bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential-associated non-small cell lung cancer risk is potentiated by small particulate matter air pollution among non-smokers: a novel somatic variant–environment interaction
Authors: Vlasschaert Caitlyn , Buttigieg Marco , Pershad Yash , Lanktree Matthew , Aldrich Melinda C. , Rauh Michael J. , Bick Alexander G.
Published: January 2024

Small particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) is a recognized driver of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) among non-smoking individuals. Inhaled PM2.5recruits pro-inflammatory macrophages to the air-lung interface, which promotes malignant lung epithelial cell growth and progression to overt cancer. We sought to determine whether clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a common age-related condition characterized by hyperinflammatory macrophages, exacerbates PM2.5-associated NSCLC in non-smokers using genetic, environmental, and phenotypic data from 413,901 individuals in the UK Biobank. Among non-smokers, PM2.5is not associated with NSCLC and not associated with prevalence of CHIP, but CHIP is associated with a doubling of NSCLC risk (hazard ratio (HR) 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34-3.00). Moreover, CHIP-associated NSCLC risk is exacerbated in the setting of above-median PM2.5levels (HR 2.70, 95% CI: 1.60–4.55). PM2.5× CHIP is also associated with significantly greater markers of systemic inflammation (CRP, IL-6, and IL-1β) than expected. Altogether, these results suggest CHIP and PM2.5form a novel gene × environment interaction promoting NSCLC tumorigenesis in non-smokers.
Temporal mismatches in flight activity patterns between Pipistrellus kuhlii and Prays oleae in olive farms: Implications for biocontrol services potential
Authors: Herrera José M. , Carvalho Ana , Barreiro Sílvia , Jiménez‐Navarro Gerardo , Melguizo‐Ruiz Nereida , Beja Pedro , Moreira Francisco , Vasconcelos Sasha , Morgado Rui , Silva Bruno
Published: January 2024

Biocontrol services are widely recognized to provide key incentives for bat conservation. However, we have virtually no information on whether and how disruptions in bat‐mediated biocontrol services are driven by mismatches between the temporal activity patterns of insectivorous bats and insect pests.

We investigated the temporal relationship between the nightly activity patterns of the common pipistrelle bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii) and the olive fruit moth (Prays oleae). Temporal mismatches between species pairs were estimated as the time difference (expressed as a percentage of the night) at which P. kuhlii and P. oleae reached 50% of their abundance.

The study was carried out during spring, summer, and fall between 2017 and 2019 in 60 olive farms representing increasing levels of structural simplification (as a surrogate of agricultural intensification). Olive farms were classified as exhibiting high (i.e. HIGH olive farms; n = 27), intermediate (MID; n = 18), and low (LOW; n = 15) structural complexity.

Temporal mismatches between the activity levels of P. kuhlii and P. oleae varied between seasons and types of olive farms, being comparatively lower in summer than in spring and fall. Furthermore, summer was the only season in which temporal mismatches between species pairs differed between types of olive farms, with higher temporal mismatches found in LOW than in HIGH and MID olive farms.

Overall, our work demonstrates the existence of temporal mismatches between the nightly activity patterns of P. kuhlii and P. oleae. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the structural simplification of olive farms increases temporal mismatches between species pairs, particularly in summer when bat‐mediated biocontrol services are most needed.

Synthesis and applications. Future research should consider mismatches between the temporal activity patterns of insectivorous bats and insect pests. Otherwise, the actual impact of agricultural intensification on bat‐mediated biocontrol services as well as the economic impact of their loss on the agriculture industry might be underestimated. To enhance biocontrol services, we propose increasing the availability of suitable roosting and foraging sites as well as conserving areas of remnant native woodland and scattered hollow‐bearing trees.
Directed acyclic graph for epidemiological studies in childhood food allergy: Construction, user's guide, and application
Authors: Peng Zhuoxin , Apfelbacher Christian , Brandstetter Susanne , Eils Roland , Kabesch Michael , Lehmann Irina , Trump Saskia , Wellmann Sven , Genuneit Jon ,   the NAMIBIO App Consortium
Published: January 2024

Understanding modifiable prenatal and early life causal determinants of food allergy is important for the prevention of the disease. Randomized clinical trials studying environmental and dietary determinants of food allergy may not always be feasible. Identifying risk/protective factors for early‐life food allergy often relies on observational studies, which may be affected by confounding bias. The directed acyclic graph (DAG) is a causal diagram useful to guide causal inference from observational epidemiological research. To date, research on food allergy has made little use of this promising method. We performed a literature review of existing evidence with a systematic search, synthesized 32 known risk/protective factors, and constructed a comprehensive DAG for early‐life food allergy development. We present an easy‐to‐use online tool for researchers to re‐construct, amend, and modify the DAG along with a user's guide to minimize confounding bias. We estimated that adjustment strategies in 57% of previous observational studies on modifiable factors of childhood food allergy could be improved if the researchers determined their adjustment sets by DAG. Future researchers who are interested in the causal inference of food allergy development in early life can apply the DAG to identify covariates that should and should not be controlled in observational studies.
Correction of axial length measurement error by IOLMaster 700 could improve refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil‐filled eyes
Authors: Zhang Jiaqing , Han Xiaotong , Jin Aixia , Zhang Yifan , Chen Xiaoyun , Liu Zhenzhen , Qiu Xiaozhang , Tan Xuhua , Luo Lixia , Liu Yizhi
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To determine whether correcting the axial length (AL) measurement error of the IOLMaster 700 could improve the refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil‐filled eyes.

Methods

This study included 265 cataract patients (265 eyes) with silicone oil tamponade who were scheduled for phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The performances of various formulas, including Barrett Universal II, Emmetropia Verifying Optical, Hoffer‐QST, Kane, Ladas Super Formula, Pearl‐DGS, Radial Basis Function and traditional formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 and SRK/T), were evaluated. The refractive prediction errors (PE) calculated with measured AL (ALmeas) and corrected AL with silicone oil adjustment (SOAL) were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the ALmeas (<23 mm; 23–26 mm; ≥26 mm).

Results

Using SOAL significantly reduced the hyperopic PE of formulas when compared to ALmeas (−0.05 to 0.17 D vs 0.15 to 0.38 D, p < 0.001). After applying AL correction, all formulas showed a lower mean absolute PE (0.47–0.57 D vs 0.50–0.69 D). The percentage of eyes within ±1.0 D of PE increased from 84.91%–88.68% to 89.81%–91.32% for new formulas and from 78.11%–83.40% to 85.66%–88.68% for traditional formulas, with the use of SOAL. Subgroup analysis showed that the majority of formulas with SOAL in prediction accuracy for eyes with an AL ≥26 mm (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil‐filled eyes was improved by correcting the AL measurement error of the IOLMaster 700, especially for long eyes.
Neuromuscular ultrasound in combination with nerve conduction studies helps identify inflammatory motor neuropathies from lower motor neuron syndromes
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Yi , Niu Jingwen , Hu Nan , Ding Jianfeng , Cui Liying , Liu Mingsheng
Published: January 2024

Background and purpose

Identifying patients with inflammatory motor neuropathies (IMNs) is warranted since effective treatments are available and the prognosis of these patients differs from that of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients.

Methods

Between January 2019 and May 2022, 102 consecutive treatment‐naïve lower motor neuron syndrome (LMNS) patients were recruited; these patients were suspected of having multifocal motor neuropathy, pure motor chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with initial lower motor neuron presentation. Neuromuscular ultrasound (US) and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) were conducted at baseline. Relevant diagnostic investigations were performed if clinically warranted. The proposed US evidence of IMN was as follows: (i) nerve enlargement at ≥1 of the predetermined sites or (ii) absence of high intensity fasciculations in predefined muscle groups. Final diagnoses were made by experienced physicians after a prolonged follow‐up period (≥12 months). IMN patients were defined as LMNS patients who experienced convincing improvements in response to immunotherapies. IMN patients without electrodiagnostic demyelinating features were diagnosed with treatment‐responsive LMNS (TR‐LMNS).

Results

In total, 16 patients were classified as IMN, including nine chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy/multifocal motor neuropathy patients and seven TR‐LMNS patients. Six TR‐LMNS patients were identified by neuromuscular US. The sensitivity and specificity of NCSs, nerve US and muscle US were 56.3% and 100%, 43.8% and 90.7% and 68.8% and 97.7%, respectively. When these three modalities were combined, the sensitivity and specificity were 93.8% and 88.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Neuromuscular US studies are supplementary modalities to NCSs, and the combined use of these techniques might improve the identification of IMNs in LMNS patients.
The impacts of migraine on functioning: Results from two qualitative studies of people living with migraine
Authors: Mangrum Rikki , Bryant Alexandra L. , Gerstein Maya T. , McCarrier Kelly P. , Houts Carrie R. , McGinley James S. , Buse Dawn C. , Lipton Richard B. , Wirth R. J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To describe the impact of migraine on functioning based on comprehensive data collection, analysis, and reporting of patients' experiences.

Background

Qualitative research conducted to understand patients' perspectives on living with migraine has often focused on narrow topics or specific groups of patients or has been selectively reported.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with 71 participants were conducted during two concept elicitation studies as part of the Migraine Clinical Outcome Assessment System (MiCOAS) project, an FDA grant‐funded program designed to develop a core set of patient‐centered outcome measures for migraine clinical trials. Participants self‐reported being diagnosed with migraine by a healthcare professional and participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews about their experiences with the symptoms and impacts of migraine. Interview transcripts were coded to identify and define concepts, which were then grouped into broad domains based on conceptual similarities.

Results

A total of 66 concepts were identified: 12 for physical functioning, 16 for cognitive functioning, 10 for social role functioning, 19 for emotional and psychological functioning, and 9 related to migraine management. Participants described a complex and varied relationship between migraine attack symptoms and impacts on functioning. Impacts from migraine were further influenced by numerous contextual factors, such as people's individual social environments and the level of day‐to‐day demand for functioning they face.

Conclusion

Findings showed that migraine impacted individual functioning in multiple ways and the nature of these impacts was dependent on social‐contextual factors. The results are being used in the development of core measures designed to improve our understanding of the burden of migraine and the efficacy of migraine therapies. The results also offer new insights and raise new questions about migraine experience that can be used to guide future research.
Regulating the pore structure of periclase refractories by adding Y2O3 to enhance corrosion resistance for copper slag
Authors: Jin Endong , Ding Donghai , Zhang Ningxuan , Xiao Guoqing , Duan Feng , Tian Xiaoli , Guo Zongqi
Published: January 2024

The penetration of copper‐smelting slag into refractories is a major challenge to the research of chromium‐free refractories for copper‐smelting furnace. In this paper, Y2O3 was added to regulate the pore structure of periclase refractories, which enhanced their various properties, especially corrosion resistance to copper converter slag. The results showed that the periclase refractories doped with 1.0 wt.% Y2O3 (1Y sample) possessed the optimum properties. Compared to the sample without Y2O3, the apparent porosity of 1Y sample was decreased by 7.3%, and its average pore diameter was only 3.7 μm. The addition of Y2O3 filled the pores among MgO grains and promoted the expansion of high melting point silicates, thereby reducing the pore size and causing more complex pore structures. This was beneficial to improving the corrosion resistance of periclase to copper slag, especially to prevent the penetration of Cux+ and Na+. After static slag corrosion, the permeability index was significantly decreased by 41% compared to periclase refractories without Y2O3. Moreover, compared to industrial MgO–Cr2O3 refractories, the 1Y sample possessed better resistance to copper slag erosion based on rotating finger tests, and its permeability index and penetration depth decreased by almost 50%.
Periodontal disease prevalence and oral hygiene status of adults with cystic fibrosis: A case–control study
Authors: Coffey Niamh , O'Leary Fiona , Burke Francis , Kirwan Laura , O'Regan Paul , Plant Barry , Roberts Anthony , Hayes Martina
Published: January 2024

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of gingivitis and periodontitis, and the oral hygiene status of adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the Republic of Ireland.

Materials and Methods

A case–control study in the form of a clinical examination of 92 adults with a diagnosis of CF was carried out in the adult CF unit in Cork University Hospital. A 40‐item questionnaire was used to capture socio‐demographic variables and medical and dental information. Two calibrated examiners carried out a periodontal assessment on participants, using the WHO‐recommended CPI‐modified index, and oral hygiene status was measured using the Greene–Vermillion index. The results were compared with a population‐based control group of similar socio‐demographic profile.

Results

Oral hygiene levels (plaque and calculus) were significantly worse in people with CF, with a median plaque index of 0.83 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.333–1.542) in the CF group compared with 0.5 (IQR 0.167–0.667) in the non‐CF group. Calculus index in the CF group was 0.33 (IQR 0.17–0.83) compared with 0.33 (IQR 0.125–0.33) in the non‐CF group. However, periodontal disease levels were significantly lower in the CF group. Gingivitis (bleeding on probing ≥ 10% sites) was seen in 67.4% of the CF group, compared with 83.7% of the non‐CF group, OR 0.365 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.181–0.736), relative risk (RR) 0.779 (95% CI 0.655–0.928). Mild periodontitis (periodontal probing depth [PPD] < 5 mm) was seen in 15.2% of the CF group, compared with 31.5% of the non‐CF group, OR 0.390 (CI 0.190–0.800), RR 0.483 (95% CI 0.273–0.852). Severe periodontitis (PPD ≥ 6 mm) was seen in 0% of the CF group, compared with 9.8% of the non‐CF group. There was a tendency, albeit non‐significant, towards reduced periodontitis in PWCF who regularly took antibiotics, particularly azithromycin.

Conclusions

In this study, adults with CF had poor oral hygiene practices, with high levels of plaque and calculus. Despite this finding, adults with CF had lower levels of clinical gingivitis and periodontitis than seen in a non‐CF control group. Further study is required to examine the causes of this phenomenon.
High levels of metacercarial infestation (family: Diplostomidae) do not affect host energetics and swimming performance in the Epaulette goby (Coryogalops sordidus, Gobiidae)
Authors: du Toit Hendrik D. , Rishworth Gavin M. , Strydom Nadine A. , Welman Shaun
Published: January 2024

Parasites have deleterious effects on their hosts, often resulting in altered host behavior or increased energy expenditure. When organisms are exposed to suboptimal environments, parasite loading may increase. Microbialite pools along the warm temperate South African coastline have been hypothesized as refugia for Epaulette gobies (Coryogalops sordidus, Gobiidae) when they are outside of their previously known subtropical distribution. The aim of this study was to determine if C. sordidus individuals infected with metacercarial cysts display higher metabolic rates or different swimming behavior compared to noninfected individuals. We measured each goby's swimming performance using a critical station‐holding speed (Ucrit) test (n = 60) and visually scored their swimming behavior (n = 52) during these measurements. Also, we measured the metabolic rate of gobies using an intermittent flow respirometer system to determine standard metabolic rate (SMR) and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) from gobies at 21°C before and after swimming trials. Metacercarial load carried by infected gobies seemingly had no impact on the host's energetics (SMR or MMR), swimming ability (as repeated Ucrit tests), or swimming behavior compared to noninfected gobies. Thus, the metacercarial intensity observed in gobies in the current study appeared to have no impact on host swimming performance or behavior. Furthermore, the swimming capacity observed for C. sordidus, in general, suggests that this goby is a poor swimmer compared to other gobiid species.
Non‐semisimple Levin–Wen models and Hermitian TQFTs from quantum (super)groups
Authors: Geer Nathan , Lauda Aaron D. , Patureau‐Mirand Bertrand , Sussan Joshua
Published: January 2024

We develop the categorical context for defining Hermitian non‐semisimple topological quantum field theories (TQFTs). We prove that relative Hermitian modular categories give rise to modified Hermitian Witten–Reshetikhin–Turaev TQFTs and provide numerous examples of these structures coming from the representation theory of quantum groups and quantum superalgebras. The Hermitian theory developed here for the modified Turaev–Viro TQFT is applied to define new pseudo‐Hermitian topological phases that can be considered as non‐semisimple analogs of Levin–Wen models.
Searching for meaning in a world aflame
The Last Fire Season: A Personal and Pyronatural History
Manjula Martin
Pantheon, 2024. 352 pp.
Authors: Pyne Stephen
Published: January 2024

A metaphor-filled memoir bears witness to our fraught existence in the age of wildfires
Surpassing sensitivity limits in liquid biopsy
Authors: Moser Tina , Heitzer Ellen
Published: January 2024

Attenuation of cell-free DNA clearance in vivo is an alternative strategy to maximize recovery
In Science Journals
Authors: Grocholski Brent , Suleymanov Yury , Lopez Bianca , Yeston Jake S. , Szuromi Phil , Kelly Priscilla N. , Foley John F. , Ross Sarah H. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Smith Keith T. , Osborne Ian S. , Isles Hannah M. , Malo Courtney
Published: January 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Time to support Indigenous science
Authors: Kimmerer Robin Wall , Artelle Kyle A.
Published: January 2024

Faced with the profound challenges of a rapidly changing environment, society needs other ways of knowing to illuminate a different way forward. Thanks to the leadership of Indigenous scholars and allied collaborators, Indigenous knowledge is receiving long overdue recognition for its potential to provide solutions for the mutual thriving of lands and cultures. An urgent question is how institutions can appropriately support (and not hinder) Indigenous science’s key role in creating a sustainable future.
Supplemental Material: Stratigraphic and geochronologic investigation of the Muddy Creek Basin: Implications for the Eocene tectonic evolution of southwest Montana, USA
Authors: Thoresen H.E. , et al.
Published: January 2024

Zircon (U-Pb), Zircon (U-Th)/He, and Sanidine 40Ar/39Ar datasets, as well as full stratigraphic sections and maximum depositional age calculations.
Supplemental Material: Submarine hydrothermal fluids facilitated the accumulation of cadmium in Lower Cambrian black shales, South China
Authors: Zhou Zhengbing , Wen Hanjie , al. et
Published: January 2024

Data S1-1: Trace element concentrations of Early Cambrian metalliferous units. Data S1-2: Trace element concentrations of barren shales. Data S2: Elements concentrations of sphalerite of barite ores and Zn-Pb sulfide ores (in wt%). Figure S1: Stratigraphic sections of Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in platform, slope, and basin facies from the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Block (modified from Fu et al., 2016; Wang, 2017; Shi et al., 2021). Figure S2: The stratigraphic sections of the Liuchapo Formation and the Niutitang Formation, as revealed by drill cores in the Dahebian barite deposit. Figure S3: Total organic carbon (TOC) contents of Lower Cambrian metalliferous units (Ni-Mo–PGE sulfide layer—Xu et al., 2021; V-deposit—Xu et al., 2021; sulfide-bearing barite sediments—Yang et al., 2023). 
ASIC Design of Low Power Sobel Edge Detection Filter: An Analog Approach
Authors: Vijeykumar K. N. , Dharmalingam Silambarasan , Jessy Vineel Talluri , Aravind V.
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a novel analog front end to filter edges in captured images. The proposed architecture employs the Sobel algorithm and uses a [Formula: see text] kernel to process the input images. We used 180 nm Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) CMOS fabrication technology for implementation with a power supply of 1.8 V. The proposed design employs six analog differential pairs in each horizontal and vertical gradient unit. The inputs to the differential pairs are the active signals fed from the [Formula: see text] kernel using the Sobel weight masks. We connected the differential datum pairs in cascade to estimate the gradient index in horizontal/vertical direction using the net difference current between the output terminals. The horizontal and vertical gradient units, viz., [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, are configured based on the polarity of weights in respective Sobel masks. The gradient [Formula: see text] of the processing pixel (PP) is estimated using the net difference current in the combined circuitry employing [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] cells. The key advantages of the proposed design are very low area realization, high accuracy, and low power dissipation. The efficacy of the proposed edge filter analog front end is estimated through simulations and analysis with two sets of test signals in the processing window.
Medical Practitioner-Centric Heterogeneous Network Powered Efficient E-Healthcare Risk Prediction on Health Big Data
Authors: Sathyaprakash P. , Alagarsundaram Poovendran , Devarajan Mohanarangan Veerappermal , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Poovendran Parthasarathy , Rani Deevi Radha , Savitha V
Published: January 2024

From a Licensed Medical Practitioner’s (LMP) perspective, e-Healthcare Risk Prediction plays a vital role in Health Big Data. This also is a hot issue in e-healthcare because of the lack of security and privacy protections. To overcome this deficiency, this research article proposes heterogeneous network systems (HNS), an efficient and privacy-preserving e-Healthcare Risk Prediction method for e-healthcare. In comparison to the existing research contribution, the proposed HNS accomplish two steps of disease risk prediction, namely Analysis of HNS, and Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) concerning the LMP for analyzing the in-hospital involvement care by collecting and explaining the “Health Big Data” as per the view of the LMP. This will help to access the services from the hospital. In the LMP-Centric Heterogeneous Network Powered Efficient e-Healthcare Risk Prediction phase, the “Polygenic Score” is calculated for risk prediction for health big data. Through the characteristics of “non-predictive applications” and “Predictive applications,” procedural aspects are analyzed with the LMP-Centric HetNet against the Efficient e-Healthcare Risk Prediction. This will be applied to the Medical extensive data integration and clustering for handling Health Big Data. Finally, the LMP-Centric HetNet Powered Efficient e-Healthcare Risk Prediction for Health Big Data treats the LMP perspective efficiently. The proposed system increased prediction accuracy to 45.9%, and the monogenic score increased from 3% to 19%. The density accuracy range is increased from 13.9% to 39%. The increased execution time is improved from 29.95% to 36.05%. This comprehensive prediction analysis accuracy range is 73.98% efficient.
Upper limit on the acceleration of a quantum evolution in projective Hilbert space
Authors: Alsing Paul M. , Cafaro Carlo
Published: January 2024

It is remarkable that Heisenberg’s position-momentum uncertainty relation leads to the existence of a maximal acceleration for a physical particle in the context of a geometric reformulation of quantum mechanics. It is also known that the maximal acceleration of a quantum particle is related to the magnitude of the speed of transportation in projective Hilbert space. In this paper, inspired by the study of geometric aspects of quantum evolution by means of the notions of curvature and torsion, we derive an upper bound for the rate of change of the speed of transportation in an arbitrary finite-dimensional projective Hilbert space. The evolution of the physical system being in a pure quantum state is assumed to be governed by an arbitrary time-varying Hermitian Hamiltonian operator. Our derivation, in analogy to the inequalities obtained by L. D. Landau in the theory of fluctuations by means of general commutation relations of quantum-mechanical origin, relies upon a generalization of Heisenberg’s uncertainty relation. We show that the acceleration squared of a quantum evolution in projective space is upper bounded by the variance of the temporal rate of change of the Hamiltonian operator. Moreover, focusing for illustrative purposes on the lower-dimensional case of a single spin qubit immersed in an arbitrarily time-varying magnetic field, we discuss the optimal geometric configuration of the magnetic field that yields maximal acceleration along with vanishing curvature and unit geodesic efficiency in projective Hilbert space. Finally, we comment on the consequences that our upper bound imposes on the limit at which one can perform fast manipulations of quantum systems to mitigate dissipative effects and/or obtain a target state in a shorter time.
Visual Observer-Based State-Feedback Autonomous Motion Control on SE(3)
Authors: Zhang Tong , Tan Ying , Chen Xiang , Gu Guoxiang
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces a visual observer-based state-feedback control tailored for autonomous motion on SE(3) to address challenges posed by modeling uncertainties and measurement noise. The proposed approach unfolds in two fundamental phases. In the initial stage, the visual observer, based on modeling information, visual sensors, and pre-deployed landmarks, along with the state-feedback controller, are developed independently, underpinning their individual semi-global practical asymptotic (SPA) stability. This modular approach ensures a robust foundation for the subsequent synthesis. The latter stage applies the well-established Small Gain Principle to regulate observer and controller parameters to guarantee the SPA stability of the closed-loop system with the visual-observer based state feedback control. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through simulation and experiments.
Virtual Reality as Therapy
Authors: Mone Gregory
Published: January 2024

Leveraging precisely designed alternate realities as therapeutic tools.
Thermal and Morphological Assessment of the Penta-Layered, Hybrid U-Polyester Composite Reinforced with Glass Fibers and Polypropylene
Authors: Akanda Md. Shahin , Islam Md. Shariful , Akbar Md. Ali , Chowdhury A. M. Sarwaruddin , Gafur M. A. , Uddin Md. Sahab
Published: January 2024

The interaction between the fibers and matrix in a fiber-reinforced polymer composite material is important in figuring out its properties. The incorporation of fibers with polymers can result in composites with enhanced strength and stiffness. This study aims to investigate the thermal and morphological characteristics of hybrid u-polyester composites reinforced with glass fibers and polypropylene. The fabrication of composite specimens was conducted through a straightforward cold press method. The compositions of the composites were held constant, except for the orientation of the glass fibers and polypropylene. In this study, the TG/DTG technique was used to analyze the thermal characteristics of the composites. In addition, transverse thermal conductivity was measured using the ASTM E1530 method. The test results showed that the composite reinforced with glass fibers exhibited the lowest weight loss and minimal thermal conductivity among all the samples, followed by the hybrid composite. Based on the TGA curves of the samples, the matrix experienced a weight loss of 9.7% at a temperature of 300°C, which reduced to 2.6% and 2.1% for hybrid composites and glass fiber-reinforced composites, respectively. DTG curves for composites demonstrate that the hybrid and fiber-reinforced composites degraded at rates of 0.64 mg/min and 0.36 mg/min, respectively, at 392.3°C and 395.7°C. Moreover, transverse thermal conductivity of the composite which consists of five-glass-fibered layers shows a minimal thermal conductivity of 0.05 W/m·K. The morphological properties were also investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The findings from SEM and FTIR showed that a higher proportion of glass fibers led to a more oriented composite structure, demonstrating enhanced crosslinking between fibers and polyester. Therefore, the insights of this study can be used to improve the performance of glass fibers and polypropylene hybrid-laminated composites intended for high-temperature applications.
Supplementary Figure S8 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

FASN gene expression is significantly associated with ERG status in NCI primary tumor cohort.
Supplementary Figure S4 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

FASN gene expression is upregulated and FASN gene is hypomethylated in primary prostate tumors from the NCI primary tumor cohort.
FIGURE 6 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

Neither FASN protein, nor FASN gene methylation are associated with self-identified race. A, FASN protein expression by race in JHU primary tumor cohort. B, FASN protein expression by race in PCBN primary tumor cohort. C, FASN protein expression by race in TCGA primary tumor cohort. D,FASN gene expression by race in TCGA primary tumor cohort. E,FASN gene methylation mean beta value by self-identified race in JHU primary tumor cohort. F,FASN gene methylation mean beta value by self-identified race in TCGA primary tumor cohort (*, P < 0.05).
FIGURE 5 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

FASN protein expression is increased in prostate tumors from germline HOXB13 G84E carriers compared with matched WT controls. A, FASN protein expression by immunostaining is higher in HOXB13 G84E carriers than matched HOXB13 WT controls. B, ERG status is not associated with FASN protein expression among HOXB13 G84E carriers, though higher expression is seen among ERG-positive compared with ERG-negative tumors from HOXB13 WT controls (****, P < 0.0001).
FIGURE 3 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

FASN protein expression in tumor glands is inversely correlated with FASN gene methylation in tumor tissue in metastatic CRPC cohort. A, Representative plots of CpG methylation level in FASN by WGBS with corresponding FASN mRNA expression (TPM) for three representative tumors with low (blue) and high (red) FASN gene expression in the SU2C WCDT cohort. Mean FASN CpG methylation level is negatively correlated with FASN mRNA expression in the SU2C WCDT samples; each point represents an individual tumor in B.
FIGURE 1 from FASN Gene Methylation is Associated with Fatty Acid Synthase Expression and Clinical-genomic Features of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dairo Oluwademilade , DePaula Oliveira Lia , Schaffer Ethan , Vidotto Thiago , Mendes Adrianna A. , Lu Jiayun , Huynh Sophie Vo , Hicks Jessica , Sowalsky Adam G. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Joshu Corrine E. , Hanratty Brian , Sfanos Karen S. , Isaacs William B. , Haffner Michael C. , Lotan Tamara L.
Published: January 2024

FASN protein is upregulated and FASN gene is hypomethylated in tumor compared with benign tissue in JHU primary tumor cohort. A, Dual FASN and p63 IHC assay in representative primary prostate tumor from JHU cohort (scale bar = 250 µm). FASN and p63 are both labeled in brown. Benign glands with nuclear p63 labeling in basal cells (arrow) are then manually excluded from analysis and FASN scoring is performed on tumor glands only. See Supplementary Fig. S2. B, Quantified FASN protein expression by immunostaining in benign prostate glands versus tumor glands from JHU cohort; each point represents the mean H-score from a single prostatectomy sample, analyzed in a matched analysis. C, Representative plots of beta values (range: 0–1) by FASN probe on InfiniumEPIC for a representative paired benign (blue) and tumor (red) sample set from the JHU cohort. TSS: transcription start site; UTR: untranslated region. D,FASN gene methylation beta values by FASN probe for benign tissue versus tumor tissue in JHU cohort. E, Mean FASN gene methylation probe beta values for benign tissue versus tumor tissue in JHU cohort. Each point represents the mean beta value from a single prostatectomy sample analyzed in a matched analysis (*, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001).
Exploring Interrelationships between Mental Health Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Aging People Living with HIV in China
Authors: Ma Chunlan , Yu Bin , Fan Yunzhe , Jia Peng , Yang Shujuan
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment are highly prevalent and intertwined among aging people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to assess the interrelationships and strength of connections between individual mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment. We sought to identify specific symptoms linking mental health and cognitive impairment in aging PLWH. Methods: Participants in the Sichuan Older People with HIV Infections Cohort Study (SOHICS) were recruited between November 2018 and April 2021 in China. Mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety, were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Cognitive impairment was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Basic (MoCA-B). Partial correlation networks were used to depict the interrelationships between mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment, and bridge strength was used to identify specific symptoms linking mental health and cognitive impairment. Results: Of the 1,587 recruited participants with a mean age of 63.0 years old, 47.0% had mild or severe cognitive impairment. Network analysis revealed that cognitive function, visual perception, and problem-solving task of the MoCA-B were negatively correlated with appetite, energy, and motor of the PHQ-9, respectively. Based on their interrelationships, problem-solving task and motor acted as bridge symptoms. Conclusion: Problem-solving task and motor may be potential intervention targets to reduce the overall risk of mental health symptoms and cognitive impairment. Future research could assess the feasibility and effectiveness of specific interventions designed for the two symptoms of aging PLWH.
Kuhmilchallergie und atopische Dermatitis: Studie untersucht mögliche präventive Wirkung einer partiell hydrolysierten Säuglingsnahrung
Authors: Traidl-Hoffmann Claudia , Engelbert Nicole , Zeiser Katharina
Published: January 2024

The development of early-onset cow’s milk protein allergy and atopic dermatitis during the first months of life is multifactorial, including both genetic and nutritional aspects. This study aims to assess the impact of different feeding patterns on the incidence of cow’s milk protein allergy, atopic dermatitis, and growth among infants with a family history of allergy. A total of 551 high-risk infants were randomly recruited from 3 European countries in three feeding regimens: exclusive breastfeeding, partially hydrolyzed formula, or standard formula with intact protein either exclusively or supplementary to breastfeeding. During the first 6 months of intervention, amongst infants with a family history of atopic dermatitis, 6.5% of partially hydrolyzed formula-fed infants and 22.7% of exclusively breastfed infants (p = 0.007) presented with atopic dermatitis respectively. Growth as assessed by weight increase did not differ between the aforementioned groups. Although cow’s milk protein allergy was not related to the different milk feeding regimens in the whole cohort, when adjusting for high breast milk intake, the respective incident was significantly lower in the infants consuming partially hydrolyzed formula (p < 0.001). This data indicates that a specific partially hydrolyzed formula could serve as a more appropriate complement to breast milk compared to a standard intact protein formula in high-risk infants, to reduce the incidence of atopic dermatitis.
Comparison Study of the Influence of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Mitoxantrone in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Balb/C Mice Model
Authors: Alnawajha Amin , Endharti Agustina Tri , Santoso Sunarto , Santosaningsih Dewi , Satriotomo Irawan
Published: January 2024

A common neurodegenerative condition that still presents clinical challenges is Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Effective multiple sclerosis treatments are sorely needed in clinical settings. Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of multiple sclerosis, a T-cell-mediated disease. Active T-cells differentiate into the Th9 and Th17 subsets, which are controlled by NF-kB and produce the proinflammatory cytokines IL9 and IL17. Because these cytokines are crucial to the pathophysiology of EAE, they have been used as targets for MS therapy. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active ingredient of propolis that has been shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Mitoxantrone is a synthetic antineoplastic agent and cytotoxic immunosuppressive effect used to treat MS. The study aimed to determine whether the two medications have superior efficacy and effect in the treatment of EAE mouse model MS compared to the other. After inducing EAE in mice, CAPE and mitoxantrone were administered to evaluate this therapeutic effectiveness. ELISA was used to measure IL9, IL17 levels and the activity of NF-kBp56. H&E was used to evaluate cell infiltration T lymphocytes for histopathology of spinal cord tissue. Molecular docking was performed to predict the interaction between CAPE and a cytokine. We found that CAPE has a sufficient effect of reducing the level of IL9, IL17, active NF-kBp56, and inflammatory cell infiltration T-lymphocytes in all groups of mice EAE treated with CAPE. In contrast, mitoxantrone reduced cytokines and cell infiltration, so EAE mice treated with both compounds were observed more improvement than other groups. Based on our findings, two medications demonstrated the same efficacy and effect in EAE mice model MS., whereas CAPE did not statistically reach a significant value. While the combination of two medications has the optimal effect.
Variation of Fruit Color in Cakra Hijau, G1/M8 and HV-149 Chilli Pepper Cultivar: Physiology and Molecular Approach
Authors: Arumingtyas Estri Laras , Zakiyah 'Ainun Sayyidah , Monica Rosina , Siswanto Dian
Published: January 2024

The fruit color of chili pepper is an important characteristic in identification and classification and is often used as the basis for determining consumer preferences. Information on the relationship between chili fruit color and its molecular profile is very important in supporting selection activities in plant breeding. This study aims to identify genetic diversity associated with the fruit color of three genotypes of chili (Capsicum frutescens L.): Cakra Hijau, HV-149 and G1/M8, using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR). Morphological confirmation was carried out according to Capsicum descriptors. Nineteen RAPD markers and six SSR markers were used for genetic variability assessment. Genetic variation was analyzed using the unweighted pair group method with the arithmetic mean and the Jaccard similarity index. The three chili genotypes had different fruit colors at each maturation stage. The immature Cakra Hijau fruit is dark green and turns dark red as it ripens. The immature fruits of the G1/M8 line are light green and turn red when ripe. Finally, immature HV-149 fruits are dark green and yellow when ripe. The SSR markers used in this study were unable to show polymorphism. On the other hand, the RAPD marker successfully detected genetic variation in the three chili genotypes and resulted in a total of 49 alleles. The average value of polymorphic information content of the RAPD primers used ranged from 0 to 0.296, with the highest index indicated by OPA-1. The dendrogram shows the separation of the three genotypes into two main clusters, with the first cluster consisting of the HV-149 variety and the second cluster consisting of Cakra Hijau and G1/M8 lines. This study revealed that there are genetic variations based on the morphological characteristics of fruit color at each ripening stage and RAPD band profile. The RAPD marker was more effective than the SSR marker for identifying the genetic diversity of fruit color in the three chilies studied.
Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the Pnar Tribes of Meghalaya for the Treat-ment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bamon Fedalia , Lalnundanga
Published: January 2024

Diabetes mellitus is the world’s major public health issue and has been dubbed the “Silent Epidemic” of the twenty-first century. This is the first ethnobotanical exploration to document the folk medicinal usage of plants with therapeutic antidiabetic properties by the Pnar tribes of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Forty-one practitioners and knowledgeable people were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Field inventories were then conducted to collect plant material for botanical identification. In this study, 51 plant species belonging to 34 families and 45 genera have been identified. This study indicates that herbs were the most prevalent living form used (N = 23) for the treatment. Rhus semialata is one of the most frequently cited medicinal plants, with a Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) of 0.73. Moreover, the details about the phytochemicals and the pharmacological activities of identified plant species have been reviewed and disclosed. Agricultural expansion, deforestation, urbanization, and unscientific exploitation of the forests were cited most when respondents were asked about the threat to medicinal plants. Of the 51 plant species, 12 are included on the IUCN Red List. Therefore, this documentation of indigenous plants would create awareness about the importance of medicinal plants and their conservation and protection.
Boas práticas em experimentação animal: procedimentos em ratos de laboratório
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Mori Claudia Madalena Cabrera , Zanatto Dennis Albert ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Laporte Jilma María Alemán ,   Universidad de Costa Rica
Published: January 2024

Este manual tem como objetivo fornecer informações e diretrizes para procedimentos experimentais envolvendo ratos de laboratório. Este ebook deve ser considerado um recurso de revisão destinado a indivíduos com treinamento em manipulação de animais de laboratório. As técnicas aqui apresentadas devem ser estritamente seguidas de acordo com os protocolos aprovados pela Comissão de Ética no Uso de Animais da Instituição, bem como em conformidade com todas as regulamentações de biossegurança institucionais e governamentais. Atividades que parecem simples, como manipular e conter animais de laboratório, podem se tornar fontes de estresse e riscos tanto para os animais quanto para indivíduos que atuam em tais atividades e que nem sempre possuem treinamento adequado. Além disso, a administração de substâncias e a coleta de amostras biológicas podem afetar significativamente o bem-estar dos animais, bem como impactar negativamente os objetivos e resultados científicos dos estudos. Este compêndio é uma adaptação dos procedimentos apresentados na plataforma BPEA (Boas Práticas em Experimentação Animal), disponível em https://sites.usp.br/bpeanimal/. Ao longo deste e-book, métodos propostos na plataforma BPEA são apresentados, constituindo-se em valiosa fonte de referência para profissionais, pesquisadores e estudantes envolvidos na experimentação animal e no ensino da Ciência de Animais de Laboratório.