bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting the MUC1 tumor marker with an antibody improves the therapeutic efficacy of PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin in colon carcinoma.
Authors: Janani Marjaneh , Jaafari Mahmoud Reza , Arabi Leila
Published: February 2024

Active targeting and ligand-mediated delivery are promising techniques to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drug delivery systems. In this study, we used an antibody against Mucin 1 (MUC1), which is one of the main tumor markers associated with Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil). Our results showed that MUC1-targeted Doxil (MUC1-Doxil) had significantly enhanced cellular uptake in C-26 cells compared to Doxil, as indicated by flow cytometry analyses and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). To evaluate the anti-tumor activity, therapeutic efficacy, pharmacokinetic, and biodistribution, we tested Doxil and MUC1-Doxil on BALB/c mice bearing C-26 colon carcinoma. Our findings indicated that MUC1-Doxil at a dose of 15 mg/kg showed significantly greater tumor growth inhibition and increased survival rate compared to Doxil. Therefore, modifying Doxil with the MUC1 antibody resulted in an improved therapeutic outcome. Our study demonstrated the applicability of developing a targeted delivery system for efficient delivery of DOX to tumor cells using anti-MUC1 antibody, which holds great promise for a variety of tumorassociated antigens and CSC markers in various cancer models.
Comparative chloroplast genomics of Caryophyllaceae species: Insights into sequence variations and phylogenetic evolution
Authors: YANG LUCUN , Zhu Yongqing , Hua Qing
Published: February 2024

Background
Caryophyllaceae contains 100 genera and 3000 species, many of which are valuable both ecologically and economically. However, as past research has shown, the fundamental phylogenetic relationships of Caryophyllaceae are still debatable, and molecular dating based on chloroplast genomes has not been thoroughly examined for the entire family.
Methods
In this study, we used four newly generated Caryophyllaceae chloroplast genomes and eighteen other published genomes to clarify their genetic properties.
Results
These 22 chloroplast genomes had typical quadripartite structure, with 129–134 distinct genes and lengths ranging from 133,621 bp to 153,957 bp. The 22 Caryophyllaceae chloroplast genomes showed significant variations in the number of long repeats and SSR types; mononucleotide repeats (A/T) and palindromic repeats were the most common types. Three substantially divergent areas containing atpB-rbcL, rbcL-accD, and accD were found by further comparative study, which could serve as effective molecular markers. The codon bias of chloroplast genomes in Caryophyllaceae were mainly affected by natural selection, but other factors such as mutation pressure could also affect the codon bias to some extent. Fourteen optimal codons were identified in the chloroplast genome of Caryophyllidae. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the monophyly of any of the three recognized subfamilies within Caryophyllaceae was not supported by our data. Meanwhile, seven well-supported clades correspond to 8 tribes were found in Phylogenetic trees. The results of molecular dating demonstrated that the divergence between Caryophyllaceae and Amaranthaceae was estimated to occur in 69 Ma. Tr. Paronychieae was the oldest tribe of the eight tribes included in this study, diverged at 59.92 Ma.
Conclusion
This study provides resources for further investigations on the identification, genetic engineering, evolution, and phylogeny of Caryophyllaceae species.
Moving Object Detection and Deepsort Fusion for Dynamic Object Tracking
Authors: dou fang , Tu Mei
Published: February 2024

For the problem of space dynamic target tracking with occlusion, this paper proposes an online tracking method based on the combination between the five-frame difference and Deepsort (Simple Online and Realtime Tracking with a Deep Association Metric), which is to achieve the identification first and then tracking of the dynamic target. First of all, according to three-frame difference, the five-frame difference is improved, and through the integration with ViBe (Visual Background Extraction), the accuracy and anti-interference ability are enhanced; Secondly, the YOLOv5s (You Look Only Once) is improved using preprocessing of DWT (Discrete Wavelet Transformation) and injecting GAM (Global Attention Module), which is considered as the detector for Deepsort to solve the missing in occlusion, and the real-time and accuracy can be strengthened; Lastly, simulation results show that the proposed space dynamic target tracking can keep stable to track all dynamic targets under the background interference and occlusion, the tracking precision is improved to 93.88%. Furthermore, there is a combination with the physical depth camera D435i, experiments on target dynamics show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed recognition and tracking algorithm in the face of strong light and occlusion.
Research on the bearing creep characteristics and constitutive model of gangue filling body
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Chen Bowen , Liang Bing , Sun Weiji , Jin Jiaxu , Lv Zhiqiang , Zhao Jihe , Gao Zhenbo
Published: February 2024

The creep characteristics and potential deformation regularity of the gangue backfill material are of paramount importance in backfill mining operations. This study uses crushed gangue from the Gangue Yard in Fuxin City as the research material. Utilization of an in-house designed, large scale, tri-axial gangue compaction test system. Conducting triaxial compaction creep tests on gangue materials with varying particle size distributions. An analysis is made based on different particle sizes, stresses and confinement pressures. Investigate the creep characteristics of the gangue under different conditions and explore the underlying causes. Reveal the relationship between creep deformation of gangue materials and the passage of time. Application of mathematical methods to develop a triaxial compaction creep power law model for gangue backfill materials. The results show that the main creep deformation of gangue is volume compression. The primary cause of creep deformation is the slippage and filling of pores by the finely crushed particles produced during creep fracture. At low confining pressures, the volumetric creep deformation of gangue with different particle size distributions exceeds their axial creep deformation. The external load induces stress concentration. This process involves compression, rearrangement, stress relief, adjustment and transfer of particles, which is continuously repeated and ultimately leads to deterioration and creep of the gangue. Utilization of a power function expression to elucidate the triaxial compaction creep characteristics of gangue backfill material. The established axial creep power law constitutive model and the volumetric creep power law constitutive model in double logarithmic coordinates show high applicability.
Incidence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in milk and dairy and assessment genotypic and phenotypic properties of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Mashak Zohreh , Khadivi Fatemeh
Published: February 2024

Background Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusbacteria are considered an emerging food-borne pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the MRSA incidence and its genotypic and phenotypic properties of antibiotic resistance in raw milk and dairy. Methods Three hundred and eighty raw milk and traditional dairy samples were collected.S. aureuswas examined by culture method. MRSA was identified as simultaneous resistance against cefoxitin and oxacillin. MRSA genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance was evaluated by PCR and disk diffusion, respectively. ResultsS. aureuscontamination rate in milk and dairy samples was 15.78% (70 of 380 samples). Thirty-eight out of 60 (63.33%)S. aureusisolates were identified as MRSA. MRSA distribution among isolates with sources of raw milk and dairy was 55.55% and 66.66%, respectively. MRSA isolates revealed the maximum resistance rate toward cefotaxime (100%), ceftriaxone (100%), penicillin (100%), erythromycin (85.78%), tetracycline (84.21%) and gentamicin (73.68%). Resistance of raw milk and dairy MRSA isolates against more than 7 antibiotic agents was 20% and 32.14%, respectively. TheblaZ(100%),blaCTX-M(100%),tetK(55.26%),msrA(50%),aacA-D(47.36%),ermA(44.73%),mefA(44.73%) andgyrA(42.10%) were the most predominant genes encode resistance. Conclusions Dairy and milk in traditional and raw formats may be MDR-MRSA sources with boosted hygienic threats to consumers.
Serum thyroxine and thyrotropin level according to the severity of acute pancreatitis in dogs with hypothyroidism
Authors: Jeong Yunho , Choi Sooyoung , Ahn Jin-Ok , Chung Jin-Young , Jung Han-Sol
Published: February 2024

Background
Pancreatitis and hypothyroidism are common diseases in dogs. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis controls the secretion of thyroid hormones and is influenced by various factors, such as non-thyroid diseases and drugs. This study examined whether the serum thyroxine and thyrotropin levels differ according to the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) in dogs with existing pre-existing hypothyroidism.
Results
The serum total T4, serum free T4, and serum TSH were measured to diagnose hypothyroidism. Hematological analysis, including specific pancreatic enzyme assays and ultrasonography, was performed to diagnose AP. Forty-four dogs diagnosed concurrent with AP and hypothyroidism were divided into two groups: dogs with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) and moderate-to-severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP). Logistic regression analysis evaluated the possible risk factors for AP development in dogs with pre-existing hypothyroidism. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the total T4 level and predict the AP severity in dogs with pre-existing hypothyroidism. The mean serum total thyroxine was significantly higher in the MAP group than in the MSAP group (p = 0.016). The group with a total thyroxine value of less than 0.4 had a 29.2 times higher risk of MSAP than the group with a total thyroid value between 0.4 and 0.7, and a 192.67 times higher risk of MSAP than the group with a total thyroid value exceeding 0.7. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the total thyroxine level and predict the AP severity in dogs with hypothyroidism.
Conclusions
The serum total thyroxine level correlated with the severity of AP when AP developed in dogs with pre-existing hypothyroidism.
Ethnopharmacology of Five Flowers herbal Tea, a popular traditional beverage in South China
Authors: Chan Kwun-Tin , Wu Hoi-Yan , Tin Wing-Yee , But Paul Pui-Hay , Cheung Sidney Chin-Hung , Shaw Pang-Chui
Published: February 2024

Background
It has been a long-standing tradition of using herbal tea for preventive and therapeutic healthcare in South China and Five Flowers Tea is one of the most popular herbal teas. Based on the principle of traditional Chinese medicine, the pharmacological functions are to clear heat and dispel dampness in the body. Heat and Dampness are thought to contribute to a range of health problems, especially during the hot and humid season in South China and Hong Kong. The most prevalent herbs in the formula contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which have a wide range of pharmacological properties including anti-inflammation, antivirus, anti-diarrhoea, anti-bacteria and antioxidation. However, with the composition varies widely, the ethnopharmacological benefits described may not be delivered uniformly.This study is to provide a comprehensive analysis on the composition of the Five Flowers Tea sold in Hong Kong and investigate the rationale behind the selection of herbs used in the formula. This study also provides information on the variation and quality of the Five Flowers Tea in the market.
Methods:
Thirty-three Five Flowers Tea samples were collected from various locations in Hong Kong. The size, texture, colour, and organoleptic properties were documented. Macroscopic and molecular authentication methods were employed to identify the individual components.
Results
Macroscopic identification revealed there were 23 herbs belonging to 18 plant families. The most prevalent herb was Bombax ceiba L., followed by Chrysanthemum morifolium. Ten adulterants and the existing of insect Lasioderma serricorne were confirmed by DNA barcoding techniques.
Conclusion
This study employed a comprehensive approach to authenticate the herbs in Five Flowers Tea samples collected from various locations in Hong Kong. Macroscopic and molecular methods were used to identify the herbs and adulterants. The findings revealed the varied composition in Five Flowers Tea and the occurrence of adulterants in some samples. This shows that quality assurance of Five Flowers Tea is essential for the effective use of this popular folk medicine.
Effect of large material compliance on water skipping physics of deformable spheres
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhang Shaoxi , Xia Weixue , Kang Huifeng , Wang Xiaoguang , Zhang Taiping
Published: February 2024

Water skipping has attracted significant focus in fluid dynamics, with robust research on rigid spheres but scant exploration into elastomeric sphere dynamics. At low impact Froude numbers, the effect of large material compliance on water skipping physics of deformable spheres are investigated. At low impact Froude numbers, the effect of large material compliance on water skipping physics of deformable spheres are investigated. The result shows that the deformability of elastic spheres enhances the ability to skip on the water surface compared to the rigid sphere. This improved skipping is attributed to the internal responses induced by deformation and an increased wetted area. The dynamics such as elastic wave propagation and motion characteristics of these spheres during skipping are influenced by their density and shear modulus. Elastic spheres demonstrate asymmetrical cavity formations and consistent deformation patterns during water skipping. Additionally, an optimal impact duration crucial for optimizing skipping efficiency of elastic spheres is determined, characterized by an inverted parabolic relationship.
Oxysterols in cell viability, phospholipidosis and extracellular vesicles production
Authors: Gonet-Surówka Agnieszka , Ciechacka Mariola , Kępczyński Mariusz , Dynarowicz-Latka Patrycja
Published: February 2024

The study carried out systematic research on the influence of selected oxysterols on cells viability, phospholipidosis and the level of secreted extracellular vesicles. Three oxidized cholesterol derivatives, namely 7α-hydroxycholesterol (7α-OH), 7- ketocholesterol (7-K) and 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-OH) were tested in three different concentrations: 50 μM, 100 μM and 200 μM for 24 hours incubation with A549 lung cancer cell line. All the studied oxysterols were found to alter cells viability. The lowest survival rate of the cells was observed after 24 h of 7-K treatment. Cells incubated with 24-OH had the best survival rate of all oxysterols used. 7-K increased phospholipids accumulation in cells but the strongest effect was observed for 24-OH. Changes in the level of extracellular vesicles secreted in cells culture were also observed. It was found that all oxysterols used increased the level of secreted vesicles, both exosomes and ectosomes. The strongest effect was noticed for 24-OH. Taken together, these results suggest that 7-K and 7α-OH are the most potent inducers of cancer cell death. The lower cytotoxic effect of 24-OH correlates with greater phospholipids accumulation, extracellular vesicles production and better cells survival.
Location and Price Competition On A Uniform Path with Different Pricing Policies
Authors: Bhadury Joyendu , Eiselt H. A.
Published: February 2024

This paper models duopolistic competition between an online retailer and a physical store retailer with the online retailer modelled as a firm with uniform delivered pricing policy and the physical store as a firm with a mill pricing policy. Both firms seek to maximize their respective profits through an appropriate choice of location and price. The market is assumed to be given by a “uniform path” - a tree whose node weights and arc lengths are equal. Modelling reality, we consider two alternate types of transportation costs faced by the online retailer: either dependent on the relative location of the firm and a customer or independent of it. Beginning with the framework of a Stackelberg, i.e., sequential game, optimal location and price strategies are analytically derived for both sequences of market entry by the two competitors. Cases in which the leader faces the first entry paradox or can become a monopolist by strategically deterring entry by the follower are delineated. Thereafter, Nash Equilibrium solutions to the simultaneous game are identified. Salient insights from the results include: (a) the competitive pressure faced by the physical store in the presence of online competition (b) the inability of an online retailer to compete in “large” markets under the first type of transportation cost and (c) the advantage to the physical retailer of being a market leader.
Peripheral artery disease is not a risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular events in thyroxine using diabetic patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Hsu Chih-Wei , Lin Chia-Hung , Liu Pi-Hua , Lin Yi-Hsuan
Published: February 2024

Aims:
This retrospective study investigated the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in thyroxine using diabetic patients and compared the risk factors between the MACE and non-MACE groups.
Methods:
We used longitudinal claims data from 2008 to 2017 from the Chang Gung Research Database. Diabetic patients who used thyroxine were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of MACE. The secondary outcomes were the differences between the two groups (MACE vs. no MACE).
Results:
After 1:1 group matching by propensity score between MACE and non-MACE group by sex, age, the interval of using thyroxine, there were 416 patients in each group. Patients with worse renal function (eGFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2), hypertension, history of diabetic microvascular complications, end stage renal disease (ESRD), coronary heart disease (CHD), heart failure, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and diabetic foot infection had a higher risk of experiencing MACE. Free T4 had weak positive correlation with HDL, and TSH had weak positive correlation with LDL and negative correlation with HDL (correlation coefficient, p value: 0.131, 0.022; 0.124, 0.016; -0.157, 0.003, respectively). There’s no optimal cutoff points according to the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the best discrimination point between TSH/free T4/LDL and MACE attack.
Conclusions:
In thyroxine using diabetic patients, patients with worse renal function, hypertension, history of diabetic microvascular complications, ESRD, CHD, heart failure, CVA and diabetic foot infection had a higher risk of experiencing MACE, but peripheral artery disease (PAD) was not a significant risk of MACE.
Durable, colored and dual crosslinking networks constructed in Lyocell cellulose structure for high-quality greener textiles
Authors: Xue Zhen , Fang Kuanjun , Shi Lujian , Li Xue , Feng Baohua , Xiao Zhangcao , Du Lixin , Song Yawei
Published: February 2024

As a good alternative to natural fibers and petroleum-derived fibers, Lyocell fibers draw increasing interests owing to its advantages of sustainable forest source, low carbon emission, high strength and comfort. However, Lyocell exhibits significant fibrillation behavior under friction, which seriously reduce product quality and limit its further development. Herein, dual crosslinking networks were innovatively constructed in Lyocell cellulose structure to enhance the interaction of cellulose macromolecular chains. Bifunctional reactive dyes were firstly loaded in cellulose chains to form a primary crosslinking network. Then, the cellulose interaction in Lyocell skin layer was further enhanced after the coating by water-soluble cationic isocyanate polymer. The mechanism was determined and results showed that durable dual crosslinking networks were formed in Lyocell skin-core structure. Dye molecules could form crosslinking structure in both of core and skin layer, and cationic polymer mainly existed on the fiber skin layer to construct enhanced crosslinked network. From scanning electron microscope observation, fibrillation behavior of Lyocell fibers was effectively prevented by dual crosslinking networks. Meanwhile, the durability was evaluated, showing that the treated fabric maintained good anti-fibrillation performance after washing for 50 times. Furthermore, the interaction of dyes and fibers was also enhanced by the cationic polymer via electrostatic attraction force, realizing high dye utilization efficiency. Therefore, the method possesses great potential in promoting the application of Lyocell fibers in greener textile.
Intermodal Targeted Energy Transfer in Two Dimensions - Part II: Forced Response
Authors: Veltman Yuval , Gzal Majdi , Gendelman Oleg V.
Published: February 2024

This paper is the second of a series devoted to the study of the two-dimensional intermodal targeted energy transfer (2D-IMTET). The 2D-IMTET mechanism for fully passive mitigation is explored in a harmonically excited three degrees-of-freedom planar oscillator driven close to one of its fundamental resonant frequencies. The oscillator is composed of a slab-like rigid body with a tilted elliptical-shape cavity, and it has two translation modes (horizontal and transversal) and one rotation mode. The natural frequencies of all modes are widely-spaced and far from any significant resonances. An intentional introduction of a rigid internal core, that is located inside the cavity, induces strong nonlinearity, giving rise to local vibro-impacts between the oscillator and the internal core. These vibro-impacts, combined with the geometry of the elliptical cavity, couple the linearly uncoupled normal modes. This coupling leads to strong non-resonant modal interactions, facilitating the transfer of energy among modes. Specifically, it results in a rapid scattering of energy from the fundamental structural mode, excited by the external forcing, to higher-frequency structural modes. It was observed that such nonlinear interactions and the directed energy transfer among modes ensure substantial increase of the effective stiffness, thus utilizing the inherent dissipative capacity of the system and shifting the structural response out of the resonance. The IMTET efficiency is explored using numerical simulations for three distinct structural configurations: linear unprotected system, nonlinear system with purely elastic frictionless impacts and nonlinear system with frictional and inelastic impacts.
Conversion to open surgery in minimally invasive surgery for ileocolonic Crohn’s disease: a national multicentre study
Authors: Alexa Ioana Diana , Giglio Mariano Cesare , Rottoli Matteo , Sampietro Gianluca , Pellino Gianluca , Selvaggi Francesco , Celentano Valerio
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Crohn’s disease (CD) patients may require recurrent surgeries due to the chronic and relapsing nature of the disease. Despite its technical challenges, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) offers potential benefits such as early recovery and reduced morbidity. This study aims to investigate the rate and risk factors of conversion from minimally invasive to open surgery for CD.
Methods
This retrospective, multicentre, observational study, promoted by the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR), enrolled all patients aged 16 or older undergoing elective, urgent, or emergent surgery for ileocolonic Crohn’s disease from June 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019. The primary endpoint was the conversion rate from minimally invasive to open surgery.
Results
In total, 816 patients were included. Patients who underwent conversion to open surgery had higher postoperative stoma rates (p = 0.001) and longer hospital stays (p = 0.017) compared to those completed with MIS. No significant differences were found between converted patients and those planned as open from the beginning. Regression analysis identified age, associated procedures and perforation as potential risk factors for conversion.
Conclusion
Regardless of the recognised advantages of MIS, approximately 10% of CD patients require conversion to open surgery. To optimise surgical outcomes, continuous efforts in patient selection, surgeon training, and technology advancement are essential in reducing conversions and improving the surgical management of Crohn’s disease.
The Impact of Cancer-Related Diarrhea on Changes in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Aleem Abdullah , Sarihan Maya , Okhuysen Pablo , Roeland Eric , Schwartzberg Lee , Wang Yinghong , Chaturvedi Pravin
Published: February 2024

Purpose
The impact of cancer-related diarrhea (CRD) on changes in cancer therapy remains poorly characterized despite its prevalence.
Methods
We performed a longitudinal observational study using IQVIA PharMetrics Plus claims data. Patients included adults with CRD identified by diagnosis codes or pharmacy claims and compared their outcomes to matched (1:1) patients without CRD. Treatment parameters (discontinuation, persistence, augmentation, dose titration, adherence) were evaluated and stratified for the first cancer therapy (chemotherapy vs. targeted therapy vs. both). A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the difference in risk of each treatment parameter between cohorts, adjusting for cancer type, therapy, and comorbidities.
Results
We identified 104,135 matched pairs of patients with solid (n = 94,411) or hematologic cancers (n = 9,724) receiving chemotherapy (n = 47,220), targeted therapy (n = 2,427), or both (n = 5,313). Patients with CRD discontinued therapy more frequently than those without CRD (chemotherapy [81.5% vs. 62.3%], targeted therapy [69.2% vs. 64.3%], both [96.0% vs. 85.5%], p < 0.0001). The overall proportion of discontinuation was higher (82.4% vs. 64.6%, p < 0.0001), including a higher risk of discontinuation (HR = 1.40, p < 0.001) for patients with CRD. The mean time to discontinuation (59.6 ± 54.1 vs. 68.3 ± 76.6 days), switch (72.0 ± 48.6 vs. 96.9 ± 84.0 days), persistence (95.1 ± 98.1 vs. 154.3 ± 142.7 days), and adherence (25.5%±37.2 vs. 47.9 ± 41%) were all lower (p < 0.0001) among patients with CRD.
Conclusion
Patients who develop CRD undergo significant and clinically impactful index treatment discontinuation, treatment switching, and have lower adherence and persistence of anticancer therapy compared to patients without CRD. Strategies to control CRD to optimize cancer therapy are urgently needed.
Enhancing phenotyping accuracy for stem rot disease through advanced oxalic acid assay in groundnut
Authors: Veerendrakumar H. V. , Kiranmayee Bangaru , Vasanthi R. P. , Kumar A. R. Nirmal , Pandey Manish K , Sudini Hari Kishan
Published: February 2024

Background
Stem rot, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii, is an important and difficult to manage soil borne disease in groundnut. This disease is seen in almost all groundnut growing regions in the world. It affects the crown region of the plant that make the whole plant collapse and leading to yield losses up to 80%.
Results
Comprehensive evaluation of 184 minicore germplasm accessions encompassing various subspecies and botanical varieties including checks in combination of sick field screening and response to oxalic acid assay resulted in indicating the presence of substantial variability for the trait among the genotypes. Further, the trait governing stem rot resistance, exhibited a significant environmental influence, but displayed high heritability and genetic advance, thus suggesting considerable potential for improvement through plant breeding strategies. The response to oxalic acid assay demonstrated good correlation with approximately 80% when compared with field assessments. Overall, seven genotypes such as ICG163, ICG721, ICG10479, ICG875, ICG11457, ICG111, and ICG2857 exhibited stable resistance against stem rot across multiple seasons in both the field and under controlled conditions.
Conclusions
Seven genotypes that are identified as resistance will be beneficial to introgression of resistance to elite genotypes. As the trait is highly influenced by the environment it is imperative to employ multi-season phenotyping. The oxalic acid assay developed and deployed in this study is complementing field phenotyping. It can be used in conjunction with the field phenotyping as it is difficult to maintain the uniform disease pressure across the field.
Effects of Topical Corticosteroids, Topical Corticosteroids Under Occlusion, and Topical Brimonidine on the Prevention of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation After Q-Switched 532-nm Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Solar Lentigines
Authors: Tumsutti Pakagamon , Rojhirunsakool Salinee , Kamanamool Nanticha , Khunkhet Saranya , Udompataikul Montree
Published: February 2024

Q-switched (QS) Nd:YAG 532-nm laser is among the most effective treatment options for solar lentigines. However, a high incidence of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) has been reported. The available evidence on PIH prophylaxis is currently sparse and controversial. Therefore, we aimed to determine the efficacy of multiple prophylactic treatments for PIH, including topical corticosteroids, topical corticosteroids under occlusion, and topical brimonidine, in reducing the incidence of PIH following QS laser treatment of solar lentigines. Thirty-eight subjects with at least 8 solar lentigines on their forearms were recruited to receive QS Nd:YAG 532 nm laser treatment. The treatment areas on the forearms were divided into 4 areas: left upper, left lower, right upper, and right lower forearm. The lesions in each area were randomly allocated to receive different PIH prophylactic agents after laser treatment: topical clobetasol for 2 days, topical clobetasol under occlusion in single application, topical brimonidine for 3 days, or petrolatum jelly (control). The occurrence and intensity of PIH, degree of erythema, improvement of lesions, and adverse reactions were evaluated at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Patient satisfaction was assessed at the end of the study. No statistically significant differences were detected between the groups regarding the occurrence of PIH, the intensity of PIH, or the improvement of lesions. However, the incidence of posttreatment erythema was significantly lower in the lesions that received topical clobetasol and topical clobetasol under occlusion, compared to the control group, at all visits. Additionally, patient satisfaction was significantly greater with topical clobetasol and clobetasol under occlusion. Topical brimonidine had the highest side effects on itching, dryness, and eczema. In conclusion, topical clobetasol and brimonidine were not found to be significantly effective at reducing the incidence of PIH after laser treatment, but topical clobetasol and topical clobetasol under occlusion significantly increased patient satisfaction after laser treatment.
Acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of WE-SURF™: A virtual supervised group-based fall prevention exercise program among older adults
Authors: Bong janet , Pin Tan Maw , Whitney Julie , Tiong Ing Khieng , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit
Published: February 2024

Conducted physically, supervised group-based falls prevention exercise programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls among older adults. In this study, we aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a virtual supervised group-based falls prevention exercise program (WE-SURFTM) for community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls.
Method
A preliminary study utilizing virtual discussions was conducted to assess the acceptability of the program among six older adults. Effectiveness was evaluated in a randomized controlled feasibility study design, comprising 52 participants (mean age: 66.54; SD: 5.16), divided into experimental (n=26) and control (n=26) groups. The experimental group engaged in a 6-month WE-SURFTM program, while the control group received standard care along with a fall’s prevention education session. Feasibility of the intervention was measured using attendance records, engagement rates from recorded videos, dropouts, attrition reasons, and adverse events.
Results
Preliminary findings suggested that WE-SURFTM was acceptable, with further refinements. The study revealed significant intervention effects on timed up and go (TUG) (η2p:0.08; p <0.05), single leg stance (SLS) (η2p:0.10; p<0.05), and lower limb muscle strength (η2p:0.09; p<0.05) tests. No adverse events occurred during the program sessions, and both attendance and engagement rates were high (>80% and 8/10, respectively) with minimal dropouts (4%). The WE-SURFTM program demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the risk of falls while enhancing muscle strength and balance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, WE-SURFTM was demonstrated to be an acceptable, feasible, and effective virtual supervised group-based exercise program for fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls. With positive outcomes and favourable participant engagement, WE-SURFTM holds the potential for wider implementation. Further research and scaling-up efforts are recommended to explore its broader applicability.
(Registration number: ACTRN 12621001620819)
Quantifying soil accumulation of atmospheric mercury using fallout radionuclide chronometry
Authors: Landis Joshua , Obrist Daniel , Zhou Jun , Renshaw Carl , McDowell William , Nytch Chris , Palucis Marisa , Vecchio Joanmarie Del , Lopez Fernando , Taylor Vivien
Published: February 2024

Soils are a principal global reservoir of mercury (Hg), a neurotoxic pollutant accumulated through a history of anthropogenic emissions to the atmosphere and subsequent deposition to terrestrial ecosystems. The fate of Hg deposition in soils remains fundamentally uncertain, however, particularly to what degree Hg is quantitatively retained versus re-emitted back to the atmosphere as gaseous elemental mercury (GEM). Here we introduce a new bottom-up soil mass balance based on fallout radionuclide (FRN) chronometry that allows direct quantification of historical Hg soil accumulation rates and comparison with measured contemporary atmospheric deposition. We show that soils spanning Arctic, boreal, temperate, and tropical ecosystems are strong and long-term sinks for atmospheric Hg, and that the soil sink strength decreases with latitude. Peak deposition reconstructed for years 1950-2000 strongly exceeds contemporary deposition fluxes by factors of approximately two. In the northeastern USA, trends in soil-derived Hg accumulation rates agree in timing and magnitude with records derived from regional lake sediments and atmospheric measurements. We show that typical soils are quantitatively efficient at retaining atmospheric Hg deposition, with exception of a subset of soils (about 20%, all temperate and boreal coniferous), where approximately 10% of Hg deposition is unaccounted for, suggesting that up to 2% of soil Hg may be lost by legacy emission of GEM back to the atmosphere when scaled across the landscape. The observation that most soil Hg is effectively sequestered long-term calls into question global model and mass balance studies that assume strong and continued re-cycling of legacy Hg pollution in the environment that prolongs the impacts of past Hg emissions. Availability of FRN chronometry to reconstruct soil Hg accumulation rates poses a powerful new tool to quantify Hg deposition and trends across much larger spatial scales than previously possible, and should advance the understanding of Hg deposition, accumulation, and fate in the context of changing global environment.
Prognostic Value of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition in Post-Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
Authors: Huang Wen-Ting , Cheng De-Lei , Yin Liang , Dong Li , Zhu Yi-Jiang , Zhang Liu , Lu Dong , Zhou Chun-Ze , Lv Wei-Fu
Published: February 2024

Background & Aims:
Malnutrition detrimentally impacts the prognosis of patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension (CPH). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malnutrition using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and its effect on the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with CPH.
Methods
This study incorporated 330 CPH patients who underwent TIPS between December 2015 and March 2022. Employing the GLIM criteria, patients were categorized into normal nutrition, moderate, and severe malnutrition groups. The incidence of HE and survival rates were compared among these groups. A survival prediction nomogram was constructed using individual predictive factors from the GLIM criteria.
Results
A total of 170 (51.52%) patients were diagnosed with malnutrition [moderate (n = 130) and severe (n = 40)]. Malnutrition correlated with an increased incidence of post-TIPS overt (p < 0.001) and severe HE (p < 0.001) and diminished OS rates (p < 0.0001). Malnutrition based on GLIM criteria was the independent predictor for HE and post-TIPS survival (HR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.28–2.13, p < 0.001 and HR = 1.65, 95%CI: 1.18–2.29, p = 0.003, respectively). The nomogram, integrating factors including age, ascites, low calibrated body mass index (BMIc), and sarcopenia, demonstrated strong predictive capabilities for post-TIPS survival rates both in the training set (C-index, 0.755, 95%CI: 0.684–0.826) and validation set (C-index, 0.767, 95%CI: 0.613–0.921).
Conclusions
The GLIM-based diagnosis of malnutrition in patients with CPH independently predicts the risk of post-TIPS HE and mortality. The constructed nomogram exhibits a commendable predictive efficacy for post-TIPS survival.
Research on cherry maturity detection based on improved DS-YOLOV8
Authors: You Song , Zhang ChangQing , Wang Chenchen , Ning ShaoTong
Published: February 2024

In order to automatically detect the maturity of cherry fruits in the natural environment 1 and realize the automatic picking of cherry fruits, three levels of cherry fruit maturity (Green ripening 2 stage, medium ripening stage, full ripening stage) were formulated according to the changes of 3 cherry fruit phenotypic characteristics in the mature stage and the company standard GH/T 1193-2021. Aiming at the problem that the difference of adjacent cherries’ maturity characteristics is not obvious and the mutual occlusion between fruits, an improved YOLO v8 model is proposed for cherry fruit maturity detection. In this method, the Dymatic Snake Convolution (DSconv) module 7 was introduced into the YOLO v8 model as the backbone feature extraction network to reduce the number of parameters of the network. At the same time, the spatial attention mechanism (including 9 CBMA and FocalModulation modules) was added to the feature fusion network to improve the feature expression ability of the network. The experimental results show that the average precision, 11 recall and average precision of the improved YOLO v8 model under the test set are 98.6%, 98.1% and 12 98.2% respectively. Compared with Faster R-CNN, YOLO v3 and YOLO v5s, the improved YOLO v8 13 model has improved by 18.7, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.1 percentage points respectively. The results show that the 14 improved YOLO v8 model can provide technical support for the automatic picking of cherries.
AI-based predictive biomarker discovery via contrastive learning retrospectively improves clinical trial outcome
Authors: Jacob Etai , Arango-Argoty Gustavo , Bikiel Damian , Sun Gerald , Kipkogei Elly , Smith Kaitlin
Published: February 2024

Modern clinical trials can capture tens of thousands of clinicogenomic measurements per individual. Employing manual approaches to discover predictive biomarkers, as differentiated from prognostic markers, is a challenging task. To address this challenge, we present an automated neural network framework based on contrastive learning, which we have named the predictive biomarker modeling framework (PBMF). This general-purpose framework explores potential predictive biomarkers in a systematic and unbiased manner, as demonstrated in simulated “ground truth” synthetic scenarios resembling clinical trials, and clinical studies for breast and lung cancer. Applied retrospectively to real clinicogenomic data sets, particularly in the complex field of immunooncology (IO) predictive biomarker discovery, our algorithm successfully found biomarkers that identify IO-treated individuals who survive longer than those treated with chemotherapy. In a retrospective analysis, we demonstrated how our framework could have contributed to a phase 3 clinical trial (NCT02008227) by uncovering a predictive biomarker based solely on early study data. Patients identified with this predictive biomarker had a 15% improvement in survival risk, as compared to those of the original trial. This improvement was achieved with a simple, interpretable decision tree generated via PBMF knowledge distillation. Our framework offers a rapid and robust approach to inform biomarker strategy, providing actionable outcomes for clinical decision-making.
Bio-Inspired Robotic Tap Testing: An Innovative Approach for Nondestructive Testing of Wooden Structures
Authors: Nemati Hamidreza , Dehghan-Niri Ehsan
Published: February 2024

Tap testing is an effective way of characterizing material conditions and flaws in various materials, including wood. Given its versatility and widespread usage, wood requires thorough inspection to assess its quality, identify potential defects, and ensure the safety and durability of wooden structures across diverse applications. This technique has the advantage of being simple, efficient and inexpensive. The tap testing method, when performed manually, requires an operator to tap each point of the structure using a hand-held object (e.g., a coin or tap hammer). Consequently, the precision of this test is highly reliant on the inspector's subjective interpretation of the vibrational acoustic response. In order to overcome this drawback, a bio-inspired tap testing approach with augmented objectivity of signal analysis has been proposed. The pioneer tap testing is inspired by an animal named aye-aye recognized for its unique acoustic-based foraging behavior called 'tap-scanning' or 'percussive foraging'. The aye-aye's near-field versatile acoustic sensing capabilities enable it to locate small cavities beneath a tree bark with complex materials. Current work describes a quantitative and instrumented robotic tap test system that creates repeatable mechanical impacts using a biomimetic approach. Two specimens were utilized to validate the effectiveness of this biomimetic approach. One of the specimens possessed identical diameter flat bottom holes but of varying depths, and the other had different diameters at positions of the same thickness from the test surface. Biomimetic tap scanning was applied over the defect-free and damaged areas of the specimens utilizing the 3D printed animal pinna and head in the experimental setup. The findings indicated that the biological characteristics of the animal's external auditory organs including the pinna and ear cannel substantially enhanced the system's sensitivity in detecting artificial defects within wooden blocks. This enhancement was primarily attributed to a notable improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, the outcomes demonstrated that the head and external ear structure exerted a superior discriminating factor for damage detection compared to both the pinna with ear canal configuration and the microphone-only setup within the experimental framework. The underlying cause behind this heightened discriminating factor remains undetermined and warrants further investigation by the research team.
Magnetic Imbalance at Supergranular scale: A Driving Mechanism for Coronal Hole Formation
Authors: Cantoresi Matteo , Berrilli Francesco
Published: February 2024

Unraveling the intricate interplay between the solar photosphere's magnetic field and the dynamics of the upper solar atmosphere is paramount to understanding the organization of solar magnetic fields and their influence on space weather events. This study delves into the organization of photospheric magnetic fields particularly in the context of Coronal Holes (CHs), as they are believed to harbor the sources of fast solar wind. We employed the signed measure technique on synthetic images that depict various arrangements of magnetic fields, encompassing imbalances in the sign of the magnetic field (inward and outward) as well as spatial organization. This study provides compelling evidence that the cancellation functions of simulated regions with imbalanced magnetic fields along the boundaries of supergranular cells aligns with cancellation function trends of observed photospheric magnetic regions associated with Coronal Holes. Thus, the analysis serves as significant proof that CHs arise from the formation of imbalanced magnetic patterns on the edges of supergranular cells.
Seismic Fragility Model for Elephant-Foot Buckling in Unanchored Steel Storage Tanks
Authors: Munoz Luz Elizabeth Vasquez , Dolšek Matjaž
Published: February 2024

The seismic fragility model of elephant-foot buckling (EFB) in the tank wall of the unanchored storage tanks is introduced by utilizing the results of a parametric study of eighteen tank-soil configurations. The model can be used to rapidly assess the seismic vulnerability to EFB for a larger number of tanks. The parametric study involved a 1D cloud-based soil response analysis to relate the ground-motion intensity measure at the bedrock with that at the free surface, and a pushover analysis of the refined finite element model of the tank to assess the engineering demand parameter in terms of axial compressive stress in the tank wall and the critical value that triggers EFB. As a consequence, the seismic fragility model can be applied to intensity measures at the bedrock, as it is demonstrated for the spectral acceleration at the tank’s impulsive period, Se,bedrock,EFB, and the peak ground acceleration, PGAbedrock,EFB. The input parameters of the model are the harmonic average shear-wave velocity in the top 30 m of soil, Vs,30, the slenderness ratio, H/R, the ratio between radius and wall thickness of the tank, R/t, and the standard deviation of log values for the intensity measure causing EFB. The model reliably predicts the median intensity measure causing the onset of EFB in the investigated tank-soil configurations, especially when Se,bedrock,EFB is selected for the intensity measure. However, further investigation is required to enhance the accuracy of predicted intensity measures that trigger EFB by considering the dynamic impact between the base plate and the foundation during an earthquake.