bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network homeostasis: functional brain network alterations and relapse in remitted late-life depression
Authors: gerlach andrew , Karim Helmet T , kolobaric antonija , boyd brian , Kahru Kevin , Krafty Robert , Ajilore Olusola , Talyor Warren , Andreescu Carmen
Published: October 2024

In this study, we aim to identify neurobiological factors that predict relapse risk in late-life depression (LLD). We recruited 145 older adults (age ≥ 60): 102 recently remitted LLD participants and 43 healthy comparisons. Participants underwent baseline MRI and evaluation of depression symptoms/status for up to 2 years. We evaluated intrinsic network connectivity for 111 participants (39 healthy comparisons, 47 stable remitted, 25 relapsed). LLD participants had lower connectivity primarily within and between the default mode (DMN), somatomotor, and visual networks and higher connectivity between the DMN and executive control network. Lower connectivity of DMN to somatomotor and salience networks was associated with relapse. Notably, the network structure of relapsed participants was more similar to healthy comparisons than stable remitted. These findings indicate that remission is associated with persistent functional network alterations while vulnerability to relapse may be associated with a failure to establish a new stable homeostatic functional network structure.
Clinical management of patients with advanced HIV disease at The AIDS Support Organization, Mbarara clinic in Southwestern Uganda: a retrospective review of patient records
Authors: Tukamuhebwa Paddy Mutungi , Gemmell Isla
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Uganda has made significant progress in expanding access to ART over the years, however, currently up to 50% of PLHIV still enroll into HIV care with AHD. PLHIV who present with AHD continue to have a greater mortality risk and the risk rises as CD4 counts drop, particularly if they fall below 100 cells per cubic millimeter. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the clinical management practices for AHD at a high volume not for profit health facility in an urban setting in Southwestern Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from a large volume, nonprofit health facility in Southwestern Uganda was done. An analysis included patient records of 994 new and 76 virologically non suppressed patients. Descriptive analysis of data was done, and the two groups (treatment naïve and non-suppressed) were compared using chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and the Mann Whitney U test for numerical data. The analysis was done using StatsDirect. Results: The prevalence of ADH as defined by a CD4 cell count below 200 cells/µl or WHO clinical stage 3 or 4 disease was 20.4% (95% CI: 18.0—23.0). The prevalence of AHD was considerably higher among males 30.3% (95% CI: 26.1—35.0%) compared to females: 13.9% (95% CI: 11.2—17.0%). Access to CD4 as a diagnostic test for AHD was 74.5% (741/994) among newly enrolled patients compared to 77.6% (59/76) among virally non suppressed patients. Access to serum CrAg screening among patients with AHD was higher among the newly enrolled HIV clients at 60.6% (131/216) compared to non-suppressed clients; 22.2% (6/27) (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was no significant difference in administration of fluconazole between the two groups (p = 0.476). Among the patients with AHD, the proportion of patient tested for TB using urine TB_LAM was higher among the newly enrolled patients (45.9%) compared to the non-suppressed clients (21.4%), and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.010). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that much as significant strides have been made in the achievement of the UNAIDS 95 95 95 targets, the prevalence of AHD remains high, and the implementation of the AHD intervention package remains sub-optimal. The Ministry of Health and partners need to strengthen processes for the screening, diagnosis, and management of AHD. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
Association between non-inflammatory indices and preoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty: a retrospective study
Authors: Xiong Xiaojuan , Li Ting , Yu Shuang , Mao Qingxiang
Published: October 2024

Purpose: To investigate the association between non-inflammatory indices-systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA).
Methods: A total of 2125 patients were enrolled. We created the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve using the ratios of SII, MLR, NLR, PLR to DVT before TJA, divided the enrolled patients into groups based on the cut-off value, and then analyzed risk factors for DVT before TJA in the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis.
Results: Preoperative DVT occurred in 110 cases (5.18%). Based on the ROC curve, we determined that the cut-off values for SII, MLR, NLR, and PLR were 470*109 /L, 0.306, 2.08, and 127; and the areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.623, 0.601, 0.611, and 0.62. Multivariate binary regression analysis revealed that the risk of preoperative DVT in TJA patients with SII ≥ 470*109/L, MLR ≥ 0.306, PLR ≥ 127, and NLR ≥ 2.08 increased by 2.26 (P<0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.52-3.37]), 1.92 (P=0.002, 95% CI [1.28-2.9]), 2.1 (P<0.001, 95% CI [1.4-3.16]), and 1.94 (P=0.002, 95% CI [1.29-2.92]) times, respectively. Age, P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR)=1.08, 95%CI [1.05-1.10]; corticosteroid use, P=0.002, OR 3.8, 95% CI [1.94-9.22]).
Conclusion: We found that higher SII, MLR, NLR, and PLR levels, age, and corticosteroid use were independent risk factors for preoperative DVT in patients undergoing TJA.
Trial registration: ChiCRT2100054844
Enhancing the understanding of safety and quality of patient care among medical and health sciences students in an interprofessional climate: An interventional study
Authors: Guraya Salman Yousuf , Sulaiman Nabil , Hasswan Ahmed , Salmanpour Vida Abdolhamid , Jirjees Feras Jassim , Taha Mohamed Hassan , Alamara Jennat , Kawas Sausan AL , Awad Manal , Dias Jacqueline Maria , David Leena R , Haider Mohamed Aly , Guraya Shaista Salman , Dash Nihar Ranjan , Al-Qallaf Amal , Shorbagi Sarra , Mahmoud Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

Background
Interprofessional education (IPE) plays an elementary role in improving healthcare outcomes by shared understanding and by reducing errors and adverse events. Unfortunately, most healthcare professionals have not received training for patient safety (PS) in an interprofessional setting, which can meet the needs of societal medical needs. This study aimed to foster the understanding of senior medical and health sciences students about PS and quality of care at the University of Sharjah in UAE.
Methods
Using a stratified random sampling technique, we recruited students from College of Medicine (CoM), College of Pharmacy (CoP), College of Dental Medicine (CDM), and College of Health Sciences (CHS) of UoS. The online synchronous real-time workshop included interactive resource sessions, breakout room discussions using real clinical cases, and pre-post surveys using a questionnaire with three domains of PS; medical professionalism, leadership in healthcare, and precision medicine.
Results
A total of 248 students and 20 facilitators participated in the workshop. CoM had the highest representation (47.5%), followed by CoP (36.5%), CHS (13.3%), and CDM (2.7%). There was a statistically improved understanding in all domains of PS across all colleges (p < 0.001). Notably, students in years four and five from CoM and CoP showed significant improvement in their perceptions than other colleges (p < 0.001). The participants encountered challenges of weak internet connections, software issues, technical failures, and power outages during the workshop.
Conclusion
This study highlights a positive impact of an IPE-based interventional workshop on the students' understanding and insights of PS and quality of care. This underscores the paramount role of IPE in improving perceptions and approaches towards PS in the context of healthcare education.
HPN: A Multimodal Neural Network Model for Non-invasive HER2 Status Assessment in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Yuhan , Ye Jinlin , He Zecheng , Wang Mingyue , Wang Changjun , Zhou Yidong , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2024

Background
HER2-positive breast cancer is known for its aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis in the absence of anti-HER2 therapy. Current assessments of HER2+ highlight the need for non-invasive diagnostic tools. This study introduces a multimodal approach called the HER2 Prediction Network (HPN) to noninvasively predict HER2 status, thereby supporting the precise administration of HER2-targeted therapies.
Methods
A cohort of 482 breast cancer patients were enrolled from Peking Union Medical College Hospital. HPN was developed by ResNet and Transformer, utilizing clinicopathological and ultrasound data collected from breast cancer patients. After training, this model could differentiate HER2-zero, HER2-low and HER2-positive breast cancer patient and detect HER2 status in different peritumoral regions.
Findings
The HPN demonstrated robust performance in HER2 expression identification of breast cancer patients. It achieved an Accuracy of 0.76 and an Area Under the Curve(AUC) of 0.86. Detections for different peritumoral regions have all shown favorable results(AUC1.2x =0.85, AUC1.4x =0.85 AUC1.6x =0.86).
Conclusion
The HPN provided a non-invasive method for assessing HER2 expression, thereby facilitating decision-making regarding the intervention of HER2-targeted therapy.
Replacing inorganic trace minerals with advanced chelate technology based organic trace minerals on reproductive efficiency, blood metabolites, hormonal profile, antioxidant status, and enzymes in Ghezel ewes
Authors: Vatankhah Sedigheh , Ebrahimi Marziyeh , Taghizadeh Akbar , Asadpour Reza , Nazaran Mohammad Hassan
Published: October 2024

The bioavailability of trace minerals (TM) in the diet are important for improving reproductive performance and fertility parameters. This trial was conducted to compare the effect of replacing inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with organic trace minerals (OTM, based on advanced chelate technology) on physiological status and reproductive performance of ewes. Accordingly, forty ewes were treated for five weeks based on four dietary groups included: 1- OTM: flushed with organic trace minerals (Bonzaplex-7), 2- ITM flushed with inorganic TM, 3- NTM flushed without TM, 4-CON: only pasture grazed. Estrus synchronization was performed based on two doses of 75 µg cloprostenol with 12 days' interval + 400 IU eCG injection. The number of follicles and pregnancy were determined by ultrasound. Blood samples were also collected during the experiment. The results of the present experiment showed higher pregnancy, lambing and twinning rates in OTM and ITM groups as compared with other groups, in which OTM was more effective in the indexes. However, follicle number were not affected by the treatments. Also, T3 and T4 as well as triglyceride were higher in OTM group as compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Serum estradiol, progesterone, and antioxidant enzymes were not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). In overall, supplementing advanced chelate technology based OTM in the flushing diet improved reproductive performance of ewes.
HSP27/IL-6 axis promotes OSCC chemoresistance of cisplatin, migration and invasion by orchestrating macrophages via a positive feedback loop
Authors: Qi Ying , Cao Juan , Jiang Mingjing , Lin Ying , Li Weibo , Li Bo
Published: October 2024

The mechanisms of interaction and crosstalk between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have provided novel options for intervening in tumor progression. However, the molecular mechanisms of the interaction between the tumor cells and TAMs underlying oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) invasio, migration and chemoresistance remain unclear. This study sought to specifically investigate the role of the tumor-cell-derived paracrine heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) in OSCC invasion, migration and chemoresistance and the potential molecular mechanisms of the interaction between the tumor cells and TAMs. In this study, bioinformatic analysis and IHC results demonstrated that the expression level of HSP27 was higher in the tissues of patients with advanced lymph node metastasis of OSCC than that in early stage non-metastatic patients, and that its expression level was positively correlated with the levels of multidrug resistance-associated proteins and macrophage infiltration. In vivo, Survival of low-expressing HSP27 xenograft model mice was inferior to that of controls. In vitro, TAMs-CM significantly up-regulated the expression level of HSP27 in the two types of OSCC tumor cells including CAL27 and SCC9 cells. The OSCC tumor cell-derived HSP27 regulated TAMs through paracrine mode and reduced the level of apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin in tumor cells, thus promoting chemoresistance in OSCC. HSP27 promoted the secretion of cytokine IL-6 from TAMs, whereas TAMs-derived IL-6 up-regulated the expression of HSP27 and enhanced the chemoresistance, migration and invasion of OSCC in tumor cells through an autocrine mode and activates the β-catenin pathway during this process, additionally up-regulated the stem cell properties of tumor cells through an autocrine manner. Tumor-cell-derived paracrine HSP27 promoted OSCC invasion and migration through enhancing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells via binding to toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on the surface of the TAMs. HSP27/TLR4 induced polarization of the TAMs to an M2-like phenotype and the secretion of IL-6 in the TAMs. Respectively, TAMs-derived IL-6 enhanced OSCC invasion and migration via autocrine HSP27/TLR4 signaling in tumor cells while IL-6 promoted the EMT of tumor cells via autocrine HSP27. Collectively, tumor-cell-derived paracrine HSP27 promoted OSCC migration, invasion and chemoresistance by orchestrating macrophage M2 polarization and IL-6 secretion from macrophages via a positive feedback loop. TAM-derived IL-6 enhanced these progressions via autocrine HSP27/IL-6 signaling in tumor cells. Targeting HSP27/IL-6 may be an effective treatment strategy for OSCC patients, and it is expected to control OSCC progression and improve its prognosis and recurrence in patients.
Diagnostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio and red blood cell distribution width in tuberculosis combined with bacterial infection
Authors: Fu HaiYang , Zhang Haiyun , Wang QiuBo , Zhu HuiMing
Published: October 2024

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) combined with bacterial infection of the lung.
Metheds: 74 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis combined with bacterial infection of the lung attending the Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong City from January 2021 to December 2024 were selected as the infected group, and 96 patients with simple pulmonary tuberculosis admitted during the same period were selected as non-infected group, and the levels of NLR, FAR, and RDW in peripheral blood of the patients of the two groups were collected for determination, and NLR, FAR and RDW levels of the patients of the two groups were compared.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the performance of the above indicators for early diagnosis of PTB combined with bacterial infection.
Results: The levels of NLR, FAR and RDW were significantly higher in the infected group compared with the non-infected group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).The levels of NLR were positively correlated with the levels of leukocytes, C-reactive protein and D-dimer.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis combined with bacterial infection by blood NLR, FAR and RDW were 0.861, 0.818, 0.799; the AUC value after the combination of the three was 0.982. The validation results showed that the diagnostic sensitivity (98.6%) and specificity (89.58%) of NLR and FAR combined with RDW were higher than those of NLR, FAR and RDW alone.
Conclusion: Combined detection of blood NLR, FAR and RDW levels has high clinical diagnostic value for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis combined with bacterial infection.
Prognostic significance of angiogenesis-associated molecules and immunologic characteristic in elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Chen Can , Huang Yongfen , Wang Lingling , Zhang Linlin , Lu Jinbo , Cheng Yuexin , Miao Yuqing
Published: October 2024

Background
Neovascularization mechanisms are hyperactivated in tumors, leading to vascular dysfunction and contributing to tumor metastasis and growth. This study aims to comprehensively analyze angiogenesis-associated genes in relation to the prognosis of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods: Leukemia gene expression data were obtained from the GSE37642 (training set) and TCGA_LAML (validation set) datasets. Angiogenesis-associated genes were identified using the GeneCards database. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO analyses were employed to identify angiogenesis-associated genes linked to AML prognosis. A prognostic signature was constructed based on the selected genes, and its biological functions were analyzed. Finally, we predicted AML drug sensitivity and evaluated differences in drug activity based on the prognostic signature. Results: Five angiogenesis-related genes associated with AML prognosis were identified: ECM1, EGLN1, FKBP5, FOXP1, and SIRT2. Kaplan-Meier analyses confirmed their prognostic value. A prognostic signature based on these genes demonstrated commendable efficacy in predicting patient outcomes. This signature was found to be an independent risk factor for AML and revealed distinct immune profiles. Furthermore, the signature was implicated in the tumor immune microenvironment, with high-risk patients exhibiting elevated levels of immune cell infiltration. Drug sensitivity analysis revealed negative correlations between FOXP1 and Daporinad, ABT737, and BI.2536, while SIRT2 showed positive correlations with ABT737, BI.2536, and ULK1_4989. Conclusion: We have constructed an angiogenesis-related gene prognostic signature that enriches the prognostic assessment system for AML and provides novel therapeutic directions for this disease.
Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection determined by interferon-gamma release assays in patients with immune-mediated diseases
Authors: Iglesias Marisol Apaez , Navarro Juan Pablo Sánchez , Madinaveitia Diana Edith Fernández , Marín José Antonio Mata , Angulo Gustavo Barriga , González Salma Triana , Díaz Ana Luz Cano , Martínez Jesús Enrique Gaytán
Published: October 2024

Background Patients with Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are at high risk of reactivation of tuberculosis, the risk is determined on the type of drug disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and associated factors in people who started or who were on DMARDs treatment.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mexico City from January 2021 to June 2024. People ≥ 18 years old, in the clinic of IMIDs, on mainly biological DMARDs treatment or before it was started. The prevalence of LTBI was determined by gamma interferon release assay (QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus). Categorical data were expressed as frequencies and percentages, quantitative data in median and interquartile ranges, prevalence of LTBI was presented as percentage. A bivariate analysis was performed with x2 test to identify associated factors. A multivariate analysis was performed using a logistic regression model.Results A total of 304 patients were analyzed, 154 (50.7%) were men, with median age of 53 (IQR 39–61) years. Prevalence of LTBI was 34.2% (95% CI 29.1%-39.7%). The most frequent IMIDs were psoriasis in 123 (40.4%) and, rheumatoid arthritis in 47 (15.4%). The most prescribed biological DMARDs were adalimumab in 132 (43.4%) and secukinumab in 46 (15.1%). After a logistic regression model, prior exposure to contacts diagnosed with tuberculosis OR 4.20 (95% CI 1.74–10.12, p = 0.001) and TST ≥ 5 mm OR 99.3 (95%CI 12.7-773.2) remain statistical significance.Conclusions A high prevalence of LTBI was found in patients with IMIDs treated with biological DMARDs. tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors were widely prescribed in these patients. The history of exposure to contacts diagnosed with tuberculosis and TST ≥ 5 mm were associated with positive IGRA for LTBI.
PD-1 Blockade-activated Neoantigen Specific Cellular Therapy For Advanced Relapsed Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Qiao Yun , Hui Kaiyuan , Hu Chenxi , Wang Mei , Sun Wen , Liu Liang , Tang Jingjiao , Jiang Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

Background
Due to its strong immunogenicity and tumor specificity, neoplastic antigen has emerged as an immunotherapy target with wide therapeutic prospect and clinical application value. Anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibodies reinvigorate T cell-mediated antitumor immunity .So we conducted single-arm trial to assess the safety and efficacy of PD-1 blockade(Camrelizumab)-activated Neoantigen Specific Cellular Therapy (aNASCT) on advanced relapsed non-small lung cancer( NSCLC)(ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03205930).
Methods
Neoantigenic peptides were designed and manufactured according to the whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing of fresh biopsy tissues and peripheral blood as well as bioinformatics analysis.All participants received subcutaneous injection of mature DCS (mDCS) loaded with neoantigens on day 8 and subcutaneous injection of mDC-induced autologous somatic toxic T lymphocytes (CTLS) on day 27 for a period defined as 28 days (4 weeks). Enrolled patients received at least 3 cycles of therapy.The safety and efficacy of the treatment were evaluated by evaluating adverse reactions, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 13 patients with advanced replased NSCLC were enrolled in this study. All 13 patients received at least 3 cycles of aNASCT treatment, of which 2 patients received at most 12 cycles of treatment. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) occurred in 4/13 (30.8%)patients with transient fever below 38℃.The objective response rate (ORR) across the 13 enrolled patients was 7 of 13 (53.85%).The disease control rate (DCR) was 8 of 13 (61.54%). The median PFS was 11 months (95% CI 6.1–15.9), and the median OS was 15 months(95% CI 11.5–18.5).
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that aMASCT therapy was safety and immunogenicity of patients with advanced relapsed NSCLC, suggesting its promising potential in cancer immunotherapy.
Risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer: a retrospective analysis based on 2428 cases
Authors: Yu Kejie , Wu Xianjiang , Dai Lei , Le Qi , Xie Yue , Wang Yingchun , Zhang Weidong
Published: October 2024

Background
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with lymph node metastasis (LNM) is associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence. Understanding the clinical characteristics of PTC patients can help surgeons assess the likelihood of LNM. This study aims to identify risk factors for LNM in PTC patients.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 2,428 patients diagnosed with PTC who underwent initial thyroid surgery in our single centre. Risk factors related to central lymph node metastasis (CLNM), lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM), and skip metastasis were investigated by univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses.
Results
Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors were associated with an increased likelihood of CLNM (P < 0.05): male gender, age < 45 years, maximal axial diameter (MAD) > 1 cm, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m² and multifocality. Univariate analysis also revealed that patients with age < 45 years, MAD > 1 cm, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m², multifocality, and CLNM demonstrated a higher propensity for LLNM (P < 0.05). Lower pole tumors were more likely to have CLNM than upper pole tumors, while upper pole tumors were more prone to present LLNM (P < 0.05) and skip metastasis (P < 0.05). Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis identified that gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.732; 95% CI, 2.113–2.577; P < 0.001), age (OR, 1.905; 95% CI, 1.596–2.273; P < 0.001), MAD (OR, 4.639; 95% CI, 3.639–5.913; P < 0.001), and multifocality (OR, 1.860; 95% CI, 1.453–2.381; P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CLNM and MAD (OR, 5.289; 95% CI, 3.777–7.404; P < 0.001), multifocality (OR, 1.858; 95% CI, 1.248–2.766; P = 0.002), and CLNM (OR, 5.030; 95% CI, 3.347–7.561; P < 0.001) for LLNM.
Conclusion
Despite the overall postoperative recurrence rate in PTC patients is low, identifying risk factors such as male gender, age < 45 years, MAD > 1 cm, multifocality, and CLNM can help predict LNM. In specific cases, selective lymphadenectomy in the central or lateral neck area may be warranted.
Mechanisms of Influence of Migration Processes on the Sustainable Development of Enterprise Economics (Case of Azerbaijan)
Authors: Adli Maryam , Ahmadov Elshan
Published: October 2024

This paper summarises the theoretical foundations and practical provisions on the mechanisms of influence of migration processes on the sustainable development of the enterprise economics (on the case of Azerbaijan). The role of migration processes in the sustainable development of the enterprise economy is emphasised by correlation with both migration and the development of the enterprise economy. The positive role of migrant workers in the economic development of countries is confirmed by determining the benefits of migration and supporting the results obtained with statistical indicators. We made the correlation and regression analysis, to define the link between migration and economic development indicators in Azerbaijan. As a result of these and statistical analysis, recommendations were developed for further expanding opportunities for immigrants to strengthen their impact on the enterprise economy in Azerbaijan.
JEL classification: Q01, M21, J61, O31
Adenosine deaminase family acting on RNA 1 may predict efficacy for intrauterine infection
Authors: Nakamura Keiichiro , Shigeyasu Kunitoshi , Vu Thuy Ha , Maki Jota , Okamoto Kazuhiro , Masuyama Hisashi
Published: October 2024

Intrauterine infection (IUI) is mainly an ascending infection in which vaginal and cervical pathogens ascend to the uterus and can affect the fetus. Until now, there is still no effective diagnostic biomarker for IUI, such as chorioamnionitis (CAM) and funisitis (FUN). Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)/Ribonucleic acid (RNA) editing molecules such as apolipoprotein-B mRNA-editing complex (APOBEC) 3 families and Adenosine deaminase family acting on RNA (ADAR)1 were examined in chorioamniotic membranes and umbilical cord of 83 patient samples. Furthermore, the biological functions of ADAR1 induced by ureaplasma parvum were investigated in the human HTR-8/SVneo EVT cell line. ADAR1 had a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) (0.721 and 0.745) than other APOBEC3s or cytokines in CAM and FUN patients. In vitro, ureaplasma parvum was demonstrated to activate ADAR1 (p = 0.025) and reduce RIG-I, IRF3, IFN-α, and IFN-β expression in EVT cell line (p = 0.005, p = 0.010, p < 0.001, and p = 0.018, respectively). High expression of ADAR1 was strongly associated with CAM and FUN patients (multivariate analyses; p = 0.035 and p = 0.002). ADAR1 could be a potential diagnostic target for IUI, such as CAM and FUN patients.
A nomogram of the clinical factors associated with lymph node metastasis of early gastric adenocarcinoma before surgery
Authors: Yan Zhang , Gang Liu , Zhen Cao , Zhanwei Zhao , Tong Han , Yun Huang , Guandi Ding
Published: October 2024

Gastric cancer is a relatively occult digestive tract tumour whose incidence and mortality are among the top five in the world. The latest cancer statistics in China show that the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer are on the rise. Recent research has shown that the lymph node metastasis of tumour cells from lymphatic vessels into the systemic circulation is likely to lead to metastasis, and it is the main source of tumour cells for distant metastasis. Lymph node metastasis usually seriously shortens the survival time of cancer patients. For patients with early gastric adenocarcinoma, early prediction and intervention of those who may have lymph node metastasis after surgery through appropriate observation indicators is expected to greatly reduce their mortality, prolong their survival and achieve better therapeutic effects. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the biological behaviour of early gastric adenocarcinoma with lymph node metastasis after surgery, analysed the associations of routine laboratory indices and histopathological diagnosis with lymph node metastasis, and used the ascending segment of a nomogram to identify the high-risk group for preoperative lymph node metastasis. This case‒control study enrolled 600 patients, including 354 patients with lymph node metastasis and 246 patients without lymph node metastasis in North China. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyse the risk factors for patients with lymph node metastasis of early gastric adenocarcinoma before surgery. Four variables (diabetes mellitus, pathological stage, tumour size, and CEA level) were input into a nomogram model of disease progression. The C-index, ROC curve, DCA and calibration curve showed that the model had good discrimination and accuracy in the development group and the validation group. The clinical impact diagram showed that the nomogram for patients with preoperative lymph node metastasis of early gastric adenocarcinoma has high clinical application value.
A new approach to experimental charcoal analyses: lessons for the Cretaceous and other time periods
Authors: Galinger Matthew , Vachula Richard , Goertzen Leslie , Hansen Curtis , Cullen Thomas
Published: October 2024

Earth’s climate has historically oscillated between climate states, with greenhouse climate periods offering valuable analogs for future climate projections. The Cretaceous period, characterized by high atmospheric CO2 levels and the absence of polar ice caps, provides insights into potential ecological responses to anthropogenic climate change. This study presents experimental data to inform the use of sedimentary charcoal as a paleofire and palaeoecological proxy during the Cretaceous, supplementing the limitations of traditional palynological and fossil perspectives. Our experimental analysis includes 23 broadly sampled plant taxa, focusing on charcoal morphological classifications and a novel set of the following morphometric parameters: aspect ratio (L:W), rectangularity, circularity, and feret diameter. Our results reveal significant differences in charcoal morphometrics at the tissue (e.g., leaf, petiole) and component (e.g., vein, blade) levels, challenging the assumption that larger plant tissues produce relatively uniform charcoal particles. This emphasizes the need for refined morphometric techniques that consider plant tissues as an assemblage of their respective components. Our findings provide a nuanced framework that will improve the accuracy of future charcoal-based paleofire and paleoecology studies, particularly in pre-Holocene contexts, aiding predictions of future ecological dynamics under changing climate conditions.
Microwave-assisted multicomponent synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,4'-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline]-2,5'(6'H)-diones catalyzed by Ionic liquid-coated magnetic carbon nanotubes
Authors: Altalbawy Farag M. A. , Khelif Ali , Saraswat Shelesh krishna , Makasana Jayanti , Jyothi Renuka , Bhanot Deepak , Kumari Bharti
Published: October 2024

We synthesized CNTs-Fe3O4-IL, which are multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with an imidazolium-ionic liquid. Then, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structure, morphology, and properties of the nanocomposites using various characterization techniques. These techniques included VSM, FT-IR, TEM, TGA, DTA, SEM, and XRD. In this manuscript, a novel and efficient microwave-assisted multicomponent synthesis method for spiroindoline-3,4'-pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline-2,5'(6'H)-diones using ionic liquid-coated magnetic carbon nanotubes as the catalyst is presented. The synthesis involves the condensation of 3-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-amins, cyclohexane-1,3-diones, and isatin derivatives under microwave irradiation in the presence of ionic liquid-coated magnetic carbon nanotubes. Ionic-liquid-coated magnetic carbon nanotubes serve as a catalyst for this synthesis, providing improved efficiency and separation ability. The catalyst was also tested for reuse and retained almost all of its activity after several cycles, proving that this method is highly sustainable. This study proves that this approach is an effective and environmentally friendly method for obtaining various spirocondensed heterocyclic compounds. This new method will allow the rapid synthesis of biologically active compounds with potential applications in drug discovery and materials science.
Stress management behavior and its associated factors among diabetes patients: A cross-sectional study in the northern Shoa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Eshete Akine , Kebebew Gizachew , Asegidew Wondesen , Kifleyohans Tewodros , Deress Tilahun , Assefa Yibeltal
Published: October 2024

Background
Despite evidence supporting the positive impact of effective stress management on diabetes care, self-stress management remains a challenge for diabetic patients worldwide, including in Ethiopia, where research on self-stress management is lacking. This study examines stress management behaviors and their factors among individuals with diabetes.
Method
A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals of North Shoa Zone from September 1–29, 2023. The study included 422 diabetic patients randomly selected from four public hospitals. Data entry was performed via Epi Data V.3.1, followed by analysis via SPSS version 22. Continuous variables are presented as the means and standard deviations, whereas categorical variables are expressed as percentages. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the study variables. To identify factors associated with stress management practices, binary logistic regression models were utilized. A p value of ≤ 0.05 and an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered indicative of statistically significant associations.
Results
Stress management practices were observed in 50.7% of the patients (95% CI: 46.5–55.6%). After adjusting for confounders, factors associated with greater engagement in stress management included formal education (AOR:1.77, 95% CI:1.29–2.77), good diabetic self-care knowledge (AOR:1.90, 95% CI:1.22–2.99), good health promotion services (AOR:2.02, 95% CI: 1.30–3.14), urban residence (AOR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.29–3.28), and the absence of comorbidities (AOR:2.09, 95% CI:1.33–3.28).
Conclusion
The findings of this study reveal a significant gap in stress management practices, emphasizing the urgent need for healthcare providers in diabetes care to prioritize the implementation of strategies that strengthen patient education, expand self-care knowledge, and deliver holistic health promotion services.
Robust Security Framework for IoT-Enabled Smart Cities: Leveraging Ensemble Machine Learning Techniques in Fog Computing Environments
Authors: Kumari Radhika , Kaur Kiranbir
Published: October 2024

In IoT domains, particularly those reliant on fog computing, possessing enhanced threat detection abilities is crucial. The decentralization and large number of devices, common in smart city environments, make these situations more challenging. Basic security controls are usually inadequate in a complicated and dynamic setting, which calls for innovative approaches to thwarting such intimidation. The gravity of these issues caused the authors to devise a hybrid approach incorporating Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM), Random Forest (RF), and AdaBoost algorithms. The hybrid algorithm combines the advantages of different approaches and minimizes the disadvantages of the individual approaches. The purpose of this research is to conduct an analysis of smart city security literature and assess whether ensemble models are more effective than individual models in the single model approach. The study used two datasets: the University of New South Wales-Network Based 15 (UNSW-NB15) and the Canadian Institute of Cybersecurity Intrusion Detection Systems 2017 (CICIDS2017). The performance metrics of the ensemble model were not only better than that of any single model but also achieved a respectable figure of 95.60% and even 96.67% accuracy on the UNSW-NB15 dataset and CICIDS – 2017, respectively. Key performance metrics showed significant improvements, including precision of 98.78% on UNSW-NB15 and 99.87% on CICIDS2017, recall rates of 99.13% and 99.85%, and F1-scores of 97.32% and 99.64%. These results validate the efficiency of ensemble techniques in safeguarding IoT-based smart city infrastructures, offering enhanced security mechanisms and improved response to evolving cyber threats.
Investigating the causal relationship between Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and Temperature: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Amendola Marco , Triacca Umberto , Valente Marco
Published: October 2024

The specific details of the relationship between global warming and carbon dioxide concentration have been a long-debated issue in the climate change literature. In this paper we revisit the topic using a panel data approach. In particular, we use the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test for a panel of individual areas of the planet to assess the causality relation at global level. Moreover, we perform separate individual area-level Granger causality tests to determine the existence and direction of causal links between the two variables at local level. We find evidence of both causality directions at global level, suggesting a potential feedback between CO2 concentration and temperature, and a strong differentiation of the causality links across geographical areas.
Response of soil carbon dioxide emission, soil organic carbon andmicrobial community to biochar addition with nitrogen optimizing
Authors: Yang Weijun , Zhang Liyue , Zhang Jinshan , Li Pengying , Jia Hongtao , Su Lili , Wang Zi
Published: October 2024

A three-year field study was conducted to investigate the CO2 emissions from irrigation wheat fields in response to biochar addition and nitrogen optimizing. Eight treatments were established: (1) control (without any fertilizers or biochar addition, CK), (2) nitrogen fertilizer application alone (300kg/hm2, N1), (3) biochar application alone (20t/hm2, B), (4) nitrogen fertilizer applied with biochar (N1B), (5) nitrogen fertilizer applied with 15% reduction (255kg/hm2, N2), (6) 15% reduction of nitrogen fertilizer + biochar (N2B), (7) nitrogen fertilizer applied with 30% reduction (210kg/hm2, N3), and (8) 30% reduction of nitrogen fertilizer + biochar (N3B), each treatment has three replicates. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of biochar addition and nitrogen optimized levels on soil carbon dioxide emission, soil organic carbon and microbial community. The findings indicated that the application of biochar and/or nitrogen fertilizer, particularly in combination, was observed to increase soil organic carbon and soil active organic carbon. Biochar application decreased CO2 emissions in wheat fields, compared with the non-amendment treatment. Biochar addition combined with optimized nitrogen also make a different CO2 emission rate. This improvement was attributed to the capacity of biochar to regulate soil microbial community composition, like soil functional diversity, soil microorganisms (fungi and bacterial), soil properties (pH, soil bulk density). In conclusion, biochar addition with nitrogen optimizing (B1N2) regime was determined to be the optimal approach for wheat field in irrigated region northern Xinjiang, resulting in enhanced soil organic carbon and the mitigation of carbon emissions. Nevertheless, further investigation of its long-term impact on farmland is recommended.
Isolation and characterization of a novel silicate-solubilizing bacterial strain Staphylococcus ureilyticus MV-1 associated with grape wine
Authors: Nandre Vinod , Mahale Mithil , Patil Rajendra , Kasote Deepak , Sarnikar Sushmita , Kumari Anamika , Kodam Kisan , Kulkarni Mohan , Waghmode Suresh B.
Published: October 2024

This research aimed to isolate Staphylococcus ureilyticus MV-1 bacteria and evaluate their potential for soil application. These bacteria can solubilize silicate minerals up to 25 µg/mL in the first 10 h utilizing magnesium trisilicate as a silica source. This encourages plant development by generating plant hormones such as indole acetic acid (IAA). The IAA production peaked at 14 µg/mL after 48 hours without further supplementation. Further, significant levels of micro- and macro-nutrient uptake were also recorded using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) in grapevine after treating it with MV-1 indicating the availability of nutrients to plants for proper growth and functioning. The results state that MV-1 had a synergistic effect on plant growth and soil fertility.
In vivo cartography of state-dependent signal flow hierarchy in the human cerebral cortex
Authors: Hong Seok-Jun , Oh Younghyun , Ann Yejin , Lee Jae-Joong , Ito Takuya , Froudist-Walsh Sean , Paquola Casey , Milham Michael , Spreng R. Nathan , Margulies Daniel , Bernhardt Boris , Woo Choong-Wan
Published: October 2024

Understanding the principle of information flow across distributed brain networks is of paramount importance in neuroscience. Here, we introduce a novel neuroimaging framework, leveraging integrated effective connectivity (iEC) and unconstrained signal flow mapping for data-driven discovery of the human cerebral functional hierarchy. Simulation and empirical validation demonstrated the high fidelity of iEC in recovering connectome directionality and its potential relationship with histologically defined feedforward and feedback pathways. Notably, the iEC-derived hierarchy displayed a monotonously increasing level along the axis where the sensorimotor, association, and paralimbic areas are sequentially ordered – a pattern supported by the Structural Model of laminar connectivity. This hierarchy was further demonstrated to flexibly reorganize according to brain states, flattening during an externally oriented condition, evidenced by a reduced slope in the hierarchy, and steepening during an internally focused condition, reflecting heightened engagement of interoceptive regions. Our study highlights the unique role of macroscale directed functional connectivity in uncovering a neurobiologically grounded, state-dependent signal flow hierarchy.
Friction-based Recycling: An Evaluation of Friction Extrusion for Fabricating Ti-6Al-4V Wire Fabricated from Machining Chip Feedstock
Authors: Chouhan Devesh Kumar , Komarasamy Mageshwari , Taysom Scott , Overman Nicole , Canfield Nathan , Roosendaal Timothy , Reynolds Anthony , Whalen Scott
Published: October 2024

Titanium and its alloys are used in aviation and automobile industries due to their remarkable strength to weight ratio, but machining loss commonly is high with ~ 80 wt.% of the material being converted to scrap. Recycling post-consumer Ti scrap directly into solid bulk products is a potential solution for repurposing valuable material. Further, eliminating fresh Ti sponge during recycling might lead to lower energy and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, a solid-phase process known as friction extrusion was utilized to recycle Ti-6Al-4V machining chips into solid wires which could be used as feedstock in additive manufacturing. The friction consolidation technique was first used to convert chips with varying degrees of oxygen content into solid billets for its use as feedstock material in subsequent friction extrusion. The extrudates were fabricated above the beta transition temperature, which was achieved by selecting the rotation rate and feed rate, to process the billets near 1000°C using a tungsten-lanthana extrusion die. This work presents the first occurrence of friction extruded titanium alloy wires. The effect of friction extrusion on microstructural features, tensile properties, and texture are reported. Overall, the friction extrusion method is capable of directly recycling Ti-6Al-4V scrap into extruded wire.
Comparison of postpartum depression prevalence before and during the covid-19 pandemic in Turkey: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: KARAÇAM Zekiye , EKİN Pirozhan , ŞARALDI Hilal BAL
Published: October 2024

Purpose
To determine the prevalence of postpartum depression and the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of postpartum depression based on the results of the studies in Turkey.
Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. The key words postpartum depression or postnatal depression and Turkey were searched in the electronic databases of PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Türkiye Atıf Dizini, TR Dizin, DergiPark and YÖK- National Thesis Centre. The systematic review was performed by following PRISMA and COSMOS-E. Data were collected by using a data extraction tool developed by the researchers. The quality of the studies was evaluated by utilizing The Joanna Briggs Institute’s Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies. Obtained data were synthesized with meta-analysis, narrative synthesis, subgroup analysis and meta-regression.
Results
The total sample size of 34 studies included in this meta-analysis was 10 236. The pooled postpartum depression prevalence was 17.8% (95% CI: 0.153–0.206). It was found to be 16.3% before the pandemic (95% CI: 0.065–0.358) and increased to 20.2% during the pandemic (95% CI: 0.068–0.468), though the difference was not significant (Q = 1.77; df: 1; p = 0.184). According to the results of the meta-regression analysis, the geographical region where the study was performed, the postpartum period when data were collected and the cut-off point of the data collection tool used were not effective in the prevalence of postpartum depression. However, there were many factors affecting the postpartum depression prevalence.
Outcomes
This meta-analysis revealed that the postpartum depression prevalence was very high, increased during the pandemic and was affected by many risk factors. It may be recommended that healthcare professionals take protective and improving measures for the mental health of women at high risk during the perinatal period and provide early diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and care services.