bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Analysis of Macular Hole Repair Techniques: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing Internal Limiting Membrane Flap and Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling For Any Size of Macular Hole
Authors: Akhtar Syed Muhammad Muneeb , Saleem Syed Zia , Rizvi Syed Ali Asad
Published: May 2023

Background:
Macular holes are a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide defined as a partial or full thickness anatomical defect in the fovea of the retina. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is a successful surgical procedure to repair the defect. However, it doesn’t have good efficacy with larger macular holes. Internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap is a novel technique and shows promising results.
Objective
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effectiveness of these two techniques in treating any size and type of macular hole.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases to identify the relevant articles. The primary outcome measures were MH closure rate and postoperative visual acuity (VA).
The statistical power was ensured by performing heterogeneity, publication bias, sensitivity analysis, and subgroup analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Results
A total of 8 RCTs and 18 Retrospective studies were included in this meta-analysis, which involved 1052 eyes in the ILM flap group and 1050 eyes in the ILM peeling group.
The overall MH closure rate came out to be in favor of ILM flap technique (OR=2.74, CI=1.62 TO 4.66; P = 0.0002). In overall analysis of postoperative VA, no significant difference was observed between the two surgical methods. However, it favored ILM flap technique on subgroup analysis based on study type and MH size specifically in the RCTS with macular hole size > 400μm (MD = -0.13, 95% CI = -0.16 to -0.09; P < 0.00001) as well as on subgrouping based on follow-up months duration I.e. on all the 3, 6 and 12 months (MD=-0.11, 95% CI = -0.19 to -0.04; P = 0.003), (MD=-0.11, 95% CI = -0.18 to -0.04; P = 0.002) and (MD=-0.12, 95% CI = -0.16 to -0.08; P <0.00001) respectively.
Conclusion
ILM flap technique resulted in better anatomical outcomes as well as better visual outcomes specifically in larger macular holes and at all the follow-up months. Hence, it is recommended that the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap method should routinely be chosen as the preferred treatment for patients who have macular holes larger than 400 micrometers.
A probiotic formulation protects the dopaminergic neurons via attenuating the intestinal inflammation in mice of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhou Liping , Han Deqiang , Zheng Tianqi , Wang Xingzhe , Xie Hongxiang
Published: May 2023

Objective Targeting the intestinal inflammation becomes a strategy for Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of a probiotic formulation, VSL#3® formulation, and the involvement of the anti-inflammation, in particular the intestinal inflammation.Materials and Methods The probiotics was orally administrated to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD for six weeks.Results The striatal content of dopamine and its metabolites, the survival of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra were substantially increased in probiotics treatment mice compared to PD mice. The pro-inflammatory cytokines in the striatum were significantly suppressed while the anti-inflammation mediators were dramatically up-regulated by probiotics. The probiotics attenuated the intestinal inflammation via regulating the gut microbial composition. The mRNA expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA significantly decreased in probiotic treatment mice compared to PD mice. Besides, the circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were notably decreased, indicating the blocked transfer of inflammatory cytokine from gut via blood.Conclusion Probiotics protect dopaminergic neurons in PD mice by attenuating the neuroinflammation via inhibiting the intestinal inflammation, which is acquired by restoring the imbalanced gut microbial composition, providing evidence for the idea of targeting the intestinal inflammation as well as using probiotics for PD treatment.
Evaluation of expression of genes associated with post-thrombotic syndrome
Authors: Barros Ricardo André Viana , Herenio Erika Mota , Maximiano Mariana Rocha , Ribeiro Julia Hellena Mendes , Franco Octávio Luiz , Pogue Robert
Published: May 2023

The prediction of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) development among patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is currently based on clinical characteristics alone; reliable biomarkers are unavailable. In this study, the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), Fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (FLT4), and coagulation Factor XIII A chain (F13A1) was evaluated to identify novel biomarkers of PTS. F13A1 of the clotting cascade stabilizes the thrombus; MPO interacts with the endothelium; and FLT4 encodes a vascular endothelium-derived growth factor receptor that participates in angiogenesis. This study evaluated nine patients stratified into three different groups. The control group included three healthy patients; the second group included three patients with DVT without PTS (group II); and the third group included three patients with PTS (group III). The expression of MPO, FLT4, and F13A1 was evaluated in the three groups. A significant decrease in FLT4 expression (ΔCt -2.71; gene expression 0.03, p=0.11 in group II; ΔCt -2.44; gene expression 0.01, p=0.05 in group III) and a non-significant difference in MPO gene expression were found among the three groups; however, there was a notable progressive increase in F13A1 expression (ΔCt 6.54; gene expression 3.5, p=0.02). Despite the low sampling rate in the present study, the decreased FLT4expression and increased of F13A1 expression may represent biomarkers of PTS.
Learning from an Experience, Challenges and Approaches in the Workplace during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Content Analysis of International Documents
Authors: Ghayen Masoud Motalebi , Faghihi Mitra , Ezati Elahe , Khosravi Yahya , Almasi Ali , Farshad Ali Asghar , Hassanzadeh-Rangi Narmin , Shirzadi Shayesteh
Published: May 2023

Background The present study aims to investigate international measures of pandemic control at the workplace based on the guidelines of international organizations and learn from them and their experiences. Methods We conducted the qualitative study through the content analysis method. The search method included the guidelines published regarding the prevention and response in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic in workplaces. Results We extracted eleven categories, consisting of legal requirements and duties of employees and employers, structure and program changes, risk assessment, risk communication, information and training, internal and external consultation and cooperation, provision of facilities and tools and workplace hygiene, special conditions, special groups, closing and reopening workplaces, reducing contact and exposure and mental health. Conclusions Protecting employees during a pandemic requires a multifaceted approach and strong advocacy. The operational plan of pandemic control should be developed according to the level of risk, and the support should be appropriate to the conditions of the employees and adapted to their needs.
Wire-EDM performance and surface integrity of Inconel 718 with unique microstructural features fabricated by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Gokcekaya Ozkan , Günen Ali , Ceritbinmez Ferhat , Bahador Abdollah , Nakano Takayoshi , Çetin Melik
Published: May 2023

Inconel 718 alloy is difficult to machine using conventional methods due to its physical properties. Thereby, additive manufacturing (AM) of IN718 components with near-net shapes has been excessively studied. Even though AM processes provide shape and size accuracy, there is still the need for the machining of the AM-processed components. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has been successfully utilized to fabricate near-net shape IN718 components, moreover, the microstructure of LPBF-IN718 was unique owing to the AM processing, resulting in differences in grain size, grain boundary characteristics, and grain orientations. Furthermore, these microstructural characteristics are expected to alter the machining performance of IN718. Therefore, this study investigated the wire electro-discharge machining (WEDM) performance of LPBF-718 samples compared to wrought IN718 while focusing on the unique microstructure characteristics of LPBF-IN718 samples (lamella, single-crystal, ploy-crystal). Three different cutting strategies (rough, semi-finish, and finish) were implemented to understand the performance of the multi-pass cutting phenomenon and its effect on the surface of IN718. For all samples, rough (single pass) cutting displayed high roughness while finish (three passes) cutting exhibited good surface quality. Compositional analyses on the machined surface showed debris formation including Zn and Cu-containing recast material, indicating wire erosion. The surface of single-crystal LPBF-IN718 after the WEDM process was smooth owing to its big grain size and less amount of grain boundary, resulting in slow cutting speed but a good surface finish. Thus, this study, for the first time, investigated the effect of unique microstructural characteristics of LPBF-fabricated IN718 on WEDM performance and machined surface quality.
Identification of Age-Related Characteristic Genes Involved in Severe COVID-19 Infection Among Elderly Patients using Machine Learning and Immune Cell Infiltration Analysis
Authors: Li Huan , Zhao Jin , Xing Yan , Chen Jia , Wen Ziying , Ma Rui , Han Fengxia , Huang Boyong , Wang Hao , Li Cui , Chen Yang , Ning Xiaoxuan
Published: May 2023

Background Elderly patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are at higher risk of severe clinical manifestation, extended hospitalization, and increased mortality. Those patients are more likely to experience persistent symptoms and exacerbate the condition of basic diseases with long COVID-19 syndrome. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19 in the elderly patients remain unclear. Our study aims to investigate the function of the interaction between disease-characteristic genes and immune cell infiltration in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.Methods COVID-19 datasets (GSE164805 and GSE180594) and aging dataset (GSE69832) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The combined different expression genes (DEGs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and Diseases Ontology (DO) functional enrichment analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), machine learning, and immune cell infiltration analysis.Results GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the eight DEGs (IL23A, PTGER4, PLCB1, IL1B, CXCR1, C1QB, MX2, ALOX12) were mainly involved in inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, coronavirus disease-COVID-19, and cytokine activity signaling pathways. Two-degree algorithm (LASSO and SVM-RFE) and correlation analysis showed that the seven DEGs upregulated the immune cells of macrophages M0/M1, memory B cells, gramma delta T cell, dendritic cell resting and master cell resisting.Conclusion Our study identified seven hallmark genes that can serve as disease-characteristic genes and target immune cells infiltrated in severe COVID-19 patients among the elderly population, which may contribute to the study of pathogenesis and the evaluation of diagnosis and prognosis in aging patients infected with severe COVID-19.
Adsorption equilibria and kinetics of CO2, CH4, and N2 on activated carbon and carbon molecular sieve
Authors: chen Si'ang , Wu Wenling , Niu Zhaoyang , Kong Deqi , Li Wenbin , Tang Zhongli , Zhang Donghui
Published: May 2023

Flue gas and coal bed methane are two important sources of greenhouse gases. Pressure swing adsorption process has a wide range of application in the field of gas separation, and the selection of adsorbent is crucial. In this regard, in order to assess the better adsorbent for separating CO2 from flue gas and CH4 from coal bed methane, adsorption isotherms of CO2, CH4 and N2 on activated carbon and carbon molecular sieve are measured at 303.15, 318.15, and 333.15 K, and up to 250 kPa. The experimental data fits better with Langmuir 2 compared to Langmuir 3 and Langmuir-Freundlich models, and Clausius-Clapeyron equation was used to calculate the isosteric heat. Both the order of the adsorbed amount and the adsorption heat on the two adsorbents are CO2 > CH4 > N2. The adsorption kinetics are calculated by the pseudo-first kinetic model, and the order of adsorption rates on activated carbon is N2 ≥ CH4 > CO2, while on carbon molecular sieve it is CO2 ≥ N2 > CH4. It is shown that relative molecular mass and adsorption heat are the primary effect on kinetics for activated carbon, while kinetic diameter is the main resistance factor for carbon molecular sieve. Moreover, the adsorption selectivity of CH4/N2 and CO2/N2 were estimated with the ideal adsorption solution theory, and carbon molecular sieve performed best at 318.15 K for both CO2 and CH4 separation. Overall, the study suggested that carbon molecular sieve is a better option for separating flue gas and coal bed methane.
Trap and baiting materials for monitoring tef shoot flies, Atherigona spp. (Diptera: Muscidae) in tef (Eragrostis tef)
Authors: Damte Tebkew , Mitiku Geteneh , Tolera Ashebir
Published: May 2023

In an experiment five color types, four baiting materials and two trap types were consecutively evaluated from 2018/19 to 2022/23 cropping seasons inclusive, to determine their attractiveness to tef shoot fly (Atherigona spp.). Treatments were tested in Latin square design and for the latter two trials a control treatment was included for comparison. It was found that orange and green color water pan traps attracted more number of tef shoot flies than yellow, indigo and blue color traps; although, the number of tef shoot flies caught per trap per day was less than one in all color types. Moreover, more number of tef shoot flies was caught in the morning at 8:00 a.m. than in the later hours. Among the baiting materials that were tested, fish meal and chicken meat attracted greater number of tef shoot flies than lamb and beef. However, a combination of orange water pan trap and a baiting material attracted greater number of tef shoot flies than an orange water pan trap without a baiting material. The trap efficiency of fish meal baited cooking oil container trap relative to the fish meal baited orange water pan trap ranged from 3 to 25%. Depending upon season, tef crop damage by shoot flies varied from trace to 6% and there was positive association between trap catch and damage percentage. Thus traps, particularly cooking oil container trap, baited with fish meal can be used to monitor and assess tef shoot fly population in tef crop.
Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics analysis using Time Spatial Labeling Inversion pulse (Time-SLIP) MR imaging in mice
Authors: Tomita Yusuke , Yagi Mitsuru , Seki Fumiko , Komaki Yuji , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya
Published: May 2023

Abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics cause diverse conditions, such as hydrocephalus and scoliosis, but the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Methods to study CSF dynamics in small animals have not been established due to the lack of an evaluation system. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to to establish the time-spatial labelling inversion pulse (Time-SLIP) MRI technique for the evaluation of CSF dynamics in mice. We performed the Time-SLIP technique on 10 wild-type mice and 20 Tiptoe walking Yoshimura (TWY) mice, a mouse model of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). We defined the Stir Distance as the distance of CSF stirring and calculated the mean ± standard deviation. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the intraobserver reliabilities was also calculated. Furthermore, in TWY mice, the correlation coefficient between Stir Distance and Canal Stenosis Ratio (CSR) was calculated. The Stir Distance was significantly lower in TWY mice (p<0.05). The intrarater reliability of the 3 examiners was excellent (>0.90) and there was a strongly negative correlation between Stir Distance and CSR in TWY mice (>-0.80). In this study, we established the Time-SLIP technique in experimental mice. This technique allows a better understanding of CSF dynamics in small laboratory animals.
Mutual Exclusion MAC Protocol for MAC Layer in MANET to Overcome Hidden And Exposed Terminal Problem
Authors: s Hemalatha , Pallathadka Harikumar , Chinhewadi Rajesh P , V Vasudhevan
Published: May 2023

Medium Access layer in Mobile Adhoc Network is responsible of transmission of packet through the wireless medium, while transmitting the packet all nodes has to intellect the medium before sending the packet. Every node can able to transmit the packet when the medium if free otherwise the nodes has to wait until the medium becomes free. Some cases the transmission range of the node can be idle but due to Hidden and Exposed node, the node could not be send the packet to other nodes. Node has to wait unnecessarily event the transmission medium is free. This research article proposed the Mutual Exclusion MAC protocol for avoiding hidden and exposed terminal problem in MANET. The proposed protocol is implemented with the support of Network simulator 3 and results are compared with the existing different protocol proposed for the MAC layer with the parameter and finally the results shown that the proposed protocol overcomes the Hidden and Exposed terminal problem permanently.
Correlation Coefficient-based Breakpoint detection @Piecewise Linear Regression
Authors: Senapati Apurbalal
Published: May 2023

Linear Regression is a traditional supervised Machine Learning technique commonly used for prediction. The approach is frequently used in many applications involving sequencing or forecasts for the time-series domain. The efficiency of the model depends on the characteristics of the data and some other external factors. One notable limitation of this model is its reliance on linear data. When presented with non-linear data, its performance can be severely impacted. To address this issue, researchers have suggested an alternative approach known as piecewise linear regression. Piecewise linear regression is a variant of linear regression that involves partitioning the data points based on their linear characteristics, followed by the application of linear regression within each partition. The primary difficulty associated with piecewise linear regression is identifying the optimal approach for partitioning the data, which can be thought of as locating the breakpoints. The main objective of this paper is to introduce a strategy for partitioning and identifying breakpoints based on the correlation properties of the data points. The effectiveness of this approach was evaluated using open-access COVID-19 data in the context of a prediction model. The findings indicate that the proposed partitioning and breakpoint identification method outperforms other existing systems, suggesting that it is a viable option that is relatively close to the optimal solution.
Effects of pre-rehabilitation program among in-hospital patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting: study protocol for a single-centric, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Hu Yu , Guo Xiaochuan , Hu Linzhe , Wang Yuchan , Yao Lingling , Zhao Xin , Yan Ziyan , Liu Yibing , Zhang Sirun , Li Sha
Published: May 2023

Background: Coronary heart disease is considered an epidemic problem with the increasing number of people affected. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been the gold standard treatment for revascularization in complex multivessel coronary artery disease. The pre-rehabilitation of CABG aims to improve the functional capacity of patients in the preoperative stage, optimize the physiological reserve to withstand the stress of surgery, and improve the functional status of patients after surgery. Since there are still relatively few studies on preoperative pre-rehabilitation with elective CABG, the main goal of this study is to evaluate whether pre-rehabilitation programs during phase I in-hospital rehabilitation can improve exercise tolerance among patients who undergo elective CABG. Furthermore, this study aims to investigate the effects of pre-rehabilitation program during phase I in-hospital rehabilitation on the inspiratory muscle strength, cardiac function, the conditions of anxiety and depression, health-related quality of life, the rate of pulmonary complication after CABG and the length of inpatient stay.
Methods: This study will be a prospective, single-centre, two parallel groups, randomized controlled clinical trial with blinded evaluators. There are 4 measurement time points: T0= admission, T1 = 1 day before surgery, T2 = 1 day before discharge, T3 = 12- week follow-up. A total of 84 patients who will undergo elective CABG will be included. Interventions include oral education and preoperative pre-rehabilitation delivered by physiotherapists. The primary outcome is exercise tolerance measured by 6minute walking test. Secondary outcomes include inspiratory muscle strength, cardiac function, the conditions of anxiety and depression, health-related quality of life, exercise load, the rate of pulmonary complication after CABG and the length of inpatient stay. Final data collection is expected to be completed by May 2024.
Discussion: This study may provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and safety of preoperative pre-rehabilitation for CABG to improve functional recovery after surgery and provide evidence for standardized preoperative pre-rehabilitation guidelines for CABG.
Trial registration: The trial has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on March 6, 2023 under the registration number: ChiCTR2300069045
The Role of Classifiers and Data Complexity in Learned Bloom Filters: Insights and Recommendations
Authors: Malchiodi Dario , Raimondi Davide , Fumagalli Giacomo , Giancarlo Raffaele , Frasca Marco
Published: May 2023

Bloom Filters, since their introduction over fifty years ago, have become a pillar to handle membership queries in small space, with relevant application in Big Data Mining and Stream Processing. In order to enhance the performances attained by Bloom Filters, with special focus on space occupancy, other approaches from the Artificial Intelligence landscape are used. In particular Learned Bloom Filters have recently been introduced, i.e., models induced from data via Machine Learning techniques and solving the approximate set membership problem. Unlike in the classical case, the “complexity” of the data used to build the learned filter might heavily impact on its performance. Therefore, here we propose the first in-depth analysis, to the best of our knowledge, for the performance assessment of a given Learned Bloom Filter, in conjunction with a given classifier, on a dataset of a given classification complexity. Indeed, we propose a novel methodology, supported by software, for designing, analyzing and implementing Learned Bloom Filters in function of specific constraints on their multi-criteria nature (that is, constraints involving space efficiency, false positive rate, and reject time). Our experiments show that the proposed methodology and the supporting software are valid and useful: we find out that only two classifiers have desirable properties in relation to problems with different data complexity, and, interestingly, none of them has been considered so far in the literature. We also experimentally show that the Sandwiched variant of Learned Bloom filters is the most robust one to data complexity and classifier performance variability, as well as that usually having smaller reject times. The software can be readily used to test new Learned Bloom Filter proposals, which can be compared with the best ones identified here.
miR-106b-5p protects against drug-induced liver injury by targeting vimentin to stimulate liver regeneration
Authors: Lu Xiaoyan , Yu Lingqi , Zheng Jie , Li Anyao , Li Junying , Lou He , Zhang Wentao , Guo Hui , Wang Yuzhen , Li Xuemei , Gao Yue , Fan Xiaohui , Borlak Jürgen
Published: May 2023

Background
Adaptive response to drug-induced liver injury (arDILI) reflects the critical role of restorative tissue repair, and understanding the endogenous mechanism may discover innovative strategies to manage DILI.
Methods
To gain mechanistic insight into arDILI, we investigated exosomal miRNAs in the adaptive response to toosendanin-induced liver injury (TILI) of mice. Exosomal miR-106b-5p was identified as a specific regulator of arDILI by comprehensive miRNA profiling. Its target gene was validated by dual luciferase reporter and siRNA assays. The biological function of miR-106b-5p was determined using agomir and antagomir treatment. Single-cell RNA-sequencing was conducted to identify the key hepatocytes under miR-106b-5p treatment. Knockout mice were used to enable mechanistic insights into arDILI. DILI patient samples were collected to confirm clinical significance.
Results
miR-106b-5p agomir treatment alleviated TILI and other DILI by inhibiting apoptosis and promoting hepatocyte proliferation. Conversely, antagomir treatments had opposite effects. Injured hepatocytes released miR-106b-5p-enriched exosomes taken up by surrounding hepatocytes. Vim (encodes vimentin) was identified as an important target of miR-106b-5p. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of toosendanin-injured mice revealed a cluster of Vim+ hepatocytes; however, declined following miR-106b-5p-agomir co-treatment. Strikingly, liver-specific and/or whole-body Vim knockout protected mice from both TILI and acetaminophen poisoning. Serum miR-106b-5p expression levels correlated with the severity of DILI. Liver biopsies of clinical cases exposed to different DILI causing drugs revealed marked vimentin expression among harmed hepatocytes, inflammatory cell infiltrates and Kupffer cells, therefore demonstrating translational significance.
Conclusion
We report novel mechanisms of arDILI whereby miR-106b-5p safeguards restorative tissue repair by targeting vimentin.
An Efficient LSTM-Based Deep Learning Model for Stock Prediction Analytics and Real-time Visualization
Authors: Saravanan Vijayalakshmi , Paudel Laxman , Acharya Pramod , Paramasivam Praveen , Pillai Anju S
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely implemented in finance for stock price prediction using deep learning techniques. However, stock data’s high volatility and signal-to-noise ratio can make it difficult for neural networks (NN) to make accurate predictions. Nevertheless, even 70% accuracy can provide a good return value, leading to the increasing adoption of AI. In this study, we utilized long short-term memory (LSTM), a time series forecasting method, to predict the future stock market prices of Twitter (TWTR) and Facebook (FB) on NYSE and evaluated the performance of the model. Additionally, sentiment analysis, which involves understanding information from sentiment-rich sources such as news and social media, plays a crucial role in predicting changes in stock market prices. With the abundance of data in modern times, manual data examination is no longer practical, necessitating AI and data mining techniques. The impact of emotion classification on stock market prices was also investigated in this study. The deep learning method involved using an LSTM neural network to learn the features instead of relying on human feature engineering. The NLP model used in this study combines LSTM, an intriguing branch of machine learning that uses past data to predict future values, with real-time visualization for sentiment analysis.
Deep learning-based intraoperative differentiation of primary CNS lymphoma and glioma: a discovery, multicenter validation, and proof-of concept study
Authors: Zhang Xinke , Zhao Zihan , Wang Ruixuan , Chen Haohua , Zheng Xueyi , Liu Lili , Lan Lilong , Li Peng , Wu Shuyang , Cao Qinghua , Luo Rongzhen , Ye Yaping , Wang Yu , Xie Dan , Cai Mu-Yan
Published: May 2023

Intraoperative differentiation of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and glioma is of great importance to decision-making for neurosurgeons. However, distinguishing these two diseases based on frozen sections presents a challenge for pathologists. Here, we aim to develop and validate a deep learning model (LGNet) that could accurately differentiate PCNSL from glioma on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained frozen whole-slide images. In this study, the LGNet was developed and validated to distinguish PCNSL from glioma on independent cohorts, and its performance was compared to that of three pathologists with varying levels of expertise. Additionally, a human-machine fusion approach was designed to consider the diagnostic results from both pathologist and LGNet, to improve the integrative diagnostic performance. A proof of concept study was further evaluated with an online pathological decision support platform. The LGNet achieved high area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of 0·965 and 0·972 for discriminating PCNSL and glioma on the two external validation cohorts. Moreover, the LGNet outperformed the three pathologists, and assisted them in making the distinction. The diagnostic performance human-machine fusion was further improved using the human-machine fusion. Notably, the performance of LGNet was verified with the proof of concept cohort, and it was shown that the time-consumption of LGNet was significantly less than that of pathologists (P < 0·001) in practical scenario. Also, the study demonstrated the association between histopathological characteristics and the LGNet’s prediction as derived from the logistic regression model. These findings suggest that the LGNet accurately and timely differentiates PCNSL from glioma based on frozen sections, and adds to the enhancement of pathologists’ diagnostic performance. Thus, our deep learning model LGNet has the application potential during intraoperative diagnosis.
A fluorescent/photoacoustic probe for imaging of hydroxyl radical and high-throughput screening of natural products to attenuate acute kidney injury
Authors: Gao Han , Sun Lei , Li Jiwei , Zhou Qilin , Xu Haijun , Ma Xiao-Nan , Li Renshi , Yu Bo-Yang , Tian Jiangwei
Published: May 2023

The hydroxyl radical (•OH) has been shown to play a crucial role in the occurrence and progression of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, the development of a robust •OH detection tool holds great promise for the early diagnosis of AKI and high-throughput screening (HTS) of inhibitors to attenuate AKI. In this work, we report the design and synthesis of an activatable fluorescent/photoacoustic (PA) probe (CDIA) for sensitive and selective imaging of •OH in AKI. CDIA has near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence/PA channels and fast activation kinetics, enabling the detection of the onset of •OH in an AKI model. The positive detection time of 12 hours using this probe is superior to the 48-hour detection time for typical clinical assays, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCr) detection. Furthermore, a method has been established using CDIA for HTS of natural •OH inhibitors from herbal medicines. Puerarin has been screened out by activating the Sirt1/Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway to protect renal cells in AKI. Overall, this work provides a versatile and dual-mode tool for illuminating the •OH-related pathological process in AKI and for screening additional compounds to prevent and treat AKI.
Skillful Multiyear Prediction of Marine Habitat Shifts Jointly Constrained by Ocean Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen
Authors: Chen Zhuomin , Siedlecki Samantha , Long Matthew , Petrik Colleen , Stock Charles , Deutsch Curtis
Published: May 2023

The ability to anticipate marine habitat responses to climate variability has high socioeconomic value. Here we quantify interannual-to-decadal predictability of habitat shifts by combining trait-based aerobic habitat constraints with a suite of initialized retrospective Earth System Model forecasts, for diverse marine species in the North American Large Marine Ecosystems. We find that aerobic habitat viability, defined by joint constraints of temperature and oxygen on organismal energy balance, is potentially predictable in the upper-600 m of the ocean, showing a substantial improvement over a simple persistence forecast. The skillful multiyear predictability is dominated in most regions by the oxygen component, yielding habitat predictions with longer lead time than previously estimated based on temperature alone. Notable predictability differences exist among species differing in temperature sensitivity of hypoxia vulnerability, especially along the northeast coast. This tool will be critical in predicting marine habitat shifts in face of a changing climate.
Enzymic recognition of amino acids drove the evolution of primordial genetic codes
Authors: Bouckaert Remco , Carter Charles , Wills Peter R , Douglas Jordan
Published: May 2023

How genetic information gained its exquisite control over chemical processes needed to build living cells remains an enigma. Today, the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARS) execute the genetic codes in all living systems. But how did the AARS that emerged over three billion years ago as low-specificity, protozymic forms then spawn the full range of highly-specific enzymes that distinguish between 22 diverse amino acids? A new phylogenetic reconstruction of extant AARS genes, enhanced by analysing modular acquisitions, reveals six AARS with distinct bacterial, archaeal, eukaryotic, or organellar clades, resulting in a total of 33 families of AARS catalytic domains. Small structural modules that differentiate one AARS family from another played pivotal roles in discriminating between amino acid side chains, thereby expanding the genetic code and refining its precision. The resulting model shows a tendency for less elaborate enzymes, with simpler catalytic domains, to activate amino acids that were not synthesised until later in the evolution of the code. The most probable evolutionary route for an emergent amino acid type to establish a place in the code was by recruiting older, less specific AARS, rather than adapting contemporary lineages. This process, parafunctionalisation, differs from previously described mechanisms through which amino acids would enter the code.
Statistical Analysis Plan for a Cluster Randomised trial in Madhya Pradesh, India: support to rural India’s public education system and impact on numeracy and literacy scores (STRIPES2)
Authors: Keddie Suzanne , Fazzio Ila , Shivalli Siddharudha , Magill Nicholas , Elbourne Diana , Sharma Dropti , Shekhawat Sajjan Singh , Banerji Rukmini , Karnati Sridevi , Reddy Harshavardhan , Eble Alex , Boone Peter , Frost Chris
Published: May 2023

Background
India has made steady progress in improving rates of primary school enrolment but levels of learning achievement remain low. The Support To Rural India’s Public Education System (STRIPES) trial provided evidence that an after-school para-teacher intervention improved numeracy and literacy levels in Telangana, India. The STRIPES2 trial investigates whether such an intervention will have a similar effect on the literacy and numeracy of primary school age children in the Satna District of Madhya Pradesh, India.
Methods/design
The STRIPES2 trial forms one part of a cluster-randomised controlled trial with villages (clusters) randomised to receive either a health (CHAMPION2) or education (STRIPES2) intervention. Building on the design of the earlier CHAMPION/STRIPES trial, villages receiving the health intervention are controls for the education intervention and vice versa. The primary outcome is a combined literacy and numeracy score. Secondary outcomes include separate scores for literacy and numeracy; caregivers’ engagement with child’s learning; expenditure on education; enrolment in school; parent’s report of school attendance and the cost effectiveness of the intervention. Over 7000 primary school age children have been recruited and randomised in STRIPES2.
Discussion
This update to the published trial protocol gives a detailed plan for the statistical analysis of the STRIPES 2 trial.
Trial registration. Registry of India: CTRI/2019/05/019296. Registered on 23 May 2019
Integer topological defect annihilations drive polar ordering of epithelial monolayers
Authors: Lång Emma , Lång Anna , Blicher Pernille , Rognes Torbjørn , Dommersnes Paul , Bøe Stig Ove
Published: May 2023

The ability of epithelial monolayers to self-organize into a dynamic polarized state is essential for tissue regeneration, development, and tumor progression. However, the mechanisms governing long-range polar ordering in biological tissues remain unclear. Here we investigate the self-organizing behavior of quiescent epithelial monolayers that transit from a disordered, static state to a dynamic state with long-range polar order upon growth factor exposure. We demonstrate that the heightened self-propelled activity of monolayer cells leads to formation of ±1 topological defect pairs that subsequently undergo sequential annihilation, ultimately driving the spread of long-range polar order throughout the system. A computational model, which treats the monolayer as an active elastic solid, accurately replicates this behavior, and weakening of cell-to-cell interactions impedes defect annihilation and polar ordering. Furthermore, we have identified a set of fundamental rules that describe how topological defects can function as local organizers to spread order through the system. Lastly, we show that transient proliferation and re-annihilation of defect pairs facilitate a 180 degrees reorientation of the collective cell flow. Our study reveals a crucial role of topological defects in generating collective motion with long-range order, and provides insights into the underlying principles of active matter physics in biological systems.
Symmetric Information and Cooperation in It Project Success
Authors: de Oliveira Henrique Pontes Gonçalves , Albertin Alberto Luiz
Published: May 2023

With the advancement of technological solutions and the increasingly agile and competitive business context, Information Technology has played an essential role in organizations. As a result, the number of IT demands has significantly increased, which requires the use of project management practices. IT projects require high generation and flow of information and interaction between different areas, which demand proper, sensitive communication procedures associated with the success or failure of a project. This study investigated the effect of information symmetry and cooperative actions on project success. After an extensive bibliographic review, we elaborated three research propositions. Data collection was conducted in two large multinational companies, and a strategic project was qualitatively analyzed in each of them. Both projects found unsatisfactory results. Failures in the communication process, especially information asymmetry, were the main factors that produced unsatisfactory results. In addition, communication inefficiency directly impaired cooperative actions.
Direct interaction between marine cyanobacteria mediated by nanotubes
Authors: Angulo-Cánovas Elisa , Bartual Ana , López-Igual Rocío , Luque Ignacio , Radzinski Nikolai , Shilova Irina , Anjur-Dietrich Maya , García-Jurado Gema , Ubeda Barbara , Gonzalez-Reyes José Antonio , Díez Jesús , Chisholm Sallie , García-Fernández José Manuel , Muñoz-Marín María del Carmen
Published: May 2023

Numerous microbial associations and interactions drive and regulate nutrient fluxes in the ocean. Symbiotic interactions are the best example and are key drivers of ecological diversification and evolutionary innovation on Earth1. Besides symbiotic, other kinds of interactions exist between free-living bacteria; for example, the uptake of shared metabolites, horizontal gene transfer (HGT), quorum signaling, and exchange of substances via extracellular vesicles or pili2-5. Physical contact between cells of marine cyanobacteria had not been studied thus far. Here, we show a new mechanism of direct interaction between the marine cyanobacteria Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus, the intercellular membrane nanotubes (NTs).
We present evidence of inter- and intra-genus exchange of cytoplasmic material between neighboring and distant cells of cyanobacteria mediated by NTs. We visualized and measured these structures in axenic and in natural samples. We show that NTs are produced between living cells, suggesting this is a relevant communication system in vivo. The discovery of nanotubes acting as exchange bridges in the most abundant photosynthetic organisms in the ocean may have significant implications for the survival marine microbial interactions. The transfer of compounds between these small bacteria in areas with poor nutrient concentrations might be an important factor in their ecological success in the ocean ecosystems. Furthermore, nanotubes-mediated cell interaction provides additional evidence for the importance of cooperation between these marine cyanobacteria, showing they act as a collective rather than individual cells in the context of marine ecosystems.
Ist alte Schule oldschool? Zum "Nutzen" von Anglizismen in Deutschraptexten
Authors: Gierke Marco
Published: May 2023

Der vorliegende Beitrag vergleicht die Verwendung der anglizistischen Nomination old school und der nativen Entsprechung Alte Schule im Hip-Hop-Subkorpus des Songkorpus (Schneider 2020). Dieser Vergleich erfolgt auf zwei Ebenen: Zum einen wird die diskurs-spezifische Verwendung anhand eines adaptierten Analyse-Frameworks für Hip-Hop-Texte von Androutsopoulos und Scholz (2002) untersucht, zum anderen wird der syntaktische und morphologische Gebrauch in den Deutschraptexten analysiert. Dabei zeigt sich, dass es jeweils spezifische Verwendungstendenzen auf diskursiver Ebene gibt, die wesentlichsten Unterschiede aber in der syntaktischen und morphologischen Verwendung auftreten, allen voran in der höheren Produktivität der anglizistischen Nomination. Es wird dafür argumentiert, dass sich dies unter anderem auf sprachstrukturelle bzw. wortformale Spezifika des Englischen zurückführen lässt, wie den nicht vorhandenen Flexionssuffixen der Adjektive. Damit werden die in der Anglizismenforschung etablierten Überlegungen zu Verwendungsgründen um eine simple, aber gegebenenfalls folgenreiche Beobachtung ergänzt, die sich vor allem bei den sprachökonomischen Ansätzen einordnen lässt. Schließlich wird darüber auf diskursiver Ebene wiederum auch ein Bezug zu terminologischen Vorteilen hergeleitet: Trotz flexibler Verwendung wird das schriftliche Abbild bei Wortbildungen geschont (Oldschoolstyle, Oldschool-Aufnahmen, Oldschooler), was für die Wiedererkennbarkeit des Diskurselements – neben der zusätzlichen Auszeichnung durch die Eigenschaft ‚fremdsprachig‘ – zuträglich sein könnte.
Perceptions of educators on ICT integration into the teaching and learning of economics
Authors: Adu Emmanuel O. , Zondo Sindiswa S.
Published: May 2023

This study explored educators’ perceptions of the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into the teaching and learning of Economics. Guided by an interpretive paradigm this qualitative study used a case study design. The purposively selected sample comprised eight Economics teachers, selected from four public Secondary Schools, located in KwaZulu Natal (Umlazi district). Data were collected using three instruments (semi-structured interviews, observations, and document review). From the findings, it emerged that teachers had the positive perception that ICT integration positively affects the teaching and learning of Economics and it promotes the teaching of Economics. However, the findings also showed that teachers face challenges in integrating ICT when teaching Economics. Contrariwise, the findings further revealed that some teachers, due to the lack of ICT skills, perceive ICT integration as a waste of time and thus, they remain attached to the traditional teaching methods, which hinder the use of ICT in teaching Economics. Based on the findings, the study recommends that teachers should be workshopped to enhance their ICT skills, there should be school-based ICT specialists to promote ICT integration in teaching, and also the education system should make ICT subjects compulsory from grade R- to grade 12, so that both teachers and learners get used to ICT gadgets.
Resource inequality and quality of secondary education: a study of uneven policy in rural schools of southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Okunlola John Olayemi , Hendricks Winston
Published: May 2023

Recent Studies have investigated the influence of the resource factor on the quality of secondary education (QSE) in Nigeria. However, the research on the resource factor as a predictor of quality of secondary education in rural communities of Southwestern Nigeria remains scanty. This study, therefore, investigated the contributions of the resource factor (RF: Resource Adequacy-RA and Resource Utilization-RU) to QSE in rural communities of Southwestern Nigeria (RCSN). The study was located within a pragmatic paradigm that incorporated the convergent parallel design in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the qualitative and quantitative data. The multi-level mixed methods sampling technique was adopted in selecting 467 secondary school graduates, while total enumeration technique was adopted in selecting 134 teachers. Six participants for the Key Informant Interviews comprised three principals and three senior officials from the Teaching Service Commission and Ministry of Education from three selected states in southwestern Nigeria. Two research questions were raised, and one hypothesis was formulated for the study. Two research instruments, namely, the Secondary School Graduate Aptitude Test (SSGAT) and Resource Factor Teachers’ Questionnaire (RFTQ), with reliability coefficients of 0.715 and 0.853, respectively, were used for the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, while qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis. The resource factor with resource adequacy (x=2.50)  and resource utilization (x=2.77) influenced QSE. The resource factor (r=0.75) had a negative significant relationship with QSE. The study affirmed that addressing resource inequality in rural communities is urgently required to stem the ebbing tide of quality secondary education in Nigeria.