bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nigral ATP13A2 depletion induces Parkinson's disease-related neurodegeneration in non-human primates
Authors: Dehay Benjamin , Sikora Joanna , Dovero Sandra , Kinet Rémi , Arotcarena Marie-Laure , Bohic Sylvain , Bezard Erwan , Fernagut Pierre-Olivier
Published: January 2024

Lysosomal impairment is strongly implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Among the several PD-linked genes, the ATP13A2 gene, associated with the PARK9 locus, encodes a transmembrane lysosomal P5-type ATPase that acts as a lysosomal polyamine exporter. Mutations in the ATP13A2 gene were primarily identified as the cause of Kufor-Rakeb syndrome (KRS), a juvenile-onset form of PD. Subsequently, an increasing list of several homozygous and compound-heterozygous mutations has been described. These mutations result in truncation of the ATP13A2 protein, leading to a loss of function but surprisingly causing heterogeneity and variability in the clinical symptoms associated with different brain pathologies. In vitro studies show that its loss compromises lysosomal function, contributing to cell death. To understand the role of ATP13A2 dysfunction in disease, we disrupted its expression through a viral vector-based approach in nonhuman primates. Here, in this pilot study, we injected bilaterally into the substantia nigra of macaque monkeys, a lentiviral vector expressing an ATP13A2 small hairpin RNA. Animals were terminated five months later, and brains were harvested to evaluate cerebral pathological markers known to be affected in KRS and PD. We characterised the pattern of dopaminergic loss in the striatum and the substantia nigra, the regional distribution of α-synuclein immunoreactivity in several brain structures, and its pathological status (i.e., S129 phosphorylation), the accumulation of heavy metals in nigral sections and occurrence of lysosomal dysfunction. Our findings show that lentivirus-mediated ATP13A2 silencing can induce significant and ongoing degeneration in the nigrostriatal pathway, α-synuclein pathology, and iron accumulation in nonhuman primates.
Seasonal migration patterns of Siberian Rubythroat (Calliope calliope) facing the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhao Tianhao , Heim Wieland , Nussbaumer Raphaël , Toor Mariëlle van , Zhang Guoming , Andersson Arne , Bäckman Johan , Liu Zongzhuang , Song Gang , Hellström Magnus , Roved Jacob , Liu Yang , Bensch Staffan , Wertheim Bregje , Lei Fumin , Helm Barbara
Published: January 2024

Background
Small songbirds respond and adapt to various geographical barriers during their annual migration. Global flyways reveal the various migration strategies in response to different geographical barriers, among which are high-elevation plateaus. However, few studies have been focused on the largest and highest plateau in the world, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) which poses a significant barrier to migratory passerines. The present study explored the annual migration routes and strategies of a population of Siberian Rubythroats (Calliope calliope) that breed on the north-eastern edge of the QTP.
Methods
Over the period from 2021 to 2023, we applied light-level geolocators (n = 13), archival GPS tags (n = 45), and CAnMove multi-sensor loggers (with barometer, accelerometer, thermometer, and light sensor, n = 20) to the breeding population of Siberian rubythroat on QTP. Here we describe the migratory routes and phenology extracted or inferred from the logger data, and used a combination of accelerometric and barometric data to describe the elevational migration pattern, flight altitude, and flight duration.
Results
Both GPS locations and positions derived from pressure-based inference both revealed that during autumn, the migration route detoured from the bee-line between breeding and wintering grounds, leading to a gradual elevational decrease. The spring route was more direct, with more flights over mountainous areas in western China. This different migration route during spring probably reflects a strategy for a faster migration, which corresponds with more frequent long nocturnal migration flights and shorter stopovers during spring migration than in autumn. The average flight altitude (2000 m above sea level) was correlated with ground elevation but did not differ between the seasons.
Conclusions
Our finding indicates the strong impact of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau on shaping passerine migration strategies. We hereby call for more attention to the unexplored central-China flyway to extend our knowledge on the environment-migration interaction among small passerines.
Construction of a prognostic model based on cuproptosis-related genes and exploration of the value of DLAT and DLST in the metastasis for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ma Huiying , Li Yuhong , Wang Tingting , Ge Yizhi , Chen Wei
Published: January 2024

Objective
To reveal the clinical value of cuproptosis-related genes on prognosis and metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer.
Method
Gene expression profiles and clinical information of non-small cell lung cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. The data were grouped into training set, internal testing set, and external testing set. A risk prognostic model was constructed by Lasso-Cox regression analysis. Hub genes were identified and evaluated using immunohistochemistry and the Transwell migration assay in 50 clinical patients.
Results
A total of 17/19 cuproptosis-related genes were differentially expressed in tumors, 8 were significantly associated with prognosis, and 4 were markedly associated with metastasis. A risk model based on two cuproptosis-related genes was constructed and validated for predicting overall survival. The risk score was proven to be an independent risk factor for the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. DLAT and DLST, key genes in cuproptosis, were proven to be associated with non-small cell lung cancer prognosis and metastasis. Immunohistochemistry showed that their expression significantly predicted metastasis but failed to predict prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients. The transwell migration assay further increased the cellular reliability of our findings.
Conclusion
The cuproptosis-related genes prognostic model effectively predicted the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. DLAT and DLST may serve as predictive markers for metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer.
Determination of DTaP vaccine potency by multiplex immunogenicity testing using electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Bekeredjian-Ding Isabelle , Friedrichs Bärbel , Rehg Simone , Hanschmann Kay , Öppling Volker
Published: January 2024

Potency testing of diphtheria and tetanus vaccines traditionally relied on in vivo protection models involving challenge of laboratory animals with toxins while lot release of many other vaccine products is based on serological assays. Here we describe the results of simultaneous serological potency determination of diphtheria (D), tetanus (T) and acellular pertussis (aP) antigens obtained following immunization of guinea pigs with multicomponent pediatric and booster vaccines from different manufacturers. The 4th World Health Organization (WHO) International Standard (IS) for diphtheria toxoid (No. 07/216) and the 4th WHO IS for tetanus toxoid (No. 08/218) were used as reference preparations. For aP, a pediatric vaccine batch containing the antigens pertussis toxoid, filamentous hemagglutinin, pertactin and fimbriae proteins type 2/3 was established as internal control. Quantification of IgG against D, T and aP antigens in guinea pig sera was performed using a hexaplex electrochemi-luminescence immunoassay. We further provide proof-of-concept using experimental vaccine samples lacking or containing reduced amounts of diphtheria toxoid in the presence of full amounts of tetanus and pertussis antigens and alum adjuvant. Importantly, the assay confirmed dose-response relationships for all antigens tested and was able to detect subpotent batches. The results confirmed the suitability of the protocol for combined serology batch release testing of DTaP combination vaccines. This report summarizes the data and the protocol used for validation prior to implementation of this method in routine batch release testing of DTaP vaccines, which led to replacement of in vivo challenge experiments in our laboratory following the 3R (replace, reduce, refine) principle.
Construction and verification of a prostate cancer risk prediction model based on traditional screening methods
Authors: Ji Wen-Tong , Wang Yong-Kun , Wang Yao
Published: January 2024

Background
Timely and accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is of paramount importance in guiding treatment and reducing the suffering and death of patients. This study aimed to construct a risk prediction model for PCa based on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, digital rectal examination (DRE), and transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) to develop a screening tool with better clinical performance.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed 1593 patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUSB) between June 2000 and February 2023. Patients were randomly divided into a training set of 1115 cases (70%) and a validation set of 478 patients (30%). A PCa risk prediction model was established using the R software. The performance of the model was examined based on calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curves (CIC).
Results
Serum PSA levels, DRE results, prostatic border, shape, hypoechoic area, and seminal vesicle condition were associated with pathological outcomes. The areas under the (ROC) curves of the training and verification sets were 0.885 and 0.879, respectively. The optimal cut-off value was 0.477. The calibration curves indicated good calibration, and the DCA and CIC results demonstrated good clinical practicality. Subsequently, we developed an online calculator (https://jiwentong0.shinyapps.io/dynnomapp/) with six variables to screen high-risk patients.
Conclusions
This study incorporated the results of three traditional screening methods to establish a highly accurate model for predicting PCa before biopsy. With this model, we aim to provide a non-invasive and cost-effective tool for PCa screening.
High surface area and interconnected nanoporosity of clay-rich astromaterials
Authors: Garvie Laurence A.J. , Trif László , Cotto-Figueroa Desireé , Asphaug Erik , Hoover Christian G.
Published: January 2024

Several important processes, from meteor disruption in Earth’s atmosphere and impact with the ground, to the comminution of boulders by thermal and impact processes and slope mechanics on the surface of an asteroid, to access and utilization of in-situ resources, depend on astromaterial properties including porosity, sound speed, thermal conductivity, and compressive strength. Whereas the bulk porosity of clay-rich meteorites is well established, the magnitude of their surface area and nano-scale porosity is poorly known. Here we apply the N2 BET gas adsorption method to measure the scale-distribution and net surface area of porosity in a range of clay-rich meteorites. Tarda (C2-ung) has high surface area, up to 82 m2/g, dominated by an interconnected network of ~ 3-nm-sized pores. In comparison, Ivuna and Orgueil (CI1) and Aguas Zarcas and Murchison (CM2) have bimodal nanopore-size distributions with a lower density of ~ 3-nm pores and broader size distributions around 40 nm, and corresponding lower surface areas ~ 14–19 m2/g. The high-surface-area of Tarda may indicate a high density of intra-tachoid pores among and between the nano-sized aggregates of poorly ordered clays. Samples from asteroids Ryugu and Bennu, mineralogically and texturally similar to Tarda, may have similarly interconnected nano-scale porosity with high surface area.
An updated overview of Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis in a French cohort
Authors: Jacquel Léa , Bechara Rouba , Terzic Joëlle , Rameau Anne-Cécile , Chatelus Emmanuel , Rossi-Semerano Linda , Koné-Paut Isabelle , Meinzer Ulrich , Lemelle Irene , Rebelle Charlotte , Urbina Diego , Pillet Pascal , Choquet Pauline , Maamari Jad El , Zaloszyc Ariane
Published: January 2024

Background: Systemic sclerosis encompasses a range of disorders characterized by vascular and connective tissue abnormalities. Although rare in pediatrics, juvenile systemic sclerosis (jSSc) is a severe and life-threatening condition that significantly impacts children's development. This study aimed to provide an overview of JSSc in France over the past decade.
Methods: Patients with disease onset before the age of 16 were included following a request for observations sent via email to member practitioners of the SOFREMIP (French pediatric Rheumatology society).
Results: Our study included 18 patients from 8 different French centers. While our cohort exhibited a balanced distribution between limited and diffuse subsets of the disease, we observed a higher prevalence of the diffuse subset in children above the age of 10. Skin induration was the most reported symptom, while Raynaud's phenomenon was present in 61% of the children at initial clinical evaluation. All children tested positive for antinuclear antibodies, with anti-Scl70 being the most common specificity, even among children with limited cutaneous subsets. Interestingly, we found a high sensitivity of the ACR / EULAR criteria for diagnosing jSSc in our cohort with 83% of patients meeting these criteria, except for 3 children who presented with overlap syndromes. Despite the frequent use of corticosteroids at the onset, no deaths or renal crises were reported. Three patients received treatment with biological agents, specifically Rituximab and Tocilizumab.
Conclusion: JSSc is a rare but severe disease requiring rapid, specialized, and multidisciplinary care. Further studies are needed to validate proper diagnosis criteria including overlap syndromes and evaluate the use of biotherapies in children.
A Low-Profile 3-D Printable Metastructure for Performance Improvement of Aperture Antennas
Authors: Ali Md Yeakub , Lalbakhsh Ali , Koziel Slawomir , Golunski Lukasz , Ahmed Foez , Asadnia Mohsen
Published: January 2024

In order to increase the radiation performance of aperture-type antennas, this paper demonstrates a low-profile, planar, single-layered, three-dimensional (3-D) printable metastructure. The proposed hybridized metastructure is highly transparent as it is made out of novel hybrid meta-atoms having transmission coefficient magnitudes greater than - 0.72 dB and fully complies with the near-field phase transformation principle. The hybridized design approach makes the metastructure planar, low-profile, light in weight, and compatible with additive printing technology. For the proof-of-concept, such metastructure is developed and numerically verified to enhance the radiation performance of a resonant cavity antenna (RCA). With the proposed metastructure, the peak directivity improvement of RCA is 8.6 dBi (from 11.4 dBi to 20 dBi) at the operating frequency of 12.4 GHz. The aperture efficiency and 3-dB directivity bandwidth of RCA with the metastructure are 41.46% and 16.5%, respectively. Using readily accessible thermoplastics or polymers and copper with cost-effective fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3-D printing technology, the proposed planar hybridized metastructure can be prototyped commercially.
Volcanism takes a back seat driving global iron deposition after the Great Oxidation Event
Authors: Eyster Athena , Brengman Latisha , Bergmann Kristin , Ramezani Jahandar , George Sarah
Published: January 2024

Clarifying linkages between oxygenation and the evolution of complex life requires identification of foundational controls on oxygenation, deoxygenation, and habitability. Massive iron formations are uniquely sensitive to levels of marine oxygen. Yet, temporal uncertainties hinder global comparison of these archives, especially after Earth’s initial surface oxygenation. We present new high-resolution geochronologic data associated with iron deposition on the Superior Craton after the Great Oxidation Event (GOE). By combining our new magmatic age constraints linked with iron deposition (206Pb/238U dates of 1886.5 ± 1.4, 1887.16 ± 0.91, and 1885.8 ± 1.9) with a revaluation of existing datasets and a simple, yet powerful, global summative approach to post-GOE iron deposits, we can critically assess conditions triggering post-GOE iron deposition and the factors influencing the trajectory of marine oxygen. Our results challenge the paradigm that extensive volcanism directly triggered ~1.88 Ga iron deposition. Instead, we propose that depressed atmospheric O2 and paleogeography (via ocean gateways and Ekman-induced upwellings) enhanced early Paleoproterozoic global iron deposition and controlled large-scale patterns of ocean oxygenation and deoxygenation through time.
Development of primary osteoarthritis during aging in genetically diverse UM- HET3 mice
Authors: Poudel Sher Bahadur , Ruff Ryan R , Yildirim Gozde , Miller Richard A , Harrison David E , Strong Randy , Kirsch Thorsten , Yakar Shoshana
Published: January 2024

Background
Primary osteoarthritis (OA) occurs without identifiable underlying causes such as previous injuries or specific medical conditions. Age is a major contributing factor to OA, and as one ages, various joint tissues undergo gradual change, including degeneration of the articular cartilage, alterations in subchondral bone (SCB) morphology, and inflammation of the synovium.
Methods
We investigated the prevalence of primary OA in aged, genetically diverse UM-HET3 mice. Articular cartilage (AC) integrity and SCB morphology were assessed in 182 knee joints of 22–25 months old mice using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scoring system and micro-CT, respectively. Additionally, we explored the effects of methylene blue (MB) and mitoquinone (MitoQ), two agents that affect mitochondrial function, on the prevalence and progression of OA during aging.
Results
Aged UM-HET3 mice showed a high prevalence of primary OA in both sexes. Significant positive correlations were found between cumulative AC (cAC) scores and synovitis in both sexes, and osteophyte formation in female mice. Ectopic chondrogenesis did not show significant correlations with cAC scores. Significant direct correlations were found between AC scores and inflammatory markers in chondrocytes, including matrix metalloproteinase-13, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the NLR family pyrin domain containing-3 inflammasome in both sexes, indicating a link between OA severity and inflammation. Additionally, markers of cell cycle arrest, such as p16 and β-galactosidase, also correlated with AC scores. In male mice, no significant correlations were found between SCB morphology traits and cAC scores, while in female mice, significant correlations were found between cAC scores and tibial SCB plate bone mineral density. Notably, MB and MitoQ treatments influenced the disease's progression in a sex-specific manner. MB treatment significantly reduced cAC scores at the medial knee joint, while MitoQ treatment reduced cAC scores, but these did not reach significance.
Conclusions
Our study provides comprehensive insights into the prevalence and progression of primary OA in aged UM-HET3 mice, highlighting the sex-specific effects of MB and MitoQ treatments. The correlations between AC scores and various pathological factors underscore the multifaceted nature of OA and its association with inflammation and subchondral bone changes.
A Novel Routing Protocol to Enhance Efficiency and Sustainability in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mythili D , Duraisamy S
Published: January 2024

This research paper conducts a comparative analysis of energy-efficient routing protocols within Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), focusing on their role in optimizing the data gathering process.The evaluated protocols include LEACH, HEED, TEEN, and the novel CoSwarm-LEACH, leveraging effective data ensemble techniques and optimal clustering strategies. Their primary objective is to minimize energy dissipation among sensor nodes while maximizing resource utilization through the strategic election of cluster heads for each cluster.The protocols employ a criterion of selecting high residual energy nodes to facilitate energy-efficient routing, consequently enhancing packet delivery rates and reducing overall energy consumption. Experimental analysis reveals that the proposed CoSwarm-LEACH protocol surpasses existing energy-balanced routing protocols across multiple performance metrics, including latency, network overhead, energy consumption, and throughput.The findings unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of CoSwarm-LEACH in comparison to conventional protocols, showcasing its potential to significantly extend the network lifetime of WSNs. The novel CoSwarm-LEACH protocol emerges as a promising solution, offering heightened efficiency and sustainability in WSN operations by optimizing energy-efficient routing strategies and improving overall network performance.
Preoperative serum selenium predicts acute kidney injury after adult cardiac surgery
Authors: Fu Guowei , Bai Shuying
Published: January 2024

Background: The relationship between serum selenium (Se) and acute kidney injury after adult cardiac surgery remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association of preoperative Se level with incident CSA-AKI.
Method and Results: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was incident CSA-AKI. Multivariable logistic regression models and natural cubic splines were used to estimate the association of Se levels and primary outcome. A total of 453 patient with a mean age of 62.97 years were included. Among all patients, 159 (35.1%) incident cases of CSA-AKI were identified. The level of preoperative Se concentration in patients with CSA-AKI was significant lower than that in patients without CSA-AKI. In comparison with patients in the lowest quartile, those with the highest quartile were associated with lower risk of CSA-AKI [adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.61(0.40-0.95)]. Dose-response relationship curve revealed a nearly L-shape correlation between serum Se selenium levels and incident CSA-AKI.
Conclusion: Our study suggested that a higher level of serum Se was significantly associated with lower risk of CSA-AKI. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between serum Se level and incident CSA-AKI.
Stagnation point flow of MHD non-Newtonian fluid and thermal investigation with Joule heating, viscous dissipation and Soret effect
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Salahuddin T.
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to analyze the numerical solution of magnetohydrodynamic Jeffery fluid past over the upper horizontal parabolic surface with the help of Adam-Milne Predictor Corrector method along with the RK method. Adams predictor-corrector technique is very significant because it improve accuracy of results as compared to using either method alone. The predictor step gives an initial approximation and the corrector step refines this approximation based on the implicit equation. The assumption based on the boundary layer and stagnation point flow of magnetohydrodynamic Jeffery fluid which is past on the melting upper horizontal parabolic surface and the physical aspects are examined with the variable fluid properties. The velocity slip effect on the surface of paraboloid is used to determine its influence on the movement of fluid. The thermal and solutal transfer rates has crucial role in the chemical reactions, climate changes, electronic devices, distillation and separation processes, water and air pollution. Therefore we considered both the thermal and solutal transfer rates with the effects of Joule heating, viscous dissipation, heat source/sink, activation energy and Soret effect. The implementation of all the assumption on the basic conservation laws gives us the governing equation in the form of PDE’s and then the similarity variables are translated these equations into the form of ODE’s. The numerical technique named as ‘Adams-Milne Predictor-Corrector method’ is adopted to solve the numerical solutions. The results are examined in the numerical and graphical forms. The graphical behavior of numerous parameters on the velocity, concentration and temperature regions are analyzed. The numerical findings of skin friction and Nusselt number are also placed here and compared the results with the Bvp5c and Adams-Milne (Predictor-Corrector) method. Graphical Abstract: The slip parameter, ratio of relaxation to retardation parameter, viscosity parameter, Deborah number and Hartmann number drops the velocity for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian cases whereas the velocity increases due to the stretching ratio parameter and melting surface coefficient. The heat source/sink parameter, Eckert number, viscosity parameter, thermal conduction coefficient and Hartmann number. The amplification in concentration region is examined by the consideration of Soret number, thermal diffusion and activation energy, while the reaction rate coefficient drops the concentration.
A Fusion of Chaotic and Genetic Algorithms for Unbreakable Data Hiding
Authors: Thangaraju Dineshkumar , R Asokan
Published: January 2024

Image steganography comprises concealing sensitive data inside digital images to ensure secure communication. In this research we introduce a ground-breaking method for image steganography that fuses chaotic and genetic algorithms, aiming to create a strong and impenetrable data concealment technique. The study applies Integer Wavelet Transform (IWT) to the image and services logistic map chaotic system to produce pseudo-random sequences. These sequences take a significant in identifying the most secure positions within the image to embed confidential message bits. This embedding process is highly secure and resilient against statistical attacks. Moreover, a genetic algorithm optimizes this process, bolstering the security of the steganography approach. Using a population-based search technique, the genetic algorithm efficiently explores the search space, identifying the optimal chromosome representation for data embedding. This significantly enhances the embedding capacity while minimizing distortion to the original image. Through extensive experimental evaluations and performance analyses, the study showcases the effectiveness and resilience of this proposed approach. The findings highlight that combining chaotic and genetic algorithms in image steganography markedly improves security, capacity, and resistance to attacks when compared to traditional methods.
Correlation of serum bone turnover markers with microstructure and macroscopic mechanical strength of lumbar cancellous bone during progression of osteoporosis
Authors: Jia Yuhao , Xia Ning , Xu Wei , Wang Wei , Zhao Jian , Wang Ling , Liu Da , Zhang Yingbo
Published: January 2024

This paper established an osteoporotic rabbit model by depopulation and the glucocorticoid method, investigated the weights of bone micro-parameters in macro-mechanics during OP progression, preliminary elucidated micro-mechanisms, and screened out bone turnover markers (BTMs) that have a strong correlation with bone macro-mechanical strength and microscopic spatial structure to provide the theoretical basis for OP and OP fracture.
Methods: 64 female White rabbits were chosen and assigned to two groups: one that underwent a sham operation (Sham group, n = 32) and the other that served as an osteoporosis model (OP group, n = 32). At four different postoperative time points (T = 0, 1, 2, and 4 months), respectively. The white rabbits in the Sham group and the OP group were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8) each. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to determine the lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) at various time intervals (T = 0, 1, 2, and 4 months), and serum BTMs were found using an ELISA test after blood was drawn and the animals were put to death. Axial compression testing and micro-CT were used to assess and characterise the cancellous bone in the lumbar spine specimens.
Results: Lumbar BMD, lumbar Lmax, Tb.Th, Tb.N, and BV/TV all steadily declined as OP progressed, while OC, PINP, CTX, and Tb.Sp all gradually rose. All bone microspatial characteristics were strongly linked with Lmax (p = 0.000) according to a person linear correlation analysis, with the best association found between Tb.Th and lumbar Lmax (r = 0.924, p = 0.000). PINP and OC had the strongest connections with lumbar Lmax (r = -0.958, p = 0.000), whereas CTX had the strongest correlation with Tb.Th (r = -0.955, p = 0.000), according to a correlation analysis of serum BTMs with bone strength and sensitive microspatial measures.
Conclusion: All lumbar cancellous bone microspatial parameters were correlated with macroscopic mechanical strength during OP progression, with Tb.Th having the strongest correlation. For BTMs, CTX had the strongest correlation with microspatial structure, and PINP and OC had the strongest correlation with macroscopic mechanical strength.
Endoscopic resection of stage T1 colorectal adenocarcinoma followed by surgical intervention: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Chen Lin , Wu Jixiang
Published: January 2024

Background
Domestic and international guidelines recommend endoscopic resection for stage T1 colorectal adenocarcinoma with indications. However, salvage surgery remains imperative for patients exhibiting high-risk factors subsequent to endoscopic procedures.
Objective
To investigate the evidence, pathological features, and surgical outcomes of re-operation in patients with T1 colorectal adenocarcinoma following endoscopic resection.
Methods
We retrospectively collect data on the clinical features and treatment outcomes of patients with stage T1 colorectal adenocarcinoma who underwent endoscopic resection followed by surgical resection and those who initially completed surgical intervention at Peking University International Hospital between January 2019 and October 2022. With the aim of assessing the necessity and feasibility of surgical intervention.
Results
Seventeen patients (Group A) with high-risk factors following endoscopic procedure experienced further surgical resection. The median interval between endoscopic resection and re-operation was 23.71 ± 15.89 days. Sixteen patients (Group B) underwent radical resection without any prior interventions. The surgical approach involves integration of laparoscopy and colonoscopy for precise localization and quantitative diagnosis, followed by radical surgery. The two groups demonstrated significant differences statistically with reference to tumor diameter (1.65cm ± 0.77cm vs 3.36cm ± 1.39cm, P = 0.000) and the attainment of standard lymph node count (cases of detected lymph nodes larger than or equal to twelve, 5 vs 12, P = 0.015). Postoperative complications and hospital stay manifested no significant disparity statistically in two groups. Patients with salvage surgery had no inferior outcomes compared with patients with direct surgery in terms of 5-years disease-free survival (Log rank test: P = 0.083, Breslow test: P = 0.089).
Conclusion
Remedial surgery is a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with T1 colorectal adenocarcinoma who cannot meet curative criteria after endoscopic treatment. Furthermore, subsequent treatment should be chosen based on a comprehensive analysis of the patient’s history of abdominal surgery, willingness, and pathological features.
Trial registration: The registration number ChiCTR2300078246 can be found on the website http://www.chictr.org.cn.
Omni-directional input energy spectrum of seismic sequence and performance of bridges in Yangbi earthquake
Authors: Huang Yong , Xie Yachen , Zhu Zhihui , Wu Yuexiang , Tian Liang
Published: January 2024

In this study, a method of omni-directional input energy spectrum is proposed for the characteristics of seismic sequences and their effects on bridge structures, which can comprehensively analyze bidirectional seismic characteristics in order to clearly reveal the directional features of ground motions. The Yangbi earthquake sequence is chosen as the research object, and its characteristics are analyzed in depth using the omni-directional response spectrum and the omni-directional input energy spectrum. Meanwhile, numerical simulations of two typical bridges in Yangbi earthquake were conducted, and Park-Ang damage index was used to analyze the cumulative damage effect of the seismic sequence on the bridges as well as the influence of seismic directivity on the bridge damage. The results revealed that: the seismic sequence can exacerbate the structural damage caused by the mainshock; the foreshock and aftershock can change the overall seismic directivity and frequency spectrum characteristics of the seismic sequence; the dominant direction of the omni-directional input energy spectrum reflects the directional characteristics of the ground motions; the seismic directivity has a significant impact on the bridge structure, and in the case study the bridge damage is more severe when the bridge axis is parallel to the dominant direction of the omni-directional input spectrum of the ground motions than the original condition.
On the relationship between patient-reported outcome measure and precision audiometry
Authors: Hey Matthias , Mewes Alexander , Hocke Thomas
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Audiometric methods for hearing-impaired patients are constantly evolving as new therapeutic interventions and improved clinical standards are established. This study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between cochlear implant (CI) users' subjective judgement of everyday communication situations and results from various speech-audiometric test procedures. To reconstruct challenging everyday listening situations in the clinic to different degrees, the temporal characteristics of the background noise and the spatial arrangement of the signal sources were varied for speech tests in background noise.
Methods: In a prospective study, 20 CI-experienced, postlingually deafened users of the Nucleus CI were included. Speech comprehension was measured in quiet (by Freiburg words) and in noise (by the Oldenburg sentence test) while stationary speech-simulating or temporally fluctuating noise was applied and the noise sources were varied from S0N0 through S0NCI to S0N90,180,270. Subjective feedback from the patients was obtained by using the HISQUI19 questionnaire.
Results: Word comprehension at 65 dB in quiet showed a significant positive correlation with the user's subjective assessment of hearing ability using the questionnaire (Pearson's R = 0.59). In stationary background noise for the clinically established hearing situation S0N0, there was a negative correlation (R=–0.38, changing to –0.55 in fluctuating ICRA background noise). This trend of greater correlation of the subjective evaluation of comprehension against fluctuating background noise as compared with stationary background noise was also evident in listening situations with spatially separated signal sources, with speech coming from the front and background noise from the side (S0NCI) and from the rear hemisphere (S0N90, S0N90,180,270). On the other hand, the test–retest accuracy was reduced by a substantial factor in the transition from stationary to fluctuating background noise.
Conclusions: By introducing temporal fluctuations in the background noise, the ecological validity can be improved, but at the cost of a parallel decrease in the accuracy of the test procedure. Especially in the context of studies, this knowledge may help to improve the adaptation of the test method to the scientific question in evaluating the relationship between ecological validity and precision audiometry.
Integrating machine learning with analytical surface energy balance model improved terrestrial evaporation through biophysical regulation
Authors: Bai Yun , Mallick Kanishka , Hu Tain , Zhang Sha , Yang Shanshan , Ahmadi Arman
Published: January 2024

Global evaporation modeling faces challenges in understanding the combined biophysical controls imposed by aerodynamic and canopy-surface conductance, particularly in water-scarce environments. We addressed this by integrating a machine learning (ML) model estimating surface relative humidity (RH0) into an analytical model (Surface Temperature Initiated Closure - STIC), creating a hybrid model called HSTIC. This approach significantly enhanced the accuracy of modeling water stress and conductance regulation. Our results, based on the FLUXNET2015 dataset, showed that ML-RH0 markedly improved the precision of surface water stress variations. HSTIC performed well in reproducing latent and sensible heat fluxes on both half-hourly/hourly and daily scales. Notably, HSTIC surpassed the analytical STIC model, particularly in dry conditions, owing to its more precise simulation of canopy-surface conductance (gSurf) response to water stress. Our findings suggest that HSTIC gSurf can effectively capture physiological trait variations across ecosystems, reflecting the eco-evolutionary optimality of plants. This provides a fresh perspective for process-based models in simulating terrestrial evaporation.
DNA methylation in oysters is influenced by genetics and sex
Authors: Teng Wen , Xu Chengxun , Liu Shikai , Yu Hong , Kong Lingfeng , Li Qi
Published: January 2024

Background
DNA methylation in mammals and insects is influenced by both genetic factors and sex. However, the extent to which these variables affect DNA methylation in molluscs has not been fully explored.
Results
In this study, we examined the genomic DNA methylation patterns in two genetically distinct oyster strains using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Our analysis revealed a sex-associated difference in methylation, with females exhibiting more hypo-methylation than males in somatic tissues. Among the two strains, approximately 20,000 differential methylation regions (DMRs) were identified, with half of these DMRs being conserved in the offspring. Moreover, regions with differential methylation in parents typically displayed intermediate methylation levels in their progeny. This observation aligns with the notion that DNA methylation levels in the F1 progeny were consistent with their parents in the consistently methylated regions, suggesting a heritable stability in these epigenetic marks.
Conclusions
The findings indicate that genome-wide DNA methylation is preserved through generations in oysters, hinting at its potential significance in selective breeding programs. Additionally, the evident gender-specific methylation differences observed in somatic tissues must be considered in oyster epigenetic research.
Investigation of Sphenoid Spine Morphometry for Skull Base Surgery and Relation to Foramen Spinosum Localization
Authors: Ipek Eda Duygu , Ozustun Berrin , Akdogan Ilgaz
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Our study aimed to investigate the sphenoid spine morphological characterization, as well as the distances to important surgical points and its relation to foramen spinosum localization.
Methods
On a total of 65 skulls, the distances of the sphenoid spine to articular tubercle, mastoid process, external opening of carotid canal, anterior edge of infratemporal crest, and the point where sphenosquamosus suture intersects with infratemporal crest were measured from both the right and left sides. The length of the sphenoid spine was measured and classified morphologically. Localization of foramen spinosum relation to sphenoid spine was evaluated.
Results
The sphenoid spine length was stastistically different which was found to be 6.71 ± 1.97 and 6.14 ± 1.93 on the rigt and left sides, respectively (p = 0.027). The most commonly encountered shape of the sphenoid spine on both sides was rectangular, followed by spine shape. The foramen spinosum was most frequently located anteromedially and least frequently located anterolaterally according to sphenoid spine. In our study, it was determined for the first time that the localization of the foramen spinosum is associated with the shape of the sphenoid spine on both the right (p = 0.012) and left (p = 0.016) sides.
Conclusion
Our study provides morphometric data on the sphenoid spine and reports the association between the localization of the foramen spinosum and the type of sphenoid spine. Sphenoid spine variations and their relationship with adjacent anatomical structures should be taken into consideration in middle cranial fossa surgeries.
CSF2 Impairs Nrf2 Signaling Through Akt/Mtor Pathway in the Development of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Yu Xi , Li Shenglan , Ke Shuai , Ye Chenglin , Wang Qinghua , Wang Huaxin , Wang Lei
Published: January 2024

Background
Cancer of the bladder (BCa) is one of the most common cancer of the urinary system.Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) was involved in lots of cancers, but BCa. We examined the effect of CSF2 on BCa in this study and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Materials and methods
CSF2 mRNA levels in BCa were analyzed using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Western blot was conducted to verify BCa tissue samples and cell lines expressing CSF2. The effect on growth of CSF2 was assessed by CCK8 and colony formation. To determine the migration and invasion capabilities of BCa cells, transwell analysis and wound healing assays were conducted. Next, western blot was used to explore the underlying mechanism. In the end, a xenografted BCa mouse model was established to examine CSF2 effects on tumorigenesis in vivo.
Results
These experiments showed CSF2 mRNA was upregulated in BCa samples. BCa proliferation and tumorigenesis were significantly inhibited in vitro and in vivo by CSF2 knockdown. Mechanism analysis revealed that BCa cells were inhibited from proliferating and invading when CSF2 was knocked down via AKT/mTOR signaling.
Conclusions
Based on these results, CSF2 promotes proliferation and tumorigenesis of BCa.
The Impact of Dexmedetomidine Doses on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction and Inflammatory Response in Elderly Female Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Shi Wenxin , Wei Qiang , Wang Zhenliang , Zhao Qingtao , Fu Yanlong
Published: January 2024

Objective
To investigate how different dexmedetomidine (Dex) doses affect postoperative cognitive function and inflammatory markers in elderly female patients receiving laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).
Methods
Based on the inclusion criteria, 165 elderly patients undergoing LC in our hospital were divided into four groups: Group C (32 patients), Group D1 (41 patients), Group D2 (49 patients), and Group D3 (43 patients). Patients in Group C were administered saline during anesthesia induction and anesthesia maintenance, whereas those in Group D were administered a 0.5 µg/kg Dex infusion 15 minutes before anesthesia induction, followed by postoperative infusions of 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 µg/(kg·h) Dex for anesthesia maintenance. The effects of different Dex doses on postoperative cognitive impairment, pain scores, and inflammatory markers were studied in the selected patients.
Results
1. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was less common in Dex groups compared to Group C (P < 0.05). 2. On the first day after surgery, the VAS pain scores in all Dex groups were lower than those in Group C (P < 0.05); on the second and third days after surgery, the visual analog scale scores in Groups D2 and D3 were lower than those in Group C (P < 0.05); 3. Dex alleviated postoperative insomnia; 4. In the Dex groups, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels decreased postoperatively whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine levels increased.
Conclusion
Dex has been shown to lower the incidence of POCD and ameliorate early postoperative pain in elderly female patients after LC, a process that may be related to the control of postoperative inflammatory responses.
A predictive model for acute heart failure after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yang Di , Leng Jiyan , Cao Mengyu , Jin Huijing , Ma Yucen , Zhang Kexin
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: To investigate risk factors for developing acute heart failure (AHF) after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial(STEMI) and develop a predictive model for the risks.
Methods:A total of 810 STEMI patients were divided into a modeling group (n = 655) and a validation group (n = 155). A risk score was established in the modeling group, and validated in the validation group.
Results: 130 patients experienced AHF during hospitalization. In the modeling group, 7 variables were identified as independent risk factors for AHF, including female gender, acute anterior wall myocardial infarction, multibranch vasculopathy, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, randomized blood glucose and creatinine clearance. A columnar plot of in-hospital AHF was created using these factors. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.72 (95%CI 0.67-0.76). The bootstrap consistency index of the nomogram was 0.72. The results indicate that this score has good predictive value for the development of AHF during hospitalization in patients with STEMI.
Conclusion: Based on 7 risk factors, a prediction score was established to predict the risk of AHF during hospitalization in patients with STEMI. Predictive scores are used to identify patients at high risk of developing AHF.
Evaluation of Higher Education Students' views of the use of Generative AI in a Middle Eastern University
Authors: calderwood Sarah Julia
Published: January 2024

This evaluation aims to understand higher education students' perceptions and perspectives on the ethical considerations surrounding students using artificial intelligence (AI) for assignment completion in higher education. This includes tools such as OpenAI ChatGPT and other generative language models, Quillbot and other paraphrasing tools, and Grammarly and other text editing tools. Methodology: Employing an agential realist framework, this study interrogates the entanglements of AI in academic practices. The analysis, informed by Barad's theory, examines the intra-actions and phenomena through which AI and educational ethics become mutually constituted. This will contribute to a broader understanding of the impact of AI technologies on academic integrity, learning outcomes, and ethical dilemmas The evaluation reveals multiple diffractions and cuts, suggesting complex interplays between student agency, technological affordances, and ethical considerations. Further research is recommended to explore these entanglements more deeply, especially in the context of evolving AI capabilities and their implications for educational practices.
An efficient image focus measure based on perceptual features analysis
Authors: N Al Sameera B , Gaidhane Vilas H
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a new approach no-reference image quality assessment (NR-IQA) focus measure based on the additivity of Renyi Entropy is proposed. In human and computer vision, image quality must be quantified with human perception. Therefore, perceptual features such as image texture and structure are analyzed. It allows us to achieve a better correlation with the subjective quality assessment. The probability coefficients of images are obtained to extract the human visual system (HVS) features, and significant image details are evaluated. The randomness in the information of the image is observed by considering the additivity of Renyi Entropy. The majority of objective IQA algorithms evaluate the image quality by comparing the original image with the distorted. The presented approach is tested on artificial images by introducing a certain amount of blur without noise and in the presence of noise. The effectuality and performance of the presented method on real-time images show consistent responses under blurred and noisy conditions. Moreover, the proposed method is evaluated with three publicly available data sets such as LIVE, TID2013, and CSIQ. The presented method is compared with various existing techniques in the literature, and it is evident from the experiments that the method has better monotonicity and improved focus measures. The proposed approach achieved better performance metrics such as SROCC, KRCC, and PLCC. The computation time and complexity of the presented approach are reduced due to the logarithmic function.