identification, quantification, and quality assessment of the pharmacologically active constituents in Jianxin granules.
Improvement of Bone Homeostasis Imbalance in Osteoporotic Fractures by Mesoporous Silica Carrying miR-302b
Authors: Chu Jiaqi , Si Yuan , Shao Song
Published: February 2024

miR-302b and DKK1 are two molecules related to the regulation of bone metabolism. Mesoporous silica is a potential drug carrier. This article aims to study the mechanism of mesoporous silica carrying miR-302b targeting DKK1 regulation to improve bone homeostasis imbalance in osteoporotic
fractures. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized. miR-302b was loaded into mesoporous silica to form composite nanoparticles. In vivo rat model experiments were performed to evaluate bone metabolism. X-ray examination and μCT scan were used to
detect the bone content and trabecular bone status of rats. Alcian blue/hematoxylin/Orange G staining was used to observe changes in trabecular bone in the tibial metaphysis. Immunohistochemical staining showed the formation of trabecular bone in rats in each group and changes in the number
of bone cells. Calcein double labeling experiment showed the bone mineralization speed of mice in each group. Pure and stable mesoporous silica nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and miR-302b was successfully loaded into the nanoparticles. The osteoporotic fracture rat model was successfully
created. In vivo experimental results showed that after injecting composite nanoparticles into mice, bone density and bone strength were significantly increased and osteoporotic fractures were improved. Mesoporous silica carries miR-302b to target DKK1 regulation, which can improve
bone homeostasis imbalance in osteoporotic fractures. Composite nanoparticles can inhibit the expression of DKK1, promote bone formation, and inhibit bone resorption, thereby improving bone density and bone strength.
Impact of Radiotherapy on Radiation-Induced Brain Injury in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using Nano-Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zheng Baomin , Zhang Hanyong , Wang Weihu
Published: February 2024

This study investigate the changes of white matter injury induced by radiation after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its association with cognitive dysfunction using multiple MRI methods. A total of 42 patients with NPC who underwent radiotherapy at
xxx Hospital between December 2018 and June 2021 were included. The patients were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the timing of radiotherapy. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were used as MRI contrast agents. DTI and MRS scans were conducted to measure FA, ADC, NAA/Cho, Cho/Cr,
and NAA/Cr ratios in the hippocampus of both temporal lobes. A cognitive assessment was performed using the MoCA and MMSE scales. After radiotherapy, patients experienced a decline in cognitive scores, which stabilized after 6 months. White matter changes were observed in the hippocampus,
with decreased FA and increased ADC values that gradually returned to normal levels. Cho value increased and NAA value decreased initially but eventually returned to pre-treatment levels. No significant changes occurred in the Cr value. Metabolite ratios decreased within 3 months post-radiotherapy
but gradually increased thereafter, remaining lower than pre-treatment levels at 6 months. Higher radiation doses did not significantly affect FA and ADC values but decreased white matter metabolite ratios. In conclusion, we reveal that the dosage and duration of radiotherapy can influence
the degree of brain injury in patients with NPC and highlights the cognitive decline, white matter changes, and changes in metabolite ratios after radiotherapy for NPC, providing insights into the effects of radiation on brain structure and function.
Identification and Verification of Potential Ferroptosis-Related Biomarkers in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Liu Zhaodi , Liu Yang , Wu Xinyue , Feng Xiangnan , Liang Wei
Published: February 2024

This study screened important genes contributing to morbidity from differential ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in cervical cancer and to establish a risk assessment model with ferroptosis-related LncRNAs. Total RNA sequencing data were extracted from The cancer genome atlas (TCGA),
Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx). By differential analysis, we identified ferroptosis-related hub genes close to prevalence of cervical cancer. According to receiver operator curves (ROC) curves, hub genes have good diagnostic performance. The diagnostic
potential of hub genes for occurrence of the disease was further assessed and verified. Further, a risk-assessing model based on ferroptosis-related LncRNAs was established. Finally, the differential expressions of hub genes were verified through qRT-PCR. Five hub genes were identified, and
we found through GO, KEGG and immune infiltration, that the hub genes are connection with cervical cancer. The Area Under Curve (AUC) values were all greater than 0.8 in ROC curve, and the hub genes presented differences between disease and control groups in validation set GSE29570. We created
a risk assessment model with 16 ferroptosis-related LncRNAs. There was a difference in survival between high-risk and low-risk groups. The AUC result for risk assessment model reached 0.792, and there were significant expression differences of Hub genes in Huvec and Hela cells. The study screened
5 hub genes and constructed the risk-assessment model based on 16 LncRNAs associated with ferroptosis genes.
MiR-92a Promotes Apoptosis in Rats with Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via Regulating Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Ye Yong , Xia Guang , Chen Min , Jin Jifu , Lu Linxiang , Wang Xin
Published: February 2024

In this study, the impact of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-92a on rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was investigated, with a focus on its regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. A total of 36 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: a sham operation
group, a model group, and a miR-92a antagomir group. The sham group underwent thoracotomy without injury, while the model and miR-92a antagomir groups were subjected to myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury and treated with saline and miR-92a antagomir, respectively. Results showed that the
myocardial infarction area was significantly reduced in the miR-92a antagomir group compared to the model group. Histological analysis revealed improved myocardial tissue structure in the miR-92a antagomir group. Western blotting demonstrated elevated levels of p-GSK-3β and β-catenin
in both the model and miR-92a antagomir groups, with a notable decrease in the miR-92a antagomir group compared to the model group. Additionally, miR-92a expression was higher in both the model and miR-92a antagomir groups compared to the sham group. Lastly, apoptosis rates were increased
in both the model and miR-92a antagomir groups, but significantly reduced in the miR-92a antagomir group compared to the model group. Overall, these findings suggest that miR-92a exacerbates apoptosis in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by up-regulating the Wnt/β-catenin
signaling pathway.
NWS Regional and Local Climate Services: Past 20 Years, Present, and Future
Authors: Timofeyeva-Livezey M. , Meyers Jenna , Baxter Stephen , Hurwitz Margaret , Zdrojewski James , White Keith , Ross David , Mayes Boustead Barbara , Silva Viviane , Stachelski Christopher , Bruschi Audra , Murphy Victor , Bair Andrea , DeWitt David , Thoman Richard , Horsfall Fiona , Brettschneider Brian , Vickery Elizabeth , Wolf Ray , Ward Bill
Published: February 2024

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) has been providing national, regional, and local climate services for more than 20 years. The NWS climate services building blocks consist of service provision infrastructure, partnership and outreach, discovery of user needs and requirements, and service delivery at national, regional, local, and tribal levels. To improve services, the NWS climate services program accelerated user engagement through customer surveys, workshops, and collaborations. Since 2002, the annual Climate Prediction Applications Science Workshop has developed a community of climate information producers and users through sharing of climate science applications, decision support tools, and effective communication practices. Although NWS had been producing operational climate monitoring and prediction products for several decades, the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 (U.S. Public Law 115-25) specifically mandated that NWS deliver services at subseasonal to seasonal time scales, including periods from two weeks to two years. Looking ahead, both the Department of Commerce (DOC) and NOAA have included climate services in their new 2022–26 strategic plans, including DOC’s goal to address the climate crisis through mitigation, adaptation, and resilience efforts and NOAA’s initiatives to build a Climate Ready Nation (CRN). The NWS Climate Services Program supports these strategic goals and CRN initiatives through integrating climate information into Impact-based Decision Support Services, the most critical element for implementation of the NWS strategy for a Weather-Ready Nation. This includes application of state-of-the-art climate monitoring and prediction products to the most societally relevant impacts while empowering regional and local climate delivery of enhanced services.
Looking Back: An Account of How Ice Nucleation by Bacteria Was Discovered (1963 to about Mid-1980s). Part II: Broadening the Scope
Authors: Schnell Russell C. , Vali Gabor
Published: February 2024

In Part I, we described the discoveries we and our associates made in the 1960s and 1970s about biological ice nucleating particles (bio-INPs). The bio-INPs are far more effective than mineral INPs at temperatures above −10°C. The bio-INPs were found in decayed vegetation and in ocean water, and then, bacteria were identified as being the most active source for this remarkable activity. In this Part II, we recount how, within a few years, the worldwide distribution of bio-INP sources was shown to correlate with climate zones, as was the abundance of INPs in precipitation. Oceanic sources were further studied, and the presence of bio-INPs in fog diagnosed. The potential for release of bio-INPs from the ground to the atmosphere was demonstrated. Bacterial INPs were found to play a crucial role in a plant’s frost resistance. These and other early developments of biological INPs are described. A bibliography of related recent literature is presented in the online supplemental material (https://doi.org/10.1175/BAMS-D-23-0114.s1).
Driving Distraction Evaluation Model of In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems Based on Driving Performance and Visual Characteristics
Authors: Wang Binjue , Xue Qing , Yang Xiaonan , Wan Xuanzhu , Wang Yahui , Qian Cheng
Published: February 2024

With the rapid development of automotive electronic technology, increasingly car enterprises choose to carry touchscreen in-vehicle infotainment systems (IVISs) in smart cars. The integration of navigation, music, telephone, and other functions into touchscreen IVISs has greatly enriched the driving experience. However, the design of touchscreen IVISs, which lacks consideration of driver human–computer interaction leads to increased driving distraction. The current discussion is limited to evaluating the overall distractions of the secondary task, and there is a lack of research on classifying and summarizing the types of driving distractions. Therefore, this paper proposes a new method to evaluate the degree of driving distraction during the interaction with touchscreen IVISs based on driving performance and visual characteristics. A driving simulation environment was built to conduct psychological experiments on three types of driving distraction, namely visual, manual, and cognitive distraction, respectively, to obtain the impact of different types of driving distraction by using touchscreen IVISs. Combining the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation method with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to establish a driving distraction evaluation method, we quantify the driving distraction caused by the touch screen IVIS. The results of this study indicate that the proposed driving distraction evaluation model by using driving performance and visual characteristics can effectively evaluate the degree of driving distraction caused by the touchscreen IVIS and provide reference and specification for IVIS safety design from a human–computer interaction perspective.
Tire noise prediction based on transfer learning and multi-modal fusion
Authors: Liang Chen , Hao Menglong , Shen Yucheng , Li Haoweng , Fan Junwei
Published: February 2024

Vehicle traffic noise has become an important factor in urban noise pollution. With the increase in the number of new-energy vehicles, the current situation of tire/road noise as one of the main noise sources of automobiles is becoming increasingly prominent. Tire noise prediction is the basis for optimizing the design of low-noise tires, providing a reference basis for tire design with low-noise performance. This paper used deep learning methods to predict the noise performance of TBR radial tires. We obtained descriptive statistical features of tire structure and tread pattern images as input to the model, and used measured tire/road noise as output, then we constructed a multi-modal tire noise dataset. Comparing the prediction performance of three pre-trained transfer models such as Resnet18, VGG16, and Inception V3 on the tire pattern images, the Resnet18 had the best prediction effect. Resnet18 was selected as a feature extractor to extract image features, which fuse with the tire structural features at the feature level. The experiment constructed the TLMF-TRNP model to predict tire noise. The experimental results of the TLMF-TRNP model indicated that RMSE, MAE, and R2 were 0.1337, 0.0948, and 0.9864 respectively, achieving ideal prediction accuracy on a small-scale tire noise dataset and controlling the absolute error of the test tires within ±0.4 dB effectively. An accurate tire noise prediction model will provide a theoretical basis for tire design with low noise tires.
Adhesive capsaicin 8% patch for improved control of pain caused by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with multiple myeloma: A single-centre, seven-case series
Authors: Moreno-Alonso Deborah , Llorens-Torromé Sílvia , Corcoy de Febrer Blanca , Amandi García María , Serrano-Bermúdez Gala , Trelis-Navarro Jordi , Mayoral-Rojals Victor , Serrano-Afonso Ancor
Published: February 2024

Background

Capsaicin is a highly selective agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1. The adhesive capsaicin patch provides a high capsaicin concentration (8%) directly in the painful area – its efficacy in benign peripheral neuropathic pain (diabetic neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia) has recently been described in the literature. However, there is scant evidence of its efficacy in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This is a concern for patients with multiple myeloma, who suffer from peripheral neuropathic pain induced by first-line treatments (bortezomib or thalidomide).

Aim

To describe improved control of CIPN in patients with multiple myeloma using adhesive capsaicin 8% patch.

Methods

We opted for a retrospective observational case series. Between October 2017 and October 2020, we collected clinical data from adult multiple myeloma patients affected by CIPN who were administered the capsaicin 8% patch in our palliative care outpatient clinic. We compiled Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores, patients’ medication needs and performance status before and after patch application.

Results

Two women and five men with an average age of 62.85 years received bortezomib. Two patients (28.57% of the sample) also received thalidomide. The average NPRS score before patch application was 6.42/10. Five of the seven patients (71.42%) received a mean daily oral morphine dose of 52.85 mg/day, five (71.42%) received gabapentinoids and one (14.28%) received antidepressants. The average NPRS score decreased to 4/10 seven days after patch application, while the mean daily oral morphine dose remained stable. Performance status improved slightly in two patients (28.57%) and remained stable in the rest. One patient (14.28%) required an extra analgesic dose during patch application.

Conclusions

Capsaicin 8% patch application appears to reduce pain intensity in patients with multiple myeloma suffering from CIPN.
Qui Est Au Courant? A Comparison of Sociodemographic Predictors of Knowledge About White-Collar Crime in France and the US
Authors: Michel Cedric
Published: February 2024

The current study proposes a comparison of sociodemographic correlates of knowledge about white-collar crime in France and the US, and predicts cross-national differences in how white-collar crime information is both obtained and processed. A total of 1,068 participants (536 from the US and 532 from France) answered an online survey that measured their level of familiarity with various aspects of white-collar crime as well as their sociodemographic characteristics. In both countries, age, income, and politically liberal views were positively associated with knowledge about white-collar crime, as was education (in France only). In addition, subjects who used internet news sites as their main source of information were generally better informed than those who relied on other media. On the other hand, conservatives (in the US only), men, younger participants, and social media users were more likely to adhere to white-collar crime myths. These findings imply that knowledge about white-collar crime may be increased by disseminating relevant information to targeted audiences. They also suggest, however, that some segments of the population may not be subject to reasoned persuasion.
Rapid, visual, label-based biosensor platform for identification of hepatitis C virus in clinical applications
Authors: Shi Yuanfang , Zhou Qingxue , Dong Shilei , Zhao Qi , Wu Xue , Yang Peng , Zeng Xiaoyan , Yang Xinggui , Tan Yan , Luo Xinhua , Xiao Zhenghua , Chen Xu
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In the current study, for the first time, we reported a novel HCV molecular diagnostic approach termed reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification integrated with a gold nanoparticles-based lateral flow biosensor (RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFB), which we developed for rapid, sensitive, specific, simple, and visual identification of HCV.

Methods

A set of LAMP primer was designed according to 5’untranslated region (5’UTR) gene from the major HCV genotypes 1b, 2a, 3b, 6a, and 3a, which are prevalent in China. The HCV-RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFB assay conditions, including HCV-RT-LAMP reaction temperature and time were optimized. The sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity of our assay were evaluated in the current study. The feasibility of HCV-RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFB was confirmed through clinical serum samples from patients with suspected HCV infections.

Results

An unique set of HCV-RT-LAMP primers were successfully designed targeting on the 5’UTR gene. The optimal detection process, including crude nucleic acid extraction (approximately 5 min), RT-LAMP reaction (67℃, 30 min), and visual interpretation of AuNPs-LFB results (~ 2 min), could be performed within 40 min without specific instruments. The limit of detection was determined to be 20 copies per test. The HCV-RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFB assay exhibited high specificity and anti-interference.

Conclusions

These preliminary results confirmed that the HCV-RT-LAMP-AuNPs-LFB assay is a sensitive, specific, rapid, visual, and cost-saving assay for identification of HCV. This diagnostic approach has great potential value for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic of HCV, especially in resource-challenged regions.
Outbreak investigation of Serratia marcescens bloodstream infection in an obstetric ward for high-risk pregnant women
Authors: Kim Seulki , Jung Sunah , Lee Dong Hyung , Chang Chulhun L. , Bae Moonsuk , Kim A Reum , Lee Su Jin , Lim Seungjin
Published: February 2024

Background

Serratia marcescens is a gram-negative bacterium that is widespread in the environment. S. marcescens bacteremia can be fatal during pregnancy and cause persistent chorioamnionitis. This study reports an outbreak of Serratia marcescens bloodstream infection (BSI) among high-risk pregnant women in an obstetric ward. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with the usefulness of the ATP test in hospital environmental management and to confirm that bloodstream infections of patients with the same strain were correlated by WGS testing.

Methods

This retrospective study collected the data of inpatients with S. marcescens bacteremia in obstetric ward for high-risk pregnant women from August 22, 2021, to October 14, 2021. We performed: an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence test in the environment with a high-contact area; environmental culture; on-site monitoring and staff education; and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to evaluate genetic relationships among S. marcescens isolates.

Results

S. marcescens BSI occurred in four consecutive patients. None of the patients had central venous catheters. An ATP bioluminescence test revealed that high-contact areas and areas for injection preparation were not clean (≥ 1000 relative light units). However, S. marcescens was not identified in the environmental cultures, likely due to intensive environmental cleaning and discarding of potentially contaminated specimens before the culture test. On-site monitoring and education were conducted for 1 month. There were no further reports of BSI until 6 months after the last patient was discharged. WGS performed on three isolates from three patients indicated that the isolated S. marcescens was likely from the same strain.

Conclusions

We controlled an S. marcescens outbreak by improving environmental cleaning as well as education of and behavior changes in healthcare workers. Using the ATP bioluminescence test can provide feedback on environmental cleaning and education. WGS played a role in determining the spread of BSI caused by the same strain.
Lessons from Peru to reduce under-5 mortality: understanding program implementation and context
Authors: García Patricia J. , Williams Anna Larson , Carcamo Marco H. , VanderZanden Amelia , Binagwaho Agnes
Published: February 2024

Background

Health policymakers aiming to reduce under-5 mortality (U5M) often lack data regarding how successful interventions in other countries were implemented. The Exemplars in U5M Study identified countries that achieved significant reductions in amenable U5M. This case study in Peru used implementation research to explore the contextual factors and strategies that contributed to the successful implementation of key evidence-based interventions (EBIs).

Methods

This research utilized a hybrid implementation research framework and a mixed-methods approach to understand the factors associated with EBI implementation and the successful reduction of U5M between 2000–2015. A desk review of existing literature on EBIs and U5M in Peru was completed, and in-depth interviews were performed with key Peruvian informants to understand the implementation strategies employed and the contextual factors that facilitated or were barriers to success. For the purposes of this analysis, three EBIs were selected and evaluated: antenatal care visits (ANC), facility-based deliveries, and infant vaccination.

Results

Between 2000–2015, the percent of mothers attending at least four antenatal care visits rose from 69% to 96.9%, and the percent of facility-based deliveries increased from 56 to 91%. Three doses of the tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine, widely acknowledged as a key global health indicator, reached 90% by 2015. Key informants noted that economic growth, financial reforms, strong national commitment to reduce poverty in Peru, and national prioritization of maternal and child health, were important contextual factors that contributed to the successful reduction of U5M. They noted key strategies that helped achieve success during the implementation of EBIs, including utilization of data for decision-making, adaptation driven by cultural sensitivity to address gaps in coverage, and a focus on equity and anti-poverty initiatives with the participation of government, civil society, and political parties to assure continuity of policies.

Conclusion

Several EBIs contributed to the successful reduction of U5M in Peru between 2000–2015. Strategies such as the focus on equity throughout the study period contributed to an increase in coverage of EBIs like ANC visits, facility-based deliveries and infant vaccination which worked to reduce U5M. Understanding how Peru successfully implemented programs that reduced preventable infant and child deaths could be useful to replicating this substantial public health success in other low- and middle-income countries.
Effects of weather and air pollution on outpatient visits for insect-and-mite-caused dermatitis: an empirical and predictive analysis
Authors: Xiong Minghua , Li Xiaoping , Zhang Chao , Shen Shuqun
Published: February 2024

Background

Dermatitis caused by insects and mites, diagnosed as papular urticaria or scabies, is a common skin disease. However, there is still a lack of studies about the effects of weather and air pollution on outpatient visits for this disease. This study aims to explore the impacts of meteorological and environmental factors on daily visits of dermatitis outpatients.

Methods

Analyses are conducted on a total of 43,101 outpatient visiting records during the years 2015–2020 from the largest dermatology specialist hospital in Guangzhou, China. Hierarchical cluster models based on Pearson correlation between risk factors are utilized to select regression variables. Linear regression models are fitted to identify the statistically significant associations between the risk factors and daily visits, taking into account the short-term effects of temperatures. Permutation importance is adopted to evaluate the predictive ability of these factors.

Results

Short-term temperatures have positive associations with daily visits and exhibit strong predictive abilities. In terms of total outpatients, the one-day lagged temperature not only has a significant impact on daily visits, but also has the highest median value of permutation importance. This conclusion is robust across most subgroups except for subgroups of summer and scabies, wherein the three-day lagged temperature has a negative effect. By contrast, air pollution has insignificant associations with daily visits and exhibits weak predictive abilities. Moreover, weekdays, holidays and trends have significant impacts on daily visits, but with weak predictive abilities.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that short-term temperatures have positive associations with daily visits and exhibit strong predictive abilities. Nevertheless, air pollution has insignificant associations with daily visits and exhibits weak predictive abilities. The results of this study provide a reference for local authorities to formulate intervention measures and establish an environment-based disease early warning system.
Temporal gene expression profiling during early-stage traumatic temporomandibular joint bony ankylosis in a sheep model
Authors: Zhang Tong-Mei , Yang Kun , Jiao Mai-Ning , Zhao Yan , Xu Zhao-Yuan , Zhang Guan-Meng , Wang Hua-Lun , Liang Su-Xia , Yan Ying-Bin
Published: February 2024

Background

Investigating the molecular biology underpinning the early-stage of traumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is crucial for discovering new ways to prevent the disease. This study aimed to explore the dynamic changes of transcriptome from the intra-articular hematoma or the newly generated ankylosed callus during the onset and early progression of TMJ ankylosis.

Methods

Based on a well-established sheep model of TMJ bony ankylosis, the genome-wide microarray data were obtained from samples at postoperative Days 1, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 28, with intra-articular hematoma at Day 1 serving as controls. Fold changes in gene expression values were measured, and genes were identified via clustering based on time series analysis and further categorised into three major temporal classes: increased, variable and decreased expression groups. The genes in these three temporal groups were further analysed to reveal pathways and establish their biological significance.

Results

Osteoblastic and angiogenetic genes were found to be significantly expressed in the increased expression group. Genes linked to inflammation and osteoclasts were found in the decreased expression group. The various biological processes and pathways related to each temporal expression group were identified, and the increased expression group comprised genes exclusively involved in the following pathways: Hippo signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway and Rap 1 signaling pathway. The decreased expression group comprised genes exclusively involved in immune-related pathways and osteoclast differentiation. The variable expression group consisted of genes associated with DNA replication, DNA repair and DNA recombination. Significant biological pathways and transcription factors expressed at each time point postoperatively were also identified.

Conclusions

These data, for the first time, presented the temporal gene expression profiling and reveal the important process of molecular biology in the early-stage of traumatic TMJ bony ankylosis. The findings might contributed to identifying potential targets for the treatment of TMJ ankylosis.
Exploring the phytoconstituents, antimicrobial potency, and cytotoxic effects of essential oil from Origanum punonense from Palestine
Authors: Issa Kamal , Bakhatan Amjad , Khaled Majde Abu , Jaradat Nidal , Hawash Mohammed , Al-Maharik Nawaf , Ghanim Mustafa , Qadi Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Background

Origanum punonense Danin is one of the old traditional medicinal plants Bedouins utilize in the Dead Sea region to treat a variety of illnesses, those caused by infections. The current study aimed to identify the phytochemical components of O. punonense essential oil (EO) and determine its antiproliferative and antimicrobial effects.

Methods

Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were employed to detect the phytochemical constituents of O. punonense EO. Broth microdilution assay was utilized to determine the antimicrobial effects against various microbial species, including those causing diabetic foot infections.

Results

This study revealed that O. punonense EO contains 44 phytochemical compounds, of which 41 compounds were detectable and amounted to 99.78% of the total oil. The main chemical components of the oil were carvacrol (57.4%), p-cymene (6.66%), carvone (5.35%), pinene (4.9%), and terpinene (2.96%). The antiproliferative activity of different concentrations of O. punonense EO was noted in all of the investigated cell lines, with the best activity at the concentration of 500 µg/mL. The greatest antibacterial activity was against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus vulgaris, with MIC values of 1.56 µL/mL. In addition, and the O. punonense EO showed strong antifungal activity against Candida albicans with a MIC value of 0.8 µL/mL. In addition, the O. punonense EO showed potent antibacterial activity against all MRSA samples obtained from the diabetic foot with a MIC value of 3.13 µL/mL. The O. punonense EO demonstrated potent activity against Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, Citrobacter freundii, and K. pneumoniae, with MICs value of 6.25 µL/mL.

Conclusion

The potent antiproliferative and broad antimicrobial activity of O. punonense EO makes it an effective strategy for treating infections, especially in immunocompromised patients with chronic comorbidities such as cancer and diabetes mellitus.
The influence of Nrf2 gene promoter methylation on gene expression and oxidative stress parameters in preeclampsia
Authors: Zakeri Saba , Rahimi Zohreh , Rezvani Nayebali , Vaisi-Raygani Asad , Alibakhshi Reza , Zakeri Sahel , Yari Kheirolah
Published: February 2024

Background and aims

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious medical condition that usually causes high blood pressure and affects multiple organs. Considering the adverse effect of oxidative stress on the process of PE in pregnant women and regarding the role of the Nrf2 gene in placental oxidative pathways, this study was conducted to investigate the DNA methylation status of Nrf2 in PE and healthy pregnant women.

Materials and methods

The present case-control study consisted of 70 PE and 70 healthy pregnant women. Blood and placenta samples were taken from all subjects, and the percentage of the Nrf2 gene methylation in the samples was assessed by the Methyl Light PCR method. Also, the Nrf2 gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) were measured by the colorimetric method.

Results

In PE women, there was a significant increase in blood pressure, term of pregnancy, and BMI. In addition, there were enhanced Nrf2 DNA methylation percentage in placenta tissue and increased TOS levels in placenta tissue and blood compared to healthy pregnant women (P < 0.05). Also, in the PE group, there was a significant decrease in Nrf2 gene expression and TAC level in placenta tissue compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Nrf2 gene undergoes epigenetic modifications of DNA hypermethylation in the PE placenta. Decreased expression of this gene and the changes in the level of oxidative parameters (TAC, TOS) confirm it.
Engineering styrene biosynthesis: designing a functional trans-cinnamic acid decarboxylase in Pseudomonas
Authors: García-Franco Ana , Godoy Patricia , Duque Estrella , Ramos Juan L.
Published: February 2024

We are interested in converting second generation feedstocks into styrene, a valuable chemical compound, using the solvent-tolerant Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E as a chassis. Styrene biosynthesis takes place from L-phenylalanine in two steps: firstly, L-phenylalanine is converted into trans-cinnamic acid (tCA) by PAL enzymes and secondly, a decarboxylase yields styrene. This study focuses on designing and synthesizing a functional trans-cinnamic acid decarboxylase in Pseudomonas putida. To achieve this, we utilized the “wholesale” method, involving deriving two consensus sequences from multi-alignments of homologous yeast ferulate decarboxylase FDC1 sequences with > 60% and > 50% identity, respectively. These consensus sequences were used to design Pseudomonas codon-optimized genes named psc1 and psd1 and assays were conducted to test the activity in P. putida. Our results show that the PSC1 enzyme effectively decarboxylates tCA into styrene, whilst the PSD1 enzyme does not. The optimal conditions for the PSC1 enzyme, including pH and temperature were determined. The L-phenylalanine DOT-T1E derivative Pseudomonas putida CM12-5 that overproduces L-phenylalanine was used as the host for expression of pal/psc1 genes to efficiently convert L-phenylalanine into tCA, and the aromatic carboxylic acid into styrene. The highest styrene production was achieved when the pal and psc1 genes were co-expressed as an operon in P. putida CM12-5. This construction yielded styrene production exceeding 220 mg L−1. This study serves as a successful demonstration of our strategy to tailor functional enzymes for novel host organisms, thereby broadening their metabolic capabilities. This breakthrough opens the doors to the synthesis of aromatic hydrocarbons using Pseudomonas putida as a versatile biofactory.
Dormancy of cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Singvogel Kathrin , Schittek Birgit
Published: February 2024

Many cancer-related deaths including melanoma result from metastases that develop months or years after the initial cancer therapy. Even the most effective drugs and immune therapies rarely eradicate all tumor cells. Instead, they strongly reduce cancer burden, permitting dormant cancer cells to persist in niches, where they establish a cellular homeostasis with their host without causing clinical symptoms. Dormant cancers respond poorly to most drugs and therapies since they do not proliferate and hide in niches. It therefore remains a major challenge to develop novel therapies for dormant cancers. In this review we focus on the mechanisms regulating the initiation of cutaneous melanoma dormancy as well as those which are involved in reawakening of dormant cutaneous melanoma cells. In recent years the role of neutrophils and niche components in reawakening of melanoma cells came into focus and indicate possible future therapeutic applications. Sophisticated in vitro and in vivo melanoma dormancy models are needed to make progress in this field and are discussed.