bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A relação dos disruptores endócrinos na saúde reprodutiva feminina
Authors: Marques Isabela Cristiane de Oliveira , Vieira Gláucia Vargas Moreira Campos , Almeida Simone Gonçalves de
Published: May 2024

Os disruptores endócrinos são substâncias químicas capazes de interferir na homeostase hormonal, alterando a síntese, função, armazenamento e/ou metabolismo dos hormônios, assim dizendo, podem influenciar vários aspectos da saúde feminina por interferir no sistema endócrino. Objetivo: analisar os efeitos dos disruptores endócrinos na saúde reprodutiva feminina. Metodologia: o presente estudo foi realizado através de revisão bibliográfica de literatura. Foram utilizados documentos científicos e documentos oficiais de Organizações de Saúde Nacionais e Internacionais e selecionados os trabalhos publicados nos últimos dez anos (2014-2024) nos idiomas português e inglês. As bases de dados pesquisadas foram SCIELO, PUBMED e EBSCO. Discussão: a exposição aos disruptores endócrinos em mulheres com idade entre 45 e 55 anos demonstra fortemente uma associação com a menopausa mais precoce, ocorrendo de 1,9 a 3,8 anos antes, quando há níveis séricos ou urinários aumentados de produtos químicos desreguladores endócrinos. Há associação da prevalência aumentada de SOP (síndrome dos ovários policísticos) em mulheres na idade reprodutiva quando submetidas a maior exposição de substâncias per e polifluoroalquil (PFAS) e bisfenol A (BPA). Várias classes de disruptores endócrinos estão associados à endometriose, infertilidade feminina e insuficiência ovariana prematura. Considerações finais: a exposição humana aos produtos químicos disruptores endócrinos é permanente e contínua, pois estão presentes em diversos produtos de uso diário. Assim, isso leva a distúrbios na saúde reprodutiva feminina, cabendo ao nutricionista o papel de orientar como minimizar a exposição e sobretudo incentivar um estilo de vida mais saudável.
Age and schooling are associated with job loss in the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Jéssica Andrade Cardoso Scotti , Andrade Marcela Alves , Castro Cristiane Shinohara Moriguchi de , Mininel Vivian Aline , Sato Tatiana de Oliveira
Published: May 2024

Brazil was one of the countries most affected by the social and economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to verify the association between job loss and region of the country, sex, age, educational status, marital status, and parenting in Brazilian workers during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional online study was performed with data from workers aged 18 years or older in any economic sector and different occupations. A sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire was applied. Data collection began on June 2020 and ended on September 2020. To estimate the degree of association between job loss and the region of the country and workers’ characteristics, binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals. The sample was composed of 1319 participants and of these, 108 (8.2%) lost their jobs in the initial months of the pandemic; 51.6% were female; 53.5% were married; 42.5% reported having children; 80.7% had a complete college education. The age and educational status were associated with job loss, with younger and less educated workers being more affected by unemployment. For women, age and educational status were associated with job loss, for men only educational status showed a significant association. Young workers, mainly women, and with less educational status were the most affected by unemployment at the beginning of the pandemic in Brazil. Thus, this group of workers proved to be more vulnerable and should be prioritized by public policies.
Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Tingkat Kepatuhan Petugas IGD Dalam Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri Level 2
Authors: Ikbal Revi Neini , Sari Rebbi Permata , Mulia Agung
Published: May 2024

Angka kejadian Covid-19 yang terus meningkat membawa peralihan pada tatanan kerja terutama pelayanan kesehatan. Observasi yang peneliti lakukan di ruangan IGD RS TK.III Dr. Reksodiwiryo Padang tahun 2022 pada masa New Normal, bahwasannya banyak petugas IGD yang tidak lengkap dalam penggunaan APD level 2. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan tingkat kepatuhan petugas IGD dalam penggunaan APD level 2 pada masa new normal.Metode penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Penelitian di laksanakan bulan Februari – Agustus 2022. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh petugas IGD di RS XXX. Teknik pengumpulan sampel penelitian ini adalah non probably sampling berupa accidental sampling dengan 38 sampel. Data di kumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner kepatuhan, sikap, masa kerja serta lembar observasi kelengkapan APD level 2. Data di analisis secara univariat dan bivariat menggunakan uji statistik chi-square. Berdasarkan analisis bivariat terdapat hubungan kelengkapan APD level 2 dengan tingkat kepatuhan petugas IGD menunjukkan p-value < 0,05  , terdapat hubungan sikap dengan tingkat kepatuhan petugas IGD menunjukkan p-value (0,023), dan tidak terdapat hubungan masa kerja dengan tingkat kepatuhan petugas IGD menunjukkan p-value (0,324). Dapat disimpulkan variabel yang berhubungan dengan tingkat kepatuhan petugas IGD yaitu kelengkapan APD level 2 dan sikap, untuk masa kerja tidak terdapat hubungan. Saran dari hasil penelitian ini antara lain meningkatkan pengawasan pada petugas IGD dalam penggunaan APD level 2 yang lengkap dan benar, menyediakan APD level 2 yang lengkap dan memadai.
Identifikasi Keterdapatan Endapan Emas menggunakan Metode Magnetik di Daerah Wumbubangka Kecamatan Rarowatu Utara Kabupaten Bombana
Authors: Arlin Muhamad , Jahidin  , Ngkoimani La Ode
Published: May 2024

Telah dilakukan penelitian di Daerah Wumbubangka, Kecamatan Rarowatu Utara, Kabupaten Bombana yang bertujuan untuk menentukan keterdapatan bawah permukaan endapan emas. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengukuran geofisika ini adalah metode magnetik yang memanfaatkan sifat kemagnetan bumi. Pengambilan data dilakukan di 59 titik pengukuran dalam 3 lintasan dengan panjang lintasan yang bervariasi dengan jarak antar titik 5-10 meter menggunakan instrumen magnetometer tipe GSM-19T. Data magnetik diolah ke dalam software Microsoft Excel 2013 dan Oasis Montaj 6.4.1, hasil pemodelan dan anomali medan magnetik lokal kemudian dianalisis guna mengetahui keterdapatan endapan emas bawah permukaan. Hasil penelitian menunujukkan bahwa intensitas anomali magnetik lokal berada pada rentang -87.9 nT hingga 96.7 nT. Berdasarkan pemodelan 2D data anomali magnet lokal diindikasikan bahwa keberadaan emas bawah permukaan berada pada nilai suseptibilitas magnetik tinggi (0.000473 0.000725) SI pada batu sekis yang diduga berasosiasi dengan mineral pirit dan kalkopirit sebagai mineral pembawa emas.
Toxoplasma gondii chitinase-like protein TgCLP1 regulates the parasite cyst burden
Authors: Bando Hironori , Murata Yuho , Han Yongmei , Sugi Tatsuki , Fukuda Yasuhiro , Bzik David J. , Fox Barbara A. , Kato Kentaro
Published: May 2024

Toxoplasma, an important intracellular parasite of humans and animals, causes life-threatening toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised individuals. Although Toxoplasma secretory proteins during acute infection (tachyzoite, which divides rapidly and causes inflammation) have been extensively characterized, those involved in chronic infection (bradyzoite, which divides slowly and is surrounded by a cyst wall) remain uncertain. Regulation of the cyst wall is essential to the parasite life cycle, and polysaccharides, such as chitin, in the cyst wall are necessary to sustain latent infection. Toxoplasma secretory proteins during the bradyzoite stage may have important roles in regulating the cyst wall via polysaccharides. Here, we focused on characterizing the hypothetical T. gondii chitinase, chitinase-like protein 1 (TgCLP1). We found that the chitinase-like domain containing TgCLP1 is partially present in the bradyzoite microneme and confirmed, albeit partially, its previous identification in the tachyzoite microneme. Furthermore, although parasites lacking TgCLP1 could convert from tachyzoites to bradyzoites and make an intact cyst wall, they failed to convert from bradyzoites to tachyzoites, indicating that TgCLP1 is necessary for bradyzoite reactivation. Taken together, our findings deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of recrudescence and could contribute to the development of novel strategies for the control of toxoplasmosis.
Association between aspirin and mortality in critically ill patients with atrial fibrillation: a retrospective cohort study based on mimic-IV database
Authors: Zhang Meijuan , Zuo Yadong , Jiao Zhanquan
Published: May 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent issue among critically ill patients, and the availability of effective treatment strategies for AF is limited.

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mortality rate associated with AF in critically ill patients who were either aspirin or non-aspirin users.

Methods

This cohort study incorporated critically ill patients with AF from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database. The study compared incidences of 28-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and 1-year mortality between patients with and without aspirin prescriptions. To assess the association between aspirin and the endpoints, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted.

Results

In this study, a total of 13,330 critically ill patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) were included, of which 4,421 and 8,909 patients were categorized as aspirin and non-aspirin users, respectively. The 28-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality rates were found to be 17.5% (2,330/13,330), 23.9% (3,180/13,330), and 32.9% (4,379/13,330), respectively. The results of a fully-adjusted Cox proportional hazard model indicated that aspirin use was negatively associated with the risk of death after adjusting for confounding factors (28-day mortality, HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.55–0.74; 90-day mortality, HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.58–0.74; 1-year mortality, HR 0.67, 95%CI 0.6∼0.74). The results of the subgroup analysis indicate a more robust correlation, specifically among patients under the age of 65 and those without a history of congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

The utilization of aspirin may exhibit a correlation with a reduction in risk-adjusted mortality from all causes in critically ill patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. However, additional randomized controlled trials are necessary to elucidate and confirm this potential association.
Experimental study on the load bearing behavior of shored mechanically stabilized earth wall
Authors: Pang Dongdong , Chen Xiaoyi , Gao Mengliang , Miao Chenxi , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2024

Shored mechanically stabilized earth (SMSE) walls have been increasingly applied in the projects of widening existing roads or new construction of roads on slopes because of their good carbon emission reduction and mechanical performance. In this paper, a scaled-down model test of SMSE wall with shoring wall batter of 1H:2V was conducted to study the load-bearing behavior of SMSE wall under this terrain condition, and the results including wall deformations, earth pressures, reinforcement strains, and potential failure surface were analyzed. The results show that although the backfill near the shoring wall was not directly compressed by the load, it still slipped along the backfill-shoring wall interface. The loading created a tensile pressure zone in the upper part of the backfill-shoring wall interface, which may lead to tensile cracking. The uppermost layer of geogrid was more prone to sliding, while the tensile deformation was smaller, and its strain value was overall smaller than the strain value of the geogrid below it. As the load increases, the potential failure surface changed from a Rankine failure surface to a bilinear potential failure surface. The potential failure surface did not pass through the heel of the SMSE wall under large loads.
Targeted silencing of GNAS in a human model of osteoprogenitor cells results in the deregulation of the osteogenic differentiation program
Authors: Elli Francesca Marta , Mattinzoli Deborah , Ikehata Masami , Bagnaresi Francesca , Maffini Maria A. , Del Sindaco Giulia , Pagnano Angela , Lucca Camilla , Messa Piergiorgio , Arosio Maura , Castellano Giuseppe , Alfieri Carlo M. , Mantovani Giovanna
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The dysregulation of cell fate toward osteoprecursor cells associated with most GNAS-based disorders may lead to episodic de novo extraskeletal or ectopic bone formation in subcutaneous tissues. The bony lesion distribution suggests the involvement of abnormal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and/or more committed precursor cells. Data from transgenic mice support the concept that GNAS is a crucial factor in regulating lineage switching between osteoblasts (OBs) and adipocyte fates. The mosaic nature of heterotopic bone lesions suggests that GNAS genetic defects provide a sensitized background for ectopic osteodifferentiation, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown.

Methods

The effect of GNAS silencing in the presence and/or absence of osteoblastic stimuli was evaluated in the human L88/5 MSC line during osteodifferentiation. A comparison of the data obtained with data coming from a bony lesion from a GNAS-mutated patient was also provided.

Results

Our study adds some dowels to the current fragmented notions about the role of GNAS during osteoblastic differentiation, such as the premature transition of immature OBs into osteocytes and the characterization of the differences in the deposed bone matrix.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that our cell model partially replicates the in vivo behavior results, resulting in an applicable human model to elucidate the pathophysiology of ectopic bone formation in GNAS-based disorders.
Unveiling the role of interleukin-6 in pancreatic cancer occurrence and progression
Authors: Song Meihui , Tang Ying , Cao Kaimei , Qi Ling , Xie Keping
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose early and progresses rapidly. Researchers have found that a cytokine called Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is involved in the entire course of pancreatic cancer, promoting its occurrence and development. From the earliest stages of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells and the appearance of tumor cachexia, IL-6 drives oncogenic signal transduction pathways and immune escape that accelerate disease progression. IL-6 is considered a biomarker for pancreatic cancer diagnosis and prognosis, as well as a potential target for treatment. IL-6 antibodies are currently being explored as a hot topic in oncology. This article aims to systematically explain how IL-6 induces the deterioration of normal pancreatic cells, with the goal of finding a breakthrough in pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Acyl modifications in bovine, porcine, and equine ghrelins
Authors: Ida Takanori , Tominaga Hatsumi , Iwamoto Eri , Kurogi Akito , Okura Ayaka , Shimada Kengo , Kato Johji , Kuwano Atsutoshi , Ode Hirotaka , Nagata Sayaka , Kitamura Kazuo , Yazawa Takashi , Sato-Hashimoto Miho , Yasuda Masahiro , Miyazato Mikiya , Shiimura Yuki , Sato Takahiro , Kojima Masayasu
Published: May 2024

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone with various important physiological functions. The unique feature of ghrelin is its serine 3 acyl-modification, which is essential for ghrelin activity. The major form of ghrelin is modified with n-octanoic acid (C8:0) by ghrelin O-acyltransferase. Various acyl modifications have been reported in different species. However, the underlying mechanism by which ghrelin is modified with various fatty acids remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report the purification of bovine, porcine, and equine ghrelins. The major active form of bovine ghrelin was a 27-amino acid peptide with an n-octanoyl (C8:0) modification at Ser3. The major active form of porcine and equine ghrelin was a 28-amino acid peptide. However, porcine ghrelin was modified with n-octanol (C8:0), whereas equine ghrelin was modified with n-butanol (C4:0) at Ser3. This study indicates the existence of structural divergence in ghrelin and suggests that it is necessary to measure the minor and major forms of ghrelin to fully understand its physiology.
Whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity and adaptive evolution in Chinese honeybee (Apis cerana cerana) in Guizhou, China
Authors: Wang Yinchen , Zeng Bing , Deng Mengqing , Zhao Tian , Liao Yan , Ren Rongqing , Wang Hua , Yuan Yang
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Guizhou Province, characterized by complex and diverse geographic and climatic environments, has rich genetic resources for the Chinese honeybee (Apis cerana cerana) and is one of the main bee-producing areas in China. However, research on the genetic diversity of Chinese honeybee in the Guizhou region is very limited, despite implications for conservation of biodiversity.

Methods: In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, differentiation, and selection signals based on 116 Chinese honeybees from 12 regions in Guizhou Province using whole-genome sequencing.

Results: We identified 1,400,430 high-quality SNPs across all samples. A population structure analysis revealed two independent genetic subgroups of Chinese honeybees in Guizhou, a Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau population in western Guizhou and a hilly-mountainous population in eastern Guizhou. The average nucleotide diversity (Pi) ranged from 0.00138 to 0.00161 and average expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.2592 to 0.2604. The average genetic differentiation index (FST) for Chinese honeybees in pairwise comparisons of 12 regions ranged from 0.0094 to 0.0293. There was clear genetic differentiation between the western plateau and the eastern hilly mountainous areas of Guizhou; however, FST values between the eastern and western populations ranged from 0.0170 to 0.0293, indicating a low degree of differentiation. A genome-wide scan revealed a number of genes under selection in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau environment. These genes were related to growth and development, reproduction, and cold resistance, and several candidate genes involved in environmental adaptation were identified, including CTR, MAPK, MAST, HSF, and MKKK.

Discussion: The results of the present study provide important theoretical bases for the conservation, evaluation, development, and utilization of genetic resources for Chinese honeybees in the Guizhou region and for further investigations of environmental adaptation and underlying mechanisms in the species.
Designing a multi-epitope vaccine against Shigella dysenteriae using immuno-informatics approach
Authors: Qureshi Hurria , Basheer Amina , Faheem Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad Waqar , Rai Sunil Kumar , Jamal Syed Babar
Published: May 2024

Shigella dysenteriae has been recognized as the second most prevalent pathogen associated with diarrhea that contains blood, contributing to 12.9% of reported cases, and it is additionally responsible for approximately 200,000 deaths each year. Currently, there is no S. dysenteriae licensed vaccine. Multidrug resistance in all Shigella spp. is a growing concern. Current vaccines, such as O-polysaccharide (OPS) conjugates, are in clinical trials but are ineffective in children but protective in adults. Thus, innovative treatments and vaccines are needed to combat antibiotic resistance. In this study, we used immuno-informatics to design a new multiepitope vaccine and identified S. dysenteriae strain SD197’s membrane protein targets using in-silico methods. The target protein was prioritized using membrane protein topology analysis to find membrane proteins. B and T-cell epitopes were predicted for vaccine formulation. The epitopes were shortlisted based on an IC50 value <50, antigenicity, allergenicity, and a toxicity analysis. In the final vaccine construct, a total of 8 B-cell epitopes, 12 MHC Class I epitopes, and 7 MHC Class II epitopes were identified for the Lipopolysaccharide export system permease protein LptF. Additionally, 17 MHC Class I epitopes and 14 MHC Class II epitopes were predicted for the Lipoprotein-releasing ABC transporter permease subunit LolE. These epitopes were selected and linked via KK, AAY, and GGGS linkers, respectively. To enhance the immunogenic response, RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartate) adjuvant was incorporated into the final vaccine construct. The refined vaccine structure exhibits a Ramachandran score of 91.5% and demonstrates stable interaction with TLR4. Normal Mode Analysis (NMA) reveals low eigenvalues (3.925996e-07), indicating steady and flexible molecular mobility of docked complexes. Codon optimization was carried out in an effective microbial expression system of the Escherichia coli K12 strain using the recombinant plasmid pET-28a (+). Finally, the entire in-silico analysis suggests that the suggested vaccine may induce a significant immune response against S. dysenteriae, making it a promising option for additional experimental trials.
Utilization of social franchising in family planning services: a Pakistan perspective
Authors: Nayab  , Ahmad Taimoor , Fatmee Areesh , Sajjad Ibtisam , Usmani Zona , Khan Ayesha , Shahzad Sara , Khan Adnan Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Pakistan's private sector caters to around 65% of family planning users. Private sector family planning was promoted in the Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan (DAFPAK) program by UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in 2019. We use data from DAFPAK to analyze the clientele and products distributed by two major NGOs, Marie Stopes Society (MSS) and DKT Pakistan, that support private providers in Pakistan. We also examined the effect of COVID-19 on client visits and contraceptives uptake at private facilities in Pakistan.

Methods

DAFPAK used field validation surveys to analyze the volume of clients and products of 639 private facilities across three provinces (Punjab, KPK and Balochistan) of Pakistan. The data was collected in two phases (February 2020 and 2021) using multi-stage cluster sampling at 95% confidence level. Using a generalized negative binomial regression, facility-level characteristics and impact of COVID-19 was analyzed with the volume of clients and products given out at 95% confidence interval alongside descriptive analysis.

Results

DKT facilities covered 53% of the sample while MSS covered 47%, with 72% facilities in the rural areas. Average facility existence duration is 87 months (7.25 years). While the average experience of the facility staff is 52 months (4.33 years). MSS is serving more clients as compared to DKT during both phase 1 (IRR: 3.15; 95% CI: 2.74, 3.61) and phase 2 (IRR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.79, 2.49). Similarly, MSS had a greater volume of products given out in both phases 1 (IRR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.51, 2.38) and phase 2 (IRR: 2.57; 95% CI: 2.09, 3.14). In both phases, client visits and product distribution decreased when client privacy is invaded (IRR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.82 – phase 1) and (IRR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.97 – phase 2). Lastly, during COVID-19, products distribution decreased by a factor of 0.84 (IRR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.97) but client visits remain unaffected.

Conclusion

Overall, clientele is low for all facilities. At a facility, privacy is a determinant of client visits and products given out per visit. Transiently, during COVID-19, client volumes decreased, with a shift from oral pills to condoms and emergency contraceptive pills.
Activation of TLR9 signaling suppresses the immunomodulating functions of CD55lo fibroblastic reticular cells during bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Jiang Ting , Li Yiming , Huang Xingping , Jayakumar Preethi , Billiar Timothy R. , Deng Meihong
Published: May 2024

Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) are a subpopulation of stromal cells modulating the immune environments in health and disease. We have previously shown that activation of TLR9 signaling in FRC in fat-associated lymphoid clusters (FALC) regulate peritoneal immunity via suppressing immune cell recruitment and peritoneal resident macrophage (PRM) retention. However, FRCs are heterogeneous across tissues and organs. The functions of each FRC subset and the regulation of TLR9 in distinct FRC subsets are unknown. Here, we confirmed that specific deletion of TLR9 in FRC improved bacterial clearance and survival during peritoneal infection. Furthermore, using single-cell RNA sequencing, we found two subsets of FRCs (CD55hi and CD55lo) in the mesenteric FALC. The CD55hi FRCs were enriched in gene expression related to extracellular matrix formation. The CD55lo FRCs were enriched in gene expression related to immune response. Interestingly, we found that TLR9 is dominantly expressed in the CD55lo subset. Activation of TLR9 signaling suppressed proliferation, cytokine production, and retinoid metabolism in the CD55lo FRC, but not CD55hi FRC. Notably, we found that adoptive transfer of Tlr9-/–CD55lo FRC from mesenteric FALC more effectively improved the survival during peritonitis compared with WT-FRC or Tlr9-/–CD55hi FRC. Furthermore, we identified CD55hi and CD55lo subsets in human adipose tissue-derived FRC and confirmed the suppressive effect of TLR9 on the proliferation and cytokine production in the CD55lo subset. Therefore, inhibition of TLR9 in the CD55lo FRCs from adipose tissue could be a useful strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of FRC-based therapy for peritonitis.
The predictive value of systemic immune-inflammation index for vascular access survival in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ren Song , Xv Chuan , Wang Dongqing , Xiao Yan , Yu Panpan , Tang Deying , Yang Juan , Meng Xianglong , Zhang Tao , Zhang Yaling , He Qiang , Li Quiang , Gallagher Martin , Feng Yunlin
Published: May 2024

Objective

To examine the prognostic values of systemic immune-inflammation indices of hemodialysis (HD) vascular access failure and develop a prediction model for vascular access failure based on the most pertinent systemic immune-inflammation index.

Study design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting & participants

Patients undergoing autogenous HD vascular access surgeries or arteriovenous graft as a permanent hemodialysis access in a tertiary center in southwest China from January 2020 to June 2022.

Predictors

Systemic immune-inflammation indices, including NLR, dNLR, AAPR, SIRI, SII, PNI, PLR, and LIPI, and clinical variables.

Outcomes

The outcome was defined as survival of the hemodialysis access, with both occluded and stenotic access being considered as instances of access failure.

Analytical approach

Cox proportional hazard regression model.

Results

2690 patients were included in the study population, of whom 658 experienced access failure during the follow-up period. The median duration of survival for HD vascular access was 18 months. The increased systemic immune-inflammation indices, including dNLR, NLR, SII, PNI, SIRI, PLR, and LIPI, are predictive of HD access failure, with SII demonstrating the strongest prognostic value. A simple SII-based prediction model for HD access failure was developed, achieving C-indexes of 0.6314 (95% CI: 0.6249 – 0.6589) and 0.6441 (95% CI: 0.6212 – 0.6670) for predicting 6- and 12-month access survival, respectively.

Conclusions

Systemic immune-inflammation indices are significantly and negatively associated with HD vascular access survival. A simple SII-based prediction model was developed and anticipates further improvement through larger study cohort and validation from diverse centers.
Seasonal human coronavirus humoral responses in AZD1222 (ChaAdOx1 nCoV-19) COVID-19 vaccinated adults reveal limited cross-immunity
Authors: Stanley Ann Marie , Aksyuk Anastasia A. , Wilkins Deidre , Green Justin A. , Lan Dongmei , Shoemaker Kathryn , Tieu Hong-Van , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E. , Falsey Ann R. , Kelly Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2024

Background

Immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now widespread; however, the degree of cross-immunity between SARS-CoV-2 and endemic, seasonal human coronaviruses (HCoVs) remains unclear.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV cross-immunity was evaluated in adult participants enrolled in a US sub-study in the phase III, randomized controlled trial (NCT04516746) of AZD1222 (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) primary-series vaccination for one-year. Anti-HCoV spike-binding antibodies against HCoV-229E, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-NL63 were evaluated in participants following study dosing and, in the AZD1222 group, after a non-study third-dose booster. Timing of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion (assessed via anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels) and incidence of COVID-19 were evaluated in those who received AZD1222 primary-series by baseline anti-HCoV titers.

Results

We evaluated 2,020/21,634 participants in the AZD1222 group and 1,007/10,816 in the placebo group. At the one-year data cutoff (March 11, 2022) mean duration of follow up was 230.9 (SD: 106.36, range: 1–325) and 94.3 (74.12, 1–321) days for participants in the AZD1222 (n = 1,940) and placebo (n = 962) groups, respectively. We observed little elevation in anti-HCoV humoral titers post study-dosing or post-boosting, nor evidence of waning over time. The occurrence and timing of SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion and incidence of COVID-19 were not largely impacted by baseline anti-HCoV titers.

Conclusion

We found limited evidence for cross-immunity between SARS-CoV-2 and HCoVs following AZD1222 primary series and booster vaccination. Susceptibility to future emergence of novel coronaviruses will likely persist despite a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunity in global populations.
Temporal variations of biological nitrogen fixation and diazotrophic communities associated with artificial seaweed farms
Authors: Pei Pengbing , Aslam Muhammad , Yang Chunyou , Ye Peilin , Ke Xiao , Liang Zhanhua , Li Tangcheng , Chen Weizhou , Du Hong
Published: May 2024

Diazotrophic communities contribute inorganic nitrogen for the primary productivity of the marine environment by biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). They play a vital role in the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen in the marine ecological environment. However, there is still an incomplete understanding of BNF and diazotrophs in artificial seaweed farms. Therefore, this study comprehensively investigated the temporal variations of BNF associated with Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis, as well as the diazotrophic communities associated with macroalgae and its surrounding seawater. Our results revealed that a total of 13 strains belonging to Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were identified as N2-fixing bacteria using azotobacter selective solid medium and nifH gene cloning. Subsequently, BNF and diazotrophic communities were characterized using the acetylene reduction method and high-throughput sequencing of the nifH gene, respectively. The results showed that nitrogenase activity and nifH gene abundance of epiphytic bacteria on G. lemaneiformis varied significantly among four different cultivation periods, i.e., Cultivation Jan. (CJ), Cultivation Feb. (CF), Cultivation Mar. (CM), Cultivation Apr. (CA). Among them, the nitrogenase activity and nifH gene abundance of epiphytic bacteria on G. lemaneiformis in CM were significantly higher than those in CJ, CF, and CA, indicating that the BNF of eiphytic bacteria on G. lemaneiformis was markedly enhanced. Combined with the data on environmental factors, it was found that the low concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in CM might considerably boost the BNF of epiphytic bacteria in G. lemaneiformis. The sequencing results of the nifH gene showed that the α-diversity of diazotrophic communities associated with G. lemaneiformis and seawater in CM was higher than that in other cultivation periods. In addition, the diazotrophic communities on G. lemaneiformis were significantly different in CJ, CF, CM, and CA, and they were significantly diverse from diazotrophic communities in seawater. LEfSe analysis indicated that Rhodobacterales, Hyphomonadaceae, Robiginitomaculum, and Robiginitomaculum antarcticum within α-proteobacteria played a remarkable role in BNF in response to nitrogen nutrient deficiency. Taken together, these results provide a unique insight into the interaction between macroalgae and its epiphytic bacteria and lay a foundation for further research on the mechanism of action of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms associated with macroalgae.
Performance improvement of set of worm gears used in soot blower through profile modification
Authors: Honkalas Rahul , Deshmukh Bhagyesh , Pawar Prabhakar , Salunkhe Sachin , Cep Robert , Abouel Nasr Emad
Published: May 2024

The present design of a set of worm gears used in a soot blower produced by a certain manufacturer has an efficiency of 68.8%. A soot blower is one of the most critical components in industrial applications for removing the large amounts of soot generated by boilers and is required to be operational 24×7. The energy consumption of the soot blower depends on its working efficiency and ultimately the design of its set of worm gears. This paper focuses mainly on the design and analysis of available industrial worm-gear sets used in soot blowers. The theoretical, experimental, and finite-element analysis approaches are validated for the stability of the worm gear set under typical input conditions. This paper also describes an analytical design of experiments (DOE) approach to identify the most significant factor for performance (efficiency) improvement and suggests some design improvements for the worm gear set using the profile modification approach. These ensure the efficiency improvement of the current industrial design of the set of worm gears used in a soot blower. The analytical DOE approach helped identify that the number of worm wheel teeth (Z2) and gear module (m) are the two most significant factors affecting performance. Accordingly, based on the improved design, the final efficiency increased from 68.8% to 74.6% (∼8.5% increment), resulting in lower power consumption during industrial application.
Random forest predictive modeling of prolonged hospital length of stay in elderly hip fracture patients
Authors: Liu Hao , Xing Fei , Jiang Jiabao , Chen Zhao , Xiang Zhou , Duan Xin
Published: May 2024

Background

In elderly individuals suffering from hip fractures, a prolonged hospital length of stay (PLOS) not only heightens the probability of patient complications but also amplifies mortality risks. Yet, most elderly hip fracture patients present compromised baseline health conditions. Additionally, PLOS leads to increased expenses for patient treatment and care, while also diminishing hospital turnover rates. This, in turn, jeopardizes the prompt allocation of beds for urgent cases.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out from October 2021 to November 2023 on 360 elderly hip fracture patients who underwent surgical treatment at West China Hospital. The 75th percentile of the total patient cohort’s hospital stay duration, which was 12 days, was used to define prolonged hospital length of stay (PLOS). The cohort was divided into training and testing datasets with a 70:30 split. A predictive model was developed using the random forest algorithm, and its performance was validated and compared with the Lasso regression model.

Results

Out of 360 patients, 103 (28.61%) experienced PLOS. A Random Forest classification model was developed using the training dataset, identifying 10 essential variables. The Random Forest model achieved perfect performance in the training set, with an area under the curve (AUC), balanced accuracy, Kappa value, and F1 score of 1.000. In the testing set, the model’s performance was assessed with an AUC of 0.846, balanced accuracy of 0.7294, Kappa value of 0.4325, and F1 score of 0.6061.

Conclusion

This study aims to develop a prognostic model for predicting delayed discharge in elderly patients with hip fractures, thereby improving the accuracy of predicting PLOS in this population. By utilizing machine learning models, clinicians can optimize the allocation of medical resources and devise effective rehabilitation strategies for geriatric hip fracture patients. Additionally, this method can potentially improve hospital bed turnover rates, providing latent benefits for the healthcare system.
Multi-year crop rotation and quicklime application promote stable peanut yield and high nutrient-use efficiency by regulating soil nutrient availability and bacterial/fungal community
Authors: Yang Liyu , Wang Caibin , He Xinhua , Liang Haiyan , Wu Qi , Sun Xuewu , Liu Miao , Shen Pu
Published: May 2024

Diversifying cultivation management, including different crop rotation patterns and soil amendment, are effective strategies for alleviating the obstacles of continuous cropping in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). However, the peanut yield enhancement effect and temporal changes in soil chemical properties and microbial activities in response to differential multi-year crop rotation patterns and soil amendment remain unclear. In the present study, a multi-year localization experiment with the consecutive application of five different cultivation managements (including rotation with different crops under the presence or absence of external quicklime as soil amendment) was conducted to investigate the dynamic changes in peanut nutrient uptake and yield status, soil chemical property, microbial community composition and function. Peanut continuous cropping led to a reduction in peanut yield, while green manure-peanut rotation and wheat-maize-peanut rotation increased peanut yield by 40.59 and 81.95%, respectively. A combination of quicklime application increased yield by a further 28.76 and 24.34%. Alterations in cultivation management also strongly affected the soil pH, nutrient content, and composition and function of the microbial community. The fungal community was more sensitive than the bacterial community to cultivation pattern shift. Variation in bacterial community was mainly attributed to soil organic carbon, pH and calcium content, while variation in fungal community was more closely related to soil phosphorus content. Wheat-maize-peanut rotation combined with quicklime application effectively modifies the soil acidification environment, improves the soil fertility, reshapes the composition of beneficial and harmful microbial communities, thereby improving soil health, promoting peanut development, and alleviating peanut continuous cropping obstacles. We concluded that wheat-maize-peanut rotation in combination with quicklime application was the effective practice to improve the soil fertility and change the composition of potentially beneficial and pathogenic microbial communities in the soil, which is strongly beneficial for building a healthy soil micro-ecology, promoting the growth and development of peanut, and reducing the harm caused by continuous cropping obstacles to peanut.
Genetic relatedness and virulence potential of Salmonella Schwarzengrund strains with or without an IncFIB-IncFIC(FII) fusion plasmid isolated from food and clinical sources
Authors: Felix Monique A. , Sopovski Danielle , Commichaux Seth , Yoskowitz Noah , Aljahdali Nesreen H. , Grim Christopher J. , Abbott Carter N. , Carlton Ashlyn , Han Jing , Sanad Yasser M. , Zhao Shaohua , Wang Xiong , Foley Steven L. , Khajanchi Bijay K.
Published: May 2024

A total of 55 food and clinical S. Schwarzengrund isolates were assayed for plasmid content, among which an IncFIB-IncFIC(FII) fusion plasmid, conferring streptomycin resistance, was detected in 17 isolates. Among the 17 isolates, 9 were food isolates primarily collected from poultry meat, and 8 clinical isolates collected from stool, urine, and gallbladder. SNP—based phylogenetic analyses showed that the isolates carrying the fusion plasmid formed a subclade indicating the plasmid was acquired and is now maintained by the lineage. Phylogenetic analysis of the plasmid suggested it is derived from avian pathogenic plasmids and might confer an adaptive advantage to the S. Schwarzengrund isolates within birds. IncFIB-IncFIC(FII) fusion plasmids from all food and three clinical isolates were self-conjugative and successfully transferred into E. coli J53 by conjugation. Food and clinical isolates had similar virulome profiles and were able to invade human Caco-2 cells. However, the IncFIB-IncFIC(FII) plasmid did not significantly add to their invasion and persistence potential in human Caco-2 cells.
The high-throughput solid-phase extraction of cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) and cis-cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro) from Lactobacillus plantarum demonstrates efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria and influenza A (H3N2) virus
Authors: Son Jaeyoung , Hong Yeonju , Seong Hyeri , Oh Yoon Sin , Kwak Min-Kyu
Published: May 2024

Introduction: 2,5-diketopiperazines are the simplest forms of cyclic dipeptides (CDPs) and have diverse frameworks with chiral side chains that are useful for drug development. Previous research has investigated the antimicrobial properties of proline-linked CDPs and their combinations in the culture filtrate (CF) of Lactobacillus plantarum LBP-K10 using anion exchange chromatography (AEC). However, the quantity of CDPs showcasing notable anti-influenza virus activity derived from AECs was generally lower than those originating from Lactobacillus CF.

Methods: To address this issue, the study aims to propose a more efficient method for isolating CDPs and to introduce the antiviral combinations of CDPs obtained using a new method. The study employed a novel technique entailing high-throughput C18-based solid-phase extraction with a methanol gradient (MeSPE). The MeSPE method involved increasing the methanol concentration from 5% to 50% in 5% increments.

Results: The methanol SPE fractions (MeSPEfs) eluted with methanol concentrations between 35% and 45% evinced substantial efficacy in inhibiting the influenza A/H3N2 virus via plaque-forming assay. MeSPEf-45, the 45% MeSPEf, exhibited exceptional efficacy in preventing viral infections in Madin-Darby kidney cells, surpassing both individual CDPs and the entire set of MeSPEfs. To identify the specific antiviral components of MeSPEf-45, all MeSPEfs were further fractionated through preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC). MeSPEf-45 fractions S8 and S11 presented the highest activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and influenza A/H3N2 virus among all MeSPEfs, with 11 common fractions. Antiviral fractions S8 and S11 were identified as proline-based CDPs, specifically cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) and cis-cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro), using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The combination of MeSPEf-45 fractions S8 and S11 displayed superior antibacterial and anti-influenza virus effects compared to the individual fractions S8 and S11.

Discussion: High-throughput MeSPE-derived MeSPEfs and subsequent HPLC-fractionated fractions presents an innovative approach to selectively purify large amounts of potent antimicrobial CDPs from bacterial CF. The findings also show the effectiveness of physiologically bioactive combinations that utilize fractions not containing CDP. This study provides the initial evidence demonstrating the antimicrobial properties of CDPs acquired through high-throughput SPE techniques.
Mutant dominant-negative rhodopsin∆I256 causes protein aggregates degraded via ERAD and prevents normal rhodopsin from proper membrane trafficking
Authors: Cao Bowen , Dahlen Johanna Valentina , Sen Merve , Beyer Tina , Leonhard Tobias , Kilger Ellen , Arango-Gonzalez Blanca , Ueffing Marius
Published: May 2024

Dominant mutations in the rhodopsin gene (Rho) contribute to 25% of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP), characterized by photoreceptor loss and progressive blindness. One such mutation, Rho∆I256, carries a 3-bp deletion, resulting in the loss of one of two isoleucines at codons 255 and 256. Our investigation, using recombinant expression in HEK293 and COS-7 cells, revealed that Rho∆I256, akin to the known adRP mutation RhoP23H, induces the formation of rhodopsin protein (RHO) aggregates at the perinuclear region. Co-expression of Rho∆I256 or RhoP23H with wild-type RhoWT, mimicking the heterozygous genotype of adRP patients, demonstrated the dominant-negative effect, as all isoforms were retained in perinuclear aggregates, impeding membrane trafficking. In retinal explants from WT mice, mislocalization of labeled adRP isoforms at the outer nuclear layer was observed. Further analysis revealed that RHO∆I256 aggregates are retained at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), undergo ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and colocalize with the AAA-ATPase escort chaperone valosin-containing protein (VCP). These aggregates are polyubiquitinated and partially colocalized with the 20S proteasome subunit beta-5 (PSMB5). Pharmacological inhibition of proteasome- or VCP activity increased RHO∆I256 aggregate size. In summary, RHO∆I256 exhibits dominant pathogenicity by sequestering normal RHOWT in ER aggregates, preventing its membrane trafficking and following the ERAD degradation.
Cortical grey matter volume differences in children with developmental coordination disorder compared to typically developing children
Authors: Malik Myrah , Weber Alexander , Lang Donna , Vanderwal Tamara , Zwicker Jill G.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The cause of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is unknown, but neuroimaging evidence suggests that DCD may be related to altered brain development. Children with DCD show less structural and functional connectivity compared to typically developing (TD) children, but few studies have examined cortical volume in children with DCD. The purpose of this study was to investigate cortical grey matter volume using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in children with DCD compared to TD children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was part of a larger randomized-controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02597751) that involved various MRI scans of children with/without DCD. This paper focuses on the anatomical scans, performing VBM of cortical grey matter volume in 30 children with DCD and 12 TD children. Preprocessing and VBM data analysis were conducted using the Computational Anatomy Tool Box-12 and a study-specific brain template. Differences between DCD and TD groups were assessed using a one-way ANOVA, controlling for total intracranial volume. Regression analyses examined if motor and/or attentional difficulties predicted grey matter volume. We used threshold-free cluster enhancement (5,000 permutations) and set an alpha level of 0.05. Due to the small sample size, we did not correct for multiple comparisons.

Results

Compared to the TD group, children with DCD had significantly greater grey matter in the left superior frontal gyrus. Lower motor scores (meaning greater impairment) were related to greater grey matter volume in left superior frontal gyrus, frontal pole, and right middle frontal gyrus. Greater grey matter volume was also significantly correlated with higher scores on the Conners 3 ADHD Index in the left superior frontal gyrus, superior parietal lobe, and precuneus. These results indicate that greater grey matter volume in these regions is associated with poorer motor and attentional skills.

Discussion

Greater grey matter volume in the left superior frontal gyrus in children with DCD may be a result of delayed or absent healthy cortical thinning, potentially due to altered synaptic pruning as seen in other neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings provide further support for the hypothesis that DCD is related to altered brain development.