bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of birth companions as they provide support to labouring women at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Southern Malawi
Authors: Linyama Yamikani , Pajogo Masuzgo , Kamanga Martha , Kafulafula Ursula K.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Malawi embraced the birth companionship concept in the early 2000s. Selected government hospitals, including Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, have been implementing birth companionship. Since its introduction, little has been known about the feelings, views, perceptions, and experiences of the birth companions. This study explored the experiences of birth companions at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
Methods: This was an exploratory qualitative study that used a sample size of eleven participants who were purposefully selected. In-depth interviews were conducted among purposively selected birth companions that had been with the labouring woman throughout the time of labour up to the time of giving birth. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.
Results: Most birth companions were aged 50 and above, and most of them attended primary education (63.6%), respectively. Birth companions perceived their roles as assisting midwives as well as providing emotional support to women in labour. Birth companions highlighted several negative experiences, including being shouted at by midwives, ignored, and chased away from labour ward. Besides this, the majority of birth companions expected women in labour to abide by their cultural beliefs.
Conclusion: Policymakers in Malawi should introduce policies and guidelines for birth companionship that clearly stipulate the roles of birth companions.
Multiple Low-level Viremia Suggest Hindered Liver Fibrosis Regression in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients during Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Lu Zhengzhao , Sun Yameng , Chen Shuyan , Meng Tongtong , Wang Bingqiong , Zhou Jialing , Wu Xiaoning , Zhao Xinyan , Ou Xiaojuan , Kong Yuanyuan , Jia Jidong , Zhao Xinyu , You Hong
Published: January 2024

Background:Low-level viremia (LLV) occurs in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients despite antiviral treatment, which may cause failed histological regression. Our study aims to investigate the impact of different LLV types on fibrosis regression.
Methods: The prospective study enrolled CHB patients with paired liver biopsies before and after 260 weeks of entecavir treatment. Fibrosis regression was defined by the Ishak score or P-I-R system. Patients were grouped as the SVR (HBV DNA <20 IU/ml persistently) or LLV (HBV DNA between 20 to 2000 IU/mL), which were further grouped as very low-level viremia (VLLV, HBV DNA <50 IU/ml), occasionally LLV (OLLV, HBV DNA ≥50 IU/ml only once), and multiple LLV (MLLV, HBV DNA ≥50 IU/ml more than once). Logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results: The analysis included 111 CHB patients. In the SVR group (N=54), 39 (72.2%) patients had fibrosis regression, which was higher than the LLV (56.1%, p=0.080). The fibrosis regression rates for VLLV (30 patients), OLLV (17 patients), and MLLV (10 patients) were 70.0%, 52.9%, and 30.0%, respectively. Compared with SVR, VLLV (aOR=0.78; 95% CI: 0.28-2.21; p=0.644) was not associated with fibrosis regression, but patients with non-VLLV (aOR=0.27; 95% CI:
0.09-0.85; p=0.025), especially with MLLV (aOR=0.19; 95% CI: 0.04-0.97; p=0.046) is significantly associated with hindered fibrosis regression.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that patients with detectable serum HBV DNA levels higher than 50 IU/mL need to be monitored carefully, especially in those with more than once.
Multi-objective energy optimization of a trade center based on genetic algorithm using environmentally-friendly materials
Authors: Kabiri Elham , Maftouni Negin
Published: January 2024

It is very important to optimize energy consumption in buildings. The first step of the present study involved an EnergyPlus simulation of a trade center building in Tehran, Bandar Abbas and Tabriz, Iran, and selection of the city benefiting the most from the radiant ceiling cooling system. The objective functions and design parameters were then determined in EnergyPlus and a multi-objective optimization was performed based on non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) in jEPlus + EA to establish the building in the selected city. Effective parameters in building optimization included building orientation as the only continuous variable and discrete variables such as insulation, facade, window and shading. Efforts were also made to select environmentally-friendly materials. The objective functions to be minimized comprised the total annual energy consumption of the building and the discomfort hours of the occupants. NSGA-II was used based on the proposed parameters to minimize the energy consumption considering cost and comfort constraints, and Pareto charts were employed to select the final solution. Cooling loads and energy consumption were then recalculated. The final solution was found to decrease the energy consumption by 52%, the cooling load by 37.3% and the hours of discomfort by 17.4%, compared to those of the initial design.
Grain size characteristics of different types of surface sediments around Qixing Lake in Kubuqi Desert
Authors: XI Cheng , ZUO Hejun , YAN Min , YAN Yu
Published: January 2024

Sediment grain size characterization is one of the main components of wind-sand geomorphology research. The distribution and form of grain size parameters of different types of sediments were calculated using six surface types of sediments around Qixing Lake in the Kubuqi Desert: Mobile dune(MD), Semi-fixed dune(SFD), Fixed dune(FD), Lakeshore terrace(LST), Wetland(WL) and Grassy flat wetland(GFW). The results showed that the surface sediments around Qixing Lake in Kubuqi Desert were mainly composed of medium sand and fine sand, and all of them were negatively skewed. The plant measures altered sediment transport and deposition patterns, and the trend of changes in medium sands was influenced by vegetation measures to the greatest extent, followed by pink sands. The state of movement of suspended material is the main factor leading to the negative bias of sediments, and the percentage of contribution of suspended components in lakeshore terraces, wetlands, and Grassy flat wetlands (total average 21.07%) is more than twice as much as that of mobile dunes, semifixed dunes, and fixed dunes (total average 9.47%), which suggests that mobile dunes, semifixed dunes, and fixed dunes are not the main contributing surface type of suspended material in the Qixing Lake area of the Kubuqi Desert.
Embryonic piRNAs target horizontally transferred vertebrate transposons in assassin bugs
Authors: Pane Attilio , de Brito Tarcisio , Cardoso Maira , Atinbayeva Nazerke , Brito Ingrid , Costa Lucas da , Iovino Nicola
Published: January 2024

Piwi proteins and the associated Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) coordinate a surveillance system that protects the animal genome from DNA damage induced by transposable element (TE) mobilization. Here, we investigated the adaptation of the piRNA pathway to horizontally transferred transposons (HTTs) in the assassin bug Rhodnius prolixus, a primary vector of Chagas disease. Rhodnius acquired specific classes of HTTs by feeding on bats, opossums and squirrel monkeys. By analyzing the temporal dynamics of piRNA cluster expression and piRNA production during critical stages of Rhodnius development, we show that peak levels of ~28 nt long piRNAs correlate with reduced HTT and resident TE expression primarily during embryogenesis. Strikingly, while resident TEs piRNAs seem to engage in a typical ping-pong amplification mechanism, sense and antisense HTT piRNAs instead overlap by ~20 nt or do not display ping-pong signatures. These features are explained at least in part by the low number of HTT copies inserted into the piRNA clusters and might point to a non-canonical mechanism of biogenesis. Our data reveal that the piRNA, but not the siRNA pathway, responded to HTTs that were recently transferred from vertebrate tetrapods to a hematophagous insect of medical relevance.
Incidence and management of BPH surgery-related urethral stricture: results from a large U.S. database
Authors: Autorino Riccardo , Licari Leslie Claire , Bologna Eugenio , Manfredi Celeste , Franco Antonio , Ditonno Francesco , DE NUNZIO COSIMO , Antonelli Alessandro , Simone Giuseppe , De Sio Marco , Cindolo Luca , Olweny Ephrem , Cherullo Edward E. , Leonardo Costantino
Published: January 2024

Introduction and objectives: Urethral stricture (US) is a well-known complication after surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), whose treatment options range from conservative or endoscopic approaches to more invasive ones. This study aimed to evaluate the contemporary incidence of US after different types of BPH surgery, to identify associated risk factors and to assess its management.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using the PearlDiver™ Mariner database, containing de-identified patient records compiled between 2011 and 2022. Specific International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were employed to identify population characteristics and outcomes. All the most employed surgical procedures for BPH treatment were considered. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate factors associated with diagnosis of post-operative US.Results Among 274,808 patients who underwent BPH surgery, 10,918 developed post-operative US (3.97%). Higher incidence of US was observed following TURP (4.48%), Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) (3.67%), Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP) (3.92%), HoLEP/ThuLEP (3.85%), and open Simple Prostatectomy (SP) (3.21%). Lower incidence rates were observed after Robot-assisted SP (1.76%), Aquablation (1.59%), Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) (1.07%), Rezum (1.05%), and Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) (0.65%). Multivariable analysis showed that patients undergoing PUL, Rezum, Aquablation, PAE and PVP were associated with a reduced likelihood of developing US compared to TURP. US required surgical treatment in 18.95% of patients, with direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) and urethroplasty performed in 14.55% and 4.50% of cases, respectively. Urethral dilatation (UD) was the primary management in most cases (76.7%).Conclusions The present analysis from a contemporary large dataset suggests that the incidence of US after BPH surgery is relatively low (< 5%) and varies among procedures. Around 94% of US cases following BPH surgery are managed using minimally invasive treatment approaches such as UD and DVIU.
Early Prediction of the Failure Probability Distribution for Energy Storage Technologies Driven by Domain-Knowledge-Informed Machine Learning
Authors: Alghalayini Maher , Harris Stephen J. , Noack Marcus
Published: January 2024

There is a growing focus on sustainable energy sources and storage systems. The challenge with such emerging systems is their need to be warrantied for around 15 years with just a year of early testing. This requires accurate data extrapolation and estimation of the failure distribution. Physics-based approaches can be overwhelmed by the complexity of degradation, and pure data-driven approaches are inherently unable to extrapolate beyond the testing data. Here, we propose a framework for a hybrid approach for technology-agnostic customization of a Gaussian process for stochastic and domain-knowledge-informed failure distribution prediction. We equip the Gaussian process with customized non-stationary kernels, heteroscedastic noise models, and prior-mean functions to enable it to accurately extrapolate with high accuracy. Furthermore, we minimize testing time with a novel experiment-stopping criterion, which can significantly reduce the required data. Our framework could revolutionize energy-storage testing, enabling the rapid development of new technologies.
Antibody Response against an Inactive SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine among Healthcare Workers Occupied In Different Divisions
Authors: Gürlek Feridun , Taşdemir Eyyüp , Coşkun Fatih , Karaca Ayşe Ulusoy , Erkinüresin Taşkın , Özdemir Öner
Published: January 2024

Background / Objective
In this study, we aim to investigate the link between the antibody responses to the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine of healthcare workers (HCWs) and the divisions that they work.
Materials and Methods
90.8% (n = 177) of HCWs having 2 doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, but who had not had COVID-19 disease before and whose Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test positivity were not detected, were included in our study. 9.2% of HCWs (n = 18) who had never had an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, who had no infection, and who had negative PCR tests were evaluated as the control group.
Results
The study included 177 people who received 2 doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and unvaccinated 18 people, a total of 195 HCWs. When the SARS-CoV-2 antibody test results of the participants were examined; it is found that antibody level is negative in 6.2%, is positive in 24.1% with a low antibody response, and 69.7% is positive with a high antibody response. The antibody levels of HCWs who were vaccinated did not give a statistically significant difference.
Conclusion
The seroconversion rate was 99% in the vaccinated HCWs. There is no statistically difference in the antibody results according to the occupations of the HCWs.
QSU-Net: QCNN with Self-attention based U-Net for Single Image Dehazing
Authors: BANALA REVANTH , Kumar Manoj , Dwivedi Sanjay kumar
Published: January 2024

Single-image dehazing refers to the procedure of eliminating haze elements from a provided image that contains haze. Dehazing is a complex and ill-posed problem in the field of computer vision. This article introduces a new QSU-Net, which is a hybrid layered U-Net with attention-based skip connections. The purpose of this network is to remove haze from single images. The QSU-Net's hybrid layer, also known as the network layer, comprises a sequence of Quaternion Convolutional Neural Networks (QCNNs) and attention blocks. A QCNN block of three layers. The first layer is the QCNN layer, followed by the Rectified Linear Unit (ReLU) layer, and lastly another QCNN layer. The attention block consists of a self-attention block, which includes convolutional neural network (CNN) layers at the lower part and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) layers at the upper part to handle attention. The U-Net model is trained using three widely recognized datasets: I-HAZE, O-HAZE, and Dense-HAZE. The training process involves utilizing a L1 loss function for a total of 500 epochs. The efficacy of the proposed U-Net is subsequently assessed by contrasting its outcomes with alternative techniques for image dehazing. The evaluation metrics used include peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), natural image quality evaluator (NIQE), realness index (RI), and visibility index (VI). Our solution consistently surpassed other dehazing methods in terms of performance.
Assessment of a Randomized Controlled Trial on the Safety of Pre-placing Bronchial Balloons in Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy for Diagnosing Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Bian Yiding , Zhou Guowu , Deng Mingming , Tong Run , Xia Yang , Lin Jieru , Hou Gang , Dai Huaping
Published: January 2024

Rationale and objectives: Bleeding is a major complication of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC), and pre-placing a bronchial balloon is one of the clinical practices used to prevent it, but with very weak evidence, which should be confirmed. This study aimed to conduct whether pre-placing a bronchial balloon in TBLC for diagnosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) is more safety.
Materials and methods: In this prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial, patients with suspected ILD were enrolled and randomly assigned to pre-placed-balloon and none-pre-placed-balloon groups. The primary outcome was incidence of moderate bleeding in each group. The secondary endpoints were the incidence of severe bleeding, pneumothorax and other procedural complications.
Results: Exactly 250 patients were enrolled between August 2019 and March 2022, with 125 in each group. There were no significant differences in severe bleeding between the none-pre-placed-balloon group and pre-placed-balloon group (1.6% vs. 0.8%; adjusted p=0.520), while more moderate bleeding occurred in the none-pre-placed-balloon group (26.4% vs. 6.4%, adjusted p=0.001), as well as more use of hemostatic drug (28.0% vs. 6.4%, adjusted p=0.001). Three patients in the none-pre-placed-balloon group used the bronchial balloon. More samples could be acquired in the pre-placed-balloon group than in the none-pre-placed balloon group (3.8±0.9 vs 3.1±0.9, p＜0.001). There were no significant differences in multidisciplinary discussion (MDD)between the two groups (89.6% vs 91.2%, adjusted p=0.182).
Conclusion: A pre-placed bronchial balloon can reduce the incidence of moderate bleeding and increase the confidence of the bronchoscopists. However, it had no effect on increasing the diagnostic rate of MDD and reducing severe bleeding.
Registration number:NCT04047667 (www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier)
Association Between Surgical Delays for Femoral Neck Fractures and Early Postoperative Complications in Young and Middle-aged Adults: A Study Based on The National Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: Hua Zhixun , Yang Qinfeng , Chen Xianyi , Chen Yang , Wang Jian , Chen Yuhang
Published: January 2024

Background
Femoral neck fractures (FNF) in young and middle-aged adults are primarily caused by high-energy injuries in traffic accidents. Surgical delays often occur due to transportation issues, preoperative evaluations, and economic burdens.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on young and middle-aged FNF patients undergoing reduction and internal fixation surgeries from 2010 to 2019 with the use of the National Inpatient Sample database. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between surgical delays and complications, and the independent risk factors contributing to delays. Categorical variables were investigated via a chi-square test, while continuous variables including Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) scores, length of hospital stay (LOS), and total medical costs were analyzed via t-test or rank-sum test.
Results
9,204 patients undergoing reduction and internal fixation surgeries were included. In the delayed group, patients had higher ECI scores, longer hospital stays, higher expenses, and increased inpatient mortality (1.61% vs. 0.28%, P < 0.0001). Longer surgical delays were associated with higher risks of complications, including femoral head osteonecrosis, internal fixation loosening and breakage, and respiratory complications. Fluid and electrolyte disorders, metastatic cancer, pulmonary circulation disorders, and weight loss were identified as independent risk factors for surgical delays. Except for anemia (OR = 2.37, P < 0.0001), no significant differences in early postoperative complications were found between open-reduction and closed-reduction internal fixation (ORIF/CRIF) surgeries.
Conclusion
Early surgical intervention, within a 2-days period after injury, seems to be crucial for young adults with FNF. If CRIF is challenging in some cases, ORIF can be another choice.
Level of evidence: Ⅲ
Dry spells and probability of rainfall occurrence over Tanzania, East Africa
Authors: MAGANG DAWIDO , Ojara Moses , Lou Yusheng
Published: January 2024

Agriculture is the pillar of Tanzania’s economy, employing a large portion (65%) of the population, however, agriculture is affected by probability of rainfall distribution and dry spells occurrence. In this study, the Markov chain approach employed to analyze the probability of rainfall and dry spells occurrence by using daily datasets of varying length from 1981 to 2019. The length of the maximum dry spells was obtained by using the Instat statistics package (v3.36) based on the longest period of consecutive days with less than 1.0mm (R < 1.0mm) and the length of a dry spells is the sum of the number of dry days in a sequence. The Mann-Kendall’s (MK) test employed for analyzing time series data and detecting trends of maximum dry spells and Sen’s slope to estimate the rate of change (Q2) in days per month. MK test results show insignificant decrease in the length of the maximum dry spells in March at 7 stations out of 9. For the month of April and May, the length of a maximum dry spells is observed to be increasing over most stations although not statistically significant at the 5% significance level. The probability of 8-days of dry spells is high across all stations (42.2%-82.0%) in October, November, and December. Climate change is a significant factor contributing to the occurrence of dry spells in Tanzania. Understanding these causes is essential for the development of adaptation and mitigation measures, that could be water conservation and management, climate-resilient agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and policy support.
Implementing a Metabolism-Informed Approach for Smoking Cessation in an Alaska Tribal Health System: Study Protocol for a Single-Arm Implementation Pilot Trial
Authors: Jansen Kelley , Tranby Brianna , Shane Aliassa , Takeno Todd , Chadwick Kelly , Sinicrope Pamela , Shaw Jennifer , Tyndale Rachel , Harris Jeffrey , Patten Christi , Avey Jaedon
Published: January 2024

Background
Individualized treatment for commercial tobacco smoking cessation, such as through the utilization of the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), offers substantial clinical benefit. NMR is a metabolism-informed biomarker that can be used to guide medication selection. NMR testing is particularly promising for tobacco cessation efforts in populations with high rates of smoking, such as some Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) communities. To date, no prior study has evaluated the implementation of NMR-guided tobacco cessation with AN/AI populations.
Methods
The present “QUIT” protocol is a two-phase study that will occur at Southcentral Foundation (SCF), an Alaska Native-owned health system, serving 70,000 AN/AI people, based in Anchorage, Alaska. In Phase one, qualitative interviews with customer-owners (patients), providers and administrators (n = 36) and a 10-participant beta-test will be used to refine a strategy to implement NMR testing in the health system. Phase two will involve a single-arm pilot trial (n = 50) and qualitative interviews throughout data collection (n = 48) to evaluate the implementation strategy and explore the real-world acceptability and feasibility of NMR testing to guide tobacco cessation with AN/AI populations.
Discussion
This study utilizes a community-based participatory approach to refine and implement a nicotine metabolism-informed smoking cessation program in a Tribal healthcare setting. The process and findings from this study will reflect the importance of customer-owner choice and honor the lived experience involved in quitting commercial tobacco. Pilot study data will inform the effect and sample sizes required for a future pragmatic trial of NMR-guided smoking cessation.
Follicular atresia in buffalo: Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) the underlying mechanisms
Authors: Chunyan Yang , Haiying Zheng , Amin Ahmed , Faheem Marwa S. , Anqin Duan , Lingyu Li , Peng Xiao , Mengqi Li , Jianghua Shang
Published: January 2024

Background:
Atresia, a prevailing phenomenon within the majority of ovarian follicles, is a process regulated by hormone-induced apoptosis and influenced by changes in both endocrine and paracrine factors. Amongthese alterations, granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis is a key mechanism orchestrated through diverse signaling pathways. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) signaling within ovarian GCs has been demonstrated to play a key role in the regulation of follicular atresia in cattle, pigs and sheep. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential local regulatory role of CART in the process of GCapoptosis-induced follicular atresia in buffalo, focusing on the modulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathways, the intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell viability. To address our objective, we firstinvestigated the association between CART gene (CARTPT) expression levels and follicular atresia by conducting gene expression analyses for CARTPT and related genes in both healthy and atretic follicles. Next, we investigated the influence of CART supplementation, with or without FSH, on GCestradiol production and apoptosis, exploring its potential regulatory role in the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathways.
Results:
Our findings revealed increased expression of the CARTPT and BAX genes in atretic follicles, accompanied by decreased levels of AKT, β-catenin, and CYP19A1, compared to those in healthy follicles. Subsequently, CART treatment in the presence of FSH potently inhibited the FSH-induced rise in GC viability by reducing estradiol production and increasing apoptosis. This change was accompanied by an increase in the gene expression levels of both CARTPT and BAX, while the expression levels of AKT and CYP19A1 weresignificantly decreased. Moreover, at the protein level, treatment with CART in the presence of FSH negatively affects the activity of AKT, β-catenin and LEF1, while the activity of GSK3β was enhanced.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our study illuminates how CART negatively influences buffalo GC viability by affecting estradiol production and promoting apoptosis—a key factor in follicular atresia. This regulatory mechanism involves modulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway, providing valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms governing ovarian follicle development and granulosa cell function. These findings have implications for reproductive biology not only for buffalo but also for different species.
An Observational Study to Measure the Depth of Hypnosis Using Entropy in Indian Paediatric Population Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Miniyar Sneha Bipin , Baliarsing Lipika Amresh
Published: January 2024

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the depth of hypnosis in the Indian pediatric population undergoing uropelvic and abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia using entropy monitoring.The methodology involves pre-operative evaluation, pre-medication, induction with intravenous agents, and the use of inhalation anesthesiaThe conclusion suggests that entropy-guided titration of anesthetic agents in pediatric patients is crucial for achieving smooth induction, maintaining perioperative hemodynamic stability, enabling early extubation, and facilitating faster recovery. However, you also acknowledge the need for larger, multi-centric studies to generalize the findings and support the routine use of entropy monitoring in clinical practice.
Potential biomarkers and drug targets in glycoproteome of MCF-7 breast cancer cells based on proteomics and bioinformatics strategies Running title: Protein drug targets in MCF-7 cell line
Authors: niknam Zahra , Sadjjadi Fatemeh Sadat , Molavi Zahra , Rahmani Dibachehr , Zali Hakimeh
Published: January 2024

Identifying differentially expressed glycoproteins (DEGs) during cancer progression is an excellent approach to discovering novel biomarkers. The current study investigated detected DEGs in the breast cancer MCF-7 cell line due to finding candidate drug targets and biomarkers. DEGs, using DAVID and Gene Ontology databases, are categorized into three main classes of proteins involved in cancer progression, including receptor proteins, proteins involved in endocytosis, and metastasis. UALCAN database was used for validation and analyze the expression levels of the identified proteins in breast cancer tissue. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was constructed using the STRING database and analyzed using Cytoscape software. Four up-regulated receptor proteins in the MCF-7 cell line were enriched as follows: CD239, CD55, CD47, and CD112. Gal-3BP and vitronectin proteins involved in endocytosis also showed upregulation in the MCF-7 cell line. CTSD and DPPII were determined as overexpressed proteases in the MCF-7 cell line, which are involved in breast cancer metastasis. Ten glycoproteins were identified only in MCF-7 cells, including APOD, BCAM, CLU, IFI30, GRN, LYPD3, NAAA, PODXL, SEZ6L2, and VTN. Among them, the APOD is expressed at much higher levels (191-fold) in MCF-7 cells versus normal cells. PPI network analysis also demonstrated FN1 and ITGB1 as hub proteins. Our analysis of DEGs in the MCF-7 cells, integrated with data from the UALCAN database, highlighted glycoproteins that can be considered as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic molecular targets.
The analysis of lamb and beef fatty acids with a 30 m BPX70 column is comparable with a 120 m column
Authors: Clayton Edward H. , Holman Benjamin W. B. , Meyer Richard G.
Published: January 2024

Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) typically uses long capillary columns (100 m or greater) which can be expensive and time consuming. The current study determined whether the major FAME of interest for human health in lamb and beef can be quantify using a 30 m compared with 120 m moderately polar capillary (BPX70) column. Lamb and beef samples were selected to cover a range of total intramuscular fat content and from either grass- or grain-fed animals. Results from the current study indicated that all major long-chain FAME of human health importance, including omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA), omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, could be identified on the 30 m BPX70 column. The correlation (r2) for fatty acid proportions between columns for both lamb and beef was > 0.98 for all major n-3PUFA and > 0.86 for all major CLAs. When animals were fed a grain-based diet, C18:1n-7t (vaccenic acid) could not be resolved from C18:1n-8t when analysed on the 30 m column. The FAME profile of lamb and beef, particularly those important for nutritional composition tables, can be determined using a 30 m BPX70 column, thereby saving time and expense compared with longer columns. Particular care should be employed when analysing samples from sheep or cattle that are grain-fed due to co-eluting of C18:1n-8t.
Drivers and Implications of land use land cover change for Wufe- Washa Forest and neighboring areas, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Hake Aklilu Assefa , Damene Shimeles , Deche Almaz , Mekonnen Esubalew Nebebe
Published: January 2024

Land use land cover change (LULCC) has been among the causes of accelerated global environmental change, particularly in developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study, therefore, aimed to comprehend and detect the dynamics and spatial pattern of LULC in Wufe-Washa Forest and the neighboring areas over the last five decades. Sequential Landsat satellite images of different times, Multispectral Scanner/MSS (1973), Thematic Mapper/TM (1985), Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus/ETM (2000), and Operational Landsat Imageries/OLI (2022) were used to generate LULC types. The image analysis used R Studio (version 02.2.4) and Random Forest (RF) techniques supported by training data derived from field, Google Earth map, and Landsat images, with sample sizes corresponding to different years. Stratified random sampling generated a total of 320, 370, 460, and 515 points for 1973, 1985, 2000, and 2022, respectively. Socio-economic data from the local community were used to identify the drivers of LULCC and its repercussions on the biophysical environment. Classification used 70% and 30% of the points for training and accuracy testing, prospectively. The classification considered target classes relevant to the study's purpose, which yielded six classes based on image analysis supported by site observation and interviews, such as forest, cropland, bare land, shrublands, grassland, and settlement LULC types. The LULCC analysis result also revealed that the forest cover increased by 39.03% in the period from 1973 to1985 and increased by 45.37%, during 1985–2000. However, in the third comparison period (2000–2022) the forest cover decreased by 4.58%. Socioeconomic and political factors such as agricultural expansion activities, population pressure, and government policy changes were the major causes of forest cover change in the study area. Therefore, it is important to have an appropriate land use plan and policy to ensure a well-taught LULCC.
Artificial Intelligence in the Pharmaceutical Sector of India: Future Prospects and Challenges
Authors: Kimta Aprajita , Dogra Reena
Published: January 2024

The pharmaceutical sector in India has emerged as a global leader, contributing significantly to the production of affordable generic drugs and vaccines. Despite its success, the industry faces challenges from early research and development stages to market deployment. This research paper explores the future prospects and challenges of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Indian pharmaceutical sector. Methodologically, the research relies on secondary data from 2011 to 2019, collected from various published sources, primarily the Reserve Bank of India. The evaluation of performance was conducted using compound annual growth rate. AI has the potential to address longstanding issues, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce costs associated with drug discovery and development. Successful integration requires collaborative efforts from the public and private sectors, emphasizing resource allocation for education, infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and workforce development. The incorporation of AI presents a transformative opportunity for the Indian pharmaceutical sector, offering advancements in drug development, manufacturing, and quality control. Despite the promising prospects, the paper acknowledges challenges in implementing AI, including financial limitations, workforce competency, data security concerns, and regulatory complexities. The study emphasizes the need for strategic collaboration to ensure responsible and effective utilization of AI in the pharmaceutical industry.
Targeting BMAL1 reverse drug resistance of acute myeloid leukemia cells and promoting ferroptosis through HMGB1-GPX4 signaling pathway
Authors: Zheng Hong , Wu Ting , Lin Zhi , Wang Dan , Zhang Jing , Zeng Ting , Liu Leping , Shen Jie , Zhao Mingyi , Li Jia-Da , Yang Minghua
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a refractory hematologic malignancy that poses a serious threat to human health. Exploring alternative therapeutic strategies capable of inducing alternative modes of cell death, such as ferroptosis, holds great promise as a viable and effective intervention.
Methods
We analyzed online database data and collected clinical samples to verify the expression and function of BMAL1 in AML. We conducted experiments on AML cell proliferation, cell cycle, ferroptosis, and chemotherapy resistance by overexpressing/knocking down BMAL1 and using assays such as MDA detection and BODIPY 581/591 C11 staining. We validated the transcriptional regulation of HMGB1 by BMAL1 through ChIP assay, luciferase assay, RNA level detection, and western blotting. Finally, we confirmed the results of our cell experiments at the animal level.
Results
BMAL1 up-regulation is an observed phenomenon in AML patients. Furthermore, there existed a strong correlation between elevated levels of BMAL1 expression and inferior prognosis in individuals with AML. We found that knocking down BMAL1 inhibited AML cell growth by blocking the cell cycle. Conversely, overexpressing BMAL1 promoted AML cell proliferation. Moreover, our research results revealed that BMAL1 inhibited ferroptosis in AML cells through BMAL1-HMGB1-GPX4 pathway. Finally, knocking down BMAL1 can enhance the efficacy of certain first-line cancer therapeutic drugs, including venetoclax, dasatinib, and sorafenib.
Conclusion
Our research results suggest that BMAL1 plays a crucial regulatory role in AML cell proliferation, drug resistance, and ferroptosis. BMAL1 could be a potential important therapeutic target for AML.
The role of gut microbiota and inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of PCOS: A Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Lin Ru , Wang Jian , Fu Wenting , Tuo Shumei , Ran Jie , Shao Yawen , Shao YaWen
Published: January 2024

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological disorder, yet its etiology remains incompletely understood. Recent studies have suggested that gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation could potentially contribute to the development of PCOS.
Methods: In this study, we employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota, inflammatory factors, and PCOS development. Publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data were utilized, and MR analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationships between them.
Results: The study revealed potential causal relationships between certain taxonomic groups within the gut microbiota and the risk of PCOS development. Specifically, taxa such as the phylum Cyanobacteria, the order Burkholderiales, the genus Holdemania, the genus Candidatus Soleaferrea, the genus Blautia, and the genus Bilophila exhibited negative associations with the risk of PCOS, suggesting a protective effect against the condition. Conversely, taxa such as the family Lachnospiraceae, the class Bacilli, and the class Alphaproteobacteria showed positive associations with the risk of PCOS, potentially increasing susceptibility to the disease. Additionally, the study identified inflammatory factors such as CCL2, IL-12, and IL18Ra as having potential causal relationships with the risk of PCOS.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that both gut microbiota and inflammatory factors may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Gut microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to exacerbated inflammatory responses, potentially influencing the development of PCOS. Further research endeavors can delve deeper into elucidating the specific roles and interactions between gut microbiota and inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of PCOS. This could open up novel avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS by identifying new targets and therapeutic strategies.
Is intrapelvic tumor height correlated with long-term functional outcomes after surgical treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma?
Authors: Al-shaqsi Yousuf , Irtan Sabine , Lallemant Pauline , Blondiaux Eleonore , Coulomb-Lhermine Aurore , Audry Georges
Published: January 2024

Background: Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is considered the most common congenital neoplasm in neonates. This study aimed to assess long-term impacts on urinary and anorectal functions and quality of life (QoL) in patients who underwent surgery for SCT and identify predictive factors for these outcomes.
Methods: Medical records of all patients who underwent surgery for SCT at the Armand Trousseau Hospital and had a minimum follow-up of 4 years were retrospectively reviewed. Age-appropriate questionnaires were used to evaluate urinary and anorectal functions and QoL. Urodynamic studies and radiological images were also retrospectively reviewed.
Results: Twenty-six patients (median age=17 years) were identified. Among them, 12 patients had functional impairments: seven had isolated anorectal dysfunction and five had both urinary and anorectal dysfunctions, including neurogenic bladder (n=2) and/or detrusor sphincter dyssynergia (n=3). Anorectal dysfunction (n=12) included chronic constipation (n=11) and/or fecal soiling (n=8). A significant correlation was observed between adverse outcomes and intrapelvic tumor height (ITH) (median was 27 mm and 15 mm with and without functional impairments, respectively; p<0.05). Of 12 questionnaire respondents, two patients experienced uro-anorectal dysfunction and five experienced isolated anorectal dysfunction. Most patients reported having a good QoL, and only one patient reported a severe impact on daily life.
Conclusions: Urinary and anorectal dysfunctions are non-negligible long-term outcomes in SCT patients that are significantly related to ITH. Postoperative follow-up enables early detection of bladder and anorectal impairment and treatment with conservative measures that can improve QoL.
Level of evidence: III
Rx -to- OTC Switch Increased Access and Lowered Cost of Topical Adapalene
Authors: Fix William , Desai Sapana , Nussbaum Dillon , Friedman Adam
Published: January 2024

Topical adapalene gel is an effective and well tolerated acne treatment that transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter (OTC) availability in 2016. Historically, prescription to OTC transitions have lowered costs to patients and payers and increased access to medications. This study used sales and prescriber data to assess access to topical retinoid therapies and their costs in the pre- and post- Rx-to-OTC transition. We demonstrate that the prescription to OTC transition of adapalene gel increased access to this medication, while lowering costs to patients and payers, including Medicare patients. These results provide a necessary call to action for future OTC shifts with other high safety profile, well-tolerated medications in ultimate efforts and hopes of cost savings for patients, insurers, and Medicare within our healthcare industry.
A New Grid Model for Estimation of Zenith Tropospheric Delay Considering Vertical Adjustment Based on Gaussian Function over China
Authors: Zhang Jihong , Zuo Xiaoqing , Guo Shipeng , Xie Shaofeng , Yang Xu , Li Yongning , Yue Xuefu
Published: January 2024

Zenith tropospheric delay (ZTD) play an important role in the troposphere. This study proposed a new ZTD vertical profile grid model considering the height scale factor (NGZTD-H) based on the Gaussian function that adjusts the ZTD from the starting to the target height. To estimate the ZTD directly, a new NGZTD that considers the ZTD delicate diurnal variation was developed. The effectiveness of vertical and spatial interpolation for the NGZTD-H model was validated. Regarding vertical interpolation, the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the NGZTD-H model improved by 58% and 22%, compared to the global pressure and temperature 3 (GPT3) model. For spatial interpolation, the RMSE of the NGZTD-H model improved by 17% compared to that of the GPT3 model. The NGZTD model’s effectiveness for directly estimating the ZTD was validated. The NGZTD model improved by 22% and 31% compared to the GPT3 model using GNSS-derived ZTD and layered ZTD at radiosonde stations, respectively. The NGZTD model exhibited outstanding advantages in capturing diurnal variations and adapting to undulating terrain. This new ZTD model has potential applications in enhancing the reliability of navigation, positioning, and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) measurements and is recommended to promote the development of space geodesy techniques.
Root responses to canopy far-red light in cereal-legume crop mixtures
Authors: Wang Jin L. , Evers Jochem B. , Anten Niels P.R. , Li Yitong , Yang Xiaoyi , Douma Jacob C. , Schneider Hannah M.
Published: January 2024

Background and aims: Above- and belowground signals for and responses to competition in mixed-species stands have been studied mostly separately, leaving it unclear if aboveground signals specific to mixed stands have consequences for how plants respond and compete belowground. This study investigated the effect of an important aboveground signal, the ratio of red to far-red light (R/FR), on plant biomass allocation and root architecture and morphology when plants grow with different species in the vegetative stage.
Methods: A greenhouse experiment with a mixture of wheat (Triticum aestivum) and faba bean (Vicia faba) and their respective mono stands was carried out in deep pots (22.6 L, 72cm in depth). LED lights were used to enrich FR levels (i.e., reduce the R/FR) of the light environment. After 52 days of growth, biomass allocation and root traits were measured.
Results: Exposure to FR light predominantly affected adventitious roots, with species-specific effects. Especially in species mixtures, increased FR caused wheat to produce more adventitious roots per tiller, while adventitious root mass of faba bean decreased. The influence of FR on rooting depth (D75, i.e. depth of 75% of root biomass) was species specific, with higher FR levels causing a reduction in D75 in wheat, but a greater D75 in faba bean.
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the remarkable plasticity of adventitious roots, showing them to be highly responsive to low R/FR signals and influenced by the neighboring plant's identity. This highlights the complexity of plants responses to environmental cues and how they modify interspecific interactions.
Dynamic and asymmetric colloidal molecules
Authors: Tan Peng , Fang Huang , Rong Yujie , Chen Yanshuang , Huang Jiping , Tong Hua , Nie Zhihong , Tanaka Hajime , Li Wei
Published: January 2024

''Colloidal molecules'' (CMs) represent artificial colloidal clusters replicating the geometries of molecules and exhibiting flexibility and fluctuations similar to macromolecules and proteins. Their dynamic and anisotropy characters make them unique and indispensable building blocks for creating hierarchically organized superstructures in material sciences. Despite the progress in synthesizing and assembling CMs, unveiling their dynamic characters is challenging in experiments. Here, we employ real-time three-dimensional imaging and simulations to reveal dynamic CM structures in micrometre-sized colloidal-emulsion models with tunable electrostatic interactions. Our findings reveal that CMs' dynamic structures are inherently asymmetric, with angular symmetry emerging through continuous ordering from a liquid-like configuration. We further develop a novel method to guide the ordering of CMs towards a desired structure by dynamically adjusting the ionic strength in the solvent during the ordering process. Our research contributes to a clearer physical understanding of dynamic CMs and offers potential solutions to the complexities inherent in their formation process.