bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuning Microelectrodes Impedance to Improve Fast Ripples Recording
Authors: Mousavi Hajar , Dauly Gautier , Dieuset Gabriel , El Merhie Amira , Ismailova Esma , Wendling Fabrice , Al Harrach Mariam
Published: December 2023

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal hyperexcitability. In the case of pharmacoresistant epilepsy requiring resection surgery, identifying the epileptogenic zone (EZ) is crucial. Fast ripples (FRs; 200-600 Hz) are one of the promising biomarkers that can aid in EZ delineation. However, recording FRs requires small surface electrodes. These microelectrodes suffer from high impedance, which significantly impacts FR observability and detection. In this study, we explored the potential of a conductive polymer coating to enhance FR observability. We employed biophysical modeling to compare two types of microelectrodes: Gold (Au) and Au coated with the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) (Au/PEDOT:PSS). These electrodes were then implanted in the CA1 hippocampal neural network of epileptic mice to record FRs during epileptogenesis. Results showed that polymer-coated electrodes demonstrate two-order lower impedance and a higher transfer function amplitude and cut-off frequency. Consequently, FRs recorded with the PEDOT:PSS coated microelectrode yielded significantly higher signal energy compared to the uncoated one. The coating with PEDOT:PSS improved the observability of recorded FRs and therefore their detection. This work paves the way for the development of signal-specific microelectrodes design allowing better targeting of pathological biomarkers.
Recent Advances in Studying the Regulation of Fruit Ripening in Tomato
Authors: Baranov Denis , Timerbaev Vadim
Published: December 2023

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most commercially essential vegetable crops cultivated worldwide. In addition to the nutritional value, tomato is an excellent model for studying climacteric fruits' ripening process. Despite this, the available natural pool of genes that allows expanding phenotypic diversity is limited, and the difficulties of crossing using classical selection methods when stacking traits increase proportionally with each additional feature. Genetic engineering makes it possible to introduce changes in genes of interest without changing the allelic combinations characteristic of successful commercial varieties, to enhance the expression of existing genes, to create and transfer artificial and heterologous genes, and much more. However, this requires understanding the fundamental principles of the molecular interaction. Although the leading candidate genes for these components have been identified, a complete picture of their relationship has yet to be formed. The review summarizes the latest (2017-2023) achievements related to studying the ripening processes of tomato fruits. In this work, an attempt is made to systematize the results of various research and display the interaction pattern of genes regulating the process of tomato fruit ripening.
Analysis of AGVs Routes Considering Disturbances and Unexpected Events
Authors: Coutinho Fernanda , Costa Edson , Barreiros Jorge
Published: December 2023

Automated Guided Vehicles are self-guided vehicles used in manufacturing and warehouses for material transport. They play a vital role in just-in-time material delivery, ensuring smooth production lines. However, disruptions in their fixed routes can lead to efficiency losses. This paper studies unexpected disruptions in mobile robot routes, assessing the costs of rectification using the E* analysis. The study highlights the significant additional cost of such disruptions, underscoring the importance of their consideration in AGV route planning to enhance system resilience.
HIV Expression in Infected T Cell Clones
Authors: Rausch Jason W , Parvez Shadab , Pathak Sachi , Capoferri Adam A , Kearney Mary F
Published: December 2023

The principal barrier to an HIV-1 cure is the persistence of infected cells harboring replication-competent proviruses despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). HIV-1 transcriptional suppression, referred to as viral latency, is foremost among persistence determinants, as it allows infected cells to evade the cytopathic effects of virion production and killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and other immune factors. HIV-1 persistence is also governed by cellular proliferation, an innate and essential capacity of CD4+ T cells that both sustains cell populations over time and enables a robust directed response to immunological threats. Yet when HIV-1 infects CD4+ T cells, this capacity for proliferation can counterproductively enable surreptitious HIV-1 propagation without the deleterious effects of viral gene expression in latently infected cells. Over time on ART, the HIV1 reservoir is shaped by both persistence determinants, with selective forces most often favoring clonally expanded infected cell populations harboring transcriptionally quiescent proviruses. Moreover, if HIV latency is incomplete or sporadically reversed in clonal infected cell populations that are replenished faster than they are depleted, such populations could both persist indefinitely and contribute to low-level persistent viremia during ART and viremic rebound if treatment is withdrawn. In this review, select genetic, epigenetic, cellular, and immunological determinants of viral transcriptional suppression and clonal expansion of HIV-1 reservoir T cells, interdependencies among these determinants, and implications for HIV-1 persistence will be presented and discussed.
Optimizing Preoperative Chronic Pain Management in Elective Spine Surgery Patients
Authors: Arciero Emily , Coury Josephine R. , Dionne Alexandra , Reyes Justin , Lombardi Joseph M. , Sardar Zeeshan M.
Published: December 2023

» Chronic preoperative opioid use negatively affects outcomes after spine surgery, with increased complications and reoperations, longer hospital stays, decreased return-to-work rates, worse patient-reported outcomes, and a higher risk of continued opioid use postoperatively.

» The definition of chronic opioid use is not consistent across studies, and a more specific and consistent definition will aid in stratifying patients and understanding their risk of inferior outcomes.

» Preoperative weaning periods and maximum dose thresholds are being established, which may increase the likelihood of achieving a meaningful improvement after surgery, although higher level evidence studies are needed.

» Spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal drug delivery devices are increasingly used to manage chronic back pain and are equivalent or perhaps even superior to opioid treatment, although few studies exist examining how patients with these devices do after subsequent spine surgery.

» Further investigation is needed to determine whether a true mechanistic explanation exists for spine-related analgesia related to spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal drug delivery devices.
Draft of an ethical code of subjects implementing activity of creating, applying and utilizing medical products based on artificial intelligence technologies
Authors: Shutova A. A. , Begishev I. R.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to develop a draft Ethical Code aimed at establishing ethical norms and rules of official behavior of subjects implementing activity of creating, applying and utilizing medical products based on artificial intelligence technologies.

Methods: the methodological basis of the draft Ethical Code aimed at establishing ethical norms and rules of official behavior of subjects implementing activity of creating, applying and utilizing medical products based on artificial intelligence technologies consists of general and specific methods of scientific cognition, including analysis, synthesis, deduction, induction, classification, analogy, and comparison.

Results: To the attention of lawyers – legal scientists and practitioners, medical professionals, members of clinical ethics committees, medical ethics specialists, representatives of law-making bodies, government agencies, business community and public organizations, patients, and a wide range of readers interested in the digital transformation of the healthcare system, we present the first in the Russian Federation draft of an Ethical Code of subjects implementing activity of creating, applying and utilizing medical products based on artificial intelligence technologies.

Scientific novelty: the draft Ethical Code comprises general principles of professional service ethics and basic rules of official behavior, which should guide the subjects implementing activity of creating, applying and utilizing medical products based on artificial intelligence technologies. It is aimed at strengthening the authority of medical personnel, increasing patient confidence in artificial intelligence technologies, and preventing potential negative consequences as a result of their use.

Practical significance: the draft Ethical Code is based on a systematic and comprehensive approach to the study of ethical norms and rules of official behavior, which should be followed by the subjects implementing activity of creating, applying and utilizing medical products based on artificial intelligence technologies. The principles specified in the Ethical Code are a basis for the development of the legal regulation system for artificial intelligence technologies in healthcare.
“In the beginning was the Word”: words and deeds of Soviet economists in the book “Cognitive structures and political economy of socialism in the USSR”, ed. by P. A. Orekhovskii
Authors: Melnik D. V.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to evaluate the work “Cognitive structures and political economy of socialism in the USSR”, ed. by P.A. Orekhovsky (St. Petersburg: Aleteya, 2022).

Methods: textual analysis, methodological criticism.

Results: the paper reviews a collective monograph by the Institute of Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences devoted to the history of Soviet economic thought in the 1950s – first half of the 1980s. The novelty of the reviewed work consists in the methodological approach. It involves analyzing the peculiarities of speech practices and assumes that their result was the formation of a special cognitive structure, which development cycle had a decisive influence on political processes. Not being a tutorial, the work can be used as auxiliary educational material on the history of Soviet economy and economic thought. At the same time, the work contains a number of controversial points. In general, it presents an important contribution to a potential discussion of the past and present of the Russian economic science and the nature of late-Soviet and post-Soviet economic and social changes.

Scientific novelty: the innovation of the work consists in the consistent application of the approach to the history of Soviet economic science, which implies blurring of a clear boundary between the subject and object of economic research. The originality of the methodological approach consists in the fact that it applies Western “postmodernism” to analyze such a unique object as the Soviet economic science.

Practical significance: the work can be recommended to a wide range of specialists interested in the problems under consideration.
Economic effect of carbon storage due to forest management intensification: analysis and forecast for the Republic of Karelia
Authors: Vysokikh-Al-Yasiri A. A.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to assess the economic potential of carbon storage for a group of companies in the Republic of Karelia in the context of intensive forest management.

Methods: SWOT analysis; assessment of a forest management project according to the VM10 international methodology, Verified Carbon Standard 2016 and forecast of revenues from selling carbon units.

Results: the potential of Russian forest management in the context of the Paris Agreement is not disputed, but the assessment of the economic potential of carbon storage of individual economic entities at the moment remains open for discussion. The study estimates the effect of selling carbon units from forest management intensification projects, taking into account the maximum lease term for the area of 2.25 million hectares. This effect can reach an average of 23 million rubles per year from 2023 to 2034 and an average of 42 million rubles per year from 2023 to 2050, excluding the capital costs of logging and preparation, validation, verification and registration of the climate project, and field observations to ensure monitoring. The study proves that long-term investments in forest management intensification and a longer period of the climate project can lead to higher income per hectare from selling carbon units.

Scientific novelty: it consists in the economic evaluation of regulatory restrictions on the price of carbon unit for forest climate projects, taking into account the maximum lease term stipulated by national legislation. The obtained results substantiate the economic challenges associated with the current regulations and provide information on the variability of project efficiency depending on the selected term of its implementation.

Practical significance: the main results of the research can be used in the practical activity of economic entities, as well as by the bodies forming the policy of forest management.
Measuring professional preparedness of would-be teachers for pedagogical activity based on criteria-level estimation
Authors: Golovchin M. A.
Published: December 2023

Objective: to determine the level of future teachers’ professional readiness for pedagogical activity using the statistical method of analysis based on the secondary data of a sociological research; to assess the factors affecting the above level.

Methods: the study applied an index method of generalizing the data of sociological measurements to calculate the index of professional readiness for pedagogical activity (Iprpa). As part of the assessment, we used the data of the sociological survey conducted by VolNTs RAS in May-June 2023 among graduate students majoring in pedagogy at vocational schools and universities of Vologda oblast.

Results: based on generalization of the study of professional readiness for pedagogical activity (futher – PRPA), a theoretical model of criterion-level assessment of this phenomenon was proposed. Within the model approbation, the readiness of future teachers for professional activity was assessed. Calculations showed that 24.6 % of the surveyed graduates had a high level, 44.6 % had an average level, and 30.8 % had a low level of PRPA. At the same time, university graduates had a lower level of readiness for school work than those who get a profession in colleges. The correlation analysis revealed that future teachers’ PRPA is strongly influenced by the presence of professional vocation as a sense of spiritual connection with the profession, and is influenced weakly by the purchasing power of their income. The spread of negative perceptions of the teaching profession among graduates usually reduces their readiness to work in the profession.

Practical significance: the study proposes a step-by-step algorithm for assessing professional readiness for pedagogical activity using a sociological database. It is suggested that the process of the PRPA formation is influenced not only by the educational organization, but also by the future specialist personality. In particular, it concerns the inner desire to see oneself in pedagogical activity as an established professional, which is not always formed in the process of training at vocational schools and universities (especially if admission to the major was associated with “negative selection”). In this regard, we formulate proposals to overcome the effect of “negative selection” in the professional training of future teachers.

Scientific novelty: the study clarifies the approach to the category of “professional readiness for pedagogical activity” and proposes a methodology for assessing the PRPA level, which includes a theoretical model of criterion-level assessment of this phenomenon, as well as an algorithm for calculating the final index of PRPA.
Digital health experts’ views on building One Health Surveillance using Telehealth
Authors: Basu Arindam , Ramachandran Anandhi , John Sheila , Umeh Charles , Al-shorbaji Najeeb
Published: December 2023

One health (“OH”) refers to integration of human, animal, and ecosystem health. An OH-based disease surveillance will enable early detection of zoonoses and ecosystem changes, instrumental for pre-empting future pandemics. Telehealth is used for preventive and curative remote care; telehealth can be instrumental for developing OH-surveillance but the barriers and levers in building such systems are unknown. We address this by conducting an innovation sprint with digital health experts at an international conference. We asked the participants how we might build a telehealth-driven OH surveillance system. They identified barriers, opportunities, and needs, and constructed empathy maps. Analyses of their responses revealed that they identified lack of a centralised system as a barrier. Networks, and centralised data systems would facilitate building telehealth-based OH surveillance. These findings are also consistent with existing approaches of OH surveillance without telehealth. This suggests implementing telehealth in OH surveillance will have similar issues to existing approaches.
Prioritized Experience Replay Based on dynamics priority
Authors: Li Hu , Qian Xuezhong , Song Wei
Published: December 2023

Experience replay has been instrumental in achieving significant advancements in reinforcement learning by increasing the utilization of data. To further improve the sampling efficiency, prioritized experience replay (PER) was proposed. This algorithm prioritizes experiences based on the temporal difference error (TD error), enabling the agent to learn from more valuable experiences stored in the experience pool. While various prioritized algorithms have been proposed, they ignored the dynamic changes of experience value during the training process, merely combining different priority criteria in a fixed or linear manner. In this paper, we present a novel prioritized experience replay algorithm called PERDP, which employs a dynamic priority adjustment framework. PERDP adaptively adjusts the weights of each criterion based on average priority level of the experience pool and evaluates experiences’ value according to current network. We apply this algorithm to the SAC model and conduct experiments in the OpenAI Gym experimental environment. The experiment results demonstrate that the PERDP exhibits superior convergence speed when compared to the PER.
Peripheral blood circulating tumor cells and glycan antigen 153 as biomarkers for diagnosis and prediction of prognosis in breast cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Ouyang Peiwen , Yang Kang , Ran Jiangfan , Zhuang Xiwei , Zhou Shaoxiong , Wu Yunhua
Published: December 2023

Background
Our aim was to study the diagnostic and prognostic value of circulating tumor cells (CTC) and glycan antigen 153 (CA153) expression in breast cancer patients.
Methods
171 breast cancer patients were collected as an observation group, and another 126 cases of benign breast lesions in the same period were selected as a control group, to analyze the difference and correlation between the expression of CA153 and CTC in the two groups, and to compare the diagnostic value of CA153, CTC, and the combined detection for breast cancer. Finally, CTC expression was analyzed in relation to different clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer and CA153.
Results
The CTC positivity rate and CA153 expression level of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group, and Point-biserial analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between CTC and CA153 (r = 0.53,P༜0.01); the combined detection of CTC and CA153 had a higher sensitivity than that of the independent detection, and a lower specificity than that of the independent detection, and the combined detection of Youden's-index, Kappa-index, and Kappa-index was more effective in diagnosing breast cancer. index) and Kappa value were the highest at 0.8 and 0.79, respectively, which had higher diagnostic value; CTC expression was related to choroidal infiltration, TNM staging, and CA153 expression (P ༜0.05).
Conclusions
The expression of CA153 and CTC in breast cancer was significantly elevated and correlated, and the combined detection of the two had a higher diagnostic value for breast cancer, and CTC detection predicted the prognosis of breast cancer.
Designer Cellular Spheroids with DNA Origami for Drug Screening
Authors: Pei Hao , Wei Jiayi , Sun Yueyang , Wang Heming , Zhu Tong , Li Li , Zhou Ying , Liu Quan , Dai Zhen , Li Wenjuan , Yang Taihua , Wang Bingmei , Zhu Changfeng , Shen Xizhong , Yao Qunyan , Song Guangqi , Zhao Yicheng
Published: December 2023

In vitro models are crucial for drug screening, yet they often fail to accurately reflect human physiological responses. While 3D cell cultures aim to simulate human tissues, many lack the detailed complexity and interaction of various cell types found in actual tissues. Additionally, integrating these models with high-throughput drug screening remains a challenge. Current models can't strike the balance between capturing the complexity of human diseases and being suitable for large-scale drug tests. Here we introduce a method that uses self-assembling Nucleic-Acid-nanostructures-decorated-living-Cells, termed NACs, to create spheroids with a customizable 3D layout. To demonstrate its uniqueness, our method effectively creates designer 3D liver spheroids by combining hepatocytes with different non-parenchymal cells, leading to improved drug sensitivity and detailed modeling of complex chronic diseases and immune-stromal interactions. Our approach achieves a high level of biological detail while being standardized and straightforward to construct with the potential for large-scale drug discovery applications. By combining the precision of DNA nanotechnology with advanced cell culture techniques, we're streamlining human-centric models, balancing complexity with standardization, to boost drug screening efficiency.
An Exploratory Approach of Clinically Useful Biomarkers of Cvid by Logistic Regression
Authors: Guerra-Galán Teresa , Palacios-Ortega María , Jiménez-Huete Adolfo , Guevara-Hoyer Kissy , Cárdenas María Cruz , Villegas-Mendiola Ángela , Mansilla-Ruíz María Dolores , Subhi-Issa Nabil , Fuente Eduardo De la , Peña Antonia Rodríguez de la , Guzmán-Fulgencio María , Fernández-Arquero Miguel , de Diego Rebeca Pérez , Sanchez-Ramon Silvia
Published: December 2023

Despite improvements in genetic and functional studies, delayed diagnosis of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) remains challenging. To overcome this, an exploratory study to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a panel of biomarkers for CVID, such as the sum of κ+λlight chains and the soluble B-cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) levels, switched memory B cells (smB) and VISUAL score, through logistic regression models compared to gold-standard tests (specific antibody responses) was carried out.ANOVA and bivariate analysis were performed between different groups and logistic regression models were fitted using CVID biomarkers between CVID and selective IgA deficiency (SIgAD). A total of 88 subjects were studied: 27 CVID patients, 23 SIgAD patients, 20 secondary immunodeficiency (SID) patients and 18 healthy controls. We validated the diagnostic performance of individual biomarkers sBCMA and sum κ+λ, with Se 89% and Spe 89%, versus Se 90% and Spe 99%, respectively. sBCMA strongly correlated with all other three variables (sum κ+λ, smB cell and VISUAL). By contrast, sum κ+λ did not correlate with either smB cells or VISUAL, and could provide added diagnostic value. By multivariable tree decision model, only 2 two factors proved to be independent signature biomarkers of CVID, namely specific antibody responses and sum κ+λ. The resulting model had an AUC of 0.946, Se 0.85, and Spe 0.95. The tree-decision model can increase diagnostic efficiency. Sum κ+λ stood out over other CVID classifiers, further highlighting its potential as a diagnostic criterion.
Double dissociation of visuomotor interaction mediated by visual feedback during continuous de novo motor learning
Authors: Kim Sungshin , Kim Junghyun , Park Sungbeen , Yoo Kwangsun
Published: December 2023

While the sensorimotor cortices are central neural substrates for motor control and learning, how the interaction between their subregions with visual cortices contributes to acquiring de novo visuomotor skills is poorly understood. We designed a continuous visuomotor task in fMRI where participants learned an arbitrary visuomotor mapping. To dissociate motor and somatosensory cortices functions, we manipulated visual feedback of a cursor such that they learned to control using fingers under two alternating conditions: online cursor feedback is available or unavailable except when a target is reached. We found double dissociation of fMRI activity in subregions of the sensorimotor and visual cortices and their interaction, which were mediated by the visual feedback. We also found a significant reduction in functional connectivity between somatosensory cortices and early visual cortices, which was highly correlated with performance improvement. These findings support the distinct interaction between subregions of sensorimotor cortices and visual cortices while highlighting the more dominant role of somatosensory cortices over motor cortices during de novo motor learning.
Analysis of a New Phage, KZag1, Infecting Biofilm of Klebsiella pneumoniae: Genome Sequence and Characterization
Authors: Saqr Ebtesam , Sadik Mahmoud W. , El-Didamony Gamal , Askora Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Background
This study investigates the effectiveness of the bacteriophage KZag1 against drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, aiming to assess its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Methods
KZag1, characterized by a typical Myovirus structure with a 75 ± 5 nm diameter icosahedral head and a 15 ± 5 nm short tail, was evaluated in experimental trials against 15 strains of K. pneumoniae. The infection cycle duration was determined to be 50 minutes, resulting in an estimated burst size of approximately 83 plaque-forming units per colony-forming unit (pfu/cfu). Stability assessments were conducted within a pH range of 4 to 12 and temperatures ranging from 45°C to 60°C. Biofilm biomass reduction was observed, particularly at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10.
Results
KZag1 demonstrated infection efficacy against 12 out of 15 tested K. pneumoniae strains. The phage exhibited stability across a broad pH range and at elevated temperatures. Notably, treatment with KZag1 significantly reduced K. pneumoniae biofilm biomass, emphasizing its potential in combating biofilm formation. Genomic analysis revealed a complete genome of 157,089 base pairs with a GC content of 46.38%, encompassing 203 open reading frames (ORFs) and a cysteine-specific tRNA sequence. Comparison with phage GP4 highlighted similarities, with KZag1 having a longer genome by approximately 4829 base pairs and a higher GC content by approximately 0.93%. Phylogenetic analysis classified KZag1 within the Myoviridae family.
Conclusion
The efficacy of KZag1 against K. pneumoniae biofilm suggests its potential as a therapeutic candidate, especially for drug-resistant infections. Further clinical research is warranted to explore its synergy with other treatments, elucidate genomic traits, compare with Myoviridae phages, and understand its host interactions. These findings underscore the promising role of KZag1 in addressing drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Altered RSV Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hultquist Judd , Rios-Guzman Estefany , Simons Lacy , Dean Taylor , Agnes Francesca , Pawlowski Anna , Alisoltanidehkordi Arghavan , Nam Hannah , Ison Michael , Ozer Egon , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon
Published: December 2023

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory tract infection, with greatest impact on infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older adults. RSV prevalence decreased substantially following the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic but later rebounded with initially abnormal seasonality. The biological and epidemiological factors underlying this altered behavior remain poorly defined. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined RSV epidemiology, clinical severity, and genetic diversity in the years surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that changes in RSV diagnostic platforms drove increased detections in outpatient settings after 2020 and that hospitalized adults with RSV-A were at higher risk of needing intensive care than those with RSV-B. While the population structure of RSV-A remained unchanged, the population structure of RSV-B shifted in geographically distinct clusters. Mutations in the antigenic regions of the fusion protein suggest convergent evolution with potential implications for vaccine and therapeutic development.
A new experimental device for germinating seeds under controlled soil water potentials, a step beyond PEG.
Authors: Moret-Fernández David , Tormo Jaume , López M. Victoria , Cirujeda Alicia , Bochet Esther
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims. Seed germination as a function of soil water potential (h) is modelled by polyethylene glycol (PEG) experiments. However, this methodology does not consider the soil properties. In this paper, we demonstrate the limitation of PEG experiments to model seed germination, while demonstrating the interaction between soil type, h and seed characteristics on seed imbibition. Methods. We present a new experimental device, the tension germinator (TG), which allows the monitoring of seed imbibition under controlled h. TG was tested on barley and vetch seeds placed on loam (TG-loam) and sand (TG-sand) with h values of 0, -0.002, -0.006 MPa. PEG experiments (0 to -2.5 MPa) were performed to detect the h critical, hPEG, from which the seed imbibition curve is affected. PEG curves for 0 > h > -0.01 MPa were compared with TG. Results. No differences between PEG and TG curves were observed at 0 MPa. hPEG for barley and vetch was within [0, -0.01] MPa. Comparison between TG and PEG within [0, -0.01] MPa showed that while similar curves were observed with PEG and TG-loam, TG-sand curves at -0.002 and − 0.006 MPa behaved differently to the equivalent PEG curves. Unlike with PEG, no imbibition was observed in barley and vetch in TG-sand at -0.006 MPa. The h in TG-loam had negligible influence on the imbibition curves. Conclusions. PEG is not adequate to describe seed germination in soil. We propose a new device that can improve seed germination modeling in relation to h.
Effect of El Niño on Summer Extreme Ocean Waves over East Asian Regions
Authors: Bayhaqi Ahmad , Yoo Jeseon
Published: December 2023

Extreme wave events with devastating impacts on East Asian (EA) coastal regions have recently been more variable. However, despite being a prominent extreme spot due to the influence of anomalous seasonal atmospheric and remote climate variability, the investigation of EA extreme wave attributes, such as duration and intensity, and their relation to the climate events remains unclear. By applying the peaks-over-threshold (POT) method with a fixed threshold set at the 99th percentile, this study aimed to quantify the duration and intensity of EA extreme wave events in boreal summer from 1980–2021 and investigate the influence of El Niño and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) as the main climate mode in the Pacific Ocean. Spatially, the findings demonstrated that extreme waves have occurred with an intensity up to 1.5 m, persisting in a range from 8 to 35 hours over the study and revealing the prominent spot in the southern part of the study area, impacting the southern coast of Korea. Based on the area-averaged over the prominent spot, the appearance of El Niño induces longer (with an average of 85 h) and more intense summer extreme waves (with 2 m of max intensity). The results suggest that the eastward shifting of tropical storms (TS) due to the El Niño-induced anomalous westerlies at 5°N–10°N contributes to this condition. Furthermore, a positive PDO strengthens the El Niño effect, with the almost doubled in duration, through strong anomalous anticyclonic formation in the Philippine Sea. The study findings enhance our understanding of the link between ENSO and TS activity with respect to extreme wave duration and intensity; these factors can be relevant in formulating plans for mitigating the impact of extreme wave events on coastal environments.
Infective endocarditis with primary thrombocytopenia caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus: a case report
Authors: Lou Xingxing , Zhao Sheng , Jin Shanshan , Wang Sipei , Lv Shuangshuang , Pan Xinling
Published: December 2023

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Aggregatibacteraphrophilus, a member of the normal flora of the human oral cavity and upper respiratory tract, is relatively rare. Usually, patients with IE caused by this bacterium undergo surgical treatment; however, in this case, the patient underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR), which differed from previous procedures.
Case Presentation: A 63-year-old male patient was hospitalized with a 7-day history of fever. His C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels were elevated. The blood culture specimens were positive and analyzed using mass spectrometry for the presence of A. aphrophilus. Further esophageal echocardiography confirmed that the patient had IE. The patient's fever resolved after ceftriaxone treatment; however, because of his abnormally low platelet count, he underwent TMVR at an outside hospital. He was followed up for 3 months postoperatively with no significant discomfort.
Conclusions: This case is instructive in the surgical management of IE caused by A. aphrophilus and provides a new therapeutic option for high-risk patients in the perioperative period.
“If I die for touching him, let me die”: A Rapid Ethnographic Assessment of Cultural practices and Ebola Transmission in High-risk Boarder Regions of Tanzania
Authors: Kusena Priscilla , Metta Emmy , Mohamed Hussein , Kakoko Deodatus , Nyamhanga Tumaini , Bahuguna Shalini , Sirili Nathanael , Kinanda Jonas , Araya Awet , Mwiru Alice , Magesa Stanley , Makene Lulu , Rwechungura Allan , Kirakoya Fatimata B , Rangi Jaliath , Kileo Neema , Mlembwa Jerry , Kazaura Method , Frumence Gasto , Mpelembe Chipole
Published: December 2023

Background
Ebola is a rare but fatal disease caused by Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Initial Ebola outbreaks were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) before subsequent spread to Western and East African countries, including Uganda, which borders Tanzania. Proximity to EVD-infected countries raises the prospect of cross-border transmission, raising alarm in Tanzania. This study explored the cultural practices likely to prevent or escalate EVD transmission in the event of its outbreak in the country.
Methods
This rapid ethnographic assessment employed observation, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect data from people with diverse characteristics. The qualitative data was then subjected to thematic analysis.
Findings:
Cultural practices may escalate the transmission of EVD and hinder its prevention and control. These cultural practices include patients’ care practices, confirmation of the death, mourning, and body preparation for burial. Communal life, ceremonies, and social gatherings were other aspects observed to have the potential of compounding EVD transmission and hindering its containment in case of an outbreak.
Conclusion
Cultural practices may escalate EVD transmission as identified in the study settings. As such, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities should be interventionist in transforming cultural practices that may escalate the spread of EVD as part of preparedness, prevention, and control efforts in the event of outbreak.
Intimate Partner Violence against Chinese Men: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Yun , Pan Xiaofu
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Exploration of experiences related to Intimate Partner Violence(IPV)is crucial for policy-making, legal improvements, and enhancement of social services. While there have been numerous studies on IPV against women in China, research on IPV against men remains scarce. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the experiences of Chinese men who have experienced IPV.
Methods
Through qualitative thematic analysis of posts shared by 54 heterosexual Chinese men on public online forums, we examined the experiences of Chinese men who have encountered IPV.
Results
The results indicate that in addition to common forms of IPV such as physical violence, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and economic exploitation, Chinese men also experience unique types of IPV, including infidelity of partners, cultural-specific cold violence, and conflicts with mothers-in-law.
Conclusions
Chinese men are deeply influenced by Confucian culture, and the types and manifestations of IPV they experience differ from existing forms of violence. This adds new research content to the study of IPV. The research findings are beneficial for the development and implementation of intervention measures in different cultural backgrounds.
Discovery and geological significance of the Neoproterozoic bimodal intrusive rocks in Dabie Orogen
Authors: Li Linjing , Hu Mingyi , Kong Lingyao , Guo Pan , Gong Zhiyu , Wang Lin , Lyu Qiqi
Published: December 2023

In Mingshan reservoir of Dabie Orogenic Belt, there is a collection of Neoproterozoic bimodal intrusive rock formations. This study focuses on the zircon U-Pb chronology, rock geochemistry, and Hf isotopes of these formations. The findings reveal that: (1) The bimodal intrusive rocks mainly consist of gneissic monzogranite and biotite-bearing plagioclase amphibolite, with zircon U-Pb ages of 785.0 ± 7.1Ma and 787.3 ± 6.1Ma, respectively. These ages indicate that they were formed during the late Qingbaikou to early Nanhua epoch of the Neoproterozoic era. (2) The monzonitic granite in the peraluminous series displays a strong right deviation of LREE (Light Rare Earth Elements) and relatively flat HREE (Heavy Rare Earth Elements), as well as a negative δEu anomaly. It is enriched in elements like Rb, Ba, and K, while slightly depleted in elements like Nb, Sr, P, and Ti, similar to Al-type granite. The plagioclase-hornblende rock belongs to the metaluminous peraluminous, shoshonitic, and calc-alkaline series. It has a Mg# (molar ratio of Mg to Mg + Fe) of 0.15 ~ 0.25 and is enriched in LIL (Large Ion Lithophile) elements such as Rb, Ba, and K, with a slight positive anomaly of Ba, and depleted in Nb and Sr. (3) The monzogranite exhibits values of εHf(t) (epsilon Hafnium) ranging from − 13.4 to -7.2 (all negative), and tDM2(Hf) (two-stage depleted mantle model age) ranging from 2099 to 2298Ma. The amphibolite shows εHf(t) values ranging from 2.9 to 5.7 (all positive), and tDM2(Hf) ranging from 1257 to 1410Ma. The geochemistry and Hf isotopes indicate that the gneissic monzogranite and biotite-bearing plagioclase amphibolite have different magmatic sources. The mafic rocks originated from a depleted mantle and underwent fractional crystallization and strong crustal contamination. On the other hand, the acidic rocks resulted from partial melting of shallow ancient felsic crust due to the heating or upwelling of the mafic rocks. Taking into account regional correlation, the Middle Neoproterozoic bimodal intrusive rocks were formed in the structural setting of an intraplate extensional zone (incipient rift).
Impact of a tailored exercise regimen on physical capacity, systemic oxidative stress and plasma proteomic profile in PCC patients
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Mobarak H , Fontaine Marie-Noelle , Lord Sarah-Eve , Quenum Akouavi Julite Irmine , Limoges Marc-André , Rioux-Perreault Christine , Lucier Jean-François , Cliché Dominic O , Levesque Dominique , Boisvert François-Michel , Cantin André M , Allard-Chamard Hugues , Menendez Alfredo , Ilangumaran Subburaj , Piché Alain , Dionne Isabelle J , Ramanathan Sheela
Published: December 2023

Background: Individuals affected by the post-covid condition (PCC) show an increased fatigue and the so-called post-exertion malaise (PEM) that led health professionals to advise against exercise although accumulating evidence indicates the contrary. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of a closely monitored 8-week mixed exercise program on physical capacity, symptoms, fatigue, systemic oxidative stress and plasma proteomic profiles of PCC cases.
Methods: Twenty-five women and men with PCC were assigned sequentially to exercise (n = 15) and non-exercise (n = 10) groups. Individuals with no PCC served as a control group. The exercise program included cardiovascular and resistance exercises. Physical capacity, physical activity level and the presence of common PCC symptoms were measured before and after the intervention. Fatigue was measured the day following each exercise session. Plasma and PBMC samples were collected at the beginning and end of the training program. Glutathione and deoxyguanosine levels in PBMC and plasma proteomic profiles were evaluated.
Results: Bicep Curl (p=0.040) and STS-30 (p=0.043) improved to a greater extent in the exercise group than in the non-exercise group. An interaction effect was also observed for the level of physical activity (p=0.007) with a positive effect of the program on their daily functioning and without any adverse effects on general or post-effort fatigue. After exercise, glutathione levels in PBMCs increased in women but remained unchanged in men. Discernable changes were observed in the plasma proteomics profile with certain proteins involved in inflammatory response (SA100A8) decreasing in the exercise group.
Conclusions: Supervised exercise adapted to the level of fatigue and ability is safe and effective in PCC patients in improving their general physical capacity and wellbeing. Systemic molecular markers that accompany physical improvement can be monitored by analyzing plasma proteomics and markers of oxidative stress. Large-scale studies will help identify promising molecular markers to objectively monitor patient improvement.
Ecological Implications of Water Quality and Hydrological Factors on Plant Diversity in the Aquatic-Land Interface Zone of Yuhangtang River
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Huang Yan , Li Tianjie
Published: December 2023

Certain urban river riparian exhibit complex and diverse geomorphology, where environmental and anthropogenic factors regularly impact plant diversity in the aquatic-land interface zones. This phenomenon has given rise to a distinctive ecosystem at the confluence of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The study aims to explore the correlation between plant diversity in aquatic-land interface zones and environmental factors, encompassing water quality and hydrology. Data were collected from 8 sites with 48 samples in the Yuhangtang River Basin in Hangzhou, P. R. China, through in-situ field surveys. Ridge regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between different factors. The findings suggest a strong positive correlation between water quality factors, particularly water conductivity, and plant diversity in these zones. Meanwhile, significant negative correlations were observed between nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and Simpson's and Shannon's indices of plant diversity. Temperature had a significant effect on the plant diversity index of the aquatic-land interface zone. Additionally, plant diversity indices of samples located near the shore were generally higher than those located close to the water. This empirical study provides insights into the relationships between plant diversity and environmental factors in the interface zone between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It highlights the importance of water quality and hydrological factors in the understanding of the aquatic ecosystems of urban rivers. Consequently, further in-depth investigations are necessary.
The role of NPC2 gene in glioma was investigated based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zheng Guangwei , Zeng Guangming , Wei De
Published: December 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant primary brain tumors in adults. The NPC2 gene (Niemann-Pick type C intracellular cholesterol transporter 2) is a protein-coding gene with a lipid recognition domain. The NPC2 gene was found to be significantly increased in gliomas (LGG and GBM), and it is now thought to be a risk factor. COX analysis demonstrated that NPC2 was a significant risk factor for glioma. Functional enrichment analysis of genes that were differentially expressed between high and low expression groups revealed that genes were primarily enriched in the regulation of trans-synaptic signaling, Retrograde endocannabinoid signaling and other pathways. According to the findings of the immunoinfiltration investigation, the NPC2 gene and macrophage, DC, etc. have a strong positive association. In addition, patients with high NPC2 expression had higher levels of immune cell expression. Medication sensitivity research revealed that NPC2's differential expression had some bearing on patients' medication sensitivity. There was a strong correlation between the prognosis of glioma patients and the gene sets NUDT19 and NUME. In brief, the NPC2 gene was identified to be a possible biomarker of glioma, and preliminary analysis was done on the role of the NPC2 gene in immunological microenvironment of glioma.
Potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 complicated with pulmonary hypertension: a bioinformatics and early validation study
Authors: Hou Qingbin , Jiang Jinping , Na Kun , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Dan , Jing Quanmin , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: December 2023

coronavirus disease(COVID-19)and pulmonary hypertension(PH)are closely correlated. However, the mechanism is still poorly understood.In this article, we analyzed the molecular action network driving the emergence of this event.Two datasets (GSE113439 and GSE147507) from the GEO database were used for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).Common DEGs were selected by VennDiagram and their enrichment in biological pathways was analyzed. Candidate gene biomarkers were selected using three different machine-learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, LASSO、RF).The diagnostic efficacy of these foundational genes was validated using independent datasets. Eventually, we validated molecular docking and medication prediction. We found 62 common DEGs, including several ones that could be enriched for Immune Response and Inflammation. Two DEGs (SELE and CCL20) could be identified by machine-learning algorithms. They performed well in diagnostic tests on independent datasets. In particular, we observed an upregulation of functions associated with the adaptive immune response, the leukocyte-lymphocyte-driven immunological response, and the proinflammatory response. Moreover, by ssGSEA, natural killer T cells, activated dendritic cells, activated CD4 T cells, neutrophils, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were correlated with COVID-19 and PH, with SELE and CCL20 showing the strongest correlation with dendritic cells. Potential therapeutic compounds like FENRETI-NIDE were predicted.The findings indicated that ELE and CCL20 were identified as novel diagnostic biomarkers for COVID-19 complicated with PH, and the target of these two key genes, FENRETI-NIDE, was predicted to be a potential therapeutic target, thus providing new insights into the prediction and treatment of COVID-19 complicated with PH in clinical practice.