bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes and nephrotoxicity of colistin methanesulfonate in critically ill patients with carbapenem-resistant organisms infections: a retrospective study
Authors: Ren Xindie , Xu Jun , Zhou Hua , Cai Hongliu
Published: September 2024

Background
Carbapenem resistant organisms (CRO) infection is one of the most common causes of high mortality among critically ill patients. Colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) represents a significant treatment option for CRO infections, yet the available data on CMS in the Chinese population remains limited. This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes and nephrotoxicity of CMS in treating critically ill patients with CRO infections in China.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted from June 2022 to September 2023 in critically ill patients with CRO infections who received CMS treatment. The clinical outcomes were assessed by clinical effective, microbiological eradication, infection-related hospital mortality, the length of ICU stay, and total hospital stay. A sub-group analysis was conducted on patients with lung infection. The nephrotoxicity was assessed by the acute kidney injury (AKI).
Results
A total of 96 critically ill patients with CRO infections were enrolled in the study. The overall clinical effective, microbiological eradication and infection-related hospital mortality rates were 67.90%, 60.49% and 8.33%, respectively. The median length of ICU and total hospital stays was 28 and 32.5 days, respectively. In patients with lung infection, 70.31% and 61.19% achieved clinical effective and microbiological eradication, respectively. The younger patients (< 65 years old), patients who received intravenous combined nebulized CMS, and infections caused by CRE benefitted more from CMS treatment. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) was 28 cases (30.43%), with the majority (82.14%) occurring in stage 1.
Conclusions
CMS treatment in Chinese critically ill patients with CRO infections achieved favorable outcomes, with acceptable nephrotoxicity, providing a promising option for this fatal disease.
Cell-type specific inference from bulk RNA-sequencing data by integrating single cell reference profiles via EPIC-unmix
Authors: Tang Chenwei , Sun Quan , Zeng Xinyue , Li Gang , Yang Xiaoyu , Liu Fei , Zhao Jinying , Shen Yin , Liu Boxiang , Wen Jia , Li Yun
Published: September 2024

Cell type-specific (CTS) analysis is crucial for uncovering biological insights hidden in bulk tissue data, yet single-cell (sc) or single-nuclei (sn) approaches are often cost-prohibitive for large samples. We introduce EPIC-unmix, a novel two-step empirical Bayesian method combining reference sc/sn and bulk RNA-seq data to improve CTS inference, accounting for the difference between reference and target datasets. Under comprehensive simulations, EPIC-unmix outperformed alternative methods in accuracy. Applied to Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain RNA-seq data, EPIC-unmix identified multiple differentially expressed genes in a CTS manner, and empowered CTS eQTL analysis.
Balance between bile acid conjugation and hydrolysis activity can alter outcomes of gut inflammation
Authors: Quinn Robert , Fu Yousi , Guzior Douglas , Okros Maxwell , Bridges Christopher , Rosset Sabrina , Gonzalez Cely , Martin Christian , Karunarathne Hansani , Watson Victoria
Published: September 2024

Conjugated bile acids (BAs) are multi-functional detergents produced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by the liver enzyme bile acid:amino acid N-acyltransferase (BAAT) and by the microbiome from acyltransferase activity of the ubiquitous enzyme bile salt hydrolase (BSH). Humans with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an enrichment in both host and microbially conjugated BAs (MCBAs), but their impacts on GI inflammation are not well understood. We investigated the role of host-conjugated BAs in the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) model of colitis using a BAAT knockout background. Baat-/- KO mice have severe phenotypes in the DSS model that were rescued by supplementation with taurocholate (TCA). Gene expression and histological analysis showed that this rescue was likely due to an improved epithelial barrier and goblet cell function. TCA supplementation also increased microbiome diversity, particularly the BA metabolizing Lachnospiraceae. Metabolomics showed that TCA supplementation in the DSS model increased all known forms of conjugated BAs including both host and microbial sources, but also their hydrolysis and metabolism to secondary BAs. The ability of TCA to improve pathology under DSS inflammation despite its ready hydrolysis led us to investigate the BSH activity of diverse gut bacteria on a panel of conjugated BAs in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of 17 gut bacterial isolates to a panel of 10 amino acid conjugated BAs showed broad hydrolytic capacity depending on the bacterium. Host-produced TCA and the MCBAs SerCA and AlaCA were readily hydrolyzed, whereas GluCA, AspCA and ThrCA were more resistant. This hydrolytic variability translated in vivo where mice fed the recalcitrant GluCA had less secondary BAs production in the DSS model compared to TCA. The complexity of microbial dysbiosis and conjugated BA metabolism in an inflamed murine gut led to the exploration of BSHs genes in metagenomic data from human IBD patients. Certain bsh sequences were enriched in the diseased states including that from Ruminococcus gnavus and Enterocloster clostridioformis in people with Crohn’s disease. Collectively, this study shows that the conjugated BAs may provide benefits to those with IBD, but this is dictated by a delicate balance between BA conjugation/deconjugation based on the BSH sequences present.
Polymorphism and whole-molecule disorder of an antitubercular 8- nitrobenzothiazinone
Authors: Seidel Rüdiger W. , Goddard Richard , Schlegel Tom U. , Richter Adrian , Rudolph Ines , Imming Peter
Published: September 2024

8-Nitrobenzo-1,3-thiazin-4-ones (BTZs) are a promising class of antitubercular agents with a novel mechanism of action, viz. suicide inhibition of decaprenylphosphoryl-β-d-ribose 2’-epimerase (DprE1), an enzyme crucial for cell wall synthesis in the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. 8-Nitro-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-4H-benzo-1,3-thiazin-4-one (1) is a chemically simplified analogue of the anti-tuberculosis phase 2 clinical drug candidate BTZ-043. Structural elucidation of 1 in the solid-state has been carried out by X-ray crystallography and two polymorphic forms of 1 have been revealed. 1-I crystallizes in the triclinic system (space group P-1, Z = 6) with one molecule exhibiting whole-molecule disorder with a preferred orientation. The crystal structure of 1-II belongs to the tetragonal system (space group P43, Z = 4) and exhibits positional disorder in several parts of the molecule.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling of the Co-administration of Ritonavir-Boosted Atazanavir and Rifampicin in Children Co-treated for HIV and Tuberculosis
Authors: Atoyebi Shakir , Montanha Maiara Camotti , Nakijoba Ritah , Orrell Catherine , Mugerwa Henry , Siccardi Marco , Denti Paolo , Waitt Catriona
Published: September 2024

Purpose
A dosing strategy for ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (ATV/r) to overcome the drug-drug interaction (DDI) effect with standard doses of rifampicin (10mg/ kg) was investigated in children aged between 7 and 18 years who were divided into 3 weight bands: 25-30 kg, 30-49 kg, and 50-70 kg.
Methods
We developed a paediatric physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model from a validated adult PBPK model with the necessary DDI components. The paediatric PBPK model was validated using relevant clinical data of ATV/r alone and rifampicin alone in children.
Results
Dose escalation to twice-daily dosing of ATV/r was predicted to boost ATV Ctrough adequately. With ATV/r 300/100 mg twice daily dosing in the presence of standard doses of rifampicin, predicted ATV Ctrough was higher than 150 ng/ml in over 90% of the paediatric population.
Conclusions
This model results suggests ATV/r 300/100 mg twice daily could maintain sufficient concentrations for antiviral efficacy when co-administered with standard dose of rifampicin taken once daily in children between 7 and 18 years. However, clinical studies are still warranted to confirm safety and efficacy of the dose escalation in children.
Comparative analysis of EGFR mutations between circulating tumor DNA and tissue samples in non-small cell lung carcinoma patients using BEAMing PCR: results of a single institutional observational study
Authors: Mirikar Duhita , Banerjee Nandini , Prabhash Kumar , Kaushal Rajiv Kumar , Naronha Vanita , Pramesh CS , Karimundackal George , Joshi Amit , Rane Swapnil , Basak Ranjan
Published: September 2024

In this study we measured the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in both tissue and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) by using beads, emulsion, amplification and magnetics polymerase chain reaction (BEAMing PCR). Noninvasive mutation detection by assessing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) offers many advantages over tumor biopsy. One hundred non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were enrolled and both preoperative plasma samples and formalin-fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples were collected for the study. EGFR mutation status was determined by BEAMing PCR in ctDNA. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) data were collected from our hospital database (EMR-qPCR, Electronic Medical Records) for comparative analysis. Additionally, qPCR was also done from FFPE tissues using Diatech EGFR qPCR kit. The positive concordance rate was 98.8%, 100% and 95.5% for exon 19, 20 and 21 respectively when BEAMing data were compared with EMR-qPCR data. Additionally, when BEAMing and Diatech qPCR data were compared we obtained 90%, 100%, 96% and 98% respectively for exon 19, 20, 21 (L858R) and 21 (L861Q). For both the comparisons, the value of Cohen’s kappa agreement showed significant results. The advantage of BEAMing is its ability to identify mutated DNA sequence in the cancer cells in the background of normal cell DNA contamination. This could be useful for disease monitoring and progression.
Associations between the lockdown group, free memory recall, and emotional responses during the COVID-19 lockdown: A global survey of 49 countries
Authors: Oyejide AO , Besharati SN , Alcock S , Schioth HB , Brooks SJ
Published: September 2024

The unprecedented outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the course of many lives, resulting in multiple health and social challenges. Due to the speed at which this pandemic spread, various public health ‘lockdown’ measures were introduced to mitigate its spread. The outcome of adherence to these measures has revealed the possible influence on individuals’ varying cognitive abilities. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the predictive relationships between lockdown responses and COVID-19 restrictions, memory recall performance, and associated emotional responses while examining the sociodemographic influences of age and sex. Participants were drawn from a secondary dataset of an international online survey study of 1634 individuals aged 18–75 years across 49 countries. Participants’ demographic questionnaires, free memory recall, and hospital anxiety and depression scale scores were used to collect the data for analysis. Four-way MANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression were utilised to explore the mean differences and predict relationships between the study variables. Significant differences were found in memory recall performance and anxiety and depression scores across lockdown groups (the comply, sufferer, and defiant). Regression analysis indicated that age and gender were predictive markers of lockdown responses and anxiety (R2 = .14, F4,1625 = 66.15, p < .001, f2 = 0.17), while age was the only predictor of lockdown responses and depression association (b = -0.78, t(1625) = -4.35, p < .001). Lockdown compliance was associated with better free recall (M = 8.51, SD = 6.38, p < .001; 𝜂2 = .01), lockdown suffering was associated with greater anxiety (M = 9.97, SD = 4.36, p < .001; 𝜂2 = .06), and lockdown deviance was associated with greater depression (M = 7.90, SD = 3.12, p < .001; 𝜂2 = .05). The current study provides valuable information on the mechanisms of cognitive interpretations and emotional arousal in individuals’ social isolation responses to recent life stress and potential severe pandemics. This may support the need for robust interventions aimed at improving people’s psychological appraisals associated with anxiety in preparation for any new potential waves or future pandemics.
Buccal Mucosa Glansoplasty as a Salvage Procedure for a Circumcision-Related Glans Amputation in an Infant: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: OBENG FRANK , ADAMU AISHAH FADILAH , Whittal •	Karen Michelle A. , Adanu F MPH MD •	Kekeli Kodjo , AYAMBA ALI M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Accidental glans amputation during circumcision is a rare but devastating complication, especially in neonates and infants. Salvage procedures such as buccal mucosa glansoplasty are critical in restoring anatomical and functional integrity.
Case Presentation:
We report a case of an 11-week old infant who sustained a partial glans amputation during circumcision by a retired health personnel. After presenting to us, the patient underwent immediate salvage surgery using buccal mucosa graft for glans reconstruction and meatoplasty. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Conclusion
Buccal mucosa glansoplasty is a viable option for the salvage of glans amputation in neonates, providing both functional and aesthetic restoration.
Anatomic-radiological feasibility of transorbital magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRIgLITT) for amygdalohippocampectomy in refractory epilepsy
Authors: Valdivia Doriam Perera , Somma Alberto Di , Arboix Jordi Rumià , Manfrelloti Roberto , Gagliano Dario , Mosteiro Alejandra , Canto Santiago Candela , Nora Joaquim Enseñat , Ferrés Abel , López Lorena Gómez , Prats-Galino Alberto , Ramos Pedro Roldán
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVE: to study the anatomical feasibility of laser fiber insertion for interstitial thermal therapy via transorbital approach to the temporo-mesial structures (amygdala-hippocampus-parahippocampus complex)
METHODS: Anatomical dissections were performed on two human cadaveric heads via a transorbital approach, in which screws and laser fibers were used for magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRIgLITT) assisted by neuronavigation. In addition, eight transorbital trajectories were simulated using the transorbital entry points obtained from a cadaveric radiological study of four patients previously operated on for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
RESULTS: The placement of all four laser fibers was successfully achieved in the anatomical specimens according to the established plan, with an average vectorial error of 1.3 ± 0.2 mm, and a complete coverage of the amygdala-hippocampus-parahippocampus complex. In addition, safe vascular trajectories were confirmed in the simulations of live patient trajectories. We found an ideal transorbital entry area in the inferolateral quadrant of the orbit, on the lateral wall of the orbit, over the greater wing of the sphenoid, between 15 and 20 mm lateral to the superior portion of the inferior orbital fissure, and between 5 and 10 mm superior to the inferior portion of the inferior orbital fissure.
CONCLUSIONS: Placement of a transorbital laser fiber for MRIgLITT of the temporomesial structures for epilepsy is feasible; however, the small size of the laser fiber-anchoring screw currently precludes its use in clinical practice.
Do Demographic Factors Influence Pre-retirement Anxiety Among Civil Servants Near Retirement in Southwest Nigeria?
Authors: Fagbenro Dare A. , Olasupo Mathew O. , Alliu Sadiat I.
Published: September 2024

The study examined the influence of demographic factors (gender, job cadre and educational qualification) on pre-retirement anxiety among civil servants near retirement in Southwest Nigeria. A sample of 413 respondents aged 45 to 60 (Mean = 53.55 years: SD = 3.18) was selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. The participants responded to a bio-data and Pre-Retirement Anxiety Scale (NPAS). The hypotheses postulated were analysed using t-test for independent measure and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
The result showed that gender has no direct influence on pre-retirement anxiety (social alienation, social obligation and financial preparedness). The study found that junior cadre influence pre-retirement anxiety (social alienation and financial preparedness). The result also revealed that respondents who had OND/NCE certificate impacted pre-retirement anxiety (financial preparedness). The study concluded that employees who are junior staff and who had OND/NCE qualification experience higher pre-retirement anxiety. The study recommended that job cadre and educational qualification of prospective retirees must be given adequate attention in a way to reduce the challenge of pre-retirement anxiety (social alienation and financial preparedness).
Assessment of Groundwater quality for drinking water purposes in Sub-Saharan Africa environment: the case study of Ebolowa City Council, Cameroon (Central Africa)
Authors: Mvongo Victor Dang
Published: September 2024

The present study was carried out to evaluate the groundwater quality and its suitability for domestic purposes in the Ebolowa City Council (ECC). The groundwater quality in ECC has been evaluated based on the Water Quality Index (WQI). A total of 15 groundwater samples were collected, and their physical parameters (temperature, pH, EC, TDS, and TSS) and microbial content (fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, and Total Coliforms) were analyzed using standard methods. The results indicated that the physical characteristics of the water (temperature range from 24°C to 30 °C; pH range from 3.7 to 5.6; EC range from 114 μS/cm to 1,818 μS/cm; TDS range from 54 mg/L to 913 mg/L; TSS range from 0 mg/L to 24 mg/L) were within WHO guidelines for potability except for the temperature, EC, and TSS. The chemical characteristics of groundwater (NO3- range from 0 mg/L to 19.8 mg/L; NH4+ range from 0.2 mg/L to 12.9 mg/L) were also within WHO guidelines for potability, except for NH4+. The fecal Coliforms ranged from 1 to 51 CFU/100 ml, while the fecal streptococci ranged between 0 and 25 CFU/100 ml. The concentration of Total Coliform is between 2.0 and 84.0 CFU/100 ml. The groundwater quality index reveals that ten samples out of fifteen have water unfit for consumption, three are very poor, and one is poor.
Development and validation of experimental induction tasks for worry and rumination: A comparison of scripted and personalized approaches
Authors: Kim Hanjoo , Newman Michelle
Published: September 2024

Worry and rumination are two forms of repetitive negative thoughts. Prior studies have identified similarities and differences between these two states. For a more comprehensive understanding of these thought processes, researchers need reliable methods to induce them experimentally. Traditionally, researchers have used either scripted or personalized approaches to trigger worry and rumination, but it remains unclear which method is more effective. Additionally, the potential impact of preexisting disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or major depression (MDD) on these inductions is not well understood. This study aimed to compare scripted and personalized induction methods to identify which was more effective for eliciting worry and rumination, while also considering the potential influence of generalized anxiety and depression. Participants (N = 355) included individuals with GAD, depression, or healthy controls. They were randomly assigned to either scripted or personalized induction tasks designed to induce worry or rumination. Findings revealed that personalized induction methods were consistently more effective than scripted methods for inducing both worry and rumination, regardless of participants' group characteristics. In addition to the general underperformance of scripted induction methods, the scripted rumination induction was notably less successful, failing to induce rumination to a greater extent than the scripted worry induction. Given these findings, personalized approaches are recommended for experimental studies that aim to compare worry and rumination. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are also discussed.
Research on neonatal conditions in Africa: volume, impact, thematic spectrum, and collaboration from a bibliometric perspective
Authors: Vieira Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

The literature has addressed the negative impact of poor neonatal conditions (NC) across regions. This has drawn attention to the need to improve NC, particularly in Africa. NC research can make an important contribution. However, there is no study dedicated to this topic in Africa. Through a bibliometric analysis, we arrive at outputs that can inform scientists in planning ongoing or new NC research and those involved in developing and implementing strategies to combat poor NC. Using bibliometrics, the study identified the scientific knowledge on NC between 2000 and 2019, its visibility in the community, the main topics researched, and collaboration patterns. The results show that knowledge on NC has increased between 2000 and 2019, it is concentrated in a few African countries (Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Tanzania and Kenya), its visibility is below the world average, in general, maternal mortality is the most researched topic and collaborative activities are frequently, mainly international research collaboration (IRC), being the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK) the main partners (they participated in 57% and 28% of all articles with IRC). The collaboration networks are fragile as 43%-67% of all links represent one article in 20 years. Ongoing or new research on NC in Africa should consider the main African players and their partners. There is a need to implement strategies to increase NC knowledge in other African countries, expand and strengthen the collaboration networks and diversify the sources of knowledge.
Chitosan Films with Morphology Modified by Cellulose Nanofibers Investigated by SERS Spectroscopy
Authors: C. Marques Amanda , F. C. Lanferini Daphne , Fayer Leonara , Fragneaud Benjamin , Munk Michele , Sant'Ana Antonio Carlos
Published: September 2024

In this study, it was investigated chitosan (CHIT) films in the presence or absence of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP), whose chemical interactions involving metallic surfaces were characterized by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. Changes in the morphology were analyzed through atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM and AFM micrographs revealed that the incorporation of CNF significantly altered CHIT films, leading to changes in the polymer topography and surface texture due to intimal interactions between CNF and the CHIT matrix. Raman spectra of CHIT and CNF/CHIT films showed similar profiles, reflecting comparable molecular structures of both modified biopolymers. However, SERS spectra of both films, after recovering with AgNP, demonstrated distinct spectral profiles. Innovatively, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of an oligomer model for CHIT were employed to assign the vibrational modes observed in the SERS spectra, which allowed identify key interactions between CHIT moieties and AgNP surfaces. SERS results revealed that chemical adsorption of CHIT on AgNP surfaces occurs through interactions of glycosidic oxygen and amino groups. Such findings provide insights into the structural and chemical behavior of this nanocomposite, highlighting its potential for advanced biological applications.
Investigating In silico and In vitro Therapeutic Potential of Diosmetin as the Anti-Parkinson Agent
Authors: Varshney Krishna Kumar , Gupta Jeetendra Kumar , Srivastava Rajnish
Published: September 2024

Aim:

This study aimed to investigate how diosmetin interacts with seven target receptors
associated with oxidative stress (OS) and validate its antioxidant properties for the potential
management of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Background:

In PD, the degeneration of dopaminergic cells is strongly influenced by OS. This
stressor is intricately connected to various mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration, such as mitochondrial
dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and excitotoxicity induced by nitric oxide.

Objective:

The aim of this research was to establish a molecular connection between diosmetin
and OS-associated target receptors was the goal, and it investigated how this interaction can lessen
PD.

Methods:

Seven molecular targets - Adenosine A2A (AA2A), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated
Receptor Gamma (PPARγ), Protein Kinase AKT1, Nucleolar Receptor NURR1, Liver - X Receptor
Beta (LXRβ), Monoamine Oxidase - B (MAO-B) and Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB)
were obtained from RCSB. Molecular docking software was employed to determine molecular interactions,
while antioxidant activity was assessed through in-vitro assays against various free radicals.

Results:

Diosmetin exhibited interactions with all seven target receptors at their binding sites.
Notably, it showed superior interaction with AA2A and NURR1 compared to native ligands, with
binding energies of -7.55, and -6.34 kcal/mol, respectively. Additionally, significant interactions
were observed with PPARγ, AKT1, LXRβ, MAO-B, and TrkB with binding energies of -8.34,
-5.42, -7.66, -8.82, -8.45 kcal/mol, respectively. Diosmetin also demonstrated antioxidant activity
against various free radicals, particularly against hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and nitric oxide (NO)
free radicals.

Conclusion:

Diosmetin possibly acts on several target receptors linked to the pathophysiology of
PD, demonstrating promise as an OS inhibitor and scavenger.
JAG2: A Potential Biomarker for Microtia Identified by Integrated RNA Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Wu Xu , Fu Yaoyao , Ma Jing , Li Chenlong , Zhang Tianyu , He Aijuan
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Microtia, a prevalent congenital maxillofacial deformity, significantly impacts
the physical and psychological health of children. Its etiology, especially in non-syndromic
cases, remains a complex and partially understood domain, complicating etiological treatment. Recent
studies pointed to a genetic predisposition in non-syndromic microtia, yet research on susceptible
or pathogenic genes is limited.

Objective:

This study focused on identifying key biomarker genes in microtia cartilage to elucidate
pathogenesis and assist in prenatal diagnosis.

Methods:

We first collated two bulk transcriptome datasets from the GEO database, followed by
functional enrichment analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to
pinpoint differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and gene modules. The subsequent intersection of
DEGs with WGCNA modules, aided by support vector machine-recursive feature elimination
(SVM-RFE) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, predicted potential susceptibility genes
for microtia. Finally, we integrated bulk RNA sequencing with single-cell data via the “scissor” R
package and further validated it with Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence.

Results:

We identified JAG2 as a prominent biomarker for microtia, evidenced by its significant upregulation
in microtia cartilage.

result:

we identified JAG2 as a prominent biomarker for microtia, evidenced by its significant upregulation in microtia cartilage, further validated by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence

Conclusion:

Our findings implicate JAG2 in microtia development and suggest its role in chondrocyte
maturation and differentiation through Notch signaling pathway activation, shedding light on
the potential pathogenesis of microtia.
Osteoarthritis: Insights into Potential Causes and Biomarkers from Articular Fluid Metabonomics
Authors: Xu Hongyao , Zhou Yang , Pan Zhu , Gao Zengxin
Published: September 2024

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of pain and disability.
Metabolomics is a recent approach to identifying moieties that can be used in diagnosis, prognosis,
and as biomarkers. The articular fluid in OA witnesses its pathophysiology directly. Identifying
differential metabolites and biological pathways associated with them can provide in-depth
mechanisms and identify biomarkers.

Aim:

In the present study, synovial fluid of confirmed OA patients (n=17) and matched healthy
controls (n=21) was investigated for differential metabolites using untargeted metabolomics.

Methods:

The distribution of the samples was observed using multidimensional PCA. The signaling
pathways associated with metabolites were obtained by pathway enrichment analysis, and a
correlation analysis of differential metabolites was performed to identify common and significant
metabolites.

Results:

A total of 16 upregulated and 23 downregulated metabolites (log2foldchange >0.5,
p<0.05) were identified by differential analysis. The essential amino acid, arginine, was recognized
as the most significant metabolite present in most of the identified deregulated pathways.
The pathways, arginine, and proline metabolisms, and mTOR, were found to be deregulated
strongly in the present study.

Conclusion:

These metabolites and their associated pathways can be beneficial for the diagnosis
and treatment of osteoarthritis in clinical settings after further validation in large cohorts.
Molecular Analysis of PICK1 Mediating TLR4 in Testicular Cells
Authors: Shi Chun , Cao Zi Yu , Yang Ming Yuan , Zhai Mei Jing
Published: September 2024

Background:

Rodent pests cause significant damage to the national economy and human
health in China. Rodent infertility control technology offers a new and less toxic approach to managing rodent pests. The use of a plant complex sterility agent has shown the potential to induce male
infertility, but the molecular mechanism behind this effect remains unclear and requires further investigation.

Methods:

Sixty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to control, low-dose (10 mg/kg
of plant complex sterility agent containing shikonin and acetylstilbestrol), and high-dose (20 mg/kg
of plant complex sterility agent) groups. The rats received intragastric administration of the agent for
30 days. Sperm count and testosterone levels were assessed to evaluate fertility. The protein interacting with C kinase 1 (PICK1) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) levels in the control group, low-dose
group, and high-dose group were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western Blotting
(WB).

Results:

In comparison to the control group, both the sperm concentration (p < 0.05) and the levels
of testosterone (p < 0.05), PICK1 (P < 0.05), and TLR4 (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased in a
dose-dependent manner in the low dose and high dose groups. These changes were confirmed
through microscopy, ELISA, IHC, and WB.

Conclusion:

The plant complex sterility agent demonstrates potential in reducing sperm concentration and down-regulating testosterone levels. It likely exerts its effects by impairing male fertility in
rats through the inhibition of PICK1 and TLR4 protein levels
Effect of Different Treatments During Synthesis on Physical and Chemical Properties of Bacterial Cellulose/Chitosan Composite Film
Authors:   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Mataram,  Mataram-NTB, 83125 Indonesia, Izzaty Annisa Nabila , Yuanita Emmy ,   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Mataram,  Mataram-NTB, 83125 Indonesia, Sudirman Sudirman ,   1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Mataram,  Mataram-NTB, 83125 Indonesia, Sarkono Sarkono ,   2Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Mataram,  Mataram-NTB, 83125 Indonesia, Faris Muhammad Al ,   Physics Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Mataram,  Mataram-NTB, 83125 Indonesia, Ulfa Maria ,   Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Mataram,  Mataram-NTB, 83125 Indonesia
Published: September 2024

Bacterial cellulose (BC) and chitosan (Chi) are biopolymers that play a vital role in various industrial applications due to their unique properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, flexibility, and excellent physical properties. Combined, these two materials can create composites with exceptional characteristics, which can be tailored for specific applications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different ultrasonication and stirring treatments on the synthesis of BC/Chi composites, focusing on their chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Based on the results of microscopy, SEM-EDS, and FTIR analysis, it was found that ultrasonication treatment provides a more effective dispersion process, resulting in higher physical and mechanical properties than BC/Chi stirring.
Tendência temporal da taxa de incidência e distribuição espacial dos acidentes por picadas de aranhas em Santa Catarina de 2011 a 2021
Authors: Schuelter-Trevisol Fabiana , Pereira Silva Arthur Felipe , Dacoregio Perin Carlos Henrique , Cremona Parma Gabriel Oscar , Trevisol Daisson José
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: analisar a tendência temporal da taxa de incidência e distribuição espacial de picadas de aranha em Santa Catarina. Método: Estudo ecológico misto, descritivo, de múltiplos grupos, e com análise de tendência temporal, das notificações de picada de aranha registradas no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, entre 1º de janeiro de 2011 e 31 de dezembro de 2021. Resultado: Houve 62.671 casos notificados, o que corresponde a taxa média anual de 83,27 casos/100.000 hab. A regressão linear indicou taxa de queda anual de 2,94 casos/100.000 hab. Conclusão: Houve elevada taxa de incidência de picadas de aranhas, superior à média nacional, com tendência de queda no período. As ocorrências se concentraram na Região Oeste e Norte do estado, em áreas urbanas. As vítimas, na maioria, são adultos jovens. A taxa de letalidade e mortalidade foi considerada baixa, e a grande maioria dos casos teve evolução favorável.
PREVALENCE OF PTOSIS IN CATARACT SURGERY PATIENTS AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Authors: NYAI ETE  , TOJUM GONGO  , PRAMOD KUMAR
Published: September 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ptosis in patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Methods: This retrospective study, conducted in a tertiary care ophthalmology department, analyzed data from 520 adult cataract surgery patients over 6 months (July–December 2023). Of these, 88 patients had varying degrees of ptosis. Demographic details, medical history, and specific ophthalmic history were reviewed. Ptosis severity was assessed using margin-reflex distance 1 and levator function tests, categorizing ptosis as mild, moderate, or severe. The presence of any ocular abnormalities was noted. Keratometric readings were analyzed for astigmatism severity. SSPS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis and p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: In a study of 520 cataract surgery patients, 88 (16.92%) patients were found to have ptosis. Out of 88 cases with ptosis, there were 55 (62.50%) males and 33 (37.50%). The mean age of male and female patients was found to be comparable with no statistically significant difference. Bilateral ptosis (79 cases, 89.7%) was more common. Unilateral ptosis was observed in 9 (10.3%) cases. Mild ptosis was observed in 59 cases (67.05%), moderate in 21 cases (23.86%), and severe in 8 cases (9.09%). Ptosis was most commonly seen in age group of 61-70 years (34.09%) followed by 51-60 years (29.55%), above 70 years (20.45%) and 41-50 years (15.91%). The mean magnitude of astigmatism was 0.98 (±0.712) the mild ptosis, 1.39 (±0.953) for moderate ptosis, and 2.14 (±0.74) for severe ptosis, respectively.
Conclusion: The presence of ptosis in patients undergoing cataract surgery can lead to suboptimal visual outcomes post-surgery. Addressing ptosis before cataract surgery ensures accurate lens selection and placement, enhancing patient satisfaction and visual acuity.
THE SINGLE-STAGED DECOMPRESSIVE SURGERY FOR TANDEM SPINAL STENOSIS: ANALYSIS OF THE OUTCOMES
Authors: Pradeep Kumar Jain  , Nishchith Sudarshan  , Pranoy Hegde  , Karigoudar Ashirwad , Madhu C Shivaswamy
Published: September 2024

Objective: When the spinal canal diameter narrows in at least two separate areas of the spine, it is referred to as tandem spinal stenosis (TSS), mostly seen in cervical and lumbar regions and rarely in the thoracic region. This clinical entity can present as severe cervical myelopathy, lower extremity symptoms, or can be completely asymptomatic. The treatment protocol for operative intervention is not well-defined in the literature.
Methods: We examined information from 50 TSS patients who underwent surgery between August 2015 and August 2023. We looked at the patient’s age, gender, comorbidities, length of stay in the hospital, total estimated blood loss, and surgery time. Complications were also looked at, along with the pre-operative and post-operative modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores.
Results: For the disease types, 100 TSS cases were included. All cases had lumbar canal stenosis, with 28 (28%) cases having associated dorsal spinal canal stenosis, and 72 (72%) cases having cervical degenerative spondylosis. Fusion was required in 78 cases (78%). Post-operative follow-up recording was started 1 month following surgery till 3 years. The average post-operative mJOA score was 17.6 and the average ODI was 12.4.
Conclusions: Decompressions can be performed in stages or simultaneously to effectively control TSS. In addition to being safe and efficient, one-stage simultaneous decompression has the benefit of shortening hospital stays without requiring more surgery or blood loss. Nonetheless, it is advised that surgical indications be closely monitored and reserved for younger patients with fewer comorbidities.
William Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Literary Correlations: Intertextuality in Practice
Authors: Easa Khalid Mohamed
Published: September 2024

The paper investigates the intertextuality in William Golding's Lord of the Flies by exploring its literary connections with R. M. Ballantyne's The Coral Island and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. It examines how Lord of the Flies incorporates and subverts elements from these two earlier novels to create new meanings, especially through irony and the questioning of morality. By engaging in a comparative analysis of the island as a setting, the study reveals that these novels, while ostensibly adventure stories, explore deeper themes related to human nature, civilization, and savagery. The research demonstrates that understanding these intertextual relationships provides readers with a richer interpretation of Golding’s work, showing how it transcends its narrative to engage in a broader literary conversation. The work contributes to the field of intertextual studies by illustrating how texts build on and transform the meanings of earlier works, particularly through Golding’s critique of romanticized depictions of island life and human virtue.
Modeling the Motion of a Mobile Power Vehicle with Ultra-Low Pressure Tires
Authors: Godzhaev Z. A. , Pryadkin V. I. , Artyomov A. V.
Published: September 2024

The paper states that the conditions of curvilinear motion of agricultural mobile power vehicle signifiantly depend on the operating modes of highly elastic tires. Describing and modeling this process will improve the operational performance of mobile power vehicle at the research and design stages. (Research purpose) The research aims to assess the impact of ultralow-pressure tire parameters on the directional stability of the mobile power vehicle during curvilinear motion. (Materials and methods) The paper analyzes the motion of a mobile power vehicle on the headland at various speeds and internal tire pressure, considering changes in the mass of the operational material in the tank. The characteristics of the lateral slip of ultra-low-pressure tires are presented dependent on the empirical determination of the tire slip angle under laboratory conditions. (Results and discussion) The research resulted in obtaining dependences that describe the change in the lateral displacement of the center of mass in the mobile power vehicle at different air pressures in the front and rear axle tires. The mathematical modeling results are compared with the field experiment outcomes. The analysis of the curvilinear motion characteristics of the mobile power vehicle indicates a change in the steerability when the volume of operational fluid in the tank varies. The application of a decentralized tire pressure control system, which adjusts based on the wheel load, achieves understeer of the mobile power vehicle across the entire range of operating speeds. Additionally, the maximum deviation from the planned trajectory of movement on the headland does not exceed 8.5 percent. (Conclusions) It is established that the proposed model of the curvilinear motion for the mobile power vehicle, which considers the dependence of the lateral slip of ultralow-pressure tires on tire air pressure and acting forces, allows for obtaining a highly accurate turning trajectory.
Technical and Economic Assessment of Technologies for Forage Land Improvement
Authors: Lavrov A. V. , Tekushev A. Kh. , Davydova S. A.
Published: September 2024

The paper highlights that the development of the forage base relies on crop cultivation technologies that ensure high productivity, meet the domestic market’s demand for high-quality feed, reduce labor costs and increase energy efficiency in feed preparation and storage. (Research purpose) The paper aims to conduct a comparative assessment of the technical and economic indicators of traditional, intensive, and high technologies, as well as machine complexes, for forage crop production. (Materials and methods) The study is based on scientific publications from 2011 to 2022 that focus on the improvement of natural lands for forage crop production, as well as on analytical and information materials, and other available sources. For a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of traditional, intensive and high-intensity technologies, as well as machine complexes used in forage crop production, the following indicators are selected: labor costs, fuel consumption, metal usage, and specific energy consumption. (Results and discussion) The study is conducted using the VIM methodology. A classifier of agricultural technologies is proposed to assess the technical and economic indicators of various types of agricultural machinery. The study results in the development of technological schemes for the reclamation of overgrown lands, the radical and surface improvement of herbage species composition and the radical improvement of herbage species composition in cultivated and natural forage lands. Additionally, the efficiency coefficient of energy consumption for the compared technologies across different soil and climatic zones are calculated. (Conclusions) A comparative analysis of the technical and economic indicators of machine complexes, including both traditional and advanced multifunctional systems, enables the recommendation of optimal solutions for forage production based on land productivity. The most resource-efficient option for producing a unit of output is achieved through the implementation of high technologies for improving forage lands.
Relating Wigner's Friend Scenarios to Nonclassical Causal Compatibility, Monogamy Relations, and Fine Tuning
Authors: Yīng Yìlè , Ansanelli Marina Maciel , Biagio Andrea Di , Wolfe Elie , Schmid David , Cavalcanti Eric Gama
Published: September 2024

Nonclassical causal modeling was developed in order to explain violations of Bell inequalities while adhering to relativistic causal structure and faithfulness---that is, avoiding fine-tuned causal explanations. Recently, a no-go theorem that can be viewed as being stronger than Bell's theorem has been derived, based on extensions of the Wigner's friend thought experiment: the Local Friendliness (LF) no-go theorem. Here we show that the LF no-go theorem poses formidable challenges for the field of causal modeling, even when nonclassical and/or cyclic causal explanations are considered. We first recast the LF inequalities, one of the key elements of the LF no-go theorem, as special cases of monogamy relations stemming from a statistical marginal problem. We then further recast LF inequalities as causal compatibility inequalities stemming from a nonclassical causal marginal problem, for a causal structure implied by well-motivated causal-metaphysical assumptions. We find that the LF inequalities emerge from this causal structure even when one allows the latent causes of observed events to admit post-quantum descriptions, such as in a generalized probabilistic theory or in an even more exotic theory. We further prove that no nonclassical causal model can explain violations of LF inequalities without violating the No Fine-Tuning principle. Finally, we note that these obstacles cannot be overcome even if one appeals to cyclic causal models, and we discuss potential directions for further extensions of the causal modeling framework.
Stochastic Thermodynamics at the Quantum-Classical Boundary: A Self-Consistent Framework Based on Adiabatic-Response Theory
Authors: Eglinton Joshua , Carollo Federico , Lesanovsky Igor , Brandner Kay
Published: September 2024

Microscopic thermal machines promise to play an important role in future quantum technologies. Making such devices widely applicable will require effective strategies to channel their output into easily accessible storage systems like classical degrees of freedom. Here, we develop a self-consistent theoretical framework that makes it possible to model such quantum-classical hybrid devices in a thermodynamically consistent manner. Our approach is based on the assumption that the quantum part of the device is subject to strong decoherence and dissipation induced by a thermal reservoir. Due to the ensuing separation of time scales between slowly evolving classical and fast relaxing quantum degrees of freedom, the dynamics of the hybrid system can be described by means of adiabatic-response theory. We show that, upon including fluctuations in a minimally consistent way, the resulting equations of motion can be equipped with a first and second law, both on the ensemble level and on the level of individual trajectories of the classical part of the system, where thermodynamic quantities like heat and work become stochastic variables. As an application of our theory, we work out a physically transparent model of a quantum-classical hybrid engine, whose working system consists of a chain of Rydberg atoms, which is confined in an optical cavity and driven by periodic temperature variations. We demonstrate through numerical simulations that the engine can sustain periodic oscillations of a movable mirror, which acts as a classical load, against external friction and extract the full distributions of input heat and output work. By making the statistics of thermodynamic processes in quantum-classical hybrid systems accessible without the need to further specify a measurement protocol, our work contributes to bridging the long-standing gap between classical and quantum stochastic thermodynamics.