bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution-guided Bayesian optimization for constrained multi-objective optimization in self-driving labs
Authors: Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Low Andre , Mekki-Berrada Flore , Gupta Abhishek , Ostudin Aleksandr , Xie Jiaxun , Vissol-Gaudin Eleonore , Lim Yee-Fun , Li Qianxiao , Ong Yew Soon , Khan Saif
Published: December 2023

The development of automated high-throughput experimental platforms has enabled fast sampling of high-dimensional decision spaces. To reach target properties efficiently, these platforms are increasingly paired with intelligent experimental design. However, current optimizers show limitations in maintaining sufficient exploration/exploitation balance for problems dealing with multiple conflicting objectives and complex constraints. Here, we devised an Evolution-Guided Bayesian Optimization (EGBO) algorithm that integrates selection pressure in parallel with a q-Noisy Expected Hypervolume Improvement (qNEHVI) optimizer; this not only solves for the Pareto Front (PF) efficiently but also achieves better coverage of the PF while limiting sampling in the infeasible space. The algorithm was developed together with a custom self-driving lab for seed-mediated silver nanoparticle synthesis, targeting 3 objectives (1) optical properties, (2) fast reaction, and (3) minimal seed usage alongside complex constraints. We demonstrated that, with appropriate constraint handling, EGBO performance improves upon state-of-the-art qNEHVI. Furthermore, across various synthetic multi-objective problems, EGBO showed significative hypervolume improvement, revealing the synergy between selection pressure and the qNEHVI optimizer. We also demonstrated EGBO’s good coverage of the PF as well as comparatively better ability to propose feasible solutions. We thus propose EGBO as a general framework for efficiently solving constrained multi-objective problems in high-throughput experimentation platforms.
Evaluation of Cry1Ac and Cry2A endotoxins in transgenic cotton cultivars with respect to plant growth periods and stages
Authors: Hanif Mahreen , Saeed Shafqat , Ali Mudssar , Ishtiaq Muhammad , Khan Zuluqrnain
Published: December 2023

Transgenic cotton has brought about a significant transformation in the management of bollworms. Nevertheless, a considerable challenge has emerged in the form of Pectinophora gossypiella for transgenic cotton. In this research endeavor, we conducted the detection and quantification of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab protein in field and pot samples of various transgenic cotton cultivars encompassing single, double, and triple gene varieties, employing Bt strips and ELISA methods. The extent of Bt protein production in both field and pot leaf samples across all examined cultivars was assessed at three distinct time points, namely 40, 80, and 120 days after sowing, coinciding with different growth phases (i.e., leaves, squares, bolls, and seeds). The outcomes revealed that heightened levels of Cry1Ac protein were present across all cultivars, whereas elevated levels of Cry2A protein were exclusively observed in the C6 (MNH-1045) cultivar. Bt proteins, namely Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, exhibited variable concentrations depending on the specific cultivar, growth phase of the crop, and section of the plant. The findings underscored discernible differences in the concentrations of Cry1Ac and Cry2A proteins among all cultivars, while these concentrations also varied across different crop growth periods (i.e., 40, 80, and 120 days) and growth stages (i.e., leaf, square, bolls, and seed). It was discerned that the expression of toxins is contingent upon the developmental stage of the crop and the duration of growth. All of the transgenic cultivars displayed susceptibility to P. gossypiella. However, the triple-gene cultivar exhibited superior resistance. The incidence of P. gossypiella infestations increased in tandem with crop growth. The findings from this investigation are anticipated to provide valuable insights for entomologists and plant breeders, aiding them in devising suitable strategies, such as refuge maintenance or hybrid development, to safeguard transgenic cotton from pink bollworm infestations, thereby contributing to the sustainability of cotton production on a global scale.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection of colorectal lesions assisted with double elastic rings：a case series
Authors: Sun Xin , Zhai Wenzhe , Zhang Shuaiqing , Song Yanjun , Li Ruyuan
Published: December 2023

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become the preferred treatment for early mucosal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. A clear surgical field of view is crucial for the safety of endoscopic surgery. The development of various traction technologies has simplified the procedure, reduced operation time, and decreased the occurrence of adverse events. Double elastic rings traction is particularly effective in exposing the submucosal layer, expediting the dissection process, and reducing complications, especially for large lesions in the proximal colon.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients with colorectal lesions who underwent ESD treatment at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2021 to June 2023. The selection of patients was based on the use of the double elastic rings traction method during the operation. Data regarding lesion location, dissection time, resection speed, pathological analysis, complications, secondary surgery, R0 resection, and curative resection were retrospectively analyzed.
Results: The study consisted of 10 patients. The average maximum diameter of the specimens was 43±11mm, with a procedure duration and resection speed of 19.77±5.11mm^2/min, respectively. All lesions were completely resected in a single attempt, and there were no instances of wound perforation or delayed hemorrhage. One patient required secondary surgery, and another received hematology treatment. Eight lesions achieved R0 resection and curative resection.
Conclusion: The use of double elastic rings traction during ESD can provide a wider field of view and reduce complications. Therefore, double elastic rings traction should be considered for the management of large colorectal lesions.
Future changes in the wintertime ENSO-NAO teleconnection under greenhouse warming
Authors: Kug Jong-Seong , Geng Xin , Kosaka Yu
Published: December 2023

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnection to the Euro-Atlantic exhibits strong subseasonal variations, as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) response systematically reverses its phase from early to late winter. Based on two sets of atmospheric model simulations in CMIP6 forced by historical and projected SST, we report a future disappearance of this teleconnection reversal, with the positive early winter ENSO-NAO correlation turning negative and the negative late winter correlation becoming stronger. We suggest that this negative NAO tendency is associated with the strengthening and eastward shift of the ENSO atmospheric teleconnection towards the Euro-Atlantic due to parallel changes in the ENSO tropical convection. While the early winter NAO phase transition is further facilitated by the mean state change in the North Atlantic jet meridional shear, which shifts the ENSO-driven Rossby wave-propagating direction, an intensified stratospheric pathway is demonstrated to play an additional role in strengthening the late winter NAO response.
Risk of developing hyperkalemia in patients with hypertension treated with combination antihypertensive therapy – a retrospective register-based study
Authors: Moussa Fatme , Al-Janabi Fatma Luai Mahdi , Taleb Sarah , Leutscher Peter , Kragholm Kristian , Krogager Maria , Kristiansen Dorte , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Søndergaard Marc , Søgaard Peter
Published: December 2023

Background The risk of hyperkalemia in relation to different combinations of antihypertensive therapy remains to be elucidated.Methods In this Danish register-based study, we aimed to investigate the risk of developing hyperkalemia in relation to different combinations of antihypertensive therapy. Using incidence density matching, we matched a hyperkalemic patient to five normokalemic patients on renal function, age, sex, and time between study entry and date of potassium measurement. Combination therapies were subdivided into eight groups: beta blockers (BB) + calcium channel blockers (CCB), BB + renin angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi), BB + RASi + mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), CCB + RASi, CCB + RASi + thiazides, CCB + thiazides, RASi + thiazides, and other combinations. Multivariable conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of hyperkalemia within 90 days for each of the eight antihypertensive combination therapies.Results A total of 793 patients with hyperkalemia were matched to 3,788 normokalemic patients. In multivariable analysis, odds of developing hyperkalemia when being treated with BB + RASi + MRA was 2.58 (95% CI, 1.87–3.56) compared to RASi + thiazides (reference). Another significant association with other combinations that indicated a strong association with increased hyperkalemia was seen for the BB + RASi combination (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.21-2.00]). Combinations including CCB + RASi (OR, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.76–1.32]) and CCB + RASi + thiazides (OR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.54–1.34]) were not significantly associated with hyperkalemia.Conclusion Combinations of BB + RASi, with and without MRA were significantly associated with an increased risk of developing hyperkalemia within 90 days of initiating treatment.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection activates IL-1β expression in porcine alveolar macrophage by promoting β-amyloid production
Authors: Bei Weicheng , Yan Kang , He Qiyun , Tang Jia , Peng wei , Dou Beibei , Chen Huanchun
Published: December 2023

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (A. pleuropneumoniae) is a porcine respiratory tract pathogen and causes porcine pleuropneumonia. Porcine alveolar macrophage plays an important role during A. pleuropneumoniae infection. Amyloid precursor protein (APP) can be cleaved by β- and γ-secretase to produce β-amyloid (Aβ). APP and Aβ are related with inflammatory response. They activate micriglia and astrocyte to secrete IL-1β, IL-6 and other cytokines. In present study, we find that during interaction of A. pleuropneumoniae and porcine alveolar macrophage, two component system CpxAR upregulates wecA expression to increase lipopolysaccharide production, lipopolysaccharide promotes amyloid precursor protein (APP) production and cleavage to generate Aβ; the Aβ activates NF-κB leading to increased IL-1β expression. We present a hypothesis about A. pleuropneumoniae infection porcine alveolar macrophage regulates APP production and cleavage to control the quantity of Aβ; different quantities of Aβ induce PAMs produce different quantities of cytokines and leading to different pathological process of porcine pleuropneumonia.
Nano-indentation study of dislocation evolution in GaN-based Laser Diodes
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Su Xujun , Wang Guobing , Niu Mutong , Li Xinran , Xu Ke
Published: December 2023

The slip systems and motion behavior of dislocations induced by nano-indentation technique in GaN-based LDs were investigated. Dislocations with burgers vector of b = 1/3 < 11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3> were introduced on either {11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)2} <11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3>, or {1\(\stackrel{-}{1}\)01}<11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)3> pyramidal slip systems in the upper p-GaN layer. Besides, {0001}<11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)0> basal and {11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)0}<0001 > cylindrical slip systems were also activated. The AlGaN/InGaN multi-layers in device can provide mismatch stresses to prevent dislocations from slipping through. It was observed that the density of dislocations induced by the indenter significantly decreased from the upper to the lower regions of the multi-layers. The a + c dislocations on pyramidal slip planes and the c dislocations on {11\(\stackrel{-}{2}\)0} planes were mostly blocked by the strained layers.
Monensin, virginiamycin and mineral trace and yeast combination on animal performance and carcass and meat characteristics of bulls finished in feedlot and fed high grain diet
Authors: Duarte Vanessa , Ribeiro Fabio Garcia , Matos Aylle Medeiros , Prado Rodolpho Martin do , Silva Luiz Fernando Costa e , Carvalho Venício Macedo , Ávila Vicente Alfonso Díaz , Cardoso Melina Aparecida Plastina , Prado Ivanor Nunes do
Published: December 2023

A combination of monensin, virginiamycin and minerals trace could have a synergistic effect on animal performance and meat characteristics of bulls finished in feedlot. This study was realized to evaluate the influence of monensin, virginiamycin, minerals trace and yeast combination on animal performance, feed efficiency, in situ digestibility, feeding behavior, and carcass and meat characteristics from bulls finished in feedlot fed high-grain diet. A total of 36 (European vs. Nellore) bulls at 24 ± 3.2 months of age and with a body weight (BW) of 385.5 ± 3.84 kg were used in a completely randomized design. The four experimental diets were: CONT – without additives; MONE – inclusion of 30 mg of monensin/kg of DM; MOVI – inclusion of 30 mg of monensin + 30 mg of virginiamycin/kg of DM; MOMY – inclusion of 30 mg of monensin/kg of DM + 3.0 g of mineral traces and yeast/100 kg of BW. Final body weight was higher (P < 0.05) for the bulls fed MOVI (558.7 kg) and MOMY (554.6 kg) diets, intermediate for bulls fed MONE (529.3 kg) diet, and lower for bulls fed CONT (514.6 kg) diet. Likewise, the average daily gain was higher (P < 0.01) for bulls fed MOVI and MOMY (2.02 kg/d), intermediate for bulls fed MONE (1.72 kg/d), diet and lower for bulls fed CONT (1.57 kg/d) diets. Dry matter intake and other nutrients were similar (P> 0.05) among treatments. However, feed conversion improved (P < 0.05) for bulls fed MOVI and MOMY diets. Animals fed MOVI and MOMY spent more time ruminating compared to animals fed CONT and MONE (P = 0.034) diets. The carcass weights, carcass dressing and backfat thickness were greater (P< 0.05) for the bulls fed MOVI and MOMY diets. In conclusion, the inclusion of monensin or a combination of monensin + virginiamycin or monensin + mineral trace and yeast resulted in higher animal performance and improved feed efficiency.
Effects of near-infrared photobiomodulation on local skin blood flow in healthy subjects
Authors: Riaz Misbah , Bösch Patrick Christian , Åm Marte Kierulf , Ellingsen Reinold , Hjelme Dag Roar , Carlsen Sven Magnus , Christiansen Sverre Christian
Published: December 2023

Photobiomodulation causes an immediate increase in local blood flow. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 890 nm NIR exposure on local skin blood flow in young and middle-aged healthy subjects. In this placebo-controlled clinical trial, 12 young and 12 middle-aged healthy subjects received either continuous or intermittent NIR exposure (890 nm, 5.1 mW /cm 2 , 4.6 J/cm 2 , and 35.9 J total energy) on the skin of the upper lateral arm. The continuous exposure experiment, used in young subjects only, applied 30 minutes of continuous NIR light (experiment 1). The intermittent exposure experiment, used in both age groups, applied NIR light through 10 cycles of 3 minutes NIR exposure and 2 minutes OFF (for recording blood flow), resulting in 50 minutes of total time. Laser Doppler flowmetry and thermal images were used to monitor local blood flow and skin temperature. In young subjects, continuous NIR exposure compared to placebo significantly increased blood flow for the first 20 minutes post-exposure. Further, in young and middle-aged subjects, intermittent exposure increased blood flow during the whole exposure period and 15 minutes post-exposure. In young subjects, blood flow after continuous NIR exposure was significantly higher than intermittent NIR exposure only for the first 10 minutes. For intermittent exposure comparison between the two age groups, the blood flow was significantly higher in middle-aged subjects. We conclude that NIR PBM increases local skin blood flow in young and middle-aged subjects. The mode of NIR irradiation and the subjects’ age influenced the local skin blood flow response.
Nano-Engineered Versatile Janus Natural-Skin with Sandwich Structure for Wearable All-Season Personal Thermal Management
Authors: Xie Long , Wang Xuechuan , Wei Chao , Sun Siwei , Liang Shuang , Bai Zhongxue , Zou Xiaoliang , Zhou Yi , Yue Ouyang , Liu Xinhua
Published: December 2023

Thermal management wearables have shown immense potential for various applications, such as bio-integrated electronics, multifunctional fabrics, thermoelectric devices, and clinical medicine. Given the complex and volatile external environmental conditions they may encounter, thermal management wearables should possess versatile and comprehensive auxiliary functions to enable cutting-edge advanced applications. In this study, we present a multifunctional nano-engineered Janus-type natural-skin (SHRC-skin), offering dual modes of solar heating and radiative cooling, along with additional capabilities such as flammability resistance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and physiological signal monitoring achieved through the integration of traditional spray techniques and a phase conversion pathway, using natural-skin as a substrate, enabling year-round personal thermal management. The radiative cooling side of the SHRC-skin incorporates a CA/Mg11(HPO3)8(OH)6 composite coating with an irregular porous structure, while the solar heating side consists of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with a rough structure. The radiative cooling layer of SHRC-skin exhibited a solar reflectance of ~ 90.13% and a mid-infrared emittance of ~ 87.6%, whereas the heating layer demonstrated a solar absorptance of ~ 89%. These attributes translated to excellent thermal management performance in outdoor-tests. Furthermore, SHRC-skin offers a range of additional wearable functionalities, including exceptional asymmetric wetting, flame retardancy, electrical conductivity, Joule heating, electromagnetic shielding, and physiological signal monitoring. This versatility significantly enhances SHRC-skin's adaptability to complex and diverse environments. In summary, the multifunctional SHRC-skin can seamlessly transition between cooling and heating modes without additional energy input. This innovation holds great promise for all-season wearable thermal management, co-friendly travel, and energy-efficient building furnishings and opens up new possibilities for the development of wearable materials across various scenarios.
Enhanced Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Imaging through Deep Learning Model Reconstruction: Noise Reduction and Image Quality Optimization in Dental Diagnostics
Authors: Kazimierczak Wojciech , Wajer Róża , Komisarek Oskar , Wajer Adrian , Kazimierczak Natalia , Janiszewska-Olszowska Joanna , Serafin Zbigniew
Published: December 2023

To assess the impact of a vendor-agnostic deep learning model (DLM) on image quality parameters and noise reduction in dental cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstructions. A retrospective study was conducted on CBCT scans of patients from a single center, using the inclusion criteria of standard radiation dose protocol images. Objective image quality was assessed through contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements. Subjective quality was evaluated by two experienced readers using a five-point scale. The inter-reader reliability and repeatability were calculated. Thirty-seven patients were included in the study. The CNR levels in DLM reconstructions were significantly higher than in native reconstructions, and the mean CNR in ROI1 − 3 in DLM images was 11.12 ± 9.29, while for native reconstructions, it was 8.42 ± 5.89 (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the mean signal and noise levels between the two reconstruction methods. Subjective image quality assessment showed no statistically significant differences between native and DLM reconstructions. The use of deep learning-based image reconstruction algorithms in CBCT imaging of the oral tissues can improve the image quality by enhancing the contrast-to-noise ratio. This study underscores the potential of DLMs in improving dental diagnostic imaging and calls for further research on their clinical impact.
Compact hyperspectral imaging of extreme-depth-of-field diffractive lenses based on spatial–spectral sparse deep learning
Authors: Wei Chaoyang , Niu Zhenqi , Lu Yuying , Wan Songlin , Shao Jian-Da , Pan Yitong
Published: December 2023

Thin and flat diffractive optical elements (DOEs) are significant in the field of integrated optics and provide a novel and optimal solution for hyperspectral imaging (HI) which is expected to be compact, snapshot, with large depth of field (DoF) and resolution. The tradeoff between spectral and spatial resolutions caused by the restricted DoF, limits the application scenarios for HI. To address this, based on the prior of spatial and spectral sparse, we propose a spatial–spectral achromatic (SSA) neural network to end-to-end optimize a broad-bandwidth system with a DOE to provide the support for snapshotly achromatic extreme-DoF HI. We experimentally show that our system can snapshotly capture achromatic, high-fidelity hyperspectral images with 25 spectral channels ranging from 420 nm to 660 nm, covering distances from 0.5 m to 5 m. The proposed system enables precise and dynamic reconstruction of spectra within an extreme DoF, a capability previously unattainable with compact computational spectral cameras. The precise reconstruction of spectra demonstrates the potential of the developed system in various applications, such as precision agriculture, food quality inspection, and object detection.
Quantile-based optimization under uncertainties for complex engineering structures using active learning basis-adaptive PC-Kriging model
Authors: Gong Yulian , Zhang Jianguo , Xu Dan , Huang Ying
Published: December 2023

The reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of complex engineering structures considering uncertainty has problems of high-dimensional, highly nonlinear and time-consuming, which requires a significant amount of sampling simulation computation. In this paper, a basis-adaptive PC-Kriging surrogate model is proposed, in order to relieve the computational burden and enhance predictive accuracy of metamodel. The active learning basis-adaptive PC-Kriging model is combined with quantile-based RBDO framework. Finally, four engineering cases have been implemented, including a benchmark RBDO problem, two high dimensional explicit problems and a high dimensional implicit problem. Compared with SVM, Kriging and polynomial chaos expansion models, the results show that the proposed basis-adaptive PC-Kriging model is more robust and efficient for RBDO problems of complex engineering structures.
Abdominal compartment syndrome during intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy following debulking surgery for colorectal cancer: a case report
Authors: Chiu Chen-Hsi , Lu Cheng-Wei , Lin Tzu-Yu , Chen Pei-Fu
Published: December 2023

Background
Colorectal cancer frequently leads to peritoneal metastasis and necessitates treatments, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). However, HIPEC may result in perioperative complications, some often overlooked, such as abdominal compartment syndrome.
Case presentation
A 52-year-old female with colorectal cancer and peritoneal metastasis underwent debulking surgery followed by HIPEC. Extensive tumour burden and a 9-hour surgery resulted in a blood loss of 3200 mL; 10 units of packed red blood cells were transfused. During HIPEC, a sudden increase in airway pressure and severe hypotension were noted. The abdomen was tensed, thus suggesting abdominal compartment syndrome, and prompting termination of HIPEC and drainage of the chemotherapeutic solution. Despite intravenous fluids and vasopressors, she experienced circulatory and respiratory collapse. Laparotomy sutures were promptly removed, which effectively alleviated the intra-abdominal hypertension and immediately restored the vital signs. An inadequately repaired diaphragm defect was identified and repaired. A chest tube was inserted for pneumothorax.
Conclusions
Abdominal compartment syndrome is a critical complication of HIPEC. It can mimic HIPEC’s physiological effects and result in adverse outcomes.
Age-associated myelin decompaction and CNPase expression differ in magnitude in the substantia nigra of MPTP-sensitive C57BL/6J mice and MPTP-resistant CD-1 mice
Authors: PL Abhilash , Bharti Upasna , Anand Lakshmi , Sagar B. K. Chandrasekhar , Alladi Phalguni Anand
Published: December 2023

Opposing phenomena of both oligodendrogliosis and oligodendroglial degeneration is reported in the striatum of MPTP-injected mice model of Parkinson’s disease (PD); reducing the clarity on their contribution to PD pathology. Furthermore, the role of oligodendroglia of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), in pathogenesis and differential susceptibility to PD, is not known. In our earlier study, the MPTP-sensitive young C57BL/6J showed loss of 50-60% of SNpc neurons following MPTP, whereas the MPTP-resistant CD-1 showed a loss of 15-17%, suggesting better neuroprotection in the latter. We now investigate the effects of age and MPTP on oligodendroglial and myelin sheath ultrastructure, in SNpc, by electron microscopy as well as myelin-associated protein CNPase by semi-quantitative confocal microscopy and immunoblotting.
MPTP-induced mitochondrial shrinkage suggests toxicity to mitochondria and dilation of Golgi-complex saccules indicates protein packaging deficits, in the oligodendroglia of young C57BL/6J. Contrariwise in CD-1, presence of elongated mitochondria and multiple polyribosomes may suggest preserved ultrastructure. The organelles were affected at middle age in C57BL/6J but at old age in CD-1. The neuropil of SNpc in both strains harbored unmyelinated and lightly myelinated fibers. The enhanced density of myelin fibers following MPTP, suggests re-myelination of surviving neurons. MPTP aggravated myelin decompaction at middle age in C57BL/6J, but at old age in CD-1. Upregulation of CNPase in MPTP-injected middle-aged CD-1 suggests attempt at compensation. Thus, oligodendroglia of the MPTP-sensitive strain shows degenerative features, while those of MPTP-resistant strain show compensatory capabilities against neuroinflammatory milieu; till middle age. It is pertinent to reconsider oligodendroglial involvement in PD.
Vitamin B5 improves TANGO2 gene mutations associated defects
Authors: Li Hua , Xu Zheng , Guo Jing , Zhang Peiqi , dong Xiaoli , Zhao Liming
Published: December 2023

Background: Under-diagnosis is likely to be a problem in TANGO2-
related disease, and the treatment strategies of it is unknow.
Case presentation: We report a 7-year-old Chinese girl, who presented with epilepsy, developmental delay, neuroregression, and episodes of dyskinesia. In addition, she slipped into a coma four times after generalized tonic-clonic seizure. A trio whole exome sequencing revealed homozygous single nucleotide variants in TANGO2 gene. Eventually, after she started to have vitamin B5, the clinical signs and symptoms were significantly improved.
Conclusions: A trio whole exome sequencing may help clinician to early diagnosis TANGO2 gene mutations associated disorders, and vitamin B5 supplement may be useful to it.
Switchable memristor-based Hindmarsh-Rose neuron under electromagnetic radiation
Authors: jing Zhang , Li Zhijun
Published: December 2023

Memristors are prevalently used to simulate biological neuronal synapses due to their unique memductance plasticity and memory effects. A new switchable memristor, which can be configured as a nonvolatile discrete memristor, a nonvolatile continuum memristor or a volatile memristor by adjusting its internal parameter, is proposed to mimic the autapse of the Hindmarsh-Rose (HR) neuron. In the meantime, a flux-controlled memristor is introduced to simulate the effect of external electromagnetic radiation on the HR neuron, thus, an improved 4D HR neuron model without equilibrium points is developed in this study. The hidden firing activities related to the strength of autapse and the electromagnetic radiation intensity are revealed through phase diagrams, time series, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent spectrums, and two-parameter dynamical maps. More interestingly, it is found that the memory attributes of memristive autapse play an important role in the firing activities of the neuron, which can induce the mutual transition among periodic spiking with different frequencies and chaotic firing. Additionally, the transition between periodic and chaotic firing induced by the initial value of the switchable memristor is also discovered when it is configured as three different types of memristors. Finally, a neuron circuit is designed with the current-mode devices to improve accuracy and reduce power consumption. The Multisim simulation results are provided to validate the correctness of the neuron model and the effectiveness of numerical analysis.
Endoscopic and trans-anal local excision vs. radical resection in the treatment of early rectal cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Kwik Charlotte , El-Khoury Toufic , Pathma-Nathan Nimalan , Toh James Wei Tatt
Published: December 2023

Purpose
The management of early-stage rectal cancer in clinical practice is controversial. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to compare oncological and postoperative outcomes for T1T2N0M0 rectal cancers managed with local excision in comparison to conventional radical resection.
Methods
A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane electronic databases was performed. Relevant studies were selected using PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcomes measured were 5-year local recurrence and overall survival. Secondary outcomes included rates of postoperative complication, 30-day mortality, positive margin, and permanent stoma formation.
Results
Three randomized controlled trials and 27 observational studies contributed 8570 patients for analysis. Radical resection was associated with reduced 5-year local recurrence in comparison to local excision. This was statistically significant in comparison to trans-anal local excision (odds ratio (OR) 0.23; 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.30) and favourable in comparison to endoscopic techniques (OR 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.13–1.23) although this did not reach clinical significance. Positive margin rates were lowest for radical resection. However, 30-day mortality rates, perioperative complications and permanent stoma rates all favoured local excision with no statistically significant difference between endoscopic and trans-anal techniques.
Conclusion
Radical resection of early rectal cancer is associated with the lowest 5-year local recurrence rates and the lowest rate of positive margins. However, this must be balanced with its higher 30-day mortality and complications rates as well as the increased risk of permanent stoma.
Exploring a Shared Vision for Success in Permanent Supportive Housing A Community Partnered Study
Authors: Podewils Laura Jean , Loh Ryan , Gray Tom , Witzke Deanne , Stella Sarah A. , Farrell Ed
Published: December 2023

Nationally and within Colorado, the number of persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) has continued to rise in recent years, with over half a million PEH counted on a single night in 2022. Our community-partnered study aimed to combine existing data from electronic health records, the justice system, and case management records to create a multidimensional measure for success in permanent supportive housing (PSH), and identify individual factors associated with housing success. The partnership included healthcare experts, housing providers, and a dedicated community advisory panel of persons with lived experience to guide and conduct the study. Metrics of housing success were expanded beyond housing retention to include multiple life domains, including engagement in care, wellness, adherence to housing rules and safety, level of care match, and overall success. Our analysis matched individual records across disparate data systems, which contributed to a loss in data fidelity and an inability to identify predictors associated with housing success. Our findings revealed the adaptability of case managers to harness additional resources for clients and highlights the need for systematic collection of dynamic indicators of client progress over time. This study is a clarion call for a social-health information exchange, which would support an informed, equitable, and just approach to the provision and support of PSH for PEH. Establishment of a robust cross-sector and community partnership through this study has provided the foundation for ongoing work dedicated to improving access to and success within supportive housing.
Literacy-Related Factors and Knowledge of Patient Rights Charter: Evidence from Nurses in Selected Hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Foster Atta-Doku John , Abekah-Nkrumah Gordon , Nkrumah Jacqueline , Adoma Prince Owusu
Published: December 2023

Background
Over the last few decades, most member countries of the United Nations have developed and implemented patient rights policies to protect and improve the provider-patient relationship, as guaranteed by Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948–1998). The Ghana Health Service developed the Patient Charter in 2002 to improve service quality and protect patients' rights. However, it is not yet known whether those at the frontline of healthcare delivery and patients can read and understand the contents of the charter. While studies have explored the socioeconomic and institutional level factors related to awareness and knowledge of the Patient Rights Charter of Ghana, there is a lack of literature on its readability and comprehensibility among patients and nurses. This study assesses nurses’ knowledge of the Patient Rights Charter of Ghana and associated literacy-related factors.
Method
An exploratory cross-sectional design and quantitative methods were used to collect data on knowledge, comprehension, and readability of the Patient Rights Charter. Two hundred and five (205) nurses from four district hospitals in the Central Region of Ghana were recruited using proportional and total enumeration sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and were processed using SPSS (version 26) and an online text readability consensus calculator (version 2.0). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed, and data were presented using simple frequencies, readability statistics, and regression output.
Results
The results show the charter is written at a higher reading grade level; Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (13.36), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (11.57), Coleman-Liau Readability Index (14.2). The average reading grade level score was 14. The Gunning Fox Index (15.40) and the Flesch Reading Ease Score (34%) show the patient charter is difficult to read and will require at least 14 years of education to be able to read. Eighty-seven percent (87.3%) of nurses were able to read and comprehend the charter. Very few (8.3%) read at frustration level. Nurses' actual comprehension of the charter was the only significant predictor of knowledge of the charter.
Conclusion
Comprehension of the Patient Rights Charter is an important predictor of its knowledge. The results emphasize the need to enhance the readability and comprehensibility of the patient charter for providers. Hospitals can stimulate nurses’ knowledge of the charter by simplifying the charter’s language and deliberately educating nurses on its content.
Reduction of animal testing - Influence of the orientation of constructed blood vessels during the 3D printing on the measurement of the pseudo-oxygen saturation of an artificial blood substitute using conventional oxygen sensors: a test series
Authors: Jung Svenja , Hoffmann Martin , Winkler Dirk , Güresir Erdem , Kropla Fabian , Scholz Sebastian , Grunert Ronny
Published: December 2023

Background
The development of phantoms to reduce animal testing or to validate new instruments or operation techniques is of increasing importance. On this account, a blood circulation-phantom was developed and used to evaluate conventional oxygen sensors for a newly developed spatula for direct measurement of the blood oxygen saturation at the parenchyma.
Methods
A solution of copper and nickel sulfate was used as blood substitute. A total of seven different solutions with a pseudo-saturation between 50% and 100% were created. To evaluate the solution as a suitable blood substitute, a two-stage feasibility study was conducted. This study consisted of capturing the absorption spectra of the two sulfate solutions and calibrating the used oxygen sensor. Additionally, blood vessels with a simplified geometry were designed and manufactured using an elastic material (Elastic 50A) with a 3D printer (Formlabs Form 2). To determine the orientation during the printing process, various vessels were printed. Measurements to assess the effects of disturbance (rotation of the vessels during measurements) on the sensor readouts were prepared.
Results
Upon analyzing the absorption spectra of the blood substitute and ordinary blood, it was observed that the components of the solution behaved similarly to oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, confirming the suitability of copper and nickel sulfate as a blood substitute. The impact of disturbances was also verified through the rotation of the 3D-printed vessels. It was shown that a measurement directly on the disturbances led to outliers and higher values. An optimal orientation was determined to be a lateral placement (90° or 270°) of the sensor. Regarding the orientation of the vessels within the printing space, an orientation of 45° yielded the best results, as the individual layers least affected the light emitted and received by the oxygen sensor. All results pertain to constructed vessels developed using a Formlabs Form 2 printer and Elastic 50A material by Formlabs.
Conclusion
The achieved results demonstrate the influence of the orientation of the vessel during 3D printing as well as the influence of the position of the vessel during the measurement using a conventional oxygen sensor.
Seizure Freedom Without Seizure Medication Following Stereoelectroencephalography Implantation: A Case Report of Drug-Resistant Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Authors: Tran Alexander , Bunch Marjorie
Published: December 2023

Background:
Achieving seizure freedom following failure of several antiseizure medications (ASMs) is rare, with the likelihood of achieving further control decreasing with each successive ASM trial. When cases of drug-resistant epilepsy arise, a diagnostic procedure known as stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) can be used to identify epileptogenic zones (EZ) within the brain. After localization of these zones, they can be targeted for future surgical intervention. Here, we describe a case of complete seizure freedom off medication after stereo EEG without resection or other therapeutic intervention.
Case Presentation:
In 2017, a 36-year-old right-handed male presented with drug-resistant epilepsy stemming from prior traumatic brain injury. Typical seizures were described as a behavioral arrest with oral automatisms or automatic speech, head and eye deviation to the left, sometimes preceded by olfactory aura of smoke with rare progression to bilateral tonic clonic seizures. Nine typical seizures and one subclinical seizure were captured during video EEG and showed regional right temporal onset. Interictal EEG showed right temporal epileptiform discharges and focal slowing. Due to ongoing drug resistance, in 2020 a robotic-assisted sEEG electrode placement procedure was employed to localize the seizure onset zone. The patient underwent a 13-day video sEEG monitoring study with the goal of localizing the seizure onset zone for potential surgical resection.
During sEEG monitoring, a single clinical event was captured where the patient had dysarthric speech, left arm dystonic flexion, and difficulty responding to questioning. Notably, this event had no sEEG correlate, suggesting seizure occurrence in a region not monitored by implanted electrodes, which prompted the placement of scalp electrodes following this event. However, no further clinical events consistent with seizure were provoked through the remainder of recording. Following the 13-day admission, the patient chose to self-discontinue all seizure medications and has remained seizure free as of October 2023, more than 3.5 years later.
Conclusion:
While sEEG is considered a relatively safe procedure for seizure localization in drug resistant epilepsy, the possibility of microlesions created by sEEG depth electrodes remains largely unexplored. Further evaluation should be performed into potential tissue injury produced by depth electrode insertion.
Innovating Shrimp Harvesting: The Role of Centrifugal Techniques in Boosting Efficiency and Quality
Authors: Thoetrattanakiat Songphon , Samseemoung Grianggai , Sangpradit Kiattisak
Published: December 2023

Efficient shrimp harvesting methods are crucial for sustainable aquaculture, so that, this study is to compared the traditional netting method with an innovative centrifugal technique for white shrimp harvesting in commercial ponds. The primary aim was to assess efficiency, labor needs, shrimp quality, and potential damage reduction within two harvesting methods. Conducted in Thailand over 67 days, the study scrutinized both methods' manpower requirements, shrimp quality, and impact on damage. The traditional netting involved 19 workers and processed 500 kg/hour, showing varied shrimp quality and notable damage. Conversely, the centrifugal method required only 4 workers and achieved the same capacity in 30 minutes, significantly reducing damage percentages. Notably, it displayed minimal damage (0.0171%) for specific shrimp categories like number 4, indicating increased profitability potential. However, further optimization is required for specific categories, such as shrimp number 3 with a soft-shelled condition (1.37%). This study highlights the centrifugal technique's promise for enhancing the aquaculture industry.
A Deep Dive into Academic Excellence: Using Deep Learning to Evaluate and Improve Engineering Students' Performance
Authors: Kandula Neha , Kumar Ram
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been an increasing need to develop effective systems for analyzing student performance in educational institutions. This study presents a deep learning-based system for comprehensive student performance analysis that focuses on calculating students' performance and determining which ones are eligible for placements, in need of support, or at risk of dropping out. A type of recurrent neural network (RNN) called a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model is used in the proposed system to predict how well students will do in their fourth year. The system is able to learn the temporal patterns and dependencies in the data thanks to the use of three years' worth of student marks data as the input to the LSTM model. The LSTM model's efficacy in predicting student performance has been evaluated through extensive testing and evaluation. The outcomes show a surprising exactness of 99.9% in distinguishing understudies' presentation levels. By utilizing the force of profound learning, the created framework empowers instructive establishments to actually recognize and separate between great entertainers, unfortunate entertainers, and understudies needing extra help. In addition, it makes it easier to identify students who are qualified for placements, which aids in career planning and provides opportunities. Additionally, the system facilitates timely support and intervention for students at risk of dropping out by assisting in early intervention. By utilizing the capabilities of deep learning methods, specifically LSTM models, this study contributes to the field of student performance analysis by providing useful insights and accurate predictions. The developed system has the potential to improve educational institutions' decision-making processes, enabling students to receive individualized guidance and targeted interventions, resulting in improved educational outcomes and student success.
NIVO-TIL: Combination anti-PD-1 and adoptive T-cell transfer in metastatic melanoma: a proof of concept
Authors: L’ORPHELIN Jean-Matthieu , Lancien Ugo , NGUYEN Jean-Michel , Coronilla Francisco Javier Saenz , Saiagh Soraya , Cassecuel Julie , Boussemart Lise , DOMPMARTIN Anne , DRENO Brigitte
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Metastatic melanoma patients responding to anti-PD-1 therapy showed proliferation of intra tumoral CD8+ T-cells directly correlated with clinical response, making Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) a potential curative treatment with adoptive cell transfer (ACT). The aim of this trial is therefore to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a sequential combination therapy of Nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitor) and TIL adoptive T-cells in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Materials and methods: We performed an explorative, prospective, single-center, open-label, non-randomized, uncontrolled phase I/II study. We enrolled 10 patients with advanced melanoma. Treatment regimen was anti-PD-1 neoadjuvant followed by 2 injections of TILs and a second sequence of anti-PD-1.
Results and discussion: Among the 4 patients who received the autologous TILs + Nivolumab combination, 3 (75%) showed an objective response (2 PR at the end of the study followed by 2 CR) and 1 CR at the end of the study. Of these 3, one was PR, and 2 were SD after Nivolumab course and before any TIL administration, reinforcing the value of tumor response after TILs injection. These responses were persistent, from 9 months to 3.4 years.
Air Pollution and Trans-regional Tourism flow: Empirical Evidence from China's Inbound Tourism
Authors: Li Guangqin , Pu Kangyun , Long Minghui
Published: December 2023

Based on regional air pollution disparity and the trans-regional flow of inbound tourists in 31 provinces of China, this paper examines the impact of air pollution disparity on the trans-regional flow of inbound tourists. The results show that more severe air pollution in a region significantly discourages the flow of inbound tourists from other regions to the region, and the results remain robust after a series of tests and using wind speed as an instrumental variable for air pollution to deal with the potential endogeneity problem; the negative impact of air pollution on inbound tourism in the central-eastern region is greater than in the western region, and is stronger in regions with higher tourism endowments; industrial structure upgrading can weaken the effect of air pollution on the trans-regional movement of inbound tourists, and urbanization level enhances the inhibitory effect of air pollution on the trans-regional movement of inbound tourists.