bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel estimation of African Swine Fever transmission parameters within smallholder villages in Lao P.D.R.
Authors: Matsumoto Nina , Ward Michael P. , Halasa Tariq , Schemann Kathrin , Khounsy Syseng , Douangneun Bounloum , Thepagna Watthana , Phommachanh Phouvong , Siengsanan-Lamont Jarunee , Young James Robert , Toribio Jenny-Ann , Bush Russell D. , Blacksell Stuart D.
Published: March 2024

African Swine Fever (ASF) disease transmission parameters are crucial for making response and control decisions when faced with an outbreak, yet they are poorly quantified for smallholder and village contexts within Southeast Asia. Whilst disease-specific factors − such as latent and infectious periods − should remain reasonably consistent, host, environmental and management factors are likely to affect the rate of disease spread. These differences are investigated using Approximate Bayesian Computation with Sequential Monte-Carlo methods to provide disease parameter estimates in four naïve pig populations in villages of Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The villages represent smallholder pig farmers of the Northern province of Oudomxay and the Southern province of Savannakhet, and the model utilised field mortality data to validate the transmission parameter estimates over the course of multiple model generations. The basic reproductive number between-pigs was estimated to range from 3.08 to 7.80, whilst the latent and infectious periods were consistent with those published in the literature for similar genotypes in the region (4.72 to 6.19 days and 2.63 to 5.50 days, respectively). These findings demonstrate that smallholder village pigs interact similarly to commercial pigs, however the spread of disease may occur slightly slower than in commercial study groups. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that despite diversity across the study groups, the disease behaved in a consistent manner. This data can be used in disease control programs or for future modelling of ASF in smallholder contexts.
Proteome Data Based Identification of Potential Rnai Targets for Cotton Mealybug (Phenacoccus Solenopsis Tinsley) Population Management
Authors: Singh Sanchita , Rahangdale Somnath , Pandita Shivali , Singh Manisha , Saxena Gauri , Jain Gaurav , Verma Praveen C.
Published: March 2024

Background of the study:Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as cotton mealybug, regarded as an invasive pest worldwide, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. It is one of the major pests of cotton and other commercially important crops. Despite the significant economic losses caused by cotton mealybug the molecular aspects of this insect are under-studied.
Methods: In the present study, proteome data of four different developmental stages of cotton mealybug is generated. Differential expression of proteins (DEPs) was studied among six different groups of which, maximum DEPs (550 up-regulated and 1118 down- regulated) were obtained when the quantifiable proteins of Egg+first nymphal were compared with second nymphal instar (FC ≥ 2, P < 0.05). From this proteomics data fifteen potential target genes were predicted for insect pest management. Further, these fifteen genes were explored and evaluated the for RNAi based pest control and optimisation of dsRNA delivery system in cotton mealybug. The analysis of transient expression of target genes was performed.
Results: The results signified that dsRNA of Ferritin caused ~69% mortality hence, could be exploited as a promising candidate gene to design a sustainable method for cotton mealybug management.
Conclusion: This study provides an urgently required, alternate green control strategy based on proteomics to identify potential RNAi targets for pest management.
Modeling the Spatial Relationship of Landscape Services and Vulnerability Assessment
Authors: Darabi Hassan , Bazhdar Yaser , Ehsani Amir Hoshang
Published: March 2024

Even though many studies have been thus far devoted to landscape services (LS) or vulnerability assessment (VA) alone, the relationship between these two concepts has been less investigated. The current study attempts to model the spatial relationship between LS and VA in the Tarhan area (west of Iran). For this purpose, a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are applied to assess vulnerability. Variogram models and geostatistical simulations are used for mapping and evaluating landscape services. Moreover, the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is operated to predict the relationship between LS and VA. The results indicate that landform and socioeconomic variables are also two main factors shaping variations in VA. As well, the levels of services provided in the possible landscape are affected by the vulnerability. The assessment accordingly establishes that natural and cultural values have significant effects on services, in terms of their spatial distribution and nature. Exploring the relationship between LS and VA correspondingly depicts that VA has a direct influence on the capacity and entity of LS provision (adjusted R2 = 0.67). The outcomes of the study provide a foundation for nature management and conservation, although it is less able to analyze the trade-off between ecosystem degradation and future development trends. The nexus of LS and future ecological processes in an integrated system can be thus the subject of further research.
Varieties of silence – A mixed-methods study exploring reasons and justifications for nondisclosure of the use of complementary therapies to physicians
Authors: Aarva Pauliina , Väänänen Tiina , Pyykkönen Maija , Kankkunen Tiia-Tuulia
Published: March 2024

Background
In health care, two in three users of complementary therapies (CT) stay silent about their CT use. Disclosure of CT use to physicians is important for patient safety, participation, and shared decision-making. Common reasons for CT nondisclosure include patients´ expectations of physicians' unaccepting response to disclosure, physicians not asking, and patients believing it is unnecessary. This study aimed to increase understanding of patient silence. We investigated how the reasons for nondisclosure of CT use reported by CT users were associated with the frequency of CT disclosure and how these associations and reported justifications to keep silent reflect patient silence among the study participants.
Methods
This mixed-methods study used existing data from the non-probability-based online survey (n = 6802) targeted to CT users among the general population in Finland. A qualitative structured tabular thematic analysis was conducted for the selected 342 brief texts describing the reasons and justification for not telling physicians about CT use. The associations between the frequency of CT disclosure and the reasons for CT nondisclosure were analysed by crosstabulations and binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS (v28).
Results
Three types of patient silence were revealed. Avoidant silence illustrates the respondents coping with the fear of unwanted response from a physician and avoiding the expected negative consequences of CT disclosure. Precautionary silence exemplifies respondents striving to prevent the reoccurrence of previously experienced frustration of wishes to be seen and heard as CT users. Conditional silence portrays the self-confidence of respondents who assessed their need to disclose CT use to physicians on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusions
Silence, for some patients, may serve as a way of warding off past and possible future fears and frustrations related to CT disclosure. It is important to recognise different types of patient silence related to CT disclosure to enhance patient participation and shared decision-making in health care. Efforts are needed to provide health policy decision-makers with information about CT users’ lived experiences with CT communication in health care.
Optimizing Substrate Moisture Content for Enhanced Larval Survival and Growth Performance in Hermetia illucens: Exploring Novel Approaches
Authors: Frooninckx Lotte , Broeckx Laurens , Goossens Sarah , Wuyts Ann , Miert Sabine Van
Published: March 2024

Insects are receiving a lot of attention as an alternative protein source, especially the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. This insect is of particular interest due to its potential as a waste converter as it can be grown on low-value organic substrates, such as agricultural side-streams, manure and decomposing materials. It’s capacity to turn low-value biomass into high-quality protein provide new opportunities in organic waste management. Unfortunately, rearing of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) does not run efficiently on most substrates. Several parameters influence the rearing efficiency of BSFL. One of the parameters that is often overlooked is the moisture content of the substrate and the physical properties, such as water release/holding, associated with it. In this study the water release properties of 3 BSFL feeds, each at a dry matter content ranging from 10 to 90%, were investigated using 4 different methods, being water release by (1) filtration, (2) sedimentation, (3) syneresis and (4) centrifugation. Rearing of BSFL on the substrates with different dry matter content showed that water release influences larval performance and survival. Moreover, correlating survival to water release indicated that when substrates are hydrated to the minimum dry matter content, at which no water release is measured by the sedimentation method, the highest BSFL survival can be achieved for that substrate. In addition, a standardised method for determining the most optimal dry matter content of substrates based on substrate water holding capacity was developed.
Causal associations of Helicobacter pylori antibodies with unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: zhang Jicai , wu qingyan , mao guohua , yi zhaohui , mao xiaobing
Published: March 2024

Background: The causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA) remains unclear. We used Mendelian randomization analysis to assess the causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA).
Methods: A genome-wide association study(GWAS) was performed on antibodies to 7 different Helicobacter pylori specific proteins, intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm(UIA). Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to evaluate the causal relationship between Helicobacter pylori antibodies and intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage(aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA). Multivariate MR (MVMR) was used to assess the potential causal relationship between positive Helicobacter pylori antibodies and the occurrence and progression of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA).
Results: Gene predicted serum antibody level of Helicobacter pylori vacuolar cytotoxin-A (VacA) was associated with a decreased risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)(odds ratio [OR]=0.88, 95%CI 0.78-0.99, P=0.044), but not associated with UIA. Other H.pylori antibodies were not causally associated with intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and unruptured aneurysm (UIA). MVMR analysis suggested that systolic blood pressure may play a mediating role in the causal relationship between VacA and aSAH. VacA is positively correlated with aSAH through calcium ion mediation, but the weak effect is usually masked by the negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and improving endothelial function.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that the increased level of serum Helicobacter pylori vacuolar cytotoxin-A (VacA) antibody is associated with the decreased risk of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Systolic blood pressure plays a role in the causal relationship, and VacA is positively correlated with aSAH through the mediation of calcium ions. It provides a new direction for the prevention, control and treatment of intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).
Female and Diabetes are risk factors for Alpha-fetoprotein and Vitamin K deficiency or antagonist -II negative in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yanhui , Yang Hongli , Bai Xue , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Qiang , Du Wenjun
Published: March 2024

Background &Aim:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common type of tumor with a high incidence. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K deficiency or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II or DCP) are proven effective biomarkers for HCC. Combining them can enhance detection rates. However, when both AFP and PIVKA-II are negative, clinical diagnosis may be missed. This study aims to explore the risk factors for AFP and PIVKA-II negativity in HCC, thereby reducing missed diagnoses.
Methods
A retrospective study enrolled 609 HCC patients at Shandong Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated with Shandong University from January 2010 to March 2022. Patients with negative AFP and PIVKA-II were the observed group, and others with at least one positive were controls. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological data were collected and analyzed to identify the frequency and factors influencing AFP and PIVKA-II negativity. ROC curves were used to assess the prediction model's ability to detect negative AFP and PIVKA-II in HCC.
Results
Gender(P = 0.045, 95%CI = 1.013–3.277), diabetes mellitus (P = 0.018, 95%CI = 1.151–4.422), tumor size(P = 0.000, 95%CI = 0.677–0.841), glutamate transpeptidase (GGT) (P = 0.003, 95%CI = 0.239–0.737), total bilirubin (TB) (P = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.235–0.705), and HBV-associated infections (P = 0.007, 95%CI = 0.077–0.661) were significantly associated with AFP and PIVKA-II negativity in HCC. The prediction model had an AUC of 0.832 (P < 0.001, 95%CI = 0.786–0.877), with a sensitivity of 81.2% and specificity of 75.5% in all HCC patients.
Conclusions
Female diabetic patients with elevated GGT and TB are more likely to develop AFP and PIVKA-II-negative HCC. Imaging is crucial for screening liver cancer in these patients.
A mini taxonomic assessment and distributional analysis (Sepsidae: Diptera) of Assam, India
Authors: Gogoi Mayoushree , Barkakati Bhitali , Boro Krishnaa , Chakraborty Abesh
Published: March 2024

This article presents a mini taxonomic assessment and distributional analysis of the Sepsidae family of Diptera in Assam, India. The Sepsidae, commonly known as scavenger flies, play a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter. Despite their ecological importance, the taxonomy and distribution of these flies in Assam remain understudied. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive literature survey. The study also provides insights into the distribution patterns of these flies. This research contributes to the broader understanding of Dipteran biodiversity in Assam and underscores the need for further studies to conserve these ecologically significant insects and their ground truth verification by conducting surveys. The current findings have implications for biodiversity conservation and provide a foundation for future research on the ecological role of Sepsidae in Assam. The article calls for more extensive taxonomic studies and conservation efforts to preserve the biodiversity of this region.
Baicalein inhibits the Th1 / Th17-mediated inflammatory response by targeting STAT1/3 in EAE mice
Authors: Ma Xiaoran , Wang Tiantian , Li Chenglin , Jia Xihui , Tong Huimin , Liu Meng , Wang Shuang , Li Ling
Published: March 2024

Helper T cells (Th) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental encephalomyelitis (EAE). Th1/17 cells contribute to neuroinflammation through inflammatory infiltration and cytokine secretion, however, effective therapeutic interventions are currently lacking. Baicalein (BAI), the principal component of Scutellaria baicalensis, is a dietary supplement that has demonstrated efficacy in the fields of anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. The activation the JAK-STAT signalling pathway in Th1/17 cells may play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of inflammation associated with MS/EAE. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether BAI could mitigate the inflammatory response of Th1/17 cells by modulating JAK-STAT signaling. Flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting were used to detect the ratio of Th1 and Th17 cells, the expression of related cytokines in EAE model mice treated with BAI, as well as the expression of proteins related to the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. The findings demonstrated that BAI exhibited therapeutic efficacy in EAE mice by significantly reducing the proportion of Th1 and Th17 cell populations along with the expression levels of relevant inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, transcription factors T-bet and ROR-γt showed significant downregulation in response to BAI treatment. This effect may be attributed to BAI's ability to inhibit STAT1/3 phosphorylation. Subsequently, molecular docking, pull-down and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that BAI bound to STAT1/3, and caused p-STAT1/3 to remain in the cytoplasm, hindering JAK/STAT signal transduction and thus inhibiting the inflammatory response of the Th1/17 cells.
A case report of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy initially misdiagnosed as cranial nerve palsies disorder
Authors: Miao Na , Qian Ping , He Weimin
Published: March 2024

Background
The sudden onset of painful diplopia necessitates careful consideration and diagnosis due to the extensive range of potential differential diagnoses. Patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) typically exhibit proptosis, eyelid edema, eyelid retraction, and lid lag, herein we report a case of TAO patient whose initial symptom was diplopia accompanied by pain; however, the absence of obvious eyelid signs led to an easily misdiagnosed condition.
Case presentation
A 42-year-old male patient presented to our neurology department with a four-month history of diplopia and eye pain. The diagnosis of TAO was made after a four-month period from the onset of diplopia. Local orbital injection of triamcinolone acetonide and precision radiotherapy were administered to the patient. Following treatment, there was a significant improvement in subjective symptoms, including diplopia and pain; however, complete recovery of eye mobility was not achieved.
Conclusion
For patients presenting with diplopia as the initial symptom, even in the absence of evident TAO eyelid signs, it is crucial to obtain a comprehensive medical history and conduct thyroid function tests along with orbital enhanced MRI scans to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis. Accurate early-stage diagnosis enables targeted treatment interventions, thereby optimizing patient prognosis.
Gel Containing Catechin and Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Protecting Root Dentin Against Erosion: An In Situ Study
Authors: Alves Helaine Cajado , Gomes Edison Augusto Balreira , Uchoa Antonia Flavia Justino , Ricardo Nágila Maria Pontes Silva , Passos Vanara Florêncio , Santiago Sérgio Lima
Published: March 2024

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the in situ anti-erosive effect of gels containing epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) isolated and adsorbed on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (EGCG/MSN) on eroded dentin.
Materials and Methods
Eleven volunteers participated in this randomized, controlled, cross-over study, which consisted of 4 phases of 5 days. The participants wore an acrylic palatal device containing two dentin blocks treated with one of the gels: placebo (negative control), SnF2 (0.05% - positive control), EGCG (0.1%), and EGCG/MSN (0.093%). During each phase, the specimens were immersed in citric acid (0.05 M; pH 3.75) for 60 s, 4x/day, followed by treatment with the assigned gel for 60 s. The alterations were evaluated by measuring the percentage of surface hardness loss (%SHL) and through profilometry analysis (wear). Morphological changes were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-test.
Results
%SHL did not show a significant difference among the groups (p = 0.067). Regarding surface wear, the mean results in micrometers were: placebo, 0.66 (± 0.38); EGCG, 0.57 (± 0.11); EGCG/MSN, 0.48 (± 0.05); and SnF2, 0.32 (± 0.08). A significant difference was observed only between the SnF2 group and the placebo and EGCG groups (p = 0.003 and p = 0.046, respectively). However, there was no difference between the SnF2 and EGCG/MSN groups (p = 0.306).
Conclusion
EGCG/MSN shows promise as a protective measure in reducing dentin wear under erosive conditions.
Clinical Relevance:
Gels containing EGCG adsorbed on mesoporous silica nanoparticles have a protective effect against dentin erosion.
Retrospective analysis of pregnancy-associated listeriosis in a city in southeastern China (Xiamen) from 2015 to 2023
Authors: Fu Xiaochun , Chen Ling , Chen Xiaoli , Cao Jiali , Yu Hanbing , Ye Huiming
Published: March 2024

Background
Pregnancy-associated listeriosis caused by foodborne infections poses a significant threat to maternal and neonatal health, with a high mortality rate. There is limited epidemiological data, and this study investigates the epidemiology and clinical features in Xiamen.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of confirmed cases of pregnancy-associated listeriosis in Xiamen from 2015 to 2023 was performed (southeastern China). Perform data analysis and epidemiological investigation on demographic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, complications, and outcomes of pregnant women and their offspring, and antibacterial susceptibility test were conducted on all isolated Listeria monocytogenes (LM) using commercial reagent kits.
Results
In Xiamen, the incidence of pregnancy-associated listeriosis over nine years was 7.15/100,000 (9/125,816) deliveries, with a seasonal peak in spring and summer. Predominant clinical symptoms among pregnant women included fever (88.9%), abdominal pain (66.7%), decreased fetal movement (66.7%), fetal tachycardia (66.7%), and flu-like symptoms (55.6%). All affected pregnant women exhibited elevated neutrophil percentages (NE%), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT). Placental pathology consistently showed acute chorioamnionitis and micro-abscesses. Although all pregnant women recovered, out of 10 offspring, only 5 survived birth, and merely 3 were eventually cured, resulting in a feto-neonatal mortality rate of 70.0% (7/10). All LM strains showed susceptibility to ampicillin, penicillin, meropenem, erythromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT).
Conclusions
Although rare in Xiamen, pregnancy-associated listeriosis underscores the critical need for enhanced food safety education for pregnant women. The disease's atypical clinical features necessitate prompt specimen testing upon suspicion of infection, highlighting the importance of awareness and timely medical intervention.
The Impact of Inactivity During the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical Performance of High School Athletes
Authors: Asan Selim , Ulupınar Süleyman , Özbay Serhat , Namlı Sevinç , Gençoğlu Cebrail , Canyurt Ferhat , Çingöz Yunus Emre , Özkara Abdullah Bora
Published: March 2024

Background/Objective This study was conducted during the 2019-2020 academic year to evaluate the impact of participation in school sports on students' Body Mass Index (BMI) and Assessing Levels of Physical Activity (ALPHA) test scores. Interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a suspension of in-person education, the study resumed in September 2021, refocusing on the effects of pandemic-induced inactivity on the physical fitness levels of the same cohort.
Methods The study included twenty-nine male high school students, divided into thirteen athletes (participating in sports such as football, basketball, and track) and sixteen non-athletic counterparts. They underwent reassessment using the ALPHA test battery, evaluating cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and motor skills fitness. Data were analyzed using independent and paired samples t-tests and a two-way repeated measures ANOVA to assess changes over time and between groups. Discriminant function analysis evaluated the ALPHA test's ability to classify students based on their athletic status pre- and post-pandemic.
Results Initially, athlete students exhibited significantly better BMI, 20 m shuttle run, and 4 × 10 m speed run scores compared to their non-athlete peers. After the pandemic, only the 20 m shuttle run scores remained significantly higher for athletes, with diminished distinctions in other fitness areas. The classification accuracy of the ALPHA test battery decreased from 86.2% to 75.9% post-pandemic.
Conclusion The enforced sedentary lifestyle due to the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected all students, particularly diminishing health-related fitness parameters such as body composition, cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal strength, and motor skills. Students previously engaged in regular physical activity, notably school athletes, experienced significant fitness declines. This highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to encourage active lifestyles among youth in the post-pandemic phase, aiming to avert long-term adverse health outcomes.
Regional structural abnormalities in thalamus in idiopathic cervical dystonia
Authors: Luo Yuhan , Liu Huiming , Zhong Linchang , Weng Ai , Yang Zhengkun , Zhang Yue , Zhang Jiana , Ou Zilin , Yan Zhicong , Cheng Qinxiu , Fan Xinxin , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Weixi , Hu Qingmao , Wu Yiwen , Peng Kangqiang , Liu Gang , Xu Jinping
Published: March 2024

Background
Although the thalamus has a central role in the pathophysiology of idiopathic cervical dystonia (iCD), the nature of the alterations occurring within this structure remain largely elusive. Using a structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach, we examined whether abnormalities differ across thalamic subregions/nuclei in patients with iCD.
Methods
Structural MRI data were collected from 37 patients with iCD and 37 healthy controls (HCs). Automatic parcellation of 25 thalamic nuclei in each hemisphere was performed based on the FreeSurfer program. Differences in thalamic nuclei volumes between groups and their relationships with clinical information were analyzed in patients with iCD.
Results
Compared to HCs, a significant reduction in thalamic nuclei volume primarily in central medial, centromedian, lateral geniculate, medial geniculate, medial ventral, paracentral, parafascicular, paratenial, and ventromedial nuclei was found in patients with iCD (P < 0.05, false discovery rate corrected). However, no statistically significant correlations were observed between altered thalamic nuclei volumes and clinical characteristics in iCD group.
Conclusion
This study highlights the neurobiological mechanisms of iCD related to thalamic changes.
Yielding and Rheology of vibrated beam-driven granular matter: Hysteresis and Memory
Authors: Hong Guangyang , Li Jian , zheng qijun , yu aibing , Liu shuang
Published: March 2024

Dense granular matter has attracted significant attention due to its intricate yielding and rheological phenomena. However, unlike sheared or shaken granular systems where energy is injected at the boundaries, the yielding transition induced by vibrated beams has been rarely explored, despite its immense applications in animal and robotic locomotion on sand and underground structural engineering. In this study, we systematically vary the frequency and amplitude of beam vibration to experimentally and computationally investigate the relaxation dynamics of the granular medium. Evidence of ductile yielding behaviors with hysteresis in the frequency domain is presented. Consistency in the dynamic behaviors of both the beam and granular materials has been demonstrated. Through an analysis of mesostructural evolution, including particle motion and mechanical stability, we reveal that the hysteresis originates from anomalous diffusion induced by memory effects. A nonmonotonic constitutive law is proposed through the qualification of memory effects. This study offers insights for theoretical models of vibrated beam-driven flow, emphasizing the distinctive frequency-dependent properties through the bidirectional coupling of elastomer and granular matter.
Investigation of Pulmonary Inflammatory Responses Following Intratracheal instillation of and Inhalation exposure to Polypropylene Microplastics
Authors: Tomonaga Taisuke , Higashi Hidenori , Izumi Hiroto , Nishida Chinatsu , Kawai Naoki , Sato Kazuma , Morimoto Toshiki , Higashi Yasuyuki , Yatera Kazuhiro , Morimoto Yasuo
Published: March 2024

Background
Microplastics have been detected in the atmosphere as well as in the ocean, and there is concern about their biological effects in the lungs. We conducted a short-term inhalation exposure and intratracheal instillation using rats to evaluate lung disorders related to microplastics. We conducted an inhalation exposure of polypropylene fine powder at a low concentration of 2 mg/m3 and a high concentration of 10 mg/m3 on 8-week-old male Fischer 344 rats for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. We also conducted an intratracheal instillation of polypropylene at a low dose of 0.2 mg/rat and a high dose of 1.0 mg/rat on 12-week-old male Fischer 344 rats. Rats were dissected from 3 days to 6 months after both exposures, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected to analyze lung inflammation and lung injury.
Results
Both exposures to polypropylene induced a persistent influx of inflammatory cells and expression of CINC-1, CINC-2, and MPO in BALF from 1 month after exposure. Genetic analysis showed a significant increase in inflammation-related factors for up to 6 months. The low concentration in the inhalation exposure of polypropylene also induced mild lung inflammation.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that inhaled polypropylene, which is a microplastic, induces persistent lung inflammation and has the potential for lung disorder. Exposure to 2 mg/m3 induced inflammatory changes and was thought to be the Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) for acute effects of polypropylene.
Invasive Fractional-Flow-Reserve Prediction by Coronary CT Angiography Using Artificial Intelligence vs. an established Computational Fluid Dynamics Software in Intermediate-Grade Stenosis.
Authors: Peters Benjamin , Paul Jean-François , Symons Rolf , Franssen Wouter MA , Nchimi Alain , Ghekiere Olivier
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
Coronary computed angiography (CCTA) with non-invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) calculates lesion-specific ischemia when compared with invasive FFR and can be considered for patients with stable chest pain and intermediate-grade stenoses according to recent guidelines. The objective of this study was to compare a new CCTA-based artificial-intelligence deep-learning model for FFR prediction (FFRAI) to computational fluid dynamics CT-derived FFR (FFRCT) in patients with intermediate-grade coronary stenoses with FFR as reference standard.
Methods:
The FFRAI model was trained with curved multiplanar-reconstruction CCTA images of 500 stenotic vessels in 413 patients, using FFR measurements as the ground truth. We included 37 patients with 39 intermediate-grade stenoses on CCTA and invasive coronary angiography, and with FFRCT and FFR measurements in this retrospective proof of concept study. FFRAI was compared with FFRCT regarding the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy for predicting FFR ≤0.80.
Results:
Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and diagnostic accuracy of FFRAI in predicting FFR ≤0.80 were 91% (10/11), 82% (22/28), 67% (10/15), 96% (23/24), and 85% (33/39), respectively. Corresponding values for FFRCT were 82% (9/11), 75% (21/28), 56% (9/16), 91% (21/23), and 77% (30/39), respectively. Diagnostic accuracy did not differ significantly between FFRAI and FFRCT (p=0.12).
Conclusion:
FFRAI performed similarly to FFRCT for predicting intermediate-grade coronary stenoses with FFR ≤0.80. These findings suggest FFRAI as a potential non-invasive imaging tool for guiding therapeutic management in these stenoses.
Effect of microwave treatment on bioactive compounds and color in tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) red variety
Authors: Tigreros Jaime Andres , Martinez-Giron Jader , Ordóñez-Santos Luis Eduardo
Published: March 2024

The main aim of the present study was to determine the effect of microwave blanching bioactive compounds, and color in tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) red variety. Results that showed peroxidase enzyme inactivation based on microwave time and power, microwave blanching at 900 W for 45 seconds reduced residual peroxidase activity under 10% compared to control treatment. In microwave blanching, the content of vitamin C, total phenols, carotenoids, antioxidant activity, luminosity, chroma and yellowness index did not show a significant difference p > 0.05 compared to the conventional and fresh methods. On the other hand, vitamins B1, B3, B5, B6, tone and color change did present significant differences. Based on these findings, it is possible to suggest the use of microwave energy as an alternative to conventional blanching, in order to preserve nutritional and color characteristics in this fruit.
Salmonella Enteritidis RfbD interferes with autophagy through REDD1 to promote bacterial survival
Authors: Zhou Yi , Xiong Dan , Kang Xilong , Song Hongqin , Huang Jingyi , Meng Chuang , Gu Dan , Jiao Xinan , Pan Zhiming
Published: March 2024

Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is an important food-borne intracellular pathogen, which seriously threatens the life and health of humans and other animals. Salmonellosis can lead to the morbidity and death of livestock and poultry, causing serious economic losses. Autophagy can be exploited to eliminate intracellular pathogens. Previously, we reported that dTDP-4-dehydro-β-ւ-rhamnose reductase (RfbD) was able to enhance bacterial colonisation in vivo and in vitro by regulating autophagy.
Results: In the present study, we found that RfbD inhibited autophagy by regulating REDD1. Through RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), we found that REDD1 was affected by RfbD. The results of qRT-PCR and western blotting showed that, the REDD1 RNA and protein levels were notably elevated in the Z11ΔrfbD infection group compared to both the Z11 and Z11ΔrfbD::rfbD infection groups. REDD1 knockdown decreased the autophagy levels induced by Z11ΔrfbD strongly increased bacterial survival. In contrast, REDD1 overexpression increased the autophagy levels induced by Z11ΔrfbD is higher and bacterial survival was reduced.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that REDD1 may be a key factor in the suppression of autophagy by RfbD. Our study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying the interaction between Salmonella enterica and the host.
Crowding modulates time perception while controlling for valence and arousal
Authors: Chen Youguo , Xu Yuanwei , Liang Gaomin , Peng Chunhua
Published: March 2024

Crowding has been found to slow down subjective time. This study aimed to investigate the modulation of crowding on time perception after excluding valence and arousal. In the pre-experiment, three types of crowding pictures (non-crowding, crowded objects, and crowded people) were screened, and the valence and arousal of the pictures were controlled. No significant difference in valence and arousal was found among the three types of pictures. Participants conducted a temporal bisection task with different types of pictures on sub-second (Experiment 1) and supra-second (Experiment 2) timescales. The results showed that crowding modulated time perception on the supra-second timescale rather than the sub-second. Linear mixing models and dominance analysis both confirmed that crowding, but not valence and arousal, can effectively predict subjective time on supra-second timescales. The results suggest that, excluding valence and arousal, crowding can modulate cognitively controlled timing on supra-second timescales. Both withdrawal motivation and cross-dimensional interference have been implicated in the modulation of crowding on time and need to be disentangled in future work.
Identification of Important Genes of childhood autism and Construction of the Diagnostic Model
Authors: 赵 文成 , wang lin , XU Xiangping
Published: March 2024

Objective
To investigate the potential role of genes of inflammation in Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)and construct a model for the diagnosis of ASD.
Methods
In this study, transcriptome-wide profiling datasets, GSE111175, GSE18123 and GSE6575 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Significant immune-related genes were identified separately to be the biomarkers for the diagnosis of ASD by using support vector machine model (SVM), RF-OOB algorithm, and LASSO regression.
Results
By SVM, RF-OOB and LASSO Regression screening were used to select the six key immune-related genes (ADIPOR1, CD79B,CSF2RA, HLA-DMA, HLA-DQA1, NRAS) to diagnose ASD. A nomogram model was constructed to predict ASD based on the six key immune-related genes by using “rms” package. The relative proportion of 28 immune cell types were calculated by using ssGSEA algorithm. In eight significantly different immune cells, The proportion of Macrophage, Immature Mast cell, Macrophage, Immature Mast cell, T follicular helper cell, Neutrophil, Plasmacytoid dendritic cell increased in proportion, while the ratio of Memory B cell, Activated B cell, and B cell were decreased in ASD compared to control groups were observed.
Conclusions
This study provides clues about the relationship between inflammation and ASD, and suggests that inflammation may be the cause of ASD and a potential therapeutic target of ASD. Through the key genes screened above, small chemical molecules directly associated with ASD disease were identified, It may be helpful to study the pathogenesis of ASD.
Total Aortic Arch Debranching with Antegrade Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) in Acute Aortic Arch Dissection
Authors: Gilani Aaron , Schachner Benjamin , Wood Elizabeth , Imielski Bartlomiej
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
The surgical evaluation and management of aortic arch dissections, in the absence of ascending aortic involvement, remains a grey area. It is during these scenarios where thorough evaluation of patient/family history, clinical presentation, but also overall lifestyle, is of immense importance when determining an optimal intervention.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a patient with a physically demanding lifestyle, history of medical non-adherence, and family history of aortic dissections who presented with acute aortic arch dissection. He was spared a total arch replacement, by undergoing a hybrid approach of total aortic debranching with antegrade Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR). The patient was able to benefit from reduced cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, avoidance of total aortic cross clamp, circulatory arrest, and hypothermic circulation for ischemic organ protection.
CONCLUSIONS
This patient’s unique composition of a physically demanding lifestyle, personal history of medical non-adherence, family history of aortic dissection, and clinical presentation required a holistic approach to understanding an ideal intervention would be best suited long-term. Due to this contextualization, the patient was able to be spared a total arch replacement, or suboptimal medical management, by instead undergoing a hybrid-approach with total aortic arch debranching with antegrade TEVAR.
Can immune reconstitution parameters be highlighted for chronic graft versus host disease in children one month after HSCT?
Authors: birbilen ahmet , tavil betul , Kuskonmaz Baris , Cetinkaya Duygu Uckan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a critical treatment for various diseases, with immune system reconstitution being vital for its success. The risk of complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), is associated with delayed immune reconstitution. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) remains a long-term complication affecting the quality of life and mortality post-HSCT. Predicting and managing cGVHD is challenging, emphasizing the need for early identification.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of 81 pediatric HSCT patients aimed to predict cGVHD using immune parameters one month post-transplant. Lymphocyte subgroups, chimerism levels, and clinical factors were assessed. Statistical analyses included T tests, Chi-square, and regression analysis.
Results: Patients with cGVHD showed significant associations with busulfan-containing regimens, ATG use, earlier neutrophil engraftment, acute GVHD history, and increased febrile days. Donor chimerism was higher in cGVHD. Analysis of immune parameters revealed elevated CD3+, CD4/8 ratio, CD4+25+ and CD8+57+ activated T lymphocytes at +1mo in cGVHD patients. CD8+ counts were lower in cGVHD. CD19+ B lymphocytes were lower at +3, +6, and +12mo in cGVHD. CD3/HLA-DR (+) activated T lymphocytes were higher in cGVHD, indicating T cell activation.
Conclusion: The study suggests that certain immune parameters, particularly lymphocyte subgroups at post-transplant +1mo, may serve as predictive markers for cGVHD. Notably, higher CD3 (+) lymphocytes, CD4/25 (+), CD4/28 (+), CD8/57 (+), CD3/DR (+) activated T lymphocytes at +1mo may indicate their involvement in cGVHD pathogenesis. This study identifies specific immune parameters at post-transplant +1mo as potential predictive markers for cGVHD, aiding in risk assessment and personalized interventions for pediatric HSCT patients.
Relationship between the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte count, Platelet count (HALP) score and type 2 diabetes retinopathy
Authors: Wang Shuqi , Jia Boying , Niu Sifan , Chen Shuchun
Published: March 2024

Purpose:To explore the correlation between hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count, platelet count (HALP) score and type 2 diabetic retinopathy (DR).
Method:The study was conducted on 674 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). According to the results of the fundus examination, they were divided into non-diabetic retinopathy group (NDR, n=388) and diabetic retinopathy group (DR, n=286). Collected patients baseline data, calculated HALP score, analyzed the correlation between HALP score and DR.
Results:In all patients, male patients and female patients, the HALP score of the DR group was lower than that of the NDR group (P<0.001), and the HALP score was negatively correlated with the incidence of DR (P<0.05). HALP score was independent risk factors for DR, regardless of gender. In male patients, HALP score and DR had a linear relationship, but in female patients, HALP score and DR showed a nonlinear relationship, and HALP score was more sensitive to the onset of DR in male patients. The combined diagnostic model of HALP score, course of disease, SBP and BUN was used to diagnose DR, and it was found that the diagnostic value was the highest among male patients, with AUC of 0.761, sensitivity of 58.3% and specificity of 80.3%.
Conclusion:HALP score was an independent risk factor for DR, attention should be paid to monitoring HALP score, especially in male T2DM patients. The accuracy of HALP score, disease course, SBP and BUN combined model diagnosis of DR was high, which can become a biological indicator for early screening of DR.
Curvilinear Regression Models for Benzenoid Hydrocarbons
Authors: Yamaç Kerem
Published: March 2024

Chemical graph theory enables the use of several methods with important applications in drug design and development. The Van topological indices have been defined recently, which are based on neighbour vertex degree. This article examines the chemical application of the Van topological indices through regression models employing 22 benzenoid hydrocarbons. The chemical applicability of the Van topological indices is investigated in this study, using curvilinear regression models to analyze its relationship with the physico-chemical properties of benzenoid hydrocarbons. The statistical analysis data indicates that the Van topological indices have the potential to serve as a predictive index for the attribute of boiling point (BO), π-electron energy (π-ele), molecular weight (MW), polarizability (PO), molar volume (MV), and molar refractivity (MF).
MalDMTP: A Multi-tier Pooling Method for Malware Detection based on Graph Classification
Authors: Kou Liang , Qiu Cheng , Wang Meiyu , Liu Hua , Du Yan , Zhang Jilin
Published: March 2024

With the development and adoption of cloud platforms in various fields, malware attacks have become a serious threat to the Internet cloud ecosystem. However, the pooling process of existing graph classification techniques for malware variant detection uses only a serial and single strategy, resulting in localized malicious behaviors of malware that may be overlooked. In this paper, we propose MalDMTP, a malware detection framework based on multilevel graph classification learning, which implements the graph pooling process for malware classification in parallel and performs graph instance-based discrimination. In particular, MalDMTP first constructs an API call graph based on results obtained from dynamic execution of malware. Then it combines multiple graph neural network learning strategies through multi-level pooling to learn the global importance of nodes in the pooled graph and extract node representations from multiple perspectives for heterogeneous graphs. After that, MalDMTP is aggregated into graph representations by the graph-level pooling function GMT based on a multi-head attention mechanism, which goes through a classifier in order to obtain malware prediction labels. Experimental results show that the proposed MalDMTP can achieve 96.53\% accuracy on the Alibaba cloud malware dataset, which improves 1.9\% ~ 7.6\% over the previous single-graph pooling methods on the graph classification task of malware detection.
Decentralised same day test and treatment of hepatitis C levering existing peer support networks among people who inject drugs: Feasibility and effectiveness
Authors: Nalinikanta Rajkumar , Singh Khumukcham Lokeshwar , Dhabali Thangjam , Singh Surender , Khwairakpam Giten , Shilton Sonjelle , Goel Amit
Published: March 2024

Background
Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs in the state of Manipur, India, is 43%; however, access to care is poor. We piloted a Community-led and comprehensive hepatitis care model that included same-day HCV treatment at drug treatment centres.
Methods
Screening was conducted using HCV antibody (HCV Ab) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic tests. Positive HCV Ab samples were tested using a point-of-care HCV RNA. Eligible HCV RNA-positive participants were treated on the same day using direct-acting antivirals and followed for sustained virologic response (SVR). HBsAg-negative participants received rapid HBV vaccination regimen while positive samples were tested for DNA and referred for treatment.
Results
Between November 2021 and August 2022, 643 individuals were approached and 503 consented and were screened. All screened were males with history of injection drug use, and a median age of 27 years (IQR 23–32). Of the 241 (47.9%) HCV Ab positive all underwent RNA testing and 156 (64.7%) were RNA detectable. Of those with viraemia, 155 (99.4%) were initiated on treatment with 153 (98.1%) on same day. Among those 153, median time from screening to treatment was 6 hours 38 minutes (IQR 5 hours 42 minutes – 8 hours 23 minutes). In total 155 (100%) completed HCV treatment, of those 148 (95.5%) completed SVR testing and 130 (87.8%) achieved SVR12.