bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as Prognostic Markers in a Brazilian Population with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy-Treated Breast Cancer: A survival study.
Authors: LEITE RENATA MONTARROYOS , BRITO HUGO LEITE DE FARIAS , BRITO ERIKA DE ABREU COSTA , LIMA CARLOS ANSELMO , BARRETO IKARO DANIEL DE CARVALHO
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer is recognized as a heterogeneous disease, displaying distinct responses to treatments in different populations. In recent decades, the role of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) has been acknowledged as prognostic and predictive of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Our study aimed to assess the association between 5-year overall survival and the percentage of TILs in a state of Brazil. It is a uni and multivariate analyses using a retrospective cohort of breast carcinoma patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgical treatment. Core biopsy slides were reanalyzed to evaluate the quantity of TILs. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and adjusted through Cox regression modeling. There was no significant difference between patients exhibiting complete pathological response and those who did not, concerning the quantity of TILs and its influence on overall survival in this study. However, a distinction in 5-year survival was observed, with 79.3% in patients with TILs below 5% compared to 49.9% in those with TILs above 5%. This trend persisted across all subtypes, but reached statistical significance in Her 2-positive and triple-negative subtypes, indicating that TILs might serve as a determinant factor in the prognosis and survival of these patient subgroups.
Effect of Temperature and Precipitation on Acute Appendicitis Incidence in Seoul: A Time Series Regression Analysis
Authors: Baek Kiook , Park Sangjin , Park Chulyong
Published: February 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between meteorological factors, specifically temperature and precipitation, and the incidence of appendicitis in Seoul, South Korea.
Methods
Using data from the National Health Insurance Service spanning 2010–2020, the study analyzed 165,077 appendicitis cases in Seoul. Time series regression modeling with distributed-lag non-linear models was employed.
Results
Regarding acute appendicitis and daily average temperature, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) showed an increasing trend from approximately −10 °C to 10 °C. At temperatures above 10 °C, the increase was more gradual. The IRR approached a value close to 1 at temperatures below −10 °C and above 30 °C. Both total and complicated appendicitis exhibited similar trends. Increased precipitation was negatively associated with the incidence of total acute appendicitis around the 50 mm/day range, but not with complicated appendicitis.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that environmental factors, especially temperature, may play a role in the occurrence of appendicitis. This research underscores the potential health implications of global climate change and the need for further studies to understand the broader impacts of environmental changes on various diseases.
“Impact of Health Promotion Practices on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among Geriatric population in Karachi, Pakistan.”
Authors: Merchant Ambreen
Published: February 2024

Background Demographic transition has resulted in increased life expectancy among older adults that will lead to the emergence of new illnesses, long-term impairments, and alterations in social attitudes. The need to prioritize actions for this population, with a focus on enhancing the quality of life, fostering autonomy and independence, and promoting active and healthy aging, has made health education for the elderly a topic of global interest due to current demographic and epidemiological changes. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of health promotion on enhancing health-related quality of life among elderly people in Karachi, Pakistan. Study Setting & Design: Data was collected at a Senior Citizen & Recreation center, located near the participants' residence in Karachi, Pakistan. A well-structured generic HRQoL instrument (SF-36) short form was used. Methods One-group pre-test and post-test interventional (Quasi-experimental) research design using a mixed method approach (Qualitative and Quantitative). Inferential statistics are drawn through paired sample t-test to compare the mean of pre-test HRQoL scores with post-test HRQoL scores. The qualitative analysis was made through a thematic categorical method. Results Revealed significant impact of health-promoting activities on 3 sub-scales of HRQoL. However, on other subscales of HRQoL, health-promoting interventions produced little impact. Conclusion Health promotion can play a significant role in improving health-related quality of life.
Enhanced stereodivergent evolution of carboxylesterase for efficient kinetic resolution of near-symmetric esters through machine learning
Authors: Xu Guochao , Dou Zhe , Chen Xuanzao , Zhu Ledong , Zheng Xiangyu , Chen Xiaoyu , Xue Jiayu , Niwayama Satomi , Ni Ye
Published: February 2024

Carboxylesterases serve as potent biocatalysts in the enantioselective synthesis of chiral carboxylic acids and esters. However, naturally occurring carboxylesterases exhibit limited enantioselectivity, particularly towards ethyl 3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate (CHCE), due to its nearly symmetric structure. While machine learning has proven effective in expediting directed evolution, the lack of models for prediction of enantioselectivity for carboxylesterases has hindered progress, primarily due to challenges obtaining high-quality training datasets. In this study, we devised a high-throughput method by coupling alcohol dehydrogenase to determine the apparent enantioselectivity of the carboxylesterase AcEst1 from Acinetobacter sp. JNU9335, thereby generating a high-quality dataset. Leveraging seven features derived from biochemical considerations, we quantitively described the steric, hydrophobic, hydrophilic, electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interaction effects of residues within AcEst1. A robust gradient boosting regression tree model was trained to facilitate stereodivergent evolution, resulting in the enhanced enantioselectivity of AcEst1 towards CHCE. Through this approach, we successfully obtained two stereocomplementary variants, DR3 and DS6, demonstrating significantly increased and reversed enantioselectivity. Notably, DR3 and DS6 exhibited utility in the enantioselective hydrolysis of various symmetric esters. Comprehensive kinetic parameter analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and QM/MM calculations provided insights into the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects underlying the manipulated enantioselectivity of DR3 and DS6.
DNA-Methyaltion-Based Deep Learning for Precision Classification of Central Nervous System Tumors: A Comparative Study
Authors: Orr Brent , Tran Quynh , Breuer Alex , Lin Tong , Tatevossian Ruth , Allen Sariah , Clay Michael , Furtado Larissa , Chen Mark , Hedges Dale , Michael Tylman , Robinson Giles , Northcott Paul , Gajjar Amar , Azzato Elizabeth , Shurtleff Sheila , Ellison David , Pounds Stanley
Published: February 2024

As part of the advancement in therapeutic decision-making for brain tumor patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (SJCRH), we develop and compare the performance of three classification models: a deep learning neural network (NN), an exact bootstrap k-nearest neighbor (kNN), and a random forest classifier (RF) model to predict the 82 molecularly distinct central nervous system (CNS) tumor classes based on DNA-methylation profiles of 2,801 patients. We validate their classification accuracy, precision, and recall with 2,054 samples from two independent cohorts. Although all models perform robustly to missing data, the NN model achieves the highest classification accuracy and maintains better balance between precision and recall than kNN and RF. Average precision and recall of NN reduce to that of RF and kNN only when tumor purity was less than 50%. In conclusion, DNA-methylation based deep learning approach provides the most potential advancement toward precision medicine for brain tumors.
Human manipulation strategy when changing object deformability and task properties
Authors: Mazzeo A. , Uliano M. , Mucci P. , Penzotti M. , Angelini L. , Cini F. , Craighero L. , Controzzi M.
Published: February 2024

Robotic literature widely addresses deformable object manipulation, but few studies analyzed human manipulation accounting for different levels of deformability and task properties. We asked participants to grasp and insert rigid and deformable objects into holes with varying tolerances and depths, and we analyzed the grasping behavior, the reaching velocity profile, and completion times. Results indicated that the more deformable the object is, the nearer the grasping point is to the extremity to be inserted. For insertions in the long hole, the selection of the grasping point is a trade-off between task accuracy and the number of re-grasps required to complete the insertion. The compliance of the deformable object facilitates the alignment between the object and the hole. The reaching velocity profile when increasing deformability recalls the one observed when task accuracy and precision decrease. Identifying human strategy allows the implementation of human-inspired high-level reasoning algorithms for robotic manipulation.
A Multi-Behaviour Longitudinal Study for Predicting Sustainable Clothing Purchasing: The Moderating Effect of Pro-Environmental Identity
Authors: Carfora Valentina , Buscicchio Giulia , Catellani Patrizia
Published: February 2024

Previous research investigated the impact of psychosocial predictors (e.g. attitude, social and moral norm, perceived behavioural control, intention) on sustainable clothing purchasing behaviour. To date, no studies considered whether pro-environmental self-identity moderates the effects of these predictors on behaviour. In this study, we adopted an intrapersonal approach to examine the effects of pro-environmental self-identity on different behaviours and a longitudinal design to assess the moderating role of pro-environmental self-identity in predicting intentions and behaviours, controlling for past behaviour. 250 participants completed a first questionnaire designed to measure the Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs related to three different sustainable clothing purchase behaviours. One month later, the participants completed a second questionnaire in which they assessed their self-assessment of these behaviours. The results showed that for all behaviours, affective attitude influenced behaviour positively, while cognitive attitude had a negative influence. The influence of previous behaviours increased with a decrease in pro-environmental self-identity.
An encryption algorithm for color images based on an improved dual-chaotic system combined with DNA encoding
Authors: Li Rongbin , Liu Tingting , Yin Jun
Published: February 2024

In order to bolster the security of image encryption, this investigation presents a color image encryption algorithm founded on an improved dual-chaotic system integrated with DNA encoding. The initial step involves formulating an improved Logistic chaotic system, permitting arbitrary real numbers for the mapping range, initial values, and parameter values. This enhanced Logistic chaotic system, in conjunction with initial values from the hyper-chaotic Chen system, is derived by integrating the plaintext image, thereby generating keys associated with the plaintext. Subsequently, the image undergoes block encryption utilizing DNA encoding. Ultimately, row-column permutations are executed utilizing the chaotic sequence generated by the improved Logistic chaotic system. In the security analysis of the ciphertext image, the algorithm delineated in this paper showcases robustness and security, adeptly thwarting various well-known attacks. It outperforms other algorithms in terms of comprehensive performance.
Reduced order modeling of blood perfusion in parametric multipatch liver lobules
Authors: Siddiqui Ahsan Ali , Jessen Etienne , Stoter Stein K.F. , Néron David , Schillinger Dominik
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present a computationally efficient reduced order model for obtaining blood perfusion profiles within parametric functional units of the liver called ‘lobules’. We consider Darcy’s equation in two-dimensional hexagonal lobule domains with six flow inlets and one outlet, whose positions are parameterized to represent varying lobule geometries. To avoid the meshing effort for every new lobule domain, we map the parametric domain onto a single reference domain. By making use of the contra-variant Piola mapping, we represent solutions of the parametric domains in the reference domain. We then construct a reduced order model via proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). Additionally, we employ the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) to treat the non-affine parameter dependence that appears due to the geometric mapping. For sampling random shapes and sizes of lobules, we generate Voronoi diagrams (VD) from Delaunay triangulations and use an energy minimization problem to control the packing of the lobule structures. To reduce the dimension of the parameterized problem, we exploit the mesh symmetry of the full lobule domain to split the full domain into six rotationally symmetric subdomains. We then use the same set of reduced order basis (ROB) functions within each subdomain for the construction of the reduced order model. We close our study by a thorough investigation of the accuracy and computational efficiency of the resulting reduced order model.
Disrespectful Care Towards Mothers Giving Birth at Selected Hospital of Kigali/Rwanda
Authors: Muhayimana Alice , Kearns Irene Josephine , Nkurunziza Aimable , Tengera Olive , Uwase Aline
Published: February 2024

Background
Over the past decade, global public health has increasingly focused on studying mistreatment of women during facility-based childbirth. However, in Rwanda, research on disrespectful care experienced by mothers during childbirth remains limited, indicating the necessity for further studies.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study in a selected district hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. We employed systematic random sampling to select 246 mothers who had recently delivered at the study site and were discharged from the hospital but still on the premises. Descriptive statistics were utilized, and a summation score of nine items of disrespect was calculated to determine our outcome of interest. Subsequently, we dichotomized the outcome. Additionally, we employed chi-square analysis and logistic regression to identify predictors of disrespect.
Results
The prevalence of disrespect was found to be 61.38%, with 28.86% of participants reporting experiencing disrespect once, and 32.52% reporting experiencing it two to eight times. Participants experienced disrespect between one and eight times. The most prevalent forms of disrespect experienced were undignified care (30.89%), abandonment (30.49%), and lack of information on received care (26.42%).
Conclusion and Recommendations
Disrespect remains a significant issue in our study setting, emphasizing the need for interventions to mitigate this problem by enhancing accountability mechanisms among healthcare providers working in maternity services.
Assessment of Factors Affecting Infants Mortality in Sudan: Application of Generalized Additive Model
Authors: Ayele Dawit , Mohammed Mohammed Omar Musa , Abdallah Ahmed Saied Rahama Abdallah
Published: February 2024

Background The evaluation of the factors influencing infant mortality entails examining the various factors that contribute to the high rate of infant deaths in Susan. These factors encompass access to healthcare services, nutritional status, sanitation, maternal health, vaccination, and socio-economic circumstances. This study aims to assess the factors affecting infant mortality in the Gezira state in Sudan. Methods The study adopted the questionnaire as a tool for data collection. The sample size reached 322 participants from Sudan, mainly the localities in Gezira state. The study applied the Generalized Additive Model. Results The study results revealed that the effects of socio-economic, demographic, and health factors have been identified using the Generalized Additive Model with non-parametric age at first marriage, current age of the mother, and child age. In addition to these effects, other parametric effects included in the model were residence, nature of the child, sex of the child, mother follow-up, place of antenatal care, place of child delivery, breastfeeding from the breast only, child infected with malaria, child suffered from malnutrition, child suffered from septicemia, child suffered from cough and child suffered from pneumonia. In addition to the main effects, nine two-way interaction effects were included in the model. Also, infant mortality is high for poor economic backgrounds. Moreover, giving birth at an early age showed an increased risk of infant mortality. In addition, for older mothers, the chance of a child dying before reaching age one is lower.
An intramedullary spinal cord abscess and concurrent brain abscess caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: a case report
Authors: Li Jun-ying , Li Jun-hong , Chen Lu-xi , Du Yang , Zhang Wen-Min , Wang Wei-dong , Ding Xin , Deng Bing
Published: February 2024

Background
Intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) is a rare infection of the central nervous system, particularly when it co-occurs with a brain abscess. Klebsiella pneumoniae, commonly causing pneumonia and urinary tract infections, can lead to severe infections in individuals with compromised immunity. Here, we present a rare case of an adult with cervical and thoracic ISCA along with a brain abscess, all caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Case presentation
A middle-aged male was admitted to our hospital after experiencing fever, headache, neck pain and weakness in the left upper limb for two weeks. Successively diagnostic procedures included head and cervical spine MRI with diffusion- weighted imaging (DWI) and susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI), as well as pus culture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) next-generation sequencing (NGS). The patient was diagnosed as an intramedullary spinal cord abscess (ISCA) and brain abscess infected by Klebsiella pneumonia. Treatment involved Meropenem for anti-infection and surgical intervention. Ultimately, the patient experienced reduced headache and significant improvement in left limb muscle strength post-surgery.
Conclusion
This case emphasizes the importance of early qualitative diagnosis and timely surgical interventions.
Screening of Candida spp. in wastewater in Brazil: Workflow for monitoring as strategy of One Health approach
Authors: Moreira Danielly Corrêa- , Costa Gisela Lara , Neto Reginaldo Gonçalves Lima , Pinto Tatiana , Salomão Bruna , Fumian Tulio Machado , Mannarino Camille Ferreira , Prado Tatiana , Miagostovich Marize Pereira , Ramos Lívia Souza , Santos André Luis Souza dos , Oliveira Manoel Marques Evangelista
Published: February 2024

The increase in global temperature, caused by the release of greenhouse gases, favors the pathogenic potential of fungi that, by adapting to higher temperatures in the environment, developed tolerance to the temperatures of mammals. Fungal diseases are frequently associated to poverty and, consequently, precarious conditions of hygiene and sanitation, extremely impaired by COVID-19 pandemics. Additionally, COVID-19 patients can develop a diffuse alveolar damage with severe inflammatory exudation. Dexamethasone, a corticosteroid largely used in the treatment of COVID-19, promotes an immunosuppression profile that facilitates the infection by opportunistic fungi, as Candida spp. In this work, we analyzed the prevalence of Candida yeasts in wastewater samples collected for tracking viral genetical material during COVID-19 pandemic. For this, yeasts obtained were identified by polyphasic taxonomy. Subsequently, the production of biofilm and hydrolytic enzymes, which are well-known virulence attributes, were investigated. Our results showed that all Candida spp. were able to form biofilm and had moderate activity to produce hydrolytic enzymes. We also proposed a workflow for monitoring wastewater with the use of Colony PCR in instead of conventional PCR, since this technique is fast, cheap inexpensive and reliable, improving an accurate on taxonomy identification of yeast in environmental samples, contributing to environmental monitoring as part of the One Health approach.
Saliva, plasma, and multi-fluid metabolomic profiles of excess adiposity and their associations with diabetes progression among Puerto Ricans
Authors: Bhupathiraju Shilpa , Wang Zicheng , Haslam Danielle , Sawicki Caleigh , Liang Liming , Wong David , Joshipura Kaumudi , Rivas-Tumanyan Sona , Hu Frank , Clemente Jose , Chavarro Jorge
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Plasma metabolomic profiles of BMI are associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk, but none have examined saliva or combined information from multiple biofluids. Our aim was to characterize saliva, plasma, and plasma-saliva multi-fluid metabolomic profiles of BMI and waist circumference (WC) and examine their associations with diabetes progression.
Methods
We included 911 participants from the San Juan Overweight Adult Longitudinal Study, a 3-year prospective cohort of overweight Puerto Ricans. At baseline, using LC-MS, we quantified metabolites from saliva (n = 635) and plasma (n = 1,051). We used elastic net regression with 10-fold cross-validation to identify features from saliva, plasma, and saliva and plasma (multi-fluid) that were predictive of BMI and WC. We used Cox-proportional hazard models to evaluate associations between metabolomic profiles and diabetes progression, adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle, and medication use.
Results
For BMI metabolomic profiles, we identified 207 metabolites in plasma, 118 metabolites in saliva, and 225 in the multi-fluid profile. For WC, we identified 157, 89, and 210 metabolites for saliva, plasma, and multi-fluid profiles, respectively. Highly positively weighted metabolites across all BMI and WC metabolomic profiles included those in pathways of alanine and aspartate metabolism, purine metabolism, and sphingomyelins. Each SD increase in saliva, but not plasma or multi-fluid, metabolic profile of BMI was significantly associated with all stages of diabetes progression. Saliva, but not plasma or multi-fluid, metabolomic profile of WC was significantly associated with progression from pre-diabetes to T2D. All associations became stronger after further adjustment for anthropometric measures of BMI and WC.
Conclusion
Saliva is an underexplored and easily accessible biofluid to measure metabolites that are reflective of adiposity measures. Validation in future studies will confirm our findings that saliva, plasma, and multi-fluid metabolites can supplement measures of BMI and WC to better predict diabetes progression among overweight and obese Puerto Rican adults.
Spin wave-driven variable-phase mutual synchronization in spin Hall nano-oscillators
Authors: Kumar Akash , Chaurasiya Avinash , González Victor , Behera Nilamani , Khymyn Roman , Awad Ahmad , Åkerman Johan
Published: February 2024

Spin-orbit torque can drive auto-oscillations of propagating spin wave (PSW) modes in nano-constriction spin Hall nano-oscillators (SHNOs). These modes allow both long-range coupling and the potential of controlling its phase—critical aspect for nano-magnonics, spin wave logic, and Ising machines. Here, we demonstrate PSW-driven variable-phase coupling between two nano-constriction SHNOs and study how their separation and the PSW wave vector impact their mutual synchronization. In addition to ordinary in-phase mutual synchronization, we observe, using both electrical measurements and phase-resolved μ-Brillouin Light Scattering microscopy, mutual synchronization with a phase that can be tuned from 0 to π using the drive current or the applied field. Micromagnetic simulations corroborate the experiments and visualize how the PSW patterns in the bridge connecting the two nano-constrictions govern the coupling. These results advance the capabilities of mutually synchronized SHNOs and open up new possibilities for applications in spin wave logic, unconventional computing, and Ising Machines.
Quantum phase transitions and composite excitations of antiferromagnetic quantum spin trimer chains in a magnetic field
Authors: Yao Dao-Xin , Cheng Jun-Qing , Ning Zhi-Yao , Wu Han-Qing
Published: February 2024

Motivated by recent advancements in theoretical and experimental studies on the high-energy excitations, we theoretically explore the quantum phase transitions and composite excitations of the antiferromagnetic trimer chains in a magnetic field using the exact diagonalization, density matrix renormalization group, time-dependent variational principle and cluster perturbation theory. We utilize the entanglement entropy to uncover the phase diagram, encompassing the XY-I, $1/3$ magnetization plateau, XY-II and ferromagnetic phases. The critical XY-I and XY-II phases are both described by the conformal field theory with the central charge $c \simeq 1$. We reveal the diverse features of spin dynamics in various phases by using the dynamical structure factor. In the weak intertrimer interaction regime, we identify the intermediate-energy and high-energy modes in the XY-I and $1/3$ magnetization plateau phases as the internal trimer excitations, corresponding to the propagation of doublon and quarton, respectively. Notably, the magnetic field splits the high-energy spectra into two branches labeled as the upper quarton and lower quarton. Furthermore, we also explore the spin dynamics of a trimerized model closely related to the quantum magnet \ce{Na_2Cu_3Ge_4O_12}, and discuss the possibility of the quarton Bose-Einstein condensation. Our results can be verified in the inelastic neutron scattering experiments and provide deep insights for exploring the high-energy exotic excitations.
Determinants to Continuation on Hiv Pre-exposure Propylaxis Among Female Sex Workers at a Referral Hospital in Uganda: a Mixed Methods Study Using Com-b Model
Authors: Kawuma Samuel , Katwesigye Rogers , Walusaga Happy , Akatukunda Praise , Nangendo Joan , Kabugo Charles , Kamya Moses R. , Semitala Fred C.
Published: February 2024

Background
Female sex workers (FSWs) have the highest HIV prevalence in Uganda. Pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been recommended as part of the HIV combination prevention strategy, with improved patient initiation, but continuation on the service is low. We evaluated PrEP continuation among FSWs and explored potential determinants of PrEP continuation within a public referral hospital in Urban Uganda.
Methods
An explanatory sequential mixed method study was conducted at Kiruddu National referral hospital in Uganda. Secondary data on social demographic characteristics and follow up outcomes of at least one year was collected for all FSWs who were initiated PrEP between May 2020 and April 2021.We used Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to evaluate continuation on PrEP from time of initiation and follow-up period. The capability, opportunity, and motivation to change behaviour model was used to explore perspectives and practices of FSWs (n = 24) and health care providers (n = 8) on continuation on PrEP among FSWs, using semi structured interviews. The qualitative data was deductively coded and analyzed thematically, categorizing the themes related to PrEP continuation as facilitators and barriers.
Results
Of the 292 FSWs initiated on PrEP during this period, 101 (34.6) % were active on PrEP, 137 (46.9%) were lost to follow-up, 45 (15.4%) were no longer eligible to continue PrEP, eight (2.7%) were transferred out and one (0.3%) had died. Median survival time on PrEP was 15 months (Interquartile range IQR, 3–21). The continuation rates on PrEP at six (6) and 12 months were, 61.1% and 53.1%, respectively. Facilitators of PrEP continuation included awareness of risk associated with sex work, integration of PrEP with other HIV prevention services, presence of PrEP Peer support and use of Drop-in centers. The barriers included low community awareness about PrEP, high mobility of sex workers, substance abuse, and the unfavorable daytime clinic schedules.
Conclusion
Continuation on PrEP remains low among FSWs. Interventions for PrEP continuation should address barriers such as low community awareness on PrEP, substance abuse and restrictive health facility policies for scale of the PrEP program among FSWs in Uganda. Integration of PrEP with other services and scale up of community PrEP delivery structures may improve its continuation.
Designing highly delocalized solitons by harnessing
the structural parity of π-conjugated polymers
Authors: Ecija David , Biswas Kalyan , Janeiro Jesús , Gallardo Aurelio , Lozano Marco , Barragán Ana , Álvarez Berta , Soler-Polo Diego , Stetsovych Oleksandr , Solé Andrés Pinar , Gallego José María , Pérez Dolores , Miranda Rodolfo , Urgel José , Jelinek Pavel , Peña Diego
Published: February 2024

π-Conjugated polymers play a crucial role in modern organic optoelectronics and spintronics. However, a key aspect remains unexplored: how to make a π-conjugated polymer able to host intrinsic solitons just by chemical design without the need of external doping.
Exploiting on-surface synthesis and to address such challenge, we present a novel chemical reaction based on the regio- and stereo-selective coupling of indenyl moieties for fabricating π-conjugated acenoindenylidene polymers on Au(111) surface, which feature a longitudinal polyacetylene backbone. We address an aspect of polymer design that was experimentally overlooked, namely the relation between structural parity and electronic properties. We discover that odd-membered polymers exhibit an in-gap soliton state, which, thanks to their low bandgaps, spatially extends several nanometers along the longitudinal polyacetylene backbone. Our findings pave the way for the design of π-conjugated polymers that feature highly delocalized quasiparticles simply through chemical design by exploiting structural parity, while eliminating the need for doping.
Recovery of pathogens with implementation of a weight-based algorithm for pediatric blood cultures: an observational intervention study
Authors: Mortensen Nicolay , Kristiansen Martin Skaranger , Tellefsen Odd Alexander , Köpp Unni-Mette Stamnes
Published: February 2024

Background
Recovering pathogenic bacteria and yeast from pediatric blood cultures and reliably distinguishing between pathogens and contaminants are likely to be improved by increasing the volume of blood submitted to microbiology laboratories for culturing beyond the low volumes that have historically have been used. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether implementation of a weight-based algorithm for determining the volume of blood submitted for culturing might increase the pathogen recovery rate.
Secondary aims were to: 1) evaluate the effects of the algorithm on the blood culture contamination rate; 2) determine whether pathogens might be found more often than contaminants in several as opposed to single bottles when more than one bottle is submitted; and 3) describe the microbiological findings for pathogens and contaminants in blood cultures by applying a clinical definition of true blood culture positivity.
Methods
A pre-post comparison of positivity and contamination rates after increasing the blood volume and number of blood culture bottles was performed, on the basis of a clinical classification of blood culture findings as pathogens vs contaminants.
Results
We examined 5327 blood cultures, including 186 with growth (123 true positives and 63 contaminated). The rate of true positive blood cultures significantly increased from 1.6% (42/2553) pre to 2.9% (81/2774, p=.002) post intervention. The proportion of contaminated cultures among all positive cultures decreased from 45% (35/77) pre to 26% (28/109, p=.005) post intervention. A microorganism that grew in a single bottle was considered a contaminant in 8/23 cases, whereas a microorganism that grew in at least two bottles was considered a contaminant in 1/49 (p<.001) cases. According to common classification criteria relying primarily on the identity of the microorganism, 14% (17/123) of the recovered pathogens would otherwise have been classified as contaminants.
Conclusions
Increasing the volume of blood in pediatric blood cultures according to a weight-based algorithm increases the pathogen recovery rate and decreases the proportion of contaminated cultures.
Effect of Dorsal Capsular Imbrication on Intraoperative DRUJ Instability following Arthroscopic TFCC Repair Surgery
Authors: Yeh Chen-Wei , Hsu Cheng-En , Lee Alvin Kai-Xing , Ho Tsung-Yo , Wang Wei-Chih , Wei Bor-Han , Chiu Yung-Cheng
Published: February 2024

Background
Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability during unrestricted forearm rotation relies on several factors, including the integrity of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), the interosseous membrane, the bony configuration of the sigmoid notch, DRUJ capsule, and the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon with its subsheath. There are currently numerous reported surgical approaches for TFCC repair, however, postoperative DRUJ instability rates are still reported to be around 8 to 12%. As the integrity and strength of the TFCC is crucial for DRUJ stability, it is thus critical to identify if intraoperative dorsal capsular imbrication can further enhance DRUJ stability for improved functional outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent arthroscopic TFCC repair between 2016 and 2021. Inclusion criteria comprised a symptomatic ulna fovea sign for over 6 months and dorsal DRUJ subluxation on magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 225 patients were assessed to be suitable and recruited for our study. 135 patients underwent our arthroscopic “cross-form TFCC repair” without dorsal capsular imbrication (CR) and 90 patients underwent our arthroscopic “cross-form TFCC repair” with dorsal capsular imbrication for augmentation of DRUJ stability (DCI). Pain visual analog scale score (VAS), grip strength, modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), wrist range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) were evaluated, and all patients were follow-up for a minimum of 3 years postoperatively.
Results
Both groups showed significant improvements in pain VAS score, grip strength, wrist ROM, MMWS, and PRO between the preoperative and postoperative periods (p < 0.05). Significantly lower recurrent DRUJ instability was noted in the DCI group (3.7% vs 1.1%, p < 0.05). Re-operative rates were also noted to be lower in the DCI group (2.2% vs 1.1%). However, the DCI group was found to have inferior ROM as compared to the CR group.
Conclusion
Dorsal DRUJ capsular imbrication effectively reduces postoperative DRUJ instability and reoperation rates, enhances grip strength, and maintains wrist ROM in patients with a positive intra-operative ballottement test after arthroscopic TFCC repair.
Expression genome-wide association study reveals key regulatory variants associated with metabolism and immunity in four porcine tissues
Authors: Farhangi Samin , Gòdia Marta , Derks Martijn F.L. , Harlizius Barbara , Dibbits Bert , González-Prendes Rayner , Crooijmans Richard P.M.A. , Madsen Ole , Groenen Martien A.M.
Published: February 2024

Background: Integration of high throughput DNA genotyping and RNA-sequencing data enables the discovery of genomic regions that regulate gene expression, known as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). In pigs, efforts to date have been mainly focussing on purebred lines for traits with commercial relevance as growth and meat quality. However, little is known on genetic variants and mechanisms associated with the robustness of an animal, thus its overall health status. Here, the liver, lung, spleen, and muscle transcriptomes of 100 three-way crossbred female finishers were studied, with the aim of identifying novel eQTL regulatory regions and transcription factors (TFs) associated with regulation of porcine metabolism and health-related traits. Results: An expression genome-wide association study with 535,896 genotypes and the expression of 12,680 genes in liver, 13,310 genes in lung, 12,650 genes in spleen, and 12,595 genes in muscle resulted in 4,293, 10,630, 4,533, and 6,871 eQTL regions for each of these tissues, respectively. Although only a small fraction of the eQTLs was annotated ascis-eQTLs, these presented a higher number of polymorphisms per region and significantly stronger associations with their target gene compared totrans-eQTLs. Between 20 to 115 eQTL hotspots were identified across the four tissues. Interestingly, these were all enriched for immune-related biological processes. In spleen, two TFs were identified:ERFandZNF45, with key roles in regulation of gene expression. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive analysis with more than 26,000 eQTL regions identified that are now publicly available. The genomic regions and their variants were mostly associated with tissue-specific regulatory roles. However, some shared regions provide new insights into the complex regulation of genes and their interactions that are involved with important traits related to metabolism and immunity.
Past, present, and future heat-related mortality in Germany
Authors: Wang Junyu , Nikolaou Nikolaos , Heiden Matthias an der , Irrgang Christopher
Published: February 2024

Heat has become a leading cause of preventable deaths during summer. Understanding the link between high temperatures and excess mortality is crucial for designing effective prevention and adaptation plans. Yet, data analyses are challenging due to non-linear heat-mortality dynamics and oftentimes fragmented data archives over different agglomeration levels. We introduced a multi-scale machine learning model to estimate heat-related mortality with variable temporal and spatial resolution. This approach allows to estimate heat-related mortality at different scales, such as regional heat risk during a specific heatwave, annual and nation-wide heat risk, or future heat risk under climate change. Using Germany as a case study, we calculated heat-related excess mortality rates at the district level and visualized local health risks during a selected heatwave. Overall, we estimated 48,000 heat-related deaths in Germany during the last decade (2014-2023), whereof most cases can be attributed to individual heatwaves. In 2023, the heatwave of July 7--14 contributed approximately 1,100 cases (28%) to a total of approximately 3,900 heat-related deaths of the whole year. Combining our model with shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) of future climate change provides evidence that heat-related mortality in Germany could further increase by a factor of 2.5 (SSP245) to 9 (SSP370) without adaptation to the extreme heat. Our approach is a valuable tool for climate-driven public health strategies, aiding in the identification of local risks during heatwaves and long-term resilience planning.
Unveiling the ceRNA networks influence on innervation-associated bone tissue: non-coding RNA functions in bone metabolism
Authors: Wu Ziqian , Shi Jingcun , Zhang Yuhan , Zhang Bingqing , Wang Jieyu , Wang Lei
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of innervation-associated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in grafted bone, a subject remaining uncharted in the field of bone innervation. Osteoporosis is a prevalent complication following mandibular reconstruction, significantly affecting the success rate and quality of life of patients with postoperative implants. Utilizing transcriptome sequencing technology, we examined innervation-nurtured bone (IN), reestablished nerve-supply graft bone (RN), and nerve-impaired graft bone (NI). We concentrated on the differential expression of Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in these bone samples. We identified differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), circRNAs (DECs), and miRNAs (DEMs), with significant expression discrepancies. Transcriptome sequencing revealed differential expression of DECs, DEMs, and DELs between IN vs. RN, RN vs. NI, and NI vs. IN. We performed Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses on the differentially expressed miRNAs and circRNAs between the IN and NI groups. Additionally, we determine the GO as well as KEGG pathways by Gene Set Enrichment (GSEA). Meanwhile through the construction of a ceRNA network using Cytoscape 3.10.1, we observed the regulatory relationship between innervation and bone metabolism and gained insights into the molecular interactions. Based on these analyses, we established a novel lncRNA/circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. In conclusion, we identified differential genes in IN, NI, and RN samples, and performed GO and KEGG analysis while constructed a bone tissue ceRNA network between IN vs. NI. This study may provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the role of nerves in grafted bone.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies a CD38 variant in a Chinese family with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Chen Xi , Xie Li , Wu Wanchun , Jiang Ming , Cui Yi , Zou Liqun
Published: February 2024

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) exhibits genetic susceptibility, but little is known about the pathogenic genes associated with the disease. Here, we present a case of two siblings from a consanguineous Chinese family who were both diagnosed with nodular sclerosis classical HL. The sister and brother were diagnosed at the ages of 22 and 29, respectively, both presenting with involvement of the neck and mediastinal lymph nodes, and poor response or relapse shortly after first-line treatment. Whole-exome sequencing of the four family members revealed a novel pathogenic missense mutation in the CD38 gene (c.418C > T, p.Arg140Trp), which was found to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Thus, in this study, we identified an additional pathogenic genetic variant for HL, which will contribute to the understanding of the genetic molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.
Deficits in proactive avoidance and neural responses to drinking motives in problem drinkers
Authors: Le Thang , Oba Takeyuki , Couch Luke , McInerney Lauren , Li Chiang-Shan
Published: February 2024

Physical pain and negative emotions represent two distinct drinking motives that contribute to harmful alcohol use. Proactive avoidance which can reduce problem drinking in response to these motives appears to be impaired in problem drinkers. However, proactive avoidance and its underlying neural deficits have not been assessed experimentally. How these deficits inter-relate with drinking motives to influence alcohol use also remains unclear. The current study leveraged neuroimaging data collected in forty-one problem and forty-one social drinkers who performed a probabilistic learning go/nogo task that involved proactive avoidance of painful outcomes. We characterized the regional brain responses to proactive avoidance and identified the neural correlates of drinking to avoid physical pain and negative emotions. Behavioral results confirmed problem drinkers’ proactive avoidance deficits in learning rate and performance accuracy, both which were associated with greater alcohol use. Imaging findings in problem drinkers showed that negative emotions as a drinking motive predicted attenuated right insula activation during proactive avoidance. In contrast, physical pain motive predicted reduced right putamen response. These regions’ activations as well as functional connectivity with the somatomotor cortex also demonstrated a negative relationship with drinking severity and positive relationship with proactive avoidance performance. Path modeling further delineated the pathways through which physical pain and negative emotions, along with alcohol use severity, influenced the neural and behavioral measures of proactive avoidance. Taken together, the current findings provide experimental evidence for proactive avoidance deficits in problem drinkers and establish the link between their neural underpinnings and alcohol misuse.
Structural design principle and experimental study of the mixed-frequency vibration tool holder
Authors: Su Fei , Liu Guangtao , Zeng Ziheng , Jiang Minhao
Published: February 2024

Fiber-reinforced polymer and metal laminated structures are widely used in aerospace and military fields because of their excellent mechanical and physical properties. However, the materials are prone to processing defects such as burring and furry during processing. In this paper, based on the mechanism of vibration cutting, the mixed-frequency vibration tool holder (MFVT) with low-frequency and ultrasonic combined vibration is designed. The low-frequency vibration module and ultrasonic vibration module of the tool holder are designed theoretically and studied experimentally. The vibration surface model and the dynamic equation of the low-frequency vibration module are established, which lays a theoretical foundation for the design of the low-frequency vibration module. A dynamic simulation model for error analysis is established, and the effects of surface profile error, cage clearance error and spline coupling clearance error on low-frequency vibration motion curve are studied. Among them, the contour error has the greatest influence on the motion curve. Analyzing the thermal energy generation mechanism of an ultrasonic vibrator through the vibration self-heating simulation model. The impact of temperature on the operational performance of an ultrasonic vibrator was analyzed through experiments. The experimental results indicate that both the amplitude and resonant frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator decrease with the increase in temperature.
The effect of umbilical cord blood mononucleated cells on knee osteoarthritis in rabbits
Authors: 傅 玉行 , 张 Φ , 杨 勇 , 周 白水 , 杨 孟 , 朱 郭帅 , 朱 永林
Published: February 2024

Objective
To investigate the effect of umbilical cord blood-mononuclear cells (UCB-MNC) on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in rabbits and its possible mechanism.
Methods
The rabbit knee osteoarthritis model was prepared by anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT) method. Fifty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the Control group, Model group, sodium hyaluronate (SH) group, platelet rich plasma (PRP) group, and UCB-MNC group. Knee cavity injection was performed once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. The gross view of the knee joint, the cartilage morphology of the knee joint, and the structural changes of the knee joint in imaging were observed by behavior, gross shape of the knee joint, HE staining, and CT. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in rabbit knee fluid were detected by ELISA. Western blot and QRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of MMP-13 and COL-II protein and mRNA in knee cartilage.
Results
From the behavioral Lequesne MG scores, morphological HE staining Mankin's scores, the scores of model group were significantly higher compared with that of control group. The SH, PRP, and UCB-MNC group had sequentially lower scores compared to theModel group. From CT, KOA features were more pronounced in the model group compared to other groups, and there was a slight improvement in imaging knee osteoarthritis in the CB-MNC group compared to the SH and PRP groups. Compared with the control group, the Model group had increased levels of TNF-α,