bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal performance of profile rotating heat pipe grinding wheel using nanofluids
Authors: Chen Jiajia , Ji Weihuang , Tong Zijie , Liu Songyan , Qian Ning , Fu Yucan , Chen Yan , Dai Chenwei
Published: July 2024

Form grinding is a high efficiency machining technology for products as fir-tree blade slots. The excessive heat generated in the grinding contact zone is the key issue for form grinding. In this paper, profile rotating heat pipe grinding wheel (PRHP-GW) was proposed to help dissipate the grinding heat, nanofluids were applied to enhance its thermal performance. The heat transfer performance of PRHP was experimentally studied. Diamond and Al2O3 nanofluids with different mass concentration and nanoparticle size were applied and compared with deionized water. The experiments were performed under the conditions of different heat input, rotational speed and different filling ratio. At a same filling ratio, there was a significant reduction in thermal resistance with nanofluids as compared with deionized water. Diamond nanofluid with nanoparticle size of 20 nm and a mass concentration of 1.0 wt.% showed the best heat transfer performance for the PRHP. During grinding of Ti-6Al-4V, PRHP-GW shows better heat transfer performance than the normal grinding wheel. The comprehensive heat transfer performance of diamond nanofluids is the best, followed by Al2O3 nanofluid, and then deionized water. The results of this paper will provide new ideas for heat transfer enhancement of profile grinding and possibly realize environmentally friendly grinding.
Magnitude of Cardiovascular Diseases and Associated Factors of among Human Immune Deficiency Positive Patients on Ant- Retroviral Therapy in Ethiopia: Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Barata Tagese Yakob , Fentaye Saba , Yakob Begidu , Abraham Awoke , Menza Mesfin , Elaise Chernet , Tona Eskider Isreal
Published: July 2024

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been identified as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Therefore, it is important to determine the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) from multiple centers.
Objective
This study aimed to determine the burden and associated factors of cardiovascular disease among HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in hospitals in Ethiopia.
Method
This was an institutionally based cross-sectional study of 409 adult HIV-infected patients who were receiving ART for at least six months from February 1–30, 2023. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants, and the data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. The data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. For descriptive statistics, both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. Variables with a P value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were considered determinant factors for cardiovascular disease among HIV-infected patients.
Results
A total of 399 HIV-infected patients on ART participated in the study, for a response rate of 97.5%. The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among adult HIV-positive patients was 70 (17.5%) (95% CI, 14.10-21.61). An undergraduate education level of patients living with HIV/ADIS (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: (0.48–0.97)), a family history of cardiovascular disease (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: (1.12–3.66), duration of ART treatment (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI: (1.36–14.10), and living with HIV/ADIS with triglycerides (mg/dl) > 150 (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: (1.06–7.64) independently predicted cardiovascular disease among HIV/ADIS patients.
Conclusion
The magnitude of CVD incidence was high in this study. Educational status, family history of cardiovascular disease, duration of ART, and triglyceride concentration > 150 mg/dl were significantly associated with cardiovascular disease among HIV-positive individuals. To increase early detection and early care, HIV care services need to integrate NCDs in both service areas, which has been recommended as a solution to decrease the burden of CVD.
Evaluating the glycemic effects of Dolutegravir and its predictors among HIV patients in Uganda: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ankunda Collins , Agolor Curthbert , Karamagi Yvonne , Nakubulwa Susan , Namasambi Sharon , Kasamba Ivan , Christopher Semei Mukama , Kukundakwe Patience , Odiit Mary , Mubangizi Ivan , Emunyu Jude , Kesi Diana Nakitto , Nambasa Victoria , Ndagije Helen , Mukasa Barbara
Published: July 2024

Dolutegravir (DTG), a key component of the recommended HIV treatment regimens in Uganda, has been associated with hyperglycemia. We evaluated its influence on hyperglycemia risk to create a hyperglycemia risk stratification tool to guide patients’ monitoring. We conducted a prospective cohort study at three selected sites, involving 628 HIV patients who had been on Tenofovir Disoproxyl Fumarate, Lamivudine, and Dolutegravir (TLD). Patients were divided into those with prior Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors treatment (exposed) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve individuals starting TLD (non-exposed). Patients had six-month follow-ups with Random Blood Sugar (RBS) draws every three months. Hyperglycemia was defined as RBS ≥ 7 mmol/L, and diabetes mellitus as RBS ≥ 7 mmol/L plus HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. The study observed a hyperglycemia incidence rate of 24.5 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 19.3–31.1) and a diabetes incidence rate of 5.8 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.6–9.3). The incidence of hyperglycemia was slightly lower in the non-exposed group (20.8 cases per 100 person-years) compared to the exposed group (25.2 cases per 100 person-years). The multivariable analysis suggested a trend towards a lower risk of hyperglycemia in the non-exposed group (adjusted HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.37–1.66, p = 0.52); and a trend towards a substantially lower diabetes incidence in the non-exposed group compared to the exposed (adjusted HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.04–2.82, p = 0.32). The study identified age (p < 0.001), study site (p < 0.001), and duration of DTG-based ART (p = 0.02) as significant factors associated with hyperglycemia. Our study showed an increased incidence of Hyperglycemia with age, study site, and duration of DTG exposure in HIV patients on TLD. No association was observed with exposure to non-DTG regimens. We suggest integrated screening and care for hyperglycemia and diabetes in HIV services, especially when initiating DTG-based regimens.
The number of bars in the Nuss procedure: treatment outcomes and complications. A large single-center Propensity Score Matched cohort study.
Authors: Skrzypczak Piotr Jerzy , Rozmiarek Monika , Dobiecki Tomasz , Sielewicz Magdalena , Suchodolski Michał , Roszak Magdalena , Piwkowski Cezary , Pawlak Krystian
Published: July 2024

The Nuss procedure is the most common corrective surgery for pectus excavatum. We analyzed treatment outcomes and complication rates in 1,247 patients treated with the Nuss procedure from 2002 to 2021, focusing on the number of corrective bars used. Using Propensity Score Matching based on age, sex, BMI, pre-operative FEV1, and the Haller index, we created two groups: 546 patients with a single bar and 546 with two bars. Both groups achieved similar correction effects (Haller index: single bar = 2.58 vs. two bars = 2.56; p = 0.65). In the univariate analysis, in the two-bar group, the postoperative complications were observed more often (28.6% vs. 15.4%, p < 0.001), including pneumothorax (11.2% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001), hemothorax (3.7% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001), additional drainage (13.7% vs. 5.3%, p < 0.001), the need for thoracentesis (8.6% vs. 2.9%, p < 0.001), bar displacement (3.8% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001), pleural effusion (10.6% vs 3.1%, p < 0.001), and fever (6.6% vs 3.8%, p < 0.041). In the logistic regression, two bars significantly increased the risk of postoperative complications (p = 0.019), including hematoma (p = 0.036), pleural effusion (p = 0.002), and the need for thoracentesis (p = 0.013). Using two corrective bars during the Nuss procedure is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications but similar corrective results.
Correlation Between Mild Behavioral Impairment and Peripheral Blood Biomarkers in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Liang Wei , Wang Lan , Song Mei , MM Hao Geng , MM Xinyang Jing , Li Wei , MM Yaxin Huo , Huang Anqi , Wang Xueyi , An Cuixia
Published: July 2024

Objective
We examined the prevalence of Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in healthy older adults (HOA) and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and the association between MBI and plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease(AD).
Methods
A total of 241 subjects (136 HOA and 105 MCI) were enrolled in the Yuhua District of Shijiazhuang City in China. The MBI Symptom Checklist (MBI-C) was employed for assessment and diagnosis of MBI (MBI-C ≥ 6.5). Fasting venous blood was collected from 70 patients (32 HOA, 38 MCI), and Aβ40, Aβ42, and P-Tau217 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
The prevalence of MBI in HOA and MCI groups was 4.4% and 15.3%, respectively (χ2 = 7.262, P = 0.007), especially in terms of decreased motivation, impulse dyscontrol (highest detection rate), and social inappropriateness (P < 0.05). MBI total score was correlated with Aβ42 and P-Tau217 (r=-0.385, P = 0.019; r=-0.330, P = 0.041), but not with Aβ40 or Aβ42/40 ratio. Among the subdomains, impulse dyscontrol submains was correlated with Aβ42 (r=-0.401, P = 0.025).
Conclusion
Both MCI and HOA demonstrated a higher prevalence of MBI, with change in impulse control behavior being the most common. MBI not only serves as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline but is also associated with AD-related peripheral biomarkers.
Identification of Key Genes and Exploration of Immune Activation Pathways in T-cell Mediated Rejection through Integrated Bulk and Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis with Machine Learning
Authors: Shao Wenhao , Ding Huaxing , Wang Yan , Shi Zhiyong , Zhang Hezhao , Meng Fanxiu , Chang Qingyao , Duan Haojiang , Lu Kairui , Zhang Li , Xu Jun
Published: July 2024

Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment for end-stage liver disease, yet T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) remains a major challenge. This study aims to identify key genes associated with TCMR and their potential biological processes and mechanisms. The GSE145780 dataset was subjected to differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and machine learning algorithms to pinpoint key genes associated with TCMR. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune infiltration analysis were conducted, along with constructing regulatory networks were constructed to ascertain the biological relevance of these genes. Expression validation was performed using single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data and liver biopsy tissues from patients. We identified 5 key genes ( ITGB2, FCER1G, IL-18, GBP1, and CD53) that are associated with immunological functions, such as chemotactic activity, antigen processing, and T cell differentiation. GSEA highlighted enrichment in chemokine signaling and antigen presentation pathways. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was delineated, and drug target prediction yielded 26 potential drugs. Evaluation of expression levels in non-rejection (NR) and TCMR groups exhibited significant disparities in T cells and myeloid cells. Tissue analyses from patients corroborated the upregulation of GBP1, IL-18, CD53, and FCER1G in TCMR cases. Through comprehensive analysis, this research has identified 4 genes intimately connected with TCMR following liver transplantation, shedding light on the underlying immune activation pathways and suggesting putative targets for therapeutic intervention.
Exploration of the relationship between the level of popliteal artery injury and the risk of amputation
Authors: Mao Jianjie , Chu Hui , Jin GengYang
Published: July 2024

Purpose To explore the impact of different levels of popliteal artery injury (PAI) on the risk of amputation in affected limbs.Method 94 patients were divided into the amputation group (n = 26) and the nonamputation group (n = 68) based on whether limb preservation was successful. The data was reconstructed from computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the patient's lower limbs and measured using AW Volume Share 5 software. Quantify the height of the popliteal artery injury plane: that is, the distance L from the bifurcation of the descending knee artery on the healthy limb to the bifurcation of the anterior tibial artery and the distance S from the bifurcation of the descending knee artery at the site of blood flow interruption on the affected limb. Take the ratio of R = S/L, where S and R represent the height of the blood flow interruption plane. Analyze the risk factors affecting amputation in two groups of PAI patients .Result There were an significant difference between R and S between the two groups;Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that R (OR = 0.923, P = 0.015), S (OR = 0.712, P = 0.036), ischemic time (OR = 1.237, P = 0.004), and concurrent fascial compartment syndrome (OR = 5.496, P = 0.044) were all independent risk factors for amputation in PAI patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves of the subjects showed that the AUC (R, S) were 0.896 (P < 0.000, 95% CI: 0.816–0.949) and 0.775 (P < 0.000, 95% CI: 0.677–0.854), respectively; The diagnostic efficiency is highest when the diagnostic threshold values are 0.522mm and 11.4mm, respectively; AUCR>AUCS (Z = 1.974, P = 0.0484).Conclusion The level of injury is an independent risk factor for amputation in PAI patients, and the higher the level of injury, the greater the risk of amputation. In terms of evaluating the diagnostic efficiency of the injury plane in predicting amputation risk, R is superior to S.
Evaluation of the corticospinal drive during ground walking with visual guidance
Authors: Oya Chika , Muramatsu Erina , Teramoto Keisuke
Published: July 2024

Background
The methods used for evaluating body movements—driven by the functions of the brain and nervous system—do not facilitate the evaluation of internal events such as brain/nervous system activity related to the output process, thus necessitating development of an evaluation method for human physical function that focuses on the function of the brain and nervous system.
Aim
To investigate the differences in brain and nervous system function during different walking tasks.
Methods
The participants were 10 healthy adults (10 women, aged 19–35 years). The exercise tasks were (i) a 20-m round-trip walk as a normal walk and (ii) a target-task walk, which involved walking with the task of stepping on a line every 3 m on a course similar to that for normal walking. Electromyography (EMG) was applied to the proximal tibialis anterior (pTA), distal tibialis anterior (dTA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles to record muscle activity.
Results
No difference was noted between normal walking and target-task walking for the pTA and dTA (t(9) = 0.479, P = 0.643, d = 0.090). However, between the MG and LG, coherence in target-task walking showed a trend toward higher values ((t(8)) = -2.185, P = 0.060, d = -0.404), although this was not statistically significant.
Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that the neural drive might be stronger during target walking movements with visual tasks than during simple walking movements, and that neural activity tends to be more active when accompanied by visual feedback.
Health-related quality of life and its associated factors among children aged 8 to 18 years living in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium areas in Eastern Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Desalew Assefa , Adem Siraj Aliyi , Weldegebreal Fitsum , Mekonnen Getachew Kabew , Raru Temam Beshir , Umer Ukash , Keneni Mulualem , Urgesa Kedir
Published: July 2024

Background: Children and their families living in leprosarium areas may have a lower quality of life than the general population. However, there is limited evidence on health-related quality of life and its associated factors among children living in previous leprosarium settlement areas. Hence, this study aimed to compare the health-related quality of life and its associated factors among children aged 8 to 18 years living in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium settlement areas in eastern Ethiopia.
Method: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 515 randomly selected children aged 8 to 18 years living in the Amir Nur and Babile districts from January to February 30, 2024. Data were collected through interviews with both children and parents using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Simple and multiple linear regression was employed to identify associations between independent and outcome variables.
Results: The overall mean health-related quality of life scores were 73.98 ± 18.47 and 77.67 ± 14.72 in the child self-reports (P=0.01) and 55.78 ± 12.03 and 55.61±8.50 (P=0.85) in the parent proxy reports in the previous leprosarium and nonleprosarium settlement areas, respectively. In multiple linear regression, child education (β =14.69; 95% CI: 8.69, 20.69), the absence of neglected and tropical diseases (β = 4.02; 95% CI: 0.66, 7.37), and child face washing habits (β = 5.54, 95% CI: 2.14, 8.95) per day increased health-related quality of life. However, a previous history of neglected and tropical diseases (β = -8.54; 95% CI: -12.93, -4.15) and the absence of hand washing facilities (β = -8.57; 95% CI, -15.22, -1.92) decreased the mean health-related quality of life.
Conclusion: Overall, one in four and more than half of children from previous leprosarium areas had poorer health-related quality of life compared to their counterparts based on child self-reports and parent proxy reports, respectively. Educational status of the child, not having neglected and tropical diseases, and daily child-face washing habits improve health-related quality of life. To improve health-related quality of life, stakeholders should pay attention to and work on the early detection and treatment of neglected and tropical diseases, child education, and proper sanitation practices in this community.
Metformin induces ferroptosis and suppresses malignant behaviors in diabetic breast cancer
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Xiaoxin , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Chunyan , Tang Chuangang , Wang Xiang , Li Changwen
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the potential role of metformin in breast cancer treatment, especially its impact on ferroptosis—an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death. Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies globally, with limited treatment options, particularly for triple-negative breast cancer. The research involved analyzing tumor tissues from breast cancer patients. It was observed that the tumor tissues of diabetic patients treated with metformin had obvious iron accumulation, suggesting variations in the level of ferroptosis. Further analysis using gene transcription data from the TCGA database revealed correlations between diabetes-related genes and genes associated with ferroptosis. The experimental results indicated that metformin could evident inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells and induce ferroptosis in a diabetic model. Moreover, metformin was found to promote ferroptosis by affecting mitochondrial activity. In conclusion, the study suggests that metformin holds potential value in treating diabetic breast cancer, capable of suppressing tumor cell growth through the ferroptosis mechanism. These findings provide a new theoretical basis for using metformin as a treatment for breast cancer and lay the groundwork for future clinical applications.
Changes in blood glucose profile before and after kidney transplantation: a prospective cohort study using continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Shin Jiyoung , Jo Eun-Ah , Cho Ara , Ko Myeonghyeon , Kim Sangwan , Han Ahram , Ha Jongwon , Min Sangil , Woo Hye Young
Published: July 2024

Post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) negatively affects graft and patient survival after kidney transplantation (KT). This prospective study used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to evaluate perioperative blood glucose dynamics, identify PTDM risk factors, and compare predictive accuracy with capillary blood glucose monitoring (CBGM) in 60 non-diabetic living-donor KT recipients. Patients underwent 2-week pre- and postoperative CGM, including routine CBGM during their in-hospital stays. PTDM-related risk factors and glucose profiles were analyzed with postoperative CGM and CBG. PTDM developed in 14 (23.3%) patients and was associated with older age, male sex, higher baseline HbA1c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 3-month cumulative tacrolimus exposure levels. Male sex and postoperative time above the range (TAR) of 180 mg/dL by CGM were PTDM-related risk factors in the multivariate analysis. For predictive power, the CGM model with postoperative glucose profiles exhibited higher accuracy compared with the CBGM model (areas under the curves of 0.916, and 0.865 respectively). Therefore, we found that male patients with a higher postoperative TAR of 180 mg/dL have an increased risk of PTDM. Postoperative CGM provides detailed glucose dynamics and demonstrates superior predictive potential for PTDM than CBGM.
Association of hemoglobin glycation index with clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wen Zhi-Ying , Li Fa-Peng , Wu Ting-Ting , Hou Xian-Geng , Pan Ying , Deng Chang-Jiang , Li Yan-Xiao , He Xue-Chun , Gao Wei-Tong , Chen Hong-Xia , Zheng Ying-Ying , Xie Xiang
Published: July 2024

Background
To analyze the association between the hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and the long-term prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods
HGI represented the difference between laboratory measured Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and predicted HbA1c based on a liner regression between Hb1Ac and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). A total of 10 598 patients who treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were stratified into three groups (low HGI group: HGI<-0.506, medium HGI group: -0.506 ≤ HGI < 0.179, and high HGI subgroup: HGI ≥ 0.179). The primary endpoints includes all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiac mortality (CM). The secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs).
Results
A total of 321 ACMs, 243 CMs, 774 MACEs, and 854 MACCEs were recorded during a 60-month follow-up period. After adjusting for confounders using a multivariate Cox regression analysis, the patients in the low HGI group had a significantly increased risk of ACM (adjusted HR = 1.683, 95%CI:1.179–2.404, P = 0.004) and CM (HR = 1.604, 95%CI:1.064–2.417, P = 0.024) as compared with patients in the medium HGI group. Similarly, the patients in the high HGI group had an increased risk of MACEs (HR = 1.247, 95% CI: 1.023–1.521, P = 0.029) as compared with patients in the medium HGI group. For ACM, CM, and MACEs, a U-shaped relation were found among these three groups. However, we did not find significant differences in the incidence of MACCEs among these three groups.
Conclusion
The present study indicates that HGI could be an independent predictor for the risk of mortality and MACEs in patients with CAD.
Clinical outcomes and synergistic effect between radiotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: A real-world study
Authors: Sun Meiling , Ji Huaijun , Deng Fang , Xu Ning , Li Yu
Published: July 2024

Background
Patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) experience significant therapeutic challenges and limited survival rates. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combining immunotherapy (IT) with chemotherapy (CT) for treating ES-SCLC and to explore the synergistic effect between radiotherapy (RT) and IT.
Methods
This retrospective analysis examined patients with ES-SCLC who received treatment at three centers. Furthermore, propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was conducted. The Kaplan‒Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to compare the survival outcomes.
Results
A total of 257 eligible patients with ES-SCLC were included in the analysis. Among all patients, the median overall survival (mOS) was 18.0m in the chemoimmunotherapy (CT + IT) group and 15.7m in the CT group (p = 0.208). The median real-world progression-free survival (mrwPFS) was 7.7m and 6.8m (p = 0.043) in the CT + IT and CT group, respectively. Moreover, the mOS was 22.0m in the chemoradiotherapy (CT + RT) group and 13.6m in the CT group (p < 0.001). The mrwPFS was 7.4m and 6.0m (p = 0.175) in the CT + RT group and CT group, respectively. The multivariate analyses revealed that sex, liver metastasis and RT were independent prognostic factors for OS (p < 0.05), while liver metastasis and IT were found to be independent predictive factors of rwPFS (p < 0.05). After PSM, the mOS was 23.2m in the CT + IT group and 13.0m in the CT group (p = 0.008). The mrwPFS was 7.3m and 6.2m (p = 0.096) in the CT + IT group and the CT group, respectively. Moreover, the mOS was 21.4m in the CT + RT group and 12.5m in the CT group (p < 0.001). The mrwPFS was 7.3m and 5.2m (p = 0.220) in the CT + RT group and the CT group, respectively. Additionally, our study revealed that in the PD-1 group, RT significantly improved patient survival (36.0m vs. 15.8m, p = 0.041).
Conclusion
An increasing number of treatment options are being explored for ES-SCLC, and CT is the cornerstone of treatment for this disease. Combining CT with IT and RT has demonstrated remarkable efficacy and excellent safety profiles, and such treatments are worthy of further exploration.
SIRT5-mediated desuccinylation prevents mitochondrial dysfunction in Alveolar epithelial cells senescence and Pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Hou Wenyu , Zhao Yunmulan , Li Fei , Guo Zexin , Yang Liqing , Duan Chunyan , Gao Lingyun , Sun Wei
Published: July 2024

Background Senescence of alveolar epithelial cells (AEC) is a key event in the occurrence and development of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The pathogenic mechanisms that underlie the effects of AEC senescence remain largely unexplained. Some age-related diseases have an etiology that is related to mitochondrial dysfunction induced by excessive lysine succinylation (Ksucc). Excessive Ksucc levels can be removed by SIRT5 to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis.
Aims The aim of this study was to determine the effects of SIRT5-mediated de-Ksucc on mitochondrial function and pulmonary fibrosis after AEC senescence
Methods The expressions of Ksucc and SIRT5 were observed by western blot and immunofluorescence. The mitochondrial morphology of aging AEC was observed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of SIRT5-mediated desuccinylation on mitochondrial function and aging fibrotic effect was determined by using SA‐β‐gal, mitoSOX, and MitoTracker staining. liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to perform the first global profiling of Ksucc in lung tissues with IPF patients. The changes of candidate key proteins and Ksucc sites related to energy metabolism in IPF lung tissues were analyzed by using the clusters of orthologous groups of proteins (COG), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene ontology (GO). Specific succinylated proteins were validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM).
Results AEC in the lungs of IPF patients exhibit a marked accumulation of dysmorphic and dysfunctional mitochondria and excessive Ksucc levels. These mitochondrial abnormalities in AEC of normal mice with advancing age were associated with the downregulation of SIRT5. Increase SIRT5 expression in aging AEC maintains mitochondrial function and reduces fibrotic effects of AEC senescence in established bleomycin (BLM)-aging mouse model. 1964 Ksucc sites in 628 proteins were identified and specific succinylated proteins (GRHPR, HSD17B8) were closely related to mitochondria functions in the IPF lungs. SIRT5 down-regulate the Ksucc level of GRHPR and HSD17B8 in the AEC aging model.
Conclusions HyperKsucc is the basis of mitochondrial dysfunction in the AEC senescence and SIRT5 alleviates the pulmonary fibrosis induced by AEC senescence by stabilizing the mitochondrial function.
Gaps Phase Iii: Incorporation of Capacity Based Weighting in the Global Assessment for Pediatric Surgery
Authors: Yousef Yasmine , Ameh Emmanuel , Kalisya Luc Malemo , Poenaru Dan
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
The Global Assessment for Pediatric Surgery (GAPS) tool was developed to enhance pediatric surgical care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. This study presents the addition of a capacity-based weighting system to the GAPS tool.
Methods:
GAPS, developed through a multi-phase process including systematic review, international testing, item analysis, and refinement, assesses 64 items across five domains: human resources, material resources, education, accessibility, and outcomes. This new weighting system differentially weighs each domain. The GAPS Score was evaluated using pilot study data, focusing on hospital and country income levels, human development index, under-five mortality rate, neonatal mortality rate, deaths due to injury and deaths due to congenital anomalies. Analysis involved the Kruskal-Wallis test and linear regression. Benchmark values for the GAPS overall score and subsection scores were identified.
Results:
The GAPS score’s capacity-based weighting system effectively discriminated between levels of hospital (p = 0.0001) and country income level (p = 0.002). The GAPS scores showed significant associations with human development index (p < 0.001) and key health indicators such as under-five mortality rates (p < 0.001), neonatal mortality rate (p < 0.001), and deaths due to injury (p < 0.001). Benchmark scores for the GAPS overall score and the subsection scores included most institutions within their respective hospital level.
Conclusions:
The GAPS tool and score, enhanced with the capacity-based weighting system, marks progress in assessing pediatric surgical capacity in resource-limited settings. By mirroring the complex reality of hospital functionality in low-resource centers, it provides a refined mechanism for fostering effective partnerships and data-driven strategic interventions.
Biofilm formation in Streptococcus suis: In vitro impact of serovar and assessment of coinfections with other porcine respiratory disease complex bacterial pathogens.
Authors: Miguélez-Pérez Rubén , Mencía-Ares Oscar , Gutiérrez-Martín César B. , González-Fernández Alba , Petrocchi-Rilo Máximo , Delgado-García Mario , Martínez-Martínez Sonia
Published: July 2024

Streptococcus suis is a worldwide pathogen that impacts swine industry, causing severe clinical signs in postweaning piglets, including meningitis and arthritis. Biofilm formation is a major virulence mechanism in S. suis, enhancing its persistence and resistance. Here, we assessed the in vitro biofilm formation of 240 S. suis isolates from Spanish swine farms and evaluated the effects of serovars (SVs) and coinfections with other porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) pathogens. Our study revealed significant heterogeneity in biofilm formation among S. suis SVs. Notably, SV2 exhibited the lowest biofilm formation, contrasting with the high biofilm-forming capacities of SV1, SV7, and SV9. Virulence factors epf, mrp, and sly were associated (p < 0.05) with reduced biofilm formation. Other PRDC pathogens, including Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Glaesserella parasuis, and Pasteurella multocida, formed biofilms, though generally less robust than those of S. suis (except for SV2), contrasting the high biofilm formation of Staphylococcus hyicus. Coinfections demonstrated enhanced biofilm formation in mixed cultures of S. suis, particularly with P. multocida. Other coinfections revealed variable results in pathogen interactions, suggesting the potential of biofilms for increased persistence and pathogenicity in coinfections. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of serovar-specific differences in biofilm formation among S. suis isolates, with significant implications for pathogenicity and persistence. The heterogeneous biofilm formation observed in coinfections with other PRDC pathogens reveals a complex interplay that could exacerbate disease severity. These findings provide a foundation for further research on biofilm mechanisms to mitigate the impact of PRDC in the swine industry.
Dynamic conditions for large shallow intraslab earthquakes
Authors: Yoshida Masaki
Published: July 2024

Large shallow intraslab earthquakes (LSIEs) of over magnitude-7 rarely occur at shallower depths (≤ 60 km) in the subducting plates of the circum-Pacific and northern margin of the Australian Plate off Indonesia. Research has suggested that most LSIEs occur under surface tectonic conditions with a lateral stress gradient across the back-arc to the fore-arc on the overriding plate based on seismological and geological evidence from trenches. In this study, dynamic conditions for the occurrence of LSIEs were studied using the intraslab stress state, stress state of the overriding plate, motion speed of overriding and subducting plates, and trench migration speed determined by geodesic plate motion models. LSIEs prefer tectonic conditions under (1) a nearly neutral stress state in the back-arc, (2) a compressional stress state in the fore-arc, and (3) down-dip tension in the shallower part of the subducting plate. In particular, the trenches of major subduction zones where LSIEs occur have a neutral back-arc stress state as deduced from analyses of plate motion geodetic data. The results suggest that the Earth’s subduction zones can be classified into four categories. This categorization is informed by the behavior of underlying mantle flow, i.e., the magnitude of slab suction flow in the mantle under the subducting plates and the scale of return flow in the mantle wedge under the overriding plates, which varies the combination of stress states in the fore-arc, back-arc, and intraslab.
The Coupling Response Mechanism of Functional Diversity, Species Diversity and Habitat Heterogeneity in Karst Secondary Communities
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Rong , Lin Chaoping , Liu Jiyun , Wang Mengjie , Ye Tianmu , Li Tingting , Yang Wensong , Li Xuan
Published: July 2024

Studying the coupling relationship between plant community functional diversity and species diversity and the response mechanism to environmental heterogeneity in karst is of great significance for revealing the maintenance mechanism of the function and structure of karst ecosystems. Five functional diversity indices and four species diversity indices were calculated for the karst secondary communities in central Guizhou.The coupling relationship between functional diversity and species diversity was investigated by regression fitting,and the effects of environmental factors on functional diversity were investigated by RDA redundancy analysis. The results showed as follows: (1) The functional diversity index of FRic, FDis and RaoQ in the tree layer was significantly higher than that in the shrub layer in the middle Guizhou Karst secondary forest; (2) The coupling relationship between functional diversity and species diversity was significantly different. There was a significant S-type positive relationship between FRic, Margale and Shannon in tree layer, and a significant positive fitting relationship between FDis, RaoQ and species diversity index. The significant regression relationship between species diversity and functional diversity in shrub layer was weak, and only Margale, Shannon and FRic had significant positive fitting relationship. (3) Soil thickness (SD) and soil moisture content (SMC) determined the functional diversity of tree layer, while slope (SLO) and rock exposure rate (RER) determined the functional diversity of shrub layer. The results showed that the tree layer played a greater role in ecosystem function and structural stability than the shrub layer in the middle and late stages of succession in central Guizhou. The relationship between community functional diversity and species diversity was positive, and the functional diversity at different levels of the community had different responses to heterogeneous mountain habitats,which jointly determined the ecosystem function of the community.
Multi-objective optimization of the magnetic wiping process in dip-coating
Authors: Pino Fabio , Scheid Benoit , Mendez Miguel Alfonso
Published: July 2024

Electromagnetic wiping systems allow to pre-meter the coating thickness of the liquid metal on a moving substrate. These systems have the potential to provide more uniform coating and significantly higher production rates compared to pneumatic wiping, but they require substantially larger amounts of energy. This work presents a multi-objective optimization accounting for (1) maximal wiping efficiency (2) maximal smoothness of the wiping meniscus, and (3) minimal Joule heating. We present the Pareto front, identifying the best wiping conditions given a set of weights for the three competing objectives. The optimization was based on a 1D steady-state integral model, whose prediction scales according to the Hartmann number (Ha). The optimization uses a multi-gradient approach, with gradients computed with a combination of finite differences and variational methods.The results show that the wiping efficiency depends solely on Ha and not the magnetic field distribution. Moreover, we show that the liquid thickness becomes insensitive to the intensity of the magnetic field above a certain threshold and that the current distribution (hence the Joule heating) is mildly affected by the magnetic field's intensity and shape.
Does Mri Morphology Correlate With Pre-operative Neurological Status in Operatively Treated LCS? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Menon K V , Mane Akash Vishnu , Borde Mandar , Rajale Sangram , Kanade Umesh P. , Datey Tanmay
Published: July 2024

Introduction: It is well established that in Lumbar Canal Stenosis (LCS) radiological measures do not correlate with clinical severity of the syndrome. There is paucity of literature whether sensory-motor deficits, bladder/bowel dysfunction correlate with radiological grades of spinal stenosis. The aim of the study is to determine whether objective neurological deficits in LCS correlate with 4 of the commonly used radiological grading systems.
Material and Methods: It was a Retrospective observation study, comprising of 100 consecutive cases of operated lumbar canal stenosis in a university teaching hospital. Clinical grading and neurological assessment was done by the Zurich Claudication Score and the MRC grading respectively. Four radiological scores based on axial MR images were studied for each patient- Schizas’s, Lee’s, Miskin’s and Menon’s. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS Version 25.
Results: All 100 patients were scored as moderate or severe grade of LCS based on the Zurich claudication score. The Schizas score had a P value of 0.029 for motor deficit and 0.034 for sensory deficit; the Lee system had a P value of 0.258(motor deficit) and 0.615(sensory deficit); the Miskin & Mendel schema had values of 0.012 and 0.113 and the Menon’s score had 0.1368 and 0.668 suggesting that, only Schizas (Motor and sensory) & M&M (only motor) were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Schizas classification correlates statistically with neurological deficit (motor and sensory), whereas M&M classification statistically correlates with only motor deficit. Menon et al and Lees classifications fails to show any statistical correlation with neurological deficit.
Cytogenomic evaluation of regenerated Aralia elata using PLOP-FISH and flow cytometry
Authors: Peniton Eliazar Alumbro , Nguyen Hong Thi , Waminal Nomar Espinosa , Yang Tae-Jin , Kim Hyun Hee
Published: July 2024

Aralia elata is closely related to Panax ginseng and contains high levels of saponins and other medicinal compounds. Successful A. elata micropropagation is commercially significant; however, the genomic stability of tissue culture-derived regenerants is unclear. In this study, callus-derived regenerated A. elata plants were obtained, and their cytogenomic constitutions were assessed. Using RepeatExplorer, pre-labeled oligonucleotide probes (PLOPs) were developed with newly mined tandem repeats from < 1× NGS whole-genome short reads, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using six repeat probes, including three universal PLOPs, and genomic DNA content was estimated using flow cytometry. Regenerated A. elata plants (50) exhibited consistent ploidy, repeat distribution, and genome sizes compared with those exhibited by the mother plant. Six repeat probes were detected using FISH. Tandem repeat AeTR49 was identified as an excellent cytogenetic marker for homologous chromosomes, and AeTR161 and AeTR178 were localized in the centromeric and telomeric sections, respectively. Genomic DNA content (2C) was estimated at 2.46 ± 0.04 pg in the mother plant and 2.41 ± 0.05 pg in regenerated plants, with no significant variations in genome size or chromosome length. These results demonstrate that cytogenomics can be used to effectively evaluate chromosome-level genomic stability in regenerated A. elata plants.
Parallel Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search based on Spark to solve VRPTW
Authors: Liu Songzuo , Sun Jian , Duan Xiaohong , Liu Guofang
Published: July 2024

The Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search is an effective method for solving unconstrained optimization problems, but there are drawbacks such as poor accuracy, easy falling into local optimum and slow convergence when solving VRPTW. In order to improve the above problems, this paper improves the cooling function, uses CW initialization to improve the quality of the solution, and adopts three destruction operators and three repair operators, on the basis of which a parallel strategy is proposed to improve the accuracy of the algorithm and reduce the running time. The Solomon dataset is selected for simulation experiments to test both solution quality and running time, and comparison experiments are conducted with other parallel algorithms. The simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively solve VRPTW with a greater improvement in the solving accuracy and a 3–5 times improvement in the solving speed compared with other parallel algorithms.
A Fire Safety Data Management System Based on Blockchain Technology and Proxy Re-Encryption Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Lianchao , Su Liting , Wang Li
Published: July 2024

A case study on a local chemical industry, Company A, is conducted in this article. Based on the data silo issues among different workshops and data tampering issues existing in the industry’s fire safety data management system, a novel distributed fire safety data management system that integrates blockchain technology with IPFS (InterPlanetary File Systems) is developed and tested.

The system is constructed on Hyperledger Fabric platform and integrated with and IPFS private network. To eliminate data silo issues among workshops, a consortium blockchain network is created to maintain a shared storage model of fire safety data among various workshops in the plant. To prevent data tampering issues, the system utilizes ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) encryption and proxy re-encryption algorithms to avoid the risk of private keys being exposed during data sharing while ensuring the security performance of the system.

The developed system provides a new perspective for further exploring the application of blockchain technology in the field of chemical industry fire safety data management.
Determinants of malaria risk among Under-five children in Nigeria: Results from 2021 Nigeria malaria indicator cross-sectional survey
Authors: Isiko Isaac , Nyegenye Simon , Mwesigwa Aaron , Asingwire Jackson Micheal , Olot Haron , Amaka Shekina-Rhoda Chioma
Published: July 2024

Background
Malaria is one of the global disease burdens especially in Africa with Nigeria having the highest prevalence of the disease. Children under five are vulnerable to the risk of malaria spread. This research aimed at identifying the determinants of malaria spread among the under-5 children in Nigeria.
Methods
This study used 2021NMIS data. The NMIS was implemented by the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and data was collected between 12 October to 4 December 2021. This study included 3678 children and data cleaning and analysis were done using STATA version 17 software.
Results
Child’s age in months of 13–23 (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI = 1.62–5.45, p-value: 0.00), 24–35 months (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI = 1.43–4.88, p-value: 0.002),36–47 months (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.17–4.08, p-value: 0.015) and months of 48–59(AOR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.53–5.23, p-value: 0.001), households headed by females (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.54–0.95, p-value: 0.019),households with all children slept in mosquito nets last night (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.39–4.21, p-value: 0.002), some children slept in the mosquito bed net (AOR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.50–5.35, p-value: 0.001) and households with no mosquito bed nets (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.22–3.88, p-value: 0.008),mothers who agreed to have heard or seen malaria messages in the last 6 months (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.62–1.74, p-value: 0.000),respondents with medium level of awareness of malaria prevention messages had 2.35 odds (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.62–3.4, p-value: 0.000), Children from North East (AOR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.54–0.9, p-value: 0.005), South-South (AOR = 0.65; 95% CI = 0.5–0.85, p-value: 0.002) and South West (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.37–0.73, p-value: 0.000) were the determinants of malaria spread in Nigeria
Conclusion
Maternal education and Regional disparities in malaria risk need to be addressed through in-depth assessments, identifying specific factors contributing to varying risk levels across different regions. Based on these insights, region-specific strategies and resource allocation can tackle unique challenges faced by each area.
Development of simultaneous detection method of six viruses infecting grapevine by a multiplex RT-PCR assay
Authors: Iwamae Tomoyuki , Maekawa Akinobu , Yanagisawa Hironobu
Published: July 2024

A multiplex RT-PCR is quick and economical method because of the simultaneous detection for two or more targets. Here, we developed multiplex RT-PCR for six grapevine viruses. Primers were newly designed for each viral isolate based on complete sequence data obtained from the NCBI database. As the result of comparing the detection sensitivities of our multiplex RT-PCR assay with those of previously reported conventional singleplex RT-PCR assays, that of our assay exhibit equivalent or even 1–10,000 times greater than their assays without non-specific reactions, respectively. Our assay is useful in selecting healthy nurseries and are useful for plant quarantine inspections.