bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Naringenin's Cancer-Fighting Potential: An In-depth In-silico Study of Prosomillet Metabolite Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Kathirvel Pavitra , N Bharathi , N Saranya , Jayakanthan M , Vellaikumar S , V Anandhi , Sowdhamini R , Tiwari Vikas
Published: October 2023

Prosomillet, also known as Broomcorn millet, has emerged as a significant food source for people in temperate and tropical regions due to its drought-resistant nature and rich dietary and therapeutic benefits. However, minor millets remain underutilized, with limited research investigating their nutritional and medicinal properties, particularly their potential as an antiproliferative and antioxidant agent in combating various carcinogenic diseases. This study focuses on the metabolic profiling of Proso Millet using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and the therapeutic potential of the natural metabolite Naringenin as an EGFR cancer cell inhibitor. The metabolites identified were subjected to in-silico analysis, involving molecular docking and virtual screening against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) protein (PDB ID: 3w33). A total of 68 phytocompounds from the Prosomillet (ATL-1) were screened, alongside five known FDA-approved cancer inhibitors, to explore the interactions between the cancer protein and the ligands. The docked complex revealed the binding energies between the peptide and the target molecule, suggesting their potential as candidate drugs for cancer treatment. Molecular dynamic simulation studies were carried out on the top-ranked molecule. The in-silico analyses indicate that naringenin has the potential to be a cutting-edge therapeutic candidate for the treatment of human cancer.
Rainfall-runoff modeling using machine learning in the urban watershed of Pishin Lora Basin, Balochistan (Pakistan)
Authors: Shah Ghunwa , Zaidi Arjumand , Qureshi Abdul Latif , Hussain Shahzad , Jokhio Rizwan , Aziz Tariq
Published: October 2023

Pishin Lora Basin (PLB) is one of the major and most water-scarce basins in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The Pishin Lora River flowing through the basin supports agriculture and domestic water use. However, the available scientific research on hydrological modeling in the study area is either limited or outdated. The growing impact of climate change on the basin's hydrology has increased interest in forecasting, which requires flow prediction studies using innovative approaches. In this study, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a machine learning (ML) data-driven approach, is utilized as an alternative to hydrological models. Multilayer perceptron (MLP) model was structured for the runoff prediction. The model's performance evaluation was done to check the accuracy of the prediction. Remotely sensed thirty-two years (1990–2022) observed daily, weekly, and monthly rainfall, humidity and temperature dataset of Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications-2 (MERRA-2) satellite were used as model inputs to predict the watershed's runoff as the output. Runoff data were generated using Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) Method. Statistical tests were used for the performance evaluation of the model, including coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean squared error (RMSE). Four input combinations were used for the prediction of runoff. With rainfall alone as a input the R2 for daily, weekly and monthly datasets were 0.734, 0.968 and 0.906 respectively. Compared to the daily dataset, the model performed better for the weekly and monthly datasets. This demonstrates that the model is effective at predicting the runoff.
Preexposure Prophylaxis to Eliminate HIV in Taiwan by 2030: A Modeling Study
Authors: Fang Chi-Tai , Wu Huei-Jiuan , Cheng Ya-Ping , Chen Yi-Hsuan , Chang Chia-Chen , Lo Tung
Published: October 2023

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstrated 86% efficacy in randomized trials. However, globally, PrEP remains underutilized. The role of PrEP in achieving HIV elimination has been underappreciated and understudied. In Taiwan, the HIV epidemic predominantly affects young, sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM). Our stochastic modeling indicates that the HIV test-and-treat strategy has minimal impact on HIV transmissions that occur during the acute HIV infection. In contrast, a PrEP program providing access to 50% of young, high-risk MSM will halve transmissions during the acute stage and suppress the basic reproduction number (R0) of HIV to below 1, thereby facilitating its elimination. Risk compensation (i.e., none of the PrEP users using condom), imperfect adherence (at 75%), or drug resistance (at a 1% rate) do not undermine such a program's effectiveness. Deterministic modeling further indicates that implementing a 50% coverage PrEP program will reduce the trajectory of the HIV epidemic in Taiwan to below the World Health Organization’s HIV elimination threshold (1/1,000 person-years) by 2030, and such a program is highly cost-saving from a societal perspective, yielding a benefit-cost ratio of 7.16. Our findings strongly support the broad administration of PrEP to high-risk, HIV-negative MSM to achieve HIV elimination by 2030.
Spatio-Temporal Variability of Atmospheric Aerosols Affecting Cloud Properties around Mangaluru along the Southwest Coast of India
Authors: Ahmed Aarif , Getachew Birhan , Manjunatha B.R. , Jose Jithin , Rajesha R.
Published: October 2023

The study analyzed the effect of aerosols on cloud properties in the summer monsoon-dominated region around Mangaluru along the southwest coast of India from 2001 to 2020. AOD (aerosol optical depth) and Angstrom Exponent (AE) datasets were used to examine aerosols' spatial and temporal distribution over the study area and the adjacent Arabian Sea. The back trajectories of the airmass computed from the hybrid single-particle lagrangian integrated trajectory (HYSPLIT) model indicate that this region is highly influenced by the marine airmass of the Arabian Sea, which is considerably contaminated by those emitted over the landmass, particularly from the anthropocentric region, throughout the year. Seasonally, the coarse particles especially dominate during the summer and, to some extent, during the spring, whereas the fine-mode aerosols especially dominate during the winter and autumn seasons. The latter types of aerosols gradually increased from 2001 to 2018, but a sudden decrease in the level was noticed in 2019–20 due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The correlation between AOD and cloud characteristics, i.e., cloud fraction (CF), cloud top pressure (CTP), cloud top temperature (CTT), and water vapor (WV), indicates that the positive correlation of AOD with CF and WV suggests that aerosols responsible for AOD are also responsible for cloud formation, especially in areas with high levels of industrial activity. In contrast, negative correlations with CTT and CTP suggest the dominance of sea salt and dust aerosols, which can scatter sunlight back into space and cool the atmosphere by lowering CTT and CTP, during monsoon season.
O-GlcNAcylation of Keratin 18 coordinates TCA cycle to promote cholangiocarcinoma progression
Authors: Xie Ran , Meng Xiangfeng , Zhou Yue , Xu Lei , Wang Changjiang , Tian Xiao , Zhang Xiang , Hao Yi , Cheng Bo , Wang Lei , Liu Jialin
Published: October 2023

Glycosylation in human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) actively contributes to pathophysiological steps of tumor progression. Of note is the dynamic modification of proteins by O-linked β-N-acetyl-glucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) that modulates various tumor-associated biological activities. By using a cutting-edge chemical proteomic methodology for intact glycopeptide analysis, we show herein that O-GlcNAcylation of Keratin 18 (K18) coordinates the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes, namely isocitrate dehydrogenases (IDHs), to promote CCA progression. Mechanistically, site-specific O-GlcNAcylation of K18 on Ser 30 stabilizes K18, which benefits the expression of cell cycle checkpoints to enhance cell cycle progression and cell growth. Interaction with IDHs down-regulates the level of citrate and isocitrate, while up-regulates the level of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG). Our study thus expands the current understanding of protein O-GlcNAcylation, and adds another dimension of complexity to post-translational control over metabolism and tumorigenesis.
Optimizing carbon emissions of precast production in off-site construction: a multi-objective scheduling approach with group technology
Authors: Zheng Ruiyan , Li Zhongfu , Li Long , Ma Shengbin , Li Xiaodan
Published: October 2023

Faced with immense pressure to reduce carbon emissions, off-site construction (OSC) is considered as a sustainable alternative from conventional practices. However, challenged by component diversity and a sharp rise in demand, deficient management in off-site precast production struggles to effectively tackle real-world challenges of component grouping, coupled with insufficient attention to environmental impacts, ultimately resulting in falling short of expected benefits in OSC projects. Therefore, this study discusses carbon emissions and component grouping issues in off-site precast production. A multi-objective optimization framework is proposed, aiming to minimize carbon emissions and reduce tardiness/ earliness penalty while considering the incorporation of grouping technology for component grouping. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II), adjusted by adaptive population initialization strategy and group technology, is introduced for solving this problem, striking a balance between sustainability and penalty costs. Through a real-case analysis, the proposed approach demonstrates an average reduction of 37.5% in carbon emissions compared to rule-based scheduling methods, a 30.1% reduction compared to previous research methods, along with over 10% reduction in tardiness/ earliness penalty. This study enhances carbon efficiency from a production scheduling perspective and establishes an automated, practical method, fostering low-cost, high-efficiency green production for construction component enterprises, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby promoting sustainable development in the construction industry.
Transcriptome profiling reveals the regulatory mechanisms of ascorbic acid and flavonoid synthesis and metabolic processes in fruit development of Ribes nigrum
Authors: Gang Huixin , Zhang Xuelin , Zhang Danni , Huo Junwei , Qin Dong
Published: October 2023

Background
The blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is rich in nutritional value. It is rich in ascorbic acid and flavonoids with excellent antioxidant properties. Fruit quality is an important factor affecting subsequent processing and production, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation of blackcurrant fruit quality are largely unknown.
Results
In the current study, comparative transcriptome analysis investigated the similarities and differences between two blackcurrant varieties: 'Adelinia' and 'Heifeng' at four fruit developmental stages (young, expansion, veraison, and ripe fruit). Additionally, we observed variations in a number of physiological indicators during the growth of blackcurrant fruits. The results indicate that, during the development of blackcurrant fruits, ascorbic acid content continued to decrease, whereas flavonoid content was lowest in the veraison period. The fruit size of 'Adelinia' variety was larger than that of 'Heifeng' variety throughout the developmental. Based on the results of the transcriptome sequencing data, a total of 4295 up-regulated genes and 3529 down-regulated genes were obtained between 'Adelinia' and 'Heifeng' varieties; A total of 6,349 up-regulated and 5,770 down-regulated genes were identified between the four developmental periods, respectively. The expression of 4 genes, PMM, APX, GME, and PGI has a strong correlation with AsA content. while two APX, two AO, and one MDHAR genes showed a strong negative correlation with AsA content. A total of 19 genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis were screened. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that many DEGs were enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction (ko04075) pathway and the photosynthesis-antenna proteins (ko00196) pathway.
Conclusions
We predicted that the PMM, APX, GME, and PGI genes, which are positively correlated with ascorbic acid, may play an important role in the biosynthesis of AsA; while the negatively correlated APX, AO, and MDHAR genes may be critical for AsA in the recycling pathway. DFR, ANR, CHI, CHS, 4CL, and LAR genes are important regulators of flavonoid synthesis. Also predicted the regulatory influences of various plant hormones on the fruit size of blackcurrants. We provide genetic resources for improving fruit quality and size as well as for rationalizing the use of plant growth regulators to improve fruit quality.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of multidrug resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales isolated from clinical samples in the Western region in Cameroon
Authors: Nkengkana Omer Aurelle , Founou Raspail Carrel , Founou Luria Leslie , Dimani Brice Davy , Koudoum Patrice Landry , Zemtsa Jessica Ravalona , Mbossi Aurelia , Mawout Cyrielle Signe , Tegang Larissa Tchakounte , Noubom Michel
Published: October 2023

Background: The 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) report has listed extended spectrum β-lactamases producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) as critical pathogens for public health and requiring urgently new antibiotics. The aim of this study was to characterize phenotypically and genotypically ESBL-PE isolated among clinical samples in Dschang, Cameroon.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a four-month periods from February to May 2022 in the two biggest hospitals of Dschang. Clinical samples were collected and cultured on Eosin Methylene Blue agar. Suspected growing colonies were biochemically identified using the Enterosystem Kit 18R. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method and interpretated according to the CA-SFM recommendations. ESBL phenotypes were double screened using CHROMagarTM ESBL and double disk synergy test (DDST). The detection of resistance genes was performed using conventional and multiplex PCR methods. Results were analysed with SPSS (version 21) and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 597 clinical samples including urine, blood, cervico-vaginal and urethral swabs and wound samples were analyzed and 152 Enterobacterales where isolated among the 124 positives patients to Enterobacterales. The overall prevalence of ESBL-Enterobacterales was 29.61% (45/152). The most represented ESBL species were Escherichia coli (n=23; 51.11%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=8; 17.78%) and Citrobacter freundii (n=6; 13.33%).
Antimicrobial resistance profile of ESBL-E. coli shows 56.52% and 86.96% resistance for imipenem and ceftazidime respectively. The most common genes detected among ESBL-Enterobacterales were blaCTX-M (n=38; 84.44%) and blaTEM (n= 33; 73.33%) respectively.
Conclusion: ESBL-PE is an important public health concern in the Western region of Cameroon urging the implementation of real-time molecular epidemiological surveillance system in both hospitals and community settings combined with strict compliance of the National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance.
Nanoemulsion encapsulation of polyphenols from honeybee pollen increases quercetin permeability in wt-MDCK monolayers
Authors: Bridi Raquel , González Pablo M , Núñez Gabriel , Montenegro Gloria , Atala Elias , de Camargo Adriano Costa
Published: October 2023

Honeybee pollen (HBP) is a bee product composed of flower pollen collected from diverse plant species. Traditionally, HBP has been used in both healing and human nutrition for its wide range of secondary plant metabolites, including phenolic compounds. Yet, while these natural compounds are currently arousing attention due to their beneficial health effects, they have a limited ability to cross biological barriers and hence present low bioavailability. Quercetin was proposed as a phenolic marker for quality control in Chilean HBP. This study determined the effects of encapsulation in a multiple W/O/W nanoemulsion by using epithelial MDCK-C7 cells as a permeability model. The results indicate that the multiple nanoemulsion enhanced the in vitro permeability of encapsulated quercetin. The apparent permeability (Papp) of quercetin in cells treated with the HBP-loaded multiple nanoemulsion (HBP-MNE) was 19.1 ± 0.92 x 10− 6 cm/s, which was significantly higher than that of the free HBP extract (9.28 ± 0.47 x 10− 6 cm/s), suggesting that the nanoencapsulation procedure enabled quercetin flux through the epithelium. Our findings showed that the multiple nanoemulsion improved the permeability of encapsulated quercetin in vitro. Further research in animal models or human studies is now encouraged.
Effect of the postbiotic produced by Bacillus mojavensis from pulque on colon cancer cells
Authors: Trujillo-Lopéz María Alejandra , Garduño-Vargas Miguel Ángel , Bautista-Rodriguez Elizabeth , Muñoz-Olivos Cristina , Martínez-Ortiz Verónica Miroslava , Pérez-Armendáriz Beatriz , El-Kassis Elie Girgis
Published: October 2023

Probiotics have shown their potential antiproliferative effect on colon cancer cells. Although studies suggest that the effect is due to microbiome regulation, it also could be caused by metabolites produced by probiotics. Therefore, in the present work, we evaluated the effect of a cell-free extract called postbiotic from B. mojavensis, a strain isolated from Pulque (a traditional Mexican drink); the viability was determined by the MTT and crystal violet assays and the migration using wound-healing assay on the colon cancer cell SW-480. In addition, the effect on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) obtained from healthy patients was determined. The results showed that 25 or 50 µg/ml of B. mojavensis decreased viability in more than 75% of SW-480 cells and migration after 24h. Moreover, 25 or 50 µg/ml of B. mojavensis showed the ability to inhibit LPS-induced proliferation by 10ug/mL. In addition, interestingly, the effect is specific for colon cancer cells since B. mojavensis did not induce a cytotoxic effect on healthy PBMCs cells. The reported results show that the postbiotic produced by the studied strain of B. mojavensis isolated from pulque has excellent potential use as an adjuvant in treating colorectal cancer.
Neuropsychiatric profiles of children with Sydenham's Chorea in West Scotland
Authors: Mushet Nadine , Morton Michael , Minnis Helen , Gillberg Christopher
Published: October 2023

Sydenham’s chorea (SC): a post-streptococcal neuropsychiatric disorder, the most common cause of chorea in children worldwide but rare in Europe, may be the only manifestation of acute rheumatic fever. Descriptions of symptoms at SC onset, relapses, lifetime prevalence of developmental and psychiatric disorders and services used were obtained from children and their parents in West Scotland Liaison Psychiatry and Paediatric Neurology services over a three-year period. Interviews established medical and family history of physical and psychiatric symptoms, alongside a semi-structured, psychiatric interview (KSADS- PL), exploring current and most severe past episode of psychopathology. Twelve children, 7 girls, 5 boys, interviewed, age 10–15. Findings: six pre-existing neuro-developmental problems, four pre-morbid separation difficulties; debilitating conditions at onset included wheelchair requirements, speech impairments joint pain and psychiatric disorder. Psychopathology most severe during first episode but 6/12 reported SC relapses. Diagnoses identified: separation anxiety generalised anxiety ADHD, tics, ASD, psychosis). Educational problems were frequent. SC diagnosis was sometimes delayed. Services used: cardiology, rheumatology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy. Medication: long-term penicillin sodium valproate also various psychotropics. SC complicated by psychiatric symptoms may be associated with pre-existing vulnerabilities and can present clinical challenges for paediatric and mental health services.
Measuring damage anisotropy in concrete from ultrasound velocity data
Authors: Fedoroff Alexis , Calonius Kim , Sklodowska Anna
Published: October 2023

The uniaxial compression of an initially isotropic concrete specimen induces a damage pattern that is anisotropic: in the direction of loading the concrete undergoes compaction, while in the directions orthogonal to the loading direction concrete cracking can be observed. In order to quantify such damage patterns, one possibility is to observe the changes in the stiffness tensor of a compressed specimen with respect to the stiffness tensor of the corresponding virgin state specimen.
The eigensolutions of the Kelvin-Christoffel matrix for anisotropic media provide the relation between ultrasound wave velocities in given wavefront and polarization directions and the stiffness matrix components. In this study, it is shown how using the pitch-catch method for the determination of first time arrival, one can evaluate the sound wave velocities in different directions and compute the stiffness tensor components for a damaged concrete specimen. Plots of stiffness tensor components as a function of non-recoverable strain gives a qualitative measure of the anisotropic strain degradation process.
Factors influencing Risky Sexual Behavior: A study of female Undergraduate Students of University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulganiyu Abdulazeez
Published: October 2023

Background
Out of 1.9 million people living with HIV in 2018, about 1.5% were within age 15–49 years although efforts have been made to limit the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country but it still retains an upward trajectory in certain states due to engagement of youths in risky sexual behaviours Thus, this study examined factors influencing risky sexual behaviors among female Undergraduate Students of University of Lagos, Akoka.
Methods
A quantitative methodological approach was adopted for this study. The study location was the University of Lagos in Nigeria. A total number of 400 sample size was considered for this study. The multi-stage sampling technique will be applied. The questionnaire was used in the process of gathering data for this study. Frequency count and percentage, including valid percentage and cumulative percentage, were used.
Results
The findings of the study showed that a significant majority of respondents 367 respondents, (91.7%) have had sexual intercourse. Peer influence played a role in the first sexual activity for the majority of respondents, with 288 respondents (78.5%) indicating that their first sexual experience was influenced by their peers. The study also revealed that (62.2%) of respondents reported engaging in unprotected mouth-to-genital contact.
Conclusions
The vast majority of students acknowledged having had sexual activities. Notably, peer influence emerged as a crucial component of their first sexual encounters, demonstrating the influence of their peers on their choices. Friends persisted in having a big impact on the respondents' subsequent sexual behavior. Recommendations such as government implementing comprehensive sex education programs that emphasize healthy relationships, consent, and responsible decision-making, aiming to empower young individuals with accurate information and skills to resist negative peer pressure were made in tandem with the findings of this study.
Rapid detection of multiple phytoplasmas with an All-In-One Dual (AIOD) CRISPR assay
Authors: Feng Jiancan , Chen Peng , Li Qicheng , Jiao Jian , Yang Qiqi , Guo Sicheng , Yao Jia , Chen Yun , Ye Xia , Cheng Jun , Tan Bin , Zheng Xianbo , Wu Yingxia , Cai Hong , Wu Yunfeng , Wang Huiyu , Li Jidong
Published: October 2023

Phytoplasma can infect thousands of plants and caused huge economic losses around the world. The large-scale spread and serious lethality of phytoplasma prompt the urgent need for sensitive, accurate, visual and rapid detection of these pathogens. Current molecular assays used for detecting phytoplasma are expensive and time consuming. Here, we established a novel All-In-One Dual (AIOD) CRISPR detection platform based on CRISPR/LbCas12a technology for the diagnosis of multiple phytoplasma. The protocol is simple, requiring one vessel, rapid and sensitive, and the output is visual. Cas12a/crRNAs complexes are added into a reaction containing RPA Mix, RPA primers and single-stranded DNA fluorophore-quencher (ssDNA-FQ). All components, including 1 μL of sample DNA, are added together and then incubated in one tube at 37 °C. Phytoplasma was detected after 15 min from leaf harvest. Positive results can be observed by the naked eye via fluorescent signals. We optimized the amounts of crRNA, LbCas12a and the ssDNA fluorophore in the detection system. Finally, an optimized system was established containing 1,000 nM ssDNA-FQ and a 2:1:1 ratio of LbCas12a/crRNA1/crRNA2 complex with a 0.8 μM concentration as 1. In the optimized reaction, the AIOD-CRISPR detection system exhibited high sensitivity, with limits of detection reaching 3.37E + 2 copies of phytoplasma DNA per reaction. Field tests indicated the AIOD-CRISPR detection system possessed high specificity and reached the 100% accuracy when compared with PCR detection. In conclusion, the AIOD-CRISPR detection system is an ideal selection with high specificity and sensitivity for phytoplasma detection.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Effect of Adjuvant Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-a) on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Endometriosis Following Conservative Surgery.
Authors: Qing Xuemei , He Lele , Ma Ying , Zhang Yong , Zheng Wenxin
Published: October 2023

Background
Endometriosis frequently results in pain and infertility. While conservative surgery offers some relief, it often falls short of ensuring satisfactory pregnancy outcomes. Adjuvant GnRH-a is administered post-surgery to mitigate recurrence; however, its impact on pregnancy outcomes remains debated. This study endeavors to assess the efficacy of adjuvant GnRH-a in enhancing pregnancy outcomes post-conservative surgery in endometriosis patients.
Methods
Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, and Scopus were rigorously searched up to 02 August 2023, without linguistic constraints. Identified articles were screened using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evaluated outcomes encompassed pregnancy rate, live birth rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, time from surgery to pregnancy, recurrence rate, and adverse reaction rate. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Jadad score evaluated the included studies' quality. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were implemented to analyze the pooled results. A meta-analysis model expressed results as standardized mean difference (SMD) and Risk ratio (RR).
Results
A total of 17 studies about 2485 patients were assimilated. Meta-analysis revealed that post-surgery, the GnRH-a cohort experienced a marginally elevated pregnancy rate (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.02–1.41; P = 0.03) and a reduced mean time to conceive (RR = -1.17, 95% CI = -1.70- -0.64; P < 0.0001). Contrarily, other evaluated outcomes did not exhibit notable statistical differences.
Conclusions
Incorporating adjuvant GnRH-a following conservative surgery may be deemed beneficial for women with endometriosis, especially before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Nonetheless, owing to pronounced heterogeneity, subsequent research is warranted to substantiate these potential advantages conclusively.
Registration number:
CRD42023448280.
Hypertension Management and Health Belief in Middle-Aged Laotian Population
Authors: Kang Younhee , Kim Boeun
Published: October 2023

Background
This study estimated prevalence of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control and examined their associations with health locus of control by rural and urban areas.
Methods
This is cross-sectional study using population-based data. Middle-aged people living in central Laos were recruited using a multistage cluster sampling approach and analytic sample size was 924. Blood pressure was measured by a digital automatic blood pressure monitor. Self-reported hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were recorded and health locus of control was assessed using the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (HLOC).
Results
Proportions of awareness, treatment, and control were 43.4%, 42.3%, and 17.8%. In urban areas, individuals with one point greater in doctor HLOC were 15% more likely to be aware of their hypertension status (95% CI: 1.03–1.28), 13% more likely to adhere to blood pressure-lowering medication (95% CI: 1.01–1.27), and 25% more likely to have controlled hypertension (95% CI: 1.11–1.41). In rural areas, individuals with one point higher in internal HLOC was related to 17% higher chance of having controlled hypertension (95% CI: 1.05–1.29).
Conclusions
The findings call for actions to prevent and manage hypertension and health beliefs should be considered to design a culturally tailored intervention in Laos.
Is Rural Non-farm Employment Distress Driven in Uttar Pradesh? Evidence from the NSSO rounds and PLF Survey
Authors: Hashmi Shadab
Published: October 2023

Using National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) data, this study assessed the employment situation in Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on non-farm employment. The primary objective of our study is to investigate the potential causes of employment growth in non-farm activities over time. In Uttar Pradesh, we observed that a higher proportion of the casual workforce and stagnation of rural manufacturing activities, as well as a declining proportion of people who were self-employed and regularly employed, contributed to the casualization of the rural workforce. This suggests that the rural workforce was forced to shift from agricultural to non-farm activities as a result of distress. The key finding is that self-employment and regular employment outside agriculture seemed to be high-return activities, whereas casual employment outside agriculture was linked to low-return activities. Using a multinomial logit model, the study revealed that across all employment status categories, including agricultural labor, cultivators, non-farm regular employment, non-farm self-employment, and non-farm casual employment, the likelihood of working in high-paying non-farm regular and self-employment activities increases with better educational attainment, larger landholdings, and placement among the upper castes in social groups.
JEL Code: J22, J24, J46
Efficient nanostructured materials to reduce nutrient leaching to overcome environmental contaminations
Authors: Nadeem Farwa , Hanif Muhammad Asif , AlMasoud Najla , Alomar Taghrid S. , Younis Adnan
Published: October 2023

Nutrient leaching is a major reason for fresh and ground water contamination. Menthol is the major bioactive ingredient of Mentha arvensis L. and one of the most traded products of the global essential oil market. The indigenous production of menthol crystals in the developing countries of the world can prove to be the backbone for the local growers and poor farmers. Therefore, present research was designed to check the effects of nanostructured plant growth regulators (PGRs) (28-homobrassinolide and ethephon) with reduced leaching potentials on the essential oil and menthol (%) of Mentha arvensis L. The prepared nanoformulations were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Differential scanning colorimetry-thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The menthol (%) was determined by modified spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic (GC) method. The highest essential oil (%) was obtained by the 28-homobrassinolide-Zn-NPs-L-II (0.92 ± 0.09%) and ethephon-Ca-NPs-L-III (0.91 ± 0.05%) as compared to the control (0.65 ± 0.03%) and blank (0.62 ± 0.09%). The highest menthol (%) was obtained by the 28-homobrassinolide-Ca-NPs-L-I (80.06 ± 0.07%), 28-homobrassinolide-Ca-NPs-L-II (80.48 ± 0.09%) and 28-homobrassinolide-Ca-NPs-L-III (80.84 ± 0.11%) and ethephon-Ca-NPs-L-III (81.53 ± 0.17%) and ethephon-Zn-NPs-L-II (81.93 ± 0.26%) as compared to the control (67.19 ± 0.14%) and blank (63.93 ± 0.17%).
Cardiovascular Monitoring of Cancer Patients Undergoing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Preliminary Results from a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kushnareva E.A. , Gavriluk N.D. , Shuginova T.N. , Simakova M.A. , Urumova E.L. , Karelkina E.V. , Pankova I.A. , Malikov K.N. , Moiseenko F.V. , Moiseeva O.M. , Shlyakhto E.V.
Published: October 2023

Background: the whole spectrum of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) associated cardiovascular immune related adverse events is not fully understood. Only last years it became clear that ICI may cause not only inflammatory cardiovascular diseases. And recent prospective studies have shown subclinical left ventricular disfunction progression in patients treated with ICI but results are bit discordant. Also, specific risk factors of ICI related cardiovascular adverse events didn’t clear yet.
Methods: single canter prospective observational study enrolled sixty patients with cancer and indications for ICI. All patients underwent cardiovascular examination before antitumor therapy (n=60), as well as at 3 months (n=34) and 9 months (n=15) following its initiation. The standard examination protocol included evaluation of laboratory parameters, echocardiographic assessment (incl. left ventricular deformation characteristics), Holter monitoring, carotid ultrasound.
Results: no statistically significant changes were observed in serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, troponin I, NT-proBNP, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. At the 3-month follow-up, left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume (ESV) increased from 38±12 ml to 41±11 ml (p=0.026), while LV ejection fraction (EF) decreased from 64% [61;66] to 62% [58;66] (p=0.043). After 9 months patients displayed a continued increase in LV ESV from 35±10 ml to 40±9 ml (p=0.044) and a decrease in LV EF from 64±4% to 60±6% (p=0.012). Additionally, there were observed increases in the diameter of the aortic sinuses of Valsalva (p=0.012), ascending aorta (p=0.046), left atrium (p=0.013), and right ventricle (p=0.011). There was a notable increase in the proportion of patients with atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid arteries, rising from 44% to 60% over the 3-month period (p=0.046). Throughout the follow-up period, novel cardiovascular events occurred in 23.3% of patients (n=14) and included asymptomatic decrease in LV EF and GLS, meeting the established criteria for cardiotoxicity. According to univariate Cox regression analysis, several independent predictors of new CVEs were identified included creatinine, left ventricular Tei index, initial NT-proBNP exceeding 500 pg/ml, TSH concentration, and treatment with anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Conclusion: we reveled the high incidence of novel cardiovascular events, presence of subclinical changes of echocardiography parameters, atherosclerosis progression. Also, we defined predictors of ICI related cardiovascular adverse events.
Arthroscopic Outerbridge-Kashiwagi Procedure with Endoscopic Cubital Tunnel Release: Comparison with Arthroscopic Osteocapsular Arthroplasty with Open Cubital Tunnel Release
Authors: Seo Joongbae , Jung Jaewook , Yoo Jaesung
Published: October 2023

Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty with open cubital tunnel release and arthroscopic OK procedure with endoscopic cubital tunnel release.
Methods
The study conducted a retrospective comparative analysis of 52 cases who underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery due to elbow joint osteoarthritis. The patients were followed up for more than 1 year for observation and comparison of outcomes. Among them, the initial 35 cases underwent arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty with open cubital tunnel release, while the subsequent 17 cases underwent the arthroscopic OK procedure with endoscopic cubital tunnel release. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, and range of motion (ROM). Complications such as transient nerve injury, heterotopic ossification, infection, and recurrence of stiffness were also confirmed.
Results
There was a statistically significant difference in the mean surgical time between the osteocapsular arthroplasty group (101.3 ± 34.2 min) and the arthroscopic OK procedure group (75.6 ± 27.9 min, p < 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in these outcome measures. After surgery, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications, including transient nerve injury, heterotopic ossification, infection, and recurrence of stiffness.
Conclusion
The Arthroscopic OK procedure with endoscopic cubital tunnel release were able to reduce surgical time when compared to Arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty with open cubital tunnel release.
Reproductive factors and risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in American women: NHANES 2003-2018
Authors: Yan Yufeng , Lu Hongjing , Lin Song , Zheng Yaguo
Published: October 2023

Background
The evidence regarding the association of reproductive factors with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is limited.
Aims
To investigate the relationship of reproductive factors with the risk of CVDs, as well as all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Methods
This study included 16404 adults with reproductive factors from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and followed up until 31 December 2019. Logistic models and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the association of reproductive factors with CVDs. COX proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline models, with adjustment for potential confounding, were employed to analyze the relation between reproductive factors and cardiovascular and all-cause death.
Results
There is a nonlinear relationship between age at menarche and CVDs. Age at menopause ≤ 11(OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10–1.69) was associated with an increased risk of CVDs compared to ages 12–13 years. Age at Menopause ≤ 44 (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.40–2.03) was associated with increased CVDs compared to age 35–49 years. Number of pregnancies ≥ 5(OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.55) was associated with an increased risk of CVDs compared to one pregnancy. In continuous variable COX regression models, a later age at menopause (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) and a longer reproductive lifespan (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) were associated with a decreased risk of all-cause death. A later age at menopause (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) and a longer reproductive lifespan (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) were associated with a decreased risk of cardiac death.
Conclusions
Female reproductive factors are significant risk factors for CVDs.
Construction and empirical analysis of nursing discipline system based on matrix management in Nanjing, China
Authors: tang heshu , zhu chunqin , zhou ping , cheng qiong , wang yan , gao juanjuan , fan wenwen
Published: October 2023

Objective
explore the classification management method of nursing disciplines, realize more accurate and reasonable positioning of each discipline, improve the level of refined management in hospitals of Nanjing, China, and achieve the best effect of discipline development combination.
Methods
In-depth analysis of the ideas and methodology of matrix design, combined with national medical policy, hospital development vision, and other subjective and objective factors that affect the development of nursing disciplines, combined analysis, to formulate a personalized nursing discipline system.
Results
Through the matrix management analysis, the discipline types of 19 disciplines were positioned, and on the basis of the analysis results, targeted adjustments were made in combination with the actual situation, and the development strategy of the nursing discipline system was determined and empirical research was carried out .
Conclusion
based on the matrix management model can provide a scientific and reasonable evaluation of hospital discipline construction work for hospital nursing managers and discipline leaders, and provide an effective basis and methods for scientific decision-making.
The safety of driving among patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis
Authors: AlHejaili Fayez , Hashmi Muhammad N. , Alsuwaida Abdulkareem , Ankawi Ghada A. , Alsuwaida Anas A. , AlZahrani Mohammed T. , Shehadah Ali E. , Riyadh Al-Sehli
Published: October 2023

Background:
Human error is the main cause of car accidents and whether cognitive impairments related to dialysis session and/or comorbid medical conditions increase the risk of car accidents is still unclarified. Our objective is to explore patients’ perceptions on driving and car accidents among dialysis patients.
Methods:
A cross sectional questionnaire survey done in eight dialysis units in Saudi Arabia. All adults’ patients on in-center hemodialysis for more than three months were included in the study.
Results:
Data were collected from 771 adults (45.1% women) enrolled in the study. Among participants, 56.0% were diabetic, 87.7% with hypertension and 25.3% with coronary artery disease. Ninety-nine patients (30.46%) stopped driving spontaneously, of whom 43.0% reported “lack of attention” as the cause. Among participants who continued to drive, 137 sustained a road traffic accident. The majority of patients complained of post-dialysis fatigue (n = 378, 54.6%), which was associated with a higher risk of car accidents. Self-reported hypoglycaemia and tight glycemic control were associated with more car accidents.
Conclusion:
Most of the participants stopped driving after starting dialysis or felt that continuing driving was unsafe. Those who continued to drive were at a higher risk of road traffic accidents. Health care providers and institutions need to engage in patient transportation to be part of holistic care delivery.
Research Manuscript "Exploring the Impact of Pregnancy on Cognitive Function: A Comparative Study in a Low-Income Setting"
Authors: Ali Aman , Hissan Laiba , Raza Ghana , Zafar Duaa , Mohammad Sabeeh , Muhammad Sualeh , Ali Syed Kauser
Published: October 2023

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is a significant contributor to mental health complexities during pregnancy, potentially leading to heightened rates of pregnancy-related mortality and inadequate prenatal care. However, limited research has been conducted to explore the relationship between pregnancy and cognitive decline, especially in low-income settings such as Pakistan. The purpose of this study therefore was to establish a clear link between cognitive function and pregnancy.
Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan with a sample size of 160 participants, divided into two groups of 77 pregnant and 83 nonpregnant women between the age bracket of 25-35 years. First, the participants were interviewed to collect demographic information and pregnancy status. Then, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, which evaluates cognitive function across multiple domains, including visuospatial/executive function, naming, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, orientation, and memory was used on each group separately. The analysis focused on investigating the relationship between cognitive function and pregnancy, considering the influence of low-income status and gestational age. The statistical analyses included Spearman Rho (for non-normal data), t-tests, and linear regression models. T-tests were used to compare the means of MoCA scores between different groups and to analyze the effect of pregnancy status on the specific domains of MoCA. Multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the relationships between MoCA scores and various predictors, such as pregnancy status, education level, gestational age, and active complaints.
Results: The study found a significant difference in MoCA scores between pregnant and nonpregnant women (B=-1.55, t=-2.37, p=0.019), indicating a decline in cognitive function during pregnancy. Education level (B=2.34, t=8.38, p=0.000) and gestational age (B=-1.61, t=-2.51, p=0.014) were identified as significant factors influencing cognitive function. Higher education was associated with better cognitive function while increasing gestational age correlated with a decline in cognitive function. Active complaints (B=-1.86, t=-2.25, p=0.028) during pregnancy were also linked to lower MoCA scores.
Conclusion: Our preliminary analyses suggest that there is notable cognitive impairment associated with pregnancy. More attention and research in this aspect can contribute to better prenatal care and promote the well-being of pregnant women.
Extrusion Process to Improve the Availability of Fermentable Sugars in Sorghum Wort
Authors: PAMIES Laura Cecilia GÓMEZ , BIANCHI María Agostina , ROVALETTI María Mercedes LATAZA , BENÍTEZ Elisa Inés
Published: October 2023

In the production of beer suitable for celiac people from red sorghum, a very common problem is the deficient gelatinization performance of the sorghum starch. This characteristic may be mainly attributed to the high proportion of resistant starch and the natural inhibitors of starch digestibility that are present in sorghum grain in particular. In this work, the addition of an extrusion process was proposed in order to improve gelatinization. For this purpose, two experimental designs were carried out, with and without extrusion, and as a variable, the utilization of two exogenous enzymes during mashing: papain and α-amylase. Through the extrusion process and the utilization of 3% α-amylase and 1.5% papain, a better-quality wort was obtained with the concentration of fermentable sugars required by the yeasts. Thus, an improvement in the red sorghum starch gelatinization was achieved. This development was also verified by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
Secretory Hemagglutinin Ectodomains Trimerized by Interprotomer Disulfide Bonds Provide Strong Cross-protection Against Influenza A and B Viruses
Authors: Deng Lei , Liu Dejian , Zhong Xiu-Qin , Zhao Shi-Long , Zhang Yi-Shuai , Liu Cuicui , Tang Yibo , Wu Xuan , Zhang Huihui , She Jia-Yue , Wan Muyang , Zheng Heping
Published: October 2023

The stable secretory expression of HA ectodomain would in principle enhance the yield of influenza vaccine. However, without the transmembrane domain, the folded conformation of the ectodomain polypeptide would most likely deviate from its native form, which poses a risk of antigenicity impairment. Here we comprehensively describe all putative patterns of interprotomer disulfide bridges in HA using computer simulation, among which some pairs of cysteine insets forcefully drive the formation of homotrimers with strong antigenicity to a panel of anti-stem cross-reactive antibodies. Negative-stain 2-D class averaging showed the vast majority of the NC99#2 H1 molecules as homogeneous trimers, while the unmodified H1 protomers were irregularly aggregated. Immunizations of mice with the stabilized HA improved cross-protection by the robust elicitation of serum cross-neutralization instead of hemagglutination inhibition activities. Our study bears significant practical implications for developing secretory HA-based influenza vaccines.