bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Vancomycin Resistance on Adverse Outcomes of Enterococci Bacteremia: A Meta- analysis of well-controlled studies
Authors: Azzam Ahmed , Khaled Heba
Published: June 2024

Objective
Previous meta-analyses have demonstrated that vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteremia is associated with increased mortality compared to vancomycin-sensitive Enterococcus (VSE) bacteremia. However, these studies relied on unadjusted data, which could potentially lead to an overestimation of the mortality risk. Therefore, we performed this systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate the impact of vancomycin resistance on adverse outcomes in enterococci blood stream infection (BSI) based on studies that were conducted after 2000 (when effective VRE therapies became available) and adjusted for age, underlying medical conditions, and time to appropriate antibiotics.
Results
Out of 2559 articles reviewed, four eligible articles were included in this study. Overall, vancomycin resistance was not significantly associated with increased mortality in Enterococci BSI (pooled adjusted hazard ratio for 30-day mortality, 0.927 (95% CI, 0.51 to 1.686), P = 0.8, I2% = 13.7, number of studies = 3). The remaining study reported that vancomycin resistance was not associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 1.21 (95% CI, 0.53 to 2.79), P = 0.653). These findings suggest that vancomycin resistance is not a significant independent predictor of mortality in Enterococci BSI when adjusted for age, underlying medical conditions, and time to appropriate antibiotics.
Efficacy H2O, SNP, Si and KNO3 priming for improving emergence, seedling growth and biochemical traits of two wheat Varieties under Salt Stress
Authors: Hammami Marwa , Ahmed Hela Ben
Published: June 2024

Salt stress has a significant impact on agricultural output, affecting seed germination and seedling growth. The uncontrolled production of oxidative species (ROS) induces a range of biochemical, physiological, and metabolic changes, resulting in reduced crop yields. Under such conditions, seed priming may be a feasible and practicable approach for achieving rapid, uniform emergence, vigorous seedlings, and higher crop yields. The present study was therefore executed to explore efficacious effects of various seed priming agents. The present work compares the effect of priming on two wheat varieties under normal and salt conditions at germination and vegetative stage. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effects of hydropriming (H2O), Nitroprusside (SNP), Silicon (Si) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) priming in improving emergence, seedling growth, biochemical attributes of two wheat varieties under salt and no salt conditions. Seed emergence, seedling growth and biochemical attributes were thereafter evaluated. The results found that rice seedlings responded differently to different priming treatments. However, all primed rice seedlings had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved emergence percentage, seedling growth, seedling vigor, seedling fresh and dry biomass and shorter emergence time compared with controls. Likewise, soluble sugar and total chlorophyll contents of wheat seedlings were increased by seed priming compared with control. H2O showed less effect in increasing emergence, seedling growth and biochemical attributes of wheat. Thus, this study established that seed priming with SNP (NO donor), Si and KNO3 were more effective in improving emergence, seedling growth, biochemical attributes of wheat. Thus, priming of wheat with this chemical is recommended for fast emergence, seedling growth and drought resistance in salt ecosystems.
Assessing the carcinogenic and non‑carcinogenic health risks of heavy metals in the drinking water of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod
Authors: D DEEPTHI , S HARSHITHA , SHETTY SHILPA S , SONKUSARE SHIPRA , NAIK PRASHANTH B , BH AARTI SRIPATHI , PRAKASH BHARATHI , SHETTY NAVEEN CHANDRA , MADHYASTHA RADHA , SHINJI KATSURAGI , KURODA YOSHIKI , SAWADA HIROTAKE , YUYA YANAGI , WATANABE NOZOMI , NAKAJIMA YUICHI , MADHYASTHA HARISHKUMAR , N SUCHETHA KUMARI
Published: June 2024

Heavy metal water pollution is a major worldwide issue among different types of water pollution. This research evaluates heavy metals' concentration in groundwater and its associated health risks. A total of 78 water samples were collected from different areas of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod, and analyzed for the status of heavy metals and their impact on health. The results show that the heavy metal levels are within the permissible range. The chronic daily intake (CDI) < 1, and Hazard Index (HI) < 1. Incremental cancer risk (ILCR) is evaluated and its values are less than 10− 6, which shows that there is no cancer risk observed in the analyzed samples indicating that water samples are safe to drink. Increased industrialization increases the risks of cancer. Because the danger of cancer increases with greater industrialization, we must so frequently control and monitor pollutants. As a result, we must combat pollution and conduct routine monitoring.
Efficacy of ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A in shoulder pain: a meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhuang Shiying , Zhang Xiaoli , Lin Cheng , Wang Zhizhuo
Published: June 2024

Background
Shoulder pain is a very common symptom. A number of studies have demonstrated that botulinum toxin type A is effective in relieving shoulder pain. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize scientific evidence and quantify the combined effects of ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A on shoulder pain.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), China National Knowledge Information Database (CNKI), Wanfang database, and VIP database (VIP) using the keywords "ultrasound", "Botulinum toxin type A", and "shoulder pain". Two reviewers independently reviewed the studies, extracted data from eligible studies, and assessed the risk of bias. A random-effects model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer assessment (UEFMA), Range of Motion (ROM), Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Funnel plots and sensitivity analyses were also employed to evaluate the six outcome indicators above.
Results
Out of retrieved 854 records, ten studies (involving 533 patients) were finally included. Pooled analysis showed that ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A was associated with moderate improvements in shoulder pain (SMD = -0.96; 95% CI -1.37 to -0.55; P < 0.001), UEFMA score (SMD = 1.43; 95% CI 0.49 to 2.37; P = 0.003), ROM of shoulder flexion (SMD = 1.28; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.93; P < 0.001) and external rotation (SMD = 1.66; 95%CI, 0.83 to 2.48; P < 0.001). Mild improvements were observed in ROM of shoulder abduction (SMD = 0.8; 95%CI 0.18 to 1.43; P = 0.01) and MBI score (SMD = 1.33; 95% CI 0.22 to 2.43; P = 0.02).
Conclusions
Ultrasound-guided BoNT-A injections are beneficial for reducing pain and enhancing the upper limb function, shoulder ROM and quality of life. More high-quality studies with large sample sizes are needed to assess long-term efficacy, strengthening the evidence that ultrasound-guided BoNT-A facilitates the reduction of shoulder pain.
Synchronizing Controlled Logistics Terminals between Simulated and Visualized Production Lines Using An ASTAK Method
Authors: Wang Zixiao , DONG Yue , wang shenggguo wang shenggguo , Zhang Xinxiang
Published: June 2024

In a fully automated factory, the Visualized Production Line serves as a crucial tool for management personnel to understand production progress and monitor the manufacturing process. The synchronization between the visualized line and the actual production line significantly impacts the efficiency of production supervision. Taking Controlled Logistics Terminals as an example, this article proposes the AS-TA-KS Method, which encompasses three steps: Animation Simplification, Timing Alignment, and Keyframe Synchronization. This method aims to achieve precise synchronization between the Simulated Production Line and the Visualized Production Line, while ensuring that the process data of the simulated line is not directly accessed. The experiment demonstrates that the method can maintain the time difference between simulated and visualized production line below an average of 0.08 seconds, with a synchronization rate of 99.97%. Our method advances the state-of-the-art method by an average of 5.22%. This case provides support for the real-time and reliability of modern intelligent manufacturing.
Surgical site infection rate in spine surgery, incidence and risk factors: a ten- year retrospective cohort review in a developing neurosurgical centre
Authors: Alfin Dumura Jeneral , Shilong Danaan Joseph , Bot Gyang Markus , Salun Wilfred Dengunu
Published: June 2024

Background/Objective:
Surgical site infection (SSI) is the third most common complication in spinal surgery and often results in poor clinical outcomes, prolonged hospital stays and additional costs. This study evaluated the SSI rate and identified risk factors for spine surgeries performed over a 10-year period.
Methodology
: This was a retrospective cohort review of all patients who underwent spine surgery between January 2014 and December 2023. Patient hospital records were retrieved, and relevant biodata data and clinical information were obtained and entered into SPSS version 25. The surgical site infection rate was determined, and multivariate inferential analysis to assess risk factors for SSI was performed using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, with the level of significance set at a p value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.
Results
A total of 206 patients were studied. The incidence of SSI was 11.7% (24), and most of these infections were superficial incisional SSIs (19, 79.2%). The indication for surgery revealed that 19.4% of the patients with spondylotic disease and 50% of patients with bacterial spondylitis developed SSI (p = 0.042). Similarly, infection rates were significantly greater in the lumbar (14, 22.2%) and thoracic-lumbar (4, 12.9%) spine surgeries (p = 0.009). This was also found to be predictive of SSI (P = 0.001, odds ratio [OR]: 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38, 3.47). The median length of hospital stay was 36.5 days for patients with SSIs compared to those without SSIs (23 days) (p = 0.008).
Conclusion
This study revealed a relatively high surgical site infection rate in our practice, with more superficial than deep/organ space organ space infections. These infections were significantly more common in patients with spondylotic disease and lumbar spine surgeries, and patients with these infections had prolonged hospital stays.
Multi-AGV Path Planning Using Deep Reinforcement Learning with Internal Curiosity
Authors: Yin Huilin , Su Shengkai , Lin Yinjia , Festl Karin , Yan Jun , Watzenig Daniel
Published: June 2024

Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) is promising for multi-agent path planning problems in which sparse external environmental rewards may cause the agent group to make overly conservative decisions and explore the environment inefficiently. In general, the reward shaping mechanism is used to mitigate the above problems with the additional reward function setting. However, it requires specific domain knowledge, which limits the general applicability, and the added reward functions are not necessarily applicable to all environments. This paper aims to improve the path planning efficiency of single agents and groups of agents with the Internal Curiosity Module (ICM) mechanism to boost the generalization abilities of the agents in different environments. To this end, we incorporate the internal curiosity mechanism into the soft actor-critic model for enhancing exploration strategies, adapting to environmental changes, and improving learning effectiveness. Then, we propose a multi-agent path planning method in which the curiosity mechanism is integrated with the Multi-Agent POsthumous Credit Assignment (MA-POCA) algorithm. The neural networks can automatically calculate the additional intrinsic rewards based on observed information about the environment and the actions taken by the group of agents. Based on our experiments, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses of the performance of the proposed methods and the baseline DRL methods. The experimental results show that our proposed methods can decline the number of learning episodes and the training time of path planning, so the proposed algorithms can accelerate the exploration of single agents or agent groups in the sparse reward environment.
The CCL2-CCR4 Axis Promotes Regulatory T Cell Trafficking to Canine Glioma Tissues
Authors: Panek WK. , Toedebusch RG. , Mclaughlin BE. , Dickinson PJ , Dyke JE. , Woolard KD. , Berens ME. , Lesniak  , Sturges BK. , Vernau KM. , Li C. , Miska JM. , Toedebusch CM.
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Spontaneously occurring glioma in pet dogs is increasingly recognized as a valuable translational model for human glioblastoma. Canine high grade glioma and human glioblastomas share many molecular similarities, including accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) that inhibit anti-tumor immune responses. Identifying in dog mechanisms responsible for Treg recruitment may afford targeting the cellular population driving immunosuppression, the results providing a rationale for translational clinical studies in human patients. Our group has previously identified C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) as a glioma-derived T-reg chemoattractant acting on chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) in a murine orthotopic model of glioma. Recently, we demonstrated a robust increase of CCL2 in the brain tissue of canine patients bearing high-grade glioma.
Methods
We performed a series of in vitro experiments using canine Tregs and patient-derived canine glioma cell lines (GSC 1110, GSC 0514, J3T-Bg, G06A) to interrogate the CCL2-CCR4 signaling axis in the canine.
Results
We established a flow cytometry gating strategy for identification and isolation of FOXP3+ Tregs in dogs. The canine CD4 + CD25high T-cell population was highly enriched in FOXP3 and CCR4 expression, indicating they are bona fide Tregs. Canine Treg migration was enhanced by CCL2 or by glioma cell line-derived supernatant. Blockade of the CCL2-CCR4 axis significantly reduced migration of canine Tregs. CCL2 mRNA was expressed in all glioma cell lines and expression increased when exposed to Tregs but not to CD4 + helper T-cells.
Conclusion
Our study validates CCL2-CCR4 as a bi-directional Treg-glioma immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting axis in canine high-grade glioma.
CMTM6 overexpresses in ovarian cancer and associated with tumor cell progression and stabilization of PD-L1 protein
Authors: Qian Jing , Zhang Xia , Tong Jinyi , Xu Song
Published: June 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal female genital cancer worldwide. Most patients exhibit resistance to immunotherapy. CMTM6 has been implicated in various tumorigenic processes and immune regulation. This study aims to investigate the role of CMTM6 in OC progression and its function in immunity. We utilized the GEPIA and GTBA databases to analyze the relationships among OC, CMTM6, and PD-L1. The role of CMTM6 in OC was further examined through immunohistochemical analysis of patient tumor tissues and extensive cancer cell experiments using the SKOV3 cell line. Finally, we explored the impact of CMTM6 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and PD-L1 expression. Analysis of the GEPIA database revealed significantly higher expression of CMTM6 in OC tissues, although it was not correlated with patient survival time. The GTBA database showed a consistent expression trend between CMTM6 and PD-L1 (CD274). Inhibition of CMTM6 mRNA in SKOV3 cells led to a reduction in their proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities. Additionally, CMTM6 promoted EMT in SKOV3 cells and maintained PD-L1 protein expression. This study found elevated CMTM6 expression in OC tissues. CMTM6 enhances the proliferation, migration, and EMT capabilities of cancer cells and may serve as a regulator to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Development and validation of AAI-CHN: a index to assess active aging in China
Authors: Guo Jiru , Zhang Xiaoli , Chen Longyin
Published: June 2024

Background
China faces significant challenges due to its aging population, impacting economic, social, health, and employment sectors, as well as global trends. Active aging is both a new research paradigm and a national strategy in China. Although the WHO has defined active aging, its application and measurement in China remain difficult.
Methods
Through a literature review, we identified the concept and structure of active aging in China and developed an initial item pool using data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 10,818). Those processes, including project analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and weight calculation, resulted in the development of the AAI-CHN. Additionally, we examined active aging levels in China from 2011 to 2018.
Results
The scale includes six dimensions: physical health, mental health, social participation, economic status, physical environment, and social security. It comprises 19 factors and 63 items, demonstrating good reliability and validity. Analysis from 2011 to 2018 indicated that active aging scores in China ranged from 39 to 48, showing a generally low level with significant regional differences. Scores across dimensions varied from 0.1 to 70, reflecting considerable heterogeneity.
Conclusions
The AAI-CHN is a reliable and valid scale. It provides empirical evidence on active aging in China and suggests policy directions. Despite being a national strategy, achieving comprehensive active aging for the elderly requires more effort.
Assessment of the Friction Angle of Sand at the Interface of Various Construction Materials
Authors: Rahman S M Shazeebur , Raju Matiur Rahman , Haque Md. Foisal , Sajib Shahbo Rahman , Kabir Md. Humayun
Published: June 2024

This study compares the internal friction angle of sand at interface with different construction materials of concrete, steel, and wood. Material properties have been determined by the direct shear and pile model tests in the laboratory. Impacts of shearing rates of sand and other materials at interface were examined by the direct shear test. Pile model tests were conducted based on similar loading rates of direct shear test. According to the experimental results, a straight line of semi-logarithmic plot represents relationship among internal friction angle, interface friction angle and the shearing rate. In addition, shearing rate is increased with the enlargement of the pile diameter. Also, the interface friction angle is increased by the incremental variations of the internal friction angle of sand. Interface angles of various construction materials are less than the internal friction angle of sand because of the fluctuation of the shearing rate. However, it can be said that the interface angle depends proportionally on the roughness of materials, shearing rate, and pile diameter.
Utilizing hybrid MCDM models for analyzing UAV swarm
Authors: Tsuei Hung-Jia , Tzeng Gwo-Hshiung
Published: June 2024

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) swarm can not only carry out tasks in dangerous or inaccessible areas, but also reduce the cost and simplify the manpower required. Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) is rarely used to explore UAV swarm; therefore, the purpose of this research is to construct a decision model for evaluating and improving criteria of UAV swarm. To probe into the interrelationship and influential weights of criteria, this study utilizes hybrid MCDM models including decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to investigate the interdependent problems among criteria for establishing the influential network relation map (INRM), and DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP) to obtain the influential weights. According to DEMATEL technique, the results indicate that criteria of UAV swarm have self-effect relationships. The dimension of UAV swarm that should be improved first when increasing the performance is entity based on the INRM. In the four criteria for evaluation by DANP, the criterion of vulnerability has the highest influential weight, followed by connectivity, vehicle, and communication. This paper uses hybrid MCDM models and investigates the standpoints of experts to make up the insufficiency in UAV swarm.
Serum calcium level at 32 weeks of gestation could be applied as a predictor of preterm delivery: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Fan Chong , Xu Chenyang , Zhang Yuhan , Liu Jingyan , Zhou Chunxiu , Feng Shanwu , Fan Yuru
Published: June 2024

Preterm delivery (PTD) leads to severe adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and larger medical costs. Thus, PTD deserves more attention. However, how to predict PTD is a problem that bothers researcher. This study aimed to investigate potential prenatal predictors of PTD. We retrospectively recruited pregnant women who experienced either PTD or term delivery (TD) and underwent laboratory examinations at 32 weeks of gestation. We compared the test results between the two groups and performed logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify risk factors and predictive factors for PTD. We found that the PTD group had significantly higher levels of lymphocyte count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, calcium, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, and total bile acids. On the other hand, mean corpuscular volume, homocysteine, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophils to (white blood cells - neutrophils) ratio (dNLR), and (neutrophils × monocytes) to lymphocyte ratio (SIRI) were significantly lower in the PTD group. ROC curve analysis revealed that calcium had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.705, with a cut-off value of 2.215. Logistic regression analysis showed that premature rupture of membranes was an independent risk factor for PTD. Our study demonstrated that serum calcium levels, NLR, dNLR, and other laboratory tests conducted at 32 weeks of gestation can serve as predictors for PTD. Furthermore, we identified premature rupture of membranes as a risk factor for PTD.
Excess mortality and changes in causes of death in Estonia during the Covid-19 pandemic (years 2020 and 2021)
Authors: Pärna Grete , Lang Katrin , Kalda Ruth
Published: June 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the changes in the mortality statistics in Estonia during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic (years 2020 and 2021) in terms of excess mortality and the occurrence of causes of death.
Methods: The present study is based on retrospective data obtained from the Estonian Causes of Death Registry and the Statistics Estonia database. Data from the period before the pandemic (01.01.2018–31.12.2019) and the two years of the pandemic (2020 and 2021) were compared. In order to compare mortality in different periods, mortality rates were calculated by gender and age group, and incidence rate ratios were used to determine differences between the periods. Excess mortality was expressed as a percentage based on the incidence rate ratio. Mortality patterns were described according to gender and age group using a change point regression model. To analyze the causes of death, the incidence rate ratios by a given period and primary causes of death groups were found.
Results: The study results indicated that the mortality rate in 2020 did not significantly differ from the mortality rate in the reference period. Excess mortality occurred in 2021 and was 15%. Excess mortality in 2021 was mainly caused by increased mortality among men aged 35–54 and ≥50 years and women aged ≥50 years. There have been changes in mortality rate trends that do not exactly coincide with the period of the Covid-19 pandemic. In older age groups, the downward trend of mortality has stopped. Several primary causes of death had significantly higher mortality rates during the pandemic years compared to the reference period.
Conclusions: Covid-19 pandemic has had both a direct and an indirect impact on the health and mortality of the Estonian population. Given that Covid-19 continues to spread and comprehensive knowledge of its long-term effects is still limited, continued analysis will be necessary to assess the pandemic's impact on the population's health indicators.
Mild Encephalitis/Encephalopathy with a Reversible Splenial Lesion After Varicella Zoster Virus
Authors: Fei Yunhan , Yu Jiannan , Ji Xiang , Ding Weiliang , Liu Wandi , Zhu Zilong , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: June 2024

Background
Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) is a clinical-imaging syndrome involving the splenium of the corpus callosum(SCC) that is relatively rare and diverse in its clinical manifestations. The most common pathogens are influenza A and B viruses, as well as rotavirus, measles virus, adenovirus, streptococcus, and Escherichia coli. MERS caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Leptospira, and cerebral malaria infections is relatively rare, and there has been no research on herpes zoster virus causing MERS.
Case description
A Chinese young man was hospitalized in the emergency department due to mental and behavioral changes on the fourth day after fever. The patient's cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) results showed positive for varicella zoster virus (VZV). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lesion with restricted diffusion in the corpus callosum. He did not show any skin blisters. He neurological symptoms resolved after 2 days, and after 4 weeks, the brain lesion was not detected on MRI.
Conclusion
The varicella zoster virus can cause MERS, with clinical manifestations mainly including headache, irritability, and other mental and behavioral abnormalities. Patients may not have the skin manifestations of varicella zoster.
Organic amendments with low C/N ratios enhanced the deposition of crop root exudates into stable soil organic carbon in a sodic soil
Authors: Li Jingwang , Chen Lin , Zhang Congzhi , Han Changdong , Feng Biao , Ma Donghao , Zhou Guixiang , zhang jiabao
Published: June 2024

Numerous studies have demonstrated the enhancement effects of organic amendment additions on soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation in agroecosystems. However, the effects of different organic amendment types on stable SOC formation through belowground inputs remain poorly understood, especially under stress conditions. This study aims to investigate the effects of three organic amendment types, namely lignin- (LDA), humus- (HDA), and vetch-derived (VDA) organic amendments, on the transformation process of 13C-rhizodeposits into SOC in sodic soil. Our results showed that the nitrogen (N) compounds in the organic amendments accounted for 0, 6.21, and 11.37% of the LDA, HDA, and VDA, respectively. Organic amendments with low C/N ratios (HDA and VDA) enhanced the transformation of 13C-rhizodeposits into SOC, particularly into mineral-associated carbon (13C-MAOC). In addition, HDA and VDA substantially decreased the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and increased the soil nutrient contents (e.g., total N and total phosphorus) compared with LDA, providing more favorable environmental conditions for both the crop and rhizosphere microbial growth. These effects, consequently, enhanced the disposition of the crop root exudates into 13C-MAOC in the sodic soil. Furthermore, compared with LDA, HDA and VDA enriched beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bacillaceae and Vermamoebidae) and inhibited pathogenic bacteria (Burkholderiaceae) through potential cross-trophic interactions, promoting crop growth and enhancing the production of root exudate deposition into 13C-MAOC. Our study provides a novel approach to selecting organic amendments with suitable and effective chemical structures to promote stable SOC formation through belowground inputs, especially under sodic conditions.
Expression and prognostic value of hsa-miR-206 in non-triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Dong-Ning HE , GU Ze-Hui , Tan Qi , CHEN Su-Xian , Ya-Di WANG
Published: June 2024

Objective
This study aims to analyze the expression and prognostic value of hsa-miR-206 in non-triple-negative breast cancer.
Methods
The expression of has-miR-206 in breast cancer and normal breast tissues was analyzed using the dbDEMC 2.0 database. The TCGA dataset was used to verify hsa-miR-206 expression and analyze its role in breast cancer pathways. In situ hybridization was conducted on tissue microarrays comprising 80 breast cancer specimens and corresponding paracancerous tissues. The relationship between hsa-miR-206 expression and the clinicopathological features of patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer was assessed. Patients were divided into high and low-expression groups based on hsa-miR-206 expression levels, and survival curves were plotted. Online TCGA data analysis was performed to determine intersecting genes and action pathways of hsa-miR-206, with further STRING network analysis to explore possible mechanisms involving hsa-miR-206-related intersecting genes.
Results
The dbDEMC 2.0 and TCGA database and in situ hybridization assay confirmed significantly lower hsa-miR-206 expression in breast cancer tissues compared to paracancerous tissues. In the luminal A subtype, hsa-miR-206 expression was markedly lower in ER-positive human breast cancer tissues than in paracancerous tissues. In the HER2+ subtype, the positive expression rate of hsa-miR-206 in cancerous tissues was 28%, while that in paracancerous tissues was 72%. Patients under 50 years old showed significantly lower positive expression rates. Additionally, hsa-miR-206 expression level correlated significantly with histological grade and Ki-67 expression but not with tumor size or sex hormone receptor status. Kaplan–Meier Plotter analysis of the TCGA and METABRIC databases indicated that patients with low hsa-miR-206 expression had longer overall survival (OS). Subtype-specific analysis showed varying OS benefits: longer OS in luminal A and B breast cancer with low hsa-miR-206 and a slight increase in OS in HER2+ breast cancer. Target genes regulated by hsa-miR-206 were linked to cell cycle and estrogen signaling pathways.
Conclusion
Downregulation of hsa-miR-206 expression in breast cancer may prolong patient OS. Hsa-miR-206 plays distinct roles across breast cancer subtypes, potentially through different target genes affecting cell cycle and estrogen signaling, which underscore its prognostic implications.
Host diversity of Aedes albopictus in relation to invasion history: a meta-analysis of blood feeding studies
Authors: Garamszegi László Zsolt
Published: June 2024

Background
The invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus is a major concern for human and animal health given its high potential to spread over large geographic distances, to adopt to various habitats and food sources and to act as vector for pathogens. It is crucial to understand how this species establishes ecological relationships at different locations, as it determines its role in transmission of diseases.
Methods
Based on published blood-meal surveys, a meta-analysis was performed to investigate how host diversity changes along the process of invasion at a large scale. For 43 independent localities, Shannon diversity index was calculated and was then assessed against several moderator variables describing invasion status, habitat type, methodology and survey year.
Results
Diet diversity was higher in the invasive than in the native populations when the strong habitat effects were held constant. Furthermore, the year of introduction also had a significant role, as invasive populations that had been established earlier had wider diet diversity than more recent populations.
Conclusions
Invasive Aedes albopictus has a considerable ecological flexibility. The species’ ability to adapt to various food sources goes hand in hand with its successful worldwide dispersion, which has strong implications for its role played in pathogen transmission.
Mechanical insufflation-exsufflation in a large multicenter cohort of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - provision, perceived cough deficiency and treatment satisfaction.
Authors: Maier André , Kettemann Dagmar , Weyen Ute , Grehl Torsten , Schulte Peter Caspar , Steinbach Robert , Rödiger Annekathrin , Weydt Patrick , Petri Susanne , Wolf Joachim , Grosskreutz Julian , Koch Jan Christoph , Weishaupt Jochen H , Rosseau Simone , Norden Jenny , Körtvélyessy Peter , Koch Birgit , Holm Teresa , Hildebrandt Barbara , Schumann Peggy , Walter Bertram , Riitano Alessio , Münch Christoph , Meyer Thomas , Spittel Susanne
Published: June 2024

In patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) addresses cough deficiency to achieve major therapeutic goals: improving costal muscle and joint function, reducing atelectasis through insufflation, and clearing bronchial secretions via exsufflation. Despite its perceived benefits, there is limited systematic research on MI-E provision, symptom alleviation, or patient satisfaction. The research platform Ambulanzpartner coordinated this longitudinal observational study conducted in 12 German ALS centers from July 2018 to September 2023. Patients were enrolled based on ALS-related cough deficiency requiring MI-E therapy. The study recorded provision, reasons for withholding MI-E, clinical parameters, therapy frequency, subjective cough deficiency, and symptomatic relief. Satisfaction with MI-E therapy was determined by the likelihood of recommendation. Out of 694 ALS patients indicated for MI-E, 527 (75.9%) received the therapy. The primary reason for non-provision was that the patient had died before provision (n = 66 of 167; 39.5%). These patients were significantly more affected as represented by higher progression rates and lower peak cough flows (PCF) at the time of MI-E indication (p < 0.05). Most patients who received MI-E used it daily (n = 290 of 370; 78.4%). Self-assessed cough deficiency correlated with clinical measurements, especially for patients with higher deficits. At follow-up visits, patients reported reduced cough deficiency (p < 0.001). Frequent MI-E use was linked to greater symptom relief and higher likelihood of recommending the therapy. This study highlights symptomatic and palliative potential of MI-E therapy for ALS patients.
Psychometric properties of the Czech Moral Injury Symptom Scale
Authors: Vlckova Karolina , Janouskova Miroslava , Bankovska-Motlova Lucie
Published: June 2024

Moral injury is defined as a deep sense of transgression, including feelings of shame, grief, meaninglessness, and remorse from having violated core moral beliefs. This study aimed to adapt the Moral Injury Symptom Scale – Healthcare Professionals (MISS-HP) for measure this concept in the Czech Republic and explore its psychometric properties. Sample of healthcare providers (N= 694) completed the MISS-HP questionnaires, the Shirom Melamed Burnout Measure (SMBM) and the Professional Quality of Life scale (PROQoL). Cronbach´s alpha of MISS-HP was found to be 0.62; exploratory factor analysis returned 4 factors. Correlations with SMBM and PROQoL were moderate (from 0.31-0.46), which confirmed the construct validity of MISS-HP. ROC curve analysis identified the optimal cutoff score at 42 points with 75% sensitivity and 69% specificity. Female gender, younger age and atheism were related to higher symptoms of moral injury. Czech MISS-HP was found to be a valid and reliable measure of moral injury.
"I Have to Pick My Battles": A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Food Insecurity and Dietary Restrictions in Pediatric Kidney Disease
Authors: Krissberg Jill , Jones Mickayla , Guzman Zecilly , Chen Wenya , Sheehan Karen , Verghese Priya S
Published: June 2024

Background
Food insecurity (FI) is prevalent among children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure, but it’s impact on health outcomes, and feasibility of prescribed diet restrictions is unknown.
Methods
A mixed-methods single center cohort study of children with advanced CKD or kidney failure. Demographics, socioeconomic status, and health outcomes were compared across FI status; associations between FI and CKD outcomes were explored using multivariable regression. A qualitative sub-analysis of de-identified caregiver interview transcripts were analyzed for themes around diet restrictions.
Results
There was a trend that FI patients were more likely to be of Black race (33% vs 20%); have public insurance (67% vs 48%); need more blood pressure medications (2 [0.75,3] vs 1 [0,3]); and have a higher likelihood of emergency department (42% vs 25%) or intensive care unit encounters (25% vs 14%). There were no associations of FI and outcomes of interest in multivariate regression. Four major themes emerged from caregiver interviews: 1. Understanding of the kidney diet focuses on foods to avoid; 2. Adapting to suggested dietary restrictions requires changes in meal preparation; 3. Challenges to adherence include social stigma, growth, budget, and time, and 4. Increased public awareness of CKD may help improve adherence.
Conclusion
The impact of FI on children’s medical needs with CKD remains inconclusive but trends suggest a higher risk. Regardless of FI status, adhering to prescribed diet restrictions in kidney disease involves significant dedication of time, and resources, while challenges involve food availability, child’s response to restrictions, and social stigma.
Benvitimod Upregulates Filaggrin, Involucrin and Loricrin Expressions via Arylhydrocarbon Receptor-Ovo-Like 1 Axis
Authors: Jia Qiuyu , Liu Ping , Wang Xiaojie , Hu Jian , Jia Jun , Zhang Jianzhong , Li Houmin
Published: June 2024

Background: Benvitimod has been successfully used in the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the mechanism remains to be clarified.
Objectives: We aim to assess the effects of benvitimod on MC903-induced dermatitis in mice and to investigate the effects of benvitimod on filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL), and loricrin (LOR) expressions in vivo and in vitro.
Methods: MC903-induced mouse AD model was used to evaluate the effects of benvitimod. Filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin protein and mRNA expressions in lesions of mice dermatitis were measured by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. Normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were cultured. AHR or OVOL1 were knocked down in NHEKs. Then filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin expressions were measured by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR.
Results：Topical treatment of benvitimod repaired skin barrier and alleviated skin inflammation in mouse AD model. This effect was inhibited by pretreatment with an AHR antagonist. Benvitimod upregulated the filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin expressions in lesions of mouse AD model. In addition, benvitimod upregulated the filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin expressions in NHEKs. Knockdown of AHR or OVO-like (OVOL)1 abrogated the upregulation of filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin induced by benvitimod.
Conclusions: Benvitimod attenuated MC903-induced mouse dermatitis and upregulated filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin expressions via AHR-OVOL1 axis.
Mitigating Climate Risks: An Empirical Study on the Financial and Economic Implications for OECD Economies
Authors: Appiah Michael
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates how financial development, economic growth, environmental policies, technology, and trade openness, affect the ecological footprint in developed economies. Specifically, the study focuses on the period from 2000 to 2022. The application of a robust panel cointegration approach, cross-section, and slope homogeneity tests to validate the presence of slope heterogeneity among countries in addition to unit root tests to confirm the stationarity of all variables, enabling the use of the AMG method for analyzing long-run coefficients. The empirical findings reveal a consistent and long-term relationship among the variables indicating a negative link between finance, growth, environmental policy, and trade openness, and eco-footprint. The results interestingly portray the existence of an inverted U-shaped curve between financial development, economic growth, and eco-footprint. The Dumitrescu and Hurlin (DH) causality analysis reveals a non-causal connection between financial development, economic growth, trade openness, and ecological footprint as well as a unidirectional causal link between ecological footprint to environmental technology, while a bidirectional causal relationship is observed between ecological footprint and environmental policy.
Acoustic and Aerodynamic Evaluation of Dlr Small-Scale Rotor Configurations Within Garteur AG26
Authors: Yin J. , Gregorio F. , Rossignol K.-S. , Rottmann L. , Ceglia G. , Reboul G. , Barakos G. , Qiao G. , Muth M. , Kessler M. , Visingardi A. , Barbarino M. , Petrosino F. , Zanotti A. , Oberti N. , Savino A. , Bernardini G. , Poggi C. , Abergo L. , Caccia F. , Guardone A. , Testa C. , Zaghi S.
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the activities performed in the GARTEUR Action Group HC/AG-26 to study the acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics of small rotor configurations, including the influence of the rotor-rotor interactions. This paper will focus on comparisons between numerical activities and wind tunnel results on a small rotor provided by DLR. The wind tunnel models included a Rotor/Rotor/Pylon in isolated, tandem and coaxial configuration. The wind tunnel experiments for acoustics were performed in DLR’s Acoustic Wind Tunnel Braunschweig (AWB) and PIV test were performed in CIRA within a joint CIRA/DLR test program. For simulations, the numerical approaches from each partner are applied. The aerodynamic simulations necessary for the aeroacoustic predictions are conducted with various fidelity numerical methods, varying from lifting line to CFD. The acoustic values on the microphone positions are evaluated using Ffowcs Williams-Hawking (FW-H) formulation by all partners. The acoustic and aerodynamic predictions are compared to test data, including performance, PIV and acoustic directivity.
An Improved Color Image Denoising using Spatially Adaptive Statistical Dependency in Undecimated Wavelet Transform Coefficients
Authors: Paul Ram , Singh Balkar , Saini Manish Kumar
Published: June 2024

In color image denoising, it is very important to preserve the edge and color information of the images. The standard discrete wavelet transforms provide a means of implementing a multiscale analysis, based on a critically sampled filter bank with perfect reconstruction, but shift-variance and directional selectivity is not supported by them which are necessary for color image processing. This is due to the decimation used in traditional wavelet transform and can be covered by undecimated wavelet transform. An adaptive color image denoising algorithm using spatial correlation in undecimated wavelet transform is proposed in this paper that preserves the color image features more efficiently. The noisy color image is first decomposed into different subbands of frequency and orientation responses using the undecimated wavelet transform. Then the spatial correlation of wavelet coefficients in a noisy color image is achieved by the coefficients multiplication of adjacent decomposition levels. The threshold value is calculated from the spatially correlated wavelet coefficients by computing the noise standard deviation from the correlated diagonal subband of first and second decomposition level. Finally, all noisy spatially correlated wavelet coefficients are relatively well denoised by soft thresholding. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed color image denoising algorithm preserve the edges and color components very well while reducing noise. The efficiency and performance of this algorithm is compared with state-of-art denoising algorithms based on Peak Signal to Noise Ratio and visual perception.
A Comparison of Three Conceptual Design Approaches Applied to an Electric Distributed Lift Aircraft
Authors: Vegh J. Michael , Scott Robert , Basset Pierre-Marie , Perret Raphaël , Beals Nathan , Singh Rajneesh
Published: June 2024

This paper serves as an introduction to a collaborative effort between the U.S. Army U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center, ONERA, and DEVCOM Army Research Lab. Each organization employs their conceptual design toolchain (NDARC, CREATION, and HYDRA) on a common set of geometry. Initial weight, drag, and power estimates on this aircraft for a common sizing mission and set of assumptions are provided along with a component-based comparison of weight and drag estimates for each tool. Broad agreement for the baseline mission requirements was observed for all three tools. Design sensitivities showed substantial differences in performance estimates vs forward flight speed which has broader design implications. Wingspan and rotor radius were varied and optimized for each tool with different behavior for each. NDARC predicted a larger wingspan would reduce aircraft weight with little impact from changing the rotor radius. CREATION and HYDRA predicted that reducing the wingspan and increasing rotor radius would reduce aircraft weight. The different design conclusions from each tool reflect uncertainty in evaluating the structural and aerodynamic performance of similar systems with complicated interacting aerostructural behavior when using conceptual-level tools. Areas for further tool development were also identified.
Genetic basis of variation in immune function in Drosophila melanogaster selected for fast development and late reproduction
Authors: Chandrashekara Kagepura Thammaiah , Shrivastava Nidhi Krishna , Chauhan Namita , Shakarad Mallikarjun N.
Published: June 2024

Genes with immune functions are rapidly evolving genes. Understanding the genetic architecture that facilitates this change is a challenge for evolutionary biologists. Previously, we have reported heightened immune surveillance in Drosophila selected for faster development and longer life span. In this work we tested whether genome architecture of innate immunity evolves as a consequence of long-term selection for life history traits (faster development and longer lifespan) by checking the single nucleotide polymorphism changes accumulated in genes involved in immune system and hematopoiesis. We found 2 important genes with high impact SNPs in immune related genes namely, Nim B5 and Tep 3 (Thioester-containing protein 3), of which Tep3 gene was found to be transcriptionally upregulated among selected populations. Tep3 has been known to have endopeptidase inhibitor activity. It is involved in the biological process of phagocytosis, defense response to other organism, and defense response to Gram-positive bacterium. Further NimB5 is involved in regulating hematopoiesis. Here we propose that TEP3 and NimB5 might be working collectively in evolving flies with better adaptability by modulating their immune system.
Domestic and foreign experience in security testing
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Derkach Evgeny A. , Shelupanov Alexander A. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR)
Published: June 2024

Testing is considered as a separate and independent life cycle stage of any secure software development. However, the testing is present at another stages, such as development stage or the technical support stage after software release. This paper describes the domestic and foreign experience in security testing which is considered both at specific life cycle stage of secure software development and as a whole. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. The experience of researchers will be useful in own methodology for software security testing.