bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing ultrashort pulse in fiber laser based on artificial intelligence algorithm
Authors: Han Xiaoxiang , Huang Zhiting , Yue Jun , Li Jun , Yan Xiang'an , Xia Yanwen , Zhang Guoqing , Zhang Haiyang , Xia Caijuan , Zhang yusheng
Published: February 2024

Ultrashort pulses, characterized by their short pulse duration, diverse spectral content, and high peak power, are widely used in fields including laser processing, optical storage, biomedical sciences, and laser imaging. The complex, highly-nonlinear process of ultrashort pulse evolution within fiber lasers is influenced by numerous aspects such as dispersion, loss, gain, and nonlinear effects. Traditionally, the split-step Fourier transforms method is employed for simulating ultrashort pulses in fiber lasers, which involves traversing multiple parameters within the fiber to attain the pulse's optimal state. The simulation is a significantly time-consuming process. Here, we use a neural network model to fit and predict the impact of multiple parameters on the pulse characteristics within fiber lasers, enabling parameter optimization through genetic algorithms to determine the optimal pulse duration, pulse energy, and peak power. Integrating artificial intelligence algorithms simplifies the acquisition of optimal pulse parameters and enhances our understanding of multiple parameters’ impact on the pulse characteristics. The investigation of ultrashort pulse optimization based on artificial intelligence holds immense potential for laser design.
Antibiotics improve reproductive outcomes after frozen-thaw embryo transfer for chronic endometritis treatment, especially in those with repeated implantation failure
Authors: Xie Qijun , Zhao Chun , Jiang Wei , Li Xin , Ni Danyu , Chen Yuting , Li Xiuling , Hua Xiangdong , Shen Rong , Ling Xiufeng
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
To investigate the impact of antibiotic treatment for chronic endometritis (CE) on the pregnancy outcome of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles and the relevant clinical risk factors associated with CE.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 1352 patients who underwent hysteroscopy and diagnostic curettage at Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from July 2020 to December 2021. All patients underwent CD138 immunohistochemical (IHC) testing to diagnose CE, and a subset of them underwent FET after hysteroscopy. Patient histories were collected, and reproductive prognosis was followed up.
Results:
Out of 1088 patients, 443 (40.7%) were diagnosed with CE. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses revealed that parity ≥ 2, a history of ectopic pregnancy, moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea, hydrosalpinx, endometrial polyps, and a history of ≥2 uterine operations were significantly associated with an elevated risk of CE (P < 0.05). Analysis of the effect of CE on pregnancy outcomes in FET cycles after antibiotic treatment indicated that treated CE patients exhibited a significantly lower miscarriage rate (8.7%) and early miscarriage rate (2.9%) than untreated non-CE patients (20.2%, 16.8%). Moreover, the singleton live birth rate (45.5%) was significantly higher in treated CE patients than in untreated non-CE patients (32.7%). Survival analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the first clinical pregnancy time between treated CE and untreated non-CE patients after hysteroscopy (P = 0.0019). Stratified analysis based on the presence of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) demonstrated that in the RIF group, treated CE patients were more likely to achieve clinical pregnancy than untreated non-CE patients (P = 0.0021). Among hysteroscopy-positive patients, no significant difference was noted in pregnancy outcomes between the treatment and control groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Infertile patients with a history of parity ≥ 2, hydrosalpinx, a history of ectopic pregnancy, moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea, endometrial polyps, and a history of ≥2 uterine operations are at an increased risk of CE; these patients should be recommended to undergo hysteroscopy combined with CD138 examination before embryo transfer. Antibiotic treatment can improve the reproductive outcomes of FET in patients with CE, especially those with RIF. However, antibiotic treatment is not deemed necessary in hysteroscopy-positive patients.
The Tumor Suppressive and Potential Value of STEAP4 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ting Yang , Zou Min-hong , xie Yu-jie , Yong Zhang
Published: February 2024

The six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 4(STEAP4), is a complete membrane metal reductase. Abnormal STEAP4 expression is potentially associated with carcinogenesis. However, the biological role of STEAP4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be further determined. We analyzed STEAP4 expression level, prognosis, the correlations between STEAP4 and cancer immune infiltrates, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between STEAP4 high- and low-expressed groups, and the functional networks in hepatocellular carcinoma using multiple databases. STEAP4 was found down-regulated in tumor tissues in multiple HCC cohorts. Low STEAP4 expression was associated with poorer overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Functional network analysis suggested that STEAP4 regulates cell cycle signaling and may be correlated with infiltrating levels of T follicular helper cells. These findings lay a foundation for further study of the cell cycle regulatory role of STEAP4 in HCC, and, indicate STEAP4 may be a promising prognostic biomarker and a novel therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Ribosome biogenesis is required in hemogenic endothelial cells to generate hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Zhou Jie , Liu Di , Wang Haizhen , Chen Haifeng , Tian Xitong , Jiao Yuqing , Wang Chi , Li Yuhui , Li Zongcheng , Hou Siyuan , Ni YanLi , Lan Yu , Liu Bing
Published: February 2024

Undergoing endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, a small fraction of embryonic aortic endothelial cells specializes into hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) and eventually gives rise to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Previously we have found that the activity of ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) is highly enriched in the HSC-primed HECs as compared with adjacent arterial endothelial cells, however, whether RiBi is required in HECs for the generation of HSC remain to be determined. Here, we found that robust RiBi was markedly augmented from HEC stage along the HSC ontogeny. Pharmacological inhibition of RiBi completely impeded the generation of HSCs in explant cultures. Moreover, disrupting RiBi selectively interrupted the HSC generation potential of HECs rather than T1 pre-HSCs, which was in line with its influence on cell cycle activity. Further investigation revealed that upon HEC specification the master transcription factor Runx1 dramatically bound to the loci of genes involved in RiBi, thereby facilitating this biological process. Taken together, our study provided functional evidence showing the indispensable role of RiBi in HSC-primed HECs to generate HSCs, providing novel insights that may contribute to improving HSC regeneration strategies.
Exploring the Application and Simulated TD-DFT of Nano Hybrid Nanocomposite Bromocresol Green Derivatives Dye and Glycine with Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Almutlaq Nasser , Al-Hossainy Ahmed F.
Published: February 2024

The microstructure of thin films fabricated from a novel TiO2-bromocresol green derivatives dye (BcG) and glycine (Gly) hybrid nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC via a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method. FTIR, UV–Vis, SEM, and optical properties are a few of the characterization techniques that have been implemented. Experimental and computational methods, and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), are employed to examine the isolated molecule of the hybrid nanoblend [BcG + Gly]HNB/Iso and the hybrid nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC. The mean crystalline size of the hybrid nanoblend [BcG + Gly]HNB/Iso and the hybrid nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC are 156.13 nm and 298.66 nm. The indirect optical energy band gaps of hybrid nanoblend and nanocomposite films are 3.425 eV and 2.248 eV, as determined by Tauc's equation, as the experimental part. Also, the TD-DFT calculations for the hybrid nanoblend and nanocomposite of isolated molecules are 3.354 eV and 2.224 eV, respectively, for DMol3/CASTEP methods. The experimental value of the thin films closely corresponds to the simulated optical parameter values acquired by DMol3/CASTEP in TD-DFT for the isolated molecules of the nanoblend and nanocomposites. Solar cell and optoelectronic applications could benefit greatly from the [BcG + Gly]HNB/Iso and nanocomposite [BcG + Gly/TiO2]HNC films.
High-performance Prediction of Epilepsy Surgical Outcomes Based on the Genetic Neural Networks and Hybrid iEEG Marker
Authors: Sun Lipeng , Feng Chen , Zhang En , Chen Huan , Jin Weifeng , Zhu Junming , Yu Li
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Accurately identification of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) is pivotal for successful surgery in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of model predicting the epilepsy surgery outcomes using genetic neural network (GNN) model based on a hybrid intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) marker.
Methods
We extracted 21 SOZ related markers based on iEEG data from 79 epilepsy patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to integrated seven markers, selected after testing in pairs with all 21 biomarkers and 7 machine learning algorithms, into a hybrid marker. Based on the hybrid marker, we devised a GNN model and compared its predictive performance for surgical outcomes with six other mainstream machine-learning models.
Results
Compared to the mainstream models, underpinning the GNN with the hybrid iEEG marker resulted in a better prediction of surgical outcomes, showing a significant increase of the prediction accuracy from approximately 87–94.3% (p = 0.0412).
Discussion
This study suggests that the hybrid iEEG marker can improve the performance of model predicting the epilepsy surgical outcomes, and validates the effectiveness of the GNN in characterizing and analyzing complex relationships between clinical data variables.
Ion migration as a tool to enhance the performance of perovskite CsPbBr3 γ-ray detectors
Authors: Kanatzidis Mercouri , Pan Lei , Bayikadi Khasim , Pandey Indra , Karki Sujita , Liu Zhifu , Peters John , De Siena Michael , Chung Duck Young , Wessels Bruce
Published: February 2024

Uncontrolled ion migration has been well-known in perovskite-based semiconductor devices. Here, we show that instead of being detrimental, ion migration can be used to enhance the performance of perovskite CsPbBr3 semiconductor gamma-ray detectors. Through deliberate application of electrical biasing, we actively control ion migration to modify the metal-CsPbBr3 interface barrier height in devices with asymmetric electrodes. Ion migration plays a pivotal role in reducing bulk defects, as evidenced by the contact potential difference measurement, thermally stimulated current spectroscopy, and photoluminescence measurements. The evidence suggests that biasing-induced ion migration in CsPbBr3 results in a reduction in electron traps. As a result, record-breaking performance of 57Co gamma ray spectrum for CsPbBr3 detector was achieved by intentionally biasing the detector. As biasing at elevated temperatures expedites ion migration, preconditioning the CsPbBr3 crystals through reverse biasing is a promising strategy for enhancing their performance.
The Experience of Hope of Dyads Living with Advanced Chronic Illness in Portugal: a longitudinal mixed-methods pilot study
Authors: Baptista Filipa , Gonçalves Maria , Fernandes Cláudia , Laranjeira Carlos , Dixie Maria dos Anjos , Querido Ana , Pautex Sophie , Larkin Philip J , Rodrigues Gora da Rocha
Published: February 2024

Background Hope is an important resource for patients and families to thrive during difficult times. This study aimed: a) to explore the dyadic experience of hope as a changing dynamic over time for patients living with advanced chronic illness and their informal caregivers; and b) to evaluate variations of hope and symptom burden across time. Methods A longitudinal mixed-methods study with a convergent design was conducted. Patients living with advanced chronic illness and informal caregivers participated as a dyad (n = 8). The Herth Hope Index scale was used to measure dyads' level of hope and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System was used to measure the patient’s symptom burden. Descriptive statistics were undertaken using the STATA® 14.2 version. A thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke was conducted to analyze dyadic interview data. Dyads' experience of hope was described using the six dimensions of hope in the Model of Hope of Dufault and Martocchio. Results Dyadic scores of hope and patients' symptom burden were stable over time. The constructs of hope in dyads include “Living one day at the time”, “To have force/strength” and “To be in good health”. Changes in patterns of hope were captured for each dyad in their transition over time. Data converge for all Dyads except for one. Conclusions The findings of our study show a constant presence of hope even in the face of adversity. Healthcare professionals must find ways to promote hope in dyads of patients living with advanced chronic diseases. Nurses play a pivotal role; dyadic interviews should be promoted to create a safe space for both patients and informal caregivers, to share experiences. More research is needed to address patients' and informal caregivers' hope in chronic illness since current hope-based interventions primarily target cancer diagnoses.
ADMM based distributed energy scheduling of grid connected microgrid by considering the demand response
Authors: Reddy P. Krishna Mohan , Sandeep V.
Published: February 2024

Global warming, environmental degradation, clean energy production, intermittent, volatile, and unpredictable renewable energy sources (RES’s), occasional peak demand on the system necessitates energy management (EM). Demand response (DR) programs in the distribution network can be seen as one of the foundation stones in the future of EM. This article illustrates the need for EM using DR, its benefits, types of loads, clustering techniques, price-based demand response (PBDR) etc. To accomplish the EM goals and to attain the economic benefit, DR employs peak shifting, peak clipping, valley filling and load growth. However, the accumulation of large loads at low electricity prices creates local peaks, this phenomenon is referred to as payback or rebound effect (RE). The occurrence of RE at low price zone heightens the volatility of market clearing price (MCP) and the operational cost of the microgrid. Inherently, the scheduled inelastic consumers at low price zone suffer from increased MCP and therefore, the total consumer tariff (TCT). The occurrence of RE depends on the load curve, peak to average ratio, electricity price and the percentage of interruptible loads present in the system. Unclear pricing methods impede the participation of customers in DR events. Moreover, majority of techniques presented in literature are of centralized frameworks that needs complex communication technologies. To fill these glitches the proposed work uses a simple distributed scheduling approach based on alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to alleviate the energy management using an IEEE-18 bus system. IEEE-33 bus system was considered to assess the impact of RE on the MCP and TCT.
Prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis of left pulmonary artery discontinuons with Taussing-Bing syndrome:case report and literature review
Authors: He Yun , yang yufei , Song Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhonglei , Yan Dingfang , Xie Chao , Zeng Min , Zhang Wenjun
Published: February 2024

Background: Unilateral pulmonary artery discontinuity (UPAD) is a rare foetal abnormality, for which prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis remains challenging.We report a case of left pulmonary artery discontinuity in association with Taussig-Bing syndrome, which has rarely been reported in literature so far.
Case presentation: A pregnant woman with CHD at 23 weeks gestation was referred to our center. she denied any familial history of genetic disorders in both spouses and Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) also showed low risk. An ultrasound examination revealed a complex cardiac malformation indicative of UPAD with Taussig-Bing syndrome. The family eventually chose to terminate a pregnancy and agreed to an autopsy, which confirmed that prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis was correct. In addition, we reviewed and analyzed 17 reported cases of prenatal echocardiographic diagnosis of UPAD.
Conclusions: UPAD is characterized by discontinuity between the proximal and distal pulmonary arteries, along with a ductal origin of distal pulmonary artery. Discontinuous pulmonary artery originating from the ductus can be detected on prenatal sonography using ultrasound technology. The aim is to detect malformations earlier and carry out necessary intervention measures as soon as possible.
Rheological properties of microfibrillated cellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose blends in ethanol/water solvent systems
Authors: Junior Egon Petersohn , Lucizani Angelo Cezar , Veríssimo Victor , Pires Cassiano , Andrade Alan Sulato , Matos Mailson , Perissutti Gisele , Magalhaes Washington Luiz Esteves , Freitas Rilton Alves
Published: February 2024

Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were synergistically employed as gelling agents in hydroalcoholic solutions. To investigate their collaborative effect, phase diagrams were constructed varying the concentration of the constituent elements, where phase formation was verified, as well as liquid-like and gel-like properties were identified through oscillatory rheometric measurements. Amplitude, frequency, viscosity and temperature scans were performed. Furthermore, aerogels were made with and without ethanol for microscopic analysis. It was demonstrated that ethanol has a great influence on the rheological characteristics of MFC and MFC + HPMC dispersions, resulting in an increase in the elastic modulus (G'), decreasing thixotropic behavior and increasing stability. HPMC promoted an increase in viscosity, a decrease in thixotropy as well as increased system stability. Tests were also carried out with urea, a strongly chaotropic agent, which provided evidence of the types of interactions that govern the systems, demonstrating that intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions play a preponderant role in the systems.
The Yield of Lymph Node Sampling Versus Comprehensive Lymph Node Dissection in Wilms Tumor
Authors: Azab Ahmed , Sadek Yasser , Gabr Ahmed , Fadel Shady , Abouheba Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Background: Nephroblastoma, commonly known as Wilms' tumor (WT), is the most prevalent primary kidney tumor in children aged 1 and peaks between the ages of 3 and 4. Since lymph node involvement in WT is linked to a less favorable prognosis, a thorough nodal examination should be performed.
Aim: To evaluate the outcome of hilar lymph node sampling versus comprehensive lymph node dissection regarding the pathological yield of the lymph node (LN) involvement post-nephrectomy in WT patients.
Patients and Methods: This prospective study involved 20 pediatric patients with WT who underwent nephrectomy with LN sampling (10) versus comprehensive LN dissection (10) in the same surgical setting. Internal Review Board (IRB) preapproval was obtained. All patients had their parents/guardians’ consent before participation.
Results: In our study, the comparison between LN dissection and hilar LN sampling showed a statistically significant increase in the number of excised LNs in dissection versus the number of excised LNs in sampling. However, there was no statistically significant difference regarding the yield of excised LNs. The majority of patients had no complications, whereas three patients had a diaphragmatic injury dissecting the adherent tumor, and only one patient had chylous ascites.
Conclusion: Our preliminary study shows that hilar LN sampling may be preferred over LN dissection in WT surgical management since it is a less intrusive approach that yields the same pathological LN yield.
Structure-aware machine learning strategies for antimicrobial peptide discovery
Authors: Aguilera-Puga Mariana del Carmen , Plisson Fabien
Published: February 2024

Machine learning models are revolutionizing our approaches to discovering and designing bioactive peptides. However, these models often need protein structure awareness, as they heavily rely on sequential data. The models excel at identifying sequences of a particular biological nature or activity, but they frequently fail to comprehend their intricate mechanism(s) of action. To solve two problems at once, we studied the mechanisms of action and structural landscape of antimicrobial peptides as (i) membrane-disrupting peptides, (ii) membrane-penetrating peptides, and (iii) protein-affine peptides. Our in-depth analysis revealed that our preliminary best-performing classifiers (86–88% accuracy) trained on datasets with an over-represented distribution of α-helical and coiled structures. Consequently, our models would predict the antimicrobial activity of these structure classes more accurately. We mitigated this structural bias by implementing two strategies: subset selection and data reduction. The former gave three structure-specific models predicting the mechanisms of action of peptide sequences likely to fold into α-helices, coils, or mixed structures. The latter depleted over-represented structures, leading to general structure-agnostic predictors.
Effect of wildfire on the prevalence of opioid misuse through anxiety among young adults in the United States: A modeling study
Authors: Maya Sigal , Mirzazadeh Ali , Kahn James G.
Published: February 2024

Background: Exposure to climate change events like wildfires can lead to health and mental health problems. While conceptual frameworks have been hypothesized describing the potential relationship between disaster exposure and substance use, the association remains under-researched and unquantified.
Methods: We constructed a quantitative portrayal of one proposed conceptual framework that focuses on the intermediary role of anxiety. We used the Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the impact of wildfire exposure on opioid misuse outcomes through increased anxiety. We searched for and extracted prior empirical evidence on the associations between wildfire anxiety and anxiety-opioid misuse. A base case scenario (S1) was devised in which the impact of wildfire on opioid misuse was limited to increasing anxiety incidence. Two exploratory scenarios investigated the additive roles of altered anxiety phenotype (S2) and increased severity of pre-existing anxiety (S3) due to wildfire exposure.
Results: Models show that the prevalence of opioid misuse post-wildfire may rise to 6.0%-7.2%. In S1 (base case), the opioid misuse prevalence ratio was 1.12 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1.00 – 1.27). The two exploratory scenarios, with less stringent assumptions, yielded prevalence ratios of 1.23 (95% UI: 1.00 – 1.51) and 1.34 (95% UI: 1.11 – 1.63).
Conclusions: Our modeling study suggests that exposure to wildfires may elevate opioid misuse through increasing anxiety incidence and severity. This may lead to substantial health burdens that may persist long after the initial wildfire event, which may offset recent gains in opioid misuse prevention.
Genetic and phenotypic diversification in a widespread fish, the Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna)
Authors: Tiedemann Ralph , Riesch Rüdiger , Tomowski Maxi , Havenstein Katja , Schlupp Jan , Berbel-Filho Waldir Miron , Schlupp Ingo
Published: February 2024

We investigated structuring in a widespread livebearing fish, the Sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) combining genetic, life-history, and environmental data. Widespread species often experience significant environmental clines over the area the naturally occupy. This provides potential for genetic structuring, local adaptation and speciation. Sailfin mollies can be found in coastal freshwater habitats from roughly Tampico, Veracruz in Mexico to Wilmington, North Carolina, in the USA. In addition, they are found inland on the Florida peninsula. Using microsatellite DNA, we genotyped 168 individuals from 18 populations covering almost all of the natural range of the Sailfin molly. We further determined standard life history parameters for both males and females for these populations. Finally, we measured biotic and abiotic parameters as we collected. We find six distinct genetic clusters based on microsatellite data. Furthermore, there is very strong isolation by distance. We also found significant numbers of migrants between populations. The genetic clusters and the migration patterns do not match paleodrainages. Life histories vary between populations but are idiosyncratic. We suggest a role of humans in migration in the sailfin molly, for example in the form of a ship channel that connects southern Texas with Louisiana and might be a conduit for fish migration. Despite genetic structuring we did not find evidence of cryptic speciation.
Effect of delayed bone union after hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy on radiological and clinical parameters
Authors: Kikuchi Naoya , Kanamori Akihiro , Arai Norihito , Okuno Kosuke , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: February 2024

Background: Hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy is an effective procedure for varus knee osteoarthritis. However, the timing of bone union remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether the absence of bone union at 3 months postoperatively causes correction loss and worsens clinical outcomes, and to examine its associated factors.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 53 consecutive patients who underwent hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy. Cases with no bone union at any of five sites (anterior flange, posterior, lateral, hinge, and medial) on coronal and sagittal computed tomography at 3 months postoperatively were defined as delayed bone union. Regression analysis was performed with delayed bone union as the dependent variable and sex, age, height, body weight, body mass index, correction distance, smoking, and diabetes mellitus as independent variables. Patients were classified according to the presence or absence of bone union, and correction losses on radiography and clinical outcomes were compared.
Results: Among 50 analyzed knees (mean age, 61.4±7.8 years), 17 (34.0%) had delayed bone union at 3 months postoperatively, and one knee had screw breakage. There was no correction loss with or without delayed bone union and no difference in clinical outcomes at 1 year postoperatively. Sex was the only significant factor associated with delayed bone union (male: β=2.1, p<0.004).
Conclusions: Delayed bone union (absence at 3 months after hybrid closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy) occurred in 34% of patients and did not affect correction loss or clinical outcomes at 1 year postoperatively. Further, male sex was associated with delayed bone union.
Whole-genome analysis reveals distinct adaptation signatures to diverse environments in Chinese domestic pigs
Authors: Wang Zhen , Song Bangmin , Yao Jianyu , Li Xingzheng , Zhang Yan , Tang Zhonglin , Yi Guoqiang
Published: February 2024

Background:Long-term natural and artificial selection resulted in many genetic footprints within the genomes of pig breeds across distinct agroecological zones. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of how these signatures contribute to phenotypic diversity and facilitate environmental adaptation remain unclear.
Results: Here, we leveraged whole-genome sequencing data of 82 individuals from six domestic pig breeds originating in tropical, frigid, and high-altitude regions. Population genetic analysis suggested that environmental adaptations significantly contributed to population stratification in Chinese local pig breeds. Analysis of selection signals identified regions under selection for tropical adaptation (55.5 Mb), high-altitude adaptation (43.6 Mb), and frigid adaptation (17.72 Mb). The potential functions of the selective sweep regions were linked to certain complex traits that might play critical roles in different geographic environments, including fat coverage in frigid environments and blood indicators in tropical and high-altitude environments. Candidate genes under selection were significantly enriched in the biological pathways involved in environmental adaptations. These pathways contained blood circulation, protein degradation, and inflammation for tropical adaptation; heart and lung development, hypoxia response, and DNA damage repair for high-altitude adaptation; andthermogenesis, cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD), and cell cycle for frigid adaptation. By examining the chromatin state of the selection signatures, we detected the lung and ileum as two critically functional tissues for environmental adaptations. Finally, we unveiled a mutation (chr1: G246,175,129A) in cis-regulatory regions of ABCA1 as a plausible promising variant for tropical adaptation.
Conclusions: In this study, we conducted a genome-wide exploration of the genetic mechanisms underlying the tropical, frigid, and high-altitude adaptability of Chinese local pig breeds. Our findings shed light on the prominent role of cis-regulatory elements in impacting environmental adaptation in pigs and may serve as a vital biomodel on human plateau-related disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
Investigating the correlation between demographic data, laboratory results, intubation, and mortality rate in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Vahedi Leila , Sheikhalipour Zahra , Tavani Fatemeh Molaei , Behshid Mozhgan , akhuleh Omid Zadi , Hasanzadeh Vida , Kahlani Mina , Rahmani Parvin
Published: February 2024

Background
COVID-19 is a highly contagious infectious disease that rapidly escalated into a pandemic. This coronavirus pandemic has been associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Multiple risk factors for severe, critical illness and death due to COVID-19 have been identified. This study investigated associations between demographic traits, laboratory test results, intubation status, and mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Methods
In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 181 patients infected with COVID-19 who were admitted to Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz, Iran, between March and September 2020 were reviewed using the census sampling method. Demographic data, laboratory results, and intubation history were extracted from the records. The data were analyzed using Chi-square, the independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U tests, and logistic regression using SPSS 27. P < 0.05 and the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were considered significant.
Results
Out of 181 patients infected with COVID-19, there were 110 (60.8%) males with a median age of 66 (16–96) years. There was a significant direct relationship between outcome and intubation, chest X-ray, CT-Scan, renal diseases, age, WBC, K, P, urea, Cr, and LDH, respectively (P < 0.0001, < 0.0001, 0.02, 0.01, < 0.0001, 0.002, 0.002, 0.008, < 0.0001, < 0.0001, and 0.008). In contrast, there was a significant inverse relationship between outcome and PH, HCO3, and SaO2 (P = 0.005, 0.002, and < 0.0001).
Conclusion
This study found that several factors increase the risk of mortality in patients infected with COVID-19, including intubation, abnormal lung CT and chest X-ray findings, underlying kidney disease, advanced age, and high levels of white blood cells, potassium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase. On the other hand, increased pH, bicarbonate, and oxygen saturation were protective factors against mortality. These results highlight important risk and protective factors for mortality in COVID-19 patients. The findings can inform clinical decision-making and resource allocation during future COVID-19 outbreaks and pandemics involving similar respiratory viruses.
RETRACTED: TRIM44 promotes autophagy through SQSTM1 oligomerization in the response to oxidative stress induced by Arsenic Trioxide in cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Lyu Lin , Vu Trung , McCarty Nami
Published: February 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Agent-based modelling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission: A systematic review
Authors: Bui Viet Long , Hughes Angus , Ragonnet Romain , Meehan Micheal , Henderson Alec , McBryde Emma , Trauer James M.
Published: February 2024

Background: Traditional epidemiological models simplify many aspects of Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission to capture observed tuberculosis (TB) epidemic dynamics, leading to interest in more advanced methodologies,such as agent-based modelling (ABM), that can more flexibly represent the underlying complexity. We synthesised evidence on the application of ABMs in TB transmission modelling to identify trends, methodological approaches, and directions for future research.
Methods: Following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines, we searched electronic databases and supplemented this approach by searching reference lists of included studies. Eligible studies were screened against the inclusion criteria.
Results: We identified 26 eligible studies that employed ABMs to model M.tb transmission and evaluate interventions. Study characteristics differed in relation to their population, setting, time horizon, software, and computational expense.
Conclusions: ABMs are a versatile approach for representing complex disease dynamics, particularly in cases such as TB, where heterogeneous mixing and household transmission are often overlooked by traditional models. However, their advanced capabilities come with challenges, including those arising from their stochastic nature, such as parameter tuning and high computational expense. To improve transparency and reproducibility, open-source code sharing and standardised reporting are recommended to enhance ABM reliability in studying epidemiologically complex diseases such as TB.
PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022380580.
Dispersiveness, higher stability and controllability of linear control systems on the Heisenberg group
Authors: Souza Josiney
Published: February 2024

This paper presents sufficient conditions for dispersiveness of linear control systemns on the Heisenberg group. The dispersiveness implies the absolute stability of the orbits, which means stability of all orders. Necessary conditions for the existence of a control set are derived. A linear control system is determined by a derivation D of the Heisenberg algebra h and invariant vector fields X₁,…,X_{m}. The main result assures that the system is dispersive with respect to a compact set K in the control range, if the mean limits lim(1/(t_{n}))∫₀^{t_{n}}∑u_{i}ⁿ(s)X_{i}ds do not reach the subspace h²+Im(D)⊂h. Consequently, the system is K-dispersive, if 0∉K and the sum h²+Im(D) meets Span{X₁,…,X_{m}} trivially. The mean limit criterion is applied to the linear Heisenberg flywheel and other three-dimensional systems.
Vitamin D inhibits apoptosis in THP-1 cells infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis through TNF signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Yusheng , Deng Jiezhong , Liu Pan , He Jinyue , Tan Jiulin , Yu Bo , Bai Yun , Luo Fei , Xu Jianzhong , Zhang Zehua
Published: February 2024

Vitamin D (VD) has been extensively associated with the resistance against tuberculosis (TB); however, the mechanism underlying the reduction in TB susceptibility by VD remains uncertain. In our prior investigation, we discovered the relationship between VD and mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb)-induced aberrant osteoclastogenesis. Here we report that VD diminishes apoptosis in M.tb-infected THP-1 cells through tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway. This novel perspective contributes to the elucidation of the intricate relationship between VD and tuberculosis. In this study, THP-1 cells were infected with the H37Rv strain for 4h at a MOI of 10 and then treated with 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) (10− 6, 10− 8, 10− 10M) for 1d and 4d respectively. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed, and differential expression analysis was conducted by the R package edgeR. Immunofluorescence (IF) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques were employed for VDR, TNFR1 and TUNEL in TB patients and serum levels of TNF-α and IL6 were measured simultaneously. Furthermore, the utilization of western blot and qRT-PCR techniques was employed to investigate the impact of VD on pivotal molecules involved in the TNF signaling pathway. In addition, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and VD were administrated by tail vein and articular cavity injection in vivo. Our findings revealed a robust responsiveness of the TNF signaling pathway to M.tb-induced inflammation, resulting in elevated expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and severe apoptosis. VD exhibited significant inhibitory effect on M.tb-induced inflammation and apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. This study provides new ideas for vitamin D in the study of tuberculous bone destruction.
WITHDRAWN: Post Fever Retinitis - Experience From Tertiary Eye Care Hospital in Central India
Authors: PALIWAL SONAL PALIWAL , prerna prerena upadhyaya
Published: February 2024

Purpose -To report a series of 5 cases with retinitis following a febrile illness, its clinical spectrum, management, and prognosis.
Method - Retrospective case series of 5 patients presenting with acute retinitis, following a febrile illness.
Results - The retinitis lesions had a sudden onset with rapid evolution, preceded by a febrile episode within one month of presentation , in all cases. Serology testing was non-contributory in guiding the therapy. Oral corticosteroid therapy was effective in resolution of lesions.
Conclusion – Post fever retinitis mostly represents a parainfetious etilogy with an seasonal pattern in endemic areas without a uniformly identifiable cause.Mostly affects young immunocompetent individuals and has a self-limiting course.
New findings on Developmental Studies of the oropharyngeal Salivary Glands in Japanese Quails (Coutrinx coutrinx japonica)
Authors: Khalifa Mahmoud Osman , Abd-Elkareem Mahmoud , Gaber Wafaa , Saleh Abdelmohaimen Mostafa
Published: February 2024

The oropharyngeal floor of the lower beak in Japanese quails (Coutrinx coutrinx japonica) contains the sublingual and mandibular salivary glands. Although few literatures spoke about the oropharyngeal glands, our study demonstrated the best for full morphological and cytochemical illustration. The morphological and cytochemical analysis were done on 20 healthy Japanese quail embryos with ages of the 6th, 10th, 11th, and 13th days of incubation, and 25 healthy quail chicks at ages zero (hatching day old), 7th, 14th, 30th, and 60th days old. The primordia of the sublingual and mandibular salivary glands were noticed at the 6th and 10th days of the prehatching old respectively as an epithelial bud. After hatching, both primordia were elongated and differentiated into secretory units. These glands are mucous polystomatic tubulo-alveolar paired glands which were situated in the submucosa. The sublingual glands consisted of 3-5 lobes extended from two ceratobranchial caudally by their wide ends beyond the median sulcus of the prefrenular part of sublingual space rostrally; where they opened by their constricted part. The taste buds are variable in size and position; the associated salivary glands type was the largest, which all taste pores varied from 8.2-12 um. The mandibular glands lay on the paralingual groove which arose at 10 days old embryo. Furthermore, the mandibular glands were located dorsomedial to the sublingual glands and extended longitudinally from the rostral border of the frenulum linguae to the caudal tips of sublingual glands. Notably, the taste buds decreased in the volume and number with advancing age. Both gland secretions showed various histochemical reactions that ended with highly alcinophilic (acidic) materials in advanced ages.
Biologically interpretable multi-task deep learning pipeline predicts molecular alterations, grade, and prognosis in glioma patients
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wu Xuewei , Zhang Shuaitong , Zhang Zhenyu , Xu Zexin , Wang Weiwei , Jin Zhe , You Jingjing , Guo Yang , Zhang Lu , Huang Wenhui , Wang Fei , Liu Xianzhi , Yan Dongming , Cheng Jingliang , Yan Jing , Zhang Shuixing
Published: February 2024

Deep learning models have been developed for various predictions in glioma; yet, they were constrained by manual segmentation, task-specific design, or a lack of biological interpretation. Herein, we aimed to develop an end-to-end multi-task deep learning (MDL) pipeline that can simultaneously predict molecular alterations and histological grade (auxiliary tasks), as well as prognosis (primary task) in gliomas. Further, we aimed to provide the biological mechanisms underlying the model's predictions. We collected multiscale data including baseline MRI images from 2,776 glioma patients across two private (FAHZU and HPPH, n=1,931) and three public datasets (TCGA, n=213; UCSF, n=410; and EGD, n=222). We trained and internally validated the MDL model using our private datasets, and externally validated it using the three public datasets. We used the model-predicted deep prognosis score (DPS) to stratify patients into low-DPS and high-DPS subtypes. Additionally, a radio-multiomics analysis was conducted to elucidate the biological basis of the DPS. In the external validation cohorts, the MDL model achieved average areas under the curve of 0.892-0.903, 0.710-0.894, and 0.850-0.879 for predicting IDH mutation status, 1p/19q co-deletion status, and tumor grade, respectively. Moreover, the MDL model yielded a C-index of 0.723 in the TCGA and 0.671 in the UCSF for the prediction of overall survival. The DPS exhibits significant correlations with activated oncogenic pathways, immune infiltration patterns, specific protein expression, DNA methylation, tumor mutation burden, and tumor-stroma ratio. Accordingly, our work presents an accurate and biologically meaningful tool for predicting molecular subtypes, tumor grade, and survival outcomes in gliomas, which provides personalized clinical decision-making in a global and non-invasive manner.
Genome-wide CRISPR Screening Identifies the Pivotal Role of ANKRD42 in Colorectal Cancer Metastasis Through EMT Regulation
Authors: Liu Shengde , Zhang Zizhen , Wang Zhenghang , Li Jian , Shen Lin , Wang Xicheng
Published: February 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), a pervasive and lethal malignancy of the gastrointestinal cancer, imposes significant challenges due to the occurrence of distant metastasis in advanced stages. Understanding the intricate regulatory mechanisms driving CRC distant metastasis is of paramount importance.
Methods: To faithfully recapitulate CRC liver metastasis, we innovatively employed in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 screening with a spleen-injected liver metastasis mouse model. Through comprehensive screening of a whole-genome sgRNA library, we identified pivotal regulatory genes facilitating CRC liver metastasis. Experimental validation of ANKRD42, a key hit, was performed using migration and invasion assays, supported by an advanced in vivo spleen-injected liver metastasis model. Patient-Derived Organoid (PDO) models derived from liver metastases elucidated the impact of ANKRD42 perturbation on the expression profile of genes associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in tumorigenesis.
Results: Analysis of the TCGA database and our clinical cohorts unveiled heightened ANKRD42 expression in metastases. At the cellular level, the attenuation of ANKRD42 impaired the migration and invasion processes of tumor cells. In vivo experiments further validated these observations, highlighting the diminished liver metastatic capacity of tumor cells upon ANKRD42 knockdown. To unravel the specific mechanisms by which ANKRD42 regulates CRC distant metastasis, we leveraged PDO models. Depleting ANKRD42 in PDOs sourced from liver metastases precipitated the downregulation of pivotal genes linked to EMT, including CDH2 and SANI2, thereby effectively suppressing tumor metastasis.
Conclusions:
ANKRD42 emerges as a pivotal driver of distant metastasis in CRC, as unveiled by genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening. Significantly elevated expression levels of ANKRD42 were notably observed within metastases across our cohort. Functionally, ANKRD42 intricately regulates the EMT process, thereby potentiating CRC's ability for distant metastatic spread. This study not only establishes a conceptual framework but also identifies potential therapeutic avenues for advanced-stage distant metastasis in CRC patients
Effects of Shallow-buried drip irrigation on growth, yield, and water productivity of potato in the Yin-mountain region of China
Authors: Guan ting , Liu peng , Wu lan , Qin yonglin , zahng baozhong , Jia lijuo , Fan mingshou
Published: February 2024

Water scarcity is a significant constraint on potato production in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern China. Shallow-buried drip irrigation (SSI) was examined to assess its effects on water conservation and water use efficiency. A 4-year consecutive field trial spanning from 2019 to 2022 was carried out in the Yin Mountain area, a region conducive to potato cultivation in northern China. The findings revealed that, compared to surface drip irrigation (SI), tuber yield was augmented by 3–12% with SSI. Moreover, in a year with regular rainfall, an irrigation volume of 150 mm in SSI achieved a higher yield than the 200 mm application. The increased yield is predominantly due to a greater leaf area index during the tuber bulking phase and enhanced dry matter accumulation during the starch storage phase in SSI, particularly a higher root dry weight. SSI exhibited reduced ineffective evaporation and greater soil water storage, leading to more irrigation water being used for transpiration and yield production. In comparison to SI, the average Water Use Efficiency per Irrigation (WUEI) and overall Water Use Efficiency (WUE) in SSI increased by 7.75% and 10.65%, respectively. Our results suggest that Shallow-buried drip irrigation is an effective method to conserve scarce water resources, enhance tuber yield, and improve water use efficiency in the arid and semi-arid zones of northern China, thereby aiding the sustainable growth of local potato farming.