bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive Dynamics and Behavioral Differences of Symmetry and Asymmetry Processing in Working Memory: Insights from fNIRS
Authors: Sztuka Izabela Maria , Kühn Simone
Published: February 2024

Symmetry is a ubiquitous property of the visual world. It facilitates cognitive processing and fosters aesthetic appeal. Despite its importance to aesthetic experience and perceptual prominence, the integration of symmetry in working memory remains underexplored. In our study, participants engaged in working memory delayed matching to sample task involving both symmetrical and asymmetrical stimuli, while their brain activity was monitored using functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). The study revealed that symmetry significantly enhances memory performance. Symmetry significantly improves task performance, with symmetrical stimuli leading to higher accuracy and faster recall than asymmetrical ones, especially under high cognitive load. This effect varies with the type of symmetry, with diagonal symmetry being the most effective. Neuroimaging data showed distinct brain activation patterns when participants processed symmetrical stimuli, particularly in the memory-straining condition. Significant differences in brain activity were observed in various brain regions, with lateral occipital, posterior parietal, medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices reacting to symmetry with decreased oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO), while in left orbitofrontal (HbO) and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (HbO and HbR) hemoglobin concentration increased. Overall, our findings highlight the complex, region-specific brain activation patterns in response to visual symmetry, emphasizing the nuanced role of symmetry in cognitive processing during memory tasks and their potential implication for creative thinking.
Full Field Optical Coherence Tomography (FFOCT) to analyze prostate biopsy core in-office: a new step to real-time cancer diagnosis
Authors: ANRACT Julien , CHEN Weihua , DUQUESNE Igor , SIBONY Mathilde , DELONGCHAMPS Nicolas BARRY
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND Focal therapy for prostate cancer is rising. One of the actual challenge is the management of the margins. A real-time cancer diagnosis device could be a useful tool to control margins during focal therapy. Full Field Optical Coherence Tomography (FFOCT) is a recent technique to analyze tissue in real time. The aim of our study was to assess the accuracy of FFOCT in prostate cancer diagnosis on biopsy cores by urologists.
METHODS 91 patients undergoing prostatic biopsies were included. Among these patients, we randomly selected 991 biopsy cores for the FFOCT analysis. FFOCT images were analyzed by two urologists and two urology residents, blinded for the results of the standard histological analysis (gold standard). The FFOCT analysis included the presence of prostate cancer, and clinically significant prostate cancer (ISUP≥2). Results were compared to the histological analysis.
RESULTS All the 991 cores were analyzed. Among them, 236 cores (23,7%) were positive for prostate cancer and 37 cores (3,7%)for clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). Global accuracy was 86,9% for csPCa. Global negative predictive value (NPV) was 97,5% for csPCa. Reproducibility between readers was K= 0,46 (IC95%[0,37 – 0,48]).
CONCLUSIONS Our results confirmed that FFOCT is feasible and accurate to eliminate prostate cancer on biopsy cores (NPV=97,5%). Further studies should evaluate FFOCT for framing biopsies during focal therapy procedures.
Genome-wide identification of the SAUR gene family and screening for SmSAURs involved in root development in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Wang Wei , Zheng Yuwei , Qiu Lin , Yang Dongfeng , Zhao Ziyang , Gao Yuanyuan , Meng Ru , Zhao Hongguang , Zhang Shuncang
Published: February 2024

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a widely utilized medicinal plant in China. Its roots and rhizomes are the main medicinal parts and crucial in determining the quality of the herb. Previous studies reveal that auxin plays pivotal roles in S. miltiorrhiza root development. As the crucial early auxin-response genes, whether small auxin-up RNA genes (SAURs) are involved in the auxin-mediated root development in S. miltiorrhiza is worthy of investigation. In this study, 55 SmSAUR genes in S. miltiorrhiza were identified and their physical and chemical properties, gene structure, cis-acting elements, and evolutionary relationship were analyzed. The expression levels of SmSAUR genes in different organs of S. miltiorrhiza were detected by RNA-seq combined with qRT-PCR. The root development of S. miltiorrhiza seedlings was altered by the application of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to screen SmSAURs that potentially participate in this physiological process. As the results shown, the diameter of primary lateral root was positively correlated with SmSAUR4. The secondary later root number was positively correlated with SmSAUR18 and negatively correlated with SmSAUR4. The root length showed a positive correlation with SmSAUR28 and SmSAUR37 and a negative correlation with SmSAUR38. The root fresh biomass exhibited a positive correlation with SmSAUR38 and a negative correlation with SmSAUR28. The SmSAURs mentioned above were probably involved in the auxin-mediated root development in S. miltiorrhiza. Our study presents a comprehensive overview of SmSAURs and establishes the groundwork for elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying root morphogenesis in this species.
N6-methylandenosine-related lncRNAs have the prognostic predictive ability for patients with Endometrial Cancer
Authors: She Jiajie , Shuai Ling , Su Danna , Ye Xiaofeng , Liu Xuemin , Li Dongdong , Diao Ruiying , Guo Yan
Published: February 2024

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the fourth most common cancer with increasing morbidity and mortality in recent years. Therefore, it’s urgent and crucial to identify potential reliable biomarkers as useful therapeutic targets for the prognosis of EC patients. In this study, we screened 1,560 m6A-related lncRNAs through Pearson correlation coefficient based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and the GENCODE annotation. Based on the univariate Cox regression analysis, we identified 187 m6A-related lncRNAs related to the prognosis of EC patients. Based on the LASSO Cox analysis, twelve m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs were used to construct a m6A-related lncRNA prognostic signature (m6A-LPS). Our results indicated that the m6A-LPS had a robust prognostic ability and the constructed nomogram (based on m6A-LPS, age, and pathological grade) had great ability to predict the OS of EC patients. Through comparing the differences of tumor-infiltrating immune cells between high-risk and low-risk groups (based on the median value of risk score), we found that EC patients in low-risk group had higher immune cell infiltration and lower tumor purity. Furthermore, we constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network which was used to reveal potential function of those m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs. In general, we established the m6A-LPS, which had stable and robust ability to predict the OS of EC patients. Our study might contribute to the identification of reliable biomarkers as therapeutic targets for the prognosis of EC and provide novel insights into the mechanism of pathogenesis of EC.
Potential of Niacin Skin Flush Response in adolescent Depression Identification and Severity Assessment : A Case-Control Study
Authors: Feng Jie , Min Wenjiao , Wang Dandan , Yuan Jing , Chen Junming , Chen Lisha , Chen Wei , Zhao Meng , Cheng Jia , Wan Chunling , Zhou Bo , Huang Yulan , Zhang Yaoyin
Published: February 2024

Background
The diagnosis of adolescent Depressive Disorder (DD) lacks specific biomarkers, posing significant challenges. This study investigates the potential of Niacin Skin Flush Response (NSFR) as a biomarker for identifying and assessing the severity of adolescent Depressive Disorder, as well as distinguishing it from Behavioral and Emotional Disorders typically emerging in childhood and adolescence(BED).
Methods
In a case-control study involving 196 adolescents, including 128 Depressive Disorder, 32 Behavioral and Emotional Disorders, and 36 healthy controls (HCs), NSFR was assessed. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and anxious symptoms with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). Pearson correlation analysis determined the relationships between NSFR and the severity of depression in DD patients. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) was used to identify DD from BED integrating NSFR data with clinical symptom measures.
Results
The adolescent Depressive Disorder group exhibited a higher rate of severe blunted NSFR (21.4%) compared to BED (12.5%) and HC ( 8.3%). Adolescent Depressive Disorder with psychotic symptoms showed a significant increase in blunted NSFR (p = 0.016). NSFR had negative correlations with depressive (r = -0.240, p = 0.006) and anxious (r = -0.2, p = 0.023) symptoms in adolescent Depressive Disorder. Integrating NSFR with three clinical scales improved the differentiation between adolescent Depressive Disorder and BED (AUC increased from 0.694 to 0.712).
Conclusion
NSFR demonstrates potential as an objective biomarker for adolescent Depressive Disorder, aiding in screening, assessing severity, and enhancing insights into its pathophysiology and diagnostic precision.
Dynamic Q-planning for Online UAV Path Planning in Unknown and Complex Environments
Authors: Rocha Lidia Gianne Souza da , Caldas Kenny Anderson Queiroz , Terra Marco Henrique , Ramos Fabio , Vivaldini Kelen Cristiane Teixeira
Published: February 2024

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles need an online path planning capability to move in high-risk missions in unknown and complex environments to complete them safely. However, many algorithms reported in the literature may not return reliable trajectories to solve online problems in these scenarios. The Q-Learning algorithm, a Reinforcement Learning Technique, can generate trajectories in real-time and has demonstrated fast and reliable results. This technique, however, has the disadvantage of defining the iteration number. If this value is not well defined, it will take a long time or not return an optimal trajectory. Therefore, we propose a method to dynamically choose the number of iterations to obtain the best performance of Q-Learning. The proposed method is compared to the Q-Learning algorithm with a fixed number of iterations, A*, Rapid-Exploring Random Tree, and Particle Swarm Optimization. As a result, the proposed Q-learning algorithm demonstrates the efficacy and reliability of online path planning with a dynamic number of iterations to carry out online missions in unknown and complex environments.
Community Health Needs Assessment: Findings from a Community- University Partnership Strengthening Program on Maternal and Child Health in Pakistan
Authors: Zakar Rubeena , Zakar Nazoora Manal , Shahzad Ruhma , Tekian Ara , Fischer Florian
Published: February 2024

Background
Pakistan has been progressing at a slow pace in enhancing maternal and child health (MCH) indicators, experiencing some of the poorest pregnancy outcomes globally. In response to the challenges faced at the community level in MCH, a community health needs assessment (CHNA) was undertaken through a community-university partnership project. The aim of this CHNA was to understand the MCH needs and associated social determinants within the specific local context of the community.
Methods
The assessment of community MCH needs was performed in two phases in Lahore, Pakistan. Initially, the semi-urban area of Shah Di Khoi, within the university’s catchment area, was chosen based on an extensive review of both primary and secondary data. In the second phase, a CHNA was conducted among females of reproductive age (15–49 years) having at least one child under 5 years. Data encompassing socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, and the health needs of mothers and children were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed employing SPSS version 21, utilizing descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square, and binary logistic regression at a 95% confidence interval.
Results
In this study, 253 reproductive-age females and 371 children under 5 were examined. Critical community issues included unmet family planning needs (29.6%), maternal anemia (18.6%), and child malnutrition (28.6%). Concerns encompassed suboptimal drinking water practices (62.0%), child non-vaccination (19.1%), widespread ghutti use (84.9%), suboptimal birth spacing (25.7%), non-exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (88.7%), and prelacteal feeding (66.8%). Analysis identified maternal anemia (AOR = 0.38; p = 0.010), nuclear family adoption (AOR = 2.049; p = 0.033), unhealthy water practices (AOR = 0.48; p = 0.023), and ghutti provision at birth (AOR = 0.37; p = 0.03) as pivotal predictors of child nutritional status.
Conclusion
In order to improve the overall health status of community, it is imperative to implement collective strategies tailored to the specific factors and challenges prevalent in the community. The results underscore the importance of maintaining the community-university partnership through establishing a dedicated Maternal and Child Health Center. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge in MCH research and inform evidence-based policies for enhanced health outcomes in similar contexts.
A high-quality mitochondrial genome of Suriana maritima reveals tremendous gene transfers between the plastid and mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Li Jian-Xin , Yu Runxian , Nie Ze-Long , Zhang Meng hua , Shi Miao-Miao , Zhao Zhongtao , Li Shijin , Wang Xiang-Ping , Meng Ying , Tu Tieyao , Zhang Dianxiang
Published: February 2024

Background
Gene transfer between the plastid and mitochondrial genomes has been reported in several lineages of the legume family (Leguminosae or Fabaceae). However, it is not clear whether these events happened in other families of the order Fabales. We herein generated a high-quality mitochondrial genome of Suriana maritima in the family Surianaceae, which is closely related to Leguminosae and distributed mainly in extreme environments of tropical coral islands, to understand the gene transfers between orgenelle genomes of S. maritima and the structural and functional evolution of mitogenomes in Fabales.
Results
We combined Illumina and Nanopore technologies to assemble the mitogenome of S. maritima. The mitogenome was 458,738 bp in length and contained 39 protein-coding, three ribosomal RNA, and 20 transfer RNA genes. A number of sequences derived from the chloroplast genome of S. maritima were detected in the mitogenome, including 41 plastid genes among 83 mitochondrial plastid DNA sequences with a total length of 30,834 bp. Transferred genes accounted for 18.8% of the plastid genome and 6.7% of the mitogenome, and these estimates were much higher than those in previous studies of Fabales.
Conclusions
In addition to providing a high-quality mitogenome of an additional species in Fabales and the first species in Surianaceae, S. maritima, our findings advance our understanding of gene transfer between organelle genomes.
Socioeconomic and Environmental Factors Associated with Glaucoma in an African Ancestry Population: Findings from the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) Study
Authors: Mamidipaka Anusha G , Shi Amy , Lee Roy , Zhu Yan , Chen Yineng , Rosa Isabel Di , Salowe Rebecca , Ying Gui-Shuang , O'Brien Joan
Published: February 2024

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, disproportionately affecting African ancestry individuals. Limited research has explored how neighborhood quality and socioeconomic factors influence primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) risk in this population. Our study aims to address these research gaps by using geospatial data to evaluate associations between ocular health and neighborhood characteristics. This case-control study utilizes existing data of 5,192 African ancestry individuals from the Philadelphia region collected for the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study. Geocoded U.S. Census data were merged with data from the POAAGG study. Individual-level demographics, air quality, food accessibility, and socioeconomic data were analyzed to assess for associations with glaucoma risk and severity. The study population comprises 3,039 controls (58.5%) and 2,153 POAG cases (41.5%). The study found that several individual factors, including older age (p < 0.001), male gender (p < 0.001), lower BMI (p = 0.003), and nonuse of alcohol (OR 0.56, p < 0.001) are associated with higher risk of POAG. Although control subjects are more likely to live in areas of low food accessibility (p = 0.03) and subjects with severe POAG are more likely to live in areas with lower rates of homeownership (p = 0.049), most other socioeconomic and environmental variables, such as air quality, education, income, occupation, and family structure, are not significantly associated with the occurrence or severity of POAG in African-ancestry individuals. This highlights the need for additional population-level genetic studies on the disease..
Nonlocal balance equation: representation of solution and Markov approximation
Authors: Averboukh Yurii
Published: February 2024

We study the nonlocal balance equation that describes the evolution of a system consisting of infinitely many identical particles those move along a deterministic dynamics and can also either disappear or give a spring. In this case, the solution of the balance equation is considered in the space of nonnegative measures. We prove the superposition principle for the examined nonlocal balance equation. Furthermore, we interpret the source/sink term as a probability rate of jumps from/to a remote point. Using this idea and replacing the deterministic dynamics of each particle by a nonlinear Markov chain, we approximate the solution of the balance equation is approximated by a solution of a system of ODEs and evaluate the corresponding approximation rate.
MSC Classification: 35R06, 70F45, 60J27
The establishment and optimization of a long-term prognosis assessment model for patients in sepsis combined with heart failure: Based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database
Authors: Desheng Ma , Li Ma , Yanfei Meng
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Sepsis is a prevalent occurrence in clinical practice, with heart failure emerging as a frequent and severe sequelae of sepsis. Despite notable progress in therapeutic interventions, the protracted prognosis for individuals experiencing sepsis-associated heart failure (SHF) continues to be unfavorable. The primary aim of this study was to develop and validate a prognostic model designed to anticipate one-year mortality in patients diagnosed with SHF. Methods: The relevant data pertaining to patients diagnosed with sepsis-associated heart failure (SHF) was extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database using Structured Query Language (SQL). The patient cohort was subsequently randomized into a training set and a validation set at a 7:3 ratio. The training set was utilized for model development, while the validation set served for model validation. Independent prognostic factors for SHF patients were identified through forward stepwise logistic regression, and a nomogram was constructed to predict one-year mortality in SHF patients. Validation of the nomogram included assessments using multiple indicators, such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), net reclassification index (NRI), and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: Our study included a total of 4,228 patients diagnosed with sepsis-associated heart failure (SHF), with 2,960 patients allocated to the training cohort and 1,268 patients to the validation cohort. Through stepwise regression analysis, we identified twelve independent prognostic factors and constructed a nomogram. The AUC values for the nomogram were 0.740 (95% CI = 0.712–0.764) in the training cohort and 0.745 (95% CI = 0.726–0.763) in the validation cohort. The high AUC, Net Reclassification Index (NRI), and Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI) values underscored the robust discriminative capability of the nomogram. Calibration curves and results from the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated excellent calibration, and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) curves demonstrated the nomogram's significant clinical utility. Conclusion: The novel prognostic nomogram designed to predict one-year mortality in patients with sepsis-associated heart failure (SHF) demonstrates superior performance compared to other existing scoring systems. The nomogram holds potential for guiding clinical practice. Nevertheless, additional external prospective validation is deemed necessary to further confirm its reliability and generalizability.
Anopheles sacharovi in Italy: first record of the historical malaria vector after over 50 years
Authors: Raele Donato Antonio , Severini Francesco , Toma Luciano , Menegon Michela , Boccolini Daniela , Tortorella Giovanni , Luca Marco Di , Cafiero Maria Assunta
Published: February 2024

Anopheles sacharovi, a member of the Anopheles maculipennis complex, was a historical malaria vector in Italy, no longer found since the last report at the end of 1960s. In September 2022, within the Surveillance Project for the residual anofelism, a single specimen of Anopheles maculipennis sensu lato collected in Lecce municipality (Apulia region) was molecularly identified as Anopheles sacharovi. This record led to implement a targeted entomological survey in September 2023. Investigation was conducted in the areas around the first discovery, focusing on animal farms, riding stables and potential breeding sites. Adult and immature mosquitoes were collected, using active search or traps, in several natural and rural sites. Mosquitoes belonging to Anopheles maculipennis complex were identified morphologically and molecularly by a home-made routine qPCR assay, developed specifically for the rapid identification of Anopheles labranchiae, and, when necessary, by amplification and sequencing of the ITS-2 molecular marker. Out of the 11 sites investigated, 6 were positive for Anopheles presence. All 20 Anopheles maculipennis s.l. (7 adults, 10 larvae and 3 pupae) collected in the areas were identified as An. sacharovi by ITS-2 sequencing. The discovery of An. sacharovi, considered disappeared from Italy for over 50 years, has a strong health relevance and impact, highlighting an increase in the receptivity of the southern areas. As imported malaria cases in European countries are reported every year, the risk of Plasmodium introduction by gametocyte carriers among travellers from endemic countries should be given into greater consideration. Our findings allow rethinking and building new models for the prediction and expansion of introduced malaria and to further reconsider the need to strengthen the surveillance of residual anophelism throughout southern Italy in order to prevent the risk of reintroduction of the disease.
Cross-sectional observations of algal MCYST pollution and source water pollution index changes in Dianshan Lake, Shanghai
Authors: Yu Xi , Shen Yan , Yao Xinmin , Li Guifu , Shi Le , Shao Weiai , Hu Jielan , Diao Yongqing
Published: February 2024

Background: Dianshan Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Shanghai and is the major water source for the Upper Huangpu River, which supplies raw water for the Jinze reservoir. In this continuously monitored study, we tested the water quality in Dianshan Lake to understand the main water pollution indicators and the status of algal toxins, and to evaluate the water quality of Dianshan Lake.
Methods: We collected water samples from each 5 monitoring points in Dianshan Lake every month in 2021. Test methods followed the national standards of China , detection of MCRR and MCCR by high performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. calculating the Carlson index to assess eutrophication. Also, we collected 10 kinds of aquatic organisms and examined them for the algal toxins once a month. We selected healthy human volunteers for experiment in which we sampled fasting venous blood from each individual in both observation and control groups to measure impaired renal function.
Results: All seasonal conditions, including the high water, flat water, and dry periods, were represented in the 600 water samples taken from Dianshan Lake in 2021. The permanganate index (CODMn) fell within the Chinese national surface water quality standard III, while total nitrogen and total phosphorus did not meet surface water standards. According to the Carlson index, Dianshan Lake exhibited moderate eutrophication. MC-LR was the dominant toxin in the high temperature season while algal toxins. In June through August, MC-RR was extremely abundant while MC-LR dominated in July through October. In the aquatic organisms, both MC-LR and MC-RR were detected in every month’s samples. The levels of toxins in the human study differed significantly between the observation group and the control group. Individuals in the observation group exhibited renal function injury。
Conclusion: Dianshan Lake water exhibits eutrophication. We found both MC-LR and MC-RR in aquatic organisms. In our experiment, indicating that long-term exposure to the polluted water may cause a health risk.
Assessment of Efficacy and Accuracy of Segmentation Methods in Dentomaxillofacial Imaging- A Systematic Review
Authors: Hosseini Matine , Hartoonian Serlie , Mahdian Mina , Khadivi Gita , Ahsaie Mitra Ghazizadeh
Published: February 2024

Introductions: Radiographic image segmentation is a process that aims to distinguish the voxels and pixels within a defined area of interest from the background, which is vital for facilitating clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, intervention, and follow-up in the field of dentistry and medicine.
Objectives: We aimed to provide an assessment of the efficacy and accuracy of segmentation methods in dentomaxillofacial imaging through a systematic review.
Methods: PubMed and Scopus electronic databases were searched from January 1999 to January 2023. The keywords used for the search were combinations of the following terms for each database: Artificial intelligence, Segmentation, Image interpretation, Deep Learning, Convolutional neural networks, and Head and neck imaging. After the initial search, eligible studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria, and quality assessments were conducted by A Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2).
Results: Primary electronic database searches resulted in 2763 articles. Finally, a total of 54 records were considered suitable for this systematic review. Twenty-five (46%) used CBCT as a baseline imaging modality, 11 used MDCT (20%), 6 used panoramic (11%), 4 used micro-CT (7%), 3 used periapical (6%), 3 used MRI (6%), and 2 used ultrasonography (4%). Segmentation through automatic algorithms (convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) mostly including U-net and MS-D net) was used in the majority of the studies.
Conclusion: The systematic review of the current segmentation methods in dentomaxillofacial radiology shows interesting trends, with the rising popularity of deep learning methods over time. However, Continued efforts will be necessary to improve algorithms.
Mechanisms of leukemic stem cell interaction in AML: insights from complementary mathematical modeling approaches.
Authors: Glauche Ingmar , Harnisch Christoph , Uschner Friedemann , Roeder Ingo , Fassoni Artur César
Published: February 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe disorder of the blood forming system which is commonly treated with cytotoxic drugs. It is still incompletely understood how the dynamic interaction between leukemia and the stem cell-niche influences AML progression, treatment outcome and resistance formation. Mathematical models provide a framework to quantitatively investigate different assumptions about these regulations, especially with respect to the regulation of stem cell proliferation, and can help to identify potential clinical targets.
To this end we compare two recently published, complementary models of AML progression and treatment. Based on an analytical reformulation of the models we highlight a fundamental difference in how the models describe the regulation of proliferation. We assess the models’ suitability to describe disease dynamics and treatment outcomes by fitting each model to 275 clinical remission time courses and respective therapy cycles. Furthermore, we perform a systematic screening with univariate alterations for relevant parameters to evaluate their influence regarding velocity and depth of remission during induction therapy as well as the length of remission thereafter. The results align with the increasing consensus that therapies targeting niche-interactions mechanisms could potentially contribute to improve treatment outcomes in AML.
We conclude that the regulation of normal and leukemic stem cell proliferation can be coupled to niche-dependent and niche-independent mechanisms. While both assumptions allow to sufficiently describe clinically available time course data, their complementary roles in leukemia progression but also in normal and stress hematopoiesis need to be further delineated.
A Comparative Study of the E-Learning Awareness of University Postgraduate Students
Authors: Kumar Pradeep
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the awareness of e-learning among postgraduate students from three universities in Uttar Pradesh, India, namely, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Aligarh Muslim University, and IFTM University. This study aimed to determine the various dimensions of e-learning awareness, including its significance, benefits, cybersecurity aspects, and motivation factors. Using stratified random sampling, data were collected through structured questionnaires to analyse demographic variations and discern differences in e-learning perceptions and practices. The findings indicate that a significant number of postgraduate students recognize the significance of e-learning and are familiar with various online platforms. The author acknowledges the benefits of e-learning for personal knowledge expansion and display varying levels of awareness regarding cybersecurity measures. Motivation for e-learning is influenced by factors such as flexibility, interactivity, learning style alignment, accessibility of resources, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, students actively engage in online resources, discussions, and digital tools, indicating a proactive approach to e-learning. Differences in e-learning experiences were observed, emphasizing the need for consistent quality standards and efforts to bridge disparities between students from rural and urban areas. However, students generally agree that e-learning provides equal opportunities for learning, irrespective of geographical location. The study highlights the importance of promoting e-learning awareness, integrating cybersecurity education, enhancing interactivity, tailoring e-learning to diverse learning styles, ensuring quality assurance, and promoting inclusivity in digital education.
Aberrant Subclavian Artery in Interrupted Aortic Arch with Severe Aortic Outlet Obstruction: Cerebral Blood Flow as a Possible Determinant of Embryonic Cardiovascular Development?
Authors: Tadeo Danilo , Kakavand Barham , Bhat Abdul , Tsuda Takeshi
Published: February 2024

Background Aberrant subclavian artery (ASCA) is frequently observed in interrupted aortic arch (IAA) with aortic/subaortic obstruction. Developmental significance of ASCA in IAA in utero remains elusive.Methods Newborns with prenatally diagnosed isolated IAA under continuous prostaglandin E1 infusion were studied. Cross-sectional areas of aortic valve opening (AVOCSA) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDACSA) were represented by echocardiographic measurement of (diameter)2 indexed by body surface area (m2). Types of IAA and presence of ASCA were examined in relation to sizes of AVOCSA and PDACSA.Results Twenty-four newborns with IAA (six type A and 18 type B) were reviewed. Male dominance was seen in type B (male 72%). Twenty-three patients had left aortic arch. No type A patients had ASCA, but 50% of type B had ASCA; AVOCSA was significantly smaller in type B than in type A (p = 0.003). In type B, PDACSA was significantly larger in those with ASCA than without (p = 0.003), but AVOCSA exhibited no significant size difference between these two subgroups. Chromosome 22q11 deletion was only seen in type B (56%) and showed no significant correlation with the presence of ASCA.Conclusions In type B IAA, the presence of ASCA was associated with larger PDACSA, suggesting an adaptive enlargement of the ductus arteriosus and ASCA in response to reduced antegrade flow across small AVOCSA, which may be augmenting cerebral blood flow. Preservation of cerebral blood flow may be another important determinant affecting embryonic cardiovascular development.
Association between cytokine cycling levels and Sjogren's syndrome: genetic correlation and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Zong , Cai Xin , yao Xiaoling , Zhang Shaoqin , Lan Weiya , Jin Zexu , Tang Fang , Ma Wukai , yao Xueming , Chen Changming , lan Tianzuo , Liu Jiajun
Published: February 2024

Background
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a complex autoimmune disease influenced by genetics, yet its genetic underpinnings remain elusive. This study investigates the genetic correlation and potential causative link between cytokine cycling levels and SS.
Methods
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted with 8,293 and 14,824 European participants to identify cytokines. The GWAS dataset for SS, comprising 368,028 individuals of European ancestry (2,495 cases and 365,533 controls), was sourced from the Finnish biological sample library. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SS were identified using Linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary analytical approach. Additional methods including MR Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode were employed for robustness assessment. Heterogeneity testing, horizontal pleiotropy testing, and Steiger testing were conducted for sensitivity analysis. Reverse MR analysis was performed to assess the potential for a reverse causal relationship between SS and cytokines.
Results
LDSC regression analysis identified 46 cytokines for bidirectional MR analysis with SS. The IVW method revealed significant associations of genetically predicted cytokines IL10RB (P = 0.019, OR = 1.138, 95% CI: 1.021–1.267) and CXCL11 (P = 0.015, OR = 1.269, 95% CI: 1.048–1.537) with increased SS risk. The absence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy in sensitivity analysis underscores the robustness of these findings.
Conclusion
The study suggests a potential causal relationship between genetically predicted cytokines and SS, particularly through IL10RB and CXCL11 cycles. Further research is warranted to elucidate the biological mechanisms by which cytokine cycling levels influence SS.
Preparation of Y Zeolite Molecular Sieve Based on Bentonite and its Catalytic Cracking Performance for Shale Oil
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Wu Xianglian , Tuo Changmin , Nulahong Aisha
Published: February 2024

In this paper, Y-type molecular sieve was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method using bentonite as raw material, which reduced the preparation cost of traditional molecular sieve and improved the comprehensive resource utilization rate of bentonite. The effect of metal composition in bentonite on the preparation of Y-type molecular sieve and the catalytic cracking performance of shale oil was investigated. XRD, SEM, FT-IR, BET and other characterization methods were used to investigate the physicochemical properties. The results showed that the Y-type molecular sieve prepared with bentonite as raw material has good morphology, small grain square block, high crystallinity, high acidity, and better specific surface area, pore size and pore volume. Compared with the Y-type molecular sieve (HY-2) prepared by the bentonite containing Fe, the Y-type molecular sieve catalyst (HY-1) prepared by the bentonite removing impurities such as metal Fe has higher crystallinity, stronger acidity, larger specific surface area, pore size and pore volume. The results show that removing metal Fe and other impurities from bentonite is beneficial to the synthesis of Y-type molecular sieve and can effectively improve its physical property structure. The catalytic cracking performance of the catalyst was investigated by using shale oil >350℃ fractions. The results showed that the content of gasoline and LPG reached 46.03% and 2.51%, the content of diesel oil was 41.14%, the content of dry gas and heavy oil was 0.87% and 8.28%, and the content of coke was as low as 1.16%. Compared with HY-2, the gasoline content of HY-1 reaction products is 56.66%, an increase of 10.63%, while the diesel and heavy oil contents are 32.89% and 6.43%, respectively, a decrease of 8.25% and 1.82%, indicating that HY-1 has stronger catalytic cracking performance and can convert more heavy oil and diesel into gasoline. Compared with commercial Y-type molecular sieve catalyst, the gasoline content of HY-1 is only 3.68% lower, while the coke content is 2% lower, indicating that the Mg and K contained in bentonite are conducive to the catalytic cracking reaction and improve the production of light oil. At the same time, the catalytic cracking performance of HY-1 has reached the performance of commercial products, and has high commercial value and research potential. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the gasoline yield of HY-1 reached 63.38%, an increase of 6.72%. The heavy oil content is only 3.78%, which is reduced by 2.56%, and has a lower coke rate of 0.93%. Therefore, it shows that the bentonite-based Y-type molecular sieve has good catalytic performance, which can reduce the cost of Y-type molecular sieve catalyst, improve the utilization rate of shale oil heavy oil, and create certain economic value.
Quantifying the nonrevenue water problem in a sub-Saharan African environment: a practical application in the Republic of Cameroon (Central Africa)
Authors: Mvongo Victor Dang , Defo Celestin , Tchoffo Martin
Published: February 2024

A water distribution network faces a number of problems associated with its continuous aging process, including water loss. Nonrevenue water (NRW) is the water that is produced by a water utility but not sold to customers. This study aimed to update nonrevenue water (NRW) estimations in the water supply network in Cameroon to identify challenges in reducing the NRW in the country, as this approach is applicable in sub-Saharan African environments with similar affinity patterns. Data on water supply access in Cameroon were collected from the Joint Monitoring Program of the WHO and UNICEF, the IBNET, the Central Bureau of the Census and Population Studies of Cameroon, and the Demographic Health Survey. Microsoft Excel was used to assess the NRW volume based on the Wyatt/IDB methodology, including calculations of the supplied population, domestic consumption, nondomestic consumption, system input volume, and NRW. The results indicate that the global volume of NRW in the water supply network in Cameroon was 84.7 million cubic meters per year, including 82.4 million cubic meters in urban areas and 2.2 million cubic meters in rural areas. The cost/value of the water lost per year was 28.6 billion CFA francs (USD 47.6 million). This high level of water loss, particularly in urban areas, had an impact on the financial viability of the Camwater. Indeed, as of December 31, 2020, the liquidity ratio of 0.89 indicates that Camwater's activities do not generate enough cash to meet short-term commitments, while the solvency ratio of 2.2 indicates high long-term debt relative to the level of equity. By cutting Cameroon’s NRW to half its present level, approximately 1.2 million people could be supplied, including 1.1 million in urban areas and 100,000 in rural areas. The findings also suggest that a high level of NRW is influenced by rapid urbanization, outdated infrastructure, and a high level of poor operation and maintenance, including an ineffective record-keeping system and inadequate technical skills and technology.
Genetically predicted Vascular endothelial growth factor A mediates the association between CD3+ CD8+ TD T cell and Colorectal cancer: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Chen Binghe , Zhou Xuezhi , Cheng Sai , Hou Dong , Wu Xinjun , Zhang Dezhong , Zhu Shaohui
Published: February 2024

Background: The association between CD3 on Terminally Differentiated CD8+ T cell (CD3+CD8+ TD T cell) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk remained uncertain. The study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between CD3+CD8+ TD T cell and CRC, as well as to quantify the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) as a potential mediator in this relationship.
Methods: The summary statistics dataset for the association of genetic variants with CD3+CD8+ TD T cell was obtained from the published IEU GWAS (N = 2911). The FennGenn consortium datasets R9, which included 293706 participants (6509 cases and 287137 controls), were used to identify genetic variants related to CRC. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was used to assess this association. Additionally, a two-step MR analysis was conducted to estimate the proportion of the effect of VEGF-A mediated CD3+CD8+ TD T cell on CRC.
Results: The results of IVW indicated that CD3+CD8+ TD T cell was associated with CRC (OR=1.053, 95% CI=1.004–1.104, P=0.032).The Cochran heterogeneity test showed no significant heterogeneity among SNPs of CD3+CD8+ TD T cell ( Q = 14.9807, P=0.7238, I2 =0.2683), and no considerable pleiotropy was detected for the association of CD3+CD8+ TD T cell with CRC( intercept = 0.015; p = 0.2917)，There was no evidence that genetically predicted CRC had an effect on CD3+CD8+ TD T cell risk (OR=0.943, 95% CI=0.851-1.044,P=0.259). There was evidence that genetically predicted CD3+CD8+ TD T cell had an effect on VEGF-A risk (OR=1.038, 95% CI=1.006-1070,P=0.021) and VEGF-A had an effect on CRC risk (OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.019-1.167,P=0.012).The proportion of genetically predicted CD3+CD8+ TD T cell mediated by VEGF-A was 6.17%.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study identiﬁed a causal relationship between
CD3+CD8+ TD T cell and CRC, with a small proportion of the effect mediated by VEGF-A, but a majority of the effect remains unclear. Further research is needed on additional risk factors as potential mediators. In clinical practice, more attention should be given to the Tumor immune microenvironment in the biological behavior of colorectal cancer.
The public health infrastructure of MSU-IIT: Assessment of perceptions from College of Engineering residents
Authors: Montemor Bernard Louis , Driz King Zhytt
Published: February 2024

This paper delves into an assessment of public health and infrastructure readiness at MSU-IIT's College of Engineering. Stakeholder involvement is emphasized, encompassing students, faculty, and support staff, fostering a collaborative approach to highlight shared responsibility. The communication of findings and proposed improvements is integral, ensuring transparency and widespread access to the university’s health services. The assessment, scored at 2.5, reflects a moderate level of readiness, spotlighting balanced performance across criteria yet indicating areas for enhancement. Implications are explored across dimensions such as leadership, health information systems, workforce, logistics, and community engagement. There is a call for strengthening legal frameworks, financial support, and coordination mechanisms. The evaluation serves as a valuable starting point, offering insights for targeted interventions and strategic enhancements in specific aspects to elevate MSU-IIT's overall preparedness for health emergencies. The nuanced analysis provides a comprehensive roadmap for focused efforts, guiding the institution toward a more resilient and responsive health system.
Understanding the changes in spatiotemporal patterns of two carnivores in response to different anthropogenic pressures and ecological factors in Silwood Park, Ascot, London
Authors: Banerjee Anish
Published: February 2024

Human induced habitat loss and disturbances is the driving cause of mammalian extinction. Moreover, these disturbances are also significantly affecting the spatiotemporal patterns of individual species. Two species which have been able to thrive in such human modified landscapes are the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the European Badger (Meles meles). Across an urban gradient both species display complex behavioral and ecological adaptations. However, there have been minimal studies on the specific impacts of anthropogenic pressures and ecological factors influence the spatiotemporal patterns of both species in semiurban landscapes. In this study, camera trapping was conducted to understand how ecological factors and anthropogenic factors influenced the spatiotemporal patterns of both species in Silwood Park, Berkshire. The study revealed that foxes were more nocturnal in grasslands and closer to roads and buildings. Surprisingly, fox relative abundance was higher with increased human activity. Meanwhile, badgers, which were completely nocturnal in this study, had higher relative abundance near buildings. Lastly, both species showed varied responses to the abundances of other recorded mammalian species. Nonetheless, these multifaceted results indicate the need for studies covering a larger urban rural gradient to understand the complex behavioral adaptations to human pressures.