bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal(loid) tolerance, accumulation, and phytoremediation potential of wetland macrophytes for multi-metal(liod)s polluted water.
Authors: Khan Aqib Hassan Ali , Velasco-Arroyo Blanca , Rad Carlos , Curiel-Alegre Sandra , Rumbo Carlos , De Wilde Herwig , Pérez-de-Mora Alfredo , Martel-Martín Sonia , Barros Rocío
Published: December 2023

Natural based solutions rely heavily on identification and use of macrophytes with the ability to tolerate multiple contaminants and grow for an extended period to reduce contamination. The potential to tolerate and remediate metal(loid) contaminated groundwater from an industrial site located in Flanders (Belgium) was assessed for 10 wetland macrophytes (including Carex riparia, Cyperus longus, Cyperus rotundus, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, Lythrum salicaria, Menta aquatica, Phragmites australis, Scirpus holoschoenus,and Typha angustifolia). The experiment was conducted under static conditions, where plants were exposed to polluted acidic (pH~5) water for 15 days. Plant biomass, morphology, and metal uptake by roots and shoots were analysed every 5 days for all species. T. angustifolia and S. holoschoenus produced ~3 and ~1.1 times more dried biomass than the controls, respectively. For S. holoschoenus, P. australis, and T. angustifolia, no apparent morphological stress symptoms were observed, and plant heights were similar between control and plants exposed to polluted groundwater. Higher concentrations of all metal(loid)s were detected in the roots indicating a potential for phytostabilization of metal(loid)s below the water column. For J. effusus and T. angustifolia, Cd, Ni, and Zn accumulation was observed higher in the shoots. S. holoschoenus, P. australis, and T. angustifolia are proposed for restoration and phytostabilization strategies in natural and/or constructed wetland and aquatic ecosystems affected by metal(loid) inputs.
Novel genomic variants related to Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Body Adiposity Index (BAI) in Indian Sib-pairs
Authors: Walia Gagandeep , Agarwal Tripti , Lyngdoh Tanica , Khadgawat Rajesh , Dudbridge Frank , Kinra Sanjay , Relton Caroline , Smith George Davey , Ebrahim Shah , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Chandak Giriraj , Gupta Vipin
Published: December 2023

Background: Obesity is among the leading public health threats globally. Over the last few years, Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI), derived from anthropometric, and biochemical measures, have gained importance as a measure of obesity. However, unlike other common indices like body mass index, and waist circumference, the genetic predisposition of VAI, and BAI under-examined.
Methods: 2265 sib-pairs from Indian Migration Study were used for examining the association of genetic variants from the Cardio-Metabochip array with VAI, and BAI. Mixed linear regression models were run, and all inferences were based on the within-sib component of the Fulker’s association models. Gene-environment/lifestyle interaction analyses were also undertaken.
Results: rs6659428 at LOC400796|SEC16B (ꞵ=0.26, SE =0.05), and rs7611535 at DRD3|LOC645180 (ꞵ=0.18,SE =0.04) were associated with VAI at suggestive significance value of <8.21×10-6. For BAI, rs73300702 at JAZF1-AS1 (ꞵ=0.27,SE=0.06), was the top hit at p-value<8.21×10-6. rs6659428 showed marginal effect modification with location (ꞵ=0.26,SE=0.13,p-value=0.047), and rs73300702 with physical activity (ꞵ=-0.29,SE=0.14,p-value=0.034).
Conclusion: We report three novel genetic loci associated with VAI, and BAI in Indians. These findings need to be confirmed with longitudinal or validation studies in other populations and related functional studies for understanding the biological mechanisms of obesity and related-cardiometabolic conditions.
A preliminary nomogram model for predicting organ damage of patients with diffuse Systemic sclerosis
Authors: HUO Xiaocong , lin jinying , HUANG Xinxiang , YANG Yanting , WEI Chengcheng , MENG Danli , HUANG Rongjun
Published: December 2023

Background
The clinical manifestations of SSc are highly heterogeneous, and there is still no clinical predictive model that can accurately predict prognosis and guide treatment decision-making. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to explore effective and non-invasive biomarkers which can be efficiently used in the clinical management of patients with SSc.
Objective
To investigate the predictive factors of organ damage in systemic sclerosis and establish a nomogram model.
Methods
This project is a retrospective study. A total of 331 SSc patients treated in our hospital from September 2012 to September 2022 were included. Gender, age, course of disease, mRSS, OPN, KL-6, IL-6, Dlco% and other relevant data were collected. Cox regression analysis and lasso regression analysis were performed to determine the predictive factors. Based on the results, a nomogram model was established. The model were evaluated by C-indices, calibration plot and DCA.
Results
Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age ≥ 66 years old, course of disease ≥ 10 months, mRSS ≥ 14, DUs, elevated myoglobin, OPN ≥ 25ng/ml were independent risk factors for organ damage in patients with SSc (P < 0.05). According to lasso analysis, a nomogram model of organ damage was established. The C-indices of the development group at 24m, 48m and 72m were 64.4, 63.1 and 64.6, while the C-indices of the validation group at 24m, 48m and 72m were 63.7, 64.2 and 64.1, respectively.The results of DCA show that the nomogram can be used as a valuable predictive tool to predict irreversible organ damage in SSc patients.
Conclusion
OPN is an independent risk factor for organ damage in SSc. We included OPN and several other commonly used clinical indicators and constructed a nomogram model. According to the nomogram, we can calculate the probability of organ damage, identify high-risk patients, and improve the prognosis.
Case management for acquired brain injury: A systematic review of the evidence base.
Authors: Leonard Rachel , Linden Mark , Holloway Mark
Published: December 2023

Background
Brain Injury Case management involves coordinating and organising services and systems around brain injured clients and their families. Case managers may come from diverse professional backgrounds but have expert understanding of the unique and often complex needs of people with acquired brain injury. In what is the largest review on this topic to date, we sought to explore the international evidence base in relation to case managers and acquired brain injury.
Methods
Searches were conducted with seven databases, using a search strategy based on key terms relating to “case management” and “brain injury”. Eligible studies included peer reviewed publications, with books and magazine pieces excluded. All studies were screened and independently extracted by two reviewers. The quality of empirical studies was assessed by the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT), with the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists used for systematic reviews and text and opinion studies. Given the diversity of the evidence reviewed, findings were presented narratively.
Results
Electronic searches identified 2,062 studies, of which 35 were deemed eligible to be included in this review. Of these, 3 were reviews, 12 were opinion pieces, and 20 were empirical research studies. The majority came from the USA (n = 15) and the UK (n = 10), with other studies originating from Australia (n = 8) and Canada (n = 2). Narrative synthesis of included studies highlighted the challenges of measuring and evaluating the impact of case management for brain injury, vital aspects of case management, such as good communication and relationships with clients, supporting the wider family, and expertise relating to brain injury. Findings also indicated that case managers must work across the continuum of care, working with their clients’ long term, possibly across acute, to post-acute and into community services.
Conclusions
The relative infancy of the case management profession creates certain challenges, however it also provides an ideal opportunity to shape its future in a way that is beneficial for the client, family and healthcare providers. Case managers have already made significant developments to the profession since its conception, however, future progression requires collaboration between academics, clinicians and case managers, to produce better outcomes for clients and their families.
[18F]FDG PET radiomics score generated by cross-combination approach for treatment response and prognosis prediction in primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Zhao Jincheng , Rong Jian , Teng Yue , Chen Man , Jiang Chong , Chen Jianxin , Xu Jingyan
Published: December 2023

Objectives
We investigated the value of using a machine learning cross-combination approach to construct a PET radiomics score (RadScore) for predicting the early treatment response and prognosis of patients with primary gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PGI-DLBCL) treated with the R-CHOP-like regimen.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis on 108 PGI-DLBCL patients diagnosed between November 2016 and December 2021. Seven machine learning models were used to generate 49 feature selection-classification candidates, and the optimal candidate was selected to create RadScore. Logistic regression identified risk factors, and a radiomics nomogram combining RadScore with selected risk factors was constructed. The model was evaluated using calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
A total of 111 radiomics features were extracted, and 19 features with strong predictive performance were used to generate RadScore. Logistic regression analysis in the training cohort identified elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, intestinal involvement, and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) as independent risk factors for predicting early treatment response. The multi-parameter model incorporating RadScore, clinical risk factors, and metabolic factors showed good performance (training cohort AUC: 0.860; validation cohort AUC: 0.902). The RadScore is capable of effectively stratifying patients' progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Conclusions
The machine learning-based RadScore can predict the survival of PGI-DLBCL patients. When combined with clinical risk factors and metabolic factors, it forms a combinatorial model suitable for predicting early treatment response to R-CHOP-like chemotherapy regimens.
Autologous Rib Grafts for Craniocervical junction Surgery in Children: A Clinical Application
Authors: Deng Chenfu , Zou Xiaobao , Yang Haozhi , Fu Suochao , Chen Junlin , Ma Rencai , Xia Hong , Ma Xiangyang
Published: December 2023

Objective
Autologous iliac bone is commonly used as a bone graft material to achieve solid fusion in craniocervical junction (CVJ) surgery. However, the developing iliac bone of children is less than ideal as a bone graft material. The matured rib bone of children presents a potential substitute material for iliac bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autologous rib grafts for craniocervical junction surgery in children.
Methods
The outcomes of 10 children with abnormalities of the craniocervical junction who underwent craniocervical junction surgery between January 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent posterior fusion and internal fixation surgery with autologous rib grafts. Pre- and post-operative images were obtained and clinical follow-ups were conducted to evaluate neurological function, pain level, donor site complications, and bone fusion rates.
Results
All surgeries were successful. During the 8- to 24-month follow-up period, all patients achieved satisfactory clinical results. Computed tomography at 3–6 months confirmed successful bone fusion and regeneration of the rib defect in all patients with no neurological or donor site complications.
Conclusion
Autologous rib bone is a safe and effective material for bone grafting in craniocervical junction fusion surgery for children that can reduce the risks of donor site complications and increase the amount of bone graft, thereby achieving a higher bone fusion rate.
Long-term results and quality of life after stapled hemorrhoidopexy vs Doppler-guided HAL-RAR: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lauricella Sara , Palmisano Dario , Brucchi Francesco , Agoglitta Domenico , Fiume Massimiliano , Bottero Luca , Faillace Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Aim
The study aimed to evaluate and compare the short and long-term outcomes of doppler-guided (DG) hemorrhoidal artery ligation and rectoanal repair (HAL-RAR) using a wireless-doppler guided probe (HALO™ Trilogy) and stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) for treatment of II-III hemorrhoids.
Methods
This cohort study included patients who underwent HAL-RAR (n = 89) or SH (n = 174) for grade II-III hemorrhoids between January 2020 and December 2021. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 76 patients for each group were analyzed. Short and long-term outcomes were collected. Pain was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at POD1, POD 10, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery. The enrolled patients completed the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score Quality of Life (HDSS/SHS QoL) Quality of Life QoL questionnaire preoperatively and during a regular follow-up visit at 24 months after surgery.
Results
Groups exhibited comparable overall postoperative complication rates (15.7% HAL-RAR/ 17.1% SH; p = 0.3843). Postoperative pain via VAS showed median scores of 4, 3, 1, 1 for HAL-RAR and 6, 4, 2, 1 for SH at POD1, POD10, 1-month, and 6-months, respectively. At a median follow-up of 12 months, the recurrence rate was 10.5% in the HAL-RAR group and 9.2% in the SH group (p = 0.778801), respectively. At 24 months, 15.7% of HAL-RAR patients and 19.7% of SH patients remained symptomatic (p = 0.22313). Median post-op QoL index was 1 (HAL-RAR) and 0.92 (SH), p = 0.0365.
Conclusions
HAL-RAR is a safe and feasible technique in treating grade II-III hemorrhoids showing better outcomes in terms of postoperative pain and QoL.
Significance: This paper adds a new perspective in comparing the HAL-RAR and SH, focusing the attention on the patients and not surgical tecniques. A long and difficult follow-up was completed to fully understand the long-term results and the impact on the QoL of the patients that underwent these procedures.
Oridonin-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis: a dual approach to suppress the growth of osteosarcoma cell
Authors: Zhang Feifan , Hao Yang , Yang Ning , Liu Man , Luo Yage , Zhang Ying , Zhou Jian , Liu Hongjian , Li Jitian
Published: December 2023

Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common aggressive bone malignancy tumors in adolescents. With no significant advances in the treatment of OS in recent ten years, discovering new and effective anti-OS drugs became our top priority. Oridonin has been proved to mediate anti-tumor impact on OS cells, although it’s mechanism of action has not been fully understood.Methods Here, we investigated the inhibitory effect of oridonin on OS cells and its underlying mechanisms. In 143B and U2OS cells, oridonin’s pro-apoptosis and pro-ferroptosis effects on cell death, cell proliferation, cell migration, iron accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential and lipid peroxidation production were observed. Western blot (WB) and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis and ferroptosis-relative proteins and genes. Iron assay Kit was used to evaluate the relative Fe2+ content. The mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit and ROS assay kit were used to evaluate the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and lipid peroxidation production. The changes of oridonin’s inhibitory on malignant phenotype of OS cells were examined after treating OS cells with the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1).Results Oridonin potently inhibited OS cells viability and metastasis. Simultaneously, oridonin suppressed the expressions of BAX, cl-caspase3, SLC7A11, GPX4 and FTH1 proteins and mRNA, while promoting the expressions of Bcl-2 and ACSL4 in 143 and U2OS cells. Furthermore, we found that oridonin also boosted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), encouraged the buildup of Fe2+, and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in OS cells, but this effect can be reversed by Fer-1.Conclusion Oridonin can trigger apoptosis and ferroptosis collaboratively in OS cells, making it a promising and effective agent for OS therapy.
A Study of Livelihood Transformation Strategies for Digitally Driven Pastoralists’ Ecological Perceptions
Authors: lanlan Zhao , yong Xia , Xiandong Li
Published: December 2023

Digital information technology is progressively emerging as a key conduit for enhancing cognition, awakening, and fostering the transformation of herders’ subsistence practices. The digital countryside is a strategic avenue for rural rejuvenation. The essay examines the mediating role of grassland ecological cognition and uses 383 field research data from grassland pastoral areas in the northern frontier to analyze the influence of ICT embedding intensity on herders’ livelihood strategies using the Mlogit model. The research findings indicated that: (1) the northern herders’ primary livelihood choices were part-time and animal husbandry, which accounted for 52% of the total; on the other hand, the lowest proportion of work was done outside of their hometowns; and (2) there was a non-linear, inverted U-shaped relationship between the herders' livelihood strategies and ICT embeddedness. In other words, relative to the pure animal husbandry livelihood strategy, the deeper the ICT embedding intensity, the greater the probability of herders choosing the animal husbandry and part-time livelihood strategy, part-time livelihood strategy of animal husbandry and tourism, and work away from hometown livelihood strategy, but when the embedding intensity reaches the relative threshold, it will be unfavorable to the transformation of herders’ livelihoods. Therefore, herders should reasonably control the intensity of daily Internet access; (3) Herders’ ecological cognition can be greatly enhanced by ICT embedding, and herders’ online education and social interaction can also greatly enhance their ecological cognition; additionally, ecological cognition can act as a partial mediating factor between ICT embedding and the transformation of herders’ livelihood; (4) The analysis of heterogeneity indicates that it is advisable to limit the daily Internet access of herders to a range of 3–6 hours. This limitation has a positive impact on the transformation of herders’ livelihoods. Furthermore, within this range, a higher level of ICT embedding has a greater potential to promote the transformation of herders’ livelihoods, particularly among those in the middle and lower age groups.
Synthesis and Application of a New Polymeric Surfactant for Improving Oil Recovery: Interfacial Tension, Wettability and Viscosity Studies in Different Salinities
Authors: Golab Elias Ghaleh , Parvaneh Ronak , riahi siavash , Vatankhah-Varnosfaderani Mohammad , Nakhaee Ali
Published: December 2023

With the decline of conventional hydrocarbon reserves, polymers are widely used in various enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods like surfactant-polymer (SP) flooding and alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding. The SP flooding method has a very complex formulation and design, and due to improper mixing, there may be undesirable phase separation. Recently, interesting work has been reported on synthesizing polymeric surfactants for use in EOR. Polymeric surfactants, as new compounds, are an attractive alternative to SP flooding because polymeric surfactants in which hydrophobic groups are attached to hydrophilic polymers play a dual role in improving the mobility ratio and reducing interfacial tension (IFT). The present paper deals with the rheological and synthesis properties of a new polymeric surfactant produced by bond co-polymerization reaction using different ratios of hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) and a zwitterion hydrophobic group. Synthesized Hydrophobically Modified Zwitterionic Polyacrylamide (HMZPAM) was characterized by FTIR and HMNR analysis. The performance of polyacrylamide and HMZPAM were compared and the results show that HMZPAM was more and more suitable for EOR. HMZPAM was much better in IFT, Viscosity, Wettability, Oil recovery, and resistance to the different one and two valence cations. Our results show that while HPAM reduced the IFT to 13.65, HMZPAM reduced the IFT to 0.441 mN/m. The contact angle of the oil-wet rock sample changed to 62.76 (water-wet) and 21.23 degrees (strongly water-wet) using HPAM and HMZPAM, respectively. In salinity of 10,000 mg/l, the viscosity of HPAM and HMZPAM were measured as 62 cp and 174 cp, and at the shear rate of 400 S− 1, the viscosity of HPAM and HMZPAM was equal to 0.14 cp and 1.06 cp, respectively. HMZPAM also showed better properties in elevated salt concentrations. Core flooding tests showed that HMZPAM yields have better additional recovery due to the microscopic displacement than HPAM, with a total oil recovery of 84% compared to 48%.
Incorporation of RCM-simulated spatial details into climate change projections derived from global climate models
Authors: Ruosteenoja Kimmo , Räisänen Jouni
Published: December 2023

Regional climate models (RCMs) exhibit greater potential than global models (GCMs) in capturing geographical details of climate change arising from orography and land-water distribution, but dynamical downscalings are only available for a limited number of GCMs. The full GCM ensembles are much more representative. Furthermore, the current EURO-CORDEX RCM runs most likely underestimate future warming. Thus, neither GCMs nor RCMs as such constitute an ideal tool for preparing reliable spatially detailed climate projections.
This study introduces an easy-to-use GCM-RCM hybrid method that takes advantage of the best properties of both model categories. The large-scale response is adopted from GCM simulations, but the pattern is enriched with RCM-simulated details. For temperature projections, the procedure resembles the conventional pattern-scaling technique, but spatial averages of temperature change used for scaling are calculated over an area surrounding each grid point. For precipitation, a linearised version of the method has been formulated.
The applicability of the method is studied by integrating spatial details from 12 EURO-CORDEX RCM simulations with the CMIP6 multi-GCM mean projection. The resulting temperature responses include RCM-generated spatial details of up to ~1°C while effectively correcting the general tendency of RCMs to underestimate warming in Europe. The impact of the RCMs is most significant in summer. For precipitation, geographical details originating from the different CORDEX runs tend to diverge, leading to a low signal-to-noise ratio. This drawback is not due to the hybrid method but the substantial impact of internal variability on small-scale precipitation changes.
Functional Diversifications of Contact Calls in a Multi-level Primate Society
Authors: Yang Yi-Jun , Ying Yan , Tian Wen-Yong , Zhu Dai-Bo , Li Bao-Guo , Qi Xiao-guang
Published: December 2023

The ability to cultivate social relationships through language is human uniqueness. However, despite small repertoire sizes, nonhuman primates could use vocalization for social purposes too. Vocal communication could be evolutionarily ancient, and likely evolved hand-in-hand with complex, dynamic social structures. By studying the vocal communication in wild golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana), a species of Asian colobine living in 4-layer multi-level societies with fission-fusion dynamics, we unraveled the complex social functions of contact ‘coo’ calls. Contact calls helped cultivate both within- and between-unit relationships, and depending on the sexes, reproductive states, and social roles of callers and recipients, were also functionally diverse. Within units, calls replaced grooming and were supplementary to social proximity. Males directed more calls to lactating females, who were unavailable for grooming and away from unit centers due to extended foraging and childcare. Higher-ranking males called more frequently but did not receive more calls than lower-ranking ones. Considering their larger social network sizes and leadership roles, contact calls likely facilitated inter-unit proximity and were used for advertising intrasexual affiliation and alliances. By comparing the network of contact call exchange with that of social proximity and grooming, we identified the inter-unit social relationships that were otherwise inconspicuous and, more importantly, the potential mechanisms for maintaining male-male alliances and unit and band cohesion. Together with previous findings, we conclude that contact calls are economical and low-risk social tools for reassuring and advertising affiliation, resolving uncertainties, and promoting cohesion and alliance formation.
Factors associated with increased knowledge about breast density in women undergoing breast cancer screening
Authors: Bhattacharjee Avisak , Walsh David , Dasari Pallave , Hodson Leigh J. , Edwards Suzanne , White Sarah J. , Turnbull Deborah , Ingman Wendy V.
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and can impede detection of cancer by mammography. There is growing awareness of breast density in women attending breast cancer screening, however it is unclear whether this awareness is associated with increased knowledge. This study aims to evaluate breast density knowledge among Australian women attending breast cancer screening.
Method
This cross-sectional study was conducted among women undergoing breast cancer screening at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Breast/Endocrine outpatient department. Participants were provided with a questionnaire to assess knowledge, awareness and desire to know their own breast density.
Result
A consecutive sample of 427 women were invited, and 350 women responded (response rate 82%). Overall, 61% had heard the term ‘breast density’ before and 57% answered at least two of five questions about breast density correctly. Prior breast density notification (OR = 3.59, 95%CI = 2.03, 6.36; p < 0.001), breast density awareness (OR = 2.68, 95%CI = 1.72, 4.18; p < 0.001), younger age (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95, 0.98; p < 0.001), and English as the language spoken at home (OR = 2.93, 95%CI = 1.14, 7.54; p = 0.03) were independent predictors of ‘some knowledge’ of breast density. A significant proportion of participants (82%) expressed desire to ascertain their individual breast density.
Conclusion
While knowledge of breast density in this Australian cohort is generally quite low, we have identified factors associated with increased knowledge. Given that the majority of participants expressed the desire to know individual breast density, further studies are warranted to determine the optimal interventions to increase breast density knowledge.
Meta-analysis of the effects of lifestyle interventions during pregnancy to prevent hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Huang Lihua , Zhai Jinguo , Kong Ganxia , Wang xueyan , Chen Lijin , Yuan Xinyuan , Geng Xinqian , Chen Zhaotong , Liu Xuantian
Published: December 2023

Objective To investigate the preventive effect of lifestyle interventions during pregnancy on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Methods By searching in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Academic Journals Full Text Database, Wanfang Database Knowledge Service Platform and Vipshop Resource Master Database, we collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to the effects of lifestyle interventions during pregnancy on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and related maternal and infant outcomes . The search time frame was from database creation to 03/31/2023. Two investigators independently screened the literature, extracted materials, and evaluated the risk of bias of included studies before analysis using RevMan 5.4 software.
Results A total of 31 RCTs include 12737 study subjects . Meta-analysis results showed that compared with controls, lifestyle interventions during pregnancy were effective in preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [RR=0.69, 95% CI (0.57, 0.85), P=0.0004], gestational hypertension [RR=0.63, 95% CI (0.45, 0.88), P=0.007], and preeclampsia [RR=0.81, 95% CI (0.66, 0.99), P=0.04]. The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, caesarean scar, total gestational weight gain, macrosomia, and neonatal weight were lower in the lifestyle intervention group than in the control group; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gestational week of delivery and preterm infant incidence (P>0.05).
Conclusion Lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can effectively prevent the occurrence of gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus, reduce the incidence of caesarean scar and macrosomia, and reduce neonatal weight and total gestational weight gain; however, the difference in gestational week of delivery and the incidence of preterm infant between the two groups was not statistically significant, and more high-quality original studies are still needed to further validate the findings.
MRI-based cell tracking of OATP-expressing cell transplants by pre-labeling with Gd-EOB-DTPA
Authors: Bhattacharyya Tapas , Mallett Christiane , Shapiro Erik M
Published: December 2023

Purpose
A critical step in cell-based therapies is determining the exact position of transplanted cells immediately post-transplant. Here, we devised a method to detect cell transplants immediately post-transplant, using a clinical gadolinium-based contrast agent. These cells were detected as hyperintense signals using a clinically familiar T1-weighted MRI protocol.
Procedures:
HEK293 cells were stably transduced to express human OATP1B3, a hepatic organic anion transporting polypeptide that transports Gd-EOB-DTPA into cells that express the transporters, the intracellular accumulation of which cells causes signal enhancement on T1-weighted MRI. Cells were pre-labeled prior to injection in media containing Gd-EOB-DTPA for MRI evaluation and indocyanine green for cryofluorescence tomography validation. Labeled cells were injected into chicken hearts, in vitro, after which MRI and cryofluorescence tomography were performed in sequence.
Results
OATP1B3-expressing cells had substantially reduced T1 following labeling with Gd-EOB-DTPA in culture. Following their implantation into chicken heart, these cells were robustly identified in T1-weighted MRI, with image-derived injection volumes of cells commensurate with intended injection volumes. Cryofluorescence tomography showed that the areas of signal enhancement in MRI overlapped with areas of indocyanine green signal, indicating that MRI signal enhancement was due to the transplanted cells.
Conclusions
OATP1B3-expressing cells can be pre-labeled with Gd-EOB-DTPA prior to injection into tissue, affording the use of clinically familiar T1-weighted MRI to robustly detect cell transplants immediately after transplant. This procedure is easily generalizable and has potential advantages over the use of iron oxide based cell labeling agents and imaging procedures.
Changes and determinants of pneumococcal vaccine uptake in Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Biniyam Tedla , Geram Ferehiwot Gebrehiwot , Getnet Kebron Yhenehu , Bonger Zelalem Tazu
Published: December 2023

Background:
Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common causes of severe pneumonia and pneumonia-related mortality globally. It is one of the top five causes of mortality and mortality in children under five in Ethiopia. Vaccinating children reduced the disease burden of pneumonia and death-related pneumococcal infection for both child and adult populations. Pneumococcal Pneumonia is one of the vaccine-preventable diseases.
Objective: To assess how pneumococcal vaccine uptake changes over time and to identify factors associated with uptake of the pneumococcal vaccine.
Data: This study was conducted based on secondary data obtained from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) conducted in 2016 and 2019, two nationally representative surveys. A total of 1929 and 1008 children of aged 12–23 months were included res from the 2016 and 2019 Demographic and Health Surveys respectively.
Method: The Percentage change in pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) coverage was used to quantify the degree of change over time. To identify the significant factors associated with the uptake of PCV vaccines, a multilevel ordinal logistic regression model was used. All statistical tests were run with a significance threshold of 5%.
Result:The percentage of children aged 12-23 months who received complete doses of PCV vaccination increased from 49.1% in 2016 to 59.8% in 2019 with a significant 21.8% increase [95% CI: 9.8-35.2]. Children in rural areas are 69% less likely to receive more doses of PCV vaccinations than those who live in urban areas (AOR=0.307, 95% CI: 0.127 - 0.742). Second-or higher-order births are associated with higher uptake of doses of PCV vaccinations (AOR=2.519, 95% CI: 1.143-5.548]). Compared to children born at home, children born in health facilities were 2.35 times more likely to receive greater doses of the PCV vaccination (AOR=2.350, 95% CI: 1.132-4.882). Children born from the women who received more ANC visits were significantly more likely to receive complete PCV coverage.
Conclusion: We observed a significant increase in the uptake of PCV vaccines across the two survey years even though Ethiopia is still far away from achieving national immunization goals. Our results also show that place of residence, birth order, place of delivery, ANC visits, and region were significantly associated with pneumococcal vaccine uptake.
The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Nutritional Status, and Sarcopenia in Community- Dwelling Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ji Chun-hui , Huang Xiao-qin , Li Yue , Luo Zhao-hui , Muheremu Aikeremujiang
Published: December 2023

Aim
This study was conducted in Urumqi, Xinjiang, to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia and to determine the relationship between physical activity, nutritional status, and sarcopenia among community-dwelling patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods
A total of 408 elderly individuals (aged > 60) after physical examination participated in this study in the Urumqi, Xinjiang community. Nutritional status, physical activity, and body composition served as explanatory points in identifying sarcopenia based on the 2019 Asian Sarcopenia criteria. To further explore the influences on sarcopenia, univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results
Among the 408 patients, 84 (20.6%) had sarcopenia, with a frequency of 12.6%, 32.1%, and 51.9% in those aged 60–70, 71– 80, and 81 or older respectively. The frequency increased significantly with age. Adjusting for variables, the study found that FFM of the Left Leg (OR: 9.111, 95% CI: 1.342 ~ 61.869, P = 0.024), FFM of the Right Arm (OR: 35603.510, 95% CI: 160.022 ~ 7921444.104, P < 0.001), Age (OR: 1.246, 95% CI: 1.031 ~ 1.505, P = 0.023), ASMI (OR: 0.000, 95% CI: 0.00 ~ 0.01, P < 0.001), Fasting Blood Glucose (OR: 1.649, 95% CI: 1.066 ~ 2.550, P = 0.025), and Post-Prandial Blood Glucose (OR: 1.455, 95% CI: 0.999 ~ 2.118, P = 0.025) were independent risk factors for sarcopenia. An increase in MNA score (OR: 0.398, 95% CI: 0.244 ~ 0.6500, P < 0.001) and walking energy expenditure (MET-min) (OR: 0.998, 95% CI: 0.996 ~ 0.999, P = 0.001) reduced the frequency of sarcopenia.
Conclusion
This study shows that an age- related increase in skeletal muscle mass index, a decrease in FFM of the right arm, higher postprandial blood glucose, a higher MNA score, and increased walking energy expenditure (MET-min) are significantly associated with combined sarcopenia.
The Impact of Varied Durations of Sleep Deprivation on Anxiety and Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice
Authors: Cao Dandan , Geng Xue , Xiaoling Fang , Yi Shaoqiong , Pan Huashan , Zhao Yi
Published: December 2023

Sleep disorders and depression often coexist, and preclinical studies using animal models are crucial for improving the treatment of depression. However, previous studies have not compared the effects of different durations of sleep deprivation on depression, nor have they explored the optimal time period for treatment following sleep deprivation. In our study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms through which sleep deprivation induces anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice and determine the most effective timeframe for treatment. Additionally, we briefly examined the relationship between inflammation and the pathophysiology of depression. To create a model of depression, we utilized adult male C57BL/6J mice and subjected them to sleep deprivation. Following the sleep deprivation period, the mice were allowed to sleep normally for either 14 or 21 days. We employed five behavioral tests to assess anxiety and depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, we conducted H&E staining and Nissl staining to examine cell morphology and neuronal changes. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to measure mRNA levels of clock genes, Silent information regulator 6 (Sirt6), High mobility group box-1 (Hmgb1) , and inflammatory factors. Our study demonstrates that sleep deprivation serves as a reliable mouse model for depression, with 7 or 14 days of sleep deprivation considered optimal. Moreover, the recommended duration for effectively treating sleep deprivation-induced depression in animal models is 14 days. Limited evidence suggests that sleep deprivation may impact the Sirt6/Hmgb1 pathway and influence the transcription of clock genes, thereby activating inflammation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) region of mice.
Development, implementation, and evaluation of an app-based functional social relationships promotion program for cancer patients: A protocol study
Authors: Bahrami Masood , Harchegani Hossein Beigi , Zarei Bahare
Published: December 2023

Background

Cancer is a substantial public health issue in Iran and around the world. According to data consolidated from several studies, a significant percentage of cancer patients reported high levels of social problems, such as interpersonal relationships. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a functional social relationships promotion program for cancer patients.
Methods/Design
This is a development‐applied study with four phases. Based on the planning model of Ewles and Sminett (2010), by reviewing the extensive literature and domestic and foreign databases and app markets, the need for the functional aspect of cancer patients' social relationships was identified in the first phase. A panel of experts will then prioritize these needs, and the initial draft of the program will be finalized, and the appropriate content to be presented through the app will be extracted. The required app features and architecture will be determined in the second phase, and the app will be developed. Next, the developed app will be made available to the designated contacts (20 patients and three experts), and its quality and usability will be assessed. In the fourth phase, a quasi-experimental study intervention and its impact on the functional aspect of social relationships will be evaluated.
Discussion
Expectedly, study findings will address several of the needs associated with social relationships in cancer patients by providing an app-based intervention program to improve functional aspects of social relationships. Future research and the development of policies, education, and interventions for cancer patients can benefit from this program.
Classification of Long-term Disease Patterns in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Analysis of their Associations with Adverse Health Events: a UK Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Li Fan , Chang Yu , Wang Zhaodi , Wang Zhi , Zhao Qi , Han Xiaoping , Xu Zifeng , Yu Chanjiao , Liu Yue , Chang Shiyu , Li Hongyan , Hu Sileng , Li Yuqin , Tang Tongyu
Published: December 2023

Background
With existing researches identifying an increased risk of long-term conditions (LTCs) among Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients, yet there is a lack of exploration into the patterns of comorbidity and prognostic risks for IBD patients with multiple morbidities.
Methods
We included 8,305 participants who self-reported having IBD (comprising UC and CD) and utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to create optimal categories of LTC combinations for UC and CD patients with additional LTCs. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we compared the all-cause mortality risk over a 16-year follow-up among UC and CD patients within different LTC categories, both without LTCs and with the addition of one LTC, risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and the risk of IBD-related surgeries.
Results
A total of 5,617 participants reported having two or more LTCs, with the LCA method identifying three prevalence categories among CD patients, and four prevalence categories among UC patients. The highest mortality rate among CD patients was found in category 3: (HR 1.789, 95% CI (1.439–2.224)), and the highest risk of MACE was also in category 3: (HR 11.432, 95% CI (9.332–14.005)), with hypertension being the distinguishing characteristic of this category, and the highest rate of IBD-related surgeries being associated with pain in category 1: (HR 1.217, 95% CI (0.983–1.506)). Among UC patients, the highest mortality rate was in category 3: (HR 2.221, 95% CI (1.837–2.684)), with the highest MACE risk found in category 3: (HR 6.422, 95% CI (5.659–7.288)), and the highest rate of IBD-related surgeries being associated with pain, also in category 3: (HR 1.218, 95% CI (1.041–1.425)).
Conclusion
The risk of adverse health outcomes in IBD patients is closely associated with multimorbidity patterns, underscoring the need to fully consider multimorbidity patterns in the assessment, management, and treatment strategies for IBD.
A novel adaptive image privacy protection method based on Latin square
Authors: Chen Yucheng , Huang Huiqing , Tang Chunming , Wei Weiming
Published: December 2023

Recently, there has been a rise in image encryption methods using Latin squares. However, a significant portion of these methods relies on fixed key sequences, making them vulnerable to known plain image attacks (KPA) and chosen plain image attacks (CPA). To solve this, a novel adaptive image encryption scheme is proposed, which is based on the fractional order L$ \ddot{u} $ system and Latin squares. Specifically, the sum of each bit plane and the pixel value sum of the plain image are, respectively, used to select Latin squares and chaotic sequences in the proposed method, which is an effective approach for resisting the KPA and CPA. Moreover, using the fractional order L$ \ddot{u} $ system, the proposed method generates self-orthogonal Latin squares (SOLSs) to scramble the bit plane of the plain image in bit-level, followed by diffusing the scrambled image in pixel-level to boost the encryption’s robustness. The study compares the proposed method with state-of-the-art image encryption schemes and finds that it is superior in terms of usability, security, and efficiency. This method is highly promising for applications that require strong and efficient image encryption.
2020 MSC: 68P25
Insights into efficient electricity generation performance using starch at pH 9.0 based on Enriched exoelectrocigens
Authors: Gao Sheng-Chao , Jiang Hui-Chun , Zhang Zhen , Li Rui-Tao , Ren Xiang-Peng , Yao Shu-ya , Liu Ying , Gao Tianpeng
Published: December 2023

Background
Massive production of starch wastewater from various sources without any treatment might have an adverse effect on the environments. Starch as the common macromolecule in the starch wastewater can be used as the substrate of the exoelecrocigens in Microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, their low bio-energy production rate limit their application in the real world. Therefore, it is necessary to find cultures with highly efficient electricity-producing capability. The mixed cultures (EHN) with electrochemical activity and ability to degrade starch were enriched by soluble starch in this study. we investigated the influence of pH on microbial community diversity and the electrochemical behavior of MFC for sustainable bio-electricity generation.
Results
EHN can grow in the range from pH 5.5 to pH 9.5 and the performance of electricity generation of EHN at pH 5.5, 7.2, 8.0, 8.5 till 9.5 was investigated by means of the three-electrode system and MFC system. The results showed that the electricity generation performance of EHN at pH9.0 using starch was above 22.2% higher than 548.24 µA cm− 2 at 7.2 and even 32.6% higher than at pH 5.5. Especially, the electricity generation ability of EHN has no obvious difference with pH increased to pH 8.5 until pH9.5, which is much higher than that Geobacter sulfurreducens using acetate at pH9.5. Meanwhile, the maximum power density of EHN at pH 9.0 using MFC system was 77.9% higher than that at pH 7.2. The community diversity data demonstrated that Bacillus was the unique genus of EHN at pH 9.0. From the HPLC analysis it can be seen that the degradation of starch and acetate production at pH 9.0 were faster than that at pH 5.5 and pH 7.2, which resulted in more biomass from the electrode and enhanced electricity generation.
Conclusion
This study has demonstrated that the performance of MFC depends on the pH and on the diversity of the constituent microbial communities. The performance of MFCs using starch can be improved when the pH was alkali-resistant. This study will provide a promising pathway for starch wastewater treatment using MFC technique at around pH 9.0.
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Modulates Masseter Muscle Activity, Pain Perception, and Anxiety Levels in University Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ferreira Luciano Maia Alves , Generoso Laura Pereira , Capello Maria Gabriela Maziero , Scoz Robson Dias , Silva Josie Resende Torres da , Silva Marcelo Lourenço da , Brites Ricardo , Fraião Gonçalo , Pereira Gonçalo , Fernandes Henrique
Published: December 2023

Background
This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial investigated the impact of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on masseter muscle activity, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and anxiety levels in university students with elevated anxiety.
Methods
Forty-two participants meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either true TAVNS or sham TAVNS groups. Various parameters, including masseter muscle electromyographic (EMG) signals, PPT, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores, were assessed before pretreatment, immediately after the intervention week, and two weeks follow-up.
Results
True TAVNS significantly reduced both left and right masseter activation during resting mandibular position, persisting for two weeks post-intervention. Additionally, TAVNS induced a lasting decrease in both left and right masseter PPT, indicative of altered pain perception. Notably, BAI scores showed a substantial reduction, emphasizing TAVNS as a potential intervention for anxiety, with effects maintained at the two-week follow-up.
Conclusion
This study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted effects of TAVNS on physiological and psychological aspects associated with anxiety in university students. The promising results underscore TAVNS as a potential neuromodulatory intervention for anxiety-related conditions, warranting further research and clinical exploration.
Trial registration
Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) number RBR- 4s4kt2r, retrospectively registered, 09/14/2023.