bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogeochemical conceptual model of groundwater and quality degradation of water resources, the basic challenge of coastal aquifers
Authors: Khairy Houshang , Sudegi Peyman 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The scarcity of data on the hydrogeochemistry of coastal aquifers near the south Caspian Sea justified the current study. The evaluation was conducted on the groundwater found in the Behshahr-Bandargaz coastal aquifer using classical integrated methods, statistical analyses, and GIS applications. The hydrochemical assessment included 48 groundwater samples from an area located between the Alborz mountains and the Caspian Sea. The study aimed to assess hydrochemical properties, salinity origin, and water suitability. Groundwater chemistry is influenced primarily by water-rock interactions, Saltwater infiltration, evaporation, and geological processes contributed to water quality degradation. Spatial distribution maps revealed that most hydrochemical elements increased towards the coast, indicating declining water quality northward. Nitrate distribution differed, suggesting human activities had less impact than saltwater intrusion due to excessive groundwater extraction. The hydrogeochemical model showed increased EC and decreased nitrate towards the coast. Groundwater suitability assessment indicated decreasing quality towards the northern parts. The water quality index (WQI) for drinking purposes was excellent in many areas. For agriculture, water quality varied from slightly salty in the south to very salty in the north. Industrial use would render a large part of the aquifer corrosive. The water quality is suitable for drinking in most parts of the aquifer, but it is less suitable for agriculture and industry. The findings from this study are valuable for devising sustainable strategies to manage and safeguard groundwater in the coastal regions, particularly in the vicinity of the Caspian Sea. Additionally, they can serve as a crucial resource for researchers worldwide.
Engineered yeast cells simulating CD19+ cancers to control CAR T cell activation
Authors: Jensen Michael , Deichmann Marcus , Schiesaro Giovanni , Ramanathan Keerthana , Zeeberg Katrine , Koefoed Nanna , Ormhøj Maria , Friis Rasmus , Gill Ryan , Hadrup Sine , Jensen Emil 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have become an established immunotherapy and show promising results for the treatment of hematological cancers in most patients. However, modulation of the surface levels of the targeted antigen in cancer cells affects the quality and safety of CAR T cell therapy. Here we present the successful engineering of yeast to simulate cancer cells with controllable surface antigen-densities for synthetic cell-cell communication with CAR T cells. Hence, we establish a novel tool for controlled activation of CAR T cell responses and the assessment of antigen-density thresholds. Specifically, we demonstrate i) controllable antigen-densities of CD19 on yeast using G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ii) a customizable system applying heterologous GPCRs that define signal input types and signal pathway engineering for tuning the output intensity, and iii) efficient and robust activational control of clinically-derived CAR T cells using CD19-displaying yeast cells compared to the activation elicited by a NALM6 cancer cell line. Based on this yeast-based antigen-presenting cell system, we envision efficient assessment of how varying antigen densities in cancer cells affect CAR T cell responses and ultimately support development of safer and better quality of personalized cancer therapies.
Traditional and complementary medicine use among cancer patients in Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Choi Soo Jeung , Kunwor Sangita Karki , Im Hyea Bin , Choi Dain , Hwang Jung Hye , Ahmed Mansoor , Han Dongwoon 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The primary contentious issues surrounding non-pharmacological intervention, such as the use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) by cancer patients, are noncompliance with treatment and potential hazards arising from drug-T&CM interactions. The aim of this review was to determine the prevalence and disclosure rate of T&CM use among cancer patients in Asia. Systematic research was performed on the four databases inception to January 2023. The pooled prevalence estimate of T&CM use was pooled using random-effects models. Among the 4,849 records retrieved, 41 eligible studies conducted in 14 Asian countries were included, involving a total of 14,976 participants. The pooled prevalence estimate of T&CM use was 49.3%, ranging from 24.0% to 94.8%, and the disclosure rate of T&CM use was 38.2% (11.9% to 82.5%). Females were 22.0% more likely to use T&CM than males. Subgroup analysis revealed the highest prevalence of T&CM use was found in studies conducted in East Asia (62.4%), those covered by both national and private insurance (55.8%), and studies before 2011 (53.4%). The prevalence of T&CM use among cancer patients is high; however, the disclosure rate of T&CM use to physicians is still less. Disclosure of T&CM use is among the key indicators of patient safety and prognosis quality in cancer treatment. Therefore, future studies in the field should include influencing factors of non-disclosure of T&CM use.
Proteomics for Optimizing Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Venetoclax plus Hypomethylating Agents versus Conventional Chemotherapy
Authors: Kornblau Steven , Magalhães Eduardo Sabino de Camargo , Hubner Stefan , Brown Brandon , Yihua Qiu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The use of Hypomethylating agents combined with Venetoclax (VH) for the treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) has greatly improved outcomes in recent years. However not all patients benefit from the VH regimen and a way to rationally select between VH and Conventional Chemotherapy (CC) for individual AML patients is needed. Here, we developed a proteomic-based triaging strategy using Reverse-phase Protein Arrays (RPPA) to optimize therapy selection. We evaluated the expression of 411 proteins in 810 newly diagnosed adult AML patients, identifying 109 prognostic proteins, that divided into five patient expression profiles, which are useful for optimizing therapy selection. Furthermore, using machine learning algorithms, we determined a set of 14 proteins, among those 109, that were able to accurately recommend therapy, making it feasible for clinical application. Next, we identified a group of patients who did not benefit from either VH or CC and proposed target-based approaches to improve outcomes. Finally, we calculated that the clinical use of our proteomic strategy would have led to a change in therapy for 30% of patients, resulting in a 43% improvement in OS, resulting in around 2 600 more cures from AML per year in the United States.
Integrative organic fertilizer immobilized in marine waste derived CaCO3 nanocarrier system towards quality and quantity enhancement of tomato cultivation
Authors: Nallasamy Prakashkumar , Natarajan Suganthy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Tomatoes are rich the lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and other mineral sources including phosphorus, potassium, zinc, magnesium and iron. Major constraints in tomato cultivation were high cost, poor cultivation due to adverse weather conditions, pest attacks, microbial infections and nutritional deficiency complications. Conventional fertilizers including pesticides, fungicides and growth regulators are effective at higher concentration, which induces specific toxic effects on soil fertility, plant yield and also affects the health status of humans, animals and soil associated microbes. The use of organic fertilizers to meet the soil nutrient demand increases the acidity of soil affecting plant growth which turned the focus of researchers towards nanofertilizer. The present study focuses on the synthesis of marine waste derived CaCO3 nanoparticles formulated with azadirachtin and panchakavya emulsion to develop a CaCO3 nanofertilizer. CaCO3 nanofertilizer were characterized by UV-Visible, FTIR, DLS, EDX, ICP-OES spectra along with FE-SEM, HR-TEM, TGA and BET analysis. CaCO3 nanofertilizer effectively inhibited fusarium wilt causing plant fungal pathogen and also exhibited enhanced growth and yield of tomatoes against pest attack and nutritional deficiency with effect to the foliar treatment. Overall, the fabricated CaCO3 nanofertilizer exhibits the synergistic role of fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide and growth regulator in tomato cultivation.
Computer-guided substrate scope exploration of engineered peptide-modifying biocatalysts
Authors: Siirola Elina , Debon Aaron , Eggimann Fabian , Snajdrova Radka 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As the demand for therapeutic peptides has increased over the last decades the toolbox for their synthesis is needing to expand as well. Biocatalytic methods to enhance and complement solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) have been proposed, especially from natural product pathways that modify linear precursor peptides. In this paper, we investigated the synthetic capacity of three classes of enzymes (heterocyclase, macrocyclase, and oxidase) involved in cyanobactin production. With a combination of SPPS and natural as well as rationally engineered enzymes we have reconstituted this pathway in vitro to produce non-natural semi-synthetic cyclic peptides. Using a computationally guided library generation method we explored the current limitations of such a semi-synthetic approach. Finally, we showed that these enzymes can cooperate to produce a broad scope of peptide macrocycles that, to our knowledge, don’t occur naturally.
Comparison of effect of remimazolam and propofol on respiration of patients under deep sedation for colonoscopy: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Zhengjia , Zhan Renshu , Mo Liqun , Zhang Jin , Hu Jie , Tan Shoupeng , He Qiongzhen , Li Ping , Sun Wekong , Wang Xiaobin , Jiang Jun , Liu Li , Zhang Yingying , Bai YIping 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Remimazolam recently became available as a sedative. The comparison of the respiratory suppression effects of remimazolam and propofol under deep sedation for colonoscopy remains unclear. The goal of this study was to systemically compare the respiration profiles of the patients sedated with remimazolam and propofol at the comparable sedation level in the patients undergoing colonoscopy.
Methods: Four hundred-fifty outpatients were randomly assigned to remimazolam (Group Rem, n = 225) and propofol (Group Pro, n = 225). The target sedation level was the modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation ≤ 2. The primary outcome was elapsed time from anesthesia induction to first airway intervention. Secondary outcomes included incidence and severity of hypoxia and apnea, minute ventilation (MV), tidal volume (TV), and respiratory rate (RR).
Results: The elapsed time from induction to the first airway intervention was 11 ± 8 min in Group Rem (n= 208) vs. 5 ± 6 min in Group Pro (n= 208, P <0.001). Patients in Group Rem required less frequent airway intervention and had a lower incidence of and shorter duration of apnea than patients in Group Pro (all P <0.001). MV at 1 min, 2 min, 4 min post-induction, and at the end of the procedure were higher in Group Rem than those in Group Pro (P < 0.001).
Conclusions: Patients sedated with remimazolam vs. propofol during colonoscopy maintain improved respiration and require less frequent airway intervention, and has lower the incidence of adverse events.
Green manuring increased peanut yields and reduced soil carbon mineralization by optimizing microbial communities
Authors: Sun Qiqi , Zheng Yongmei , Sun Xuewu , Wu Lijun , Wu Zhengfeng , Zhang Jialei , Yu Tianyi , Wan Shubo , Zhang Jiancheng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Using green manure (GM) in rotations is a sustainable approach to cleaner production and soil CO2 emissions mitigation, yet the microbial mechanism governing soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization from legume fields remains to be elucidated. To determine whether the GM-based rotation was superior to the conventional continuous peanut monoculture, a seven-year field experiment including two cropping regimes, peanut continuous monoculture (P) and peanut-Orychophragmus violaceus rotation (PO), was performed. Microbial properties and C-degradation enzyme activities in the rhizosphere and bulk soil of peanut fields were explored, with SOC mineralization (Kc) and its temperature sensitivity (Q10) determined in the laboratory. O. violaceus incorporation as a GM enhanced soil moisture, pH and mineral nitrogen contents, which increased the bulk soil bacterial alpha diversity and reduced rhizosphere fungal richness. GM incorporation promoted saprotrophs (Agaricales), enriched beneficial microbes (Bacillus) and inhibited pathogenic fungi (Fusarium), thus alleviating continuous monoculture obstacles and increasing yields. The bacterial interaction complexity was increased, but the fungal interaction complexity was reduced. Moreover, GM not only decreased the rhizosphere Q10 (by 14.9%) due to decreased rhizosphere SOC but also reduced the bulk soil Kc (by 23.9%) due to the intensified C limitation, indicating that the C loss of bulk soil is currently low and that of the rhizosphere will be limited under future warming. This study provides new insight into soil C mineralization in legumes at the microenvironmental scale, and improves our projections of legume soil C loss under future climate change scenarios.
Protective Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Against Cisplatin Induced Hepatocellular Damage and Oxidative Stress in Rats
Authors: ALRAMADNEH TAREQ , Abu-Harirah Hashem A , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Athamneh Rabaa Y. , Abusalah Mai , Okla Mohammad K. , Kiani Bushra Hafeez , Mohammed Yasser Hussein Issa , AlQuraan Razan N. , Javaraiah Rajesh 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cisplatin has a high rate of effectiveness in treating cancer, its use is restricted due to the severe adverse consequences it produces. Nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity are only a few of the unwanted side effects. In the case of cisplatin, hepatotoxicity is thought to be caused by oxidative stress brought on by an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). Omega-3 is an antioxidant that reduces the production of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. This study aimed to compare the beneficial effects of omega-3 therapy against the harmful effects of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and to determine the effect of cisplatin on hepatic pro-oxidant or antioxidant systems. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group) and treated with single dosages of cisplatin (5 milligrams per kilogram) and omega-3 (20 milligrams per kilogram over fourteen days by intraperitoneal administration), or cisplatin combined with omega-3. In addition, the rat’s blood was tested for alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase levels. We observed higher levels of lipid peroxidation products, total oxidant status, and ALT in the cisplatin group compared to the control group. Conversely, it was revealed that glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase levels were considerably lower in the cisplatin group compared to the control group. Omega-3 has significantly reduced the toxicity of cisplatin in the liver. Our biochemical results confirmed our histological observations of central venous dilations, pericenter and periportal sinusoidal dilations, parenchymal inflammation, vacuolar abnormalities in hepatocytes, biliary duct proliferation, and caspase-3 positive hepatocytes. In conclusion, Omega-3 can provide biochemical and histological protection against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.
Health-related Roles of Older Generations in Families with Inherited Genetic Conditions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Oliveira Carla Roma , Seidi Catarina , Sequeiros Jorge , Sousa Liliana , Mendes Álvaro 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Inherited genetic conditions are family diseases. They affect consanguineous relatives, in lineage for several generations, and impact the family dynamics. Older generations have been considered highly influential in the health management of families with inherited genetic conditions. To our knowledge, no reviews so far addressed the health-related roles of older generations in these families. This scoping review aims to fill that gap by mapping the existent research about the health-roles roles performed by the older generations in families living with inherited genetic conditions. Four electronic databases were searched: Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycInfo. Eleven studies were included, and relevant findings were extracted. Main roles included: informers vs blockers of disease-related information; encouragers vs discouragers of health screening or genetic testing; (non-)supporters; and role models in living and coping with the disease. The roles played by older generations are relevant to the health management of other family members and can be beneficial to themselves (reciprocal interactions). Acknowledging and understanding these roles is important for professionals and health-services. Results suggest the relevance of an intergenerational perspective when working with families with inherited genetic conditions.
Emergent Antarctic seafloor seeps: A tipping point reached?
Authors: Seabrook Sarah , Law Cliff , Thurber Andrew , Ladroit Yoann , Cummings Vonda , Tait Leigh , Maurice Alicia , Hawes Ian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We report striking discoveries of extensive and emergent seafloor seeps in the coastal Ross Sea, releasing climate-reactive fluid and gases. While the origin, driving mechanisms, and consequence of these seep systems remains unknown, their recent emergence is consistent with cryospheric cap degradation initiating new fluid flow pathways. Such a mechanism is inherently climate sensitive and may be widespread around the Antarctic Continent, with concerning positive feedbacks that are currently undetermined.
Wild Type p53 Inhibits Apoptosis Induced by bcl2 Silencing in Malignant Tumor Cells
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhao Jiacong Jiacong , Chen Yongxia , Chen Qiongjiang , Huang Xiaoming , Liu Hao , Jia Jing , Cao Jiang , Jia Zhenyu 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In cancer gene therapy, anti-apoptotic gene bcl2 was one of the target to be aimed in some malignant tumor cells. Theoretically, when bcl2 expression is suppressed by siRNA technique, malignant tumor cells would undergo more apoptosis. However, in our study, different malignant tumor cells responded differently as human non-small cell carcinoma cell A549 was sensitive while cervical carcinoma cell Hela was resistant to bcl2 silencing. To investigate if tumor suppressor p53, which is wild typed in A549 but functionally mutant in Hela, plays a role in the different response to bcl2 silencing in these two cell lines, p53 inhibitor pifithrin-µ was applied to explore p53’s impact on apoptosis initiated by bcl2 knockdown. Results showed that p53 involved in the upregulation of transcription regulator nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) phosphorylated at Ser536 which could enhance apoptosis promoting gene bax expression to induce p53-proficient cell apoptosis.
Enhancing the Accuracy and Clinical Applicability of Hybrid Cnn-Based Optical Coherence Tomography Image Classification of Retinal Diseases
Authors: Rajesh M. , Rajalingam B. , Mahendran M. , Raghavan V K Senthil , Deepan P. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

This investigation uses SD-OCT for retinal imaging, using data collected from 4686 patients (OCT-17) and 45 patients (Srinivasan-14) using a conventional SD-OCT equipment. 84,484 pictures make up the OCT-17 dataset, which is split into DME, CNV, Drusen, and normal groups; the Srinivasan-14 dataset contains volumetric scans from people with AMD and diabetic macular edoema. When used to retinal OCT classification, the suggested HCTNet model combines Vision Transformer (ViT) and Convolutional Neural Networks (C-Net) for optimal results. The Low-Level Feature Extraction module, the Transformer branch for global sequences, the parallel Convolutional branch for local features, and the adaptive Feature Fusion module are all key components in HCTNet's ability to overcome the hurdles of background noise in ViT. Testing on the OCT-17 dataset shows that HCTNet outperforms reference approaches, with a sensitivity of 88.57% and a specificity of 88.11% and an accuracy of 91.56%. Clinical utility of HCTNet is further demonstrated by its robustness to noise and ablation tests on retinal OCT images.
Anxiety, depression, urinary continence, and sexuality in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: preliminary findings
Authors: Tozzi Marco , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Silvaggi Marco , Michetti Paolo Maria 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Evaluate the relationship between psychological distress, namely anxiety and depression, with urinary continence and recovery of erectile function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 33 consecutive patients who underwent RP in a single tertiary-referral academy between 01/2018 to 01/2019. We used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), the Sexual Complaints Screener for Men (SCS-M), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), validated questionnaires for the assessment of sexual function, anxiety, and depression experiences, respectively. These questionnaires were administered at the pre-surgical visit, after surgery, and at intermediate follow-ups (three, six, and twelve months).
Results
The analysis of the questionnaires completed during follow-up shows that erectile function is the most affected, with 90% erectile dysfunction (ED) at three months after surgery. In terms of emotional states, anxiety prevails in the first months following surgery and is statistically significantly associated with incontinence (p = 0.02). Depressive symptoms, on the other hand, appear later and prevail over anxiety at six months after surgery, although not statistically significant.
Conclusions
In the early post-surgical phase anxiety and ED are the most frequently detected components, while depressive experiences and decreased desire, typical of later stages, have not yet fully emerged.