bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Softness enhanced macrophage-mediated therapy of inhaled apoptotic-cell-inspired nanosystems for acute lung injury
Authors: Sun Dazheng , Zhang Guanglin , Xie Mingyang , Wang Yina , Liang Xiangchao , Tu Mei , Su Zhijian , Zeng Rong
Published: May 2023

Engineered nanosystems offer a promising strategy for macrophage-targeted therapies for various diseases, and their physicochemical parameters including surface-active ligands, size and shape are widely investigated for improving their therapeutic efficacy. However, little is known about the synergistic effect of elasticity and surface-active ligands. Here, two kinds of anti-inflammatory N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-loaded macrophage-targeting apoptotic-cell-inspired phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing nano-liposomes (PSLipos) were constructed, which had similar size and morphology but different Young’s modulus (E) (H, ~ 100 kPa > Emacrophage vs. L, ~ 2 kPa < Emacrophage). Interestingly, these PSLipos-NAC showed similar drug loading and encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro slow-release behavior of NAC, but modulus-dependent interactions with macrophages. Softer PSLipos-L-NAC could resist macrophage capture, but remarkably prolong their targeting effect period on macrophages via durable binding to macrophage surface, and subsequently more effectively suppress inflammatory response in macrophages and then hasten inflammatory lung epithelial cell wound healing. Especially, pulmonary administration of PSLipos-L-NAC could significantly reduce the inflammatory response of M1-like macrophages in lung tissue and promote lung injury repair in a bleomycin-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model, providing a potential therapeutic approach for ALI. The results strongly suggest that softness may enhance ligand-directed macrophage-mediated therapeutic efficacy of nanosystems, which will shed new light on the design of engineered nanotherapeutics.

Graphical abstract
UPLC-QTOF-MS with a chemical profiling approach for holistic quality evaluation between a material reference of Wen Dan decoction and its commercial preparations
Authors: Yang Siyu , Chen Gan , Yuan Man , Zou Yan , Zhang Hongmei , Xu Hongxi
Published: May 2023

Background

Wen Dan decoction (WDD) has been a famous classic formula for resolving phlegm since ancient times in China. Currently, there are many types of WDD commercial preparations produced through modern technology. However, it is not known whether the holistic quality of WDD commercial preparations is consistent with the traditional decocting method to exert its proper effects. Therefore, the WDD material reference was studied and prepared, which can represent the traditional Chinese formulation WDD.

Methods

A method based on UPLC-QTOF-MS was developed to evaluate the quality of WDD material reference and commercial prescriptions. At the same time, the multivariate statistical method was used to compare the differences between the material reference and the commercial prescription by principal component analysis (PCA) and heatmap. Finally, the UPLC-QTOF-MS method was established to quantitatively study 11 representative components, including naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, adenosine, liquiritigenin, tangeretin, eriocitrin, naringenin and synephrine.

Results

A total of 107 compounds were identified in the WDD material reference by comparing the retention time and fragment ion characteristics, including 54 flavonoids, 14 triterpenes, 10 organic acids, 7 alkaloids, 7 coumarins and 15 other components. The samples were almost evenly split into two groups, indicating a difference in quality between the WDD material reference and its commercial preparations in multivariate statistical analysis. Eleven major components of linearity, precision, repeatability, stability and recovery rate met the requirements, which were clearly different in commercial preparations and WDD material references. In terms of the content of 11 components in the commercial preparation, only CP8 is close to the material reference, which is in agreement with the statistical analysis of the heatmap. The concentrations of naringin and neohesperidin from the WDD material reference were higher than those from the commercial preparations.

Conclusions

The quality evaluation method established in this study can be used to identify different sources of WDD but also proves that the WDD material reference contains higher naringin. Furthermore, this study confirmed that the preparation technology of WDD commercial prescriptions should be optimized on the basis of WDD material references, producing the closest possible clinical basis for the substance.

Graphical Abstract
Conventional partial pancreatoduodenectomy versus an extended pancreatoduodenectomy (triangle operation) for pancreatic head cancers—study protocol for the randomised controlled TRIANGLE trial
Authors: Heger Patrick , Hackert Thilo , Diener Markus K. , Feißt Manuel , Klose Christina , Dörr-Harim Colette , Möhlenbrock Friedhelm , Büchler Markus W. , Mihaljevic André L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related death in the Western world, and its incidence is rising. In patients that undergo curative resection, local recurrence (LR) is frequent. A recently described surgical technique of extended pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) termed the TRIANGLE operation has been proposed as a promising approach to reduce LR and improve disease-free survival in PDAC patients.

Methods

The TRIANGLE trial is a multicentre confirmatory randomised controlled superiority trial with two parallel study groups. A total of 270 patients with suspected or histologically confirmed pancreatic head cancer scheduled for PD will be included in the trial and randomly assigned to the intervention group (extended PD defined as Inoue level 3 dissection along the superior mesenteric and celiac artery as well as removal of all soft tissue in the so-called triangle between the celiac artery, the SMA and the mesenterico-portal axis) or the control group (conventional PD with lymphadenectomy and removal of soft tissue according to current guidelines). The primary endpoint of the trial will be the disease-free survival of patients. Other perioperative outcomes as well as oncological parameters and patient-reported outcomes will be analysed as secondary outcomes.

Discussion

Despite multimodal treatment, LR remains high and disease-free survival is limited following PD for PDAC. The TRIANGLE operation could address these shortcomings of conventional PD as indicated in several retrospective studies. However, this technique could be associated with more adverse events for patients including intractable diarrhoea. The TRIANGLE trial will close the evidence gap as well as offer a risk-benefit assessment of this more radical approach to PD.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00030576 (UTN U1111-1243-4412) 19th December 2022.
Strong interactions between highly dynamic lamina-associated domains and the nuclear envelope stabilize the 3D architecture of Drosophila interphase chromatin
Authors: Tolokh Igor S. , Kinney Nicholas Allen , Sharakhov Igor V. , Onufriev Alexey V.
Published: May 2023

Background

Interactions among topologically associating domains (TADs), and between the nuclear envelope (NE) and lamina-associated domains (LADs) are expected to shape various aspects of three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure and dynamics; however, relevant genome-wide experiments that may provide statistically significant conclusions remain difficult.

Results

We have developed a coarse-grained dynamical model of D. melanogaster nuclei at TAD resolution that explicitly accounts for four distinct epigenetic classes of TADs and LAD–NE interactions. The model is parameterized to reproduce the experimental Hi-C map of the wild type (WT) nuclei; it describes time evolution of the chromatin over the G1 phase of the interphase. The simulations include an ensemble of nuclei, corresponding to the experimentally observed set of several possible mutual arrangements of chromosomal arms. The model is validated against multiple structural features of chromatin from several different experiments not used in model development. Predicted positioning of all LADs at the NE is highly dynamic—the same LAD can attach, detach and move far away from the NE multiple times during interphase. The probabilities of LADs to be in contact with the NE vary by an order of magnitude, despite all having the same affinity to the NE in the model. These probabilities are mostly determined by a highly variable local linear density of LADs along the genome, which also has the same strong effect on the predicted positioning of individual TADs -- higher probability of a TAD to be near NE is largely determined by a higher linear density of LADs surrounding this TAD. The distribution of LADs along the chromosome chains plays a notable role in maintaining a non-random average global structure of chromatin. Relatively high affinity of LADs to the NE in the WT nuclei substantially reduces sensitivity of the global radial chromatin distribution to variations in the strength of TAD–TAD interactions compared to the lamin depleted nuclei, where a small (0.5 kT) increase of cross-type TAD–TAD interactions doubles the chromatin density in the central nucleus region.

Conclusions

A dynamical model of the entire fruit fly genome makes multiple genome-wide predictions of biological interest. The distribution of LADs along the chromatin chains affects their probabilities to be in contact with the NE and radial positioning of highly mobile TADs, playing a notable role in creating a non-random average global structure of the chromatin. We conjecture that an important role of attractive LAD–NE interactions is to stabilize global chromatin structure against inevitable cell-to-cell variations in TAD–TAD interactions.
Improvement of the ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) draft genome using Hi-C sequencing
Authors: Nakamoto Masatoshi , Sakamoto Takashi
Published: May 2023

Objective

The ayu or sweetfish Plecoglossus altivelis is ray-finned fish that is widely distributed in East Asia. The genome size of ayu was estimated at approximately 420 Mb. Previously, we reported on ayu draft genome assembly by whole-genome shotgun using Illumina short reads and PacBio long reads; however, the assembly was not to chromosome level. Therefore, to improve the draft genome sequence of ayu to chromosome level, we performed in situ Hi-C sequencing as a source of linkage information.

Results

The ayu genome assembly yielded 28 large scaffolds that corresponded to the karyotype of ayu (n = 28). The resulting ayu genome assembly has a N50 scaffold length of 17.0 Mb, improved from 4.3 Mb. The high-quality reference genome will be helpful for phylogenetic research on bony fishes and for breeding programs in ayu aquaculture.
Characterization of self-aggregation in Bacillus licheniformis strain RK14
Authors: Ojima Yoshihiro , Matano Satsuki , Azuma Masayuki
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Some Bacillus licheniformis strain isolated from the environment has been reported to form aggregates during the suspension culture under carbon limitation. The aim of this study is to characterize the aggregation process of B. licheniformis RK14 strain isolated from the soil.

Methods

B. licheniformis RK14 was cultured in a glucose-free lysogeny broth (LB) to confirm the aggregate formation under glucose limitation conditions and compared to model B. licheniformis strains. To characterize the aggregation process of RK14, microscopic analyses and time-lapse observations were conducted. Thioflavin T (ThT) was used to assess the involvement of transient cell elongation in aggregate formation.

Results

Although RK14 did not form aggregate when cultured in a glucose-rich γ-PGA production medium, it was found to self-aggregate when grown in a glucose-free LB. The optimal temperature for aggregation was approximately 40℃. Microscopic analysis showed that the aggregates were composed of viable cells with cell–cell cluster-like structures. Time-lapse observations clarified elongation of individual cells after 1 h of culture, followed by a return to rod-shape while maintaining the aggregation state. Addition of ThT at micromolar concentration inhibits aggregate formation, probably due to the suppression of cell elongation.

Conclusions

The aggregation process of RK14 was similar to the pellicle and submerged biofilm formation process of B. subtilis in terms of morphological changes. It was concluded that transient cell elongation is critical for aggregate formation of RK14 strain.
MiR-146a-5p delivered by hucMSC extracellular vesicles modulates the inflammatory response to sulfur mustard-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Pei Zhipeng , Cen Jinfeng , Zhang Xinkang , Gong Chuchu , Sun Mingxue , Meng Wenqi , Mao Guanchao , Wan Jingjing , Hu Bingyue , He Xiaowen , Xu Qingqiang , Han Hua , Xiao Kai
Published: May 2023

Background

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic chemical warfare agent that has caused numerous casualties during wars and conflicts in the past century. Specific antidotes or therapeutic strategies are rare due to the complicated mechanism of toxicity, which still awaits elucidation. Clinical data show that acute lung injury (ALI) is responsible for most mortality and morbidity after SM exposure. Extracellular vesicles are natural materials that participate in intercellular communication by delivering various substances and can be modified. In this study, we aim to show that extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (hucMSC-EVs) could exert therapeutic effects on SM-induced ALI, and to explain the underlying mechanism of effects.

Methods

MiR-146a-5p contained in hucMSC-EVs may be involved in the process of hucMSC-EVs modulating the inflammatory response to SM-induced ALI. We utilized miR-146a-5p delivered by extracellular vesicles and further modified hucMSCs with a miR-146a-5p mimic or inhibitor to collect miR-146a-5p-overexpressing extracellular vesicles (miR-146a-5p+-EVs) or miR-146a-5p-underexpressing extracellular vesicles (miR-146a-5p−-EVs), respectively. Through in vivo and in vitro experiments, we investigated the mechanism.

Results

The effect of miR-146a-5p+-EVs on improving the inflammatory reaction tied to SM injury was better than that of hucMSC-EVs. We demonstrated that miR-146a-5p delivered by hucMSC-EVs targeted TRAF6 to negatively regulate inflammation in SM-induced ALI models in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

In summary, miR-146a-5p delivered by hucMSC-EVs targeted TRAF6, causing hucMSC-EVs to exert anti-inflammatory effects in SM-induced ALI; thus, hucMSC-EVs treatment may be a promising clinical therapeutic after SM exposure.

Graphical Abstract
APSIC dental infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines
Authors: Ling M. L. , Ching P. , Cheng J. , Lang L. , Liberali S. , Poon P. , Shin Y. , Sim C.
Published: May 2023

Background

The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control launched the Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines in July 2022. This document describes the guidelines and recommendations for safe practices in dental setting. It aims to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist dental facilities at Asia Pacific region in achieving high standards in infection prevention and control practices, staff and patient safety.

Method

The guidelines were developed by an appointed workgroup comprising experts in the Asia Pacific region, following reviews of previously published international guidelines and recommendations relevant to each section.

Results

It recommends standard precautions as a minimal set of preventive measures to protect staff and prevent cross transmission. Surgical aseptic technique is recommended when procedures are technically complex and longer in duration. Only trained staff are eligible to conduct reprocessing of dental instruments. The design, layout of the dental facility are important factors for successful infection prevention. The facility should also have a Pandemic Preparedness Plan.

Conclusions

Dental facilities should aim for excellence in infection prevention and control practices as this is part of patient safety. The guidelines that come with a checklist help dental facilities to identify gaps for improvement to reach this goal.
Association between thyroid function and obesity phenotypes in healthy euthyroid individuals: an investigation based on Tehran Thyroid Study
Authors: Abiri Behnaz , Ahmadi Amirhossein Ramezani , Mahdavi Maryam , Amouzegar Atieh , Valizadeh Majid
Published: May 2023

Aims

We investigated whether thyroid function could be associated with obesity phenotypes amongst euthyroid individuals.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among healthy, euthyroid subjects. The study participants were chosen from the Tehran Thyroid Study (TTS). We analyzed 2988 euthyroid adults and classified them into four obesity phenotype groups: metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). The statistical differences between thyroid hormones between various obesity phenotypes according to age and sex was compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

It was found that MHNW participants had higher levels of FT4 when compared with metabolically healthy or unhealthy obese subjects (P < 0.001), even after adjustment for the confounding variables. No difference was observed in the levels of TSH (P = 0.260) among obesity phenotypes. In the subgroup analysis according to the age, a significant difference was observed in the level of FT4 only in subjects with age < 55 years (P = 0.001). However, analyzing men and women separately did not show a significant difference in the FT4 level among obesity phenotypes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

“Metabolically abnormality” was independently related to low normal FT4 levels in overweight/obese euthyroid individuals. There is a need for further research to understand how low FT4 levels are linked to metabolically unhealthy states in euthyroid individuals.
Kruppel-family zinc finger proteins as emerging epigenetic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pearson Patrick , Smith Kendra , Sood Nilita , Chia Elizabeth , Follett Alicia , Prystowsky Michael B. , Kirby Simon , Belbin Thomas J.
Published: May 2023

Background

Krüppel-type zinc finger protein genes located on chromosome 19q13 are aberrantly hypermethylated with high frequency in all anatomic sub-sites of head and neck cancers as well as other epithelial tumours resulting in decreased expression.

Methods

We examined prognostic significance of ZNF154 and ZNF132 expression and DNA methylation in independent patient cohort of about 500 head and neck cancer patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We also overexpressed these genes in HEK-293 cells, as well as the oral cancer cell line UM-SCC-1.

Results

In 20 patients from the TCGA cohort of HNSCC patients where ZNF154 and ZNF132 DNA methylation and RNA expression could be compared in tumor and adjacent normal tissue, there was increased DNA methylation and decreased expression of both ZNF154 and ZNF132 in primary tumours. Low ZNF154 and low ZNF132 expression were associated with shorter overall survival in both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAC patients). While expression of these proteins in HEK-293 cells produced full-length protein, only truncated copies could be expressed in head and neck cancer cells (UM-SCC-1). The truncated version of ZNF154 protein increased doubling time and reduced cell migration in UM-SCC-1 cancer cells.

Conclusions

Both ZNF132 and ZNF154 represent novel clinically significant biomarkers in head and neck cancer with potential tumour suppressive properties. Future studies will address the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ZNF154 expression in HNSCC contributes to the control of cell growth and migration.

Graphical Abstract
Stomach position evaluated using computed tomography is related to successful post-pyloric enteral feeding tube placement in critically ill patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Yokose Masashi , Takaki Shunsuke , Saigusa Yusuke , Mihara Takahiro , Ishiwata Yoshinobu , Kato Shingo , Horie Keiichi , Goto Takahisa
Published: May 2023

Background

Post-pyloric enteral feeding reduces respiratory complications and shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation. Blind placement of post-pyloric enteral feeding tubes (EFT) in patients with critical illnesses is often the first-line method because endoscopy or fluoroscopy cannot be easily performed at bedside; however, difficult placements regularly occur. We reported an association between the stomach position caudal to spinal level L1–L2, evaluated by abdominal radiographs after placement, and difficult placement; however, this method could not indicate difficulty before EFT placement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between stomach position, estimated using computed tomography (CT) images taken before the blind placement of the post-pyloric EFT, and the difficulty of EFT placement.

Methods

Data from patients aged ≥ 20 years who underwent post-pyloric EFT in our intensive care unit were obtained retrospectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between successful initial EFT placement and explanatory variables, including stomach position estimated by CT. Two cut-off values were used: caudal to L1–L2 based on a previous study and the best cut-off value calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve. Variable selection was performed backward stepwise using Akaike's Information Criterion.

Results

Of the total of 453 patients who were enrolled, the success rate of the initial EFT placement was 43.5%. The adjusted odds ratio for successful initial EFT placement of the stomach position caudal to L1–L2 was 0.61 (95% confidence interval: 0.41–1.07). Logistic regression analysis, including the stomach position caudal to L2–L3, calculated as the best cut-off value, indicated that stomach position was an independent factor for failure of initial EFT placement (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval: 0.33–0.91).

Conclusions

Stomach position evaluated using CT images was associated with successful initial post-pyloric EFT placement. The best cut-off value of the greater curvature of the stomach to predict the success or failure of the first attempt was spinal level L2–L3.

Trial registration University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000046986; February 28, 2022). https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000052151
LncRNA WAC-AS1 expression in human tumors correlates with immune infiltration and affects prognosis
Authors: Wang Yanyang , Gong Haiyan , Cao Yue
Published: May 2023

Background

WAC-antisense RNA1 (WAC-AS1) is a newly identified long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) implicated in the prognosis and development of a few types of tumors. However, the correlations of WAC-AS1 with immune infiltration and patient prognosis in pan-cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value and immunological functions of WAC-AS1 across 33 different types of cancers.

Methods

To investigate the potential oncogenic roles of WAC-AS1, bioinformatics analyses were performed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype Tissue-Expression (GTEx) datasets. The correlations of WAC-AS1 with prognosis, clinical phenotype, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor regulation-related genes, tumor microenvironment, immune cell infiltration, and drug resistance to commonly used chemotherapy drugs in different types of tumors were explored. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were performed to explore the biological functions of WAC-AS1 in tumors. In situ hybridization (ISH) was performed in tissue microarray (TMA) to confirm the expression of WAC-AS1 in multiple tumor tissues.

Results

WAC-AS1 showed aberrant expression in most cancers when compared to the normal tissues. It also has prognostic value in multiple types of cancers. Elevated WAC-AS1 expression was associated with poor prognosis and overall survival in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). A significant negative correlation between WAC-AS1 expression and overall survival was observed in brain lower-grade glioma (LGG), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). The expression of WAC-AS1 also showed a correlation with clinical stage in six types of tumors, and with tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability in several different types of cancers. The immune scores of those cancers were found to be significant. Additionally, the effectiveness of fluorouracil and four other anticancer drugs was significantly different based on the expression of WAC-AS1 in these cancers. Moreover, the ISH results showed in six types of tumors, the expression of WAC-AS1 was consistent with the Pan-cancer analysis using TCGA and GTEx database.

Conclusions

These results indicate an intensive involvement of WAC-AS1 in the regulation of immune responses, immune cell infiltration, and malignant properties in various types of cancers, suggesting that WAC-AS1 may serve as a prognostic marker across diverse types of cancers.
Fault identification scheme for protection and adaptive reclosing in a hybrid multi-terminal HVDC system
Authors: Hou Junjie , Song Guobing , Fan Yanfang
Published: May 2023

A fault identification scheme for protection and adaptive reclosing is proposed for a hybrid multi-terminal HVDC system to increase the reliability of fault isolation and reclosing. By analyzing the "zero passing" characteristic of current at the local end during the converter capacitor discharge stage, the fault identification scheme is proposed. The distributed parameter-based fault location equation, which incorporates fault distance and fault impedance, is developed with the injection signal and the distributed parameter model during the adaptive reclosing stage. The fault distance is determined using a trust region reflection algorithm to identify the permanent fault, and a fault identification scheme for adaptive reclosing is developed. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is suitable for long-distance transmission lines with strong anti-fault impedance and anti-interference performance. Also, it is less affected by communication delay and DC boundary strength than existing methods.
Evaluation of Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus species efficacy in controlling Pythium ultimum associated with apple seedlings decline in nurseries and their growth promotion effect
Authors: Mannai Sabrine , Boughalleb-M’Hamdi Naima
Published: May 2023

Background

Apple decline diseases, responsible for seedlings root and collar rot in nurseries, are an important disease. Different fungal and bacterial antagonists were evaluated to control Pythium ultimum associated with this serious disease using in vitro and in vivo greenhouse assays.

Results

The in vitro test of ten Aspergillus spp. and ten Trichoderma harzianum isolates showed their efficacy to reduce the radial growth of P. ultimum. The isolates, A. niger A10, A. candidus A5, T. harzianum Tr9 and Tr10, were the most effective with a high inhibition percent that exceeded 50%. The in vivo test of the four most effective antagonists and a strain of Bacillus subtilis (B) showed that the combination of the two Aspergillus isolates (A5 and A10) gave the best result with a decrease in root browning index by 55.55%. Results showed also the efficacy of all tested antagonists and their combinations on the sanitary state index of the inoculated plants except the combination between T. harzianum (Tr10) and B. subtilis (B). The two treatments, T. harzianum (Tr10) and B. subtilis (B), significantly improved the height of inoculated plants by 173.19 and 191.3%, respectively. Regarding the efficacy of antagonists on apple seedlings root weight, A. niger (A10) was the only treatment that significantly increased this parameter by 363.17%.

Conclusions

A. niger A10, A. candidus A5, T. harzianum Tr9 and Tr10 exhibited the highest value of in vitro inhibition to growth of P. ultimum. The combination of A. niger A10 and A. candidus A5 was the most effective in vivo treatment in reducing the disease severity index. However, T. harzianum (Tr10), B. subtilis (B) and A. niger (A10) revealed to be able to stimulate the apple seedlings growth.
Field evaluation of whorl application of sand mixed entomopathogenic nematodes for the management of invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in sweet corn
Authors: Ratnakala B. , Kalleshwaraswamy C. M. , Rajkumar M. , Deshmukh Sharanabasappa S. , Mallikarjuna H. B. , Narasimhaiah Lakshmi
Published: May 2023

Background

Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, also called ‘whorlworm’ is a global pest threatening maize production. Larvae stay in the whorl of maize/sweet corn and efficient delivery of insecticides or bio-agents is the major issue for its successful management. Biological control of FAW through entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) offers promise, as EPNs are soil colonizers and commercially available in various formulations, soil or sand can ideally be exploited as natural substrate targeting FAW under field conditions.

Results

In the present study, field evaluations were carried out using the aqueous suspension of Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis indica in two cropping seasons. The Infective Juveniles (IJs) stages of EPNs mixed with sand at different doses were applied to the whorl region of sweet corn twice during cropping season, i.e. on 25th and 40th day after sowing. For comparison, a recommended insecticide, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC mixed in sand was taken as check. S. carpocapsae @ 500 IJs, significantly reduced the larval population and leaf damage score. It was statistically on par with Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC whorl application. Principal component analysis revealed that there was a relationship between larval population and leaf damage score. Survival of S. carpocapsae was significantly greater than the H. indica in the three media tested. Soil was found to be the best media followed by sand and frass.

Conclusions

Field study of whorl application of sand mixed EPNs supported by laboratory studies on the persistence connoted that EPNs could be used as an eco-friendly option through whorl application for the management of FAW.
Assessment of serum level of melatonin in migraine: a case control study
Authors: Fathy Sabah E. , AbdAllah Amany M. , Helal Rania Y.
Published: May 2023

Background

Migraine attacks are reported to be severe enough to affect daily living events and can affect different age groups including early childhood. Chronic migraine is usually associated with several comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. The existence of a bidirectional relationship between sleep and migraine is documented. This study aims at assessing the relationship between serum melatonin, sleep quality, and both migraine and migraine severity. This case–control study was executed on 70 patients and 70 healthy controls. Serum melatonin was assessed in morning and evening blood samples. Patients underwent a thorough clinical examination, assessing migraine severity using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale and the sleep quality of both groups was evaluated using the sleep quality scale.

Results

Serum melatonin levels were significantly reduced among migraine patients in both morning and evening samples. Sleep quality was significantly impaired in migraine patients. There is a statistically significant negative correlation between melatonin in both samples and both of frequency of attack and migraine disability. Positive family history, presence of aura and chronic migraine had significantly lower melatonin in both samples compared to those without aura was associated with significantly lower melatonin. Sleep quality was negatively correlated with serum melatonin, and positively correlated with migraine severity and frequency.

Conclusion

Serum melatonin is significantly reduced among migraineurs, and linked to migraine severity; they also had impaired sleep quality so melatonin administration may represent a chance for improving headache characteristics.
Perioperative hyperglycemic response to single-dose dexamethasone in patients undergoing surgery under spinal anesthesia
Authors: Joshi Kamal Nayan , Chauhan Aditya Kumar , Palaria Urmila
Published: May 2023

Background

Dexamethasone is a potent corticosteroid when comes to effectively preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, some studies have documented its association with hyperglycemia. In our study, we compared the effect of single-dose dexamethasone (8 mg) on blood glucose concentrations among diabetics and non-diabetic patients who received spinal anesthesia for elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries.

Results

We recruited 80 patients and divided them into two groups of 40 patients each. After dexamethasone administration, diabetic patients had an early peak rise of blood glucose levels at 3 h, (157.85 ± 12.19) compared to 6 h, (125.30 ± 14.95) in non-diabetics. In diabetic patients, blood glucose levels remained consistently over the baseline and maximum rise was seen at 12 h (188.25 ± 41.33), which obviated the need or administration of injection insulin. Hyperglycemia can lead to a variety of physiological derangements.

Conclusions

Although dexamethasone is a useful means of successful prevention and treatment of PONV, the clinician should use his clinical judgment before administering dexamethasone.

Trial registration

CTRI, CTRI/2020/06/025765, Registered 02 June 2020, prospectively registered, http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php.
Epidemiological evaluation and identification of the insect vector of soybean stay-green associated virus
Authors: Cheng Ruixiang , Yan Rong , Mei Ruoxin , Wang Yaodi , Niu Wei , Ai Hao , Qiao Sijing , Xu Mengjia , Yu Wei , Ye Wenwu , Wang Yuanchao , Tao Xiaorong , Zhou Xueping , Xu Yi
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the emergence of soybean stay-green syndrome (SGS), also referred to as ‘zhengqing’, in the Huang-Huai-Hai region of China has resulted in significant yield losses. SGS is a phenomenon characterized by the delayed senescence of soybean, resulting in stay-green leaves, flat pods, and stunted seed development at harvest. We previously identified a distinct geminivirus, named soybean stay-green associated geminivirus (SoSGV), as the causative agent of SGS by fulfilling Koch’s postulates. To further understand the epidemiology of SoSGV, in this study, we collected 368 stay-green samples from 17 regions in 8 provinces including the Huang-Huai-Hai region and surrounding areas. The results showed that 228 samples tested positive for SoSGV (61.96%), and 96.93% of these positive samples showed severe pod deflation. Our epidemiological assessment reveals that SGS caused by the SoSGV is prevalent in the fields, and it is undergoing geographical expansion and genetic differentiation. Additionally, we determined other natural hosts grown in the Huang-Huai-Hai region. By capturing insects in the field and conducting laboratory vector transmission tests, we confirmed that the common brown leafhopper (Orosius orientalis) is the transmission vector of SoSGV. With a better understanding of the transmission and epidemiology of SoSGV, we can develop more effective strategies for managing and mitigating its impact on soybean yields.
Systematic review of digital twin technology and applications
Authors: Yao Jun-Feng , Yang Yong , Wang Xue-Cheng , Zhang Xiao-Peng
Published: May 2023

As one of the most important applications of digitalization, intelligence, and service, the digital twin (DT) breaks through the constraints of time, space, cost, and security on physical entities, expands and optimizes the relevant functions of physical entities, and enhances their application value. This phenomenon has been widely studied in academia and industry. In this study, the concept and definition of DT, as utilized by scholars and researchers in various fields of industry, are summarized. The internal association between DT and related technologies is explained. The four stages of DT development history are identified. The fundamentals of the technology, evaluation indexes, and model frameworks are reviewed. Subsequently, a conceptual ternary model of DT based on time, space, and logic is proposed. The technology and application status of typical DT systems are described. Finally, the current technical challenges of DT technology are analyzed, and directions for future development are discussed.
Valorization of sustainable vegetable oil deodorizer distillate as a novel fatliquor
Authors: Nashy El-Shahat H. A. , Abdel-Razek Adel Gabr , Hassanein Minar Mahmoud M. , Abo-Elwafa Ghada A. , Elsayed Hamed
Published: May 2023

The deodorizer distillate (DD) is a byproduct of vegetable oil processing industry and is rich in functional bioactive components. This study aimed to employ phosphorylation modification for DD to produce a new sustainable fatliquor. The bioactive ingredients in DD, namely fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols, were determined by using HPLC and GLC. The results revealed that the DD sample contained a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (72.3%) and high levels of γ and δ-tocopherols (54.8% and 31.60%, respectively). Mechanical parameters (tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength) of leather were improved after being treated with the prepared fatliquor emulsion. Eventually, SEM showed that the texture of the fatliquored leather had been remarkably enhanced. Moreover, the fatliquored leather possessed effective antibacterial effect against the specified +ve, −ve bacteria, and Candida albicans microorganisms. The strength, fullness, soft handle, and elasticity of leather were all improved, and the grain of leather was protected from becoming loose after drying.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the link between cardiovascular risk factors and manifestations in latent tuberculosis infection: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Djaharuddin Irawaty , Amir Muzakkir , Qanitha Andriany
Published: May 2023

Background

The global burden of tuberculosis (TB) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is overt, and the prevalence of this double burden disease remains steadily rising, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This review aims to explore the association between latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and the development of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. Furthermore, we elucidated the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that contribute to this relationship.

Main body

Approximately 25% of the global population carries a dormant form of tuberculosis (TB) infection. During this latent stage, certain subsets of mycobacteria actively reproduce, and recent research suggests that latent TB infection (LTBI) is connected to persistent, long-term low-grade inflammation that can potentially contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The presence of LTBI can be confirmed through a positive result on either a tuberculin skin test (TST) or an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Several plausible explanations for the association between LTBI and CVD include increased inflammation, autoimmunity related to heat shock proteins (HSP), and the presence of pathogens within the developing atherosclerotic plaque. The most commonly observed cardiovascular events and risk factors associated with LTBI are acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery stenosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

Conclusions

This article highlights the critical role of LTBI in perpetuating the tuberculosis disease cycle and its association with cardiovascular risk factors. Chronic and persistent low inflammation underlined the association. Identifying high-risk LTBI patients and providing targeted preventive medication are crucial strategies for global TB eradication and interrupting transmission chains.
Assessment of core endurance and shoulder proprioception in dental students with and without forward head posture
Authors: Dawood Reem Sayed , Abdelraouf Osama Ragaa , Mehmed Saif , Moubarak Ezzat ELSayed , Elborady Amal A.
Published: May 2023

Background

One of the most prevalent musculoskeletal issues in dentistry is forward head posture (FHP). Proprioception and core endurance are crucial for maintaining proper posture.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare dental students with and without FHP in terms of their core endurance and shoulder proprioception.

Methods

Using kinovea software, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 dental students who had FHP with a craniovertebral angle less than 49 degrees. The control group consisted of 30 additional dental students without FHP. Trunk anterior flexor, posterior extensor, right and left flexors were tested using the McGill method to determine core endurance. The isokinetic Biodex system was used to measure shoulder proprioception.

Results

Independent t-test results revealed that core endurance was significantly lower in the group with forward head posture compared to the control group (p 0.05), while shoulder proprioception did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In comparison to dental students without forward head posture, male dental students with FHP have normal shoulder joint proprioception and impaired core endurance holding time. This could be a risk factor for a variety of musculoskeletal issues in dentists.
Why there is something rather than nothing: A proposal for the cosmological constant problem
Authors: Li Xiang , Ho Fei-hung
Published: May 2023

This work is based on the idea that the observed cosmological constant is preferred for a stable vacuum, where a running gravitational coupling is considered. The most probable value of the cosmological constant is determined by the minimum of the vacuum energy density, and it is just proportional to the matter density. When the cosmological constant is connected with a modified dispersion relation (MDR) via an effective Newton constant, it may impose a constraint on the latter: the exponent of the leading correction should be n = 3.
Circadian Regulation of Metabolism: Commitment to Health and Diseases
Authors: Sato Tomoki , Sato Shogo
Published: May 2023

The circadian clock is a biological timekeeping system to govern temporal rhythms of the endocrine system and metabolism. The master pacemaker of biological rhythms is housed in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) where approximately 20,000 neurons exist and receive light stimulus as a predominant timed external cue (zeitgeber). The central SCN clock orchestrates molecular clock rhythms in peripheral tissues and coordinates circadian metabolic homeostasis at a systemic level. Accumulated evidence underscores an intertwined relationship between the circadian clock system and metabolism: the circadian clock provides daily dynamics of metabolic activity whereas the circadian clock activity is modulated by metabolic and epigenetic mechanisms. Disruption of circadian rhythms due to shift work and jet lag confounds the daily metabolic cycle, thereby increasing risks of various metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Food intake serves as a powerful zeitgeber to entrain molecular clocks and circadian clock regulation of metabolic pathways, independently of light exposure to the SCN. Thus, the daily timing of food intake rather than the diet quantity and quality contributes to promoting health and preventing disease development through restoring circadian control of metabolic pathways. In this review, we discuss how the circadian clock dominates metabolic homeostasis and how chrononutritional strategies benefit metabolic health, summarizing the latest evidence from basic and translational studies.
Treating the Side Effects of Exogenous Glucocorticoids; Can We Separate the Good From the Bad?
Authors: Pofi Riccardo , Caratti Giorgio , Ray David W , Tomlinson Jeremy W
Published: May 2023

It is estimated that 2% to 3% of the population are currently prescribed systemic or topical glucocorticoid treatment. The potent anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids to deliver therapeutic benefit is not in doubt. However, the side effects associated with their use, including central weight gain, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and osteoporosis, often collectively termed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, are associated with a significant health and economic burden. The precise cellular mechanisms underpinning the differential action of glucocorticoids to drive the desirable and undesirable effects are still not completely understood. Faced with the unmet clinical need to limit glucocorticoid-induced adverse effects alongside ensuring the preservation of anti-inflammatory actions, several strategies have been pursued. The coprescription of existing licensed drugs to treat incident adverse effects can be effective, but data examining the prevention of adverse effects are limited. Novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators have been designed that aim to specifically and selectively activate anti-inflammatory responses based upon their interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy. More recently, strategies exploiting tissue-specific glucocorticoid metabolism through the isoforms of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase has shown early potential, although data from clinical trials are limited. The aim of any treatment is to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and within this review we define the adverse effect profile associated with glucocorticoid use and evaluate current and developing strategies that aim to limit side effects but preserve desirable therapeutic efficacy.
Paying Tribute for the Dead: Religion and Spectral Labor in Sixteenth-Century Mexican Epidemics
Authors: Hughes Jennifer Scheper
Published: May 2023

This study approaches the history of epidemics in Mexico under Spanish invasion through the lens of religion and labor. In the aftermath of a particularly devastating epidemic from 1576 to 1581, colonial administrators in Mexico tried to exact previous levels of encomienda tribute from a greatly diminished population. Across the colony, Indigenous survivors protested having to pay “tribute for the dead” for those that they lost in the outbreak, and they demanded official recounts and new censuses of their communities. Underlying their protest were longstanding Mesoamerican practices and principles for the structure of collective labor, or tequitl in Nahuatl, including social norms dictating the proper relationship between religion, work, and the afterlife. The language of protest suggests that among the most serious violations of the “tribute for the dead” was that those who died in the epidemic were being compelled to work as spectral laborers for Spanish purposes. The resilient power of these practices and beliefs motivated and galvanized a groundswell of struggle against the encomienda system of labor extraction toward the end of the sixteenth century, bringing that system to its knees.