bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Efficacy of Delafloxacin and Combination Therapy Against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms: Insights into Activity in Acidic Environments
Authors: de Andrade Ana Paula , de Meneses Jaqueline Pilon , Suss Paula Hansen , Ortis Gabriel Burato , Tuon Felipe Francisco
Published: August 2024

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is a major contributor to biofilm-associated infections, which complicate the treatment of chronic conditions like osteomyelitis and prosthetic infections. Bio-films, characterized by bacterial communities encased in a protective matrix, hinder the effec-tiveness of antimicrobial agents and contribute to persistent infections. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the activity of delafloxacin, a novel fluoroquinolone, against biofilm-forming S. aureus strains, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) isolates. Methods: Delafloxacin’s efficacy was compared with traditional antibiotics (vancomycin, line-zolid, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and rifampicin) using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, including testing at different pH levels to simulate acidic biofilm conditions. Synergistic interactions between delafloxacin and other antimicrobials were assessed using the checkerboard method. Biofilm eradication was tested through minimal biofilm eradi-cation concentration (MBEC) assays, biomass quantification, and cell viability (MTT assay). Re-sults: The results showed that all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid, with varying resistance to other antibiotics. Delafloxacin demonstrated potent activity, with MIC re-ductions observed in acidic conditions. Synergistic effects were minimal, with only a few isolates showing synergy with vancomycin and doxycycline. Biofilm eradication tests revealed limited success in eradicating biofilms at breakpoint concentrations. However, rifampicin in combination with delafloxacin significantly reduced biofilm biomass in some isolates. No significant changes in cell viability were noted across treatments. Conclusion: This study highlights delafloxacin's potential against biofilm-associated infections, particularly in acidic environments. Despite the challenges in biofilm eradication, delafloxacin combined with rifampicin shows promise for im-proved treatment strategies.
Uncovering DNA Methylation Landscapes to Decipher Evolutionary Footprints of Phenotypic Diversity in Chickpea
Authors: Odah Mohammad
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the impact of DNA methylation on phenotypic diversity in chickpeas (Cicer arietinum). By analyzing DNA methylation landscapes across various chickpea cultivars, we aim to decipher the evolutionary processes underlying phenotypic variation. Using bisulfite sequencing and advanced genomic techniques, we identified significant methylation patterns associated with key adaptive traits. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of epigenetic modifications in plant evolution and offer potential applications in crop improvement.
Comparative Analysis of the Size of Glass Fiber Woven Roving based on a Polyester Matrix on the Impact Strength of Composite Materials
Authors: Lazuardy M. Fajar , Fakhruddin Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Laminated Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites are widely used in various industries, such as boat building, car bodies, water tanks and pipelines, which in their use sometimes have the potential to be exposed to impact loads, especially in transportation equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to perform an impact test to determine the toughness value of a composite material against impact loads. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of fibreglass Woven Roving (WR)/polyester composites produced by the compression moulding process to determine the toughness of the composite material concerning changes in weave size. This research uses variations of glass fibre woven roving in sizes of 200 gsm, 400 gsm, 600 gsm. The impact test was conducted following the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) D6110-10. The impact test result showed that the lowest impact strength is found in a composite with a woven size of 200 gsm, which is 0.145 J/mm2, and the highest impact strength is found in composite with a woven size of 600 gsm, which is 0.280 J/mm2. 
Analytical Review of Numerical Analysis in Hydrodynamic Performance of the Ship: Effect to Hull-Form Modifications
Authors: Bahatmaka Aldias , Fitriyana Deni Fajar , Anis Samsudin , Maulana Achmad Yanuar , Tamamadin Mamad , Lee Sang Won , Cho Joung Hyoung
Published: August 2024

This review paper provides an overview of simulation-based hydrodynamic design optimization for ship hull forms. It also includes a numerical analysis aimed at accomplish early-stage simulation-based design in terms of hydrodynamic performance. A hydrodynamic module, a hull surface modeling module, and an optimization module are the primary components of this numerical analysis. The hydrodynamic module includes both simple design approaches and high-fidelity numeric tools; these integrated tools are used to evaluate hydrodynamic performances at different design stages. The hull surface modeling module offers a variety of techniques for ship hull surface representation and modification. It is also used to automatically create hull forms or change existing hull forms based on hydrodynamic performance and design constraints. The optimization module includes several optimization algorithms and surrogate models used to determine optimal designs in terms of hydrodynamic performance. Numerical findings indicate that the current tool is well suited for hull form design optimization at the early design stage because it can produce effective optimal designs within a short time.
QALO: Quantum Annealing-assisted Lattice Optimization
Authors: Luo Tengfei , Xu Zhihao , Shang Wenjie , Kim Seongmin , Lee Eungkyu
Published: August 2024

High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) have drawn great interest due to their exceptional properties compared to conventional materials. The configuration of HEA system is considered a key to their superior properties, but exhausting all possible configurations of atom coordinates and species to find the ground energy state is very challenging. In this work, we proposed a quantum annealing-assisted lattice optimization (QALO) algorithm, which is an active learning framework that integrates the Field-aware Factorization Machine (FFM) as the surrogate model for lattice energy prediction, Quantum Annealing (QA) as an optimizer and Machine Learning Potential (MLP) for ground truth energy calculation. By applying our algorithm to the NbMoTaW alloy, we reproduced the Nb segregation and W enrichment observed in bulk HEA. We found our optimized HEAs to have superior mechanical properties compared to the randomly generated alloy configurations. Our algorithm highlights the potential of quantum computing in materials design and discovery, laying a foundation for further exploring and optimizing structure-property relationships.
BioWinfordMR: An Online Platform for Comprehensive Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: WANG Yunfeng , WU Tong , LU Xinliang , Yao Daoke , XUE Wenhua
Published: August 2024

Background
Mendelian randomization has become a tool for quickly and accurately identifying genetic relationships between phenotypes. It has played an important role in identifying disease-related risk factors, drug targets, and other fields. However, large amounts of GWAS data often come from different platforms, with inconsistent formats, missing data, and difficulties in downloading large files. Therefore, we developed the BioWinfordMR platform, a platform that integrates curated GWAS data from multiple categories using the shiny server to automate Mendelian randomization analysis.
Results
We used the BioWinfordMR platform to infer causality between sepsis, intestinal microbiota, and immune cells. Through systematic analysis, we ultimately found that CD62L- CD86 + myeloid DCs are key intermediate factors that increase the risk of sepsis with enhanced gut microbiota. We also further identified two risk genes, ENTPD5 and MANEA, associated with sepsis.
Conclusions
We developed a platform named BioWinfordMR to facilitate various types of Mendelian randomization analyses. The BioWinfordMR currently comprises 3792 curated GWASs and is updated regularly. BioWinfordMR ensures the accuracy and reproducibility of Mendelian randomization analysis and allows potential causal relationships to be discovered.
High confidence Artificial Intelligence (AI) predictions in glaucoma detection: A RIM ONE database study
Authors: Ly-Yang Fernando , Chou Munazzah , Van-Lancker Lauren , Santos-Bueso Enrique , Saénz-Francés Federico , Jañez-Escalada Luis , Panos Chris
Published: August 2024

This study explores the application of deep learning to diagnose glaucoma using retinal fundus images, addressing the increasing global prevalence of this condition. Utilizing the EfficientNetV2B0 neural network model, trained on the RIM One dataset of 485 optic disc images, the study achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 96%, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 91%, 99%, 98%, and 95%, respectively. A novel approach in this research involves the use of a 95% prediction probability threshold to enhance clinical relevance. For images with high predictive confidence, the AUC improved to 100%, with perfect sensitivity and specificity. This method aligns with clinical practices, ensuring further investigation only when high confidence in diagnosis is achieved. The DeLong t-test indicated statistically significant improvements in AUC, sensitivity, and negative predictive value for high-confidence predictions compared to the broader test set. This study is the first to incorporate prediction probability into AI models for glaucoma diagnosis, suggesting a practical tool for efficient and accurate screening in clinical settings.
“Three Lines One Permit” environmental control policy and follow-up assessment: a case study of Sichuan Province
Authors: Liu Yanguo , Wang Li , Yang Ye , Li Jingji , Pei Xiangjun , Wang Ziqin , He Yu , Liu Huandie , Chen An , Yin Sijie
Published: August 2024

Integrated environmental management provides important support for global sustainable development. China’s “Three Lines One Permit” (TLOP) generates data relating to an ecological red line, a lower-limit line for environmental quality, an upper-limit line for resource use, and a list of environmental permits for human activities by establishing three types of spatial control units: priority protection units, critical control units, and general control units. It promotes an integrated, multifactorial continuum of regional soil, plant, hydrological, and atmospheric elements within spatial control units. A follow-up assessment is an important means to improve the implementation and effectiveness of the TLOP. This study demonstrated the achievements of the TLOP policy in Sichuan Province, China. The results showed that (1) a total of 1,025 integrated environmental spatial control units have been established through the intersection and merging of the three “lines.” They comprise 402 priority protection units, 468 critical control units, and 155 general control units, each with its own ecological-environmental protection and natural resource development regimes for regulating human activities through a list of environmental access permits. (2) To guarantee the effective implementation of the TLOP, we established three primary indicators covering implementation updating, implementation applications, and implementation guarantees, as well as 15 secondary indicators for the follow-up assessment index system for provinces and cities. The follow-up assessment index system for critical control units included three primary indicators for environmental access, environmental management, and implementation effectiveness, as well as 14 secondary indicators.
Study protocol for a one-year, randomized, single-blind, clinical trial of stand-alone indoor air filtration in the homes of U.S. military Veterans with moderate to severe COPD in metropolitan Chicago
Authors: Stephens Brent , Kang Insung , Jagota Kaveeta , Elfessi Zane , Karpen Nancy , Heidarinejad Mohammad , Rubinstein Israel
Published: August 2024

Background Exposure to air pollutants is associated with adverse chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes. Although indoor air filtration can improve outcomes, few studies have investigated indoor air filtration for improving health-related outcomes in distinct patient populations with COPD.Methods This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of stand-alone air filtration for reducing residential indoor particulate matter concentrations and improving health-related outcomes in a high-risk urban cohort of U.S. military Veterans with COPD in metropolitan Chicago using a long-term (1-year), randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, case-control trial. Participants are randomized to receive a placebo/sham unit or a normally functioning filtration unit containing HEPA, activated carbon, and zeolite media. Low-cost sensors measure particulate matter concentrations and plug load data loggers measure air cleaner operation in each home throughout the study duration. The primary outcome is physician-diagnosed exacerbations of acute COPD over the study duration. Secondary outcomes include changes in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), assessed at recruitment and after 12-months of intervention using the COPD-specific version of the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ-C) and Veterans RAND 36-Item Health Survey (VR-36), and clinical outcomes (e.g., emergency room and unscheduled medical visits, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), oxygen saturation) assessed at baseline, endline, and throughout the study. Housing condition assessments are also conducted to characterize participant homes and housing-related factors that may contribute to COPD exacerbation or influence the effectiveness of the intervention. Our goal is to recruit 80 participants. The study population is expected to be predominantly African American, with a significant proportion living in historically underserved, low socioeconomic status neighborhoods.Discussion Outcomes from this pragmatic, real-world trial have the potential to inform policy and practice in both healthy housing and patient medical care by evaluating the impacts of long-term use of stand-alone portable air filtration in homes of high-risk COPD patients on indoor pollutant concentrations and COPD outcomes and providing novel data on associations between housing conditions and COPD outcomes in a high-risk cohort, as well as novel insight into air cleaner operation, in this vulnerable study population.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05913765 (retrospectively registered, June 22, 2023)
Selinexor combined bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease: a multicenter study
Authors: Yin Junjing , Zhou Xia , Li Xuemei , Yuan Chenglu , Chu Xiaoxia , Hao Lumei , Wu Hongying , Zhong Yuping
Published: August 2024

Objective: We aimed to explored the efficacy and safety of XVRD protocol in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease.
Methods: This is a single-arm, open, observational clinical study. For induction/consolidation(21-day cycles), patients (pts) received 8 cycles of XVRd (Selinexor 60 mg PO weekly, Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 SC days1, 4, 8, 11, Lenalidomide 25 mg PO days 1-14, and Dexamethasone 40 mg PO weekly). In maintenance (28-day cycles), pts received XR (Selinexor+Lenalidomide) at least 2 years until disease progression, death or withdrawal. The primary endpoint was overall response rates and minimal residual disease negative rates.
Results: The median age of the 10 pts was 62 (range 55-81) years. R-ISS stage 3 was present in 2 (20%) pts. 3 pts had high risk cytogenetic and 1 patient with plasma cell leukocyte. According to IMWG criteria, the ORR of 10 pts with NDMM was 100%, including 2 stringent complete response (sCR), 2 complete remission (CR), 4 very good partial response (VGPR) and 2 partial response (PR). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were not achieved. The most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events (occurring in 10% of pts) were thrombocytopenia. The most common non-hematological adverse events were grade 1 or 2, including nausea (30%), fatigue (40%), and anorexia (20%). Overall, the severe toxicities are manageable.
Conclusion: The XVRd regimen has good efficacy and tolerance in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease.
Multifactorial Inspiratory Muscle Training in Diabetic Population: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sheraz Suman , Malik Arshad Nawaz , Ferraro Francesco Vincenzo , Siddiqi Furqan Ahmed
Published: August 2024

The aim of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore the patient’s perspective of multifactorial home-based Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) combined with group-based Otago Exercise Program (OEP) to bridge the gap of the experiences and perceptions of diabetes polyneuropathy patients regarding home-based multifactorial IMT intervention. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 patients using thematic analysis. The patients’ interviews were transcribed verbatim in Urdu, translated into English, and then coded into relevant themes. Three key themes emerged, including perception regarding quality of life, facilitators, and barriers to intervention. The patients reported improvement in their quality of life perceived through improvement in their physical and mental health as well as their functional independence. While improvement in shortness of breath and walking capacity, discomfort, initial difficulty in usage and distraction in the home environment were the key barriers. A multifactorial IMT intervention was perceived to have positive effects on the physical, mental, and emotional health of diabetes patients. These findings highlight the importance of multifactorial IMT interventions and suggest tailoring interventions and physical therapies to address the barriers and facilitators to enhance the likelihood of successful training outcomes.
Comparative carbonization study of pyrolyzed biomass: New insights into the structure and composition evolution of biochar
Authors: Wei Tao , Hong Haoqun , Zhang Haiyan , Wu Fangji
Published: August 2024

Biomass, as a renewable resource, has attracted much attention due to its abundant reserves and wide range of applications. In this study, three different biomass feedstocks, eucalyptus wood powder, rice bran and bagasse, were selected, and their structural and morphological evolutions and resistivity changes were analyzed in detail under three pyrolysis conditions, namely, 500℃, 700, ℃ and 900℃. The results showed that with the increase of pyrolysis temperature, the number of microporous structures of biomass charcoal firstly increased and then collapsed and blocked, and some functional groups on the surface weakened and decreased with the increase of pyrolysis temperature, all of which formed stable aromatic compounds with C = C and C = O as the main structures. From the XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis, It can be seen that the degree of graphitization of biochar increases gradually with the rise of pyrolysis temperature, and the ball milling treatment to a certain extent can change the crystal structure of the charcoal material. meanwhile, the resistivity of the biochar material decreases gradually with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. 900℃pyrolysis of the eucalyptus biochar could reach a resistivity of 0.0196 Ω/cm at 27.3 MPa, which is much better than that of the biochar prepared at low temperature, and the smaller particle size can be obtained under the same ball milling conditions. The current research provides a guidance to facile method to prepare biochar and sustainable utilization of biomass.
Probabilistic tephra fallout hazard maps for Sangay volcano, Ecuador
Authors: Tadini Alessandro , Pardini Federica , Bevilacqua Andrea , Bernard Benjamin , Samaniego Pablo , Vitturi Mattia de’ Michieli , Aravena Alvaro , Hidalgo Silvana , Roche Olivier , Azzaoui Nourddine , Neri Augusto , Aguilar Jorge
Published: August 2024

We present a tephra fallout hazard assessment of Sangay volcano, Ecuador. This volcano is under semi-permanent activity at least since the 17th century, and has produced several eruptions whose products have affected towns and cities at considerable distance (up to > 170 km). For this reason, despite its remote location, recent efforts have been aimed at reviewing its volcanic history; quantifying the occurrence probability of various eruptive scenarios and the associated uncertainty; and, for each eruptive scenario, estimating the probability distribution of key eruptive source parameters (fallout volume, average plume height and eruption duration). In this study, we use this information to produce probabilistic hazard maps by using the coupled models PLUME-MOM-TSM and HYSPLIT, with the application of a novel workflow for running an ensemble of thousands of simulations following a stochastic sampling of input parameters. Probabilistic hazard maps have been produced for four scenarios of different magnitudes. For each scenario, we considered four ground load thresholds (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 kg/m2) and two types of model initialization strategies (based on the elicited total deposit volume and on the elicited plume height respectively), which produced non-negligible differences. Hazard curves have also been produced for nine sites of interest from a risk perspective, corresponding to towns/cities potentially affected by tephra accumulation. Combined maps have also been produced by merging maps of single scenarios with their probability of occurrence. Results indicate that in case of a future eruption, even for a moderate-scale eruption (Violent Strombolian), probability of tephra accumulation larger than 1 kg/m2 is relatively high (up to 20–25%) in the town of Guamote, i.e. the most severely affected site among those tested (43 km W of Sangay). For larger-scale events (Sub Plinian) the impact of tephra accumulation could be significant even for the city of Guayaquil (176 km W of Sangay), with probability of tephra accumulation larger than 1 kg/m2 up to 22%.
Forecasting trending jobs based on a Saudi's technological mega-corporation: STC Group
Authors: Louati Ali , Louati Hassen , Alharbi Meshal , KARIRI ELHAM , Alkhonain Abdulaziz
Published: August 2024

In a rapidly changing world, recognizing change early enables successful adaptation. COVID-19 has challenged public and private sectors to shift towards a contactless environment, necessitating significant investment in technology and digital transformation. Wise countries and corporations have proactively launched digitization initiatives. This shift will inevitably alter job titles, positions, and required skills in the near future. To explore the relationship between labor markets and technological demands, we studied employment at STC Group in Saudi Arabia, the largest telecommunications corporation in the Middle East according to Bloomberg. Analyzing STC's current job positions offers insights into future technological job market needs. This work gathers data on STC employees from LinkedIn and analyzes it to identify gaps, impacts, and forecast job trends for the next eight years. We believe this analysis provides a clear view of Saudi Arabia’s labor market trends, with implications for global trends. Additionally, this work develops a generic framework for data scientists using techniques like data engineering, preparation, and modeling. Two clustering algorithms were developed: K-Means with the Elbow method and Latent Dirichlet Allocation for Topic Modeling. Forecasting algorithms include ARIMA and Regression Prediction based on Time Series. Detailed, promising results reflect current and future market needs.
Design and development of nanoprobes radiolabelled with 99mTc for the diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic interventions in oncology preclinical research.
Authors: Salgueiro María Jimena , Portillo Mariano , Tesán Fiorella , Nicoud Melisa , Medina Vanina , Moretton Marcela , Chiappetta Diego , Zubillaga Marcela
Published: August 2024

Background
Previous studies with polymeric micelles using molecular imaging for the in vivo study and nanosystem characterization leads us to develop radionanoprobes for the diagnosis and monitoring of interventions in preclinical research with animal models of breast and colon cancer. Considering the possibility of translation to the clinic, the choice of 99mTc to label the nanoprobes is its availability and the widespread SPECT distribution in the region. From the radiochemical point of view, using a direct labeling technique analogous to the cold reagent sets widely used in the clinic would help its translation. Soluplus® is an attractive polymer for synthesizing micelles that also allows their functionalization. With all the above, the objective of this work was to design, develop and characterize nanoprobes based on polymeric micelles and radiolabeled with 99mTc for the characterization of biological processes linked to the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of oncological pathologies in preclinical research using molecular images.
Results
4 radionanoprobes ([99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®, [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+TPGS, [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+glucose and [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+bevacizumab) were obtained with high radiochemical purity (> 95% in all cases) and with stability in murine serum up to 3 hours of incubation. The systems maintained the 100 nm size of the Soluplus® polymeric micelles even when they were functionalized and labeled with 99mTc. The image acquisition protocol allowed the visualization of tumor uptake in two cancer experimental models with the radionanoprobes assigned by group where the signal/background ratio found in the in vivo biological characterization showed values of 1.7 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+TPGS; 1.8 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®; 2.3 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+glucose in the breast cancer model and 1.8 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus® and 3.3 for [99mTc]Tc-Soluplus®+bevacizumab in the colon cancer model. The results were validated through ex vivo biodistribution, observing that the uptake of the tumors, regardless of the model, is moderate while the concentration of activity in the blood is higher, suggesting that the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) would be one of the mechanisms involved in imaging tumors in addition to the active targeting of radionanoprobes.
Conclusions
the polymeric micelles synthesized with Soluplus® constitute an attractive nanotechnological platform for the development of radionanoprobes that allow the monitoring of experimentation in animal models in oncology.
PINK1 deficiency rewires early immune responses in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease triggered by intestinal infection
Authors: Stratton Jo Anne , Recinto Sherilyn Junelle , Kazanova Alexandra , Bessaiah Hicham , Cordeiro Brendan , Mukherjee Sriparna , Premachandran Shobina , MacDonald Adam , Pei Jessica , Allot Alexis , Afanasiev Elia , Yaqubi Moein , McBride Heidi M , Trudeau Louis-Eric , Gruenheid Samantha
Published: August 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by a protracted period of non-motor symptoms, including gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction, which can precede the development of the cardinal motor deficits by decades. This long prodrome of disease is highly suggestive of immune cell involvement in the initiation of disease, but currently the field lacks robust model systems to study such mechanisms. It has been hypothesized that pathology may be first initiated in the periphery due to environmental triggers, such as pathogens that enter the GI tract. We further speculate that the impact of such pathogens on the immune system could be exacerbated in genetically predisposed individuals. Our group has developed a GI-targeted pathogen-induced PD mouse model system in PINK1 KO mice with Gram-negative bacterial infections and found that T cells are a major player in driving PD-like motor symptoms at late stages following infection. Herein, we now map the initiating immune events at the site of infection at the earliest stages with the goal of shedding light on the earliest mechanisms triggering immune-mediated pathological processes relevant to PD. Using unbiased single cell sequencing, we demonstrate that myeloid cells are the earliest dysregulated immune cell type in PINK1 KO infected mice at 1-week post-infection, followed by a dysregulated T cell response shortly after, at 2 weeks post-infection. We find that these myeloid cells have an enhanced proinflammatory profile, are more mature, and develop enhanced capacity for antigen presentation. Using unbiased prediction analysis, our data suggest that cytotoxic T cells and myeloid cells are particularly poised for interacting with each other, and we identify possible direct cell-cell interaction pathways that might be implicated. Taken together, deciphering the earliest immune mechanisms in the periphery underpinning PD autoimmunity will be instrumental in the development of effective therapeutic targeting strategies before irrevocable neuronal damage ensues.
Clinical Outcomes of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Combined with Sartorius muscle Iliac Bone Flap Transplantation for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Middle- Aged and Young Adults: A Retrospective Analysis of 24 Cases
Authors: Chen Hongfen , Wu Gen , Cao Shenglu , Ma Sushang , Huang Feng , yan pengfei , Zhong Hua , Li Yihan
Published: August 2024

Objective
To assess the clinical outcomes and complications of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) combined with sartorius muscle iliac bone flap transplantation (SIBFT) in the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and young adults.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 26 patients under 60 years of age with displaced femoral neck fractures (Pauwels III or Garden III-IV) treated at our institution from April 2019 to July 2022. All patients underwent ORIF via the S-P approach combined with sartorius muscle iliac bone flap transplantation, with the fractures fixed using three cannulated screws or three cannulated screws combined with a medial support steel plate. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, recording fracture healing time, complications, and Harris scores.
Results
Two patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 24 patients who completed the follow-up with an average duration of 25.7 months. Bone healing was achieved in 95.8% (23/24) of the patients, with an average healing time of 5.0 months. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head occurred in 8.3% (2/24) of the patients after fracture healing. Harris scores indicated that 95.8% (23 cases) of the patients obtained excellent or good outcomes.
Conclusion
Our preliminary results suggest that ORIF combined with sartorius muscle iliac bone flap transplantation for the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures in middle-aged and young adults can improve fracture healing rates, reduce the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and achieve favorable hip joint function.
Negative Oxygen Ion Therapy for Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis
Authors: Zhang Yingfang , Wang Lei , Zhang Lijuan , Pang Nan , Wang Qian , Bai Yuping , Wang Lanying , Yao Sanqiao , Cao Yanhua
Published: August 2024

China is a major coal-producing country, and coal worker pneumoconiosis (CWP) is the most prevalent and severe occupational disease annually. As the disease progresses, patients experience varying degrees of lung damage for which there is no effective treatment. Even after symptomatic treatment, issues such as poor respiratory function and sleep quality persist. This study focused on CWP patients who were administered artificial negative oxygen ion therapy to analyze changes in lung function, serum cytokine levels, and sleep quality before the intervention and at 1 month and 3 months postintervention. Our aim was to investigate the impact of artificial negative oxygen ions on the respiratory function and sleep quality of CWP patients.
The Co-administration of GnRH and HCG; Double Trigger vs. HCG Alone for Follicular Oocyte Maturation in Poor IVF Responders: A Comparative Study
Authors: Alazeem Dalia Farouk Abd , Hawas HebaAllah , Shaban Mona , Mekhaimr Mohamed , Sheeba Mamdouh , Nabil Mohamed
Published: August 2024

Background: In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized human reproduction. Originally designed to assist couples who are unable to conceive, the clinical applications of IVF have significantly broadened to encompass many medical and genetic disorders, as well as fertility maintenance. The poor ovarian response is a very challenging issue in the field of infertility, “dual triggering” combines a single bolus of gonadotropic releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist with a standard dosage of Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) at the time of triggering has been proposed that it improves the outcomes in poor responders.
Methods: To study this effect, 73 POR patients received 10000 units of HCG plus 0.2 mg of GnRH-agonist for ovulation triggering (study group) after induction of ovulation using antagonist protocol, while other 73 POR patients received Standard dosage of HCG trigger (10000 units of HCG) (control group) after the same IOO settings.
Results: Our results showed that the study group had a higher number of retrieved Metaphase II oocytes, fertilized oocytes, and number of embryos obtained, than the control group. This difference was statistically significant (P value < 0.05). Other outcomes like chemical and clinical pregnancy rates were also higher in the study group than in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P value 0.322 and 0.355, respectively).
Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the use of a dual trigger with GnRH agonist and HCG, compared to HCG alone, leads to improved outcomes in poor responder IVF patients. Subsequently, the dual trigger protocol may be a beneficial approach for optimizing outcomes in IVF patients with POR.
Atmospheric CO2 flux and planktonic food web relationships in temperate marsh systems: Insights from in situ water measurements
Authors: Lucila Xaus , Raphaël Moncelon , Jérémy Mayen , Lauriane Bergeon , Bénédicte Dubillot , Philippe Pineau , Claire Emery , Marie Vagner , Francois-Xavier Robin , Frédéric Azémar , Michèle Tackx , Christine Dupuy , Pierre Polsenaere
Published: August 2024

While research has extensively investigated the dynamics of CO2 water partial pressure (pCO2) and planktonic food webs (PFWs) separately, there has been limited exploration of their potential interconnections, especially in marsh typologies. This study’s objectives were to (1) investigated if pCO2 and atmospheric CO2 flux can be elucidated by PFW topologies, and (2) ascertain if these potential relationships are consistent across two distinct “Blue Carbon” ecosystems. Abiotic and biotic variables were measured in two contrasting wetlands at the Atlantic French coast: a saltwater (SM, L’Houmeau) and a freshwater marsh (FM, Tasdon). SM acted as a weak carbon source, with pCO2 between 542 and 842 ppmv. Conversely, FM exhibited strong atmospheric CO2 source or sink characteristics, varying with seasons and stations, with pCO2 between 3201 and 114 ppmv. Five PFW topologies were linked to varying pCO2 across the two ecosystems: three stable topologies ('biological winter', 'microbial', 'multivorous' PFW) exhibited consistently high pCO2 values (FM: 971, 1136, 3020 ppmv; SM: 'biological winter' not observed, 842, 832 ppmv), while two transient topologies ('weak multivorous' and 'weak herbivorous') displayed lower and more variable pCO2 values (FM: from 127 to 1402 ppmv; SM: from 638 to 749 ppmv). Seasonality emerged as an influencing factor for both pCO2 dynamics and PFW. However, PFW in FM did not demonstrate a seasonal equilibrium state, potentially hindering a clearer understanding of the relationship between pCO2 and PFW. This is the first documented association between PFW topologies and pCO2 dynamics in “Blue Carbon” marsh environments.
Clinical Efficacy Evaluation and Complication Analysis of 3D-Printed Porous Titanium Implants Combined with Flap Reconstruction for the Treatment of Open Bone Defects in Lower Extremities: A Retrospective Study
Authors: cai xingbo , wang bin , li chaobo , xia hao , wang teng , xu yongqing
Published: August 2024

Objective
To retrospectively analyze the clinical efficacy and complications of flap combined with 3D-printed microporous titanium prosthesis in treating open lower limb bone defects, and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of this innovative method.
Methods
This study is a retrospective, single-center, non-randomized controlled clinical study. Thirty patients with open lower limb bone defects treated with flap combined with 3D-printed microporous titanium prosthesis were included. Patient demographics, bone defect location and length, follow-up time, radiographic evaluation, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores, complications, prosthesis failure, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the cumulative survival rate of the prostheses.
Results
A total of 30 patients were included, comprising 21 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 45.5 years (range: 13–67 years). Bone defects were located in the tibia (n = 17), femur (n = 11), and metatarsal bones (n = 2). The defect length ranged from 41 to 211 mm, with a mean of 101.9 mm. The follow-up period ranged from 1.23 to 61.7 months, with a mean of 13.95 months. The mean LEFS score at the final follow-up was 47.4. Seven patients (23.3%) developed infectious complications, all leading to prosthesis failure requiring revision. The mean patient satisfaction score was 3.8 out of 5. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a 2-year cumulative prosthesis survival rate of 76.67%.
Conclusion
Flap combined with 3D-printed microporous titanium prosthesis for treating open lower limb bone defects can achieve satisfactory bone healing, functional recovery, and patient satisfaction. However, the complication rate is relatively high. Further optimization of surgical protocols and prosthesis design is needed to reduce infection risk and improve prosthesis survival. Prospective, large-sample, long-term follow-up studies are recommended for a more comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this method.
Development and validation of risk prediction models for permanent hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Cao BoHan , Zhang CanGang , Jiang MingMing , Yang Yi , Liu XiCai
Published: August 2024

Hypocalcemia is a common complication and can be permanent in patients following total thyroidectomy (TT). The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with permanent hypocalcemia and to develop a validated risk prediction model for permanent hypocalcemia to assist surgeons in the appropriate follow-up of high-risk patients regarding supplemental therapy. We included data of 92 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) undergoing TT who were randomly allocated in a 7:3 ratio to a training set (n = 65) and validation set (n = 27). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed significant correlations of permanent hypocalcemia with parathyroid hormone (PTH) at postoperative month 1 (IM PTH), IM calcium (Ca), and IM phosphorus (P). These variables were constructed two models. Model 1 used the three indicators listed above; model 2 also included tumor, node, metastasis staging. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the areas under the curve (AUC) for models 1 and 2 were high for both the training set (0.905/0.913) and the validation set (0.894/0.800). Calibration curves showed good agreement between the incidence of permanent hypocalcemia estimated using the predictive models and the actual incidence. Model 1 may be more concise and convenient for clinical use.
Unveiling a Modified Approach to Assess Cervical Sagittal Alignment: Findings from a Large-Scale Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Wenpeng , Wang Qiwei , Zhao Qiancheng , Zeng Ziliang , Hu Xumin , Lv Xin , Gao Liangbin
Published: August 2024

Objective
Developing and validating a novel parameter, the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle, as a feasible substitute for the traditional method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment, and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study.
Methods
The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and gender were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, C2-7 Cobb angle, and modified C2–C7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle were established based on lateral cervical spine X-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and genders.
Results
The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates. Age, weight, BMI, and male gender were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intra-observer and inter-observer reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the modified C2-7 Cobb angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, males exhibited a higher mean modified C2-7 Cobb angle compared to females.
Conclusion
The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male gender. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the modified C2–C7 Cobb angle were established across various age groups and genders among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.
Unraveling the regulatory cell death pathways in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Sun Jiazheng , Zeng Yulan
Published: August 2024

Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) with poor prognosis. Multiple regulated cell death (RCD) pathways are involved in regulating the progression of pulmonary fibrosis at different stages.
Methods
A total of 20 RCD pathways and crucial regulatory genes were collected from available literature. The study initially elucidated the profiling of 20 kinds of RCD pathways in normal and fibrotic lung tissues based on the scRNAseq dataset and bulk-RNAseq datasets. IPF-related prognostic genes were identified based on differential expression analysis, univariate Cox regression analysis, the "Scissor" program, and the "Findmarkers" program. A combination of 101 distinct machine-learning algorithms was utilized to develop a prognostic signature.
Results
The study developed a cell death index (CDI) signature consisting of 12 genes. As proven by independently validated datasets, IPF patients with high CDI scores were more likely to have a shorter overall survival (OS). By employing several machine-learning algorithms, the CDI signature was able to accurately predict the prognosis of IPF patients, with higher predictive performance than other feature factors including age, gender, and GAP score. Furthermore, drug sensitivity analysis suggested the guiding role of CDI signature in the treatment of IPF patients. Ultimately, to enhance its practical application in clinical settings, a nomogram was developed by integrating CDI with relevant clinical characteristics, resulting in a very accurate predicting tool.
Conclusion
In summary, we have developed a novel CDI model that effectively forecasts the clinical prognosis of IPF patients by integrating various cell death patterns.
High-frequency radar surface current data reveals local and remote drivers of three bays: Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and New York Bay
Authors: Ezer Tal , Updyke Teresa
Published: August 2024

A recent study of currents, sea level and temperatures in the Chesapeake Bay found interannual to decadal variability and a significant trend in outflow from the bay toward the Atlantic Ocean, suggesting influence on the dynamics of the bay from both- local river discharges as well as large scale climate variability. This study expands the previous findings in one bay into three major U.S. East Coast bays: the Chesapeake Bay (CB), the Delaware Bay (DB) and the New York Bay (NB). Monthly surface currents at 2 km resolution near the mouths of these bays were obtained from high-frequency radars (Coastal Ocean Dynamics Application Radar, CODAR) during 2012–2024. The contribution to flow variability from local and remote forcing is evaluated by comparing surface currents with (a) river discharges into each bay, (b) with winds, and (c) with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The results show that flow variability in the bays is significantly correlated with all three driving factors. The three bays often show similar flow patterns not only of the seasonal cycle, but also during extreme weather events. For example, increased inflow into the bays from the Atlantic Ocean is seen when hurricanes are observed offshore in the fall, and increased outflow from the bays is seen during winter storms. During positive NAO phases, outflow from all three bays increased due to intensified westerly winds, while during negative NAO phases outflow decreased with weakening winds in the region. Increased river discharges over the record length resulted in increased outflows from DB and NB of about 4 cm/s per decade. However, in CB extremely large river discharges into the bay in 2018–2019 resulted in a change in the outflow from a significant upward trend before 2018 to a significant downward trend after 2019. The results demonstrate the complex nature of the outflow from bays since multiple drivers contribute to the observed variability.