bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative age effect on the physical activity and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years old: A cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Mori Takaaki , Aoki Takumi , Oishi Kan , Harada Tetsuo , Tanaka Chiaki , Tanaka Shigeho , Tanaka Hideki , Fukuda Kazuhiko , Kamikawa Yasuko , Tsuji Nobuhiro , Komura Keisuke , Kokudo Shohei , Morita Noriteru , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Watanabe Masashi , Kasanami Ryoji , Hara Taketaka , Miyazaki Ryo , Abe Takafumi , Yamatsu Koji , Kume Daisuke , Asai Hedenori , Yamamoto Naofumi , Tsuji Taishi , Nakaya Tomoki , Ishii Kojiro
Published: October 2024

Background
A few studies have shown that relatively younger children and adolescents (those born later in the same school year) were less likely to engage in physical activity in a phenomenon termed the relative age effect. Although these studies mainly targeted elementary and middle school students, limited studies have reported on the relative age effect on physical activity in ordinary high school students. Moreover, the relative age effect on sedentary behavior might show an opposite association with physical activity. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the relative age effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior across different school stages in Japanese children and adolescents.
Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 21,491 children and adolescents (elementary, middle, and high school students aged 10–18 years) in various Japanese regions from January 2018 to July 2019. Overall, 18,281 children and adolescents (10,299 boys and 7,982 girls) were finally included in our analysis. Data on the birth month, as well as the frequency and duration of their physical activity (vigorous, moderate, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity) and sedentary behavior (weekday and weekend total sedentary time, television viewing, playing video games, and Internet use) were obtained. We utilized two-part model regression analyses Statistically significant association with birth month indicated that a relative age effect was observed.
Results
The relatively younger individuals were less likely to engage in physical activity (especially vigorous physical activity); this association was observed in middle and high school students. Conversely, relatively younger boys spent more time on the weekend with sedentary behaviors and Internet use. Because of the school stage, the relative age effect on physical activity was observed in middle and high school students, whereas the relative age effect on sedentary behavior was observed on the weekend with sedentary behaviors, playing video games and Internet use for male high school students and on television viewing for female middle school students.
Conclusion
The relative age effect on physical activity can persist after middle school, and relatively younger individuals are more likely to replace physical activity with sedentary behavior.
White Matter Microstructural Alterations and Brain Metabolism distributions in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wang Mengjiao , Fu Peng , Han Wei , Liu Yansong , Yang Yifeng , Jiao Yuying , Hu Yujie , Yang Yang , Zhan Linhan , Wang Yangyang , Zhao Changjiu
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to use simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/MRI based on Automated Fiber Quantification (AFQ) to determine whether there is a relationship between white matter microstructure changes and glucose metabolism distribution in PD.The study involved 38 subjects, including 23 PD patients and 15 age and sex-matched healthy controls（HC）. Primary clinical data and cognitive assessments were collected. All subjects underwent a simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/MR scan. AFQ was utilized to calculate tract-wise diffusion properties of 20 major white matter tracts. PD patients showed reduced mean Mini-Mental State Examination （MMSE） and Montreal Cognitive Assessment （MoCA）scores compared to HC subjects (P < 0.05). PD patients showed higher mean diffusivity (MD) (P = 0.047) and axial diffusivity (AD) (P = 0.02) along the right corticospinal tract (CST) compared to HC. The microstructural change of CST was mainly located in the parietal part (node 67-100). Compared to HC, PD patients had FDG hypermetabolism in the right paracentral lobule (P = 0.0204) and bilateral putamen (left: P = 0.0075; right: P = 0.0155) and hypometabolism in the right calcarine (P = 0.0489). Hypermetabolism was found in the right paracentral lobule, which connects with the cortex of the right CST, and positively correlated with MD (r = 0.612, P < 0.001) and AD (r = 0.516, P < 0.001).We observed microstructural changes and glucose metabolism distribution characteristics in PD patients. These results may provide imaging evidence for studying the pathology of PD.
Urban slum housing quality, and its public health implications in Nigeria: A case of residents of Urban slum in Enugu metropolis, South East, Nigeria
Authors: OGBONNA SALOMEY N. , OCHIE CASMIR N. , Aniwada Elias C.
Published: October 2024

Introductions
Housing remains strategic social determinant of health. In Sub-Saharan Africa, a majority of urban dwellers live in slums with attendant health implications. This study assessed the housing conditions of the slum residents of Enugu metropolis and the public health implications.
Methods:
This is a community-based cross sectional study of 459 slum residents of Enugu metropolis. Ethical clearance was obtained from UNTH Ethics Committee (HREC). Data was collected using pretested semi-structured interviewer administered, questionnaire and an observational checklist. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Data ware summarized using mean and standard deviation, frequency and proportion as appropriate and presented in tables and figure. Chi square test was used for association at p value ≤ 0.05 significance.
Results
Mean age (SD) of the respondents was 32.93(12.34) years. Higher proportion 180 (39.2%) were 18-27years, females 282 (61.4%), married 297 (64.7%), attained secondary education 273 (59.5%), Igbo 453 (98.7%), and self-employed 327 (71.2%). They demonstrated good knowledge of standard housing specifications 231 (50.3%) and effects of housing conditions on health 297 (64.7%). Also, most lived in a room apartment 201 (43.8%) and cooked in separate kitchen 150 (32.7%) with gas cooker as major source of heat supply for cooking 249 (54.2%). Sixty-three (13.7%) of them adopted unhygienic methods as toilet facilities. Higher proportion, 171 (37.3%) used pipe-borne water, and electricity as the major source of light 447 (97.4%). Most prevailing health condition was malaria/fever 258 (97.4%). Despite having pests and rodents infested dwellings, only 156 (34.0%) had insecticides in the house. Equally, 132 (28.8%) of them lived with broken floors.
Conclusions
Despite good knowledge of the public health implications of poor housing, the dwellings remained substandard.
Recommendation: There is need for health campaign against the poor living conditions in the slum.
Catalytic modulation of the tumor microenvironment using cascade enzymes for synergistic boron neutron capture therapy in the treatment of gliomas
Authors: Dai Qi , Yang QiYao , Zhang Zhicheng , Qin Yaxin , Sun Xiaoyan , Bao Xiaoyan , Wu Linjie , Jiang Ruolin , Tan Xin , Ying Xufang , Ben Zhiqing , Huang Hefa , Quan Rui , Zhuang Ruirong , Xu Benhua , Han Min , Wei Qichun
Published: October 2024

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Despite traditional treatments such as surgical resection, combined postoperative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, it remains challenging to significantly improve the long-term survival rate of patients. This is primarily due to the incomplete surgical removal of the tumor and its resistance to radiotherapy. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy that can selectively kill tumor cells. Current research has demonstrated that BNCT offers effective local disease control for gliomas and head and neck tumors. However, the existing boron-containing drugs are still unsatisfactory due to their low boron content and poor targeting ability. The synergistic treatment has provided new ideas for the development of BNCT, and the emergence of nanosystems offers the possibility of prolonged retention and pinpoint delivery of boron drugs in the tumor cites. The unique tumor microenvironment(TME) of gliomas, characterized by the blood brain barrier (BBB), oxidative stress, hypoxia and angiogenesis, renders conventional treatments ineffective and poor prognosis. Therefore, to combine the TME regulation and BNCT therapy, we prepared a stable nanosystem in this study. It is a borane-contained cationic liposome modified with cRGD peptide which enhances the tumor-targeting ability. And the enzymes Lactate oxidase(LOX) and Catalase(CAT) are absorbed on the surface of the nanosystem which reduce the concentration of lactic acid through a cascade reaction to generate O2 and decrease the protein expression level of HIF-1α. This nanosystem exhibited a more potent anti-tumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. Also it reduced tumor stemness in vivo, which improves the prognosis. Therefore, the novel nanosystem combined microenvironment regulation therapy and BNCT shows the great potential application in anti-tumor treatment.
Effect of Early Clinical Exposure based Health Systems Science course in the Korean Medical Education: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Lee Hye-Yoon , Im Sunju , Shin Sang-Won , Kim Jung-Ae , Song Jin-Mi
Published: October 2024

Background
Health professions are required to understand social structures and systems, as well as basic and clinical medical knowledge. Accordingly, Health Systems Science (HSS) is recognized as a third party of medical education. The curriculum for HSS is currently being developed and implemented in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HSS in Korean medical education.
Methods
The HSS course using early clinical exposure (ECE) was implemented in Korean medical education and comprised lectures, four ECEs, and group activities. Students and clinical directors evaluated the course using questionnaires focused on systems thinking, productivity of group activities, and satisfaction.
Results
The study showed significant improvements in systems thinking, especially in team learning (p = .028) and overall systems thinking (p = .017). Key habits related to systems thinking also improved significantly over 15 weeks. ECE reports highlighted student engagement with various HSS domains, focusing on patient care, healthcare structure, and policy. Per the clinical directors’ evaluations, “healthcare structure and process” was the most effective domain among the core domains of HSS. Per the students’ evaluations, the overall satisfaction was higher than the college’s average score, and especially “course structure” and “instructional expertise” domains were rated most effective.
Conclusion
The HSS course with ECE is an effective method for fostering students' systems thinking habits and enhancing their understanding of healthcare systems and patient-centered care. Verifying whether students' interest in various domains and their systems thinking abilities are sustained over time is necessary, and further research is required to design a longitudinal course with continuity.
Risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions and frequent emergency department visits after pediatric tracheostomy: a nation-wide inpatient database study in Japan
Authors: Ito-Shinjo Ai , Shinjo Daisuke , Nakamura Tomoo , Kubota Mitsuru , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Children who undergo tracheostomy sometimes experience unexpected readmissions and frequent emergency department (ED) visits. Revealing the risk factors of medical resource use may help improve health outcomes. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of children who underwent tracheostomy and to determine the risk factors associated with unplanned readmission and frequent out-of-hour ED visits.
Methods
Data of children aged between 0 and 18 years who underwent tracheostomy and were discharged between April 2016 and March 2019 were retrieved from the Japanese National Inpatient Database and retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors for readmission and frequent out-of-hour ED visits within 180 days of tracheostomy were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results
A total of 1112 patients underwent tracheostomy during the study period. A total of 483 (43%) patients were readmitted and 220 (20%) visited the ED frequently. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that less than 1 years-of-age (Odds ratio [OR]:1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.26–2.47; p < .05), tube feeding (OR:1.36; 95% CI:1.03–1.80; p < .05), neuro-impairment (OR:1.52; 95% CI:1.02–2.25; p < 05), and mechanical ventilation (OR:1.94; 95% CI:1.29–2.92; p < .05) were risk factors for readmissions. Moreover, less than 1 years-of-age (OR:1.53; 95% CI:1.03–2.27; p < .05), home oxygen therapy (OR:1.94; 95% CI: 1.29–2.92; p < .05), and unplanned tracheostomy (OR:2.38; 95% CI: 1.05–5.40; p < .05) were risk factors for ED visits.
Conclusions
This study describes the clinical features and risk factors for readmission and frequent out-of-hour ED visits after tracheostomy. This study may help improve health outcomes, healthcare plans, and evidence-based policymaking.
Fundus Evaluation in Myopia: Essential for Pre- and Post-refractive Surgery
Authors: Xu Linlin , Song Wenqi , Xu Huijuan , Han Yunfei
Published: October 2024

Objective
To evaluate fundus conditions and analyze ocular examination parameters among myopic patients before and after refractive surgery.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled 116 patients (144 eyes) divided into three groups: normal retina (normal group), retinal lesion not requiring treatment (untreated group) and retinal lesion requiring treatment (treated group). The treated group received preventive treatment for retinal diseases before refractive surgery. Demographic information, visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), axis length (Axl), pupil diameter (PD), corneal tomography, and fundus images were collected and compared pre-operatively and post-operatively at 1 day, 6 months and 12 months.
Results
The treated group exhibited significantly higher pre-operative Axl and SE value compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). This group also displayed the most severe retinal diseases, with 52.5% presenting retinal holes or tears and 47.5% exhibiting lattice degeneration. SMILE surgery was performed in 78% of the normal group, 50% of the untreated group and 32.5% of the treated group. Postoperatively, all three groups demonstrated positive surgical outcomes with stable retinal conditions, and no new retinal holes or detachments during follow-ups.
Conclusions
Higher myopia and longer axial lengths increased retinopathy risk. Detailed preoperative fundus exams, long-term follow-ups and prophylactic treatment before surgery are essential.
Identification and Validation of Cellular Senescence-Related Signature to Predict Survival and Immunotherapeutic Responses in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Li Mengna , Cen Xintao , Yan Yan , Li Li , Lai Wei
Published: October 2024

Background: Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is the most lethal skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Cellular senescence plays essential roles in tumorigenesis, development, and immune modulation in cancers. However, the correlations of the cellular senescence with tumor progression and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in SKCM were poorly understood.
Methods: In this study, we explored the expression profiles of 279 cellular senescence-related genes (SRGs) in 469 SKCM patients included from the TCGA database. The univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis were conducted to construct a cellular senescence-related signature (CSRS). Kaplan–Meier survival curves as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to validate the predictive ability of prognostic signature. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to stratify SKCM patients into different clusters and compared them in overall survival. The GSE65904 dataset was further used to validate the stability and applicability of the CSRS. Then, we explored the correlations of the CSRS with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and response to immunotherapy. Finally, the expression levels of prognosis related SRGs were validated based on immunohistochemistry, and the function of RUVBL2 was explored in SKCM cells.
Results: We developed a prognostic prediction CSRS for patients with SKCM and verified patients in low-risk group were associated with better prognosis. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that the CSRS could predict the infiltration of immune cells and immune status of the immune microenvironment in SKCM, and patients with low-risk score might benefit from immunotherapy. Our results implied that a high level of cellular senescence may stimulate immunosurveillance mechanisms and potentiate the tumor suppressive function for SKCM in a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-depended manner. In addition, all the SKCM patients in this study were classified into three clusters based on the mRNA expression profiles of 113 SRGs, which revealed that cluster 1 suffered a poor prognosis relative to clusters 2 and 3. Finally, we found that RUVBL2 was significantly upregulated in SKCM cells, and knockdown of RUVBL2 inhibited the SKCM cells proliferation.
Conclusions: The CSRS developed in this study can be applied not only as a prognostic tool but also as guidance for individualized immunotherapy for SKCM patients.
Neuromodulation perception by the general public: lessons from a large-scale online survey
Authors: Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Junor Andrea , Kaiser Marcus
Published: October 2024

The development of neurotechnologies offers exciting opportunities for novel brain interventions. Public perception plays a crucial role in determining the success and acceptance of these interventions. This study aimed to understand the general non-expert population's representation of neuromodulation (changing brain functioning) and their preferences for common methods such as pharmaceutical drugs, brain implants, ultrasound, magnetic, and electrical stimulations. We conducted a comprehensive online survey with 784 participants to assess their perception of neuromodulation before and after providing information. We also asked the participants to rank their preferences for different neuromodulation techniques after being provided with information. Statistical analyses included inferential non-linear models and free-text data mining. Our findings revealed that overall, neuromodulation was positively perceived by the participants. Furthermore, providing information resulted in a significant improvement in participants' perception of neuromodulation. Ultrasound stimulation emerged as the most preferred treatment choice, while pharmaceutical drugs were considered a middle-choice option and brain implants ranked last due to safety concerns. Healthcare providers could benefit from enhancing patient education and awareness to promote informed decision-making and improve treatment adherence. Additionally, stakeholders have to address the existing distrust surrounding pharmaceutical drugs and prioritize the development and promotion of safe, non-invasive neuromodulation treatments.
Case report: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with recurrent nausea and vomiting
Authors: Qiu Yue , Zhang Siyuan , Chen Xiu , Yuan Ping , Wu Yong , Li Jiaohong , Tian Yun , Shen Lu , Lv Zhiyu
Published: October 2024

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disease involving multiple systems and is characterized by the widespread presence of eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in neurons and systemic visceral cells. We report a case of sporadic adult-onset NIID in a 72-year-old female who presented with recurrent nausea and vomiting as her initial symptoms. Head MRI revealed a subcortical lace sign in the corticomedullary junction and hyperintense signals in the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP sign). Notably, her GGC repeat size in the 5′ region of the human-specific NOTCH2NLC gene tested positive for NIID. The skin biopsy revealed diagnostically positive intranuclear inclusions in the cells of the sweat glands, fibroblasts, and adipocytes due to positive anti-p62 antibodies. NIID patients may present symptoms of other systems before neurological involvement, leading to frequent misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. The diagnostic process for NIID currently involves either NOTCH2NLC genetic analysis or a skin biopsy of the patient on the basis of a suspicious head MRI to confirm the diagnosis. This article covers a case of NIID with unusual symptoms to help clinicians deepen their understanding of the clinical spectrum of NIID.
Lymph node macrophage-targeted interferon alpha boosts anticancer immune responses by regulating CD169-positive phenotype of macrophages
Authors: Fukuda Ryo , Fujiwara Yukio , Maeda Hitoshi , Pan Cheng , Minayoshi Yuki , Yano Hiromu , Mizuta Yuki , Takano Mei , Yamada Rin , Saito Yoichi , Hirata Kenshiro , Imoto Shuhei , Yamasaki Keishi , Oniki Kentaro , Saruwatari Junji , Otagiri Masaki , Watanabe Hiroshi , Komohara Yoshihiro , Maruyama Toru
Published: October 2024

Background
CD169+ macrophages in lymph nodes (LNs) activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which play a crucial role in anticancer immunity, through antigen presentation and co-stimulation by CD169. Interferon alpha (IFNα) is capable of inducing the CD169+ phenotype of macrophages; however, its clinical applications have been hindered by pharmacokinetic limitations—low LN distribution and an inability to target macrophages. To overcome these issues, this study genetically fused mouse IFNα (mIFNα) with mannosylated mouse serum albumin (Man-MSA), and investigated the antitumor effects of the hybrid protein (Man-MSA-mIFNα) or its add-on effects with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade.
Methods
To confirm CD169+ macrophage-mediated T cell priming, positional information about individual immune cells in LNs of cancer patients was obtained. Traits of Man-MSA-mIFNα, which was prepared using Pichia pastoris to form the high-mannose structure, were characterized by several physicochemical methods. To evaluate the lymphatic drainage of Man-MSA-mIFNα, radioiodine or Cy5-labeled Man-MSA-mIFNα was subcutaneously administered in mice, and then the radioactivity or fluorescence in LNs was analyzed. CD169-diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (CD169-DTR) mice in which LN CD169+ macrophages can be depleted by DT injection were used to verify whether the antitumor effect of Man-MSA-mIFNα is dependent on LN CD169+ macrophages.
Results
Multiplex tissue imaging predicted close proximity of CD169+ macrophages and T cells and positive correlation between the number of CD169+ macrophages and T cells in neighborhoods in LNs of cancer patients. Physicochemical analyses showed that Man-MSA-mIFNα was formed from the fusion of the intact Man-MSA and mIFNα. Man-MSA-mIFNα efficiently induced the CD169+ phenotype of macrophages by its high LN distribution and macrophage-targeting capability, and significantly exerted antitumor activity through CTL activation in the LNs, whereas its antitumor effects were canceled in CD169-DTR mice. Finally, combination therapy with PD-L1 blockade markedly suppressed tumor growth in MB49-bearing mice, which exhibit resistance to PD-L1 blockade monotherapy.
Conclusions
The present study successfully designed and developed Man-MSA-mIFNα, which efficiently induces the CD169+ phenotype in LN macrophages, contributing to the antitumor immunity. The findings suggest that our novel strategy targeting CD169⁺ macrophages could be a promising immunotherapy for cancer patients who are unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Development and validation of a clinical and laboratory-based nomogram to predict mortality in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Xiao Wenyan , Zhang Liangliang , Cao Chang , Dong Wanguo , Hu Juanjuan , Jiang Mengke , Zhang Yang , Zhang Jin , Hua Tianfeng , Yang Min
Published: October 2024

Background
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging global infectious disease with a high mortality rate. Clinicians lack a convenient tool for early identification of critically ill SFTS patients. The aim of this study was to construct a simple and accurate nomogarm to predict the prognosis of SFTS patients.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 372 SFTS patients collected between May 2015 and June 2023, which were divided 7:3 into a training set and an internal validation set. We used LASSO regression to select predictor variables and multivariable logistic regression to identify independent predictor variables. Prognostic nomograms for SFTS were constructed based on these factors and analysed for concordance index, calibration curves and area under the curve (AUC) to determine the predictive accuracy and consistency of the model.
Results
In the training set, LASSO and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that age, SFTSV RNA, maximum body temperature, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, pulmonary fungal infection (PFI), BUN, and PT were independent risk factors for death in SFTS patients. There was a strong correlation between neurological symptoms and mortality (P < 0.001, OR = 108.92). Excluding neurological symptoms, nomograms constructed based on the other eight variables had AUCs of 0.937 and 0.943 for the training and validation sets, respectively. Furthermore, we found that age, gastrointestinal bleeding, PFI, bacteraemia, SFTSV RNA, platelets, and PT were the independent risk factors for neurological symptoms, with SFTSV RNA having the highest diagnostic value (AUC = 0.785).
Conclusions
The nomogram constructed on the basis of eight common clinical variables can easily and accurately predict the prognosis of SFTS patients. Moreover, the diagnostic value of neurological symptoms far exceeded that of other predictors, and SFTSV RNA was the strongest independent risk factor for neurological symptoms, but these need to be further verified by external data.
All black: a microplastic extraction combined with colour-based analysis allows identification and characterisation of tire wear particles (TWP) in soils
Authors: Foetisch Alexandra , Grunder Adrian , Kuster Benjamin , Stalder Tobias , Bigalke Moritz
Published: October 2024

While tire wear particles (TWP) have been estimated to represent more than 90% of the total microplastic (MP) emitted in European countries and may have environmental health effects, only few data about TWP concentrations and characteristics are available today. The lack of data stems from the fact that no standardized, cost efficient or accessible extraction and identification method is available yet. We present a method allowing the extraction of TWP from soil, performing analysis with a conventional optical microscope and a machine learning approach to identify TWP in soil based on their colour. The lowest size of TWP which could be measured reliably with an acceptable recovery using our experimental set-up was 35 µm. Further improvements would be possible given more advanced technical infrastructure (higher optical magnification and image quality). Our method showed a mean recovery of 85% in the 35-2000 µm particle size range and no blank contamination. We tested for possible interference from charcoal (as another black soil component with similar properties) in the soils and found a reduction of the interference from charcoal by 92% during extraction. We applied our method to a highway adjacent soil at 1 m, 2 m, 5 m, and 10 m and detected TWP in all samples with a tendency to higher concentrations at 1 m and 2 m from the road compared to 10 m from the road. The observed TWP concentrations were in the same order of magnitude as what was previously reported in literature in highway adjacent soils. These results demonstrate the potential of the method to provide quantitative data on the occurrence and characteristics of TWP in the environment. The method can be easily implemented in many labs, and help to address our knowledge gap regarding TWP concentrations in soils.
Two-Stage Whole-Exome Sequencing Improves to Predict a Risk of Adult Moyamoya Disease in 369,570 Individuals
Authors: Hong Eun Pyo , Ha Eun Jin , Youn Dong Hyuk , Chung Yuwhan , Kim Kang Min , Lee Sung Ho , Cho Won-Sang , Kang Hyun-Seung , Jeon Jin Pyeong , Kim Jeong Eun
Published: October 2024

Whole-exome sequencings (WES) have an informative in the limelight to identify causative mutations for adult moyamoya disease (MMD), understanding genomic structures of etiology. Here, we conducted inaugural two-stage WES aimed at uncovering coding modifiers implicated in MMD. Our study comprised an initial discovery phase with 105 MMDs and 115 controls, followed by validation phases involving 55 MMDs and 74 controls, alongside 100 disease-free subjects. We extended comparisons of the allele frequencies of 369,121 individuals derived from UK Biobank (UKB) WES data. Mutant allele risk scores (MARS) were created on the basis of WES-driven mutations. Gene-based association and East-Asian pooled analyses were further performed. During the discovery phase, p.G576S (rs1800307-GAA) and p.R4810K (rs112735431-RNF213) reached at a genome-wide significance threshold (P = 2.63×10-8 and 2.24×10-16, respectively), with p.R4810K being confirmed in the validation phase (P = 3.08×10-8). One insertion (p.S2026ins:rs112774151-MUC4) demonstrated the most significance in 160 MMDs and 100 disease-free controls (P = 5.65×10-16). Fourteen mutations exhibited significant differences in allele frequencies between patients and UKB controlled data (P < 1×10-8). MARS9 incorporating nine missense mutations resulted in an enhanced predictability for MMD (AUROC = 0.8323). Gene-based associations replicated across all phases for GAA, RNF213, CHMP6, and CARD14 (P < 5×10-7). For mutations in RNF213, p.V1195M, p.D1331G, p.S2334N, and p.R4810K were validated in East-Asian populations (P < 3×10-8). Our pioneering study corroborate the significance of p.R4810K and uncover several novel mutations predisposing patients, thereby understanding polygenetic aspect to the etiology of MMD.
Impact of Wearable Acceleration-Monitored Simulated Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity on Muscle Strength in Young Adults
Authors: Zeng Yuxin , Ke Zezhi , Zhuang Xiaodong , Huang Zihao , Wang Suisui , Zhang Xu , Cai Shu , Liao Lizhen
Published: October 2024

Background
The benefits of sustained structured physical activity for general health have been widely investigated. Current guidelines also recognize the research potential of short bouts of activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a simulated vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) intervention monitored by wearable devices on lower limb muscle strength.
Methods
Totally, 40 healthy sedentary college-age students were recruited to wear accelerometry for a prolonged period of time and undergo an eight-week simulated VILPA intervention using a single-arm pre-post design. Demographic information and blood lipids were collected before and after the intervention. Muscle strength was measured by isokinetic muscle strength testing and surface electromyography. Finally, 35 participants completed the study.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 19.9 ± 1.1 years. After the simulated VILPA intervention, participants experienced significant increases in weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels. Additionally, there were significant improvements in peak torque and peak torque normalized to body weight for bilateral ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle groups post-intervention. The surface electromyography examinations revealed significant increases in root mean square (RMS) and average electromyography (AEMG) values for all three calf muscle groups (anterior tibialis, gastrocnemius, and soleus) post-intervention, although parameters for the gastrocnemius muscle were significantly different only in the right calf.
Conclusion
Three bouts of VILPA per day enhance calf muscle strength in healthy populations. VILPA appears to be suitable for non-exercisers as a timesaving and potentially effective intervention measure.
Prognostic significance of innovative inflammation-nutrition biomarker score in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Shibutani Masatsune , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Tanda Hideki , Seki Yuki , Takada Koji , Kasashima Hiroaki , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: October 2024

A new index, inflammation-nutrition biomarker score (INS), based on host factors, including lymphocyte to C-reactive protein ratio, C-reactive protein to albumin ratio advanced lung cancer inflammation index, and nutritional risk index, correlated with post-operative survival time independent of the tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, in a cohort of patients with various types of malignancies. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of INS in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection. We retrospectively evaluated 476 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for stages I–III colorectal cancer. Based on the INS definition, 240, 132, 57, 23, and 24 patients had a score of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Patients with INS of 0 and 1 were classified into the low-INS group, and those with INS of 2, 3, and 4 were classified into the high-INS group. The relapse-free and overall survival rates were significantly worse in the high-INS group than in the low-INS group. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of the prognostic factors indicated that INS is an independent prognostic factor for poor relapse-free and overall survival. The combined evaluation of INS and TNM stages may allow for more accurate prognostication.
Discovery of novel non-retroviral endogenous viral elements reveals their long-term co-evolution with spiders
Authors: Wang Manli , Hu Hengrui , Vlak Just , Hu Zhihong
Published: October 2024

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are widespread in the genomes of various organisms and have played a crucial role in evolution. Historically, research on EVEs primarily focused on those derived from retroviruses; however, the significance of non-retroviral EVEs (nrEVEs) has gradually gained recognition. In this study, we employed a novel approach that combines protein structure prediction with sequence analysis to identify a large group of previously unrecognized nrEVEs across spider genomes. Additionally, we identified nrEVE-related messenger RNAs, microRNAs, and PIWI-interacting RNAs in spiders, suggesting that these nrEVEs may be functionally active. We also experimentally confirmed the presence of spider nrEVEs and their transcripts in individual spiders. Evolutionary analysis suggests that these spider nrEVEs originated from an ancestral nuclear arthropod large DNA virus (NALDV) belonging to the order Lefavirales, class Naldaviricetes, approximately 270 million years ago. The integration of these nrEVEs occurred prior to the last common ancestor of the Araneae, indicating a long-term co-evolutionary relationship between these nrEVEs and spiders. Our findings reveal a novel group of nrEVEs and provide valuable insights into their evolutionary relationship with arthropods.
Developing a Comprehensive Inventory to Define Harm Reduction Housing
Authors: Zaragoza Sofia , Silcox Joseph , Rapisarda Sabrina , Summers Charlie , Case Patricia , To Clara , Chatterjee Avik , Walley Alexander , Komaromy Miriam , Green Traci
Published: October 2024

Background
The City of Boston has faced unprecedented challenges with substance use amidst changes to the illicit drug supply and increased visibility of homelessness. Among its responses, Boston developed six low threshold harm reduction housing (HRH) sites geared towards supporting the housing needs of people who use drugs (PWUD) and addressing health and safety concerns around geographically concentrated tent encampments. HRH sites are transitional supportive housing that adhere to a “housing first” approach where abstinence is not required and harm reduction services and supports are co-located. Despite the importance of HRH, the specific characteristics and operations of these sites are not well understood. This study sought to address this gap by cataloging the common features of Boston’s HRH sites to generate a comprehensive inventory tool for evaluating implementation of harm reduction strategies at transitional housing locations.
Methods
We collected data between June and September 2023 and included semi-structured qualitative interviews with HRH staff (n = 19), ethnographic observations and photos at six HRH sites. Candidate inventory components were derived through triangulation of the data. Two expert medical staff unaffiliated with data collection reviewed a draft inventory measuring awareness and utility of HRH inventory components. We then pilot tested the inventory with 3 HRH residents across two sites for readability and reliability. Inventory performance was further tested in a survey of 106 residents.
Results
HRH staff identified best practices, resources, and policies in HRH sites that were further contextualized with ethnographic field notes. Common to all were overdose prevention protocols, behavioral policies, security measures, and harm reduction supplies distribution. The initial 44-item inventory of services, policies and site best practices was further refined with expert and participant feedback and application, then finalized to generate a 32-item inventory. Residents identified and valued harm reduction services; medical supports were highly valued but less utilized.
Conclusion
The HRH inventory comprehensively assesses harm reduction provision and residents’ awareness and perceived helpfulness of HRH operational components. Characterizing the critical components of HRH through this tool will aid in standardizing the concept and practice of HRH for PWUD and may assist other cities in planning and implementing HRH.
Overview of styles, content, learning effects and attitudes of students towards digitally enhanced physiotherapy education – a scoping review
Authors: Pagels Larissa , Schindler Oskar , Luedtke Kerstin
Published: October 2024

Background
Digital competences are essential for lifelong learning, as highlighted by the European Commission and emphasized in the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unprecedented shift to online education, profoundly impacting fields like physiotherapy that heavily rely on practical skills. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of currently applied digitally enhanced learning methods, content, effectiveness and student perceptions in physiotherapy education.
Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews, a comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Web of Science, and ERIC, incorporating hand searches and expert consultations. Studies were included if they reported on any digital educational methods in physiotherapy education, involving clinical trials, observational studies, or case reports published in English or German from 2010 to February 2024. Data extraction focused on the digital tools that were used, the educational contents, individually measured outcomes, and the impact of digital education.
Results
Out of 2988 screened studies, 68 met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 7160 participants. These studies primarily used quantitative methods (n = 51), with a minority using qualitative (n = 7) or mixed methods (n = 6). Nearly half employed hybrid educational approaches. Outcomes measure included knowledge, performance, perception, satisfaction, and attitudes. Most studies reported positive impacts of digital education, particularly in knowledge transfer and skill performance. Synchronous and asynchronous methods were used, with varying success across theoretical and practical courses. Gamification and virtual reality emerged as promising tools for enhancing engagement and learning outcomes. However, challenges included the limited direct interaction and perceived self-efficacy among students.
Conclusion
Digital learning formats in physiotherapy education can enhance learning experiences and is generally welcomed by students, especially when blended with traditional methods. The integration of innovative digital strategies holds promise for the future of physiotherapy training, contingent on comprehensive support and training for educators and students alike.
Carbon materials based on lignin and their environmentally friendly applications
Authors: jaouadi mouna
Published: October 2024

The green revolution concept has accelerated the pace of innovation to avoid the use of materials that can harm the environment. In this work, the valorization of lignin and olive wastes was studied. Olive stone used to prepare activated carbons which are modified by lignin. The carbons were characterized by TGA-DTA, FTIR spectroscopy, adsorption-desorption of N2 at 77K, Boehm titration and the measure of pHPZC. FTIR results show the presence of some groups that confirm that carbons based lignin can be used as fertilizers. BET results show micro- mesoporous structure of carbons materials, they might be used as electrodes. Boehm titration shows the increase of phenolic groups in modified carbon, which confirms that lignin can be used as bio-composites. The thermal analyses show the high stability after lignin coating so the carbon based on lignin can be used as a green biofuel.
FPGA Design and Implementation for Montgomery Multiplication Algorithm Using MATLAB HDL Coder
Authors: Elsayed Ghada , Abass Eman
Published: October 2024

Background: Modular multiplication for large numbers is very important in cryptography algorithms such as RSA and Elliptic curves. The Montgomery algorithm is the most famous and efficient one for calculating it. Hardware implementation for cryptography co-processors is better than software implementation in terms of speed and security. Many FPGA Designs for the Montgomery Multiplication algorithm was published based on hardware description languages like VERILOG and VHDL. This paper proposes the FPGA Design and implementation using MATLAB HDL Coder.
Results: We modified the algorithm such that it can fit any small/Large FPGA by introducing scaling factor. The design is configurable in both modulus length and the scaling factor. This paper performs a comparison between the synthesizing results for different scales and for different modulus lengths. We synthesized up to 8K bit modulus length and we can increase it easily. In this paper we can implement different modulus lengths with different frequencies and with different area utilization. The design utilizes different area resources for each configuration. The target is xc7vx330t-2ffg1157 Virtex-7 Xilinx FPGA. The maximum frequency is 80.81MHz for 4K bit modulus length with 8-bit data width and 2 serialization factor. The minimum area utilization is achieved for minimum configurations i.e. 1kbit modulus length with 8-bit data width and for unity serialization factor.
Conclusions: In this paper, we propose an efficient and configurable FPGA Design for Montgomery Multiplication Co-processor based HDL coder design.
Analysis of Bacterial Diversity in Street Food and Its Functional Gene Pathways Based on Metagenomic Technology
Authors: Li Ke , Hu Xuefeng , Zhang Ailin , Zhang Duanyin , Li Xiaodan
Published: October 2024

Street food has become the top choice in people's lives due to its convenience and variety. However, the safety issues of street food are also becoming increasingly prominent. To understand the composition of the microbial community in street food and predict its functional genes, this study randomly selected 70 samples of seven types of food around colleges and universities, including snack foods (fried and baked foods), cooked food products, pastries, cold dishes, beverages, staple foods (rice and flour foods), and salad sushi. These 70 samples were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing using mutagenic high - throughput sequencing technology, focusing on the composition and diversity of microbial communities in different street foods and gene functional prediction. The results showed that the highest richness values of Chao1, ACE, and Shannon were observed in snacks (SN), while the lowest were in salad (SA). The highest Simpson richness value was found in snacks (SN), and the lowest in sulla (SU). A total of nine bacterial phyla were identified from the seven food samples, involving 152 bacterial genera, with nine of them being shared genera. The dominant genera in MF, SF, SU, BE, and SA were Pantoea, Weissella, Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas, respectively. KEGG functional gene prediction for the seven food samples indicated that the microorganisms in these samples were mainly associated with six major groups and 35 secondary - level metabolic pathways. These pathways are mainly related to six major functional categories (KEGG level 1), namely metabolism, genetic information processing, information processing, cellular processes, human diseases, and organism systems. The results of this study will not only assist consumers in choosing street food but also provide new ideas for the future safety evaluation of street food.
Performance and emission evaluation of a CRDI diesel engine powered with a novel ternary blend of diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol: A sustainable waste-to-energy approach
Authors: Kumar Manish , Ansari Naushad Ahmad , Gautam Raghvendra
Published: October 2024

Biodiesel shows promise as a substitute fuel for combustion ignition engines, but challenges such as poor low-temperature flow properties, high viscosity, and cost constraints limit its potential. To address these issues, researchers are exploring the utilization of Diesel-biodiesel-ethanol (DBE) blends. In this study, the impact of diesel with biodiesel obtained from (waste cooking oil (WCO) and waste plastic oil (WPO)) and ethanol was examined on a single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 3.2kW power CRDI (Common rail direct injection) diesel engine under various loads. The research also investigates the impact of cold Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) rates of 7% and 14%. In this work, WCO biodiesel is obtained through a two-step esterification process meeting ASTM standards. The D40CB10E10 blend demonstrates the highest BTE among the biodiesel blends. EGT decreases with rising ethanol content, while CO, CO2, and HC emissions are minimum for DBE blends compared to diesel. The D60CB20E20 blend shows the lowest NOx emissions due to ethanol's vaporization heat, and smoke density is lower for (WCO + WPO) biodiesel. These findings highlight the positive impact of DBE blends on the environment by improving efficiency and reducing emissions. It also shows that these blends may be used as a replacement for conventional diesel fuel without any modifications in the existing engine.
A structure-based virtual screening study to identify potential inhibitors targeting the TKB domain of CBL-B
Authors: Elsabbagh Sherif
Published: October 2024

CBL-B is an E3-ubiquitin ligase that serves a key role in modulating immune response by negatively inhibiting effector T-cell activation. Inhibitors of CBL-B would be an effective way for immune activation, making it a promising target for cancer immunotherapy and other related immune diseases. In this study, we sought to identify potential inhibitors of CBL-B through structure-based virtual screening, molecular docking, ADMET analysis, molecular dynamics simulation, and MM/GBSA calculations. A diverse set of compounds was screened against CBL-B using molecular docking augmented by a machine-learning scoring function (RF-score). The top leads were further evaluated for their ADMET properties resulting in three compounds that were subjected to a 100 ns MD simulation. MD results revealed the stability of protein-ligand complexes. Finally, MM/GBSA calculations resulted in higher free binding energy for the three compounds compared to the cocrystallized ligand, implying better affinity towards CBL-B and suggesting the use of these compounds as novel inhibitors of CBL-B.