bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical coherence elastography with osmotically induced strains: Preliminary demonstration for express detection of cartilage degradation
Authors: Alexandrovskaya Yulia M. , Kasianenko Ekaterina M. , Sovetsky Alexander A. , Matveyev Alexander L. , Atyakshin Dmitry A. , Patsap Olga I. , Ignatiuk Mikhail A. , Volodkin Artem V. , Zaitsev Vladimir Y.
Published: May 2024

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) demonstrated impressive abilities for diagnosing tissue types/states using differences in their biomechanics. Usually, OCE visualizes tissue deformation induced by some additional stimulus (e.g., contact compression or auxiliary elastic‐wave excitation). We propose a new variant of OCE with osmotically induced straining (OIS‐OCE) and demonstrate its application to assess various stages of proteoglycan content degradation in cartilage. The information‐bearing signatures in OIS‐OCE are the magnitude and rate of strains caused by the application of osmotically active solutions onto the sample surface. OCE examination of the induced strains does not require special tissue preparation, the osmotic stimulation is highly reproducible, and strains are observed in noncontact mode. Several minutes suffice to obtain a conclusion. These features are promising for intraoperative method usage when express assessment of tissue state is required during surgical operations. The “waterfall” images demonstrate the development of cumulative osmotic strains in control and degraded cartilage samples.
Understanding delays in chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia care: Application of the theoretical domains framework to identify factors affecting primary care clinicians' referral behaviours
Authors: Atkins Eleanor , Birmpili Panagiota , Kellar Ian , Johal Amundeep S. , Li Qiuju , Waton Sam , Boyle Jonathan R. , Pherwani Arun D. , Chetter Ian , Cromwell David A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Patients in the community with suspected Chronic limb‐threatening ischaemia (CLTI) should be urgently referred to vascular services for investigation and management. The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) allows identification of influences on health professional behaviour in order to inform future interventions. Here, the TDF is used to explore primary care clinicians' behaviours with regards to recognition and referral of CLTI.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 20 podiatrists, nurses and general practitioners in primary care. Directed content analysis was performed according to the framework method. Utterances were coded to TDF domains, and belief statements were defined by grouping similar utterances. Relevance of domains was confirmed according to belief frequency, presence of conflicting beliefs and the content of the beliefs indicating relevance.

Results

Nine TDF domains were identified as relevant to primary care clinicians: Knowledge, Environmental context and resources, Memory, Decision and attention processes, Beliefs about capabilities, Skills, Emotions, Reinforcement and Behavioural regulation. Relationships across domains were identified, including how primary care clinician confidence and working in a highly pressurized environment can affect behaviour.

Conclusion

We have identified key barriers and enablers to timely recognition and referral behaviour. These beliefs identify targets for theory‐driven behaviour change interventions to reduce delays in CLTI pathways.
Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Left Atrioventricular Coupling and Left Atrial Deformation in Patients with Essential Hypertension: An MRI Feature Tracking Study
Authors: Li Xue‐Ming , Shi Rui , Shen Meng‐Ting , Yan Wei‐Feng , Jiang Li , Min Chen‐Yan , Liu Xiao‐Jing , Guo Ying‐Kun , Yang Zhi‐Gang
Published: May 2024

Background

Hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are both associated with left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) structural and functional abnormalities; however, the relationship between the left atrium and ventricle in this population is unclear.

Purpose

To identify differences between hypertensive patients with and without T2DM as the basis for further investigation the atrioventricular coupling relationship.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional, retrospective study.

Population

89 hypertensive patients without T2DM [HTN (T2DM−)] (age: 58.4 +/− 11.9 years, 48 male), 62 hypertensive patients with T2DM [HTN (T2DM+)] (age: 58.5 +/− 9.1 years, 32 male) and 70 matched controls (age: 55.0 +/− 9.6 years, 37 male).

Field Strength/Sequence

2D balanced steady‐state free precession cine sequence at 3.0 T.

Assessment

LA reservoir, conduit, and booster strain (εs, εe, and εa) and strain rate (SRs, SRe, and SRa), LV radial, circumferential and longitudinal peak strain (PS) and peak systolic strain rate and peak diastolic strain rate (PSSR and PDSR) were derived from LA and LV cine images and compared between groups.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square or Fisher's exact test, one‐way analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, Pearson's correlation, multivariable linear regression analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficient. A P value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Compared with controls, εs, εe, SRe and PS‐longitudinal, PDSR‐radial, and PDSR‐longitudinal were significantly lower in HTN (T2DM−) group, and they were even lower in HTN (T2DM+) group than in both controls and HTN (T2DM−) group. SRs, εa, SRa, as well as PS‐radial, PS‐circumferential, PSSR‐radial, and PSSR‐circumferential were significantly lower in HTN (T2DM+) compared with controls. Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that: T2DM and PS‐circumferential and PS‐longitudinal (β = −4.026, −0.486, and −0.670, respectively) were significantly associated with εs; T2DM and PDSR‐radial and PDSR‐circumferential were significantly associated with εe (β = −3.406, −3.352, and −6.290, respectively); T2DM and PDSR‐radial were significantly associated with SRe (β = 0.371 and 0.270, respectively); T2DM and PDSR‐longitudinal were significantly associated with εa (β = −1.831 and 5.215, respectively); and PDSR‐longitudinal was significantly associated with SRa (β = 1.07).

Data Conclusion

In hypertensive patients, there was severer LA dysfunction in those with coexisting T2DM, which may be associated with more severe LV dysfunction and suggests adverse atrioventricular coupling.

Evidence Level

3.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Characterization and molecular docking of sustainable wine lees and gelatin‐based emulsions: innovative fat substitution
Authors: Kaynarca Gülce Bedis
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to determine how various amounts (0.00, 0.58, 1.52 and 4.50 g 100 g−1) of wine lees (WL), which contains numerous essential components, impact the emulsifying properties of fish gelatin (FG) at a low concentration (0.5 g 100 g−1) in the high‐fat phase (65 g 100 g−1). This study conducted rheology, physicochemical technical and characterization analyses on the emulsions to provide sustainable and innovative approaches for spreadable oils.

RESULTS

The addition of WL to FG emulsions improved oxidative stability, emulsion stability and bioactive compounds. The zeta potential (−101 ± 5.62 mV) of 0.58 g 100 g−1 WL‐containing emulsion (PE1) was found to be high, whereas particle size (347.6 ± 5.25 nm) and polydispersity index (0.50) were statistically low. It was also found that the addition of WL improved the intermolecular interactions, crystallinity and microstructural properties of the emulsions. All these results were supported by simulating the molecular configuration between FG and WL. The compounds gallic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin and resveratrol showed a strong affinity to FG, with free binding energies of −5.50, −5.88, −6.53, −6.68 and −6.66 kcal mol−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

As a result, WL‐supported FG has the potential to be used as an alternative to egg proteins to develop sustainable low‐cost spreadable emulsions. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Intraspecific genetic diversity and coexistence in phytoplankton populations
Authors: Ryderheim Fredrik , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: May 2024

The past two decades have seen a drastic increase in the availability and use of genetic techniques to study phytoplankton communities. As a result, it is now well documented that phytoplankton populations are genetically diverse, despite predominantly asexual reproduction and minute morphological variation. Genetic variation can lead to variation also in phenotype, and some traits vary more among genotypes than between species. Trait‐based approaches tackle this by focusing on traits rather than on species. However, trait‐based models often have difficulty predicting and explaining the huge trait‐diversity among coexisting individuals competing for the same few resources. Thus, we ask the question: How do hundreds, if not thousands, of genotypes coexist in a highly competitive environment? In this review, we gather information on genetic and phenotypic variations in coexisting genotypes and elaborate on three mechanisms by which broad intraspecific genetic diversity may be possible: neutral mutations, environmental fluctuations, and trade‐offs among traits. These have all been applied on an interspecies level, and we discuss their use also among coexisting genotypes. We find that genetic diversity to be almost exclusively studied in blooming species and that clonal diversity frequently measure above 0.95 (i.e., 95% of individuals sampled are genetically different). Genetic diversity seems stable throughout blooms, suggesting that competitive exclusion is low or that new genetic material is frequently being introduced into populations. Further, we find high intraspecific trait‐variation in several key traits among coexisting strains but also that trait‐variation is often neglected in studies on phytoplankton, making coexistence difficult to predict.
Compound heterozygous ABCA12 variants identified in a Chinese patient with congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma: Advancing genotype–phenotype correlations and literature review
Authors: Liu Jia‐Wei , Guo Kexin , Zhang Rui , Wang Rongrong , Ma Dong‐Lai , Zhang Xue
Published: May 2024

Background

Ichthyosis is a common keratotic skin disease with high clinical, etiological and genetic heterogeneity. There are four types of non‐syndromic hereditary ichthyoses, among which autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a heterogeneous group of recessive Mendelian disorders. ARCI present with different phenotypes and ABCA12 pathogenic variants have been shown to cause complex ARCI phenotypes, including harlequin ichthyosis (HI), lamellar ichthyosis (LI) and congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (CIE).

Methods

A sporadic male patient, clinically diagnosed with CIE, was enrolled in this study. Exome sequencing was combined with Sanger sequencing to confirm the diagnosis and identify the pathogenic variants. In silico predictions were made using multiple software programs, and the identified variants were interpreted using the ACMG guidelines. A review of all literature reported ABCA12 variants was performed to explore genotype–phenotype correlations.

Results

Compound heterozygous ABCA12 variants [c.5381+1G>A and c.5485G>C (p.Asp1829His)] (NM_173076) were identified. The two variants were not detected in the public database. c.5381+1G>A is predicted to affect ABCA12 mRNA splicing and Asp1829 is highly conserved among various species. In silico analysis suggested that these two variants were responsible for the phenotype of the patient. Genotype–phenotype correlation analysis showed that biallelic truncation variants and/or exon/amino acid deletions in ABCA12 are the most common causes of HI. Biallelic missense variants are most common in LI and CIE.

Conclusions

The compound heterozygous ABCA12 variants caused the CIE phenotype observed in the patient. The spectrum of ABCA12 pathogenic variants were broaden. Genotype–phenotype correlation analysis provided detailed evidence which can be used in future prenatal diagnosis and can inform the need for genetic counselling for patients with ABCA12‐related ARCIs.
Experimental measurement of local noise power spectrum (NPS) in photon counting detector‐CT (PCD‐CT) using a single data acquisition
Authors: Zhang Chengzhu , Li Ke , Zhang Ran , Chen Guang‐Hong
Published: May 2024

Background

Accurate noise power spectra (NPS) measurement in clinical X‐ray CT exams is challenging due to the need for repeated scans, which expose patients to high radiation risks. A reliable method for single CT acquisition NPS estimation is thus highly desirable.

Purpose

To develop a method for estimating local NPS from a single photon counting detector‐CT (PCD‐CT) acquisition.

Methods

A novel nearly statistical bias‐free estimator was constructed from the raw counts data of PCD‐CT scan to estimate the variance of sinogram projection data. An analytical algorithm is employed to reconstruct point‐wise covariance between any two image pixel/voxel locations and . A Fourier transform is applied to obtain the desired point‐wise NPS for any chosen location . The method was validated using experimental data acquired from a benchtop PCD‐CT system with various physical phantoms, and the results were compared with the conventional local NPS measurement method using repeated scans and statistical ensemble averaging.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that (1) the proposed method can achieve pointwise/local NPS measurement for a region of interest (ROI) located at any chosen position, accurately characterizing the NPS with spatial structures resulting from image content heterogeneity; (2) the local NPS measured using the proposed method show a higher precision in the measured NPS compared to the conventional measurement method; (3) spatial averaging of the local NPS yields the conventional NPS for a given local ROI.

Conclusion

A new method was developed to enable local NPS from a single PCD‐CT acquisition.
Bias‐reduced neural networks for parameter estimation in quantitative MRI
Authors: Mao Andrew , Flassbeck Sebastian , Assländer Jakob
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To develop neural network (NN)‐based quantitative MRI parameter estimators with minimal bias and a variance close to the Cramér–Rao bound.

Theory and Methods

We generalize the mean squared error loss to control the bias and variance of the NN's estimates, which involves averaging over multiple noise realizations of the same measurements during training. Bias and variance properties of the resulting NNs are studied for two neuroimaging applications.

Results

In simulations, the proposed strategy reduces the estimates' bias throughout parameter space and achieves a variance close to the Cramér–Rao bound. In vivo, we observe good concordance between parameter maps estimated with the proposed NNs and traditional estimators, such as nonlinear least‐squares fitting, while state‐of‐the‐art NNs show larger deviations.

Conclusion

The proposed NNs have greatly reduced bias compared to those trained using the mean squared error and offer significantly improved computational efficiency over traditional estimators with comparable or better accuracy.
Enoxaparin treatment dosing for venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients with obesity
Authors: Yim Juwon , Jahan Afrin , Braykov Nikolay , Woods Gary M.
Published: May 2024

Background

The optimal enoxaparin dosing for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in pediatric patients with obesity remains uncertain. We described the mean enoxaparin dose required to attain anti‐factor Xa (anti‐Xa) levels of 0.5–1 unit/mL in pediatric patients with obesity.

Methods

Pediatric patients with obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥95th percentile) who received treatment dose of enoxaparin from 2013 to 2022 and had at least one appropriately timed anti‐Xa level were retrospectively evaluated. Daily enoxaparin dose required to achieve an anti‐Xa level of 0.5–1 unit/mL was reviewed and compared by the severity of obesity. The correlation coefficients between enoxaparin dose requirement and BMI, BMI percentile, and weight were measured by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results

Pediatric patients with obesity (n = 89) required a mean enoxaparin dose of 0.8 ± 0.18 mg/kg twice daily to attain a therapeutic anti‐Xa level. Children with BMI 95th–99th percentile and weight ≤100 kg achieved the target level on a significantly higher weight‐based enoxaparin dose compared to BMI greater than 99th percentile (0.95 ± 0.15 vs. 0.75 ± 0.15 mg/kg twice daily; p < .001) and weight greater than 100 kg (0.95 ± 0.14 vs. 0.7 ± 0.12 mg/kg twice daily; p < .001). BMI, BMI percentile, and weight showed a moderate to strong negative correlation with enoxaparin dose requirement.

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with obesity required a lower weight‐based dose of enoxaparin to achieve a therapeutic anti‐Xa than the recommended starting dose of 1 mg/kg twice daily for treatment of VTE. Among obesity indices, weight showed the strongest negative correlation with total daily enoxaparin requirement.
Assessing the efficiency of UAV for pesticide application in disease management of peanut crop
Authors: Shan Changfeng , Wang Guobin , Wang Haihong , Wu Liting , Song Cancan , Hussain Mujahid , Wang Huizheng , Lan Yubin
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Effective utilization of plant protection UAVs in peanut cultivation management necessitates a comprehensive grasp of how application volume rates and pesticides influence peanut leaf spot and rust control. This study aimed to compare the effects of application volume rates and pesticides on droplet deposition, disease, leaf retention rate and peanut yield. A T20 plant protection unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sprayer was used to apply four various pesticide doses. In comparison, a knapsack sprayer was used to spray with an application volume rate of 450 L ha−1.

RESULTS

The results showed a significant difference in droplet deposition between the plant protection UAVs and the electric knapsack sprayer. In the pesticide treatment with an application volume rate of 15.0 L ha−1, there was no significant difference in the deposition on the peanut canopy of each pesticide treatment, but there was a significant difference in the deposition on the ground in the treatment with adding vegetable oil adjuvant. The treatment with added vegetable oil additives showed the worst performance. The treatment with an application volume rate of 22.5 L ha−1 showed the best performance, with the leaf spot control effect being only 0.3% lower than that of the electric knapsack sprayer.

CONCLUSION

Plant protection UAV spraying is feasible to control peanut diseases. Considering the operational effectiveness of the plant protection UAV and application volume rate, it is recommended to use an application volume rate of 22.5 L ha−1 without adding vegetable oil adjuvants for field operations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
DFT‐Assisted Investigation of the Electric Field and Charge Density Distribution of Pristine and Defective 2D WSe2 by Differential Phase Contrast Imaging
Authors: Groll Maja , Bürger Julius , Caltzidis Ioannis , Jöns Klaus D. , Schmidt Wolf Gero , Gerstmann Uwe , Lindner Jörg K. N.
Published: May 2024

Most properties of solid materials are defined by their internal electric field and charge density distributions which so far are difficult to measure with high spatial resolution. Especially for 2D materials, the atomic electric fields influence the optoelectronic properties. In this study, the atomic‐scale electric field and charge density distribution of WSe2 bi‐ and trilayers are revealed using an emerging microscopy technique, differential phase contrast (DPC) imaging in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). For pristine material, a higher positive charge density located at the selenium atomic columns compared to the tungsten atomic columns is obtained and tentatively explained by a coherent scattering effect. Furthermore, the change in the electric field distribution induced by a missing selenium atomic column is investigated. A characteristic electric field distribution in the vicinity of the defect with locally reduced magnitudes compared to the pristine lattice is observed. This effect is accompanied by a considerable inward relaxation of the surrounding lattice, which according to first principles DFT calculation is fully compatible with a missing column of Se atoms. This shows that DPC imaging, as an electric field sensitive technique, provides additional and remarkable information to the otherwise only structural analysis obtained with conventional STEM imaging.
Machine learning‐based wind‐induced response analysis in rectangular building models with limbs
Authors: Sanyal Prasenjit , Paul Rajdip , Dalui Sujit Kumar
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of different positions of two limbs on the structural response of a rectangular building model to wind forces. The building's geometry assumes Z and + shapes based on specific limb configurations. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to quantify wind‐induced pressures, resulting in wind force coefficients. These coefficients are used to develop predictive machine learning models through Gene Expression Programming, Group Method of Data Handling‐combinatorial (GMDH‐Combi), Model Tree, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques. The ANN analysis explores various combinations of training algorithms, adaptation functions, activation functions, and performance functions to enhance model accuracy. Among these, the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) with gradient descent with momentum (GDM) adaptation function and sigmoid activation function exhibit superior performance with high R‐squared values. These predictive models are then employed for a comprehensive comparative assessment of the maximum wind force coefficient (CF, max) concerning different limb positions and angles of attack (AOA). For CF, max vs Limb position, variations of limb position are examined for most critical cases of AOA. Similarly, the study of CF, max vs AOA involves an exhaustive investigation into the variation of AOA for the building with the worst limb position. The analysis reveals that changes in AOA have a more pronounced effect on CF, max compared to alterations in limb position. Interestingly, within the AOA range of 1.5 to 2.5, the CF, max consistently reaches a minimum across all models. However, the relationship between CF, max and the critical structural parameter ‘S' (representing limb position) remains less conclusive for the most significant AOAs.
Digital economy development and export upgrading: Theoretical analysis based on Chinese experience
Authors: Sun Hongying , Luo Yipei , Liang Zuyu , Liu Juan , Bhuiyan Miraj Ahmed
Published: May 2024

The development of the digital economy in China has not only led to a revolution in science and technology and its industry transformation but also affected China's export upgrading. This article uses the provincial‐level panel data of China's export products from 2012 to 2019 to explore the impact and mechanism of digital economy development on export upgrading. The result shows that the development of the digital economy generally promotes the technical complexity of exports, which is more significant in regions with higher resource allocation efficiency. The mediation effect test finds that the development of the technology market and human capital improvement are the two basic paths of the digital economy to promote export upgrading. The conclusion is still valid after a series of robustness tests, such as replacing the explanatory variables and using instrumental variables.
Noncoding RNAs: Emerging regulators of behavioral complexity
Authors: Dayal Sanovar , Chaubey Divya , Joshi Dheeraj Chandra , Ranmale Samruddhi , Pillai Beena
Published: May 2024

The mammalian genome encodes thousands of non−coding RNAs (ncRNAs), ranging in size from about 20 nucleotides (microRNAs or miRNAs) to kilobases (long non−coding RNAs or lncRNAs). ncRNAs contribute to a layer of gene regulation that could explain the evolution of massive phenotypic complexity even as the number of protein‐coding genes remains unaltered. We propose that low conservation, poor expression, and highly restricted spatiotemporal expression patterns—conventionally considered ncRNAs may affect behavior through direct, rapid, and often sustained regulation of gene expression at the transcriptional, post‐transcriptional, or translational levels. Besides these direct roles, their effect during neurodevelopment may manifest as behavioral changes later in the organism's life, especially when exposed to environmental cues like stress and seasonal changes. The lncRNAs affect behavior through diverse mechanisms like sponging of miRNAs, recruitment of chromatin modifiers, and regulation of alternative splicing. We highlight the need for synthesis between rigorously designed behavioral paradigms in model organisms and the wide diversity of behaviors documented by ethologists through field studies on organisms exquisitely adapted to their environmental niche. Comparative genomics and the latest advancements in transcriptomics provide an unprecedented scope for merging field and lab studies on model and non−model organisms to shed light on the role of ncRNAs in driving the behavioral responses of individuals and groups. We touch upon the technical challenges and contentious issues that must be resolved to fully understand the role of ncRNAs in regulating complex behavioral traits.

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Current advances in circular RNA detection and investigation methods: Are we running in circles?
Authors: Drula Rareș , Braicu Cornelia , Berindan‐Neagoe Ioana
Published: May 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), characterized by their closed‐loop structure, have emerged as significant transcriptomic regulators, with roles spanning from microRNA sponging to modulation of gene expression and potential peptide coding. The discovery and functional analysis of circRNAs have been propelled by advancements in both experimental and bioinformatics tools, yet the field grapples with challenges related to their detection, isoform diversity, and accurate quantification. This review navigates through the evolution of circRNA research methodologies, from early detection techniques to current state‐of‐the‐art approaches that offer comprehensive insights into circRNA biology. We examine the limitations of existing methods, particularly the difficulty in differentiating circRNA isoforms and distinguishing circRNAs from their linear counterparts. A critical evaluation of various bioinformatics tools and novel experimental strategies is presented, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to enhance our understanding and interpretation of circRNA functions. Our insights underscore the dynamic and rapidly advancing nature of circRNA research, highlighting the ongoing development of analytical frameworks designed to address the complexity of circRNAs and facilitate the assessment of their clinical utility. As such, this comprehensive overview aims to catalyze further advancements in circRNA study, fostering a deeper understanding of their roles in cellular processes and potential implications in disease.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Methods > RNA Nanotechnology

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses In Vitro and In Silico
LINC00152: Potential driver oncogene in pan‐cancer
Authors: Xu Wei , Li Huiting , Wang Ziyao , Kang Yan , Zheng Luojie , Liu Yiping , Xu Ping , Li Zheng
Published: May 2024

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are a class of non‐coding RNAs greater than 200 bp in length with limited peptide‐coding function. The transcription of LINC00152 is derived from chromosome 2p11.2. Many studies prove that LINC00152 influences the progression of various tumors via promoting the tumor cells malignant phenotype, chemoresistance, and immune escape. LINC00152 is regulated by multiple transcription factors and DNA hypomethylation. In addition, LINC00152 participates in the regulation of complex molecular signaling networks through epigenetic regulation, protein interactions, and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). Here, we provide a systematic review of the upstream regulatory factors of LINC00152 expression level in different types of tumors. In addition, we revisit the main functions and mechanisms of LINC00152 as driver oncogene and biomarker in pan‐cancer.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes
How Does Human-Centred Extended Reality Support Healthcare Students’ Learning in Clinical Conditions?
Authors: Mikkonen Kristina , Ferdinando Hany , Sobocinski Marta , Kuivila Heli , Pramila-Savukoski Sari , Vhitehead Tugba , Ropponen Paula , Myllylä Teemu , Paunonen Jari , Halili Erson , Koutonen Joel , Taikina-Aho Juha-Matti , Siipo Antti , Järvelä Sanna
Published: May 2024

Healthcare education needs to be reformed to sustain quality, faster response to crises and ensure a rapid and efficient graduation path for future healthcare professionals. In this study, our multidisciplinary team has developed and tested a Human-centred extended reality (XR) to solve challenges in healthcare by connecting humans to technology in a human-centred, ethical way and by empowering end users through social innovation. In our study, we aimed to develop an intuitive XR virtual simulation environment with realistic scenarios and metahuman avatars, enabling team interaction to test and analyse participants’ real-time adaptation through a combination of neurophysiological and behavioural data collected by wearable sensors. This novel research offers a solution to complement clinical placements of nursing and medical students and ensure that students achieve the required competencies even if unexpected situations or crises threaten to interrupt the practice of competencies in real-life environments. Furthermore, by utilising the neurophysiological data, we can assess the learning event based on analysis of the recorded signals. The XR solutions can reduce nursing and medical students’ stress levels and enhance their resilience to work effectively in collaborative interprofessional teams.
A Mobile Application Can Be Used as an Alternative to the Traditional Preparation Method for Parents in Pediatric Day Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kerimaa Heli , Haapea Marianne , Hakala Mervi , Serlo Willy , Pölkki Tarja
Published: May 2024

Background: Digital preparation programs for day surgery are now available through smartphones; however, research on the effectiveness of digital interventions among parents is lacking.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a mobile application intervention in preparing parents for pediatric day surgery and to describe the correlations between parents’ anxiety, stress, and satisfaction.

Methods: A total of 70 parents of preschool children who were scheduled for elective day surgery were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (IG; n = 36) and the control group (CG; n = 34). The study took place in the pediatric day surgical department of a university hospital in Finland. The IG used a mobile application, while the CG used routine methods. Parents’ anxiety, stress and satisfaction were measured using validated instruments.

Results: There was no significant difference in parental anxiety levels between the two groups, both before and after the surgery. After the surgery, both groups of parents reported feeling less anxious while at home. Pre-surgery, most parents experienced no/mild stress at home. However, post-surgery, intervention group parents reported significantly less stress at home than control group parents. The mean VAS score for parents’ satisfaction in both groups was high: 8.8 for the intervention group (SD 1.9) and 8.6 for the control group (SD 0.9). These mean scores did not significantly differ. Anxiety, stress, and satisfaction showed a significant correlation in most cases at both T1 and T4.

Conclusions: A mobile application can serve as an alternative to the traditional method of preparing parents for pediatric day surgery.
Detection of Intestinal Tumors Outside the Visibility of Capsule Endoscopy Camera Utilizing Radio Signal Recognition
Authors: Särestöniemi Mariella , Taparugssanagorn Attaphongse , Iinatti Jari , Myllylä Teemu
Published: May 2024

Early cancer detection is crucial, especially for intestinal cancer with subtle early symptoms. While camera-based Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE) systems are efficient, patient-friendly, and safe investigating gastrointestinal (GI) track thoroughly, some limitations persist in visualizing only the inner part of the GI regions. Our study introduces a radio channel analysis -based approach to detect intestinal/abdominal tumors which are not visible for the WCE camera, i.e., the tumors which have started to grow on the outer parts of the intestinal track. Focused on S-parameter patterns in realistic human voxel models, our simulation-based method discerns dielectric property variations in normal and tumorous tissues, replicating intricate tissue characteristics. Preliminary simulation results in different intestine locations demonstrate our technique’s efficacy in differentiating normal and tumor cases based on S-parameter patterns. With a 98% accuracy rate, simple logistic regression classification model excels in distinguishing normal from tumor tissues, significantly enhancing diagnostic precision in GI health monitoring showcasing its potential to revolutionize early cancer detection and advance diagnostic accuracy within simulated human anatomy. This represents a substantial stride toward improving healthcare outcomes through cutting-edge technology.
Two-loop amplitudes for $$ t\overline{t}H $$ production: the quark-initiated Nf-part
Authors: Agarwal Bakul , Heinrich Gudrun , Jones Stephen P. , Kerner Matthias , Klein Sven Yannick , Lang Jannis , Magerya Vitaly , Olsson Anton
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We present numerical results for the two-loop virtual amplitude entering the NNLO corrections to Higgs boson production in association with a top quark pair at the LHC, focusing, as a proof of concept of our method, on the part of the quark-initiated channel containing loops of massless or massive quarks. Results for the UV renormalised and IR subtracted two-loop amplitude for each colour structure are given at selected phase-space points and visualised in terms of surfaces as a function of two-dimensional slices of the full phase space.
Variational autoencoders for regression: recovering fully leptonic $$ b\overline{b}{W}^{+}{W}^{-} $$ in di-Higgs searches
Authors: Alves Alexandre , da Silva Almeida Eduardo , Mesquita Igor Neiva
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The search for double Higgs production in $$ b\overline{b}{W}^{+}{W}^{-} $$
b

b
¯

W
+

W
−

, where both W bosons decay to leptons, has been rehabilitated as a good option to investigate key processes within the Standard Model scalar sector at the LHC. The missing neutrinos, however, hinder the reconstruction of useful information like the Higgs pair mass, which is very sensitive to the trilinear Higgs self-coupling. We present a solution to that problem using a Variational Autoencoder for Regression (VAER) to reconstruct the Higgs and top pairs decays hh, $$ t\overline{t}\to b\overline{b}{W}^{+}{W}^{-}\to b\overline{b}{\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{\prime -}{\nu}_{\ell }{\overline{\nu}}_{\ell^{\prime }} $$
t

t
¯

→
b

b
¯

W
+

W
−

→
b

b
¯

ℓ
+

ℓ

′
−

ν
ℓ

ν
¯

ℓ
′

. The algorithm predicts the invariant mass of non-resonant hh independently of specific trilinear coupling values, even for events where the Higgs self-coupling were not included during its training. VAER is also able to identify a new Higgs resonance in an unsupervised way, showing generalization power for events not presented in its training phase. Finally, we demonstrate that VAER prediction is as useful to statistical inference as ground truth simulated distributions by computing a χ2 between trilinear coupling hypotheses based on binned invariant mass distributions of $$ b\overline{b}{\ell}^{+}{\ell}^{\prime -}{\nu}_{\ell }{\overline{\nu}}_{\ell^{\prime }} $$
b

b
¯

ℓ
+

ℓ

′
−

ν
ℓ

ν
¯

ℓ
′

.
Universal fine grained asymptotics of free and weakly coupled quantum field theory
Authors: Cao Weiguang , Melia Tom , Pal Sridip
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We give a rigorous proof that in any free quantum field theory with a finite group global symmetry G, on a compact spatial manifold, at sufficiently high energy, the density of states ρα(E) for each irreducible representation α of G obeys a universal formula as conjectured by Harlow and Ooguri. We further prove that this continues to hold in a weakly coupled quantum field theory, given an appropriate scaling of the coupling with temperature. This generalizes similar results that were previously obtained in (1 + 1)-D to higher spacetime dimension. We discuss the role of averaging in the density of states, and we compare and contrast with the case of continuous group G, where we prove a universal, albeit different, behavior.
Measuring associativity: graph algebras of undirected graphs
Authors: Kátai-Urbán Kamilla , Waldhauser Tamás
Published: May 2024

We study two measures of associativity for graph algebras of finite undirected graphs: the index of nonassociativity and (a variant of) the semigroup distance. We determine “almost associative” and “antiassociative” graphs with respect to both measures. It turns out that the antiassociative graphs are exactly the balanced complete bipartite graphs, no matter which of the two measures we consider. In the class of connected graphs the two notions of almost associativity are also equivalent.
Cathepsin K deficiency prevented stress-related thrombosis in a mouse FeCl3 model
Authors: Jin Xueying , Yue Xueling , Huang Zhe , Meng Xiangkun , Xu Shengnan , Wu Yuna , Wan Ying , Inoue Aiko , Narisawa Megumi , Hu Lina , Shi Guo-Ping , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Murohara Toyoaki , Lei Yanna , Kuzuya Masafumi , Cheng Xian Wu
Published: May 2024

Background

Exposure to chronic psychological stress (CPS) is a risk factor for thrombotic cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs). The expression and activity of the cysteine cathepsin K (CTSK) are upregulated in stressed cardiovascular tissues, and we investigated whether CTSK is involved in chronic stress-related thrombosis, focusing on stress serum-induced endothelial apoptosis.

Methods and results

Eight-week-old wild-type male mice (CTSK+/+) randomly divided to non-stress and 3-week restraint stress groups received a left carotid artery iron chloride3 (FeCl3)-induced thrombosis injury for biological and morphological evaluations at specific timepoints. On day 21 post-stress/injury, the stress had enhanced the arterial thrombi weights and lengths, in addition to harmful alterations of plasma ADAMTS13, von Willebrand factor, and plasminogen activation inhibitor-1, plus injured-artery endothelial loss and CTSK protein/mRNA expression. The stressed CTSK+/+ mice had increased levels of injured arterial cleaved Notch1, Hes1, cleaved caspase8, matrix metalloproteinase-9/-2, angiotensin type 1 receptor, galactin3, p16IN4A, p22phox, gp91phox, intracellular adhesion molecule-1, TNF-α, MCP-1, and TLR-4 proteins and/or genes. Pharmacological and genetic inhibitions of CTSK ameliorated the stress-induced thrombus formation and the observed molecular and morphological changes. In cultured HUVECs, CTSK overexpression and silencing respectively increased and mitigated stressed-serum- and H2O2-induced apoptosis associated with apoptosis-related protein changes. Recombinant human CTSK degraded γ-secretase substrate in a dose-dependent manor and activated Notch1 and Hes1 expression upregulation.

Conclusions

CTSK appeared to contribute to stress-related thrombosis in mice subjected to FeCl3 stress, possibly via the modulation of vascular inflammation, oxidative production and apoptosis, suggesting that CTSK could be an effective therapeutic target for CPS-related thrombotic events in patients with CCVDs.
Maximum principles for elliptic operators in unbounded Riemannian domains
Authors: Bisterzo Andrea
Published: May 2024

The necessity of a Maximum Principle arises naturally when one is interested in the study of qualitative properties of solutions to partial differential equations. In general, to ensure the validity of these kinds of principles one has to consider some additional assumptions on the ambient manifold or on the differential operator. The present work aims to address, using both of these approaches, the problem of proving Maximum Principles for second order, elliptic operators acting on unbounded Riemannian domains under Dirichlet boundary conditions. Hence there is a natural division of this article in two distinct and standalone sections.
Nutritional insights into broths in relation to elemental composition
Authors: Kosečková Pavlína , Zvěřina Ondřej , Letková Katarína
Published: May 2024

Despite the popular claim that broths are a good source of essential elements, few studies have been devoted to clarifying this narrative. In fact, there is growing concern about the risk of ingesting toxic elements. This study focused on assessing the content of important elements (Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, and Pb) in various types of broths (beef, fish, poultry, pork, and vegetable). The samples (n = 30) included broths of different origins, including laboratory-prepared broths and broths prepared by professional cooks from Czech school canteens. The broths were evaluated as potential sources of essential elements in relation to their reference daily intake, as well as their potential toxicity risk in relation to Cd and Pb. Although significant variability was observed in the contents of the investigated elements, the results generally contradicted the popular narrative that broths are a good source of Ca, Cu, Fe, and Mg, as their contents did not achieve even 5% of the recommended daily intake. The amount of Ca in the broths was minimal even compared to the amount in tap water. The consumption of broths poses minimal risk regarding the presence of Cd and Pb.

Graphic abstract
Yet another proof of the density in energy of Lipschitz functions
Authors: Lučić Danka , Pasqualetto Enrico
Published: May 2024

We provide a new, short proof of the density in energy of Lipschitz functions into the metric Sobolev space defined by using plans with barycenter (and thus, a fortiori, into the Newtonian–Sobolev space). Our result covers first-order Sobolev spaces of exponent $$p\in (1,\infty )$$

p
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

, defined over a complete separable metric space endowed with a boundedly-finite Borel measure. Our proof is based on a completely smooth analysis: first we reduce the problem to the Banach space setting, where we consider smooth functions instead of Lipschitz ones, then we rely on classical tools in convex analysis and on the superposition principle for normal 1-currents. Along the way, we obtain a new proof of the density in energy of smooth cylindrical functions in Sobolev spaces defined over a separable Banach space endowed with a finite Borel measure.
The effect of high values of relative surface roughness on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics in the laminar, transitional, quasi-turbulent and turbulent flow regimes
Authors: Everts Marilize , Mahomed Faiyaad
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the effect of large values of relative surface roughness on the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics using simultaneously measured heat transfer and pressure drop data. Experiments were conducted using a horizontal circular tube with a base inner diameter of 5 mm and length of 4 m. One smooth and two rough tubes, with relative roughnesses of 0.04 and 0.11, were tested at different constant heat fluxes between Reynolds numbers of 100 and 8 500. Water was used as the test fluid and the Prandtl number varied between 3 and 7. Contrary to the trend in the Moody Chart, a significant increase in laminar friction factors with increasing surface roughness was observed. Both the friction factors and Nusselt numbers as functions of Reynolds number showed a clear upward and leftward shift with increasing surface roughness across the different flow regimes. Furthermore, the boundaries between the flow regimes were the same for the pressure drop and heat transfer results. The width of the transitional flow regime was narrower for rough tubes and had a differing trend. The quasi-turbulent and turbulent flow regimes occurred at lower Reynolds numbers for increasing roughness. When investigating the relationship between heat transfer and pressure drop, it was found that an increase in surface roughness favoured heat transfer in the quasi-turbulent flow regime. This is useful for rough tubes as the quasi-turbulent flow regime onsets early with regards to the Reynolds number in tubes with large roughnesses.
The telovelar approach for fourth ventricular tumors in children: is removal of the posterior arch of C1 necessary?
Authors: Cho Anna , Lippolis Maria Aliotti , Herta Johannes , Dogan Muhammet , Hedrich Cora , Azizi Amedeo A. , Peyrl Andreas , Gojo Johannes , Czech Thomas , Dorfer Christian
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Various surgical nuances of the telovelar approach have been suggested. The necessity of removing the posterior arch of C1 to accomplish optimal tumor exposure is still debated. Therefore, we report on our experience and technical details of the fourth ventricular tumor resection in a modified prone position without systematic removal of the posterior arch of C1.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients, who underwent a fourth ventricular tumor resection in the modified prone position between 2012 and 2021, was performed.

Results

We identified 40 patients with a median age of 6 years and a M:F ratio of 25:15. A telovelar approach was performed in all cases. In 39/40 patients, the posterior arch of C1 was not removed. In the remaining patient, the reason for removing C1 was tumor extension below the level of C2 with ventral extension. Gross or near total resection could be achieved in 34/39 patients, and subtotal resection in 5/39 patients. In none of the patients, a limited exposure, sight of view, or range of motion caused by the posterior arch of C1 was encountered, necessitating an unplanned removal of the posterior arch of C1. Importantly, in none of the cases, the surgeon had the impression of a limited sight of view to the most rostral parts of the fourth ventricle, which necessitated a vermian incision.

Conclusion

A telovelar approach without the removal of the posterior arch of C1 allows for an optimal exposure of the fourth ventricle provided that critical nuances in patient positioning are considered.