bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Camera traps are an effective tool for monitoring insect–plant interactions
Authors: Naqvi Qaim , Wolff Patrick , Molano-Flores Brenda , Sperry Jinelle
Published: May 2024

Insect and pollinator populations are vitally important to the health of ecosystems, food production, and economic stability, but are declining worldwide. New, cheap, and simple monitoring methods are necessary to inform management actions and should be available to researchers around the world. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available, close-focus automated camera trap to monitor insect–plant interactions and insect behavior. We compared two video settings—scheduled and motion-activated—to a traditional human observation method. Our results show that camera traps with scheduled video settings detected more insects overall than humans, but relative performance varied by insect order. Scheduled cameras significantly outperformed motion-activated cameras, detecting more insects of all orders and size classes. We conclude that scheduled camera traps are an effective and relatively inexpensive tool for monitoring interactions between plants and insects of all size classes, and their ease of accessibility and set-up allows for the potential of widespread use. The digital format of video also offers the benefits of recording, sharing, and verifying observations.
A study about Knowledge and Perception of Medical Students Towards Autopsy and Attitude Towards Forensic Medicine as a Career option
Authors:   Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anushandhan University, Bhubaneswar 751003, Odisha, India,, Mishra Kunal , Chandra Nayak Bikash ,   Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anushandhan University, Bhubaneswar 751003, Odisha, India,, Kumar Hansda Mohan ,   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, IMS & SUM Hospital, Siksha ‘O’ Anushandhan University, Bhubaneswar 751003, Odisha, India, Mishra Ashim ,   Professor,Department of Forensic Medicine, Manipal Tata Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India.
Published: May 2024

IntroductIon: The questionnaire based study was carried out with the objective to know the present knowledge of students regarding autopsy, attitude towards autopsy and probability of choosing forensic medicine as a career which can enable to find out ways to make autopsy an enriching academic exercise and further increase the acceptability of our subject. Methodology: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study, was carried out among the 2nd year medical students at IMS and Sum Hospital, Bhubaneswar. The first part of questionnaire comprised of items in form of simple statements for which response recorded dichotomously as true or false. The first nine statements were on knowledge component and second nine items were on attitude of the students. The second part of questionnaire comprised of eight items which contained the eight reasons for forensic medicine of not choosing forensic medicine as career. results: A majority of students were found to have reasonable knowledge of the basic autopsy procedure. 88% of the students were of the opinion that autopsy has utility in medical education. 68% of the students were confident of independently performing an autopsy. 88% of students proactively searched for information on autopsy. However only 11.54% students reported that they plan to pursue a career in Forensic Medicine.
Phase composition and Durability Assessment of 50-year-old Reinforced Concrete subjected to Natural and Accelerated Carbonation
Authors: Dudi Lupesh , Bishnoi Shashank
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an investigation conducted on a 50-year-old structure in a composite climactic zone of India. The study comprises of two parts, one covering the comparison of long-term natural carbonation and short-term accelerated carbonation, while another reveals insight into the structure’s durability and potential concerns. Mineralogy, pore solution, and transport properties comparison of natural and accelerated carbonated concrete samples highlight similar modifications, demonstrating the representative nature of accelerated carbonation at 3% carbon dioxide concentration. Accelerated carbonation did, however, lead to preferred precipitation of calcite and higher degree of C-S-H carbonation. Additional investigations including core strength, carbonation depth measurements, half-cell potential analysis, resistivity, and corrosion rate measurements were also carried out. Findings from structural investigation indicate that carbonation coefficient shows a high variation within the structure and moisture is found to be main factor influencing the corrosion rate. Based on the results, recommendations on additional measurements are made, to better understand variations in carbonation rate. Visual inspections are seen to become crucial in the propagation phase, especially when half-cell potential and surface resistivity lie in the inconclusive range.
Mechanistic insight into Photocatalytic mineralization of dyes using metal oxide- Parametric and kinetic study
Authors: Singh Seema , Pratap Surya , Singh Santosh kumar , PATIDAR RITESH
Published: May 2024

In the present study, the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine-B dye was carried out. bismuth oxide (α − Bi2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) photo catalyst was prepared for the degradation analysis. During the photocatalysis of Rhodamine-B degradation, the order of removal with different semiconductors was followed in the following order: α − Bi2O3 > CuO. The effect of operating parameters, including solution pH (3–8), catalysts dose (0.2–1.5 g/L), temperature change (5–20 oC), and initial Rhodamine B dye concentration (10–25 mg/L), were systematically examined using α − Bi2O3 photocatalyst under UV-light irradiation. The Rhodamine-B dyes showed the best removal efficiency of 97% at operating conditions of natural pH = 7.0, catalyst dose = 1.5 g/L, temperature = 20 ◦C, and Rh-B concentration = 10 mg/L under control conditions. As − prepared semiconductor materials such as α − Bi2O3 and CuO were characterized by using many techniques like scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier Transmission Infrared spectroscopy, and X − ray diffraction technique. A degradation pathway was also suggested by the identification of reaction intermediates. The reusability test analysis of bismuth oxide confirmed that photocatalysts can be separated after degradation and reused many times, and there were no other changes in structure and morphologies. This study confirmed the simple synthesis approach of semiconductor materials and their uses for the treatment of Rhodamine-B dye.
Undetected Cribriform and Intraductal Prostate Cancer at biopsy is associated with adverse outcomes
Authors: Bernardino Rui , Bernardino Rui , Bernardino Rui , Yin Leyi , Yin Leyi , Yin Leyi , Lajkosz Katherine , Lajkosz Katherine , Lajkosz Katherine , Cockburn Jessica , Cockburn Jessica , Cockburn Jessica , Wettstein Marian , Wettstein Marian , Wettstein Marian , Sayyid Rashid , Sayyid Rashid , Sayyid Rashid , Henrique Rui , Henrique Rui , Henrique Rui , Pinheiro Luís Campos , Pinheiro Luís Campos , Pinheiro Luís Campos , Kwast Theo van der , Kwast Theo van der , Kwast Theo van der , Fleshner Neil , Fleshner Neil , Fleshner Neil
Published: May 2024

Background
Intraductal carcinoma (IDC) and cribriform pattern (Crib) of prostate cancer are increasingly recognised as independent prognosticators of poor outcome, both in prostate biopsies and radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens.
Objective
The aim of our project is to assess the impact of false negative biopsies for these two characteristics on oncological outcomes.
Material and Methods
Patients who underwent RP between January 2015 and December 2022 were included in the study. Predictors of Biochemical Failure were examined using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.
Results and Limitation
Among the 836 patients who underwent RP, 233 (27.9%) had Crib, and 125 (15.0%) had IDC on prostate biopsy, with 71 (8.5%) patients having both IDC and Crib. Concerning, IDC/Crib status at biopsy, 217 (26%) patients had a false-negative biopsy, 332 (39.7%) had a true-negative biopsy, 256 (30.6%) showed a true-positive biopsy, and 24 (3.7%) exhibited a false-positive biopsy, with respect to either pattern. When comparing false-negative, false-positive, true-negative and true-positive biopsies for IDC/Crib, we found that patients with a false-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib versus those with a true-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib disclosed a rate of advanced pathological stage (≥ pT3) which was twice that of patients with a true-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib: 56.8% versus 28.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). On multivariate Cox analysis, log PSA before RP (hazard ratio [HR] 2.07, 95% CI 1.53–2.82; p < 0.001), a higher percentage of positive cores at biopsy (≥ 33%) (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.63; p = 0.024), and false negative biopsy for IDC/Crib (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.41–3.25; p < 0.001), were each significantly associated with an increased risk of BCR.
Conclusions
A false-negative biopsy for IDC/Crib is independently associated with higher risk of BCR and advanced pathological stage compared to a true negative biopsy.
A machine-learning pipeline for real-time detection of gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences
Authors: Marx Ethan , Benoit William , Gunny Alec , Omer Rafia , Chatterjee Deep , Venterea Ricco , Wills Lauren , Saleem Muhammed , Moreno Eric , Raikman Ryan , Govorkova Ekaterina , Rankin Dylan , Coughlin Michael , Harris Philip , Katsavounidis Erik
Published: May 2024

The promise of multi-messenger astronomy relies on the rapid detection of gravitational waves at very low latencies (O(1s)) in order to maximize the amount of time available for follow-up observations. In recent years, neural-networks have demonstrated robust non-linear modeling capabilities and millisecond-scale inference at a comparatively small computational footprint, making them an attractive family of algorithms in this context.
However, integration of these algorithms into the gravitational-wave astrophysics research ecosystem has proven non-trivial.
Here, we present the first fully machine learning-based pipeline for the detection of gravitational waves from compact binary coalescences (CBCs) running in low-latency. We demonstrate this pipeline to have a fraction of the latency of traditional matched filtering search pipelines while achieving state-of-the-art sensitivity to higher-mass stellar binary black holes.
Cathepsin S from spinal cord microglia accelerates the degradation of perineuronal nets in neuropathic pain
Authors: Pang Jiahui , Hu Ziwei , Zhao Yubai , Liu Xinli , Fang Qian , Xu Yin , Hu Yingxuan , Zeng Hui , Wu Wen
Published: May 2024

Neuropathic pain (NP) caused by nerve damage or diseases affects the quality of life of patients. Analyzing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) can help researchers focus on the key molecular in the diseases. This study aims to explore the relationship between Cathepsin S (CTSS) and perineuronal nets (PNNs). Dataset GSE18803 was used for bioinformatics analysis firstly. Next, the changes in CTSS and PNNs in the spinal cord of spared nerve injury (SNI) rats were detected. Then, LPS was used to activate HAPI cells, and detected the CTSS level of the cellular supernatant. Furthermore, the vitro PNNs degradation experimental by active CTSS was executed. Finally, CTSS inhibitors were injected intrathecally into SNI rats and observed the changes of mechanical pain and PNNs. In dataset GSE18803, 15 hub genes related were identified of the NP. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of CTSS were significantly upregulated, and the PNNs degradation in the ipsilateral spinal cord lamina V of SNI rats. In vitro, CTSS levels were upregulated in the LPS-activated HAPI cellular supernatant. Moreover, CTSS promoted the degradation of PNNs by the vitro experimental. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of CTSS inhibitor significantly improved the mechanical threshold of SNI rats and inhibited PNN degradation in the spinal cord lamina V of SNI rats. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that the lysosomal pathway is crucial for NP progression. The lysosomal protein CTSS is upregulated in the spinal cord of SNI rats. Microglia in the lamina V aggravates NP development by releasing CTSS to degrade PNNs in SNI rats.
Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy (MIST) vs intubate-surfactant-extubate (InSurE) technique, in a Peruvian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Authors: Herbozo Cecilia , Montenegro Andrea , Zumba Karin
Published: May 2024

Objective To compare the outcomes of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome treated by minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) vs intubate-surfactant-extubate (InSurE) in a Level-3 NICU in Peru. Study Design: We analyzed a historical cohort with InSurE technique vs a prospective cohort with MIST. Surfactant was administered through a feeding tube in MIST cohort.Results 91 patients included, 48 treated by InSurE and 43 by MIST. Groups were similar in gestational age and birth weight, had poor prenatal care. There were no differences in demographic characteristics, nor in main outcomes: need for mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or mortality. The duration of mechanical ventilation, time of oxygen therapy and hospital stay were similar.Conclusions Our study shows that reduction of intubation for surfactant administration in preterm neonates with RDS can be achieved by MIST. No difference in outcomes between MIST and InSurE in preterm infants with RDS.
Application of GA3 and NAA improves yield and quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Authors: Abdullah Md , Anik Sultan Mahmud , Nishi Nusrat Jahan , Jahan Ishrat , khatun Mst Ananya , Rahman Md. Hassanur
Published: May 2024

In Bangladesh, okra is an important popular summer vegetable. However, traditional farming practices often lead to suboptimal yields. Thus, the study was designed to determine the ideal GA3 and NAA doses for accelerating okra growth, yield, and quality characteristics. A three-replication, randomized complete block design was adopted. Foliar sprays with three concentrations of GA3 (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) and NAA (0 ppm, 150 ppm, and 250 ppm) were applied in 2022 and 2023. In comparison to the control, the combined application of GA3 @ 150 ppm and NAA @ 150 ppm improved plant height, leaf number, leaf area, branch number, internode length, bud number, pod number, pod length, pod diameter, and 1000 seed weight average over the two years. Furthermore, GA3 @ 150 ppm with NAA 150 ppm increased yield by 35.08% and 27.01% in 2022 and 2023 respectively, above the control. Combining NAA @ 150 ppm with GA3 resulted in higher levels of vitamin C, TSS, magnesium, and zinc by 19.31%, 81.2%, 22.73% and 21.43% in 2022 and 22.83%, 50.57%, 18.07%, 33.33% in 2023 respectively, compared to the control. In contrast, GA3 and NAA decreased potassium and calcium in both year when compared to the control. Overall, the results of this experiment indicated that using GA3 @ 150 ppm with NAA @ 150 ppm could enhance okra growth, yield, and quality. These findings provide insightful information for improving okra cultivation techniques and improving Bangladesh's productivity in agriculture and food security.
Development and internal validation of prediction model for rebleeding within one year after endoscopic treatment of cirrhotic varices: consideration from organ-based CT radiomics signature
Authors: Xu Lulu , Zhang Jing , Liu Siyun , He Guoyun , Shu Jian
Published: May 2024

Background
To develop CT radiomics model based on different organs to predict rebleeding within 1 year after endoscopic treatment of esophageal and gastric varices (EGVs). The aim is to guide clinicians to provide effective secondary prophylaxis to cirrhotic patients in a timely manner to prevent rebleeding.
Methods
123 patients were enrolled and divided into rebleeding (n = 44) and non-bleeding group (n = 79). The liver, spleen, and the lower part of the esophagus were segmented and the extracted radiomics features were selected to construct liver/spleen/esophagus radiomics signatures based on logistic regression. Clinic-radiomics combined models and multi-organ combined radiomics models were constructed based on independent model scores using logistic regression. The model performance was evaluated by ROC analysis, calibration and decision curves. The continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indices were analyzed .
Results
The clinical-liver combined model had the highest AUC of 0.931 (95% CI: 0.887–0.974), which was followed by the liver-based model with AUC of 0.891 (95% CI: 0.835–0.74). The decision curves also showed that the clinical-liver combined model afforded a greater net benefit compared to other models within the threshold probability of 0.45 to 0.80. Significant improvements in discrimination (IDI, P < 0.05) and reclassification (NRI, P < 0.05) were obtained for clinical-liver combined model compared with the independent ones.
Conclusion
The independent and combined liver-based CT radiomics models performed well in predicting rebleeding within 1 year after endoscopic treatment of EGVs.
Assessment of Acute and Multigenerational Toxicity of 1,3-Diphenylguanidine (DPG) on Freshwater Water Fleas: Oxidative Stress, Developmental, and Reproductive Effects
Authors: Suman Thodhal Yoganandham , Kim Soo-Yeon , Jang Younghoon , Jeon Junho
Published: May 2024

1,3-Diphenylguanidine (DPG) is intensively used in the tire manufacturing industry as an accelerator, improving durability of rubber product. Despite its widespread use, concerns persist regarding the potential environmental risks associated with toxicological properties and mechanisms of DPG, remaining inadequately understood. This study aims to comprehensively assess the acute and multigenerational toxicity of DPG on freshwater water fleas (Moina macrocopa). We verified the acute toxicity of DPG by subjecting water fleas to varying concentrations and establishing the no-observed effect concentration (NOEC) for subsequent chronic exposure experiments.. Across four generations (P0, F1, F2, and F3), water fleas were continuously exposed to a concentration lower than the NOEC to investigate reproductive and developmental toxicity alongside oxidative stress indicators, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and glutathione (GSH) activities. Multigeneration studies unveiled diminished reproduction rates, moulting, and body size across all exposed generations. Concurrently, heightened ROS levels coupled with decreased SOD, CAT, GSSG, and GSH activities signify the induction of antioxidant responses to DPG exposure. While reproductive effects were less pronounced in later generations, persistent oxidative stress across all generations underscores the necessity of multigenerational investigations in comprehending DPG's impact on water flea life cycles. This study underscores the necessity for additional research on DPG, promoting real-world exposure assessments and pragmatic experimental designs to precisely evaluate associated risks and implement sufficient environmental safeguards.
Investigating Load-Settlement Characteristics of Square Model Footings on Sand Beds Enhanced with Textured Vertical Pultruded Fiberglass Reinforced Helical Piles
Authors: Zargar Abdul Hanan Bashir , Shah Mohammad Yousuf
Published: May 2024

This article introduces a novel ground enhancement method utilizing textured vertically oriented fiberglass pultruded pipes. These pipes feature a widened bottom toe in a helical shape. The research primarily explores textured prefabricated helical piles, varying in length and cross-sectional area, designed to act as reinforcing bearing elements in sandy soil. The ongoing study includes performing experimental investigations on a laboratory model square footing positioned on sand, with textured PFRH piles installed beneath it. A parametric investigation was carried out to examine the influence of textured PFRH pile slenderness ratio, different states of sand beds, and varying helical plate diameters through laboratory model plate load tests. The findings indicated that placing textured PFRH piles beneath the footing substantially enhanced the settlement characteristics and load-carrying capacity of the structure. There was a noticeable increase in load-carrying capacity with an increase in the slenderness ratio of textured PFRH piles, although the improvement became insignificant beyond a slenderness ratio of 20. In the absence of reinforcement, denser sand exhibited superior bearing capacity for footings. However, in the case of reinforced footings, textured PFRH piles demonstrated the most substantial improvement in medium-density sand. Furthermore, augmenting the helical plate diameter led to an enhanced load-carrying capacity. The study employed multivariate linear regression to establish a robust correlation between experimental and predicted bearing capacity ratios, affirming the reliability of the findings. In summary, this research underscores the significant potential of utilizing textured prefabricated helical piles in fortifying soil foundations, offering valuable insights for optimizing the design and performance of such systems across diverse soil conditions.
Embedding Risk in Total Productive Maintenance Model
Authors: Chundhoo Vickram , Chattopadhyay Gopinath , Karmakar Gour , Appuhamillage Gayan Kahandawa
Published: May 2024

This study highlights the significance of integrating risk considerations into Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) practices to enhance machine performance reliability and maintenance. While TPM is acknowledged for its effectiveness in addressing various issues, current methodologies lack a theoretical foundation that incorporates risk into the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), a key performance indicator. Identifying this gap, the research introduces a novel approach to embed risk into OEE, particularly focusing on economic risks associated with breakdown failures. Real machine failure data from the meat industry are utilized to estimate reliability parameters and coefficients for loss value estimation. The proposed risk-based OEE framework is compared with traditional approaches, demonstrating its versatility across manufacturing sectors. By incorporating economic risk into TPM, decision-makers gain insights into the financial implications of breakdown failures, facilitating informed decision-making in asset management and enhancing overall risk management within the TPM framework.
Haploinsufficiency of miR-143 and miR-145 reveal targetable dependencies in resistant del(5q) myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Karsan Aly , Gharaee Nadia , Wegrzyn-Woltosz Joanna , Cole Grace , Akhade Vijay , Bridgers Joshua , Stubbins Ryan , Hiwase Devendra , Kutyna Monika , Chan Onyee , Komrokji Rami , Padron Eric , Umlandt Patricia , Deng Yu , Fuller Megan , Kim Ada
Published: May 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chromosomal alterations are frequent in MDS, with interstitial deletion of chromosome 5q (del(5q)) being the most common. Lenalidomide is the current first-line treatment for del(5q) MDS and its efficacy relies on degradation of CK1α which is encoded by the CSNK1A1 gene located in the commonly deleted region (CDR) of chromosome 5q. However, lenalidomide-resistance is common, often secondary to loss-of-function mutations in TP53 or RUNX1. The CDR in del(5q) harbors several genes, including noncoding miRNAs, the loss of which contribute to disease phenotypes. miR-143 and miR-145 are located within the del(5q) CDR, but precise understanding of their role in human hematopoiesis and in the pathogenesis of del(5q) MDS is lacking. Here we provide evidence that deficiency of miR-143 and miR-145 plays a role in clonal expansion of del(5q) MDS. We show that insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a direct target of both miR-143 and miR-145. Our data demonstrate that IGF-1R inhibition reduces proliferation and viability of del(5q) cells in vitro and in vivo, and that lenalidomide-resistant del(5q) MDS cells depleted of either TP53 or RUNX1 are sensitive to IGF-1R inhibition. Resistant del(5q) MDS-L cells, as well as primary MDS marrow cells, are also sensitive to targeting of IGF-1R-related dependencies in del(5q) MDS, which include the Abl and MAPK signaling pathways. This work thus provides potential new therapeutic avenues for lenalidomide-resistant del(5q) MDS.
CGAOA-AttBiGRU: A novel deep learning framework for forecasting CO 2 emissions
Authors: Liu HaiJun , Wu Yang , Shan WeiFeng , Yuan Jing , Chen Yi , Li LiangChao , Wang HaoRan
Published: May 2024

Background: Accurately predicting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is crucial for environmental protection. Currently, there are two main issues with predicting CO2 emissions: (1) existing CO2 emission prediction models mainly rely on such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU), which can only model unidirectional temporal features, resulting in insufficient accuracy: (2) existing research on CO2 emissions mainly focuses on designing predictive models, without paying attention to model optimization, resulting in models being unable to achieve their optimal performance.
Methods: To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposed a framework for predicting CO2 emissions, named as CGAOA-AttBiGRU. In this framework, Attentional-Bidirectional Gate Recurrent Unit (AttBiGRU) is a prediction model that uses BiGRU units to extract bidirectional temporal features from the data, and adopts an attention mechanism to adaptively weight the bidirectional temporal features, thereby improving prediction accuracy. CGAOA is an improved Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) used to optimize the 5 key hyperparameters of the AttBiGRU.
Results: We first validated the optimization performance of the improved CGAOA algorithm on 24 benchmark functions. Then, CGAOA was used to optimize AttBiGRU and compared with 12 optimization algorithms. The results indicate that the AttBiGRU optimized by CGAOA has the best predictive performance. Finally, the optimized AttBiGRU was compared with the BiGRU, LSTM, GRU, ANN, and SVM on predicting CO2 emissions from 4 sectors in China. The experimental results showed that AttBiGRU is significantly better than the comparison models.
Conclusions: This paper proposed a novel framework, CGAOA-AttBiGRU, for predicting CO2 emissions. This framework not only includes predictive models, but also optimization method for the models. This study will guide researchers to not only focus on proposing new predictive models, but also on model optimization.
Contrast Staining CT Score on Non-Contrast CT Immediately After Endovascular Thrombectomy Predicts the Need for Decompressive Craniectomy in Patients with Acute Large Artery Occlusion
Authors: zhang chunlei , Shi Zhonghua , He Jianqing , Chen Lei , Cao Jiaming , Lu Zehua , Huan Qiaohua , Wang Yuhai
Published: May 2024

Objective: Early decompressive craniectomy (DC) is often required due to malignant cerebral edema after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) of acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. This study aimed to evaluate the value of quantitative contrast staining areas with immediate non-contrast CT (NCCT) after EVT to predict the need for subsequent DC.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort comprising 335 individuals with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion undergoing EVT between January 2017 and January 2022. The supply area of the internal carotid artery in one hemisphere was divided into nine regions. A score of 1 was assigned to each region if contrast staining (CS) was observed on NCCT after EVT. The relationship between risk factors, including assumed contrast staining CT score (CSCS), and DC was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the CSCS in predicting the need for DC were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results: A total of 238 patients (71.0%) demonstrated CS on immediate NCCT, of which 51 (15.2%) had the need for DC. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that CSCS [odds ratio (OR) 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36-1.95; P < 0.001; per 1 point] and poor collateral circulation [OR, 4.90; 95% CI, 1.12-21.32; P = 0.034] were independent risk factors for predicting the need for DC. The ROC curve for the CSCS had an area under the curve of 0.838, with a cutoff value of 4.0. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.71, 0.91, 0.61, and 0.95, respectively.
Conclusion: The contrast staining score based on NCCT immediately after EVT may serve as a valuable predictive tool for early DC.
The preliminary study of patient-derived metastatic brain tumors in a highly mimetic ex vivo spheroid-based physiological model for clinical precision therapeutics
Authors: Chang Chun-Jen , Kan Kai-Wen , Nan Yu-Han , Juan Yu-Chung , Tu Chih-Hsiu , Yang Chen-Ting , Hsu Wei-Lin , Cho Der-Yang , Shie Ming-You , Chen Yi-Wen , Chen Chun-Chung
Published: May 2024

Metastatic brain tumors present a formidable challenge in clinical oncology due to their heterogeneity and limited treatment options. This study aimed to introduce and assess the patient-derived tumor spheroid (PDTS) system as an innovative approach for precision drug testing in metastatic brain tumors. By replicating the brain tumor microenvironment ex vivo, our goal is to improve the selection of effective anticancer drugs tailored to individual patients. Using decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) from adipose tissues, the PDTS system generated tumor spheroids from surgical tissue samples for drug testing. In preliminary data, 17 patients met the criteria for final analysis, which showed an overall 57% accuracy, with improvements to 73% accuracy when patients receiving certain treatments were excluded. This ex vivo model offers real-time results within three weeks, simultaneous testing of multiple drugs, and the ability to culture and store tumor cells for reproducibility. Despite limitations, such as the inability to simulate the blood‒brain barrier or study immune system interactions, the PDTS represents a valuable tool for precision medicine in metastatic brain tumors. Further research and refinement may lead to its integration into clinical practice, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with metastatic brain tumors.
Remote General Movement Assessment for early detection of Cerebral Palsy in high-risk infants: A Knowledge Translational Study implementing home filming in a Norwegian cohort.
Authors: Adde Lars , Fjørtoft Toril , Lade Randi , Osland Siril , Piegsa Frank , Sandstrøm Per Gunnar , Støen Ragnhild , Størvold Gunfrid V. , Åberg Kristin Bjørnstad , Eriksen Beate Horsberg
Published: May 2024

Background
General Movement Assessment (GMA) is recommended for early detection of risk for cerebral palsy but requires trained clinical experts. We aimed to implement home- and hospital-based filming for remote GMA in a Norwegian high-risk infant cohort, as well as evaluating parents’ experiences in filming their infant at home.
Methods
This knowledge translational study used a prospective cohort design including participants referred to neurodevelopmental follow-up across three sites in the Central Norway Regional Health Authority. Two home films of the fidgety type of general movements were collected between 12+ 1-14+ 6 and 15+ 1-17+ 6 weeks after term by parents. An additional film was collected at the hospital between 12+ 1 and 17+ 6 weeks after term. The instructional guide for all filming was the In-Motion App standards. Videos were transferred to a remote GMA team and classified as either “GMA scorable” or “GMA not scorable” based on Prechtl’s GMA standards. Parents responded to an online survey using a 5-point Likert scale to collect information about their perspectives, experiences, and possible worries by filming their infant at home.
Results
One-hundred-and-two infants from 95 families participated. Ninety-two (96.8%) families transferred 177 home-based videos. Eighty-four (92%) of these had 95 videos taken in their local hospital. All 177 home-videos were “GMA scorable” and three (3,1%) out of 95 hospital-based videos were classified as “GMA not scorable”. Eight families did not respond to the survey and two families did not receive the survey due to a technical error. Seventy-eight (91.7%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed that it was easy to perform home filming and five (5.9%) agreed that they were more worried about their child`s development after filming at home. Almost 80% of respondents agreed that a video for GMA can be taken at home instead of in hospital.
Conclusion
This study strengthens the clinical implementation of home filming by parents and remote GMA for early detection of CP in high-risk follow-up programs. The implementation of remote GMA has the potential to facilitate early intervention to improve function in children with CP in line with international recommendations.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04287166 Date of registration: 27/02/2020
Separation of sperm based on rheotaxis mechanism using microfluidic device
Authors: Torkashvand Hossein , Shabani Ronak , Pilehvari Shamim , Moghimi Mahdi , Torkashvand Leila , Mehdizadeh Rana , Derakhshan Roya , Mehdizadeh Mehdi
Published: May 2024

Background
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) face a significant hurdle in efficiently selecting the most capable sperm population from a semen sample. In this study, we have developed an innovative microfluidic device designed to utilize rheotaxis for highly efficient sperm sorting. This novel approach allows for the effective selection of high-quality sperm populations compared to other conventional methods.
Method
30 normal samples from couples undergoing ICSI cycle were included in the study. The samples were analyzed and examined in the andrology unit of the Infertility Center at Fatemieh Hospital in Hamedan. Each sample were split into three distinct groups: Group 1: initial sample (Control), Group 2: Direct Swim-Up sperm selection (DSU), and Group 3: Sperm selection with rheotaxis. We used a syringe pump connected to the microfluidic device to create optimal flow in the device. The spermatozoa underwent evaluation for concentration, motility, and morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). A one-way ANOVA followed by a Student's t-test was conducted to ascertain the statistical significance of observed differences.
Results
Concentration (7.46 ± 2.84 vs. 56.67 ± 18.27; p < 0.0001) and DNA fragmentation (2.93 ± 2.70 vs. 21.13 ± 5.27; p < 0.0001) after selection in the rheotaxis microfluidic device were significantly lower than control group. The progressive motility (98.10 ± 2.41% vs. 44.13 ± 7.06%, p < 0.0001), normal morphology (8.36 ± 1.47% vs. 5.20 ± 1.15, p < 0.0001), MMP (99.63 ± 0.71% vs. 81.13 ± 9.19%, p < 0.0001), in the rheotaxis microfluidic device experienced a noteworthy rise in comparison to the control group.
Conclusion
our study demonstrates the effectiveness of the rheotaxis-based microfluidic device in selecting a high-quality sperm population, showcasing improved motility, morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduced DNA fragmentation. This advancement holds promise for enhancing assisted reproductive technologies.
Frailty detection with routine blood tests: based on the English longitudinal study of ageing (ELSA)
Authors: He Lingxiao , Yang Jinzhu , Lin Shujing , Shi Kanglin , Fang Ya
Published: May 2024

Purpose
Frailty is a rising global health issue in ageing society. Easily accessible and sensitive tools are needed for frailty monitoring while routine blood factors can be potential candidates.
Methods
Data of 1907 participants (aged 60 years or above) were collected from the 4th to 9th wave of the English longitudinal study of ageing. 14 blood factors obtained from blood tests were included in the analysis. A 52-item frailty index (FI) was calculated for frailty evaluation. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis were used to explore the relationships between baseline blood factors and the occurrence of frailty over time respectively. All analyses were controlled for age and sex.
Results
Our study identified that 8 blood factors (mean corpuscular haemoglobin, HDL, triglyceride, ferritin, hsCRP, dehydroepiandrosterone, haemoglobin, and WBC) involved in inflammatory, nutritional and metabolic processes were associated with frailty. The combined model with these 8 blood factors had an AUC of 0.758 at cross-sectional level. In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, higher triglyceride (HR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.07 ~ 1.59), WBC (HR: 1.16, 95%CI: 1.05 ~ 1.28), and lower HDL (HR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.38 ~ 0.90) at baseline were linked to greater risk of developing frailty within 10 years. Compared to adults without abnormal blood factors at baseline, the hazard ratios of participants with two or more abnormal blood factors were almost 2-fold higher in developing frailty over time.
Conclusions
Routine blood factors, particularly triglyceride, HDL and WBC, could be used for frailty screening in clinical practice and estimate the development of frailty over time.
Production of Carbon Samples With Extreme Physical Conditions Using Intense Heavy Ion Beams at the Facility for Antiprotons and Ion Research: Application to Planetary Physics Research
Authors: Tahir Naeem Ahmad , Bagnoud Vincet , Neumayer Paul , Piriz Antonio Roberto , Piriz Sofia Ayelen
Published: May 2024

The possibility of existence of carbon-rich-planets makes it important to study High Energy States of carbon in order to understand the internal structure of such planets. In this paper, we present two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of a low-entropy compression of a carbon sample that is enclosed in a high-Z cylindrical shell that is driven by a high intensity uranium beam. The considered beam parameters are the ones that will be available at the accelerator facility, named, FAIR, at Darmstadt. This study has shown that the carbon sample can be compressed to super-solid densities, ultra-high pressures, while the temperature remains relatively low. These are the typical physical conditions that are expected to exist in the planetary interiors. An experimental study of the thermophysical and transport properties of such samples will significantly improve our knowledge about formation and evolution of different type of planets.
Biomarkers of Airway Disease, Barrett’s and Underdiagnosed Reflux Noninvasively (BAD-BURN): a Case-Control Observational Study Protocol
Authors: Javed Urooj , Podury Sanjiti , Kwon Sophia , Liu Mengling , Kim Daniel , Zadeh Aida Fallah , Li Yiwei , Khan Abraham , Francois Fritz , Schwartz Theresa , Zeig-Owens Rachel , Grunig Gabrielle , Veerappan Arul , Zhou Joanna , Crowley George , Prezant David , Nolan Anna
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND.
Particulate matter exposure (PM) is a cause of aerodigestive disease globally. The destruction of the World Trade Center (WTC) exposed first responders and inhabitants of New York City to WTC-PM and caused obstructive airways disease (OAD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett’s Esophagus (BE). GERD not only diminishes health-related quality of life but also gives rise to complications that extend beyond the scope of BE. GERD can incite or exacerbate allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Disease features of the aerodigestive axis can overlap, often necessitating more invasive diagnostic testing and treatment modalities. This presents a need to develop novel non-invasive biomarkers of GERD, BE, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), treatment efficacy, and severity of symptoms.
METHODS.
Our observational case-cohort study will leverage the longitudinally phenotyped Fire Department of New York (FDNY)-WTC exposed cohort to identify Biomarkers of Airway Disease, Barrett’s and Underdiagnosed Reflux Noninvasively (BAD-BURN). Our study population consists of n = 4,192 individuals from which we have randomly selected a sub-cohort control group (n = 837). We will then recruit subgroups of i. AHR only ii. GERD only iii. BE iv. GERD/BE and AHR overlap or v. No GERD or AHR, from the sub-cohort control group. We will then phenotype and examine non-invasive biomarkers of these subgroups to identify under-diagnosis and/or treatment efficacy. The findings may further contribute to the development of future biologically plausible therapies, ultimately enhance patient care and quality of life.
DISCUSSION.
Although many studies have suggested interdependence between airway and digestive diseases, the causative factors and specific mechanisms remain unclear. The detection of the disease is further complicated by the invasiveness of conventional GERD diagnosis procedures and the limited availability of disease-specific biomarkers. The management of reflux is important, as it directly increases risk of cancer and negatively impacts quality of life. Therefore, it is vital to develop novel noninvasive disease markers that can effectively phenotype, facilitate early diagnosis of premalignant disease and identify potential therapeutic targets to improve patient care.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05216133; January 18, 2022.
Carthamidin-mediated silver nanoparticles synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity-Invitro Approach
Authors: Joseph John , Kumar Selva , Krishnan Muthukumar , Chandrasekaran Rajkuberan
Published: May 2024

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles from biological sources is been fascinated by the research fraternities owing to the distinctive feature of non-toxicity and benign synthesis methodologies. In this pipeline, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from flavonoid Carthamidin (CT) pigment. The yellow colored water soluble pigment reduces the silver nitrate into silver ions in a simple one pot method. The CTAgNPs were exclusively characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmision Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Analysis Spectroscopy (EDAX). The characterization techniques infer that CTAgNPs are spherical in shape with an average size of 59nm and face centered cubic with crystalline lattice. The CTAgNPs evaluated as a cytotoxic agent in the MCF 7 cells and molecularly annotated the CTAgNPs apoptosis induction by AO/EB staining, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) assay, quantification of lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and arresting of cell cycle by flow cytometry. Finally, the CTAgNPs possess a remarkable cytotoxicity in the MCF 7 cells and induce the apoptosis mechanism. Henceforth, CTAgNPs can be promulgated as a nanodrug for the treatment of breast cancer therapy.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Cyclase-associated protein 2 is increased in Alzheimer’s disease and correlates with tau pathology
Authors: Padovani Alessandro , pilotto andrea , Pelucchi Silvia , D’Andrea Laura , Stringhi Ramona , Aksan Bahar , Caratozzolo Salvatore , Benussi Alberto , Galli Alice , Tirloni Clara , Mauceri Daniela , Canale Antonio , Archetti Silvana , Borroni Barbara , Luca Monica di , Marcello Elena
Published: May 2024

Background: Synaptic dysfunction is a significant event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cyclase-associated protein 2 (CAP2) plays a role in the modification of spines’ morphology as a result of synaptic plasticity. Previous studies have shown CAP2 alterations in AD models, though its function across the spectrum of AD has not been thoroughly evaluated. Our objectives were to assess whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CAP2 levels are specifically altered in AD compared to other neurodegenerative diseases and whether there is a relationship between CAP2 alteration and amyloid and tau-related biomarkers.
Methods: One hundred and ten patients with AD, namely prodromal (n=30) and mild to moderate AD (n=80), as well as 20 individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), 20 with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and 24 healthy controls (HC) underwent a standardized neurological and cognitive-behavioral assessment. Total and phosphorylated tau and Aβ42 levels in CSF were analyzed using Lumipulse, and CAP2 levels were measured using standard ELISA. Between-group differences and correlations among CSF biomarkers were assessed using non-parametric comparisons and partial correlation analyses adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration, respectively. In vitro, neuronal total and phosphorylated Tau were measured by using Western blot analyses in CAP2-downregulated neuronal cell cultures.
Results: AD patients (both prodromal and mild-to-moderate stages) showed higher levels of CSF CAP2 in comparison to controls and non-AD patients (p=0.001). In AD patients, CAP2 levels were independent of age, sex and Apolipoprotein-E (APOE) genotype but positively correlated with phosphorylated tau levels. In vitro neuronal cell experiments showed that the reduction of intracellular CAP2 expression correlated with phosphorylated tau levels.
Conclusions: CAP2 levels were significantly increased in CSF of AD patients already in prodromal stages. In AD, a correlation between CAP2 and phosporylated tau levels was found both in patients and neuron cellular models. These results further validate the significance of synaptic pathology and its relationship with neuronal dysfunction in AD.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the BAHD gene family in Leonurus japonicus
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhang Jiaxin , Lv Wenhan , Guo Tongtong , Yi Yuxiao , Yang Fengtang , Xu Jianing
Published: May 2024

Background
Acylation represents a pivotal biochemical process that is instrumental in the modification of secondary metabolites throughout the growth and developmental stages of plants. The BAHD acyltransferase family within the plant kingdom predominantly utilizes coenzyme A thioester as the acyl donor, while employing alcohol or amine compounds as the acceptor substrates to facilitate acylation reactions. These reactions are crucial for the biosynthesis of a diverse array of products, including but not limited to lignin monomers, anthocyanins, terpenoids, and alkaloids. Despite the importance of the BAHD acyltransferases in the context of plant biochemistry, an in-depth investigation into the BAHD gene family within the species Leonurus japonicus (L. japonicus) has yet to be conducted.
Results
Using bioinformatics approaches, the LjBAHD gene family members in the genome of L. japonicus were identified and characterized including gene structure, conserved motifs, cis-acting elements, and potential gene functions. In total, we detected 47 LjBAHD genes, unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes of L. japonicus, with subcellular localization predictions indicating a predominant cytoplasmic localization. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the LjBAHD genes into four distinct clades. Cis-acting element analysis revealed that the expression of BAHD genes is predominantly regulated by light and hormonal signals. Examination of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways demonstrated remarkably enrichment of LjBAHD genes in the biosynthetic pathways for Stilbenoids, diarylheptanoids and gingerol biosynthesis (Ko00945), as well as Flavonoid biosynthesis (Ko00941) and Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (Ko00940). To elucidate the roles of BAHD genes in various tissues of L. japonicus, the expression profiles of LjBAHD family members across different organs were scrutinized. Notably, a detailed study was conducted on a specific HCT gene (i.e. LjBAHD25) within the BAHD gene family. Analysis of its expression patterns suggested a role for LjBAHD25 in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway in L. japonicus, contributing to the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites with unique bioactivity.
Conclusion
The findings of this study have established a scientific foundation for the subsequent development and functional validation of the BAHD gene family in L. japonicus.