bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of seven cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature and establishment of a prognostic nomogram predicting overall survival in patients with endometrial cancer
Authors: Pang Xuecheng , Qian Sumin
Published: November 2022

Cuproptosis is a new modality of cell death regulation that is currently considered as a new cancer treatment strategy. However, cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (CRLs) have an unclear relationship with endometrial cancer (EC). In this study, a total of 906 CRLs were identified, and 7 specific cuproptosis-related lncRNAs (AL807761.3, AF131215.7, AC008073.2, AC009229.1, CDKN2A.DT, LINC01615, LINC01166) were selected to conduct a risk model. Patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the median of risk score. The prognosis of the high-risk group was worse than that of the low-risk group, and the predictive accuracy was high (AUC = 0.781), indicating the good reliability and specificity of our risk model. According to Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and GSEA, both metabolism and cytoskeleton have CRL participation. In addition, we found that the CRLs-related scores were associated with the ESTIMATE score. Stratified survival analysis also revealed that the risk signature have has a high prediction accuracy among people with different clinicopathological characteristics. Further in vitro experimental validation indicated that LINC01615 may promote the invasion of EC cells during progression. The efficient risk model based on seven CRLs has a high prognostic accuracy, and LINC01615 may act as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for EC patients.
Evaluation of In-Vitro Cytotoxicity, Genotoxicity and Cardiac Safety of Hydrogenated Cannabidiol on Cells Using Metabolic Assay, AMES and hERG Test
Authors: Tesfatsion Tesfay , Ramirez Giovanni , Collins Arianna , Ray Kyle , Cruces Westley
Published: November 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many, naturally biosynthesized compounds, produced by cannabis sativa. Hydrogenated cannabidiol (H4CBD) also found in trace amounts within the cannabis sativa cannabinoid profile. To determine the efficacy of this rare cannabinoid, several experiments were set up to effectively determine the safety of such cannabinoid. The hydrogenated analogue, H4CBD, at varying concentrations is exposed to cultured primary normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLF’s), primary human neural progenitor cells (NPC’s), and primary human hepatocytes, to evaluate the effects H4CBD imposes on such cell lines. Introducing the AMES test for the testing of genotoxicity provides in-depth evidence towards the safety profile of H4CBD. The human ether-a-go-go (hERG) study is important for any further studies to be conducted since many possible drugs might cause issues to the heart, leading to failed clinical trials for adverse effects. A cardiac arrhythmia test on the hERG related gene was also conducted to determine the safety of H4CBD to cardiomyocytes and their cardiac action potentials. Herein, we report the safety data obtained from various cell viability, genotoxicity, and cardiac safety (hERG) studies.
Prediction of global potential suitable habitats of Nicotiana alata Link et Otto based on MaxEnt model
Authors: Zhang YanFang , Chen Shutong , Gao Yun , Yang Long , Yu Hua
Published: November 2022

Nicotiana alata Link et Otto, widely used in landscaping, is not only of great ornamental value but also of high commercial and medical value. The global potential habitat of N. alata and the environmental factors affecting its distribution are not that clear at present. To provide a reference for the reasonable and extensive planting of N. alata now and in the future, MaxEnt model was used to predict its global suitable habitats under current and future climate conditions, respectively, based on global geographic distribution data of N. alata and the current and future world bioclimatic variables. The results showed that mean annual temperature (bio1), annual precipitation (bio12), temperature seasonality (bio4), and mean temperature of driest quarter (bio9) were the key bioclimatic variables governing the distribution of N. alata. The global suitable habitats of N. alata were mainly distributed in Europe, the United States, Mexico, southeastern South America, and southern Africa under current climate conditions. Compared with current climate conditions, the future climate decreased suitable habitats of N. alata under SSP1-2.6 scenario and increased suitable habitats of N. alata under SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5 climatic scenarios. The results provided valuable information and theoretical reference for the reasonable planting of N. alata.
Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC) is a diagnosis ex juvantibus: study design and diagnostic criteria of a prospective, observational, multi-center study
Authors: Schach Christian , Koertl Thomas , Harler Bianca , Zeman Florian , Koller Michael , Lavall Daniel , Maier Lars S. , Wachter Rolf , Sossalla Samuel
Published: November 2022

Background: Arrhythmias and heart failure in form of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) frequently coexist. Arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC) by definition is a state of reversible LVSD caused by supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmia. Diagnosis of AIC only can be made retrospectively ex juvantibus, and thus deserves consideration. Our aim is to determine prevalence and time course of AIC in patients presenting with tachycardia and newly diagnosed, unexplained LVSD.
Methods: In this prospective, observational, investigator-initiated, multi-center trial, we screen for patients with LVSD (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%) and tachyarrhythmia (HR > 100/min). After effective rhythm restoration, they are followed-up at 2, 4 and 6 months to evaluate clinical characteristics, biomarkers and cardiac imaging. Left ventricular morphology and function are assessed with transthoracic echocardiography, and left ventricular scar is quantified with cardia magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, quality of life is measured with a questionnaire (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure). Unconventionally, the group assignment was done after the last follow-up visit (diagnosis ex juvantibus). Patients, whose LVEF recovered from LVSD, i.e. increases by ≥15% vs. baseline or increases to ≥50% with an absolute increase of ≥10% were assigned to the AIC group (arm 1). All other patients serve as comparator (arm 2, non-AIC group). Next, prevalence (equals the number of patients in arm 1 divided by the total number of patients) and time to recovery from AIC (time of follow-up visit, in which the LVEF recovered) were calculated and initial morphologic and functional parameters analyzed for predictive power of an AIC.
Discussion: We investigate the prevalence of and the time to recovery from AIC in a clinically relevant cohort of patients with newly diagnosed and otherwise unexplainable LVSD and coexisting tachyarrhythmia. Results will help to establish correct diagnoses, describe the frequency of this disease, and possibly identify predictors for AIC.
Caregiver Experiences of Caring for Family Members with Urostomy in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Han Xiaojuan , Gao Kaixia , Shang Linping , Wei Liang
Published: November 2022

Background

In China, bladder tumors rank first for morbidity and mortality among urological and reproductive system tumors. In 2014, there were 78,100 new bladder tumor cases and 32,100 deaths in China, with morbidity and mortality rates of 5.71/100,000 and 2.35/100,000,respectively. Total radical cystectomy plus urinary flow conversion is the gold standard for the treatment of muscle-layer invasive bladder cancer. With an increasing number of radical cystectomies each year, the number of patients living with urostomy is growing. After discharge, primary care of urostomy patients is given at home, and high demands are placed on home caregivers due to issues of privacy and the complexity of replacing the urostomy device. This research explored the challenges faced by the family caregivers of urostomy patients.

Methods

We used descriptive qualitative research methods to conduct interviewswith twelve family caregivers of patients with urostomy. The interviewees were selected using the purposive sampling technique at the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Three critical challenges were identified – confusion, family crisis, and psychology. Within these three themes, six sub-themes emerged. They were knowledge and skill deficiency, uncertainty, role conflict, economic burden, emotional overwhelmed and calm acceptance.

Conclusion

Family caregivers play a critical role in patient care, and especially in urostomy care. Caregiving is associated with significant challenges that hinder the family caregiver’s ability to effectively care for the patient, further diminishing the caregiver’s quality of life. Therefore, healthcare professionals should consider the challenges faced by family caregivers and take measures to obviate them through education, preparation, and support.
Elective Adhesiolysis for Chronic Abdominal Pain Reduces Long- term Risk of Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Beukel Barend A.W. , Toneman Masja K. , Veelen Fleur , Alblas Marjolein Blussé van Oud - , Dongen Koen van , Stommel Martijn W.J. , Goor Harry van , Broek Richard P.G. ten
Published: November 2022

Background:
Selected patients with adhesion-related chronic abdominal pain can be treated effectively by adhesiolysis with the application of adhesion barriers. These patients might also have an increased risk to develop adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO). It is unknown how frequently these patients develop ASBO, and how elective adhesiolysis for pain impacts the risk of ASBO.
Methods:
Patients with adhesion-related chronic pain were included in this cohort study with long-term follow-up. The diagnosis of adhesions was confirmed using CineMRI. The decision for operative treatment of adhesions was made by shared agreement based on the correlation of complaints with CineMRI findings. The primary outcome was the five years incidence of readmission for ASBO. Incidence was compared between patients with elective adhesiolysis and those treated non-operatively and between patients with and without previous ASBO. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for ASBO. Secondary outcomes included reoperation for ASBO and self-reported pain and other abdominal symptoms.
Results:
A total of 122 patients were included, 69 patients underwent elective adhesiolysis. Thirty patients in both groups had previous episodes of ASBO in history. During 5-year follow-up the readmission rate for ASBO was 6.5% after elective adhesiolysis compared to 26.9% after non-operative treatment (p=0.012). These percentages were 13.3% compared to 40% in the subgroup of patients with previous episodes of ASBO (P=0.039). In multivariable analysis elective adhesiolysis was associated with a decreased risk of readmission for ASBO with a odds ratio of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.07-0.65), the risk was increased in patients with previous episodes with a hazard ratio of 19.2 (95% CI: 2.5-144.4). There was no difference between the groups in the prevalence of self-reported abdominal pain. However, in surgically treated patients the impact of pain on daily activities was lower, and the incidence of other symptoms was lower.
Conclusion:
More than one in four patients with chronic adhesion-related pain develop episodes of ASBO when treated non-operatively. Elective adhesiolysis reduces the incidence of ASBO in patients with chronic adhesion-related symptoms, both in patients with and without previous episodes of ASBO in history.
Trial registration:
The study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov under NCT01236625
Clinical Application of Vacuum Sealing Drainage in treating 24 cases of Cervical Esophageal Fistula
Authors: Yu Yang , Ling Zhang , Jing Zhuang , Xiongmei Huang , Xiongwen Qiu , Penghua Zeng , Zhaoxian Lin , Chun（lacustrian@ Chen
Published: November 2022

Objective
In treating cervical esophageal fistula caused by trauma, tumor, surgery and other reasons, vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) used in order to speed up the healing and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Methods
In 24 cases of patients diagnosed with cervical esophageal fistula, the wound surface was opened completely to expose the fistula. Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) devices were used to control infection, assisted by measures such as gastrointestinal decompression, prohibition of oral feeding, parenteral high nutritional support, and anti-inflammation, etc.
Result
24 patients treated with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) have been discharged from the hospital smoothly. After 3–6 months of follow-up and reexamination, all the cases were proved to heal well with no obvious sequelae and no recurrence of fistula.
Conclusion
For patients with cervical esophageal fistula, it is significant to apply the method of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) for clinical treatment, which can effectively shorten the length of hospital stay, enable the patients to return to normal life earlier and enter the later stage of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as soon as possible. Hence it is worthy of clinical promotion.
Alpha-Lipoic acid supplementation corrects pathological alterations in cellular models of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration with residual PANK2 expression levels
Authors: Talaverón-Rey Marta , Álvarez-Córdoba Mónica , Villalón-García Irene , Povea-Cabello Suleva , Suárez-Rivero Juan M. , Gómez-Fernández David , Romero-González Ana , Suárez-Carrillo Alejandra , Munuera-Cabeza Manuel , Cilleros-Holgado Paula , Reche-López Diana , Piñero-Pérez Rocío , Alcazar Jose A Sanchez
Published: November 2022

Background
Neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases that have in common the accumulation of iron in the basal nuclei of the brain which are essential components of the extrapyramidal system. Frequent symptoms are progressive spasticity, dystonia, muscle rigidity, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and retinal degeneration or optic nerve atrophy. One of the most prevalent subtypes of NBIA is Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). It is caused by mutations in the gene of pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2) which encodes the enzyme responsible for the first reaction on the coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis pathway. Thus, deficient PANK2 activity induces CoA deficiency as well as low expression levels of 4′-phosphopantetheinyl proteins which are essential for mitochondrial metabolism.
Methods
This study is aimed at evaluating the role of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in reversing the pathological alterations in fibroblasts and induced neurons derived from PKAN patients. Iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, transcript and protein expression levels of PANK2, mitochondrial ACP (mtACP), 4′-phosphopantetheinyl and lipoylated proteins, as well as pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and Complex I activity were examined.
Results
Treatment with α-LA was able to correct all pathological alterations in responsive mutant fibroblasts with residual PANK2 enzyme expression. However, α-LA had no effect on mutant fibroblasts with truncated/incomplete protein expression. The positive effect of α-LA in particular mutations was also confirmed in induced neurons derived from mutant fibroblasts.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that α-LA treatment can increase the expression levels of PANK2 and reverse the mutant phenotype in PANK2 responsive mutations. The existence of residual enzyme expression in some affected individuals raises the possibility of treatment using high dose of α-LA.
Speed and Torque Control of Pneumatic Motors Using Controlled Pulsating Flow
Authors: Aziz Mohamed Ahmed , Benini Ernesto , Khalifa Mohamed Ahmed , Gaheen Osama Abd elmonem
Published: November 2022

Pneumatic motors have several advantages over electric motors and have many robotics and automation applications. However, the performance control of pneumatic motors is not satisfactory mainly due to air compressibility and the high cost of conventional control methods using proportional control valves. This paper presents an unprecedented application of pneumatic motor control using a pulsating compressed air technique. The study also included validated simulations using the Automation Studio program to control the pneumatic motor’s speed and torque. The results showed a clear and noticeable improvement in controlling the pneumatic motor outputs and demonstrated that the improvements are frequency functions of the compressed air source pulses and pressure. In addition, the results showed remarkable success in controlling the pneumatic motor outputs depending on the frequency of the compressed air-source pulses and pressure. Pulsating air frequencies of 1.5, 3, and 4.5 Hz were considered as inlet source pressure changed from 1.72, 3.45, and 5.17 bar. Furthermore, empirical correlations have been developed for advanced use in automatic control circuits at an error of 6.3–9.5% in predicting the motor speed and torque outputs.
Deep neural network-based automatic bowel gas segmentation on X-ray images for particle beam treatment
Authors: Kumakiri Toshio , Mori Shinichiro , Mori Yasukuni , Hirai Ryusuke , Hashimoto Ayato , Tachibana Yasuhiko , suyari Hiroki , Ishikawa Hitoshi
Published: November 2022

Since particle beam distribution is vulnerable to change in bowel gas because of its low density, we developed a deep neural network (DNN) for bowel gas segmentation on X-ray images. We used 6688 image datasets from 209 cases as training data and 102 image datasets from 51 cases as test data. For the training data, we prepared three types of digitally reconstructed radiographic (DRR) images (all-density, bone and gas) by projecting the treatment planning CT image data. However, the real X-ray images acquired in the treatment room showed low contrast that interfered with manual delineation of bowel gas. Therefore, we used synthetic X-ray images converted from DRR images in addition to real X-ray images. We evaluated DNN segmentation accuracy for the synthetic X-ray images using Intersection over Union (IoU), recall, precision, and the Dice coefficient, which measured 0.708 ± 0.208, 0.832 ± 0.170, 0.799 ± 0.191, and 0.807 ± 0.178, respectively. The evaluation metrics for the real X-images were less accurate than those for the synthetic X-ray images (0.408 ± 0237, 0.685 ± 0.326, 0.490 ± 0272, and 0.534 ± 0.271, respectively). Our DNN appears useful in increasing treatment accuracy in particle beam therapy.
Population pharmacokinetics of voriconazole and CYP2C19 phenotype for dose optimization in hematological patients with invasive fungal infections
Authors: Hu Lin , Huang Qi
Published: November 2022

Aims
The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that impact on voriconazole trough concentration and explore the optimal dosing regimen of voriconazole for different CYP2C19 genotypes in a Chinese population.
Methods
Medical records of inpatients were reviewed retrospectively. Multivariate linear regression and population pharmacokinetic analysis was used to identify the factors contributing to the variability of voriconazole trough concentrations.
Results
A total of 363 voriconazole trough concentrations from 89 patients were included, with high inter- and intraindividual variability. At the measurement of the first trough concentration, the target range (1.0–5.5 mg·L− 1) was achieved in 68.5% of patients, while subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations were obtained in 28.1% and 3.4% of patients, respectively. In our study, the most commonly identified cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) phenotype was normal metabolizers (NMs) (46.1%), followed by intermediate metabolizers (IMs) (40.4%) and poor metabolizers (PMs) (13.5%). Initial trough concentrations were adjusted for dose, with NMs and IMs were both significantly lower than PMs (PN−P=0.010 and PI−P=0.048, respectively). The median intravenous maintenance dose to reach a therapeutic range was significantly lower than the recommended intravenous maintenance dose (P = 0.009). Affecting factors in our study such as age, administration routes, CYP2C19 polymorphisms and aspartate transaminase (AST) explained 41.4% of the variability in voriconazole exposure. The final model of voriconazole population pharmacokinetic analysis contained age as a significant covariate for the distribution volume and CYP2C19 phenotype as a significant covariate for the clearance rate. Dose simulations indicated that 300, 250, 150 mg orally twice daily is appropriate for NMs, IMs and PMs to achieve target range, respectively.
Conclusions
To increase the probability of achieving the therapeutic range and improving efficacy, CYP2C19 phenotype can be used to predict voriconazole trough concentrations and guide dose adjustment.
A simple method to evaluate the uncertainty of magnetotelluric forward modeling for practical three-dimensional conductivity structure models
Authors: Baba Kiyoshi
Published: November 2022

The forward calculation of magnetotelluric (MT) responses is generally assumed to be sufficiently accurate compared with typical observational errors in practical modeling and inversion studies. Although the uncertainty of the forward calculation may be examined by comparison with analytical or other numerical solutions for some simple models, such an examination does not guarantee that the uncertainty is similar for more realistic complex structures. In this study, I propose a simple method to evaluate the random component of the uncertainty of MT forward modeling for practical three-dimensional (3D) conductivity structure models in a Cartesian coordinate system. The method is based on the idea that the horizontal coordinate system can be selected arbitrarily for a general 3D structure. The synthesized MT responses are ideally identical irrespective of the selection but are different because of the difference in discretization angles, boundary values, and numerical errors. By synthesizing MT responses to the model in several different coordinate systems, the mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation can be calculated. These statistics provide quantitative information on how stably the forward calculations synthesize MT responses under the given conditions of the structure model, observation array, periods, numerical algorithm for the forward modeling, and mesh design. The proposed method was applied to two practical situations of seafloor MT arrays in the northwestern Pacific and southern Atlantic. I used 3D models consisting of 3D topography and bathymetry over subsurface layered structures given in previous studies. The results show that the uncertainty is comparable to real observation errors and is significantly dependent on the MT impedance element, period, site, structure model, and horizontal coordinate system. The uncertainty of the forward calculation should be considered for each element, period, and site to quantitatively evaluate how well a given model explains the data. I propose a new root-mean-square in which the residuals are normalized by both the standard errors of the MT responses observed and synthesized. This would help avoid overfitting data in the inversion analysis by ignoring the uncertainty of the forward calculation. This method is also useful for testing the appropriate selection of the coordinate system and mesh design.
Optically Transparent Triple and Dual Band Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber Based on Indium Tin Oxide and PET Substrate
Authors: K Mahendran , H Sudarsan , S Rathika
Published: November 2022

A simple optically transparent polarization and angular insensitive triple and dual band Terahertz (THz) Metamaterial Absorber (MMA) is designed and analysed in this paper. The MMA consists of three layers, dielectric layer is placed in-between the ground plane and top metallic patch. Without using stacked layers, doping and multiple resonators the absorber is designed here. The metal and substrate used here is Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). The ITO with PET combination produces the optical transparency. The important thing in this work is the same design produces the triple and dual band operation while changing the top patch radius value. The absorber produces the triple band operation when the radius of the top circle is 65 and it produces the dual band when the radius of the top circle is 55. It covers the frequency ranges from 0.3 THz to 1.4 THz. The designed structure is analysed by electric field, magnetic field distribution and surface current distributions. This structure is polarization and angle independent up to 90 degrees. From the parametric analysis, we found this absorber will work in both triple and dual band operation. So, this bifunctional working absorber will find more applications in optically transparent devices, sensing and imaging.
Assessment of parent’s awareness about sight-threating eye diseases in children in Damascus Hospital
Authors: Al-Mamar Khaled , Othman Noureddine , Salman Afraa
Published: November 2022

Background:
Eye diseases are among the common health problems that a person may be exposed to and are of particular importance in childhood. These diseases range from simple health problems that go away without the need for medical treatment, and health problems that require medical intervention to treat them. Care must be taken to periodically review the ophthalmologist. To conduct the necessary examinations, avoid the development of eye diseases as much as possible, and reduce the chance of complications that may accompany it, including loss of vision, and common diseases that may affect the eye, we mention the following: congenital glaucoma, refraction, strabismus, congenital cataract, amblyopia (lazy eye) Retinopathy of preterm infants.
Design:
A cross-sectional study was conducted using the questionnaire tool, targeting the parents who attended Damascus Hospital, the eye clinics within the hospital, and the Al-Mujtahid department, the first aid and care department.
Methods:
The questionnaires used were randomly distributed to 518participants to form the total sample studied.
Results:
In our study, we focused on the demographic aspects related to the sample members at the beginning, which will form the first and main party in the various relationships and associations studied in the context of our research, as they carry an important value and constitute a basic indicator that reflects the groups that have the greatest or least amount of knowledge about eye diseases that threaten sight in children, Among the 518 participants, females were more than half of the sample with a percentage of 59.7%, while males were 40.3%, and most of them were in the age group of 30-40 years with a percentage of 44.4%, and most of them were married at a rate of 84.7%, and the educational level was somewhat similar, between intermediate and secondary education As for the nature of the participants’ work, housewives had the largest percentage, reaching 37.3%, and 72% of the participants had one to three children.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes in COVID-19 patients with chronic kidney disease in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron wave: a case-control study
Authors: Guo Yue , Guo Yifei , Yu Weien , Ying Huajian , Chen Shiqi , Zhang Yao , Zhang Shenyan , Lin Yanxue , Sun Feng , Zhang Yongmei , Zhu Haoxiang , Yu Jie , Ma Ke , Qin Lunxiu , Long Feng , Mao Richeng , Xue Jun , Zhang Jiming
Published: November 2022

Background
Since March 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, mainly the BA.2 sub-lineage, has swept throughout Shanghai, China and caused a wide range of infections. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are particularly vulnerable to the subvariant and have unique clinical manifestations and outcomes, which have not been studied yet.
Methods
We retrospective collected data from 2140 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection from March 29, 2022, to May 17, 2022. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, ancillary examination results, and treatments were described respectively. Presence of COVID-19 pneumonia, disease severity (according to WHO), composite outcome (critical COVID-19 and death), and negative conversion time were defined as primary outcomes. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate risk factors affecting the primary outcomes.
Results
The main clinical types of CKD group were severe and critical. Negative conversion time varies according to the stage of CKD patients. The CKD group was more likely to have pneumonia, respiratory and circulatory support, severe disease and death, as compared to the non-CKD group. CKD and the number of comorbidities were found to be risk factors for pneumonia, critical COVID-19and composite outcome among Omicron patients.
Conclusion
We provided the first snapshot of clinical characteristics and outcomes of CKD patients in the Omicron wave, highlighting the vulnerability of CKD population and providing clues for future studies in special or immunocompromised populations.
Simulteneous Equation Method for the Estimation of Gallic Acid and Apigenin by Uv-visible Spectrophotometry
Authors: MEVADA Mevada S. D. , patel Patel H. U. , Mevada Shweta D. , mevada mevada shweta
Published: November 2022

A simple, rapid, accurate, economic and precise UV/VIS method has been developed and validated. Choices of a common solvent were essential so various solvent ranges including methanol, ethanol, Acetonitrile and phosphate buffer and various concentrations ranges of various buffers were analyzed. Hence methanol was selected as a solvent for the proposed method. Gallic Acid and Apigenin showed maximum absorbance at 217 and 268 nm respectively. Both drugs obey Beer Lambert’s law in the concentration range of 0.5-3 µg mL-1 for Gallic Acid and Apigenin respectively. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.00379 µg mL-1and 0.011µg mL-1for Gallic Acid, respectively. For, Apigenin the LOD and LOQ values were found to be 0.00801 µg mL-1 and 0.024µg mL-1 respectively. The method was quantitatively evaluated in terms of linearity, precision, precision, LOD, LOQ and recovery. The method is simple, convenient and suitable for the analysis of Gallic Acid and Apigenin in bulk drug.
Proteomic analysis of plasma to identify novel biomarkers for intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation in preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Back Ji Hyun , Kim So Yeon , Gu Man Bock , Kim Hyeon Ji , Lee Kyong-No , Lee Ji Eun , Park Kyo Hoon
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to identify potential plasma biomarkers associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and/or intraamniotic inflammation (IAI) in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). This retrospective cohort study included 182 singleton pregnant women with PPROM (23–33 weeks) who underwent amniocentesis. Plasma samples were analyzed using label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for proteome profiling using a nested case-control study design (cases with MIAC/IAI vs. non-MIAC/IAI controls [n = 9 each]). Three identified target molecules for MIAC/IAI were further verified by ELISA in the study cohort (n = 182). Shotgun proteomic analysis revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins (P < 0.05) in the plasma of MIAC/IAI cases. In particular, the levels of FCGR3A and haptoglobin, but not LRP1, were found to be increased in the plasma of patients with MIAC, IAI, and both MIAC/IAI compared with those without these conditions. Moreover, these differences remained significant after adjusting for gestational age at sampling. The area under the curves of plasma FCGR3A and haptoglobin ranged within 0.59–0.65 with respect to each of the three outcome measures. Plasma FCGR3A and haptoglobin were identified as potential independent biomarkers for non-invasively detecting MIAC/IAI in women with PPROM.
Facile Synthesis of Copper Oxide Micro/-nanostructures with prospective Insecticidal Activity on Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda)
Authors: Ayoub Haytham A. , Khairy Mohamed , El-Gepaly Hosam
Published: November 2022

Nanotechnology provides innovative agrochemicals for improving crop production and quality by fabricating nanomaterial-based agrochemicals (i.e. nano-pesticides). The application of nano-pesticides in modern agriculture offers efficient programs for pest management. Herein, Copper oxide with flower-like structure (CuO-FLS) and rod-like structure (CuO-RLS) were synthesized via simple wet chemical methods and applied against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda). The physicochemical properties of the synthesized CuO have a role in their insecticidal activity. The insecticidal activity for both is comparable without signifying differences between mortalities. CuO-FLS has a higher insecticidal effect (LC50 = 118.68 ppm) than CuO-RLS (LC50 = 134.95ppm).
Efficacy of Bitter Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) Extract for Removal of Egg Adhesiveness During Artificial Propagation of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822)
Authors: Ojebuola Timothy Okiki , Adebayo Olabode Thomas , Gbadamosi Oluyemi Kazeem
Published: November 2022

The best immersion period and concentration of bitter leaf plant extract that can efficiently remove egg adhesiveness of Clarias gariepinus was assessed. One male and a female C. gariepinus broodstock weighing 1.3kg and 1.4kg respectively were used for the breeding. Three different concentrations comprising (0.5, 1 and 1.5) % of bitter leaf extract were tested. Tannic acid of 0.75g diluted into one liter of water was used as reference de-adhesion agent while water without solution or extract was used as control. The fish eggs were rinsed with the solutions at different durations of 30, 60, and 90 seconds. Each concentration and rinsing time were recorded in triplicates. Data generated were subjected to Analysis of Variance test, Tukey multiple range tests was used as a follow up procedure. Third order polynomial regression analysis was used to determine the best concentration and immersion period that neutralizes adhesiveness in eggs of C. gariepinus. The result of the study showed that there were no significant differences (p = 0.05) in the non-adhesive egg, percentage hatchability of eggs immersed in bitter leaf plant extract and tannic acid solution. The use of bitter leaf extract at the lowest concentration of 0.5% and 30 seconds immersion period showed great de-adhension efficiency which gave highest percentage fertility, non- adhesive eggs and percentage hatchability of 97.40%, 95.07% and 90.09% respectively.
IL-6, TNF-α genes, and long non-coding RNAs are targets for non-structural proteins NS1 and NS2 of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: Dudek Inga , Czerkies Maciej , Kwiatek Agnieszka
Published: November 2022

Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) is one of the most prevalent respiratory viral pathogens among infants and toddlers under the age of two and the elderly. Two of eleven proteins of HRSV, non-structural proteins, NS1 and NS2, are not present in the viral particle but are the first to be translated during virus replication. Previous findings indicate a significant impact of NS proteins on the host immune response. Both NS proteins are linked with interferon signaling interference, efficiently blocking IFN-associated gene transcription and T-cell maturation by association with key proteins on the IFN-signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrated that viral non-structural proteins genes themselves cause differential expression of a number of human host genes, including those of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), a component of AP-1 transcription factor (FOSB), and long non-coding RNAs (MALAT1 and RP11-510N19.5). Thus, our results imply that NS proteins' impact goes beyond IFN-I signaling pathways and further into immune response regulation, especially in the case of lncRNA. It also provides new data on HRSV and host cell interplay and exposes viable and previously undiscussed ways of viral interference with the host immune system.
Behavior of Mn-sod, PAL1, aos1 and HPL genes in soybean plants overexpressing the NmDef02 defensin
Authors: Morales Alejandro E. , Soto Natacha , Delgado Celia , Hernández Yuniet , Carrillo Leonardo , Ferrero Camilo , Enríquez Gil A.
Published: November 2022

Plant defensins are a potential tool in crop improvement programs through biotechnology. Their antifungal action makes them attractive molecules for the production of transgenic plants. Information is currently lacking on what happens to the expression of defense genes in transgenic plants that overexpress a defensin. Here we show the relative expression of four defense-related genes: Mn-sod, PAL1, aos1 and HPL evaluated in two transgenic soybean events (Def1 and Def17) constitutively expressing the NmDef02 defensin gene. The expression of these defense genes showed a differential profile in the transgenic events, with the increased expression of the aos1 gene and the repression of the Mn-sod gene in both events, when compared to the non-transgenic control. Furthermore, the expression of the PAL1 gene only increased in the Def17 event. The results indicate that the changes occurred in the expression of defense genes in transgenic plants overexpressing the defensin NmDef02; did not have a negative effect on morphoagronomic parameters when compared to the non-transgenic control. Understanding the molecular changes that occur in these transgenic plants could be of interest in the short, medium and long term.
Demographics and Patterns of Injury in Patients with Sharp Penetrating Trauma admitted to a Greater Manchester Major Trauma Centre: A Retrospective Five-Year Study
Authors: McNamara John , Brkljac Milos , Bates Gregor , Satyadas Thomas
Published: November 2022

Background Sharp penetrating trauma represents 4.1% - 6.9% of all major trauma cases in the UK. The incidence of Sharp penetrating trauma is rising, with 47,000 offences in England and Wales in 2019. There has been limited published data on the victims of sharp penetrating trauma.
Methods We performed a single centre retrospective case note review of patients admitted to an urban major trauma centre following an assault with a sharp object from 1st January 2014 to the 31st December 2018. Data was collected on demographics, injury pattern, management, and outcome.
Results In total, 686 patients were included in the study. There was a year on year increase of admissions with sharp penetrating trauma from 100 admissions in 2014, to 194 in 2018. The majority of patients were male, with a mean age of 31, and 73% of our patients were of Caucasian ethnicity. Patients presented most frequently on weekends (53%). The length of stay increased over the study period from 2.3 days in 2014 to 4.0 days in 2018. The thorax was the most commonly injured body region, involved in 29% of presentations, followed by the abdomino-pelvis (21%). 51% of patients presented with multiple injuries, and the average number of stab wounds per patient increased from 1.95 in 2014 to 2.40 in 2018.
Conclusions Our study has demonstrated the incidence and severity of sharp penetrating trauma is increasing in central Manchester. The authors advocate the creation of a national knife crime database to further the implementation of prevention strategies.
An in-depth Analysis on Four Classes of Antidepressants Quantification from Human Serum using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Fariha Ramisa , Deshpande Prutha Sameer , Rothkopf Emma , Jabrah Mohannad , Spooner Adam , Okoh Oluwanifemi David , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: November 2022

Depression is a growing global crisis, with females at a higher rate of diagnosis than males. While the percentage of patients on prescribed antidepressants have tripled over the last two decades, we are still at a crossroad where discrepancy lies between finding a drug to suit a patient and monitoring the abundance of it in the body to prevent unwanted side-effects. Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has garnered the attention of clinicians as a technique to accurately monitor therapeutic drugs in human serum with high specificity and accuracy. This may be a potential solution, but challenge persists in the realm of sample preparation where a method is automatable. We have developed and validated an LC-MS/MS-based assay for simultaneous quantification of 5-different classes of the commonly prescribed antidepressants in women, that is automated using a JANUS® G3 Robotic Liquid Handler. Our method utilizes a simple sample preparation technique, utilizing only 20 μL of serum sample, to accurately measure Bupropion, Citalopram, Desipramine, Imipramine, Olanzapine, Sertraline and Vilazodone across a range of 1.0 to 230 ng/mL. Our method exhibits a linearity of R2 ≥0.99 when detected in MRM mode, and % CV of ≤20% for all analytes across the board. In addition, we have designed a prototype that can be utilized at a clinical mass spectrometry lab, and we have assessed the long-term use of this prototype using an accelerated stability study. Overall, our developed method has the potential to be translated to clinical settings to monitor post-partum depression for large number of patient samples using automation.
Silibinin protects GLUTag cells from PA-induced injury via suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Shi Xinyi , Zhang Luxin , Chu Chun , Zhang Xiaorong , Chen Na , Li Xiang , Liu Weiwei , Jiao Zixuan , Ikejima Takashi , Fanxing Xu
Published: November 2022

Silibinin is a natural extract exhibiting anti-diabetic effects. Lipotoxicty induced by excessive accumulation of free fatty acids (FFAs) leads to both insulin resistance and β cell insufficiency, which can trigger the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an intestinal hormone mainly secreted from L cells, regulates insulin production and sensitivity, and protection of the functional GLP-1 producing L cells appears to be a potential therapeutic strategy for T2DM patients. The current study aims to determine the protective effect of silibinin against palmitic acid (PA)-induced damage in L cell line GLUTag cells. In PA-treated GLUTag cells, silibinin was shown to decrease endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) reversed PA-induced apoptosis, indicating that protective autophagic response was accompanied by apoptosis in GLUTag cells. Based on the estrogen-like effects of silibinin and the role of estrogen receptors in regulating glycolipid metabolism, the involvement of estrogen receptors in protective effects of silibinin in GLUTag cells were further determined. The results showed estrogen receptor α and β-specific inhibitors reversed the inhibitory impact of silibinin on ER stress. Our study demonstrated that silibinin protects GLUTag cells from PA-induced injury by decreasing ER stress under the regulation of estrogen receptor α and β.
Groundwater recharge distribution due to snow cover in shortage conditions (2019-22) on the Gran Sasso carbonate aquifer (Central Italy)
Authors: Lorenzi Valeria , Barberio Marino Domenico , Sbarbati Chiara , Petitta Marco
Published: November 2022

Aquifer recharge by the snowpack is relevant to be assessed in order to evaluate groundwater availability in mountainous karst regions. The recharge due to snowpack in the Gran Sasso aquifer has previously been estimated through an empirical approach using elevation gradients. To validate and quantify the coverage and persistence of the snowpack over time through an objective method, satellite images have been analysed. The Campo Imperatore plain, the endorheic basin acting as a preferential recharge area of the aquifer, plays an important role, both for the snow cover and also for the infiltration and recharge of single springs. The identification of recharge areas has been validated by the stable isotope approach with the assessment of Computed Isotope Recharge Elevation based on the values and oscillations of the δ¹⁸O isotope recorded at the springs. The main findings confirm the high infiltration rate of Campo Imperatore plain and its direct influence on snow contribution to aquifer recharge. The extension of snow coverage out of this plain has a minor influence to recharge, highlighting that the main drivers for infiltration rate are karstic forms more than snow coverage on carbonate outcrops.
Machine Learning Application for Predicting Smoking Cessation Among US Adults
Authors: Issabakhsh Mona , Sánchez-Romero Luz M. , Le Thuy T. T. , Liber Alex , Tan Jiale , Li Yameng , Meza Rafael , Mendez David , Levy David
Published: November 2022

Identifying determinants of smoking cessation is critical for developing optimal cessation treatments and interventions. Machine learning (ML) is becoming more prevalent for smoking cessation success prediction in treatment programs. However, only individuals with an intention to quit participate in such programs, which limits the generalizability of the results. This study applies data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH), a United States longitudinal nationally representative survey, to select primary determinants of smoking cessation and to train ML classification models for predicting smoking cessation among the general population. An analytical sample of 9,281 adult current established smokers from the PATH survey wave 1 was used to develop classification models to predict smoking cessation by wave 2. Random forest and gradient boosting machines were applied for variable selection, and the SHapley Additive explanation method was used to show the effect direction of the top-ranked variables. The final model predicted wave 2 smoking cessation for current established smokers in wave 1 with an accuracy of 72% in the test dataset. The validation results showed that a similar model could predict wave 3 smoking cessation of wave 2 smokers with an accuracy of 70%. Our analysis indicated that more past 30 days e-cigarette use at the time of quitting, fewer past 30 days cigarette use before quitting, ages older than 18 at smoking initiation, fewer years of smoking, poly tobacco past 30-days use before quitting, and higher BMI resulted in higher chances of cigarette cessation for adult smokers in the US.