bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and validation of a novel anoikis-related signature to predict clinical outcomes, TME and treatment response of breast cancer patients
Authors: Liu Qian , Qu Fei , Wu Xuefang , Lu Rongrong , Huang Xiang , Li Wei , Yin Yongmei
Published: April 2023

Background
Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant among female population worldwide. Anoikis is a key progress during genesis and metastasis of malignant cells. Few studies investigate connections between anoikis and prognosis in breast cancer patients.
Methods
Anoikis-related genes (ARGs) were achieved from GeneCards and Harmonizome portals database. Based on expression patterns of prognostic ARGs, patients were classified as two subtypes and an ARG risk signature was constructed. Based on the formulation, risk score of every individual was calculated. Then, the ability of prognosis prediction was examined by ROC curve and Nomogram. Finally, we analyzed the correlation between TME, signal pathways enriched and treatment response between different risk groups.
Results
Patients were classified into two clusters based on ARG expression. Cluster B was featured by a longer OS. According to the expression profile of prognostic ARGs between clusters, we constructed a risk scoring signature based on five genes. Patients were again divided into the high- and low-risk group according to the score. The high-risk group was characterized by poorer diagnosis, fewer activated immune cells infiltration and worse treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, the drug sensitivity analysis revealed the potential benefit of the model in supporting clinical decision.
Conclusion
We successfully established an ARG risk scoring system associating expression profile of ARGs with clinicopathological features to make breast cancer management more individualized and rationalized.
A large bande frequencies AC/DC SSHIC Electrical Interface for Piezoelectric Sensors and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Youssef EL HMAMSY , Erroumayssae SABANI , Aymen Mohamed , Chouaib ENNAWAOUI , Mehdi LAADISSI EL , Mehdi LOUALID El , Abdelhadi BOUKNDAL , Ahmed CHEBAK , Abdelowahed HAJJAJI
Published: April 2023

The harvesting energy from the vibration of piezoelectric beam or membrane producing an alternating voltage, requires a passive AC/DC converter to avoid energy losses, and to adapt the electrical signal to the input parameters (voltage, current). The objective of this work is to demonstrate a complete AC/DC converter autonomous system which is powered by a piezoelectric energy harvester. Accordingly, the proposed rectifier has several advantages in terms of efficiency, compatibility, circuit simplicity, and integration into various systems. The AC-DC converter for piezoelectric energy harvesting applications presented in this paper is an improved version of the Synchronized Switch Harvesting on Inductor Corrected (SSHIC) Converter. This modified version provides better results of up to 56% for technology parallel SSHIC-p and 51% for technology series SSHIC-s compared to input power. In addition, it is better in terms of efficiency more than 220% compared to the bridge rectifier with relatively stable output despite varying conditions. In addition, the structures vibrating in sinusoidal or pseudo sinusoidal mode, thus being able to be modeled by a second order. This model is well suited to broadband stresses of multimodal structures.
Investigation of anti-breast cancer potential of a Coral-derived heterocyclic molecule Capillobenzofuranol by inhibiting Estrogen Receptor-α
Authors: Mukerjee Nobendu , Maitra Swastika , Ghosh Arabinda , Akash Shopnil , Panda Siva Prasad , Dey Abhijit , Jha Saurabh Kumar
Published: April 2023

Estrogen receptor α (ER-α) plays a crucial role in the start and progression of breast cancer. ER-α stimulates the expression of oncogenic proteins including Cyclin D1 and c-Myc while inhibiting the expression of cell cycle inhibitors like P21. ER-α has critical functions in the development, survival, and architecture of cancer cells and the regulation of gene expression in these cells. Estrogen receptors are also linked to ER-mediated breast cancer and its progression. In this study, we focused on blocking the active binding site of estradiol (E1), which binds to the ER-α and is known to cause breast cancer. We conducted a virtual screening for approximately 50 natural chemicals that were shown to be overexpressed in ER-α. A target-based approach for drug design was used in this study, which included high throughput screening using molecular docking via AutoDock vina, based on the best-docked phytochemical nutraceuticals, and further investigation employed into the stability and efficacy of the ER-α during 100 ns molecular dynamics and simulation. The results of the post-simulation analysis and binding energy calculation in MMGBSA demonstrated that the nutraceuticals possessed a superior potential for ER inhibition in a concentration dependent manner. Due to its strong affinity for the Estrogen Receptor-protein, it could be an active site inhibitor for ER-mediated breast cancer.
TCPPA-Three factor conditional privacy preserving authentication protocol for smart ambulance in the vehicular Adhoc environment
Authors: Agrahari Abhay Kumar , Venkatesan S. , Varma Late Shirshu
Published: April 2023

The vehicles are connected through the internet in the vehicular Adhoc network environment. When any emergency vehicle like an ambulance arrives, we have to create a green corridor to that ambulance so that it will reach safely. The communication between the ambulance and the other entity like RSU or other vehicles through the open channel, These open channels are the main target by the adversary to get the messages which will transfer between two entities. The adversary will modify, delete or eavesdrop on the message to do the attacks like privileged-insider attack, replay attack, man in the middle attack or other related attacks. In this paper, we will propose the new TCPPA authentication protocol to secure the intelligent transportation system in a vehicular network. We also analyzed the security features in informal security analysis. A formal security analysis is done using the BAN logic. Additionally, we employ the ROR model for mathematical proof and the AVISPA simulation tool for security analysis. At last, an exhaustive comparative analysis will be conducted between the proposed work with some other existing works.
Subtyping treatment response of tirofiban in acute ischemic stroke based on neuroimaging features
Authors: Han Bin , Man Xu , Ding Jian , Tian Xintao , Zhu Xuelian , Yu Jiang , Sun Jinping
Published: April 2023

Our previous trial demonstrated that tirofiban was effective and safe in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who were not undergoing early recanalization treatments. We aimed to further evaluate the structural MRI characteristics and their clinical significance to better predict and guide tirofiban treatment. In this post hoc analysis of imaging features, the location of infarcts (anterior circulation stroke [ACS] vs posterior circulation stroke [PCS]), degree of cerebral artery stenosis (≤ 69% vs ≥ 70% or occlusion), total infarct volume and ASPECTS score were used to predict the treatment response of tirofiban, defined as a proportion of excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–1) and favorable functional outcome (mRS score of 0–2) at 90 days. Patients with ACS were more likely to achieve excellent functional outcome (p = 0.004) and favorable functional outcome (p = 0.008) when treated with tirofiban. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups for patients with PCS. For patients due to severe stenosis (≥ 70% or occlusion), there were significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.002 for mRS 0–1; p = 0.011 for mRS 0–2). Meanwhile, we found that tirofiban treatment improved clinical outcome only in patients with ASPECTS (8–10) (p = 0.016). In addition, we found that the effect of tirofiban treatment was independent of total infarct volume. The neuroimaging data supported that patients with ACS and severe stenosis were recommended for the application of tirofiban, and better treatment response could be predicted independent of total infarct volume.
Clinical and Biochemical Assessment of Ozonated Olive Oil Mixed Bone Substitute in Treating Intra Bony Periodontal Defect- Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: adel nourhan , Taşdemir Zekeriya , Sarhan Susan , Gamal Ahmed
Published: April 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of ozonated olive oil in treating intra bony defect by means of clinical and radiographic parameters, and gingival cervicular fluid BMP2 level.

Materials and methods

Thirty periodontitis patients with a deep intra-bony defect. Group I were treated with open flap depridment(OFD) and deproteinized bovine bone(DBB) alone, Group II were treated by OFD and placing DBB with ozonated olive oil, and Group III were treated by OFD and placing DBB with ozonated olive oil and further application of ozone 3 weeks after surgery topically. Clinical parameters were recorded at 3, and 6 months. Radiographic parameters were recorded before surgery and after 6 months. GCF of BMP2 level were recorded before surgery, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21days after surgery.

Results

according to clinical and radiographic parmeters, all groups showed no significant difference between groups. On the basis of GCF of BMP2 level, all groups showed a significant difference between groups in different intervals. Before study until week three, Group II and Group III showed a significant difference (p < 0.025*) according to the percentage change from Group I.

Conclusion

The use of ozonized olive oil in intra-bony defects increase GCF level and availability of bone morphogenic protein 2 significantly compared to the control non ozonized group.

Clinical relevance

ozonated olive oil is working on anabolic and catabolic mediator; it is antimicrobial, immunostimulating, ant hypoxic, and biosynthetic material
A quantitative method to measure geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) and geranylgeranyl monophosphate (GGP) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit
Authors: Zita Wayne , Shanmugabalaji Venkatasalam , Ezquerro Miguel , Rodriguez-Concepcion Manuel , Kessler Felix , Glauser Gaetan
Published: April 2023

Background
Isoprenoids are a very large class of metabolites playing a key role in plant physiological processes such as growth, stress resistance, fruit flavor, and color. In chloroplasts and chromoplasts, the diterpene compound geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) is the metabolic precursor required for the biosynthesis of tocopherols, plastoquinones, phylloquinone, chlorophylls, and carotenoids. Despite its key role for the plant metabolism, reports on GGPP physiological concentrations in planta have been extremely scarce.
Results
In this study, we developed a method to quantify GGPP and its hydrolysis product geranylgeranyl monophosphate (GGP) from tomato fruit, using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Quantification was done by external calibration and the method was validated in terms of specificity, precision, accuracy, and detection and quantitation limits. We further demonstrate the validity of our approach by analysing GGPP contents in the ripe fruits of wild-type tomatoes and mutants defective in GGPP production. Finally, we also show that the sample preparation is key to prevent GGPP hydrolysis and mitigate its conversion to GGP.
Conclusion
Our study provides an efficient tool to investigate the metabolic fluxes required for GGPP supply and consumption in tomato fruit.
D(+)-Camphor as the key phytochemical cue is promising for the trap monitoring in a new monophagous camphor tree borer Pagiophloeus tsushimanus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Chen Cong , Xu Tian , Li Shouyin , Xue Mingyu , Deng Yadi , Fan Binqi , Yang Chufeng , Hao Dejun , Chen Cong
Published: April 2023

The landscape plant, Cinnamomum camphora, is a broad-spectrum anti-insect tree species due to a diversity of terpenoids, such as D(+)-Camphor. However, C. camphora is selected as the unique host tree species by a monophagous weevil pest, Pagiophloeus tsushimanus. Deciphering the key olfactory signal components regulating its host preference could facilitate the monitoring and control strategies for this insect pest, but which is poorly understood. Herein, two host volatiles, D(+)-Camphor and Ocimene, can induce GC-EAD/EAG reactions in both male and female adults antennae. Correspondingly, Y-tube olfactometer assays showed that the two compounds were attractive to both male and female adults. In the field assays, self-made trap device baited with 5 mg dose D(+)-Camphor captured significantly more P. tsushimanus adults than isopropanol solvent control, but there was no sexual bias in adults captured. The trunk gluing trap device baited with bait can capture adults, but the number is significantly less than that of the self-made trap device and adults often fall after struggling. The cross baffle trap device never traps adults. Neither Ocimene nor isopropanol solvent control could capture adults. When used in combination, Ocimene cannot enhanced the attraction of D(+)-Camphor to both female and male adults. These results indicate that D(+)-camphor is a key active compound of P. tsushimanus adults for host location. Combination of the host-volatile lure based on D(+)-camphor and the self-made trapping device is promising to monitor and control this novel pest P. tsushimanus in C. camphora plantations.
Genomic survey of MYB gene family in six pearl millet(Pennisetum glaucum) varieties and their response to abiotic stresses
Authors: jinhan lv , Xu Yue , Dan Xumin , Yang Yuchen , Mao Chunli , Ma Xixi , Zhu Jie , Min Sun , Jin Yarong , Huang Linkai
Published: April 2023

Besides developmental and metabolic aspects, MYB transcription factors play key roles in plant defence and stress responses. From six pearl millet genomes, 1133 MYB genes were identified, and four subgroups were constructed by phylogenetically. The duplication pattern of MYB genes in the pearl millet genomes has a conserved and similar evolutionary history. In abiotic stress, MYB genes have a preference for drought stress and heat stress and are more strongly regulated in roots. Multiple analyses have shown that MYB genes respond to abiotic stresses by regulating ABA-related, circadian rhythms and histone modification pathways. Under abiotic stress, a large number of duplication events occurred in differentially expressed genes, and the positive expression trend of duplication on PMA5G04432.1-PMA2G00728.1 was consistent across multiple stresses, suggesting that gene duplication is essential for pearl millet adaptation to abiotic stresses. This work will contribute to further studies on the MYB gene family in pearl millet and facilitate further understanding of the potential role of MYB in the regulation of abiotic stresses.
Nutritional status as the risk factor of urosepsis in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Huang Hao , Ren ZhengJu , Li YaDong , Tan Wei , Wu Hao , Gou YuanQing , Yuan Ye , Liu Chuan
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with urosepsis in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), particularly focusing on nutritional status.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 65 BPH patients admitted to our hospital between January 2020 and November 2022 for urosepsis. We also matched 130 BPH patients without urinary tract infection (UTI) as controls with a matching ratio of 1:2. Nutritional status was assessed according to the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) score, the controlling nutrition status (CONUT) score, and the Naples prognostic score (NPS).

Results

Compared with BPH patients without UTI, patients with urosepsis had significantly lower BMI (21.76 ± 2.99 vs. 23.60 ± 3.09, P＜0.001) and PNI score (38.56 ± 7.03 vs. 45.45 ± 5.11, P = 0.003), and higher CONUT score (5.47 ± 2.71 vs. 2.17 ± 1.73, P＜0.001) and NPS (3.55 ± 0.79 vs. 2.35 ± 1.15, P＜0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the CONUT score, the NPS, serum albumin, and height were independent and significant risk factors for urosepsis in patients with BPH.

Conclusion

Poor nutritional status may increase the risk of urosepsis in patients with BPH. Therefore, the improvement of nutritional status is conducive to the prevention of severe UTIs in elderly men with BPH.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Precipitation-based ETCCDI Indicators over India
Authors: Vinod Degavath , Mahesha Amai
Published: April 2023

Identifying trends in hydrometeorological time series during extreme weather events is a significant task. The spatial and temporal fluctuations of precipitation are crucial components of the water cycle and impact water resource management, agriculture, and the environment. Examining Extreme Indices is essential in identifying the effect of climate change on precipitation. In this study, the India Meteorological Department's daily gridded rainfall data (0.250 E and 0.250 N) from 1902-2021 over India were analyzed to investigate 14 precipitation-based Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI) for climate change at the annual and seasonal time scales across seven climatic zones in India. The non-parametric Mann-Kendall (MK) test with the Theil-slope Sen's estimator and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) were utilized to identify and compare the trends and slopes related to the indices with a 5% significance level. The homogeneity of ETCCDI was determined using a non-parametric Pettitte test with a 5% significance level. ITA effectively identified the trends and magnitudes associated with extreme indices seasonally and annually. The study discovered a significant seasonal and annual increase in extreme precipitation indices in India's Ladakh region, which belongs to the arid-desert-cold (BWk) climatic zone. The trends in annual (+23.98%), Southwest (SW) Monsoon (+38.29%), NE Monsoon (+49.80%), and Summer (+74.46%) rainfall increased, while there was a decrease in winter rainfall (-41.84%) trend across most of the climatic zones. Most of the extreme indices exhibited significant variation during 1980-1990. This study provides evidence that climate change is occurring in India by analyzing the pattern of each ETCCDI Indices.
Gender roles perceptions and ideal number of children: case study of Emirati youth
Authors: Shukla Ankita , Karabchuk Tatiana , Neyadi Latifa Mohammed Al
Published: April 2023

Background:United Arab Emirate (UAE) is a very traditional society and a country with declining fertility. Literature suggests that gender-egalitarian attitudes lead to lower fertility. Present research tackles the puzzle of the relationship between perceptions of gender roles in society and ideal number of children among Emirati youths.Methods:This study utilized data from a cross-sectional quantitative survey. The survey was developed and applied in February-March 2019 among a purposive sample of 300 young Emirati males and females aged 18-30 years, studying at the UAE University. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis is performed to examine the levels of youth’s perception towards gender roles and desired fertility.Results:Empirical survey data collected from Emirati youths revealed that 50% of youths support the traditional perspective on marriage, 30% think motherhood is the most important thing for women, and a small percentage support economic independence of women and husband participation in household chores/child-rearing. On average Emirati youth ideally wish to have in their future families 5.4 children, and sons are more preferable for them than daughters. Youths who favour the economic independence of women and equal participation in household work contribution by spouses desire a lower number of children which is in line with the modernization theory and cultural evolution.Conclusion:UAE has been facing continuous decline in fertility rates. Present findings indicate that change in perception towards gender roles maybe one of the factors contributing to fertility decline among young generation. Promoting gender equality attitudes and strengthening institutional support for childbearing could become of the key strategies.
Marek’s Disease in Broiler Farms, Iran, 2021: The Phylogenetic Study
Authors: Hosseini Hossein , Morshed Rima , Sadri Naser , Kafi Zahra Ziafati , Sarmadi Soroush , Baghi Farhad Arab , Ghalyanchilangeroudi Arash
Published: April 2023

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly cell-associated oncogenic alphaherpesvirus that causes T cell lymphoma in chickens. MD is currently controlled by vaccination; however, MDV strains tend to develop increased virulence. Distinct diversity and point mutations are present in the Meq proteins, the major oncoproteins of MDV, suggesting that changes in protein function induced by amino acid substitutions might affect MDV virulence. In this study, 30 commercial broiler flocks from different Provinces (10 spleens from each flock) were sampled at slaughter. Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 was identified in PCR (using gb primer) of spleen samples of 11 flocks (36.67%). The oncogene Meq of some positive samples was amplified by PCR and sequenced. MDV strains detected in this study could be put in three branches and molecular features consistent with virulent and very virulent previously identified MDV. Therefore, the relatively high rate of Meq in the unvaccinated broiler farms constitutes support for vaccination. These findings provide the basis for the molecular surveillance and further study of MDV mutants and strategies plan for control of MD in Iran.
KIN17 modulates cell proliferation and migration through the WNT/β-catenin signal pathways in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Peng Panli , Wei Wenjiang , Lin Shaohuan , Li Xvkai , Lv Junhong
Published: April 2023

Background
KIN17 DNA and RNA binding protein (KIN17) regulates the tumorigenesis of a variety of human cancers. Non-small cell lung cancer’s (NSCLC) molecular mechanisms for cancer metastasis and growth, however, are still unknown.
Methods
KIN17’s expression pattern as well as its prognostic value in LUAD patients was examined utilizing bioinformatics, and KIN17 co-expression network was enriched by the KEGG pathway and built via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Western blotting and Real-time quantitative PCR were employed to find Kin17 expression in NSCLC cells. Moreover, total amounts of EMT, WNT-related proteins, and β-catenin were also found using Western blotting. The expression of N‑cadherin, E-cadherin, and Vimentin was examined using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent staining. The invasive and proliferative capacities of cancer cells were examined in vitro using wound healing, proliferation, cell cycle, transwell migration, and apoptosis. The impacts of KIN17 on the invasive and proliferative capacities in vivo were studied using the tumor xenograft model.
Results
On the basis of the TIMRE database, the mRNA expression of KIN was shown to be considerably higher in tumor tissues in contrast to adjacent normal tissues, and the protein expression of KIN was found to be considerably higher in LUAD from the National Cancer Institute. Then, in the LUAD from the TCGA database, patients with increased KIN17 expression had lowest disease free survival (DFS). The co-expression network of KIN17 enriched pathways were obtained by KEGG enrichment analysis and found to be linked to the tumorigenesis and development, including tight junction, WNT signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and focal adhesion. In NSCLC cells, KIN17 was also upregulated in H1299 cell. With an increased expression of E-cadherin and a reduced expression of Vimentin and N-cadherin, KIN17 knockdown in H1299 cells greatly inhibited the ability of cells to invade, proliferate, and migrate. KIN17 knockdown likewise impaired WNT/β-catenin signal pathways, as indicated by downregulated expression of the WNT and β-catenin in vitro. Furthermore, KIN17 knockdown significantly reduced tumor renewal in NSCLC xenograft models.
Conclusions
By blocking the WNT/β-catenin pathway, KIN17 knockdown prevents EMT, NSCLC proliferation, and invasion.
Early-life exposure to a potent Aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand results in persistent changes to the microbiota and host glucose homeostasis
Authors: Tian Yuan , Rimal Bipin , Bisanz Jordan E. , Gui Wei , Wolfe Trenton M. , Koo Imhoi , Murray Iain M. , Nettleford Shaneice K. , Yokoyama Shigetoshi , Dong Fangcong , Prabhu K. Sandeep , Turnbaugh Peter J. , Walk Seth T. , Perdew Gary H. , Patterson Andrew D.
Published: April 2023

Background Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and gastrointestinal microbial disruption positively corelate with a predisposition to factors including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes; however, it is unclear if and how the microbiome contributes to this relationship.
Results Here, we show that early-life exposure to a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist in mice resulted in persistent microbiota disruptions associated with impaired glucose homeostasis later in life. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF)-exposed mice exhibited a profound disruption in the gut microbiome characterized by decreased abundances of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), decreased levels of cecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and indole-3-lactic acid (ILA), and reduction of gut hormones GLP-1 and PYY. Importantly, microbial and metabolic phenotypes associated with early-life POP exposure were transferable to germ-free recipients in the absence of POP carry-over. Consistent with these in vivo studies, we reveal a direct, AHR-independent, POP-microbiota interaction that significantly affected the growth, physiology, gene expression, and metabolic activity of A. muciniphila, resulting in suppressed activity along the ILA pathway.
Conclusions These data point to a complex effect of POPs on the host and microbiota providing strong evidence that early-life, short-term, and self-limiting POP exposure can adversely impact the microbiome which persists into later life with associated health implications.
Analysis of red stains on building facades in Bahia – Brazil
Authors: ROCHA Tiago , GONÇALVES Vanessa , DUARTE Darlan , OMORE Abraham , MACHADO Marina , SILVA Francisco
Published: April 2023

The facades are essential constructive elements to the performance of buildings, because they influence in several characteristics such as the protection of the internal environment from external aggressive agents, such as temperature variation, winds, precipitations and humidity. Due to their high exposure to the environment they become more vulnerable structures to the appearance of pathological manifestations, which consequently contribute to an accelerated degradation process. The red stains are a type of pathological manifestation that occur in facades and portray the accumulation of microorganisms on the substrate of the seals that lead to the formation of biofilm in the red color. The objective of this work is to analyze the red stains on building facades in relation to the geographic orientation, vertical distribution of the stains on the surface of the facades, distance from the sea, and the surroundings of the buildings. For the development of the research, a data survey of nine buildings in the city of Salvador-Bahia and the Metropolitan Region was carried out. As main results, it was obtained that: the south-facing façades tend to be more affected by the red stains due to the higher humidity when compared to the others; there is a tendency in the concentration of stains in the upper region of the vertical plane of the façades; it was not found a correlation of the distance from the sea influencing the dissemination of the stains and buildings whose surroundings have a higher incidence of vegetation cover presented a higher proliferation of stains in their surroundings.
Development of a four species biofilm to mimic the upper gut microbial community
Authors: Marques Claudia , Tanzman Jacob , García-Rodriguez Alba , Kim Ashley , Tako Elad , Mahler Gretchen
Published: April 2023

The human gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem of microorganisms, influenced by numerous disparate factors including diet, age, and lifestyle. Investigating how changes in these variables affect the microbial gut community is limited due to the high variability found between individuals’ microbiota and limits inherent in sampling methodologies. Here we developed a microbial community with a defined species content - Lactocaseibacillus rhamnosus, Streptococcus salivarius, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum – mimicking the microbiota present in the small intestine. The biofilm community reached a steady state within 5–6 days of culture in a semi-batch system and once harvested and re-inoculated into a new reactor, the steady state was re-established within 24 hours. Biofilm development, microcolony structure, viability, and biomass were determined. Overall, this new “mock” community system can accurately mimic the small intestine microbiota and provide a platform to study community changes that occur due to environmental and chemical factors and lead to dysbiosis.
Environmental sustainability, healthcare workers and healthcare students: a literature review of attitudes and learning approaches
Authors: McCauley Pamela , Mathur Kavita , Cohen Nina , Henriques-Thompson Kedena , Gopinath Jyotsna , Miab Reza Kamali
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Today, increased attention has been placed on the healthcare industry and its workers in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Increases in facemask production, personal protective equipment, and the number of patients admitted into hospitals has resulted in a sharp rise in medical waste and environmental concerns. This has led to a greater interest by the research community to study the type of training and education that healthcare workers and students receive which could facilitate the implementation of sustainability activities during their work.
Design/Methodology: We have conducted a literature review (2010 to 2022) on healthcare worker knowledge and attitudes in environmental sustainability and reviewed educational initiatives –independent or academic- that have been proposed to implement training in sustainability for health professionals. For article retrieval we used standard and non-standard search engines and databases including Pubmed, Web of Science, medRxiv and Google Scholar.
Findings: The results indicate the important impact of worker attitudes towards sustainability and increased awareness of this issue affecting their work, but also limitations in knowledge and ability to participate in specific practical activities without organizational implementation.
Originality: This review provides insights into the multiple academic, professional and independent educational initiatives in sustainability that have been launched in the last decade in almost all areas of care and the limitations of healthcare workers to include these initiatives in their daily practices, due to multiple barriers for their actual implementation.
Listeria monocytogenes promotes breast cancer proliferation and enhances the survival rate of circulating breast cancer cells
Authors: Duan Yunqiang , Ma Fei , Guo Baoliang , Chen Ziang , Liu Yansong , Jiang Xiaohui , Rong Zhiyuan , Zou Yiyun , Zhang Hanyu , Wang Ting , Shang Yuhang , Feng Jianyuan , Hu Anbang , Cheng Weilun , Yu Tianshui , Li Mingcui , Li Yanling , Zhang Jiarui
Published: April 2023

Mammary gland microbiota is closely related to the progression of breast cancer (BC). Recent studies have shown that Listeria is differentially enriched in breast cancer and normal paracancerous breast tissue, and associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer. However, studies have rarely reported the relationship between Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) enrichment and clinical parameters and possible mechanisms in breast cancer. In this study, we found that L. monocytogenes was highly enriched in the cytoplasm of cells, especially in tumor tissues. By analyzing the relationship between L. monocytogenesenrichment and the clinicopathological indicators and prognostic survival of patients, we found that L. monocytogenes is positively correlated with BC proliferation, metastasis, and poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) on patients. Moreover, we performed cell proliferation and invasion assays on breast cancer cells bearing L. monocytogenes, and proved that L. monocytogenes was able to promote the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells, their proliferation and invasion capacity was significantly reduced after antibiotic treatment. Mechanistically, L. monocytogenes was identified to increase the survival rate of circulating breast cancer cells by implementing the fluid shear stress model. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that L. monocytogenes could promote breast cancer development by increasing survival rate of circulating cancer cells.
Clinical evaluation of radiation-induced sinusitis by MRI-based scoring system in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Zheng Wenya , Yan Tao , Liu Dongjiao , Chen Geng , Wen Yingjuan , Rao Xiuli , Wang Yizhe , Zheng Huijuan , Yang Jiahong , Peng Hua
Published: April 2023

Objective: To explore the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of radiation-induced sinusitis (RIS), MRI-based scoring system was used to evaluate the development regularity, characteristics and influencing factors of RIS in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.
Patients and methods:A retrospective analysis was performed by collecting the clinical and MRI data of 346 NPC patients to analyze the characteristics and prognosis of RIS. The predictive model was constructed according to the influencing factors of RIS.
Results: (1) In the 2-year follow-up after radiotherapy (RT), there was significant change in L-M score in both groups of NPC patients (sinusitis before RT group: F=6.542, p=0.009 vs. non-sinusitis before RT group: F=11.702, p=0.000). After 6 months of RT, the L-M scores of the two groups tended to plateau (sinusitis before RT group: F=0.458, p=0.766 vs. non-sinusitis before RT group: F=0.500, p=0.736). (2) The prevalence of sinusitis in two groups of NPC patients (without or with sinusitis before RT) was 83% vs. 93%, 91% vs. 99%, 94% vs. 98% at 1, 6 and 24 months after RT, respectively. (3) In the patients without sinusitis before RT, the incidence of sinusitis in maxillary and anterior/posterior ethmoid, sphenoid and frontal sinuses was 87.1%, 90.0%/87.1%, 49.5%, 11.8% respectively, 1 month after RT. (4) A regression model was established according to the univariate and multivariate analysis of the factors related to RIS (smoking history: p=0.000, time after RT: p=0.008 and TNM staging: p=0.040).
Conclusion: (1) RIS is a common complication in NPC patients after RT. This disorder progressed within 6 months after RT, stabilized and persisted within 6 months to 2 years. There is a high incidence of maxillary sinus and ethmoid sinus inflammation in NPC patients after RT. (2) Smoking history, time after RT and TNM staging were significant independent risk factors for RIS. (3) The intervention of the risk factors in the model may prevent or reduce the occurrence of RIS in NPC patients.
Clinical and Metabolic Profile of Diabetic Patients With Supracondylar Amputation
Authors: Molina-Ormaza G. Nathaly , García-Vinces Pierina , Cedillo-Balcázar Jamil
Published: April 2023

Introduction:Micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes are a public health problem that affects the patient's quality of life and may require surgical amputation.Aim: To determine the clinical and metabolic profile of diabetic patients undergoing supracondylar amputationMethod:Observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study. Analyzing the medical records of 200 patients from a tertiary care hospital in EcuadorResults:60% of patients with amputation are over 65 years old, being more common the male gender; with 71% of the total cases with more than 10 years of diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus, the comorbidity that predominates in them is arterial hypertension in 67.55% of cases. The predominant type of diabetic foot is the ischemic type. 70% with glycosylated hemoglobins over 7%. More than 50% of the cases had previously undergone minor amputations. metabolically speaking, 66% had BMIs >25, with low HDL cholesterol levels and elevated LDL cholesterol levels and elevated triacylglycerol levels.Diabeticpatients with supracondylar amputation have an altered metabolic profile (high cholesterol and triglycerides, poor glycemic control BMI >25). They have a long hospital stay due to the multiplecorbidities they present such as hypertension, stroke, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, ischemic heart disease; In addition to presenting anemia and leukocytosis, they are patients of care and difficult management both clinical and surgical and with high risk of morbidity and mortality.
The feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an acceptance and commitment therapy- based intervention for patients with chronic heart failure and their family caregivers: A pilot study
Authors: zhang Xuelin , Leung Doris Y.P. , Ho Grace WK , Mak Yim Wah
Published: April 2023

Background
Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) often experience self-management challenges associated with psychological distress and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL) affecting both themselves and their family caregivers. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown positive effects on chronically ill patients or their caregivers, but has not been assessed in the context of CHF or applied in patient-caregiver dyads.
Aims
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a group ACT-based intervention for patients with CHF and their family caregivers.
Method
A single-group pretest and post-test study was conducted in a hospital in China. A total of five patient-caregiver dyads were recruited through convenience sampling. Data on recruitment, retention, intervention adherence, homework completion, and participant satisfaction were collected as an indication of feasibility and acceptability. The effects of the ACT intervention were assessed at two time-points (baseline and immediately after the intervention) in terms of self-reported HRQOL, anxiety, depression, relationship quality, perceived health status, psychological flexibility, self-compassion of patients and their family caregivers, patients' self-care behaviors, and caregiver burden.
Results
Recruitment, retention, intervention adherence, and homework completion rates were acceptable. Participants were generally satisfied with the program. The preliminary findings showed a trend of greater improvement over time for most outcome measures with small-to-medium within-group effect sizes.
Conclusions
The ACT-based intervention is generally feasible, acceptable, and effective in patients with CHF and their family caregivers. Some modification on the intervention protocol should be considered.
Changes in Production Practices Used for Disease Management in Blueberry Nurseries in Georgia, USA, Over a 15-year Period
Authors: Haralson Jeremy C. , Brannen Phillip M. , Sanders Walt , Scherm Harald
Published: April 2023

Surveys of blueberry [rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum) and southern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum interspecific hybrids)] nurseries in the State of Georgia, USA, were conducted in 2007 and 2022 to determine the prevalence of and associations among propagation practices, especially related to disease management. As indicated by the reduction in surveyed nurseries in 2022 (7) compared with 2007 (18), the Georgia blueberry nursery industry has consolidated. However, cultural disease management practices have generally improved in these remaining nurseries. In 2007, in nurseries where cuttings were grown in containers, 77.8% reused containers and 66.7% did not sterilize them before use. The growing medium [pine (Pinus sp.) bark] was reused for subsequent production cycles in 29.4% of nurseries, although such reuse of media tended to be associated with production in beds as opposed to containers (P = 0.08). Nurseries used well water in 88.2% and pond water in 11.8% of cases. Cuttings were grown on benches (vs. the ground) in slightly fewer than half of the nurseries. In contrast, all nurseries surveyed in 2022 grew their cuttings in containers, used well water, and had increased bench use, albeit only slightly. Although all nurseries reused containers, only 28.5% did not sterilize containers before use, and only 14.3% of nurseries reported reusing media. Most nurseries surveyed in 2007 (83.3%) were on a routine, calendar-based fungicide program using a.i. targeted primarily against aboveground diseases (blights and leaf spots) and secondarily against soil-borne water molds (Phytophthora and Pythium species of the Oomycetes class). In contrast, 42.8% of those surveyed in 2022 were on a 2- to 3-week spray schedule, 42.8% used fungicides on an as-needed basis, and 14.4% were on a monthly schedule, indicating that fungicide scheduling varied dramatically among the remaining nurseries.
Responsiveness of the Construction Sector to Fiscal Policy in Nigeria
Authors:   Physical Planning Unit, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, P.M.B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, NIGERIA, Ojo Ademola Eyitope , Ammasoma Ditimi ,   Department of Economics, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, P.M.B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, NIGERIA, Adelakun Johnson Ojo ,   Department of Economics, Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, P.M.B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, NIGERIA
Published: April 2023

The influence of fiscal policy measures on the economy is reflective of sectorial outputs like the construction sector industry. However, the extent of the influence in countries such as Nigeria is vague, making their interaction a concern. This study investigated and examined the relationship between the construction sector and selected fiscal policy measures, namely government revenue, public capital expenditure, gross fixed capital formation and deficit finance. Using time series, data of the study variables between 1980 and 2019 were analysed using cointegration estimation and pairwise casualty techniques. The study’s findings showed that there were long-term and short-term relationships between all variables, but they were not significant, except for the government revenue. Similarly, the pairwise Granger causality test confirmed that deficit financing and public capital expenditure had no casualty effect on the construction sector. It is concluded that the construction sector is not responsive to changes in fiscal policies in Nigeria. Subsequently, the study recommends the need for increased public and private capital investment, improvement in revenue generation and efficient use of debt revenue on infrastructure development to strengthen domestic growth across economic sectors.
Barriers to Incident Reporting in the Pakistani Construction Industry: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Approach
Authors:   Department of Construction Engineering and Management, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, PAKISTAN, Saqib Ghanim , Hassan Muhammad Usman ,   Department of Construction Engineering and Management, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, PAKISTAN, Zubair Muhammad Umer ,   Department of Construction Engineering and Management, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, PAKISTAN
Published: April 2023

The construction industry is among the most hazardous industries, with workers routinely involved in critical accidents. Following proper safety procedures can help reduce these accidents. Incident reporting is widely regarded as an effective approach to improving worker safety on construction sites, as it allows relevant stakeholders to learn from past events. Despite the acknowledged significance of incident reporting in reducing accident rates, several researchers have reported that the construction industry still lacks effective reporting and investigation practices. This study aims to explore the barriers that inhibit the reporting of incidents in the Pakistani construction industry. Through a detailed literature review, 29 barriers that inhibit effective incident reporting were identified. A questionnaire survey was then carried out to include the perspective of construction industry professionals on the identified barriers. A total of 214 responses were collected. Further, for dimension reduction, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was utilised and resultantly, four components were revealed and discussed. These components include organisational, individual, environmental and technical. The findings of this study will help the relevant stakeholders in the construction industry improve safety performance by mitigating these reporting challenges at the construction sites, resulting in a better working environment for workers with fewer risks and accidents.
Assessing the Level of Resilience in Construction Safety Management Systems in the Ghanaian Construction Industry
Authors:   Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, GHANA, Aidoo, Isaac , Fugar Frank ,   Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, GHANA, Adinyira Emmanuel ,   Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, GHANA, Ansah Nana Benyi ,   Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, GHANA
Published: April 2023

The traditional safety management approach is a control-oriented approach that seeks to direct and control workers to complete the expected company safety standards and regulations. This approach to safety management is partially compatible with the growing complexity of contemporary organisations. Therefore, a more comprehensive and modern approach to safety management is necessary, hence, the resilience management system. This study is part of a PhD programme. The study’s objective was to establish the level of resilience capabilities of construction safety management systems (SMSs) in Ghana’s construction industry. The targeted respondents were health and safety (HS) managers, managing directors, project managers, site engineers and construction managers of D1K1, D2K2, D3K3 and D4K4 construction companies. The list of 144 construction companies surveyed in this study was obtained from the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ghana and deemed to be in good standing. The study used purposive sampling techniques to reach out to the respondents. Descriptive statistics, a one-sample t-test, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and its post hoc test and the resilience analysis grid (RAG) were employed. The results revealed that out of the seven SMSs assessed, only “policy” measured up to the acceptable level of resilience, thus establishing that the entire safety management system (SMS) is not resilient. These findings have empirically established that SMSs in the Ghanaian construction industry are not resilient. The results further highlight the necessity for contractors and stakeholders to switch from a conventional safety management strategy to a more proactive safety management approach and to establish a customised method to a more robust safety management system.