bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Live and Pasteurized Akkermansia muciniphila Mechanisms of Action and Its Potential Use as an Aid in the Treatment of Non-communicable Diseases
Authors: Mruk-Mazurkiewicz Honorata , Kulaszyńska Monika , Czarnecka Wiktoria , Podkówka Albert , Ekstedt Natalia , Zawodny Piotr , Wierzbicka-Woś Anna , Marlicz Wojciech , Skupin Błażej , Stachowska Ewa , Łoniewski Igor , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina
Published: May 2024

This comprehensive review delineates the extensive roles of Akkermansia muciniphila in various health domains, spanning from metabolic and inflammatory diseases to neurodegenerative disorders. A. muciniphila, known for its ability to reside in the mucous layer of the intestine, plays a pivotal role in maintaining gut integrity and interacting with host metabolic processes. Its influence extends to modulating immune responses and potentially easing symptoms across several non-communicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Recent studies highlight its capacity to interact with the gut-brain axis, suggesting a possible impact on neuropsychiatric conditions. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of A. muciniphila highlighted in animal and preliminary human studies, challenges remain in its practical application due to stability and cultivation issues. However, the development of pasteurized forms and synthetic mediums offers new avenues for its use in clinical settings, as recognized by regulatory bodies like the European Food Safety Authority. This narrative review serves as a crucial resource for understanding the broad implications of A. muciniphila across different health conditions and its potential integration into therapeutic strategies
Assessing Digestate at Different Stabilization Stages: Application of Thermal Analysis and FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: González-Rojo Silvia , Carrillo-Peña Daniela , González Ruben , Gómez Xiomar
Published: May 2024

Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that transforms high-strength organic effluents into biogas with multiple benefits. However, concurrent with organics' biological transformation, a liquid phase with a high solid content is also derived from this process. Valorizing this fraction is not an easy task if an agronomic application cannot be considered as a suitable option. The thermal valorization of this fraction allows for energy extraction, but also gives rise to additional capital investment and increases the energy demand of the global process. In addition, the thermal treatment of digestate has to deal with a mineralized material. The changes in organic matter due to anaerobic stabilization were studied in the present manuscript, by evaluating the thermal behavior of samples, activation energy and organic transformation using FTIR spectroscopy. Digested samples of a mixture composed of manure and glycerin (5% v/v) were studied. The stabilization caused a dramatic decrease in aliphatic compounds, greatly increasing the mineral content of the sample. Thermal valorization of digestates must consider the lower energy content and more complex structure of these materials, with higher content of lignin and protein-type compounds.
Dynamics between Classical Mechanics and Relativistic Insights
Authors: Thakur Soumendra Nath
Published: May 2024

This study delves into the intricate dynamics of classical mechanics, exploring the interplay between force, mass, and energy. Through fundamental principles and mathematical formulations, it elucidates key relationships governing physical systems. Beginning with an overview of classical mechanics, the study establishes the foundational principles laid down by Newton, emphasizing concepts such as inertia, acceleration, and the relationship between force and motion. Central to the investigation is Newton's second law of motion, highlighting the direct proportionality between force and acceleration, and the inverse relationship between acceleration and mass when acted upon by a force. The study extends to the concept of effective mass, elucidating how the application of force influences the inertial mass of an object and contributes to its effective mass through the acquisition of kinetic energy. Furthermore, the study examines the total energy composition of systems, emphasizing the holistic nature of energy as a combination of potential and kinetic forms. Through the work-energy theorem, a direct link between force and kinetic energy is established, revealing how mechanical work done on an object results in changes in its kinetic energy and effective mass. Mathematical formulations and conceptual analyses provide deeper insights into the intricate relationships between force, mass, and energy, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms governing classical mechanical systems. Through validation against empirical observations and experimental data, the study ensures the accuracy and reliability of derived equations, contributing to a richer understanding of classical mechanics and paving the way for further exploration in the field of physics.
Classification Of Strawberry Diseases and Quality Using Different Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Aghamohammadesmaeiletabforoosh Kimia , Nikan Soodeh , Antonini Giorgio , Pearce Joshua
Published: May 2024

Machine learning and computer vision have proven to be valuable tools for farmers to streamline their resource utilization to lead to more sustainable and efficient agricultural production. These techniques have been applied to strawberry cultivation in the past with limited success. To build on this past work, in this study two separate sets of strawberry images, along with their associated diseases, were collected and subjected to, resizing, and augmentation. Subsequently, a combined dataset consisting of 9 classes was utilized to fine-tune three distinct pre-trained models: Vision Transformer (ViT), MobileNetV2, and ResNet18. To address the imbalanced class distribution in the dataset, each class was assigned weights to ensure nearly equal impact during the training process. To enhance the outcomes, new images were generated by removing backgrounds, reducing noise, and flipping them. The performances of ViT, MobileNetV2, and ResNet18 were compared after being selected. Customization specific to the task was applied to all three algorithms, and their performances were assessed. Throughout this experiment, none of the layers were frozen, ensuring all layers remained active during training. Attention heads were incorporated into the first 5 and last 5 layers of MobileNetV2 and ResNet18, while the architecture of ViT was modified. The results indicated accuracy factors of 98.4%, 98.1%, and 97.9% for ViT, MobileNetV2, and ResNet18, respectively. Despite the data being imbalanced, the precision, which indicates the proportion of correctly identified positive instances among all predicted positive instances, approached nearly 99% with the ViT. MobileNetV2 and ResNet18 demonstrated similar results. Overall, the analysis revealed that the Vision Transformer model exhibited superior performance in strawberry ripeness and disease classification. The inclusion of attention heads in the early layers of ResNet18 and MobileNet18, along with the inherent attention mechanism in ViT, improved the accuracy of image identification. These findings offer the potential for farmers to enhance strawberry cultivation through passive camera monitoring alone, promoting the health and well-being of the population.
Time of Flight- Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) Coupled with Unsupervised Methods for Advanced Saffron Authenticity Screening: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: De Angelis Elisabetta , Al-Ayoubi Omar , Pilolli Rosa , Monaci Linda. , Bejjani Alice
Published: May 2024

Saffron, renowned for its aroma and flavor, is susceptible to adulteration due to its high value and demand. Current detection methods, including ISO standards, often fail to identify specific adulterants such as safflower or turmeric up to 20% (w/w). Therefore, the quest continues for robust screening methods using advanced techniques to tackle this persistent challenge in safeguarding saffron quality and authenticity. Advanced techniques like Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), with its molecular specificity and high sensitivity, offer promising solutions. Samples of pure saffron and saffron adulterated with safflower and turmeric at three levels of inclusion (5%, 10%, and 20%) were analyzed without prior treatment. Spectral analysis revealed distinct signatures for pure saffron, safflower, and turmeric. Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), TOF-SIMS effectively discriminated between pure saffron and saffron adulterated with turmeric and safflower at different inclusion levels. The variation between the groups is attributed to the characteristic peaks of safflower and the amino group peaks and mineral peaks of saffron. Additionally, a study was conducted to demonstrate that semi-quantification of the level of safflower inclusion can be achieved from the normalized values of its characteristic peaks in the saffron matrix.
Dimensional Accuracy and Mechanical Characterization of Inconel 625 components in Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Rosnitschek Tobias , Stierle Catharina , Orgeldinger Christian , Seynstahl Armin , Alber-Laukant Bettina , Tremmel Stephan
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing processes offer various options to fabricate metal parts, which show numerous ecological and technological advantages compared to formative and subtractive manufacturing methods. Due to quick availability and high accuracy, they are particularly suitable to produce complex prototypes. Metal fused deposition modeling is a relatively new material extrusion additive manufacturing technique based on the widely used fused filament deposition process. This study focuses on the Inconel 625 metal filament from Markforged Inc., it consists of a mixture of metal powder and a binder system, the latter being removed during washing and sintering. In this article, the mechanical properties of printed and sintered Inconel were investigated using tensile testing specimens with three different infill patterns, solid, triangular, and gyroid, printed in flatwise and upright direction. In addition, investigations into the dimensional accuracy of the printed specimens and the sintering shrinkage were carried out. The results showed that neither the dimensional accuracy nor the sintering shrinkage was significantly influenced by the printing orientation. In the context of lightweight engineering, the structures proofed beneficial especially within the elastic region. Generally, triangular infill patterns resulted in higher stiffness, while gyroids led to more ductile specimens. A mass-related evaluation of tensile testing elucidates that with aid of the infill structures weight savings of 40 % resulted in mechanical performance decreased by only 20 % on average.
Fenomena Kepemimpinan Karismatis di Era Transisi Menuju Demokrasi Pasca Reformasi
Authors: Prianto Budhy
Published: May 2024

Although Max Weber's three typologies of authority, namely traditional authority, charismatic authority, and rational-legal authority have been classified as a classical theory, they are still considered relevant and referred to by academics for various scientific purposes. Also in daily socio-political practices in Indonesian society today, the phenomenon of life can be found in three typologies of authority. Simultaneously, the three typologies of authority can be found at the community level, state level, and in the relationship between society and the state. However, in the current era of democratic governance, the use and acceptance of these three types of authority cannot be avoided from criticism and controversy, especially those related to charismatic authority. There is a tendency for the development –or redevelopment – of charismatic leadership to be felt in recent years. Many leaders and figures who feel that they are leaders deliberately equip themselves with a mythical aura, or mystical, in order to boost their personal charismatic authority, in order to legitimize their power and influence. By using literature research and content analysis, this paper tries to find answers on how to manage the tendency of charismatic leadership types to be in line with democratic governance values that are currently being developed. The results of the study show that there are two ways to synergize charismatic authority with demands for democratic governance. On the one hand, carry out the process of demystifying charisma, and on the other hand, continue to encourage the development of procedural and substantial democratic values.
Politik Kesejahteraan Sosial dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat: Kasus Ketergantungan Kebijakan Bantuan Sosial di Temanggung, Jawa Tengah
Authors: Sugiastuti Nursari , Ulinnuha Roma
Published: May 2024

One of the government's strategies for overcoming poverty is to reduce the burden of public expenditure, which is realized in the form of social assistance. The government's social welfare policy in the form of social assistance is something that is truly phenomenal and is always eagerly awaited by the recipients. One of the effects is to provide a sense of security and feel like you are in a comfort zone, in other words, dependence on social assistance. But there are beneficiaries who are dissatisfied with their situation, they want positive changes and not to be recipients of social assistance forever. They made conscious changes by empowering their group of fellow recipients of the Family Hope Program's social assistance. This research is field research in the form of a case study located in Temanggung Regency with the research object being a Joint Business Group which carries out the establishment and initial capital independently, namely from the results of setting aside some of the social assistance money they receive. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method, while data is obtained from observations, interviews and documentation studies from related sources. This article tries to review the theme with Anthony Giddens' structuration theory, which states that all social action requires agents and structures where agents and structures cannot be separated from each other because they are dual. This also happens to Joint Business Groups as agents and government policies as structures, both of which are interrelated and influence each other.

 
DINÂMICA DA PRECIPITAÇÃO TOTAL E INTERNA EM PERFIL FLORESTAL NA AMAZÔNIA CENTRAL
Authors: Vital Ana Rosa Tundis , Nobre Arcos Adriano , Lopes Anthony , Ferreira Sávio José Filgueiras , Ferreira Monteiro Maria Terezinha , Silva Márcio Luiz da
Published: May 2024

O objetivo desse estudo foi quantificar e avaliar a distribuição da precipitação total e interna e determinar a interceptação no ecossistema florestal. O presente trabalho foi realizado na Reserva Biológica do Cuieiras, pertencente ao Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia – RBC/INPA entre junho de 2021 a dezembro de 2022. Os pluviômetros para captação da precipitação interna foram instalados em regiões florestais denominadas: platô, encosta, baixio, e foram instalados pluviômetros em duas torres localizadas no platô e baixio para captação da precipitação total. O processo de interceptação é extremamente importante na hidrologia de uma área, resultando em perdas de água que de outra forma chegaria ao solo e/ou respondendo com a introdução de consideráveis quantidades de massa de vapor de água na atmosfera, as quais através de sua reciclagem atuam no equilíbrio hídrico e climático região. A precipitação interna atingiu o valor de 71,4%, 76,2% e 77,2% e uma interceptação de 28,5%, 23,8% e 22,8%, respectivamente, para as florestas de baixio, encosta e platô, da altura total de chuva verificada no período. O volume de chuva entre as áreas não apresentou diferença significativa (p>0.05).
Automated Reservoir Characterization of Carbonate Rocks using Deep Learning Image Segmentation Approach
Authors: Nande Soumitra B. , Patwardhan Samarth D.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study is to develop a systematic and novel workflow for the automated and objective characterization of carbonate reservoirs with the help of deep learning architectures. An image database of more than 6,000 carbonate thin-section images was generated using the optical microscope and image augmentation techniques. Five features, namely clay/silt/mineral, calcite, pores, fossils, and opaque minerals, were identified with the help of manual petrography of the thin sections under the microscope. A total of four deep learning models were developed, which included U-Net, U-Net with ResNet34 backbone, U-Net with Mobilenetv2 backbone, and LinkNet with ResNet34 backbone. The Ensemble model of U-Net + ResNet34 and U-Net + MobileNetv2 yielded the highest intersection over union (IoU) score of 75%, followed by the U-Net + ResNet34 model with an IoU score of 61%. The models struggled with class imbalance, which was very prominent in the image database, with classes such as fossils and opaques considered to be rare. The statistical analysis of the relative errors revealed that the major classes play a more important role in increasing the final IoU score as opposed to the common understanding that the rare classes affect the model performance. The novel workflow developed in this paper can be extended to real carbonate reservoirs for time efficient, objective, and accurate characterization.
Design and rationale for an empirical investigation of the resource use and costs of investigator-initiated randomized trials in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany
Authors: Griessbach Alexandra , Speich Benjamin , Dutilh Gilles , Treweek Shaun , Schwenkglenks Matthias , Briel Matthias
Published: May 2024

Background
Conducting high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is challenging, time consuming and resource intense. Academic investigators usually depend on scarce financial resources, however, current literature lacks systematically collected empirical data on the detailed resource use and costs of investigator-initiated RCTs.
Methods
The aim of this study is to generate a database of detailed empirical resource use and cost data from 100 investigator-initiated RCTs in Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Investigators enter their empirical costs data into an online case report form, which is followed by a short interview and a detailed cost report. We plan to investigate cost patterns and cost drivers, examine planned versus actual RCT costs as well as explore the heterogeneity of costs across the planning, conduct, and finalization phases, in drug and non-drug trials, and across medical fields and countries.
Discussion
This study will add detailed empirical data to the limited research on investigator-initiated RCT costs currently available. A study limitation will be that cost data will be retrospective and self-reported, which might be inaccurate depending on how costs were recorded.
Registration:
Open Science Framework (OSF) https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/QY2GU
Enhanced Complement Expression in the Tumor Microenvironment Following Neoadjuvant Therapy: Implications for Immunomodulation and Survival in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Lan Ruoxin , Liu Yongjun , Pillarisetty Venu , Li Danting , Zhao Chaohui , Sarkar Suparna , Liu Weiguo , Hanna Iman , Gupta Mala , Hajdu Cristina , Melamed Jonathan , Shusterma Michael , Widmer Jessica , Allendorf John , Liu Yao-zhong
Published: May 2024

Background Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly being used for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment. However, its specific effects on carcinoma cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) are not fully understood. This study aims to investigate how NAT differentially impacts PDAC’s carcinoma cells and TME.
Methods Spatial transcriptomics was used to compare gene expression profiles in carcinoma cells and the TME between 23 NAT-treated and 13 NAT-naïve PDAC patients, correlating with their clinicopathologic features. Analysis of an online single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) dataset was performed for validation of the specific cell types responsible for NAT-induced gene expression alterations.
Results NAT not only induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in carcinoma cells but also significantly remodels the TME. Notably, NAT induces a coordinated upregulation of multiple key complement genes (C3, C1S, C1R, C4B and C7) in the TME, making the complement pathway one of the most significantly affected pathways by NAT. Patients with higher TME complement expression following NAT exhibit improved overall survival. These patients also exhibit increased immunomodulatory and neurotrophic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs); more CD4+ T cells, monocytes, and mast cells; and reduced immune exhaustion gene expression. snRNA-seq analysis demonstrates C3 complement was specifically upregulated in CAFs but not in other stroma cell types.
Conclusions NAT can enhance complement production and signaling within the TME, which is associated with reduced immunosuppression in PDAC. These findings suggest that local complement dynamics could serve as a novel biomarker for prognosis, evaluating treatment response and resistance, and guiding therapeutic strategies in NAT-treated PDAC patients.
Paravalvular Abscess Causing Severe Aortic Insufficiency with Aorto-Right Ventricular Fistula
Authors: Kumanayaka Dilesha Dilangi , Ahmed Eyad , Chigurupati Himaja Dutt , Chow Priscilla , Sharma Hari , Khan Ahsan
Published: May 2024

This is a case report of a large paravalvular abscess of the aortic valve (AV) causing severe aortic insufficiency, complicated by aortic root to right ventricular fistula, in a young patient who admits to intravenous drug use (IVDU) and presented with skin abscesses and septic shock. Our case highlights the cruciality of early detection, diagnosis, and management of aorto-cavitary fistulas by echocardiography, due to high mobility and mortality associated.
Assessment of exposure for make-up cosmetic products in Shanghai
Authors: She Yuanyuan , Tang Yang , Chen Jian , Chen Tian , Cui Wenguang , Chen Yijun , Zhou Lihong , Li Zhu
Published: May 2024

Limited data exist on cosmetic exposure in China, especially for make-up cosmetic products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the daily exposure of 346 female make-up users in Shanghai to 10 make-up cosmetic products over a two-week period using an online daily questionnaire. The levels of exposure to non-powder base makeup, eye shadow and eyeliner, mascara, lip stick, and makeup remover were lower than the values currently used by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The amount of applied per application of some categories was close to that of Japan and South Korea, but the amount of applied per day was lower. Therefore, it is urgent to establish exposure parameters for the local population in China. The exposure values obtained in this study for the Shanghai population will be useful for safety assessors and for safety agencies in order to protect both the general population and at-risk populations.
Prediction of low back fasciitis by machine learning method based on radiomics
Authors: song mingxin , Jiang ling , Yang hui , Jia cheng , Qin Jian , Xiao Qiang
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze lumbar fascial changes in patients with lower back pain using lumbar spine soft tissue-based MR imaging radiomics.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the lumbar MRI of 380 patients with low back pain. Patients were randomly assigned to either the training (n = 187) or validation (n = 193) cohorts. Seven different machine learning algorithms were used to establish classification prediction models, and their prediction efficiency were evaluated with the best performance was selected as the final classification prediction model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to create radiomics model and combined nomogram model and their predictive performance were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results:Among the seven machine learning models, the Lasso model exhibited the highest diagnostic efficiency with an AUC of 0.835. The radiomics nomogram integrated clinical and radiomics signature features, demonstrating strong performance in both the training and validation sets with AUC values of 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. AUC and DCA indicated that the radiomics nomogram model effectively diagnosed lumbar fasciitis.
Conclusion: We developed an nomogram model that integrated clinical and radiomics features to help clinicians identify and predict low back fasciitis through soft tissue magnetic resonance.
JAML overexpressed in colorectal cancer promotes tumour proliferation by activating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signalling pathway
Authors: Fang Yuying , Liu Yanan , Dong Zhilin , Zhao Xinchao , Zhang Mingyan , Zheng Yawen , Yang Chunsheng , Wang Yufeng , Liu Ning , Yan Peng , Ma Yuan , Yang Fei , Zheng Yan , Zhang Wencheng , Yang Jianmin , Sun Meili
Published: May 2024

The expression and biological function of junctional adhesion molecule-like protein (JAML) in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Paraffin tissue samples from 50 cases of CRC were collected to determine the expression of JAML. JAML was overexpressed or knock-down in CRC cells to evaluated the proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Western-blot and others were applied to explore the mechanisms. The study showed that JAML was highly expressed within cancer tissues in 50% (25/50) of patients with CRC compared to adjacent tissues (p < 0.0001). Patients of JAML− high group had poorer overall survival compared to JAML− low group (p = 0.0362, HR = 0.4295, 95% CI of 0.1908–0.9667). The tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was lower in the JAML− high group than in the JAML− low group (p < 0.05). Overexpression of JAML promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC by activating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signalling pathway both in vitro and in vivo. TILs were reduced in JAML− high tumour tissues by decreasing chemokines such as CCL20 and CXCL9/10/11. Our study identified JAML, a potentially ideal target that is specifically highly expressed in CRC tissues, which promoted tumour proliferation, impaired T-lymphocytes infiltration, provided a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with CRC.
X-ray Interferometry Using a Modulated Phase Grating: Theory and Experiments
Authors: Meyer Hunter , Dey Joyoni , Carr Sydney , Ham Kyungmin , Butler Leslie G. , Dooley Kerry M. , Hidrovo Ivan , Bleuel Markus , Varga Tamas , Schulz Joachim , Beckenbach Thomas , Kaiser Konradin
Published: May 2024

X-ray grating interferometry allows for the simultaneous acquisition of attenuation, differential-phase contrast, and dark-field images, resulting from X-ray attenuation, refraction, and small-angle scattering, respectively. The modulated phase grating (MPG) interferometer is a recently developed grating interferometry system capable of generating a directly resolvable interference pattern using a relatively large period grating envelope function that is sampled at a pitch that allows for X-ray spatial coherence using a microfocus X-ray source or by use of a source G0 grating that follows the Lau condition. We present the theory of the MPG inter-ferometry system for a 2-dimensional staggered grating, derived using Fourier optics, and we compare the theoretical predictions with experiments we have performed with a microfocus X-ray system at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU. The theoretical and experimental fringe visibility is evaluated as a function of grating-to-detector distance. Quantitative experiments are performed with porous carbon and alumina samples, and qualitative analysis of attenuation and dark-field images of a dried anchovy are shown.
Is minimally invasive superior to traditional open technique for two-segmental transforaminal interbody fusion in the treatment of lumbar degenerative disease?
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang SongOu , Zhou Ping , He Liu , Chen Kai , Zhou Xiaoyi , Zhao Xiaofeng , Xie Minghua , Che Bin , Lu Yanghu
Published: May 2024

Study Design: Retrospective case‒control study.
Purpose: To compare minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and Traditional open TLIF in the treatment of two segments lumbar degenerative diseases.
Methods:Patients who underwent two-level MIS-TLIF (n = 222) and traditional open TLIF (n = 214) for lumbar degenerative disease. Demographic characteristics, surgical information, and perioperative complications were compared between the MIS-TLIF and Open TLIF groups. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (SF-36) were administered for clinical evaluations.
Results: Patients who underwent MIS-TLIF had a significantly lower volume of blood loss (176.2 ± 30.4mL vs 396.4 ± 59.7mL), lower postoperative drainage (102.6 ± 22.6 mL vs 164.4 ± 26.9mL), shorter bed rest time (3.3 d vs 4.7 d), longer operative time (201.4 ± 17.6 min vs 147.7 ± 16.0 min), and the higher fluoroscopy time (45.3 ± 6.3 seconds vs. 14.0 ± 2.3 seconds) than those who underwent Open TLIF. Significant clinical improvement was observed in terms of scores on the VAS, ODI, and SF-36 when comparing the preoperativeevaluation and the final follow-up. Postoperatively, both MIS-TLIF and open TLIF groups showed significant improvement in VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores from 3 months to 2 years. VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores were not different between MIS-TLIF and open TLIF groups after one year follow up. No significantly difference was found when comparing the complication rate between MI-TLIF and open TLIF groups.
Conclusions:Both MIS-TLIF and Open TLIF were effective approaches for the treatment of two-level lumbar degenerative diseases. Although MIS-TLIF procedure can improve health-related quality of life for patients better than open procedure after operation, there is no significant difference in this advantage after one year operation. We decided to choose MIS-TLIF or open TLIF procedure according to the physical condition of patients and surgeons’clinical experiences.
Beekeeping in a natural area affects male fitness of a native plant
Authors: Tudanca María Paula Pascual , Medero Alejandra V. , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: May 2024

Biological invasions represent one of the main threats to biodiversity. The honeybee has been deliberately introduced into a wide range of habitats worldwide. Currently, beekeeping is turning to natural areas in search of better honey quality. This practice can boost honeybee abundance, with potential ecological consequences in the local ecosystems. Although previous studies have considered how female plant fitness responds to honeybees, we know little about their potential effects on male fitness. We studied experimentally the effect of increased honeybee abundance on male fitness of a dominant shrub, Larrea divaricata, in a dryland ecosystem in Villavicencio Nature Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina. In replicated study plots near and far from managed hives we estimated pollen removal and dispersal, self-pollination and outcrossing rates, the number of mating couples, and self-pollinated flowers. Honeybees restricted pollen dispersal distance, with a potential effect on male fitness. Our findings have important implications for maintaining the reproduction and persistence of wild plants exposed to nonnative pollinators and can serve as a guide to decision making about the introduction of managed honeybee hives in nature reserves.
Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease in Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Du JunYe , Yao Jiafeng , Ma Honghao , Li Li , Wei Ang , Zhang Liping , Wang Dong , Li Zhi Gang , Zhang Rui , Wang Tianyou
Published: May 2024

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, pathological phenotype, treatment and prognosis of idiopathic multicenter Castleman disease (iMCD)in children.
Methods:From January 2017 to September 2023, basic information, laboratory tests, treatment and prognosis of children diagnosed with iMCD who attended Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University were collected.
Results: A total of 9 children were enrolled, with a median age of onset of median 11 (2-15) years, 6 males and 3 female. 3 cases were pathologically typed as plasma cell type, 1 case was mixed type, and the remaining 5 cases were hyaline vascular type. 9 children received different regimens of chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 26 (13, 58) months, with no deaths, 7/9 cases showing improvement, 1/9 cases showing stable condition, and 1/9 cases showing active condition.
Conclusion: Children with multicentric CD often have systemic symptoms, lymph node enlargement and related compression symptoms are the most common manifestations, followed by fever, malaise and other systemic symptoms. Anti-IL-6-based therapy combined with hormones lenalidomide and other medications have a specific therapeutic effect on multicentric CD.
Screening and Validation of Hypoxia-related Signatures for Predicting Prognosis in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Tian Yuan , Guo Liang , Zhang Guoxia , Cheng Yuxia , Sun Qing
Published: May 2024

Purpose
To screen the hypoxia-related signature in lung cancer, the study was designed and carried out.
Methods
Based on the TCGA-LUNG cohort, using R language-based bioinformatics analysis technology, hypoxia-related signatures were screened and verified by GEO data cohorts. The expression and prognostic value of KRT16 were further validated using immunohistochemical staining in non-small cell lung cancer tissue samples.
Results
The 73 hypoxia-related differentially expressed genes obtained from the preliminary analysis were intersected with the genes obtained by PPI analysis of the genes in the turquoise module, and then 23 hub genes were screened. Based on the 23 hub genes, a hypoxia-risk score predicting model containing 5 genes was constructed (ABCC5, CSTA, ATP11B, CLCA2, KRT16), and its better predictive efficacy was validated by the external data cohort GSE74777 and clinical samples (KRT16). The model performed well in multiple cancers and had excellent stability. Furthermore, this prediction model could also be used for assessments of clinical features, genomic alterations, immune infiltration, immunotherapy efficacy, chemotherapy efficacy, etc. In the multivariate prognostic Cox analysis, good independent predictive efficacy could also be found. In the validation analysis of clinical samples, high expression of KRT16 was found to be detrimental to the survival of patients.
Conclusion
In this study, a 5-gene risk predictive model of the hypoxia risk score was constructed, which demonstrated superior performance and served as a good independent prognostic marker in lung cancer.
Angiogenesis biomarkers discriminate multiple sclerosis phenotypes
Authors: Yong Heather Y.F. , Silva Claudia , Batty Nicholas J. , Zhang Yunyan , Koch Marcus , Camara-Lemarroy Carlos
Published: May 2024

Background: Multiple Sclerosis is a neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative disease characterized by a state of “virtual hypoxia” in the central nervous system. Angiogenesis, one of the main homeostatic responses to hypoxia, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis; and angioneurins (angiogenic molecules released by/exerting effects on neural cells) are reported to have conflicting roles in perpetuating or ameliorating disease. This study aimed to determine whether angiogenic molecules are dysregulated in the serum and central nervous system of multiple sclerosis patients.
Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 317 multiple sclerosis participants (n=130 with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis; n=187 with progressive multiple sclerosis; n=43 controls) followed at the multiple sclerosis clinic in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A proportion of participants were in trials of domperidone and hydroxychloroquine. Angiogenic factors were measured using the Human Angiogenesis Array & Growth Factor Array® multiplex (Eve Technologies). A meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptomic databases was performed to explore if the differences seen in serum were similar to those within the central nervous system.
Results: Several angioneurins were dysregulated in multiple sclerosis serum compared to healthy controls with increased expression of epidermal growth factor (p<0.01) and leptin (p<0.05). Further, multiple sclerosis phenotypes had distinct angiogenic signatures: epidermal growth factor was significantly higher in the sera of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to progressive multiple sclerosis (p<0.0001), while endoglin was elevated in primary progressive (p<0.001) and secondary progressive (p<0.01) compared to relapse-remitting multiple sclerosis. Follistatin levels were exclusively higher in primary progressive compared to both relapse-remitting (p<0.001) and secondary progressive (p<0.0001) multiple sclerosis. Distinct angiogenic patterns were observed histologically in lesions and normal appearing brain tissue similar to what is seen in serum, with elevated epidermal growth factor across phenotypes, and elevated endoglin/follistatin in progressive multiple sclerosis lesions. Further, bone morphogenetic protein-9, endoglin, and follistatin were positively correlated with age and disability, while epidermal growth factor was negatively corresponded.
Conclusion: Angiogenesis is dysregulated in multiple sclerosis and across phenotypes. Angiogenesis may play complex roles in multiple sclerosis pathophysiology and be a relevant pathway, both in understanding disease mechanisms and as a possible therapeutic target.
RETRACTED: The Moderator Role of Mindfulness in the Relationship between Threat Appraisal and Negative Emotions in Elite Athletes
Authors: SOLMAZ Serdar , YARAYAN Yunus Emre
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Vaginal Microbiome and Long and Short Outcomes of Cervical Balloon Catheter Induction of Labor: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kan Sutong , Zhu Qingyi , Xu Hongbin , Gu Ying , Xiong Jiali , Zhou Liping , Wang Huiyan , Cao Xiaohui , Wang Xiuchao , Ma Beining , Hu Shiman , Chen Lianmin , Shi Zhonghua
Published: May 2024

Background
Considering that balloon catheter placement for IOL involves a reproductive tract operation, its effectiveness may be affected by the reproductive tract environment. However, there is currently a lack of relevant evidence to support whether vaginal microbiota affects the maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes of balloon catheter placement for IOL. Therefore, In this multicenter prospective cohort study, we investigated the characteristics of vaginal microbiota in late pregnancy women and their relationship with short-term and long-term outcomes of cervical balloon catheter induced abortion.
Methods
We enrolled pregnant women from five hospitals in different cities in Jiangsu Province, China—including Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Second People's Hospital, and Suzhou Municipal Hospital and had them and their descendants follow up at the same hospital. Assessments during pregnancy include demographic data, pregnancy characteristics, complications of pregnancy, examinations in the third trimester. Before the balloon catheter placement, samples of vaginal secretions and prenatal maternal serum/plasma were collected from the study participants. Then the balloon catheter insertion was performed by a professional obstetrician. At birth, the immediate situation of the mother and newborn was recorded and biological samples such as amniotic fluid, maternal serum/plasma samples, mbilical cord samples, infant plantar blood spots collected. All biological samples were stored at -80°C, and metagenomic sequencing and human genome sequencing were performed uniformly after all samples had been collected. The offspring of the participants will continue to be followed up for a longer period of time (until the age of 3 years) to monitor their growth and development as well as disease outcomes. A research assistant will conduct the follow-up through phone calls and regularly organize physical examinations.
Discussion
This study is novel from the focuse on the interaction between metagenomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and other multi-omics. Moreover, the study involves significant effort on performing follow-up examinations of offspring, which many previous studies lacked. The
MRI/CT guided multiregional ‘smart’ biopsy in sarcomas: a prospective development study
Authors: Johnston Edward William , Winfield Jessica M , Arthur Amani , Blackledge Matthew , Basso Jodie , Chowdhury Avirup , Hannay Jonathan , Hayes Andrew , Kelly-Morland Christian , Napolitano Andrea , Richardson Cheryl , Smith Myles , Strauss Dirk , Koh Dow-Mu , Jones Robin Lewis , Thway Khin , Huang Paul , Messiou Christina , Fotiadis Nicos
Published: May 2024

Background
Intratumoral heterogeneity means single site tumor biopsy might not be representative, leading to erroneous conclusions about tumor biology and therapy selection. Here we develop and optimize an MRI-informed multiregional biopsy technique in retroperitoneal and pelvic sarcomas (RPS).
Methods
Participants with suspected RPS underwent multiparametric (mp)MRI within a week prior to biopsy. Three ‘target regions’ with differing imaging characteristics were contoured. Robotic or freehand multiregional CT-guided biopsy (n = 6 each) was performed between September 2021 and September 2022, collecting samples separate specimen pots for each target region. CT/MRI fusion extracted quantitative imaging biomarkers at precise biopsy sites for correlation with histological biomarkers. The primary endpoint was safety and feasibility. Spearman's correlation was performed for imaging/histological biomarkers.
Results
Twelve participants (7 women), median age 58.6 years interquartile range [IQR]: 52–75 years underwent biopsy. All procedures were technically successful with same-day discharge and no complications. While absolute values of ADC and %Ki-67 did not correlate (Spearman’s ρ = -0.08), we observed a very strong correlation between the range of ADC values and the range of Ki-67 proliferation index values across biopsy sites; Spearman’s ρ = 0.93 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.98). Ranges, which represent intratumoral heterogeneity, can only be obtained using multiregional biopsy.
Conclusions
Multiregional MRI-informed, CT-guided biopsy is feasible and can be safely carried out using freehand and robotic guidance. Sampling three distinct regions within tumors provides a more comprehensive and accurate representation of tumor biology compared to conventional single-site biopsy.
Ethical approval
A phase I/IIa institutional review board approved prospective development study, identifier 1102, 17/06/2021.
Clinical and economic effects of the transformation from an open to a laparoscopic center for colorectal surgery
Authors: Zimmermann Markus , Abdalla Thaer S. A. , Schlüter Kai-Uwe , Thomaschewski Michael , Keck Tobias , Schlöricke Erik
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of transitioning from open to laparoscopic surgery for colorectal carcinoma in a primary care hospital setting. Despite the recognized benefits of laparoscopic surgery in postoperative recovery and its demonstrated oncological equivalence, only a minority of patients (30–40%) in Germany undergo laparoscopic procedures, primarily due to concerns which, in addition to the perioperative quality data and economic aspects, focus on patient safety.
Methods
Over a three-year period (2012–2014), the transformation process was observed in a colorectal cancer center. Data from 237 patients (115 laparoscopic; 122 open) were collected prospectively and analyzed retrospectively.
Results
Laparoscopic surgery demonstrated several advantages. Postoperative intensive care needs decreased significantly (average length of stay: laparoscopic 1.2 days vs. open 2.5 days; p = 0.032). Hospital stays were also shorter following laparoscopic surgery (median laparoscopic 10 days vs. median open 14 days; p = 0.011). Quality of specimens, particularly lymph node retrieval, remained comparable (median laparoscopic = 18 vs. median open = 19). Despite higher initial costs, laparoscopic surgery yielded cost savings of approximately 3150 € per case due to reduced intensive care and shorter hospital stays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of transitioning from open to laparoscopic oncologic colorectal surgery in a primary care hospital setting. The findings suggest that such a transition can be accomplished without compromising the quality of specimens, while also realizing cost savings and maintaining patient safety.
Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and inhibition of biofilm
Authors: Yadav Poonam , Shrestha Sreska , Basyal Deepak , Tiwari Ananda , Sah Ranjit , Shah Anil , Yadav Bishal , Willcox Mark , Mishra Shyam Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii poses a significant therapeutic challenge due to its resistance to multiple antibiotics and biofilm formation capabilities. This study characterized MDR A. baumannii strains for the possession of genes related to biofilm formation and their ability to form biofilms. Additionally, it evaluated compounds, particularly essential oils, for their antibiofilm activity.
Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the 750-bed Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Nepal. Identification and antibiotic sensitivity of A. baumannii isolates from clinical specimens were performed following the guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology. Strains were screened for their motility profiles, ability to form biofilms in a microtiter plate assay, and for possession of biofilm-related gene(s) by conventional polymerase chain reaction. The ability of cinnamaldehyde, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Tween 80, the amino acids glycine and glutamic acid, and natural plant extracts to inhibit biofilm formation also used the microtitre plate system.
Result: Out of the total 200 A. baumannii isolates, 195 were MDR, with 192 able to produce biofilms. Among them, 83.1% were strong biofilm producers. In this study, 42.0% and 66.2% of the isolates showed twitching motility and surface-associated motility, respectively. Thirty MDR A. baumannii isolates from medical devices contained the biofilm-associated genes csuE, ompA, bap and blaPER-1, present in 90.0%, 53.3%, 46.6%, and 26.6% of strains. respectively. Cinnamaldehyde was the most effective compound, inhibiting biofilm formation by 77.3%, followed by the ethanolic extract of onion (77.2%) , 0.5% Tween 80 (76.8%), essential oils of ginger (70.8% ) and garlic (68.6%), the ethanolic extract of chili pepper (68.1%), the essential oil of Ageratina adenophora (67.6%), EDTA (54.8%) and the essential oil of turmeric (51.9%). The amino acids glutamic acid and glycine reduced biofilm formation by 66.6% and 33.7% of the isolates, respectively.
Conclusion: A. baumannii isolates were commonly strong biofilm producers and often possessed the biofilm-associated genes csuE and ompA. Essential oils, along with Tween 80, were the most effective (≥67%) at reducing the amount of biofilms. These findings help to understand the biofilm production and provide valuable insights into MDR A. baumannii isolates in this clinical setting.