bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Job Strain and Ischemic Heart Disease, Mediated by Endothelial Dysfunction Markers and Imaging
Authors: MOISII PALOMA , JARI IRINA , URSU ANDRA MARA , NAUM ALEXANDRU GRATIAN
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives: High job strain is worsening the outcome in coronary artery disease, CAD. Severe dissatisfaction on workplace, imbalance between high demands , and low rewards, are affecting the quality of life, and diminishing the duration of life, especially in CAD patients. Our study included two samples : CAD patients (experimental group), and without CAD patients, but with traditional risk factors (control group). The main objective of the study was the role played by high sensitivity C reactive protein, hs CRP, and microalbuminuria, as mediators of job strain and CAD relationship. Secondary objectives were the following: identification of the most vulnerable patients( with significant job strain) and intervention towards this category, for cardiovascular events prevention (primary or secondary). Materials and Methods: The utilized methods were the following : clinical exam; electrocardiogram; echocardiogram; non contrast enhanced computed chest tomography; laboratory findings ( lipid profile, glycemia, hs CRP, microalbuminuria); type D scale, DS 14; depression questionnaire, PHQ-9; and satisfaction with work scale, SWWS. Results: The highest values for hs CRP and microalbuminuria were noticed in patients with the lowest Likert score, for both samples CAD, and without CAD patients. The highest job strain was noticed in females. More than half of CAD patients ,with low Likert scores, revealed myocardial infarction. Conclusions: Microalbuminuria and hs CRP were statistical significant in the study as intercessors, in job strain and CAD relationship. The most vulnerable patients for vascular events were females, in both groups : CAD and “CAD waiting desk”. In CAD sample, the vascular vulnerability was also increased by high job strain.
Chef Dalle: Transforming Cooking with Multimodal AI
Authors: Hannon Brendan , Kumar Yulia , Li J. Jenny , Morreale Patricia
Published: April 2024

In an era where dietary habits significantly impact health, technological interventions can offer personalized and accessible food choices. This paper introduces Chef Dalle, a recipe recommen-dation system that leverages multimodal human-computer interaction (HCI) techniques to pro-vide personalized cooking guidance. The application integrates voice-to-text conversion via Whisper, ingredient image recognition through GPT-Vision, and employs TF-IDF vectorization alongside cosine similarity for personalized recipe recommendations. These methods enable users to interact with the system using voice, text, or images, accommodating various dietary re-strictions and preferences. Furthermore, the utilization of DALL-E 3 for generating recipe images enhances user engagement. User feedback mechanisms allow for the refinement of future rec-ommendations, demonstrating the system's adaptability. Chef Dalle showcases potential appli-cations ranging from home kitchens to grocery stores and restaurant menu customization, ad-dresses accessibility, promoting healthier eating habits. This paper underscores the significance of multimodal HCI in enhancing culinary experiences, setting a precedent for future developments in the field.
Natural Antimicrobials in Dairy Products: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Trends
Authors: Soutelino Maria Eduarda Masques , Silva Adriana Cristina de Oliveira , Rocha Ramon da Silva
Published: April 2024

This review delves into using natural antimicrobials in the dairy industry and examines various sources of these compounds, including microbial, plant, and animal sources. It highlights dairy products' most commonly used natural antimicrobials, such as nisin, lysozyme, lactoferrin, chitosan, and essential oils. It discusses the mechanisms by which they inhibit microbial growth and improve the shelf life of dairy products. Moreover, the review explores encapsulation technology as a promising approach for increasing the viability of natural antimicrobials. It discusses how encapsulation technology can protect these compounds from environmental factors that can reduce their effectiveness, such as pH, temperature, and oxygen exposure. The review also highlights the different materials that can be used for encapsulation, such as alginate, chitosan, and starch, and discusses their properties and suitability for encapsulating different natural antimicrobials. Finally, the review examines the benefits and challenges of using natural antimicrobials in dairy products. While natural antimicrobials offer several advantages, including improved safety, quality, and sensory properties of dairy products, it's crucial to be aware of the challenges associated with their use, such as potential allergenicity, regulatory requirements, and consumer perception. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for further research to identify and develop effective and safe natural antimicrobials for the dairy industry to ensure the quality and safety of dairy products for consumers.
High PGC-1α Expression as a Poor Prognostic Indicator in Intracranial Glioma
Authors: Cheng Yu-Wen , Lee Jia-Hau , Chang Chih-Hui , Tseng Tzu-Ting , Chai Chee-Yin , Lieu Ann-Shung , Kwan Aij-Lie
Published: April 2024

Gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Despite multidisciplinary treatment approaches, the survival rates for patients with malignant glioma have only improved marginally, and few prognostic biomarkers have been identified. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a crucial regulator of cancer metabolism, playing a vital role in cancer cell adaptation to fluctuating energy demands. In this study, the clinicopathological roles of PGC-1α in gliomas were evaluated. Employing immunohistochemistry, cell culture, siRNA transfection, cell viability assays, western blot analyses, and in vitro and in vivo invasion and migration assays, we explored the functions of PGC-1α in glioma progression. High PGC-1α expression was significantly associated with an advanced pathological stage in patients with glioma and with poorer overall survival. The downregulation of PGC-1α inhibited glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and altered the expression of oncogenic markers. These results conclusively demonstrated that PGC-1α plays a critical role in maintaining the malignant phenotype of glioma cells and indicated that targeting PGC-1α could be an effective strategy to curb glioma progression and improve patient survival outcomes.
Accuracy of Anti-SARS-CoV2 Antibody in Comparison with Surrogate Viral Neutralization Test in Person Living with HIV, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tiara Marita Restie , Prayuda Chrisan Bimo , Maulidya Tara Titian , Djauhari Hofiya , Suhendar Dadang , Wisaksana Rudi , Hamijoyo Laniyati , Supriyadi Rudi , Indrati Agnes Rengga , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: April 2024

The presence of anti SARS-CoV2-RBD antibody (Anti-RBD) prevents severe COVID-19. We aimed to determine the accuracy of a point-of-care Anti-RBD test implemented in person living with HIV (PLWH), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 182 non-comorbid subjects and 335 persons with comorbid (PLWH, SLE, CKD) to test anti-RBD assay compared to surrogate viral neutralization (SVNT) as the reference test. We performed linear correlation analysis between anti-RBD vs SVNT and a ROC analyses to ascertain anti-RBD cut-off at 30%, 60%, and 90% inhibition of SVNT to calculate accuracy. Correlations of anti-RBD to SVNT among all groups were excellent with R= 0.7903, R=0.7843, R=0.8153 among non-comorbid, SLE and CKD groups, respectively, with significantly higher correlation among the PLWH group (R=0.8877; p-value=0.0072) compared to non-comorbid group. The accuracy of the anti-RBD test among PLWH and CKD group was similar with the non-comorbid but showed lower sensitivity in the SLE group (p=0.000014). The specificity of the test remained high in all groups. In conclusion, the Anti-RBD test had excellent correlation to SVNT. The persistently high specificity in all groups suggests that this test can be reliably utilized to detect presence of low neutralization capacity, prompting additional vaccination.
Learning-Based Non-Intrusive Electric Load Monitoring for Smart Energy Management
Authors: He Nian , Liu Dengfeng , Zhang Zhichen , Lin Zhiquan , Zhao Tiesong , Xu Yiwen
Published: April 2024

The state-of-the-art smart city has been calling for an economic but efficient energy management over large-scale network, especially for the electric power system. It is a critical issue to monitor, analyze and control electric loads of all users in system. In this paper, we employ the popular computer vision techniques of AI to design a non-intrusive load monitoring method for smart electric energy management. First of all, we utilize both signal transforms (including wavelet transform and discrete Fourier transform) and Gramian Angular Field (GAF) methods to map one-dimensional current signals onto two-dimensional color feature images. Second, we propose to recognize all electric loads from color feature images using a deep neural network with multi-scale feature extraction and attention mechanism. Third, we design our method as a cloud-based, non-intrusive monitoring of all users, thereby saving energy cost during electric power system control. Experimental results on both public and our private datasets have demonstrated our method achieves superior performances than its peers, and thus supports efficient energy management over large-scale Internet of Things.
Towards General Theory of Sustainable Development: A Sustainability Window Approach with All Possible Scenario Paths
Authors: Luukkanen Jyrki , Vehmas Jarmo , Kaivo-oja Jari , O’Mahony Tadhg
Published: April 2024

Across decades of contemporary discussion on sustainable development, a core debate has concerned the relationship between the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. In recent years, a debate on economic growth versus degrowth has been going on discussing whether economic growth can be sustainable in environmental terms and whether economic degrowth can be sustainable in social terms. This conceptual and theoretical article has used the Sustainability Window, or ‘SuWi’ method, to theoretically determine the sustainable window of economies, as upper and lower bounds of future change in GDP, that could be deemed in line with environmental and social sustainability. All theoretically possible scenario paths of development are considered by combining the economic, environmental, and social dimensions, with the environmental and social productivities of GDP. In moving to sustainability analysis through SuWi it is noted that only four of the logically possible scenario paths could be considered theoretically 'sustainable’, and only if adhering to strict conditions. Two of the hypothesised scenarios involve economic growth and two of economic degrowth. The approach, including calculation formulas, has many potential uses in providing analysis and support to 21st century sustainability policymaking, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Correctness Verification of Mutual Exclusion Algorithms by Model Checking
Authors: Nigro Libero , Cicirelli Franco
Published: April 2024

Mutual exclusion algorithms are at the heart of concurrent, distributed/parallel, real-time and operating systems. It is well-known that such algorithms are very difficult to analyze and in the literature different conjectures about starvation-freedom and the number of by-passes (also said the overtaking factor), which in turn affects the (hopefully) bounded waiting time that a process competing for entering the critical section has to suffer before accessing the shared resource, have been formulated for specific algorithms. This paper proposes a novel modelling approach based on Timed Automata and the Uppaal toolset, which proves effective for studying all the properties of a mutual exclusion algorithm for N≥2 processes, by exhaustive model checking. Although the approach, as already confirmed by similar experiments reported in the literature, is not scalable due to state explosion problems, and can be practically applied until N≤5, it is of great value for revealing true properties of analyzed algorithms. For dimensions N>5 the statistical model checker of Uppaal can be used which, although based on simulations, can confirm properties by estimations and probabilities. The paper describes the proposed modelling and verification method and applies it to several mutual exclusion algorithms, thus retrieving known properties but also showing new results about properties often studied only by peer-review and intuitive reasoning.
QUALIFICATIONS AND BASIC COMPETENCIES ANALYSIS OF JAVANESE NEWS ANCHORS IN THE YOGYAWARTA PROGRAM AT TVRI YOGYAKARTA STATION
Authors: Hasanah Eryneta Nurul , Oktayana Tasya Ayu
Published: April 2024

Yogyawarta is a daily news broadcast that covers events in the Yogyakarta region and its surroundings. Yogyawarta is presented by a news anchor wearing traditional Yogyakarta attire and is delivered in the Javanese language, specifically with the highest politeness level (ragam krama inggil), as a representation of the local culture. Naturally, the Yogyawarta news anchor must possess qualifications and basic skills as a good news presenter. This research aims to describe the analysis of the qualifications and basic skills of Javanese-speaking news anchors in Yogyawarta at TVRI Yogyakarta station. The research method used is qualitative-descriptive. The data source for the research consists of Yogyawarta news broadcast videos from the first week of April 2022. Data collection techniques involve observation and documentation. Data analysis is conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of this research show that the Yogyawarta news anchors have met 11 qualifications for news anchors, including high intellect, strong personality, proficiency in news reading, credibility, journalistic knowledge and skills, clarity and clarity of voice, understanding and mastery of the medium, concern for listeners, attention to pronunciation, readiness for corrections, and preparedness for emergencies. Yogyawarta news anchors also possess two basic news anchor skills, which include vocal skills and personal skills. The dedication and professionalism of the presenters are demonstrated through their individual styles and abilities, supported by the use of traditional Javanese attire from Yogyakarta.
Enerji Sektöründe Dijitalleşme ve Blokzincir Teknolojisindeki Gelişmenin Ekonomik Etkileri
Authors: Doğan Esma , Narin Müslüme
Published: April 2024

Sanayi devrimleri sonucunda artan enerji ihtiyacı, geleneksel enerji kaynakları olan fosil yakıtlarla karşılanmaktadır. Ancak bu kaynakların sınırlı olması ve çevreye verdiği zararlar nedeniyle sürdürülebilir olmadıkları açıktır. Artan küresel enerji talebi ve çevresel endişeler kapsamında, enerji sektörü için yenilikçi alternatifler arama zorunluluğunun ortaya çıktığı günümüzde, dijital dönüşüm teknolojileri enerji üretim ve tüketim süreçlerini dönüştürme potansiyeline sahiptir. Akıllı şebekeler, nesnelerin interneti, yapay zekâ, blokzincir gibi teknolojiler, enerjinin daha verimli kullanılmasını sağlayarak iklim değişikliği ile mücadelede ve enerji verimliliğinde önemli ilerlemeler kaydedilmesine yardımcı olabilir. Özellikle blokzincir teknolojisi, enerji sektöründeki işlemleri merkezi olmayan bir yaklaşımla, şeffaflık ve güvenlik sağlayarak, işlem maliyetlerini düşürme ve yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarının kullanımını teşvik etme potansiyeline sahiptir. Bu çalışmada dijital teknolojilerden biri olan blokzincir teknolojisinin enerji sektöründe yaratabileceği iktisadi etkiler ortaya konulmuştur. Bu kapsamda geleneksel enerji kaynakları ve enerji piyasasına değinildikten sonra enerji sektöründe dijitalleşme üzerinde durulmuştur. Ardından blokzincir teknolojisinin enerji piyasasında uygulanabilirliği tartışılmıştır.
The Results of Work of Infectious Disease Specialists and Epidemiologists of the Rospotrebnadzor during the Outbreak of Acute Intestinal Infections in the Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville) in 2023
Authors: Pshenichnaya N. Yu. , Naidenova E. V. , Gopatsa G. V. , Kuznetsova D. A. , Dmitrieva L. N. , Evteev A. V. , Tushinsky A. A. , Portenko S. A. , Obissa N. , Mpompolo M. , Elenga-Bongo Sh. L. , Inana M. , Mobousse Misse J.-C. , Kutyrev V. V. , Smolensky V. Yu.
Published: April 2024

This paper provides an analysis of the results of joint work of Russian and Congolese infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists to decipher the etiology and causes of the outbreak of intestinal infections in Dolisie (Republic of the Congo) in the summer of 2023. It has been found that the increase in the incidence of intestinal infections was caused mainly by the agents of typhoid fever and dysentery; tropical malaria was a combined pathology. No cases of cholera patient detection were registered. Failure of water supply system, domestic disrepair, and low public awareness about prevention of intestinal infections contributed to the active transmission of pathogens. The combination of epidemic process manifestations testified to the aquatic nature of the outbreak. Also, cases of pathogen transmission through contact household route were recorded, food transmission was not excluded. Patients with severe and complicated forms of typhoid fever and shigellosis accounted for 50 % of those hospitalized. There was delay in seeking medical care. The available regimens of antibacterial therapy were ineffective, since there was no possibility of laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis with determination of sensitivity to drugs. Uncontrolled treatment facilitated the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens, prolonged bacterial release and subsequent spread of infection. Infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists of the Rospotrebnadzor provided consulting and practical assistance to Congolese colleagues, developed and presented recommendations for optimizing anti-epidemic and therapeutic measures, taking into account the results of assessment of the causes for onset and development of the outbreak.
Analysis of the Epizootiological and Epidemiological Situation on Tularemia in the Territory of the Russian Federation in 2023 and Forecast for 2024
Authors: Kudryavtseva T. Yu. , Popov V. P. , Mokrievich A. N. , Kulikalova E. S. , Kholin A. V. , Mazepa A. V. , Borzenko M. A. , Cherepanova E. A. , Matveeva V. A. , Trankvilevsky D. V. , Khramov M. V. , Dyatlov I. A.
Published: April 2024

In 2023, 305 cases of human infection with tularemia agent were registered in the Russian Federation. Epizootic manifestations of the infection, varying in the degree of intensity, were identified in 65 constituent entities of the country, and sporadic cases of human tularemia were reported in 15 regions of Russia. The unfavorable epidemic situation persists in the Republic of Karelia (189 patients with tularemia), Stavropol Territory (35 people), and a surge in the incidence is also recorded in the Donetsk People’s Republic (53 patients), which accounts for 91 % of all tularemia cases in the country. A total of 82 Francisella tularensis cultures were isolated in 9 entities of the Russian Federation. 923,729 people were vaccinated and revaccinated against tularemia in 2023. Based on the data analysis, obtained in 2023, epidemic complications in the form of sporadic cases of the disease among the unvaccinated population in the following territories are most likely to occur in 2024: the Central Federal District – in the Vladimir, Oryol, Ryazan and Tver Regions, and Moscow city; Northwestern Federal District – in the Republic of Karelia, Arkhangelsk, Vologda Regions and in St. Petersburg; Southern Federal District – in the Republic of Crimea, Volgograd and Rostov Regions; North Caucasus Federal District – in the Stavropol Territory; Volga Federal District – in the Republic of Mordovia, as well as in the Kirov and Saratov Regions; Ural Federal District – in the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District, KhantyMansi Autonomous District and Tyumen Region; Siberian Federal District – in the territories of certain districts of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Omsk, Kemerovo, Tomsk, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk Regions; Far Eastern Federal District – in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).
Assessment of the Current State of the Hissar High-Mountain Natural Plague Focus in the Republic of Tajikistan
Authors: Matrosov A. N. , Gulmakhmadzoda Z. G. , Tilloeva M. Kh. , Martsokha K. S. , Sludsky A. A. , Kudratov E. R. , Porshakov A. M. , Murodov S. P. , Nazarova O. D. , Kuklev E. V. , Sharova I. N. , Makashova M. A. , Abdrashitova A. S. , Mikheeva E. A. , Tokaev D. T. , Amonov A. Sh. , Karimov N. G. , Umarov O. F. , Giesiddinzoda M. G. , Kondrat’ev E. N. , Selenina A. G.
Published: April 2024

The review is devoted to discussing the results of survey in the Hissar high-mountain natural plague focus on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan in 2015–2023. Regular examination of the focus was carried out in 1970–1991. According to its results, the main carrier of the plague pathogen was the juniper vole, in the population of which a strain of the non-main subspecies central asiatica (0.PE4) of Hissar biovar (0.PE4h) was steadily circulating, the strain considered avirulent for humans. During that period, 853 strains were isolated in the focus, of which 799 (93.7%) were from the juniper vole and its fleas. Secondary carriers – the silver vole, the pygmy wood mouse, and the gray hamster – were rarely involved in epizootics. The red marmot, which has epidemiological significance due to its hunting by the local population, occupies a special position in the focus. Socio-political phenomena at the end of the 20th – early 21st century caused a long break in the work of the Tajik Plague Control Station. In 2008, the Station was transformed into the Republican Center for Combating Quarantine Diseases under the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan. In 2015, studies were resumed, but carried out on a small scale. In 2021–2023, epizootiological monitoring in the Hissar focus was performed jointly with Russian specialists with the testing of field material samples for plague and other natural-focal infections. Currently, against the background of low numbers and population density of small mammals and their blood-sucking ectoparasites – potential carriers and vectors of zoonoses – the circulation of agents of plague, tularemia, pseudotuberculosis, tick-borne viral encephalitis, Ixodidae tick-borne borreliosis, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis has not been registered. Markers (DNA) of causative agents of leptospirosis and intestinal yersiniosis have been identified. Joint Tajik-Russian cooperation on issues of ensuring the epidemiological well-being of the population of the Republic of Tajikistan must be continued.
Epidemiological Situation on Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the Russian Federation in 2014–2023 and Short-Term Forecast of the Incidence for 2024
Authors: Nikitin A. Ya. , Andaev E. I. , Tolmacheva M. I. , Zarva I. D. , Bondaryuk A. N. , Yatsmenko E. V. , Matveeva V. A. , Sidorova E. A. , Adel’shin R. V. , Kolesnikova V. Yu. , Balakhonov S. V.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the review was to conduct a comparative analysis of the epidemiological situation on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) over 2014–2023 in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation located in the European and Asian parts of the country and to give a forecast of incidence for 2024. The incidence of TBE in 2023 only marginally decreased as compared to the peak values in 2022, which leveled down the ten-year trend towards reduction. Grouping of the entities of the Russian Federation according to the average incidence of TBE over a decade made it possible to classify 17 of them as regions of low, 15 – of medium, and 17 – of high epidemiological risk. In general, the epidemiological situation regarding TBE is more unfavorable in the Asian part of the country. A list of species of Ixodidae ticks, the main vectors of the tick-borne encephalitis virus, is provided, as well as subtypes and genetic variants of the latter, identified in the European and Asian parts of the country. The peculiarities of the epidemiological situation on TBE and the scope of preventive measures undertaken in Russia in 2023 are considered. It is shown that there are no clearly outlined trends in the nature of changes in the incidence of TBE in endemic federal districts and entities of the country, and the expected incidence rates in 2024 will remain at the long-term average level.
Water-in-Oil Emulsion Temporal and Spatial Evolution at Static Conditions and Its Impact on Pipeline Restart
Authors: Zhou Denghong , Karatayev Kanat , Fan Yilin
Published: April 2024

Understanding emulsion evolution at static conditions is crucial for production operations, such as pipeline operations during the shut-in and restart process and separator optimal design. This study experimentally investigated the temporal and spatial evolution of water-in-oil emulsion properties under static conditions. Numerical simulations were conducted to study their impacts on pipeline restart operations.

The experiments were conducted in graduated glass cylinders, with mineral oil and tap water as the testing fluids and Span® 80 as the surfactant. Different water cuts, mixing speeds, and surfactant concentrations were investigated. Along with idle time at static conditions, the mixture demonstrated two layers, namely an upper oil layer and a lower emulsion layer, except for the lowest surfactant concentration that gave a third additional free-water layer at the bottom. Experimental results showed a dramatic increase in viscosity in the emulsion layer with time and depth, which was closely related to the increase in the water volumetric fraction. The increase rate slowed down and plateaued out with time. The increase rate is also related to water cut, mixing speed, and surfactant concentration. Experimental results also show that the relationships between the viscosity and water cut for separated emulsion follow the master curve of viscosity and water cut for homogeneous emulsion. This suggests that one can estimate the viscosity using the master curve given the water volumetric fraction.

The numerical simulation was conducted for pipelines with a valley configuration and with the fluid properties obtained from the experimental measurements. It demonstrates that a higher pressure is required to restart the flow to the original flow rate. It also shows that the flow rate may not be able to resume its original value given the same pressure boundaries due to the accumulation of dense emulsion layers in the horizontal and upward inclined sections. For example, for a 16-m pipe, the flow cannot be restarted given the same inlet pressure (100 Pa). It can only resume 4.6% of the original flow rate when the pressure is elevated to 300 Pa.
Low SLCO4C1 expression serves as an independent prognostic predictor in lung cancer
Authors: Wen Liangtao , Xie Lixiang , Liu Qichang , Zhang Shunan , Chen Zhuoman , Hu Jing , Gong Fengying
Published: April 2024

Lung cancer is a significant global health concern, accounting for 18.4 percent of all cancer-related deaths, imposing substantial social and economic burdens. We explored SLCO4C1 as a potential prognostic marker in lung cancer. Analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, we assessed SLCO4C1 expression using boxplot analyses. Chi-square and Fisher's test evaluated associations with clinicopathological features, and diagnostic capacity was determined the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves assessed survival differences based on SLCO4C1 levels. Cox regression models and subgroup analyses examined prognostic factors. Our findings reveal significant downregulation of SLCO4C1 in lung cancer tissues, with correlations to patient gender, histological type, and T classification. ROC analysis indicated moderate diagnostic potential. Survival analysis demonstrated lower overall and relapse-free survival rates in patients with low SLCO4C1 expression. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested SLCO4C1 as an independent prognostic predictor for lung cancer. In conclusion, low SLCO4C1 expression serves as an independent prognostic biomarker in lung cancer, offering promise for prognostic and therapeutic applications.
Recurrent Retinal Detachment in Stickler Syndrome
Authors: Chen Timothy , Fooladi Marjan , Alabek Michelle , Scanga Hannah , Tripi Kelly , Nischal Ken , Martel Joseph
Published: April 2024

Objective
To assess clinical factors leading to recurrent retinal detachment (RD) and characteristics of recurrence in patients with Stickler Syndrome.
Methods
Retrospective case series study of patients with clinical diagnosis of Stickler Syndrome who underwent rhegmatogenous RD repair. Recurrent RD after initial surgery was categorized as “early” if the recurrence was within 1 year or “late” if greater than 1 year.
Results
Thirty eyes from 22 patients underwent rhegmatogenous RD repair. For initial repair, 13 eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with scleral buckling (PPV/SB), 16 eyes underwent primary scleral buckling (SB), and 1 eye underwent pneumatic retinopexy (PnR). Recurrent RD occurred in 6 (46%) PPV/SB eyes (5 early and 1 late), 10 (63%) SB eyes (3 early and 7 late), and 0 (0%) PnR eyes (p = 0.61). PPV/SB was preferred for eyes presenting with total detachment (82%), giant retinal tears (100%), and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) (80%). For eyes with early recurrent RD, 6 (75%) developed PVR leading to recurrence. For eyes with late recurrent RD, 7 (87.5%) developed a new retinal break leading to recurrence, including 4 with a break posterior to the buckle indentation apex. At last follow-up, median LogMAR visual acuity was 0.68 for eyes with recurrent RD compared to 0.29 for eyes without recurrence (p = 0.27).
Conclusions
Early recurrent RD was mostly caused by PVR, while late recurrent RD was mostly due to new retinal breaks. Eyes with seemingly uncomplicated rhegmatogenous RD repair with primary SB remained at high risk for late re-detachment.
Design and Pilot Study of a High-Fidelity Medical Simulation of a Hospital-Wide Cybersecurity Attack
Authors: Marsh-Armstrong Brennan , Pacheco Fernanda , Dameff Christian , Tully Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Background: Cybersecurity incidents affecting hospitals have grown in prevalence and consequence over the last two decades, increasing the importance of cybersecurity preparedness and response training to minimize clinical disruptions. This work describes the development, execution, and post-exercise assessment of a novel simulation scenario consisting of four interlocking intensive care unit (ICU) patient scenarios. This simulation was designed to demonstrate the management of acute pathologies without access to conventional treatment methods during a cybersecurity incident in order to raise clinician awareness of the increasing incidence and patient safety implications of such events.
Methods: The simulation was developed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, simulation experts, and medical education experts at UCSD School of Medicine. The simulation involves the treatment of four patients, respectively experiencing postoperative hemorrhage, end stage renal disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, and hypoxic respiratory failure, all without access to networked medical resources. The simulation was first executed as part of the proceedings of CyberMed Summit, a healthcare cybersecurity conference in La Jolla, California, on November 19th, 2022. Following the simulation, a debrief session was held with the learner in front of conference attendees, with additional questioning and discussion prompted by attendee input.
Results: Though limited to a single subject by the pilot-study nature of this research, the physician learner successfully identified the acute etiologies and managed the patients’ acute decompensations while lacking access to the hospital’s electronic medical records (EMRs), laboratory results, imaging, and communication systems. Review of footage of the event and post-experience interviews yielded numerous insights on the specific physician-focused challenges and possible solutions to a hospital-infrastructure-crippling cyber attack.
Conclusion: Healthcare cybersecurity incidents are known to result in significant disruption of clinical activities and can be viewed through a patient-safety oriented perspective. Simulation training may be a particularly effective method for raising clinician awareness of and preparedness for these events, though further research is required.
How to Control Unpredictable Others in Court-net Sports
Authors: Yamamoto Yuji , Yokoyama Keiko , Kijima Akifumi , Okumura Motoki , Shima Hiroyuki
Published: April 2024

Competition in sports, unlike cooperation in everyday life, does not involve a single solution because individuals aim to behave unpredictably, thereby preventing others from predicting their actions. This study determined how individuals in court-based sports attempted to control others’ unpredictable behaviors, addressing the gap in previous studies regarding the lack of clarity around strategies employed by individuals in competitive situations. We achieved this by applying a switching hybrid dynamics model, considering external inputs to analyze individual behaviors. Consequently, the study indicates that skilled individuals, in contrast to intermediate players, exhibit greater consistency in their behaviors. These skilled individuals lead others to anticipate their consistency and subsequently employ strategies to disrupt these expectations. This strategy exploits the principles of active human inference, implying that competition involves cooperation. This was revealed by an analysis of both human decision-making and behavior in actual matches as discrete and continuous dynamical systems. This interpersonal strategy could assist policymakers in the field of everyday life to enhance competitiveness. This strategy enables policymakers to adopt new policies that promote cooperation with competitors, ultimately increasing competitiveness in various aspects of our daily lives.
REE Signatures in Quaternary Deposits: Implication for Provenance and Economic Potentials
Authors: Fakolade Richard Omotoso , Ikhane Phillips Rueben , Hao Qinghzen , Ajibade Olumuyiwa Michael , Olisa Olusegun Gbenga , Oyebolu Olalekan Olayiwola
Published: April 2024

The Rare Earth Element (REE) geochemistry of siliciclastic sediment in the Ilaje area, eastern Dahomey basin, southwestern Nigeria was conducted to determine the provenance, their geotectonic setting as well the REE economic potential in the sediments. One hundred (100) samples were collected at various locations within the study area and digested using dilute HCl, HNO3, and other reagents; and evaluated with High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Geochemical analysis results (ppm) revealed concentration ofLa varies from 1.87–21.47 while Ce ranges from 1.16–45.98.Others include; Pr (1.07–39.56), Nd (0.71–26.02), Sm (0.42–12.51), Eu (0.20–4.66), Gd (0.27–8.79), Tb (0.29–3.97), Dy(0.28–3.62), Ho (0.22–2.76), Er(0.29–2.64), Tm (0.33–3.83), Yb(0.37–3.75) and Lu (0.29–3.03) respectively whileThe ∑REE ranges from 2.25 to 6686.75ppm. The REE normalization plot is characterized by an inclined shape which indicates a trend of depletion. The patterns show an enhancement of the Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) and of the Heavy Rare Earth Element (HREE) indicating an upper continental crust sourced materials. The plot also revealed a negative Eu anomaly which may be associated with plagioclase fractionation in the acidic source rocks. The high ∑REE in the sediments has uncovered the economic potential of the sediments as a useful raw material resource for technological advancement.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Ixodid ticks infesting cattle in western India
Authors: Patel Jeemi Arbindbhai , Kumar Binod , Thakre Bhupendrakumar Jamsubhai , Brahmbhatt Nilima Nayankumar , Maharana Biswa Ranjan , Singh Vivek Kumar
Published: April 2024

Ticks are well known for its potential as vectors second only to mosquitoes. They are considered to be the important vectors of many disease-causing pathogens in domesticated animals as well as in humans. For any strategic control of pest or pathogens, their identification and epidemiological knowledge is very much essential. Accordingly, a total of 860 cattle were examined from more than 100 farms, Gausalas and Panjrapoles in four districts of western India where 46.05% (n=396) cattle were found to be infested with ticks. The collected tick samples were examined under stereo-zoom microscope and ticks were identified morphologically as eitherHyalommaanatolicumorRhipicephalus microplus. Which was further confirmed by PCR assay targeting cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene followed by sequence analysis. The interspecific divergence between current isolates ofHy. anatolicumandR. micropluswas 20.9%. The wider range of intraspecific divergence was recorded inR. microplus(0 - 11.7%) compared toHy. anatolicum(0 -1.6%), globally. In phylogenetic analysis Indian isolates ofR. microplusclustered withR. microplusclade C. Additionally, a more applicable test,In-silicofollowed by PCR-RFLP restriction enzyme analysis, was employed to differentiate between the two tick species. Among the total 396 tick infested cattle, significantly higher (p<0.001) number of cattle were found to be infested withH. anatolicum(70.96%, n=281) as compared toR. microplus(51.77%, n=205) whereas, 22.73% (n=90) cattle were found to be infested with mixed tick infestation of both. The study indicate thatHy. anatolicumandR. microplusticks of western region of India is same as other parts of country.
Evaluation of the genetic architecture of human blood metabolites on sudden cardiac arrest: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Tang Xisha , Zhuang Hui Jia , Yu Hai
Published: April 2024

Background
Previous studies supported metabolic disturbances in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) patients. Still, the evidence about the causal role of metabolites in SCA is lacking. We investigated the causality between the two, aiming at providing novel targets for SCA prevention.
Methods
We performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis based on genome-wide association study (GWAS). The summary dataset for 1,091 metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios was obtained from a GWAS including 8,299 participants. The summary datasets for SCA were obtained from the FinnGen consortium (ncases =2,308 and ncontrols =191,924) and the meta-analysis (ncases =3,939 and ncontrols =25,989), respectively. Sensitivity analyses were performed for the assessment of horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. In order to fully verify the causality, we also used Steiger test, linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), and multivariable MR (MVMR).
Results
Through inverse variance weighted (IVW) and sensitivity analysis filtration, five metabolites and one metabolite ratio with causal effects on SCA were identified from the FinnGen consortium, except for one of the metabolites categorized as unknown. After excluding biased SNPs, the causality still remained significant for [N2,N5-diacetylornithine (odds ratio (OR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.22, P = 0.019), ascorbic acid 3-sulfate (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.04–1.30, P = 0.009), uridine to pseudouridine ratio (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.598–0.930, P = 0.009)]. These metabolites still remained significant associations with SCA when combined with the SCA GWAS of meta-analysis.
Conclusions
This MR study presented a unique perspective that might support the causal relationships between human blood metabolites and SCA, offering valuable opportunities to enhance screening, prevention, and therapeutic strategies for SCA. (253)
Global signatures of the human mesenchymal stromal cell secretome: A comparative proteomic analysis of iPSC and tissue-derived MSC secretomes before and after inflammatory licensing
Authors: Hodgson-Garms Margeaux , Moore Matthew , Martino Mikaël , Kelly Kilian , Frith Jessica
Published: April 2024

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are one of the most heavily studied cell therapies worldwide, with much of their therapeutic potential underpinned by their complex secretory profiles. Like MSCs themselves, their secretome varies significantly between donors, sources, and according to microenvironmental cues. As such, there remains a lack of consensus as to the global nature of the MSC secretome, its source-based heterogeneity, and the dynamic changes it undergoes in response to inflammatory licensing. A full understanding of these differences is essential in understanding the mechanisms that drive MSC-based tissue repair and in optimising the properties of MSCs for cell therapies. This study used liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) to characterise and compare the secretomes of 13 MSC lines, sourced from bone marrow (BM.MSCs), umbilical cord (UC.MSCs), and adipose tissue (AT.MSCs), alongside multiple batches of clinical and commercial grade induced pluripotent stem cell derived MSCs (iMSCs), all under both resting and inflammatory licensed conditions. We confirm, for the first time, that iMSCs successfully recapitulate the process of inflammatory licensing, validating their comparability to tissue-derived MSCs and providing important support for their application as an immunotherapy. We identify a global and dichotomous signature of the MSC secretome and inflammatory licensing, where resting secretomes are defined by prominent extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and overrepresentation of pro-regenerative and wound healing processes, while licensed secretomes downregulate these factors in favour of chemotactic and immunosuppressive proteins and immunomodulatory processes. Furthermore, under both resting and licensed conditions, MSC secretomes separate based on source, with iMSC and UC.MSC secretomes more similar to each other, containing higher concentrations of proteins indicating proliferative potential and telomere maintenance, while adult tissue-derived, BM.MSC and AT.MSC secretomes contained more fibrotic and ECM proteins This dataset provides a detailed atlas of resting and licensed MSC secretomes and generates insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences observed between MSC secretomes from different sources or functional states. Going forward, this will inform the design of more effective MSC-based therapies by identifying the most suitable MSC source for a particular application, and allow the development of tailored culture conditions and/or preconditioning methods to enhance the therapeutic potential of these cells, potentially identifying specific factors that can be adapted for pharmaceutical intervention.
Alterations in gut microbiota composition, plasma lipids, and brain activity, suggest inter-connected pathways influencing malnutrition-associated cognitive and neurodevelopmental changes.
Authors: O'Sullivan Justin , Portlock Theo , Sharma Talat , Kakon Shahria , Hartjen Berit , Pook Chris , Wilson Brooke , Bhuttor Ayisha , Ho Daniel , Don Inoli , Engelstad Anne-Michelle , Lorenzo Renata Di , Greaves Garrett , Rahman Navin , Kelsey Caroline , Gluckman Peter , Forrester Terrence , Nelson Charles
Published: April 2024

Malnutrition affects over 30 million children annually and has profound immediate and enduring repercussions, with nearly half of child deaths under five linked to malnutrition. Survivors face lasting consequences, including impaired neurocognitive development, leading to cognitive and behavioural deficits, impacting academic performance and socioeconomic outcomes. Despite extensive literature on malnutrition’s associations with infections, metabolism, microbiome, and genomics, knowledge gaps persist around how these changes are mechanistically connected. The objective of this study was to identify gut microbiome mediated associations between Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and cognitive development. Despite limitations, this study provides evidence supporting the hypothesis that inter-connected pathways between the gut microbiome, microbial metabolism mediate plasma lipids, brain activity, and cognitive functions. Causality between gut microbiome, plasma metabolite changes, and MAM phenotype remains unclear, necessitating further research. However, these findings offer insights to optimize interventions for MAM-associated neurodevelopmental changes.
The Change in Body Temperature, Not Acute-Phase Reaction, Predicts anit-Osteoporosis Efficacy after the First Administration of Zoledronic Acid in a self-control study
Authors: Du Yanping , Yu Weijia , Gou Haixin , Lei Yiming , Zhang Tongkai , Tang Wenjing , Chen Minmin , Li Huilin , Cheng Qun
Published: April 2024

Background:
Acute-phase reactions (APRs) are common among people who are treated for the first time with zoledronate (ZOL). The current view is that both the APRs caused by ZOL and its efficacy are related to the mevalonic acid pathway. However, the relationship between APR and ZOL efficacy remains unclear.
Methods：
This study was a self pre - post control study involving postmenopausal women with osteoporosis in Shanghai, China, for 1 year. A total of 108 patients withan average age of 67.4±5.8 years were treated with 5 mg intravenous ZOL for the first time. Data on demographic characteristics, APRs , blood counts, bone turnover markers, including CTX and PINP, and bone mineral density (BMD) were collected.
Results：
1) The results did not show a relationship between the APRs and changes in bone turnover markers and BMD but showed that changes in body temperature (T) within 3 days after administration were positively correlated with changes in BMD of LS at Month 6 and Month 12 (r=0.304 P<0.05, r=0.387 P<0.01). 2) This effect was mainly mediated by changes in serum CTX (b=0.046, 95% CI [0.0010-0.0091]). 3) TheROC curve showed that when T increased by 1.95°C, the sensitivity and specificity of judging the clinically important change in LS BMD after 1 year were the best.
Conclusions:
In this study, we tested the hypothesis that people with elevated body T after initial ZOL treatment had greater BMD improvements and better outcomes.
Characterization of Language Abilities and Semantic Networks in Very Preterm Children at School-age
Authors: Décaillet Marion , Christensen Alexander P. , Besuchet Laureline , Huguenin-Virchaux Cléo , Fumeaux Céline J. Fischer , Denervaud Solange , Schneider Juliane
Published: April 2024

It has been widely assessed that very preterm children (< 32 weeks gestational age) present language and memory impairments compared to full-term children. However, differences in their underlying semantic memory structure have not been studied yet. Nevertheless, the way concepts are learned and organized across development relates to children’s capacities in retrieving and using information later. Therefore, the semantic memory organization could underlie several cognitive deficits existing in very preterm children. Computational mathematical models offer the possibility to characterize semantic networks through three coefficients; average shortest path length (i.e., distance between concepts), clustering (i.e., local interconnectivity), and modularity (i.e., vocabulary enrichment). Here we assessed these coefficients in 38 very preterm schoolchildren (aged 8–10 years) compared to 38 full-term schoolchildren (aged 7–10 years) based on a verbal fluency task. Using semantic network analysis, very preterm children showed a lower interconnectivity at a local level than full-term children. However, we found no differences between very preterm and full-term children regarding their average shortest path length between concepts and their modularity at a global level. These findings provide preliminary evidence that very preterm children demonstrate subtle impairments in the organization of their semantic network, encouraging the adaptation of the support and education they receive.