bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Prohibitin 2-Hsp70A1A complex during Plasmodium falciparum invasion of erythrocytes as a novel approach towards vaccine candidacy
Authors: Singh Shailja , Marothia Manisha , Behl Ankita , Maurya Preeti , Saini Monika , Garg Swati , Kumari Geeta , Biswas Shreeja , Shoaib Rumaisha , Munjal Akshay , Anand Sakshi , Kahlon Amandeep , Upadhyay Prince , Gupta Pragya , Biswas Saurav , Goswami Bidhan , Bhowmick Ipshita , Pati Soumya , Shevtsov Maxim , Ramalingam Sivaprakash , Ranganathan Anand
Published: October 2023

Malaria parasite invade human erythrocytes in the merozoite stage that contribute towards the development of disease pathology. Invasion is mediated by multiple interactions between merozoite ligands and erythrocyte receptors. Here, we report a novel interaction of Plasmodium prohibitin ‘PfPHB2’ with human Hsp70A1A that plays a crucial role in mediating host-parasite interaction during merozoite invasion to RBCs. Using siRNA and glmS mediated approach, we show that loss of Hsp70A1A or PfPHB2 function blocks parasite growth owing to the inability of merozoites to invade erythrocytes. Antibodies targeting PfPHB2 or Hsp70A1A efficiently block parasite invasion in vitro that reiterate that PfPHB2 - Hsp70A1A complex facilitates merozoite invasion to new erythrocytes. Inhibition of recombinant PfPHB2 binding to RBCs in the presence of anti-PfPHB2/anti-Hsp70A1A antibodies, and patient sera from malaria infected individuals provide additional evidence for PfPHB2 participation in host–parasite interactions. Interestingly, PfPHB2 was found to generate a strong humoral response in malaria patients that illustrate the immunogenicity of this surface protein and its importance as vaccine candidate. Based on our results, we propose a novel attribute of Plasmodium PHB2 and anti-Hsp70A1A monoclonal antibody that can be combinedly used to design future approaches targeting PfPHB2-Hsp70A1A interaction in the parasite.
Predicting Future Global Temperature and Greenhouse Gas Emissions via LSTM Model
Authors: Hamdan Ahmad , Al-Salaymeh Ahmed , AlHamad Issah M. , Ikemba Samuel , Ewim Daniel Raphael Ejike
Published: October 2023

This work is executed to predict the variation in global temperature and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from climate change and global warming, taking into consideration the natural climate cycle. A mathematical model was developed using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model. Datasets of global temperature were collected from 800,000 BC to 1950 AD from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Furthermore, another dataset was obtained from The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) climate website. This contained records from 1880 to 2019 of global temperature and carbon dioxide levels. The numerical analysis and forecasting via the LSTM model revealed that the global temperature shows a trend of a sharp increase, reaching a temperature rise of 4.8°C by 2100. Moreover, carbon dioxide concentrations will continue to boom, attaining a value of 713 ppm in 2100. Also, the findings indicated that the RNN algorithm (LSTM model) provided higher accuracy and reliable forecasting results as the prediction outputs were closer to the international climate models and were found to be in good agreement.
Targeting G4 motifs of various stem cell makers with designed peptide for therapeutic applications
Authors: Kaur Sarvpreet , Kundu Nikita , Sharma Taniya , Shankaraswamy Jadala , Saxena Sarika
Published: October 2023

Noncanonical secondary structures formed by Guanine-rich DNA sequences fold into four-stranded structures called the G-quadruplexes (G4s). Targeting G-quadruplexes is considered an attractive approach toward drug intervention. Recently, we have identified and published G4 forming motifs in regulatory regions of different cancer stem cell markers (CD13, CD19, CD24 and CD38). Hence, in this study, a set of biophysical and biochemical techniques like Circular Dichroism (CD), UV-Thermal denaturation (UV-Tm) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were used to study the targeting of G4s of stem cell markers with designed short peptide (named as QW10). Our CD studies showed that G4 sequences of stem cell markers formed mixed G-quadruplexes in 100 mM Na+, 100mM K+ and 100 mM K+ + 40wt% PEG 200. On titrating these structures with an increasing concentration of QW10 peptide, we observed a significant decrease in CD intensity followed by the complete disappearance of G4 CD signatures confirming their destabilization not only in dilute conditions but also under cell-mimicking molecular crowding conditions. Our results for the UV-thermal melting showed a significant decrease in the Tm values which confirmed the significant destabilization of G4 structures into dimeric structures stabilized by stacking energies probably due to the intercalation of tryptophan present in QW10 peptide. Our electrophoretic mobility shift assay confirmed the destabilization of G4 structures. Fluorescence results showed the formation of high-affinity G4 complex-peptide complex with binding affinities in the micromolar (µM) range of 2µM to 8µM in different ionic conditions. First time, this study may give insight into the use of peptides as leads for the development of more potent and selective ligands to regulate the potential therapeutic applications of cancer stem cell markers.
The RODI mHealth app Insight: Machine Learning-Driven Identification of Digital Indicators for Neurodegenerative Disorder Detection
Authors: Giannopoulou Panagiota , Vrahatis Aristidis , Papalaskari Mary-Angela , Vlamos and Panagiotis
Published: October 2023

Neurocognitive Disorders (NCDs) pose a significant global health concern, and early detection is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes. In parallel, mobile health apps (mHealth apps) have emerged as a promising avenue for assisting individuals with cognitive deficits. Under this perspective, we pioneered the development of the RODI mHealth app, a unique method for detecting aligned with the criteria for NCDs using a series of brief tasks. We utilized the RODI app in a comprehensive study involving 182 individuals with NCD and healthy participants. The results were then processed through machine learning processes to identify underlying NCD patterns. We prioritize the tasks within RODI based on their alignment with the criteria for NCD's, thus acting as key digital indicators for the disorder. We achieve this by employing an ensemble strategy that leverages the feature importance mechanism from three contemporary classification algorithms. Our analysis revealed that tasks related to visual working memory were the most significant in distinguishing between healthy individuals and those with NCD. On the other hand, processes involving mental calculations, executive working memory, and recall were less influential in the detection process. Our study serves as a blueprint for future mHealth apps offering a guide for enhancing the detection of digital indicators for disorders and related conditions.
Biomechanical Behavior of All-On-4 Concept and Alternative Designs Under Different Occlusal Load Configurations for Completely Edentulous Mandible: A 3-D Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Şentürk Ayben , Akaltan Funda
Published: October 2023

Background
In edentulous patients, the number of implants, the area where the implant will be placed, the presence and length of the cantilever in the prosthesis and the occlusion type can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the All-on-4 design and 4 alternative implant-supported fixed prosthesis designs on stress distribution in implants, peri-implant bone, and prosthetic framework in the edentulous mandible under different loading conditions using three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D-FEA).
Methods
Five different experimental finite element models (Model A (unsplinted 6), Model B (splinted 6), Model C (All-on-4), Model D (axial; 2 anterior, 2 posterior), Model E (4 interforaminal) were created. Porcelain substructure, Co-Cr framework, titanium abutments and implants were modeled, and three different loading conditions were applied (canine loading, unilateral I-loading, unilateral II-loading). The highest minimum (Pmin) and the maximum (Pmax) principal stress values were acquired for cortical and trabecular bones; the highest von Mises (mvM) stress values were obtained for implants and metal frameworks.
Results
Model B and Model D showed the most favorable stress distribution. The All-on-4 design (Model C) also showed acceptable stress values close to Model B and Model D in the cortical and trabecular bone. The lowest stress values measured in the implants and Co-Cr framework in Model B and Model D, in accordance with the stress values in the bone structure. The highest stress values in all structures were measured for the unilateral loading- II, while the lowest values were found for canine loading. The use of angled (30º) implants did not affect the stress values as much as the length of the cantilever, splinting and configuration of the occlusal load.
Conclusion
It was concluded that Model B and Model D experimental models showed better biomechanical performance in the implant, peri-implant bone, and prosthetic framework. Furthermore, the use of splinted framework, avoiding the cantilevers, results in lower stress transmission. On the other hand, canine loading and unilateral loading-I exhibited the best loading conditions. Although the forces on the cantilever region were attenuated in unilateral loading-II, it generated considerably higher stress distribution.
Intraoperative ultrasound combined with MRI for evaluating float back and enlargement of the spinal cord after cervical laminoplasty in the management of degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Li Jiachun , Chen Zhenxiang , Liu Hanzhong , Huang Shenghui , Cui Peng , Wan Junming , Wei Fuxin , Liu Wenfen
Published: October 2023

Background Spinal cord floating and enlargement can develop after cervical laminectomy and laminoplasty, it determines whether completely decompress the cord. To assess the relationship between immediate float back and enlargement of the spinal cord after decompression and subsequent recovery of spinal cord function. Methods The parameters associated with float back and enlargement of the spinal cord in Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) and preoperative MRI were investigated. Spinal cord function recovery was also investigated as measured by the mJOA score at the one-year follow-up. Results The average preoperative mJOA score was 10.24 ± 2.59, the postoperative mJOA score was 14.51 ± 2.32, and improvements in mJOA score were achieved with an average recovery rate of 64.29%±27.70%. The immediate float back distance after decompression (1.01 ± 0.49 mm) was positively correlated with the one-year follow-up mJOA score (P < 0.01, r = 0.68) and the recovery rate of the mJOA score (P < 0.01, r = 0.72). The immediate enlargement of the spinal cord (1.39 ± 0.84 mm) was positively correlated with the one-year follow-up mJOA score (P < 0.01, r = 0.64) and the recovery rate of the mJOA score (P < 0.01, r = 0.71). Immediate enlargement of the front side of the spinal cord (1.39 ± 0.59 mm) was positively correlated with the one-year follow-up mJOA score (P < 0.01, r = 0.74) and the recovery rate of the mJOA score (P < 0.01, r = 0.73). Interestingly, only enlargement of the front side of the spinal cord was positively correlated with the preoperative mJOA score (P < 0.05, r = 0.36). Conclusions The extent of immediate spinal cord float back, and enlargement after decompression in French-door cervical laminoplasty can be evaluated using preoperative MRI combined with IOUS, and these indications help predict the clinical outcome after French-door expansive laminoplasty.
Treatment Burden and Regimen Fatigue Among Patients with HIV and Diabetes Attending ART and Diabetic Clinics of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Muhammed Oumer Sada , Hassen Minimize , Taye Melaku , Beyene Eyob , Bedru Beshir , Tileku Melaku
Published: October 2023

Nascent studies showed that patients with chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes mellitus (DM) and HIV/AIDS are highly vulnerable to face both treatment burden and regimen fatigue. However, attempt made so far on this sphere in sub-Saharan African health care context is dearth. Thus, this study aimed to assess patients’ and health care workers’ propositions on how to decrease treatment burden and regimen fatigue among HIV and diabetes patients attending the ART and DM clinics of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). An explanatory sequential mixed methods study was conducted at the adult HIV and DM clinics of TASH, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from February 01-March 30, 2022. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select participants for quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. Descriptive analysis was done to summarize the quantitative data. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of treatment burden and regimen fatigue, respectively. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data was analyzed by using a thematic analysis. A total of 300 patients (200 diabetes and 100 HIV) were included in the quantitative study. For the qualitative study, 14 patients and 10 health care workers (six nurses and four medical doctors) were included. Participants mean global Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) and Treatment Regimen Fatigue Scale (TRFS) score were 28.86 ± 22.13 and − 42.82 ± 17.45, respectively. Roughly, 12% patients experienced high treatment burden. The presence of two or more comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 7.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59–39.08), daily ingestion of more than five prescribed medications (AOR = 6.81, 95%CI: 1.59–29.14), and good knowledge about DM and/or HIV (AOR = 0.33, 95%CI: 0.12–0.92) were predictors of treatment burden. Poor availability of medications (β = 0.951, p < 0.001) was the only predictor of regimen fatigue. Patients and health care workers primarily proposed to foster self-care efficacy, advance administrative services of the clinic and hospital, and improve healthcare system provision. The findings of this study unveiled that considerable proportion of patients experienced low levels of treatment burden and regimen fatigue. This study showed that boosting the patients’ self-care efficacy, upgrading administrative services of the clinic and hospital, and promoting the healthcare system provision had enormous significance to reduce treatment burden and regimen fatigue. Therefore, when designing patient specific healthcare interventions for both HIV and diabetic patients’ various factors affecting both treatment burden and regimen fatigue should be taken into account.
Research on Water Environmental Indicators Prediction Method Based on EEMD Decomposition with CNN-BiLSTM
Authors: Wang Zhaohua , Duan Longzhen , Shuai Dongsheng , Qiu Taorong
Published: October 2023

Water resources protection is related to the development of the social economy,and the monitoring and prediction of water environmental indicators have important practical significance.In view of the seasonality,periodicity,uncertainty,and nonlinear characteristics of water quality indicators data,traditional prediction models have poor performance.So this paper proposes a hybrid water quality index prediction model based on Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD),combined with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM).Carry out experiments to predict dissolved oxygen based on the water quality monitoring indicators of the Liaohe National Control Sanhongcun Village station in Yichun City. The results show that the model proposed in this paper improves the $R^2$ index by 5\%, 7\%, 5\%, and 2\% compared to the suboptimal model in the 4-hour, 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day index predictions, respectively.
Optimizing Prediction of Bolt Support Drilling Pressure: A Hybrid Algorithm Approach to Screen Gaussian Process Time Series Regression Parameters
Authors: Liu Jie
Published: October 2023

The unpredictability of drilling pressure in bolt support systems has emerged as a significant constraint on support efficiency. Current research gaps exist in the field of machine learning for pre-drilling pressure prediction in bolt support and the selection method for key parameters (kernel function and historical points) in Gaussian processes. This study proposes a novel prediction method for bolt support drilling pressure, leveraging hybrid optimization algorithms to identify the key parameters in Gaussian process time series regression. Initially, the Gaussian process time series regression algorithm is modeled. Through data computation and simulation, it is observed that employing the Gaussian process time series algorithm for predicting the drilling pressure of bolt support results in substantial variation in the outcomes when different combinations of kernel functions and historical points are used. Therefore, it is essential to identify the optimal kernel function and the most suitable number of historical points before utilizing the Gaussian process time series algorithm for predicting drilling pressure. Subsequently, three hybrid optimization algorithms (GA-GPR, PSO-GPR, and ACA-GPR) are employed to iteratively optimize the two key parameters (kernel function and historical points) in Gaussian process time series regression. Among these, the PSO-GPR algorithm proves to be the most effective for identifying the kernel function and historical points of the key parameters in the Gaussian process time series algorithm when applied to the prediction of drilling pressure in bolt support. Remarkably, even with a small sample size and a limited number of iterations, PSO-GPR achieves 80% accuracy while reducing time consumption by 60%. Finally, a prediction system for drilling pressure in underground bolt support is established. The algorithm's generalization capability is verified through the prediction of actual drilling pressure. Thus, this study provides a robust and efficient method for predicting drilling pressure in bolt support systems, potentially enhancing support efficiency significantly.
From Silica Leachate of Laterite Nickel Ore to Silicate Cathode Material: Preparation of Li2MnSiO4/C as Lithium- ion Battery Cathode Material by Two -Stage Roasting Method
Authors: Hou Zenglei , Chang Longjiao , Cai Kedi , Bi Xiaolong , Yang Wei , Wei Anlu , Yang Ruifen
Published: October 2023

To solve the world's environmental protection problems, new energy production methods and batteries with excellent energy storage efficiency are effective measures. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) occupy an important position in energy storage batteries, and their positive electrode materials are the focus of LIBs research and development. In this paper, by controlling different reaction conditions, spherical silica powders with smaller particle size (200 nm), better sphericity and superior performance were prepared from sodium silicate filtrate produced during the alkaline hydrothermal reaction of laterite nickel ore. Then, the optimum synthesis conditions of Li2MnSiO4/C cathode material were investigated by using the prepared silica powder as raw material by two-stage roasting method. The diffraction peak of the obtained sample is sharp, the degree of crystallization is good, and the diffraction peak of other substances is not found in the spectrum, indicating that the prepared Li2MnSiO4/C cathode material has high purity, and the stable capacity at 1 C current density is maintained at 110mAh/g, which is greatly improved compared with the ordinary Li2MnSiO4 (60 mAh/g). The cyclic charge-discharge curves of the material are similar, which also indicates that the material has good structural stability. The synthesis of Li2MnSiO4/C cathode material using laterite nickel ore filtrate as raw material is conducive to further compression of the preparation cost of lithium battery materials, and is also conducive to the full utilization of mineral resources. It is a new idea to combine upstream minerals with midstream materials, and provides a good structural support for energy structure and energy security.
Genomic landscape reveals evolutionary footprints of adaptability in Indian hill cattle
Authors: Ahmad S.F. , Aarif Ovais , Kumar Amit , Gaur Gyanendra Kumar , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Shanaz Syed , Pampori Zahoor A , Ganai Nazir A , Dutt Triveni
Published: October 2023

The present study is aimed to assess the population structure of hill cattle and analyze the genomic footprints of selection and adaptation. The population structure and signatures of selection were analyzed in hill cattle in comparison to Indian milch, non-milch and exotic cattle populations, using Illumina high-density genotyping data. The present study used high-density SNP genotyping data generated on Illumina BovineHD SNP BeadChip on a total of 299 individuals representing 14 bovine populations across three groups i.e., Hill cattle (Ladakhi and Siri), Indian milch cattle (Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar), Indian non-milch cattle (Hariana, Hallikar, Kankrej, Ongole, and Vecheur) and exotic group (Holstein-Friesian, Jersey, Brown Swiss and Guernsey). The grouping of populations was based on utility, inheritance and characteristics related to the terrain of breeding tract. The final merged dataset included coverage on 4,68,671 common autosomal SNP markers after quality pruning using different thresholds. The population structure was assessed using principal component analysis and maximum likelihood-based TreeMix analysis while twin methods (iHS, and XP-EHH) were used to scan the whole genome for haplotype homozygosity statistics. Multiple chromosomes were observed to harbour SNPs under selective sweeps in different comparisons. TRIM44, SLC5A12, MYO1D and NAPB were important genes that showed overlap with SNP markers whose frequency was significantly different than overall hill cattle genome under selection. Various genes were found as part of selection footprints along multiple comparisons including U6, ADGRL3, RELN, DAP3, STO1, DNAJA2. A functional analysis of the genes harbouring SNPs under evolutionary pressure (as part of selection sweeps) was undertaken to gain deeper insights into the biological relevance of selection footprints. The genes as part of selection sweeps were mainly involved in important adaptation traits including cell-cell signalling, neuronal development, mitochondrial functioning, hyaluronidase functioning, ion-channel transport of solute and nutrients, and response to reactive oxygen species and other stressors. The present study provides detailed insights into the genomic landscape changes that are result of adaptation of hill cattle to agro-climatic conditions under which they are reared.
Targeting KCa3.1 channels to overcome erlotinib resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Todesca Luca Matteo , Gerke Matthias , Bulk Emma Etmar , Bachmann Magdalena , Rudersdorf Alisa , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Pillozzi Serena , Düfer Martina , Szabò Ildikò , Schwab Albrecht
Published: October 2023

Almost all non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients initially responding to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) develop acquired resistance. Since KCa3.1 channels, expressed in mitochondria and plasma membrane, regulate similar behavioral traits of NSCLC cells as EGFR, we hypothesized that their blockade contributes to overcoming EGFR-TKI resistance. Meta-analysis of microarray data revealed that KCa3.1 channel expression in erlotinib-resistant NSCLC cells correlates with that of genes of integrin and apoptosis pathways. Using erlotinib-sensitive and –resistant NSCLC cells we monitored the role of mitochondrial KCa3.1 channels in integrin signaling by studying cell-matrix adhesion with single-cell force spectroscopy. Apoptosis was quantified with fluorescence-based assays. The function of mitochondrial KCa3.1 channels in these processes was assessed by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential and by quantifying ROS production. Functional assays were supplemented by biochemical analyses. We show that KCa3.1 channel inhibition with senicapoc in erlotinib-resistant NSCLC cells increases cell adhesion by increasing β1-integrin expression, that in turn depends on mitochondrial ROS release. Increased adhesion impairs migration of NSCLC cells in a 3D matrix. At the same time, the senicapoc-dependent ROS production induces cytochrome C release and triggers apoptosis of erlotinib-resistant NSCLC cells. Thus, KCa3.1 channel blockade overcomes EGFR-TKI resistance by inhibiting NSCLC motility and inducing apoptosis.
A mixed infection of ITPase-encoding potyvirid and secovirid in Mercurialis perennis: evidences for a convergent euphorbia-specific viral counterstrike
Authors: Mahillon Mathieu , Brodard Justine , Dubuis Nathalie , Gugerli Paul , Blouin Arnaud G. , Schumpp Olivier
Published: October 2023

Background: In cellular organisms, inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatases (ITPases) prevent the incorporation of mutagenic deaminated purines into nucleic acids. These enzymes have also been detected in the genomes of several plant RNA viruses infecting two euphorbia species. In particular, two ipomoviruses produce replicase-associated ITPases to cope with high concentration of non-canonical nucleotides found in cassava tissues.
Method: Using high-throughput RNA sequencing on the wild euphorbia species Mercurialis perennis, two new members of the families Potyviridae and Secoviridaewere identified. Both viruses encode for a putative ITPase, and were found in mixed infection with a new partitivirid. Following biological and genomic characterization of these viruses, the origin and function of the newly-identified phytoviral ITPases were investigated.
Results: While the potyvirid was shown to be pathogenic, the secovirid and partitivirid could not be transmitted. The secovirid was found belonging to a proposed new Comovirinaegenus tentatively named "Mercomovirus", which also accommodates other viruses identified through transcriptome mining, and for which an asymptomatic pollen-associated lifestyle is suspected.
Homology and phylogenetic analyses inferred that the ITPases encoded by the potyvirid and secovirid were likely acquired through independent horizontal gene transfer events, forming lineages distinct from the enzymes found in cassava ipomoviruses. Possible origins from cellular organisms are discussed for these proteins.
Strikingly, the endogenous ITPase of M. perennis is predicted to encode for a C-terminal nuclear localization signal, which appears to be conserved among the ITPases of euphorbias but absent in other plant families. This particular subcellular localization is in line with the idea that the plant nucleic acids remain protected in the nucleus, while deaminated nucleotides accumulate in the cytoplasm where they act as antiviral molecules.
Conclusion: Three new RNA viruses infecting M. perennis are described, two of which encoding for ITPases. These enzymes have distinct origins, and are likely required by viruses to circumvent high level of cytoplasmic non-canonical nucleotides. This putative plant defense mechanism has emerged early in the evolution of euphorbias, and seems to specifically target certain groups of RNA viruses infecting perennial hosts.
Use of discarded corneo-scleral rims to re-create cornea-like tissue
Authors: Sharma Maryada , Kaur Subhpreet , Gupta Parul Chawla , Saikia Uma Nahar , Ram Jagat , Guptasarma Purnananda , Luthra-Guptasarma Manni
Published: October 2023

Background: Corneal disease is a major cause of blindness. Transplantation of cadaver-derived corneas (keratoplasty) is still the current therapy of choice; however, the severe global shortage of donor corneas continues to drive a search for alternatives. To this end, biosynthetic corneal substitutes have recently begun to gain importance. However, the less-than-satisfactory biomechanical properties of such bioengineered corneal substitutes have precluded their use in clinics. Here, we present a novel method for the generation of a cornea-like tissue (CLT), using corneo-scleral rims discarded after keratoplasty.
Methods and Results: Type I collagen was polymerized within the corneo-scleral rim, which functioned as a ‘host’ mould, directing the ‘guest’ collagen to polymerize into disc-shaped cornea-like material (CLM), displaying the shape, curvature, thickness, and transparency of normal cornea. This polymerization of collagen appears to derive from some morphogenetic influence exerted by the corneo-scleral rim. Once the CLM had formed naturally, we used collagen crosslinking to fortify it, and then introduced cells to generate a stratified epithelial layer to create cornea-like tissue (CLT) displaying characteristics of native cornea. Through the excision and reuse of rims, each rim turned out to be useful for the generation of multiple cornea-shaped CLTs.
Conclusions: The approach effectively helps to shorten the gap between demand and supply of CLMs/CLTs for transplantation. We are exploring the surgical transplantation of this CLT into animal eyes, as keratoprostheses, as a precursor to future applications involving human eyes. It is possible to use either the CLM or CLT, for patients with varying corneal blinding diseases.
Antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of magnesium oxide coating prepared on micro-arc oxidized titanium by electrophoretic deposition
Authors: Fan Xinli , Du Jiaheng , Li Yaohua , Xiao Dongqin , Yan Jiyuan , He Kui , Li Zhong , Duan Ke , Liu Gangli
Published: October 2023

Titanium (Ti) dental implants face risks of early failure due to bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. It is thus necessary to endow the implant surface with antibacterial ability. In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) coatings were prepared on Ti by combining micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The MgO nanoparticles homogeneously deposited on the microporous surface of MAO-treated Ti, yielding increasing coverage with the EPD time increased to 15 to 60 s. After co-culture with Porphyromonas gingivalis for 24 h and 72 h, the coatings produced antibacterial rates of 4–53% and 39–79%, respectively. Electron and fluorescence microscopies revealed that, both the density of adherent bacterial adhesion on the surface and the proportion of viable bacteria decreased with the EPD time. The morphology of cells on the surface of each group was intact and there was no significant difference among the groups. These results show that, the MgO coatings deposited on MAO-treated Ti by EPD had reasonably good in vitro antibacterial properties and cytocompatibility.
Intrathoracic “Ribbon” Associated with Echinococcosis
Authors: Xiang Zhenying , Cao Tingting , Zhou Jianfeng , Yang YuShang , Yuan Yong
Published: October 2023

Background
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an endemic parasitic zoonosis in China. In most cases, the liver is the primary organ affected.
Case presentation
A 26-year-old man with a 2-week history of cough, mucous sputum, and fever was examined. Absent breath sounds were noted on the left side, while the right side was normal. The patient had a history of raw meat consumption. Blood tests showed a slight increase in white blood cell count and a significant elevation in eosinophil percentage. CT revealed left lung atelectasis and hydropneumothorax. A ribbon-like lesion was seen in the pleural fluid. Bronchoscopy showed no abnormalities. Parasite screening was positive for anti-Echinococcus granulosus IgG antibody. Clinical diagnosis of pulmonary echinococcosis was confirmed, and albendazole was administered. Surgery revealed features consistent with pulmonary cystic echinococcosis. A large inner cyst was removed from the chest. Left total pneumonectomy, decortication, and treatment of bronchopleural fistula were performed. A chest tube was inserted for postoperative drainage. Pathological findings confirmed pulmonary cystic echinococcosis. The patient continued albendazole treatment post-surgery and had an uneventful recovery, remaining symptom-free at follow-up.
Conclusions
We report a rare case of spontaneous intrathoracic rupture of pulmonary hydatid cyst with a distinctive "ribbon-like" appearance on CT. Successful surgical excision confirmed pulmonary hydatid cysts. This emphasizes the need for imaging in unexplained coughs and supports surgical excision as crucial for symptomatic pulmonary hydatid cysts patients.
MGMT promoter methylation in 1p19q-intact gliomas
Authors: Kinslow Connor , Siegelin Markus D. , Iwamoto Fabio M. , Gallitto Matthew , Neugut Alfred I. , Yu James B. , Cheng Simon K. , Wang Tony J. C.
Published: October 2023

Objective
Standard-of-care for 1p19q-intact anaplastic gliomas is defined by the international randomized phase III CATNON trial, which found an overall survival (OS) benefit for adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) when added to radiotherapy. Paradoxically, TMZ did not appear to benefit patients with IDH-wildtype gliomas, regardless of MGMT promoter status. The authors concluded that well-powered prospective study on the clinical efficacy of TMZ for patients with IDH-wildtype anaplastic gliomas (meeting criteria for glioblastoma) is warranted. Given that the prognostic and predictive role of MGMT status for grade 2–3 gliomas is unresolved, we determined the effect of MGMT status on OS in patients with 1p19q-intact gliomas in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).
Methods
We queried the NCDB from 2018–2019 for patients with IDH-wildtype or -mutant astrocytomas who received chemotherapy with follow-up through 2022. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regressions models were used to determine the association of MGMT with OS.
Results
We identified 1,514 patients who were newly diagnosed with IDH-wildtype (n = 802, 33% methylated) or -mutant astrocytomas (n = 712, 48% methylated) and received chemotherapy during initial management. An unmethylated promoter was associated with poorer survival in patients with IDH-wildtype (3-year OS 34% [95%CI 29–39%] vs. 46% [95%CI 39–54%], p < .001, adjusted HR 1.53 [95%CI 1.24–1.89]) but not IDH-mutant astrocytomas (3-year OS 79% [95%CI 74–84%] vs. 80% [95%CI 75–86%], p = .81, HR 1.04 [95%CI 0.73–1.50]).
Conclusions
This ancillary analysis supports adjuvant TMZ as standard-of-care for anaplastic astrocytomas (IDH-mutant and 1p19q-intact), irrespective of MGMT status. Determining the optimal strategy for diffuse gliomas that are IDH-wildtype will be particularly important. MGMT promoter methylation should be considered as a stratification factor in future clinical trials for these patients.
The Hepatorenal protective potential of caffeic acid consumption on the Arsenic-exposed Syrian mice
Authors: Chekneh Fahimeh , Azadi Hamideh Ghodrati , Baghshani Hasan , Moosavi Zahra
Published: October 2023

Background
Arsenic can induce lethal hepatorenal insufficiency by inducing progressive cytotoxicity in the two main body’s hemostatic regulators, the kidney and liver. In the current study, the hepatorenal protective impact of Caffeic acid was investigated in Arsenic-exposed Syrian mice.
Methods
24 male Syrian mice (30 \(\pm\)8 g) were provided and randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 receiving Nothing, Arsenic, Arsenic & caffeic, and caffeic acid. The mice passed the 21-day treatment program. The mice's blood was collected and analyzed by measuring the serum ALT/AST enzymes and Creatinine/Urea levels, respectively. Finally, the histopathological properties in both the kidney and liver organs of the mice were studied.
Results
Arsenic Administration significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), LDH, urea, and creatinine concentrations (p < 0.05). Simultaneous administration of caffeic acid with arsenic decreased the serum AST and creatinine (p < 0.05). Moreover, the renal glomerulus and liver regeneration in the mice receiving caffeic acid supplements exhibited the caffeic acid hepatorenal protective potential.
Conclusion
The histopathological changes caused by arsenic in the mice's liver and kidney tissue including degeneration, necrosis, hyperemia, and tissue hypotrophy were shifted to normal conditions following the Caffeic acid administration dose, which was verified by the mice blood biochemical analysis results.
Association between Morphological Characteristics of Meckel’s Cave and Outcomes after Percutaneous Balloon Compression for Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Li Shuo , Liao Chenlong , Wu Yiwei , Yang Xiaosheng , Zhang Wenchuan
Published: October 2023

The association between morphological characteristics of Meckel’s cave (MC) and percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) outcomes in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) is still unknown. In this study, a total of 111 patients with PTN who were treated with PBC from January 2019 to February 2023 were included. The affected-sided MCs were modelled using 3D Slicer software, and morphological characteristics were extracted and quantified through the radiomics method. Pain outcomes and post-PBC facial numbness were assessed by an independent surgeon using Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain and numbness grades. Among the 111 patients who underwent PBC, 102 patients (91.9%) experienced significant pain relief at discharge. During the follow-up period, 26 patients (25.5%) experienced a recurrence of pain. Three shape (flatness, elongation, and sphericity) and four size characteristics (major axis length, surface area, volume, and surface volume ratio) were significantly different between patients with favorable and poor outcomes. However, only flatness and volume were finally retained in the multivariable logistic model and found to be predictive of pain outcomes. The areas under the curve of volume, flatness, and their combination for predicting poor outcomes were 0.729, 0.906, and 0.946, respectively. Additionally, 63 patients (56.8%) experienced severe facial numbness after PBC, and small and flat MCs were identified as risk factors for post-PBC severe facial numbness. Further research is required to determine the optimal pressure and duration of balloon compression based on the specific morphological characteristics of MCs in different patient populations.
Prediction of total phosphorus in reservoir cascade systems
Authors: Goes Marianna Correia Aragão , Barros Mário Ubirajara Gonçalves , Neto Iran Eduardo Lima
Published: October 2023

Reservoir cascades have attracted the attention of scientists worldwide. The present study investigates the cascade of five reservoirs (R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5) along a 192 km water channel system located in the State of Ceará, in the Brazilian semiarid region. This cascade system was implemented in 2012 to promote water availability and security to the capital of Ceará and the strategic industry and port complex of the region. However, these reservoirs have faced a progressive degradation of water quality, which has resulted in intense eutrophication and high water treatment costs. The study evaluates the dynamics of water quality from 2013 to 2021 along this reservoir cascade (from R1 to R5). The results revealed that water quality did not improve along the cascade system, differently from previous studies on reservoirs interconnected by natural rivers. This was attributed to the low water residence time and low capacity of pollutant removal along the man-made water channel system, as well as to the high internal phosphorus loads of the reservoirs. Multiple regression models involving the explanatory variables of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, cyanobacteria, transparency, rainfall and volume from upstream reservoirs were obtained to determine total phosphorus concentration in downstream reservoirs, considering different combinations of reservoir pairs in the cascade and different time delays. A clear trend of R2 decline with the distance between the upstream and downstream reservoirs was observed. For example, the R2-values for the correlations adjusted between R1 and R2 (48 km), R1 and R3 (172 km), R1 and R4 (178 km), and R1 and R5 (192 km) were 0.66, 0.32, 0.22, and 0.12, respectively. On the other hand, the adoption of time delays of the order of the cumulative residence times of the reservoirs promoted a significant improvement in the R2-values. For instance, the best correlation adjusted between R1 and R5 improved from R2 = 0.12 to 0.69 by considering a time delay of 21 months. This suggests that previous data from upstream reservoirs can be used to predict current and future total phosphorus concentration in downstream reservoirs. The results from this study are important to better understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of water quality in reservoir cascade systems and thus improve water resources management, especially in drylands.
Toxicity Study of Textile Materials from Natural and Synthetic Polymers Using Bioassay Techniques: Sperm Motility Inhibition Test and Daphnia magna Acute Immobility Test
Authors: Pekhtasheva Elena , Mastalygina Elena , Leonova Irina , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Palaniappan Murugesan
Published: October 2023

Toxic characterization of textiles in relation to human health hazards is a challenging issue. 11 textile materials were tested by two methods for assessing toxicity of textile materials: sperm motility inhibition test (with bull spermatozoa) and Daphnia magna acute immobility test (with Daphnia magna Straus). The paper provides a comparative analysis of the advantages of each method for determining toxicity. It was proved that the toxicity assessment of textiles’ extracts based on the immobilisation of daphnids was characterized by comparable sensitivity and more simplicity of execution than the toxicity test by means of bull semen. It was shown that the presence of dyes and synthetic fibres had a major impact on the textiles’ toxicity. The aqueous extracts from uniformly dyed textiles were characterized by higher level of toxicity compared to the non-dyed ones (a toxicity index by motility inhibition test was 37–62%, an acute immobility parameter by D.magna test – 100% with reference to the control uncontaminated media).
Status of alternative angiogenic pathways in glioblastoma resected under and after bevacizumab treatment
Authors: Tanaka Toshihide , Tamura Ryota , Yamamoto Yohei , Takei Jun , Morimoto Yukina , Imai Ryotaro , Kuranai Yuki , Akasaki Yasuharu , Toda Masahiro , Murayama Yuichi , Miyake Keisuke , Sasaki Hikaru
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Glioblastoma acquires resistance to Bevacizumab (Bev) treatment. Bev effects on angiogenic factors other than vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are poorly understood; therefore, we investigated changes in various angiogenic factors in glioblastoma under and after Bev therapy, including angiopoietin 1, angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2), placental growth factor (PLGF), fibroblast growth factor 2, and Ephrin A2 (EFNA2).
Methods: Fifty-four glioblastoma tissues were analyzed, including 28 specimens from 14 cases as ‘paired specimens from the same patient’ obtained in three settings: initial tumor resection (naïve Bev), tumors resected following Bev therapy (effective Bev), and recurrent tumors after Bev therapy (refractory Bev). Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate angiogenic factor expression in tumor vessels and their association with recurrent MRI patterns.
Results: PLGF expression was significantly higher in the effective Bev group than in the naïve Bev group (p = 0.024) and remained high in the refractoryBev group. ANGPT2 and EFNA2 levels were higher in the refractory Bev group than in the naïveBev group (p = 0.047 and 0.028, respectively). Notably, PLGF expression was higher in the refractory Bev group compared with the naïve Bev group for paired specimens (p = 0.036). PLGF was more abundant in T2 diffuse/circumscribe MRI patterns (p = 0.046).
Conclusion: This is the first comparative study to evaluate angiogenic factors other than VEGF during effective and refractory Bev therapy in patient-derived glioblastoma specimens. Alternative angiogenesis pathways may be concertedly involved in the resistance, which will inform optimization and development of novel therapeutics for improvedBevtherapy.
Wavelet transform analysis reveals differences between patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function and healthy individuals
Authors: Gruszecki Marcin , Kaufmann Damian , Świątczak Michał , Młodziński Krzysztof , Neary J. Patrick , Singh Jyotpal , Rumiński Jacek , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła
Published: October 2023

Despite continuous progress in medical treatment, heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalizations. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below 50% are characterized by the highest risk of cardiovascular complications. The objective of this study was to examine how LVEF below 50% and aging impact cardiovascular physiology. Sixteen males with physician diagnosed coronary artery disease and LVEF = 42 ± 6% (age 62 ± 6 years, BMI 29.1 ± 3.8kg/m2) and 10 healthy controls (9 male and 1 female, age 28.5 ± 9.1 years, BMI = 24.1 ± 1.2kg/m2) were recruited in our study. Finger photoplethysmography for blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded while participants rested in a supine position. Wavelet transformations were used to analyze the amplitudes, phase coherence and phase difference of BP and ECG. The frequency intervals were separated as follows: I (0.6-2Hz), II (0.145–0.6Hz), III (0.052–0.145Hz), and IV (0.021–0.052Hz). HF patients showed a decrease (p < 0.05) in BP wavelet amplitude intervals III and IV in comparison to controls, and interval I for ECG. A decrease in phase coherence (p < 0.01) at interval I is also found in HF patients compared to controls. A decrease in smooth muscle cell activity and smooth muscle autonomic innervation (intervals III and IV) contributions to BP, along with a decrease in cardiac activity as shown by the wavelet amplitude in ECG, suggests altered BP and ECG function in aging HF patients. Furthermore, a decrease in the cardiac interval represents an impairment in the BP and ECG relationship in HF patients. The wavelet transform has the potential to expand our understanding of LVEF and improve diagnostic procedures and patient prognosis.
Digital Lobbying: How Digital Transformation and Social Networks affect lobbying in Germany
Authors: Kuhn Kathrin , Rademacher Lars , Fenton Pio , O´Suilleabhain Gearoid
Published: October 2023

Digital transformation affects the economy and society - and thus also politics. Especially social networks and the continuous availability through smartphones have led to a new quality of information exchange as well as placing demands on politics. Politicians and political institutions increasingly use social networking channels; hence, political communication is changing. Consequently, lobbyists have also responded to these changes, increasingly tapping into digital communication channels such as Twitter, Facebook and the like. Before this background this study provides insights on the effects of digital transformation and especially social networks on lobbying gathered from 15 interviews and seven focus groups with lobbyists and political decision makers in Germany. Results indicate, that lobbyists adapt their strategies in a digital setting towards more transparency and public opinion-oriented frames due to the social network. Thereby, the communication direction changes due to the public´s growing importance in a digital setting which is presented in a model that demonstrates the communication process between the actors. Accordingly, the importance to understand digital lobbying further in order to provide implications for theory and practice increases.