bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of COVID19 vaccination drives menstrual cycle changes
Authors: Edelman Alison , Boniface Emily , Male Victoria , Cameron Sharon , Benhar Eleonora , Han Leo , Matteson Kristen , Lamsweerde Agathe van , Pearson Jack , darney Blair
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 vaccination temporarily lengthens the menstrual cycle. However, without knowing why this happens, we are limited in our ability to fully address ongoing concerns around menstrual health and COVID-19 vaccination. We assessed whether menstrual cycle timing (follicular or luteal phase) of COVID-19 vaccine administration is driving vaccine-associated cycle length changes. We used prospectively collected (2021-2022) menstrual cycle tracking data from 19,497 reproductive-aged users of the application ‘Natural Cycles’. We identified whether vaccine was delivered in the follicular or luteal phase and also included an unvaccinated control group. Our primary outcome was the adjusted within-individual change in cycle length (in days) from the average of the three menstrual cycles prior to the first vaccination cycle (unvaccinated controls were assigned a notional vaccine date). We also assessed if a clinically significant change in cycle length occurred (8 days or more). Individuals were mostly under age 35 (80.1%), and from North America (28.6%), continental Europe (33.5%) or the UK (31.7%). In the vaccinated group, the majority received an mRNA vaccine (63.8%). Individuals vaccinated in the follicular phase experienced an average 1-day longer adjusted cycle length with both a first or second dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to their pre-vaccination average [1st dose: 1.00 day (98.75% CI 0.88, 1.13), 2nd dose 1.11 days (98.75% CI 0.93, 1.29)] whereas those vaccinated in the luteal phase and the unvaccinated control group experienced no change in cycle length [respectively, 1st dose -0.09 (-0.26, 0.07), 2nd dose 0.06 (-0.16, 0.29), unvaccinated notional 1st dose 0.08 (-0.10, 0.27), 2nd dose 0.17 (-0.04, 0.38). Those vaccinated during the follicular phase were also more likely to experience a clinically significant change in cycle length (>8 days; 1st dose: 6.8%) than those vaccinated in the luteal phase or unvaccinated (3.3% and 5.0%, respectively; p < 0.001). COVID-19 vaccine-related cycle length increases are associated with receipt of vaccination in the first half of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase) which is consistent with other known immune-related events (e.g. fever) that also cause temporary cycle length changes.
Lagged teleconnections between two types of ENSO and Southeast Asian autumn rainfall anomalies
Authors: Nguyen-Le Dzung , Ngo-Duc Thanh , Matsumoto Jun
Published: July 2023

The lagged teleconnections of the two types of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Southeast Asian autumn rainfall (SEAAR) anomalies for lagged time varying from 12 to zero months are investigated for the period 1979 to 2019 using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and composite analyses. It shows that the first two SVD coupled modes always exhibit the patterns of the two types of ENSO for all lagged times. First, the canonical El Niño (EN) from preceding autumn induces significantly wetter SEAAR, due to the transition from EN to La Niña (LN) in the following year. Thereafter, disparities between ENSO and ENSO Modoki teleconnections on SEAAR are most pronounced for the 6-month lag, in which an El Niño Modoki (EM)/La Niña Modoki (LM) occurring in the preceding spring is a strong indication of a much drier/wetter SEAAR. Subsequently, for 3-month and zero lag, both EN and EM (LN and LM) bring drier (wetter) SEAAR. However, EM leads to drier (wetter) conditions in the north (south). Regarding LN and LM, LM causes significantly less rainfall in the Philippines, northern Indochina, and Sumatra. The differences in SEAAR anomalies under ENSO and ENSO Modoki conditions are linked to a more northward (southward) Walker circulation in EM compared to EN (LM compared to LN). Different evolution patterns, i.e., transition from EM to LM occurs less frequently than EN to LN, particularly with preceding autumn and spring ENSO events, contribute to the distinct lagged teleconnections between the two ENSO types. It also results in longer teleconnection persistence of LM and LN compared to EM and EN.
Derivation of clinical predictive factors (CHIEF) for first recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection
Authors: Mori Nobuaki , Hirai Jun , Ohashi Wataru , Asai Nobuhiro , Shibata Yuichi , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: July 2023

Purpose: High Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) recurrence rates pose a significant health threat and economic burden. Effective prevention strategies are crucial, and clinical prediction rules can help identify risk factors for CDI recurrence. However, existing models are limited in accounting for important risk factors. This study aimed to develop a practical clinical prediction rule for CDI recurrence.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on the medical records of patients with CDI at Aichi University Hospital in Japan. Variables including age, sex, underlying diseases, antibiotic use, acid suppressants, immunosuppressants, and CDI history were analyzed. CDI severity and recurrence rate were also assessed. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to identify significant recurrence predictors.Results: In total, 209 patients were included in the study, 45 of whom developed recurrent CDI. Univariate analyses identified several significant recurrence predictors, including enteral feeding, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), community-onset CDI, and severe CDI. Multivariate analysis revealed enteral feeding (odds ratio [OR]: 3.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75–8.56) and IBD (OR: 7.08, 95% CI: 1.28–39.06). The CHIEF predictive scoring system was developed using five relevant variables: carbapenem use, hematologic malignancy, IBD, enteral feeding, and fluoroquinolone use. The area under the ROC curve for the CHIEF score was 0.70.Conclusions: The CHIEF score incorporates useful, clinically available factors and could help identify patients at risk of recurrent CDI. These findings contribute to the understanding of recurrence risk factors and support the development of prevention strategies.
Effect of different cervical curvatures on three-dimensional kinematics under physiological load
Authors: Zhang Zizhen , Zhong Yanlong , Luo Shiwei , Yang Jie , Chen Shaofeng , Chen Gongxin , Li Jidong , Li Guoan , Wang Shaobai , Wan Zongmiao
Published: July 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to measure the 3D motion of cervical vertebra with different curvatures under seven functional postures and investigate the relationship between cervical spine curvatures and the kinematics of each functional motion unit.
Methods: Seventy-five volunteers were classified into 5 curvature groups based on the C1-C7 Cobb angle of sagittal alignment. These were: a normal group, straight group, kyphosis group and hyper and hypolordosis groups. All volunteers underwent cervical spine CBCT scans at 7 functional positions. The range-of-motion (ROM) of each vertebra and the overall cervical spine were measured using a 3D-3D registration technique.
Results: In comparison to the normal group, the ROM of C3-C4 during left-right twisting in the kyphotic group was significantly higher, while the ROM of C1-C2 during left-right bending was also significantly greater. In addition, the ROM of C5-C6 in the straight group was higher during left-right bending in comparison to the normal group. During flexion-extension, the ROM of C4-C5 in kyphotic subjects was significantly lower than in the normal group, while in the C5-C6 segment, the ROM of the straight and the kyphotic groups was significantly greater compared to the normal group. During left-right bending, the global ROM of kyphotic subjects was higher than in the normal group.
Conclusions: 3D kinematics was used to accurately quantify the ROM of cervical spine under different curvatures under physiological load. The data implied that cervical kyphosis may have a greater impact on ROM. Our findings may contribute to prevent cervical spondylosis by early intervention in curvature changes.
Nemabiome metabarcoding shows a high prevalence of Haemonchus contortus and 1 predominance of Camelostrongylus mentulatus in alpaca herds in the northern UK
Authors: Zahid Osama , Butler Meghan , Hopker Andy , Freeman Emily , Júnior Livio M. Costa , Chaudhry Umer , Sargison Neil
Published: July 2023

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a common threat faced by pastoral livestock. Since their major introduction to the UK in the early 1990s, South American camelids have been co-grazed with sheep, horses, and other livestock, allowing exposure to a range of GIN species. However, there have been no molecular-based studies to investigate the GIN populations present in these camelids. In the current study, we sampled nine alpaca herds from northern England and southern Scotland and used high-throughput metabarcoded sequencing to study the GIN species. A total of eight known GIN species were found, and 71 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent species found in almost all herds in significant proportions. The identification of H. contortus in other livestock species is unusual in the area, implying that alpacas may be suitable hosts and potential reservoirs for infection in other hosts. In addition, the camelid-adapted GIN species Camelostrongylus mentulatus was identified predominantly on farms with higher faecal egg counts. These findings highlight the importance of applying advanced molecular methods, such as nemabiome metabarcoding to describe the dynamics of gastrointestinal nematode infections in novel situations. The results provide a strong base for further studies involving co-grazing animals to confirm the potential role of alpacas in transmitting GIN species between hosts.
Psychological intervention in parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders using a brief protocol based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Authors: Lobato David , Montesinos Francisco , Polín Eduardo , Flujas-Contreras Juan Miguel , Becerra Inmaculada Gómez , Budziszewska Lidia
Published: July 2023

Parenting children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is associated with higher stress. The emotional coping of parents affects the psychological health of the whole family. 43 parents with children with NDDs and intellectual disabilities participated in two successive studies. A brief psychological intervention in group format based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was administered. The intervention protocol is described in detail so that it can be used by other therapists. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure parental psychological flexibility, parental stress, thought suppression, and general health status, as well as behavioral self-monitoring of interactions with children for the analysis of family dynamics. The intervention was followed by sustained decreases in both psychological inflexibility and private events suppression and increases in general health. Parental stress was reduced at follow-up. There was a sustained increase in supportive interactions and a decrease in punitive interactions. A significant relationship was found between the level of previous psychological inflexibility and the magnitude of clinical change. The study provides evidence that ACT is particularly useful in coping with stress for parents with higher psychological inflexibility.
“All women in their 40s are miserable” - health care provision throughout the menopause in the UK: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Martin-Key Nayra , Funnell Erin L. , Spadaro Benedetta , Bahn Sabine
Published: July 2023

Background: The UK healthcare system faces a shortage of high-quality menopausal care.
Objective: To understand perspectives regarding the availability and quality of menopause care services in the UK.
Methods: An online survey was generated using Qualtrics XM®. Data from 952 respondents were analysed using a mixed-methods approach.
Results: 74.47% of women sought help for the menopause. Oral (68.83%) and topical medication (17.21%), as well as lifestyle changes (17.21%) were the most common treatment approaches. There was a lack of consistent integration of mental health screening into menopausal care. Open-ended response data from women who reported poor quality of care revealed six themes: consequences of poor care, dismissive or negative attitudes from healthcare professionals (HCPs), poor treatment management, symptom information and misattribution, poor HCP knowledge, and the need for self-advocacy.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of improving HCP knowledge, providing empathetic and supportive care, and involving women in decision-making.
Multifunctional cotton fabric with durable antibacterial, superhydrophobicity, and UV resistance based on Ag@TiO 2 Janus nanoparticles
Authors: Gao Dangge , Wang Fangxing , Lyu Bin , Ma Jianzhong , Zhao Zhouyang
Published: July 2023

The market demand for multifunctional cotton fabric is increasing. However, the key of developing cotton fabric with multiple functions is how to solve the problem of functional combination. In this study, silver@titanium dioxide Janus nanoparticles (Ag@TiO2 Janus nanoparticles) were synthesized by Pickering emulsion polymerization and finished on the epoxy modified cotton fabric (Ag@TiO2 Janus/E-cotton fabric). The Ag@TiO2 Janus nanoparticles had asymmetric Janus structure, that one side being silane with hydrophilic amino group was covalently bonded with the epoxy group on the cotton fabric fibers and the other side being silane with hydrophobic long-chain alkane was faced the environment, which was to endow the cotton fabric durably superhydrophobic, UV resistance, and antibacterial. Characterization by SEM, XRD, EDS, EDS, FT-IR and TG verified the finishing of the cotton fabric with Ag@TiO2 Janus nanoparticles. Ag@TiO2 Janus/E-cotton fabric had a water contact angle of 160, after 50 wear cycles, the contact angle at the damaged part could still reach 152. Compared with raw cotton fabric, the antibacterial rate of Ag@TiO2 Janus/E- cotton fabric to Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Streptococcus Urealyticus (S. aureus) is more than 95%. After 8 ultrasonic washing cycles, the antibacterial rate still maintained more than 80%. The UV protection performance of the finished cotton fabric was improved by 82.3%.
Generation and characterization of a zebrafish knockout model of abcb4, a homolog of the human multidrug efflux transporter P-glycoprotein
Authors: Park Jinhee , Kim Hyosung , alabdalla Leen , Mishra Smriti , Mchaourab Hassane
Published: July 2023

The ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), encoding a multidrug transporter referred to as P-glycoprotein (Pgp), plays a critical role in the efflux of xenobiotics in humans and is implicated in cancer resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, developing high throughput animal models to screen for Pgp function and bioavailability of substrates and inhibitors is paramount. Here, we generated and validated a zebrafish knockout line of abcb4, a human Pgp transporter homolog. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology was deployed to generate a frameshift mutation in exon 4 of zebrafish abcb4. The zebrafish abcb4 homozygous mutant exhibited elevated accumulation of fluorescent rhodamine 123, a substrate of human Pgp, in the intestine and brain area of embryos. Moreover, abcb4 knockout embryos were sensitized toward toxic compounds such as doxorubicin and vinblastine compared to the WT zebrafish. Immuno-staining for zebrafish Abcb4 colocalized in the endothelial brain cells of adult zebrafish. Transcriptome profiling using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) uncovered that the 'cell cycle process,' 'mitotic cell cycles,' and 'microtubule-based process' were significantly downregulated in the abcb4 knockout brain with age. This study establishes and validates the abcb4 knockout zebrafish as an animal model to study Pgp function in vivo. Unexpectedly it reveals a potentially novel role for zebrafish abcb4 in age-related changes in the brain. The zebrafish lines generated here will provide a platform to aid in the discovery of modulators of Pgp function as well as the characterization of human mutants thereof.
Tumor antigens and immune landscapes identification guided the development of colorectal cancer mRNA vaccines
Authors: 唐 剑 , Yang De'zheng , Liu Zhixian , Wei Jifu
Published: July 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common tumor and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. As an alternative to traditional cancer immunotherapy approaches, mRNA vaccines have gained significant attentio due to their numerous advantages. In this study, our objective was to screen for potential tumor antigens in CRC and identify mRNA vaccines capable of targeting specific immune subtypes based on their recognition of these immune subtypes. Through our research, We successfully identified eight overexpressed and mutated tumor antigens associated with poor prognosis in CRC, including ADAMTS4, LZTS1, OLR1, SLC11A1, SPOCD1, SPP1, STC1 and TIMP1. Then we assessed the association between these genes and the antigen-presenting immune cells. Furthermore, we identified three distinct immune subtypes of CRC, namely CRC immune subtype (CIS) 1–3. Among these subtypes, CIS3 exhibited a worse prognosis, a higher number of tumor mutations, and significantly lower immune activity compared to CIS1 and CIS2. Additionally, these above immune types were prominently linked to different immunocompetencies, immune genic cell death modulators and the prognostic factors in CRC. In summary, our findings conclusively identify three distinct immune subtypes of CRC and eight potential targets for CRC mRNA vaccines. These findings provide a new perspective on antigen selection and population stratification for future development and application of CRC mRNA vaccines.
Effects of maternal dietary enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide iron supplement on mineral elements and iron level of neonatal piglets
Authors: Liu Hong-wei , Liu Gang-yi , Wang Hai-hua , Gao Lu-min , Xie Chun-yan , Wu Xin
Published: July 2023

Iron plays a key role in maternal health during pregnancy and fetal growth. Enteromorpha polysaccharide –iron (EP-Fe) as an organic iron chelate may improve the iron transmission of mother and offspring, ameliorate the poor pregnancy outcomes of sows, and alleviate the growth restriction of piglets caused by iron deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal dietary supplementation with EP-Fe on reproductive performance and placental iron transmission of sows, as well as growth performance of piglets. Sixty pregnant sows at the 95th day of gestation were randomly divided into control group (CON) and EP-Fe group (EP-Fe, 139 mg kg− 1). Blood samples of sows and neonatal piglets, colostrum, and tissue samples were collected on the day of delivery. The animal experiment ended at the 21th day of post-delivery. Results showed that maternal dietary EP-Fe increased colostrum iron (P < 0.05) of sows, as well as final litter weight (P < 0.05) and average daily weight of piglets (P < 0.05) during d 1–21 of lactation, as well as iron and manganese content in umbilical cord blood (P < 0.05) and hepatic iron of neonatal piglets (P < 0.01), and decreased fecal iron (P < 0.001), serum calcium (P < 0.05), phosphorus (P < 0.05) and zinc (P < 0.01) in the parturient sow. RT-qPCR results showed that FPN1 and SLC39A14 in placenta, as well as TfR1 and SLC39A14 in duodenum of neonatal piglets were activated by maternal EP-Fe supplement. These findings suggest that maternal dietary EP-Fe could increase iron storage of neonatal piglets via improving placental iron transport and iron secretion in colostrum, thus enhance the growth performance of sucking piglets.
A serum panel of three microRNAs may serve as a possible biomarker for Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Wen Zhenyu , Li Yingqi , Zhao Zhengping , Li Rongkang , Li Xinji , Lu Chong , Sun Chen , Chen Wenkang , Ge Zhenjian , Ni Liangchao , Lai Yongqing
Published: July 2023

Background: Approximately 75 percent of cases of renal cell carcinoma, also known as kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), are diagnosed during procedures to identify renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Although non-invasive radiological techniques are widely applied in the diagnoses of KIRC, ˃ 50% of KIRCs are currently detected incidentally. The presence of microRNA (miRNA) in serum has the potential to serve as a non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for KICC.
Method: In the three-part trial, there were a total of 224 participants, 112 of them were KIRC patients (KIRCs), while the other 112 were healthy controls (NCs). RT-qPCR was utilized so that we could evaluate the level of miRNA expression in both KIRCs and NCs. ROC curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were utilized in order to make a prediction regarding the usefulness of serum miRNAs for KIRC diagnosis. In addition, we performed survival analysis and bioinformatics with our research.
Results: We discovered that miR-1-3p, miR-129-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-187-3p and miR-200a-3p showed statistically significant differences when compared to NCs. It was determined that a panel consisting of three microRNAs (miR-1-3p, miR-129-5p and miR-146b-5p) had an AUC of 0.895, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 0.848 to 0.942. CREB5 may be a potential target gene of the panel in the GEPIA database. According to the survival analysis, the overexpression of miR-146b-5p was indicative of a poorer prognosis for KIRC patients.
Conclusions:There is a significant possibility that the three-miRNA panel in the serum could serve as non-invasive indicators for KIRC.
Potential of Protein Risk Signatures in Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Yu Xiaofei , Zheng Lei , Xia Zehai , Xu Yanling , Shen Xihui , Huang Yihui , Dai Yifan
Published: July 2023

Purpose
Global leading cause of cancer deaths, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), is the focus of our study, which explores a protein-based risk signature for LUAD prognosis.
Methods
Utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas, we used LASSO-COX to create a prognostic protein model. The model's effectiveness and clinical relevance were analyzed, and a predictive nomogram was built. Concurrently, potential pathways were identified through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and the tumor immune microenvironment was examined alongside immunotherapy sensitivity. We corroborated model protein expression with immunohistochemistry images from the HPA database and immunofluorescence staining of clinical samples.
Results
Our six-protein model stratifies LUAD patients effectively into risk groups and shows strong pre-dictive power. The nomogram forecasts overall survival rates at one, three, and five-year intervals. GSEA highlighted enrichment of high-risk genes in metabolic pathways and low-risk genes in immune-related pathways—the latter indicating greater immunotherapy sensitivity. Validation experiments revealed high CD38 expression in lung cancer, presenting a novel paradox.
Conclusion
This study offers a valuable prognostic protein model for LUAD and uncovers a CD38 expression paradox, enhancing our understanding of protein involvement in lung cancer progression.
Arabic and Latin license plate detection and recognition based on YOLOv7 and image processing methods
Authors: Moussaoui Hanae , AKKAD Nabil EL , BENSLIMANE Mohamed
Published: July 2023

License plate detection has always been challenging, especially with the increasing number of smart radars on roads and highways. By 2021, over 1 billion smart traffic radars have been provided worldwide for the gendarmerie as well as for road control officers from the National Security. This paper introduces a novel Arabic and Latin license plate detection and recognition method. In the first stage of the proposed method and after gathering images to build a new dataset, we used YOLOv7 to detect and localize the license plate in the image. The dataset has been labeled manually before feeding it to the detection system. Second, we applied some of the machine learning algorithms to enhance the detected license plate. For this, we employed thresholding as well as the kernel algorithms in order to remove the additional vertical lines in the plate. Afterward, we used the Arabic OCR as well as Easy OCR techniques to recognize the Arabic and the Latin letters on the license plate. The proposed detection algorithm achieved a precision of 97% and a recall of 98%, consequently, we achieved an F1 score of 98% in license plate detection. For image segmentation, while using Arabic OCR and Easy OCR to segment and extract characters from the detected license plate, we achieved an accuracy of 99 %. The proposed method gave satisfactory results for both detection and segmentation.
Perioperative and Recurrence-Free Survival Outcomes after Laparoscopic Hepatectomy for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Wang Gaoming , Liu Chenghao , Qi Weijun , Li Long , Yuan Chunhui , Xiu Dianrong
Published: July 2023

Background
Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been extensively used in the context of laparoscopic hepatectomy for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Nevertheless, there remains a lack of strong evidence on the influence of perioperative and survival outcomes in patients undergoing such procedure.
Methods
The retrospective cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients with CRLM who underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy. The patients were divided into two groups based on utilization of ICG fluorescence imaging during surgical procedure. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, pathology findings, surgical outcomes, and survival results were systematically collected for analysis.
Results
A total of 117 patients were involved in the analysis. Compared to the traditional groups, the ICG-guided group had a significantly higher rate of negative margin (97% v.s 86%, p = 0.009) and lower rate of postoperative bile leakage (13% v.s 31%, p = 0.018). ICG fluorescence imaging was determined to be an independent risk factor associated with postoperative bile leakage (OR = 0.035, 95%CI 0.114–0.982, p = 0.046). As of the last recorded follow-up date, there were 82 (76.6%) recurrences in the entire cohort. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of early recurrence rate (26.3% v.s 40%, p = 0.132). However, the intrahepatic recurrence rate was significantly lower in the ICG-guided group (45.6% v.s 68.0%, p = 0.02). The median recurrence free survival of patients in the ICG-guided group was significantly longer compared to the traditional group (11.3 v.s 7.2 months, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
ICG fluorescence imaging can be utilized to delineate tumor boundaries and determine surgical margin during surgical procedures for CRLM. Additionally, it has shown promising potential in improving the perioperative and recurrence-free survival outcomes in these patients.
High-expressed ACAT2 predicted the poor prognosis of platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Yang Zhe , Zhao Lanbo , Bin Yadi , Zhang Siyi , Ji Jing , Liu Jinren , Wang Yiran , Li Min , Liu Yu , Hou Huilian , Li Qiling
Published: July 2023

Background Acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 2 (ACAT2) is a lipid metabolism enzyme and rarely was researched in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
Methods ACAT2 expressions were confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in SKOV3, SKOV3/DDP, A2780 and A2780/DDP cell lines. Tissue samples were stained by immunohistochemistry and scored for ACAT2 expression. The relationships between ACAT2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed by χ2 test. The prognosis of ACAT2 was analyzed by log-rank tests and Cox regression models.
Results ACAT2 was remarkably upregulated in the above drug-resistant cell lines by mRNA (P < 0.001) and protein expression (P < 0.05) than those in sensitive ones. Patients were classified as ACAT2-high (n = 51) and ACAT2-low (n = 26) according to immunohistochemical score. ACAT2 expression had a significantly inverse correlation with FIGO stage (P = 0.030) and chemo-response (P = 0.041). A marginal statistical significance existed in ACAT2 expression and ascites volume (P = 0.092). Univariate analysis suggested that high-expressed ACAT2 was associated with decreased platinum-free interval (PFI) (8.57 vs 14.13 months, P = 0.044), progression-free survival (PFS) (14.12 vs 19.79 months, P = 0.039) and overall survival (OS) (36.89 vs 52.40 months, P = 0.044). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that ACAT2 expression (hazard ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.15 - 4.11, P = 0.017) affected OS independently, rather than PFI and PFS.
Significance High-expressed ACAT2 was associated with advanced FIGO stage, chemo-resistance, and decreased PFI, PFS and OS. It was an independent prognostic factor of OS in EOC.
Identification of biomarkers associated with immune-propionate metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Qu Shuye , Huang Hui , Diao Yan , Liu Bowei , Tang Baozhu , Huo Shijiao , Lei Yu , Xuan Xiuchen , Mou Wenling , Liu Ping , Zhang Jiye , Liu Ying , Li Yanze
Published: July 2023

Background: The mechanisms of the effect of propionate metabolism and immunity on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have not been adequately studied.
Methods: Firstly, differentially expressed-propionate metabolism-related genes (DE-PMRGs) were selected by overlapping PMRGs and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the simple steatosis (SS) and health control (HC) groups. Then, common genes were selected by overlapping DE-PMRGs and key module genes obtained from weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Subsequently, the biomarkers were screened out by machine learning algorithms. The expression of the biomarkers was validated by quantitative Real-time PCR.
Results: In total, 5 biomarkers (JUN, LDLR, CXCR4, NNMT, and ANXA1) were acquired. The nomogram constructed based on 5 biomarkers had good predictive power for the risk of SS. Next, 5 biomarkers, 11 miRNAs, and 149 lncRNAs were encompassed in the ceRNA regulatory network. The expression of biomarkers was significantly higher in the HC group than in the SS group, which was consistent with the results in the GSE89632 and GSE126848 datasets.
Conclusions: In this study, 5 immune and propionate metabolism-related biomarkers (JUN, LDLR, CXCR4, NNMT, and ANXA1) were screened out to provide a basis for exploring the prediction of diagnosis of NAFLD.
Influence of malignant left large bowel obstruction in metastatic left-sided colon cancer patients during chemotherapy on survival: A Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Xiao Jianlin , shen yu , Yang Xuyang , Zeng Hanjiang , Wei Mingtian , Meng Wenjian , Wang Ziqiang
Published: July 2023

BackgroundChemotherapy was recommended to improve the long-term outcomes of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The process of chemotherapy may be interrupted by malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO). The aim of this study was to find out the Oncologic outcomes for MLLBO in metastatic left-sided colon cancer (mLCC) patients during chemotherapy.MethodsConsecutive mLCC patients who underwent chemotherapy from June 2009 to July 2021 in West China Hospital were divided into two groups according to whether MLLBO occurred during chemotherapy. Patients were propensity matched 1:2 into MLLBO and no-MLLBO groups and among the matched cohort, the univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to identify predictors of survival. Potential variables were evaluated first with univariate and then multivariate analyses to identify the risk factors of tumor characteristics for MLLBO patients.ResultsOf 1638 mLCC patients diagnosed, 156 were identified in the matched cohort. The median overall survival was 34.0 months, 51.0 months in the non-MLLBO, and MLLBO groups, respectively (p= 0.020) and the corresponding median progression-free survival was 12.0 months, 23.0 months, respectively (p=0.018). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that MLLBO was independently associated with reduced overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]= 1.473, 95% CI 1.186-1.812, P＜0.001) as well as progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]= 1.619, 95% CI 1.391-1.899, P＜0.001). In addition, Tumor length ≥ 10 cm (P=0.043) and TTI ≥ 1.5 cm (P＜0.001) were identified as independent risk factors of tumor characteristics for MLLBO patients.ConclusionNo-MLLBO patients had better prognosis than MLLBO patients during chemotherapy. Prevention measures are recommended for mLCC patients with higher risk factors of MLLBO during chemotherapy.
Comparison of surgical site infection (SSI) between Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) assisted delayed primary closure and conventional delayed primary closure in grossly contaminated emergency abdominal surgeries: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Sethi Mahesh Kumar , Mishra Tushar Shubhadarshan
Published: July 2023

Purpose
NPWT has been tried in many surgical fields including colorectal, thoracic and vascular, and non-healing wounds for prevention of SSI. But its efficacy on prevention of SSI grade IV closed abdominal wound yet to be explored.
Methods
All patients with grade-IV abdominal wound were included in the study. They were randomised into conventional arm and VAC arm after confirming the diagnosis intra-operatively. The sheath was closed and skin laid open in post-operative period. In VAC arm, the NPWT dressing applied on post-operative day (POD)-1 and it was removed on POD-5. In conventional arm, only regular dressing was done postoperatively. The skin was closed with delayed primary intention on POD-5 in both the arms. The sutures were removed after 7 to 10 days of skin closure.
Results
The rate of SSI (10% in VAC arm vs 37.5% in conventional arm, p-value = 0.004) was significantly lower in VAC arm, as well as the rate of seroma formation (2.4% in VAC arm vs 20% in conventional arm, p = 0.014) and wound dehiscence (7.3% vs 30%, p = 0.011). The conventional arm had significantly delay in skin closure beyond POD5 due to increased rate of SSI and also lead to prolonged hospital stay (5days in VAC arm vs 6.5days in conventional arm, p-value = 0.005).
Conclusion
The VAC dressing can be used routinely in grade IV closed abdominal wounds to prevent SSI and other post-operative wound related complications.
New analytical solutions to the stochastic (2 + 1)-dimensional combined KdV-mKdV equation
Authors: Rosas Miguel , Saavedra Carlos , Morales Benjamín
Published: July 2023

In this article, we investigate the (2 + 1)-dimensional stochastic KdV-mKdv equation perturbed by white noise in the Itô sense. The improved Tanh-Coth method is used to obtain new stochastic solutions. It also extends some previous research. Since this new equation is essential for describing various phenomena in ocean engineering, hydrodynamics and optics, the obtained solutions are useful for interpreting certain interesting physical phenomena. To show how multiplicative white noise affects the exact solution, we plot the solutions in Julia and show some 3D plots.
Unlocking the Conservation Potential of Non-Timber Forest Products in Mago National Park: A Pathway to Preserving Plant Diversity in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gulilat Meseret , Tilahun Abera
Published: July 2023

NTFP exploitation is less environmentally damaging than timber harvesting and other forest use due to this great role for plant biodiversity conservation. This study focused on type identify NTFPs and assesses the potential of NTFPs from the Mago National Park for plant diversity conservation. 15 key informants (KI) were used for listing the NTFPs bearing species collected from the park by the local communities. A parallel line transects were laid for vegetation inventory using QGIS, a total of 237 sample plots and 37 line transects were strategically placed throughout the park, covering forest, woodland, and bushland areas. The plot size 400m2 (20x20m) with nested plot. The Shannon diversity index (H’), Simpson diversity index (D) and Shannon evenness (E) were used to analyse the diversity of NTFPs bearing plant species. A total of 34 NTFPs-bearing plant species were identified. The identified NFTPs bearing plant species were categorized into eight classes based on the intended purposes for the local community. The average H’ NTFPs bearing plant species was 1.35 and E index values was 0.83. The NFTPs bearing plant species for fuelwood fodder and Honeybee more divers in park and the more available for local communities than others. NTFPs-bearing plant species more less than others study this indicate that the park plant resources faced different problems. Farther study needs to sustain NTFPs plant species.
Mineralogical characterization and environmental radiation health assessment in brick samples of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Karthikayini S. , Chandrasekaran A.
Published: July 2023

Natural radioactivity due to 238U, 232Th, and 40K in brick samples from Tamil Nadu was determined using gamma-ray spectrometry. The calculated mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K, 69 ± 6, 62 ± 6, and 462 ± 23 Bq kg− 1, are higher than the world recommended limits of 35, 45, and 420 Bq kg− 1, respectively, and they are compared with the other countries. The calculated radiological parameters radium equivalent activity (193 ± 17 Bq kg− 1), internal hazard index (0.71 ± 0.06), activity utilization index (1.43 ± 0.13) were lower, while absorbed dose rate (89 ± 8 nGy h− 1), annual effective dose equivalent (0.43 ± 0.04 mSv y− 1) and excess lifetime cancer risk (1.52 ± 0.13 mSv y− 1), which are slightly higher than the world’s recommended limits. The minerals presented in the soil samples were identified using FT-IR and XRD techniques. Both techniques revealed that the presence of quartz, orthoclase, kaolinite, microcline, albite, illite, calcite, montmorillonite and organic carbon in the samples. Bi-variate statistical analysis was estimated to corroborate the relationship between radionuclides and radiological hazards.
Barrierefreiheit bei (digitalen) Prüfungen – Möglichkeiten und Grenzen
Authors: Peschke Susanne
Published: July 2023

Die Hochschulen sind rechtlich dazu verpflichtet, Studierende mit Behinderung nicht zu benachteiligen, wobei insbesondere Prüfungen für Studierenden eine hohe Relevanz haben. Vor allem bei digitalen Prüfungen ist es sinnvoll, diese proaktiv von vornherein barrierefrei zu gestalten und nicht nur im Nachhinein – im Rahmen des Nachteilsausgleichs – individuell anzupassen. Bei digitalen Prüfungen steigt die Bedeutung einer barrierefreien technischen und formalen Gestaltung. Zudem ist dies auch für Präsenzprüfungen relevant, da hier die Möglichkeit besteht, papierbasierte Prüfungen in digitaler Form barrierefrei anzubieten. Zusätzlich können didaktische und organisatorische Aspekte die Barrierefreiheit erhöhen.
Scandio-winchite, ideally ☐(NaCa)(Mg4Sc)(Si8O22)(OH)2: The first Sc-dominant amphibole-supergroup mineral from Jordanów Śląski, Lower Silesia, southwestern Poland
Authors: Pieczka Adam , Stachowicz Marcin , Zelek-Pogudz Sylwia , Gołębiowska Bożena , Sęk Mateusz , Nejbert Krzysztof , Kotowski Jakub , Marciniak-Maliszewska Beata , Szuszkiewicz Adam , Szełęg Eligiusz , Stadnicka Katarzyna M. , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

Scandio-winchite, the first natural Sc-dominant amphibole-supergroup mineral, has been discovered in a granitic pegmatite that crops out in close association with rodingite-like calc-silicate rocks and metasomatized granitic bodies in a serpentinite quarry at a Jordanów Śląski village near Sobótka, ~30 km south of Wrocław, Lower Silesia, SW Poland. It occurs as an isolated subhedral crystal, with the size of ~20 × 8 μm in planar section, and as three polycrystalline aggregates, up to 50 μm across, composed of needle-shaped crystals dominated by {110}. It is present within chlorite aggregates that supposedly represent remnants of partly recrystallized xenoliths of the blackwall chlorite schists and is in quartz-feldspar portions of the pegmatite adjoining such xenolithic assemblages. Owing to the scarcity of the material and the exceptionally small size of the crystals, the color, streak, and optical properties could not be measured. By analogy with other amphiboles, scandio-winchite has a vitreous luster, brittle tenacity, and a Mohs hardness of ~5½. The mineral shows an uneven fracture and {110} perfect cleavage, with an angle of ~56° between cleavage planes. The density calculated from the empirical formula and refined unit-cell parameters is 3.026 g/cm3. The holotype crystal is composed of (in wt%): 55.88 SiO2, 0.11 TiO2, 0.53 Al2O3, 9.22 Sc2O3, 0.44 MnO, 8.89 FeO, 12.77 MgO, 5.71 CaO, 4.12 Na2O, 0.17 K2O, and 2.09 H2Ocalc(+); total 99.93. The composition normalized on the basis of 22 O2– + 2 (OH)– ions corresponds to the empirical formula A(☐0.966K0.031Na0.003)Σ1B(Na1.132 Ca0.868)Σ2C(Mg2.704Fe1.0552+Mn0.053Sc1.140Al0.023Ti0.012)Σ4.987T(Si7.935Al0.065)Σ8.000O22(OH)2, simplified formula (☐,K)(Na,Ca)2[(Mg,Fe)4Sc](Si8O22)(OH)2, and the ideal formula ☐(NaCa)(Mg4Sc)(Si8O22)(OH)2. The crystal structure was refined in the monoclinic system, space-group symmetry C2/m, with R1 index of 6.57%. Its unit-cell parameters are: a = 9.864(2) Å, b = 18.163(3) Å, c = 5.3053(16) Å, β = 104.41(3)°, V = 920.6(4) Å3; Z = 2, and the a:b:c ratio is 0.5431:1:0.2921. The crystal-structure refinement indicates almost exclusively Si-occupied T sites, the M4 sites occupied by nearly equal amounts of Na and Ca, M1 and M3 sites by divalent Mg + Fe cations, and M2 filled in equal proportions by divalent cations and Sc. These results, along with the dominant vacancy at the A site, univocally indicate that the mineral corresponds to a M2Sc-analog of winchite. Scandio-winchite is most likely a secondary phase of metasomatic origin related to the evolution of the country rocks and partial alteration of the blackwall chlorite schists xenolith induced by the pegmatitic melt and associated fluids.
MicroRNA Profiles in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Alikiaii Babak , Bagherniya Mohammad , Askari Gholamreza , Rajendram Rajkumar , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2023

:

The use of biomarkers to expedite diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment
could significantly improve patient outcomes. The early diagnosis and treatment of critical
illnesses can greatly reduce mortality and morbidity. Therefore, there is great interest
in the discovery of biomarkers for critical illnesses. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs)
are a highly conserved group of non-coding RNA molecules. They regulate the expression
of genes involved in several developmental, physiological, and pathological processes.
The characteristics of miRNAs suggest that they could be versatile biomarkers. Assay
panels to measure the expression of several miRNAs could facilitate clinical decision--
making for a range of diseases. We have, in this paper, reviewed the current understanding
of the role of miRNAs as biomarkers in critically ill patients.
Recent Advances in Research on Active Compounds Against Hepatic
Fibrosis
Authors: Liu Chuang , Li Siqi , Zhang Changhao , Jin Cheng-Hua
Published: July 2023

Background:

Almost all chronic liver diseases cause fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer. Liver fibrosis is now considered to be a reversible pathophysiological process and suppression of fibrosis is necessary to prevent liver cancer. At present, no specific drugs have been found that have hepatic anti-fibrotic activity

Objective:

The research progress of anti-hepatic fibrosis compounds in recent ten years was reviewed to provide a reference for the design and development of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs.

Methods:

According to the structure of the compounds, they are divided into monocyclic compounds, fused-heterocyclic compounds, and acyclic compounds.

Results:

In this article, the natural products and synthetic compounds with anti-fibrotic activity in recent ten years were reviewed, with emphasis on their pharmacological activity and structure-activity relationship (SAR).

Conclusion:

Most of these compounds are natural active products and their derivatives, and there are few researches on synthetic compounds and SAR studies on natural product.
Cardiac Organoids: A 3D Technology for Disease Modeling and Drug
Screening
Authors: Zhu Yuxin , Yang Sheng , Zhang Tianyi , Ge Yiling , Wan Xin , Liang Geyu
Published: July 2023

:

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide; therefore,
there is increasing attention to developing physiological-related in vitro cardiovascular
tissue models suitable for personalized healthcare and preclinical test. Recently, more
complex and powerful in vitro models have emerged for cardiac research. Human cardiac
organoids (HCOs) are three-dimensional (3D) cellular constructs similar to in vivo organs.
They are derived from pluripotent stem cells and can replicate the structure, function,
and biogenetic information of primitive tissues. High-fidelity HCOs are closer to natural
human myocardial tissue than animal and cell models to some extent, which helps
to study better the development process of the heart and the occurrence of related diseases.
In this review, we introduce the methods for constructing HCOs and the application
of them, especially in cardiovascular disease modeling and cardiac drug screening. In addition,
we propose the prospects and limitations of HCOs. In summary, we have introduced
the research progress of HCOs and described their innovation and practicality of
them in the biomedical field.
The Role of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in Epilepsy and other
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Phytochemical-based Therapeutic
Approa-ches and Mechanisms
Authors: Singh Mansi , Panda Siva Prasad
Published: July 2023

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease affecting 50 million individuals worldwide,
and some forms of epilepsy do not respond to available treatments. Overactivation of the glutamate
pathway and excessive entrance of calcium ions into neurons are proposed as the biochemical
mechanisms behind epileptic seizures. However, the overactivation of neurons has also been
associated with other neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's,
and multiple sclerosis. The most widely used food ingredient, monosodium glutamate
(MSG), increases the level of free glutamate in the brain, putting humans at risk for NDDs and
epilepsy. Glutamate is a key neurotransmitter that activates nerve cells. MSG acts on glutamate
receptors, specifically NMDA and AMPA receptors, leading to an imbalance between excitatory
glutamate and inhibitory GABA neurotransmission. This imbalance can cause hyperexcitability of
neurons and lead to epileptic seizures. Overuse of MSG causes neuronal cells to become overexcited,
which in turn leads to an increase in the flow of Ca2+ and Na+ ions, mutations, and upregulation
in the enzymes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1) and TDP43, all of which contribute to the
development of NDDs. While TDP43 and SOD-1 protect cells from damage, a mutation in their
genes makes the proteins unprotective and cause neurodegeneration. Yet to what extent mutant
SOD1 and TDP43 aggregates contribute to neurotoxicity is generally unknown. This study is focused
on neuroprotective herbal medications that can pass the blood-brain barrier and cure MSGinduced
NDDs and the factors that influence MSG-induced glutaminergic, astrocyte, and GABAergic
neuron abnormalities causing neurodegeneration.