bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells restore ovarian function and metabolic profile in the rat model for polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Sarvestani Mojtaba , Rajabzadeh Alireza , Mazoochi Tahereh , Samimi Mansooreh , Navar Mohsen , Moradi Faezeh
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disturbance that affects many women worldwide and is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and ovarian dysfunction. Infertility, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and liver dysfunction are perturbations induced by PCOS. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently emerged as a potential therapy for metabolic disorders such as PCOS due to their anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, proangiogenic, and proliferative properties. Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs) are derived from the placenta and have advantages over other sources of MSCs in terms of availability, safety, and immunomodulation.
Materials and Methods
In this experimental study, we assigned twenty female Wistar rats into four groups (n = 5): control, sham, PCOS, and PCOS-PDMSCs. We induced PCOS in the rats by administering letrozole for 21 days. PDMSCs (1 × 106 cells) were injected through the tail vein. Fourteen days after cell infusion, we evaluated the number of healthy follicles, corpus luteum, and cystic follicles, as well as the levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance. Moreover, we measured the serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Liver function was determined by evaluating aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.
Results
The number of corpora luteum, primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles significantly elevated in the PCOS-PDMSCs group versus the PCOS group. The number of cystic follicles significantly decreased in the PCOS-PDMSCs group. LH and testosterone levels decreased significantly, while FSH levels increased significantly in the PCOS-PDMSCs group. Fasting blood glucose levels, fasting insulin levels, and insulin resistance notably decreased in the PCOS-PDMSCs group. The lipid profile improved in the PCOS-PDMSCs group with significant cholesterol, LDL, and TG decreases and an increase in HDL. The PCOS-PDMSCs group exhibited marked decreases in the AST and ALT levels.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that PDMSCs are a potential treatment option for PCOS because they can effectively restore folliculogenesis, correct hormonal imbalances, modify metabolic/lipid profiles, and alleviate liver dysfunction in a rat model of PCOS. However, further research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of PDMSCs for treating PCOS.
Willingness to accept Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) for Malaria Prevention and associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Kamil , Weldu Angesom , Bekele Bayu Begashaw
Published: January 2024

Background
Indoor residual spraying (IRS) remains one of the key vector control interventions for reducing malaria transmission. However, willingness to accept and determinants have not been well assessed in areas with less access to health facilities and infrastructure. Hence, this study aimed to assess households willingness to accept IRS and associated factors in Bench Sheko zone, Southwest Region of Ethiopia.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using 589 randomly selected household heads from April 1 to 30, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of willingness to accept IRS using SPSS version 25. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI was used to measure the strength of the association.
Result
The overall household willingness to accept IRS for malaria control was 59.4% (95% CI: 55.3%- 63.3%). Households with secondary school education and above (AOR = 4.4; 95% CI: 2.21–8.53; age ≥ 35 years, AOR = 3.51; 95% CI: 1.68–7.33; good knowledge about malaria, AOR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.21–4.26; receiving sensitization, AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.05–3.76; increased odds of accepting an IRS; perceived bedbug and flea activation, AOR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20–0.97; and decreased likelihood of IRS acceptance after controlling for other variables in the final model.
Conclusion
The willingness to accept the IRS was low due to socioeconomic, demographic, and behavioral factors. Therefore, enhancing targeted community sensitization activities and mobilization is crucial for maximizing the uptake and acceptance of the IRS.
A Novel Fast Railway Foreign Objects Intrusion Detection Method Based on Cascaded Convolution Neural Network and Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Meng Siming , Chen Weixun , Jiang Yuelong
Published: January 2024

The efficient and accurate detection of foreign objects invading railway tracks holds paramount importance in safeguarding the safety of train operations. Focusing on the problem of the low efficiency of the existing foreign objects detection methods, this work proposes a fast railway foreign objects intrusion detection method based on cascaded convolution neural network and knowledge distillation. First, a two-stage cascade convolution neural network is built.The first stage can identify whether the railway images are intruded by foreign objects or not. This is achieved by a light weight image classification network.In the second stage,YOLOv3 is employed to classify and locate the objects in the intruded railway image. The use of lightweight classification network can reduce the use of the object detection network, thus improving the overall efficiency of the railway foreign objects intrusion detection method in this paper. Secondly, this paper employs the Overhaul knowledge distillation algorithm to train a lightweight network that is supervised by a larger network, so that the lightweight network constructed in this paper also has satisfying image classification performance. Finally, the YOLOv3 object detection network is used to detect the foreign object image classified by the first level network. The experimental results demonstrate that the accuracy of the image classification network proposed in this paper is competitive to the classical backbone network, and the FPS is about 50–70 higher than the comparison method.
Hypothyroidism and Preeclampsia or Eclampsia: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: XIE Yafei , YIN Qiaozhi
Published: January 2024

Objective
Numerous observational studies have consistently demonstrated an elevated risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia among individuals with hypothyroidism; however, the establishment of a causal relationship between these conditions has remained inconclusive due to inherent confounding biases in traditional retrospective and prospective studies. This study employs two-sample Mendelian randomization to investigate the causal impact of hypothyroidism on preeclampsia and eclampsia.
Methods
Independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with hypothyroidism were selected as instrumental variables from a FinnGen Consortium comprising 26,306 hypothyroid patients of European origin and 187,684 controls, and the pooled statistics for pre-eclampsia or eclampsia included 3,903 cases and 114,735 controls. Inverse variance-weighted (IVW) was used as the primary estimate, supplemented by MR-Egger and weighted medians. Heterogeneity and horizontal polymorphisms were assessed using MR-PRESSO to remove biased SNPs, Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept analysis.
Result
Individuals with higher genetic liability for hypothyroidism were more likely to develop preeclampsia or eclampsia (OR,1.105; 95%CI,1.02–1.12; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
We discovered that the risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia in women with genetically indicated hypothyroidism has existed since development. Our findings may encourage hypothyroid women of reproductive age to seek treatment before trying to get pregnant in order to lower their risk of preeclampsia or eclampsia during pregnancy.
Characterization and authentication of anoikis signature forecast clinical features, TMB mutations and immune-filtration in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: An Shaogu , Xu Ziwei , Ma Junjie , Gao Shuang , Chen Chunchun , Hu Junjie , Lu Jin , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2024

Background
Ongoing research has underlined the significant biological dimensions of anoikis in carcinogenicity and progression of multiple tumors. However, there is no definitive role for anoikis in the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and the tumor microenvironment (TME).
Methods
In this study, we employed ssGSEA to construct anoikis scores for 273 anoikis genes and screened 184 anoikis-associated genes by WGCNA and single-cell sequencing. The LASSO algorithm configured the LUAD prognostic risk cohort, and the CIBERSORT algorithm assessed differences in the infiltration abundance of 22 immune cells. The TIDE algorithm calculated discrimination based on anoikis risk cohort for immune therapy variation. Finally, the prognostic value of the two models was evaluated separately by machine learning algorithms.
Results
ssGSEA calculated the anoikis-related gene score (ARGS), which was classified into high ARGS and low ARGS based on the prognosis of LUAD patients. Single-cell sequencing verified the distribution of ARGS on different cellular taxa and constructed a set of models to predict LUAD based on the differential genes of high and low ARGS. Single-cell sequencing was performed to validate the distribution of ARGS in different cell populations and to construct a set of predictive models for LUAD based on the differential genes of high and low ARGS, Risk was developed based on LOX, MSX1, FSTL3, STEAP1, PMEPA1, SNAI1, ABCA6, PLOD2, SEMA3A, FRMD6. Further validation was performed in the Gene Expression Omnibus score (GEO) dataset. The immune and mesenchymal scores were generated by an estimation algorithm for LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and assessed the relationship between higher and lower-risk groups of the model. Higher risk was also negatively associated with the abundance of B cells, CD4 + T cells, and other stromal or immune cells. Mutations in genes occurred more frequently in the high-risk group. These mutations may be associated with changes in TME and suggest the patient's response to immunotherapy. For the drug sensitivity analysis, the high-risk group had a lower IC50 in some chemotherapeutic agents and targeted agents, suggesting that the high-risk group is more sensitive to these agents.
Conclusion
This study reinforces that anoikis patterns are significantly associated with the diversity and complexity of TME. Quantitative assessment of anoikis modification patterns in LUAD will reinforce our insights into TME characteristics and catalyze more effective immunotherapeutic strategies.
Comparison of Safety Profiles for Dapagliflozin Based on Safety Issues of EMA and FDA: Challenges and Future of Post-Marketing Surveillance in Korea
Authors: Park Suvin , Kim Hee-Jin , Won Heehyun , Lee Huieon , Cho Haerin , Choi Nam-Kyong
Published: January 2024

Europe, the United States, and Korea each have post-marketing surveillance (PMS) systems for rare or unexpected adverse events (AEs). To compare similarities in the PMS AEs from three regulatory agencies, we used information on the regulatory decisions for dapagliflozin. We examined the risk management plan of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the drug label of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In Korea, we utilized the outcomes of the signal detection we conducted using the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) data and the results of the use-result surveillance listed on the drug labels. Based on the safety issues of EMA and FDA, signals from KAERS and AEs from the use-result surveillance were manually matched and compared. We compared 38 signals from KAERS and 231 AEs from the use-result surveillance data based on 17 safety issues identified by EMA and FDA. We found that 71% of these safety issues were consistent with those in Korea. However, bladder carcinoma, haematocrit increased, hypoglycaemia, low-density lipoprotein increased, and prostate cancer were not identified in Korea. The EMA and FDA have implemented ongoing PMS systems to identify and address long-term AEs. Korea needs to develop processes for strengthening and evaluating signals.
Disciplining Ballots? – (Un-intended) Effects of Voter Engagement on the Fiscal Sustainability of Swiss Cantons
Authors: Bury Yannick , Feld Lars P. , Köhler Ekkehard A.
Published: January 2024

We test whether the proactive use of instruments of direct democracy by voters can help to explain fiscal sustainability of 25 Swiss cantons. Using data of all cantonal popular votes since 1977, our results show that the fiscal reaction of cantonal governments to an increase in the debt to GDP ratio of a canton is stronger, the more cantonal voters actively made use of their direct democratic rights in the previous year.
JEL Codes: H11 H50 D72
Pathways and identity: toward qualitative research careers in child and adolescent psychiatry
Authors: Martin Andres , diGiovanni Madeline , Acquaye Amber , Ponticiello Matthew , Chou Débora Tseng , Neto Emilio Abelama , Michel Alexandre , Sibeoni Jordan , Piot Marie-Aude , Spodenkiewicz Michel , Benoit Laelia
Published: January 2024

Objective
Qualitative research methods are based on the analysis of words rather than numbers; they encourage self-reflection on the investigator’s part; they are attuned to social interaction and nuance; and they incorporate their subjects’ thoughts and feelings as primary sources. Despite appearing ideally suited for research in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP), qualitative methods have had relatively minor uptake in the discipline. We conducted a qualitative study of CAPs involved in qualitative research to learn about this shortcoming, and to identify modifiable factors to promote qualitative methods within the field of youth mental health.
Methods
We conducted individual, semi-structured 1-hour long interviews through Zoom. Using purposive sample, we selected 23 participants drawn from the US (n=12) and from France (n=11), and equally divided in each country across seniority level. All participants were current or aspiring CAPs and had published at least one peer-reviewed qualitative article. Ten participants were women (44%). We recorded all interviews digitally and transcribed them for analysis. We coded the transcripts according to the principles of thematic analysis and approached data analysis, interpretation, and conceptualization informed by an interpersonal phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework.
Results
Through iterative thematic analysis we developed a conceptual model consisting of three domains: (1) Becominga qualitativist: embracing a different way of knowing (in turn divided into the three themes of priming factors/personal fit; discovering qualitative research; and transitioning in); (2) Being a qualititavist: immersing oneself in a different kind of research (in turn divided into quality: doing qualitative research well; and community: mentors, mentees, and teams); and (3) Nurturing: toward a higher quality future in CAP (in turn divided into current state of qualitative methods in CAP; and advocating for qualitative methods in CAP). For each domain, we go on to propose specific strategies to enhance entry into qualitative careers and research in CAP: (1) Becoming: personalizing the investigator’s research focus; balancing inward and outward views; and leveraging practical advantages; (2) Being: seeking epistemological flexibility; moving beyond bibliometrics; and the potential and risks of mixing methods; and (3) Nurturing: invigorating a quality pipeline; and building communities.
Conclusions
We have identified factors that can impede or support entry into qualitative research among CAPs. Based on these modifiable findings, we propose possible solutions to enhance entry into qualitative methods in CAP (pathways), and to foster longer-term commitment to this type of research (identity).
Generalized weak Galerkin finite element method for linear elasticity interface problems
Authors: Wang Yue , Gao Fuzheng
Published: January 2024

A generalized weak Galerkin finite element method for linear elasticity interface problems is presented. The generalized weak gradient (divergence) is consisted of classical gradient (divergence) and the solution of local problem. Thus, the finite element space can be extended to arbitrary combination of piecewise polynomial spaces. The error equation and error estimates with flexible combination are proved. The numerical results illustrate the efficiency and flexibility for different interfaces, partitions and combinations, the locking-free property, the well performance for low regularity solution in discrete energy, L^2 and L^∞ norms. Meanwhile, we present the numerical comparison between our algorithm and the weak Galerkin finite element algorithm to demonstrate the flexibility of our algorithm. In addition, for some cases, the convergence rates in numerical tests are obviously higher than the theoretical prediction for the smooth and low regularity solutions.
Weight Estimation in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) And/Or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD): A Comparison Between Mercy and Cattermole Methods
Authors: Zulkifli Maizatul Naqiah , Ibrahim Nurul Huda , Awiskarnis Anis Aslah , Kassim Norasimah , Mesbah Siti Farhana , Othman Salimah , Omar Mohd Azahadi
Published: January 2024

Weight is an essential parameter in identifying nutritional status in children with special healthcare needs including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). However, weight measurement using a standard scale is challenging especially for children who are nervous and uncooperative. Therefore, this study aims to determine the accuracy of the weight estimation methods between Mercy and Cattermole in estimating weight in children with ASD and/or ADHD at selected community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centers located in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Negeri Sembilan. A total of 198 children with ASD and/or ADHD aged 2-18 years participated in the cross-sectional study through a convenience sampling technique. Anthropometric measurements included weight, humeral length, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) were measured and applied to two distinct methods for estimating weight, Cattermole and Mercy. Mean error (ME), mean percentage error (MPE), root mean square error (RMSE), limits of agreement (LoA), and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine the validity, reliability, and agreement between estimated weight and actual weight. The mean age of children was 8.07 years (SD: 3.72). The Mercy method demonstrated the smallest degree of bias including absolute MPE (-1.9 ± 11.1% vs. 12.0 ± 21.5%), and RMSE (3.36 kg vs. 6.19 kg). Mercy had the highest ICC value (0.988 vs. 0.954) and the estimated weight was within 20% of the actual weight in the majority of subjects (93.9% vs. 63.1%) compared to Cattermole method. The Mercy method provides the best option for weight estimation in Malaysian children with ASD and/or ADHD aged between 2 to 18 years old if the standard weight measurement is unavailable.
Accurate Prediction of Protein-Ligand Interactions by Combining Physical Energy Functions and Graph-Neural Networks
Authors: Hong Yiyu , Ha Junsu , Lim Chae Jo , Oh Kwang-Seok , Chandrasekaran Ramakrishnan , Kim Bomin , Choi Jieun , Ko Junsu , Shin Woong-Hee , Lee Juyong
Published: January 2024

While current computer-aided drug discovery methods offer accuracy or computational efficiency in predicting protein-ligand binding affinities, they face challenges in large-scale virtual screenings. Although promising, machine-learning models have shortcomings stemming from limited training sets and docking pose uncertainties. To address these shortcomings, we introduce AK-Score2, a novel protein-ligand interaction prediction model. This model uniquely integrates three independent models designed to predict interaction probability, binding affinity, and root-mean-square deviation of complexes. AK-Score2 considers both binding affinity errors and pose prediction uncertainties by incorporating native-like and decoy conformations. A distinctive feature of AK-Score2 is its combination of outputs from the three models with a physics-based scoring function, offering a harmonized prediction method. The benchmark results with three independent decoy sets demonstrate that AK-Score2 significantly outperforms in forward screening than existing machine learning models and physics-based scoring functions. A practical validation study identified 23 active autotaxin inhibitors out of 63 candidates, demonstrating a significant efficiency in hit discovery.
A comparative study on the vector description of typical structured light beams
Authors: Ma Wangqi , Cui Zhiwei , Cao Xinyi , Liu Lanbo , Zhao Wenjuan
Published: January 2024

Recent years have witnessed a surge of interest in studying structured light beams, which exhibit a series of interesting properties and have potential applications in many fields, especially in the field of optical trapping and manipulation. An accurate description of the structured light beams is the theoretical basis for such an application. As a special type of electromagnetic waves, the structured light beams need to be described using full vector methods. In this paper, we report a comparative study of the vector potential method and the vector angular spectrum representation for describing the structured light beams. The basic principles and formulas of these two full vector methods are presented. Explicit expressions for the electric and magnetic field components of the typical structured light beams, including the fundamental Gaussian beams, Hermite-Gaussian beams, Laguerre-Gaussian beams, Bessel beams, and Airy beams, are systematically derived. The results obtained from the two methods are compared and analyzed. Our results are very useful to the implementation of the structured light beams in various theoretical and numerical methods for scattering by particles.
Plasmon properties in four-layer graphene structures: Temperature and Inhomogeneity effects
Authors: Phuong Dong Thi Kim , Van Men Nguyen
Published: January 2024

We employ the random-phase approximation to determine the collective excitations and respective broadening functions in 4-MLG structures on an inhomogeneous background dielectric within the temperature effects. Computations present that four plasmon modes exist, corresponding to one in-phase and three out-of-phase oscillations of charged particles, in the systems. We obtain that plasmon frequency and respective broadening functions behave as increasing functions of temperature with sufficiently large wave vectors. Dissimilarly, in small wave vector regions, the increase in temperature slightly decreases plasmon energy, but further temperature increases increase this parameter. In addition, as the separation increases, both plasmon frequency and broadening functions significantly decrease, and the inhomogeneity of the dielectric background decreases strongly plasmon energy and its loss. We observe that both temperature and the inhomogeneity of the environment should be taken into account in calculations.
PACS: 73.22.Pr; 73.20.Mf; 73.21.Ac
Life Disturbance and Hospital Visit Barriers among Chinese Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: An ZiYan , Zhou QiWei , Shao JinPeng , Xiao ShuWei , Zhao Kun , Wei WenJie , Wu YangYang , Song Yong , Yuan Qing , Fu WeiJun , Zhang Xu
Published: January 2024

Background: The impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on the quality of life of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been rarely reported. Additionally, the challenges faced by these patients in seeking medical care have often been overlooked. In order to explore the personal struggles caused by LUTS and the difficulties or barriers experienced by Chinese patients with BPH when seeking help, we conducted a qualitative interview study.
Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted among 46 patients with BPH who were hospitalized in three tertiary hospitals in China from July 2021 to November 2022. After obtaining written informed consent from the study participants, semi-structured interviews were conducted according to the question guidelines. The interview process was audio-recorded; subsequently, the recordings were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed.
Results:The difficulties faced by Chinese patients with BPH were classified into seven main themes: (i) disturbed life, (ii) mental burden, (iii) disease cognition and communication, (iv) delayed treatment, (v) treatment status, (vi) hospital visits barriers, and (vii) medical insurance issues. Further, each theme was subdivided into 2–5 sub-themes.
Conclusions: LUTS have a certain effect on the life and spirit of patients with BPH. These patients face different degrees of difficulties in treatment and hospital visits. Therefore, better healthcare systems and additional social support are crucial for improving the current plight of these patients.
Dietary carotenoid intake and fracture risk based on NHANES 2018- 2020 data: A propensity Score Matching
Authors: Charkos Tesfaye Getachew , Lemi Hunde
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Several epidemiological studies reported inconsistent findings on the association between carotenoid intake and fracture risk. This study aimed to determine the association between individual carotenoid intake with fracture risk.
Methods: A cross-sectional study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2018–2020. This study identified elderly individuals with valid and complete data on carotenoid intake and fracture risk. The average dieary intakes of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein+zeaxanthin was taken based on the two 24-hour recall interviews. Matching was done based on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression models were used to test the associations between carotenoids and fracture risk. All analyses were performed by using the R (Version: 3.4.3; R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria)
Results: A total of 5491 (1140 cases and 4351 control) subjects were included in this study. The average age of the subjects was 55.62 ± 14.84 years old. In the adjusted model, The risk of osteoporotic fracture was decreased by 6.2% (Odd Ratio (OR): 0.938; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.699 to 0.989) and 1.4% (OR 0.986; 95%CI: 0.975 to 0.997) for dietary intake of beta-carotene and lycopene respectively.
Conclusions: Dietary intakes of beta-carotene and lycopene have significantly reduced the risk of osteoporotic fracture among the elderly population in the United States of America.
Transparent framework to assess the revision of national climate pledges
Authors: Tanaka Katsumasa , Tibrewal Kushal , Ciais Philippe , Boucher Olivier
Published: January 2024

Parties to the Paris Agreement will revise their Nationally Determined Contributions following the first Global Stocktake concluded in December 2023. To assess the impact of potential future climate pledges, we propose a simple, transparent framework for developing emission and temperature scenarios by country. We show that current pledges with unconditional targets lead to global warming of 1.96 (1.39-2.6)°C by 2100. Further warming could be limited through i) commitment to mid-century net-zero targets for all countries and earlier net-zero targets for developed countries, ii) enhancement of the Global Methane Pledge, and iii) ambitious implementation of the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. Our analysis further shows that overshooting 1.5°C is unavoidable, even with supplementary climate engineering strategies, suggesting the need for strategies to limit further overshoot and ultimately reduce the warming towards 1.5°C.
MHC class I chain-related genes B shedding modulates pancreatic tumor immunity via the activation of NKG2DLow T cells
Authors: Toyoda Hitoshi , Kuramasu Atsuo , Hosonuma Masahiro , Murayama Masakazu , Narikawa Yoichiro , Isobe Junya , Baba Yuta , Tajima Kohei , Funayama Eiji , Shida Midori , Hirasawa Yuya , Tsurui Toshiaki , Ariizumi Hirotsugu , Ishiguro Tomoyuki , Suzuki Risako , Kobayashi Sei , Horiike Atsushi , Hida Noriko , Sambe Takehiko , Nobe Koji , Wada Satoshi , Tsuji Mayumi , Kobayashi Shinichi , Tsunoda Takuya , Kudo Yoshifumi , Kiuchi Yuji , Yoshimura Kiyoshi
Published: January 2024

Natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2DLs) are expressed as stress response proteins in cancer cells. NKG2DLs induce immune cell activation or tumor escape responses, depending on their expression. Human pancreatic cancer cells, PANC-1, express membrane MHC class I chain-related genes A/B (mMICA/B), whereas soluble MICB (sMICB) is detected in the culture supernatant. We hypothesized that sMICB saturates NKG2D in NKG2D-low T cells (NKG2DLow T cells) and inhibits the activation signal from mMICB to NKG2D. Our findings revealed that the downregulation of MICB expression reduced sMICB level, downregulated mMICB expression, maintained NKG2DLow T cell activation, and inhibited NKG2DHigh T cell activation. To maintain mMICB expression and downregulate sMICB expression, we inhibited a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM), a metalloproteinase that sheds MICB. Subsequently, the shedding of MICB was prevented using ADAM17 inhibitors, and the activation of NKG2DLow T cells was maintained. These results elucidate the mechanism of immune escape via sMICB and show potential for the activation of NKG2DLow T cells within the tumor microenvironment.
Decrease of alpha crystallin A by miR-325-3p in retinal cells under blue light exposure
Authors: Oh Subeen , Kim Chongtae , Park Young-Hoon
Published: January 2024

Exposure to blue light can lead to retinal degeneration, causing adverse effects on eye health. Although the loss of retinal cells due to blue light exposure has been observed, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the role of alpha crystallin A (CRYAA) in neuro-retinal degeneration and their regulation by blue light. We observed significant apoptotic cell death in both the retina of rats and the cultured neuro-retinal cells. The expressions of Cryaa mRNA and protein were significantly down-regulated in the retina exposed to blue light. We identified that miR-325-3p reduces Cryaa mRNA and protein by binding to its 3'-untranslated region (UTR). Up-regulation of miR-325-3p destabilized Cryaa mRNA and suppresses CRYAA, whereas down-regulation of miR-325-3p increased both expressions. Blue light-induced neuro-retinal cell death was alleviated by CRYAA overexpression. These results highlight the critical role of Cryaa mRNA and miR-325-3p molecular axis in blue light-induced retinal degeneration. Consequently, targeting CRYAA and miR-325-3p presents a potential strategy for protecting against blue light-induced retinal degeneration.
Study on type I fracture characteristics and double K toughness model testing of anchored sandstone
Authors: Zhao Tong-bin , Zhang Wei , Xing Ming-lu
Published: January 2024

Engineering rock masses prone to type I tensile cracks due to excavation unloading can be reinforced with anchor rods to increase the proportion of stable fracture stage and reduce the probability of brittle failure. However, based on the traditional strength analysis method, the relationship of σ-ε is difficult to fully explain. Therefore, it holds crucial engineering and theoretical value to explore the failure mechanism of anchored rock based on the characteristics of fracture mechanics. In this paper, the fracture toughness of rock with different bolt crack relative positions and preloads is tested through speckle light measurement. The double K fracture criterion is introduced, and the mechanism of crack arrest and toughening of bolts is discussed based on the net stress intensity factor theory. The research results indicate that the closing force generated by the lateral action of the anchor rod significantly reduces the range of rock strain localization. While it has a limited effect on delaying rock cracking, it can effectively delay crack propagation and intersection. The initiation and instability fracture toughness of rocks show a logarithmic increasing trend with the shortening of the relative position between anchor bolts and cracks and the increase of preload. Increasing the net stress intensity factor at the crack tip of the bolt improves the rock crack initiation and unstable fracture toughness. After anchoring, the rock crack initiation and unstable fracture toughness increased by 90% and 130%, respectively. The length and time of the stable crack growth stage increased by 50% and 70%, respectively.
Inequity in clinical research access for service users presenting comorbidity within alcohol treatment settings: findings from a focused ethnographic study
Authors: Hemrage Sofia , Parkin Stephen , Kalk Nicola J , Shah Naina , Deluca Paolo , Drummond Colin
Published: January 2024

Background
While healthcare policy has fostered implementation strategies to improve inclusion and access of under-served groups to clinical care, systemic and structural factors still disproportionately prevent service users from accessing research opportunities embedded within clinical settings. This contributes to the widening of health inequalities, as the absence of representativeness prevents the applicability and effectiveness of evidence-based interventions in under-served clinical populations. The present study aims to identify the individual (micro), organisational (meso) and structural (macro) barriers to clinical research access in patients with comorbid alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related liver disease.
Methods
A focused ethnography approach was employed to explore the challenges experienced by patients in the access to and implementation of research processes within clinical settings. Data were collected through an iterative-inductive approach, using field notes and patient interview transcripts. The framework method was utilised for data analysis, and themes were identified at the micro, meso and macro levels.
Results
At the micro-level, alcohol-related barriers included encephalopathy and acute withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol-unrelated barriers also shaped the engagement of service users in research. At the meso-level, staff and resource pressures, as well as familiarity with clinical and research facilities were noted as influencing intervention delivery and study retention. At the wider, macro-level, circumstances including the ‘cost of living crisis’ and national industrial action within healthcare settings had an impact on research processes. The findings emphasise a ‘domino effect’ across all levels, demonstrating an interplay between individual, organisational and structural factors influencing access to clinical research.
Conclusions
A combination of individual, organisational and structural factors, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the socioeconomic landscape in which the study was conducted further contributed to the unequal access of under-served groups to clinical research participation. For patients with comorbid alcohol use disorder and alcohol-related liver disease, limited access to research further contributes towards a gap in effective evidence-based treatment, exacerbating health inequalities in this clinical population.
Exploring Granola Production Through Oven And Microwave Baking With Different Sweeteners In Trendy Breakfast Cereal
Authors: Erdoğan Selma Lubabe , Çetintaş Yunus , Barut Yeliz Tekgül , Süfer Özge , Koç Gülşah Çalışkan , Yüksel Ayşe Nur
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to create and characterize an innovative granola, a popular choice in fast-food breakfasts. The granola samples were sweetened with agave syrup (A), honey (H), and stevia (S), and produced using conventional oven (1) and microwave (2) baking techniques at temperatures of 160°C and 300 W, respectively. Among the samples, H1 exhibited the highest total sugar content (26.64 ng/µl), with fructose being the predominant monosaccharide in A and H samples, while saccharose and maltose were more prominent in S-containing samples. Hydroxymethylfurfural was absent in S2, but its concentrations ranged between 10.52 and 85.78 ppm in the other samples. Linoleic acid constituted nearly 52% of the fatty acid composition in all granolas. Limonene (55.23–63.88%) and γ-terpinene (11.88–15.37%) were the most abundant volatile compounds. In terms of organic acid composition, malic acid ranged between 1189.55 and 2022.95 µg/ml, and citric acid fell within the range of 341.58 and 1824.04 µg/ml. The granola specimens also contained individual phenolic compounds such as vanillic acid, vanillin, ferulic acid, propyl gallate, and pyrocatechol. Sensory results suggested that, overall acceptability score of both A2 and H2 sample was approximately the same and located at the top.
Human-Centered Design of a Novel Soft Exosuit for Post-Stroke Gait Rehabilitation
Authors: Krishnan Chandramouli , Adeeko Olugbenga P. , Washabaugh Edward Peter , Augenstein Thomas E , Brudzinski Maureen , Portelli Alyssa , Kalpakjian Claire Zabelle
Published: January 2024

Background Stroke remains a major cause of long-term adult disability in the United States, necessitating effective rehabilitation strategies for post-stroke gait impairments. Despite advancements in post-stroke care, existing rehabilitation often falls short, prompting the development of devices like robots and exoskeletons. However, these technologies often lack crucial input from end-users, such as clinicians, patients, and caregivers, hindering their clinical utility. Employing a human-centered design approach can enhance the design process and address user-specific needs. Objective To establish a proof-of-concept of the human-centered design approach by refining the NewGait® exosuit device for post-stroke gait rehabilitation. Methods Using iterative design sprints, the research focused on understanding the perspectives of clinicians, stroke survivors, and caregivers. Two design sprints were conducted, including empathy interviews at the beginning of the design sprint to integrate end-users’ insights. After each design sprint, the NewGait device underwent refinements based on emerging issues and recommendations. The final prototype underwent mechanical testing for durability and a system usability evaluation, comparing it with the original NewGait device and a commercial product, Theratogs®. Results Affinity mapping from the design sprints identified crucial categories for stakeholder adoption, including fit for females, ease of donning and doffing, and usability during barefoot walking. To address these issues, a system redesign was implemented within weeks, incorporating features like a loop-backed neoprene, a novel closure mechanism for the shoulder harness, and a hook-and-loop design for the waist belt. Additional improvements included reconstructing anchors with rigid hook materials and replacing latex elastic bands with non-latex silicone-based bands for enhanced durability. Further, changes to the dorsiflexion anchor were made to allow for barefoot walking. Mechanical testing revealed a remarkable 10-fold increase in durability, enduring 500,000 cycles without degradation. Usability testing indicated superior performance of the stroke-specific NewGait device, scoring 84.3 on the system usability scale compared to 62.7 for the original NewGait device and 46.9 for Theratogs. Conclusion This study successfully establishes the proof-of-concept for a human-centered design approach using design sprints to rapidly develop a stroke-specific gait rehabilitation system. Future research should focus on evaluating the clinical efficacy and effectiveness of the NewGait device for post-stroke rehabilitation.
A 3.55-μm ultrathin, skin-like mechanoresponsive, compliant, and seamless ionic conductive electrode for epidermal electrophysiological signal acquisition and human-machine-interaction
Authors: Zhang Likun , Chen Zhenglin , Ying Huazhang , Du Zhicheng , Song Ziwu , Chen Jiaju , Yuan Xi , Yang Canhui , Pandey Vijay , Zhang Can Yang , Yu Dongmei , Ding Wenbo , Xing Xinhui , Ji Jiansong , Yan Chenggang , Qin Peiwu
Published: January 2024

Flexible ionic conductive electrodes, as a fundamental component for electrical signal transmission, play a crucial role in skin-surface electronic devices. Developing a skin-seamlessly electrode that can effectively capture long-term, artifacts-free, and high-quality electrophysiological signals, remains a challenge. Herein, we report an ultra-thin and dry electrode consisting of deep eutectic solvent (DES) and zwitterions (CEAB), which exhibit significantly lower reactance and noise in both static and dynamic monitoring compared to standard Ag/AgCl gel electrodes. Our electrodes have skin-like mechanical properties (strain-rigidity relationship and flexibility), outstanding adhesion, and high electrical conductivity. Consequently, they excel in consistently capturing high-quality epidermal biopotential signals, such as the electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), and electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Furthermore, we demonstrate the promising potential of the electrodes in clinical applications by effectively distinguishing aberrant EEG signals associated with depressive patients. Meanwhile, through the integration of CEAB electrodes with digital processing and advanced algorithms, valid gesture control of artificial limbs based on EMG signals is achieved, highlighting its capacity to significantly enhance human-machine interaction.
Recovery of Astaxanthin from Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Waste by Using Thermo-reversible Ionic Liquid-Water Systems: Phase Behavior, Extraction and Residue Utilization
Authors: Yu Qian , Li Yan , Yu Jinghua , Gao Jing
Published: January 2024

Conventional extraction techniques to recover astaxanthin from shrimp waste usually rely on organic solvents. In this study, ionic liquids were used to form thermo-reversible biphasic systems with water, and the systems were applied to extract astaxanthin from antarctic krill waste. The phase diagrams and physicochemical properties of the systems were investigated. Then the extraction conditions were studied to obtain high astaxanthin yield. Moreover, the extraction mechanism was revealed and the storage stability of the extract was evaluated. Furthermore, the extraction residue was used as bio-adsorbent to remove organic dyes to maximize the utilization of shrimp waste. Results show the system formed by tetrabutylphosphonoium trifluoroacetate ([P4444]CF3COO) achieved highest extraction efficiency up to 35.78μg/g under optimal conditions (308.15K, solid-liquid ratio of 1:40, and extraction time of 75min) as compared with pure [P4444]CF3COO and ethanol. Astaxanthin tended to transfer into the IL-rich phase after the two-phase forming due to hydrogen bonding with [P4444]CF3COO. In addition, the shrimp shell residues with spongy and porous surface presented great removal of 92.6% for Congo red and 97.31% for methylene blue. The study provided a novel and efficiency method to recover astaxanthin from shrimp waste, and meanwhile prepared a biosorbent from the extracted residue.
Proposing the flexible application of heat safety thresholds for junior high and high school sports clubs in Japan
Authors: oyama Takahiro , Honda Yasushi , Fujii Minoru , Nakajima Kenichi , Hijioka Yasuaki
Published: January 2024

Objectives
To verify the appropriateness of applying uniform heat safety thresholds (HSTs) in sports club activities at Japanese junior high and high schools, and to propose the flexible application of HSTs according to the conditions of the activity.
Methods
A case-crossover study was conducted using 2011–2019 heat illness incident data from Japanese junior high and high school sports club activities and hourly wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) data from nearby locations. Controls were matched for each case by year, month, day of the week (DOW), and hour for conditional logistic regression analysis, and explanatory variables were selected by the Group Lasso method. An analysis stratified by the selected explanatory variables was also conducted.
Results
Ten explanatory variables were selected: the WBGT at the time of the incident (WBGT-Incident), average WBGT of the previous day (WBGT-Prev), average WBGT during the summer season (WBGT-Summer), type of school, club, location, year, month, DOW, and hour. There was a significant relationship between heat illness incidence and both the WBGT-Incident and WBGT-Prev, regardless of whether stratification was used. Additionally, when the data were stratified by club, location, year, month, and DOW, the strata showed significant differences.
Conclusion
Heat illness risk varies with factors such as heat acclimatization, location, and duration, and applying uniform HSTs is inappropriate. We recommend using condition-tailored thresholds up to 3 ~ 4°C lower than the current HSTs, particularly during cooler summer months of April to June, on days with an unusually high WBGT, outdoor activities, and longer activity durations.
The Badolo HealthResilience Scientific Framework for health system resilience roadmaps
Authors: Badolo Mathieu
Published: January 2024

Baground: Health systems resilience to climate change is an essential aspect of overall resilience to climate change in a given context. Significant impacts of climate change on health systems could significantly reduce the capacities and resources of the main socio-economic sectors for resilience and development. particularly, climate change impacts on health systems would increase social inequality and disparities. The development of efficient scientific frameworks for the construction of inclusive configurations of health systems on which climate change has only residual impacts remains a scientific challenge to be considered. Methods: The purpose of this article is to describe the Badolo HealthResilience scientific framework for climate resilience of health systems. It includes methodological tools, bodies of information and solutions and a resilience scheme for efficient resilience roadmaps, based on the concepts of residual vulnerabilities, residual impacts and resilience configurations, trajectories and markers. It integrates contextual specificities, gender, social inclusion and population migration risks. Results: The results of this article include methodological tools, climate change impact vectors, climate vulnerability vectors, climate resilience vectors, gender and social inclusion vectors, population migration risks integration vectors and health systems resilience roadmaps, that are decision-making tools for formulating, planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating health systems resilience to climate change, based on contextual challenges and capacities. Conclusion: The Badolo HealthResilience scientific framework can be a decision-making tool to build more relevant, efficient and effective health systems resilience governance models. The main levers of these governance models are the engagement, mobilization, participation and contribution of populations