bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Regions of Homozygosity: Revisited Through New Bioinformatic Approaches
Authors: Valente Susana , Ribeiro Mariana , Schnur Jennifer , Alves Filipe , Moniz Nuno , Seelow Dominik , Freixo João Parente , Silva Paulo Filipe , Oliveira Jorge
Published: December 2024

Background: Runs of homozygosity (ROHs), continuous homozygous regions across the genome, are often linked to consanguinity, with their size and frequency reflecting shared parental ancestry. Homozygosity mapping (HM) leverages ROHs to identify genes associated with autosomal recessive diseases. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) improves HM by detecting ROHs and disease-causing variants. Methods: To streamline personalized multigene panel creation, using WES and ROHs, we developed a methodology integrating ROHMMCLI and HomozygosityMapper algorithms, and, optionally, Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) terms, implemented in a Django Web application. Resorting to a dataset of 12,167 WES, we performed the first ROH profiling of the Portuguese population. Clustering models were applied to predict consanguinity from ROH features. Results: These resources were applied for the genetic characterization of two siblings with epilepsy, myoclonus and dystonia, pinpointing the CSTB gene as disease-causing. Using the 2021 Census population distribution, we created a representative sample (3941 WES) and measured genome-wide autozygosity (FROH). Portalegre, Viseu, Bragança, Madeira, and Vila Real districts presented the highest FROH scores. Multidimensional scaling showed that ROH count and sum were key predictors of consanguinity, achieving a test F1-score of 0.96 with additional features. Conclusions: This study contributes with new bioinformatics tools for ROH analysis in a clinical setting, providing unprecedented population-level ROH data for Portugal.
3D-Printed Self-Assembling Helical Models for Exploring Viral Capsid Structures
Authors: Plante Donald , Unzen Keegan , Jungck John R.
Published: December 2024

This work presents a novel application of additive manufacturing in the design of self-assembling helical viral capsids using 3D-printed components. Expanding on prior work with 3D-printed self-assembling spherical capsids, we developed helical models that integrate geometric parameters and magnetic interactions to mimic key features of the assembly process of helical viral capsids. Using dual-helix phyllotactic patterns and simplified electrostatic simulations, these models consistently self-assemble into a cylinder, providing unique insights into the structural organization and stability of helical capsids. This accessible 3D-printed approach demonstrates the potential of additive manufacturing for research in mesoscale self-assembling models and in the education of complex biological assembly processes, promoting hands-on exploration of viral architecture and self-assembly mechanisms.
Color Masking Ability of Guided Enamel Regeneration with a Novel Self-Assembling Peptide and Resin Infiltration on Artificial Enamel Lesions Under Various Challenges: An In Vitro Spectrophotometric Analysis
Authors: Albar Nassreen , Basheer Syed Nahid , Moaleem Mohammed M. Al , Ageel Sana , Abbas Rehab , Hakami Rafaa , Daghrery Arwa , Sawady Mohammed , Peeran Syed Wali , Vinothkumar Thilla Sekar , Zidane Bassam
Published: December 2024

The color masking ability of resin infiltration (RI) and curodont repair fluoride plus–self-assembling peptide (CRFP-SAP) was investigated under various simulated oral challenging conditions. Sixty-four extracted caries-free human canines were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (RI) and Group 2 (CRFP-SAP). The baseline color values of samples were recorded using a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade® Advance 4.0 VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Sackingen, Germany). The samples were stored in a demineralization solution for 4 days to induce artificial enamel lesions (AELs). The AELs of Groups I and II were treated with RI (Icon, DMG, Hamburg, Germany) and CRFP-SAP (vVARDIS, Zug, Switzerland), respectively, followed by color measurements. Each group was subjected to challenges such as remineralization, pH cycling, staining, and thermocycling, followed by color measurements. The difference between the mean ∆E (color difference value) of sound enamel and both treatment groups was less than 3.7 1-week post treatment. Meanwhile, the difference between the mean ∆E of RI-treated samples and all kinds of challenges was more than 3.7, while for the CRFP-SAP-treated samples, it was less than 3.7 for all kinds of challenges, except for the thermocycling, for which the mean ∆E difference was 4.3. RI and CRFP-SAP treatments were effective in masking the discoloration caused by AELs. However, the color was not stable for RI-treated samples, whereas it was stable for CRFP-SAP-treated samples under all challenges, except for thermocycling.
Transient Slope: A Metric for Assessing Heterogeneity from the Dielectrophoresis Spectrum
Authors: Egun Emmanuel , Wilson Tia , Rashad Zuri A. , Valentine Rominna , Adams Tayloria N. G.
Published: December 2024

Cellular heterogeneity, an inherent feature of biological systems, plays a critical role in processes such as development, immune response, and disease progression. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) exemplify this heterogeneity due to their multi-lineage differentiation potential. However, their inherent variability complicates clinical use, and there is no universally accepted method for detecting and quantifying cell population heterogeneity. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has emerged as a powerful electrokinetic technique for characterizing and manipulating cells based on their dielectric properties, offering label-free analysis capabilities. Quantitative information from the DEP spectrum, such as transient slope, measure cells’ transition between negative and positive DEP behaviors. In this study, we employed DEP to estimate transient slope of various cell populations, including relatively homogeneous HEK-293 cells, heterogeneous hMSCs, and cancer cells (PC3 and DU145). Our analysis encompassed hMSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose, and umbilical cord tissue, to capture tissue-specific heterogeneity. Transient slope was assessed using two methods, involving linear trendline fitting to different low-frequency regions of the DEP spectrum. We found that transient slope serves as a reliable indicator of cell population heterogeneity, with more heterogeneous populations exhibiting lower transient slopes and higher standard deviations. Validation using cell morphology, size, and stemness further supported the utility of transient slope as a heterogeneity metric. This label-free approach holds promise for advancing cell sorting, biomanufacturing, and personalized medicine.
Modeling of Creep in Refractory Lining in Anode Baking Furnaces
Authors: Brandvik Trond , Gosselin Louis , Wang Zhaohui , Grande Tor
Published: December 2024

Refractory flue walls in anode baking furnaces are exposed to harsh conditions during operation, affecting the structural properties of the material. The flue walls in industrial furnaces degrade over time to the point where they no longer perform as intended and must be replaced. Earlier studies of spent refractory lining from anode baking furnaces have shown considerable densification of the flue wall bricks, where the densification varies significantly from the anode side to the flue side of the brick. The observed densification is proposed to be caused by high-temperature creep, and the aim of this work was to determine whether the uneven densification across the brick could be modeled using a finite element method (FEM) implementing high-temperature steady-state creep. Finite element modeling was used to model steady-state creep for a material similar to that used in the baking furnace. Thermal and physical parameters and boundary conditions were chosen to simulate the conditions in an anode baking furnace. Refractory samples of pristine and spent lining from the baking furnace were also analyzed with X-ray computed tomography (CT), with a reduction in the porosity confirming the densification during operation. The FEM modeling demonstrated that high-temperature creep could explain the observed densification in the spent flue walls. The present findings may be useful in relation to increasing the lifetime of industrial flue walls.
Experimental Pain Sensitivity and Parental Pain Catastrophizing
Authors: Banerjee Gourav , Brown Joel , McMichael Alana , Ben Abdallah Arbi , Buday Sarah , Barch Deanna M. , Baranski Thomas , Haroutounian Simon , AuBuchon Jacob , Nahman-Averbuch Hadas
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Variability in biopsychosocial factors can explain the interindividual variability in pain. One factor that can impact pain is the pain catastrophizing level. Interestingly, parental pain catastrophizing is related to the severity of the clinical pain of their children. This study explored whether parental pain catastrophizing is also associated with their children’s experimental pain sensitivity. Methods: Forty-five healthy girls (mean age 12.07 ± 1.47 years) and one of their parents participated in this study. Parents completed the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) about their child’s pain (PCS-Parentchild) as well as their pain (PCS-Parent). Children completed the PCS about their pain (PCS-Child) and the Pubertal Developmental Scale (PDS). Children underwent psychophysical tests, including paradigms of temporal summation, heat- and pressure-conditioned pain modulation, offset analgesia, and cold pain tolerance. Correlations and regression models were conducted to assess the relationships between parental pain catastrophizing scales (separately for PCS-Parentchild and PCS-Parent) and experimental pain sensitivity with and without controlling for PCS-Child and PDS. T-tests were used to compare pain sensitivity between participants with vs. without a family history of psychiatric disorder. Results: No significant relationships were found between the experimental pain sensitivity measures and either PCS-Parentchild or PCS-Parent with and without controlling for PCS-Child and PDS. No differences were found in experimental pain sensitivity between participants with and without a family history of psychiatric disorder. Conclusions: Parental pain catastrophizing may contribute minimally to the individual variability in experimental pain sensitivity of healthy adolescent girls.
Comparing Management Strategies for Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Score of 4 (TLICS = 4) in the Pediatric Population: A Single-Institutional Experience
Authors: Castillo Jose , Le Michael Nhien , Soufi Khadija , Zhou James , Kulubya Edwin , Moskalik Anzhela , Javidan Yashar , Ebinu Julius O.
Published: December 2024

Background: Thoracolumbar (TL) fractures are uncommon injuries in the pediatric population. Surgery is recommended for TL fractures with significant deformity, posterior ligamentous complex disruption, or neurological compromise. The Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity Scale (TLICS) has been validated in pediatric populations and serves as a valuable tool for guiding treatment decisions. However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the appropriate treatment for patients with a TLICS of 4. While conservative and surgical techniques have been described, most studies focused on adult populations, and there is no consensus on the appropriate management in the pediatric population. We reviewed our institutional experience of TL fractures in young children with TLICS of 4, managed both non-operatively and operatively. Methods: A retrospective review of a single institution’s experience managing pediatric patients (<18 years old) with TL fractures receiving a TLICS of 4 from 2015 to 2023 was conducted to determine the clinical outcomes following non-operative and operative treatment. Results: Among 11 pediatric patients, 4 were managed with bracing alone, primarily for posterior column fractures, using a thoracolumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO). Four patients underwent minimally invasive screw fixation (MISF), for Chance or posterior column fractures, with an average operative time of 143 min, blood loss of 29 cc, length of stay (LOS) of 9.8 days, and a follow-up interval of 6 months. Three patients received open posterior screw fixation (OPSF), most commonly for Chance fractures, with averages of 129 min operative time, 225 cc blood loss, 9.7 days LOS, and 4 months follow-up. Both MISF and OPSF utilized intra-operative imaging, with lower radiation exposure in the MISF group. One MISF patients had hardware failure evident by screw lucency on follow-up imaging. Conclusions: Bracing and surgery are safe management options for pediatric TL fractures receiving a TLICS of 4. MISF is an effective alternative treatment strategy, comparable to OPSF, with the advantage of reduced blood loss and radiation exposure. Further studies with age-matched cohorts and long-term outcomes may help determine the optimal management course.
Updates on the Activity, Efficacy and Emerging Mechanisms of Resistance to Cefiderocol
Authors: Bianco Gabriele , Boattini Matteo , Cricca Monica , Diella Lucia , Gatti Milo , Rossi Luca , Bartoletti Michele , Sambri Vittorio , Signoretto Caterina , Fonnesu Rossella , Comini Sara , Gaibani Paolo
Published: December 2024

In recent years, novel antimicrobials have been developed to counter the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and provide effective therapeutic options against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Cefiderocol, a siderophore cephalosporin, represents a novel valuable antimicrobial drug for the treatment of infections caused by MDR-GNB. The mechanism of cefiderocol to penetrate through the outer membrane of bacterial cells, termed “Trojan horse”, makes this antimicrobial drug unique and immune to the various resistance strategies adopted by GNB. Its broad spectrum of action, potent antibacterial activity, pharmacokinetics properties, safety, and tolerability make cefiderocol a key drug for the treatment of infections due to MDR strains. Although this novel antimicrobial molecule contributed to revolutionizing the therapeutic armamentarium against MDR-GNB, the recent emergence of cefiderocol-resistant strains has redefined its role in clinical practice and required new strategies to preserve its antibacterial activity. In this review, we provide an updated discussion regarding the mechanism of action, emerging mechanisms of resistance, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties, and efficacy data of cefiderocol against the major Gram-negative bacteria and future prospects.
LncRNA Expression Profiles in C6 Ceramide Treatment Reveal lnc_025370 as a Promoter in Canine Mammary Carcinoma CHMp Cells Progression
Authors: Diao Hongxiu , Zhao Fangying , Wu Meijin , Zhang Yan , Tao Qianting , Chen Shichao , Lin Degui
Published: December 2024

Canine mammary carcinomas (CMCs) represent the most prevalent form of cancer in female dogs, characterized by a high incidence and mortality rate. C6 ceramide is recognized for its multifaceted anti-cancer properties, yet its specific influence on CMCs remains to be elucidated. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), now recognized as functional “dark matter” in precision oncology, are particularly intriguing, with 44% of canine lncRNAs exhibiting tissue-specific expression. In this study, we performed a thorough analysis of lncRNA expression profiles to uncover the mechanisms behind C6 ceramide’s anti-cancer activity in CHMp cells. Our findings reveal that C6 ceramide notably inhibits the proliferation of CHMp cells. RNA sequencing identified 4522 lncRNAs with expression changes following C6 ceramide treatment, of which 2936 were upregulated and 1586 were downregulated. Further investigation into Lnc_025370 showed that it is predominantly nuclear-localized and is significantly downregulated by C6 ceramide treatment. Functional studies discovered that overexpression of Lnc_025370 enhances the growth and metastatic capabilities of CHMp cells, which is associated with an increase in NRG1, and concurrently diminishes the anti-cancer effectiveness of C6 ceramide in vitro. Mouse xenograft models also showed that Lnc_025370 overexpression promotes tumor growth and Ki67 expression. Together, our results suggest that Lnc_025370 acts as a pivotal target mediator of C6 ceramide’s anti-cancer effects, facilitating the malignant progression of CHMp cells.
Genetic Assessment and Positioning of Algerian Barley Landraces with Respect to Landraces from the Middle East and Europe Using RAPD and SSR Markers
Authors: Guetteche Hamama , Jarrar Ali , Wetters Sascha , Rouabah Leila , Rouabah Abdelkader , Benbelkacem Abdelkader , Sadoyan Ruzanna , Kanbar Adnan , Nick Peter
Published: December 2024

Landraces are a critical genetic resource for resilience breeding, offering solutions to prepare agriculture for the challenges posed by climate change. Their efficient utilisation depends on understanding their history and genetic relationships. The current study investigates the phylogenetic relationships of barley landraces from Algeria, varieties from the Near and Middle East, traditional landraces, and modern cultivars from Europe. Using a core set of 33 varieties, including the wild ancestor Hordeum spontaneum from Armenia, genetic diversity was analysed with Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers spanning all barley chromosomes. Based on the SSR-based phylogeny, the Algerian varieties are well clustered with those from the Near East, while distinct from the European varieties. The findings from RAPD markers partially support these results. Using exclusively traditional landraces, where a region of origin can be defined, the SSR markers are analysed separately for each chromosome individually, and the resulting clades are represented by the respective region of origin. This strategy resolves qualitative differences in geographic resolution, depending on the chromosome. While marker HvB23D (chromosome 4) separated the wild H. spontaneum from all domesticated genotypes, markers Bmag19 and Hv13GIII (chromosome 3) reveal four distinct geographic clusters (Maghreb, Near and Middle East, West Europe, Central Europe). These biogeographic patterns suggest a model, where divergence of domesticated barley due to human activity interacted with introgression of individual chromosomes from wild barley, yielding adaptive diversity. These biogeographic patterns suggest a model in which the divergence of domesticated barley, driven by human activity, interacts with the introgression of chromosomes from wild barley, resulting in the creation of adaptive genetic diversity. Our research advances our knowledge of barley landraces’ functional genomics and highlights their potential in molecular breeding, particularly for developing resilient varieties suited to diverse environmental conditions.
Multifunctional, Novel Formulation for Repairing Photoaged and Sun-Damaged Skin: Insights from In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Moneo-Sánchez María , de Pablo Nagore , Arana-Pascual Leire , Beitia Itziar , Benito-Cid Sandra , Pérez-González Raúl
Published: December 2024

Prolonged sun exposure disrupts the skin’s structural, mechanical, and functional properties, accelerating aging and contributing to skin disorders. To counteract these effects, we developed a formulation containing potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and reparative ingredients to protect and repair sun-damaged skin. The efficacy of the formulation was evaluated through in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies. Results demonstrated that the formulation reduced oxidative stress and suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) secretion, in a photodamaged skin model, nearly reaching levels observed in undamaged skin. It also restored collagen levels, improving structural integrity. In vivo, no adverse reactions were observed when used for 28 or 56 days. The formulation improved skin hydration by up to 46%, reduced transepidermal water loss by 20%, increased luminosity by 70%, and reduced hyperpigmented spots by 14%. It also enhanced skin firmness and elasticity by 30% and reduced wrinkle volume and density by up to 53% and 19%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the formulation’s active ingredients effectively target the pathways altered by UV exposure, offering considerable potential for preventing and reversing sun-induced skin damage while improving both the appearance and functionality of the skin.
Clinical Efficacy of Endocannabinoid-Mimetic Fatty Acid Amide as a Skin-Soothing Ingredient
Authors: Kim Sungwoo , Kim Yeonjae , Jung Juyeon , Kim Hyun-Jung , Jeong Sekyoo , Shin Heesung , Ryu Wuk-Sang , Sohn Jung-Hoon , Nam Gaewon
Published: December 2024

Despite the potential benefits of cannabidiol as a skin-soothing ingredient, its regulatory status hampers its general use in cosmetic products in many countries. To develop an alternative to cannabidiol, fatty acid amide molecules mimicking the chemical structure of endocannabinoids were manufactured using a lipase-catalyzed process. A mixture of fatty acid amides from sunflower oil and 1-amino propan-3-ol was synthesized using an immobilized lipase reaction, and the activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) was measured using a cAMP assay. The anti-inflammatory activity of the endocannabimimetic ingredients was evaluated in cultured human monocytes and ex vivo human skin explant models. A clinical study was conducted to address the skin hydration, skin barrier function, and skin redness, and the ratio of the interleukin-1-receptor antagonist (IL1-RA) to IL-1α in corneocytes, as a marker for skin sensitivity, were also measured. As a result, the activation of CB1R by endocannabimimetic ingredients was observed in cAMP assays, and a reduction in inflammatory responses by human monocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide treatment were also observed. External stress-induced inflammatory responses were reduced in ex vivo human skin explants. Improvements in skin hydration and barrier function were observed in a clinical study. A significant decrease in skin redness and the IL-1RA to IL-1α ratio was also observed. Endocannabimimetic ingredients, as alternatives to cannabidiol, can be used in skin-soothing cosmetics to increase skin hydration, improve skin barrier function, and reduce skin sensitivity.
Non-IID Medical Imaging Data on COVID-19 in the Federated Learning Framework: Impact and Directions
Authors: Alhafiz Fatimah Saeed , Basuhail Abdullah Ahmad
Published: December 2024

After first appearing in December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread rapidly, leading to global effects and significant risks to health systems. The virus’s high replication competence in the human lung accelerated the severity of lung pneumonia cases, resulting in a catastrophic death rate. Variable observations in the clinical testing of virus-related and patient-related cases across different populations led to ambiguous results. Medical and epidemiological studies on the virus effectively use imaging and scanning devices to help explain the virus’s behavior and its impact on the lungs. Varying equipment resources and a lack of uniformity in medical imaging acquisition led to disorganized and widely dispersed data collection worldwide, while high heterogeneity in datasets caused a poor understanding of the virus and related strains, consequently leading to unstable results that could not be generalized. Hospitals and medical institutions, therefore, urgently need to collaborate to share and extract useful knowledge from these COVID-19 datasets while preserving the privacy of medical records. Researchers are turning to an emerging technology that enhances the reliability and accessibility of information without sharing actual patient data. Federated learning (FL) is a technique that learns distributed data locally, sharing only the weights of each local model to compute a global model, and has the potential to improve the generalization of diagnosis and treatment decisions. This study investigates the applicability of FL for COVID-19 under the impact of data heterogeneity, defining the lung imaging characteristics and identifying the practical constraints of FL in medical fields. It describes the challenges of implementation from a technical perspective, with reference to valuable research directions, and highlights the research challenges that present opportunities for further efforts to overcome the pitfalls of distributed learning performance. The primary objective of this literature review is to provide valuable insights that will aid in the formulation of effective technical strategies to mitigate the impact of data heterogeneity on the generalization of FL results, particularly in light of the ongoing and evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
Short-Term Changes in Fecal Bacteriobiome of Healthy Laboratory Mice After Antiviral Preparation Administration
Authors: Baturina Olga , Naumova Natalia , Tupikin Alexey , Dmitrienko Elena , Silnikov Vladimir , Kabilov Marsel
Published: December 2024

Backgound/Objective: Novel compounds for mitigating globally growing microbial resistance to antibiotics have been recently more actively researched. Triviron is a polycationic amphiphile synthetic compound with a ribonuclease activity and is used as an antiviral in veterinary medicine. Methods: We studied the effect of triviron on the mouse (line Balb/c) fecal bacteriobiome at different time points (0, 5, 25, and 120 h after a single intragastrical administration) by using amplicon sequence diversity of the V3/V4 region of 16S rRNA genes. Results: Most of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonged to Bacillota (1168 OTUs, i.e., 56% of the total number of OTUs in the study) and Bacteroidota (354, i.e., 17%), with the phyla together accounting for more than 90% of the total number of sequence reads. We found changed relative abundance of some bacterial taxa with time, including the dominating Bacteroidota and Bacillota phyla; some of the changes were sex-related, although at the start of the experiment, there were no difference between the sexes in their fecal bacteriobiome composition and structure. Conclusions: The results unequivocally demonstrated that in mice, feces bacterial community structure was affected by a one-time triviron administration, even at the highest hierarchical level of phyla. The finding that the core dominant phyla can be affected, with the effect lasting at least for five days, implies that some major and important functions of the gut microbiota can be affected as well.
Combination of Topical Heparin and Levomenol in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: A SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) Analysis
Authors: Hladíková Marie , Schmidt Mathias
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: A prior placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical study demonstrated the superiority of a topical combination of heparin and levomenol over the control and single active constituents. The effect on pruritus and the total SCORAD index were used to evaluate efficacy, but not the effect on the individual SCORAD items. This analysis investigates the overall efficacy of the treatment and the relative contributions of heparin and levomenol to symptom relief in atopic dermatitis, including the effects on the affected body area and its implications for sleeplessness. Methods: The ITT group (combination group A: n = 79; levomenol group B: n = 80; heparin group C: n = 78; placebo group D: n = 41) of the previously published study was re-analysed. Results: The combination significantly improved symptoms such as erythema, edema/papulation, excoriations, and skin dryness compared to the control after eight weeks of treatment. No significant differences were observed for oozing/crust and lichenification among the active groups. Levomenol and heparin exhibited significant advantages over the control for erythema and excoriations, while heparin improved edema/papulation significantly. The inflamed body area significantly decreased using the combination or single active constituents, and sleeplessness significantly improved with the combination or with heparin alone compared to the control. Conclusions: These findings highlight the efficacy of the combination and individual active constituents in addressing specific symptoms of atopic dermatitis, providing insights into their therapeutic effects. The combination’s advantage over the control is most evident in improving excoriations, skin dryness, inflamed skin area, and sleeplessness, justifying its documented use as an intervention in the early stages of atopic dermatitis episodes.
Exosome-Derived microRNAs: Bridging the Gap Between Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Vukelić Iva , Šuša Branislav , Klobučar Sanja , Buljević Sunčica , Liberati Pršo Ana-Marija , Belančić Andrej , Rahelić Dario , Detel Dijana
Published: December 2024

Obesity and type 2 diabetes represent global public health challenges that are continuously growing at an alarming rate. The etiology of obesity is complex and multifactorial, with a substantial interplay between behavioral, biological, and environmental factors. Dysregulation of immunometabolism through chronic low-intensity inflammation in obesity has long been recognized as the main driver of insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes. However, the intricate mechanisms underlying these alterations have yet to be fully elucidated. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that carry biomolecules including various types of RNA molecules. Of particular importance are microRNAs (miRNAs), known as modulators of gene expression whose altered expression is observed in various pathophysiological conditions. Recent research suggests that exosome-derived miRNAs, such as miR-155, miR-27a, and miR-29, play an essential role in the regulation of inflammatory processes, while miR-122 and miR-192 are associated with metabolic dysfunction. These and many other miRNAs influence signaling pathways that are critical for maintaining insulin sensitivity, thereby contributing to the development of insulin resistance in individuals with obesity. Hence, there is a growing interest in the potential of exosomes and miRNAs as biomarkers for the early detection of insulin resistance and other obesity-related complications, as well as promising therapeutic targets or next-generation drug delivery carriers. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the interplay between exosome-derived miRNA, obesity, and type 2 diabetes and summarizes the latest findings in exosome biology.
Development and Evaluation of a GPT4-Based Orofacial Pain Clinical Decision Support System
Authors: Vueghs Charlotte , Shakeri Hamid , Renton Tara , Van der Cruyssen Frederic
Published: December 2024

Background: Orofacial pain (OFP) encompasses a complex array of conditions affecting the face, mouth, and jaws, often leading to significant diagnostic challenges and high rates of misdiagnosis. Artificial intelligence, particularly large language models like GPT4 (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA, USA), offers potential as a diagnostic aid in healthcare settings. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of GPT4 in OFP cases as a clinical decision support system (CDSS) and compare its performance against treating clinicians, expert evaluators, medical students, and general practitioners. Methods: A total of 100 anonymized patient case descriptions involving diverse OFP conditions were collected. GPT4 was prompted to generate primary and differential diagnoses for each case using the International Classification of Orofacial Pain (ICOP) criteria. Diagnoses were compared to gold-standard diagnoses established by treating clinicians, and a scoring system was used to assess accuracy at three hierarchical ICOP levels. A subset of 24 cases was also evaluated by two clinical experts, two final-year medical students, and two general practitioners for comparative analysis. Diagnostic performance and interrater reliability were calculated. Results: GPT4 achieved the highest accuracy level (ICOP level 3) in 38% of cases, with an overall diagnostic performance score of 157 out of 300 points (52%). The model provided accurate differential diagnoses in 80% of cases (400 out of 500 points). In the subset of 24 cases, the model’s performance was comparable to non-expert human evaluators but was surpassed by clinical experts, who correctly diagnosed 54% of cases at level 3. GPT4 demonstrated high accuracy in specific categories, correctly diagnosing 81% of trigeminal neuralgia cases at level 3. Interrater reliability between GPT4 and human evaluators was low (κ = 0.219, p < 0.001), indicating variability in diagnostic agreement. Conclusions: GPT4 shows promise as a CDSS for OFP by improving diagnostic accuracy and offering structured differential diagnoses. While not yet outperforming expert clinicians, GPT4 can augment diagnostic workflows, particularly in primary care or educational settings. Effective integration into clinical practice requires adherence to rigorous guidelines, thorough validation, and ongoing professional oversight to ensure patient safety and diagnostic reliability.
Clean Customer Master Data for Customer Analytics: A Neglected Element of Data Monetization
Authors: Singh Jasmin , Gebauer Heiko
Published: December 2024

Despite the demonstrable benefits of data monetization initiatives for achieving competitive advantages, many of these efforts struggle to realize their potential. Companies often find it challenging to sustain even initially successful data monetization initiatives due to formidable data quality issues. This reflects a disconnect between advancements in data monetization research—which range from digitization to digitalization and digital transformation—and their practical implementation within companies. Consequently, misguided approaches to data monetization are relatively common. A critical prerequisite for successful data monetization is the establishment and maintenance of clean, high-quality data. This study underscores the importance of data quality by conducting an in-depth analysis of Medical Inc., a company that prepares pristine customer master data for advanced customer analytics. The investigation aims to elucidate Medical Inc.’s approach for addressing data cleanliness challenges and developing a general framework for the process of cleansing customer master data. This framework illuminates a relatively unexplored aspect of data monetization, thereby supplementing existing research on digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation.
Employer Disability Confidence: Moving Towards a Theory-Based Change Logic
Authors: Qian-Khoo Joanne Xiaolei , Wilson Erin , Murfitt Kevin
Published: December 2024

Employer disability confidence is a concept being used increasingly in employment interventions and policies targeting the demand side of the labour market to support the employment of people with disability. However, the concept is not well-defined and lacks a theoretical basis, inhibiting its application to best effect. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of employer disability confidence to fill in the definitional and theoretical gap in the current practice and literature. The paper presents a synthesis of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and explores the literature that reports on use of TPB in disability employment contexts. We have applied the TPB to explain the concept of employer disability confidence. In the proposed framework, disability confidence is theorised to be the sum of the attitudes towards hiring people with disability, the perceived social expectations, and the perception of the employer and workplace of control over factors enabling and hindering employment of people with disability. Development of a theory-based and action-oriented framework for employer disability confidence could contribute to designing initiatives and interventions aimed at employers and workplaces to remove barriers to employment for people with disability, as well as understanding and assessing the effectiveness of implementation of such interventions.
Uncovering Key Transcription Factors Driving Chilling Stress Tolerance in Rice Germination
Authors: Viana Vívian Ebeling , Pegoraro Camila , da Luz Viviane Kopp , Costa de Oliveira Antonio , da Maia Luciano Carlos
Published: December 2024

Background: Rice, one of the main foods in Brazil and the world, is sensitive to chilling (0–15 °C), especially in the germination and reproductive stages. Chilling causes delayed germination and affects coleoptile elongation at the S3 stage (needlepoint), causing poor plant establishment, stunted growth, and non-vigorous plants, also impacting weed management. Elucidating the mechanisms responsible for resilience under cold conditions helps the development of tolerant cultivars. Transcription factors (TFs) act in stress response signaling, making them indispensable in the tolerance mechanism. Objective: Thus, this study aimed to identify and characterize the expression profile of transcription factors in the response to chilling stress in rice at the germination stage. Methods: To determine the transcriptional profile of 2408 genes belonging to 56 TF families, RNAseq was performed on the shoot tissue of seedlings of Oro (chilling-tolerant) and Tio Taka (chilling-sensitive) genotypes grown under control conditions (25 °C) and chilling stress (13 °C) until the S3 stage. Results: Of the total genes analyzed, 22% showed significant differential expression in the analyzed cultivars. There were 117 genes that showed significant differential expression in the tolerant cultivar, 60 of which were downregulated and 57 upregulated. In the sensitive cultivar, 248 genes had a significant differential expression, of which 98 genes were downregulated and 150 genes were upregulated. A total of 170 genes encoding TFs were commonly and significantly differentially expressed in the tolerant and sensitive genotypes. Conclusions: Here, we revealed potential new targets involved in the regulation of chilling stress in rice at the S3 stage.
An Entropy Dynamics Approach to Inferring Fractal-Order Complexity in the Electromagnetics of Solids
Authors: Pahari Basanta R. , Oates William
Published: December 2024

A fractal-order entropy dynamics model is developed to create a modified form of Maxwell’s time-dependent electromagnetic equations. The approach uses an information-theoretic method by combining Shannon’s entropy with fractional moment constraints in time and space. Optimization of the cost function leads to a time-dependent Bayesian posterior density that is used to homogenize the electromagnetic fields. Self-consistency between maximizing entropy, inference of Bayesian posterior densities, and a fractal-order version of Maxwell’s equations are developed. We first give a set of relationships for fractal derivative definitions and their relationship to divergence, curl, and Laplacian operators. The fractal-order entropy dynamic framework is then introduced to infer the Bayesian posterior and its application to modeling homogenized electromagnetic fields in solids. The results provide a methodology to help understand complexity from limited electromagnetic data using maximum entropy by formulating a fractal form of Maxwell’s electromagnetic equations.
A Comparison of Responsive and General Guidance to Promote Learning in an Online Science Dialog
Authors: Gerard Libby , Linn Marcia C. , Holtmann Marlen
Published: December 2024

Students benefit from dialogs about their explanations of complex scientific phenomena, and middle school science teachers cannot realistically provide all the guidance they need. We study ways to extend generative teacher–student dialogs to more students by using AI tools. We compare Responsive web-based dialogs to General web-based dialogs by evaluating the ideas students add and the quality of their revised explanations. We designed the General guidance to motivate and encourage students to revise their explanations, similar to how an experienced classroom teacher might instruct the class. We designed the Responsive guidance to emulate a student–teacher dialog, based on studies of experienced teachers guiding individual students. The analyses comparing the Responsive and the General condition are based on a randomized assignment of a total sample of 507 pre-college students. These students were taught by five different teachers in four schools. A significantly higher proportion of students added new accurate ideas in the Responsive condition compared to the General condition during the dialog. This research shows that by using NLP to identify ideas and assign guidance, students can broaden and refine their ideas. Responsive guidance, inspired by how experienced teachers guide individual students, is more valuable than General guidance.
Optimization of Thermal and Pressure Drop Performance in Circular Pin Fin Heat Sinks Using the TOPSIS Method
Authors: Adhyaru Jemit , Uma Mohan , Praveena Vedagiri , Sethuramalingam Prabhu
Published: December 2024

This study aims to optimize the thermal performance of pin fin heat sinks by minimizing the maximum temperature of the heat source. Using ANSYS ICEPAK, simulations were conducted for various design parameters, including the number of fins, inlet flow rate, and fin thickness, across circular fins in both inline and staggered arrangements. The circular staggered configuration with 36 fins (3 mm thick) and a flow rate of 6 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) achieved the lowest temperature of 34.96 °C, outperforming the inline arrangement. The Taguchi method helped strike a balance between heat transfer and pressure drop, revealing that flow rate has a greater influence when varied compared to the number of fins and fin thickness. An optimal configuration was identified with 36 fins and a flow rate of 4 CFM, which was less sensitive to operational variations. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that inlet flow rate significantly impacts heat sink performance, while polynomial regression models demonstrated strong generalization capabilities, with Root mean square error (RMSE) of 8.92%. These findings provide reliable predictive tools and practical insights for optimizing heat sink designs in electronics cooling applications. By utilizing the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method, the coefficient of relative closeness (Cn*) is plotted as a main effect. Referring to the multi-objective optimization-based TOPSIS method, it is found that the attributes are partly from the inlet flow rate (Q) are 63.4% of the number of fins (Nf) (25.05%).
Dynamic Carbon Emission Factors in Source–Network–Storage Power System Planning: A Focus on Inverse Modelling
Authors: Li Yixin , Wu Weijie , Yang Haotian , Gong Guoxian , Zhang Yining , Luo Shuxin , Zhou Shucan , Wang Peng
Published: December 2024

In light of global climate change, China has set strategic goals for carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, emphasizing the necessity of constructing a new power system with a high proportion of renewable energy sources. As coal-fired power plants are the main carbon emissions source in the power system, their low-carbon transition and morphology structure optimization is crucial. This paper explores the critical role of dynamic carbon emission factors within source–network–storage power system planning and proposes an innovative inverse dynamic carbon emission factor that effectively captures the nonlinear relationship between load rates and emissions. Comparative analyses using the HRP-38 test case demonstrate that the inverse model enhances computational efficiency, reduces solution times, and more accurately reflects the emissions characteristics of coal-fired units across varying operational conditions. Furthermore, the inverse model offers improved economic performance and broader flexibility in unit selection, highlighting its potential to balance carbon emissions control and economic optimization in future power system planning.
Studies of a Mechanically Pumped Two-Phase Loop with a Pressure-Controlled Accumulator Under Pulsed Evaporator Heat Loads
Authors: Truster Nicholas , Ervin Jamie S. , Roman Abdeel , Monfort Jeff
Published: December 2024

As avionics become more power dense, electronic device cooling has become a significant barrier to aircraft integration. A mechanically pumped two-phase loop (MPTL) is a thermal subsystem that enables near isothermal evaporator operation, which is desirable for electronics cooling. The goal of this study was to integrate an MPTL with a pressure-controlled accumulator and model a predictive control technique to demonstrate improvements for transient, isothermal evaporator operation for MPTLs under pulsed evaporator heat loads. The model predictive controller enables active control of MPTL compressible volume, which has not been demonstrated for pulsed evaporator heat loads. Experimental data were collected to validate a representative numerical model. A pressure-controlled accumulator was added to an MPTL to experimentally characterize the system thermodynamic response for three pulsed evaporator heat loads. Two statistical methods were used to assess the numerical model agreement with the experimental results. Under pulsed evaporator heat loads, the mean percent error agreed within 3.45% and the mean average percent error agreed within 0.74% for the three pulsed evaporator heat loads. Finally, a traditional proportional–integral (PI) controller and an advanced model predictive controller were developed and integrated into the validated numerical model. Both control methods were evaluated for an expanded set of evaporator heat load profiles to analyze transient behavior. For evaporator heat profiles with high heat transfer rates, the model predictive controller can maintain a target ±2 K refrigerant temperature at the evaporator exit throughout the evaporator heat load duration, whereas the PI-controlled MPTL cannot. Through this work, active control of a pressure-controlled accumulator within an MPTL is shown to improve refrigerant isothermal (±2 K) operation when compared to a traditional control technique.
Insights into Biohydrogen Production Through Dark Fermentation of Food Waste: Substrate Properties, Inocula, and Pretreatment Strategies
Authors: Gbiete Djangbadjoa , Narra Satyanarayana , Mani Kongnine Damgou , Narra Mona-Maria , Nelles Michael
Published: December 2024

The growing population and economic expansion have led to increased energy demand while presenting complex waste generation and management challenges, particularly in light of climate change. Green hydrogen, which is considered a major clean energy carrier, can also be generated from food waste through a process known as dark fermentation. The production of dark fermentative hydrogen from food waste and biomass residues, in general, is influenced by the type of feedstock, source of inoculum, and their pretreatment and handling strategies. Food waste is a suitable substrate for dark fermentation and has a variable and complex composition, which is a major factor limiting the hydrogen yield. This review critically assesses food waste sources, focusing on their physical and chemical composition, pretreatment methods, and strategies for optimizing dark fermentative hydrogen production. This paper also highlights and critically discusses various inoculum sources and innovations regarding the pretreatment and enrichment applications of inocula for dark fermentative hydrogen production. Based on the literature analysis, advanced research is required to develop more sustainable and specific pretreatment strategies that consider the properties of food waste and the source of the inoculum. This approach will aid in preventing inhibition and inefficiency during the dark fermentation process.