bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment and mapping of water erosion by the integration of Gavrilovic's "EPM" model in MENA region, case study of the Admer-Ezem sub-watershed, upper Oum-Rbaa basin, Morocco.
Authors: Limame Abdelhak , Hairchi Khalid El , Hanchane Mohamed , Elkhazzan Bouchta , Ouiaboub Lahcen
Published: March 2024

The main goal of the research is to assess soil erosion while analyzing the spatial distribution of its evolution using the empirical erosion potential model, or EPM. Situated northwest of the upper Oum-Rbaa watershed, the Admer-Ezem watershed is part of the research area. Its climate may be described as semi-arid Mediterranean. The quality of the soil could be better. separating the factors of complexity and interdependence in the analysis of erosion risk was made possible quickly and effectively by the Geographic Information System (GIS)'s integration of thematic maps of the various Gavrilovic Equation (EPM) factors with their databases. It also made it possible to evaluate each factor's influence and determine how much it contributed to soil loss. The priority of the various watershed regions was made possible by the use of Gavrilovic's calculations.
This basin covers a total area of 197.59 km2, and is marked by relatively abundant rainfall (800 mm/year), and under strong anthropogenic pressure. This will have an impact of the overexploitation of natural resources in general and soils in particular. Excessive use of agricultural land has led to its fragility and increased susceptibility to erosion. These natural and anthropogenic conditions have induced an intense erosive dynamic, which can be seen in its various forms, (badlands, landslides, and flows, concentrated active ravins…). The use of the “EPM” model for estimating soil losses approximates the severity of the erosion phenomenon. Soil loss due to water erosion according to the model used is estimated at 53.34 t/ha/year as the highest value. And 597.642 t/ha/year as the lowest value. In addition, the analysis of these results made it possible, using GIS, to determine the factors that control water erosion and which are, in order of importance: rainfall, slope and soil sensitivity and soil protection. rainfall, slope, soil sensitivity, and soil protection, in that order of significance.
Sequential development of diffuse panbronchiolitis and myasthenia gravis after thymectomy for thymic neoplasm: a case report
Authors: Chou Chun-Ying , Hsieh Min-Shu , Kuo Ping-Hung
Published: March 2024

Background
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common paraneoplastic disorder associated with thymic neoplasms. MG can develop after thymectomy, and this condition is referred to post-thymectomy myasthenia gravis (PTMG). Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB), is a rare form of bronchiolitis and is largely restricted to East Asia, has been reported in association with thymic neoplasms. To our knowledge, only three cases of combined MG and DPB have been reported.
Case presentation:
A 45-year-old Taiwanese woman presented to our hospital with productive cough, rhinorrhea, anosmia, ear fullness, shortness of breath, and weight loss. The patient had a history of thymoma, and she underwent thymectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy 7 years ago. Physical examination revealed coarse breathing sounds with inspiratory crackles. Chest computed tomography scan revealed progressive diffuse bronchitis and bronchiolitis. DPB was confirmed on video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lung biopsy, and sputum culture showed the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The patient’s respiratory symptoms improved after treatment with oral azithromycin, levofloxacin, and the transient use of inhaled amikacin. Three months after DPB diagnosis, she developed ptosis, muscle weakness, and hypercapnia, with an arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide measuring 78.6 mmHg, requiring the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation. MG was diagnosed based on the acetylcholine receptor antibody and repetitive stimulation test results. Muscle weakness responded to pyridostigmine and corticosteroids. However, she was readmitted after several months because of another episode of P. aeruginosa-related respiratory infection. Currently, she is in stable condition with long-term maintenance therapies comprising pyridostigmine, corticosteroid, azithromycin, and inhaled amikacin.
Conclusions
To best of our knowledge, this might be the first case of sequential development of DPB followed by PTMG. The coexistence of DPB and PTMG poses a therapeutic challenge for balancing infection control for DPB and immunosuppressant therapy for MG.
Cellular complexity in murine ileitis: Different fibroblasts propel spatially defined ileal inflammation through TNFR1 signalling
Authors: Kollias George , Iliopoulou Lida , Tzaferis Christos , Prados Alejandro , Roumelioti Fani
Published: March 2024

Crohn's disease represents a persistent inflammatory disorder primarily affecting the terminal ileum. Through the application of single-cell RNA sequencing, we unveil the intricate cellular complexities within murine TNF-dependent ileitis, developing in TnfΔARE mice. Detailed immune cell analysis highlights B cell expansion, T cell effector reprogramming, and macrophage lineage shifts during inflammation. Focusing on stromal cells, we reveal a strong pro-inflammatory character, acquired by all fibroblast subsets, which exhibit complex communication patterns with the infiltrating immune and surrounding stromal cells. Interestingly, we identify that TnfΔARE-induced ileitis is initiated in the lamina propria via TNFR1 pathway activation in villus-associated fibroblasts (Telocytes and Pdgfralow cells). Furthermore, we unveil separate spatial subsets of fibroblasts acting as exclusive responders to TNF, each orchestrating inflammation in different intestinal layers. Additionally, manipulating the Tnfrsf1a gene exclusively in fibroblast subsets suggests that inflammation is initiated by telocytes and Pdgfralow cells, while trophocytes drive its progression. This introduces novel evidence of spatial regulation of inflammation by fibroblast subsets, inciting and advancing disease in different layers of the gut. These findings underscore the pivotal role of fibroblasts in the inception and advancement of ileitis, proposing that targeting different fibroblast populations could impede the disease development and chronicity of inflammation.
Plasma levels of tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC) in patients with acute myocardial Infarction: An observational study
Authors: Feng Yifan , Su mingyu , Xu Huixian , Zhang Shuzhan , Ma Yanfeng , Chen Hongping
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The activation of the plasmatic coagulation system significantly contributes to acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to assess the association between tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex (t-PAIC), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasmin-α2 plasmin-inhibitor complex (PIC), and thrombomodulin (TM) with clinical outcomes in patients with AMI.
Methods: Blood samples were taken from 368 patients with acute myocardial infarction in the emergency room to measure t-PAIC, TAT, PIC, and TM levels. The patients were followed up for 6 months.
Results: t-PAIC levels were considerably elevated in AMI patients who died compared to those who survived. Additionally, t-PAIC levels were greater in the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) group than in the non-MACE group among surviving patients throughout follow-up. Linear regression analysis indicated that high levels of t-PAIC were linked to mortality following acute myocardial infarction and raised the likelihood of MACE in survivors. ROC curve study revealed that t-PAIC has predictive value for mortality following AMI. Analysis of the ROC curve and Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated that t-PAIC was able to forecast MACE in individuals who had experienced an AMI.
Conclusion: Our data suggest that elevated t-PAIC levels increase the mortality rate of AMI patients and increase the 6-month incidence of MACE in AMI survivors.
Injectable 2D-MoS2-integrated adhesive hydrogel for NIR-triggered photothermal and drug-delivery implant in colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Long Xiaojun , Wang Jiawei , Wang Huijuan , Hu Kepeng , Lin Weiming , Fang Chao , Cheng Kui , Song Zhangfa
Published: March 2024

Patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) and diffuse peritoneal metastasis are not eligible for surgical intervention, and calling for more efficient and precise treatment strategies to complement the traditional systemic chemotherapy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Herein, an injectable two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (2D-MoS2)-integrated adhesive N-(2-aminoethyl)-4-(4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxy-5-nitro-sophenoxy) butanamide-linked sodium alginate-MoS2-5-fluorouracil (AlgNB/MoS2/5-Fu) hydrogel, which can function as an near-infrared light (NIR)-triggered photothermal and drug-delivery implant for CRC treatment is introduced. Ultraviolet (UV) light-activated aldehyde groups in AlgNB bound to the surface-modified MoS2 nanosheets via a Schiff base reaction. The MoS2 nanosheets maintained superior dispersibility in the hydrogel and exhibited a highly efficient NIR-triggered photothermal effect. More importantly, the aldehyde group in AlgNB also imparted tissue adhesion to the hydrogel, the adhesive hydrogel was used to infiltrate and fix in tumor tissue. Combining applications as a 5-Fu drug delivering implant, the injectable adhesive AlgNB/MoS2/5-Fu hydrogel shows remarkable capability in the inhibition of SW480 cells and colorectal tumour regression by triggering photothermal therapy (PTT) and delivering the 5-Fu drug in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Therefore, this research provides distinct guidance strategies for the synergistic tumor therapy of localized CRC and shows enormous potential for cancer treatment in the clinical setting.
Comparative analysis of spatial transport characteristics of spring cold-front-type sandstorms in the Hexi Corridor
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Li Yanying , Wu Wen , Ma Xingwei , Nie Xin
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate the spatial transport characteristics of cold-front-type sandstorms with different intensities in the Hexi Corridor based on the hourly observation data from 13 ground-based meteorological stations in the Hexi Corridor, the data in the upper and lower layers from the Meteorological Information Comprehensive Analysis And Process System, and the three-dimensional aerosol observation data of the Vertical Feature Mask product obtained from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization of the United States. The results show that the influence range and horizontal transport distance of cold-front-type sandstorms in the Hexi Corridor are determined by the intensity, thickness and width of the upper-level troughs and the intensity of cold fronts. Generally, cold fronts pass through the Hexi Corridor from noon to evening and stay in this region for a long time or move slowly, which is favorable to the horizontal long-distance transport of sandstorms. The intensity of the 200 hPa upper-level jets is directly proportional to both the influence range and transport distance of sandstorms which primarily occur on the left side of the exit area of an upper-level jet. The strengthening of upper-level jets induces the formation of the vertical circulation cell at middle and low levels. The ascending branch of the circulation cell lifts sand-dust particles from the surface to the upper layers, and the descending branch transports upper-level momentum to the near-surface. This circulation situation increases the near-surface wind speed and forms sandstorms. The occurrence time and descending branch of the secondary circulation cell caused by upper-level jets are important indicators for predicting the occurrence time and falling area of sandstorms. Dust aerosols are mainly concentrated at a height of 1–4 km, and the thickness of the rising-motion layer determines the thickness and height of dust aerosols. When the maximum rising speed is − 30 × 10− 5 Pa s− 1 or above, dust aerosols reach a height of more than 5 km. When the height of dust aerosols is 2–12 km, and the 500 hPa and 300 hPa wind speed reaches 28 m s− 1 and 32 m s− 1, respectively, the long-distance transport of sandstorms over thousands of kilometers may occur.
Knowledge-based model generation for aircraft cabin noise prediction from pre-design data
Authors: Hesse Christian , Allebrodt Pia , Teschner Mark , Biedermann Jörn
Published: March 2024

The climate targets set out in the "European Green Deal" call for the consideration and implementation of climate-friendly propulsion concepts and sustainable fuels in future aircraft configurations. This puts the use of very efficient propeller engines into the focus of aircraft design. However, these pose major challenges, especially to cabin acoustics, due to high, tonal sound pressure levels on the fuselage. The design of noise control measures requires the competence to predict the resulting interior noise as early as possible in the design process of the vehicle. This requires a high level of geometric and structural detail regarding the fuselage structure and cabin components. With increasing frequency range, the necessary structural details also increase, which have to be resolved in the simulation models due to the associated decreasing structural wavelength. Especially in the context of aircraft pre-design, there is usually not enough information available for a detailed vibro-acoustic modeling of the fuselage and cabin components, which allows a meaningful prediction of the vibrations and thus the cabin noise. Therefore, the knowledge-based tool FUGA (Fuselage Geometry Assembler) is developed for the targeted enrichment of preliminary design data with knowledge for detailed numerical analyses.
This paper describes the knowledge-based geometry and model generation in FUGA, which can consider the necessary (increasing) level of detail for the vibro-acoustic prediction already in the preliminary design. For this purpose, aircraft data sets in the preliminary design data format CPACS (Common Parametric Aircraft Configuration Schema) form the modeling basis. Originating from the aircraft preliminary design, these initially describe the outer shell of the vehicle and are extended by detailed structural information that defines the geometric boundary conditions for component placement in cabin design. For the cabin components, the open-source geometry kernel OCCT (Open Cascade Technology) is used to provide geometries at the level of detail required for subsequent analyses. The geometry models are then discretized in open source (e.g. Gmsh) or commercial meshers and further used for numerical analysis. Finally, the prediction of cabin noise is demonstrated as a Proof of Concept using the example of a short-haul propeller-driven aircraft and the sensitivity of resulting simulation models to the fuselage skin thickness is investigated.
Rising socioeconomic disparities in childhood overweight and obesity in Belgium
Authors: Drieskens Sabine , Charafeddine Rana , Vandevijvere Stefanie , De Pauw Robby , Demarest Stefaan
Published: March 2024

Background
Childhood overweight, especially obesity, significantly impacts children’s health and poses an increased risk of adult-onset diseases. This study aims to analyse the evolution of childhood overweight and obesity in Belgium from 1997 to 2018 and assess its variation across parental socioeconomic status (SES).
Methods
The Health Interview Survey, a cross-sectional survey representative of the Belgian population, has been conducted since 1997, with the latest survey conducted in 2018. This study focuses on children aged 2-17 years. Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m²) was derived from self-reported data, supplemented with proxy reports for children under 15 years old. Overweight and obesity were classified using age/sex-specific cut-off points. Highest parental educational level served as the indicator of SES. In addition to reporting the overall prevalence and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of childhood overweight and obesity by year, this study examines the absolute difference in prevalence between SES groups (low minus high) and calculates the Odds Ratio (OR, adjusted for age and sex) to evaluate the relative difference.
Results
The overall prevalence of childhood overweight rose from 13.6% (95%CI =11.2%-16.1%) in 1997 to 18.9% (95%CI=16.3%-21.5%) in 2018; while it remained stable for obesity, fluctuating between 5.4% and 6.3% over the same period. This increase was more pronounced among children with low SES compared to those with high SES. Consequently, the absolute difference between children with low and high SES increased over time from 8.0 percentage points (pp) in 1997 to 14.9 pp in 2018 for overweight, and from 3.1 pp to 6.8 pp for obesity. In terms of relative inequalities, overall, children with low SES exhibited significantly higher odds of overweight and of obesity than those with high SES (OR varying between 2 à 3 for overweight and between 2 and 4 for obesity).
Conclusions
The escalating disparities over time highlight SES as a significant risk factor for childhood overweight and obesity. Addressing these inequalities requires interventions such as providing healthy meals and increasing sports opportunities at school. Additionally, it is recommended to regulate fast food outlets near schools and limit unhealthy food marketing, particularly because children with low SES are more exposed to such influences.
Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Genetically Programmed to Induce Necroptosis for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Na Kun , Bak Soyeon , Kim Kyoung Sub
Published: March 2024

Herein, we present human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) inserted with the receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIP3) gene (RP@ADSCs), which induces cell necroptosis for tumor immunotherapy. Necroptosis has characteristics of both apoptosis, such as programmed cell death, and necrosis, such as swelling and plasma membrane rupture, during which damage-related molecular patterns are released, triggering an immune response. Therefore, necroptosis has the potential to be used as an effective anticancer immunotherapy. RP@ADSCs were programmed to necroptosis after a particular time after being injected in vivo, and various pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted during the stem cell death process stimulated the immune system, showing local and sustained anticancer effects. It was confirmed that RIP3 protein expression increased in ADSCs after RP transfection. RP@ADSCs continued to induce ADSCs death for seven days, and various pro-inflammatory cytokines were secreted through ADSCs death. The efficacy of RP@ADSCs-mediated immunotherapy was evaluated in mouse models bearing GL-26 (glioblastoma) and K1735 (melanoma), and it was found that RP resulted in an increase in the population of long-term cytotoxic T cells and a decrease in the population of regulatory T cells. This shows that RP@ADSCs have potential and applicability as an excellent anticancer immunotherapy agent in clinical practice.
Profiling Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) in Gastric Cancer and Development of a CAF-Based Prognostic Signature Using Integrated Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and TCGA Analysis
Authors: Sun Xiaofei , Gao Song , Hu Lili , Liu Yanli
Published: March 2024

Background: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play critical roles in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of CAFs in gastric cancer (GC) and develop a CAF-based risk signature for predicting the prognosis of GC patients.
Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were obtained from the GEO database. The data related to the survival prognosis of gastric cancer patients is derived from TCGA. The scRNA-seq data were analyzed using the Seurat R package, resulting in the identification of CAF clusters based on characteristic markers. Subsequent differential expression analysis was performed on the TCGA dataset to identify genes exhibiting differential expression (DEGs) between normal and tumor samples. Pearson correlation analysis was then utilized to uncover DEGs correlated with CAF clusters, followed by univariate Cox regression analysis to identify prognostic genes associated with CAFs. Lasso regression was applied to construct a risk signature based on these prognostic CAF-related genes. Lastly, a comprehensive scoring model, integrating the risk signature and clinicopathological characteristics, was meticulously developed.
Results: From the scRNA-seq data of gastric cancer (GC), six distinct clusters of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were delineated, among which five clusters exhibited significant associations with GC prognosis. A total of 557 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified that showed strong correlations with these CAF clusters. From this set, a refined risk signature comprising six key genes was derived. These pivotal genes were predominantly implicated in 39 biological pathways, encompassing crucial processes such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, and hypoxia. Notably, the risk signature demonstrated notable correlations with stromal and immune scores, as well as specific immune cell types. Furthermore, multivariate analysis underscored the independent prognostic role of the risk signature in GC, showcasing its potential for predicting outcomes of immunotherapy. The integration of the stage with the CAF-based risk signature yielded a novel scoring model with robust predictive performance and reliability in prognosticating GC outcomes.
Conclusion: The CAF-derived risk signature emerges as a potent prognostic tool for GC, offering valuable insights into the intricate landscape of CAFs within the tumor microenvironment. Such comprehensive profiling may hold promise in guiding personalized immunotherapeutic strategies and refining treatment modalities for GC.
A comprehensive functional investigation of the human translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in a novel human neuronal cell knockout model: from molecule to depression
Authors: Wetzel Christian , Bader Stefanie , Jahner Tatjana , Dörfelt Anett , Melchner Doris , Cardon Iseline , Siegmund Heiko , Brochhausen Christoph , Rupprecht Rainer , Milenkovic Vladimir
Published: March 2024

The translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is a multifunctional outer mitochondrial membrane protein associated with various aspects of mitochondrial physiology and multiple roles in health and disease. Here, we aimed to analyze the impact of TSPO on the regulation of mitochondrial and cellular function in a human neuronal cell model. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 technology and generated TSPO knockout (KO) and control (CTRL) variants of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). In a multimodal phenotyping approach, we investigated cellular and mitochondrial function in neural progenitor cells (NPCs), astrocytes, and neurons differentiated from hiPSC CTRL and TSPO KO cell lines. Our analysis revealed reduced mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis, altered Ca2+ levels in the cytosol and mitochondrial matrix, a depolarized MMP, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species, as well as a reduced cell size. Notably, TSPO deficiency was accompanied by reduced expression of the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC). We also observed a reduced TSPO and VDAC expression in cells derived from patients suffering from major depression (MDD). Considering the modulatory function of TSPO and the similar functional phenotype of cells derived from patients with depression, we discuss a role of TSPO in the aetiology or pathology of MDD. Taken together, these findings indicate the impairment of mitochondrial function in TSPO KO cells, contributing to the understanding of the multifaceted role of TSPO and setting the stage for further investigations to unravel the underlying mechanisms and its involvement in various physiological and pathological processes.
Towards a better understanding of the characteristics of electrolytic plasma discharge and spark discharge in ECDM
Authors: Zhan Shunda , Shi Wentao , Liu Mingjun , Tang Wenming , Jiang Kai
Published: March 2024

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) is an essential process for microstructures fabrication of difficult-to-machine materials. Currently, there are various kinds of ECDM, and plasma-assisted electrochemical machining (PA-ECM) is a new and promising ECDM proposed in recent years. However, the differences between electrolytic plasma discharge and conventional spark discharge are unclear. Therefore, this study aims to systematically explain the evolvement mechanism and characteristics of these two kinds of discharge. From the phenomenology, the electrolytic plasma discharge is saffron color determined by electrolyte and wrapped at the entire immersion surface of the tool electrode, while the spark discharge is white color and only excited at the end of the tool electrode. Electrolytic plasma discharge is generated preferentially to spark discharge, and easily transforms to spark discharge in high electric field strength such as large applied voltage or small inter-electrode gap. The discharge energy and emission spectrum of spark discharge is more significant than that of electrolytic plasma discharge. Especially, the electrolytic plasma discharge does not cause any tool electrode wear due to the low discharge energy (discharge current about 0.5 A), and the resulted surface of the workpiece is smooth. On the contrary, the spark discharge energy is high (discharge current about 9 A), which causes noticeable tool electrode wear and leaves discharge craters and thermal damage on the workpiece surface. Considering the obvious flushing effect of bubble flow during plasma ignition, PA-ECM is an ideal method for functional surface micro-dimple array fabrication without using tube central spray and workpiece mask.
The Acute Effect of Two Physical Exercise Programs on Cognitive Performance in Schoolchildren
Authors: Moraes Marcos , Brand Caroline , Silveira João Francisco Castro , Barbian Cheila Daiana , Sisnande Fernando Zaluar , Henriquez-Maquehue Fernanda , Milagres Gabriele Zawacki , Cristi-Montero Carlos , Corbellini Valeriano Antonio , Campos Deivis
Published: March 2024

Aim: To verify the acute effect of two physical exercise programs on cognitive performance (inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility) in schoolchildren. Methods:This is a randomized controlled clinical study with three groups: Experimental Group 1 (EG1) received problem-solving, balance, and movement coordination exercises; Experimental Group 2 (EG2) received exercises involving playful and recreational activities; and Control Group (CG) did not receive any type of intervention. Both interventions were applied at moderate intensity. The study included 94 schoolchildren of nine and 10 years old (48 boys) from public schools. To evaluate cognitive performance, two tests were used: The Trail Test to assess cognitive flexibility and the computerized Stroop Test (Testinpacs) to determine inhibitory control. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to construct models with Trail or Stroop tests as dependent variables. Results: in the Trail Test (cognitive flexibility), there was a statistically significant interaction effect in EG1 regarding both execution time (p < 0.01) and the number of errors (p < 0.01), while in EG2, it was only on the number of errors (p < 0.01). Concerning the Stroop test (inhibitory control), both EG1 and EG2 showed a significant reduction in the number of errors (p < 0.01), indicating an acute effect after the intervention in both groups. Conclusion: the exercise programs in EG1 and EG2 positively affected cognitive performance, including inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility in schoolchildren. Moreover, considering all the variables of cognitive performance tests, EG1 was a promising alternative to be developed in schools, positively impacting cognitive performance and, consequently, learning.
The prevalence and factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Suppa-udom Benyapa , Disayabutr Supparerk , Wonglaksanapimon Suwimon , Butnian Krittachat , Katchamart Wanruchada
Published: March 2024

Background
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a significant extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The prevalence and risk factors for ILD in RA exhibit considerable variation. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with ILD in Thai patients with RA.
Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 290 RA patients from the Siriraj Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry between March and December 2022. Patient characteristics, disease activity, and functional status were documented. Chest X-ray (CXR) was employed for ILD screening, and suspected cases were further evaluated using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests.
Results
Among the 290 patients, the majority were female (89.7%) with mean age (SD) of 59±12 years, and the median disease duration was 10 years. Patients exhibited low disease activity (with a mean Disease Activity Score 28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate score of 2.69±0.90) and mild functional impairment (with a median Health Assessment Questionnaire score of 0.25). Thirteen patients (4.5%) were diagnosed with ILD via HRCT (RA-ILD), with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia being the predominant ILD pattern (76.9%). Pulmonary function tests showed normal results in most patients, with only 15.4% presenting restrictive ventilatory defects. Age (P = 0.04), breathlessness (P < 0.001), bibasilar crackles (P < 0.001), and functional impairment (P = 0.02) exhibited significant associations with RA-ILD.
Conclusions
ILD is relatively infrequent in Thai patients with RA. Older age, breathlessness, crackles, and functional impairment should prompt investigations for ILD in RA patients.
State-of-the-Art and Future Directions
Authors: Khan Mohammad Salman , Imran Ayesha
Published: March 2024

In our daily lives, smart AI-powered devices including computers are becoming more common. But the problem is that sometimes these AI systems make decisions that seem like magic, making it hard for us to know how they work and also, we are not able to predict the future (like after making a decision, we are not able to predict whether the result will be positive or negative). This research paper is all about fixing this issue and making the AI strong enough to make a decision and learn each positive and negative thing from the surroundings. We dive into the world of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), finding new and simple ways to make complex AI systems easy for people to understand. In this Research paper, we are also going to make the AI that much more powerful so that it can learn itself and gather information from its surroundings. This would be a fantastic step for AI to learn Patterns, Structures, and Unlabeled data allowing it to identify hidden relationships and features without explicit guidance. This would be Self-Supervised Learning in which the AI would be able to create its labels or predictions based on input data, generating a form of supervision. This system would be able to do facial detection and compare the Raw info with the DataSet. The system would also be able to make the most suitable and accurate decisions. With time this machine would be able to upgrade its memory (taking a human baby as an example/consideration).
In a nutshell, our research aims to make AI systems not just powerful, but also easy to understand and trustworthy for everyone and make them Self-Supervised.
Clinical features and prognosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Calderón-Parra Jorge , Ramos-Martínez Antonio , Muñoz Patricia , Martínez-Sellés Manuel , Machado-Vilchez Marina , Alarcón Arístides , Miró José M , Rodríguez-García Raquel , Gutiñerrez-Díez Jose Francisco , Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen , Loeches-Yagüe Belén , López-Azor Juan Carlos
Published: March 2024

Purpose. Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic valve endocarditis (SAPVE) is a serious infection with high mortality. The main objective of this study was to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality.
Methods. From January 2008 to December 2021, consecutive patients from a Spanish cohort of infective endocarditis with a definitive diagnosis of SAPVE were analyzed.
Results. During the study period, 219 cases of definitive SAPVE were diagnosed, which accounted for 16.7% of a total of 1309 cases of definitive prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Patients presented advanced age and marked comorbidity. There was a higher incidence of persistent bacteremia, septic shock, stroke, and acute kidney injury than in cases of PVE caused by other microorganisms. Methicillin resistance was not associated with differences in clinical presentation, echocardiographic findings, or mortality. Only 50.6% of the patients with surgical indications (88 patients) underwent surgery. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 47.9%. The variables associated with in-hospital mortality were age (OR:1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.05; p = 0.016), heart failure (OR:2.86, 95% CI: 1.53–5.32; p = 0.001), acute kidney injury (OR:2.42, 95%CI:1.28–4.58; p = 0.006), stroke (OR:3.53, 95%CI:1.79–6.96; p < 0.001) and surgery indicated but not performed (OR:2.01, 95%CI:1.06–3.8; p = 0.030). On the other hand, the performance of surgery per se in patients with SAPVE, regardless of whether there was a surgical indication according to the guidelines, was not associated with a reduction in in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions. SAPVE is characterized by high mortality, which is more marked in patients who present a surgical indication but do not undergo surgery.
Dynamic evolution of nitrogen cycle and pH homeostasis genes enabled the diversification of Pampinifervens gen. nov. (Aquificaceae)
Authors: Palmer Marike , Nou Nancy O. , Turello Lara A. , Power Carolyn E. , Ong John C. , Lai Dengxun , Reysenbach Anna-Louise , Qi Yan-Ling , Dodsworth Jeremy A. , Jiao Jian-Yu , Liu Lan , Lian Zheng-Han , Li Meng-Meng , Liu Yitai , Briggs Brandon R. , Zuo Hongyan , Quake Stephen R. , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A. , Woyke Tanja , Dong Hailiang , Li Wen-Jun , Hua Zhengshuang , Hedlund Brian P.
Published: March 2024

Background: Members of the phylum Aquificota were initially documented more than a century ago and play important roles in hydrogen, sulfur, and carbon cycles in geothermal systems as ubiquitous and abundant chemolithoautotrophs; however, their roles in the nitrogen cycle are not well defined.
Results: Here, we show that a novel Aquificaceae isolate from Tengchong, China, fixes nitrogen in pure culture and that nitrogen fixation (nif) genes are transcribed in situ. We propose the name Pampinifervens diazotrophicum gen. et sp. nov. to accommodate this organism, with strain T-2T as the nomenclatural type. Analysis of metagenomes from physicochemically diverse springs in Tengchong showed that Pampinifervens dominates the Aquificota populations in most springs, consistent with a wide pH growth range for strain T-2T (pH 6.0-9.5) and another isolate, strain T-8T (pH 5.5-10.0). Despite the role of P. diazotrophicum in nitrogen fixation, strain T-8T does not fix nitrogen, but respires nitrate. Analysis of 104 metagenome-assembled genomes from 84 metagenomes globally, including at least 16 sympatric Pampinifervens species and other species from Canada, Japan, Malaysia, and Russia, revealed the variable presence of nif and denitrification genes. In contrast, genes for hydrogen chemolithotrophy, sulfur chemolithotrophy, and autotrophy were more conserved. Genes required for homeostasis were also present in the genus, with a proliferation of these genes in species recovered from Tengchong, China, that likely allowed them to diversify from neutral and alkaline bicarbonate-buffered springs into acidic sulfuric acid-buffered springs.
Conclusions: Together, this work presents a widespread but overlooked genus of Aquificaceae and evolutionary patterns that suggest an important role for nitrogen metabolism and pH homeostasis in the local speciation of Pampinifervens in Southwest China. We suggest that Pampinifervens and possibly other Aquificaceae have underappreciated but diverse roles in nitrogen cycling.
Based on ecological risk assessment of landscape from the perspective of Saihanba landscape pattern changes
Authors: Kang Jiemin , Yang Jinyu , Qing Yunxian , Lu Wei
Published: March 2024

Examining the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm, this study utilized landsat remote sensing data from 1987, 1997, 2001, 2013, and 2020 to interpret land use from the vector machine method, and to decipher evolving land use patterns over the last four decades. Grounded in landscape ecology theory, an innovative evaluation index for landscape ecological risk was introduced, leading to the delineation of 382 ecological risk evaluation units based on the degree of global landscape risk. Employing landscape pattern indices and a method around spatial autocorrelation, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and spatial correlation patterns of landscape ecological risk across five distinct periods. Geostatistical approaches were used to explore the driving factors of landscape risk. Results indicate significant shifts in land use types since 1987, notably with a evident increase in forest landscape predominantly at the expense of grassland and sandy land. Over the 1987 to 2020 period, landscape risk demonstrated a gradual decline, with mid-high and high-risk areas clustering in specific locales, while the broader region predominantly featured low landscape risk. The landscape ecological risks in each period of the study area showed a positive spatial correlation and tended to gather in space. Since its establishment in 1962, the landscape changes caused by human factors such as afforestation projects and scientific forest management methods have reduced the ecological risk of the landscape. A comprehensive exploration using geographic detectors identified nine ecological driving factors, with soil type emerging as the principal risk determinant, and its synergistic interaction with precipitation and other factors surpassing the individual factor effects.
Natural Non-Hermitian Control of High-Dimensional Rabi Oscillating of Tri-photon Using Multi-dressing Quantization
Authors: Wei Jiaxuan , Yang Qinyue , Wei Jiajia , Zhuang Rui , Tang Haitian , Chen Qingyu , Li Feng , Liu Fu , Zhang Lei , Cai Yin , Zhang Yanpeng
Published: March 2024

Non-Hermitian degeneracies, also known as exceptional points, have recently emerged as a new way to engineer the response of open physical systems, we construct non-Hermitian systems through atomic electromagnetically induced transparency structures, based on which we study energy-level high-dimensional quantized photon correlations under dressing field induced parity-time (PT) symmetry and symmetry breaking. We study the symmetry breaking through exceptional point (EP) control in dressing-controlled energy-level process is natural EP, which are born to be non-Hermitian without artificial photonic structures. When the dressing Rabi frequency (de-phase rate) dominates, the real part (imaginary part) splits, and leads to in-phase (out-of-phase) constructive (destructive) dressing quantization. It can also be used to develop atomic-like symmetry-breaking photonic chips and pseudo-spin devices in the future.
Edge information preserving generative adversarial network combining Transformer and multi-scale fusion for MRI modality transfer
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Wendong , Bai Bingyang
Published: March 2024

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a multi-sequence imaging technology that assists clinicians in diagnosis. However, due to factors such as long scanning time, inability of patients to cooperate, and high cost of obtaining the full sequence, clinically only Part of the comparison sequence. However, often missing sequences can help diagnose clinical diseases. Therefore, generating missing MRI sequences is very important for clinical diagnosis. However, most existing methods for MRI generation lack the learning of global context information, thereby losing part of the task-related feature information, or only consider the pixel-level difference between the generated image and the real image, ignoring the details and details of the image. Texture information affects the quality of image generation. In response to the above problems, a edge information preserving generative adversarial network combining Transformer and multi-scale fusion (ETF-GAN) for MRI modality transfer was proposed.. This model combined with Transformer improves the accuracy of To capture global context information, the Iterative Multi-scale Concatenate Fusion (IMCF) module is proposed in the decoder part to enhance the decoder’s ability to utilize features of different scales, while also introducing Sobel Edge Extraction (SEE) module to retain the edge information of the image and improve the quality of image generation. Experiments show that the proposed method is superior to other advanced MRI modality transfer methods in quantitative comparison and visual comparison.
Design and verification of universal virtual shopping mall application
Authors: Lee Danbi , Kim Hyun K. , Park Jaehyun
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to design the user experience for a head-mounted display (HMD)-based universal virtual shopping mall by conducting a literature analysis and employing video ethnography techniques. Subsequently, a prototype was developed to validate the outcomes. Despite the growing trend of contactless shopping, with various brands launching virtual mall platforms, these often lack the elements and experiences that users find satisfying. To address this gap, we analysed users' offline shopping experiences using video ethnography. The insights gained informed the development of a prototype that adopts a universal design approach, incorporating key features and interface designs tailored for a virtual mall environment. The prototype includes innovative features include tutorials, avatar-based virtual fitting, user location/orientation control, and voice guidance. It also incorporates design features such as colour customisation, high contrast, central interface placement, and visual cues for differentiating product types. To validate the prototype’s usability, a study was conducted with 30 university students in their 20s (mean age 23.3 years, SD = 1.8), revealing high levels of satisfaction with its functionality and interface design. Further, in-depth interviews revealed that the appropriate design of features and interfaces, aligned with shopping goals and intentions, significantly enhanced interest in and engagement with virtual shopping. The prototype's key features, representative of the main outcomes of this study, provide valuable insights for the future development of related services.
Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Lead Among Workers in City Bus Garage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abebe Merihatsidik Tesema , Kumie Abera , Wakuma Samson , Assefa Teshome , Yeleh Wossen
Published: March 2024

Background: One of the most unusable chemical exposures that occurred in automotive garage areas was lead. Occupational exposure of garage workers to lead dust commonly poses acute and chronic health risks that can be prevented. In Ethiopia, there have been limited studies on lead exposure among garage workers. Moreover, it overemphasized that workers are more exposed than non-garage workers to lead exposure. This study aims to assess the occupational lead levels in the blood and associated factors among garage workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was used to examine the BLL of 36 randomly selected garage workers by comparing them with 34 office workers who are matched by age and sex approximately. Specimens of blood and associated factors were collected by trained medical laboratory experts. The blood lead levels were measured in a certified laboratory using an MP-AES device. Finally, the data were analyzed using SSP Version 26.
Results: The mean age of exposed groups was 39.0 ±7.5 years, whereas the unexposed groups were 38.0 ±6.1 years. The mean blood lead level of exposed groups (29.7±12.2) µg/dl was statistically significant as compared to the mean blood lead level of unexposed groups (14.8±9.9) µg/dl. Both exposed and unexposed groups had no a statistically significant value in their occupational job positions. Of all the study participants, only 8 (22.2%) of exposed groups had high blood lead level than WHO and OSHA recommended limit (40µg/dl). The main statistically significant factors that increased the exposure of blood lead level of workers were extra working hours, long service years and prior employment in a garage.
Conclusions:There was a statistically significant difference among garage workers on their blood lead level (BLL) as compared to non-garage workers. Hence, it is advised that the garage management should apply good exposure prevention mechanisms and OSH training to workers.
Targeting of Mutant-p53 and MYC as a novel strategy to inhibit oncogenic SPAG5 activity in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Blandino Giovanni , Canu Valeria , Vaccarella Sebastiano , Sacconi Andrea , Pulito Claudio , Goeman Frauke , Pallocca Matteo , Rutigliano Daniela , Lev Sima , Strano Sabrina
Published: March 2024

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease which currently has no effective therapeutic targets and prominent biomarkers. The Sperm Associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) is a mitotic spindle associated protein with oncogenic function in several human cancers. In TNBC, increased SPAG5 expression has been associated with tumor progression, chemoresistance, relapse, and poor clinical outcome. Here we show that high SPAG5 expression in TNBC is regulated by coordinated activity of YAP, mutant p53 and MYC. Depletion of YAP or mutant p53 proteins reduced SPAG5 expression and the recruitment of MYC onto SPAG5 promoter. Targeting of MYC also reduced SPAG5 expression and concomitantly tumorigenicity of TNBC cells. These effects of MYC targeting were synergized with cytotoxic chemotherapy and markedly reduced TNBC oncogenicity in SPAG5-expression dependent manner. These results suggest that mutant p53-MYC-SPAG5 expression can be considered as bona fide predictors of patient’s outcome, and reliable biomarkers for effective anticancer therapies.