bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paclitaxel-Induced Inhibition of NSCLC Invasion and Migration via RBFOX3-Mediated circIGF1R Biogenesis
Authors: Xu Zhanyu , Zheng Liping , Li Shikang
Published: August 2023

Background: We previously reported that circIGF1R is significantly downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and tissues. It inhibits cancer cell invasion and migration, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive.
Methods: The invasion and migration of NSCLC cells was analyzed by routine in vivo and in vitro functional assays. Fluorescent in situ hybridization, luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms. Mechanism of action of paclitaxel-induced RBFOX3-mediated inhibition of NSCLC invasion and migration was investigated through in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Results: We found that circIGF1R regulated Van-Gogh-like 2 (VANGL2) expression as a Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by “sponging” miR-1270, and inhibited the invasion and migration progression of NSCLC cells by inhibiting the Wnt pathway via the miR-1270/VANGL2 axis. Furthermore, RNA binding protein fox-1 homolog 3 (RBFOX3) promoted circIGF1R biogenesis through binding to the IGF1R pre-mRNA. RBFOX3 inhibits the migration and invasion ability of PC9 cells and A549 cells by increasing the biogenesis of circIGF1R. The chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel inhibited NSCLC invasion and migration by inducing RBFOX3-mediated circIGF1R biogenesis.
Conclusions: RBFOX3 inhibits the invasion and migration of NSCLC cells through the circIGF1R/ miR-1270/VANGL2 axis, circIGF1R has the potential to serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Suppression of neo-intimal hyperplasia induced by arteriovenous anastomosis and balloon-injury in rat by multimeric TRAIL
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyoung
Published: August 2023

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing factor (TRAIL) has shown to play a key role in tumor surveillance, autoimmune diseases, and apoptosis, but its role in vascular stenosis is controversial. In this study, the recombinant hexameric soluble TRAIL (referred as ILz(6):TRAIL), which contains the 6xHis tag, the isoleucine zipper hexamerization domain (ILz), and the extracellular region of TRAIL, inhibits the proliferation of SMemb+/CRBP-1+ vascular smooth muscle cells induced by anastomosis of a carotid artery and a jugular vein (AAV) or balloon injury of femoral artery in rats. Treatment with recombinant ILz(6):TRAIL significantly inhibited the occlusive progress of neo-intimal hyperplasia induced by AAV in a dosage-dependent manner, and adenovirus expressing secretable ILz(6):TRAIL also inhibits neo-intima hyperplasia induced by balloon injury in femoral artery of rats. Furthermore, this inhibitory effect of recombinant ILz(6):TRAIL was associated with the up-regulation of active caspase-3 in vascular smooth muscle cells in AAV regions. Surprisingly, the occlusions of vessels induced by AAV was partially reversed by recombinant ILz(6):TRAIL. This results demonstrates the preventive and partial regressive effects of ILz(6):TRAIL on AAV- or balloon-induced neo-intimal hyperplasia.
Relationships between statins and risk reduction of aortic dissection in patients with hypertension
Authors: Dang Yujie , Li Nanfang , Zhu Qing , Liu Shasha , Heizhati Mulalibieke , Gan Lin , Cai Xintian , Wen Wen , Wang Menghui , Hu Junli , Zhang Delian , Hong Jing , Luo Qin
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Statins have cardiovascular protective effects in addition to lipid-lowering effects. However, no human studies have examined whether statins prevent aortic dissection. This study aimed to explore the association between statins and aortic dissection.
Methods
This nested case–control study was based on data extracted from the UHDATA (Hypertension Database at Urumchi) in Xinjiang of China. Cases (patients who developed aortic dissection) and controls (patients without aortic dissection; matched for age, sex, and date of aortic dissection diagnosis) were selected from among the 52,146 adult patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia or high-risk hypertension registered in the database between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2018. Follow-up data were collected up to April 30, 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between statin use and aortic dissection.
Results
A total of 7049 patients (75.6% men; mean age, 54.6 years) were selected for the study: 647 patients who developed aortic dissection during the follow-up period and 6402 patients who did not develop aortic dissection. The proportion of patients using statins was higher in the case group than in the control group (21.2% vs. 29.9%, P < 0.001). However, in multivariable logistic regression analysis, statin use was independently associated with decreased risk for aortic dissection (adjusted OR = 0.538, 95% CI: 0.418–0.692, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Statins appear to reduce risk of aortic dissection, and clinicians should consider early use of statins in hypertensive patients, especially those with hyperlipidemia and multiple risk factors.
Large-Scale Synthesis of Defect-Free Phosphorene on Nickel Substrates: Enabling Atomistic Thickness Devices.
Authors: Tchoffo Brice , Benabdallah ismail , Aberda abderrahman , Neugebauer Petr , Belhboub anouar , fatimy abdelouahad el
Published: August 2023

The synthesis of low-dimensional materials using phosphorus atoms remains challenging and extensively researched. Among these materials, phosphorene, a monolayer of black phosphorus, shows great promise for applications in atomically thin transistors and photonic devices. However, the lack of a reliable defect-free large-scale synthesis method has hindered its development for practical devices. In this study, we present a successful demonstration of large-scale and defect-free phosphorene synthesis on a Nickel (Ni) substrate. Additionally, we explore the substrate orientation effect, which enables the controllable synthesis of different allotropes. Specifically, we show that blue phosphorene can be grown on Ni (111) and Ni (100), while γ-Phosphorene, referred to as Navy Phosphorene, can be synthesized on Ni (110).
Our work reveals that the synthesis process involves phosphorus pentamers (P5) as a crucial precursor for phosphorene formation. Moreover, we validate the accuracy of the P-Ni and P-P potentials and demonstrate the effectiveness of the molecular dynamics approach (M.D) in simulating 2D material synthesis in the vapor phase. These results are a valuable reference for achieving large-area monolayer phosphorene synthesis.
Tree Species Identity Drives Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks in Nutrient-Poor Sites
Authors: Foltran Estela Covre , Lamersdorf Norbert
Published: August 2023

Aims
The establishment of mixed forest stands can be seen as an option to enhance soil organic carbon stock and to protect forest ecosystems from various impacts of climate change. We examined the effect of admixture of conifers to beech forests on C stock.
Methods
We analyzed groups of European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and Norway spruce (Picea abies) stands as well as mixtures of beech with either Douglas fir or spruce under loamy versus sandy soils. We examined the stocks of C in the organic layer and upper mineral soil.
Results
The C stock of the organic layer was largely depending on tree species, whereas the C stock of the mineral soil varied among soil types. Total soil organic C stocks showed significant species identities and mixing effects were most obvious due to the high SOC stocks in the organic layer. Overall, under sandy soil conditions, conifers and mixed forests allocated 10% more SOC and N at the organic layer compared to loamy soils, whereas the SOC and N stocks under beech maintained the same proportion, independent of the site condition. The interaction between species and sites was significant only for Douglas Fir and mixed Douglas Fir/beech, indicating that the effect of species on C and N varied across sites, being significantly high at sandy soils.
Conclusion
The higher potential for carbon and N storage in mixed-species forests compared to pure stands emphasizes the capacity of mixed forest to provide valuable ecosystem services, enhancing C sequestration.
Addition of Green and Black Liquor in Kraft Pulping of Eucalyptus dunnii wood: Possible Solutions for the Problems with Kraft Pulping Caused by High Calcium Content
Authors: Vegunta Vijaya , Sevastyanova Olena , Deshpande Raghu , Lindén Pär A. , Garcia Andres , Björk Maria , Jansson Ulla , Henriksson Gunnar , Lindström Mikael E.
Published: August 2023

In our previous study, we demonstrated that Eucalyptus dunnii samples containing high calcium content show inferior pulping properties concerning delignification and polysaccharide degradation. This led us to investigate alternative methods for improving the pulping process of these samples. In the present work, we evaluated the effects of incorporating black and green liquors into the Eucalyptus dunnii chips before kraft pulping, aiming to enhance the pulping process and overcome the negative impact of high calcium content. The addition of both black and green liquors resulted in specific enhancements, with the green liquor having a more significant impact on the pulping process. Even wood samples with the highest calcium content demonstrated satisfactory pulping results when treated with green liquor. Delignification occurred more rapidly, and selectivity was higher for samples pre-treated with green liquor before kraft pulping. Moreover, calcium tended to follow the fiber under these conditions rather than being released into the black liquor, which may contribute to the improved pulping performance. Subsequent bleaching tests revealed that the bleachability of green liquor-treated pulp was nearly identical to that of a control pulp, while maintaining a higher viscosity. This suggests that incorporating green liquor into the pre-treatment process not only improves the pulping performance of Eucalyptus dunnii samples with high calcium content but also maintains desirable bleachability characteristics. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of these findings, we discuss the potential chemical explanations behind the observed improvements.
CYLD regulates cell ferroptosis through Hippo/YAP Signaling in prostate cancer progression
Authors: Wu Kaijie , Gu Yanan , Wu Shiqi , Fan Junjie , Meng Zeji , Liu Tianjie , Wang Qi , Xia Huayu , Gao Guoqiang , Wang Xinyang
Published: August 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancy in men. However, the molecular mechanism of its pathogenesis has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated CYLD, a novel deubiquitinating enzyme, was downregulated in PCa tissues, and its expression was inversely correlated with pathological grade and clinical stage. Moreover, we discovered that CYLD inhibited tumor cell proliferation and promoted cell ferroptosis in PCa in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that CYLD suppressed the ubiquitination of YAP protein, then promoted ACSL4 and TFRC mRNA transcription. Also, we demonstrated that CYLD could enhance the sensitivity of PCa tumors to ferroptosis in vivo. Furthermore, we discoverd for the first time that there was a positive correlation between CYLD expression and ACSL4 or TFRC expression in human PCa specimens. The results of this study suggested that CYLD acted as a tumor suppressor gene in PCa and promoted cell ferroptosis through Hippo/YAP signaling.
A therapeutic antibody targeting annexin-A1 inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
Authors: Parris Chris , Crichton Scott , Fabian Charlene , Pepper Chris , Al-Ali Hussein , Butcher David , Dempsey Fiona
Published: August 2023

In this study we conducted the first investigation to assess the efficacy of a novel therapeutic antibody developed to target annexin-A1 (ANXA1). ANXA1 is an immunomodulatory protein which has been shown to be overexpressed in, and promote the development and progression of, several cancer types. In particular, high ANXA1 expression levels correlate with poorer overall survival in pancreatic and triple negative breast cancers, two cancers with considerable unmet clinical need. MDX-124 is a humanised IgG1 monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to ANXA1 disrupting its interaction with formyl peptide receptors 1 and 2 (FPR1/2). Here we show that MDX-124 significantly reduced proliferation (p < 0.0132) in a dose-dependent manner across a panel of human cancer cell lines expressing ANXA1. The anti-proliferative effect of MDX-124 is instigated by arresting cell cycle progression with cancer cells accumulating in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Furthermore, in the 4T1-luc syngeneic mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, MDX-124 significantly inhibited tumour growth versus vehicle control (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest ANXA1 targeted therapy is a viable and innovative approach to treat tumours which express ANXA1.
Determination of optimal mining width for coal mining under the slope by of using numerical simulation
Authors: Zhou Ze , Zhou Jinlian , Lai Long , Xu Mengtang , Xu Youlin
Published: August 2023

The stability of slope is critical important topic in rock mass engineering. In Panzhihua #7 Coal Mine, the coal mining is occurred under the slope, to obtain the optimal mining width, 125 numerical simulations were conducted, and the corresponding FOS was calculated. From the analysis of the numerical simulation results, it can be found that FOS decrease and then increase with increasing of filling length, meanwhile, the FOS is minimum value when the filling length is within the ranges of 10m and 20m, which is under the toe of slope. Furthermore, the minimum FOS decrease with increasing of mining width. Considered the stability of the slope and mining economy, the mining width is set to 6m, and the numerical simulation results is applied to the engineering practice. To guarantee the safety of the slope, some monitoring points were distributed on the slope, the displacement from numerical simulation and engineering practice is quite close, indicating the numerical simulation results is reliable, and the mining width is reasonable.
Primary care visits in a regional area in southern China before and during Covid pandemic
Authors: Liang Jin , Huang Guojun , Zhang Jiayi , Wang Shuang , Wang Han , Huang Qingju , Du Qingfeng , Wang Ning
Published: August 2023

Background Primary care visits significantly reflects the population’s health needs and service operation. In the background of Chinese health system characteristics and Covid-19 pandemic, knowledge about the quantify and disease profiles of patient visits will inform health planning and resource allocation and discipline development of general practice. This study was to describe a local primary care system, its patient visits and disease profiles of the patients before and during the Covid 19 pandemic.Methods A descriptive study was conducted based on a retrospective review of electronic health records in 2018–2021 within a County Integrated Health Organization in a rural area in southern China. Descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test were employed for data analysis.Results The primary care system consisted of hospital outpatient clinics and 19 community health centres. Community had similar quantity, but older age of patients compared to those of the hospital across the four years. Female visits were slightly higher than male visits in the first three years, but nearly doubled male visits in 2021. The age group of 40–64 had the largest proportion of total visits each year, while 0–5 group had the smallest proportion. Hypertension, respiratory infections, diabetes and general examination constituted a major part of top ten common ICD diagnoses. General Practice clinics had a miniscule part of total hospital visits.Conclusions The study provides a comprehensive profile of primary care service utilization. Community acted significantly in the service provision. The role of General Practice clinics in the hospital needs to be precisely defined.
Evaluating the utility of EUCAST RAST from positive blood culture in comparison with Vitek 2 AST in cancer patients from tertiary care cancer hospital in India.
Authors: Choudhari Sonali Choudhari , Bamnote Pooja Bamnote , Watchmaker Jerestin Watchmaker , Gawande Ruchita gawande , Farooqui Eram Farooqui
Published: August 2023

Background: Early initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy is essential for effective management of sepsis to reduce morbidity, mortality, cost of treatment and prevent antibiotic resistance. With the available microbiological reporting system, the turnaround time to report a positive blood culture is 48-72 hours. We aim to conduct a study to evaluate EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing) RAST (rapid antimicrobial susceptibility test) method from positive blood cultures in comparison with automated Vitek2 AST system in our cancer set up.
Method: This is a prospective study conducted over period of one year. All positively flagged blood culture bottles showing monomicrobial gram negative bacilli or gram positive cocci in gram stain were included in study. Positively flagged blood culture bottles were processed simultaneously as per EUCAST RAST and by routine methodology.
Results: The drug bug combinations as per EUCAST RAST was evaluated for 26 Escherichia coli, 17 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 7 Psuedomonas aeruginosa isolates for meropenem, imipenem, piperacillin tazobactam, ceftazidime ,amikacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cefepime, cotrimoxazole, gentamicin and ceftriaxone. Overall Categorial Agreement is 92.13% at 6 hours. Overall VME, ME and mE was 1.11%, 3.61% and 5.61% respectively.
Conclusions: EUCAST RAST can be implemented in routine work flow to guide clinicians regarding antimicrobial choice at early stage.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of diabetes in patients with and without sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy from two secondary eye care centres in India
Authors: Pardhan Shahina , Raman Rajiv , Biswas Anupama , Jaisankar Durgasri , Ahluwalia Sanjiv , Sapkota Raju
Published: August 2023

Background/Aims: Good knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of diabetes influence its control and complications. We examined the KAP of diabetes in patients with sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) and non-sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (NSTDR) attending two different referral hospitals in India.
Methods: 400 consecutive patients (mean age = 58.5 years ±10.3) attending retina clinics in Chennai and Darjeeling were recruited. A validated questionnaire on diabetic KAP was administered in English or the local language. Data were analysed using an established scalar-scoring method in which a score of 1 was assigned to the correct answer/healthy lifestyle and 0 to an incorrect answer/unhealthy lifestyle/practice. Clinical data included fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, retinopathy, and visual acuity. Retinopathy was graded as STDR/NSTDR from retinal images using Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study criteria.
Results: Usable data from 383 participants (95.8%) were analysed. Of these, 83 (21.7%) had STDR, and 300 (78.3%) had NSTDR. The NSTDR group reported a significantly lower total KAP score (mean rank = 183.4) compared to the STDR group (mean rank = 233.1). A greater percentage in the NSTDR group reported to being unaware that diabetes could affect eyes, possible treatments for DR, and checked their blood sugar less regularly (<once a month).
Conclusion: Patients who had not developed STDR had poorer KAP about diabetes and diabetic-related eye diseases. This is an important issue to address as the risk of their progressing to STDR is high unless appropriate steps to improve their knowledge/awareness and lifestyle practice are introduced early.
Docking Method for Electric Vehicle Charging Terminal Using Monocular Camera
Authors: Noh Donghee , Kim Seonhyeong , Kim Seojeong , Kim Donghoon , Choi Kyoungho , Choi Juhwan , Park Keunho
Published: August 2023

With the growth of battery-based eco-friendly electric vehicle parts and materials technology, the diversity of smart EV-related industries is increasing. However, the lack of rapid charging stations, which hinders the growth of the eco-friendly electric vehicle market, is approaching as a realistic problem. Various companies such as Volkswagen, EVAR, KUKA, MOBI, CarLa, and TESLA are competing to develop and commercialize unmanned automated electric vehicle charging robots using robots to solve the shortage of charging stations and the inconvenience of charging electric vehicles for the physically weak such as children and the elderly. This paper conducted a study on docking and undocking the charging terminal of a battery cart to the charging terminal of an electric vehicle using hardware consisting of a monocular camera, an articulated robot, a gripper, and a server among unmanned automated electric vehicle charging systems. In order to evaluate the performance of the system, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the success rate of docking and undocking tasks, and the average success rate of 99% was derived as a result of the experiment.
Modular Self-Assembly of a Low-Symmetry Helicene Racemate into Robust yet Facilely Recyclable Noncovalent Porous Crystals
Authors: Qiu Huibin , Zhang Guoli , Zhang Jian , Tao Yu , Gan Fuwei , Lin Geyu , Liang Juncong , Shen Chengshuo , Zhang Yuebiao
Published: August 2023

Porous frameworks constructed via noncovalent interactions show wide potential in molecular separation, gas adsorption, etc. However, it remains a major challenge to prepare these materials from low-symmetry molecular building blocks. Herein, we report a facile strategy to fabricate noncovalent porous crystals through modular self-assembly of a low-symmetry helicene racemate. The P and M enantiomers in the racemate first stack into right- and left-handed triangular prisms, respectively, and subsequently the two types of prisms alternatively stack together into a hexagonal network with one-dimensional channels with a diameter of 14.5 Å. Remarkably, the framework reveals high stability upon heating to 275 °C, majorly due to the abundant π-interactions between the complementarily engaged helicene building blocks. Such porous framework can be readily prepared by fast rotary evaporation, and is easy to recycle and repeatedly reform. The refined porous structure and enriched π-conjugation also favor the selective adsorption of a series of small molecules.
Real Time Raspberry Pi based System for Linguistic Content Recognition from Speech
Authors: A Revahi , N Sasikaladevi
Published: August 2023

Recognizing linguistic information from speech has found applications in interpretation of language in which the utterance is spoken and the system could be used as a translator to convert sentence spoken in one language into another language meaningfully. Real time implementation of language identification (LID) from speech requires the speech to be fed from the Raspberry Pi board used in the transmitter section and the Raspberry Pi board in the receiver section receives it and given to the system for identifying the language of the speech. This system requires the training phase in which two dimensional spectrogram features are derived from the training set of speeches and given to the CNN layered architecture for creating templates for languages. Testing phase involves the transmission of speech from the memory card of the Raspberry Pi board in transmitter system. Raspberry Pi board in the receiver receives it and given to the system in receiver section. Two dimensional spectrogram features are derived for test speech and given to the CNN templates and based on the similarity index, test language is interpreted. This system is implemented using spectrogram, Melspectrogram and ERB spectrogram as features and CNN for modeling and classification of languages. Validation error is 1.4%, 1.8% and 3% for spectrogram, Melspectrogram and ERB spectrogram based systems respectively and decision level fusion classifier gives 0.9% as validation error. This system can be implemented in hardware by using Raspberry Pi board. This automated real time multilingual language identification system would be useful in forensic department and defense sectors to identify the persons belonging to any region or speaking in any language.
Facile Wet Chemical Synthesis of Dimeric Triangulene Derivatives through Intramolecular Radical-Radical Coupling
Authors: Shi Xueliang , Liu Peipei , Wu Meng-Xiang , Kang Hao , Zhao Xiao-Li , Yang Hai-Bo
Published: August 2023

Herein, two dimeric triangulene derivatives 1 and 2 were synthesized via a novel and facile wet-chemical method. The generation of 1 and 2 involved an intramolecular radical-radical coupling between two open-shell triangulene moieties. The radical-radical coupling process was found to relate closely to the spin density distributions of the two triangulene derivatives as well as the inherent steric congestion between them. Their electronic structures and conformations were thoroughly investigated by X-ray crystallography and DFT calculations. The results disclosed that 1 and 2 differed significantly in terms of electronic configurations and aromaticity, resulting in their distinct photophysical properties and molecular conformations. 1 exhibited red-shifted absorption and emission spectra compared to 2 despite the relatively smaller π-conjugation of 1. In contrast to the planar conformation of 1, 2 was highly twisted and existed in two diastereomeric forms 2-PM and 2-PP/MM which were successfully separated. The isomerization kinetics of the two diastereomers and the optical resolution and chiroptical properties of enantiomers 2-PP/MM were also systematically survived. We believe that our studies including the new elegant wet chemical synthesis methodology and interesting radical-radical coupling process will open up a new way to understand the chemical versatility of triangulenes and related π-conjugated systems.
Preparation of stable colloidal dispersion of surface modified Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles for magnetic heating applications
Authors: Dizajyekan Behnam Sabzi , Jafari Arezou , Vafaie-Sefti Mohsen , saber Reza , Fakhroueian Zahra
Published: August 2023

The effect of surface modification on enhancing the magnetic heating behavior of magnetic nano fluids were investigated, for this purpose Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using co-precipitation method and surface modification was done using citric acid, ascorbic acid, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Experimental heating tests using AC magnetic field were done in the frequency of 100 kHz and different magnetic field (H) intensities. Theoretically the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in magnetic nano fluids is independent of nanoparticles concentration but the experimental results showed different behavior. The Theoretical SAR value @ H=12kA.m-1 for Nano fluids containing bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles was 11.5 W/g but in experimental tests the obtained value was 9.72 W/g for nano fluid containing 20000 ppm of dispersed nanoparticles. The experimental SAR calculation was repeated for sample containing 10000 ppm of nanoparticles and the results showed increase in experimental SAR that is an evidence of nanoparticles agglomeration in higher concentrations. The surface modification has improved the dispersion ability of the nanoparticles. The Ratio of SAR, experimental, 20000ppm to SAR, experimental, 10000ppm was 0.85 for bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles dispersion but in case of surface modified nanoparticles this ratio has increased up to 0.98 that shows lower agglomeration of nanoparticles as a result of surface modification, although on the other hand the surface modification agents were magnetically passive and so it is expected that in constant concentration the SAR for bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles to be higher than this variable for surface modified nanoparticles. At lower concentrations the dispersions containing bare Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed higher SAR values but at higher concentrations the surface modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed better results although the active agent amount was lower at them. Finally it should be noted that the nanoparticles that were surface modified using polymeric agents showed the highest decrease in experimental SAR amounts comparing theoretical results that was because of the large molecules of polymers comparing other implemented surface modification agents.
Outcomes of a nurse practitioner-led, intravenous dexmedetomidine-based pediatric sedation program for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a general hospital. A prospective observational study.
Authors: schuiten linda , Valerio Paolo , Leroy Piet L
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Prospective observational study on the effectiveness and safety of a nurse practitioner-led pediatric sedation program for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with intravenous dexmedetomidine in a Dutch general hospital.
Methods
115 children, aged 6 months to 11 years, scheduled for MRI, underwent 119 sedations with an intravenous (IV)-loading dose dexmedetomidine (3μgr/kg) followed by continuous infusion (2 μgr/kg/h). Great emphasis was put on non-pharmacological strategies to create a quiet environment and to reduce patients’ anxiety.
The observed outcomes were sedation time, recovery time, Ramsay Sedation Scores (RSS), sedation failure and adverse events.
Results
Median sedation time was 52 minutes (range 27-148 minutes). Median recovery time was 82 minutes (range 5-177 minutes). Deepest individual RSS ranged from 4 to 6 (11,8% deepest RSS 4, 69,3% deepest RSS 5, 18,8% deepest RSS 6). All sedations (100%) were successful. One patient (0,8%), experienced a brief episode of oxygen desaturation as low as 90%, rapidly resolving after low-flow oxygen therapy. Two patients (1,6%), experienced an episode of mild hypotension respectively during and immediately after dexmedetomidine administration. Both quickly normalized after a fluid bolus. One patient (0,8%) experienced post-sedation nausea.
Conclusions
Sedation with intravenous dexmedetomidine for MRI can be safely and effectively entrusted to a competent nurse practitioner-led pediatric sedation team. To achieve high success rates, mastering the typical sedative characteristics of dexmedetomidine is essential, including the application of optimal logistics, consistent use of non-pharmacological comfort strategies and an effective, goal-directed collaboration between all involved.
Successful rituximab therapy for skin sclerosis and myositis in a patient with systemic sclerosis, myositis and Sjögren’s syndrome associated with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome
Authors: Saeki Takako , Nishiyama Hiroki , Sakai Shunsuke , Kimura Haruna , Usuda Hiroyuki , Furukawa Kazuo
Published: August 2023

Background: Autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes (APSs) are relatively rare clinical conditions characterized by functional impairment of multiple endocrine glands due to loss of immune tolerance. These syndromes are broadly categorized as rare monogenic forms, such as APS-1, and a more common polygenic variety, APS-2. In APS-2, many autoimmune conditions can develop, including autoimmune rheumatic diseases. However, systemic sclerosis and myositis can occur as quite rarecomplications, for which no treatment strategy has yet been established.
Case presentation: A 25-year-old man who had been diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes developed finger stiffness. Although the subjective symptoms were relatively mild, extensive examinations including various autoantibodies, hormones and biopsy of the skin and minor salivary glands revealed that he had APS-2 (type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroid disease) accompanied by systemic sclerosis, myositis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Rituximab therapy was initiated for the progressive skin sclerosis, and this resulted in significant of both the sclerosis and the myositis.
Conclusion: Various autoimmune rheumatic diseases can develop in APS-2. Early diagnosis and immunomodulatory therapy may arrest the autoimmune process before irreversible organ damage has occurred, and rituximab appears to be a promising therapy for autoimmune rheumatic diseases associated with APS-2.
Machine Learning and Deep Learning based Students’ Grades Prediction
Authors: Adil Korchi , Messaoudi Fayçal , Ahmed Abatal , Youness Manzali
Published: August 2023

Predicting student performance in a curriculum or program offers the prospect of improving academic outcomes. By using effective performance prediction methods, instructional leaders can allocate adequate resources and instruction more accurately. This paper aims to identify the features of machine learning algorithms that can be used to make predictions about student grades. For this purpose, we use a data set that contains personal information about students and their grades. We have implemented different machine learning algorithms of regression namely: Decision Tree, Random Forest, Linear Regression, k-Nearest Neighbor, XGBoost, and Deep Neural Network. Then, we compared these models based on their determination coefficient, Mean Average Error, Mean Squared Error, and Root Mean Squared Error. The experimental results of this study showed that the deep neural network outperformed the other algorithms with a determination coefficient of 99.97% and low errors.
Endometrial injection of embryo culture supernatant may adversely affect assisted reproductive technology outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Ito Ayumu , Katagiri Yukiko , Nakaoka Kentaro , Unagami Mami , Ichizawa Koichiro , Amano Kenji , Tokuda Yukiko , Oigawa Satoko , Yoneyama Masato , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Sekiguchi Mami , Furui Mayuko , Umemura Nahomi , Hayashi Yuko , Tamaki Yuko , Nagao Koichi , Nakata Masahiko
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the effects of endometrial injection of embryo culture supernatants on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.
Methods
We included hormone replacement therapy cycles, with the transfer of embryos reaching the blastocyst on day 5 after fertilization. To mitigate any potential bias, we excluded cycles that possibly affected implantation. We included 118 cycles in the stimulation of endometrial embryo transfer (SEET) group (participants received an endometrial injection of the embryo culture supernatant) and 878 cycles in the blastocyst transfer (BT) group (participants did not receive the embryo culture supernatant).
Results
Maternal age was significantly higher in the SEET group than in the BT group (p < 0.05). The implantation rate (p < 0.05), ongoing pregnancy rate (p < 0.05), and live birth rate (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the SEET group than in the BT group. There was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rates between the groups. The age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for implantation and miscarriage were 0.70 and 1.52, respectively, in the SEET group. The age-adjusted OR for implantation was 1.0 and 0.29 for good-quality blastocysts (GQBs) and non-GQBs, respectively, in the SEET group compared to the BT group. The age-adjusted OR for miscarriage was 0.81 and 2.2 for participants aged < 37 and ≥ 37 years, respectively, in the SEET group compared to the BT group.
Conclusions
Endometrial injection of the embryo culture supernatant may adversely affect ART outcomes in FET cycles, especially in non-GQB embryo transfers and mothers aged ≥ 37 years.
Profile of Secondary Glaucoma in Menelik II Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrekidan Gebreabzgi Teklay , Alemu Abiye Mulugeta
Published: August 2023

Purpose
To determine the current clinical profile, proportion, and causes of various types of secondary glaucoma in newly diagnosed glaucoma patients at Menelik II Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.
Methods
This is a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at a glaucoma clinic between May 1 - July 31, 2022. All newly diagnosed secondary glaucoma patients aged 18 years and above were included. A structured format comprising socio-demographic data, history, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp, gonioscopy, fundus examination findings, and finally, the diagnosis was used. Data management and analysis were done using SPSS version 26.
Results
Four-hundred forty-nine new glaucoma patients visited the clinic during the study period. One hundred seventy-three (38.53%) patients were diagnosed to have secondary glaucoma. The leading causes of secondary glaucoma were found to be Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (75.5%), followed by neovascular glaucoma (7%), uveitic glaucoma (6.7%), lens-induced glaucoma (5%), and miscellaneous causes (5.7%). Secondary glaucoma was a significant cause of visual morbidity, with 57.04% of eyes presenting with best corrected visual acuity < 6/60, IOP > 30 mm Hg in 45.3% of eyes, and 61.74% with a cup-to-disc ratio of ≥ 0.7.
Conclusion
Secondary glaucoma is a significant cause of visual morbidity. Timely diagnosis and early and appropriate management are essential to prevent irreversible visual loss.
PRDX4 regulates AMs cell activity through the AKT/NF-κB pathway to inhibit the progress of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Jia wei , Liu Ziqin , Liu Yafeng , Guo Jianqiang , Yang Xuelian , Li Yunyun , Bai Ying , Xing Yingru , Wu Jing , Hu Dong
Published: August 2023

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal disease that leads to severe lung fibrosis, and PRDX4 expressed highly in AMs may be closely related to the process of fibrosis progression. This study investigates the function and molecular mechanisms of the potential therapeutic target PRDX4 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Methods
This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of lung tissue, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and clinical data retrieval to investigate key cells influencing inflammation and fibrosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and to analyze the expression and prognostic value of PRDXs. AAV-mediated knockdown of PRDX4 protein expression was performed specifically in alveolar macrophages (AMs) of IPF mice, and lung function as well as changes in inflammatory and fibrotic gene expression were evaluated. In vitro cell experiments and tissue immunofluorescence were conducted to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of PRDX4 both in vivo and in vitro.
Results
Alveolar macrophages (AMs) and type II lung epithelial cells (AT2) are the major contributing cells for inflammation and fibrosis genes in lung tissue of IPF patients. High expression of PRDX4 in AMs is significantly negatively correlated with patient prognosis (p < 0.05). Functionally, knockdown of PRDX4 expression in AMs effectively improves lung function (EF50, VT, and MV) in IPF mice, while inhibiting the expression of genes related to lung inflammation and fibrosis. Mechanistically, PRDX4 can regulate the secretion of inflammation-related factors in AMs through the AKT/NF-κB pathway, thereby inhibiting the progression of inflammation and fibrosis in IPF mice.
Conclusions
Inhibiting the expression of PRDX4 in alveolar macrophages (AMs) can modulate the activity of these cells, thereby suppressing the progression of IPF disease.
The potential mechanism and chemical compounds contributed to Psoraleae Fructus-induced hepatotoxicity from the aspect of mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Shang Huiying , Liu Xian , Pan Jinchao , Tang Xianglin , Cheng Hongbo , Ma Zengchun , Xiao Chengrong , Gao Yue
Published: August 2023

Background
Psoraleae Fructus (PF) is a widely-used traditional Chinese medicine in Asia for osteoporosis and vitiligo. The cases of PF-induced hepatotoxicity were frequently reported, which restricted its clinical application. However, the potential hepatotoxic components and the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated.
Methods
Kunming mice were intragastrically administrated with salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus (SPF) water extracts for 4 weeks. The pathohistological changes and biochemical assays were performed to evaluate the level of hepatic injuries. Transcriptomic analysis, western blots and qPCR were applied to investigate the potential mechanism. Further high content screening was conducted to identify the potential mitotoxic chemicals in PF.
Results
SPF promoted hepatic steatosis by inhibiting the expressions of ACOX1, ACADM, CPT1 and CYP7A1. SPF led to mitochondrial structure damage and the decrease of mtDNA copy number. Transcriptomic analysis and western blots validated the impairment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) contributed to SPF-induced liver injuries. Considering the high relevance of mitochondrial function with SPF-induced hepatotoxicity, high content screening was conducted to identify the mitotoxic chemicals in SPF. At the same concentration, bavachin, isobavachalcone, psoralidin and bakuchiol showed the most potent mitochondrial toxicity by decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, increasing mitochondrial superoxide level and the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore.
Conclusions
Our study unveiled SPF promoted hepatic injury by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and the potential mitotoxic chemical constituents in SPF.
Occurrences of neglected tropical disease vectors identified during medical consultations at Mènontin Hospital
Authors: GBENOU Tania Sandrine , GANGLO Jean Cossi
Published: August 2023

Neglected tropical diseases are a group of preventable and curable diseases that affect 1.5 billion people, 40% of whom live in Africa. These diseases affect the poorest and most vulnerable populations living in remote areas of Africa. They disfigure and disable, prevent children from attending school and parents from working - limiting their potential and leaving people trapped in poverty.
The occurrences described in this publication cover the Atlantic-Littoral-Mono-Couffo-Collines-Alibori and Ouémé departments from October 1, 2017 to September 9, 2020. Patient registration records were used to extract occurrence data. A total of 4258 occurrences of neglected tropical disease vectors belonging to 9 species, 8 families and 6 orders were recorded. All occurrences have a geographical reference. The large volume of data collected, the wide geographic coverage, and the long-term nature of the observations determined the value of their inclusion in the GBIF site and the need to publish them.
Screening ability and health assessment of calf circumference and upper arm circumference on sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older people: need to be accurate and population-targeted
Authors: LI Meng-Li , QI Jia-Ying , SHI Min-Hao , YIN Tong-Tong , Wang Fang-Fang , MAO Chen , ZHANG Hui , Wang Li , LU Ling-Ling
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the screening ability and health evaluations of upper arm circumference (AC) and calf circumference (CC) on sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older people.
Methods
In Sub-study 1, 1537 participants were included. The AC, CC, handgrip strength, muscle mass and gait speed were measured. Correlation analysis, receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis and consistency analysis were used. In Sub-study 2, 269 participants were recruited to have physical function, body composition and muscle digital strength assessments.
Results
In Sub-study 1, the Area Under ROC (AUC)s of AC and CC for sarcopenia screening were greater than 0.700 (P<0.05). The cut-off values, sensitivity and specificity of AC and CC on sarcopenia in males were 25.9 cm (86.0%, 83.6%) and 33.7cm (90.7%, 81.4%) whereas in females were 26.5cm (70.8%, 69.7%) and 33.0cm (86.5%, 69.4%), respectively. In Sub-study 2, participants with sarcopenia-AC or sarcopenia-CC had lower fat and muscle mass and lower muscle strength in both sexes, and lower physical function in males, compared to participants without sarcopenia-AC or CC, respectively (P<0.05).
Conclusion
AC and CC have excellent screening abilities on sarcopenia and good evaluation effects on health outcomes in males in the community.
Registration of clinical trial: ChiCTR1900027960
Red cell distribution width is a short-term mortality predictor in older adults with hip osteoporotic fracture
Authors: Liu Xiao-feng , Zheng Yong-qiang , Xu Yong-quan , Lin Liang , Lin Zhen-yu , Zhang Jin-shan
Published: August 2023

Objective To study the relationship between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and short-term mortality of hip fracture in the elderly.
Methods A retrospective cohort of electronic medical records at a single hospital over a 2-year period between 2020 to 2021. We received the records of 233 patients aged > 50 years who suffered from hip osteoporotic fracture. The clinical data including patients demographics, comorbidities at the time of admission, type of surgery, blood examination, 3-months mortality, 6-months mortality and 1-year mortality. The relationship between RDW and short-term mortality of hip osteoporotic fracture were analyzed. The cohore was then divided into two groups based on their RDW levels at the time of admission: low(RDW＜13.6%) and high(RDW≥13.6%).
Results The mean age was 78.03±12.09 years; 64.81% were woman. At admission, 80 patients(34.33%) had high RDW levels and 153 patients(65.67%) had low RDW levels. There were no statistically significant between the groups with regard to sex, type of operation, duration of surgery and hospitalization length. Patents with high RDW had more comorbidities (p<0.05) when compared to patients with low RDW levels. All-cause mortality was greater for patients with high RDW levels, at 3 months (p<0.05), 6 months (p<0.05), and 12 months (p<0.05).
Conclusion Red cell distribution width is significantly related with short-term mortality in hip osteoporotic fracture. The larger value of RDW, the higher risk of mortality.
Chronic pain in older adults with disabilities is associated with fall-related injuries: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Honda Hiroya , Ashizawa Ryota , Kameyama Yuto , Hirase Tatsuya , Arizono Shinichi , Yoshimoto Yoshinobu
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Previous studies have shown an association between chronic pain and the occurrence of falls in community-dwelling older adults; however, the association between chronic pain and fall-related injuries in older adults with disabilities is unclear. This study aimed to determine the association between chronic pain and fall-related injuries in older adults with disabilities.
Methods
This 24-month prospective cohort study included older adults aged 65 years or older using Japanese long-term care insurance services. Chronic pain, defined as "pain that has persisted for more than three months to date,” was assessed using a face-to-face questionnaire. Fall-related injuries, defined as "injuries requiring hospitalization or outpatient treatment due to a fall," were assessed using a fall calendar. Data were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model, with fall-related injury as the dependent variable, chronic pain as the independent variable, and confounders as covariates.
Results
Among 133 included participants, 15 experienced fall-related injuries. After adjusting for age and sex as covariates, chronic pain was significantly associated with fall-related injuries (hazard ratio: 5.487, 95% confidence interval: 1.211–24.853, p = 0.027).
Conclusions
Chronic pain was associated with fall-related injuries in older adults with disabilities. In this population, a greater focus should be placed on treating chronic pain to reduce the occurrence of falls.