bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Bifunctional Dimer Caffeine-Indan Attenuates α-Synuclein Misfolding, Neurodegeneration and Behavioural Deficits After Chronic Stimulation of Adenosine A1 Receptors
Authors: Jakova Elisabet , Aigbogun Omozojie Paul , Moutaoufik Mohamed Taha , Allen Kevin J.H. , Munir Omer , Brown Devin , Taghibiglou Changiz , Babu Mohan , Phenix Chris P. , Krol Ed S. , Cayabyab Francisco Sandoval
Published: June 2024

We previously found that chronic adenosine A1 receptor stimulation with N6-Cyclopentyladenosine increased α-synuclein misfolding and neurodegeneration in a novel α-synucleinopathy model, a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Here, we aimed to synthesize a dimer caffeine-indan linked by a 6-carbon chain to cross the blood-brain barrier and tested its ability to bind α-synuclein, reducing misfolding, behavioural abnormalities, and neurodegeneration in our rodent model. Behavioural tests and histological stains assessed neuroprotective effects of the dimer compound. A rapid synthesis of the 18F-labelled analogue enabled Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography imaging for biodistribution measurement. Molecular docking analysis showed that the dimer binds to α-synuclein N- and C-termini and the non-amyloid-β-component (NAC) domain, similar to 1-aminoindan, and this binding promotes a neuroprotective α-synuclein “loop” conformation. The dimer also binds to the orthosteric binding site for adenosine within the adenosine A1 receptor. Immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging showed the dimer abolished α-synuclein upregulation and aggregation in the substantia nigra and hippocampus, and the dimer mitigated cognitive deficits, anxiety, despair, and motor abnormalities. The 18F-labelled dimer remained stable post-injection and distributed in various organs, notably in the brain, suggesting its potential as a Positron Emission Tomography tracer for α-synuclein and adenosine A1 receptor in Parkinson’s disease therapy.
Meninas na Ciência: investigação e indícios de Alfabetização Científica
Authors: Zanon Dulcimeire Ap. Volante , Inácio Érica Fátima
Published: June 2024

O aumento do número de mulheres no mercado de trabalho tem sido uma tendência no Brasil nos últimos anos. Contudo, a literatura destaca a persistente invisibilidade das mulheres na ciência, refletida em sua subrepresentação no campo profissional. A ascensão das mulheres nesse domínio ainda é simbólica quando comparada às oportunidades disponíveis. Estereótipos sociais, que sugerem habilidades distintas para homens e mulheres em determinadas carreiras, podem contribuir para essa disparidade, afetando a motivação e o interesse de estudantes do sexo feminino em disciplinas científicas ao longo da escolaridade. Frente a esse contexto, este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de explorar os indícios de Alfabetização Científica no desenvolvimento de um projeto investigativo por meninas do 9º ano Ensino Fundamental II de uma escola SESI no interior de São Paulo. Os dados foram coletados por meio da escrita de um diário de bordo construído pelas meninas bem como de suas falas. A análise considerou as categorias de Alfabetização Científica relacionadas aos objetivos educacionais em ciências, abrangendo dimensões práticas, cívicas e culturais, além de dimensões funcional, conceitual e processual. Os resultados revelaram indícios de Alfabetização Científica em todas as categorias ao longo do projeto. As alunas demonstraram progresso no desenvolvimento de conhecimentos e habilidades científicas, adotando uma postura mais crítica em concordância com os princípios da Alfabetização Científica. Esses achados ressaltam a importância de apoiar a participação feminina para promover igualdade de gênero e aumentar o interesse nas disciplinas científicas.
Analisis Yuridis terhadap Kedudukan Hukum Pidana dalam Perpajakan di Indonesia
Authors: Ladar Sirair Raden Joa Kansha Ramadhan
Published: June 2024

Kontribusi pendapatan yang didanai wajib pajak artinya komponen pendapatan yang esensial dan sangat penting bagi pembangunan negara kesatuan Republik Indonesia. Upaya agar dapat meningkatkan ketaatan wajib pajak terhadap pembayaran pajak perlu diperhatikan. Ini adalah inti atau akar dari pengaturan pajak dan sanksi hukum pidana. Tindak pidana dalam bidang pajak termasuk di bidang hukum administrasi (hukum pidana administrasi atau delik subsider), Dengan mudah dan fleksibel untuk dituntut selama tujuan hukum itu tercapai. Wajib pajak dengan senang hati membayar sesuai dengan kewajiban perpajakannya. Pemanfaatan standar peraturan pidana umum dan unik untuk demonstrasi kriminal di bidang pemungutan pajak tidak tepat dan dapat menimbulkan masalah hukum di pengadilan. Dengan demikian, pelanggaran umum dan pengecualian yang berkaitan dengan pemungutan pajak tidak dapat dituntut secara pidana dan segala akibatnya. Korupsi dapat diterapkan pada pelanggaran pajak dengan dua cara. Artinya, menurut pasal 43A(3), mereka berbeda satu sama lain, atau pasal 14 dimasukkan ke dalam undang-undang perpajakan. UU No. 31 Tahun 1999 direvisi dengan PP No. 20 Tahun 2001 yang mengatur tentang penghentian tindak pidana.
The Analysis the Performance of SDN Controller and AI System for Future Network
Authors: Ahmed Afshaar , Abdul moid  , Ismat Najma , Manzar Ahmed  , Khan Sakil Ahmed , Ali Arshad Jawad
Published: June 2024

the SDN is new network controller concept and it provide faster packet data receiving and dynamic path in large network. It can work with old systems via creating new nodes. It can monitor activities of traffic routing, flowing and congestion and on the basis of these updated from all routers in the network. It can provide best shortest route to data packet in few seconds. But the main issue is that its location and controlling of huge data. The network controller can be track and data can be hack by hackers. The AI (artificial intelligence) system can help SDN controller to work batter, improve speed of the system and provide security to control network.  In this paper, the methods working of AI with SDN controller will be analyzed to make system faster and save from cyber-attack and a solution will be proposed based on analyses of SDN Network.
Práticas otimizadas das ouvidorias públicas universitárias à luz do novo modelo de maturidade da CGU
Authors: Amorim Dênia Aparecida de , Melo Daniela de Castro
Published: June 2024

The Federal Constitution of 1988 clarified that any citizen is a legitimate party to file a complaint that aims to annul an act harmful to public property, so the ombudsman became an important communication alternative for the expansion of social control and expansion of democracy. The adoption of a maturity model tends to increase the efficiency of the public sector. The objective of this study was to identify the optimized practices that university public ombudsmen can develop to adapt to the Maturity Model in Public Ombudsman (MMOuP) proposed by the CGU. The research was developed in a qualitative way, through bibliographic research and survey by semi-structured interviews with ombudsmen from six federal universities. The biggest obstacle faced by the units is the lack of adequate numbers for the composition of the team, because the excess of functions attributed to the ombudsman leads to a loss of effectiveness and, even if the ombudsman makes an effort, without support he cannot attend to everything and everyone with the desired quality. To alleviate this difficulty, it is suggested the involvement of the student community through research and extension projects that would support academic level and alleviate the shortage of servers.
O marco temporal das inelegibilidades decorrentes de sentença penal condenatória e as instabilidades institucionais interpretativas da ADI nº 6630/20
Authors: Nóbrega Flavianne Fernanda Bitencourt , Teixeira Aída Carolina Silvestre
Published: June 2024

This article aims to analyze the judgment of Direct Unconstitutionality Action (ADI) nº 6630/20 as a factor of institutional change at the beginning of the period of ineligibility regarding criminal conviction in Brazil. In such a manner, we analyze some endogenous and exogenous circumstances that contributed to the deliberation of ministers of the Supreme Court of Brazil- STF and, consequently, in the count of ineligibility. This work relies on the neo-institutional theoretical framework, which allows knowledge about the factors that provide the institutional instability brought on indetermination of the beginning of the counting of the period of ineligibilities regarding criminal conviction.
Failure of the Yoke With a Rotating-Hinge Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Ilo Kevin , Gnap Rosie , Matar Hosam E. , Berber Reshid , Bloch Benjamin V.
Published: June 2024

Case:

A patient underwent revision of a total knee replacement to a cementless rotating-hinge prosthesis. The femoral component became loose, but due to the patient's frailty and cognitive decline, revision was not performed. Subsequently, the yoke failed, dissociating the femoral and tibial components, necessitating a single-stage revision.

Conclusion:

This case underlines the need for robust fixation of components of rotating-hinge knee replacements to avoid mechanical failures. It contributes valuable insights to the limited literature on yoke failure in total knee arthroplasty, emphasizing the importance of implant design, patient selection, and surgical technique to prevent such complications.
The impact of insulin resistance and glycaemic control on Insulin like growth factor-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross sectional study
Authors: AbdlWhab Hasanain MohammedHuthaifa , Al-Saffar Araz , Mahdi Osama Abbas , Alameri Rafid Badri
Published: June 2024

Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder and over the last decade, scientific attention has been drawn to the potential role of Growth hormone (GH) and Insulin like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in the pathogenesis and progression of T2DM. Both hormones are interrelated but exert variable effect on glucose homeostasis and while GH increases blood glucose level, IGF-1 maintain insulin secretion and enhance insulin sensitivity.
Aim of study:
To examine the effect of Insulin resistance and glycaemic control on IGF-1levels and asses other risk factors that affect IGF-1in type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods
A cross sectional study conducted in the National Diabetes Centre, Baghdad, Iraq, from May 2020 to May 2021. Sixty patients with types 2 diabetes were investigated for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), GH, lGF-1 HbA1c, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B and anthropometric measures after full history and physical examination focusing on any variable that could affect their metabolic profile. Patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, pituitary disease, chronic kidney disease, hepatic disease and Pregnancy were excluded from our study.
Results
Patients with poorly controlled Diabetes and HbA1c > 8 had a significantly higher IGF-1 compared to those with HbA1c < 8 (166 vs 134, P = 0.016). The Mean of IGF-1 was significantly lower in patients with insulin resistance IR compared to those without IR 143 vs 192 P = 0.001, with a significant negative correlation with BMI and a significant positive correlation with HbA1c and with QUICKI. A high IGF-1 is seen with increasing age, duration of type 2 diabetes, higher HbA1c, higher quantitative insulin sensitivity index (QUICKI) and lower body mass index (BMI). No significant difference found in IGF-1 values with regards to HOMA-B, fasting insulin, and waist hip ratio.
Conclusion
patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes have higher levels of IGF-1 while those with Obesity and high insulin resistance have a lower IGF-1. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the role of using IGF-1 to lower insulin resistance and improve metabolic and glycemic measures in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity or insulin resistance.
Boosting Salt Tolerance in Camelina cultivars through synergistic Impact of Exogenous Silicon and Selenium by modulating physiological attributes and Antioxidant activities
Authors: Alzahrani Yahya M. , Alharby Hesham F. , Ahmad Zahoor , Nawaz Halima , Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Alsamadany Hameed , Abdulmajeed Awatif M.
Published: June 2024

Salt stress (SS) has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental threats to the production sustainability of oil-seed crops like camelina which necessitates finding out pro-environment and biologically feasible amelioration approaches. A study was performed to investigate the effects of exogenously applied silicon (Si) and selenium (Se) on two camelina varieties (Australian and Canadian) under SS conditions. The trial was comprised of two doses of Si and Se (5 and 10 ppm each) along with two co-application treatments entailing Si (5pp) + Se (5ppm) and Si (10 pp) + Se (10 ppm), whereas control treatments were kept for comparison purpose. The response variables included root-shoot length, fresh and dry weights, as well as leaf photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids), leaf gas exchange attributes, biochemical characters (total proline, total soluble sugar, total soluble protein, and total free amino acid) and antioxidant activities (APX, POD, CAT, and SOD). Results showed that SS significantly reduced all growth attributes of camelina, whereas the Australian camelina variety demonstrated greater salinity tolerance in comparison to the Canadian variety. The co-application of Si (10 pp) + Se (10 ppm) outperformed the rest of the treatments by recording the highest leaf chlorophyll a (1.69 mg/g FW), chlorophyll b (1.02 mg/g FW), carotenoids (2.89 mg/g FW), photosynthetic rate (17.02 µmole CO2 m− 2 s− 1), transpiration rate (3.65 µmole CO2 m− 2 s− 1), stomatal conductance (0.38 µmole CO2 m− 2 s− 1), total proline (199.38 µmole/g DW), total soluble sugar (120.95 µmole/g FW), total soluble protein (12.02 mg/g DW) and total free amino acid (37.15 mg/g DW) in Australian camelina as compared to Canadian camelina. The same treatment also remained effective in triggering the activity of APX (3.89 Unit/min/g FW), CAT (165.19 Unit/min/g FW), POD (178.95 Unit/min/g FW), and SOD (237.63 Unit/min/g FW). Thus, the combined exogenous application of Si and Se holds bright perspectives in alleviating the deleterious impact of SS especially for the Australian variety, and could be recommended to camelina growers after thorough field investigations.
Evaluating the response of Sagittaria lancifolia to combined inundation and nitrogen addition using a marsh organ
Authors: Grimes Evan S. , Wu Wei , Suir Glenn
Published: June 2024

Freshwater diversion may be implemented to restore coastal wetlands. With more freshwater coming into the estuarine systems, salinity decreases while nutrients and inundation increase. With salinity decreases, brackish marshes are likely to become freshwater marshes. However, research is generally lacking on how freshwater marsh plants can adapt to fluctuations of water levels, extended flooding, and elevated nutrients. Here we investigated the response of a dominant southeastern freshwater marsh species - Sagittaria lancifolia to inundation and nutrient addition. We built a marsh organ with six rows at different heights that underwent varying inundation durations. Each row had eight replicates with four randomly chosen for nitrogen fertilizer addition. We find that the end-of-season belowground biomass reached the maximum at around 85% of inundation while aboveground biomass increased with inundation, showing strong tolerance of inundation for this species. Fertilization did not impact biomass. However, the interaction between fertilization and percent inundation time was important in predicting leaf traits, including count, length, and width. Fertilized vegetation showed an increase of leaf count with inundation while control vegetation showed a decrease of leaf count with inundation. While both control and fertilized vegetation showed increase in leaf length and width with inundation, the increasing rate was greater in the fertilized vegetation, showing that fertilization helped leaves adapt to higher inundation more quickly. On the other hand, control vegetation showed a higher probability of flowering as the season continued, while fertilization reduced the probability of flowering as the time went on. This research will enhance our mechanistic understanding of how large-scale restoration activities that alter the biophysical environment could impact marsh vegetation.
A universal method for precise in situ control of stoichiometry and termination of epitaxial perovskite thin films
Authors: Davidson Bruce , Petrov Aleksandr , Li Fengmiao , Pons Rebecca , Shin Hyungki , Liu Chong , Parisse Pietro , Torelli Piero , Cristiani Georg , Logvenov Gennady , Kim Gideok , Xi Xiaoxing , Benckiser Eva , Zou Ke
Published: June 2024

The perovskite ABO3 structure forms the basis for a wide range of functional and quantum materials discussed in the literature, although applications so far have been limited in part because accurate control of film stoichiometry and the ability to precisely construct heterostructures continues to lag behind their conventional semiconductor counterparts. While layer-by-layer growth mode is often cited for perovskite films, most transition-metal perovskite oxides self-assemble via an energetically-favorable layer-inversion mechanism whose phenomenology we demonstrate can be exploited to precisely adjust the stoichiometry and surface termination at any point during growth. Layer inversion results in a universal behavior of the in situ electron diffraction rocking curves and diffracted-beam intensity oscillations during alternating A- and B-site shuttered growth for a wide range of polar and nonpolar surfaces. We present a model that permits unambiguous interpretation of the oscillations, providing for the first time a completely in situ method for precise relative and absolute calibration of multielemental A- and B-site fluxes at the percent level, and apply it to successfully grow a single-phase high-entropy oxide film.
Water quality and dissolved load in the Chirchik and Akhangaran river basins (Uzbekistan, Central Asia)
Authors: Fornasaro Silvia , Ghezzi Lisa , Shukurov Nosir , Petrov Maxim , Petrini Riccardo
Published: June 2024

In Central Asia, Uzbekistan experiences water scarcity and stress, being highly dependent on external flow from the upstream water-rich neighboring countries. Chirchik and Akhangaran are the main rivers in the Tashkent province, taking their sources from the Middle Tien Shan Mountains, flowing through floodplains, and becoming major tributaries of Syrdarya river, providing water to the Aral Sea. In this study, the major and trace element chemistry were obtained on surface- and groundwater collected in October 2023 from the Chirchik and Akhangaran river, with the aim to investigate the geogenic and anthropogenic contributions to the dissolved load. The results indicate that the geochemistry of water from the upstream catchments reflect silicate and carbonate weathering, mostly belonging to the Ca-HCO3 hydrofacies. The downstream increase in Na+, K+, SO42−, Cl−, and NO3− indicates loadings from fertilizers used in croplands, mostly in the Chirchik river. Water quality parameters (SAR and Na%) indicate that waters are generally suitable for irrigation purposes, even if the TDS increasing downstream suggests possible salinity hazard. The concentration of trace elements is lower than the thresholds set for water quality by different regulations. However, an exceedingly high concentration of Zn, Mo, Sb, Pb, Ni, U, As, and B compared with the averaged river water worldwide is observed. The B content increases with nitrate in Chirchik, indicating anthropogenic inputs. Water in a coal fly-ash pond related to the Angren coal-fired power plants distinguishes for the highest As, Al, B, Mo, and Sb concentration, due to leaching from the coal fly-ash.
Exposure to Climatic Variability and Associated Hydro-Meteorological Hazards in Beas River Basin of Western Himalaya, India
Authors: Kumar Shekhar , Rao K. Nageswara
Published: June 2024

Vulnerability and its causes vary considerably over space and time because some societies, age groups, regions, landscapes, and nations are predominantly more exposed to climate change. Therefore, an understanding of spatio-temporal patterns of present climates and its reliable projections is critical for getting better equipped and address the implications of climate change. Another important aspect of climate change mitigation and adaptation is formulation of locally relevant strategies. Exposure was conceptualized as the sum of the various elements of climate and hydro-meteorological hazards. The approach allowed us to frame a climate change exposure index integrating past and present. Exposure index has the potential to integrate different parameters representing climatic variability and associated hydro-meteorological hazards to guide preventive decision making. Hence, various such indicators have been integrated in a single index to calculate the degree of exposure to climatic variability. A positive relationship is established between climate change, hydro-meteorological hazards and exposure. We found that actually, out of fifteen, ten districts have high exposure to rainfall variability, residents of eight districts may suffer the consequences of landslides, six districts are prone to wind damages, five are exposed temperature variability, and five are exposed to flood events.
"5G wireless + wired network" based multi-console robotic telesurgery accommodates to the complicated surgeries and various network infrastructure
Authors: Ye Zixing , Ding Yongxue , Xu Weifeng , Xie Yi , Dong Jie , Qin Mingwei , Fan Jing , Cui Liang , Li Na , Qiao Xin , Fang Yu , Yang Yan , Ji Zhigang
Published: June 2024

Robotic telesurgery is applying to more complicated operations. However, single-console robotic surgery and wired networks are inconvenient for intraoperative multidisciplinary collaboration. 5G wireless requires the setup of base stations. We proposed a new model for robotic telesurgery, utilizing multiple consoles and "5G wireless + wired network". In the study, the three-console robotic telesurgery was performed by Kangduo Surgical Robot-01. The patient cart and one surgeon console were in Liaoyang City Central Hospital; the other two consoles were in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in Beijing, approximately 700km away from the patient. The consoles in Beijing and Liaoyang were connected to the backbone network via 5G wireless and wired networks, respectively. In our study, the "5G wireless + wired network" based multi-console robotic telesurgery of left radical nephrectomy was performed successfully without intraoperative adverse event. The 3D video and signals from consoles were transmitted stably. The control of the robot from all consoles were consistent. The signal coverage was 100%, the average latency was 220ms without packet loss. In conclusion, multi-console robotic system is crucial for surgical safety, complicated telesurgery, and intraoperative teaching. The "5G wireless + wired network" model bears advantages of both networks, and is suitable for most telesurgeries.
Development of strategies to enhance holistic antenatal care in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A qualitative method protocol
Authors: Chewe Violet Manonyana , Mathibe-Neke Johannah Mabojalwa
Published: June 2024

Background: Holistic antenatal care encompasses a range of services, including mental, physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. Antenatal care is regarded as the cornerstone of maternal health. As such, a lack of holistic antenatal care can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes, such as maternal and perinatal mortality. This study aims to develop strategies to enhance holistic antenatal care in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Methods: The population for the study is pregnant women, midwives, and operational managers in selected community health centers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Non-probability purposive sampling will be used to select the province, districts, municipalities, and community health centers for the study. Convenience sampling will be used to select participants for antenatal card auditing and non-participatory observations of the antenatal care process as offered by midwives. Pregnant women will engage in focus group discussions. Midwives and operational managers will be sampled for in-depth interviews using nonprobability purposive sampling. Non-participatory observation will be conducted using a checklist and an audit tool to audit antenatal cards to support the qualitative data. Data will be analysed manually using Tesch's thematic analysis method for focus groups and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data will be analysed using computerized statistical software for the social sciences (SPSS 28). Ethical considerations will be adhered to throughout the study.
Significance of the study: This study aims to enhance midwives' understanding and practice of holistic antenatal care in Limpopo Province. With the data collected, strategies for enhancing holistic antenatal care will be developed, strengthening the standard of antenatal care. Holistic antenatal care has been proven to contribute to the reduction of maternal and perinatal deaths.
Autoantibody Positivity in Chronic Hepatitis C Pre- and Post-Direct- Acting Antiviral Therapy: A Prospective Multicenter South Korean Study
Authors: Choi Su Hyun , Choi Gwang Hyeon , Jang Eun Sun , Lee Youn Jae , Kim Young Seok , Kim In Hee , Cho Sung Bum , Lee Byung Seok , Kim Kyung-Ah , Chung Woo Jin , Baik Dahye , Ki Moran , Jeong Sook-Hyang
Published: June 2024

Background/Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes extrahepatic manifestations involving autoantibody production. This study aimed to elucidate the positivity rates of four autoantibodies (ANA, ASM, anti-LKM1, and AMA) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) before and after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy compared to those in healthy controls.
Methods: This study enrolled prospectively collected plasma samples from 201 CHC patients [median age, 62 years; 49.8% women] from eight hospitals before and after DAA therapy and 127 healthy individuals.
Results: The ANA positivity at pretreatment was higher in CHC patients than in healthy controls (32.3% vs. 21.3%, p=0.030), which decreased at SVR (32.3% vs. 23.9%, p=0.009). Female sex and higher globulin levels were related to ANA positivity in the control and CHC patient groups, respectively. Patients with ANA positivity at pretreatment and at SVR (n=48) were older and had a higher proportion of advanced liver disease than ANA-negative patients at SVR (n=153).
Conclusions: ANA positivity was observed in one-third of CHC patients at pretreatment, which was significantly higher than that in healthy controls, and decreased after SVR. CHC patients with ANA positivity after SVR were older and had more advanced liver disease than those with ANA negativity.
Two-stage forecasting of TCN-GRU short-term load considering error compensation and real-time decomposition
Authors: Li Yang , Ye Yongsheng , Xu Yanlong , Li Lili , Chen Xi , Huang Jianghua
Published: June 2024

With the continuous development of power system and the growth of load demand, efficient and accurate short-term load forecasting (SLTF) provides reliable guidance for power system operation and scheduling. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-stage short-term load forecasting method based on temporal convolutional network and gated recurrent unit (TCN-GRU) considering error compensation and real-time decomposition. In the first stage, the original sequence is processed by improved complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN), the time series characteristics of the data are extracted by TCN, and the initial load forecasting is realized based on GRU. At the same time, in order to overcome the problem that the prediction model established by the original subsequence has insufficient adaptability in the newly decomposed subsequence, the real-time decomposition strategy is adopted to improve the generalization ability of the model. In the second stage, the error sequence is constructed by the difference between the original sequence and the prediction sequence. The unpredictability of the error sequence is reduced by adaptive variational mode decomposition (AVMD), and the initial prediction result is corrected by TCN-GRU error compensator. Taking the real load as an example, the analysis results show that the proposed method can better capture the nonlinear and unstable characteristics in the load data, and the average absolute percentage error of prediction is 0.819%, which has high accuracy in SLTF.
Prediction of postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation combining psychological and sleep quality using a nomogram model based on Cox regression
Authors: Tu Weiwei , Ren Lizhong , Ye Jinwei , Zhao Lidan
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and develop a Cox regression-based nomogram model incorporating psychological factors and sleep quality to predict postoperative recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for HCC. The model was further visualized for practical use.
Methods
A prospective follow-up was conducted at Shengzhou People’s Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Shengzhou Branch) from January 2013 to December 2021, including HCC patients who underwent RFA. Sleep quality and psychological status were assessed through questionnaires, and relevant baseline and tumor data were collected, including age, gender, Pathology, PT, INR, PLT, Alb, TBIL, AFP, DCP, PHT, ALBI grade, Cirrhosis, ascites, Maximum tumor diameter, and tumor number. Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the factors associated with postoperative recurrence, both in univariate and multivariate analysis. A nomogram prediction model was constructed, and its performance was evaluated using ROC curve, AUC, and calibration curve.
Results
The study included 70 patients with a mean age of 61.07 years (range: 23–87 years). The median time to recurrence was 13 months (range: 2–64 months), and 32 patients (45.70%) experienced recurrence during the follow-up period. Univariate analysis showed significant correlations between AFP, PHT, ALBI grade, DCP, Maximum tumor diameter, tumor number, cirrhosis, SAS, SDS, and postoperative recurrence in HCC patients (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that AFP, ALBI grade, Maximum tumor diameter, cirrhosis, SAS, and SDS were independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence (P < 0.05). The nomogram model based on these factors showed good predictive accuracy with a concordance index of 0.857 (95% CI: 0.798–0.916). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram model had a high predictive accuracy and clinical utility. The calibration curve showed good consistency between the predicted and actual recurrence rates. Additionally, the decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram model had superior clinical value compared to individual variables.
Conclusion
AFP, ALBI grade, Maximum tumor diameter, cirrhosis, DCP, SAS, and SDS were identified as independent factors associated with postoperative recurrence in HCC patients undergoing RFA. The nomogram model incorporating these factors can provide better guidance for personalized clinical decision-making.
Gliclazide enhances exercise performance and recovery of muscle strength in healthy trained individuals: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martins Jocelito Bijoldo , Dipp Thiago , Schaan Beatriz D. , Lehnen Alexandre Machado
Published: June 2024

To examine the acute effect of gliclazide on exercise performance and recovery of muscle strength in healthy participants. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial in 44 strength-trained men. They were allocated to gliclazide modified release (MR) (90mg, 8h before exercise sessions) or placebo, undergo three consecutive sessions of strength exercise (four sets, 80% of one-repetition maximum [1-RM] of bench press and free squat exercise). We evaluated total volume-load (VL) (#repetitions x 80%1-RM), range of motion (ROM), insulin and glucose levels, creatine kinase MM (CK-MM), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), hemodynamic parameters, perceived pain and recovery scores. Gliclazide enhanced strength exercise performance with improvements in total VL (bench press 23.3%, p < 0.001; squats 23.2%, p < 0.001), and improved muscle recovery 24-48h post-exercise: ROM (shoulder 1.1%, p < 0.001; knee 1.6%, p = 0.004), CK-MM (–13.2%, p < 0.001), LDH (–12.8%, p < 0.001), TNF-α (–17.4%, p < 0.001), IL-6 (–5.3%, p < 0.001), pain (–17.7%, p < 0.001) and recovery scores (32.5%, p = 0.001). However, hypoglycemia events were observed in 3 participants in the gliclazide group. In conclusion, Gliclazide MR 90mg, 8h before strength exercise, produced ergogenic effects (exercise performance and muscle recovery), although hypoglycemia was observed in 7% of subjects. Registration: “www.clinicaltrials.gov”, “NCT04443777” (Primary Completion: 01/08/2020; Study Completion: 31/10/2023).
Motor Development of Preschool Children Congenital Exposed to Zika Virus Without Microcephaly
Authors: Mizani Renata Maria , de Souza Tathiana Ghisi , de Sousa Maria Helena , Cohort Jundiaí Zika , Passos Saulo Duarte
Published: June 2024

Background: The Zika virus garnered global attention in 2015 due to a Brazilian epidemic, prompting a public health emergency over a surge in microcephaly cases in newborns. Long-term monitoring and care are crucial, and studies on affected children without microcephaly are essential for understanding their development. This study aims to evaluate the motor development of children over two years old exposed to the Zika virus in Jundiaí, Brazil.
Method: This is a cross-sectional, comparative study integrated into the Jundiaí Zika cohort (JZC) project. The assessment instrument was the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2), which measures the motor development of children and adolescents. Children with severe comorbidities and/or disorders that prevented them from doing the tasks were excluded.
Results: 69 children aged 44 to 80 months completed the assessment, divided into two groups: 25 children in the Exposed group and 44 children in the Non-Exposed group. The Exposed group presented an average Total Standard Score (TSS) of 8.52 (2.97), and the Non-Exposed group presented an average TSS of 9.56 (2.97). Both groups remained in the Green Zone of the assessment, showing a satisfactory development mechanism.
Conclusion: This study showed that preschool children congenitally exposed to the Zika virus without microcephaly showed satisfactory motor development compared to children in the Non-Exposed group.
Trial registration:This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculdade de Medicina de Jundiaí (CAAE 55278022.7.0000.5412).
Ontogenetic Changes During Development of the Whelk Neptunea cumingii Determined Using a Geometric Morphometric Method
Authors: Jia Menghao , Xie Yaoyu , Han Yida , Huang Xianpeng , Mao Junxia , Wang Xubo , Tian Ying , Hao Zhenlin
Published: June 2024

Age determination in gastropods has been challenging due to the lack of reliable methods. In this study, we assessed the morphological changes of whelk (Neptunea cumingii) shells at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of development using traditional measurements and geometric morphometry, and we cross-validated the results using a different sample of whelks. We detected distinct patterns in shell length distribution at each stage, with values of 8.16 ± 2.48 mm, 11.76 ± 2.63 mm, 21.43 ± 7.64 mm, and 32.08 ± 4.89 mm, respectively. Neptunea cumingii displayed specific morphological characteristics at each stage, primarily in the number of spiral layers and the shape of the shell apex. Individual development exhibited unique growth trajectories in shell size and shape, indicating allometric growth characteristics. One-way analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences among age groups. The growth curve based on shell length revealed an accelerating growth rate of Neptunea cumingii before 12 months of age. Our results illustrated the effectiveness of using a non-destructive approach for age identification of Neptunea cumingii in China and provided valuable insights for resource management and aquaculture practices.
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway maintains homeostasis of amniocytes in Down syndrome
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Lin Miaochun , Chen Shan , Wang Zhengsen , Li Zhaohui , Zuo Juan
Published: June 2024

Background Down syndrome (DS), which is caused by partial or complete triplication of chromosome 21, may cause a range of clinical features. Although most fetuses with DS exhibit typical characteristics, the molecular pathogenesis underlying DS remains unclear. Wnt signaling is known to play a crucial role in fetal growth and development. However, the link between Wnt signaling and the abnormal development of fetuses with DS remains poorly understood. In this study, our objective was to investigate the dysregulation of Wnt signaling in the amniocytes of fetuses diagnosed with DS. To this end, we determined β-catenin protein expression, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in amniocytes from fetuses diagnosed with DS. Subsequently, we upregulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components in amniocytes from fetuses diagnosed with DS and detected the expression of related proteins. Results We found that downregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components decreased cell proliferation while increasing oxidative stress and apoptosis in the amniocytes derived from fetuses diagnosed with DS compared with those seen in normal fetal amniocytes. In contrast, upregulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway components in DS amniocytes increased cell proliferation and decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis, resulting in improved cell growth. Conclusions The Wnt/β-catenin pathway may maintain homeostasis in DS amniocytes and normalize cell growth to levels similar to those in normal cells. These findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism underlying the abnormal regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during the development of fetuses with DS, thereby suggesting potential targeted therapies for DS.
Assessment of heatwave vulnerability index and its spatial distribution over Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pandey Shashank , Singh Asit , Singh Amarendra , Patel Prabhat Kumar
Published: June 2024

The recurring extreme events are garnering a lot of attention these days, understanding heatwave vulnerability has been a hot topic among researchers due to its parameters which solely depend upon the local climate, socio-economic conditions, physiological conditions, and also on its local environmental conditions. This study looks into the spatial distribution of heatwave vulnerability over the Uttar Pradesh (UP) region divided into 75 districts. An index has been developed called the Heatwave Vulnerability Index (HVI) employing three variables namely Exposure, Sensitivity, and Adaptive capacity. In these variables, various environmental and socio-economic factors were considered. Spatial distribution for Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) have also been analyzed in this study. Furthermore, this study evaluated that a total of 11 districts have been found to be in the extremely vulnerable category. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in the country, and this study can provide valuable insights into planning various mitigation strategies and formulating various policies for coping with heat waves.
Treatment of E-Cigarette Use Among Hospitalized Adolescents and Young Adults: A protocol for intervention development and evaluation of preliminary efficacy and implementation outcomes in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wooten Shelbie , Catley Delwyn , Miller Melissa , Wilson Karen , Richter Kimber , Masonbrink Abbey R.
Published: June 2024

Background
Pediatric hospitalization represents a valuable opportunity to identify and treat e-cigarette use among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Knowledge on how best to provide this care is lacking. We aim to fill this gap by developing an e-cigarette use intervention and evaluating preliminary efficacy and implementation outcomes among hospitalized AYAs.
Methods
We will enroll 144 AYAs (14-21 years) admitted to a pediatric hospital who report past 30-day e-cigarette use and randomize 2:1 to intervention or control arms. We will develop and iteratively refine an evidence-based intervention that includes education, motivational interviewing, and quit planning by a health educator trained in tobacco and e-cigarette cessation and nicotine replacement therapy prescription if indicated. Control arm participants will receive brief advice and a quit program resource handout. We will assess demographics, e-cigarette use behaviors, nicotine dependence, motivation and confidence to quit using a self-report survey at baseline and post-intervention. Our primary outcome is self-reported 30-day point prevalence e-cigarette abstinence at 3-month follow-up. Our secondary implementation outcomes are feasibility (intervention duration, interruptions), acceptability (Likert scale items, participant enrollment, intervention completion rates) and fidelity (review and fidelity scoring of intervention audio-recordings). We will use a generalized linear model assuming an underlying binomial distribution and logit link function to assess our primary outcome (past 30-day abstinence). Motivation and confidence to quit will be analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance. Chi-square (categorical variables) and Wilcoxon Rank Sum (continuous variables) tests will be used to assess for differences between groups.
Discussion
Given the increasing prevalence of e-cigarette use and related adverse health outcomes, proven e-cigarette use interventions for youth are critically needed. Our study will be among the first to develop and evaluate an e-cigarette use intervention for youth in the pediatric hospital. We will assess preliminary efficacy (i.e., e-cigarette abstinence at 3 month follow-up) and secondary implementation outcomes (i.e., feasibility, acceptability, fidelity). These findings will inform a larger randomized controlled trial to further assess efficacy and implementation with the potential to reach a population at increased risk for poor outcomes.
Trial Registration NCT05936099; registered on June 30th, 2023
Prevalence of accessory mental foramen and lateral lingual foramen using cone beam computed tomography: A single-center cross-sectional study.
Authors: Mostafavi Maryam , Zarch Seyed Hosein Hoseini , Eshghpour Majid , Khodadadzadeh Pedram
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to assess the prevalence, dimensions, and positions of AMF and LLF in an Iranian population using CBCT imaging.
Methods and materials:
In this cross-sectional study, CBCT images of 2082 patients were retrospectively reviewed based on inclusion criteria, including images from the mandibular region taken in the past five years with accurate demographic data. Exclusion criteria included images with significant pathologies, fractures, or poor quality. CBCT images were captured, and AMF and LLF presence, dimensions, and positions were recorded relative to the mental foramen and adjacent teeth. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test with a 5% significance level.
Results
A total of 2082 CBCT samples (46.54% females and 53.46% males) with a mean age of 48.30 ± 12.7 years were examined. Among these, 246 AMFs were observed in 222 individuals, with 24 having two AMFs. AMF was mostly observed unilaterally, with bilateral occurrence noted in 10.81% of patients with AMF. There were no significant differences between genders in AMF and LLF prevalence. Additionally, 68 patients were found to have lateral lingual foramina (LLFs).
Conclusion
AMF and LLF were detectable using CBCT, with a prevalence of 11.81% for AMF and 5.91% for LLF in the selected Iranian population. AMF was commonly situated posterior and superior to the mental foramen, while LLF was often found near the first premolar. This knowledge is crucial for preventing nerve injury during surgery and ensuring effective nerve block procedures.
Single cell multiomic analyses reveal divergent effects of DNMT3A and TET2 mutant clonal hematopoiesis in inflammatory response
Authors: Mohammed Wazim Ismail , Fernandez Jenna , Binder Moritz , Lasho Terra , Kim Minsuk , Geyer Susan , Mazzone Amelia , Finke Christy , Mangaonkar Abhishek , Lee Jeong-Heon , Wang Liguo , Kim Kwan Hyun , Simon Vernadette , Rohakthar Fariborz Rakhshan , Munankarmy Amik , Byeon Seul Kee , Schwager Susan , Harrington Jonathan , Snyder Melissa , Robertson Keith , Pandey Akhilesh , Wieben Eric , Chia Nicholas , Gaspar-Maia Alexandre , Patnaik Mrinal
Published: June 2024

Background
DNMT3A and TET2 are epigenetic regulator genes commonly mutated in age-related clonal hematopoiesis (CH). Despite having opposing epigenetic functions, these mutations are associated with increased all-cause mortality and a low risk for progression to hematological neoplasms. While individual impacts on the epigenome have been described using different model systems, the phenotypic complexity in humans remains to be elucidated.
Results
Here we make use of a natural inflammatory response occurring during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to understand the association of these mutations with inflammatory morbidity and mortality. We demonstrate the age-independent, negative impact of DNMT3A mutant CH on COVID-19-related cytokine release severity and mortality. Using single cell proteogenomics we show that DNMT3A mutations involve myeloid and lymphoid cells. Using single cell multiomics sequencing, we identify cell-specific gene expression changes associated with DNMT3A mutations, along with significant epigenomic deregulation affecting enhancer accessibility, resulting in overexpression of IL32, a proinflammatory cytokine that can result in inflammasome activation in monocytes and macrophages. Finally, we show with single cell resolution that the loss of function of DNMT3A is directly associated with increased chromatin accessibility in mutant cells.
Conclusions
We demonstrate the negative prognostic impact of DNMT3Amt CH on COVID-19 related inflammatory morbidity and mortality. DNMT3Amt CH involves myeloid and lymphoid cells and in the context of COVID-19, was associated with inflammatory transcriptional priming, resulting in overexpression of IL32. This overexpression was secondary to increased chromatic accessibility, specific to DNMT3Amt CH cells. DNMT3Amt CH can serve as a potential biomarker for adverse inflammatory outcomes.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of steroids from traditional Chinese medicines in vitro
Authors: Yang Shiwei , Hu Xinming , Zheng Bin , Zhang Jifeng , Wang Xiaohong , Bi Wenjie , Zhu Jinmiao
Published: June 2024

Five steroids isolated from extracts of the skin of the herbal medicine toad, such as cinobufagin (CBFi), bufalin (BFi), arenobufagin (ABFi), telocinobufagin (TBFi), and bufotalin (BFTi), were subjected to molecular docking calculations with the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (PDB 6LU7 and 7BTF). The results showed that the binding energy of ABFi to the 3CL protein was − 17.044 kcal/mol, which was greater than that of CBFi and TBFi. However, the binding energy of ABFi to the RdRp protease was − 23.250 kcal/mol, which was much lower than that of CBFi and TBFi, and that of EVEN was lower than that of ABFi to the 3CL protein. ABFi more stably bound to the substrate NTP binding pocket of RNA synthesized by the RdRp protein. ABFi also has polar interactions with amino acids such as Glu811, Ser814, Ser681 and Thr680 of the RdRp enzyme. BetaCoVIJS02/human/2019 strains of SARS-CoV-2 and Vero-E6 cells were used to inhibit cell proliferation in vitro. The results revealed that ABFi had a moderate inhibitory effect on the proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 cells in vitro, with an inhibition rate of 61.12%, which was even weaker than that of remdesivir.