bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the Flutter Characteristics of Traction Wire Rope in Full-Scale Wind Turbine Blade Static Loading Test
Authors: Zhang Yingjie , Wang Zhengji , Zhang Leian , Qin Zhiwen , Zhang Yuhuan
Published: February 2024

The static loading test is crucial in verifying the reliability of a large wind turbine blade's structure and guiding its design. However, the drastic wire rope flutter amplitude during the test can lead to significant errors in the loading test results. The paper presents a mathematical model of wire rope flutter based on Hamilton's principle. It uses Adams software to establish a simulation model of a 123m blade static loading test system. The paper analyses the influence of wire rope span, dynamic pulley position, and winch speed on the wire rope flutter characteristics. The results show that for a 123m blade, the amplitude of the wire rope vibration can be reduced by reducing the transverse span of the wire rope to 13m, adjusting the position of the movable pulley as close as possible to the blade, and maintaining a smooth winch speed of 2r/min. It provides theoretical support and operational guidance for static load testing of large wind turbine blades.
Effect of composting and storage on the microbiome and resistome of cattle manure from a commercial dairy farm in Poland
Authors: Zalewska Magdalena , Błażejewska Aleksandra , Szadziul Mateusz , Ciuchciński Karol , Popowska Magdalena
Published: February 2024

Manure from food-producing animals, rich in antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), poses significant environmental and healthcare risks. Despite global efforts, most manure is not adequately processed before use on fields, escalating the spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study examined how different cattle manure treatments, including composting and storage, affect its microbiome and resistome. The changes occurring in the microbiome and resistome of the treated manure samples were compared with those of raw samples by high-throughput qPCR for ARGs tracking and sequencing of the V3-V4 variable region of 16S rRNA gene to indicate bacterial community composition. We identified 203 ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in raw manure. Post-treatment reduced these to 76 in composted and 51 in stored samples. Notably, beta-lactam, cross-resistance to macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramin B (MLSB), and vancomycin-resistance genes decreased, while genes linked to MGEs, integrons, and sulfonamide resistance increased after composting. Overall, total resistance gene abundance significantly dropped with both treatments. During composting, the relative abundance of genes was lower midway than at the end. Moreover, higher biodiversity was observed in samples after composting than storage. Our current research shows that both composting and storage effectively reduce ARGs in cattle manure. However, it's challenging to determine which method is superior, as different groups of resistance genes react differently to each treatment, even though a notable overall reduction in ARGs is observed.
Late Paleocene Paleoclimate recorded in halite deposits in Subei basin ,East China
Authors: Ding Ting , Pan Bing , zhang Hua , Liu Chenglin , Santosh M. Santosh , Yang zhen
Published: February 2024

Salt deposits correspond to relatively extreme climate events. However, due to insufficient independent temperature proxies, there is a lack of paleotemperature records obtained from salt laminae deposition .The Paleocene evaporite sequence deposited in the Hongze Depression of Subei Basin provides an important terrestrial sediment record during this period. In this study we carry out a detailed fluid inclusion study on halite crystals in these rocks and present total of 488 homogenizaton data from eight samples. The results show temperatures ranging from 17.7°C to 52.3°C, and the mean Th value of 34.1°C is in good agreement with the previous studies of climatic proxies. Our study shows that fluid inclusions can be used as a robust tool to construct the ancient earth surface temperature.
Zanubrutinib ameliorates experimental idiopathic inflammatory myopathy-associated interstitial lung disease by BTK/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Zhichao , Liu Zhigang , Li Wenqi , Yang Zhongyi , Meng Lingxin , Zhang Tiantian , Chai Dan , Liu Jing , Liu Yuming , Jiao Ran , Ai Xiaoyu , Li Xiaohe , Zhou Honggang
Published: February 2024

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, abbreviated as myositis, is a heterogeneous disease characterized by proximal muscle involvement and chronic inflammation, primarily affecting the lungs. The aim of this study was to establish a stable Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) mouse model and evaluate the effects of zanubrutinib on IIM-ILD. We induced an IIM lung involvement model in balb/c mice through intramuscular injection of skeletal muscle homogenate and intraperitoneal injection of pertussis toxin. We observed that the combination of skeletal muscle protein and pertussis toxin in balb/c mice could establish a stable IIM lung involvement model, characterized by muscle inflammation and pulmonary interstitial changes similar to clinical pathology. Zanubrutinib alleviated IIM and ILD, and its anti-inflammatory properties were demonstrated by a reduction in inflammatory cells and inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and bronchial inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects were mainly achieved through the inhibition of BTK and NF-κB phosphorylation. This study established a stable IIM-ILD animal model and demonstrated for the first time that the BTK inhibitor Zanubrutinib effectively attenuates experimental IIM-ILD in this model.
Ultrathin Aerogel-Structured Micro/Nanofiber Metafabric via Dual Air-Gelation Synthesis for Self-Sustainable Heating
Authors: Ding Bin , Tian Yucheng , Chen Yixiao , Wang Sai , Yu Jianyong , Zhang Shichao , Wang Xianfeng
Published: February 2024

Incorporating passive heating structures into personal thermal management technologies could effectively mitigate the escalating energy crisis. However, the current passive heating materials struggle to balance thickness and insulating capability, resulting in compromised comfort, space efficiency, and limited thermoregulatory performance. Here, a novel air-gelation strategy, is developed to directly synthesize ultrathin and self-sustainable heating metafabric with 3D dual-aerogel structural network during electrospinning. Controlling the interactions among polymer, solvent, and water enables the microphase separation of charged jets, while adjusting the distribution of carbon black nanoparticles within charged fluids to form fibrous networks composed of interlaced aerogel micro/nanofibers with heat storage capabilities. With an ultrathin thickness of 0.18 mm, the integrated metafabric exhibits exceptional thermal insulation performance (15.8 mW m−1K−1), superhydrophobicity, enhanced mechanical properties, and high breathability while maintaining self-sustainable radiative heating ability (long-lasting warming of 8.8 ℃). This strategy provides rich possibilities to develop advanced fibrous materials for smart textiles and thermal management.
Combined effects of silicon and growth regulator on plant growth parameters of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Sriniva Chinnadurai , Periyakaman Chandramani , Mookiah Shanthi , Paraman Mahendran Peyandi , Raman Renuka , Yuvaraj Muthuraman
Published: February 2024

A microplot experiment was carried out during rabi 2021-22 at Thoppur village of Virudhunagar district, to examine the impact of silicon sources and growth regulators on plant growth parameters of maize. Basal application of calcium silicate at six different doses and foliar applications of silicic acid (SA), gibberellic acid (GA) and potassium silicate were evaluated at critical phases in maize crop. The results revealed that basal application of 150 kg of calcium silicate / ha + 0.2 % silicic acid at 15 and 45 DAS + 50 ppm GA at 30 and 60 DAS was found to be effective with enhanced plant height of 121.84, 258.33 and 271.74 cm / plant during vegetative, tasseling and harvesting stage. Stem girth (5.48, 8.43 and 8.85 cm / plant), leaf length (49.64 cm, 77.62 cm and 84.37 cm / plant), leaf breadth (5.87, 8.73 and 8.96 cm / plant) were also increased during vegetative, tasseling and harvesting stage. The chlorophyll index was found higher during tasseling stage (55.17) compared to vegetative stage (54.32) in this treatment. Further, the treatment with basal application of 150 kg of calcium silicate / ha + 0.2 % SA + 50 ppm GA improved the yield parameters viz., cob length (25.43 cm), cob girth (19.03), test weight ( 41.84 g), number of grains row cob-1 (15.30), number of grains cob-1 (337), grain yield (7, 287 kg ha-1), stover yield (9.94 t ha-1) and harvest index (73.31 per cent ha-1). The BC ratio observed was higher in the basal application of 75 kg of calcium silicate + 0.2 % SA at 15 and 45 DAS + 50 ppm GA at 30 and 60 DAS (2.54) followed ½ dose of T2 (150 kg) + 0.2 % SA at 15 and 45 DAS + 50 ppm GA at 30 and 60 DAS (T4) (2.51).
Mycobacterium maeseillense bloodstream infection combined with skin fungal infection: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Danchun , Xue Dongjie , Chen Xin , Wu Xiong , Gao Wenjun , Liang Xinyue , Yuan Wenli , Wang Hui , Wang Qi
Published: February 2024

Background
Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely present in the natural environment and can invade the human body through the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. They are particularly prone to infecting immunocompromised patients, primarily affecting multiple organs including the lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. However, reported cases of NTM bloodstream infections are rare. We aim to report a rare case of Mycobacterium massiliense bloodstream infection with concurrent skin fungal infection in a patient after kidney transplantation. We also provide a literature review to enhance understanding of this uncommon condition.
Case presentation
A 58-year-old male with a history of long-term steroid and immunosuppressant use after kidney transplantation presented with limb swelling for three years, which worsened over the past two months. Physical examination revealed redness and swelling of the skin on all four limbs, with a non-healing wound on the lower left limb. Skin tissue analysis using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and fungal culture indicated infection with red-colored trichophyton rubrum. Blood culture suggested infection with Mycobacterium massiliense. After receiving anti-NTM treatment, the patient’s symptoms have significantly improved and they are currently still undergoing treatment.
Conclusion
Mycobacterium maeseillense belongs to NTM. Gram staining is prone to miss detection and acid-fast staining was positive. This bacterium could be identified by mass spectrometry and mNGS. The drug sensitivity test of NTM was performed by broth microdilution method. The results of the susceptibility test showed that Mycobacterium maeseillense was sensitive to clarithromycin, intermediary to moxifloxacin and linezolid. The bacteria needs a combination of drugs and an adequate course of medication. NTM bloodstream infections are relatively rare, and early identification and proactive intervention are key to successful management.
Negative Emotional Eating is a Stigmatized Yet Trivialized Behavior Independent of Weight Stigma: An Experimental Vignette Study
Authors: Chan Wai Sze , Cheng Wing Yee , Wen Fangdi
Published: February 2024

Background
Negative emotional eating (NEE) refers to overeating in response to negative emotional states and is a prevalent behavior in individuals with eating disorders and/or obesity. Both eating disorders and obesity are highly stigmatized conditions. However, recent research suggests that the stigmatization of eating disorders and obesity may depend on and interact with the presence of specific eating behaviors. The stigma surrounding NEE is unexplored. Therefore, the present experimental vignette study examined the stigma and help-seeking attitudes associated with NEE the interaction between NEE stigma and weight stigma.
Methods
Twelve vignettes describing a women’s eating behaviors and weight status (4 eating conditions: no disordered eating, NEE, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder × 3 weight status: no mention of weight, normal-weight, obese) were randomly assigned to be viewed by 558 participants (mean age = 29.12 [10.66] years; 70.0% women) with each participant viewing one vignette, i.e., a between-subject design. They then completed measures of stigma and help-seeking intentions.
Results
The results showed that the character with NEE was ascribed more negative personality characteristics, faced more adverse affective reactions, and elicited greater social distancing desires than the character without disordered eating. Additionally, NEE stigma did not interact with weight stigma; NEE was stigmatized regardless of weight status. Furthermore, NEE was associated with greater volitional stigma than eating disorders—NEE was perceived as more trivial and associated with lower help-seeking intentions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NEE is a stigmatized but trivialized behavior. Future public health initiatives shall aim to reduce the stigma surrounding NEE and improve help-seeking intentions regarding NEE.
Frontoparietal network topology as a neuromarker of music perceptual abilities
Authors: Lumaca Massimo , Keller Peter , Baggio Giosuè , Pando-Naude Victor , Bajada Claude , Martinez Mie , Hansen Josephine Hillebrand , Ravignani Andrea , Joe Nikita , Vuust Peter , Vulic Katharina , Sandberg Kristian
Published: February 2024

Why are some humans more musical than others? Neither fully cognitive testing nor classical localizationist neuroscience alone can provide the whole picture. Here we test how the interplay of brain organization and cognitive function delivers graded perceptual abilities in a distinctively human capacity. Our network-based study tests how human connectome variations affect music perception. We analyze multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, cognitive, and behavioral data from 200+ participants, focusing on a working memory network encompassing prefrontal and posterior parietal regions. Using graph theory, we examine structural and functional connectomes' organization in relation to musical scores. Results reveal a positive correlation between perceptual abilities and the integration efficiency of key frontoparietal regions. The linkage between functional networks and musical abilities is mediated by working memory processes, whereas structural networks influence these abilities through sensory integration. Our work lays a solid groundwork for future investigations into the neurobiological roots of musical culture(s).
Risk of stroke in patients with migraine. A register-linked HUNT study
Authors: Giri Samita , Tronvik Erling , Dalen Håvard , Ellekjær Hanne , Olsen Alexander , Hagen Knut
Published: February 2024

Background
The association between migraine and stroke remains unclear. The aim of this large population-based 15-year follow-up study was to investigate whether primary headache disorders, including subtypes of migraine, increase the risk of stroke.
Methods
This population-based 15-year follow-up study used baseline headache data from the third Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3) performed between 2006 and 2008. The HUNT3 headache data were linked to the Norwegian National Stroke Register that includes stroke diagnoses recorded from 2012 until December 2021. The association between stroke and headache status was investigated in individuals aged ≥ 20 years without stroke at baseline. Prospective associations were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Separate sub-group analyses by age and sex were performed.
Results
Among 37,364 included participants, 1,095 (2.9%) developed stroke, whereof 13.4% were younger than 55 years. In the multi-adjusted model, reporting migraine with aura (MA) at baseline was associated with increased risk of stroke at follow-up (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.16–2.08) compared with those without headache. The increased risk of stroke was most evident among individuals with MA who were less than 55 years old (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20–3.27) and among women (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.12–2.41).
Conclusions
During 15 years of follow-up, individuals with MA were more likely to suffer from stroke compared to those without headache. The relationship with MA was even stronger in women, and for young individuals aged < 55 years.
Subtractive genome mining in Xanthomonas citri pv. citri strain 306 for identifying novel drug target proteins coupled with in-depth protein-protein interaction and coevolution analysis - A leap towards prospective drug design
Authors: Mahato Tumpa , Mandal Jayanta , Chatterjee Eilita , Bhattacharya Satyabrata , Sinha Sangram
Published: February 2024

Citrus canker poses a serious threat to a highly significant citrus fruit crop, this disease caused by one of the most destructive bacterial plant pathogens Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc). Bacterial plant diseases significantly reduce crop yields worldwide, making it more difficult to supply the growing food demand. The high levels of antibiotic resistance in Xcc strains are diminishing the efficacy of current control measures, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic targets to address the escalating antimicrobial resistance trend. Genome subtraction approach along with protein-protein network and coevolution analysis were used to identify potential drug targets in Xcc stain 306. In this study we used genome mining. 750 essential proteins were identified that are nonhomologous to citrus plant. Subsequent analyses included metabolic pathway assessment, subcellular localization prediction, and druggability analysis. Protein network analysis, coevolution analysis, protein active site identification was also performed. In conclusion, this study identified eight potential drug targets, highlighting RpoN, FleQ, and SecB as unprecedented targets for Xcc. These findings may contribute to the development of novel antimicrobial agents in the future that can efficiently control citrus canker disease.
Analysis of tumorigenesis and immunological role of LTBP2: a potential predictor for immunotherapy
Authors: Wang¹ Zhenxiang , Zhang¹ Yan , Chen¹ Ying , Qian¹ Meng , Sun¹ Huihui , Xiong¹ Jie , Chen¹ Ye , Yin² Xiaomao , Tian³ Tongguan , Xu³ Yanping , Xu¹ Shuchang
Published: February 2024

Latent Transforming Growth Factor-β-1 Binding Protein-2 (LTBP-2), a member of the LTBP-fibrillin superfamily of extracellular matrix proteins, has been implicated in promoting TGF-β expression and secretion. However, its precise role in tumorigenesis remains ambiguous. This study comprehensively investigates the potential impact of LTBP2 on patient prognosis and response to immune therapy across various cancer types.
Method
We analyzed LTBP2 expression in tumor versus adjacent normal tissues and its correlation with survival outcomes across different cancers using the GEPIA and Sangerbox databases. The association between LTBP2 expression and tumor grade, stage, molecular subtypes, and TGF-β expression was assessed through TISIDB, Sangerbox, and TIMER2.0 databases. We also explored LTBP2's relationship with immune checkpoint (ICP) genes, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune cell infiltration in tumors using the Sangerbox database. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Mann-Whitney tests were employed to evaluate the link between immune checkpoint blockade therapy response and LTBP2 expression. GeneMANIA and GEPIA databases were utilized for identifying LTBP2-related genes and binding proteins, while Sangerbox facilitated functional and pathway enrichment analysis.
Results
LTBP2 was differentially expressed in most cancer types compared to adjacent normal tissues. High LTBP2 expression correlated with poor prognosis in various cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Correlations were found between LTBP2 expression and TMB, MSI, ICP genes, and tumor immune cell infiltration across multiple cancer types. LTBP2 expression was positively associated with TGF-β levels and infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in nearly all tumor types. Diverse molecular subtypes of multiple tumors also exhibited differential LTBP2 expression. ROC and Mann-Whitney tests indicated that LTBP2 could predict the outcome of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in GBMLGG, STAD, ESCA, and SKCM. Functional enrichment analysis revealed LTBP2's involvement in vascular development, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, and TGF-β, RAS, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in tumors.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that LTBP2 potentially plays a significant role in tumor immunity, tumorigenesis, and treatment efficacy. LTBP2 emerges as a prospective therapeutic target and may influence the response to tumor immune checkpoint blockade therapy.
Molecular Detection of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus in Naturally Infected Cattle and Buffaloes: Unveiling the Role of Tick Vectors in Disease Spread
Authors: Zeedan Gamil SG , Abdalhamed Abeer M , Allam Ahmad M. , Abdel-Shafy Sobhy
Published: February 2024

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a recently pervasive viral infection affecting cattle and buffaloes in Egypt, causing considerable economic losses in the animal sector. The aim of this study is to detect the potential impact role of hard ticks, Rhipicephalus annulets (R. boophilus annulets), in the spreading of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), with the characterization of isolates through molecular analysis. A total of 50 skin biopsies, 110 nasal swabs, and 129 blood samples were collected from cattle of different breeds and ages across different governorates in Egypt from November 2021 to June 2022. Additionally, 145 hard ticks of R. boophilus annulatus from different stages were collected. Multiplex PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR) assays using SYBR Green were targets (P32, VP32, G protein, and viral fusion protein). They detected LSDV in 17 out of 30 cattle skin biopsies 56.6%), 1 out of 7 buffalo biopsies (14.3%), and only 5 blood samples from buffaloes (11.11%). Buffaloes appeared to be less susceptible to the virus than cattle; they may act as accidental hosts. We successfully isolated the virus from hard ticks and cattle exhibiting LSD clinical signs and harboring ticks in the chorioallantois membrane (CAM) route of specific pathogen-free, embryonated chicken eggs (SPF-ECE) and confirmed the isolates by multiplex PCR and rt-qPCR. Ct values ranging from 10 to 36.5 showed the amount of LSDV-DNA in different samples. The study's findings demonstrate the widespread circulation of LSDV in both cattle and buffaloes in Egypt and provide strong evidence that hard ticks (R. annulatus) ticks play a role in LSDV transmission in susceptible animals.
Nutritional status mediates the relationship between depression and mild cognitive impairment among Chinese community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Han Peipei , Liang Zhenwen , Cao Liou , Gao Jing , Tao Qiongying , Zhai Jiayi , Ding Ke , Li Weijia , Jing Biying , Yu Hongjuan , Guo Qi
Published: February 2024

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression are prominent public health concerns among older adults, closely linked to their nutritional status. Our study aimed to explore the association and mediation pathways involving depression, nutritional status, and MCI in this population.
Methods: The study included 4799 community-dwelling Chinese older adults aged 60 years and older in Tianjin and Shanghai, China. We utilized the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) to assess depression presence and severity. A GDS-30 score ≥11 indicated the presence of depression. Participants were categorized by symptom severity: “None” (GDS-30<11), “Mild” (11≤GDS-30≤20), “Moderate to severe” (20<GDS-30≤30). Nutritional status was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and daily living activities were measured using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Logistic regression and mediation analyses were conducted with full adjustment for potential confounding factors.
Results: Among 4799 older adults (2010 men, mean age 71.5±5.8 years), 11.8% exhibited depression, and 12.1% had MCI, while 18.8% were at risk of malnutrition, and 1% were malnourished. Participants at risk of malnutrition or experiencing depression were associated with MCI. Additionally, nutritional status significantly mediated the relationship between depression and cognitive function, with a slightly larger mediating effect, particularly in cases of mild depression.
Conclusions: Individuals at risk of malnutrition or depressed were associated with MCI. Poor nutritional condition mediates the association between depression and MCI in older adults. Early nutritional interventions may mitigate cognitive decline in depressed older adults.
Effectiveness of tocilizumab without high-dose Glucocorticoids in patients with active Takayasu arteritis：a single center observational study
Authors: Wan Jin , Yu Zhibo , Cao Xiaoyu , Zhao Xuejian , Zhou Wei , Zheng Yi
Published: February 2024

Background
Current guidelines recommend high dose glucocorticoids (GC) as first-line treatment for active Takayasu arteritis (TA) and biologics including tocilizumab as second-line treatment. To minimize or avoid toxicity of GC, it will be beneficial to control TA without GC. This study is to investigate the effectiveness of tocilizumab to induce remission of active TA without synergistic application of high dose GC.
Method
The clinical data of active TA patients treated by tocilizumab in a single center were analyzed. Disease activity was assessed by NIH score and ITAS-A score. The clinical features of patients who did not achieve remission were compared with that of patients with good response.
Results
Totally 13 patients with active TA applied tocilizumab to induce remission along with methotrexate (MTX). Among them, 8 treatment-naïve patients did not use GC, 3 relapsed patients maintained 5mg/d prednisone, and 2 patients with inadequate response to conventional treatment tapered the dosage of GC. The acute reactants and TA activity scores were significantly decreased 12 weeks and 24 weeks after tocolizumab and MTX treatment. Ten patients (10/13, 76.9%) achieved remission by TCZ treatment, and most of them did not depend on the effects of GC. Three non-responders subsequently changed their treatment to high-dose GC along with immunosuppressants, but they still showed active disease 24 weeks after treatment. The prevalence of artery area pain of patients (3/3, 100%) who did not respond to tocilizumab was significantly higher than effective patients (2/10, 20%, p = 0.035). The baseline CRP and ESR level in the ineffective patients was significantly higher than that of the effective patients
Conclusion
Tocilizumab is effective to induce remission of active TA without GC in about three quarters of patients. Pain in the anatomic area of artery and high level of CRP are related to ineffectiveness of tocilizumab. Patients who resistant to tocilizumab treatment are likely refractory to conventional treatment either, and novel therapeutic strategies are required for those patients.
Which one is the best in Treating Deep Venous Thrombosis —— Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy, Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis or Combination of them?
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Xiao-ye , Li Jia-si , Xia Shi-bo , Song Chao , Lu Qing-sheng , Zhao Wei , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2024

Objective
To compare the treatment outcomes among percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) with AngioJet, Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT), and a combination of both.
Methods
149 patients with acute or sub-acute iliac-femoral vein thrombosis accepting CDT and/or PMT were divided into three groups respectively: PMT group, CDT group, PMT + CDT group (PMT followed by CDT). The severity of thrombosis was evaluated by venographic scoring system. Technical success was defined as restored patent deep venous blood flow after CDT and/or PMT. Clinical follow-up were assessed by ultrasound or venography imaging. The primary endpoints were recurrence of DVT, and severity level of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) during the follow-up.
Results
Technical success and immediate clinical improvements were achieved on all patients. The proportion of sub-acute DVT and the venographic scoring in PMT + CDT group were significantly higher than that in CDT group and PMT group (proportion of sub-acute DVT: p = 0.032 and p = 0.005, respectively; venographic scoring: p < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of May-Thurner Syndrome was lower in PMT group than that in CDT and PMT + CDT group (p = 0.026 and p = 0.005, respectively). The proportion of DVT recurrence/stent thrombosis was significantly higher in CDT group than that in PMT + CDT group (p = 0.04). The severity of PTS was the highest in CDT group (χ2 = 14.459, p = 0.006) compared to PMT group (p = 0.029) and PMT + CDT group (p = 0.006).
Conclusion
Patients with sub-acute DVT, high SVS scoring and combined May-Thurner Syndrome were recommended to take PMT + CDT treatment and might have lower rate of DVT recurrence/stent thrombosis and severe PTS. Our study provided evidence detailing of PMT + CDT therapy.
Cohen syndrome due to a novel stop-gain mutation in VPS13B gene: A case report and comparative study in affected siblings worldwide
Authors: Saeediye Marziye , Parvini Farshid
Published: February 2024

Background
Cohen syndrome (CS) is a highly rare heterogeneous disorder associated with mutations in the vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog B (VPS13B) gene. CS is mainly characterized by intellectual disability, microcephaly, progressive retinopathy, hypotonia, obesity, neutropenia and dysmorphic facial features.
Case presentation
: Here, we report two affected siblings suspicious to CS. Our objectives were the delineation of gene mutation causing this rare condition and comparison of observed manifestations with symptoms reported in other CS affected siblings worldwide. Whole exome sequencing (WES) in combination with Sanger sequencing were utilized to identify the disease-causing mutation in the affected siblings. Subsequently, to elucidate the effects of the mutation found, clinical data of patients were collected. Moreover, the possible impact of the identified mutation on the corresponding protein was analyzed using bioinformatics tools. A novel homozygous stop-gain mutation NM_015243: c.1043G > A: p.W348X in the VPS13B gene was identified in the proband. This mutation was confirmed by Sanger sequencing in the affected siblings and segregated with the autosomal recessive (AR) inheritance pattern of CS. Moreover, in-silico approaches highly confirmed the disease-causing nature of the identified mutation.
Conclusion
Our findings could expand the mutations spectrum of CS and the comparative study of all reported manifestations in CS affected siblings throughout the world, clearly shed light the common and uncommon manifestations of CS in different affected siblings with different VPS13B gene mutations. These results could be also useful in genetic diagnosis and counseling in CS affected patients.
The Range of Countermeasures to Reduce Inequalities in Mental Health Care for Socially Marginalized or Medically Vulnerable Adults
Authors: Zupančič Vesna , Erjavec Karmen
Published: February 2024

Background
Socially marginalized or medically vulnerable adults are affected by severe health inequalities and are at increased risk of poorer accessibility and quality of integrated mental health care. Health professionals often have stigmatizing attitudes towards people with mental health disorders. This study aimed to identify groups of socially marginalized or medically vulnerable adults and to collect the already implemented or proposed countermeasures to reduce inequalities in high-quality integrated mental health care for such individuals with mental health disorders.
Methods
A qualitative research approach was used for the study – a systematic literature review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and an analysis of previous research and relevant literature on mental health care for socially marginalized and medically vulnerable adults. The time frame for the search in the respective databases ranged from 2014 to the present.
Results
This research identifies the gaps and that marginalized individuals are medically vulnerable. A spectrum of countermeasures to reduce inequalities for quality integrated mental health care for socially marginalized or medically vulnerable adults was compiled. The countermeasures need to be addressed comprehensively as part of integrated mental health and social care for marginalized or vulnerable people and promote culturally competent ethical attitudes among health professionals and in society at large.
Discussion
The countermeasures can usefully be applied to another marginalized or vulnerable group in mental health care, regardless of the level or area in which it has been identified. The range of countermeasures for individual marginalized and vulnerable groups differs only slightly, and they can usefully complement one another. The findings of this review provide a basis for a better understanding of interventions aimed at reducing stigma in health care.
Trial registration
Not applicable for a systematic review.
“Deciphering Epistatic Interactions Driving Heterosis in Brassica rapa var. Yellow Sarson"
Authors: Bisht Charu , Prasad Birendra , Pant Usha , Verma S. K. , Gaur Amit Kumar , Gupta Shubham , Panwar Neha , Joshi Sivendra , Bisht Yashpal Singh , Prasad Himanshu , Deep Harsh , Yadav Harikant
Published: February 2024

This study delves into the role of epistasis in elucidating heterosis manifestation in Brassica rapa var. yellow sarson hybrids. Four hybrids—YSH-0401 × Pant Sweta (C1), Pant Sweta × Apetalous (C2), PYS 2017-6 × PPS-1 (C3), and NDYS-107 × B-9 (C4)—were meticulously evaluated for seven key traits. Heightened plant stature, consistent across generations, and increased siliqua per plant with elongated siliqua length characterize the observed heterotic expression.Epistasis analysis, utilizing a six-parameter model, reveals significant additive, dominance, and epistatic interactions. Scaling tests affirm the presence of all three epistasis types (i, j, l) across diverse crosses and traits. Dominance × dominance (l) emerges as a pivotal factor, guiding heterotic expression and offering strategic breeding insights.Gene action assessment highlights patterns of duplicate gene action, complementary epistasis, and dominance variance, influencing selection strategies and breeding timelines. The correlation between heterosis and epistasis components underscores the significance of dominance × dominance in shaping superior hybrid performance. These findings contribute valuable insights to the scientific discourse on enhancing Brassica Rapa var Yellow sarson hybrid productivity, emphasizing the potential of selective mating to strategically leverage dominance and epistasis effects for optimized yields in plant breeding.
School-aged children’s movement behaviours and subjective health complaints in Japan: A cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic-related school closure and after school reopening
Authors: Kasai Akane , Shikano Akiko , Tanaka Ryo , Yoshinaga Mari , Noi Shingo
Published: February 2024

Background: Social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have altered children’s movement behaviours and impacted their mental health. However, the influence of social restrictions on subjective health complaints remains inadequately understood. This study compared adherence to 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines and the prevalence of subjective health complaints during school closure and one year after reopening. We also examined how combinations of adherence to movement behaviour recommendations relate to subjective health complaints.
Methods: A repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted at two points. The first survey in May 2020 included 1535 (766 boys and 769 girls) participants during school closures, while the second survey from May to July 2021 involved 1125 (583 boys and 542 girls) participants one year after school reopening. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, physical activity, screen time, sleep, and subjective health complaints. Differences between periods were analysed using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models assessed the association between adherence to guidelines and subjective health complaints.
Results: During school closure, children were more likely to meet ‘only sleep’ recommendations and experience irritability and lethargy symptoms as compared to one year after school reopening. Irrespective of sex, those adhering to two or all three recommendations (excluding physical activity and screen time) had a lower risk of symptoms related to physical and mental pain, fatigue, irritability, and lethargy as compared to those who met no recommendation.
Conclusions: Children should meet at least one physical activity or screen time recommendation in addition to sleep recommendations for subjective health. Strategies considering the priority of each movement behaviour are crucial, even during abnormal situations, such as pandemic-related social restrictions. This study offers insightful findings concerning children’s mental health issues during unprecedented and massive disasters or crises.
Exploring climate change perspectives among smallholder farmers in rural Sierra Leone
Authors: Kainyande Aruna
Published: February 2024

Climate change remains one of the greatest global threats to human livelihoods and environmental sustainability. As the impact of climate extremities continues to reshape the livelihoods of communities in marginalized rural areas of the global south, it is imperative to understand how residents in these areas perceive climate impacts and how this understanding shapes their adaptation practices and engagement in public discourses on the topic. To address this, an empirical survey was conducted on ninety (90) households from three rural communities in Northern Sierra Leone, aiming to explore their perspectives on the climate change phenomenon from a farm-household standpoint. The dynamic relationship between the varying perspectives of the farmers and their socio-demographic and farm-specific characteristics was further examined through bivariate correlation analysis. The results underscore the crucial influence of socio-demographic and farm-specific factors in moderating farmers’ perceptions of climate events in the study area, with the dynamics of the relationship manifesting in both positive and negative trajectories. While crop rotation and regulation of planting times emerged as the predominant adaptation strategies of the farmers, given their profound utility in helping farmers cope with the evolving impacts of climate change, this study emphasizes the crucial role of addressing institutional and location-specific bottlenecks to facilitate farmers to practice other adaptation strategies that align with their specific needs. The results bear important implications for policymakers seeking to enhance the climate resilience of local farmers by providing current, location-specific information on climate perceptions and local adaptation strategies, which is crucial to guide the targeted planning and implementation of climate-related interventions.
Fibril-Droplet Relationship Through Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation; A BSA-MOF Case
Authors: Latifi Amirhossein , Hosseini Elnaz , Daneshgar Hossein , Edrisi Mohammad , Arghavani Payam , Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Yousefi Reza , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar
Published: February 2024

By providing a suitable platform that accelerates early-stage occurrences needed for triggering protein aggregation, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has the potential to promote this phenomenon. Among different proteins which their condensation propensity has been investigated, bovine serum albumin (BSA) has attracted attentions because of its globular and stable structure. BSA undergoes phase separation and phase transition in the presence of polyethylene glycol as a molecular crowder. The control of hydrophobicity, hydrogen bonding, and electrostatic forces as the main forces that conduct LLPS were provided by functionalizing a UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF) with -NH2 and -COOH functional groups. This work evaluated how the functionalized UiO-66 with -NH2 modulates the LLPS of BSA. Successful synthesis and functionalization of UiO-66 were confirmed using various physical and chemical analyses. Optical and fluorescence microscopy images correlated BSA LLPS droplet size with spectroscopic measurements of resultant BSA fibrils. UiO-66-NH2 was found to cause significant conformational changes in BSA, resulting in a decrease in its LLPS and aggregation rate, as demonstrated by various biophysical methods. This study suggested that more hydrophobic surrounding micro-environments caused by UiO-66-NH2 inhibited BSA LLPS, leading to decreased droplet size and number. The direct correlation between droplet size and fibril length also confirmed the role of LLPS as an important alternative pathway enabling fibril formation even in globular proteins.
Angiomatous Meningioma: A Study on Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation
Authors: Guerra Pedro Lucas Negromonte , Silva Inaê Carolline Silveira , Araújo Mayle Gomes Ferreira , Queiroga Lara Vilar , Santana Luiz Euripedes Almondes , Faquini Igor Vilela , Batista Auricelio
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Angiomatous meningiomas (AM) are a rare subtype of benign brain tumors, primarily affecting women. This study investigates the clinical and epidemiological features of AM and provides a literature review.
Objective: Analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of AM, assess its incidence, and review existing literature.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 28 AM cases out of 584 meningioma patients who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2023. Data were collected from medical records and imaging exams.
Results: AM comprised 4.7% of the cases, with a female predominance (1.8:1). Common tumor locations included the convexity (33%), falx/parasagittal region (17%), and sphenoid wing (17%). Clinical presentations were related to increased intracranial pressure, often presenting non-specific symptoms, such as headache and nausea. MRI findings were consistent with known patterns.
Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into AM's clinical and epidemiological aspects, aiding in accurate diagnosis and patient care. The literature review underscores the unique features of AM, emphasizing the need for special management.
Undrained SHPB experiments on calcareous sand with different saturation degrees
Authors: Su Yuchen , Wang Yuan , Lv Yaru , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2024

Extensive research has been conducted on the impact behavior of unsaturated sand at high strain rates. However, achieving the undrained boundary condition remains a persistent challenge, leading to an inconsistent understanding of the dynamic responses of sand with varying saturation degrees. In this study, a novel sleeve designed to conduct Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests under undrained boundary conditions. Furthermore, drained SHPB tests were carried out by using the conventional steel sleeve as references. The absolute particle crushing distributions within various size ranges were investigated by utilization of dyed calcareous sand. Results revealed that, for the conventional drained sleeve, the locking-up phenomenon of full saturation sand was only observed at strain rate of 750 s− 1. However, locking-up occurs at all strain rates for undrained sleeve. The locking-up stiffness at strain rate of 750 s− 1 was 1.2 and 2.9 times larger compared to that at strain rate of 500 s− 1 and 250 s− 1, respectively. The locking-up stiffness increase with increasing strain rates under the fully undrained boundary conditions. Moreover, for the drained sleeve, negligible reductions on Br up to 10.8% were observed in measured Br if saturation degrees change from 0–100%. In contrast, for the undrained sleeve, the maximum reduction on Br was 47.6% and increases rapidly with increasing strain rates. The particle crushing was more sensitive to saturation degree at higher loading strain rates under undrained boundary conditions.
Universal, untargeted detection of bacteria in human tissues using spatial metabolomics
Authors: Chen Wei , Qiu Min , Paizs Petra , Kinross James , Goldin Robert , Rebec Monica , Takats Zoltan , McKenzie James , Strittmatter Nicole
Published: February 2024

Fast and reliable identification of bacteria directly in clinical samples is the holy grail of microbiological diagnostics. Current approaches predominantly require time-consuming bacterial isolation and enrichment procedures, delaying stratified treatment. Here, we describe a biomarker-based, hierarchical strategy that utilises conserved bacterial small molecular metabolites and lipids for direct mass spectrometric detection of bacteria in clinical samples. Marker discovery was carried out by creating a metabolic library of 232 bacterial species and mining this library for markers showing specificity at various taxonomic levels. We have found 359 bacterial taxon-specific markers (TSMs) via a combination of univariate and multivariate statistical analysis methods. We applied the concept of TSMs to the in situ detection of bacteria directly from complex clinical specimens, using healthy and cancerous colorectal tissues as well as faecal samples. To show the method independent nature of these TSMs, samsamples were analysed using chemical histology as well as traditional metabolomics approaches. TSMs were found in >90% of samples tested, suggesting the general applicability of this novel workflow to detect bacterial presence with standard MS-based analytical methods.
Performance Enhancement of Gold Coated D-shaped PCF Sensor using Monolayer MoS2
Authors: Praveena S. , Senthilnathan K.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we theoretically propose a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based D-shaped photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor with gold coating and an overlayer of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) 2D material. We design the PCF sensor using the square lattice arrangement of airholes for sensing the analytes of refractive index ranging from 1.33 to 1.42, which includes most of the bio-samples. Further, we optimize the proposed sensor in terms of two different air hole radii, pitch distance, thickness of the gold layer, and 2D material. The details numerical results corroborate that the sensor exhibits a wavelength sensitivity of 20,200 nm/RIU without coating of MoS2 layer. However, it does exhibit an enhanced wavelength sensitivity of 22,800 nm/RIU with a high spectral resolution of 4.38 × 10− 6 RIU when a monolayer of MoS2 is coated onto the gold layer. In addition to wavelength sensitivity, we also compute the amplitude sensitivity and is 752 RIU− 1 with a resolution of 1.34×10− 6 RIU. Besides, we carry out the tolerance studies to ensure the robustness of the proposed sensor. Finally, we also analyze the linearity of the sensor through the R2 value and the same is 0.9688. Thus, the proposed D-shaped MoS2 coated PCF sensor may find potential application in the detection of chemical and biological samples.