bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative multiplex immunohistochemistry reveals inter-patient lymphovascular and immune heterogeneity in primary cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Femel Julia , Hill Cameron , Illa Bochaca Irineu , Booth Jamie L. , Asnaashari Tina G. , Steele Maria M. , Moshiri Ata S. , Do Hyungrok , Zhong Judy , Osman Iman , Leachman Sancy A. , Tsujikawa Takahiro , White Kevin P. , Chang Young H. , Lund Amanda W.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Quantitative, multiplexed imaging is revealing complex spatial relationships between phenotypically diverse tumor infiltrating leukocyte populations and their prognostic implications. The underlying mechanisms and tissue structures that determine leukocyte distribution within and around tumor nests, however, remain poorly understood. While presumed players in metastatic dissemination, new preclinical data demonstrates that blood and lymphatic vessels (lymphovasculature) also dictate leukocyte trafficking within tumor microenvironments and thereby impact anti-tumor immunity. Here we interrogate these relationships in primary human cutaneous melanoma.

Methods

We established a quantitative, multiplexed imaging platform to simultaneously detect immune infiltrates and tumor-associated vessels in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded patient samples. We performed a discovery, retrospective analysis of 28 treatment-naïve, primary cutaneous melanomas.

Results

Here we find that the lymphvasculature and immune infiltrate is heterogenous across patients in treatment naïve, primary melanoma. We categorized five lymphovascular subtypes that differ by functionality and morphology and mapped their localization in and around primary tumors. Interestingly, the localization of specific vessel subtypes, but not overall vessel density, significantly associated with the presence of lymphoid aggregates, regional progression, and intratumoral T cell infiltrates.

Discussion

We describe a quantitative platform to enable simultaneous lymphovascular and immune infiltrate analysis and map their spatial relationships in primary melanoma. Our data indicate that tumor-associated vessels exist in different states and that their localization may determine potential for metastasis or immune infiltration. This platform will support future efforts to map tumor-associated lymphovascular evolution across stage, assess its prognostic value, and stratify patients for adjuvant therapy.
Research progress on the application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and machine learning in forensic microbiome individual identification
Authors: Yang Mai-Qing , Wang Zheng-Jiang , Zhai Chun-Bo , Chen Li-Qian
Published: February 2024

Forensic microbiome research is a field with a wide range of applications and a number of protocols have been developed for its use in this area of research. As individuals host radically different microbiota, the human microbiome is expected to become a new biomarker for forensic identification. To achieve an effective use of this procedure an understanding of factors which can alter the human microbiome and determinations of stable and changing elements will be critical in selecting appropriate targets for investigation. The 16S rRNA gene, which is notable for its conservation and specificity, represents a potentially ideal marker for forensic microbiome identification. Gene sequencing involving 16S rRNA is currently the method of choice for use in investigating microbiomes. While the sequencing involved with microbiome determinations can generate large multi-dimensional datasets that can be difficult to analyze and interpret, machine learning methods can be useful in surmounting this analytical challenge. In this review, we describe the research methods and related sequencing technologies currently available for application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and machine learning in the field of forensic identification. In addition, we assess the potential value of 16S rRNA and machine learning in forensic microbiome science.
Predicting progression of cognitive decline to dementia using dyadic patterns of subjective reporting: evidence from the CompAS longitudinal study
Authors: Pérez-Blanco Lucía , Felpete-López Alba , Nieto-Vieites Ana , Lojo-Seoane Cristina , Campos-Magdaleno María , Fernández-Feijoo Fátima , Juncos-Rabadán Onésimo , Pereiro Arturo X.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To analyze the validity of self and informant reports, depressive symptomatology, and some sociodemographic variables to predict the risk of cognitive decline at different follow-up times.

Methods

A total of 337 participants over 50 years of age included in the CompAS and classified as Cognitively Unimpaired (CU), Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) groups were assessed at baseline and three follow-ups. A short version of the QAM was administered to assess the severity of subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), and the GDS-15 was used to evaluate the depressive symptoms. At each follow-up assessment, participants were reclassified according to the stability, regression or progression of their conditions. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict which CU, SCD and MCI participants would remain stable, regress or progress at a 3rd follow-up by using self- and informant-reported complaints, depressive symptomatology, age and education at baseline and 2nd follow-ups as the predictive variables.

Results

Overall, self-reported complaints predicted progression between the asymptomatic and presymptomatic stages. As the objective deterioration increased, i.e., when SCD progressed to MCI or dementia, the SCCs reported by informants proved the best predictors of progression. Depressive symptomatology was also a predictor of progression from CU to SCD and from SCD to MCI.

Conclusion

A late increase in self-reported complaints make valid estimates to predict subjective decline at asymptomatic stages. However, an early increase in complaints reported by informants was more accurate in predicting objective decline from asymptomatic stages. Both, early and late decrease in self-reported complaints successfully predict dementia from prodromic stage. Only late decrease in self-reported complaints predict reversion from prodromic and pre-symptomatic stages.
Molecular mechanisms underlying inherited photoreceptor degeneration as targets for therapeutic intervention
Authors: Bighinati Andrea , Adani Elisa , Stanzani Agnese , D’Alessandro Sara , Marigo Valeria
Published: February 2024

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a form of retinal degeneration characterized by primary degeneration of rod photoreceptors followed by a secondary cone loss that leads to vision impairment and finally blindness. This is a rare disease with mutations in several genes and high genetic heterogeneity. A challenging effort has been the characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying photoreceptor cell death during the progression of the disease. Some of the cell death pathways have been identified and comprise stress events found in several neurodegenerative diseases such as oxidative stress, inflammation, calcium imbalance and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Other cell death mechanisms appear more relevant to photoreceptor cells, such as high levels of cGMP and metabolic changes. Here we review some of the cell death pathways characterized in the RP mutant retina and discuss preclinical studies of therapeutic approaches targeting the molecular outcomes that lead to photoreceptor cell demise.
Identification of ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis in breast cancer based on LASSO regression with a high penalty factor
Authors: Zhang Haohan , Yin Jin , Zhou Chen , Qiu Jiajun , Wang Junren , Lv Qing , Luo Ting
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the problems of small sample size and large feature dimension in the identification of ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis status in breast cancer using ultrasound radiomics, an optimized feature combination search algorithm is proposed to construct linear classification models with high interpretability. The genetic algorithm (GA) is used to search for feature combinations within the feature subspace using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The search is optimized by applying a high penalty to the L1 norm of LASSO to retain excellent features in the crossover operation of the GA. The experimental results show that the linear model constructed using this method outperforms those using the conventional LASSO regression and standard GA. Therefore, this method can be used to build linear models with higher classification performance and more robustness.
Revisiting edible insects as sources of therapeutics and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy
Authors: Sinha Barnali , Choudhury Yashmin
Published: February 2024

Cancer has been medicine’s most formidable foe for long, and the rising incidence of the disease globally has made effective cancer therapy a significant challenge. Drug discovery is targeted at identifying efficacious compounds with minimal side effects and developments in nanotechnology and immunotherapy have shown promise in the fight against this complicated illness. Since ancient times, insects and insect-derived products have played a significant role in traditional medicine across several communities worldwide. The aim of this study was to inspect the traditional use of edible insects in various cultures and to explore their modern use in cancer therapy. Edible insects are sources of nutrients and a variety of beneficial substances with anticancer and immunomodulatory potential. Recently, insect derived bioactive-components have also been used as nanoparticles either in combination with chemotherapeutics or as a nano-cargo for the enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs due to their high biocompatibility, low bio-toxicity, and their antioxidant and anticancer effects. The crude extracts of different edible insects and their active components such as sericin, cecropin, solenopsin, melittin, antimicrobial peptides and fibroin produce anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects by various mechanisms which have been discussed in this review.
Advancements in microemulsion-based fabrication of upconversion-mediated multifunctional materials
Authors: Zhang Yi , Mei Qingsong , Zhang Zhen
Published: February 2024

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have experienced significant advancements, finding applications in diverse fields over the past decade. The growing demand for UCNP-based nanoplatforms with multifunctionality to address complex scenarios has led to the emergence of the microemulsion confined self-assembly method, which allows for the integration of different UCNPs or UCNPs with additional functional materials within a single entity, resulting in a nanoplatform that possesses a wide range of properties suitable for specific applications. This comprehensive review aimed to summarize recent developments in the design of UCNP assemblies using the microemulsion confined self-assembly method, which focused on exploring their applications in critical areas such as color encoding, bioimaging, and programmable therapeutics. Furthermore, the review acknowledged the existing limitations associated with the microemulsion confined self-assembly method and provided an in-depth discussion of potential solutions to overcome these challenges, aiming to foster further progress and innovation in the design and application of UCNP assemblies.
Dielectric assist accelerating structures for compact linear accelerators of low energy particles in hadrontherapy treatments
Authors: Martinez-Reviriego Pablo , Esperante Daniel , Grudiev Alexej , Gimeno Benito , Blanch César , González-Iglesias Daniel , Fuster-Martínez Nuria , Martín-Luna Pablo , Martínez Eduardo , Menendez Abraham , Fuster Juan
Published: February 2024

Dielectric Assist Accelerating (DAA) structures based on ultralow-loss ceramic are being studied as an alternative to conventional disk-loaded copper cavities. This accelerating structure consists of dielectric disks with irises arranged periodically in metallic structures working under the TM02-π mode. In this paper, the numerical design of an S-band DAA structure for low beta particles, such as protons or carbon ions used for Hadrontherapy treatments, is shown. Four dielectric materials with different permittivity and loss tangent are studied as well as different particle velocities. Through optimization, a design that concentrates most of the RF power in the vacuum space near the beam axis is obtained, leading to a significant reduction of power loss on the metallic walls. This allows to fabricate cavities with an extremely high quality factor, over 100,000, and shunt impedance over 300 MΩ/m at room temperature. During the numerical study, the design optimization has been improved by adjusting some of the cell parameters in order to both increase the shunt impedance and reduce the peak electric field in certain locations of the cavity, which can lead to instabilities in its normal functioning.
Impact of prolonged exposure to occasional and regular waterpipe smoke on cardiac injury, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in male mice
Authors: Hamadi Naserddine , Al-Salam Suhail , Beegam Sumaya , Zaaba Nur Elena , Elzaki Ozaz , Nemmar Abderrahim
Published: February 2024

Regular waterpipe smoking (Reg-WPS) is well recognized for its deleterious effect on the heart. However, there is a paucity of experimental studies on the impact of occasional waterpipe smoking (Occ-WPS), also known as nondaily smoking, versus Reg-WPS on cardiac homeostasis, and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Hence, we aimed, in the present study, to investigate the effect of Occ-WPS (30 min/day, 1 day/week) versus Reg-WPS (30 min/day, 5 days/week) for 6 months on systolic blood pressure (SBP), cardiac injury, oxidative markers, chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, DNA damage and mitochondrial function compared with air (control) exposed mice. Our results show that SBP was increased following exposure to either Occ-WPS or Reg-WPS compared with air-exposed mice. Moreover, we found that only Reg-WPS induced a significant elevation in the levels of troponin I, brain natriuretic peptide, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine phosphokinase. However, the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was significantly increased in both Occ-WPS and Reg-WPS groups. Compared with air-exposed mice, the levels of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were only significantly augmented in the Reg-WPS. However, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and CXCL1 were significantly increased in both Occ-WPS and Reg-WPS. The concentrations of the adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were solely elevated in the heart of mice exposed to Reg-WPS. Similarly, the concentrations of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor α were only significantly augmented in the Reg-WPS. However, both Occ-WPS and Reg-WPS triggered significant augmentation in the levels of IL17 and DNA damage compared to the control groups. Furthermore, while Occ-WPS induced a slight but statistically insignificant elevation in the concentrations of mammalian targets of rapamycin and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) expression, Reg-WPS exposure increased their levels substantially, in addition to p53 and mitochondrial complexes II & III, and IV activities compared with air-exposed mice. In conclusion, our findings show that while the long-term Occ-WPS exposure induced an elevation of SBP, ANP, antioxidant enzymes, IL17, CXCL1, and cardiac DNA damage, Reg-WPS exposure was consistently associated with the elevation of SBP and occurrence of cardiac damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Precision MRI phenotyping of muscle volume and quality at a population scale
Authors: Thanaj Marjola , Basty Nicolas , Whitcher Brandon , Sorokin Elena P. , Liu Yi , Srinivasan Ramprakash , Cule Madeleine , Thomas E. Louise , Bell Jimmy D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables direct measurements of muscle volume and quality, allowing for an in-depth understanding of their associations with anthropometric traits, and health conditions. However, it is unclear which muscle volume measurements: total muscle volume, regional measurements, measurements of muscle quality: intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) or proton density fat fraction (PDFF), are most informative and associate with relevant health conditions such as dynapenia and frailty.

Methods: We have measured image-derived phenotypes (IDPs) including total and regional muscle volumes and measures of muscle quality, derived from the neck-to-knee Dixon images in 44,520 UK Biobank participants. We further segmented paraspinal muscle from 2D quantitative MRI to quantify muscle PDFF and iron concentration. We defined dynapenia based on grip strength below sex-specific cut-off points and frailty based on five criteria (weight loss, exhaustion, grip strength, low physical activity and slow walking pace). We used logistic regression to investigate the association between muscle volume and quality measurements and dynapenia and frailty.

Results: Muscle volumes were significantly higher in male compared with female participants, even after correcting for height while, IMAT (corrected for muscle volume) and paraspinal muscle PDFF were significantly higher in female compared with male participants. From the overall cohort, 7.6% (N = 3,261) were identified with dynapenia, and 1.1% (N = 455) with frailty. Dynapenia and frailty were positively associated with age and negatively associated with physical activity levels. Additionally, reduced muscle volume and quality measurements were associated with both dynapenia and frailty. In dynapenia, muscle volume IDPs were most informative, particularly total muscle exhibiting odds ratios (OR) of 0.392, while for frailty, muscle quality was found to be most informative, in particular thigh IMAT volume indexed to height squared (OR = 1.396), both with p-values below the Bonferroni-corrected threshold (p<8.8×10−5).

Conclusion: Our fully automated method enables the quantification of muscle volumes and quality suitable for large population-based studies. For dynapenia, muscle volumes particularly those including greater body coverage such as total muscle are the most informative, whilst, for frailty, markers of muscle quality were the most informative IDPs. These results suggest that different measurements may have varying diagnostic values for different health conditions.
Integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses of drought stress alleviation in Ehretia macrophylla Wall. seedlings by SiO2 NPs (silica nanoparticles)
Authors: Chen Minghui , Jiao Si-qian , Xie Lihua , Geng Xining , Qi Shuaizheng , Fan Jianmin , Cheng Shiping , Shi Jiang , Cao Xibing
Published: February 2024

With environmental problems such as climate global warming, drought has become one of the major stress factors, because it severely affects the plant growth and development. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) are crucial for mitigating abiotic stresses suffered by plants in unfavorable environmental conditions and further promoting plant growth, such as drought. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of SiO2 NPs on the growth of the Ehretia macrophylla Wall. seedlings under severe drought stress (water content in soil, 30–35%). The treatment was started by starting spraying different concentrations of SiO2 NPs on seedlings of Ehretia macrophyla, which were consistently under normal and severe drought conditions (soil moisture content 30-35%), respectively, at the seedling stage, followed by physiological and biochemical measurements, transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses. SiO2 NPs (100 mg·L−1) treatment reduced malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes under drought stress. Transcriptomic analysis showed that 1451 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the leaves of E. macrophylla seedlings were regulated by SiO2 NPs under drought stress, and these genes mainly participate in auxin signal transduction and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. This study also found that the metabolism of fatty acids and α-linolenic acids may play a key role in the enhancement of drought tolerance in SiO2 NP-treated E. macrophylla seedlings. Metabolomics studies indicated that the accumulation level of secondary metabolites related to drought tolerance was higher after SiO2 NPs treatment. This study revealed insights into the physiological mechanisms induced by SiO2 NPs for enhancing the drought tolerance of plants.
Pectin methylesterase 31 is transcriptionally repressed by ABI5 to negatively regulate ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination
Authors: Xiang Yang , Zhao Chongyang , Li Qian , Niu Yingxue , Pan Yitian , Li Guangdong , Cheng Yuan , Zhang Aying
Published: February 2024

Pectin methylesterase (PME), a family of enzymes that catalyze the demethylation of pectin, influences seed germination. Phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) inhibits seed germination. However, little is known about the function of PMEs in response to ABA-mediated seed germination. In this study, we found the role of PME31 in response to ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination. The expression of PME31 is prominent in the embryo and is repressed by ABA treatment. Phenotype analysis showed that disruption of PME31 increases ABA-mediated inhibition of seed germination, whereas overexpression of PME31 attenuates this effect. Further study found that ABI5, an ABA signaling bZIP transcription factor, is identified as an upstream regulator of PME31. Genetic analysis showed that PME31 functions downstream of ABI5 in ABA-mediated seed germination. Detailed studies showed that ABI5 directly binds to the PME31 promoter and inhibits its expression. In the plants, PME31 expression is reduced by ABI5 in ABA-mediated seed germination. Taken together, PME31 is transcriptionally inhibited by ABI5 and negatively regulates ABA-mediated seed germination inhibition. These findings shed new light on the mechanisms of PMEs in response to ABA-mediated seed germination.
Predictors of body image dissatisfaction in kinesiology students
Authors: Jakobek Vedran , Kranjčev Mislav , Barić Renata
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This research aimed to examine predictors of discrepancies between actual and ideal body images, specifically body fat and muscularity discrepancies, in kinesiology students.

Methods

Volunteer participants (N = 174, men = 112, women = 62) filled out the sex-specific Somatomorphic Matrices (NSM-M and SM-F) as well as The Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale (PNPS), Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSE), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) using paper and pencil tools.

Results

The median and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to determine sex differences, and regression analyses were used to determine the contribution of sex, perfectionism, self-esteem, and eating attitudes in explaining the variances in body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction. The results showed no sex differences in body fat discrepancy, while men showed more discrepancy between actual and ideal muscularity than women. In regression analyses, sex was the only significant predictor of muscularity discrepancy, while disordered eating attitudes were a positive, and positive perfectionism was a negative predictor of body fat discrepancy.

Discussion

This study showed that while muscularity dissatisfaction is linked to the male sex, body fat dissatisfaction is not related to sex but to psychological variables of disordered eating attitudes and positive perfectionism in a population of youths that may be above average when it comes to physical activity.
One independent or many independent? The relationship among self-construal, number of brand endorsers, and brand attitudes
Authors: Liang Shichang , Cai Kunhan , Zhang Yiwei , Yuan Xueying , Pan Siyu , Teng Lili
Published: February 2024

Introduction

It was common for brands to use different numbers of endorsers in marketing practice. Nevertheless, research on brand endorsers’ quantity has not yielded a uniform consensus. The previous research about brand endorsers mainly focuses on the appeal of endorsement, brand category, and endorser characteristics, paying less attention to the impact of cultural factors, particularly self-construal. This study delves into selecting brand endorsers across diverse cultural regions for the same brand.

Methods

Drawing on the principles of self-consistency theory and self-construal theory, our research, conducted through three distinct experiments, reveals that consumers tend to hold more favorable opinions about brands endorsed by a single individual. Furthermore, self-consistency emerges as a crucial mediating factor in this phenomenon. Additionally, self-construal is an essential factor among consumers from various cultural backgrounds.

Results

Consumers with an independent self-construal exhibit more favorable brand perceptions when it comes to single-endorser brands compared to their counterparts with an interdependent self-construal. Conversely, individuals with an interdependent self-construal demonstrate a more positive disposition towards brands with multiple endorsers than those with an independent self-construal.

Discussion

This research not only enriches and extends our theoretical understanding of the impact of the number of brand endorsers on consumer brand attitudes but also provides valuable practical insights for optimizing the selection of brand endorsers for companies.
Implementation of a Budo group therapy for psychiatric in- and outpatients: a feasibility study
Authors: Singh Jasprit , Jawhari Karl , Jaffé Mariela , Imfeld Lukas , Rabenschlag Franziska , Moeller Julian , Nienaber André , Lang Undine E. , Huber Christian G.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Physical exercise has been shown to have numerous health benefits on co-morbid somatic conditions in psychiatry and can also enhance mental health. Thus, it is not difficult to recommend physical training programs as part of an integrated and holistic treatment approach for mental health disorders. However, getting patients to participate and keeping them engaged is a major challenge. Programs based on martial arts training could be interventions improving physical and mental health with higher attachment rates. The structured discipline, holistic approach integrating physical and mental elements, and empowering activities, may explain higher participant attachment rates.

Methods

Thus, the main objective of this feasibility study is to describe a newly established group therapy program incorporating interventions from martial arts training with its physical and philosophical parts including mindfulness and breath work.

Results

During the 14-month study period from April 2021 to May 2022, a Budo group therapy was used by 215 individual persons with a total of 725 group therapy participations. Retention in the program was good across all settings and very good for persons who participated as outpatients. The mean age of the participants was 33.5 years with a range from 14 to 69 years of age, and about 41% of the participants were female. The therapy program was able to address patients over the whole spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses. Satisfaction and motivation were uniformly self-reported as very good. Patients self-reported improved mental and physical health after participating in a Budo session compared to pre-session.

Discussion

Budo group therapy thus can be seen as a feasible, well-accepted and promising new transdiagnostic treatment approach, combining physical activation with resilience enhancement. With minimal contraindications, a broad spectrum of individuals seeking mental health support can engage in this group therapy.
Mechanisms of methanol detection in graphene oxide and conductive polymer active layers for gas sensing devices
Authors: das Neves Matheus F. F. , Mukim Shardul , Ferreira Mauro S. , Roman Lucimara S.
Published: February 2024

The admixture of PEDOT:PSS with Graphene Oxide (GO) in precise proportions achieves a substantial reduction in electrical resistivity, thereby augmenting its suitability as an electrode in organic devices. This study explores the electrical and morphological attributes of commercial PEDOT:PSS and chemically synthesized aqueous PEDOT ink when both are combined with GO. The investigation extends to the application of these conductive inks as active layers in flexible methanol sensing devices. Notably, a resistivity minimum is observed in the case of GO:PEDOT:PSS 78%, while the highest response to methanol is attained with GO:PEDOT:PSS 68%. To establish a theoretical underpinning for these findings, and to understand the interaction between gas/vapors with nanostructured materials, a model rooted in Kirchhoff’s Circuit approach is developed, with the aim of elucidating the factors behind the resistivity minimum and response maximum at distinct specific mass ratios between PEDOT and GO. Calculating the equivalent resistivity and response of the systems, the positions of minimum and maximum points are in agreement with the experimental data. Furthermore, the influence of PSS in the samples is examined, unveiling diverse interaction mechanisms between methanol molecules and the active layer, resulting in varying signals during the exposure to alcoholic vapor. The theoretical model is subsequently applied to these systems, demonstrating qualitative and quantitative agreement with the experimental results.
Accelerating the development of inertial microfluidic devices using numerical modelling and machine learning
Authors: Owen Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Inertial microfluidics allows for passive, label-free manipulation of particles suspended in a fluid. Physical experiments can understand the underlying mechanisms to an extent whereby inertial microfluidic devices are used in real-world applications such as disease diagnostics. However, design processes are often iterative and device optimisation can be improved. Numerical modelling has complementary capabilities to physical experiments, with access to full flow field data and control of design parameters. Numerical modelling is used to uncover the fundamental mechanisms in inertial microfluidics and provides evidence for physical experiments. In recent years, numerical modelling has been increasingly coupled to machine learning algorithms to uncover additional physics and provide fast solutions. In this perspective, I discuss the role numerical modelling will play in future inertial microfluidic device research and the opportunities to combine numerical modelling with machine learning algorithms. Two key areas for future research applying machine learning are highlighted; fast predictions of flow fields and the optimisation of design parameters. Developments in these areas would significantly reduce the resources required in device design and have the potential to uncover new applications.
Implementation and analysis of a parallel kalman filter algorithm for lidar localization based on CUDA technology
Authors: Mochurad Lesia
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Navigation satellite systems can fail to work or work incorrectly in a number of conditions: signal shadowing, electromagnetic interference, atmospheric conditions, and technical problems. All of these factors can significantly affect the localization accuracy of autonomous driving systems. This emphasizes the need for other localization technologies, such as Lidar.

Methods: The use of the Kalman filter in combination with Lidar can be very effective in various applications due to the synergy of their capabilities. The Kalman filter can improve the accuracy of lidar measurements by taking into account the noise and inaccuracies present in the measurements.

Results: In this paper, we propose a parallel Kalman algorithm in three-dimensional space to speed up the computational speed of Lidar localization. At the same time, the initial localization accuracy of the latter is preserved. A distinctive feature of the proposed approach is that the Kalman localization algorithm itself is parallelized, rather than the process of building a map for navigation. The proposed algorithm allows us to obtain the result 3.8 times faster without compromising the localization accuracy, which was 3% for both cases, making it effective for real-time decision-making.

Discussion: The reliability of this result is confirmed by a preliminary theoretical estimate of the acceleration rate based on Ambdahl’s law. Accelerating the Kalman filter with CUDA for Lidar localization can be of significant practical value, especially in real-time and in conditions where large amounts of data from Lidar sensors need to be processed.
Expression of PD-L1 and p-RPS6 in epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity
Authors: Hanroongsri Jaruwat , Amornphimoltham Panomwat , Younis Rania H. , Chaisuparat Risa
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is often preceded by oral epithelial dysplasia (OED). The role of ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in the progression of OED to OSCC remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression of phosphorylated RPS6 (p-RPS6) and PD-L1 in OSCC and OED and to examine its relationship with clinicopathological features.

Methods

Fifty-two OSCC and 48 OED cases were recruited for immunohistochemical analysis of p-RPS6 and PD-L1 expression. The expression of markers was correlated with clinicopathological features of OSCC and OED.

Results

We found p-RPS6 expression in all cases of OSCC and OED, whereas PD-L1 was expressed in 42/48 (87%) OED and in 28/52 (53%) OSCC. The patients with mild OED presented higher expression level of PD-L1 and p-RPS6 significantly, when compared to moderate-differentiated OSCC patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between PD-L1 and p-RPS6 expression in OED and OSCC patients (p < 0.01). The PD-L1 expression was significantly related to more than 2 cm tumor size in OSCC patients (p = 0.007).

Discussion

Our findings suggest the upregulation of PD-L1 may be related with activation of the mTOR pathway in the early events of tumor progression and the pathogenesis of OSCC.
Effects of decades of physical driving experience on pre-exposure postural precursors of motion sickness among virtual passengers
Authors: Chang Chih-Hui , Stoffregen Thomas A. , Lei Man Kit , Cheng Kuangyou B. , Li Chung-Chieh
Published: February 2024

Previous research has shown that motion sickness associated with virtual vehicles is more common among passengers than among drivers. Separately, other studies have shown that postural precursors of motion sickness during virtual driving differ as a function of prior experience driving physical vehicles. We investigated the intersection of those prior effects: We asked whether decades of physical driving experience 1) would influence motion sickness among passengers in a virtual vehicle, and 2) would influence postural precursors of motion sickness among passengers in a virtual vehicle. In our study, middle-aged adults were exposed to a virtual vehicle as passengers. Some participants (Physical Drivers) had decades of experience driving physical automobiles, while others (Physical Non-Drivers) had rarely or never driven a physical vehicle. First, we measured head and torso movement as standing participants performed simple visual tasks. Then, each participant watched a recording of the motion of a virtual vehicle, which induced motion sickness in some participants. Afterward, neither the incidence nor the severity of motion sickness differed between Physical Drivers and Physical Non-Drivers. Our analysis of pre-exposure standing body sway revealed postural precursors of motion sickness in measures of the spatial magnitude and temporal dynamics of movement. In statistically significant interactions, these precursors (Well vs. Sick) differed as a function of physical driving experience (Physical Drivers vs. Physical Non-Drivers). Overall, our results indicate that, among virtual passengers, long-term real-world driving experience influenced the postural precursors of motion sickness, but not the incidence or severity of motion sickness. We discuss these results in terms of relationships between perception and motor control in theories of motion sickness etiology.
Differences of serum glucose and lipid metabolism and immune parameters and blood metabolomics regarding the transition cows in the antepartum and postpartum period
Authors: Zhao Xinya , Wang Yuxin , Wang Luyao , Sun Shouqiang , Li Chaoyue , Zhang Xuewei , Chen Long , Tian Yujia
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate differences in metabolism regarding the transition cows. Eight cows were selected for the test. Serum was collected on antepartum days 14th (ap14) and 7th (ap7) and postpartum days 1st (pp1), 7th (pp7), and 14th (pp14) to detect biochemical parameters. The experiment screened out differential metabolites in the antepartum (ap) and postpartum (pp) periods and combined with metabolic pathway analysis to study the relationship and role between metabolites and metabolic abnormalities. Results: (1) The glucose (Glu) levels in ap7 were significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.01). The insulin (Ins) levels of ap7 were significantly higher than pp7 (p = 0.028) and pp14 (p < 0.01), and pp1 was also significantly higher than pp14 (p = 0.016). The insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels of ap7 were significantly higher than ap14, pp7, and pp14 (p < 0.01). The cholestenone (CHO) levels of ap14 and pp14 were significantly higher than pp1 (p < 0.01). The CHO levels of pp14 were significantly higher than pp7 (p < 0.01). The high density lipoprotein cholesterol (DHDL) levels of pp1 were significantly lower than ap14 (p = 0.04), pp7 (p < 0.01), and pp14 (p < 0.01), and pp14 was also significantly higher than ap14 and ap7 (p < 0.01). (2) The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels of ap7 were significantly higher than pp1 and pp7 (p < 0.01); the immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels of pp1 were significantly higher than ap7 and pp7 (p < 0.01); the interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels of pp7 were significantly higher than ap7 and pp1 (p < 0.01), the interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels of ap7 and pp1 were significantly higher than pp7 (p < 0.01). (3) Metabolomics identified differential metabolites mainly involved in metabolic pathways, such as tryptophan metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, and lysine degradation. The main relevant metabolism was concentrated in lipid and lipid-like molecules, organic heterocyclic compounds, organic acids, and their derivatives. The results displayed the metabolic changes in the transition period, which laid a foundation for further exploring the mechanism of metabolic abnormalities in dairy cows in the transition period.
Unlocking the Factors That Motivate Social Entrepreneurs to Engage in Social Entrepreneurship Projects in Tanzania: A Qualitative Case Study
Authors: Rwehumbiza Kalangari , Hyun Eunjung
Published: February 2024

Social entrepreneurial ventures thrive on diverse motivations, evolving through stages. This research delved into the dynamic shifts in motivations guiding social entrepreneurs across projects and initiatives in Tanzania. Despite numerous attempts by scholars to study and theorize the motivations of social entrepreneurs, there remains a significant gap in understanding the primary focus of social entrepreneurs’ involvement in various social entrepreneurship projects. This research aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring the motivations that drive social entrepreneurs in Tanzania to engage in social entrepreneurship ventures. The study specifically investigated the CHEMA and Gongali Model cases. The respondents consisted of 20 social entrepreneurs, with 9 from CHEMA and 11 from the Gongali Model. The findings highlight the influence of personal experiences and backgrounds in establishing innovative social enterprises, emphasizing the importance of achieving successful outcomes. The study suggests that social entrepreneurs are motivated not only by their individual needs and goals but also by the satisfaction derived from witnessing the positive impact of their work on others. Successful entrepreneurship, the study argues, requires a focus on effecting changes at both the macro and micro levels. When the intended purpose of social entrepreneurs is achieved, it serves as a significant indicator of success. The report delves deeper into how these findings influence the overall infrastructure and mindset of social entrepreneurs in Tanzania. This research introduces a novel motivational model and connects it with critical success characteristics in social innovation projects, contributing to the advancement of social entrepreneurship research. Additionally, it proposes fundamental innovations in governance and operations within the field of social entrepreneurship. From the organizational context perspective, the findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the formation and growth of social enterprises in Tanzania.
Tuning of Ionic Liquid–Solvent Electrolytes for High-Voltage Electrochemical Double Layer Capacitors: A Review
Authors: Wang Yan , Xue Kaiyuan , Yan Changzeng , Li Yuehui , Zhang Xingyun , Su Kailimai , Ma Pengjun , Wan Shanhong , Lang Junwei
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) possess extremely high-power density and a long cycle lifespan, but they have been long constrained by a low energy density. Since the electrochemical stability of electrolytes is essential to the operating voltage of EDLCs, and thus to their energy density, the tuning of electrolyte components towards a high-voltage window has been a research focus for a long time. Organic electrolytes based on ionic liquids (ILs) are recognized as the most commercially promising owing to their moderate operating voltage and excellent conductivity. Despite impressive progress, the working voltage of IL–solvent electrolytes needs to be improved to meet the growing demand. In this review, the recent progress in the tuning of IL- based organic electrolyte components for higher-voltage EDLCs is comprehensively summarized and the advantages and limitations of these innovative components are outlined. Furthermore, future trends of IL–solvent electrolytes in this field are highlighted.
The Survival of Salmonella enterica Strains in Ready-to-Eat Fruit Purees under Different Storage Temperatures
Authors: Bainotti Maria Belén , Colás-Medà Pilar , Viñas Inmaculada , Garza Salvador , Alegre Isabel
Published: February 2024

Salmonella enterica, known for its resilience to acidic environments, has been linked to foodborne outbreaks of illness from fruit derivatives. This study aimed to assess the survival of five serovars of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica in various fruit purees subjected to different storage temperatures. Among the studied serovars, S. enteritidis exhibited the most significant population decrease in all fruit purees. In contrast, S. Agona, S. Gaminara, S. Michigan, and S. Montevideo survived in peach puree at 4 °C for at least 3 days, and S. Agona, S. Gaminara, and S. Montevideo maintained their initial levels in pear puree under the same time/temperature conditions. However, none of the strains were detectable in plum and black currant purees after 2 days at 4, 15, or 25 °C. These findings highlight variations in the behaviour of S. enterica serovars within different fruit purees. Likewise, low-temperature conditions prolonged the survival of the tested strains in all fruit purees analysed.
Inhibition of Lactate Dehydrogenase-A by Singlet Oxygen and Hypochlorous Acid via Cysteine Oxidation and Irreversible Conformational Changes
Authors: Landino Lisa , Boike Lydia , Lain Taylor
Published: February 2024

Muscle lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-A) catalyzes the reduction of pyruvate to lactate, the end product of anaerobic glycolysis. LDH-A is overexpressed in many cancers prior to and even when tumors receive adequate oxygen, and lactate has multiple cellular roles. We assessed the effect of singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid (HOCl) on mammalian LDH-A. Oxidants induced distinct patterns of protein crosslinks observed by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. LDH-A cysteines were detected using fluorescein-modified maleimide to assess their oxidation and accessibility. Singlet oxygen initially increased cysteine exposure, but higher doses resulted in their oxidation in addition to non-reducible covalent crosslinks. LDH-A cysteines were oxidized by micromolar HOCl (1–10 equivalents over enzyme) but were resistant to millimolar H2O2, chloramines and Angeli’s salt. HOCl oxidation inhibited LDH-A activity and yielded inter-chain disulfides observed by nonreducing SDS-PAGE. Disulfide reduction did not restore LDH-A activity that was lost due to HOCl oxidation. An irreversible conformational change induced by HOCl was detected by native gel electrophoresis and tryptophan fluorescence. In the absence of pyruvate, LDH-A enhanced NADH oxidation resulting in H2O2 formation. Singlet oxygen, but not HOCl, initiated this superoxide-dependent chain reaction. Once damaged by both singlet oxygen or HOCl, LDH-A had decreased NADH oxidation activity.
Amelioration of Cytogenotoxic Damage in Drug Abusers Supplemented with Folic Acid
Authors: Gómez-Cabrera Alejandro Salvador , González-Santiago Ana Elizabeth , Rodríguez-Mora José Francisco , Zúñiga-González Guillermo Moisés , Gómez-Meda Belinda Claudia , Baptista-Rosas Raúl Cuauhtémoc , Castañeda-Arellano Rolando , Mercado-Sesma Arieh Roldán , Zúñiga Laura Yareni , Sánchez-Parada María Guadalupe
Published: February 2024

Background: Cytogenotoxic damage caused by the consumption of legal and illegal drugs in drug abusers has been demonstrated, primarily due to alterations in their antioxidant capacity, cellular repair mechanisms, and increased production of free radicals. Folic acid shows antioxidant activity by acting as a reducing agent, neutralizing present free radicals, and reducing genomic damage. Methods: The intervention involved administering 15 mg of folic acid, divided into three doses per day, to a group of 44 drug abusers. The frequency of nuclear abnormalities (NAs) was determined; micronuclei (MNs), nuclear buds (NBUDs), binucleated cells (BNs), abnormally condensed chromatin (CC), karyorrhexis (KX), pyknotic nuclei (PNs), and karyolysis (KL) were determined at different pre-treatment (baseline) and post-treatment time points at 15 and 30 days. Additionally, a group of 44 healthy individuals was used as the control group. Results: We observed a statistically significant decrease in the frequency of NAs in the drug abuser group (28.45 ± 17.74 before supplementation vs. 11.18 ± 7.42 at 15 days and 9.11 ± 10.9 at 30 days of supplementation). Specifically, it decreased the frequency of NBUDs, BNs, CC, KX, and PNs (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a clear improvement in cytogenotoxic damage in drug abusers supplemented with folic acid.