bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pathology of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy: tissue specific changes as a clue to pathophysiology
Authors: Yska Hemmo A.F. , Engelen Marc , Bugiani Marianna
Published: March 2024

Although the pathology of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is well described, it represents the end-stage of neurodegeneration. It is still unclear what cell types are initially involved and what their role is in the disease process. Revisiting the seminal post-mortem studies from the 1970s can generate new hypotheses on pathophysiology. This review describes (histo)pathological changes of the brain and spinal cord in ALD. It aims at integrating older works with current insights and at providing an overarching theory on the pathophysiology of ALD. The data point to an important role for axons and glia in the pathology of both the myelopathy and leukodystrophy of ALD. In-depth pathological analyses with new techniques could help further unravel the sequence of events behind the pathology of ALD.
DGet! An open source deuteration calculator for mass spectrometry data
Authors: Lockwood Thomas E. , Angeloski Alexander
Published: March 2024

DGet! is an open-source analysis package written in Python for calculating the degree of deuterium enrichment in isotopically labelled molecules using mass spectrometric data. The nuclear properties of deuterium make it a valuable tracer in metabolic studies and an excellent contrast agent in nuclear spectroscopies. Determination of molecular deuteration levels is typically performed using mass spectrometry, however software options to perform these calculations are scarce. The in-house scripts and spreadsheets currently used rarely account for isotopic interferences from 13C or multi-isotopic elements that impact deuteration calculations. DGet! removes isotopic interferences using de-convolution and both the isotopological makeup and overall deuteration level can be accurately recovered. The software is available as command line and web applications that take a molecular formula and mass spectrometry data and output a graphical representation of the degree of deuteration as well as the distribution of partially deuterated analogues. These applications are designed to be easy to use and enable superior characterisation of deuterated molecules for users of all levels of expertise, without the limitations of techniques currently used by the majority of deuteration laboratories and researchers.

Graphical Abstract
Performance evaluation of pair selection algorithms in device-to-device communication using relay-assisted techniques
Authors: Omar Abdullahi Adan , Nadar Kannan Pauliah , Vivekanand Chettiyar Vani , Devi E. Anna , Xavier A. Jasmine , Inbamalar T. M. , Therase L. Magthelin , Vanitha J. , Sonia C. Andrews , Rose J. Binisha
Published: March 2024

Communication services that are dependable are crucial, particularly during emergencies when the regular infrastructure for communication may be disrupted or nonexistent. In such situations, device-to-device (D2D) communication can be a helpful choice since it allows user equipment (UE) that is close to one another to connect directly, bypassing the cellular network infrastructure. The primary focus of this thesis is the application of D2D communication in a decentralized emergency scenario with a damaged eNodeB. The main objective is to find an appropriate strategy for finding and selecting D2D couples by simulating several methods in MATLAB. This study compares three D2D pair selection algorithms: distance-based, Signal-to-Interference and Noise Ratio (SINR)-based, and data rate-based distance-based. The simulation results show that the data rate-based strategy is the most effective method for selecting D2D couples in emergency scenarios. In contrast to algorithms that rely on distance and SINR, this one reduces the chance of an outage by 20%. Bit error rate (BER), capacity, spectral efficiency, and energy efficiency are the three types of links that are assessed: direct links, relay links, and UE relay links. The results show that, with the lowest BER and maximum data throughput, the direct link is the most reliable and efficient communication option. However, the relay connection and the UE relay link show better overall spectral efficiency in comparison to the direct link, indicating their ability to transport more data per unit of bandwidth. The option that consumes the least energy among the three is the direct link. The study demonstrates the great potential of D2D communication in emergency scenarios where conventional communication infrastructure may not be available. The direct link is the most dependable and effective alternative for communication, according to the data, although the UE link can still function effectively in the event that the direct link is compromised. The data rate-based method is a useful strategy for finding and choosing D2D partners. The results of this study can direct the development of D2D emergency communication solutions in 5G networks.
Singular perturbation boundary and interior layers problems with multiple turning points
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Wang Na
Published: March 2024

In the study of singularly perturbed boundary problems with turning points, the solution undergoes sharp changes near these points and exhibits various interior phenomena. We employ the matching asymptotic expansion method to analyze and solve a singularly perturbed boundary and interior layers problem with multiple turning points, resulting in a composite expansion that fits well with the numerical solution. The solution demonstrates a strong association with special functions, which is verified by the theory of differential inequalities.
A nomogram prediction model for hungry bone syndrome in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism after total parathyroidectomy
Authors: Gao Dan , Liu Yali , Cui Wenpeng , Lu Xuehong , Lou Yan
Published: March 2024

Objective

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) after parathyroidectomy (PTX) is a serious complication, which can lead to diarrhea, convulsion, arrhythmia and even death. This study was aimed to determine the risk factors for HBS after PTX in dialysis patients with SHPT and construct a nomogram prediction model to predict the incidence of postoperative complications.

Methods

Clinical data were collected from 80 maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with SHPT who received total PTX in the Second Hospital of Jilin University from January 2018 to September 2021. In line with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, totally 75 patients were finally enrolled for analysis. Patients were divided into two groups for retrospective analysis according to the severity of postoperative HBS, including HBS group and non-HBS (N-HBS) group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors for postoperative HBS. Afterwards, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted based on the statistical analysis results, aiming to compare the prediction effects of different predicting factors. Finally, the nomogram was established to evaluate the occurrence probability of postoperative complications predicted by the risk factors.

Results

Among the 75 patients, 32 had HBS (HBS group), while 43 did not have HBS (N-HBS group). Univariate analysis results indicated that, the preoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in HBS group were significantly higher than those in N-HBS group, while preoperative hemoglobin and preoperative albumin (Alb) levels were significantly lower than those in N-HBS group. As discovered by multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative iPTH (OR = 1.111, P = 0.029) and ALP (OR = 1.010, P < 0.001) were the independent risk factors for postoperative HBS. ROC curve analysis suggested that the area under the curve (AUC) values of these two indicators were 0.873 and 0.926, respectively (P < 0.0001). Subsequently, the nomogram model for predicting HBS was constructed. The model verification results indicated that the predicted values were basically consistent with the measured values, with the C-index of 0.943 (95% CI 0.892–0.994). Besides, the calibration curve was consistent with the ideal curve, demonstrating the favorable accuracy and discrimination of the model.

Conclusions

Preoperative iPTH and preoperative ALP are the risk factors for postoperative HBS, which can be used to guide the early clinical intervention.
HCC portal hypertension imaging score derived from CT predicts re-bleeding and mortality after acute variceal bleeding
Authors: Zhao Mingyuan , Zhang Binyue , Shi Jianqiang , Tang Xiaoxian , Li Hongxia , Li Shengwen , Yang Yunfeng , Han Yi , Wang Rong , Xun Jian , Zhang Kai , Wu Xirun , Zhao Jiang
Published: March 2024

Background/Purpose

Risk factors for re-bleeding and death after acute variceal bleeding (AVB) in cirrhotic HCC patients are not fully understood.We aimed to (1) explore how the combination of high-risk esophageal varices, HCC status, and portal vein tumor thrombus (i.e., HCC Portal Hypertension Imaging Score [HCCPHTIS]) helps predict increased risk of variceal re-bleeding and mortality; (2) assess predictability and reproducibility of the identified variceal re-bleeding rules.

Methods

This prospective study included 195 HCC patients with first-time AVB and liver cirrhosis, and conducted multivariable Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was calculated to find the optimal sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values of the variables. The reproducibility of the results obtained was verified in a different but related group of patients.

Results

56 patients (28.7%) had re-bleeding within 6 weeks; HCCPHTIS was an independent risk factor for variceal re-bleeding after AVB (Odd ratio, 2.330; 95% confidence interval: 1.728–3.142, p < 0.001). The positive predictive value of HCCPHTIS cut off value > 3 was 66.2%, sensitivity 83.9%, and specificity 82.3%. HCCPHTIS area under the curve was higher than Child-Pugh score (89% vs. 75%, p < 0.001). 74(37.9%) death occurred within 6 weeks; HCCPHTIS > 4 was associated with increased risk of death within 6 weeks after AVB (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

HCCPHTIS > 3 is a strong predictor of variceal re-bleeding within the first 6 weeks. However, patients with HCCPHTIS > 4 were at increased risk of death within 6 weeks.
The value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting severity of coronary involvement and long-term outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shahsanaei Farzad , Abbaszadeh Shahin , Behrooj Soudabeh , Rahimi Petrudi Nima , Ramezani Bahareh
Published: March 2024

Background

The value of counting inflammatory cells and especially their counting ratio in predicting adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing revascularization has been shown, but the results of studies have been very diverse and paradoxical. The aim of the current study was to systematically review the studies that investigated the role of increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Data abstraction was independently performed by both un-blinded reviewers on deeply assessing Medline, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and using the relevant keywords. The risk of bias for each study was assessed using the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the QUADAS-2 tool. Statistical analysis was performed using the Stata software. Overall, 14 articles published between 2010 and 2021 were eligible for the final analysis.

Results

A total of 20,846 ACS patients undergoing PCI were included. Higher values of NLR were associated with higher numbers of involved coronaries (RR: 1.175, 95%CI 1.021–1.353, P = 0.024). Increasing the value of NLR was associated with a 3.4 times increase in long-term death (RR: 3.424, 95%CI 2.325–5.025, P = 0.001). Similarly, higher values of NLR were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of long-term MACE (RR: 2.604, 95%CI 1.736–3.906, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

NLR has a high value in predicting both the severity of coronary artery involvement and long-term adverse clinical outcomes following the PCI procedure.
Oxaliplatin-Based Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Older Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer: An ACCENT/IDEA Pooled Analysis of 12 Trials
Authors: Gallois Claire , Shi Qian , Pederson Levi D. , André Thierry , Iveson Timothy J. , Sobrero Alberto F. , Alberts Steven , de Gramont Aimery , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , George Thomas , Schmoll Hans-Joachim E. , Souglakos Ioannis , Harkin Andrea , Labianca Roberto , Sinicrope Frank A. , Oki Eiji , Shields Anthony F. , Boukovinas Ioannis , Kerr Rachel , Lonardi Sara , Yothers Greg , Yoshino Takayuki , Goldberg Richard M. , Taieb Julien , Papamichael Demetris
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE

A number of studies suggest that older patients may have reduced or no benefit from the addition of oxaliplatin to fluoropyrimidines as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer (CC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied the prognostic impact of age, as well as treatment adherence/toxicity patterns according to age, in patients with stage III CC who received 3 or 6 months of infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin/capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) on the basis of data collected from trials from the ACCENT and IDEA databases. Associations between age and time to recurrence (TTR), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), survival after recurrence (SAR), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were assessed by a Cox model or a competing risk model, stratified by studies and adjusted for sex, performance status, T and N stage, and year of enrollment.

RESULTS

A total of 17,909 patients were included; 24% of patients were age older than 70 years (n = 4,340). Patients age ≥70 years had higher rates of early treatment discontinuation. Rates of grade ≥3 adverse events were similar between those older and younger than 70 years, except for diarrhea and neutropenia that were more frequent in older patients treated with CAPOX (14.2% v 11.2%; P = .01 and 12.1% v 9.6%; P = .04, respectively). In multivariable analysis, TTR was not significantly different between patients <70 years and those ≥70 years, but DFS, OS, SAR, and CSS were significantly shorter in those patients ≥70 years.

CONCLUSION

In patients ≥70 years with stage III CC fit enough to be enrolled in clinical trials, oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy was well tolerated and led to similar TTR compared with younger patients, suggesting similar efficacy. TTR may be a more appropriate end point for efficacy in this patient population.
Clay
Authors: Newell Penny Harvey
Published: March 2024

What is the ontologizing effect of a care framework? And how can clay cease to insist on itself as an abstracted medium of self-making? The artists Jade Montserrat, Chinasa Vivian Ezugha, and Cassils each work clay as a material in their performance. Their toil of working with this organic material signals to the work of self-care as maintenance and ecological maintenance, a sign of the forces of reproduction that may befall marginalized people and communities within the collective care of the earth. Drawing up an analysis of the maintenance work of these three clay performances, this article builds toward an ecocritical framework that takes account of the literal dimensions of what might otherwise fall into the trappings of an abstract, conceptual affinity. That is, existing as conceptually closer to nonhuman nature carries duties and responsibilities, labor and toil, burdens of care, self-care, maintenance, and the sweaty, untidy, unraveling, by nature always unfinished work of recovery. The article explores a notion of transactional care, asking after the distributed ontologizing effect, the widened field of enclosure, and the matrices of legibility that earth-care paradigms might afford.
Signaling Effects Under Dynamic Capacity in Online Matching Platforms: Evidence from Online Health Consultation Communities
Authors: Chen Liwei , Rai Arun , Chen Wei , Guo Xitong
Published: March 2024

Online Health Consultation Communities (OHCCs) have emerged as vital platforms connecting patients with physicians for online consultations. However, finding the right match between patients and physicians can be tricky due to physicians’ changing capacity to consult on the OHCC. Our study delves into how signals provided by OHCCs on physicians’ professional status and behaviors can help make these matches successful, especially when considering their capacity fluctuations. We differentiate between two types of signals pertaining to physicians–owned, pertaining to their professional status, and earned, pertaining to their OHCC activity and patient reviews of the physician. Employing a Hidden Markov Model to analyze data from a large OHCC on physicians’ voluntary online consultations with patients, we find the role of the signals in efficient matching to be contingent on the capacity state of the physician. Physicians’ professional status is particularly important when they have less time available, and showing active participation in the community can make the status even more impactful. Conversely, when physicians have more availability, patient feedback becomes crucial, even diminish the importance of professional status. These insights suggest that OHCCs should tailor how information on physicians’ professional status and patient feedback are presented depending on physicians’ availability as this can help patients to make better choices. By being active in the OHCC and earning favorable patient feedback, physicians with more availability can improve their attractiveness to patients, even offsetting concerns that can stem from the lack of seniority of the physician. The findings underscore the need for OHCCs to develop signaling and matching mechanisms that consider the capacity of physicians, thereby fostering efficient and satisfactory patient-physician consultations.
Anticholinergic toxidrome due to thorn apple seed ingestion in an elderly couple
Authors: van Gastel Pepijn , Dijkstra Jildou N. , Jacob Mina A. , Schouten Jeroen A. , Kok Bram
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Sudden onset of reduced consciousness, psychomotor agitation and mydriasis are all indicative of an anticholinergic toxidrome. It is important to note that numerous drugs, as well as certain herbs and plants, possess anticholinergic properties. Case description: An 84-year-old female patient had sudden nocturnal onset of uncoordinated hand movements and altered mental status. Shortly after, the patient’s 83-year-old husband developed symptoms of dysarthria, gait ataxia, vertigo, and delirium. Conclusion: Anticholinergic syndrome consists of a combination of central and peripheral anticholinergic symptoms. Physostigmine given intravenously resulted in rapid reversal of symptoms. Thorn apple seeds had been accidentally ingested and were identified as the cause.
Key theories
Authors: Willis Richard
Published: March 2024

In this second article in the series about Friedrich Froebel, Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, outlines some of Froebel's key theories and the philosophy behind his ideas for education.
Using video
Authors: Mickelburgh Juliet , Kilgour Stephen
Published: March 2024

As technology becomes more ubiquitous in settings, video can give a unique insight into how children are responding to different aspects of your provision. Juliet Mickelburgh, education adviser at Tapestry and content editor for the Foundation Stage Forum, and Stephen Kilgour, SEND advisor and outreach teacher for the Foundation Stage Forum, share their suggestions for how video can be used to support professional development for the whole team.
Vascular access for haemodialysis
Authors: Mantle David
Published: March 2024

David Mantle discusses the various vascular access options for patients undergoing haemodialysis
Frictional Slip and Incremental Dynamic Analysis of Plate-rubber Bearing Continuous Girder Bridge by Ambient Temperature in Cold Region
Authors: Hongwei Jiang , Wei Qiao , Xiaojian Xu , Guangtao Xin
Published: March 2024

Special mechanical environment, the environmental temperature or stress transformation easily to the final mechanical properties of the bridge components performance changes. The impact of the cold zone environment on the plate rubber-bearing beams is the object of study, Jining Road refined mechanics finite element analysis of the structural dynamic response study under seismic action. The results show that low temperature leads to bearing friction slip and material parameter changes, which affects the self-oscillation frequency and seismic susceptibility of the bridge. Due to the temperature-induced changes in the material properties and mechanical properties of the bearings, the first principal period of the bridge increases by 3% at high temperature for the EH and decreases by 19% at low temperature for the EL when compared to the first principal period under normal temperature conditions. Under different extreme temperature conditions, the fundamental period of the bridge is longitudinal, and the effective mode vibration participation mass is more than 90%. The maximum crossover frequency VALmax reaches 75.6 dB. Compared with room temperature, the bearing stress increased by 27.6% to 45.5%. The effect of EL stress change should be considered in the design of bridges in the alpine region.
Promotion of anti-values in social media discourse – a threat to the proper functioning of society
Authors: Banaszak Artur
Published: March 2024

Objectives

The main subject of this article is the harmful influence of some content of social media and the threat related to this content. The research hypothesis is given, that social media are promoting anti-values which may be harmful for society and therefore, some action should be taken to prevent this situation. Article discusses such issues as values and anti-values, the phenomenon of influencer. Some examples of harmful content given by social media also are presented.

Material and methods

Article discusses such issues as values and anti-values, the phenomenon of influencer. Some examples of harmful content given by social media also are presented. The main research method used in this article is the analyzes of different content of social media.

Results

The result is to show the some social media content can be the destructive and bring threats to proper finctioning of society.

Conclusions

The conclusion of the article is that there is a need and even an obligation to fight with the promotion of those anti-values also on legal ground.
Implementation and Challenge of Supported Employment for People With Disabilities in China
Authors: Gong Yan , Xu Su Qiong
Published: March 2024

The Chinese government initiated a pilot program to implement supported employment for people with disabilities in 2014. Since then, policies have been enacted to promote supported employment. This study explored how practitioners understand and implement supported employment for people with disabilities in China. It was found that non-governmental service organizations have mainly implemented supported employment with financial support provided by local disabled persons’ federations; without a governmental guide, the small-scale folk practice presented many difficulties and unstable factors. Results indicated that the Chinese government should actively establish and improve the supported employment system and further expand supported employment practices at the governmental level.
Healthy Nutrition for Adults With Intellectual Disability: Piloting a Mobile Health Application and Self-Management Intervention
Authors: Savage Melissa N. , Candelaria Alexandra E.
Published: March 2024

While there are many benefits to healthy nutrition, adults with intellectual disability often have poor nutrition habits. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the use of a nutrition app and self-management intervention to increase awareness of healthy nutrition choices for adults with intellectual disability. Data was gathered on the effectiveness of the intervention and social validity of intervention components. Through a single-case multiple-baseline across participants design, the mobile nutrition app with self-management intervention was effective in increasing awareness of healthier nutrition items for three adults with an intellectual disability. Future research is needed to replicate and generalize findings, as well as explore additional supports that may be needed for individuals who have more extensive support needs.
Outcomes for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Receiving Long-Term Services and Supports: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Carlson Sarah R. , Munandar Vidya , Thompson James R.
Published: March 2024

The impact of long-term services and supports on the quality of life of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is not well understood given the highly complex nature of researching this topic. To support future research addressing this topic, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies addressing outcomes of adults with IDD receiving long-term services and supports. Results of this review describe current outcomes for adults with IDD who receive long-term services and supports and can be used to inform program evaluation, policy development, and future research.
Prejudice: Complicit and Implicit
Authors: Mahon Eugene J.
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Prejudice could be defined as an irrational sense of superiority, an ironic expression of an unconscious feeling of inferiority that claims paradoxically that one human identity is worthier than another. Implicit prejudice would suggest the unconscious nature of a bias within an individual, whereas complicit prejudice would suggest a shared bias within a family, or group, or even a whole society. The two (implicit and complicit) are intimately connected, of course, and how they influence each other can be explored. The cultural disease called prejudice has been with us forever and there is no cure in sight. Psychoanalysis itself is not immune to it, and “physician heal thyself” must be considered, even as the psychoanalyst puts pen to paper. Prejudice is an expression of hatred that the science of psychoanalysis tries to study on the most granular level, so that each individual human ego can understand, possess, and embrace its barbaric animal nature without disowning, and attacking in the other, what it dares not see in itself and call its own.
Horizontal free-space optical link with CubeISL over 143  km
Authors: Nonay Jorge Rosano , Rüddenklau René , Sinn Andreas , Jakobs Jan Paul , Berlitz Jonas , Rödiger Benjamin , Schitter Georg
Published: March 2024

Recent advancements in free-space optical (FSO) communications are enabling a breakthrough in satellite miniaturization and data transfer rates. The CubeISL laser communication terminal (LCT), a development of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), is set to showcase inter-satellite links at 100 Mbps and downlinks at 1 Gbps once it launches in 2025. This technology aims to establish itself as the cutting-edge solution for efficient CubeSat communications, delivering high data rates. To validate its capabilities, the terminal underwent rigorous testing in a 143 km FSO link between the astronomical sites of La Palma and Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The European Space Agency’s Optical Ground Station emulated downlinks, while the communication between two LCTs simulated inter-satellite links. This paper outlines the current developmental stage of the CubeISL LCT and presents the outcomes of its horizontal link demonstration.
Mid-infrared interferometry with non-adiabatic tapered ZBLAN optical fiber
Authors: Anelli Francesco , Annunziato Andrea , Loconsole Antonella Maria , Francione Vito Vincenzo , Cozic Solenn , Poulain Samuel , Prudenzano Francesco
Published: March 2024

This work illustrates, to the best of our knowledge, the first non-adiabatic tapered single-mode zirconium fluoride optical fiber sensor in the mid-infrared spectral range. It is designed and fabricated via pulling and heating technique. A waist diameter d
w
 = 25 µm with no visible crystallization is achieved, overcoming the typical fluoride glass challenges associated with crystallization, narrow temperature fabrication window, and low glass transition temperature. The performance of the non-adiabatic tapered optical fiber is theoretically and experimentally investigated, demonstrating its high potential for a wide range of sensing applications in the mid-infrared spectral range.
Athermalization of a lens system by glass selection using simulated annealing with memory augmentation
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Liu Muqing
Published: March 2024

In contrast to the current athermal map's lack of intuitiveness, we introduce a novel composite athermal map to visually evaluate the potential of lens system glass materials in achieving athermal and achromatic designs. Furthermore, unlike graphically manual methods for athermalization, we propose an automatic method to athermalize the optical system by glass selection using simulated annealing with memory augmentation (GlaSAM). This method employs a comprehensive objective function that integrates thermal aberration, chromatic aberration, secondary spectrum aberration, and Petzval curvature aberration. Weight factors are introduced to evaluate each aberration in the function, and filters are applied to streamline the search space. Additionally, the augmentation of memory into the optimization algorithm not only enhances its efficiency but also safeguards against overlooking solutions with superior imaging quality. To test the advantage of the GlaSAM method, a complex telephoto design is optimized to function across a temperature range from -40°C to 70°C, and the results demonstrate the efficacy of athermalizing the lens system while preserving exceptional imaging performance through this proposed method.
A high-accuracy segmentation Hybrid method for retinal blood vessel detection in Fluorescein Angiography images of real Diabetic Retinopathy patients
Authors: Zare Hoda , Ramezanzadeh Esmat , Shoeibi Naser , Shariati Mehrdad Motamed , Rabbani Hossein , Hosseini Seyedeh Maryam , Astaneh MohammadReza Ansari , toosi seyed mohammad hosein Bahreyni
Published: March 2024

This study aims to develop an advanced automatic method to enhance the accuracy of blood vessel segmentation in Fundus Fluorescein angiography FFA images of patients with real Diabetic retinopathy (DR) during both early and late phases. A prospective randomized study of 280 eyes of 87 DR patients at various stages was included in this study. our approach involved using four different image enhancement techniques (Histogram equalization (HE), CLAHE, RMSHE, Proposed method (CLAHE+RMSHE)) and for each enhancement except HE, four thresholding methods including the proposed method (Modified Active Contour(MAC)+ IsoData), C-mean Fuzzy, Isodata, and MAC + otsu thresholding that are commonly used in eye fundus images across different datasets. The effectiveness of segmentation was evaluated using three metrics: Dice (early: 0.84±0.05, late:0.84±0.03), Jaccard (early:0.73±0.06, late:0.74±0.05), and BF score (early:0.98±0.02, late:0.97±0.02). We found that the RMSHE method was more effective in the late phase, while the combined CLAHE+RMSHE method worked better in the early phase. The best segmentation results for both early and late phases were achieved using a blood vessel segmentation approach based on the MAC + IsoData thresholding.
HMGB2 Promotes De Novo Lipogenesis to Accelerate Hepatocyte Proliferation During Liver Regeneration
Authors: Choijookhuu Narantsog , Yano Koichi , Lkham-Erdene Baljinnyam , Shirouzu Shinichiro , Kubota Toshiki , Fidya  , Ishizuka Takumi , Kai Kengo , Chosa Etsuo , Hishikawa Yoshitaka
Published: March 2024

Liver regeneration is a well-orchestrated compensatory process that is regulated by multiple factors. We recently reported the importance of the chromatin protein, a high-mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) in mouse liver regeneration. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to study how HMGB2 regulates hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration. Seventy-percent partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed in wild-type (WT) and HMGB2-knockout (KO) mice, and the liver tissues were used for microarray, immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blotting analyses. In the WT mice, HMGB2-positive hepatocytes colocalized with cell proliferation markers. In the HMGB2-KO mice, hepatocyte proliferation was significantly decreased. Oil Red O staining revealed the transient accumulation of lipid droplets at 12–24 hr after PHx in the WT mouse livers. In contrast, decreased amount of lipid droplets were found in HMGB2-KO mouse livers, and it was preserved until 36 hr. The microarray, immunohistochemistry, and qPCR results demonstrated that the expression of lipid metabolism–related genes was significantly decreased in the HMGB2-KO mouse livers. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that a decrease in the amount of lipid droplets correlated with decreased cell proliferation activity in HMGB2-knockdown cells. HMGB2 promotes de novo lipogenesis to accelerate hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration:
The multi-dimensional challenges of controlling respiratory virus transmission in indoor spaces: Insights from the linkage of a microscopic pedestrian simulation and SARS-CoV-2 transmission model
Authors: Atamer Balkan Büsra , Chang You , Sparnaaij Martijn , Wouda Berend , Boschma Doris , Liu Yangfan , Yuan Yufei , Daamen Winnie , de Jong Mart C. M. , Teberg Colin , Schachtschneider Kevin , Sikkema Reina S. , van Veen Linda , Duives Dorine , ten Bosch Quirine A.
Published: March 2024

SARS-CoV-2 transmission in indoor spaces, where most infection events occur, depends on the types and duration of human interactions, among others. Understanding how these human behaviours interface with virus characteristics to drive pathogen transmission and dictate the outcomes of non-pharmaceutical interventions is important for the informed and safe use of indoor spaces. To better understand these complex interactions, we developed the Pedestrian Dynamics—Virus Spread model (PeDViS), an individual-based model that combines pedestrian behaviour models with virus spread models incorporating direct and indirect transmission routes. We explored the relationships between virus exposure and the duration, distance, respiratory behaviour, and environment in which interactions between infected and uninfected individuals took place and compared this to benchmark ‘at risk’ interactions (1.5 metres for 15 minutes). When considering aerosol transmission, individuals adhering to distancing measures may be at risk due to the buildup of airborne virus in the environment when infected individuals spend prolonged time indoors. In our restaurant case, guests seated at tables near infected individuals were at limited risk of infection but could, particularly in poorly ventilated places, experience risks that surpass that of benchmark interactions. Combining interventions that target different transmission routes can aid in accumulating impact, for instance by combining ventilation with face masks. The impact of such combined interventions depends on the relative importance of transmission routes, which is hard to disentangle and highly context dependent. This uncertainty should be considered when assessing transmission risks upon different types of human interactions in indoor spaces. We illustrated the multi-dimensionality of indoor SARS-CoV-2 transmission that emerges from the interplay of human behaviour and the spread of respiratory viruses. A modelling strategy that incorporates this in risk assessments can help inform policy makers and citizens on the safe use of indoor spaces with varying inter-human interactions.
Climate factors associated with cancer incidence: An ecological study covering 33 cancers from population-based registries in 37 countries
Authors: Wang Haowen , Zeng Hongmei , Miao Hui , Shu Chang , Guo Yuming , Ji John S.
Published: March 2024

Cancer etiology is multifactorial, with climate change and environmental factors such as extreme weather events and ozone layer destruction potentially increasing cancer risk. Investigating climate factors with cancer incidence can provide valuable insights for prevention and future disease burden prediction. We conducted a population-based ecological study using data from the World Health Organization’s Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5plus, 89 cancer registries from 1998 to 2012) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER, 607 US counties from 2000 to 2018) Program. We tracked climate factors through satellite-based remote sensing, including green space, stratospheric ozone concentration, solar radiation, precipitation, and temperature. We performed linear panel regression models to estimate the effects of both long-term exposure, lag effect, and change rate of climate factors on cancer incidences. We adjusted for smoking prevalence, air pollution, and gross domestic product (GDP) per capita to account for potential confounding factors. Our study included more than 430 million underlying populations across 37 countries. Higher green space exposure (per 0.1-unit normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI) was associated with decreased incidence of lung cancer (up to 6.66 cases [95%CI 4.38–8.93] per 100,000) and prostate cancer (up to 10.84 cases [95% CI 7.73–13.95] per 100,000). Increased solar radiation was associated with a higher incidence of melanoma, but a lower incidence of prostate cancer. No evidence was found to suggest associations between temperature or precipitation and cancer incidence. However, a rapid increase in temperature was linked to higher incidences of corpus uteri cancer and melanoma. Long-term exposure and rapid changes in climate factors may influence changes in cancer incidence, particularly lung and prostate cancers. While some associations were supported by existing evidence (such as solar radiation and melanoma), further research is necessary to investigate the etiology of novel cancer risk factors.
Impact of the UK soft drinks industry levy on health and health inequalities in children and adolescents in England: An interrupted time series analysis and population health modelling study
Authors: Cobiac Linda J. , Rogers Nina T. , Adams Jean , Cummins Steven , Smith Richard , Mytton Oliver , White Martin , Scarborough Peter
Published: March 2024

Background

The soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) in the United Kingdom has led to a significant reduction in household purchasing of sugar in drinks. In this study, we examined the potential medium- and long-term implications for health and health inequalities among children and adolescents in England.

Methods and findings

We conducted a controlled interrupted time series analysis to measure the effects of the SDIL on the amount of sugar per household per week from soft drinks purchased, 19 months post implementation and by index of multiple deprivation (IMD) quintile in England. We modelled the effect of observed sugar reduction on body mass index (BMI), dental caries, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in children and adolescents (0 to 17 years) by IMD quintile over the first 10 years following announcement (March 2016) and implementation (April 2018) of the SDIL. Using a lifetable model, we simulated the potential long-term impact of these changes on life expectancy for the current birth cohort and, using regression models with results from the IMD-specific lifetable models, we calculated the impact of the SDIL on the slope index of inequality (SII) in life expectancy. The SDIL was found to have reduced sugar from purchased drinks in England by 15 g/household/week (95% confidence interval: −10.3 to −19.7). The model predicts these reductions in sugar will lead to 3,600 (95% uncertainty interval: 946 to 6,330) fewer dental caries and 64,100 (54,400 to 73,400) fewer children and adolescents classified as overweight or obese, in the first 10 years after implementation. The changes in sugar purchasing and predicted impacts on health are largest for children and adolescents in the most deprived areas (Q1: 11,000 QALYs [8,370 to 14,100] and Q2: 7,760 QALYs [5,730 to 9,970]), while children and adolescents in less deprived areas will likely experience much smaller simulated effects (Q3: −1,830 QALYs [−3,260 to −501], Q4: 652 QALYs [−336 to 1,680], Q5: 1,860 QALYs [929 to 2,890]). If the simulated effects of the SDIL are sustained over the life course, it is predicted there will be a small but significant reduction in slope index of inequality: 0.76% (95% uncertainty interval: −0.9 to −0.62) for females and 0.94% (−1.1 to −0.76) for males.

Conclusions

We predict that the SDIL will lead to medium-term reductions in dental caries and overweight/obesity, and long-term improvements in life expectancy, with the greatest benefits projected for children and adolescents from more deprived areas. This study provides evidence that the SDIL could narrow health inequalities for children and adolescents in England.
Transcriptomics analysis of the bovine endometrium during the perioestrus period
Authors: Alfattah Mohammed A. , Correia Carolina N. , Browne John A. , McGettigan Paul A. , Pluta Katarzyna , Carrington Stephen D. , MacHugh David E. , Irwin Jane A.
Published: March 2024

During the oestrous cycle, the bovine endometrium undergoes morphological and functional changes, which are regulated by alterations in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone and consequent changes in gene expression. To clarify these changes before and after oestrus, RNA-seq was used to profile the transcriptome of oestrus-synchronized beef heifers. Endometrial samples were collected from 29 animals, which were slaughtered in six groups beginning 12 h after the withdrawal of intravaginal progesterone releasing devices until seven days post-oestrus onset (luteal phase). The groups represented proestrus, early oestrus, metoestrus and early dioestrus (luteal phase). Changes in gene expression were estimated relative to gene expression at oestrus. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used to identify canonical pathways and functional processes of biological importance. A total of 5,845 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The lowest number of DEGs was observed at the 12 h post-oestrus time point, whereas the greatest number was observed at Day 7 post-oestrus onset (luteal phase). A total of 2,748 DEGs at this time point did not overlap with any other time points. Prior to oestrus,Neurological diseaseandOrganismal injury and abnormalitiesappeared among the top IPA diseases and functions categories, with upregulation of genes involved in neurogenesis. Lipid metabolism was upregulated before oestrus and downregulated at 48h post-oestrus, at which point an upregulation of immune-related pathways was observed. In contrast, in the luteal phase theLipid metabolismandSmall molecule biochemistry pathwayswere upregulated.
Stochastic modeling of a gene regulatory network driving B cell development in germinal centers
Authors: Koshkin Alexey , Herbach Ulysse , Martínez María Rodríguez , Gandrillon Olivier , Crauste Fabien
Published: March 2024

Germinal centers (GCs) are the key histological structures of the adaptive immune system, responsible for the development and selection of B cells producing high-affinity antibodies against antigens. Due to their level of complexity, unexpected malfunctioning may lead to a range of pathologies, including various malignant formations. One promising way to improve the understanding of malignant transformation is to study the underlying gene regulatory networks (GRNs) associated with cell development and differentiation. Evaluation and inference of the GRN structure from gene expression data is a challenging task in systems biology: recent achievements in single-cell (SC) transcriptomics allow the generation of SC gene expression data, which can be used to sharpen the knowledge on GRN structure. In order to understand whether a particular network of three key gene regulators (BCL6, IRF4, BLIMP1), influenced by two external stimuli signals (surface receptors BCR and CD40), is able to describe GC B cell differentiation, we used a stochastic model to fit SC transcriptomic data from a human lymphoid organ dataset. The model is defined mathematically as a piecewise-deterministic Markov process. We showed that after parameter tuning, the model qualitatively recapitulates mRNA distributions corresponding to GC and plasmablast stages of B cell differentiation. Thus, the model can assist in validating the GRN structure and, in the future, could lead to better understanding of the different types of dysfunction of the regulatory mechanisms.
Association between sociodemographic factors, clinic characteristics and mental health screening rates in primary care
Authors: Müller Frank , Abdelnour Alyssa M. , Rutaremara Diana N. , Arnetz Judith E. , Achtyes Eric D. , Alshaarawy Omayma , Holman Harland T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Screening for mental health problems has been shown to be effective to detect depression and initiate treatment in primary care. Current guidelines recommend periodic screening for depression and anxiety. This study examines the association of patient sociodemographic factors and clinic characteristics on mental health screening in primary care.

Design

In this retrospective cohort study, electronic medical record (EMR) data from a 14-month period from 10/15/2021 to 12/14/2022 were analyzed. Data were retrieved from 18 primary care clinics from the Corewell Health healthcare system in West Michigan. The main outcome was documentation of any Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4/PHQ-9/GAD-7) screening in the EMR within the 14-month period at patient level. General linear regression models with logit link function were used to assess adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of having a documented screening.

Results

In total, 126,306 unique patients aged 16 years or older with a total of 291,789 encounters were included. The prevalence of 14-month screening was 79.8% (95% CI, 79.6–80.0). Regression analyses revealed higher screening odds for patients of smaller clinics (<5,000 patients, aOR 1.88; 95% CI 1.80–1.98 vs. clinics >10.000 patients), clinics in areas with mental health provider shortages (aOR 1.69; 95% CI 1.62–1.77), frequent visits (aOR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.78–1.83), and having an annual physical / well child visit encounter (aOR 1.52; 95% CI, 1.47–1.57). Smaller positive effect sizes were also found for male sex, Black or African American race, Asian race, Latinx ethnicity (ref. White/Caucasians), and having insurance through Medicaid (ref. other private insurance).

Discussion

The 14-month mental health screening rates have been shown to be significantly lower among patients with infrequent visits seeking care in larger clinics and available mental health resources in the community. Introducing and incentivizing mandatory mental health screening protocols in annual well visits, are viable options to increase screening rates.