bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Clinical-Epidemiological Profile of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in Africa: Data from the Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR) Registry
Authors: MIGOWA ANGELA NYANGORE , Hamdi Wafa , Hashad Soad , Etayari Hala , Abushhaiwia Awatif , Ferjani Hanene , Nessib Dorra Ben , Kharrat Lobna , Fazaa Alia , Owino Lawrence , Faleye Ayodele , Owusu Sheila Agyeiwaa , Mosa Doaa Mosad , Eissa Mervat , Ismail Samah , Elsehrawy Gehad Gamal , Odhiambo Rachel , Orwa James , Zaid Mohammed Hassan Abu
Published: February 2024

Background
The spectrum of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) in Africa is still largely unknown. We thus set out to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis across the various regions in Africa.
Methods
We carried out a retrospective observational cohort study where collaborators were trained on use of the existing PAFLAR REDCAP database to enter data for the JIA patients currently under their care capturing their epidemiological data, clinical features, laboratory investigations, diagnosis and therapy at initial diagnosis. Descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, medians, interquartile ranges (IQR) for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables were calculated as appropriate. Tests for difference between groups were performed between categorical variables using Pearson’s chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 software.
Results
We enrolled 302 patients, 58.6% (177 of 302) of whom were female. The mediann age of disease onset was 7 years (range 3–11 years) and the median age at diagnosis was 8.5 years (range 5–12 years). The median duration delay in diagnosis was 6 months (range 1-20.8 months). The JIA sub types included Systemic JIA 18.9% (57), Oligoarticular JIA 19.2% (83), Polyarticular RF + ve 5% (15), Polyarticular RF-ve 17.9% (54), Enthesitis Related Arthritis (ERA) 18.2% (55), Psoriatic Arthritis 7% (21) and undifferentiated JIA 5.6% 917). As regards treatment the commonest therapies were NSAID therapy at 31.1%, synthetic DMARDs at 18.1%, synthetic DMARDs combined with NSAIDs at 17.5% and steroid therapy at 9.6%. Biological DMARDs accounted for 2.3% of therapies offered to our patients. The average JADAS score was 10.3 (range 4.8–18.2) and the average CHAQ score was 1.3 (range 0.7-2.0)
Conclusion
Our study highlights the vast spectrum of JIA in Africa while comparing the various therapies available to our patients. The PAFLAR JIA registry strives to ensure a comprehensive representation of the diverse healthcare landscapes within the continent. Further longitudinal observation studies are required to ascertain the long-term outcomes of our patients and ultimately help inform policy to create a more favorable health ecosystem to support the healthcare needs of JIA patients in Africa.
Association between Maternal Lipid Profiles And Lipid Ratios in Early to Middle Pregnancy as well as their dynamic changes and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xu Xingyan , Luo Suping , Lin Jie , Zhou Jungu , Zheng Liuyan , Yang Le , Zhang Zhiyu , Dong Yuting , Xie Xiaoxu , Luo Jinying , Wu Siying , Ma Mei , Li Huangyuan , Lin Shaowei
Published: February 2024

Background.
Unfavourable lipid and glucose levels may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, there is a lack of prospective studies on the relationship between lipid profiles,lipid ratios and GDM during pregnancy.
Aims
To prospectively investigate the relationship between lipid profile and lipid ratios in early and mid-pregnancy and their pattern of change from early to mid-pregnancy and the risk of GDM.
Methods
This nested case-control study was based on maternal and child healthcare hospitals from Fujian Province, China. We included pregnant women who delivered in the hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. Lipid profiles (TC, TG, ApoA1, ApoB, HDL-c, LDL-c) and fasting glucose were measured before 14 weeks of gestation and between 20 and 28 weeks of gestation, and lipid ratios (triglyceride glucose index, TG/HDL-c and TC/HDL-c) was constructed. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between lipid profile,lipid ratios and GDM.
Results
Of 1586 pregnant women, 741 were diagnosed with GDM. After adjusting for potential confounders, TG, ApoA1, ApoB, LDL-c, triglyceride glucose index, TG/HDL-c, and TC/HDL-c in early pregnancy were positively associated with the risk of GDM (odds ratios [95% CI] for extreme interquartile comparisons were 2.040 (1.468–2.843), 1.506 (1.091–2.082), 1.529 (1.110–2.107), 1.504 (1.086–2.086), 1.952 (1.398–2.731), 2.127 (1.526–2.971), and 2.370 (1.700-3.312), all trend P ≤ 0.05). HDL-c was negatively associated with the risk of GDM (0.639: 0.459–0.889, trend P all less than 0.05). Similarly, in mid-pregnancy, lower levels of HDL-c, higher levels of triglyceride glucose index, TG/HDL-c ratio, and TC/HDL-c ratio were associated with increased risk of GDM (all trends P ≤ 0.05). Stably high levels (both ≥ median for early and mid-pregnancy) of triglyceride glucose index, TG/HDL-c and TC/HDL-c were associated with increased risk of GDM (OR [95% CI]: 2.369 (1.438–3.940), 1.588 (1.077–2.341), 1.921 (1.309–2.829), respectively). The opposite was true for HDL-c, where stable high levels were negatively associated with GDM risk (OR [95% CI]: 0.599 (0.405–0.883)).
Conclusion
Increases in triglyceride glucose index, TG/HDL-c ratio, and TC/HDL-c ratio in early and mid-pregnancy, as well as their stable high levels from early to mid-pregnancy, are associated with a higher risk of GDM. In contrast, increased levels of HDL-c, both in early and mid-pregnancy, and their stable high levels from early to mid-pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of GDM. That highlighted their possible clinical relevance in identifying those at high risk of GDM.
Non-Specific Uptake of 18F-FAPI-04 in the Pancreas and Its Related Factors: a Post-hoc Analysis of an Ongoing Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Li Yan , Gao Jungang , Li Yang , Duan Xiaoyi , Shen Cong
Published: February 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the non-specific uptake (NSU) of 18F-labeled fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (18F-FAPI) of the pancreas and investigate the related factors.
Materials and Methods: Totally, 78 patients who underwent both 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 18F-FAPI PET/CT examinations were divided into normal (n=53) and NSU (n=25) groups. The differences in general information, medical history, laboratory indexes and uptake were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the optimal cut-off values. The correlations between 18F-FAPI-SUVmax and blood cell analysis, liver function, tumor markers, and inflammatory indices were analyzed. Logistic regression model was used to estimate the independent factors.
Results: Both 18F-FAPI (4.48±0.98 vs. 2.01±0.53, t = 11.718, P<0.05) and 18F-FDG (2.23±0.42 vs. 2.02±0.44, t = 2.036, P = 0.045) showed significantly higher in NSU group. ROC analysis showed cutoff values of 3.25 and 2.05 for 18F-FAPI and 18F-FDG in identifying the NSU. Patients with a history of drinking, chronic liver diseases, and surgery of gastrectomy showed higher 18F-FAPI uptake (P < 0.05). Patients in the NSU group showed less platelet count, higher platelet volume, higher total bilirubin, and direct or indirect bilirubin (P < 0.05). Platelet count, platelet crit, large platelet ratio, total, AST, α-L-fucosidase, and direct or indirect bilirubin were correlated with 18F-FAPI-SUVmax (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: 18F-FAPI-PET/CT was better than 18F-FDG in predicting the pancreatic NSU, and NSU is related to a history of drinking, chronic liver diseases, and the surgery of gastrectomy, heteromorphic platelet, and impaired liver function.
Assessing Public Trust in Road Traffic Injuries Prevention Policies in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ezzati Ismail , Saadati Mohammad , Nagibi Deniz , Sardareh Mehran , Azami-Aghdash Saber
Published: February 2024

Introduction and Objective:
Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) represent the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Thus, impactful interventions and trustworthy authorities are imperative to mitigate traffic accidents. The present study seeks to assess public trust in traffic accident diminution policies and measures within the country of Iran.
Method
This cross-sectional study utilized a questionnaire comprising 31 questions distributed across eight dimensions. The questionnaire's design was informed by a literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts specializing in traffic accidents. The target population consisted of Tabriz city residents, who were selected via convenience sampling. The collected data were then analyzed using SPSS-16 software, employing T-test, One Way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient to present the study's results.
Results
A total of 681 participants completed the questionnaire, yielding a commendable response rate of 88.6%. The majority of participants were male (60.8%), and 86.2% identified as drivers, with 61.8% having experienced driving accidents. The overall score for public trust in RTIs policies was calculated to be 46.9%. The individual scores for specific domains of trust in traffic safety were as follows: safer roads (43.1%), safe vehicle (43.3%), safety laws (48.8%), safe user (51.1%), safe technology (51.5%), road safety management (46.8%).
Conclusion
The study findings indicate relatively low levels of public trust in RTIs policies among the Iranian population. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance public confidence in specific aspects of traffic safety. Policymakers can use these insights to implement effective measures, thus contributing to the RTIs and the promotion of road safety in the country.
Influence of Nonionic Surfactants on the Adsorption and Elution of Atrazine in Agriculturally Modified Soils of Hetao Irrigation District
Authors: Zhao Na , Yang Chengjian
Published: February 2024

The Hetao Irrigation District, situated in Northwest of China, serves as a significant commercial grain base. Widespread use of atrazine, a herbicide in the region, has resulted in significant environmental issues, impacting the ecosystem equilibrium and sustainable agricultural development. The co-adsorption of the globally employed atrazine herbicide along with two nonionic surfactants, Tween-80 and Brij30, onto soils treated with HCl and H2O2 was investigated. The study revealed that the adsorption isothermal curves of surfactants on soil adhered to a two-stage adsorption model. Various types of adsorption isothermal curves, such as S-type or L-type, influenced the adsorption capacity of atrazine on the soil. Observations indicated that S-type or L-type isothermal curves of surfactants interconverted with alterations in soil polarity. Moreover, it has been uncovered that the adsorption properties of Tween 80 in the soil are intricately connected to its ability to elute atrazine within the same soil. This discovery provides theoretical support for a prudent reduction in herbicide usage in the Hetao irrigation District in the upcoming years.
Integrative structural analysis of Pseudomonas phage DEV reveals a genome ejection motor
Authors: Cingolani Gino , Lokareddy Ravi , Hou Chun-Feng , Forti Francesca , Iglesias Stephano , Li Fenglin , Pavlenok Mikhail , Niederweis Michael , Briani Federica
Published: February 2024

DEV is an obligatory lytic Pseudomonas phage of the N4-like genus, recently reclassified as Schitoviridae. The DEV genome encodes 91 ORFs, including a 3,398 amino acid virion-associated RNA polymerase. Here, we describe the complete architecture of DEV, determined using a combination of cryo-electron microscopy localized reconstruction, biochemical methods, and genetic knockouts. We built de novo structures of all capsid factors and tail components involved in host attachment. We demonstrate that DEV long tail fibers are essential for infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and dispensable for infecting mutants with a truncated lipopolysaccharide devoid of the O-antigen. We identified DEV ejection proteins and, unexpectedly, found that the giant DEV RNA polymerase, the hallmark of the Schitoviridae family, is an ejection protein. We propose that DEV ejection proteins form a genome ejection motor across the host cell envelope and that these structural principles are conserved in all Schitoviridae.
Is Someone Else Going to Tell Him He Is A Boy? Relatives’ Views on Swedish Transgender Healthcare
Authors: Mitra Kaberi , Papadopoulos Fotios C , Öster Caisa , Sylvén Sara
Published: February 2024

Background
The increasing incidence of the medical diagnosis Gender Dysphoria has led to public debates in Sweden, questioning an already vulnerable group. This study explores relatives’ views on the Swedish transgender health system, in order to identify factors that can be improved.
Methods
An interview guide was created together with the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex rights. Care seekers with gender dysphoria included in the Swedish Gender Dysphoria Study were asked to give consent for an interview with a relative of their own choice. Eleven interviews were conducted. The material was examined using thematic analysis.
Results
The waiting times are long without clear information and lacking coordination. This compels the relative to substitute the deficiencies in the system, especially as an emotional shelter and a coordinating function. Stereotypic questions are being asked without motivation and geographical distances hinder participation in family support groups.
Conclusions
A coordinating function in the transgender healthcare system would be beneficial for both the care seekers and their relatives. The system flaws have negative impact on the mental health of both the care seeker and the relative. It is important that care givers are transparent about the waiting times and motivate all parts of the process.
The Effect of using Dimensionality Reduction Compared with Type of Algorithm on Detecting Patient Fall: Triage Case Study
Authors: Alshalawi Reem , Qadrouh Mohammed , Alhalabi Wadee
Published: February 2024

Falling is one of the most critical outcomes of loss of consciousness during triage in emergency department (ED). It is an important sign requires an immediate medical intervention. This paper presents a computer vision-based fall detection model in ED. In this study, we hypothesis that the proposed vision-based triage fall detection model provides accuracy equal to traditional triage system (TTS) conducted by the nursing team. Thus, to build the proposed model, we use MoveNet, a pose estimation model that can identify joints related to falls, consisting of 17 key points. To test the hypothesis, we conducted two experiments: In the deep learning (DL) model we used the complete feature consisting of 17 keypoints which was passed to the triage fall detection model and was built using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). In the second model we use dimensionality reduction Feature-Reduction for Fall model (FRF), Random Forest (RF) feature selection analysis to filter the key points triage fall classifier. We tested the performance of the two models using a dataset consisting of many images for real-world scenarios classified into two classes: Fall and Not fall. We split the dataset into 80% for training and 20% for validation. The models in these experiments were trained to obtain the results and compare them with the reference model. To test the effectiveness of the model, a t-test was performed to evaluate the null hypothesis for both experiments. The results show FRF outperforms DL model, and FRF has same Accuracy of TTS.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals a pivotal role of DOCK2 in Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Q. , Shen Yiran , Voigt Alexandria , Bhattacharyya Indraneel
Published: February 2024

Sjögren's disease (SjD) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the dysfunction of the salivary and lacrimal glands. This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the immune cell composition and dynamics within the salivary glands of SjD mice. The results showed diverse immune cell types, including B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. We identified specific clusters possessing phenotypic characteristics of immune cell subpopulations, thereby uncovering the gene/pathway function. The most striking finding was the elevated expression of DOCK2 in CD8+ T cells in the SjD model. This discovery is significant, as subsequent treatment with a DOCK2 inhibitor led to a marked amelioration of symptoms associated with SjD. The effectiveness of DOCK2 inhibition in alleviating symptoms highlights the potential of DOCK2 as a therapeutic target, opening new avenues for treatment strategies that could modulate the immune response more effectively in SjD.
An exploratory study to unveil the behavioral aspects and practical approaches of healthcare providers to detect and manage the post-partum hemorrhage: Insights from the COM-B model
Authors: Arshad Saria , Asghar Saima , Atif Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Objectives This study aimed to determine the perspectives and practical approaches of healthcare providers about the detection and management of PPH in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Methods The COM-|B model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were utilized to design this study. Data were collected from the healthcare providers (HCPs) working in gynecology and obstetrics departments of various public and private hospitals after their written consent. A total of 17 in-depth interviews were conducted at time and place convenient to study participants. Data were transcribed, translated and analyzed by inductive thematic analysis and deductive framework analysis in accordance with the constructs of COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior) model and TDF domains. Results Data analysis yielded six themes that were mapped onto the COM-B model and TDF domains. For the detection of PPH, “visual estimation of blood loss” was common practice while for the management practices, all measures mentioned in standard protocols were taken step by step, however, HCPs were unaware of E-MOTIVE as a bundle of care. Conclusion Unfamiliarity of new trends in medical field, unavailability of training and awareness sessions, low healthcare facilities, insufficient blood bank services, no compulsion of updating practices by hospital management negatively impacts the healthcare provider’s decision making regarding PPH detection and management.
3D Numerical Analysis for Failure and Deformation Assessment of the Waterway Tunnel, Wabe Hydropower Project, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Mesay , Regassa Bayisa , Raghuvanshi Tarun , Methe Mamo
Published: February 2024

In designing suitable support systems and ensuring safe excavation of a tunnel, deformation and block failure assessment around the opening is a crucial aspect of tunneling. In this study, a distinct element modeling approach was employed to evaluate the distribution of failed blocks, failure modes, and displacements of the tunnels to gain insight into support recommendations for the Wabe Hydropower project in central Ethiopia. For this purpose, three representative numerical models were developed considering different rock mass along the tunnel alignment. Subsequently, the influence region classification technique was introduced and the models were systematically classified into three distinct regions. This technique enabled the consideration of blocky rock mass as discontinuum through the direct inclusion of field-measured joints with average spacings of 0.2, 0.56, and 1.2 m into a region surrounding the tunnel opening. The simulation results indicated that tunnels in closely jointed rock mass behave anisotropically, with failed blocks following the joint inclinations of N253/72 and N035/79 and exhibiting a tensile failure mode. Tunneling in the fault zone induced a shear failure mode, with a significant distribution of failed blocks aligned in the maximum principal stress direction. However, under low horizontal in-situ stress, both shear and tensile failure could exist, tensile failure affecting the roof and floor. Furthermore, tunnels in closely jointed rock mass are primarily influenced by horizontal displacement, whereas tunneling in fault zones led to both greater horizontal and vertical convergences, with horizontal displacement being more significant. Finally, the obtained results were used to propose support recommendations.
Impact of Lymph Node Retrieval on Prognosis in Elderly and Non-Elderly Patients with T3-4 Stage Rectal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Liang Baofeng , Yu Nong , Xue Xueyi , Zeng Hao , Que Zhipeng , Xu Dongbo , Wang Xiaojie , Lin Shuangming
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Obtaining the number of lymph nodes for radical surgery after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer is controversial, this study aimed to compare prognostic factors in elderly versus non-elderly patients and identify the best lymph node interception value for prognosis.
Methods
A total of 7,894 patients with T3-T4 stage rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in the study, comprising 2,787 elderly patients and 5,107 non-elderly patients from 2010 to 2019 were included in the the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. and an external validation cohort of 152 patients from the Longyan First Affiliated Hospital were analyzed. The study assessed overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) using Cox regression analyses and identify the optimal lymph node count for surgical retrieval.
Results
Significant OS and CSS disparities were noted between elderly and non-elderly rectal cancer patients (P < 0.001), even after confounder adjustment (P < 0.001). The analysis found that 14 lymph nodes was the optimal number of lymph nodes to be cleared after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage T3-T4 and showed that 14 lymph nodes was a better discriminator. External data validation at our centre confirmed these findings.
Conclusion
In this study 14 lymph nodes were considered the optimal threshold for patients with stage T3-T4 rectal cancer undergoing radical surgery after neoadjuvant therapy. Although the difference in CSS between taking 12 and 14 lymph nodes is not significant, this threshold helps to better differentiate prognosis.
The Association between Primary Care Appointment Lengths and Opioid Prescribing for Common Pain Conditions
Authors: Matulis John C. , Swanson Kristi , McCoy Rozalina
Published: February 2024

Background: While brief duration primary care appointments may improve access, they also limit the time clinicians spend evaluating painful conditions. This study aimed to evaluate whether 15-minute primary care appointments resulted in higher rates of opioid prescribing when compared to ≥30-minute appointments.
Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record (EHR), pharmacy, and administrative scheduling data from five primary care practices in Minnesota. Adult patients seen for acute Evaluation & Management visits between 10/1/2015 and 9/30/2017 scheduled for 15-minute appointments were propensity score matched to those scheduled for ≥30-minutes. Sub-groups were analyzed to include patients with acute and chronic pain conditions and prior opioid exposure. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the effects of appointment length on the likelihood of an opioid being prescribed, adjusting for covariates including ethnicity, race, sex, marital status, and prior ED visits and hospitalizations.
Results: We identified 45,471 eligible acute primary care visits during the study period with 2.7% (N=1233) of the visits scheduled for 15 minutes and 98.2% (N=44238) scheduled for 30 minutes or longer. Rates of opioid prescribing were significantly lower for opioid naive patients with acute pain scheduled in 15-minute appointments when compared to appointments of 30 minutes of longer (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.84). There were no significant differences in opioid prescribing among other sub-groups.
Conclusions: For selected indications and for selected patients, shorter duration appointments may not result in greater rates of opioid prescribing for common painful conditions.
Does a Robot’s Gaze Behavior Affect Entrainment in HRI?
Authors: Kejriwal Jay , Mishra Chinmaya , Offrede Tom , Skantze Gabriel , Beňuš Štefan
Published: February 2024

Speakers tend to engage in adaptive behavior, known as entrainment, when they reuse their partner's linguistic representations, including lexical, acoustic-prosodic, semantic, or syntactic structures, during a conversation. Studies have explored the relationship between entrainment and social factors such as likeability, task success, and rapport. Still, limited research has investigated the relationship between entrainment and gaze. To address this gap, we conducted a within-subjects user study (N = 33) to test if gaze behavior of a robotic head affects entrainment of subjects toward the robot on four linguistic dimensions: lexical, syntactic, semantic, and acoustic-prosodic. Our results show that participants entrain more on lexical and acoustic-prosodic features when the robot exhibits well-timed gaze aversions similar to the ones observed in human gaze behavior, as compared to when the robot keeps staring at participants constantly. Our results support the predictions of computers are social actors (CASA) model and suggest that implementing well-timed gaze aversion behavior in a robot can lead to speech entrainment in human-robot interactions.
Biological Effects of Corticosteroids on Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Mice and Humans
Authors: Taenaka Hiroki , Wick Katherine D. , Sarma Aartik , Matsumoto Shotaro , Ghale Rajani , Fang Xiaohui , Maishan Mazharul , Gotts Jeffrey E. , Langelier Charles R. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Matthay Michael A.
Published: February 2024

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Some clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect of corticosteroid therapy in community acquired pneumonia, COVID-19, and ARDS, but the mechanisms of this benefit remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of corticosteroids on the pulmonary biology of pneumococcal pneumonia in an observational cohort of mechanically ventilated patients and in a mouse model of bacterial pneumonia with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Methods: We studied gene expression with lower respiratory tract transcriptomes from a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients and in mice. We also carried out comprehensive physiologic, biochemical, and histological analyses in mice to identify the mechanisms of lung injury in Streptococcus pneumoniae with and without adjunctive steroid therapy.
Results: Transcriptomic analysis identified pleiotropic effects of steroid therapy on the lower respiratory tract in critically ill patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, findings that were reproducible in mice. In mice with pneumonia, dexamethasone in combination with ceftriaxone reduced (1) pulmonary edema formation, (2) alveolar protein permeability, (3) proinflammatory cytokine release, (4) histopathologic lung injury score, and (5) hypoxemia but did not increase bacterial burden.
Conclusions: The gene expression studies in patients and in the mice support the clinical relevance of the mouse studies, which replicate several features of pneumococcal pneumonia and steroid therapy in humans. In combination with appropriate antibiotic therapy in mice, treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia with steroid therapy reduced hypoxemia, pulmonary edema, lung permeability, and histologic criteria of lung injury, and also altered inflammatory responses at the protein and gene expression level. The results from these studies provide evidence for the mechanisms that may explain the beneficial effects of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with community acquired pneumonia from Streptococcus Pneumoniae.
Preparation of hydrophilic PBS-TME/PLA composites and its effect on the growth of Brassica napus
Authors: Han Yuying , Song Jie , Yu Shuang , Han Jiaxuan
Published: February 2024

Hydrophilic modified PBS-TME was obtained by introducing trimethylol ethane into the molecular chain of polybutylene succinate (PBS) through copolymerization reaction, and PBS-TME was blended with PLA in different ratios to prepare PBS-TME/PLA series of composites, and various performance tests were carried out on them.The results show that the system is more stable when the ratio of PBS-TME/PLA composites is 8:2, and there exists a strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding force between PBS-TME as matrix and PLA, with lower total bonding energy and total energy, and the composite system is more stable, which makes the intermolecular compatibility good.The thermodynamic and combined mechanical properties were optimal, with a tensile strength of 15.78 MPa and an elongation at break of 19.56%. The hydrophilicity was enhanced with a water contact angle of 72.6° and a water vapor transmission rate of 63.12 [g·(m2·d)−1] at the maximum value.The rate of biodegradation was increased by degradation of 37.33% after 6 months in soil supernatant and 27.85% after 42 days of enzymatic degradation. The chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, peroxidase activity and vitamin C content in the leaves of bok choy were higher than the standards required by the food industry.
The interleukin expression pattern relates to cancer associated fibroblasts infiltration and immunotherapy response in pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Yang , Xiao Shuzhe , Lei Yi , Ma Li , Li Xiangzhao , Wang Biao , Sun Penghui , Zhu Yun
Published: February 2024

Background：Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the interleukin (IL) family have been reported to play crucial roles in immune response in pancreatic carcinoma (PC). However, the IL expression pattern and its influence on prognosis, CAFs infiltration characteristics as well as immunotherapy response in PC require further exploration.
Methods：An IL family expression pattern that can predict prognosis was constructed using clinical data and meta-analysis of seven independent public cohort datasets. The CAFs infiltration characteristics with prognosis of patients were detected. Correlation between IL expression pattern and CAFs infiltration and immunotherapy response were evaluated in the clinical tissue samples.
Results：IL high-risk patients had shorter survival time compared with IL low-risk patients both in our cohort and PC datasets. IL high-risk patients exhibited advanced tumors and lymph node metastasis. IL family–based signature can also serve as predictor of immunotherapy to PC. Patients with unfavorable response to immunotherapy had significantly higher IL risk score than patients with favorable response. The IL family expression pattern can distinguish CAFs infiltration characteristics in PC. The IL high-risk group had more infiltration of CAFs, antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs). Moreover, IL high-risk group had increased apCAF/tumor cell engagement and apCAF/Tregs engagement, resulting in a suppressed immune response. IL high-risk group also showed crippled T-cell function and B-cell function and significantly greater levels of predictive biomarkers with poor immune response.
Conculsions：This study constructed the first IL expression pattern for predicting CAFs infiltration, immunotherapy response, and prognosis among PC patients. This might promote the precise application of immunotherapy and facilitate treatment options for PC.
Evaluation of diseases complicating long COVID: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Tsuchida Tomoya , Hirose Masanori , Fujii Hirotoshi , Hisatomi Ryunosuke , Ishizuka Kosuke , Inoue Yoko , Katayama Kohta , Nakagama Yu , Kido Yasutoshi , Matsuda Takahide , Ohira Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Evidence for the pathogenesis and treatment of post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (long COVID) is lacking. As long COVID symptoms are predicted to have an impact on the global economy, clarification of the pathogenesis is urgently needed. Our experiences indicated that some symptoms were complicated by diseases established before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Using a retrospective, cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the diseases complicating long COVID. Using the medical records of patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection exhibiting residual symptoms lasting ≥ 60 days post-infection who visited our clinic in January 2021–February 2023, we investigated the symptoms and diseases observed. We identified diseases that occurred after COVID-19 infection and excluded those that were exacerbations of existing diseases. Results: During the first visit, the most common symptoms reported in a total of 798 patients were fatigue (523 patients), anxiety (349 patients), and lack of motivation (344 patients). Complicating diseases were observed in 452 patients (57%). There were 115, 65, and 60 patients with postural tachycardia syndrome, postural syndrome without tachycardia, and mood disorders, respectively. Some diseases requiring immediate treatment included pulmonary thromboembolism, purulent shoulder arthritis, cerebellopontine angle tumors, myasthenia gravis, and cervical myelopathy.
Conclusion
All symptoms that occur after COVID-19 infection should not be treated as long COVID. Similar to normal medical treatment, a list of differential diagnoses should be maintained based on symptoms to obtain definitive diagnoses.
A Class of inverse curvature type flows in Rn+1
Authors: Sheng Weimin , Xue Ke
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we consider an expanding flow of smooth, closed, $(\eta,k)$-convex hypersurfaces in Euclidean $\mathbb{R}^{n+1}$ with speed $u^{\alpha}\rho^{\delta}\sigma_k^{-\frac{\beta}{k}}(\lambda(\eta))$, where $u, \rho$ are the support function and radical function of the hypersurface, respectively, $\alpha,\delta\in\mathbb{R}^1$, $\beta>0$, $k$ is an integer and $1 \leq k \leq n$, $\eta=Hg-h$, the first Newton transformation of the second fundamental form $h$, $\lambda(\eta)$ denote the eigenvalues of $g^{-1}\eta$. For $\alpha+\delta+\beta\leq 1$, we prove that the flow has a unique smooth and $(\eta,k)$-convex solution for all time, and converges smoothly after normalisation, to a sphere centered at the origin. Moreover, for $\alpha+\delta+\beta< 1$, we prove that the flow with the speed $fu^{\alpha}\rho^{\delta}\sigma_k^{-\frac{\beta}{k}}(\lambda(\eta))$ exists for all time, and converges smoothly after normalisation to a soliton, which is a solution of $fu^{\alpha-1}\rho^{\delta}\sigma_k^{-\frac{\beta}{k}}(\lambda(\eta))=\gamma$, provided that $f$ is a smooth positive function on $\mathbb{S}^n$ and $\gamma$ is a positive constant. What's more, we can use a more general flow to prove the existence of solution to a class of Hessian quotient equations again.
Performance of treated wooden electricity distribution poles in service in Uganda
Authors: Otuko E. , Mugabi P. , Nabatanzi T. , Kityo P. , Kakeeto P. , Kinhonhi I. , Kansiime F.
Published: February 2024

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and Creosote-treated eucalypts are the preferred material for wooden electricity distribution poles in Uganda despite their susceptibility to biodegradation. This study assessed the extent of premature pole failure, its causes and the service life of poles in Uganda. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect and analyse data including: (i) Secondary data extraction (ii) stakeholder interviews (iii) focus group discussions, and (iv) field observations. The results showed that over 8.3% of poles supplied between 2017 and 2021. failed prematurely translating to over USD. 8.8 million in replacement costs. Fungal decay and termite damage were the leading causes of pole failure accounting for 85.3% of CCA-treated poles and 67% of creosote-treated poles. Further analysis indicated that the average service life of poles in Uganda was about 10 years. The cause of pole failure, point of failure and geographic location of the pole in service were identified as the main factors to explain premature pole failure. To minimise failure, it is recommended that pole sourcing, handling, seasoning and preservative treatment are conducted according to applicable country and regional standards.
Evaluating Immunoreactivity of Polyclonal Antibodies Developed against AU-565 Cell Line for Diagnosis and Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer
Authors: IHLAMUR Murat , DEMİRCİOĞLU Atıfcan , ZORBA Aslı Pınar , ABAMOR Emrah Şefik , BAĞIROVA Melahat , ALLAHVERDİYEV Adil
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer type in women and approximately 700 thousand people around the world lose their lives due to breast cancer every year. Mammography and ultrasound are the techniques that are frequently applied for the diagnosis of breast cancer. However they involve several limitations such as low sensitivity and exposing to high radiation. Additionally, false negative and false positive results could be obtained in conventional diagnostic methods for breast cancer. So it is crucial to generate new diagnostic kits which enable rapid and accurate detection of breast cancer. Antibodies created using hybridoma technology can be considered in the diagnostic kits since they are important tools to bind cancer cell antigens. Although monoclonal antibodies are usually utilized in antibody-mediated diagnostic kits and they possess high specificity in diagnosis and treatment, they conversely indicate low avidity to tumor antigens in comparison to polyclonal antibodies because they can only bind to a single epitope region. Therefore, polyclonal antibodies display a pivotal role in recognition of many epitopes of breast cancer cells. The major aim of this study is to create polyclonal antibodies against whole cell lysate of AU-565 cell line by hybridoma technology and examine their diagnostic value by comparing with conventional antibodies. The acquired tumor cell antigens were supplemented with two distinct adjuvants Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) and Polyoxidonium (PO) while preparing the formulations for immunization. Thus we also evaluated in vivo immunogenic properties of antigen-adjuvant combinations and compared immunostimulatory efficacies of CFA and PO over prepared antigens. The outputs revealed that whole cell antigens reinforced with CFA demonstrated robust immunostimulatory activities, in vivo by enhancing the produced antibody levels in mice excessively. Polyclonal antibodies that were obtained from spleens of mice immunized with AU-565 cell antigens and CFA combinations were highly effective to capture the antigens that were isolated from different breast cancer cell line. It was detected that obtained polyclonal antibodies exhibited stronger immune reactions with breast cancer antigens when compared with conventional antibodies. Consequently, considerable immunostimulatory performance of AU-565 cell antigens and CFA combination was shown as a vaccine candidate and high diagnostic value of polyclonal antibodies produced in response to vaccination with mentioned formulation was established for the first time in the present study.
WITHDRAWN: Understanding the Influence of Cultural Factors on Entrepreneurial Behavior
Authors: DeScioli Peter
Published: February 2024

This qualitative research explores the influence of cultural factors on entrepreneurial behavior, drawing on semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with entrepreneurs from diverse cultural backgrounds. The findings reveal that cultural values, social networks, perceptions of failure and risk, and regulatory and institutional factors play significant roles in shaping entrepreneurial motivations, decisions, and outcomes. Individualistic cultures tend to prioritize entrepreneurship as a pathway to personal success, while collectivistic cultures emphasize social harmony and stability, impacting attitudes towards risk-taking and innovation. Social networks provide valuable resources and support for entrepreneurs but can also perpetuate inequalities and restrict access to opportunities for marginalized groups. Cultural attitudes towards failure and risk influence entrepreneurial resilience and persistence, with cultures that embrace failure as a learning experience fostering a more conducive environment for innovation. Regulatory and institutional factors shape the legal and regulatory environment for entrepreneurship, with transparent and predictable institutions facilitating entrepreneurial activity. The concept of cultural entrepreneurship highlights the role of cultural heritage and creativity in driving economic development while preserving cultural identity. Overall, the study underscores the importance of recognizing and embracing cultural diversity in entrepreneurial ecosystems to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Exposure manipulation strategies for balancing computational efficiency and precision in seismic risk analysis
Authors: Papadopoulos Athanasios , Roth Philippe , Danciu Laurentiu
Published: February 2024

Exposure models for regional seismic risk assessment often place assets at the centroids of administrative units for which data are available. At best, a top-down approach is followed, where such data are spatially disaggregated over a denser spatial grid, using proxy datasets such as the distribution of population or the density of night-time lights. The resolution of the spatial grid is either dictated by the resolution of the proxy dataset, or by constraints in computational resources. On the other hand, if a building-by-building database is available, it often needs to be aggregated and brought to a resolution that ensures acceptable calculation runtimes and memory demands. Several studies have now investigated the impact of exposure aggregation on loss estimates. Herein, unlike previous attempts, we can leverage upon an extensive building-by-building database for the Swiss territory, which we can use as ground truth. We firstly proceed to assess the aggregation-induced errors of standard risk metrics at different spatial scales. Then a new strategy for performing said aggregation is proposed, relying on a K-means clustering of site parameters and a reduction of the loss ratio uncertainty for aggregated assets. These interventions are designed with the objective of minimizing errors, while keeping the computational cost manageable.
Sludge from sea-based Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) production: quantification, composition, and potential application in IMTA
Authors: Anglade Inka , Krogli Trygve M. , Reitan Kjell Inge
Published: February 2024

Future growth of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Norway is tied to finding solutions for major ecological challenges connected to salmon lice, escapees, and nutrient emissions from sea cages. At the same time, nutrient-rich sludge from salmon production comprises a valuable resource for the cultivation of lower trophic species using an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) approach. This study aimed to quantify the sedimentation of waste sludge under sea cages of an Atlantic salmon aquaculture site and to qualify the composition of this sludge. Additionally, the study evaluated the potential use of sludge from sea-based aquaculture as a feed source for polychaetes Hediste diversicolor. Using sediment traps, sludge samples were collected from two different sea cages, at two different depths, and three different sampling dates. Subsequently, they were quantified, and their composition was assessed with regards to carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, lipid, fatty acid, protein, amino acid, and ash content as well as elemental ratios and composition of fatty acids and amino acids. The quantity of collected sludge was significantly different between sea cages, with a strong positive correlation between feed input and collected sludge. Sampling depth did not affect the quantity of collected sludge. No significant difference in the proportion of sedimented sludge as a proportion of theoretically produced sludge was found when comparing the different cages and sampling depths. Further, the composition of collected sludge was similar at all sampling points. The overall nutritional value was lower compared to sludge from land-based aquaculture, regardless, sludge from sea-based salmon production can in theory be considered as a potential feed resource to be used for the production of polychaetes H. diversicolor.
Renyi Holographic dark energy models in Saez-Ballester theory of gravitation
Authors: Sireesha K. V.S. , Satyanarayana P. E.
Published: February 2024

We construct anisotropic and spatially homogeneous Renyi holographic dark energy (RHDE) models in this research's Saez and Ballester scalar-tensor of gravity. As IR cutoff, we examine both the Hubble and Granda Oliveros horizons. To provide a deterministic solution to the model's field equations, we assume a relationship of the metric potentials, which results in an accelerated expansion. We get several crucial cosmological parameters such as Hubble, deceleration, and Equation of state, as well as \({w}_{de}- {w}_{de}^{{\prime }}\) planes, to explore the physical behaviour of our dark energy models. Furthermore, the squared speed of sound provides stability for the RHDE model with the Hubble horizon but unstable behaviour for the RHDE model with the Granda-Oliveros horizon. In both models, State finder diagnostic and the deceleration parameters represents the rapid expansion of the cosmos and corresponds to the \({\Lambda }\)CDM model.
Mitochondria-Targeted Oligomeric α-Synuclein Induces TOM40 Degradation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism-Dementia of Guam
Authors: Hegde Muralidhar , Vasquez Velmarini , Kodavati Manohar , Mitra Joy , Vendula Indira , Hamilton Dale , Garruto Ralph , Rao K.S.
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central aspect of Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study investigates the link between α-Synuclein (α-Syn) pathology and the loss of translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane 40 (TOM40), unraveling its implications for mitochondrial dysfunctions in neurons. We discovered that TOM40 protein depletion occurs in the brains of patients with Guam Parkinsonism Dementia (Guam PD) and cultured neurons expressing α-Syn proteinopathy, notably, without corresponding changes in TOM40 mRNA levels. Cultured neurons expressing α-Syn mutants, with or without a mitochondria-targeting signal (MTS) underscore the role of α-Syn's mitochondrial localization in inducing TOM40 degradation. Parkinson’s Disease related etiological factors, such as 6-hydroxy dopamine or ROS/metal ions stress, which promote α-Syn oligomerization, exacerbate TOM40 depletion in PD patient-derived cells with SNCA gene triplication. Although α-Syn interacts with both TOM40 and TOM20 in the outer mitochondrial membrane, degradation is selective for TOM40, which occurs via the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) pathway. Our comprehensive analyses using Seahorse technology, mitochondrial DNA sequencing, and damage assessments, demonstrate that mutant α-Syn-induced TOM40 loss results in mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by reduced membrane potential, accumulation of mtDNA damage, deletion/insertion mutations, and altered oxygen consumption rates. Notably, ectopic supplementation of TOM40 or reducing pathological forms of α-Syn using ADP-ribosylation inhibitors ameliorate these mitochondrial defects, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. In conclusion, our findings provide crucial mechanistic insights into how α-Syn accumulation leads to TOM40 degradation and mitochondrial dysfunction, offering insights for targeted interventions to alleviate mitochondrial defects in PD.