bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Mandatory TOEFL Test Policy in University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA
Authors: Kaniadewi Nita
Published: November 2023

Policy analysis is a form of thinking that requires humans or institutions to decide whether or not a policy has been or will be implemented. Policy analysis is also used at University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA (UHAMKA) as a reference material in implementing policies by the university. One of these policies is the policy for the TOEFL test in the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UHAMKA environment. This policy requires students who will take the final exam, either through a thesis trial or through publication, to take the TOEFL test with a minimum score of 450. Because of this policy, this research was conducted to find the urgency of carrying out the TOEFL test for these students. This study uses qualitative research methods that focus on reality or facts that occur to the subject being studied. In addition, the population and sample of this study came from students who had taken the TOEFL test which was held at the Language Laboratory of FKIP UHAMKA. The sample of this study was selected using a purposive sampling technique which put forward certain reasons in selecting the sample. Furthermore, triangulation is used in this study. The triangulation of the data used a questionnaire as well as structured interviews. Then, the data obtained through questionnaires and also interviews were analyzed qualitatively descriptively. The expected results of this study are the urgency of the TOEFL test for students who want to take the final exam, followed by the issuance of a Decree from the Dean of FKIP University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. HAMKA regarding the obligation to have a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 450 in the FKIP UHAMKA environment as one of the prerequisites for registering for the final exam, either through a thesis trial or through publication.
Detection of Sternum Fracture with POCUS Despite Normal Computed Tomography Findings: A Case Report
Authors: Tomar Güneysu Songül , Aslaner Mehmet Ali , Derinöz-güleryüz Okşan
Published: November 2023

Sternal fractures are extremely rare in children. It often develops after high-energy chest trauma. Many methods other than ultrasonography are used in the diagnosis of sternal fractures. However, Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) can outperform other methods due to its ease of use, less radiation and fast results. A thirteen-year-old male patient was brought due to chest pain that started after blunt chest trauma after falling from a height. In her initial evaluation in the trauma room, the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular examinations were found to be normal. On palpation, there was local tenderness in the middle 1/3 of the sternum. No pathology was detected in E-FAST. The portable chest radiograph was normal. POCUS was performed after the patient did not respond to analgesic treatment and had local sensitivity on the sternum. A sternal fracture was detected. Suspicious cortical irregularity was detected in repeated chest X-ray and thorax CT was reported as normal. When CT was re-evaluated, a wet tree fracture was observed in the sternum body. The patient was discharged without any complications. In this article, the importance of diagnosing a sternal fracture case whose computed tomography was reported as normal with POCUS and integrating rapid, noninvasive and radiation-free ultrasonography into the physical examination will be discussed in the management of these patients.
CONSIDERATION THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES WHEN INVESTIGATING THE HETEROGENEOUS BEHAVIOR OF A ROCK MASS IN TIME
Authors:   National Transport University, Bondarenko Liudmyla , Liashenko Yana ,   National Aviation University, Balashova Yuliia ,   Prydniprovska State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Published: November 2023

The paper is devoted to the solution of nowadays relevant issue regarding the scientific substantiation of the most effective methods of mining rocks for various needs of the national economy, including for the construction of highways. The research was carried out on the basis of mathematical modeling methods, taking into account the rheological properties of rocks, heterogeneity of their structure, microdamage and behavior of the rock massif over time. As part of the work, geological material consisting of an isotropic viscoelastic matrix with stochastically placed inclusions in different directions was considered. The change in the stress-strain state of rocks with viscoelastic properties and containing randomly placed inclusions is determined. Provided that the size of the body is much greater than the size of the microinhomogeneities, the area containing the environment is considered infinite. The mathematical model is constructed on the basis of the fact that when homogeneous loads interact on a statistically homogeneous body, the random fields of stresses and strains that arise are also statistically homogeneous, and therefore, volume averaging can be performed as statistical averaging. The derivation of the calculation formulas is connected with the setting of an explicit form of density distribution of inclusions by direction. Based on the constructed mathematical model, microstructural stresses were investigated, effective parameters were calculated, and their dependence on the shape, orientation, and volume concentration of inclusions was determined. In addition, as a particular case, a fractured environment is considered. Taking into account such a significant heterogeneity of the geological rock and the presence of microdamages, the dependence of viscoelastic deformations on time and degree of damage was obtained. The obtained results make it possible to further evaluate the geomechanical situation, as well as to obtain the parameters of development systems for underground or open mining operations, which in turn will allow efficient mining of useful material.
COMPUTER DESIGN OF MULTI-LAYER ASPHALT CONCRETE SURFACES FOR HIGHWAYS AND AIRPORTS
Authors:   National Transport University, Gameliak Igor , Dmytrychenko Andrij ,   National Transport University, Davydenko Oleksandr ,   National Transport University
Published: November 2023

The design of non-rigid road clothing consists of the following main stages: design, calculation of the stress-strain state, verification of the limit state conditions. The least formalized and the most dangerous in case of incorrect selection is the construction stage. The strength calculation of road clothing is based on the following prerequisites: a) the stressed-deformed state of the road surface under load is described by the solutions of the linear theory of elasticity for a layered half-space taking into account the conditions of the connection of layers at the contacts, inertia forces due to their smallness are not taken into account in the calculation (the problem is quasi-static); b) the ultimate state of the road surface is characterized by indicators that depend on the properties of the material of each layer of the road surface and the soil of the subgrade, as well as on their placement and working conditions in the structure; To simplify calculations with the help of tables and nomograms, real multilayer road structures lead to two-layer and three-layer models with the help of methods and developed limit state criteria, computer design of multilayer asphalt concrete pavement of highways and airfields was performed, optimal 4-layer asphalt concrete pavement structures were established.
TRANSPORT SAFETY: DEVELOPMENT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING ROAD TRAFFIC SAFETY IN DENSE FLOWS
Authors:   National Transport University, Gusiev Oleksandr , Halona Inesa ,   National Transport University, Fedorenko Iryna ,   National Transport University, Gerasimenko Alla ,   National Transport University
Published: November 2023

Scientific research and the practice of auto technical expertise show that up to 80% of all road accidents are caused by the faults of the driver. In many cases, the main cause of road accidents is the driver's failure to maintain a safe driving distance, which makes it impossible to react in a timely manner to the occurrence of dangerous situations. This also applies to all typical dangerous traffic situations. At the same time, in most cases there is an initial period of time during which the driver has the opportunity to avoid an accident by choosing a safe speed or stopping the car. Since when moving in the traffic flow (especially in the mode of connected traffic) the driver is often limited in the choice of speed, but can freely choose the distance, the problem of choosing a safe speed of movement (BSHR) is directly related to the problem of choosing a safe following distance (SFD). Therefore, in the conditions of driving a car in a dense flow, only the level of training of the driver depends on whether the following interval chosen by him will be safe. The article examines approaches, principles and algorithms for the development of innovative measures to improve traffic safety in dense traffic using the theory of system analysis and the theory of probability. the performed analysis of traffic conditions in the stream allows establishing a connection between the average movement interval and safe intervals for following connected and free vehicles. The results presented by the authors of the dependence allow for the formulation of recommendations for drivers moving in the flow. Developed requirements and recommendations for ensuring traffic safety, in particular, in dense streams. The obtained results and mathematical dependencies make it possible to develop recommendations regarding the location of technical means of traffic regulation, etc. Recommendations for promising further scientific research aimed at increasing the safety of traffic in dense streams and the development of traffic regulation measures have been formulated. As a separate recommendation, the results can be applied to the design of a system of measures for the safety of public (passenger) transport and improvement of passenger transport technologies.
How the latent geometry of a biological network provides information on its dynamics: the case of the gene network of chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Lecca Paola , Lombardi Giulia , Latorre Roberta Valeria , Sorio Claudio
Published: November 2023

Background: The concept of the latent geometry of a network that can be represented as a graph has emerged from the classrooms of mathematicians and theoretical physicists to become an indispensable tool for determining the structural and dynamic properties of the network in many application areas, including contact networks, social networks, and especially biological networks. It is precisely latent geometry that we discuss in this article to show how the geometry of the metric space of the graph representing the network can influence its dynamics.

Methods: We considered the transcriptome network of the Chronic Myeloid Laeukemia K562 cells. We modelled the gene network as a system of springs using a generalization of the Hooke’s law to n-dimension (n ≥ 1). We embedded the network, described by the matrix of spring’s stiffnesses, in Euclidean, hyperbolic, and spherical metric spaces to determine which one of these metric spaces best approximates the network’s latent geometry. We found that the gene network has hyperbolic latent geometry, and, based on this result, we proceeded to cluster the nodes according to their radial coordinate, that in this geometry represents the node popularity.

Results: Clustering according to radial coordinate in a hyperbolic metric space when the input to network embedding procedure is the matrix of the stiffnesses of the spring representing the edges, allowed to identify the most popular genes that are also centres of effective spreading and passage of information through the entire network and can therefore be considered the drivers of its dynamics.

Conclusion: The correct identification of the latent geometry of the network leads to experimentally confirmed clusters of genes drivers of the dynamics, and, because of this, it is a trustable mean to unveil important information on the dynamics of the network. Not considering the latent metric space of the network, or the assumption of a Euclidean space when this metric structure is not proven to be relevant to the network, especially for complex networks with hierarchical or modularised structure can lead to unreliable network analysis results.
Generation of an accurate CCSD(T)/CBS data set and assessment of DFT methods for the binding strengths of group I metal–nucleic acid complexes
Authors: Boychuk Briana T. A. , Meyer Sarah P. , Wetmore Stacey D.
Published: November 2023

Accurate information about interactions between group I metals and nucleic acids is required to understand the roles these metals play in basic cellular functions, disease progression, and pharmaceuticals, as well as to aid the design of new energy storage materials and nucleic acid sensors that target metal contaminants, among other applications. From this perspective, this work generates a complete CCSD(T)/CBS data set of the binding energies for 64 complexes involving each group I metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, or Cs+) directly coordinated to various sites in each nucleic acid component (A, C, G, T, U, or dimethylphosphate). This data have otherwise been challenging to determine experimentally, with highly accurate information missing for many group I metal–nucleic acid combinations and no data available for the (charged) phosphate moiety. Subsequently, the performance of 61 DFT methods in combination with def2-TZVPP is tested against the newly generated CCSD(T)/CBS reference values. Detailed analysis of the results reveals that functional performance is dependent on the identity of the metal (with increased errors as group I is descended) and nucleic acid binding site (with larger errors for select purine coordination sites). Over all complexes considered, the best methods include the mPW2-PLYP double-hybrid and ωB97M-V RSH functionals (≤1.6% MPE; <1.0 kcal/mol MUE). If more computationally efficient approaches are required, the TPSS and revTPSS local meta-GGA functionals are reasonable alternatives (≤2.0% MPE; <1.0 kcal/mol MUE). Inclusion of counterpoise corrections to account for basis set superposition error only marginally improves the computed binding energies, suggesting that these corrections can be neglected with little loss in accuracy when using larger models that are necessary for describing biosystems and biomaterials. Overall, the most accurate functionals identified in this study will permit future works geared towards uncovering the impact of group I metals on the environment and human biology, designing new ways to selectively sense harmful metals, engineering modern biomaterials, and developing improved computational methods to more broadly study group I metal–nucleic acid interactions.
Myocarditis and pericarditis in individuals exposed to the Ad26.COV2.S, BNT162b2 mRNA, or mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccines
Authors: Pareek Manan , Sessa Pasquale , Polverino Paolo , Sessa Francesco , Kragholm Kristian Hay , Sessa Maurizio
Published: November 2023

Importance

There is a high level of public and professional interest related to potential safety issues of the COVID-19 vaccines; however, no serious adverse cardiovascular events were reported in phase 3 randomized controlled trials of their safety and efficacy. Moreover, none of the case series from the United States (US) of these potential complications have been population-based.

Objectives

To estimate the reporting rates of myocarditis and pericarditis in the US using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), and to assess if these adverse events were disproportionally reported among the different COVID-19 vaccines.

Design, setting, and participants

All cases of myocarditis and pericarditis from VAERS reported up to July 28, 2021.

Exposure

Single-dose Ad26.COV2.S, BNT162b2 mRNA, or mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations.

Main outcomes and measures

Reporting rates were computed by dividing the total number of cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (combined) by the total number of vaccine doses administered. Disproportionality analyses were performed to evaluate disproportional reporting of myocarditis and pericarditis for the Ad26.COV2.S and mRNA-1273 vaccines vs. the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine.

Results

By July 28, 2021, 1392, 699, and 68 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis had been reported out of 1.91, 1.38, and 1.33 million administered doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA, mRNA-1273, and Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Median times to event were 3 days, 3 days, and 9 days for the BNT162b2 mRNA, mRNA-1273, and Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccines. The reporting rates for myocarditis or pericarditis were 0.00073 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.00069–0.00077), 0.00051 (95% CI 0.00047–0.00055), and 0.00005 events per dose (95% CI 0.00004–0.00006) for the BNT162b2 mRNA, mRNA-1273, and Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccines, respectively. Myocarditis and pericarditis were disproportionally reported following the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine when compared with the other vaccines, using both disproportionality measures.

Conclusions and relevance

We found reporting rates of myocarditis and pericarditis to be less than 0.1% after COVID-19 vaccination. Rates were highest for the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, followed by the mRNA-1273 and Ad26.COV2.S, respectively. However, the reporting rates of myocarditis and pericarditis secondary to vaccination remains less common than those seen for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Left ventricle inflow and outflow tract angle in normal fetuses
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Ran , Tan Heyi , Zhou Dan , Zhou Jiawei , Zeng Shi
Published: November 2023

Objective

Impaired elasticity of aorta has been observed in fetuses with congenital cardiac disease, while the orientation of left ventricle outflow tract has been found to influence the blood flow in the ascending aorta. Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the left ventricle inflow and outflow tract angle (LIOA) in healthy fetuses.

Method

A total of 668 fetuses were enrolled in this prospective study. The LIOA were measured with two-line method at left ventricle inflow and outflow tract view. Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized to assess the associations between LIOA and estimated fetal weight (EFW) and cardiac dimensions, including cardiac axis and diameters of aortic valve (AV), pulmonary artery valve (PAV), mitral valve (MV) and tricuspid valve (TV).

Results

The LIOA was determined to be 44 ± 7.5° (mean ± SD). No significant difference was observed in the LIOA across different gestational ages (GAs). A mild positive correlation was observed between LIOA and cardiac axis. However, no significant associations were found between LIOA and parameters such as EFW, as well as diameters of AV, PAV, MV and TV.

Conclusion

The LIOA remained constant during the mid-third trimester and was mildly positively correlated with cardiac axis in normal fetuses.
Predictive value of remnant-like particle cholesterol in the prediction of long-term AF recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Wu Bing , Liang Zichang , Qiu Lili , Wang Jianan , Huang Qianwen , Zhuang Tingpei , Hong Sihan , Bai Meng
Published: November 2023

Objective

The relationship between remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) levels and the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) is not known. This research aimed to explore the association of RLP-C with long-term AF recurrence events post-radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of AF.

Methods

In total 320 patients with AF who were subjected to the first RFCA were included in this research. Baseline information and laboratory data of patients were retrospectively collected, and a 1-year follow-up was completed. The follow-up endpoint was defined as an AF recurrence event occurring after 3 months. Afterward, a multivariate Cox regression model was constructed to analyze the risk factors that affect AF recurrence.

Results

AF recurrence occurred in 103 patients (32.2%) within 3–12 months after RFCA. Based on the multivariate Cox regression analysis, Early recurrence (ER) [hazard ratio (HR) =1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–2.36, P = 0.032)], coronary artery disease (CAD) (HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.22–3.38, P = 0.006), left atrium anterior-posterior diameter (LAD) (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03–1.10, P < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.16–1.96, P = 0.002), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55–0.98, P = 0.036), and RLP-C (HR = 0.75 per 0.1 mmol/L increase, 95% CI: 0.68–0.83, P < 0.001) were linked to the risk of AF recurrence. Among them, the relationship between RLP-C and AF recurrence was found for the first time. The predictive value of RLP-C for AF recurrence was analyzed utilizing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.77–0.86, P < 0.001]. Subsequently, the optimal threshold value of RLP-C was determined to be 0.645 mmol/L with a sensitivity of 87.4% and a specificity of 63.6% based on the Youden index. Additionally, Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a lower AF recurrence rate in the >0.645 mmol/L group than in the ≤0.645 mmol/L group (Log-rank P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Low levels of RLP-C are associated with a higher risk of AF recurrence post-RFCA, suggesting that RLP-C may be a biomarker that helps to identify long-term AF recurrence.
Stenting of high-tortuous ducts in duct-dependent pulmonary circulation: essential points to consider before deciding on stenting
Authors: Mini Nathalie
Published: November 2023

Despite the advancements in the technique of duct stenting (DS) in patients with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation (DDPC) and the valuable role of DS in preventing the risk of surgical creation of shunts and early repair, not all ducts are amenable to being stented, and not all interventions with DS are safe and can achieve positive outcomes. Very few studies focusing on tortuous ducts have been conducted until now. Their results showed that stenting of highly tortuous ducts has the same risk as surgical options. This type of stenting has greater possibility of complications, early in-stent thrombosis, and stent failure than do other duct types. In such cases, the surgical options could be superior to DS and have better outcomes. This report aims to review the very scarce available data about stenting of high-tortuous ducts and criticisms of performing DS in ducts associated with pulmonary stenosis and to highlight the essential points that must be considered before deciding on intervention.
The elusive brain perivascular fibroblast: a potential role in vascular stability and homeostasis
Authors: Sosa Maria J. , Shih Andy Y. , Bonney Stephanie K.
Published: November 2023

In the brain, perivascular fibroblasts (PVFs) reside within the perivascular spaces (PVSs) of arterioles and large venules, however their physiological and pathophysiological roles remain largely unknown. PVFs express numerous extracellular matrix proteins that are found in the basement membrane and PVS surrounding large diameter vessels. PVFs are sandwiched between the mural cell layer and astrocytic endfeet, where they are poised to interact with mural cells, perivascular macrophages, and astrocytes. We draw connections between the more well-studied PVF pro-fibrotic response in ischemic injury and the less understood thickening of the vascular wall and enlargement of the PVS described in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases. We postulate that PVFs may be responsible for stability and homeostasis of the brain vasculature, and may also contribute to changes within the PVS during disease.
Red cell distribution width and its polygenic score in relation to mortality and cardiometabolic outcomes
Authors: Pan Jingxue , Sun Jiangming , Goncalves Isabel , Kessler Michael , Hao Yan , Engström Gunnar
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) has been associated with a range of health outcomes. This study aims to examine prognostic and etiological roles of RDW levels, both phenotypic and genetic predisposition, in predicting cardiovascular outcomes, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and mortality.

Methods

We studied 27,141 middle-aged adults from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study (MDCS) with a mean follow up of 21 years. RDW was measured with a hematology analyzer on whole blood samples. Polygenic scores for RDW (PGS-RDW) were constructed for each participant using genetic data in MDCS and published summary statistics from genome-wide association study of RDW (n = 408,112). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess associations between RDW, PGS-RDW and cardiovascular outcomes, diabetes, CKD and mortality, respectively.

Results

PGS-RDW was significantly associated with RDW (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.133, p < 0.001). RDW was significantly associated with incidence of stroke (hazard ratio (HR) per 1 standard deviation = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.10, p = 0.003), atrial fibrillation (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06–1.12, p < 0.001), heart failure (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08–1.19, p < 0.001), venous thromboembolism (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.28, p < 0.001), diabetes (HR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.84–0.90, p < 0.001), CKD (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03–1.13, p = 0.004) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.16–1.20, p < 0.001). However, PGS-RDW was significantly associated with incidence of diabetes (HR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99, p = 0.01), but not with any other tested outcomes.

Discussion

RDW is associated with mortality and incidence of cardiovascular diseases, but a significant association between genetically determined RDW and incident cardiovascular diseases were not observed. However, both RDW and PGS-RDW were inversely associated with incidence of diabetes, suggesting a putative causal relationship. The relationship with incidence of diabetes needs to be further studied.
Low serum dehydroepiandrosterone is associated with diabetic dyslipidemia risk in males with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Li Shuo , Zhang Xinxin , Fan Yuxin , Liu Ming
Published: November 2023

Objective

Sex steroid hormones are associated with the advancement of metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and testosterone levels and the risk of dyslipidemia in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

The analysis included 1,927 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and testosterone levels were determined using lipid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariable analyses were performed to investigate the association between the variables and dyslipidemia.

Results

The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of dyslipidemia across DHEA tertiles were 0.39 and 0.24-0.64, respectively (p trend = 0.001). This relationship was still maintained when analyzed as a continuous variable (odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–0.99; P < 0.01). However, in males with type 2 diabetes mellitus, no significant correlations were found between rising levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androstenedione, and total testosterone and the risk of dyslipidemia (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant association between androgen precursors and total testosterone with regard to the risk of developing dyslipidemia (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone levels were substantially and adversely correlated with dyslipidemia in adult men with T2DM. These results indicated that dehydroepiandrosterone may have an essential role in the development of dyslipidemia. More prospective research is required to validate this link.
Skeletal indicators of developmental changes in arboreality and locomotor maturation in extant apes and their relevance to hominin paleobiology
Authors: Saers Jaap P. P.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Modern humans are the only fully terrestrial ape. All other apes are partially arboreal, particularly as infants and juveniles. Precocial locomotor development, high frequency of arboreal locomotion in early ontogeny, and increased terrestriality throughout development are ubiquitous amongst the hominines and likely represent the ancestral state. The role of climbing in hominin evolution has been debated for decades, but if hominins climbed regularly then subadults likely relied on it most frequently. Investigating the role of climbing throughout hominin evolution requires reliable developmentally plastic traits that are responsive to locomotor loading and can be identified in the fossil record. Chimpanzees and gorillas provide a natural experiment to examine the relationship between age-related variation locomotor activities and bone structure. Chimpanzees and gorillas are most arboreal during infancy and become more terrestrial throughout development. Gorillas are comparatively more terrestrial and transition to predominantly terrestrial locomotion at an earlier age. This paper has two main objectives. First, to examine if interspecific differences in the rate of locomotor development is reflected in bone structure. Second, to determine if ontogenetic reductions in the frequency of arboreal locomotion correspond to age-related variation in bone structure.

Methods

The humerus, tibia, calcaneus, and seventh cervical vertebrae of an ontogenetic series of gorillas and chimpanzees from the Powell Cotton Museum (n = 71) were uCT scanned. Trabecular, cortical, and total bone volume fraction (BV/TV) were calculated in developmentally homologous regions of interest.

Results

BV/TV scales with positive allometry throughout ontogeny. The achievement of adult-like locomotor behaviour can be identified by a significant change in the slope of Total.BV/TV with age. Younger, more arboreal individuals have relatively greater upper limb Total.BV/TV relative to the neck and lower limb than older, more terrestrial individuals in gorillas and chimpanzees. More arboreal chimpanzees have relatively more Total.BV/TV in the upper limb relative to the lower limb and neck.

Discussion

The correspondence between developmental trajectories of BV/TV and locomotor ontogeny in extant apes suggests that analyses of hominin skeletal ontogeny can provide new insights into the evolution of two characteristic human traits: our slow rate of maturation and the evolution of fully terrestrial bipedalism.
In-depth exploration of the shared genetic signature and molecular mechanisms between end-stage renal disease and osteoporosis
Authors: Lou Weijuan , Li Wenhui , Yang Ming , Yuan Chong , Jing Rui , Chen Shunjie , Fang Cheng
Published: November 2023

Background: Osteoporosis (OS) and fractures are common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and maintenance dialysis patients. However, diagnosing osteoporosis in this population is challenging. The aim of this research is to explore the common genetic profile and potential molecular mechanisms of ESRD and OS.

Methods and results: Download microarray data for ESRD and OS from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify co-expression modules associated with ESRD and OS. Random Forest (RF) and Lasso Regression were performed to identify candidate genes, and consensus clustering for hierarchical analysis. In addition, miRNAs shared in ESRD and OS were identified by differential analysis and their target genes were predicted by Tragetscan. Finally, we constructed a common miRNAs-mRNAs network with candidate genes and shared miRNAs. By WGCNA, two important modules of ESRD and one important module of OS were identified, and the functions of three major clusters were identified, including ribosome, RAS pathway, and MAPK pathway. Eight gene signatures obtained by using RF and Lasso machine learning methods with area under curve (AUC) values greater than 0.7 in ESRD and in OS confirmed their diagnostic performance. Consensus clustering successfully stratified ESRD patients, and C1 patients with more severe ESRD phenotype and OS phenotype were defined as “OS-prone group”.

Conclusion: Our work identifies biological processes and underlying mechanisms shared by ESRD and OS, and identifies new candidate genes that can be used as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets, revealing molecular alterations in susceptibility to OS in ESRD patients.
Histone ubiquitination-related gene CUL4B promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression and cisplatin resistance
Authors: Yin Yanjun , Zhang Lifeng , Zeng Yinchuan , Chen Diang , Guan Haien , Ran Guoping , Du Kangming
Published: November 2023

Background: The role of the histone ubiquitination-related gene in the cisplatin resistance of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains an intricate subject.

Methods: We accessed transcriptome data of both wild type and cisplatin-resistant cells from the GSE108214 dataset, and garnered transcriptome and clinical data of LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Utilizing the R software, we analyzed these public datasets in depth. Real-time Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to detect the RNA level of CUL4B. Effect of CUL4B on cell proliferation was evaluated using CCK8 and colony formation assay. Effect of CUL4B on cell invasion was evaluated using transwell assay. Cisplatin sensitivity was evaluated by calculating IC50.

Results: Our analysis shed light on the significance of the histone ubiquitination-related gene, CUL4B, in relation to cisplatin resistance and the overall survival rates of LUAD patients. Notably, CUL4B was found to be overexpressed in both lung cancer tissues and cells. Meanwhile, in vitro experiments indicated can CUL4B significantly promote the proliferation, invasion and migration of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, suppressing CUL4B expression led to a noticeable reduction in the IC50 value of cisplatin in lung cancer cells. A deep dive into biological enrichment analysis revealed that among patients exhibiting high CUL4B expression, there was a pronounced activation of the G2M checkpoint and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Immune microenvironment analysis has revealed that patients with elevated CUL4B expression may exhibit increased infiltration of M2 macrophages, coupled with a reduced infiltration of CD8+ T cells and activated NK cells. Notably, we observed higher CUL4B expression among those who responded positively to immunotherapy.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the significance of CUL4B in the resistance to cisplatin in lung cancer, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Endoscopy in surgery
Authors: Rodríguez-Luna María Rita , Perretta Silvana
Published: November 2023

The expanding role of flexible endoscopy (FE) has helped to establish better diagnostic strategies and fewer invasive therapies within the lumen of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Endoscopic skills represent critical tools for surgeons since they markedly impact perioperative outcomes. Although it is widely recognized that endoscopy plays a key role in digestive surgery, endoscopic curricula and syllabi may vary depending on geographical regions, which have their own standardized guidelines such as the United States and countries with numerous disparities such as Western Europe. Such heterogeneous practices represent a call for action, particularly as surgical societies aim to expand cutting-edge endoscopy within surgery. This article outlines the crucial role of intraoperative endoscopy in commonly performed digestive surgeries and stresses the need to develop standardized endoscopic training curricula in surgery, particularly in Europe.
Cancer chemoprevention with PV-1, a novel Prunella vulgaris-containing herbal mixture that remodels the tumor immune microenvironment in mice
Authors: Zhang Qi , Chen Xu , Palen Katie , Johnson Bryon , Bui Dinh , Xiong Donghai , Pan Jing , Hu Ming , Wang Yian , You Ming
Published: November 2023

The herb Prunella vulgaris has shown significant immune-stimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models. Here, the effects of a novel Prunella vulgaris-containing herbal mixture, PV-1, were examined in several mouse models for cancer, including chemically induced models of lung and oral cancers as well as syngraft models for lung cancer and melanoma. PV-1, consisting of extracts from Prunella vulgaris, Polygonum bistorta, Sonchus brachyotus and Dictamnus dasycarpus, exhibited no toxicity in a dose escalation study in A/J mice. PV-1 significantly inhibited mouse lung tumor development induced by the lung carcinogens vinyl carbamate and benzo[a]pyrene. PV-1 also hindered the induction of oral squamous cell carcinomas in C57BL/6 mice caused by 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PV-1 increased the numbers of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and increased the production of granzyme B, TNF-α, and IFN-γ by CD8+ TILs. PV-1 also suppressed granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell numbers (g-MDSCs) and improved the anti‐cancer activity of anti-PD‐1 immunotherapy. These results indicate that PV-1 remodels the tumor immune microenvironment by selectively inhibiting g‐MDSCs and increasing CD8+ TILs within tumors, resulting in decreased immune suppression and enhanced cancer chemopreventive efficacy.
Elevated monocyte HLA-DR in pediatric secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Raimbault Sylvain , Monneret Guillaume , Gossez Morgane , Venet Fabienne , Belot Alexandre , Zekre Franck , Remy Solene , Javouhey Etienne
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening condition, and its diagnosis may be challenging. In particular, some cases show close similarities to sepsis (fever, organ failure, and high ferritin), but their treatment, while urgent, differ: prompt broad-spectrum antibiotherapy for sepsis and immunosuppressive treatment for HLH. We questioned whether monocyte human leucocyte antigen (mHLA)–DR could be a diagnostic marker for secondary HLH (sHLH).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with a sHLH diagnosis and mHLA-DR quantification. mHLA-DR data from healthy children and children with septic shock, whose HLA-DR expression is reduced, from a previously published study were also included for comparison.

Results

Six patients with sHLH had mHLA-DR quantification. The median level of monocyte mHLA-DR expression in patients with sHLH [79,409 antibodies bound per cell (AB/C), interquartile range (IQR) (75,734–86,453)] was significantly higher than that in healthy children and those with septic shock (29,668 AB/C, IQR (24,335–39,199), and 7,493 AB/C, IQR (3,758–14,659), respectively). Each patient with sHLH had a mHLA-DR higher than our laboratory normal values. Four patients had a second mHLA-DR sampling 2 to 4 days after the initial analysis and treatment initiation with high-dose corticosteroids; for all patients, mHLA-DR decreased to within or close to the normal range. One patient with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis had repeated mHLA-DR measurements over a 200-day period during which she underwent four HLH episodes. mHLA-DR increased during relapses and normalized after treatment incrementation.

Conclusion

In this small series, mHLA-DR was systematically elevated in patients with sHLH. Elevated mHLA-DR could contribute to sHLH diagnosis and help earlier distinction with septic shock.
Development and applications of chromosome-specific BAC-FISH probes in Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai)
Authors: Zhang Jianpeng , Wang Yi , Huang Zekun , Cai Mingyi , You Weiwei , Lu Ying , Luo Xuan , Ke Caihuan
Published: November 2023

Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) is an economically important marine shellfish for aquaculture and is distributed throughout eastern Asia. Although a lot of genetic breeding work has been carried out, chromosome identification in abalone is still a challenging task. Here, we developed a set of BACs to be chromosome-specific probes in Pacific abalone, and to study chromosome evolution in the related species. Through BAC paired-end sequencing and sequence alignment, we were able to in silico anchor 168 BACs onto 18 pseudochromosomes of Pacific abalone genome. After selecting 42 BACs that contained DNA inserts with minimal repetitive sequences, we validated them through PCR and Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test. As a result, We obtained specific FISH signals for 26 clones on the chromosomes of Pacific abalone with at least one BAC mapped per chromosome. We also applied the chromosome-specific BAC-FISH probes to a close relative of Pacific abalone, Xishi abalone (H. gigantea), which revealed that chromosome 13 and 15 between the two species underwent a chromosomes rearrangement event. This study provides the first set of chromosome-specific probes for the family Haliotidae, which can serve as an important tool for future cytogenetics and genomics research.
Osteogenic and microstructural characterization in normal versus deformed jaws of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from freshwater
Authors: Godoy Karina , Sandoval Cristian , Vásquez Claudio , Manterola-Barroso Carlos , Toledo Barbara , Calfuleo Joel , Beltrán Carolina , Bustamante Marion , Valderrama Sebastián , Rojas Mariana , Salazar Luis A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

During the processes of formation and maturation of farmed salmonids, bone deformities could be associated with changes in the mineralization levels of the axial skeleton and the bone-signaling pathways. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the gene expression during bone formation and regeneration and their relationship with mineralization in rainbow trout with mandibular deformation.

Methods

We included five normal fish and five specimens with mandibular deformation in smolt rainbow trout weighing 400 g and measuring 25 to 35 cm in length. We assessed 1. serum metabolites, 2. microstructure and mandibular bone mineralization and, 3. gene expression of bone signaling pathways. These analyses were done to determine the main causes and/or mechanisms of deformity.

Results and discussion

Our results show a marked elevation of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2). Also, we found a distinct expression pattern for transcriptional factors, observing diminished RUNX family transcription factor 2 (Runx-2) expression coupled with a simultaneous elevation of osterix (Osx) levels. We also observed decreased osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase levels related to mineral content loss and an increase in collagen type I as a compensatory structural response. In conclusion, rainbow trout deformation was characterized by demineralization, increased porosity without destruction of the organic matrix, and a moderate decrease in bone mineral content.
Deep learning-based magnetic resonance image segmentation technique for application to glioma
Authors: Wan Bing , Hu Bingbing , Zhao Ming , Li Kang , Ye Xu
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Brain glioma segmentation is a critical task for medical diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment planning.

Discussion

Although deep learning-based fully convolutional neural networks have shown promising results in this field, their unstable segmentation quality remains a major concern. Moreover, they do not consider the unique genomic and basic data of brain glioma patients, which may lead to inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Methods

This study proposes a new model that overcomes this problem by improving the overall architecture and incorporating an innovative loss function. First, we employed DeepLabv3+ as the overall architecture of the model and RegNet as the image encoder. We designed an attribute encoder module to incorporate the patient’s genomic and basic data and the image depth information into a 2D convolutional neural network, which was combined with the image encoder and atrous spatial pyramid pooling module to form the encoder module for addressing the multimodal fusion problem. In addition, the cross-entropy loss and Dice loss are implemented with linear weighting to solve the problem of sample imbalance. An innovative loss function is proposed to suppress specific size regions, thereby preventing the occurrence of segmentation errors of noise-like regions; hence, higher-stability segmentation results are obtained. Experiments were conducted on the Lower-Grade Glioma Segmentation Dataset, a widely used benchmark dataset for brain tumor segmentation.

Results

The proposed method achieved a Dice score of 94.36 and an intersection over union score of 91.83, thus outperforming other popular models.
Case report: Navigating the challenges: successful mechanical thrombectomy in a case of persistent primitive hypoglossal artery
Authors: Khan Kamran Ahmed , Lutfi Irfan Amjad , Shah Jehangir Ali , Farooq Salman , Ahmed Shahnoor , Solangi Bashir Ahmed , Khan Ayan Ahmed , Zaidi Fazal , Ammar Ali , Qamar Nadeem
Published: November 2023

Persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) is a highly uncommon abnormal connection between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA), with reported incidences ranging from 0.027 to 0.26%. Attempting endovascular intervention in such cases presents a considerable challenge as it carries a higher risk of embolization and other procedure-related complications that may affect a wide area of the brain. We present a case study involving the utilization of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to treat an ischemic stroke in the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) despite the presence of PPHA. Performing mechanical thrombectomy in an anomalous vascular connection is feasible; however, it necessitates heightened vigilance, thorough knowledge of the anatomy, and utmost caution.
Methylmalonic aciduria as a biochemical marker for mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome in patients with developmental delay and movement disorders: a case series
Authors: Almudhry Montaha , Saini Arushi Gahlot , Al-Omari Mohammed A. , Sharma Yashu , Nouri Maryam Nabavi , Rupar C. Anthony , Prasad Chitra , Yu Andrea C. , Attri Savita Verma , Prasad Asuri Narayan
Published: November 2023

Background

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndromes (MDDS) are genetically and clinically variable disorders resulting from a reduction in mtDNA content in the cells, tissues, and organ systems, leading to symptoms related to energy deficits. Deficiency of the mitochondrial succinyl-CoA ligase/synthetase enzyme secondary to pathogenic variations in the SUCLG1 and SUCLA2 genes is a subtype of MDDS that presents with neurological manifestations and a specific biochemical profile.

Methods

This cross-sectional series describes five patients with MDDS secondary to pathogenic variations in the SUCLG1 and SUCLA2 genes from two tertiary care centers in Canada and India. Clinical data concerning the course, investigations, and outcome were gathered through chart reviews.

Results

All subjects presented in early infancy with neurological manifestations, including movement disorder, psychomotor regression, developmental delay, hearing loss, behavioral issues, or a combination thereof. Elevated methylmalonic acid metabolites, an abnormal acylcarnitine profile, and lactic acidemia were noted in the biochemical profile of each patient (n = 5/5, 100%). Molecular genetic testing disclosed the presence of pathogenic homozygous mutations in four subjects and compound heterozygosity in one subject.

Conclusion

MDDS associated with SUCLG1 and SUCLA2 genes can be detected biochemically by the presence of methylmalonic aciduria besides the elevation of lactate, C3, C4DC, and C5-OH acylcarnitine. Conducting metabolic workups including MMA and acylcarnitine profiles in patients with heterogeneity of clinical symptoms associated with the presence of this biochemical marker may potentially reduce the time to diagnosis and management.