bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of angiogenic genes and endothelial progenitor cells following resistance training in elderly men
Authors: Gharaat Mohammadali , Karami Sajjad , Sheykhlouvand Mohsen , Rajabi Hamid
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Physical activity is recognized as an effective method for promoting angiogenesis and mitigating its age-related decline. Our study aims to investigate the acute and chronic effects of resistance training on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and angiogenic gene expression in the elderly.
Methods
Twenty-four untrained elderly males (aged 65–75 years) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to either a resistance training (RT) group or a control group, with 12 participants in each. Before and after the training period, participants underwent physical tests to evaluate mobility, balance, ability to transfer from sitting to standing, walking stability, gait speed, and fall risk. Additionally, blood samples were collected before and after the first training session (i.e., initial pre-test and initial post-test) and before and after the final training session (i.e., final pre-test and final post-test) to assess CD34+, VEGFR2+, Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Inhibitor (VEGI).
Results
The angiogenic gene HIF-1 increased from the first pre-test to the second pre-test (p = 0.03) and from the second pre-test to the second post-test (p = 0.02). The VEGF gene increased from the first pre-test to the second pre-test (p < 0.01) and from the first pre-test to the second post-test (p = 0.04). The SDF-1 gene increased in the second post-test compared to the first pre-test in the RT group (p = 0.02), but it decreased from the first pre-test to the second pre-test (p = 0.04). For EPCs, CD34 + levels increased from the first pre-test to the first post-test (p < 0.01) and from the first pre-test to the second post-test (p < 0.01). VEGFR2 + levels significantly increased in the second pre-test compared to the first post-test (p = 0.04), first pre-test (p < 0.01), and the second post-test (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Resistance training performed with adequate intensity and volume can enhance angiogenesis in the elderly.
Comparison and validation of several scoring systems for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a retrospective study
Authors: In Kyung Ryun , Oh YoungEun , Moon HeeSeok , Jeong SuKyoung , Kang SunHyung , Sung JaeKyu , Jeong HyungYong
Published: October 2024

Background
Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a serious medical condition that requires effective risk stratification to guide treatment decisions.
Aims
This study aimed to compare and validate the predictive performance of several established scoring systems in patients with NVUGIB: Glasgow–Blatchford score (GBS) and the age, blood tests, and comorbidities (ABC), mental status–anesthesiologist score–pulse–albumin–systolic blood pressure–hemoglobin (MAP(ASH)), Japanese, and Charlson comorbidity index-in-hospital onset–albumin-mental status–Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status–steroids (CHAMPS) scores.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1241 patients with NVUGIB at Chungnam National University Hospital. Each scoring system was evaluated for its ability to predict in-hospital mortality, rebleeding, and the need for radiological or surgical intervention. We also assessed the efficacy of each score in identifying low-risk patients.
Results
The ABC score showed the highest accuracy in predicting in-hospital mortality (C-statistic, 0.890). The MAP(ASH) score was the most effective predictor of rebleeding and the need for interventions (C-statistic, 0.673 and 0.711, respectively). In low-risk patients, the ABC and Japanese scores were the most effective, with very low associated mortality rates.
Conclusions
Different scoring systems have been optimized for various clinical outcomes. The ABC score was the best for predicting mortality, whereas the MAP(ASH) score excelled in identifying rebleeding risks and intervention needs. The selection of an appropriate scoring tool based on specific clinical scenarios can improve patient management and resource allocation in NVUGIB.
The Role of Ladder-Branch HCR in the Development of Precision Biosensors for MMP-2 Quantification
Authors: Gong Yuanxun , Zhang Jiayi , Xie Yunzhan , Jian Dingxi , Zhuo Chenyi , Tang Qianli , Zhang Kai , Liao Xianjiu
Published: October 2024

This study successfully developed an advanced Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor that integrates T7 RNA polymerase amplification, ladder-branch hybridization chain reaction (HCR), and the precise targeting capabilities of CRISPR/Cas13a technology. This innovative biosensor addresses the critical need for sensitive and specific detection of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), a key biomarker in cancer diagnostics. Through meticulous optimization of amplification and reaction conditions, the biosensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity, achieving a detection limit as low as 6.34 aM, surpassing existing methodologies. The biosensor also exhibited excellent stability and reproducibility across multiple scans and maintained consistent functionality over an extended period, highlighting its reliability for practical applications. The effectiveness of the biosensor was validated using real samples, demonstrating its capability to accurately quantify MMP-2 in complex biological matrices with high recovery rates and minimal interference. The integration of isothermal amplification and CRISPR/Cas13a within the ECL biosensor platform represents a significant advancement in molecular diagnostics, offering a powerful tool for real-time monitoring of MMP-2. This biosensor holds substantial promise for revolutionizing cancer diagnostics and facilitating personalized treatment strategies, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes in cancer care. Future research may explore further enhancements and applications of this biosensor in various clinical and environmental settings.
Mesorectal fat area-based nomogram for predicting the difficulty of minimal invasive surgery in mid to low rectal cancer
Authors: Zeng Haifeng , Tan Jianbin , Wu Hui
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aims to develop a mesorectal fat area-based nomogram, covering preoperative baseline characteristics and other pelvic MRI data, to predict the difficulty of robotic or laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal excision (TME)in patients with mid to low rectal cancer.
Method: 378 patients were retrieved in our hospital and divided into non-difficult and difficult groups based on five criteria. Factors independently associated with the difficulty were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and then were used to develop a nomogram model to visualize the risk of surgical difficulty.
Result: Tumor distance from anal verge, intertuberous distance, pelvic depth, anorectal angle and mesorectal fat area independently predicted difficulty level. A nomogram model which combines these predictors including mesorectal fat area was developed and constructed. An area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.8668 was obtained for the training data set and 0.9134 for the internal validation one. Discrepancy in surgical approach (laparoscopic or robotic) was not the independent predictive factor of the surgical difficulty (P＞0.05).
Conclusions: The mesorectal fat area-based nomogram model is feasible for predicting the difficulty level of rectal surgery, combined other MRI-based pelvimetry parameters and clinical factors in mid-low RC cases.
Case Ascertainment in Pediatric Heart Failure Using International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) Codes
Authors: May Lindsay J. , Stehlik Josef , Wilkes Jacob , Ou Zhining , Pinto Nelangi M. , Cabrera Antonio G. , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Keenan Heather T.
Published: October 2024

Background Most epidemiological studies in pediatric heart failure (HF) use administrative database sources, defining patient cohorts by presence of a single HF ICD code. However, the ability of ICD codes to identify true HF patients is unknown in pediatrics. Here we describe the accuracy of HF ICD-10-CM code search algorithms, in identifying pediatric patients with HF from electronic data sources.Methods Based on the adult HF literature, search algorithms were designed to incorporate HF ICD codes, imaging, and medications. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of the algorithms were tested among children in an advanced HF clinic (“Clinic cohort”). Top-performing algorithms were then tested in a large-scale regional electronic data warehouse (EDW), 01/2017 to 01/2020, generating the “EDW Cohort”. False positive cases were identified and characterized by chart review.Results Within the Clinic Cohort, 78/378 patients (21%) had gold standard HF diagnoses. A search algorithm with one HF ICD coded visit was more sensitive but less specific than >1 HF ICD coded visit, (sensitivity 94% and specificity 89% versus 69% and 97%, respectively). Correspondingly, >1 ICD coded visit had a higher PPV than one ICD coded visit; 84% vs. 69%. Accuracy was similar (90% vs 91%). Presence of 1 HF ICD code combined with HF medication had high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy, all higher than the single ICD code algorithm. The “1 HF coded visit + any medication” algorithm resulted in highest accuracy (93%). Top-performing algorithms were tested in the EDW: the algorithm with > 1 HF ICD coded visit, and the algorithm with one HF ICD coded visit combined with HF medication. In the EDW Cohort, 133/248 (53.6%) patients had gold standard HF diagnoses though 115/248 (46.3%) were false positive cases; 41% of those had pulmonary over-circulation from congenital heart disease. Excluding children < 30 days old and those with a history of an isolated VSD repair, complete AVSD repair, or PDA closure further reduced the proportion of false positives to 50/248 (20%).Conclusions A search algorithm using a single HF ICD code can have acceptable sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy in identifying children with HF from within electronic medical records. Similar to adult HF literature, specificity improves by including HF medication. When applied to large data sources, however, the search algorithms result in a high proportion of patients with pulmonary overcirculation related to congenital heart disease. To narrow the population to those with myocardial dysfunction, case identification may require use of ICD codes with linked of administrative, surgical, and/or imaging databases.
Association between aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio and reversion to normoglycemia in people with impaired fasting glucose: a 5-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Kebao , Chen Lidan , Deng Zhe , Rong Rong , Xu Lifen , Xu Liting , Zeng Shuting , Hu Haofei
Published: October 2024

Background
Studies showed that AST/ALT ratio was related to pre-diabetes, diabetes and diabetes complications. However, there is poor evidence proved that the AST/ALT ratio was correlated with blood glucose reversion in impaired fasting glucose patients. In our study, we analyzed the relationship between AST/ALT ratio and blood glucose reversal in a large group of Chinese people with impaired fasting blood glucose.
Methods
Participants were recruited from Rich Healthcare Group physical examinations in 2010 to 2016. Among all the participants, 11121 Chinese adults were enrolled in our study. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to identify the association between the AST/ALT ratio and blood glucose reversal to normoglycemia in individuals with impaired fasting glucose. Generalized additive model (GAM) and smooth curve fitting were used to identified nonlinear relationship between AST/ALT ratio and blood glucose reversion. In addition, sensitive analyses and subgroup analysis were used to test the reliability of our study.
Result
AST/ALT ratio was independently related to the blood glucose reversal in prediabetic populations of Chinese adults (HR = 1.187, 95% CI 1.073–1.313, P = 0.00087). Nonlinear relationship has been discovered between AST/ALT ratio and reversion to normoglycemia. On the left side of the inflection point, AST/ALT ratio was negatively related to the blood glucose reversal in populations with impaired fasting glucose(HR:0.563, 95%CI: 0.404–0.784, P = 0.0007), while on the right side of the inflection point, the relationship was positive (HR:1.281 95%CI: 1.153–1.424, P < 0.0001 ). Sensitivity analysis, competing risks multivariate Cox regression and subgroup analysis also confirmed our study results.
Conclusion
Our study revealed that AST/ALT ratio was independently related with reversion to normoglycemia in prediabetic Chinese people. The relationship between AST/ALT ratio and reversion to normoglycemia from IFG was non-linear. When AST/ALT ratio > 1.05, a significant positive relationship between AST/ALT ratio and reversion to normoglycemia was identified.
Quality and Readability Assessment of Arabic Online Content for Developmental Dysplasia of The Hip: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Addar Abdullah , Algarni Nizar , AlAngari Saad
Published: October 2024

· Background: The suitability of online health information is assessed through the quality of information and readability of the public. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is the most common paediatric hip disorder and one in which improved health literacy through patient education material (PEM) can impact outcomes directly. Assessing Arabic online content about DDH can help improve literacy for Arabic-speaking parents and patients.
· Methods: A cross-sectional survey of web pages with PEM on DDH written in Arabic, inclusion criteria were: online PEM regarding DDH, written in Arabic, and provided with free access. Quality assessment was performed using the DISCERN tool. Readability assessment was performed with the Flesch-Kincaid (FK) score, the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and the Flesch-Reading Ease score (FRE). The search was done on January 2024.
· Results: Fifty-eight web pages were included in the final analysis. The quality of information was moderate to low, with a mean DISCERN score of 35.15 (SD=7.94). Readability was acceptable, with the mean Flesch-Kincaid grade level at 6.78 (SD=6.67, 0.64-30.82). The mean SMOG score was 3.56 (SD=1.18, 3-8.84). Moreover, the Flesch readability ease score (FRE) averaged 85.96 (SD=17.25, 32.15-110.72).
· Conclusions: Arabic online PEM on DDH is of moderate to low quality, despite acceptable readability. Official organizations are encouraged to publish a higher volume of PEM that satisfies quality and readability standards.
The NACA score predicts mortality in polytrauma patients before hospital admission: A registry-based study.
Authors: Fiore Paolo Ivan , Monteleone Andrea Stefano , Müller Jochen , Filardo Giuseppe , Candrian Christian , Riegger Martin
Published: October 2024

Background: The early assessment of the severity of polytrauma patients is key for their optimal management. The aim of this study was to investigate the discriminative performance of the NACA score in a large dataset by stratifying the severity of polytraumatized patients in correlation to Injury Severity Score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and mortality.
Methods: This study on the Swiss Trauma Registry investigated 2239 polytraumatized patient (54.3±22.8 years) enrolled from 2015 to 2023: 0.5% were NACA 3, 76.7% NACA 4, 21.4% NACA 5, and 1.4% NACA 6. The NACA predictive value of patients’ mortality was investigated, as well as the correlation of ISS and GCS scores, and other factors influencing patients’ survival at discharge and after 28 days.
Results: In NACA 4 and 5 the survival rate during hospitalization was 97.7% and 82.5%, respectively, and 28-day mortality 3.5% and 23.5%, respectively (p<0.0005). NACA correlated with GCS in the prehospital phase and in the emergency room (p<0.0005), as well as with ISS (p<0.0005). NACA 4 and 5 presented different injury patterns (fall <3m vs vehicle accident) with NACA 5 requiring more CPR and intubation (p<0.001, p<0.0005). The ROC AUC analysis showed the prehospital NACA and GCS values as the strongest variables predicting patients’ survival.
Conclusions: This study provides valuable evidence supporting the effectiveness of the NACA score in assessing the severity of polytrauma patients. The NACA is a valid score for assessing polytrauma, correlating with both the pre-ER as well as the ER condition, as well as the post-hospitalization ISS assessment of patient severity.
noSpliceVelo infers gene expression dynamics without separating unspliced and spliced transcripts
Authors: Maslov Sergei , Mahajan Tarun
Published: October 2024

Modern single-cell transcriptomics has revolutionized biological research, but because of its destructive nature, it provides only static snapshots. Computational approaches that infer RNA velocity from the ratio of unspliced to spliced mRNA levels can be used to predict how gene expression changes over time.
However, information about unspliced and spliced transcripts is not always available and may change on a timescale too short to accurately infer transitions between cellular states. Here we present noSpliceVelo, a novel technique for reconstructing RNA velocity without relying on unspliced and spliced transcripts. Instead, it exploits the temporal relationship between the variance and mean of bursty gene expression using a well-established biophysical model. When evaluated on datasets describing mouse pancreatic endocrinogenesis, mouse and human erythroid maturation, and neuronal stimulation in mouse embryonic cortex, noSpliceVelo performed comparably or better than scVelo, a splicing-based approach. In addition, noSpliceVelo inferred key biophysical parameters of gene regulation, specifically burst size and frequency, potentially distinguishing between transcriptional and epigenetic regulation.
DNA Origami Structural Integrity Tracked In Vivo Using Proximity Ligation
Authors: Högberg Björn , Wang Yang , Rocamonde-Lago Iris , Waldvogel Janine , Zang Shuya , Baars Igor , Kloosterman Alexander , Shen Boxuan ,   Ian T Hoffecker3, He Qin
Published: October 2024

DNA origami holds great potential for advancing therapeutics, yet the lack of precise in vivo structural assessment methods prevents its translation. We introduce the Proximity Ligation Assay for Structural Tracking and Integrity Quantification (PLASTIQ), a method that resolves origami structural integrity in vivo. PLASTIQ requires just 1 µL of blood and has a detection limit of 0.01 femtomolar. Through PLASTIQ, we could observe detailed degrading dynamics of origamis during blood circulation, and evaluate the effectiveness of PEGylation for slowing this process. Additionally, by employing a double-layered barrel-like origami structure, we found distinct degradation kinetics among DNA helices in different spatial zones, revealing slower degradation of internal helices compared to outer ones. PLASTIQ is thus an accurate new approach for assessing origami integrity in vivo, providing dynamic pharmaceutical-level insights for accelerating the development of DNA origami-based drugs.
Rare metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the bladder with a new hypothesis and literature review: Case report
Authors: Manav Alper Nesip , Şahin Gökhan
Published: October 2024

Background
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the bladder is extremely rare. A total of 1.6% of the patients were found via autopsy reports.
Case presentation:
A 44-year-old male patient underwent left nephroureterectomy + ureteral cuff resection because of a left endophytic renal mass and suspected upper tract urothelial carcinoma. Pathology revealed papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In the patient with hematuria, a 16x11 mm mass was detected on the left sidewall of the bladder 2 years after nephrectomy. Papillary RCC was detected after complete transurethral resection of the bladder tumor. When we evaluated the literature, we developed the hypothesis that the periureteral venous plexus pathway is involved in metastasis. Left iliac lymph node metastasis was detected via postoperative positron emission tomography (PET-CT). After 6 months of sunitinib treatment, the metastatic lymphadenopathy was found to regress on PET-CT.
Conclusion
Solitary resectable intravesical metastatic RCC is a good prognostic factor. Late-onset systemic metastasis may be observed and should be considered during follow-up. If necessary, PET-CT scanning should be performed, and the patient can be treated with sunitinib.
A novel intelligent prediction approach with optimal dimensional reduction on shrinkage defects in iron casting
Authors: Hernández-Briones Miguel A. , Reséndiz-Flores Edgar O. , Serrano-Toledo José L.
Published: October 2024

This study presents a quantitative prediction model with an optimal dimensional reduction technique for the first time in the context of shrinkage defects in a Compact Graphite Iron (CGI) engine cylinder head. The model is built on the Support Vector Regression (SVR) machine learning algorithm and the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System (MTS) is incorporated for dimensional reduction purposes. An in-depth analysis of 41 process variables has been conducted to identify the crucial factors influencing the shrinkage defect. The chosen variables were then used to feed the intelligent prediction model. Optimal tuning of SVR hyperparameters was achieved by evaluating adjustments over the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for training and testing datasets while simultaneously minimizing RMSE when predicting the defect size. Results were experimentally validated through Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray detection (SEM-EDX).
Significant Reduction in Tonle Sap Lake's Critical Flood Pulse Caused by Human-Induced Riverbed Lowering
Authors: Le Quan , Hackney Christopher , Vasilopoulos Grigorios , Coulthard Thomas , Hung Nguyen Nghia , Darby Stephen , Parsons Daniel
Published: October 2024

The Tonle Sap Lake (TSL), a vital component of the Mekong River, is renowned as one of the world’s most productive lake-wetland systems. The lake’s high productivity is intimately related to an annual flood pulse that is driven by Mekong River flood waters forcing a unique flow reversal along the Tonle Sap River into the lake. During the dry season the floodwaters are returned to the Mekong River, sustaining vital freshwater fluxes to the downstream delta, inhabited by 23 million people. Recent observations have revealed notable changes in the timing and duration of the reverse flow into the TSL, resulting in associated reductions in lake inundation extents. Previous work has identified changes in flow regimes as a possible cause of the observed decline of the reverse flow. In contrast, here we show how riverbed lowering along the mainstem of the Mekong River – driven by accelerating channel bed sand mining and trapping of sediments through upstream hydropower damming – of 3.06 m (σ= 2.03 m), has resulted in a reduction of the water flux into the TSL by up to 47% from 1998 to 2018. We additionally show that projected future (to the year 2038) riverbed lowering, resulting from ongoing sandmining, of up to 5.92 m (σ) = 2.84 m), would result in a further decline of water flux into the TSL of ~ 69% relative to the bathymetry condition in 1998. These ongoing reductions are reducing the maximum extent of seasonally flooded areas by ~ 40% around the lake, presenting a critical threat to its biological productivity and the entire functioning of the TSL flood pulse system. Additionally, these changes in the reverse flow would increase, by around 26 billion m³, the flow that would be transmitted downstream into the Mekong delta during the monsoon season, potentially contributing to increased flood risk downstream as well as reducing dry season ‘return’ water fluxes to the delta by 59%, presenting risks of accelerated saltwater intrusion and reduced agricultural productivity within the delta. Taken together our modelling results show the importance of sediment and river bed levels to the sustainability of the TSL flood pulse and that its future function will be significantly diminished if current levels of sediment extraction from the Mekong system continue.
Investigating the Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Infection Status of Iranian Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Owlia Fatemeh , Kargar Mohammad-Javad , Kazemipoor Maryam
Published: October 2024

Background: Dental students have the potential risk of COVID-19 exposure due to close contact with patients and aerosol-generating procedures. This study aims to touch upon the frequency of COVID-19 infection after different doses of vaccination among Iranian dental students in 2022.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was used to collect self-reported COVID-19 status. A total of 261 dental students volunteered to participate in the study. A total of 252 valid forms were gathered, with a response rate of 96.55%. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation, and Chi-square and Fisher exact tests by Spss17 (Chicago, USA) software.
Results: The rate of COVID-19 infection significantly decreased after the first and third doses of vaccination. The rate of COVID-19 infection was not very different after the first, second, and third doses of the vaccine according to the type of vaccine. Despite gender, there was no significant difference between the study year and type of vaccine with the frequency of COVID-19 involvement. Serious complications following injection of AstraZeneca vaccine in all doses were observed in comparison to other types.
Conclusion:
Vaccination could decrease the rate of COVID-19 infection among dental students. The duration of COVID-19 infection also decreased after administration of different vaccine doses. There was no significant difference in the infection rate among students based on the type of vaccine received. Further studies should be conducted to explore the potential side effects and long-term effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines.
A deep learning framework based on SSM for detecting small and occluded objects in complex underwater environments
Authors: Zhuang Yaoming , Liu Jiaming , Zhao Haoyang , Ma Longyu , Li Li , Wu Chengdong , Cui Wei , Liu Zhanlin
Published: October 2024

Regular monitoring of marine life is essential for preserving the stability of marine ecosystems. However, underwater target detection presents several challenges, particularly in balancing accuracy with model efficiency and real-time performance. To address these issues, we propose an innovative approach that combines the Structured Space Model (SSM) with feature enhancement, specifically designed for small target detection in underwater environments. We developed a high-accuracy, lightweight detection model—UWNet. The results demonstrate that UWNet excels in detection accuracy, particularly in identifying difficult-to-detect organisms like starfish and scallops. Compared to other models, UWNet reduces the number of model parameters by 5% to 390%, significantly improving computational efficiency while maintaining top detection accuracy. Its lightweight design enhances the model's applicability for deployment on underwater robots, enabling effective real-time detection of subaquatic targets.
Association between the Rotavirus Vaccine and Intussusception in China: Study Protocol for Target Trial Emulation
Authors: Wang Yulin , Liu Zhike , Gào Xīn , Yang Junting , Zhang Mengdi , Zhan Siyan
Published: October 2024

Background:Rotavirus vaccines represent a cost-effective and efficacious strategy for the prevention and management of severe rotavirus gastroenteritis, but potential associations of vaccines with intussusception often raise concerns, and this relationship has rarely been reported in China.
Methods:This study aims to explicitly emulate a target trial that is consistent with previous randomized controlled trials and subsequently conducts a nested case-control study to evaluate the risk of intussusception within 90 days of rotavirus vaccination. The study will utilize local birth cohorts from 2015 to 2023 across three locations: Ningbo city, Chongqing city, and Jiangsu Province, where the feasibility of accessing electronic healthcare records has been confirmed through a pilot assessment. Cases of suspected intussusception will be identified from various diagnostic settings, including outpatient and inpatient records, imaging, enema records, and surgical reports, adhering to Brighton's criteria for the inclusion of first-occurring cases classified as Brighton certainty level 1. The risk of intussusception will be evaluated via pooled logistic regression methods, adjusting for age, sex, birth season, site, pregnancy exposure, etc. Subgroup analyses will include the postvaccination period, vaccine type, number of doses, and full vaccination. Sensitivity analysis will consider the vaccination day 0, multiple imputation for missing data, propensity score matching, self-controlled analysis, and negative outcome control.
Discussion:This is the first, multicenter, large-scale, proactive surveillance study of the risk of intussusception after rotavirus vaccination in China. With the framework of target trial emulation, the nested case-control design would minimize or control relevant bias and confounding in real-world comparative safety studies. This evidence will support the decision of immunization programs in China and contribute to addressing the vaccine hesitancy worldwide.
Coevolution of cooperative lifestyles and low cancer incidence in mammals
Authors: Blaustein Matías , Sierra Catalina , Maxwell Julián , Flaibani Nicolás , Vega Constanza Sánchez de la , Ventura Alejandra , Lavagnino Nicolás
Published: October 2024

The development of cancer has been traditionally seen as a ‘side-effect’ of other processes under selection or conceived as selectively neutral since cancer tends to occur after reproduction1. Although some mammals present molecular mechanisms that confer resistance to developing tumors, cancer is widely distributed throughout the tree of life2–4. In fact, ecological systems can experience counterintuitive increases in population size, a phenomenon known as hydra effect, when a subpopulation exhibits higher mortality rates5–7. Here, we work under the hypothesis that cancer risk across the tree of life might have been fine-tuned by evolution. A high incidence of cancer could have a neutral, negative or even positive adaptive value, depending on life history and lifestyle traits associated with the eco-evolutionary context of each species. By using public databases on cancer-related mortality of mammals, we show that species with cooperative habits have lower cancer risk. We demonstrate by mathematical modeling that higher cancer incidence in older less or post-reproductive individuals can lead to an increase in the population size (hydra effect) in a context of intraspecific competition. On the contrary, in species in which older individuals show supportive habits, population size increases as cancer mortality rates of older individuals decrease.
Stealth in Plain Sight: The Hidden Threat of PowerShell Fileless Malware and Its Evasion of Modern EDRs & AVs
Authors: Elghaly Yehia M.
Published: October 2024

These findings illuminate the potential vulnerabilities of current security solutions and highlight the need for enhanced detection strategies against fileless PowerShell threats. By offering critical insights, this research contributes to fortifying cybersecurity defenses against increasingly sophisticated fileless threats.
As the frequency of fileless PowerShell attacks, which are exploited by Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups and cybercriminals continues to rise the need, for defense measures becomes more crucial than before. This study aims to explore the detection capabilities of defense mechanisms like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Advanced Antivirus (AV) solutions when faced with these threats. Currently APT groups and cybercriminals are favouring fileless PowerShell scripts due, to their ability to bypass defenses. Furthermore, the absence of antivirus solutions and EDRs can leave organizations exposed to attacks. This trend highlights the timeliness and critical significance of our research.
I have developed and tested a novel PowerShell reverse shell, delivered in both PS1 and EXE formats, against sixteen 16 different security solutions. These include both paid and open-source Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) systems, as well as total security and premium antivirus software. This study uniquely focuses on analyzing the impact of script-to-executable conversion and varying persistence methods on detection rates. Additionally, I evaluated the effect of stealthy functions embedded within the PowerShell scripts. Furthermore, I utilized PowerShell code obfuscation techniques to determine if they could evade current security solutions.
Two different types of reverse shells were evaluated in a controlled environment. The initial version, which was publicly shared underwent testing, by the cybersecurity community. On the hand, the second version, which incorporated stealth techniques underwent private testing, on various antivirus and EDR systems.
Preliminary results revealed that both the PS1 script and the EXE formats managed to successfully bypass many AVs, EDRs, and XDRs. These findings shed light on the potential vulnerabilities of current security solutions and underscore the need for enhanced detection strategies against fileless PowerShell threats. By offering critical insights, this research contributes to the fortification of cybersecurity defenses against increasingly sophisticated fileless threats.
Changes in the biological and nutritional value of pea and bean grains as a result of their bioactivation
Authors: Veber A. L. , Leonova S. A.
Published: October 2024

The relevance of the study is due to the need to improve the technology for processing peas and beans of domestic selection into plant-based drinks and their use in technologies for alternative products of complex raw materials for healthy, functional and specialized nutrition of various population groups. The purpose of the work is to study the influence of the developed technological modes of bioactivation on the nutritional and biological value, functional and technological properties of the protein-carbohydrate complex of pea and bean grains. The work examines the results of studies of changes occurring in pea grains bred at the Bashkir Research Institute of Agriculture and beans bred at the Omsk State Agrarian University during their bioactivation using the Smart Sprouter "Rosinka" installation, in particular the biochemical composition and inhibitory activity of grain of the studied varieties, a protein complex and amino acid composition, protein digestibility in vitro, functional and technological properties of the protein-carbohydrate complex of grain. The research has been carried out using generally accepted, modern instrumental methods for analyzing the properties of raw materials and finished products. It has been established that the use of the developed technological parameters of bioactivation leads to modification of the functional and technological properties of the structure-forming nutrients of grain, intensive accumulation of all amino acids, with the exception of threonine, make it possible to increase the protein content in pea grain by 15.32 % and beans by 14.96 %, relative to the initial values increase the degree of compliance of pea and bean grain protein with the FAO/WHO reference protein by 4.48 and 17.53 %, reduce the activity of grain protease inhibitors by 19.76 and 26.12 %, increase the digestibility of grain protein by 7.77 and 5.85 %. The research results prove the feasibility of using bioactivated pea and bean grains for the production of alternative products with a complex raw material composition, including plant-based drinks and products in the "dairy alternatives" segment.
Improving the technology for manufacturing food additives, starches and starch products using infrared radiation
Authors: Sheshnev K. V. , Martynov A. A. , Selezneva E. A. , Buhancev O. V.
Published: October 2024

The paper considers the problems of physical modification of starch products and other food ingredients. The main trends and directions of innovative activity characteristic of the ingredient market have been described. As a result of the experiments, a method for modifying starches, starch products and complex food additives has been developed to improve their microbiological, physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics. It has been proven that when exposed to infrared radiation with a wavelength of 7–10 microns on a layer of a product 1 cm thick for 1 minute, the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms in such a product is reduced to zero. At the same time, the mass fraction of reducing substances as a result of such treatment more than doubles, which indicates the occurrence of the dextrinization process. It is possible to process both starch products that act as carriers in complex mixtures and ready-made additives after completion of the mixing process. The mass fraction of moisture during infrared processing decreases by less than 1 % for maltodextrins and by less than 2 % for complex food additives, which characterizes the resulting technological losses as acceptable. Changing the granulometric composition of complex additives under the influence of infrared radiation improves the flowability of the product, increases the uniformity of distribution of flavoring substances over the surface of the carrier, which in turn makes it possible to reduce the dosage of complex additives in the manufacture of meat and confectionery products. Based on the results obtained, technological diagrams have been developed and described showing the production process step by step, indicating all significant parameters.
Technology for the production of oatmeal cookies using non-traditional plant raw materials
Authors: Lobosova L. A. , Malyutina T. N. , Zheltoukhova E. Yu. , Feofanova T. M. , Volkova V. O.
Published: October 2024

Modern trend in the food industry is the development of technology for healthy food products with increased nutritional value and enriched with new types of vegetable raw materials. Oatmeal cookies are popular among different groups of people. The purpose of the study is to develop a technology for producing oatmeal cookies by replacing premium wheat flour with spelled flour, and raisins with dried cranberries and Japanese persimmons. The choice of enrichment agents is justified. The recipe for the "Oatmeal New" cookie was taken as a control sample. We replaced premium wheat flour with spelled flour in a ratio of 70 : 30; 50 : 50; 30 : 70; 0 : 100. Persimmon has replaced 30 % of white sugar. The sample with full replacement of wheat flour with spelled flour is recognized as the best. A recipe for "Sweet Morning" oatmeal cookies has been developed. Organoleptic and physicochemical quality indicators of oatmeal cookies have been determined. The antioxidant activity of cookies of the new composition is 0.28 mg of quercetin/100 g of product, which is higher than in the control sample by 0.05 mg of quercetin/100 g of product. The nutritional and energy value of the products has been calculated. Oatmeal cookies "Sweet Morning" exceed the control sample in protein content by 1.2 times, dietary fiber by 2 times, vitamin В1 – 1,2, В5 – 2,3, В9 – 1.24, vitamin C – 5.8, PP – 1.3, K – 6.3, β-carotene – 1.5; minerals K – 1.9, Ca – 1.6, Mg – 1.8, P – 1.8; and microelements: Fe – 1.4, Zn – 2.5, Cu – 2.7, Se – 1.5, Mn – by 2.5 times. The energy value of the new product is 40 kcal (167 kJ) lower compared to the control one. "Sweet Morning" oatmeal cookies is recommended for people focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.
Comparative analysis of the physical and chemical properties of dried products "KalmaKS" from the skin of the Commander and Pacific squid
Authors: Samokhin A. V. , Blagonravova M. V. , Spirina M. E. , Fedulova L. V.
Published: October 2024

The modern system of high-quality nutrition for the population includes the use of natural compounds from secondary products of animal origin. In the course of scientific substantiation of using secondary products from the processing of cephalopods, dried products from the skin of Pacific (Todarodes pacificus) and Commander squid (Berryteuthis magister) have been studied, their protein and amino acid composition and functional and technological characteristics have been analyzed. In samples from the skin of the Pacific squid, a high content of glutamic and aspartic acids (8–10 %) is noted; in samples from the skin of the Commander squid – glycine (20 %), proline (10 %) and arginine. High indicators of solubility, water-holding capacity and stability of foam structures are due to the significant content of type I destructured collagen (in a sample from the skin of Commander squid), and hydrophilic amino acids and type III collagen fragments (in a product made from Pacific squid skin). Infrared drying of products promotes denaturation and gelatinization of collagen in the skin of Commander squid, which is confirmed by the brighter color characteristics of the samples and high moisture-binding capacity when the temperature rises to 40 and 60 °C; this fact indicates an increase in the hydrophilic properties of the products of destruction of collagen fractions. Products made from skin, which is a secondary product of squid processing, have high potential for use in the food industry as water-retaining, fat-binding, and fat-emulsifying components.
Modernization of small-sized drying plant for searching optimal modes with thermovision control
Authors: Lukin S. A. , Kaychenov A. V. , Ereschenko V. V. , Selyakov I. Yu.
Published: October 2024

The climatic features of the Murmansk region (low average annual temperature; insignificant number of sunny days) do not contribute to the effective use of natural methods of drying aquatic organisms and determine the use of artificial dehydration methods using appropriate equipment. The capabilities of ship fish processing complexes are limited; highly productive coastal fish processing plants are required to supply the population with fish products. The development and testing of new drying modes has been carried out using a small-sized drying unit UPOR-M2. In the course of the study, a drying unit modernization project has been developed, equipment has been selected (thermal imaging system; damper and fan control modules), the system has been modernized and a number of experiments has been conducted to determine the effectiveness of the work performed. The modernization of the drying unit has made it possible to increase the accuracy of the data obtained by 25 % (temperature), 20 % (relative humidity), 18 % (weight), to implement remote control of the processes and to ensure reliable operation of the drying system. Further research of different drying modes for aquatic organisms should include upgrading the air supply control system and improving communication equipment.
Scientific and practical basis of cephalopods dehydration processes
Authors: Pokholchenko V. A. , Ershov A. M. , Glukhikh Ya. A. , Mishanina L. A.
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, it is relevant to solve the problems of adapting optimal resource- and energy-efficient modes to technologies for processing food raw materials. The work is focused on the analysis of the prerequisites to find similar features in the dehydration of food capillary-porous colloidal materials by means of various methods. The authors have studied the patterns of cephalopods dehydration using the example of octopus and squid under different heat treatment regimes. It has been proved that there is only one critical point characterizing the transition from moisture with a lower binding energy to moisture with a higher one, and an equation has been proposed for finding the critical humidity during dehydration of the objects been studied. A generalized mathematical model has been developed to determine the duration of the process at the current moisture content of the food material based on dimensionless similarity criteria characterizing the phenomena been investigated. The dependences of the moisture removal rate for different heat treatment methods of cephalopods are given according to their initial moisture content, the specific surface area of the material and the operating factors that determine the process. The obtained dependencies and patterns open up unique opportunities for labor-saving design in the food industry using rational operating modes of industrial enterprises, optimization of heat treatment processes in general and the creation of energy-efficient equipment new designs.
Arranjos institucionais: O papel da AMAVI no desenvolvimento regional do Alto Vale do Itajaí por meio da governança ambiental e da gestão urbana
Authors: Martendal Anandra Gorges , Wilhelm Ivonei José , Souza Cristiane Mansur de Moraes , Bortolli Barbara Letícia de Castro , Dos Santos Gilberto Friedenreich
Published: October 2024

Arranjos institucionais são estruturas e mecanismos estabelecidos para coordenar ações em uma organização ou sistema, proporcionando diretrizes para a tomada de decisões, ações e interações entre seus membros. O arranjo institucional AMAVI - Associação de Municípios do Alto Vale do Itajaí proporciona estruturas vitais para os municípios associados, atuando como elemento de desenvolvimento territorial. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste artigo foi analisar as atividades desempenhadas pela AMAVI nas áreas de governança ambiental e gestão urbana, entre os anos de 2016 e 2022, vinculadas ao desenvolvimento regional do Alto Vale do Itajaí - SC. A pesquisa de caráter qualitativo baseou-se na análise de relatórios anuais da citada Associação. A pesquisa buscou as atividades da AMAVI com foco na "governança ambiental” e “gestão urbana”. Essas atividades foram classificadas em categorias de acordo com a afinidade entre elas, e em seguida foram quantificadas as ocorrências de cada categoria ao longo dos anos. Na obtenção e interpretação dos dados dos relatórios, os tópicos de meio ambiente e saneamento, foram identificados como atividades vinculadas à governança ambiental e o tópico planejamento urbano como atividade relacionada à gestão urbana. Assim, na temática de governança ambiental, o saneamento básico foi a atividade de maior preocupação. Na temática de gestão urbana, a categoria plano diretor ganhou evidência. Por fim, o estudo revela o compromisso da AMAVI na busca da promoção do desenvolvimento regional, organizando e promovendo ações de nas áreas de governança ambiental e gestão urbana no Alto Vale do Itajaí.
The Superhuman Characters in the Prologues of Seneca’s Hercules Furens, Agamemnon, and Thyestes
Authors:   University of Silesia in Katowice, Słomak Iwona
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a new hypothesis concerning the prologues of Seneca’s Hercules Furens, Agamemnon, and Thyestes. It provides an interpretive alternative to the controversies associated with the current reading tradition, which places superhuman and protatic characters speaking in the opening acts of these plays on the same level of fictional reality as other heroes, or subordinates them to figurative construction. According to the proposed hypothesis, the specific nature of these three scenes may be the result of applying the convention known, with little variation, from several other dramas in which the ghosts disturb the sleeping. The argumentation emphasises the paradigmatic nature of these opening scenes, which end with a formula setting them at the close of the night. It also points to the fact that in the light of the new assumptions, these prologues — redundant in their expository and anticipatory function — play an important role in structuring the dramatic action. Moreover, in the context of the events that follow them, their content can be explained in terms of the dream theory known from the rationalising philosophical discourses of antiquity. Finally, proposed reading of these scenes is based on the assumption of continuity between the discursive and poetic activity of the author.