bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the efficacy of the minimally invasive extraperitoneal approach in anterior lumbar interbody fusion and artificial disc replacement
Authors: Ma Jibin , Zhou Xiaoli , Gu Mingyong , Ke Lei , Miao Jun , Li Ruihua
Published: October 2023

Objective
To investigate the utilization of the extraperitoneal approach in anterior lumbar spine surgery and to compare the outcomes of two surgical techniques.
Methods
56 patients (30 males, 26 females) underwent minimally invasive extraperitoneal anterior lumbar surgery (2018–2021). Diagnoses: 24 spondylolisthesis, 26 discogenic pain, 3 spinal stenosis, 3 revision surgeries. Procedures: 29 intervertebral cage fusions, 27 artificial disc replacements (L4/5, L5/S1). Parameters: op duration, blood loss, complications, recovery, incision, abdominal pain, hospital stay, pre/post-op Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores two weeks after surgery.
Results
Both groups had successful surgeries with no incision extension. Average operation time was 86.5 ± 12.1 minutes, with 130 ml blood loss. Post-op recovery averaged 3 days, and incisions were 6.5 cm long. Average post-op hospital stay was 7 days. Pre-op Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was 7, decreasing to 4 two weeks post-op. In the Cage implantation group, average operation time was 86 ± 12.8 minutes, with 100 ml blood loss. Patients resumed ambulation in about 3 days, with a 6.5 cm incision. Average post-op hospital stay was 7 days. Pre-op VAS score averaged 7, decreasing to 4 two weeks post-op. In the artificial lumbar disc replacement group, average operation time was 87 ± 11.5 minutes, with 140 ml blood loss. Ambulation typically resumed in about 3 days, with a 6.5 cm incision. Average post-op hospital stay was 7 days. Pre-op VAS score was 7, decreasing to 4 two weeks post-op. Complications included one vena cava bifurcation tear, two peritoneal tears, three cases of post-op abdominal distention, and five cases of post-op low-grade fever. In the Cage implantation group, there was one venous lumen bifurcation tear, no peritoneal tears, two cases of post-op abdominal distention, and three cases of post-op low-grade fever. In the artificial lumbar disc replacement group, there were no cases of vena cava bifurcation tear, two peritoneal tears, one case of post-op abdominal distention, two cases of post-op low-grade fever, and no instances of retrograde ejaculation in selected male patients.
Conclusion
The implementation of two minimally invasive extraperitoneal surgical techniques has yielded favorable surgical outcomes, meriting consideration for broader clinical adoption.
Privacy-preserving Vertical Federated Broad Learning System for Artificial Intelligence Generated Image Content
Authors: Li Fengyin , Ge Junrong , Wang Xiaojiao , Zhao Gang , Yu Xilong , Li Xinru
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence generated image content generates desired image content according to given instructions. It is widely applied in digital marketing, video game design, and movie production. Efficiently detecting the quality of generated images is one of the key problems. A broad learning system is a feasible solution because it requires no complex parameter calculation and depth expansion. However, the broad learning system is built by centralized learning, so it may not take advantage of isolated feature data, which prevents broad learning systems from detecting isolated AL-generated image content. To address the above problem, this paper proposes a privacy-preserving vertical federated broad learning system for artificial intelligence generated image content (PVF-BLS). In PVF-BLS, the vertical federated architecture is introduced into the broad learning system to utilize isolated feature data and interactive data is masked by matrix masks for security. To further improve the security of PVF-BLS, this paper proposes a secure incremental learning algorithm based on matrix masks (ILA-MM) to update PVF-BLS. In ILA-MM, the interaction data is processed by matrix masks, which makes PVF-BLS more secure. Experimental results show that PVF-BLS outperforms traditional broad learning systems when the data is isolated.
Exponentiating the Precision of Facial Spoof Detection: An Intricately Woven Tapestry of Hybrid Machine Learning Paradigms and State-of-the-Art Textural Feature Extraction Methodologies
Authors: Singh Mohit , Anand Niharika , Sharma Gaurav
Published: October 2023

In recent times, there has been a rapid increase in the deployment of face recognition systems,creating a significant demand for stringent safety regulations to govern their implementation. Several approaches have been developed for face spoof detection, utilizing techniques such as feature extraction, machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). These methods have gained significant interest in various domains due to their accessibility and ability to capture abundant information in daily life. Face spoof detection techniques based on ML and Artificial Intelligence (AI) typically involve multiple stages, including pre-processing the raw data, feature extraction, and face classification. Previous methods have employed K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) in combination with Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) for detecting face spoofing, but with relatively low accuracy.In this study, a novel approach is introduced that combines Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) with GLCM for feature extraction. These features are then utilized in a hybrid classifier, which integrates the Random Forest (RF) algorithm boosted with Adaboost optimizer, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and XGBoost as classification algorithms. Through extensive evaluation of our proposed strategies and thorough comparison, our approach demonstrates its superiority over alternative methods, achieving remarkable levels of accuracy, precision, and recall performance.
A Reinforced Deep Reinforcement Learning Method for UAV Target Tracking
Authors: Zhang Yafeng , Ma Haiying , Lu Hai , Luo Siling , Yang Gang , Yu Linjiang , Ye Shuaihong
Published: October 2023

In response to challenges faced during unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image target tracking, such as target orientation changes, occlusion variations, and limited sample diversity, we propose a reinforced deep reinforcement network-based algorithm for UAV aerial image target tracking. Addressing the issue of limited sample diversity, we enhance the original samples through occlusion and rotation. Next, we construct an improved deep belief network to distill representative deep features, ensuring the deep model can accurately and rapidly adapt to target shape changes and obtain the pre-localization region of the target to be detected. We then employ a reinforcement learning algorithm for precise target localization. Finally, a deep forest classifier is utilized to output the final target tracking results. Comparative experiments on multiple datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves high tracking accuracy, is capable of handling target rotation and occlusion, and exhibits excellent precision and robustness.
Higher Concentration of Marijuana Dispensaries in Neighborhoods with More Disadvantage Following Legalization in Washington
Authors: Williams Edwina , Trangenstein Pamela , Patterson Deidre , Kerr William
Published: October 2023

Washington is one of 21 states that have legalized recreational marijuana resulting in neighborhoods that have experienced a change in physical environment with the emergence of dispensaries. This study examines the selection of dispensaries into disadvantage area, incorporating local policies and neighborhood characteristics. Marijuana and alcohol sales data were from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board; and neighborhood characteristics were drawn from the American Community Survey 2010–2016 5-year estimates. Using factor analysis we created a neighborhood disadvantage index where census tracts were stratified into disadvantaged tertiles; and counties were stratified by urban/rural status. We examined the association between dispensaries, neighborhood characteristics, and local marijuana policies using Negative Binomial Regression with a natural log of land area as an offset, separately for 2014–2016. Dispensaries opened in high-disadvantaged CTs in 2014 and then dispersed across the state while retaining higher concentrations in disadvantaged urban CTs. Marijuana-specific policies (allotted dispensaries and retail cap) were found to be predictors of marijuana dispensary density. This study provides evidence that marijuana dispensaries were disproportionately located in areas with greater disadvantage. State and local marijuana policies emerged as important predictors, underscoring the importance of designing thoughtful and equitable license allocation procedures and policies.
Deep transfer learning for Multiple Sclerosis Detection and classification using pre-trained model
Authors: Desai Dhyey , Gangrade Jayesh , Singh Yadvendra , Gangrade Shweta , Gupta Gaurav , Salehi Ahmad Waleed
Published: October 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that damages the central nervous system and is characterized by demyelination, inflammation , and axonal destruction. Early and correct MS diagnosis is essential for prompt treatment and better patient outcomes. With the help of total 3427 MRI images in the form of four different types of classes — Control Axial, Control Sagittal, MS-Axial, and MS-Sagittal. We Proposed a unique method for MS detection in this study. The pre-processing of the MRI data is the initial step of the proposed methodology. This research paper presents a comprehensive study aimed at enhancing MS classification through the augmentation of MRI data. By expanding the initial dataset of 3427 images to a robust collection of 10000 images using advanced techniques, the study offers an invaluable resource for training and evaluating MS detection algorithms, thereby fostering improved diagnostic outcomes. The VGG-16, VGG-19 and xception model are trained on the hybrid dataset, consisting of both axial and sagittal images, allowing it to capture the intricate patterns associated with MS lesions. We have obtained the highest accuracy, out of the 3 models used here, of 97%, by using the VGG-16 model.
Polymerization behavior and rheological properties of a surfactant-modified reactive hydrophobic monomer
Authors: Wen Xin , Wang Lei , Lai Xiao-juan , Liu Gui-ru , Yang Wen-wen , Gao Jin-hao , Liu Ya-meng , CUI wenyu
Published: October 2023

The structures and properties of hydrophobic association polymers can be controlled using micelles. In this work, we synthesize a reactive hydrophobic surfactant monomer, KS-3, from oleic acid, N,N-dimethylpropylenediamine, and allyl chloride. A strong synergistic effect between KS-3 and cocamidopropyl betaine in aqueous solution enhances the hydrophilic dispersibility of KS-3, thereby transforming spherical micelles into cylindrical micelles. KS-3 was grafted onto a polyacrylamide chain via aqueous free-radical polymerization to obtain RES, a hydrophobic association polymer. Structural analysis revealed that the RES polymers assembled in wormlike micelles were more tightly arranged than those assembled in spherical micelles, resulting in a compact network structure in water, smooth surface, and high thermal stability. Rheological tests revealed that the synthesized polymers with wormlike and spherical micelles exhibited shear-thinning properties along with different structural strengths and viscoelasticities. Therefore, controlling the micellar state can effectively regulate the polymer properties. The polymers obtained through wormlike micelle polymerization have potential applications in fields with high demands, such as drug release, water purification, and oilfield development.
OPN-modified nanoparticles loading BY1 inhibits vascular restenosis by inducing FTH1-dependent ferroptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zheng Bo-yang , Zhang Qian-fan , Zhao Yanan , Liu Xin , Ding Si-ying , Qian Shuang-shuang , Yu Qi-ming , Wu Han , Wu Qian-yu , Zhang Yu-han , Zheng Lei , Zhang Xinhua , Zhang Hao-feng , Hao Yi-ming , Lu Jing-chao , Wang Lei , Wen Jin-kun , Zheng Bin
Published: October 2023

Percutaneous coronary intervention has greatly improved the quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease. However, the vascular restenosis after angioplasty remains a challenging problem. Thus, there is still an urgent need to rationally design more effective drug and drug delivery system. In this study, the heterocyclic trioxirane compound [1, 3, 5-tris((oxiran-2-yl)methyl)-1, 3, 5-triazinane-2, 4, 6-trione (TGIC)], which has an anticancer activity, was used as the parent ring to conjugate with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to obtain the spliced conjugated compound BY1, which is expected to prevent vascular remodeling. We found that BY1 potently induced ferroptosis in the cultured VSMCs as well as in neointima hyperplasia, accompanied by the significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular iron. The ferroptosis inducer and inhibitor enhanced and rescued, respectively, BY1-induced cell death, indicating that ferroptosis contributes to BY1-induced cell death in VSMCs. Further, we demonstrated that ferritin heavy chain1 (FTH1) was a key determinant for BY1-induced VSMC ferroptosis, as evidenced by the observations that FTH1 overexpression abrogated, while knockdown of FTH1 exacerbated, BY1-induced VSMC ferroptosis. Meanwhile, we compared the efficacy of different administration routes of BY1, including BY1-coated balloons, hydrogel-based BY1 delivery, and Osteopontin (OPN)-modified nanoparticles loading BY1 for targeting proliferated VSMCs (BY1-NP-OPN), for prevention and treatment of the restenosis. Our results suggest that BY1-NP-OPN is the most effective among the three administration routes, supporting the notion that BY1 might serve as a promising candidate for the development of drug coated stents or anti-restenosis drug.
Exploring potential therapeutic targets for glioma based on non-targeted metabolic analysis
Authors: Li Sibo , Jiang Xudong , Chen Gang , Zhang Lina , Cao Yanfei
Published: October 2023

Background
Glioma, easy recurrence and poor prognosis, is the most common cancer in brain. The metabolic reprogramming of glioma provides favorable conditions for the growth of tumor cells. However, the pivotal metabolic pathways and related therapeutic targets associated with glioma progression remain to be illuminated yet. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the changes in glioma metabolism, and reveal the potential biological functions of related metabolic genes.
Methods
We collected 4 postoperative glioma and adjacent tissues, then performed non-targeted metabolic analysis. The hub metabolic pathways were identified using KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of related metabolic genes were demonstrated based on UALCAN and HPA data. To gain insight into the prognosis efficacy of these genes, the Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression and time-dependent ROC analyses were conducted. We further revealed the correlation between expression of metabolic genes and immune infiltration using ssGSEA and correlation analysis.
Results
We found that 13 metabolites were up-regulated and 107 metabolites were down-regulated in glioma. The Glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was considerd the hub metabolic pathway in tumorigenesis of glioma. Furthermore, the expression of CTSC, LPCAT1, LPCAT3, MGAT1 and MGAT2 were significantly up-regulated in glioma, and were correlated with poor prognosis. Finally, based on immune analysis, we discovered that infiltration of most immune cells, importantly MDSCs, were correlated with the expression of CTSC, LPCAT3, MGAT1 and MGAT2.
Conclusion
In this study, our findings revealed the metabolic landscape of glioma microenvironment, which provides a promising therapeutic strategy.
Isolation and Characterization of Potential Phyllosphere Bioinoculants from Coriandrum sativum
Authors: K Avinash , S Suresh Vikram , S Vivan K , S Amaana Shirine , B Gopinath
Published: October 2023

Coriandrum sativum, also known as Coriander, is an annual herb in the apiaceae family. It is a common leguminous plant that grows abundantly in India. It has also been used for intercropping with short irrigation intervals. This plant is well-known for its ability to thrive in low-phosphate and drought-prone soils. This study aims to identify isolates from the phyllosphere region that have potential to be used as bioinoculants. Phyllosphere sample was collected from the native farmland and neighbourhood and screened for bioinoculants. A total of 98 bacterial strains were isolated and tested for production of ammonia. The nitrogen fixing strains were chosen based on their ammonia production. The selected 28 isolates were tested for various PGP factors such as HCN production, IAA production and Phosphate solubilization and also tested for extracellular enzymatic activities such as Amylase production, Protease degradation, Gelatinase activity, Catalytic activity and Lipase production, based on the results, few exhibited potent antagonistic activity against Colletotrichum capscici and Rhizoctonia solani. Based on the results of extracellular activities and antagonistic assay, five potential strains were subjected to germination study. One best PGPP was identified through amplification and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The research uncovered a previously unknown diversity of plant growth promoting bacteria with enormous potential for use as a bioinoculant in agriculture. This study emphasises the importance of Phyllosphere microbiota for plant growth, in addition to identifying promising candidates for bioinoculation.
Optimal Taxation and Multiple Externalities in a Dynamic Economy
Authors: Ao Fei
Published: October 2023

This paper characterizes the optimal mix of linear commodity taxation and non-linear income taxation in a dynamic economy where consumption gives rise to positional and environmental externalities. Both externalities are modeled as stock-externalities by reflecting people's present and past consumption. With non-atmospheric positional externalities, the principle of targeting does not apply, which means that the policy rules for all tax instruments are adjusted in response to the positional externality. The results of the model imply simultaneous motives for corrective taxation that interacts in an important way.
JEL Classification: D15 , D62 , H21 , H23
Perioperative Outcomes of Uniportal Versus Three-port Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in Lung Cancer Patients Aged ≥75 years old: A Cohort Study
Authors: Mi Xingqi , Dai Zhangyi , Liu Chengwu , Mei Jiandong , Zhu Yunke , Liu Lunxu , Pu Qiang
Published: October 2023

Background Increasing attention has been raised on the surgical option for lung cancer patients aged ≥75 years, however, few studies have focused on whether uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is safe and feasible for these patients. This study aimed to evaluate short-term results of uniportal versus three-port VATS for the treatment of lung cancer patients aged ≥75 years.
Methods We retrospectively evaluated 582 lung cancer patients (≥75 years) who underwent uniportal or three-port VATS from August 2007 to August 2021 based on the Western China Lung Cancer Database. The baseline and perioperative outcomes between uniportal and three-port VATS were compared in the whole cohort (WC) and the patients undergoing lobectomy (lobectomy cohort, LC) respectively.
ResultsIntraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the uniportal than three-port LC (50 mL vs. 83 mL, P=0.007) and was also relatively less in the uniportal than three-port WC (50 mL vs. 75 mL, P=0.05). In addition, in WC and LC, there were no significant differences between uniportal and three-port cohorts in terms of operation time, the rate of conversion to thoracotomy during surgery, nodal treatments (dissection or sampling or not), the overall number of lymph nodes and stations dissected, postoperative complications, volume and duration of postoperative thoracic drainage, hospital stay after operation and hospitalization expenses (P>0.05).
Conclusions There were no significant differences in short-term outcomes between uniportal and three-port VATS for lung cancer patients (≥75 years), except significantly less intraoperative blood loss was found in uniportal LC (P<0.05). It is reasonable to indicate that uniportal VATS is a safe, feasible and effective operation procedure for lung cancer patients aged ≥75 years.
Development of an algorithm for compressing the information content of the results of the continuation power flow analysis
Authors: BISLIMI Agron
Published: October 2023

In this work, we have developed an algorithm to compress the information content derived from the Continuation Power Flow (CPF) analysis. We utilized MATLAB as the computational tool, which made it possible to display the results graphically in a simple manner. This paper presents a schematic representation of the developed algorithm, followed by a step-by-step explanation using a theoretical and practical example based on the algorithm's schematics. We employed synthetic high-voltage grids ranging from 2 to 17 nodes as test systems. Future work will focus on the development of software that can be applied to any network. Our investigations have revealed several advantages of CPF. It enables the analysis of system behavior in both stable and unstable regions, providing precise information about the load level at which voltage collapse occurs. This accuracy is contingent on a consensus that voltage collapse can be described using a stationary approach. Additionally, CPF analysis results, particularly the PV curves, are easily interpretable with appropriate graphical processing. We present the results of voltage stability analyses, graphically displaying voltage magnitudes and angles as they vary with the load for networks of different sizes, ranging from 2 to 17 nodes, calculated using CPF.
Impact of Clostridioides difficile infection on survival and graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a multicenter study on behalf of the Polish Adult Leukemia Group
Authors: Piekarska Agnieszka , Sadowska-Klasa Alicja , Mensah-Glanowska Patrycja , Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka Małgorzata , Drozd-Sokołowska Joanna , Waszczuk-Gajda Anna , Kujawska Joanna , Wilk Mateusz , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Zaucha Jan , Giebel Sebastian , Gil Lidia
Published: October 2023

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). The impact of CDI and its treatment on allo-HCT outcomes and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), including gastrointestinal GVHD (GI-GVHD) is not well established. This multicenter study assessed real-life data on the first-line treatment of CDI and its impact on allo-HCT outcomes.
Retrospective and prospective data of patients with CDI after allo-HCT were assessed. The first-line treatment for CDI included metronidazole in 34 patients; vancomycin, in 64; and combination therapy, in 10. Treatment failure was more common with metronidazole than with vancomycin (38.2% vs. 6.2%; P <0.001). The need to administer second-line treatment was associated with the occurrence or exacerbation of GVHD (P <0.05) and GI-GVHD (P <0.001) and reduced overall survival (P <0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the risk of death was associated with acute GVHD presence before CDI (hazard ratio[HR], 3.19; P =0.009) and the need to switch to second-line treatment (HR, 4.83; P <0.001).
The efficacy of the initial CDI treatment affects survival and occurrence of immune-mediated GI-GVHD after allo-HCT. Therefore, agents with higher efficacy than metronidazole (vancomycin or fidaxomicin), should be administered as the first-line treatment.
Uncertainty Quantification of PDE-based models using Deep Gaussian Processes and Variational Bayesian Inference
Authors: Fanous Majdi , Chatrabgoun Omid , Esmaeilbeigi Mohsen , Nezhad Hamed Yazdani , Daneshkhah Alireza
Published: October 2023

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) and propagation (UP) in complex multi-scale physical models are challenging problems due to the high-dimensionality of the inputs and the outputs for such models and the corresponding computational complexity. These challenges could be tackled using Gaussian process (GP) models by constructing a surrogate response surface. This response surface is an efficient approximation of the underlying expensive model which can be then used for UQ and UP. However, the standard GP model is hampered by various issues such as the curse of dimensionality, difficulties in capturing the non-Gaussian complex nature of the input/output relation, and modelling discontinuities of 1 model outputs. To overcome these issues, this work aims to use a non-linear GP model, known as deep Gaussian process for the UQ and UP of multi-scale models. Deep GP is an efficient approach for deep learning and modelling of high-dimensional complex systems and consists of several hidden layers connected with non-linear mappings. In this work, a modified variational approximation framework is presented to analytically approximate the posterior distribution of the model outputs using the model inputs. The proposed framework automatically selects the dimensionality of each hidden layer to prevent over-fitting. Consequently, the deep GP model is more flexible and can be used to propagate uncertainty obtained in each layer across the hierarchy. The suitability of this model is shown in UQ tasks by computing the error bars for the statistics of interest in a standard stochastic PDE based model.
Employment Among Adolescent Children of SSDI Recipients
Authors: Vaughn Cody N.
Published: October 2023

I explore the association between parental work-limiting disabilities (WLD) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) receipt and the labor supply of their adolescent children. Using the 2014-2021 waves of the Survey of Income and Program Participation, I estimate that having a parent who receives SSDI benefits is associated with a 22 percent reduction in the odds that the child worked during the school months of the previous calendar year relative to teens whose parents did not receive benefits. Along the intensive margin, parental SSDI receipt is correlated with a more than 20 percent reduction in total hours worked over the previous year. These effects are almost entirely driven by teenage boys, suggesting a gendered response to parental disability and SSDI benefit receipt.
JEL Classification: I38 , J13 , J22
TNF-α promotes osteocyte necroptosis by upregulating TLR4 in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Cui Hongwang , Li Ji , li Xiangtao , Su Tian , Wen Peng , Wang Chuanling , Deng Xiaozhong , Fu Yonghua , Zhao Weijie , Li Changjia , Hua Pengbing , Zhu Yongjun , Wan Wei
Published: October 2023

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common kind of osteoporosis that is associated with excessive osteocyte death and bone loss. Previous studies have shown that TNF-α-induced osteocyte necroptosis might exert a stronger effect on PMOP than apoptosis, and TLR4 can also induce cell necroptosis, as confirmed by recent studies. However, little is known about the relationship between TNF-α-induced osteocyte necroptosis and TLR4. In the present study, we showed that TNF-α increased the expression of TLR4, which promoted osteocyte necroptosis in PMOP. In patients with PMOP, TLR4 was highly expressed at skeletal sites where exists osteocyte necroptosis, and high TLR4 expression is correlated with enhanced TNF-α expression. Osteocytes exhibited robust TLR4 expression upon exposure to necroptotic osteocytes in vivo and in vitro. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated that TNF-α upregulated TLR4 expression in vitro, which might further promote osteocyte necroptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of TLR4 by TAK-242 in vitro effectively blocked osteocyte necroptosis induced by TNF-α. Collectively, these results suggest a novel TLR4-mediated process of osteocyte necroptosis, which might increase osteocyte death and bone loss in the process of PMOP.
Mount Etna as a window into the lubricants of plate tectonics
Authors: Pilet Sebastien , Reymond Jules , Rochat Laetitia , Corsaro Rosa Anna , Chiaradia Massimo , Caricchi Luca , Müntener Othmar
Published: October 2023

Flux or decompression melting of the mantle are the two main mechanisms proposed for the generation of magma beneath large stratovolcanoes. However, Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, differs from active volcanoes in subduction zones or oceanic islands because of the eruption of large volumes of volatile-rich alkaline lavas over relative short time scales. This questions the mechanism of magma formation at depth as Mount Etna lavas requires specific melting conditions to account for their enrichment in alkali and other incompatible elements. Here, we link the origin of Mount Etna to the extraction of pre-existing melts in the Low Velocity Zone (LVZ). This zone characterizes the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) and is identified beneath oceanic plates by electric and seismic anomalies reflecting the presence of small melt volumes. We use geochemical data and modelling to show that volcanism in response to plate flexure around Sicily, when coupled with varying degrees of melt-rock interaction, accounts for the temporal and chemical evolution of magma and eruptive volume for both Mount Etna's lavas and the earlier volcanic activity on the Hyblean Plateau. Mount Etna may be a unique place on Earth where the composition of melts at the LAB, the essential rheological lubricants for global plate tectonics can be studied directly on the Earth’s surface.
An oocyte meiotic midbody cap is required for developmental competence in mice
Authors: Schindler Karen , Jung Gyu Ik , Londoño-Vásquez Daniela , Park Sungjin , Skop Ahna , Balboula Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Embryo development depends upon maternally derived materials. Mammalian oocytes undergo extreme asymmetric cytokinesis events, producing one large egg and two small polar bodies (PB). During cytokinesis in somatic cells, the midbody (MB) and subsequent assembly of the midbody remnant (MBR), a signaling organelle containing RNAs, transcription factors and translation machinery, is thought to influence cellular function or fate. The role of the MB and MBR in gametes, in particular, oocytes, remains unclear. Here, we examined the formation and function of meiotic MBs (mMB) and mMB remnants (mMBRs) using mouse oocytes and demonstrate that mMBs have a specialized meiotic mMB cap structure that is orientated toward PBs. We show that that mMBs are translationally active, and that mMB caps are required to retain nascent proteins in eggs. We propose that this specialized mMB cap maintains genetic factors in eggs allowing for full developmental competency.
LDHA-regulated tumor-macrophage symbiosis promotes glioblastoma progression
Authors: Khan Fatima , Lin Yiyu , Ali Heba , Pang Lizhi , Dunterman Madeline , Hsu Wen-Hao , Frenis Katie , Rowe R. Grant , Wainwright Derek , McCortney Kathleen , Billingham Leah , Miska Jason , Horbinski Craig , Lesniak Maciej , Chen Peiwen
Published: October 2023

Abundant macrophage infiltration and altered tumor metabolism are two key hallmarks of glioblastoma. By screening a cluster of metabolic small-molecule compounds, we show that inhibiting glioblastoma cell glycolysis impairs macrophage migration and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitor stiripentol (an FDA-approved anti-seizure drug for Dravet Syndrome) emerges as the top hit. Combined profiling and functional studies demonstrate that LDHA-directed ERK pathway activates YAP1/STAT3 transcriptional co-activators in glioblastoma cells to upregulate CCL2 and CCL7, which recruit macrophages into the tumor microenvironment. Reciprocally, infiltrating macrophages produce LDHA-containing extracellular vesicles to promote glioblastoma cell glycolysis, proliferation, and survival. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of LDHA-mediated tumor-macrophage symbiosis markedly suppresses tumor progression and macrophage infiltration in glioblastoma mouse models. Analysis of tumor and plasma samples of glioblastoma patients confirms that LDHA and its downstream signals are potential biomarkers correlating positively with macrophage density. Thus, LDHA-mediated tumor-macrophage symbiosis provides therapeutic targets for glioblastoma.
Nothing is impossible: a 110-year-old patient recovered smoothly after partial hepatectomy — a case report
Authors: Yi Xiao-Kang , Wang An-Kang , Yao Jing , Li Qiu-Xi
Published: October 2023

Background
The population of centenarians is increasing, and the medical demand of it will also increase. Surgery for centenarians is a considerable challenge for patients and doctors.
Case Presentation
A 110 year-old woman presented with a history of epigastric pain for 1 month. The abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed a visible lump with unclear boundaries in the left lateral lobe of liver, about 6*7cm in size. She underwent the open partial hepatectomy and lymph node dissection within 2 hours and 11 minutes. Histopathological examination revealed Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma, stage T2aN0M0. No tumor recurrence was found during the 11 months follow-up.
Conclusion
To our best knowledge, this woman should be the first case in the world to have had a partial hepatectomy in centenarians. The patient recovered smoothly after surgery. We all know that the main challenge faced by centenarians is the vulnerable bodies are lack of physiological reserve but not the surgery itself. For centenarians, preoperative evaluation, medical optimization, anesthesia management, expeditious surgery, coordinated multidisciplinary and careful perioperative nursing are paramount.
Coupled Scheme for Linear and Hamilton-Jacobi Equations: Theoretical and Numerical Aspects
Authors: Sahu Smita
Published: October 2023

We present a comprehensive analysis of the coupled scheme introduced in [Springer Proceedings in Mathematics \& Statistics, vol 237. Springer, Cham 2018 \cite{S2018}] for linear and Hamilton-Jacobi equations. This method merges two distinct schemes, each tailored to handle specific solution characteristics. It offers a versatile framework for coupling various schemes, enabling the integration of accurate methods for smooth solutions and the treatment of discontinuities and gradient jumps. In \cite{S2018}, the emphasis was on coupling an anti-dissipative scheme designed for discontinuous solutions with a semi-Lagrangian scheme developed for smooth solutions. In this paper, we rigorously establish the essential properties of the resulting coupled scheme, especially in the linear case. To illustrate the effectiveness of this coupled approach, we present a series of one-dimensional examples.
Serum cell-free DNA released from postmortem subjects
Authors: Fujihara Junko , Nishimoto Naoki , Kimura-Kataoka Kaori , Takeshita Haruo , Takinami Yoshikazu
Published: October 2023

Background Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is DNA released from dying cells into the serum.
In this study, the origin and mechanism of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) release in postmortem subjects were evaluated by measuring the levels of M30, M65, cyclophilin A (CyPA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) to evaluate the origin of cfDNA.
Methods Serum (n = 54) was sampled from postmortem autopsied Japanese subjects.cfDNA was extracted and M30, M65, CyPA, and MPO in serum were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results Significantly higher serum levels of M30, M65, and MPO were observed in postmortem subjects than in living subjects. Although the difference was smaller, CyPA was also significantly higher in postmortem subjects than in living subjects. In addition, serum M30 and MPO levels were significantly correlated with cfDNA concentrations in postmortem subjects. Moreover, M30 levels slightly increased according to the postmortem interval, while M65 levels were slightly higher with a 1.5-day postmortem interval.
ConclusionElevated levels of cfDNA in postmortem subjects are released by apoptosis and neutrophils via NETosis, that apoptosis is highly induced according to the postmortem interval, and that necrosis and NETosis are continually induced.
Optimization of Cdx Transcription Factors Characteristics
Authors: Javanbakht Taraneh
Published: October 2023

This study presents a new application of TOPSIS for the optimization of transcription factors characteristics. This application is essential as it can help compare the characteristics of these proteins and determine the optimized output of their comparison with this decision-making method. The hypothesis in this article was that according to the previous study of the Cdx transcription factors, as the Cdx2 transcription factor showed more robust characteristics than Cdx1 and Cdx4, the TOPSIS method would show a better rank position of these first proteins in comparison with the two other ones. Moreover, the engrailed repressor domain EnRCdx1 used in the plasmid showed the reduction of the pax3 gene expression in comparison with the induced regulation of the gene expression with the production of the Cdx1, Cdx2, and Cdx4 transcription factors using the corresponding plasmids, the worst rank position with TOPSIS was expected for this repressor domain. The results obtained with this ranking method showed that the rank positions of the transcription factors and the repressor domain corresponded to their compared properties. Moreover, the change in the weight values of the candidates showed the modification of their distances from the best and worst alternatives and closeness coefficients. However, as expected, the candidates’ rank positions were unchanged, and the Cdx2 transcription factor was still the best candidate. The results of this article can be used in computer engineering to improve biological applications of these proteins.
Random Laser Emission from Fiber coated ZnO
Authors:   School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Ali Abdullah Taha , Wan Ahmad Kamil Wan Maryam ,   School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Wu Sheng-Chan ,   Department of Photonics, National Cheng Kung University, 70101 Tainan, Taiwan, Yang Chung-Xian ,   Department of Photonics, National Cheng Kung University, 70101 Tainan, Taiwan, Hsu Hsu-Cheng ,   Department of Photonics, National Cheng Kung University, 70101 Tainan, Taiwan, Mahamd Adikan Faisal Rafiq ,   Flexilicate Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mahdiraji Ghafour Amouzad ,   Flexilicate Sdn Bhd, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdullah Fairuz ,   Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: October 2023

Random lasing from a solid-state gain medium prepared on photonic crystal fibre (PCF) is observed for the first time. Vertically aligned ZnO microrods were prepared on PCF using a simple technique of chemical bath deposition (CBD). A low lasing threshold of 12.2 mJ/cm2 was observed in sample with longer zinc oxide (ZnO) rod length. The variation in morphology and population density did not affect the lasing threshold significantly. Further investigation of the effect of fiber length revealed that a shorter fiber had a lower threshold and showed quenching of the spontaneous emission revealing better lasing output. Simulations based on the morphology of the gain medium revealed light confinement in the structure, validating the origin of the lasing emission. Overall, this study shows the potential of utilising optical fiber as random lasers with a sustainable solid state gain medium.
Synthesis and Characterisation of ZnO/Ag Nanocomposites Prepared via Green Method Using Pineapple Peel Extract for Photocatalytic Enhancement in Degrading Methylene Blue Dye Solutions
Authors:   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Riau, St. H.R. Soebrantas, KM. 12.5, Pekanbaru, Riau 28293, Indonesia, Rini Ari Sulistyo , Dewi Rahmi ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Riau, St. H.R. Soebrantas, KM. 12.5, Pekanbaru, Riau 28293, Indonesia, Jasril Jasril ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Riau, St. H.R. Soebrantas, KM. 12.5, Pekanbaru, Riau 28293, Indonesia, Marshanda Tessa ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Riau, St. H.R. Soebrantas, KM. 12.5, Pekanbaru, Riau 28293, Indonesia, Rati Yolanda ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, St. Ganesa, No.10, Bandung, West Java 40132, Indonesia, Soerbakti Yan ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Riau, St. H.R. Soebrantas, KM. 12.5, Pekanbaru, Riau 28293, Indonesia
Published: October 2023

Photocatalytic is one of the technological developments of renewable materials in overcoming water pollution due to industrial waste treatment. In this study, photocatalytic observations were carried out with a methylene blue (MB) degradation approach using zinc oxide and silver (ZnO/Ag) nanocomposites (NCs) which were enhanced by a new green synthesis in the form of pineapple peel extract (Ananas comosus) as a bio-stabiliser. The amount of Ag was varied by 5%, 10% and 15%. UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffrection (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy were analysed to study the optical properties, structure, morphology and composition of the samples. The characterisation results show that the absorption peak occurs in the 359 nm to 368 nm region with a band gap energy of 2.96 eV to 3.00 eV. Based on the XRD pattern, a hexagonal wurtzite structure was obtained with a crystal size of 18.37 nm. The particle morphology shows a flower-like shape with an average diameter of 60 nm. The EDX spectrum confirmed the elemental content of Zn, oxygen (O) and Ag. The photocatalytic activity showed that 10% ZnO/Ag was able to optimally degrade MB (10 ppm) with a reaction rate constant of 0.0091 min−1. Therefore, ZnO/Ag NCs were proven to be able to degrade dyes faster than pure ZnO.
Сердечно-сосудистые осложнения иммунотерапии гематологических злокачественных опухолей (обзор литературы)
Authors: Гиматдинова Гелия Рифкатовна , Данилова О. Е. , Кузьмин В. П. , Давыдкин Г. И. , Косталанова Ю. В. , Кудлай Д. А. , Давыдкин И. Л.
Published: October 2023

In clinical oncology in general, tumor treatment is closely related to a highly relevant issue of chemotherapy-induced adverse events. Among side effects, cardiovascular toxicity occupies the foremost place. The strategy of controlling the cardiovascular complications associated with antitumor drug and cell therapies presupposes an early diagnosis of changes in the heart muscle and blood vessels at the stage of subclinical manifestations of adverse events. The present literature review provides the analysis of data on immunotherapy side effects in hematological malignancies with a focus on cardiovascular complications. The review comprehensively discusses the characteristics of cardiovascular complications associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell products, bispecific antibodies as well as immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic drugs.
Bobfinchite, Na[(UO2)8O3(OH)11]·10H2O, a new Na-bearing member of the schoepite family
Authors: Olds Travis A. , Plášil Jakub , Kampf Anthony R. , Burns Peter C. , Marty Joe , McCloy John S.
Published: October 2023

The new mineral bobfinchite (IMA2020-082), Na[(UO2)8O3(OH)11]·10H2O, was found in the Burro mine, Slick Rock district, San Miguel County, Colorado, U.S.A., where it occurs as an oxidation product of uraninite on asphaltite matrix in intimate association with gypsum, natrozippeite, metaschoepite, and uranopilite. Bobfinchite crystals are transparent to translucent, yellow, lozenge-shaped disks up to 0.3 mm wide. Crystals are flattened on [100] and exhibit the forms {100}, {011}, {021}, {021}, and {011}. Bobfinchite has a pale-yellow streak and emits very dim yellow fluorescence under 365 nm ultraviolet illumination. The crystals are brittle with very good {100} cleavage and irregular, stepped fracture. The Mohs hardness is ca. 2 based on scratch tests. The calculated density is 5.044 g/cm3 based on the empirical formula and 5.036 g/cm3 for the ideal formula. Bobfinchite is optically biaxial (–), with α = 1.690(5), β = 1.7205(5), and γ = 1.730(5) (white light). The measured 2V, estimated from the interference figure, is 55(5)° and the calculated value is 59.1°. Dispersion is moderate, r > v; orientation: X = a, Y = b, Z = c; pleochroism: X nearly colorless, Y yellow, Z yellow; X < Y ≈Z. Electron microprobe analysis provided the empirical formula (Na0.99Pb0.02)[(UO2)7.99O3(OH)11]·10H2O. The five strongest X-ray powder diffraction lines are [dobs in Å(I)(hkl)]: 7.34(100)(200), 3.59(50)(024), 3.23(60)(224), 3.18(36)(240), and 2.01(23)(624,551,208,640,346). Bobfinchite is orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 14.6249(9), b = 14.0389(10), c = 16.6923(10) Å, V = 3427.2(4) Å3, and Z = 4. The structure of bobfinchite (R1 = 0.0330 for 3770 I > 4σI) is built from uranyl oxide-hydroxide sheets that adopt the fourmarierite topology, with interlayer Na+ and H2O groups. Both the sheet and interlayer topology mimic those observed in natural and synthetic Na-metaschoepites studied previously, and as seen in other uranyl oxide hydrate minerals, charge balance is achieved at specific sites in the sheet through the substitution O2– ↔ (OH)–.
Prediction of antimicrobial activity of a food peptide and evaluation of its effectiveness in vitro
Authors: Merzlyakova N. V. , Tikhonov S. L. , Tikhonova N. V. , Pestova I. G. , Kulagova E. P.
Published: October 2023

Food antimicrobial peptides are increasingly relevant in the treatment of bacterial infections and have a number of advantages in comparison with drugs: slower emergence of resistance in bacterial strains, high activity against antibiotic films and immunomodulatory properties. The physico-chemical properties causing antimicrobial properties include: cationic charge, hydrophobicity, molecular weight and amino acid sequence. Promising sources of antimicrobial peptides are milk proteins, in particular, cow colostrum proteins. The aim of the work is to extract a peptide from the pepsin hydrolysate of cow colostrum, predict its antimicrobial activity using a bioinformatic approach and confirm its effectiveness in vitro. The molecular mass distribution of the peptide was evaluated by mass spectrometric method. The analysis of mass spectra was carried out using the Mascot program, the Peptide Fingerprint option – using the Protein NCBI database. Microsequencing was performed using a MiSeq sequencer. Modeling of the spatial structure of the isolated peptide was carried out using the Schrodinger Maestro molecular modeling program. The antimicrobial activity of the peptide was studied by the disco-diffusion method on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The peptide has been isolated from the pepsin hydrolysate of cow colostrum, which is absent in the known proteomic bases Protein NCBI and AVPdb and, accordingly, its biological activity and functions have not been studied. The resulting peptide belongs to linear alpha-helical peptides consists of 11 amino acid sequences ANRKLRANKSR with a molecular weight of 8.2 kDa, an isoelectric point at 12.79, a charge of +5 (cationic), hydrophilicity (hydrophobicity) +20.84 Kcal*mol-1. As a result of in vitro studies, it was found that the isolated peptide has antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 and B. subtilis and antimicrobial action against C. albicans.