bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAGIC (Maternal Glucose in Pregnancy) - Understanding the glycemic profile of pregnancy, intensive CGM glucose profiling and its relationship to fetal growth. An observational study protocol
Authors: Scott Eleanor M , Murphy Helen R. , Myers Jenny , Saravanan Ponnusamy , Poston Lucilla , Law Graham R
Published: April 2023

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides the most objective method of assessing glucose in daily life. Although there have been small, short-term physiologic studies of glucose metabolism in ‘healthy’ pregnant women a comprehensive, longitudinal description of changes in glucose over the course of pregnancy and how glucose dysregulation earlier in pregnancy relates to traditional third trimester screening for gestational diabetes, fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes is lacking. This study aims to characterise longitudinal changes in glycemia across gestation using CGM, in order to understand the evolution of dysglycemia and its relationship to fetal growth.
Method/design: A multi-centre, prospective, observational, cohort study of 500 healthy pregnant women, recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Masked CGM will be performed for a 14-day period on five occasions across pregnancy at ~ 10-12, 18-20, 26-28, 34-36 weeks gestation and postnatally. Routinely collected anthropometric and sociodemographic information will be recorded at each visit including: weight, height, blood pressure, current medication. Age, parity, ethnicity, smoking will be recorded. Blood samples will be taken at each visit for HbA1c and a sample stored. Details on fetal growth from ultrasound scans and the OGTT results will be recorded. Maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected. CGM glucose profiling is the exposure of interest, and will be performed using standard summary statistics, functional data analysis and glucotyping. The primary maternal outcome is clinical diagnosis of GDM. The primary neonatal outcome is large for gestational age (LGA) (>90th centile defined by customised birthweight centile). The relationship of glucose to key secondary maternal and neonatal outcomes will be explored.
Discussion: This study will ascertain the relationship of maternal dysglycemia to fetal growth and outcomes. It will explore whether CGM glucose profiling can detect GDM before the OGTT; or indeed whether CGM glucose profiling may be more useful than the OGTT at detecting LGA and other perinatal outcomes.
Trial registration: ISRCTN 5706303 https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15706303 Registration date: 13th March 2023.
Uncovering Novel Genetic Loci and Biological Pathways Associated with Age-Related Cataracts through GWAS Meta-Analysis
Authors: Torres Santiago Diaz , Lee Samantha Sze-Yee , García-Marín Luis , Campos Adrian , Lingham Garreth , Ong Jue-Sheng , Mackey David , Burdon Kathryn , Hunter Michael , MacGregor Stuart , Dong Xianjun , Gharahkhani Puya , Renteria Miguel
Published: April 2023

Background
Age-related cataract is a highly prevalent eye disorder that results in the clouding of the crystalline lens and is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. The disease is influenced by multiple factors including genetics, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and a history of diabetes. However, the extent to which each of these factors contributes to the development of cataracts remains unclear. Further research into the genetic basis of cataracts could provide valuable insights into the disease's etiology and lead to a better understanding of biological mechanisms that are associated with its development.
Methods
This study presents the largest genome-wide association study of cataracts to date, using data from 127,985 cases and 837,371 controls. We performed gene enrichment analysis to identify genes and biological pathways associated with cataracts. We integrated our results with gene expression reference datasets to identify genetic variants modifying risk for cataracts through changes in the expression of specific genes. We further explored drug-gene interactions to better understand the potential impact of pharmacological interventions on cataract development. Finally, we explored whether a causal relationship underlies the known comorbidity between type 1 diabetes and cataracts using a mendelian randomization framework, and the association between UV exposure and cataract risk in adults using a polygenic risk scoring approach.
Findings
Our study identified 85 independent genome-wide significant loci, 37 of which are novel. Gene-based association tests identified 126 genes associated with cataracts, hinting at a potential relationship between negative regulation of lipid biosynthesis and the development of cataracts. Four of the genes identified GNL3, JAG1, METTL21A, and CREB1 are involved in drug-gene interactions. Moreover, Mendelian Randomisation analysis identified a putative causal relationship between genetic predisposition to type 1 diabetes and an increased risk of cataracts. Lastly, we found evidence indicating that early-life exposure to UVR may have an impact on the later development of cataracts.
Interpretation
Our findings advance our understanding of the genetic basis of cataract and provide new insights into its etiology. We identified multiple genes and biological pathways associated with the condition, including associations with four genes from which drug repurposing could be proposed. Our results suggest a causal association between type 1 diabetes and cataracts. Also, we highlighted a surrogate measure of UV light exposure as a marker of cataract risk in adults and drug-genes interactions that has the potential of informing novel therapies.
Experimental investigation of the flow characteristics of jet pumps for zero flow-ratio conditions
Authors: Liang Yunzhi , Wang Jiong , Zhang Zuti , Ji Bin , Cheng Huaiyu , Long Xinping
Published: April 2023

Experimental research was conducted on the performance curves and the cavity evolution for different flow and geometric parameters in jet pumps for zero flow-ratio (ZFR) conditions. New pressure ratio, Pr, and flow ratio, qr, were used in place of the conventional performance parameters h and q, to characterize the jet pump flow performance. A super cavitation cavity in the jet pump was observed to fill most of the flow channel, which hindered further increases of the flow rate and increased qr to one, thus, created a critical point on the new Pr-qr2 curve. Before the critical point, Pr was proportional to qr2 with a coefficient that was much more sensitive to the area ratio than the relative throat length and the diffusion angle. After the critical point, the flow rate reached its maximum, the limiting flow rate, which only depended on the total inlet pressure and the area ratio. The total inlet pressure was proportional to the square of the limiting flow rate with a flow coefficient that was only a quadratic function of the area ratio.
Research on the Theme of One-child’s Needs for Parents’ Elderly Care based on Thematic Analysis of the BTM model
Authors: Dai Jing , Lyu Fang , Yu Lin , Zhou Zixuan , He Yunyu
Published: April 2023

Objective China is facing a serious aging problem, because there will be 190.64 million senior people in China, or 13.50 percent of the country's total population by the end of 2020. People who experience the one-child policy have entered the stage of old age Families with fewer children have more strain from their parents' advanced age. Therefore, this research aims to find one child's needs for caring for aging parents.
Methods In this study, a total of 279 posts and more than 13,000 related comments were gathered using a Python crawler to harvest data from the Only Child parents' elderly care Exchange Organization group on Douban. The BTM algorithm, a topic model approach for short texts, and the sentiment analysis dictionary from the Harbin Institute of Technology were employed in this study to analyze sentiment.
Results in Seven themes were detected by the BTM model. The sentiment analysis results demonstrated that users' positive and negative feelings were mixed.
Conclusion Children in Chinese families with one child face a more significant burden of aging out, especially in terms of money, work, and marriage. The time-consuming and laborious care of the elderly puts them under more pressure to work. Therefore to relieve the pressure of old age for only children we have to start from three aspects.
Ectopic colloid goitre in mediastinum with normal thyroid gland
Authors: Kolwalkar Jagannath , Samant Dattaprasad , Borkar Shirish , Vidyasagar M Sunil Chandra , Vaggar Jagadeesh N
Published: April 2023

Ectopic thyroid tissue is a rare developmental abnormality involving aberrant embryogenesis of thyroid gland during its passage form primitive foregut to pretracheal position , most frequent position is the base of tongue (lingual thyroid) however it has been described in other sites like submandibular region, trachea , mediastinum , subdiaphragmatic regions
Comparing the health of refugee and asylee patients with that of non-refugee immigrant and US-born patients: a cross-sectional study in a large urban clinic
Authors: Raphael Eva , Barton Michelle , Jaradeh Katrin , Dieterich Cristy , Hamad Rita
Published: April 2023

Objectives. To compare disease burden in refugee/asylee, non-refugee immigrant, and US-born patients in the largest safety net clinic in San Francisco, California.
Methods. This is a cross-sectional study including 343 refugee/asylee, 450 immigrant, and 202 US-born patients in a San Francisco clinic from January 2014 to December 2017. Using electronic medical records, we compared prevalence of several diseases by immigration status. Using Poisson regression models with robust variance, we assessed association of diseases with immigration status, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.
Results. Non-communicable chronic diseases were less common in refugees/asylees, who had a greater burden of mental health conditions. For example, compared with refugees/asylees, US-born patients were more likely to have hypertension (IRR[CI] = 2.5 [1.4, 4.6]) and less likely to have depression (IRR[CI] = 0.5 [0.3, 0.8]). US-born (IRR[CI] = 0.06 [0.01, 0.3]) and immigrant patients (IRR[CI] = 0.1 [0.05, 0.2]) were less likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder.
Conclusions. We uncover differences in burden of non-communicable chronic diseases and mental health by immigration status. These results highlight the importance of clinical screenings and research on disease burden in refugees.
The design and validation of a Compassion Fatigue Scale in Peruvian nurses
Authors: Esteban Renzo Felipe Carranza , Mamani-Benito Oscar , Chaparro Josué Edison Turpo , Sosa Janett V. Chávez , Lingán-Huamán Susana K.
Published: April 2023

Objective: To design and validate the Compassion Fatigue Scale (EFat-Com) in Peruvian nurses.
Methods: A 13-item scale was designed using qualitative procedures and expert judgment. This version was administered to 201 nursing professionals using an electronic form along with two other measures: the Patient Health Questionnarie-2 and the Satisfaction with Life Scale.
Results: Exploratory factor analysis supported the existence of two factors with factor loadings >0.54. Confirmatory factor analysis of the two-factor model yielded satisfactory fit indices after the elimination of two items. Regarding concurrent validity, a positive relationship was obtained between the EFat-Com and the measure of depression; however, no correlation was found with the measure of life satisfaction. The internal consistency was 0.807 for the total scale, 0.79 for Factor 1, and 0.83 for Factor 2.
Conclusions: The EFat-Com showed adequate psychometric properties with respect to content-based validity evidence, internal structure, and reliability. Therefore, the instrument can be used in research and professional settings. However, it is essential to continue studying the validity evidence in other contexts.
Unraveling the roles of Enterobacter cloacae (ON955844) and Achromobacter xylosoxidans (ON955872) as endophytes with in vitro plant growth promoting activities and as antagonist against Curvularia lunata (ON246070) causing leaf spot disease of banana from Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur
Authors: Chowhan Papan , Swarnakar Shambhu , Tiru Zerald , Mandal Parimal , Chakraborty Arka Pratim
Published: April 2023

Background One of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, is the banana (Musa sp.). Endophytic bacteria found in bananas have the ability to stop the growth of pathogenic fungi like leaf spot disease.Methods and Results The goal of the research was to identify and examine two endophytic bacteria's potential as antifungal agents against the leaf spot disease and other plant growth promoting (PGP) activities. The steps in this study are sample collection from the soil, the roots, and diseased leaves, isolation, antagonist assays of two endophytic bacteria (MRH − 06 and MRH − 11) against the fungus pathogen (MLP-01), and identification using 16S rDNA and 18s rDNA partial sequencing. Enterobacter cloacae (ON955844) and Achromobacter xylosoxidans (ON955872) the two bacterial isolates showed antagonistic activity against the fungal pathogen Curvularia lunata (ON246070).Conclusion Utilizing such potent endophytes to restrict or suppress phytopathogenic activity is an alternative method and these have great potential in agricultural in future.
Robust and perfectible constraints on human-induced Arctic amplification
Authors: Douville Herve
Published: April 2023

The Arctic near-surface warming is much faster than its global counterpart. Yet, this Arctic amplification occurs a rate that is season, model and forcing-dependent. The present study aims at using temperature observations and reanalyses to constrain the projections of Arctic climate during the November-to-March season. Results show that the recently observed four-fold warming ratio is not entirely due to a human influence, and will decrease with increasing radiative forcings. Global versus regional temperature observations lead to complementary constraints on the projections. When Arctic amplification is defined as the additional polar warming relative to global warming, model uncertainties are narrowed by more than 30% after constraint. Similar results are obtained for projected changes in the Arctic sea ice extent (40%) and when using sea ice observations to constrain the polar warming (37%), thereby confirming the key role of sea ice as a positive but model, season and time-dependent surface feedback.
Role of the prognostic nutritional index in the treatment prediction of stage II colon cancer
Authors: Chalabiyev Elvin , Efil Safa can , Guven Deniz Can , Yildirim Hasan Cagri , Akyildiz Arif , Kus Fatih , Ismayilov Rashad , Dizdar Omer , Yalcin Suayib , Tatar Omer Denizhan
Published: April 2023

Background The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), estimated using serum albumin concentration and peripheral blood cell count, is a promising predictor of outcomes in patients with colon cancer. We aimed to show the difference in survival times based on adjuvant chemotherapy status in the low PNI group.Method The study enrolled 179 adult patients diagnosed with stage II colon cancer between January 2010 and September 2019. The PNI was calculated using the formula: 10 x serum albumin value (g/dL) + 0.005 x total lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood (per mm3). The ROC curve allowed us to validate the PNI for predicting survival with a threshold level of 47.255. The association between PNI and survival was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy or no chemotherapy).Result The patients' mean age was 60.97,±11.53, and 67% were male. The cut-ff for the PNI obtained using the Roc curve method was 47.255. In 59.2% of the patients, the PNI was 47.255. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, a statistically significant difference was found between chemotherapy status and OS (mOS:168.36 m vs. 107.36 m, HR:0.39 (CI95%:0.16–0.94), p = 0.013, received and not received, respectively) and PFS (mPFS:168.36 m vs. 107.36 m, HR:0.38 (CI 95%:0.16–0.90), p = 0.014, received and no received, respectively).Conclusion The overall and progression-free survival duration of patients who did not get chemotherapy in the PNI subgroup was shorter than that of patients who did receive chemotherapy, according to the PNI established before surgery in stage II colon cancer patients.
Exploring the prognostic features and immune landscape of exosome-related genes in breast cancer metastasis based on bioinformatics methods
Authors: Huang Guanyou , Yu Yong , Su Heng , Gan Hongchuan , Chu Liangzhao
Published: April 2023

Background
Breast cancer (BRCA) is a tumor with a poor prognosis and easy metastasis. Exosomes have been proven to be involved in cell-to-cell communication, cell migration, angiogenesis, and other processes and are closely related to the immune microenvironment of cancer. However, its role in BRCA metastasis is still unclear.
Methods
This paper attempted to explore the role of exosome-related genes in BRCA metastasis from the perspective of computational biology. We downloaded 1724 exosome-related genes from the ExoCarta database. And 810 samples of metastatic and non-metastatic BRCA were downloaded from the TCGA database. 600 samples with positive correlation with metastasis were screened by WGCNA analysis of differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, three genes (JUP, CAPZA1, and ARVCF) that are significantly related to prognosis were screened by single-factor Cox regression and LASSO-Cox regression, and a risk-scoring model related to metastasis was constructed. According to the median risk score, the samples were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group, and then the infiltration abundance and immune function of immune cells were analyzed by CIBERSORT and ssGSEA methods, respectively. In addition, we also evaluated the differences in immune escape and drug sensitivity between the high-risk group and the low-risk group by Tide and the oncoPredict package, respectively.
Results
We identified that the signature of three exosome-related genes was closely related to BRCA metastasis. There were significant differences in survival rate, immune cell infiltration, and immune function between the high-risk group and the low-risk group according to the risk score. It was worth noting that M0 and M1 macrophages play an important role in BRCA metastasis. Finally, this paper also found that there were significant differences in the sensitivity of the two groups to multiple drugs.
Conclusions
The risk model of exosome-related genes related to BRCA metastasis is closely related to immune cells and immune function during BRCA metastasis, which may be helpful in improving the immunotherapy of BRCA.
Intensity figures of merit of a metal-insulator-metal thin-film stack in the spatial and frequency domains
Authors: Raseev Georges
Published: April 2023

Quality factors Q and figures of merit (FoM) are widely used to characterize the enhancement of a property of an observable mode or in optical sensing using plasmonic samples. We study a simple 1D metal-insulator-metal (MIM) planar thin-film stack sustaining surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and planar waveguide (PWG) modes. One evaluates the quality factors Q and the intensity FoM (IFoM) of the transmitted flux of modes of this MIM thin-film stack in the spatial and frequency domains. In the spatial domain, the observables are studied as a function of the in-plane wave vector kρ/k0 at a given frequency ω whereas in the frequency domain as a function of the frequency ω at a given in-plane wave vector kρ/k0. The quality factors Q and the IFoM of the MIM thin film stack in the spatial domain are at least six times larger than in the frequency domain (see Table 1). Compared with a conventional insulator-metal-insulator (IMI) thin film stack, the quality factor Q and the IFoM of a MIM stack are about 15 and 150 times larger in the spatial domain and only five times larger in both Q and IFoM in the frequency domain. As a general trend, the SPP mode is essential for the intensity enhancement in both MIM and IMI thin film stacks, but the SPP-PWG avoided crossing in MIM exalts this enhancement. In summary, this paper shows that it is most convenient to work in the spatial domain where the intensity is higher and leakage weaker giving a larger quality factor Q and IFoM. It also demonstrates that by optimizing the independent variables, namely the in-plane wave vector kρ/k0, and frequency ω, one can obtain Q and IFoM higher than in some 2D/3D nanoscale samples.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of ADC combination for triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Lu linlin , niu zihe , cao zhujun , fu chunping , shi yaqin
Published: April 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. Standard treatment options for TNBC mainly involve surgery, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy. Such treatment, however, are linked to a high risk of relapses both locally and systemically. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have recently arisen as a useful and promising option for cancer treatment. ADCs, referred to as "biological missiles", are composed of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target the tumor antigens and deliver anticancer drugs as a payload. As of right now, several ADCs are undergoing clinical research around the world, including sacituzumab govitecan (SG) approved recently by the FDA for the treatment of TNBC. Due to the fact that only a small proportion of patients with TNBC respond to ADC therapy, and that drug resistance often occurs, growing evidence supports combination strategies using ADCs to treat TNBC. Herein, we described the current utilization of ADCs and discussed the prospect of combining ADCs with other therapies for treating TNBC.
Mitigative Role of Cysteamine Against Unilateral Renal Artery Occlusion-induced Reperfusion Injury via Inhibition of Aopp, p65nfkb, and Pro-apoptotic Caspase 3
Authors: ALABI Babatunde Adebola , NKU-EKPANG Okot-Asi Thomas , LAWAL Sodiq Kolawole , IWALEWA Olugbenga , OMOBOWALE Temidayo , AJIKE Richard , LAWAL Ridwan Abiodun , AFOLABI Oladele
Published: April 2023

Purpose Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is unavoidable during kidney transplant and it is responsible for delayed or non-function after kidney transplantation. Cysteamine has been reported to possess activity against pathways of reperfusion injury. Thus, we designed this study to investigate its potential against renal reperfusion injury.Methods Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (seven rats per group): sham, IRI, IRI plus 50 mg/kg cysteamine treatment, and IRI with 50 mg/kg cysteamine treatment. The right renal artery was clamped without crushing to induce ischemia for 45 minutes and later sutured. After 30 minutes, the clamp was removed to induce reperfusion injury for 24 hours. Activities of protein thiol, H2O2, GPx, GSH, and MDA were estimated. The serum level of creatinine, AOPP, nitrite, MPO, TNF-α, and IL-1β was evaluated. The expression of p65NFkB and caspase 3 were assessed by immunohistological technique. The p < 0.05 indicate a significant resultResults Significant elevation of H2O2, MDA, and nitrite and reduced GPx, GSH, and protein thiol in the IRI rats was reversed by cysteamine (50 and 100 mg/kg). Serum MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, creatinine, and AOPP were significantly elevated in IRI while rats treated with cysteamine revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the activities of these pro-inflammatory and renal injury markers.Conclusion Based on its activity against inflammation, apoptosis, and free radical-induced stress, cysteamine has great potential of being used as a kidney transplant pre-operative drug to prevent renal reperfusion injury.
Composition and inter-species relationships within ant communities across differentially anthropized urban environments: a case study
Authors: Lanhoso Henrique , Ferreira-Châline Ronara , Pacheco Paulo , Teseo Serafino , Vieira Maria Eduarda Lima , Châline Nicolas
Published: April 2023

With urbanization increasing globally, conservation ecologists need to characterize the functioning of ecosystems embedded in urban landscapes. Ubiquitous and hyperdiverse, ants are an ideal model taxon for this purpose. Here we compared diversity, richness, and abundance of ants in a forest fragment and a green urban area within the City of São Paulo, characterizing relationships among ant species. We found higher species abundance and richness in the urban area, whereas diversity was greater in the secondary forest fragment. Transect sampling revealed higher heterogeneity in the more urban area, with a number of species not found in the secondary forest. Bait sampling suggested that, in the urban area, dominance of one or a few species was stronger than in the secondary forest, possibly because dominant species outnumbered other species at resources and behaved aggressively. We found that a limited number of species dominated in both the forest and the urban area. Although this study only relies on a limited sample size taken in relatively narrow geographic and climatic conditions, it suggests that ant community traits in urban environments vary depending on human-related disturbance.
Advanced Indoor CO2 Capture Technologies: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yuan Junjie , Song Xueyi , Yang Xinyue , Yang Chen , Wang Yinxi , Deng Gaofeng , wang zhichao , Gao Jubao
Published: April 2023

The prevalence of indoor air pollution, primarily stemming from human activities, has led to increasing concerns regarding elevated CO2 concentrations in indoor environments. Prolonged exposure to such environments has been linked to reduced productivity, headaches, nausea, and more severe health risks, such as Sick Building Syndrome. Consequently, the development of efficient methods to reduce CO2 concentrations in indoor air is of utmost importance. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of cutting-edge indoor CO2 capture technologies, delving into the adsorption performance of solvents produced via various techniques. Our findings highlight the emergence of innovative materials that significantly enhance the indoor adsorption process; nevertheless, further investigation into reaction kinetics and stability remains imperative for continued progress. Among the methods assessed, Thermal Swing Adsorption and Wet Impregnation demonstrate superior suitability for indoor CO2 capture applications. Importantly, this review also emphasizes the potential of novel ventilation strategies, incorporating both internal ventilation and CO2 capture devices, to not only reduce indoor CO2 concentrations but also promote energy efficiency in buildings.
Impact of Multidisciplinary Care of Diabetic Foot Infections for Inpatients at Campbelltown Hospital
Authors: Choi Timothy , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi , Tran Chau , Bulsari Krupali , Simmons David
Published: April 2023

Background: Diabetic foot infection (DFI), including diabetic foot ulcer, is a serious complication of diabetes, particularly in the South Western Sydney (SWS) region where it is a leading cause of diabetes-related hospitalisations. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) involvement is effective at improving the health outcomes of DFI patients. This study investigated the impact of MDT (High Risk Foot Service, HRFS) on the length of stay and surgical outcomes of inpatients with DFI in a Sydney tertiary hospital.
Method: A retrospective audit of electronic medical records of inpatient admissions for DFI at Campbelltown Hospital between January 2019 - December 2021, was performed. The main outcome of the study was MDT involvement, defined as having two or more specialities involved in the patient’s treatment. The other measured variables included length of stay (defined as the total duration from admission to discharge), and surgical outcomes including debridement, minor amputation, and major amputation.
Results: Over the three years, 78 participants presented to the hospital for 89 unique DFI admissions. There were 24 admissions in 2019, 28 admissions in 2020, and 37 admissions in 2021, with MDT attendance showing a steady increase at 62.5%, 75.0% and 83.8% respectively. Patients with serious comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease were more likely to have MDT involvement (84.8% vs 15.2%, P=0.048). Imaging was more likely to be performed with MDT involvement (78.8% vs 21.3%, p<0.05). Comparing patients who received and did not receive MDT care, the median length of stay was 7.8, IQR 15.0 days vs 4.8 IQR 7.9 days (P=0.243) and rate of surgical outcomes was 74.6% vs 72.7%, p=0.262). Patients who required major amputation had significantly longer length of stay than those who had conservative intervention (24 days, IQR 21.5 vs 5.2 days, IQR 13.0, P=0.004).
Conclusion: Adopting an MDT approach was associated with more thorough investigation of DFI, with similar rates of surgical outcomes. Further research on the impacts of MDT on length of stay and surgical outcomes of DFI patients in other SWS hospitals is needed.
Accurate inverse design for high-efficiency and broadband terahertz devices by co-simulation with genetic algorithms
Authors: Zhang Ming , Zhang Junyao , Cui Chaowei , Wang Baozhu , yang Lin , Wu Ruihong , Zhang Xiuqing
Published: April 2023

Terahertz (THz) waves have become a research hotspot in recent years due to their unique advantages, and metasurface-based devices in the terahertz band have outstanding practical applications as the core for the development of terahertz science and technology. However, with the increasing complexity of the metasurface structures, the design methods have become more and more difficult, which hinders the further practical application of terahertz metasurface devices. In this study, we combined MATLAB with the rigorous electromagnetic field simulation software CST (Computer Simulation Technology) to perform a co-simulation method for the design of high-efficiency and broadband THz metasurface devices. In the proposed design method, genetic algorithm (GA) is embedded to realize automatic and inverse design. Aiming to the different requirements of high-efficiency and broadband THz metasurface devices, different objective functions are set to optimize the design of different types of THz metasurface devices. As proofs-of-concept demonstration, three types of high efficiency and broadband THz metasurface devices have been designed by this method, including absorber, polarization convertor and frequency filter. After optimization by GA, we obtained dual metasurface absorber with absorbance of 90% in the range of 0.49 ~ 3.68 THz. The low-pass filter exhibits good filter property, and the polarization converter has a polarization conversion ratio (PCR) greater than 90% in the range of 0.69 ~ 1.52 THz. Based on the rigorous electromagnetic simulation and genetic algorithm, the proposed design method can realize automatic and inverse design with high reliability, compared to the theoretical model based on catenary e-field theory. This study provides an important guiding role and an efficient method for designing and optimizing required metasurface devices with practical applied value.
Association between serum uric acid and age and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with psychiatric disorders: A cross-section study
Authors: Yang Guodong , Zhou Shuang , Feng Yue , Lang Jiaran , Ren Huipeng
Published: April 2023

Objective：The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of hyperuricemia (HUA) and the relationship between the Serum uric acid (SUA) and age in hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders.
Methods：This is a cross-sectional evaluation of a cohort of 1761 patients with psychopath of hospitalized (665 males and 1096 females). In addition, based on age, the participants are stratified into three groups. The authors used Kruskal-Wallis tests, chi-square tests，and multiple linear logistic regression to verify the SUA level and age among hospitalized psychopath.
Results：Overall, the estimated prevalence of HUA was 35.4%. The prevalence of HUA was significantly higher in individuals with 17years and under, as compared to those with 45 years and above (40.5% vs. 24.9%, respectively, P < 0.001). No adjusting，the 17years and under was associated with HUA (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.57-2.71). Further adjusted for potential confounders, the 17years and under was still significantly associated with HUA (adjusted OR 6.85; 95% CI 4.79-9.80). Moreover, the association between the age and HUA was stronger in men. SUA is not proportional to age，Body Mass Index, Triglyceride，Total Cholesterol , Blood pressure.
Conclusion：Smooth curve fitting indicated the existence of a non-linear relationship between SUA and age. Age is a protective factor for SUA in hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders.
Targeting DRP1 mediated mitochondrial metabolism as a novel treatment strategy for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)
Authors: Wang Yuechen , Harada-Shoji Narumi , Kitamura Narufumi , Yamazaki Yuto , Ebata Akiko , Amari Masakazu , Watanabe Mika , Miyashita Minoru , Tada Hiroshi , Abe Takaaki , Suzuki Takashi , Gonda Kohsuke , Ishida Takanori
Published: April 2023

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the most heterogeneous type of breast cancer, has a high risk of recurrence and a shorter overall survival compared to the other subtypes. The ability of mitochondria to flexibly adapt to their microenvironment makes them crucial tumorigenesis mediators. in this study, we explored the role of mitochondrial dynamics in TNBC drug resistance and tumorigenesis.Methods The doxorubicin sensitivity of TNBC cell lines HCC38 and MDA-MB-231, as well as luminal cell line MCF-7, was determined using the Wst-8 test. Confocal microscopy and FACS were used to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔφM), mitophagy, and ROS generation of HCC38 and MDA-MB-231. Agilent Seahorse XF Analyzers measured metabolic characteristics of HCC38, MDA-MB 231and MCF-7. DRP1, Parkin, and p62 immunohistochemistry staining were performed by using both core needle biopsy samples and the samples removed at the surgery of 108 primary breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).Results MDA-MB-231, a doxorubicin resistant TNBC cell line, reduced ΔφM and enhanced mitophagy to maintain ROS production with OXPHOS-based metabolism. HCC38, a cell sensitive to doxorubicin, showed no change in ΔφM and mitophagy, with glycolysis as the primary metabolic characteristic and an uncontrolled rise in ROS production. Clinicopathological studies have found that DRP1 before NAC (pre-DRP1) was highly expressed in TNBC and groups with KI67 greater than 20% (p = 0.009, 0.016). Parkin was also highly expressed in HR- and high KI67 groups (p = 0.013 and 0.005) and the expression of p62 was higher only in high Ki67 groups (p = 0.003). There was a trend in the non-pCR group for DRP1 to decrease and p62 to increase after treatment, although the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion Our findings showed that mitophagy, in association with OXPHOS metabolism, promoted chemotherapy resistance and tumor growth in TNBC. The lack of effective therapeutic options for patients with TNBC remains a major challenge, therefore, targeting unique mitochondria metabolic signatures within tumor cells can potentially offer another therapeutic strategy for this highly aggressive disease.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and/or Vitamin D in Autism Spectrum Disorders ：A Systematic Review
Authors: Jiang Yuwei , Dang Wenjun , Nie Hong , Kong Xiangying , Jiang Zhimei
Published: April 2023

This systematic review aims to offer an updated understanding of the relationship between omega-3 supplementation and/or vitamin D and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Vip, CNKI, Wanfang, China Biomedical Database databases were searched using keywords, and relevant literature was hand-searched. Papers (n = 1151) were systematically screened and deemed eligible since 2002. Twenty clinical controlled studies were included in the final review. The findings were analysed for intervention effects focusing on the core symptoms of ASD, included social functioning, behavioural functioning, speech function and biomarkers changes. The review found that the effects of omega-3 supplementation on ASD were too weak to conclude that core symptoms were alleviated. Vitamin D supplementation improved core symptoms, particularly behavioural functioning. omega-3 and vitamin D supplementation combined had a good effect on people with ASD, with significant improvements in social and behavioural outcomes.
Supply chain challenges of personal protective equipment, and methods of mitigation amidst COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study from Sri Lanka, a developing country in South East Asia
Authors: Talagala Ishanka Ayeshwari , Kodithuwakku Keerthi Mahesh
Published: April 2023

Background Personal Protective equipment (PPE) are essential for healthcare workers to prevent the disease spread. With COVID-19 pandemic, although demand for PPE increased, its supply chain was adversely affected. This case-study describes the supply chain challenges of PPE and mitigation measures during COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka, a developing country in South East Asia.Methods In-depth interviews were conducted among officials (N = 14), who were directly involved with PPE procurement to the Health Ministry of Sri Lanka, at the Medical Supplies Division, State Ministry of Production Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals and State Pharmaceutical Corporation. Study sample was collected until data saturation. A semi-structured interviewer guide was used to assess the PPE supply chain challenges and mitigation measures undertaken by Sri Lanka, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was done.Results It was revealed that the preparation for an un-interrupted PPE supply prior to pandemic hitting the country was unsatisfactory. High cost; unavailability of certified suppliers; unavailability of PPE globally and locally; lack of raw materials; quality failure; delays in procurement procedure; increased demand and its dynamicity; and lack of funds challenged the PPE supply chain. Intergovernmental negotiations; encouraging local production; purchasing from local suppliers; issuing guidelines for PPE usage; and obtaining support from development partners/INGOs were the mitigation strategies that were undertaken.Conclusions Sri Lanka, as a country with limited resources, has faced several PPE supply chain challenges during the pandemic. Policy makers need to undertake measures to improve the readiness prior to similar disasters in the future. In addition, encouraging local PPE production, establishing quality assurance mechanisms, development of relevant guidelines and improving staff capacity on the procurement process are recommended to face disasters of such caliber in the future.
Identifying novel regulatory effects for clinically relevant genes through the study of the Greek population
Authors: Rouskas Konstantinos , Katsareli Efthymia A , Amerikanou Charalampia , Dimopoulos Alexandros C , Glentis Stavros , Kalantzi Alexandra , Skoulakis Anargyros , Panousis Nikolaos , Ongen Halit , Bielser Deborah , Planchon Alexandra , Romano Luciana , Harokopos Vaggelis , Reczko Martin , Moulos Panagiotis , Griniatsos Ioannis , Diamantis Theodoros , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T , Ragoussis Jiannis , Dedoussis George , Dimas Antigone S
Published: April 2023

Background
Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies provide insights into regulatory mechanisms underlying disease risk. Expanding studies of gene regulation to underexplored populations and to medically relevant tissues offers potential to reveal yet unknown regulatory variants and to better understand disease mechanisms. Here, we performed eQTL mapping in subcutaneous (S) and visceral (V) adipose tissue from 106 Greek individuals (Greek Metabolic study, GM) and compared our findings to those from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) resource.
Results
We identified 1,930 and 1,515 eGenes in S and V respectively, over 13% of which are not observed in GTEx adipose tissue, and that do not arise due to different ancestry. We report additional context-specific regulatory effects in genes of clinical interest (e.g. oncogene ST7) and in genes regulating responses to environmental stimuli (e.g. MIR21, SNX33). We suggest that a fraction of the reported differences across populations is due to environmental effects on gene expression, driving context-specific eQTLs, and suggest that environmental effects can determine the penetrance of disease variants thus shaping disease risk. We report that over half of GM eQTLs colocalize with GWAS SNPs and of these colocalizations 41% are not detected in GTEx. We also highlight the clinical relevance of S adipose tissue by revealing that inflammatory processes are upregulated in obese individuals, not only in V, but also in S tissue.
Conclusions
By focusing on an understudied population, our results provide further candidate genes for investigation regarding their role in adipose tissue biology and their contribution to disease risk and pathogenesis.
Colour discrimination in post-COVID-19 observers assessed by the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue test
Authors: Paramei Galina V. , Griber Yulia A.
Published: April 2023

Post-COVID-19, recorded were various ophthalmological symptoms and visual impairment. We hypothesised that colour vision may be affected too. We assessed colour discrimination using the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test (FM-100) in individuals, who have had COVID-19 (N=77; 18–68 years). Total error score (TES) indicated superior colour discrimination in 34 observers. The Vingrys–King-Smith C-index (severity) exceeded the normal cutoff measure in 44 observers. In participants (N=35) with average TES, the Vingrys–King-Smith analysis revealed subtle colour deficiencies – either a mild tritan defect (‘blue’ or blue-yellow) or moderate defect with a diffuse error pattern. A minor sub-sample (N=6) manifested poor discrimination or colour vision loss (N=2), with a tritan or diffuse error pattern. √TES negatively correlated with the recovery time lapse. Partial error scores (√PES) indicated prevailing B–Y errors, regardless of the elapsed post-illness period. Overall, the results indicate that about half of those who have recovered from COVID-19 reveal predominantly mild Type III acquired colour discrimination loss, characteristic of retinal disorders and vascular disease. Conceivably, coronavirus infection caused hypoperfusion (reduced vascular supply) at the retinal and/or post-retinal stages of the visual system having affected neural mechanisms of colour discrimination. The mild impairment appears to be reversible with a favourite prognosis.
Analysis of pathological manifestations through damage map: case study in Buildings I and K of the Polytechnic School of Pernambuco
Authors: de AZEVEDO Vinicius Francis Braga , JÚNIOR José Maria de MOURA , SANTOS Bruna Letícia Costa , SILVA Wildson Wellington , PÓVOAS Yeda Vieira
Published: April 2023

Building inspection in constructions is important to verify that the building is in good safety condition for its occupants, identify problems that harm people's comfort or even determine preventive maintenance to avoid problems early, helping to extend the life of the building. One of the ways to document the condition of a building is through the damage map. The objective of this article is to present the survey of the existing pathological manifestations on the facades of Buildings I and K of the Polytechnic School of Pernambuco, representing them using damage maps to contribute to the maintenance and restoration services of the analyzed buildings. To this end, the architectural survey of the facades of Buildings I and K was carried out, the photographic survey was done using smartphone and drone and finally, the creation of the damage map. With the analysis of the results, it was noticed the presence of 14 pathological manifestations, where the most recurrent were grime and efflorescence. The front and right lateral facades presented the highest and lowest number of pathological manifestations, respectively. With the periodic survey of the pathological manifestations and their representations in damage maps it will be possible to create an evolution chart of the state of Buildings I and K and plan future preventive and/or corrective maintenance.
Differences in photosynthetic and water use characteristics of four co-existing tree species on the treeline of the Japanese Alps
Authors: Kamakura Mai , Azuma Wakana A , Yahara Hikari , Takahashi Koichi , Makita Naoki
Published: April 2023

In this study, we analyzed photosynthetic and water use characteristics of two deciduous broad-leaved (Sorbus matsumurana and Betula ermanii) and two evergreen coniferous (Abies mariesiiand Pinus pumila) tree species on the treeline ¾i.e., the line connecting the highest patches of forest composed of trees at least three meters high¾of Mt. Norikura, central Japan, to explore the physiological adaptations of trees to alpine environments. We monitored diurnal changes in leaf gas exchange rates and leaf and soil water potentials in each tree species during the growing season, as well as bulk leaf water relations based on pressure–volume curves and whole-tree hydraulic structures. The four species under study relied on different physiological characteristics at both leaf and plant levels for adaptation to their natural habitat. In S. matsumurana, photoassimilate acquisition occured during the short growing season, and reducing transpirational water loss was associated with osmotic adjustment. In contrast, B. ermanii showed higher photosynthetic rates, while maintaining higher hydraulic conductance and transpirational water loss in the absence of severe stomatal restrictions. In turn, A. mariesii showed higher leaf succulence, and a leaf water storage capacity that was favorable for growth, while reducing water loss. Meanwhile, Pinus pumila compensated for water loss through higher leaf hydraulic capacitance and cell-wall elasticity, and exhibitedthe longest daily transpiration period, while maintaining high stomatal conductance, even as soil water potential decreased. Our observations demonstrates that tree species rely on specific physiological characteristics to adapt to the alpine treeline environment.
BANF1 Promotes Glutamate-induced Apoptosis of HT-22 Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Yao Xinyu , Xu Xiaoyi , Hu Kunhua , Yang Zhaoshou , Shaodong Deng
Published: April 2023

Background Glutamate exposure was fatal to HT-22 neuronal cells that derived from mouse hippocampus. This is often used as a model for hippocampus neurodegeneration in vitro. The targets relevant to glutamate-induced neuronal toxicity is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to identify crucial factors associated with glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT-22 cells.Methods HT-22 cells were treated with 7.5 mM glutamate for 24 h and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) proteomic analysis conducted to identify the differentially expressed proteins. Differential proteins were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment (KEGG) analyses. Upregulation of barrier to autointegration factor (BANF1/BANF1) protein was confirmed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Cell apoptosis rates and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using flow cytometry.Results A total of 5811 proteins were quantified by iTRAQ, 50 of which were recognized as significantly differential proteins (fold change ≥ 1.5 and P ≤ 0.05); 26 proteins were up-regulated and 24 were down-regulated after exposure to glutamate. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that the apoptotic signaling pathway was involved in cell death induced by glutamate. BANF1 expression level was markedly increased in HT-22 cells after glutamate treatment. Further, knockdown of BANF1 alleviated glutamate-mediated cell death with lower ROS levels.Conclusions In conclusion, we successfully filtered out differential proteins relevant to glutamate-mediated cytotoxicity. BANF1 upregulation promoted glutamate-induced apoptosis of HT-22 cells by enhancing ROS generation.