bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and risk factors of low birth weight in a rural district of Bangladesh: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Bhattacharjee Pallab , Islam Md Shafiqul , Roy Arunangshu , Amin Zannatul Ferdush , Rahman Nayema Bintye , Shahed M A , Akter Fahmeda , Chowdhury Nabidul Haque , Mitra Dipak Kumar , Khanam Rasheda , Baqui Abdullah H. , Ahmed Salahuddin
Published: December 2024

Background
Low birth weight (LBW, birthweight < 2500 gm) is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality during infancy and is an important contributor to childhood developmental delays.
Methods
To estimate the incidence of LBW and identify its risk factors, we analyzed data from a population-based cohort study, the Aetiology of Neonatal Infections in South Asia, conducted in two sub-districts of Sylhet district of Bangladesh. The study followed 24,271 pregnant women from 2011 to 2013. The final analysis included 17,643 singleton liveborn babies with birthweight data available. To identify associated factors of LBW, we calculated adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multivariable modified Poisson regression with robust variance.
Results
The incidence of LBW was 27.61% (95% CI: 26.96%-28.28%). Significant risk factors of LBW were no education of father [ARR 1.09 (95% CI: 1.01–1.17)]; non-Muslim religion [ARR 1.32 (95% CI: 1.20–1.45)]; lowest household quintile [ARR 1.31 (95% CI: 1.19–1.44)], second lowest household quintile [ARR 1.26 (95% CI: 1.15–1.38)], and middle household quintile [ARR 1.16 (95% CI: 1.06–1.26)], compared to the highest quintile; primiparity [ARR 1.59 (1.49–1.69)]; maternal mid-arm circumference (MUAC) < 22 cm [ARR 1.19 (95% CI: 1.13–1.25)]; tobacco consumption during pregnancy [ARR 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08–1.23)]; pregnancy complications [ARR 1.10 (95% CI: 1.03–1.17)]; no antenatal visits with qualified providers [ARR 1.16 (95% CI: 1.07–1.25)]; no antenatal iron consumption [ARR 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04–1.21)]; <2 doses of antenatal TT immunization by mothers [ARR 1.19 (95% CI: 1.09–1.31)] and no TT doses [ARR 1.16 (95% CI: 1.09–1.23)] ; residence ≥ 15 km from sub-district hospitals [ARR 1.12 (95%CI 1.07–1.18)]; gestational age at birth: <32 weeks [ARR 1.88 (95% CI: 1.71–2.06)], 32–33 weeks [ARR 1.61 (95% CI: 1.46–1.77)], and 34–36 weeks[ARR 1.42 (95% CI: 1.34–1.51); and female baby [ARR 1.19 (95% CI: 1.14–1.25)].
Conclusions
The burden of LBW was high in rural Bangladesh. Multiple antenatal factors, including maternal undernutrition, tobacco use, and suboptimal antenatal care were associated with increased risk of LBW. Maternal and child health programs should prioritize interventions to address these factors.
Clinical trial number:
Not applicable
WITHDRAWN: Object Detection: A comprehensive study of famous Deep Learning approaches with case study of Helmet Detection dataset
Authors: Tajane Kapil , Khairmode Atharva , Kore Atharva , Khutale Prathmesh , Girawale Sachin , Pitale Rahul
Published: December 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors in order to comply with an institutional policy on preprints. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference.
Colorectal cancer survivorship program at a single tertiary centre :– Has service provision changed after Covid-19?
Authors: Menadue Rachael , Tiffany Lea , Satheakeerthy Shriranshini , Sakalkale Aditya , Wei Matthew , Reid Fiona , Faragher Ian , Yeung Justin M
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Surveillance after colorectal cancer (CRC) resection is an important aspect of survivorship care. This study aimed to assess whether there were any changes to post-operative surveillance in non-metastatic CRC patients, pre and post-COVID pandemic in Victoria.
Methods
All CRC patients (stage I-III) who underwent curative surgery at Western Health, Victoria, Australia were included. Surveillance included a three-monthly clinical review and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) up to 18 months, and CT imaging and colonoscopy at 12 months following surgical resection.
Results
Between 2019-2022, 380 patients were identified. Stage III patients had the highest uptake with regards to clinical reviews, CEA testing and 12-month CT (83.3%, 60.3% and 85.5% respectively) while Stage I patients had the lowest (52.7%, 35.7% and 75.5% respectively) (p<0.05). Colonoscopy surveillance was low regardless of stage (66.3%, 59.8% and 59.7% of Stage I, II and III respectively). Uptake of CEA, clinic reviews and colonoscopy did not vary during our study period. More patients underwent 12-month CT following the COVID pandemic (87.0%) compared to pre-COVID (73.1%) or during COVID (76.0%, p<0.05). There was no difference in 18-month mortality and overall recurrence during our study timelines.
Conclusion
Patients with earlier stage CRC had lower rates of adherence to surveillance protocols, particularly with regard to CEA monitoring and colonoscopic surveillance. Adherence to surveillance and surveillance patterns were not meaningfully altered by the intra or post COVID-19 era.
Near-unity spontaneous emission factor InP surface-emitting lasers based on quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Wong Wei Wen , Huang Xiaoying , Lem Olivier Lee Cheong , Jagadish Chennupati , Tan Hark Hoe
Published: December 2024

With their compact form factor and excellent beam quality, surface-emitting lasers based on optical bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as a promising alternative to vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers. However, structural damage inevitably caused by top-down fabrication processes remains as a major obstacle that limits device performance. Here, we overcome this bottleneck by demonstrating surface-emitting quasi-BIC lasers fabricated with a bottom-up, etching-free process. We epitaxially grow arrays of InP nanosheets with atomically smooth sidewalls as the active medium, then engineer a quasi-BIC cavity within the arrays by perturbing in-plane inversion symmetry, strategically combining the active layer with the laser cavity for optimal light-cavity coupling. Furthermore, by growing wurtzite-phase nanosheets, we leverage the dipole selection rule associated with the hexagonal crystal structure for side mode suppression, achieving stable single-mode lasing at room-temperature. With lasing threshold as low as 14 μJ cm-2 pulse-1, our devices exhibit directional and linearly polarised far-field emission. Remarkably, through precise spectral tuning of the quasi-BIC resonance, we record two orders of magnitude increase in the spontaneous emission factor to as high as 0.8. This work demonstrates the potential of bottom-up BIC lasers in surpassing the performance of their top-down fabricated counterparts and reaching thresholdless lasing.
Genetic determinants of the phenotype in a Swedish cohort of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kissopoulou Antheia , Fernlund Eva , Karlsson Jan-Erik , Green Henrik , Gunnarsson Cecilia
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common inherited cardiomyopathy, is characterized by phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The present study describes the genotype data of a Swedish cohort of patients with HCM, the largest genetics study on Swedish HCM patients to date. The primary aims of this study were to unravel the main genetic findings and explore genotype-phenotype associations in this HCM cohort.
Methods and Results:
Longitudinal data on 225 unrelated HCM index patients from the Southeast health care region in Sweden from 2010 until 2021 were assessed retrospectively. Patients were 46 ± 15.5 years-old, 67.6% males. In the cohort, 172/225 (76.4%) had genetic testing, of whom, 65/172 (38%) were considered genotype positive (G+) for a pathogenic/ likely pathogenic variant, mainly in the two most common sarcomeric genes: MYBPC3 (57%) and MYH7 (34%). In 43% (74/172) of patients no pathogenic variant was detected. Genotype positive patients (G+) were characterized by younger age (p = 0.010), higher prevalence of family history of HCM (p < 0.001), greater maximum left ventricle wall thickness (p=0.03) and an increased incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) (p=0.045). At first clinical screening, HCM was diagnosed in 28/65(43%) in the G+ families and in 2/74 (2.7%) G-families (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
Genotype-positive HCM patients differ with respect to age at presentation, family history of the disease, morphology, incidence of SCD and presence of HCM in their family members at first clinical assessment from genotype-negative patients. Genotype negative status in this HCM cohort, though, did not confer immunity from adverse complications.
Identification of diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic drugs in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with metabolic syndrome by integrating bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Yao Tianwen , Wang Qingliang , Han Shisheng , Xu Yanqiu , Chen Min , Wang Yi
Published: December 2024

Purpose Immune system dysregulation plays a pivotal role in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to identify core diagnostic genes and potential therapeutic drugs for FSGS patients with MS. Methods We obtained two FSGS and one MS datasets from the GEO database. DEGs and module gene were identified via Limma and WGCNA. Then, functional enrichment analysis, PPI network construction, and machine learning algorithms were applied to identify and analyze immune-associated genes. Afterwards, the nomogram and ROC curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic value and screen core genes. Finally, immune cell dysregulation was investigated in FSGS, and connectivity map (cMAP) analysis was conducted to identify potential therapeutic small molecule compounds. Results MS dataset yielded 756 DEGs, and the integrated FSGS datasets yielded 5257 module genes. 133 genes were identified from the intersection of MS and FSGS. Following the construction of PPI network, 42 node genes were filtered. Then, eight hub genes were obtained through machine learning screening, which were further evaluated by nomogram and diagnostic value. Among them, six core genes had high diagnostic values. FSGS patients had a higher level of resting natural killer cells, monocytes, and activated dendritic cells and meanwhile lower levels of plasma cells, follicular helper T cells, resting dendritic cells, and resting mast cells. Finally, through cMAP analysis, we identified ten small molecule compounds that might work as the potential therapeutic drugs for FSGS patients with MS. Conclusion Six immune-related core genes were identified (STAT3, CX3CR1, CCDC148, TRPC6, CLMP, and CDC42EP1), and ten small molecule compounds were obtained. This study could provide core diagnostic genes and potential therapeutic compounds for FSGS patients with MS.
Innovative Approach To Distraction Osteogenesis Using A Novel External Fixator Design. In Vivo Experimental Rabbit Model
Authors: slimi fathia , bahri Awatef hadj , Trigui Moez , guidra racem , ellouz zoubeir , rebai Tarek , elfeki Hafed , elfeki abdelfatteh , Hassib Keskes , samira jebahi
Published: December 2024

Distraction osteogenesis, bone lengthening, is an established surgical technique for bone lengthening. The procedure involves making osteotomies, in the bone, and using a device to gradually separate, or “distract”, the bone fragments. New Zealand white male rabbits underwent distraction osteogenesis on the right tibia and lengthening by means of external fixators at two different time points ; a speed of 1.4 mm/day in 15 days and 2.1 mm/day in 10 days. The regenerated callus was carrefully removed and were subjected to biological and physicochemical analyses such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (RMN) analyses. For the period of five weeks, FTIR results showed that the mineral phases of the regenerated tissue of two groups were made up of biological apatite crystals, which are defined as a phosphocalcium carbonated. This IR spectra confirmed the presence of phosphate (PO4-3), hydroxyl (OH)- and carbonate (CO3 -2) groups. NMR demonstrated that PO43- group of the regenerated bone has practically a homogeneous and unique environment: chain PO4 - PO4 which represents the skeleton of the bone mineralization. SEM showed that at the same period of elongation: endost appearance evolved to more homogeneous appearance similar to healthy bone. However, the fast-lengthening group presented less homogeneous appearance, and a less hard cortical tissue formation also, the haversian aspect was incomplete. Histological analyses demonstrated that ossification was taken place according to three modalities: endochondral, endoconjunctive and transchondroid. As conclusion, the bone rearrangement during rapid lengthening is delayed while for the slow lengthening group the regenerated bone is strongly ossified. The lamellae are organised into concentric circles, which surround a vertical Haversian canal.
A highly photostable monomeric red fluorescent protein
Authors: Xu Pingyong , Ding Ya , He Wenting , Wang Kunhao , Xue Fudong , Zhao Shiqun , Pan Leiting , Chen Liangyi , Yuan Lin
Published: December 2024

A highly photostable and bright green fluorescent protein (FP), along with its monomeric variants, has recently been reported. These FPs enable long-term live-cell imaging. However, red FPs with similarly desirable properties remain scarce. Here, we introduce mScarlet3-S2, which is up to 29 times more photostable than its precursor, mScarlet3, and surpasses all current red FPs in photostability. Using mScarlet3-S2, we imaged mitochondrial cristae dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution over several minutes using structured illumination microscopy (SIM), with significantly less photobleaching than mScarlet3 variants. mScarlet3-S2 holds great potential for super-resolution and long-term live-cell imaging applications.
Dietary determinants of renal stone among patients treated at the urology department of Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Feyissa Gemechu Dereje , Bidu Melkamu Negassa
Published: December 2024

Background: Kidney stones are solid crystals that form from dissolved minerals in the nephrons of the kidney. Next to urinary tract infections and prostate disorders, kidney stones are the third most common urinary tract problem. Despite the availability of a large number of studies investigating the correlation between kidney stone formation and several risk factors, data regarding the association between dietary practices and renal stone disease is not available in the study area.
Objective:To identify the dietary determinants of renal stones among patients treated at Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among a total of 243 patients (81 cases and 162 controls). Cases were recruited consecutively while systematic sampling technique was used to select controls. Data were collected using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and patient chart reviews. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software 22. The association between independent and dependent variables was done by using a binary logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate the strength of association between independent variables and the outcome variable. Variables having p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.
Result:From the total, 59 (72.8%) cases and 85 (52.5%) controls were male. In the adjusted model, water intake < 2 liters per day [AOR=16.79, 95% CI: (5.22, 53.97)], consumption of salted nut [AOR=4.96, 95% CI: (2.00, 12.28)], frequent meat consumption [AOR=2.31, 95% CI: (1.04, 5.12)] were independent dietary determinantsof renal stone. On the other hand, being male [AOR=7.79, 95% CI: (3.07, 19.76)], age category 20-39 years [AOR= 4.18, 95% CI: (1.50, 11.67)] and 40-59 years [AOR=11.69, 95% CI: (4.19, 32.59)], reside in low land areas [AOR= 3.66, 95% CI: 1.18, 11.36)], and family history of renal stones [AOR= 7.50, 95% CI: 2.60, 21.71)] were independent socio-demographic determinants of renal stone.
Conclusion: Volume of water intake, meat, and salted nut consumption patterns were independent dietary determinants of renal stone. Therefore, a dietary intervention like drinking water above 2 liters per day, minimizing salt nut, and meat consumption, and providing health education targeting the risk groups may help to prevent renal stones. We recommend future researchers conduct studies that focus on identifying the types of stones and associated risk factors.
Descriptive Study for Mobility Device Use and Two-Year Disability Occurrence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Morikawa Masasnori , Harada Kenji , Kurita Satoshi , Nishijima Chiharu , Fujii Kazuya , Kakita Daisuke , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Users of mobility devices should be at high risk for disability, as using their devices reflects vulnerability in health-related backgrounds. This study aims to describe the prevalence of mobility device use among community-dwelling older.
Methods
This descriptive study enrolled Japanese community-dwelling older adults aged 60 and older from the NCGG-SGS sub-cohort. Baseline assessments were held during on-site health checkups, and disability occurrence over 24 months was tracked using Japan’s Long-Term Care Insurance System.
Results
A total of 764 participants out of 19,787 (3.9%) were users of mobility devices. Disability occurred in 4.8% nonusers and 25% users. Physical frailty was observed in 8.8% nonusers and 37% users. Cognitive impairment was present in 25% nonusers and 47% users.
Conclusion
In spite of representing only about 4% of the population, mobility device users could serve as a visible marker of declining health and inform targeted interventions for disability prevention.
EGFR/APOC1/CPT1A Axis: A Novel Pathway in Gastric Cancer Metabolism and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Ji Xu , Yang Shuyue , Su Jiayi , Liu Sifan , Zhao Zheng , Zhang Zheng , Zhou Anni , Zhao Guiping , Zhu Shengtao , Wu Jing , Zhang Shutian , Chen Guangyong , Li Peng , Du Feng
Published: December 2024

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) significantly reprograms lipid metabolism for its energy demands, growth, and survival, yet the role of Apolipoprotein C-I (APOC1) in this metabolic reprogramming and its profound implications for GC progression remains unclear.
Methods
GC cell lines, microarrays and animal models were utilized to examine APOC1 function. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were done to understand the effect of APOC1 overexpressing. The interactions among epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), APOC1 and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) were validated using Co-IP, reactive oxygen species, lipid acid oxidation and dual luciferase reporter assay. The combination of EGFR inhibitor and CPT1A inhibitor was tested using a cell-based xenograft model of GC.
Results
APOC1 is markedly upregulated in GC tissues and cells, correlating with poor patient prognosis. Notably, APOC1 overexpression enhances cancer cell proliferation and migration, while its silencing impairs tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, APOC1 promotes fatty acid oxidation by regulating CPT1A, connecting lipid metabolism directly to tumor dynamics. Disruption of APOC1 leads to metabolic dysregulation and mitochondrial oxidative stress, indicating its critical involvement in cellular homeostasis. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of EGFR was identified as a regulator of APOC1 expression through AP-2α transcription factor binding to its promoter. Targeting the EGFR/APOC1/CPT1A axis inhibits GC progression significantly in vivo.
Conclusions
This study not only elucidates the intricate EGFR/APOC1/CPT1A signaling axis but also positions APOC1 as a vital target for therapeutic intervention, underscoring its significance in the metabolic landscape of GC. Our findings pave the way for novel strategies aimed at disrupting lipid metabolic pathways in GC treatment.
Ambulance transport times for children and adult patients with anaphylaxis: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Takeuchi Aina , Takeuchi Shinya , Minami Marina , Oishi Taku , Nishiyama Kingo , Fujieda Mikiya
Published: December 2024

Background
Anaphylaxis is a fatal condition that can cause respiratory or cardiac arrest within 30 min. Therefore, it is important to shorten the time from the emergency call to hospital arrival as much as possible. However, children with anaphylaxis in rural areas may require more time for ambulance transport than do adults because of the lack of nearby pediatric medical facilities. Thus, we aimed to compare ambulance transport times between children and adults with anaphylaxis.
Methods
This retrospective observational study used data from the Kochi-Iryo-Net database. We included patients with anaphylaxis who were transported to the emergency department between April 1, 2015 and March 31, 2021. Children were defined as those aged < 15 years. The primary outcome measure was the total time required for ambulance transportation. To adjust for patient background, we performed multiple linear regression analyses of the outcomes.
Results
During the study period, 797 patients with anaphylaxis were transported to the emergency department, among whom 155 (19.4%) were children. There was no significant difference in the total ambulance transport time (children: 31 min vs. adults: 32 min, p = 0.41). However, the time from site departure to hospital arrival was 5 min longer for children (16 min vs. adults: 11 min, p < 0.01).
Conclusions
While no significant difference was observed in the total transport time between children and adult patients with anaphylaxis, there may be potential to optimize the time from site departure to hospital arrival for pediatric cases.
Trial registration:
not applicable.
The Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children in Harbin, China
Authors: Zou Mingyang , Cui Yu , Wang Haoran , Han Yujiao , Jin Meiyu , Sun Caihong , Wang Jia , Sun Xiaoyi , Xia Wei , Wu Lijie
Published: December 2024

Background
The policies to support families with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Harbin, China are inadequate due to the constraint of the lack of a timely surveillance.
Methods
This study investigated the prevalence of ASD and risk factors related to ASD. This cross-sectional, two-step screening survey was administered to children (N = 22942) 6–12 years of age. The first stage involved questionnaire screening using Autism Spectrum Rating Scale. The second stage was interview screening at school. Finally, the diagnoses were made by two independent specialized clinicians based on DSM-5 criteria. The self-designed Autism Clinical Data Questionnaire was to collect pregnancy- and family-associated variables.
Results
One hundred thirteen children were diagnosed with ASD, yielding an observed prevalence of 0.49% (95% CI: 0.40–0.58%) among children 6–12 years of age. The estimated ASD prevalence using the multiple imputation approach was 0.63% (95% CI: 0.53–0.73%), and the male-to-female ratio was 4.37:1. The severe nausea and vomiting, and infections during pregnancy were linked to a higher risk of ASD. In addition, family factors, such as family type, parenting style, and annual household income, were also associated to ASD.
Conclusions
These results provide a reference to assess the demand for health care services and improve public welfare policies in Harbin.
Neoadjuvant Imatinib in recurrent/metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of proportions
Authors: Stavrou Niki , Memos Nikolaos , Filippatos Charalampos , Zagouri Flora , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Stathopoulos Ioannis Ntanasis-
Published: December 2024

INTRODUCTION
Metastatic and recurrent gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) present challenging clinical management. Imatinib is the standard first-line therapy, improving survival and reducing tumor burden, in the neoadjuvant use, facilitating surgical intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant imatinib in metastatic/recurrent GISTs, highlighting its potential to enhance surgical outcomes and overall patient management.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed (end-of-search: 8 October 2024) for records on neoadjuvant imatinib therapy in recurrent/metastatic GISTs. Pooled proportions and 95% confidence intervals were calculated with common-effect and random-effects models. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis were performed, addressing heterogeneity and examining any potential association between the factors that varied, and the outcomes reported. This meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
The search identified 397 articles, and 13 were analyzed. The meta-analysis of proportions indicated that 2-year and 5-year PFS were 72% (95% CI:53%-86%) and 43% (95% CI:17%-74%), respectively while 2-year and 5-year OS were 85% (95% CI:78%-90%) and 60% (95% CI:51%-68%), respectively. The pooled R0 resection rate was 80% (95% CI:62%-91%), associated positively with that of radiological partial response (β = 3.92,p < 0.001). Further meta-regression analysis yielded no significant association with preoperative imatinib duration.
CONCLUSION
In this meta-analysis, involving 316 patients included in 13 studies, significant outcomes for the neoadjuvant imatinib therapy of recurrent/metastatic GISTs were observed, as it yielded favorable overall survival rates and high rates of microscopically complete resections. R0 rate was significantly associated with that of radiological partial response, however, it was not associated with the preoperative imatinib duration.
Association between sleep traits and epilepsy risk: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Xun , Yue Wei
Published: December 2024

Background
Sleep and epilepsy have been reported to have a possible interaction. This study intended to assess the causal relationship between sleep traits and epilepsy risk through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.
Methods
Exposure- [sleep traits: getting up in morning, sleeplessness/insomnia, sleep duration, nap during day, morning/evening person (chronotype), daytime dozing/sleeping (narcolepsy).] and outcome- [Europeans: epilepsy, focal epilepsy, generalized epilepsy; East Asians: epilepsy] related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) databases were used as instrumental variables for analysis. The main analyses used inverse variance weighted (IVW) to derive causality estimates, which were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the results.
Results
For Europeans, genetically predicted getting up in morning decreased the risk of epilepsy (OR = 0.354, 95%CI: 0.212–0.589) and generalized epilepsy (OR = 0.256, 95%CI: 0.101–0.651), whereas genetically predicted evening person (chronotype) increased the risk of epilepsy (OR = 1.371, 95%CI: 1.082–1.739) and generalized epilepsy (OR = 1.618, 95%CI: 1.061–2.467). No significant associations were found between genetically predicted sleeplessness/insomnia, sleep duration, nap during day, and daytime dozing/sleeping (narcolepsy) and the risk of epilepsy, focal epilepsy, and generalized epilepsy in Europeans. For East Asians, only genetically predicted sleeplessness/insomnia was found to increase the risk of epilepsy (OR = 1.381, 95%CI: 1.039–1.837).
Conclusion
There was a causal relationship between getting up in morning and evening person (chronotype) and epilepsy risk in Europeans, and between sleeplessness/insomnia and epilepsy in East Asians.
Experimental study on evaporation characteristics of micro droplets affected by irregular surface: Ugli case
Authors: SONG Jianfei , WANG Zixu , NIU Kaifeng , SUN Hongyu , CHEN Aiqiang , LIANG Zhuangjie , LIU Bin , BENNACER Rachid , ZHAO Hanxiao
Published: December 2024

Droplet evaporation can be commonly found on the fruits’ surface, which is critically related to the efficiency of pesticide spraying, storage quality with temperature fluctuations and so on. Numerous works have demonstrated the coupling effects between the droplet behavior and the substrate characteristics. However, the droplet performance on fruits surface have been less focused on compared to the substrate of metal, concrete and chemical materials. Therefore, the present works aim to investigate the droplet behaviors affected by the biological substrate experimentally. The deionized water and Ugli skin have been selected as droplet and substrate, respectively. 3D video microscope, Drop shape analyzer and infrared camera have been employed to measure and observe the micro-structure, evaporation performance and thermal effects of droplet with constant initial volume of 2ul. The results show that Ugli skin features strongly irregular roughness and hydrophilic properties as the initial contact angle is below 90o. Linearly decreased variation of contact angle and volume versus time has been observed, even though the irregular surface roughness and outflow components from the Ugli skin can bring difficulties to the accurate measurement. Meanwhile, three phases have been observed during the whole evaporation process, including spreading, constant area and shrinkage. Moreover, lower values of temperature near the top center of droplet can be always found during the whole evaporating process with peak values of temperature gradient near the triple-phase region.
sFRP3 inhibits WNT/β-catenin/PPAR δ pathway, triggers mitochondrial damage and pyroptosis in ischemia-reperfusion injury in senile hearts
Authors: Wang Xiang , Li Yi , Meng Xuyang , Guo Ying , Xia Chenxi , Yang Chenguang , Wang Fang
Published: December 2024

Background Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in elderly patients leads to severe secondary heart injury after reperfusion treatment of acute myocardial infarction. However, the mechanisms underlying such injury remain elusive.Method The model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in mice was established by operation. The HL-1 cells were used to create the hypoxia/ reoxygenation cardiomyocyte model, which were treated with over-expression of TXNIP, inhibition of TXNIP, inhibition of sFRP3, or inhibitor of β-catenin or PPAR δ. Mice in each group were injected with various adenoviruses through the tail vein. Then, cardiac function, myocardial infarction volume, cardiomyocyte pyroptosis, mitochondrial structure, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and the expression of related proteins were detected. Finally, the concentration of sFRP3, β -cantenin, PPAR δ, GSDMD, actived-Caspase-1, TXNIP, TRX 1, TRX 2, IL-1 β, and TNF- α in serum of the healthy elderly people, the elderly people with coronary atherosclerosis or the elderly patients who underwent emergency PCI for acute myocardial infarction were detected by ELISA.Result After cardiac ischemia/reperfusion, cardiac function was impaired, serum reactive oxygen species, inflammatory factors, and myocardial injury markers were significantly increased, myocardial pyroptosis cell and infarct volume were significantly increased, and mitochondrial structure and function were significantly impaired. Inhibition of sFRP3 can reverse these changes. However, the cardio- protective effect caused by sFRP3 inhibition was lost, when β-catenin/PPAR δ was inhibited or TXNIP was overexpressed. In contrast, the cardio-protective benefit caused by sFRP3 inhibition can be duplicated when TXNIP is inhibited. However, inhibition of β-catenin、PPAR δ or over-expression of TXNIP can reverse the cardio-protective effect caused by inhibition of sFRP3, and inhibition of TXNIP can reproduce the cardio-protective effect caused by inhibition of sFRP3.Conclusion Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion upregulates sFRP3, inhibits WNT/ β-catenin /PPAR δ pathway, and damages the structure and function of mitochondria, leading to the increase of ROS. Thus TXNIP is up-regulated, and pyroptosis is activated.
Exploring multiphase conversion pathways in Li-S batteries through cryo-TEM and ML-assisted operando neutron scattering
Authors: von Mentlen Jean-Marc , Güngör Ayça Senol , Demuth Thomas , Belz Jürgen , Plodinec Milivoj , Dutta Pronoy , Vižintin Alen , Porcar Lionel , Volz Kerstin , Wood Vanessa , Prehal Christian
Published: December 2024

Understanding the complex physicochemical processes in conversion-type batteries requires investigations across multiple length scales. Here, we present a novel approach to examine Li-S batteries at the nanoscale by combining cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryoTEM) with operando small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). CryoTEM revealed discharge products with a biphasic structure, consisting of nanocrystalline Li2S within an amorphous Li2Sx matrix. Data analysis of complementary operando SANS measurements was accelerated by a convolutional neural network trained to predict scattering curves based on plurigaussian random fields, enabling comprehensive parameter space exploration for model fitting. Our findings are in line with disproportionation-driven deposition of Li2S2 particles that agglomerate and partially reduce to Li2S via solid-state conversion. This challenges the conventional view of direct, step-wise electroreduction of polysulfides at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Overall, our multi-technique approach demonstrates the value of combining localized high-resolution imaging with time-resolved operando scattering measurements to understand complex electrochemical conversion pathways in next-generation energy storage systems.
High Glucose-Induced Transcriptomic Changes in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Singh Shivendra , Patel Niketa A , Soundararajan Avinash , Pattabiraman Padmanabhan P.
Published: December 2024

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized as a significant risk factor for glaucoma; however, the molecular mechanisms through which hyperglycemia affects TM function remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of high glucose on gene expression in human TM (HTM) cells to uncover pathways that contribute to TM dysfunction and glaucoma pathogenesis under diabetic conditions. Primary HTM cells were cultured under normoglycemic (5.5 mM) and hyperglycemic (30 mM) conditions for seven days, followed by mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes, with quantitative PCR (qPCR) used for confirmatory analysis. STRING network analysis was performed to predict interactions among upregulated and downregulated proteins. mRNA-seq analysis revealed 25 significantly differentially expressed genes in high glucose conditions, including upregulated genes associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, immune response, and fibrosis. Notably, TXNIP was significantly upregulated, indicating increased oxidative stress and apoptosis in TM cells, while downregulation of autophagy-related genes, such as HSPA6 and LAMP3, suggests compromised protein quality control. Immune response genes, including CCL7 and CHI3L1, were upregulated, suggesting an inflammatory response to oxidative stress. Increased expression of fibrosis-related genes, such as SNAI1, FGF7, and KRT19, supports the hypothesis of ECM accumulation in diabetic conditions, potentially elevating IOP. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetic patients could therefore lead to TM dysfunction, impair aqueous humor outflow, and elevate IOP, thereby increasing glaucoma risk. Targeting oxidative stress and fibrosis pathways offers therapeutic strategies to mitigate glaucoma progression in diabetic populations.
Adsorption-Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic Direct Yellow-50 and Cationic Methylene Blue Dyes by Chemically Synthesized Poly(1,5-diaminoanthraquinone)
Authors: AKILLI ALEYNA , ÖZLER AYŞENUR , TAYMAZ BİRCAN HASPULAT , HANCI AHMET , ESKİZEYBEK VOLKAN , KAMIŞ HANDAN
Published: December 2024

The conductive polymer poly(1,5 diaminoanthraquinone) (PDAAQ) has been synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization using ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) as an oxidant and perchloric acid (HClO4) as an initiator in the presence of acetonitrile (ACN) polymerization medium. The characterization of PDAAQ was completed via X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible absorbance spectroscopy (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET) and four-point probe electrical conductivity measurements. PDAAQ with a band gap of 1.28 eV and an electrical conductivity of 1.23 S/cm was successfully synthesized. The adsorption-assisted photocatalytic performance of PDAAQ has been investigated in cationic methylene blue (MB), and an anionic direct yellow (DY) dye under the visible irradiation. For both MB and DY dyes, the reactions were determined to be pseudo-first order equations for the adsorption-assisted photocatalytic process. The effect of polymerization medium, oxidant type, polymerization time and monomer oxidant ratio on adsorption assisted photocatalytic degradation of MB was investigated. The synthesized PDAAQ polymer has excellent photocatalytic performance as a photocatalyst for degradation of MB and DY. 10 µM MB and DY dyes were completely degraded in only 6 and 8 min under visible light illumination using PDAAQ polymer by adsorption-assisted photocatalysis mechanism. Also, the photocatalytic dye degradation performance of PDAAQ was investigated for degradation of synthetic wastewater (SWW) under visible light. PDAAQ polymer can be used as an effective photocatalyst in photocatalytic applications due to its superior and promising performance for the degradation of model dyes and synthetic wastewater.
Aloe Vera Extract-Assisted Hydrothermal Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye
Authors: AKILLI ALEYNA , ÖZLER AYŞENUR , Yaman Rıza Turgut , Taymaz Bircan Haspulat , KAMIŞ HANDAN
Published: December 2024

Different plant extract-assisted hydrothermal synthesis offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional approaches for sustainable technological production. Our research explores this environmentally beneficial terrain by presenting copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) created from Aloe Vera extract. This study contributes to the economical and environmentally friendly green synthesis of CuO NPs by thoroughly investigating synthesis parameters and operating parameters. Using methylene blue (MB) as a model dye, the photocatalytic characteristics of the resulting nanoparticles were examined. The synthesis factors influencing photocatalytic activity efficiency were examined, and the best circumstances were established. When the CuO photocatalyst developed under optimal conditions was used, the degradation efficiency of MB dye was 18.39%, 98.53%, and 83.46% for dark, UV, and visible light, respectively for 90 min reaction time. The influence of catalyst quantity, dye concentration, and reusability on operational parameters was then investigated. This environmentally friendly synthesis process is affordable and simple to utilize for commercial production of CuO NP on a large scale for applications connected to health.
Case Report: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Kapshikar Rajvardhan
Published: December 2024

AIHA, or autoimmune hemolytic anemia, is rare and causes premature destruction of red blood cells associated with anti-erythrocyte antibodies (1). Muscle pain and exhaustion are typical signs of vitamin B12 insufficiency. While performing a complete blood count (CBC) on an automated machine is a standard procedure, smear analysis is more useful in determining the cause of medical disorders and should not be disregarded. According to the result of this study, neutrophils participate in AIHA together with other leucocytes, such as monocytes and eosinophils. If a person is currently receiving vitamin treatment for anemia, the automated CBC alone may be misleading, and blood smear analysis provides a better understanding of AIHA cases. The patient can benefit from multivitamin supplementation; folic acid, ascorbic acid, B12, zinc, and iron supplements should be continued as dietary supplements.
Post-Occupancy Evaluation to Assess Value Generation in Social Housing Projects: Application in the Brazilian Context
Authors:   School of Architecture, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil, Miron Luciana Inês Gomes , Tzortzopoulos Patricia ,   School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham UK, Bonatto Fernanda Sbaraini ,   Building Innovation Research Unit (NORIE), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil, Formoso Carlos Torres ,   Building Innovation Research Unit (NORIE), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil, Baldauf Juliana Parise ,   Building Innovation Research Unit (NORIE), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
Published: December 2024

Social housing projects have major social and economic importance in many developing countries, including Brazil. For this reason, it is important to assess the benefits of housing projects in terms of achieving housing programme goals, including the benefits for users. However, most post-occupancy evaluations (POE) have focussed on product attributes, without consideration of value generation from the perspective of the users. Indeed, previous studies in Brazil have highlighted numerous issues with social housing projects failing to meet the population’s needs. The aim of this research is to develop a POE method for assessing the effectiveness of housing programmes in generating value, examining both the quality of the built environment and the achievement of project goals. This method is based on the means–end value chain conceptual model, which has been widely applied in the field of marketing. Design science research was the methodological approach adopted in this investigation, which was divided into five phases: (a) understanding the context of social housing projects in Brazil; (b) development of data collection instruments; (c) evaluation of three social housing projects; (d) comparison of the results and discussion; and (e) assessment of the proposed method and reflection. The main contribution of this research is the development of a POE method that provides a comprehensive assessment that is not limited to product attributes. The method also introduces several innovations compared to traditional POE processes: (a) adaptation of the means–end value chain to the context of social housing; (b) involvement of different stakeholders in the evaluation process (e.g. social workers and technical staff from funding bodies), in addition to end users; (c) flexibility for assessing projects from different housing programmes; and (d) the definition of a set of constructs that are relevant for evaluating social housing projects in the Brazilian context.
Geração de malhas para simulação de corpos tridimensionais submersos usando o software NEMOH
Authors: Bezerra Carlos Andre Dias
Published: December 2024

Na simulação de dispositivos de conversão de energia das ondas, é necessário o entendimento das interações fluido - sólido para a determinação das propriedades hidrostáticas e hidrodinâmicas dos corpos submersos. Diversos softwares estão disponíveis para a simulação destas interações, dentre eles o NEMOH. NEMOH é um código do tipo BEM dedicado a computação de cargas de ondas de primeira ordem em estruturas desenvolvido por pesquisadores da Escola Central de Nantes, na França. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar um código inédito e escrito no ambiente computacional Octave capaz de facilmente gerar perfis de corpos submersos para criação de malhas necessárias para a obtenção das propriedades hidrostáticas e hidrodinâmicas, através do NEMOH. Trata-se de uma simulação computacional com estudos de casos. Como resultados tem-se uma interface amigável capaz de gerar malhas com o uso do software livre, a geração de perfis representativos da porção molhada (submersa) de um ou dois corpos modelados no NEMOH e a geração da superfície submersa completa do corpo.
Peran Teknologi AI PAUDPEDIA sebagai Media Pembelajaran Interaktif dalam Meningkatkan Literasi Digital Anak Usia Dini di TK ABA 3 Samarinda
Authors: Sari Padia Nadila , Salehudin Mohammad
Published: December 2024

In the contemporary era, digital literacy is a crucial skill, particularly in early childhood education (PAUD). It encompasses not just the ability to utilize technology but also the skills to disseminate information, communicate effectively, and collaborate within a digital context. A notable innovation in PAUD learning support is the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based media, such as PAUDPEDIA. This platform is tailored to offer adaptive content, instant feedback, and an engaging, enjoyable learning experience. The aims of this research is to evaluate the implication of PAUDPEDIA as an interactive educational tool in enhancing digital literacy among early learners at TK ABA. Therefore, developing the competence of educators in utilizing technology such as PAUDPEDIA is a strategic step to support quality education in the digital era.
FROM PAPER TO PRACTICE: BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHERN INDIA
Authors:   Junior Resident, Dept of Microbiology, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College, Nerchowk, Mandi, H.P., Thakur Disha , A. Ganju Sunite ,   Prof and Head, Dept of Microbiology, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College, Nerchowk, Mandi, H.P., R. Chandel Lata ,   Assist Prof, Dept of Microbiology, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College, Nerchowk, Mandi, H .P., Singh Rajender ,   Assist Prof, Dept of Microbiology, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College, Nerchowk, Mandi, H .P.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: India has notified the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 (BMWM Rules, 2016) for the proper handling and management of Biomedical waste (BMW) and specifies that every healthcare facility shall take all necessary steps to ensure that BMW is handled scientifically without causing any adverse effect on human and environmental health. The new rules established by Government of India, are meant to contain environmental pollution and achieve the goal of clean and green environment. The major steps involved are proper segregation, transportation, and scientific disposal and treatment methods of BMW besides regular monitoring. Therefore, proper protocols should be in place for implementation of the BMWM rules, 2016.

Objective: This study has been undertaken to study the biomedical waste management process, practices and disposal chain adopted in our tertiary care hospital with regard to the BMWM rules 2016.

Material and Method: This is a cross-sectional institutional based retrospective study to assess the implementation of BMWM rules-2016 by the occupier. The duties of the occupier as stated under Section 4(a-t) in the BMWM rules 2016 were grouped into six process areas 1.Regulatory compliances 2. Hospital Biomedical Waste management which included i) Waste segregation ii) Pre-treatment of laboratory and highly infectious waste, iii) Intra-mural transport, iv) Temporary storage, 3. Trainings on BMWM, 4. Immunizations, 5. Occupational safety, and 6. Record maintenance.

Conclusion: BMWM rules 2016 envisages regulating the disposal of various categories of BMW so as to ensure safety of the human life and the environment. We live in an evolving era and greater research into eco-friendly sustainable technologies is critical to ensure the fundamental right to live in a clean and safe environment.