bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparedness for essential newborn care: a multicentre cross-sectional study conducted in five districts of India
Authors: Singh Shalini , Kashyap Jyotika , Dubey Ritam , Goel Richa
Published: January 2024

Objective To assess the preparedness of public health care facilities to
provide essential newborn care across India Design Mixed methods study
analysing the collected cross sectional observational data across five
districts of India. Setting India, across districts of Thiruvallur,
Cuttack, Allahabad, Vadodara and Jaipur Sample 56 healthcare facilities
comprising of Medical colleges, District/Sub-district hospitals, and
Community Health Centres/First Referral Units and Primary Healthcare
units. 1479 women undergoing vaginal delivery and qualitative data on
attitude and barriers faced while following mandated guidelines of
essential newborn care were collected from 125 healthcare providers.
Method Descriptive analysis for the quantitative data and inductive and
deductive analysis for the qualitative data Main outcome measure
Preparedness of different facilities was considered as a composite of
four dimensions- Clean delivery, Clean cord care, Optimal thermal care
and Early exclusive breastfeeding. Results Provision of hygienic
delivery (50.8%) and optimal thermal care (26.1%) was observed to be
highest among the women availing services in Medical Colleges and clean
cord care was highest in PHCs (52.9%). Nearly 77% of cases in
CHCs/FRUs experienced exclusive breast feeding. Pre-lacteal feeding,
immediate cord clamping and application of traditional dressing on cord
stump were prevalent undesirable neonatal care practices. Conclusion
Deviations from the mandated essential newborn care protocols by a
noteworthy proportion of healthcare professionals including at teaching
Medical colleges was observed. Unavailability of sufficient medical
supplies for safe and hygienic newborn care in addition to the need for
training for essential newborn care was observed.
A Case Report: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the mitral valve
Authors: Weiwei Zhu , Zailing Li , Weiwei Pan
Published: January 2024

A cardiac inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an extremely rare
tumor. Our patient was admitted to the hospital due to syncope and
subsequently diagnosed with cardiac IMT. He has multiple cerebral
infarctions during the disease but recovered well after undergoing twice
cardiac surgeries during 4 years of follow-up. Syncope and cerebral
infarctions are uncommon in IMT and easily misdiagnosed.
Lipid emulsion exerts a protective effect on vital organs by LPS/TLR4 pathway in acute organophosphate poisoning
Authors: hu haiyan , Li gang
Published: January 2024

Organophosphorus poisoning is one of the common types of pesticide
poisoning, which causes severe damage to vital organs. Reportedly, lipid
emulsion combined with Pralidoxime significantly improves the prognosis
of poisoning, but the mechanism underlying the lipid emulsion in the
treatment of acute organophosphate poisoning is yet unclear. In this
study, an organophosphorus poisoning rat model was established, and
normal experimental methods were adopted. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE)
observed tissue pathology, flow cytometry detected TLR4 expression,
Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay(ELISA) detected inflammatory
cytokines, and Reverse transcription PCR( RT-PCR) detected the mRNA
expression of inflammatory cytokines. The role of LPS/TLR4 pathway in
lipid emulsion treatment of organophosphorus poisoning was further
verified by anti-TLR4. The results showed that after 24 h of survival,
multiple organs were damaged in rats with organophosphorus poisoning.
After treatment with Pralidoxime or lipid emulsion, the poisoning
symptoms were slightly alleviated, but after treatment with Pralidoxime
combined with lipid emulsion, the symptoms were significantly
alleviated, and the expression level of TLR4 was significantly decreased
in the MLT+Lipid group. After anti-TLR4 was used, the LPS/TLR4 pathway
was blocked. Compared with the blocking group and the non-blocking
group, the liver function and Cholinesterase(CHE) of the rats were
significantly improved, the pathology of the lungs and heart were
improved, and the inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced.As a
result, the symptoms of organ poisoning were relieved. Conclusion: Lipid
emulsion is involved in the protective effect via LPS/TLR4 pathway on
vital organs in acute organophosphorus poisoning.
General decay result for a von Karman equations with memory
Authors: Yoon Min , Kang Jum-Ran
Published: January 2024

This paper is concerned with a von Karman plate model with memory. Using
some properties of the convex function and the multiplier method, we
show the general decay rate result for a von Karman equations with
minimal condition on the relaxation function. This result extends and
improves on some earlier results-exponential or polynomial decay rates
for a von Karman equations with memory.
Day Case Hemithyroidectomy: Over the Years.
Authors: Akbar Sarah
Published: January 2024

KEY POINTS: 1. COVID19 has mandated many changes to secondary care since
declaration of the pandemic in 2019. Reducing the exposure of the
hospital setting to patients to a minimum is therefore not only in the
best interests of individual patients but also the public. 2. A steady
increase in the percentage of same-day discharges of hemithyroidectomy
cases has been observed over the past 3 years, with very few
post-operative complications. 3. The inferences made from this
communication propose that hemithyroidectomy operations can be carried
out safely as day case procedures under otolaryngology departments in a
district general setting. 4. Patients no longer require a drain inserted
at the end of a hemithyroidectomy procedure provided adequate
haemostasis has been achieved. 5. Hemithyroidectomy procedures should be
prioritised as earlier on the operating list to ensure adequate time for
observation in recovery and ample time for the discharge process to be
completed to achieve same-day discharge.
Genome assembly of a giant isopod Bathynomus jamesi provides insights into the body size evolution and adaptation to deep-sea environment
Authors: Yuan Jianbo , Zhang Xiaojun , Kou Qi , Sun Yamin , Liu Chengzhang , Li Shihao , Yu Yang , Zhang Chengsong , Jin Songjun , Xiang Jianhai , Li Xinzheng , Li Fuhua
Published: January 2024

Giant isopods are the most representative group of crustaceans living in
the deep sea environment with a huge body size. In order to understand
the genetic basis of these large animals to adapt the harsh oligotrophic
environment of the deep-sea, the genome of a deep-sea (-898 m) giant
isopod Bathynomus jamesi was sequenced and its genome characteristics
were analyzed. The genome assembly of B. jamesi has a total length of
5.89 Gb with a contig N50 of 587.28 Kb, which is among the largest one
with high continuity of the sequenced crustacean genomes. The large
genome size of B. jamesi is mainly attributable to the proliferation of
transposable elements, especially for DNA transposons and CR1-type
LINEs, which account for more than 84% of the genome. A number of
expanded gene families in the genome were enriched in thyroid and
insulin hormone signaling pathways, which might have driven the
evolution of its huge body size. Transcriptomic analysis showed that
several expanded gene families related to glycolysis and vesicular
transport were specifically expressed in its digestive organs, revealing
the molecular mechanism of nutrient absorption and utilization in
oligotrophic environment adaptation. Taken together, the giant isopod
genome provides a valuable resource for understanding the body size
evolution and adaptation mechanisms of macrobenthos to the deep-sea
environment.
Overcoming Methotrexate Hypersensitivity through slow infusion
Authors: Alsaleemi Ali , Crealey Miranda , Kelleher Maeve , O’Marcaigh Aengus , Byrne Aideen
Published: January 2024

Abstract Methotrexate is a vital medication in treating different types
of malignancies. There are few reports of successful administration of
intravenous methotrexate post adverse reaction by step-up
desensitization. We share here, our experience in overcoming
methotrexate hypersensitivity though administration of methotrexate by
fixed rate infusion in an allergic child who failed a step-up
methotrexate desensitization protocol. The outcome of this case suggests
an underlying, non IgE mediated mechanism for the adverse reaction.
A bibliometric analysis of personal protective equipment and COVID-19 researches
Authors: Zhang Yu , Hu Man , Wang Junwu , Wang Pingchuan , Shi Pengzhi , Zhao Wenjie , Liu Xin , Peng Qing , Feng Xinmin , Wang Yongxiang , Zhang Liang
Published: January 2024

Background: COVID-19, which occurred at the end of December 2019, has
evolved into a global public health threat. COVID-19’s high infectivity
and mortality prompt governments and scientific community to respond
quickly to the outbreak of the pandemic. The application of personal
protective equipment (PPE) is of great significance in overcoming the
epidemic situation. Although there were many studies about PPE and
COVID-19, there is no study about bibliometric analysis of these
studies. This study aims to provide a general overview of studies on PPE
and COVID-19. Methods: On October 07, 2021, the Web of Science (WOS)
Core Collection database was used to identify documents on PPE and
COVID-19. HistCite and VOSviewer softwares were used for citation
analysis and visualization mapping. Results: A total of 1462 documents
authored by 6993 authors and published in 750 journals were included in
the final analysis. The most prolific author was Macintyre CR. The USA
was the most productive country with 463 published documents. The
leading journal was Plos One. Network visualization map showed that USA
was the largest international collaboration network. The keyword
“COVID-19” had the strongest total link strengths (TLS) and largest
number of occurrences. The New England Journal of Medicine was the
leading source with highest TLS. The University of Toronto had the
highest number of links and the highest TLS. Conclusions: The
bibliometric analysis of PPE and COVID-19 provides an overall
perspective, and the appreciation and study of these influential
publications are very useful for future research.
Application and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine delivered via nasal administration
Authors: Hou Hongping , Li Yujie , Xu Ziying , Peng Bo , Chen Tengfei , Ye Zuguang , Zhang Guangping
Published: January 2024

Nasal administration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long
history of application. With the gradual maturing of technology and
pharmacological advances, nasal preparations of TCM have undergone
significant changes. Nasal TCM formulations are used not only for
treatment of pneumonia, asthma, sinusitis and allergic rhinitis but also
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as antidepressants and
antiepileptics, and in ischemia reperfusion. In this study, we reviewed
the development and application of different nasal preparations of TCM
from the aspects of nasal structure, origin, factors affecting
absorption and common dosage forms, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics
and safety. In the near future, we expect that more nasal preparations
of Chinese medicine with independent intellectual property rights will
be marketed to meet the needs of clinical disease management.
Food- and vector-borne parasitic zoonoses: global burden and impacts
Authors: Alim Md. Abdul , Anisuzzaman * , Labony Sharmin Shahid , Hossain Md.
Published: January 2024

Around 25% of the global population suffer from one or more parasitic
infections, of which food and vector-borne parasitic zoonotic diseases
are the major concern. Additionally, in recent years, zoonoses and
communicable diseases common to man and animals have gained increasing
attention worldwide. Great changes in the climatic conditions, cropping
pattern, demography and food habits, increasing international travels,
marketing and trades, deforestation and urbanization play vital roles in
the emergence and re-emergence of parasitic zoonoses. Although,
underestimated, however, collected burden of food and vector-borne
parasitic diseases is attributed to ~60 million
Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Of the 20 Neglected Tropical
Diseases (NTDs) listed by World Health Organization (WHO) and Centres
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 diseases are of parasitic
origin. Besides, there are about 200 zoonotic diseases where WHO
enlisted eight diseases as Neglected Zoonotic Diseases (NZDs) in the
year 2013, of them four diseases namely cysticercosis, hydatidosis,
leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are caused by the parasite. In this
review, we discussed global burden and impacts of food and vector-borne
zoonotic parasitic diseases.
Age-dependent Clinical Characteristics of Acute Lower Respiratory Infections in Young Hospitalized Children with Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Li Li , wang heping , Liu Ailiang , chen jiehua , wang Wenjian
Published: January 2024

Background. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is the most common
cause of acute lower respiratory infection (LRTI) in children. The main
clinical manifestations are fever, cough, wheezing, and intercostal
retractions. Its age-dependent clinical characteristics remain to be
defined. Here, we investigated whether HRSV caused any age-related
differences in clinical manifestations of LRTI. Methods. We enrolled 130
hospitalized children with LRTI caused by HRSV. These were stratified
into four age groups. The main signs and symptoms and rates thereof were
compared across the four age groups. Results. The incidence of pneumonia
was the same in all four age groups. Patients in the 1–6 months old
group experienced fever and the highest body temperature ≥ 38.5°C less
frequently than patients in other age groups.The frequency of fever
increased with age among the patients under 24 months old. Children over
12 months old experienced less wheezing, tachypnoea, hypoxia, and
intercostal retractions than children in the 1–6 months old group.
Conclusions. HRSV caused age-related differences in clinical
manifestations of LRTI. Including fever may render HRSV cases more
difficult to detect in young infants hospitalized with LRTI. The
inclusion of wheezing, tachypnoea, and intercostal retractions in the
diagnostic process in patients over 12 months old may lower the
sensitivity to detect cases during the HRSV season.
Construction of a Prognostic Model for Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on from Heat Shock Protein-Related Genes and Immune Analysis
Authors: Zhou Wangyan , Zeng Wei , Zheng Dayang , Yang Xu , Qing Yongcheng , Zhou Chunxiang , Liu Xiang
Published: January 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) represents a prevalent form of cancer, with
low early diagnosis rates and high mortality rates, posing a global
health challenge. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) assume a crucial role
within the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) of LUAD. Here, a
collection of 97 HSP-related genes (HSPGs) was assembled based on prior
literature reports, of which 36 HSPGs were differentially expressed in
LUAD. In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort, we constructed a
prognostic model for risk stratification and prognosis prediction by
integrating 13 HSPGs. In addition, the prognostic significance and
predictive efficacy of the HSP-related riskscore were examined and
validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohort. To facilitate the
clinical use of this riskscore, we also established a nomogram scale by
verifying its effectiveness through different methods. In light of these
outcomes, we concluded a significant correlation between HSP and TME in
LUAD, and the riskscore can be a reliable prognostic indicator.
Furthermore, this study evaluated the differences in immunophenoscore,
TIDE score, and sensitivity to several common chemotherapy drugs among
LUAD individuals in different risk groups, which may aid in clinical
decision-making for immune therapy and chemotherapy in LUAD individuals.
The safety, toleration, and pharmacokinetics comparison of two intravenous voriconazole formulations in healthy Chinese volunteers after three ascending doses
Authors: Chen Gang , Wang Zejuan , Liu Xiaona , Zhang Yanan , Li Min , Du Aihua , Zhen Haiqing , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Dan , Zhang Mengke , Zang Siqi , Zhang LIna , Li Xueyan , Zhu Huiting , Wang Jin
Published: January 2024

Objectives To evaluate the safety, toleration, and pharmacokinetics
(PKs) comparison of two intravenous voriconazole formulations after
three ascending dose administrations in healthy Chinese subjects.
Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo- and positive-controlled
trial was conducted in three cohorts with a total of 42 healthy Chinese
subjects. Every cohort of 14 subjects was allocated in proportion
(8:4:2) to test formulation, positive voriconazole or placebo
successively by single first and then multiple dose administration of 3
mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, and 6 mg/kg. Key findings A total of 41 subjects
completed all drug administrations. The pharmacokinetics of test
formulations are characterized by high interindividual variability with
a coefficient of variance of Cmax up to 67.95% and AUC0-τ up to 70.16%
and nonlinear pharmacokinetics with a regression coefficient of Cmax of
1.31 and AUC0-τ of 1.75 in a single dose. In the steady state, RAuc
(mean±SD) of test drug vs positive control drug of 3 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, and
6 mg/kg dose group was 5.18±1.07 and 5.26±0.99, 5.59±1.15 and 6.27±0.58,
and 5.82±0.47 and 5.52±0.76, respectively; and Rcmax (mean±SD) were
2.50±0.44 and 2.68±0.72, 2.63±0.46 and 3.11±0.57, and 2.79±0.28 and
2.55±0.34, respectively. Adverse events with 37 transient visual
disturbances were mainly mild. Conclusions The pharmacokinetics with
high interindividual variability, nonlinear characteristics and
significant dose-dependent accumulation were comparable in the two
formulations. The overall safety of the test formulation was tolerable.
EFFICACY OF FUNGICIDES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF POWDERY MILDEW ( Leveillula taurica ) AND EPIDEMICS ON YIELD PERFORMANCE OF HOT PEPPER VARIETIES
Authors: Gebermicheal Getachew , Assefa Degife , Lemma Berhanu
Published: January 2024

Hot pepper is one of the most important spices, and vegetable cash
crops cultivated during rainy and dry seasons. Powdery mildew caused by
the fungus Leveillula taurica is becoming a serious threat to pepper
production in South Ethiopia. The fungus causes significant damage to
pepper production in irrigated fields during dry seasons. Three
fungicides and five varieties had been studied in Arba Minch which is a
highly prone area, The five varieties (C.annuum and C.frutescens) of
pepper were sprayed with fungicides to evaluate for resistance and
effectiveness of fungicides. Plots were sprayed every 7 days starting
from the dates of first symptom appearance five times. The disease
started at an early stage on older leaves and continues on young leaves.
The mean disease severity significantly increased over time from the
7 to the 35 day. A significant
(P<0.05) variation had been observed among fungicides on
disease severity index(DSI), Area under disease progress curve (AUDPC),
and rate of disease progress(r) of which the fungicide triadimefon
significantly P< (0.05%) reduced AUDPC, rate of infection,
and DSI, and showed 3.8% days; 0.039units/day; and 13% resp. and thus
to minimize epidemic duration and rate of infection efficiently by 53%
days and 33units/day resp. compared to Mancozeb. Among the varieties,
Capsicum frutescens (Melkashote) significantly decreased AUDPC, rate of
infection, and DSI revealing 3% days, 0.03units/day, and 5% resp., and
reduced epidemic duration effectively by 70% and 57% days of AUDPC;
and 57% and 40% units /day infection rate against (C. annuum: Alaba
and Marekofana respectively). Pathogen reaction and grouping based on
the level of DSI placed a variety Melkashote(5%) and Melkazala(10%) as
moderately resistant; Melkaawaze(12%), and Marekofana(15%) to be
moderately susceptible while the variety Alaba(22%) found distinctly
susceptible. The C.annuum; Alaba and Marekofana varieties, showed the
highest severity, DSI, AUDPC, and rate of infection, however, they
significantly provided the highest pod yield of 1806 and 1794gm/plot
respectively. Among the fungicides, triadimefon was effective to reduce
the epidemics, and the varieties C. frutescens; Melkashote, and
Melkazala were moderately resistant and retarded the disease
efficiently.
Engineering Saccharomyces cerevisiae for production of 2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone by screening and remolding of enone oxidoreductase
Authors: Fu Xiao meng , Hong Kun-Qiang , Wang Hai bin , Zhang Chuanbo , Lu Wenyu
Published: January 2024

HEMF（4-Hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H)-furanone）is widely
used as a food flavoring agent due to its unique fragrance and is in
great demand. The purpose of this study is to combine enzyme remodeling
and metabolic engineering methods for constructing a HEMF yield yeast
strain. First, five enone oxidoreductase were selected with high
sequence similarity from NCBI database and an enone oxidoreductase
derived from Naumovozyma dairenensis CBS 421, named NDEO, produced
higher HEMF level compared to other source of enzymes. Then, the mutant
NDEOT183W, K290W was obtained by semi-rational protein engineering,
which showed 75.2% increase in HEMF productivity in vitro reaction
compared with NDEO. Finally, the NDEOT183W, K290W was integrated into
the strain optimized for precursor supply; combined with the
optimization of fermentation medium and fermentation conditions, the
HEMF yield of the strain BM4 reached 103.60 mg L-1. Our study not only
improved HEMF production in yeast, but also provided an effective method
to improve activities of enone oxidoreductase. This work has great
potential in the industrial synthesis of furanone.
A case report of pulmonary fibroadenoma with central liquefaction necrosis
Authors: Shen Ruxin , Ma Kai
Published: January 2024

Background: Generally computed tomography (CT) imaging findings
of PAF present as well-defined, homogeneous and solitary nodules.
Current evidence shows, no cases of PAF with central liquefaction
necrosis on CT. Case Report: A 70-year-old man was hospitalized
due toan inguinal hernia without respiratory symptoms. Chest CT scan
revealed a tumor (about 6.5cm*5.5cm) in the lower lobe of the left lung.
According to a contrast-enhanced scan, the lesion was slightly enhanced,
and liquefaction necrosis appeared in the center. Wedge resection was
performed by video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS). The postoperative
pathology diagnosis was PAF. Conclusion: PAF with liquefied
necrosis in the center of the tumor on CT is very rare and needs to be
differentiated from malignant tumors and solitary fibrous tumor through
histopathology and even immunohistochemistry.
Investigation of breastfeeding practices and influencing factors among Chinese mothers in a lactation clinic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Ying , Wang Jing
Published: January 2024

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore and describe the breastfeeding
status and the breastfeeding problems of women visiting the lactation
clinic, and identify factors that influenced maternal breastfeeding
practices. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 948
Chinese mothers. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate
the associations between risk factors and breastfeeding patterns at
different postpartum stages. Results: Among 948 Chinese mothers, 389
(41.0%) visited the lactation clinic for milk supply problems, 126
(13.3%) for nipple problems, 230 (24.3%) for breast problems, 85
(9.0%) for breastfeeding methods, 69 (7.3%) for counseling related to
breastfeeding knowledge, and 49 (5.1%) for infant problems.
Breastfeeding problems were distinct at different postpartum stages.
Within 4 weeks after delivery, participants who had no history of
disease were more prone to exclusive breastfeeding (OR = 8.041, 95% CI
[1.526, 42.376]) or partial breastfeeding (OR = 4.822, 95% CI
[1.157, 20.103]) compared to formula feeding. Moreover, between 4
weeks and 3 months postpartum, participants whose intended breastfeeding
time was shorter were more prone to formula feeding than to exclusive
breastfeeding (OR = 0.379, 95% CI [0.146, 0.980]) or partial
breastfeeding (OR = 0.369, 95% CI [0.139, 0.980]). Conclusion:
There is great need to combine a routine post-discharge lactation visit
with antenatal breastfeeding instruction so as to improve breastfeeding
initiation and prevent and solve breastfeeding problems better and more
efficiently.
Isoprene Production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides and its Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Yu Jaeyoung , Moon Se-Kwon , Kim Yang-Hoon , Min Jiho
Published: January 2024

Extensive studies on the antimicrobial activity of terpene-based
substances, which are the main components of essential oils, are
continuously underway. And some hydrocarbons constituting antimicrobial
substances have been reported to exhibit antimicrobial activity. This
study confirmed the production of isoprene, the most basic constituent
hydrocarbon of terpene, by Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and investigated the
antimicrobial activity of isoprene and its mechanism. In dark-aerobic
conditions, R. sphaeroides shows the highest growth-coupled isoprene
production. We developed an air-sharing culture system that can be
cultured by sharing the atmosphere, and we evaluated the antimicrobial
activity of the isoprene released from R. sphaeroides on two
Gram-negative bacteria and two Gram-positive bacteria. As a result, the
isoprene released from R. sphaeroides showed antimicrobial activity
against all evaluated strains, especially against Gram-positive bacteria
than Gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the microstructure of the
bacteria was evaluated via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy
(FE-SEM). The FE-SEM images showed that isoprene has antimicrobial
activity mechanism that causes cell death by acting on the cell wall or
the extracellular membrane.
3D-printing a cost-effective model for mastoidectomy training: A technical note
Authors: Frithioff Andreas , Weiss Kenneth , Frendø Martin , Sørensen Mads , Andersen Steven , Pedersen David
Published: January 2024

Key points: • In-house manufacturing of the cost-effective 3D-printed
model for temporal bone training is feasible using inexpensive Material
Extrusion 3D-printing technology. • 3D-printing temporal bone models
requires commitment, knowhow and time as post-processing and 3D-printer
maintenance are required. • The printing material (i.e., filament)
should contain a high load of chalk or ceramic filler to avoid
agglomerating and melting during drilling. However, this makes the
filament fragile and prone to breaking during printing. • To avoid the
filament from breaking and reducing the need for maintenance, we
recommend installing a direct filament drive and using a Ruby nozzle.
Maximizing recovery of paenibacillin, a bacterially produced lantibiotic, using continuous foam separation from bioreactors
Authors: Campbell Emily , Kasler David , Yousef Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Industrial production of paenibacillin, and similar rare antimicrobial
peptides, is hampered by low productivity of the producing
microorganisms and lack of efficient methods to recover these peptides
from bioreactor end products. Preliminary data showed that paenibacillin
was preferentially partitioned in foam accumulated during growth of the
producer, Paenibacillus polymyxa, in aerated liquid media. This research
was initiated to improve the production and recovery of paenibacillin in
bioreactors by maximizing partitioning of the antimicrobial in the
collected foam. This was completed through harvesting foam continuously
during antimicrobial production, using modified bioreactor, and
optimizing bioreactor conditions through response surface methodology
(RSM). Experiments proved that the significant parameters and their
optimal conditions for antimicrobial concentration in the foam were:
incubation at 30°C for 23h with airflow of 0.95 LPM, and agitation speed
of 450 RPM. These conditions increased paenibacillin concentration,
predicted by RSM, from 16 µg/ml in bioreaction without foam collection
to 743 µg/ml collected in foamate. The optimized conditions also almost
doubled the yield of paenibacillin collected in foam (12,674 µg) when
compared to that obtained without foam collection (6,400 µg). Results of
this study could improve the feasibility of commercial production and
downstream processing of paenibacillin and similar novel antimicrobial
peptides.
Iron Overload and Iron Chelation Therapy as Causes of Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Melachuri Samyuktha , Lim Chelsey , Winters Jacob
Published: January 2024

Background: Both iron-overloaded states and the treatment of such states
are known causes of optic neuropathy. Observation: A 28-year-old female
with history of Hereditary Xerocytosis (HX) with transfusion-dependence
on chronic chelation therapy presented with acute, painless, unilateral,
sectoral vision loss during her hospitalization for an episode of
symptomatic anemia. This is the first reported case of optic neuropathy
in a patient with Hereditary Xerocytosis as well as in a patient on
deferiprone chelation therapy. Conclusion: Our study highlights the
importance of ophthalmologic monitoring in transfusion-dependent
patients on chelation therapy, as phlebotomy and prompt chelator
discontinuation may potentially arrest retinal damage.
Treated and highly diluted wastewater impacts diversity and energy fluxes of freshwater food webs
Authors: Guzman Ioar de , Elosegi Arturo , Schiller Daniel von , González Jose , Paz Laura , Gauzens Benoit , Brose Ulrich , Antón Alvaro , Olarte Nuria , Montoya Jose , Larrañaga Aitor
Published: January 2024

The implementation of Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) brought great
improvement in river ecological status. However, WWTP effluents still
contain a complex cocktail of pollutants whose environmental effects
might go unnoticed, masked by other stressors in the receiving waters or
by spatiotemporal variability. We conducted a BACI
(Before-After/Control-Impact) ecosystem manipulation experiment to
assess the effects of a well-treated and highly diluted effluent on
diversity and food web dynamics in an unpolluted stream. Although
effluent toxicity was low, it reduced diversity, increased primary
production and herbivory, and reduced energy fluxes associated to
terrestrial inputs. Altogether, the effluent decreased total energy
fluxes in stream food webs, showing that treated wastewater can lead to
important ecosystem-level changes, affecting the structure and
functioning of stream communities even at high dilution rates. Our study
highlights the need for further efforts to treat polluted waters to
conserve aquatic food webs.
Genetic evidence for protective effects of angiotensin converting enzyme against Alzheimer's disease but not other neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Ryan David , Karhunen Ville , Bowen Su , Traylor Matthew , Richardson Tom , Burgess Stephen , Tzoulaki I , Gill Dipender
Published: January 2024

Genetic evidence has supported a protective effect of cerebral
angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) against Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
However, it is unclear whether this is mediated through blood pressure
and extends to other neurodegenerative diseases. We performed genetic
colocalization investigating an effect of cortical ACE expression on AD
risk. We further investigated whether any effect of ACE expression is
mediated through changes in blood pressure, and whether effects extend
to Parkinson’s disease, small vessel disease or cognitive function.
There was genetic evidence supporting a protective effect of cortical
ACE expression on AD risk. Although higher cortical ACE expression was
associated with higher blood pressure, there was no strong evidence to
support that its association with AD was mediated through blood
pressure, nor that ACE expression affected risk of other
neurodegenerative traits. Genetic evidence supports protective effects
of cerebral ACE expression on AD, but not other neurodegenerative
outcomes.
A Multimodal Anti-fungal and Surgical Approach to Optimize Anatomic and Functional Recovery in Zygomycetes Osteomyelitis of the Hand
Authors: Kashyap Madhuri , Chatani Brandon , Shah Harsh , James Chanique , Saad Ali , Infante Juan , Dodds Seth , Pillai Asha
Published: January 2024

Osteoarticular mucormycosis is relentlessly progressive, with bone
destruction that necessitates extremity amputation. This case reports a
16-year-old female with pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell
ALL) who underwent consolidative haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation (HSCT) and developed Zygomycetes spp. osteomyelitis
after receiving anti-TNF therapy for presumed pulmonary GVHD. Due to
progression on systemic therapy, she received the adjunct of
intra-operatively placed amphotericin B cement beads changed at regular
surgical debridement over 6 weeks. This case demonstrates that early
diagnosis and aggressive anti-fungal therapy with surgical debridement
and amphotericin cement beads can allow limb sparing and complete
recovery.
Effects of short-term exposure of soil to different doses of nano-zinc oxide on the soil environment and the growth and nitrogen fixation of plant
Authors: Sun Hongda , Peng Qingqing , Guo Jiao , Zhang Haoyue , Bai Junrui , Mao Hui
Published: January 2024

The extensive application of nanomaterials had caused a great
environmental load in soil environment. Thus, clarifying the process of
environmental migration is significant for environmental safety and
human health. In this study, alfalfa was used as an experiment crop to
determine the effects of different doses of ZnO NPs on the growth of
alfalfa and the soil environment. Contrary to the results from exposure
to high-concentration ZnO NPs, a low-concentration of ZnO NPs could
promote the growth of alfalfa. The Zn concentration in the alfalfa
tissue and exposure dose showed a significant positive correlation. N750
treatment significantly reduced the number of alfalfa nodules, and a
noneffective nitrogen fixation area in the nodules was found. ZnO NPs
caused the rupture and bending of the nodule cell wall and reduced the
concentration of nitrate–nitrogen. ZnO particles could enter the
tissues at root tip and nodule and aggregated into larger particles.
High-dose ZnO NPs reduced the relative abundance and diversity of the
soil microorganisms. Therefore, short-term and high-dose exposure to ZnO
NPs would cause multiple toxic effects to the plant and soil
environment.
Mathematical Modelling in Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) production–a state of the art review
Authors: Lhamo Pema , MAHANTY BISWANATH
Published: January 2024

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are steadily getting integrated into our
daily life due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and
production from renewable sources. Different microbial species can
accumulate the PHAs from verities of substrates and yield can be
improved by strategic optimization of carbon flux into the biomass
growth and polymer accumulation. Modelling bioprocess of PHA production
is not only essential to understand the dynamics but also to trace the
optimal operating conditions. A variety of models has been proposed in
the literature depending on single or multi-substrate growth,
involvement of substrate or product inhibition and parametric
perturbation shifting from growth to PHA accumulation phase. Therefore,
this communication attempts to review the scientific basis, assumption,
usage, and limitations of those mathematical models at large while
suggesting improvement on existing ones. Exploration of those models in
different bioreactor systems, adopted strategies in model selection
exercise has also been reviewed.
Human land-use intensification threatens stream biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Moi Dieison , Barrios Margenny , Burwood Maite , Tesitore Giancarlo , Romero Gustavo , Mormul Roger , Kratina Pavel , Juen Leandro , Michelan Thaísa , Montag Luciano , Cruz Gabriel , García-Girón Jorge , Heino Jani , Hughes Robert , Figueiredo Bruno , Mello Franco Teixeira de
Published: January 2024

Human land-use is changing Earth’s surface, causing a decline in
biodiversity and altering ecosystem functioning. However, most of the
empirical evidence of land-use impacts in the Neotropics comes from
studies investigating isolated land-use types, and the pathways by which
intensified land-uses affect ecosystem functioning are largely unknown.
Using a database from 61 streams spanning two hyperdiverse Neotropical
regions, we demonstrate that intensive human land-uses (agriculture,
urbanization, pasture, and afforestation) strongly affect stream
biodiversity and functioning. We showed negative associations of
agriculture, pasture and urbanization with taxonomic richness,
functional diversity, and diversity of trait categories (recruitment and
life-history, resource and habitat-use, and body size) of fish,
arthropod, and macrophyte. The impacts of intensive land-uses on
standing biomass were negative and driven by direct and indirect effects
mediated by declines in taxonomic and functional diversities. Our
findings highlight that human land use can reshape stream biodiversity,
with multiple negative consequences on ecosystem functioning.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the management and outcome of adnexal torsion: a retrospective review
Authors: Du Ruoxing , Wong Ho Ying Flora , Amakiri Perita , Lim Lee Nai , Supramanian Prasanna Raj
Published: January 2024

Study Objective: To evaluate how COVID-19 has affected the management of
women who presented with suspected adnexal torsion. Design: A
retrospective case-controlled cohort study. Setting: A tertiary
hospital. Population: 25 women in the control group (surgical date 24th
March 2019 to 23rd March 2020) and 36 women in the pandemic group (24th
March 2020 to 23rd March 2021) with confirmed adnexal torsion. Methods:
Electronic patient record reviewed looking at women that had confirmed
adnexal torsion in surgery. Main outcome measures: Time taken between
clinical diagnosis of suspected adnexal torsion and surgical
confirmation. Results: The median number of hours between suspected
diagnosis and operating time was 7 hours (range 0.5-45 hours) and 4
hours (range 1-53 hours) respectively, with no statistical difference
between the two groups (p>0.05, p=0.27). Out of hours
operating was 6.5 times (OR 6.5 95%CI 1.36-31.09, p=0.01) more likely
in the pandemic group when compared to the control group. Surgical
outcome demonstrated 60% (n=15) of patients required oophorectomy in
the control group, compared with 38% (n=14) in the pandemic group.
Conclusions: Whilst there was an increase in the likelihood of out of
hours operating during the pandemic; we have demonstrated that our
ability to undertake diagnostic test and to perform emergency surgery
safely was not delayed overall due to the impacts of COVID-19. Funding:
None Keywords: adnexal torsion; ovarian torsion; COVID-19
Antihypertensive and Hepatoprotective activity of optimized eupalitin 3-O- β-D-galactopyranoside from Boerhavia diffusa Linn.
Authors: aeri Vidhu , UK ILYAS
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose: Boerhavia diffusa is an herbaceous member of the
Nyctaginaceae family which has been widely used in folk medicine to
treat several illnesses. Experimental Approach: A validated HPTLC method
has been newly developed for the quantification of eupalitin 3-O-
β-D-galactopyranoside in hydroalcoholic extracts of B. diffusa. A
three-level factor Box-Behnken statical design was used for
optimization, extraction time (min), temperature (ºC), and methanol:
water ratio (% v/v) are independent variables while bioactive compounds
as the dependent variable. This study was aimed to investigate the
pretreatment of HepG2 cells with hepatoprotective agents against the
damage induced by galactosamine (GalN) and evaluate in vivo
antihypertensive activity of eupalitin 3-O- β-D-galactopyranoside in
rats by prednisolone inducing hypertension. Key Results: The separation
was achieved on silica gel 60F254 HPTLC plate using: toluene: acetone:
water (5: 15:1) as mobile phase. Densitometric analysis of eupalitin
3-O- β-D-galactopyranoside was carried out in the absorbance mode at 366
nm. A study has shown that optimized eupalitin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside
can be used as an antihypertensive drug in rats by prednisolone inducing
hypertension and In-vitro Hepatoprotective Activity of optimized
eupalitin-O- β-D-galactopyranoside was checked in HPG2 cell line
compared with silymarin by ANOVA technique. Conclusion and Implications:
It is concluded that A new method for a method of validation and
quantification of eupalitin-O-β-D-galactopyranoside in Boerhavia diffusa
has been developed, In vivo antihypertensive and in-vitro
hepatoprotective activity of optimized eupalitin O-
β-D-galactopyranoside was done in intoxicated rats and in HepG2 cells
induced by galactosamine (GalN).
System equilibrium behavior: Merging multiple positive feedbacks
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhao Chang-ming
Published: January 2024

Ecosystems can exhibit rich equilibrium behaviors, including alternative
stable states (ASS), for which ecosystems dramatically differ in
structure and functions. Therefore, it is critical to understand system
equilibrium behavior. Positive feedback has been recognized as a
critical process to induce ASS. However, it is largely unclear whether
and to which extent increasing number of positive feedbacks will be
easier to produce ASS. Using a generalized Lotka-Volterra model and two
functional forms of positive feedback, this study found that positive
feedback was largely necessary to produce ASS, and more positive
feedbacks generally more likely produced ASS. However, above results
depended on the functional form of positive feedback and interaction
types. This work can help predict ecosystem dynamics under global change
and intensified anthropogenic activities, both which may activate
previously “dormant” positive feedbacks and make this issue more
visible and important.
Recalcitrant transient abnormal myelopoiesis in neonatal Down syndrome
Authors: Timmis Sophie , Hodder Angus , Bharadwaj Niteesh , Inglott Sarah , Chalker Jane , Cheng Danny , Tandon Sneha , Bartram Jack
Published: January 2024

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) is a pre-leukaemic syndrome
associated with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). TAM typically regresses
without treatment, but if needed TAM cells are exquisitely sensitive to
a short course of low-dose cytarabine (LDAC). A significant minority of
TAM patients progress to myeloid leukaemia of Down Syndrome (MLDS)
requiring intensive chemotherapy. We describe a neonate with unusually
recalcitrant TAM who required four 7-day courses of LDAC. Neonates with
Down syndrome are at significant risk of severe toxicity from
chemotherapy but this was mitigated by the use of repeated courses of
LDAC, without the need for more intensive MLDS treatment.
Perception of health trainees in Saudi Arabia towards international voluntary medical missions: Feasibility, expectations, and barriers
Authors: Alkaabi Nouf , Al-Dubayee Mohammed , Babiker Amir , Masuadi Emad
Published: January 2024

Rationale: To explore perception of health trainees in Saudi Arabia
towards international voluntary medical missions emphasizing on
feasibility, expectations, and barriers. Methods: The study was a cross
sectional survey of health trainees across medical, surgical, and allied
health field allover Saudi Arabia from March 2017 until February 2018,
using a validated standardized questionnaire that was adapted to assess
interests, attitude, and perception towards voluntary medical missions.
We have also assessed the awareness of available opportunities and the
effect of mentorship in improving this interest. Results: A total of 589
responded to the questionnaire with response rate of 83.7%. Most were
under 35 years with equal gender distribution. Majority were from
medical and surgical specialties and were graduated from the western
region of Saudi Arabia. Health Trainees considered volunteering as
residents but did not have a previous experience in missions
acknowledged that a presence of a staff member with regular
participation in missions in their training environment had positive
effect on their interest in international health (p= 0.038). Commonest
reasons of interest to volunteer were enhancing technical and clinical
skills and helping others in need. Moreover, having interest in tourism
and learning about new cultures. Only 7 of 589 participants had an
actual experience. We expressed the actual barriers they faced during
volunteering trips. Interestingly, their colleagues with no similar
experience have almost matching perceived barriers. The major barrier
faced by those with a previous experience is “Lack of elective time”
compared to “Lack of available organized opportunities” in the
counterpart group. Conclusion: Exploring challenges and barriers from
the Saudi health trainee’s perspectives on medical missions will inform
organization for future opportunities. Coordinating medical and surgical
missions through a unified authoritative body would allow better
opportunity to override challenges and to improve the health trainee’s
perception and participation in medical missions.
Theoretical analysis of two collinear cracks subject to the quadratic thermo-magneto-electro-elastic loading
Authors: Wu Bing , Peng Daren , Jones Rhys
Published: January 2024

The problem of two collinear cracks subject to the quadratic
thermo-magneto-electro-elastic loading is addressed in this paper.
Taking advantage of the permeable crack models, the Fourier transform
and superposition theorem, the exact solutions of physical quantities
around two collinear cracks are obtained. It is shown that the effects
of the dimensionless quantities between the upper and below crack-face
(i.e., h_c ϵ_r and μ_r) on physical quantities of crack-face (i.e.,
Q_c, B_c , D_c , K_(ϕ^(*+))^Inn, K_(ϕ^(*+))^Out,
K_(φ^(*+))^Inn and K_(φ^(*+))^Out)) in numerical results.
It should be emphasized that because the theoretical solution obtained
in this paper has an explicit form, it is convenient to solve the stress
intensity factor. In particular, it is very convenient to solve the
influence of various physical quantities on the stress intensity factor
of the crack tip. It has more advantages than the numerical method.