bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Radiomics Features on Pretreatment CT to Predict Response to First-Line Chemotherapy in Thymic Carcinoma: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Wu Si Yu , Wang Ying , Fan Ping , Xu Tianqi , Huang Yong , Han Pengxi , Deng Yan , Wang Ximing
Published: March 2024

Objectives Platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment have shown promising results against tumors in thymic carcinoma (TC). However, clinical benefit has been limited to a small proportion of patients. We developed and validated a combined radiomics model to predict progressive disease (PD) in patients suffering from TC following first-line chemotherapy.Methods Patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment from four centers in Shandong, China, were retrospectively included (n = 134); 93 and 41 were entered into the training and validation sets. Radiomics features were extracted from pretreatment enhanced CT. After feature selection, radiomics score (RS) was developed by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and TNM, clinicopathological and clinicopathological-radiomics models (combined radiomics model) were developed by using logistic regression algorithm. Models were assessed for performance, incremental predictive value of radiomics features versus clinicopathological features, and the relationship of RS and clinical factors to survival.Results The clinicopathological model was a modest predictor of PD, with area under curve (AUC) of 0.879 (95% CI: 0.709–0.890) and 0.799 (95% CI: 0.778–0.980) in the training and validation sets. The AUC of the combined radiomics model was 0.937 (95% CI: 0.891–0.984) and 0.899 (95% CI: 0.800-0.997), which is of good calibration and clinical application. The incremental predictive value of radiomics features for clinicopathological features was 27% (p < 0.001) and 0.4% (p = 0.108) in the training and validation sets. In addition, RS, CD5, and distant metastasis were associated with progression-free survival in both the training and validation sets.Conclusion Radiomics features extracted from pretreatment enhanced CT allow prediction of individualized objective responses to platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment in TC, providing incremental predictive value for clinicopathological features, and are associated with progression-free survival after initiation of this combination regimen.
The effect of antimicrobial peptide-added adhesive resins on shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index of orthodontic brackets
Authors: DEMIRSOY Kevser KURT , BUYUK Suleyman Kutalmış , KAPLAN Melek Hilal , KOKBAS Umut , ABAY Feridun , OZEN Ceyda , AKKAYA Alper
Published: March 2024

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of in-vivo produced Nisin which is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) added to adhesive resin on shear bond strength (SBS) and the adhesive remnant index (ARI) of orthodontic brackets.
Methods
Bacterial AMP was produced by fermentation and the ideal AMP/Bond concentration and antimicrobial efficacy of the mixture were tested. To evaluate the SBS and ARI scores of AMP-added adhesive resins, 80 maxillary premolar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes were used and randomly assigned into 2 groups (n = 40). Group 1: Control Group (teeth bonded with standard adhesive resin); Group 2: Experimental Group (teeth bonded with AMP-added adhesive resin). Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package program and applying the Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results
Nisin synthesised in-vivo from Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) (ATCC 7962) bacteria was provided to form a homogenous solution at an ideal concentration To find the minimum AMP/Bond mixture ratio that showed maximum antimicrobial activity, AMP and Bond mixtures were tested at various concentration levels between 1/160 and 1/2 (AMP/Bond). As a result, the optimum ratio was determined as 1/40. The antimicrobial efficacy of Nisin-added adhesive resin was tested against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) (ATCC 35688) and Lactobacillus strains (cariogenic microorganisms). AMP formed a 2.7 cm diameter zone alone, while 1/40 AMP-bond mixture formed a 1.2 cm diameter zone. SBS values of the teeth bonded with Nisin added adhesive (17.49 ± 5.31) were significantly higher than the control group (14.54 ± 4.96) (P = 0.004). According to the four point scale, Nisin added adhesive provided a higher ARI score in favour of the adhesive and tooeth compared to the control group (ARI = 3, n = 20).
Conclusions
Nisin produced from L. lactis (ATCC 7962) had greater antimicrobial effects after mixing with adhesive bond against cariogenic microorganisms S. mutans (ATCC 35688) and Lactobacillus strains. Nisin added adhesive increased the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets.
Clinical relevance:
Clinicians should take into account that using Nisin-added adhesive resin in orthodontic treatments can provide prophylaxis against tooth decay, especially in patients with poor oral hygiene.
Compliance with national safety standards and associated factors among welders in Kampala district, Uganda
Authors: Sekabojja Daniel , Musoke David , Osuret Jimmy , Ssekamatte Tonny , Etajak Samuel , Mugambe Richard K.
Published: March 2024

Background
Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards among welders is one way of reducing global injuries and health costs while improving industrial productivity and Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Addressing the occupational injury burden requires understanding contextual factors for compliance with occupational safety and health standards. This study focused to determine compliance levels with (sections 35 and 36) of the Uganda OSH Act, 2006 among Kampala welders, and the associated factors.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional mixed-methods study design was used. A sample of 425 welders was selected using simple random sampling and interviewed face-to-face in the five divisions of Kampala Capital City. The study was supplemented with 5 Key Informants purposively selected from the OSH Department, Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development (MGLSD), and the divisions in Kampala. Quantitative data was entered and cleaned in Stata 14; Association was measured using prevalence risk ratio estimates with a generalized linear model. Adjusted Prevalence Ratios (APR) were used as measures of association under 95% CI and 5% level of significance. Qualitative data were transcribed and analyzed thematically.
Results
The level of compliance to sections 35 and 36 was below the permissible level of 100% established by the MGLSD; nearly three quarters, 303/425 (71.29%) complied with PPE use (section 35) and less than half, 154/425 (36.24%) complied with incident documentation and reporting (section 36). Factors for compliance with Section 35 included; welders’ residence (Makindye), (APR = 1.33, 95% CI; 1.12–1.59), marital status: (APR = 1.37, 95% CI; 1.17–1.61), electric shocks in the last 6months: (APR = 1.18, 95% CI; 1.05–1.32), involvement in hazard analysis: (APR = 1.41, 95% CI; 1.25–1.58), safety knowledge: (APR = 1.26, 95% CI; 1.11–1.43), having supervisors in place: (APR = 0.86, 95% CI;0.76–0.98) and Section 36; welders’ residence (Makindye), (APR = 0.25, 95% CI; 0.23–0.75), > 6years welding experience: (APR = 0.44, 95% CI;0.21–0.96), and having OSH Policies in place: (APR = 3.61, 95% CI; 2.07–6.28).
Conclusion
Although welders’ compliance levels with PPE ranked above average but below that required my MGLSD, some welders had gotten used to the practice of working in risky environments without wearing full PPE, with reasons for not affording them. They lacked Incident documentation and thus needed support supervision from MGLSD.
Advancing Species Identification in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Novel Mini-Barcode from Mitochondrial Genomes Combined with Meta-barcoding Technology for Leech Authentication
Authors: Shi Chenfeng , Guo Yuhan , Yao Lijuan , Xu Yunhui , Zhou Jing , Hua Moli
Published: March 2024

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the medicinal leech is a vital component for treatments aimed at promoting blood circulation and eliminating blood stasis. However, the prevalence of counterfeit leech products in the market undermines the quality and efficacy of these remedies. Conventional DNA barcoding techniques, such as the COI barcode, have proven inadequate for TCM species identification due to amplification challenges. This study introduces a novel 219bp mini-barcode, derived from the mitochondrial genome's 16S rRNA gene, exhibiting high variability among five leech species. We also used primers 741F-943R to enhance the identification process. Compared with the traditional COI barcode, our mini-barcode showed remarkable identification efficiency, accurately classifying 144 out of 147 leech samples from fresh and processed materials. In the case of seven batches of leech decoction pieces, the mini-barcode identified six, whereas the COI barcode only recognized one. Additionally, when combined with meta-barcoding technology, the mini-barcode effectively discerned five leech species within Chinese patent medicines. These results confirm the mini-barcode's potential as a reliable tool for the rapid and precise identification of leech species in TCM products.
Exploring the Venom of Ectatomma brunneum Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Bernardi Rafaella Caroline , Mendonça Angélica , Firmino Ellen Liciane Barbosa , Macorini Luis Fernando Benitez , Barros Edvaldo , Santos Pollyanna Pereira , Junior Luiz Santos , Serrão José Eduardo , Junior William Fernando Antonialli , Cardoso Claudia Andréa Lima
Published: March 2024

Ant venom has several functions including predation, communication, defense against predators, and action against pathogens. Data about ant venom components, which provide support for understand action mechanisms, allergenicity, and biological activity, are few. The objective was to identify the amino acids and proteins in the venom of the predatory ant Ectatomma brunneum and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity. The amino acids were analyzed by liquid chromatography with diode array detection and identified using amino acid standards. The two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis fractionation approach was used to identify the proteins, together with MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry and protein databases. The antimicrobial activity of the venom was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory and minimum microbiocidal concentrations. The venom of E. brummeum has free amino acids with high amount of alanine. The 2D gel analysis show 104 spots, from which 21 were identified and classified according to biological function in: venom proteins, nontoxic reservoir protection, cellular maintenance proteins, and proteins with unknown function. The venom has antimicrobial activity, inhibiting growth of all the bacteria and fungi tested. Results provide new insights to the knowledge of the ant venom components and antimicrobial activity.
Centromere sequence-independent but biased loading of subgenome-specific CENH3s in allopolyploid Arabidopsis suecica
Authors: Houben Andreas , Karimi-Ashtiyani Raheleh , Banaei-Moghaddam Ali Mohammad , Ishii Takayoshi , Weiss Oda , Fuchs Jörg , Schubert Veit
Published: March 2024

Centromeric nucleosomes are determined by the replacement of the canonical histone H3 with the centromere-specific histone H3 (CENH3) variant. Little is known about the centromere organization in allopolyploid species where different subgenome-specific CENH3s and subgenome-specific centromeric sequences coexist. Here, we analyzed the transcription and centromeric localization of subgenome-specific CENH3 variants in the allopolyploid species Arabidopsis suecica. Synthetic A. thaliana x A. arenosa hybrids were generated and analyzed to mimic the early evolution of A. suecica. Our expression analyses indicated that CENH3 has generally higher expression levels in A. arenosa compared to A. thaliana, and this pattern persists in the hybrids. We also demonstrated that despite a different centromere DNA composition, the centromeres of both subgenomes incorporate CENH3 encoded by both subgenomes, but with a positive bias towards A. arenosa-type CENH3. The intermingled arrangement of both CENH3 variants demonstrates centromere plasticity and may be an evolutionary adaption to handle more than one CENH3 variant in the process of allopolyploidization.
An approach for the analysis of axonal neuroinflammation by measuring dual biomarkers of oligodendrocytes and inflammatory cytokine in human plasma
Authors: Mitsuhashi Masato , Hirata Akihiro , Oguma Yuko , Ishida Hiroyuki , Kawata Keisuke
Published: March 2024

The myelin sheath surrounding axons is vulnerable to mechanical stresses after head injuries, as well as autoimmune attacks and degeneration in neurological disorders. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective method to assess these axonal conditions in individual patients.
We have developed a sandwich immunoassay detecting dual signals of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and interleukin 1B (IL1B) in human plasma ([IL1B on MOG]). While IL1B is one of common inflammation markers, its lack of tissue specificity is addressed by identifying IL1B on extracellular vesicles from oligodendrocytes isolated using anti-MOG, suggesting inflammation around axons.
In 77 control subjects, plasma levels of [IL1B on MOG] did not increase more than 2 fold from baseline. During the sports season, 14% (151 football players) and 22% (18 rugby players) exhibited a substantial 2-17 fold increase, despite the absence of traumatic brain injuries. This elevation demonstrated a non-random pattern, with some individuals gradually rising towards the season's end, followed by a decline. [IL1B on MOG] levels also correlated with the clinical course of a post-concussion syndrome case. These data indicate that [IL1B on MOG] blood test is a potential marker for assessing mild axonal neuroinflammation.
MPE-YOLO: Enhanced Small Target Detection in Aerial Imaging
Authors: Su Jia , Qin Yichang , Jia Ze , Liang Ben
Published: March 2024

Aerial image target detection is crucial for urban planning, traffic monitoring, and disaster assessment, but existing detection algorithms face challenges in small target recognition and accuracy within complex environments. To address this issue, this paper proposes an improved model based on YOLOv8, named MPE-YOLO. Initially, a multilevel feature integrator (MFI) module is employed to enhance the representation of small target features, which meticulously moderates information loss during the feature fusion process. For the backbone network of the model, a perception enhancement convolution (PEC) module is introduced to replace traditional convolutional layers, thereby expanding the network’s fine-grained feature processing capability. Furthermore, an enhanced scope-C2f (ES-C2f) module is designed, which utilizes channel expansion and stacking of multiscale convolutional kernels to enhance the network’s ability to capture small target details. After a series of experiments on the VisDrone, RSOD, and AI-TOD datasets, the model has not only demonstrated superior performance in aerial image detection tasks compared to existing advanced algorithms but also achieved a lightweight model structure. The experimental results prove the potential of MPE-YOLO in enhancing the accuracy and operational efficiency of aerial target detection.
Load Frequency Stabilization of Distinct Hybrid Conventional and Renewable Power Systems Incorporated with Electrical Vehicles and Capacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Daraz Amil , Alrajhi Hasan , Basit Abdul , Afzal Abdul Rahman , Alahmadi Ahmed N. M. , Khan Irfan Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Maintaining a power balance between generation and demand is generally acknowledged as being essential to maintaining a system frequency within reasonable bounds. This is especially important for linked renewable-based hybrid power systems (HPS), where disruptions are more likely to occur. This paper suggests a prominent modified "Fractional order-proportional-integral with double derivative (FOPIDD2) controller" as an innovative HPS controller in order to navigate these obstacles. The recommended control approach has been validated in power systems including wind, reheat thermal, solar, and hydro generating, as well as capacitive energy storage and electric vehicle. The improved controller's performance is evaluated by comparing it to regular FOPID, PID, and PIDD2 controllers. Furthermore, the gains of the newly structured FOPIDD2 controller are optimized using a newly intended algorithm terms as squid game optimizer (SGO). The controller's performance is compared to benchmarks such as the grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and jellyfish search optimization. By comparing performance characteristics such as maximum frequency undershoot/overshoot, and steadying time, the SGO-FOPIDD2 controller outperforms the other techniques. The suggested SGO optimized FOPIDD2 controller was analyzed and validated for its ability to withstand the influence of power system parameter uncertainties under various loading scenarios and situations. Without any complicated design, the results show that the new controller can work steadily and regulate frequency with an appropriate controller coefficient.
Improved image contrast in nonlinear light-sheet fluorescence microscopy using i2PIE pulse compression.
Authors: Bosman Gurthwin , Badrodien Imraan , Neethling Pieter
Published: March 2024

Nonlinear microscopy has become an invaluable tool for biological imaging, offering high-resolution visualization of biological specimens. In this manuscript, we present the application of a spectral phase measurement technique, i2PIE, to compress broad-bandwidth supercontinuum pulses in light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the two-photon excitation response achieved. We also showed that the implementation of i2PIE allowed for enhanced image contrasts when compared to conventional compression techniques, with i2PIE producing an image contrast improvement over conventional methods by over 50%.
First Direct Observation of Nanometer size Hydride Precipitations in Superconducting Niobium
Authors: Sung Zuhawn , Cano Arely , Murthy Akshay A. , Bafia Daniel. , Karapetrova Evguenia , Martinello Martina , Lee Jaeyel , Grassellino Anna , Romanenko Alexander
Published: March 2024

Superconducting niobium serves as a key enabling material for superconducting radio frequency (SRF) technology as well as quantum computing devices. Niobium has a high propensity for the uptake of hydrogen. At room temperature, hydrogen commonly occupies tetragonal sites in the Nb lattice as the metal (M) - gas (H) phase. When the temperature is decreased, however, a solid solution of Nb-H begins to precipitate. In this study, we show the first identified topographical features associated with nanometer-size hydride phase (Nb1-xHx) precipitates on the surface of the metallic superconducting niobium using cryogenic-atomic force microscopy (AFM). Further, high energy grazing incidence X-ray diffraction reveals information regarding the structure and stoichiometry of these precipitates. Finally, through time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), we locate atomic hydrogen sources near the top surface. This systematic study further explains localized degradation of RF superconductivity by the proximity effect due to hydrogen clusters.
Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of a Near-Isogenic Line Pair: Insights into Flowering Time in Chickpea.
Authors: Perez-Rial Adrian , Carmona Alejandro , Ali Latifah , Rubio Josefa , Millan Teresa , Castro Patricia , Die Jose V.
Published: March 2024

Background
Cicer arietinum is a significant legume crop cultivated mainly in short-season environments, where early-flowering is a desirable trait to overcome terminal constraints. Despite its agricultural significance, the genetic control of flowering time in chickpea is not fully understood. In this study, we developed, phenotyped, re-sequenced and genetically characterized a pair of near-isogenic lines (NILs) with contrasting days to flowering to identify candidate gene variants potentially associated with flowering time.
Results
In addition to days to flowering, noticeable differences in multiple shoot architecture traits were observed between the NILs. The re-sequencing data confirms that the NILs developed in this study serve as appropriate plant materials, effectively constraining genetic variation to specific regions and thereby establishing a valuable resource for future genetic and functional investigations in chickpea research. Leveraging bioinformatics tools and public genomic datasets, we identified homologs of flowering-related genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, including ELF3 and, for the first time in chickpea, MED16 and STO/BBX24, with variants among the NILs. Analysis of the allelic distribution of these genes revealed their preservation within chickpea diversity and their potential association with flowering time. Variants were also identified in members of the ERF and ARF gene families. Furthermore, in silico expression analysis was conducted elucidating their putative roles in flowering.
Conclusions
While the gene CaELF3a is identified as a prominent candidate, this study also exposes new targets in chickpea, such as CaMED16b and LOC101499101 (BBX24-like), homologs of flowering-related genes in Arabidopsis, as well as ERF12 and ARF2. The in silico expression characterization and genetic variability analysis performed could contribute to their use as specific markers for chickpea breeding programs. This study lays the groundwork for future investigations utilizing this plant material, promising further insights into the complex mechanisms governing flowering time in chickpea.
A low resource simulation-based training package leads to increased knowledge and skill retention post Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in rural Tanzania; A stepped- wedge research design Short Title: BEmONC simulation-based training package leads to skill retention in Tanzania
Authors: Matovelo Dismas , Brenner Jennifer L. , Singhal Nalini , NettelAguirre Alberto , Ndaboine Edgar , Shabani Girles , Subi Leonard , Sigalet Elaine
Published: March 2024

Background: The Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC) training program merges core modules from Helping Mothers Survive and Helping Babies Survive training programs to improve obstetrical and newborn outcomes. The duration of BEmONC training varies between facilities and countries. Longer term low dose high frequency practice has been shown to prevent skill decay in both Helping Mothers Survive and Helping Babies Survive literature. A recent program evaluation of BEmONC training with extensive changes to infrastructure in rural Tanzania links training with improve obstetric and neonatal outcomes. This study sought to document skill and knowledge outcomes after disseminating a low resource focused simulation package.
Methods: A stepped-wedge research design was used to test the intervention: the simulation package. Participants were midwives/nurses, clinical officers, and medical officers from two hospitals and four Health Centres in Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Facilities were purposely assigned to one of the two clusters. The intervention had three components: (1) 5-day BEmONC workshop, (2) peer to peer facility-based simulation practice using peer cards and (3) clinical mentorship. Cluster A and Cluster B attended the 5-day BEmONC workshop. Cluster A was supported with the component two and three post workshop. Cluster B received these components after the 6-month assessment. Knowledge and skill were analyzed at baseline, post workshop, at 6 months and at 12 months using the r core statistics; p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: Cluster A (n=7) and Cluster B (n=8) participants demonstrated significant knowledge and skill improvements post-initial workshop. At 6 months, Cluster A aggregate skill scores were significantly higher than Cluster B, who showed skill decay. At 12 months, aggregate skill scores between Cluster A and Cluster B were similar.
Conclusion: The simulation package was feasible and effective for improving baseline skill, and retaining skill sets at 6 and 12 months. This is the first study to pilot the newly developed essential care for labor and birth module. This approach provides a low resource education option for improving healthcare provider abilities to provide quality care. More research is needed to link low resource initiatives with clinical outcomes.
Causal interactions between ENSO and the North Tropical Atlantic
Authors: Le Thanh , Bae Deg-Hyo
Published: March 2024

The global climate is impacted by several major climate modes including the North Tropical Atlantic mode (NTA) and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Although NTA and ENSO are suggested to have connections, there is uncertainty regarding the causal relationship between these climate modes. While previous works focused on the correlation between NTA and ENSO, causal analyses accounting for the influence of other tropical climate modes are lacking. Here we investigate the causal links between ENSO and NTA using outputs from high-resolution climate model simulations and reanalysis data. Our results suggest robust causal effects of ENSO on NTA and provide insights on the unstable impacts of NTA on ENSO. We observe high consistency between reanalysis data and the models in mimicking the impacts of ENSO on North Tropical Atlantic region. Specifically, most models (14 over 20) and reanalysis data revealed that ENSO is very unlikely to have no causal impacts on NTA. However, there is diverse response of the tropical Pacific to NTA between reanalysis data and the models. While reanalysis data indicates possible impacts of NTA on ENSO and sea surface temperature over the equatorial Pacific, the majority of models (18 over 20) suggest that the NTA is likely to have no causal effects on ENSO. Hence, the models may underestimate the causal effects of NTA on ENSO, implying that better representation of NTA variability and NTA-ENSO causal connections in the models may improve the predictability of ENSO variations.
The mutational burden in os odontoideum patients
Authors: Tian Yinglun , Gao Guodong , Fan Dongwei , Xue Shenglin , Gao Qiyue , Zhang Cheng , Xu Nanfang , Wang Shenglin
Published: March 2024

Background
Os odontoideum(OO) is a rare bone malformation at the craniovertebral junction, the presence of which can lead to potential instability of atlantoaxial joints. The cause, prevalence and treatment of OO are still controversial. But the congenital factors are likely to be the main causes according to the current literature reports and the clinical characteristics of OO patients. To further explore the pathogenesis of OO, we conducted this study.
Methods
We consecutively recruited 25 OO patients from 2021 to 2023. The clinical manifestation and concomitant deformities were analyzed and whole-exome sequencing(WES) was performed. And the variants in OO patients were compared using genetic burden analysis with 79 normal population as controls.
Results
Combined with the P-value and OR value of the final data, CDC27(P = 0.002,OR = 5.08),FRG1BP(P = 0.004,OR = 5.59),TRIM8(P = 0.02,OR = 4.58) and CEP250(P = 0.005,OR = 7.78) were singled out as possible correlated gene with OO.
Conclusion
Our study firstly presented an exome-sequenced cohort and highlighted four novel rare variants associated with OO patients through genetic burden analysis. The results provided further evidence for potential oligogenic inheritance of OO.
Integrative analysis of transcriptome and target metabolites uncovering flavonoid biosynthesis regulation of changing petal colors in Nymphaea ‘Feitian 2’
Authors: Zhou Xian , Wu Qian , Wang Xiaohan , Wei Haohui , Zhang Huijin , Wang Liangsheng
Published: March 2024

Background
Nymphaea (waterlily) is known for its rich colors and role as an important aquatic ornamental plant globally. Nymphaea atrans and some hybrids, including N. ‘Feitian 2,’ are more appealing due to the gradual color change of their petals at different flower developmental stages. The petals of N. ‘Feitian 2’ gradually change color from light blue-purple to deep rose-red throughout flowering. The mechanism of the phenomenon remains unclear.
Results
In this work, flavonoids in the petals of N. ‘Feitian 2’ at six flowering stages were examined to identify the influence of flavonoid components on flower color changes. Additionally, six cDNA libraries of N. ‘Feitian 2’ over two blooming stages were developed, and the transcriptome was sequenced to identify the molecular mechanism governing petal color changes. As a result, 18 flavonoid metabolites were identified, including five anthocyanins and 13 flavonols. Anthocyanin accumulation during flower development is the primary driver of petal color change. A total of 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were uncovered, and these DEGs were significantly positively correlated with anthocyanin accumulation. Six structural genes were ultimately focused on, as their expression levels varied significantly across different flowering stages. Moreover, 104 differentially expressed transcription factors (TFs) were uncovered, and three MYBs associated with flavonoid biosynthesis were screened. The qRT-PCR results were generally aligned with high-throughput sequencing results.
Conclusions
This research offers a foundation to clarify the mechanisms underlying changes in the petal color of waterlilies.
Mental Well-being and Perception of Loneliness Among Men in Poland
Authors: Dziedzic¹ Beata , Kobos¹ Ewa , Przylepa² Katarzyna , Idzik¹ Anna
Published: March 2024

Background: Mental well-being is defined as subjective well-being, characterized by an emotional and cognitive evaluation of one's life that leads to high life satisfaction and low levels of negative emotions. It is estimated that in Poland in 2017, 2.4% of men suffered from depression. Research findings confirm that individuals with a high sense of loneliness often face mental health issues. Loneliness is a predictor of the likelihood of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The aim of this study was to assess the mental well-being in a group of men in Poland.
Methods: The study was conducted on a representative sample of 438 men who completed a survey through an online portal using the Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) technique. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-M) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (R-UCLA) were used to assess mental well-being. The average age of the participating men was 45.61±15.64 years.
Results: On the HADS-M scale, participants scored an average of 13.91±9.35 points. Anxiety disorders were identified in 21.91% of the participants on the anxiety subscale, and depressive disorders in 12.55% on the depression subscale. On the loneliness scale, participants scored an average of 40.50±10.78 points. A moderately high and very high sense of loneliness was found in 21.00% and 2.30% of the participants, respectively.
Conclusions : In this study, one fifth of the participants experienced anxiety disorders, and every tenth man showed depressive disorders. Every fifth man experienced a moderately high sense of loneliness. The main predictor of depression symptoms and higher levels of loneliness was the poor financial situation of the participants and a lack of financial decisiveness.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Pericardial Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mudra Sarah E. , Rayes Danny L , Agrawal Ankit , Kumar Ashwin K. , Li Jason Z. , Njus Meredith , McGowan Kevin , Kalam Kazi A. , Charalampous Charalampos , Schleicher Mary , Majid Muhammad , Syed Alveena , Yesilyaprak Abdullah , Klein Allan
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Despite the growing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer treatment, data regarding ICI-associated pericardial disease are primarily derived from case reports and case series. ICI related pericardial disease can be difficult to diagnose and is associated with significant morbidity. We conducted a systematic review to further characterize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of this patient population.
Methods:
A search of four databases resulted in 31 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Patients >18 years old who presented with ICI mediated pericardial disease were included. Intervention was medical + surgical therapy and outcomes were development of cardiac tamponade, morbidity, and mortality.
Results:
Thirty- eight patients across 31 cases were included. Patients were majority male (72%) with a median age of 63. Common symptoms included dyspnea (59%) and chest pain (32%), with 41% presenting with cardiac tamponade. Lung cancer (81%) was the most prevalent, and Nivolumab (61%) and Pembrolizumab (34%) were the most used ICIs. Pericardiocentesis was performed in 68% of patients, and 92% experienced symptom improvement upon ICI cessation. Overall mortality was 16%.
Discussion:
This study provides the most comprehensive analysis of ICI-mediated pericardial disease to date. Patients affected were most commonly male with lung cancer treated with either Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab. Diagnosis may be challenging in the setting of occult presentation with normal EKG and physical exam as well as delayed onset from therapy initiation. ICI-associated pericardial disease demonstrates high morbidity and mortality, as evidenced by a majority of patients requiring pericardiocentesis.
Female patients with end-stage renal failure treated by hemodialysis had a low mortality rate and small patient number compared to male patients: 5-year follow-up study in Japan
Authors: Takagi Kuniyasu , Kishi Takuya , Goto Taku , Yamanouchi Kohei , Yoshikawa Kazuhiko , Imamura Tomohiro , Nakayama Shiki , Akiyoshi Yuichiro , Onozawa Koji , Takamori Ayako , Fujimoto Kazuma
Published: March 2024

Background:
This study aimed to evaluate gender differences in patient characteristics in maintenance hemodialysis in Takagi Hospital and, in particular, to evaluate gender differences in adverse events, gastrointestinal bleeding, and bone fractures during longitudinal follow-up period.
Methods:
This study included 151 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for end-stage renal failure at Takagi Hospital, a regional core hospital in Japan, in December 2017. All the patients were followed up for five years or until mortality with monitoring in outpatient care. All patients were divided into a female group of 61 and a male group of 90. Patient characteristics and events were evaluated in the electronic medical record including gastrointestinal bleeding and bone fractures diagnosed and treated in Takagi Hospital. Gastrointestinal bleeding was diagnosed by endoscopy. Upper bone fractures included humeral fractures and radius fractures, and lower bone fractures were femoral neck fractures and vertebral compression fractures.
Results:
The patient number was small in females, which was due to the origin of renal failure with less frequency of diabetes mellitus (P < 0.02). Mortality rate was significantly less in females (P < 0.03) of younger generations less than 75 years old (P < 0.014). Multivariate analysis indicated a decrease in diabetes mellitus (odd ratio: 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.8, P = 0.03) and less mortality in those younger than 75 years old (odd ratio: 0.2, 95% confidence interval: 0.1-0.8, P = 0.02) were independent characterized factors in females. Regarding adverse severe events during five years, gastrointestinal bleeding and mortality due to bleeding were not different between females and males. Bone fractures were high in females (females: 34.4% vs. males: 18.9%; P < 0.03), whereas the mortality rate of bone fractured patients was markedly high in males (females: 28.6% vs males: 76.5%; P = 0.003). The increase in mortality rate in males was in patients with lower body bone fractures (P = 0.006).
Conclusions:
Diabetes mellitus-induced end-stage renal failure was less common in females. The mortality rate during hemodialysis was lower in females, especially in patients less than 75 years old. Lower body bone fractures exacerbated mortality more frequently in males compared to females.
Boosting Manufacturing Efficiency through Coopetition: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Silva Agostinho da , Cardoso Antonio
Published: March 2024

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to Europe's economy, yet they face significant challenges within global supply chains, primarily due to efficiency deficits. Despite their important role in employment, innovation, and wealth generation, these enterprises struggle to compete on a global scale. Recognizing the potential of coopetition - strategic collaboration among competitors - as a means to enhance efficiency, this study explores its impact within the Portuguese Ornamental Stone industry, a critical sector for the national economy. Employing a case study methodology in an IoT-enabled coopetition network, it is documented a substantial improvement in manufacturing efficiency (38.41%), alongside increases in efficiency consistency (20.68%), labor productivity (61.59%), and raw material yield (31.65%). These findings not only validate the efficacy of coopetition in overcoming the efficiency challenges faced by SMEs but also highlight specific areas for further enhancement, such as labor productivity consistency. This research contributes to filling the empirical gap in understanding coopetition's role in SME efficiency and sets the stage for future inquiries into optimizing and expanding coopetition networks. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to implement coopetition practices, providing a blueprint for SMEs to thrive in the competitive landscape of global digital supply chains.
NeuroInsight: A Revolutionary Self-Adaptive Framework for Precise Brain Tumor Classification in Medical ImagingUsing Adaptive Deep Learning
Authors: Arora Sonia , Mishra Gouri Sankar
Published: March 2024

This study presents a robust framework for the classification of brain tumors, beginning with meticulous data curation from 233 patients. The dataset comprises a diverse range of T1-weighted contrast-enhanced images, encompassing meningioma, glioma, and pituitary tumor types. Rigorous organization, pre-processing, and augmentation techniques are applied to optimize model training. The proposed self-adaptive model incorporates a cutting-edge algorithm, leveraging Adaptive Contrast Limited Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and Self-Adaptive Spatial Attention. CLAHE enhances grayscale images by tailoring contrast to the unique characteristics of each region. The Self-Adaptive Spatial Attention, implemented through an Attention Layer, dynamically assigns weights to spatial locations, thereby enhancing sensitivity to critical brain regions. The model architecture integrates transfer learning models, including DenseNet169, DenseNet201, ResNet152, and InceptionResNetV2, contributing to its robustness. DenseNet169 serves as a feature extractor, capturing hierarchical features through pre-trained weights. Model adaptability is further enriched by components such as batch normalization, dropout, layer normalization, and an adaptive learning rate strategy, mitigating overfitting and dynamically adjusting learning rates during training. Technical details, including the use of the Adam optimizer and softmax activation function, underscore the model's optimization and multi-class classification capabilities. The proposed model, which amalgamates transfer learning and adaptive mechanisms, emerges as a powerful tool for brain tumor detection and classification in medical imaging. Its nuanced comprehension of brain tumor images, facilitated by self-adaptive attention mechanisms, positions it as a promising advancement in computer-aided diagnosis in neuroimaging. Leveraging DenseNet201 with a self-adaptive mechanism, the model surpasses previous methods, achieving an accuracy of 94.85%, precision of 95.16%, and recall of 94.60%, showcasing its potential for enhanced accuracy and generalization in the challenging realm of medical image analysis.
Efficiency of diffusion MRI ADC values with shear wave elastography in kidney transplanted patients
Authors: Karaküçük Seda Nida , Güngör Özkan , Menzilcioğlu Mehmet Sait , Karaküçük Selim , Doğan Adil
Published: March 2024

Objective In our study, we aimed to evaluate fibrosis using shear wave elastography, a current technique in renal allograft, as well as to evaluate perfusion by including diffusion MR imaging in the same graft, and to provide information about allograft dysfunction with the combined use.Materials and Methods A total of 87 patients, 33 female (age range 17–72 years) and 52 male (age range 15–75 years), were included in the study. In the prospective study, after diffusion MRI of the transplanted kidney, ADC measurements was performed from the renal cortex. At the same time, stiffness was measured with SWE simultaneously from the cortex of the same graft, and the correlation of both methods with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was compared.Results The upper, middle and lower mean elastography values were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) and the ADC values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the GFR ≤ 60 group compared to the group with eGFR > 60. There was a significant relationship between ADC measurements and the amount of proteinuria, and when the groups with proteinuria < 300 mg and > 300 mg were compared. When ROC analysis was performed for ADC value, AUC = 0.825, two groups could be differentiated with 82.8% sensitivity and 76.8% specificity.Conclusion Shear wave elastography and diffusion MRI can be used successfully in allograft dysfunction. Elastography is prominent in the detection of fibrosis in allograft. ADC values are closely related to the amount of proteinuria.
Design of potent telomerase inhibitors using ligand-based approaches and molecular dynamics simulations studies
Authors: Bajaj Shalini , Murahari Manikant , YC Mayur
Published: March 2024

Telomerase is a well-recognised and a promising target for cancer therapy. In this study, we selected ligand-based approaches to design telomerase inhibitors for the development of potent anticancer agents for future cancer therapy. Till date no telomerase inhibitors have been clinically introduced. To investigate the chemical characteristics required for telomerase inhibitory activity, a ligand-based pharmacophore model of oxadiazole derivatives reported from the available literature was generated using the Schrodinger phase tool. The generated pharmacophore model displayed five features, two hydrophobic and three aromatic rings. This selected pharmacophore hypothesis is validated by screening a dataset of reported oxadiazole derivatives. The pharmacophore model was selected for virtual screening using ZINCPharmer against the ZINC database. The ZINC database molecules with pharmacophoric features similar to the selected pharmacophore model and good fitness score were taken for molecular docking studies. With the pkCSM and SwissADME tools we predicted the pharmacokinetic and toxicity of top ten ZINC database compounds based on docking score, binding interactions and identified two in-silicopotential compounds with good ADME and less toxicity. Then both the hit molecules were exposed to molecular dynamic simulation integrated with MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations using GROMACS tools. The MM-PBSA calculations exhibited that the free binding energy of selected protein-ligand complexes were found stable and stabilized with nonpolar and van der walls free energies. Our study suggests that ZINC82107047 and ZINC8839196 can be used as hit molecules for future biological screening and for discovery of safe and potent drugs as telomerase inhibitors for cancer therapy.
Modulation of the endophytic strain Kosakonia radicincitans UYSO10 proteome by sugarcane roots exudate
Authors: Taulé Cecilia , Lima Analía , Beracochea Martín , Durán Rosario , Battistoni Federico
Published: March 2024

Backgroun: Plant-associated microbiotas play a key role in plant health, growth, and stresses resilience. These microbiotas are considered the second plant genome by expanding its genetic potential. One of the main components of the plant microbiota is the endophytic bacterial communities, which live in the plant's internal tissues. The main sources of this microbiota are the seed and the soil where the plant grows. Particularly, soil bacteria are attracted by different signals present in plant root exudates, to later colonize the rhizoplane and infect internal tissues. Although the colonization and infection processes of endophytic bacteria are well documented, the molecular bases of the mechanisms involved in the plant-endophyte interaction are still poorly understood. Previously it was shown that strain Kosakonia radicincitans UYSO10 promotes the growth of sugarcane plants and was defined as a true endophyte. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the biological nitrogen fixation process is involved in the plant growth promotion observed. The aim of this work is to expand the knowledge about the possible mechanisms involved in the early stages of the interaction between the diazotrophic endophytic strain UYSO10 and sugarcane plants.
Methodology: a proteomic approach was conducted in the strain UYSO10 exposed or not to sugarcane exudates.
Results showed that in the presence of root exudates, strain UYSO10 senses the environment and adapts its proteome to transport and metabolize different nutrients, and to interact with the host plant. These results deepen the knowledge of the potential mechanisms involved in the early stage of plant-bacteria endophyte interaction.
Systematic simulation of tumor cell invasion and migration in response to time-varying rotating magnetic field
Authors: Zhang Shilong , Yu Tongyao , Zhang Ge , Chen Ming , Yin Dachuan , Zhang Chenyan
Published: March 2024

Cancer invasion and migration play a pivotal role in tumor malignancy, which is a major cause of most cancer deaths. Rotating magnetic field (RMF), one of typical dynamic magnetic field, can exert substantial mechanical influence on cells. However, studying the effects of RMF on cell is challenging due to its complex parameters, such as variation of magnetic field intensity and direction. Here, we developed a systematic simulation method to explore the influence of RMF on tumor invasion and migration, including a finite element method (FEM) model and a cell-based hybrid numerical model. Coupling with the data of magnetic field from FEM, the cell-based hybrid numerical model was established to simulate the tumor cell invasion and migration. This model employed partial differential equations (PDEs) and finite difference method to depict cellular activities and solve these equations in a discrete system. PDEs were used to depict cell activities, and finite difference method was used to solve the equations in discrete system. As a result, this study provides valuable insights into the potential applications of RMF in tumor treatment, and a series of in vitro experiments were performed to verify the simulation results, demonstrating the model's reliability and its capacity to predict experimental outcomes and identify pertinent factors. Furthermore, these findings shed new light on the mechanical and chemical interplay between cells and the ECM, offering new insights and providing a novel foundation for both experimental and theoretical advancements in tumor treatment by using RMF.