bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium tuberculosis resisters despite HIV exhibit activated T cells and macrophages in their pulmonary alveoli
Authors: Schurr Erwin , Dallmann-Sauer Monica , Fava Vinicius , Malherbe Stephanus , McDonald Candice , Orlova Marianna , Kroon Elouise , Cobat Aurélie , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Hoal Eileen , Abel Laurent , Möller Marlo , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Walzl Gerhard , du Plessis Nelita
Published: January 2024

To understand natural resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, we studied people living with HIV (PLWH) in an area of high Mtb transmission. Given that alveolar leukocytes may contribute to this resistance, we performed single cell RNA-sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage cells, unstimulated or ex vivo stimulated with Mtb. We obtained high quality cells for 7 participants who were TST & IGRA positive (called LTBI) and 6 who were persistently TST & IGRA negative (called resisters). Alveolar macrophages (AM) from resisters displayed more of an M1 phenotype relative to LTBI AM at baseline. Alveolar lymphocytosis (10%-60%) was exhibited by 5/6 resisters, resulting in higher numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ IFNG-expressing cells at baseline and upon Mtb challenge than LTBI samples. Mycobactericidal granulysin was expressed almost exclusively by a cluster of CD8+ T cells that co-expressed granzyme B, perforin and NK cell receptors. For resisters, these poly-cytotoxic T cells over-represented activating NK cell receptors and were present at 15-fold higher numbers in alveoli compared to LTBI. Altogether, our results showed that alveolar lymphocytosis, with increased numbers of alveolar IFNG-expressing cells and CD8+ poly-cytotoxic T cells, as well as activated AM were strongly associated with protection from persistent Mtb infection in PLWH.
Degree of coincidence of the change in health-related QOL in the recovery-phase rehabilitation ward and the proxy’s response: Evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal disorder by EQ-5D-5L
Authors: Izumi Ryota , Noto Shinichi , Nagayama Hirofumi , Sano Tetsuya , Takizawa Hirokazu , Tsukakoshi Daichi
Published: January 2024

Background Recently, a conversion table of the EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) unique to Japan was created that can easily measure the health-related quality of life (QOL) of a subject. Currently, however, only a few investigations have been conducted of health-related QOL using the EQ-5D-5L in the recovery-phase rehabilitation ward. Moreover, proxy responses for patients who are unable to respond for themselves have only been reported for stroke patients.
Methods In this study, we used the EQ-5D-5L to investigate changes in health-related QOL before and after rehabilitation and the degree of agreement between the patient’s responses and the occupational therapist’s proxy responses in patients with musculoskeletal disorders who were hospitalized in a recovery-phase rehabilitation ward.
Results Among the 77 subjects, health-related QOL was improved after rehabilitation, and the effect size was large. Regarding the degree of agreement between the QOL values, the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.68 for the initial evaluation and 0.72 for the re-evaluation, indicating substantial agreement.
Conclusion The result of this study showed that the EQ-5D-5L was useful as an indicator of outcome of patients with musculoskeletal disorders who were hospitalized in a recovery-phase rehabilitation ward and that proxy responses by occupational therapists can measure QOL values similar to those of the individuals themselves.
Ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamine is a chemo-desensitizer of human carcinomas and epithelial ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Su Yu-Ting , Chang Wei-Chun , Chen Lumin , Yu Ying-Chun , Lin Wen-Jen , Lin Cheng-Yo , Cheng Wei-Chung , Yang Juan-Cheng , Hung Yao-Ching , Ma Wen-Lung
Published: January 2024

Background
Lipid reprogramming in carcinoma is reported to have a role in carcinogenesis, prognosis, and therapy response. Autonomous or nonautonomous resources may contribute to lipid reprogramming. Nonautonomous lipid resources contributed by lipoproteins and their receptors have been reported in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but the impact of autonomous lipid metabolites is unknown. This report reveals that a unique lipid class, ether-linked phosphatidylethanolamine (PE O–), enhanced chemoinsensitivity and progression in EOC, and potentially in other carcinomas.
Method
Unbiased bioinformatics analyses of data from the carcinoma databases CCLEC (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia Consortium) and GDSCC (Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer Consortium) and an in-house lipidomic database of human carcinoma lines were performed to identify relationships with chemoagent cytotoxicity. EOC cells (SKOV3 and OVCAR3) were treated with PE O– and/or alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS), an ether lipid-producing enzyme, inhibitor to observe cell growth, mobility, and chemosensitivity. The clinical impact of PE O– metabolic gene expression was determined by analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas transcriptome to find an association with various clinical features of EOC.
Results
Glycerophospholipids were the consensus lipid class in lipid metabolism gene and chemosensitivity association analyses of the CCLEC/GDSCC database. In the lipidome database analyses of in-house human carcinoma cell lines, the glycerophospholipid, PE O–, was identified as the dominant lipid associated with cisplatin/paclitaxel sensitivity. In various hypothesis-driven cisplatin/paclitaxel sensitivity analyses of cell line lipidomes, PE O– remained the dominant lipid class. Tests of the effects of PE O– on cancer phenotypes showed that it enhanced cell growth and migratory activities and promoted insensitivity to cisplatin/paclitaxel. However, the AGPS inhibitor sensitized EOC cells to the chemocytotoxic effects of cisplatin/paclitaxel, whereas treatment with PE O– reversed this effect. Analysis of a TCGA-EOC transcriptome database showed that PE O– gene expression was positively correlated with progression in general or in those treated with platin- or taxel-based chemotherapies.
Conclusion
The expression of PE O– synthesis genes aggravated negative responses of EOC patients to therapy. PE O– facilitated human carcinoma cell line growth, mobility, and chemoinsensitivity.
Investigation on Mathematical Modelling and Estimation of Blood Concentration in Three-Compartment Model during Propofol Infusion for the Five Pharmacokinetic Parameter sets
Authors: Sujatha V.
Published: January 2024

This article investigates the mathematical modelling and estimation of blood concentration in three compartment pharmacokinetic models. The dynamic behaviour of blood concentration in blood tissues are described using the compartmental models. The dynamics of the five pharmacokinetic parameter sets using first-principles method, model is derived. The concentrations in all the three-compartments are estimation using MATLab. In this research work, concentration in all the three compartments is estimated for all five pharmacokinetic parameter sets. The estimated concentration in all the three compartments is validated with the experimental value. The quality of estimation has been verified based on the validation of experimental values with the estimated concentration values in all the three compartments. Quantitative comparison also done based on the computation and comparison of square relative error.
Optimal Bounds for Fully Fuzzy Transportation Problems: A Parametric Approach
Authors: Shalini K , Rao T. D.
Published: January 2024

This article presents an algorithm for addressing optimization problems using fuzzy sets. Fuzzy optimization refers to the process of optimizing in a fuzzy environment, specifically involving optimization with fuzzy constraints. We have simplified this problem by employing the parametric technique, which transforms a fuzzy set into a collection of ordinary sets. As a result, we have converted it into a family of conventional optimization problems. The Vogel's Approximation Method (VAM) has been utilized to determine the best optimal solution for the fuzzy transportation problem. In addition, we employed the exact optimal solution to guarantee the accuracy of the acquired results.
Inequitable access to ecosystem services and commercial products is a major risk under certain political regimes in Myanmar
Authors: Feurer Melanie , Hunt Glenn , Maung Aye Chan , Rueff Henri
Published: January 2024

The impact of contrasting political regimes on people’s access to natural resources, which is vital for ecosystem service provision, remains largely understudied. While the promotion of equitable natural resources governance was regarded as key for lasting peacebuilding in Myanmar, the country is again facing a major crisis since the 1 February 2021 military coup. With this study we look beyond the current political crisis to investigate three long-term governance regimes (scenarios) and their expected impacts on ecosystem services for local communities: a unitary state with business-driven objectives, a military regime, and a federal democracy with strong community control over resources. We combined an online expert survey for qualitative storylines and subsequent modelling of commercial products, biodiversity, and cultural identity. Our findings show that while the area under agricultural plantations and thus the supply of commercial products is expected to increase under all scenarios, local communities would have limited access and thus few actual benefits under a military regime. A reduction in forest area, as expected under a unitary state and military regime, would entail high biodiversity losses. Biodiversity would in turn remain stable under a decentralized governance system where rural communities support more diverse agricultural and forest landscapes. For cultural identity, we found little change under the scenarios. A federal democracy scenario, which is most likely in the next decade according to experts, could mean a co-creation of landscapes with preferable outcomes for both nature and people compared to previous business-driven and current power-driven political structures.
Tuning surface properties of corn stover through ammonium and sodium sulfite (ASS) pretreatment for enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Chen Xiangxue , Yang Shizhong , Ouyang Shuiping , Yuan Xinchuan , Song Junlin , Ding Shuai , Sha Yuanyuan , Zhai Rui
Published: January 2024

The ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass offers a significant advantage in terms of obtaining high glucan conversion, with the added benefit of ammonia being fully recyclable. However, despite the high efficiency of AFEX in pretreating lignocellulose, relatively high enzyme loading is still required for effective cellulose conversions. In this study, we have updated the AFEX pretreatment method by supplementing additional sodium sulfite (ASS), which can be used to produce a more digestible substrate. The results demonstrate that ASS-pretreated corn stover (CS) yields a higher fermentable sugar yield compared with AFEX pretreatment, even at lower enzyme loadings. Specifically, at an enzyme loading of 12 mg protein/g glucan, ASS-CS achieved 88.8% glucose and 80.6% xylose yield. Characterization analysis reveals that lignin underwent sulfonation during ASS pretreatment. This modification results in a more negative zeta potential for ASS-CS, indicating a reduction in nonproductive adsorption between lignin and cellulase through increased electrostatic repulsion.
Design and ex vivo development of a suprachoroidal spacer implant to treat glaucoma
Authors: Chiang Bryce , Jang Kyeongwoo , Goldberg Jeffrey , Myung David
Published: January 2024

Glaucoma is a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States and worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) has been identified as the only modifiable risk factor in glaucoma, and there exists a need for a glaucoma procedure that is safe, efficacious, and can be performed in the outpatient clinic setting. Suprachoroidal expansion has been explored as a method to lower IOP previously. The purpose of this work was to design a monolithic hydrogel implant that would not clear or degrade to potentially achieve long term (possibly permanent) IOP reduction. Here, we developed and showed ex vivo testing of a novel photo-crosslinked polyethylene glycol (PEG) suprachoroidal spacer implant delivered via a custom-designed injector system. We optimized the composition, shape, and mechanics of the implant to be suitable for implantation with the suprachoroidal space. We developed a microneedle injector system to deliver this implant. We showed precise control over implant location and volume occupied within the suprachoroidal space. Further preclinical testing is needed to demonstrate efficacy.
The Change of Symptom Clusters in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients During the Perioperative Period: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wei Jianjian , Yan Hongxia , Yin Wen , He Fang
Published: January 2024

Aim and objectives:
The aim of this study was to describe the numbers, types, and trajectory of symptom clusters during the perioperative period in gastrointestinal cancer patients at four different time points. The study also aimed to identify the changes and consistency of these symptom clusters over time.
Design:
This was a longitudinal study.
Methods
This study conducted at a tertiary cancer hospital involving 205 gastrointestinal cancer patients. The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory Gastrointestinal Cancer Module was used to assess the incidence and severity of symptom clusters. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to extract the symptom clusters.
Results
The study identified four symptom clusters in gastrointestinal cancer patients during the perioperative period: gastrointestinal symptom cluster, physical symptom cluster, psychological symptom cluster, and sleep disturbance symptom cluster. These clusters were observed across two to four time points.
Conclusion
The findings of this study provide scientific evidence for medical staff and researchers to gain a better understanding of the symptom experiences of gastrointestinal cancer patients during the perioperative period. This knowledge can be valuable in developing individualized symptom management interventions.
Relevance to clinical practice
: Gastrointestinal cancer patients suffered from various symptom clusters and lasted from day before surgery to one month after surgery, which should be paid attention by clinical staff.
Comparative Study of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for PTSD Patients
Authors: Akhtar Shammem
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and multifarious anxiety disorder precipitated by exposure to psychotically stressful events that affects 5 to 10% of the population (Yehuda et al., 2015). It is characterized by constant disturbing memories about the traumatic event, consisting of escaping stimuli associated with the disturbance and persistent symptoms of increased stimulation. PTSD can be triggered by either bodily trauma or psychological trauma (APA, 2013). Among the most common traumatic I-e traffic accidents, earth quakes, floods, rape, and all other psychological problems, PTSD is most common (Huang, et al., 2010).
OBJECTIVEV: The objective of the present study was to analyse the effectiveness of cognitive therapy and EMDR therapy for PTSD patients with posttraumatic stress disorder.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A purposive sampling method was used. Samples consisted of thirty known posttraumatic stress disordersamples taken from Nishtar Hospital Multan. TheMississippi Scale for Combat Related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (Keane et al., 1988) was used to measure the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder. Three groups were established as group one (A), in which ten patients were provided cognitive therapy. The second ten groups (B) were subjected to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). The third group was used as a control.
RESULTS: SPSS version 26 and an independent t test were used to determine the significance of the therapeutic efficacy. The results revealed a significant difference in the number of patients in the experimental group who received cognitive behaviour therapy (t=-3.588, df=18, p>0.05). Systematic desensitization for posttraumatic stress disorder (t=--2.527, df=18, p=0.05) was concluded.
Conclusions: Cognitive behaviour therapy is more effective for the rapid and better management of PTSD.
Coordination of Overcurrent and Distance Relays in Power System Networks with Distributed Generations
Authors: Majhi Abhilash Asit Kumar , Ray Papia , Biswal Monalisa , Arya Sabaraj
Published: January 2024

The integration of distributed generations (DGs) in power systems poses challenges in coordinating protection devices originally designed for a centralized generation. This study examines numerous scenarios for choosing and coordinating protection systems in presence & absence of DGs and provides a thorough analysis of how DGs impact protection coordination. The technique takes into account a variety of relay attributes and use Teaching Learning Based Optimization (TLBO) algorithm to ascertain ideal relay configuration that will enable most efficient coordination. Optimization techniques are employed to optimize the zones of distance relays and ensure a suitable coordination time interval (CTI) [0.2 sec or more]. Simulation results on real-time networks, such as the IEEE-9 and IEEE-30 bus test systems, demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in achieving optimal coordination. TSM and over-current relay characteristics are found for various cases and uniform values in every situation to prevent relay resets. Using the TSM and Characteristics values operating time of overcurrent relays and the operating time of the second zone of distance relays are found. The simulation outcomes showcase the ability of the method used to generate practical and feasible solutions.
Analysis of Losses in Physiotherapy Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Approach
Authors: Pérez Marta Terrón , Amador Sara Cortés , Simeó Juan Bautista Portolés
Published: January 2024

Background
During the COVID 19 Pandemic situation, young people experienced numerous personal losses in many aspects, which impacted their quality of life.
Objective
To explore and analyse the losses in physiotherapy students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out using an open format exercise carried out during the Clinical Specialties class from February-May 2021. Thirty-four (83% female) third-year physical therapy students participated. ATLAS.ti software was used for the analysis and coding of the data by three researchers.
Results
After the analysis of the categories, different losses by the participants were found: losses in psychological well-being, losses in physical health, losses in the social sphere (friendships, partners and family relationships, as well as deaths) and spiritual losses (loss of freedom and identity), losses in leisure time (travel, recreational activities and physical exercise) and different losses related to university studies (motivation and enthusiasm and clinical practices).
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has generated losses worldwide in physiotherapy students, with losses in the social sphere being the most expressed. The present study can be used to generate resources that improve the well-being of physiotherapy students, both for optimal academic performance and greater self-care, and reduce psychosocial problems.
In vitro and in silico anticoccidial activity of the seeds of Lepidium sativum red and black varieties
Authors: Alebachew Yonatan , Wondu Kebede ,   Tigist Getachew3, Tilahun Debora , Adamu Meskerem , Gebre-Mariam Tsige
Published: January 2024

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease of major economic importance in the poultry industry. The exploration of natural alternative strategies such as phytochemicals is becoming significant in controlling coccidiosis. Therefore, in the present study, we investigate the in vitro anticoccidial activity of the seeds of red and black Lepidium sativum varieties that have multiple traditional medicinal uses and identify their major active components. The seeds of red and black L. sativum varieties were extracted with 80% methanol and tested for their in vitro anticoccidial activity using a sporulation inhibition assay. The 80% methanol extract of the red variety was solvent partitioned into four fractions, and each was tested for activity. Then, column chromatography of the active fractions was carried out to isolate compounds. The chemical structures of the compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods (1H, 13C and DEPT NMR). The 80 methanol extract of both the black and red varieties inhibited sporulation of oocysts by 83.71% and 98.27% at concentrations of 1000 mg/ml, respectively. Among all tested substances, the chloroform fraction, followed by the hexane, was found to be the most active one with sporulation inhibition values of 93.5% and 98.91% at 500 and 1000 mg/ml doses, respectively. Moreover, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and methyl sinapate were identified and characterized as the major components of the active fractions. Furthermore, molecular docking and conformational similarity scanning study of the compounds and anticoccidial drugs revealed that methyl sinapate had a strong binding affinity and conformational alignment to dihydrofolate reductase (HYDE score, -41.6 KJ/mol) and trimethoprim (FlexS scores, 0.84), respectively. In addition, to find further chemically similar analogs of methyl sinapate, we navigated the chemical space library of billions of commercially available synthetic compounds using the bioinformatics tool infiniSee 5.0.1 and identified 100 molecules with FlexS scores in the range of 0.67–0.78. These findings along with the safety profile derived from the acute oral toxicity tests of the extract suggest L. sativum as an alternative source of treatment for coccidiosis.
On the third ABC index of trees and unicyclic graphs
Authors: Song Rui
Published: January 2024

Let $G=(V,E)$ be a simple connected graph with vertex set $V(G)$ and edge set $E(G)$. The third atom-bond connectivity index, $ABC_3$ index, of $G$ is defined as $ABC_3(G)=\sum\limits_{uv\in E(G)}\sqrt{\frac{e(u)+e(v)-2}{e(u)e(v)}}$, where eccentricity $e(u)$ is the largest distance between $u$ and any other vertex of $G$, namely $e(u)=\max\{d(u,v)|v\in V(G)\}$. This work determines the maximal $ABC_3$ index of unicyclic graphs with any given girth and trees with any given diameter, and characterizes the corresponding graphs.
AMS Classification: 05C50
On the clinical interpretation of overground gait stability indices in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sangeux Morgan , Viehweger Elke , Romkes Jacqueline , Bracht-Schweizer Katrin
Published: January 2024

Several indices have been devised to quantify a person’s stability from its gait pattern during overground walking. However, clinical interpretation of the indices is difficult because the link between being stable and adopting a mechanically stable gait pattern may not be straightforward. This is particularly true for one of these indices, the margin of stability, for which opposite interpretations are available in the literature. We collected overground walking data in two groups of 20 children, with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP) and typically developing (TD), for two conditions, on flat and on uneven grounds (UG). We postulated that TD children were more stable during gait than children with CP and that both groups were more stable on flat compared to UG. We explored the coherent association between several indices and the two postulates to clarify clinical interpretation. Our results showed that increased margin of stability, increased amplitude of the whole-body angular momentum, decreased single limb support %, increased variability (gait kinematics, step length, and step width) were associated with reduced stability for both postulates. However, results for the margin of stability were paradoxical between the sides in the CP group where small margin of stability was indicative of a fall forward strategy on the affected side rather than improved stability. Whole-body angular momentum and single support % appeared as the most sensitive indices. However, walking speed influenced these and would need to be considered when comparing groups of different walking speed.
Network Algorithm to Model Automotive Supply Chain Structure
Authors: Barros José , Turner Christopher
Published: January 2024

In this study, we present a network algorithm that models the structure of automotive supply chains. We compiled a comprehensive dataset from a proprietary database, detailing automotive manufacturers and their suppliers across various tiers. An initial structural analysis was conducted using key performance indicators - including average path length, clustering coefficient, and degree distribution - to assess network configurations. The networks were then partitioned, with an emphasis on reflecting the operational dynamics of supply chain activities.
Regression analysis was applied to each network segment, using the number of vertices as the independent variable, to develop an algorithm for generating synthetic networks. These synthetic constructs serve as benchmarks for the automotive sector and have shown a strong average correlation (0.94) with the structure of actual supply networks. The prevalence of tree-like structures within these synthetic networks challenges conventional beliefs regarding the complexity of automotive supply chains and prompts further investigation into the determinants of their resilience.
Healthcare workers experience of screening older adults in emergency care settings: A qualitative descriptive study using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Barry Louise , Leahy Aoife , O’Connor Margaret , Ryan Damien , Corey Gillian , Tighe Sylvia Murphy , Galvin Rose , Meskell Pauline
Published: January 2024

In emergency care settings, screening for disease or risk factors for poor health outcomes among older adults can identify those in need of specialist and early intervention. The aim of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing older person-centred screening in emergency care settings in the Mid-West of Ireland.
Methods
This study employed a qualitative descriptive design underpinned by the theoretical domains framework (TDF). This design informs implementation strategy by establishing a theoretical foundation for focused objectives. One on one semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of healthcare workers (HCWs) to explore their screening experiences with older adults in emergency care settings. Information power guided sample size calculation. In data analysis, verbatim interview transcripts were deductively mapped to TDF constructs forming meta-themes that revealed specific barriers and facilitators to person-centred screening for older individuals. These findings will directly inform implementation strategies.
Results
Three themes were identified; Preconditions to Implementing Older Person-Centred Screening; Knowledge and Skills Required to Implement Older Person-centred Screening and Motivation to Deliver Older Person-Centred Screening. Overall, screening in emergency care settings is a complicated process which is ideally undertaken by knowledgeable and skilled practitioners with a keen awareness of team dynamics and environmental challenges in acute care settings. These practitioners serve as champions and sources of specialist knowledge and practice. Less experienced clinicians seek supervision and support to undertake screening competently and confidently. Education on frailty and aged related syndromes facilitates screening uptake. Recognition of the value of screening is a clear motivator and leadership is vital to sustain screening practices.
Conclusions Screening serves as an entry point for specialist intervention, necessitating a specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach for effective implementation in emergency care settings. Strengthening screening practices for older adults who attend emergency care settings involves employing audit, supervision and tailored supports. Skilled and experienced practitioners play a key role in mentoring and supporting the broader MDT in screening engagement. Long-term and sustainable implementation relies on utilising existing managerial, practice development and educational resources to underpin screening practices. Communication between ED staff, the specialist team and wider geriatric team is vital to ensure a cohesive approach to delivering older person-centred care in the ED.
Modified osteotomy for sternoclavicular graft harvest in temporomandibular joint ankylosis patients: A technical note
Authors: Mohanty Sujata , Verma Anjali , S Hemavathy
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Sternoclavicular grafts are considered structurally, histologically and functionally most similar to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The technique of split thickness sternoclavicular graft employing the superior segment of clavicle has remain unchanged despite the occurrence of adverse events in the intra-operative and post-operative period. The aim of this technical note is to describe a modified approach for sternoclavicular graft harvest and the advantages of its use.
Methods: Two patients with TMJ ankylosis underwent ramus condyle unit reconstruction (RCU) with sternoclavicular grafts harvested using this modified technique. The incidence of clavicle fracture, neurovascular injury, pleural rupture, and radiographic healing as demonstrated on the chest radiograph taken six months after surgery were each evaluated as donor site consequences.
Results: Using the current harvesting technique, no adverse events occurred in the intra-operative and post-operative periods.
Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the modified harvest technique is a useful and straight-forward method and constitutes a new alternative for the TMJ ankylosis patients requiring reconstruction with sternoclavicular grafts after osteoarthrectomy. (Trial registration number (TRN) with Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI: REF/2024/01/078456 and date of registration: 29/01/2024; Retrospectively registered)
The relationship between homocysteine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Results from NHANES 2001-2006 and mendelian randomization Study
Authors: Xu Zhilong , Zeng Ao , Yin Yanze , Chen Keyi , Wang Chao , Fang Xinyun , Abuduwayiti Abudumijiti , Wang Jiarui , Jiang Gening , Dai Jie
Published: January 2024

We analyzed the relationship between homocysteine concentration in blood and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and related dyspnea by using the data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database and Mendel Randomization (MR), and found that the increase of cysteine concentration will promote the occurrence of COPD dyspnea.
What is known about ——this topic-sufficient sample size or Mendelian randomized analysis can well determine the relevant causal relationship.
Summarize the impact of this study——in the past few years, some studies have recognized the relationship between cysteine level and acute exacerbation of COPD, but these studies have a small sample size and are not authoritative enough.
What does this study add——the level of cysteine in blood may be affected by the number of smoking and drinking.
Influence of Nano POFA Towards Production of Self-Consolidating High-Strength Concrete (SCHSC)
Authors: Halim Nuradila I. , Newman Aidan , Sidek Muhd Norhasri Muhd , Saman Hamidah Mohd
Published: January 2024

The applicability of green concrete in the construction industry makes it a favoured topic among researchers in many countries, including Malaysia. The development of this innovative green concrete is made of waste material as one of its constituents. Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is one of the agricultural wastes, which is the product of burnt palm oil husk and palm kernel shells in a palm oil mill boiler. POFA negatively impacts the environment and health because it is abundantly disposed of in landfills without any commercial value. This paper reviews the potential and innovative incorporation of grinding POFA into concrete as a cement replacement to make it more sustainable. This research highlighted the influence of Nano-POFA (NaPOFA) on the production of Self Consolidating High-Strength Concrete (SCHSC) through an experimental study. NaPOFA is prepared using high-energy milling and introduced as cement replacement from 1–10%. The evaluation of NaPOFA is divided into four categories: physical properties using a particle size analyser, fresh properties using a flow table test, mechanical properties using a compressive strength test, and supported using microscope imaging.
MAPPING: Debiasing Graph Neural Networks for Fair Node Classification with Limited Sensitive Information Leakage
Authors: Song Ying , Palanisamy Balaji
Published: January 2024

Despite remarkable success in diverse web-based applications, Graph Neural Networks(GNNs) inherit and further exacerbate historical discrimination and social stereotypes, which critically hinder their deployments in high-stake domains such as online clinical diagnosis, financial crediting, etc. However, existing research in fair graph learning typically favors pairwise constraints to achieve fairness but fails to cast off dimensional limitations and generalize them into multiple sensitive attributes; besides, most studies focus on in-processing techniques to enforce and calibrate fairness, constructing a model-agnostic debiasing GNN framework at the pre-processing stage to prevent downstream misuses and improve training reliability is still largely under-explored. Furthermore, previous work tends to enhance either fairness or privacy individually but few probes into how fairness issues trigger privacy concerns and whether such concerns can be alleviated with fairness intervention. In this paper, we propose a novel model-agnostic debiasing framework named MAPPING (\underline{M}asking \underline{A}nd \underline{P}runing and Message-\underline{P}assing train\underline{ING}) for fair node classification, in which we adopt the distance covariance($dCov$)-based fairness constraints to simultaneously reduce feature and topology biases under multiple sensitive memberships, and combine them with adversarial debiasing to confine the risks of sensitive attribute inference. Experiments on real-world datasets with different GNN variants demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of MAPPING. Our results show that MAPPING can achieve better trade-offs between utility and fairness, and mitigate privacy risks of sensitive information leakage.
Improved isolation and detection of shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 and non-O157 from retail imported frozen beef marketed in Saudi Arabia using immunomagnetic separation and multiplex-PCR
Authors: Almulhim Ahlam , Alomar Amer , Alhabib Ibrahim , Yamani Lamya Zohair , Elhadi Nasreldin
Published: January 2024

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and E. coli O157:H7 are responsible for a wide range of foodborne outbreaks worldwide. Both E. coli O157 and non-O157 are causing life-threatening complications, such as hemolytic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can result in kidney failure. This study was conducted to determine the presence of both STEC and E. coli O157 in imported frozen beef marketed in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia using immunomagnetic beads (IMB), CHROMagr O157 medium, and multiplex-PCR. A total of 201 frozen beef samples were purchased from different supermarkets in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and enriched in tryptic soy broth (TSB). One-milliliter portions from enriched samples in TSB were mixed with immunomagnetic beads (IMB) coated with specific antibodies against E. coli O157 O antigen, separated beads with captured bacteria streaked on CHROMagar O157, and Sorbitol MacConkey (SMAC) agar. The extracted DNA template was examined for potential virulence gene markers (stx-1, stx-2, and eae) using multiplex-PCR. ERIC-PCR DNA fingerprinting was used to identify the clonal relationship among the strains isolated from frozen beef imported from different countries. Among 201 examined frozen beef samples, 88 (43.8%) and 106 (52.7%) were positive for E. coli and produced colorless and mauve colonies on SMAC agar and CHROMagar O157, respectively. Out of 298 isolates in total, 124 and 174 isolates of E. coli were isolated without and with IMB enrichment, respectively. The highest detection rate of virulence gene markers were found among isolates that had been isolated using IMB enrichment, where 25 (8.4%), 2 (0.7%) and 12 (4%) isolates tested positive for stx1, stx2, and eae genes respectively. The least number of virulence gene markers were found among isolates that were isolated without using IMB enrichment with a rate of 12 (4%) and 2 (0.7%) isolates testing positive for stx1 and eae genes, respectively. Among 42 isolates harboring potential virulence gene markers, 11 isolates were identified as E. coli O157 (stx1+/eae+ or stx2+/eae+). ERIC-PCR DNA fingerprinting was able to type the 42 identified isolates of E. coli O157 and E. coli non-O157 into 10 types with four identical related clusters and a genetic similarity rate above 90% homology from the identified isolates. This study confirmed that the imported frozen beef marketed in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia harbored virulence gene markers of E. coli O157. IMB and multiplex-PCR methods proved to be more reliable and adequate for detecting shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 in imported frozen beef.
Optimization-based Tuning Algorithms for Attitude Control of a Delta-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Gulivindala Kishore , Kumar Neetesh , Saderla Subrahmanyam , Kim Yoonsoo
Published: January 2024

In the realm of commertial and open source Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) flight controllers, extensive outdoor trails and repeated flight tests of UAVs with unknown handelling qualities, poses a great challenge for the process of manual controller tunning. In the current manuscript the aformentioned problem is addressed by proposing a novel optimization-based controller gain estimation method. The proposed method relies on output error formulation of maximum likelihood costfunction and the respective minimization is carried by using two different techniques namely Gauss-Newton optimization and particle swarm optimisation (PSO). The attitude stabilisation of a delta wing UAV is achieved by adopting a Proportional-Integral (PI) and feedforward (FF)-based controller architecture. The PI and FF gains are estimated using both methods and the corresponding results obtained are compared. The estimated gains assisted the controller for accurate tracking of the desired attitude for both simulated and flight test data. It is observed that the results obtained by the proposed method using PSO technique has root mean square error less than 1 deg for pitch and roll angles and 2 deg for yaw angles respectively, which is 28% less compared to gradient based gauss newton optimization method.
Prognostic assessment of patients with parotid gland carcinoma: a nomogram based on coagulation-related factors
Authors: Jiang Wen-Mei , Li Guoli , Xiao Guo-Ming , Li Rui-Yu , Deng Honghao , Yang Si-Wei , Zhang Quan , CHEN YANFENG
Published: January 2024

Objectives This study aimed to construct an effective nomogram based on the clinical and laboratory characteristics to predict the prognosis of patients with parotid gland carcinoma. Methods A total of 125 patients diagnosed with parotid gland carcinoma from Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (1999–2016) were retrospectively analyzed, including clinical and pathological data. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint, and it was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard regression model. The prediction nomogram was constructed based on the clinicopathological factors and coagulation indices, and then evaluated using the concordance index. Results Activated partial thromboplastin time, international normalized ratio, and fibrinogen were risk factors for OS (allP < 0.05), and their comprehensive influence on OS was identified by coagulation scores (CS). The tumor grade, neck dissection, and CS emerged as independent factors for OS according to the multivariable analyses. Based on the nomogram, patients were stratified into low- and high-risk groups and significant differences in OS were found between these groups (P < 0.0001). The concordance index of this nomogram was 0.762 (SE = 0.035), higher than that of the T-stage (C-index = 0.652; SE = 0.039) and N-stage (C-index = 0.663; SE = 0.043). Conclusions We established and validated a prognostic nomogram including coagulation factors. The proposed nomogram presented a better prediction ability for the survival of patients with parotid gland carcinoma.
LAMP2A regulates cisplatin resistance in colorectal cancer through mediating autophagy
Authors: Shi Zhi-Liang , Yang Shuting , Shen Chenglong , Shao Jiazhe , Zhou Fang , Liu Haichen , Zhou Guo-Qiang
Published: January 2024

Background
Drug resistance is an important constraint on clinical outcomes in advanced cancers. LAMP2A is a limiting protein in molecular chaperone-mediated autophagy. This study was aimed to explore LAMP2A function in cisplatin resistance colorectal cancer (CRC) to seek new ideas for CRC clinical treatment.
Methods
In this study, LAMP2A expression was analyzed by molecular experimental techniques, such as qRT-PCR and western blot. Then, LAMP2A in cells was interfered by cell transfection experiments. Subsequently, the function of LAMP2A on proliferation, migration, invasion, DDP sensitivity, and autophagy of CRC/DDP cells were further investigated by a series of experiments, such as CCK-8, transwell, and western blot.
Results
We revealed that LAMP2A was clearly augmented in DDP-resistant CRC and was releated to poor patient prognosis. Functionally, LAMP2A insertion remarkably CRC/DDP proliferation, migration, invasion ability and DDP resistance by strengthen autophagy. In contrast, LAMP2A knockdown limited the proliferation, migration, and invasion while heightened cellular sensitivity to DDP by restraining autophagy in CRC/DDP cells. Furthermore, LAMP2A silencing was able to curb tumor formation and enhance sensitivity to DDP in vivo.
Conclusion
In summary, LAMP2A boosted malignant progression and DDP resistance in CRC/DDP cells through mediating autophagy. Clarifying LAMP2A function in DDP resistance is promising to seek cancer therapies biomarkers targeting LAMP2A activity.
OsLSC6 regulates leaf sheath color and cold tolerance in rice revealed by metabolite genome wide association study
Authors: Lv Shuwei , Tang Xuan , Jiang Liqun , Zhang Jing , Sun Bingrui , Liu Qing , Mao Xingxue , Yu Hang , Chen Pingli , Chen Wenfeng , Fan Zhilan , Li Chen
Published: January 2024

Plant metabolites including anthocyanins played an important role in the growth of plants, as well as in regulating biotic and abiotic stress responses to the environment. Here we report comprehensive profiling of 3315 metabolites and a further metabolic-based genome-wide association study (mGWAS) based on 292,485 SNPs obtained from 311 rice accessions, including 160 wild and 151 cultivars. We identified hundreds of common variants affecting a large number of secondary metabolites with large effects at high throughput. Finally, we functionally identified a novel gene named OsLSC6 (Oryza sativa leaf sheath color 6) which encoded a UDP 3-O-glucosyltransferase, and involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis of Cyanidin-3-Galc (sd1825) responsible for leaf sheath color, and results in significant different accumulation of sd1825 between wild (purple) and cultivars (green). The knockout transgenic experiments results showed that OsLSC6 regulated the biosynthesis and accumulation of sd1825, controlled the purple leaf sheath. Our further research revealed that OsLSC6 also confers resistance to cold stress during the seedling stage in rice. And we identify that a SNP in OsLSC6 is responsible for the leaf sheath color and chilling tolerance, supporting the importance of OsLSC6 in plant adaption. Our study demonstrates that metabolites-to-genes analysis by mGWAS could provide a powerful complementary tool for functional gene identification and OsLSC6 is a vital regulator during anthocyanin biosynthesis and abiotic stress responses, which promising candidate in future rice breeding and improvement.
The correlation of ferroptosis and DNA repair in individuals with colorectal cancer
Authors: Jin Meiying , Yang Jingqing , Li Lei , Li Wei , Jiang Xia , Zhang Peng
Published: January 2024

Crosstalk between ferroptosis and DNA repair is shown in various human illnesses, including malignancies. This study aims to develop a prognostic signature, using ferroptosis and DNA repair-related gene (DRFG), to forecast the prognosis and therapeutic responsiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. 34 DRFGs related to oxidative stress and ferroptosis were identified. Bioinformatics analysis, utilizing expression profiles of these genes and clinical data, categorized CRC patients into two DRFG clusters, revealing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and associations with patient survival and immune cell infiltration. Risk scores based on prognosis-linked genes in both clusters were used to construct prognostic signatures. Low-risk patients demonstrated better outcomes, increased immune cell infiltration, and improved responses to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade compared to high-risk patients. These results were successfully validated across multiple independent datasets, suggesting that low-risk CRC could be considered a hot tumor, while high-risk CRC is a cold tumor. The study also verified the expression levels of 6 characteristic genes in CRC and adjacent normal tissues to identify potential biomarkers. In conclusion, the study identified 34 DRFGs and developed a prognostic signature, demonstrating its efficacy in predicting survival and treatment response in CRC patients. These results hold promise for guiding precise treatment strategies in clinical practice and distinguishing between cold and hot tumors in CRC.
Dimethylmercury as a Source of Monomethylmercury in a Highly Productive Upwelling System
Authors: Adams Hannah M. , Cui Xinyun , Lamborg Carl H. , Schartup Amina T.
Published: January 2024

Monomethylmercury (MMHg) is a neurotoxicant that biomagnifies in marine food webs, reaching high concentrations in apex predators. To predict changes in oceanic MMHg concentrations, it is important to quantify its sources and sinks. Here, we study mercury speciation in the California Current System through cruise sampling and modeling. Previous work in the California Current System has found that upwelling impacts mercury biogeochemistry by transporting mercury-enriched deep waters to productive surface waters. These upwelled waters originate within the California Undercurrent water mass and are subsequently advected as a surface water parcel to the California Current. By comparing the two major water masses, we find that the California Undercurrent contains elevated total Hg and DMHg concentrations by 57% and 60%, respectively, compared to the California Current. We explain that these differences result from losses during advection, specifically scavenging and DMHg demethylation. We calculate a net DMHg demethylation rate constant of 1.8 ± 0.9 % d-1 and build an empirically constrained mass budget model to demonstrate that DMHg demethylation accounts for 59% of surface MMHg sources. These findings illustrate that DMHg is a significant source of MMHg in this region, challenging the current understanding of the major sources of marine MMHg.