bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Inborn Errors of Metabolism - a retrospective analysis on behalf of the Pediatric Disease Working Party from the Brazilian Society of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Authors: Rodrigues Adriana , Fernandes Juliana , Gregianin Lauro José , Nichele Samantha , Trennepohl Joanna Paula , Muratori Rafaella , Gouvêa Lara Maria , Loth Gisele , Pelegrina Polliany Roberta , Kuwahara Cilmara , Benini Fernanda , Peixoto Carolina , Bach Juliana , Koliski Adriana , Mousquer Rebeca Amelia , Garcia Julia , Netto Gabriele , Gomes Alessandra , Mafra Ana Beatriz , Scherer Fernanda , Junior Cláudio , Lima Alberto , Hamerschlak Nelson , Pasquini Ricardo , Daudt Liane , Bonfim Carmem
Published: April 2024

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established treatment for selected patients with inborn errors of metabolism. In this first report from the PDWP-SBTMO, we included 105 patients transplanted between 1988 and 2021 across six Brazilian HSCT centers. The most prevalent diseases were X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy(n=61) and mucopolysaccharidosis (type I n=20; type II n=10), with a median age at HSCT of 8.7years and 2.1years, respectively. Most conditioning regimens were myeloablative and busulfan-based. With a median follow-up of 6.7years, the 5-years overall survival (OS) was 75% (95% CI, 0.65 - 0.82) with a superior 5-year OS for those transplanted after 2010(87% vs. 63%, p=0.01). Higher risk of death was associated to the use of haploidentical donor (HR8.86, p 0.021), unrelated cord blood (HR 8.76, p 0.005), unrelated donor (HR 5.91, p 0.02) and for HSCT performed before 2010(HR 4.16, p=0.0015). The CI of acute-GVHD was 24.8%, while chronic-GVHD was 9.5%. Major causes of death were infections(n=8), GVHD(n=6) and neurologic progression(n=3). Despite improvements in transplant outcomes since 2011, challenges persist, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, timely transplantation, and expanding HSCT centers with expertise in the field.
Evaluating the genetic diversity of Artemisia sieberi Besser from Iran using ISSR molecular markers
Authors: Far Shahram Yazdi , Badi Hassanali Naghdi , Mehrafarin Ali , Jari Sepideh Kalateh , Danaee Elham
Published: April 2024

Artemisia sieberi is a valuable medicinal plant that is widespread in the Qom region of Iran. In order to assess the genetic diversity of this species, a total of 20 populations were collected and analyzed using 10 ISSR molecular marker primers. The ISSR analysis resulted in the detection of 133 bands, with 68 being polymorphic and 65 being monomorphic. The average percentage of polymorphism across the 10 primers was calculated to be 52.92%. The overall genetic diversity was found to be partitioned with 42% within populations and 58% between populations. The populations of Abbas Abad and Separ Rostam exhibited the highest level of polymorphism (28.57%) in areas characterized by hot and dry climates. Conversely, the populations of Avel and Karkesh displayed the lowest level of polymorphism (7.52% and 9.02%, respectively) in areas with relatively moderate and humid climates. The genetic similarity matrix, based on the Nie index, revealed a range of population similarity from 0.607 to 0.934 among the 20 Artemisia sieberi populations, indicating a high level of genetic diversity within the Qom province. The genetic diversity of Artemisia sieberi has likely facilitated population adaptation to various ecological conditions, warranting further investigation.
Advancing Proficiency in Lacrimal Syringing: Comparative study of Two Different Syringing Techniques and Designing of a Self-serve Training Model
Authors: Huang Weifeng , Li Zuohong , Gao Yang , Wang Xiaohui , Lu Mingfeng , Lin Xianchai , Liang Xuanwei , Lu Rong
Published: April 2024

Aim: This study compares two lacrimal syringing techniques and introduces a simplified self-serve training model for ophthalmology residents to acquire proficient skills.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey involved lacrimal syringing novices divided into Group A and Group B. Group A underwent an 8-hour training session covering both techniques and completed post-training questionnaires. Based on Group A's feedback, a simplified self-serve training model was developed. Group B received training, with or without the new model, to assess its effectiveness in improving syringing skills.
Results: The study included 92 participants, with 47 in Group A and 45 in Group B. In Group A, 70.2% preferred Technique 1 (Group A1) and 29.8% opted for Technique 2 (Group A2). No significant differences were found between A1 and A2 in baseline skill, practice duration, or mastery levels (p > 0.05). Both techniques had similar perceived difficulty (p > 0.05), but Technique 2 was easier for injection (p < 0.05). Lack of suitable training models (63.8%) and psychological barriers (25.5%) were the main obstacles to proficiency. Group B1, using the training model, showed increased confidence scores (p < 0.05) and a tendency towards better skill assessment, although not statistically significant compared to Group B2 (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Both lacrimal syringing techniques are easily mastered, with Technique 1 preferred by the majority and Technique 2 ideal for pressed irrigation. Our self-serve training model presents a cost-effective means to boost confidence and facilitate lacrimal syringing skill acquisition among ophthalmology residents.
Integrating Classification and Regression Learners with Bioimpedance Methods for Estimating Weight Status in Infants and Juveniles from the Southern Cuba Region
Authors: Luna Taira Batista , Bello Jose Luis García , Carbonell Agustín Garzón , Montoya Ana de la Caridad Román , Lafargue Alcibíades Lara , Ciria Héctor Manuel Camué , Zulueta Yohandys A.
Published: April 2024

Objective
This work is aimed to develop a machine learning predictions of weigh status derived from bioimpedance measurements and other physical parameters of healthy younger volunteers from Southern Cuba Region.
Methods
We conducted a pilot random study at the Pediatrics Hospital. The volunteers were selected between 2002 and 2008, ranging in age between 2 to 18 years old. In total, 776 female and male volunteers are studied. Along the age and sex in the cohort, volunteers with class I obesity, overweight, underweight and with normal weight are considered. The bioimpedance parameters are obtained by measuring standard tetrapolar whole-body configuration. The bioimpedance analyser is used, collecting fundamental bioelectrical and other parameters of interest. A classification model are performed, followed by a prediction of the body mass index.
Results
The results derived from the classification leaner reveal that the size, body density, phase angle, body mass index, fat-free mass, total body water volume according to Kotler, body surface area, extracellular water according to Kotler and sex largely govern the weight status of this population. In particular, the regression model shows that other bioparameters derived from impedance measurements can be associated with weight status estimation with high accuracy.
Conclusion
The classification and regression predictive models developed in this work are of the great importance to assist the diagnosis of weigh status with high accuracy. These models can be used for prompt weight status evaluation of younger individuals at the Pediatrics Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
Artificial Neural Network models (ANNs) in identifying Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) and Alzheimer Dementia (AD) patients:
Authors: Gitto Lara , Mento Carmela , Massini Giulia , Buscema Paolo Massimo , Raffa Giovanni , Germano Antonino , Quattropani Maria Catena
Published: April 2024

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) patients present symptoms common to other diseases, as dementia (AD). However, while dementia is not reversible, INPH dementia can be treated through neurosurgery.
The perception characteristics of a small sample of patients (n=19) were observed through the Rorschach Inblok test. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) models allowed to analyze the correlations between patients’ cognitive functions and perception characteristics.
The results obtained lead to interesting remarks about the independent traits in pattern of response to patients with INPH and AD. In performing the test, the latter concentrated more on the cards displayed and what they perceived, while other patients concentrated on reactions related to the image proposed. The Rorschach test can be a valid predictor tool to identify INPH patients, who could successfully be treated with neurosurgery. Hence, this methodology show its potentialities on differential diagnosis applied in clinical context.
Extensible, Customizable and Trustworthy SocialNetwork Data Sharing Platform: IPFS Approach
Authors: Azzedin FARAG AHMED
Published: April 2024

The proper utilization of the enormous data volume generated by IoT is predi-cated on the use of proper data sharing mechanisms that involve satisfying manycomplex requirements including scalability, performance, and security. Therefore,many blockchain-based data-sharing systems were proposed in the literature toaddress the problem of data sharing within different application domains thatsatisfy combinations of those requirements. However, these systems fully spec-ify how data is delivered between providers and consumers, which limits theircompatibility and customizability. Therefore, in this article, we address this issueby proposing a platform for traceable data sources where the delivery methodis user-definable. This allows existing data sources to be adapted by chainingthem to new data sources that deliver data in a way that satisfies consumerrequirements. This is in addition to enabling users to monetize their data sourcesand their delivery methods using different public blockchains. We evaluated theproposed platform by implementing two different use cases and the preliminaryresults show that the platform has great potential.
The effect of video-animated information on the anxiety of male patients before flexible cystoscopy performed under local anesthesia
Authors: Degirmentepe Recep Burak , Bozkurt Muammer , Erkoc Mustafa , Gul Deniz , Cimen Haci Ibrahim , Akca Muhammet Yasir , Halis Fikret
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effect of video-animated information given before flexible cystoscopy under local anesthesia on the anxiety of male patients.
Methods: Before cystoscopy, patients were divided into two groups with 1:1 standard randomization. While one group was given written and verbal information, the other group was additionally given video-animated information. The patients' anxiety levels before the procedure and their hemodynamic parameters during the procedure were compared between the groups. In addition, pain, satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure were compared between the groups.
Results: STAI-s levels were found to be statistically significantly lower in the group given video animation information before cystoscopy (p<0.01). It was observed that video information had a positive effect on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, and the values were measured lower compared to the other group (p <0.01). While there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in VAS-pain scores (p=0.24), VAS-satisfaction and VAS-willingness to repeat the procedure scores were found to be statistically significantly different (p<0.01). It was observed that video-animated information made a positive contribution to satisfaction and willingness to repeat the procedure.
Conclusion: Video-animated information given before the flexible cystoscopy procedure performed on male patients under local anesthesia has positive effects on the patients' anxiety. In addition, it contributes positively to the patient's satisfaction and desire to repeat the procedure. Video-animated information may be routinely used to verbal and written information before the csytoscopy.
Inhibitory effect of Pulicaria undulata extract on the aggregation and deposition of Aβ 1-42 Fibrils in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gorgij Faezeh , Nouri Haniyeh , Ghahghaei Arezou
Published: April 2024

The accumulation of Amyloid β protein (Aβ) is believed to be the primary cause of neuritic plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). As a result, it is the main molecular factor responsible for the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ exists in two isoforms: Aβ40, Aβ42. In AD, the extracellular environment of neurons contains amyloid plaques primarily composed of Aβ1−40 and Aβ1−42. Aqueous extract of Pulicaria undulata has shown remarkable antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-protein fibrillation, and anti-cancer activity. This study examined the effect of an aqueous extract of Pulicaria undulata on the aggregation and deposition of Aβ1−42 fibrils. The findings revealed that the concentration-dependent effect of Pulicaria undulata extract led to a decrease in the aggregation of Aβ1−42. This has been evidenced by analyzing the data obtained through various methods, including thioflavin T (ThT) binding assay, ANS-binding assay, circular dichroism spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and SDS PAGE. The effect could be associated with the ability of P.undulata extract to form hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds through its phenolic compounds, consequently preventing hydrophobic interactions and amyloid fibril formation. Our finding suggests that amyloid fibril formation can be prevented in degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's by using P. undulata extract.
An overview of circumcision and a modification that prevents glans injuries and cosmetic problems in circumcisions made with the guillotine technique
Authors: Topsakal Kahraman
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Despite being an age old practice, there is ongoing research and development to improve the procedure in order to enhance its safety, efficacy and client satisfaction. The Guillotine technique, which is one of the most common methods, has been criticised for possible glans injuries and nonpleasing cosmetic results especially when an inexperienced person tries it out. This research paper introduces the Modified Guillotine Technique (MGT) designed to address these issues.
Methods: This retrospective study involved analysing 2853 circumcisions performed between 2006 and January 2022 using MGT on males aged between one month and fourteen years. Safety, efficiency of wound healing through cosmetic outcomes by indirect means, pain management of MGT were examined here.
Results: MGT was used in different age groups without any significant increase in operative time compared to the traditional Guillotine technique thus showing perpetuation of efficiency. It is important to note that there were no reports of gland injuries, while complications rates did not differ significantly from those obtainable with other methods thus emphasising on safety and efficacy of MGT.
Conclusion: The modified Guillotine technique represents a major leap forward in circumcision practice by combining the effectiveness of the Guillotine method with an improved safety profile and cosmetic outcomes. By significantly reducing the risks associated with glanular injury, but with the maintenance of procedural time and the addition of new complications, MGT offers a viable option for routine circumcisions worldwide.
Developing the Overall Performance Index for Water Supply Systems based on Fair Benchmarking and Strong Sustainability
Authors: Baniasadi Hassan , Mehrabadi Abdollah Rashidi
Published: April 2024

Performance assessment indicators play a crucial role in evaluating water supply systems (WSSs). Developing a Composite Indicator (CI) that integrates key performance indicators (KPIs) offers significant advantages. This study aims to explore various aspects of creating a CI for assessing WSS performance, including clustering, normalizing, weighting, and aggregating KPIs. Data corresponding to selected KPIs from diverse WSSs in Iran were collected and categorized into four dimensions: Environmental, Financial, Organizational, and Social, to ensure comprehensive performance evaluation and calculation of an Overall Performance Index (OPI). A new multi-criteria method was employed to assign weights to KPIs in the CI Based on the concept of non-compensation. WSSs were grouped into clusters based on population, water resource type, and climate, and KPIs were normalized accordingly based on fair benchmarking. A non-linear (Geometric) method was utilized to aggregate KPIs, emphasizing strong sustainability and non-compensation interactions. The change in the results of the selected method was compared with the previous methods. The study found that method variation at each stage of CI development significantly affected the OPI and ranking of WSSs. Population emerged as a significant factor, and key findings include the substantial impact of resource type and climate on specific KPIs, underscoring the need to consider influencing factors in benchmarking. The non-linear aggregation method demonstrated greater rigor and sustainability compared to linear methods, aligning with principles of fair benchmarking and WSS sustainability.
Time to Treatment in Pediatric Patients with Repeated Episodes of Status Epilepticus
Authors: Gettings Jennifer V. , Fernández Iván Sánchez , Anderson Anne , Brenton J. Nicholas , Can Afra , Clark Justice , Moeller Raquel Farias , Goodkin Howard P. , Lai Yi-Chen , Mikati Mohamad A. , Morgan Lindsey A. , Novotny Edward , Ostendorf Adam P. , Piantino Juan , Riviello James J. , Sannagowdara Kumar , Tasker Robert C. , Tchapyjnikov Dmitry , Wainwright Mark S. , Wilfong Angus , Williams Korwyn , Zhang Bo , Loddenkemper Tobias , Gaínza-Lein Marina
Published: April 2024

Objective
To compare pediatric patients who presented with repeated status epilepticus episodes to patients with a single episode of status epilepticus and identify distinguishing clinical factors.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of a multicenter, prospective observational cohort of pediatric patients with status epilepticus and refractory status epilepticus between 2011 and 2019.
Results
Out of 504 status epilepticus episodes in 420 patients, 50 patients (10.3%) had repeated episodes of status epilepticus. The only predictor of repeated status epilepticus was a prior diagnosis of epilepsy. There was no difference in time to treatment with the first benzodiazepine in patients presenting with their first status epilepticus episode compared to their second status epilepticus episode [median 10 (interquartile range 5–30) vs 14 (4.5–52.5) minutes; (p = 0.24)] or in time to treatment with the first non- benzodiazepine anti-seizure medication (ASM) [61 (37–125) vs 71 (34.5-117.5) minutes; p = 0.61]. In patients with repeated status epilepticus episodes with onset outside the hospital, the percentage of patients treated by caregivers did not improve between the first and second status epilepticus episode (61% vs 60%, p = 0.56). However, the time to first benzodiazepine was shorter in patients treated by caregivers compared to those who were not [5 (0–25) vs 55 (41–120) minutes; p < 0.001].
Conclusions
Time to treatment with benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine ASM in patients with repeated episodes of status epilepticus does not improve for a second episode of status epilepticus, suggesting additional opportunities for intervention and teaching.
Transcriptome analysis of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) reveal the LncRNAs and mRNAs regulatory network responding to low nitrogen stress
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Li Feng , Tian Yuan , Wang Dongyong , Rong Yasi , Wu Yin , Fu Jinzhou , Gao Tongmei , Zhang Haiyang
Published: April 2024

Background
Nitrogen is one of the important factors restricting the development of sesame planting and industry in China. Cultivating sesame varieties tolerant to low nitrogen is an effective way to solve the problem of crop nitrogen deficiency. Up to date, the mechanism of low nitrogen tolerance in sesame has not been elucidated at the transcriptional level.
Result
In this study, two sesame varieties Zhengzhi HL05 (ZZ, nitrogen efficient) and Burmese prolific (MD, nitrogen inefficient) in low nitrogen were used for RNA-sequencing. A total of 3964 DEGs and 221 DELs were identified in two sesame varieties at 3d and 9d after low nitrogen stress. Among them, 1227 genes related to low nitrogen tolerance are mainly located in amino acid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism and secondary metabolism, and participate in the process of transporter activity and antioxidant activity. In addition, a total of 209 pairs of lncRNA-mRNA were detected, including 21 pairs of trans and 188 cis. WGCNA analysis divided the obtained genes into 29 modules; phenotypic association analysis identified 3 low-nitrogen response modules; through lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network, a number of hub genes and cis / trans regulatory factors were identified in response to response low-nitrogen stress including GS1-2, PAL, CHS, CAB21 and transcription factors MYB54, MYB88 and NAC75 and so on. As a trans regulator, lncRNA MSTRG.13854.1 affects the expression of some genes related to low nitrogen response by regulating the expression of MYB54, thus responding to low nitrogen stress.
Conclusion
Combining WGCNA and co-expression analysis, consistently low nitrogen responsive candidate genes and lncRNAs were identified. In the co-expression networks responding to low nitrogen stress, some TFs were targeted by the lncRNAs, which further regulated the low nitrogen tolerance-related functional transcripts. Our research is the first to provide a more comprehensive understanding of DEGs involved in low nitrogen stress of sesame at transcriptome level. These results may reveal insights into the molecular mechanisms of low nitrogen tolerance in sesame and provide diverse genetic resources involved in low nitrogen tolerance research.
Genome-wide association and functional investigation of M2-like tumor-associated macrophages identified hub genes for breast cancer
Authors: Yang Guang , Peng Qian , Tian Yao , Xie Handan , Sun Binlian
Published: April 2024

M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (M2-like TAMs) have great potential in promoting oncogenesis and provide the potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of tumor. However, the role of M2-like TAMs in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) is still unclear. Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas of America (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, we compared multiple tumors and found the diametrically opposite survival of M1-like and M2-like macrophages in BRCA. And then, we systematically explored the function of M2-like TAMs in BRCA using differentially expressed analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), GO and KEGG analysis, Nomogram, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), CIBERSORT algorithm, pan-cancer and mendelian randomization study. We evaluated the sensitivity and resistance to drugs targeting hub genes using the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database. A total of 85 M2-like TAM-related genes were screened out and the results of functional enrichment analysis were correlated with tight junction, Rap1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. FOXA1, ERBB3, MUC1, AGR2 were identified as hub genes by protein interaction (PPI) network, "CytoNCA" toolkit and degree algorithm. Additionally, nomogram and ROC curve indicated great prognostic performance, and the high expressing four hub genes were positively correlated with M2-like macrophages. FOXA1 and ERBB3 expressed at higher levels in BRCA than in other tumors by pan-cancer analysis. In fixed effected inverse variance weighting, we found that FOXA1, ERBB3, MUC1 were positively associated with BRCA risk. Finally, highly FOXA1, ERBB3, MUC1 expressing patients were more sensitive to Lapatinib through drug sensitivity analysis. Our studies contribute to understand the M2-like TAM-related mechanisms involved in breast cancer, which provide further insights into drug sensitivity therapy.
Changes in Human Skin Composition Due to Intrinsic Aging: A Histologic and Morphometric Study
Authors: Arnal-Forné Marta , Molina-García Tamara , Ortega María , Marcos-Garcés Víctor , Molina Pilar , Ferrández-Izquierdo Antonio , Sepulveda Pilar , Bodí Vicente , Ríos-Navarro César , Ruiz-Saurí Amparo
Published: April 2024

Background Skin represents the main barrier against the external environment, but also plays a role in human relations, as one of the prime determinants of beauty, resulting in a high consumer demand for skincare-related pharmaceutical products. Given the importance of skin aging in both medical and social spheres, the present research aims to characterize microscopic changes in human skin composition due to intrinsic aging (as opposed to aging influenced by external factors), via histological analysis of a photoprotected body region.Methods Samples from 25 autopsies were taken from the periumbilical area and classified into four age groups: children (0–12 years), youth (13–25 years), middle-aged adults (26–54 years), and elderly subjects (≥55 years). Different traditional histological (Hematoxylin-Eosin, Masson’s Trichrome, Orcein, Toluidine, Alcian blue, and Feulgen reaction) and immunohistochemical (CK20, CD1a, Ki67, and CD31) stains were performed. A total of 1,879 images photographed with Leica DM3000 optical microscope, were morphometrically analyzed using Image ProPlus 7.0 for further statistical analysis with GraphPad 9.0.Results Our results showed a reduction in epidermis thickness, interdigitation and mitotic indexes, while melanocyte count was raised. Papillary but not reticular dermis showed increased thickness with aging. Specifically, in the papillary layer mast cells and glycosaminoglycans were expanded, whereas the reticular dermis displayed a diminution in glycosaminoglycans and elastic fibers. Moreover, total cellularity and vascularization of both dermises were diminished with aging.Conclusions This morphometric analysis of photoprotected areas reveals that intrinsic aging significantly influences human skin composition. This study paves the way for further research into the molecular basis underpinning these alterations, and into potential anti-aging strategies.
A Multi-strategy Improved Dung Beetle Optimisation Algorithm and its Application
Authors: Gu First WeiGuang , Wang Second Fang
Published: April 2024

In order to solve the shortcomings of Dung Beetle Optimizer such as low convergence accuracy and easy to fall into local optimum, a multi-strategy improved Dung Beetle Optimizer (IDBO) is proposed. Firstly, the Cubic chaotic mapping strategy is introduced to improve the diversity of the initial population. Secondly, the global exploration strategy in the Fishhawk algorithm is introduced to give the dung beetle algorithm the exploration ability of identifying the optimal region and escaping from the local optimum, which initially improves the convergence speed and optimality-seeking accuracy of the algorithm. Finally, the dung beetle foraging behaviour is perturbed using the adaptive t-distribution perturbation strategy, making the dung beetle algorithm improve the global exploitation ability and local exploration ability while further accelerate its speed of convergence. The effectiveness of the three improved strategies is verified by testing and analysing the CEC2021 and CEC2017 test functions. The optimization results of the improved algorithms and the comparison algorithms are subjected to convergence analysis and Wilcoxon rank sum test, which proves that the IDBO algorithm has good convergence speed and optimization accuracy. In addition, the IDBO algorithm is adopted to optimise parameters of the HKELM prediction model which is applied to the short-term PV power prediction simulation and comparison experiments. Experimental results show that the IDBO-HKELM prediction model can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of short-term PV power, which further verifies the feasibility and validity of the IDBO algorithm in solving the problems of practical applications.
Data Driven Level Set Fuzzy and Neural Modeling
Authors: Leite Daniel , Gomide Fernando
Published: April 2024

Data driven modeling has been a major approach for learning and understanding systems, ranging from medical, biological, environmental, meteorological, transportation, and economic systems to complex dynamic information, engineering, and hybrid systems. Computational intelligence, rooted in fuzzy systems, neural networks, evolutionary computation and their hybridizations, is a key driving force in the current data driven system modeling effort. This paper addresses data driven fuzzy modeling and neural modeling structures, and evaluates their performances in nonlinear dynamic systems modeling tasks. Data driven fuzzy modeling and neural modeling structures are powerful modeling paradigms that compete closely, often surpassing most of the alternative state of the art methods such as gradient boosting, kernel ridge regression, and Gaussian processes. In particular, the complexity and approximation capabilities of the data driven fuzzy modeling, long-short term memory, convolutional, and hybrid neural modeling structures are evaluated, and their usefulness are discussed in front of the accuracy of the predictions, and the complexity of the models they produce.
Construction and analysis of a prognostic model for osteosarcoma based on lactate metabolism-related genes
Authors: Yang Jie , Kang Kuo , Wen Xinhua , Li Xuanxuan , Wang Zheng gen
Published: April 2024

Background
Lactic acid metabolism plays a significant role in tumor development, potentially resulting in alterations in the immune microenvironment. However, further research is necessary to investigate the link between lactic acid metabolism and osteosarcoma.
Methods
We obtained sequencing data and clinical information for osteosarcoma RNA from TCGA and GEO databases. Prognosis-related LMRGs were identified using Cox regression, enabling the construction of risk scores for patients. Model predictive ability was assessed using various methods. Drug sensitivity for high and low-risk groups was evaluated using the oncoPredict algorithm, and model genes were validated in a single-cell dataset. Besides, we verified the biological function of NHLRC2 using in vitro assays.
Results
We identified 256 differential LMRGs, of which 137 were associated with prognosis. After applying Lasso regression, we selected 5 LMRGs for our prognostic risk score model. The log-rank test showed significant survival differences between high-risk and low-risk groups. Multi-factor Cox analysis confirmed the independence of the prognostic risk score as a robust prognostic factor. In vitro experiments confirmed that NHLRC2 could promote the proliferation and invasion of OS.
Conclusion
We successfully developed and validated an osteosarcoma risk identification score using five LMRGs. Notably, one of these genes holds significant implications for the exploration of potential therapeutic targets in osteosarcoma research.
Association between weekend catch-up sleeping and BMI of the United States population from 2017 to 2018
Authors: Zheng Yanxu , Bao Jing , Wang Yutong , Guo Yang , Zou Fang , Guo Jincheng , Li Kecheng , Zhang Ruxu , Liu Lei
Published: April 2024

Background
Obesity represents a major public health issue worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between weekend catch-up sleep (CUS) and BMI.
Method
Our data were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. We applied the linear regression model and the multiple logistic regression model to examine the correlation between weekend CUS and BMI adjusting for confounders, and stratified regression analysis was conducted to identify specific populations.
Results
A total of 5,434 adult participants with complete data were selected for the study. Participants with CUS were more likely to have obesity status (OR = 1.17, P = 0.03). The correlation did have a difference in the population with normal BMI or obesity groups (P for interaction = 0.02). Furthermore, in enough weekday sleep group, CUS is related to higher BMI (β: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.02 to 1.38, P = 0.04). The sensitivity analyses in patients with a restricted range of BMI were consistent with our main findings.
Conclusion
Our study confirmed that weekend CUS is associated with an increased BMI, with different odds ratio values among different subgroups, which also provides evidence for exploring underlying mechanisms and potential clinical applications in obesity treatment.
A Comprehensive Fuzzy Model for Understanding Neuronal Calcium Distribution in Presence of VGCC, Na + /Ca +2 Exchanger, Buffer, and ER Fluxes
Authors: Jha Brajesh Kumar , Bhattacharyya Rituparna
Published: April 2024

Free Calcium ions in the cytosol are essential for many physiological and physical functions. The free calcium ions are commonly regarded as a second messenger, are an essential part of brain communication. Numerous physiological activities, such as calcium buffering and calcium ion channel flow, etc. influence the cytosolic calcium concentration. In light of the above, the primary goal of this study is to develop a model of calcium distribution in neuron cells when a Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel and Sodium Calcium Exchanger are present. As we know, decreased buffer levels and increased calcium activity in the Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel and Sodium Calcium Exchanger lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Due to these changes, the calcium diffusion in that location becomes disrupted and impacted by Alzheimer’s disease. The model has been constructed by considering key factors like buffers and ER fluxes when Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and Sodium Calcium Exchangers are present. Based on the physiological circumstances of the parameters, appropriate boundary conditions have been constructed in the fuzzy environment. This model is considered a fuzzy boundary value problem with the source term and initial boundary conditions are modeled by triangular fuzzy functions. In this, paper we observed the approximate solution of the mathematical model which was investigated by the fuzzy undetermined coefficient method. The solution has been performed through MATLAB and numerical results have been computed using simulation. The observation made that the proper operation of the Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel and Sodium Calcium Exchanger is critical for maintaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium ions, which regulates vital cellular activities. Dysregulation of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel and Sodium Calcium Exchanger activity has been linked to neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease.
Blood Culture Negative Endocarditis; What Do Concurrent Cardiac Disorders Tell Us?
Authors: Filiz Mine , Erdem Hakan , Ankarali Handan , Puca Edmond , Ruch Yvon , Santos Lurdes , Ghanem-Zoubi Nesrin , Argemi Xavier , Hansmann Yves , Guner Rahmet , Tonziello Gilda , Mazzucotelli Jean-Philippe , Como Najada , Kose Sukran , Batirel Ayse , Inan Asuman , Tulek Necla , Pekok Abdullah Umut , Khan Ejaz Ahmed , Iyisoy Atilla , Meric-Koc Meliha , Kaya-Kalem Ayse , Martins Pedro Palma , Hasanoglu Imran , Silva-Pinto André , Oztoprak Nefise , Duro Raquel , Almajid Fahad , Dogan Mustafa , Dauby Nicolas , Gunst Jesper Damsgaard , Tekin Recep , Konopnicki Deborah , Petrosillo Nicola , Bozkurt Ilkay , Ramahi Jamal Wadi Al , Popescu Corneliu , Balkan Ilker Inanc , Ozer-Balin Safak , Zupanc Tatjana Lejko , Cascio Antonio , Dumitru Irina Magdalena , Erdem Aysegul , Ersoz Gulden , Tasbakan Meltem , Ajamieh Oday Abu , Sirmatel Fatma , Florescu Simin , Gulsun Serda , Ozkaya Hacer Deniz , Sari Sema , Tosun Selma , Avci Meltem , Cag Yasemin , Celebi Guven , Sagmak-Tartar Ayse , Karakus Sumeyra , Sener Alper , Dedej Arjeta , Oncu Serkan , Vecchio Rosa Fontana Del , Ozturk-Engin Derya , Agalar Canan
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Blood culture negative endocarditis (BCNE) presents diagnostic challenges, necessitating precise identification of high-risk patient cohorts. Hence, our objective was to pinpoint high-risk cohorts for BCNE.
Methods: The study included adult patients with definite endocarditis. Data was collected via the Infectious Diseases International Research Initiative (ID-IRI). The primary study analysing one of the largest case series ever reported and was published in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in 2019, was conducted across 41 centres in 13 countries. We performed a re-analysis of the database to determine the predictors of BCNE.
Results: 867 cases with definite endocarditis were included in the study. Blood cultures were negative in 101 (11.65%) patients. We disclosed that as patients age, the likelihood of a negative blood culture significantly decreases (OR 0.975, 95% CI 0.963-0.987, p<0.001). Additionally, factors such as rheumatic heart disease (OR 2.036, 95% CI 0.970-4.276, p=0.049), aortic stenosis (OR 3.066, 95% CI 1.564-6.010, p=0.001), mitral regurgitation (OR 1.693, 95% CI 1.012-2.833, p=0.045), and prosthetic valves (OR 2.539, 95% CI 1.599-4.031, p<0.001) are associated with higher likelihoods of negative blood cultures. Our model can predict whether a patient falls into the culture-negative or culture-positive groups with a threshold of 0.104 (AUC±SE=0.707±0.027). The final model demonstrates a sensitivity of 70.3% and a specificity of 57.0%.
Conclusion: Our study reveals a high prevalence of negative blood cultures in patients with concurrent cardiac disorders, particularly in younger cases. Therefore, caution is indicated in diagnosing and treating endocarditis in these particular patient subgroups.
RGS2-related non-coding interaction network modulates the NF-Kappa B signaling pathway in MS patients: a systems biology investigation
Authors: Forouzanfar Parisa , Hashemian Mohammad , Mahmoudian Mojdeh , Khorsandi Melika , Rezaei Mohammad , Azadeh Mansoureh
Published: April 2024

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is recognized as the most prevalent chronic inflammatory condition that targets the brain and spinal cord. According to the third edition of the Atlas of MS, around 2.8 million individuals worldwide are affected by Multiple Sclerosis, equating to a prevalence of 35.9 cases per 100,000 people. In this study, we evaluated the expression levels of potential biomarkers in a high-throughput MS dataset to find novel highly dysregulated RNAs in MS patients. Furthermore, a novel RNA regulatory network has been visualized to find new non-coding interaction patterns in the MS-related signaling pathways.
Methods: Using R Studio, high-throughput gene expression MS datasets were analyzed to find highly dysregulated mRNAs in MS patients. miRNA, lncRNA, and protein interaction analyses were conducted by miRWalk and lncRRIsearch databases. Using visualized interaction networks, pathway enrichment analysis was performed using Enrichr and KEGG. qRT-PCR experiment was performed for the validation of gene expression analyses.
Results: RGS2 was found to be significantly upregulated in both microarray (logFC: 1.7667, adj.P. Value: 0.0079) and qRT-PCR analyses (logFC: 4.547, p-value < 0.0001). Similarly, the lncRNAs NCK1-DT (logFC: 2.155, p-value: 0.0132) and ASH1L-AS1 (logFC: 3.345, p-value < 0.0001) exhibited elevated expression in MS samples, suggesting a regulatory impact on RGS2 expression levels. The marked changes in the expression of RGS2, NCK1-DT, and ASH1L-AS1 in MS patients compared to normal samples position them as promising diagnostic biomarkers. Additionally, RGS2 and its associated proteins have been implicated in modulating the NF-Kappa B signaling pathway. MiR-4638-3p was identified to directly downregulate RGS2 expression, while miR-4525 influences the expression of RGS2 and ASH1L-AS1 within a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network.
Conclusion: NCK1-DT and ASH1L-AS1 are the two novel diagnostic biomarkers of MS. Mentioned lncRNAs might affect the normal regulatory mechanisms of “NF-Kappa B signaling pathway” through direct and indirect interaction with mRNA RGS2.
Pocket Lab App - a simple program with AI assistance for smartphone-guided experiments
Authors: Kaczmarek Łukasz
Published: April 2024

The demand for mobile participants' involvement in research, such as field studies, necessitates research software that functions on mobile devices, providing instructions and collecting self-reports. While numerous solutions exist, they often face challenges related to complexity, cost, adoption difficulties (including inadequate support), and security concerns. In response, we introduce the Pocket Lab App (PoLA), a complimentary, free, open-source, user-centric, and offline-capable research application for Android devices. PoLA simplifies the presentation of instructions, management of timers and alarms, and collecting participants' responses. We demonstrate PoLA's effectiveness through a case study involving 60 hours of data collection in an outdoor gaming project in social psychophysiology, validating its performance and participants' approval. Furthermore, we present PoLA's Helpful Assistant (HeLA), an AI tool that enhances PoLA's functionality and facilitates the experiment development process. HeLA can generate executable protocols for experiments based on natural language instructions. The combined use of PoLA and HeLA is the first solution where natural language is sufficient to turn a research concept into content directly delivered to participants. Our solution marks a significant advancement in mobile behavioral research tools, highlighting user-friendliness and operational efficiency and promoting widespread adoption of smartphone-based experimental guidance. The synergy between PoLA and HeLA lays the groundwork for a new era of research tools programmable in natural language, aligning with the ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-based Autonomous Tracking System for Invasive Flying Insects
Authors: Son Hyoung Il , Pak Jeonghyeon , Kim Bosung , Ju Chanyoung , You Sung Hyun
Published: April 2024

Declining honeybee populations can severely affect agricultural productivity and biodiversity because honeybees provide a crucial ecological service, that is, pollination. The Asian hornet or yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, is a global predator of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) that has become widespread owing to rapid climate change. Given the ecological effect of this invasive alien species, effective management strategies are needed. Herein, we propose a localization system for tracking radio-tagged hornets and discovering hornet hives by combining unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a trilateration system. By leveraging the homing instinct of hornets, we systematically structured our experiments into a behavioral experiment, ground-truth experiment, and localization experiment. We installed two antennas around apiary premises and an additional antenna mounted on a UAV to track hornets equipped with sensors. According to the experimental results, we successfully discovered the hives of two of the five hornets tested. The average localization error for the first hive was latitude 0.0006(±0.0002) and longitude 0.0023(±0.0015) in decimal degrees. The average localization error for the second hive was latitude 0.0012(±0.0001) and longitude 0.0004(±0.0011) in decimal degrees. Additionally, we thoroughly analyzed the experimental results to obtain insights into hornet behavior and movement patterns. We explored the practicality and scalability of sensor-based tracking methods utilizing UAVs to ascertain their potential for widespread adoption and future advancement. Our study underscores the importance of using innovative technologies to address the ecological challenges posed by invasive species for facilitating ecosystem conservation and management efforts.
Identification and validation of ITS2-specific universal primers for DNA barcoding in plants.
Authors: Bhat Ajay R , Hegde Subrahmanya , Kammar Supriya S , Muthamma M B , Mudgal Gaurav , Mohan Thotegowdanapalya C , R Charukesi
Published: April 2024

Accurate identification of plant species is fundamental for various purposes, including biodiversity conservation and effective utilization of plants. Molecular-based techniques, particularly DNA barcoding, have emerged as a rapid and accurate alternative to traditional taxonomic methods for plant species identification. DNA barcoding involves analysing specific DNA regions to classify and identify organisms. Among different barcode markers, internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) has gained prominence due to its shorter length and ease of sequencing. In this study we present a comprehensive survey of the literature, identifying a universal set of primers for ITS2 and validating their universality through in silico and in vitro analyses. This manuscript provides valuable insights into establishing a standardized approach for DNA barcoding using ITS2, helping researchers select appropriate primers for accurate plant species identification and classification. Standardized universal primers alleviate the time-consuming primer selection process, promoting efficient and reliable DNA barcoding practices within the plant scientific community.
Characterization and Application of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials in Nanotechnology and Electronics
Authors: Alqarni Areej
Published: April 2024

The advent of graphene and the subsequent discovery of other two-dimensional (2D) materials have heralded a new era in material science, with potential implications across a wide range of applications from nanotechnology to electronics. This study systematically investigates the synthesis, characterization, and application of graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), and black phosphorus, highlighting their unique properties and potential for innovation in electronic devices and energy storage solutions. Utilizing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for graphene and TMDCs, mechanical exfoliation for h-BN and black phosphorus, this research not only demonstrates the effective synthesis of these materials but also provides a comprehensive characterization, revealing their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The application potential of these materials was further explored through the fabrication of prototype devices, including field-effect transitors (FETs), photodetectors, and energy storage systems, showcasing the materials' superior performance compared to conventional counterparts. The findings confirm the significant promise of 2D materials in enhancing the efficiency, flexibility, and performance of electronic components and devices. Despite challenges in scalability and integration, the study outlines a pathway for future research to address these issues, emphasizing the need for continued innovation in synthesis techniques and application development. This research contributes to the understanding of 2D materials, offering insights into their potential to revolutionize the electronics industry and beyond.