bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiparadigm modeling of texture effects on pitting corrosion in ferritic stainless steel
Authors: Jamebozorgi Vahid , Rasim Karsten , Schröder Christian
Published: May 2023

Texture has long been recognized as a critical factor influencing the physical processes and properties of condensed matter. In this study, we implemented a multiparadigm approach and introduce a robust methodology to investigate the effects of texture in corrosion, which overcomes the common limitations of quantum-based computational approaches in terms of time and system size. Our approach provides the same level of accuracy as atomistic calculations but with significantly less computational cost. The methodology, based on the finite element method (FEM), employs 3D digital representations of polycrystalline microstructures. As a proof of concept, we apply our approach to the case of pitting corrosion in ferritic stainless steel. As shown in the literature irregular pit growth patterns through pitting corrosion are primarily caused by texture. Our study reveals that texture has a significant impact on the pitting corrosion rate leading to a wide range of irregular pit growth patterns in polycrystals. Our findings are supported by atomistic calculations and experimental literature, demonstrating the validity of our approach.
Anticancer analysis of CD44 targeted Cyclosporine loaded thiolated chitosan nanoformulations for sustained release in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Abduh Maisa Siddiq
Published: May 2023

Cyclosporine (CsA), a potent immunosuppressive chemotherapeutic medication, treats numerous cancers, particularly malignant carcinoma, acute leukemia, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). A specified polymeric nanoformulation (NF) based drug delivery technique with ligand alteration at the surface was developed to improve active moiety delivery at the intended area and boost the efficacy of prolonged treatment. We produced and characterized NF of encapsulated Cyclosporine in thiolated chitosan (TC) with the outermost coating of hyaluronic acid (HA). Research conducted in-silico verified that HA binds to the receptor CD44 at docking locations A and B in triple-negative breast cancer cells. When a pharmaceutical substance interacts with a polymeric compound, zeta examination reveals a particle size of 192nm, a PDI of 0.433, and a zeta potential of 38.9mV. FTIR and Raman's investigations also support the existence of hydrophobic groups, porous surfaces, and clumping characteristics. While XRD verified its crystallographic nature, which renders NF particularly helpful in localized drug delivery systems (DDS), SEM and TEM revealed circular nanoparticles with sleek exteriors. DSC demonstrated that NF was stable at high temperature. The NF showed 85% drug encapsulation and a kinetics investigation of drug release revealed that the NF obeyed the Higuchi model for dispersion at low pH. In contrast to typical CsA's immediate release in under 12 hours, the in-vitro investigation demonstrated prolonged continuous dissolution at pH 7.4 and 6.8 for a maximum of 72 hours. When compared to raw Cyclosporine, the in-vitro tumor prevention properties of the ThC-HA encapsulated with Cyclosporine were tested using an MTT test on normal breast epithelial cells and triple-negative breast cancer cells. It showed the synthesized NF's robust cytotoxic potential at reduced concentrations and its effectiveness for normal cells. These characteristics improve the long-term viability, effectiveness, and active targeting of prepared novel NFs as an effective pharmaceutical component as a potent therapeutic moiety against cancer.
AI chatbot responds to emotional cuing
Authors: Zhao Yukun , Xu Liying , Huang Zhen , Peng Kaiping , Seligman Martin , Li Evelyn , Yu Feng
Published: May 2023

Emotion has long been considered to distinguish humans from Artificial Intelligence (AI). Previously, AI's ability to interpret and express emotions was seen as mere text interpretation. In humans, emotions co-ordinate a suite of behavioral actions, e.g., under negative emotion being risk averse or under positive emotion being generous. So, we investigated such coordination to emotional cues in AI chatbots. We treated AI chatbots like human participants, prompting them with scenarios that prime positive emotions, negative emotions, or no emotions. Multiple OpenAI ChatGPT Plus accounts answered questions on investment decisions and prosocial tendencies. We found that ChatGPT-4 bots primed with positive emotions, negative emotions, and no emotions exhibited different risk-taking and prosocial actions. These effects were weaker among ChatGPT-3.5 bots. The ability to coordinate responses with emotional cues may have become stronger in large language models as they evolved. This highlights the potential of influencing AI using emotion and it suggests that complex AI possesses a necessary capacity for “having” emotion.
Comparison between Conventional Approach and Three-Dimensional Mapping System in the Catheter Ablation of Accessory Pathway Associated with Coronary Sinus Diverticulum: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Chen Mingxian , Wu Zhihong , Hu Lin , Li Xuping , Liu Qiming , Zhou Shenghua
Published: May 2023

Background
Posteroseptal accessory pathways (APs) associated with coronary sinus (CS) diverticulum present a rare and challenge for ablation. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of conventional approach and three-dimensional (3D) mapping system in the catheter ablation.
Methods and Results
This was a retrospective study of all patients (from January 2013 to July 2022) who underwent catheter ablation of posteroseptal AP associated with CS diverticula in our center. Patients who underwent catheter ablation using the traditional fluoroscopy method were included in the Conventional method group (n = 13). Patients who underwent catheter ablation using the 3D mapping method were included in the 3D mapping group (n = 11). Clinical characteristics, ablation procedure and outcomes were recorded and analyzed between the two groups. Out of 669 patients with posteroseptal APs, 24 of them (3.6%) were associated with CS diverticula. All patients in both groups successfully completed the electrophysiological study. In the Conventional method group, two patients experienced complications, and two patients had recurrence. However, no patients suffered from complications or recurrence during follow-up. The procedure time and fluoroscopy time in the Conventional method group were significantly longer than those in the 3D mapping method group.
Conclusions
The 3D mapping method is much safer and more effective than the conventional method in the catheter ablation of posteroseptal APs associated with CS diverticula.
The Research Characteristics, Hotspots, and Transmutations of Aerobics in China: Research on Visualization based on Scientific Knowledge Graph
Authors: Wang Yang , Zainudin Z. A.
Published: May 2023

A total of 679 core journal papers retrieved from CNKI database were used as literature samples. CiteSpace software was used to visually analyze the titles, keywords, abstracts, and other literature materials. From the perspective of scientific knowledge graph, the distribution of authors and institutions with great influence in the research of aerobics was discussed. In order to clarify the research characteristics of aerobics, hot subjects and frontier evolution. Study found that aerobics research focus has been developed from the early public teaching mode, investigation and countermeasure research now gradually to the sport, competitive aerobics, physical education and aerobics athletes’ transition, aerobics without expanding the research field, research topics tend to diversification, popular, empirical and theoretical research is also in constant depth development. The research frontiers are divided into three periods: early stage, middle stage, and recent stage, with different research directions and emphases. It is suggested to construct multidisciplinary integrated development, enrich the vision of teaching and competition, improve the local regional integration policy, and comprehensively display the research and development status of aerobics.
Genome-wide discovery and characterization of major RNAi gene families in Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)
Authors: Naim Md Darun , Ahsan Md Asif , Imtiaj Ahmed , Mollah Md Nurul Haque
Published: May 2023

Dates have various minerals and health advantages, however, its major RNA interference (RNAi) genes are not yet studied, though these gene families play a vital role in controlling other protein coding genes. Therefore, we designed this in silico study to explore major RNAi genes highlighting their phylogenetic groups, domains, structures, locations, molecular functions, regulatory factors of date palm. Initially, a BLASTP search on date palm genome governed by the Arabidopsis thaliana RNAi genes (query sequences) predicted 4 DCLs, 7 AGOs, and 3 RDRs genes as key RNAi genes families of date palm. Domain analysis revealed the Helicase_C, Dicer_dimer, PAZ, RNase III, and Piwi domains of projected RNAi genes that are associated with the gene silencing pathways. The majority of expected RNAi was found in the nucleus, which is important site of gene silencing actions. The gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed some important molecular functions (MFs) and biological processes (BPs) including RNA interference that were related to the predicted RNAi genes which directly involved in the gene silencing mechanism. Gene regulatory network (GRN) analysis identified some important transcription factors including PAZ, and SNF2 involved in RNAi techniques and micro RNAs (miRNAs) including Pda-MIR156b, Pda-MIR396a, Pda-MIR166a, Pda-MIR167d, Pda-MIR395e, Pda-MIR529a associated with biotic/abiotic stress tolerance and developments, as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators of RNAi genes. The cis-acting regulatory element analysis suggested some vital cis-acting elements (as-1, ABRE, MBS, MYB, MYC, Box-4, G-box, I-box, STRE) that linked with the predicted RNAi as different abiotic stresses. Therefore, the findings of this study would be useful resources for further research to improve the date palm production.
Evaluation of Surgical Treatment for Medication- Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Tu Chengwei , Li Na , Li Dashuai , Zheng Shunyou , Ding Xi , Wu Gang , Liu Xueying
Published: May 2023

Objective To investigate the efficacy of surgical treatment for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).
Methods Twenty-eight patients with MRONJ who underwent surgical operation in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from November 2016 to August 2021 were enrolled, and a retrospective analysis of clinical data (gender, age at onset, cause of onset, disease stage, treatment and prognosis, etc.）was performed. In 20 patients with stage 2 lesions, partial jaw resection was performed, and the soft tissues were tightly sutured under tension-free conditions, including direct sutures and indirect sutures using adjacent flaps with or without absorbable collagen membrane. In 8 cases of stage 3 lesions, sequestrum was performed and a drainage channel was formed. Regular follow-up was performed after operation, and the surgical efficacy was evaluated according to the clinical manifestations, pain scores, and X-ray examinations of the patients.
Results There were 13 male and 15 female MRONJ patients respectively, and the age at onset was (69.18±7.42) years old. According to the guidelines of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMS), the patients were divided into stage 2 and 3. As for the stage 2 MRONJ patients, who were followed up for 10-53 months after operation, the rate of unplanned reoperation was 10% (1/20), and the pain score at the 3rd month after operation was [(0.35±0.49) points], which was significantly lower than the preoperative pain score [(3.40±0.82) points] (P<0.05). The unplanned reoperation rate of MRONJ patients in stage 3 was 0% during the follow-up of 19-84 months, and the pain score at the 3rd month after operation was [(0.63±0.52) points], significantly lower than the preoperative one [(5.37±1.06) points] (P<0.05).
Conclusions Surgical treatment is necessary to cure MRONJ for patients who has failed non-surgical treatment. For patients with stage 2 MRONJ, complete removal of necrotic bone and tension-free closure of mucosal wounds are the keys to successful surgery. For stage 3 MRONJ patients, the goal is to remove sequestrum, establish drainage, relieve pain, and prevent worse progression of the disease.
Silver nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity by releasing Ag + from the lysosome and increasing lysosomal membrane permeability
Authors: Peng Yinbo , Ni Wei , Ni Tao , Xu Peng , Gu Chuan , Yu Weirong , Xie Aiguo , Yao Min
Published: May 2023

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely used in many productions. Previous studies have shown partly AgNPs cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo; however, the mechanism of this cytotoxicity has not been identified. Our study proved that AgNPs reached the lysosomes after contact with human fibroblasts. Cytotoxicity gradually increased as AgNPs enrichment in the lysosomes, accompanied by a reduction in lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP) and an increase in intracellular silver ion (Ag+). Inhibiting LMP or chelating Ag+ can effectively reduce AgNP toxicity. It has been confirmed that AgNPs gradually increased in the liver and spleen after subcutaneous injection, accompanied by the abnormal of liver function. Inhibition of LMP or chelation of Ag+in vivo can effectively protect liver and renal functions, and this protective effects showed a good synergistic effect. Our studies will provide theoretical support for more reasonable and safe clinical applications of AgNPs.
Treatment of Dairy Effluent by Novel Bacteria
Authors: Ponraj Aarthi , Sriniva Hemalatha , Ibrahim Faridha Begum
Published: May 2023

The main cause of river contamination is the dairy sector. Sludge and effluents from food-related businesses, particularly those in the dairy sector, contain a sizable amount of organic matter, fatty acids, and nitrogenous chemicals. Whey is the primary pollutant in milk processing effluent due to its enormous volume and high organic content. Between 85% and 95% of the milk's weight and 55% of its constituent parts are made up of it. Lactose makes up the majority of the 4-5% of carbs in whey. In this work, the biological approach was used to identify Enterobacter cloacae and Aeromonas intestinalis as Dairy-degrading bacteria. The analysis of optimizing several parameters for the degradation of dairy effluent. Instrument Analysis also confirmed the Structural Changes of Degradation in Dairy effluent.
Polymorphisms of XRCC2 gene and breast cancer risk : a case-control study in Han women of northwest China
Authors: Wang Haitao , Wang Tao , Wang Lan , Guo Hongyun , Yang Suisheng , Zhu Gongjian , Wei Changsheng , Mao Aihong , Min Jianping , Guo Huan , Zhou Haihong , Hu Qingrong , Bai Xiaorong , Su Haixiang
Published: May 2023

Background The XRCC2 gene plays an important role in the homologous recombination repair of DNA double strand breaks. Functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of XRCC2 may alter DNA repair capacity and affect cancer susceptibility. This study aims to evaluate the association between five tagSNPs in XRCC2 and breast cancer susceptibility in Han women of northwest China.
Methods A total of 514 histopathologically confirmed breast cancer patients and 1028 region- and age-matched cancer-free controls provided blood samples for analysis of SNP genotypes in this case-control study using a QuantStudio™ 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System.
Results After adjusting covariates, 2 SNPs in XRCC2 (rs3218536 and rs6964582) showed significant associations with the risk of breast cancer. In haplotype analysis, CGTTC haplotype conferred an increased risk of breast cancer(P=5.83×10-3), whereas TGTTA haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer(P=1.17×10-3). Significant associations were shown between CGTTA, CCTTA haplotypes of XRCC2 and Her-2 statuses(P=2.15×10-3; P=4.06×10-3, respectively). Interaction analysis showed that the three-loci model (rs3218438, rs3218536 and rs6964582) was the best with the maximal testing balance accuracy of 0.6597, and the maximal 100% cross-validation consistency (P=0.001).
Conclusion These results indicate that XRCC2 gene polymorphisms may affect the risk of breast cancer and show that some SNPs and haplotypes in XRCC2 are associated with breast cancer characteristics in the Han population of northwest China.
Impacts of the invasive Impatiens glandulifera on the growth of three native plants
Authors: Mynard Poppy , Vilas Julia Sanchez
Published: May 2023

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a highly invasive annual herb that has spread rapidly throughout the UK. This species has allelopathic potential – chemicals released into the soil that can reduce seed germination and growth of neighbouring plants. Allelopathy and resource competition are key contributors to the success of this species; however, little is still known about the effects of litter of I. glandulifera on native species. This is important because in the invaded range, I. glandulifera frequently grows in monotypic stands that die back in autumn leaving large amounts of litter. Here, we aim to investigate the effects that seedlings and residues (above-ground plant matter) of I. glandulifera have on the chlorophyll content and growth of co-occurring native species, namely, Trifolium pratense, Linum grandiflora, and Silene dioica. We found reduced chlorophyll content and growth (measured as above-ground dry mass) in the three native species studied in response to growing with a I. glandulifera individual. However, the presence of residues of this invasive in the soil did not reduce the chlorophyll content and growth of the native species but rather had positive effects for S. dioica – which increased the above-ground dry mass in response to the addition of plant matter in the soil. Our results confirm the competitive superiority of I. glandulifera over native plants and highlight potential benefits of the litter of this invasive on the growth of natives.
Dysregulation of ferroptosis-related genes in granulosa cells associates with impaired oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Huang Jialyu , Fan Hancheng , Li Chenxi , Yang Kangping , Xiong Chaoyi , Xiong Siyi , Feng Shenghui , Chen Shen , Wang Bangqi , Su Yufang , Xu Boyun , Yang Haiyan , Wang Ni , Zhu Jing
Published: May 2023

Background Poor oocyte quality remains one of the major challenges for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Granulosa cells (GCs) in PCOS display altered functions and could cause an unfavorable microenvironment for oocyte growth and maturation. Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death, but its role in PCOS has been largely unclarified.Methods Ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCOS GCs were identified by bioinformatic analyses of GSE155489 and GSE168404 datasets. Functional enrichment analyses were conducted using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Core ferroptosis-related genes were further screened by random forest, and evaluated for diagnostic value by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Gene expression was validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of collected GC samples, and analyzed for association with oocyte quality. In addition, gene regulatory network was constructed based on predicted RNA interactions and transcription factors, while potential therapeutic compounds were screened through molecular docking with crystallographic protein structures.Results A total of 14 ferroptosis-related DEGs were identified. These DEGs were mainly enriched in reactive oxygen species metabolic process, mitochondrial outer membrane, antioxidant activity as well as ferroptosis and adipocytokine signaling pathways. Eight core ferroptosis-related genes (ATF3, BNIP3, DDIT4, LPIN1, NOS2, NQO1, SLC2A1 and SLC2A6) were further selected in random forest model, which showed high diagnostic performance for PCOS. Seven of them were validated in GC samples, and five were found to significantly and positively correlated with one or more oocyte quality parameters in PCOS patients, including oocyte retrieval rate, mature oocyte rate, normal fertilization rate, and good-quality embryo rate. Gene regulatory network revealed JUN and HMGA1 as two important transcription factors, while dicoumarol and flavin adenine dinucleotide were predicted as small molecules with therapeutic potential.Conclusions This is the first comprehensive report to study the differential expression of ferroptosis-related genes in GCs of PCOS and their clinical relevance with oocyte quality. Our findings could provide novel insights on the potential role of GC ferroptosis in PCOS pathogenesis, diagnosis, and targeted treatment.
New modified heterocyclic-magnetite chitosan nanocomposite for efficient alizarin red dye removal: adsorption analysis and antibacterial activity.
Authors: Abuessawy Asmaa Abuessawy , Fouda Amr Fouda , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. Abdel-Rahman , Hawata Mohamed A. Hawata , Hamad Nora A. Hamad
Published: May 2023

Alizarin Red (AR) is one of the most colored hazardous industrial dye. For effective removal of AR, a new sorbent of modified heterocyclic- magnetite chitosan nanocomposite (AOC@MC) was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, TGA, and SEM-EDX Effect of contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, initial Alizarine Red concentration and temperature was investigated. The maximum AR removal was 98.9% and attained at optimum conditions which were pH = 3.0, contact time = 50 min., and adsorbent dosage = 0.03 g/L. The €findings revealed that at pH 3 and 30◦ C, the maximum adsorption capacity was approximately 162 mg/g. Within 50 min, equilibrium adsorption was attained. A pseudo-second-order equation might be used to fit the kinetic data that was acquired at the optimal pH level of 3. Langmuir adsorption isotherms could accurately represent the adsorption process. The antimicrobial properties of the functionalized sorbent and its heterocyclic base are characterized by determining the zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia as a model for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria respectively. The modified chitosan sorbent (AOC@MC) exhibits promising activity with clear zones of 20.1 ± 0.2 and 17.6 ± 0.4 mm for S. aureus and K. pneumonia respectively. Whereas, the synthesized heterocyclic compounds didn’t show antibacterial activity toward tested strains. Overall, the modified compound was efficient on AR dye removal and antibacterial activity compared to unmodified and heterocyclic compounds.
Multipath-guided heterogeneous graph neural networks for sequential recommendation
Authors: Yin Fulian , Ji Meiqi , Xing Tongtong , Yao Zebin , Fu Ruiling , Wu Yuewei
Published: May 2023

With the explosion of information and users’ changing interest, program sequential recommendation becomes increasingly important for TV program platforms to help their users find interesting programs. Existing sequential recommendation methods mainly focus on modeling user preferences from users’ historical interaction behaviors directly, with insufficient learning about the dynamics of programs and users, while ignoring the rich semantic information from the heterogeneous graph. To address these issues, we propose the multipath-guided heterogeneous graph neural networks for TV program sequential recommendation (MHG-PSR), which can enhance the representations of programs and users through multiple paths in heterogeneous graphs. In our method, the auxiliary information is fused to supplement the semantics of program and user to obtain initial representations. Then, we explore the interactive behaviors of programs and users with temporal and auxiliary information to model the collaborative signals in the heterogeneous graph and extract the users’ dynamic preferences of programs. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets verify the proposed method can effectively improve the performance of TV program sequential recommendation.
Augmentation of learning in schizophrenia by D-serine is related to auditory and frontally-generated biomarkers: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Govani Viraj , Shastry Adithya , Iosifescu Daniel , Govil Preetika , Mayer Megan , Sobeih Tarek , Choo Tse , Wall Melanie , Sehatpour Pejman , Kantrowitz Joshua
Published: May 2023

Auditory cognition is impaired in schizophrenia, and typically engages a complex, distributed, hierarchical network, including both auditory and frontal input. We recently demonstrated proof of principle for the target engagement of an N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) agonist + auditory targeted remediation (d-serine+AudRem) combination, showing significant improvement in auditory-learning induced plasticity and mismatch negativity. In this secondary analysis, we report on frontal EEG outcomes, assessing for both generalized effects and the mechanism of auditory plasticity.
21 schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participants were randomized to three 1x weekly AudRem + double-blind d-serine (100 mg/kg) visits. In AudRem, participants indicated which paired tone was higher in pitch. The focus of this secondary analysis was a frontally (premotor) mediated EEG outcome— event-related desynchronization in the b band (b-ERD), which was shown to be sensitive to AudRem in previous studies.
d-Serine+AudRem led to significant improvement in b-ERD power across the retention and motor preparation intervals (F1,18=6.0, p=0.025) vs. AudRem alone. b-ERD was significantly related to baseline cognition, but not auditory-learning induced plasticity.
The principal finding of this prespecified secondary analysis are that in addition to improving auditory based biomarkers, the d-serine+AudRem combination led to significant improvement in biomarkers thought to represent frontally mediated dysfunction, suggesting potential generalization of effects. Changes in auditory-learning induced plasticity were independent of these frontally mediated biomarkers. Ongoing work will assess whether d-serine+AudRem is sufficient to remediate cognition or whether targeting frontal NMDAR deficits with higher-level remediation may also be required.
Trial Registration: NCT03711500
SLC25A24, a potential and novel biomarker for diagnosing colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Haitao , Liu Yanyan , Liu Shan , An Qian , Cao Huijun , Fan Xuemei , Jiang Yongxin
Published: May 2023

Background: Solute carrier family 25 member 24 (SLC25A24) is a member of the mitochondrial solute vector (MSC) protein superfamily. More and more evidence suggested that SLC family members play an extremely important role in cancers. However, the biological function of SLC25A24 in colorectal cancer has not been reported.
Methods: TCGA, GEO, UALCAN, Sangebox3.0 and TIDE databases were used to analyze SLC25A24 in colorectal cancer. The expression of SLC25A24 in 83 pairs of colorectal cancer tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. qRT-PCR, Western blotting and apoptosis assays were used to explore the biological function of SLC25A24 in colorectal cancer.
Results: Through analysis of multiple databases, we found that SLC25A24 expression was higher in colorectal cancer than in adjacent normal tissues, and higher expression of SLC25A24 had a better prognosis. This was verified by clinical case analysis. In addition, based on multiple algorithms of immune infiltration, we found that SLC25A24 was significantly associated with immune infiltration in colorectal cancer. SLC25A24 was significantly associated with clinicopathological features in 83 patients with colorectal cancer. Importantly, SLC25A24 knockdown significantly promoted the apoptosis ability of colorectal cancer cells. In addition, we also found that lower expression of SLC25A24 was associated with poor prognosis and low immunotherapy sensitivity in patients with colorectal cancer. Therefore, SLC25A24 might be a biomarker for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: In summary, we found that SLC25A24 was higher expression in colorectal cancer than in adjacent normal tissues, and higher expression of SLC25A24 had a better prognosis. Importantly, we found that SLC25A24 inhibited apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. In addition, SLC25A24 was associated with immune infiltration of colorectal cancer. Patients with lower expression of SLC25A24 were more prone to immune escape, while patients with higher expression of SLC25A24 were more conducive to immunotherapy. These results suggested that SLC25A24 might be a potential therapeutic target for patients with colorectal cancer.
The Role of Scoliosis on the Comorbidity and Demographics of Neurofibromatosis Type-1 Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample Database
Authors: Kodali Nilesh , Kumar Keshav D. , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: May 2023

Background
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most common neurocutaneous syndrome in the United States, affecting every 1 in 3000 individuals. NF1 occurs due to non-functional mutations in the NF1 gene, which expresses neurofibromin, a protein involved in tumor suppression. As a result, NF1 typically presents with non-cancerous neoplasm masses called neurofibromas across the body. The most common musculoskeletal abnormality seen in around two-third of NF1 patients is scoliosis, an improver curvature of the spine. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of scoliosis on demographics and morbidities of NF1 patients.
Objective
We performed a national analysis to investigate the complex relationship between NF1 and scoliosis on patients’ demographics and comorbidities.
Method
We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the 2017 US National Inpatient Sample database using univariable Chi-square analysis and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis to determine the interplay of NF1 and scoliosis on patients’ demographics and comorbidities.
Results
Our query resulted in 4,635 total NF1 patients, of which 475 (10.25%) had scoliosis and 4,160 (89.75%) did not. Demographic analysis showed that NF1 patients with scoliosis were typically younger, female, and white than when compared to NF1 patients without scoliosis. Comorbidity analysis showed that NF1 patients with scoliosis were more likely to develop malignant brain neoplasms, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, pigmentation disorders, hypothyroidism, diabetes with chronic complications, and coagulopathy disorders. NF1 patients with scoliosis were less likely to develop congestive heart failure, pulmonary circulation disease, peripheral vascular disease, paralysis, chronic pulmonary disease, lymphoma, and psychosis.
Conclusion
NF1 patients with scoliosis were predominantly younger, female, white patients. The presence of scoliosis in NF1 patients increases the risks for certain brain neoplasms and disorders, but serves a protective effect against some pulmonary and cardiac complications.
Anti-corrosion Properties of Functionalized Organo-silane coupling agents on Interstitial Free (IF) Steel in Simulated Saline solution
Authors: Badaik Sukanta , Ghosh Rishav , Ray Mausumi , Nidhi Monika , Bhagat A N , Ambade Balram , Rout T K
Published: May 2023

The selection of precursors for silane-based anti-corrosive coatings to protect steel is challenging to obtain in a few experiments as the protection performance varies with types of precursor molecule and surface of metal substrates. The coating performance of precursors was predicted through quantum chemical calculations (Density Functional Theory (DFT) where DFT parameters such as hardness (ƞ), dipole moment (µ), and the number of electrons transferred (∆N) to metal substrate enabling us to choose suitable silane coupling agents. DFT study and experimental validation reveals that precursor containing functional groups like -NH2, -SH, and -O- offers better protection against corrosion to galvanized IF steel compared to those without functional moiety. The order of corrosion inhibition is MPTMS (1M) ≈ APTES (1A) > GPTMS (1G) > TEOS(1T).
Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities in Mycelia, Fruiting Bodies and Spent Mushroom Substrate of Edible Mushrooms
Authors: Lavega Rebeca , Grifoll Vanessa , Siles María de las Nieves , Bravo Paula , Santoyo Susana , Pérez-Clavijo Margarita
Published: May 2023

Antioxidant activities of 13 commonly cultivated mushrooms in Spain were evaluated using total phenolic content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging (DPPH) assay, ABTS free radical scavenging (ABTS) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) in Caco-2 cell line. Within a mushroom fruiting bodies, Agaricus bisporus var subrufescens possessed the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity in both chemical and cellular assays. Furthermore, the mycelia extracts with the best antioxidant potential in chemical assays were A. bisporus (white), A. bisporus var brunnescens (Portobello) and Hericium erinaceus. Caco-2 treatment with mycelia extracts revealed the absence of activity of any extract in the conditions assayed. In addition, the spent mushroom substrate from Agrocybe aegerita, H. erinaceus and Pholiota nameko are those with the highest polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity both by chemical methods and in vitro models. Results showed that there is no correlation between the polyphenols content, the chemical antioxidant assays and the corresponding values obtained in cellular models. Nevertheless, this study contributes to the rise of data relatively to the species consumed as fresh mushrooms and the possibility of their consumption as a source of antioxidant food.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Female Students’ Perspectives on Medical Research Opportunities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Wilson Emily , Elmokattaf Reem Omar , Aljumaa Roaa , Almasri Ghada , Altayeb Maryam , Sajid Muhammad Raihan
Published: May 2023

While researchers have made great strides over the years in expanding opportunities for women in medical research, some gender imbalance persists, particularly in the context of the Arab world. The purpose of our study was to discover obstacles that female medical students have faced in conducting research. We conducted our study at a small private university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and we used a qualitative, feminist methodology. To address our research questions, we conducted 4 group interviews of 21 female undergraduate medical students who had experience participating in research projects. The study’s aim was to elicit participants' perspectives on the barriers they perceived to women’s contribution to medical research through all phases of the research process, from expressing interest in a particular field to finding faculty support, to performing research activities, to assessing research outcomes. Analytic coding of group interview transcripts revealed three major themes expressed by participants: differing expectations perceived for female students versus male students in conducting research; challenges for female students in securing research opportunities; and practical challenges for female students in conducting research. Findings from this study suggest that there is still work to be done to support female students, empower them to overcome obstacles, and ensure equal participation of female and male students in medical research.
Simple Data Visualization Techniques of Racial Demographic Change Sharply Increase Propensities Toward Violence
Authors: Axford Noah , Beveridge Maxwell , Ahern Molly , Cortes Fryda , Martinez Jax , Thompson Andrew
Published: May 2023

Data visualization has direct political implications. Across four experiments which slightly vary the visualization of data about projected racial demographic change in the United States, we find that particular displays of racial demographic change strongly alter the inferences that Americans make about the future of the U.S. These inferences lead to threatened sentiments, which increase support for political violence. We conclude that more detail than less is needed when using data visualization because of the potential for misinterpretation that could unintentionally inflame anti-democratic political sentiments.
222-nm far-UVC light in an occupied indoor room: Quantitative field tests of significant airborne viral load reduction
Authors: Buonanno Manuela , Kleiman Norman J. , Welch David , Hashmi Raabia , Shuryak Igor , Brenner David J.
Published: May 2023

An emerging intervention for control of airborne-mediated pandemics and epidemics is whole-room far-UVC (200-235 nm). Laboratory studies have shown that 222-nm light inactivates airborne pathogens, potentially without harm to exposed occupants. While encouraging results have been reported in benchtop studies and in room-sized bioaerosol chambers, to date there have been no quantitative studies of airborne pathogen reduction in occupied rooms. We quantified far-UVC mediated reduction of aerosolized murine norovirus (MNV) in an occupied mouse-cage cleaning room within an animal-care facility. Benchtop studies suggest that MNV is a conservative surrogate for airborne viruses such as influenza and coronavirus. Using four 222-nm ceiling lamps, and staying well within current recommended regulatory limits, far-UVC reduced airborne infectious MNV by 99.8% (95% CI: 98.2-99.9%), a 412-fold reduction. No significant changes were measured in terms of ozone or airborne particulates. This study directly demonstrates far-UVC efficacy to markedly reduce airborne pathogens in occupied indoor locations.
Effect of organic matter addition on cadmium solubility in alkaline paddy soils
Authors: Sun Zhaoyang , Zhang Wenjun , Sun Hongwen , Wang Jiaping , Chen Qiusheng , Yuan Chaolei
Published: May 2023

Straw incorporation into the soil is a common agricultural practice, but its effect on soil cadmium (Cd) mobility is not well understood. We added 0–20 g kg− 1organic matters (OMs) with different C/N ratios to three spiked alkaline paddy soils that contained a realistically low concentration of total Cd (0.94 mg kg− 1), and then investigated soil Cd solubility in alternate watering conditions. Multiple soil properties were measured to identify key factors regulating dissolved Cd concentration. We found that for all three soils, pH and dissolved Cd concentration both decreased after flooding and increased after subsequent drying. OM addition significantly reduced soil Cd solubility at both flooding and drying stages. Random forest and linear regressions further confirmed that soil total organic carbon, rather than pH, dissolved organic carbon, or total inorganic carbon as previously suggested, was the primary predictor of Cd solubility. OMs with different C/N ratios had similar effects on soil Cd solubility, whereas the effect of OM addition rate depended on soils. The results demonstrated the potential of straw incorporation for the remediation of Cd-contaminated alkaline paddy soils, through mechanisms that differ from those reported in acid soils.
Phytochemical profiling and In-vitro antioxidant activity of In-vivo α- amylase and α- glucosidase inhibitory activities of kidney Costus spicatus extract in diabetic Albino wistar Rats
Authors: Sivalingam Azhagu Madhavan , Pandian Arjun , Rengarajan Sumathy , Ramasubbu Raju
Published: May 2023

The study found that C. spicatus extract had a beneficial effect on body weight and blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. Additionally, the extract contained polyphenol compounds with antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antiglycation activity. The blood glucose levels of the experimental groups were measured over a 28-day period, and the lipid profile was also assessed. The important result of this study is that the plant extract from C.spicatus was able to recover the antioxidant activity parameters, as well as improve the activity of glycolysis enzymes in the kidney of diabetic rats. This suggests that the plant extract has potential as a natural remedy for diabetes and its complications. Diabetic control + C.spicatus 500 mg/kg at 0.99 ± 0.05ab, Pyruvate kinase as a normal control at 20.01 ± 0.05a and 14.41 ± 1.2c, and Glucose-6-Phosphatase Dehydrogenase as a normal control at 0.52 ± 0.02a and Diabetic control + C.spicatus 500 mg/kg at 0.66 ± 0.05c. The study found that the C. spicatus leaf extract was effective in improving the antioxidant activity of important parameters such as SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR, and protected against hyperglycemia and oxidative damage in type 2 diabetes-induced hepatorenal functions both in vitro and in vivo. The kidney glycolysis enzymes, Hexokinase, Pyruvate kinase, and Glucose-6-Phosphatase Dehydrogenase, also showed improvement in the experimental group. Overall, the C. spicatus leaf extract proved to be effective in protecting against hyperglycemia and oxidative damage in type 2 diabetes-induced hepatorenal functions in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
Gap Analysis in Service Quality at the Oncology Center of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022; a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wasihun Girmachew , Addise Mesfin , Nega Adiam , Taye Girma , Kifle Awgichew , Yosef Amanuel
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Healthcare quality is defined by the National Academy of Medicine as the extent to which health services improve health outcomes and align with professional standards. Previous studies in Ethiopia have assessed service quality in cancer and non-cancer settings but focused only on patient perceptions, neglecting the analysis of patient expectations and the gap between expectations and perceptions. This study aims to measure the service quality gap between cancer patients' expectations and perceptions of oncology services at the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Oncology Center in Ethiopia.
Methods and materials: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Oncology Center from March to April 2022. The study included 256 hospitalized cancer patients receiving treatment options such as Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Surgery. Data was collected using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire based on the SERVQUAL tool. Statistical tests, including paired Wilcoxon test and Kruskal-Wallis test, were used to analyze the data and identify important service quality dimensions.
Results: Among 105 eligible patients for radiotherapy, 30% waited for over a year to receive treatment. Many cancer patients with community-based health insurance had to purchase medications and laboratory services from private providers due to unavailability at the hospital. The overall gap in service quality, as measured by mean and standard deviation, was -1.41 (±0.41). The average scores for patient expectations and perceptions were 4.24 (±0.24) and 2.82 (±0.24) respectively.
Conclusion: This study revealed that patient perceptions of service quality at the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Oncology Center were lower than their expectations, indicating a negative service quality gap. It is crucial for the hospital and other stakeholders to prioritize meeting patient expectations and improving overall quality of care.
Phytochemicals of Hibiscus sabdariffa with Therapeutic Potential against SARS-CoV-2: A Molecular Docking Study
Authors: AKBABA Emel , KARATAŞ Deniz
Published: May 2023

In this study, the possible interactions of 17 phytochemicals that were reported as the most abundant biomolecules of Hibiscus sabdariffa, including many organic acids as well as catechin and quercetin derivatives, with 3CLpro and PLpro proteases of SARS-CoV-2 have been investigated via molecular docking. Caffeoylshikimic acid/3CLpro showed the lowest binding energy (-7.72 kcal/mol) with seven H-bonds. The second-lowest binding energy was computed in the chlorogenic acid/3CLpro complex (-7.18 kcal/mol), which was found to form 6 H-bonds. Also, low binding energies of cianidanol (-7.10 kcal/mol), cryptochlorogenic acid (-6.67 kcal/mol), and kaempferol (-6.82 kcal/mol) were calculated to 3CLpro with several H-bond interactions. Nelfinavir (-10.16 kcal/mol) and remdesivir (-6.40 kcal/mol), which have been used against COVID-19, were obtained to have low binding energies to 3CLpro with 3 H-bond formations each. On the other hand, the nicotiflorin/PLpro complex, which had the lowest binding energy (-7.40 kcal/mol), was found to have only 1 H-bond interaction. The second-lowest binding energy was reported in chlorogenic acid/PLpro (-7.20 kcal/mol), which was found to possess four H-bonds. On the other hand, epigallocatechin gallate/PLpro, which was shown to have a -5.95 kcal/mol binding energy, was found to form 8 H-bond interactions. Furthermore, the quercetin pentosylhexoside/PLpro complex was monitored to have low binding energy (-6.54 kcal/mol) with 9 H-bonds, which stands as the highest number of H-bonds in all complexes. Therefore, several molecules of Hibiscus sabdariffa were found to have strong binding affinity to the main proteases of SARS-CoV-2. This study suggests many compounds, including caffeoylshikimic acid and nicotiflorin, to inhibit 3CLpro and PLpro activities. As a result, numerous chemicals derived from Hibiscus sabdariffa have the potential to be employed therapeutically against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Investigation of Effects of Some Metal Ions and Some Pesticides on Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Enzyme Purified from Van Lake Fish (Chalcalburnus Tarichi) Kidney
Authors: YILMAZ Ayşe , ÇOMAKLI Veysel
Published: May 2023

Industrial and agricultural processes have brought about the pollution of aquatic systems, and this situation in the water had adverse effects on human health. In order to reduce these negative effects, all mammalian and aquatic species have a defense system. One of these antioxidant systems is the glutathione S-transferase enzyme group, which has detoxification activity against ROS produced by organic pollutants and heavy metals. In this study, the effects of some pesticides and heavy metal ions on the GST enzyme activity purified kidney tissue of the Lake Van fish (C. Tarichii) was analyzed. Firstly, the purification process was carried out as homogenate preparation and glutathione-agarose affinity technique. SDS-PAGE was carried out to check the enzyme purity. The enzyme was obtained in 89% yield (335-fold) with 27.8-specific activity , and kinetic constants was determined for the enzyme; Km for GSH substrate: 0.429 mM Vmax for GSH substrate: 0.207 EU/mL-1; Km for CDNB substrate: 0.276 mM, Vmax for CDNB substrate: 0.161EU/mL-1. Effects of Met-Hg, Fe3+ Cr3+ , Cu2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, atrazine, methomyl ,and dinicanozole were studied on the activity of the purified enzyme and the IC50 values were determined as 34.5 mM, 10 μM, 1.5 μM, 2.4 μM, 63 μM, 0.15 mM, 9.8 μM, 2.67 μM , and 1.3 μM, respectively.
Birlikte Çöktürme Yöntemi ile Sentezlenen Zn0.95-xCu0.05CoxO’nun Yapısal, Morfolojik ve Optik Özellikleri
Authors: KAYAR Sinem , ERAT Neslihan , ÖZER Abdulkadir
Published: May 2023

Temel metal oksitlere kıyasla daha iyi fonksiyonel performans için karışık oksitlerin sentezi,
karakterizasyonu ve uygulamasına olan ilgi giderek artmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Zn0.95-xCu0.05CoxO (0
≤ x ≤ 0.05) nanokompozitleri birlikte çöktürme yöntemi ile sentezlendi. Sentezlenen örnekler, X-ışını
Kırınımı (XRD), Taramalı Elektron Mikroskobu (SEM), Enerji Dağılım Spektroskopisi (EDS), Xışını Fotoelektron Spektroskopisi (XPS), Raman spektroskopisi ve UV–Vis absorpsiyon
spektroskopisi kullanılarak yapısal, bileşimsel ve optik özellikleri açısından karakterize edildi. XRD
sonuçlarına göre altıgen ZnO’nun würtzit yapısının değişmediği görülmektedir. Ayrıca, Cu2O ve
Co3O4'ün ayrı fazlarının Cu+ ve Co+3 iyonlarının reaksiyona girmeden kalan kısımlarından dolayı
oluştuğu söylenebilir. Bu XPS sonuçları ile de teyit edilmiştir. Zn0.95-xCu0.05CoxO
nanokompozitlerinin ortalama kristal boyutları 30.61-27.24 nm aralığında bulundu. ZnO'da Cu ve Co
katkısının bir sonucu olarak kristal büyümenin azaldığı görülmektedir. SEM görüntülerinde, tüm
örneklerin küresel nanopartiküllerden oluştuğu görülmektedir. EDS spektrumu beklenen stokiyometri
ile numunelerde Zn, Cu, Co ve O atomlarının varlığını doğrulamaktadır. Co konsantrasyonu
x=0.00'den x= 0.05'e arttıkça, bant aralığı 3.26 eV'den 3.57 eV'ye artmıştır.