bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the effects of the Ebola experience on behaviour choices during COVID-19 in Liberia: A mixed methods study across successive outbreaks
Authors: Skrip Laura , Weller Malcolm , Dukuly Sheikh , Candy Neima , Harmon-Gray Wahdae-Mai , Clarke Adolphus , Dahn Bernice T.
Published: October 2023

Background
The burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of morbidity and mortality differentially affected populations. Between and within populations, behaviour change was likewise heterogeneous. Factors influencing precautionary behaviour adoption during COVID-19 have been associated with multi-dimensional aspects of risk perception; however, the influence of lived experiences during other recent outbreaks on behaviour change during COVID-19 has been less studied.
Methods
To consider how the direct disease experience (‘near misses’) and behaviour change during the 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak may have impacted behaviour change during the early waves of the COVID-19 outbreak in West Africa, we analyzed data from a mixed-methods study that included a phone-based survey and in-depth interviews among vaccinated Liberian adults. Logistic regression via generalized estimating equations with QIC-based model selection was conducted to evaluate influence of the interaction between and individual effects of outbreak (EVD and COVID-19) and ‘near miss’ experience on adoption of individual precautionary behaviours. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts explored reasons for differential behaviour adoption between the two outbreaks.
Results
At the population level, being a ‘near miss’ was not associated with significantly different behavior during COVID-19 versus Ebola; however, overall, people had lower odds of adopting precautionary behaviors during COVID-19 relative to during Ebola. Qualitatively, participants often reflected on themes around more proximal and personal experiences with Ebola than with COVID-19; they also commented on how EVD led to better preparedness at the systems level and within communities for how to behave during an outbreak, despite such awareness not necessarily translating into action during COVID-19.
Conclusion
The results suggest that perceived proximity and intensity to disease threats in space and time affects behavioural decisions. For successive disease threats, comparisons of the present outbreak to past outbreaks compound those effects, regardless of whether individuals had directly been impacted via a ‘near miss’ experience. Measures, such as risk communication and community engagement efforts, that gauge and reflect comparisons with previous outbreaks should be considered within response strategies to enhance precautionary behaviour adoption.
Knowledge and practice of Doctors on the biomarker score in determining the risk of heart failure in GOMA
Authors: Ng’ekieb Ferdinand , Nkodila Aliocha Natuhoyila , Kipela Augustin Mpwo , Kalala Cedric Mbala , Situakibanza Hippolyte Nani tuma , Mukadi-Bamuleka Daniel , Mihanda Richard Bitwe , Wembomyama Stannislas Okitotsho , Tsongo Zacharie Kibendelwa
Published: October 2023

Background : Heart failure (HF) is a common condition, long considered a symptomatic disease. Today the burden linked to HF has pushed researchers to implement means of early detection such as the biomarker score.
Methods : This was a transverse and analytical study that included 135 doctors from the public and private sectors. The snowball method was used to identify doctors. Sociodemographic and knowledge characteristics were studied.
Results : a total of 135 Doctors were interviewed, The majority of Doctors had poor knowledge (35.6%). After adjustment in multivariate analysis, provision in the West block (aOR 3.62 95% CI: 1.74-5.93), training in a public university (aOR 2.64 95% CI: 1.27-3.96), the specialty in Internal Medicine (aOR 2.73 95% CI: 1.44-3.91) and service in a tertiary hospital (aOR 3.43 95% CI: 1.52-5.91) had emerged as independent determinants of good knowledge on biomarker score in heart failure determination.
Conclusion : Doctors' knowledge of this topic is low; following difficulties in the means of sharing knowledge.
The correlation between antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity and the composition of free and bound phenolics in Chinese olive cultivars
Authors: He Fangqing , Du Yixuan , Pan Zhuangguang , Zeng Huize , Luo Haolin , Wang Junyi , Sun Yuanming , Li Meiying
Published: October 2023

As the food of homologous of medicine and food in China, the Chinese olive (Canarium album L.) is a natural phenolic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. However, the disparity of anti-inflammatory activity in different cultivars and existing forms may be due to peculiar phenolic compounds that are not yet well-explored in the literature. In this study, 44 phenolic compounds were found in three species of free phenolics (FP) and bound phenolics (BP) and 17 phenolic compounds including syringic acid, caffeic acid, esculetin and so on were first reported in Chinese olive. Among cultivars, ‘Tan xiang’ and ‘Na zhong’ showed the best antioxidant and inhibition (LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production) activities in FP and BP separately. Furthermore, clustering correlation analysis showed that gallic acid, catechin, syringic acid and nobiletin contribute similarly, galloyl-bis-HHDP-glucose, epigallocatechin, dihydrokaempferol, genistein, galloylquinic acid, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and methyl ellagic acid pentoside may cause discrepancies to inflammatory effects in FP and BP. Collectively, our study uncovered the relationship between the constitution of phenolic compounds and bioactivities in cultivars of Chinese olives.
FBXO11 Variants are Associated with Intellectual Disability and Variable Clinical Manifestation in Chinese Patients
Authors: Pan Xin , Liu Li , Zhang Xu , Tang Xianglan , Qian Guanhua , Qiu Hao , Lin Shuhong , Yao Hong , Dong Xiaojing , Tan Bo
Published: October 2023

F-box protein 11 (FBXO11) is a member of F-Box protein family, which has recently been proved to be associated with intellectual developmental disorder with dysmorphic facies and behavioral abnormalities (IDDFBA, OMIM: 618089). In this study, 12 intellectual disability patients from 5 Chinese ID families were collected, and whole exome sequencing (WES), sanger sequencing, and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) were conducted. Almost all the patients presented with mild to severe intellectual disability (12/12), global developmental delay (10/12), speech and language development delay (8/12) associated with a range of alternate features including increased body weight (7/12), short stature (6/12), seizures (3/12), reduced visual acuity (4/12), hypotonia (1/12), and auditory hallucinations and hallucinations (1/12). Distinguishingly, malformation was not observed in all the patients. WES analysis showed 5 novel FBXO11 variants, which include an inframe deletion variant, a missense variant, two frameshift variants, and a partial deletion of FBXO11 (exon 22-23). RNA-seq indicated that exon 22-23 deletion of FBXO11 results in a new mRNA structure. Conservation and protein structure prediction demonstrated deleterious effect of these variants. The DEGs analysis revealed 488 differentially expressed genes shared among 6 patients, which were associate with genes of immune system, metabolism, protein binding, cytosol, and nucleoplasm. Among them, 272 genes were down-regulated and 216 were up-regulated. Our research is the first report of FBXO11-associated IDDFBA in Chinese patients, which expands the genetic and clinical spectrum of this newly identified NDD/ID syndrome and advances understanding of molecular pathogenesis of FBXO11.
Differences in sarcopenia status and mortality according to physical activity: Results from the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA)
Authors: Shim Ga Yang , Jang Hak Chul , Kim Ki-Woong , Lim Jae-young
Published: October 2023

Purpose: There is increasing evidence that promoting physical activity (PA) can prevent sarcopenia. However, PA decreases with age, and the impact of PA intensity on health is unclear. This study investigated the relationship between the level of PA and sarcopenia, and the association between PA levels and mortality in patients with and without sarcopenia.
Methods: Data were derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging. PA was classified as sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Each PA level was subdivided based on the median time spent engaged in that activity, yielding eight PA profiles. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the association between PA level and sarcopenia, and between PA profiles and mortality.
Results: This study included 620 participants. During follow-up, 264 (42.6%) participants died. Overall, sarcopenic participants were less physically active than non-sarcopenic participants. After multivariate adjustment, more SB and less MVPA were associated with sarcopenia and all related variables, except muscle mass. Compared with the reference, non-sarcopenic participants with lower SB and concomitantly higher MVPA had significantly lower hazard ratios for mortality, while higher LPA reduced mortality in sarcopenic participants regardless of time spent engaged in SB or MVPA.
Conclusions: PA, especially SB and MVPA, was associated with sarcopenia and related variables, but the level of PA that prevented death differed according to sarcopenia status. Our findings may help determine the optimal intensity and amount of PA.
The male-to-female ratio in late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Jing , Zhang Huiqiu , Liang Feng , Li Guanxi , Pang Xiaomin , Zhao Rongjuan , Wang Juan , Chang Xueli , Guo Junhong , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2023

Background: Late-onset multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) is the most common lipid storage myopathy. There are sex differences in fat metabolism and it is not known whether late-onset MADD affects men and women equally.
Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM, and Wanfang databases were searched until 01/08/2023. Studies reporting sex distribution in patients with late-onset MADD were included. Two authors independently screened studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Pre-specified outcomes of interest were the male-to-female ratio (MFR) of patients with late-onset MADD, the differences of clinical characteristics between the sexes, and factors influencing the MFR.
Results: Of 3379 identified studies, 34 met inclusion criteria, yielding a total of 609 late-onset MADD patients. The overall pooled percentage of males was 58% (95% CI, 54%-63%) with low heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 2.99%; P = 0.42). The mean onset ages, diagnostic delay, and serum creatine kinase (CK), and allelic frequencies of 3 hotspot variants in ETFDH gene were similar between male and female patients (P > 0.05). Meta-regressions revealed that ethnic group was associated with the MFR in late-onset MADD, and subgroup meta-analyses demonstrated that East-Asian patients had a higher percentage of male, lower CK, and higher proportion of hotspot variants in ETFDH gene than non-East-Asian patients (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Male patients with late-onset MADD were more common than female patients. Ethnic was proved to be a factor influencing the MFR in late-onset MADD. These findings have implications for that male sex may be a risk factor for the disease.
Determinants of Malaria treatment seeking time for under five years children in Uganda. A Case Study of Apac District
Authors: Nabulya Olivia , Mbaka Paul , Walekhwa Abel Wilson , Ordur Bernard
Published: October 2023

Background
Malaria is a public health threat in sub–Saharan Africa and endemic in Uganda with Apac one of high burden districts. Malaria is known to be leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years old in Uganda. However, little is known about the community management of malaria and treatment-seeking patterns. We aimed to assess determinants of malaria treatment-seeking behaviour for children under-five years by their caretakers in Apac district.
Methods
A cross sectional descriptive study was designed with quantitative data collection methods. Simple random sampling technique was used in identifying the caretakers as study participants for this study. Structured questionnaires were administered to caregivers in 240 households. Survival analysis was done to investigate the socio-economic, demographic, and behavioural factors that affect time to seek malaria treatment for children by their caretakers/parents using R.
Results
We had 100% response rate. All caregivers sought treatment for their children and out of the 240 caregivers, (70%) are female. Our results showed that education level, employment status, marital status, household wealth index, choice of the hospital and reason for delayed treatment were significantly associated with malaria treatment seeking time among caretakers of children under five years.
Conclusion
Timely drug supply to the main hospital and to households by the Village Health Teams to effectively ensure early treatment-seeking behaviours for malaria and sensitization of caregivers on early malaria treatment attendance of their ill children. The government should expand education financing for basic, intermediate, and university institutions, as well as adult education initiatives. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should be encouraged to play a role in educating caregivers, particularly on treatment-seeking behaviours for malaria-infected children under the age of five. Early malaria treatment in children under the age of five requires efficient medicine supply to primary hospitals and families by Village Health Teams (VHTs). It is also critical to educate caregivers on early treatment and suitable healthcare options for fever.
Trial registration
Not applicable
Reduction of Sulfur in Fuel oil Using Fe2O3 Hybrid Nanoadsorbent by Solvent Deasphalting and Optimization of Operational Parameters with CCD
Authors: Malek Mohammadreza , Samipourgiri Mohammad , Rashidi Alimorad , Majidian Nasrolah
Published: October 2023

The present study investigated and tested the effect of adding three types of nanoadsorbents (multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)) in pure form, multi-walled carbon nanotubes with Fe2O3 particles (MWCNT-Fe2O3) hybrid, and Silanated-Fe2O3 hybrid to heavy fuel oil to reduce sulfur using a deasphalting process with solvent. First, all three types of nanoadsorbents were synthesized. Then, the Central Composite Design (CCD) method was used to identify the parameters effective in deasphalting, such as the type of nanoadsorbent, the weight percentage of nanoadsorbent, and the solvent-to-fuel ratio, and to obtain their optimal values. Based on the optimization result, under laboratory temperature and pressure conditions, the highest percentage of sulfur reduction in deasphalted fuel (DAO) was obtained by adding 2.5% by weight of silanated-Fe2O3 nano-adsorbent and with a solvent-to-fuel ratio of 7.7 (The weight percentage of sulfur in DAO increased from 3.5% by weight to 2.46%, indicating a decrease of 30%). Additionally, by increasing the temperature to 70°C, in optimal conditions, the results revealed that the remaining sulfur percentage in DAO decreased to 2.13% by weight, indicating a decrease of 40%. Synthesized nanoadsorbents and asphaltene particles adsorbed on the surfaces of nanoadsorbents were evaluated by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and TEM techniques.
Comparative functional aspects of 3T3 fibroblasts in 2D and 3D cell- culture environment
Authors: Chaturvedi Madhusudan , Chugh Rishi Man , Raisuddin Sheikh , Yerneni Lakshmana Kumar
Published: October 2023

Tissue engineering is a multipurpose and valuable tool extensively employed for tissue architecture, and the evaluation of drug efficacy, with other applications. Its particular focus on techniques aimed at restoring or replacing part or entire tissues of replaceable organs. The development of in-vitro bioengineered skin models holds significant potential for clinical utilization. Most existing skin bioengineering methods primarily rely on two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, which, however, possess notable limitations, particularly in the context of assessing the safety and effectiveness of topical pharmaceutical agents’ due absence of dermal-epidermal interaction. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) skin bioengineering model enabling the epidermal keratinocytes culture in combination with fibroblasts embedded within 3D matrices. In this study, we have designed a comprehensive experimental approach to investigate the role of Swiss 3T3 cells and their variants pre-exposed to a single pulse of varying doses of Mitomycin C collagen-embedded in supporting the growth of keratinocytes. We examined the proliferation and viability of 3T3 cells to assess their ability to provide growth of epidermal cells in an embedded niche. Additionally, we analysed the levels of Keratinocyte Growth Factor, paracrine secretion by fibroblasts in both 2D and 3D cell culture condition. Furthermore, we conducted a histological comparison of the epidermal layers constructed under 2D and 3D cell culture conditions, evaluating the expression of various epidermal markers to gain insights into their structural and functional differences. This study sheds light on the pivotal role of 2D and 3D skin bioengineering models and their potential applications in dermatological research and pharmaceutical development.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of talazoparib Maintenance Treatment for patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer in China and the US
Authors: Xu Qiaoping , Pan Junjie , Ren Ning , Ren Lanqi , Yang YiBei , Wang Gang
Published: October 2023

Objective: Breast cancer is one of the tumors with the highest prevalence rate among women in the world, and its BRCA1/2 gene is a common mutation site. Talazoparib, as a targeted PARP inhibitor, can effectively control the occurrence and development of breast cancer with BRCA1/2 gene mutation, and play a therapeutic role. Based on the phase III EMBRACE trial (NCT01945775 clinical trial), this paper aims to use Talazoparib's scheme to treat HER2-negative advanced breast cancer and obtain the economic cost-effectiveness of Talazoparib. This article conducts a cost-benefit analysis of the treatment regimen for Talazoparib from the perspectives of Chinese and American patients.
Methods: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of Talazoparib more scientifically and provide clinicians with chemotherapy options, this paper developed a Markov model based on the EMBRACA clinical trial (clinical Trails.gov No., NCT01945775) to simulate the survival events of breast cancer patients in the Talazoparib group and the standard treatment group. The state transition probability and clinical data of breast cancer patients during treatment were extracted from the phase III EMBRACA clinical trial. The cost data generated during the treatment process comes from local hospital pricing, other references, and expert consultation. This article uses US dollars to calculate the treatment cost and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Health outcomes are expressed in Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). In addition, Outcomes were measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, which robustness was evaluated by deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.
Results: This article establishes a Markov model for single-item sensitivity analysis. The results show that the economic benefits of using Talazoparib as a new treatment strategy in both China and the United States are higher than other drugs, and it is cost-effective. Compared to the control group, the incremental cost incurred by the Talazoparib treatment group in China was $2484.48/QALY, with an incremental QALY of 1.5. However, Talazoparib in the United States holds a dominant position, saving costs of $10223.43 and increasing QALYs by 1.5.
Conclusion: Through pharmacoeconomic analysis, this paper found that when the QALY thresholds in China and the United States were 3185 US dollars/month and 19100 US dollars/month respectively, the maintenance treatment of Talazoparib for HER2 negative advanced breast cancer patients with BRCA1/2 gene mutation was more cost-effective than that of Eribulin, Gemcitabine and Capecitabine. So, Talazoparib is expected to become a new treatment option.
Sugars induced exfoliation of porous graphitic carbon nitride for efficient hydrogen evolution in photocatalytic water-splitting reaction
Authors: Baranowska Daria , Zielinkiewicz Klaudia , Mijowska Ewa , Zielinska Beata
Published: October 2023

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution holds great promise for addressing critical energy and environmental challenges, making it an important area in scientific research. One of the most popular photocatalysts is graphitic carbon nitride (gCN), which has emerged as a noteworthy candidate for hydrogen generation through water splitting. However, ongoing research aims to enhance its properties for practical applications. Herein, we introduce a green approach for the fabrication of porous few-layered gCN with surface oxygen doping and nitrogen defects with promoted performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction. The fabrication process involves a one-step solvothermal treatment of bulk graphitic carbon nitride (bulk-gCN) in the presence of different sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose). Interestingly, the conducted time-dependent process revealed that porous gCN exfoliated in the presence of fructose at 180 ℃ for 6 hours (fructose_6h) exhibits a remarkable 13-fold promotion of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution compared to bulk-gCN. The studied materials were extensively characterized by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, allowing us to propose a reaction mechanism for hydrogen evolution during water-splitting over fructose_6h. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of employing a facile and environmentally friendly fructose-assisted solvothermal process to improve the efficiency and stability of catalysts based on gCN.
Functional investigation and two-sample Mendelian randomization study of bladder cancer-related genes: focus on gender differences
Authors: He Chenglong , Zhong Siquan , Qin Yan , Jiang Xiaomei , Lyu Yanhua , Xiao Jianjun , Dong Wenjing
Published: October 2023

Objective
Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor. There is a significant gender difference in the incidence rate, and the pathogenesis has not yet been clarified. The objective of this study was to explore the potential pathogenic genes of bladder cancer, measure the expression of these genes in patients of different sexes, and apply these genes to predict the risk of bladder cancer in clinical practice.
Methods
Genes related to the pathogenesis of bladder cancer were obtained by differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Key genes were obtained by intersection. Then, we analyzed the biological functions of key genes through KEGG and GO and constructed a PPI network to screen hub genes and generate a nomograph model to predict the risk of bladder cancer. The correlation between VEGFA and immune cell infiltration in bladder cancer was evaluated by immunocyte infiltration analysis. Finally, a two-sample Mendelian randomization study was conducted to determine the causal effect of VEGFA on bladder cancer.
Results
We obtained 376 key genes in the male bladder cancer group and 328 key genes in the female bladder cancer group. GO and KEGG analyses showed differences in the biological functions of these genes between male and female patients. Using the expression profile of the hub genes (CAV1, VEGFA, COL3A1, MYL9, and COL1A2 in males and COL3A1, ACTA2, TPM2 TPM1, and COL1A2 in females), we constructed a nomogram model to predict the risk of bladder cancer for males and females, respectively. In addition, the ROC curve showed that the model is effective in predicting bladder cancer. Besides, we found that there was a significant correlation between the expression of VEGFA and immune cell infiltration in male bladder cancer, but not in female patients. Finally, the Mendelian randomized study showed that there was a causal relationship between VEGFA and bladder cancer risk.
Conclusion
There are gender differences in the expression level and biological function of bladder cancer-related genes. We found that VEGFA has a causal relationship with the risk of bladder cancer, which may provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.
Decolonising environmental risk assessments of Potentially Polluting Wrecks: A case study of the wreck of the USS Mississinewa in Ulithi Lagoon, Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: Hill Polly Georgiana , Rodway-Dyer Sue
Published: October 2023

Millions of tonnes of oil lie entombed within wrecks from two world wars which, when released, can cause environmental devastation. Wrecks are predominantly risk assessed by the Global North Nations responsible, resulting in an epistemology that separates human from nature. This research aimed to decolonise risk assessments to capture the spatially heterogeneous nature of human vulnerability to oil pollution. Triangulation analysis of interviews and official reports relating to the USS Mississinewa oil spill identified three Global South issues a Eurocentric risk assessment failed to capture: region-specific meteorological conditions causing the leak, remoteness making external resources slow to arrive, and the impact of the fishery closure on traditional subsistence lifestyles. A vulnerability assessment is proposed to prioritise wrecks in susceptible locations. Recommendations are made for a collaborative approach to wreck management by including local voices, resisting the Global North assumption of generality, and recognising the priorities of those living with wrecks.
Understanding of electronic, structural and optical properties of transition metal doped C 20 nano-cage
Authors: Ghiasi Reza , Daneshdoost Vahid , Tale Rose
Published: October 2023

In the present research, computational perspective of doping of C20 nano-cage with Co3+, Ni2+, Cu+ and Zn cations was reported at B3LYP*/6-311g(d,p) level of theory in singlet state. Vibrational analysis was confirmed placing of the optimized cluster of the minimum potential energy curve. M-C bond distances, molecular orbital analysis and electronic spatial extent (ESE) values of the clusters were computed. Photoelectron spectrum (PES) of these clusters were provided. Aromaticity of the studied clusters were compared with NICS values. Doping effect on the polarity, polarizability and hyperpolarizability of the cluster was illustrated.
Robust inference and errors in studies of wildlife control
Authors: Treves Adrian , Khorozyan Igor
Published: October 2023

Randomized, controlled trials (RCT) are seen as the strongest basis for causal inference, but their strengths of inference and error rates relative to other study have never been quantified in wildlife control and rarely in other ecological fields. We simulate common study designs from simple correlation to RCT with crossover design. We report rates of false positive, false negative, and over-estimation of treatment effects for five common study designs under various confounding interactions and effect sizes. We find non-randomized study designs mostly unreliable and that randomized designs with suitable safeguards against biases have much lower error rates. One implication is that virtually all studies of lethal predator control interventions appear unreliable. Generally, applied fields can benefit from more robust designs against the common confounding effects we simulated.
Decreasing trend in lean body mass in young Japanese adult women associated with their birth weight
Authors: Hisatsune Manami , Hakoda Masayuki
Published: October 2023

Despite a 30-year decline in birth weight since 1976 in Japan, the health effects of this decline after a period of growth remain unclear. Lean body mass (LBM) at age 20–21 years was measured annually for 14 years in women with birth years from 1987 to 2001, a period in which a notable birth weight decline was observed in Japan. The birth weight of the participants was obtained from data recorded in the original Japanese Maternal and Child Health Handbook. The participants’ birth weight and the LBM at age 20–21 years significantly decreased during the 14 years of examination; however, fat mass did not decrease during this period. The participants’ LBM significantly correlated with their birth weight. These results suggest that the trend in declining birth weight is manifested as a trend in declining LBM 20 years later. Because low LBM is a risk factor for the development of lifestyle-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, a future increase in these diseases among Japanese women may be anticipated.
Organic fertilizers and Bacillus spp increasing NPK uptake and resistance to stunting deseases of Superior and local cultivars of organic rice in Imogiri, Bantul, Indonesia
Authors: Romdhoni Ahmad Harish , utami Sri Nuryani Hidayah , Prasetya Angga , Sulandari Sri
Published: October 2023

The research aimed to determine the effects of the doses of organic fertilizer and the addition of Bacillus spp. on the changes in soil chemical properties, NPK nutrient uptake, vegetative and generative growth, and resistance to stunting as well as yields of superior and local cultivars of organic rice. Soil samples were taken before and after one week of treatments. Meanwhile, observation of plant samples was carried out from seven days after planting until harvest, then these samples were taken at the end of the vegetative and generative growth stage. This research was conducted in Kebonagung, Imogiri, Bantul from October 2020 to May 2021. The treatments consisted of the application of organic fertilizer at doses of 0 tons/ha, 5 tons/ha, and 10 tons/ha and the addition of Bacillus spp. on the superior and local cultivars of organic rice. The results suggested that the treatment of 10 tons/ha fertilizer combined with Bacillus spp. affect the organic C, CEC, and availability of soil NPK. The treatment also increased the NPK nutrient uptake and improved plant resistance to stunting diseases due to RRSV. Among all the treatments applied, the highest yield of ‘Padjajaran’ (12.13 tons/ha) and ‘Mentik Wangi’ (11.62 tons/ha) cultivar was obtained when treated with 10 tons/ha fertilizer combined with Bacillus spp. and 10 tons/ha fertilizer without Bacillus spp., respectively.
Reliable strategy constructed with polysiloxane to achieve fire resistance, antibacterial properties of cotton fabrics
Authors: Jin Xin , Li Wennan , Yang Chenghao , Li Xu , Liu Xiangji , Ma Jiahui , Zhu Ping , Lu Zhou , Dong Chaohong
Published: October 2023

A phosphorus containing polysiloxane flame retardant and antibacterial agent has been synthesized and applied to cotton fabrics. A treatment method has been implemented to achieve the dual function of flame retardant and antibacterial on cotton fabrics, Achieve two things at one stroke. This flame retardant method can effectively avoid the problem of formaldehyde release from fabrics treated with phosphorus containing flame retardants. Amino silicone oil and p-bromobenzaldehyde are used to synthesize intermediate products, phosphite, 5,5-dimethylhydantoin, and phosphite to obtain halogenated amine precursors (DPTMS). The VFT and LOI results indicate that this additive can effectively improve the flame retardancy of fabrics. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the residual carbon content of DPTMS/Cotton can reach 9.1% and 24.7% under air and nitrogen conditions, respectively, indicating that DPTMS can effectively improve the thermal stability of cotton fabrics. The cone calorimetry test showed that the total heat release of DPTMS/Cotton was significantly reduced by 49.8% compared to that of Cotton. After being heated, polysiloxane provides a more solid carbon layer, which has a suffocating effect on the flame. The results of antibacterial test are surprising, and the antibacterial rate of DPTMS/Cotton against E. coli and S. aureus can reach more than 99%.
The association between physical activity and depression in cancer patients: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007-2018
Authors: Zheng Jiaxue , Zheng Peiqing , Han Yi , Zhang Mingyan , Gu Jianzhong
Published: October 2023

Low-intensity physical activity is associated with increased depressive symptoms in the general population, however, their relationship is still unclear in cancer patients. The primary aim of this study is to explore the relationship between physical activity and depression in cancer patients. 1993 participants aged 20 to 79 years from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were obtained to participate in this study. All analyzes were performed using EmpowerStats and R software(version 3.4.3), and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Of the 1993 participants with cancer, 254 (12.70%) reported depression. After adjusting for all confounders, participants with high-intensity physical activity had a 40% lower rate of depression compared to participants with low-intensity physical activity(OR = 0.60[95% CI 0.45, 0.81]). We made further analyses stratified and the results showed that in the fully adjusted model, physical activity had a significant effect on the risk of depression for participants who were female, age < 60 years, non-Hispanic white, educated less than 11th grade, divorced/separated, and former smokers, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Physical activity is an independent risk factor for the incidence of depression, and low-intensity physical activity is associated with elevated depressive symptoms in cancer patients.
A Novel Quinoline With Airway Relaxant Effects and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Authors: Bergwik Jesper , Liu Jielu , Padra Médea , Bhongir Ravi K.V. , Tanner Lloyd , Xiang Yujiao , Lundblad Mia , Egesten Arne , Adner Mikael
Published: October 2023

Background
In chronic pulmonary diseases characterized by inflammation and airway obstruction, such as asthma and COPD, there are unmet needs for improved treatment. Here, we investigated the relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties in the airways of a novel quinoline (RCD405).
Methods
The airway relaxant effect of RCD405 was examined in isolated airways from humans, dogs, rats and mice. Murine models of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma and LPS-induced airway inflammation were used to study the effects in vivo. Airway responsiveness was determined using methacholine provocation. Immune cell recruitment to bronchi was measured using flow cytometry and histological analyses were applied to investigate immune cell influx and goblet cell hyperplasia of the airways. The inflammatory response, as reflected by the production of cytokines and chemokines, was measured using a multiplex immunoassay. The expression levels of asthma-related genes in murine lung tissue were determined by PCR. The involvement of NF-κB and metabolic activity was measured in the human monocytic cell line THP-1.
Results
RCD405 demonstrated a relaxant effect on carbachol precontracted airways in all four species investigated. The OVA- specific IgE and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were significantly reduced by intratracheal treatment with RCD405. In addition, administration of RCD405 to mice significantly decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines as well as recruitment of immune cells to the lungs in both OVA- and LPS-induced airway inflammation. In vitro, RCD405 reduced the LPS-induced NF-κB activation and by itself reduced cellular metabolism.
Conclusions
RCD405 has airway relaxant effects and it reduces AHR as well as airway inflammation in the models used, suggesting that it could be a clinically relevant compound to treat inflammatory airway diseases. Possible targets of this compound are complexes of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, resulting in decreased metabolic activity of targeted cells as well as through pathways associated to NF-κB. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the mode of action.
Clinical diagnosis and treatment of 5 cases of TAPCV in infants
Authors: Cheng Weiping , Zhu Junzhao , Xu Youbo , Guo Yingqiang , Shi Lexiang
Published: October 2023

Objective: To explore the clinical diagnosis and treatment methods of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) in infants aged less than 1 year old. Methods: To retrospectively analyse the clinical data of 5 cases of supracardiac TAPCV in infants admitted to Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital from October 2019 to October 2023.
Results: The 5 cases were all infants less than 1 year old, with clinical manifestations of shortness of breath or recurrent pneumonia episodes. The 5 cases were examined by cardiac ultrasonography or CTA after examination by the first physician, and all of them were diagnosed with TAPCV (supra-cardiac type) and arterial ductus arteriosus or ventricular septal defects. The 5 cases underwent a TAPCV correction with a limited period of multidisciplinary consultation (MDT) before surgery, and all made good postoperative recovery.
Conclusion: Parents should be alert to the possibility of congenital heart disease in newborns with shortness of breath, foaming or recurrent pneumonia in infancy. The prognosisof infants with TAPCV is often poor, and the mortality rate is substantially increased due to the untimely diagnosis of preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction (PVO). Precise prenatal examination, professional education on children's prevalent heart diseases, excellent surgical skills and postoperative intensive cardiological care for children are important for making early diagnosis and treatment of supracardiac TAPCV in infants and for improving the postoperative survival rate of children with TAPCV in infants.
The Effect of Combined Training with Quinoa Seed Supplementation on Total Antioxidant Capacity, HbA1c, Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure in Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Moradi Nilofar , Azizi Mohammad , Niromand Elham , Tahmasebi Worya
Published: October 2023

Background: Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that often results from unhealthy lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Nonetheless, regular physical activity and proper diet can help manage the disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 8 weeks of combined exercise at home with quinoa seed supplementation on total antioxidant capacity, HbA1c, lipid profile, and blood pressure in women with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Our study involved 36 women with type 2 diabetes from the Taleghani Diabetes Center in Kermanshah, Iran. We divided the women into three groups, namely: exercise+supplement, supplement, and control, with 12 participants in each group. The exercise+supplement and supplement groups consumed 25 grams of cooked quinoa seeds three times a week and the exercise+supplement group performed combined exercise for 8 weeks, three times a week. We measured blood factors such as TAC, HbA1c, TG, CHOL, HDL, and LDL. We used descriptive statistics to calculate the mean and standard deviation of research data. We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test to evaluate the normality of data distribution. If the data were normal, we used the one-way ANOVA test. We also used t-test to examine within-group differences. We analyzed the data using SPSS software version 26 at a significance level of p <0.05.
Results:Our results showed that the exercise+supplement group had significant differences with the supplement and control groups in TAC, HbA1c, TG, CHOL, HDL, LDL, BMI, weight, and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05). The sup group also had significant differences with the control group in BMI and weight (p<0.05). However, we found no significant difference between the three groups in diastole blood pressure (P>0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, based on our study's findings, we can confidently say that 8 weeks of combined training with quinoa supplementation can increase total antioxidant capacity, and reduce HbA1c, lipid profile, BMI, and weight in women with type 2 diabetes.
Trial registration: IRCT20200804048306N1, 13/04/2021 (https://fa.irct.ir)
SLC8A1, a novel prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target in RSA and UCEC based on scRNA-seq and pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Chu Jijun , Qin Xiujuan , Xu Xian-jin
Published: October 2023

Purpose
As the field of gynecological immunology increasingly focuses on reproduction, the importance of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is growing. The complex mechanisms underlying the interaction between RSA and cancer are still not well understood. This study seeks to identify a new prognostic biomarker for RSA and cancer.
Methods
Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), and machine learning algorithms were utilized for the analysis of RSA decidua samples (GSE164449, GSE214607, GSE65099) to identify the hub gene. The expression and distribution of the hub gene were subsequently investigated using the pan-cancer database TCGA. Furthermore, a prognostic prediction was made to assess the hub gene's impact on cancer response, mutation burden, immunity microenvironment, immune checkpoint, and chemotherapy.
Results
SLC8A1 has been identified as a hub gene within the RAS. In pan-cancer analysis, SLC8A1 exhibited strong expression levels in UCEC. The efficacy of SLC8A1 as a predictive marker was substantiated by calibration curves and concordance index. The mutation rate of SLC8A1 was found to be 6% based on the waterfall plot. Immune analysis revealed notable differences in the fractions of T cells and macrophages between the high and low expression groups. The analysis of immune checkpoint has demonstrated notable associations with CD40positive immune checkpoints. Notably, patients classified in the low-risk group exhibited enhanced responsiveness to Osimertinib, Dasatinib, Sepantronium bromid, lbrutinib, and other treatments.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that SLC8A1 may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker and potential target for immunotherapy in the context of RSA and UCEC.
PiPho85, a cyclin dependent kinase of Piriformospora indica rescue colonized maize plants grown under salt stress
Authors: Kashyap Arun Kumar , Kumar Paras , Bakshi Madhunita , Yadav Vikas , Oelmüller Ralf , Dua Meenakshi , Johri Atul Kumar
Published: October 2023

We identified, isolated and functionally characterized, cyclin dependent kinase (CDK), PiPho85 from Piriformospora indica. The identified PiPho85 contains TY, PSTAIRE, protein kinase domain, and an ATP binding site which is highly conserved amongst the Pho85/CDK5 family protein specific for Pho85 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In (Δpho85) mutant strain of S. cerevisiae, PiPho85 could regulate the acid phosphatase activity, restore the normal phenotype, provide the salt and drug tolerant capabilities, and found to utilize the non-fermentable sugars. This suggests that PiPho85 complementing the function of Pho85. The knock down (Kd) strain of PiPho85 was generated by RNA interference and named as Kd-PiPho85-P.indica. The Kd strain was found susceptible to salt, drug & osmolarity stress and showed morphological abnormalities like abnormal size hyphae with knot like larger structure. This suggests PiPho85 plays a regularity role in the physiology of P. indica. Further, plants colonized with Kd-PiPho85-P.indica were found to be susceptible to salt stress and showed less growth than that of the plants colonized with the WT P. indica which suggests that PiPho85 plays a crucial role in conferring resistance to colonized plants during salt stress.
Expression of Heterosis in Photosynthetic Traits in F1 Generation of Sorghum Hybrids and Relationship with Yield Traits
Authors: Zhao Renjie , Li Yueqiao , Xu Chen , Zhang Zhian , Zhou Ziyang , Zhou Yihan , Qi Zexin
Published: October 2023

Heterosis plays an important role in improving crop yield. Understanding the expression of heterosis for photosynthetic physiological traits in sorghum is important for breeding sorghum varieties with strong hybrid dominance. In this study, six sorghum restorer lines and six sorghum sterile lines and their thirty-six hybrid combinations formulated according to the NCII incomplete double-row hybridization method were used as materials, and the performance of hybrids in the F1 generation of hybrids in terms of hybridization in leaf photosynthesis-related parameters and carbon metabolism-related enzymes and their correlation with yield traits were analyzed at the flowering stage. The results showed that net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), apparent leaf meat conductance (AMC), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylase, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase, and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) of hybrid sorghum showed significant high-parent heterosis, while inter-cellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), water use efficiency (WUE), and sucrose synthase (SuSy) mainly showed negative heterosis, a few showed high-parent heterosis. Thousand grain weight (TGW), grain weight per spike (GWPS) and dry matter content (DMC) all showed high high-parent heterosis, with the highest value of 82.54% for thousand grain weight (TGW). Meanwhile, Pn was positively correlated with Tr, Ci, Gs, RuBP carboxylase, PEP carboxylase, GWPS, TGW, and DMC, which indicated that Tr, Ci, and Gs could assist in the screening of high-photosynthesis sorghum varieties and that Pn could assist in the screening of carbon-efficient sorghum varieties, and that Pn was closely related to yield. In summary, the F1 generation of sorghum hybrids has shown significant heterosis at anthesis. Combined with the field performance, the Pn at anthesis can be used as a reference for early prediction of the yield potential of the F1 generation of sorghum hybrids and screening of carbon-efficient sorghum varieties.
SYNGR2 plays a tumor-promoting role in lung adenocarcinoma through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jiakun , Luan Yanchao , Han QingSong , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2023

Objectives
To analyze the expression level of SYNGR2 in lung adenocarcinoma, explored its prognostic and diagnostic value, and preliminarily discussed its mechanism of action.
Methods
The diagnostic value was assessed by generating the ROC curve using SYNGR2 expression data. COX regression and correlation analysis were conducted to establish its association with clinical features. Additionally, immunohistochemical staining was performed on samples from 20 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) to validate the observed differences in expression levels. Furthermore, silencing of SYNGR2 in LUAD cells demonstrated inhibition of proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation abilities. Moreover, GO and KEGG analyses along with PPI analysis were employed to preliminarily investigate the underlying mechanism of SYNGR2 in lung adenocarcinoma.
Results
The results demonstrated an upregulation of SYNGR2 which was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a robust diagnostic value for SYNGR2. Additionally, the SYNGR2 gene exhibited a strong association with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.
Conclusions
SYNGR2 plays a tumor-promoting role in lung adenocarcinoma and may act through PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.