bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation and Effectiveness of Self-Assessment Scale on Active Learning and Critical Thinking (SSACT) using Flipped Classroom and Journal Club Techniques
Authors: Ahmad Maryam , Mumtaz Sadaf , Mumtaz Rafia , Rizwan Fatima , Nawaz Zerlis , Malik Nasir Javed
Published: September 2023

Background:
Rapid changes in medical education have led to the inclusion of different teaching strategies in the curriculum. Journal clubs and flipped classrooms are innovative techniques that are used worldwide. We have combined these techniques to assess their impact on critical thinking and active learning among dental students using SSACT questionnaire. This is a rigorous step for inculcating evidence-based medicine skills in early years of medical education.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Dental College HITEC-IMS using convenience sampling. The SSACT questionnaire was validated through a pilot study. Students prepared and delivered PowerPoint presentations on the assigned topic. Instructors evaluated the presentations using judgment criteria from Texas Undergraduate Studies.
Results:
This study included 46 students (86% female, 14% male) with a mean age of 19 years. The reliability and internal consistency of the tool, as measured by Cronbach's alpha, was found to be 0.8. Paired sample t-test showed a mean value of 0.68 ± 0.4. The p value was highly significant (0.00). A significant majority (n = 41, 89%) showed a positive attitude towards setting their own learning objectives. An increase in the utilization of multiple learning strategies for independent learning, and reflecting on the learning process was seen at 93% (n = 43) and 98% (n = 45) respectively. Students reported enhancement in team-based performance (n = 44, 78%), demonstrated improvements in communication of ideas, application of previous knowledge from independent study, and linking of previous and new knowledge 93% (n = 43). The implementation of scenario-based questions has been found to significantly increase critical thinking skills among a majority of students (n = 40, 87%).
Conclusion:
Our results show that implementation of journal clubs and flip classrooms in a combined fashion has led to overall enhancement of critical thinking and active learning and SSACT questionnaire is a valid tool for self-assessment of students in our population.
Orthodontic Management of a developing Dentigerous Cyst related to lower second molar: A Case Report
Authors: El-Beialy Amr , BinRahima AbdulMonem Moftah , Shhab Mohammed Al , Mostafa Yehya
Published: September 2023

The dentigerous cyst is a developmental odontogenic asymptomatic cyst, that is associated with the crown of an unerupted or impacted tooth. Early diagnosis is important to avoid any related complications and elect the best treatment option. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management of a dentigerous cyst related to lower second molar in a young female patient using orthodontic traction as a conservative treatment plan. This procedure helps to spare the patient an unnecessary surgical excision procedure with the accompanied bone removal with safety margin, stimulates bone healing and promotes the eruption of the cyst-associated tooth.
Exposure to phthalates and their alternatives in relation to biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in adults: Evidence from NHANES 2017-2018
Authors: Jin Shihao , Cui Shanshan , Mu Xiaoyu , Liu Zhao , Han Yu , Cui Tingkai , Xiong Wenjuan , Xi Wei , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2023

Phthalates and their alternatives are considered significant environmental risk factors that potentially influence inflammation and oxidative stress. However, their impact on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress was inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the associations between phthalates and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and white blood cell (WBC) counts, employing both univariate exposure and multivariate co-exposure models. For this analysis, a total of 1619 individuals aged 18 years and above, sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2017 and 2018, were selected as subjects. We explored the associations between hsCRP, GGT, and WBC counts and eighteen different phthalate metabolites. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between hsCRP and two specific metabolites: MCNP (β = 0.060, P = 0.034) and MEHP (β = -0.054, P = 0.049). We observed negative correlations of MCOP, MCPP, MHBP, and MONP with GGT (β = -0.036, P = 0.027; β = -0.045, P = 0.019; β = -0.046, P = 0.023; β = -0.053, P = 0.001, respectively). Conversely, MEHHP and MEHTP exhibited positive correlations with GGT (β = 0.048, P = 0.011; β = 0.029, P = 0.009). Furthermore, MECPTP and MEHTP showed positive correlations with WBC (β = 0.011, P = 0.026; β = 0.017, P = 0.001). Notably, we identified a non-linear relationship between phthalates and inflammation and oxidative stress markers. The Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) analysis demonstrated a negative joint effect of the phthalates mixture on GGT, particularly at lower concentrations. The BKMR model also found that MEOHP and MHiBP were negatively associated with GGT. In contrast, MEHHP showed a significant positive association with GGT. Moderating effect analysis suggested that increased dietary inflammatory index (DII), income-to-poverty ratio (PIR), age, BMI, and less physical activity strengthened the association between phthalates and inflammation and oxidative stress. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationships between phthalates and inflammation and oxidative stress.
Clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with severe preeclampsia conceived by assisted reproductive technology: A retrospective study
Authors: Xing Yuan , Ling Zhonghui , Ji Xiaohong , Li Li , Wu Lili , Chen Min , Wang Yixiao
Published: September 2023

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia (sPE) conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 306 pregnant women with twin pregnancies complicated by sPE from January 2016 to December 2022, including 212 cases conceived by ART (ART group) and 94 cases conceived naturally (natural conception group). Student's t test, chi-square, continuity correction and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze clinical characteristics, clinical medications and perinatal outcomes.
Results: (1) The proportion of primiparas and advanced-age primiparas in the ART group was higher than that in the natural conception group, and the proportion of scarred uteri was lower than that in the natural conception group (P < 0.05). (2) The results showed that the percentage of women in the ART group who received dexamethasone injection was higher than that in the natural conceptiongroup (P < 0.05). (3) The incidence of preterm labor (especially late preterm labor), placental adhesions, and PPH was significantly higher in the ART group than in the natural conception group (P < 0.001). (4) We obtained 601 live births (including 420 in the ART group and 181 in the natural conception group). The birth weight of newborns in the ART group was lower than that of the natural conception group, whereas the rate of NICU hospitalization and the number of days of hospitalization were higher than those of the natural conception group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Twin pregnancies complicated by sPE conceived via ART lead to severe adverse maternal and infant outcomes. Risk prediction management should be the main focus, with early identification of high-risk populations, such as primiparas (especially advanced-age primiparas), and proactive medical interventions, especially preventive strategies, could be taken to reduce the incidence of sPE in twin pregnancies conceived via ARTand to maximize the improvement of pregnancy outcomes in such populations.
Predictors and outcomes of recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma: new insights into its recurrence patterns
Authors: Deng Huan , Gao Jingwang , Xu Xingming , Liu Guibin , Song Liqiang , Pan Yisheng , Wei Bo
Published: September 2023

Background
The clinical profiles of recurrent retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLS) need to be explored. The recurrence patterns of RLS are controversial and ambiguous.
Methods
A total of 138 patients with recurrent RLS were finally recruited in the study. The analysis of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) was performed by Kaplan‒Meier analysis. The nomogram model was built to predict the survival status of patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for the selection of independent prognostic factors that were correlated with OS or RFS.
Results
Among patients, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 70.7%, 35.9% and 30.9%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS rates of the 55 patients who underwent R0 resection were 76.1%, 50.8% and 34.4%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed that resection method, tumor size, status of pathological differentiation, pathological subtypes and recurrence pattern were independent risk factors for OS or RFS. Patients with distant recurrence (DR) pattern usually had multifocal tumors (90.5% vs. 74.7%, P < 0.05); they were prone to experience changes of pathological differentiation (69.9% vs. 33.3%, P < 0.05) and had a better prognosis than those with local recurrence (LR) pattern. R0 resection and combined organ resection favored the survival of patients with DR pattern in some cases.
Conclusions
Patients with DR pattern had a better prognosis, and they may benefit more from aggressive combined resection than those with LR. Classifying the recurrence patterns of RLS provides guidance for individualized clinical management of recurrent RLS.
The first prospective registry-based cohort study focused on type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from high-altitude regions: The HLA-DR study protocol
Authors: Zhang Chenghui , Chen Rui , Wang Suyuan , Du Rong , Li Qiuyue , Guo Yanhong , Sun Shuyao , He Hua , Yin Weijing , Zhang Dan , Wang Xi , Li Mingxia , Zou Kun , Zhao Li , Wu Yunhong
Published: September 2023

Background: Diabetes is the leading cause of disease burden in many countries, owing to its microvascular and macrovascular complications. Tibetans who have lived on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for thousands of years have genetically adapted to their hypoxic high-altitude environment through positive natural selection for a hyporesponsive hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway. Highlanders have lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether high altitude affects diabetic complications is unclear. The Highlander diabetes registry study (HLA-DR) will investigate whether high altitude and the unique positive selection for the HIF pathway among Tibetans influence diabetes-related complications in patients with T2DM.
Methods: The HLA-DR is a longitudinal, hospital-based cohort study. A total of 3,840 patients (including indigenous Tibetans and Han Chinese) will be enrolled and followed up over 5 years, to assess diabetes-related vascular complications. Baseline medical data, laboratory test results, imageological examination, and blood samples will be collected. The primary endpoints of HLA-DR will be major adverse cardiovascular events, defined as a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes, and a composite of microvascular complications. Patients will be followed up every 3 months by telephone and at the hospital every 1–2 years.
Discussion: This study will fill an important gap in our understanding of the contribution of long-term high-altitude exposure to diabetes and its complications and will promote the optimization of medical care and disease management in residents of higher altitudes.
Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: ChiCTR2000040956
The interaction between type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease worsens the outcomes of patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Dong , Huang Bangxiao , Long Bingyu , Chen Yujuan , Liao Jinyu , Liu Gege , Huang Qiu , Chen Min , Li Dongming , Gan Yajiao , Hu Juan , Wu Bin , Huang Dan , Zhao Xuanna
Published: September 2023

Background
Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported to be associated with COVID-19, but the effect of an interaction between the two on the outcomes of COVID-19 has not been defined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of their interaction on COVID-19 outcomes.
Methods
The data of this retrospective study was from the multicenter study with COVID-19, type 2 diabetes, CKD and confounding factors information. Multivariate logistic regression model and subgroup analyses of different worse outcomes were conducted to assess the relationship between type 2 diabetes and CKD on worse outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion of interaction (AP) and synergy index (S) were utilized to assess the additive interaction.
Results
We found that patients with COVID-19 alongside type 2 diabetes or CKD were more likely to experience poor outcomes. Moreover, there was a significant interaction between type 2 diabetes and CKD regarding the risk of a poor outcome [RERI 20.134 (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.256–60.093), AP 0.742 (95% CI 0.538–0.945), SI 4.353 (95% CI 1.843–10.277)]. A subgroup analysis of the various adverse outcomes showed that the combination had a synergistic effect on in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions
Thus, type 2 diabetes and CKD increase the risk of a poor outcome in patients with COVID-19, and they interact synergistically to induce worse outcomes, especially in-hospital mortality.
Fractal Chiral Organic Molecular Cages
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Qing-Pu , Guo Fei , Ma Hui , Liang Zi-Hui , Yi Changhai , Zhang Chun , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: September 2023

Mimicking the intricate hierarchical superstructures of biological macromolecules in organisms, evolving organic molecular cages (OMCs) into higher-level chiral OMC with fractal superstructures presents an extremely challenging task. Herein, we utilized 2D tri-bladed propeller shaped triphenylbenzene (TPB) as building blocks to synthesize a racemic 3D tri-bladed propeller shaped helical molecular cage (TMC) that can be furthermore used as building blocks to construct a pair of higher-level 3D tri-bladed chiral helical molecular cages 4P-HTMC and 4M-HTMC with multilayer sandwich structures, and display elegant fractal characteristics with self-similarity in a discrete superstructure at different levels. During the evolutionary procession of the higher-level cages HTMC, the intramolecular self-shielding effect and exclusive chiral narcissistic self-sorting behaviors were observed. Moreover, the enantiomers 4P-HTMC and 4M-HTMC can be interconverted by introducing an excess of corresponding chiral cyclohexanediamine (CHDA). In solid state, 4P-HTMC and 4M-HTMC can also self-assemble into supermolecule architectures of L-helical or D-helical nanofibers. Therefore, the scale transformation of chiral characteristics from chiral atoms (chiral carbon atoms in CHDA) to microscopic (trihelical in advanced cages) and then to mesoscopic (spiral of nanofibers) has been realized.
Cadherin-based adhesion regulates mechanical polarization in the actin cortex through Rac1
Authors: Lin Hao , Moazzeni Seyedsajad , Kyker-Snowman Kelly , Cohen Rick , Wang Huan , Li Ran , Shreiber David , Zahn Jeffrey , Shi Zheng
Published: September 2023

Tension-adhesion interplay is a crucial mechanism in multicellular organisms that determines the tension differential among internal and external interfaces, which in turn, mediates tissue surface tension and cell sorting, morphogenesis and remodeling, and cancer progression. Cadherins are widely believed to be involved, yet key aspects of the process are neither well characterized nor quantified. This study demonstrates the critical role of N-cadherin in driving mechanical polarization throughout the actin cortical network. N-cadherin regulates both tension increase at the cell-medium (external) interface and decrease at the cell-cell (internal) interface, and their quantitative magnitudes, both absolute and relative, strongly depend on the surface density of N-cadherin. Furthermore, the strength of polarization also increases with respect to the number of cell-cell interfaces for cells within a multicellular cluster. The cadherin-actin contractility linkage is mediated by Rac1, which serves as a molecular switch to trigger cortex remodeling and contraction via myosin II. Inhibition of Rac1 activity decreases polarization and leads to reduced coherence in both small clusters and spheroids. These results provide a pathway to reconcile opposing theories for tissue surface tension generation and perspectives in cancer treatment.
3D amplified single-cell RNA and protein imaging identifies oncogenic transcript subtypes in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Choi Sungyoung , Shin Suyeon , Kim Yoon-Jin , Chung Haerim , Cho Hyunsoo , Yun Hyo Geun
Published: September 2023

Simultaneous in situ detection of transcript and protein markers at single-cell level is essential for gaining a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and for predicting and monitoring treatment responses. However, the limited accessibility to advanced 3D imaging techniques has hindered its rapid implementation. Here, we present a 3D single-cell imaging technique, termed 3D digital rolling circle amplification (4DRCA), capable of the multiplexed and amplified simultaneous digital quantification of single-cell RNAs and proteins using standard fluorescence microscopy and off-the-shelf reagents. We generated spatially and spectrally distinguishable DNA amplicons from molecular markers through an integrative protocol combining single-cell RNA and protein assays, and directly enumerated the amplicons by leveraging an open-source algorithm for 3D deconvolution with a custom-built automatic gating algorithm. With 4DRCA, we were able to simultaneously quantify surface protein markers and cytokine transcripts in T lymphocytes. We also show that 4DRCA can distinguish BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript positive B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells with or without CD19 protein expression. The accessibility and extensibility of 4DRCA render it broadly applicable to other cell-based diagnostic workflows, enabling sensitive and accurate single-cell RNA and protein profiling.
On the use of NASGRO software to estimate fatigue life under constant and variable amplitude loadings in aluminum alloy SAE-AMS 7475-T7351
Authors: Neto Raimundo Amorim , Chemin Aline Emanuele Albuquerque , Filho Waldek Wladimir Bose , Ruchert Cassius Terra
Published: September 2023

This paper uses several fatigue life prediction models implemented in the NASGRO program in order to predict the behavior of cracks on constant amplitude and variable amplitude loads. The experimental data consist of an aeronautical aluminum alloy SAE-AMS 7475-T7351. In the cases of constant loading amplitude (CAL) C(T) compact test specimens were used and M(T) type specimens were used in variable load amplitude casings (VAL). With respect to the constant amplitude data the fatigue growth rates and consequently the parameters of the Paris equation and the KIC values were obtained with the simulations. In this way the obtained values were satisfactory having good correlations. Regarding VAL the calibration parameters for each of the interaction models were obtained for each of the charge spectrum which for this work were TWIST and FALLSTAFF spectrums and their mini versions. The NASGRO 4.0 program presented overall good forecasting results.
Short-term outcomes of intraocular inflammation after brolucizumab injection in Japanese patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Hirono Kazushi , Ikeda Shoko , Maruyama-Inoue Maiko , Inoue Tatsuya , Yanagi Yasuo , Kadonosono Kazuaki
Published: September 2023

PurposeThis study investigates the short-term outcomes of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients who developed intraocular inflammation (IOI) after intravitreal brolucizumab injection (IVBr).MethodsWe studied 285 eyes of 279 cases diagnosed with nAMD and focused on 18 eyes of 17 cases (6.3%) which developed IOI after IVBr. IVBr was performed either on the initial treatment or for switching of other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents during January 2020 to December 2021. We evaluated clinical features and the course of treatment of a 6-month follow-up after IOI occurred.ResultsThe average age was 76 years old. Of 17 cases, 9 cases were male, 8 cases were female. Baseline log MAR visual acuity (VA) was 0.36, VA before IOI occurred was 0.30, and VA when IOI occurred was 0.43. 16 eyes had symptoms such as visual loss or floaters when IOI occurred. On the other hand, the remaining 2 eyes had no symptoms. 11 eyes had only IOI, while the remaining 7 eyes had IOI and perivascular sheathing. Steroid sub-tenon injection was performed on 1 eye, steroid eye drops were used in 11 eyes, and 6 eyes were followed-up without treatment. nAMD recurred in 16 eyes after IOI occurred and were treated with aflibercept. VA at 3 and 6 months after IOI occurred were significantly improved to 0.34 and 0.30, respectively (P = 0.09 at 3 months and P = 0.02 at 6 months). The symptoms of patients were improved in all cases. We were able to stop steroid treatment in all cases.ConclusionsIOI occurred in 6.3% of nAMD patients after IVBr treatment. All of which showed improvement with steroid treatment or without any treatment. We should consider the possibility of IOI after IVBr as a complication, however, they have a relatively good prognosis if treated at an early stage.
Prognosis of TACE combined with sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with microvascular invasion: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhou ongyuan , Zhou Yanzhao , Cui Yunlong , Song Tianqiang , liu Shuaijing , Li Qiang
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and sorafenib each has shown therapeutic effects in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and microvascular invasion (MVI). The present study evaluated the feasibility of postoperative TACE combined with sorafenib in HCC patients with MVI and assessed the optimal indications for postoperative TACE treatment.
Patients and methods:
The present study included 217 HCC patients who underwent radical resection from April 2017 to April 2020 and whose postoperative pathological report showed MVI. Patients were treated with TACE, TACE plus sorafenib, of neither (control group). The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).
Results
Patients treated with TACE plus sorafenib had higher 1-year (96.4% vs. 84.9%) and 2-year (91.6% vs. 68.9%) OS rates than patients treated with TACE alone. Median OS was significantly longer in patients treated with TACE plus sorafenib (44.6 months; 95% confidence interval [CI ] 40.81–48.4 months) than with TACE alone (39 months; 95% CI 30.2–48.3 months; (p = 0.025). Cox proportional hazard model showed that factors associated with a higher risk of death after treatment included maximum tumor diameter of tumor (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.783, p = 0.012), number of TACE sessions (HR = 0.284, p = 0.01) and liver cirrhosis (HR = 6.446, p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Compared with TACE alone, TACE plus sorafenib significantly prolonged OS in patients with HCC and MVI. Factors associated with improved prognosis included maximum tumor diameter < 7 cm and more than three TACE sessions.
Design of Robotic Arm for the Porcelain Bushing in Substation
Authors: Chen Hao , Han Wei , Xu Weilun , Tang Zongyao , Chen Yini , Xu Peng , Ma Zhaoxing
Published: September 2023

With the development and the application popularization of Artificial Intelligence robot technology and 5G technology, a robotic arm is designed and developed for rinsing porcelain bushing in high voltage substation in this paper. Firstly, the components and implementation of robotic arm are presented, subsequently, a circular cleaning structure with a 120-degree split is proposed to rinse the porcelain bushing. Secondly, a two-stage simple and effective method to realize automatic orientation is proposed utilizing photoelectric switches. Moreover, a prototype of robotic arm with control system is developed based on the regime switching function, and the result of edge computing is transmitted by 5G technology. Finally, feasibility and effectiveness of the robotic arm are verified in the Nanjing power grid. The case study manifests that the robotic arm developed by the proposed method in the paper can achieve efficient rinsing and all the corresponding information can be transmitted preciously. The proposed method lays a foundation for wide application of cleaning robot in high voltage substation.
Water footprint of irrigated rice in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, 2019/2020 crop
Authors: Recktenwalt Fabiane , Moraes Francisco Alexandre , Pereira Marco Alésio Figueiredo
Published: September 2023

Agricultural production is the practice that uses the most water on the planet, especially the irrigated agriculture, which represents a large part of this demand. As well as the quantitative issue, adequate quality is essential to meet the demands of the crop and its return to the water sources, in a way that does not cause damage to the environment. To measure this consumption, the expression “water footprint” emerged. The water footprint seeks to quantify the demand for water incorporated into products. This paper aims to determine the amount of water used to produce irrigated rice in six rice growing regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), in the 2019/2020 crop. The mentioned regions are represented the municipalities of Uruguaiana (West Border), Dom Pedrito (Campanha), Santa Maria (Central Region), Camaquã (Internal Coastal Plain), Porto Alegre (External Coastal Plain) and Rio Grande (South Zone). Climate data from the analyzed regions, during the plant cycle, and productivity values in the crop in question were used. Values of 1,187 m³ t-1 were found for WB, 1,347 m³ t-1 for CA, 1,058 m³ t-1 for CR, 783 m³ t-1 for ICP, 1,115 m³ t-1 for ECP and 1,066 m³ t-1 for SZ. For the state of Rio Grande do Sul, an average water footprint was obtained in the 2019/2020 crop of 1,093 m³ t-1.
Synthetic Viscoelastic Activating Cells for T Cell Engineering and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Song , Liu Zeyang , Li Yan-Ruide , Yang Youcheng , Zhu Yu , Yuan Weihao , Hoffman Tyler , Wu Yifan , Zhu Yichen , Fang Ying , Ge Xinyang , Soto Jennifer , Yang Lili
Published: September 2023

Immunotherapy shows great promise for cancer treatment, but its effectiveness and durability remain limited. Thus, there is unmet needs for more robust technology for immune cell engineering. Here we develop a scalable microfluidic platform to fabricate synthetic viscoelastic activating cells (SynVACs) with programmable mechanical and chemical properties. We demonstrate that the viscoelastic nature of SynVACs significantly impacts T cell functionality. Compared to rigid or elastic microspheres, SynVACs greatly enhance human T cell expansion with drastic CD8+ T cell generation while suppressing regulatory T cell formation, resulting in enhanced tumor killing capability. Notably, expanding chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells with SynVACs achieves approximately 90% CAR transduction efficiency and leads to a six-fold increase of T memory stem cells. These engineered CAR-T cells exhibit superior efficacy in eliminating tumor cells, not only in a human lymphoma mouse model, but also in a solid tumor xenograft mouse model of ovarian cancer. Additionally, SynVAC-expanded CAR-T cells persist for longer time periods in vivo to suppress tumor growth and recurrence. These findings underscore the crucial role of mechanical signals in T cell engineering and highlight the potential of SynVAC platform in CAR-T therapy and broad immunoengineering applications.
Boehmite-Enhanced PVDF-HFP/PAN Coaxial Electrospun Nanofiber Hybrid Membrane: A Superior Separator for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Zhou , Guan Mengdi , Cheng Yuwen , Li Hui , Ji Guojing , Chen Hui , Fu Xuguang , Awuye Desire Emefa , Zhu Yingbao , Yin Xichen , Man Zengming , Wu Cao
Published: September 2023

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are widely employed in commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) separators due to their superb mechanical strength and chemical stability. Nonetheless, inherent limitations such as inadequate high-temperature resilience, low porosity, and suboptimal wettability curtail their application in high-temperature settings and diminish their lifespan. Creating LIB separators with superior attributes is imperative to attain high electrochemical efficiency. Herein, we engineered nanofibers with a boehmite-modified PVDF-HFP shell and PAN core via electrospinning, subsequently integrating them into an LIB separator. Contrasted with prevailing commercial PP separators, the BM-doped PVDF-HFP/PAN (PAN@PVDF-HFP/BM) membrane showcases a commendable suite of properties, including a heightened shrinkage temperature of 160 oC, impressive porosity at 85.2%, remarkable electrolyte absorption capacity at 872.8%, and stellar ionic conductivity measuring 3.98 mS/cm. An LIB featuring the PAN@PVDF-HFP/BM separator was cycled 200 times at a current rate of 0.2C, revealing minimal specific discharge capacity decay (from 164.9mAhg-1 to 153mAhg-1), and a capacity retention rate of 93.3%. Additionally, the enhancement mechanism of the coaxial nanofiber facilitated by boehmite has been elucidated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The PAN@PVDF-HFP/BM nanofiber membrane introduces a pioneering approach to fabricate LIB separators that boast prolonged longevity and high-temperature resilience.
Restriction of Donaldson's functional to diagonal metrics on Higgs bundles with non-holomorphic Higgs fields
Authors: Miyatake Natsuo
Published: September 2023

We consider a Higgs bundle over a compact K\"ahler manifold with a smooth, non-holomorphic Higgs field. We assume that the holomorphic vector bundle decomposes into a direct sum of holomorphic line bundles. Under an assumption on the zero set of the non-holomorphic Higgs field, we provide some necessary and sufficient conditions for Donaldson's functional which is restricted to the set of diagonal Hermitian metrics associated with a holomorphic decomposition of the vector bundle to attain a minimum. In particular, when the holomorphic vector bundle decomposes into a direct sum of holomorphic line bundles, we show that we can solve the Hermitian-Einstein equation under a strong assumption even if the Higgs field is non-holomorphic.
MSC Classification: 53C07 , 58E15
Tropical seamounts as stepping-stones for coral reef fishes: range extensions and new regional distributions from mesophotic ecosystems in the Coral Sea, Australia
Authors: Galbraith Gemma F , Cresswell Benjamin J , McClure Eva C , Hoey Andrew S
Published: September 2023

Seamounts and remote oceanic islands provide valuable natural laboratories in which to study patterns and processes in marine biodiversity. A central hypothesis arising from studies of these systems is the ecological function of seamounts as stepping stones for dispersal and population connectivity. Evidence of this mechanism exists for a range of taxa, including coral reef fishes, but is still lacking from many tropical seamounts in remote regions. In this study, we used remotely operated vehicles and baited remote underwater video systems to survey fish and benthic communities between 1 – 100m on seamounts in the Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP), Australia. We found evidence to support the stepping stone model of ecological connectivity from new observations of sixteen coral reef fishes which have previously not been recorded by quantitative surveys in the region. The widespread distribution of many of these species throughout the full latitudinal extent of the CSMP suggests that the there is greater connectivity between mesophotic habitats in the Coral Sea and surrounding biogeographic regions than previously known. We also found a wide variety of mesophotic habitats and recorded significant depth range extensions for seventy-eight fishes in these habitats. This further highlights the potential role of increased habitat area and heterogeneity in a stepping stone effect throughout the region. Four of the fish occurrence records represent significant range extensions into the Coral Sea from adjacent biogeographic regions and thirteen fishes recorded by this study in the CSMP are not known from the neighbouring Great Barrier Reef, despite its close proximity. Although the Coral Sea remains relatively understudied, these findings suggest that larger-scale models of marine biogeography are relevant to communities in the region, particularly at mesophotic depths. Given the extent and the spatial arrangement of seamounts in the Coral Sea, our findings emphasise that the region is an important link between the centre of marine biodiversity in the Coral Triangle and the Southwest Pacific. Greater mesophotic sampling effort and genetic studies are necessary to understand the nature of connectivity and, to establish the role of regional seamount chains, like the Coral Sea reefs, in broader marine biogeographic processes.
Surface Roughness parameters at a Tropical Semi-Arid Site: 4 years of Atmosphere Boundary Layer observations in the Deccan Plateau region at Shadnagar, India
Authors: Sakuru Sai Krishna V. S. , Mallikarjun K. , Kumar N.V.P. Kiran , Ramana M.V.
Published: September 2023

Accurate inputs of surface roughness parameters are vital for estimating exchange of fluxes between surface and atmosphere, dispersion and transport of pollutants, wind erosion, and wind energy assessment studies, especially over heterogeneous and undulating surfaces. The surface roughness parameters are derived using observations from a 32m meteorological tower during 2016 to 2019. The site is located in the Deccan Plateau region at Shadnagar, India (17°01'59.7"N, 78°11'14.2"E) and experiences a tropical semi-arid climate. We employed multi-level low-frequency measurements (1-min) with a logarithmic wind profile method and single-level high-frequency measurements (20 Hz) with six alternative methods. The zero-plane displacement height (\(d\)) is observed to be 15.8 ± 0.37 m using the former approach, and 15.7 ± 1.7 m using the latter. Similarly, the aerodynamic roughness length for momentum (\({z}_{0}\)) is observed to be 0.1 ± 0.06 m and 0.27 ± 0.2 m, respectively. The \(d\) and \({z}_{0}\) vary within the range 12.8 to 19.4 m and 0.05 to 0.42 m respectively, across eight wind-direction sectors. Influence of seasonal changes in vegetation due to shedding of leaves is evident; \(d\) and \({z}_{0}\) vary by 3 to 6% and 11 to 50%, respectively. Vertically extrapolated winds compared favourably against 100 m ERA5 reanalysis winds over the western sector, suggesting the optimal parameterization within ERA5 for cropland and shrub land covers which dominate these sectors. Our findings indicate that canopy height-based rule-of-thumb guidelines may not suitably estimate roughness parameters for the heterogeneous native land cover, dominated by shrubs and sparsely distributed trees, of the region.
Effect of multifaceted social norms on physicians’ use of clinical practice guidelines on antimicrobials: Evidence from secondary and tertiary general hospitals in central-western China
Authors: Wang Lingjie , Liu Wenbin
Published: September 2023

Background
With the improper use of antimicrobials becoming a major public health concern globally, poor compliance of clinical practice guidelines(CPGs) on antimicrobials is still prominent, especially in less developed regions. Although social norms have received increasing attention as the determinants of physicians’ CPGs use, most studies set forth only a single level of social norms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of multifaceted social norms on physician’ use of CPGs on antimicrobials, and further reveal the temporal effects of social norms.
Methods
Based on integration of Theory of Planned Behavior and Theory of Normative Social Behavior, a questionnaire survey was conducted covering social norms at individual level (subjective norms), organizational level (organization criterion) and social level (social identity), as well as other potential factors (attitudes, behavioral intention, etc) for the use of CPGs on antimicrobials. Data were collected by multi-stage random sampling from 502 physicians in secondary and tertiary general hospitals in central-western China. Structural equation model (SEM) was used to link the three-level factors with physician's behavior. And with reflected by the moderating effects of professional titles in this study, the temporal effects of social norms were examined by multi-group SEM.
Results
Nearly 70% of the participants had a good practice of using CPGs on antimicrobials. Reliability and validity analysis shows that the questionnaire developed from the theoretical model is acceptable. Subjective norms, organization criterion and social identity were linked to higher behavioral intentions(β = 0.212, p < 0.01; β = 0.254, P < 0.01; β = 0.212, P < 0.01). The direct effect of behavior intentions on physicians' practice was 0.822, and the indirect effects of subjective norms, organizational criterion and social identity on practice were 0.308, 0.236 and 0.235. The effects of organization criterion and social identity on behavior were moderated by the professional title, and regarding effects would be weakened with the rise of professional title.
Conclusion
This study reveals the importance of multifaceted social norms in enhancing physicians’ use of CPGs on antimicrobials and the moderating effects of professional titles on the role of social norms at organizational level (organizational criterion) and social level (social identity).
Recession Prediction using SVM and linear regression
Authors: Nashikkar Siddharth , Hanamar Aryaa , Pathan Nuren , Mulla Heena
Published: September 2023

In this study, We present a groundb­reaking approach utilizing machine learning to predict economic reces­sions. By analyzing key indic­ators like real gross domestic product, income, employment, manufacturing, and retail sales, we can forecast the likelihood of a recession occurring in a specific year using Python 3 and employing Linear Regre­ssion and Support Vector Regre­ssion algor­ithms. This user-f­riendly application not only provides advanced warning of reces­sions but also assists policy­makers and busin­esses in making timely and informed decisions for economic stability and resil­ience.
Performance assessment of a new G12/A1 antibody-based rapid ELISA using commercially available and gluten-spiked food samples
Authors: Verma Anil K. , Monachesi Chiara , Catassi Giulia N. , Franceschini Elisa , Gatti Simona , Lionetti Elena , Catassi Carlo
Published: September 2023

Background
Food products with < 20 mg/kg gluten can be labeled ‘gluten-free’ according to international regulations. Several antibodies based ELISAs have been develop to track gluten traces in food products. Among them, R5 and G12 antibody-based ELISAs are the frequently used methods. However, these antibodies have certain limitations.
Aims
We evaluated the accuracy of G12/A1 antibody-based 'Glutentox ELISA Rapid G12' and compared the results with the current reference method i.e., R5 antibody-based ‘Ridascreen R5 ELISA’.
Methods
In the first step, performance of Glutentox ELISA Rapid G12 kit was inspected by determination of the threshold value i.e.,> or < 20 mg/kg gluten in different food products. In the second step, quantification accuracy was assessed by quantification of gluten in gluten-free food products spiked with gliadin reference material.
Results
In total 47 food products (naturally and labeled gluten-free, and food with traces of gluten) were included. Of them, 29 products were quantified with < 20 mg/kg, and 18 with a low level of gluten by both the kits. Six out of 29 gluten-free products were used for the recovery test at different spike levels. Gluten concentration and mean recovery rates of individual kits showed consintency.
Conclusions
GlutenTox Rapid G12 ELISA could be an appropriate choice for detecting gluten in food products but needs more investigation e.g. more in-house validation and a collaborative test.
Bio-Synthesis and Synergistic Effects of Cu-Ag Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Argyreia Nervosa Leaf Extract for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Kalakonda Parvathalu , Kathi Rajitha , GL Merlinsheeba , Dabbeta Naveen Kumar , Madipoju Naveen Kumar , L Soujanya M , Morampudi Vijay , Banne Sreenivas , Mandal Pritam , Naidu Ramu , Khanam Sarvani Jowhar , Banavoth Murali , Eve Nainavinodini Sudarsanam , Podila Bala Bhaskar
Published: September 2023

A novel biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles and their potential applications have attracted many researchers, as metal nanoparticles are effectively used in biomedical applications. We study copper-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Cu-Ag BMNPs) through this biosynthesis, which utilizes Argyreia Nervosa (AN) plant leaf green extract as a capping, reducing and stabilizing agents. The biosynthesis methodology, which is operationally simple and cost-effective, and silver nitrate (AgNO3) and cupric oxide (CuO) are used as precursor materials. Comprehensive characterization of the Cu-Ag BMNPs was conducted using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis Spectrometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Zeta Seizer, and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectrometer (FTIR). SEM analysis revealed the formation of Cu-Ag BMNP aggregates with sizes ranging from 25 to 100 nm. The FTIR results indicate successful removal of organic and inorganic impurities, which is corroborated by the XRD data. To assess antimicrobial properties of the Cu-Ag BMNPs, disk diffusion and Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) assays are performed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) as the target pathogen, and results are compared to a standard reference of Gentamicin antibiotic. The antimicrobial tests demonstrate that the Cu-Ag BMNPs exhibit remarkable antimicrobial activity with high minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values and a broad zone of inhibition in the disc diffusion assays against E. coli. The results showed the potential antimicrobial activity of the synthesized BMNPs against the tested bacteria. The green synthesis approach employed in this study provides a sustainable and eco-friendly method for synthesizing Cu-Ag-BMNPs with potential antimicrobial properties.
Backbone NMR resonance assignments for the C terminal domain of the Streptococcus mutans adhesin P1
Authors: Peng Emily-Qingqing , Nogueira M. Luiza Caldas , Rivière Gwladys , Brady L. Jeannine , Long Joanna R.
Published: September 2023

Adhesin P1 (aka AgI/II) plays a pivotal role in mediating Streptococcus mutans attachment in the oral cavity, as well as in regulating biofilm development and maturation. P1’s naturally occurring truncation product, Antigen II (AgII), adopts both soluble, monomeric and insoluble, amyloidogenic forms within the bacterial life cycle. Monomers are involved in important quaternary interactions that promote cell adhesion and the functional amyloid form promotes detachment of mature biofilms. The heterologous, 51-kD C123 construct comprises most of AgII and was previously characterized by X-ray crystallography. C123 contains three structurally homologous domains, C1, C2, and C3. NMR samples made using the original C123 construct, or its C3 domain, yielded moderately resolved NMR spectra. Using Alphafold, we re-analyzed the P1 sequence to better identify domain boundaries for C123, and in particular the C3 domain. We then generated a more tractable construct for NMR studies of the monomeric form, including quaternary interactions with other proteins. The addition of seven amino acids at the C-terminus greatly improved the spectral dispersion for C3 relative to the prior construct. Here we report the backbone NMR resonance assignments for the new construct and characterize some of its quaternary interactions. These data are in good agreement with the structure predicted by Alphafold, which contains additional β-sheet secondary structure compared to the C3 domain in the C123 crystal structure for a construct lacking the seven C-terminal amino acids. Its quaternary interactions with known protein partners are in good agreement with prior competitive binding assays. This construct can be used for further NMR studies, including protein-protein interaction studies and assessing the impact of environmental conditions on C3 structure and dynamics within C123 as it transitions from monomer to amyloid form.
A Feature Selection Method Based on Feature-Label Correlation Information and Self-Adaptive MOPSO
Authors: Han Fei , Li Fanyu , Ling Qinghua , Han Henry , Lu Tianyi , Jiao Zijian , Zhang Haonan
Published: September 2023

Feature selection can be seen as a multi-objective task, where the goal is to select a subset of features that exhibit minimal correlation among themselves while maximizing their correlation with the target label. Multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm (MOPSO) has been extensively utilized for feature selection and has achieved good performance. However, most MOPSO-based feature selection methods are random and lack knowledge guidance in the initialization process, ignoring certain valuable prior information in the feature data, which may lead to the generated initial population being far from the true Pareto front (PF) and influence the population's rate of convergence. Additionally, MOPSO has a propensity to become stuck in local optima during the later iterations. In this paper, a novel feature selection method (fMOPSO-FS) is proposed. Firstly, with the aim of improving the initial solution quality and fostering the interpretability of the selected features, a novel initialization strategy that incorporates prior information during the initialization process of the particle swarm is proposed. Furthermore, an adaptive hybrid mutation strategy is proposed to avoid the particle swarm from getting stuck in local optima and to further leverage prior information. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed algorithm compared to the comparison algorithms. It yields a superior feature subset on seven UCI benchmark datasets and four gene expression profile datasets.