bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atlas of eccDNA in Mus musculus reveals intron and isoform gene-density dependent protection of transcription-induced eccDNA formation
Authors: Regenberg Birgitte , Tané Gerard , Liang Xue , Qin Yating , González Lucía , Tümmler Maria , Ma Jie , Holt Sylvester , Han Peng , Luo Yonglun , Ruiz-Herrera Aurora , Pilegaard Henriette
Published: February 2024

EccDNA is a driver of many cancers and a potential intermediate in other age-related disorders. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying eccDNA formation in healthy tissue and how age affects these processes. We generated an Atlas of eccDNA across seven tissues of mice spanning four ages. EccDNA was overrepresented from open chromatin characterized by signatures of H3K27ac and H3K4me1 in 3 and 12-month-old mice but not in 22-month-old mice. The mutational load of eccDNA on genes increased logarithmically as a function of transcription and this phenomenon was enhanced as mitotically active tissue aged. Still, a population of intron-dense genes with many splice forms was sheltered from eccDNA formation. We also found that the number of eccDNA did not increase as mice aged, unlike other types of mutations. Our data reveal a link between eccDNA formation, transcript level and aging that might have driven gene architecture in mammals.
Physicochemical, Micronutrient and Fatty Acid Compositions of Some Selected Mayonnaise Samples in Nsukka, Nigeria
Authors: Chinenye Chinelo Nkwocha , Felix Joshua Ogah , Ekeanyanwu Raphael
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The chemical makeup of mayonnaise, a distinctive type of spread and food dressing formed with an oil-in-water emulsion, was examined.
Methods: For this investigation, a total of six distinct mayonnaise samples were used. Standard techniques and GCMS were used to examine the physicochemical, fatty acid, and micronutrient contents of the mayonnaise samples.
Results: The findings indicated that the mayonnaise samples contained the following range of physicochemical characteristics: iodine value (33.1098 ± 0.473 to 35.1022 ± 0.620 g I2/100g), acid value (27.7824 ± 0.5774 to 29.1121 ± 0.588 mgKOH/g), peroxide value (14.6000 ± 0.5774 to 16.4000 ± 0.5774 meqO2/kg), saponification value (190.9843 ± 0.5774 to 225.1288 ± 3.0550 mgKOH/g), melting point (8.0000 ± 0.5774 to 10.2214 ± 0.5774 ᵒC). According to the fatty acid profile, the different mayonnaise samples differ in their proportions of linolenic acid, lauric acid, tetracosapentanoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, myristic acid, eicosadecanoic acid, oleic acid, and docosapentanoic acid. The mayonnaise samples contained various levels of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K as well as minerals like copper, iron, zinc, and manganese. Conclusion: The results of the nutritional features of the various mayonnaise samples, showed that it contained various essential nutrients useful in developing healthy – oriented diets and improve food quality.
Machine learning-based exploration of enzyme-substrate networks: SET8-mediated methyllysine and its changing impact within cancer proteomes
Authors: Biggar Kyle , Ridgeway Nashira , Chopra Anand , Lukinovic Valentina , Feldman Michal , Charih Francois , Levy Dan , Green James
Published: February 2024

The exploration of post-translational modifications (PTMs) within the proteome is pivotal for advancing disease and cancer therapeutics. However, identifying genuine PTM sites amid numerous candidates is challenging. Integrating machine learning (ML) models with high-throughput in vitro peptide synthesis has introduced an ML-hybrid search methodology, enhancing enzyme-substrate selection prediction. In this study we have developed a ML-hybrid search methodology to better predict enzyme-substrate selection. This model achieved a 37.4% experimentally validated precision, unveiling 885 SET8 candidate methylation sites in the human proteome—marking a 19-fold accuracy increase over traditional in vitro methods. Mass spectrometry analysis confirmed the methylation status of several sites, responding positively to SET8 overexpression in mammalian cells. This approach to substrate discovery has also shed light on the changing SET8-regulated substrate network in breast cancer, revealing a predicted gain (376) and loss (62) of substrates due to missense mutations. By unraveling enzyme selection features, this approach offers transformative potential, revolutionizing enzyme-substrate discovery across diverse PTMs while capturing crucial biochemical substrate properties.
Carbon-Free Fuels Can Increase Aviation-Induced Cloudiness
Authors: Vasel-Be-Hagh Ahmad , Cannon Trevor , Hagan Ty , Kramer Trevor , Schafer David , Meeks Spencer , Medlin Ryan , Roland Devin , Roberts Rory
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the potential of a newly introduced carbon-free, ammonia-powered propulsion system in contrast to conventional propulsions powered by jet fuel in forming condensation trails (contrails). Contrail formation in an airplane's wake relies on two main prerequisites. Firstly, the system's thermodynamics must lead to supersaturation. Secondly, aerosol particles must be present to provide surfaces for solidification, enabling the formation of visible ice crystals. While this study primarily analyzes the first requirement, it leverages the insights gained to comment on the second prerequisite, arguing that although ammonia does not generate soot particles, it dramatically warms the critical temperature required for supersaturation. Therefore, given that aerosol particles are consistently generated or released into the atmosphere through natural and human-made processes, which is why natural clouds can form anyway, increased critical temperatures caused by ammonia result in contrails that would not occur if jet fuel were employed. Hence, while ammonia's contrail might not be as dense as jet fuel's as it lacks soot particles in the exhaust gas, it can form at lower altitudes where the air is warmer. Moreover, it can endure longer due to the increased water content, which preserves supersaturation for longer as fresh air dilutes the contrail.
Engineering TadA ortholog-derived cytosine base editor without motif preference and adenosine activity limitation
Authors: Zhou Yingsi , Li Guoling , Dong Xue , Luo Jiamin , Li Tong , Zhao Guoli , Zhang Hainan , Zhou Jingxing , Cui Shuna , Zeng Zhenhai , Wang Haoqiang , Wang Yin , Yu Yuyang , Yuan Yuan , Xu Chunlong , Huang Jinhai
Published: February 2024

The engineered TadA variants used in cytosine base editors (CBEs) present unique advantages, including a smaller size and fewer off-target effects compared to cytosine base editors that rely on natural deaminases. However, the current TadA variants demonstrate a preference for base editing in DNA with specific motif sequences and possess dual deaminase activity, acting on both cytosine and adenosine in adjacent positions, limiting their application scope. To address these issues, we employed TadA orthologs screening and multi sequence alignment (MSA)-guided protein engineering techniques to create a highly effective cytosine base editor (aTdCBE) without motif and adenosine deaminase activity limitations. Notably, the delivery of aTdCBE to a humanized mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mice achieved robust exon 55 skipping and restoration of dystrophin expression. Our advancement in engineering TadA ortholog for cytosine editing enrich the base editing toolkits for gene-editing therapy and other potential applications.
Combining clinically common drugs with hindlimb stretching in spinal cord injured rodents
Authors: Magnuson David , Forston Morgan , Jordan Savannah , Cesarz Greta , Burke Darlene , Shum-Siu Alice , Petruska Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2024

Study Design: Preclinical pilot study.
Objectives: To explore peripheral and central nociceptive mechanisms that contribute to muscle stretch-induced locomotor deficits following spinal cord injury.
Setting: Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Louisville, KY, USA
Methods: Ten female Sprague-Dawley rats received moderate, 25 g/cm T10 contusion injuries and recovered for 4 weeks. Rats were divided into three groups: Morphine/Ibuprofen-treated, Acetaminophen/Baclofen-treated, and saline control. Each group received daily hindlimb muscle stretching during weeks 4, 5, 9, and 10 post-injury and drugs were administered with stretching during weeks 4 and 9 only. Locomotor function was assessed throughout the experiment using the BBB Open Field Locomotor Scale. Hindlimb responses including spasticity, writhing, and clonic-like vibrations during muscle stretching were classified and scored.
Results: Consistent with our previous studies, hindlimb muscle stretching caused significant deficits in locomotor recovery following spinal cord injury. Baclofen and Ibuprofen partially mitigated the stretching effect, but none of the drugs significantly prevented the drop in locomotor function during stretching. Interestingly, treatment with Baclofen or Ibuprofen significantly reduced hindlimb responses such as spasticity and writhing during stretching, while Morphine exacerbated clonic-like vibrations in response to stretching maneuvers.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that stretching may inhibit locomotor recovery through combined mechanisms of peripheral inflammation and sensitization of nociceptive afferents. When combined with central sprouting and loss of descending controls after SCI, this results in exaggerated nociceptive input during stretching. The inability of the applied clinical drugs to mitigate the detrimental effects of stretching highlights the complexity of the stretching phenomenon and emphasizes the need for further investigation.
Transradial access for hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy: a single center retrospective study
Authors: Huang Jian , Zeng Genghua , Wei Huijun , Xu Zhangqi , Zhong Guihong , Pan Weihua , Jian Yizeng
Published: February 2024

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of transradial approach (TRA) for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods
A total of 100 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who received hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy in the department of hepatobiliary surgery, Longyan Second Hospital from January 2018 to June 2023 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into two groups according to the arterial puncture approach: TRA group (n = 35) and transfemoral approach group (TFA) (n = 65). The operation time, radiation dose, success rate of puncture and operation, intraoperative and postoperative complications of the two groups were observed and recorded.
Results
All patients received hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. The success rate of TFA group was higher than that of TRA group (100% vs 85.7%, P = 0.002). In terms of operation time and radiation dose to patients, the TRA group was higher than the TFA group (P < 0.001). In terms of postoperative complications, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The comfort and satisfaction of the TRA group were significantly higher than those of the TFA group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Transradial approach is safe, effective and feasible for hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. The comfort and satisfaction of patients are significantly improved, but the technique is difficult.
Efficient estimating and clustering Lithium-ion batteries with a deep-learning approach
Authors: He Xin , Sun Zhongxian , He Weilin , Li Dingquan , Geng Xin , Yang Dongchen , Wang Hailong , Hu Linyu , Tu Haiyan
Published: February 2024

Identifying the state of health (SOH) of batteries is critical for estimating batteries from unknown states or grouping retired batteries for secondary utilization to promote recycling sustainability. However, batteries perform distinct capacity fading behaviours in real scenarios and service activities. The energy conversion process is reflected by electrical signals, but proceeds via electrochemical reactions associated with temperature and strain variation. Herein, we develop a deep-learning framework for rapid, accurate, and transferable estimation of battery SOH. This framework incorporates deep neural networks with interconnected electrochemical, mechanical and thermal features as expanded segments. Our model delivers optimal accuracy with mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.519% and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.795% based on combined features. The model is valid in various conditions and is capable of realizing rapid and accurate prediction merely with one previous cycle. More importantly, the well-trained material domain could be transferred to other electrode systems with few samples. Our work highlights the value of relevant features on battery SOH estimation, and provides guidance on efficient and reliable classification of batteries in the sustainable cycle.
Comprehensive Nontargeted Analysis of Fluorosurfactant Byproducts and Reaction Products in Wastewater from Semiconductor Manufacturing
Authors: Chen YiJu , Yang Jheng-Sian , Lin Angela Yu-Chen
Published: February 2024

Semiconductor manufacturing employs per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as fluoroasurfactants to enhance the quality of photolithography lines. Our research, employing a fragment-based approach to investigate nontarget PFAS, overcomes conventional homologous series limitations. We identified 80 PFAS in wastewater and effluent samples from semiconductor industry, including 29 newly discovered compounds, categorized into three groups. First, primary PFAS formulations, such as perfluorobutane sulfonamide and perfluorobutane sulfonamido (di)ethanols, are accompanied by byproducts comprising approximately 0.1% of the total height compared to the main components. These byproducts, which exhibit variations in fluoroalkyl chains such as hydro-substituted, unsaturated, or ether structures, were reported for the first time to exist in commercially authentic standards, indicating their possible origin as byproducts of chemical manufacturing process. Second, transformation products from perfluorobutane sulfonamido ethanol during oxidation, including the first identified intermediate transformation compounds, perfluorobutane sulfonamido acetaldehyde and its hydrate, were obtained. Third, diverse reaction products are generated from the intricate processes of semiconductor manufacturing, which utilize strong acids, bases, and solvents under UV light or heated conditions. These processes include the formation of PFAS-related compounds through hydration, sulfonation, oxidation, and nitrification. This study revealed 22 isomeric PFAS, encompassing headgroup isomers and functional tail group isomers. These findings underscore the importance of comprehending diverse reactions and the overall emission compositions of PFAS in semiconductor wastewater, highlighting its complexity and presenting challenges for subsequent wastewater treatment.
Epigenetic age acceleration is associated with blood lipid levels in a multi-ancestry sample of older U.S. adults
Authors: Lin Lisha , Kiryakos Jenna , Ammous Farah , Ratliff Scott M. , Ware Erin B. , Faul Jessica D. , Kardia Sharon L.R. , Zhao Wei , Birditt Kira S. , Smith Jennifer A.
Published: February 2024

Background
Dyslipidemia, which is characterized by an unfavorable lipid profile, is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Understanding the relationships between epigenetic aging and lipid levels may help guide early prevention and treatment efforts for dyslipidemia.
Methods
We used weighted linear regression to cross-sectionally investigate the associations between five measures of epigenetic age acceleration estimated from whole blood DNA methylation (HorvathAge Acceleration, HannumAge Acceleration, PhenoAge Acceleration, GrimAge Acceleration, and DunedinPACE) and four blood lipid measures (total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides (TG)) in 3,813 participants (mean age = 70 years) from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). As a sensitivity analysis, we examined the same associations in participants who fasted prior to the blood draw (n = 2,531) and in participants who did not take lipid-lowering medication (n = 1,869). Using interaction models, we also examined whether the relationships between epigenetic age acceleration and blood lipids differ by demographic factors including age, sex, and educational attainment.
Results
After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, sex, fasting status, and lipid-lowering medication use, greater epigenetic age acceleration was associated with lower TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C, and higher TG (p < 0.05). GrimAge acceleration and DunedinPACE associations with all lipids remained significant after further adjusting for body mass index, smoking status, and educational attainment. These associations were stronger in participants who fasted and who did not use lipid-lowering medication, particularly for LDL-C. We observed the largest number of interactions between DunedinPACE and demographic factors, where the associations with lipids were stronger in younger participants, females, and those with higher educational attainment.
Conclusion
Epigenetic age acceleration, a powerful biomarker of cellular aging, is highly associated with blood lipid levels in older adults. A greater understanding of how these associations differ across demographic groups can help shed light on the relationships between aging and downstream cardiovascular diseases. The inverse associations between epigenetic age and TC and LDL-C could be due to sample limitations or the non-linear relationship between age and these lipids, as both TC and LDL-C decrease faster at older ages. More studies are needed to further understand the temporal relationships between epigenetic age acceleration on blood lipids and other health outcomes.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Patients’ Consultation and Diagnosis
Authors: Oyama Ryunosuke , Endo Makoto , Shimada Eijiro , Kanahori Masaya , Matsunobu Tomoya , Kawaguchi Kengo , Setsu Nokitaka , Hirose Takeshi , Maekawa Akira , Nabeshima Akira , Fujiwara Toshifumi , Yoshimoto Masato , Ishihara Shin , Hanada Masuo , Yokoyama Nobuhiko , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Oda Yoshinao , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: February 2024

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affected the diagnosis and treatment of several cancer types. However, the exact impact and extent of this pandemic on bone and soft tissue sarcomas have not been clarified. We aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consultation behavior and clinical stage at diagnosis of bone and soft tissue sarcoma. A total of 403 patients diagnosed with bone and soft tissue sarcoma who initially visited three sarcoma treatment hospitals between January 2018 and December 2021 were included. The monthly number of newly diagnosed primary bone and soft tissue sarcoma cases was significantly decreased by 43% during the state of emergency declaration (6.9 vs. 3.9; p<0.001). Furthermore, the monthly number of new primary soft tissue sarcoma cases was reduced by 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (6.0 vs. 4.5; p=0.020), especially for painless soft tissue sarcoma cases (4.5 vs. 3.1; p=0.014). The proportion of patients with stage IV disease at diagnosis significantly was increased by 9% during the COVID-19 pandemic (10 vs. 19%. p=0.032). The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on bone and soft tissue sarcoma patients’ consultation behavior, especially for those with painless soft tissue sarcoma.
Analysis of coinfections in patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19 by next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Shu Wenxiu , Yang Qianqian , Le Jing , Cai Qianqian , Dai Hui , Luo Liufei , Tong Jiaqi , Song Yanping , Chen Bingrong , Tang Yaodong , Jin Dian
Published: February 2024

Background
Coinfections in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affect patient prognosis. Patients with hematologic malignancies (HMs) are usually immunosuppressed and may be at high risk of coinfection, but few related data have been reported. Here, we conducted a retrospective study to explore coinfections in patients with HMs and COVID-19 by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF).
Methods
The data of hospitalized patients with pneumonia who underwent NGS analysis of BALF were reviewed. COVID-19 patients with HMs were enrolled in the HM group, and those without HMs were enrolled in the non-HM group. The coinfections of the two groups identified by NGS were analyzed.
Results
Fifteen patients were enrolled in the HM group, and 14 patients were enrolled in the non-HM group. The coinfection rates in the HM group and non-HM group were 80.0% and 85.7%, respectively. The percentage of coinfected bacteria in the HM group was significantly lower than that in the non-HM group (20.0% vs 71.4%, p = 0.005). The coinfection rates of fungi and viruses were 60.0% and 35.7%, respectively, in the HM group and 35.7% and 78.6%, respectively, in the non-HM group, with no significant differences. The most common coexisting pathogen in patients with HMs was Pneumocystis jirovecii (33.3%), and the most common coexisting pathogen in patients without HMs was human gammaherpesvirus 4 (50%). Coinfection with herpesviruses occurred frequently in both groups.
Conclusions
Our study showed that hospitalized patients with COVID-19 had a high incidence of coinfection. Pneumocystis jiroveci and herpesvirus are commonly coinfected pathogens in patients with HMs. Bacterial coinfection is rare in patients with HMs but is more common in patients without HMs.
Navigating Soundscapes: Attractant effect of reef sound on oyster settlement may be attenuated by vessel noise
Authors: Schmidlin Sarah , Parcerisas Clea , Hubert Jeroen , Watson Maryann S. , Mees Jan , Botteldooren Dick , Devos Paul , Debusschere Elisabeth , Hablützel Pascal I.
Published: February 2024

Settlement is a critical period in the life cycle of benthic species with planktonic larval stages and for reef building invertebrates such as oysters and corals; settlement rates are predictive for reef restoration and long-term survival. Increasing evidence suggests that marine invertebrates use information from ocean soundscapes to inform settlement decisions. Sessile marine invertebrates with a settlement stage are particularly reliant on environmental cues to direct them to ideal habitats as settlement location is permanent. As gregarious settlers, oysters prefer to settle amongst members of the same species. It has been hypothesized that planktonic larvae use distinct oyster reef sounds to navigate to ideal habitats. In controlled laboratory experiments, we show that sounds recorded at conspecific reefs induce higher percentages of settlement in larvae of the Pacific Oyster Magallana gigas. Additionally, we exposed larvae to anthropogenic sounds from several different vessels, combined reef-vessel sounds as well as off-reef and no sound controls. Our results suggest that attractive reef noises may be masked by vessel sounds, however, this observation is substantiated by a nonsignificant trend. Examining the acoustic characteristics of the preferred reef sounds, we hypothesize that spectro-temporal patterns are the driving attractive quality in reef sounds for this species.
Survival among 148 patients with an incidentally detected appendiceal tumour at surgery for acute appendicitis: A population-based cohort follow-up study
Authors: Boström Lennart , Jovic Viktor , Dahlberg Martin , Holtenius Fredrik , Sandblom Gabriel , Pettersson Hans
Published: February 2024

Purpose: To investigate the long-term prognosis of appendiceal tumours incidentally detected at appendicectomy for suspicion of benign appendicitis.
Methods: A retrospective register-based single centre cohort study was carried out, using data from the local acute appendicectomy quality register of cases operated on at the Department of Surgery, South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. The local colorectal cancer register was also used to identify appendix tumours. The study period was between January 2004 and January 2023. Survival was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results: A total of 11,888 patients were registered in the acute acute appendicectomy register, 54% males and 46% females, and 33.7 % were 41 years or older. From the appendicectomy and colorectal registers 148 (1.2% of the total cohort) appendiceal tumours were found; 60% in females and 40% in males with 78.4% being 41 years or older. Tumours found were: Low grade Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms (LAMN, N= 64); Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET N=24); adenocarcinomas or other form of carcinomas (N=57); and adenomas (N=3). For the younger patients (<51 years) with LAMN and NET, almost all survived to the end of follow-up. Survival of patients in the carcinoma group was statistically significantly lower than for the LAMN and NET groups, especially in females 51 years or older.
Conclusion: Survival was high for patients with incidentally detected appendiceal LAMN or NET, but not so for carcinoma. Survival was lower in the carcinoma group older than 50 years, especially those sick and females.
Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Potential High-Risk and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus among Women attending Selected Reproductive Health Clinics in Lake Victoria Basin-Kenya: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Akinyi Ivy , Awandu Shehu Shagari , Broeck Davy Van den , Pereira Ana Rita , Redzic Nina , Bogers Johannes
Published: February 2024

Background
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is considered the primary etiological factor for invasive cervical cancer. Understanding the epidemiology of circulating potential high-risk (HR) and HR HPV strains is essential in updating epidemiological knowledge and recommendations on genotype-specific vaccination development. In Lake Victoria Basin-LVB (Kisumu and Siaya Counties, Kenya), both the HIV burden, the post-COVID-19 pandemic environment and the population growth point to the need to study the current circulating strains. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with Potential HR/HR HPV among women attending selected reproductive health clinics in LVB. The prevalence of Potential HR/HR HPV, genotype-specific distributions, and implications to the current HPV vaccination ongoing within Kenya are discussed.
Methods
A cross-sectional facility-based survey made up of 434 women aged 16-68 years was carried out in two selected facilities in the Urban-Kisumu County (Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital-[JOOTRH] and rural-Siaya County (Gobei Health Center). Structured questionnaires were conducted to collect participant clinical and social characteristics. Cervical specimens were collected by registered reproductive health nurses and HPV genotyping was carried out using RIATOL HPV genotyping qPCR assay. Descriptive statistics followed by logistic binary regression was done using R version 4.3.2
Results
The overall prevalence of potential HR/HR HPV among women attending the selected reproductive health clinics was reported at 36.5% (158/434). Specifically, in the rural setting, Gobei Health Center, the prevalence was 41.4% (41/99) while in the urban setting-JOOTRH, it was 34.6% (117/335). The most prevalent potential HR/HR HPV are 52, 67, 16, 31, 39, 45, and 31 for both HIV-positive and negative women and either in rural-Gobei Health Centre and Urban-JOOTRH. In this study, HIV status was not associated with potential HR/HR HPV among women attending. Age was the main factor associated with HPV infection among HIV-positive and negative women attending the selected reproductive health clinics in rural-urban Lake Victoria Basin, with women between the age of 30-39 having the highest risk (AOR=0.3, CI:0.2-0.7, p<0.001).
Conclusion
In both rural and urban regions, potential HR/HR HPV infection among individuals attending reproductive health clinics at the selected facilities remains common. The study identifies the need for effective implementation and clinical follow-up process of cervical cancer control program in the Lake Victoria Basin.
Sleep status and oral function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Lee Juwon , Makihara Eri , Ogusu Hiromichi , Watanabe Takafumi , Lee Seung-woo , Masumi Shin-ichi
Published: February 2024

Background
Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been reported to have narrowed always during sleep and a reduced capacity to expand the upper airways. Therefore, we examined the oral function of patients with OSA by comparing the results of a questionnaire survey on sleep status and the measurement of maximum tongue pressure between them and healthy controls.
Methods
Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the OSA group and 29 in the control group. Each participant completed a sleep status questionnaire. Tongue pressure was measured three times, and the highest value was defined as the maximum tongue pressure.
Results
The OSA group had significantly higher percentages of mouth opening during sleep and xerostomia upon awakening than dhe the control group (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The maximum tongue pressure was significantly lower in the OSA than in the control group (p = 0.016).
Conclusion
It is speculated that the activity of the genioglossus muscle, as well as that of other muscles in the patients with OSA, is lower than that healthy participants during tongue pressure generation, which is a momentary action. It is suggested that myofanctional therapy can help improve respiratory function during sleep by increasing the strength of the tongue muscles and upper airway dilator muscles, which also enlarge the upper airway in patients with OSA.
Finite element analysis of the intra-articular impacted fragments of posterior malleolar fractures in different regions
Authors: Zhang Boyu , Xie Wenyong , Wang Yi , Lu Hao
Published: February 2024

Background
Intra-articular impacted fragments has influence on the treatment and prognosis of posterior malleolar fracture. IAIFs are more often occurred in the posterolateral area of the distal tibial articular and there has been no study on the stress distribution of IAIF defects at different regions in this area. The objective of this study was to establish IAIF defect finite element models in different regions in posterior malleolar fractures and explore the changes in stress distribution.
Methods
Using the finite element model of intra-articular impacted fragment in posterior malleolar fractures established, establish IAIF defect finite element models in different regions. The stress distribution on the distal tibial articular surface were observed.
Results
When the defect is located at different regions, the influence on the change of the maximum stress of the articular surface is different. When the defect is located at the edge of the articular, the maximum contact stress of the articular changes significantly. When the defect is located at the center of the articular, the maximum contact stress of the articular changes relatively little.
Conclusion
IAIF defect of distal articular surface of tibia will change the maximum contact stress on the joint. The defects in different regions have different effects on the maximum contact stress of the articular surface. The defect at the edge of the articular surface has a great influence on maximum contact stress.
Time to progression predicts outcome of myeloma patients that can be influenced by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yue Yanhua , Miao Yingjie , Zhou Yifang , Shen Yangling , Lu Luo , Wang Fei , Cao Yang , He Bai , Gu Weiying
Published: February 2024

Currently, there is limited understanding regarding the prognostic significance of time to progression (TTP) after first remission in multiple myeloma (MM). We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 209 MM patients who experienced disease progression after very good partial remission (VGPR) or complete remission (CR) with first-line therapy. These patients were categorized into subgroups based on TTP. Our findings revealed that patients in G2 group (TTP ≤ 12 months) exhibited shorter median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to those in G3 group (TTP ≤ 24 months) (13.17 vs 16.10 months, P < 0.001; 61.73 vs 96.10 months, P = 0.02). Similarly, patients in G3 group had shorter median PFS and OS compared to those in G4 group (TTP > 24 months) (16.10 vs 47.7 months, P < 0.001; 96.10 vs 121.73 months, P < 0.001). Besides, G1 group exhibited a shorter median OS compared to G5 group (6 months < TTP ≤ 12 months) (33.63 vs 79.60 months, P = 0.022). However, no significant difference in OS was observed between patients in G6 (12 months < TTP ≤ 24 months) and G4 group. Furthermore, for patients who experienced progression within 12 or 24 months after VGPR/CR, undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) after progression conferred a median OS advantage over receiving novel agent-based chemotherapy or conventional chemotherapy. Multivariable analysis confirmed that TTP after VGPR/CR was an independent predictor for OS in MM patients. In conclusion, MM patients who experience earlier disease progression within 12 months after VGPR/CR have a worse prognosis, and post-progression ASCT can improve their survival outcomes. Trial registration: 2022(科) CL112, November, 2022, retrospectively registered.
BeEAM vs. BEAM: Evaluating Conditioning Regimens for Relapsed or Refractory DLBCL Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Wang Ruiqi , Shangguan Xinghe , Zhu Zhenxing , Cong Dan , Bai Yuansong , Zhang Wenlong
Published: February 2024

Purpose
To evaluate whether BeEAM can be used as an alternative to BEAM for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Methods
To retrospectively analyze the data of 60 patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL who underwent ASCT from January 2018 to June 2023 in our center, including 30 patients in the BeEAM group and 30 patients in the BEAM group. The time to hematopoietic reconstitution, treatment-related adverse events, hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, and survival benefit were compared between the two groups.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical characteristics of the enrolled patients. The median number of CD34 + cells infused back in the BeEAM and BEAM groups was 5.17×106/kg and 5.06×106/kg, respectively, which was not statistically different (p = 0.8829). The median time to neutrophil implantation in the BeEAM group and the BEAM group was 10.2 days and 10.27 days, respectively (p = 0.8253); median time to platelet implantation was 13.23 and 12.87 days, respectively (p = 0.7671). There was no statistical difference in the time to hematopoietic reconstitution between the two groups. The median hospitalization time in the BeEAM and BEAM groups was 30.37 and 30.57 days, respectively (p = 0.9060); and the median hospitalization cost in the two groups was RMB 83,425 and RMB 96,235, respectively (p = 0.0560). There existed a numerical advantage in hospitalization cost in the BeEAM group, which was economical. The most common hematologic adverse events were grade ≥ 3 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, which showed a high degree of consistency in incidence between the two groups. Most non-hematologic adverse events were ≤ grade 2 and included mucositis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated aminotransferases, elevated bilirubin, elevated creatinine, and granulomatous deficiencies with fever, with no statistically significant difference in the incidence of these events between the two groups. Median overall survival was not reached in either group, with a predicted 5-year OS of 72.5% in the BeEAM group and 60% in the BEAM group (p = 0.5872). The 5-year PFS was 25% and 20% in the two groups, respectively (p = 0.6804). There was no statistical difference in survival benefit between the two conditioning regimens.
Conclusion
BeEAM as a conditioning regimen for relapsed or refractory DLBCL has a desirable safety profile and is well tolerated, with hematopoietic reconstitution time, hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, and survival benefit not inferior to that of BEAM. The BeEAM regimen is economically with numerically superior hospitalization costs and can be used as an alternative to BEAM.
Use of transrectal high frequency ultrasound in assessment of middle compartment prolapse
Authors: Xuan Yinghua , Wang Yidan , Yue Song , Zhang Juan , Qu Yanfei , Xie Jingyan , Zhang Guohui
Published: February 2024

Objective To investigate the superiority of transrectal high frequency ultrasound(TRUS) in precise assessment of middle compartment prolapse in comparison with routine transperineal ultrasound (TPUS).
Methods Prospectively analyzed and compared detection rates of entire cervical length and uterine descent on TPUS and TRUS in 101 patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Results Detection rates of entire cervix on TRUS were significantly higher than those on TPUS both at rest and during Valsalva maneuver (90.10% VS 49.50%, 92.08% VS 9.90% respectively, both P ＜0.05). Uterine descent was able to be evaluated in 92.08% of patients by TRUS and in 5.94% of patients by TPUS, which was statistically significant(P ＜0.05). The interobserver repeatability for the measurements of anterior lip, cervical canal and posterior lip on TRUS were excellent. The mean lengths of anterior lip, cervical canal and posterior lip were significantly increased during Valsalva maneuver than those measured at rest (P ＜0.05). And mean length of anterior lip was longer than posterior lip both at rest and during Valsalva(P ＜0.05).
Conclusion TRUS can significantly raise detection rates of entire cervix, and make the direct evaluation of uterine descent feasible. TRUS can be used as a complementary method to TPUS to attain more comprehensive and accurate presurgical imaging information in middle compartment prolapse patients.
Morphological and Physiological Monitoring of Gouty Arthritis Response to Low-Level Light Therapy
Authors: Gu Ying , Tan Yizhou , Zhang Min , Wu Zhifeng , Chen Jingqing , Wang Ying , Liu Chengbo
Published: February 2024

Gouty arthritis (GA), induced by deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints, presents as intermittent episodes of acute inflammation along with chronic inflammation which can lead to irreversible erosive joint damage. Though widespread with a major negative impact on patients, there is no nonradiative and noninvasive method to monitor the inflammation quantitatively. By taking advantages of dual-wavelength optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), we monitored morphological and physiological features of vasculature in GA joint of rats in vivo. We showed that a hyperoxia period was followed by a hypoxia state in GA joints for the first time. Aiming at symptom control and recurrence prevention, we designed a ring-shape low-level light therapy (LLLT) device to treat the GA rats daily. We find that LLLT was able to reduce swelling, alleviate pain and accelerate dissolution of MSU crystals, which shortened the recovering time to half. Specifically, we observed that LLLT modulated the oxygen saturation level in joints with a less hyperoxia state at the beginning of GA and healed it to a normal level without experiencing hypoxia. Our result provided a non-invasive monitoring method and a drug-free treatment choice for GA, which revealed important aspects of the disease development and treatment mechanism.
E-government, Good Governance, and Economic growth: Evidence from Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Hajihassani Farzaneh , Malekbaghali Hosein
Published: February 2024

Digital economy as an important factor effective on the economic growth includes many aspects in society. e-government is a key element that is an intermediate among all economic agents. Quality of government on economic growth as an institutional sector is essential. There is a revolutionary trend in viewpoints about role of government in history of economic thoughts. In this study we analyzed effect of e-government and good governance on economic growth in Middle East and South Africa including Iran in the period of 2003-2021. We used theoretical framework applying Solow’s model. The generalized method of moments (GMM (method used due to eliminating inconsistency and biased results. Also dynamic panel data decreases residuals temporary autocorrelation. Results showed that “e- government” and “good governance” have positive and meaningful effect on economic growth. So receiving growth goals needs to attention to infrastructures and policies that straighten these factors. We have some political recommendation in final sector of article.
JEL Code O43. O53. H11
Explanation and optimization of ML for coagulant dosing in Water treatment plant using XAI(eXplainable AI)
Authors: Park Hongeun , Nam Yunhwan , Lee Hohyun , Kim Sungyun
Published: February 2024

In the water treatment process, determining the appropriate dosing of coagulants is crucial for both ensuring water quality and optimizing operational costs. Traditional methods predominantly rely on heuristic approaches or manual calibrations. However, the actual reactions between various water qualities and chemicals are intricate and nonlinear, often making it challenging to stably secure the targeted water quality. In particular, due to industrialization-induced water pollution and rapid climate change, conventional automated water treatment systems alone are insufficient to adequately respond. This research introduces an innovative approach for clarifying and optimizing the dosing of coagulants in water treatment plants using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), specifically the SHAP and ICE techniques. These methods allow for a nuanced understanding of feature contributions and individual predictions. Our findings suggest that the XAI-driven approach not only improves the accuracy of coagulant dosing but also offers valuable insights to operators, promoting more informed decision-making. The integration of machine learning and XAI in the water treatment field promises a future of more efficient, transparent, and responsible operations.
Integrative brain omics approach reveals key role for sn-1 lysophosphatidylethanolamine in Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Ortlund Eric , Chen Chih-Yu , Maner-Smith Kristal , Khadka Manoj , Ahn Jun , Gulbin Xueyun , Ivanova Anna , Dammer Eric , Seyfried Nicholas , Bennett David , Hajjar Ihab
Published: February 2024

The biology of individual lipid species and their relevance in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains incompletely understood. We utilized non-targeted mass spectrometry to examine brain lipids variations across 316 post-mortem brains from participants in the Religious Orders Study (ROS) or Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP) cohorts classified as either control, asymptomatic AD (AAD), or symptomatic AD (SAD) and integrated the lipidomics data with untargeted proteomic characterization on the same individuals. Lipid enrichment analysis and analysis of variance identified significantly lower abundance of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) species in SAD than controls or AAD. Lipid-protein co-expression network analyses revealed that lipid modules consisting of LPE and LPC exhibited a significant association to protein modules associated with MAPK/metabolism, post-synaptic density, and Cell-ECM interaction pathways and were associated with better antemortem cognition and with neuropathological changes seen in AD. Particularly, LPE 22:6 [sn-1] levels are significantly decreased across AD cases (SAD) and show the most influence on protein changes compared to other lysophospholipid species. LPE 22:6 may be a lipid signature for AD and could be leveraged as potential therapeutic or dietary targets for AD.
Development and validation of a prognostic model predicting the prognosis of surgically treated non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients with tumor thrombus
Authors: Miao He , Zhou Ye , Chen Hui , Zhou Yulin , Lei Chang , Ge Silun , Gu Yufeng , Pan Xin , Zeng Xing , Zhao Cheng , Wang Shaogang , Ge Jingping , Wang Linhui , Zhou Wenquan , Qu Le
Published: February 2024

Background
Accurate prediction of clinical outcomes in non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus (nccRCC-TT) patients is crucial for counseling, follow-up planning, and selecting appropriate systemic therapy. We aimed to investigate independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in nccRCC-TT patients after surgical resection and construct a nomogram predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival for these patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2020) and the China REMEMBER database with nccRCC-TT patients. NccRCC-TT patients from the SEER database were randomly divided into training and internal validation sets. Multivariable nomogram models were built and validated to predict OS and CSS. Scores based on the nomograms were used to conduct risk stratification. The performance of these nomograms was then compared with the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system.
Results
A total of 809 patients participated, with a training set (n = 514), an internal validation set (n = 216), and an external validation set (n = 79). Median follow-up times for OS were 51, 47, and 28 months in the three sets, respectively. The nomogram integrated seven risk factors affecting survival (advanced age, left side, histology, positive lymph nodes, distant metastasis, renal sinus/perirenal fat invasion, and sarcomatoid/rhabdoid differentiation) to predict OS and CSS at 1-, 3-, and 5-years. Outperforming the AJCC staging system, the nomogram achieved a C-index of 0.774 (95% CI, 0.727–0.821) for OS and 0.787 (95% CI, 0.736–0.838) for CSS in the internal validation set. Both OS and CSS significantly differed between subgroups with low, moderate, and high risk (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Pathological combined histological features are crucial predictors of prognosis in nccRCC-TT patients. We developed a tool to improve patient counseling and guide decision-making on other therapies in addition to surgery for patients with nccRCC-TT. Risk stratification based on our nomograms provides postoperative consultation and patient selection for treatment strategies.