bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Litter Production and Decomposition in Agro-ecosystems of Aleta Chuko District of Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Argado Zenebe , Wele Ambachew , Amdie Tesfaye
Published: February 2024

Litter fall and decomposition in agro-ecosystems varies by tree species where indigenous and exotic species were mixed. In such diversified species, litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics are not well understood in Aleta Chuko. This study was aimed at measuring litter fall of seven abundant woody species in Coffee-Enset based agroforestry (CEA) and eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlots; determining decomposition rate and nutrient contents of leaf litter. Three replicates for each species which were distributed over three transect lines, were used for litter fall and in situ decomposition experiment for one year by using litter traps and nylon-mesh litter-bag respectively. Mean monthly litter fall ranges from 40.9 for M. indica to 79.7 g m− 2 for O. kenyensis in CEA while it was 54.8 g m− 2 for E. camaldulensis. There was a significant difference in litter production among studied species (P < 0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in decay constant among studied species (P < 0.05). Indigenous species such as C. arabica, C. africana and M. ferruginea showed greater value of decay constant as compared to exotic species such as E.camaldulensis, P.americana and M. indica. C. arabica showed fastest decomposition with decay constant of 2.4 while it was 1.1 for E.camaldulensis. There was a significant loss of initial litter Ca, K and Mg contents within annual decomposition for all studied species. Whereas loss-gain condition of P, Na and N contents vary by woody species. Further research is required on nutrient dynamics of diverse plant species; particularly on factors responsible for increase or decrease in nutrient contents.
Investigation of the Bioconversion of Urea with Modified Lignosulfonate Biomass as Slow-Release Urea in Aqueous Medium and Rumen Fluid
Authors: Seifdavati Jamal , Mohammadzadeh Qasem , Shayesteh Keivan , Pourbayramian Roghayeh
Published: February 2024

For producing a combination of urea with acetylated lignosulfonate in the pellet form, the urea release was studied under real conditions in the livestock rumen. Morphological, chemical, and mechanical features of slow-release urea combination with acetylated lignosulfonate and comparing it with lignosulfonate, acetylated lignosulfonate, and urea were studied. The produced pellets with weight percentages (10, 30, 50, and 65) showed the potential of acetylated lignosulfonate in water. For the study of the amount of nitrogen release, slow-release urea (a combination of 65 wt% of acetylated lignosulfonate with 35 wt% of urea) together with three other experimental ratio samples including control ration without urea, urea control supplement ration and Nitro-Za inside the livestock rumen were studied and measured during a period of 0.5 to 24 h. The changes range in Nitro-Za ammonia Nitrogen concentration and the slow-release substance are aligned and similar and the slow-release substance belonging to the urea ration combined with acetylated lignosulfonate showed better performance from the fourth hour. The study results showed positive results regarding supplementing the feed ration with slow-release urea compared to urea and comparable to Nitro-Za.
Saikogenin A improves ethanol-induced liver injury by targeting SIRT1 to modulate lipid metabolism
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Jiang Ming-zhu , Feng Ying , Wang Jing-xian , Xu Xiang , Liu Ze-gan , Li Tongfei , Ma Shi-nan , Guo Xing Rong , Du Shi-ming
Published: February 2024

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to a spectrum of liver disorders, including steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, collectively known as alcohol liver disease (ALD). Steatosis is a critical hallmark of ALD, making it an important target for therapeutic intervention. Saikosaponin A (SSa), a compound found in Radix Bupleuri, has previously shown promising hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. However, its role in ALD remains understudied, with direct regulatory targets and mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated in vivo. Moreover, the instability of SSa in gastric juice raises questions about the efficacy of oral SSa solutions.
In this study, we employed cell-based screening models and a chronic-plus-binge ethanol-fed mouse model to investigate the protective mechanisms of SSa and its metabolite Saikogenin A (SGA), against ethanol-induced hepatocyte injury. Our RNA-seq analysis in mice unveiled that SSa primarily acts through the mTOR and PPAR-α signaling pathways in the liver. Biophysical assays and loss-of-function experiments confirmed that SGA directly binds to and modulates the activity of the SIRT1 protein, mitigating ethanol-induced cell injury via the SIRT1-mTOR-PPAR-α axis.
Furthermore, our liver-specific knockdown of SIRT1 in an ALD mouse model demonstrated that the action of the liver proteins affected by oral SSa solutions is mediated through SIRT1. Significantly, SGA displayed a superior safety profile for hepatocytes compared to SSa. Our findings highlight the role of SGA in binding to the SIRT1 protein and enhancing its activity, thereby regulating hepatic fatty acid oxidation and adipogenesis in ALD. This suggests that SGA holds promise as a potential therapeutic agent for ALD.
Tumor relapse-free survival prognosis related consistency between cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue in drug repurposing for solid tumor via connectivity map
Authors: Hao Mingyue , Li Dandan , Qiao Yuanyuan , Xiong Ming , Li Jun , Ma Wei
Published: February 2024

Traditional drug discovery encounters challenges, including high costs, time-intensive processes, and inherent risks. Drug repurposing emerges as a compelling alternative strategy to identify new indications for investigational or approved drugs, circumventing these obstacles. Among the various drug repurposing methods, the Disease-specific Signature-based Connectivity Map (Cmap) approach is widely utilized. However, the commonly employed method for constructing disease-specific signatures, known as Differentially Expressed Genes (DEG), faces issues related to inconsistencies between dysregulated genes and the prognosis of genes in tumor tissue, as well as discrepancies in prognosis genes between tumor and normal tissues. In this study, we propose a novel approach, Prognosis Consistency Scoring (PCS), aimed at addressing these inconsistencies. PCS measures the consistency of gene prognosis between tumor and normal tissues by combining the Recurrence-Free Survival (RFS) prognosis power of genes in both contexts. Disease-specific signatures are then constructed based on PCS, and drug repurposing is performed using the Cmap and Lincs Unified Environment (CLUE). Validation of predicted drugs is conducted using data from DrugBank and ClinicalTrials databases. Our findings reveal that the aforementioned inconsistencies are pervasive. Compared to signatures based on DEGs, PCS-based signatures exhibit superior performance, identifying more drugs with higher prediction accuracy, as confirmed by DrugBank annotations. Notably, a significant proportion of predicted drugs without corresponding indications were subsequently validated in the ClinicalTrials database. Additionally, PCS-based signatures demonstrate elevated disease specificity and association with Drug Related Gene (DRG).
The Evaluation of the Impact of Health Emencency Strategies Adopted Against Covid-19 Pandemic in Albania
Authors: Giusti M. , Persiani N.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems worldwide have implemented diverse health emergency strategies to address the unprecedented crisis. Following initial predominantly hospital-centred approaches, territorial health assistance emerged as a more effective response to the needs of the population. In low-middle-income countries, and particular in the so-called transitioning countries, where both the hospital network and the territorial primary care centres are weaker, adapting to this shift in strategy was particularly challenging, primarily due to the complexities of integrating pre-hospital and in-hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMSs).
This research aimed to evaluate the impact of changes in health strategies over time for managing the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically examining the roles played by both pre-hospital and in-hospital EMSs in a transitioning country.
METHOD. The country case study methodology was deemed the most fitting approach for this research. Albania was selected as a notable case study due to its continuous endeavours towards achieving national welfare aligned with European standards, especially in the healthcare sector, as it has been moving towards pre-adhesion to the European Union. Furthermore, the recent establishment of the modern National Emergency Centre 127 in 2018 represented a significant development and an extensible example in completing the healthcare emergency network by integrating pre-hospital and in-hospital EMSs.
RESULTS. The data indicated that at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the initial response aligned with the national strategy, primarily was an hospital-centred approach in line with worldwide approach. Subsequently, as the pandemic progressed, a new health emergency strategy was implemented in 2021, shifting the focus towards reinforcing territorial health assistance. In this revised strategy, the responsibility for handling COVID-19 cases transitioned from the infectious disease departments of university hospitals to regional healthcare entities. The data illustrated that this transition allowed for the effective care of a higher number of patients with a more efficient utilization of resources.
CONCLUSION. The evolution of Albanian national health emergency strategies to struggle COVID-19 pandemic - that promoted the territorial response to COVID-19 in accordance with the emerging evidence - was not only implemented but also suggested and supported by EMSs system. The compresence of pre-hospital and in-hospitals EMSs permitted to provide an effective response both in hospitals and in the territory, overcoming the usual weaknesses in terms of coordination and integration of EMSs in transiting countries.
Modulation of gut microbiota composition and predicted metabolic capacity after nutritional programming with a plant-rich diet in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Insights across developmental stages
Authors: Tawfik Marwa Mamdouh , Lorgen-Ritchie Marlene , Król Elżbieta , McMillan Stuart , Norambuena Fernando , Bolnick Daniel I. , Douglas Alex , Tocher Douglas R , Betancor Mónica B. , Martin Samuel A. M.
Published: February 2024

To promote sustainable aquaculture, the formulation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) feeds has changed in recent decades, focusing on replacing standard marine-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives, increasingly demonstrating successful outcomes in terms of fish performance. However, little is known about how these plant-based diets may impact the gut microbiota at first feeding and onwards. Nutritional programming (NP) is one strategy applied for exposing fish to a plant-based (V) diet at an early stage in life to promote full utilisation of plant-based ingredients and prevent potential adverse impacts of exposure to a plant-rich diet later in life. We investigated the impact of NP on gut microbiota by introducing fish to plant ingredients (V fish) during first feeding for a brief period of two weeks (stimulus phase) and compared those to fish fed a marine-based diet (M fish). Results demonstrated that V fish not only maintained growth performance at 16 (intermediate phase,) and 22 (challenge phase) weeks post first feeding (wpff) when compared to M fish but also modulated gut. perMANOVA general effects revealed gut microbiota dissimilarity by fish group (V vs M fish) and phases (stimulus vs intermediate vs challenge). However, no interaction effect of both groups and phases was demonstrated, suggesting a sustained impact of V diet (nutritional history) on fish across time points/phases. Moreover, the V diet exerted a significant cumulative modulatory effect on the Atlantic salmon gut microbiota at 16 wpff that was not demonstrated at two wpff, although both fish groups were fed the M diet at 16 wpff. The nutritional history/dietary regime is the main NP influencing factor, whereas environmental and host factors significantly impacted microbiota composition in M fish. Microbial metabolic reactions of amino acid metabolism were higher in M fish when compared to V fish at two wpff suggesting microbiota played a role in digesting the essential amino acids of M feed. The excessive mucin O-degradation revealed in V fish at two wpff was mitigated in later life stages after NP, suggesting physiological adaptability and tolerance to V diet. Future studies are required to explore more fully how the microbiota functionally contributes to the NP.
Identification of the differential transport pathways of saturated and unsaturated fatty acid esters in hepatocytes
Authors: Chen Fengwu , Yang Aizhen , Lu Yue , Zhang Yuxin , Bu Jianan , Guo Runlin , Han Yue , Wu Depei , Wu Yi
Published: February 2024

Saturated fatty acid (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) have distinct impacts on health. Whether SFA and UFA are differentially transported in liver remains elusive. Here, we find the secretion of UFA but not SFA esters is retarded in a hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress model. Amoug 13 members of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) family, only PDIA1 (PDI) deficiency leads to hepatosteatosis and hypolipidemia. In PDI-deficient liver, there is a severe accumulation but secretory blockade of UFA esters, whereas the accumulation and secretion of SFA esters remain normal. PDI catalyzes the oxidative folding of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). In addition, PDI deficiency impairs the assembly and secretion of Apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB-100) very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) but not ApoB-48 VLDL. In summary, we find that the secretion of UFA esters is PDI-MTP indispensable, while SFA esters could be transferred out of liver via ApoB-48 VLDL through a PDI-MTP-independent pathway.
Association between obligatory instrumental ties and competitive performance in DanceSport couples and mediation of athlete engagement: An actor–partner interdependence mediation model
Authors: Liu Xiuxia , Liu Yang , Pan Dandan , Weng Xinghe
Published: February 2024

Background: The obligatory instrumental ties between DanceSport couples has an important impact on the competitive performance(CP). The purpose of this research is to study the mechanism of the dyadic influence of the obligatory instrumental ties' influence on competitive performance.
Methods: The participants included 67 dyads of Chinese elite dancers aged 16 to 30 years. The Obligatory Instrumental Ties Questionnaire (QIT), the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire (AEQ), and the Competitive Performance Questionnaire (CPQ) is used to collect data on DanceSport couples. The structural equation model was employed in the dyadic analysis based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model.
Results: Regarding the actor effects, male’(β=0.223, P=0.017) and female’ (β=0.241, P=0.012) perceived obligatory instrumental ties quality was positively associated with competitive performance; the males’ AE partially mediated the effect of obligatory instrumental ties on competitive performance [indirect effect=0.147, SE=0.081, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=0.010,0.359]. The female’ athlete engagement mediated the effect of her perceived obligatory instrumental ties quality on her competitive performance [indirect effect=0.328, SE=0.328, 95% confidence intervals (CI)= 0.072,0.513]. Regarding the partner effects, female’ athlete engagement partially mediated the effect of her perceived obligatory instrumental ties quality on male’s competitive performance [indirect effect=0.315, SE=0.083, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=0.155,0.547].
Conclusions: The results of this study not only verify the views of the theory of self-determination, but more importantly provide evidence to enrich and improve the theory of self-determination to a certain extent, requiring that the theory of self-determination should fully consider the gender characteristics of individuals.
Design and Programming of a Robotic Puppetry Robot Based on Natural Learner Unit Pattern Generators Neural Networks
Authors: Shahbazi Hamed , khodabandeh Behnam , Amirkhani Masoud
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to design and construct a novel interactive game. This game is a robotic learning and imitation task. It is based on visual interaction of the player. The cornerstone technique used in this game is Natural Learner Unit Pattern Generator Neural Networks(NLUPGNN), which is able to generate required motion trajectories based on imitation learning. The systematic design of these neural networks is the main problem solved in this paper. The unit pattern generators can be divided into two subsystems, a rhythmic system and the a discrete system. A special learning algorithm is designed to use these unit pattern generators. The Unit Pattern Generators are connected and coupled to each other to form a network and their unknown parameters are found by a natural policy gradient learning algorithm. The motion sequences train some nonlinear oscillators, then they reproduce motions for a humanoid robot. As a result, the joints of the humanoid body imitate the movements of the teacher in real time. The main contribution of this work is the development of this learning algorithm, which is able to search the weights and topology of the network simultaneously. The algorithm synchronizes the learning steps by coupling the neurons in the last step.
Topology optimization of heat sinks in half-open space: a study on design domain
Authors: Yu Kehan , Liu Hewei , Ma Chen
Published: February 2024

Efficient heat sinks are the key components of heat dissipation devices. Although topology optimization can theoretically design high-performance heat sinks, screening a design domain in an open space is still a challenge. This work studies the topology optimization of three-dimensional (3D) heat sinks for LED chips using the variable density method, without considering air convection to save computing resources. A theoretical analysis proposes that the design domain should be approximately a hemisphere. Topology optimization is performed in three shaped design domains, namely cylindrical, conical frustum, and inverted conical frustum. By 3D printing three topology-optimized heat sinks, their actual heat dissipation effects on LED chips are compared. The experiment and simulation results consistently show that the heat sink in the conical frustum design domain has the best heat dissipation effect. Equipped with such a heat sink, a 5-W LED chip is 5.1°C cooler than that with the traditional finned heat sink. Our results show that a well-selected design domain can effectively balance the heat conduction and heat exchange, eventually leading to a better heat sink.
Internal heat source, rotation, magnetic field, and initial stress influence on p-waves propagation in a photothermal semiconducting medium
Authors: Rashid M. M. , Abd-Alla Abdelmooty , Abo-Dahab S. M. , Alharbi F. M. , Bayones F. S.
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the current study is to establish a novel mathematical model in the p-waves in a photothermal semiconducting medium with an internal heat source. The fundamental equations in the context of isotropic and homogeneous medium have been presented. For the solution of the required problem, the normal mode analysis along with the displacement components, stress components and temperature has been utilized. For graphical representation of different physical quantities such as displacement components, stress components and carrier density as well as the temperature distribution. Using MATLAB R2023a software, a parametric analysis is performed, and the resulting data is represented graphically. A comparison is made to show the effect of the new parameters on the phenomenon. A graphic representation of the relationship between rotation, magnetic field, and initial stress in relation to the fluctuations in non-dimensional field quantities is provided, along with an analysis of the findings.
Connecting the Dots: Investigating Epistatic Relationships in the Manifestation of Heterosis in Industrial Oilseed crop Brassica rapa var yellow sarson
Authors: Bisht Charu , Prasad Birendra , Pant Usha , Verma S.K. , Gaur Amit Kumar , Gupta Shubham , Panwar Neha , Joshi SHIVENDRA , Bisht Yashpal , Deep Harsh , Prasad Himanshu
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the role of epistasis in elucidating heterosis manifestation in Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson hybrids. Four hybrids—YSH-0401 × Pant Sweta (C1), Pant Sweta × Apetalous (C2), PYS 2017-6 × PPS-1 (C3), and NDYS-107 × B-9 (C4)—were meticulously evaluated for seven key traits. Heightened plant stature, consistent across generations, and increased siliqua per plant with elongated siliqua length characterize the observed heterotic expression.Epistasis analysis, utilizing a six-parameter model, reveals significant additive, dominance, and epistatic interactions. Scaling tests affirm the presence of all three epistasis types (i, j, l) across diverse crosses and traits. Dominance × dominance (l) emerges as a pivotal factor, guiding heterotic expression and offering strategic breeding insights.Gene action assessment highlights patterns of duplicate gene action, complementary epistasis, and dominance variance, influencing selection strategies and breeding timelines. The correlation between heterosis and epistasis components underscores the significance of dominance × dominance in shaping superior hybrid performance. These findings contribute valuable insights to the scientific discourse on enhancing Brassica Rapa var Yellow sarson hybrid productivity, emphasizing the potential of selective mating to strategically leverage dominance and epistasis effects for optimized yields in plant breeding.
Driving into Uncertainty: An Adversarial Generative Approach for Multivariate Scenario Generation
Authors: Carbonera Michele , Ciavotta Michele , Messina Enza
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Many decisions in transportation management must be made before the uncertainty of possible traffic conditions is revealed. When making decisions with lasting implications over a medium to long timeframe, it is essential to consider not only the most probable scenario, possibly obtained through a forecasting model, but also a range of potential outcomes. This approach allows for effective risk mitigation across a spectrum of scenarios, including less probable ones, and enhances the resilience of planning strategies.
Methods: In this paper, we demonstrate the development of a generative model capable of learning the multivariate joint probability distribution of link speeds on a road network, using real sensor data. To further enhance the performance of our Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model, we employed a Variational AutoEncoder (VAE) for pre-training the generator network.
Results: Experimental results, conducted on three distinct benchmark datasets, highlight the potential of the proposed model in generating new scenario samples of multivariate variables. The Wasserstein distance between the generated distribution and the real data, confirms the good performance of our model compared to state-of-the-art models, based on copulae.
Conclusion: The proposed model has shown its ability to generate scenarios that preserve correlations among variables, while producing samples that faithfully represent the empirical marginal distributions.
Analysis of spatial and temporal distribution and seasonal potential sources of atmospheric PM2.5 in Chenzhou City
Authors: Kuang Yingfeng , Chen Xiaolong
Published: February 2024

In order to study the air pollution prevention and control situation in Chenzhou City, southern Hunan Province, the ambient air pollutant concentration data of Chenzhou City in southern Hunan Region from March 2022 to February 2023 was selected, and Kriging interpolation analysis was used to simulate the temporal and spatial changes of PM2.5 concentration in Chenzhou City. trend, and used the HYSPLIT air mass backward trajectory model to conduct cluster analysis to explore the transmission paths and potential source area distribution of PM2.5 pollution in Chenzhou City in different seasons. The results showed that the PM2.5 concentration in Chenzhou City showed obvious seasonal differences. The highest average concentration appears in winter (75.13 µg·m-3), followed by autumn and spring, and the lowest occurs in summer (27.64 µg·m-3). At the same time, PM2.5/PM10 is higher than 0.55 in autumn and winter. This shows that Chenzhou City is dominated by fine particulate matter pollution in autumn and winter. The spatial distribution of the annual mean value of PM2.5 pollution shows the characteristics of "from north to south in the west and central part, and low in the east". PM2.5 in high-pollution areas is closely related to PM10, CO, and NO2, SO2 all have a significant positive correlation, and a negative correlation with O3. PM2.5 pollution in Chenzhou City is dominated by local emissions. Transmission path analysis shows that northwest Guangdong, southwestern Henan, Hubei, southern Anhui, and southwestern Jiangxi The local transmission path is the main transmission path of external PM2.5 pollution in Chenzhou City in four seasons; there are obvious seasonal differences in the distribution and contribution of potential source areas. The main contributing source areas in spring, autumn and winter are mainly distributed in southwestern Jiangxi, In northwestern Guangxi and southeastern Hunan, the relatively high value areas in summer are mainly in the form of strips running through the central and western regions of Jiangxi and southeastern Hunan.
Preoperative versus Postoperative chemotherapy with CAPOX plus bevacizumab for resectable colorectal liver metastases: A randomised phase II trial (HiSCO-01)
Authors: Takakura Yuji , Shinozaki Katsunori , Ikeda Satoshi , Egi Hiroyuki , Hirata Yuzo , Shimomura Manabu , Oshiro Takafumi , Hinoi Takao , Sumitani Daisuke , Nakahara Masahiro , Yoshimitsu Masanori , Honmyo Naruhiko , Fukuda Saburo , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Junko , Ohdan Hideki
Published: February 2024

Background
NCCN and ESMO guidelines recommend 6 months of perioperative oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). However, the optimal sequencing and chemotherapy regimen remain unclear.
Methods
We conducted a randomised phase II trial, HiSCO-01, to compare the outcomes of preoperative (Preop-group) and postoperative chemotherapy (Postop-group) with eight cycles of CAPOX plus bevacizumab (CAPOX-Bev) in patients with resectable CRLM. The primary endpoint was the treatment completion rate (TCR), defined as the percentage of patients who received at least six cycles of CAPOX-Bev and underwent R0 resection.
Results
Of the 81 patients enrolled, 76 patients were eligible. The TCR was 89.2% in the Preop-group and 71.8% in the Postop-group (p = 0.06). The overall incidence of chemotherapy-related grade 3 or higher adverse events was similar between the two groups. The postoperative complications rate was comparable except that biliary fistula developed significantly higher in the Postop-group. The 3-year progression-free survival and 5-year overall survival rates were 32.2% and 60.5% in the Preop-group, respectively, and 38.5% and 57.2% in the Postop-group, respectively.
Conclusion
Eight cycles of CAPOX-Bev before R0 resection for resectable CRLM is feasible and safe. However, the survival benefits of preoperative chemotherapy over postoperative chemotherapy remain unproven.
Trial registration:
This trial was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000003783) and was coordinated centrally by the Hiroshima Surgical Study group of Clinical Oncology (HiSCO).
Feeding Characteristics and Growth Among Children With Prenatal Exposure to Zika Virus With and Without Microcephaly in the Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort
Authors: OLIVEIRA DANIELLE MARIA DA SILVA , Miranda-Filho Demócrito de Barros , Ximenes Ricardo Arraes de Alencar , Montarroyos Ulisses Ramos , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Pinto Maria Helena Teixeira , Martelli Celina Maria Turchi , Ramos Regina Coeli , de Araújo Thalia Velho Barreto , Eickmann Sophie Helena , Silva Paula Fabiana Sobra l da , Carvalho Maria Durce Costa Gomes , Martins Olga Sophia de Sousa , Santos Ana Célia Oliveira dos
Published: February 2024

Objective: To describe the feeding characteristics and growth of children with prenatal exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) from birth to 48 months.
Design: Using data from the prospective Microcephaly Epidemic Research Group Pediatric Cohort (MERG-PC), children without microcephaly born to mothers with evidence of ZIKV infection during pregnancy (ZIKV-exposed children without microcephaly) and children with Zika-related microcephaly were compared using repeated cross-sectional analyses within the following age strata: birth; 1 to 12; 13 to 24; 25 to 36; and 37 to 48 months. The groups were compared in relation to prematurity, birth weight, breastfeeding, alternative feeding routes, dysphagia and anthropometric profiles based on the World Health Organization Anthro z-scores (weight-length/height, weight-age, length/height-age and BMI-age).
Results: The first assessment included 248 children, 77 (31.05%) with microcephaly and 171 (68.95%) without microcephaly. The final assessment was performed on 86 children. Prematurity was 2.35 times higher and low birth weight was 3.49 times higher in children with microcephaly. The frequency of breastfeeding was high (>80%) in both groups. On discharge from the maternity hospital, the frequency of children requiring alternative feeding route in both groups was less than 5%. After 12 months of age, children with microcephaly required alternative feeding route more often than children without microcephaly. In children with microcephaly, the z-score of all growth indicators was lower than in children without microcephaly.
Conclusions: Children with Zika-related microcephaly were more frequently premature and low birth weight and remained with nutritional parameters, i.e., weight-for-age, weight-for-length/height and length/height-for-age below those of the children without microcephaly.
How to follow the guidelines, when the appropriate fluid is missing?
Authors: Brossier David W. , Goyer Isabelle , Morice Claire , Alsohime Fahad , Mayberry Huw F. , Porcheret Florence , Tume Lyvonne N. , Valla Frederic V. , group (ESPNIC) IV-MFT
Published: February 2024

Intravenous maintenance fluid therapy (IV-MFT) is probably the most prescribed drug in paediatric hospital care. Recently paediatric societies have produced evidence-based practice guidelines that recommend the use of balanced isotonic fluid when prescribing IV-MFT in both acute and critical paediatric care. Unfortunately, the applicability of these guidelines could be called into question when a ready-to-use glucose containing balanced isotonic fluid is not available. The main objective of this study was to describe the availability of glucose containing balanced isotonic fluids in European and Middle Eastern paediatric acute and critical care settings. This work is an ancillary study of the survey dedicated to IV-MFT practices in the paediatric acute and critical care settings in Europe and Middle East, a cross-sectional electronic 27-item survey, emailed in April–May 2021 to paediatric critical care physicians across 34 European and Middle East countries. The survey was developed by an expert multi-professional panel within the European Society of Peadiatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC). Balanced Isotonic Fluid with glucose 5% was available for only 32/153 (21%) responders. Balanced Isotonic Fluid with glucose 5% was consistently available in the United Kingdom (90%) but not available in France, Greece, The Netherlands and Turkey. Ready-to-use isotonic balanced IV solutions containing glucose in sufficient amount exist, but are inconsistently available through Europe. National and European Medication Safety Incentives should guarantee availability of the most appropriate and safest IV-MFT solution for all children.
A novel nomogram predicting short-term overall survival of patients with glioma
Authors: Yang Xing-jie , Xi Jian-hua , Sun Nai-ying , Bao Jin , Ma Qiang
Published: February 2024

Gliomas are the most common malignant tumors in the central nervous system. This study aimed to create a tumor survival prediction model to predict short-term overall survival in patients with glioma. In this study, the mRNAseq_325 dataset was downloaded from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas database as the training group, and the mRNAseq_693 dataset was downloaded as the validation group. LASSO‐COX algorithm was applied to shrink predictive factor size and build a risk score. The calibration curves and C‐Index were assessed to evaluate the nomogram's performance. This study found that the risk score, built by the LASSO‐COX algorithm, was significantly associated with overall survival in gliomas, and the nomogram, combining the risk score and clinical prognostic predictors, showed powerful prognostic ability in the training and validation groups. In conclusion, an individualized prediction model was established for predicting the short-term overall survival of glioma patients, which can provide valuable insights into identifying individuals at high risk and highlight the potential in facilitating early interventions and accurate treatment for patients with limited survival prognosis.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles as Hosts of Diverse Bacterial and Fungal Communities
Authors: Filek Klara , Vuković Borna Branimir , Žižek Marta , Kanjer Lucija , Trotta Adriana , Bello Antonio di , Corrente Marialaura , Bosak Sunčica
Published: February 2024

The research on microbial communities associated with wild animals provides a valuable reservoir of knowledge that could be used for enhancing their rehabilitation and conservation. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), a globally distributed species, currently has a thriving population in the Mediterranean Sea, thanks to robust conservation efforts. In our study we aimed to further understand their biology in relation to their associated microorganisms. We investigated epi- and endozoic bacterial and endozoic fungal communities of cloaca, oral mucosa, carapace biofilm samples obtained from 18 juvenile, subadult and adult turtles as well as 8 respective enclosures, during a period of 3 years, by amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 region of nuclear ribosomal gene. Our results reveal a trend of decreasing diversity of distal gut bacterial communities with the age of turtles. Notably, Tenacibaculum species show higher relative abundance in juveniles than in adults. Differential abundances of taxa identified as Tenacibaculum, Moraxellaceae, Cardiobacteriaceae, and Campylobacterwere observed in both cloacal and oral samples in addition to having distinct microbial compositions with Halioglobus taxa present only in oral samples. Fungal communities in loggerheads' cloaca were diverse and varied significantly among individuals, differing from those of tank water. Our findings expand the known microbial diversity repertoire of loggerheads, highlighting interesting taxa specific to individual body sites. This study provides a comprehensive view of the loggerhead sea turtle bacterial microbiota and marks the first report of distal gut fungal communities that contributes to establishing a baseline understanding of loggerhead sea turtle holobiont.
Expression, Prognostic and Immunological Roles of USP8 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma: An Integrated Analysis
Authors: Yan Wen , Yue Zeng , Qiying Zeng , Wubing Feng , Yan Chen , Xi Yao , Can Wang
Published: February 2024

Background
USP8 is a deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that belongs to the ubiquitin-specific processing (USP) protease family. Previous study revealed that USP8 overexpressed and acted as oncogenes in multiple cancers. However, the function of USP8 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) remains unclear. This research aimed to investigate USP8 expression, prognostic value and its possible roles in tumor immunity in KIRC.
Methods
Data on patients diagnosed with KIRC were extracted from the TCGA-KIRC and other public omics databases. We detected the expression profiles, clinical relevance and diagnostic value of USP8 in KIRC using GEPIA, UALCAN, GTEx, TIMER, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and HPA Database. The epigenetic characteristics of USP8 were detected by UALCAN and DNMIVD Database. Co-expressed with USP8 and related mechanism analyses were conducted by retrieving data in STRING and cBioPortal. In addition, immune infiltration, single-cell expression and immunotherapy-related analyses were performed by TIMER and TISCH2.
Results
Low expression levels of USP8 were observed in most cancer types. USP8 mRNA and proteins were downregulated in KIRC. Detection of epigenetics and genetics of USP8 suggested that its expression was negatively related to DNA methylation. Higher-expressed USP8 patients had a better prognosis, including overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). USP8 mRNA was aberrantly downregulated and correlated to sample types, tumor grade, stages, subtypes and nodal status. Immune infiltration and single-cell analysis suggested the indispensable role of USP8 expression in immune cell infiltration, indicating that USP8 may be an underlying predictor of immune treatment effects for KIRC patients. Meanwhile, the USP8-related gene expression signature in KIRC is correlated to the enrichment of genes involved in the ErbB signaling pathway, Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, etc.
Conclusions
Methylated USP8 may act as a novel prognostic and immunotherapy biomarker for KIRC.
A tentative role of vibration-based communication in locust collective behavior
Authors: Pinchasik Bat-El , Das Rakesh , David Izhak , Ayali Amir
Published: February 2024

Locusts are renowned for their coordinated locomotion, in which juveniles swarm and walk in a synchronized fashion. While it is generally accepted that vision is the main form of communication enabling this behavior, it is suggested here that mechanical vibrations may also contribute to communication within the group. Using a laser Doppler vibrometer and accelerometer, the substrate vibration signals generated by locust walking, jumping, and coordinated marching were quantified in terms of frequency and amplitude. These mechanical signals were then artificially produced by a vibration generator and directly applied to the mechanical sensory receptors of experimental tethered locusts. A sensory threshold curve of the mechanical response of the locusts was established, in order to quantify and compare their ability to sense specific forms of locomotion. While the vibrations generated by individuals walking in an unsynchronized fashion were below the sensory threshold of the locust, our findings indicate that locusts are capable of sensing the vibration signals generated by locust hopping or by the collective marching of conspecifics. It is suggested that locusts in a swarm may use substrate-borne mechanical vibrations for communication within the group, and that vibration-based communication may have a role in locust collective behavior and coordinated marching.
Lymphocytopenia is a main sensitive risk factor of primary liver cancer complicated with bacterial infections
Authors: Ye Wenyi , Zhao Hong , Guo Yong
Published: February 2024

As we known immunity and inflammation play an important role in primary liver cancer (PLC) development. Through retrospective analysis of patients with or with PLC in our center in order to analyze the clinical features of circulating cytokines, immunoglobulin, complement and leukocyte subsets in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC) with or without bacterial infections (BIs). Propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust differences in baseline characteristics. The possible confounding risk factors for PLC-BIs during hospitalization were been explored by multivariate logistic regression model analysis and area under the ROC curve (AUC) to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of the risk factors of hepatitis B patients with PLC-BIs. 225 patients with chronic B hepatitis in hospitalization were been enrolled. After PSM, patients with PLC were higher incidence of BIs (25.0% vs. zero, p = 0.004) and lower lymphocytes count and subsets (p < 0.001) whether or not with BIs. The percentage of lymphocytes [Odds ratio (OR) = 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–0.93, p = 0.002] was the independent risk factors for patients with PLC-BIs. The AUC of the percentage of lymphocytes was 0.806 (95%CI: 0.71–0.88, p < 0.0001), the sensitivity was 82.4% and specificity was 83.6% when the levels of the levels of percentage of lymphocytes lower 15.9%. We may safely concluded that patients with PLC decreased immunity and increased some inflammatory cytokines, were easy to merge BIs. Furthermore, lymphocytopenia is the main risk factor of PLC complicated with BIs.
Destruction mechanism and control technology of peripheral rock of shallowly buried large mining height roadway under concentrated coal pillar
Authors: Yun Qinglong , Zhang Wenbo , Liu Tao , Wang Jianghao , Tong Fei
Published: February 2024

To study the damage mechanism of the return roadway of shallow burial depth, thin bedrock, and large mining height working face under the action of concentrated coal pillar. In this paper, we take the 22408 return roadway of Bulianta Mine as the research background and focus on the problem that the mine pressure appears drastically when it passes over the overlying concentrated coal pillar. Through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, the mine pressure manifestation law of 22408 working face back to the mining roadway is studied. We analyzed the reasons that led to the drastic manifestation of mine pressure in the 22408 return roadway over the overlying concentrated coal pillar, revealed the damage mechanism of the roadway under this condition, and put forward a reasonable and effective method of controlling the stability of the surrounding rock for this problem. (1) Propose to utilize hydraulic fracturing to control the problem in advance, and set up a drilling field in the 22407 return tunnel to fracture the medium-grained sandstone 20m above the 2–2 coal in advance; (2) Strengthen the support of the area affected by the coal pillar in advance, and replenish three Φ21.6×8150 mm anchor cables with the spacing of 1200 mm-1500 mm-1500 mm-1200 mm on the roof of the tunnel; (3) Strengthen the support of the area affected by the coal pillar in advance; (4) Strengthen the support of the area affected by the coal pillar in advance, and strengthen the support of the area affected by the coal pillar in advance. At this time, three Φ21.6×5150 mm anchor cables with PVC belts were installed on the side gang of the return tunnel, and the optimized return tunnel was monitored on site, and the effect was good.
Overnight Stay in Spanish Emergency Departments and Mortality in Older Patients
Authors: Miró Òscar , Aguiló Sira , Alquézar-Arbé Aitor , Fernandez Cesáreo , Burillo Guillermo , Martínez Sergio Guzmán , Larrull Maria Esther Martínez , Periago Andrea B. Bravo , Molinas Claudia Lorena Amarilla , Falcon Carolina Rangel , Dacosta Paz Balado , Flores Rudiger Carlos Chávez , Calzada Jorge Navarro , Blesa Eva Maria Fragero , Martín Manuel Ángel Palomero , Requena Ángela Cobos , Fuentes Lidia , Cortizo Isabel Lobo , Garcinuño Pablo Gonzalez , García María Bóveda , Valle Pedro Rivas Del , Campos Raquel Benavent , Jiménez Verónica Castro , Cuñado Vanesa Abad , Gutiérrez Olga Trejo , Reviriego María del Mar Sousa , Roussel Melanie , Castillo Juan González Del
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether older adults who spend a night in emergency departments (ED) awaiting admission are at increased risk of mortality.
METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a multipurpose cohort that recruited all patients ≥75 years who visited ED and were admitted to hospital on April 1 to 7, 2019, at 52 EDs across Spain. Study groups were: patients staying in ED from midnight until 8:00 a.m. (ED group) and patients admitted to a ward before midnight (ward group). The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality, truncated at 30 days, and secondary outcomes assessed length of stay for the index episode.
RESULTS: The sample comprised 3,243 patients (median [IQR] age, 85 [81-90] years; 53% women), with 1,096 (34%) in the ED group and 2,147 (66%) in the ward group. In-hospital mortality in ED vs ward group was 10.7% vs 9.5% (adjusted OR: 1.12, 95%CI: 0.80-1.58). Sensitivity analyses rendered similar results (ORs ranged 1.06-1.13). Interaction was only detected for academic/non-academic hospitals (p<0.001), with increased mortality risk for the latter (1.01, 0.33-3.09 vs 2.86, 1.30-6.28). There were no differences in prolonged hospitalization (>7 days), with adjusted OR of 1.16 (0.94-1.43) and 1.15 (0.94-1.42) depending on whether time spent in the ED was or was not taken into consideration.
CONCLUSIONS: No increased risk of in-hospital mortality or prolonged hospitalization was found in older patients waiting overnight in the ED for admission. Nonetheless, all estimations suggest a potential harmful effect of staying overnight, especially without the proper hospitalist care.
Seizure outcomes and predictors in patients with repeat epilepsy surgery
Authors: Hu Yue , Chen Guoqiang , Liu Yaoling , Zhang Rui , Chen Jianwei , Zhou Junjian , Zhang Zhaozhao , Hu Jianfei , Liu Qiang , Zhang Guangming
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: One of the most important goals of surgical epilepsy treatment is seizure freedom. Patients who continue to experience seizures after epilepsy surgery could be considered for a repeat surgical treatment. This study aimed to analyze the seizure outcomes of re-peat surgical treatment of epilepsy and evaluate the prognostic factors.
(2) Methods: This single-center cohort study retrospectively collected clinical data from patients undergoing repeat epilepsy surgery at the Aviation General Hospital from 2016 to 2022. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were followed up for at least one year, and seizure outcomes were based on the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) seizure outcome classification.
(3) Results: A total of 43 patients were included in this study, with a mean follow-up of 43.95 months. Malformation of cortical development was the most common postoperative pathology finding, occurring in 19 (44.2%) patients, followed by tumors in seven (16.3%) patients. Following repeat epilepsy surgery, 23 (53.5%) patients achieved ILAE Class 1 or 2. Multifactorial analysis showed that lesional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was associated with favorable seizure outcomes, and bilateral or multifocal ictal discharge patterns predicted poor seizure outcomes. Repeat epilepsy surgeries resulted in 13 (30.2%) patients with permanent neurological deficits.
(4) Conclusions: Following a detailed assessment, including imaging, electroencephalography (EEG), and invasive evaluation, repeat epilepsy surgery is a safe and effective option for patients who have failed resective epilepsy surgery. Meanwhile, possible neurological permanent deficits should be taken into account when considering repeat surgery.