bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating attrition of Sprague Dawley rats for the establishment of an oxygen-glucose deprivation model
Authors: Gittens Rolando , Denis Bernardino , De Jesus Rosa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The use of laboratory animals for biomedical research is strictly regulated to prevent their suffering and inadequate use. The 3 R’s principle, established the framework on the use of animals for scientific research, following the concepts of replacement, reduction, and refinement. While experimentation is in process, attrition usually can increase the number of animals needed to achieve the proposed objectives. Unfortunately, attrition or incidents concerning the final sample size are seldom explicitly shared in the literature. In the present study, we designed experiments to develop a protocol for primary cortical cell culture and to establish the first in vitro brain ischemia model in Panama. Here we report the effects of attrition in the final number of animals used for experimentation. Primary cortical cell cultures were produced from 17-day Sprague-Dawley rat embryos. Vaginal cytology was used to evaluate oestrus cycle and to identify copulation signs. Pregnant rats had routine evaluation plus clinical/weight follow up every week before euthanasia, at day 17. Sample size calculations estimated 26 rats for the study using a theoretical attrition rate of 25%. The final number of animals used empirically was 26; however, the measured attrition was 50% (13). The incidents related to attrition were categorized in mating problems, pregnancy complications, reduced number of embryos produced and in vitro experimentation failures. These results highlight the importance of calculating attrition for studies requiring laboratory animals, taking in consideration the context and available data from local institutions to allow for the most efficient use of laboratory animals, especially for newly established laboratories in developing countries.
Association of cholecystectomy with the risk of oesophageal cancer and other gastrointestinal diseases: a Mendelian randomised study
Authors: Du Chang-Qi , Wang Lin-Lin , Li Peng-Fei , yang yong-ze , Li Hong-Ling 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cholecystectomy is the standard procedure for patients with gallbladder disease, but the causal effect of cholecystectomy on gastrointestinal disease remains unclear.
METHODS: We obtained genome-wide significant levels (p-value < 5 × 10 -8) of genetic variation associated with cholecystectomy as an instrumental variable (IV) and performed Mendelian randomisation (MR) to identify causality on gastrointestinal diseases after cholecystectomy. Dual-sample MR was used to study the causal effect of cholecystectomy on oesophagitis, gastritis, oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer. All data were obtained from public shared databases. The causal effect of cholecystectomy on oesophagitis, gastritis, oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatitis, and colorectal cancer was assessed using traditional methods such as simple weighted models, inverse variance weighting, weighted median, and Mendelian randomisation (MR-Egger) regression. We used the multiple residuals and outliers (MR-PRESSO) method and the MR-Egger method to investigate sensitivity. The leave-one-out test was used to determine the effect of outliers. Heterogeneity was calculated by using the Cochran Q statistic and MR-Egger regression in the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method p< 0.05 indicates large heterogeneity.
RESULTS: Based on the IVW results of our MR analysis, we found that cholecystectomy increased the risk of oesophagitis ( odds ratio [OR] =1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.11 P=0.015) the risk of tract cancer ( [OR] =499.06, 95% [CI]: 1.15 -217412.20 P=0.045); risk of gastritis ( [OR] =1.06, 95% [CI]: 1.02-1.11 P=0.003); risk of gastric Helicobacter pylori infection ( [OR] =1.06, 95% [CI]: 1.00 -1.11 P=0.045); and risk of chronic pancreatitis ([OR] =588.92, 95% [CI]: 2.92- 118646.23 P=0.018). In addition, it did not increase the risk of gastric cancer ([OR] =0.6, 95% [CI]: 0.001-49.88 P=0.018), pancreatic cancer ([OR] =0.08, 95% [CI]: 0000.2- 26.53 P=0.40), and colorectal cancer ([OR] =13.70, 95% [CI]: 0.74 -252.22 P=0.08) risk of disease. In addition there was no horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity in the exposure and individual outcome analyses.
CONCLUSION: The study suggests that cholecystectomy may increase the risk of oesophagitis, oesophageal cancer, gastritis, and pancreatitis, which should be a clinical concern. In addition, cholecystectomy may not increase the risk of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, but this conclusion needs further evidence of clinical equivalence.
Thrombotic microangiopathy with kidney involvement in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019: A case report and literature review
Authors: Feng Dingrui , Nie Xue , Tan Li , Chen Xionghui , Chen Wenfang , Chen Wei , Wen Qiong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and aim: Millions of people worldwide have suffered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 can lead to coagulopathy and thrombosis, presenting as pulmonary artery thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), the latter being a rare finding in affected patients’ kidneys. Prior reports have rarely addressed the pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and therapeutic options in patients with COVID-19-associated TMA.
Case presentation: We herein described a case of renal biopsy-proven TMA after COVID-19 in a 36-year-old woman. Initial examination revealed inflammation, acute kidney injury (AKI), anemia, and thrombocytopenia. She was diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, pulmonary infection, and COVID-19. After treatment, her condition stabilized but remained hemodialysis-dependent after discharge. One week later, she was re-hospitalized, and physical examination showed anemia and bilateral lower extremity edema. Abdominal ultrasound showed increased bilateral kidney echogenicity. Whole-exome sequencing detected an unknown variant of the C3 gene associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome susceptibility type 5/complement C3 deficiency. Kidney biopsy showed renal artery lesions, including small arteriole endothelial swelling, intimal thickening, mucinous degeneration, luminal occlusion, and small arterial wall necrosis. She received plasma exchange and steroids with significant renal function recovery.
Conclusion: TMA likely contributed to AKI after COVID-19,thus supporting the notion that TMA plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related kidney injury. When diagnosing and treating COVID-19 patients with abnormal renal function, clinicians should incorporate kidney biopsy and genetic testing for the complement system, identify renal-limited and systemic TMA, and treat accordingly, which can improve patient outcomes.
Lifestyle intervention using mobile technology in patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver (Based on the health belief model)
Authors: Tamadonpoor Nafiseh , Siavash Mansour , Shekarchizadeh Parivash , Pirzadeh Asiyeh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, which is intertwined with various metabolic disorders. Lifestyle modification covers the primary treatment for NAFLD and emphasizes the importance of education to enhance lifestyle. This study seeks to investigate the effect of using the health belief model with electronic training on physical activity and dietary intake of NAFLD patients.
Methods
The present study constitutes a clinical trial conducted at the Isfahan endocrine and metabolism research center encompassing 80 patients grappling with NAFLD. Random allocation bifurcated these patients into two groups, namely the intervention and control groups The intervention group received eight weeks of e-learning focusing on nutrition and physical activity, all of which were based on the principles of the health belief model. Data were collected through pre- and post-study assessments, encompassing demographic questionnaires, the health belief model structural questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a three-day dietary record. Subsequent data analysis was done using SPSS software.
Results
After an eight-week educational intervention, the constructs of the health belief model, including perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits and self-efficacy showed a significant increase in the intervention group (p < 0.05). In addition, the intervention group showed a significant decrease in mean carbohydrate intake and liver enzyme levels.
Conclusions
The findings of this study confirm the effectiveness of e-learning based on the health belief model in making significant improvements in NAFLD patients. This comprehensive approach led to a decrease in liver enzyme levels and carbohydrate consumption, and simultaneously increased patients' perceived Susceptibility, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy.
Trial registration
IRCT registration number: IRCT20210612051546N1
Catalytically Active Inclusion Bodies of Recombinant LipAMS8 lipase from Antarctic Pseudomonas sp
Authors: Bello Muhammad Nura , Sabri Suriana , Yahaya Normi mohd , Sharif Fairolniza Mohd , Ali Mohd Shukuri Mohamad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Heterologous expression of some recombinant protein in E. coli. triggered the formation of inclusion bodies. Recent studies revealed that the aggregated proteins formed are folded correctly and retain their native-like structure, hence possessing catalytic activity. LipAMS8 lipase originally isolated from Antarctic Pseudomonas was overexpressed in E. coli. BL21(De3)/pET32b and resulted in the formation of inclusion bodies. The inclusion bodies were isolated using mild solubilising agents, 50 mM Tris-HCl, 50 mM NaCl, and 1% Triton-X 100 (pH 8.0). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis depicted the particles as rod-like structures ranging from 1 µm to 100 nm. Biochemical characterisation of the inclusion bodies showcased their catalytic activity, optimum temperature, pH stability, metal ion interaction, and high tolerance to organic solvents. Retaining significant residual activity up to 50% over a range of pH and temperature. Storage stability of LipAMS8 CatIBs at 40C and 250C revealed that it could retain more than 50% of its activity for up to thirteen and eight weeks respectively. This indicated the novelty of the inclusion bodies of LipAMS8 lipase, which is expressed naturally and displays outstanding properties of high activity, pH stability, and extreme tolerance to organic solvents. LipAMS8 lipase CatIBs are catalytically active inclusion bodies that occur naturally as the recombinant enzyme in heterologous expression and can influence the production of cold-active lipase which is highly demanded in various industries for their production processes.
Characterization of the GGPgene family inpotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) and its expression analysis under hormonal and abiotic stresses
Authors: Ding Zhiqi , Yao Kangding , Yao Yandong , Pan Xuejuan , Luo Lizheng , Li Long , Wang Chunlei , Liao Weibiao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) are members of the Solanaceae family, and they are widely grown and used worldwide. However, there are significant differences between these two crops in terms of morphology, growing conditions and resistance to stress. But they share some similarities at a genetic level. GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (GGP) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in plant ascorbic acid synthesis, which plays an important role in plant growth and development as well as stress response. However, the presence of GGP and its function in potato and capsicum are not known. In this study, we first identified two GGP genes in the potato genome using a genome-wide search approach. Similarly, two GGP genes were identified in the capsicum genome. We then analyzed their physicochemical properties, conserved domains, protein structures and phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that members of the potato and capsicum GGP gene families are related to cabbage(Brassica campestris), Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana L.), apple (Malus domestica cv. Gala) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), with tomato being the most closely related. The promoter sequences mainly contain homeopathic elements such as light-responsive, hormone-responsive and stress-responsive, with light-responsive elements being the most abundant. By analyzing the structure of the genes, it was found that there is no transmembrane structure or signal peptide in the GGP gene family of potatoes and capsicums, and that all of its members are hydrophilic proteins. The expression profiles of the different tissues showed that the potato GGPwas more highly expressed in the leaves and the capsicum GGP was more highly expressed in the fruits. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the GGPgene was responsive to both ABA and MeJA in both the potato and the capsicum. In addition, the GGP genes in both the potato and the capsicum showed different responses to darkness stress, cold stress, salt stress and drought stress. Based on our experimental findings, it is evident that StGGPsprimarily respond to dark stress, while CaGGPs primarily respond to NaCl stress. This study provides a basis for a better understanding of the role of GGP-homologous genes from potato and capsicum in the response of plants to abiotic stress, and lays the foundation for further research into the role of GGPs in plants.
Magnetic Integrated Double-Trap Filter Utilizing the Mutual Inductance for Reducing Current Harmonics in High-Speed Railway Traction Inverters
Authors: Al-Barashi Maged , Wang Yongjun , Lan Bin , Bhutta Muhammed Shoaib 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Current harmonics are generated at the switching frequency and its multiples when the traction converters are modulated. The multi-trap filters can eliminate the harmonic at these frequencies. Therefore, total inductance and filter size can be reduced. Comparatively to traditional inductor-capacitor-inductor (LCL) filters, more magnetic cores are needed for trap inductors. Furthermore, the traction systems have not been examined in conjunction with multi-trap filters. To reduce the filter size and investigate its application in traction converters, this paper presents an integrated double-trap LCL (DTLCL) filter. A tiny capacitor is connected in parallel with the grid-side inductor to form one LC-trap. In addition, another LC-trap is formed by connecting the equivalent trap inductor, introduced through the magnetic coupling between inverter-side and grid-side inductors, in series with the filter capacitor. The presented filters' features are thoroughly analyzed, and the design method has been developed. Finally, the simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiment results validate the proposed method's viability and efficacy. Compared to the discrete windings, the integrated ones enable a size decrease of 35.4%. Furthermore, the proposed filters can meet IEEE criteria with 0.3% for all the harmonics and total harmonic distortion (THD) of 2.36% of the grid-side current.
Dynamic analysis of an exponentially graded viscoelastic coated half plane pressed by a rigid flat punch
Authors: Çömez İsa 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study analytically considers the dynamic contact problem between a rigid flat punch and an exponentially graded (FG) viscoelastic coated homogeneous half-plane. The punch transmits a harmonic vertical force to the FG coating. The general stress and displacement expressions for the FG viscoelastic coating and half plane are derived using Helmholtz functions and the Fourier integral transform technique. Thanks to the boundary conditions, the contact problem is transformed into the singular integral equation of the first kind, and it is solved numerically by implementing the Gauss-Chebyshev integration formulas. The effect of the parameters such as external excitation frequency, loss factor ratio, Young’s modulus ratio, density ratio, Poisson’s ratio, indentation load, and punch length on the dynamic contact stress and dynamic in-plane stress are discussed in detail.
Study on the Friction Behavior and Abnormal Conditions of Non-Contact Mechanical Seal based on Acoustic Emission
Authors: Chen Jinxin , Lu Junjie , Hou Yaochun , Ding Xuexing , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The main cause of failure in sealing friction pairs, friction wear, has presented analytical challenges due to rapidly changing and complex friction frequency characteristics. This has led to a focus on surface morphology treatment rather than direct measurement techniques in research. In this context, the present study adopted Acoustic Emission (AE) technology for direct monitoring of friction pairs, aiming to identify friction response signals during their transient contact and abrasion stages. Employing time-frequency analysis, the research delineated the state evolution of AE characteristics during the entire operational cycle of the friction pair, from start to stop. It has established the time-frequency information of AE signals in relation to the surface state of the sealing friction pair and deciphered the correlation between the friction AE signals and the surface state alterations of the friction pair. The study showed that the frequency of friction-induced signals in seals is 270 ± 40 kHz. The transition speeds for the friction pair's state, moving from boundary lubrication to mixed lubrication and then to fluid dynamic lubrication, were identified as 200rpm and 1000rpm, respectively. Additionally, an escalation in signal activity was observed in dry friction scenarios and when surface defects were present in the friction pair, markedly exceeding the activity in conditions of no wear. This relationship between the friction signals and the operational state of the seal facilitates precise assessments of wear and operational integrity, underpinning the theoretical aspects of periodic wear in seal tribology.
The Impact of Serum Potassium Ion Variability on 28-Day Mortality in ICU Patients
Authors: Zhang YuChou , Liang ShengDe , Wen HanChun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study sought to elucidate the relationship between the variability of serum potassium ion levels and the 28-day mortality rate in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Incorporating a cohort of 237 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (October 2022 to October 2023), the investigation utilized the coefficient of variation to assess serum potassium ion variability. Employing binary logistic regression analysis and adjusting for potential confounding factors, the study unveiled a significant positive correlation between the variability in potassium ion levels and the 28-day mortality rate. Notably, the deceased patients demonstrated a mean increase of approximately 0.13 mmol/L in potassium levels every 12 hours, a contrast to the trends observed in survivors. This positive correlation persisted even after excluding patients who experienced hypokalemia or hyperkalemia during their hospitalization. The study thus underscores the significance of potassium ion variability as a prognostic indicator of 28-day mortality, irrespective of the patients maintaining normal potassium ion concentrations.
Neurotoxicological effects of agrochemicals and their probable degradation by-products in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ramalho Douglas Lisboa , Silva Jadyellen Rondon , Santos Maria Eduarda Monteiro Martins dos , Soares Maria Eduarda Silva , Jesus Andrielle Adelina Teodoro , Alves Thiago Henrique Oliveira , Brugnera Michelle Fernanda , Moura Sidnei , Souza Anderson Oliveira 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Photodegradation is a promising technique for remediating contaminated environmental matrices, demonstrating significant yield of transforming organic contaminants into carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic anions through degradation reactions that involve transient oxidizing species, mainly hydroxyl radicals generated by UV irradiation. In this study, we investigated whether the photodegradation of PQ with UV irradiation reduced its toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. However, dietary ingestion of degradation products PQ for larvae resulted in a low axial ratio (pupal volume). In the adults, products of photodegradation of PQ exposure markedly diminished climbing ability in a time-dependent manner after 10 days of feeding. In addition, exposure of D. melanogaster to photodegradation of PQ reduced acetylcholinesterase and citrate synthase activities but improved oxidative stress, as evidenced by protein carbonyl, and lactate production. These results suggest that the photodegradation of PQ with UV irradiation produced PQ fragments with higher toxicity than PQ, while the precise mechanism of its action needs further investigation.
Identifying potential ferroptosis-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets for Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension in the context of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine by integrative bioinformatics approaches
Authors: Tan Mingliang , Qian Tao , Jiang Wei , Yuan Haoyong , Lu Ting , Yin Ni , Wu Zhongshi , Huang Can 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), a rare and devastating pulmonary vascular disorder, is characterized by cellular proliferation and vascular remodeling. Although previous studies have underscored that ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death process, plays an important regulatory role in pulmonary artery hypertension, its role remains understudied. Therefore, the identification of novel and dependable biomarkers will play a pivotal role in enhancing the effective management of Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension in the context of Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (PPPM)
Methods: Gene expression profiles were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using R software and intersected with a ferroptosis database (FerrDb V1) to identify ferroptosis-related DEGs. GO and KEGG analyses were performed to explore biological functions and potential pathways. LASSO and SVM‐RFE algorithms were used to identify optimal gene biomarkers for IPAH. GSVA and GSEA were conducted to explore biological functions and potential pathways associated with these biomarkers. The CIBESORT software was employed to predict immune genes and functions.
Results: Of 237 ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs), 27 differentially expressed FRGs (DE-FRGs) showed significant differences between IPAH and normal samples in GSE48149, with 15 downregulated and 12 upregulated genes. Six DE‐FRGs, including KEAP1, TNFAIP3, MEG3, NFS1, PRDX1, and BEX1, were identified as predictive diagnostic genes for IPAH. Among these DE-FRGs, PRDX1 and TNFAIP3 were the most promising diagnostic genes for IPAH and may play a corresponding role in IPAH by participating in the cell cycle, lysosomes, immune response, vascular smooth muscle contraction, and various diseases. CIBERSORT analysis revealed a positive correlation between neutrophils and TNFAIP3, whereas macrophages M0 exhibited a negative correlation with PRDX1.
Conclusions:
Our analysis revealed six key genes in IPAH: KEAP1, TNFAIP3, MEG3, NFS1, PRDX1, and BEX1. PRDX1 and TNFAIP3, showing consistent expression across datasets, emerge as potential biomarkers and targets for IPAH. These findings propose PRDX1 and TNFAIP3 for future use in predictive diagnostics, prevention, patient stratification, and personalized medicine for IPAH.