bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigations on the Wake‐Induced Vibration of an Electromagnetic Energy‐Harvesting System
Authors: Sarviha Amir , Barati Ebrahim , Zarkak Mehdi Rafati , Derakhshandeh Javad Farrokhi , Alam Md. Mahbub
Published: July 2024

The wake energy of an electromagnetic harvesting device is derived from the phenomena of wake‐induced vibration (WIV). Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of the Reynolds number, the resistance of the circuit, and the distance between two concentric circular cylinders on the wake energy of the flow. The mechanism of the diaphragm energy harvester (DEH) consists of a single and tandem circular cylinders, which were examined separately. An elastic diaphragm with a magnet was also mounted in the wake of the cylinders. The Reynolds number varies between 2000 and 5000. The converter transforms the wake energy of the flow into electricity due to the vibration of the cylinder in a magnetic field. This research fills a critical gap in the literature by investigating the energy performance of a DEH under the wake‐induced vibration of two fixed circular bluff bodies, demonstrating for the first time the feasibility of capturing vortex energy through the wake in the presence of a diaphragm. This unique approach distinguishes our work in the field of electromagnetic energy‐harvesting devices, showcasing the potential for practical applications in renewable energy generation. The test results indicate that increasing the Reynolds number enhances the converter’s power output. Additionally, it has been observed that two critical distances are significant for the output voltage: the gap between the tandem cylinders (L∗) and the distance between the edge of the diaphragm and the center of the cylinder (X∗). The voltage output of tandem cylinders suggests that an optimal cylinder spacing falls within the range of 4 ≤ L∗ < 5.
ERCC3 Gene Associated with Breast Cancer: A Genetic and Bioinformatic Study
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Xiao Heng , Ning Shuangcheng , Liu Bang , Zhou Huashan , Fu Ting
Published: July 2024

Female breast cancer is the most common and the fifth deadliest cancer worldwide. It is influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. The excision repair cross‐complementation group 3 gene (ERCC3) has recently been identified as a breast cancer susceptibility gene in various cohorts of different geographical and ethnic origin. To explore the role of ERCC3 mutations in breast cancer development and pathological diagnosis, genetic analysis was conducted in 291 patients and 291 controls from mainland China. Bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed. A novel ERCC3 mutation p.Y116X was identified in a breast cancer family, while no frequency bias for the genotype and allele of rs754010782 and rs371627165 was observed (all P > 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis revealed that ERCC3 expression was negatively associated with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), nontriple‐negative status, and nodal status of breast cancers. ERCC3 amplifications and deep deletions primarily occurred in breast invasive cancer not otherwise specified (NOS) and metaplastic breast cancer, respectively. The decreased ERCC3 expression in tumor tissues of patient with p.Y116X mutation was found by IHC. The ERCC3 mutation p.Y116X may increase breast cancer risk in the Han‐Chinese population. ERCC3 exhibits potential as a biomarker for the pathological diagnosis of breast cancer.
How Does Service Innovation Enhance Financial Performance in Manufacturing Enterprises?: Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Shuie , Cheng Zhenfeng
Published: July 2024

The precise relationship between service innovation and financial outcomes in this context remains ambiguous. This study examines the extent to which service innovation contributes to financial outcomes, analyzing data from 512 manufacturing companies across China from 1993 to 2017, sourced from the CSMAR database. Utilizing OLS regression and fixed effects model method, we identify a positive nonlinear correlation between service innovation and financial performance, highlighting a “service dilemma” that varies between state‐owned and private enterprises, which follows a “saddle‐type” pattern. In addition, the impact of service innovation shows considerable variation across different industries. This research provides critical insights into optimizing financial performance through strategic service innovation across various types of enterprises and industries. It underscores the importance of tailored industrial strategies and equitable competition in enhancing service innovation. The study’s extensive sample size and its focus on the heterogeneity among enterprise types and industries mark its key contributions to understand service innovation’s role in financial performance.
Robust Strategy Generation for Automatic Navigation of Unmanned Surface Vehicles through Improved DDPG Algorithm
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Subin , Diao Huabin
Published: July 2024

Automatic navigation with collision‐free navigation has become a critical challenge for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) to expand their application scenarios. Conventional methods for achieving automatic navigation of USVs typically rely on finely modeling the environment, thus exhibiting poor generalization capabilities. Methods based on deep reinforcement learning possess powerful learning abilities and have achieved promising results in USV‐automatic navigation‐tasks. However, the increase in the complexity of network model structures has led to instability during the training process. Therefore, generating more robust navigation strategies, namely ensuring robust reward‐score trends during training and smoother action trajectories of the USV, is crucial for automatic navigation and constitutes the main research question of this study. In this paper, an improved deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm has been proposed for stable automatic navigation of USVs in complex environments. In this algorithm, first, we construct a stable training framework that incorporates the stable feature‐sharing module with constrained gradient backpropagation, which bolsters the USV’s scene memorization capacity, reduces model training fluctuations during navigation policy learning, and improves the training stability of the navigation model. Second, we ensure the decision adaptability of the USV by constraining the extent of action change between adjacent time‐steps by using a reward‐function, which improves the USV‐action smoothly. Finally, we design typical USV‐automatic‐navigation‐scenarios to validate the performance of the Algorithm. Experimental results validate our algorithm’s capability to achieve collision‐free navigation, outperforming the traditional DDPG algorithm in terms of convergence speed, effective sailing distance, and rudder angle maneuver consumption, among other performance metrics.
Impact of Convection and Rotation on Advanced Thermal Energy Storage Using Nanoencapsulated Phase Change Materials in Wavy Enclosures
Authors: Alhashash Abeer , Saleh Habibis
Published: July 2024

Free convection heat transfer in hybrid nanofluids in a differentially heated wavy enclosure is studied. The wavy enclosure moves at a constant counterclockwise rotational speed along its longitudinal axis. The enclosure is filled with a hybrid nanofluids consisting of water (H2O) and nanoencapsulated phase change materials (NEPCMs). These NEPCMs consist of a polyurethane coating and a core of N‐nonadecane, which undergoes a phase transition and has the capacity to retain or emit a significant quantity of latent heat. The dimensionless forms of the governing equations have been solved using finite element method. The validity of the present code is demonstrated by comparing its predictions with published results. The governing parameters under consideration are the corrugated number, 0 ≤ N ≤ 3, the volume fraction of hybrid nanoparticles, 0.0 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.05, the Taylor number, 8 × 102 ≤ TaH2O ≤ 2 × 104. Changing the rotation speed is found to alter the melting and solidification zones in terms of pathways and size zones. The melting zone has a large size at moderate wave number, and its size shrinks and shifts downward as the wave number increases. An increase in the heat transfer rate values up to 38% is obtained when the concentration is adjusted from 1% to 5% for N = 1.
Structural, Optical, Electrical, and Magnetic Characterization of PC/PEO Blend Incorporated with ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Alhusaiki-Alghamdi H. M.
Published: July 2024

In this study, zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) were incorporated into a polycarbonate/polyethylene oxide (PC/PEO) blend using the casting method. The resulting blends were subjected to comprehensive analysis using various techniques. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the presence of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles had a significant impact on the crystal structure of the PC/PEO blend, leading to a reduction in crystallinity. Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) measurements further confirmed the uniform distribution and compatibility of PC and PEO as polymer components, as well as their compatibility with the blend containing ZnFe2O4 NPs. The optical properties of the PC/PEO blend, including band gap and Urbach energy, were quantified using the Kubelka–Munk method. The incorporation of ZnFe2O4 NPs resulted in the formation of sub‐band states between the valence and conduction bands, leading to a decrease in the band gap values. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis revealed a noticeable modification in the surface roughness, with the addition of ZnFe2O4 NPs resulting in a smoother surface texture. The electrical properties of the blends, including dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity, were measured. The addition of ZnFe2O4 NPs increased the dielectric constant (ε′) at lower frequencies, while it remained relatively stable at higher frequencies due to the localized charge carriers within the polymer blend. The higher values of ε’ observed at lower frequencies can be attributed to the movement of ions, which contributes to enhanced ionic conductivity. The magnetic properties of the blends were evaluated, demonstrating an increase in magnetic saturation upon the addition of ZnFe2O4 NPs. These findings provide valuable insights into the structural, optical, electrical, and magnetic characteristics of PC/PEO blends incorporated with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles, thereby highlighting their potential for a wide range of technological applications.
Redescriptions of two Lestidiops species (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae) from Japan, with comments on their morphology
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING , YANG TSUNG-YU
Published: July 2024

Specimens of two barracudina species, Lestidiops sphyraenopsis Hubbs and Lestidiops ringens (Jordan & Gilbert), collected from Japan, were examined. Both species were originally described from the northeastern Pacific and are widespread in both sides of northern Pacific Ocean. Diagnoses, detailed descriptions, and complete morphological data for both species are provided. These two species exhibit several distinct features that differ from those of their congeners, and their morphological characteristics are discussed.
Revision of the Chinese endemic subgenus Tschitscherinea Berg, with descriptions of three new species (Coleoptera, Carabidae)
Authors: YIN WEN-QI , CHEN JIA-HENG , SHI HONG-LIANG
Published: July 2024

The subgenus Tschitscherinea Berg, 1898 of the genus Pterostichus is reviewed with eight species recognized. Three new species are described: Pterostichus (Tschitscherinea) spissipedes sp. nov. (type locality: Laojunshan, Yunnan, N26.63°, E99.72°), P. (T.) spectabilis sp. nov. (type locality: Luguhu, Yunnan, N27.63°, E100.82°), P. (T.) jiuzhaiicus sp. nov. (type locality: Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan). A new subgeneral synonym is proposed: Jedlickaia Sciaky, 1997 is a junior synonym of Tschitscherinea Berg, 1898 syn. nov. All eight species of the subgenus are keyed, described and illustrated. Pterostichus (Morphohaptoderus) parvicollis Sciaky & Wrase, 1997, a species showing morphological similarities to the subgenus Tschitscherinea, is described and illustrated based on the newly reported male specimen.
A revision of the Carebara pygmaea (Emery, 1887) species group (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Thailand
Authors: WIMOLSUTHIKUL CHAIPAT , YAMANE SEIKI , SAMUNG YUDTHANA , JAITRONG WEEYAWAT
Published: July 2024

The Carebara pygmaea (Emery, 1887) species group in Thailand is reviewed. Among them, five species are recognized, including two newly described species, Carebara adisaki Wimolsuthikul & Jaitrong, sp. nov., and Carebara parvar Wimolsuthikul & Jaitrong, sp. nov., both of which are illustrated based on major and minor workers. In addition, Carebara bokorensis Matsuura & Hosoishi, 2024 is reported in Thailand for the first time. The study also describes a dealate queen of C. pygmaea and an ergatoid queen of C. bokorensis for the first time. Keys to the Thai species of the C. pygmaea species group are provided based on the major and minor workers.
A review of the Oriental Copelatus latipes complex, with the description of two new species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Copelatinae)
Authors: HÁJEK JIŘÍ , SHETH SAYALI D.
Published: July 2024

The Copelatus latipes species complex is introduced for Oriental species of Copelatus Erichson, 1832 belonging to the C. irinus group and characterised by the presence of processes on the ventral side of the median lobe of the aedeagus, forming a “beak-shaped” structure. The complex comprises six species, including two newly described taxa: Copelatus bezdeki Sheth, Ghate & Hájek, 2018 (India), C. brivioi Rocchi, 1976 (Bangladesh, India, Nepal), C. kopetzi sp. nov. (Nepal), C. lanxangensis sp. nov. (Laos), C. latipes Sharp, 1882 (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia) and C. schereri Wewalka, 1981 (India, Sri Lanka). All species are diagnosed, and their habitus and male genitalia are illustrated.
First representatives of the stonefly genus Perlomyia and the beaded lacewing genus Isoscelipteron from the Upper Miocene of France (Plecoptera: Leuctridae and Neuroptera: Berothidae), with biogeographical considerations
Authors: BODERAU MATHIEU , NGO-MULLER VALERIE , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: July 2024

The leuctrid stonefly Perlomyia cantalensis sp. nov. and the berothid lacewing Isoscelipteron bertrandi sp. nov. are described from the Upper Miocene (ca. 5.60 ± 0.3 Ma) Konservat-Laggerstätte of Sainte-Reine (Cantal, France). They represent the first fossil representatives of their respective genera. Perlomyia Banks, 1906 is currently distributed in the Eastern Palearctic and the Western Nearctic coasts and islands. All extant Perlomyia spp. are known to live in streams, rivers and creeks, suggesting the presence of rivers connected to the maar paleolake of Sainte-Reine. The genus Perlomyia was much more widely distributed during the Miocene than today and probably disappeared in Europe due to the Quaternary glaciations. The genus Isoscelipteron Costa, 1863 is currently distributed in the Nearctic, Eastern Palaearctic, Indomalaysia, and Australasia regions, together with two relictual Mediterranean species. These two examples show that the study of the entomofauna from the diatomite outcrops of the Miocene of center of France helps to calibrate the history and origin of modern Palearctic insects.
Genomic characterization and virulence gene profiling of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae isolated from widespread muskox mortalities in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago
Authors: Seru Lakshmi Vineesha , Forde Taya L. , Roberto-Charron Amélie , Mavrot Fabien , Niu Yan D. , Kutz Susan J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Muskoxen are important ecosystem components and provide food, economic opportunities, and cultural well-being for Indigenous communities in the Canadian Arctic. Between 2010 and 2021,Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiaewas isolated from carcasses of muskoxen, caribou, a seal, and an Arctic fox during multiple large scale mortality events in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. A single strain (‘Arctic clone’) ofE. rhusiopathiaewas associated with the mortalities on Banks, Victoria and Prince Patrick Islands, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada (2010–2017). The objectives of this study were to (i) characterize the genomes ofE. rhusiopathiaeisolates obtained from more recent muskox mortalities in the Canadian Arctic in 2019 and 2021; (ii) identify and compare common virulence traits associated with the core genome and mobile genetic elements (i.e. pathogenicity islands and prophages) among Arctic clone versus otherE. rhusiopathiaegenomes; and iii) use pan-genome wide association studies (GWAS) to determine unique genetic contents of the Arctic clone that may encode virulence traits and that could be used for diagnostic purposes.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the newly sequencedE. rhusiopathiaeisolates from Ellesmere Island, Nunavut (2021) also belong to the Arctic clone. Of 17 virulence genes analysed among 28 Arctic clone isolates, four genes – adhesin, rhusiopathiae surface protein-A (rspA), choline binding protein-B (cbpB) and CDP-glycerol glycerophosphotransferase (tagF) – had amino acid sequence variants unique to this clone when compared to 31 otherE. rhusiopathiaegenomes. These genes encode proteins that facilitateE. rhusiopathiaeto attach to the host endothelial cells and form biofilms. GWAS analyses using Scoary found several unique genes to be overrepresented in the Arctic clone.

Conclusions

The Arctic clone ofE. rhusiopathiaewas associated with multiple muskox mortalities spanning over a decade and multiple Arctic islands with distances over 1000 km, highlighting the extent of its spatiotemporal spread. This clone possesses unique gene content, as well as amino acid variants in multiple virulence genes that are distinct from the other closely relatedE. rhusiopathiaeisolates. This study establishes an essential foundation on which to investigate whether these differences are correlated with the apparent virulence of this specific clone through in vitro and in vivo studies.
Clinical characteristics and factors associated with survival rate of patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer attending at a Tertiary Hospital in Somalia
Authors: Mohamed Abdikarim Hussein , Mohamed Khaled Ali , Kayacan Ertan , Nur Yassin , Nur-amin Mohamed Abdikarim
Published: July 2024

Background

A few studies regarding the epidemiology and risk factors of Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) are reported from Sub-Saharan African countries (SSA), including Somalia, and the African literature is scant on the management of NMIBC. The present study aims to evaluate the clinical-histopathological characteristics and factors associated with the survival rate of patients with NMIBC.

Method

This six-year cohort study included 196 patients with NMIBC. It reviewed the clinical and histopathological characteristics and factors predicting cancer-specific survival for these patients.

Results

The mean patient age was 59.01 ± 11.50 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.8:1. Urothelial carcinoma (UC) constituted the most common pathological type, accounting for 90.8%; Ta LG and T1HG were the most common histopathological tumour stage and grade (n = 90, 45.9%, vs. n = 56, 28.6%), respectively. The mean tumour size was 4.72 ± 2.81 cm. The cancer-specific mortality(CSM) was 13.3%. Age [2.252(2.310–2.943], p < 0.001], Gender [1.031(0.981-1.1.242),p < 0.001], tumour stage and grade [4.902(3.607–5.614),p < 0.001], tumour location [1.135(0.806–1.172),p < 0.001], number [0.510(0.410–0.920),p = 0.03], tumour size [1.523(0.936–1.541),p < 0.001], use of intravesical chemotherapy or BCG [2.810(1.972–4.381),p < 0.001], preoperative hydronephrosis grade [1.517(1.172–2.154),p < 0.001], and follow-up compliance [3.376(2.633–5.018),p < 0.001] were all associated with CSM. The 5-year overall survival was 57.1%, and cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of mortality (n = 34), followed by diabetes (n = 28).

Conclusion

Our study findings revealed that UC constituted the most common pathological subtype, though less than forty per cent of our patients receive intravesical adjuvant therapies, which are crucial to minimizing disease morbidity and mortality. Initiatives improving uro-oncological care, including subspecialty training in oncology and essential cancer therapies, better access to urology services, and cancer screening programs, are much needed for optimal management plans and care in the country.
Detection and disclosure of workplace mental health challenges: an exploratory study from India
Authors: Poddar Ankur , Chhajer Raina
Published: July 2024

Workplace mental health challenges have emerged as a significant concern post-pandemic. Despite this, the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness leads to the concealment of symptoms and reluctance to seek professional help among employees. This study aims to explore the perception of different stakeholders towards the ‘Detection and disclosure’ of workplace mental health challenges in the Indian context. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with human resource professionals, counselors, and employees who had previously experienced mental health challenge(s). Thematic analysis was done to identify recurring themes and sub-themes. Three critical pathways were identified: minimizing the inhibitory factors, including lack of awareness, denial, low self-efficacy, stigma, and underestimating organizational capability; maximizing the encouraging factors, including psychological safety, perceived social support, and communicating success stories; and implementing supportive organizational practices, including generating awareness and literacy, build the organizational capability, strengthen the role of managers, leadership advocacy, policies, and processes. By fostering a culture of support and prioritizing employee well-being, organizations in India can create healthier and more resilient work environments, benefiting both individuals and the larger society.
Giant cell granuloma and neurofibroma in the mandible of a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1: a long-term follow-up case report with radiological and surgical aspects and a review of the literature
Authors: Barut Oya , Mukdad Marcel , Danielsson Karin , Legrell Per Erik , Sjöström Mats
Published: July 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is frequently performed on patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), to detect and follow-up intracranial findings. In addition, NF1-related pathologies can appear in the jaws. This case study investigates if it is advantageous to assess the depicted parts of the jaws in the imaging of NF1 patients with intracranial findings, thereby detecting jaw pathologies in their initial stages.

Case presentation

We report on the 3-year management with clinical and radiological follow-ups of a central giant cell granuloma and a neurofibroma in the mandible of a patient with NF1 who underwent examinations with brain MRIs. A review of the mandible in the patient’s MRIs disclosed lesions with clear differences in progression rates.

Conclusion

NF1-related jaw pathologies may be detected in the early stages if the depicted parts of the jaws are included in the assessment of the imaging of NF1 patients with intracranial findings. This could impact the treatment of eventual pathologies before lesion progression and further damage to the vicinity.
Impact of musculoskeletal disability limitations on the economic unmet dental needs in South Korea
Authors: Tak Na-Yeon , Ryu Jae-In
Published: July 2024

Background

Musculoskeletal disability (MSD) has been identified as having a negative impact on oral health. Patients with MSD have a greater burden of medical expenses and are expected to have an Economic unmet dental need (UDN). This study aimed to conduct a multifactorial analysis based on the Andersen model to determine the extent to which MSD contributes to inequitable dental care use.

Methods

This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey VIII. The study population was 17,903 adults aged 19 years and older. All data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 26 and the level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.

Results

The people with MSD activity limitations were rare as only 3% in this study population. There were significant differences in sex and education as predisposing factors, income, and marital status as enabling factors, and current smoking, daily brushing, and MSD activity limitation as need factors for experiencing economic UDN. MSD activity limitation was associated with 1.5-fold increased odds of Economic UDN with a fully adjusted Anderson’s Behavior Model.

Conclusions

This finding suggests poorer access to dental care among adults with MSDs owing to financial difficulties. It is necessary to explore various ways to address oral health inequalities among adults with MSD activity limitations.
Reducing patients’ rate of frequent attendance through a training intervention for physicians
Authors: Ramos Alex , Pujol Ramon , Palma Carol
Published: July 2024

Background

Frequent attendance is a common issue for primary care health centres. The phenomenon affects the quality of care, increases doctors’ workloads and can lead to burnout.This study presents the results of an educational intervention for primary care physicians, aimed at helping them to decrease the prevalence rate of excessive attendance by patients at their centres.

Methods

A training programme was carried out for 11 primary care doctors in Barcelona who had patient lists totalling 20,064 patients. The goal of the training was to provide the participating physicians with techniques to curb frequent attendance. Additionally, the programme sought to offer them strategies to prevent professional burnout and tools to better organize their everyday medical practice. The study used a quasi-experimental design for an evaluation of an educational intervention, featuring a pre-test assessment (before the training programme) and a post-test assessment (after the training programme), as well as comparison with a control group that did not undergo the training. The study assessed the effects of the programme on the rates of frequent attendance of patients served by the participating physicians. These rates were compared with those registered by the patients seen by the control group physicians over the same period.

Results

Among the group of physicians who received the training, the mean prevalence of patients who qualified as frequent attenders decreased from 22% prior to the training programme to 8% after completion of the programme. In other words, 14% of patients (2,809) limited the frequency of their visits to primary care physicians after their physicians had completed the training programme. Meanwhile, the study recorded an average decrease of 3.1 visits per year by the patients of the physicians who had undergone the training. Statistically significant differences between this group and the control group were observed.

Conclusions

The educational intervention proved effective at helping primary care physicians to decrease their patients’ rates of frequent attendance. It also contributes to the impact research of continuing education on doctors and their patients. We need to increase primary care spending from the current 14% to the 25%, to address this problem, among others.
Exploring the role of CBLB in acute myocardial infarction: transcriptomic, microbiomic, and metabolomic analyses
Authors: You Hongjun , Chang Fengjun , Chen Haichao , Wang Yi , Han Wenqi
Published: July 2024

Background

Specific alterations in gut microbiota and metabolites have been linked to AMI, with CBLB potentially playing an essential role. However, the precise interactions remain understudied, creating a significant gap in our understanding. This study aims to address this by exploring these interactions in CBLB-intervened AMI mice using transcriptome sequencing, 16 S rDNA, and non-targeted metabolite analysis.

Methods

To probe the therapeutic potential and mechanistic underpinnings of CBLB overexpression in AMI, we utilized an integrative multi-omics strategy encompassing transcriptomics, metabolomics, and 16s rDNA sequencing. We selected these particular methods as they facilitate a holistic comprehension of the intricate interplay between the host and its microbiota, and the potential effects on the host’s metabolic and gene expression profiles. The uniqueness of our investigation stems from utilizing a multi-omics approach to illuminate the role of CBLB in AMI, an approach yet unreported to the best of our knowledge. Our experimental protocol encompassed transfection of CBLB lentivirus-packaged vectors into 293T cells, followed by subsequent intervention in AMI mice. Subsequently, we conducted pathological staining, fecal 16s rDNA sequencing, and serum non-targeted metabolome sequencing. We applied differential expression analysis to discern differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differential metabolites, and differential microbiota. We performed protein-protein interaction analysis to identify core genes, and conducted correlation studies to clarify the relationships amongst these core genes, paramount metabolites, and key microbiota.

Results

Following the intervention of CBLB in AMI, we observed a significant decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber formation in the infarcted region of mice hearts. We identified key changes in microbiota, metabolites, and DEGs that were associated with this intervention. The findings revealed that CBLB has a significant correlation with DEGs, differential metabolites and microbiota, respectively. This suggests it could play a pivotal role in the regulation of AMI.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the potential of differentially expressed genes, metabolites, and microbiota in AMI regulation post-CBLB intervention. Our findings lay groundwork for future exploration of CBLB’s role in AMI, suggesting potential therapeutic applications and novel research directions in AMI treatment strategies.
The role of NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-2 in liver metabolic stress through regulating pyruvate kinase M2 ubiquitination
Authors: Guo Jingru , Nie Junshu , Li Dongni , Zhang Huaixiu , Zhao Tianrui , Zhang Shoufeng , Ma Li , Lu Jingjing , Ji Hong , Li Shize , Tao Sha , Xu Bin
Published: July 2024

NAD-dependent deacetylase Sirt2 is involved in mammalian metabolic activities, matching energy demand with energy production and expenditure, and is relevant to a variety of metabolic diseases. Here, we constructed Sirt2 knockout and adeno-associated virus overexpression mice and found that deletion of hepatic Sirt2 accelerated primary obesity and insulin resistance in mice with concomitant hepatic metabolic dysfunction. However, the key targets of Sirt2 are unknown. We identified the M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) as a key Sirt2 target involved in glycolysis in metabolic stress. Through yeast two-hybrid and mass spectrometry combined with multi-omics analysis, we identified candidate acetylation modification targets of Sirt2 on PKM2 lysine 135 (K135). The Sirt2-mediated deacetylation-ubiquitination switch of PKM2 regulated the development of glycolysis. Here, we found that Sirt2 deficiency led to impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance and induced primary obesity. Sirt2 severely disrupted liver function in mice under metabolic stress, exacerbated the metabolic burden on the liver, and affected glucose metabolism. Sirt2 underwent acetylation modification of lysine 135 of PKM2 through a histidine 187 enzyme active site-dependent effect and reduced ubiquitination of the K48 ubiquitin chain of PKM2. Our findings reveal that the hepatic glucose metabolism links nutrient state to whole-body energetics through the rhythmic regulation of Sirt2.
EGFR mutations induce the suppression of CD8+ T cell and anti-PD-1 resistance via ERK1/2-p90RSK-TGF-β axis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Huang Huayan , Zhu Xiaokuan , Yu Yongfeng , Li Ziming , Yang Yi , Xia Liliang , Lu Shun
Published: July 2024

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EGFR mutations exhibit an unfavorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy, and their tumor microenvironment (TME) is usually immunosuppressed. TGF-β plays an important role in immunosuppression; however, the effects of TGF-β on the TME and the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy against EGFR-mutated tumors remain unclear.

Methods

Corresponding in vitro studies used the TCGA database, clinical specimens, and self-constructed mouse cell lines with EGFR mutations. We utilized C57BL/6N and humanized M-NSG mouse models bearing EGFR-mutated NSCLC to investigate the effects of TGF-β on the TME and the combined efficacy of TGF-β blockade and anti-PD-1 therapy. The changes in immune cells were monitored by flow cytometry. The correlation between TGF-β and immunotherapy outcomes of EGFR-mutated NSCLC was verified by clinical samples.

Results

We identified that TGF-β was upregulated in EGFR-mutated NSCLC by EGFR activation and subsequent ERK1/2-p90RSK phosphorylation. TGF-β directly inhibited CD8+ T cell infiltration, proliferation, and cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, but blocking TGF-β did not suppress the growth of EGFR-mutated tumors in vivo. Anti-TGF-β antibody combined with anti-PD-1 antibody significantly inhibited the proliferation of recombinant EGFR-mutated tumors in C57BL/6N mice, which was superior to their monotherapy. Mechanistically, the combination of anti-TGF-β and anti-PD-1 antibodies significantly increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and enhanced the anti-tumor function of CD8+ T cells. Moreover, we found that the expression of TGF-β1 in EGFR-TKI resistant cell lines was significantly higher than that in parental cell lines. The combination of anti-TGF-β and nivolumab significantly inhibited the proliferation of EGFR-TKI resistant tumors in humanized M-NSG mice and prolonged their survival.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that TGF-β expression is upregulated in NSCLC with EGFR mutations through the EGFR-ERK1/2-p90RSK signaling pathway. High TGF-β expression inhibits the infiltration and anti-tumor function of CD8+ T cells, contributing to the “cold” TME of EGFR-mutated tumors. Blocking TGF-β can reshape the TME and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-1 in EGFR-mutated tumors, which provides a potential combination immunotherapy strategy for advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations.

Graphical Abstract
CD11b maintains West Nile virus replication through modulation of immune response in human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Liu Yan-Gang , Peng Hao-Ran , Ren Rui-Wen , Zhao Ping , Zhao Lan-Juan
Published: July 2024

Background

West Nile virus (WNV) is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne virus accounted for neuroinvasive diseases. An insight into WNV-host factors interaction is necessary for development of therapeutic approaches against WNV infection. CD11b has key biological functions and been identified as a therapeutic target for several human diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CD11b was implicated in WNV infection.

Methods

SH-SY5Y cells with and without MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 or AKT inhibitor MK-2206 treatment were infected with WNV. CD11b mRNA levels were assessed by real-time PCR. WNV replication and expression of stress (ATF6 and CHOP), pro-inflammatory (TNF-α), and antiviral (IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ) factors were evaluated in WNV-infected SH-SY5Y cells with CD11b siRNA transfection. Cell viability was determined by MTS assay.

Results

CD11b mRNA expression was remarkably up-regulated by WNV in a time-dependent manner. U0126 but not MK-2206 treatment reduced the CD11b induction by WNV. CD11b knockdown significantly decreased WNV replication and protected the infected cells. CD11b knockdown markedly increased TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ mRNA expression induced by WNV. ATF6 mRNA expression was reduced upon CD11b knockdown following WNV infection.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that CD11b is involved in maintaining WNV replication and modulating inflammatory as well as antiviral immune response, highlighting the potential of CD11b as a target for therapeutics for WNV infection.
An ensemble deep learning models approach using image analysis for cotton crop classification in AI-enabled smart agriculture
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Farrukh , Khanzada Tariq J. S. , Aslam Muhammad Ahtisham , Hussain Shehroz , Baowidan Souad Ahmad , Ashari Rehab Bahaaddin
Published: July 2024

Background

Agriculture is one of the most crucial assets of any country, as it brings prosperity by alleviating poverty, food shortages, unemployment, and economic instability. The entire process of agriculture comprises many sectors, such as crop cultivation, water irrigation, the supply chain, and many more. During the cultivation process, the plant is exposed to many challenges, among which pesticide attacks and disease in the plant are the main threats. Diseases affect yield production, which affects the country’s economy. Over the past decade, there have been significant advancements in agriculture; nevertheless, a substantial portion of crop yields continues to be compromised by diseases and pests. Early detection and prevention are crucial for successful crop management.

Methods

To address this, we propose a framework that utilizes state-of-the-art computer vision (CV) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, specifically deep learning (DL), for detecting healthy and unhealthy cotton plants. Our approach combines DL with feature extraction methods such as continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and fast Fourier transform (FFT). The detection process involved employing pre-trained models such as AlexNet, GoogLeNet, InceptionV3, and VGG-19. Implemented models performance was analysed based on metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-Score, and Confusion matrices. Moreover, the proposed framework employed ensemble learning framework which uses averaging method to fuse the classification score of individual DL model, thereby improving the overall classification accuracy.

Results

During the training process, the framework achieved better performance when features extracted from CWT were used as inputs to the DL model compared to features extracted from FFT. Among the learning models, GoogleNet obtained a remarkable accuracy of 93.4% and a notable F1-score of 0.953 when trained on features extracted by CWT in comparison to FFT-extracted features. It was closely followed by AlexNet and InceptionV3 with an accuracy of 93.4% and 91.8% respectively. To further improve the classification accuracy, ensemble learning framework achieved 98.4% on the features extracted from CWT as compared to feature extracted from FFT.

Conclusion

The results show that the features extracted as scalograms more accurately detect each plant condition using DL models, facilitating the early detection of diseases in cotton plants. This early detection leads to better yield and profit which positively affects the economy.
Efficacy and safety of different polymyxin-containing regimens for the treatment of pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yi , Wang Guizhong , Zhao Ying , Chen Weijia , Chen Xuyan , Qiu Yuqi , Liu Yuanyu , Wu Shuqi , Guan Jianbin , Chang Ping , Liu Yong , Liu Zhanguo
Published: July 2024

Background

The optimal administration of polymyxins for treating multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial (MDR-GNB) pneumonia remains unclear. This study aimed to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of three polymyxin-containing regimens by conducting a comprehensive network meta-analysis.

Methods

We comprehensively searched nine databases. Overall mortality was the primary outcome, whereas the secondary outcomes encompassed microbial eradication rate, clinical success, acute kidney injury, and incidence of bronchospasm. Extracted study data were analyzed by pairwise and network meta-analyses. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool and the Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS‐I) assessment tool were used to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials and cohort studies, respectively.

Results

This study included 19 observational studies and 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), encompassing 3318 patients. Six studies with high risk of bias were excluded from the primary analysis. In the pairwise meta-analysis, compared to the intravenous (IV) polymyxin-containing regimen, the intravenous plus inhaled (IV + IH) polymyxin-containing regimen showed a significant decrease in overall mortality, while no statistically significant difference was found in the inhaled (IH) polymyxin-containing regimen. The network meta-analysis indicated that the IV + IH polymyxin-containing regimen had significantly lower overall mortality (OR 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.88), higher clinical success rate (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.20–3.00), better microbial eradication rate (OR 2.70; 95% CI 1.90–3.90) than the IV polymyxin-containing regimen, and significantly better microbial eradication rate when compared with the IH polymyxin-containing regimen (OR 2.30; 95% CI 1.30–4.20). Furthermore, compared with IV + IH and IV polymyxin-containing regimens, the IH polymyxin-containing regimen showed a significant reduction in acute kidney injury.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that among the three administration regimens, the IV + IH polymyxin-containing regimen may be the most effective for treating MDR-GNB pneumonia, with a significantly lower overall mortality compared to the IV regimen and a considerably higher microbial eradication rate compared to the IH regimen. The IH regimen may be considered superior to the IV regimen due to its substantially lower incidence of acute kidney injury, even though the reduction in overall mortality was not significant.
Factors affecting decisions of an HMO Drug Exemptions Committee on individual patient requests for coverage of non-formulary drugs
Authors: Topol Yael , Weiss Lior , Lomnicky Yossi , Yifrach-Damari Inbal , Markovits Noa , Loebstein Ronen , Gueta Itai
Published: July 2024

Background

In Israel, coverage of health needs is delivered by four health maintenance organizations (HMOs), which are budgeted by the government according to the recommendations of the National Drug Formulary (NDF) Committee. For medications not listed in the NDF, individuals may request to cover the costs by the HMO Exemptions Committee (DEC). The objectives of the current study, a first of its kind, are to document the DEC decision process, to identify its components and to determine the decisions’ clinical outcome.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all members (≥ age 18) of the Maccabi Healthcare Service (MHS) who submitted a request to the DEC between June 2017 and December 2018. Collected data include patient demographics, clinical information and components of the decision process. Decision success (i.e., clinical outcome correlated with DEC decision) was determined by clinical outcome over at least one-year follow-up.

Results

A total of 335 requests were included. Strong evidence and rare disease were positively associated with approvals, while the availability of alternative treatments and costs were negatively associated. The majority of decisions (75%) met predicted clinical outcomes. Only estimated costs were found to be associated with decision success.

Conclusions

Factors that reduce the potential costs of a requested drug are significantly associated with higher odds for drug approval, but only when the evidence supports potential benefit.
Traditional alcoholic beverages of the Bonda tribe in Odisha, India: evidence from the field
Authors: Sahoo Pradeep Kumar , Badanayak Sada , Patra Prasanna Kumar , Chinara Mitali
Published: July 2024

Traditional alcoholic-beverages have been used by the tribes since ages. Bonda is one of the 62 Schedule Tribes and 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Odisha, who reside in the southern part of the state. Historically, a number of traditional alcohols have been produced by the Bonda which is consumed widely and used in the socio-economic and cultural events. Current times evidence the production and use of traditional alcohols gradually giving way to modern alcoholic drinks. In this context this paper tries to document different types of traditional alcohols produced, consumed and used by the Bonda along with its various impacts on the individual drinker and the society. The data were collected through community-based research in four villages under Khairaput block of Malkangiri, Odisha. The study found that 23 types of traditional alcohols are produced by the Bonda households, who derive economic security there from. However, the production, consumption and use of traditional alcohols are on the decline with the gradual increase of foreign liquor and this paper suggests institutional support for the clean production and marketing of traditional alcohols of the Bonda tribe.
High dynamic range land wavefield reconstruction from randomized acquisition
Authors: Pawelec Iga , Sava Paul
Published: July 2024

Compressive sensing (CS) is an alternative to regular Shannon sampling that captures similar information from reduced measurements. It relies on randomized sampling patterns and a sparse data representation to reconstruct the regularly sampled object. CS is an important ingredient in affordable seismic acquisition, which can lead to improvements in the near-surface mapping and noise suppression for land data. However, the near surface traps most of the source-generated energy, resulting in data that are rich in high-wavenumber content and have amplitudes spanning several orders of magnitude. When dealing with such high dynamic range nonstationary data, the Fourier domain is not optimal for providing a sparse representation — a necessary condition for successful application of CS. In contrast, a discrete complex wavelet transform can localize high-energy features, has good directional selectivity, and is near-shift invariant. Combined, these properties allow complex wavelets to represent detail-rich wavefields in a compact form. To leverage these features and achieve good CS reconstructions, we develop a scale- and orientation-dependent iterative soft thresholding (IST) scheme for reconstructing high dynamic range wavefields. Our approach requires little parameterization, is easy to implement, and is robust to reconstructed wavefield sampling grid and dynamic range. We test IST on different wavefields with randomly missing traces and compare the data reconstructions with the spectral projected gradient solver and projection onto convex sets. We quantify the reconstructions by a direct comparison of Fourier coefficients between fully sampled and reconstructed wavefields. Taking log10 of Fourier coefficients prior to computing the quality metric deemphasizes the importance of magnitude match while highlighting Fourier coefficient support accuracy, which usually translates into good structural fidelity of reconstructed data. We find that IST performs consistently among all examples, yielding good phase match while performing gentle denoising.