bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score in predicting the hospital mortality for postoperative brain tumor patients admitted to the intensive care units in Japan: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.
Authors: Azumi Mai , Mizobuchi Yoshifumi , Nakanishi Nobuto , Nakajima Kohei , Hara Keijiro , Fujihara Toshitaka , Ishihara Manabu , Oto Jun , Takagi Yasushi
Published: December 2023

Objective
No prognostic predictors for brain tumors based on ICU admission data have been reported. APACHE II is a score based on the data of patients admitted to the ICU and is often correlated with the severity of the disease and prognosis. However, no studies have reported an association between APACHE Ⅱand the prognosis of brain tumor patients. Since 2014, the Japanese Intensive care Patients Database (JIPAD) was established by the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM) to construct a high-quality ICU database as a national registry with the goal of improving the quality of care and pursuing the development of intensive care medicine in Japan. We used JIPAD to examine the factors associated with in-hospital mortality based on the background of postoperative patients with brain tumors admitted to the ICU and the data from the ICU.
Methods
Patients aged ≥16 years enrolled in JIPAD between April 2015 and March 2018 after surgery for brain tumors underwent craniotomy or biopsy. We examined factors related to outcomes at discharge from data such as blood tests and medical procedures during ICU admission, tumor type, and APACHE II score.
Results
Of the 1,454 cases (male:female ratio: 1:1.1, mean age: 62 years) included in the study, 32 cases (2.2%) died in hospital. In multivariate analysis, male (OR 2.70 [95%CI 1.21–6.03]), malignant tumor (OR 2.94 [95%CI 1.31–6.59]), ventilator use (OR 2.67 [95%CI 1.19–5.98]), APACH II score ≥ 15 (OR 5.46 [95%CI 2.49–11.9]) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion
Factors related to in-hospital mortality in postoperative brain tumor patients cannot be improved in advance, but by picking up cases with a high risk of in-hospital death at an early stage, it is possible to devise methods of treatment and support for the patient's family.
Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA-seq unravels the role of macrophage markers ceRNA networks in colorectal cancer’s immune microenvironment and chemotherapy sensitivity
Authors: Tian Jinhai , Jiang Zongying , Wang Jia , Zhang Shaoting , Cao Xu , Sun Jianmin
Published: December 2023

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor with differences in gene expression and regulation among different cell types. Macrophages, which are highly heterogeneous cells, play important roles in anti-tumor responses, shaping the tumor immune microenvironment(TIME), and influencing tumor chemotherapy sensitivity. However, the precise roles of macrophages in these processes in CRC are not clear.
Methods
Gene expression data of CRC tissues (COADREAD) were downloaded from the TCGA database and underwent ID conversion, data cleaning, and normalization before analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were obtained from the GEO database. The gene expression profile of CRC tissues was analyzed using the R package, and scRNA-seq data were analyzed using the cell dex package. The limma package was used for the analysis of lncRNA, and online databases were used for the analysis of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network, TIME, and tumor response to chemotherapy.
Results
By t-SNE analysis on scRNA-seq data of CRC tissues, 17 clusters of cells were identified, which were further annotated as 9 cell types. Among these cell types, macrophages had the most interaction with other cells based on analysis of ligand-receptor gene pairs. By overall survival (OS) analysis, we found that the expression of 41 macrophage markers correlated with OS of CRC patients. The pattern of mRNA regulation by ceRNA is considered to play an important role in the regulation of gene expression in CRC. We analyzed the interaction of the identified 41 macrophage markers with lncRNA and miRNA and found that mRNAs of RPL28, CANX, VMO1, GNA13, ARL4C, TUBB, and RNASE1 had 22 interactions with 3 miRNAs and 9 lncRNAs. Furthermore, we found that the expression of these 7 molecules was highly correlated with multiple immune factors and immune cell infiltration levels in CRC tissues, as well as the sensitivity of patients to chemotherapeutic drugs such as Cisplatin, Camptothecin, Metformin, Paclitaxel, and Vinblastine. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis of these 7 molecules showed their involvement in key metabolic pathways related to the progression of CRC.
Conclusions
This study identified that the expression of RPL28, CANX, VMO1, GNA13, ARL4C, TUBB, and RNASE1 in macrophages is correlated with the overall survival of CRC patients. The ceRNA regulatory networks of these molecules are involved in the regulation of immune response and sensitivity of CRC to chemotherapy, as well as metabolic pathways in CRC.
Enhancing Physical Function and Activity Level in malnourished Older Adults through Oral Nutrition Supplements: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Weerasinghe Kalani , Jayawardena Ranil , Gamage Manoja , Hills Andrew P
Published: December 2023

Background: Malnutrition of older individuals, leads to significant functional decline, reducing their quality of life. Lifestyle interventions; dietary improvements and supplementation are explored to enhance the physical function of older adults. The current study aimed to assess the impact of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) on the functional and activity levels of the Sri Lankan elderly.
Methods: This included; an intervention group (IG) receiving 200 mL of ONS providing 247 kcal per serving, for 12 weeks and a control group (CG) receiving an equivalent volume of water. Changes in handgrip strength, knee extension strength, gait speed, functional and activity levels were assessed.
Results: The IG showed significant improvements in handgrip strength (43.96 ± 18.61 kg vs. 32.81 ± 17.92 kg; p < 0.001) and knee extension strength (23.45 ± 2.29 kg vs. 16.41 ± 2.09 kg; p < 0.001) following 12 weeks compared to the CG. The IG also exhibited significant improvements in gait speed (1.31 ± 0.52 m/s vs. 0.87 ± 0.26 m/s), Barthel index score, (0.30 ± 0.47 vs. -0.18 ± 0.66), PASE score (0.52 ± 17.79 vs. -1.60 ± 21.77) and IPAQ categories.
Conclusions: ONS was found to be effective in improving the functional and physical activity levels of malnourished older adults.
Trial registration: Sri Lanka Clinical Trial Registry SLCTR/2022/021. Registered on 06/10/2022.
Geotechnical Site Investigation of Two Failed Buildings in Enugu Metropolis, South East Nigeria
Authors: Uchenna Joseph Ezea , Igwe Ogbonnaya , Obinna Hyginus Ozioko , Kelechi Nnaji Eze
Published: December 2023

Foundation integrity investigation was carried out on a building in Enugu State University of Science and Technology permanent site in Nkanu west and Godfrey Okoye University, Thinkers' Corner, Enugu East Local Government Area. Both locations are in the Enugu state,Nigeria. In recent times, lives and properties have been lost to building failures in the study area hence; this study seeks to reveal the reason for the cracks seen and possibly deduces the cause(s) of building failures in the area studied. At the foundation level in the different corners of buildings, samples were collected and geotechnical tests were conducted. The results showed that the area is made up of 50–70% clay fraction soil and has intermediate to high plasticity. The Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit range from 46–58% and 23–32% respectively while the Plasticity Index ranges from 21–28%. The area also showed an increase in moisture content as it ranged from 19.54 to 34.99%. The MDD and OMC which range from 1.65–1.74(g/m3) and 16.6–18.2% respectively show that the soil samples studied are not fit for foundation purposes. The Triaxial test showed high cohesion values of 29.06–37.62 KN/m2 and a low angle of internal friction of 4.74–8.880. Due to high cohesion, the area has improved bearing capacity from 241.77 to 305.2 KN/m2. The average coefficient of consolidation is 0.1392 m2/yr. in "E Section" and 0.1902 m2/yr. in "G Section". The coefficient of volume change (Mv) ranges from 4.10 x10− 5 m2/KN to 4.1x10− 4 m2/KN in the "E Section" and from 4.1 x10− 5m2/KN to 3.4 x10− 4m2/KN in "G Section. The porosity value ranging from 25.90–36.15% in the E section and from 29.80–35.20% in the G section shows the soil in the study area can take in water as much as possible which then finds it difficult to leave because of low permeability ranging from 9.99 x 10− 13cm/sec to 2.12 x 10− 5cm/sec and causes water log at the site. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed the presence of the kandite group of minerals occurring with goethite, magnetite, quartz, hematite, muscovite, and feldspar. The Soil in the studied area undergoes compression as seen in values of Coefficient of consolidation showing that soils in both locations are highly compressible meaning the building is underlain by an incompetent soil layer experiencing differential settlement in an amount ranging from 2.06 x10− 4m2/yr. to 3.44x10− 3m2/yr. in "E Section" and from 3.11 x10− 4m2/yr. to 2.90 x10− 3m2/yr. in the "G Section which can be minimized by proper surface and underground drainage systems.
Attributing Greenland summer temperature extremes to feedback processes and circulation anomalies
Authors: Ha Kyung-Ja , Blau Manuel Tobias , Chung Eui-Seok
Published: December 2023

The polar regions have been undergoing amplified warming in recent years. In particular, Greenland experiences a series of hot summers with intense melt rates. By employing a surface radiation budget framework, we examine the causes for extreme summer temperature events over Greenland over the period 1979-2021, considering feedback attribution analysis and natural climatic modes. We found a dominant contribution of the clear-sky downwelling longwave radiation and the surface albedo feedback to temperature anomalies. Atmospheric temperature perturbations resulting from changes in the static stability, dominate the effect of anomalous emissivity on clear-sky downwelling longwave radiation. The warming surface enhances turbulent heat exchange, warming the near-surface temperature, leading to enhanced pressure anomalies and a blocking anti-cyclone in warm years, causing more moisture advection and leading to the self-enhancing feedback loop. Different modes of natural climate variability can further amplify or dampen the ongoing warming trend causing extreme temperature events. The dominant mode over Greenland is the Greenland blocking Index, which exerted a significant impact on extreme events by modulating the feedback strength. Furthermore, we find that extreme temperature events can be explained in large part by anomalous atmospheric circulation related to strengthened blocking anti-cyclones associated with the Greenland Blocking Index.
Probing Intracellular Potassium Dynamics in Neurons with the Genetically Encoded Sensor lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Groschup Bernhard , Calandra Gian Marco , Raitmayr Constanze , Shrouder Joshua , Llovera Gemma , Zaki Asal Ghaffari , Burgstaller Sandra , Bischof Helmut , Eroglu Emrah , Liesz Arthur , Malli Roland , Filser Severin , Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: December 2023

Neuronal activity is accompanied by a net outflow of potassium ions (K+) from the intra- to the extracellular space. While extracellular [K+] changes during neuronal activity are well characterized, intracellular dynamics have been less well investigated due to lack of respective probes. In the current study we characterized the FRET-based K+ biosensor lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 for its capacity to measure intracellular [K+] changes in primary cultured neurons and in mouse cortical neurons in vivo. We found that lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 can resolve neuronal [K+] decreases in vitro during seizure-like and intense optogenetically evoked activity. [K+] changes during single action potentials could not be recorded. We confirmed these findings in vivo by expressing lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 in mouse cortical neurons and performing 2-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging. We observed an increase in the fluorescence lifetime of lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 during periinfarct depolarizations, which indicates a decrease in intracellular neuronal [K+]. Our findings suggest that lc-LysM GEPII 1.0 can be used to measure large changes in [K+] in neurons in vitro and in vivo but requires optimization to resolve smaller changes as observed during single action potentials.
Calreticulin (CALR) Promotes Ionophore-Induced Microneme Secretion in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Shan Zhili , Song Xingju , Yang Xu , Xue Yangfei , Wu Yayun , Wang Xianmei , Liu Jing , Liu Qun
Published: December 2023

The flow of calcium ions (Ca2+) is involved in numerous vital activities of Toxoplasma gondii. Calreticulin is a type of Ca2+-binding protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), that is involved in Ca2+ signaling pathway regulation, Ca2+ storage, and protein folding. In this work, the calreticulin (CALR), a protein predicted to possess a conserved domain of calreticulin in T. gondii, was characterized. The CALR localized in the ER. Using reverse genetics, we discovered that CALR is not necessary for the lytic cycle, including invasion and replication. However, depletion of CALR affected microneme secretion triggered by A23187, which is a Ca2+ ionophore used to increase cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. Furthermore, we discovered that CALR influences Ca2+ release. Transcriptomic comparison between Δcalr and Δku80 parasites showed that 226 genes in the Δcalr parasites were significantly down-regulated (p<0.05). The cellular biological functions of the down-regulated genes were mainly involved in calmodulin-dependent protein kinase pathways. Furthermore, in the absence of CALR, tachyzoites were still able to cause acute infection in mice. These results imply that by influencing ER Ca2+ release content, CALR may further impair the ionophore-induced secretion of the parasite. However, this protein is not required for the completion of the parasite's lytic cycle or for the acute virulence of the parasite.
Metabolic activities of marine ammonia-oxidizing archaea orchestrated by quorum sensing
Authors: Pereira Olivier , Qin Wei , Galand Pierre. E , Debroas Didier , Lami Raphael , Hochart Corentin , Zhou Yangkai , Zhou Jin , Zhang Chuanlun
Published: December 2023

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) play crucial roles in marine carbon and nitrogen cycles by fixing inorganic carbon and performing the initial step of nitrification. Evaluation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism popularly relies on functional genes such as amoA and accA. Increasing studies suggest that quorum sensing (QS) mainly studied in biofilms for bacteria may serve as a universal communication and regulation mechanism among prokaryotes; however, this has yet to be demonstrated in marine planktonic archaea. To bridge this knowledge gap, we employed a combination of metabolic activity markers (amoA, accA, and grs) to elucidate the regulation of AOA-mediated nitrogen and carbon processes, including their interactions with the surrounding heterotrophic population. Through co-transcription investigations linking metabolic markers to potential key QS genes, we discovered that QS molecules could regulate AOA's carbon, nitrogen, and lipid metabolisms under different conditions. Interestingly, specific AOA ecotypes showed a preference for employing distinct QS systems and a distinct QS circuit involving typical population. Overall, our data demonstrate that quorum sensing (QS) orchestrates nitrogen and carbon metabolism, including the exchange of organic metabolites between AOA and surrounding heterotrophic bacteria, which has been previously overlooked in marine AOA research.
YTHDF3 modulates the progression of breast cancer cells by regulating FGF2 through m6A methylation
Authors: Gong RF , Zhang ZH , Sun Ting , Zhao XY , Fang Wen
Published: December 2023

Background
Breast cancer (BC) is a prevailing malignancy among women, and its inconspicuous development contributes significantly to mortality. The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification represents an emerging mechanism for gene expression regulation, with the active involvement of the YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 3 (YTHDF3) in tumor progression across multiple cancer types. Nonetheless, its precise function in breast cancer necessitates further investigation.
Methods
The expression of YTHDF3 in both cell lines and patient tissues was examined using Western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. Bioinformatics analysis of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data was employed to screen for the target genes of YTHDF3. The main focus of this study was to investigate the in vitro biological functions of YTHDF3. The specific binding of YTHDF3 to its target genes and its correlation with m6A methylation were studied through RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The protein regulatory mechanisms of downstream genes of YTHDF3 were assessed using protein stability analysis. Furthermore, the biological functions of YTHDF3 and its target genes in breast cancer cells were validated through CRISPR-Cas9 technology and rescue experiments.
Results
By constructing a risk model using the TCGA database, YTHDF3 was identified as a high-risk factor among m6A methylation factors. Subsequent investigations revealed its elevated expression in various subtypes of breast cancer, accompanied by poor prognosis. MeRIP-seq analysis further revealed fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as a downstream gene of YTHDF3. Knockdown of YTHDF3 in breast cancer cells led to significant inhibition of cell self-renewal, migration, and invasion abilities in vitro. Mechanistically, YTHDF3 specifically recognized the methylated transcript of FGF2 within its coding sequence (CDS) region, leading to the inhibition of FGF2 protein degradation. Moreover, depletion of FGF2 markedly suppressed the biological functions of breast cancer cells, while reducing FGF2 expression in YTHDF3-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines substantially alleviated the malignant progression.
Conclusions
In summary, our study elucidates the role of YTHDF3 as an oncogene in maintaining FGF2 expression in BC cells through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Additionally, we provide a potential biomarker panel for prognostic prediction in BC.
Enteral Nimodipine in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (Real World Application and Challenges)
Authors: Shinger Gavindeep , Haymond Jennifer , Young Flora , Leung Tim
Published: December 2023

Background/Objective:
Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has an estimated mortality rate of 32% and complications include cerebral vasospasm, delayed cerebral ischemia and hydrocephalus. Guidelines recommend nimodipine as standard of care. Nimodipine has been shown to reduce death and dependency on others for activities of daily living and secondary ischemia, when compared to placebo. Our primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients with aSAH admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) or high acuity unit (HAU) at a tertiary referral hospital who received guideline recommended dose and duration of nimodipine. Our secondary objectives were to characterize usage and prescribing practices of nimodipine and describe barriers to receiving full treatment.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 patients diagnosed with aSAH admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) or high acuity unit (HAU) at a tertiary referral hospital between January 1st, 2012 and August 31st, 2022. Descriptive statistics were used during statistical analysis.
Results
One patient with aSAH admitted to critical care received the guideline recommended dose and duration of nimodipine. Ninety five percent of patients experienced a delay to initiation. Reasons included transfer from another hospital site (47%) and lack of safe enteral route (65%). Sixty-six percent of patients received alternative dosing. Reasons included blood pressure below target (24%) and vasospasm requiring a higher blood pressure target (33%). A total of 13% experienced treatment interruption and 86% had nimodipine discontinued early. Reasons included vasospasm requiring a higher blood pressure target (12%) and nimodipine not being continued on transfer/discharge (14%). Fourty-four percent of our patients experienced mortality.
Conclusion
Patients fail to receive full course of nimodipine treatment due to multiple barriers during the treatment course. Pharmacists can play a role in optimizing nimodipine treatment through educating transferring sites on timely initiation, reconciling medications on transfer and discharge and mitigating interactions with concomitant medications.
An observational study to identify causative factors for non-use of hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Manabe Atsushi , Sada Ryuichi Minoda , Miyake Hirofumi , Akebo Hiroyuki , Tsugihashi Yukio , Hatta Kazuhiro
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use is indicated for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, HCQ was unavailable in Japan until 2015, and its usage is limited. Nevertheless, few reports are available discussing the reasons for not prescribing HCQ. Therefore, we aimed to identify the factors that interfere with HCQ use in patients with SLE.
Method: This observational, single-center study included data from 265 patients with SLE in 2019. The patients were categorized into two groups: groups with and without a history of HCQ use. Between these groups, clinical characteristics, including demographics, disease duration, clinical manifestations, disease activity, treatment patterns, and laboratory data, were compared using univariate analysis and logistic regression models.
Results: Among the 265 patients, 133 (50.2%) had a history of HCQ use. Univariate analysis identified the following variables related to HCQ non-use: older age, longer disease duration, lower prednisolone dose, lower SLE disease activity index 2000, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher C3 level, and lower anti-double-stranded DNA antibody concentration. Logistic regression models identified a positive association between HCQ non-use and longer disease duration (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08), prednisolone dose ≤7.5 mg/day (OR: 4.18), C3 level ≥73 mg/dL (OR: 2.40), and attending physician having graduated >10 years prior (OR: 3.29).
Conclusions: A longer disease duration, lower prednisolone dose, higher C3 level, and longer time since the graduation of attending physicians were associated with HCQ non-use. Therefore, physicians and patients should be educated to facilitate HCQ use despite these factors.
Identification of Novel PI3Kα Inhibitor against Gastric Cancer: QSAR, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation based Analysis
Authors: Yuan Fang , Li Ting , Xu Xinjie , Chen Ting , Cao Zhiqun
Published: December 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor with global incidence and death ranking fifth and fourth, respectively. GC patients nevertheless have a poor prognosis despite the effectiveness of more advanced chemotherapy and surgical treatment options. The second most frequently mutated gene in GC is PI3Kalpha, a confirmed oncogene that results in abnormal PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, causing enhanced translation, proliferation, and survival, and is mutated in 7–25% of GC patients. The protein PI3Kalpha was targeted in the present study by utilizing machine learning (ML), molecular docking, and simulation. Total of 9214 molecules from the Drug Bank database were chosen for the first screening. A training set for 6770 compounds tested against PI3Kalpha was assessed to create a quantitative structure-activity relationship-based machine learning model using five different classification algorithms: random forest, random tree, J48 pruned tree, decision stump, and REPTree. Furthermore, consideration was given to the random forest classifier for screening based on its performance index (kappa statistics, ROC, and MCC). Overall 1539 of the 9214 drug bank compounds were predicted to be active. Thereafter, three pharmacological filters, Lipinski's rule, Ghose filter, and Veber rule, were applied to test the drug-like properties of the screened compounds. 26 of 1593 compounds showed excellent drug-like properties and were further considered for molecular docking. Thereafter, two compounds were screened as hits because they possessed the molecular docked position with the lowest binding energy and an excellent bonding profile. The binding stability of the selected compounds was further assessed through molecular dynamics simulations for up to 20 ns. Furthermore, compound 1-(3-(2,4-Dimethylthiazol-5-YL)-4-oxo-2,4-dihydroindeno [1,2-C]pyrazol-5-YL)-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-YL) urea was selected as a potential hit in the final screening by analyzing a number of parameters, including the Rg, RMSD, RMSF, H bonding, and SASA profile. Therefore, we conclude that compound 1-(3-(2, 4-Dimethylthiazol-5-YL)-4-oxo-2,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-C]pyrazol-5-YL)-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-YL) urea has efficient inhibitory potential against PI3Kalpha protein and could be utilized for the development of effective drugs against GC.
Urbanization and Kaniv Reservoir’s Impacts on Regional Thermal Characteristics
Authors: Pikl Miroslav , Brovkina Olga , Zemek František , Ladyka Maryna , Starodubtsev Vladimir
Published: December 2023

This study contributes to understanding impacts of urbanization and the large water body of Kaniv Reservoir on thermal characteristics in the region. We also wanted to learn if there are any common trends in air and surface temperatures during vegetation seasons in the period 1985–2022. Specifically, the study’s objectives were to 1) detect and quantify built-up area changes using Landsat satellite data, and 2) analyze land surface temperature (LST) trends in several shoreland zones of the reservoir and with different land cover types. To identify built-up areas, principal component analysis, spectral and texture analyses, and object-based classification were performed using Landsat 5, 7, and 9 data. LST was calculated in Google Earth Engine for the studied period for three shoreland zones and six land cover types. These included sites with substantial, partial, and no land use change. The built-up area increased unevenly over time and differently in each of the shoreland zones. The growth of built-up area was greatest – increasing by 3.7 times – in a zone close to the city of Kyiv. The highest mean LST values were found in the study zone with prevailing agricultural land use. Positive LST trends were observed throughout the entire study period, albeit with different trend slopes in individual months. Statistically significant trends were observed only in August and September. Knowledge of built-up area changes and LST trends in shoreland zones of Kaniv Reservoir can help to explain some ecological and anthropogenic processes that have occurred in recent decades.
Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Use and Associated Factors Among Extended Postpartum Women in Eastern Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study Design
Authors: Negash Daniel , Baraki Negga , Dheressa Merga , Bayu Kefelegn
Published: December 2023

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives have provided birth control for at least 2 years. A lack of contraception by couples during the postpartum period can result in unwanted pregnancies and social and economic consequences. Despite the multiple impacts of these practices, limited studies have been conducted on the prevalence of long-acting reversible contraceptive use and associated factors among postpartum women in the study area. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of long-acting reversible contraceptive use and its associated factors among postpartum women in public hospitals in the East Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.
Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 614 study participants in the East Hararghe Zone, eastern Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants.
A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 22 software for analysis. Descriptive analysis was computed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify the factors associated with long-acting reversible contraceptive use among extended postpartum women. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and its 95% confidence interval were computed to show the strength of the association between the dependent and independent variables. The goodness of fit of the model was tested by using the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test, and the results were not significant (p=0.194). The results were then presented in tables, figures, and narratives.
Results: The prevalence of long-acting reversible contraceptives was 33%. Women’s educational level (AOR= 11.32, 95% CI=4.672–27.393), counseling (AOR=3.648, 95% CI=1.88–7.08), prior use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (AOR=7, 95% CI=3.79–15.202), and discussion with husbands (AOR=2.75, 95% CI=1.56–4.84) were significantly associated with long-acting reversible contraception usage.
Conclusion: Overall, the current study showed that the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives among extended postpartum women was low in eastern Ethiopia. Women’s educational level, prior use, discussions with husbands, and postnatal counseling were identified as significant associated factors for low use of long-acting reversible contraceptives among extended postpartum women. Therefore, strengthening counseling on the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives, improving women’s educational status, and providing postnatal counseling through discussion with spouses are important measures for enhancing the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives among extended postpartum women in the East Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia.
Enhanced Nonlinear Optical Susceptibilities of Semiconductor Quantum Dot in Metal Nanoparticle-Graphene Nanodisk-Quantum Dot Hybrid System
Authors: Maleki Zeynab , Naseri Tayebeh
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we have theoretically explored the third-order and fifth-order nonlinear susceptibilities for a semiconductor quantum dot in a hybrid system composed of a semiconductor quantum dot, metal nanoparticle, and graphene nanodisk. We considered the dipole-dipole interaction induced by the applied field assuming continuous-wave electromagnetic field enhancement in the quantum dot. The semiconductor quantum dot in the MNP-SQD-GND hybrid system exhibits analytically obtained third- and fifth-order susceptibilities, which are described by means of the density matrix approach. As a function of the applied field frequency detuning, we were able to obtain the spectra of the third- and fifth-order susceptibilities for a variety of parameters, including the metal nanoparticle radius, material, orientation, and arrangement within the hybrid system, as well as the interparticle angles and distances. Additionally, we looked into the effects of having the graphene nanodisk present or absent. The outcomes showed that there was a considerable variation in the semiconductor quantum dot's nonlinear optical response when each of these factors was changed. In particular, the presence of the graphene nanodisk led to a substantial enhancement in the nonlinear optical response of the quantum dot in this hybrid system influenced by the dipole-dipole interaction. The results suggest an increased nonlinearity of the semiconductor quantum dot within this hybrid system.
Auxiliary occlusal devices for IO scanning in a complete digital workflow of implant- supported crowns: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ren Shuxin , Jiang Xi , Di Ping
Published: December 2023

Objectives: To compare the crown accuracy and time efficiency of a complete digital workflow, utilizing an auxiliary occlusal device and IO scanning, with a conventional workflow, for multiple implant-supported single crowns.
Materials and Methods: 24 patients with two adjacent posterior implants were included. 12 patients were randomly assigned to digital workflow group, involving intra-oral scanning with an auxiliary occlusal device and manufacture of customized abutments and zirconia single crowns (test group). The other 12 were assigned to the conventional workflow (control group), involving conventional impression and CAD-CAM crowns based on stone casts. Crown scanning was done before and after clinical adjustment using an intraoral scanner. Two 3D digital models were overlapped to assess dimension changes. Chair-side and laboratory times for the entire workflow were recorded and a linear mixed model and Independent-sample t tests were used for the statistical analysis.
Results: The maximum occlusal deviation was 279.67±112.17 µm and 479.59±203.63 µm in the test and control group, respectively (p < .001). The sizes of the occlusion adjustment areas were 12.12±10.51 mm2 and 25.12±14.14 mm2 in the test and control groups, respectively (p = 0.013). The mean laboratory time was 46.08 ± 5.45 and 105.92 ± 6.10 min in the test and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001).The proximal contact adjustment and mean chair-side time showed no statistically significant difference between two groups.
Conclusions: A digital workflow for two implants-supported single crowns using an auxiliary device required fewer occlusal crown adjustments, and less laboratory time compared to conventional workflow.
Clinical Relevance: The use of auxiliary occlusal devices in IOS enhances the accuracy of virtual maxillomandibular relationship in extended edentulous spans. Consequently, employing a digital workflow for multiple implants-supported crowns using IO scanning and an auxiliary occlusal device proves to be a feasible, accurate and efficient approach.
Diversity and function of rhizosphere microorganisms in medicinal plant Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua
Authors: Zhou Duanxu , Sun Yingying , Hou Jing , Liu Haiyan
Published: December 2023

In China, Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (Huangjing) is known for its medicinal and edible properties. Multiple environmental factors can shape plant-microbiome interactions. The cultivated sample sites were enriched characteristic fungi by Clonostachys divergens and Archaeorhizomycetes spp. whereas wild sample sites were enriched particular by Geminibasidium spp. and Bifiguratus spp. The number of observed species was lower in cultivated soil samples compared with wild ones by alpha diversity analysis. Functional annotation showed that the xylanolysis metabolism pathway was more abundant in rhizosphere microorganisms of cultivated P. cyrtonema Hua. The co-occurrence network showed positively interacted between Mucoromycota and Rozellomycota in the cultivated rhizosphere soil. Moreover, this result indicated that biomass of cultivated plant was significantly greater than that of the wild samples, and the polysaccharide content of the cultivated rhizomes was higher. In this study, we may predict basic and potential microbes that beneficial for the P. cyrtonema Hua rhizosphere improve the productivity and quality.
Subgroups of perceived professional preparedness of senior nursing students and their differences in professional identity: a latent profile analysis
Authors: qin zuming , Zhang Huilin , Su Siyu , Guo Donghua , Wu Pei , Huang Yuting , Wang Huiping
Published: December 2023

Background
Senior nursing students’ perceptions of their professional preparedness help them perform their nursing role confidently and independently in the future. Therefore, it is critical to both identify the classification features of perceived professional preparedness and develop targeted interventions. Professional identity (PI) may contribute to cultivating the nursing students’ perceptions of professional preparedness, but the relationship between the two is unclear currently. This study aims to explore the subgroups of senior nursing students’ perceptions of professional preparedness and their differences in PI.
Method
This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 319 senior nursing students from five universities in China were enrolled. The Perceived Professional Preparedness of Senior Nursing Students’ Questionnaire (PPPNS) and the Professional Identity Scale for Nursing Students (PISNS) were adopted. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to analyze the latent profiles of perceived professional preparedness among senior nursing students. Multiple logistic regression was applied to explore the predictors of different profiles, and a one-way analysis of variance was conducted to compare the PI scores in each latent profile.
Result
Three latent profiles were identified and labeled “low perceived professional preparedness” (n = 90, 28.2%), “low clinical competency-low EBP(Evidence-Based Practice)” (n = 190, 59.5%) and “high perceived professional preparedness” (n = 39, 12.2%). The “low perceived professional preparedness” group was less likely to include those senior nursing students who worked more than 7 hours per day during the clinical practicum, resided in town and urban areas, had part-time experience, had good relationships with classmates, and felt nobility to nursing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The average PI score was statistically different across the three profiles (F = 54.69, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Promoting PI may effectively cultivate the perceived professional preparedness of senior nursing students. This study highlights the importance of targeted interventions by considering their distinct perceptions of professional preparedness patterns.
Stochastic modeling of an influenza A model with logarithm Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Zhang Xinhong
Published: December 2023

We consider an influenza A epidemic model that incorporates vaccination and asymptomatic patients and investigate its dynamics. The stability analysis of the equilibria in the deterministic model is conducted using the Routh-Hurwitz stability criterion. To account for the significant impact of environmental disturbance on disease transmission, the transmission rate is modeled as a logarithm Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process, resulting in a stochastic model. The existence of the unique global positive solution in the model is verified, and Lyapunov functions are employed to establish sufficient conditions for the presence of a stationary distribution. The paper also examines the conditions for the extinction or persistence of asymptomatic and infected individuals. Lastly, an exact expression for the probability density function of the stochastic model near the quasi-equilibrium is derived, and numerical simulations are performed to support the proposed theoretical findings.
Randomized evaluation of 5-month Ticagrelor monotherapy after 1-month dual-antiplatelet therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with drug-coated balloons: REC-CAGEFREE II trial rationale and design
Authors: Gao Chao , Zhu Bin , Liu Jianzheng , Jiang Zhiwei , Hu Tao , Wang Qiong , Liu Yi , Yuan Ming , Li Fei , Zhang Ruining , Xia Jielai , Onuma Yoshinobu , Wang Duolao , Serruys Patrick , Tao Ling
Published: December 2023

Background
Patients treated with drug-coated balloons (DCB) have the theoretical advantage of adopting a low-intensity antiplatelet regimen due to the absence of struts and polymers. Nevertheless, the optimal antiplatelet strategy for patients undergoing DCB-only treatment remains a topic of debate and has not been investigated in randomized trials.
Methods
The REC-CAGEFREE II is an investigator-initiated, prospective, open-label, multi-center, randomized, non-inferiority trial aimed to enroll 1908 patients from ≥ 40 interventional cardiology centers in China to evaluate the non-inferiority of an antiplatelet regimen consisting of Aspirin plus Ticagrelor for one month, followed by five months Ticagrelor monotherapy, and then Aspirin monotherapy for six months (Experimental group) compared to the conventional treatment of Aspirin plus Ticagrelor for 12 months (Reference group) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using paclitaxel-coated balloons (DCB) exclusively. Participants will be randomly assigned to the Experimental or Reference group in a 1:1 ratio. The randomization will be stratified based on the center and the type of lesion being treated (De novo or in-stent restenosis). The primary endpoint is net adverse clinical events (NACE) within 12 months of PCI, which includes the composite of all-cause death, any stroke, any myocardial infarction, any revascularization and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) defined type 3 or 5 bleeding. The secondary endpoint, any ischemic and bleeding event, which includes all-cause death, any stroke, MI, BARC-defined type 3 bleeding, any revascularization, and BARC-defined type 2 bleeding events, will be treated as having hierarchical clinical importance in the above order and analyzed using the win ratio method.
Discussion
The ongoing REC-CAGEFREE II trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of a low-intensity antiplatelet approach among ACS patients with DCB. If non-inferiority is shown, the novel antiplatelet approach could provide an alternative treatment for ACS patients with DCB.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04971356
Asthma and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhao yibin , Xu fu
Published: December 2023

Background: A few of cohort studies declared a positive association between asthma and cardiovascular diseases, but the causal relationship is ambiguous.
Objective: To evaluate the causal relationship between asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
Methods: We adopted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, based on inverse variance weighting as the dominate method. Besides, we calculated effect estimates by using random-effects inverse-variance weighting method.
Results：We found that the suggested proof of a postive association between asthma and two of ten cardiovascular diseases, including type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.09; 95% CI, 1.00–1.17; p=0.038), and atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.10; p=0.011). No associations were discovered for coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, transient ischemic attack, ischemic stroke, pulmonary embolism, peripheral artery disease, and myocardial infarction.
Conclusions: A suggestive causal connection between asthma and the risk of type 2 diabetes or atrial fibrillation can be indicated in our research. Any convincing evidence had been failed to find to suggest that asthma is causally related to the risk of other cardiovascular diseases.
Depletion of placental brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is attributed to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in mice offspring
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Yongjie , Li Shuman , Chen Pingping , Zhang Jun , Feng Liping
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the causes of female infertility. Unexplained POI is increasingly affecting women in their reproductive years. However, the etiology of POI is diverse and remains elusive. We and others have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in adult ovarian function. Here, we report on a novel role of BDNF in the Developmental Origins of POI.
Methods
Placental BDNF knockout mice were created using CRISPR/CAS9. Homozygous knockout (cKO(HO)) mice didn't survive, while heterozygous knockout (cKO(HE)) mice did. BDNF reduction in cKO(HE) mice was confirmed via immunohistochemistry and Western blots. Ovaries were collected from cKO(HE) mice at various ages, analyzing ovarian metrics, FSH expression, and litter sizes. In one-month-old mice, oocyte numbers were assessed using super-ovulation, and oocyte gene expression was analyzed with smart RNAseq. Ovaries of P7 mice were studied with SEM, and gene expression was confirmed with RT-qPCR. Alkaline phosphatase staining at E11.5 and immunofluorescence for cyclinD1 assessed germ cell number and cell proliferation.
Results
cKO(HE) mice had decreased ovarian function and litter size in adulthood. They were insensitive to ovulation induction drugs manifested by lower oocyte release after superovulation in one-month-old cKO(HE) mice. The transcriptome and SEM results indicate that mitochondria-mediated cell death or aging might occur in cKO(HE) ovaries. Decreased placental BDNF led to diminished primordial germ cell proliferation at E11.5 and ovarian reserve which may underlie POI in adulthood.
Conclusion
The current results showed decreased placental BDNF diminished primordial germ cell proliferation in female fetuses during pregnancy and POI in adulthood. Our findings can provide insights into understanding the underlying mechanisms of POI.
Efficacy and safety of camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Lian Mingjie , Cai Yichen , Lian Mingqiao , Sun Yuqin , Xu Qianhui , Chen Qiuxian , Cai Lisheng
Published: December 2023

Background: The first-line treatment for patients with HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer is mainly chemotherapy. Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has achieved encouraging results in many prospective studies, but its real-world efficacy has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to use independent sample data to explore the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for patients with HER2-negative gastric cancer.
Methods: This study included 59 patients with HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer who received camrelizumab immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone from April 2019 to November 2021. The endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.
Conclusion: Compared with simple chemotherapy treatment, camrelizumab combined with chemotherapy for the first-line treatment of HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer has significant clinical benefits without increasing treatment-related complications, and it is safe and feasible.
Lithium Carbonate Alleviate Neuronal Apoptosis to Improve Depression Symptoms in Mice by the JNK/c-Jun Signaling Pathway
Authors: Jin Weidong , Jin Haiying , Liu Jie , Chen Fengpei , Fengli Sun
Published: December 2023

Objective
Lithium is a monovalent cation that was introduced in 1949 by John Cade for the treatment of bipolar disorder，especially for mania.As for mood stabilizer, it should be effective in treatment of depression.To explore lithium alleviate the apoptosis of nerve cells through JNK/ C-Jun signaling pathway and improve the depressive symptoms in depressed mice.
Methods
30 male mice were randomly divided into blank control(control) , model group(stress) and drug intervention group(stress+lithium). A model of depression was established by Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Mice in stress+lithium group were given lithium from 4th weekend. The behavior of mice were evaluated and Western blot was used to detect expression levels of related proteins.
Results
Compared with control, stress+lithium group showed a significant decrease depressive symptoms (P< 0.01).Western blotting results show that compared with stress group, protein levels of P-JNK /JNK ,P-C-Jun/C-Jun ,caspase-3 and Bax in PFC of control were significantly increased (P < 0.01), Bcl-2 level significantly decreased (P < 0.01);Compared with the stress group, the protein levels of nerve cells p-JNK/JNK, P-C-Jun/C-Jun, aspase-3 and Bax in prefrontal cortex of mice in stress +lithium group were significantly decreased (P< 0.01), Bcl-2 level increased significantly (P < 0.01).
Conclusions Lithium improve depression symptoms by reducing apoptosis of prefrontal cortex nerve cells through JNK/ C-Jun signaling pathway in depressive mice.