bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SNeurodCNN: Structure-focused Neurodegeneration Convolutional Neural Network for Modeling and Classification of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Odimayo Simisola , Olisah Chollette C. , Mohammed Khadija
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the predominant form of dementia, is a growing global challenge, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate and early diagnosis. Current clinical diagnoses rely on radiologist expert interpretation, which is prone to human error. Machine learning has thus far shown promise for early AD diagnosis. However, existing methods often overlook focal structural features critical for understanding cerebral cortex neurodegeneration. This paper proposes a machine learning framework that includes a novel structure-focused neurodegeneration CNN architecture named SNeurodCNN and an image brightness enhancement preprocessor using gamma correction. Leveraging mid-sagittal and para-sagittal brain image viewpoints from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset, our framework demonstrated exceptional performance. The para-sagittal viewpoint achieved 97.8% accuracy, 97.0% specificity, and 98.5% sensitivity, while the mid-sagittal viewpoint offered deeper insights with 98.1% accuracy, 97.2% specificity, and 99.0% sensitivity. Model analysis revealed the ability of SNeurodCNN to capture the structural dynamics of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in the frontal lobe, occipital lobe, cerebellum, temporal, and parietal lobe, suggesting its potential as a brain structural change digi-biomarker for early AD diagnosis.
Production and downstream processing optimization of plant-made Osmotin and its functional analysis
Authors: Nawaz Taufiq , Khan Umair , Fahad Shah , Tahmasebi Azade , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Khan Imran
Published: March 2024

Plant-made therapeutic proteins are getting acceptance because of the cost-effective production that displays equal efficacy to the more established platform such as mammalian or bacterial-based production systems. This study demonstrates that the stable expression of recombinant osmotin (rOSM) expressed and purified in large amounts is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) lettuce leaf tissues. In this study, we designed experiments to explore a plant-based system for the expression of rOSM known for exhibiting antifungal activity and stress tolerance. The codon-optimized osmotin sequences for higher expression in lettuce were added with 6xHistag and ER retention signal peptide and three independent transgenic lines were generated and screened for transgene expression with PCR. The protein extraction was optimized considering the impact of ultrasonication, PIC, and tween-20 impact on total protein extraction. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the induction of ~ 28.5 kDa recombinant fusion protein and ELISA quantitation was carried out to confirm the expression level of 127 mg/kg fresh weight (FW) in lettuce leaf tissues. The method has been developed to purify recombinant proteins from leaf tissues with relatively convenient manual techniques for histidine-tagged protein with final product purity of > 90%. The functional analysis of purified proteins exhibited antifungal activity was verified using two human pathogenic fungal strains. In addition, the expression of rOSM made this plant more versatile to tolerate adverse environmental conditions when compared with wild-type cultivars. In this study, we demonstrated that the lettuce plant can produce a high level of functional protein and therefore is a promising production system for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, we outline the dual functionality of expressing osmotin for the synthesis of therapeutic proteins, thereby endowing engineered plants with enhanced stress tolerance.
A new α-CBC polymer with elevated heat-resistance prepared via catalytic hydrogenation of α-methylstyrene-butadiene-styrene terpolymer over Ni x Pd/NCNT@MFN monolithic catalyst
Authors: Cao Chun-Yan , Qian Shao-Kang , Cao Gui-Ping , Yan Jun-Yang , Gao Peng , Ji Shuang
Published: March 2024

Elevating the heat resistance of the highly transparent cyclic block copolymer CBC is of great significance for the synthesis of high performance polymers. In this study, a novel bimetallic Ni x Pd/NCNT@MFN catalyst was prepared and applied in the hydrogenation of α methylstyrene butadiene styrene ( α SBS) ternary block copolymer. Ni 2 Pd/NCNT@MFN exhibited excellent catalytic performance, and after 8 hour s of reaction, a new fully hydrogenated polymer α CBC was obtained. The hydrogenation of the butadiene segment in α SBS bec a me more difficult as the length of the segment increase d . The pr esence of α methyl result ed in the highest adsorption activation energy for the α methylstyrene monomer unit, leading to a longer hydrogenation time with increasing length of this segment. Furthermore, t he introduction of α methylstyrene not only increased the glass transition temperature of the styrene and α methylstyrene S) segment s in α SBS, but also increased the glass transition temperature of α CBC even more after hydrogenation. This conclusion provides valuable theoretical guidance for the synthesis of high heat resistant α CBC polymers.
Assessing Muscle Quality as a Key Predictor of Fall Risk in Older Adults
Authors: MICHEL Emeline , ZORY Raphael , GUERIN Olivier , PRATE Frederic , SACCO Guillaume , CHORIN Fréderic
Published: March 2024

Background
Falling is an important public health issue because of its high frequency and severe consequences. Evaluating muscle performance is important when assessing the risk of falling. The aim of this study was to identify factors (namely muscle functionality and spatio-temporal gait attributes) that best discriminate between fallers and non-fallers in older adults. The main hypothesis is that muscle quality, defined as the ratio of muscle strength to muscle mass, is the best predictor of fall risk.
Methods
184 patients were included, 81% (n = 150) were women and the mean age was 73.6 ± 6.83 years. We compared the body composition, mean handgrip strength, spatio-temporal parameters and muscle function (strength, quality and power) of fallers and non-fallers. Muscle quality was calculated as the ratio of maximum strength to fat-free mass. Mean handgrip strength and power were also weighted by fat-free mass.
Results
The falling patients had lower muscle quality, weighted power and mean weighted handgrip strength than the non-falling patients. The univariate analysis, logistic regression and ROC curves enabled us to highlight the importance of muscle quality rather than quantity. The ROC curves have shown that muscle quality is the most predictive factor of falling.
Conclusion
This study of older adults showed that muscle quality is the best predictor of fall risk, more than muscle mass and spatial and temporal gait parameters. Our results confirm that muscle quality is a clinically meaningful assessment and may be a useful complement to other assessments for fall prevention in the ageing population.
RETRACTED: 2D nonlinear inversion of DC resistivity measurements, A case study; southeastern part of Ras El Dabaa, Northwestern coast, Egypt
Authors: zarif Fardous , Barseem Mostafa , Elshenawy Ahmed , Ulugergerli Emin
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Kawasaki disease with shock as the primary manifestation: How to distinguish from toxic shock syndrome？ A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Weijuan , Wang Huixia , Wang Huijiao , Cheng Jun
Published: March 2024

Background
Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis syndrome of small to medium-sized arteries that has typical clinical characteristics such as fever, rash, cervical lymphadenopathy, conjunctivitis, and mucosal changes. Cardiac manifestations, including coronary artery aneurysms, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death, are the most serious complications observed in KD. On rare occasions, it may accompanied with reduced organ perfusion due to systolic hypotension, a condition known as Kawasaki disease shock syndrome (KDSS). KDSS is a serious complication that can be presented to the emergency department(ED) as an initial feature when typical clinical symptoms of KD have not be detected.
Case Presentation
We report the case of a twelve-year-old boy admitted with prolonged fever, bilateral non-purulent conjunctivitis, and shock symptoms such as hypotension and tachycardia. Laboratory findings showed elevated inflammatory markers, hypoalbuminemia, and sterile pyuria. He was initially treated with intravenous cefotaxime and vancomycin considering the possible diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome(TSS), while the treatment was not effective. Subsequent Chest computerized tomography(CT) and ultrasound identified pulmonary consolidation and polyserous effusion. Echocardiography revealed mild biatrial dilatation and mild valvular regurgitation with preserved left ventricular function. After a multidisciplinary consultation, a diagnosis of KDSS was made. To prevent coronary artery lesions and other severe complications, the patient immediately received immunoglobulin, corticoid, and acetylsalicylic acid. Soon afterwards, he showed significant improvement, with resolution of fever, polyserous effusions, and hypotension. Follow-up echocardiography revealed normal results.
Conclusions
This case indicated that elder children with KD are even more likely to develop KDSS. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for KD and consider pulmonary involvement and polyserous effusions as potential complications. For children with KD, any symptoms pointing to infection should be carefully considered. When there is no etiologic evidence, antibiotics should be used with caution. Our case also highlights the importance of considering KDSS as a differential diagnosis in children presenting with prolonged fever and shock. Early recognition, timely treatment, and close monitoring are key to preventing severe complications and ensuring favorable outcomes in patients with KDSS.
Percutaneous Gastric Embolisation in Obese Patients: A Prospective Study of Mid-Term Outcomes
Authors: Suárez Carlos Ivan Soledispa , Cedeño Robert Alarcón , Fonseca Luis Mariano de la Torre , Bonilla Stephanie Susana Alberca , Cedeño Fabiola Loor , Fajardo Mayra Elizabeth Briones , Salvadores Pablo Juan
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Obesity represents one of the most pressing public health challenges that needs to be solved globally, with serious health implications. Percutaneous gastric embolisation has emerged as a promising technique in the management of obesity.
Objective
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between endovascular procedure and weight loss in obese patients. In addition, to determine the complications related to percutaneous gastric embolisation in these patients.
Design:
Prospective longitudinal cohort study during the period from 1 January to 31 December 2022 and received treatment with percutaneous gastric embolisation
Setting:
This study includes patients admitted to the Haemodynamics Service of the Cardiovascular Health Institute during the year 2022.
Participants:
This study includes 15 patients diagnosed with grade III obesity who met the following criteria: patients ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of obesity as determined by a body mass index greater than 30 kg/m2 and less than 40 kg/m 2, admitted between January to December 2022, and patients with a diagnosis of obesity with BMI > 40 kg/m2 with contraindication or refusal of bariatric.
Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s):
This is one of the largest studies in percutaneous gastric embolisation an obese population, while assessing the sustainability of weight loss outcomes. The main findings of the study can be summarised as follows: a) The procedure is safe without major complications, ulcers or gastric ischaemia, b) These technique achieves significant weight loss that is maintained over time.
Results
86.7% were successful. Treated patients experienced significant weight loss when comparing baseline weight (101.2 ± 23.0 SE = 5.9) with weight at 6 months after the interventional procedure (91.5 ± 19.8, SE = 5.1) t(14) = 5.3, p < 0.001, d = 0.45. Especially males (106.7 ± 18.4, p = 0.01). No major vascular complications, gastric ulcer or ischaemia, or abdominal symptoms were documented in any of the patients included in the study. Only 6 patients (40%) presented with epigastralgia, 9 (60%) with nausea and 3 (20%) with vomiting.
Conclusions
Percutaneous gastric embolisation is an effective and safe procedure to reduce body mass index with a high success rate, well tolerated by obese patients, without major complications, whose results are maintained over time.
Anti-microbial and Anti-insecticidal activity along with GC-MS report of Lantana camara and development of Innovative Insecticide
Authors: Agrawal Kashish , Gokhale Mamta , Faraz Rumana
Published: March 2024

Weeds are still major problem in all over the World. Human society is unable for total eradication of weed till today. It is demand of time that we must move towards positive aspect of weeds. Present work is based on the same strategy, in which an innovative product is developed using the leaves of Lantana camara. The leaves of the L.camara have fungicidal, antibacterial and insecticidal activities. During the process of development of product ethanolic extract of leaves was analysed for its antimicrobial analysis, secondary metabolite analysis and activity against insects. Antimicrobial activity was tested against three pathogenic bacterial strains i.e.; Micrococcus luteus, Citrobacter freundii, Staphylococcus aureus and two fungal strains i.e.;Aspergillus niger and Paecilomyces sinensis. The fungi Paecilomyces sinesisis an Entomopathogenic fungi, that infect and kill harmful insects. In some cases, it is also found as Endophytic fungi.
The maximum zone of inhibition was found in Citrobacter freundii and Aspergillus niger when tested with 10% concentration of ethanolic extract of L.camara. Secondary metabolite analysis was performed using GC-MS,which reveals 27 compounds. The research reveals that Diethyl Phthalate has the maximum area percent in this ethanolic extract which is mainly used in insecticides. Anti-insecticidal activity was analyzed on the plant Calotrope gigantea against the insect Oleander aphid and on the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis against the insect Aphis fabae.
Longitudinal soluble marker profiles reveal strong association between cytokine storms resulting from macrophage activation and disease severity in COVID-19 disease
Authors: Meijgaarden Krista van , Veen Suzanne , Tsonaka Roula , Ruibal Paula , Roukens Anna HE , Arbous M Sesmu , Manniën Judith , Cannegieter Suzanne C , Ottenhoff Tom HM , Joosten Simone A , Geluk BEAT-COVID group ,   COVID19 LUMC group Rosendaal
Published: March 2024

SARS-CoV2 infection results in a range of disease severities, but the underlying differential pathogenesis is still not completely understood. At presentation it remains difficult to estimate and predict severity, in particular, identify individuals at greatest risk of progression towards the most severe disease-states. Here we used advanced models with circulating serum analytes as variables in combination with daily assessment of disease severity using the SCODA-score, not only at single time points but also during the course of disease, to correlate analyte levels and disease severity. We identified a remarkably strong pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine profile in serum which correlated with COVID-19 disease severity and overall outcome. Although precise analyte levels differed, resulting biomarker profiles were highly similar at early and late disease stages, and even during convalescence similar biomarkers were elevated. Taken together, strong pro-inflammatory marker profiles were identified in patients with COVID-19 disease which correlated with overall outcome and disease severity.
Predicting Bone Degradation Using Vision Transformer and Synthetic Cellular Microstructures Dataset
Authors: Hashemi Moahmmad Saber , Sheidaei Azadeh
Published: March 2024

Bone degradation, especially for astronauts in microgravity conditions, is crucial for space exploration missions since the lower applied external forces accelerate the diminution in bone stiffness and strength substantially. Although existing computational models help us understand this phenomenon and possibly restrict its effect in the future, they are time-consuming to simulate the changes in the bones, not just the bone microstructures, of each individual in detail. In this study, a robust yet fast computational method to predict and visualize bone degradation has been developed. Our deep-learning method, TransVNet, can take in different 3D voxelized images and predict their evolution throughout months utilizing a hybrid 3D-CNN-VisionTransformer autoencoder architecture. Because of limited available experimental data and challenges of obtaining new samples, a digital twin dataset of diverse and initial bone-like microstructures was generated to train our TransVNet on the evolution of the 3D images through a previously developed degradation model for microgravity.
Article Highlights:
• Long-term manned space missions face the challenges of microgravity-accelerated bone degradation.
• We developed a suitable AI generalizing and accelerating the bone degradation prediction using our synthetic dataset.
• The results show the high accuracy and scalability of our proposed TransVNet compared with conventional models.
Reviving the Critically Ill: Exploring Effective Fluid Resuscitation Approaches for Diverse Hypovolemic Shock Cases – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shaban Eman , Elgassim Mohamed , Shaban Ahmed , Ahmed Amina , Mohamed Mazin Sharafeldien Elsayed , Elgassim Moayad , Lloyd Stuart , Zaki Hany
Published: March 2024

Background
Hypovolemic shock is a potentially life-threatening condition, which when left untreated, may result in multiple organ failure. This condition is characterized by circulatory failure as a result of intravascular volume loss; therefore, fluid resuscitation is fundamental for its management. Fluid resuscitation constitutes a wide range of products generally classified as colloids or crystalloids. However, the ideal fluid for resuscitation is still the subject of debate. The present study was performed to investigate the efficacy of different resuscitation fluids in critically ill patients presenting any type of hypovolemic shock.
Methods
We comprehensively searched PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for randomized trials published in English from January 1990 to August 2023. The risk of bias and methodological quality assessment was performed using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool embedded within the Review Manager software (RevMan 5.4.1). Moreover, this software was used to perform all the statistical analyses in the present study. During these analyses, the random effects model and 95% confidence interval was employed.
Results
Our initial database search resulted in 4768 articles, of which only 16 were reviewed and analyzed. A subgroup analysis of data from 4 of these studies showed that hydroxyethyl starches (HES), gelatins and albumins had no significant mortality benefit compared to crystalloids (RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.75–1.17; p = 0.58, RR: 0.71; 95% 0.46–1.08; p = 0.11 and RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.77–1.43; p = 0.77, respectively). Similarly, a subgroup analysis of data from 9 studies showed that hypertonic saline plus dextran (HSD) had no significant mortality benefit over normal saline (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.62–1.13; p = 0.24) or Lactated ringer’s solution (RR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.75–1.42; p = 0.87). In addition, we found that hypertonic saline had a similar effect on the overall mortality as isotonic crystalloids (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.68–1.25; p = 0.60). Also, our analysis shows that modified fluid gelatins had a similar mortality effect as HES ((RR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.52–2.02; p = 0.95).
Conclusion.
Colloids, whether individually or in hypertonic crystalloids (HSD), had no mortality benefit over crystalloids in adult patients with hypovolemic shock.
Significant bias in pond surface temperature measurements caused by solar radiation
Authors: Bärenbold Fabian , Bouffard Damien , Schmid Martin
Published: March 2024

Water temperature is a key abiotic factor routinely measured in ponds and lakes. Here we investigate potential inaccuracies in water temperature measurements caused by the heating of loggers by direct solar radiation. We conducted a comparative analysis between surface temperature measurements obtained from deploying three different logger types in a small pond and a large lake. For temperature loggers with sensing element inside the housing, our results show temperature differences up to 0.8°C between shielded and non-shielded loggers in the small pond. This temperature excess of the non-shielded logger correlates with solar radiation measurements, suggesting that indeed direct solar radiation is the main source of uncertainty for non-shielded loggers at the water surface. In contrast, a more accurate logger with sensing element outside the logger housing was found to remain comparably insensitive to direct solar radiation with temperature difference never exceeding 0.3°C even in the small pond. Finally, measurement differences were always below 0.25°C for all types of loggers in the near-shore of a large lake. We show that using non-shielded temperature loggers to calculate surface heat fluxes may overestimate total heat flux by up to a few tens of Wm− 2 on sunny days. Averaged over longer periods, the overestimation caused by using non-shielded loggers can lead to a bias of a few Wm− 2. In conclusion, we suggest that cheap but widely used temperature loggers with internal sensing element should be protected from direct sunlight when used in still water bodies.
The Short- and Longer-Term Effects of Brief Behavioral Parent Training Versus Care as Usual in Children with Behavioral Difficulties: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Doornik Roos S. van , Oord Saskia van der , Luijckx Joli , Groenman Annabeth P. , Leijten Patty , Luman Marjolein , Hoekstra Pieter J. , Hoofdakker Barbara J. van den , Dekkers Tycho J.
Published: March 2024

Background
The access to and uptake of evidence-based behavioral parent training for children with behavioral difficulties (i.e., oppositional, defiant, aggressive, hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive behavior) are currently limited because of a scarcity of certified therapists and long waiting lists. These problems are in part due to the long and sometimes perceived as rigid nature of most evidence-based programs and result in few families starting behavioral parent training and high dropout rates. Brief and individually tailored parenting interventions may reduce these problems and make behavioral parent training more accessible. This protocol paper describes a two-arm, multi-center, randomized controlled trial on the short- and longer-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a brief, individually tailored behavioral parent training program for children with behavioral difficulties.
Methods
Parents of children aged 2–12 years referred to a child mental healthcare center are randomized to (i) three sessions of behavioral parent training with optional booster sessions or (ii) care as usual. To evaluate effectiveness, our primary outcome is the mean severity of five daily ratings by parents of four selected behavioral difficulties. Secondary outcomes include measures of parent and child behavior, well-being, and parent-child interaction. We explore whether child and parent characteristics moderate intervention effects. To evaluate cost-effectiveness, the use and costs of mental healthcare and utilities are measured. Finally, parents’ and therapists’ satisfaction with the brief program are explored. Measurements take place at baseline (T0), one week after the brief parent training, or eight weeks after baseline (in case of care as usual) (T1), and six months (T2) and twelve months (T3) after T1.
Discussion
The results of this trial could have meaningful societal implications for children with behavioral difficulties and their parents. If we find the brief behavioral parent training to be more (cost-)effective than care as usual, it could be used in clinical practice to make parent training more accessible.
Trial registration:
The trial is prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05591820) on October 24th, 2022 and updated throughout the trial.
Optimizing Photovoltaic Solar Model Parameters
Authors: Jeridi Ahmed , messaoud ramzi ben , zaafouri abderrahmen
Published: March 2024

In the last decade, accurate parameter estimation in photovoltaic (PV) system modeling has gained significant attention due to its crucial role in overall system performance. Despite the complexity of this problem, meta-heuristic algorithms (MHA) show promise, although conventional MHAs often suffer from slow convergence. The challenge lies in developing algorithms that balance exploration and exploitation while accurately determining PV model parameters. A recent approach combines ”War Strategy Optimization” (WSO) and ”Mountaineering Team-Based Optimization” (MTBO), along with the Newton- Raphson technique, to precisely estimate parameters in solar cell models. Evaluations of this new model, WSO-MTBO, confirm its effectiveness, particularly demonstrated through robust testing on three distinct photovoltaic systems, including the RTC France solar cell, over a 30-iteration period. Results highlight the superiority of WSO-MTBO over conventional algorithms, suggesting promising prospects for parameter optimization in photovoltaic systems, thereby enhancing accuracy and design efficiency.
Homocysteine thiolactone and other sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites are associated with fibrin clot properties and the risk of ischemic stroke
Authors: Sikora Marta , Bretes Ewa , Perła-Kaján Joanna , Utyro Olga , Borowczyk Kamila , Piechocka Justyna , Głowacki Rafał , Wojtasz Izabela , Kaźmierski Radosław , Jakubowski Hieronim
Published: March 2024

Homocysteine (Hcy) and Hcy-thiolactone (HTL) affect fibrin clot properties and are linked to cardiovascular disease. Factors that influence fibrin clot properties and stroke are not fully understood. To study sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites, fibrin clot lysis time (CLT) and maximum absorbance (Absmax) in relation to stroke, we analyzed plasma and urine from 200 stroke patients (45.0% women, age 68±12 years) and 291 healthy individuals (59.7% women, age 50±17 years). Plasma and urinary levels of sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites and fibrin slot properties were significantly different in stroke patients compared to healthy individuals. Fibrin CLT correlated with fibrin Absmax in healthy males (R² = 0.439, P = 0.000), females (R² = 0.245, P = 0.000), female stroke patients (R² = 0.187, P = 0.000), but not in male stroke patients (R² = 0.008, P = ns). Fibrin CLT correlated with age in healthy females but not males while fibrin Absmax correlated with age in both sexes; these correlations were absent in stroke patients. In multiple regression analysis in stroke patients, plasma (p)CysGly, pMet, and MTHFR A1298C polymorphism were associated with fibrin Absmax, while urinary (u)HTL, uCysGly, and pCysGly were significantly associated with fibrin CLT. In healthy individuals, uHTL and uGSH were significantly associated with fibrin Absmax, while pGSH, and CBS T833C 844ins68 polymorphism were associated with fibrin CLT. In logistic regression, uHTL, uHcy, pCysGly, pGSH, MTHFR C677T polymorphism, and Absmax were independently associated with stroke. Our findings suggest that HTL and other sulfur-containing amino acid metabolites influence fibrin clot properties and the risk of stroke.
Characterizing the omics landscape based on 10,000+ datasets
Authors: Brombacher Eva , Schilling Oliver , Kreutz Clemens
Published: March 2024

The characteristics of data produced by omics technologies are pivotal, as they critically influence the feasibility and effectiveness of computational methods applied in downstream analyses, such as data harmonization and differential abundance analyses. Furthermore, variability in these data characteristics across datasets plays a crucial role, leading to diverging outcomes in benchmarking studies, which are the basis for guiding the selection of appropriate analysis methods in all omics fields. At the same time, downstream analysis tools are developed and used in distinct omics communities due to the presumed differing data characteristics arising from the respective omics technology.
We investigate on over ten thousand datasets how proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and microbiome data vary in specific data characteristics.
We were able to show patterns of data characteristics specific to the investigated omics types and provide a tool, which allows researchers to characterize and assess how representative a given omics dataset is for an omics discipline. Moreover, we illustrate how data characteristics can impact analysis at the example of normalization in the presence of sample-dependent proportions of missing values.
Due to the varying nature of the investigated omics data characteristics, we encourage the inspection of data characteristics in the context of benchmark studies and for downstream analyses to prevent suboptimal method selection and unintended bias.
Investigation of Lawsuit Process Duration: A Machine Learning and Process Mining Approach
Authors: Vercosa Luiz , Silva Vinicius , Cruz Jaqueline , Bastos-Filho Carmelo , Leite Byron
Published: March 2024

Delays in legal proceedings can significantly harm both corporate finances and individual lives. While many jurisdictions rely on subjective criteria such as reasonable process duration to manage case processing times, machine learning offers an alternative approach by estimating lawsuit durations and assessing the impact of multiple variables on these timelines. This study explores the use of machine learning to estimate lawsuit duration, considering multiple variables, including control-flow characteristics. We observed that the sequences of procedural movements exhibit complex patterns, making them suitable for analysis using clustering techniques employed in process mining. We framed the problem as a supervised learning regression task, incorporating clustering results as additional features. Employing linear regression, support vector regression, and gradient boosting methods, we analyzed over 60,000 cases from Brazilian labor courts. The gradient boosting model achieved an R2-score of 0.87, and feature importance analysis revealed that clustering techniques features emerged among the most significant in time estimation.
Effect of Laser Beam Power on AA6082 Plates Joined by Wobbling Mode Remote Laser Welding
Authors: AVCI UĞUR , Franciosa Pasquale
Published: March 2024

The advancement of technology has led to an increased need for new materials, which has necessitated the development of new joining techniques. With the adaptation of advanced automation technology, remote laser welding, which has become increasingly widespread, has facilitated the joining of desired complex structures. In this context, the determination of the laser beam power, which is the locomotive of the welding parameters, before the joining process has played an important role in the weld quality. In this study, 2 mm thick AA6082 plates were joined with a wobling mode remote laser welding system using 4 kW, 3 kW and 2.5 kW laser beam powers. Except for the laser beam power, other parameters were optimized by preliminary studies. The welding process was performed in circular oscillation mode and the time-dependent motion of the laser beam was calculated in advance. The seam geometry, microstructure and hardness properties of the weld line initial, middle and end regions of each joining plate were investigated. As a result of the investigations, full penetration was achieved in the joints made with 4 kW and 3 kW laser powers, but the use of 4kW laser power reduced the weld quality. As a result of using 2.5 kw laser power, full penetration was not achieved and porosity formations were observed. In addition, seam geometry values, HAZ distance and compound dimensions close to the fusion line decreased and weld zone element values changed with decreasing laser power. The transformation in structural and elemental values caused regional hardness changes.
Navigating the Diagnostic Maze: A Case Report and Narrative Review of Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome
Authors: Yao Xuefan , Li Yuzhe , He Aini , Zhao Benke , Sun Wei , Wu Xiao , Song Haiqing
Published: March 2024

Background: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a condition characterized by thunderclap headaches (TCHs), namely sudden and severe headaches that peak within few seconds. These headaches present diagnostic difficulties due to their diversity and low specificity, often leading to misdiagnoses and patient dissatisfaction.
Case presentation: Our case focused on a 52-year-old female who was initially misdiagnosed with migraines. Her journey from misdiagnosis to accurate identification of RCVS involved a series of key steps: initial misunderstanding, careful reconsideration, thorough re-examination, and finally conclusive diagnosis for treatment revision. This progression highlighted the challenges of distinguishing RCVS from other headache disorders, especially when the initial symptoms mimic more common conditions such as migraines. There was a significant shift in the patient's attitude throughout her entire treatment. Initially frustrated with the misdiagnosis, she eventually understood the complexities of diagnosing such atypical cases. It is worth noting that she expressed reluctance toward invasive treatments and favoured conservative management approaches.
Conclusion: This case emphasized the crucial role of timely diagnosis, detailed clinical evaluation and advanced imaging in RCVS diagnosis, highlighting the importance of effective doctor-patient communication in managing expectations and understanding patient preferences for treatment. By focusing on the unique features of RCVS and promoting open dialog with patients, healthcare professionals can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction, thereby achieving better overall outcomes in managing this complex condition.
Stable Cross -Section Index (SCSI): a new method to describe channel stability- A case study of the Ichamati River in a selected stretch along the Indo-Bangladesh international border
Authors: MONDAL MADHAB
Published: March 2024

The Ichamati river is an important drainage system of the district of North 24 Parganas, India, and as well as the Satkhira district of Bangladesh, flows southward indicating a common international boundary a 30 km long reach and thus posses an international character. The decaying condition of the river is the consequence of the miseries of the people of both countries. The river claims holistic management, but this common section is the hindrance of it. This article based on the unpublished secondary data, collected through a field visit by Ministers of Water Resources of both countries in September 2006, and besides this the hydraulic data were collected by the author by AA price Current meter. This paper has focused on a new method, Stable Cross–Section Index (SCSI) which is the numerical representation of the 2D standard form of any cross-section. To justify the SCSI, different parameters and methodology (ADAI) also have been implemented. The hydrological parameters such as discharge, Froude number, specific energy established a constant hydraulic regime in this section. The width, area, hydraulic radius remained insignificantly unchanged throughout the reach but significantly it is noticed that depth has been changed with the hydrological coefficient. The SCSI identified the stability of the river as average and below-average, which is constant throughout the reach with respective discharge.
Exclusion of third-party arthropods conditions the efficiency of an attract and reward strategy against Dysaphis plantaginea in apple orchards
Authors: Yguel Benjamin , Peñalver-Cruz Ainara , Heintz Christelle , Braud Ferreol , Cattaneo Christian , Gaucher Matthieu , Brisset Marie-noelle , Didelot Frederique , Jaloux Bruno , Moindziwa Ismael , Bricout Margot
Published: March 2024

The rosy apple aphid is a major pest of apple orchards, potentially ant tended. The use of generalist insecticides is the principal management method to control this pest. Lately, the attract and reward strategy has emerged as a promising conservation biological control method, combining semiochemicals as attractant, and companion plants as natural enemies’ supplementary food sources. Because of complex trophic and mutualistic interactions within the agroecosystem between the pest and other arthropod species, this strategy has to be carefully evaluated. We conducted a sentinel plant experiment in apple orchards to investigate the individual and combined efficiency of the attract and reward strategies to control rosy apple aphid in early and late spring. The proximate environment of each potted apple sentinel plants was manipulated by the addition of potted semiochemicals-emitting apple seedlings and/or a potted extrafloral nectar producing plant. An exclosure factor was added to evaluate the role of ground dwelling predators and ants. We observed that the attract and reward strategy significantly increased the biological control of the rosy apple aphid only when third party arthropod were excluded and in early spring. Exclusion did exclude ants in early and late spring; we did not find any effect of the exclusion nor of the individual or combined attract and reward strategies on Araneae and Syrphidae. Attract and reward components combined appears to be an effective strategy, if third party arthropods are excluded. This study emphasizes that understanding trophic, competitive and mutualistic interactions is needed to design effective conservation biological control strategy.
H2S-driven Chemotherapy and Mild Photothermal Therapy Induced Mitochondrial Reprogramming to Promote Cuproptosis
Authors: Qiao Lihong , Ou Yijing , Li Lin , Wu Shuzhen , Guo Yanxian , Liu Mu , Yu Dongsheng , Chen Qinghua , Yuan Jianmin , Wei Chuanqi , Ou Chiyi , Li Haowen , Cheng Du , Yu Zhiqiang , Li Zhongjun
Published: March 2024

The high level of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in colon cancer hinders complete cure with a single therapy. However, excess H2S also offers a treatment target. A multifunctional cascade bioreactor based on the H2S-responsive mesoporous Cu2Cl(OH)3-loaded hypoxic prodrug tirapazamine (TPZ), in which the outer layer was coated with hyaluronic acid to form TPZ@Cu2Cl(OH)3-HA (TPZ@CuO) nanoparticles (NPs), demonstrated enhanced efficacy for H2S-driven chemotherapy and mild photothermal therapy induced mitochondrial reprogramming to promote cuproptosis. The drug was injected through the caudal vein and concentrated in colon cancer through its enhanced permeability, retention effects, and active targeting. The photothermic agent copper sulfide (Cu9S8) was prepared in situ by reacting with excess H2S and near-infrared II, thereby releasing TPZ. When H2S content was sufficiently depleted, the induction of mitochondrial reprogramming stimulated oxygen consumption by colonic epithelial cells. Activation of the hypoxic prodrug TPZ yielded activated TPZ-ed for chemotherapeutic treatment of colon cancer. Further exacerbation of hypoxia inhibited the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, leading to decreased expression of heat shock proteins and improving the effectiveness of mild photothermal therapy. Additionally, copper ions were enriched in colon cancer, and Cu2+ bound to lipoacylated dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT), inducing DLAT heteromerization. The increase in insoluble DLAT led to cytotoxicity and cell death, followed by cuproptosis. Simultaneously, Cu2+ generated highly catalytic Cu+ under conditions of increased GSH expression, which catalyzed H2O2 to produce highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) during chemodynamic therapy, inducing apoptosis. These results offer a new NP-based treatment modality that can promote copper-related synergistic combination therapy in various ways.
Data governance and ethics in digital health surveillance for emerging infectious diseases
Authors: Thiongane¹ Oumy , Martin² Louise , Thys¹ Séverine , Arsevska¹ Elena
Published: March 2024

Epidemic intelligence, and in particular, its component of digital health surveillance, combines multiple large, heterogeneous datasets, often by using artificial intelligence (AI) systems to detect, monitor, and assess threats relevant to public and animal health. This could raise significant ethical issues regarding data sources, natural language processing, user privacy and consent, among others. The European Commission is highly engaged in how European projects using AI for health data and digital health surveillance comply with the General Data Protection Regulation and ethical principles. This work aimed to better understand the governance of data in the H2020 MOOD (Monitoring Outbreak for Disease Surveillance in Data Science Context) project. The authors also studied the perceptions and views of researchers on ethical risks and suggested actions to mitigate these risks in an international multisource Big Data Analytics and One Health project. First, a data mapping approach was used to determine the origin and destination of the data in the project. Participatory observations were conducted to understand the data scientists at work. Information was also collected through a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with eight project researchers ranging from data scientists to epidemiologists and ethics experts; a quantitative survey of all consortium members complemented this process. Big data and AI systems have enormous potential for strengthening healthcare delivery, including deploying different public health interventions such as disease surveillance, outbreak response and health system management. However, some risks and constraints could hamper the reliability of data analysis and AI systems, such as the deidentification, lack of privacy, compliance with Twitter Application Programming Interfaces terms of use, and the risk of reproducing bias and stigmatisation of minorities. Our findings suggest that few researchers could be reluctant to work and establish action to mitigate ethical risk depending on the approach used in ethical counselling for European and transdisciplinary projects. The philosophical and comprehensive approach to ethics is judged softer when comparing the legal and more constraining requirements to comply with the law. Using Big, multisource EI data in a One Health framework requires consideration of strong ethical principles that safeguard users’ privacy and constant ethical support for researchers.
Research on Three-Dimensional Pose Reconstruction of Experimental Mice with Depth Information Fusion
Authors: Hu Chunhai , Liu Xiaonan , Liu Bin
Published: March 2024

The 2D video analysis technology has propelled research in rodent behavioral studies towards automated and high-fidelity analysis of behavioral data. Precise posture detection serves as a crucial prerequisite for behavior quantification. However, 2D video analysis falls short in determining the three-dimensional pose of mice. Existing methods for three-dimensional pose reconstruction often rely on multi-view cameras, which are costly and lack real-time capabilities. Therefore, this paper introduces a method that integrates depth information for three-dimensional pose reconstruction of experimental mice. The approach involves constructing a skeletal model of experimental mouse poses based on multiple keypoints. Utilizing a single low-cost depth camera, the Intel RealSense D455, data is collected from a top-down perspective as RGB-D data. To address the keypoint detection challenge, this study designs and improves the YOLOv7 network model. Omni-dimensional dynamic convolutions and coordinate attention mechanisms are respectively introduced into the feature extraction and fusion layers to enhance detection accuracy. Ghost convolutions are incorporated into the feature extraction layer to achieve a lightweight network design. Through ablation experiments, this network model achieves high precision and real-time keypoint detection performance on RGB images. The network model attains an average PCK (Probability of Correct Keypoint) of 97.71$\%$ for ten mouse keypoints, with a real-time frame rate of 70.47 frames. Subsequently, the depth information provided by the depth camera is optimized. Two-dimensional keypoint coordinates are employed as indices to retrieve corresponding depth values, completing the three-dimensional pose reconstruction. The reconstructed three-dimensional poses are then utilized for the analysis of mouse behavior in the vertical dimension during open field experiments. This research method offers a more comprehensive and accurate representation of experimental mouse motion, posture, and behavior, thereby contributing to a more detailed and profound understanding of behavioral studies.
A Comparison of Quantitative and Semi-quantitative Methods for Assessing Cartilage Status and Change Over Time; Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Ray Aaron , Brett Alan D. , Dube Bright , Bowes Michael A. , Rowbothom Emma , Conaghan Philip G.
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
The aim of this study was to compare the cross-sectional relationship and longitudinal responsiveness of the semi-quantitative MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) with automated quantitative cartilage thickness measures.
Methods:
Images and MOAKS scores from 297 participants with evidence of radiographic progression (groups 1 and 2) from the OAI FNIH sub-cohort were included. To facilitate direct comparison, novel quantitative measures of cartilage loss (termed Q-MOAKS) were matched to MOAKS regions. Mean normative cartilage thickness was computed for each subregion using OAI non-OA controls. The Q-MOAKS thickness loss score was based on the proportion of cartilage thickness over a subregion that was <95% normative thickness, the denudation score was based on <5% normative thickness. Q-MOAKS area proportions were categorised into scores as for MOAKS. Quantitative cartilage thickness (ThCtAB) was also measured in MOAKS subregions. We compared MOAKS against Q-MOAKS and ThCtAB cross-sectionally using Spearman’s rank correlation and descriptive statistics including proportions and boxplots. Longitudinally, responsiveness was assessed at 1 and 2 years using standardised response means (SRM).
Results:
Cross-sectionally, there was a poor correlation between MOAKS and Q-MOAKS thickness loss and denudation scores in all regions except central medial femur (cMF) and tibia (cMT) with moderate correlation for thickness loss scores cMF, ρ=0.59, (95%CI:0.51, 0.66) cMT, ρ=0.58, (0.50, 0.65). In cMF, despite the broad range for the MOAKS thickness loss score = 2 (10-75% region surface area), only 56% (89/159) of knees were Q-MOAKS = 2 and 23% of MOAKS denudation = 2 were represented in Q-MOAKS = 2. In cMT, the results for similar comparisons were 61% and 66% respectively. MOAKS appeared to overestimate grades 2 and 3. Over 2-year follow-up MOAKS thickness loss and denudation scores were less responsive than Q-MOAKS in most subregions. MOAKS thickness loss was most responsive in cMT (SRM=0.47, (95%CI:0.41, 0.54)). ThCtAB was substantially more responsive: SRM=-0.84, (-0.96, -0.73) in this region.
Conclusion:
Though MOAKS status scores showed reasonable correlation with quantitative measures of thickness in medial compartments, concordance between MOAKS and quantitative cartilage area loss was poor. Quantitative measures of thickness loss were substantially more responsive as MOAKS scores over a 1 and 2-year period.