bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age- and Sex-Specific Deterioration on Bone and Osteocyte Lacuno-Canalicular Network in a Mouse Model of Premature Aging
Authors: Mueller Ralph , Yilmaz Dilara , Marques Francisco Correia , Gregorio Lorena , Schlatter Jérôme , Gehre Christian , Pararajasingam Thurgadevi , Qiu Wanwan , Mathavan Neashan , Qin Xiao-Hua , Wehrle Esther , Kuhn Gisela 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Age-related osteoporosis poses a significant challenge in musculoskeletal health; a condition characterized by reduced bone density and increased fracture susceptibility in older individuals necessitates a better understanding of underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms. Emerging evidence suggests that osteocytes are the pivotal orchestrators of bone remodeling and represent novel therapeutic targets for age-related bone loss. Our study uses the prematurely aged PolgD257A/D257A (PolgA) mouse model to scrutinize age- and sex-related alterations in musculoskeletal health parameters (frailty, grip strength, gait data), bone and particularly the osteocyte lacuno-canalicular network (LCN). Moreover, we introduced a novel staining method for undecalcified fresh frozen bone sections along with a new quantitative in silico image analysis pipeline to evaluate the alterations in the osteocyte network with aging. Our findings underscore the pronounced degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal health parameters, bone and osteocyte LCN in PolgA mice as early as 40 weeks with more prominent alterations evident in aged males. Our findings suggest that the PolgA mouse model serves as a valuable model for studying the cellular mechanisms underlying age-related bone loss, given the comparable aging signs and age-related degeneration of the bone and the osteocyte network observed in naturally aging mice and elderly humans.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenomics of Ribociclib in Black Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer: The LEANORA study
Authors: Swain Sandra , Schlam* Ilana , Smith* D. Max , Peer Cody , Sissung Tristan , Schmidt Keith , Tan Ming , Chitalia Ami , Bishopric Nanette , Steinberg Seth , Choo-Wosoba Hyoyoung , Napoli Giulia , Gallagher Christopher , Ashai Nadia , Whitaker Kristen , Mainor Candace , Tiwari Shruti , Swanson Nicole , Malloy Stacy , Isaacs Claudine , Figg William 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Underrepresented populations' participation in clinical trials remains limited, and the potential impact of genomic variants on drug metabolism remains elusive. This study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacogenomics (PGx) of ribociclib in self-identified Black women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2) advanced breast cancer. LEANORA (NCT04657679) was a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study involving 14 Black women. PK and PGx were evaluated using tandem mass spectrometry and PharmacoScan™ microarray (including CYP3A5*3, *6, and *7). CYP3A5 phenotypes varied among participants: 7 poor metabolizers (PM), 6 intermediate metabolizers (IM), and one normal metabolizer (NM). The area-under-the-curve did not significantly differ between PMs (39,230 hr*ng/mL) and IM/NMs (43,546 hr*ng/mL; p = 0.38). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was also similar. We found no association between CYP3A5 genotype and ribociclib exposure. Continued efforts are needed to include diverse populations in clinical trials to ensure equitable treatment outcomes.
Study of sexual dimorphism in growth traits of Sangari lambs: between-sex heritability and inter-sex correlations
Authors: Ehsaninia Jamshid , Zandi Mohammad Bagher 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This research investigated the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of sexual dimorphism (SD) for body weights at birth (BW), weaning (WW), 6 months (6MW), 9 months (9MW), and 12 months (12MW) in Sangsari sheep. The records were retrieved from a dataset collected between 1986 and 2016 at the Sangsari sheep breeding station. The GLM method in the SAS program was applied to evaluate the environmental factors. The genetic analyses were accomplished using the AI-REML method of the WOMBAT software. Six bivariate animal models without or with maternal effects were used for genetic assessment traits in male and female lambs. Male lambs weighed more than female lambs and a weight difference of 0.21 kg (7.22%) at birth increased to 3.91 kg (13.95%) at yearling age. Levels of sexual dimorphism were relatively low and varied from 1.07 for BW to 1.16 for 12MW. For all traits except 12MW, \({{\sigma }}_{\text{a}}^{2}\), \({{\sigma }}_{\text{e}}^{2}\), \({{\sigma }}_{\text{P}}^{2}\), \({\text{h}}^{2}\), and \({\text{C}\text{V}}_{\text{a}}\) were higher in male lambs. Heritabilities for BW, 3MW, 6MW, and 9MW in male lambs were 3.18%, 4.53%, 24.05%, and 18.97% more than female lambs. For 12MW, the heritability of females was 23.83% more than males. Direct genetic correlations (rg) between the sexes ranged from 0.89 for 6MW to 1.00 for 9MW and 12MW, indicating that selection for body weight in males would result in a correlated response in females and consequently, would prevent phenotypic divergence. Cross-sex maternal permanent environment correlations (rpe) were 0.71 for 6MW and 0.98 for 3MW and 9MW. The values of rg and rpe for 6MW differed from 1.00, implying the presence of sexual dimorphism for additive genetic effects and maternal effects on 6MW.
Integrated Optical Entangled Quantum Vortex Emitters
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Huang Jieshan , Mao Jun , Li Xudong , Yuan Jingze , Zheng Yun , Zhai Chonghao , Dai Tianxiang , Fu Zhaorong , Bao Jueming , Yang Yan , Dai Daoxin , Li Yan , Gong Qihuang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Quantum vortices of light carrying orbital angular momentum stand as essential resources for quantum photonic technologies. Recent advancements in integrated photonics offer the potential to create and control quantum vortices using fully integrated circuits, eliminating the needs for intricate free-space alignment, modulation, and stabilization of bulky optical elements. However, generating quantum vortices in planar optical waveguides and circuits poses challenges, owing to the complexities of confining and guiding twisted photons, and importantly, the difficulties in preparing quantum superposition and entanglement of vortex states. Here, we report entangled quantum vortex emitters leveraging programmable integrated nanophotonic circuits. These circuits enable the generation and arbitrary control of resilient vortex-entanglement in free space, coherently converting from on-chip path-entanglement by a chip-free space interfacing technology. The emitters are plug-and-play, enabling swift reconfiguration within mere microseconds. Validation of multidimensional genuine entanglement is achieved through quantum tomography and dimension witnesses. Our work demonstrates integrated quantum vortex devices that combine the versatility of on-chip processing quantum information with the robustness of transmitting quantum vortices in free space, opening new avenues for applications in quantum communication, quantum light detection and ranging, quantum computation and storage.
Nitrate Removal from Drinking Water by Sodium Thiosulfate and its impact on health.
Authors: Salayma Adel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Nitrate is a stable and highly soluble ion with a low potential for precipitation or adsorption, nitrate is seldom present in geological formations and therefore contamination due to nitrate is mainly attributed to anthropogenic sources. Pollution of water resources by nitrate occurs due to many reasons which has effects on human health and environment so nitrate removal from drinking water is necessary. In this research nitrate removal is attempted by addition of sodium thiosulfate, 72% reduction in nitrate level was noticed when 1ml of 1.09% solution of sodium thiosulfate was added to 100 ml of polluted water after 30 minutes of contact time. Literature was reviewed to determine the effect of sodium thiosulfate on human health.
Machine Learning-Based Nomogram for Predicting Endometrial Lesions after Tamoxifen Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Cao Shaoshan , Chen Niannian , Ma Ying 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective Endometrial lesions is a frequent complication following breast cancer, and current diagnostic tools have limitations. This study aims to develop a machine learning-based nomogram graph prediction model for the early detection of endometrial lesions in patients. The model is intended to provide risk assessment and facilitate personalized treatment strategies for premenopausal breast cancer patients.Method A retrospective study was conducted on 224 patients who underwent diagnostic curettage post-tamoxifen (TAM) therapy between November 2012 and November 2023. These patients exhibited signs of endometrial abnormalities or symptoms such as colporrhagia. Clinical data were collected and analyzed using R software version 4.3.2 to identify factors influencing the occurrence of endometrial lesions and to evaluate their predictive values. Three machine learning methods were employed to develop a risk prediction model, and the performances of these models were compared. The best-performing model was selected to construct a nomogram of endometrial lesions. Internal validation was conducted using the bootstrap method, and the model’s accuracy and fit were assessed using the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves.Results Independent risk factors for endometrial lesions included ultrasound characteristics, duration of TAM therapy, presence of colporrhagia, and endometrial thickness (P < 0.05). Among the machine learning methods compared, the LASSO regression integrated with a multifactorial logistic regression model demonstrated strong performance, with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.874 and effective calibration (mean absolute error of conformity: 0.014). This model achieved an accuracy of 0.853 and a precision of 0.917, with a training set AUC of 0.874 (95% CI: 0.794–0.831) and a test set AUC of 0.891 (95% CI: 0.777-1.000), closely matching the predicted risk to the actual observed risk.Conclusion The developed prediction model effectively assesses the likelihood of endometrial lesions in premenopausal breast cancer patients. This model offers a theoretical foundation for improving clinical predictions and devising tailored treatment strategies for this patient group.
Molecular Characterisation of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Entamoeba infecting domestic and feral/stray cats in Jordan
Authors: Mukbel Rami , Hammad Haifa , Enemark Heidi , Alsabi Rania , Al-Sabi Mohammad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study aims to carry out a molecular screening for the presence of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and/or Entamoeba in the faeces of pet and stray/feral cats in Jordan. G. duodenalis was found in 27.9% (95% CI: 23.2–32.9) of the overall 348 sampled cats, E. histolytica was found in only 0.6% (95% CI: 0.1–2.1) of the cats, while none of the sampled cats had Cryptosporidium infections. The infection rate of G. duodenalis among indoor cats (32.3%) did not differ significantly from that of the outdoor ones (24.1%). The infections were significantly higher (p = 0.0004) geographically in the cold semi-arid areas (67%) compared to that of the cold desert area (24%). Multilocus sequence typing analysis on amplicons based on the bg, TPI, and GDH genes revealed that the majority of G. duodenalis infections were of the zoonotic assemblage B (65.9%; 64 of 97 positive samples), followed by the feline specific assemblage F (18.5%, 18/97), the cattle specific assemblage E (5.2%, 5/97), then assemblage C that is shared with canids (1.0%; 1/97). Within Giardia isolates, a substitution mutation (A/G) was found in position 297 of the complete protein coding sequence (cds) of TPI-BIII, which may represent a new spreading mutation within this gene among the cat population in Jordan. The results of the current study suggest that close human-cat interaction could play a role in zoonotic transmission of Giardia, but further research is needed to rule out the possible contribution of cats in transmission of other protozoa to humans.
Influence of Dietary Habit on Obesity Development Among Nigerian Adults
Authors: Segun Asaolu , Adeniyi Richard A. , Ndow Bakary , Mandlate Aquino Ernesto Da Graca , Jallow Chernor H. , Barrow Lamin F. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives:Obesity remains a significant public health burden among adults globally, contributing to a wide range of health issues. Despite extensive research on obesity worldwide, there has been a notable gap in studies focusing on the specific dietary habits that contribute to general and abdominal obesity among Nigerian adults. This study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the relationship between dietary habits and the risk of obesity among adults in Nigeria.
Methods: A total of 1000 adults were included in this study (males= 558; females= 442). Body mass index (BMI) and waist-hips-ratio (WHR) were used to assess general and abdominal obesity respectively and they were categorized using WHO standard. Descriptive statistics were used to analyzed the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. Prevalence ratio between dietary habits and both general and abdominal obesity were calculated using Robust Regression Analysis.
Results: The prevalence of general obesity among adults was 15.9% (11.9% in males and 20.4% in females); abdominal obesity was 31.8% (29.6% in males and 33.9% in females). In all the dietary habits variables, we only found a relationship between alcohol consumption, when do you eat the largest portion of meal and obesity. We found a positive association between: alcohol and general obesity (Model 1: PR=0.690, 95%CI:1.482~1.988); abdominal obesity in male (model 1: PR=1.405, 95%CI: 0.970~1.757) and female (Model 1: PR: 1.432, 95%CI: 0.965~1.839; Model 2: PR: 1.327, 95%CI: 1.087~1.525); A positive association was observed between obesity and when you eat the largest portion of meal . Compared to those that consumed their largest portion of meal during breakfast, adults that consumed their largest portion of their meal during dinner had a higher risk of general obesity (Model 1: PR=1.050, 95%CI: 0.704 ~ 1.564; Model 2: PR=1.010, 95%CI: 0.679~1.501) and abdominal obesity in males (Model 1: PR=1.405, 95%CI: 0.970~1.757) and females (Model 1: PR=1.432, 0.965~1.839; Model 2: PR= 1.327, 1.087~1.525).
Conclusion: This study highlights a concerning rise in obesity prevalence among Nigerian adults, significantly influenced by dietary habits. Our findings reveal an association between alcohol consumption, the timing of the largest meal and gender differences in the prevalence for both general and abdominal obesity. These findings may fill in knowledge to initiate discussions on food dietary guidelines and other targeted public health interventions for public health in Nigeria and similar countries with a high burden of obesity.
Assessment of benthic meiofauna in multi-stressed environment of a tropical estuary: A case study using low taxonomic resolution data
Authors: Sautya Sabyasachi , Gaikwad Santosh , Ram Anirudh , Basu Udita , Molla Nageswar Rao , Chatterjee Tapas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The estuary receives varying levels of anthropogenic inputs that significantly influence the benthic biota and suppress ecological health. Thus, multiple parameters (natural and anthropogenic) and meiofaunal community structure was assessed in the Patalganga estuary surrounded by industrial area. The eastuary have been divied in three distinct zones based on salinity gradients for assessment. In total. 16 meiofaunal taxa were identified with free-living Nematoda being the most dominant. Notably, low meiofaunal richness and density were observed in the upper and lower parts of the estuary (zones Z3 and Z1) during the pre-monsoon season, indicating different levels of envirmental perturbation. Zone Z1 was characterized by high hydrodynamic properties and significant human physical activities, while Zone Z3 showed high levels of pollutants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a clear distinction, with higher levels of pollutant chemical elements (PCEs) recorded in Z3. Additionally, n-MDS ordinations based on meiofaunal abundance indicated differentiation with partial overlap, suggesting significant impacts in Z3 and Z1, supported by low Ne/Co ratio values. BIOENV results indicated that environmental parameters (suspended solids, sand, organic carbon) and PCEs (Hg, Cr) are influencing the meiofaunal community at a higher taxonomic level, leading to poor ecological status. Therefore, the low resolution of meiofaunal taxa can be reliably used to assess the impairment of estuaries. This study underscores the importance of monitoring anthropogenic impacts on estuarine environments to ensure their health and sustainability.
Fine-tuning enzyme activity assays for monitoring the enzymatic PET-hydrolysis
Authors: Boros Krisztina , Nagy Blanka Eszter , Tomoiagă Raluca Bianca , Tőtős Róbert , Toșa Monica Ioana , Paizs Csaba , Bencze László Csaba 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Efficient monitoring of the enzymatic PET-hydrolysis is crucial for developing novel plastic-degrading biocatalysts. Herein, we aimed to upgrade in terms of accuracy the analytical methods useful for monitoring enzymatic PET-degradation. For the HPLC-based assessment, the incorporation of an internal standard within the analytic procedure enabled a more accurate assessment of the overall TPA content and the assessment of molar distributions and relative content of each aromatic degradation product. The provided calibration curves cover a broad concentration range, from µM to low mM scale, facilitating assessment of both lower and higher PETase activities, with a limit of detection positioned below the reported PET-degrading activities. The increased reproducibility and accuracy of the upgraded HPLC method compared to the previous methods was supported by lower dispersion of product concentrations and their lower deviation from theoretical values, over multiple measurements. The other predominantly employed UV-spectroscopy assay was also improved in terms of employed wavelength and medium extinction coefficient of the three aromatic degradation products, while being cross-validated by the upgraded HPLC method. Finally, both methods were employed to monitor the product formation within the leaf-branch compost cutinase (LCC)-mediated PET-hydrolysis, that provided individual time-productivity profiles for each aromatic degradation product.
Epidemiological and etiological investigation of a rare family cluster caused by SFTS in Anhui Province in 2023
Authors: Chu Na , Lu Wan-Hang , Chu Xiu-Jie , Wu Jia-Bing , Chen Wei , Gong Lei , Song Dan-Dan , Tan Xiao-Wei , Liu Han-Bing , Liu Wen-Wen , Sun Yong , Chen Xiu-Zhi , Li Ming , Liu Xu-Xiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne infectious disease discovered in the 21st century. Transmission of the disease among humans has been described, but the transmission mechanisms still need further study.
Methods
Epidemiologic investigations were conducted after a cluster of 18 cases of SFTSV in November 2023 and 4 of them died. The index patient experienced onset of SFTSV on 21 October and died on 2 November. The secondary cases had onset from 7 to 13 November, peaking on 10 November.
Results
According to epidemiologic investigations, 14 secondary cases contracted the disease through contact with blood of the index patient. Another 3 secondary patients did not have a history of contact with the blood of the index patient, but they stayed in the mourning hall for a while. The index patient worked as a powerful source to spread virus to people having close contact with him. Meanwhile, the evidence of aerosol transmission of SFTSV can also be found in this cluster. Risk factors assessment revealed that exposure to the blood of a deceased person during burial preparation was more likely to produce secondary cases than exposure to the blood of living patient.
Conclusions
Contacting with deceased blood during funeral was associated with secondary cases of SFTS.
Life and death in the medieval mining centre of Kutná Hora - reconstructing diets during the recurrent mortality crises of the 14 th century AD (Czechia)
Authors: Kaupová Sylva Drtikolová , Frolík Jan , Velemínský Petr , Velímský Filip , Vytlačil Zdeněk , Brzobohatá Hana 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

During the 14th century AD, the inhabitants of Kutná Hora, an important urban centre in the Kingdom of Bohemia, were exposed to recurrent mortality crises. Using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, this study investigates the relationship between diet and the famine of 1318 and the plague outbreaks after 1346. Together with a comparative sample from regular graves, a total of 112 bone samples were collected, supplemented by 70 first permanent molars subjected to the dentine serial sampling method. The mean bone carbon isotopic value (δ13C) was − 19.3 ± 0.3‰. The mean bone nitrogen isotopic value (δ15N) was 12.0 ± 0.7‰. Individuals from famine graves showed lower δ15N values than those from regular graves. Individuals who survived into adulthood (survivors) showed higher δ15N values than those who died before adulthood i.e. non-survivors (even in the reduced sample of regular graves). Weaning age as estimated by WEAN software was 2.8 years. There was a significant difference between survivors and non-survivors but due to the smaller sample size, the confounding effect of other factors cannot be excluded. The population sample studied had a diet based on C3 plants, with a significant contribution from animal products and/or fish. Not surprisingly, those with a lower intake of animal products were more likely to die of starvation. Plague mortality does not appear to be related to dietary patterns. Apart from catastrophic events, current data suggest that a low proportion of animal products in the diet and perhaps earlier weaning reduced the chances of survival to adulthood.
Transanal intersphincteric combined with laparoscopic total mesorectal excision in treating ultra-low rectal cancer under direct vision at the Jackknife position
Authors: Zhong Guobin , Chen Zhiyu , Li Zhenfeng , Zhao Bin , Deng Junhui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim
To investigate the effect and clinical advantage of transanal intersphincteric (ISR) combined with laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) for treating ultra-low rectal cancer under direct view in the jackknife position. Additionally, the feasibility of this surgical technique was evaluated.
Method
This was a retrospective, single-center, single-arm pilot study. Ten patients with ultra-low rectal cancer underwent treatment by the same surgical team for direct view transanal ISR combined with laparoscopic TME in the Department of Anorectal Surgery, Huizhou Central People’s Hospital between January 2021 and June 2021. The relevant clinical data were collected and analyzed.
Results
All the patients underwent complete mesenteric resection without conversion to laparotomy. The circumferential and distal resection margins (CRM and DRM) were negative. The mean distance between the lower margin of the tumor and the anal margin was 2.8 ± 0.8 cm, and the mean margin of distal resection was 1.2 ± 0.2 cm. TNM pathological stages I, II, III, and IV were observed in 6, 2, 2, and 0 cases, respectively. The median follow-up period was 15 months (interquartile range, 8 months). The mean Wexner and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome scores at 12 months after ileostomy were 8.1 ± 2.1 and 22.4 ± 5.7, respectively.
Conclusion
Transanal ISR combined with laparoscopic TME is safe and feasible for the treatment of ultralow rectal cancer.