bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking tumor evolution during the first-line treatment in brain glioma via serial profiling of cell-free tumor DNA from tumor in situ fluid
Authors: Sheng Zhiyuan , Bu Chaojie , Mei Jie , Xu Sensen , Zhang Ziyue , Guo Guangzhong , Gao Yushuai , Xing Liyuan , Chen Zhongcan , Hernesniemi Juha , Zemmar Ajmal , Bu Xingyao
Published: October 2023

Objective

Tumor in situ fluid (TISF) refers to the fluid within surgical cavities of glioma. Several studies preliminarily proved the value of cell-free tumor DNA (cf-tDNA) from TISF in the dynamic characterization of the glioma genome. Here, we assessed the potential utility of TISF cf-tDNA in broad aspects of tumor evolution under therapeutic pressure.

Methods

This study was conducted under an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital (China). Cf-tDNA samples were sequenced with a designed 68-gene panel. A total of 205 cf-tDNA samples from 107 patients were studied. The clinical relevance of serial cf-tDNA profiling during the postoperative course was analyzed.

Results

At least one tumor mutations were detected in 179/205 (87.3%) TISF cf-tDNA samples. Serial cf-tDNA was complementary to molecular residual disease and to initial tumors. Serial cf-tDNA revealed the selection of pre-existing mismatch repair-deficient cells by temozolomide as a resistant mechanism. Cf-tDNA parameters during treatment were predictive of recurrence, and serial cf-tDNA monitoring had diagnostic value for early recurrence. A total of 223 potentially actionable genomic alterations were assessed in cf-tDNA samples, wherein 78% were not found in any tumor tissue.

Conclusions

In conclusion, serial TISF cf-tDNA profiling is valuable in tracking the tumor evolution of glioma during treatment and may be a feasible non-invasive option for monitoring glioma in future prospective studies and clinical practice.
Characterization of a cohort of metastatic lung cancer patients harboring KRAS mutations treated with immunotherapy: differences according to KRAS G12C vs. non-G12C
Authors: Notario Lucía , Cucurull Marc , Cerdà Gabriela , Sanz Carolina , Carcereny Enric , Muñoz-Mármol Ana , Hernández Ainhoa , Domènech Marta , Morán Teresa , Sánchez-Céspedes Montse , Costa Marta , Mate Jose-Luis , Esteve Anna , Saigí Maria
Published: October 2023

Approximately 20% of lung adenocarcinomas harbor activating mutations at KRAS, an oncogene with the ability to alter the tumor immune microenvironment. In this retrospective study, we examined 103 patients with KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma who were treated with immunotherapy-based regimens and we evaluated the clinical outcomes according to PD-L1 expression and the type of KRAS mutation. Among all patients included, 47% carried KRAS G12C mutation whereas 53% harbored KRAS non-G12C mutations. PD-L1 status was available for 77% of cases, with higher expression among KRAS G12C tumors (p = 0.01). Better overall survival and progression-free survival were observed in high PD-L1 expression tumors, regardless of KRAS mutation type. The heterogeneous nature of KRAS-mutant tumors and the presence of other co-mutations may contribute to different outcomes to immunotherapy-based strategies.
Physeal bar resection by modified arthroscopically assisted surgery in a closed osteocavity
Authors: Xiao Han , Li Miao , Tan Qian , Ye Weihua , Wu Jiangyan , Mei Haibo , Zhu Guanghui , Yan An
Published: October 2023

Background

Physeal bar resection has been used for partial growth arrest treatment for a decade while removing the bony bar minimally invasively and accurately is challenging. This research aims to illustrate a modified arthroscopically assisted surgery, by which all the procedure was under all-inside visualization, without the constant exchange between burring under fluoroscopy, followed by irrigation, suction, and arthroscopy of the canal.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the patients who sustained physeal bar resection under direct all-inside visualization of the arthroscope during 2016–2021. Patients who underwent physeal bar resection with the aid of an arthroscope for identifying the physeal cartilage but not resecting and visualizing the physeal bar simultaneously were excluded from this study.

Results

In total, nine patients with ten related joints were included in this study. All the patients were followed up for at least two years. The average following time was 28.5 ± 6.7 months. Eight patients with nine related joints had an improvement of angular deformity, averaging 8.3 ± 6.9 degrees, and one had a worsening of the angular deformity. All the patients had a leg length discrepancy improvement, while four patients still had LLD >1 cm. The surgery time was 3.1 ± 0.7 h. There were no postoperative fractures, infections, or intraoperative complications such as neurovascular injury.

Conclusions

Using clamps to form a closed osteocavity could make physeal bar resection under all-inside arthroscopic visualization feasible, which is minimally invasive, accurate, and safe.
Applying machine learning algorithms to develop a survival prediction model for lung adenocarcinoma based on genes related to fatty acid metabolism
Authors: Cong Dan , Zhao Yanan , Zhang Wenlong , Li Jun , Bai Yuansong
Published: October 2023

Background: The progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) may be related to abnormal fatty acid metabolism (FAM). The present study investigated the relationship between FAM-related genes and LUAD prognosis.

Methods: LUAD samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas were collected. The scores of FAM-associated pathways from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes website were calculated using the single sample gene set enrichment analysis. ConsensusClusterPlus and cumulative distribution function were used to classify molecular subtypes for LUAD. Key genes were obtained using limma package, Cox regression analysis, and six machine learning algorithms (GBM, LASSO, XGBoost, SVM, random forest, and decision trees), and a RiskScore model was established. According to the RiskScore model and clinical features, a nomogram was developed and evaluated for its prediction performance using a calibration curve. Differences in immune abnormalities among patients with different subtypes and RiskScores were analyzed by the Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumours using Expression data, CIBERSORT, and single sample gene set enrichment analysis. Patients’ drug sensitivity was predicted by the pRRophetic package in R language.

Results: LUAD samples had lower scores of FAM-related pathways. Three molecular subtypes (C1, C2, and C3) were defined. Analysis on differential prognosis showed that the C1 subtype had the most favorable prognosis, followed by the C2 subtype, and the C3 subtype had the worst prognosis. The C3 subtype had lower immune infiltration. A total of 12 key genes (SLC2A1, PKP2, FAM83A, TCN1, MS4A1, CLIC6, UBE2S, RRM2, CDC45, IGF2BP1, ANGPTL4, and CD109) were screened and used to develop a RiskScore model. Survival chance of patients in the high-RiskScore group was significantly lower. The low-RiskScore group showed higher immune score and higher expression of most immune checkpoint genes. Patients with a high RiskScore were more likely to benefit from the six anticancer drugs we screened in this study.

Conclusion: We developed a RiskScore model using FAM-related genes to help predict LUAD prognosis and develop new targeted drugs.
Product development and quality of pharmacy compounded chenodeoxycholic acid capsules for Dutch cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis patients
Authors: Bouwhuis Natalja , Jacobs Bart A. W. , Kemper E. Marleen
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In 2017 the drug chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) became unavailable to Dutch patients with the rare inborn error of metabolism cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX). This was a direct result of a steep price increase after CDCA was authorized in the EU as an orphan drug. As a result, Dutch health insurance companies were unable to reimburse this drug and the availability of CDCA to patients with CTX was directly at risk creating an unmet medical need. CTX is characterized by juvenile cataract, tendon xanthomas, infantile-onset diarrhea, psychomotor retardation and progressive cerebellar ataxia. Treatment with CDCA, when initiated before neurological symptoms are present, can prevent the onset of neurological complications.

Methods: To assure continuation of patient treatment with a high quality product, the hospital pharmacy of the Amsterdam UMC developed CDCA capsules as a pharmacy preparation. A simple and robust formulation was developed for capsules in a broad dose range of 35–250 mg, ensuring that both pediatric and adult patients can receive an exact dose tailored to their specific needs. Capsules are prepared manually on a small scale for the individual patient. To assure the quality of the product, product validation and stability studies were performed.

Results: The results show that the product complies with all specifications based on the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. The capsules contain the declared amount of CDCA, no degradation product or other (microbiological) impurities are formed during the production process and the capsules show a quick dissolution profile. Stability studies indicate that it is a stable product and no impurities increase or arise over time. These results show that these pharmacy preparations are of high quality and comply to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.

Discussion: Through our research, we have demonstrated that pharmacy compounding can be a viable alternative in situations where immediate access to essential medication is crucial or when certain drugs are temporarily inaccessible. The purpose of this paper is to offer comprehensive guidance to other pharmacies to improve the availability of currently inaccessible drugs through the practice of pharmacy compounding, thereby facilitating improved patient care.
Complex solutions for nonlinear fractional partial differential equations via the fractional conformable residual power series technique and modified auxiliary equation method
Authors: Ali Asghar , Nigar Anam , Nadeem Muhammad , Jat Baloch Muhammad Yousuf , Farooq Atiya , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Hussain Rashida
Published: October 2023

The fractional-order nonlinear Gardner and Cahn–Hilliard equations are often used to model ultra-short burst beams of light, complex fields of optics, photonic transmission systems, ions, and other fields of mathematical physics and engineering. This study has two main objectives. First, the main objective of this investigation is to solve the fractional-order nonlinear Gardner and Cahn–Hilliard equations by using the modified auxiliary equation method, which is not found in the literature. Second, the exact and approximate solutions of these equations are obtained by utilizing the fractional conformable residual power series algorithm and the modified auxiliary equation method. For the analytical and numerical solutions to two equations, we employ two separate techniques and establish consistency between the precise answers that are derived and the compatible numerical solution. To the best of our knowledge, this method of solving equations has never been investigated in this manner. The 2D and 3D contours have been defined using appropriate parametric values to support the physical compatibility of the results. The assessed findings suggested that the approach used in this study to recover inclusive and standard solutions is approachable, efficient, and faster in computing and can be considered a useful tool in resolving more complex phenomena that arise in the field of engineering, mathematical physics, and optical fiber.
Resistant cumin cultivar, GC-4 counters Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini infection through up-regulation of steroid biosynthesis, limonene and pinene degradation and butanoate metabolism pathways
Authors: Dharajiya Darshan T. , Shukla Nitin , Pandya Maharshi , Joshi Madhvi , Patel Amrutlal K. , Joshi Chaitanya G.
Published: October 2023

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), an important spice crop belonging to the Apiaceae family is infected by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini (Foc) to cause wilt disease, one of the most devastating diseases of cumin adversely affects its production. As immune responses of cumin plants against the infection of Foc are not well studied, this research aimed to identify the genes and pathways involved in responses of cumin (cv. GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5) to the wilt pathogen. Differential gene expression analysis revealed a total of 2048, 1576, 1987, and 1174 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5, respectively. In the resistant cultivar GC-4 (resistant against Foc), several important transcripts were identified. These included receptors, transcription factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating and scavenging enzymes, non-enzymatic compounds, calcium ion (Ca2+) transporters and receptors, R-proteins, and PR-proteins. The expression of these genes is believed to play crucial roles in conferring resistance against Foc. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the up-regulated DEGs showed significant enrichment of 19, 91, 227, and 55 biological processes in GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5, respectively. Notably, the resistant cultivar GC-4 exhibited enrichment in key GO terms such as ‘secondary metabolic process’, ‘response to reactive oxygen species’, ‘phenylpropanoid metabolic process’, and ‘hormone-mediated signaling pathway’. Furthermore, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed the enrichment of 28, 57, 65, and 30 pathways in GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5, respectively, focusing on the up-regulated DEGs. The cultivar GC-4 showed enrichment in pathways related to steroid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, butanoate metabolism, limonene and pinene degradation, and carotenoid biosynthesis. The activation or up-regulation of various genes and pathways associated with stress resistance demonstrated that the resistant cultivar GC-4 displayed enhanced defense mechanisms against Foc. These findings provide valuable insights into the defense responses of cumin that could contribute to the development of cumin cultivars with improved resistance against Foc.
SEGS-1 a cassava genomic sequence increases the severity of African cassava mosaic virus infection in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rajabu Cyprian A. , Dallas Mary M. , Chiunga Evangelista , De León Leandro , Ateka Elijah M. , Tairo Fred , Ndunguru Joseph , Ascencio-Ibanez Jose T. , Hanley-Bowdoin Linda
Published: October 2023

Cassava is a major crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is grown primarily by smallholder farmers. Cassava production is constrained by Cassava mosaic disease (CMD), which is caused by a complex of cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs). A previous study showed that SEGS-1 (sequences enhancing geminivirus symptoms), which occurs in the cassava genome and as episomes during viral infection, enhances CMD symptoms and breaks resistance in cassava. We report here that SEGS-1 also increases viral disease severity in Arabidopsis thaliana plants that are co-inoculated with African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and SEGS-1 sequences. Viral disease was also enhanced in Arabidopsis plants carrying a SEGS-1 transgene when inoculated with ACMV alone. Unlike cassava, no SEGS-1 episomal DNA was detected in the transgenic Arabidopsis plants during ACMV infection. Studies using Nicotiana tabacum suspension cells showed that co-transfection of SEGS-1 sequences with an ACMV replicon increases viral DNA accumulation in the absence of viral movement. Together, these results demonstrated that SEGS-1 can function in a heterologous host to increase disease severity. Moreover, SEGS-1 is active in a host genomic context, indicating that SEGS-1 episomes are not required for disease enhancement.
An empirical study on attitudes toward gambling when sportswashing is involved
Authors: Syvertsen André , Erevik Eilin Kristine , Fodstad Elise Constance , Girard Lisa-Christine , Kaur Puneet , Kristensen Joakim Hellumbråten , Kolberg Eirin , Mentzoni Rune Aune , Morken Arne Magnus , Sagoe Dominic , Pallesen Ståle
Published: October 2023

Sportswashing is defined as individuals, groups, companies, or countries/regimes’ involvement in sports to improve their own reputation and/or to distract from or normalize wrongdoing. This cross-sectional survey is the first empirical study on sportswashing in relation to gambling. The sample consisted of United Kingdom residents who reported past 12-month gambling (N = 786, 50% women, mean age = 45.6, SD = 15.2). We investigated how many were familiar with sportswashing and their attitudes toward gambling when sportswashing is involved. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on the attitudes scale that was developed for the current study. Multiple regressions were used to examine if individual differences in terms of age, gender, personality, moral foundations, political trust and efficacy, and/or gambling risk were associated with such attitudes. Finally, we examined the percentage of people who avoid gambling on teams/events when sportswashing is involved, including group differences in avoidance and motivations for avoidance according to gambling risk. The results showed that only 32% had heard about sportswashing prior to the survey. CFA indicated that attitudes toward sportswashing and gambling as conceptualized in the scale used in the current study can broadly be categorized into two dimensions: How individuals relate to sportswashing when gambling (“self-factor”) and how individuals think gambling companies and regulators should regulate sportswashing and gambling [an “external-factor,” p < 0.001, CFI = 0.0.996, RMSEA = 0.090, 90% CI (0.077, 0.104)]. Multiple regressions indicated that measures of individual differences explained a significant amount of variance in self-oriented (F (17, 765) = 7.19, p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.12) and external-oriented (F (17, 765) = 8.40, p < 0.001. adjusted R2 = 0.14) attitude toward gambling and sportswashing. Avoidance of betting when sportswashing is involved was reported by 43%. The proportion was lower among those with moderate gambling risk/problem gambling (35%) compared to those with no/low gambling risk (45%). It is concluded that further scale development could help elucidate individual differences in attitudes toward sportswashing and gambling. Sportswashing remains an important social issue, and the present study indicates that this has high relevance for the gambling field.
Expanding the social cure: a mixed-methods approach exploring the role of online group dance as support for young people (aged 16–24) living with anxiety
Authors: Finn Saoirse , Wright Laura H. V. , Mak Hei Wan , Åström Emili , Nicholls Lucy , Dingle Genevieve A. , Warran Katey
Published: October 2023

There is an increased interest in whether online arts interventions support mental health and social connections. This study explored eight weeks of online group dance as support for young people (aged 16–24) living with anxiety. The applicability of the ‘social cure’ theoretical framework to the novel context of an online dance class was sought. The study utilised an embedded QUAL+quan design, incorporating participatory focus group discussions (n = 3 groups; n = 11 participants) and one-on-one interviews (n = 2 participants), creative reflections (n = 16 participants) and ethnographic fieldnotes, and a repeated measures design with surveys at three timepoints (week 1, n = 27; week 4, n = 18; week 8, n = 14). Thematic analysis identified two overarching themes demonstrating how the dance classes (i) provided the opportunity to co-construct a meaningful shared identity and (ii) supported holistic wellbeing. The quantitative findings supported this, suggesting lower anxiety, depression, and loneliness and higher wellbeing, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and group closeness. This study expands the social cure to its application to an online dance context for the first time.
The mediating role of anxiety in disease uncertainty and acute stress in acute ischaemic stroke patients in the post-epidemic era
Authors: Tan Hui
Published: October 2023

Objective

To analyse the influencing factors of anxiety, disease uncertainty and acute stress response in patients with acute ischaemic stroke, and to verify the mediating role of anxiety in the post-epidemic era.

Methods

240 patients with acute ischaemic stroke were selected from a tertiary hospital in Wuhan City and investigated by questionnaire and convenience sampling methods.

Results

The total anxiety score, disease uncertainty and acute stress reaction were at moderate levels. Anxiety was positively correlated with illness uncertainty, and anxiety and acute stress response were negatively correlated. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that Sickness uncertainty, acute stress response, age, and work status influenced anxiety. Anxiety mediated the prediction of Sickness uncertainty and acute stress response, with the mediating effect accounting for 35.6% of the total effect.

Conclusion

Disease uncertainty in patients with acute ischaemic stroke in the post-epidemic era directly affects the acute stress response and indirectly through anxiety.
Advocating for language equity: a community-public health partnership
Authors: Kurlander Dana , Lam Amy G. , Dawson-Hahn Elizabeth , de Acosta Diego
Published: October 2023

In the United States, 21.5% of individuals aged 5 or older speak a language other than English at home and 8.2% have Limited English Proficiency (LEP). LEP individuals experience healthcare disparities, including lower access to healthcare services, poorer health outcomes, and higher levels of uninsurance. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated these health disparities and unmet healthcare needs. In Alameda County (CA), where 46% of foreign-born residents speak a language other than English at home, community-based organizations have been crucial in providing translated materials and one-on-one support to ensure LEP residents receive critical COVID-19 updates and services. Refugee and Immigrant Collaborative for Empowerment (RICE) is a multilingual coalition of seven Alameda County community-based organizations led by the Korean Community Center of the East Bay (KCCEB). During the COVID-19 pandemic, RICE expanded its public health role to fill service and information gaps, advocate on behalf of LEP groups, and build a linguistically and culturally responsive public health safety network. This community case study describes a three-part advocacy-focused intervention that RICE undertook from September 2021 to October 2022. It included (1) a community needs survey, (2) a landscape assessment of the Alameda County Health Department’s (ACPHD) communication materials and online platforms, and (3) relationship building with the ACPHD. The community survey revealed differences across LEP subgroups and highlighted the importance of gathering data disaggregated by language preference. The landscape assessment allowed RICE to understand the ACPHD’s decision-making process and develop data-informed advocacy requests on behalf of LEP communities. Effective communication and coordination between RICE and the ACPHD shortened the feedback loop between public health authorities and LEP communities and laid the groundwork for the RICE organizations to be part of the ACPHD’s future decision making. Data disaggregation, language equity-based advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration were critical ingredients in RICE’s intervention. RICE’s partnership and relationship of mutual accountability with the ACPHD may provide a useful model for other community-based organizations and public health departments seeking to form similar partnerships.
An active learning convolutional neural network for predicting river flow in a human impacted system
Authors: Reed Scott M.
Published: October 2023

The South Platte river system contains a mixture of natural streams, reservoirs, and pipeline projects that redirect water to front range communities in Colorado. At many timepoints, a simple persistence model is the best predictor for flow from pipelines and reservoirs but at other times, flows change based on snowmelt and inputs such as reservoir fill rates, local weather, and anticipated demand. Here we find that a convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network is well suited to modeling flow in parts of this basin that are strongly impacted by water projects as well as ones that are relatively free from direct human modifications. Furthermore, it is found that including an active learning component in which separate Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are used to classify and then select the data that is then used for training a convolutional LSTM network is advantageous. Models specific for each gauge are created by transfer of parameter from a base model and these gauge-specific models are then fine-tuned based a curated subset of training data. The result is accurate predictions for both natural flow and human influenced flow using only past river flow, reservoir capacity, and historical temperature data. In 14 of the 16 gauges modeled, the error in the prediction is reduced when using the combination of on-the-fly classification by CNN followed by analysis by either a persistence or convolutional LSTM model. The methods designed here could be applied broadly to other basins and to other situations where multiple models are needed to fit data at different times and locations.
Improving Healthcare for Pregnant Women
Authors: Belizán José
Published: October 2023

I am a medical doctor who treats women during pregnancy and childbirth. I aspire to give them the best possible care, based on scientific evidence. In this article, I will explain how we do scientific experiments in medicine and how we use the results to improve healthcare. I will then tell you about an important relationship I found between calcium intake and high blood pressure in pregnant women, and how this discovery is being used to improve pregnant women’s health and even save their lives. Finally, I will share with you some of my hopes for a future of healthcare that is supported by science and benefits everyone.
The metronome-based methodology to monitor the stroke length changes in trained swimmers
Authors: Fassone Marco , Bisio Ambra , Puce Luca , Biggio Monica , Tassara Filippo , Faelli Emanuela , Ruggeri Piero , Bove Marco
Published: October 2023

The aim of our study was to develop a methodology that uses the metronome to constrain the swimmers' stroke rate with the aim to monitor changes in stroke length (SL) during two different periods of the season. Thirteen young trained swimmers (15.7 ± 1.7 y) performed three 50 m front crawl time trials during pre-season (PRE) and after 2 months, during the in-season period (IN). They were asked: (I) to swim at their maximum intensity (NO-MET condition); (II) to synchronize their stroke with a metronome beat set to their preferred intra-stroke-interval (ISI) (100% condition, corresponding to 48 ± 0.7 cycles/min); (III) to synchronize their stroke with a metronome beat set at 5% higher than their preferred ISI (95% condition, corresponding to 51 ± 0.8 cycles/min). The outcome parameters used to evaluate the performance were ISI, SL and total time of 50 m (TT). In NO-MET condition, results showed that TT in IN improved with respect to PRE, but no changes in ISI and SL. In 100% condition, no differences were obtained between the imposed and the performed ISI, whilst in 95% condition, the performed ISI was lower than the metronome ISI, and lower than that in 100% condition. At last, when using the metronome, SL was higher during IN compared to PRE and SL was lower in the 95% condition compared to the 100% condition. Results indicate that the use of the metronome successfully allowed monitoring changes in SL during different periods of the season. This methodology provides valuable information to coaches and athletes to enhance their performance throughout the season.
Metagenomic analysis fecal microbiota of dysentery-like diarrhoea in a pig farm using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Chen Xi , Guo Qing , Li Ying-Ying , Song Tie-Ying , Ge Jun-Qing
Published: October 2023

Porcine enteric diseases including swine dysentery involves a wide range of possible aetiologies and seriously damages the intestine of pigs of all ages. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing is commonly used in research for detecting and analyzing pathogens. In this study, the feces of pigs from a commercial swine farm with dysentery-like diarrhea was collected and used for microbiota analysis by next-generation sequencing. While Brachyspira spp. was not detected in diarrheal pig fecal samples, indicating that the disease was not swine dysentery. The quantity of microbial population was extremely lowered, and the bacterial composition was altered with a reduction in the relative abundance of the probiotics organisms, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with an increase in pathogens like Fusobacterium and Proteobacteria, in which the specific bacteria were identified at species-level. Viral pathogens, porcine circovirus type 2, porcine lymphotropic herpesviruses 1, and porcine mastadenovirus A were also detected at pretty low levels. Carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZy) analysis indicated that the constitute of Firmicutes and Bacteroidete were also changed. Further, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) alignment analysis indicated that the microbiota of diarrheal pigs had a lower ability in utilizing energy sources but were enriched in multi-drug resistance pathways. Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) and Virulence Factors of Pathogenic Bacteria (VFDB) analysis indicated that genes for elfamycin and sulfonamide resistance and the iron uptake system were enriched in diarrheal pigs. This revealed potential bacterial infection and can guide antibiotic selection for treating dysentery. Overall, our data suggested that alterations in both the population and functional attributes of microbiota in diarrheal pigs with decreased probiotic and increased pathogenic microorganisms. These results will help elucidate the mechanism of dysentery-like diarrhea and the development of approaches to control the disease.
IMF deposition ceRNA network analysis and functional study of HIF1a in yak
Authors: Luo Mengning , Wang Hui , Zhang Jun , Yixi Kangzhu , Shu Shi , Fu Changqi , Zhong Jincheng , Peng Wei
Published: October 2023

The concentration of intramuscular fat (IMF) is a crucial determinant of yak meat quality. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate IMF in yak remain largely elusive. In our study, we conducted transcriptome sequencing on the longissimus dorsi muscle tissues of yaks with varying IMF contents. We then filtered differentially expressed genes (DEGs), microRNAs (DEMs), and long non-coding RNAs (DELs) to elucidate potential regulatory pathways of adipogenesis in yaks. Overall, our research sheds light on an array of potential mRNAs and noncoding RNAs implicated in IMF deposition and elaborates on the role of HIF1α in yaks. These findings contribute valuable insights that can serve as a guide for further research into the molecular mechanisms governing IMF deposition.
“Light” on Phototherapy—Complications and Strategies for Shortening Its Duration, A Review of the Literature
Authors: Shoris Irit , Gover Ayala , Toropine Arina , Iofe Adir , Zoabi-Safadi Rasha , Tsuprun Svetlana , Riskin Arieh
Published: October 2023

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is an extremely common metabolic complication of the neonatal period which may be associated with bilirubin encephalopathy and even death. Adverse neurological consequences are preventable if a timely diagnosis and treatment are provided. Phototherapy is usually the preferred option to decrease hyperbilirubinemia. Although considered to be safe, evidence in recent years has shown that this treatment may not be free of side effects and short- and long-term unfavorable outcomes. These are usually mild or rare, but should be decreased or avoided if possible. Many useful complementary measures and treatments have been described that could shorten the duration of exposure to phototherapy. However, there is no current unequivocal recommendation to use any of the methods presented in this review. Our review aims to depict the wide range of possible complementary treatments to phototherapy, and to provide the scientific and clinical evidence available regarding their usefulness. It is essential that, while utilizing the full potential of phototherapy to treat hyperbilirubinemia, caregivers are aware of its side effects and possible inherent dangers, and seek ways to minimize the exposure to phototherapy to what is really needed for the newborn. Further studies are needed to clarify the preferred complementary treatments that could reduce the duration of exposure to phototherapy without impairing its effectiveness.
Vinegar-Preserved Sea Fennel: Chemistry, Color, Texture, Aroma, and Taste
Authors: Radman Sanja , Brzović Petra , Radunić Mira , Rako Ante , Šarolić Mladenka , Ninčević Runjić Tonka , Urlić Branimir , Generalić Mekinić Ivana
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to produce non-fermented preserved sea fennel leaves in different pickle juices prepared with apple cider vinegar, wine vinegar and alcoholic vinegar, and to compare their chemical parameters (pH, titratable acidity and salt content), organoleptic properties (color and texture parameters; volatile aromatic compound profiles) and sensory attributes. The pH of the samples ranged from 3.49 to 3.64, the lowest being in the alcoholic vinegar sample and the highest being in the wine vinegar sample, while the titratable acidity and salinity were higher in the alcoholic vinegar pickle juice than those in the other two samples. The volatile aromatic compounds of the samples were also detected. The reddish color of the wine vinegar negatively affected the sea fennel color parameters (L* and b*), and was also negatively evaluated by the panelists, while the alcoholic vinegar maximally preserved the green tones of the leaf (a*). Firmness influences the quality perceived by consumers and was therefore also tested as one of the most important parameters for evaluating the textural and mechanical properties of the different products. All sensory parameters of the sea fennel preserved in alcoholic vinegar, namely color, texture, taste, aroma and overall impression, were given the highest scores, while the sample preserved in wine vinegar received the lowest scores. The intense aroma of the wine vinegar was described as a negative characteristic (off-flavor) of the sample.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Nano-Carbon-Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites: A Review
Authors: Latif Zeeshan , Ali Mumtaz , Lee Eui-Jong , Zubair Zakariya , Lee Kang Hoon
Published: October 2023

Carbon nanomaterials are an emerging class of nano-reinforcements to substitute for metal-based nanomaterials in polymer matrices. These metal-free nano-reinforcement materials exhibit a high surface area, thermal stability, and a sustainable nature. Compared to conventional reinforcements, nano-carbon-reinforced polymer composites provide enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. While previous reviews summarized the functionality of nanocomposites, here, we focus on the thermomechanical properties of nano-carbon-reinforced nanocomposites. The role of carbon nanomaterials, including graphene, MXenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, carbon quantum dots, fullerene, and metal–organic frameworks, in polymer matrices for the enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties are discussed. Different from metal-based nanomaterials, carbon nanomaterials offer high specific strength, abundance, and sustainability, which are of considerable importance for commercial-scale applications.
Coastal Morphodynamics and Climate Change: A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Wright Lynn Donelson , Thom Bruce Graham
Published: October 2023

The shape of the coast and the processes that mold it change together as a complex system. There is constant feedback among the multiple components of the system, and when climate changes, all facets of the system change. Abrupt shifts to different states can also take place when certain tipping points are crossed. The coupling of rapid warming in the Arctic with melting sea ice is one example of positive feedback. Climate changes, particularly rising sea temperatures, are causing an increasing frequency of tropical storms and “compound events” such as storm surges combined with torrential rains. These events are superimposed on progressive rises in relative sea level and are anticipated to push many coastal morphodynamic systems to tipping points beyond which return to preexisting conditions is unlikely. Complex systems modeling results and long-term sets of observations from diverse cases help to anticipate future coastal threats. Innovative engineering solutions are needed to adapt to changes in coastal landscapes and environmental risks. New understandings of cascading climate-change-related physical, ecological, socioeconomic effects, and multi-faceted morphodynamic systems are continually contributing to the imperative search for resilience. Recent contributions, summarized here, are based on theory, observations, numerically modeled results, regional case studies, and global projections.
Accommodation Patterns in the Speech of Arabic-Speaking Children and Adolescents: A Variationist Analysis
Authors: Shetewi Ourooba
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a variationist analysis of patterns of speech accommodation by 40 Arabic-speaking children and adolescents (aged 3–17) experiencing dialect contact in a Bedouin speech community near Damascus, Syria. It examines participants’ use of the phonological variables (θ), (ð), and (q), and the morphophonological feminine suffix (-a) in recorded sociolinguistic interviews and play sessions with two female fieldworkers, a local and an urban speaker, in order to investigate accommodation patterns across different interlocutors. Accommodation patterns were influenced by age, gender, and the linguistic variable under examination. Convergence to the urban interviewer was most evident in the realization of (q), whereas little convergence, and indeed variation, occurred in the realization of (-a), and more convergence occurred in the speech of girls and speakers younger than 15. Divergence and maintenance emerged in the speech of 15–17-year-old male speakers. These patterns are analysed in light of Accommodation Communication Theory and issues of identity and linguistic prestige in Arabic. Accommodative behaviour in the speech of participants exhibits their awareness of the social value of the phonological variables under investigation and demonstrates a high level of sociolinguistic awareness and competence.
Soil and Water Losses with Simulated Rainfall Considering Experimental Plots and Rainfall Patterns
Authors: de Carvalho Daniel Fonseca , Alves Amanda Sales , Macedo Pietro Menezes Sanchez , de Oliveira Paulo Tarso Sanches , Schultz Nivaldo
Published: October 2023

Rainfall simulators are important pieces of equipment to investigate hydrological processes and soil erosion. Here, we investigated the operational characteristics, the rainfall characteristics, and the soil erosion process under collecting plots and rainfall patterns using the InfiAsper simulator. We evaluated the standard plot of the simulator in a rectangular shape (1.0 × 0.7 m), as well as a circular plot (0.8 m diameter), and four precipitation patterns, characterized as advanced (AV), intermediate (IN), delayed (DL), and constant (CT). In the laboratory, uniformity and water consumption tests were carried out for shutter-disk rotations from 138 to 804 rpm, and in the field, simulated rains were applied on a Dystric Acrisol. Rains with different patterns were simulated and presented a uniformity coefficient above 83% for the circular plot and 78.2% for the rectangular plot. The soil erosion varied as a function of the precipitation patterns and, to a lesser extent, according to the shape of the experimental plot. However, runoff and soil loss in AV were 2.1 and 3.5 times greater when using a circular plot. Concerning IN and DL, the length of the rectangular plot may have influenced the formation of small furrows throughout most of the simulated rainfall event, providing greater runoff (13.1 mm) and soil loss (13.6 g m−2). The results obtained are promising, but plots with different shapes associated with rainfall patterns simulated by InfiAsper must be evaluated in other classes and soil use and cover conditions.
Tacit Knowledge Sharing for Enhancing the Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Crafts: A Perspective from Artisans and Academics under Craft–Design Collaboration
Authors: Guo Jingyan , Ahn Byunghak
Published: October 2023

The tacit nature of craft forms a barrier to the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) crafts in craft–design collaboration that makes facilitating knowledge sharing across domains challenging. Hence, the discussion of tacit knowledge becomes a significant topic in university-based craft–design collaboration. However, there is still a lack of a systematic tacit knowledge-sharing structure for guiding academics and artisans in interacting beyond superficial manifestations in collaboration with the consideration of sustainability. This study aims to seek the relationship between craft–design collaboration, tacit knowledge sharing, and sustainability in the context of ICH crafts in China. By taking a qualitative research approach, grounded in knowledge management, semi-structured interviews were conducted with artisans and academics in China’s Belt and Road regions guided by the four defined dimensions of craft–design collaboration. This study investigates tacit knowledge sharing in craft–design collaboration, and its key contribution to sustainability. The study found that university-based collaboration activity can share knowledge sustainably and dynamically through knowledge accumulation, knowledge expression, knowledge diffusion, and knowledge reflection. Additionally, it argues that the integration of craft–design collaboration and knowledge management should be considered an essential future skill to investigate the sustainability impact of ICH crafts.
Biological Variation in Biochemistry Analytes in Laboratory Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus)
Authors: Rossi Gabriele , Liu Kwei-Farn , Kershaw Helen , Riddell Dayna , Hyndman Timothy H. , Monks Deborah , Musk Gabrielle C.
Published: October 2023

Biological variation (BV) describes the physiological random fluctuation around a homeostatic set point, which is a characteristic of all blood measurands (analytes). That variation may impact the clinical relevance of the changes that are observed in the serial results for an individual. Biological variation is represented mathematically by the coefficient of variation (CV) and occurs within each individual (CVI) and between individuals in a population (CVG). Biological variation data can be used to assess whether population-based reference or subject-based reference intervals should be used for the interpretation of laboratory results through the calculation of the index of individuality (IoI). This study aimed to determine the biological variations, calculate the IoI and reference change values (RCV) of clinical chemistry analytes in an outbred strain colony of Hartley guinea pigs (GPs), and set the quality specifications for clinical chemistry analytes. Blood was collected from 16 healthy adult laboratory colony GPs via jugular venipuncture at weekly intervals over six weeks. All the samples were frozen and analyzed in a single run. Analytical, CVI, and CVG biological variations, together with the IoI and RCV, were calculated for each measurand. Based on the estimated BV, the calculated IoI was low for glucose, so individual reference intervals (RCV) should be used. The majority of the measurands should be interpreted using both population-based and subject-based reference intervals as the IoIs were intermediate.
Vitamin D deficiency and malignancies
Authors:   High Technology Park, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, Krivosheev V. V. , Bilan E. V. ,   BU «District Clinical Hospital», Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Published: October 2023

The analysis of domestic and foreign literature shows that oncological diseases are most often accompanied by a low level of 25(OH)D in the blood serum of patients and a high prevalence of deficiency and severe deficiency of vitamin D. It can be confidently stated that the level of 25(OH)D in serum blood of oncological patients, on average, is lower than in healthy people of the corresponding sex and age. In this regard, statistical studies were carried out, which demonstrated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the countries of Europe and North America, which is directly proportional to the level of annual mortality from cancer and the probability of death from cancer, any type of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, and this relationship is statistically significant (p < 0.001). Oncological morbidity and mortality from cancer in the Russian Federation naturally increases especially in higher latitudes, which, along with other reasons, is associated with a limitation in the duration of the effective production of vitamin D3 in human skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Some clinical studies of vitamin D supplementation as a therapeutic agent are showing measurable positive results in cancer, with far more positive than in placebo groups. However, negative results that are harmful to patients participating in clinical experiments have not been established in the study of many hundreds of studied articles on this issue. The most commonly seen beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation have been in the treatment of breast and colorectal cancer, which are particularly noticeable in patients with low baseline serum levels of 25(OH)D and high daily doses of 25(OH)D3 supplementation well above standard recommendations of 400–800 IU daily. Due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among cancer patients, taking into account international positive experience, it seems very useful and necessary to create domestic scientific foundations and expand the clinical practice of using vitamin D supplements as a therapeutic agent for cancer.
The crisis of the US military-industrial complex — experience of overcoming
Authors: Eremin V. , Sil’vestrov S.
Published: October 2023

The use of effective methods of anti-crisis management is extremely important for the modern economy, science, military-industrial complex, which in most countries suffer from breaks in supply chains and the sanctions crisis. The use of foreign experience, which has proven itself in practice, will allow you to get results faster than using your own «trial and error» approach. The effective experience of anti-crisis management of the US military-industrial complex under the conditions of contraction of domestic demand in the 1990s seems to be extremely promising for spreading to broad areas of developed and developing economies. Understanding this success, analyzing the conditions that preceded it, adapting the results of the analysis to national realities — all this will allow the country applying this experience to more effectively withstand the crisis. The analysis presented in the article allows us to conclude that the US military-industrial complex crisis of the 1990s is associated with the reduction of excessive funding of the 80s to the usual level of the Cold War. It has been determined that even a return to such a «commonness» led to a number of financial problems in the American military-industrial complex. It led to a reduction in personnel and production capacity, the threat of loss of competencies and technologies. The article analyzes in detail the measures taken by the US government and the management of private companies, which made it possible to bring the US military-industrial complex out of this crisis. A diagram of the relationship between these measures is presented. The results of the analysis can be applied far beyond the sphere of the military-industrial complex — in the development of science, civil industry, and the innovative sector of the economy.