bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of radiotherapy efficacy and prognostic analysis for solid and cystic brain metastases
Authors: sun lu , Lin Shouyu , Bi Jianping , Yuan Zilong , Li Ying , Wei Wei , peng yi , Hu Desheng , Han Guang
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Brain metastases (BMs) are commonly categorized into cystic and solid. Despite advances in treatment modalities, the prognosis for patients with cystic and solid BMs following radiotherapy remains poorly understood. We use a retrospective design to elucidate the disparities in survival between these two patient groups undergoing radiotherapy and identify factors influencing overall survival (OS) of BMs in solid tumor.
Methods
This retrospective study encompasses 212 patients diagnosed with BMs. We meticulously analyzed the clinical characteristics, radiation therapy modalities, and risk factors influencing overall survival among these patients, categorized by BMs type, post-brain radiation therapy.
Results
A statistically significant difference in mOS was observed between the two cohorts (Solid vs. Cystic: 23.1 vs. 14.6 months). Subgroup analysis unveiled distinctions in mOS, particularly in patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (Solid vs. Cystic: 23.1 vs. 6.43 months). The volume of BMs and the biological effective dose (BED) emerged as significantly prognostic factors for patients with cystic BMs. For patients with solid BMs, fraction dose, BED and the number of BMs were identified as independent prognostic factors for survival.
Conclusion
Brain radiotherapy shows superior survival benefits for lung cancer patients with solid BMs compared to those with cystic BMs, particularly in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. In particular, patients receiving BED ≥ 60Gy have a more favorable prognosis than those receiving BED < 60Gy, regardless of the type of BM (solid or cystic) in lung cancer.
Investigations of the structural, mechanical and optoelectronic attributes of Rb2BB'Tl I6 ( B'= As, Ga) double perovskites for photovoltaics
Authors: Jamil Muhammad , Ain Quratul , Munir Junaid , Murtaza Hudabia , Ghaithan Hamid M. , Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed Ali , Qaid Saif M. H.
Published: February 2024

Double perovskites based on rubidium have demonstrated potential for obtaining high solar cell power conversion efficiencies. Their distinct crystal structure and electrical characteristics influence these materials' potential as effective light absorbers. In this present manuscript, a detailed scrutiny of the physical aspects of halide perovskites Rb2TlAsI6 and Rb2TlGaI6 is presented using density functional theory framework implanted in Wien2K code using. Modified Becke Johnson potential is employed to treat the exchange-correlation effects. A computed tolerance factor, octahedral tilting, and formation energy ensure the structural and thermodynamic stability of given structures. Three independent elastic constants and mechanical properties were computed using the Thomas Charpin method. Ductile nature of Rb2TlAsI6 and brittle nature for Rb2TlGaI6 is revealed from computed mechanical attributes. Electronic properties revealed a direct bandgap (1.09 eV) for Rb2TlAsI6 and an indirect bandgap (1.2 eV) for Rb2TlGaI6. Optical properties indicate high polarization and absorption of incident light, which is suitable for photovoltaic applications in the visible spectrum.
Characterization, evolution, and abiotic stress responses of leucine-rich repeat receptor- like protein kinases in Liriodendron chinense
Authors: Mu Zhiying , Xu Mingyue , Manda Teja , Chen Jinhui , Yang Liming , Hwarari Delight
Published: February 2024

Background
The Liriodendron chinense similar to all other flowering plants is vulnerable to plant extinction due to the severity of the abiotic stresses in the wake of the global climate change. Thereby, affecting its growth and development, and geographical distribution. Nonetheless, the Liriodendron chinense plays an essential role in the socio-economic and ecological sectors. The LRR-RLK genes comprise one of the largest groups of receptor-like kinases in plants, crucial for plant development and stress regulation; and the LRR-RLK genes have not been elucidated in the Liriodendron chinense.
Result
In this study, we identified 232 LchiLRR-RLK genes that were unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes and 24 contigs, of which 67 paralogous gene pairs portrayed gene linkages; that contributed to LchiLRR-RLK gene family expansion through tandem (35.82%) and segmental (64.18%) duplications. Additionally, the synonymous and nonsynonymous ratios showed that the LchiLRR-RLK genes underwent a purifying or stabilizing selection during the evolutionary process. Investigation in the protein structures and domain conservation exhibited that LchiLRR-RLK carried conserved PK and LRR domains that also promoted their clustering in different subfamilies implicating gene evolutionary conservation. A deeper analysis of LchiLRR-RLK full protein sequences phylogeny showed 13 families that had a common ancestor protein. Interspecies gene collinearity showed more orthologous gene pairs between L. chinense and P. trichocarpa, suggesting various similar biological functions between the two plant species. Analysis of the functional roles of the LchiLRR-RLK genes using the qPCR demonstrated that they are involved in abiotic stress regulation, especially, members of subfamilies VIII, III, and Xa.
Conclusion
Conclusively, the LRR-RLK genes are conserved in the L. chinense and function to regulate the temperature and salt stresses, and this research provides new insights into understanding LchiLRR-RLK genes and their regulatory effects in abiotic stresses.
Application of The Laparoscopic Auxiliary Needle Device in the Treatment of Pediatric Inguinal Hernia: An Eight- year Experience
Authors: Shao Jinwei , Ma Mingdi , Li Zhou , Shi Manyu , Li Zhaozhu , Cui Qingbo
Published: February 2024

Background
Pediatric inguinal hernia is a common surgical condition among children. In this study, we present the application of a self-designed laparoscopic auxiliary needle device (China Patent Number: ZL 201320479515.5) and evaluate its effectiveness in laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure in pediatric patients.
Methods
The laparoscopic auxiliary needle device, with a diameter of 1 mm, consists of a cylindrical needle body and a specifically designed front end. Between January 2013 and January 2021, a total of 2075 children with inguinal hernia (1864 males and 211 females, mean age 3.71 ± 2.95 years old) were included in this study. All patients underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the laparoscopic auxiliary needle device. Various data were collected including occult inguinal hernia incidence, complications such as recurrence, and follow-up findings.
Results
The entire patient cohort underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair using the laparoscopic auxiliary needle. Pneumoperitoneum lasted 5.1 ± 1.2 minutes in unilateral hernia cases and 11.0 ± 1.3 minutes in bilateral hernia cases. Occult inguinal hernia were found in 981 (47.3%) patients, out of which initially difficult diagnoses were encountered in 516 cases (24.9%). Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 96 months, with two instances (0.1%) of inguinal hernia recurrence reported. Importantly, no patients reported any visible scars or sensations of subcutaneous foreign bodies.
Conclusion
Based on our extensive patient cohort, we assert that our self-designed laparoscopic auxiliary needle device represents a valuable tool for performing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repairs while minimizing abdominal scarring. Additionally, this device offers the additional advantage of detecting contralateral occult inguinal hernia.
Handwashing Sink as a Reservoir of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in the Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Wei Li , Feng Yu , Lin Ji , Kang Xia , Zhuang Hongdi , Wen Hongxia , Ran Shasha , Zheng Lan , Zhang Yujing , Xiang Qian , Liu Yan , Wu Xueqin , Duan Xiaofei , Zhang Wensheng , Li Qu , Guo Hua , Tao Chuanmin , Qiao Fu
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe extent to which sinks are contaminated by carbapenem-resistantAcinetobacter baumannii(CRAB) in intensive care units (ICUs) and the association between these contaminated sinks and hospital acquired CRAB infections during non-cluster period remains largely unknown .MethodsA prospective multicenter study was performed in 16 ICUs, including 9 general ICUs (GICUs) and 7 neonatal ICUs (NICUs), at 11 tertiary hospitals in Chengdu from March 2019 to January 2020. Sampling of the sinks was performed once, and CRAB clinical isolates recovered within two weeks before and three months after the sampling date were collected. Whole-genome sequencing was used to analyze the isolates and determine their clones.ResultsA total of 789 swabs were collected from 158 sinks, and 16 CRAB isolates were recovered from 16 sinks, resulting in a contamination rate of 10.16% (95% CI, 5.40%~14.83%). Twenty-seven clinical isolates were collected during the study period. The majority (97.67%, 42/43) of the CRAB isolates belonged to ST2 and 36 (83.72%) of them had bothblaOXA−23andblaOXA−66. The 43 strains belonged to 12 clones. One certain clone caused multiple contaminations of 7 sinks in one GICU. Two clones of ST2blaOXA−23andblaOXA−66-carrying sink strains were likely the sources of the two clusters in the two GICUs, respectively. Five ST2blaOXA−23-carrying isolates were found to be a common clone but were recovered from two hospitals. Conclusion: The contamination rate of CRAB in handwashing sinks is high in some local ICUs, and the contaminated sinks can serve as environmental reservoirs for CRAB clusters.
Clinical Effectiveness and Return to Work Rate After Lumbar Total Disk Replacement and Microsurgical Lumbar Discectomy in Railway Workers: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Byvaltsev Vadim A. , Kalinin Andrei A. , Pestryakov Yurii Ya. , Yuldashev Ravshan M. , Aliyev Marat
Published: February 2024

Objective.
To compare the clinical efficacy and return to work rate after TDR (total disk replacement) and microsurgical lumbar discectomy (MLD) in railway workers with lumbar disk herniation (LDH).
Methods.
Seventy five patients, ages 25–35 years, underwent single-level procedure and were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group I (n = 37) had TDR and group II (n = 38) had MLD. The functional state was assessed using the ODI, pain severity was analyzed using the VAS for back pain and leg pain, quality of life was assessed according to SF-36 preoperatively, at discharge, and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The X-ray assessment were used to assess the efficacy of the respective surgical methods pre-operatively and last follow-up of 1-year. The percentage of patients who returned to work at 1 year and the time to return to work post-operatively were analyzed based on workload intensity.
Results.
As expected, the MLD group had statistically significantly lower duration of surgery and less bleeding than TDR group. At a 1 year follow-up period, the TDR group had significantly better ODI, VAS and SF-36 than the MLD group. The postoperative X-ray revealed a statistically significant difference of the Range of Motion and Global Lumbar Lordosis in TDR group compared to the MLD group. After TDR procedure in light-moderate and heavy-very heavy workload patients groups had a statistically significantly higher return to work rate compared with MLD.
Conclusions.
The use of single-level TDR in railway workers has made it possible to significantly improve long-term clinical results, reduce the risk of reoperations, restore of segmental mobility at operation level, preserve of global lumbar lordosis and return to work rate compared to MLD.
Quantitative microvascular change analysis using a semi-automated algorithm in macula- on rhegmatogenous retinal detachment assessed by swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Díaz-Aljaro Pablo , Valldeperas Xavier , Broc-Iturralde Laura , Romanic-Bubalo Nevena , Díaz-Aljaro Ignacio , Chu Zhongdi , Wang Ruikang K. , Zarranz-Ventura Javier
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To objectively evaluate the longitudinal changes observed in the retinal capillaries in eyes with macula on rhegmatogenous-retinal-detachment (RRD) assessed with Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) and to assess the role of these microvascular measures as potential biomarkers of postoperative visual outcomes. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal study conducted on consecutive patients who underwent 25G pars-plana-vitrectomy for primary RRD. Vessel-area-density (VAD), vessel-skeletal-density (VSD), and vessel-diameter-index (VDI) were assessed in the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary-plexuses. Results: Twenty-three eyes with macula-on RRD were included in the study. Mean preoperative VDI, VAD, and VSD of the RRD-eye were 18.6±1.1, 0.43±0.02, and 0.17±0.01 in the SCP, and 18.6±0.6, 0.38±0.03, and 0.15±0.01 in the DCP, respectively. At month-6, 8 (34.8%) eyes achieved a best-corrected-visual-acuity (BCVA) gain ≥0.1 LogMAR. A preoperative VDI>17.80, VSD>0.170, and VDI-change >-0.395 in the SCP; and VDI>18.11 and VDI change >-0.039 in the DCP were predictors of achieving a BCVA-gain ≥0.1 LogMAR. Conclusions: Preoperative VDI in SCP and DCP, VSD in SCP, and their changes from preoperative values were predictors of visual outcomes. Quantitative OCTA analysis of capillary density and morphology may represent a potential predictive tool for surgical outcomes in RRD. The results reported in this study suggest that OCTA is a useful ancillary test for clinical disease management.
Spectroscopic Characteristics, Stability, Reactivity, and Corrosion Inhibition of AHPE-dop Compounds Incorporating (B, Fe, Ga, Ti): A DFT Investigation
Authors: Azeez Yousif Hussein , Kareem Rebaz Obaid , Qader Aryan Fathulla , Omer Rebaz Anwar , Ahmed Lana Omer
Published: February 2024

This study employs density functional theory (DFT) with Gaussian-09W and Gauss view-05 programs, utilizing the DFT/B3LYP/6-31(d, p) basis set, to assess the stability and reactivity of chemical compounds which include AHPE-dop-B, AHPE-dop-Fe, AHPE-dop-Ga, and AHPE-dop-Ti. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis is conducted to determine the energies of HOMO, LUMO, and their energy gap. Various molecular properties, including ELUMO, EHOMO, total energy ΔE, electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), softness (σ), electrophilicity index (ω), nucleophilicity index (ε), chemical potential (Pi), and dipole moment (μ) are explored. Neutrality is elucidated through ionization energy (IE) and electron affinity (EA). The band gap energy (Egap) is determined to comprehend chemical hardness. Thermochemical and optical properties and explanations of potential energy map theory, Fukui function, non-covalent interactions (NCI), and the RDG approach are explored. Using gas-phase Monte Carlo simulations, the study investigated chemical adsorption energy on Fe (110) metal surfaces. The optimized structures of AHPE-dop-B, AHPE-dop-Fe, AHPE-dop-Ga, and AHPE-dop-Ti, with ground state energies of -692.85, -1931.25, -2590.67, and -1517.11, respectively, demonstrate the stability and energetics of these compounds. The study analyzes FT-IR bands for the mentioned elements, focusing on vibrational modes. The shifts in IR spectra reveal peaks corresponding to C-H stretching, C-H2 bending, and C-C vibrational bands. The vibrational stretching modes of O-H, N-H2, and benzene rings are also explored. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy is employed to characterize (AHPE-dop-B, AHPE-dop-Fe, AHPE-dop-Ga, and AHPE-dop-Ti) molecules, revealing shifts in peak locations due to changes in vibrational modes influenced by atomic masses and electrical configurations of the elements.
Multi-sensor information fusion algorithm for night driving vehicle detection
Authors: Chen Yingqian , Shi Zhiwei , Luo Haowen , Li Weiye , Deng Yaohua
Published: February 2024

The ability to effectively detect vehicles and obtain their comprehensive information through sensors to achieve early warning of a collision and intelligent long-range light exposure are the basic prerequisites for safe night driving. However, sensors have their own performance characteristics, and a single type of sensor cannot fully perceive the environment. Therefore, a night driving vehicle-detection algorithm based on information fusion is proposed. An effective vehicle target priming algorithm based on millimeter-wave radar is designed that is experimentally shown to filter out a large number of irrelevant targets. A YOLOv5 benchmark model is optimized as follows: (a) intelligent data resampling addresses category imbalance; (b) head shared convolution addresses scale imbalance; and (c) lossless mosaic data enhancement solves the inconsistency between target features and labels generated by the original mosaic. A target matching algorithm correlates the detection results of a single sensor, providing comprehensive and reliable information including relative position and speed, category, and far light shield angle, laying a solid foundation for night driving safety.
Clinical characteristics and predictive factors of delayed diagnosis in patients with sellar germ cell tumors
Authors: Tong Tao , Chen Han , Mo Caiyan , Zhong Liyong
Published: February 2024

Purpose To investigate the clinical characteristics and predictive factors associated with delayed diagnosis in patients with sellar germ cell tumors (GCTs), aiming for early diagnosis.
Methods A total of 345 patients with sellar GCTs were retrospectively collected. Patients were classified into a delayed diagnosis group (>6 months from onset to diagnosis) and a non-delayed diagnosis group (≤6 months). We compared general characteristics, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, tumor prognosis, and pituitary function between the two groups. Predictive factors for delayed diagnosis were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results 225 patients (65.2%) experienced delayed diagnosis. Although there was no association between delayed diagnosis and survival rates or tumor recurrence rates, the delayed diagnosis group had a higher incidence of central diabetes insipidus, central adrenal insufficiency, central hypothyroidism, central hypogonadism, and growth hormone deficiency. Moreover, polyuria/polydipsia (OR 5.46; 95% CI 2.33-12.81), slow growth (OR 5.86; 95% CI 2.61-13.14), amenorrhea (OR 6.82; 95% CI 2.68-17.37), and germinoma (OR 4.99; 95% CI 1.08-3.61) were predictive factors for delayed diagnosis, while older age of onset (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.84-0.94) and nausea/vomiting (OR 0.31; 95% CI 0.15-0.63) contributed to earlier diagnosis.
Conclusion In patients with sellar GCTs, delayed diagnosis is common and linked to increased pituitary dysfunction. Factors predicting delayed diagnosis include slow growth, polyuria /polydipsia, amenorrhea, and germinomas with negative tumor markers. Early diagnosis is crucial to minimize the impact of sellar GCTs on pituitary function.
Microbial composition and dynamics in environmental samples from a ready-to-eat food production facility with a long-term colonisation of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Maria Diaz , Aird Heather , Viet Thanh Le , Gutierrez Ana Victoria , Larke-Mejia Nasmille , Omelchenko Oleksii , Moragues-Solanas Lluis , Fritscher Joachim , Som Nicolle , McLauchlin Jim , Hildebrand Falk , Jørgensen Frieda , Gilmour Matthew
Published: February 2024

Background: Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen of significant concern for the food industry due to the potential health threat to consumers and a remarkable ability to persist through food safety control efforts. Even with rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices in food production settings, L. monocytogenes and resident microbes can thrive and then potentially spillover from the environment to foods. Understanding the composition and interactions within microbial communities in food processing environments can reveal mechanisms on L. monocytogenes survival and persistence in these settings. In this study, we used metagenomic analysis to monitor the resident microbiota in non-food contact surfaces located in the preparation and production areas of the high care zone of a facility producing ready-to-eat foods that was previously known to have a persistent ST121 strain of L. monocytogenes.
Results: A consistent composition and relative abundance of most microbial taxa over sampling sites and times were observed in environmental metagenomes, with the genus Pseudomonas (principally Pseudomonas fluorescens) representing a major constituent of the metagenome. While there were highly related populations between the production and preparation areas, individual taxa characteristic of each area were observed (e.g., Sphingomonas aerolata was more abundant in the production area). Notably Listeria spp. were not observed in the metagenomes, but were detected in cultured samples, suggesting the abundance of Listeria was below the detection threshold for direct metagenomics. As such, a quasimetagenomics approach (sequencing of microbiological culture enrichments) was used to detect and subtype Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes. While possible to classify Listeria seeligeri sequence types using quasimetagenomes, the classification of the L. monocytogenes sequence types was limited to a low proportion of the samples.
Conclusions: A stable resident microbiota was observed with multiple environmental-associated microbial taxa, emphasizing that non-contact food surfaces represent a niche that can be colonised by a community of interdependent microbes. This community was likely selected for by their collective ability to survive cleaning and disinfection control efforts in this environment. Listeria spp. was a member of this microbial community, albeit at very low abundance, and likewise may be benefiting from the mutualism of the overall microbial community.
A Robust Lattice Based Post-Quantum Three-Party Key Exchange Scheme for Mobile Devices
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Chandra Harish , Rana Saurabh
Published: February 2024

In this work, we provide a unique post-quantum three-party key exchange protocol that makes use of the ring learning with error assumption. This protocol is inspired by the authenticated key exchange protocol developed by Rewal et. al [1]. We revisit the recently suggested system by Rewal et. al. [1], which is a communication efficient three-party password authenticated key exchange, in which we found that scheme is not fully correct and also demonstrate that scheme is not safe from user's anonymity assaults. We provide a enhanced scheme that is both effective and resistant to the mentioned assault. We also demonstrate its security in a ROM (Random Oracle Model). A comparison analysis that includes performance and security evaluations is also provided, proving the suitability of the suggested design.
Comparison of Pulmonary Computed Tomography Images and Quantitative Parameters in Patients with Different Degrees of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Wang Lina , Wang Zhigang , Go Jie , Wang Pei , Zhang Li , Liu Na
Published: February 2024

to investigate the computed tomography (CT) pulmonary imaging characteristics and quantitative parameters of patients with various degrees of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 120 patients with stable COPD were classified into grade I of mild (n = 24), grade II of moderate (n = 58), grade III of severe (n = 30) and grade IV of very severe (n = 8) according to the 2011 Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) strategy. The forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximum forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and FEV1/predicted value were measured. Routine blood tests were performed with an automatic hematology analyzer. The results showed a remarkabledifference in FVC between grade III and IV preoperatively and postoperatively (P < 0.05). The FEV1 values of grades II, III, and IV were drastically different postoperatively compared with those preoperatively (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis(PCA) showed that FEV6 was positively correlated with FVC, R = 0.961 before treatment, R = 0.947 after treatment (P < 0.05). No great differences were discoveredin white blood cell count (WBC), platelet count (PLT), C-reactive protein (CRP), or neutrophil count percentage (NEU)% among patients with the four grades (P < 0.05). Quantitative CT can evaluate the severity of emphysema in COPD patients, and the pulmonary function of patients wasdrastically improved after treatment.
The Impact of Occupational Therapy Services on Hospital Readmission for Patients with Cancer in Acute Care Settings
Authors: McNichols Christine C. , Peterson Alicia , Reynolds Stacey
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study examined how the use of occupational therapy (OT) services impacts the likelihood of a hospital readmission within 30 days for patients with cancer diagnoses.
Methodology
This was a retrospective observational study. We analyzed patient records from a National Cancer Institute hospital over a 5-year period. Various factors, including the use of occupational therapy services as well as individual factors such as pain levels, cancer stage, and living environment were considered in relation to readmission status. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of the provision of occupational therapy services on 30-day hospital readmission.
Results
Patients who received OT services had a statistically significant decrease in their risk of a 30-day hospital readmission compared to patients with cancers who did not receive OT services.
Conclusion
The results of the study are intended to contribute to the body of knowledge on the benefits of occupational therapy services on an individual as well as a health systems-based level for patients with cancer diagnoses while hospitalized.
Implications for Cancer Survivors
The knowledge of the utility of occupational therapy services for patients with cancer diagnoses while in the hospital can assist providers, patients, and hospital leadership in understanding some of the potential benefits for patient care and healthcare systems at large while seeking to avoid the deleterious effects from a hospital readmission.
Alternating Bias Assisted Annealing of Amorphous Oxide Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Pappas David , Field Mark , Kopas Cameron , Howard Joel , Wang Xiqiao , Lachman Ella , Zhou Lin , Oh Jinsu , Yadavalli Kameshwar , Sete Eyob , Bestwick Andrew , Kramer Matthew , Mutus Josh
Published: February 2024

We demonstrate a transformational technique for controllably tuning the electrical properties of individual aluminum-oxide tunnel junctions. Using conventional test equipment to apply an alternating bias to a heated tunnel barrier, giant increases in the room temperature resistance, greater than 70%, can be achieved. The rate of resistance change is shown to be strongly temperature- dependent, and is weakly dependent on junction size in the sub-micron regime. In order to measure their tunneling properties at mK temperatures, we characterized transmon qubit junctions treated with this alternating-bias assisted annealing (ABAA) technique. The measured frequencies follow the Ambegaokar-Baratoff relation between the shifted resistance and critical current. Further, these studies show a reduction of junction-contributed loss on the order of ≈ 0.3 × 10−6, and indicate that there is a reduction in resonant-and off-resonant-two level system defects when compared to untreated samples. Imaging with high-resolution TEM shows that the barrier is still predominantly amorphous with a more uniform distribution of aluminum coordination across the barrier relative to untreated junctions. This new approach is expected to be widely applicable to a broad range of devices that rely on amorphous aluminum oxide, and is likely applicable to many other metal- insulator-metal devices.
Massively Parallel Microbubble Nano-Assembly
Authors: Joh Hyungmok , Hsueh Shaw-long , Ma Zhichao , Fischer Peer , Fan Donglei Emma
Published: February 2024

Microbubbles are an important tool due to their unique mechanical, acoustic, and dynamical properties. While there has been remarkable progress, it remains challenging to generate addressable microbubbles quickly in a parallel and controlled manner. In this work, we present an opto-electrochemical method that combines the precision of light-based imaging with the relatively low energy bubble formation by hydrolysis. In addition, we show that the inclusion of nanoparticles enables individually addressable microbubbles to be formed in designed patterns. The size of the bubbles can be controlled from a few micrometers to over hundred micrometers with a spatial accuracy of ~ 2 - µm. The light intensity required is only ~ 0.1 W/cm2, which is on par with sunlight and several orders of magnitude lower than that required by other state-of-the-art techniques. The technique is general and permits a wide spectrum of particles to be assembled from suspension, ranging from 40-nm silver nanocrystals, 200 nm polymer nanospheres, to 2-µm-E-coli bacterial cells. We demonstrate particle assembly in well-defined patterns, and show how Ag nanoparticle-bacterial-cell arrays can be formed that permit the spectroscopic detection of cell metabolites. Overall, the reported microbubble tool overcomes multiple key challenges in microbubble-based technologies and promises new opportunities in nanomanufacturing, nanophotonic patterning, nanorobotics, biosensing, and single-cell biotechnology.
An IROA Workflow for correction and normalization of ion suppression in mass spectrometry-based metabolomic profiling data
Authors: Mahmud Iqbal , Wei Bo , Veillon Lucas , Tan Lin , Martinez Sara , Tran Bao , Raskind Alexander , de Jong Felice , Akbani Rehan , Weinstein John N. , Beecher Chris , Lorenzi Philip L.
Published: February 2024

Ion suppression is a major problem in mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics; it can dramatically decrease measurement accuracy, precision, and signal-to-noise sensitivity. Here we report a new method, the IROA TruQuant Workflow, that uses a stable isotope-labeled internal standard (IROA-IS) plus novel companion algorithms to 1) measure and correct for ion suppression, and 2) perform Dual MSTUS normalization of MS metabolomic data. We have evaluated the method across ion chromatography (IC), hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), and reverse phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)-MS systems in both positive and negative ionization modes, with clean and unclean ion sources, and across different biological matrices. Across the broad range of conditions tested, all detected metabolites exhibited ion suppression ranging from 1% to 90+% and coefficient of variations ranging from 1% to 20%, but the Workflow and companion algorithms were highly effective at nulling out that suppression and error. Overall, the Workflow corrects ion suppression across diverse analytical conditions and produces robust normalization of non-targeted metabolomic data.
Avaliação de Diferentes Técnicas de Pré Processamento para um Sistema Neural de Apoio à Decisão em Inspeções por Ultrassom
Authors: Macedo Luana , Albuquerque Maria Clea , Silva Ivan , Farias Claudia , Simas Filho Eduardo , Britto Vitor
Published: February 2024

Para garantir a confiabilidade de juntas soldadas, a combinação da técnica ultrassônica ToFD (Time of Flight Dif raction) às de análise computacional, que envolvem processamento de sinais e reconhecimento de padrões, dinamiza e assegura eficiência nos resultados da inspeção. Por se tratar de um ensaio não destrutivo, não há mudanças nas propriedades químicas, físicas e mecânicas do material, tornando-se possível identificar defeitos decorrentes dos processos de soldagem. Neste trabalho, as transformadas discreta de Fourier (DFT), do Cosseno (DCT) e Hilbert- Huang (HHT) foram usadas para processar sinais ultrassônicos obtidos pela técnica ultrassônica ToFD em uma junta soldada de aço SAE 1020. Os sinais pré-processados por DCT, DFT e HHT foram compactados através da análise de componentes principais (PCA), antes de serem utilizados como entrada para um classificador neural. A metodologia proposta permitiu identificar defeitos de solda com elevada taxa de acertos na classificação. Dentre as técnicas de pré-processamento utilizadas, a DCT apresentou melhor desempenho na classificação, com 99,7% de eficiência.
Structural evolution of the southern part of the Suvanyak metamorphic complex and its framing (Southern Urals)
Authors:   Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Golionko Boris G. , Georgievskiy Alexander A. ,   Geological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2024

The mesostructural parageneses of the Suvanyak metamorphic complex that composes the western part of the Uraltau zone (antiform), as well as the complexes that compose the western side of the Zilair synclinorium and the Sakmara zone (allochthon), adjacent to the Uraltau zone, are studied. The sequence of their formation and the structural evolution of the studied region have been established. It is shown that in the deformational history of the studied region, associated with the Late Paleozoic intercontinental collision, which assured the geodynamic evolution of the Ural paleo ocean, three stages of deformation are distinguished. The first stage of the D1 deformation, expressed in the formation of the F1 folds and associated thrusts of western and southwestern vergence, is associated with the movement of the Sakmara allochthon in an eastern direction. The second stage of the D2 deformation is marked by the formation of the F2 folds and folded thrusts of eastern and northeastern, less often southeastern vergence, due to back thrusting processes. Back thrusting occurred under conditions of sublatitudinal compression directed from east to west, while the entire package of allochthonous plates did not shift to the west. The reason for this could be the presence of a significant obstacle that did not allow allochthon to carry out further advance in the western direction. With continued pressure from the east, from the volcanogenic formations of the former Magnitogorsk island arc and the impossibility of moving to the west, the more eastern complexes moved under the more western ones, and the latter, respectively, moved eastward. The third stage of deformation D3, marked by the formation of asymmetric S folds with steeply dipping hinges, corresponds to the post-collision strike-slip movements widespread throughout the Ural folded region, which finally shaped the structural appearance of the region.
INOVAÇÃO DIGITAL E INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO DO NEGÓCIO:
Authors: Bianco Nunes Thainara , Padoin Juliani Engel Elenice , Zilli Júlio César
Published: February 2024

Diante de um cenário global altamente competitivo e repleto de incertezas, uma das soluções para as organizações pode ser composta não só pela inovação, mas também pela internacionalização e transformação digital do negócio. Estas, quando aliadas, potencializam os trabalhos da organização, agregam valor, aumentam lucros, geram maior competitividade e diminuem a dependência da empresa do mercado interno. Diante disto, o estudo objetivou identificar as contribuições das ações de inovação digital no processo de internacionalização de uma empresa que produz e comercializa cintas modeladoras linfodreaening, localizada no Sul de Santa Catarina. Metodologicamente, caracterizou-se como uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, e quanto aos fins, de caráter descritivo e explicativo, e, um estudo de caso, quanto aos meios de investigação. A coleta de dados primários ocorreu por meio de entrevista virtual com o auxílio de um roteiro semiestruturado aplicada com a proprietária da empresa. Para a análise dos resultados, optou-se pela análise de conteúdo. Os principais achados revelaram que o processo de internacionalização se iniciou no ano de 2019, meio que por acaso, quando, em função do aumento de vendas, a empreendedora encontrou uma oportunidade para exportar para Portugal. Inovações incrementais foram feitas em seus produtos para melhor aceitação no mercado internacional, assim como o emprego de novas tecnologias como ERP integrado, sistema de armazenamento de dados em nuvem, bancos digitais, e-commerce e vendas pelas redes sociais (Instagram e o Whatsapp). A inovação digital contribuiu ainda na questão de segurança, agilidade, comunicação e transparência que são repassadas ao cliente por meio de site seguro e plataformas de comunicação eficientes.
Targeting STAT3 Enzyme for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Arun Sowmiya , Patel Praveen Kumar , Lakshmanan Kaviarasan , Rajangopal Kalirajan , Swaminathan Gomathi , Byran Gowramma
Published: February 2024

A category of cytoplasmic transcription factors called STATs mediates intracellular signaling,
which is frequently generated at receptors on cell surfaces and subsequently sent to the nucleus.
STAT3 is a member of a responsible for a variety of human tumor forms, including lymphomas,
hematological malignancies, leukemias, multiple myeloma and several solid tumor types. Numerous
investigations have demonstrated constitutive STAT3 activation lead to cancer development
such as breast, head and neck, lung, colorectal, ovarian, gastric, hepatocellular, and prostate cancers.
It's possible to get a hold of the book here. Tumor cells undergo apoptosis when STAT3 activation
is suppressed. This review highlights the STAT3 activation and inhibition which can be used for
further studies.
Single Injection AAV2-FGF18 Gene Therapy Reduces Cartilage Loss
and Subchondral Bone Damage in a Mechanically Induced Model of
Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hollander Judith M. , Goraltchouk Alex , Liu Jingshu , Xu Ellyn , Luppino Francesco , McAlindon Timothy E. , Zeng Li , Seregin Alexey
Published: February 2024

Background::

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly debilitating, degenerative pathology of cartilaginous
joints affecting over 500 million people worldwide. The global economic burden of OA
is estimated at $260-519 billion and growing, driven by aging global population and increasing
rates of obesity. To date, only the multi-injection chondroanabolic treatment regimen of Fibroblast
Growth Factor 18 (FGF18) has demonstrated clinically meaningful disease-modifying efficacy in
placebo-controlled human trials. Our work focuses on the development of a novel single injection
disease-modifying gene therapy, based on FGF18’s chondroanabolic activity.

Methods::

OA was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using destabilization of the medial meniscus
(DMM) (3 weeks), followed by intra-articular treatment with 3 dose levels of AAV2-FGF18, rh-
FGF18 protein, and PBS. Durability, redosability, and biodistribution were measured by quantifying
nLuc reporter bioluminescence. Transcriptomic analysis was performed by RNA-seq on cultured
human chondrocytes and rat knee joints. Morphological analysis was performed on knee
joints stained with Safranin O/Fast Green and anti-PRG antibody.

Results::

Dose-dependent reductions in cartilage defect size were observed in the AAV2-FGF18-
treated joints relative to the vehicle control. Total defect width was reduced by up to 76% and cartilage
thickness in the thinnest zone was increased by up to 106%. Morphologically, the vehicle-
treated joints exhibited pronounced degeneration, ranging from severe cartilage erosion and
bone void formation, to subchondral bone remodeling and near-complete subchondral bone collapse.
In contrast, AAV2-FGF18-treated joints appeared more anatomically normal, with only regional
glycosaminoglycan loss and marginal cartilage erosion. While effective at reducing cartilage
lesions, treatment with rhFGF18 injections resulted in significant joint swelling (19% increase
in diameter), as well as a decrease in PRG4 staining uniformity and intensity. In contrast to
early-timepoint in vitro RNA-seq analysis, which showed a high degree of concordance between
protein- and gene therapy-treated chondrocytes, in vivo transcriptomic analysis, revealed few gene
expression changes following protein treatment. On the other hand, the gene therapy treatment exhibited
a high degree of durability and localization over the study period, upregulating several
chondroanabolic genes while downregulating OA- and fibrocartilage-associated markers.

Conclusion::

FGF18 gene therapy treatment of OA joints can provide benefits to both cartilage
and subchondral bone, with a high degree of localization and durability.
Therapeutic Voyage of Graphene-based Biosensor
Authors: Sharma Rama
Published: February 2024

:

The study of carbon-based materials and nanoparticles is currently an exciting field of
study in the domain of material science. One of the most prominent of these materials is graphene,
along with its related components graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide. A single-layer, twodimensional
nanomaterial called graphene (GN) is employed in many different industries, such as
electronics and biology. Graphene is a remarkable two-dimensional substance that has earned the
title of "wonder material." Its remarkable electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical qualities have
attracted significant attention. Graphene's intriguing characteristics have led to its integration into
numerous biosensing applications. Graphene possesses remarkable chemical, electrical, and physical
qualities. The distinctive properties of graphene, particularly its electrical conductivity, large surface
area, and significant electron mobility, are focusing more attention on applications in biomedicine
that facilitate easier health monitoring. Biosensors with high sensitivity and precision can enhance
patient care, and offer an opportunity for an early illness diagnosis and clinical pathogen identification.
Additionally, a wide range of biological molecules, including glucose, hydrogen peroxide, cholesterol,
dopamine, etc., can be detected using graphene-based biosensors. This study evaluates contemporary
developments regarding graphene-based biosensors and their prospects and difficulties in
this rapidly developing profession in the coming era. Graphene-based nanomaterials are appropriate
to be employed in various biological and sensory contexts, including medicine and gene transfer,
because of their unusual topologies and extraordinary properties. Graphene's outstanding characteristics
enable biosensing applications to obtain the appropriate sensitivity, selectivity, and repeatability
for a range of targets.
Randomised Clinical Trial Study: The Combination of Vitamin D and
Curcumin Piperine Attenuates Disease Activity and Pro-inflammatory
Cytokines Levels Insystemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Authors: Wahono Cesarius Singgih , Susianti Hani , Hakim Arif Luqman , Rosita Firdha , Pratama Mirza Zaka , Rahman Perdana Aditya , Anshory Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Background::

Curcumin-piperine might synergise with vitamin D to induce clinical remission
in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Objective::

To observe the improvement of patients with SLE clinically and the levels of inflammatory
cytokines after receiving supplements of curcumin-piperine and cholecalciferol (Vitamin
D3).

Methods::

Forty-five female SLE patients were included in a three-month double-blind, randomized
controlled trial. Participants were classified into: Group I (400 IU cholecalciferol + placebo
three times daily, n = 15), Group II (600 mg curcumin + 15,800 m piperine once daily and
three times daily placebo, n = 15), and Group III (cholecalciferol 400 IU three times and 600 mg
curcumin + 15,800 mg piperine once a day, n = 15). Mexican SLE disease activity score (Mex-
SLEDAI), fatigue severity scale (FSS), TGF-β, and IL-6 levels were measured from all patients before
and after the treatments.

Results::

Mex-SLEDAI, FSS, and IL-6 were reduced significantly, while TGF-β serum levels were
increased in all groups after the treatments (p <0.05). Changes in Mex-SLEDAI score (p = 0.003
and p = 0.008), FSS (p = 0.001 and p <0.001), and TGF-β (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004) serum levels
were significantly higher in group III compared to the group I or group II. On the other hand,
changes in Mex-SLEDAI, FSS, IL-6, and TGF-β serum levels were similar between groups I and
II.

Conclusion::

Although vitamin D or curcumin-piperine alone could improve the clinical outcome
and cytokines levels in SLE, curcumin-piperine combined with vitamin D had the best outcome in
improving the disease activity and cytokines levels among patients with SLE. (ClinicalTrials.gov
number, NCT05430087).
Assessment of Interleukin 17 in Egyptian Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Patients as a Biomarker in Disease Activity
Authors: Behiry Mervat , Wadie Mary , Mohamed Nagwa Abdelghaffar , Farid Rania , Ramadan Hala
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic idiopathic systemic autoimmune
disorder with dysregulation of adaptive and innate immune systems. Interleukin (IL)-17
is the prototypical pro-inflammatory cytokine of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Therefore, it contributes
to the pathogenesis of human SLE.

Aim:

The aim of the research paper was the evaluation of IL-17 level as a biomarker in the SLE
cohort and its relation to disease activity and analysis of IL-17 concentration in patients with lupus
nephritis and non-lupus nephritis.

Methods:

The research enrolled 45 SLE patients according to Systemic Lupus International Collaborating
Clinics Classification Criteria (SLICC), and age and sex-matched. The patients underwent
full history, clinical examination, laboratory investigation, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) calculation.

Results:

The mean age ± SD of the participants equaled 32 ± 11 years, and serum IL-17 in SLE
cases was statistically significantly high (p < 0.001). No statistically significant correlations were
reported between disease activity according to SLEDAI and IL-17. In addition, a statistically significant
positive correlation was reported between IL-17 and ESR, and a high statistically significant
negative correlation was reported between IL-17 and C3 and C4 (P < 0.001). A statistically
significant positive correlation was reported between IL-17 and 24-hour urinary proteins with a Pvalue
of 0.01.

Conclusion:

SLE cases demonstrated higher levels of serum IL-17, contributing to SLE pathogenesis.
However, no statistically significant difference was reported between IL-17 and Lupus
nephritis. IL-17 and SLE activity (SLEDAI) did not correlate.

:

A statistically significant positive relation was reported between IL-17 and 24-hour urinary proteins.
Additionally, a high statistically significant negative correlation was reported between IL-17
and C3 and C4.