bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant expression of Human Endogenous Retrovirus K9-derived elements is associated with better clinical outcome of acute myelocytic leukemia
Authors: Yanagiya Ryo , Nakagawa So , Onizuka Makoto , Kotani Ai
Published: June 2024

Background: Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) is a common hematological malignancy in adults. Although several risk stratifications based on cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities are available to decide the indication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), planning treatment strategies for AML without them remains challenging. Using transcriptome datasets, we investigated the association of event-free survival (EFS) of intensively treated AML cases and the aberrant expression status of endogenous retrovirus (ERV)-derived open reading frames (ORFs), which have been reported to be associated with the pathophysiology of various malignancies and have the potential to become neoantigens in specific cancers.
Results: The expression values of human ERV family K9 (HERVK9) ORFs were found to be associated with EFS, independent of conventional risk stratifications. Furthermore, it was revealed that AML cells with higher expression of HERVK9 activated antigen processing and presentation, accompanied by excess expression of genes associated with responses to adaptive immune reaction and apoptosis, indicating that aberrant expression of HERVK9 may initiate an antineoplastic immune response against themselves via excess antigen presentation.
Conclusions: In summary, quantitation of HERVK9 expression has the potential to provide prognostic prediction, which is crucial for determining the indications of upfront allo-HCT.
Lentiviral vector gene therapy and CFTR modulators show comparable effectiveness in cystic fibrosis rat airway models
Authors: McCarron Alexandra , Ling Kak-Ming , Montgomery Samuel , Martinovich Kelly , Cmielewski Patricia , Rout-Pitt Nathan , Kicic Anthony , Parsons David , Donnelley Martin
Published: June 2024

Mutation-agnostic treatments such as airway gene therapy have the potential to treat any individual with cystic fibrosis (CF), irrespective of their CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variants. The aim of this study was to employ two CF rat models, Phe508del and CFTR knockout (KO), to assess the comparative effectiveness of CFTR modulators and lentiviral (LV) vector-mediated gene therapy. Cells were isolated from the tracheas of rats and used to establish air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures. Phe508del rat ALIs were treated with the modulator combination, elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI), and a separate group of Phe508del and KO airway epithelial cells were treated with LV-CFTR followed by differentiation. Ussing chamber measurements were performed to assess CFTR function. ETI-treated Phe508del ALI cultures demonstrated CFTR function that was 59% of wild-type level, while gene-addition therapy restored Phe508del to 68% and KO to 47% of wild-type level, respectively. Our findings show that rat Phe508del-CFTR protein can be successfully rescued with ETI treatment, and that CFTR gene-addition therapy provides significant CFTR correction in Phe508del and KO ALI cultures to levels that were comparable to ETI. These findings highlight the potential of an LV vector-based gene therapy for the treatment of CF lung disease.
Archaeological and experimental lithic microwear classification through 2D textural analysis and machine learning
Authors: Sferrazza Paolo
Published: June 2024

The paper focuses on introducing 2D texture analysis as a quantitative method for functional analysis in archaeology. Indeed, for the first time, different techniques of quantitative feature extraction and machine learning algorithms applied to the functional analysis of archaeological lithic tools are described and compared. The method presented relies on five techniques of quantitative feature extraction from photographic images and six classification techniques through machine learning algorithms. After creating a training dataset with experimental traces, machine learning models were used to classify 23 images (10 experimental and 13 archaeological). The best result achieved a classification accuracy of 87%, demonstrating the ability to interpret use-wear traces correctly on both experimental and archaeological artefacts regardless of the geological origin of the flint (Sicily in Italy and Sachsen-Anhalt in Germany). The paper proposes to use the method as a fundamental tool in functional analysis to remove subjectivity criteria from traditional analysis and to address issues related to the credibility of the discipline, calibration, standardisation, and reproducibility of methods and results.
Longer ICU stay and invasive mechanical ventilation accelerate telomere shortening in COVID-19 patients one-year after recovery
Authors: VIRSEDA-BERDICES Ana , BEHAR-LAGARES Raquel , MARTÍNEZ-GONZÁLEZ Oscar , BLANCAS Rafael , BUENO-BUSTOS Soraya , BROCHADO-KITH Oscar , MANTEIGA Eva , POYATO María J. MALLOL , MATAMALA Blanca LÓPEZ , PARRA Carmen MARTÍN , RESINO Salvador , JIMÉNEZ-SOUSA María A. , FERNÁNDEZ-RODRÍGUEZ Amanda
Published: June 2024

SARS-CoV-2 causes virus-induced-senescence. There is an association between shorter telomere length (TL) in COVID-19 patients and hospitalization, severity, or even death. However, it remains unknown whether virus-induced-senescence is reversible. We aim to evaluate the dynamics of TL in COVID-19 patients one year after recovery from intensive care units (ICU). Longitudinal study enrolling 49 patients admitted to ICU due to COVID-19 (August 2020 to April 2021). Relative telomere length (RTL) quantification was carried out in whole blood by monochromatic multiplex real-time quantitative PCR (MMqPCR) assay at hospitalization (baseline) and one year after discharge (one-year visit). The association between RTL and ICU length of stay (LOS), invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), prone position, and pulmonary fibrosis development at one-year visit. The median age was 60 years, 71.4% were males, median ICU-LOS was 12 days, 73.5% required IMV, and 38.8% required a prone position. Patients with longer ICU-LOS or who required IMV showed greater RTL shortening during follow-up. Patients who required pronation had a greater RTL shortening during follow-up. IMV patients who developed pulmonary fibrosis showed greater RTL reduction and shorter RTL at one-year visit. Patients with longer ICU-LOS and those who required IMV had a shorter RTL in peripheral blood, as observed one year after hospital discharge. Additionally, patients who required IMV and developed pulmonary fibrosis had greater telomere shortening, showing shorter telomeres at one-year visit. These patients may be more prone to develop cellular senescence and lung-related complications; therefore, closer monitoring may be needed.
The Incidence and 5-years Relative Survival Rate of Cancer among People Younger than 25 Years in the US, 2000 to 2020: a SEER-retrospective study
Authors: Chengqi Xiao , Ji Min , Lai Dongmei
Published: June 2024

A growing number of children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) are suffering from cancer and are surviving after treatment. However, the incidence and long-term overall survival patterns for CAYA cancer survivors over the past 20 years have been underreported. Data from 17 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries in the United States were analyzed to identify cancer cases in individuals under the age of 25 from 2000 to 2020. A joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trend of cancer incidence and 5-year survival rate in CAYA. Additionally, we examined the temporal trends of age-standardized cancer incidence and 5-year survival rate from 2000 to 2020. Between 2000 and 2020, there were 129,384 CAYA patients under the age of 25 with cancer (67,873 males and 61,511 females) in the USA. The overall age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of CAYA cancer was 19.26 per 100,000 in 2000 and 21.47 per 100,000 in 2020. The incidence rate of CAYA cancer increased over time, with males having a higher incidence rate than females. The most common cancer types were leukemia, lymphoma, brain and other nervous system cancer, endocrine system cancer, and male genital system cancer, which together accounted for more than 60% of CAYA cancer cases. The overall 5-year relative survival rate of CAYA cancer increased from 80.40% (95% CI, 78.84%-81.87%) in 2000 to 87.80% (95% CI, 86.65%-88.86%) in 2015. The 5-year relative survival rate of females under the age of 25 was higher than that of males (89.86% vs. 85.58%). Due to their long life expectancy, CAYA cancer survivors are at particular risk of long-term sequelae from the cancer itself or the therapy applied, especially late sequelae related to reproduction. These issues remain problematic for cancer survivors after entering adulthood, highlighting the need for more efforts and strategies to be directed towards fertility protection for young cancer survivors.
An Analysis of the 90-Day Day Outcomes of Robot- Assisted Continent Colon Pouch Urinary Diversion
Authors: Tillu Neeraja , Zaytoun Osama , Kolanukuduru Kaushik , Venkatesh Arjun , Dovey Zachary , Autorino Riccardo , Buscarini Maurizio
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Studies of right colon pouch urinary diversion have widely varying estimates of the risk of perioperative complications, reoperation, and readmission. We sought to describe the association between specific risk factors and complication, readmission, and reoperation rates following right colon pouch urinary diversion.
Materials and Methods
Patients undergoing robot-assisted right colon pouch urinary diversion from July 2013 to December 2022 were analyzed. Outcome measures include high-grade (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3) complications within 90 days, readmission within 90 days, and reoperation at any time during follow-up. Specific risk factors such as age, gender, Body mass index (BMI), diabetes, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and prior abdominal surgery were analyzed to establish an association with these outcomes.
Result
During the study period, 77 patients underwent the procedure and were eligible to study. The average follow-up was 88.7 (SD-14) months. 90-day high-grade complications were 24.67%, and 90-day readmission was 33.76%. The cumulative rate of any reoperation was 40.2%, and major reoperation was 24.67%. Diabetes was significantly associated with an increased risk of high-grade complications and major reoperation. Higher BMI and prior abdominal surgery were associated with an increased risk of readmission.
Conclusions
Overall, the rate of postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperation was high but consistent with other studies. This study helps further characterize surgical outcomes after right colon pouch urinary diversion and highlights patients who may benefit from enhanced preoperative management.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a proposed biosimilar QL1206 with reference denosumab in patients with bone metastasis from breast cancer: a subgroup analysis of a randomized, double-blinded phase III study
Authors: Liu Yaxin , Zhang Ruyan , Wang Xiaojia , Di Lijun , Chen Zhendong , Wang Jingfen , Sun Tao , Li Qingshan , Cheng Jing , Zhang Qingyuan , Wang Xiuwen , Wang Junye , Gu Kangsheng , Wei Shihong , Zhang Shuqun , Wang Xiangcai , Sun Ping , Hao Chunfang , Zang Aimin , Han Cuicui , Li Yujie , Kang Xiaoyan , Li Yanlin , Li Huiping
Published: June 2024

Purpose: This study presents a subgroup analysis of the efficacy and safety of QL1206, a biosimilar of the reference denosumab (Xgeva®, Amgen Inc.), in patients with bone metastasis from breast cancer enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded, phase III trial (NCT04550949).
Methods: In this subgroup analysis, patients with bone metastasis from breast cancer of the phase Ⅲ trial were included. Patients had been randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 3 cycles treatment of QL1206 or denosumab (120 mg, every 4 weeks), subsequently received 10 cycles treatment of QL1206 (120 mg) over a 40-week period, followed by a 20-week safety follow-up. The primary endpoint was the percentage changes from baseline to Week 13 in urinary N-telopeptide corrected for creatinine (uNTx/Cr).
Results: Three hundreds and eleven patients were included in the breast cancer subgroup. The most common site of bone metastasis was vertebrae (66.4%) when enrolled; 27.7% patients had more than 3 bone metastatic sites. At Week 13, the median percentage change in uNTx/Cr from baseline was -69.9% (range, -98.1%–568.0%) and -74.3% (range, -97.7%–386.3%) in the QL1206 and references denosumab groups, respectively. After a 53-week treatment period, most patients demonstrated increased bone density or stable disease. The time to first on-study skeletal-related events (SREs) was not evaluable in the two groups. Safety profiles were similar between the two groups.
Conclusions: QL1206 demonstrated similar efficacy and safety to the reference denosumab in breast cancer patients with bone metastases, supporting QL1206 as an option for supportive care in this population.
Multi-line laser 3D reconstruction method based on spatial quadric surface and geometric estimation
Authors: huang Huiming , Liu Guihua , Deng Lei , Song Tao , Qin Fuping
Published: June 2024

The traditional multi-line laser 3D reconstruction is based on binocular epipolar constraints and the equation of the laser optical plane. Firstly, matching points are identified based on the epipolar constraints. Then, the correct matching points are selected based on the optical plane equation of the multi-line laser. Finally, 3D reconstruction is performed using the selected matching points. In actual production processes involving multi-line lasers, noticeable distortion occurs due to the projection of Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE) at a large angle. This results in curved laser light planes and curved reflections on the measured objects. Under such circumstances, efficiently screening matching points using the traditional method based on the laser plane equation becomes challenging. Additionally, inherent noise in multi-line laser systems introduces errors in extracted laser center coordinates, making it impossible to directly obtain high-precision 3D data solely from matching points based on epipolar line constraints. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method that utilizes spatial quadric surfaces and geometric estimation for completing multi-line laser 3D reconstructions. By analyzing the distortion principle of DOE and the positional relationship after optical diffraction, the multi-line laser manifests as a quadric surface on the optical output plane. Consequently, by calibrating the equations of the quadric surface and applying binocular polar constraints, suitable matching points for the multi-line laser can be chosen. Once an accurate matching point is identified, a minimum geometric distance estimation can be established based on the distance constraint between the point and its corresponding epipolar line. This distance represents the separation between the left and right camera's laser center points and their respective epipolar lines. Utilizing this estimate of the minimum geometric distance, a refined calculation can be performed to better satisfy epipolar constraints and obtain new matching points. Ultimately, utilizing these new matching points enables the completion of 3D reconstruction for multi-line lasers. In comparison with methods relying on spatial plane and epipolar constraints, our algorithm exhibits a superior degree of matchability and accuracy.
Investigation of risk factors for external root resorption of the second molars associated with impacted third molars and development of a prediction model：A multicenter cross- sectional study
Authors: Kou Zhengwei , Zhang Wuyang , Li Chen , Zhang Yu , Song Zijian , Zou Yuzhen , Wang Haijing , Liu Zhenghua , Huerman Bahetibieke , Deng Tiange , Hu Kaijin , Xue Yang , Ji Ping
Published: June 2024

Objectives
The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for external root resorption (ERR) of the second molars (M2) associated with impacted third molars (M3) and to develop a prediction model for clinical assessing the risk of ERR based on the individual characteristics of M3.
Materials and methods
A total of 798 patients with 2156 impacted third molars were collected from three centers between December 1, 2018 and December 15, 2018. ERR was identified by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)examinations. The effects of different risk factors on the presence/absence of ERR and its severity were analyzed using Chi-Square or Fisher test. Multivariate logistic regressive analysis with stepwise variable selection methods was performed to identify factors which were significant predictors for ERR and its severity. Subsequently, a prediction model was developed, and the model performance was validated internally and externally.
Results
The overall incidence of ERR of second molars was found to be 16.05%. Risk factors of ERR included age, position (upper or lower jaw), impact depth, impact type, contact position, M2 situation in opposing jaw and root number of M3. The prediction model was established using six factors including position, impact type, impact depth (including PG:A-B-C and PG:I-II-III),contact position and root number of M2. In terms of internal validation, the model achieved an AUC of 0.959 and a prediction accuracy of 0.896 (95% CI, 0.867, 0.921). The Kappa value was 0.572, with a sensitivity of 0.956 and a specificity of 0.571. Additionally, for external validation, the model demonstrated an AUC of 0.975 and a prediction accuracy of 0.910 (95% CI, 0.870–0.941). The Kappa value was calculated as 0.653, with a sensitivity of 0.941 and a specificity of 0.732.
Conclusion
A risk prediction model for ERR was established in the present study. Position (upper or lower jaw), impact type, impact depth, contact position and root number of M2 were identified as influencing variables which were significant predictors in the development of this predictive model. The prediction model showed great discrimination and calibration.
Clinical relevance:
This prediction model has the potential to aid dentists and patients in making clinical decisions regarding the necessity of M3 extraction.
The impact mechanism of high-speed rail accessibility on urban expansion in China: An analysis based on the mediating effect model
Authors: He Dan , Chen Zixuan , Zhou Jing , Li Qimeng , Qin Zihang , Wang Jiaxin
Published: June 2024

As a new means of high-speed transportation, high-speed rail(HSR) has an important impact on the scale of urban land use in Chinese cities. Exploring the impact mechanism of HSR accessibility on urban expansion is of certain significance for urban land use planning and management in the era of HSR network development. This paper constructs a national HSR network, interprets multi-dimensional accessibility from the HSR network with the help of complex network methods, and uses the mediating effect model to explore the impact mechanism of HSR accessibility on urban expansion. The results show that (1) Closeness centrality, betweenness centrality, degree, weighted degree and the number of HSR frequency stopped all promote urban expansion by stimulating investment in real estate development, total retail sales of consumer goods, employment density and the proportion of added value of the tertiary industry, and inhibit urban expansion by restraining the proportion of added value of the secondary industry. (2) When the total retail sales of consumer goods is used as the mediating variable, the promoting effect of betweenness centrality, degree, weighted degree and the number of HSR frequency stopped on urban expansion is the strongest through this mediating variable. When the proportion of added value of the tertiary industry is used as the mediating variable, the promoting effect of betweenness centrality, degree and weighted degree on urban expansion through this mediating variable is the weakest.
Overcoming Data Scarcity in Load Forecasting: A Transfer Learning Approach for Office Buildings
Authors: Carmo Felipe do , Fonseca Wellington , Soares Tiago
Published: June 2024

Load forecasting is an asset for sustainable building energy management, as accurate predictions enable efficient energy consumption and contribute to decarbonisation efforts. However, data-driven models are often limited by dataset length and quality. This study investigates the effectiveness of transfer learning (TL) for load forecasting in office buildings, with the aim of addressing data scarcity issues and improving forecasting accuracy. The case study consists in a group of eight virtual buildings (VB) located in Porto, Portugal. VB A2 serves as pre-trained base model to transfer knowledge to the remaining VBs, which are analysed in varying degrees of data availability. Our findings indicate that TL can significantly reduce training time, for up to 87%, while maintaining accuracy levels comparable to those of models trained with full dataset, and exhibiting superior performance when compared to models trained with scarce data, with average RMSE reduction of 42.76%.
The evolution, variation and expression patterns of the Annexin gene family in the maize pan-genome
Authors: Liu Xin , Zhang Minghu , Zhao Xin , Shen Mang , Feng Ruizhang , Wei Qin
Published: June 2024

Annexins (Anns) are a family of evolutionarily conserved, calcium-dependent, phospholipid-binding proteins that play critical roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Utilizing the pan-genome of 26 high-quality maize genomes, we identified 12 Ann genes, comprising 9 core genes (present in all 26 lines) and 3 near-core genes (present in 24–25 lines). This highlights the limitations of studying ZmAnn genes based on a single reference genome. Evaluating the Ka/Ks values of Ann genes in 26 varieties revealed that ZmAnn10 was under positive selection in certain varieties, while the remaining genes had Ka/Ks values less than 1, indicating purifying selection. Phylogenetic analysis divided ZmAnn proteins into six groups, with group six containing only ZmAnn12. Structural variation in certain varieties altered the conserved domains, generating many atypical genes. Transcriptome analysis showed that different Ann members have distinct expression patterns in various tissues and under different abiotic and biotic stress treatments. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of transcriptome data from various maize tissues under cold stress identified four Ann genes (ZmAnn2, ZmAnn6, ZmAnn7, ZmAnn9) involved in co-expression modules. Overall, this study utilized high-quality maize pangenomes to perform a bioinformatic analysis of ZmAnn genes, providing a foundation for further research on ZmAnn genes.
Quantifying Inequality in the Utilization of Healthcare Services Provided by Community-based Health Planning and Services and its Correlates in SelectedUrban Poor Communities in Ghana: An Analytic Cross-Sectional Study, 2023
Authors: Dwomoh Duah , Aryeetey Genevieve Cecilia , Agyabeng Kofi , Nwameme Ada , Wallace Lauren , Agyepong Irene , Nonvignon Justice , Odopey Selase Adjoa , Kumapley Delali , Agbenu Ivy Akushika , Dawkins Bryony , Hicks Joseph , Ebenso Bassey , Ensor Tim , Elsey Helen
Published: June 2024

Background
Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) was initially designed to address the healthcare needs of Ghana's rural communities. However, with urban population growth and the subsequent healthcare demands of the urban poor, the CHPS policy was extended to urban areas. There is a significant gap in our understanding of the wealth-related disparities, correlates, and utilization levels of healthcare services under the urban CHPS. This study is a pioneering effort to fill this gap, aiming to quantify the utilization level, identify correlates, and measure wealth-related inequality in healthcare services provided by the CHPS in poor urban settings.
Method
The survey was conducted in four poor urban communities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana using a quantitative analytic cross-sectional survey design with multistage cluster sampling, ensuring a representative sample of 3543 respondents (97.9% response rate) in the 2070 households. We used the Erreygers and Wagstaff normalized concentration indices with cluster-robust standard errors to estimate the level of inequalities in service utilization. A negative binomial regression model with a delta-based cluster robust standard error was used to identify correlates of service utilization.
Results
Approximately 25.1% [95% CI: 23.2, 27.1] of respondents in the four urban-poor communities utilized healthcare services provided by community health officers (CHOs) via the urban CHPS concept. The Erreygers normalized concentration index (CI) of 0.129 (p = 0.026) showed that the utilization of healthcare services through the urban CHPS concept is significantly more concentrated among the rich or better-off sample households than among the poor households. The utilization of healthcare services provided by CHOs was 17.5% [95% CI: 14.01, 20.94; p < .001] greater among females than males and 12.0% [95% CI: 6.72, 17.21; p < .001] greater among rich individuals relative to poor individuals. The utilization of healthcare services was 13.3% [95% CI: 8.53, 18.02; p < .001] higher among persons living in slum households than those living in non-slum households.
Conclusion
Healthcare service utilization remains low, and disparities exist between the rich and the poor. These findings underscore the need to implement comprehensive, integrated targeted interventions with key stakeholder engagement to increase service utilization and address disparities in healthcare service utilization in poor urban settings.
‘Air quality is not something that you see with your naked eyes’: Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about air pollution among stakeholders in the cities of Kampala and Jinja, Uganda
Authors: Huang Hao , Kasaija Peter , Nantanda Rebecca , Okello Gabriel
Published: June 2024

Background: Air pollution is a major health challenge worldwide and has dire implications for economic development and the environment. Understanding the knowledge and perceptions of societal actors is key to designing context-specific strategies. This study aimed to explore the knowledge and perspectives of stakeholders whose roles influenced air quality in Kampala and Jinja cities in Uganda.Method We identified and conducted in-depth semi-structural interviews with stakeholders in both cities about their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of air quality, related health outcomes, measures, and collaborations in both cities. The framework method was adopted to analyse the transcripts.Results Respondents include stakeholders such as policymakers, businesses, academia, civil society organisations, and the media. Activities from industries (85%), transport (83%) and municipal waste (56%) were major concerns for stakeholders in both cities. 56% of the respondents in both cities related poor air quality to specific health outcomes such as asthma or lung cancer.
Serum pleiotrophin levels in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Civelek Emre , Yıldız Özlem Kayım , Kablan Demet , Doğan Halef Okan
Published: June 2024

1. Objective:
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Emerging evidence indicates that pleiotrophin (PTN) may implicated in MS pathogenesis. However, PTN has been investigated scarcely in MS.
2. Materials and Methods:
We prospectively included 168 consecutive MS patients and 41 controls. The patients were divided into subgroups of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS, n = 119, 70.8%), primary progressive MS (PPMS, n = 26, 15.5%) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS, n = 22, 13.7%). Disability status assessed using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration and disease modifying therapies (DMTs) use were recorded. Serum PTN levels were analyzed using ELISA.
3. Results:
The median (IQR) disease duration was 7 (3–11) years and the median (IQR) EDSS score was 1.5 (1–4) in MS patients. 12 (7.1%) patients were using interferon β-1a, 7 (4.2%) glatiramer acetate, 23 (13.7%) fingolimod, 37 (22%) dimethyl fumarate, 24 (14.3%) teriflunomide, 9 (5.4%) natalizumab, 12 (7.1%) cladribine and 43 (25.6%) ocrelizumab; 1 (0.6%) patient was treatment-naïve. Serum PTN levels of the MS patients were significantly lower than those of the controls (the median, IQR 240.95, 161.00-398.73 ng/ml and 348.40, 211.70-912.55 ng/ml, respectively, p = 0.005). The patients with RRMS and SPMS but not PPMS had significantly lower serum PTN levels than the controls (p = 0.009, p = 0.032 and p = 0.067, respectively). PTN levels were not associated with disability status, disease duration or DMTs use.
4. Conclusion:
Serum PTN levels are lower in patients with RRMS and SPMS than controls. Disease characteristics or DMTs use do not have significant effects on PTN levels.
Graphene Nanoplatelets Inclusion Effects on Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Carbon/Glass Composites
Authors: Erkliğ Ahmet , Bulut Mehmet , R.Al-Ogaidi Bashar
Published: June 2024

The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of Graphene Nanoparticles (GNPs) on the mechanical and Charpy impact characteristics of carbon fiber/epoxy, glass fiber/epoxy, and their hybrid composite laminates across various laminate configurations. GNPs were uniformly dispersed in the epoxy matrix at different weight fractions of 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%wt. Experimental assessments encompassing flexural, tensile, and Charpy impact evaluations were carried out both with and without the incorporation of GNPs as reinforcing agents in the fabricated specimens. Upon introducing GNPs at a loading level of 0.1 wt.%, the experimental findings demonstrated a notable enhancement in the mechanical and impact properties of the hybrid composite laminates as a result of integrating GNPs into the epoxy matrix. This increase in strength can be ascribed to the development of a strong interfacial bond among the fibers, epoxy, and GNPs.
20 W, 15 ns high-repetition-rate and high-beam- quality MOPA laser by spherical aberration self- compensation at 1342 nm
Authors: Ye Zhibin , Li Xiaoran , Jiang Shu , Wu Fei , Huang Meng , Hu Hanmin , Qi Yunxuan , Liu Bin , Yan Hengfeng
Published: June 2024

A master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) pulsed laser operating at 1342 nm is demonstrated. It consists of an acousto-optical (A-O) Q-switched oscillator and two-stage Nd:YVO4 power amplifiers. The spherical aberration self-compensation technique is used in the second stage amplifier to obtain high-beam-quality laser output. The maximum average output power of 20.4 W is obtained with the oscillator power of 2.0 W and the total pump light power of 184.08 W, corresponding to an optical-optical efficiency of 11.08%. The repetition rate and pulse width are 100 kHz and 14.8 ns, respectively. The beam quality factor is Mx2=1.45 and My2=1.34. According to our knowledge, this is the maximum output power with a pulse width of ten-nanoseconds level and repetition rate of one-hundred-kilohertz level by an A-O Q-switch at the wavelength of 1342 nm.
Characterization of the family-level Borreliaceae pan-genome and development of an episomal typing protocol
Authors: Socarras Kayla M. , Marino Mary C. , Earl Joshua P. , Ehrlich Rachel L. , Cramer Nicholas A. , Mell Joshua C. , Sen Bhaswati , Ahmed Azad , Marconi Richard T. , Ehrlich Garth D.
Published: June 2024

Background
The Borreliaceae family includes many obligate parasitic bacterial species which are etiologically associated with a myriad of zoonotic borrelioses including Lyme disease and vector-borne relapsing fevers. Infections by the Borreliaceae are difficult to detect by both direct and indirect methods, often leading to delayed and missed diagnoses. Efforts to improve diagnoses center around the development of molecular diagnostics (MDx), but due to deep tissue sequestration of the causative spirochaetes and the lack of persistent bacteremias, even MDx assays suffer from a lack of sensitivity. Additionally, the highly extensive genomic heterogeneity among isolates, even within the same species, contributes to the lack of assay sensitivity as single target assays cannot provide universal coverage. This within-species heterogeneity is partly due to differences in replicon repertoires and genomic structures that have likely arisen to support the complex Borreliaceae lifecycle in which these parasites have to survive in multiple hosts each with unique immune responses.
Results
We constructed a Borreliaceae family-level pangenome and characterized the phylogenetic relationships among the constituent taxa which supports the recent taxonomy of splitting the family into at least two genera. Gene content profiles were created for the majority of the Borreliaceae replicons, providing for the first time their unambiguous molecular typing.
Conclusion
Our characterization of the Borreliaceae pan-genome supports the splitting of the former Borrelia genus into two genera and provides for the phylogenetic placement of several non-species designated isolates. Mining this family-level pangenome will enable precision diagnostics corresponding to gene content-driven clinical outcomes while also providing targets for interventions.
Global Research Status and Trends on Retinal Vein Occlusion-A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Su Yiyan , Hu Zeqi , Feng Yanbing , Jiang Ninghua , Weng Wenqing
Published: June 2024

AIM
This study examines the current state of publications on retinal vein occlusion (RVO) to explore global research trends and hotspots.
METHODS
A bibliometric analysis was conducted based on the Web of Science Core Collection and CNKI databases. Tools such as CiteSpace 6.1.6, VOSviewer 1.6.20.0, R-software v4.3.3, Bibliometrics Online Analysis Platform, and Microsoft Excel were utilized for creating maps and visualizing the annual publication volume, distribution by country, author productivity, publishing journals, cited references, and keywords in the field.
RESULTS
A total of 2764 papers were retrieved from WOS from 2014 to 2023, with the United States leading in publication volume. Tsujikawa, A. has made the most significant contributions to the field. "Retina-the Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases" is the journal with the highest number of publications on RVO research. Key topics identified in the WOS include: (1) risk factors and high-risk populations for RVO; (2) conventional treatment methods for RVO; (3) the application of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in the treatment of RVO; and (4) efficacy and safety of treatments for RVO. Additionally, 1353 papers were identified in the CNKI database, primarily published in journals focusing on clinical ophthalmology.
CONCLUSION
Based on recent research trends, the study suggests two effective recommendations for the prevention of RVO.
Understanding the Adhesion Performance of Glued Laminated Timber Manufactured with Australian Softwood and High-Density Hardwood Species
Authors: Faircloth A. , Gilbert B. P. , Kumar C. , Leggate W. , McGavin R. L.
Published: June 2024

To be commercialised, glued laminated timber must typically conform to a strict bond integrity assessment. While the associated testing protocols vary slightly from country to country, the general method consists of a series of swelling (water immersion) and shrinkage (drying) cycles. The approach is independent of the species and adhesive type. Those cycles strain the gluelines to a level depending on the species’ moisture uptake, timber dimensional movement and modulus of elasticity, as well as adhesive layer elasticity. High density and high modulus of elasticity materials frequently fail within the glueline regions rather than within the timber and therefore fail the bond integrity assessment. To better understand the mechanisms that lead to glueline failure, glulam samples were manufactured using three prominent Australian commercial timbers of various densities (Radiata pine – Pinus radiata, Southern pine – Pinus caribaea/Pinus elliottii, and Spotted gum – Corymbia citriodora) and two structural adhesive types (resorcinol formaldehyde and polyurethane). Using advanced measurement techniques (digital image correlation and strain gauges), the response of the different species and adhesive types to moisture swelling and shrinkage, as well as times at which glueline separation occurs, were captured. A relationship was observed between moisture uptake and delamination percentages with spotted gum producing significantly higher levels of delamination and significantly lower moisture uptake values, compared to both radiata pine and southern. While the polyurethane glued samples on average produced higher levels of delamination, the digital image correlation data indicates that the time at which this delamination occurs is later than the samples glued with resorcinol formaldehyde. No relationship exists between the block shear strength, wood fibre amounts, and delamination percentages.
Physical and electrical properties of Al/Nb2O5 thin film Schottky diode for UV-A applications
Authors: Ataşer T. , Sönmez N. Akın , Asar T. , Özçelik S.
Published: June 2024

Nb2O5 thin films were deposited through sol-gel technique and then the films were annealed at temperature 300, 400, 500 and 600°C. The effect of annealing temperatures on the physical properties of the films was analyzed by several characterization techniques. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis results indicated that uniform Nb and O distribution have formed throughout depth of the films deposited on substrates. The Atomic Force Microscope results observed that the increased temperature has resulted in increasing the surface roughness from 1.07 to 4.58 nm. The energy band gap (3.67–3.51 eV) was determined to be decrease with increase the annealing temperature. Therefore, considering the results of the both as-deposited at 150 ˚C and annealed films, it is clearly seen that as-deposited at 150 ˚C film has most uniform depth, a homogeneous surface and the highest optical band gap (at UV-A region). Therefore, the Al/Nb2O5 Schottky diode was fabricated based on the as-deposited film. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of the diode were measured at room temperature and detail discussed. It has been observed that the diode has exhibited good rectifying behavior. The obtained experimental results showed that the as deposited Nb2O5 thin film can be used in UV-A electro-optical applications.
Generation of heart behavior by neurons with multi dendrites
Authors: SELMI Kaouther
Published: June 2024

The complex interplay between neuronal activity and cardiac function is crucial for maintaining heart health and diagnosing cardiac disorders. This study explores the generation of heart behavior influenced by neurons with multi-dendritic structures, focusing on their impact on electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. Neurons with multi-dendrites are known for their extensive synaptic connectivity, which can influence the rhythmic and electrical properties of the heart. Through a combination of computational modeling and empirical analysis, we investigate how these neurons contribute to normal and abnormal ECG patterns. Our findings reveal that multi-dendritic neurons play a significant role in modulating cardiac rhythms. In normal conditions, these neurons contribute to the stabilization of heart rates and the maintenance of consistent PQRST waveforms on the ECG. However, under pathological conditions, alterations in dendritic structure and synaptic inputs can lead to irregular heartbeats and abnormal ECG signatures, such as arrhythmias and fibrillation.
Removal of some contaminants from River Jakara using iron oxide nano particles prepared from Citrullus lanatus Fruit Waste
Authors: Ameh Paul Ocheje , Habila Mohammed A. , Garg Rajni , Christian Onoyima , Ihegboro Godwin O. , Ononamadu Chimaobi James , Garg Rishav , Adamu Zainab , Joel Udeh Jideoliseh , Showunmi Racheal
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the applicability of iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Citrullus lanatus fruit waste (IONP) in the removal of some contaminants from water samples that were collected from River Jakara in Kano State Nigeria. The prepared nanoparticles was subjected to physico-chemical characteristic studies to determine the pH, moisture content, ash content, and porosity while the adsorbent surface characterizations was performed using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The BET results revealed that IONP have large surface area and are nanometer sized particles. SEM analysis indicated that the adsorbent contain microsphere which might have facilitated the efficient purification of the river water while TGA study revealed that the adsorbent exhibited a three step decomposition process. Data obtained from XRD indicated that the synthesized adsorbent is of high purity and crystalline in nature with an average particle size of 17 nm. Results obtained after treatment of the river water with the adsorbent indicated reduced values in some physicochemical parameters confirming the high adsorption ability of the prepared nanoparticles. The percentage removal of some heavy metals in the river water by IONP was found to depend on adsorbent concentration, agitation time and pH during the batch type adsorption experiments. The highest adsorption efficiency was obtained at pH = 8, temperature = 28°C, adsorbent dosage = 200 mg/L and contact time = 100 minutes. The adsorption process of the metal ions onto the adsorbent was best described by the Langmuir isotherm model predicting monolayer adsorption and followed the pseudo second order kinetics. The regeneration stability of the adsorbent was adequate when treated with the heavy metals ions at optimum conditions. The change in the intensity of absorption as observed in the FTIR spectra of the adsorbent after treatment with the heavy metals confirms a strong interaction between the metal ions and the synthesized adsorbent. The results obtained confirm the capability of the nanoparticles synthesized from Citrullus lanatus waste as a new, low-cost, efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for treatment of contaminated water.
Biases from Nanopore library preparation kits and their effects on microbiome and genome analysis
Authors: Chen Ziming , Ong Chian Teng , Nguyen Loan To , Lamb Harrison J. , O. González-Recio , M. Gutiérrez-Rivas , Meale Sarah J. , Ross Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2024

Background Nanopore sequencing is a long-read sequencing technology that does not rely on a polymerase to generate sequence data. Sequencing library preparation methods used in nanopore sequencing rely on the addition of a motor protein bound to an adapter sequence, which is added either using ligation-based methods (ligation sequencing kit), or transposase-based methods (rapid sequencing kit). However, these methods have enzymatic steps that may be susceptible to motif bias, including the underrepresentation of adenine-thymine (AT) sequences due to ligation and biases from transposases. This study aimed to compare the recognition motif and relative interaction frequencies of these library preparation methods and assess their effects on relative sequencing coverage, microbiome, and methylation profiles. The impacts of DNA extraction kits and basecalling models on microbiome analysis were also investigated. Results By using sequencing data generated by the ligation and rapid library kits, we identified the recognition motif (5’-TATGA-3’) consistent with MuA transposase in the rapid kit and low frequencies of AT in the sequence terminus of the ligation kit. The rapid kit showed reduced yield in regions with 40–70% guanine-cytosine (GC) contents, while the ligation kit showed relatively even coverage distribution in areas with various GC contents. Due to longer reads, ligation kits showed increased taxonomic classification efficiency compared to the rapid protocols. Microbial profiles at different taxonomic levels showed significant variations due to the library preparation method used. The ligation kit outperformed the rapid kit in subsequent bacterial DNA methylation statistics, although there were no significant differences. Conclusions Our study indicated that careful and consistent library preparation method selection is essential for quantitative methods such as microbiome analysis due to the systematic bias induced by the enzymatic reactions.
Projection-based terrain feature line extraction from point cloud data
Authors: Kalita Nehal , Maurya Rajesh Kumar
Published: June 2024

Feature lines of an object represent its surface characteristics along a specific plane or direction. They are essential for understanding and analysing the object's shape, geometry, and features. Depending upon the details stored in an object or data, feature line extraction can be a complex task. In terrain data, these details can be slopes for ridges and valleys, artefacts or some other forms of noise. If the data for analysis consists of point clouds with only positional values, one of the most common methods to detect patterns is to rely on the Euclidean distance between neighbouring points. In this paper, a method to extract terrain feature lines on point clouds has been presented that relies only on coordinate values. The feature line points are initially identified with the help of a projection of point clouds on 2D grids, and then these are used to extract feature lines or breaklines with the help of a spanning tree algorithm. The method can generate output with high accuracy for data with less noise and moderate accuracy for data with more noise.
Determinants of Polypharmacy and Health-Related Quality of life among chronically ill patients in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive specialized hospital:A hospital-based cross sectional study
Authors: Admasu Biruk , Chare Hailu , Mensa Mende , Berhanu Muluken
Published: June 2024

Background
The incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates of chronic diseases are increasing worldwide. Patients with these conditions are also at an increased risk of polypharmacy and poor health-related quality of life. These problems are associated with major problems in chronically ill patients but are commonly studied only in the elderly population rather than in the entire adult population. This study aimedto examine the determinants of health-related quality of life and polypharmacy among chronically ill adult patients at Wolaita Sodo Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia 2023.
Methods
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 348 chronically ill adult patients from the medical ward and chronic care units of Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from June 1/2023 to September 30/2023. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using the WHO-BREF scale and a customized data abstraction chart. Statistical software for the social sciences, version 27, was used to conduct the binary and multiple logistic regression analyses.
Results
The prevalence of polypharmacy and poor health-related quality of life was 30.5% and 19.7%, respectively. Having comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.48, 95% CI 0 19-0.81, p =0.003), being from the medical ward (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.48, 95% CI 0 073-0.51, p =0.001), polypharmacy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.25, 95% CI 0 1- 0.62, p =0.003) and being divorced (adjusted odds ratio = 0.08 95% CI (0.012-0.58 p = 0.012) were significantly associated with poor health-related quality of life. Self-employment(AOR = 3.69, 95% CI 1.37-9.97, p = 0.01) and medical ward admission (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.22-0.74, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with polypharmacy.
Conclusion: The prevalence of polypharmacy and poor health-related quality of life was high. To better benefit patients with these two problems, it is important to act by targeting patients with comorbidities from medical wards and self-employed individuals.