bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of age, gender, and migration in shaping adolescent student satisfaction within Chilean schools
Authors: Céspedes Cristian , Leigh Camila , Leigh Enrique , Leihy Peodair , Fuentealba-Urra Sergio , Rubio Andrés , Roy Damarys
Published: June 2024

This study has a quantitative cross-sectional design that aims to investigate the relationships between gender, age, status (migrant or Chilean-born), educational satisfaction, and overall life satisfaction among adolescent students in 7th and 8th grades of the Chilean educational system. The sample includes 406 students from four municipal public educational centers located in the Santiago district of the Metropolitan Region of Chile, with at least 20% migrant enrollment. The data were analyzed using quantitative methods using the R language, with descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation analysis, and independence tests. The packages used were: ggplot2, tidyverse and ggstatplot. The study found that age has an impact on the level of satisfaction with education and relationships formed with peers. Specifically, younger students expressed higher levels of satisfaction in these areas compared to older students. Moreover, foreign students showed a statistically significant difference in relation to age range, suggesting that as these students grow older, they tend to become less satisfied with the relationships they form with their classmates. In contrast, no statistically significant difference was found among Chilean students, indicating that the findings discussed here may not be generalizable to this specific population. The analysis also indicates a significant difference in the entire sample, suggesting a correlation between age range and level of satisfaction with schooling.
Measuring gait parameters from a single chest-worn accelerometer in healthy individuals: a validation study
Authors: Camerlingo N. , Cai X. , Adamowicz L. , Welbourn M. , Psaltos D. J. , Zhang H. , Messere A. , Selig J. , Lin W. , Sheriff P. , Demanuele C. , Santamaria M. , Karahanoglu F. I.
Published: June 2024

Digital health technologies (DHTs) are increasingly being adopted in clinical trials, as they enable objective evaluations of health parameters in free-living environments. Although lumbar accelerometers notably provide reliable gait parameters, embedding accelerometers in chest devices, already used for vital signs monitoring, could capture a more comprehensive picture of participants’ wellbeing, while reducing the burden of multiple devices. Here we assess the validity of gait parameters measured from a chest accelerometer. Twenty healthy adults (13 females, mean ± sd age: 33.9 ± 9.1 years) instrumented with lumbar and chest accelerometers underwent in-lab and outside-lab walking tasks, while monitored with reference devices (an instrumented mat, and a 6-accelerometers set). Gait parameters were extracted from chest and lumbar accelerometers using our open-source Scikit Digital Health gait (SKDH-gait) algorithm, and compared against reference values via Bland–Altman plots, Pearson’s correlation, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Mixed effects regression models were performed to investigate the effect of device, task, and their interaction. Gait parameters derived from chest and lumbar accelerometers showed no significant difference and excellent agreement across all tasks, as well as good-to-excellent agreement and strong correlation against reference values, thus supporting the deployment of a single multimodal chest device in clinical trials, to simultaneously measure gait and vital signs.

Trial Registration: The study was reviewed and approved by the Advarra IRB (protocol number: Pro00043100).
Association between vitamin D insufficiency and depressive symptoms, and functional disability in community-dwelling Brazilian older adults: results from ELSI-Brazil study
Authors: dos Santos Ana Maria Martins , Corrêa Vanessa Pereira , de Avelar Núbia Carelli Pereira , de Oliveira Cesar , Schneider Ione Jayce Ceola
Published: June 2024

Low serum 25(OH)D levels (< 30 nmol/L) have been associated with increased depressive symptom scores over time, and it is believed that functionality may play a mediating role in the relationship between 25(OH)D and depressive symptoms. To comprehend the association between these factors could have significant implications for public health policy. The aim of this study was to verify the association between simultaneous vitamin D insufficiency and depressive symptoms, and functional disability in community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study with data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), collected between 2015 and 2016. The outcomes were functional disability assessed through basic activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The exposures were vitamin D insufficiency (< 30 nmol/L) and depressive symptoms (≥ 4 points in 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression). Crude and adjusted Poisson regression was performed to estimate associations. A total of 1781 community-dwelling older adults included in this study, 14.6% had disability in ADL and 47.9% in IADL; 59.7% had vitamin D insufficient levels, and 33.2% depressive symptoms. The concomitant presence of vitamin D insufficient and depressive symptoms increased the prevalence of ADL by 2.20 (95% CI: 1.25; 3.86) and IADL by 1.54 (95% CI: 1.24; 1.91), respectively. Therefore, preventive strategies to keep older adults physically and socially active, with a good level of vitamin D, are essential to avoid depression and functional disability.
Co-pyrolysis of chicken manure with tree bark for reduced biochar toxicity and enhanced plant growth in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lataf A. , Pecqueur I. , Huybrechts M. , Carleer R. , Rineau F. , Yperman J. , Cuypers A. , Vandamme D.
Published: June 2024

Co-pyrolysis of chicken manure with tree bark was investigated to mitigate salinity and potentially toxic element (PTE) concentrations of chicken manure-derived biochar. The effect of tree bark addition (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 wt%) on the biochar composition, surface functional groups, PTEs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentration in the biochar was evaluated. Biochar-induced toxicity was assessed using an in-house plant growth assay with Arabidopsis thaliana. This study shows that PTE concentrations can be controlled through co-pyrolysis. More than 50 wt% of tree bark must be added to chicken manure to reduce the concentrations below the European Biochar Certificate-AGRO (EBC-AGRO) threshold. However, the amount of PAH does not show a trend with tree bark addition. Furthermore, co-pyrolysis biochar promotes plant growth at different application concentrations, whereas pure application of 100 wt% tree bark or chicken manure biochar results in decreased growth compared to the reference. In addition, increased plant stress was observed for 100 wt% chicken manure biochar. These data indicate that co-pyrolysis of chicken manure and tree bark produces EBC-AGRO-compliant biochar with the potential to stimulate plant growth. Further studies need to assess the effect of these biochars in long-term growth experiments.
A tensor decomposition reveals ageing-induced differences in muscle and grip-load force couplings during object lifting
Authors: Ye Chang , Saboksayr Seyed Saman , Shaw William , Coats Rachel O. , Astill Sarah L. , Mateos Gonzalo , Delis Ioannis
Published: June 2024

Do motor patterns of object lifting movements change as a result of ageing? Here we propose a methodology for the characterization of these motor patterns across individuals of different age groups. Specifically, we employ a bimanual grasp-lift-replace protocol with younger and older adults and combine measurements of muscle activity with grip and load forces to provide a window into the motor strategies supporting effective object lifts. We introduce a tensor decomposition to identify patterns of muscle activity and grip-load force ratios while also characterizing their temporal profiles and relative activation across object weights and participants of different age groups. We then probe age-induced changes in these components. A classification analysis reveals three motor components that are differentially recruited between the two age groups. Linear regression analyses further show that advanced age and poorer manual dexterity can be predicted by the coupled activation of forearm and hand muscles which is associated with high levels of grip force. Our findings suggest that ageing may induce stronger muscle couplings in distal aspects of the upper limbs, and a less economic grasping strategy to overcome age-related decline in manual dexterity.
Metformin drugs under simulated gastric conditions can generate high nitrite-dependent levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine
Authors: Georgescu George Cristian , Cretu-Stancu Mircea , Bucur Octavian
Published: June 2024

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), group 2A carcinogens, were detected in finished drug products, including metformin, ranitidine, sartans and other drugs which caused multiple recalls in the USA and Europe. Important studies also reported the formation of NDMA when ranitidine and nitrite were added to simulated gastric fluid. Our objective was to screen finished drug products from Europe and USA for nitrosamine impurities and investigate the formation of NDMA in metformin finished drug products when added to simulated gastric fluid. One dosage unit of 30 different commercially available drugs, including metformin, sartans, and ranitidine were tested for NDMA, NDEA, and dimethylformamide (DMF) impurities, using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method. Then, 6 metformin finished drug products were tested in stomach conditions for 2 h at 37 °C in a 100 mL solution with a pH of 2.5 and different nitrite concentrations (40, 10, 1, 0.1 mM) and tested for NDMA, and DMF using LC–MS. We measured NDMA, NDEA, and DMF in 30 finished drug products. NDMA and DMF were quantified for metformin drug products in simulated gastric fluid with different nitrite concentrations. None of the 30 drugs showed concerning levels of NDMA, NDEA, or DMF when tested as single tablets. However, when metformin tablets are added to simulated gastric fluid solutions with high nitrite concentrations (40 mM and 10 mM), NDMA can reach amounts of thousands of nanograms per tablet. At the closest concentration to physiologic conditions we used, 1 mM, NDMA is still present in the hundreds of nanograms in some metformin products. In this in vitro study, nitrite concentration had a very important effect on NDMA quantification in metformin tablets added to simulated gastric fluid. 1 mM nitrite caused an increase above the acceptable daily intake set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for some of the metformin drugs. 10 mM, 40 mM nitrite solutions generated NDMA amounts exceeding by more than a hundred times the acceptable daily intake set by the FDA of 96 nanograms. These findings suggest that metformin can react with nitrite in gastric-like conditions and generate NDMA. Thus, patients taking metformin could be exposed to NDMA when high nitrite levels are present in their stomach, and we recommend including a statement within the Patient Package Inserts/Instructions for use.
A comprehensive whole genome database of ethnic minority populations
Authors: He Yan , Lei Changgui , Wan Chanjuan , Zeng Shuang , Zhang Ting , Luo Fei , Li Ruichao , Li Xiaokun , Zhao Anshu , Xiao Defu , Luo Yunyan , Shan Keren , Qi Xiaolan , Jin Xin
Published: June 2024

China, is characterized by its remarkable ethnical diversity, which necessitates whole genome variation data from multiple populations as crucial tools for advancing population genetics and precision medical research. However, there has been a scarcity of research concentrating on the whole genome of ethnic minority groups. To fill this gap, we developed the Guizhou Multi-ethnic Genome Database (GMGD). It comprises whole genome sequencing data from 476 healthy unrelated individuals spanning 11 ethnic minorities groups in Guizhou Province, Southwest China, including Bouyei, Dong, Miao, Yi, Bai, Gelo, Zhuang, Tujia, Yao, Hui, and Sui. The GMGD database comprises more than 16.33 million variants in GRCh38 and 16.20 million variants in GRCh37. Among these, approximately 11.9% (1,956,322) of the variants in GRCh38 and 18.5% (3,009,431) of the variants in GRCh37 are entirely new and do not exist in the dbSNP database. These novel variants shed light on the genetic diversity landscape across these populations, providing valuable insights with an average coverage of 5.5 ×. This makes GMGD the largest genome-wide database encompassing the most diverse ethnic groups to date. The GMGD interactive interface facilitates researchers with multi-dimensional mutation search methods and displays population frequency differences among global populations. Furthermore, GMGD is equipped with a genotype-imputation function, enabling enhanced capabilities for low-depth genomic research or targeted region capture studies. GMGD offers unique insights into the genomic variation landscape of different ethnic groups, which are freely accessible at https://db.cngb.org/pop/gmgd/.
Longitudinally changed diet quality scores and their association with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases in the EPIC-Potsdam study
Authors: Jannasch Franziska , Nickel Daniela V. , Kuxhaus Olga , Schulze Matthias B.
Published: June 2024

Association analyses between longitudinal changes in diet quality scores (DQIs) and cardiometabolic risk remain scarce. Hence, we aimed to investigate how changes in two DQIs are associated with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D), myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke in the EPIC-Potsdam study. Changes in the Mediterranean Pyramid Score (MedPyr) and Healthy Diet Score (HDS) over 7 years from baseline (1994–1998) to follow-up 3 (2001–2005) were investigated in 23,548 middle-aged participants. Adjusted Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models were applied to investigate associations between changes in MedPyr and HDS and chronic disease incidence. More than 60% of the participants increased both DQIs more than 5%. Within a median follow-up time of 5 years 568 cases of T2D, 171 of MI, 189 of stroke were verified. An increased compared to stable MedPyr was associated with lower T2D risk (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.59–0.92), while a decreased MedPyr was associated with higher stroke risk (HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.02–2.72). A decreased compared to stable HDS was associated with higher stroke risk (HR 1.80; 95% CI 1.02–3.20). The findings contribute further evidence on advantages of changing dietary intake towards a Mediterranean Diet. Although baseline HDS adherence was associated with T2D and stroke risk, longitudinal changes in HDS were only significantly associated with stroke risk.
On straightness measurements of large CNC machine tools
Authors: ElMelegy Ahmed , Zahwi Sarwat , Sobhy Ahmed
Published: June 2024

The CNC (computerized numerically controlled) machines are widespread in use due to their high capability of precise manufacturing in industrial production. They have a wide range of designs depending on the working capacity in manufacturing. The associated form errors in large-capacity CNC machines during production shall be identified and corrected or eliminated. This study presents an investigation of one of the main form errors that may affect the manufacturing precision of these machines. This error type is a straightness error with both two kinds of horizontal and vertical errors. The study is carried out for a vertical turning center CNC machine type. The straightness errors are measured for the X axis at different latches in the Z direction and for the Z axis at three positions in the X direction with multi-displacement steps. Different algorithms are used in the determination of straightness errors. The X-axis has minimum horizontal straightness errors at latch Nr. 3 and minimum vertical straightness errors at latch Nr. 5. For the Z axis, the minimum values for horizontal and vertical straightness errors exist when the spindle is located 1200 mm away from the machining center to the right. The displacement steps have a significant impact on the determination of straightness errors.
Advanced optical assessment and modeling of extrusion bioprinting
Authors: Lamberger Zan , Schubert Dirk W. , Buechner Margitta , Cabezas Nathaly Chicaiza , Schrüfer Stefan , Murenu Nicoletta , Schaefer Natascha , Lang Gregor
Published: June 2024

In the context of tissue engineering, biofabrication techniques are employed to process cells in hydrogel-based matrices, known as bioinks, into complex 3D structures. The aim is the production of functional tissue models or even entire organs. The regenerative production of biological tissues adheres to a multitude of criteria that ultimately determine the maturation of a functional tissue. These criteria are of biological nature, such as the biomimetic spatial positioning of different cell types within a physiologically and mechanically suitable matrix, which enables tissue maturation. Furthermore, the processing, a combination of technical procedures and biological materials, has proven highly challenging since cells are sensitive to stress, for example from shear and tensile forces, which may affect their vitality. On the other hand, high resolutions are pursued to create optimal conditions for subsequent tissue maturation. From an analytical perspective, it is prudent to first investigate the printing behavior of bioinks before undertaking complex biological tests. According to our findings, conventional shear rheological tests are insufficient to fully characterize the printing behavior of a bioink. For this reason, we have developed optical methods that, complementarily to the already developed tests, allow for quantification of printing quality and further viscoelastic modeling of bioinks.
Multivariate testing and effect size measures for batch effect evaluation in radiomic features
Authors: Horng Hannah , Scott Christopher , Winham Stacey , Jensen Matthew , Pantalone Lauren , Mankowski Walter , Kerlikowske Karla , Vachon Celine M. , Kontos Despina , Shinohara Russell T.
Published: June 2024

While precision medicine applications of radiomics analysis are promising, differences in image acquisition can cause “batch effects” that reduce reproducibility and affect downstream predictive analyses. Harmonization methods such as ComBat have been developed to correct these effects, but evaluation methods for quantifying batch effects are inconsistent. In this study, we propose the use of the multivariate statistical test PERMANOVA and the Robust Effect Size Index (RESI) to better quantify and characterize batch effects in radiomics data. We evaluate these methods in both simulated and real radiomics features extracted from full-field digital mammography (FFDM) data. PERMANOVA demonstrated higher power than standard univariate statistical testing, and RESI was able to interpretably quantify the effect size of site at extremely large sample sizes. These methods show promise as more powerful and interpretable methods for the detection and quantification of batch effects in radiomics studies.
Trajectory-based global sensitivity analysis in multiscale models
Authors: Bazyleva Valentina , Garibay Victoria M. , Roy Debraj
Published: June 2024

This research introduces a novel global sensitivity analysis (GSA) framework for agent-based models (ABMs) that explicitly handles their distinctive features, such as multi-level structure and temporal dynamics. The framework uses Grassmannian diffusion maps to reduce output data dimensionality and sparse polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) to compute sensitivity indices for stochastic input parameters. To demonstrate the versatility of the proposed GSA method, we applied it to a non-linear system dynamics model and epidemiological and economic ABMs, depicting different dynamics. Unlike traditional GSA approaches, the proposed method enables a more general estimation of parametric sensitivities spanning from the micro level (individual agents) to the macro level (entire population). The new framework encourages the use of manifold-based techniques in uncertainty quantification, enhances understanding of complex spatio-temporal processes, and equips ABM practitioners with robust tools for detailed model analysis. This empowers them to make more informed decisions when developing, fine-tuning, and verifying models, thereby advancing the field and improving routine practice for GSA in ABMs.
Nasal cathelicidin is expressed in early life and is increased during mild, but not severe respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Sintoris Sofia , Binkowska Justyna M. , Gillan Jonathan L. , Zuurbier Roy P. , Twynam-Perkins Jonathan , Kristensen Maartje , Melrose Lauren , Parga Paula Lusaretta , Rodriguez Alicia Ruiz , Chu Mei Ling , van Boeckel Sara R. , Wildenbeest Joanne G. , Bowdish Dawn M. E. , Currie Andrew J. , Thwaites Ryan S. , Schwarze Jurgen , van Houten Marlies A. , Boardman James P. , Cunningham Steve , Bogaert Debby , Davidson Donald J.
Published: June 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus is the major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in young children, causing extensive mortality and morbidity globally, with limited therapeutic or preventative options. Cathelicidins are innate immune antimicrobial host defence peptides and have antiviral activity against RSV. However, upper respiratory tract cathelicidin expression and the relationship with host and environment factors in early life, are unknown. Infant cohorts were analysed to characterise early life nasal cathelicidin levels, revealing low expression levels in the first week of life, with increased levels at 9 months which are comparable to 2-year-olds and healthy adults. No impact of prematurity on nasal cathelicidin expression was observed, nor were there effects of sex or birth mode, however, nasal cathelicidin expression was lower in the first week-of-life in winter births. Nasal cathelicidin levels were positively associated with specific inflammatory markers and demonstrated to be associated with microbial community composition. Importantly, levels of nasal cathelicidin expression were elevated in infants with mild RSV infection, but, in contrast, were not upregulated in infants hospitalised with severe RSV infection. These data suggest important relationships between nasal cathelicidin, upper airway microbiota, inflammation, and immunity against RSV infection, with interventional potential.
Insights into structure, codon usage, repeats, and RNA editing of the complete mitochondrial genome of Perilla frutescens (Lamiaceae)
Authors: Wang Ru , Luo Yongjian , Lan Zheng , Qiu Daoshou
Published: June 2024

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, a member of the Lamiaceae family, stands out as a versatile plant highly valued for its unique aroma and medicinal properties. Additionally, P. frutescens seeds are rich in Îś-linolenic acid, holding substantial economic importance. While the nuclear and chloroplast genomes of P. frutescens have already been documented, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence remains unreported. To this end, the sequencing, annotation, and assembly of the entire Mitochondrial genome of P. frutescens were hereby conducted using a combination of Illumina and PacBio data. The assembled P. frutescens mitochondrial genome spanned 299,551 bp and exhibited a typical circular structure, involving a GC content of 45.23%. Within the genome, a total of 59 unique genes were identified, encompassing 37 protein-coding genes, 20 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. Additionally, 18 introns were observed in 8 protein-coding genes. Notably, the codons of the P. frutescens mitochondrial genome displayed a notable A/T bias. The analysis also revealed 293 dispersed repeat sequences, 77 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and 6 tandem repeat sequences. Moreover, RNA editing sites preferentially produced leucine at amino acid editing sites. Furthermore, 70 sequence fragments (12,680 bp) having been transferred from the chloroplast to the mitochondrial genome were identified, accounting for 4.23% of the entire mitochondrial genome. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that among Lamiaceae plants, P. frutescens is most closely related to Salvia
miltiorrhiza and Platostoma chinense. Meanwhile, inter-species Ka/Ks results suggested that Ka/Ks

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for 28 PCGs, indicating that these genes were evolving under purifying selection. Overall, this study enriches the mitochondrial genome data for P. frutescens and forges a theoretical foundation for future molecular breeding research.
Investigation on the influence of the skin tone on hyperspectral imaging for free flap surgery
Authors: Pachyn Ester , Aumiller Maximilian , Freymüller Christian , Linek Matthäus , Volgger Veronika , Buchner Alexander , Rühm Adrian , Sroka Ronald
Published: June 2024

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a new emerging modality useful for the noncontact assessment of free flap perfusion. This measurement technique relies on the optical properties within the tissue. Since the optical properties of hemoglobin (Hb) and melanin overlap, the results of the perfusion assessment and other tissue-specific parameters are likely to be distorted by the melanin, especially at higher melanin concentrations. Many spectroscopic devices have been shown to struggle with a melanin related bias, which results in a clinical need to improve non-invasive perfusion assessment, especially for a more pigmented population. This study investigated the influence of skin tones on tissue indices measurements using HSI. In addition, other factors that might affect HSI, such as age, body mass index (BMI), sex or smoking habits, were also considered. Therefore, a prospective feasibility study was conducted, including 101 volunteers from whom tissue indices measurements were performed on 16 different body sites. Skin tone classification was performed using the Fitzpatrick skin type classification questionnaire, and the individual typology angle (ITA) acquired from the RGB images was calculated simultaneously with the measurements. Tissue indices provided by the used HSI-device were correlated to the possible influencing factors. The results show that a dark skin tone and, therefore, higher levels of pigmentation influence the HSI-derived tissue indices. In addition, possible physiological factors influencing the HSI-measurements were found. In conclusion, the HSI-based tissue indices can be used for perfusion assessment for people with lighter skin tone levels but show limitations in people with darker skin tones. Furthermore, it could be used for a more individual perfusion assessment if different physiological influencing factors are respected.
Homeobox and Polycomb target gene methylation in human solid tumors
Authors: Blanchett Reid , Lau Kin H. , Pfeifer Gerd P.
Published: June 2024

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that plays an important role in defining cancer phenotypes, with global hypomethylation and focal hypermethylation at CpG islands observed in tumors. These methylation marks can also be used to define tumor types and provide an avenue for biomarker identification. The homeobox gene class is one that has potential for this use, as well as other genes that are Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 targets. To begin to unravel this relationship, we performed a pan-cancer DNA methylation analysis using sixteen Illumina HM450k array datasets from TCGA, delving into cancer-specific qualities and commonalities between tumor types with a focus on homeobox genes. Our comparisons of tumor to normal samples suggest that homeobox genes commonly harbor significant hypermethylated differentially methylated regions. We identified two homeobox genes, HOXA3 and HOXD10, that are hypermethylated in all 16 cancer types. Furthermore, we identified several potential homeobox gene biomarkers from our analysis that are uniquely methylated in only one tumor type and that could be used as screening tools in the future. Overall, our study demonstrates unique patterns of DNA methylation in multiple tumor types and expands on the interplay between the homeobox gene class and oncogenesis.
Railway contactless checkout process with identification assisted by gait recognition
Authors: Li Beibei , Zhu Jiansheng , Li Wen
Published: June 2024

With business process optimization, technological advancement, equipment capability enhancement, and other means, the Railway Passenger Service Department in China is consistently working to improve the efficiency and convenience of passenger entry and exit procedures at railway stations. Concerning passengers’ checkout, not only conventional identification approaches based on manual control, identification card, and magnetic thermal paper ticket are supported, but also a recent contactless identification process based on face recognition is applied in some stations. To further improve the contactless identification ability for checkout, an advanced contactless checkout process based on gait-augmented face recognition is innovatively put forward, in which a weakly-supervised body segmentation network named Dwsegnet and an improved GaitSet model are proposed. Through comparison with various models, the effectiveness of both Dwsegnet and the improved GaitSet is validated. Specifically, the contactless identification rate of gait-augmented face recognition is improved by 2.31% when compared to single-modal face recognition, which demonstrates the superiority of the proposed process.
Hyperthyroidism increases the risk of osteoarthritis in individuals aged 60–80 years
Authors: Zhao Jinlong , Liang Haodong , Liang Guihong , Hong Kunhao , Yang Weiyi , Luo Minghui , Zeng Lingfeng , Liu Jun
Published: June 2024

To elucidate the currently unknown relationship between hyperthyroidism and osteoarthritis (OA). During 2007–2012, 7,433 participants (hyperthyroidism patients = 125; OA patients = 675) were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. We used a weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis to assess the association between hyperthyroidism and OA. We also assessed the causality of that relationship using publicly available genome-wide association study data and three Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis methods. The heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out tests were used for sensitivity analysis. In this cross-sectional study, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found that hyperthyroidism significantly (P = 0.018) increased the risk of OA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–4.17). Age-stratified analysis revealed that hyperthyroidism was associated with a greater risk of OA in the 60–80-year-old age group (OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.46–5.59, P = 0.002), with no significant association in the 18–59-year-old age group (all P > 0.05). The results of the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis showed that hyperthyroidism increased the risk of OA (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04–1.46; P = 0.017). The weighted median estimator (WME) and MR-Egger method also confirmed this causal association (OR = 1.27 and OR = 1.32, respectively). The sensitivity analysis results confirmed the reliability of this conclusion. In addition, IVW-based reverse-MR analysis revealed that OA did not increase the risk of hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97–1.08; P = 0.449). Hyperthyroidism is associated with an increased risk of OA, but the underlying pathological mechanism still needs to be clarified in future research.
The Nurr1 ligand indole acetic acid hydrazide loaded onto ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles suppresses proinflammatory gene expressions in SimA9 microglial cells
Authors: Qasim Raneen , Thiab Tuqa Abu , Alhindi Tareq , Al-Hunaiti Afnan , Imraish Amer
Published: June 2024

The nuclear receptor-related factor 1 (Nurr1), an orphan nuclear receptor in microglia, has been recognized as a major player in attenuating the transcription of the pro-inflammatory genes to maintain CNS homeostasis. In this study, we investigate Nurr1 trans-repression activity by targeting this receptor with one of the indole derivatives 3-Indole acetic acid hydrazide (IAAH) loaded onto zinc iron oxide (ZnFe2O4) NPs coated with PEG. XRD, SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and DLS were used to characterize the synthesized IAAH-NPs. The anti-inflammatory properties of IAAH-NPs on LPS-stimulated SimA9 microglia were assayed by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expressions and protein levels using RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. As a result, IAAH-NPs showed an ability to suppress pro-inflammatory genes, including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated SimA9 via targeting Nurr1. The current study suggests that ZnFe2O4 NPs as a delivery system can increase the efficiency of cellular uptake and enhance the IAAH ability to inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, we demonstrate that IAAH-NPs is a potential modulator of Nurr1 that combines nanotechnology as a delivery system to suppress neuroinflammation in CNS which opens a window for possible ambitious neuroprotective therapeutic approaches to neuro disorders.
Outcomes and factors associated with prolonged stays among patients admitted to adult intensive care unit in a resource-limited setting: a multicenter chart review
Authors: Bekele Tola Getachew , Melaku Birhanu , Demisse Lemlem Beza , Abza Legese Fekede , Assen Awol Seid
Published: June 2024

The length of stay in an intensive care unit is used as a benchmark for measuring resource consumption and quality of care and predicts a higher risk of readmission. The study aimed to assess the outcome and factors associated with prolonged intensive care unit stays among those admitted to adult intensive care units of selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. A multicenter retrospective chart review was conducted involving 409 adult patients. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with a prolonged stay and chi-square tests were used to assess associations and differences in outcomes for prolonged stays. The study, involving 409 of 421 individuals, revealed a predominantly male (55.0%) and the median age of study participants was 38, with an interquartile range (27, 55). Approximately 16.9% experienced prolonged stays, resulting in a 43.5% mortality rate. After adjustments for confounders, there were significant associations with prolonged stays for sedative/hypnotics, readmission, and complications. The study revealed that for every six patients admitted to the intensive care unit, one patient stayed longer, with nearly half experiencing mortality, demanding increased attention. The study emphasized the critical need for improvement in addressing associations between sedative/hypnotics, readmissions, complications, and prolonged stays.
Artificial neural network based on strong track and square root UKF for INS/GNSS intelligence integrated system during GPS outage
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Xueyao , Zhang Nan , Gao Zhaohui , Li Yingliang
Published: June 2024

When INS/GNSS (inertial navigation system/global navigation satellite system) integrated system is applied, it will be affected by the insufficient number of visible satellites, and even the satellite signal will be lost completely. At this time, the positioning error of INS accumulates with time, and the navigation accuracy decreases rapidly. Therefore, in order to improve the performance of INS/GNSS integration during the satellite signals interruption, a novel learning algorithm for neural network has been presented and used for intelligence integrated system in this article. First of all, determine the input and output of neural network for intelligent integrated system and a nonlinear model for weighs updating during neural network learning has been established. Then, the neural network learning based on strong tracking and square root UKF (unscented Kalman filter) is proposed for iterations of the nonlinear model. In this algorithm, the square root of the state covariance matrix is used to replace the covariance matrix in the classical UKF to avoid the filter divergence caused by the negative definite state covariance matrix. Meanwhile, the strong tracking coefficient is introduced to adjust the filter gain in real-time and improve the tracking capability to mutation state. Finally, an improved calculation method of strong tracking coefficient is presented to reduce the computational complexity in this algorithm. The results of the simulation test and the field-positioning data show that the proposed learning algorithm could improve the calculation stability and robustness of neural network. Therefore, the error accumulation of INS/GNSS integration is effectively compensated, and then the positioning accuracy of INS/GNSS intelligence integrated system has been improved.
Genome-wide identification of starch phosphorylase gene family in Rosa chinensis and expression in response to abiotic stress
Authors: Li Xu , Chen Yang , Zhang Zaiqi , He Qin , Tian Tingting , Jiao Yangmiao , Cao Liang
Published: June 2024

Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis) is an important ornamental plant, with economic, cultural, and symbolic significance. During the application of outdoor greening, adverse environments such as high temperature and drought are often encountered, which affect its application scope and ornamental quality. The starch phosphorylase (Pho) gene family participate in the synthesis and decomposition of starch, not only related to plant energy metabolism, but also plays an important role in plant stress resistance. The role of Pho in combating salinity and high temperature stress in R. chinensis remains unknown. In this work, 4 Phos from R. chinensis were detected with Pfam number of Pho (PF00343.23) and predicted by homolog-based prediction (HBP). The Phos are characterized by sequence lengths of 821 to 997 bp, and the proteins are predicted to subcellularly located in the plastid and cytoplasm. The regulatory regions of the Phos contain abundant stress and phytohormone-responsive cis-acting elements. Based on transcriptome analysis, the Phos were found to respond to abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity, high temperature, and plant phytohormone of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. The response of Phos to abiotic stress factors such as salinity and high temperature was confirmed by qRT-PCR analysis. To evaluate the genetic characteristics of Phos, a total of 69 Phos from 17 species were analyzed and then classified into 3 groups in phylogenetic tree. The collinearity analysis of Phos in R. chinensis and other species was conducted for the first time. This work provides a view of evolution for the Pho gene family and indicates that Phos play an important role in abiotic stress response of R. chinensis.
The influence of Chinese typography on information dissemination in graphic design: based on eye-tracking data
Authors: Chen Weilong , Yang Jiqiang , Wang Yiluo
Published: June 2024

The arrangement of Chinese characters has a significant impact on the visual effect and information dissemination in graphic design. In traditional Chinese layout, vertical arrangement of characters is predominant, but in recent times, there has been a gradual transition towards horizontal arrangement. To compare the influence of different character arrangement forms on visual meaning generation and information dissemination, This study employed an eye-tracking experiment to investigate two common Chinese character layouts in posters—horizontal and vertical, and collected data such as eye-tracking heatmap, pupil diameter and eye-tracking trajectory map. Based on objective eye-tracking data, combined with post-test interviews and questionnaire surveys, it was found that vertical character arrangement in Chinese typography is more effective in attracting visual attention and facilitating the expression and stimulating interest in viewing/reading under the premise of meeting formal requirements, which may provide guidance and inspiration for the practical application of Chinese characters in layout design, advertising design, packaging design, exhibition design, UI design, and other related fields.
Optimal key forwarding strategy in QKD behaviours
Authors: Popa Alin-Bogdan , Popescu Pantelimon George
Published: June 2024

Nowadays QKD plays a critical role in unconditionally-secure and quantum-safe key distribution. Commercially available QKD devices are getting more popular for institutional and governmental national and international networks, but are expensive and offer limited key rates. We provide a formalization of QKD-generated key forwarding and redistribution at the KMS level by extending the network graph of physical QKD links to the complete graph with logical links, and we investigate its application on three practical scalable scenarios (all-to-all, one-to-all, one-to-one). We define a maximization goal for each scenario, and provide a linear programming problem statement to compute the optimal redistribution. We perform an extensive analysis of the algorithm in terms of forwarding results and key consumption on simulated QKD networks and discuss the implications of network size and graph topology on the algorithm’s performance and complexity.
Structural and biophysical insights into targeting of claudin-4 by a synthetic antibody fragment
Authors: Erramilli Satchal K. , Dominik Pawel K. , Ogbu Chinemerem P. , Kossiakoff Anthony A. , Vecchio Alex J.
Published: June 2024

Claudins are a 27-member family of ~25 kDa membrane proteins that integrate into tight junctions to form molecular barriers at the paracellular spaces between endothelial and epithelial cells. As the backbone of tight junction structure and function, claudins are attractive targets for modulating tissue permeability to deliver drugs or treat disease. However, structures of claudins are limited due to their small sizes and physicochemical properties—these traits also make therapy development a challenge. Here we report the development of a synthetic antibody fragment (sFab) that binds human claudin-4 and the determination of a high-resolution structure of it bound to claudin-4/enterotoxin complexes using cryogenic electron microscopy. Structural and biophysical results reveal this sFabs mechanism of select binding to human claudin-4 over other homologous claudins and establish the ability of sFabs to bind hard-to-target claudins to probe tight junction structure and function. The findings provide a framework for tight junction modulation by sFabs for tissue-selective therapies.
Dissociable effects of dopaminergic medications on depression symptom dimensions in Parkinson disease
Authors: Costello Harry , Schrag Anette-Eleonore , Howard Robert , Roiser Jonathan P.
Published: June 2024

Depression in Parkinson disease (PD) is common, is disabling and responds poorly to standard antidepressants. Motivational symptoms of depression are particularly prevalent in PD and emerge with loss of dopaminergic innervation of the striatum. Optimizing dopaminergic treatment for PD can improve depressive symptoms. However, the differential effect of antiparkinsonian medication on symptom dimensions of depression is not known. Using data from a large (n = 412) longitudinal study of patients with newly diagnosed PD followed over 5 years, we investigated whether there are dissociable effects of dopaminergic medications on different depression symptom dimensions in PD. Previously validated ‘motivation’ and ‘depression’ dimensions were derived from the 15-item geriatric depression scale. Dopaminergic neurodegeneration was measured using repeated striatal dopamine transporter imaging. We identified dissociable associations between dopaminergic medications and different dimensions of depression in PD. Dopamine agonists were shown to be effective for treatment of motivational symptoms of depression. In contrast, monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors improved both depressive and motivation symptoms, albeit the latter effect is attenuated in patients with more severe striatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
DUSP6 inhibition overcomes neuregulin/HER3-driven therapy tolerance in HER2+ breast cancer
Authors: Momeny Majid , Tienhaara Mari , Sharma Mukund , Chakroborty Deepankar , Varjus Roosa , Takala Iina , Merisaari Joni , Padzik Artur , Vogt Andreas , Paatero Ilkka , Elenius Klaus , Laajala Teemu D , Kurppa Kari J , Westermarck Jukka
Published: June 2024

Despite clinical benefits of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in cancer, most tumors can reactivate proliferation under TKI therapy. Here we present transcriptional profiling of HER2+ breast cancer cells transitioning from dormant drug tolerant cells to re-proliferating cells under continuous HER2 inhibitor (HER2i) therapy. Focusing on phosphatases, expression of dual-specificity phosphatase DUSP6 was found inhibited in dormant cells, but strongly induced upon regrowth. DUSP6 expression also selectively associated with poor patient survival in HER2+ breast cancers. DUSP6 overexpression conferred apoptosis resistance, whereas its pharmacological blockade prevented therapy tolerance development under HER2i therapy. DUSP6 targeting also synergized with clinically used HER2i combination therapies. Mechanistically DUSP6 is a positive regulator of HER3 expression, and its impact on HER2i tolerance was mediated by neuregulin-HER3 axis. In vivo, genetic targeting of DUSP6 reduced tumor growth in brain metastasis model, whereas its pharmacological targeting induced synthetic lethal therapeutic effect in combination with HER2i. Collectively this work demonstrates that DUSP6 drives escape from HER2i-induced dormancy, and that DUSP6 is a druggable target to overcome HER3-driven TKI resistance.
PYTA: a universal chelator for advancing the theranostic palette of nuclear medicine
Authors: Simms Megan E. , Li Zhiyao , Sibley Megan M. , Ivanov Alexander S. , Lara Caroline M. , Johnstone Timothy C. , Kertesz Vilmos , Fears Amanda , White Frankie D. , Thorek Daniel L. J. , Thiele Nikki A.
Published: June 2024

PYTA is demonstrated to rapidly and stably complex 225Ac, 177Lu, 111In, and 44Sc, a “superfecta” of complementary but chemically distinct radiometals for targeted theranostic applications.
Quantitative analysis of spectral data based on stochastic configuration networks
Authors: Zhang Lixin , Huang Zhensheng , Zhang Xiao
Published: June 2024

In quantitative analysis of spectral data, traditional linear models have fewer parameters and faster computation speed.
Emerging investigator series: nontargeted screening of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists in endangered beluga whales from the St. Lawrence Estuary: beyond legacy contaminants
Authors: Barrett Holly , Sun Jianxian , Chen Yuhao , Yang Diwen , Verreault Jonathan , Houde Magali , Wania Frank , Peng Hui
Published: June 2024

Higher AhR activity measured in endangered SLE belugas compared to Arctic belugas was attributed to their exposure to polar contaminants.
Facile mechanochemical synthesis of hypervalent tin(iv)-fused azo/azomethine compounds showing solid-state emission
Authors: Gon Masayuki , Kato Taichi , Tanimura Kazuya , Hotta Chiaki , Tanaka Kazuo
Published: June 2024

We demonstrated solvent- and catalyst-free mechanochemical synthesis of hypervalent tin(iv) compounds for luminescent materials without purification.
Theoretical insights into single-atom catalysts for improved charging and discharging kinetics of Na–S and Na–Se batteries
Authors: Jakhar Mukesh , Barone Veronica , Ding Yi
Published: June 2024

Density functional theory simulations were employed to investigate the charging and discharging kinetics of Na–S and Na–Se electrodes by utilizing single transition metal atoms supported on reduced graphitic carbon nitride surfaces.
Role of four-phonon processes in thermal conductivity of two-dimensional materials and thermal-transport enhancement arising from interconnected nanofiller networks in polymer/nanofiller composites
Authors: Danayat Swapneel , Mona Zarin Tasnim , Nayal Avinash Singh , Annam Roshan Sameer , Garg Jivtesh
Published: June 2024

Four phonon scattering leads to a large reduction in the thermal conductivity of 2D materials due to strong scattering of ZA phonon modes. Interconnected filler networks lead to high polymer thermal conductivities through percolative heat conduction.