bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Impedance Tomography: A Narrative Review on Technology Principles and Its Current and Future Fields of Application
Authors: Cappellini Iacopo , Campagnola Lorenzo , Consales Guglielmo
Published: May 2024

Background: Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), combined with variable ventilation strate-gies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is poised to revolutionize critical care by transitioning from reactive to predictive approaches. This integration aims to enhance patient outcomes through personalized interventions and real-time monitoring. Methods: This narrative review explores the principles and applications of EIT, variable ventilation, and AI in critical care. EIT’s impedance sensing creates dynamic images of internal physiology, aiding in the management of conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Variable ventilation mimics natural breathing variability to improve lung function and minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. AI enhances EIT through advanced image reconstruction techniques, neural networks, and digital twin technology, offering more accurate diagnostics and tailored therapeutic interventions. Conclu-sions: The confluence of EIT, variable ventilation, and AI represents a significant advancement in critical care, enabling a predictive, personalized approach. EIT provides real-time insights into lung function, guiding precise ventilation adjustments and therapeutic interventions. AI inte-gration enhances EIT's diagnostic capabilities, facilitating the development of personalized treatment plans. This synergy fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and sets the stage for in-novative research, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the future of critical care.
Time-travelling Turing Machines and the Self-consistent Halting Problem
Authors: Orlicki José Ignacio
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces the novel concept of Time-Traveling Turing Machines (TTTMs) — Turing Machines with the ability to read symbols that have been explicitly sent from their future computational state. We delve into their properties and behavior, particularly emphasizing the importance of maintaining a self-consistent computational timeline. We present theorems demonstrating the universality of these machines and the challenges in achieving faster computations than traditional Turing Machines.
Terson Syndrome with Roth Spot Resembling Features and Third Nerve Palsy without Radiologically Diagnosed Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Makri Olga E. , Tsekouras Iasonas K. , Mastronikolis Stylianos N. , Panagiotopoulos Vasileios E. , Constantoyannis Constantine , Georgakopoulos Constantinos D.
Published: May 2024

We report an unusual case of Terson's syndrome that resulted in the di-agnosis of a right posterior communicating artery aneurysm. Interest-ingly Terson's syndrome presented with Roth spot resembling features accompanied by third nerve palsy in a patient without any disturbance of consciousness. To our knowledge, the association of Terson's syndrome with third nerve palsy has not been described before in the absence of radiologically diagnosed subarachnoid haemorrhage. We present the case of a 48-year old woman who presented in the De-partment of Emergencies of the University Hospital of Patras with right-sided complete pupil-involving third nerve palsy combined with bilateral Terson's syndrome. More precisely, fundoscopy revealed multi-ple scattered intra- and pre-retinal haemorrhages in both eyes while some retinal haemorrhages had a white-centered pattern resembling Roth spots. Neurological examination revealed no nuchal rigidity or any other neurological signs. The Glasgow coma scale was 15/15. A cerebral computed tomography angiography revealed a 5mm aneurysm of the right posterior communicating artery and the patient underwent a mi-crovascular clipping operation after craniotomy. The significant contribution of the ophthalmological consultation to the appropriate and timely diagnosis and management of a life-threatening condition is highlighted.
Re-Use of Caco-2 Monolayers for a Higher Throughput Assessment of Drug Permeability – Methodology and Validation for Passive Permeation
Authors: Pires Cristiana L. , Rosa Susana , Batista de Carvalho Ana L. M. , Ferreira Lino , Marques Maria Paula M. , Moreno Maria João
Published: May 2024

Evaluation of drug permeability using cell monolayers is an important in vitro assay in the process of drug development, to identify compounds with favourable pharmacokinetics that may proceed to in vivo studies. When allowed to differentiate on permeable filters for at least 21 days, monolayers of Caco-2 cells develop morphological and functional properties similar to those of the intestinal epithelium. Permeability through Caco-2 monolayers is thus particularly relevant to assess drug absorption after oral administration. The major drawback of this assay is its very low throughput, with the cell monolayers being used in a single permeability assay. We have previously proposed a protocol to allow the re-use of the Caco-2 monolayer on additional permeability assays during the stable period and shown that cell monolayer integrity is maintained. In this work we evaluate the effect of re-use on the permeability of several reference compounds that permeate through passive pathways and show that the cell monolayers can be re-used twice in additional permeability assays. Preliminary results were also obtained regarding active transport pathways, and a new methodology is proposed to quantify the contribution from passive and active transport. This is a major step towards the full validation of the re-use methodology proposed, which at least triplicates the throughput of this important in vitro assay.
Maternal Vaccination for the Prevention of Infantile RSV Disease: An Overview of the Authorized, In-Progress, and Unsuccessful Vaccine Candidates.
Authors: Papazisis Georgios , Topalidou Xanthippi
Published: May 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continues to pose a significant challenge, contributing to elevated hospitalization rates among children up to 5 years old, with a disproportionate burden on newborn and infants under 6 months old. The unique characteristics of the young immune system make it prone to altered responses to infections and vaccinations, requiring a tailored approach to disease prevention. The recent approval of the maternal RSV vaccine, (brand name ABRYSVO), represents a pivotal advancement in preventive strategies among newborns and infants, marking a milestone in RSV research as the first market-approved maternal vaccine. The present review examines clinical trial data on both recent and previous vaccine candidates, as well as the licensed vaccine, focusing on the prevention of RSV disease in newborns and young infants through the passive acquisition of antibodies following maternal immunization. Additionally, it evaluates the safety profile of these vaccines.
Association between Poor Chewing Status and Increased Waist Circumference: A One-year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yamazaki Riku , Iwai Komei , Azuma Tetsuji , Yonenaga Takatoshi , Sasai Yasuyuki , Watanabe Kazutoshi , Obora Akihiro , Deguchi Fumiko , Kojima Takao , Tome Wakako , Kitai Noriyuki , Tomofuji Takaaki
Published: May 2024

Background: This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported chewing status and increases in waist circumference (WC) after 1 year in 10,870 Japanese adults who had received health checkups. Subsequently, 8,068 participants were included in the final analysis at follow-up. Methods: Chewing status was evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire at baseline; 1,080 (13%) respondents were diagnosed as having poor chewing status. We defined an increase in WC of ≥ 5 cm after 1 year as an unhealthy increase; in total, 613 (7.5%) respondents met this criterion. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, WC, body mass index (BMI), and chewing status, an increase in WC ≥ 5 cm was found to be positively associated with gender (females: odds ratios [ORs]: 1.206; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.008–1.443), WC (ORs: 0.967; 95% CIs: 0.954–0.981), BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2; ORs: 2.194; 95% CIs: 1.715–2.808), and chewing status (poor; ORs: 1.356; 95% CIs: 1.084–1.697). Conclusions: These findings suggest that self-reported poor chewing status is associated with increases in WC after 1 year in Japanese adults.
Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium breve Improve Symptomatology and Neuronal Damage in Neurodegenerative Disease. A Systematic Review.
Authors: Reiriz Manuel , Beltrán-Velasco Ana Isabel , Echeverry-Alzate Víctor , Martínez-Miguel Esther , Gómez-Senent Silvia , Uceda Sara , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: May 2024

: This Systematic Review focused on the use of Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium breve in neurodegenerative diseases. The study of metabolomics has demonstrated the relationship between dysbiosis and neuronal death. The modulation of the gut microbiota in the intervention of these pathologies has become a promising area of study, showing beneficial results such as the improvement of synaptic function, the reduction of neuroinflammation, as well as the improvement of associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. Several studies have addressed the administration of Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium breve, alone, in conjunction or in combination with other strains, in the intervention of neurodegenerative diseases. This Systematic Review includes the results of 17 research articles (n=5 in humans and n=12 in animal models) and the main result was that the use of these Bifidobacterium strains, alone, in conjunction or in combination with other strains, produced improvements in neurodegenerative disease-related symptomatology and degenerative cellular processes. However, some studies shown neutral results in certain variables. These data suggest that the use of these probiotics has a neuroprotective effect that may delay the progression of the disease. This research provides relevant and updated information on the use of these Bifidobacterium strains in neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
EL NUEVO PARADIGMA DE LA JUSTICIA CÍVICA Y EL ROL DEL POLICÍA DE PROXIMIDAD
Authors: Valenzuela Gutiérrez Edwin Carlos , Jiménez Burciaga Erick Eduardo
Published: May 2024

Hace poco se realizó una reforma constitucional que buscaba crear una ley general que estableciera los principios y bases de justicia cívica e itinerante. Este proceso se llevó a cabo considerando el antecedente de que está en vigor un reglamento sobre justicia cívica en el municipio de Juárez, Chihuahua, y una ley estatal sobre esta materia. El propósito de esta investigación es señalar los elementos jurídicos indispensables para la conformación del proyecto de ley general, específicamente en lo que respecta al policía de proximidad y la figura del fiscal cívico.
¿POR QUÉ HAY MERCADOS DE COCAÍNA MÁS VIOLENTOS QUE OTROS?
Authors: Jiménez García Williams Gilberto , de la Peña Alejandro
Published: May 2024

La violencia permea diversos ámbitos de los mercados de drogas, manifestándose de manera variable. Algunos de estos mercados exhiben niveles de violencia más acentuados, incluso llegando a ser letales. Este estudio se enfoca en abordar una pregunta crucial: ¿Por qué ciertos mercados de cocaína manifiestan mayor violencia que otros? Para abordar esta cuestión, se investigan las raíces de la violencia asociada al uso de este mecanismo en mercados de cocaína, con énfasis en dos escenarios: ciudades latinoamericanas y europeas, cada una con dos mercados caracterizados por su alta incidencia de violencia. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran que la violencia en los mercados de cocaína es un fenómeno sumamente complejo, profundamente influido por la fragmentación inherente a estos mercados, la presencia de organizaciones armadas y la forma de relacionarse de los actores. La carencia de una regulación estatal efectiva, junto con la corrupción imperante, también perpetúa los niveles elevados de violencia.
Fragmentación institucional. Diseño, implementación y evaluación de los programas sociales: Hábitat (2002-2015). Estudio comparativo zona metropolitana de Mexicali y Guadalajara
Authors: Velázquez García Ramona Esmeralda , Rodríguez Barragán Rene , Culebro Moreno Jorge
Published: May 2024

El propósito del artículo es realizar un análisis comparativo sobre los problemas de fragmentación y diseño institucional que ocurrieron como resultado de la implementación del Programa Hábitat en dos zonas metropolitanas: la de Mexicali en Baja California, y la de Guadalajara en Jalisco. Se analiza el diseño institucional de los tres órdenes de gobierno, así como los instrumentos de coordinación. Teórica y metodológicamente el artículo emplea el análisis institucional y una estrategia de comparación de estudios de caso. Las conclusiones resaltan los problemas derivados de la fragmentación institucional y proveen nuevas vías de investigación de la implementación de programas sociales desde un enfoque institucional y comparativo.
Aproximación a la traducción automática de culturemas gastronómicos en el ámbito turístico
Authors: Cuadrado Rey Analía , Navarro Brotons Lucía
Published: May 2024

La traducción automática neuronal (TAN) ha mejorado de manera notable la calidad de los textos traducidos y en la actualidad es una herramienta más a disposición del traductor. A pesar de ello, el lenguaje natural tiene algunas particularidades que presentan un desafío para este tipo de motores. Tal es el caso de los culturemas (Nord, 1997, p. 34) debido a su estrecha vinculación con la cultura y la idiosincrasia de cada lengua. Constituyen un excelente ejemplo del uso de culturemas los textos gastronómicos. En este contexto, el presente estudio de caso persigue evaluar en qué medida el uso de las herramientas de TAN (DeepL y Google Translate) puede servir de ayuda para traducir los culturemas propios de esta tipología textual. Se pretende asimismo determinar si existe un tipo de culturema más problemático para la TAN y establecer posibles patrones de acuerdo con las propuestas de traducción ofrecidas. Para ello, trabajamos con un corpus de culturemas gastronómicos españoles extraídos del portal oficial de turismo de España y analizamos las traducciones al alemán y al francés que ofrecen los citados motores de TAN. El estudio detecta que ciertos parámetros de calidad actuales de la TAN, considerados errores, no lo son cuando se traducen culturemas. Los que presentan mayor dificultad para la TAN son los que contienen palabras diatópicas o construcciones idiomáticas. Por último, el análisis del francés y del alemán ha permitido vislumbrar similitudes en relación con el comportamiento de la máquina en ambos idiomas. Los resultados apuntan, pues, a que todavía es imprescindible la intervención humana para traducir y evaluar la mayor parte de culturemas gastronómicos de manera adecuada. De ahí, la necesidad de trabajar en nuevas métricas que permitan adaptarse a cada encargo.
Didactic Audiovisual Translation in Online Contexts
Authors: Talaván Noa , Rodríguez-Arancón Pilar
Published: May 2024

The didactic applications of Audiovisual Translation (AVT) to Foreign Language Learning refer to the use of AVT modes (subtitling, dubbing, etc.) as didactic resources. It is a line of enquiry that has been receiving increasing attention in recent years, from researchers and practitioners alike. The TRADILEX Project has aimed to reinforcing this area of study by designing and testing a methodological proposal where various AVT modes (subtitling, voice-over, dubbing, and the media accessibility modes of audio description and subtitles for deaf and hard of hearing people) have been applied to enhance integrated skills in English as a foreign language. This article will offer an account of the whole online piloting process undertaken within TRADILEX. It will show how the methodological design, the lesson plans, and the instruments were confirmed as functional, reliable, and effective for integrated skills enhancement, before undertaking the pre-experimental long-term study that lays at the core of the project.
Public Service Interpreting and Translation and Employment in Spain
Authors: Vitalaru Bianca
Published: May 2024

Despite its under-professionalisation in Spain, Public Service Interpreting and Translation (PSIT) services are necessary. They are intensively used in healthcare settings, social welfare services, and police and court settings, especially during crises. On the other hand, given the significant role PSIT plays in multilingual societies, training translators and interpreters in this field is paramount. However, training in PSIT in Spain and research on the employment and employability of PSIT Spanish postgraduates are scarce. This article fills this need by focusing on the employment situation of the graduates of a PSIT postgraduate programme that trains in different language pairs. It has three objectives: identify the graduates’ employment situation, determine the relationship between the programme and its labour market, and fill the gap regarding the literature on the labour market and employability in PSIT in Spain. Based on an analysis of employment reports, it follows a descriptive approach, using data obtained from the 2009/2010 to 2018/2019 cohorts. Results show that the programme has high employment rates, and a clear and solid relationship exists between the labour market and the programme. The short period between graduation and finding a job is a strength of the programme. Respondents tend to be generally satisfied with their jobs and the professional category is related to their training.
ASSESSING THE VIABILITY OF MUZA’RAH AGRO FINANCING AS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMERS: A CASE STUDY FROM PAKISTAN
Authors: Hamza Sahibzada Muhammad
Published: May 2024

The interplay between the Muza’rah (Sharecropper) agro-financing structure and its impact on rural income and rural poverty alleviation constitutes a multifaceted phenomenon. In this study, we seek to understand of the relation between Muza’rah agro-financing structure and rural income and the mediating role of national agricultural output for the case of Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country characterized by a well-established Islamic banking and finance infrastructure. Using data from the Pakistan Social and Living Standard Survey (PSLM), the research reveals that the rural per capita income is significantly and negatively related to the Muza’rah agro-financing structure, which is further strengthened by the level of the national agricultural output. The finding underscores the importance of nuanced understanding for policymakers and practitioners engaged in poverty alleviation efforts, emphasizing the need to consider contextual variables and a nation's developmental status when designing interventions to improve rural livelihoods.
ISLAMIC FINANCING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN INDONESIA: UNLOCKING POTENTIAL DEMAND FROM GCC INVESTORS
Authors: Kasri Rahmatina A. , Rulindo Ronald , Sakti Muhammad Rizky Prima , Rifqi Muhammad , Yuniar Adela Miranti
Published: May 2024

This study examines the interest of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors in financing renewable energy (RE) projects in Indonesia using Islamic financing schemes. It employs a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model with expert respondents representing institutional investors from the GCC states. To validate and enrich the analysis, it also conducted Focus Group Discussion and additional interviews with industry players and Indonesian regulators. The main finding indicates that the return on investment is the most crucial factor in selecting appropriate RE projects, followed by risk and impact of the projects. Furthermore, while the GCC investors do not have sufficient knowledge about the potential and sources of RE in Indonesia, they consider the solar panel project as most preferable.  Next, the study finds investment return, Shariah compliance and liquidity as the main criteria in choosing Islamic financing instruments, where equity-based are the most preferred instrument, followed by asset-backed securities and blended financing instruments.  In addition, tax incentives, cross subsidy and feed-in-tariffs are the most preferred incentives needed by the investors. The additional interviews that we conducted further affirm these findings. The results are expected to provide insights for the Indonesian policy makers, particularly fiscal and financial/monetary authorities, and the GCC investors to invest in Indonesia for financing RE projects using Islamic financing schemes.
Acknowledgment
We gratefully acknowledge the support provided by Universitas Indonesia Research Grant. The grant facilitated the research presented in this paper, allowing us to conduct data collection and analysis as well as disseminate our findings to a wider audience.
Cooling during transportation of newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy using phase change material mattresses in low-resource settings: a randomized controlled trial in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Hang. T. T. , Tran Dien. M. , Le Ha. T. , Hellström-Westas Lena , Alfvén Tobias , Olson Linus
Published: May 2024

Objective
To determine the effectiveness of phase-change-material mattress (PCM) during transportation of newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Study design:
Randomized controlled trial of newborns with HIE from June 2016 to December 2019. Patients were randomized to transport with PCM or without PCM (control) when transferred to a cooling center in northern Vietnam.
Result
52 patients in PCM-group and 61 in control group. Median rectal temperature upon arrival was 34.5°C (IQR 33.5–34.8) in PCM-group and 35.1°C (IQR 34.5–35.9) in control group (p = 0.023). Median time from birth to reach target temperature was 5.0 ± 1.4 hours and 5.5 ± 1.2 hours in the respective groups (p = 0.065). 80.8% of those transported with PCM versus 62.3% of infants transported without (p = 0.049) had reached target temperature within the 6-hour timeframe. There was no record of overcooling (< 32°C) in any of the groups. The mortality rate was 33% and 34% respectively (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Phase-change-material can be used as a safe and effective cooling method during transportation of newborns with HIE in low-resource settings.
MicroRNA Let-7d Mediated Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Progress
Authors: Liu Jing , Han Xiudi , Gu Minghao , Zhao Qikai , Li Qian , Liu Xuedong
Published: May 2024

Background
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) commonly affect idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. And exosomes of MSCs as a safe cell-free therapy are gradually being emphasized in treating IPF. Meanwhile, miRNA Let-7d expression was reduced in the fibrous formation progression. However, whether miRNA Let-7d regulates the EMT process in IPF through MSC exosomes still requires studies.
Methods
We extracted MSCs from umbilical cords of female pregnant SD rats. After being cultured and identified, they were transfected with miRNA Let-7d mimics or inhibitors. we collected exosomes from the supernatant that were subsequently injected into the IPF modelled BALB/c mice. IPF and EMT indicators were detected by HE staining, immunohistochemistry, masson staining, western blot and ELISA.
Results
What we found was that miRNA Let-7d promoted the secretion of exosomes by MSCs. And these exosomes could up-regulate the protein expression of E-Cadherin and down-regulate the protein expression of Fibronectin, COL1A1, COL3A1, N-Cadherin, Slug, and Snail in the EMT pathway in mice lung to reduce the fibrous and collagenous deposition that to alleviate the IPF in the lung.
Conclusions
In this paper, we investigated the mechanism that miRNA Let-7d up-regulated MSC exosomes against IPF in the EMT process.
The Prevalence, Correlates, and Clinical Implications of Hoarding Behaviors in High-Functioning Autism
Authors: Abouzed Mohamed , Gabr Amgad , Elag khaled , Soliman Mahmoud , Elsaadouni Nisrin , ELZAHAB NASR ABOU , Barakat Mostafa , Elsherbiny Ashraf
Published: May 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between hoarding behaviors, autism characteristics, and demographic factors in adults diagnosed with high-functioning ASD.
Methods
A total of 112 adults, aged 18–35, with high-functioning ASD completed self-reported assessments on hoarding (Savings Inventory-Revised; SI-R) and autism traits (Autism-Spectrum Quotient; AQ). Additionally, demographic data was gathered. Correlation and regression analyses were performed.
Results
The findings revealed positive correlations between hoarding and overall autism traits. Autism quotient scores accounted for 24% of the variance in hoarding inventory scores. Higher AQ scores were associated with increased SI-R scores. Specific AQ subscales were linked to particular SI-R subscales. Gender, age, education level, and employment status were connected to assessment scores. A multiple regression analysis revealed that demographic variables accounted for 19% of the variance in hoarding severity. Gender was found to moderate the impact of age on hoarding behaviors.
Conclusions
Significant associations were identified between hoarding tendencies and autism traits in adults with ASD. Demographic variables also played a role in symptom presentation. These findings shed light on the relationship between autism characteristics and hoarding behaviors, as well as how external factors influence them. Further research is necessary to enhance understanding and guide interventions for hoarding in ASD populations.
Dog Ownership, Physical Activity, Loneliness and Mental Health: A Comparison of Older Adult and Younger Adult Companion Animal Owners
Authors: Zablan Kirrily , Melvin Glenn , Hayley Alexa
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim: Dog ownership has been suggested as an intervention to increase physical activity and improve mental health, but few studies have investigated the relationships between dog ownership, physical activity, and mental health outcomes together. This study aimed to (1) investigate whether dog ownership, CA-related physical activity, and non-CA-related physical activity were explanatory variables for the relationships between CA ownership, depression, and anxiety via loneliness and (2) examine whether the relationships between these variables differed for older adult CA owners compared to younger adult CA owners.
Method: Participants were Australian CA owners from the community (N=588, 76.3% female) aged 18-84 years (M=55.34, SD=14.90). A cross-sectional design and online/phone survey methodology were used.
Results: Path analysis showed that dog owners (compared to owners of other CA types) engaged in higher levels of both CA-related and non-CA-related physical activity, but only non-CA-related physical activity was associated with mental health outcomes.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate people who choose to own dogs over other CA types engage in more active lifestyles, but it is the physical activity they perform independently of their dog that is associated with less loneliness and greater mental health. Members of the public should not be universally encouraged by health or other professionals to own a dog to support their mental health based on a belief that dog ownership leads to beneficial physical activity.
A clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of the medical food, SBD111, versus placebo for the clinical dietary management of postmenopausal bone loss and menopause symptoms in otherwise healthy menopausal women: a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial.
Authors: Steels Elizabeth , Huntress Harry , Zuscik Michael J. , Bukata Susan , Rosen Clifford , Kiel Douglas P. , Travison Thomas G. , Charbonneau Mark , Toledo Gerardo V. , Schott Eric M. , Vitetta Luis
Published: May 2024

Background
Adverse shifts in the diversity and abundance of the intestinal microbiome contribute to the progression of musculoskeletal diseases. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause with reduction in estrogen levels, affect bone density, vasomotor, and other physical, psychosocial, and sexual related symptoms. Reductions in endogenous estrogen production have been linked to an increase in cytokines in the skeleton that potentiate bone resorption. Prompting the intestinal microbiome with a dietary intervention that can support an anti-inflammatory environment presents a plausible approach to maintenance of skeletal homeostasis in menopausal women.
Methods
Three-hundred healthy women within 6 years of menopause will be targeted for enrollment in a prospective, multicentre double-blind 1:1 randomised, placebo-controlled medical food study. Participants will receive an oral medical food or placebo as capsules, two times a day for 12 months. The medical food is a constructed Defined Microbial Assemblage™ (DMA™) product (designated SBD111) composed of four strains of microorganisms isolated from various foods, namely Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Pichia kudriavzevii. The primary endpoint is percent change in bone mineral density (BMD) as measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) from baseline to 12-months. Secondary endpoint changes include percent change in BMD as measured by DXA at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) from baseline to 6-months), the percent change in trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) measured by quantitative computed tomography (qCT) at the lumbar spine (L1 & L2) from baseline to 12-months, and change in bone turnover markers and C-reactive protein (CRP) at 6- and 12-months. Tertiary endpoints include change in BMD from baseline to 6- and 12-months at the femoral neck and hip, menopausal symptoms, body composition, inflammatory markers, gut microbiome composition and function, and safety and tolerability.
Discussion
The administration of a synbiotic medical food formulation for the dietary management of bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal women, if successful, represents a large unmet need to develop effective strategies to maintain bone mass after menopause in women.
Plant defensin PgD1 a biotechnological alternative against plant pathogens
Authors: Matos A. C.B. , Telli Elisa Maria Pazinatto , Camillo Luana C. , Silva Gustavo Da da , Gonçalves Mayra Juline , Casa Ricardo , Rufatto Leo , Magalhães Maria de Lourdes
Published: May 2024

Plant defensins are antimicrobial proteins (AMP) with a molecular weight of approximately 5 kDa that participate in the immune defense of plants through their antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal activities. PgD1 is a defensin from Picea glauca (Canadian Pine) and presents antifungal activity against plant pathogens. This activity positions it as an alternative biotechnological route to pesticides commonly used against these diseases. The present study aimed to recombinantly produce PgD1 in Escherichia coli to report its in vitro antifungal potential against different phytopathogens. To achieve this, the coding gene was amplified and cloned into pET30a(+). Recombinant plasmid was subsequently introduced into E. coli for the soluble expression defensin PgD1. To evaluate the antifungal activity of the expressed protein, the growth inhibition test was used in solid and liquid media for approximately 7 days against significant plant pathogens: Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum musae, Colletotrichum graminicola and Fusarium oxysporum. Additionally, stability assessments involved temperature variation experiments and inhibition tests using dithiothreitol (DTT). The results show that there was significant inhibition of the fungal species tested when in the presence of PgD1. Furthermore, defensin proved to be resistant to temperature variations and demonstrated that part of its stability is due to its primary structure rich in cysteine ​​residues through the denaturation test with dithiothreitol (DTT) where the antifungal activity of PgD1 defensin was inhibited.
Polarization-Independent Dynamic Beam Steering based on Liquid Crystal- Integrated Metasurface
Authors: Yu Dian , Lou Shaozhen , Ou Xiangnian , Yu Ping , Duan Huigao , Hu Yueqiang
Published: May 2024

Digital Micromirror Devices, extensively employed in projection displays offer rapid, polarization-independent beam steering. However, they are constrained by microelectromechanical system limitations, resulting in reduced resolution, limited beam steering angle and poor stability, which hinder further performance optimization. Liquid Crystal on Silicon technology, employing liquid crystal (LC) and silicon chip technology, with properties of high resolution, high contrast and good stability. Nevertheless, its polarization-dependent issues lead to complex system and low efficiency in device applications. This paper introduces a hybrid integration of metallic metasurface with nematic LC, facilitating a polarization-independent beam steering device capable of large-angle deflections. Employing principles of geometrical phase and plasmonic resonances, the metallic metasurface, coupled with an electronically controlled LC, allows for dynamic adjustment, achieving a maximum deflection of ± 27.1°. Additionally, the integration of an LC-infused dielectric grating for dynamic phase modulation and the metasurface for polarization conversion ensures uniform modulation effects across all polarizations within the device. We verify the device's large-angle beam deflection capability and polarization insensitivity effect in simulations and propose an optimization scheme to cope with the low efficiency of individual diffraction stages.
The context-dependent epigenetic and organogenesis programs determine 3D vs. 2D cellular fitness of MYC-driven cancer
Authors: Yang Jun , Fang Jie , Singh Shivendra , Wells Brennan , Wu Qiong , Jin Hongjian , Janke Laura , Wan Shibiao , Steele Jacob , Connelly Jon , Murphy Andrew , Wang Ruoning , Davidoff Andrew , Ashcroft Margaret , Pruett-Miller Shondra
Published: May 2024

3D cellular-specific epigenetic and transcriptomic reprogramming is critical to organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Here we dissect the distinct cell fitness in 2D (normoxia vs. chronic hypoxia) vs 3D (normoxia) culture conditions. We identify over 600 shared essential genes and additional context-specific fitness genes and pathways. Knockout of the VHL-HIF1 pathway results in incompatible fitness defects under normoxia vs. 1% oxygen or 3D culture conditions. Moreover, deletion of each of the mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain complex has distinct fitness outcomes. Notably, multicellular organogenesis signaling pathways including TGFβ-SMAD specifically constrict the uncontrolled cell proliferation in 3D while inactivation of epigenetic modifiers (Bcor, Kmt2d, Mettl3 and Mettl14) has opposite outcomes in 2D vs. 3D. We further identify a 3D-dependent synthetic lethality with partial loss of Prmt5 due to a reduction of Mtap expression resulting from 3D-specific epigenetic reprogramming. Our study highlights unique epigenetic, metabolic and organogenesis signaling dependencies under different cellular settings.
A predictive model for secondary central nervous system infection after craniotomy based on machine learning
Authors: Chen Junjie , Hu Tingting , Yang Jiuxiao , Yang Xiao , Zhong Hui , Zhang Zujian , Wang Fei , Li Xin
Published: May 2024

To analyze the risk factors of secondary Central nervous system infections (CNSIs) after craniotomy, and to establish an individualized prediction model for CNSIs risk.The independent risk factors were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression, naive bayes, random forest, light GBM and adaboost algorithms were used to establish prediction models for secondary CNSIs after craniotomy. The prediction model based on Adaboost algorithm had better prediction performance than the other four models. Under 5-fold cross validation, the accuracy was 0.80, the precision was 0.69, the recall was 0.85, the F1 score was 0.76, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.897. The top 5 variables of importance in Adaboost model were operation time, indwelling time of lumbar drainage tube, indwelling lumbar drainage tube during operation, indwelling epidural drainage tube during operation, and GCS score. In addition, Adaboost model with the best prediction performance was used for clinical verification, and the prediction results were compared with the actual occurrence of CNSIs after surgery. The results showed that the accuracy of Adaboost model in predicting CNSIs was 60%, the accuracy of Adaboost model in predicting non-CNSIS was 92%, and the overall prediction accuracy was 76%.
Kekulé-modulated Topological Bulk Cavity for Intrinsic Lateral Beam Shifting of High-purity Linear-polarized Light Emission
Authors: Han Song , Li Zichen , Zhu Bofeng , Li Ying , Yang Yihao , Chong Yidong , Wang Qi jie , Chen Hongsheng
Published: May 2024

Beam shaping and polarization manipulation are of great importance for the design of microcavity lasers. Recently, topological photonic cavities have emerged as excellent platforms for surface-emitting lasers. In this class of lasers, beam engineering has not thus far been extensively studied. Here, we demonstrate how to achieve an intrinsic lateral shift of the beam emitted by a topological laser. This is achieved by designing a Kekulé-modulated topological bulk cavity, in which the continuous Kekulé modulation partially lifts a set of fourfold-degenerate Dirac cones into two twofold degeneracies. The resulting photonic cavity supports a range of interesting beam emission profiles, including vector beams with polarization winding, and laterally-shifted linearly-polarized Gaussian beams. Notably, it is possible to achieve lateral beam shifts in opposite directions and orthogonal polarizations for the degenerate photonic p-/d-orbitals, a feature that may be useful for photonic sensing applications.
Research on high-precision recognition model for multi-scene asphalt pavement distresses based on deep learning
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Bei Zhenghao , Ling Tonghua , Chen Qianqian , Zhang Liang
Published: May 2024

Accurate detection of asphalt pavement distress is crucial for road maintenance and traffic safety. However, traditional convolutional neural networks usually struggle with this task due to the varied distress patterns and complex backgrounds in the images. To enhance the accuracy of asphalt pavement distress identification across various scenarios, this paper introduces an improved model named SMG-YOLOv8, based on the YOLOv8s framework. This model integrates the space-to-depth module and the multi-scale convolutional attention mechanism, while optimizing the backbone's C2f structure with a more efficient G-GhostC2f structure. Experimental results demonstrate that SMG-YOLOv8 outperforms the YOLOv8s baseline model, achieving Pmacro and mAP@50 scores of 81.1% and 79.4% respectively, marking an increase of 8.2% and 12.5% over the baseline. Furthermore, SMG-YOLOv8 exhibits clear advantages in identifying various types of pavement distresses, including longitudinal cracks, transverse cracks, mesh cracks, and potholes, when compared to YOLOv5n, YOLOv5s, YOLOv6s, and YOLOv8n models. This enhancement optimizes the network structure, reducing the number of parameters while maintaining excellent detection performance. In real-world scenarios, the SMG-YOLOv8 model has demonstrated strong generalization capability and practical utility, providing crucial technical support for intelligent pavement distress detection.
A multi-trait epigenome-wide association study identified DNA methylation signature of inflammation among people with HIV
Authors: Chen Junyu , Hui Qin , Titanji Boghuma K. , So-Armah Kaku , Freiberg Matthew , Justice Amy C. , Xu Ke , Zhu Xiaofeng , Gwinn Marta , Marconi Vincent C. , Sun Yan V.
Published: May 2024

Inflammation underlies many conditions causing excess morbidity and mortality among people with HIV (PWH). A handful of single-trait epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have suggested that inflammation is associated with DNA methylation (DNAm) among PWH. Multi-trait EWAS may further improve statistical power and reveal pathways in common between different inflammatory markers. We conducted single-trait EWAS of three inflammatory markers (soluble CD14, D-dimers, and interleukin 6) in the Veteran Aging Cohort Study (n = 920). The study population was all male PWH with an average age of 51 years, and 82.3% self-reported as Black. We then applied two multi-trait EWAS methods—CPASSOC and OmniTest—to combine single-trait EWAS results. CPASSOC and OmniTest identified 189 and 157 inflammation-associated DNAm sites respectively, of which 112 overlapped. Among the identified sites, 56% were not significant in any single-trait EWAS. Top sites were mapped to inflammation-related genes including IFITM1, PARP9 and STAT1. These genes were significantly enriched in pathways such as “type I interferon signaling” and “immune response to virus”. We demonstrate that multi-trait EWAS can improve the discovery of inflammation-associated DNAm sites, genes, and pathways. These DNAm sites suggest molecular mechanisms in response to inflammation associated with HIV and might hold the key to addressing persistent inflammation in PWH.
The impact of intervention ability and event fairness on the third-party intervention: from the perspective of dynamic emotional state
Authors: Qu Jiachen , Drewes Jan , Yuan Jiajin
Published: May 2024

Perception of injustice is considered closely related to third-party intervention, which refers to sacrificing self-interest to maintain fairness during a perpetration situation. However, the role of emotion during injustice perception and its relation with third-party intervention remains elusive. To this end, we measured individuals' emotional states in pre- and post-tests in a variant of the third-party intervention paradigm, where fairness perception and intervention ability were concurrently assessed. The results show that more unfair events prompted more frequent and intense interventions, irrespective of one’s intervention ability. Moreover, we observed that negative emotion caused by unfair events is a direct promotor of third-party intervention. Participants expressed improved emotional state after the intervention. Those with stronger intervention abilities or perceiving more unfair events received more emotional benefit from the intervention. Furthermore, compensatory intervention produced more emotional improvement than punishment intervention. In summary, the present study demonstrated the promotor role of emotional benefit in the implementation of third-party intervention, which provides a new explanation for self-sacrifice altruistic behavior.
Study of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from cats and dogs in Shanghai in China
Authors: Zhang Yidan , Zhang Yan , Mi Rongsheng , Xia Luming , Han Hongxiao , Ma Tao , Gong Haiyan , Huang Yan , Han Xiangan , Chen Zhaoguo
Published: May 2024

Background
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is reported to be a common microsporidian of humans and animals in various countries. However, scarce information on E. bieneusi has been recorded in cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis familiaris) in China. As such, we undertook molecular epidemiological investigation of E. bieneusi in cats and dogs in Shanghai, China.
Methods
A total of 359 genomic DNAs were extracted from individual faecal samples from cats (n = 59) and dogs (n = 300), and then tested using a nested PCR-based sequencing approach employing internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA as the genetic marker.
Results
Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 34 of all 359 (9.5%) faecal samples from cats (32.2%; 19/59) and dogs (5.0%; 15/300), including 24 stray cats and dogs (22.6%; 24/106), as well as ten household/raised cats and dogs (4.0%; 10/253). Correlation analyses revealed that E. bieneusi positive rates were significantly associated with stray cats and dogs (P < 0.05). The analysis of ITS sequence data revealed the presentation of five known genotypes CD7, CHN-HD2, D, PtEb IX and Type IV and two novel genotypes D-like1 and PtEb IX-like1. Zoonotic genotype D was the predominant type with percentage of 61.8% (21/34). Phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence data sets showed that genotypes D, D-like1 and Type IV clustered within Group 1, showing zoonotic potential. The others were assigned into Group 10 with host specificity.
Conclusions
These findings suggested that cats and dogs in Shanghai harbor zoonotic genotype D of E. bieneusi and may have a significant risk for zoonotic transmission. Further insight into the epidemiology of E. bieneusi in other animals, water and the environment from other areas in China will be important to have an informed position on the public health significance of microsporidiosis caused by this microbe.
In-band full-duplex dual-band transceiver based on single-core multiport architecture
Authors: Cheong Pedro , TU MENGTING , Liu Shidi , Chen Ronghao , Choi Wai-Wa , Tam Kam-Weng , Wu Ke
Published: May 2024

Ultra-fast and energy-efficient connections are the keys to future wireless communication technologies. However, even in full duplex communication systems, the accessible spectrum is portioned because up-links and down-links are set to occupy non-overlapping frequency channels. Here we report an unprecedented in-band full-duplex transceiver architecture, a significant departure from conventional designs. This architecture allows the up-links and down-links to co-exist in the same frequency bands with the same multiport network simultaneously. Leveraging the unique orthogonal properties of the multiport network in signal transmission and reception, we ensure a high degree of isolation between the two links. Our findings demonstrate that this in-band full-duplex dual-band communication system can achieve up to 1 gigabit per second when operating at sub-6 GHz. Furthermore, we show that this transceiver system exhibits excellent immunity to interference and extremely low fluctuations in bit error rates during communication.