bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gain neuromodulation mediates perceptual switches: evidence from pupillometry, fMRI, and RNN Modelling
Authors: Wainstein Gabriel , Whyte Christopher , Martens Kaylena Ehgoetz , Müller Eli , Munn Brandon , Medel Vicente , Anderson Britt , Stöttinger Elisabeth , Danckert James , Shine James
Published: January 2025

Perceptual updating has been proposed to rely upon evolving activity within a recurrent, distributed thalamocortical network whose interconnections are modulated by bursts of ascending neuromodulatory neurotransmitters, such as noradrenaline. To test this hypothesis mechanistically, we leveraged a combination of pupillometry, fMRI and recurrent neural network modelling of an ambiguous figures task. Qualitative shifts in the perceptual interpretation of an ambiguous image were associated with peaks in pupil diameter, an indirect readout of phasic bursts in neuromodulatory tone. We hypothesized that increases in neuromodulatory tone led to neural gain alteration so as to causally mediate perceptual switches. To test this hypothesis, we trained a recurrent neural network to perform an analogous perceptual categorisation task, and then manipulated the gain of the RNN to mimic the effect of neuromodulatory tone. As predicted, we observed an earlier perceptual shift as a function of heightened gain. Leveraging a low-dimensional readout of the RNN dynamics, we developed two novel predictions: perceptual switches should co-occur with peaks in low-dimensional brain state velocity and with flattened energy landscape dynamics. We used dimensionality-reduced summaries of whole-brain fMRI dynamics to independently confirm each of these predictions. These results support the role of the neuromodulatory system in the large-scale network reconfigurations that mediate abrupt changes in perception.
Persistent Neutrophilic Inflammation is Associated with Delayed Toxicity of Phenylarsine Oxide in Lungs
Authors: Sanchez Nilda C. , Mani Gopikrishnan , Jones Carlin , Zmijewsli Jaroslaw W. , Surolia Ranu
Published: January 2025

Phenyl arsine oxide (PAO) is a vesicant, similar to Lewisite, a potential chemical warfare agent and an environmental contaminant. PAO-induced skin burns can trigger acute organ injury, including lungs. We have recently demonstrated that PAO burns can also has a delayed toxicity, although the specific mechanism/s remain to be determined. A single cutaneous exposure to PAO resulted in inflammatory acute lung injury at 6 and 24 hours. While acute injury subsiding by 1 week, we observed a significant airway remodeling at 10 weeks post-PAO exposure. The mechanism of prolonged PAO toxicity was associated with the influx of neutrophils that produced harmful neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We demonstrated that the crosstalk between NET deployments and expression of IL-33, a pro-remodeling mediator was associated with the development of peribronchial fibrosis. In summary, these results suggest that a single cutaneous exposure to PAO causes the acute inflammatory phase followed by NETs/IL-33 feed forward signaling implicated for the persistent neutrophil influx and NETs formation resulting in airway remodeling.
Additive Effect of Wildfires on Hospital Admission in the Pantanal Wetland
Authors: Goncalves André Calixto , de Magalhães Marcelo Marques , Faria Kaylane de Almeida , Santos Gabriel Alexandre dos , Valentim Rodolfo , Fernandes Ivan Filipe , Nascimento Gabriela Moraes do , Rodrigues Francisco Aparecido , Ceneviva Ricardo , Stama Maria Clara Mendes , Mori Daniel Tetsuo G. , Capellini Carolina Nascimento , Garcia Maria Eduarda Feres , Bruschi Thiago , Gonçalves Gabriel Poveda , Brito Lais Costa , Toussaint Djeansy Djarny Etchiamiadzy , Gonçalves Rejane Calixto , Luiz Olinda do Carmo
Published: January 2025

Forest fires produce toxic emissions that are detrimental to human health. Currently, the Pantanal, the largest continuous wetland in the world, is facing intense fires. This situation may contribute to increased hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. To assess the additive effect between active fire hotspots and hospitalizations of residents in the Pantanal, a generalized linear model was used, incorporating geolocalized covariates such as air quality and climatic conditions. Our findings show a consistent worsening, when humans are exposed to 10 additional wildfire hotspots, the daily risk of admissions for respiratory diseases increases by 23,2% and 22,3% for cardiovascular diseases in 10-year analysis. These results can stimulate preventive measures to mitigate forest fires and also early preparation of the health system.
An Efficient Off-Membrane Switch: Par6 Facilitates Processive Phosphorylation of Lgl’s Serine Sites via a Dynamic Interaction with aPKC
Authors: Almagor Lior , Weis William
Published: January 2025

Polarity along an apical-basal axis is essential for epithelial cell shape and function. The atypical protein Kinase-C (aPKC) and its regulatory partner Par6 form a complex that is essential for polarization, a primary function of which is to phosphorylate the Lethal giant larvae (Lgl) protein to prevent it from binding to the apical membrane (thereby facilitating its basolateral localization). Par6 binds Lgl directly and is essential for this process, but its mechanism was obscure. Here, we use cryo-EM and protein biochemistry to characterize Lgl2’s interaction with the aPKCι/Par6 complex and to study Par6's roles in promoting Lgl2 phosphorylation. We find that Par6 proteins stabilize a ternary Lgl2/aPKCι/Par6 complex that involves a unique multi-surface interaction of pre-phosphorylated Lgl2 with both aPKCι and Par6. Importantly, we find Par6b induces processive phosphorylation that results in a multi-phosphorylated Lgl2 after a single interaction with the aPKCι/Par6b complex. This is enabled by a Par6b/Lgl2 interaction that maintains Lgl2’s contact with the kinase throughout aPKCι's distinct nucleotide-binding states. Our results reveal the mechanistic basis for the efficient regulation of Lgl’s membrane binding by aPKC/Par6 and provide invaluable structural data for further understanding the mechanisms of this polarity complex.
An X-linked long non-coding RNA, PTCHD1-AS, regulates autistic behaviors in humans and in mice
Authors: Scherer Stephen , Bradley Clarrisa , Ko Sangyoon , Tian Meng , Ralph Liam , D'Abate Lia , Lee Jinyeol , Liu Tianyi , Wang Junhui , Tidball Patrick , Mendes Marla , Fan Xiaolian , Howe Jennifer , Alexandrova Roumiana , Pellecchia Giovanna , Casallo Guillermo , Paton Tara , Wybenga-Groot Leanne , Engchuan Worrawat , Thiruvahindrapuram Bhooma , Trost Brett , de Rijke Jill , Kadia Ashish , Jin Fuzi , Salazar Nelson Bautista , Diaz-Mejia J. Javier , MacDonald Jeffrey , Deneault Eric , Ross P. Joel , Ellis James , Shum Carole , Georgiou John , Rennie Olivia , Reuter Miriam , Hoang Ny , Sarikaya Ege , Selvanayagam Thanuja , Rutherford Annabel , Rivero-Alfaro Natalia , Marshall Christian , Scala Marcello , Runke Cassandra , Kearney Hutton , Christodoulou John , Francis David , Chung Brian , Plucinicazak Jill , Iaboni Alana , Nordahl Christine , Amaral David , Hudson Melissa , Sjaarda Calvin , Guerin Andrea , Elsabbagh Mayada , Landa Rebecca , Mital Seema , Lesurf Robert , Jain Anjali , Wilson Michael , Lerch Jason , Lee Leo , Frey Brendan , Salter Michael , Vorstman Jacob , Anagnostou Evdokia , Frankland Paul , Collingridge Graham
Published: January 2025

There are ~100 genes or copy number variants (CNVs) used in genetic testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD, or autism). These genes are protein-coding, and the associated phenotypes often extend beyond socio-behavioral traits seen in autism including cognitive/medical complexities, epilepsy, and ADHD. Here, we characterize 27 males with ASD through whole genome sequencing (WGS), delineating X-chromosome microdeletions that implicate the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PTCHD1-AS as an ASD-susceptibility gene (OR=2.56, p=0.01). Two Ptchd1-as knockout (KO) murine models, created by removing the evolutionarily conserved exon-3, show ASD-like features in males, increasing repetitive behaviors and impairing typical social behavior and communication without overt cognitive comorbidities or ADHD-like behaviors. Hippocampus-dependent synaptic function, complex learning, and locomotor activity are unaffected in KO mice. Native nuclear-enriched mouse Ptchd1-as showed sustained expression from post-natal day-7 onward in the dorsal striatum, a predominantly GABAergic brain region implicated in ASD. Multi-omics revealed transcriptomic alterations in striatal oligodendrocyte, astrocyte and neurons impacting myelination and plasticity pathways. Disrupting Ptchd1-as led to reductions in conventional Protein Kinase-C, altered Src and GSK3α/β phosphorylation, and an enhancement of synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation and long-term depression). Together, these findings implicate striatal molecular and circuit level dysregulation via Ptchd1-as in ASD etiology.
Green Secure Land Registration Scheme for Blockchain-enabled Agriculture Industry 5.0
Authors: Naguji Feshalbhai , Jadav Nilesh Kumar , Tanwar Sudeep , Pau Giovanni , Alqahtani Fayez , Tolba Amr
Published: January 2025

The land is a highly valued asset worldwide. It is a scarce resource, crucial for agriculture and livelihood, serving as a foundation for economic activity, a valuable investment, and a source of security. However, it sustains several challenges, such as lack of ownership, traceability, and possession. Organizations that manage land ownership are mainly centralized and not formally digitized to maintain large land records, including pasture, agriculture, and industrial lands, leading to land forgery, thievery, fraudulent activities, and conflicting issues in land management. To overcome the aforementioned issues, we proposed a blockchain-enabled land registry scheme that efficiently stores the land records to tackle security and conflicting concerns of the land management systems. The proposed scheme utilizes the decentralized nature of blockchain to dilute the significant shortcomings of the current land management systems in the agriculture industry 5.0. It uses robust programmable smart contracts that eradicate the need for third-party intermediaries during the entire process of the land registry system. In addition, the essential characteristics of blockchain, i.e., decentralization, immutability, and transparency, solve single-point failure, track all the land ownership records, and offer secure data storage to both agricultural and industrial land. Also, the smart contracts are assessed using vulnerability assessment tools to find any loophole the attackers can exploit. Moreover, incorporating an interplanetary filesystem (IPFS) strengthens off-chain data storage and improves the response time and scalability of the proposed scheme. Further, the proposed scheme is evaluated using different performance parameters, such as blockchain scalability, sustainability, and block size comparison. Compared to the traditional approach, the proposed approach shows an energy consumption of 780 Terawatt-hours (for ten years), 10000 ms to transact 300 blocks (scalability), and a minimum gas cost of 100000 wei in deploying smart contract functions. These attainments show that the proposed decentralized scheme holds the potential to significantly mitigate land forgery and ownership issues within the landscape of agriculture industry 5.0.
Design and Development of a Real-Time Foot Pressure Analysis System for Leprosy and Diabetic Patients
Authors: Pusuluri Vinod Babu , Bugatha Mownish
Published: January 2025

The study introduces a cost-effective pressure-sensing slipper to prevent foot ulcers in individuals with sensory loss caused by leprosy. The device integrates four force-sensitive resistors (FSRs) in the sole, with an Arduino microcontroller enabling real-time plantar pressure monitoring. Alerts are displayed on an OLED screen, with thresholds identifying forward, backward, or simultaneous overpressure events. Calibration customizes the system to each user, and warnings are issued within 2 seconds of detecting abnormal pressure.Tested on 20 participants (average weight: 65.7 ± 12.3 kg), the device demonstrated 96% accuracy in forward overpressure detection, 93% in backward, and 91% in simultaneous cases. User feedback highlighted ease of use, calibration, and timely alerts. This slipper holds significant promise for mitigating ulceration risks in low-resource settings. Planned enhancements include improved durability and remote monitoring for expanded clinical applications.
Research on the Risk Transmission Chain for Natech Event in Urban Lifeline Based on CN and SD
Authors: LI Shifeng , SHANG Yu , ZHAO Meilin
Published: January 2025

The urban lifeline Natech event is a multi-risk, multi-agent coupled system, and identifying the risk transmission chain is a prerequisite and foundation for the efficient management of urban lifeline Natech events. First, by analyzing the risk transmission mechanism, the urban lifeline Natech event involves both a natural disaster chain and a domino effect. Next, analyze the complexity and dynamic characteristics of the risk transmission chain and construct a CN-SD model for the risk transmission chain of the urban lifeline Natech event. Finally, use the "Top Ten Natural Disasters in China" and news reports as textual data to visualize the complex network of the risk transmission chain, quantify the indicators of the complex network model, and subsequently quantify the variables of the risk transmission chain system dynamics model to numerically simulate the risk transmission chain. The results indicate that this model can qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the risk transmission chain of urban lifeline Natech events. Furthermore, the numerical simulation can visualize the dynamic curve of the domino effect risk rate and level of urban lifeline technical accidents, such as traffic, power, communication, and water supply, in complex network disaster chain scenarios like rainstorms, gales, floods, and thunderstorms. This provides essential guidance for the development of risk prediction, assessment, prevention, and control measures for urban lifeline Natech events.
Research on safe path planning for unmanned aerial vehicles based on an Improved Pied Kingfisher Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Liu Chengyu , Huang Shixin
Published: January 2025

The safety route planning problem in UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles)missions is the subject of this paper, which suggests a method based on an improved Pied Kingfisher Optimization algorithm (IPKO) algorithm. By adding collision avoidance restrictions to the swarm scenario, the study expands the single UAVs path planning problem to improve flight safety. In order to reduce the problem of decreased convergence speed in the PKO algorithm, population diversity is increased and premature convergence to the local optimum is prevented by using mirror reflection learning. Furthermore, the algorithm is improved with a crash mechanism model and a fish hawk hunting approach, which allows UAVs to react in real time to environmental changes and avoid hazards. The IPKO algorithm performs better than conventional algorithms in terms of path efficiency and safety, as evidenced by experimental results, which also provide a fresh view of UAV safety path planning.
The Role of Digitalization on Carbon Emissions: Spatial DDML Test and Neural Networks Prediction
Authors: Wu Mao , Liu Fanrui
Published: January 2025

Based on the Chinese provincial panel data from 2011 to 2022, this paper innovatively use the spatial double/debiased machine learning (DDML) model, planar and spatial mediating model to study the effect, mediating mechanisms of the digitalization on carbon emissions in both local and surrounding areas. The empirical studies show that digitalization significantly reduces carbon emissions in the local area. Digitalization reduces local carbon emissions by promoting the transformation of energy industrial structure and green technological innovation, reduces carbon emissions in the surrounding regions by promoting the improvement of energy utilization efficiency and green technological progress, improve the industrial intensification in local and surrounding areas thus reducing carbon emissions. Prediction by using the LSTM and neural network shows that for 30 provinces in China except Tibet in 2030, peak carbon dioxide emissions is achievable. For digitally developed regions, or where digitization is lagging behind but developing rapidly, digitization can help these provinces achieve peak carbon dioxide emissions with less emissions. For provinces where digitization is relatively undeveloped, digitization makes little difference in reducing carbon emissions in the process of achieving peak carbon dioxide emissions. For regions where digitization is lagging behind and developing slowly, due to the extensiveness of the industrial model in these provinces, digitization shows a rebound effect, making these regions put more energy demand into the produce, and thus carbon emissions will increase.
Induction of apoptosis through downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes bcl-2 and Nucleolin in MCF-7 cells by Cleome gynandra leaf fractions containing Tricin, Pinocembrin, and Acacetin
Authors: Renuka Saravanan , Sri Sridharan , Sivakumar Ramalingam
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the anti-proliferative effect of Cleome gynandra leaf fractions on MCF 7 cells. Chloroform extract of Cleome gynandra leaves (CCG) was subjected to column chromatographic separation with increasing polarity of solvents. The total fractions (36) collected were subjected to TLC analysis and pooled into three fractions (F1-F3) based on their Rf value. Further, these fractions were screened for anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects on MCF7 cells. The IC50 values for the CCG fractions (F1-F3) were 82.78, 93.69, and 200µg/mL, respectively. Of these fractions, F1 demonstrated a remarkable cytotoxic effect and was subsequently analyzed using LC-MS/MS. For the first time, the plant F1 is found to contain Tricin (a methylated flavone), Pinocembrin (a flavone), 4-hydroxy-2,3,4,6-tetramethoxychalcone (an aromatic ketone), Acacetin (a methylated flavone), and Cinnamic acid. The expression of bax, CYCS, bcl-2, and nucleolin was analyzed using RT-PCR. The MCF 7 cells treated with the F1 showed downregulation of anti-apoptotic genes bcl-2 and nucleolin and upregulation of bax and CYCS. Thus, the induction of apoptosis is mediated through the downregulation of the anti-apoptotic genes. Further, an in silico approach was employed to evaluate the binding affinity of the identified compounds with the Bax, nucleolin, and bcl-2 proteins. It was observed that Acacetin exhibited a stronger binding affinity with bax, Tricin, Nucleolin, and Pinocembrin with bcl-2. Based on this study, Tricin, Pinocembrin, Chalcones, and Cinnamic acid could target the apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes studied.
Molecular characterization of a novel non-segmented double-stranded RNA mycovirus isolated from the phytopathogenic fungus Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae
Authors: Guan Zhengzhe , Wang Mengjiao , Ma Jiayi , Mu Mengyuan , Li Xinyu , Sun Peimeng , Zhang Mengyuan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Song Luyang , Wen Caiyi , Zhao Ying
Published: January 2025

In this study, we isolated a novel mycovirus from Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae strain YY-1, which we named “Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae Mycovirus 1” (LpMyV1). The complete genome of LpMyV1 is 2877 bp in length and contains two non-overlapping open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2). ORF1 encodes a putative protein of 316 amino acids with a molecular weight of 34.1 kDa, which shares similarity with the coat proteins of several mycoviruses. ORF2 encodes a protein of 561 amino acids with a molecular weight of 63.2 kDa, which contains a conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain. A BLASTp results show that the RdRp of LpMyV1 shares the highest similarity with non-segmented dsRNA viruses. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis indicate that LpMyV1 is a new member of the proposed genus “Unirnavirus”. It is the first report of a mycovirus genome sequence from L. pseudotheobromae.
Ground Motion Prediction Equations for Campi Flegrei (Italy)
Authors: Scala Antonio , Strumia Claudio , Cito Pasquale , Uccio Francesco Scotto di , Festa Gaetano , Iervolino Iunio , Zollo Aldo , Bobbio Antonella , Convertito Vincenzo , Elia Luca , Emolo Antonio , Iaccarino Antonio Giovanni
Published: January 2025

Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) are semi-empirical models to relate ground motion intensity measures, such as peak ground acceleration (PGA), peak ground velocity (PGV), and pseudo-spectral acceleration (SA), to earthquake magnitude, source-to-site distance, geological local site conditions, and possibly other covariates. GMPEs are employed for applications such as probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and post-event rapid shaking estimation.
Over the last decade, the densely populated Campi Flegrei caldera in Southern Italy has experienced increasing seismicity, related to the volcanic unrest and ground uplift, with over nine thousand recorded events, with duration magnitude larger than − 1.1. In the past two years, seismic activity has intensified, including approximately seventy events with duration magnitudes between 2.5 and 4.4, most of them widely felt, causing in some cases non-negligible structural actions close to the epicentre, and ultimately sparking large public concern.
In this study, we calibrated site-specific GMPEs for PGA, PGV, and 21 SA values over periods T from 0.01 to 10 seconds. The dataset includes recordings from the largest events over the past two years, recorded by more than fifty accelerometric and velocimetric seismic monitoring stations at epicentral distances Repi<40 km. Moment magnitude, which is the scale used in the GMPEs, was derived for the events from their displacement Fourier amplitude spectrum. The GMPEs shows structurally non-negligible SAs at short periods (T<0.2 s), and the relatively faster attenuation with distance (Repi ≥5 km) as compared to some existing ground motion models for Italy.
Insights into radiography education in Ghana: Document analysis of curricula contents and perspectives of selected stakeholders
Authors: Ago Jacob Leonard , Anim-Sampong Samuel , Markwei Loyal Gold Marteki , Acquah Godwill , Neequaye Joana Justina , Antwi William K. , Tagoe Samuel Nii Adu , Ashimatey Foster
Published: January 2025

Background
The current state of radiography education (RE) in Ghana is unclear due to the surge in public universities offering radiography programmes (RPs) in the last eight years. This study examined RE in Ghana through an exploration of students’, educators, and a regulatory official’s perspectives and a comparison of curricula used by training institutions.
Methods
A mixed-method approach allowed the study to be conducted in four phases. Study participants in all phases were purposively sampled. Data from Phase one (P1) was analysed by content analysis approach while thematic analysis was applied to the data in phases two (P2) and three (P3) using NVivo™ 14. In contrast, the data from Phase four (P4) were descriptively and inferentially analysed using SPSS v29. These analysis methods allowed for the generation of themes, frequency tables and graphs. Associations were deemed significant at p < 0.05.
Results
The results in P1 revealed variations in curricula employed by training institutions. In P2, the accreditation process and criteria were identified. Three themes emerged from P3: RP comparison, challenges in RE and impact, and improvement strategies. Several negative and positive perspectives were identified in P4.
Conclusion
The RE curriculum structure provides a solid foundation for training radiographers, nonetheless, the lack of harmonisation across institutions and resource constraints pose significant challenges to the quality of education and training. These could be addressed through curriculum reforms, improved resource allocation, and enhanced collaboration between academic and clinical institutions.
Clinical and Radiographical Efficacy of Single Prone Position Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion in Lumbar Degenerative Disease
Authors: Lu Yi , Li Sz-Huei , Yeh Yu-Cheng , Hsieh Ming-Kai , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Lai Po-Liang , Hu Yung-Hsueh
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Degenerative lumbar diseases like disc degeneration and spinal stenosis significantly impact older adults, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Surgical options like interbody fusion stabilize the spine, with techniques like oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) gaining popularity. Single prone position oblique lateral interbody fusion (prone-OLIF) is a newer variant that eliminates patient repositioning and aims to improve outcomes compared to minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). This study compares the clinical and radiographic results of prone-OLIF and MIS-TLIF.
Method: This retrospective study involved 28 prone-OLIF patients and 56 MIS-TLIF patients, matched 1:2 based on age, comorbidity index, and fused spinal levels. Anthropometric, clinical, and radiographic outcomes were compared using statistical analyses.
Results: Prone-OLIF showed superior postoperative clinical outcomes with lower Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores at 5.61 and visual analogue scores (VAS) at 1.43, compared to 11.00 and 3.64 in the MIS-TLIF group, respectively. It also resulted in greater sagittal alignment correction, with a 5.46° improvement in the regional lumbar lordotic angle versus 0.19° in MIS-TLIF. Additionally, prone-OLIF had less intraoperative blood loss but longer operation times.
Conclusion: Prone-OLIF offers superior clinical and radiographic outcomes over MIS-TLIF in pain relief, functional improvement, and spinal alignment correction, despite longer surgical times. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these findings.
CFD Analysis of Ducted Propeller Flow Field Characteristics
Authors: Wang Yu-Shi , Pan Guan-Hong , Hsu Cheung-Hwa , Chen Cheng-hao
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the flow field characteristics of ducted propellers and the impact of duct shape on thrust. Numerical simulations using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and a sliding mesh model were conducted to analyze various duct shapes, lengths, and tip clearances. Results show that increasing duct length enhances the flow field, boosting propeller thrust. Conversely, larger tip clearance generates a low-speed flow field inside the duct, significantly reducing thrust. Notably, the thrust reduction from increased tip clearance outweighs the thrust gain from extended duct length. These findings underscore the critical role of duct length and tip clearance in optimizing ducted propeller design and efficiency.
The Incidence and Classification of Intraoperative Adverse Events in Urological Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ortner Gernot , Mavridis Charalampos , Bouchalakis Athanasios , Nakou Maria Chrisoula , Yuan Yuhong , Nagele Udo , Mamoulakis Charalampos , Herrmann Thomas RW , Biyani Chandra Shekhar , Tokas Theodoros , Kailavasan Mithun
Published: January 2025

Purpose
To perform a systematic review (SR) to examine the application of classification systems (CS) used to report intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) in urological surgery and to evaluate the crude incidence and type of iAEs.
Materials and Methods
This review was published via PROSPERO (CRD42024549954) and conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane CENTRAL were searched using a predefined PICO framework: (P) patients with benign and malignant urological diseases, (I) all types of urological surgery, (C) none/any, (O) intraoperative complications classified with grading systems. Retrospective and prospective studies published between January 2019 and June 2024 were included.
Results
The search yielded 1,570 abstracts, 1,043 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 325 studies reported iAEs (54 used iAE-CS, 64 used Clavien-Dindo Classification and 207 used free-text descriptions). Of the 54 studies (15,298 patients) that used an iAE-CS, the three most used systems were the EAUiaiC (54%), SATAVA (26%), and the modified SATAVA (7%). The overall incidence of iAE was 14% (2,153/15,225 patients). On a study level, the crude incidence of iAE was between 0%-100% (median 7%, IQR: 3%-13%). The misapplication of the Clavien-Dindo system to describe iAEs was high (n = 64 studies).
Conclusions
The use of iAE-CS is scarce, and there is a lack of universal consensus on a CS to describe iAEs. iAE are poorly reported in urological studies. Urologists should report all perioperative complications to improve transparency and surgical and hospital processes.
Leveraging the Synergistic Effects of Au/PANI/CuO Heterostructure for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Abdulaziz Fahad , Zayed Mohamed , Latif Salman , Jeilani Yassin A. , Shaban Mohamed , Patel Raja Rama Devi , Elsayed Hussein A. , Rabia Mohamed , Ahmed Ashour M.
Published: January 2025

This study explores a novel photoelectrode made from a combination of copper oxide (CuO), polyaniline (PANI), and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) for efficient hydrogen production in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode is fabricated using cost-effective methods, ensuring practical applications. The research evaluates the photoelectrode's morphology, structure, efficiency, and stability to optimize its performance in PEC reactions. Integrating Au, PANI, and CuO nanomaterials improves charge transfer, reduces resistivity, and minimizes charge recombination, resulting in significantly enhanced hydrogen production efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the CuO film has a rough texture with non-uniform particles, while the PANI/CuO film exhibits agglomerates and interconnected PANI nanofibers. The Au NPs are evenly distributed across the PANI/CuO film, with diameters ranging from 5 to 60 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis approves the presence of each element in the desired proportions, validating the successful fabrication of the Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode. The Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode exhibits enhanced light absorption properties due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Au NPs and the interaction between PANI and CuO. The Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode demonstrates a remarkable 300-fold increase in photocurrent density (Jph) compared to pure CuO, achieving a maximum of 15 mA/cm² at -0.39 V vs. RHE. Additionally, the Au/PANI/CuO photoelectrode maintains a constant photocurrent density for 0.5 hours, showing superior stability compared to CuO, which experiences rapid decay. It also achieves a high IPCE value of 45% at nearly 500 nm, indicating efficient light utilization. Overall, this study presents a promising approach for designing efficient and stable photoelectrodes in PEC water splitting and hydrogen generation applications.
Nasojejunal tube, jejunostomy tube, and fine needle catheter jejunostomy effects after esophagectomy
Authors: Wang Wu , Yang Tianbao , Xie Jinbiao , Huang Shijie , Chen Boyang
Published: January 2025

Background
To analyze and compare the effect of nasojejunal tube placement (NTP), jejunostomy tube placement (JTP), and fine needle catheter jejunostomy (FNCJ) after esophagectomy.
Methods
Herein, 159 patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the following groups: the NTP group (n = 68), JTP group (n = 51), and FNCJ group (n = 40). The operation time, complication rate, average time to start a liquid diet, and average length of hospital stay were compared among the three groups.
Results
The complication rate was significantly higher in the NTP group than in the two other groups (P < 0.05), and it did not statistically significantly differ between the JTP and FNCJ groups (P > 0.05). The tube placement time and average length of hospital stay were also significantly longer in the NTP group than in the two other groups (P < 0.05). The NTP group was associated with significantly longer tube placement time, average length of hospital stay, and average time to start a liquid diet (P < 0.05). The operation time was significantly longer in the JTP group than in the FNCJ group (P < 0.05). The average time to start a liquid diet and length of hospital stay were slightly longer in the JTP group than in the FNCJ group (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
NTP showed distinct advantages and disadvantages compared with JTP and FNCJ. When selecting the feeding method, comprehensive consideration should be given to the patient’s specific condition.
The impact of ocean currents and river temperatures on Arctic sea ice
Authors: Song Xue-Long , Zhou Sheng-Qi , Qu Ling , Lu Yuan-Zheng , Gao Qun-Hui , Pan Lu-Dan
Published: January 2025

Global warming plays a central role in the decline of Arctic sea ice, but the mechanisms remain debated. This study investigates the relationship between Sea Ice Area (SIA) and Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the Arctic Ocean, analyzing satellite remote sensing data from 1982 to 2023. Results indicate that SST is a primary factor contributing to the reduction in SIA, with additional influences from Pacific and Atlantic water inflows, as well as riverine discharges, which elevate SST and further drive the decline in SIA. Lagged correlation analysis reveals that SST changes precede SIA changes by approximately 13 days, supporting the hypothesis that rising SSTs drive ice melt. This study elucidates the impact of warming ocean currents and freshwater influxes on Arctic sea ice dynamics, contributing to understand the direct cause of Arctic sea ice decline.
Screening of Natural product as an efflux pump inhibitor and synthesis of its antibiotics conjugates: a novel approach to treat MDR strains
Authors: Marathe Kiran , Koli Sunil , Patil Satish
Published: January 2025

Bacteria acquire resistance to different classes of antibiotics through various mechanisms. Among these, the upregulation of efflux pumps plays a key role in multidrug resistance. Thus, the problem is addressed by screening and using natural product-antibiotic conjugates against MDR Staphylococcus. Out of the screened natural products, the blue pigment was showed an excellent efflux pump inhibitory activity in Staphylococus aureus ATCC 6538, which again proved by fluorescence emission and real time efflux assay. The MIC of the blue pigment was found to be 64 µg/ml however, the conjugates of blue pigment with ciprofloxacin and penicillin enhanced the antibacterial activity by 1.5 to 1.9 fold respectively, against S. aureus. The synthesis of conjugates were confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. Overall, the present study highlights the potential of blue pigment derived from Streptomycesas an efflux pump inhibitor, and its conjugates with antibiotics could offer a better option for tackling multidrug-resistance bacteria.
A Century of Population Change with Regional Disparities in South Korea: Application of Cohort-Component Analysis
Authors: Chun Bumseok , Jun Jaebum
Published: January 2025

South Korea's population has been experiencing a significant decline, raising concerns about potential changes in its demographic structure and regional imbalances in the future. While the general trend of population decrease is evident, its specific impact on spatial population patterns over the long term remains unclear. This study aims to examine the temporal and spatial variations in population over the next 100 years with 17 regions, providing insights to inform long-term planning. For its analysis, cohort-component modeling is utilized to forecast future populations with fertility and mortality rates as well as regional net-migration estimated by Statistics Korea which is one of government organizations. The younger the age group, the faster the population declines. The so-called 'super-aging era' has not yet been reached; it is projected to begin in earnest in about 20 years. Additionally, apart from Seoul, the capital of South Korea, and its neighboring administrative region, Gyeonggi-do, regional extinction is observed to start from areas farther away from these regions. Furthermore, it is predicted that 70 to 80 years from now, the rate of population decline will decrease, leading to population stabilization. Results emphasize the urgent need for strategic and practical, long-term regional planning and targeted policies to address the challenges posed by population decline and regional disparities as highlighting significant demographic and spatial shifts in South Korea's population over the next century.
A Case of Peripheral Nerve Hyperexcitability Syndrome Pretended as Infective Endocarditis: Case Report
Authors: Omoomi Sepehr , Ghasemi Majid
Published: January 2025

Background:
The peripheral nerve hyperexcitability (PNH) syndromes cause repetitive spontaneous electrical discharges in peripheral nerves (mainly motor axons), which leads to the increased activity of the innervated area. PNH syndromes develop various motor, sensory, and autonomous symptoms, of which motor symptoms are the most considerable, including cramps, fasciculations, and myokymia. The PNH syndromes are classified into cramp-fasciculation syndrome, neuromyotonia (Isaacs syndrome), and Morvan’s syndrome. Morvan syndrome is associated with the involvement of the central nervous system (CNS). PNH syndromes primarily result from dysfunction of voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC), mainly due to autoantibodies. Alternative causes have been proposed, including potential infectious origins. Previous studies have associated staphylococcal abscesses and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections with the pathogenesis of Isaacs syndrome rather than Morvan’s syndromes.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of VGKC-antibody-positive PNH presented by symptoms such as fatigue, fever, chills, dyspnea, weight loss, hyperhidrosis, spontaneous muscle spasms, and cramps in the lower limbs. Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement included hallucinations, sleep disorders, confusion, and mood alterations, along with vegetation in the right atrium as detected by echocardiography. The patient initially received a two-week course of antibiotic therapy for suspected infective endocarditis (IE) and bacteremia. Subsequently, due to persistent symptoms despite antibiotic treatment, electromyography (EMG) was performed, revealing anti-VGKC antibodies. The patient then underwent several plasma exchanges and was prescribed carbamazepine, resulting in a significant improvement in their condition.
Conclusion:
This case shares similarities with previous cases of PNH syndrome (especially Morvan’s syndromes) triggered by infections other than previously reported, suggesting that autoantibodies against pathogens may be responsible for the manifestation of PNH syndrome. Moreover, the dramatic response to plasmapheresis and removal of antibodies, as well as positive Anti-CASPR2 auto-antibody, confirms our diagnosis.
Does ecological poverty trap exist in Chinese cities? Evidence from the distribution dynamics of vegetation coverage
Authors: Fan Di , Chen Qiufeng , Wu Jianxin , Cheong Tsun Se , Ma Ning
Published: January 2025

This paper is the first to examine the distribution dynamics of vegetation coverage using a dataset of 366 China’s prefecture and above (PAA) cities from 2001 to 2020. The results from the continuous state space approach demonstrate a clear pattern of convergence in China’s vegetation coverage in the long run, proving the effectiveness of government policies in the last two decades. However, catch-up effects in low-vegetation-coverage cities are weak, and an ecological poverty trap exists in Chinese cities. We also find polarization effects in eastern and high-rainfall cities. Some eastern cities with better climate endowments show poor performance in vegetation coverage in the long run, suggesting that ecological damage is caused by overdevelopment rather than natural endowment. Our findings offer robust scientific support for China to take more proactive and aggressive measures to maintain sustainable development.
JEL: Q20, Q50, N55
Comparative Genomic Analysis and Isolation of a Novel Burkholderia gladioli Strain Producing Lethal Bongkrekic Acid in China
Authors: Lv RongGui , Jiang Song , Shen Hongwei , Chen Xi , Yoon Ewnji , Yu Xiaxia , Cheung Kin , Jiao Bai , Zhao Lingguo , Liu Yong , Liu Zhanguo
Published: January 2025

Background
Bongkrekic acid (BKA) is a potent mitochondrial toxin secreted by certain strains of Burkholderia gladioli, previously known as Pseudomonas cocovenenans. It poses a significant risk to public health, particularly through contaminating fermented or spoiled food products. This study focuses on the isolation and genomic analysis of a novel strain of Burkholderia gladioli from a non-fermented rice noodle linked to a foodborne outbreak in China.
Results
The study employed a multifaceted approach including microbiological isolation, phenotypic characterization, biochemical assays, and molecular identification. Animal experiments were conducted to observe the effects of BKA on rats. Genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced, and analyzed using bioinformatics tools to determine the genetic makeup, gene function annotation, and comparative genomic analysis. The isolated strain, designated as Burkholderia gladioli 201, was found to produce BKA, which was confirmed through animal experiments showing characteristic symptoms and subsequent toxicological examinations. The complete genome sequence revealed a high degree of genetic similarity with other B. gladioli strains, with a distinct BA biosynthesis gene cluster. Comparative genomic analysis and phylogenetic trees constructed from single-copy core genes indicated a close relationship between Burkholderia gladioli 201 and other strains of the species.
Conclusion
This study successfully isolated and characterized a novel strain of Burkholderia gladioli capable of producing BKA from a non-fermented food source. The genomic analysis provided insights into the genetic basis of BKA production and the evolutionary relationships within the Burkholderia genus. The findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures to mitigate the risk of BKA-associated food poisoning.
It’s not just your opinion, it’s a type of hate that may affect your health: the effect of homophobia on health in Europe
Authors: Pinillos-Franco Sara , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: January 2025

Despite progress in legislation protecting the rights and welfare of sexual minorities, homophobic attitudes persist in many societies. To date, research has focused primarily on health consequences for individuals who are the target of homophobic attitudes, but not on those who harbor the prejudice. Using the European Social Survey, we found that homophobic individuals present a higher probability of reporting poor health status, even after instrumenting homophobia using the duration of same-sex marriage laws in each country. Robustness checks also indicated that same-sex marriage laws were not completely exogenous, as prevailing homophobic attitudes in the population predicted the probability of the passage of legislation. The elimination of prejudice against sexual minorities appears to promote the health of both those who harbor prejudices as well as the victims of prejudice.
JEL codes: I14; J15
R-matrices and Miura operators in 5d Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Ishtiaque Nafiz , Jeong Saebyeok , Zhou Yehao
Published: January 2025

We derive Miura operators for WW- and YY-algebras from first principles as the expectation value of the intersection between a topological line defect and a holomorphic surface defect in 5-dimensional non-commutative \mathfrak{gl}(1)𝔤𝔩(1) Chern-Simons theory. The expectation value, viewed as the transition amplitude for states in the defect theories forming representations of the affine Yangian of \mathfrak{gl}(1)𝔤𝔩(1), satisfies the Yang-Baxter equation and is thus interpreted as an R-matrix. To achieve this, we identify the representations associated with the line and surface defects by calculating the operator product expansions (OPEs) of local operators on the defects, as conditions that anomalous Feynman diagrams cancel each other. We then evaluate the expectation value of the defect intersection using Feynman diagrams. When the line and surface defects are specified, we demonstrate that the expectation value precisely matches the Miura operators and their products.
STATE OF THE ART REVIEW ON THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FREON AND THEIR EFFECTS
Authors: SANH Aldhafeeri Abdulaziz
Published: January 2025

Freon is viewed as a vital component in the cooling process. Nevertheless, it poses significant risks to human health and plays an indirect role in environmental degradation. The expanding hole in the ozone layer has severe repercussions for living organisms today. Research indicates that refrigerants commonly utilized in air conditioning significantly contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, potentially rendering habitats uninhabitable due to its deterioration. Moreover, Freon itself presents direct threats through its adverse effects on human health inhaling this gas can lead to serious respiratory issues and disrupt overall bodily functions. Additionally, it may inflict damage at the genetic level and weaken the immune system due to harmful cosmic radiation, increasing susceptibility to various illnesses. Therefore, its crucial to implement prevention strategies and establish first aid procedures when exposure occurs. A comparison will also be made regarding refrigerants employed in air conditioning systems.
PAROTITIS WITH ORCHITIS IN ACUTE HCV- A RARE ASSOCIATION
Authors:   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India., Malhotra Parveen , Sanwariya Yogesh ,   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India., Senti Senti ,   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India., Kumar Jatin ,   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India., Singh Harman ,   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India., Kumar Sandeep ,   Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
Published: January 2025

Case report:A male of fourteen years, having non-significant past history, was detected to be sufferingfrom acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, presented with acuteonset of gradually progressive bilateral painful enlargement of parotid glands which was followed by bilateral painful orchitis. His HCV RNA quantitative load was 765421 I.U./ml with hyperbilirubinemia and transaminitis.The ultrasound abdomen revealed mild hepatomegaly with gall bladder wall oedema suggestive of acute hepatitis. He had no evidence of cirrhosis as evidenced by normal Fibroscan score of 6.5. At the time of first consultation, his mental status was normal without any fever but was having mild nausea and generalized weakness. His bilateral parotid glands were enlarged and painful for last one week. He also developed bilateral painful orchitis after five days of developing parotitis. He was started on antiviral treatment for hepatitis C for total of 12 weeks duration but his bilateral parotitis and orchitis subsided within three weeks of starting of treatment. He completed his 12 weeks antiviral treatment and later on achieved 12 weeks sustained virological response (SVR), as evidenced by complete absence of HCV RNA on polymerase chain testing (PCR) report. He has been followed for one and half year and repeat HCV RNA test and clinical examination for relapse is non-contributory.

Conclusion:Our case reportis an uncommon extrahepatic manifestation of acute HCV case of bilateral parotitis in an acute hepatitis C patient. There is paucity of data regardingparotitis and orchitis with acute hepatitis C infection, hence merits vigil for the same by the treating health care specialist.