bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUDO: a framework for evaluating clinical artificial intelligence systems without ground-truth annotations
Authors: Kiyasseh Dani , Cohen Aaron , Jiang Chengsheng , Altieri Nicholas
Published: January 2024

A clinical artificial intelligence (AI) system is often validated on a held-out set of data which it has not been exposed to before (e.g., data from a different hospital with a distinct electronic health record system). This evaluation process is meant to mimic the deployment of an AI system on data in the wild; those which are currently unseen by the system yet are expected to be encountered in a clinical setting. However, when data in the wild differ from the held-out set of data, a phenomenon referred to as distribution shift, and lack ground-truth annotations, it becomes unclear the extent to which AI-based findings can be trusted on data in the wild. Here, we introduce SUDO, a framework for evaluating AI systems without ground-truth annotations. SUDO assigns temporary labels to data points in the wild and directly uses them to train distinct models, with the highest performing model indicative of the most likely label. Through experiments with AI systems developed for dermatology images, histopathology patches, and clinical reports, we show that SUDO can be a reliable proxy for model performance and thus identify unreliable predictions. We also demonstrate that SUDO informs the selection of models and allows for the previously out-of-reach assessment of algorithmic bias for data in the wild without ground-truth annotations. The ability to triage unreliable predictions for further inspection and assess the algorithmic bias of AI systems can improve the integrity of research findings and contribute to the deployment of ethical AI systems in medicine.
A role for the thalamus in danger discrimination during sleep
Authors: Adamantidis Antoine , Boccalaro Ida Luisa , Aime Mattia , Aellen Florence , Rusterholz Thomas , Borsa Micaela , Bozic Ivan , Sattin Andrea , Fellin Tommaso , Herrera Carolina Gutierrez , Tzovara Athina
Published: January 2024

Sleep is associated with a sensory disconnection from the environment despite a high vulnerability to danger and predation. Yet, sensory stimuli-evoked responses persist in the brain of flies1, rodents2,3, primates4,5, and humans6,7 during sleep. Whether discrimination between sensory stimuli occurs in the mammalian brain during sleep remains unclear. Here, we showed that neutral auditory stimuli evoked electrical responses propagate in parallel auditory and non-auditory pathway, some of which awaken sleeping mice. We used a convolutional neural network and identified neural activities of centro-medial thalamic (CMT) neurons as the most discriminant hub for auditory-evoked sleep-to-wake transitions among all recorded structures. Importantly, we found that prior associative learning of danger (conditioned stimulus, CS+) and neutral (CS-) auditory cues resulted in increased awakening events upon CS+ exposure during NREM, but not REM, sleep. These sleep-to-wake transitions were blocked by optogenetic silencing of CMT neurons during CS exposure in sleeping mice. Altogether, these results suggest a central role of the CMT neurons in the residual processing of behaviorally-relevant information in the sleeping brain.
Three cases with chronic obsessive compulsive disorder report gains in wellbeing and function following rituximab treatment
Authors: Cunningham Janet , Gallwitz Maike , Lindqvist Isa , Mulder Jan , Rasmusson Annica , Larsson Anders , Husén Evelina , Borin Jesper , Spek Peter van der , Sabbagh Nour , Widgren Anna , Bergquist Jonas , Cervenka Simon , Burman Joachim
Published: January 2024

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition affecting about 2% of the population where half of patients do not respond to standard treatment. The emerging concept of an autoimmune OCD subgroup is grounded on findings that suggest immunological aetiology.
We here present the longitudinal clinical course for three severely ill, functionally impaired complex cases with chronic treatment-resistant OCD. In all three cases, off-label treatment with rituximab was followed by clear and sustained gains regarding symptom burden and function over several years. The clinical phenotypes and clinical red flags are described in detail. Antibodies targeting mouse brain tissue were detected in cerebral spinal fluid for all three cases. We report exploratory analyses of immunological markers and proteomics and findings include elevated levels of sCD27 and markers indicative for complement pathway activation in CSF when compared to controls.
Multidisciplinary collaboration, advanced clinical investigations and rituximab treatment are feasible in a psychiatric setting. The case histories provide a proof of principle for the newly proposed criteria for autoimmune OCD. The findings suggest that clinical red flags and biological measures may predict rituximab response in chronic treatment-resistant OCD. The report provides orientation that may inform the hypotheses and design of future treatment trials.
The CRHR1→PN→PVI Pathway in Medial Prefrontal Cortex Mediates Early-life Stress-induced Cognitive Deficits in Adolescent Mice
Authors: Li Jitao , Ma Yu-Nu , Yang Chao-Juan , Zhang Chen-Chen , Sun Ya-Xin , Liu Xiao , Li Xue-Xin , Wang Han , Wang Ting , Wang Xiao-Dong , Su Yun-Ai , Zhang Chen , Si Tian-mei
Published: January 2024

Cognitive impairment, one core symptom of psychiatric disorders, is frequently observed in adolescents exposed to early-life stress (ES). However, the underlying neural mechanisms are unclear and the therapeutic efficacy is limited. Targeting at parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVIs) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), we report that mPFC PVI activity was reduced by ES and causally mediated ES-induced cognitive deficits in adolescent mice through chemogenetic or optogenetic experiments. We then demonstrate that ES reduced the excitatory inputs onto PVIs and pyramidal neuron (PN) activity and that ES negative effects were reversed by the knockout of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1, mainly expressed in PNs) in mouse mPFC, supporting the prefrontal CRHR1→PN→PVI pathway in mediating ES-induced cognitive deficits. Finally, antalarmin (a CRHR1 antagonist) treatment and environmental enrichment successfully restored PVI activity and cognitive deficits induced by ES. These findings highlight the critical role of PVIs in mediating and preventing ES-induced cognitive deficits in adolescent mice.
effect of online problem solving counseling on the sexual anxiety and intimacy of women with recurrent pregnancy loss: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Bokaie Mahshid , Mohammadkhani Shahla , Ghasemi Nasrin , Sorkhani Tayebeh Mokhtari
Published: January 2024

Background: Recurrent pregnancy loss creates complex reproductive conditions among women globally and in Iran affects many psychological consequences on all aspects of women's lives. Short-term problem solving therapy is one of the sexual health approaches.
Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effect of online problem solving counseling on the sexual anxiety and intimacy of women with RPL.
Materials & Methods:In this Parallel clinical trial, with the control group, the research population consists of women with recurrent pregnancy loss with a recorded file in abortion Center in Yazd. The eligible participants were assigned into two groups including control and intervention, using random allocation software. Participants in the intervention group were given online counseling through a social network with a problem solving approach. Eight weekly sessions were held each lasting 90 min. The control group received an educational file to improve sexual anxiety and intimacy. All participants in two groups completed the questionnaires before, after, and 1 month after the study. Data were analyzed with SPSS16 using descriptive and inferential statistics(P<0.05).
Results: The mean score of sexual anxiety at baseline was 62.8±10.71 in the online group and 62.00±6.43 in the control group (P=0.706). The mean score of sexual anxiety in the eighth and twelfth weeks was significantly less than the online group (53.17±7.13 in the online group and 61.34±6.13 in the control group), (49.74±7.09 in the online group and 61.25±5.96 in the control group). The mean score of sexual intimacy in the baseline was 28.68 ± 2.75 in the online group and 28.31 ± 2.77 in the control group (P=0.576). The mean score of sexual intimacy in the eighth and twelfth weeks was significantly higher in the online group (32.05±2.22 in the online group and 28.31±2.6 in the control group), (32.25±2.35 in the online group and 29.31±2.59 in the control group), (p<0.001).
conclusion: Counseling with problem solving approach in women with RPL improved sexual anxiety and intimacy. hence, this method is recommended as a non-drug and cost-effective method in the form of community-based care.
Trial Registration: This research has been registered in Iran's clinical trial center with code IRCT20220620055229N1 in 14/02/2023.
Urban mobile robot routing using fast search random tree method (RRT) in obstacle environments
Authors: jalalnezhad mostafa , Hsieh Hsin-Yin , Chen Kuan-Hung , Shieh Chich-Jen , Askar Shavan
Published: January 2024

In this thesis, the objective of path planning and control systems for robot is multifactorial. The method used for navigation algorithms based on is closed-loop random trees with quick search or CL-RRT. In this algorithm, each robot will grow a tree from its current location to the target or zone target is developed. The main advantage of this method is the ability to function in complex environments. For use this method, it is necessary that the CL-RRT algorithm for robot navigation online, be extended. In online mode, the robot does not have any information about the environment and through its sensors, which detect the environment and the ability to function in environments with obstacles dynamic and could face a new obstacle or the possibility of an obstacle's dynamic (the other a robot) to change its direction during motion. Performance of the design path used with design the controller for robot in an environment with various obstacles are evaluated and then this design is for a group of robots used. To coordinate among agents and to ensure that there is no conflict between them there is strategy based on, priority assignment and LOS method. The strategy used in a way that ensures that the collision between agents does not happen and benefits of the design methods path used to keep. As a result of this strategy can be divided into two parts, the first part of the prioritization robots and the second part of the strategy, no conflict robot is in motion. In this thesis the problem of forming a group of robots has been investigated. In other words, the agents move in the number of agents must be a specific form. The agents according to a number try to set form (originally defined) to its motion to follow, also when faced with obstacles or other agents of its priorities is no conflict with obstacles or other factors and this moment it is possible to change the shape of their,if this will happen again the situation changes be considered form to make its motion.
The effects of Stim1 and Orai1 expression levels on lymph node metastases and prognosis in patients with triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Yang Qiu-hui , Yang Hong-jian , Fu Ye-qin , Mo Wen-ju , Wang Chen , Mao Jie-fei , Zhang Xi-ping
Published: January 2024

Objective: Calcium signaling pathways are closely related to breast cancer, including Calcium ions (Ca2+) metabolic disorders associated with cell proliferation and migration of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The key proteins of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), Stromal interaction molecule 1 (Stim1) and calcium release-activated calcium channel protein1(Orai1), play critical roles in the development of TNBC.
Method: Fifty cases of TNBC patients who had treatment in our hospital between January 2011 and January 2016 were included in the study, including no lymph node (LN) metastasis(N=20), 1-3 LNs metastasis(N=20) and ≥4 LNs metastasis(N=10). The para-cancerous tissues of TNBC patients and the plasma of healthy patients (N=20) were used as control groups for tumor tissue and plasma samples of TNBC patients, respectively. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemical (IHC) were used to detect Stim1, Orai1 in the aforementioned tissue and plasma samples, respectively. Meantime, we used the Kaplan Meier (K-M) method to analyze the relationship between the expression levels of Stim1 and Orai1 and the prognosis of TNBC patients. Finally, the expression of SOCE and its key proteins (Stim1 and Orai1) in TNBC patients was analyzed using the TCGA database.
Main results: In TNBC patients, the expression of Stim1 and Orai1 were higher than in the control group (P>0.05). Besides, TNBC patients without LN metastases had higher Orai1 gene expression levels than the group with LN metastasis (P<0.05). The prognosis of TNBC patients is worse when the Orai1 expression is lower (P>0.05). Furthermore, TNBC patients with a tumor diameter≥5cm have a higher degree of axillary LN metastasis and poorer prognosis compared to patients with a diameter＜5cm. On the contrary, bioinformatics analysis showed that the key protein Stim1 of SOCE was downregulated in TNBC patients and negatively correlated with the degree of lymph node metastasis, which is a protective factor in TNBC patients.
Conclusion: Orai1 is expected to be tumor markers in the field of TNBC. In addition, the Orai1 expression level and tumor diameter could be used to predict the TNBC axillary LN metastatic status and prognostic level. The relationship between Stim1 and the degree of TNBC lymph node metastasis needs further research.
Effect of perioperative blood transfusion on complications following emergency non-trauma laparotomy in Mulago hospital: A prospective cohort study.
Authors: Egbe Flavius Ebaisem , Mbiine Ronald , Okello Michael , Iranya Richard Newton , Okeny Paul
Published: January 2024

Background: Blood transfusion may be required in the management of patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy. However, several retrospective cohort studies involving patients undergoing laparotomy for benign and malignant indications have identified blood transfusion as a significant predictor of postoperative infections and mortality. Still, no study has explored such an association in our setting. We aimed to determine the effect of perioperative blood transfusion on the 30-day risk of surgical site infections and mortality among patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy in a large urban tertiary hospital in a low-resource setting.
Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 160 adult patients admitted to the general surgery wards 48 hours after emergency non-trauma laparotomy. We grouped them based on transfusion exposure and non-exposure. Independent variables, including perioperative blood transfusion and confounders, were recorded on entry, while dependent variables, including the presence or absence of surgical site infection and mortality, were obtained over a 30-day follow-up period. Data were analysed using EPI INFO version 7, SPSS version 29 & Stata version 14.
Results: All 160 participants recruited, 28 (17.5%) transfused (exposed) and 132 (82.5%) not transfused (non-exposed), were included in the final analysis. Transfusion exposure (RR, 7.81; 95% CI, 2.58 – 23.63; p=0.0003) and preoperative leucocytosis/leucopoenia (RR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.04 – 4.65; p=0.040) were identified as independent risk factors for SSI after multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders including preoperative anaemia, young-to-middle-aged adults, cloudy/purulent/feculent exudate, gut perforation diagnosis, female sex, and registrar-led surgical team. Furthermore, transfusion exposure (HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.11 – 10.25; p=0.033) and old age (HR, 5.50; 95% CI, 1.67 – 18.11; p=0.005) were identified as independent risk factors for 30-day mortality after multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusted for confounders including high ASA score, immunodeficiency, cloudy/purulent/feculent exudate, bowel obstruction and high-risk procedure for bowel leak.
Conclusion: Among patients undergoing emergency non-trauma laparotomy, perioperative blood transfusion compared to no perioperative blood transfusion increased the risk of 30-day SSI by 7.81 and the 30-day mortality risk by 3.36. A restrictive transfusion strategy and a more extensive multicentre prospective cohort study are recommended.
Evaluating Bacterial Population Changes and Ecological Dynamics in Oil-Impacted Soils Using 16S rRNA Amplicon Sequencing
Authors: Rahube Teddie Onkabetse , Selvarajan Ramganesh , Nduna Batendi , Nthaba Bokani , Molwalefhe Loago , Shemang Elisha
Published: January 2024

Improper disposal of used motor oil is a prevalent issue in developing countries, leading to a notable contribution to environmental pollution. This study was conducted using the 16S rRNA targeted metagenomic approach, to assess the changes in bacterial population diversity and abundance at an oil contamination experimental site in Botswana. To demonstrate the impact of used motor oil is on the soil ecosystem, soil samples collected at different depths before and after treatment with used motor oil were subjected to total community DNA extraction and Illumina sequencing. The taxonomic bacterial composition data revealed statistically significant differences among the treatments and controls. A notable shift from Gram-negative to Gram-positive bacterial populations was observed following treatment with used motor oil. Prevotella and Aerococcus were among the few genera within the enriched Gram-positive bacteria that could be directly linked to biodegradation of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with oil contamination. Agricultural and biotechnologically important, plant-associated bacterial genera; Methylobacterium-methylorumbrum, Bradyrhizobium, and, Phyllobacterium significantly declined in relative abundance, thus demonstrating the negative impact of oil contamination. The results from this study, improves our understanding of the roles of indigenous soil bacteria, and can help in guiding future strategies for the sustainable management of contaminated soils globally in countries with similar climatic and ecological conditions.
Proteomics and metabolomics analysis of Cormus domestica (L.) fruits and the valorisation of an ethnobotanical heritage of culinary and medicinal uses in Mediterranean area.
Authors: Tartaglia Maria , Zuzolo Daniela , Prigioniero Antonello , Ranauda Maria Antonietta , Scarano Pierpaolo , Tienda-Parrilla Marta , Hernandez Tamara , Jorrín-Novo Jesús , Guarino Carmine
Published: January 2024

Background
Cormus domestica (L.) is a monophyletic wild fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, with well-documented use in the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, these fruits are harvested and stored for at least 2 weeks before consumption. During this period, the fruit reaches its well-known and peculiar organoleptic and texture characteristics. However, the spread of more profitable fruit tree species, resulted in its progressive erosion. In this work we performed proteomic and metabolomic fruit analyses at three times after harvesting to provide data on its chemical composition, nutritional and nutraceutical properties.
Results
Proteomic and metabolomic analyses were performed at three ripening stages: freshly harvested fruit (T0), fruit two weeks after harvest (T1) and fruit four weeks after harvest (T2). Proteomic analysis (Shotgun Proteomic in LC-MS/MS) resulted in 643 proteins identified. Most of the differentially abundant proteins between the three phases observed were involved in the softening process, carbohydrate metabolism and stress responses. Enzymes, such as xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase, pectin acetylesterase, beta-galactosidase and pectinesterase, accumulated during fruit ripening and could explain the pulp breakdown observed in C. domestica. At the same time, enzymes abundant in the early stages (T0), such as sucrose synthase and malic enzyme, explain the accumulation of sugars and the lowering of acidity during the process. The metabolites extraction from C. domestica fruits enabled the identification of 606 statistically significant differentially abundant metabolites. Some compounds such as piptamine and resorcinol, well-known for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and several bioactive compounds such as endocannabinoids, usually described in the leaves, accumulate in C.domestica fruit during the post-harvest process.
Conclusions
The C. domestica fruit metabolomic and proteomic profiling during the post-harvest process showed in the study, fills an information gap and has enabled the molecular and phytochemical characterisation of this erosion-endangered fruit. Data support the nutritional and nutraceutical value of this species.
Lithometeors and public health issue in the city of Maroua (Far North Cameroon)
Authors: BOUBA Lucas , Kemo William , Assomo Philippe Samba
Published: January 2024

The Far North region of Cameroon is subject to significant dust storm aerosol concentration, leading to deterioration in urban air quality. The temporal monitoring of aerosols and the assessment of their impacts on human health were carried out in the city of Maroua, through a field campaign resulting in the collection of in situ dust aerosols data and those relating to epidemiology obtained from the Maroua Regional Hospital. Four aerosol samples were also submitted to Laboratory chemical analysis. The results of the present study have shown first of all that there are strong correlations between the temporal evolution of aerosol episodes and the prevalence of respiratory diseases. The period from January to march is positioned as the high-risk pollution period. Chemical analysis of the aerosols revealed the presence of potentially toxic elements such as threshold pollutants (Lead, Cadmium, and Cyanide) and non-threshold pollutants (Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate and chloride). The concentrations of the chemical elements were observed in the following order: SO42- > K+ > Na+ > Ca2+ > Cl- > Mg2+ > NH4+ > NO3- > F- > Pb > Cd > CN-; the presence of PO43- and As not having been detected. The exposure of the human population to these potentially toxic elements from inhalation pathway suggested an acceptable non-carcinogenic risk and a very low carcinogenic risk.
Molecular cytogenetic characterization and field performance analysis of alien chromosome addition lines in five generations of Erianthus x Saccharum
Authors: V.P. Sobhakumari , K Mohanraj
Published: January 2024

Erianthus arundinaceus, one of the species of ‘Saccharum complex’ has a number of important agronomic traits including good ratooning ability, tolerance to both drought and waterlogging, disease resistance and vigor and is of interest as a potential source of parental germplasm to sugarcane breeders. We report here for the first time the chromosome composition, Erianthus chromosome transmission patten and agronomical trait evaluation of Erianthus addition lines in five consecutive generations of E. arundinaceus x Saccharum. The hybridity of randomly selected clones could confirm with ErianthusSpecific Tandem Repeat (ESTR) sequences. The results of classical cytology revealed that the mode of transmission of gametes, except in the second generation, followed n+n pattern whereas in second generation (CYM 07-971) it was showing 2n+n with elimination of few chromosomes. Progressive elimination of Erianthuschromosomes is observed in consecutive generations where the F1 showed 30 Erianthuschromosomes and it was ranged from 0-2 in fifth generation. Agronomical trait analysis indicates that further backcrossing with commercial clones with high juice quality or intercrossing among the selected progenies would improve both juice quality and cane traits in E. arundinaceus x Saccharum hybrids.
Microenvironment Evolution at Triple-phase Interface on the CO2RR Process of Hydrophobic Oxide-derived Copper
Authors: YU Jinli , Xie Zezhong , Yang Hao , Wang Qiushi , Chen Jian , Song Shu-qin , Meng Changgong , Wang Kun , Tong Yexiang
Published: January 2024

The local microenvironment of electricity-powered CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2RR) surrounding the catalyst-electrolyte-gas triple-phase interface plays a crucial role in catalytic activity and selectivity as it affects reaction pathways and species transport. However, it still needs to be explored and understood regarding the impact of microenvironment evolution on the CO2RR performance. We report here a hydrophobic oxide-derived copper foam with villous nanowires on the surface that demonstrates significant suppressed HER and enhanced C2+ selectivity in H-type cell. In-situ 3D Raman mapping and in-situ Raman spectra investigation on micro-environmental species reveal that high local pH and fast CO2 mass transfer were simultaneously allowed in the microenvironment of the triple-phase interface because of the special hydrophobic structure. On this mechanism, the material reaches a minimum H2 Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 6.6% and maximum C2+ FE of 74.4% at the current density of 300 mA cm-2 in a flow cell under acidic conditions (pH=4) without an additional gas-diffusion layer (GDL). This study not only highlighted the importance of the microenvironment but also provided an effective method for tuning the triple-phase interface of CO2RR and demonstrated a promising application of the pure metal foam-based GDEs.
Pathways of Various Toxic Materials from Open Landfill Site and Their Assessment
Authors: Pant Deepak , Vaid Akash , Singh Umang , Sharma Vrinda , Sharma Sonali , Shera Pandit Prashant , Giri Anand , Kumar Anil
Published: January 2024

Toxic assessment study of various chemical pollutants plays a vital role towards its long-term environmental impact. Open landfill site carry many toxic pollutants in the water system like, methyl-thiourea; 3,5-dinitro- benzamide; n-trifluoroacetylmorpholine; di-n-ethylhexyl phthalate; ethyl-trans-hex-3-enylester phthalic acid; 2,4,-dimethyl thiazole; anthraquinone 1-amino-4-benzamido and alizarin red S. LC-MS results confirm the presence of these contaminants, many of which may have evolved due to various hydrolysis and photolysis reactions between production and source. This problem becomes quite complex at landfill sites in hilly areas. This study is reporting various primary and secondary pollutants in the river water system as a result of open dumping mismanagement. Pollutants are classified based on their potential sources such as pharmaceutical, herbicide and pesticide (PHP), food packaging and flavouring (FPF) and dye waste.
Plant endophytic fungi exhibit diverse biotransformation pathways of mogrosides and show great potential application in siamenoside Ⅰ production
Authors: Lin Wenxi , Jiang Qiang , Dong Yamin , Xiao Yiwen , Wang Ya , Gao Boliang , Zhu Du
Published: January 2024

Fungal endophytes, as an untapped resource of glycoside hydrolase biocatalysts, need to be further developed. The primary active compound in the fruit of Momordica grosvenorii, mogroside V, can be converted into other various bioactive mogrosides by selective hydrolysis of glucose residues at C3 and C24 positions. In present study, 20 fungal strains were randomly selected from our endophytic fungal strain library to investigate their capability for transforming mogroside V. The results revealed that relatively high rate (30%) endophytic fungal strains exhibited the ability of transformation. Further analysis indicated that endophytic fungi could produce abundant mogrosides, and the pathways for biotransforming mogroside V showed diverse. Among the given fungal endophytes, Aspergillus sp. S125 could almost completely transform mogroside V into the end-products mogroside II A and aglycone only after 2 days of fermentation; Muyocopron sp. A5 produced rich intermediate products, including siamenoside Ⅰ, and the end-product mogroside II E. Furthermore, Aspergillus sp. S125 and Muyocopron sp. A5 were selected to optimize the fermentation conditions in order to evaluate the feasibility of large-scale conversion of mogroside V. After optimization, Aspergillus sp. S125 could convert 10 g/L of mogroside V into 4.5 g/L of mogroside II A and 3.6 g/L of aglycone after 3 days of fermentation, while Muyocopron sp. A5 could selectively produce 4.88 g/L of siamenoside Ⅰ from 7.5 g/L of mogroside V after 36 hours of fermentation. This study not only provides a class of highly effective biocatalytic candidates for transform mogrosides, but also strongly indicates that plant endophytic fungi can be used as a potential resource for biocatalysis of natural compounds.
The Effect of Supportive Care on Mood, General Health, Competence, and Supportive Care Needs on Caregivers of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: miri Foroogh , karimyar Mahdi , Hojat Mohsen
Published: January 2024

Background: most cancer patients live more than 5 years after the diagnosis and many of them rely on their informal caregivers. The quality of life and survival of cancer patients depend on their caregivers' abilities.
Methods: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a supportive care program on mood, general health, competence, and the supportive care needs of caregivers of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in the south of Iran. The caregivers were randomly assigned to experimental (30) and control (30) groups. The data were measured using the Profile of Mood States, General Health Questionnaire, and Caregiver Competence Scale at baseline, immediately, one month after intervention. Too, the Supportive Care Needs questionnaire was filled out by patients at baseline, immediately, one month after intervention. Data was analyzed by the IBM SPSS 16.0. Kolmogrov-Smironov test, Repeated Measurement test, chi-square test, Friedman test, Manwitney U, and Independent T-test were used.
Discussion: The average scores for mood, general health, competence, and supportive care needs of caregivers in the experimental group improved compared to the control group immediately and one month after the intervention (P < .05). The administration of the supportive care program positively affected the mood, general health, competence, and supportive care needs of caregivers.
Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: (IRCT20230128057252N1) https://en.irct.ir/trial/69729, date of registration: (2023-07-08)
Construction of Fish Vaccine via Heterologously Biosynthesizing Bacterial Type III Secretion System
Authors: hu shengbiao
Published: January 2024

The delivery of antigens into the host cells through type III secretion system (T3SS) is an effective strategy employed by bacteria to induce host immune responses and facilitate colonization. To achieve optimal immersion protection with a vaccine, we employed a T3SS antigens delivery system, which is heterologously biosynthesized in an avirulent Aeromonas salmonicida DBFF01, to deliver heterologous antigen as a vaccine carrier. A recombinant GAPDH (rGAPDH) protein, which was fused with a Photorhabdus luminescens TT01 translocation signal and chaperone SlcT, was constructed as an antigen. Then, we investigated the extracellular secretion of heterologous expression rGAPDH, as well as its expression during the infection of Hela cells. Western blotting demonstrated that heterologously biosynthesized T3SS could exhibited functional activity. More importantly, T3SS-expressing A. salmonicida strains had no toxicity or side effects when tested with hematoxylin and eosin assays. The immune protection of DBFF01-T3SS-Δphage-rGAPDH and DBFF01-T3SS-rGAPDH against the pathogen E. tarda in grass carp was evaluated at 59.1% and 37.4% by the relative percent survival (RPS), respectively. In addition, we analyzed the expression profiles of multiple immune-related genes after challenge. Notably, complement component 3 (C3) was up-regulated in the livers of grass carp injected with T3SS-expressing A. salmonicida strains, indicated that C3 may play an assisting role in repairing liver tissue damaged by E. tarda. In conclusion, our study found that T3SS is an effective antigen delivery system, which employed the type III secretion system to deliver recombinant immunogenic protein rGAPDH in grass carp against E. tarda, and we suggested that the vaccine could induce corresponding immune responses and facilitate colonization in fish.
A 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) inhibitor, 11b-0048, effectively suppresses the expression of 11β-HSD1 activated in cultured keratinocytes and in diabetic murine skin
Authors: Lee Ju Yeong , Heo Yeon-Woo , Hwang Hyun Jee , Kim Eunjung , Lee Jee-Young , Kang Seunghyun , Choi Eung Ho
Published: January 2024

Elevated level of active glucocorticoid (GC) deteriorates skin barrier function. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is an NADPH-dependent enzyme converting inactive GC to active GC. Elevated active GC due to increased 11β-HSD1 expression might contribute to barrier impairment in aged skin and diabetic skin. We believe that the increase of 11β-HSD1 expression is a main cause of barrier abnormalities in diabetic skin and perform this study to elucidate the effect of a new 11β-HSD1 inhibitor. We compared it with a proven inhibitor in the cultured keratinocytes inducing typically 11β-HSD1 activation with dexamethasone treatment, UVB irradiation, and high glucose treatment, and the db/db mice as a type 2 diabetes murine model. In the cultured medium, cortisol, 11β-HSD1, and cytokines were measured. Also, in the db/db mice with a two-week application of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors, skin barrier function, HbA1c, corticosterone, 11β-HSD1, and cytokines were measured. In cultured keratinocytes, all concentrations and mRNA levels of cortisol, 11β-HSD1, and cytokines were decreased by both 11β-HSD1 inhibitors. In the db/db mice, both inhibitors improved skin barrier function and reduced serum level of HbA1c and skin expression of corticosterone, 11β-HSD1, and cytokines. A new 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, “11b-0048”, showed a significant inhibitory effect on the expression of 11β-HSD1 in keratinocytes activated by various conditions and diabetic skin.
Shortened Survival of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients during Quarantine Periods of COVID-19. A Retrospective Analysis of 344 Patients
Authors: Oppenheim Amit , Gueta Itai , Haj Ramy , Abu-Amer Nabil , Ozeri David Joshua
Published: January 2024

Background. COVID-19 pandemic impact on patients’ populations could be divided to direct consequences of the disease and indirect implications of changes imposed upon the national healthcare systems, e.g., large-scale quarantines. The impact of the later on survival of chronic hemodialysis patients is still unknown.
Methods. We employed a retrospective, case-controlled study comparing a population of chronic hemodialysis patients from two separate time-frames: during a quarantine period and a parallel time without quarantine.
Results. This study included 344 hemodialysis patients, baseline characteristics were compared between those enrolled in 2015 and 2020. Despite comparable clinical parameters, a statistically significant increase in the 6-month mortality rate was observed in 2020 (1.2% to 6.7%, p = 0.01), primarily attributed to sepsis. Notably, no deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in 2020. Interdialytic weight gain and dialysis quality remained similar between the two groups, with a mild trend towards excessive weight gain in 2020. Secondary outcomes after 6 months did not significantly differ, except for lower sodium values in 2015 compared to 2020.
Conclusions. In this study, dialysis patients experienced disproportionate effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, even with continuous care and no direct virus-related fatalities. The findings unveil unintended consequences of quarantine measures, highlighting adverse impacts on both physical and mental health. Recognizing and addressing these consequences are imperative for minimizing their impact in future pandemics, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in healthcare planning.
Platelet count-to-platelet distribution width ratio and other platelet indices as cost-effective markers of preeclampsia: a case control study
Authors: Bashyal Ritu , Sharma Paban Kumar , Singh Alka , Maharjan Sanjay , Tuladhar Shreyashi , Bhattarai Binita
Published: January 2024

Background
Platelet indices, like platelet count (PC), plateletcrite, mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW), and their ratios have shown to be a cost-effective and better predictors of preeclampsia (PE). However, the PC/PDW ratio was not studied. Thus, this study aimed to compare platelet indices and their ratios between pregnant women with and without PE.
Methods
An analytical, comparative, case-control study was conducted. Pregnant women of 20 weeks gestation or more were categorized into either case (with PE) or control (without PE) group. The differences between cases and controls were compared using Student’s t-test and Mann‒Whitney U-test for the continuous variables and chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. Multivariable linear regression analysis for hematological parameters was performed to assess the effect of gestational age. Logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the tests and to find significant cutoff values to predict the presence of PE. The level of significance (α) was set at 0.05.
Results
A total of 24 cases and 72 controls were enrolled. There was a statistically significant reduction in the values of PC (p=0.004), plateletcrit (p=0.012), PC/MPV ratio (p=0.002), and PC/PDW ratio (p= <0.001) among the pregnant women with PE compared to the control study group, while a significant increase was noticed in the values of PDW (p= <0.001) and MPV (p=0.021).
PC/PDW had the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.767, followed by PDW (AUC=0.752). At the cutoff value of 15.1 (p<0.001) for PC/PDW, the sensitivity was 70.8%, and the specificity was 81.9%. The odds of diagnosing true positive cases of PE was 11.02 (95% CI =3.79-31.99, p=<0.001) times higher compared to values below it at this cutoff point.
Conclusions
The present study suggests that platelet indices are economical tests that can act as indicators of risk of PE. Among all the parameters, PC/PDW has the highest sensitivity and specificity in the detection of PE at the cutoff of 15.1 and has emerged as a better predictor of PE.
Effect of thoracic endovascular aortic stent diameter on short term mortality in esophageal cancer-associated aortoesophageal fistula
Authors: Chung Mengwei , Cheng Kanglun , Kao Peiyu
Published: January 2024

This case series presents a single center experience on treating esophageal cancer related aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) .
From January 2010 to October 2022, 7 patients with cancer related AEF were treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) at China medical university hospital.
Main tumor localized at the middle to lower third of esophagus, with residual disease or local recurrence disease status was the main risk factor of aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) development.
Survival after initial successful endovascular treatment ranged from 17 to 111 days. 4 patients died of non-aortic-related death. 3 of them survived more than 2 months and are able to discharge without disability. Thus, to reduce aortic related death is a crucial topic. Choosing an ‘extra’ oversizing stent graft selection up to 120-130% aortic diameter may produce better surgical outcome. As for late mortality after discharge, infection may play the most important role.
Analysis of the rainfall variability over temporal and spatial patterns: A case study in Adelaide, South Australia
Authors: To Hoan , Ahammed Faisal
Published: January 2024

Climate change has presented a tremendous impact on the weather patterns on Earth. Many studies conducted to investigate the changing patterns of meteorological data in Australia. This study aimed to investigate the variability of rainfall data over time and terrain in Adelaide, South Australia. The annual daily maximum rainfall (ADMR) data over a 40-year period in four stations was collected to identify the distribution of rainfall data across the time recorded. Moreover, the ADMR data in 2018 and elevation data across 86 stations were used to investigate the changing rainfall patterns over the terrain. Two non-parametric tests including Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney were applied to perform the hypothesis analysis. Correlations, regression, and multivariate tests were performed to identify the relationship between variables. It was found that the ADMR data in four stations did not vary over the 40-year period from 1981 in Adelaide. However, there was a strong correlation between the extreme rainfall data in the year 2018 and elevation data in these stations. Results also suggested that it is relatively possible to use the elevation data to predict ADMR across Adelaide in certain years. Policymakers and researchers can use these tests for climate projections and extreme rainfall forecasts.
Seasonal changes in pigments content in overwintering and current-year leaves of Sasa senanensis from snowmelt to before leaf-fall of canopy deciduous trees
Authors: ONO Kiyomi , Hashiguchi Megumi , Tanaka Ryouichi , Hara Toshihiko
Published: January 2024

Sasa senanensis, an evergreen plant native to the cool temperate regions of eastern Asia, experiences both seasonal temperature fluctuations and dramatic changes in light intensity typical of understory plants. Light intensity which Sasa leaves receive surges post-snowmelt in early spring and diminishes as the canopy of upper deciduous trees develops. The current-year leaves of S. senanensis unfold under these shaded conditions, making the preservation of overwintering leaves crucial for the plant's photosynthetic productivity in early spring. To investigate how the overwintering leaves of S. senanensis adapt to the low temperatures and high light conditions of early spring; specifically, whether they adjust their antenna size or dissipate absorbed light energy as heat, we analyzed Fv/Fm and photosynthetic pigment compositions during the spring to autumn seasons from 2014 to 2017. We observed that Fv/Fm was initially low in overwintering leaves during early spring but gradually increased prior to the onset of shading, maintaining high levels under shaded conditions across all years. The chlorophyll a/b ratio rose following snowmelt and fell with increased shading in every year except 2015, suggesting that reductions in antenna size are not always essential. The quantities and de-epoxidation state of xanthophyll cycle pigments escalated post-snowmelt despite rising temperatures and subsequently decreased with shading each year, indicating that overwintering leaves adapt to early spring conditions by modifying their xanthophyll cycle pigments. This study further explores the similarities and differences in changes in Fv/Fm and photosynthetic pigments during spring between evergreen trees and S. senanensis.
Gene-environment correlation: The role of family environment in academic development
Authors: Malanchini Margherita , Zhou Quan , Gidziela Agnieszka , Allegrini Andrea , Cheesman Rosa , Wertz Jasmin , Maxwell Jessye , Plomin Robert , Rimfeld Kaili
Published: January 2024

Academic achievement is partly heritable and highly polygenic. However, genetic effects on academic achievement are not independent of environmental processes. We investigated whether aspects of the family environment mediated genetic effects on academic achievement across development. Our sample included 5,151 children who participated in the Twins Early Development Study, as well as their parents and teachers. Data on academic achievement and family environments (parenting, home environments, and geocoded indices of neighbourhood characteristics) were available at ages 7, 9, 12 and 16. We computed educational attainment polygenic scores (PGS), and further separated genetic effects into cognitive and noncognitive PGS. Three core findings emerged. First, aspects of the family environment, but not the wider neighbourhood context, consistently mediated the PGS effects on achievement across development –accounting for up to 34.3% of the total effect. Family characteristics mattered beyond socio-economic status. Second, family environments were more robustly linked to noncognitive PGS effects on academic achievement than cognitive PGS effects. Third, when we investigated whether environmental mediation effects could also be observed when considering differences between siblings, adjusting for family fixed effects, we found that environmental mediation was nearly exclusively observed between families. This is consistent with the proposition that family environmental contexts contribute to academic development via passive gene-environment correlation processes. Our results show how parents shape environments that foster their children’s academic development partly based on their own genetic disposition, particularly towards noncognitive skills.
FFP2 induced breathing resistance does not affect gas exchange, metabolism and well-being during brisk walking and stair climbing - A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Engeroff Tobias , Hartel Niclas , Niederer Daniel , Nienhaus Albert , Groneberg David A. , Vogt Lutz
Published: January 2024

Objectives
N95 or Type II filtering face pieces (FFP2) are often worn during work hours or on public transportation to prevent airborne infection. The aim of this randomized controlled crossover study is to assess the impact of FFP2 induced breathing resistance on pulmonary function, blood gas values and discomfort during walking and stair climbing.
Methods
N=16 healthy adults (24.8 ± 2.2 years; 10 females,) participated. Interventions included 1) six minutes of walking in a 16-meter-long hallway (612 meters) and 2) eight minutes of stair climbing in a two-story staircase (420 stairs), both with and without a FFP2 (>48 hour wash-out).
Spiroergometric data (Ventilation, breathing frequency, tidal volume, oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide exhalation (primary outcome), end tidal carbon dioxide- and oxygen pressure) and self-reported response (Perceived exertion, dyspnoea and pain) were assessed during activities. Blood gas analysis (capillary carbon dioxide- (pCO2) (primary outcome) and oxygen partial pressure (pO2), pH, lactate and base excess) was measured after cessation of activities. Manipulation effects (FFP2 versus no mask) were tested using repeated measures analyses of variance.
Results
Analysis showed no effect of FFP2 on pCO2 or other blood-gas parameters but on carbon dioxide exhalation during walking: (mean 1067, SD 209 ml/min) and stair climbing (mean 1908, SD 426 ml/min) (F(15)=19.5; p<0.001; ηp2=0.566 and F(15)=14.3; p=0.002; ηp2=0.489) compared to no mask wearing (mean 1237, SD 173 ml/min; mean 1908, SD 426 ml/min). Ventilation was decreased and dyspnoea was increased by FFP2 during activities. FFP2 led to lower oxygen uptake and end tidal oxygen but higher end tidal carbon dioxide during stair climbing.
Conclusions
FFP2 decreased ventilation based on slower breathing patterns and led to limitations in pulmonary gas exchange and increased subjective dyspnoea. However, invasive diagnostics revealed no signs of clinically relevant metabolic effects during common everyday physical activities.