bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors of surgical site infections after microwave ablation of uterus
Authors: Chen Chuan , Wu Hanshu , Wang Xinyu , Peng Ying , Peng Ying² , Lei Lei , Zhou Yin , Zhao Yangyang , Chen Gang
Published: June 2024

Purpose: As microwave ablation (MWA) becomes increasingly common in treating gynecological diseases, the complications, particularly surgical site infections (SSIs), have become a significant concern. It is crucial to identify the independent risk factors for SSIs and implement measures to prevent them.
Methods: The study population consisted of patients who underwent MWA at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China between December 2020 and November 2023. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of continuous variables. Normally distributed continuous variables were analyzed with the Student's t-test, while non-normally distributed variables were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were assessed using the χ2 test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors.
Results:In this retrospective analytical study, SSIsoccurred in 7.58%patients. And only surgical duration and abdominal adhesion we researched were independent risk factors.
Conclusion: This study presented data on SSIs following MWA surgery in China and identified specific risk factors. It offers valuable insights for reducing surgical complications, developing optimal preventive measures, and enhancing surgical safety.
Experimental Study on the Swelling Performance of Gaomiaozi Bentonite Buffer Material under Fe(II) Reducing Environment
Authors: Ming Zhang , Dongke Hu , Jingli Xie , Fangliang Zhou
Published: June 2024

The release of Fe(II) from iron-based disposal canisters during the operational period of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) repositories may affect the swelling behavior of the buffer barrier, consequently impacting repository safety and stability. In this study, we employed a self-made dilatometer to measure the swelling characteristics of GMZ24 bentonite under varying Fe(II) concentrations. Our test results indicate that with increasing Fe(II) concentration, the time required for GMZ24 bentonite to swell decreases, while the final swelling pressure and swelling ratio exhibit an exponential decline. Through hydrochemical detection and mineralogical analysis, it is found that the decrease of swelling performance of bentonite is mainly due to the cation exchange between Na+ and Fe(II) in bentonite and the isomorphic replacement of Montmorillonite crystal and Fe(II) to generate chlorite. Finally, based on the double electrical layer theory, we derived a functional relationship describing the variation in swelling pressure and swelling ratio of GMZ24 bentonite as a function of Fe(II) concentration. This study provides a scientific basis for predicting and controlling the swelling behavior of buffer backfill materials in HLW repositories.
Disentangling fluorescence of endogenous fluorescent substances from absorption and scattering effects for quantitative prediction for oxidation degree of peanut oils
Authors: Wang Yue , Guo Na , He Xueming , Shen Fei , Liang Yong
Published: June 2024

In this study, different oxidation levels of peanut oils were prepared by heating different brands of oils to different times, the peroxide value (PV) and acid value (AV) were determined as reference values. The fluorescence intensity (F), absorption (µa) and reduced scattering coefficients (µ’s) of oils were obtained by using an independently-developed spectra measurement system, which based on laser induced fluorescence and integrating sphere techniques. Principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted on three kinds of spectra, the principal components (PCs) were extracted and clustering trend were analyzed. Finally the regression models for PV and AV based on different integrations of the first five PCs of three kinds of spectra were calibrated by using different algorithms: multiple linear regression (MLR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR) and artificial neural network (ANN). The results indicated that the optimal prediction results could be achieved by ANN based on the integration of F, µa and µ’s for PV, and SVR based on the integration of F, µa and µ’s for AV, with maximum determination coefficients for validation set (R2v) of 0.873 and 0.854 respectively, and minimum root mean square errors for validation set (RMSEV) of 2.896 meq·kg− 1 and 0.154 mg·g− 1. The proposed novel method which considering the disentangling effect of µa and µ’s on fluorescence can realize robust detection for oxidation degree of peanut oils.
Surgical management of primary leiomyosarcoma with intracranial and extracranial extension: a case report
Authors: Pu Kuairong , Wang Tianhong , Li Zhe , Lin Xiwen , Wu Jun , Shao Dongchuan , Zhao Nan
Published: June 2024

Background
Primary intracranial-extracranial communicating leiomyosarcomas, which invade both intracranial and extracranial regions and involve complex anatomical structures, are extremely rare tumors.
Case presentation:
A 37-year-old male initially exhibited a subcutaneous mass on the left frontal vertex. Post-surgical resection, a recurrent mass manifested at the left frontotemporal vertex. Computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lump on the left frontal vertex accompanied by an irregular abnormal lesion, and the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was confirmed. The patient underwent leiomyosarcoma excision under general anesthesia. The tumor recurred after 2 years and 4 months, leading to a more extensive surgical excision. Following a 2-year follow-up, the patient showed no major complications and maintained a stable condition.
Conclusion
Primary intracranial-extracranial communicating leiomyosarcoma is a rare condition. Surgical removal is the main therapeutic approach. The decision for lesion excision should consider factors such as the patient’s age, tumor location, pathological characteristics, and any distant metastasis.
Outpatient referrers as a pathway to care for a new family-centered health intervention in psychiatric clinics and how to reach them: Evaluation of an implementation strategy
Authors: Kaczmarek Philip Martin , Laser Carolin , Wiegand-Grefe Silke , Pawils Silke
Published: June 2024

Background
The implementation of evidence-based research results in clinical practice is hampered by various obstacles. One of these barriers is the dissemination of information about the provision of new interventions. Using the example of the new CHIMPS-NET (Children of Mentally Ill Parents), a family-centered intervention in German psychiatric clinics, the referral criteria, information dissemination and accessibility of outpatient specialists involved in the access and referral process (gatekeeping) are evaluated.
Methods
We identified all outpatient general and specialist practices (n = 2828) in the regional care areas of the psychiatric specialist clinics that provided the new CHIMPS-NET form of care. Practices in the intervention group (n = 946) received information about the new intervention, while practices in the control group (n = 1882) did not. Before and after the information was sent postal, all participants were asked about their knowledge of family-centered intervention and its importance for the vulnerable target group of children of mentally ill parents by means of a questionnaire at intervals of three months.
Results
Regardless of group affiliation, reaching out to gatekeepers had no influence on knowledge of a new form of care, such as the CHIMPS-NET. The allocation criteria and prevalence estimates for the vulnerable target group have not changed either. However, awareness of family-centered health interventions increased fourfold if the gatekeeper had a psychological professional background.
Conclusion
Following the PRISM implementation framework, three barriers were identified in the provision of information gatekeepers in outpatient care: 1) the external environment, 2) the perspective of patients and gatekeepers and 3) the perspective of recipients. The postal intervention was not effective at communicating information or reaching outpatient referrers. Knowledge of family-centered health interventions was four times higher among the group of specialists and therapists with a psychological background. We therefore suggest that general (somatic) practitioners, who make up most of the gatekeeper population, need to be approached more intensively than psychologically trained professionals. It is also recommended that clinics address their regional care sector more intensively and directly.
Interplay between T-bet and HIF-1a is required for proper epigenomic and transcriptomic reprogramming of monocyte subsets
Authors: Ferreté-Bonastre Anna , Morante-Palacios Octavio , Ciudad Laura , Estupiñán-Moreno Elkyn , Ballestar Esteban
Published: June 2024

Background: Monocyte subsets, classified into classical, intermediate, and non-classical, have distinct specific functions. Despite increasing reports describing changes in monocyte subsets in a wide range of pathological inflammatory conditions, such as autoimmune and infectious diseases, the regulatory mechanisms underlying their differentiation are poorly understood. This information could be essential to understand their contribution to pathology.
Methods: In this study, we obtained the DNA methylomes and transcriptomes from classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes using MethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays and RNA-seq from matching samples. Regulon analysis, in vitro induction experiments, and integration with single-cell transcriptomics were used to study the impact on the myeloid compartment of a patient with Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD).
Results: DNA methylome and transcriptome profiling of the three monocyte subsets revealed progressive changes associated with pathways and transcription factors related to their properties. Specifically, HIF-1α and T-bet stand out as major factors in the transition from classical to non-classical subsets. While HIF-1α and its partner ARNT, as well as their targets, undergo a decrease in their expression levels in the transition to non-classical monocytes, T-bet and its targets become prominent in the non-classical compartment. Analysis of monocytes from single-cell RNA-seq data of a patient with a homozygous mutation for T-bet, which leads to MSMD, reveals a decrease in non-classical monocyte subsets, a strong effect on HIF-1α signalling, as well as impairment of the TNF/NF-κB pathway.
Conclusion: Altogether, these findings support the interplay between T-bet and HIF-1α for the proper differentiation of monocyte subsets.
Implementation of the Noncommunicable Disease Capacity Assessment and Planning Process in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Saad Randa K. , Kruse Meredith H. , Richter Patricia , Kufoof Lara , Hhussein Zakir , Khader Yousef
Published: June 2024

Background
Addressing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) necessitates coordinated, country-tailored responses. The NCD Capacity Assessment and Planning (N-CAP) Process is a tool that strengthens public health functions and promotes multisectoral collaboration to achieve more sustainable and impactful progress. This case study describes the piloting and implementation of the N-CAP Process in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Methods
The N-CAP Process includes three sequential, facilitator-led activities: stakeholder mapping, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Workshop (SWOT), and an N-CAP Workshop. Jordan, Iraq, and Pakistan were identified as countries with ministries of health with sufficient resources to implement the N-CAP Process and its recommendations. The N-CAP Process was piloted in Jordan (2021), revised for Iraq (2022), and implemented in its final version in Pakistan (2023). Qualified local facilitators and recorders were trained in each country prior to use. Stakeholder mapping was conducted in coordination with the ministries of health to identify multisectoral, technical, and policy stakeholders to participate in the activities. The SWOT Workshops convened stakeholders to assess the current landscape and identify critical NCD public health functions. The N-CAP Workshops used discussion guides to facilitate assessment and planning exercises that helped participants determine how to strengthen capacity within the critical NCD area.
Results
The N-CAP Process led stakeholders to assess their country’s efforts across six public health domains (strategic direction, systems, resources, quality, engagement, and impact) and create prioritized recommendations or a plan to reach a higher level of functioning to better address NCDs. Jordan, Iraq, and Pakistan used the N-CAP Process to focus on data-to-action, coalitions, and surveillance, respectively. While each country’s outcomes were unique and context-specific, common themes emerged, including health workforce, health information, health financing, and leadership and governance, all of which contribute to health system strengthening in different ways.
Conclusions
The N-CAP Process effectively creates structured, multisectoral recommendations and actionable plans to increase national capacity to address public health threats, such as NCDs. By facilitating comprehensive assessments and fostering governmental and multisectoral engagement, the N-CAP Process serves as an adaptable resource for countries and other regions grappling with similar public health challenges.
Overcapacity and dynamics of a tuna fleet facing catch limits and high efficiency: The case of the Indian Ocean tuna fishery
Authors: Tidd Alex , Dagorn Laurent , Capello Manuela , Guillotreau Patrice
Published: June 2024

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) expresses concern over the overfished state and susceptibility to the overfishing of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). Acknowledging the challenges of increased fishing effort in a profitable fishery, our study aims to understand factors influencing French purse seine fishing vessel dynamics. Our primary goal is to assess purse seine vessel utilisation with recent catch limits and compliance with the European Union Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which mandates measures to align fishing capacity with opportunities to sustain fish stocks at maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Using Data Envelopment Analysis, we evaluate the relationship between vessel fishing capacity to catch limits and the MSY reference point for yellowfin tuna. Random Utility Models identify key drivers influencing the fleets' strategic decisions, rigorously assessed with a machine-learning algorithm. Findings indicate that the French fleet could meet catch limits with approximately 21% fewer vessels if fully utilised and 26% fewer if reduced to meet their equivalent MSY share. Key influencing factors include catch revenue, vessel age, biomass levels, and interest rates. The predictive model achieves a 93% accuracy rate, essential for effectively implementing regional conservation policies that balance economic stakes with sustainable fishing practices. Aligning capacity with fishing opportunities is crucial for the profitability and preservation of these essential tuna populations, resulting in more sustainable and economically viable fisheries.
Female employment characteristics and fertility in Benin: a microeconometric analysis
Authors: SENOU Barthélémy Mahugnon , KASSIKI Paulin Emile
Published: June 2024

Controlling fertility is a major concern for public policy. This paper analyzes the effect of women's employment characteristics on their fertility. To this end, using data from the 2017-2018 Benin Demographic and Health Survey (EDSB-V), we use a probit model with selection to estimate the probability of a woman having at least one child over a three-year period preceding the survey as a function of the characteristics of the job held by the woman. The results show that the vast majority of Beninese women on the labour market tend to work at home, on family farms or on their own account in the agricultural or commercial sectors. These branches of activity do not necessarily require the use of skilled labor, and time management is relatively flexible. These labor market characteristics militate in favor of a high fertility rate among working women in Benin. These results provide elements for a fertility control policy in Benin.
Content analysis of print media articles on biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict in Northeast India
Authors: Dey Sonali , Goswami Maitreyee , Sharma Narayan , Sarma Kuladip
Published: June 2024

There is a growing public concern and controversy regarding human-wildlife coexistence in suburban settings. To minimize the impact of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) on conservation goals, we need to understand the mechanisms behind such conflicts. Much of the public dissemination of information about biodiversity and wildlife, human-wildlife conflicts and awareness of conservation occur through the mass media. Wildlife news is presumed to be an under-reported item in the media. This study conducted a content analysis of print media articles on wildlife, biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict in North-East (NE) India. 61% of the analysed newspapers are National followed by 38% Local newspapers and only 1% Community newspapers. The reports emphasized more on large endangered land mammals of NE India including Big-cats, Rhinos, Elephants, and other endangered species such as Greater adjutant storks accounting for 290 articles out of the 503 wildlife reports considered in this paper. Poaching of rhinos was one of the issues majorly covered by both the Local and National newspapers. Business newspapers focused less on wildlife issues and conservation awareness as compared to other National newspapers. Undergoing conservation projects such as the Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme were reported significantly less in the daily newspapers. Media can play an important role in shaping the scenario regarding wildlife and biodiversity and the outlook of public towards them by spreading awareness and educating people on the need of conservation of wildlife and the environment.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for frailty in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people with arthritis
Authors: Li Can-yang , Li Ya-qin , Zhuang Zhuang , Wang Ya-qi , Gong Ni , Lyu Qi-yuan
Published: June 2024

Background
Frailty is common in people with arthritis and may result in a range of adverse consequences. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for frailty in people with arthritis and to develop and validate a nomogram prediction model.
Methods
The study used data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). This study analyzed 36 indicators including socio-demographic, behavioral, and health status factors. Participants were randomly included in training and validation sets in a ratio of 7:3. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used on the training set to screen the best predictor variables of the model through 10-fold cross-validation. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the related factors of frailty in people with arthritis. Construct nomograms to develop prediction models. Use receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the discrimination ability of the model, Calibration curves to evaluate calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate clinical validity.
Results
A total of 6209 people with arthritis were included in this study, of whom 952 (15.3%) suffered from frailty. The nomogram model includes 9 predictive factors: age, gender, activities of daily living (ADL), waistline, cognitive function, depressive symptoms, hearing status, self-perceived health status, and inpatient needs. The model shows good consistency and accuracy. The AUC values for the model in the training set and validation set are 0.866 (95% CI = 0.852-0.880) and 0.854 (95% CI = 0.832-0.876) respectively. The calibration curves showed good accuracy between the nomogram model and actual observations. ROC and DCA showed that the nomogram had good predictive performance.
Conclusions
The frailty risk prediction model constructed in this study has good discrimination, calibration, and clinical validity in people with arthritis. It is a promising and convenient tool that can be used as an objective guide for the clinical screening of high-risk populations.
Functions of aldolase in lipid synthesis of Schizochytrium sp. by gene disruption to switch carbon metabolism
Authors: Zhang Yiting , Wu Xuejun , Guo Xiaoyun , Li Keyan , Lu Yinghua , Lin Xihuang , Ling Xueping
Published: June 2024

Background
As a key rate-limiting enzyme in the glycolytic pathway of cells, aldolase affects the distribution of intracellular carbon flux and determines the overall ability of subsequent cell metabolism, which are mainly reported in the medical related researches, but rarely involved microorganisms. In this study, the aldolase gene of Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 (ALDOA) was knocked out to explore the effect of regulating carbon flux on cell growth and lipid synthesis.
Results
The knockout of ALDOA showed an adverse effect on cell growth and total lipids production, which was decreased by 9.6% and 23.2%, respectively, but helped to improve the synthetic ability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), in which the proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) increased by 22.9%. Analysis of phospholipomics, real-time quantitative PCR and metabolomics revealed that the knockout of ALDOA weakened the glycolysis pathway and tricarboxylic acid cycle to inhibit cell growth, and lowered the Kennedy pathway to reduce the production of total lipids and the synthesis of phospholipids to affect cell metabolism. Correspondingly, the knockout of ALDOA enhanced the metabolic flux of the pentose phosphate pathway to provide more reducing power for PUFAs accumulation and improved the glycerophosphorylcholine acylation pathway to promote the accumulation of DHA.
Conclusions
ALDOA knockout redistributes the carbon metabolic flux in cells, by weakening the glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle and glyceride synthesis pathway to inhibit cell growth and total lipid production, and strengthening the pentose phosphate pathway and glycerophosphorylcholine acylation pathway to increase the synthesis of PUFAs and DHA accumulation. This study provides a new idea for identifying the aldolase function in microorganisms and a metabolic strategy to improve DHA accumulation in Schizochytrium.
Toxicity Study of Silica Nanoparticles Following 94-Day Repeated Oral Administration in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Cao Xiqian , Xie Bin , Xu Mingxiao , Li Jifeng , Dai Xiaoyu , Tian Yijun , Zhang Jiqianzhu , Chen Yun , Yan Lang , Zhang Bin , Shi Wenjing , Ren Lijun
Published: June 2024

This study was designed to investigate the toxic response of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats following oral administration of different doses of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) for 94 consecutive days, as well as the recovery after 30 days of withdrawal. Rats were orally administered SiNPs at dosages of 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg /day once a day for 94 continuous days. By the end of the study, there were no fatalities in any of the experimental animals that received SiNPs orally. Under the tested doses, no adverse effects related to SiNPs treatment were observed in a comprehensive assessment of several dimensions, including clinical signs, body weight changes, food consumption, hematological parameters, blood biochemical indices, urinalysis, organ weights and coefficients, and gross and histopathology. Based on the current study results, the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for repeated oral administration of SiNPs in rats for 94 consecutive days was designated as 500 mg/kg/day.
Fine Distributions of Non-potential Magnetic Field Parameters in a Super-Active Region with Complex Structures and Strong Solar Flares
Authors: Liu Suo
Published: June 2024

The non-potential magnetic field parameters serve as vital indicators in solar active regions, profoundly intertwined with solar flares. In this study, extrapolation techniques are employed to reconstruct the three-dimensional magnetic field configuration from vector magnetic field on the photosphere of the active region NOAA 9077 with super strong X5.7 solar flare event (SOL2000-07-14T10:24), which observed by the Solar Magnetic Field Telescope (SMFT) at Huairou Solar Observing Station (HSOS). Then, various magnetic field parameters such as current density, shear angle, quasi-separatrix layers, twist, and field line helicity are calculated. With the aim to understand the relations between magnetic field properties and solar flares, the fine distributions of these non-potential magnetic field parameters are analysed, and their changes before and after solar flares are investigated with the greatest attention. Overall, helicity and free energy decrease after super flares, while free energy peaks ∼1.5 days before flare. The distributions of quasi-separatrix layers and twist have high degree of complexity before flare. Multi patterns of high current density regions probably suggest unstable magnetic structures prone to flaring, aligning with shear angle distributions. Relative field line helicity patterns differ from current density, but concentrate before flares and diverge afterward. Overall, current density patterns contrast relative field line helicity.
Experimental implementation of Super-Twisting Based High Order Sliding Mode Control for MCT driven DFIG-DC energy conversion system
Authors: Smai Yosra , Azza Hechmi Ben , Touaiti Bilel , Boussak Mohamed , Jemli Mohamed
Published: June 2024

This paper develops a High Order Sliding Mode Control for energy conversion system DC-link based on DFIG. In the studied system, a bridge rectifier ensures the connection between the stator windings and the DC bus, while a PWM power converter is placed between the DC bus and the rotor windings. The proposed topology presents the most appropriate solution which allows to connect marine renewable energy farms to the High Voltage Direct Current transmission systems. Unfortunately, the major drawback of the energy conversion system DC-link based on DFIG is the highly distorted stator voltage due to the bridge rectifier on stator side. So, in order to regulate the DC voltage and the stator frequency with harmonic current suppression, this paper includes the development of super-twisting sliding mode algorithm for a stand-alone DFIG-DC system which is used in a tidal stream turbine. Indeed, to improve the quality of stator currents, reference rotor harmonic currents are calculated and injected with the fundamental d and q-axis reference rotor currents. Finally, the performances of the DFIG-DC energy conversion system are shown through digital simulation and experimental results. These results give high dynamic performances of the DC voltage regulation and the reduction capability of the harmonics.
Semi-field evaluation of electrocuting eave tubes for the control of endophagic mosquitoes in south-east Tanzania
Authors: Shirima Ruth S. , Katusi Godfrey C. , Mmbando Arnold S. , Fanuel Gracious , Knols Bart G.J. , Okumu Fredros O. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W.
Published: June 2024

Background: Eave spaces are major entry points through which malaria vectors enter houses. Interventions that target mosquitoes at the eaves have recently been developed. However, most of these interventions are based on insecticides for which resistance has been reported. Here we evaluated the efficacy of mosquito electrocuting eave tubes (MEETs) against Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. funestus under semi-field conditions.
Methods: Experiments were conducted in two semi-field chambers each containing one experimental hut. Six electrocuting eave tubes were installed in each hut, to assess their impact on laboratory-reared Anopheles gambiae s.s. and An. funestus. Each species was assessed separately over ten nights by releasing 200 unfed females per night into each chamber. One volunteer slept in each hut from 7 pm to 5 am. Mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using mouth and prokopack aspirators.
Results: MEETs significantly reduced the nightly An. gambiae s.s. indoor and outdoor biting, by 21.1% and 37.4%, respectively. Indoor biting An. funestus were reduced by 87.5% while outdoor biting numbers of An. funestus declined by 10.4%.
Conclusions: MEETs pose a promising tool for controlling mosquitoes at the point of house entry. Further validation of its potential under natural field conditions is necessary. Several advantages over insecticide-based eave tubes are foreseen and discussed in this article.
Analyzing Interactions in Donation-Based Live Streaming Platforms: A Multi-Leader-Follower Game Approach
Authors: Fargetta Georgia , Ortis Alessandro , Battiato Sebastiano , Scrimali Laura Rosa Maria
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the interactions between content creators and viewersin donation-based live streaming platforms. In these social media systems,creators produce their content, while viewers enjoy the live streaming and decide to donate money to creators, making decisions to contribute financial support to the creators. To capture the sequential decisionprocess of the model, we introduce a multi-leader-follower game, inwhich creators act as the leaders of the game and viewers as the followers. Creators first optimize their performance level and the duration of the streams to maximize their profit. Then, viewers optimize the time spent watching a live stream to maximize their utility. Thus, the first stage of the game models thenon-cooperative competition among creators, while the second stage represents the behaviour of viewers deciding on their content demands.We formulate these stages as Nash equilibrium problems, and then as variational inequalities. We analyze the existence and uniqueness of the Stackelberg equilibrium. Then, we derive a supervised learning algorithm to estimate the parameters of the Artificial Neural Network model, focused on the advertisement function to properly verify the proposed model in a realistic setting.
HSP90 provides plasticity to plant development by gradually stabilizing plasma membrane presence of ABCB-type auxin transporters
Authors: Geisler Markus , Tsering Tashi , Donato Martin Di , Samakovli Despina , Milioni Dimitra , Azarello Elisa , Mancuso Stefano , Pukyšová Vendula , Zwiewka Marta , Nodzynski Tomasz , Stumpe Michael , Ludwig-Müller Jutta , Bailly Aurelien , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis
Published: June 2024

Closely related FKBP orthologs, FKBP42/TWISTED DWARF1 (TWD1) and FKBP38, have been shown to control the biogenesis of plant and mammalian ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, respectively. However, the mechanistic role of described FKBP-ABCB interaction is widely unknown.
Here, we verify cytosolic HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN90 (HSP90) isoforms as valid interactors of TWD1 and map HSP90 binding to an amphiphilic alpha-helix preceding its TPR domain. We provide pharmacological and genetic evidence that a subset of TWD1-interacting ABCBs, in contrast to mammalian ABCBs, are constitutive HSP90 clients in plants. This effect and its specificity are presumably provided by TWD1. Our data strongly correlate the effect of HSP90 inhibition on ABCB-mediated development and ABCB plasma membrane stability on the one hand and ABCB cycling rate on the other
Our results uncover a dynamic mechanism of HSP90 for gradual stabilization of the plasma membrane ABCB isoforms to regulate polar auxin transport and to confer developmental plasticity.
Improvement in growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, immune-related gene expression, and resistance against Edwardsiella tarda ETS1.1 in African catfish (Clarias sp.) with dietary supplementation of euryhaline probiotic and paraprobiotic Bacillus cereus BR2
Authors: YUHANA MUNTI , ASVIA SAUFA , AFIFF USAMAH , WIDANARNI WIDANARNI
Published: June 2024

The use of probiotics has become an alternative in the aquaculture industry and is considered a new tool for disease control. However, the maintenance of viability of probiotic bacterial cells during storage is quite challenging. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of euryhaline probiotic and paraprobiotic B. cereus BR2 on African catfish, specifically on growth performance, gastrointestinal health, immune-related gene expression, and resistance to E. tarda ETS1.1. The test feed was enriched with a 1% (w/w) dose of probiotics and paraprobiotics at a cells density of 108 and 1010 CFU mL− 1, each with replications. For diet supplementation experiment, African catfish fry with initial average body weight of 6.67 ± 0.34 g were randomly placed into six aquaria containing 60 L volume of freshwater and reared for 30 days. Afterwards, fish were challenged intraperitoneally on day 31− th with E. tarda ETS1.1 at cell density of 107 CFU mL− 1, and reared for 14 days. The results showed that diets treated with probiotics and paraprobiotics 108 and 1010 CFU mL− 1 significantly (p < 0.05) increased mean final weight, mean final biomass, specific growth rate (SGR), disease resistance (survival rate) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) values. Digestive enzyme (amylase, protease, lipase) activities, total bacterial population and abundance of B. cereus BR2 in the intestine were measured higher in supplementation treatments than control fish. After the challenge test, decreased E. tarda ETS1.1 abundance in kidney and liver of fish were measured in both probiotic and paraprobiotic treatments. Furthermore, interleukin 1β (IL-1β) gene expression showed upregulation in fish after treatment. Similarly, major histocompatibility complex 2β (MHC-2β) expression was significantly upregulated after supplementation and post-challenge, with the highest level of MHC-2β mRNA expression found in DPI 7. The supplementation of probiotic and paraprobiotic B. cereus BR2 per oral effectively improved growth performance, digestive enzymes activity, immune-related gene expression, resistance of African catfish to E. tarda ETS1.1.
Lightweight Ship Target Detection based on CA-Yolov5
Authors: Wu Xia
Published: June 2024

The models of existing ship target detection algorithms are large and not suitable for deployment at the edge devices, therefore, a lightweight ship target detection algorithm named CA-Yolov5 based on coordinate attention mechanism is proposed. Firstly, CA-Yolov5 takes YOLOv5s as the baseline and replaces the backbone with ShuffleNet v2 which effectively reduces the number of parameters and the amount of calculation. Secondly, the coordinate attention module is introduced to improve the cross-channel positioning ability of the model. Finally, the experimental results on the Seaships dataset show that compared with YOLOv5s, the size of the CA-Yolov5 model is reduced by 90.8% to only 1.3M, and the accuracy can reach 96.9%, which is only 0.2%. CA-Yolov5 is small and accurate, making it more suitable and feasible for deployment on mobile and edge devices.
Influence of Carbon ionization increment by adding Ne on the Bonding, Electrical, and Tribological properties of Carbon Thin Films deposited by HiPIMS
Authors: Tello Cesar D. Rivera , Ruiz Francisco Javier Flores , Alvarez Jonathan Perez , Guerrero Jesus Alonso , Farías Ivan , Cova Luis Flores , Flores Martín
Published: June 2024

In this work, we use mass quadrupole spectroscopy to analyze the ion energy distribution function for C+ ions from different gas composition discharges (20, 40, 60, 80, and 90% Ne) + Ar in a plasma sputtering process. Carbon films were obtained for each gas composition discharge. The carbon bonding structure of films was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy using deconvolution fitting of the G and D Raman peaks. The C-sp3 content was correlated with the electrical and tribological properties of the carbon films. Our results provide further corroboration for High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering or HiPIMS processes of the enhancement of carbon ionization by adding neon in conventional argon gas during the deposition process. Furthermore, we found that excessive levels of carbon ionization were detrimental in the formation of C-sp3 decreasing the resistivity, elastic modulus, and hardness of the samples. In addition, the use of neon in the gas working mixture increased the deposition rate significantly compared to argon-only processes. Tribology showed that an intermediate C-sp3 content in the carbon films developed desirable tribological behaviors with lower friction coefficients and wear rates, revealing that higher values of C-sp3 content are not necessarily for robust solid lubricious and wear resistance.
Active Oxidative Metabolism and Impaired Glyoxalase System Under Increased Intracellular Oxidative Stress in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Tomin Tamara , Honeder Sophie , Liesinger Laura , Gremel Daniela , Retzl Bermhard , Lindenmann Joerg , Brcic Luka , Schittmayer Matthias
Published: June 2024

Reactive oxygen species can oxidatively modify enzymes to reroute metabolic pathways according to tumor needs but we lack overview of all potential targets. Thiol groups are most susceptible to oxidative modifications but rarely analyzed in clinical settings due to their reactivity. To accurately address the cross-talk between redox signaling and metabolism we collected tumor and healthy tissue from 70 individuals with non-small cell lung cancer right after surgery into a thiol-quenching solution, then carried out redox-proteomics. As a result of such an unbiased approach, we for the first time show evidence of higher oxidation of a number of key metabolic enzymes in tumor (especially glucose-related); we demonstrate that cancer strives to maintain oxidative metabolism amid the rise of intracellular oxidative stress; and report both redox and protein level deactivation of the glyoxalase system, which might be compensated by higher excretion or lower production of toxic methylglyoxal, aiding cancer progression.
Research on Intelligent Multimodal Gesture-Guided Control of Robotic Arms
Authors: Xu Shizhou , Zhang Mengjie , Lu Chenshuo
Published: June 2024

With the continuous advancement of industrial intelligence, robotic arms have become essential tools for sorting materials and addressing safety hazards in work environments. Traditional robotic arm control technologies, while playing a significant role in high-risk environments such as factories, nuclear power plants, and toxic substance handling sites, are limited by the complexity of their operation and programming, as well as the high cost of wearable equipment. This research proposes a multimodal robotic arm control scheme that does not require the use of wearable sensors, enhancing the operational flexibility and safety of robotic arms in tasks such as material sorting, quality inspection, and hazard elimination. The proposed scheme captures hand gestures through computer vision technology and utilizes artificial intelligence to parse natural language commands, ultimately integrating multimodal signals to achieve precise control of the robotic arm. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed control scheme can accurately map hand gestures to the robotic arm's coordinate system, efficiently performing sorting and hazard elimination tasks without the need for any wearable sensor devices. This approach has the potential to drive the manufacturing industry towards greater efficiency and intelligence.
Dexamethasone and IFN-γ primed mesenchymal stem cells conditioned media immunomodulates aberrant NETosis in SLE via PGE2 and IDO
Authors: Priya Khushbu , Thacker Hiral , Chaubey Manaswi , Rai Madhukar , Singh Shambhavi , Rawat Sonali , Giri Kiran , Mohanty Sujata , Rai Geeta
Published: June 2024

Background
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by dysregulated immune responses, with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) playing a significant role. NETs are recognized by autoantibodies in SLE patients, exacerbating pathology. Both excessive NET formation and impaired degradation contribute to SLE pathophysiology.
Objective
To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of DW and IW on NETosis and associated protein markers in SLE patients’ LPS or ribonucleoprotein immune complexes (RNP ICs) induced neutrophils and in pristane induced lupus (PIL) model. And to elucidate the mechanism involved therein.
Methods
We investigated the immunomodulatory effects of DW and IW on NETosis in SLE. Utilizing in vitro and in vivo models, we assessed the impact of preconditioned media on NET formation and associated protein markers neutrophil elastase (NE), citrullinated histone (citH3), myeloperoxidase (MPO), cytoplasmic and mitochondrial ROS production. We also examined the involvement of key immunomodulatory factors present in DW and IW, including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).
Results
Preconditioned media effectively suppressed NETosis and reduced ROS generation in SLE neutrophils, indicating their immunomodulatory potential. Inhibition studies implicated IDO and PGE2 in mediating this effect. Combined treatment with DW or IW together with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) demonstrated superior efficacy over HCQ alone, a standard SLE medication. In PIL mouse model, DW and IW treatments reduced NETosis, ROS generation, as evidenced by decreased NET-associated protein expression in vital organs.
Conclusion
Our study highlights the multifaceted impact of IW and DW on NETosis, ROS dynamics, and lupus severity in SLE. These findings underscore the potential of preconditioned media for the development of targeted, personalized approaches for SLE treatment.
Human post-implantation blastocyst-like characteristics of Muse cells isolated from human umbilical cord
Authors: Kushida Yoshihiro , Oguma Yo , Abe Kana , Deguchi Taichi , Barbera Federico Girolamo , Nishimura Noriyuki , Fujioka Kazumichi , Iwatani Sota , Dezawa Mari
Published: June 2024

Muse cells, identified as cells positive for the pluripotent surface marker SSEA-3, are pluripotent-like endogenous stem cells located in the bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood, and organ connective tissues. The detailed characteristics of SSEA-3(+) cells in extraembryonic tissue, however, are unknown. Here, we demonstrated that similar to human-adult tissue-Muse cells collected from the BM, adipose tissue, and dermis as SSEA-3(+), human-umbilical cord (UC)-SSEA-3(+) cells express pluripotency markers, differentiate into triploblastic-lineage cells at a single cell level, migrate to damaged tissue, and exhibit low telomerase activity and non-tumorigenicity. Notably, ~ 20% of human-UC-SSEA-3(+) cells were negative for X-inactive specific transcript (XIST), a naïve pluripotent stem cell characteristic, whereas all human adult tissue-Muse cells are XIST-positive. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that the gene expression profile of human-UC-SSEA-3(+) cells was more similar to that of human post-implantation blastocysts than human-adult tissue-Muse cells. The DNA methylation level showed the same trend, and notably, the methylation levels in genes particularly related to differentiation were lower in human-UC-SSEA-3(+) cells than in human-adult tissue-Muse cells. Furthermore, human-UC-SSEA-3(+) cells newly express markers specific to extraembryonic-, germline-, and hematopoietic-lineages after differentiation induction in vitro whereas human-adult tissue-Muse cells respond only partially to the induction. Among various stem/progenitor cells in living bodies, those that exhibit properties similar to post-implantation blastocysts in a naïve state have not yet been found in humans. Easily accessible human-UC-SSEA-3(+) cells may be a valuable tool for studying early-stage human development and human reproductive medicine.
Catechin, Epicatechin and Quercetin against Gamma-irradiation- induced Nrf-2, Nf-kB and Antioxidant Enzymes alterations in Cellular System of Rats
Authors: BELLO Olamilekan Kabir , Salawu Musa Oyewole , Samuel Joseph Asuku , Henrietta Omotayo , Samiatu LUKMAN
Published: June 2024

Background: Cell are prone to oxidative insults that are mediated by Rats exposure to gamma (γ) irradiation. These insult are nuclear factor kappa-B (Nf-kB) mediated, but the activation of nuclear related factor-2 (Nrf-2) renders cells resistant to oxidative insult and inflammatory challenges, mediated by Nf-kB. Plant materials have been used successfully to restore cellular alterations mediated by Nf-kB. Contain in these plants are catechin, epicatechin, astragalin and quercetin. Hence this study investigated the effects of catechin, epicatechin and quercetin against γ-irradiation-induced Nrf-2, Nf-kB and antioxidant enzymes alterations in Rats.
Materials and Method: A total of thirty (30) rats (200 ± 5g) were distributed into 5 groups of 6 each. Except group 1, all other groups were exposed to 6 grey γ-irradiation. Group 2 were fed with rat chow and water only such that groups 3, 4 and 5 were administered catechin (CAT), epicatechin (EPC) and quercetin (QCT) at 40 mg/kg body weight respectively. The rats were sacrificed and biochemical parameters were assayed. Data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results:Irradiation significantly (p<0.05) increased Nf-kB, reduced antioxidant enzymes activities, with a significant (p<0.05) decreased in Nrf-2 concentration of irradiated rats. Administration of CAT, EPC and QCT significantly (p<0.05) decreased Nf-kB and a corresponding significant (p<0.05) increased in Nrf-2 concentration and antioxidant enzymes activities of administered groups when compared with control.
Conclusion: CAT, EPC and QCT have restored cellular alterations caused by γ-irradiation, hence can be used as protection against irradiation-induced alterations.
A prognostic matrix gene expression signature defines functional glioblastoma phenotypes and niches
Authors: Vishnoi Monika , Dereli Zeynep , Yin Zheng , Kong Elisabeth K. , Kinali Meric , Thapa Kisan , Babur Ozgun , Yun Kyuson , Abdelfattah Nourhan , Li Xubin , Bozorgui Behnaz , Farach-Carson Mary C. , Rostomily Robert C. , Korkut Anil
Published: June 2024

Background. Interactions among tumor, immune, and vascular niches play major roles in driving glioblastoma (GBM) malignancy and treatment responses. The composition, heterogeneity, and localization of extracellular core matrix proteins (CMPs) that mediate such interactions, however, are not well understood.
Methods. Here, through computational genomics and proteomics approaches, we analyzed the functional and clinical relevance of CMP expression in GBM at bulk, single cell, and spatial anatomical resolution.
Results. We identified genes encoding CMPs whose expression levels categorize GBM tumors into CMP expression-high (M-H) and CMP expression-low (M-L) groups. CMP enrichment is associated with worse patient survival, specific driver oncogenic alterations, mesenchymal state, infiltration of pro-tumor immune cells, and immune checkpoint gene expression. Anatomical and single-cell transcriptome analyses indicate that matrisome gene expression is enriched in vascular and leading edge/infiltrative niches that are known to harbor glioma stem cells driving GBM progression. Finally, we identified a 17-gene CMP expression signature, termed Matrisome 17 (M17) signature that further refines the prognostic value of CMP genes. The M17 signature is a significantly stronger prognostic factor compared to MGMT promoter methylation status as well as canonical subtypes, and importantly, potentially predicts responses to PD1 blockade.
Conclusion. The matrisome gene expression signature provides a robust stratification of GBM patients by survival and potential biomarkers of functionally relevant GBM niches that can mediate mesenchymal-immune cross talk. Patient stratification based on matrisome profiles can contribute to selection and optimization of treatment strategies.