bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water levels forecasting for the river basins of Kien Giang in Quang Binh province using Transformer-based approaches
Authors: Quoc Bao Bui , Khanh Hung Nguyen , Dac Hieu Nguyen , Anh Dat Tran , TA Quang Chieu
Published: March 2024

Precision and timely forecasting of water levels holds critical significance across diverse applications such as flood prediction, hydroelectric power management, and environmental surveillance. While conventional recurrent neural network (RNN)-based techniques have been extensively employed for this purpose, recent strides in long-term time-series forecasting have ushered in transformer-based models, showcasing remarkable advancements in predicting time-series data. This study delves into the utilization of transformer-based models for water level prediction, specifically concentrating on the Nhat Le River Basin. Through numerous experiments encompassing different scenarios and employing various model architectures, we offer detailed analyses of the model's predictive capabilities. Demonstrating consistent superiority over traditional RNN-based methods, the transformer-based models excel across various evaluation metrics, including root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R2). Notably, these models exhibit outstanding precision in forecasting flood peaks, consistently maintaining errors below 0.02 meters. The resilience and scalability of transformer-based models position them as highly promising for achieving accurate water-level predictions in practical, real-world applications.
Qualitative Assessment of a virtual cardiovascular medical education Program in Haiti: local physicians in-training experiences
Authors: Ilali Marwa , Clavel Virginie , Panagiotou Veronika , Mengesha Mlka , Policard Giovanni Léon , Moïse Carmene Altagracia , Petit-Homme Tamara , Etienne David , Cadri Abdul , Dade Eliezer , Dawson Calixte , Saint-Joy Veauthyleau , Haynes Norrisa
Published: March 2024

Background: Haiti faces challenges in accessing equitable healthcare and medical education due to limited resources. Cardiovascular disease burden is high, necessitating a well-trained cardiovascular workforce. The International Cardiology Curriculum Accessible by Remote Distance Learning (ICARDs) program, launched in 2019, addresses this need by providing virtual cardiovascular education. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of internal medicine residents and physicians participating in the ICARDs program, focusing on their expectations, facilitators, barriers, and recommendations for improvement.
Study Design: A qualitative research approach was adopted, conducting three focus groups with participants in three different hospitals across Haiti.
Methods: The study utilized a Unified Theoretical Framework of Learning Theories as a structured framework to identify themes. Thematic analysis was employed to extract recurring patterns and valuable information from participants' responses.
Results: Participants expressed high expectations and reported positive experiences with the ICARDs program. They acknowledged its positive impact on patient care and the development of their medical skills. However, some concerns were raised regarding course content and irregularities in the program.
Conclusions: The ICARDs program fulfills participants' expectations for cardiovascular education, improves patient care, and fosters a supportive community. To enhance its effectiveness, addressing content concerns and infrastructure limitations is essential. The study's findings provide valuable insights for program organizers to tailor the ICARDs program and better meet the participants' needs.
Intrinsic Response of surface modified Calotropis Gigantea Fiber and Nelumbo nucifera filler hybrid composite
Authors: RAM GANESH , Arjunan T. V. , Kumar K. Vinoth , Loganathan T.G.
Published: March 2024

The present study used Calotropis Gigantea fiber, which has minuscule significance in vegetation value, and waste Nelumbo Nucifera filler for the production of polymer composites. The Calotropis gigantea yarn fiber is twisted into Two-Ply Yarn and subsequently woven into mats, the mat underwent both NaOH treatment and microwave irradiation in order to enhance their compatibility with epoxy. This work aims to examine the mechanical and dynamic properties of a hybrid composite material consisting of a Chemically and Microwave Treated Calotropis Gigantea (CMTCG) fiber combined with Nelumbo nucifera (NN) infills. The objective of this study is to investigate the possible improvement of the mechanical and dynamic characteristics of polymer composites by developing composite samples that include different weight proportions of NN fillers in CMTCG-reinforced Epoxy composites. The assessment of the mechanical properties of several combinations of CMTCG with NN infills was conducted utilizing established testing methodologies, including tensile, flexural, impact, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) to assess the viscoelastic nature of the composites. In addition to this, a Cole-Cole curve is plotted by utilizing the findings of the DMA to analyze the effect of particle impregnation and the anticipation of the heterogeneity of the composite material at different loadings of fillers. The current investigation revealed that a fiber loading of 10 weight percentages represented the optimal threshold, and any loading value resulted in a noticeable decline in all characteristics.
Medication Non-adherence and Associated Factors Among Patients with Mental Illness at St. Amanuel Specialized Psychiatric Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Adane Adugnaw , Zerihun Diborah , Warkaw Adisu , Misganaw Samuel , Mulualem Solomon
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
Adherence is the degree to which patients follow health professionals’ recommendations regarding prescribed medication and maintain the indicated treatment. Medication non-adherence is a global problem worldwide. Medication non-adherence is a significant clinical concern in patients with mental illnesses than other chronic illness patients.
Objectives
To assess medication non-adherence and associated factor among patients with mental illness who visited St. Amanuel Specialized Psychiatric Hospital, Addis Ababa.
Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed at St. Amanuel Specialized Psychiatric Hospital, Ethiopia from August 20, 2022 to September 30, 2022. The data was collected by interviewer administered structured questionnaire and document review. Medication non-adherence was assessed by using standardized Morisky medication adherence scale. The collected data was entered into EPI data version 4.5 and exported to SPSS version 26 for statistical analysis. After descriptive data was presented; Binary logistic regression was used to assess association. The significance level was set at P < 0.05 and Odds ratio was used to assess the strength of association.
Result
A total of 374 patients were included, of this 32.6% were found to have poor adherence. The predictors of poor adherence were male sex [AOR = 1.841, 95% CI; 1.136–2.984, p = 0.013], substance use [AOR = 2.088, 95% CI; 1.222–3.569, p = 0.008], unemployment [AOR = 2.593, 95% CI; 1.446–4.649, p = 0.021], perceived spiritual causation [AOR = 1.743, 95% CI; 1.026–2.959 p = 040], poor level of support [AOR = 3.277, 95% CI; 1.432–7.496, p = 0.005].
Conclusion
The magnitude of medication non-adherence was found to be high. Male sex, unemployment, substance use, perceived, and poor level of support were significant predictors of medication non-adherence among patients with mental illness.
Efficacy of Ultrasound Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block Compared to Wound Infiltration for Postoperative Analgesia in Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy: A Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Loganathan Sekar , Kajal Kamal , Garg Kashish , Sethi Sameer , Kenwar Deepesh B , Aditya Ashish , Sharma Amit , Mahajan Varun , Naik Naveen B , Kumar Rajnikant
Published: March 2024

Background
Postoperative pain remains a significant problem in patients undergoing donor nephrectomy despite reduced tissue trauma following laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy (LLDN). Inadequately treated pain leads to physiological and psychological consequences, including chronic neuropathic pain.
Materials and Methods
This randomized controlled double-blinded trial was conducted in sixty-nine (n=69) participants who underwent LLDN under general anesthesia. Participants were randomized into Group B (n=34) and Group C (n=35). Group B received ultrasound-guided bilateral erector spinae plane block (ESPB) with bupivacaine 0.125% 20ml on the surgical side and 10ml on the contralateral side at T9-10 level before extubation, while Group C received wound infiltration with bupivacaine 0.125% 15ml. The primary objective of the study was to compare cumulative 24-hour morphine consumption postoperatively. The secondary objectives were time to first rescue analgesia, visual numeric rating scale (VNRS) pain scores at rest and during movement, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and complications associated with ESPB.
Results
Participants in Group B required significantly less median (IQR) 24-hour morphine compared to Group C [6 (6-9) mg vs 15 (12-15) mg; median difference 9; 95% CI in median difference 6-12; p<0.001), longer median (IQR) time to first rescue analgesia [6 (6-8) hours vs 1 (1-2) hours; p < 0.001], and lower VNRS at rest and during movement at baseline, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 hours.
Conclusion
Ultrasound-guided ESPB provided effective pain relief compared to wound infiltration with local anaesthetic in patients who underwent LLDN.
Trial Registration number: INT/IEC/2021/SPL-514; CTRI/2021/07/045909
Study of the effect of suspension training on the balance ability of surfers without relying on vision
Authors: Wang Zhaoyi , Ma Yong , Guo Zhi-Hao , Jia Meng-Yao , Zheng Wei-Tao
Published: March 2024

Surfing is an emerging Olympic sport that requires athletes to have excellent balance without relying on vision. This study introduces TRX suspension training (TRX) into the balance training of surfing programs to investigate its effectiveness on the surfers' balance ability without relying on vision. Thirty-two surfers from the National Surfing Team were randomly divided into a TRX group and a traditional balance training (TB) group, and the two groups were given intervention training for about 30 minutes three times a week for eight weeks. Eye-closed one-leg stand and linear travel deviation tests were performed at different experiment stages to examine static and dynamic balance changes without visualization. After eight weeks of intervention training, both TRX and TB were very effective in improving surfers' static balance without relying on vision (p < 0.01), and there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of the two training methods in improving surfers' static balance without relying on vision (pLeft=0.142 > 0.05, pRight=0.084 > 0.05). Additionally, the eight weeks of suspension and TB effectively improved the surfers' dynamic balance without relying on vision, and highly significant improvements were seen in each monitoring phase (p < 0.01). The effect of the two training methods on the improvement of surfers' dynamic balance without relying on vision began to show a significant difference after week five of training (p = 0.021 < 0.05) and a very significant difference after week eight (p = 0.000 < 0.01). The results demonstrated that TRX was more effective than TB in improving the athletes' balance ability. Therefore, both TRX and TB improved the surfers' non-vision-dependent balance ability very well. However, TRX was more effective in improving dynamic balance in that situation. TB and TRX can be used to improve the static balance ability and dynamic balance ability for the first five weeks, and TRX can be applied to the balance training of surfers after five weeks.
Merging DNA repair with bioorthogonal conjugation enables accessible and superior asymmetric DNA catalysis
Authors: Zhu Ru-Yi , Sheng Jie , Li Zhaoyang , Koh Kelly Kar Yun , Shi Qi , Foo Angel , Tan Philip Mark Leetiong , Kha Tuan-Khoa , Wang Xujie , Fang Leonard
Published: March 2024

Optimizing catalysts through high-throughput screen for asymmetric catalysis is challenging due to the difficulty associated with assembling a library of catalyst analogues in a timely fashion. Here, we repurpose DNA excision repair and integrate it with bioorthogonal conjugation to construct a diverse array of DNA hybrid catalysts for highly accessible and high-throughput asymmetric DNA catalysis, enabling dramatically expedited catalyst optimization process, superior reactivity and selectivity, as well as the first atroposelective DNA catalysis. The bioorthogonality of this conjugation strategy ensures exceptional tolerance towards diverse functional groups, thereby facilitating the facile construction of 42 DNA hybrid catalysts bearing various unprotected functional groups. This unique feature holds the potential to enable catalytic modalities in asymmetric DNA catalysis that were previously deemed unattainable.
Correlations between somatic symptoms and resilience among a group of Vietnamese : Lessons learned from Covid 19
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tu , Le Mai Lien , Tran So Nhu , Tran Quoc Thuan , Diep Dai Hung , Pham Lien , Nguyen Hong Lien
Published: March 2024

This study aims to examine the relationships between somatic symptoms and resilience among a group of Vietnamese in the time of Covid 19. In earlier literature, no attention was paid to name what exactly somatic symptoms related to components of resilience among this group. In this research, 1252 willing participants were administered in August 2021, using an online survey on the demographic questionnaires, somatic symptoms (PHQ 15) and Resilience (RIS-CD, 2003).
Through descriptive statistics resulting from SPSS 26, self-efficacy was found significant in the expressions of resilience. In addition, the result from the correlation and regression analysis also showed the significantly negative relationships between somatic symptoms(e.g., insomnia, fatigue) and resilience (e.g., self-efficacy). The discussions on the main findings will address cultural implications. Lessons learned from Covid 19 and recommendations for future research in the fields of Scientific Reports also suggested.
Molecular Characterization and Antibacterial Potential of Endophytic Fungal isolates from selected Mangroves along the Coastline of Kenya
Authors: Wacira Teresia Nyambura , Makonde Huxley Mae , Bosire Carren Moraa , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti
Published: March 2024

The increasing emergence and re-emergence of resistant pathogenic microbes causes a health threat to the human population. This study aimed to characterize mangrove endophytic fungi and evaluate their antibacterial activity. Heritiera littoralis, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia marina and Xylocarpus granatum species were collected from Tudor Creek, Mida Creek and Gazi Bay. A total of 30 fungal isolates were subjected to molecular identification based on analysis of their ITS gene region. The isolates in the inferred phylogenetic trees were affiliated with the genus Aspergillus. Ethyl acetate and butanol crude extracts of 29 fungal isolates and eight mycelia samples were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25923) using the disc diffusion method. A. marina and R. mucronata harboured the most fungal endophytes that showed the highest antibacterial activity. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) activity for the seven isolates that exhibited high antibacterial activities against the test microorganisms compared to the positive control was determined. The ethyl acetate extracts of isolates BE5, BA11, LB4 and RC6 showed significantly lower MIC activity compared to the positive control against test microorganisms (𝑃< 0.05). Therefore, this study confirms that mangrove species harbour fungal isolates that have antibacterial activity and hence could serve as a novel source of antibiotics.
Ultrasound peer-to-peer courses for medical students: a cross-sectional study of satisfaction and efficacy
Authors: Costantino Andrea , Galazzetti Marco , Etessami Julian David , Garbelotto Paolo Tito , Lorenzon Beatrice , Maregatti Margherita , Santagata Fabrizio , Vecchi Maurizio
Published: March 2024

Background Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is ideal for providing rapid answers to many clinical problems. It is therefore important that instruction on ultrasound (US) basics be provided as part of university education. The aim of this study was to investigate how a peer-to-peer US course was perceived and if it improved knowledge among medical students.
Methods A web-based anonymous questionnaire was sent to medical students at the University of Milan (3rd–6th year) to evaluate: (1) their impressions of US usefulness; (2) their self-reported perception of their US abilities; and (3) their ability to recognize US images.
The results were compared between a group of students who participated in peer-to-peer US courses and a group who did not.
Results The questionnaire was sent to 803 students, of whom 196 (24.4%) replied. A significant increase in ability to interpret US images was demonstrated among participants taking peer-to-peer courses (n = 91), with a 27.8% reduction in errors (p < 0.05) compared with non-participants. Students from both groups considered US courses useful (4.79/5 and 4.77/5, p = 0.7), while a higher proportion of participants in peer-to-peer courses considered they had received sufficient (≥ 6/10) basic instruction (38% vs 19%, p = 0.003).
ConclusionsUS peer-to-peer courses are considered useful by medical students, and may improve skills, although acceptable training requires more than a few US lessons. Since POCUS is becoming increasingly useful in clinical practice as an extension of physical examination, a greater number of practical courses should be offered to medical students.
Dynamic Interplay of miR-155-5p Transfer in the Mechanisms Underlying Ibrutinib Resistance in DLBCL through Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Park Bon , Choi Myung Eun , Ryu Kyung Ju , Park Chaehwa , Yoon Sang Eun , Kim Won Seog , Hong Jung Yong , Kim Seok Jin
Published: March 2024

Ibrutinib, a Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor, has exhibited efficacy in various B-cell lymphoid malignancies. However, prolonged usage may lead to resistance, impacting treatment outcomes. The oncogenic microRNA, miR-155-5p is related with poor prognosis in B-cell lymphomas, prompting our investigation into the mechanism of acquired ibrutinib resistance in B-cell lymphoma cells. To generate ibrutinib-resistant OCI-Ly1 cells (OCI-Ly1-IbtR), continuous exposure to 1µM and 2µM of ibrutinib was employed. microRNA profiling of OCI-Ly1-IbtR was conducted, and exosomes were isolated using ultracentrifugation. Comparative studies of microRNA levels in cells and exosomes, and targets of up-regulated microRNAs in OCI-Ly1-IbtR were explored. Target validation involved transfection of candidate microRNA, and co-culture experiments utilized OCI-Ly1 with exosomes from OCI-Ly1-IbtR. Elevated miR-155-5p levels were observed in OCI-Ly1-IbtR and exosomes from OCI-Ly1-IbtR, correlating with AKT and NF-κB activation. MiR-155-5p transfection induced AKT/NF-κB pathway activation in OCI-Ly1, resulting in ibrutinib resistance, enhanced colony formation and sustained BTK activity. Primary cell lines from ibrutinib-refractory B-cell lymphoma patients exhibited similar signaling protein activation. Target evaluation identified KDM5B and DEPTOR as miR-155-5p targets, confirmed by downregulation after transfection. KDM5B and DEPTOR enrichment in Ago2 during ibrutinib resistance and miR-155-5p transfection was observed. Co-culture experiments demonstrated exosome-mediated miR-155-5p transfer, inducing ibrutinib resistance and KDM5B/DEPTOR downregulation in OCI-Ly1. Our findings suggest that miR-155-5p overexpression is associated with AKT and NF-κB pathway activation in ibrutinib-resistant cells, proposing a potential role for acquired miR-155-5p upregulation in B-cell lymphoma ibrutinib resistance.
Increased incidence and diverse manifestations of Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Song Yong Yeon , Kim Jung Tae , Chang Young Suk , Lee Min-Woo , Lee Sung Chul
Published: March 2024

The advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the incidence and course of various diseases and numerous studies have investigated ocular involvement associated with COVID-19 and corresponding vaccines. In this study, we compared the incidence rates of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a single center in Korea and analyzed the demographic and clinical features of patients with MEWDS presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. We categorized patients with MEWDS into two groups according to date of diagnosis. Group 1 included patients diagnosed during the pre-pandemic period (before March 10, 2020), whereas Group 2 included patients diagnosed during the pandemic period (after March 11, 2020). 6 and 12 patients were included in Groups 1 and Group 2, respectively. Among all hospital visits during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, 0.011% and 0.030% were due to MEWDS, indicating a significant increase during the pandemic (p = 0.029, B = 2.756). The annual visit rates of patients with MEWDS in 2017–2022 were 0.73, 0.75, 0.78, 1.32, 2.49, and 2.07 per 10,000 population, respectively, corresponding to a significant increase (p = 0.039, B = 1.316). Group 2 included a larger proportion of male patients compared with Group 1 (p < 0.001). Our results imply that the incidence and manifestation of MEWDS are likely to become more diverse in the COVID-19 pandemic era.
Prenatal Exposure to Psychotropics and Analgesics on Cognitive, Linguistic and Educational Outcomes – a Systematic Review with Focus on Validity and Reliability of Outcome Measures
Authors: Re Akhila Srinivas , Fawad Fatima , Leite Mila Apostolova , Olstad Emilie Willoch , Gervin Kristina , Kanduri Chakravarthi , Sandve Geir Kjetil , Brandlistuen Ragnhild , Lupattelli Angela , Torkildsen Janne von Koss , Nordeng Hedvig Marie Egeland
Published: March 2024

Objective: To provide an overview of the observational studies on cognitive, linguistic, and educational outcomes following prenatal exposure to psychotropics and analgesics, including reporting of outcome measure validity and reliability.
Study design: We searched four databases, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed from inception to July 2022. We included all original studies involving participants less than 18 years old, who were prenatally exposed to psychotropics and/or analgesics with cognitive, linguistic, and/or educational outcomes.
Results: 68 studies were identified. Most studies (47%) focused on the effects of prenatal exposure to antiepileptics on child cognition. Valproate showed a consistently increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, whereas the results for other medications were sparse and conflicting. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were measured by psychometric assessments in 62 studies and by diagnostic codes in health care registries in six studies. Only 29 of the 62 studies (46.8%) using psychometric measures mentioned the psychometric properties of the instruments used. In studies using diagnostic outcome measures, only one study reported positive predictive values and performed a sensitivity analysis to address outcome misclassification.
Conclusion: Except for valproate, there is a concerning lack of studies on the impact of prenatal exposure to psychotropics and analgesics on cognitive, linguistic, and educational outcomes. Regardless of whether psychometric measures or diagnostic codes were used, most studies lacked a robust assessment of outcome measures, which threatens their validity and interpretability. Future studies on long-term prenatal medication safety need to focus on the accuracy of neurodevelopmental outcome measures.
Genetic hallmarks and clinical implications of chromothripsis in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Pastorczak Agata , Urbanska Zuzanna , Styka Borys , Miarka-Walczyk Karolina , SĘDEK Łukasz , Wypyszczak Kamila , Wakulinska Anna , Nowicka Zuzanna , Szczepański Tomasz , Stańczak Marcin , Fendler Wojciech , Kowalczyk Jerzy , Mlynarski Wojciech , Lejman Monika
Published: March 2024

Chromothripsis (cth) is a form of genomic instability leading to massive de novo structural chromosome rearrangements in a one-time catastrophic event. It can cause cancer-promoting alterations, such as loss of sequences for tumor-suppressor genes, formation of oncogenic fusions, and oncogene amplifications. We investigated the genetic background and clinical significance of cth in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients. For this purpose, whole-genome copy number alterations were analyzed in 173 children with newly diagnosed T-ALL using high-density microarrays. Cth was identified in 10 T-ALL samples (5.78%). In six of them, cth occurred in a constitutional background of Nijmegen breakage syndrome (n = 5) or Li-Fraumeni syndrome (n = 1). Cth generated alterations, including deletions of CDKN2A/B (n = 4) and EZH2 (n = 4), amplifications of CDK6 (n = 2), and NUP214::ABL1 and TFG::GPR128 fusions. Cth-positive leukemias exhibited deletions involving the tumor-suppressor genes RB1 (n = 3), TP53 (n = 1) and MED12 (n = 2). Cth-positive T-ALL patients had a lower probability of 5-year overall survival (OS) [0.56 vs. 0.81; hazard ratio (HR) = 4.14 (1.42–12.02) p = 0.017] as did 5-year event-free survival [0.45 vs. 0.74; HR = 3.91 (1.52–10.08); p = 0.012]. Chromothripsis is an infrequent genomic phenomenon in pediatric T-ALL but is significantly associated with cancer-predisposing syndromes and inferior prognosis.
Photoprotective and antiphotomutagenic effect of Baccharis dracunculifolia optimized extract in the alternative Saccharomyces cerevisiae model
Authors: Vilas-Boas¹ Isis Tavares , Diniz Raiane Rosales , Faraco André Augusto Gomes , de Pádula Marcelo , Scopel Marina , Castilho Rachel Oliveira
Published: March 2024

The recent discovery of hazardous side effects associated with sunscreen ingredients has prompted the search for natural alternatives that can effectively absorb UV rays. This study focuses on evaluating the chemical profile and potential photoprotective and antiphotomutagenic effects of an ethanolic extract from Baccharis dracunculifolia using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. An analysis conducted using ESI-QToF-LC-MS confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids in the B. dracunculifolia extract, including compounds such as apigenin, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, caffeoylquinic acids, and chlorogenic acid. In the yeast model, the extract demonstrated the ability to protect S. cerevisiae yno1 strain cells against cytotoxic lesions induced by high Solar Simulated Light (SSL) irradiation exposure. Furthermore, the extract exhibited antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its protection against SSL-induced oxidative damage in the yno1 strain, which is an indicator of oxidative damage. Additionally, the extract showed potential as an antiphotomutagenic agent, as the yno1-treated strain displayed a lower frequency of photomutagenicity in terms of CanR/107 mutant cells, thereby reducing both lethal cytotoxic lesions induced by SSL and protecting the cells against SSL-induced oxidative mutagenic lesions. These findings suggest that the B. dracunculifolia extract holds promise as a natural and effective photoprotective ingredient, offering a green alternative to traditional sunscreens by reducing the need for harmful chemical filters.
Machine learning predictive model for aspiration risk in early enteral nutrition patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhang Bo , Xu Huanqing , Xiao Qigui , Wei Wanzhen , Ma Yifei , Gu Jingtao , Lang Lan , Chen Xinlong , Ma Qingyong , Han Liang
Published: March 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to build and validate a risk prediction model for aspiration in severe acute pancreatitis patients receiving enteral nutrition by identifying risk factors for aspiration in these patients.
Methods: The risk factors for aspiration were analyzed to build a prediction model based on the data collected from 339 patients receiving enteral nutrition. Subsequently, we used six machine learning algorithms and the model was validated by the area under the curve.
Results: In this study, the collected data were divided into two groups: a training cohort and a validation cohort. The results showed that 28.31% (77) of patients had aspiration and 71.69% (195) of patients had non-aspiration in training cohort. Moreover, age, consciousness, mechanical ventilation, aspiration history, nutritional risk and number of comorbidities were included as predictive factors for aspiration in patients receiving EN. The XGBoost model is the best of all machine learning models, with an AUROC of 0.992 and an F1 value of 0.902. The specificity and accuracy of XGBoost are higher than those of traditional logistic regression.
Conclusion: In accordance with the predictive factors, XGBoost model, characterized by excellent discrimination and high accuracy, can be used to clinically identify severe acute pancreatitis patients with a high risk of enteral nutrition aspiration.
Distinct histopathological features of post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy
Authors: Borges Valéria Ferreira de Almeida e , Cotrim Helma Pinchemel , Andrade Antônio Ricardo Cardia Ferraz , Mendes Liliana Sampaio Costa , Penna Francisco Guilherme Cancela , Silva Marcelo Costa , Salomão Frederico Chaves , Freitas Luiz Antônio Rodrigues
Published: March 2024

Background: Cholangiopathy has been described in survivors of severe COVID-19, presenting significant clinical parallels to the pre-pandemic condition of secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients (SSC-CIP).
Aim: Herein, we examined the liver histopathology of individuals with persistent cholestasis following severe COVID-19.
Methods: Post-COVID-19 cholestasis liver samples were subjected to routine staining techniques and cytokeratin 7 immunostaining, and the portal and parenchymal changes were semi-quantitatively analyzed.
Results: All ten patients, five men, median age 56, interquartile range (IQR) 51–60, requiring mechanical ventilation. The median and IQR liver enzyme concentrations proximal to biopsy were in IU/L: ALP, 605 (390–1,105); GGT, 925 (776–2,169); ALT, 92 (86–110); AST, 90 (68–108); and bilirubin, 3 (1–6) mg/dL. Imaging revealed intrahepatic bile duct anomalies and biliary casts. Biopsies were performed at a median of 203 (150–249) days after molecular confirmation of infection. Portal and periportal fibrosis, moderate-to-severe ductular proliferation, and bile duct dystrophy were found in all patients, while hepatocyte biliary metaplasia was observed in all tested cases. Mild-to-severe parenchymal cholestasis and bile plugs were observed in nine and six cases. Mild swelling of the arteriolar endothelial cells was observed in five patients. A thrombus in a small portal vein branch and mild periductal fibrosis were observed in one case each. One patient developed multiple small biliary infarctions. Ductopenia was not observed in any patient.
Conclusions: The alterations were similar to those observed in SSC-CIP; however, pronounced swelling of endothelial cells, necrosis of the vessel walls, and thrombosis in small vessels were notable.
Can Trigeminal Schwannomas in Middle Cranial Fossa Invade Cavernous Sinus
Authors: Yin Jie , Yang Zhijun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Heng , Wu Yihao , Zhang Zhe , Yan Minjun , Liu Pinan
Published: March 2024

This study reports trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) in 13 cases whose cancer invaded the cavernous sinus (CS) in the middle cranial fossa (MCF). Seventy-eight patients who underwent surgical treatment in Beijing Tiantan Hospital in the last 6 years were retrospectively analyzed and a literature review was conducted. The patients were divided into 2 groups by definitive evidence of CS invasion during surgery. Group A included 65 cases. Six patients suffered from diplopia. Tumor size in their MCF ranged from 7 mm to 48 mm (mean: 23.5 ± 8.0 mm), and the gross total resection(GTR) was 93.8%. Group B included 13 cases, among whom 5 developed diplopia (p < 0.05). Tumor size in their MCF ranged from 17 mm to 44 mm (mean: 30.0 ± 7.7 mm) (p < 0.05), and the GTR was 69.2% (p < 0.05). In patients with CS invasion, there was a higher incidence of diplopia and larger tumor diameter. Gender, age, classification, nature, width of channel, and other clinical symptoms did not show statistical significance. So the TSs can invade CS, which can lower GTR. Some features may help predict the invasion, and a thorough preoperative assessment is helpful.
Investigating the Antifungal Potential of Genetically Modified Hybrid Chitinase Enzymes Derived from Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marcescens
Authors: Bouqellah Nahla Alsayd , Jamil Lina , Faraag Ahmed Hassan Ibrahim
Published: March 2024

Chitinases are glycosyl hydrolase enzymes that break down chitin, an integral component of fungal cell walls. Bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marcescens produce chitinases with antifungal properties. In this study, we aimed to generate hybrid chitinase enzymes with enhanced antifungal activity by combining functional domains from native chitinases produced by B. subtilis and S. marcescens. Chitinase genes were cloned from both bacteria and fused together using overlap extension PCR. The hybrid constructs were expressed in E. coli and the recombinant enzymes purified. Gel electrophoresis and computational analysis confirmed the molecular weights and isoelectric points of the hybrid chitinases were intermediate between the parental enzymes. Antifungal assays demonstrated that the hybrid chitinases inhibited growth of the fungus Fusarium oxysporumsignificantly more than the native enzymes. Our results indicate domain shuffling of bacterial chitinases is a promising approach to engineer novel antifungal proteins. This study provides insight into structure-function relationships of chitinases and strategies for generating biotherapeutics with enhanced bioactive properties.
Distribution of Copy Number Variants and Impact of Chromosome Arm Call Thresholds for Meningioma
Authors: Bi Wenya Linda , Patel Ruchit , Ghosh Hia , Meredith David , Ryall Scott , Claus Elizabeth , Beroukhim Rameen , Ligon Azra , Santagata Sandro
Published: March 2024

Chromosome-arm copy number variants (CNVs) are an important component of cancer molecular classifiers. CNVs are often translated into binary chromosome arm calls (arm gain/loss) using an arm call threshold before integration into classification schemes. However, substantial variability exists in thresholds used to define arm calls from CNV data. We analyzed 1042 meningiomas with whole-genome microarray data and 12 meningiomas with multifocal sampling to characterize how CNV thresholds influence molecular classification and prognostication. Changing arm call thresholds shifted the association of chromosomal arm calls with meningioma recurrence in an arm-dependent manner and upgraded 21.5% of cases from low-grade to high-grade in a molecularly Integrated Grade (IG) scheme. The impact of threshold differences in IG prediction of recurrence was most evident amongst intermediate grade (IG-2) tumors and CNV call thresholds approaching whole-chromosome arm length (> 95%). The designation of chromosome loss or gain remained stable across a majority of thresholds, although this varied in a chromosome-dependent manner. CNVs fluctuated among paired primary-recurrent tumors, mostly growing on recurrence, but clustered in discrete sizes within a tumor. Appreciation of the impact of chromosome arm call thresholds can help ensure robustness of molecular classification paradigms.
Analyzing Air Pollution Trends in Eastern Türkiye Over the Last Decade Using a Multivariate Statistical Approach
Authors: Temiz Caner
Published: March 2024

In this research, meteorological parameters and air pollutant values for the central district of Van, located in Eastern Türkiye, were analyzed using multivariate data analysis methods. To make the connection between the parameters measured over a 10-year period statistically more significant, multivariate data analysis methods were applied to the dataset, resulting in the identification of three independent component groups. The measured parameters relational structure is represented by correlation matrices. According to the factor analysis; wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric boundary layer height, and air temperature parameters constitute the first component group, while PM10 and SO2 parameters form the second component group, and precipitation and air pressure parameters form the third component group. Additionally, the movements and seasonal intensities of air pollutants such as PM10 and SO2 in the city center over the last 10 years were analyzed and visualized on an hourly, monthly, and annual basis. A gradual decrease in air pollutant values has been observed since 2013. Events of dust transport affecting the region from the South have been identified as having a significant impact on the rise in PM10 values. It was also observed that atmospheric boundary layer height values obtained from ERA5 reanalysis data show a high negative correlation with pollutants like PM10 and SO2.
Impact of minimal residual disease response and of status of disease on survival after Blinatumomab in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: results from a Real-Life Study. Running title: MRD-response and Disease Status correlate with survival after Blinatumomab in ALL-B patients
Authors: Leotta Salvatore , Markovic Uros , Duminuco Andrea , Mulè Antonino , Porretto Ferdinando , Federico Vincenzo , Gentile Massimo , Pastore Domenico , Nigro Luca Lo , Selleri Carmine , Serio Bianca , Calafiore Valeria , Patti Caterina , Mauro Elisa , Vetro Calogero , Maugeri Cinzia , Parisi Marina , Fiumara Paolo , Parrinello Laura , Marino Sara , Scuderi Grazia , Garibaldi Bruno , Musso Maurizio , Renzo Nicola Di , Vigna Ernesto , Martino Enrica Antonia , Raimondo Francesco Di , Milone Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Blinatumomab is a bispecific T-cell engager approved for relapsed/refractory and minimal residual disease positive B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
We conducted a retrospective study evaluating the outcome of Blinatumomab.
The impact of clinical and treatment-related variables on cumulative incidence of relapse/progression (CIRP), event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed.
From January 2016 to December 2022 50 Ph’- (37) and Ph+ (13) B-ALL patients received Blinatumomab. The median age was 37.
Indications to blinatumomab were relapsed/refractory B-ALL in 29 and MRD-positive in 21 patients. Blinatumomab was the 2nd and 3rd line in 40 and in 10 patients, respectively.
Twenty patients were treated pre-transplantation, ten were treated for relapse after transplant, twenty were not eligible for transplant.
Out of 29 patients treated for relapsed/refractory disease, 16 (55%) achieved complete response and 12 achieved MRD-negativity.
Out of 21 patients treated for MRD, 16 (76 %) achieved MRD-negativity.
At a median follow-up of 46 months the median EFS and OS were 11.5 and 16.2 months. The CIRP was 50 %.
In univariate analysis age, disease-status (overt vs minimal disease) at blinatumomab, bridging to transplant after blinatumomab and MRD-response resulted significant for EFS and OS.
In multivariate analysis only disease-status and MRD-response retained significance both for EFS and OS.
Disease-status and MRD-response resulted significant for EFS and OS also after censoring at HSCT.
This retrospective study on B-ALL patients treated with blinatumomab confirms a superior outcome for MRD-responsive over MRD non-responsive patients. As one might expect, survival depends also on the disease-status prior treatment.
Deciduous forests use carbon more efficiently than evergreen forests
Authors: Luo Xiangzhong , Zhao Ruiying , Chu Housen , Collalti Alessio , Fatichi Simone , Keenan Trevor , Lu Xinchen , Nguyen Ngoc , Prentice Iain , Sun Wu , Yu Liyao
Published: March 2024

Terrestrial ecosystems have been serving as a strong carbon sink that offsets one quarter of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Carbon use efficiency (CUE), the percentage of photosynthesized carbon that is available for biomass production and other secondary carbon products, is one factor determining the carbon sink size. The global variation in CUE remains unclear, however, as recent reports disagree over the responses of CUE to temperature, dryness, forest types and stand age, and there are limited direct observations to constrain the related uncertainty. Here, we propose to infer CUE from spatially distributed observations of land-atmosphere CO2 exchange from global eddy covariance sites based on first principles of ecosystem respiration - photosynthesis coupling. Across 2737 site-years, CUE derived from eddy covariance observations is 0.43 ± 0.11, consistent with previous inventory-based estimates (0.46 ± 0.12, n = 244) but with a better representation of spatial-temporal variation in CUE. We find that CUE consistently decreases with temperature, precipitation, light availability and stand age, with a significant difference in the baseline CUE among biomes. Importantly, CUE of deciduous forests is typically 15% higher than that of evergreen forests, suggesting that over long-term deciduous forests are more efficient in using photosynthate. Our study advances the understanding of the global variation in CUE and provides new insights to guide best practices of forest conservation, management, and restoration for carbon sequestration.
Establishment of direct interspecies electron transfer through ethanol supply during azo dye Reactive Red 2 anaerobic degradation
Authors: Zhao Zisheng , Li Yixin , Wang Kang , An Yu , Zhang guangyi , Huang Long
Published: March 2024

Azo dye, for example reactive red 2, threatened the environment and human health when directly discharging into waters, and appropriate treatment methods are urgently required for such contaminants. In this study, ethanol was added to the digesters to promote azo dye Reactive Red 2 (RR2) anaerobic digestion efficiency. Results showed that the COD removal and RR2 removal efficiency were 37.0% and 63.2% in cycle 6 (only RR2 used as the substrates) in ethanol co-digested reactor, which was 16.0% and 54.5% higher than that in control reactor, and 14.5% and 52.0% higher than that in acetate co-digested reactor, respectively. Mechanisms exploration found that the electron transfer system (ETS) activity, specific methanogenic activity (SMA) and Coenzyme F420 of the sludge were effectively improved in ethanol co-digested reactor, which indicated that the addition of ethanol to anaerobic digester could enhance the activity of the microbial. Microbial community analysis showed that the electroactive microbial (Geobacter and Methanothrix) were more enriched in ethanol co-digested reactor. It was speculated that the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) process was possible established between Geobacter and Methanothrix, which played an important role for the improvement of RR2 removal efficiency in ethanol co-digested reactor.
Immune Infiltration-Related Genes Regulate the Progression of AML by Invading the Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Authors: Yu Shuangmei , Jiang Jiquan
Published: March 2024

Background:
Acute myeloid leukemia has a high degree of clinical heterogeneity, posing a severe threat to human health. The relationship between immune infiltration and the bone marrow microenvironment is not clear. It is essential to find the pathogenic role of immune-related genes in the bone marrow microenvironment of AML, providing a new perspective for clinical risk stratification and predicting prognosis.
Methods:
WGCNA was utilized to screen modules related to immune infiltration in the TCGA-LAML database. Unsupervised clustering and mutation analysis are used to obtain candidate genes. LASSO regression analysis is used to conduct risk stratification assessments. GO, KEGG, GSEA, and GSVA are used to elucidate the biological processes of DEGs and high-risk groups, respectively. The TIMER database, ImmuCellAI, and ssGSEA are used for immune infiltration analysis. Validation of relative expression levels of hub genes using RT-qPCR.
Results:
Through WGCNA, seven modules were obtained, among which the turquoise module containing 1793 genes was highly correlated with the immune infiltration score. By unsupervised clustering, the turquoise module was divided into two clusters. The intersection of clinically significant genes in the TCGA and DEGs to obtain 178 genes for mutation analysis, followed by obtaining 17 genes with high mutation frequency. Subsequently, 17 genes were subjected to LASSO regression analysis to construct a riskscore model of 8 genes. The TIMER database, ImmuCellAI portal website, and ssGSEA elucidate that hub genes and risk scores are closely related to immune cell infiltration into the bone marrow microenvironment. In addition, we also validated the relative expression levels of hub genes using the TCGA database and GSE114868, additional expression levels of hub genes in AML cell lines in vitro.
Conclusion:
We constructed an immune infiltration-related gene model with good risk stratification and predictive prognosis through WGCNA, unsupervised clustering, mutation analysis, and LASSO regression analysis, which is expected to become a potential prognostic tool for AML.
The Role of Education in Fostering Entrepreneurial Skills and Mindsets
Authors: Park Yuyeong
Published: March 2024

Entrepreneurship education plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the skills, mindset, and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern economy. This study examines the role of education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindsets, drawing upon a synthesis of existing literature and analysis of empirical evidence. Through a comprehensive review, several key themes emerge, including the diversity of entrepreneurship education initiatives, the importance of experiential learning, the role of educators and mentors, the significance of entrepreneurial ecosystems, the influence of contextual factors, and the need for rigorous evaluation. Findings suggest that entrepreneurship education encompasses a wide range of programs and approaches across educational settings, emphasizing creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Experiential learning emerges as a particularly effective pedagogical approach, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings and develop practical skills. Moreover, educators and mentors play a crucial role in shaping students' entrepreneurial development by providing guidance, support, and networking opportunities. Contextual factors, such as cultural norms and institutional frameworks, significantly influence the design and effectiveness of entrepreneurship education initiatives. However, realizing the full potential of entrepreneurship education requires a concerted effort to design inclusive, experiential, and contextually relevant initiatives. Furthermore, rigorous evaluation and research are needed to assess the long-term impact of entrepreneurship education on students' career trajectories and economic outcomes.