bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemostatic effect of fibrinogen concentrate on traumatic massive hemorrhage: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Heo Yoonjung , Chang Sung Wook , Lee Seok Won , Ma Dae Sung , Kim Dong Hun
Published: January 2024

Background

Fibrinogen concentrate (FC) can be administered during massive transfusions to manage trauma-induced coagulopathy. However, its effectiveness in survival remains inconclusive due to scarce high-level evidence. This study aimed to investigate the hemostatic effects of FC regarding mortality in massive hemorrhage caused by trauma.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 839 patients who received massive transfusions (red blood cells (RBCs) ≥5 units in 4 hours or ≥10 units in 24 hours) at a level I trauma center between 2015 and 2022. Patients who were transferred to other hospitals or were deceased upon arrival, suffered or died from severe brain injury, and were aged 15 years or less were excluded (n=334). 1:2 propensity score matching was performed to compare the ‘FC (+)’ group who had received FC in 24 hours (n=68) with those who had not (‘FC (−)’, n=437). The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcomes included transfusion volume.

Results

The variables for matching included vital signs, injury characteristics, prehospital time, implementation of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta, and blood gas analysis results. The administration of FC did not significantly reduce or predict mortality (in-hospital, 24 hours, 48 hours, or 7 days). The FC (−) group received more units of RBC (25.69 units vs. 16.71 units, p<0.001, standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.595), fresh frozen plasma (16.79 units vs. 12.91 units, p=0.023, SMD 0.321), and platelets (8.76 units vs. 5.46 units, p=0.002, SMD 0.446) than the FC (+) group.

Conclusion

The use of FC did not show survival benefits but reduced transfusion requirements in traumatic massive hemorrhages, highlighting a need for future investigations. In the future, individualized goal-directed transfusion with FC may play a significant role in treating massive bleeding.

Level of evidence

IV, retrospective study having more than one negative criterion.
The potential of growing soybean in Saskatchewan and its irrigation water needs under climate change scenarios—a modelling study
Authors: Qian Budong , Bonsal Barrie , Jing Qi , Smith Ward , Jégo Guillaume , Zhang Yinsuo , Brannen Rosa , Grant Brian , Crépeau Marianne
Published: January 2024

The soybean industry in Canada is seeking opportunities to expand cultivation due to economic and environmental benefits of growing soybean. Climate projections indicate that soybean expansion into Saskatchewan would be possible with the increases in the available crop heat units under a future warmer climate; however, crop water availability could limit yields. Using a crop growth model, we simulated soybean yields within the Canadian Regional Agricultural Model regions in Saskatchewan for the near-term (2030s), mid-term (2050s), and distant future (2070s) periods under different climate scenarios. Soybean yields were simulated without water stress (potential yield), with water stress (rainfed yield), and under full and partial irrigation scenarios. Irrigation water needs were estimated under the irrigation scenarios and irrigation water availability was discussed. Our results suggest that reasonable and likely more profitable yields (∼2000–2500 kg ha−1) can be achieved under rainfed conditions in the Black soil zone neighbouring Manitoba but soybean production would be less favourable in the Dark Brown soil zone and least favourable in the Brown soil zone. Northeastern regions in the Black soil zone were found to be suitable for growing soybean cultivars in the maturity group (MG) 0 in the distant future and MG 00 in the mid-term under the medium–high greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Soybean would still not be suitable in the northwestern region. Our results indicate that regions in central Saskatchewan requiring 120–170 mm of irrigation are more likely to benefit from the proposed Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation Projects in the future.
Magnetic monopole meets primordial black hole: an extended analysis
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2024

We investigate gravitational capture of magnetic monopoles by primordial black holes (PBH) that evaporate before Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN), a hypothetical process which was once proposed as an alternative solution to the monopole problem. Magnetic monopoles produced in phase transitions of a grand or partially unified gauge theory are considered. We prove analytically that for all extended PBH mass functions that preserve radiation domination, it is impossible to reduce the monopole abundance via gravitational capture by PBHs to values significantly below the one set by monopole annihilation (or below its initial abundance if it is smaller), regardless of the nature of the capture process (diffusive or non-diffusive). Therefore, the monopole problem cannot be solved by PBH capture in a radiation-dominated era in the early universe.
Thin accretion disk signatures in hybrid metric-Palatini gravity
Authors: Dyadina Polina , Avdeev Nikita
Published: January 2024

In the present work, accretion onto a static spherically symmetric black hole in the hybrid metric-Palatini gravity is considered. The Novikov–Thorne model for a relativistic thin accretion disk is used. The energy flux, temperature distribution, emission spectrum and energy conversion efficiency of accretion disks around such black holes are numerically calculated. A comparison with the results for a Schwarzschild black hole is made and conclusions about the viability of the model are drawn. As a result, it is obtained that the accretion disks around black holes in hybrid metric-Palatini gravity are colder and less luminous than in general relativity.
Hietarinta Chern–Simons supergravity and its asymptotic structure
Authors: Concha Patrick , Fierro Octavio , Rodríguez Evelyn
Published: January 2024

In this paper we present the Hietarinta Chern–Simons supergravity theory in three space-time dimensions which extends the simplest Poincaré supergravity theory. After approaching the construction of the action using the Chern–Simons formalism, the analysis of the corresponding asymptotic symmetry algebra is considered. For this purpose, we first propose a consistent set of asymptotic boundary conditions for the aforementioned supergravity theory whose underlying symmetry corresponds to the supersymmetric extension of the Hietarinta algebra. We then show that the corresponding charge algebra contains the super-$${{\mathfrak {bms}}}_{3}$$

bms
3

algebra as subalgebra, and has three independent central charges. We also show that the obtained asymptotic symmetry algebra can alternatively be recovered as a vanishing cosmological constant limit of three copies of the Virasoro algebra, one of which is augmented by supersymmetry.
Gravity Spy: lessons learned and a path forward
Authors: Zevin Michael , Jackson Corey B. , Doctor Zoheyr , Wu Yunan , Østerlund Carsten , Johnson L. Clifton , Berry Christopher P. L. , Crowston Kevin , Coughlin Scott B. , Kalogera Vicky , Banagiri Sharan , Davis Derek , Glanzer Jane , Hao Renzhi , Katsaggelos Aggelos K. , Patane Oli , Sanchez Jennifer , Smith Joshua , Soni Siddharth , Trouille Laura , Walker Marissa , Aerith Irina , Domainko Wilfried , Baranowski Victor-Georges , Niklasch Gerhard , Téglás Barbara
Published: January 2024

The Gravity Spy project aims to uncover the origins of glitches, transient bursts of noise that hamper analysis of gravitational-wave data. By using both the work of citizen-science volunteers and machine learning algorithms, the Gravity Spy project enables reliable classification of glitches. Citizen science and machine learning are intrinsically coupled within the Gravity Spy framework, with machine learning classifications providing a rapid first-pass classification of the dataset and enabling tiered volunteer training, and volunteer-based classifications verifying the machine classifications, bolstering the machine learning training set and identifying new morphological classes of glitches. These classifications are now routinely used in studies characterizing the performance of the LIGO gravitational-wave detectors. Providing the volunteers with a training framework that teaches them to classify a wide range of glitches, as well as additional tools to aid their investigations of interesting glitches, empowers them to make discoveries of new classes of glitches. This demonstrates that, when giving suitable support, volunteers can go beyond simple classification tasks to identify new features in data at a level comparable to domain experts. The Gravity Spy project is now providing volunteers with more complicated data that includes auxiliary monitors of the detector to identify the root cause of glitches.
Dynamic Fabry-Pérot cavity stabilization technique for atom-cavity experiments
Authors: Dinesh S. P. , Thakar V. R. , Gokul V. I. , Bahuleyan Arun , Rangwala S. A.
Published: January 2024

We present a stabilization technique developed to lock and dynamically tune the resonant frequency of a moderate finesse Fabry-Pérot (FP) cavity used in precision atom-cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) experiments. Most experimental setups with active stabilization either operate at one fixed resonant frequency or use transfer cavities to achieve the ability to tune the resonant frequency of the cavity. In this work, we present a simple and cost-effective solution to actively stabilize an optical cavity while achieving a dynamic tuning range of over 100 MHz with a precision under 1 MHz. Our unique scheme uses a reference laser locked to an electro-optic modulator (EOM) shifted saturation absorption spectroscopy (SAS) signal. The cavity is locked to the PDH error signal obtained from the dip in the reflected intensity of this reference laser. Our setup provides the feature to efficiently tune the resonant frequency of the cavity by only changing the EOM drive without unlocking and re-locking either the reference laser or the cavity. We present measurements of precision control of the resonant cavity frequency and vacuum Rabi splitting (VRS) to quantify the stability achieved and hence show that this technique is suitable for a variety of cavity QED experiments.
Convergence of datalog over (Pre-) Semirings
Authors: Abo Khamis Mahmoud , Ngo Hung Q. , Pichler Reinhard , Suciu Dan , Wang Yisu Remy
Published: January 2024

Recursive queries have been traditionally studied in the framework of datalog, a language that restricts recursion to monotone queries over sets, which is guaranteed to converge in polynomial time in the size of the input. But modern big data systems require recursive computations beyond the Boolean space. In this article, we study the convergence of datalog when it is interpreted over an arbitrary semiring. We consider an ordered semiring, define the semantics of a datalog program as a least fixpoint in this semiring, and study the number of steps required to reach that fixpoint, if ever. We identify algebraic properties of the semiring that correspond to certain convergence properties of datalog programs. Finally, we describe a class of ordered semirings on which one can use the semi-naïve evaluation algorithm on any datalog program.
Scalable and Inductive Semi-supervised Classifier with Sample Weighting Based on Graph Topology
Authors: Dornaika Fadi , Ibrahim Zoulfikar , Bosaghzadeh Alirezah
Published: January 2024

Recently, graph-based semi-supervised learning (GSSL) has garnered significant interest in the realms of machine learning and pattern recognition. Although some of the proposed methods have made some progress, there are still some shortcomings that need to be overcome. There are three main limitations. First, the graphs used in these approaches are usually predefined regardless of the task at hand. Second, due to the use of graphs, almost all approaches are unable to process and consider data with a very large number of unlabeled samples. Thirdly, the imbalance of the topology of the samples is very often not taken into account. In particular, processing large datasets with GSSL might pose challenges in terms of computational resource feasibility. In this article, we present a scalable and inductive GSSL method. We broaden the scope of the graph topology imbalance paradigm to extensive databases. Second, we employ the calculated weights of the labeled sample for the label-matching term in the global objective function. This leads to a unified, scalable, semi-supervised learning model that allows simultaneous labeling of unlabeled data, projection of the feature space onto the labeling space, along with the graph matrix of anchors. In the proposed scheme, the integration of labels and features from anchors is applied for the adaptive construction of the anchor graph. Experimental results were performed on four large databases: NORB, RCV1, Covtype, and MNIST. These experiments demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits superior performance when compared to existing scalable semi-supervised learning models.
BUNGEE: Dependable Blockchain Views for Interoperability
Authors: Belchior Rafael , Torres Limaris , Pfannschmidt Jonas , Vasconcelos André , Correia Miguel
Published: January 2024

With the evolution of distributed ledger technology (DLT), several blockchains that provide enhanced privacy guarantees and features, including Corda, Hyperledger Fabric, and Canton, are being increasingly adopted. These distributed ledgers only provide partial consistency, meaning that participants can observe the same ledger differently, i.e., observe some transactions but not others, providing higher levels of privacy to the end-user.

Choosing privacy instead of transparency leads to delicate trade-offs that are difficult to manage during runtime, hampering the development of applications that depend on reasoning about shared state, e.g., asset transfers across blockchains. We propose using the concept of
blockchain view
(view) – an abstraction of the state a participant can access at a certain point to address this problem. Views allow us to systematically reason about either state partitions within the same DLT or an integrated view spanning across several DLTs. We introduce BUNGEE (Blockchain UNifier view GEnErator), the first DLT view generator, to allow capturing snapshots, constructing views from these snapshots, and merging views according to a set of rules specified by the view stakeholders. Creating views and operating views allows new applications built on top of dependable blockchain interoperability, such as stakeholder-centric snapshots for audits, cross-chain analysis, blockchain migration, and combined on-chain-off-chain analytics.
Towards Differential Privacy in Sequential Recommendation: A Noisy Graph Neural Network Approach
Authors: Hu Wentao , Fang Hui
Published: January 2024

With increasing frequency of high-profile privacy breaches in various online platforms, users are becoming more concerned about their privacy. And recommender system is the core component of online platforms for providing personalized service, consequently, its privacy preservation has attracted great attention. As the gold standard of privacy protection, differential privacy has been widely adopted to preserve privacy in recommender systems. However, existing differentially private recommender systems only consider static and independent interactions, so they cannot apply to sequential recommendation where behaviors are dynamic and dependent. Meanwhile, little attention has been paid on the privacy risk of sensitive user features, most of them only protect user feedbacks. In this work, we propose a novel DIfferentially Private Sequential recommendation framework with a noisy Graph Neural Network approach (denoted as DIPSGNN) to address these limitations. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to achieve differential privacy in sequential recommendation with dependent interactions. Specifically, in DIPSGNN, we first leverage piecewise mechanism to protect sensitive user features. Then, we innovatively add calibrated noise into aggregation step of graph neural network based on aggregation perturbation mechanism. And, this noisy graph neural network can protect sequentially dependent interactions and capture user preferences simultaneously. Extensive experiments demonstrate the superiority of our method over state-of-the-art differentially private recommender systems in terms of better balance between privacy and accuracy.
The Complex Relationship between Online Social Feedback and Well-Being
Authors: Duradoni Mirko , Spadoni Veronica , Gursesli Mustafa Can , Pratelli Elena , Guazzini Andrea
Published: January 2024

With the growing prevalence of online social interactions, it is crucial to understand how the social dimension affects well-being. This study investigates the relationship between the Need for Online Social Feedback (NfOSF) and individuals’ well-being, considering the moderating role of perceived online reputation. A total of 1398 participants, predominantly female, aged 14 to 61, completed an online questionnaire. The results revealed an M-shaped pattern, indicating that both dissatisfaction and excessive satisfaction with online reputation were associated with lower well-being. For those dissatisfied with their reputation, a high desire for social feedback correlated with reduced well-being, as validation from the social environment, was lacking. Similarly, individuals with fully satisfying reputations experienced frustration in their pursuit of online social feedback. In this case, the “Fame” dimension of the NfOSF scale exhibited a negative association with well-being, highlighting the impact of grandiose expectations. The findings underscore the subjective nature of this relationship, emphasizing the role of individual characteristics and social context.
A High Accuracy Numerical Method Based on Interpolation Technique for Time-Fractional Advection-Diffusion Equations
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhang Xindong
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the time-fractional advection-diffusion equation (TFADE) is solved by the barycentric Lagrange interpolation collocation method (BLICM). In order to approximate the fractional derivative under the definition of Caputo, BLICM is used to approximate the unknown function. We obtain the discrete scheme of the equation by combining BLICM with the Gauss-Legendre quadrature rule. The convergence rate for the TFADE equation of the BLICM is derived, and the accuracy of the discrete scheme can be improved by modifying the number of Gaussian nodes. To illustrate the efficiency and accuracy of the present method, a few numerical examples are presented and compared with the other existing methods.
An Unusual Case of Peripheral Nerve Vasculitis
Authors: Wang S. , A. Arsany , Feinstein D. , Traisak P. , Eid H. , Karpoff M.
Published: January 2024

Peripheral neuropathy is a common manifestation of systemic vasculitis. The etiology of vasculitic peripheral neuropathy is generally classified into two groups: systemic and nonsystemic. In systemic vasculitic neuropathy (SVN), neuropathy is a consequence of a systemic disease, most commonly involving medium and small vessels throughout the body. There are three main clinical presentations: multifocal neuropathy, distal symmetric polyneuropathy, and overlapping multifocal neuropathy. Specifically, distal symmetric polyneuropathy affects multiple somatic nerves diffusely in a symmetric and length‐dependent pattern (also known as the classic stocking‐glove pattern). This case represents an atypical presentation of SVN, presenting with widespread symmetric polyneuropathy.A 73‐year‐old woman presented with distal acute on chronic bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness, sensory changes, and widespread pain. Symptoms started about three months prior and gradually worsened with progressive difficulty with ambulation and required assistive devices. Elevated ESR is at 70 mm/hour, CRP at 25.66 mg/dL, elevated c‐ANCA titers at 1 : 320 and PR3 at 5.0 AI, and elevated creatine kinase (CK) at 500–600 U/L. A muscle biopsy of the left vastus showed neurogenic atrophy without myositis. Initial improvement was with oral prednisone, but was stopped on discharge. Many purpuric and petechial lesions were developed on distal legs/feet and right fourth digit distal gangrene. EMG showed distal, symmetric, and axonal polyneuropathy affecting the upper and lower extremities and acute denervation in more distal muscles. The patient received pulse dose steroids and two doses of rituximab induction therapy and was discharged with an oral steroid taper. The patient’s symptoms started as distal symmetric neuropathy at the onset and progressively worsened over the course of 3 months. Neuropathy, both on the exam and on EMG, seemed to have developed more rapidly than expected, regardless of its distribution. The EMG showed severe peripheral nerve damage and denervation, which is unusual for ANCA‐associated systemic vasculitis.
Comparison of Nutrients and Antioxidant Activities in Sweet Potatoes
Authors: Xi-You Li , Rong-Jiao Li , Xin-Yu Ma , Yun Li , Xi Zhang , Wei-Xi Li
Published: January 2024

Sweet potato has played an important role in human diets for centuries. Sweet potato is an excellent source of nutrients and natural health-promoting chemicals such as carotenoids, vitamin C, and polyphenols. In this article, we selected forty-eight sweet potato cultivars to evaluate the contents of proximate compositions, phytochemicals, and total antioxidative capacity (TAC). In addition, the sensory taste test was conducted as well. The concentrations of chemical constituents varied significantly among the 48 cultivars. The starch content ranged from 10.58% to 28.08%. The protein concentration was between 2.00% and 12.16%. A noticeable variability was found in vitamin C (8.17–66.09 mg·100 g−1), total polyphenols (0.32–13.82 µg·g−1), and carotenoids (0.22–559.70 µg·g−1). 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid was the dominant phenolic acid derivative in all varieties, followed by chlorogenic acid. The content ranges of 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid were 0.41–92.18 µg·100 g−1 and 1.59–63.98 µg·100 g−1, respectively. Remarkable DPPH (0.19–0.59 µg·g−1) and ABTS+ (0.19–1.42 µg·g−1) antioxidant activities were also observed in these sweet potatoes. TAC was related to vitamin C, carotenoids, total polyphenols, and caffeic acid derivatives. The purple flesh cultivars, especially Mianzishu-9, Jiheishu-1, and Qianshu-18-5-1, rich in protein, starch, and antioxidants, had immense potential to improve malnutrition and hidden hunger. The dark orange flesh cultivars Hongxiangjiao and Ziyunhongxinshu performed best in sensory taste evaluation, but the nutrients and antioxidant effects were ordinary. These cultivars were suitable for enriching the human food systems.
Quantum‐Based Combinatorial Optimization for Optimal Sensor Placement in Civil Structures
Authors: San Martín Gabriel , López Droguett Enrique
Published: January 2024

Over the last decade, concepts such as industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT) have contributed to the increase in the availability and affordability of sensing technology. In this context, structural health monitoring (SHM) arises as an especially interesting field to integrate and develop these new sensing capabilities, given the criticality of structural application for human life and the elevated costs of manual monitoring. Due to the scale of structural systems, one of the main challenges when designing a modern monitoring system is the optimal sensor placement (OSP) problem. The OSP problem is combinatorial in nature, making its exact solution infeasible in most practical cases, usually requiring the use of metaheuristic optimization techniques. While approaches such as genetic algorithms (GAs) have been able to produce significant results in many practical case studies, their ability to scale up to more complex structures is still an area of open research. This study proposes a novel quantum‐based combinatorial optimization approach to solve the OSP problem approximately, within the context of SHM. For this purpose, a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) model formulation is developed, taking as a starting point of the modal strain energy (MSE) of the structure. The framework is tested using numerical simulations of Warren truss bridges of varying scales. The results obtained using the proposed framework are compared against exhaustive search approaches to verify their performance. More importantly, a detailed discussion of the current limitations of the technology and the future paths of research in the area is presented to the reader.
GPX3-Mediated Oxidative Stress Affects Pyrimidine Metabolism Levels in Stomach Adenocarcinoma via the AMPK/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yaowen , Yang Yixin , Kuang Shanshan , Zhang Yang , Qin Hancheng , Xie Jisheng
Published: January 2024

Background. Amino acid metabolism, including ATP production, nucleotide synthesis, and redox homeostatic processes, are associated with proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells. This study aimed to identify novel prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets of amino acid metabolism-related genes for stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD). Methods. RNA sequencing transcriptome data in the TCGA-STAD (training set) and GTEx datasets (validation set) were used. The LIMMA R program enabled the differentially expressed amino acid metabolism-related genes (AAMRGs) to be found. A prognostic risk score model based on clinical phenotypic features was built using LASSO regression and step multi-Cox analyses. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to find potential molecular pathways associated with STAD. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to evaluate pyrimidine metabolism. Cultured STAD cells assessed the proliferation of STAD and upregulation of GPX3 expression by CCK8 and flow cytometry. Transwell and wound healing assays assessed the impact of GPX3 on invasion and migration of STAD cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to measure changes in pyrimidine metabolism-related markers and active molecules involved in the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Results. Three AAMRGs, DNMT1, F2R, and GPX3, could independently predict the course of STAD. Pyrimidine metabolism appeared to be significantly associated with these by GSEA and clustering analyses. Pyrimidine metabolism was negatively correlated with GPX3. Functional studies using an overexpressed GPX3 plasmid showed an enhanced migration and invasion of STAD cells as well as the expression of genes associated with pyrimidine metabolism and the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. By using a CAD siRNA, it was found that that GPX3 affected 5-fluorouracil resistance during de novo synthesis of pyrimidine through the CAD-UMPS signaling axis. Conclusions. GPX3 which regulates the level of pyrimidine metabolism through the AMPK/mTOR pathway was found to be closely associated with STAD. Our findings demonstrate GPX3 is a reliable biomarker for the prognosis of amino acid metabolism and a probable target for STAD therapy.
Frequentist and Bayesian Approaches in Modeling and Prediction of Extreme Rainfall Series: A Case Study from Southern Highlands Region of Tanzania
Authors: Kyojo Erick A. , Mirau Silas S. , Osima Sarah E. , Masanja Verdiana G.
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on modeling and predicting extreme rainfall based on data from the Southern Highlands region, the critical for rain-fed agriculture in Tanzania. Analyzing 31 years of annual maximum rainfall data spanning from 1990 to 2020, the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) model proved to be the best for modeling extreme rainfall in all stations. Three estimation methods–L-moments, maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)–were employed to estimate GEV parameters and future return levels. The Bayesian MCMC approach demonstrated superior performance by incorporating noninformative priors to ensure that the prior information had minimal influence on the analysis, allowing the observed data to play a dominant role in shaping the posterior distribution. Furthermore, return levels for various future periods were estimated, providing guidance for flood protection measures and infrastructure design. Trend analysis using p value, Kendall’s tau, and Sen’s slope indicated no statistically significant trends in rainfall patterns, although a weak positive trend in extreme rainfall events was observed, suggesting a gradual and modest increase over time. Overall, the study contributes valuable insights into extreme rainfall patterns and underscores the importance of L-moments in identifying the best fit distribution and Bayesian MCMC methodology for accurate parameter estimation and prediction, enabling effective measures and infrastructure planning in the region.
Effects of Thermal Radiation and Variable Porosity on Unsteady Magnetoconvective Heat‐Mass Transport Past a Vertical Perforated Sheet
Authors: Bkar PK Md. Abu , Hasanuzzaman Md. , Hossain Md. Mosharof , Mondal Dipayan
Published: January 2024

This study interprets the effects of radiative and variable porosity on a time‐dependent MHD‐free convective heat‐mass transfer past a vertical porous sheet. The PDEs governing the research are converted into nondimensional ODEs by inserting the similarity transformation containing a set of physical parameters. The numerical results are found by using the finite difference method through MATLAB with the help of the shooting technique. The roles of emerging nondimensional numbers/parameters, such as the Darcy number (Da), Prandtl number (Pr), magnetic force parameter (M), thermal radiation parameter (R), chemical reaction parameter (Kr), and suction parameter (v0), on fluid flow have been observed within the boundary layer. The fluid motion enhances uplifting quantities of radiative parameter and Darcy number. The fluid temperature goes up for growing amounts of thermal radiation and Dufour number. The fluid mass decays to improve the Schmidt number and suction parameter. The local friction coefficient rises about by 32%, 12%, and 15% owing to improving values of Da from 0.5 to 2.0, R from 0.5 to 2.0, and Df from 0.5 to 3.5, respectively. The heat transfer falls down about by 33%, 35% due to enhancing values of R from 0.5 to 2.0, and Df from 0.5 to 3.5, respectively. At last, we looked at our numerical results in relation to previously published articles and discovered that there was a good agreement.
Huarong Large-Leaf Mustard Extracts Exhibit Antioxidant Activity and Inhibition of TLR4-Mediated Inflammatory Response in Murine Macrophage
Authors: Tian Yan , Wang Kangchun , Wang Ping , Wu Juhua , Liu Wei , Bai Qingping , Du Haiping
Published: January 2024

Leaf mustard is rich in bioactive components such as polyphenols and glucosinolates, which reportedly have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Here, in this study, we investigated the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of fresh leaf mustard extract (FrLME) and fermented leaf mustard extract (FeLME) using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced in vitro antioxidant model and LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammation model. The results showed that both FrLME and FeLME exhibit antioxidant activity in ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays in linear. In the LPS-induced inflammatory cells, analyses of SOD and GSH-PX activities indicated that the FrLME group exhibited significantly higher activity compared to the FeLME group (p<0.05). A comparative assessment of the extracts indicated that the levels of nitrites (NO) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were considerably lower in cells treated with FrLME than in those treated with FeLME (p<0.05). Moreover, treatment with FrLME and FeLME effectively mitigated cellular inflammation, as evidenced by the significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression of the TLR4-NF-κB p65-COX-2/iNOS pathway markers during LPS-induced inflammation. Notably, extracts from fresh leaves demonstrated more pronounced inhibitory effects compared to those from fermented leaf mustard. The outcomes of this study establish a foundation for exploring the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of leaf mustard in more intricate models of inflammatory diseases.
Supplementary Table 4 from Neoadjuvant Selicrelumab, an Agonist CD40 Antibody, Induces Changes in the Tumor Microenvironment in Patients with Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Byrne Katelyn T. , Betts Courtney B. , Mick Rosemarie , Sivagnanam Shamilene , Bajor David L. , Laheru Daniel A. , Chiorean E. Gabriela , O'Hara Mark H. , Liudahl Shannon M. , Newcomb Craig , Alanio Cécile , Ferreira Ana P. , Park Byung S. , Ohtani Takuya , Huffman Austin P. , Väyrynen Sara A. , Dias Costa Andressa , Kaiser Judith C. , Lacroix Andreanne M. , Redlinger Colleen , Stern Martin , Nowak Jonathan A. , Wherry E. John , Cheever Martin A. , Wolpin Brian M. , Furth Emma E. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Coussens Lisa M. , Vonderheide Robert H.
Published: January 2024

Table S4 summarizes the statistical analyses of mIHC data based on ROI location or treatment cohort.
The Effects of Black Raspberry as a Whole Food–Based Approach on Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Buccal Cells and Urine of Smokers
Authors: Chen Kun-Ming , Sun Yuan-Wan , Krebs Nicolle M. , Reinhart Lisa , Sun Dongxiao , Liao Jiangang , Cook Rachel , Bond Paige Elizabeth , Mallery Susan R. , El-Bayoumy Karam
Published: January 2024

Cigarette smoke is a rich source of free radicals that can promote oxidative stress and carcinogenesis, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) development; importantly, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoprostane) are biomarkers of oxidative stress. Several mechanisms, including the antioxidant properties of black raspberry (BRB), account for their chemopreventive effects. In the present clinical trial, we tested the hypothesis that BRB administration reduces biomarkers levels of oxidative stress in buccal cells and urine of smokers. One week after enrolling 21 smokers, baseline buccal cells and urine samples were collected before the administration of BRB lozenges for 8 weeks (5/day, 1 gm BRB/lozenge). Buccal cells and urine samples were collected at the middle and the end of BRB administration. The last samples were collected after the BRB cessation (washout period). We analyzed levels of 8-oxodG and 8-isoprostane (LC/MS-MS), urinary cotinine (ELISA), and creatinine (spectrophotometry). BRB significantly reduced the levels of 8-oxodG by 17.08% (P = 0.00079) in buccal cells and 12.44% (P = 0.034) in urine at the middle of BRB administration as compared with baseline; the corresponding values at the end of BRB administration were 16.46% (P = 0.026) in buccal cells and 25.72% (P = 0.202) in urine. BRB had no significant effect on the levels of urinary 8-isoprostane. BRB's capacity to inhibit 8-oxodG formation of smokers’ buccal cells and urine is clearly evident and the reduction in 8-oxodG suggests that antioxidant abilities are central to BRB's HNSCC chemopreventive properties.

Prevention Relevance:

Cigarette smoke contains highly active components namely free radicals that can promote oxidative stress and oral cancer. We found that black raspberry (BRB) inhibited the formation of oxidative stress markers in the oral cavity and urine of smokers suggesting the antioxidant abilities of BRB in preventing oral cancer.
An NFAT1-C3a-C3aR Positive Feedback Loop in Tumor-Associated Macrophages Promotes a Glioma Stem Cell Malignant Phenotype
Authors: Zhang Yaochuan , Song Yifu , Wang Xiaoliang , Shi Mengwu , Lin Yibin , Tao Dongxia , Han Sheng
Published: January 2024

Extensive infiltration by tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in combination with myeloid-derived suppressor cells constitute the immunosuppressive microenvironment and promote the malignant phenotype of gliomas. The aggressive mesenchymal (MES)-subtype glioma stem cells (GSC) are prominent in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of gliomas. However, the underlying immune-suppressive mechanisms are still unknown. The current study showed that the antitumor immune microenvironment was activated in glioma in Nfat1−/− mice, suggesting induction of the immune-suppressive microenvironment by nuclear factor of activated T cells-1 (NFAT1). In TAMs, NFAT1 could upregulate the transcriptional activity of complement 3 (C3) and increase the secretion of C3a, which could then bind to C3aR and promote M2-like macrophage polarization by activating TIM-3. Simultaneously, C3a/C3aR activated the Ca2+-NFAT1 pathway, forming a positive feedback loop for the M2-like polarization of TAMs, which further promoted the MES transition of GSCs. Finally, disruption of this feedback loop using a C3aR inhibitor significantly inhibited glioma growth both in vitro and in vivo. The current study demonstrated that a NFAT1-C3a-C3aR positive feedback loop induces M2-like TAMs and further promotes the malignant phenotype of GSCs, which might be the potential therapeutic target for glioma.
The Immune Suppressor IGSF1 as a Potential Target for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Koh Dong-In , Lee Minki , Park Yoon Sun , Shin Jae-Sik , Kim Joseph , Ryu Yea Seong , Lee Jun Hyung , Bae Seunggeon , Lee Mi So , Hong Jun Ki , Jeong Hong-Rae , Choi Mingee , Hong Seung-Woo , Kim Dong Kwan , Lee Hyun-kyung , Kim Bomi , Yoon Yoo Sang , Jin Dong-Hoon
Published: January 2024

The development of first-generation immune-checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 ushered in a new era in anticancer therapy. Although immune-checkpoint blockade therapies have shown clinical success, a substantial number of patients yet fail to benefit. Many studies are under way to discover next-generation immunotherapeutic targets. Immunoglobulin superfamily member 1 (IGSF1) is a membrane glycoprotein proposed to regulate thyroid function. Despite containing 12 immunoglobin domains, a possible role for IGSF1, in immune response, remains unknown. Here, our studies revealed that IGSF1 is predominantly expressed in tumors but not normal tissues, and increased expression is observed in PD-L1low non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells as compared with PD-L1high cells. Subsequently, we developed and characterized an IGSF1-specific human monoclonal antibody, WM-A1, that effectively promoted antitumor immunity and overcame the limitations of first-generation immune-checkpoint inhibitors, likely via a distinct mechanism of action. We further demonstrated high WM-A1 efficacy in humanized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and syngeneic mouse models, finding additive efficacy in combination with an anti–PD-1 (a well-characterized checkpoint inhibitor). These findings support IGSF1 as an immune target that might complement existing cancer immunotherapeutics.
Symptome des trockenen Auges bei Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Augustin Albert
Published: January 2024

Dry eye disease is an umbrella term that includes a variety of symptoms and signs. A link between diabetes mellitus and dry eye disease exists, but the associated phenotype needs further examination. Thus, our aim was to determine how diabetes mellitus relates to the dry eye disease phenotype. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Miami Veteran Affairs Medical Center ophthalmology clinic between October 2013 and September 2019. Participants included a volunteer sample of 366 South Florida veterans with one or more symptoms or signs of dry eye disease [Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 ≥ 6 OR tear break-up time ≤ 5 OR Schirmer’s test score ≤ 5 OR corneal fluorescein staining ≥ 2]. Participants were divided into three groups: (1) individuals without diabetes mellitus (controls); (2) individuals with diabetes mellitus but without end-organ complications; and (3) individuals with diabetes mellitus and end-organ complications. Dry eye metrics were compared across groups. The main outcome measures included ocular symptom questionnaires [e.g., 5-item Dry Eye Questionnaire, Ocular Surface Disease Index, and ocular pain assessment] and clinical parameters obtained from an ocular surface evaluation. A total of 366 individuals were included (mean age 59 ± 6 years; 89% males; 39% White; 11% diabetes mellitus and end-organ complications; 15% diabetes mellitus but without end-organ complications). Individuals with diabetes mellitus and end-organ complications had lower symptom scores on the dry eye disease and pain-specific questionnaires compared to individuals with diabetes mellitus but without end-organ complications and controls (Ocular Surface Disease Index: 42.1 ± 24.5 vs. 38.9 ± 25.1 vs. 23.6 ± 16.2; p < 0.001; numerical rating scale of ocular pain intensity: 4.9 ± 3.2 vs. 4.3 ± 2.7 vs. 3.5 ± 2.7; p = 0.02). Eyelid laxity was also more severe in the group with diabetes mellitus and end-organ complications (0.69 ± 0.64 vs. 0.73 ± 0.72 vs. 1.08 ± 0.77; p = 0.004) compared to the two other groups. The diabetic dry eye disease phenotype is driven by signs more so than by symptoms, with anatomic eyelid abnormalities being more frequent in individuals with diabetes mellitus and end-organ complications. Given this, ocular surface abnormalities in individuals with DM may be missed if screened by symptoms alone. As such, individuals with DM should undergo a slit lamp examination for signs of ocular surface disease, including anatomic abnormalities.
Neurohormonal Activation and Renal Chloride Avidity in Acute Heart Failure: Clinical Evidence Supporting the ‘Chloride Theory’
Authors: Kataoka Hajime
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) progression according to changes in the serum chloride concentration ([sCl-]) was recently proposed as the ‘chloride theory’ for HF pathophysiology. The present study examined the association of neurohormones and renal Cl avidity to determine their contribution to acute HF and their involvement to the ‘chloride theory’.
Methods: Data from 29 patients with acute HF (48% men; 80.3±12 years) were analyzed. Blood and urine samples were obtained before decongestive therapy. Clinical tests included peripheral blood, serum and spot urinary electrolytes, b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and plasma neurohormones.
Results: In the 29 patients, urinary Cl concentrations ([uCl-]) inversely correlated with log (plasma renin activity [PRA]) (r=-0.64, p=0.0002) and log (plasma aldosterone concentration) (r=-0.50, p=0.006). The [sCl-]‒[uCl-] difference positively correlated with log PRA (r=0.63, p=0.0002) and log (plasma aldosterone concentration) (r=0.49, p=0.008). Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the [sCl-]‒[uCl-] difference, an excretion (low renal Cl avidity) group and an absorption (high renal Cl avidity) group. Compared with the excretion group (‒77 to ‒5mEq/L; n=14), the absorption group (1 to 84mEq/L; n=15) exhibited greater renal impairment (serum creatinine;1.45±0.63 vs. 1.00±0.38mg/d, p=0.029) and cardiac burden (log BNP; 2.99±0.3 vs. 2.66±0.32pg/mL, p=0.008), higher log PRA (0.20±0.58 vs. -0.25±0.35ng/mL/h, p=0.018), and lower fractional urinary Cl excretion (1.34±1.3 vs. 5.33±4.1%, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Renal Cl avidity differs in acute HF, i.e., excretion (low renal Cl avidity) vs. absorption (high renal Cl avidity) types, involving renin-aldosterone-angiotensin activity as the underlying mechanism, which provides the neurohormonal background for the ‘chloride theory’ .
Morbus Behçet: Versorgung der Patienten in Spezialzentren ist notwendig
Authors: Mihai Carina
Published: January 2024

Objective: To investigate the differential diagnostic spectrum in patients with suspected Behçet’s syndrome (BS) in low prevalence regions. In addition, the number of patients fulfilling the ICBD criteria despite not having BS was evaluated. Methods: This retrospective analysis was performed in two referral centers for BS. Patients with confirmed BS (clinical diagnosis with fulfilment of ISG criteria or a score of ≥ 5 points in the ICBD criteria) were excluded. The remaining patients were divided into eleven differential diagnosis categories. If no definitive alternative diagnosis could be established, patients were termed ‘probable BS’ in case of (1) relapsing orogenital aphthosis in the absence of other causes and either HLA-B51 positivity, origin from an endemic area or presence of an additional typical BS symptom that is not part of the classification criteria or (2) with 3–4 points scored in the ICBD criteria. Results: In total 202 patients were included and categorized as follows: 58 patients (28.7%) as ‘probable BS’, 57 (28.2%) skin disease, 26 (12.9%) chronic pain syndrome, 14 (6.9%) eye disease, 11 (5.4%) spondyloarthropathy, 9 (4.5%) gastrointestinal disease, 7 (3.5%) neurological disease, 4 (2%) arthritis, 3 (1.5%) auto-inflammation, 3 (1.5%) connective tissue disease, 10 (5.0%) miscellaneous disease. HLA-B51 was positive in 55/132 (41.6%); 75/202 (37.1%) of the patients fulfilled the ICBD criteria. Conclusion: In a low disease prevalence setting the straightforward application of the ICBD criteria may lead to overdiagnosis of BS. The differential diagnosis of BS is enormously broad. Clinicians should be aware that HLA-B51 positivity is still not considered as a diagnostic feature in BS. © The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology.
Multigenerational effect of seaweed or selenium enriched substrates on nutritional composition of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Ottoboni M. , Ferrari L. , Bonilauri P. , Defilippo F. , Grisendi A. , Della Porta M. , Cazzola R. , Pinotti L.
Published: January 2024

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for livestock. To ensure an adequate intake is achieved, several supplementation sources have been studied targeting the different animal species. Although Se-enriched yeast remains one of the main sources of organic Se, other emerging and innovative sources, such as Se-enriched insects, could be useful for their potential use in animal nutrition. The purpose of this work was to study the effects of including algae ad/or Se in the rearing substrate of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), where an absolute lack of information regarding nutritional compositional and multigenerational effect was identified. In this study, BSFL were reared on three different substrates: (1) a control substrate (CTR diet) of plant-ingredients (Gainesville diet), and (2) Ascophyllum nodosum diet (AN30%), with 30% substitution of the alfalfa meal with the brown algae and iii) a Se diet, where the CTR diet was fortified with 0.3 mg/kg of Se. All experiments were carried out under dark condition, at 25 °C with 70% relative humidity. The inclusion of algae seems to lengthen both larval and development time, while only minor effects were observed with the inclusion of Se in the diet. The multigenerational trial, however, showed that the substrates hereby studied (AN30% and Se diet) both affect the future generation of BSF, with considerably lower both egg-laying performance and hatching performance than in the CTR group. However, more studies are necessary to determine the effect of algae and Se on reproductive performance of BSF as well as the proximate composition of BSFL.
Taxonomic review of the genus Aldrichiopa Guimarães, 1971 (Diptera: Tachinidae) with notes on antennal morphology and description of a new species
Authors: TORRES-DOMÍNGUEZ DIANA MARCELA , GALLARDO FABIANA , MULIERI PABLO R.
Published: January 2024

A redescription of the genus Aldrichiopa Aldrich, 1934 (Diptera: Tachinidae) is provided and a new species, Aldrichiopa serrata Torres-Domínguez & Mulieri sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in Argentina and Chile. A detailed morphological description of the egg, first instar larva, and adult male and female including terminalia are presented for the first time. Exhaustive photographic records, scanning electron microscopy images, morphological detail of antennal ultrastructure, and updated geographic distributions are provided for the two species of the genus, Aldrichiopa coracella (Aldrich) and A. serrata sp. nov. An identification key based on males is provided. The taxonomic placement of Aldrichiopa to subfamily and tribe is discussed and information on the hosts of this genus of small tachinid flies is compiled.