High Level Research Articles

Heparin Oligosaccharides as Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Inhibitors via their Binding Process Characterization.

It has been proven that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Cardin et al. found that by an alanine scan, the heparin- binding site on VIP was exactly the same sequence in VIP and its receptor. Therefore, heparin could competitively block the binding of VIP and its receptor. However, the structure-activity relationship between heparin and VIP has not been reported, especially in terms of the sequence and sulfation patterns of heparin oligosaccharides upon binding to VIP. A variety of experiments were designed to study the binding process and structure-activity relationship between heparin oligosaccharides and VIP. Heparin was enzymatically digested and purified to produce heparin oligosaccharides, and the structures were characterized by NMR. The binding capacity between heparin oligosaccharides and VIP was analyzed by GMSA and ITC experiments. The binding between heparin oligosaccharides and VIP was simulated using a molecular docking program to show the complex. ELISA assay was used to investigate the effect of non-anticoagulant heparin oligosaccharides on the VIP-mediated cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in vitro. The results indicated that both the length and the sulfation pattern of heparin oligosaccharides affected its binding to VIP. VIP could induce the expression of cAMP at a higher level in PC3 cells, which could be regulated by the interaction of heparin oligosaccharides and VIP. The binding between heparin oligosaccharides and VIP could block the binding between VIP and its receptor on tumor cells. Downloading the regulation of the expression level of cAMP could possibly further affect the subsequent activation of PKA. These non-anticoagulant heparin oligosaccharides may block the VIP-mediated cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and thus exert their antitumor activity.

What is the additive value of nutritional deficiency to VA-FI in the risk assessment for heart failure patients?

ObjectivesTo assess the impact of adding the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) to the U.S. Veterans Health Administration frailty index (VA-FI) for the prediction of time-to-death and other clinical outcomes in Veterans hospitalized with Heart Failure. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of veterans hospitalized for heart failure (HF) from October 2015 to October 2018. Veterans ≥50 years with albumin and lymphocyte counts, needed to calculate the PNI, in the year prior to hospitalization were included. We defined malnutrition as PNI ≤43.6, based on the Youden index. VA-FI was calculated from the year prior to the hospitalization and identified three groups: robust (≤0.1), prefrail (0.1−0.2), and frail (>0.2). Malnutrition was added to the VA-FI (VA-FI-Nutrition) as a 32nd deficit with the total number of deficits divided by 32. Frailty levels used the same cut-offs as the VA-FI. We compared categories based on VA-FI to those based on VA-FI-Nutrition and estimated the hazard ratio (HR) for post-discharge all-cause mortality over the study period as the primary outcome and other adverse events as secondary outcomes among patients with reduced or preserved ejection fraction in each VA-FI and VA-FI-Nutrition frailty groups. ResultsWe identified 37,601 Veterans hospitalized for HF (mean age: 73.4 ± 10.3 years, BMI: 31.3 ± 7.4 kg/m2). In general, VA-FI-Nutrition reclassified 1959 (18.6%) Veterans to a higher frailty level. The VA-FI identified 1,880 (5%) as robust, 8,644 (23%) as prefrail, and 27,077 (72%) as frail. The VA-FI-Nutrition reclassified 382 (20.3%) from robust to prefrail and 1577 (18.2%) from prefrail to frail creating the modified-prefrail and modified-frail categories based on the VA-FI-Nutrition. We observed shorter time-to-death among Veterans reclassified to a higher frailty status vs. those who remained in their original group (Median of 2.8 years (IQR:0.5,6.8) in modified-prefrail vs. 6.3 (IQR:1.8,6.8) years in robust, and 2.2 (IQR:0.7,5.7) years in modified-frail vs. 3.9 (IQR:1.4,6.8) years in prefrail). The adjusted HR in the reclassified groups was also significantly higher in the VA-FI-Nutrition frailty categories with a 38% increase in overall all-cause mortality among modified-prefrail and a 50% increase among modified-frails. Similar trends of increasing adverse events were also observed among reclassified groups for other clinical outcomes. ConclusionAdding PNI to VA-FI provides a more accurate and comprehensive assessment among Veterans hospitalized for HF. Clinicians should consider adding a specific nutrition algorithm to automated frailty tools to improve the validity of risk prediction in patients hospitalized with HF.

Tarsals from the Sima de los Huesos Middle Pleistocene site (Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain).

Here, we provide a complete, updated, and illustrated inventory, as well as a comprehensive study, of the tarsals (rearfoot) recovered from the Middle Pleistocene site of Sima de los Huesos (SH, Atapuerca, Spain) in comparison to other Homo comparative samples, both extant and fossil. The minimum number of individuals (MNI) estimated from the tarsals has been established as 15, which represents 51.7% of the 29 dental individuals identified within the SH sample. Within the SH hominin foot sample, an exclusive combination of primitive or plesiomorphic and derived or autapomorphic traits can be observed when compared with other Homo individuals/populations. Other characters are shared among SH hominins and Neandertals that might represent shared derived or autapomorphic traits for this evolutionary line, and most are likely related to robusticity (e.g., rectangular-like trochlea of the talus, broad calcanei, broad naviculars, and short lateral cuneiforms). Additionally, we observed some exclusive autapomorphic traits in the SH tarsal sample (e.g., narrow head of the talus and short intermediate cuneiforms). A few exclusive traits in SH tarsal remains are even more robust than in Neandertals (e.g., broad lateral malleolar facet in talus, more projected sustentaculum tali, and broad medial cuneiform). These traits could suggest a slightly higher level of gracilization in the tarsal bones of Neandertals compared to the SH sample that is also supported by other anatomical postcranial skeleton elements. Additionally, some paleobiological inferences are made in relation to body size (stature and body mass) and some associations are proposed within the SH sample. In conclusion, the morphology of the SH tarsi confirms an evolutionary relationship of sister groups between this population and Neandertals, probably representing a morphotype similar to the Neandertal ancestors.

Is Just Moving Enough for Girls? The Moderation Role of Gross Motor Development Level in the Association Between Physical Activity and Cognition

Purpose: Our objective is to describe the moderating effect of the level of gross motor development on the relationship between physical activity (PA) level and visual perception/memory in girls. Methods: This is a quantitative cross-sectional study with a randomized sample of 85 girls (mean age 7.11 ± 0.74) from Chile. The following models were tested: interaction between PA (light: Model 1; moderate–vigorous: Model 2; vigorous: Model 3; and total PA: Model 4) and motor development level associated with visual perception/memory. Variables that showed interaction were tested according to the Johnson-Newman. Results: The Model 2 explains 13% of visual perception/memory and the Model 4 explains 15%, indicating that the motor development level is a moderator of this relationship. Conclusions: Collectively, our results present evidence that girls with a high level of gross motor skills have a stronger relationship between total PA (and also only moderate–vigorous activity) and visual perception/memory.

Back-propagation ANN to Predict Cleanliness and Quality of Cotton Spinning Preparatory Output: A Comprehensive Research

Background: Modern spinning preparatory has undergone drastic technological changes, but still, individual’s expertise-based decisions govern the complex and non-linear multivariant relationships prevailing amongst raw material (cotton) variables, machine variables, process variables (waste), and product (card sliver) quality. The scientifically precise prediction regarding the cleanliness and quality of card sliver and waste control for the given inputted cotton variables processed on the state-of-the-art machinery setup without waiting for the production and testing of card sliver is still impossible. Methods: The present work describes the use of Aritificial Neural Networks (ANN) for ruling out these limitations on scientific grounds. A complex system targeted at ANN was developed using the "newff" function on the mill's five-year database. Single-group ANN was initially designed to determine the influence of inherent variations in raw cotton fibre properties and trash content on blow room and card performance. A multi-group approach of ANN was developed at a later stage to define the influence of complex interactions amongst various fibre properties on three main quality measures considered at blow room and carding, viz., i) influence of blow room and card on fibre length properties, ii) fibre damage at blow room or improvement at card, and iii) degree of cleanliness of the output material. Results: Reverse modelling for both groups was also successfully designed to demarcate feed cotton quality and cleanliness requirements for targeted blow room or card cleaning performance. Conclusion: A high level of positive endurance was observed for all ANNs. Multigroup networking has proven to be more precise than single group networking.

An Extensive Review of MR Sensors with Design and Characteristic Evaluation of Three-layered TMR Sensor

Abstract: The reliability and efficacy of sensor-based automated systems have improved due to the proliferation of electric vehicles, renewable sources, and integrated systems in power industries extensively. This has been accomplished by increasing the power density and decreasing the volume of the system. Background: Mathematical estimation and comparative analysis of the physical factors result in massive usage of operational matrices measured using sensors. Magnetic field sensors, used in industries and biomedical applications, have a high level of precision in the evaluation of measurements. In order to extract the measured parameters such as sensitivity, accuracy, operating cost, the linear range of operation, and power utilisation, these sensors adhere to the physical constraints during their nominal working conditions. The characteristics of the aforementioned sensors are enumerated in detail in this article. Objective: This objective is highly focused on providing a comprehensive overview of classification and the properties of Hall-Effect, anisotropic magnetoresistive (AMR), giant magnetoresistive (GMR), and tunnelling magnetoresistive (TMR) sensors. The dissertation on its properties concludes that TMR is more reliable and sensitive in variable operating conditions. Methods: The methods for selecting the sensors for an application are confined to voltage fluctuations and sensitivity. A three-layered TMR sensor with two magnetic layers and an insulator in between is proposed as a significant advancement compared to the literature. The micromagnetic simulation is carried out at room temperature for a three-layered TMR made up of neodymium alloy, magnesium oxide, and cobalt platinum alloy. Conclusion: Based on the studies executed, it is determined that TMR is more sensitive than both conventional and MR sensors. The proposed schematic claims that the higher free layer thickness offers maximum sensitivity with 77% negative magnetoresistance. The reduced coercivity of 1.9Oe is achieved in this combination at a specified temperature range.

Serum amylase as a novel prognostic marker of organophosphorus poisoning: a retrospective study

Abstract Background This study aims to explore the significance of serum amylase levels in patients with organophosphorus pesticide (OP) poisoning and to provide a new perspective for evaluating the severity and prognosis of OP poisoning. Methods The clinical data of 67 patients with acute OP poisoning, who had been treated in the emergency department of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between September 2020 and August 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Using Spearman rank correlation, serum amylase levels during admission and severity of poisoning correlated with discharge outcomes. Based on serum amylase levels, receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to predict the severity and mortality of patients who experience organophosphate poisoning. The optimal threshold serum amylase level at admission was determined based on the maximum Youden index. Results Using Spearman rank correlation analysis, serum amylase levels at admission positively correlated with the severity of poisoning and discharge outcomes, but the degree of correlation was weak (r s: 0.344; 0.264; P < 0.05). The patients’ serum amylase levels at admission had receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values of 0.726 and 0.735 to predict the degree of severe poisoning and death, respectively. Based on the maximum Youden index, the optimal threshold of serum amylase were 97.8 and 194.1 U/L when the degree of poisoning was severe and the discharge outcome of patients was died. In comparison to patients with serum amylase levels ≤194.1 U/L at admission, the OR values of death in patients with serum amylase levels >194.1 U/L at admission was 15.944 (95% CI: 1.825–139.274). Conclusion Serum amylase levels in patients with organophosphate poisoning correlate with the degree of poisoning and discharge outcomes. Higher serum amylase level was a risk factor for organophosphorus poisoning death.

Correlation between energy consumption and economic growth – based on the perspective of panel vector autoregressive analysis

ABSTRACT Efforts are underway to balance economic development and ecological preservation by transforming the energy structure. This study uses the Cobb-Douglas production function to examine the relationship between energy and economic growth. Through panel data and regression models, 32 countries are analyzed in terms of global energy consumption and economic development. Countries are further grouped based on energy intensity and economic level to explore dynamic relationships. Previous studies lacked understanding of this relationship under varying conditions, while this study proposes a novel approach. Results indicate a one-way relationship between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. Further analysis reveals that countries with higher energy intensity and economic level experience a negative impact on economic growth from increased renewable energy consumption. These research findings have implications for government decision-making.

Effects of Tongluo Jiedu prescription on immune function and oxidative stress in patients with oral cancer

BACKGROUND Oral cancer, which is caused by mucous membrane variation, represents a prevalent malignant tumor in the oral and maxillofacial region, posing a significant threat to patients’ lives and safety. While surgical intervention stands as a cornerstone treatment for oral cancer patients, it carries the risk of incomplete treatment or high rates of postoperative recurrence. Hence, a multifaceted approach incorporating diverse treatment modalities is essential to enhance patient prognosis. AIM To analyze the application effect of Tongluo Jiedu prescription as adjuvant therapy and its influence on patient prognosis in patients with oral cancer. METHODS Eighty oral cancer patients in our hospital were selected and divided into the observation group and control group by a random number table. The control group was treated with continuous arterial infusion chemotherapy of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The observation group was additionally given Tongluo Jiadu prescription. The inflammatory stress level, peripheral blood T-cell subsets, and immune function of the two groups were subsequently observed. SPSS 21.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS The observation group demonstrated lower levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein, and a higher level of tumor necrosis factor in comparison to the control group. After treatment, the immune function in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group. CONCLUSION Tongluo Jiedu prescription can improve the immune function and oxidative stress level of patients with oral cancer and accelerate the recovery process.

Financial position of Islamic spiritual leaders in the Tobolsk Governorate in the second half of the 19th — early 20th century

In this paper, we analyse the material well-being of Muslim clerics who served in the Tobolsk Governorate. In 1912, there were 326 of them. Most of Islamic spiritual leaders were rural. They were rewarded in-kind and in cash. The in-kind form — grain, hay, food, etc. — prevailed. The factors affecting the material maintenance of Muslim clerics included the number of believers in the religious community, the level of the believers' income, and the presence of other occupations among the clergy. These factors resulted in different levels of material well-being of mullahs in the Tobolsk Governorate in the post-reform period. In times of natural disasters and crop failures, not all members of the religious community could reward imams and muezzins. Under these conditions, it was of great importance that the clergy had other occupations apart from religious activities. The degree of religiosity of the Tatar and Bukhara population also played an important role. The sources of subsistence of Islamic spiritual leaders in the Tobolsk Governorate included the deduction of zakat or public ploughing of land, payment for the performance of ritual rites, donations (Sadaqah, awqaf), tuition fees in denominational schools (maktaba and ma-drasah), funds from agricultural and other activities. Overall, Muslim clergy in the Tobolsk Governorate had a higher level of material support compared to the majority of believers.

Relationship Between Mental Health Stigma, Perceived Discrimination, and Social Support: Focusing on Racial Groups and COVID-19

ABSTRACT An investigation was conducted into the relationship between stigma, perceived discrimination, and social support among college students. First, levels of these variables were assessed across different racial groups and compared for differences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), we examined racial disparities in these variables and identified variations in the levels of self-stigma, public stigma, perceived discrimination, and social support among diverse racial groups. Notably, Asian/Asian American college students reported a higher level of public stigma compared to their African American/Black, White, and Hispanic/Latinx peers. In addition, our findings indicated that college students exhibited a lower level of self-stigma and a higher level of perceived discrimination following the onset of the pandemic. No interaction effect was observed. We also discussed the implications of these findings for college counseling professionals and administrators.

Serum lipid levels, genetic risk, and lung cancer incidence: A large prospective cohort study.

Previous studies usually focused on the separate association of metabolism or genetic factors with lung cancer risk and have largely ignored their combined effect. We aimed to examine the associations between serum lipid levels, genetic risk, and lung cancer risk. 426,524 participants of the UK Biobank were included. The Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines were performed to assess the association between serum lipid and lung cancer risk. Polygenic risk score (PRS) was constructed to assess its joint effect and interaction with serum lipid on lung cancer risk. Higher level of apolipoprotein A were significantly correlated with lower lung cancer risk. A inverse-J-shaped relationship between HDL and incident lung cancer was found. Individuals with low total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, apolipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B, combined with high PRS, showed significantly elevated lung cancer risks. Compared to those with low PRS and low triglycerides, participants with high PRS and elevated triglyceride levels had a notably higher risk. The interaction effect of high PRS and low LDL (RERI:0.25, 95%CI: 0.04-0.46), as well as the interaction effect of high PRS and low apolipoprotein B (RERI:0.28, 95%CI: 0.07-0.48), were both greater than the sum of their individual effects on lung cancer risk. Serum lipids were associated with lung cancer risk. LDL or apolipoprotein B interacting with genetic risk may affect lung cancer risk. Our findings emphasize the need for individuals with heightened genetic risk should pay more attention to their lipid levels to reduce lung cancer risk.

Transcultural adaptation and validation of the DASH questionnaire in Mexican healthy volunteers and patients with neurogenic disorders of the upper extremity

The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire assesses the impact of upper extremity disorders on quality of life. However, its use in the Mexican population has not been formally validated. To conduct a cultural adaptation and validation of the DASH questionnaire to evaluate the perspective of patients with neurogenic disorders of the upper extremity regarding the impact on their quality of life. We performed an adaptation of the Spanish version of the DASH questionnaire to the Mexican vocabulary and applied it to 478 volunteers. Ceiling effect, floor effect, item-total correlation, descriptive statistics of items and total score, internal consistency, precision, cross-sectional and longitudinal validity were estimated by comparing healthy controls and affected individuals with different disability levels. Our DASH questionnaire version was equivalent to those previously approved and showed homogeneity of the items with respect to the total value of the questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha > 0.96). In addition, it showed an accuracy of 7.25 points and the crosssectional and longitudinal validity was documented with significant differences between groups and subgroups with distinct disability levels. The DASH questionnaire can be used with a high level of confidence in the Mexican population.

Sustained ecological impacts of invasive crayfish following claw injury

ABSTRACT Human activities have significantly accelerated the translocation of species outside their native range with severe consequences for global biodiversity. Freshwater crayfish are a particularly successful group of invasive species, as exemplified by the increasingly widespread marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017. A significant portion of crayfish populations has regenerating or missing claws. At the same time, claws play important roles in crayfish feeding and intraspecific interactions, altering their ability to invade new areas and impact native communities. Here, using functional response analyses, we combined laboratory experiments and modeling to investigate whether the number of claws on marbled crayfish modulates its ecological impact (focusing on predation rate) as well as its intraspecific interactions via population dynamic modeling. We found that the number of claws did not affect the marbled crayfish’s functional response type (hyperbolic type II), attack rates, or handling times when preying on chironomid larvae. Rates of partial prey consumption were overall low (<2%), and claw number had a significant effect on the partial consumption rate of prey, which tended to increase with the number of claws and prey density. The presence of multiple intraspecific predators influenced marbled crayfish non-trophic behavior, with antagonistic effects prevalent between crayfish pairs regardless of claw status. Moreover, the impact of multiple predators was prey density-dependent, with the highest levels of antagonism shown at the lowest prey density across crayfish groups. Our findings indicate that the ecological influence of invasive crayfish remains unchanged by the number of claws, highlighting the escalating, context-independent threat these species pose to freshwater ecosystems.

Investigating the tolerance of different strawberry cultivars to Botrytis cinerea infection and its relation with fruit quality

BACKGROUND: Strawberries are a delicate, high nutritional value fruit with an extremely short shelf life and high susceptibility to tissue infection, mainly by Botrytis cinerea. Control of the disease requires an extensive amount of fungicide that is applied in varying complexes because the pathogen easily develops resistance against the active compounds. Planting tolerant cultivars seems to be a promising alternative for fruit growers, but there are currently no cultivars available combining tolerance to B. cinerea with attractive horticultural traits. OBJECTIVE: In this study, four well-defined strawberry cultivars (‘Romina’, ‘Cristina’, ‘Silvia’, and ‘Sibilla’) were selected and tested under treatment with Botrytis cinerea to determine the tolerance of each cultivar and its association with fruit quality. METHODS: Fruits were harvested and then stored for four days after inoculation (treatment) or not (control) with spores of B. cinerea; then, every day the level of decay was detected, and fruits were frozen for successive evaluation of fruit quality. RESULTS: The ‘Silvia’ cultivar is the one that demonstrated a higher level of tolerance to Botrytis infection during the treatment, and the ‘Romina’ cultivar was the cultivar most susceptible to the treatment. The results of the study also highlighted qualitative changes in all strawberry cultivars infected with Botrytis cinerea, by a decrease in the soluble solids content and an increase of acids. Generally, in all cultivars, phenolic acids, and vitamin C decreased in both control and infected but there was a strong decrease in infected fruit compared to control. Anthocyanin content increased in control fruits but strongly decreased in infected. CONCLUSION: As a preliminary outcome, a positive correlation was obtained between fruit nutritional quality and tolerance to decay, as a high amount of nutritional compound content provides lower susceptibility of fruits to Botrytis cinerea. To confirm this result more studies need to be done.

Modelling Photocatalytic N2 Reduction: Where We Stand and Where We Are Going.

Artificial ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process is environmentally problematic due to the high energy consumption and corresponding CO2 emissions, produced during the reaction and before hand in hydrogen production upon methane steam reforming. Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation as a greener alternative to the conventional Haber-Bosch process enables us to perform nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under mild conditions, harnessing light as the energy source. Herein, we systematically review first-principles calculations used to determine the electronic/optical properties of photocatalysts, N2 adsorption and to expound possible NRR mechanisms. The most commonly studied photocatalysts for nitrogen fixation are usually modified with dopants, defects, co-catalysts and Z-scheme heterojunctions to prevent charge carrier recombination, improve charge separation efficiency and adjust a band gap to for utilizing a broader light spectrum. Most studies at the atomistic level of modeling are grounded upon DFT calculations, wholly foregoing excitation effects paramount in photocatalysis. Hence, there is a dire need to consider methods beyond DFT to study the excited state properties more accurately. Furthermore, a few studies have been examined, which include higher level kinetics and macroscale simulations. Ultimately, we show there is still ample room for improvement with regard to first principles calculations and their integration in multiscale models.

Factors affecting the duration of initial medical care seeking among older rural patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundEarly diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are essential to prevent progressive joint destruction and improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the duration from symptom onset to seeking initial medical care among older rural patients diagnosed with RA.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted in Unnan City, Japan, using electronic patient records. Data from patients aged > 65 years, who were admitted to the Unnan City Hospital between April 2016 and March 2021, were analyzed. The primary outcome was the duration from symptom onset to the initial visit to the medical institution. Demographic factors, laboratory data, and data on symptoms were collected and analyzed using statistical tests and regression models.ResultsIn total, 221 participants were included in this study. The longer duration from symptom onset to medical care usage was significantly associated with age (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.15), isolated conditions (adjusted OR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.85–10.70), and wrist symptoms (adjusted OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.44–7.17). Higher education level and alcohol consumption were also associated with the duration from symptom onset to medical care usage.ConclusionsOlder age, isolated conditions, and specific joint symptoms were significant factors influencing delays in seeking medical care among older rural patients with RA. Interventions to improve health literacy, increase social support, and raise awareness of RA symptoms are essential for expediting diagnosis and improving patient QOL. Further research is needed to explore additional psychosocial factors and beliefs that affect health-seeking behaviors in patients with RA.

Development of a highly sensitive ampicillin sensor utilizing functionalized aptamers.

To develop a sensitive and simple ampicillin (AMP) sensor for trace antibiotic residue detection, the influencing factors of the modification effect of nanogold-functionalized nucleic acid sequences (Adenine: A, Thymine: T) were comprehensively analyzed in this study, including the modification method, base length and type. It was found that under the same base concentration, longer chains are more likely to reach saturation than shorter chains; and when the base concentration and length are both the same, A exhibits a higher saturation modification level compared to T. Based on these research findings, a highly sensitive fluorescence aptamer sensor for detecting ampicillin was constructed using the optimized functionalized sequence (ployA6-aptamer) and experimental conditions (6 hours binding time between nucleic acid aptamer and complementary strand, pH 7 working solution, 20 minutes detection time) based on the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The sensor has a detection range of 0.18 ng ml-1 to 3.11 ng ml-1 for ampicillin, with a detection limit of 0.04 ng ml-1. It exhibits significant selectivity and achieves an average recovery rate of 98.71% in tap water and 91.83% in milk. This method can be used not only for residual ampicillin detection, but also for highly sensitive detection of various antibiotics and small biological molecules by replacing the aptamer type. It provides a research basis for the design of highly sensitive fluorescence aptamer sensors and further applications of nanogold@DNA composite structures.

Life expectancy and long-term survival after traumatic spinal cord injury: a systematic review.

Spinal cord injuries have a considerable impact on healthcare in terms of mortality and morbidity. To address the difficulties faced by people affected by this condition and to raise awareness among stakeholders and policymakers, it is crucial to understand factors impacting survival. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature on life expectancy in people with traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI), identifying key factors influencing mortality and survival. We conducted a systematic review, searching the literature for articles published up to July 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and PEDro. Study outcomes had to be one of survival rate, life expectancy, standardized mortality ratio, or mortality rate. Only original research articles published in English were included. The quality of evidence was evaluated with the MINORS scale. The level of evidence was categorized according to the OCEBM model. A comprehensive literature search yielded 102 articles, after the selection process 20 studies were included in our review. The main factors negatively influencing survival and life expectancy included higher neurological level of injury (NLI), completeness of the lesion, need for mechanical ventilation, increasing age, and male gender. The development of SCI-related comorbidities also negatively impacted survival as well as the lack of specialized care, especially in low-income countries. Additionally, pre-injury health status and personal income may affect survival. Current literature shows that people affected by tSCI have a shorter life expectancy compared to the general population, highlighting some factors as possible predictors. It is difficult to compare available evidence due to the methodological heterogeneity across studies, which makes it challenging to draw generalizable conclusions on life expectancy in people with tSCI. Further studies are required to address these issues and accurately estimate life expectancy accounting for gaps in the management of people affected by tSCI to improve their care.

Effectiveness of Switching to Subcutaneous Infliximab in Ulcerative Colitis Patients Experiencing Intravenous Infliximab Failure.

Studies on elective switching to the subcutaneous (SC) formulation of infliximab revealed comparable efficacy and safety and higher infliximab level than those exhibited by intravenous (IV) infliximab. However, no studies have reported on the effectiveness of SC switching in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who experienced IV infliximab failure during maintenance treatment. This retrospective study included UC patients who had been switched to SC infliximab because of IV infliximab failure, between January 2021 and January 2023. Group A was defined as having clinically and biochemically active UC (secondary loss of response), and group B consisted of patients with stable symptoms but biochemically active UC. Twenty-three patients met the inclusion criteria: 15 in group A and eight in group B. The serum infliximab levels significantly increased after SC switching in both groups. The electively switched group also exhibited increased infliximab levels after SC switching. Patients in group A showed improved partial Mayo score with a significant decrease in fecal calprotectin and C-reactive protein after switching. In group B, the fecal calprotectin level significantly decreased without clinical relapse after switching. A high proportion of patients (≥80%) in both groups achieved clinical and/or biochemical responses at the last follow-up. During the follow-up period, only two patients in group A discontinued SC infliximab, and only one complained of severe injection site reaction. In UC patients who experience IV infliximab failure during maintenance treatment, switching to SC infliximab may be a promising option because of better efficacy and safety.