bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate variability shifts the vertical structure of phytoplankton in the Sargasso Sea
Authors: Viljoen Johannes , Sun Xuerong , Brewin Robert
Published: January 2024

Marine phytoplankton are essential to ocean biogeochemical cycles. Yet, how climate variability is impacting phytoplankton vertical structure remains unclear. Here, we apply a conceptual model that partitions a profile of phytoplankton into two communities – one in the surface mixed layer and one in the subsurface below – to 33 years of data in the Sargasso Sea. Seasonally, the surface community alters their carbon-to-chlorophyll ratio without changing their carbon biomass, whereas the chlorophyll-a and carbon of the subsurface community covaries with no change in their carbon-to-chlorophyll ratio. At the multidecadal scale, climate variability influences these two communities differently. Over the last decade, subsurface phytoplankton biomass has increased in response to warming. In contrast, the surface phytoplankton has altered their carbon-to-chlorophyll without modifying their carbon biomass. Given that satellites can only view the surface ocean, sustained subsurface monitoring is required to understand fully how phytoplankton are responding to climate change.
Comparison between a single dose of PEG G-CSF and multiple doses of non-PEG G-CSF: A systematic review and meta-analysis from Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Use of G-CSF 2022
Authors: Yoshinami Tetsuhiro , Nozawa Kazuki , Yokoe Takamichi , Ozaki Yukinori , Nishio Hiroshi , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Ichihara Eiki , Miura Yuji , Endo Makoto , Yano Shingo , Maruyama Dai , Susumu Nobuyuki , Takekuma Munetaka , Motohashi Takashi , Ito Mamoru , Baba Eishi , Ochi Nobuaki , Kubo Toshio , Uchino Keita , Kimura Takahiro , Kamiyama Yutaro , Nakao Shinji , Nishimoto Hitomi , Kato Yasuhisa , Sato Atsushi , Takano Toshimi
Published: January 2024

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is widely used for the primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia (FN). Two types of G-CSF are available in Japan, namely G-CSF chemically bound to polyethylene glycol (PEG G-CSF), which provides long-lasting effects with a single dose, and non-polyethylene glycol-bound G-CSF (non-PEG G-CSF), which must be sequentially administrated for several days. This current study investigated the utility of these treatments for the primary prophylaxis of FN through a systematic review of the literature. A detailed literature search for related studies was performed using PubMed, Ichushi-Web, and the Cochrane Library. Data were independently extracted and assessed by two reviewers. A qualitative analysis or meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate six outcomes. Through the first and second screenings, 23 and 18 articles were extracted for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis, respectively. The incidence of FN was significantly lower in the PEG G-CSF group than in the non-PEG G-CSF group with a strong quality/certainty of evidence. The differences in other outcomes, such as overall survival, infection-related mortality, the duration of neutropenia (less than 500/µL), quality of life, and pain, were not apparent. Therefore, a single dose of PEG G-CSF is strongly recommended over multiple-dose non-PEG G-CSF therapy for the primary prophylaxis of FN.
A new day 4 embryo evaluation system to predict the formation of transferable blastocyst
Authors: Dai Fangfang , Geng Yasong , Tao Linlin , Li Guozhen , Dai Haoyang , Wang Shusong , Zheng Bo
Published: January 2024

Purpose To explore a day 4 embryo evaluation system based on the potential for the embryo to develop into a transferable blastocyst.
Methods We observed the outcome of blastocyst culture for 1235 embryos from 199 patients. We considered the developmental stage, fragmentation, whether it was in a stage-specific cleavage pattern, and normal fertilization to formulate scoring criteria, based on whether they developed into transferable blastocysts. The receiver operative characteristics(ROC) curve was used to compare the predictive abilities of four criteria for day 4 evaluation to develop into transferable blastocysts and high-quality blastocysts.
Results The developmental stage, fragmentation, normal fertilization and stage-specific cleavage pattern had the greatest impact on the formation of transferable blastocysts. There were significant differences in the formation rates of transferable blastocysts and high-quality blastocysts among different embryo grades. The areas under ROC curves of the day 4 embryo evaluation criteria constructed in this study was the highest in predicting transferable blastocyst formation, relative to the other three evaluation criteria.
Conclusion This study observed the presence of pseudo-compacted embryos similar to cleavage-stage embryos. The Day 4 embryo evaluation criteria constructed in this study can effectively predict the formation of transferable blastocysts.
Lead isotopes of prehistoric copper tools define metallurgical phases in Eneolithic Italy
Authors: Artioli Gilberto , Angelini Ivana , Canovaro Caterina , Kaufmann Guenther , Villa Igor
Published: January 2024

The diffuse presence of small copper ore deposits in the Alpine area, mostly exploited since Late Medieval times, led most scholars to assume that these deposits may actually be active much earlier and that many of the circulating prehistoric metal objects found in the area were produced with local copper sources. This assumption was recently validated for the Recent Bronze Age through the use of lead isotope tracers, and well supported by the archaeometallurgical evidences found in the South-Eastern Alps. However, the scarcity of available lead isotope data for pre-Bronze Age metals precluded to date the reconstruction of the metal flow through the Eneolithic (or Copper Age). Based on 49 new artefact analyses, here we show that the Northern Italian Copper Age (approximately 3500 − 2200 BC) includes three major periods of metal production, each related to specific ore sources. The Alpine copper was massively used only starting from the middle of the 3rd millennium BC, in connection or slightly earlier than the Beaker event.
Engineered Treg Donor Cell Therapy to Prevent Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Meyer Everett , Pavlova Anna , Muffly Lori , Sutherland Katherine , Bader Cameron , Bharawaj Sushma , Dahiya Saurabh , Frank Matthew , Arai Sally , Johnston Laura , Miklos David , Rezvani Andrew , Shiraz Parveen , Sidana Surbhi , Shizuru Judith , Weng Wen-kai , Agrawal Vaibhav , Putnam Amy , Ferhnoff Nathaniel , Tamaresis John , Lu Ying , McClellan Scott , Lowsky Robert , Negrin Robert , error error ,   error2 error2,   error3 error3
Published: January 2024

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative therapy limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Donor regulatory T cells (Tregs) appear to prevent GVHD and promote healthy immunity. We have developed a high-precision Treg cell therapy manufactured from donor mobilized peripheral blood. We conducted an open-label, single-center, phase 2 efficacy study investigating if the use of a precision engineered donor Treg cell therapy improves one-year GVHD-free relapse free survival (GRFS) after myeloablative transplantation. Thirty-three patients with HLA-matched donors were enrolled. All donor Treg cell products were successfully manufactured and administered fresh within 72 hours. One-year incidence of acute grade III-IV GVHD of 6%, moderate to severe chronic GVHD of 7% and non-relapse mortality rate of 6%. The primary endpoint of significantly improved one-year GRFS was achieved at 67% for HLA-matched patients compared to a predicted 40% (p < 0.002). Trial participants had a reduced incidence of GVHD and improved GRFS, as compared to rates common to highly variable unmanipulated donor grafts and multi-agent immune suppression.
Detailed mechanisms for unintended large DNA deletions with CRISPR, base editors, and prime editors
Authors: Bae Sangsu , Hwang Gue-Ho , Lee Seok-Hoon , Oh Minsik , Kim Segi , Habib Omer , Jang Hyeon-Ki , Kim Heon Seok , Kim Chan Hyuk , Kim ﻿Sun
Published: January 2024

CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases are versatile tools for genetic engineering cells and function by producing targeted double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the DNA sequence. However, the unintended production of large deletions (> 100 bp) represents a challenge to the effective application of this genome-editing system. We optimized a long-range amplicon sequencing system and developed a k-mer sequence-alignment algorithm to simultaneously detect small DNA alteration events and large DNA deletions. With this workflow, we determined that CRISPR-Cas9 induced large deletions at varying frequencies in cancer cell lines, stem cells, and primary T cells. With CRISPR interference screening, we determined that end resection and the subsequent TMEJ [DNA polymerase theta-mediated end joining] repair process produce most large deletions. Furthermore, base editors and prime editors also generated large deletions despite employing mutated Cas9 “nickases” that produce single-strand breaks. Our findings reveal an important limitation of current genome-editing tools and identify strategies for mitigating unwanted large deletion events.
Non-zero sum stochastic differential game between two insurance companies under the variance premium principle
Authors: Mwigilwa Winfrida
Published: January 2024

This paper considers a non-zero-sum stochastic differential game between two competitive companies where both companies aim to seek the optimal investment and reinsurance strategies. Furthermore, these two companies are allowed to purchase proportional reinsurance to mitigate the company's claim risks and, at the same time, invest in one risk-free asset and one risky asset whose price dynamics follow the geometric Brownian motion and take dividend payments into account. In particular, under the proportional reinsurance contract, the reinsurance premium is assumed to be calculated via the variance value principle instead of the expected value principle. The optimal reinsurance and investment strategies of both companies can be determined by solving the Fleming-Bellman-Isaacs equations for an exponential utility function. In the end, several numerical simulations were conducted to show how model parameters affect equilibrium reinsurance and investment strategies, and some conclusions about economics from these findings were deduced.
JEL Classification: C73 , D53 , G11 , G22
MSC Classification: 91A15 , 93E20 , 91G15 , 97M30
A systems biology-based study to assess the effects of TNF-α ± apigenin in triple-negative breast cancer cell line
Authors: Amjad Elham , Asnaashari Solmaz , Sokouti Babak , Dastmalchi Siavoush
Published: January 2024

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to the type of breast cancer with no estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. Various methods can be applied to treating patients with BC, among which the therapeutic-based ones without toxic side effects are extremely important. In this study, we computationally investigated the impact of apigenin on the TNBC cell line as traditional Chinese medicine.
Materials and methods: We retrieved the GSE120550 dataset from the NCBI-GEO database. The BRB-array tools employed pre- and post-processing approaches to identify significant differentially expressed genes. Additionally, the DAVID web server was applicable to analyze the three main components, including the "biological process," "cellular component," and "molecular function," as well as the KEGG signaling pathway. Finally, using the Venn diagram, we thoroughly investigated the number of shared genes among fifteen groups constructed from six compared sample sets.
Results: The primary analysis of six pairs of samples reveals significant DEGs, which are prone to be ranked in the TOPPGene web server in terms of priority. The identified genes that play vital roles in inhibiting the progression of BC enrich various signaling pathways. Then, protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed the involved biomarkers and the inhibitory effect of apigenin among fifteen possible sets constructed from the six groups in pairs. Conclusion: The outcomes of the current study showed and confirmed the inhibitory effect of apigenin with no toxic side effects on patients with TNBC. This natural product can also target future therapeutics and novel drug designs.
Dataset of hospital admissions authorizations in Brazil
Authors: Souto Gabriel , Kreischer Vinicius , Saldanha Raphael , Cardoso Carlos , Paixão Balthazar , Ribeiro Victor , Gritz Raquel , Carraro Lucas , Cruz Sérgio , Bonifácio Carmen , Miloski Matheus , Alencar Gizelton , Marques Aline , Alves Ariane , Neto Nelson , Salles Rebecca , Lima Jefferson , Pedroso Marcel
Published: January 2024

Objective: Hospital admissions data is an important source of information for health surveillance and health policy makers. The Brazilian Health Ministry offers access to this data in scattered files using a legacy format, justifying the effort of this work to present this data in a unique, coherent and comprehensible format and infrastructure, suitable to its big data dimension and importance.
Data Description: The produced dataset covers hospital admissions in the Brazilian Universal Health System as a whole, keeping the characteristics of the original files and additional new variables with valuable enrichments to understand the data better.
Exploring Rules Engines as an Artificial Intelligence Application in Medicine: A Scoping Review
Authors: Alnattah Ashraf , Jajroudi Mahdie , Eslami Saeid
Published: January 2024

Background
The past decade has witnessed significant efforts toward optimizing medical care through the incorporation of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Rules engines have emerged as key applications in this transformative process, aiming to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare systems.
Objective
This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research conducted on rules engines within the medical literature, focusing on their functionalities, the types of tasks they can perform, the evaluated clinical outcomes, and the technologies employed in clinical practice.
Methods
This review adhered to the Arksey and O'Malley framework and followed the PRISMA-ScR checklist (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews). A systematic search of the PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted, using specific eligibility criteria. The study included English publications that focused on the utilization of rules engines in medicine.
Results
Nineteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles exhibited heterogeneity in scope and employed various types of rules engines, encompassing a limited range of medical domains. Several types of rules engines were identified, each contributing to the improvement of clinical outcomes. Descriptive formative designs were employed in ten out of nineteen (53%) articles. The studies primarily targeted chronic diseases and medical practices requiring special attention, such as diabetes mellitus (DM), adverse drug events (ADEs), and pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) settings. The most frequently utilized rules engine was Drools.
Conclusions
The scarcity of published studies on the potential utilization of rules engines in medicine is evident. However, all included studies in this review demonstrated the advantages of incorporating rules engines into medical care, resulting in positive clinical outcomes across various domains. We recommend the adoption of rules engines in healthcare centers, integrating them into daily workflows to deliver convenient, scalable, and effective clinical care. This review serves as a valuable resource for healthcare managers, providers, and patients, facilitating the achievement of more efficient and error-free healthcare environments.
Evaluation of the Pathological Complete Response (pCR) as a Surrogate Endpoint of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Real-World Evidence
Authors: Antonini Marcelo , Mattar Andre , Richter Fernanda Grace Bauk , Pannain Gabriel Duque , Ramos Marcellus do Nascimento Moreira , Teixeira Marina Diogenes , Amorim Andressa Gonçalves , Pinheiro Denise Joffily Pereira da Costa , Ferraro Odair , Lopes Reginaldo Guedes Coelho , Gebrim Luiz Henrique , Real Juliana Monte
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), which in the past was only used only in for locally advanced disease, is currently being used upfront, especially in to treat aggressive breast cancer (BC). Real-world data (RWD) can address important research questions based on daily routine daily cancer care. The objective of this study was to characterize the pathological complete response (pCR) and its relationship with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in BC patients with BC who received NAC at a Brazilian public reference center, a. And also to characterize the relationship between pCR and the BC subtypes, of BC and DFS and OS.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study based on a large BC database from a women’s health reference center for women’s health in Brazil. Patients with BC diagnosed between 2011 and 2020 were included if they received NAC. Data on regarding demographics, cancer-related information, treatment-related information, pCR, OS and DFS were collected. Survival analyses were performed using the semiparametric Kaplan‒Meier method to assess OS and DFS by using pCR status, considering BC diagnosis as the index date.
Results
A total of 1601 patients were included. BC patients were on average 49 years old and presented with stage IIIa disease (35%). Most patients had invasive nonspecial- type (NST) disease (94%);, and 86.7% of patients had a the Ki-67 index was ≥ 14 in 86.7% of patients. The overall pCR rate was 22.7%;, and pCR was observed more frequently in triple-negative and luminal B subtypes. A significant proportion of pCR patients were alive (89% vs. 61%, log-rank p < 0.0001) and had a greater DFS status (90% vs. 66%, log-rank p < 0.0001). Only Luminal A patients did not have a association of better worse OS and DFS associated with pCR.
Conclusions
Updated real-world data on for BC patients who received NAC in this Brazilian cohort have showedn that a 22.7%the pCR rate was 22.7% for all cancer subtypes and stages. Only Luminal A patients’ pCR status was not didn’t have associatedion of with a better OS and or DFS with pCR.
Corneal Densitometry in Chinese Adults with Healthy Corneas: Associations with Sex, Age, Ocular Metrics, and Optical Characteristics
Authors: Ning Jiliang , Sun Siyu , Zhang Qiaosi , Jin Lin , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Jun , Zhang Lijun
Published: January 2024

Background
This study aimed to determine the standard values of corneal densitometry (CD) using a Scheimpflug camera in healthy corneas. Additionally, this study aimed to investigate the correlations between sex, age, ocular parameters, and corneal density, as well as explore the impact of corneal density on the forward scattering and optical quality of the eye.
Methods
This retrospective observational study involved 990 healthy subjects from China, comprising 494 males and 496 females (mean age of 23.88 ± 6.90 years). The CD values at various depths and radial areas of 0–12 mm were measured using a Scheimpflug camera. Densitometric measurements were expressed in standardized grayscale units (GSU). In addition, the optical scatter index (OSI), modulation transfer function cutoff values (MTFcutoff ), and Strehl’s ratio (SR) were determined using an optical quality analysis system.
Results
The average CD within a 12 mm diameter area was 16.26 ± 1.35GSU. When considering different depths, the highest and lowest optical densities were observed in the anterior layer (21.41 ± 2.16GSU) and posterior layer (12.00 ± 1.01GSU), respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, when considering different radial areas, the maximum and minimum optical densities were found in the 10–12 mm (14.09 ± 0.93GSU) and 2–6 mm (25.93 ± 4.77GSU) circles, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the average CD within a 12 mm diameter area between males and females (P > 0.05). However, upon adjusting for variables such as age, central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature, white-to-white (WTW) corneal diameter, and axial length, females exhibited a greater average CD within the 12 mm diameter and in the 6–10 mm and 10–12 mm circles compared to males. Age-related changes in CD were evident, except for the 2–6 mm circle. Notably, there was a correlation between CCT, corneal curvature, WTW corneal diameter, partial depth, and radial area CD. Additionally, CD in different areas correlated with the OSI, MTFcutoff, and SR (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study provides normative CD measurement data in Chinese adults with healthy corneas, emphasizing the significance of factors such as sex, age, CCT, corneal curvature, and WTW corneal diameter in CD evaluation. Importantly, elevated CD can lead to increased forward scatter within the eye, thereby affecting the optical quality.
Enhancing the omega-3 fatty acid synthesis of marine microalgae using indigenous red seaweed resources of Gulf of mannar region as liquid fertilizers
Authors: Abarna Krishna Moorthy , V Rani , P Padmavathy , P Jawahar , A Uma , C Kalidas , N Manimozhi , P Santhanam , A Gowthami
Published: January 2024

Fatty acids of microalgae particularly EPA and DHA has great attention worldwide in recent times due its major role in human neurological development and microalgae is considered to be a best source. Hence, the present study was aimed to utilize indigenous seaweeds as a bio-stimulant in enhancing the fatty acid synthesis of microalgae. Three different seaweed liquid fertilizers (SLFs) prepared from indigenous seaweed species viz., Gracilaria edulis (SLF-1), Gelidiella pannosa (SLF-2) and Sargassum wightii (SLF-3) contain enormous amount of essential nutrients required for microalgal growth. Nitrogen, potassium and iron levels were higher in SLF-1 whereas phosphorous, calcium and zinc levels were higher in SLF-2. The growth performance of both alga on three different SLFs revealed that the SLFs prepared from the red seaweed was highly efficient than the brown seaweed. Both the red SLFs significantly enhanced the growth performance, physiological and biochemical response of microalgae. In addition, SLFs had enhanced the EPA and palmitoleic acid concentration in N. oculata and D. salina respectively. SLFs 1 and 2 enhanced the EPA content of N. oculata by 19.85% and 6.35% whereas in D. salina the palmitoleic acid concentration was increased by 18.07% and 21.43% respectively. DHA was detected only in the microalgae cultured using SLFS but at trace levels of 0.01-0.02%. These study results suggest the potential application of seaweeds as cost effective culture media for microalga with an added advantage of enhancing its nutritional properties.
Impact of Prognostic Nutrition Index and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio on Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tanrıverdi Zeynep , Mingsar Eren , Düztaş Dilan , Sevil Hatice , Çakırgöz Mensure , Tiryaki Enise Nur Özlem
Published: January 2024

Background
This study aims to investigate the impact of the prognostic nutrition index and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio on survival and neurological outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients at risk of malnutrition who are monitored in Intensive Care Units.
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study analysed 215 patients with their first ischemic stroke admitted to the Neurology Intensive Care Unit. The prognostic nutritional index was derived from serum albumin and complete blood count within the first 24 hours using this formula:
PNI = (serum albumin level [g/dL] × 10) + (total lymphocyte count [mm³] × 0.005)
The prognostic nutritional index was categorised into two groups according to a cut-off value of 42.5 determined by ROC analysis.
Results
During the 60-day follow-up, multivariable logistic regression analysis of neurological prognosis identified the presence of coronary artery disease (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 3.9, p: 0.021), initial NIHSS score (HR: 1.16, p <0.001), and PNI (HR: 0.022, p <0.001) as independent predictors of neurological outcomes. Cox regression analysis for survival in all patients determined age (HR: 1.93, p = 0.009), initial NIHSS score (HR: 1.04, p = 0.008), BUN level (HR: 1.69, p = 0.012), and prognostic nutritional index (HR: 0.27, p = 0.007) as independent determinants of mortality.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that simple, cost-effective, and readily applicable biomarkers such as the prognostic nutritional index and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio should be considered practical tools in patient management and predicting neurological outcomes.
Nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles protect human retinal pigment epithelium cells and mice retina from prolonged blue light exposure through antioxidant and vascular enhancement
Authors: Chiu Shih-Jiuan , Chou Hung-Chang , Hu Teh-Min , Chan Yen-Ju , Hsu Tai-Ju , Tsai Chi-Hao , Yang Tsung-Min , Kang Jaw-Jou , Hsiao George , Cheng Yu-Wen
Published: January 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) is a short-lived free-radical molecule implicated in the pathophysiology of various eye diseases. The regulatory imbalance of NO, either its overproduction or under-production, is a key factor in oxidative stress-related ocular disorders. Given the increasing concern regarding blue-light-induced oxidative stress leading to retinopathy, we postulate that maintaining consistent NO levels through sustained release could be beneficial. To achieve this, we developed and synthesized nano-NO-releasing systems (NORS), with a hydrodynamic size of approximately 130 nm and a surface charge of -10 mV, respectively. Our findings reveal that blue-light irradiation can trigger NO release from NORS in a light-intensity-dependent manner. Furthermore, NORS can be internalized by retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells without exhibiting cytotoxic effects at concentrations up to 100 µM. In RPE cells damaged by blue light, NORS effectively counteracted the upregulation of several antioxidant responses at both the protein and gene levels. These include the Nrf-2/Keap-1 and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and the glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (a1-1, a1-2, a1-5). In the C57BL/6 mice model of blue-light-induced retinopathy, chronic low-intensity blue light exposure (300 Lux, 12 hours/day for 28 days) resulted in photoreceptor dysfunction, vascular leakage, and an increase in mean blood flow rate (MBFR), without affecting the thickness of the retina. However, treatment with NORS mitigated the detrimental effects of blue light on the retina, as evidenced by reduced fluorescence leakages and a reversal of the electroretinographic alterations induced by photoreceptor dysfunction. In conclusion, our data suggested that NORS can effectively enable prolonged NO delivery both in vitro and in vivo. This protective effect appears to be accomplished by restoring normal antioxidant responses and improving vascular homeostasis.
Southern Thailand's Seismicity and Crustal Deformation: Relations to Regional Neotectonics
Authors: Nazaruddin Dony Adryansyah , Md Muhammad Afiq
Published: January 2024

Following the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake (M 9.1), local earthquake occurrences in Southern Thailand has been actively observed to gain insight into their spatial distribution and magnitude variation. This is particularly important in relation to two major fault zones that have been reactivated, the Khlong Marui and Ranong Fault Zones, which were previously thought to be dormant. As many as 221 local earthquakes that occurred between 2005 and 2020 were gathered for this study using the observations on local, national, and international networks. Using SEISAN software, digital seismograms of 174 local events captured by at least three local seismic stations were analyzed. The results of this study show that the local earthquake epicenters are scattered spatially in some onshore areas of Southern Thailand and offshore throughout the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Majority of the local earthquakes occured within and adjacent areas of the two main fault zones, hence the main sources of local seismicity. Nearly all of the events at hypocenters, which have depths ranging from 1.0 km to 78.4 km, are classified as shallow earthquakes. In terms of magnitude, the range of moment magnitude values is -0.1 ≤ Mw ≤ 5.0. This study was complemented by GPS data to observe the crustal deformation in the region. This study also shows that Southern Thailand's seismicity and crustal deformation were significantly impacted by a number of significant regional earthquakes. This study might leads to a re-evaluation of the seismic hazards for Southern Thailand.
Effects of Vermiconversion on Coffee husk, Paper waste and Vegetable Waste Using Red Worm (Eisenia fetida) in Begi District, Ethiopia
Authors: Geleta Zelalem Telila , Daka Yohannes Shifera
Published: January 2024

Vermicomposting is the bioconversion of organic waste into a bio-fertilizer due to earthworms’ activity and it is operated in mesophilic conditions. PH and moisture content levels shall be optimized. The vermicomposting process takes place in vermin-reactors. In the vermicomposting method microorganisms begin the process, but it is the red worm that plays the largest role in converting organic matter. In this study, vermicomposting process was conducted to evaluate performance of epigamic earth worm species of Eisenia fetida in 60 days to change on the three biodegradable wastes (Coffee husk, Paper waste and vegetable wastes) in Begi town. Two of the wastes (coffee husk and paper wastes) were mixed with cow dung 3:1 ratio and vegetable wastes without cow slurry treated with Eisenia fetida (tiger worm). Thirty (30) numbers of matured earth worms were inoculated on the three substrates and monitored for 60 days. Each waste was observed three times at intervals of 0 day, 30 day and 60 day. Characterization results showed that there is a change of pH, EC, OM, OC, TN, C:N, AP, EK, Ash from initial day to final day, 0 and 60 day (pH 7.51–7.03, EC 1.91mS/cm -1.24 mS/cm, OM 47.06–29.21%, OC 27.3-16.93%,TN 1.38–2.199%, C:N21.39-8.63,AP11.17-20.85ppm and EK 2.26-4.43mg/k ) were found. The finding from the study showed that, the vermicomposting produced have matured and have quality when compared with WHO and ISIRI standards. The obtained vermicompost had an excellent nutrient status confirmed by the chemical analyses and contained essential nutrients. Vermicomposting could good option to recover biodegradable wastes from the town and simultaneously produces organic fertilizer.
Ultrasound or C-arm? A comparative study of surgical intervention for adolescent metaphyseal-diaphysis junction fracture of the distal radius using external fixator
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zhou Yeming , Wang Shuo , rai Saroj , Hong Pan , Xin Tianyou
Published: January 2024

Metaphyseal-diaphysis junction (MDJ) is defined as the distal third of the radius subtracted from the square over the radial physis. Because of its unique anatomy, unstable fracture in MDJ poses challenges for a successful conservative method. Multiple modes of surgeries have been reported for MDJ fracture of the distal radius in children after failed manual reduction and casting. This study is to investigate the clinical effects of closed reduction and external fixation for MDJ fractures in children using fluoroscopy versus ultrasound. Ninety-six patients were divided into the ultrasound (US) group and the C-arm (CA) group. According to our results, the surgical duration was significantly shorter in the US group (24.40 ± 6.12, min) compared with the CA group (32.11 ± 9.23, min), P < 0.001. Images taken during the surgery were significantly less in the US group (2.66 ± 1.19) than the CA group (9.52 ± 3.15), P < 0.001. As for the complications, residual angulation, and clinical function of forearms, there was no significant difference between the two groups.
Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE): how valuable and how hard? An evaluation of ALL_EARS@UoS PPIE group, 18 months on
Authors: Hough Kate , Grasmeder Mary , Parsons Heather , Jones William B , Smith Sarah , Satchwell Chris , Hobday Ian , Taylor Sarah , Newman Tracey
Published: January 2024

Background
ALL_EARS@UoS is a PPIE group for people with lived experience of hearing loss that was initiated at the University of Southampton. The aims, objectives, and ethos of ALL_EARS@UoS were co-developed and agreed upon. The group has grown in size and reach.
A year after inception, we wanted to critically reflect on the value and challenges of the group. Four members of ALL_EARS@UoS were recruited to an evaluation steering group. This paper reports on the application of the NIHR National Standards for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) to evaluate the impact, effectiveness, and engagement of the group.
Methods
An anonymous, mixed-methods questionnaire was co-designed and shared with members using an online platform. The questionnaire was designed to capture satisfaction, wider feedback through free-text answers and demographic information. Descriptive statistics have been used to express the satisfaction and demographic data. Reflexive thematic analysis has been used to analyse the free-text responses.
Results
The questionnaire response rate was 61% (11/18). Areas identified as strengths were ‘Communication’ and ‘Working together’. Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis; (1) Increased knowledge and awareness, (2) supporting research, (3) positive impact on the individual, (4) positive impact on others and (5) running of the group. The data highlighted the value and challenge of PPIE for our members and researchers. Members described feeling valued, listened to, and appreciation for being able to share experiences with other Deaf/deaf or hard of hearing people. Time of day and meeting format, affected accessibility of meetings, were identified as challenges. The ability to secure and maintain sufficient funding and time to support inclusive and diverse PPIE activities is a challenge for researchers.
Conclusions
We have produced a PPIE action plan and strategy for the next 18 months. We have identified how PPIE has added value to group members and researchers, emphasising the true benefit of PPIE. We have highlighted challenges we are facing and our plan to tackle these. We aim to continue to develop the value of the group and sustain a group that reflects the diversity of the Deaf/deaf or hard of hearing community and of our local community.
Multi-Object Tracking Using Kalman Filter and Historical Trajectory Correction for Surveillance Videos
Authors: Cai Xingquan , Wu Yijie , Liu Shike , Xie Hanna , Sun Haiyan
Published: January 2024

In view of the problem of accuracy degradation, target loss, and the inability to continue tracking after target reappearance caused by video blurring, occlusion leading to sudden disappearance of the target in the process of surveillance videos multi-object tracking, we propose a multi-object tracking using Kalman filter and historical trajectory correction for surveillance videos. Firstly, the dynamic decoupling head is constructed to replace the original detection head, the loss function is optimized to improve the YOLOv8 detection algorithm. Then, the improved Kalman filter is constructed and the historical trajectory correction module is constructed to track the target pedestrians. Finally, the multi-object tracking module is constructed by combining the improved Kalman filter and the historical trajectory correction module, and the multi-object tracking module is outputted from the surveillance videos. The experiments on MOT17 and MOT20 show that evaluation metrics such as MOTA, IDF1, HOTA, etc. obtained by our method are the superior performance.
Application of the PANELVIEW instrument to evaluate the guideline development process of the German polytrauma guideline
Authors: Goossen Käthe , Bieler Dan , Weise Alina , Nothacker Monika , Flohé Sascha , Pieper Dawid
Published: January 2024

Background
PANELVIEW is an instrument for evaluating the appropriateness of the process, methods, and outcome of guideline development and the satisfaction of the guideline group with these steps.
Objective
To evaluate the guideline development process of the German guideline on the treatment of patients with severe/multiple injuries (‘German polytrauma guideline’) from the perspective of the guideline group, and to identify areas where this process may be improved in the future.
Methods
We administered PANELVIEW to the participants of the 2022 update of the German polytrauma guideline. All guideline group members, including delegates of participating medical societies, steering group members, authors of guideline chapters, the chair and methodological lead, were invited to participate. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics. Comments received were categorised by domains/items of the tool.
Results
After the first, second, and last consensus conference, the guideline group was invited via email to participate in a web-based survey. Response rates were 36% (n/N = 13/36), 40% (12/30), and 37% (20/54), respectively. The mean scores for items ranged between 5.1 and 6.9 on a scale from 1 (fully disagree) to 7 (fully agree). Items with mean scores below 6.0 were related to (1) administration, (2) consideration of patients’ views, perspectives, values and preferences, and (3) the discussion of research gaps and needs for future research.
Conclusion
The PANELVIEW tool showed that the guideline group was satisfied with most aspects of the guideline development process. Areas for improvement of the process were identified. Strategies to improve response rates should be explored.
Integrated PBPK-EO Modeling of Osimertinib: Predicting Pharmacokinetics, Intracranial EGFR Engagement, and Optimal Dosing Strategies in Clinical Settings
Authors: Liang Feng , Zhang Yimei , Xue Qian , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: January 2024

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model combined with an EGFR occupancy (EO) model for osimertinib (OSI) to predict plasma trough concentration (Ctrough) and the intracranial time-course of EGFR (T790M and L858R mutants) engagement in patient populations. The PBPK model was also used to investigate the key factors affecting OSI pharmacokinetics (PK) and intracranial EGFR engagement, analyze resistance to the target mutation C797S, and determine optimal dosing regimens when used alone and in drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Methods A population PBPK-EO model of OSI was developed using physicochemical, biochemical, binding kinetic, and physiological properties, and then validated using eight clinical PK studies, two observed EO studies, and two clinical DDI studies. Results The PBPK-EO model demonstrated good consistency with observed data, with most prediction-to-observation ratios falling within the range of 0.7 to 1.3 for plasma AUC, Cmax, Ctroughand intracranial free concentration. The simulated time-course of C797S occupancy by the PBPK model was much lower than T790M and L858R occupancy, providing an explanation for OSI on-target resistance to the C797S mutation. The PBPK model identified ABCB1 CLint,u, albumin level, and EGFR expression as key factors affecting plasma Ctroughand intracranial EO for OSI. Additionally, PBPK-EO simulations indicated that the optimal dosing regimen for OSI in patients with brain metastases is either 80 mg once daily (OD) or 160 mg OD, or 40 mg or 80 mg twice daily (BID). When used concomitantly with CYP enzyme perpetrators, the PBPK-EO model suggested appropriate dosing regimens of 80 mg OD with fluvoxamine (FLUV), a reduction to 40 mg OD with itraconazole (ITR) or fluvoxamine (FLUC), and an increase to 160 mg OD with rifampicin (RIF) or efavirenz (EFA). Conclusion In conclusion, the PBPK-EO model has been shown to be capable of simulating the pharmacokinetic concentration-time profiles and the time-course of EGFR engagement for OSI, as well as determining the optimum dosing in various clinical situations.
The Spatiotemporal Evolution Mechanism of the Institutional Eldercare in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Zhou Rong , Cui Jinghang
Published: January 2024

Background The objective of this study is to examine the spatiotemporal evolution mechanism of the institutional eldercare in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (IE-YRDUA). It aims to analyze the developmental patterns and spatial correlations of these institutions over a twenty-year period, in order to shed light on the increasing demand for eldercare services in this economically significant region.Methods This study utilizes spatial analysis and factor detection methods within an economic geography framework to analyze data from 2001 to 2020. The focus of the analysis is on understanding spatial correlations and identifying factors that influence the evolution of eldercare services.Results The findings indicate a significant growth and distribution of eldercare institutions, with notable spatial correlations suggesting a trend towards regional agglomeration. The study also reveals imbalances in the spatial development of eldercare, with a concentration of facilities in central urban areas and a decline on the periphery. Additionally, factors such as economic level and capacity to consume have a significant impact on the spatial evolution of eldercare services.Conclusions This research emphasizes the dynamic nature of institutional eldercare in the Yangtze River Delta, highlighting the necessity for strategic planning and resource allocation to address spatial imbalances in eldercare provision. The insights gained from this study are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders in optimizing eldercare infrastructure and meeting the growing demands of the population.
Unexpected identification of obesity-associated mutations in LEP and MC4R genes in patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Rajcsanyi Luisa Sophie , Zheng Yiran , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Seitz Jochen , de Zwaan Martina , Herzog Wolfgang , Ehrlich Stefan , Zipfel Stephan , Giel Katrin , Egberts Karin , Burghardt Roland , Föcker Manuel , Antel Jochen , Fischer-Posovszky Pamela , Hebebrand Johannes , Hinney Anke
Published: January 2024

Mutations leading to a reduced or loss of function in genes of the leptin-melanocortin system confer a risk for monogenic forms of obesity. Yet, gain of function variants in the melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) gene predispose to a lower BMI. In individuals with reduced body weight, we thus expected mutations leading to an enhanced function in the respective genes, like leptin (LEP) and MC4R. Therefore, we have Sanger sequenced the coding regions of LEP and MC4R in 462 female patients with AN, and 445 healthy-lean controls. In total, we have observed four and eight variants in LEP and MC4R, respectively. Previous studies showed different functional in vitro effects for the detected frameshift and non-synonymous variants: (1) LEP: reduced/loss of function (p.Val94Met), (2) MC4R: gain of function (p.Val103Ile, p.Ile251Leu), reduced or loss of function (p.Thr112Met, p.Ser127Leu, p.Leu211fsX) and without functional in vitro data (p.Val50Leut). In LEP, the variant p.Val94Met was detected in one patient with AN. For MC4R variants, one patient with AN carried the frameshift variant p.Leu211fsX. One patient with AN was heterozygous for two variants at the MC4R (p.Val103Ile and p.Ser127Leu). All other functionally relevant variants were detected in similar frequencies in patients with AN and lean individuals.
Sexual symptoms in relation to curative pelvic radiotherapy in patients with primary cervical cancer and uterine tumors
Authors: Knutsen Annika Elisabet , Mikiver Rasmus , Redelius Kristina , Uppugunduri Srinivas
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Pelvic radiotherapy (RT) causes tissue injury which could lead to vaginal problems including dryness, shortening, and tightening of the vagina, causing discomfort, and affect sexual activity. In this longitudinal, prospective study, the association between pelvic RT and sexual function were studied in primary cervical cancer and in primary uterine tumor patients.
Methods
This prospective longitudinal cohort study comprised patients with primary cervical cancer and primary uterine tumors with pelvic radiotherapy (RT). Sevety-nine cervical cancer and 43 uterine tumor patients were included from May 2014 to February 2019. Patients completed questionnaires for global health status and sexual functioning before RT start and at 3 and 12 months after RT.
Results
In primary cervical cancer patients, the sexual activity was significantly higher in patients with pelvic RT alone compared to patients with pelvic RT + vaginal brachytherapy/boost at 3 months (P = 0.007, 34.6% vs. 73.3%) and12 months after RT (P = 0.054, 45.7% vs. 76.9%). No significant relationship was found in primary uterine tumor patients. At 12 months after RT, 52.5% of the cervix and 42.3% of the primary uterine tumor patients were sexually active. Of the cervical cancer patients, 81.8% reported symptoms as dry vagina 12 months after RT. Local estrogens did not improve the sexual activity in cervical cancer or uterine tumor patients after RT.
Conclusion
In cervical cancer patients, the sexual activity was significantly higher with pelvic RT alone compared to pelvic RT + vaginal brachytherapy/boost. Better medical interventions are needed to reduce the sexual symptoms.
Determination of Oxidative Stress Responses Induced by Copper Oxide (Cuo) Nanoparticle in Gammarus Pulex
Authors: Aydin Ayse Nur , SERDAR Osman , Çimen Işıl Canan Çiçek
Published: January 2024

As Copper Oxide (CuO) has a wide range of uses in industry, it is thought to have a wide polluting effect on the environment and aquatic environment. Gammarus pulex was chosen as the model organism in this study, which was carried out with the aim of realizing the effect of CuO mixed into the water environment. In order to carry out the study, CuO was exposed to 0 (control), 10, 20, 40 ppm concentrations for 24, 96 and 120 (elimination) hours. Samples were taken from the experimental environment at the end of 24, 96 and 120 hours. The study was carried out in 3 replicates. The assessment of oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers was conducted using ELISA kits obtained from CAYMAN Chemical Company. The parameters analyzed included the activity of SOD and CAT, as well as the levels of TBARS and GSH. The biochemical studies were evaluated using the one-way ANOVA (Duncan 0.05) feature of the SPSS 24.0 package program. With the study data, increases in SOD activities and fluctuations in CAT activity were determined. Decreases in GSH levels and increases in TBARS levels occurred.
Anthropogenic impacts drive habitat suitability in South Asian bats
Authors: Srinivas Aditya , Senapathi Deepa , González-Suárez Manuela
Published: January 2024

Despite their diversity and importance as ecological indicators and ecosystem service providers, the macroecology of bats in South Asia is poorly understood, and until recently studies on the ecological niches of these species have been rare. This study analyses the ecogeographic predictors of habitat suitability in South Asian bats by conducting ensemble ecological niche modelling using four algorithms (random forests, artificial neural networks, multivariate adaptive regression splines, and maximum entropy) to define suitability envelopes for 30 selected bat species, based on topographic, land-use and -cover, and additional anthropogenic impact factors. Anthropogenic impact variables were associated with the highest importance, and Median Night-time Light was the biggest driver of habitat suitability for most of the study species. Projected suitable areas ranged between 6.54% and 22.98% of the study area. Regions such as the Thar desert of northwestern India were consistently identified to have low suitability. The Western Ghats region, the Himalayas, and Sri Lanka were identified as suitability hotspots for more than half the study species and comprised a majority of anthropogenic or human-impacted habitats. This study offers insight into the impacts of anthropogenic pressure on the macroecology of bats in a megadiverse region and stresses the importance of analysing ecogeographic effects on ecological niches and habitat suitability, which can be vital to inform conservation planning and policymaking in the future.