bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient and public involvement in abortion research: reflections from the Shaping Abortion for Change (SACHA) Study
Authors: Blaylock Rebecca , Lewandowska Maria , Kelly Charlotte , Gunn Becky , Meiksin Rebecca , Scott Rachel H , Palmer Melissa J , Wellings Kaye , Lohr Patricia A , French Rebecca S , N/A The SACHA Study Team
Published: February 2024

Patient and public involvement (PPI) is limited within abortion-related research. Possible reasons for this include concerns about engaging with a stigmatised patient group who value confidentiality and may be reluctant to re-engage with services. Structural barriers, including limited funding for abortion-related research, also prevent researchers from creating meaningful PPI opportunities. Here, we describe lessons learnt on undertaking PPI as part of the Shaping Abortion for Change (SACHA) Study, which sought to create an evidence base to guide new directions in abortion care in Britain.

Two approaches to PPI were used: involving patients and the public in the oversight of the research and its dissemination as lay advisors, and group meetings to obtain patients’ views on interpretation of findings and recommendations. All participants observed the SACHA findings aligned with their own experiences of having an abortion in Britain. These priorities aligned closely with those identified in a separate expert stakeholder consultation undertaken as part of the SACHA Study. One additional priority which had not been identified during the research was identified by the PPI participants.

We found abortion patients to be highly motivated to engage in the group meetings, and participation in them actively contributed to the destigmatisation of abortion by giving them a space to share their experiences. This may alleviate any ethical concerns about conducting research and PPI on abortion, including the assumption that revisiting an abortion experience will cause distress. We hope that our reflections are useful to others considering PPI in abortion-related research and service improvement.
Twin studies as an innovative approach to address research questions in cancer care within primary care settings
Authors: Sahu Monalisha
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes the utilisation of twin studies as a novel and powerful methodological approach to investigate critical research questions pertaining to cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship within primary care contexts. The inherent genetic similarity between monozygotic (MZ) (identical) twins provides a unique opportunity to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on cancer-related outcomes. MZ twins share virtually identical genetic makeup, offering a unique opportunity to discern the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to cancer-related outcomes. In contrast, dizygotic (DZ) twins, also known as fraternal twins, develop from two separate eggs fertilised by two different sperm and share on average 50% of their genetic material, the same level of genetic similarity found in non-twin siblings. Comparisons between MZ and DZ twins enable researchers to disentangle hereditary factors from shared environmental influences. This methodology has the potential to advance our understanding of the multifaceted interplay between genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors and healthcare interventions in the context of cancer care. This paper outlines the rationale, design considerations and potential applications of twin studies in primary care-based cancer research
Non-invasive biomarkers of disease activity and organ damage in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a systematic review
Authors: Renson Thomas , Kelly Margaret M , Benediktsson Hallgrimur , Grundhoefer Nele , Luca Nadia , Miettunen Paivi , Twilt Marinka , Grisaru Silviu , Wade Andrew , Banks Anke , Fifi-Mah Aurore , Hamiwka Lorraine , Benseler Susanne
Published: February 2024

Background

In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), histopathological assessment of affected tissue is often necessary for diagnosis and assessment of disease extent. There is a requirement for validated non-invasive biomarkers to avoid the need for serial tissue biopsies.

Methods

A systematic review of scientific databases from 2012 until present was performed to identify studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist for cohort, case–control and cross-sectional studies and the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomised Studies, or the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool 2.0 for randomised controlled trials. A descriptive synthesis of the data for non-invasive (blood-based or urinary) biomarkers of AAV-related disease activity and organ damage was performed.

Results

Twenty-two high quality studies were included. These articles reported the value of blood-based and urinary biomarkers including anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, immune cells, complement factors, gene expression profiles, cytokines, chemokines and other proteins in the assessment of disease activity and/or organ damage in patients with AAV. Many of these biomarkers involve the alternative complement pathway, neutrophil activation and macrophage activation.

Conclusion

This is the first contemporary systematic review synthesising the value of non-invasive biomarkers of AAV-related disease activity and organ damage. The incorporation of individual markers in combined biomarker profiles might enhance clinical decision-making. Many unmet needs were identified; few studies involve oeosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and patients with childhood-onset AAV. Further validation of the candidate biomarkers is warranted in large prospective studies to bridge the existing knowledge gaps and apply precision health to systemic vasculitis.
Metabolic and molecular imaging in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Noversa de Sousa Rita , Tascilar Koray , Corte Giulia , Atzinger Armin , Minopoulou Ioanna , Ohrndorf Sarah , Waldner Maximilian , Schmidkonz Christian , Kuwert Torsten , Knieling Ferdinand , Kleyer Arnd , Ramming Andreas , Schett Georg , Simon David , Fagni Filippo
Published: February 2024

It is known that metabolic shifts and tissue remodelling precede the development of visible inflammation and structural organ damage in inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as the inflammatory arthritides. As such, visualising and measuring metabolic tissue activity could be useful to identify biomarkers of disease activity already in a very early phase. Recent advances in imaging have led to the development of so-called ‘metabolic imaging’ tools that can detect these changes in metabolism in an increasingly accurate manner and non-invasively.

Nuclear imaging techniques such as18F-D-glucose and fibroblast activation protein inhibitor-labelled positron emission tomography are increasingly used and have yielded impressing results in the visualisation (including whole-body staging) of inflammatory changes in both early and established arthritis. Furthermore, optical imaging-based bedside techniques such as multispectral optoacoustic tomography and fluorescence optical imaging are advancing our understanding of arthritis by identifying intra-articular metabolic changes that correlate with the onset of inflammation with high precision and without the need of ionising radiation.

Metabolic imaging holds great potential for improving the management of patients with inflammatory arthritis by contributing to early disease interception and improving diagnostic accuracy, thereby paving the way for a more personalised approach to therapy strategies including preventive strategies. In this narrative review, we discuss state-of-the-art metabolic imaging methods used in the assessment of arthritis and inflammation, and we advocate for more extensive research endeavours to elucidate their full field of application in rheumatology.
Consequences of anemia in geriatric hip fractures: how low is too low?
Authors: Bruce Kimberli , Mangram Alicia , Sucher Joseph F , Blake Nuria , Balcome Charles D , Prokuski Laura , Dzandu James , Barletta Jeffrey F , Shirah Gina R
Published: February 2024

Background

The transfusion threshold for low hemoglobin (Hgb) in geriatric patients with hip fractures is widely debated. In certain populations, low Hgb is associated with poor outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between lowest Hgb and outcome to identify the Hgb threshold where poor outcomes were more prevalent.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with hip fractures, aged ≥60 years, evaluated at two level 1 trauma centers from 2018 to 2021. Patients who did not undergo operative fixation or had a length of stay <1 day were excluded. The primary endpoint was adverse outcome defined as the composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, new-onset arrhythmia or death. We compared lowest Hgb and possible confounders between patients with and without adverse outcomes. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was performed to identify the threshold for Hgb where adverse outcomes were more prevalent. Multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

We evaluated 935 patients. Mean age was 80±10 years; admission Hgb was 12.5±1.7 g/dL. Diabetes was present in 20%, and 20% had coronary artery disease. Adverse outcomes were noted in 57 patients (6.1%). CART identified ≤7.1 g/dL as the Hgb threshold where adverse outcomes were more prevalent (15% vs. 4.1%, p<0.001). Additionally, a greater number of adverse outcomes were noted in the subgroup of patients having both a hemoglobin ≤7.1 g/dL and advanced age (age >79 years (22%)). After controlling for age, American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status Classification (ASA), antiplatelet medication, admission Hgb, time to operation and blood transfusions, lowest Hgb ≤7.1 g/dL remained a risk factor for adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

In geriatric patients with isolated hip fractures, Hgb ≤7.1 g/dL is associated with a significantly higher rate of adverse outcomes. This risk was most pronounced in patients older than 79 years; particular care should be taken in this demographic.

Level of evidence/study type

Level III/prognostic and epidemiological.
Displacement-based design of shield tunnel lining considering mobilized strength of undrained clay
Authors: Zhang Dong-ming , Ye Zhen-wei , Zhang Jin-zhang , Huang Hong-wei
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a novel displacement–performance design method for the shield tunnel based on the mobilized strength design (MSD) theory. First, the nonlinear relationship between the ground volume loss caused by tunnel excavation and the earth pressure was constructed to obtain the real earth pressure on the tunnel lining. Second, the nonlinear relationship between the convergence displacement of the lining and the ground resistance was established to acquire the subgrade reaction acting on the tunnel lining. Finally, the proposed method was verified by orthogonal numerical experiments and compared with the finite element method (FEM) results. Compared with the FEM, the average deviation of the bending moment and the axial force is about 9% and 1%. The average variation of the bending moment can be reduced to 1% after calibration. The results calculated by this developed method are better than the traditional beam–spring model. Its accuracy is close to the FEM based on the strata–structure concept. Therefore, the proposed method based on MSD theory in this paper has the characteristics of high efficiency and simplicity, which provides a new auxiliary design approach for the structural design of shield tunnels in clay areas.
Heavy neutral lepton corrections to SM boson decays: lepton flavour universality violation in low-scale seesaw realisations
Authors: Abada A. , Kriewald J. , Pinsard E. , Rosauro-Alcaraz S. , Teixeira A. M.
Published: February 2024

We study lepton flavour universality violation in SM boson decays in low-scale seesaw models of neutrino mass generation, also addressing other electroweak precision observables. We compute the electroweak next-to-leading order corrections, which turn out to be important – notably in the case of the invisible decay width of theZboson, for which the corrections can be as large as the current experimental uncertainty. As a well-motivated illustrative study case, we choose a realisation of the Inverse Seesaw mechanism, and discuss the complementary role of lepton flavour conserving, lepton flavour violating and precision observables, both in constraining and in probing such models of neutrino mass generation. Our findings suggest that invisibleZdecays are especially important, potentially at the origin of the most stringent constraints for certain regimes of the Inverse Seesaw (while complying with charge lepton flavour violation and other electroweak precision tests). We also discuss the probing power of the considered observables in view of the expected improvement in experimental precision at FCC-ee.
Neutrino mass models at $$\mu $$TRISTAN
Authors: Dev P. S. Bhupal , Heeck Julian , Thapa Anil
Published: February 2024

We study the prospects of probing neutrino mass models at the newly proposed antimuon collider $$\mu $$
μ
TRISTAN, involving $$\mu ^+e^-$$

μ
+

e
-

scattering at $$\sqrt{s}= 346~\text {GeV}$$

s

=
346

GeV

and $$\mu ^+\mu ^+$$

μ
+

μ
+

scattering at $$\sqrt{s}= 2~\text {TeV}.$$

s

=
2

TeV
.

We show that $$\mu $$
μ
TRISTAN is uniquely sensitive to leptophilic neutral and doubly-charged scalars naturally occurring in various neutrino mass models, such as Zee, Zee–Babu, cocktail, and type-II seesaw models, over a wide range of mass and coupling values, well beyond the current experimental constraints. It also allows for the possibility to correlate the collider signals with neutrino mixing parameters and charged lepton flavor violating observables.
Exploiting Fine-grained Dimming with Improved LiFi Throughput
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Mariani James , Xiao Li , Mutka Matt W.
Published: February 2024

Optical wireless communication (OWC) shows great potential due to its broad spectrum and the exceptional intensity switching speed of LEDs. Under poor conditions, most OWC systems switch from complex and more error prone high-order modulation schemes to more robust On-Off Keying (OOK) modulation defined in the IEEE OWC standard. This paper presents LiFOD, a high-speed indoor OOK-based OWC system with fine-grained dimming support. While ensuring fine-grained dimming, LiFOD remarkably achieves robust communication at up to 400 Kbps at a distance of 6 meters. This is the first time that the data rate has improved via OWC dimming in comparison to the previous approaches that consider trading off dimming and communication. LiFOD makes two key technical contributions. First, LiFOD utilizes Compensation Symbols (CS) as a reliable side-channel to represent bit patterns dynamically and improve throughput. We firstly design greedy-based bit pattern mining. Then we propose 2D feature enhancement via YOLO model for real-time bit pattern mining. Second, LiFOD synchronously redesigns optical symbols and CS relocation schemes for fine-grained dimming and robust decoding. Experiments on low-cost Beaglebone prototypes with commercial LED lamps and the photodiode (PD) demonstrate that LiFOD significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art system with 2.1× throughput on the SIGCOMM17 data-trace.
nSimplex
Zen
: A Novel Dimensionality Reduction for Euclidean and Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Connor Richard , Vadicamo Lucia
Published: February 2024

Dimensionality reduction techniques map values from a high dimensional space to one with a lower dimension. The result is a space which requires less physical memory and has a faster distance calculation. These techniques are widely used where required properties of the reduced-dimension space give an acceptable accuracy with respect to the original space.

Many such transforms have been described. They have been classified in two main groups:
linear
and
topological
. Linear methods such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Random Projection (RP) define matrix-based transforms into a lower dimension of Euclidean space. Topological methods such as Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) attempt to preserve higher-level aspects such as the nearest-neighbour relation, and some may be applied to non-Euclidean spaces.

Here, we introduce
nSimplex
Zen
, a novel topological method of reducing dimensionality. Like MDS, it relies only upon pairwise distances measured in the original space. The use of distances, rather than coordinates, allows the technique to be applied to both Euclidean and other Hilbert spaces, including those governed by Cosine, Jensen–Shannon and Quadratic Form distances.

We show that in almost all cases, due to geometric properties of high-dimensional spaces, our new technique gives better properties than others, especially with reduction to very low dimensions.
Myocardin regulates fibronectin expression and secretion from human pleural mesothelial cells
Authors: Sakai Tsuyoshi , Choo Young-Yeon , Mitsuhashi Shinya , Ikebe Reiko , Jeffers Ann , Idell Steven , Tucker Torry A. , Ikebe Mitsuo
Published: February 2024

During phenotype switching from mesothelial to mesenchymal, pleural mesothelial cells (PMCs) produce extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, including collagen and fibronectin (FN1), critical components in the development of fibrosis. Here, we found that myocardin, a transcriptional coactivator of serum response factor (SRF), strongly activates FN1 expression through Smad3, whereas SRF inhibits FN1 expression. This study provides insights about the regulation of FN1 that could lead to the development of novel interventional approaches to prevent pleural fibrosis.
Disruption of the SP-A/SP-R210L (MYO18Aα) pathway prolongs gestation and reduces fetal survival during lipopolysaccharide-induced parturition in late gestation
Authors: Guan Zhiwei , Worth Brandon , Umstead Todd M. , Amatya Shaili , Booth Jennifer , Chroneos Zissis C.
Published: February 2024

To our knowledge, this study is the first to report that SP-A prevents delay of labor and inflammation-induced stillbirth through the receptor SP-R210L.
A New Integrated Approach for Cloud Service Composition and Sharing Using a Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: J. Jayaudhaya , R. Jayaraj , K. Ramash Kumar
Published: February 2024

The concept of a “Smart City” emphasizes the need to employ information and communication technologies to strengthen the quality, connectivity, and efficiency of various municipal services. Cloud computing and the Internet of Things are shaping future tech. Both ideas greatly impact smart city application and solution development. Cloud computing is amazing at managing and storing remote service access. Several companies have switched to cloud leasing to reduce local resource burden. Due to the intricacy and flexibility of cloud-maintained services, selecting jobs that best suit client needs should be optimized. Quality of service criteria for each cloud service are the best tools for choosing and optimizing cloud carriers. Genetic algorithms (GAs) and ant colony optimization (ACO) are combined to make cloud computing. It is discovered that the recommended ACO + GA obtains an accuracy of 82% when compared to existing methods of energy- and reliability-aware multiobjective optimization method and the hybrid cuckoo particles swarm, artificial bee colony optimization (CPS + ABCO) where accuracy is 68% and 75%, respectively.
Thermal Analysis of a Plasmonic Perovskite Solar Cell: Using Coupled Opto‐Electro‐Thermal (OET) Modeling
Authors: Bahrami Mohammad , Eskandari Mehdi , Fathi Davood
Published: February 2024

Organic‐inorganic heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are of high interest due to their low manufacturing cost and higher power conversion efficiency (PCE). Hence, we study the opto‐electro‐thermal (OET) characteristics and investigate the optical and carrier transport and thermodynamic behaviors on the PSC. In this research, optical and electrical coupled behavior is investigated, and the results of this simulation are in the optimal state for nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 50 nm: the short‐circuit current (Jsc) of 18.05 mA/cm2, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.9406 V, and PCE of 14.15% were obtained. Then, by adding thermal behavior to optical and electrical physics, thermal effects and power losses in the solar cell were obtained. In this case, 221.5 W/m2 Joule heat, 154 W/m2 thermal heat, 123 W/m2 Peltier heat, and 92.3 W/m2 nonradiative heat waste power were achieved. Under these losses, the electrical parameters decrease. The parameters are Jsc = 21.74 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.94 V, and PCE = 13.53%. The best case is obtained for the structure without NPs.
Uncertainty Quantification of Vibroacoustics with Deep Neural Networks and Catmull–Clark Subdivision Surfaces
Authors: Zhou Zhongbin , Gao Yunfei , Cheng Yu , Ma Yujing , Wen Xin , Sun Pengfei , Yu Peng , Hu Zhongming
Published: February 2024

This study proposes an uncertainty quantification method based on deep neural networks and Catmull–Clark subdivision surfaces for vibroacoustic problems. The deep neural networks are utilized as a surrogate model to efficiently generate samples for stochastic analysis. The training data are obtained from numerical simulation by coupling the isogeometric finite element method and the isogeometric boundary element method. In the simulation, the geometric models are constructed with Catmull–Clark subdivision surfaces, and meantime, the physical fields are discretized with the same spline functions as used in geometric modelling. Multiple deep neural networks are trained to predict the sound pressure response for various parameters with different numbers and dimensions in vibroacoustic problems. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Differential Responses to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors are Governed by Diverse Mismatch Repair Gene Alterations
Authors: Khushman Moh'd M. , Toboni Michael D. , Xiu Joanne , Manne Upender , Farrell Alex , Lou Emil , Shields Anthony F. , Philip Philip A. , Salem Mohamed E. , Abraham Jim , Spetzler David , Marshall John , Jayachandran Priya , Hall Michael J. , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Sahin Ibrahim Halil , Seeber Andreas , Powell Mathew A.
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer is variable. Here, we explored the differential response to ICIs according to different mismatch repair alterations

Experimental Design:

Colorectal cancer (N = 13,701) and endometrial cancer (N = 3,315) specimens were tested at Caris Life Sciences. Median overall survival (mOS) was estimated using Kaplan–Meier. The prediction of high-, intermediate-, and low-affinity epitopes by tumor mutation burden (TMB) values was conducted using R-squared (R2).

Results:

Compared with mutL (MLH1 and PMS2) co-loss, the mOS was longer in mutS (MSH2 and MSH6) co-loss in all colorectal cancer (54.6 vs. 36 months; P = 0.0.025) and endometrial cancer (81.5 vs. 48.2 months; P < 0.001) patients. In ICI-treated patients, the mOS was longer in mutS co-loss in colorectal cancer [not reached (NR) vs. 36 months; P = 0.011). In endometrial cancer, the mOS was NR vs. 42.2 months; P = 0.711]. The neoantigen load (NAL) in mutS co-loss compared with mutL co-loss was higher in colorectal cancer (high-affinity epitopes: 25.5 vs. 19; q = 0.017, intermediate: 39 vs. 32; q = 0.004, low: 87.5 vs. 73; q < 0.001) and endometrial cancer (high-affinity epitopes: 15 vs. 11; q = 0.002, intermediate: 27.5 vs. 19; q < 0.001, low: 59 vs. 41; q < 0.001), respectively. R2 ranged from 0.25 in mutS co-loss colorectal cancer to 0.95 in mutL co-loss endometrial cancer.

Conclusions:

Patients with mutS co-loss experienced longer mOS in colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer and better response to ICIs in colorectal cancer. Among all explored biomarkers, NAL was higher in mutS co-loss and may be a potential driving factor for the observed better outcomes. TMB did not reliably predict NAL.
Evaluating for Correlations between Specific Metabolites in Patients Receiving First-Line or Second-Line Immunotherapy for Metastatic or Recurrent NSCLC: An Exploratory Study Based on Two Cohorts
Authors: Xu Yanjun , Ding Kaibo , Peng Zhongsheng , Ding Ling , Li Hui , Fan Yun
Published: February 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have displayed impressive clinical efficacy in the context of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, most patients do not achieve long-term survival. Minimally invasive collected samples are attracting significant interest as new fields of biomarker study, and metabolomics is one of these growing fields. We concentrated on the augmented value of the metabolomic profile in differentiating long-term survival from short-term survival in patients with NSCLC subjected to ICIs. We prospectively recruited 97 patients with stage IV NSCLC who were treated with anti–PD-1 inhibitor, including patients treated with monoimmunotherapy as second-line treatment (Cohort 1), and patients treated with combination immunotherapy as first-line treatment (Cohort 2). Each cohort was divided into long-term and short-term survival groups. All blood samples were collected before beginning immunotherapy. Serum metabolomic profiling was performed by UHPLC-Q-TOF MS analysis. Pareto-scaled principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis were performed. In Cohort 1, the mPFS and mOS of long-survival patients are 27.05 and NR months, respectively, and those of short-survival patients are 2.79 and 10.59 months. In Cohort 2, the mPFS and mOS of long-survival patients are 27.35 and NR months, respectively, and those of short-survival patients are 3.77 and 12.17 months. A total of 41 unique metabolites in Cohort 1 and 47 in Cohort 2 were screened. In Cohorts 1 and 2, there are 6 differential metabolites each that are significantly associated with both progression-free survival and overall survival. The AUC values for all groups ranged from 0.73 to 0.95. In cohort 1, the top 3 enriched KEGG pathways, as determined through significant different metabolic pathway analysis, were primary bile acid biosynthesis, African trypanosomiasis, and choline metabolism in cancer. In Cohort 2, the top 3 enriched KEGG pathways were the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), PPAR signaling pathway, and primary bile acid biosynthesis. The primary bile acid synthesis pathway had significant differences in the long-term and short-term survival groups in both Cohorts 1 and 2. Our study suggests that peripheral blood metabolomic analysis is critical for identifying metabolic biomarkers and pathways responsible for the patients with NSCLC treated with ICIs.
The Effects of Neuroactive Steroids on Myelin in Health and Disease
Authors: Kalakh Samah , Mouihate Abdeslam
Published: February 2024

Myelin plays a pivotal role in the efficient transmission of nerve impulses. Disruptions in myelin integrity are associated with numerous neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis. In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin is formed by oligodendrocytes. Remyelination refers to the re-formation of the damaged myelin sheath by newly formed oligodendrocytes. Steroids have gained attention for their potential modulatory effects on myelin in both health and disease. Steroids are traditionally associated with endocrine functions, but their local synthesis within the nervous system has generated significant interest. The term “neuroactive steroids” refers to steroids that can act on cells of the nervous system. In the healthy state, neuroactive steroids promote myelin formation, maintenance, and repair by enhancing oligodendrocyte differentiation and maturation. In pathological conditions, such as demyelination injury, multiple neuroactive steroids have shown promise in promoting remyelination. Understanding the effects of neuroactive steroids on myelin could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. This review highlights the potential therapeutic significance of neuroactive steroids in myelin-related health and diseases. We review the synthesis of steroids by neurons and glial cells and discuss the roles of neuroactive steroids on myelin structure and function in health and disease. We emphasize the potential promyelinating effects of the varying levels of neuroactive steroids during different female physiological states such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, lactation, and postmenopause.
The Decline in Intergenerational Mobility after 1980
Authors: Davis Jonathan M.V. , Mazumder Bhashkar
Published: February 2024

Relative intergenerational mobility declined for cohorts born around 1960 compared to those born around 1950. The former entered the labor market after the rise in inequality around 1980 while the latter entered the labor market earlier. We show that the rank-rank slope rose from 0.25 to 0.36 and the intergenerational elasticity increased from 0.28 to 0.45. These increases are more pronounced for men than for women. Increases in returns to schooling and in the gradient in the likelihood of marriage by parent income are contributors to increased intergenerational persistence.
Assessment of allelic Mi-1.2 dosage effects on levels of resistance to virulent and avirulent Meloidogyne spp. populations in some tomato rootstocks
Authors: Gabriel Márcia , Santos Marcilene F.A. , Mattos Vanessa S. , Almeida Sheila F. , Boiteux Leonardo S. , Carneiro Regina M.D.G.
Published: February 2024

The -1.2 gene confers broad-spectrum resistance to populations of at least 13 Meloidogyne species, being present in a wide range of commercial tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars. A more refined assessment of the allelic dosage effects of the -1.2 gene to virulent and avirulent Meloidogyne populations may provide relevant information for the management of the durability of the resistance under field conditions. Herein, the allelic dosage effects (homozygous vs heterozygous at the -1.2 locus) on the phenotypic expression of resistance were evaluated against one -1.2-virulent and six avirulent Meloidogyne spp. populations. Seven tomato rootstocks with distinct allelic conditions at the -1.2 locus and one susceptible control (‘Santa Clara’) were used in the present study. Significant dosage effects of -1.2 alleles in reducing the reproduction factors (RF) were observed, but restricted to the avirulent Meloidogyne populations. Homozygous resistant (-1.2/-1.2) cultivars, except TD1, prevented reproduction of almost avirulent Meloidogyne spp. populations in contrast with the heterozygous allele combination (-1.2/-1.2), which allowed a certain level of nematode reproduction. The efficiency and durability of the -1.2 gene depend on its proper management under commercial field conditions. Heterozygous (-1.2/-1.2) plants will increase the population of Meloidogyne spp., with no drastic reduction as occurring in the case of homozygous resistant, and they allow a small reproduction of more adapted sub-populations of the nematode, which might increase over time. Therefore, our results strongly indicated that the employment (whenever possible) of hybrids carrying the double dosage of the -1.2 gene would reduce the potential of high nematode populations in plants with this allelic configuration.
Der fünfmal getötete Pfarrer
Authors: Schneidergruber Dietmar
Published: February 2024

This essay establishes a connection between the late medieval fairy tale Der fünfmal getötete Pfarrer and the penitential of John of Erfurt. A critical examination of the state of research takes place and an alternative is offered. The tale can also be a critical examination of church rules that are ridiculously pushed to their limits.
In Dialogue with Tradition: Reassessing the Relationships between the Aspis and the Ehoiai
Authors: Ercolani Andrea
Published: February 2024

The Aspis is an epic poem handed down under the name of Hesiod that belonged to a living oral rhapsodic tradition: both structural and formal considerations prompt this conclusion. Reconsidering its relationship to the Catalogue of Women (also attributed to Hesiod in antiquity) may lead to new hypotheses about the Aspis itself and the functions of the Catalogue, which at some point in its history may have been a part of the rhapsodic repertoire as well.
Tracing Melampus in the Hesiodic Melampodia (frr. 270–272 m.-w.)
Authors: Kyriakou Irini
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on the first three fragments attributed to the Melampodia in the canonical edition of Merkelbach and West (frr. 270–272). It initially explores the possibility that fr. 270 issued from a context narrating how Melampus became a seer and subsequently examines the hypothesis that the poem began with a narration of the seer’s deeds, including the cattle theft at Phylace and the cure of prince Iphiclus (frr. 271–272). The analysis of fragments 270–272 allows us to question if the presence of Melampus defines the poem, as the title suggests. The article presents some new suggestions regarding the poem’s plot and narrative organization. Moreover, it proposes to consider the Melampodia as an “independent” epic whose broader scope seems to have a specific cultural value: to sing the history of the seers through time and space, their social impact, and their religious significance.
An Amusing Forgery: Hesiod on Salted Fish (fr. 372 m.-w.)
Authors: Vecchiato Stefano
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on a neglected hexametric fragment attributed to Hesiod (fr. 372 m.-w.) by the physician Euthydemus of Athens (second century BCE) via Athenaeus. The topic of the fragment is quite peculiar: a list of salted fish written in a style reminiscent of the gastronomical poetry of Archestratus of Gela. Athenaeus had already noted that the fragment was a forgery, possibly fabricated by Euthydemus. This article will discuss matters of content and meter and provide a running commentary on the fragment.
Treatment Promotion of Osteoporotic Fractures by microRNA-320 Nanocapsules Through Stimulating Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Qian Ligang , Li Qinggui , Ren Qiao
Published: February 2024

We aimed to explore the mechanism underlying microRNA-320 (miR-320)’s role in osteoporotic fractures. miR-320 nanoparticles were prepared and their characterization was detected by Zetasizer Nano and triethylamine (TEA). miR-320 nanoparticles were interacted with bone marrow mesenchymal
stem cells (BMSCs). Then we conducted MTT to assess cytotoxicity in BMSCs and determined genes expression. A mouse fracture model was established and treated with miR-320 nanoparticles or pore nanoparticles. The release of miR-320 and the bone repair at the fracture site were detected. Treatment
of Ceramic matrix composites (CMCS) (miR-320) sensitive to Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) released miR-320 to bone defect, which promoted the transcription of osteogenic genes and stimulated the osteogenesis. Finally, treatment of miR-320 nanoparticles facilitated bone repair of mouse osteoporotic
defect. MMP-sensitive nanocapsules loaded with miR-320 can promote osteogenic potential and stimulate fracture repair, providing insight into novel treatment against osteoporotic fracture.
Regulation of Neuronal Pyroptosis Through NLRP3 by Delivering miR-22 Using Lipid Nanoparticles in Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Yang Yanli , Meng Xiaowen , Ji Fuhai , Shi Cunxian
Published: February 2024

Liposomes present a promising strategy for microRNA (miRNA) delivery, capitalizing on their unique properties to enable effective therapeutic interventions. In this study, we investigate lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as carriers to delivery miR-22, aiming to mitigate neuronal pyroptosis
by targeting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3). In vitro, HT-22 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to assess cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, and pyroptosis.
The pyroptosis-related protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. The interaction between miR-22 and NLRP3 was assessed by dual luciferase assays. LNPs were employed to deliver miR-22 precursor oligonucleotides (LNP/miR-22) to HT-22 cells. miR-22 overexpression models were
constructed to investigate its impact on OGD/R-induced pyroptosis. In vivo, a mouse model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was established to investigate the effects of LNP/miR-22 treatment, NLRP3 inhibitor (MCC950), or NLRP3 activator (Nigericin sodium salt). Neural damage and pyroptosis
in the hippocampi were evaluated using staining techniques and immunofluorescence. The expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins in the hippocampi were analyzed by western blotting. Results demonstrated that OGD/R reduced cell viability, increased LDH levels, and induced pyroptosis
In vitro. NLRP3 overexpression exacerbated OGD/R-induced pyroptosis. miR-22 was found to target and downregulate NLRP3 expression, leading to reduced pyroptosis. In vivo, miR-22 overexpression suppressed NLRP3 activation, effectively attenuating pyroptosis. In conclusion, LNP-mediated
delivery of miR-22 offers a promising strategy to alleviate neuronal pyroptosis by targeting NLRP3, holding potential for the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Enhancing Radiosensitization of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Graphene Oxide@AgPt Nanocomposites: A Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Chen Nanzheng , Lu Degan , Li Wei , Dang Xiaomin , Li Xinju
Published: February 2024

In this study, we employed bioinformatics techniques to investigate the radiosensitization mechanisms of graphene oxide (GO) and silver-platinum (AgPt) nanocomposites (NCs) on microRNAs (miRNAs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The GO@AgPt nanocomposites were synthesized through
a hydrothermal method involving graphene oxide. Characterization and structural analysis were performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our experimental
model was A549 cells, categorized into three groups: the blank group, control group, and GO@AgPt group. The blank group remained untreated, while the control group was exposed to 4Gy X-ray irradiation. The GO@AgPt group received 15 μg/mL GO@AgPt for 4 hours before exposure to 4Gy
X-ray irradiation. Cellular RNA was extracted from each group, and a transcriptome sequencing library was constructed. Subsequent analysis identified differential genes, followed by gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway assessments. Our results revealed the
uniform attachment of AgPt spherical nanoparticles (NPs) with an approximate diameter of 10 nm to the GO surface. The GO@AgPt nanocomposites comprised four single-layer GO sheets, each approximately 4 nm in thickness, with the Ag peak area being about six times that of the Pt peak area. A
total of 197 miRNAs exhibited differential expression between the GO@AgPt and control groups, with 94 up-regulated and 103 down-regulatedmiRNAs. These miRNAs were associated with biological processes such as positive regulation of gene expression, cell surface interactions, and growth factor
binding. Furthermore, they were implicated in various pathways, including microRNAs in cancer, fatty acid metabolism, human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection, FoxO signaling, and alcoholic liver disease. Our findings demonstrate that GO@AgPt nanocomposites enhance the radio-sensitization effect
in NSCLC, with 197 differentialmiRNAs participating in the process.
Progress of Degradable Synthetic Polymers in Adipose Tissue Engineering-A Review
Authors: Peng Zhangsong , Chen Jie , Chen Yan , Chen Yuxin , Wang Yuheng , Han Chao
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer stands as the foremost prevalent malignancy affecting women worldwide. The restoration of soft tissue volume is often necessary in cases of soft tissue loss, such as burn defects, surgical area defects, or posttumor resection defects, particularly in breast cancers. Conventional
surgeries interventions, such as flap transplantation, can result in various complications and malformations, while prosthesis implantation may not be suitable due to skin weakness caused by radiation therapy. Autologous fat transplantation to the breast exhibits limited efficacy due to the
unpredictable of resorption and low graft survival rates. Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising field offering novel therapeutic possibilities in regenerative medicine over the past two decades. Extensive exploration has been conducted on synthetic materials for adipose tissue engineering
applications. This review delineates the current advancements and future directions in adipose tissue engineering strategies, cell applications, adipogenesismechanisms, and key factors, while focusing on the utilization of degradable synthetic polymers and the integration of 3D printing technologies.
Protein–Protein Interaction Network Construction and Differential miRNA Target Gene Prediction in Ovarian Cancer by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Lan Suwei , Bai Jiming , Zhang Zhengmao , Li Qing , Wang Xingcha , Cui Penghua
Published: February 2024

Our research focused on investigating genetic changes in ovarian cancer (OV) by constructing a protein–protein interaction network. In addition, we utilized data mining techniques that were specifically tailored for OV. To gather differentially expressed miRNAs, we accessed the
GEO database. The differential expression was administrated using R language. We used three different bioinformatics algorithms to identify the candidate genes of the altered microRNAs. Using Cytoscape, we created a vision constructure between these miRNAs and the corresponding goals. This
allowed us to identify specific hub genes. To validate our findings, we confirmed the presence of essential genes and autophagy-related genes in both the GEPIA and TCGA databases. Through this process, we were able to pinpoint the connection between them. In total, we identified nine miRNAs
that showed differential expression. Together, these miRNAs predicted the presence of 488 objective gene. Among them, the FOS demonstrated statistical significance when evaluated in both the GEPIA and TCGA. Importantly, it should be highlighted that FOS has been linked to ovarian cancer
prognosis.
Fully Digitalized Optoelectronic Angular Position Sensor and Its Application in Real-Time Gait Recognition
Authors: Wang Xijuan
Published: February 2024

The optoelectronic angular position sensor, as a component for integrated optical-electromechanical angle measurement, operates by converting angle position information into optical signals through a photonic code disc. Subsequently, these optical signals are transformed into electrical
signals through photoelectric conversion to measure axial rotation information. This study proposes a fully digitalized optoelectronic angular position sensor, wherein Moore stripes are digitally subdivided, and high-order inner ring angle division employs Gray code encoding. A photoelectric
diode array serves as the sensing element, corresponding one-to-one with the encoding channels on the code disc. The output of the photoelectric diodes is binarized through comparator processing, thus converting it into encoded electrical signals. Hardware implementation utilizes PIN photosensitive
diodes as sensing elements, designs a laser driver circuit, and employs the 74HCT165 chip for serial-to-parallel conversion. The FPGA program is debugged using JTAG, and the program is solidified on an external EPCS1S18 chip through AS downloading. The LDO chips AMS1117-3.3 V and AMS1117-1.2
V power the FPGA chip. The CH341 chip is used for interface conversion between the FPGA and PC. In experiments, when the fully digitalized optoelectronic position sensor is installed, the voltage output of approximately 2.2 V meets the sensing response requirements after optical path attenuation.
After data transmission, the results are correctly displayed on the host computer. The designed sensor is applied to gait recognition through tests involving single-person walking, two-person walking, and mixed walking. The results show an accuracy rate exceeding 95%, indicating its suitability
for gait recognition in footprints.
Utilization of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Imaging at Nanoscale for the Identification of Biomarkers in Sports-Induced Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Wu Lei , Yang Ning
Published: February 2024

This study integrates Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and nanoscale imaging technologies to discern alterations in muscle tissue biomarkers, thereby enhancing the precision of non-invasive monitoring of muscle fatigue. Experimental investigations were carried out on the biceps brachii
muscle of 12 subjects, categorized into mild, moderate, and severe fatigue groups. Concurrently, a specific wavelength of Near Infrared Laser Diode (NIR-LD) was employed to acquire spectral data. The application of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in conjunction with NIRS imaging facilitated
the attainment of high-resolution images of the biceps brachii tissue. The absorption characteristics of distinct biomarkers in muscle tissue, responsive to near-infrared light, were captured to calculate concentration variations and evaluate muscle fatigue levels. The findings revealed substantial
variations in the concentrations of Oxy-hemoglobin (HbO), Deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR), Lactic Acid (LA), Phosphocreatine (PCr), Troponin (Tn), Creatine Kinase (CK), and Glutamine (Gln) across different fatigue groups. Muscle fatigue assessment exhibited an average sensitivity, accuracy, specificity,
and F1 score of 0.96, 0.96, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively, for the 12 subjects. The average Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for detecting mild, moderate, and severe fatigue were 0.96, 0.96, and 0.98, respectively. This method demonstrates notable accuracy in the identification of muscle fatigue
biomarkers, rendering it suitable for sports-related muscle fatigue assessment.
Identification of Immunogenic Cell Death-Associated Long Non-Coding RNA in the Prognosis of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xia , Zhang Yuanyi , Wang Min , Yang Jian
Published: February 2024

Cervical cancer (CC) is a malignant tumor with a high incidence in women. It is urgent to develop new diagnostic and predictive markers of CC to improve the prognosis of CC. Programmed cell death (PCD) of cells has been proven to play an essential role in the occurrence and development
of tumors. From the perspective of bioinformatics, we discussed the role of 12 PCD-related genes in the CC radiation-sensitive group and radiation-resistant group and establishes the CC risk model accordingly. At first, we identified two hub genes related to prognosis: PRKAA2 and MLLT11. There
was an indirect correlation between MLLT11 and CC, and the effect of PRKAA2 on cervical cancer needs further study. Subsequently, we constructed the risk model about CC and confirmed that there was a significant difference in prognosis between the two groups, and the Top pathway involved was
closely related to CC. Finally, by discussing the immune landscape of prognosis-related genes in CC, it was found that there were significant differences between the two groups in the abundance of immune cell infiltration, the expression value of immune inspection sites, and the expression
values of PD-L1 and PD-L2. In addition, we performed RT-qPCR to validate the levels of hub genes. This study is helpful for the individualized treatment of CC patients.