bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquatic Oligochaetes of Iraq's Southern Marshes
Authors: Jaweir Haifa J. , Sabtie Hussein A. , Almukhtar Emaduldeen A.
Published: March 2024

Aquatic Oligochaetes community in the Iraqi southern marshes, Al- Hawiezah, Al-Chibayish and Al-Hammar, have been studied for the period from July 2006 to June 2007. Two sites within each marsh, in addition to a reference site located at Shatt Al-Garma, have been chosen for sample collection using Ekman dredge. The results revealed that the highest average annual density was 16800 individual / m2 recorded in Al-Hawiezah marsh, while in Al-Chibayish and al-Hammar marsh the density did not exceed 5111 individual/m2. In contrast, the density of Oligochaetes recorded in Shatt Al-Garma was about 10500 individual / m2. The highest monthly density was recorded in April 2007.The highest local percentage occurrence was 96% recorded in Al-Hawiezah marsh, while the highest average monthly percentage occurrence was recorded in January 2007.The study revealed the presence of 19 Oligochaetes species belonging to 14 genera and 4 families. Naididae was represented by 8 spp.; Tubuficidae 8 spp.; Lumbriculidae 2 spp. and Lumbricidae 1 spp. Tubificid worms formed about 73% of the total count while Naididae formed 15%, Lumbriculidae 8% and Lumbricidae 4%.Among Tubificidae, Limnodrilus was the most abundant genus composed about 35% of L. hoffmeisteri; 11.5% L. claparedianus; 8% L. profundicola and 4.7% L. maumeensis, followed by Tubifex tubifex 23%. Other species were Branchuira sowerbyi formed 15%; 2.8 and 2 % for Peloscolex velutinus and Aulodrilus pigueti respectively. Naididae worms comprised 8 species including 32% of Dero digitata, 24% of Nais variabilis, 14% of Amphichaeta sp. and 11% of each of D.obtuse and Pristina longiseta. However, D. dorsalis represented only 7.5% of the total Naididae. Few individuals of B. sowerbyi and Lumbriculus variegates, with two regenerated parts at the posterior end were also detected in some samples. This case was considered a rare observation within the population of these worms in this particular area.
The Effect of Aqueous Extract of Citrullius colocynthis Seeds on Cellular Immunity
Authors: Abbas Ali Hafedh
Published: March 2024

The aqueous extract of Citrullius colocynthis dried seeds (160 ?g/ml) was in vitro evaluated for its effect on phagocytic index (PI) and lymphocyte transformation index (LTI) of blood cells obtained from 30 apparently healthy blood donors (15 males and 15 females). The PI was further in vivo evaluated in cells of peritone, spleen and liver of mice treated with the extract at a dose of 0.64 mg/kg. The results revealed that in in vitro study, phagocytic cells treated with the extract showed a significant increased percentage as compared with untreated cells (60.0 vs. 44.1%). Phagocytes obtained from peritone (44.1 vs. 30.0%) and spleen (45.6 vs. 39.6 %) of treated and untreated mice behaved in a similar manner, while liver phagocytes showed no significant difference between PI of immunological function of the investigated cells, and may use as therapeutic agent. treated and untreated mice. For LTI, cultures I and II shared an approximated mean (70.0 and 68.0%, respectively), but both indices were significantly higher than the recorded LTI in culture III (54.0%). These findings suggest that the plant extract is effective in enhancing the
Estimation of Testosterone, Estradiol and some Markers in Sera of Iraqi Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Authors: Khaleel Fayhaa M , AL-Shammri Ihsan A , Mohammed Nour AL-Huda G.
Published: March 2024

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common disease and major cause of morbidity in elderly men which may lead to bladder outflow obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Although sex steroid hormones play fundamental roles in prostate growth, their clinical significance is not completely clear. In the present study we assessed whether serum hormones levels as markers of prostate disease. This study includes (40) patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy and (40) control group with age rang (41-79) and (42-71) years respectively. The following biochemical investigations have been studied: Testosterone, Estradiol (E2), and Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) levels using ELISA method which correlated with the disease. Also body mass index (BMI), the prostate size by digital rectal examination (DRE), flow rate, and American Urology Association Symptoms Index (AUASI), of the patients which correlate hormones levels with age. The testosterone concentrations were significantly lower in patients with BPH than control group (p?0.05), while the Estradiol and PSA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with BPH than control group (p?0.05). The net result is a significant decrease in the T/E2 ratio allowing the imbalance between androgens and estrogen regulation of prostate growth to shift towards estrogen dominance. It has been proposed that increased estrogenic stimulation of the prostate in the aging male may lead to reactivation of growth and subsequent hyperplasia transformation
Study of Naidid worms community associated with two species of aquatic plants in River Tigris inside Baghdad City / Iraq
Authors: Jaweir Haifa J. , Salman Manar D.
Published: March 2024

The present study is concern with the interaction between the naidid worms diversity and the species of aquatic plant within which the worms found . For this purpose, two species of aquatic plant were used, Ceratophyllum demersum and Eichhornia crassipes. 12 samples of aquatic plants were collected , as one sample monthly for a period from September 2012 to September 2013 from different site on Tigris river within Baghdad City.
From C. demersum, 1428 individuals, were sorted during the study period, related to 17 species. 12 species of subfamily Naidinae which are Chaetogaster limnaei , C. diastrophus , Ophidonais serpentine , Dero ( Dero) digitata. , D.(D.) evelinae , Nais pseudobtosa , N.simplex, N.stolci , N.Paradalis , N.elingius , N. variabilis and N. communis. In addition to five species of subfamily Pristininae, two species of Pristina , which are P. longiseta and . P. aequiseta, and three species of pristinella, which are P. . Jenkinae , P. sima , and P. osborni. Dero ( Dero) digitata was recorded the higher number of 430 individuals,with a percentage of 28.11% of the total sorted worms.
About the aquatic plant Eichhornia crassipes, a total of 829 worms were sorted from it, which are related to six species of Naidinae , which are diaphanous , Ophidonais serpentine, Stylaria lacustris , Slavina appendiculata , N. variabilis and finally the species Allonais inaequalis. There was no any species of Pristininae sorted from this plant. The highest number of 467 individuals was recorded by the species Slavina appendiculata, with a percentage of 52.3% of the total number and 228 individual with a percentage of 25.5% was recorded by Allonais inaequalis.
Synthesis and Characterization of Some Metal Complexes with their Sulfamethoxazoleand 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl and study Cytotoxic Effect on Hep-2 Cell Line
Authors: Alias Mahasin F. , AbdulHassan Maysoon M.
Published: March 2024

The ligand 4-amino-N-(5-methylisoxazole-3-yl)-benzene-sulfonamide(L1) (as a chelating ligand) was treated with Pd(II),Pt (IV) and Au(III) ions in alcoholic medium in order to prepare a series of new metal complexes. Mixed ligand complexes of this primary ligand were prepared in alcoholic medium in presence of the co-ligand 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridyl(L2) with Cu(II) ,Pd(II) and Au(III) ions. The complexes were characterized in solid state using flame atomic absorption, elemental analysis C.H.N.S, FT-IR, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The nature of some complexes formed in ethanolic solution has been studied following the molar ratio method, also stability constant was studied and the complexes found to be stable in molar ratio1:1.an octahedral geometry was suggested for PdL1L2, PtL1and AuL1L2 complexes, square planar was suggested for AuL1 and PdL1complexes,while CuL1L2 complex has a square pyramidal geometry. Cytotoxic effect of theprepared complexes as well as ligands was evaluated against Hep-2 cell line using four different concentrations (625, 1250, 2500&5000 µg/ml) respectively in an exposure time 48 hrs comparing this effect with control positive Cis-Pt as reference drug. The obtained results refers to the higher inhibition rates of all complexes and their ligands and ligand (L1) and its complexes give more activity against tested cell than ligand (L2) and its complexes comparable with control positive .
The lncRNA SNHG26 drives the inflammatory-to-proliferative state transition of keratinocyte progenitor cells during wound healing
Authors: Li Dongqing , Li Li , Pan Ling , Kong Lingzhuo , Xiao Yunting , Wang Jiating , Zhang Xiya , Liu Zhuang , Zhang Letian , Bian Xiaowei , Chen Yongjian , Luo Lihua , Toma Maria , Piipponen Minna , Sommar Pehr , Landén Ning Xu , wu Jianmin , Wang Wang
Published: March 2024

The cell transitionfrom an inflammatory phase to a subsequent proliferative phase is crucial for wound healing, yet the driving mechanism remains unclear. By profiling lncRNA expression changesduring human skin wound healing and screening lncRNA functions, we identifiedSNHG26 as a pivotal regulator in keratinocyte progenitors underpinning this phase transition. Snhg26-deficient mice exhibited impaired wound repair characterized by delayed re-epithelization accompanied by exacerbated inflammation. Single-cell transcriptome analysis combined with gain-of-function and loss-of-function of SNHG26 in vitro and ex vivorevealed its specific role in facilitating inflammatory-to-proliferative state transition of keratinocyte progenitors. A mechanistic study unraveled that SNHG26interacted withand relocated the transcription factor ILF2 from inflammatory genomic loci, such as JUN, IL6, IL8, and CCL20, to the genomic locus of LAMB3. Collectively, our findings suggest that lncRNAs play cardinal roles in expediting tissue repair and regeneration and may constitute an invaluable reservoir of therapeutic targets in reparative medicine.
Machine Learning Regression and Optimal Neural Network Models for Prediction of Compressive Strength of High Strength Self-Compacting Concrete - A Comparative Study
Authors: PRASAD D S RAJENDRA Prasad D , H SIDDESHA , EMANI PAVAN KUMAR , D Sharma H
Published: March 2024

This paper makes an attempt to provide an insight into studies of Machine learning Regression and Optimal Neural Network Model for prediction of Compressive Strength of High Strength Self-Compacting Concrete using Project Site testing results. We use these models, as they are time and cost-effective to gather data and to predict the incident itself, or, more likely, because the incident will occur in some future time. Prediction of Compressive Strength of High Strength Self-Compacting Concrete (HSSCC) for 7days, 28 days, 56days and 90days based on design mix parameters is implemented in this work by adopting an Optimal Neural Network model. An Information Criterion (AIC) algorithm along with the golden search algorithm were applied progressively till the optimal network with a minimum AIC was found. Machine learning Multiple Regression models are also developed to predict Compressive Strength of concrete from one or more design mix variables. The Regression equations are developed for computing the compressive strength of concrete based on the 9 input design mix parameters. The results of the models were encouraging and found to be reliable.
Quantifying Urban Flood Extent Using Satellite Imagery and Random Forest: A Case Study in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Composto Rebecca , Tulbure Mirela G , Tiwari Varun , Gaines Mollie D. , Caineta Júlio
Published: March 2024

The risk of floods from tropical storms is increasing due to climate change and human development. Maps of past flood extents can aid in planning and mitigation efforts to decrease flood risk. In 2021, Hurricane Ida slowed over the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States and released unprecedented rainfall. Satellite imagery and the Random Forest algorithm are a reliable combination to map flood extents. However, this combination is not usually applied to urban areas. We used Sentinel-2 imagery (10 m), along with derived indices, elevation, and land cover data, as inputs to a Random Forest model to make a new flood extent for southeastern Pennsylvania. The model was trained and validated with a dataset created with input from PlanetScope imagery (3 m) and social media posts related to the flood event. The overall accuracy of the model is 99%, and the flood class had a user’s and producer’s accuracy each over 99%. We then compared the flood extent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood zones at the county and tract level and found that more flooding occurred in the Minimal Hazard zone than in the 500-year flood zone. Our Random Forest model relies on publicly available data and software to efficiently and accurately make a flood extent map that can be deployed to other urban areas. Flood extent maps like the one developed here can help decision-makers focus efforts on recovery and resilience.
WITHDRAWN: A Novel Approach for Intrusion Detection System based on Adaptable Variable Homomorphic Mac for Network Coding Enabled Small Cells
Authors: Nabi Faisal , Jabeen Farah
Published: March 2024

For 5G networks, which can cover metropolitan regions by being installed on demand across all devices, anywhere, at any time, network coding-enabled mobile small cells are seen as a viable solution. Since intermediary nodes might alter packets while they are in route, pollution attacks present a security risk. Discovering infected packets is inevitable. Transport packets can be altered by means of the intermediary nodes. At the receiver's end, incorrect decoding will inevitably result in the detection of tainted packets. In an environment with NC enabled tiny cells, a newly proposed MAC based intrusion detection system efficiently identifies tainted packets.
Wood anatomy of Tabaroa, a monotypic papilionoid legume genus narrowly endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga seasonally dry tropical forests
Authors: Silva Marcelo dos Santos , Burris Daisy , Sacramento Cássia , Silva Lazaro Benedito da , Cardoso Domingos
Published: March 2024

Wood anatomy can serve as a source of phylogenetically informative characteristics, as well as a model of how more plastic characters have evolved over time in plants, e.g., through ancestral reconstructions of wood anatomical traits across well-resolved phylogenies. However, the evolution of wood anatomy is largely unexplored within a phylogenetic context due to limited availability of anatomical data across taxa. When compared with other angiosperm families, Leguminosae is relatively well-documented, yet it still lacks comprehensive wood anatomical information, particularly in undersampled papilionoid clades. In order to contribute to the understanding of micromorphological diversity across papilionoid legumes, we newly characterize the wood anatomy of Tabaroa caatingicola, a papilionoid species narrowly endemic to the Brazilian Caatinga seasonally dry tropical forests, that has been molecularly placed in the poorly anatomically studied tribe Brongniartieae. Optical histology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine and describe the wood anatomy of T. caatingicola and compare it with six phylogenetically related Brongniartieae genera: Amphiodon, Behaimia, Haplormosia, Harpalyce, Limadendron, and Poecilanthe. Wood anatomy of Tabaroa suggests adaptations to the irregular rainfall of the harsh Caatinga environment, featuring distinct growth rings, prone to semi-ring-porous wood, multiple narrow vessels, simple perforation plates, and small and vestured pits. These traits increase water flow during abundance and ensure hydraulic safety during scarcity, minimizing embolism formation and spread. By focusing on the genus Tabaroa, an ecologically distinctive and evolutionarily isolated lineage, this study contributes to the understanding of the systematic and functional wood anatomy variation in the papilionoid legume tribe Brongniartieae.
Association of infrastructure and operations with antibiotic resistance potential in the dairy environment
Authors: Singh Harshita , Bagra Kenyum , Dixit Sourabh , Singh Awanish Kumar , Singh Gargi
Published: March 2024

We investigated the link between infrastructure and operations and the levels of antibiotic resistance potential within the dairy farm environment in India, which is the highest producer and consumer of dairy products. We sampled sixteen dairy farms in the Dehradun district, India, that varied in their herd size, infrastructure, and operational features during winter, summer, and monsoon. We collected dung, manure, wastewater, manure-amended and control soil samples from these farms. We quantified six antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs)[1] (sul1, sul2, parC, mcr5, ermF, and tetW), an integron integrase gene cassette (intI1), and 16S rRNA gene copies as an indicator for total bacterial count. We observed that with increased ventilation in the farm that exposed the animals to external weather, the levels of sul2 (x͂=10-1.63) and parC (x͂=10-4.24) in manure increased. Farms with textured floor types like brick and cement floors had higher levels of ermF in dung (x͂=10-4.36) and parC in manure (x͂=10-4.18) than farms with rubber mat-lined floors. When farmers prescribed antibiotic therapy without contacting any veterinary professional the relative levels of intI1 (x͂=10-2.36), sul2 (x͂=10-1.58) and tetW (x͂=10-3.04) in manure were lower than the cases where professional advice was involved. Small-scale farms had lower relative ARG levels than medium- and large-scale farms, except for mcr5 (x͂=10-3.98) in wastewater. The relative ARG levels trended as: manure-amended soil (x͂=10-2.34) and control soil (x͂=10-2.24)> wastewater (x͂=10-2.90)> manure (x͂=10-3.39)> dung (x͂=10-2.54); and summer (x͂=10-2.91) and monsoon (x͂=10-2.75) > winter (x͂=10-3.38). Significant positive correlations were observed between specific ARGs and the intI1: dung (sul1 (ρ=0.88); sul2 (ρ=0.94)), manure (sul2 (ρ=0.87); ermF (ρ=0.53)), wastewater (sul1 (ρ=0.74); sul2 (ρ=0.66); parC (ρ=0.37); ermF (ρ=0.52)), and manure-amended soil (sul1 (ρ=0.73); sul2 (ρ=0.77); parC (ρ=0.32); ermF (ρ=0.46).
Immunogenicity and efficacy studies of Endo H in vivo deglycosylated Protective Antigen from Bacillus anthracis as a vaccine candidate against anthrax
Authors: Mamedov Tarlan , Gun Nilufer , Gulec Burcu , Khozeini Hemra , Ungor Rifat , Yuksel Damla , Arslan Ahmet , Dilik Zahide , Deniz Deha Ali , Goven Nejdet , Mammadova Gulshan , Hasanova Gulnara
Published: March 2024

Protective antigen (PA) of B. anthracis is a key component of the anthrax toxin and have been demonstrated as a main immunogenic in the development of subunit vaccine against anthrax. However, the use of recombinant PA (rPA) as a vaccine candidate has faced challenges due to its inherent chemical instability, associated with the spontaneous deamidation of multiple asparagine (Asn) residues in PA molecule. We hypothesized that Endo H in vivo deglycosylated PA83 (dPA83(E)) may be an ideal candidate for PA83-based vaccine development because this technology could eliminate the deamidation of asparagine residues in the PA83 molecule and allow the production of PA83 protein in a deglycosylated, native-like form. In this study, we conducted immunogenicity and challenge efficacy studies of dPA83(E) antigen. We show that plant-produced dPA83(E) antigen demonstrated superior properties over PNGase F in vivo deglycosylated or glycosylated PA83 counterparts and elicited high toxin neutralizing antibody titers in mice and guinea pigs. Furthermore, a single administration of this vaccine candidate protected guinea pigs 100% from fatal B. anthracis infection. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Endo H in vivo enzymatic deglycosylated PA83 is a promising candidate for the development of cost-effective, safe, stable, and highly immunogenic vaccine against anthrax.
Analysis of Kinetic Signal Undergoing Gait Training with the Lokomat Exoskeleton after Complete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Xie Wenkai , Wei Penghu , Song Weiqun , Tang Yi , Liu Lin , Wang Yanzhao , Sun Chenxi , Wang Changming , Zhao Guo-Guang
Published: March 2024

Patients suffering from spinal cord injuries predominantly depend on exoskeleton robots for assistance in gait retraining. This dependency intensifies for individuals with complete spinal cord injuries.Utilizing a Lokomat exoskeleton, the research analyzed time-domain and frequency-domain signal characteristics of walking tasks in eight spinal cord injury patients (ASIA A grade) and compared them with 12 healthy individuals. The study introduced time–frequency analysis and torque difference of gait period (TDGP) to evaluate patient performance, revealing significant differences in both knee and hip joint movements. High- and low-frequency wavelet coefficients showed considerable distinctions between the spinal cord injury group and the control group, demonstrating the potential of these methods in assessing rehabilitation progress. The results suggest that time–frequency analysis and TDGP can effectively differentiate between the rehabilitation outcomes of patients with complete spinal cord injuries and healthy subjects, offering new insights into the assessment of exoskeleton-assisted walking rehabilitation.
Factors influencing engagement of at-risk individuals in cytomegalovirus vaccine clinical trials: insights from the USA
Authors: Penlington Michael , Alsdurf Hannah , VanSeggelen Heather , Nicolay Uwe , Scheuerle Rebekah , Reid Michel , Panackal Anil
Published: March 2024

Background
To evaluate the willingness of US females of childbearing age, including high-risk groups, to participate in a CMV vaccine trial.
Methods
Two surveys, involving 238 and 680 females aged 18–49, assessed the impact of information sheets on willingness to participate in a CMV vaccine trial. The original survey studied the influence of information based on a CMV informed consent form. Following the finding that this Fact Sheet reduced willingness to enroll, an amended survey assessed the impact of different types of information on willingness to enroll.
Results
The first Fact Sheet decreased participation likelihood in both surveys (p = 0.055; p = 0.0139), while two more concise Fact Sheets significantly increased willingness to participate (p < 0.001 for both). Overall, 93% of respondents were generally aware of clinical research, but only 35% familiar with CMV. CMV awareness was highest in those currently or recently pregnant (overall, p < 0.001) and was moderately correlated to the willingness of enrollment in a CMV trial (rho = 0.3392, 2-sided p < 0.001). Greater percentages of participants who were initially marginally hesitant to enroll indicated they would be quite or very likely to participate after reading the concise Fact Sheets than those with greater baseline hesitancy. The willingness to participate in a CMV trial among Black/African Americans and those living with younger children did not increase after being informed of their specific higher risk from CMV.
Conclusions
Concise, relevant disease and risk information, informs willingness to enroll in CMV vaccine trials. However, dilution with information that does not resonate with readers may discourage those with the most to gain from clinical research participation.
Preoperative measurement and analysis of femoral bone canals designed by 3D modelling in lateral extra-articular tenodesis
Authors: Yu Guangwen , Xiang Xiaobing , Liu Wengang , Chen Jianfa , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: March 2024

Background: The anterolateral ligament of the knee joint is an important structure for maintaining rotational stability. Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) has attracted increasing attention. At present, this technique is a hot topic in the study of anterior cruciate ligament revision.
Objective: Considering that the design of the LET bone canal is the key to successful surgery, a safe zone of the LET bone canal was created through computer-aided preoperative planning.
Methods: Mimics 20.0 was used to conduct three-dimensional modelling of the femur and ACL bone canal. The LET bone canal before surgery was designed by Imageware 13.2. A safe zoom where the bone canal did not overlap with the ACL bone canal, trochlea of the femur, and anterior cartilage of the femoral lateral condyle was used, and the spatial relationship between the safe zoom and the femoral internal condyle was quantified.
Results: In all 13 patients, the spherical surface did not overlap with the trochlea of the femur or the anterior cartilage of the lateral condyle of the femur. The sphere overlapped with the ACL canal in 13 patients. The safe zoom was the front of the internal condyle of the femur, and the closest distance from the zoom to the internal condyle of the femur was 9.4802±6.8796 mm. The distance from the medial condyle of the femur to the intersection formed by the line from the most anterior edge of the medial edge of the femoral condyle cartilage surface to the medial condyle and the safety plane was 14.2493±12.1392 mm. The distance from the medial condyle of the femur to the intersection formed by the line from the most inferior edge of the medial edge of the femoral condyle cartilage surface to the femoral condyle and the safety plane was 11.8494±8.7796 mm. In a single case, the shortest distance between the exit needle point and the interface of the safe area was 37.9224 mm.
Conclusion: Computer-aided 3D modelling of the preoperative femoral bone canal design of LET can be used to quantify the spatial relationship between the exit needle points and the medial condyle of the femur, accurately plan the route of the LET bone canal, and effectively reduce the probability of LET canal and ACL bone canal overlap.
Discrepancies in Walking Speed Measurements Post-Bed-Rest: A Comparative Analysis of Real-World vs. Laboratory Assessments
Authors: Grassi Marcello , Ritzmann Ramona , Straten Fiona Von Der , Böcker Jonas , Mittag Uwe , Mulder Edwin , Daumer Martin , Rittweger Jörn
Published: March 2024

Understanding differences between real-world walking speed (RWS) and laboratory-measured walking speed (LWS) is crucial for comprehensive mobility assessments, especially in context of prolonged immobilization. This study aimed to investigate disparities in walking speed following a 60-day bed-rest period. In eleven male subjects, RWS was continuously monitored using a tri-axial accelerometer worn on the waist, while LWS was assessed via a 10-meter walk test at preferred speed, on three different study days after immobilization. Statistical analyses included Bland-Altman and Pearson's correlation to evaluate agreement between RWS and LWS, alongside paired-sample t-tests and univariate linear regression models to assess significance of differences and temporal effects on gait speed. Results of Bland-Altman analysis showed no agreement between RWS and LWS (mean difference 0.77 m/s) and nonsignificant correlation (r = 0.19, p-value = 0.3). Paired-sample t-tests indicated significantly lower RWS compared to LWS for all study days (p-value < 0.001). Univariate linear regression models demonstrated a significant effect of test day on RWS (p-value < 0.001) but not on LWS (p-value = 0.23). These findings emphasize the importance of integrating both assessments to capture comprehensive mobility changes following prolonged periods of inactivity. Particularly significant is that RWS is constantly lower than LWS, with the former being more representative as it reflects what normally participants would do when not under observation. Lastly, understanding discrepancies between RWS and LWS would allow for more appropriate rehabilitation programs to speed up recovery while simultaneously keeping the rehabilitation safe and tailored.
Proteomic analysis reveals dynamic changes in cloacal fluid composition during the reproductive season in a sexually promiscuous passerine
Authors: Míčková Kristýna , Jelínek Václav , Tomášek Oldřich , Stopková Romana , Stopka Pavel , Albrecht Tomáš
Published: March 2024

Cryptic female choice is a component of postcopulatory sexual selection that allows females to select the most suitable partner to fertilize their eggs. While its precise mechanisms remain unclear, they may involve the influence of the protein composition of the female reproductive fluids on sperm functionality. This study maps the protein composition of the cloacal fluid across different phases of female reproductive cycle in a sexually promiscuous passerine, the barn swallow. Similar to mammals, the protein composition in the female reproductive tract differed between receptive (when females copulate) and nonreceptive phases. With the change in the protein background, the enriched gene ontology terms also shifted. Within the receptive phase, distinctions were observed between proteomes sampled just before and during egg laying. However, three proteins exhibited increased abundance during the entire receptive phase compared to nonreceptive phases. These proteins can be considered as candidates in cryptic female choice, as all of them can influence the functionality of sperm or sperm-egg interaction. Our study demonstrates dynamic changes in the cloacal environment throughout the avian breeding cycle, emphasizing the importance of considering these fluctuations in studies of cryptic female choice.
Haemoglobinopathies and Other Rare Anemias in Spain: Ten Years of a Nationwide Registry (Rehem-ar)
Authors: Sanchez Jose Manuel Marco , Cancho Eduardo Jesus Bardon , Beneitez David , Payan-Pernia Salvador , Gimbert Anna Collado , Ruiz-Llobet Anna , Salinas Jose Antonio , Sebastian Elena , Argiles Bienvenida , Bermudez Mar , Vazquez Maria Angeles , Ortega Maria Jose , Rubio Montserrat Lopez , Gondra Ainhoa , Uriz Jose Javier , Morado Marta , Coll Maria Teresa , Duarte Monica Lopez , Baro Maria , Cervera Aurea , Recasens Valle , Blanes Carmen Garcia , Carcavilla Maria del Pozo , Tallon Maria , Espin Ana Gonzalez , Olteanu Francisco , Gonzalez Pablo , Mañu Mar , Cela Elena
Published: March 2024

REHem-AR was created in 2013. The progressive implementation of neonatal screening for haemoglobinopathies in Spanish autonomous communities where the registry had not been implemented, as well as the addition of new centres during this period, has considerably increased the sample of patients covered. In this study, we update our previous publication in this area, after a follow-up of more than 5 years. An observational, descriptive, multicentre and ambispective study of adult and paediatric patients with haemoglobinopathies and rare anaemias registered in REHem was performed. The data are from a cross-sectional analysis performed on 1 June, 2023. The study population comprised 1,756 patients, of whom 1,317 had SCD, 214 had thalassaemia and 224 were diagnosed with another condition. Slightly more than one third of SCD patients (37%) were diagnosed based on neonatal bloodspot screening, and the mean age at diagnosis was 2.5 years; 71% of thalassaemia patients were diagnosed based on the presence of anaemia. Vaso-occlusive crisis and acute chest syndrome continue to be the most frequent complications in SCD. HSCT was performed in 83 patients with SCD and in 50 patients with thalassaemia.
Since the previous publication, REHem-AR has grown in size by more than 500 cases. SCD and TM are less frequent in Spain than in other European countries, although the data show that rare anaemias are frequent within rare diseases. REHem-AR constitutes an important structure for following the natural history of rare anaemias and enables us to calculate investment needs for current and future treatments.
Effects of decongestion on nasal cavity air conditioning efficiency: a CFD cohort study
Authors: Xiao Qiwei , Bates Alister J. , Doorly Denis J.
Published: March 2024

Decongestion reduces blood flow in the nasal turbinates, enlarging the airway lumen. Although the enlarged airspace reduces the trans-nasal inspiratory pressure drop, symptoms of nasal obstruction may relate to nasal cavity air-conditioning. Thus, it is necessity to quantify how efficient nasal cavity conditioning the inhaled air. This study quantifies both overall and regional nasal air-conditioning in a cohort of 10 healthy subjects using computational fluid dynamics simulations before and after nasal decongestion. The 3D virtual geometry model was segmented from magnet resonance images (MRI). Each subject was under two MRI acquisitions before and after decongestion condition. The effects of decongestion on nasal cavity air conditioning efficiency were modelled at two inspiratory flowrates: 15 and 30 \(L.mi{n}^{-1}\) to represent restful and light exercise conditions. Results show inhaled air was both heated and humidified up to 90% of alveolar conditions at the posterior septum. The air-conditioning efficiency of the nasal cavity remained nearly constant between nostril and posterior septum but dropped significantly after posterior septum. In summary, decongestion not only reduce nasal cavity added heat by 23% and added moisture content by 19% to inhaled air, but also reduce the air-conditioning efficiency by 35% on average.
Integrated multi-omics analysis identifies novel risk loci for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the Chinese population
Authors: Chen Guo-Bo , Yao Xin-Meng , Ye Chengyin , Lin Feng , Li Chuanzhou , Fan Dongsheng , He Ji
Published: March 2024

DNA methylation can serve as proxies of (past) exposures and disease progression, as well as provide clues to reveal the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from the perspective of gene-environment interactions. Here, we conducted an epigenome-wide DNA methylation analysis in peripheral blood cells from 480 cases of ALS (203 had survival data) and 207 health controls of Han Chinese ancestry (Peking University Third Hospital ALS cohort, PUTH-ALS), whose genomic DNA methylation patterns were quantified using an Illumina Infinium Human Methylation450 Bead Chip. After rigorous quality control, we identified a number of differentially methylated positions (DMPs), 5 of which were of high confidence hypermethylated biomarkers in the PUTH-ALS cases, annotating to the genes ANKLE2, SSH2, CDC42BPB, ELAVL3, and CLEC14A. These five genes showed suppressed gene expression in the postmortem brain tissue expression profile from the New York Genomic Center ALS cohort. Furthermore, 3 DMPs (RRP1B, IL17RD, and FBXO11) associated with survival time in ALS cases were identified, suggesting that they could represent indicators of underlying disease processes potentially amenable to therapeutic interventions. We also identified a 27-loci signature that serves as an assessment of the risk of ALS based on abnormal methylation patterns, which has great potential to advance early clinical diagnosis in ALS (AUC of 0.861). Our study provides strong evidences that DNA methylation plays an important role in ALS pathogenesis, and the observed DNA methylation aberrations could potentially serve as valuable references for identifying diagnostic biomarkers.
Prognostic Impact of Dysnatremia in COVID-19 Pneumonia: Risk Stratification of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Das Madhumita , Phukan Angela , Kalita Madhab
Published: March 2024

Background
Severe dysnatremia is associated with poor prognosis and worse outcome and therefore needs more attention to unravel its relation with poor prognosis in patients admitted with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Aim of our study was to determine varying degree of dysnatremia among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and identify the clinical outcome associated with it.
Method
This is a retrospective record analysis study done on the hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Guwahati Neurological Research Centre Medical, North Guwahati. For every included patient, his or her medical records were extracted from a standardized electronic medical record collection system and scrutinised anonymously.
Results
COVID-19 positive participants were divided into four categories like, dysnatremic (serum sodium > 146 or < 134 mmol/L), hypernatremic (> 146 mmol/L), hyponatremic (< 134 mmol/L) and eunatremic (134 ‒ 146 mmol/L). Total 37.9% of the included COVID-19 participants exhibited dysnatremia compared to only 20% of the patients from the control group demonstrating a significant difference (p = 0.02). Hypernatremia was significantly high (p = 0.01) compared to hyponatremia among COVID-19 positive participants (27.7% vs 12.3%) and also turned out to be relatively severe with significantly high ICU admittance (p < 0.0001) and mortality rate (p = 0.01). Magnitude of dysnatremic patients showing aberration in the circulatory level of the other laboratory parameters was significantly high to that of eunatremic group with high fatality rate among hypernatremic. Both hyper and hyponatremic group demonstrated significantly high SOFA score but increased mortality risk, based on CURB 65 score and 2.35 fold increased probability of death was observed in hypernatremic group.
Conclusion
Dysnatremia, with special mention to hypernatremia, is associated with increased casualty rate, aberrant laboratory parameters and ICU admittance. This highlights the significance of considering dysnatremia as a predictive outcome marker and thus directs a correct path for appropriate management of COVID-19 patients.
Assessing land surface temperature variability over a large region: A temporal consistency approach using a single day satellite imagery
Authors: Rengma Nyenshu Seb , Yadav Manohar
Published: March 2024

Land surface temperature (LST) is a vital parameter in various scientific disciplines, including climate studies, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. This study focuses on the crucial parameter of LST and its diverse applications in understanding Earth's dynamic systems. The study addresses the limitations of traditional LST measurement methods and emphasizes the importance of satellite remote sensing for large-scale monitoring. It explores the impact of land use and land cover changes on LST, using machine learning algorithms to enhance accuracy. The research proposes a novel approach of capturing satellite data on a single day to achieve consistent atmospheric conditions, reducing uncertainties in LST estimations. A case study over Chandigarh city using Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Light Gradient Boosting Machine, and Random Forest (RF) reveals RF's superior performance in LST predictions during both summer and winter seasons. Building on these findings, the study extends its focus to Ranchi, demonstrating RF's robustness with impressive accuracy in capturing LST variations. The research contributes to bridging existing gaps in large-scale LST estimation methodologies, offering valuable insights for its diverse applications in understanding Earth's dynamic systems.
Electrically Conductive Gold Films Formed By Sintering of Gold Nanoparticles at Room Temperature Initiated by Ozone
Authors: Summers Paige K , Wuhrer Richard , McDonagh Andrew M.
Published: March 2024

Understanding and controlling the sintering behaviour of gold nanoparticles is important in the field of ligand-protected nanoparticles for their use as precursors for thin film fabrication. Lowering the temperature of the sintering event of gold nanoparticles by facilitating desorption of the ligand through oxidation can provide compatibility of sintered gold nanoparticle thin films onto heat sensitive substrates. Here we examine the processes by which 1-butanethiol-protected gold nanoparticles sinter under an ozone-rich environment. Upon heating, an ozone-rich environment significantly reduces the temperature of the sintering event when compared to sintering under ambient conditions. At room temperature, exposure to an ozone-rich environment induces sintering over a period of 2.5 hours. Upon exposure to ozone, the surface-bound butanethiyl ligands are oxidized to 1-butanesulfonic acid which facilitates sintering.
A New Approach to the Detection of Vertebrate Skeletons by Ground Penetrating Radars: An Example from the Ica Desert Fossil-Lagerstätte
Authors: Schettino Antonio , Ghezzi Annalisa , Collareta Alberto , Pierantoni Pietro Paolo , Tassi Luca , Celma Claudio
Published: March 2024

We present a technique for the detection of vertebrate skeletons and other very thin features buried at shallow depths through the use of a ground penetrating radar (GPR). The technique is based on the acquisition of high-resolution data by medium-to-high frequency GPR antennas. The obtained radar profiles are analyzed by a new forward modelling method that is applied on a set of representative traces. This approach allows to build reflectivity plots of the survey area, which include all the relevant information about the buried structures. In particular, it is possible to individuate specific sequences of reflectivity peaks that provide the signature of selected targets. An interesting application of the method to paleontological research was carried out by investigating a small area at the top of Cerro Los Quesos, one of the most fossiliferous localities in the Ica Desert of Peru. Here we acquired GPR data at the location of a partially buried fossil skeleton of a large whale and analyzed the reflections associated with the bones by the new technique, determining the possible signature of vertebrae, ribs, cranium (including the rostrum), and mandibles. Our results show that the technique is effective in the detection of tiny features, even below the classical (Ricker and Rayleigh) estimates of the vertical resolution of the antenna in civil engineering and forensic applications.
Effects of 5-HT 4 receptor antagonist in the caudate nucleus on the performance of macaques in a delayed reward task
Authors: Hori Yukiko , Iwaoki Haruhiko , Mimura Koki , Nagai Yuji , Higuchi Makoto , Minamimoto Takafumi
Published: March 2024

Temporal discounting, in which the recipient of a reward perceives the value of that reward to decrease with delay in its receipt, is associated with impulsivity and psychiatric disorders such as depression. Here, we investigate the role of serotonin 5-HT4 receptors (5-HT4R) in modulating temporal discounting in the macaque dorsal caudate nucleus (dCDh), the neurons of which have been shown to represent temporally discounted value. We first mapped the 5-HT4R distribution in macaque brains using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and confirmed dense expression of 5-HT4R in the dCDh. We then examined the effects of a specific 5-HT4R antagonist infused into the dCDh. Blockade of 5-HT4R significantly increased error rates in a goal-directed delayed reward task, indicating an increase in the rate of temporal discounting. This increase was specific to the 5-HT4R blockade because saline controls showed no such effect. The results demonstrate that 5-HT4Rs in the dCDh are involved in reward-evaluation processes, particularly in the context of delay discounting, and suggest that serotonergic transmission via 5-HT4R may be a key component in the neural mechanisms underlying impulsive decisions, potentially contributing to depressive symptoms.
Regulation of Primary Cilia Disassembly Through HUWE1-Mediated TTBK2 Degradation Plays a Crucial Role in Cerebellar Development and Medulloblastoma Growth
Authors: Wang Won-Jing , Lin I-Hsuan , Li Yue-Ru , Chang Chia-Hsiang , Cheng Yu-Wen , Wang Yu-Ting , Lin Pei-Yi , Kao Chien-Han , Su Ting-Yu , Hsu Chih-Sin , Ting Chien-Yi , Hsu Pang-Hung , Ayrault Olivier , Chung Bon-chu , Tsai Jin-Wu
Published: March 2024

The development of the cerebellum requires the precise regulation of granule neuron progenitor (GNP) proliferation. Although the necessity of primary cilia in supporting GNP proliferation is known, the exact molecular mechanism governing primary cilia dynamics within GNPs remains elusive. In this study, we elucidate the pivotal roles of the centrosomal kinase TTBK2 (Tau tubulin kinase-2) and E3 ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 in GNP proliferation. We found that TTBK2 is highly expressed in proliferating GNPs under Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling, coinciding with active GNP proliferation and the presence of primary cilia. TTBK2 stabilizes primary cilia by inhibiting its disassembly, thereby promoting GNP proliferation in response to SHH. Mechanistically, we identify HUWE1 as a novel centrosomal E3 ligase that facilitates primary cilia disassembly by targeting TTBK2 degradation. The disassembly of primary cilia serves as a trigger for GNP differentiation, allowing their migration from the external granule layer (EGL) of the cerebellum to the internal granule layer (IGL) for subsequent maturation. Moreover, we established a link between TTBK2 and SHH-type medulloblastoma (SHH-MB), a tumor characterized by uncontrolled GNP proliferation. Depletion of TTBK2 exerts inhibitory effects on SHH-MB proliferation, suggesting TTBK2 is a potential therapeutic target for this cancer. In summary, our findings elucidate the mechanism governing cerebellar development and propose a potential anti-cancer strategy for SHH-MB.
Chronic pain and post-traumatic stress in older patients with psychiatric disorders during the Covid- 19 pandemic: co-occurrence and influence of attachment and personality factors
Authors: Saint-Martin Hélène , Dorey Jean-Michel , Herrmann Mathieu , Laurent Bernard , Lebrun-Givois Cécile , Perrot Catherine , Edjolo Arlette , Ouss-Ryngaert Elisabeth , Pongan Elodie , Rouch Isabelle
Published: March 2024

Objectives
The Covid-19 pandemic context may have had numerous effects on the health of older patients with psychiatric disorders (PD), confronting them with a new source of stress and hindering their access to care. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effects of the pandemic on both chronic pain (CP) and post-traumatic stress (PTS); the comorbidity of the two disorders; and to identify common psychological risk factors.
Design:
Medical interviews were conducted during and after (12 and 18 months later) the first lockdown.
Setting:
The STERACOVID longitudinal cohort study, conducted in two French hospitals.
Participants:
71 patients aged 65 or over; treated in an outpatient psychiatric service; and free of major neurocognitive disorders.
Measurements:
Validated scales were used to assess CP; PTS; personality traits; attachment style; and coping strategies. χ² and Student's t-tests, analyses of variance and logistic regression were used to compare patients with or without CP and/or PTS, in terms of attachment styles, personality traits and coping strategies.
Results
CP and PTS were frequent and often co-occurring at T2. Fearful and preoccupied attachment styles and neurotic and extraverted personality traits were associated with the development of these two disorders; while coping strategies were not determinant.
Conclusions
Our study identified factors associated with a higher risk of developing CP and/or PTS in the pandemic context. Assessment of attachment style and personality traits in clinical routine could help identify patients who are most vulnerable to this type of stress, and prevent the development of disabling chronic conditions.