bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of BMP-induced Inflammation in Craniofacial Bone Regeneration and Improvement of Bone Parameters by Dietary Hesperidin
Authors: Miguez Patricia , Goncalves Vinicius De Paiva , Musskopf Marta , Rivera-Concepcion Angeliz , McGaughey Skylar , Yu Christina , Lee Dong Joon , Tui Stephen
Published: September 2023

Based on anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties of hesperidin (HE), we hypothesized its systemic administration could be a cost-effective method of improving BMP-induced bone regeneration. Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups (n=10/group): a 5-mm critical-sized mandible defect + collagen scaffold or, scaffold + 1 µg of BMP2 with and without dietary HE at 100 mg/kg. HE was administered by oral gavage 4 weeks prior to surgeries until euthanasia at day 7 or 14. The healing tissue within the defect collected at day 7 was subjected to gene expression analysis. Mandibles harvested at day 14 were subjected to microcomputed tomography and histology. HE+BMP2-treated rats had a statistically significant decrease in expression of inflammatory genes compared to BMP2 alone. The high-dose BMP2 caused cystic-like regeneration with incomplete defect closure. HE+BMP2 showed virtually complete bone fusion. Red collagen fibrils were significantly higher in BMP2-induced newly formed bone (NFB) in HE-supplemented group (p<0.05) indicating high organization. Clear changes in osteocyte lacunae as well as a statistically significant increase in osteoclasts were found around NFB in HE rats. A significant increase in trabecular volume and thickness, and trabecular and cortical density was found in femurs of HE-supplemented rats (p<0.05). Our findings show, for the first time, that dietary HE has a remarkable modulatory role in locally delivered high-dose BMP2-induced bone possibly via control of inflammation, osteogenesis, changes in osteocyte and osteoclast function and collagen maturation in regenerated and native bone. In conclusion, HE has a significant skeletal bone sparing effect and the ability to provide a more effective BMP-induced craniofacial regeneration.
Diversity, Distribution and Abundance of Bivalves in Vembanad Backwaters – the largest Ramsar wetland in South India
Authors: Christy Ouseph , Jayalakshmi K. J
Published: September 2023

Present study aimed to investigate the spatial and temporal variability in the diversity, distribution and abundance of bivalves in the largest Ramsar wetland in South India, the Vembanad backwaters. Monthly sampling was carried out at 12 stations from the spreading across the northern, middle and southern regions of the backwater. A total of 20 species of bivalves, belonging to 17 genera under 9 families were recorded during the study, based on which an updated taxonomic checklist including the IUCN conservation status was compiled. Venerida, was the dominant Order (30%) comprising 2 families and 6 species followed by Ostreida (15%), Arcida (15%), Mytilidae (10%), Cardiida (10%) and Pectinida (10%). Order Myida and Unioniidae together contributed only < 5%, with a single species represented from each Order viz., Martesia striata and Lamellidens marginalis, respectively. Higher number of species (16–19 species) in the middle estuarine region. Dominance of single species, Villoritta cyprinoides recorded in the Southern (99%) as well as in the northern region. Mytella strigata, a fouling invasive bivalve species was recorded from middle and northern regions of Vembanad backwaters; Results of present study indicate that the V. cyprinoides occupied all the parts of Vembanad backwaters during all the seasons except in the estuarine region. its abundance was relatively high during the premonsoon, 51% in the middle region and 35% in the northern region. The study suggests prominent spatial variability in the distribution pattern of bivalves in Vembanad backwaters and is based on the prevailing environmental conditions.
Reliability and Validity of the German Version of the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS-G) and relations to breastfeeding duration and feeding method
Authors: Suppiger Debora , Natalucci Giancarlo , Reinelt Tilman
Published: September 2023

Background.
Despite its benefits, breastfeeding rates are declining in Western societies. As the intention to breastfeed is among the strongest predictors of breastfeeding duration, reliable tools for measuring the intention to breastfeed are needed. The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) measures attitudes towards infant feeding and is used in various languages and across different cultural contexts. However, there has been no German version of the IIFAS (IIFAS-G) so far. The aim of this study was to investigate reliability, validity, and associations of the IIFAS-G with feeding method and breastfeeding duration.
Methods.
Between August and November 2022, a total of 353 mothers (Mage = 34.99 years, SDage = 4.21 years) of singleton infants (47.31% female (1 undetermined), Mage = 10.84 months, SDage = 4.66 months, age range: 3-547 days) participated in an online survey. The IIFAS-G was administered as a part of a larger study on early child development and infant feeding method.
Results.
The translated IIFAS-G showed unsatisfactory model fit for the two factor 17-item solution. Four items showed low factor loadings. After item reduction, a 13-item two factor solution showed satisfactory model fit (CFI = .92, TLI = .90, RMSEA = .07) and high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .85). The IIFAS-G score was higher for mothers who exclusively breastfed their infants compared to mothers who additionally or exclusively fed formula. Moreover, mothers with higher IIFAS-G scores were less likely to wean their child over the course of 1;6 years (HR = .87).
Conclusion.
A shorter two-factor IIFAS-G is proposed to investigate attitudes towards breastfeeding and formula feeding in German-speaking mothers.
Exploring Relationship of Poor Sleeping Habits with Prenatal Stress Among Pregnant Women in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Waqas Ahmed , Siddique Irfan , Ahsen Mehroz , Zubair Muhammad , Naeem Mehak , Memon Aamir Raoof , Naveed Sadiq
Published: September 2023

Objective
Pregnancy is a complex phenomenon accompanied by biological, physiological and psychosocial changes for a mother. It is also regarded as a stressful life event where a woman’s role, identity and interpersonal relationships are restructured. The present study from Pakistan explores the association of sleep quality and poor sleeping habits with prenatal stress using Pittsburgh Sleep quality Index.
Results
There were a total of 516 women (mean age = 29.82 years), with more than half reporting poor sleep quality. Ethnically, a majority (395, 76.6%) were natives of the Punjab province while rest were non-natives. A high percentage of respondents reported poor subjective sleep quality (22.1%), sleep latency (44.1%), habitual sleep efficiency (27.5%), sleep disturbance (30.1%), use of medications (7.1%) and daytime dysfunction (29.5%). According to logistic regression analysis, respondents with poor sleep quality were 2.24 (95% CI = 1.55–3.22, P < 0.001) times more likely to have high stress levels (P < .001), after adjusting for age.
Genomic insights into plasmid mediated antimicrobial resistance in the bacterium Bhargavaea beijingensis strain PS04
Authors: S Seethalakshmi P , Prabhakaran Anushara , Kiran George Seghal , Selvin Joseph
Published: September 2023

The dissemination of antimicrobial resistant bacteria through environment is a major health concern for public health. Pathogenic bacteria in natural environment can mediate the transfer of antimicrobial resistant genes via horizontal gene transfer to naturally occurring bacteria in the soil. Bhargavaea beijingensis is a Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in soil and water. In recent years, there has been an emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of environmental bacteria, which pose a significant threat to human health. One mechanism of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is through the acquisition of plasmids, which can carry genes that confer resistance to various antibiotics. In this study, a novel plasmid of repUS12 replicon type was identified in the strain PS04 of B. beijingensis, which carried the ermT and tet(L) genes, encoding resistance to macrolides, lincosamides, and tetracycline. The plasmid was found to be the first of its kind in B. beijingensis and was thought to have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer. The emergence of plasmid-mediated resistance in B. beijingensis highlights the need for continued surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic resistance in environmental bacteria.
Composite Lipid Parameters are Optimal in Predicting Chronic Kidney Disease Prognosis
Authors: Chen Hui-fen , Xiao Bing-jie , Chen Lin-yi , OuYang Wen-wei , Zhang Xian-long , He Zhi-ren , Fu Li-zhe , Tang Fang , Tang Xiao-na , Liu Xu-sheng , Wu Yi-fan
Published: September 2023

Background
Lipid management in clinic is critical to the prevention and treatment of CKD, while the manifestations of fat metabolism vary in type and have flexible correlations with CKD prognosis.
Purpose
Explore correlations between the widely used indicators of lipid metabolism in clinic and CKD prognosis; provide a reference for lipid management and treatment among non-dialysis CKD stages 3–5.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing the SMP-CKD database of 794 individuals with CKD stages 3–5. Variables with P < 0.10 in univariate Poisson models were induced to construct several timescale-based Poisson models with a stepwise regression according to lipid manifestation categories. We selected the best model via AIC, AUC and ROC and confirmed the independent relative exposures via RRs (95% CI). Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the interaction effects and robustness.
Results
255 individuals reached the composite outcome. Median follow-up duration was 2.03 [1.06, 3.19] years. Median age was 58.35 [48.50, 66.69] years with a median eGFR of 33.68 [17.55, 47.81] ml/min/1.73 m2. The fully adjusted category-based Poisson Model 4 in Dataset 5 had the largest AUC (0.717 [0.684, 0.751]) with P for ROC < 0.05. TC (1.158 [1.056, 1.271], P = 0.002) and PBF (0.948 [0.906, 0.992], P = 0.021) were significant factors of composite outcome and no manual measurements had any statistically significance. The
NMGMDA: A Computational Model for Predicting Potential Microbe–Drug Associations based on Minimize Matrix Nuclear Norm and Graph Attention Network
Authors: Liang Mingmin , Liu Xianzhi , Chen Qijia , Zeng Bin , Wang Lei
Published: September 2023

For drug research and development, the probable microbe-drug associations can be predicted with considerable utility. Deep learning-based techniques have recently found widespread use in the biomedical industry and have significantly improved identification performance. Additionally, the growing body of knowledge on germs and pharmaceutical biomedicine offers a fantastic potential for methods based on deep learning to forecast hidden associations between microbes and drugs. In order to infer latent microbe-drug associations, we developed a unique computational model in this publication called NMGMDA based on the nuclear norm minimization and graph attention network. We created a heterogeneous microbe-drug network in NMGMDA by fusing the drug and microbe similarities with the established associations between drugs and microbes. Then, in order to get predicted scores of potential microbe-drug associations, we used the nuclear norm minimization approach and a GAT-based auto-encoder, respectively. The final results, which are based on two datasets and weighted average of these two predicted scores, demonstrated that NMGMDA can outperform state-of-the-art competitive approaches. Case studies further demonstrated its capacity to reliably find fresh associations.
Elevated serum osmolarity is associated with poor in-hospital prognosis in patients with cardiac arrest: A retrospective study based on MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Sun Zhangping , Cheng Zhihua , Gong Ping , Li Peijuan
Published: September 2023

Background
A major cause of death is cardiac arrest (CA). Serum osmolarity has been shown to be useful in predicting the prognosis of sepsis patients in earlier research. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the impact of serum osmolarity on the prognosis of cardiac arrest patients in the intensive care unit.
Methods
In this study, the relationship between serum osmolarity and in-hospital mortality in ICU patients experiencing cardiac arrest was investigated. The MIMIC-IV database was used to select adult patients with cardiac arrest diagnoses for this investigation. The serum concentrations of Na+, K+, glucose, and urea nitrogen were used to determine the serum osmolarity simultaneously.
Results
The baseline data of adult patients with CA hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) from 2008 to 2019 in the American Intensive Care Database (MIMIC-IV, version v2.0) were collected. In this study, the patients were divided into survival and non-survival group, according to the 28-day prognosis. The mortality in the hyper-osmolarity group (61.96%) was significantly higher than that in the normal osmolarity group (35.51%, P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis before and after matching showed that the cumulative survival rate of the hyper-osmolarity was lower (P < 0.05). The Univariate and Multivariable COX analysis of risk factors for death (After PSM) shows that hyper-osmolarity was a significant independent risk factor for 28-day mortality. It was coincident with the result of subgroup analysis.
Conclusion
The serum osmolarity would be a predictive biomarker that is accessible right after a cardiac arrest for CA survivors. It can be determined more quickly and at a lower cost. However, more research is required to assess serum osmolality's prognostic value in various patient populations.
Ordered Weighted Evaluation Method of Lifting Operation Safety Risks Considering Coupling Effect
Authors: Yang Bangjie , Jin Lianghai , Zheng Xiazhong
Published: September 2023

In order to accurately evaluate the safety risk degree of lifting operations and improve the safety control level of lifting operations, firstly, WBS is used to decompose the construction process of lifting operations, RBS is used to decompose the safety risk, 14 safety risk factors of lifting operations are identified, and the risk evaluation system is constructed. Then, the safety risk assessment model of lifting operations is constructed by integrating risk coupling theory, joint ordered weighting operators, and an interaction matrix to identify key risk factors and safety risk levels. Finally, taking the lifting operation construction project of Yangfanggou Hydropower Station as an example, the evaluation index system and method are applied. The results show that the high-risk safety risks of the lifting operation construction of the project are: ' Low safety awareness causes workers to operate illegally X6, ', ' Operation error caused by illegal command X10, ', ' Workers ' risky work caused by low safety awareness X11, ', ' Edge, high and climbing operation protection is not in place X13, and ' Improper binding of components caused by workers ' illegal operation X4 '. The construction of the lifting operation poses a significant risk level, and the evaluation results are consistent with the actual situation. The rationality of the evaluation system and model constructed in this paper can provide a reference for the safety management and control of the construction site of the lifting operation and the safety of the lifting operation.
Identify splenic IRF7 as nanotherapy target for tele-conditioning myocardial reperfusion injury
Authors: Ye Xiaofeng , Long Qiang , Rabi Kristina , Li Lihui , Huang Shixing , Qian Bei , Zhong Yiming , Qi Zhaoxi , Zhang Yecen , He Xiaojun , Huang Kaichen , Wang Xinming , Teesalu Tambet , Santos Hélder A. , Liu Zehua , Zhao Qiang
Published: September 2023

Sequestration of nanoparticles (NPs) by the mononuclear phagocyte systems challenges nanotherapy for cardiovascular diseases, due to conventionally perceived loss of therapeutic potency. Here, we revitalize cardiovascular nanotherapy through unlocking an alternative routine by re-directing nanomedicines to the spleen, leveraging its potential as a highly efficient and targeted site for remote conditioning, or tele-conditioning, myocardial reperfusion injury. The theoretical foundation underpinning is the spleen-genic nature of recruited monocytes upon myocardial reperfusion in acute-stage, which is confirmed through murine heterotopic spleen transplantation. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis identifies IRF7 as a pivotal mediator in the spleen-heart communication network, activated initially in the spleen and orchestrating functional changes in myocardial macrophages. Spleen correlated activation of IRF7 is also valid in clinically relevant myocardial reperfusion scenario in human. And in murine preclinical model, temporal inhibition of splenic IRF7 through the designed spleen targeting erythrosome engineered with targeting peptide RP182, termed as STEER NPs, mitigate the acute-stage innate immune responses and improve the cardiac function in long term. Contrarily, the therapeutic benefits are not observed from systemic inhibition, genetic knockout of IRF7 or absolute depletion of splenic monocytes, indicating the superiority of the NP-based targeted treatment settings. These findings establish the spleen as a naturally favored site for NP-based treatments, offering promising avenues for managing myocardial reperfusion injury.
SIR Epidemics in Interconnected Networks: threshold curve and phase transition
Authors: Das Saswata , Scoglio Caterina
Published: September 2023

For simplicity of mathematical modelling of epidemic spreading, assumption is that hosts have identical rate of disease-causing contacts. However, in real world the scenario is different. The network-based framework allows us to capture the complex interdependencies and structural heterogeneity present in real-world systems. We examine two distinct scenarios involving the dynamics of Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) in interconnected networks. In the first part, we show how the epidemic threshold of a contact network changes as a result of being coupled with another network for a fixed infection strength. The model employed in this work considers both the contact networks and interconnections as generic. We have depicted the epidemic threshold curve for interconnected networks, considering the assumption that the infection could be initially present in either one or both of the networks. If the normalized infection strengths are above the threshold curve, the infection spreads, whereas if the normalized infection strengths are below the threshold curve, the disease does not spread. This is true for any level of interconnection. In the second part, we investigate the spillover phenomenon, where the disease in a novel host population network comes from a reservoir network. We have observed a clear phase transition when the number of links or the inter-network infection rate exceeds a certain threshold, keeping all other parameters constant. We observe two regimes for spillover: a major spillover region and a minor spillover region based on interpopulation links (fraction of links between two networks) and inter-network infection strength (infection rate between reservoir and host network). If the interpopulation links and inter-network infection strength are in the major spillover region, the spillover probability is high, while if the former parameters are in the minor spillover region, the spillover probability is low. When the number of infected individuals within a reservoir network is nearly equal, and the inter-network infection strength remains constant, the threshold number of links required to achieve the spillover threshold condition varies based on the network topology. Overall, this work contributes to the understanding of SIR dynamics in interconnected networks and sheds light on the behavior of epidemics in complex systems.
In situ optical measurement of particles in sediment plumes generated by a pre-prototype polymetallic nodule collector
Authors: Mousadik Souha El , Ouillon Raphael , Muñoz-Royo Carlos , Slade Wayne , Pottsmith Chuck , Leeuw Thomas , Alford Matthew , Mikkelsen Ole , Peacock Thomas
Published: September 2023

Results and key insights are presented from in situ, high-resolution optical measurements of particle size distributions (PSD) for sediment plumes generated by a pre-prototype deep seabed nodule collector vehicle operating in the abyssal Pacific Ocean. The data show marked differences compared to previously reported laboratory-based, ex situ measurements. The in situ suspended sediment grain size and other key particle shape characteristics are found to be dependent on multiple factors such as the collector vehicle maneuvers, the time elapsed following discharge, and the complex hydrodynamic processes that generate the sediment in suspension. At the measuring instrument mounting height of 5m above the seabed, the PSD from a highly complex succession of straight-line maneuvers is found to converge to that of the canonical case of a simple straight-line driving maneuver within a timescale of ten minutes. Practically, our findings emphasize the need for parameterization of sediment plume transport models based on well-informed comprehensive PSDs of detrained suspended sediment measured in situ at adequate timescales and in regions no longer actively affected by active and complex hydrodynamic processes.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor: A Potential Tumor Biomarker for Diagnosis of Fibrosis and Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Resham Saleha , Raza Rana Muhammad , Janjua Hafeez Ullah , Manzoor Sobia
Published: September 2023

Objective: Improving the prognosis and reducing the prevalence and economic burden of fibrosis and early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be achieved through the assessment of a potential serum-based biomarker diagnosis, Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). By utilizing this biomarker, disease management can be enhanced, leading to early detection and better outcomes, thereby mitigating the risk of premature death.Methods:we conducted an evaluation of HGF serum levels using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The study involved a population of 176 selected patients, out of which 79 patients met the study criteria. This included 45 patients diagnosed with fibrosis and 34 patients diagnosed with early HCC. Additionally, we collected 10 serum samples from healthy individuals to serve as the control group for comparison purposes.Inclusion Criteria: In our study, we enrolled patients who tested positive for the hepatitis C antibody and presented with concurrent fibrosis and early-stage HCC. This selection criteria ensured that our research focused on individuals with these specific medical conditions, allowing us to explore their relationship and implications further.Exclusion Criteria:Patients with any other liver complications like cholangiocarcinoma, lipoma, and hemangioma were all excluded from this study.Results:The optical density and concentration levels of HGF were measured in the serum of patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), including those diagnosed with fibrosis and early-stage HCC. The observed range for HGF concentration in these patients was 1.2474 to 3175.769877 pg/mL, with a mean value of 1.263 ± 0.07632. In contrast, the control group exhibited HGF concentration ranging from 0.3235 to 728 pg/mL, with a mean value of 0.3629 ± 0.04824.Conclusion:Innumerable studies have investigated various biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of fibrosis and early-stage HCC. However, no single biomarker has emerged as the optimal choice for early detection of both conditions. AFP, commonly utilized as a liver cancer biomarker, exhibits limited value as it is absent in approximately 30% of cases, particularly in early stages. The present study on fibrosis and HCC suggests that HGF shows promise as a potential biomarker for early-stage diagnosis when combined with AFP. Based on the current findings, it is reasonable to propose that HGF can serve as a valuable diagnostic tools for fibrosis and early-stage HCC, thereby facilitating more effective treatment options.
RNA methylation patterns, immune characteristics, and autophagy- related mechanisms mediated by m6A regulatory factors in venous thromboembolism
Authors: Zhang Deshuai , Fu Winxia , Zhu Shiwei , Wang Yongli , Li Ruogu
Published: September 2023

Recent studies have found a link between deep vein thrombosis and inflammatory reactions. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), a crucial element in immunological regulation, is believed to contribute to the pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, how the m6A-modified immune microenvironment is involved in VTE remains unclear. In the present study, we identified a relationship between VTE and the expression of several m6A regulatory elements by analyzing peripheral blood samples from 177 patients with VTE and 88 healthy controls in a public database. We used machine learning to identify essential genes and constructed a diagnostic model for VTE using multivariate logistic regression. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed a marked difference between m6A modification patterns in terms of immune cell infiltration, inflammatory reactivity, and autophagy. We identified two m6A-related autophagy genes (i.e., CHMP2B and SIRT1) and the crucial m6A regulator YTHDF3 using bioinformatics. We also examined two potential mechanisms through which YTHDF3 may affect VTE. Altered methylation modification techniques on m6A may enhance the inflammatory reaction during the thrombosis phase and contribute to the occurrence of VTE. Increasing SIRT1–FOXO1 autophagy pathway activity may increase macrophage proliferation, inflammatory response, and VTE risk. This study established an intimate relationship between m6A alteration, the immunological milieu of VTE, and autophagy, providing further insights into the pathogenic process and development of innovative VTE therapeutics.
Chasing the objective upper eyelid symmetry formula; R2, RMSE, POC, MAE and MSE
Authors: Cabuk Kubra Serefoglu , Cengiz Said Kemal , Guler Mehmet Guray , Ozturk Husna , Efe Ayse Cetin , Ulas Mehmet Goksel , Karademir Fatma Poslu
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Investigate the most appropriate mathematical formula to objectively express upper eyelid contour symmetry.
Methods
62 eyes of 31 patients were included in the study. Upper eyelid contour symmetry of the patients was classified subjectively (independent of MRD1) as poor, acceptable, and good by three oculoplastic specialists (senior, expert, and junior surgeon). Bézier curves of the upper lid contour were drawn with ImageJ software (NIH, Bethesda, MA, USA). Using the algorithms created by Author SKC in Spyder (Python 3.7.9.), the symmetry of the Bézier curves of the left eyelids were obtained according to the y-axis, and the mid-pupils of both eyes are superimposed. The lower curve moved vertically to the equal height of the other curve (to equalize MRD1’s. R2 (Coefficient of determination), RMSE (Root-mean-square error), MSE (Mean squared error), POC (Percentage of co-efficiency), and MAE (Mean absolute error) were calculated. We evaluated the correlation between these objective formulas and subjective grading of three surgoens using the Spearman’s rho (ρ).
Results
The correlation coefficient of RMSE and MSE were the same for all surgeons grading. There was a strong correlation between the senior surgeon’s subjective scoring (N; poor = 8, acceptable = 16, good = 8) and R2, RMSE, POC, MAE (ρ = 0.643, p < 0.001, ρ =-0.607, p < 0.001, ρ = 0.562, p < 0.001, ρ =-0.517, p < 0.001, respectively). We found a strong relationship between the expert surgeon’s subjective scoring (N; poor = 9, acceptable = 13, good:10) and R2 (ρ = 0.611, p < 0.001), RMSE (ρ=-0.549, p < 0.001), POC (ρ = 0.511, p < 0.001), and MAE (ρ =-0.450, p < 0.05). We found a strong correlation between junior surgeon’s subjective scoring (N; poor = 6, acceptable = 18, good = 8) and R2, RMSE, and POC (ρ:-0.517, p < 0.001; ρ:-0.470, p < 0.001; ρ: 0.521, p < 0.001; respectively) and moderate correlation between MAE (ρ:-0.394, p < 0.05). The highest correlation is observed with R2.
Conclusions
RMSE, MSE, POC, MAE, and especially R2, may quantitatively express upper eyelid symmetry, comparable with the oculoplastic surgeon. The highest correlation was observed between the senior surgeon and R2 and decreases with the experience of the surgeon.
Cell-in-cell phenomena across the tree of life
Authors: Kapsetaki Stefania E. , Cisneros Luis H. , Maley Carlo C.
Published: September 2023

Cells in obligately multicellular organisms by definition have aligned fitness interests, minimum conflict, and cannot reproduce independently. However, some cells eat other cells within the same body, sometimes called cell cannibalism. Such cell-in-cell events have not been thoroughly discussed in the framework of major transitions to multicellularity. We performed a systematic review of 508 articles to search for cell-in-cell events across the tree of life, the age of cell-in-cell-related genes, and whether cell-in-cell events are associated with normal multicellular development or cancer. Out of the 38 cell-in-cell-related genes found in the literature, 14 genes were over 2.2 billion years old, i.e., older than the common ancestor of some facultatively multicellular taxa. Therefore, we propose that cell-in-cell events originated before the origins of obligate multicellularity. Cell-in-cell events are found almost everywhere: across some unicellular and many multicellular organisms, mostly in malignant rather than benign tissue, and in non-neoplastic cells. Thus, our results show that cell-in-cell events exist in obligate multicellular organisms, but are not a defining feature of them. The idea of eradicating cell-in-cell events from obligate multicellular organisms as a way of treating cancer, without considering that cell-in-cell events are also part of normal development, should be abandoned.
Efficient Whole-cell Catalysis for γ-Aminobutyric Acid Production Using Engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Chang Fangfang , Wang Yuheng , Zhang Jie , Tu Tao , Luo Huiying , Huang Huoqing , Bai Yingguo , Qin Xing , Wang Yaru , Yao Bin , Wang Yuan , Wang Xiaolu
Published: September 2023

Background
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that has extensive applications in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and chemical synthesis fields. The utilization of engineered Escherichia coli in whole-cell catalysis offers a promising approach for GABA synthesis based on the rapid reaction kinetics and reduced byproduct formation. Previously, we constructed a recombinant E. coli that efficiently converts L-glutamate (L-Glu) to GABA; however, freezing and thawing of the strain and the addition of external pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) were required. The objective of this investigation was to enhance the efficiency of GABA synthesis through E. coli genetic modifications to achieve a more streamlined production process.
Results
First, the inducible expression conditions of the gad gene were optimized to 37°C for 6 h. Next, cell permeability was improved by overexpressing sulA in E. coli, which eliminated the need for the freeze-thaw treatment during GABA production. The overexpression of pdxS and pdxT from Bacillus subtilis strain 168 resulted in an ideal engineered strain without the addition of external PLP. Thus, an efficient whole-cell biocatalytic process was optimized. The ideal isopropyl β-D-thiogalactopyranoside concentration, cellular density, and reaction temperature were 0.2 mmol/L, 15 units, and 37°C, respectively, and the substrate consisted of a 4:1 ratio of L-glutamic acid (L-Glu) to L-monosodium glutamate (L-MSG). Ultimately, the optimized conditions were employed for a bioconversion procedure using whole cells in a 3 L bioreactor. The microbial strain was capable of being utilized for a minimum of two cycles with 1 mol/L substrate mixtures, thus achieving a GABA productivity of 103.1 g/L/h and a molar yield of 100.0%.
Conclusion
A whole-cell catalyst for highly efficient GABA production from a mixture of L-Glu and L-MSG was constructed by engineering E. coli, and the freeze-thaw steps and external PLP addition were not required. This research illustrates that the recently engineered strain of E. coli exhibits promise for utilization in the large-scale industrial synthesis of GABA.
First attempt of restoration of brackish marshes in Armenia and its influence on the fauna of waterbirds
Authors: Aghababyan Karen , Grigoryan Voskehat
Published: September 2023

The paper describes the process of restoration of a portion of brackish marshes in Ararat Plain of Armenia and the changes in the fauna of breeding and migratory waterbirds in this regard. During 2019, a total of 1.61 ha of brackish marshes were restored in Khor Virap Sanctuary, a candidate Emerald Site, a Ramsar Site, and an internationally stopover point, protected under the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement. Design of the wetlands was developed considering nesting and foraging requirements of various breeding and migratory waterbird species. The monitoring of the bird fauna implemented before and after the intervention (in 2017–2019 and 2020–2021), showed that the fauna of breeding birds changed from 38 to 55 species (χ2 = 32.9, p < 0.001) and the fauna of migratory species changed from 31 to 61 species (χ2 = 10.6, p < 0.001). The conservation value of the area raised as the number of species included in IUCN Red List increased from 0 to 1 for breeding birds and from 0 to 4 for migratory ones, in Red Book of Animals of Armenia – from 1 to 3 and from 5 to 19, and in Resolution 6 of Bern Convention – from 5 to 12 and from 6 to 22 respectively. The fauna of shorebirds is underrepresented, though, most probably due to lack of beach-like areas. The success of the intervention justifies continuation of wetland restoration on the rest of Khor Virap Sanctuary (on almost 50 ha) and beyond it. It is also suggested to review the design of the wetlands to make those better fitting to a wider variety of waterbirds, including waders.
WITHDRAWN: Spectral and non-spectral property of self-affine measures on ℝn
Authors: Wang WeiJie
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we study twofold questions regarding the spectrality and non-spectrality of the self-affine measure $\mu_{M,\mathcal{D}}$. Our result characterizes a necessary and sufficient condition on the spectrality of $\mu_{M,\mathcal{D}}$ generated by a generalized symmetric expanding integer matrix $M\in M_{n}(\mathbb{Z})$ and a non-consecutive collinear digit set $\mathcal{D}$.
For the lower triangular expanding integer matrix $M\in M_{n}(\mathbb{Z} )$ and $\mathcal{D}\subset \mathbb{Z}^{n}$, let $\mathcal{Z}_{\mathcal{D}}^{n}:=\{x\in [0,1)^{n} : m_{\mathcal{D}}(x)=0\}$ and $N_{m}^{n}=\{(\bm{r}, \bm{q})\in \mathbb{R}^{n}:\bm{r}:=(r_1,r_2,\ldots,r_{n-m})^{t}\in [0,1)^{n-m}, \bm{q}\in \mathbb{Q}^{m}\setminus \{\bm{0}\} \}$. Denote $p_{m,\mathcal{D}}$ as the positive integers which are determined by $m$ and $\mathcal{D}$ for any integer $m\geq 1$. We show that if $\gcd(\det(M), p_{m,\mathcal{D}})=1$ for $m\geq 1$ and $\emptyset\neq \mathcal{Z}_{\mathcal{D}}^{n}\subset N_{m}^{n}$, then there are at most $(p_{m,\mathcal{D}})^{m}$ mutually orthogonal exponential functions in $L^{2}(\mu_{M,D})$.
Perception of Groundnuts Leaf Disease by Neural Network with Progressive Re-Sizing
Authors: Naresh Usikela , Reddy T. Bhaskara
Published: September 2023

India is the world's second-largest groundnut producer after Brazil. An major crop of oilseeds is groundnuts. Because of this, the crop's quality and yield have declined, which has had a detrimental effect on the agricultural economy. This is partly because the crop is more susceptible to various diseases. It is required to create more precise and reliable automated approaches to address this problem and improve the identification of groundnut leaf diseases. This article proposes a deep learning-driven approach based on a progressive scaling technique for the accurate classification and identification of groundnut leaf diseases. The five main groundnut leaf diseases that are the subject of this study are leaf spot, armyworm effect, wilts, yellow leaf, and healthy leaf. The proposed model is trained using both progressive resizing and conventional techniques, and its performance is assessed using cross-entropy loss. A fresh dataset is meticulously curated in Gujarat state, India's Saurashtra region, for training and validation. Due to the dataset's uneven sample distribution across disease categories, an extended focus loss function was used to correct this class imbalance. In order to evaluate the performance of the suggested model, a number of performance metrics are utilized, including accuracy, sensitivity, F1-score, precision, and sensitivity. Notably, the suggested model has a 96.12% success rate, which signifies a considerable increase in the disease identification accuracy. It's important to note that the model incorporating progressive resizing beats the basic neural network-based model based on cross-entropy loss, highlighting the potency of the recommended approach.
Impact of COVID 19 on the Training of Clinical Students at MRRH, Eastern Uganda
Authors: Kibuuka Ronald , Nanyombi Winnie , Makamba Abubakar , Catherine Asiimwe Winnie , Pamella Adongo
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Medical education has been uniquely affected by COVID-19 either directly or through attempts to counter the spread of COVID-19 pandemic which has affected the overall physical, mental, socioeconomic and spiritual health of the people.
Objective
To determine the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the training of clinical students at MRRH in Eastern Uganda.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was used and the target populations were clinical students attached at MRRH. Simple random sampling technique was used to recruit participants in this study. Written consent was sought from study participants before enrolling them into the study. Data collection was done using an electronically generated Google form questionnaire. A link to the form was shared with the respondents via identified social media platforms like WhatsApp groups, telegram and emails and later extracted as excel spreadsheet, cleaned and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis.
Results
The study revealed that a majority of participants were between 18–25 years old (72%) and predominantly female (40%). The most pursued course was "Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery" (36%), primarily in public institutions (93%). Financial challenges were prevalent, with 70% reporting insufficient financial aid during COVID-19. While 51% believed they could pay tuition fees when schools resumed normally, 44% were uncertain. Psychologically, 73% of participants reported anxiety, with factors like gender, employment status, and academic effect playing significant roles. Notably, unemployed participants exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of anxiety (AOR: 7.3, p = 0.000). Female students were more likely to experience severe and moderate anxiety than males (38% versus 28% and 43% versus 40%, respectively).
Conclusion
The findings underscore the multifaceted impact of the pandemic on clinical students' training, encompassing financial, academic, and psychological aspects. Tailored interventions and support strategies are imperative to address the challenges faced by these students in Eastern Uganda and enhance their overall well-being.
Socially Responsive Performance Art: The History and Context of Selected Performance Art in Malaysia
Authors: Clara Ling Boon Ing  , Sarena Abdullah
Published: September 2023

Since the 1990s, Malaysian artists have been using performance art as an artistic medium. Nevertheless, the history and context of performance art in Malaysia have not been examined in the context of Malaysian art history in particular. Coming from the fine arts background, artists such as Intan Rafiza, Sharon Chin, Aisyah Baharuddin, Rahmat Haron, Azizan Rahman Paiman, Mislina Mustaffa, and Fared Ayam, are among Malaysian artists who have been producing performance art as their main artistic medium. These performances, as will be discussed in this article, are what we define as “socially responsive medium” as these performances are not only ways for artists to express themselves but most importantly, the performances were inspired and executed as a form of artistic assertion or response in regard to various issues happening that triggered or inspired these artists to react via the execution of these performances. To give a better historical context and background, this article will first elucidate and delineate the historical development of performance art within the larger visual arts practice in Malaysia before focussing on the examination of selected performances by the few artists that this article argues as being “socially responsive.” This section will focus the term used and the nature of the performances itself.
Incorporating The Influence of Regional Culture in Tableware Design: The Case Study of Chaoshan Area
Authors: Li Zhuopeng  , Muhammad Jameel Mohamed Kamil
Published: September 2023

Tableware has traditionally played a significant part in China’s food culture and has a high usage rate as a product directly tied to everyday life. Therefore, designing tableware with local cultural characteristics may aid in the education of people to appreciate local culture. However, there is a considerable shortage of research on tableware with Chaoshan cultural elements. Hence, this research will include both Chaoshan culture and tableware design. It is recommended that Chaoshan culture be employed as a design element in tableware design, and that the viability of using tableware as a carrier to express regional culture be explored. The significance of this study will aid in improving the Chaoshan region’s cultural production, boosting cultural confidence, and increasing local revenues.
Мониторинг эритроцитарного донорского химеризма у онкогематологических больных после трансплантации аллогенных гемопоэтических стволовых клеток
Authors: Смольникова Мария Викторовна , Бутина Е. В. , Йовдий А. В. , Попонина Е. А. , Зорина Н. А.
Published: September 2023

Background. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a definitive therapy for patients with different oncological and hematological diseases. The study of red cell chimerism is a crucial process for diagnosing transplant engraftment and functioning during the post-transplantation period.

Aim. To assess the effect of immunohematological (АВО and HLA donor–recipient matching) and medical (conditioning regimens) parameters on the onset time of post-transplantation donor chimerism which is determined by RBC antigens.

Materials & Methods. The study enrolled 54 patients at the Kirov Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology in Russia (25 female and 29 male patients) aged 3–60 years (median 32 years). All of them received allo-HSCT in 2013–2021. Acute leukemias were identified in 39 patients, 8 patients were reported to have malignant lymphoproliferative diseases, 3 patients had myeloproliferative neoplasms, and 4 patients were diagnosed with aplastic anemia. RBC antigens of donors and recipients were analyzed by gel hemagglutination using Bio-Rad (USA) reagents and equipment.

Results. The onset time of donor chimerism depends neither on the degree of HLA donor–recipient matching, nor on conditioning regimen. Donor chimerism in recipients with major ABO-incompatibility occurs significantly later than in patients with minor АВО-incompatibility and ABO-identity.

Conclusion. Monitoring of post-transplantation donor chimerism is an important diagnostic and prognostic tool to assess donor hematopoietic cell engraftment, hematologic recovery, graft rejection, and relapse of the disease. After allo-HSCT, first donor red cells occur in pairs with major АВО-incompatibility later than in pairs with minor АВО-incompatibility or ABO antigen compatibility. Other immunohematological and medical parameters do not affect the development rate of donor chimerism determined by RBC antigens.
Подходы к лечению больных миелофиброзом и истинной полицитемией с конституциональными симптомами в условиях рутинной клинической практики в Российской Федерации: промежуточные результаты многоцентрового наблюдательного проспективного клинического исследов
Authors: Меликян Анаит Левоновна , Суборцева И. Н. , Куликов С. М. , Чабаева Ю. А. , Гилязитдинова Е. А. , Новоселов К. П. , Князева Е. А. , Егорова А. С. , Степочкин И. С. , Королева Е. В. , Сычева Т. М. , Бельгесова В. П. , Путинцева А. Ю. , Сендерова О. М. , Васильева И. В. , Комарцева Е. Ю. , Каплина А. А. , Бахтина В. И. , Михалев М. А. , Черных Ю. Б. , Паровичникова Е. Н.
Published: September 2023

Aim. To describe the methods of drug therapy implemented for the disease control in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (MF) as well as to analyze manifestations and severity of the disease symptoms in real-world clinical practice.

Materials & Methods. The analysis focused on the data of 1229 patients. In 629 (51.18 %) patients, PV was diagnosed, MF was identified in 521 (42.39 %) patients. The diagnosis of 79 (6.43 %) patients was not reported. Early stage of primary MF (PMF) was detected in 182 (34.93 %) patients, PMF fibrosis stage was identified in 251 (48.18 %) patients, post-polycythemic MF was registered in 61 (11.71 %) patients, and 13 (2.5 %) patients showed post-thrombocythemic MF. In 14 (2.69 %) patients, MF type was not reported. By the time of diagnosis, the median age of PV patients was 56 years (range 17–86 years), and that of MF patients was 55 years (range 16–83 years) (p = 0.022). The proportion of women among PV patients was 57 %, among MF patients it was 65 % (p = 0.0065).

Results. The assessment of thrombotic complication risk in PV showed that 51.01 % (n = 302) of patients belong to the low-risk, 39.86 % (n = 236) belong to the intermediate-risk, and only 9.12 % (n = 54) of patients belong to the high-risk groups. Distribution of MF patients between risk groups demonstrates favorable prognosis for most patients. The group of low and intermediate-1 risks includes 56.43 % (n = 294) patients according to the prognostic scoring system IPSS and 68.52 % (n = 357) according to the prognostic scoring system DIPSS. In the vast majority of cases, patients received hydroxycarbamide therapy: 81.81 % (n = 832) in the total cohort, 83.33 % (n = 465) in the PV group, and 79.96 % (n = 367) in the MF group. Interferon-α was administered to 19.71 % (n = 110) of PV patients and 29.85 % (n = 137) of MF patients. Ruxolitinib was assigned to 3.14 % (n = 19) of PV patients and 21.35 % (n = 98) of MF patients.

Conclusion. Regular monitoring of the PV and MF course and treatment efficacy can provide recommendations for adequate change of therapy in case of the failure of previous treatment. It should be emphasized that the timely switch to the second-line therapy results in reduced disability and mortality among PV and MF patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.