bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Omalizumab for the Treatment of Bullous Pemphigoid: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Ağaoğlu Esra , Kaya Erdogan Hilal , Acer Ersoy , Yanık Halil İbrahim , Saraçoğlu Zeynep Nurhan
Published: July 2024

Bullous pemphigoid is the most common bullous dermatosis seen in elderly population and accompanied by many comorbidities. Since immunoglobuline-E (Ig-E) antibodies play an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease, omalizumab targeting Ig-E proposes an effective and safe profile. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of omalizumab in bullous pemphigoid patients. Nineteen patients who received omalizumab treatment for at least 3 months with the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid were included in the study. All patients had at least 1 comorbid condition, the most common being hypertension (79.0%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (68.4%). The mean number of omalizumab treatments was 7.0±2.9. With omalizumab treatment, complete response was achieved in 11 (57.9%) of the patients and partial response was achieved in 8 (42.1%). The initial systemic steroid dose could be reduced in all patients with a complete response. All patients tolerated omalizumab without side‐effects. In conclusion, omalizumab is an effective and safe treatment option that reduces the need for systemic corticosteroids in patients with older age and multiple comorbidities. Further large-scale and prospective studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of omalizumab in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid.
Machine learning-based integration of omics and clinical data reveals an N-glycan biosynthesis signature predictive of the outcome in low-grade glioma: an in silico study
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Geng Liangyuan , Bo Fuduo , Xu Yang , Wei Jindou , Zhang Yansong , Qian Chunfa
Published: July 2024

Aim: This study explored the prognostic value of N-glycan biosynthesis (NGB) in lower-grade glioma (LGG) and aimed to develop a machine learning model for enhanced prognostic accuracy.

Method: LGG patient transcriptome data were analyzed to identify NGB-related genes. Consensus clustering identified subgroups based on NGB expression. A prognostic NGB signature (pNGB) was developed using machine learning. The pNGB score's association with cell proliferation, inflammation, treatment response, tumor recurrence, and the immune microenvironment was also explored.

Results: A 22-gene pNGB signature was identified, with MGAT1 and TUSC3 having the highest and lowest hazard ratios, respectively. Two distinct clusters (C1 and C2) with differential pNGB expression and survival outcomes were revealed. NGB pathway analysis indicated an overall poor prognosis, except for MGAT4C and TUSC3. The Enet-based survival model showed superior discriminatory power and reliability. The NGB risk score correlated with increased cell proliferation, inflammation, and altered immune landscape. Additionally, the score is linked to treatment response and tumor recurrence.

Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of NGB in LGG progression and proposes a pNGB-based model for prognosis. The NGB risk score shows promise as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in LGG.
Urinary tract microbiota in patients with multiple sclerosis and neurogenic pelvic dysfunction
Authors: Luzanova E. I. , Karpova M. I. , Abramovskikh O. S. , Chetvernina E. A. , Kupriyanov S. V.
Published: July 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease of the central nervous system common among young people. Neurogenic bladder often is a common symptom of the disease. Young people with MS often have to make treatment and family planning decisions at the same time. The possibility of realizing reproductive plans is closely related to urological complications of the disease, high risk of urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, disease modifying therapies for MS play a significant role in increasing the likelihood of infectious complications. Therefore, the issue of infection prevention in MS is critical. Effective personalized prevention of urogenital infections is possible with a clear understanding of the microbiota composition. DNA sequencing methods have changed the conventional idea that normal urine is sterile and gave rise to the concepts of asymptomatic bacteriuria in healthy people. Moreover, data on the genitourobiome of patients with neurological diseases have recently emerged. Extended knowledge about the microbiology in the genitourinary system of neurological patients is necessary to unleash the capacity of health-preserving technologies. The aim of the review was to integrate currently available data concerning the microbiocenosis of the lower urinary tract and vagina with underlying neurogenic pelvic dysfunction, including MS, as well as to present data on the association between closely located biotopes and the effect of MS therapy on the risks of developing genitourinary infections.
Features of cystic fibrosis development in a patient with coinfection by Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (clinical case report)
Authors: Filinyuk O. V. , Kruk E. A. , Teteneva A. V. , Loginova Yu. A. , Kostoyakova E. P. , Bespalova I. D. , Tetenev K. F. , Karzilov A. I. , Mishustina E. L.
Published: July 2024

The article presents a clinical case describing a favorable clinical outcome of mycobacterial infection and pulmonary tuberculosis caused by coinfection of M. abscessus and M. tuberculosis in a patient with pulmonary manifestations of cystic fibrosis one year after delivery. This outcome was achieved due to timely diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in the patient with cystic fibrosis. Due to the development of molecular identification of mycobacteria species in the Tomsk region, mycobacterial lung disease was verified, which was challenging in the recent past. Previously, all cases with microscopic examination results positive for mycobacteria were classified as tuberculosis.
Clinical and immunological characteristics of post-COVID syndrome
Authors: Zhdanova E. V. , Rubtsova E. V. , Kostolomova E. G.
Published: July 2024

Aim. To evaluate changes in clinical manifestations and the cytokine profile of blood serum in patients with postCOVID syndrome. Materials and methods. The study involved 46 patients (37 women and 9 men) with signs of post-COVID syndrome 1–12 months after COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 infection was laboratory-confirmed (patients were tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or they were tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies after the end of the acute phase and in asymptomatic infection). Along with mandatory tests included in the regular health checkup of medical staff, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interferon gamma (INFγ), and total IgE were determined in the blood serum of patients. Results. The results showed that the development of post-COVID syndrome did not depend on the age and gender of patients and the severity of the acute phase of infection. Patients were more likely to develop postCOVID syndrome in the absence of antiviral therapy or in case of its ineffectiveness. A high level and imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines without laboratory signs of inflammation underlie the development of clinical manifestations at early stages of post-COVID syndrome (up to 3 months). The clinical presentation was characterized by symptoms of asthenia and functional disorders in the nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems and gastrointestinal tract. After 3 months, the content of most cytokines returned to normal levels, whereas only the concentration of IL-17 remained elevated. Allergic and autoallergic mechanisms of damage to the skin, respiratory organs, and joints, as well as progression of cardiovascular pathology determined the clinical symptoms of post-COVID syndrome for 3–12 months. Conclusion. The changes in the cytokine profile over 12 months reflect different damage mechanisms at different periods of the post-COVID syndrome, which determines the range of its clinical manifestations.
L’élevage bovin laitier en agriculture biologique, une quête d’équilibre à tous les niveaux
Authors: MARTIN Guillaume , PERRIN Augustine , ROUGER Soizick
Published: July 2024

En France, l’élevage bovin laitier en agriculture biologique s’est développé sur tout le territoire et la filière a atteint une certaine maturité. Cette synthèse propose une lecture de ce développement au prisme de la notion d’équilibre face à une multitude de risques. Au niveau de la ferme, la pratique de l’agriculture biologique reconfigure les équilibres entre surfaces et troupeaux. Elle modifie la gestion de la santé et incite à trouver de nouveaux équilibres prévenant l’apparition des problèmes. Elle déplace les équilibres économiques avec des rapports modifiés entre prix du lait et des intrants. Elle transforme le travail et interroge l’équilibre entre vie professionnelle et personnelle. Enfin, elle modifie les relations entre la ferme et son environnement, notamment ses interlocuteurs. Au niveau de la filière, son développement rapide pose de multiples défis qui interrogent l’équilibre des relations entre production, collecte et transformation, et consommation. La production de lait biologique est plus saisonnée alors que la transformation et la distribution demandent des livraisons homogènes sur l’année. Le maintien d’un équilibre entre production et consommation de produits laitiers biologiques est fragile et repose sur un jeu d’acteurs complexe avec un marché tendant à se globaliser.
THE INFLUENCE OF STIRRING RATE IN EMULSION SOLVENT EVAPORATION METHOD ON BIOPHARMACEUTICAL PROPERTIES OF MICROPARTICLES CONTAINING ACETAMINOPHEN
Authors: Georgievska Tamara , Atkovska Katerina , Lisichkov Kiril
Published: July 2024

Acetaminophen is widely used for musculoskeletal pain management, generally for arthritis, in elderly people and for reduction of fever in colds, flu and infections. Using the acetone/liquid paraffin solvent system, cellulose-based-microparticles were prepared by the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of stirring rate on: encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro drug release, release kinetics and morphology of microparticles. The drug loading ranged from 13% to 15%, while the encapsulation efficiency ranged from 67% to 77%. А directly proportional dependence among stirring speed and encapsulation efficiency is observed. Drug release follows Higuchi model and the release mechanism is dominantly a Fickian diffusion. For one trial, a non-Fickian diffusion has been observed. As it can be seen from the microphotographs, both spherical and angular microparticles are obtained.
Forging the Iron-Net: Towards a Quantitative Understanding of Microbial Communities via Siderophore-Mediated Interactions
Authors: Gu Shaohua , He Ruolin , Xiong Guanyue , Qu Zeyang , Shao Yuanzhe , Yu Linlong , Zhang Di , Wang Fanhao , Xu Ruichen , Guo Peng , Xi Ningbo , Li Yinxiang , Wu Yanzhao , Wei Zhong , Li Zhiyuan
Published: July 2024

Iron is a critical yet limited nutrient for microbial growth. To scavenge iron, most microbes produce siderophores—diverse small molecules with high iron affinities. Different siderophores are specifically recognized and uptaken by corresponding recognizers, enabling targeted interventions and intriguing cheater-producer dynamics. We propose constructing a comprehensive iron interaction network, or "iron-net," across the microbial world. Such a network offers the potential for precise manipulation of the microbiota, with conceivable applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry, as well as advancing microbial ecology and evolution theories. Previously, our successful construction of an iron-net in the Pseudomonas genus demonstrated the feasibility of co-evolution-inspired digital siderophore typing. Enhanced by machine learning techniques and expanding sequencing data, forging such an iron-net calls for multidisciplinary collaborations, and holds significant promise in addressing critical challenges in microbial communities.
Fishes and Rivers of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil: Biogeographic and Diversity Patterns in a Historically Well-Sampled Territory
Authors: Sarmento-Soares Luisa. , Vieira-Guimarães Felipe , Martins-Pinheiro Ronaldo F.
Published: July 2024

The fish fauna of Rio de Janeiro has been extensively studied, resulting in a comprehensive database of species collected over more than three centuries. This study aimed to identify fish species, their locations, and compile scattered information to aid in climate action and freshwater conservation prioritization and an evaluation of the sampling effort to date, as well as to identify patterns of diversity and distribution of freshwater ichthyofauna, delineate biogeographic units, and explore similarity relationships between areas. Analyzing data from nearly 25 ichthyological collections and literature on original species descriptions revealed 346 fish species: 172 freshwaters native, 22 allochthonous, and 152 marine species. The checklist includes updated species names. The sampling effort in Rio de Janeiro is high, especially in coastal lowlands. The findings indicate that inventory work is still needed in certain areas. Five bioregions of freshwater ichthyofauna were identified, along with six major areas of higher species richness. This biogeographic assessment underscores the diverse and distinctive freshwater fish fauna in the basins of Rio de Janeiro, with well-defined biogeographic units.
Linguistic and Cultural Adaptation of a Self-Determination Scale for People With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Castro-Durán Lilian , Sanzana-Vallejos Gloria , Zapata-Lamana Rafael , Vallejos-Garcías Viviana , Sandoval-Cárcamo Misael , Dávila-Opazo Loreto , Duhart-Carrion Javiera , Huaiquipan-Ortega Inti , Cigarroa Igor , Espejo-Sepúlveda Edmundo , Mendoza-Mardones Ana Isabel
Published: July 2024

The main objective of this study was the adaptation of the scale named AUTODDIS in the cultural and social dimensions and analyze its reliability and validity. The reliability and validity were assessed through a pilot study conducted with a population of students with intellectual disabilities. The linguistic adaptation was done through expert judgment, including each indicator: the adequacy, the coherence, the relevance, and the clarity. After the scale adaptation, the scale pilot was conducted to explore its technical properties. It was performed in a public school for students with intellectual disabilities. For the content, the validity coefficient result was 0,998 while the complete reliability result was α, 978. For the reliability subscales, the results were the following: Autonomy α, 941; self-initiation α, 925; self-direction α, 970; self-regulation α, 804, and self-concept α, 935. The results confirm the AUTODDIS scale as a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the self-determination. However, it is necessary to apply to a larger number of people with intellectual disability to generalize these results.
Retrieval Augmented Generation for Large Language Models in Healthcare: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amugongo Lameck Mbangula , Mascheroni Pietro , Brooks Steven Geoffrey , Doering Stefan , Seidel Jan
Published: July 2024

Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated promising capabilities to solve complex tasks in critical sectors such as healthcare. However, LLMs are limited by their training data which is often outdated, the tendency to generate inaccurate ("hallucinated") content and a lack of transparency in the content they generate. To address these limitations, retrieval augmented generation (RAG) grounds the responses of LLMs by exposing them to external knowledge sources. However, in the healthcare domain there is currently a lack of systematic understanding of which datasets, RAG methodologies and evaluation frameworks are available. This review aims to bridge this gap by assessing RAG-based approaches employed by LLMs in healthcare, focusing on the different steps of retrieval, augmentation and generation. Additionally, we identify the limitations, strengths and gaps in the existing literature. Our synthesis shows that proprietary models such as GPT-3.5/4 are the most used for RAG applications in healthcare. Also, there is a lack of standardized evaluation frameworks for RAG-based applications. In addition, the majority of the studies do not assess or address ethical considerations related to RAG in healthcare. It is important to account for ethical challenges that are inherent when AI systems are implemented in the clinical setting. Lastly, we highlight the need for further research and development to ensure responsible and effective adoption of RAG in the medical domain.
An Overview on Wound Dressing Materials
Authors: Lagoa Tânia , Queiroga Maria Cristina , Martins Luís
Published: July 2024

Wounds are an increasing global concern, mainly due to a sedentary lifestyle, frequently associated to the occidental way of life. The current prevalence of obesity in western societies, leading to an increase in type II diabetes, and an elderly population, are also a key factor associated to the problem of wounds healing. Therefore, it stands essential to find wound dressing systems allowing reestablishing the skin integrity in the shortest possible time and with the lowest cost, avoiding further damage and promoting patients´ well-being. Wounds can be classified into acute or chronic, depending essentially on the duration of the healing process, which is associated with. It depends on the extent and depth of wound, localization, level of infection and on the patient health status. For each kind of wound and respective healing stage there is a more suitable dressing. The aim of this review was to focus on the possible wound dressing management, aiming the more adequate healing approach for each kind of wound.
Recent Advances in Graphene Adaptive Thermal Camouflage Devices
Authors: Sansone Lucia , Loffredo Fausta , Cilento Fabrizia , Miscioscia Riccardo , Martone Alfonso , Barrella Nicola , Paulillo Bruno , Bassano Alessio , Villani Fulvia , Giordano Michele
Published: July 2024

Thermal camouflage is a highly sought-after technology to increase the survivability of military equipment against infrared (IR) detectors. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have shown low IR emissivity, widely tunable opto-electronic properties and compatibility with stealth-applications. Among them, graphene and graphene-like materials are the most attractive 2D materials used for thermal camouflage applications. In particular, in multilayer graphene (MLG) charge density can be effectively tuned through sufficiently intense electric fields or through electrolytic gating. Therefore, MLG optical properties, like infrared emissivity and absorbance, can be controlled in a wide range by voltage bias. The large emissivity modulation achievable with this material makes it suitable in the design of thermal dynamic camouflage devices. Generally, the emissivity modulation in the multilayered graphene medium is governed by an intercalation process of non-volatile ionic liquids under a voltage bias. The electrically-driven reduction of emissivity leads to a decrease in the apparent temperature of the surface, which can match that of the background enabling thermal camouflaging. Since this property is common to other graphene-based materials, here we present a review specifically focused on the recent advances in the field of the thermal camouflage properties of graphene in the form of composite film and aerogel structures. A summary of the current understanding of the working principle of thermal camouflage materials, current limitations, and future opportunities is presented and discussed.
A New Test Method of “Nuclear Magnetic Resonance + High-Speed Centrifugation” for Gas-Water Relative Permeability Curve of Low-Permeability and Tight Sandstone
Authors: Yang Fenglai , Liu Huaxun , Gao Shusheng , He Sijie , Fang Feifei , Wang Cuili , Ye Liyou , Zhou Kun , Yang Xuejun , An Weiguo
Published: July 2024

Gas-water relative permeability curve is the foundation of gas reservoir dynamic analysis and numerical simulation. It is generally obtained through gas displacing water experiment. Referring to the existing national standards, gas-water relative permeability test is carried out for low-permeability and tight sandstone. The flow is discontinuous and the curve smoothness is poor, which affects the application of gas-water relative permeability curve. Based on the comparative analysis of a large number of mercury injection and NMR experimental results of low-permeability and tight sandstone, a method to characterize the throat radius distribution of low-permeability tight sandstone based on NMR T2 spectrum is explored. Combined with high-speed centrifugal experiment, the calculation formulas of core water saturation, phase relative permeability of gas-water under different centrifugal force are established. A new method of "nuclear magnetic resonance + high-speed centrifugation" for gas-water relative permeability curve test of low-permeability and tight sandstone is formed, and the test is carried out on Sulige low-permeability tight sandstone core. The results show that: (1) The shape of cumulative distribution curve of throat radius by mercury injection method is basically consistent with that of T2 relaxation time by NMR, and there is a good corresponding relationship between them. (2) The centrifugation process is similar to the gas displacing water process. With the decrease of water saturation, water centrifugation in rock core becomes more and more difficult until it become irreducible. (3) The test process of the new method is unified and standard and up to 6 cores can be tested at the same time. The calculation results of water saturation and relative permeability curve are reliable and the integral curve is smooth, which greatly improves the test efficiency of gas-water relative permeability curve in low-permeability and tight sandstone. The new method can be widely used to study the gas-water two-phase seepage law in low-permeability and tight sandstone gas reservoir.
Mechanical Behavior of Sediment-Type High-Impurity Salt Cavern Gas Storage During Long-Term Operation
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Peng , Bai Weizheng , Lu Jun , Fu Xinghui , Fu Yaping , Shi Xilin
Published: July 2024

With the development of salt cavern gas storage construction technology, the construction of large-scale gas storage salt caverns using sediment voids is expected to solve the problem of low effective volume formation rate and poor construction economy of high-impurity salt mines. There are few studies on the long-term operation mechanical behavior of salt cavern gas storage under the influence of sediment accumulation currently. This paper studies the influence of sediment accumulation height, particle gradation, and operating pressure on the stability of salt caverns by constructing a coupling model of sediment particle discontinuous medium and surrounding rock continuous medium. The continuous-discontinuous coupling algorithm is suitable for analyzing the influence of particle accumulation height and particle gradation on the creep shrinkage of salt caverns. The increase of sediment accumulation height slows down the creep shrinkage of the bottom of the salt cavern, strengthens the restraining effect on the surrounding rock of the cavern, and moves the position of the maximum displacement of the surrounding rock to the upper part of the cavern; the sediment particle gradation has little effect on the cavern volume shrinkage rate, and the greater the coarse particle content, the smaller the cavern volume shrinkage rate; the greater the operating pressure, the more conducive to maintaining the stability of the cavern, slowing down the upward movement of the sediment body and increasing the gas storage space in the upper part of the cavern. This research results can provide a reference for evaluating the long-term operation stability of sediment-type high-impurity salt cavern gas storage.
The Potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to Circumvent the Risk Factor Neurotoxin β-ODAP Limiting Wide Acceptance of the Underutilized Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L).
Authors: Ligaba-Osena Ayalew
Published: July 2024

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a protein-rich crop that is resilient to various abiotic stresses, including drought. However, it is not cultivated widely for human consumption due to the neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP), and its association with neurolathyrism. Though some varieties with low β-ODAP have been developed through classical breeding, the β-ODAP content is increasing due to genotype x environment interactions. This review covers grass pea nutritional quality, β-ODAP biosynthesis, mechanism of paralysis, traditional ways to reduce β-ODAP, candidate genes for boosting sulfur-containing amino acids, and the potential and targets of gene editing to reduce β-ODAP content. Recently, two key enzymes (β-ODAP synthase and β-cyanoalanine synthase) have been identified in the biosynthetic pathway of β-ODAP. We proposed four strategies through which the genes encoding these enzymes can be targeted and suppressed using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Compared to its homology in Medicago truncatula, the grass pea β-ODAP synthase gene sequence and β-cyanoalanine synthase showed 62.9% and 95% similarity, respectively. The β-ODAP synthase converts the final intermediate L-DAPA into toxic β-ODAP whist β-cyanoalanine synthase converts O-Acetylserine into β-isoxazolin-5-on-2-yl-alanine. Since grass pea is low in methionine and cysteine amino acids, improvement of these amino acids is also needed to boost its protein content.
Preservation of Vocal Function in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Patients Following Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy (PDT) and Adjuvant Therapies
Authors: Yoo Jae-Kook , Kwon Soon-Hee , Yoon Sul-Hee , Lee Jung-Eun , Jung Je-Hyeok , Jun Jong-Eun , Lee Sang-Yoon
Published: July 2024

To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) combined with adjuvant therapies in preserving vocal function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 47 ALS patients who underwent PDT at the Rodem Hospital from 2021 to 2023. Post-operatively, these patients were provided with a comprehensive treatment plan that included regenerative injection therapy, low-frequency electrical stimulation, respiratory rehabilitation, and swallowing rehabilitation therapy. Additionally, a balloon reduction program was implemented for effective Tracheostomy tube (T-tube) management. The preservation of vocal functions was evaluated 4 weeks following the procedure. Results: While some patients maintained or slightly improved their ALSFRS-R speech scores, the overall trend indicated a de-crease in speech scores post-PDT. This suggests that PDT combined with adjuvant therapies may not universally improve vocal function, but can help maintain it in certain cases. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PDT combined with mesotherapy, low-frequency electrical stimulation, and swallowing rehabilitation therapy may play a role in maintaining vocal function in limb type ALS patients, though further research is needed to optimize patient management and validate these results.
Spectral- and Image-Based Metrics for Evaluating Cleaning Tests on Unvarnished Painted Surfaces
Authors: Cutajar Jan Dariusz , Steindal Calin Constantin , Caruso Francesco , Joseph Edith , Frøysaker Tine
Published: July 2024

Despite advances in conservation-restoration treatments, most surface cleaning tests are subjectively evaluated. Scores according to qualitative criteria are employed to assess results, but these can vary by user and context. This paper presents a range of cleaning efficacy and homogeneity evaluation metrics for appraising cleaning trials, which minimise user bias by measuring quantifiable changes in the appearance and characteristic spectral properties of surfaces. The metrics are based on various imaging techniques (optical imaging by photography using visible light (VIS); spectral imaging in the visible-to-near-infrared (VNIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) ranges; chemical imaging by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral mapping in the mid-infrared (MIR) range; and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) element mapping). They are complemented by appearance measurements (glossimetry and colorimetry). As a case study showcasing the low-cost to high-end metrics, agar gel spray cleaning tests on exposed ground and unvarnished oil paint mock-ups are reported. The evaluation metrics indicated that spraying agar (prepared with citric acid in ammonium hydroxide) at a surface-tailored pH was as a safe candidate for efficacious and homogenous soiling removal on water-sensitive oil paint and protein-bound ground. Further research is required to identify a gel-based cleaning system for oil-bound grounds.
A Systematical Review on ART Use in HTLV Infection: Clinical, Virological, and Immunological Outcomes
Authors: Fernandez Tatiana , Marconi Cleyde , Montaño-Castellón Iris , Deminco Felice , BRITES CARLOS
Published: July 2024

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection lacks effective treatment. This review describes the virological, immunological and clinical outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people with HTLV infection.
This systematic review followed PRISMA reporting guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022350076. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scales, adapted for cross-sectional studies, and Rob-2 were employed to assess the methodological quality of studies. A systematic search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Scopus (Elsevier), Cochrane Library, and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) databases.
We retrieved data from 08 methodologically diverse articles, on treatment of patients infected by HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 alone, or coinfected by HIV-1 with Raltegravir, Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Zidovudine. Proviral load decreased in 3 of 7 studies, during 4 to 48 weeks of antiretrovirals use. Cellular immune response (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD69 and CD71 cells) were evaluated in six studies. There was no significant clinical improvement in the studies but all of them detected clinical stability during treatment.
Despite the demonstrated antiviral activity of ART, in vitro, clinical improvement was not proven. Most studies showed disease stability during ART use, suggesting potential clinical benefits. There is a need of larger, well-controlled trials, to define the role of ART for treatment of HTLV infection.
Antitumor Activity of Radiation Therapy Combined With Checkpoint Kinase Inhibition in SHH/p53-Mutated Human Medulloblastoma
Authors: Kuchařová Zuzana , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter , Glasow Annegret , Patties Ina
Published: July 2024

Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors. Current therapy results in poor prognosis for high-risk SHH/p53-mutated MB, emphasizing the importance of more effective therapeutic strategies. Here, we investigated potential radiosensitizing effects of checkpoint kinase inhibitors (Chk-i) prexasertib (Chk1/2) and SAR-020106 (Chk1) in human SHH/p53-mutated MB in vitro and in vivo. UW228 and DAOY cells were treated with Chk-i and irradiation (RT). Metabolic activity, proliferation, and apoptosis was determined at d3, long-term clonogenicity at d14. DNA damage was assessed after 1, 24, and 72 h. Patient-derived SHH/p53-mutated, luciferase-transfected MB cells were implanted orthotopically into NSG mice (d0). Fractionated therapy (daily, d7-11) was applied. Body weight (BW) was documented daily, tumor growth weekly, and proliferation at d42. In vitro, Chk-i exhibited dose-dependent reduction of metabolic activity, proliferation, and clonogenicity, and enhancement of apoptosis. Combination with RT showed additive antitumor effects and enhanced residual DNA damage. In vivo, tumor growth was delayed by Chk-i alone. Low-dose prexasertib enhanced RT-induced tumor growth inhibition (37-fold) and reduced proliferating cells, high-dose prexasertib and SAR-020106 showed opposite effects (n=3, n.s.). BW assessments revealed that the treatment was well tolerated. Our data indicate a benefit of Chk-i in combination with RT in SHH/p53-mutated MB. However, high-dose Chk-i may compromise the RT effect, possibly by its anti-proliferative activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time the antitumor activity of the Chk1-specific inhibitor SAR-020106 in the murine brain.
Soil Mineral Nitrogen and Mobile Organic Carbon as Affected by Winter Wheat Strip Tillage and Forage Legume Intercropping
Authors: Gecaite Viktorija , Ceseviciene Jurgita , Arlauskiene Ausra
Published: July 2024

Crop rotation diversification using legumes has been advocated as one of the solutions to improve the resilience of the crop system to various environmental stresses and the use of nitrogen resources. However, when forage legumes or grass-legumes are ploughed, there is a high risk of nitrate leaching, especially in sandy soils. The aim of the study was to determine the effect strip tillage intercropping management on soil mineral nitrogen (SMN), water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC) content and winter wheat (WW, Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield compared to forage legume and WW monocropping with conventional tillage. In intercropping was used winter wheat - black medick (Medicago lupulina L.) WW+BM, winter wheat - white clover (Trifolium repens L.) WW+WC, and winter wheat - Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) WW+EC. Research was repeated in two experiments. The results showed that after strip tillage and WW sowing less or similar SMN content cud be detected, as in conventional tillage and WW + forage legumes intercropping. WW grain yield in intercrops decreased, compared to the grasses monocultures that were ploughed before WW sowing. The highest amount of WEOC was in intercropping soil growing WW+WC or in all fields (except WW+EC) after applying strip tillage. During the research period, the amounts of mobile humic substances (HSs) and mobile humic acids (HAs) changed analogously. Their content increased substantially in fields with WC and EC, regardless of whether the grasses were ploughed or grown with WW.
Large Language Models in Healthcare Current Development and Future Directions
Authors: Jiang Xinrui , Yan Lixiang , Vavekanand Raja , Hu Mengxuan
Published: July 2024

The rapid advancement of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, has revolutionized natural language processing, enabling these models to generate coherent and contextually relevant text. These capabilities hold significant potential for various applications, particularly in the medical field. LLMs can assist healthcare professionals by providing accurate information, supporting diagnostic processes, and enhancing medical education. However, the implementation of LLMs in clinical settings faces several barriers, including technical limitations, ethical concerns, regulatory constraints, and practical challenges. Ensuring accuracy, reliability, and interpretability is crucial, along with addressing biases, ensuring data privacy, and establishing ethical guidelines. Future research should focus on improving training techniques, developing explainable AI methods, and creating efficient, resource-saving models. Expanding applications through domain-specific models and multi-modal integration can further unlock the potential of LLMs. By addressing these challenges and prioritizing responsible development, LLM technology can be safely and effectively integrated into various domains, driving innovation and improving outcomes. This paper explores the current state of LLM technology, its medical applications, barriers to implementation, and directions for future research and development
Antimicrobial Effects of Photodynamic Therapy Delivered via Hydrogels for Inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Moura Ricardo S , Afonso João Pedro R. , Mello Diego A. C. P. G. , Da Palma Renata K. , Oliveira-Silva Iransé , Oliveira Rodrigo F. , Oliveira Deise A. A. P. , Santos Dante B. , Silva Carlos Hassel M. , Guedes Orlando A. , Insalaco Giuseppe , Oliveira Luís V. F.
Published: July 2024

Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-negative bacterium that causes superficial and deep infections that can be mild or potentially fatal. Recently, the bacterium has gained significant attention due to the increased incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains that make treatment with antibiotics dif-ficult. Owing to the MDR strains, alternative therapies such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) have emerged as good options to treat non-systemic infections. PDT combines a photosensi-tiser (PS) with light and oxygen to generate free radicals that destroy bacterial structures such as the plasma membrane, matrix, and genetic material. This systematic review aimed to identify the ef-fectiveness of PDT delivered using different types of hydrogels for treating wounds, burns, and contamination by S. aureus. This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Bibliographic research was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Only full articles published in English between 2013 and 2024 from any country of origin (without restrictions) were included. The research was carried out from 15 June 2023 to 15 June 2024 and did not use any automatic biblio-graphic search tool. The articles collected were identified using keywords and selected using in-clusion and exclusion criteria in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. Seven articles were in-cluded that presented a good set of evidence associated with the use of PDT against S. aureus in in vitro and in vivo studies. To conclude, PDT can effectively complement antimicrobial therapy against S. aureus, in the healing of wounds and burns. The effectiveness of this technique depends on the PS used, hydrogel type, and lesion location. Some studies have already demonstrated the ef-fectiveness of PDT but most were in vitro and a few in vivo. Further studies are required to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of PDT delivered via hydrogels in in vivo models of bacterial infection.
Transmission Spectroscopy Along the Transit of Venus: A Proxy for Exoplanets Atmospheric Characterization
Authors: Branco Alexandre Baptista , Machado Pedro , Demangeon Olivier , Jaeggli Sarah Amelia , Widemann Thomas , Tanga Paolo
Published: July 2024

We present an analysis of high-resolution, near-infrared (NIR) spectra relative to the solar transit of Venus of 5-6 June 2012, as observed with the Facility Infrared Spectropolarimeter (FIRS) at the Dunn Solar Telescope in New Mexico. These observations offer the unique opportunity to probe the upper layers (between ∼84 and 150 km in altitude) of a thick, CO2-dominated atmosphere with the transmission spectroscopy technique – a proxy for future studies of highly-irradiated atmospheres of Earth-sized exoplanets. We were able to visually identify absorption lines from the two most abundant CO2 isotopologues, and from the main isotopologue of CO in the retrieved spectrum of Venus. Furthermore, we perform a cross-correlation analysis of the transmission spectrum using transmission templates generated with petitRADTRANS. With the cross-correlation technique, it was possible to confirm detections of both CO2 isotopologues and CO. Additionally, we retrieve a cross-correlation signal for O3 on Venus. We demonstrate the feasibility of high-resolution, ground-based observations to study the chemical inventory of planetary atmospheres, employing techniques commonly used in exoplanet characterization.
Observations About Propagation, Attenuation, and Radiation of EMI from HVDC Converter Stations
Authors: Schneider John B. , Olsen Robert G.
Published: July 2024

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by switching operations within high voltage DC (HVDC) converter stations is an issue that has been addressed by CIGRE and methods to manage EMI should be considered in the design phase using electromagnetic modeling techniques. It is shown that method of moments-based techniques that have been used in many previous studies may not be sufficient. Here, the finite-difference time-domain method is used to study the properties of single switching events using a realistic model of an HVDC converter station with special emphasis on determining the impact of the valve hall on shielding EMI. It is shown that the valve hall does not confine high frequency electromagnetic fields to the valve hall; rather it delays them from exiting through bushings in the wall. Further, it is shown that incorporating electromagnetic absorbing material into the valve hall design can significantly reduce EMI outside the converter station.
Computational Methods to Predict Conformational B-cell Epitopes
Authors: Carroll Moshe , Rosenbaum Ezra , Viswanathan R
Published: July 2024

Accurate computational prediction of B-cell epitopes can greatly enhance biomedical research and rapidly advance efforts to develop therapeutics, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and immunodiagnostic reagents. Previous research efforts have primarily focused on the development of computational methods to predict linear epitopes rather than conformational epitopes, although the latter is much more biologically predominant. Several conformational B-cell epitope prediction methods have recently been published, but their predictive performances are weak. Here, we present a review of the latest computational methods and assess their performances on a diverse test set of 29 non-redundant unbound antigen structures. Our results demonstrate that ISPIPab outperformed all other methods. Finally, we suggest new strategies and opportu-nities to improve computational predictions of conformational B-cell epitopes.
Coupling Analysis on Safety Influencing Factors in Subway Station Operation Under High-Pressure Gas Pipeline
Authors: Yan Wenrong , Weng Yingkang , Cheng Jianhua , Li Hujun , Guo Jiaqi , Li Linyu
Published: July 2024

The subway station operation is susceptible to safety accidents when high-pressure gas pipeline overlaying, and analyzing the correlations between the safety influencing factors (SIFs) under this operation situation can provide paths to reduce safety accidents. Thus, this paper investigated the coupling correlations between the SIFs. We firstly identified the SIFs during subway station operation under high-pressure pipeline (SSOUHP) based on the literature review and experts’ discussion. Then, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and coupling degree analysis (CDA) were combined to assess the coupling correlations between the SIFs. And Y subway station was selected to test the proposed hybrid coupling analysis approach. Research results show that (a) 23 second-level SIFs were identified and these SIFs can be summed up into 5 first-level SIFs, namely, human-related SIFs, pipeline-related SIFs, station-related SIFs, environment-related SIFs, and management-related SIFs; (b) the proposed hybrid approach can be used to evaluate the coupling correlations between SIFs; (c) of the coupling situations during Y subway station operation, the internal coupling correlations among environment-related SIFs, the coupling correlations between pipe-related SIFs and environment-related SIFs, and the coupling correlations among human-related SIFs, pipe-related SIFs and environment-related SIFs are with higher safety risk; (d) the overall coupling correlation among all SIFs during Y subway station operation is with lower safety risk. The research can enrich the knowledge in the safety evaluation area, and provide reference for onsite safety management.
IDENTIFICATION OF DOMINANT PARAMETERS IN THE PREDICTION OF STATUS OF PEDIATRIC CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES ICU PATIENTS
Authors: Sharwardy Sharmin Nahar , Sarwar Hasan , Hasan Mohammad Nurul Akhtar , Rahman Mohammad Zahidur
Published: July 2024

Background: The key objective of this research was to identify the dominant parameters and determine the patient status of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease in the ICU. The data we collected from the Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Surgery Unit (ICU) in the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data from 300 ICU patients was collected and analyzed. We choose patients who are less than 12 years old at the time of ICU admission and whose ICU stay is longer than 24 hours. (2) Methods: According to the doctor’s advice, the dependent and independent variables are selected. The relationship between these parameters in the ICU was selected by linear modeling, which is associated with mortality risk. These parameters are used in the linear regression model and the ARIMA model for prediction. The prediction model is used for pediatric congenital heart disease patients in the ICU. (3) Results: The relation between CVP and BP (95% CI=0.2113,0.353 r=0.2841249), PEEP, and FiO2 (95% CI=0.6992,0.770 r=0.7367744) is statistically significant (p value<0.001). pH and PO2 were statistically significant, but there were correlations (95% CI=0.161,0.308 r=0.2362575). The statistically significant (p < 0.001) parameters were selected for prediction. In this study, BP, FiO2, and PO2 parameters were used in the linear regression model and the ARIMA model for prediction. We predict the next-hour patient’s status. The ARIMA model was found to have less error than the linear regression model. (4) Conclusions: This study helps identify the important parameters that are measured in the ICU to monitor patient status and predict the future value of those parameters, with the ultimate goal of providing physicians with an early signal of future patient conditions.
Preparation of Vanadium (3.5+) Electrolyte by Hydrothermal Reduction Process With Citric Acid for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Kang Ung-Il
Published: July 2024

In this study, unlike conventional methods for producing vanadium (3.5+) electrolyte by VOSO4 and V2O5, a batch-type hydrothermal reactor was used to produce a vanadium (3.5+) electrolyte for vanadium redox flow batteries through a reduction reaction. The starting material, V2O5, was mixed with different concentrations of citric acid (0.8M, 1.2M, 1.6M, 2.0M) as reducing agent and stirred using a hot plate at 90°C for 60 minutes to achieve complete dispersion in the solution. The resulting solution was then subjected to a hydrothermal reduction reaction in a furnace at 150°C for 24 hours to produce vanadium (3.5+). The mixed state of the produced vanadium (3+) and vanadium (4+) was confirmed using UV-vis spectroscopy. Electrochemical properties were investigated through CV analysis, confirming that the optimal concentration was 1.6M. Charge and discharge experiments were conducted to compare the current efficiency, energy efficiency, and voltage efficiency of the electrolyte prepared by the hydrothermal reduction process and the electrolyte prepared by VOSO4. As a result, the electrolyte produced through the hydrothermal reduction process showed improved performance in all efficiencies. The results shows that vanadium (3.5+) electrolyte could be easily produced through a reaction process using citric acid.