bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA-MEG3 mediated diabetic cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis via modulating interaction between Annexin A2 and Akt in mitochondria
Authors: Zhou Wanqing , Tan Chongyi , Xiong Di , Chen Cheng , Zhao Yanfei , Xie Yongqiu , Sun Bei , Wang Zhihua , Xia Pingping , Ye Zhi
Published: August 2024

Within clinical domains, encompassing neurosurgery and macrovascular cardiac procedures, certain interventions result in cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury (CIRI). Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of CIRI and worsens the severity of neurological impairment. It was documented that lncRNA-MEG3 contributed to the pathogenesis of CIRI. However, the pivotal significance of lncRNA-MEG3 in diabetic CIRI has never been studied. Firstly, diabetics or non-diabetics with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), as well as diabetics and controls were enrolled. LncRNA-MEG3 expression in DM + AIS cases was remarkably higher than that in cases with AIS and healthy controls. Moreover, lncRNA-MEG3 expression was strongly linked to the NIHSS. Additionally, our findings unveiled that lncRNA-MEG3 depletion alleviated neurological impairments following CIRI in diabetic rats, and cellular death resulted from OGD plus hyperglycemic reperfusion in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVECs) that was concomitant with the increased phosphorylation of Annexin A2 (Anxa2) at Tyr23. Meanwhile, over-expression of Anxa2, identified as a lncRNA-MEG3-associated mitochondrial protein, significantly ablated mitochondria-derived apoptosis. Importantly, lncRNA-MEG3 knockdown enhanced the mitochondrial translocation of Anxa2 via promoting its phosphorylation at Tyr23 in OGD + HG-treated RBMVECs. Furthermore, Anxa2 enhanced Akt phosphorylation at Ser473 and bound to Akt in mitochondria, which was involved in lncRNA-MEG3 depletion-induced neuroprotection. However, lncRNA-MEG3 mobilized to mitochondria in Plectin-dependent manner and subsequently impeded the interaction between p-Anxa2 and p-Akt. The outcomes provided clinical evidence that lncRNA-MEG3 appeared as an unfavorable prognostic factor for diabetic CIRI and revealed that lncRNA-MEG3 knockdown could be protective against diabetic CIRI-induced mitochondria-related apoptosis through modulating Anxa2 binding to Akt in mitochondria.
Protected Landscape with Natural Habitat inside Urban Area Could Conserve Avifauna Biodiversity: A Long-term Study from an Overpopulated Subtropical Megacity
Authors: Shome Ashikur Rahman , Rabbe Md. Fazle , Jaman Mohammad Firoj , Khan Nahla , Islam Md. Aminul , Alam Md. Mahabub
Published: August 2024

Natural habitats were converted to human-modified landscape as a result of urbanizations in metropolitan areas which resulting in alteration of avian species composition. Analyzing bird habitat preferences and seasonal dynamics can help us better understand how they adapt to changing environments. We used the point count approach at Bangladesh's National Botanical Garden to gain a thorough picture of how a protected landscape playing role in avian biodiversity conservation in a mega-populated, highly polluted city with experienced with extremely modified natural habitat. Along with impacts of habitat heterogeneity and temporal changes on avian community composition was also detected for this three years long survey. Observations based on habitat and seasonal trends revealed a diverse avifauna with 133 bird species (about 20 percent of the country's avifauna) and 5931 individuals belonging to 16 orders and 46 families. Richness and abundance of birds varied significantly among the habitats and season types. The highest richness, abundance and diversity indices was calculated for tree (H = 3.645, D = 0.966) and the pair-wise ANOVA test for habitats was significant only for tree. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer ranked as the most abundant species and we found seven generalist species based on their habitat preferences. Bird assemblages were richer in winter showed significant variation in pair-wise ANOVA test. Although bird diversity was found maximum in winter (H = 3.935, D = 0.976), evenness was calculated the highest for rainy season (E = 0.711). The findings of this study demonstrated that bird variety is strongly linked to their various habitats and seasons. Avifaunal persistence was aided by habitat heterogeneity, which provided optimal foraging, roosting, and breeding options for birds. Diverse type of native plantations habitat and wetlands with natural habitat could aid in conservation of avian communities in urban area. The diversity of bird species revealed the ecosystems' intactness and ecological soundness. This finding provides the foundation for a long-term study of the bird-habitat connection and seasonal fluctuations.
Development and validation of a predictive model for increased drainage after open transforaminal lumbar posterior fusion
Authors: Han Kangen , Li Yu , Gu Hongwen , Hu Yin , Tang Shilei , Zhang Zhihao , Yu Hailong , Wang Hongwei
Published: August 2024

Objective
This study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with increased drainage volume following open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery and to develop and validate a predictive model.
Methods
We collected clinical data from 795 patients who underwent open TLIF at the Northern Theater Command General Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. These patients were randomly divided into a training group (n = 557) and a validation group (n = 238), with no significant statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Using variables selected via LASSO regression analysis, we constructed a multivariable logistic regression prediction model and developed a corresponding nomogram. The model's performance was internally validated using ROC curves, the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and calibration curves. Its clinical utility was assessed using Decision Curve Analysis (DCA).
Results
Four predictive variables were identified through LASSO regression analysis: age, surgical segment, duration of surgery, and intraoperative blood loss. The ROC curve demonstrated that the model possesses excellent discriminative ability. Additionally, the Hosher-Lemeshow test and calibration curves indicated that the model's predicted probabilities align closely with actual outcomes, showing high calibration accuracy. The DCA confirmed the clinical utility of the predictive model, establishing its suitability for clinical application.
Conclusion
The risk factors for increased drainage volume post-open TLIF include age, surgical segment, duration of surgery, and intraoperative blood loss. The validation confirms that the constructed predictive model is robust and can be effectively applied in clinical settings.
First account of vivipary, including physical and chemical attributes, in fruits of Cereus hildmannianus K. Schum. (Cactaceae)
Authors: Santos Everaldo dos , Luz Gilberto Codignole , Mangolim Claudete , Machado María de Fátima Pires da Silva , Cota-Sanchez J. Hugo
Published: August 2024

The basic aspects of vivipary, precocious germination within the fruit, are known. Consequently, research on this topic in the Cactaceae has increased in the last two decades and becoming more diversified. The family is amongst the most viviparous-rich angiosperm families together with some mangrove lineages. In this paper we report a new case of facultative vivipary, specifically cryptovivipary, in Cereus hildmannianus, a South American columnar species and expand aspects regarding the physico-chemical traits of its fruits. The goals of this investigation were to: 1) report the first occurrence of vivipary in this species and characteristics of viviparous seedlings, and 2) describe some of the physical and chemical attributes of viviparous and non-viviparous fruits, such as size, weight, color, and total soluble solids (°Brix). Our findings show that this is third account in Cereus, for a 3% vivipary at the generic level. This discovery increases to 78 viviparous species for an overall 5.4% of viviparity family wide. Generally, the number and percentage of vivipary was low, with an average of 22.3 viviparous seedlings from an average of 1319 ungerminated seeds (= 1.7% vivipary/fruit). Statistical analyses indicate that non-viviparous fruits are larger, heavier, have higher content of soluble solids, thicker and brighter pericarp, and more seeds. Agriculturally, these attributes are more appealing to consumers suggesting that normal, non-viviparous fruits, are commercially more desirable; hence, vivipary is a detrimental character in fruit crops.
Declined intrinsic capacity and its influencing factors among older adults in China: a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Fang Ying , Wang Ruilong , Qing Yanhua , Zou Guanyang , Zhang Caixia
Published: August 2024

Background
The decline in intrinsic capacity (IC) among older adults is a significant global health challenge, impacting their well-being and quality of life. Despite global efforts to promote healthy aging, research on factors contributing to IC decline in the Chinese population is limited. This study aims to investigate the decline of intrinsic capacity in Chinese older adults and to explore the influence of sociodemographic, health status, and lifestyle factors on the decline of intrinsic capacity.
Methods
Prevalence of intrinsic capacity decline was described using frequency analysis, while chi-square tests were used to analyze its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and lifestyle factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant factors influencing the decline of intrinsic capacity (α = 0.05).
Results
Among 6,941 respondents aged 60 years and above, 83.8% reported a decline in intrinsic capacity. Cognitive impairment was predominant (71.8%), followed by psychological (40.4%), locomotion (19.8%), vitality (17.2%), and sensory impairments (8.9%). Sociodemographic factors associated with a decline in intrinsic capacity included female gender, age 80 and older, unmarried, divorced or widowed status, rural residence, low education, and lack of health or pension insurance (p < 0.05). From the perspective of health status, factors associated with higher rates of intrinsic capacity decline include poor self-rated health, multiple chronic conditions, recent falls, frequent physical pain, recent outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and pessimistic life expectancy (p < 0.05). Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, lack of social participation, prolonged sleep duration, and no Internet use were also linked to higher rates of intrinsic capacity decline (p < 0.05). The results of the binary logistic regression indicated that age, marital status, residence address, education level, pension insurance status, self-rated health, the presence of multiple chronic conditions, frequency of perceived physical pain, subjective life expectancy, social participation, sleep duration, and Internet access significantly influenced the decline of intrinsic capacity in older adults (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
The decline in intrinsic capacity among older adults in China, particularly in cognitive impairment, is concerning. Targeted interventions are necessary for vulnerable populations, especially those who are older, divorced or widowed, living in rural areas, or have lower education levels. Enhancing social pensions, promoting social participation, encouraging healthy sleep patterns, and improving digital inclusion to improve intrinsic capacity among older adults is important.
“I have never heard them say, ‘For those women who were already tested, they should go for blood testing again." Prevalence and factors associated with uptake of repeat HIV testing among pregnant women in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Chikalipo Maria Chifuniro , Kaula Martha Patience , Mwapasa Victor , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda
Published: August 2024

Repeat HIV testing during pregnancy is significant to detect new maternal HIV infections and mitigate the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Despite guidelines advocating retesting of initially HIV-negative pregnant women, there is limited information on the implementation of these recommendations. Methods We conducted a convergent parallel mixed method study from November 2021 to April 2022 to determine the prevalence and associated factors for a repeat HIV test among women in the third trimester from Ndirande and Lirangwe primary health facilities in Blantyre. Our quantitative approach involved a retrospective review of antenatal records from July 2019 to June 2020. STATA version 14 was used for descriptive analysis. Frequency distributions, fisher’s tests and multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the association between repeat HIV testing and selected explanatory variables. The qualitative component was exploratory following phenomenological design. Data were collected from 44 pregnant women and 10 health workers who were purposively selected through focus group discussions in-depth and key informant interviews. Transcripts were coded deductively and inductively manually. The thematic analysis of the data was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results Analysis of 369 antenatal records, with 302 from Ndirande and 67 from Lirangwe, revealed that only 30 (8.13%) participants received a repeat HIV test in the third trimester from both facilities. Increasing age reduced the likelihood of accessing repeat HIV testing in the third trimester compared to younger women (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.05–3.86). Age, gravidity, and parity did not significantly impact the probability of retesting. Key factors impeding repeat HIV testing included unfamiliarity with the intervention, inadequate resources and clinic operations. In contrast, confirmation of HIV status and improved neonatal outcomes were motivators for repeat HIV testing. Conclusion. Information and counselling on the benefits of repeat HIV testing later in pregnancy is key in increasing uptake and implementation of the service in future pregnancies. In addition, integration of services should be emphasized to improve clinic operations which are vital in the implementation and uptake of repeat HIV testing among pregnant women.
Development of an ethical framework for the use of social robots in the care of individuals with major neurocognitive disorders: A qualitative study
Authors: Ware Caitlin , Rigaud Anne-Sophie , Blavette Lauriane , Damnée Souad , Dacunha Sebastien , Lenoir Hermine , Piccoli Mattieu , Cristancho-Lacroix Victoria , Pino Maribel
Published: August 2024

Background
Despite the growing use of social robots in geriatric care, there is a lack of standardized ethical guidelines to inform and guide professionals in their implementation.
Objective
This study has two main objectives: 1) to understand how professionals conducting social robot interventions (SRIs) perceive and approach the ethical issues linked to the use of social robots with older adults and 2) to establish ethical guidelines to help professionals carry out SRIs with older adults.
Methods
For this descriptive qualitative study, we conducted interviews with 20 healthcare professionals working in geriatric facilities. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and a content analysis was performed to identify certain themes and recommendations concerning the use of social robots with older adults.
Results
Three main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: the clear and direct presentation of the robot, obtaining consent from the beneficiary concerning its use, and the emphasis on human contact in robot-mediated interventions. Additionally, the following subthemes were evoked: imposed social robotic use, extra time and effort, careful selection of beneficiaries for robotic therapy, adaptability, technical problems, and the need for guidelines and training in ethical social robot use.
Conclusion
The use of social robots should be guided by the same ethical guidelines followed in all therapeutic interventions; however, healthcare professionals express a need for special training and preparation for SRIs in geriatric settings. We have drafted several preliminary recommendations for carrying out SRIs with older adults. Future research should focus on standardizing guidelines and creating an accessible format for training.
Trial Registration:
IRB N°: 00012021-110
The severity and management of postabortion care complications in Liberia
Authors: Giorgio Margaret M , Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Juma Kenneth , Massaquoi Moses BF , Lu Lily , Tehoungue Bentoe Zoogley , Donzo Vekeh , Owolabi Onikepe
Published: August 2024

Background: Complications from unsafe abortion are a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in resource poor settings. This study aims to assess the severity and management of abortion complications in Liberia.
Methods: Data were collected among a nationally representative sample of health facilities in Liberia (n=100). Study staff administered a survey to all postabortion care (PAC) patients and their health providers arriving at a study facility over the course of 30 days. A total of 387 patient surveys and 429 provider surveys were included in the final analysis. Postabortion complication severity was classified into five categories, ranging from mild to near miss. Likely induced abortions were identified though patient self-reports reports and provider reports of clinical evidence of a foreign body or mechanical injury. We conducted bivariate tests to determine whether PAC management practices varied by complication severity. Poisson regression models were used to assess the relationship between patient characteristics and complication severity, as well as between complication severity and receipt of a family planning method.
Results: Overall, 10.9% of PAC patients were classified as near miss and 34.7% had severe complications. Likely induced abortions were identified in 38% of women. Having a more severe complication was associated with marital status (uIRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48,0.99) and the indicator for likely induced abortion (uIRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11,2.74). Most women accessed PAC at primary level facilities (76.7%). The most common uterine evacuation methods were MVA (67.5%) and misoprostol (16.3%). Only 38.9% of patients received a family planning method prior to discharge. Controlling for age, residence, future intentions to use, and provider type, women classified as having severe or near miss complications were approximately twice as likely (aIRR 1.98, 95% CI 1.18,3.32) to receive a contraceptive method.
Conclusions: Postabortion complications are a major public health concern in Liberia. Our results underscore the need for high quality postabortion care and greater access to safe abortion care. Liberia should invest in primary level facilities and strengthen their ability to manage postabortion complications. Future research is needed to understand how provider practices/attitudes shape the provision of postabortion family planning services.
Treatment Methods for Harmful Impurities in Phosphogypsum and Their Applications in Road Engineering: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Liu Xiang , He Xianglin , Dang Yudong , Li Xiaolong , Yang Jun , Shi Wei
Published: August 2024

Phosphogypsum (PG), a significant by-product of the wet phosphoric acid production process, poses environmental and utilization challenges due to its harmful impurities, including heavy metals, fluorides, and phosphates. This review aims to evaluate the stabilization/solidification (S/S) methods for these hazardous impurities to enhance PG recycling in road engineering and other applications. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection, covering publications from 1985 to 2024. The review assesses the types and impacts of PG impurities on composite material performance and environmental health, detailing various S/S methods and their underlying mechanisms. Key findings suggest that blending PG with inorganic cementitious materials, incorporating additives, and using PG-based geopolymers are effective strategies for S/S. Blending PG with electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) shows significant potential in immobilizing heavy metals and reducing environmental risks. The use of polymer materials, surface modifiers, and curing agents enhances the physical encapsulation and chemical stabilization of harmful impurities. PG-based geopolymers, formed through unique hydration reactions, offer robust encapsulation and adsorption capabilities for heavy metals. Additionally, biological treatment methods and biochar adsorption present innovative approaches for PG remediation. The main S/S mechanisms include physical encapsulation, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, and adsorption. Future research should focus on optimizing these S/S techniques, exploring synergistic combinations, and developing cost-effective and scalable solutions to improve PG recycling and promote sustainability in industrial practices.
The complete genome sequence analysis of a novel Escherichia phage GaoY1-9D
Authors: Zeng Xianghe , Gao Rongfeng , He Hui , He Xinyuan , Liu Chang , Fan Xiangyu
Published: August 2024

In this study, a novel Escherichia phage GaoY1-9D, was isolated from farm sewage samples. Its genome length is 50,368 bp and the G + C genomic content is 46.46%. The genome of phage GaoY1-9D is a double-stranded circular DNA, and contain 127 bp terminal repeats at both ends of the genomic sequence. No tRNA genes have been found in its genome. Based on the results of comparative genomics analysis, Escherichia phage GaoY1-9D is confirmed as a member of a new species, which belongs to the Drexlerviridae.
Deletion of gasdermin D promotes granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells differentiation by decreased release of mitochondrial DNA to promote tumor escape
Authors: Gu Min , Chen Weiwei , Ding Shizhen , Lin Zhijie , Qian Li , Xiao Weiming , Jia Xiaoqin , Lu Guotao , Gong Weijuan
Published: August 2024

Gasdermin D (GSDMD), an effector molecule of cell apoptosis, is known to be activated in various cells during inflammation. However, the patterns of GSDMD activation in immune-regulatory cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) remain unclear. In this study, we found that neutrophils in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues exhibited reduced GSDMD transcription, as evidenced by a single-cell RNA-sequencing result. Additionally, HLA-DR- CD11b + cells from the peripheral blood of CRC patients exhibited a significant reduction in GSDMD activation. Mice with ubiquitous GSDMD deficiency bred in a clean environment exhibited a notable increase in G-MDSCs. These GSDMD-/- MDSCs enhanced immunosuppressive activity by both inhibiting effector T-cell activity and promoting regulatory T-cell induction. This enhancement was also observed in GSDMDflox/flox-S100A8cre mice, in which GSDMD was specifically deleted in MDSCs. The tumor-promoting effects in the GSDMD-/- and GSDMDflox/flox-S100A8cre mice were abrogated following MDSC depletion, as shown by the use of an anti-DR5 antibody. In the absence of GSDMD, G-MDSCs showed reduced inflammasome activation and decreased production of IL-1β and IL-18. Furthermore, a significant reduction in interferon-related factor 8/7 (IRF8/7) was observed in GSDMD-/- G-MDSCs via bulk RNA sequencing analysis. After treatment with LPS/nigericin, these cells maintained mitochondrial integrity, thus impairing the mtDNA release and the downstream c-GAS/STING/TBK1/IRF8/7 signaling axis activation. Reduced IRF8/7 levels were responsible for increased differentiation of GSDMD-/- G-MDSCs. Finally, treatment with a GSDMD recombinant lentivirus injected into in situ tumors significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced G-MDSC levels, suggesting that a GSDMD-based vaccine could simultaneously exert anti-carcinoma and anti-MDSC effects.
Long-term effects of GPS tagging on the time Lesser Black-backed Gulls spend at sea
Authors: Kentie Rosemarie , Shamoun-Baranes Judy , Camphuysen Kees C. J.
Published: August 2024

Background: The use of tracking devices in ecological studies provides valuable insights into the movements and behaviour of wildlife, yet concerns persist regarding effects of tags on individuals. In birds, long-term attachments can lead to feather abrasion, feather loss, or lack of regrowth. Especially for seabirds, which rely on the insulation from their feathers to withstand low water temperatures, this may create problems with thermoregulation. In a multi-year tracking programme of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus) in multiple breeding colonies, we noted that tagged individuals recaptured in later years had a small bare patch under the GPS tag, possibly affecting thermoregulation while foraging at sea.
Results: We explored behavioural consequences of GPS tags fitted with permanent harnesses by measuring the time spent at sea in the first breeding season and compared that with subsequent breeding seasons. Habitat use of Lesser Black-backed Gulls vary between individuals and colonies, with some individuals foraging mainly at sea while others remain mainly on land. There was no relationship between the time spent at sea in the year of tag deployment and return rate the following year. Though, almost all individuals reduced the time they spent at sea after the year of deployment. Averaged over the colonies, the proportion of time spent at sea within individuals halved from 0.14 in the year of tag deployment to 0.07 in the next season. Also within years, newly tagged gulls spent on average more time at sea at the population level than gulls tagged in earlier years, suggesting that a potential shift in habitat use in the breeding population did not explain changes in time spent at sea that we observed at the individual level.
Conclusions: Our study indicates that long-term attachment of tracking devices may affect habitat choice by Lesser Black-backed Gulls and other seabirds in the breeding season, with potential consequences for behavioural studies and ethical considerations of instrumenting animals. Although we expect that the observed shift away from at-sea foraging areas was influenced by problems with thermoregulation, we discuss other potential causes for the observed habitat shift.
Platelet-rich fibrin decreases adhesion to polypropylene prosthetic mesh material in ventral hernia repair
Authors: Dogu Dogukan , Sular Ozge , Sokmensuer Cenk , Yorganci Halil Kaya
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Mesh adhesion is an important complication in prosthetic hernia repairs which may lead to intestinal obstruction, enterocutaneous fistula and viscus perforation. Therefore, direct contact between visceral organs and mesh should be avoided. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) as an adhesion barrier.
Methods: Thirty-six Wistar-Albino rats were used in the study. Four rats were used to obtain platelet-rich fibrin. Remaining animals were divided to four separate groups. In sham group, laparotomy was done and repaired by suture without mesh. Abdominal walls of remaining animals were excised for about 2 cm in length with margins 2 cm wide. The defect was repaired with polypropylene mesh, Parietex composite mesh, or PRF coated polypropylene mesh in three separate groups. Animals were sacrificed on the 14th postoperative day. Macroscopic Zühlke and Greca adhesion scores, histopathological fibrosis grading and multinucleated giant cells were evaluated.
Results: There was statistically significant difference of adhesion scores of Zühlke (p=0.013) and Greca (p<0.001) between all groups. It was observed that the adhesion score in the platelet-rich fibrin group was lower than the polypropylene mesh group (p=0.003), and there was no significant difference between the composite mesh group and the PRF group (p=0.13). Fibroblast density and degree of fibrosis were higher in the platelet-rich fibrin group than in the polypropylene group (p<0.001), but there was no significant difference with the composite mesh group. When giant cell numbers were compared as an indicator of inflammation, giant cell formation was significantly higher in the platelet-rich fibrin group than in the polypropylene mesh group (p=0.001), and it was significantly less than in the composite mesh group (p=0.007).
Conclusion: Platelet-rich fibrin reduces the incidence of adhesion to prosthetic mesh in the early postoperative period and increase fibrosis on abdominal wall-mesh interface. Platelet-rich fibrin as a biological barrier can be considered as an alternative to composite mesh and antiadhesive barriers.
Micro-3D Sculptured Metastructures with Deep Trenches for Sub-10 μm Resolution
Authors: Demir Hilmi Volkan , Atak Anıl Çağrı , Ünal Emre
Published: August 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) printing allows for the construction of complex structures. However, 3D-printing vertical structures with a high aspect ratio remains a pending challenge, especially when a high lateral resolution is required. Here, to address this challenge, we propose and demonstrate micro-3D sculptured metastructures with deep trenches of 1:4 (width:height) aspect ratio for sub-10 µm resolution. Our construction relies on two-photon polymerization for a 3D-pattern with its trenches, followed by electroplating of a thick metal film and its dry etching to remove the seed layer. To test the proposed fabrication process, we built up three-dimensional RF metastructures showcasing the depth effect as the third dimension. Using the numerical solutions, we custom-tailored these metastructure resonators to fall within a specific resonance frequency range of 4–6 GHz while undertaking comparative analyses regarding overall footprint, quality factor, and resonance frequency shift as a function of their cross-sectional aspect ratio. The proposed process flow is shown to miniaturize metal footprint and tune the resonance frequency of these thick 3D-metastructures while increasing their quality factor. These experimental findings indicate that this method of producing trenches via 3D-printing provides rich opportunities to implement high-aspect-ratio, complex structures.
Identification of brain activation sites during active touch with stress balls using fMRI
Authors: Sasaki Kei , Sakurai Noriko , Yoshida Nobukiyo , Oishi Misuzu , Kasai Satoshi , Kodama Naoki
Published: August 2024

Currently, more than one-third of adults worldwide experience anxiety daily. Active touch, such as petting animals or self-touching, is one way to cope. These touches are believed to activate anxiety regulation mechanisms, with prior research suggesting that repeated hand-holding can protect the nervous system from hyperarousal. Recently, stress balls have been used to reduce pain and anxiety during endoscopy and in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and their effectiveness has been reported; however, the mechanisms of brain function when holding a stress ball have not been clarified. Our findings showed significant activation in the anterior insula and amygdala, suggesting that these brain regions are closely related to relaxation effects and anxiety reduction.
Correlation between iron accumulation and sarcopenia in middle-aged and elderly populations
Authors: Tounaoua Mahamane Rahoufou , Chen Honggu , Shaibu Zakari , Guo-yang Zhao
Published: August 2024

Purpose
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between iron accumulation and sarcopenia risk.
Method
We conducted an observational study based on data acquired during the year 2022–2023 from the affiliated hospital of Jiangsu University. Data on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), limb muscle mass, white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, serum iron concentration, ferritin level, total iron- binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were collected and analyzed. To achieve our goal, t-tests, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression models, and nonlinear analyses were employed as statistical analyses.
Results
There were 110 participants, including 44 males and 66 females. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that serum ferritin level was a risk factor for sarcopenia (OR = 1.005, 95% CI], 1.001, 1.009; P = 0.042). Furthermore, nonlinear analysis revealed a U-shaped relationship between ferritin levels and the risk of sarcopenia. When ferritin was less than 226.428 µg/L, the risk of sarcopenia decreased, whereas when ferritin was greater than 241.2 µg/L, the risk increased accordingly. Both the overall effect (P = 0.033) and the nonlinear effect (P = 0.012) were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Serum ferritin levels may be an independent risk factor for sarcopenia in the healthy elderly population. Additionally, a non-linear relationship between ferritin levels and the risk of sarcopenia was revealed. Nevertheless, further research is needed to elucidate the complex pathways connecting iron metabolism to muscle health, and to guide the development of targeted interventions for preventing and managing sarcopenia in this population.
Exploring the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis-related genes in cardiomyocytes from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zheng Fan , Lin Weizhao , Chen Peinan , Huang Xiaojun , Yang Xu
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND
Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often have heart failure, which seriously affects their health and quality of life. Some studies have suggested that DCM has a genetic basis, although the molecular mechanism involved have yet to be fully characterized. Cuproptosis is a newly defined type of programmed cell death thought to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was therefore to identify biomarkers associated with cuproptosis in DCM, and the potential pathological mechanisms involving cuproptosis in cardiomyocytes.
MATERIALS
Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) were identified from previous publications. The GSE141910 dataset was downloaded from the GEO database.
METHODS
Consistency clustering was performed according to cuproptosis gene expression. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package, and key genes were identified using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method. These were then subjected to immune infiltration analysis, enrichment analysis, and prediction of the key associated transcription factors. Consistency clustering identified three cuproptosis clusters. The DEGs in each were identified using limma, and the most critical module was obtained using WGCNA. Three machine learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, LASSO, and RF) were then used to screen genes in the modules generated by WGCNA, with the key genes obtained by intersection. Finally, GSEA enrichment analysis of the key genes was performed and a ceRNA network was constructed.
RESULTS
Five key CRGs were identified (C1QTNF7, LYVE1, FRZB, AQP10 and FNDC1), with only LYVE1 showing upregulated expression in DCM. These genes were closely related to T cell and NK cell infiltration. Expression of the C1QTNF7 and FRZB genes showed the highest correlation, and both were closely related to the calcium signaling pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction. Both genes may be jointly regulated by mir-130a-3p.
CONCLUSION
C1QTNF7 and FRZB may be downregulated by mir-130a-3p, resulting in low expression. The two genes may act synergistically to cause calcium disorders, which in turn regulates the level of copper ions in mitochondria and induces cuproptosis. This can damage mitochondrial function, cause myocardial dysfunction, and apoptosis, thus promoting the development of DCM.
Characterization, Optimization, and Modeling of Microbial Exopolysaccharide and its Antagonistic Effect on Colon Cancer
Authors: Abdelhamid Sayeda , Mohamed Sahar S. , Elsoud Mostafa M. Abo , Selim Manal S. , Mounier Marwa M. , Eltaher Ashraf Essam , Magdeldin Sameh , Ali Mohamed , Awady Mohamed E. El
Published: August 2024

Microbial polysaccharides are a significant group of functional phytochemicals. Numerous studies have shown the advantageous pharmacological impacts of polysaccharides, including their effectiveness against cancer. A halophilic bacterial strain obtained from coastal sediments produced exopolysaccharides (EPS). The strain was morphologically recognized and further confirmed as Bacillus cereus strain MSS1 using 16S rDNA analysis, with accession number OR133726. The heteropolysaccharides were purified and fractionated with a DEAE-cellulose column, and the preliminary chemical analysis of the most potent fraction (EPSMSS1) indicated that the four different monosaccharides were mannuronic acid, xylose, fructose, and glucuronic acid, with a molar ratio of 1: 1: 2: 0.5, respectively. The highest production was 12.76 g/l using a Box-Behnken design. It showed antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-biofilm activity. The three-dimensional architecture of the EPSMSS1 of Bacillus cereus strain MSS1 is being described, predicted, and aligned against other bacterial species. These studies offer valuable insights into optimizing efficiency. Therefore, the EPSMSS1 fraction was shown to have anticancer activity and significant anticancer activities in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 20.1 µg/ml. Subsequently, various apoptotic markers, such as cytochrome C, BAX, BCl2, and the BAX/BCL2 ratio, were assessed. Our findings demonstrate that EPSMSS1 triggers the activation of apoptotic protein BAX, enhances the generation of cytochrome c, reduces the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl2, and distorts the BAX/Bcl2 ratio in EPSMSS1-treated HCT-116 cells relative to untreated cells. The anticancer efficacy of EPSMSS1 was verified through the assessment of cell cycle progression using flow cytometry. It has been found that EPSMSS1 pauses the cell cycle in the G1/S phase, causing apoptosis.
The Relationship Between Resilience and Professional Well-Being Among Early Childhood Teachers: The Chain Me-diating Role of Teacher Pedagogical Competence and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Song Shoujun , Zhang Lili , Yang Bin , Xu Chunze
Published: August 2024

Research has shown that the rapidly changing technological environment and unprecedented uncertainty have posed a huge dilemma for educators across the globe, affecting the well-being of educators. In response to this situation, many researchers have focused their perspectives on educator resilience, which has been a key factor in helping educators break through difficult situations. However, despite the fact that literature has emphasised the role of resilience for ed-ucators, there is still a lack of focus on educators' professional well-being. Therefore, in order to reveal the relationship between resilience and well-being of educators as well as the mechanism of influence, a questionnaire method was used to survey 1,377 early childhood teachers, and it was proposed to explore the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence of early childhood teachers in the relationship between teachers' resilience and professional well-being. The results showed that (1) early childhood teachers' resilience significantly and positively predicted occupational well-being (2) there was a mediating effect of teachers' self-efficacy between teachers' resilience and occupational well-being; (3) there was a mediating effect of teachers' pedagogical competence between teachers' resilience and occupational well-being; and (4) there was a chain mediating effect of teachers' self-efficacy and pedagogical competence between teachers' resilience and occupational well-being. It is therefore concluded that teacher teacher resilience not only directly affects their occupational well-being level of oc-cupational exploration, but also indirectly affects teacher occupational well-being through the independent mediating effects of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence, and the chain me-diating effects of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence. Accordingly, the following recom-mendations are made that teacher resilience should be emphasised, in-service training efforts for early childhood teachers should be strengthened, and their level of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence should be enhanced, ultimately enhancing their level of occupational well-being so that they can better cope with the various challenges that are coming their way.
A machine learning model based on placental magnetic resonance imaging and clinical factors to predict fetal growth restriction
Authors: Wang Jida , Chen Zhuying , Zhang Hongxi , Li Weikang , Li Kui , Deng Meixiang , Zou Yu
Published: August 2024

Objectives
To create a placental radiomics-clinical machine learning model to predict FGR.
Materials and Methods
Retrospectively analyzed placental MRI and clinical data of 110 FGR cases and 158 healthy controls from two campuses of ZWH. 227 cases from Hubin campus were randomly divided into training (n = 182) and internal testing set (n = 45). 41 cases from Xiaoshan campus were included in external testing set. Placental MRI features were extracted from sagittal T2WI. Mann-Whitney U test, redundancy analysis, and LASSO were used to identify the radiomics signature, and the best-performing radiomics model was constructed by comparing eight machine learning algorithms. Clinical factors determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. A united model and nomogram combining the radiomics Rad-score and clinical factors were established. The performance of the models was assessed by DeLong test, calibration curve and decision curve analysis.
Results
Of 1561 radiomics features, 10 strongly correlated with FGR were selected. The radiomics model using logistic regression performed best compared eight algorithms. 5 important clinical features identified by analysis. The united model demonstrated a good predictive performance in the training, internal testing and external testing sets, with AUC 0.941 (95% CI, 0.0.904–0.977), 0.899 (95% CI, 0.789–1) and 0.861 (95% CI 0.725–0.998), prediction accuracies 0.885, 0.844 and 0.805, precisions 0.871, 0.789 and 0.867, recalls 0.836, 0.833 and 0.684, and F1 scores 0.853, 0.811 and 0.765, respectively. The calibration and decision curves of the united model also showed good performance. Nomogram confirmed clinical applicability of the model.
Conclusions
The proposed placental radiomics-clinical machine learning model is simple yet effective to predict FGR.
Sodium ion conducting blended solid polymer electrolytes: Ion conduction and solid-state battery fabrication
Authors: Chandra Angesh
Published: August 2024

The present paper describes the ion conduction mechanism and solid-state battery fabrication of a new sodium (Na+) ion-conducting blended solid polymer electrolytes (BSPEs): (1-x) [70PEO:30NaCl] + x PVP where 0 ≤ x ≤ 15 wt.%. A recently established hot-press process has been used to synthesize the present BSPEs. The composition: 98(70PEO:30NaCl) + 2PVP yielded the highest ionic conductivity (σ ~ 3.7×10− 5 S.cm-1). Polymer salt/PVP complexation has been studied with the help of x-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). Measurements of ionic conductivity (σ), ionic mobility (µ), mobile ion concentration (n), ionic transference number (tion), and ionic drift velocity (vd) have all been used to elucidate the process of ion conduction. A solid-state polymer battery has been fabricated by using the highest ionic conductivity composition of BSPE. Solid-state battery characteristics have been investigated at room temperature under various load conditions.
Rev-erbα deletion promotes gastric cancer progression through attenuating DLAT and DLST induced cuproptosis
Authors: Wang Xiaoshan , Wu Yuwei , Wang Nana , Chen Mengding , Chen Feixu , Wang Zhengguang
Published: August 2024

Background
Cuproptosis is a unique copper-dependent cell death pathway. Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1/Rev-erbα) is a ligand-activated transcriptional regulator that is involved in regulating the development of circadian rhythm, lipid metabolism and immunity-associated diseases including cancer. However, the role of Rev-erbα in cuproptosis of gastric cancer (GC) cells remains poorly understood.
Methods
Functional assays both in vivo and in vitro were employed to explore the role of Rev-erbα on cell progression and cuproptosis, and its regulatory mechanism. Moreover, clinicopathological retrospective analysis explored the relationship of Rev-erbα with DLAT and DLST.
Results
Rev-erbα deletion promoted GC progression through cuproptosis. The Rev-erbα activator, GSK4112, inhibited GC progression through cuproptosis, and obtained a synergistical inhibitory effect with elesclomol. Mechanistically, Rev-erbα deletion promoted dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT) and dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (DLST) expression through inhibiting DLAT oligomerization. Notably, this regulation was dependent on the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of Rev-erbα. Moreover, the combination of GSK4112 with elesclomol inhibited DLAT and DLST expression, and Rev-erbα SUMOylation. Furthermore, DLAT and DLST expression levels were associated with histological grade and tumor-node-metastasis stage in patients with GC. Thus, DLAT or DLST expression exhibit potential as independent biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of patients with GC. In addition, Rev-erbα expression was negatively correlated with DLAT and DLST expression, and high Rev-erbα and low DLAT expression, or high Rev-erbα and low DLST let to optimal levels of disease-free survival in patients with GC.
Conclusion
Rev-erbα exhibits potential in the treatment of GC.
Giant spin-orbit torque induced by spin Hall effect in amorphous Pt(P) alloys
Authors: Fukuma Yasuhiro , Shashank Utkarsh , Tomoda Takafumi , Mathew Arun Jacob , Vashisht Garima , Imai Koki , Kusaba Yu , Dong Chung Li , Chen Chi Liang , Horibe Yoichi , Ishimaru Manabu , Awano Hiroyuki , Asada Hironori
Published: August 2024

We report a giant spin-orbit torque (SOT) induced by spin Hall effect (SHE) in amorphous Pt(P) alloys, which is confirmed by magnetization switching and spin torque ferromagnetic resonance measurements. Pt(P) is fabricated by ion implantation technique using an energy of 10-30 keV with doses ranging from 2.5×1016 -10×1016 ions/cm2. The P-ion implantation process causes distortion and defects in the fcc structure of the as-deposited Pt layer and changes it to an amorphous structure as the accelerating energy as well as the dose increases, leading to a decrease in the electrical conductivity. However, we can obtain a higher spin Hall conductivity of 3.62 ×103 ℏ/2e Ω-1 cm-1 for Pt(P) as compared to that of 1.03 ×103 ℏ/2e Ω-1 cm-1 for pure Pt. The spin Hall efficiency θSH is drastically increased up to 1.17 for Pt(P) with 30 keV energy and dose of 7.5×1016 ions/cm2. We also observe a significant reduction in the critical current density of the SOT magnetization switching from 1.5 × 1011 A/m2 for pure Pt to 3.0 × 1010 A/m2 for Pt(P). Such a giant spin Hall effect can reduce the power consumption to control the magnetization by using SOT and therefore our findings may provide an alternate path to enhance θSH by using amorphous materials with a variety of elements, beyond the crystalline solids.