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Changes of leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein could be a marker of changes of endoscopic and histologic activity of ulcerative colitis
Temperature-Robust Solvation Enabled by Solvent Interactions for Low-Temperature Sodium Metal Batteries
Spherical lesion formation in HIFU using robotic assistance for controlled focal point manipulation
Author Correction: Dynamic switching of transmission modes hydroacoustic communication MAC protocols
Urban water supply risks assessment under tropical climate
Precise multi-factor immediate implant placement decision models based on machine learning
Invasive tree species affect terricolous bryophytes biomass and biodiversity in nutrient-poor but not nutrient-rich temperate forests
Abstract Although invasive tree species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, their impact on terricolous bryophytes has been insufficiently recognized. In addition, almost all previous studies focused on differences between invaded and uninvaded stands, not accounting for the effect of invader abundance. Here we aimed to assess the impact of Prunus serotina and Robinia pseudoacacia on terricolous bryophytes on nutrient-poor (Pinus sylvestris stands) and nutrient-rich (Quercus spp. stands) sites, along a gradient of invader biomass. We assessed the cover and species richness of bryophytes by vegetation surveys in 160 study plots (100 m2) and biomass in eight 0.264 m2 circular subplots. Both tree species affected the cover and biomass of bryophytes, while R. pseudoacacia also reduced species richness. Although we did not confirm their impact on species composition except R. pseudoacacia in nutrient-poor sites, we revealed the negative individual responses of three species to invader biomass: Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum polysetum, and D. scoparium. However, these impacts occurred only on nutrient-poor sites, but not on nutrient-rich sites. We provided the first quantitative assessment of P. serotina and R. pseudoacacia impacts on terricolous bryophytes along its biomass gradient. We showed low vulnerability of terricolous bryophytes in nutrient-rich broadlevaed sites while high in nutrient-poor coniferous sites, showing that there is no safe level of invader biomass.
Structural performance evaluation of electric vehicle chassis under static and dynamic loads
Abstract Electric vehicle (EV) production is pivotal in achieving environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Since the weight of electric vehicles directly influences the energy consumption and driving range of the vehicle, innovative engineers face a significant challenge in designing an optimized vehicle chassis that remains robust under complex loading conditions. This paper focuses on the dynamic analysis of an EV chassis subjected to transient suspension forces due to hitting speed bumps and proposes a load factor between static and dynamic loads. A quarter vehicle model was adopted and solved using MATLAB Simulink to simulate the transient force transmitted to the chassis under different bump dimensions and vehicle speeds. The load was implemented into three different dynamic analysis studies: Front Loading, Rear Loading, and Torsional Loading. Subsequently, static and dynamic analyses were performed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) with SimSolid software. The results obtained from the dynamic analysis studies showed that the maximum stress was 288 MPa with a safety factor of 1.12, while the maximum stress in the static analysis was 64 MPa with a safety factor of 5.69. Additionally, a load factor of 4.44 between static and dynamic loads was revealed. Based on these findings, the chassis experiences only elastic deformation and is considered safe for practical use.
A bacterial antiviral system detects and directly fights against infection
Knowledge, and attitude as determinants of healthcare professionals’ self-medication practice to antibacterials in Tertiary Care hospitals, North West Ethiopia
Abstract The rise of antimicrobial resistance, driven largely by the inappropriate use of antibiotics, presents a significant global health challenge. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) self-medication practice (SMP) with antibiotics is a concerning practice. The role of knowledge, and attitudes, in shaping SMP has not been explored, in the context of Ethiopia. This study aims to investigate the patterns of antibiotic use, knowledge, attitudes, and associated the factors with SMP among healthcare professionals in tertiary hospitals in Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2023 to February 2024 in two tertiary hospitals in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The study included 410 healthcare professionals selected using proportional allocation and convenience sampling. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess participants’ demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use. Knowledge was assessed through scoring, and attitudes were evaluated using a Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, employing bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with SMA. Knowledge assessment revealed that 58.5% had good knowledge. In terms of job categories, nurses comprised the largest group (48.8%). A majority (60.2%) had 1–5 years of experience. 57.8% of participants exhibited a poor attitude to SMP. Respiratory infections (20.61%) were the most common health condition reported, followed by gastrointestinal infections (15.43%). The most frequently used antibiotics were amoxicillin (35%), augmentin (25%), and azithromycin (25%). Key factors influencing SMA included ease of access to antibiotics (36%), cost-effectiveness (23%), and knowledge/expertise (22%). Time constraints, perceived severity of conditions, and past self-medication experiences were also significant factors. While 83.8% considered self-medication to be safe, 75% recognized the potential adverse effects of medications. The multivariate analysis revealed that being a physician (AOR = 23.39) or a pharmacist (AOR = 7.79) was strongly associated with self-medication. Degree holders, MSc holders, and specialized physicians were also more likely to self-medicate. A poor attitude was a significant determinant, with healthcare professionals displaying poor attitudes being almost twice as likely to self-medicate (AOR = 1.91). The findings highlight the prevalent practice of self-medication with antibiotics among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia, influenced by factors such as knowledge, access to antibiotics, and professional attitudes. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to enhance healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes regarding responsible antibiotic use while addressing their own practices of self-medication.
The impact of bariatric surgery and exercise on systemic immune inflammation index in patients with sarcopenia obesity
Abstract The role of obesity in contributing to inflammation is an influential factor in the progression of obesity-associated medical issues. Metabolic and bariatric surgery has been proven as effective in obtaining weight loss and associated conditions remission. The Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII) was developed to offer more comprehensive data on inflammation and is presented as a prognostic indicator regarding many adverse conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the association between SII and bariatric surgery in patients with sarcopenic obesity and evaluate the eventual impact of exercise on SII. All participants were sarcopenic patients with obesity, underwent bariatric surgery - RYGP - and were randomized to participate in a structured physical exercise or to control group. The assessments were performed following standardized procedures, with the data evaluated during routine clinic follow-up at preoperative and 20-weeks postoperative after the exercise program. At baseline, before surgery, patients in both groups had similar anthropometrics, body composition, muscle strength variables and percentage of comorbidities. SII was also similar in both groups. To better understand the association of SII with the different variables, a Pearson correlation test was performed at baseline using SII. There was an inverse association of SII with BMC, handgrip strength and ASMM at baseline, which was maintained 5 months after surgery. At the end of the study, the combined results of the two groups showed that weight, BMI, % of body fat, muscle mass and muscle strength, the 30s sit-to-stand test and bone mineral density all decreased significantly as expected, along with the SII that also decreased significantly. The intervention group showed higher ASMM, handgrip strength, 30s Sit-to-stand test and 400-m walk test and bone mineral density when compared with the control group. However, SII showed no difference between both groups (p > 0.05). The results of the current research show a positive impact of bariatric surgery on weight and associated conditions control and a negative impact on muscle mass and function. SII responded very favorably to surgery with or without exercise, with a clear decrease in its score. Higher SII is associated with lower muscle mass and function, and this may be a reflex of the compromise that obesity causes on health, in this case, increasing systemic inflammation and decreasing muscle mass and function. The role of physical exercise in the management of surgical bariatric patients is still not clear. After surgery, the patients in the physical exercise program group had better results in muscle mass and function when compared to the patients in the control group (without exercise). However, there were no differences in SII score between the two groups, which may be interpreted as a lack of positive effect of physical exercise per se in the short-term on the systemic inflammatory condition present in obesity.
ZCCHC4 regulates esophageal cancer progression and cisplatin resistance through ROS/c-myc axis
Abstract Zinc finger CCHC-type containing 4 (ZCCHC4) is a newly discovered N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase (MTase), which possesses an m6A MTase domain and an RNA-binding protein (RBP) Znf domain. Aberrantly expressed ZCCHC4 has been found to be correlated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in various tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. However, the expression and functional analysis of the role of ZCCHC4 in esophageal cancer (ESCA) is still elusive. The expression of ZCCHC4 in esophageal cancer tissues was evaluated by qPT-PCR and western blot. Serum esophageal tumor markers are detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Relationship between ZCCHC4 expression and pathway enrichment analysis were analyzed by R. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of ZCCHC4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cells tested by CCK8 assay and flow cytometry assay. Aberrant expression of ZCCHC4 is associated with cancer stages, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor histology, and poorer Overall Survival (OS) in esophageal cancer. The mRNA level of ZCCHC4 in esophageal cancer patients correlates with serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) markers, and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) levels. Knockdown of ZCCHC4 induces DNA damage, leading to an elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn triggers S-phase arrest, enhances apoptosis, augments sensitivity to cisplatin treatment, and inhibits proliferation in esophageal cancer cells. Conversely, overexpression of ZCCHC4 promotes proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, and increases resistance to cisplatin in esophageal cancer cells. Furthermore, scavenging ROS reverses the effects of ZCCHC4 downregulation on both proliferation and apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells. Additionally, downregulation of ZCCHC4 inhibits the progression of esophageal cancer and reduces cisplatin resistance in vivo. In summary, downregulation of ZCCHC4 leads to increased sensitivity of ESCC cells to cisplatin, inhibits proliferation, and promotes apoptosis in esophageal cancer cells, potentially via the ROS/c-myc axis. The study suggests a potential adjunctive role for ZCCHC4 in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer and aids in further understanding the underlying mechanisms in ESCA progression.