bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental studies for thin-layer model validation and microwave drying characteristics of manganese ore considering parameters optimization
Authors: Huang Weiwei , Zhou Ju , Tian Chunlan , Omran Mamdouh , Zhang Fan , Tang Ju , Chen Guo
Published: October 2023

The extraction and utilization of low-grade manganese ore can alleviate the industrial impact of the extreme lack of high-grade pyrochlore resources. The dry pre-processing of minerals is a necessary condition to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the subsequent extraction process. In this paper, green microwave technology was utilized for studying the dynamics of drying experiments at the different initial moisture content of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%, respectively. The experimental results explain that the initial moisture content of a mineral was positively correlated with its drying rate. Furthermore, the basic theoretical features and dynamics of microwave drying of manganese ore were discussed by fitting and analyzing experimental data with a model of thin-layer drying dynamics. The average correlation coefficient (R2) of the Quadratic model was 0.976. The RSS values obtained by fitting the Quadratic model were 0.01368, 0.01939, and 0.01986, respectively. Compared to the other two models, the Quadratic model can more accurately describe the microwave drying kinetic process of manganese ore than the other two models. Interestingly, the infrared spectrum tests indicated that microwave drying can basically remove the O-H bond, and the change of mineral weight in the drying process was entirely caused by water loss. Through microscopic characterization of minerals, it has been found that microwave drying can reduce the size of mineral particles, which is beneficial to the subsequent roasting and leaching process. The interesting and important findings from this work can be applied to explore more extraction methods for manganese.
What causes less “speaking up” for patient safety among healthcare workers? – A cross sectional study in Malaysia
Authors: Kim Alex Ren Jye , Nishino Kimihiro , Bujang Mohamad Adam , Zulkifli Zubalqiah , Inthaphatha Souphalak , Yamamoto Eiko
Published: October 2023

Background
In healthcare, “speaking up” refers to when healthcare workers raise concern regarding patient safety through questions, sharing information, or expressing their opinion to prevent harmful incidents and ensure patient safety. Conversely, withholding voice is an act of not voicing or raising concerns, which could be beneficial in certain situations. Factors associated with speaking up and withholding healthcare workers’ voices are not fully understood, especially in strongly hierarchical countries, such as Malaysia. This study aimed to examine the factors associated with speaking up and withholding the voices of healthcare workers in Malaysia, thus providing suggestions that can be used in other countries facing similar patient safety challenges.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Sarawak State, Malaysia. Data were collected from 474 healthcare workers from 43 departments using a self-administered questionnaire for speaking up and withholding voice measures in the 4 weeks prior to data analysis as well as socio-demographic factors of healthcare workers (gender, age, profession, department, weekly work hours for patient care, years of employment in the hospital, and the hierarchical level) and speaking up related climate of the working environment were recorded. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression was performed to find out (adjusted) odds ratio of speaking up and withholding voice.
Results
Nurse, long years of employment, high hierarchical levels, and an encouraging environment for speaking up were positively associated with frequent speaking up. Emergency and intensive care department, long weekly work hours for patient were negatively associated with frequent speaking up. An environment in which healthcare workers avoid speaking up was positively associated with frequent withholding of voice.
Conclusions
Working long hours for patient care and with healthcare workers from different disciplines where hierarchical structure does not work, as seen in emergency and intensive care department, cause less speaking up. Our study has unearthed the necessity of establishing an encouraging environment that promotes speaking up and prevents withholding of voices, especially in circumstances where multiple types of healthcare workers with various socio-demographics work together across hierarchical structure, to ensure patient safety and prevent harm.
Feasibility and accuracy of noninvasive continuous hemoglobin monitoring using transesophageal photoplethysmography
Authors: Peng Ling , Zhao Long , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yi , Ding Meng , Lin Zhibin , Jiang Hao , Huang Yuchen , Gao Bo , Wei Wei
Published: October 2023

Background
Continuous and noninvasive hemoglobin (Hb) monitoring during surgery is essential for anesthesiologists to make transfusions decisions. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of noninvasive and continuous Hb monitoring using transesophageal descending aortic photoplethysmography (dPPG) based on near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology.
Methods
Nineteen landrace pigs, aged 3 to 5 months and weighing 30 to 50 kg, were enrolled in this study. A customized oximetry sensor, including red (660nm) and infrared (940nm) lights, was placed in the esophagus for dPPG signal detection to pair with the corresponding reference Hb values (Hbi−STAT) measured by blood gas analysis. The decrease and increase changes in Hb concentration were achieved by hemodilution and transfusion. Metrics, including alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), and AC/DC for both red and infrared light were extracted from the dPPG signal. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was built to evaluate the performance of dPPG metrics in predicting Hb level. Agreement and trending ability between Hb measured by dPPG (HbdPPG) and by blood gas analysis were analyzed by Bland-Altman method and polar plot graph. Error grid analysis was also performed to evaluate clinical significance of HbdPPG measurement.
Results
A total of 376 pairs of dPPG signal and Hbi−STAT were acquired. ACred/DCred and ACinf/DCinf had moderate correlations with Hbi−STAT, and the correlation coefficients were 0.790 and 0.782, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve for ACred/DCred and ACinf/DCinf in predicting Hbi−STAT < 60 g/L were 0.85 and 0.75, in predicting Hbi−STAT > 100 g/L were 0.90 and 0.83, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis and polar plot showed a small bias (1.69 g/L) but a wide limit of agreement (-26.02–29.40 g/L) and a poor trend ability between HbdPPG and Hbi−STAT. Clinical significance analysis showed that 82% of the data lay within the Zone A, 18% within the Zone B, and 0% within the Zone C.
Conclusion
It is feasible to establish a noninvasive and continuous Hb monitoring by transesophageal dPPG signal. The AC/DC extracted from the dPPG signal provided a sensitive prediction for Hb < 60 g/L and Hb > 100 g/L. The Hb concentration measured by dPPG signal has a moderate correlation with that measured by blood gas analysis.
The Energy Landscape of Magnetic Materials
Authors: Ponet Louis , Lucente Enrico Di , Marzari Nicola
Published: October 2023

Magnetic materials can display many solutions to the electronic-structure problem, corresponding to different local or global minima of the energy functional. In Hartree-Fock or density-functional theory different single-determinant solutions lead to different magnetizations, ionic oxidation states, hybridizations, and inter-site magnetic couplings.
The vast majority of these states can be fingerprinted through their projection on the atomic orbitals of the magnetic ions.
We have devised an approach that provides an effective control over these occupation matrices, allowing us to systematically explore the landscape of the potential energy surface.
We showcase the emergence of a complex zoology of self-consistent states; even more so when semi-local density-functional theory is augmented - and typically made more accurate - by Hubbard corrections.
Such extensive explorations allow to robustly identify the ground state of magnetic systems, and to assess the accuracy (or not) of current functionals and approximations.
Zero-shot prediction of mutation effects on protein function with multimodal deep representation learning
Authors: Shu Wenjie , Cheng Peng , Mao Cong , Tang Jin , Yang Sen , Gu Qiuxi , Han Wei , Chen Yaofeng , Zhou Jianglin , Li Wuju , Pan Aimin , Zhao Suwen , Huang Xingxu , Zhang Jun , Zhu Shiqiang , Wang Sheng-Qi
Published: October 2023

Mutations in amino acid sequences can disrupt protein structures and functions. Accurate and unsupervised prediction of mutation effects is critical in biotechnology and biomedicine, but remains a fundamental challenge. To resolve this challenge, we first presented a multimodal deep representation learning model that comprehensively learns both sequence context and structural constraints from ~160 million proteins with reliable structures. Based on the proposed model, we developed ProMEP (Protein Mutational Effect Predictor) to predict mutation effects in a zero-shot manner. ProMEP can capture multi-scale signatures of proteins at atomic-resolution and achieves state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance on mutational effects prediction. ProMEP showed an average accuracy of 91.67% during the engineering of the TnpB protein. Remarkably, ProMEP identified a TnpB variant of triple-mutations with approximately 2.4-fold editing efficiency than the wild-type. ProMEP enables efficient exploration of gigantic protein space and will greatly facilitate studies in protein structures and functions.
Surface Engineering of Halide Perovskites with 2D Covalent Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Gas Capture with Ultra-sensitive Sensing Properties
Authors: Lu Jianmei , Ye Wen , Jiang Lihua , Xu Qingfeng , Chen Dongyun
Published: October 2023

Halide perovskites exhibit excellent semiconductor properties, defect insensitivity, and easy processability, making them promising candidates for detecting ultralow-concentration gases. However, as bipolar semiconductors, perovskites can respond to gases with different properties, which has inhibited their applicability in gas sensing. Here, we propose a novel approach to enhance the gas selectivity and sensitivity of halide perovskites by effectively assembling covalent organic framework nanoparticles with large specific surface areas and abundant active sites on their surfaces. This modification enhances the gas-carrying capacity of the sensing material, thereby significantly improving the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor. Using TAPB-PDA and TAPA-PDA covalent organic framework nanoparticles to adsorb low concentrations of NO2 present in the environment, we observed a substantial increase in the sensing signal intensity. This allows the direct discrimination of ultra-low concentrations (10 ppb) of NO2 while limiting the detection of other gases.
Explore the prognostic characteristics of immunogenic cell death-related genes in colon carcinoma based on multi-constraint canonical correlation analysis combined with multi-omics
Authors: Xiong Xinyi , Cao Qian , Tang Jiangnan , He Lan , Shi Hongjian , Zhou Fangliang , He Yingchun
Published: October 2023

Colon carcinoma is a highly malignant tumor, its early symptoms are not obvious, and its prognosis is poor. Therefore, it is urgent to develop more prognostic markers of colon cancer. Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to play an active role in tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and immunotherapy. On the other hand, the crucial role of immunogenic cell death (ICD) is in tumor inhibition. This paper aims to integrate ICD-related genes with lncRNAs and explore the mechanism of action of ICD-related lncRNAs in colon cancer. Therefore, this paper proposes a multi-constraint canonical correlation analysis to explore ICD-related lncRNAs. Furthermore, this paper uses univariate and Lasso-Cox regression to construct and verify the prognosis model of the top important lncRNAs. In this paper, according to the model's risk score, colon cancer samples are divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group, and the effect of the model is verified based on the TCGA queue and GEO queue, respectively. In addition, we analyzed the similarities and differences in functional enrichment, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity between the two risk groups in detail. There was a significant difference in the infiltrating abundance of T cells CD8 between high- and low-risk groups. Therefore, this article re-clusters T cell clusters based on single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) data of colon cancer. The unique pathways involved in the genes of the CD8 subpopulation of T cells and their communication with other T cell subpopulations were explored. In summary, the ICD-related lncRNAs risk model determined in this paper can provide a reference for predicting colon cancer patients' prognosis and drug sensitivity.
A Case of Bilateral Amyloidosis Localized to Extraocular Muscles Mimicking Thyroid Eye Disease
Authors: Yoshida-Hata Natsuyo , Mimura Masashi , Aikawa Miwa , Kashima Tomoyuki
Published: October 2023

Background:Amyloidosis is a rare condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues and organs. While systemic amyloidosis has been well-documented, amyloid deposition in extraocular muscles is an exceptionally rare occurrence, with only 35 reported cases. This case report sheds light on the importance of considering amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with proptosis and diplopia, which are often associated with thyroid eye disease.
Case Presentation: A woman in her twenties sought medical attention due to a complaint of diplopia. Her ocular examination revealed almost normal findings except for exotropia and proptosis. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging displayed fusiform enlargement of nearly all eye muscles, a presentation typically observed in thyroid eye disease. However, despite corticosteroid therapy, her symptoms showed no improvement. Given the unusual lack of response to conventional treatment, and inhomogeneous enhancement of the muscle, an extraocular muscle biopsy was conducted. This biopsy yielded a unique finding—amyloid deposition within the muscle tissue. This discovery was particularly intriguing due to the extreme rarity of amyloidosis affecting extraocular muscles, with fewer than three dozen documented cases worldwide.
Conclusion: This unique case underscores the critical need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosing patients with proptosis and diplopia. While these symptoms are commonly attributed to thyroid eye disease, it is essential to consider alternative diagnoses such as amyloidosis, especially when standard treatments fail to yield results. The discovery of amyloid deposition in the extraocular muscles, although exceedingly rare, emphasizes the significance of a thorough differential diagnosis.
In conclusion, this case report highlights the importance of vigilance in clinical practice, encouraging ophthalmologists to explore less common diagnostic possibilities when faced with challenging cases. Further research and clinical investigation are warranted to better understand the mechanisms and potential treatments for amyloidosis affecting the extraocular muscles.
Simplified calculation method of ICG based on LDY
Authors: Zhang Xu-Hui , Zhong WenQing , Xin WeiDong , Sun HongFa , Han Bing
Published: October 2023

Background: Liver cancer has one of the highest death rates in the world. Hepatectomy is the most important treatment for liver cancer. Preoperative evaluation of hepatic reserve is required to determine whether hepatectomy is feasible. Indocyanine green (ICG) clearance assay is an effective way to assess liver function prior to hepatectomy. However, due to its high cost and adverse reactions in some patients, we need to find a noninvasive method equivalent to the ICG clearance test.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 650 clinical data to explore the risk factors that affect liver reserve function. Logistic regression model was established by SPSS, and linear regression was established an equivalent formula for predicting the ICG 15-minute retention rate.
Result: We found that spleen volume and the LDY were independent risk factors for the ICG 15-minute retention rate and found a linear correlation between spleen volume and the LDY. Finally, the formula was obtained: LN(Y(ICG-R15))=3.466+0.045X1(LDY)-0.066X2(ALB)-0.002X3(Cr)-0.002X4(PLT)+0.007X6(TBIL)+0.116X7(PT),R20.395. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.83 for ICG-R15≥10%. The accuracy was 86%.
Conclusions: We have found that spleen volume is an independent risk factor for the ICG 15-minute retention rate and can simplify the prediction of liver reserve function through LDY.
AI Diagnosis Changed The Operation Mode Of Pulmonary Nodules: A retrospectively Cohort Study
Authors: Zeng Taidui , Huang Guanglei , Zheng Jiepeng , Zhang Shuliang , Chen Maohui , Chen Chun , Zheng Bin
Published: October 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether artificial intelligence assisted Low-dose computer tomography (LDCT) diagnosis can change the surgical proposal of patients with pulmonary nodules.
Methods: The clinical image data of consecutive patients with multiple pulmonary nodules who received LDCT scanning of the lungs and underwent surgical resection in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into manual group (MG) and artificial intelligence group (AIG) according to whether AI is used to assist image reading. A junior doctor and a senior doctor were included both in the two groups. The two doctors in the same group allocated cases according to the 1:1 ratio. The differences were compared between the two groups.
Results: A total of 300 patients were enrolled in this study. The number of nodules need to be removed in MG was significantly less than AIG (p <0.0001 ). In terms of interpretation time, 60s (60,60) in MG was significantly longer than 30s (20,30) in AIG (p<0.0001). The missed diagnosis rate of junior doctor was significantly higher than that of senior doctor (17.0% vs. 8.5%, p=0.013). Compared with the manual diagnosis, 35 patients (11.7%) finally had an increase in the number of pulmonary nodules removed after AI assisted diagnosis. The total number of nodules for extended resection was 50.
Conclusions: AI assisted LDCT diagnosis can change the surgical proposal of patients with pulmonary nodules.
Relationship between 24-hour Activity Behavior and Body Fat Percentage in Preschool Children: Based on Compositional Data and Isotemporal Substitution Analysis
Authors: Fu Jinmei , Sun Shunli , Zhu Shenggen , Wang Runze , Chen Delong , Chen Ruiming , Xue Ran , Lv Wendi , Zhang Yunfan , Huang Ting , Hu Xuewen , Jiang Tianle , Wen Lei , Su Liqiang , He Zihao , Zhao Guanggao , Zou Weilu
Published: October 2023

Objective
This study aims to elucidate the dose‒response relationship between 24-hour activity behaviors and body fat percentage (BFP) in Chinese preschool children using a compositional isotemporal substitution model (ISM).
Methods
In a cross-sectional design, 881 children aged 3-6 from urban and rural areas of Jiangxi Province were sampled. Activity behaviors, including sedentary behavior (SB), low-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate- to high-intensity physical activity (MVPA), were measured using accelerometers. Sleep patterns were assessed through questionnaires, and BFP was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). The study employed compositional data analysis (CoDA) and ISM to estimate the impact of reallocating durations of different activity behaviors on BFP.
Results
Higher BFP was found in urban vs. rural children, decreasing with age. Overweight and obesity rates were 10.6% and 7.6%, respectively, above national averages. MVPA and LPA were negatively correlated with BFP, while SB was positively correlated.
A 30-minute MVPA reduction significantly increased zBFR, particularly in overweight children. Gender-specific nuances revealed that boys' MVPA negatively influenced zBFP (β=-0.155), P<0.05), while girls' SB positively impacted zBFP (β=0.636, P<0.01). Isotemporal simulations emphasized amplified effects in overweight children, with boys' zBFR rising rapidly when MVPA was substituted and girls displaying a notable substitution effect between SB and LPA.
Conclusion
BFP is closely linked to 24-hour activity behaviors, notably in overweight and obese preschoolers. ISM identified MVPA as a critical influencer, with a 30-minute reduction substantially increasing BFP. Gender disparities were evident, implicating MVPA in boys and LPA and SB in girls.
Comparing stigma toward depression in physicians and the general population and its impact on seeking mental health treatment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Charnsil Chawanun
Published: October 2023

Objective: To compared the attitude toward depression in physicians and the general population, while examining the relationship between physician stigma and seeking mental health help.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study surveyed Thai physicians and the general population using the Depression Stigma Scale. The scale was distributed online through a Google Form.
Results: A total of 2,083 participants completed the questionnaire. An independent test revealed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in Depression Stigma Scale scores between physicians and the general population with physicians scored higher on average. Significant differences were found in the Perceived Stigma Subscale for both groups, but not in the Personal Stigma Subscale. Male and female physicians exhibited significant different (p < 0.05) in the Personal Stigma Subscale, while no significant gender differences were found among the general population. Physician perceived stigma correlated positively with seeking mental health help (r = 0.079, p = 0.008).
Conclusion: Physicians displayed higher depression stigma, particularly in perceived stigma. There was a correlation between physician stigma and seeking mental health help. Addressing stigma among physicians and promoting help-seeking is crucial. Top of Form
Architecture and rearrangements of a sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger
Authors: Chowdhury Sandipan , Pal Kamalendu
Published: October 2023

The sperm-specific sodium hydrogen exchanger, SLC9C1, underlies hyperpolarization and cyclic nucleotide stimulated proton fluxes across sperm membranes and regulates their hyperactivated motility. SLC9C1 is the first known instance of an ion transporter that uses a canonical voltage-sensing domain (VSD) and an evolutionarily conserved cyclic nucleotide binding domain (CNBD) to influence the dynamics of its ion-exchange domain (ED). The structural organization of this ‘tripartite transporter’ and the mechanisms whereby it integrates physical (membrane voltage) and chemical (cyclic nucleotide) cues are unknown. In this study, we use single particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of a metazoan SLC9C1 in different conformational states. We find that the three structural domains are uniquely organized around a distinct ring-shaped scaffold that we call the ‘allosteric ring domain’ or ARD. The ARD undergoes coupled proton-dependent rearrangements with the ED and acts as a ‘signaling hub’ enabling allosteric communication between the key functional modules of sp9C1. We demonstrate that binding of cAMP causes large conformational changes in the cytoplasmic domains and disrupts key ARD-linked interfaces. We propose that these structural changes rescue the transmembrane domains from an auto-inhibited state and facilitate their functional dynamics. Our study provides a structural framework to understand and further probe electrochemical linkage in SLC9C1.
Vesicle protrusion induced by antimicrobial peptides suggests common carpet mechanism for short antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Park Peter , Matsubara Danilo Kiyoshi , Barzotto Domenico R. , Lima Filipe S. , Chaimovich Hernan , Marrink Siewert Jan , Cuccovia Iolanda M.
Published: October 2023

Short cationic alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides (SCHAMPs) are promising candidates to combat the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance. They are short-sequenced, selective against bacteria and have rapid action by destroying membranes. The full understanding of their mechanism of action will provide key information to design more potent and selective SCHAMPs. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are invaluable tools that provide detailed insights of the peptide:membrane interaction at the atomic- and meso-scale level. Here we use atomistic and coarse-grained MD to investigate the detailed steps in the interaction of four promising SCHAMPs with membranes, namely BP100, Decoralin, Neurokinin-1, and Temporin L. Following experimental set-ups, we explored the effects of SCHAMPs on anionic membranes and vesicles at multiple peptide concentrations. Our results showed all four peptides shared similar binding steps, by binding initially to the membrane through electrostatic interactions and then flipping on their axis, dehydrating and inserting its hydrophobic moieties into the membrane core. At higher concentrations, fully alpha-helical peptides induced membrane budding and protrusions. Our results suggest the carpet mode of action is fit for the description of SCHAMPs lysis activity, and we discuss the importance of large hydrophobic residues in SCHAMPs design and activity.
Machine Learning Insights into Uric Acid Elevation with Thiazide Therapy Commencement and Intensification
Authors: Özdede Murat , Güven Alper Tuna , Şener Yusuf Ziya
Published: October 2023

Background
Serum uric acid, associated with cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerotic heart disease and hypertension, can be elevated by thiazide or thiazide-like drugs (THZ), essential in hypertension management. Identifying clinical determinants affecting THZ-related uric acid elevation is critical.
Methods
In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we explored the clinical determinants influencing uric acid elevation related to THZ, focusing on patients where THZ was initiated or the dose escalated. A cohort of 143 patients was analyzed, collecting baseline and control uric acid levels, alongside basic biochemical studies and clinical data. Feature selection was conducted utilizing criteria based on mean squared error increase and enhancement in node purity. Four machine learning algorithms—Random Forest, Neural Network, Support Vector Machine, and Gradient Boosting regressions—were applied to pinpoint clinical influencers.
Results:
Significant features include uncontrolled diabetes, index eGFR level, absence of insulin, action of indapamide, and absence of statin treatment, with absence of SGLT2 inhibitors, low dose aspirin exposure, and older age also being noteworthy. Among the applied models, the Gradient Boosting regression model outperformed the others, exhibiting the lowest MAE, MSE, RMSE values, and the highest R2 value (0.779). While Random Forest and Neural Network regression models were able to fit the data adequately, the Support Vector Machine demonstrated inferior metrics.
Conclusions
Machine Learning Algorithms can precisely predict THZ-related uric acid changes, facilitating optimized therapy tailoring, minimizing unnecessary THZ abstinence, and guiding to prevent usage in cases where uric acid levels might reach undesirable levels.
Seismic Attribute-Based Characterization of Heterogenous Sand Reservoirs in the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Horsfall Opiriyabo , Akpan Mfonobong
Published: October 2023

This study successfully predicted the presence of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs in an onshore Niger delta field by combining structural interpretation and seismic attribute analysis. Check-shot data, high-quality 3D seismic data, and four wells log data with requisite petrophysical logs were employed. The approach involved identifying various lithologies from gamma ray and resistivity logs, correlating wells, mapping faults and horizons, creating time and depth structure maps, and analyzing seismic. The four wells were correlated across two major sand bodies labeled as Sand A and Sand B. Five faults, designated F1 through F5, were selected based on amplitude distortion. In the 3D seismic volume, two horizons, designated Sand A and Sand B, were also identified with a similar wavelet nature. A NW-SE trending anticlinal structure supported by faults was delineated in the northern part of both reservoirs. Structural highs typically occur in the middle of the field for both reservoirs. For both reservoirs, structural lows may be seen in the northwest of the field. The western regions of both reservoirs are shown by high amplitudes on the RMS amplitude maps. Because Sand B occurs at a deeper depth than Sand A, Sand A has a higher concentration of low amplitudes than Sand B. The hydrocarbon-bearing structures are essentially based on the temporal and depth patterns of the mappable structures for the reservoir tops under examination, and they are mostly fault-dependent in nature. The detected structures and bright spots from seismic amplitude revealed that the Omicron field had good hydrocarbon potential.
Immune Responses Following Administration of Whole Gamma Irradiated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Stabilized With Disaccharide Trehalose on Syrian Hamster Model
Authors: Motamedi-Sedeh Farahnaz , Khorasani Akbar , Lotfi Mohsen , Moosavi Seyed Morteza , Arbabi Arash , Hosseini Seyed Maede
Published: October 2023

Background
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of the emerging respiratory zoonosis disease. One of the most important requirements for the control of emerging diseases is the development of vaccines within a short period of time.
Methods
The use of ionizing radiation to inactivate pathogens has been developed for the rapid production of effective vaccines. In this study, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was isolated from tracheal swabs of an infected man, confirmed by RT-PCR, and propagated on Vero cells. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was irradiated with 14 kGy gamma radiation to completely inactivate it. Evaluation of the antigenic properties of the spike protein subunit S1 showed that the gamma-irradiated virus samples had intact antigens. The gamma-irradiated SARS-CoV-2 virus and formalin-treated virus were used to immunize Syrian hamsters in four vaccine formulations.
Results
The titer of neutralizing antibodies increased significantly in all vaccinated groups 3 weeks after the second and third vaccinations. Secretory IgA was examined in nasal lavage and NALT fluids and showed that the concentration of sIgA in irradiated vaccine plus trehalose increased significantly 3 weeks after the second and third vaccinations. The splenic lymphocyte proliferation assay showed a significant increase in all vaccinated hamsters, but the increase was greater in irradiated vaccine plus trehalose and irradiated vaccine plus alum.
Conclusion
In addition, we can introduce irradiated inactivated vaccine SARS-CoV-2 plus disaccharide trehalose via intranasal route of administration and another irradiated inactivated vaccine SARS-CoV-2 plus alum via subcutaneous route as safe and efficient vaccines against COVID-19 which can stimulate mucosal, humeral and cellular immunity.
Cross-national comparison of three latent classes of young men who attempted suicide in China and Britain
Authors: Chen Xia-Can , Coid Jeremy , Zhang Ya-Min , Xu Jia-Jun , Qiu Yu-Feng , Yin Xiao-Tong , Han Yi-Wei , Hu Jun-Mei
Published: October 2023

Background
Suicide attempts are critical predictors of suicide. Developing typologies of suicide attempt may indicate new prevention strategies, which have not been investigated by comparing developed and developing countries. Therefore, we aim to compare the relationship between suicide attempt and mental disorder and develop a typology of suicide attempts among Chinese and British young men.
Methods
Cross-national surveys of 2046 British and 4238 Chinese men aged 18 − 34 years old in households, 2011—2013. Hierarchical multinomial regression models were used to investigate associated factors. Latent class analysis (LCA) to identify homogeneous subgroups.
Results
Prevalence of suicide attempt was higher among Chinese (8.3%, 95% CI: 7.4%−9.2%) than British men (6.6%, 95% CI: 5.5%−7.7%) (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.03–1.57, p = 0.025). Depression was not independently associated with suicide attempts among Chinese men, while anxiety played a vital role in both countries. Three latent classes identified a subgroup more prevalent among Chinese men featuring weakened social bonds in the absence of mental disorder, and another subgroup more prevalent among British men characterizing impulsivity, childhood maltreatment, substance misuse, and chaotic lifestyles.
Conclusions
Further research could test the clinical applicability of this typology in the assessment of men at risk of future suicide and choice of treatment and preventive interventions. Because Class 2 featured by weakened social bonds is more prevalent among Chinese men, research could stablish whether recent improvements in access to crisis services in China have been effective.
Risk of lymph nodes metastasis related to reproductive factors in PTC: Female gender
Authors: Wang Kai , Yang Dongqiang , Feng Jiaqi , Liu Yan , Zhang Lan , Shi Ping , Wu Yanzhao
Published: October 2023

Objective: Female reproductive factors have been associated with the development of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but their relationship with the progression is not clear.Therefore, this study focused on the relationship between female PTC progression and reproductive factors to improve individualized diagnosis and treatment options for female PTC.
Methods:The clinicopathologic data of 1828 patients with PTC who were diagnosed in the Department of Western Campus of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: Of 1828 women with PTC, 903 (49.4%) developed lymph node metastasis(LNM) during the first operation. Logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) was lower (OR = 0.414, 95% CI: 0.266 – 0.645) and the incidence of cervical and lateral lymph node metastasis (CLNM + LLNM) was also lower (OR = 0.346, 95% CI: 0.187 – 0.642) in those with reproductive history than in those without reproductive history. After propensity score matching was used to eliminate all potential positive confounders at baseline, the only outcome measure was LNM, and the results showed that the incidence of LNM was still lower in those with reproductive history than in those without reproductive history overall after excluding each confounding factor, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.049), and the positive rate in CLNM was mainly affected (P = 0.018).
Conclusion: Female reproductive factors exert a significant influence on the occurrence of lymph node metastasis in PTC. For nulliparous women, as well as women > 55 years of age at menopause, early surgery is recommended if multifocal, bilateral, and extraglandular invasion is present, and ipsilateral central dissection is recommended actively, and if CLNM has been confirmed, lateral cervical lymph nodes are recommended to be vigilant and actively managed.
IRF4 affects the protective effect of regulatory T cells on the pulmonary vasculature of a bronchopulmonary dysplasia mouse model by regulating FOXP3
Authors: Zhu Ying , He Langyue , Zhu Yue , Yao Huici , Jiang Jianfeng , Lu Hongyan
Published: October 2023

Background
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disease in preterm infants, characterised by compromised alveolar development and pulmonary vascular abnormalities. Emerging evidence suggests that regulatory T cells (Tregs) may confer protective effects on the vasculature. Knockdown of their transcription factor, interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), has been shown to promote vascular endothelial hyperplasia. However, the involvement of Tregs and IRF4 in the BPD pathogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of Tregs by IRF4 and elucidate its potential role in pulmonary vasculature development in a BPD mouse model.
Methods
The BPD model was established using 85% hyperoxia exposure, with air exposure as the normal control. Lung tissues were collected after 7 or 14 days of air or hyperoxia exposure, respectively. Haematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to assess lung tissue pathology. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) level, flow cytometry to quantify Treg numbers, and Western blot to assess vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3), and IRF4 protein levels. We also examined the co-expression of IRF4 and FOXP3 proteins using immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence double staining. Furthermore, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock down the IRF4 gene and observed changes in the aforementioned indicators to validate its effect on pulmonary vasculature development in mice.
Results
Elevated IRF4 levels in BPD model mice led to FOXP3 downregulation, reduced Treg numbers, and impaired pulmonary vascular development. Knockdown of IRF4 resulted in improved pulmonary vascular development and upregulated FOXP3 level.
Conclusion
IRF4 may affect the protective role of Tregs in the proliferation of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells and pulmonary vascular development in BPD model mice by inhibiting the FOXP3 level.
NFATc2 promotes lactate and M2 macrophage polarization through USP17 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Liang , Huang Miao , Zhang Shanyuan , Yang Yue , Huang Bo
Published: October 2023

It is well known that immune cells including macrophage within the tumor microenvironment play an essential role in tumor progression. Here, we studied how NFATc2 regulates macrophage properties in lung adenocarcinoma. Positive relationships were found between NFATc2 and genes associated with hypoxia and glycolysis in lung adenocarcinoma from the TCGA dataset. NFATc2 enhanced cell migration and lactate levels in lung adenocarcinoma cells. According to single-cell sequence data, NFATc2 is closely associated with infiltrating immune cells and is related to macrophage polarization. NFATc2 promotes M2 polarization in macrophages. As a transcription factor, NFATc2 binds to the USP17 promoter region. Furthermore, the NFATc2 inhibitor suppressed M2 polarization induced by USP17. In conclusion, NFATc2 promotes lactate levels and M2 polarization of macrophages by transcriptionally regulating USP17 in lung adenocarcinoma.
Examining Rehabilitation Access Disparities: An Integrated Analysis of Electronic Health Record Data and Population Characteristics through Bivariate Choropleth Mapping
Authors: Pak Sang S , Ratoza Madeline , Cheuy Victor
Published: October 2023

Background
Despite efforts to view electronic health records (EHR) data through an equity lens, crucial contextual information regarding patients’ social environments remains limited. Integrating EHR data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology can give deeper insights into the relationships between patients’ social environments, health outcomes, and geographic factors. This study aims to identify regions with the fastest and slowest access to outpatient physical therapy services using bivariate choropleth maps to provide contextual insights that may contribute to health disparity in access.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study of patients’ access timelines for the first visit to outpatient physical therapy services (n = 10363). The three timelines evaluated were (1) referral-to-scheduled appointment time, (2) scheduled appointment to first visit time, and (3) referral to first visit time. Hot and coldspot analyses (CI 95%) determined the fastest and slowest access times with patient-level characteristics and bivariate choropleth maps were developed to visualize associations between access patterns and disadvantaged areas using Area Deprivation Index scores. Data were collected between January 1, 2016 and January 1, 2020. EHR data were geocoded via GIS technology to calculate geospatial statistics (Gi∗ statistic from ArcGIS Pro) in an urban area.
Results
Statistically significant differences were found for all three access timelines between coldspot (i.e., fast access group) and hotspot (i.e., slow access group) comparisons (p < .05). The hotspot regions had higher deprivation scores; higher proportions of residents who were older, privately insured, female, lived further from clinics; and a higher proportion of Black patients with orthopaedic diagnoses compared to the coldspot regions.
Conclusions
Our study identified and described local areas with higher densities of patients that experienced longer access times to outpatient physical therapy services. Integration of EHR and GIS data is a more robust method to identify health disparities in access to care. With this approach, we can better understand the intricate interplay between social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to health disparities in access to care.
The Regulation of Plasma Gelsolin by Dna Methylation in Ovarian Cancer Chemo-resistance
Authors: Manzoor Hafiza Bushra , Asare-Werehene Meshach , Pereira Satyajit Dey , Satyamoorthy Kapaettu , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: October 2023

Background: Ovarian cancer (OVCA) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer and chemoresistance remains a major hurdle to successful therapy and survival of OVCA patients. Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is highly expressed in chemoresistant OVCA compared with their chemosensitive counterparts, although the mechanism underlying the differential expression is not known. Also, its overexpression significantly correlates with shortened survival of OVCA patients. In this study, we investigated the methylation role of Ten eleven translocation isoform-1 (TET1) in the regulation of differential pGSN expression and chemosensitivity in OVCA cells.
Methods: Chemosensitive and resistant OVCA cell lines of different histological subtypes were used in this study to measure pGSN and TET1 mRNA abundance (qPCR) as well as protein contents (Western blotting). To investigate the role of DNA methylation specifically in pGSN regulation and pGSN-induced chemoresistance, DNMTs and TETs were pharmacologically inhibited in sensitive and resistant OVCA cells using specific inhibitors. DNA methylation was quantified using EpiTYPER MassARRAY system. Gain-and-loss-of-function assays were used to investigate the relationship between TET1 and pGSN in OVCA chemoresponsiveness.
Results: We observed differential protein and mRNA expressions of pGSN and TET1 between sensitive and resistant OVCA cells and cisplatin reduced their expression in sensitive but not in resistant cells. We observed hypomethylation at pGSN promoter upstream region in resistant cells compared to sensitive cells. Pharmacological inhibition of DNMTs increased pGSN protein levels in sensitive OVCA cells and decreased their responsiveness to cisplatin, however we did not observe any difference in methylation level at pGSN promoter region. TETs inhibition resulted in hypermethylation at multiple CpG sites and decreased pGSN protein level in resistant OVCA cells which was also associated with enhanced response to cisplatin, findings that suggested the methylation role of TETs in the regulation of pGSN expression in OVCA cells. Further, we found that TET1 is inversely related to pGSN but positively related to chemoresponsiveness of OVCA cells.
Conclusion: Our findings broaden our knowledge about the epigenetic regulation of pGSN in OVCA chemoresistance and reveal a novel potential target to re-sensitize resistant OVCA cells. This may provide a future therapeutic strategy to improve the overall OVCA patient survival.
A novel detection method based on MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD targeting the repeated DNA sequence of Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Yang Zhenke , Wang Jinghui , Qi Yiming , Shi Yiping , Li Fakun , Wang Weijuan , Tian Xiaowei , Mei Xuefang , Zhang Zhenchao , Wang Shuai
Published: October 2023

Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a protozoan parasite that is widely recognized as the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. This infection is associated with various complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and an increased risk of acquiring HIV. Existing molecular detection methods for T. vaginalis are often expensive or technically challenging. In this study, we developed a novel detection method based on MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD, targeting the repeated DNA sequence (Genebank: L23861.1) of T. vaginalis. The MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD assay was performed at a constant temperature of 37℃ for approximately 1 hour, and the results were visualized and determined using lateral flow device (LFD). The detection limit of gDNA was 1×10-4 ng/μl by our developed protocol, and no cross-reaction occurred either with the gDNA of Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, Escherichia coli, Monilia albicans, Giardia lamblia, and Toxoplasma gondii. Among the 30 clinical samples tested, the positive rates of T. vaginalis detection were 33.33% (10/30) by wet mount microscopy, 40% (12/30) by nested PCR, 40% (12/30) by MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD, and 40% (12/30) by culture method. When compared to the culture method, which served as the gold standard for diagnosing trichomoniasis, wet mount microscopy demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.3% and moderate diagnostic agreement (Kappa value = 0.87). In contrast, both nested PCR and MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD exhibited 100% sensitivity and excellent diagnostic agreement (Kappa value = 1). These results demonstrate that the MIRA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD method is a convenient, rapid, stable, and accurate diagnostic tool for T. vaginalis detection, which can enhance the diagnosis and management of vaginitis.
Harnessing DNA Tetrahedral Nanoparticles: A Novel Strategy for Co- delivery of OTUD6B siRNA and DOX Against TNBC Growth and Progression
Authors: Zhang Wenxiang , Yang Xue , Gao Ran , Kong Xiangyi , Wang Xiangyu , Liu Qiang , Qu Zheng , Zhang Xingsong , Wang Jing , Chen Zhengju , Fang Yi
Published: October 2023

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer lacking specific targeted therapeutic options. The deubiquitinizing enzyme OTUD6B is emerging as a potential player in TNBC progression.
Objective
The study aimed to ascertain the role of OTUD6B in TNBC progression and to exploit its therapeutic potential using a novel delivery system.
Methods
OTUD6B expression in TNBC was studied in relation to patient survival outcomes. We explored the potential of OTUD6B siRNA for TNBC treatment and its combined delivery with the chemotherapeutic agent, DOX, using a synthesized DNA tetrahedral nanoparticle (Td). The uptake and efficacy of the siOTUD6B/DOX@Td combination in TNBC cells were then evaluated, alongside an investigation into the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Results
There was a significant upregulation of OTUD6B in TNBC, inversely correlated with patient survival. The siOTUD6B/DOX@Td composite demonstrated efficient cellular uptake by TNBC cells, leading to the gene silencing of OTUD6B and controlled DOX release. This dual treatment approach enhanced apoptosis rates, increased DOX sensitivity, and inhibited TNBC cell growth, migration, and metastasis. In vivo results further confirmed the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis without harming primary organs. Mechanistically, OTUD6B influenced TNBC progression through MDM2 stabilization and FOXO3 degradation.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the pivotal role of OTUD6B in TNBC progression and underscore the potential of DNA tetrahedral nanoparticles as drug delivery systems. The combined siOTUD6B/DOX@Td strategy offers a promising therapeutic approach for TNBC and demonstrates the broader applicability of DNA nanotechnology in biomedicine.