bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of mycorrhizal inoculants on soil microbiome during sunflower (Helianthus L.) cultivation
Authors: Mazur S. , Shatsman D. , Buhtik S.
Published: October 2024

The article examines the results of a study on the impact of the biological preparation Mikovital, based on mycorrhizal fungi, on sunflower cultivation. The study revealed a positive effect of the preparation on the growth, development, and productivity of the plants. The application of Mikovital led to a statistically significant increase in sunflower yield from 2.31 t/ha (control) to 2.90 t/ha. Additionally, improvements were observed in the quality parameters of the seeds, including 1000-seed weight and oil content. The preparation influenced the increase in the area of active roots, which facilitated better water and nutrient absorption. During the budding phase, the area of active roots increased by 5.2 cm2, and during the flowering phase, it increased by 4.9 cm2. The increase in leaf area during the appearance of the 2nd trifoliate leaf by 0.5 dm2, in the budding phase by 1.5 dm2, and in the flowering phase by 2.1 dm2 contributed to improved photosynthetic activity and overall plant productivity. Moreover, the study noted an increase in the number of beneficial microorganisms in the soil, such as ammonifying bacteria and actinomycetes, as well as the emergence of new species of micromycetes, including Trichoderma and Glomus. This positively affected biodiversity, improved nutrient synthesis, and provided better nutrient supply to the plants. The enhanced microbial activity in the soil contributed to the overall health and resilience of the sunflower plants, ensuring their stability under stress conditions. Overall, the application of Mikovital proved to be effective in enhancing sunflower growth, development, and yield. It not only optimized the soil microbiome but also improved plant stability under adverse conditions, making it a valuable tool in sustainable agriculture. The study underscores the potential of biological preparations in reducing dependency on chemical inputs while maintaining high productivity and quality in sunflower cultivation.
Hemoglobin value prediction with bayesian optimization assisted machine learning models
Authors: Açıcı Koray
Published: October 2024

This study presents a framework for predicting hemoglobin (Hb) levels utilizing Bayesian optimization-assisted machine learning models, incorporating both time-domain and frequency-domain features derived from photoplethysmography (PPG) signals. Hemoglobin, a crucial protein for oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the blood, has levels that indicate various health conditions, including anemia and diseases affecting red blood cell production. Traditional methods for measuring Hb levels are invasive, posing potential risks and discomfort. To address this, a dataset comprising PPG signals, along with demographic data (gender and age), was analyzed to predict Hb levels accurately. Our models employ support vector regression (SVR), artificial neural networks (ANNs), classification and regression trees (CART), and ensembles of trees (EoT) optimized through Bayesian optimization algorithm. The results demonstrated that incorporating age and gender as features significantly improved model performance, highlighting their importance in Hb level prediction. Among the tested models, ANN provided the best results, involving normalized raw signals, feature selection, and reduction methods. The model achieved a mean squared error (MSE) of 1.508, root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.228, and R-squared (R²) of 0.226. This study's findings contribute to the growing body of research on non-invasive hemoglobin prediction, offering a potential tool for healthcare professionals and patients for convenient and risk-free Hb level monitoring.
Enabling industrial decarbonization through data-metrics guided interpretable machine learning
Authors: Ashraf Waqar Muhammad , Dua Vivek , Debnath Ramit
Published: October 2024

Achieving industrial decarbonization requires accurate system-level modeling for the analysis of industrial systems. First-principle models, based on assumptions, are unable to forecast the actual condition of large-scale industrial systems, whereas pure data-centric machine learning (ML) algorithms do not possess an interpretable concept. This highlights the significance of addressing this issue to fully harness AI's potential for industrial decarbonization. The interpretable ML models can be trained by integrating the system's information, as quantified by data metrics, into the algorithmic design that offers improved interpretability performance for industrial system design, operation, and control. In this article, we offer a framework on how an interpretable ML-powered lever can significantly enhance energy efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and reduce emissions through smart operation management of industrial systems, including hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors, thereby facilitating industrial climate action.
Post fire flexural behavior of mild steel based cold-formed built-up beams exposed to elevated temperature
Authors: Sam Varun Sabu , Anand N. , Abdallah Mirvat , EI Hachem Chady , Azab Marc , Andrushia Diana
Published: October 2024

The use of back-to-back built-up channel beams in cold-formed steel (CFS) structures is steadily rising. The growing demand for CFS sections as a cost-effective design solution has driven the development of these CFS built-up sections. Despite this, there has been limited research on the performance of mild steel (MS) based CFS at high temperatures, particularly regarding its flexural behavior. This study thoroughly explores the behavior of MS-based CFS beams with different spans under high temperatures, followed by cooling with air or water. It assesses the impact of thermal loading and evaluates the effectiveness of these cooling methods. Experimental findings are validated and analyzed in conjunction with Finite Element Modeling (FEM) using ABAQUS and the Direct Strength Method (DSM). The study also conducts a parametric analysis to determine how the varying span that affects flexural capacity of beam. Among beams heated to the same temperature, those cooled with water exhibit slightly lower load capacities than those cooled with air. The maximum load observed is 91.21 kN for the reference specimen, while the minimum load is 39.82 kN for the specimen heated for 90 min and cooled with water, resulting in a 78.45% difference between these values. Additionally, as heating duration increases, ductility of beam also increases. Various failure modes are observed based on different heating and cooling conditions across different beam spans. This study offers valuable insights into the performance of MS-based CFS beams under thermal stress and different cooling conditions, providing important data for structural design and safety in construction.
Co-frequency or contrary? The effects of Qiwei Baizhu Powder and its bioactive compounds on mucosa-associated microbiota of mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Authors: Zhang Zeli , Yang Yan , Zhang Yingsi , Xie Guozhen
Published: October 2024

Qiwei Baizhu Powder (QWBZP) has been proven effective in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), and the mechanism is associated with regulating the gut microbiota. However, the role of the bioactive compounds of QWBZP in regulating the gut microbiota is still unclear. In this study, 24 mice were divided into a normal control group (N), a model group (R), a QWBZP decoction group (TW), and a QWBZP-TG group (TG). AAD mouse models were established by mixed antibiotic administration. After modeling, mice in the TW group and TG group were treated with QWBZP decoction and QWBZP-TG, respectively. Mice in the N group and R group were gavaged with sterile water. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to investigate the changes of mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) in the small intestine of mice. Moreover, the levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), D-Lactate, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The results showed that QWBZP-TG significantly altered the diversity, structure, and abundance of MAM in the AAD mice. QWBZP-TG exerted a stronger suppression effect on Escherichia and Clostridium compared with QWBZP decoction. Meanwhile, QWBZP-TG downregulated the abundance of Lactobacillus, which elicited an opposite effect to QWBZP decoction. Prevotella was the signature bacteria that responded to the QWBZP-TG intervention. Furthermore, both QWBZP decoction and QWBZP-TG decreased the levels of DAO, D-Lactate, sIgA, IL-6, and TNF-α in the AAD mice. The role of glycosides is to help QWBZP ameliorate diarrhea symptoms by inhibiting the proliferation of diarrhea-associated bacteria, reducing inflammation and regulating immunity.
Physical activity affects dysthyreosis by thyroid hormones sensitivity: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Shu-yang , Hu Xue-qing , Xiang Cheng , Xiang Tao , Guo Song-xue , Zhi Fei-hu , Zhao Ping , Zhu Jia-yan , Zhang Chen-yang
Published: October 2024

Objective

Physical activity (PA) plays an important role in human health. However, the relationship between the PA and dysthyreosis was not clear. This study aimed to explore this question.

Methods

We performed a population-based study on the basis of the participant’s information that was collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. The association of the thyroid hormone and total PA metabolic equivalent task (MET) were assessed via linear regression analysis with adjusting for different covariates. Moreover, we also used path analysis to explore the causality between PA, thyroid hormone index, and dysthyreosis. The restricted cubic spline analysis was used to explore the non-linear relationship between the thyroid hormone index and the PA total MET.

Results

A total of 2118 participants aged≥20, including 969 females and 1149 males, were collected from NHANES. The linear regression with multivariate adjustment suggested a linear relationship between the PA total MET and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Index (TSHI), and Thyroid Feedback Quantile-Based Index (TFQI), respectively. And TFQI and dysthyresis occurrence were significantly correlated (P<0.05). The path analysis showed that the PA total MET affected dysthyreosis occurrence by TFQI. In addition, we found a non-linear relationship between the total PA met and dysthyreosis via restricted cubic spline analysis.

Conclusions

PA was significantly correlated with dysthyreosis via thyroid hormone sensitivity. Therefore, it can be considered to prevent the occurrence of dysthyreosis by regulating thyroid hormone sensitivity through PA in daily life.
Novel bi-allelic DNAH3 variants cause oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Authors: Li Shu , Zhang Zexin , Xie Linna , Zhao Yanqiu , Chen Hongtai , Zhang Shijia , Cai Yixiang , Ren Bingjie , Liu Wensheng , Tang Songxi , Sha Yanwei
Published: October 2024

Background

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a widespread cause of male infertility. One of the usual clinical manifestations of OAT is multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF), which are frequently associated with mutations and defects in the dynein family. However, the relationship between the newly identified Dynein Axonemal Heavy Chain 3 (DNAH3) mutation and oligonasthenospermia in humans has not yet been established.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing, pathogenicity analysis, and species conservation analysis of mutation sites were conducted on two patients from different unrelated families with DNAH3 mutations. We identified representative mutation sites and predicted the protein structure following these mutations. The sperm characteristics of the two patients with DNAH3 mutations were verified using Papanicolaou staining, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, mRNA and protein levels were assessed through RT-qPCR and Western blotting.

Results

The biallelic mutations in the first progenitor included a heterozygous deletion and insertion, c.6535_6536 delinsAC (to infect mutation (p.Asp2179Thr), and stop codon premutation, c.3249G > A (p.Trp1083Ter). In Family II, the patient (P2) harbored a DNAH3 heterozygous missense mutation, c. 10439G> A(p.Arg3480Gln), along with a stop codon premutation, (c.10260G > A; p.Trp3420Ter). Patients with premature termination of transcription or translation due to DNAH3 mutations exhibit OAT phenotypes, including fibrous sheath dysplasia and multiple tail malformations. We identified the representative sites after mutation, predicted the protein structure, and assessed changes in the protein levels of DNAH3 and related genes following mutations. Notably,a significant reduction in DNAH3 protein expression was validated in these patients. We may explore in the future how DNAH3 affects sperm motility and quality through regulatory mechanisms involving protein structural changes.

Conclusion

Novel biallelic mutations in DNAH3, especially those resulting in a premature stop codon, may alter protein expression, structure, and active site, leading to spermatogenic failure and potentially inducing OAT. The discovery of new mutations in DNAH3 may be the key to the diagnosis and treatment of OAT.
BCR, not TCR, repertoire diversity is associated with favorable COVID-19 prognosis
Authors: Paran Faith Jessica , Oyama Rieko , Khasawneh Abdullah , Ai Tomohiko , Ismanto Hendra Saputra , Sherif Aalaa Alrahman , Saputri Dianita Susilo , Ono Chikako , Saita Mizue , Takei Satomi , Horiuchi Yuki , Yagi Ken , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Okazaki Yasushi , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Standley Daron M. , Tabe Yoko , Naito Toshio
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a widespread and severe impact on society, yet there have also been instances of remarkable recovery, even in critically ill patients.

Materials and methods

In this study, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the immune responses in recovered and deceased COVID-19 patients during moderate and critical stages.

Results

Expanded T cell receptor (TCR) clones were predominantly SARS-CoV-2-specific, but represented only a small fraction of the total repertoire in all patients. In contrast, while deceased patients exhibited monoclonal B cell receptor (BCR) expansions without COVID-19 specificity, survivors demonstrated diverse and specific BCR clones. These findings suggest that neither TCR diversity nor BCR monoclonal expansions are sufficient for viral clearance and subsequent recovery. Differential gene expression analysis revealed that protein biosynthetic processes were enriched in survivors, but that potentially damaging mitochondrial ATP metabolism was activated in the deceased.

Conclusion

This study underscores that BCR repertoire diversity, but not TCR diversity, correlates with favorable outcomes in COVID-19.
Companion diagnostics and predictive biomarkers for PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy in malignant melanoma
Authors: Wang Zeping , Zou Xiaojing , Wang Haiyan , Hao Zhihui , Li Gebin , Wang Shuaiyu
Published: October 2024

Programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1), when bound to the ligand programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), can suppress cellular immunity and play a critical role in the initiation and development of cancer. Immune drugs targeting these two sites have been developed for different cancers, including malignant melanoma. The accompanying diagnostic method has been approved by the FDA to guide patient medication. However, the method of immunohistochemical staining, which varies widely due to the antibody and staining cut-off values, has certain limitations in application and does not benefit all patients. Increasing researches begin to focus on new biomarkers to improve objective response rates and survival in cancer patients. In this article, we enumerated three major groups, including tumour microenvironment, peripheral circulation, and gene mutation, which covered the current main research directions. In the future, we hope those biomarkers may be used to guide the treatment of patients with malignant melanoma.
Immunisation of chickens with inactivated and/or infectious H9N2 avian influenza virus leads to differential immune B-cell repertoire development
Authors: Dascalu Stefan , Sealy Joshua E. , Sadeyen Jean-Remy , Flammer Patrik G. , Fiddaman Steven , Preston Stephen G. , Dixon Robert J. , Bonsall Michael B. , Smith Adrian L. , Iqbal Munir
Published: October 2024

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are a major economic burden to the poultry industry and pose serious zoonotic risks, with human infections being reported every year. To date, the vaccination of birds remains the most important method for the prevention and control of AIV outbreaks. Most national vaccination strategies against AIV infection use whole virus-inactivated vaccines, which predominantly trigger a systemic antibody-mediated immune response. There are currently no studies that have examined the antibody repertoire of birds that were infected with and/or vaccinated against AIV. To this end, we evaluate the changes in the H9N2-specific IgM and IgY repertoires in chickens subjected to vaccination(s) and/or infectious challenge. We show that a large proportion of the IgM and IgY clones were shared across multiple individuals, and these public clonal responses are dependent on both the immunisation status of the birds and the specific tissue that was examined. Furthermore, the analysis revealed specific clonal expansions that are restricted to particular H9N2 immunisation regimes. These results indicate that both the nature and number of immunisations are important drivers of the antibody responses and repertoire profiles in chickens following H9N2 antigenic stimulation. We discuss how the repertoire biology of avian B-cell responses may affect the success of AIV vaccination in chickens, in particular the implications of public versus private clonal selection.
A minority of proliferating human CD4+ T cells in antigen-driven proliferation assays are antigen specific
Authors: Bhattacharjee Pushpak , Pakusch Miha , Lacorcia Matthew , Chiu Chris Y. , Liu Xin , Tresoldi Eleonora , Foster Abby , King Laura , Cameron Fergus J. , Mannering Stuart I.
Published: October 2024

Antigen-driven T-cell proliferation is often measured using fluorescent dye dilution assays, such as the CFSE-based proliferation assay. Dye dilution assays have been powerful tools to detect human CD4+ T-cell responses, particularly against autoantigens. However, it is not known how many cells within the proliferating population are specific for the stimulating antigen. Here we determined the frequency of CD4+ T cells specific for the stimulating antigen within the antigen-responsive population of CFSE-based proliferation assays. We compared CD4+ T-cell responses to a type 1 diabetes autoantigen (proinsulin C-peptide) and to a vaccine antigen (tetanus toxoid). The TCRs expressed by antigen-responsive CD4+ T cells were sequenced, and their antigen specificity was tested functionally by expressing them in a reporter T-cell line. Responses to C-peptide were weak, but detectable, in PBMC from individuals with T1D, whereas responses to tetanus toxoid were much stronger. The frequency of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells correlated with the strength of the response to antigen in the proliferation assay. However, antigen-specific CD4+ T cells were rare among antigen-responsive CD4+ T cells. For C-peptide, an average frequency of 7.5% (1%–11%, n = 4) of antigen-responsive CD4+ T cells were confirmed to be antigen specific. In the tetanus-toxoid-stimulated cultures, on average, 45% (16%–78%, n = 5) of the antigen-responsive CD4+ T cells were tetanus toxoid specific. These data show that antigen-specific CD4+ T cells are a minority of the cells that proliferate in response to antigen and have important implications for in vitro CD4+ T-cell proliferation assays.
Particle image velocimetry study of the flow control effects of singular and multiple curved serration models
Authors: Arthur James K.
Published: October 2024

This paper reports on preliminary observations of an investigation of flows associated with models that mimic serrations on the leading edge of barn owl feathers. The objective was to use particle image velocimetry measurements to determine the capacity of singular and multiple curved (three-dimensional) serration models to modify the noise-reducing indicators of a narrow-channeled flow past a cylinder. Four models were tested: 3 singular serration models of respective angles of inclination, α = 24°, 27.5° and 31°, and a model consisting of an array of 3 serrations of α = 24°, 27.5° and 31°. Each case was subjected to flow of Reynolds number (based on the serration height and maximum velocity of the flow) of ∼2,000, simulating the flow regime of local flow around barbs of real barn owl flights. A planar particle image velocimetry technique was used to capture the midspan plane velocities to determine the effects of each model. The results show that using singular serration models of inclination angles than 30° may lead to disorganized spatial structures and enhanced turbulence levels. On the other hand, an array of only 3 curved serrations of different geometries can modify the spatial flow structure into a well-ordered one, resulting in a 50% reduction in turbulence intensities. These initial results suggest that under complex flow conditions, the insertion of single and multiple curved serrations can lead to significant flow changes that may result in potential noise modifications.
Nutritional assessment of Chinese gynecologic cancer survivors with post-surgical lower limb lymphedema: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhu Xiaoling , Liu Xinjun , Tian Jinbo , He Chunshui , Huang Shan
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of Chinese gynecologic cancer survivors with post-surgical lower limb lymphedema (LLL) by analyzing serum albumin levels and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI).

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at two Chinese medical centers. The cohort comprised 155 gynecologic cancer survivors who developed symptomatic unilateral LLL post-surgery, during the period from September 2021 to June 2024. Nutritional status was assessed by measuring serum albumin and PNI. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify factors associated with low serum albumin and PNI.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 55.47 ± 10.56 years, and the median total survival time was 72.0 months (36.5, 111.5 months). The prevalence of low serum albumin (< 40 g/L) was 40.0%, and low PNI (< 45) was 80.6%. Significant associations were found between low hemoglobin levels and both low serum albumin (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08, p < 0.001) and low PNI (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.13, p < 0.001). Advanced International Society of Lymphology stage 3 was also associated with low albumin (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.03–0.99, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study highlights a significant prevalence of high risk of malnutrition among Chinese gynecologic cancer survivors with LLL, underscoring the need for regular nutritional assessments and interventions.
A bibliometric and visualization analysis of entosis research from 2007 to 2024
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Tu Jiatao , Zang Xinyi , Huang Xuan , Tao Ye
Published: October 2024

Objective

In 2007, entosis was proposed as a form of programmed cell death, distinct from apoptosis. This process involves a living cell (internalized cell) actively invading a neighboring live cell of the same type (host cell), forming a cell-in-cell structure. Recently, entosis has been increasingly associated with cancer, leading to significant advancements in research. Despite this progress, a comprehensive and unbiased review of the current state of entosis research is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the developments in the field of entosis over the past decade and highlight emerging research trends.

Materials and methods

We performed a literature search for studies published since the introduction of the entosis concept, using the Web of Science Core Collection database. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Microsoft Excel, and the Bibliometrix R package.

Results

A total of 196 articles from 39 countries and 346 institutions were included. Between 2007 and 2024, research on entosis has seen rapid growth, with most publications originating from China and the United States. The United States also leads in total citations, with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center emerging as the top research institution. Sun Qiang is the most prolific author in this field, while Overholtzer M has the highest number of citations. Current Molecular Medicine has published the most articles related to entosis. Frequently occurring keywords include “entosis,” “cannibalism,” “autophagy,” and “apoptosis.” In recent years, keywords such as “phagocytosis,” “drug resistance,” and “human cancers” have surged, indicating a growing focus on understanding the role of entosis in tumor progression and exploring its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Conclusions

This study provides the first bibliometric analysis of entosis, detailing its evolution over the last decade. It highlights critical areas of interest, including the development of inhibitors targeting entosis and their potential clinical applications. This research aims to guide future investigations and serve as a valuable resource for scholars exploring entosis in cancer biology.
The effects of Tai Chi and Baduanjin on breast cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Yifang , Zuo Xinyi , Tang Yong , Zhou Zhimiao
Published: October 2024

Background

Tai Chi and Baduanjin are nonpharmacological interventions that are widely applied among cancer patients.

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effect of Tai Chi and Baduanjin on breast cancer patients by summarizing and pooling the results of previous studies.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library and several databases were searched up to December 1, 2023, to identify high-quality RCTs. Relevant terms such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin were used as keywords. Stata 15.0 software and Review Manager (version 5.3; Cochrane Training) were used to screen the studies, extract the data, code the data, and perform the meta-analysis. The mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs were used to calculate continuous variables. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. The PICOS framework was used to develop the following eligibility criteria: (i) population - breast cancer patients; (ii) intervention - Tai Chi and Baduanjin intervention; (iii) comparison - Tai Chi and Baduanjin group and different intervention (e.g., regular intervention, routine rehabilitation training, waiting list, sham Qigong, usual care, no intervention); (iv) outcomes - cognitive ability, shoulder joint function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep quality, quality of life; and (v) study design - randomized controlled trial.

Results

From January 2013 to December 2023, we included a total of 16 RCTs involving 1247 patients. A total of 647 patients were in the experimental group and were treated with Tai Chi and Baduanjin, while 600 patients were in the control group and were treated with traditional methods. The results of our meta-analysis indicate that Tai Chi and Baduanjin yield outcomes that are comparable to those of traditional treatment methods. Specifically, Tai Chi and Baduanjin significantly increased cognitive function, increased shoulder joint function, improved sleep quality indicators and improved quality of life indicators. Furthermore, Tai Chi and Baduanjin significantly reduced anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and fatigue symptoms among breast cancer patients. Sensitivity analysis was performed, a funnel plot was constructed. No publication bias was indicated by Egger’s or Begg’s test.

Conclusion

Overall, Tai Chi and Baduanjin are viable and effective nonpharmacological approaches for treating breast cancer patients, as they yield better results than traditional treatment methods. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of controlled trials, small sample sizes, and low quality of the evidence.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023469301.
Association between surgery treatment delays and survival outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer in Hebei, China
Authors: Cui Xing , Shi Chunxiao , Chen Xin , Zhao Qi , Zhao Jidong
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The delays in cancer therapies have the potential to impact disease progression by allowing the unchecked growth and spread of cancer cells. However, the understanding of the association between treatment waiting time and survival outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) is limited. This study aims to assess the impact of waiting time on survival outcomes among EC patients in Hebei province, which is recognized as one of the high-risk areas for EC in China.

Methods

A total of 9,977 non-metastatic EC patients who underwent surgical treatment were identified between 2000 and 2020. The survival outcomes of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were determined using the Kaplan-Meier methodology. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to evaluate the impact of treatment delays on OS and CSS.

Results

The average delay time for initiating EC surgical treatment after diagnosis was 1.31 months (95%CI=1.29–1.34). Patients with a long delay (≥ 3 months) in treatment, comprising 9977 EC patients, exhibited significantly lower rates of 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS and CSS compared to those without any delay in treatment initiation. A long delay in EC treatment independently associated with an elevated risk of all-cause and cancer-cause mortality among various patient subgroups, including males, older individuals, single individuals, low-income patients, residents of nonmetropolitan counties, as well as those diagnosed with poorly differentiated and stage IV EC.

Discussion

The long delay of treatment initiation impacts the outcomes of OS and CSS in EC patients. Optimizing treatment timing may enhance life expectancy for individuals diagnosed with EC.
Virulence perspective genomic research unlocks the secrets of Rhizoctonia solani associated with banded sheath blight in Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa frumentacea)
Authors: Patro T. S. S. K. , Palanna K. B. , Jeevan B. , Tatineni Pallavi , Poonacha T. Tharana , Khan Farooq , Ramesh G. V. , Nayak Anusha M. , Praveen Boda , Divya M. , Anuradha N. , Rani Y. Sandhya , Nagaraja T. E. , Madhusudhana R. , Satyavathi C. Tara , Prasanna S. Koti
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Banded sheath blight (Bsb) disease, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is an emerging problem in barnyard millet cultivation. One of the significant goals of pathogenomic research is to identify genes responsible for pathogenicity in the fungus.

Methods

A virulence profiling-based approach was employed and six R. solani isolates were collected from various ecological zones of India. The morphological parameters and virulence of all of the six R. solani isolates were investigated. The most virulent strain was designated as RAP2 and its genome has been sequenced, assembled, and annotated.

Results

The RAP2 genome is 43.63 megabases in size and comprises 10.95% repetitive DNA, within which 46% are retroelements, 8% are DNA transposons, and 46% are unidentified DNA. The Gene Ontology (GO) annotation of RAP2 proteins revealed that “phosphorylation”, “membrane”, and “ATP binding” have the highest gene enrichment in the “biological process”, “cellular component” and “molecular function” domains, respectively. The genome comprises a majority of secretory proteins in the pectin lyase fold/virulence factor superfamily, which break down plant cell wall polymers to extract saccharides. The RAP2 genome is comparable to R. solani, which infects maize and rice, but it diverges further from soybean in terms of nucleotide-level genetic similarity. Orthologous clustering of RAP2 protein sequences with R. solani infecting maize, rice, and soybean yields 5606 proteins shared across all genomes. GO analysis of 25 proteins specific to the RAP2 genome found enrichment in the ethylene response, which can cause spore germination and infection in host plants.

Discussion

Interestingly, a 28-bp deletion in the RAP2 strain’s cutinase domain was discovered in the cutinase protein, which might be important in the infection process, perhaps rendering the enzyme inactive or allowing the pathogen to infect barnyard millet while avoiding host defense. This study sheds light on the genetic makeup of R. solani, allowing researchers to discover critical genes related with pathogenicity as well as potential targets for fungicide development.
Social health gradient and risk factors among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and pre-pandemic respiratory infections. A linked national individual case-control study in Belgium
Authors: Bruyneel Arnaud , Dauvergne Jérôme E. , Dauby Nicolas , Goffard Jean-Christophe , Rea Andrea , Racape Judith
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The literature establishes a clear social gradient in health for transmissible respiratory diseases. However, this gradient’s extent remains largely unexplored in the context of COVID-19, and it is uncertain whether the pandemic has exacerbated this gradient. The study aims to compare the socio-economic profiles and comorbidities during the COVID-19 pandemic with a control population affected by viral pneumonia/respiratory disease in 2019.

Methods

This case-control study analyzed linked data from all patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in 2020 (n = 22,087) and for respiratory diseases in 2019 (n = 7,586). Socio-economic data from the social security database were linked to clinical data from the hospital registry. We analyzed the socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with COVID-19 hospitalization (control group, wave 1, and wave 2) using multinomial regressions and logistic regression models and the length of stay during hospitalization using binomial negative regressions.

Results

A social health gradient was observed in both the COVID-19 and control groups, with a significant increase across waves for COVID-19 (p-trend < 0.0001). Men, people over the age of 45, those with comorbidities, high population density, lower income, lower socio-economic status, and people living in Brussels capital were at higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and longer length of stay compared to the control group. Except for sub-Saharan Africans, all patients of foreign nationality had a significantly increased risk of hospitalization (p < 0.001), but a shorter length of stay compared to Belgians.

Conclusion

The socio-health gradient for COVID-19 followed the same pattern as that observed in pre-pandemic respiratory diseases, intensifying in the second wave and among the most deprived groups. This study emphasizes the importance of collecting social data alongside clinical data for a better understanding of social health inequalities and for tailoring health prevention policies.
Acquaintance, attitude, and perceived barriers regarding scientific research publications among clinical nurses: a cross-sectional study at tertiary care hospitals in western Rajasthan
Authors: Kalal Nipin , Vel N. sabari , Chaudhary Saroj , Meena Savita , Meena Sonam , Bhichar Sonu , Singh Spraha
Published: October 2024

Introduction

In today's era, conducting nursing research is crucial for the advancement of the nursing profession. Scientific publications in clinical research aim to improve patient care outcomes and foster a sense of importance for nurses within the healthcare team. However, clinical nurses often fall behind due to factors such as limited familiarity, attitudes toward research, and encountered barriers.

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers regarding scientific research publications among clinical nurses at tertiary care hospitals in western Rajasthan.

Methodology

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among the clinical nurses. The participants were assessed for their knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers regarding scientific research publications through a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

The study revealed that 92% of the participants lacked sufficient knowledge about scientific research publications and 78.3% experienced moderate perceived barriers. Pearson's correlation coefficient indicated a weak positive correlation (r = 0.143, p = 0.007) between knowledge and attitude and a significant negative correlation (r = −0.143, p = 0.012) between knowledge and perceived barriers. However, multiple linear regression analysis showed no significant relationship among the clinical nurses in terms of knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers toward scientific research publications.

Conclusion

This study on clinical nurses revealed that the majority had insufficient knowledge about scientific research, while over half had neutral attitudes toward research publications. In addition, a significant portion of the clinical nurses reported experiencing moderate perceived barriers.
Assessment of residual pesticides and other organic pollutants using passive samplers in Can Tho River, Vietnam, and Cagayan de Oro River Basin, Philippines
Authors: Salingay Maria Luisa Baiño , Zevenbergen Chris , Pathirana Assela
Published: October 2024

Agriculture-dependent developing Southeast Asian countries need to assess residual pesticides in receiving water from agricultural runoff as one of the basis for the establishment of baseline data. Monitoring residual pesticides in surface water is challenging due to pesticides’ irregular/intermittent emission and low solubility in water. To address the challenge of pesticide assessment, passive samplers composed of silicon rubber sheets (SR) and speedisk (SD) were used to capture hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic pesticides and other organic pollutants, respectively. Samplers were submerged uninterruptedly for at least 30 days in three selected sites in Can Tho River, Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and Cagayan de Oro River Basin, Philippines, for 2 years. Passive samplers (SR spiked with 232 pesticides) captured 83 and 69 residual pesticides at concentrations of ng/L levels in Vietnam and the Philippines, respectively, which is unattainable through conventional grab sampling methods. Trace concentrations of banned compounds such as OCPs, PCBs, and PAHs were also detected at pg./L levels. The success of this alternative methodology can be attributed to the combination of passive samplers tailored for nonpolar (water-insoluble) and polar (water-soluble) organic contaminants coupled with sensitive analytical instruments, including GCMSMS and LCMSMS.
High-concentrate diet supplemented with hydrolysable tannin improves the slaughter performance, intestinal antioxidant ability and barrier function of fattening lambs
Authors: Ma Jian , Li Tao , Lin Lu , Lu Yuezhang , Chen Xi , Li Sibing , Wei Chen , Du Chunmei , Yin Fuquan , Cao Guang , Gan Shangquan
Published: October 2024

The objective of current experiment was to study the potential influence of hydrolysable tannin supplementation on slaughter performance, meat quality, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant ability and barrier function in fattening lambs. In total, 36 male Hu sheep lambs with similar body weight (15.83 ± 0.48 kg) and days in age (55 ± 2 d) were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 12 animals each: control without tannin (CON) and tannin supplementation groups (TA1, 3 g/d per lamb; TA2, 6 g/d per lamb). All the lambs were reared in individual hutches, and the experiment lasted for 60 d. On d 61, 8 lambs from each group were randomly selected to slaughter. Results showed that the serum diamine oxidase and lipopolysaccharide contents of TA2 group were higher (p < 0.05) than those of CON group. Compared with CON group, the carcass weight and intramuscular fat content of lambs in TA1 group were increased (p < 0.05) and the meat shear force was decreased (p < 0.05). The trypsin activity in the jejunum and ileum of TA1 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of CON and TA2 groups. Also, tannin supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the level of jejunal and ileal total antioxidant capacity and reduced (p < 0.05) the jejunal malondialdehyde concentration in lambs. The jejunum and ileum of TA1 lambs showed reduced (p < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor-alpha and increased (p < 0.05) interleukin-10 mRNA levels compared with CON lambs. In the jejunum, the secretory immunoglobulin A content of TA1 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of CON and TA2 groups. Lambs supplemented with tannin at the level of 3 g/d increased (p < 0.05) the gene expressions of claudin-1, claudin-4 and zonula occludens-1 in the jejunum when compared to those of CON and TA2 groups. In summary, tannin supplementation at the level of 3 g/d per animal can improve the production performance and intestinal function of fattening lambs fed a high-concentrate diet.
Racially Diverse Leadership and Sustainable Alliance Portfolios
Authors: Vlas Cristina O.
Published: October 2024

In my research, the effects that the racial diversity of firms’ leadership has in deciding the sustainable composition of firms’ alliance portfolios is investigated, defined as the distribution of exploratory, exploitative, and mixed alliances. Grounded in social categorization, information elaboration, and social contact mechanisms, racially homogeneous leadership has a J-shaped relationship with sustainable alliance portfolio composition. Very racially homogeneous or heterogeneous leadership leads firms towards maintaining more exploratory alliances in their portfolio as opposed to moderately diverse leadership, which prefers the safety of exploitative alliances. Further, I explore how racially homogeneous leadership differs from racially heterogeneous leadership in that the former has a higher propensity to maintain more exploratory alliance portfolios compared to the latter. A two-stage analysis on a panel of 128 pharmaceutical and software firms, accompanied by response surface analysis, yields support for our theorizing. This study encourages scholars to further investigate the different weights that social categorization, information elaboration, and social contact exercise on leadership diversity and how they are elemental in firms’ sustainable alliance decision-making.
Fermented Palm Kernel Cake Improves the Rumen Microbiota and Metabolome of Beef Cattle
Authors: Jiang Wenbo , Zhang Yan , Cheng Haijian , Hu Xin , You Wei , Song Enliang , Hu Zhiyong , Jiang Fugui
Published: October 2024

In this study, we utilised palm kernel cake as a substrate and fermented it with a composite of bacteria (Pediococcus pentosaceus CGMCC No. 27203 and Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC No. 27202) and enzymes. We conducted a trial with twenty-four cattle, randomly divided into two groups of twelve cattle each. The control group (CON) was fed the standard farm diet, whereas the treatment group (PKC) received a diet with 3% of soyabean replaced by fermented palm kernel cake. The trial lasted for six weeks. The results showed no significant differences in growth performance between the PKC and CON groups. The abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes was significantly higher in the PKC group than in the CON group. At the genus level, the abundances of Anaeroplasma, norank_f__Bacteroidales_UCG-001, norank_f__Absconditabacteriales_SR1, norank_f__p-251-o5, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Prevotellaceae_UCG-004, and Treponema significantly increased in the PKC group. Lipid digestion and absorption pathways were significantly enriched in the PKC group. The results indicate that adding fermented palm kernel cake to the diet can increase the abundance of Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres in the rumen of beef cattle, enhancing the ability of the PKC group to degrade protein, carbohydrates, and fibrous materials in the feed, thereby improving the feed utilisation efficiency in beef cattle. Adding fermented palm kernel cake to the diet improved carbohydrate metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and nucleotide metabolism. Correlation analysis between the rumen microbiota and metabolic pathways showed that Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 were positively correlated with amino acid metabolism, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Succiniclasticum were positively correlated with metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, and Prevotella and Ruminococcus were positively correlated with nucleotide metabolism. These findings elucidate the differences in rumen microbiota when fermented palm kernel cake is added to the diet, providing a theoretical basis for the application of fermented palm kernel cake in the diet of beef cattle.
The Impact of Acute Ammonia Nitrogen Stress on Serum Biochemical Indicators and Spleen Gene Expression in Juvenile Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Authors: Sun Yongyue , Fu Zhengyi , Ma Zhenhua
Published: October 2024

The presence of ammonia nitrogen in water has a significant impact on the serum and spleen of fish, potentially leading to changes in substances such as proteins in the serum while also causing damage to the immune function of the spleen. To investigate the effects of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) stress on juvenile yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), this study established three NH3-N concentrations, 0, 5, and 10 mg/L, denoted as L0, L1, and L2, respectively. Serum and spleen samples were collected at 6, 24, and 36 h. The effects of different NH3-N concentrations and exposure times on the physiological status of juvenile fish were investigated by analyzing serum biochemical indices and splenic gene expression. The results indicate that in the L1 group, the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), complement 3 (C3) and complement 4 (C4) levels, and acid phosphatase (ACP) activity showed a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing. In the L2 group, the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, and C4 levels and ACP activity also displayed an initially rising and then declining trend, while TG, C3, and creatinine (CRE) levels and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity showed an upward trend. In the L1 group, glutathione peroxidase 1b (GPX1b), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6r), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) gene expression levels in the spleen exhibited a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. In the L2 group, IL-10, IL-6r, tumor necrosis factor beta (TNF-β), caspase 2 (casp2), and caspase 9 (casp9) gene expression levels in the spleen also showed an initial increase followed by a decrease. When NH3-N levels are below 5 mg/L, it is recommended to limit stress exposure to no more than 36 h for the juvenile fish. For concentrations ranging from 5 to 10 mg/L, stress should be strictly controlled to within 24 h. Exposure to high NH3-N levels may affect biochemical indicators such as serum lipid metabolism, immunity, and metabolism in juvenile fish, and may damage the expression of antioxidant, immune gene, and apoptosis factors in the spleen. This study aims to deepen our understanding of the effects of NH3-N on juvenile tuna, with the goal of establishing effective water quality monitoring and management strategies. This will ensure the quality of aquaculture water, reduce the harm caused by NH3-N to juvenile yellowfin tuna, and enhance aquaculture efficiency and product quality.