bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reservoir displacement by an invasive rodent reduces Lassa virus zoonotic spillover risk
Authors: Eskew Evan A. , Bird Brian H. , Ghersi Bruno M. , Bangura James , Basinski Andrew J. , Amara Emmanuel , Bah Mohamed A. , Kanu Marilyn C. , Kanu Osman T. , Lavalie Edwin G. , Lungay Victor , Robert Willie , Vandi Mohamed A. , Fichet-Calvet Elisabeth , Nuismer Scott L.
Published: April 2024

The black rat (Rattus rattus) is a globally invasive species that has been widely introduced across Africa. Within its invasive range in West Africa,R. rattusmay compete with the native rodentMastomys natalensis, the primary reservoir host of Lassa virus, a zoonotic pathogen that kills thousands annually. Here, we use rodent trapping data from Sierra Leone and Guinea to show thatR. rattuspresence reducesM. natalensisdensity within the human dwellings where Lassa virus exposure is most likely to occur. Further, we integrate infection data fromM. natalensisto demonstrate that Lassa virus zoonotic spillover risk is lower at sites withR. rattus. While non-native species can have numerous negative effects on ecosystems, our results suggest thatR. rattusinvasion has the indirect benefit of decreasing zoonotic spillover of an endemic pathogen, with important implications for invasive species control across West Africa.
Timescale correlation of shallow trap states increases electrochemiluminescence efficiency in carbon nitrides
Authors: Fang Yanfeng , Yang Hong , Hou Yuhua , Li Wang , Shen Yanfei , Liu Songqin , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: April 2024

Highly efficient interconversion of different types of energy plays a crucial role in both science and technology. Among them, electrochemiluminescence, an emission of light excited by electrochemical reactions, has drawn attention as a powerful tool for bioassays. Nonetheless, the large differences in timescale among diverse charge-transfer pathways from picoseconds to seconds significantly limit the electrochemiluminescence efficiency and hamper their broad applications. Here, we report a timescale coordination strategy to improve the electrochemiluminescence efficiency of carbon nitrides by engineering shallow electron trap states via Au-N bond functionalization. Quantitative electrochemiluminescence kinetics measurements and theoretic calculations jointly disclose that Au-N bonds endow shallow electron trap states, which coordinate the timescale of the fast electron transfer in the bulk emitter and the slow redox reaction of co-reagent at diffusion layers. The shallow electron trap states ultimately accelerate the rate and kinetics of emissive electron-hole recombination, setting a new cathodic electrochemiluminescence efficiency record of carbon nitrides, and empowering a visual electrochemiluminescence sensor for nitrite ion, a typical environmental contaminant, with superior detection range and limit.
Near-strain-free anode architecture enabled by interfacial diffusion creep for initial-anode-free quasi-solid-state batteries
Authors: Kim Kwang Hee , Lee Myung-Jin , Ryu Minje , Liu Tae-Kyung , Lee Jung Hwan , Jung Changhoon , Kim Ju-Sik , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: April 2024

Anode-free (or lithium-metal-free) batteries with garnet-type solid-state electrolytes are considered a promising path in the development of safe and high-energy-density batteries. However, their practical implementation has been hindered by the internal strain that arises from the repeated plating and stripping of lithium metal at the interlayer between the solid electrolyte and negative electrode. Herein, we utilize the titanium nitrate nanotube architecture and a silver-carbon interlayer to mitigate the anisotropic stress caused by the recurring formation of lithium deposition layers during the cycling process. The mixed ionic-electronic conducting nature of the titanium nitrate nanotubes effectively accommodates the entry of reduced Li into its free volume space via interfacial diffusion creep, achieving near-strain-free operation with nearly tenfold volume suppressing capability compared to a conventional Cu anode counterpart during the lithiation process. Notably, the fabricated Li6.4La3Zr1.7Ta0.3O12 (LLZTO)-based initial-anode-free quasi-solid-state battery full cell, coupled with an ionic liquid catholyte infused high voltage LiNi0.33Co0.33Mn0.33O2-based cathode with an areal capacity of 3.2 mA cm−2, exhibits remarkable room temperature (25 °C) cyclability of over 600 cycles at 1 mA cm−2 with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.8%.
Positive-unlabeled learning identifies vaccine candidate antigens in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Chou Renee Ti , Ouattara Amed , Adams Matthew , Berry Andrea A. , Takala-Harrison Shannon , Cummings Michael P.
Published: April 2024

Malaria vaccine development is hampered by extensive antigenic variation and complex life stages of Plasmodium species. Vaccine development has focused on a small number of antigens, many of which were identified without utilizing systematic genome-level approaches. In this study, we implement a machine learning-based reverse vaccinology approach to predict potential new malaria vaccine candidate antigens. We assemble and analyze P. falciparum proteomic, structural, functional, immunological, genomic, and transcriptomic data, and use positive-unlabeled learning to predict potential antigens based on the properties of known antigens and remaining proteins. We prioritize candidate antigens based on model performance on reference antigens with different genetic diversity and quantify the protein properties that contribute most to identifying top candidates. Candidate antigens are characterized by gene essentiality, gene ontology, and gene expression in different life stages to inform future vaccine development. This approach provides a framework for identifying and prioritizing candidate vaccine antigens for a broad range of pathogens.
Computational modeling reveals key factors driving treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Lai Xiulan , Jiao Xiaopei , Zhang Haojian , Lei Jinzhi
Published: April 2024

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who receive tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been known to achieve treatment-free remission (TFR) upon discontinuing treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain incompletely understood. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of TFR in CML patients, focusing on the feedback interaction between leukemia stem cells and the bone marrow microenvironment. We have developed a mathematical model to explore the interplay between leukemia stem cells and the bone marrow microenvironment, allowing for the simulation of CML progression dynamics. Our proposed model reveals a dichotomous response following TKI discontinuation, with two distinct patient groups emerging: one prone to early molecular relapse and the other capable of achieving long-term TFR after treatment cessation. This finding aligns with clinical observations and underscores the essential role of feedback interaction between leukemic cells and the tumor microenvironment in sustaining TFR. Notably, we have shown that the ratio of leukemia cells in peripheral blood (PBLC) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) index can be a valuable predictive tool for identifying patients likely to achieve TFR after discontinuing treatment. This study provides fresh insights into the mechanism of TFR in CML patients and underscores the significance of microenvironmental control in achieving TFR.
A system dynamics-based model for the evolution of environmental group events
Authors: Qi Xue-ting , Bu Fanliang
Published: April 2024

Based on the system dynamics theory, this paper establishes an environmental mass event evolution model and explores the evolution law of mass events caused by environmental problems. From a methodological point of view, the mixed-strategy evolutionary game principle and dynamic punishment measures are combined, and simulation analysis is carried out by Anylogic software, and the results show that there is no stable evolutionary equilibrium solution for the two sides of the game in the traditional asymmetric mixed-strategy game model, and after adjusting the game payoff matrix and incorporating the dynamic punishment strategy, stable evolutionary equilibrium solutions appear in the evolutionary game model, and the system begins to tend to be stabilized. The process and conclusions of the simulation experiment provide methodological reference and theoretical support for the analysis of the evolution of environmental mass events.
Rapid Market Screening to assess lead concentrations in consumer products across 25 low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Sargsyan Aelita , Nash Emily , Binkhorst Gordon , Forsyth Jenna E. , Jones Barbara , Sanchez Ibarra Gabriel , Berg Sarah , McCartor Andrew , Fuller Richard , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan
Published: April 2024

Lead exposure can have serious consequences for health and development. The neurological and behavioral effects of lead are considered irreversible. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. In 2020, Pure Earth and UNICEF estimated that one in three children had elevated blood lead levels above 5 µg/dL. The sources of lead exposure vary around the world and can range from household products, such as spices or foodware, to environmental pollution from nearby industries. The aim of this study was to analyze common products from markets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for their lead content to determine whether they are plausible sources of exposure. In 25 LMICs, the research teams systematically collected consumer products (metal foodware, ceramics, cosmetics, paints, toys, spices and other foods). The items were analyzed on site for detectable lead above 2 ppm using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer. For quality control purposes, a subset of the samples was analyzed in the USA using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The lead concentrations of the individual product types were compared with established regulatory thresholds. Out of 5007 analyzed products, threshold values (TV) were surpassed in 51% for metal foodware (TV 100 ppm), 45% for ceramics (TV 100 ppm), and 41% for paints (TV 90 ppm). Sources of exposure in LMICs can be diverse, and consumers in LMICs lack adequate protection from preventable sources of lead exposure. Rapid Market Screening is an innovative, simple, and useful tool to identify risky products that could be sources of lead exposure.
The burden of schizophrenia in the Middle East and North Africa region, 1990–2019
Authors: Safiri Saeid , Noori Maryam , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Shamekh Ali , Sullman Mark J. M. , Collins Gary S. , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: April 2024

Schizophrenia ranks as the third-most common cause of disability among mental disorders globally. This study presents findings on the prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) as a result of schizophrenia in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), stratified by age, sex and sociodemographic index (SDI). We collected publicly accessible data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. This study reports the burden of schizophrenia, from 1990 to 2019, for the 21 countries that comprise MENA. In 2019, MENA exhibited an age-standardised point prevalence of 248.2, an incidence rate of 14.7 and an YLD rate of 158.7 per 100,000, which have not changed substantially between 1990 and 2019. In 2019, the age-standardised YLD rate was highest in Qatar and lowest in Afghanistan. No MENA countries demonstrated noteworthy changes in the burden of schizophrenia from 1990 to 2019. Furthermore, in 2019, the highest number of prevalent cases and the point prevalence were observed among those aged 35–39, with a higher prevalence among males in almost all age categories. Additionally, in 2019, the age-standardised YLD rates in MENA were below the worldwide average. Finally, there was a positive correlation between the burden of schizophrenia and the SDI from 1990 to 2019. The disease burden of schizophrenia has remained relatively stable over the past thirty years. Nevertheless, as the regional life-expectancy continues to increase, the burden of schizophrenia is also expected to rise. Therefore, early planning for the increase in the burden of the disease is urgently needed in the region.
Gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: prespecified All Nippon Atrial Fibrillation in the Elderly (ANAFIE) Registry subgroup analysis
Authors: Yamamoto Takatsugu , Mizokami Yuji , Yamashita Takeshi , Akao Masaharu , Atarashi Hirotsugu , Ikeda Takanori , Koretsune Yukihiro , Okumura Ken , Shimizu Wataru , Suzuki Shinya , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Toyoda Kazunori , Hirayama Atsushi , Yasaka Masahiro , Yamaguchi Takenori , Teramukai Satoshi , Kimura Tetsuya , Morishima Yoshiyuki , Takita Atsushi , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding control is critical in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving oral anticoagulants (OAC). This subgroup analysis aimed to clarify the actual state and significance of GI bleeding in elderly non-valvular AF (NVAF) patients. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of GI bleeding during the 2-year follow-up and examined the GI bleeding impact on mortality. Of the 32,275 patients in the ANAFIE Registry, 1139 patients (3.5%) experienced GI bleeding (incidence rate, 1.92 events per 100 person-years; mean follow-up, 1.88 years); 339 upper and 760 lower GI bleeding events occurred. GI bleeding risk factors included age ≥ 85 years, body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2, prior major bleeding, hyperuricaemia, heart failure, P-glycoprotein inhibitor use, GI disease, and polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs). No significant differences in GI bleeding risk were found between direct OAC (DOAC) vs warfarin users (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence interval], 1.01 [0.88–1.15]). The 1-year post-GI bleeding mortality rate was numerically higher in patients with upper (19.6%) than lower GI bleeding (8.9%). In elderly Japanese NVAF patients, this large-scale study found no significant difference in GI bleeding risk between DOAC vs. warfarin users or 1-year mortality after upper or lower GI bleeding.
Spatial non-parametric Bayesian clustered coefficients
Authors: Areed Wala Draidi , Price Aiden , Thompson Helen , Malseed Reid , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: April 2024

In the field of population health research, understanding the similarities between geographical areas and quantifying their shared effects on health outcomes is crucial. In this paper, we synthesise a number of existing methods to create a new approach that specifically addresses this goal. The approach is called a Bayesian spatial Dirichlet process clustered heterogeneous regression model. This non-parametric framework allows for inference on the number of clusters and the clustering configurations, while simultaneously estimating the parameters for each cluster. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm using simulated data and further apply it to analyse influential factors affecting children’s health development domains in Queensland. The study provides valuable insights into the contributions of regional similarities in education and demographics to health outcomes, aiding targeted interventions and policy design.
Serological and RT-PCR evaluation of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Harms) accessions to viral resistance under field condition
Authors: Jeffrey Ihenacho , Kehinde Iyabode , Ayo-John Emily , Bankole Paul , Abberton Michael , Kumar P. Lava , Adegboyega Taofeek , Oyatomi Olaniyi
Published: April 2024

African yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa (Hochst ex. A. Rich.) harms) an underutilized legume that produces nutritionally healthy seeds and tubers in some variety. The low yield of the crop is attributed to production constraints such as attacks by pest and disease-causing organisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. In this study, one hundred AYB accessions were evaluated for resistance to viral infection. The AYB accessions were planted using a randomized complete block design on the experimental field at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan, Nigeria. Viral disease severity was assessed at 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 weeks after planting (WAP) based on disease symptoms using disease severity index on visual scale of 1–5. Antigen–coated plate enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to index diseased leaf samples collected from the field. Result from five virus species (Cowpea mild mottle virus, Cowpea mottle virus, Southern bean mosaic virus, Cowpea mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic virus) were detected in few accessions while mixed infections were observed in some accessions. TSs-552, TSs-577, TSs-580, TSs-560 and TSs-600 were devoid of viruses and could be resistant. There were no significant differences at p < 0.05 in the mean disease incidence (DI) of viral diseases. However, at 18 weeks after planting, TSs-604 had the highest (100%) mean DI while TSs-584 had the lowest (13.33%) mean DI. Cluster analysis based on the AUDPC produced 6 main clusters, the clusters revealed grouping patterns in which AYB lines with similar resistance ratings were shown to form unique clusters. The information generated from this study will contribute to the development of strategies in the management of virus diseases infecting AYB.
Synthesis of CuO, ZnO nanoparticles, and CuO-ZnO nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B: a comparative study
Authors: Jeevarathinam M. , Asharani I. V.
Published: April 2024

Water pollution, arising from the presence of toxic dyes and chemicals, is a global challenge, urging the need for eco-friendly solutions in water decontamination. This study focused on the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and a bimetallic CuO-ZnO nanocomposite (CZ NC) through an environmentally friendly method employing Tragia involucrata L. leaf extract. Comprehensive analysis of structural and optical properties involved using various analytical techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, XPS, UV-DRS, PL, FE-SEM, EDAX, TEM, SAED, zeta potential, TGA, and BET. In comparison to pristine CuO and ZnO NPs, the CZ-NC demonstrated notably enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Rhodamine B dye (RhB). The optimum conditions for RhB degradation were found to be a pH of 9 and a catalyst dosage of 1 mg/mL for a concentration of 10 ppm. Under these conditions, CuO NPs, ZnO NPs, and CZ-NC demonstrated high efficiencies of 78%, 83%, and 96.1% respectively over 105 min. Through LC-HRMS, the identification of degradation products offered valuable insights into the pathway of photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, toxicity analysis of intermediates, conducted through ECOSAR software, indicated the formation of non-toxic by-products (ChV/LC50/EC50 > 100) after the completion of the reaction. Furthermore, the recycled catalysts exhibited sustained stability for up to 4 cycles, with only a minor decrease in activity of up to 6.8%. This confirms their catalytic efficacy in purifying polluted water. This research significantly contributes to the progress of environmentally friendly nanocomposites, enhancing their efficacy in the realm of environmental remediation.
Horizontal mapping of time-related words in first and second language
Authors: Malyshevskaya Anastasia , Fischer Martin H. , Shtyrov Yury , Myachykov Andriy
Published: April 2024

The existence of a consistent horizontal spatial-conceptual mapping for words denoting time is a well-established phenomenon. For example, words related to the past or future (e.g., yesterday/tomorrow) facilitate respective leftward/rightward attentional shifts and responses, suggesting the visual-spatial grounding of temporal semantics, at least in the native language (L1). To examine whether similar horizontal bias also accompanies access to time-related words in a second language (L2), we tested 53 Russian-English (Experiment 1) and 48 German-English (Experiment 2) bilinguals, who classified randomly presented L1 and L2 time-related words as past- or future-related using left or right response keys. The predicted spatial congruency effect was registered in all tested languages and, furthermore, was positively associated with higher L2 proficiency in Experiment 2. Our findings (1) support the notion of horizontal spatial-conceptual mapping in diverse L1s, (2) demonstrate the existence of a similar spatial bias when processing temporal words in L2, and (3) show that the strength of time-space association in L2 may depend on individual L2 proficiency.
Metabolic imprinting in beef calves supplemented with creep feeding on performance, reproductive efficiency and metabolome profile
Authors: Catussi Bruna Lima Chechin , Ferreira Jaqueline Rodrigues , Lo Turco Edson Guimarães , Morgulis Sérgio Carlos Franco , Baruselli Pietro Sampaio
Published: April 2024

This experiment evaluated the influence of creep feeding supplementation on productive and reproductive performance and on serum metabolome profile in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers. Female calves were assigned to treatments: Creep (n = 190), with ad libitum access to a nutritional supplement from 70 to 220 days after birth, or Control (n = 140), without supplementation. After weaning (Day 220), both groups followed the same pasture and nutritional management. Body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BFAT) were measured over time. Blood samples were collected at 220 and 360 days for LC–MS/MS targeted metabolomics. On day 408, during the synchronization timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol, reproductive status (RS: diameter of uterine horn and largest follicle, and presence of CL) was assessed. Creep feeding increased BW and BFAT at weaning, but no differences in BW, BFAT, or RS after weaning were observed. Nonetheless, the pregnancy per AI (P/AI) for 1st service was 28.9% higher in the Creep group. On day 220, 11 significant metabolites influenced five metabolic pathways: Glucose-alanine cycle, alanine, glutathione, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, and urea cycle. On day 360, 14 significant metabolites influenced eight metabolic pathways: Malate-aspartate shuttle, arginine and proline metabolism, urea cycle, aspartate, beta-alanine, glutamate metabolism, ammonia recycling and citric acid cycle. In conclusion, creep feeding supplementation improved calf performance and induced metabolic changes at weaning and 360 days of age. Although heifers had similar productive performance and reproductive status, when submitted to TAI, those supplemented with creep feeding had greater P/AI.
Prediction-error-dependent processing of immediate and delayed positive feedback
Authors: Weber Constanze , Bellebaum Christian
Published: April 2024

Learning often involves trial-and-error, i.e. repeating behaviours that lead to desired outcomes, and adjusting behaviour when outcomes do not meet our expectations and thus lead to prediction errors (PEs). PEs have been shown to be reflected in the reward positivity (RewP), an event-related potential (ERP) component between 200 and 350 ms after performance feedback which is linked to striatal processing and assessed via electroencephalography (EEG). Here we show that this is also true for delayed feedback processing, for which a critical role of the hippocampus has been suggested. We found a general reduction of the RewP for delayed feedback, but the PE was similarly reflected in the RewP and the later P300 for immediate and delayed positive feedback, while no effect was found for negative feedback. Our results suggest that, despite processing differences between immediate and delayed feedback, positive PEs drive feedback processing and learning irrespective of delay.
BS-SCRM: a novel approach to secure wireless sensor networks via blockchain and swarm intelligence techniques
Authors: Xiao Jing , Li Chaoqun , Li Zhigang , Zhou Jie
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present a novel Secure Clustering Routing Method based on Blockchain and Swarm Intelligence (BS-SCRM) for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), which serves as a cornerstone in the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure. Recognizing the limitations of existing clustering routing methods in addressing security threats, our approach integrates blockchain technology to fortify WSNs against vulnerabilities such as man-in-the-middle attacks. The proposed BS-SCRM method is structured in two phases: (1) an enhanced cluster head (CH) election utilizing an elite strategy-enhanced Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) that considers node energy and proximity to the base station, and (2) a secure data on-chain phase where blockchain comes into play, encrypting and validating cluster data to safeguard integrity and prevent tampering. We further tackle the challenge of implementing blockchain in resource-constrained WSNs by assigning distinct roles to devices, i.e., ordinary nodes with data viewing permissions and accounting nodes entrusted with both data viewing and consensus algorithm execution. Extensive simulations confirm that BS-SCRM not only improves clustering quality but also provides a more secure and energy-efficient routing solution compared to contemporary methods. More specifically, simulation results in different scenarios demonstrate that BS-SCRM enhances network lifetime by 24–73% compared to other clustering methods when facing attacks.
An improved semantic segmentation algorithm for high-resolution remote sensing images based on DeepLabv3+
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Ling , Liu Xinzhan , Yan Pengfei
Published: April 2024

High-precision and high-efficiency Semantic segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing images is a challenge. Existing models typically require a significant amount of training data to achieve good classification results and have numerous training parameters. A novel model called MST-DeepLabv3+ was suggested in this paper for remote sensing image classification. It’s based on the DeepLabv3+ and can produce better results with fewer train parameters. MST-DeepLabv3+ made three improvements: (1) Reducing the number of model parameters by substituting MobileNetV2 for the Xception in the DeepLabv3+’s backbone network. (2) Adding the attention mechanism module SENet to increase the precision of semantic segmentation. (3) Increasing Transfer Learning to enhance the model's capacity to recognize features, and raise the segmentation accuracy. MST-DeepLabv3+ was tested on international society for photogrammetry and remote sensing (ISPRS) dataset, Gaofen image dataset (GID), and practically applied to the Taikang cultivated land dataset. On the ISPRS dataset, the mean intersection over union (MIoU), overall accuracy (OA), Precision, Recall, and F1-score are 82.47%, 92.13%, 90.34%, 90.12%, and 90.23%, respectively. On the GID dataset, these values are 73.44%, 85.58%, 84.10%, 84.86%, and 84.48%, respectively. The results were as high as 90.77%, 95.47%, 95.28%, 95.02%, and 95.15% on the Taikang cultivated land dataset. The experimental results indicate that MST-DeepLabv3+ effectively improves the accuracy of semantic segmentation of remote sensing images, recognizes the edge information with more completeness, and significantly reduces the parameter size.
The application of electrical impedance tomography and surgical outcomes of thoracoscope-assisted surgical stabilization of rib fractures in severe chest trauma
Authors: Wang Yi-Jie , Tsai Yuan-Ming , Kuo Yen-Shou , Lin Kuan-Hsun , Wu Ti-Hui , Huang Hsu-Kai , Lee Shih-Chun , Huang Tsai-Wang , Chang Hung , Chen Ying-Yi
Published: April 2024

Serious blunt chest trauma usually induces hemothorax, pneumothorax, and rib fractures. More studies have claimed that early video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) results in a good prognosis in patients with major trauma. This study aimed to verify the outcomes in patients with chest trauma whether SSRF was performed. Consecutive patients who were treated in a medical center in Taiwan, for traumatic events between January 2015 and June 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. This study focused on patients with major trauma and thoracic injuries, and they were divided into groups based on whether they received SSRF. We used electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to evaluate the change of ventilation conditions. Different scores used for the evaluation of trauma severity were also compared in this study. Among the 8396 patients who were included, 1529 (18.21%) had major trauma with injury severity score > 16 and were admitted to the intensive care unit initially. A total of 596 patients with chest trauma were admitted, of whom 519 (87%) survived. Younger age and a lower trauma score (including injury severity scale, new injury severity score, trauma and injury severity score, and revised trauma score) account for better survival rates. Moreover, 74 patients received SSRF. They had a shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (5.24, p = 0.045) and better performance in electrical impedance tomography (23.46, p < 0.001). In patients with major thoracic injury, older age and higher injury survival scale account for higher mortality rate. Effective surgical stabilization of rib fractures shortened the ICU stay and helped achieve better performance in EIT. Thoracoscope-assisted rib fixation is suggested in severe trauma cases.
Comprehensive identifying flavonoids in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium using a novel strategy based on precursor ions locked and targeted MS/MS analysis
Authors: Wang Hong-Ping , Lin Zhao-Zhou , Wang Hui , Yang Xuan , Niu Nan
Published: April 2024

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium is a traditional Chinese medicine with extremely high health benefits as well as clinical value. In vivo and in vitro tests have proved that its main active secondary metabolites are flavonoids. However, they have not been comprehensively analyzed up to now mainly due to lack of suitable analysis method. To solve this problem, a novel strategy based on precursor ions locked and targeted MS/MS analysis was proposed. Firstly, the database of the flavonoids previously isolated from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium was established to obtain the characteristics of their precursor ions. Secondly, after performing the full MS scan of the extract, all compounds in the total ion chromatogram were extracted by Compound Discoverer software. Thirdly, the precursor ions of the flavonoids were locked from the extracted compounds according to their characteristics, forming a precursor ions list. Finally, the precursor ions in the constructed list were performed targeted MS/MS analysis for structures characterization. As a result, total 187 flavonoids were successfully identified, and except for flavones, flavonols as well as dihydroflavones, some chalcones were also characterized from Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium for the first time.
Analysis of factors influencing fall risk among elderly people in rural of China
Authors: Zhao Yaodong , Xie Dan , Zhang Chi , Wang Haibo , Zhang Beibei , Liu Song , Li Min , Chen Guimei , Ding Hong
Published: April 2024

Falls can cause serious health problems in the elderly. China is gradually entering a moderately aging society. In rural areas of China, the elderly are at a higher risk of falling. This study aims to explore and analyze the factors affecting the fall risk of elderly people in rural areas of China, and provide theoretical basis for reducing the fall risk of elderly people. M County, Anhui Province, China was selected as the survey site by the typical field sampling method, and the elderly people in rural areas were selected as the research objects. A total of 1187 people were investigated. Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used for univariate analysis, and multiple linear regression was used for multivariate analysis. Chronic diseases, multimorbidity, daily living ability, mental health, working status and family doctors are the factors that influence falls among elderly people in rural areas of China (P < 0.05, Adjusted R2 = 0.395). The falls risk of the elderly in rural areas of China is influenced by multiple factors. Therefore, comprehensive measures should be taken to reduce the fall risk by comprehensively evaluating the influencing factors.
Research progress on the origin, fate, impacts and harm of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Zhao Ke , Li Chengzhi , Li Fengxiang
Published: April 2024

Previous studies reported microplastics (MPs), antibiotics, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). There is still a lack of research progress on the origin, fate, impact and hazards of MPs and ARGs in WWTPs. This paper fills a gap in this regard. In our search, we used “microplastics”, “antibiotic resistance genes”, and “wastewater treatment plant” as topic terms in Web of Science, checking the returned results for relevance by examining paper titles and abstracts. This study mainly explores the following points: (1) the origins and fate of MPs, antibiotics and ARGs in WWTPs; (2) the mechanisms of action of MPs, antibiotics and ARGs in sludge biochemical pools; (3) the impacts of MPs in WWTPs and the spread of ARGs; (4) and the harm inflicted by MPs and ARGs on the environment and human body. Contaminants in sewage sludge such as MPs, ARGs, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria enter the soil and water. Contaminants can travel through the food chain and thus reach humans, leading to increased illness, hospitalization, and even mortality. This study will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of action among MPs, antibiotics, ARGs, and the harm they inflict on the human body.
Predicting postoperative rehemorrhage in hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage using noncontrast CT radiomics and clinical data with an interpretable machine learning approach
Authors: Wang Weigong , Dai Jinlong , Li Jibo , Du Xiangyang
Published: April 2024

In hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) patients, while emergency surgeries effectively reduce intracranial pressure and hematoma volume, their significant risk of causing postoperative rehemorrhage necessitates early detection and management to improve patient prognosis. This study sought to develop and validate machine learning (ML) models leveraging clinical data and noncontrast CT radiomics to pinpoint patients at risk of postoperative rehemorrhage, equipping clinicians with an early detection tool for prompt intervention. The study conducted a retrospective analysis on 609 HICH patients, dividing them into training and external verification cohorts. These patients were categorized into groups with and without postoperative rehemorrhage. Radiomics features from noncontrast CT images were extracted, standardized, and employed to create several ML models. These models underwent internal validation using both radiomics and clinical data, with the best model’s feature significance assessed via the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method, then externally validated. In the study of 609 patients, postoperative rehemorrhage rates were similar in the training (18.8%, 80/426) and external verification (17.5%, 32/183) cohorts. Six significant noncontrast CT radiomics features were identified, with the support vector machine (SVM) model outperforming others in both internal and external validations. SHAP analysis highlighted five critical predictors of postoperative rehemorrhage risk, encompassing three radiomics features from noncontrast CT and two clinical data indicators. This study highlights the effectiveness of an SVM model combining radiomics features from noncontrast CT and clinical parameters in predicting postoperative rehemorrhage among HICH patients. This approach enables timely and effective interventions, thereby improving patient outcomes.
A non-hydrostatic numerical model for simulating regular wave breaking and surf-swash zone motions
Authors: Shirkavand Ali , Farrahi-Moghaddam Kambiz
Published: April 2024

In the present study, a non-hydrostatic two-dimensional vertical model has been developed to simulate the breaking of regular waves and surf-swash zone motions on a sloping beach. The objective of the present study was to estimate parameters at depth. The governing equations, based on the pressure-correction projection method, were solved in two main phases. In the initial phase, intermediate velocities were acquired through the resolution of advection–diffusion and explicit dynamic pressure gradient terms within the momentum equations, employing a time-splitting technique. To ensure local momentum conservation and solution monotonicity, modifications were made to the governing equations and the solution approach. In the second phase, through the substitution of intermediate velocities and the corrected pressure gradient term from the momentum equations into the continuity equation, with the elimination of velocities, a Poisson pressure-correction equation was derived. In the discretization stage, an innovation was proposed to compute horizontal velocities at the locations where vertical velocities are present, significantly reducing computational costs. The equation was then converted into a system of linear equations, which was solved implicitly. Comparisons between numerical results and experiments concerning plunging and spilling breakers reveal that the developed model satisfactorily simulates the outcomes.
Investigation of the correlation between platelet antibodies and peripheral blood cytopenia in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Han Rui , He Hui-Chan , Zhang Wan-Ning , Pan Ze-Tao , Feng Chen-Yang , Liang Ming-Jian , Wu Mei-Yi , Zhong Wei , Lin Wen-Qian
Published: April 2024

The primary triggers that stimulate the body to generate platelet antibodies via immune mechanisms encompass events such as pregnancy, transplantation, and blood transfusion. Interestingly, our findings revealed that a subset of male patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), despite having no history of transplantation or blood transfusion, has shown positive results in platelet antibody screenings. This hints at the possibility that certain factors, potentially related to the tumor itself or its treatment, may affect antibody production. To delve the causes we initiated this study. We employed a case–control study approach to analyze potential influential factors leading to the positive results via univariate and multivariate regression analysis. We utilized Kendall’s tau-b correlation to examine the relationship between the strength of platelet antibodies and peripheral blood cytopenia. Antitumor medication emerged as an independent risk factor for positive results in HCC patients, and the strength of platelet antibodies positively correlated with the severity of anemia and thrombocytopenia. Without history of blood transfusion, transplantation, pregnancy, those HCC patients underwent recent tumor medication therapy are experiencing peripheral erythrocytopenia or thrombocytopenia, for them platelet antibody screenings holds potential clinical value for prevention and treatment of complications like drug-immune-related anemia and/or bleeding.
In vivo bioluminescence imaging of the intracerebral fibroin-controlled AAV-α-synuclein diffusion for monitoring the central nervous system and peripheral expression
Authors: Mazzocco Claire , Genevois Coralie , Li Qin , Doudnikoff Evelyne , Dutheil Nathalie , Leste-Lasserre Thierry , Arotcarena Marie-Laure , Bezard Erwan
Published: April 2024

Among the several animal models of α-synucleinopathies, the well-known viral vector-mediated delivery of wild-type or mutated (A53T) α-synuclein requires new tools to increase the lesion in mice and follow up in vivo expression. To this end, we developed a bioluminescent expression reporter of the human A53T-α-synuclein gene using the NanoLuc system into an AAV2/9, embedded or not in a fibroin solution to stabilise its expression in space and time. We first verified the expression of the fused protein in vitro on transfected cells by bioluminescence and Western blotting. Next, two groups of C57Bl6Jr mice were unilaterally injected with the AAV-NanoLuc-human-A53T-α-synuclein above the substantia nigra combined (or not) with fibroin. We first show that the in vivo cerebral bioluminescence signal was more intense in the presence of fibroin. Using immunohistochemistry, we find that the human-A53T-α-synuclein protein is more restricted to the ipsilateral side with an overall greater magnitude of the lesion when fibroin was added. However, we also detected a bioluminescence signal in peripheral organs in both conditions, confirmed by the presence of viral DNA corresponding to the injected AAV in the liver using qPCR.
Gilts prefer an open pen to a stall
Authors: Ede Thomas , Ceribelli Mia , Parsons Thomas D.
Published: April 2024

Stalls or crates are a very common type of housing used on pig farms that restrict an animal’s movement. How this confinement impacts the animal’s affective states is seldom investigated. We conducted a preference test over 7 days where trios of gilts (n = 10 trios, 27.4 ± 1.5 weeks old) had free access between individual self-locking stalls (~ 1.2 m2) and a shared open area allowing 2.8 m2/animal (71% of total area). Gilts had access to ad libitum feed and water both inside the crates and in the open area. After 7 days, personality traits of the animals were assessed with open field (OF) and novel object (NO) tests. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) yielded two main components, which we defined as Passivity and Engagement. The median time spent outside the crate was 95.2% as 21/29 of the gilts exhibited a significant preference for pen over crate during the 7-day trial (p < 0.05). Passivity had no relationship with time spent in the open area, but engagement during OF/NO was associated with less use of the open area (OR = 0.39, 95CI = [0.25, 0.60]). Interestingly, gilts were likely to spend less time in the open area at nighttime compared to daytime (Odds Ratio = 0.49, 95CI = [0.40, 0.60]), as well as experimental days passed (OR = 0.70, 95CI = [0.66, 0.73]). During the first daytime and nighttime, 1/29 and 2/29 animals preferred the crate respectively, whereas by the last daytime and nighttime 5 and 9 gilts preferred the crate respectively (p < 0.05). While both intrinsic (personality) and extrinsic (time of day, experimental day) factors appear to influence the gilt’s housing preferences, most gilts significantly prefer an open area to a crate when free access is provided between the two. A smaller subpopulation of animals developed a preference for stalls but still utilize both the stall and the pen throughout the day.
Human local field potentials in motor and non-motor brain areas encode upcoming movement direction
Authors: Combrisson Etienne , Di Rienzo Franck , Saive Anne-Lise , Perrone-Bertolotti Marcela , Soto Juan L. P. , Kahane Philippe , Lachaux Jean-Philippe , Guillot Aymeric , Jerbi Karim
Published: April 2024

Limb movement direction can be inferred from local field potentials in motor cortex during movement execution. Yet, it remains unclear to what extent intended hand movements can be predicted from brain activity recorded during movement planning. Here, we set out to probe the directional-tuning of oscillatory features during motor planning and execution, using a machine learning framework on multi-site local field potentials (LFPs) in humans. We recorded intracranial EEG data from implanted epilepsy patients as they performed a four-direction delayed center-out motor task. Fronto-parietal LFP low-frequency power predicted hand-movement direction during planning while execution was largely mediated by higher frequency power and low-frequency phase in motor areas. By contrast, Phase-Amplitude Coupling showed uniform modulations across directions. Finally, multivariate classification led to an increase in overall decoding accuracy (>80%). The novel insights revealed here extend our understanding of the role of neural oscillations in encoding motor plans.
Memory of elastic collisions drives high minority spin and oscillatory entropy in underdamped chiral spinners
Authors: Li Shengkai , Phan Trung V. , Wang Gao , Khuri Ramzi , Wilson Jared W. , Austin Robert H. , Liu Liyu
Published: April 2024

Inertial underdamped collisions preserve the memory of physical parameters that existed before the collision, leading to phenomena usually unseen in overdamped systems. Here we probe the less studied inertial chiral matter with spinners on an air table. We show here the emergence of high levels of spin for a minority of (+) handed spinners in the presence of a majority of (−) handed spinners (vice versa). This deep violation of equipartition occurs due to the inertial (memory preserving) nature of elastic collisions between underdamped translating and rotating objects. Underdamped spinners of the same spin sign annihilate their spins when they elastically collide, transferring their spin angular momentum into orbital angular momentum, while oppositely handed spinners tend to preserve their individual spin levels, leading to the pumping of minority spinners to high spin levels. Entropy production and the flow of entropy in this underdamped system are also counter-intuitive, showing dramatic oscillations in time.
Quantum-inspired framework for computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Peddinti Raghavendra Dheeraj , Pisoni Stefano , Marini Alessandro , Lott Philippe , Argentieri Henrique , Tiunov Egor , Aolita Leandro
Published: April 2024

Computational fluid dynamics is both a thriving research field and a key tool for advanced industry applications. However, the simulation of turbulent flows in complex geometries is a compute-power intensive task due to the vast vector dimensions required by discretized meshes. We present a complete and self-consistent full-stack method to solve incompressible fluids with memory and run time scaling logarithmically in the mesh size. Our framework is based on matrix-product states, a compressed representation of quantum states. It is complete in that it solves for flows around immersed objects of arbitrary geometries, with non-trivial boundary conditions, and self-consistent in that it can retrieve the solution directly from the compressed encoding, i.e. without passing through the expensive dense-vector representation. This framework lays the foundation for a generation of more efficient solvers of real-life fluid problems.
The early Cretaceous was cold but punctuated by warm snaps resulting from episodic volcanism
Authors: Nordt Lee , Breecker Daniel , White Joseph
Published: April 2024

The Cretaceous is characterized as a greenhouse climate from elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, transgressive seas, and temperate ecosystems at polar paleolatitudes. Here we test the hypothesis that the early Cretaceous was a cold climate state with a new Aptian atmospheric carbon dioxide record from the C3 plant proxy and early Cretaceous sea level curve from stable oxygen isotopes of belemnites and benthic foraminifera. Results show that carbon dioxide concentrations were persistently below 840 ppm during the Aptian, validating recent General Circulation Model simulations of ice sheets on Antarctica at those concentrations. In addition, sea level was estimated to be within the ice sheet window for much of the early Cretaceous prior to the Albian. This background state appears to have been episodically interrupted by Large Igneous Province volcanism followed by long-term carbon burial from weathering. We hypothesize that the early Cretaceous was largely an icehouse punctuated by warm snaps.
Does an intrinsic strain contribute to the effect of quantum confinement phenomenon? An alloyed transition metal dichalcogenide series, Mo(S1−xSex)2 as a case study
Authors: Bera Arpan , Kundu Biswajit , Pal Amlan J.
Published: April 2024

We show that the lattice strain in 2D semiconductors contributes to the effect of quantum confinement phenomenon. Scanning tunneling spectroscopy in Mo(S1−xSex)2 nanoflakes evidences that the bandgap versus layer number depends on the strain.
Reaction of size-selected iron-oxide cluster cations with methane: a model study of rapid methane loss in Mars’ atmosphere
Authors: Arakawa Masashi , Kono Satoshi , Sekine Yasuhito , Terasaki Akira
Published: April 2024

The rapid loss of methane in Mars’ atmosphere observed recently by the Curiosity rover can be due to dehydrogenation by iron-oxide clusters/particles.