bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cultural lanscape heritage sustainable strategy: integration of agricultural and tourism in Bali
Authors: Vipriyanti Nyoman Utari , Rustiarini Ni Wayan , Andayani Made Emy , Sedana Gede
Published: November 2024

The existence of the cultural landscape and Subak system in the Jatiluwih area has received recognition as a world cultural heritage from UNESCO (United Nation Educational, Science and Cultural organization). This recognition indicates a responsibility to preserve Subak, especially in agricultural areas that carry the concept of ecotourism. This study aims to describe the uniqueness and formulate a strategy for developing the subak cultural heritage area in Jatiluwih so that there can be inclusive and integrated development between agricultural and tourism activities. This research was conducted at the Jatiluwih world cultural heritage site using focus group discussions. The number of informants was 152 people from the management and members of the Jatiluwih Subak chosing purposively. This research used the analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Strengths-based development strategies to increase opportunities can be implemented, such as improving the quality of attractions and services, managing natural potential, and developing tourist icons and tour packages. Meanwhile, development strategies with efforts to reduce threats were implemented, such as offering quality local products, developing local tourist attractions, increasing the role of key persons, and reducing the negative image of the village.
Age as a Non-Contraindication for Surgical Intervention in Patients with Abdominal Wall Incisional Hernia: An Exploration and Analysis
Authors: Huang Haonan , Ma Ning , Tang Fuxin , Zhou Taicheng
Published: November 2024

Background
Surgery is the only potential curative option in patients presenting with abdominal wall incisional hernia (IH). The approach clearly enhances patients' quality of life and reduces complications, however, the management of patients over 60 years old presents significant challenges, primarily due to the comorbidities and the complexities associated with postoperative recovery. The objective of this study was to examine postoperative outcomes in the age group over 60 years and the age group under 60 years.
Methods
The study included a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent surgical treatment for IH between December 2018 and March 2023. The patient cohort was divided into two age groups: <60 years old and ≥ 60 years old. A comparison was made between the two groups in terms of baseline and intraoperative characteristics, as well as postoperative complications and recurrence
Result
During the study period, a total of 304 patients were enrolled, with 86 (28.3%) in the < 60 years age group and 218 (71.7%) in the ≥ 60 years age group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except for a higher prevalence of high blood pressure and ASA score among older patients. The intraoperative characteristics did not show any statistically significant differences between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative intestinal fistula and the 1-year recurrence rate were both zero in the < 60 years old group, indicating a complete absence of these complications. Apart from the duration of hospitalization, there was no statistically significant difference in postoperative outcomes between the two age groups. Notably, patients aged ≥ 60 years experienced a longer length of hospital stay (p = 0.009).
Conclusion
The postoperative complications and recurrence rate of patients with IH appear to be independent of age, thus advocating for surgical intervention regardless of the patient's age whenever feasible.
Marginal adaptation analysis of CAD/CAM resin crown with non-invasive methods
Authors: Zeng Chen , Tabata Tomoko , Takahashi Rena , Ikeda Masaomi , Shinagawa Junichi , Nakagawa Hisaichi , Tsuchida Yumi , Takano Shunsuke , Sumi Yasunori , Shimada Yasushi
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study compared the silicone replica method with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) to analyze marginal adaptation and investigated the effect of the light incidence angle of SS-OCT on measurement precision.
Materials and Methods: A typodont-prepared mandibular right first molar was scanned using an intraoral scanner (Trios 3). Fourteen crowns were fabricated from CAD/CAM resin blocks (Katana Avencia P) using a 5-axis milling machine (DWX-52D). Marginal adaptation at the buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal points was assessed using the silicone replica method and SS-OCT at light incidence angles of 60°, 75°, and 90°. Statistical comparisons were performed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests with Bonferroni correction, and t-tests at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: At 60°, SS-OCT showed significantly larger marginal discrepancies than the silicone replica method at the buccal, lingual, and mesial points (p<0.05). At 75°, only the lingual point showed a significantly larger value than the silicone replica method (p<0.05). At 90°, no significant differences were observed between the SS-OCT and silicone replica methods (p>0.05). Marginal discrepancy values increased as the angle changed from 90° to 75° to 60°, with significant differences between 60° and 75° and between 60° and 90° at the buccal and lingual points (p<0.05).
Conclusions: SS-OCT is a viable alternative to the silicone replica method for assessing marginal adaptation at an incidence angle of 90 °.
Clinical Relevance: SS-OCT, a non-invasive method, has the potential to be applied clinically for evaluating marginal fit in indirect restorations in vivo.
A Novel Sweat Sensor Detects Specific Inflammatory Circadian Patterns in Inpatients and Outpatients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Davis Brian C. , Lin Kai-Chun , Shahub Sarah , Ramasubramanya Annapoorna , Fagan Andrew , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: November 2024

Cirrhosis is the end stage result of chronic liver injury and clinical events are driven by worsening of complex inflammatory pathways leading to frequent hospitalizations and death or need for liver transplantation. Inflammatory biomarkers such as c-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL6) are typically elevated in serum of cirrhosis patients and associated with worse outcomes. These markers are not routinely checked due to the invasive nature of blood draws and difficulty in interpretation of a single measurement. Therefore, we designed a study to measure these biomarkers using a continuous monitor of passively expressed sweat in a well characterized cohort of subjects with cirrhosis. We enrolled 32 patients with cirrhosis and 12 controls. The AWARE sweat sensor was placed on each subject with the sensor staying in continuous contact with the skin and exchanged daily for 3 days. Serum lab draws to measure CRP, TNFα, IL6, and liver function were performed along with quality-of-life surveys and hepatic encephalopathy testing. We found that CRP, TNFα, and IL6 were correlated in sweat and serum among cirrhosis and controls. All three biomarkers in sweat and serum were elevated in inpatients compared with outpatients or controls. IL6, whether measured in sweat or serum, was associated with lower transplant-free survival. Continuous monitoring of sweat showed nocturnal elevations of CRP and IL6 when compared to healthy controls. Outpatients with cirrhosis were consistently found to have inflammation levels starting to elevate during the evening periods and peaking towards the early night periods. The levels start to fall much later in the night periods and early morning periods. These data suggest that further investigation of continuous measurement of sweat biomarkers in patients with cirrhosis is warranted.
The development and co-design of a digitally supported intervention for selecting implementation tools and actions for standards (SITAS)
Authors: Kelly Yvonne , O'Rourke Niamh , Hegarty Josephine , Gannon Judy , Flynn Rachel , Keyes Laura M.
Published: November 2024

Background
Health and social care standards are multi-faceted interventions that promote quality and safe care in health systems. There is a need to apply evidence-based, rigorous and transparent methods when selecting strategies to support the implementation of standards. Researchers have consistently highlighted a research-to-practice gap in this area. We aimed to develop an evidence- and theory-informed intervention to guide researchers in identifying appropriate implementation strategies and then selecting tailored support tools and actions for use when implementing a set of standards.
Methods
Our intervention is a digital tool entitled ‘Selecting Implementation Tools and Actions for Standards (SITAS).’ We used multiple methods to develop SITAS, guided by programme theory. We identified enablers and barriers to implementing standards from the literature. We used these enablers and barriers alongside implementation science theories, tools and methodologies to construct SITAS. We refined SITAS using co-design workshops.
Results
Twenty-three enablers and barriers were identified. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was identified as the best fit framework using the Theory Comparison and Selection Tool. The CFIR-ERIC (Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change) matching tool was used to identify matching implementation strategies. Enablers and barriers were mapped to the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). The enablers and barriers, outputs from the CFIR-ERIC matching tool and the BCW were used to develop a prototype of the content and interactive logic within a digital tool. The prototype was refined following feedback from intended users (n=7) at three workshops.
Conclusion
We developed a practical intervention enhanced by user involvement. SITAS can facilitate bridging the research-to-practice gap. It guides researchers through the process of selecting and tailoring implementation strategies to specific contexts, using core concepts of implementation science. Applying the CFIR-ERIC matching tool and BCW provided an integrated approach that linked the implementation strategies selected, their function and desired outcome. SITAS will need to undergo formal piloting before spread and scale-up.
What water-use traits contribute most to the maintenance of plant and grain production of African × Asian hybrid NERICA upland rice in arid soils?
Authors: Nguyen Hien Thi Thanh , Saitoh Kuniyuki , Kobata Tohru , Yamanaka Hiroto , Hirai Yoshihiko
Published: November 2024

New Rice for Africa (NERICA) upland rice is expected to have high production potential in sub-Saharan rainfed water-limited regions of Africa. Our objectives were to determine which of water use efficiency coefficient (k) and transpiration per vapor water deficit (T/VWD) strongly contribute to the maintenance of biomass production (BP) and grain (GP) production in desiccated soils in NERICA upland rice. Five NERICA upland cultivars and three Oryza sativa cultivars were compared under soil-moisture-deficit conditions after flag-leaf emergence. When the plants experienced different field capacities for 14 days in the 4-L pots, BP was expressed as the linear function of T/VWD with intercepts; hence, k as the slope was approximately constant across the different soil-moistures. In12-L pots with irrigation stopped for 10 days, T/T0 (T0 represents irrigated soils) for all the cultivars similarly decreased with a decrease in the fraction of transpirable soil water (FTSW). Two NERICA upland and one drought-sensitive Oryza sativa cultivars grown in 100 cm depth pots were irrigated from tubes set at four different depths. Under deep irrigation conditions resulting in dry surface and wet deep soils, the FTSW weighted by the root distribution (FTSWA) in the NERICA cultivars was greater than that in the sensitive Oryza sativa cultivar, where a greater FTSWA maintained BP, GP and the harvest index (HI). It was concluded that the most dominant trait for maintaining BP and GP under desiccated soils in NERICA upland rice was to ensure of T/VWD and HI by maintaining relatively high FTSWA through deep roots.
The potential mechanism of pachymic acid in triple-negative breast cancer: a network pharmacology and vitro experiments
Authors: Liu Ming , Zheng Li , Zhang Yang , Tian Jinhui
Published: November 2024

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by the absence of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and lack of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated promising efficacy in treating TNBC.
Objective
To explore the mechanisms of pachymic acid (PA) on TNBC.
Methods
We gained Microarray data of TNBC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The related targets of PA were predicted and screened using the following six databases: Swiss Target, HERB, ETCM, BATMAN, HIT, and PharmMapper. Verification of Effective Targets by TCGA. The STRING interaction network analysis tool was used to create Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks. Enrichment analysis included Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We also conducted a pan-cancer analysis, tumor immune microenvironment analysis, and molecular docking. Finally, we performed cell experimental, included cytotoxicity assay, apoptosis analysis, proliferation assay, and migration and invasion assays.
Results
we found that PA has potential for treating TNBC, with TOP2A likely being its target, and platinum drug resistance possibly serving as the KEGG pathway through which PA exerts its therapeutic effects. By targeting TOP2A, PA is involved in processes such as nuclear division, chromosome segregation, mitotic nuclear division, condensed chromosome formation, and protein C-terminus binding. We found that PA may exert its therapeutic effects through the tumor immune microenvironment, involving elements such as Dendritic cells activated, Eosinophils, Macrophages M0, Macrophages M1, and T cells CD4 memory activated. The therapeutic effects of PA may vary across different subtypes of TNBC. We found that three subtypes, TNBC-BL1, TNBC-Metaplastic, and TNBC-BL2, are likely to respond more favorably.
Conclusion
Our study provides compelling evidence that PA holds significant promise as a therapeutic agent for TNBC, primarily through its action on TOP2A and its influence on the TNBC.
The underlying mechanism of cardiac injury in exertional heat stroke rats based on the scRNA-seq analysis
Authors: Luo Zhenghan , Li Zhi , Tang Chengliang , Zhang Jinhai , Chen Leru , Fu Qianyun , Zhang Qi , Yan Han , Yang Zhan , Wang Chunhui , Zheng Feng
Published: November 2024

Background
Heat dissipation relies on an intact cardiovascular system to dilate cutaneous blood vessels and increase cardiac output. However, the heart becomes a vulnerable organ and is susceptible to cardiac arrhythmias, functional failure, and focal myocardial necrosis in a hyperthermic heat-damaged state. In particular, people with cardiovascular dysfunction are at a much higher risk of exertional heat stroke (EHS). This study aimed to investigate and validate the cell signaling pathways and key genes associated with EHS by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from cardiac apical tissue of EHS rats. The findings are intended to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cardiac injury and to provide a theoretical basis for the early identification of biomarkers for cardiac injury in EHS.
Results
After exertional heat radiation, the heart's functionality was compromised. Annotation analysis revealed that the cell type and quantity did not differ between the EHS and control (CTL) groups. Cellchat analysis showed that the signal of EHS cardiac apex cells was enhanced in chemokine signaling pathway. The cardiac apical cells of the EHS group had the highest number of enriched genes in the oxidative stress pathway, according to GO/KEGG analysis of endothelial cells with the biggest proportion of cells. A total of 310 genes with changes in expression between the two groups were evaluated based on the Seurat-FindAllMarkers tools for all cell types. Of these, 18 genes with substantial variability were chosen for further verification. By using RT-qPCR verification, the expression differences of 12 genes were confirmed to be consistent with the above bioinformation analysis. Finally, Additional immunohistochemistry tests verified that Hspa8 and Hspe1 were up-regulated once more, while Id1, Ndufa4, and Cd36 were down-regulated.
Conclusions
The gene expression levels of Id1, Ndufa4, Cd36 were significantly reduced, and Hspa8, Hspe1 were significantly increased. These screened hypervariable genes play different roles in heat stress-induced mitochondrial and myocardial mechanical damage, protein misfolding, and they may become potential biomarkers in the mechanism of cardiac injury or keep an important link in the functional pathway of action described above.
Association between Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-to-lymphocyte ratio with hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis: a nationally representative cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017 to 2020
Authors: Xiao Junyang , Jiang Yi , Liu Jianyong , Shen Jiajia , Cai Qiucheng
Published: November 2024

Background: The prediction and tracking of hepatic steatosis progression is of critical importance, yet there is a notable absence of reliable biomarkers. This study was conducted to identify a novel biomarker to enable accurate forecasting of hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis.
Method: The data for this study were derived from the 2017-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The multivariate linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between the Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase -to-lymphocyte ratio (GLR), controlled attenuation parameters (CAP), and liver stiffness measurements (LSM). The fitted smooth curve and threshold effect analyses were used to address non-linearity. Subgroup analyses were performed based on gender, age, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking.
Result: In total, 6481 patients were enrolled in the analysis. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, GLR is positively correlated with hepatic steatosis [CAP, β=0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.13, 0.44), P=0.0003]. This positive association is stable among all subgroups. An inverse L-shaped relationship between GLR and CAP was observed, with a stronger correlation when GLR<8.276. The correlation between GLR and liver fibrosis remained significantly linear in the multivariate regression analysis. [LSM β=0.03, 95% CI (0.02, 0.05), P<0.0001]. This association was more potent among participants over 50 years old (P for interaction < 0.05).
Conclusion: Our investigation revealed an association between GLR, CAP, and LSM. This association suggests that GLR holds predictive potential for assessing hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis.
Are flexible ureteroscopes (FURS) equivalent in deflection when an anatomical deformation is applied? A comparative in vitro study of 10 FURS
Authors: Zahr Rawad Abou , Buhas Bogdan , Beauval Jean Baptiste , Lesourd Marine , Almeras Christophe
Published: November 2024

Purpose
Flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) has become indispensable in endoscopic urological practice. Multiple ureteroscopes with different characteristics were developed, the objective of the study was to determine if FURS are equivalent when put in anatomical conditions.
Methods
A comparative in vitro study of 10 different FURS was performed. Each ureteroscope deflection was measured before and after the introduction of a laser fiber of 272 µm by Rocamed© and a 1.5 Fr Nitinol stone basket Stonewrapper© in both the manufacturer’s conditions and in reproduced anatomic constraints. The tests were performed on a resin platform to apply necessary constraints using a 12-14Fr Coloplast© access sheath. The different angles of deflection were measured using AutoCad 2022©. Multiple other characteristics were measured for comparison and were: handle weight, mobile length, circular diameter, height at 180° of deflection, tip-shaft distance in full deflection and maximum reach from deflection point.
Results
The FURS tested were not equivalent in terms of loss in deflection when tested with reproduced anatomical constraints. A significant difference was found between the FURS tested with a range of + 11°/-75°. Our limitations are that the reproduced anatomical constraints do not represent the heterogeneity and complexity of human anatomy. Our study is limited to ten FURS and results might not be generalizable to all FURS in the market.
Conclusion
There is a loss of deflection capacity when anatomical deformation is applied to FURS. This can hinder treatment and thus must be acknowledged and known to urologists before selecting the corresponding ureteroscope.
Coastal zone classification and shoreline property identification based on random forests with dual-band LiDAR data
Authors: Jiang Huaigang , Zhang Zhenchao , Yu Ying , Dai Chenguang , Yi Ning , Hou Li , Xing Kan
Published: November 2024

Effective utilization of the coastal zone cannot be achieved without the support of strong mapping technology. With the growing technological advancements, LiDAR technology has found widespread applications in coastal zone mapping. Dual-band LiDAR integrates green and NIR wavelength lasers, offering the capability of acquiring both coastal terrain geometry and dual-band intensity simultaneously, providing complementary data that are temporally and spatially consistent.This study presents a framework for fusing dual-band echo intensity features together with geometric features for coastal zone classification and property identification of the extracted shoreline key points. It can directly extract the shoreline key points with property labels, which is a prerequisite for generating shorelines. Thus, the method provides an effective practical reference for more accurate measurement of the shoreline. Specifically, 26-dimensional geometric features are extracted from the coastal zone point cloud; the point cloud is then classified into five categories using the Random Forests; afterwards, the shoreline key point are extracted based on multiple coarse-to-fine grid constraints; finally, the shoreline key point are classified into three types. Experiments on the dual-band LiDAR data verifies that additional usage of dual-band echo intensity features improves the accuracy of coastal point cloud classification and shoreline property identification.
Astrocytes regulate brain fatty acid uptake and food intake via cluster of differentiation (CD)36 in diet-induced obesity
Authors: Timper Katharina , Coban Mustafa , Odermatt Timothy , Schmid Jochen , Abiven Pierre , Gnann Alexandra , Pedersen Kent , Stage Christina , Othman Alaa , Zamboni Nicola , Drogen Audrey van , Goetze Sandra , Karrer-Cardel Bettina , Handschin Christoph , Matter Matthias , Febbraio Maria , Wüest Stephan , Konrad Daniel , Clausen Trine , Jørgensen Sebastian
Published: November 2024

Upon high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, excessive amounts of saturated long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) flood the brain via unknown mechanisms and induce a state of “lipotoxicity”, promoting overfeeding and obesity.
Here we demonstrate that astrocytes actively control brain LCFA shuttling via cluster of differentiation (CD)36. We found that HFD feeding induces CD36 expression in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing hypothalamic astrocytes, which allows for increased brain LCFA uptake. Brain bioluminescence-based analysis of brain FA uptake in genetically modified mouse models and metabolomics revealed that postnatal brain-wide astrocytic CD36 depletion partially protects from increased central FA uptake in diet-induced obese mice. On a cellular level, CD36 depletion in cultured primary hypothalamic mouse astrocytes impaired mitochondrial respiration due to a reduction in endogenous FA oxidation capacity. This resulted in a metabolic switch towards increased glycolysis and induced the integrated stress response marker growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in vitro and in vivo. Astrocyte-specific CD36 depletion reduced body weight gain upon HFD feeding via decreased food intake and changed food preference towards low-fat chow diet, all mediated via enhanced central GDF15 activity.
Collectively, our results unravel a novel role of astrocytes as gatekeepers of brain LCFA uptake and that targeting astrocyte CD36 attenuates diet-induced obesity via increased hindbrain GDF15 signaling.
Peculiarities in thermal transport of nanostructured silicon arrays with different morphology
Authors: Chepela Lesia , Lishchuk Pavlo , Nkenfack Isibert , Mandrolko Viktor , Chaynes Hadrien , Kuzmich Andrey , Liu Poting , Borovyi Mykola , Lacroix David , Sivakov Vladimir , Isaiev Mykola
Published: November 2024

This study explores the thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires arrays produced by metal-assisted chemical etching of silicon wafers with different dopants, doping levels and crystallography. The wide range of morphological structures observed in silicon nanowires strongly depends on the initial wafer characteristics, a factor that cannot be neglected. While previous studies have demonstrated the qualitative capabilities of photoacoustic and Raman spectroscopy in characterising nanostructured silicon, our work highlights the quantitative discrepancies that can arise when combining these techniques to investigate thermal properties. The differences in the results obtained using these methods can be attributed to the distinct nature of the information they provide: photoacoustic spectroscopy probes the effective thermal conductivity over larger areas, whereas Raman spectroscopy offers localized measurements. Furthermore, our Monte Carlo simulations provide insights into the morphological features of porous silicon that influence the interpretation of experimental data. This study underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach, combining both experimental and theoretical methods, to assess the thermal transport properties of nanostructured materials accurately.
Sampled Surface and Shape DataBase (SSSDb): A database of deterministically sampled surface and a spectrum of shape representations of biomolecular structures
Authors: Karampudi Naga Bhushana Rao
Published: November 2024

Computational tools and techniques have come a long way in analyzing biomolecular structures. However, there are still limitations in how far we can exhaustively utilize the structural information of molecules in applications like whole database docking studies, achieving microsecond simulations , performing pairwise comparisions of entire molecular repositories. Coarse Grained models biomolecular structures have potential applications in many such methodologies as they help reduce the computational loads. SSSDb is a resource of such reduced representations of biomole-cular structures and provides surface and a spectrum of deterministically sampled shapes at varied fineness. Phase I of SSSDb provides 9,88,124 (≈ 1 million) coarse grained structures of 31,885 CATH protein domains. To cater the different possible needs of users the database is also provisioned to be accessible through four different options: (1) CATH ID based queires, (2) precompiled data clusters, (3) entire database download as single zip file and (4) customizable and automated downloads using programming script. In near future, SSSDb will be expanded to include all the biomolecular structures of Protein, DNA, RNA and their complexes. The entire database is available freely and openly for both academic and non-academic purposes. The database can be accessed at: https:// www.sssdb.nbrkarampudi.org/
Validation of the Spanish-language version of The Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale Research Short Form: PSAS-ES-RSF
Authors: Costas-Ramón Natalia , Vinagre-González Agustina María , Silveiro Sergio A. , Fallon Victoria , García Marta Evelia Aparicio
Published: November 2024

Background:
Postpartum anxiety is a prevalent emotional disorder affecting approximately 20% of women, often more common than postpartum depression. Despite its high prevalence, the Spanish healthcare system lacks screening programs specifically targeting this condition.
Methods
This study aimed to develop and validate a short version of the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS-ES-RSF) to address time constraints in clinical practice and improve its usability as a screening tool. Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on two independent Spanish samples (Sample 1: N = 699; Sample 2: N = 293), a 16-item version was extracted from the original 51-item PSAS-ES.
Results
The four-factor structure of the PSAS-ES-RSF—addressing maternal competence, infant safety, practical infant care, and psychosocial adjustment—demonstrated strong psychometric properties (CFI > .95, RMSEA < .08). Cultural context and risk factors, such as maternal self-efficacy and the return to work, influenced the selection of items, showing some variation from the English-language short form.
Conclusions
The PSAS-ES-RSF offers a reliable and efficient tool for exploring postpartum anxiety in Spanish-speaking populations. Further research is needed to explore its applicability in diverse cultural contexts and to continue refining postpartum anxiety screening strategies.
Application of directional customized corneal relaxing incision in EVO ICL implantation: high myopia with low astigmatism
Authors: Cheng Mingrui , Liu Qingyang , Li Mingwei , Tang Shumin , Li Boliang , Jiang Yinjie , Lei Yadi , Lin I-chun , Xu Guanghan , Mao Zhiwei , Chen Xun , Wang Xiaoying
Published: November 2024

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of EVO-ICL implantation combined with a corneal relaxing incision for the correction of moderate to high myopia with low astigmatism.
Design:
prospective non-randomized clinical trial
Methods
This study included 35 eyes of 35 patients with astigmatism corrected by corneal relaxing incision (CRI) on the steep meridian and 30 eyes of 30 patients who underwent conventional temporal incision as controls. Visual acuity, refractive parameters, keratometry, corneal astigmatism, and corneal aberration were measured preoperatively and 1 and 3 months postoperatively.
Results
The refractive astigmatism of the CRI group decreased significantly from 0.89 ± 0.22 preoperatively to 0.39 ± 0.25 D at 1 month and 0.35 ± 0.30 D at 3 months postoperatively, and from 0.46 ± 0.32 D to 0.45 ± 0.34 D and 0.44 ± 0.30 D in the control group, respectively (P < 0.001). The preoperative anterior corneal astigmatism of the CRI group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001) and decreased significantly from 1.03 ± 0.32 D preoperatively to 0.74 ± 0.36 D at 1 month and 0.69 ± 0.39 D at 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). The preoperative posterior corneal astigmatism of the CRI group decreased significantly from 0.32 ± 0.11 D preoperatively to 0.28 ± 0.12 D at 1 month and 0.25 ± 0.10 D at 3 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the postoperative RMS of trefoil aberration and total HOAs of the whole cornea, anterior cornea, and posterior cornea between the two groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
EVO-ICL implantation combined with a corneal relaxing incision to correct moderate-to-high myopia with low astigmatism is safe and effective with good short-term stability.
Assessing the Validity of Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) Score in Predicting Stroke Risk in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Insights from a Tertiary Hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Javerya , Usman Namra , Salman Muhammad , Ali Arshan , Shaukat Maryam , Khan Hana , Raheem Ahmed , Sharif Hasanat
Published: November 2024

Background: Postoperative stroke is one of the most serious consequences of cardiac surgery. Morbidity risk assessment is critical for preoperative risk assessments and resource allocation. In this article, we aim to investigate the predictive value of Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score’s effectiveness in stroke risk in cardiothoracic surgery patients in our population.
Methods: 3,898 patients underwent cardiac surgery between January 2010 and December 2016 at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Following the exclusion of 814 records due to incomplete data or pre-existing conditions, statistical methods like chi-square, t-tests, and logistic regression were used to identify significant stroke predictors. Prediction accuracy was evaluated using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, with Youden’s J statistic determining optimal sensitivity and specificity thresholds.
Results: Out of 3,084 patients, 52 (1.7%) experienced a postoperative stroke. Stroke patients were significantly older (mean age 62.8 years vs. 57.7 years). They also had higher white blood cell count (10.7 ± 5.1 vs. 9.3 ± 3.3) and a longer history of myocardial infarction (9.2 ± 9.3 years vs. 6.9 ± 7.6 years). Cardiovascular interventions (15.4% vs. 7.7%), postoperative congestive heart failure (21.1% vs. 7.3%), and use of inotropes (5.8% vs. 1.6%) were more prevalent in stroke patients. Emergent surgical status (19.2% vs. 13.4%) and complications such as dialysis, prolonged ventilation, and intra-aortic balloon pump use were also significantly higher. The predictive model demonstrated strong accuracy in predicting postoperative stroke (AUC: 0.841, CI: 0.794–0.888). The ROC analysis for the STS stroke model showed high sensitivity (90.4%) and negative predictive value (99.7%), with moderate specificity (64.3%) and overall accuracy (64.8%), indicating excellent performance in ruling out stroke but moderate reliability in identifying positive cases.
Conclusion: The STS risk score demonstrated strong predictive accuracy for postoperative stroke risk in cardiothoracic surgery patients, effectively incorporating clinical factors already accounted for in the comprehensive set of 70 variables used in its calculation.
Global profiling of arginine reactivity and ligandability in the human proteome
Authors: Li Gang , Wang Yuena , Xie Shaoshuai , Hu Tao , Zhu Lin , Zhai Yansheng , Li Youming , Xu Caifeng , Huang Xiaoyan , Yang Xi
Published: November 2024

Covalent small molecules targeting nucleophilic amino acids have emerged as a rapidly advancing frontier in covalent drug development, with a primary focus on cysteine and lysine residues. Despite the crucial biological roles of arginine, its reactivity and ligandability in the human proteome remain largely unexplored. In this study, we employed the activity-based protein profiling approach using phenylglyoxal-based chemical probes to globally profile arginine residues. By screening a focused library of 13 phenylglyoxal derivatives, we identified probes that offered enhanced coverage and selectivity. This enabled the quantification of 4,606 arginine sites across diverse human cell lines. Among these, two critical arginine residues were found to regulate liquid-liquid phase separation in either cytosol or nucleus. We further assessed arginine reactivity through on-beads reductive dimethylation quantitative proteomics, identifying a subset of hyper-reactive arginines. Competitive fragment screening via DIA-ABPP delineated the ligandability map between arginines and dicarbonyl compounds. This dataset also identified specific ligandable arginines that impact protein activities, revealing potential targets for drug discovery. Moreover, we mapped these ligandable arginines to protein interfaces that exhibited significant changes in solvent accessible surface area upon protein-protein interactions. These findings suggested that ligandable arginines could disrupt these interactions—a hypothesis confirmed through co-immunoprecipitation experiments, which facilitated the discovery of inhibitors for protein-protein interactions. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive profile of arginine reactivity and introduces new insights into the functional and ligandable arginine landscape of the human proteome, underscoring new possibilities of covalent drugs targeting arginines, particularly as inhibitors of protein interactions.
Timing of endoscopy in high-risk patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Multicenter and international cohort study
Authors: Tejedor-Tejada Javier , Hermida Benito , Camblor Cristina , Sanchez Laura , Hernandez Eduany , Emara Mohamed , Mohamed Salem Youssef , Salman Zhuraida , Alvarez-Alvarez Aranzazu , Perez-Pariente Jose M.
Published: November 2024

Background
While early endoscopy is recommended in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB), the optimal timing in high-risk patients is still uncertain.
Aims
To determine whether endoscopy timing would affect outcomes in high-risk patients with AUGIB.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, international and multicentre cohort study. High-risk patients (modified Glasgow Blatchford score > 7 points) with AUGIB between 2016–2022 and received therapeutic endoscopy (n = 511) were recruited. Patients were classified based on endoscopic timing in urgent (t ≤ 6 hours), early (6 < t ≤ 24) and elective (t > 24) group. Using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses, the optimal timing for endoscopy was identified and we analyzed the association between endoscopy and 30-day outcomes after adjusting for confounding factors.
Results
The results showed that urgent timing (n = 130) had worse outcomes than early (n = 205) and elective (n = 176) endoscopy with higher 30-day all-causes mortality (p = 0.047), repeat endoscopy (p = 0.034), 30-day transfusion rates (p = 0.021) and longer length of stay (p = 0.038). These findings were more consistent when patients were admitted with non-variceal bleeding. In multivariate analysis, urgent endoscopy (OR 1.83, 1.11–3.69; p = 0.034), Charlson index (OR 1.39, 1.01–1.93; p = 0.043), systolic blood pressure < 90mmHg (OR 3.66, 1.44–9.31; p = 0.006) and malignancy (OR 1.68, 95%CI 1.37–7.73; p = 0.047) were worse prognostic factors.
Conclusions
High-risk patients with AUGIB who have received urgent endoscopy presented worse outcomes, especially among patients with non-variceal bleeding. Comorbidities, shock, urgent endoscopy and malignancy were predictors for 30-day mortality. This emphasies the need of prior resuscitation and pharmacotherapy and early endoscopy.
A Novel Approach to the Extraction of Iris Features Using a Deep Learning Network
Authors: M Poovayar Priya , M Ezhilarasan
Published: November 2024

Iris recognition is a powerful biometric identification technique due to the uniqueness and complexity of iris patterns. However, existing methods often struggle to capture both global and local iris features, which are essential for accurate and reliable recognition. Specifically, details like lacunae, Wolfflin nodules, contraction furrows, and pigment spots hold significant information about an individual's identity, yet accurately extracting and integrating these features remains challenging. This study introduces the Iris-FE Architecture, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based solution designed to address these challenges by extracting both global and local iris features in a unified framework. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a CNN architecture, Iris-FE, that captures and combines global and local iris features for more accurate and comprehensive iris recognition. By leveraging advanced feature extraction techniques, this research aims to improve the reliability and performance of iris recognition systems and enhance their practical applications. The proposed Iris-FE Architecture uses Global features (lacunae and Wolfflin nodules) that are fed into the Iris Surface Global Features (ISGF) model, while local features (contraction furrows and pigment spots) are processed through the Iris Surface Local Features (ISLF) model. The outputs of ISGF and ISLF are combined to form a comprehensive feature set, enhancing the system's ability to capture hierarchical patterns and fine-grained details. The Iris-FE Architecture successfully demonstrated its capability to accurately extract and integrate both global and local iris features. Testing on the iris image dataset showed a notable improvement in identification accuracy and robustness compared to traditional feature extraction methods. The model consistently outperformed baseline approaches, particularly in complex images where both global textures and intricate local features were crucial for accurate recognition.
From Hypoxia to Buoyancy: Serotonin and Oxygen Deprivation Rewire Neutrophils
Authors: Blanco Luz P. , Romo-Tena Jorge , Wang Xinghao , Lightfoot Yaima L. , Kaplan Mariana J.
Published: November 2024

Herein, we describe a method to purify higher buoyancy neutrophils in vitro after exposure of whole blood to brief hypoxia and reoxygenation in combination with platelet- derived serotonin. These higher buoyancy neutrophils display enhanced ability to form neutrophil extracellular traps and increment the tryptamine-protein adducts. Similar changes are identified in neutrophils isolated from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. These results suggest that neutrophils may be rewired in tissues under conditions of hypoxia-reperfusion such as those seen in chronic inflammatory conditions.
Short-term Effects of Empagliflozin on Exercise Tolerance in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial (EMPOWERMENT study)
Authors: Sagara Rikako , Sonoda Noriyuki , Ikeda Masataka , Tohyama Takeshi , Nishizaka Mari , Yamasaki Yuzo , Tagawa Koshiro , Hamase Kenji , Nakashima Naoki , Ishigami Kousei , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Inoguchi Toyoshi , Abe Kohtaro , Shiose Akira , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Ide Tomomi
Published: November 2024

Background
Diabetes is a risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have become a standard treatment to improve clinical outcomes in HFpEF patients. However, the short-term effects of empagliflozin on exercise tolerance in these patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unknown.
Methods
This study included patients with HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥ 50% by echocardiography) aged 20–85 years, with hemoglobin A1c values between 6.0% and 10%, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations > 35 pg/ml, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III symptoms. The patients were randomly assigned to receive empagliflozin (10 mg daily) or sitagliptin (50 mg daily) for 3 months. The primary endpoint was the change (from baseline to 3 months) in peak oxygen uptake (VO2) on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). The secondary endpoints were changes in the anaerobic threshold, BNP concentrations, NYHA class, left/right ventricular ejection fraction (LV/RVEF) on magnetic resonance imaging, muscle mass, and muscle strength.
Results
We studied 40 patients, and 22 were assigned to the empagliflozin group and 18 to the sitagliptin group. Data from 33 patients (19 with empagliflozin, 14 with sitagliptin) were analyzed. No significant difference in peak VO2 improvement was found between groups (Empagliflozin: 0.87 ml/kg/min; Sitagliptin: 0.1 ml/kg/min; p = 0.35). The change in muscle strength tended to be lower in the empagliflozin group than in the sitagliptin group (−3.69kg vs 7.25kg, p = 0.06). However, a significant improvement in the LVEF was observed in the empagliflozin group (7.10%; sitagliptin: 0.16%, p = 0.03), and there was a trend for improved RVEF (empagliflozin: 3.33%; sitagliptin: −1.86%, p = 0.08). NYHA class symptoms were significantly improved in the empagliflozin group at 12 weeks (p = 0.027). The inferior vena cava diameter was decreased, and hematocrit and ketone bodies were elevated in the empagliflozin group.
Conclusions
Short-term treatment with empagliflozin does not improve exercise tolerance in CPET in HFpEF patients with T2DM. Empagliflozin might reduce circulatory blood volume and enhance cardiac contractility with elevated ketone bodies in the blood.
Trial registration
Approval number: No. 176-06, jRCT: s071180091 (approval date: 17 May 2017).
Cognitive Impairment among Elderly in India: Understanding the Role of Substance Use and Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Ali Amir , Pradhan Manas Ranjan
Published: November 2024

Background
Cognitive impairment represents an emerging significant public health concern and a prominent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and dementia among elderly adults. This study seeks to examine the prevalence of substance use and identify the determinants of cognitive impairment among elderly individuals in India.
Method
Utilizing data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) wave 1 (2017-18), we performed bivariate analyses and PCA to reduced dimensionality of the dataset. Binary logistic regression evaluated the impact of demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors on cognitive impairment.
Results
Approximately 10.76% of older adults in India exhibit CoI, Smokers have a 1.04 odds ratio (OR; 95% CI: 1.03–1.09) for CoI, while alcohol consumers have an increased OR of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.08–1.78). Individuals aged 80 and above face a significantly higher likelihood of CoI (OR: 3.70; 95% CI: 3.03–4.53). Lack of formal education (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.29–1.84) and belonging to the Scheduled Tribe category (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.87–3.13) are also significant correlates.
Conclusions
Substance use and various lifestyle factors are significantly associated with cognitive impairment among the elderly in India.
First records of invasive Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and Megachile sculpturalis Smith, 1853 (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) in Slovakia
Authors: Purkart Adrián , Semelbauer Marek , Šima Peter , Lukáš Jozef , Hoffner Simon , Fedor Peter , Senko Dušan
Published: November 2024

Biological invasions are an increasing threat to ecosystems; early identification of invasive species and rigorous monitoring are prerequisites to minimize environmental damage. Currently, two large hymenopterans of Asian origin are spreading across Europe: the yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 and the giant resin bee Megachile sculpturalis Smith, 1853, populations of which have been gradually being discovered across Europe since 2004 and 2008, respectively. Considering the current distribution of both species in Europe, further spread through Central Europe is expected in recent years. In July 2024, the first record of M. sculpturalis was documented in Slovakia, followed by more reports from 11 localities. Less than two months later, the second invasive hymenopteran, V. velutina nigrithorax, was also detected. Utilising multiple methods, their nest was discovered as well. On-site observations showed that the yellow-legged hornets (workers) were active almost two days after colony eradication. The finding of both species was accompanied by an intensive campaign using citizen science.