bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Circadian Rhythm of Heart Rate Variability in Patients with Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Janocha Anna , Skalik Robert , Kałka Dariusz , Molęda Aldona , Sobieszczańska Małgorzata
Published: August 2024

Background: Anxiety disorders can be both an independent risk factor of many somatic conditions and the cause of complications of various organic disorders leading to poor prognosis. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare the heart rate variability (HRV) recorded both during the day and at night in patients with anxiety disorders and healthy individuals. Methods: The study was conducted on fifty consecutive outpatients with anxiety disorders who participated in intensive group psychotherapy. The diagnosis was made according to DSM-IV-TR criteria using the PSE-10 questionnaire. Out of 50 patients under study, 17 were diagnosed with panic disorder (PD) and 21 with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The control group consisted of 40 healthy people. The resulting three groups were compared in terms of circadian HRV using the Oxford Medilog Suprima Holter System. Results: The HRV analysis showed the nocturnal falls in the time and frequency parameters related to parasympathetic activity (rMSSD, pNN50, HF). The most unfavourable alterations were observed in the PD group, which comprised the disappearance of day vs. night amplitude of the majority of HRV parameters. Hence, the PD group was particularly susceptible to the arrhythmic events. It was noticeable that nocturnal vagotonia in the PD group was significantly lower as compared with the GAD and control group. Conclusions: The innovative aspect of the present study was to find a distinct profile of HRV with regard to the types of anxiety disorders because of the existing considerable differences between the nature of PD and GAD.
A Green Laboratory Approach to Medical Sample Transportation: Assessing the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Footprint of Medical Sample Transportation by Drone, Combustion Car, and Electric Car
Authors: Stierlin Noel Rouven , Loertscher Fabian , Risch Martin , Risch Lorenz
Published: August 2024

Background: Amidst escalating climate change concerns, sustainable practices in healthcare logistics are critical. This study evaluates the ecological impact and efficiency of medical sample transportation using drones, combustion cars, and electric cars across diverse terrains and weather in Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Methods: We conducted a comparative analysis of CO2 emissions, transport distances, and delivery times for each transportation modality. Data collection involved multiple runs under various conditions, with CO2 emissions measured using onboard systems, and transport efficiency assessed via GPS tracking and time monitoring. Results: Combustion cars exhibited the highest average CO2 emissions at 159.5 grams per kilometer (g/km). Electric cars emitted significantly less, averaging 3.43 g/km, which is 2.15% of combustion car emissions. Drones were the most environmentally friendly, with an average emission of 0.09 g/km, representing 0.07% of combustion car emissions and 2.6% of electric car emissions. Drones also showed substantial transport efficiency, covering 17% shorter distances on flat terrain and 24% shorter in mountainous areas, with time savings ranging from 13% to 80%. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of drone technology to revolutionize healthcare logistics by reducing environmental impact and optimizing operational efficiency. Integrating drones can significantly lower the carbon footprint, improve sample integrity, and enhance patient care, promoting a greener, more resilient healthcare system.
Identification of Key Biomarkers in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Based on Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Mengping , Jiang Hongjie , Yu Xiaoping , Cai Peiling
Published: August 2024

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex and devastating disease that the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are largely remains unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the key hub genes and pathways in PAH by bioinformatics analysis.
In the current study, we performed WGCNA analysis to systematically identify the hub genes for PAH using transcriptome microarray data. From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, one microarray dataset (GSE113439) was downloaded for this study. There were 26 samples in this data set, including 15 PHA samples and 11 normal controls.
Based on weighted correlation network analysis, 11 modules were identified and the MEgreenyellow module showed a significantly positive correlation with PAH (r = 0.93, P = 1e−06). The genes in greenyellow module were mainly significantly enriched in mitophagy related pathways by KEGG analyses. Combined with the protein–protein interaction (PPI) and co-expression networks, ten hub genes were identified as candidate biomarkers for PAH in the greenyellow module, including CTNNB1, NIPBL, ROCK2, ROCK1, SCAF11, JAK1, BIRC6, KIF5B, PPP1R12A and XRN1.
These hub genes might be potential targets for clinical therapy against PAH. The molecular mechanisms involved in these genes that affected the prognosis of PAH should be further validated through biological and basic studies.
Comparative Analysis of Rapid and Less Invasive Methods for A2A2 Dairy Cattle Genotyping and A2 Milk Purity Detection
Authors: Kempka Aniela Pinto , Albiero Leandra Oliveira Xavier , Ansiliero Rafaela
Published: August 2024

This study analyzed methodologies for identifying β-casein genotypes in dairy cows and the purity of A2 fermented milk. The research was justified by the need for quick and accurate techniques for herd screening and A2 milk quality control. The methodology included the development of an ELISA test to detect β-casein A1 in fermented milk and the evaluation of a commercial Lateral Flow Immuno Assay (LFIA) to identify A2A2 genotypes and the purity of A2 milk. The results showed that the ELISA test had high sensitivity and specificity (100%) in detecting β-casein A1. The LFIA test was 100% effective in identifying A2A2 genotypes and verifying the purity of A2 milk with a minimum detectable contamination of 5% for raw milk and 10% for fermented milk. Compared to traditional genotyping, these methods proved to be highly reliable and more practical for large-scale screening. It was concluded that the ELISA and LFIA were valuable tools for ensuring the quality and authenticity of A2 milk, meeting the demands of producers and consumers for safe and healthy dairy products.
The Maximum Depositional Age and Provenance of Metaterrigenous Rocks of the Lykhmanivka Syncline, Middle Dnieper Domain of the Ukrainian Shield: Implications for the Relationships between Greenstone Belts and the Kryvyi Rih – Kremenchuk Basin
Authors: Artemenko Hennadii , Shumlyanskyy Leonid , Chew David , Drakou Foteini , Dhuime Bruno , Moreira Hugo , Butyrin Valeryi
Published: August 2024

Detrital zircons from two samples of metaterrigenous rocks from the Lykhmanivka Syncline, Middle Dnieper Domain of the Ukrainian Shield (Skelevate Formation of the Kryvyi Rih Group), have been dated by the LA-ICP-MS U-Pb method. Metasandstones from the northern part of the Syncline yield zircons belonging to four age groups: 3205 ± 20 Ma, 3089 ± 11 Ma, 2939 ± 8 Ma, and 2059 ± 4 Ma. In contrast, zircon from metasediments from the southern end of the Lykhmanivka Syncline fall within two age groups: 3174 ± 13 Ma, and 2038 ± 9 Ma. The source area was dominated by rocks of the Auly Group (3.27–3.18 Ga) and the Sura Complex (3.17–2.94 Ga). The proportion of zircons dated at 2.07–2.03 Ga, which reflects the timing of metamorphism, is 5%. The metamorphic nature of the Paleoproterozoic zircon allows us to define the maximum depositional age of the metaterrigenous rocks of the Lykhmanivka Syncline at ca. 2.9 Ga, which is in good agreement with the earlier results from the metaterrigenous rocks of the Kryvyi Rih – Kremenchuk basin. Our data also indicate the local nature of sedimentation and the absence of significant transport and mixing of detrital material within the basin.
Electrolyte Imbalance in Acute Traumatic Brain Injury: Insights from the First 24 Hours
Authors: Săcărescu Alina , Turliuc Mihaela-Dana
Published: August 2024

Electrolyte disturbances are common in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly affecting sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium levels. This study aims to provide insights into these disturbances within the first 24 hours post-injury. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 50 TBI patients, excluding those with conditions affecting electrolyte balance. Electrolyte levels were measured, and correlations with demographic data, trauma mechanisms, imaging findings, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were analyzed. Results indicated that chloride levels inversely correlated with GCS scores (ρ = -0.515; p = 0.002), suggesting that elevated chloride may indicate severe neurological impairment. Potassium levels were significantly associated with subdural hematoma (p = 0.032) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (p = 0.043), highlighting their potential as markers for severe brain injuries. No significant associations were found between sodium or calcium levels and the studied variables. These findings underscore the importance of early monitoring of chloride and potassium levels in TBI patients to improve management and outcomes. Future research should focus on larger, multi-center studies to validate these findings and develop comprehensive guidelines for managing electrolyte imbalances in TBI patients.
Magnetostrophic Flow and Electromagnetic Columns in Magneto-Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Vadasz Peter
Published: August 2024

An analogy between magneto-fluid dynamics (MFD/MHD) and geostrophic flow in a rotating frame of reference including the existence of electromagnetic columns identical to Taylor-Proudman columns is identified and demonstrated theoretically. The latter occurs in the limit of large values of a dimensionless group representing the magnetic field number. Such conditions are shown to be easily satisfied in reality. Consequently, the electromagnetic fluid flow subject to these conditions is two dimensional and the streamlines are being shown to be identical to the pressure lines in complete analogy to rotating geostrophic flows. An experimental setup is suggested to confirm the theoretical results experimentally.
Cyanobacterial Pigments as Natural Photosensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Montagni Tatiana , Avila Mauricio , Fernandez Sofia , Bonilla Sylvia , Cerdá María Fernanda
Published: August 2024

Three filamentous freshwater cyanobacterial strains were grown at high light intensity to produce lipidic dyes composed of xanthophylls, carotenes and chlorophyll a. The properties of the pigments were evaluated as suitable natural compounds to be applied in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The assembled DSSC were characterized using the density current vs. potential profiles and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. With an efficiency of 0.127 %, our results are higher than those previously reported using similar structured compounds from natural sources as algae and cyanobacteria, among others. The best efficiencies were probably related to the strains with high content in pigments probably related to myxoxanthophyll-like derivates and aphanizophyll, carotenoids with many hydroxyl groups able to interact with the semiconductor surface. The stability of the bonding between the dyes and the titanium oxide of the photoelectrode is crucial to ensuring acceptable performance of the DSSC, which was successfully achieved in our experiments with carotenoids with many hydroxyl groups. Our results point to cyanobacterial pigments as a promising source of natural dyes for use in solar cells.
Altered Expression of IL-15, IFNG and HPRT1 Genes in the Thin Endometrium of Patients with Reproductive Disorders
Authors: Kurmanova Almagul , Ashirbekov Yeldar , Kurmanova Gaukhar , Mamedaliyeva Nagima , Anartayeva Gaini , Moshkalova Gaukhar , Salimbayeva Damilya , Tulesheva Aidana , Zhankina Zhamilya
Published: August 2024

Reproductive disorders are a common event in modern reproductive medicine, occurring both in spontaneous and assisted pregnancies. Studies of the molecular mechanisms of implantation disorders in thin endometrium, including the study of gene transcriptional activity, have shed light on the identification of potential biological markers of endometrial receptivity. Background/Objectives: to reveal significantly dysregulated selected genes expression between RIF and RPL patients with thin endometrium. Methods: Endometrial samples were collected in the implantation window days (LH+7 – LH+10) of the natural menstrual cycle from RIF patients (n=20) and RPL patients (n=19). Ten genes were chosen as target genes regarding their possible relations with the implantation process. Total RNA was purified, reverse-transcribed; gene expression was quantified by RT-PCR. Results: The expression of the IL-15, INFG and HPRT1 genes were significantly decreased in RIF with thin endometrium patients compared to the RPL patients (log2 fold change=0.92, p=0.023 for IL-15, log2 fold change=1.24, p=0.046 for INFG, and log2 fold change=0.579, p=0.046 for HPRT1). There were not significant differences in expression of CXCL8, CXCL1, MMP10, C4BPA, TNC, VEGFB and HAND2 genes between groups. Conclusions: decreased expression of IL-15, INFG and HPRT1 genes was found in patients with RIF with thin endometrium compared to the endometrium of women with RPL. This has practical significance for clinicians for differentiated prescription of immunomodulatory therapy in patients undergoing ART programs.
Recent Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment of Invasive Candidiasis in Neonates
Authors: Baltogianni Maria , Giapros Vasileios , Dermitzaki Niki
Published: August 2024

Invasive Candida infections represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), particularly among preterm and low birth weight neonates. The nonspecific clinical presentation of invasive candidiasis, resembling that of bacterial sepsis with multiorgan involvement, makes the diagnosis challenging. Given the atypical clinical presentation and the potential detrimental effects of delayed treatment, empirical treatment is often initiated in cases with high clinical suspicion. This underscores the need to develop alternative laboratory methods other than cultures, which are known to have low sensitivity and a prolonged detection time, to optimize therapeutic strategies. Serum biomarkers, including mannan antigen/anti-mannan antibody and 1,3-β-D-glucan (BDG), both components of the yeast cell wall, a nano-diagnostic method utilizing T2 magnetic resonance and Candida DNA detection by PCR-based techniques have been investigated as adjuncts to body fluid cultures and have shown promising results in improving diagnostic efficacy and shortening detection time in neonatal populations. This review aims to provide an overview of the diagnostic tools and the current management strategies for invasive candidiasis in neonates. Timely and accurate diagnosis followed by targeted antifungal treatment can significantly improve the survival and outcome of neonates affected by Candida species.
Prognostic Impact of Statins in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Ortega-Hernández Samanta , González-Sosa Sonia , Conde Martel Alicia , Trullàs Joan Carles , Llàcer Pau , Pérez-Silvestre José , Arévalo-Lorido José Carlos , Casado-Cerrada Jesús , Formiga Francesc , Manzano Luis , Lorenzo Villalba Noel , Montero-Pérez-Barquero Manuel
Published: August 2024

Background: Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (pEF) has lacked effective 23 treatments for reducing mortality. However, previous studies have found an association between 24 statin use and decreased mortality in patients with HFpEF. The aim of this study was to analyze 25 whether statin therapy is associated with a reduction in mortality in these patients and whether the 26 effect differs according to presence or absence of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Methods: We ana- 27 lyzed data from the National Registry of Heart Failure, a prospective study including patients ad- 28 mitted for HF in Internal Medicine units nationwide. Patients with HFpEF were classified according 29 to the use of statins and differences between two groups were analyzed. A multivariate analysis 30 was performed using Cox regression to assess factors independently related to mortality. Results: 31 2788 patients with HFpEF were included, 63% of them were women with a mean age of 80.1(±7.8) 32 years. The statin-treated group (40.2%) was younger, with better functional status, and had a more 33 common diagnosis of vascular disease and lower frequency of atrial fibrillation. The most frequent 34 etiology of HF in both groups was the hypertensive one. Nevertheless, ischemic HF was more com- 35 mon in those who received statins (24.8% vs. 9.6%; p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed lower 36 mortality at 1-year follow-up in statin-treated patients (OR:0.74; 95%CI:0.61-0.89; p=0.002). This as- 37 sociation was observed in patients without IHD (p<0.001), but not in those with IHD (p=0.11). Con- 38 clusion: Statins are associated with a decrease in total mortality in patients with HFpEF. This benefit 39 occurs mainly in those without IHD.
Genetic Foundations of Nellore Traits: A Gene Prioritization and Functional Analyses of Genome-Wide Association Study Results
Authors: Ogunbawo Adebisi R. , Mulim Henrique A. , Campos Gabriel S. , Rojas de Oliveira Hinayah
Published: August 2024

The main goal of this study was to pinpoint functional candidate genes associated with multiple economically important traits in Nellore cattle. After quality control, 1 830 genomic regions sourced from 52 scientific peer-reviewed publications were used in this study. From these, a total of 8 569 positional candidate genes were annotated for reproduction, 11 195 for carcass, 5 239 for growth, and 3 483 for morphological traits, and used in the overrepresentation analysis. The significant genes (adjusted p-values<0.05) identified in the overrepresentation analysis underwent prioritization analyses, and an enrichment analysis of the prioritized overrepresented candidate genes was performed. The prioritized candidate genes were: GFRA4, RFWD3, SERTAD2, KIZ, REM2, and ANKRD34B for reproduction, RFWD3, TMEM120A, MIEF2, FOXRED2, DUSP29, CARHSP1, OBI1, JOSD1, NOP58, and LOXL1-AS1 for carcass, ANKRD34B, and JOSD1 for growth traits, and no gene prioritized for morphological traits. The functional analysis pinpointed the following genes: KIZ (plays crucial role in spindle organization, essential in forming a robust mitotic centrosome), DUSP29 (involved in muscle cell differentiation), and JOSD1 (involved in protein deubiquitination, thereby improving growth). The enrichment of the functional candidate genes identified in this study highlights that these genes play an important role in the expression of reproduction, carcass, and growth traits in Nellore cattle.
Climate Induced Temperature Effects on Growth Performance and Fecundity of Hippocampus guttulatus
Authors: Palma Jorge , Correia Miguel , Leitão Francisco , Andrade José Pedro
Published: August 2024

This experiment aimed to determine the temperature limits beyond which seahorse growth and reproduction become suboptimal due to climate change. Four temperatures (16, 20, 24, and 28°C) were tested to evaluate their effect on juvenile (1-56 days post-parturition (DPP)) and adult (one year old) seahorses. Additionally, the reproductive performance of adults was observed. Another experiment measured oxygen consumption (MO2) in the same age groups and temperatures. Adults showed significantly higher growth rates at 20 and 24°C compared to 16 and 28°C. Adult mortality rates were 0%, 0%, 6.2%, and 62.5% at the respective temperatures. Juvenile growth performance was higher at 20°C and 24°C but significantly lower at 16°C, with survival rates of 8%, 62%, 10%, and 0%, respectively. Oxygen consumption increased with age and temperature, ranging from 106.3±3.1 to 203.3±3.1 μmol O2/g BW/h at 16°C, and from 128.8±3.8 to 273.3±3.1 μmol O2/g BW/h at 28°C. The study highlights that juvenile and adult H. guttulatus have narrow thermal boundaries, beyond which reproduction, growth, and survival are seriously affected. Under climate change, the species appears unable to cope, potentially leading to their rapid disappearance.
Cybernetic immunity = the key to a secure digital world of the future
Authors: Dukhvalov Andrey Petrovich
Published: August 2024

Very complicated and highly interconnected information systems greatly determine the quality of life. Banking systems, industry, transportation, and other key aspects of modern civilization depend heavily on the reliability of information systems. However, the development of information systems lags far behind the requirements for trust and security. To implement these requirements, a large number of so-called "imposed" information security measures are now used: antiviruses, firewalls, traffic analyzers, etc. However, their application leads to additional problems: increased complexity, increased performance requirements, energy consumption, and others. The proposed approach makes it possible to develop information systems in such a way that they would ensure their stable operation in an "aggressive" information environment upon their development. I.e., they do not require additional, imposed means of protection during operation. By analogy with the immunity of living organisms, such a property of information systems is commonly referred to as cyberimmunity.
Strategic priorities of technological development: Approaches and tools
Authors: Tolstykh Tatyana Olegovna , Shmeleva Nadezhda Vasilievna
Published: August 2024

The relevance of the study is determined by the importance of finding management solutions by industrial enterprises for the effective implementation of sustainable development goals and strategic priorities of industrial development. For the transition to a high-tech economy, it is necessary to ensure synchrony and balance in the development of various industrial enterprises and their integrations. This will require changes in the elements and links between enterprises and the external environment, which necessitates the formation of a new institutional system of industrial integrations. The issues related to institutional transformation, managerial and socio-economic models of development and functioning of industrial integrations are currently insufficiently studied. The article defines the strategic priorities of industrial development, the principles of industrial integration formation. The necessity to evaluate technological development from the position of system approach is substantiated. The tools for implementing the strategy of institutional transformation of industry are proposed.
Conceptual foundations of interdisciplinary integration in higher education in the era of post-industrial transformation
Authors: Sirenka Sviatlana Nikolaevna
Published: August 2024

New meanings of interdisciplinary integration in higher education and its significance in the era of post-industrial transformation are revealed. The necessity of introducing interdisciplinary approaches into modern education is substantiated. The principles of the methodology developed by the author for introducing interdisciplinary integration into the educational process are outlined. The results of the study and experimental practical testing of the developed concept are presented.
Autowave model of megacities development
Authors: Sidorova Alla Eduardovna , Levashova Natalia Timurovna
Published: August 2024

The model of spatio-temporal self-organization of megacities as conjugate active environments – anthropogenic and natural subsystems – is considered. An analytical and numerical study of stationary solutions of the system is presented. The model allows us to identify threshold values of control (anthropogenic and natural) parameters and the basic principles of the development of autowave processes that form the spatiotemporal structures of megacities. The model is confirmed by statistical and cartographic data on the development of Moscow from 1952 to 1968. Forecast models for the development of New Moscow and Shanghai from 2017 to 2030 are considered. Numerical studies were carried out using the author’s program in C++, which allows you to create text files based on cartographic data. The code was created in the OpenCL environment and implemented using AMD FIREPRO GPUs. Graphic interpretation was carried out using the “Surfer” program.
Understanding resonant processes in society: a resource of the kumatoid concept
Authors: Lukashevich Vladimir Konstantinovich
Published: August 2024

The specificity of resonant processes in society has been revealed as a type of wave interactions that have a similar structure to resonances in inanimate nature and biota (the presence of a fixed source of directed influences, the strengthening of certain semantic and emotional parameters of the receiver and its evolutionary changes in behavior due to the originality of the content of directed influences and their frequency). Data on the direction of resonant processes in society, contained in the concept of mirror neurons, are analyzed, and an idea of the social sources of vitality and influence of resonant processes in society is developed.
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for a Symptomatic Neuroma in a Traumatic Transmetatarsal Amputee
Authors: Chon Jeewon , Franco Meryl Pearl , Luo Jessica , Vandevender Darl , Agnew Sonya
Published: August 2024

Case:

An overall healthy 48-year-old man suffered a left foot mangled crush injury resulting in a post-transmetatarsal amputation and subsequently developing a painful neuroma on the plantar surface of the foot. To avoid the zone of injury, targeted muscle reinnervation was used to treat the neuroma by coapting the tibial nerve to the motor point of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle. At 1-year follow-up, the patient reported no pain at rest, returned to work, and could ambulate with an orthosis for 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

Rare tibial nerve coaptations to the FHL could serve as a treatment option for patients with neuromas in traumatic postmetatarsal amputation.
A Quasi-Newton Trust-Region Method for Well Location Optimization Under Uncertainty
Authors: Eltahan Esmail , Alpak Faruk Omer , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: August 2024

Subsurface development involves well-placement decisions considering the highly uncertain understanding of the reservoir in the subsurface. The simultaneous optimization of a large number of well locations is a challenging problem. Traditional gradient-based methods can be adapted for well location optimization (WLO) when these problems are converted into real-valued representations and equipped with protocols to handle noisy objective functions. However, their application to large-scale scenarios often remains impractical. This impracticality arises because computing gradients of the objective function can be prohibitively expensive in realistic settings, particularly without using the adjoint method. In this paper, we explore the application of a novel quasi-Newton trust-region (TR) method that employs the stochastic simplex approximate gradient (StoSAG).

We have implemented the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) quasi-Newton updating algorithm together with line-search (LS) and TR optimization strategies. The StoSAG-based optimization methods have been applied to a realistic synthetic reservoir featuring 26 wells considering two distinct cases: Each includes 20 realizations of porosity and permeability. The first case exhibits mild heterogeneity, while the second exhibits significant heterogeneity with a large correlation length. We have conducted a series of runs to evaluate the performance of these algorithms in addition to comparisons to the finite-difference (FD) and particle-swarm-optimization (PSO) algorithms. We introduce a novel approach to enhance the accuracy of StoSAG gradients by proposing modified StoSAG formulations. These formulations are tailored to exploit the structure of the objective function and to capture the relationships between its components and the individual optimization parameters. This approach involves using a correction matrix W informed by problem-specific knowledge. The entries of W vary from 0 to 1 and are proportional to the interference effects the neighboring wells have on each other. We determine those entries (or weights) based on the radii of investigation around the wells and the distance between the well pairs.

Results indicate that the steepest-descent (SD) algorithm coupled with StoSAG has superior performance to PSO and FD. Although the objective function is prone to numerical noise and not continuously differentiable with respect to well locations, StoSAG overcomes this challenge because it acts as a smooth approximation. Comparative tests further confirm that the TR-BFGS is more effective than the LS-BFGS. Moreover, we show that using the proposed gradient correction procedure results in a significant acceleration in convergence, indicating an enhancement in the StoSAG gradient approximation quality. This enhancement allows the TR-BFGS algorithm to achieve considerably higher performance than SD, illustrating that the accuracy of the BFGS approximation benefits from improved gradient quality.
GenSynthPop: Generating a Spatially Explicit Synthetic Population of Individuals and Households from Aggregated Data
Authors: de Mooij Jan , Sonnenschein Tabea , Pellegrino Marco , Dastani Mehdi , Ettema Dick , Logan Brian , Verstegen Judith A.
Published: August 2024

Synthetic populations are representations of actual individuals living in a specificarea. They play an increasingly important role in studying and modeling individuals and are often used to build agent-based social simulations. Traditional approaches for synthesizing populations use a detailed sample of the population (which may not be available) or combine data into a single joint distribution, and draw individuals or households from these. The latter group of existing sample-free methods fail to integrate (1) the best available data on spatial granular distributions, (2) multi-variable joint distributions, and (3) household level distributions. In this paper, we propose a sample-free approach where synthetic individuals and households directly represent the estimated joint distribution to which attributes are iteratively added, conditioned on previous attributes such that the relative frequencies within each joint group of attributes are maintained and fit granular spatial marginal distributions. In this paper we present our method and test it for the Zuid-West district of The Hague, the Netherlands, showing that spatial, multi-variable and household distributions are accurately reflected in the resulting synthetic population.
Wave-particle duality in the asymmetrical double-slit interference experiments
Authors: Van Thuan Vo , Duc Vinh Vu , Thanh Hung Nguyen , Quang Thieu Dang
Published: August 2024

We perform spectral analysis based on suitable theoretical correlations between V-wave visibility and D-particle distinguishability to verify wave-particle duality in the asymmetrical double-slit experiments. The typical interference spectra obtained in a recent experiment ensure the single-photon approximation in the Fraunhofer far-field condition. The results show that our theoretical model following the complementarity principle is not be consistent with the experimental data at the first main minima of the diffraction distribution where unexpected interference was observed
Tropical Isognomonids in the Mediterranean Sea: When the West Atlantic met the Indo-Pacific Region in the South Aegean Sea
Authors: Angelidis Akis , Polyzoulis George , Gubili chrysula
Published: August 2024

The introduction and establishment of the bivalves Isognomon bicolor and Isognomon aff. legumen in the South Aegean Sea, specifically on the islands of Chalki and Alimia, marks a significant ecological event. These species, native to different parts of the world, have now been confirmed in the Mediterranean through DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analyses. These methods are crucial for accurate identification within the genus Isognomon, as traditional morphological identification is challenging due to the variable and habitat-dependent shell shapes of these bivalves. Isognomon bicolor is originally from the West Atlantic, while Isognomon aff. legumen hails from the Indo-Pacific region. Their presence in the Mediterranean, specifically in the intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, indicates they have found suitable habitats in their new environment. Over a four-year period of field observations, researchers gathered valuable ecological data, noting the species' habitat preferences and their establishment dynamics. In July 2024, researchers observed the formation of new, extensive dense aggregations, or beds, of the invasive I. bicolor on the coastal rocks of Chalki and Alimia. The formation of these beds is a clear indicator of a progressing invasion, which poses a significant threat to the native ecosystem. The establishment of I. bicolor and I. aff. legumen could disrupt local biodiversity, outcompete native species, and alter the ecological balance in these regions.This situation underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and the use of advanced identification techniques like DNA barcoding to track and manage invasive species. Such efforts are essential to mitigate the impacts of these invasions and protect native marine ecosystems.
Betulin, a Compound Isolated from Crinum asiaticum Bulbs Exerted Anti-Silicosis and Pulmonoprotective Effects Through the Inhibition of NF-κB activation in Rat model
Authors: Ofori Michael , Danquah Cynthia Amaning , Asante Joshua , Taribu Alhassan Abdul-Nasir , Sulemana Faisal , Asamoah Williams Adu , Anim Rechael Owusu , Gyan Prince
Published: August 2024

Backgroung
Silicosis is an interstitial lung disease that causes shortness of breath, cough, fever, and blue skin and causes a heavy burden to patients both physically and mentally. Silicosis at the moment has no effective treatment, and patients depend on bronchodilators, antitussives, and mucolytic medicines for survival. After all other treatment alternatives have been exhausted, lung transplantation may be the sole choice. Betulin (BET) isolated from Crinum asiaticum bulbs (CAE) has exhibited a multitude of powerful pharmacological properties ranging from antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-microbial, and anti-viral activities. This work sought to investigate the anti-silicosis and pulmonoprotective effects of betulin and CAE as well as elucidating the possible mechanism in mitigating pulmonary silicosis in crystalline silica induced silicosis in rat model.
Method
In this study, anti-silicosis and pulmonoprotective effects of BET and CAE were investigated after rat models were subjected to lung injury through an intratracheal administration of crystalline silica. Rats were critically observed for morphological changes and were sacrificed. Lungs were harvested for biochemical and histological analysis.
Results
The results showed that CAE and BET reduced significantly (****p < 0.0001) the levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, hydroxyproline, collagen types I and III when compared with the negative control group. On broncho alveoli lavage fluid (BALF) biomarkers such as macrophages, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils, CAE and BET were able to reduce their levels significantly (****p < 0.0001). The CAE and BET were investigated for their anti-oxidant activity and were shown to increase the levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while lowering the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). There was also an improvement in lung function when lung tissues were examined histologically.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CAE and BET possessed anti-silicosis effect and occurred through the down regulation of NF-κB and some pro-inflammatory cytokines and also acted as protective mechanisms, facilitating the preservation of the lung’s physiological integrity. The outcome of this study could for serve as leads in drug discovery in the production of anti-silicosis agents
From Imaging to Prognosis: Crafting Clinical Nomograms Based on a Multi-Sequence MRI Radiomics Model for Non- Invasive Glioma Survival Prediction
Authors: Fan Xiao , Zhang Hongjian , Huang Bin , Tao Jincheng , Li Jintan , Zhang Min , Zhang Hang , Hu Xixi , Wang Xiefeng , You Yongping , Zhang Junxia , Luo Hui , Yu Yun , Wang Yingyi
Published: August 2024

Background
High incidence and malignancy call for non-invasive pre-surgery survival prediction in gliomas. Radiomics serves as a mature solution bridging this gap.
Methods
We retrospectively collected preoperative MRI from 353 patients with diffuse gliomas, comprising 108 from our institution (Center1) and 137 from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (TCGA) as the training cohort, with an external 108 cases from Center1 serving as an independent test cohort. Radiomic features were automatically extracted from MRI, including structural image of T1WI, T2WI, T1CE, FLAIR, and functional image of DWI (b = 1000), and ADC maps. Following a series of feature engineering and machine learning procedures, features were selected to construct the prognostic model, culminating in the radiomics survival biomarker (RadSurv). The efficacy of individual structural and functional sequences and their combinations were evaluated at all glioma, glioblastoma (GBM) and non-GBM levels using the concordance index (C-index). The optimal all-sequence combination model's RadSurv then underwent Kaplan-Meyer analysis and Cox regression analysis, and we finally developed nomograms.
Results
T1CE, ADC and FLAIR led single-sequence performance, while DWI lagged. T1CE was optimal for all glioma (C-index = 0.799) and GBM (C-index = 0.706), whereas ADC for non-GBM (C-index = 0.917). Multi-sequence combinations didn't improve predictions (C-index Glioma = 0.787, C-index GBM = 0.689, C-index non−GBM = 0.893), but them win over adaptability. RadSurv effectively stratified risk for the all glioma, GBM and non-GBM populations through three predetermined cut-off values. Multivariate Cox regression confirmed RadSurv as an independent prognostic factor. The nomogram, constructed from RadSurv and age, accurately predicted survival probabilities and median survival times for glioma patients at various time points, especially for GBM.
Conclusions
The preoperative radiomics model's prognostic biomarker, RadSurv, effectively stratifies risk in glioma patients and, through nomograms, enables precise and quantifiable predictions of patient survival outcomes, warranting its utilization in clinical practice.
Dermatological Adverse Events in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with the Androgen Receptor Inhibitor Apalutamide: a Mono-centric Retrospective Study
Authors: Ren Zhao-Ting , Wang Qi , Wu Hui-Feng , Gu Hao-Chen , Li Xia-Wei , Tang Zhuangli
Published: August 2024

Background
Apalutamide, an androgen receptor inhibitor showed a good efficacy on prostate cancer (PCa). But its dermatological adverse events (dAEs) are common and threatening while relevant studies in China are limited.
Methods
This was a retrospective, single-center analysis. We included PCa patients who were hospitalized and received apalutamide treatment at one comprehensive hospital in eastern China from August 2020 to March 2023. These patients were categorized into two groups for comparative analysis: those with (dAEs+) and without dAEs (dAEs−) based on the presence or absence of rash or itching following apalutamide administration. Demographics, PCa clinical and treatment data were extracted from the EMRS. The clinical features of dAEs were collected through follow-up calls.
Results
Our study enrolled 90 individuals with an overall dAEs incidence of 50.0%. All dAEs occurred within one year following apalutamide use. Over half of dAEs+ patients suffered from pruritus, erythema or papules, and the dAEs were predominantly mild to moderate. Higher PSA levels were found in patients with dAEs.
Conclusions
Apalutamide-associated dAEs were common in the Chinese population, among which the majority were mild to moderate, with pruritus, erythema, and papules ranking as the most prevalent symptoms. Elevated PSA levels were documented in patients with dAEs.
Influence of serum uric acid on bone and fracture risk in postmenopausal women
Authors: Gómez-de-Tejada-Romero María-Jesús , Murias-Henríquez Carmen , Saavedra-Santana Pedro , Sablón-González Nery , Abreu Delvys Rodríguez , Sosa-Henríquez Manuel
Published: August 2024

Aims Uric acid has been associated with several metabolic conditions, including bone diseases. Our objective here was to consider the relationship between serum uric acid levels and various bone parameters (bone mineral density, ultrasonographic parameters, vitamin D, PTH and serum calcium), as well as the prevalence and risk of fragility fracture.Methods An observational and cross-sectional study carried out on 679 postmenopausal women, classified into 3 groups according to their serum uric acid levels, in whom bone densitometry, calcaneus ultrasounds, PTH, vitamin D and serum calcium analysis were done. Bone fractures were collected through the clinical history and lateral spinal X-ray.Results Higher uric acid levels were found in women with older age, high BMI, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Higher levels of PTH and serum calcium were also observed, but did not effect on vitamin D. Serum uric acid was positively related to densitometric and ultrasonic parameters and negatively associated with vertebral fractures.Conclusions In the population of postmenopausal women studied, sUA levels were correlated with BMD, BUA, and QUI-Stiffness, and this correlation was independent of age and BMI. In addition, sUA was associated with a decrease in vertebral fractures. These results imply a beneficial influence of sUA on bone metabolism, with both a quantitative and qualitative positive effect, reflected in the lower prevalence of vertebral fractures.
Effect of environmental conditions on the wing morphometric variation in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in India
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Bhutiani Rakesh , Sarma Devojit
Published: August 2024

Aedes aegypti an efficient vector of different arboviral diseases, poses a significant global public health concern. Originating from Africa, this vector has invaded diverse ecological conditions worldwide. In India too, Ae. aegypti is wide spread and along with Ae. albopictus, contributed to over 0.2 million cases of dengue in 2022. Due to heterogeneous environmental settings in India, this vector has shown various intraspecific variations including its behavioral, genetic, and physiological characteristics. Thus, the present study hypothesized that there will be some differences in wing morphometrics across the country for this species. Considering this, we have sampled adults and immatures of Ae. aegypti from 12 distinct locations, representing five varied climatic regions of India. The immatures were reared to adult and the right wing was used to score the morphometric variations. A significant variation in wing size and shape was observed. The Mountain region supports the shortest (CS: 1.92 ± 0.24 mm) wing size mosquitoes while the Arid region exhibits the largest (CS: 3.95 ± 0.13 mm) wing size mosquito. After excluding the allometric effect, the Semi-arid region showed the greatest wide variety of wing shapes corresponding to a larger morphospace in CVA analysis. In addition, positive correlation (78%) was also observed between wing size and temperature. Conclusively, the study suggests the existence of varied population structures of Ae. aegypti in India based on wing morphometric analysis. This finding will be helpful towards focused actions and early measures to reduce the impact of these diseases carrying mosquitoes on public health.
Policy impact of the Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team: global perspective and UK case study
Authors: Elsland Sabine L , O’Hare Ryan M , McCabe Ruth , Laydon Daniel J , Ferguson Neil M , Cori Anne , Christen Paula
Published: August 2024

Background
Mathematical models and advanced analytics play an important role in policy decision making and mobilising action. The Imperial College COVID-19 Response Team (ICCRT) provided continuous, timely and robust epidemiological analyses to inform the policy responses of governments and public health agencies around the world. This study aims to quantify the policy impact of ICCRT outputs, and understand which evidence was considered policy-relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
We collated all outputs published by the ICCRT between 01-01-2020 and 24-02-2022 and conducted inductive thematic analysis. A systematic search of the Overton database identified policy document references, as an indicator of policy impact.
Results
We identified 620 outputs including preprints (16%), reports (29%), journal articles (37%) and news items (18%). More than half (56%) of all reports and preprints were subsequently peer-reviewed and published as a journal article after 202 days on average. Reports and preprints were crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic to the timely distribution of important research findings.
One-fifth of ICCRT outputs (21%) were available to or considered by UK government meetings. Policy documents from 41 countries in 26 different languages referenced 43% of ICCRT outputs, with a mean time between publication and reference in the policy document of 256 days. We analysed a total of 1746 policy document references. Two-thirds (61%) of journal articles, 39% of preprints, 31% of reports and 16% of news items were referenced in one or more policy documents (mean of 8 policy document references per output).
The most frequent themes of the evidence produced by the ICCRT reflected the evidence-need for policy decision making, and evolved accordingly from the pre-vaccination phase (severity, healthcare demand and capacity, and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs)) to the vaccination phase of the epidemic (variants and genomics).
Conclusion
The work produced by the ICCRT affected global and domestic policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus of evidence produced by the ICCRT corresponded with changing policy needs over time. The policy impact from ICCRT news items highlights the effectiveness of this unique communication strategy in addition to traditional research outputs, ensuring research informs policy decisions more effectively.