bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Density Pixel Imaging Sensor Readout Electronics for Space Applications: A Design Overview
Authors: Minuti Massimo , Sgrò Carmelo , Baldini Luca , Bellazzini Ronaldo , Brez Alessandro , Castellano Simone , Di Lalla Niccolo , Latronico Luca , Maldera Simone , Manfreda Alberto , Pesce-Rollins Melissa , Spandre Gloria , Barbanera Mattia , Citraro Saverio , Lucchesi Leonardo , Magazzù Carlo , Magazzù Guido , Mereu Paolo , Mosti Federico , Nuti Alessio , Orsini Leonardo , Nasimi Hikmat , Pinchera Michele , Zanetti Davide , Borotto Fabio , Ceccanti Marco , Marengo Marco , Profeti Alessandro , Caporale Ciro , Cardelli Claudia , Tardiola Marcello , Amici Fabrizio , Attinà Primo , Bachetti Matteo , Brienza Daniele , Centrone Mauro , Costa Enrico , Del Monte Ettore , Di Cosimo Sergio , Di Marco Alessandro , Di Persio Giuseppe , Evangelista Yuri , Fabiani Sergio , Ferrazzoli Riccardo , La Monaca Fabio , Lefevre Carlo , Loffredo Pasqualino , Morbidini Alfredo , Muleri Fabio , Perri Matteo , Piazzolla Raffaele , Pilia Maura , Rankin John , Ratheesh Ajay , Rubini Alda , Santoli Francesco , Scalise Emanuele , Soffitta Paolo , Tobia Antonino , Trois Alessio , Xie Fei , Carpentiero Rita , Castronuovo Marco , Cavazzuti Elisabetta , D’Amico Fabio , Donnarumma Immacolata , Negri Barbara , Puccetti Simonetta , Cavalli Luca , D’Alba Elisa , Lorenzi Paolo , Mangraviti Elio , Sarra Paolo , Sciortino Andrea , Vimercati Marco , Pieraccini Stefano , Zanetti Francesco
Published: August 2023

With the specialization of VLSI ASICs for front-end signal processing electronics, the customization of the control back-end electronics (BEE) has become critical to fully deploy the ASIC performance. In the context of space operations, with typical constraints on power and reliability, the design and qualification of such integrated systems present significant challenges. In this paper, we review the design and performance of the BEE systems after two years of operations in low Earth orbit (LEO); these systems read out the custom ASICs inside the gas pixel detectors, which are located at the heart of the imaging X-ray polarimetry explorer (IXPE), a NASA-ASI small explorer mission designed to measure X-ray polarization in the 2–8 keV energy range.
Fibonacci Group Consensus Algorithm Based on Node Evaluation Mechanisms
Authors: Shen Xueli , Li Xinru
Published: August 2023

In response to challenges posed by the Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus algorithm, where all nodes are involved in the consensus process, issues such as high communication overhead in the three-phase procedure, random selection of master nodes, and the absence of reward and penalty mechanisms are addressed. This leads to the proposal of a Speculative Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (SP-PBFT) consensus algorithm based on a node evaluation mechanism for speculative grouping. Firstly, the consensus protocol was optimized, and a timeout mechanism was proposed to divide the consensus process into an optimistic mode and a pessimistic mode, which reduced the communication overhead under the premise of resisting Byzantine node attacks. Secondly, a node evaluation mechanism was proposed to calculate the node reputation value according to the node’s historical behavior and give the corresponding reward or punishment, which reduced the possibility of malicious nodes participating in the consensus process. Finally, the Fibonacci grouping mechanism was used to reduce the number of nodes participating in the consensus process, fundamentally improving the consensus efficiency, avoiding the problem of centralization of the consensus process caused by the cumulative reputation value of nodes, and improving the enthusiasm of consensus nodes. Simulation experiments using Docker containers to simulate multiple nodes show that the SP-PBFT consensus algorithm proposed in this paper has better performance than the PBFT consensus algorithm and other improved algorithms in terms of consensus delay, throughput, fault tolerance and communication complexity.
A Data-Driven Approach Using Enhanced Bayesian-LSTM Deep Neural Networks for Picks Wear State Recognition
Authors: Song Dong , Zhao Yuanlong
Published: August 2023

Picks are key components for the mechanized excavation of coal by mining machinery, with their wear state directly influencing the efficiency of the mining equipment. In response to the difficulty of determining the overall wear state of picks during coal-mining production, a data-driven wear state identification model for picks has been constructed through the enhanced optimization of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks via Bayesian algorithms. Initially, a mechanical model of pick and coal-rock interaction is established through theoretical analysis, where the stress characteristic of the pick is analyzed, and the wear mechanism of the pick is preliminarily revealed. A method is proposed that categorizes the overall wear state of picks into three types based on the statistical relation of the actual wear amount and the limited wear amount. Subsequently, the vibration signals of the cutting drum from a bolter miner that contain the wear information of picks are decomposed and denoised using wavelet packet decomposition, with the standard deviation of wavelet packet coefficients from decomposed signal nodes selected as the feature signals. These feature signals are normalized and then used to construct a feature matrix representing the vibration signals. Finally, this constructed feature matrix and classification labels are fed into the Bayesian-LSTM network for training, thus resulting in the picks wear state identification model. To validate the effectiveness of the Bayesian-LSTM deep learning algorithm in identifying the overall picks wear state of mining machinery, vibration signals from the X, Y, and Z axes of the cutting drum from a bolter miner at the C coal mine in Shaanxi, China, are collected, effectively processed, and then input into deep LSTM and Back-Propagation (BP) neural networks respectively for comparison. The results showed that the Bayesian-LSTM network achieved a recognition accuracy of 98.33% for picks wear state, showing a clear advantage over LSTM, BP network models, thus providing important references for the identification of picks wear state based on deep learning algorithms. This method only requires the processing and analysis of the equipment parameters automatically collected from bolter miners or other mining equipment, offering the advantages of simplicity, low cost, and high accuracy, and providing a basis for a proper picks replacement strategy.
An Exploratory Study Gathering Security Requirements for the Software Development Process
Authors: Andrade Roberto , Torres Jenny , Ortiz-Garcés Iván , Miño Jorge , Almeida Luis
Published: August 2023

Software development stands out as one of the most rapidly expanding markets due to its pivotal role in crafting applications across diverse sectors like healthcare, transportation, and finance. Nevertheless, the sphere of cybersecurity has also undergone substantial growth, underscoring the escalating significance of software security. Despite the existence of different secure development frameworks, the persistence of vulnerabilities or software errors remains, providing potential exploitation opportunities for malicious actors. One pivotal contributor to subpar security quality within software lies in the neglect of cybersecurity requirements during the initial phases of software development. In this context, the focal aim of this study is to analyze the importance of integrating security modeling by software developers into the elicitation processes facilitated through the utilization of abuse stories. To this end, the study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive and generic model for a secure software development process. This model inherently encompasses critical elements such as new technologies, human factors, and the management of security for the formulation of abuse stories and their integration within Agile methodological processes.
MCBM-SLAM: An Improved Mask-Region-Convolutional Neural Network-Based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping System for Dynamic Environments
Authors: Wang Xiankun , Zhang Xinguang
Published: August 2023

Current research on SLAM can be divided into two parts according to the research scenario: SLAM research in dynamic scenarios and SLAM research in static scenarios. Research is now relatively well established for static environments. However, in dynamic environments, the impact of moving objects leads to inaccurate positioning accuracy and poor robustness of SLAM systems. To address the shortcomings of SLAM systems in dynamic environments, this paper develops a series of solutions to address these problems. First, an attention-based Mask R-CNN network is used to ensure the reliability of dynamic object extraction in dynamic environments. Dynamic feature points are then rejected based on the mask identified by the Mask R-CNN network, and a preliminary estimate of the camera pose is made. Secondly, in order to enhance the picture matching quality and efficiently reject the mismatched points, this paper proposes an image mismatching algorithm incorporating adaptive edge distance with grid motion statistics. Finally, static feature points on dynamic objects are re-added using motion constraints and chi-square tests, and the camera’s pose is re-estimated. The SLAM algorithm of this paper was run on the KITTI and TUM-RGBD datasets, respectively, and the results show that the SLAM algorithm of this paper outperforms the ORB-SLAM2 algorithm for sequences containing more dynamic objects in the KITTI dataset. On the TUM-RGBD dataset, the Dyna-SLAM algorithm increased localization accuracy by an average of 71.94% when compared to the ORB-SLAM2 method, while the SLAM algorithm in this study increased localization accuracy by an average of 78.18% when compared to the ORB-SLAM2 algorithm. When compared to the Dyna-SLAM technique, the SLAM algorithm in this work increased average positioning accuracy by 6.24%, proving that it is superior to Dyna-SLAM.
Anaerobic Digestion of Spoiled Maize, Lucerne and Barley Silage Mixture with and without Cow Manure: Methane Yields and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Sarode Shubham Dilip , Kumar Deepak , Mathias Divya , McNeill David , Kaparaju Prasad
Published: August 2023

The effect of different inoculum-to-substrate ratios (ISRs) and feed mix (FM) ratios on the kinetics of methane production and yields during anaerobic digestion of spoiled silage mixture (SM) alone or co-digestion with cow manure (CM) was investigated in batch experiments at 37 °C. The silage mixture was prepared from spoiled silages of maize, lucerne and barley in equal proportions of 33% by wet weight. The effect of ISRs of 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 showed that methane yields increased with an increased ISR ratio. At ISRs of 1, 2 and 4, methane yields of 262.18 ± 14.96, 387.77 ± 14.43 and 482.23 ± 38.47 NmL CH4/gVSadded were obtained, respectively. Incubation at ISR 0.5 resulted in low methane yields (174.49 ± 9.29 NmL CH4/gVSadded) due to build-up of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Further, co-digestion of spoiled SM with CM showed that the highest methane yields of 387.77 and 382.86 NmL CH4/gVSadded were obtained at SM:CM feed mix ratios of 100–0 and 75–25, respectively. The corresponding volatile solids (VS) removal rates were 72.80% and 70.82%, respectively. However, the best synergistic effect was noticed at a SM:CM = 50–50 feed mix ratio. Thus, this study shows that anaerobic digestion of spoiled silages is feasible and co-digestion of spoiled silage mixed with cow manure at a SM:CM feed mix ratio of 75–25 is recommended.
Systematics of Forestry Technology for Tracing the Timber Supply Chain
Authors: Kaulen Alexander , Stopfer Lukas , Lippert Kai , Purfürst Thomas
Published: August 2023

Traceability is the ability to follow the processes that a raw material or product goes through. For forestry, this means identifying the wood from the standing tree to the mill entrance and recording all information about the technical (production) and spatial (transportation) manipulation of the timber by linking it to the ID. We reviewed the literature for developments in timber flow traceability. Findings range from disillusionment with the non-application of available forestry technology to enthusiasm for the advancement of technology that—given appropriate incentives of an economic, environmental, consumer-oriented and legislative nature—can rapidly lead to widespread end-to-end media-interruption-free implementation. Based on our research, the solution lies in optical biometric systems that identify the individual piece of wood—without attaching anything—at three crucial points: during assortment at the skid road, at the forest road and at the mill entrance. At all of these points, the data accruing during the timber supply process must be linked to the ID of the piece of wood via data management.
Impact of the Season on Total Polyphenol and Antioxidant Properties of Tea Cultivars of Industrial Importance in Northeast India
Authors: Deka Himangshu , Sarmah Podma , Chowdhury Pritom , Rajkhowa Kaberi , Sabhapondit Santanu , Panja Saumik , Karak Tanmoy
Published: August 2023

Tocklai vegetative (TV) cultivars are extensively planted in the tea-growing regions of Northeast India. The present investigation explores the impact of season on the total polyphenol (TP) content and the antioxidant activity of thirty-one TV cultivars (TV1–TV31) and four other commercially popular cultivars, namely, Betjan, Kharijan, S.3A/3, and T.3E/3. The TP content of the cultivars was observed to be highest in the monsoon season, with values ranging from 230.57 to 283.53 mg g−1. In the pre-monsoon season and autumn, the TP content ranged from 197.87 to 256.77 mg g−1 and from 169.97 to 223.50 mg g−1, respectively. Antioxidant activity was measured through DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The cultivars showed the highest antioxidant activity in the monsoon in tandem with TP content. A bivariate correlation indicated a highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) positive correlation of antioxidant activity with TP content (R2 = 0.83–0.96).
The Art of Sharing Resources: How to Distribute Water during a Drought Period
Authors: Cano-Berlanga Sebastian , Solís-Baltodano María-José , Vilella Cori
Published: August 2023

Water scarcity is a growing problem in many regions worldwide. According to the United Nations, around one-fifth of the world’s population lives in areas where water is scarce. Another one-quarter of the world’s population has to face water supply cuts, mainly because this proportion of the population lacks the necessary infrastructure to acquire water from rivers and aquifers (UN, 2005). Water is a resource that is essential to human survival and is also present in all productive processes in the economy. Therefore, we are challenged to adequately manage water to ensure the population’s well-being and to achieve socioeconomic development. Specifically, this paper analyzes the situation present in the summer of 2022 at Riudecanyes (a village in Catalonia, Spain), where a drought problem exists. We propose applying the conflicting claims problem theory to give possible solutions to distribute the water. We propose to use this theory to describe the distribution of the available irrigation hours in 2022, considering the demand made by the farmers in the previous year, when there was regular irrigation.
Case Series of 11 CDH1 Families (47 Carriers) Including Incidental Findings, Signet Ring Cell Colon Cancer and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lepage Mathis , Uhrhammer Nancy , Privat Maud , Ponelle-Chachuat Flora , Kossai Myriam , Scanzi Julien , Ouedraogo Zangbéwendé Guy , Gay-Bellile Mathilde , Bidet Yannick , Cavaillé Mathias
Published: August 2023

Germline pathogenic variants in E-cadherin (CDH1) confer high risk of developing lobular breast cancer and diffuse gastric cancer (DGC). The cumulative risk of DGC in CDH1 carriers has been recently reassessed (from 40–83% by age 80 to 25–42%) and varies according to the presence and number of gastric cancers in the family. As there is no accurate estimate of the risk of gastric cancer in families without DGC, the International Gastric Cancer Linkage Consortium recommendation is not straightforward: prophylactic gastrectomy or endoscopic surveillance should be proposed for these families. The inclusion of CDH1 in constitutional gene panels for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and for gastrointestinal cancers, recommended by the French Genetic and Cancer Consortium in 2018 and 2020, leads to the identification of families with lobular cancer without DGC but also to incidental findings of pathogenic variants. Management of CDH1 carriers in case of incidental findings is complex and causes dilemmas for both patients and providers. We report eleven families (47 CDH1 carriers) from our oncogenetic department specialized in breast and ovarian cancer, including four incidental findings. We confirmed that six families did not have diffuse gastric cancer in their medical records. We discuss the management of the risk of diffuse gastric cancer in Hereditary Lobular Breast Cancer (HLBC) through a family of 11 CDH1 carriers where foci were identified in endoscopic surveillance. We also report a new colon signet ring cancer case in a CDH1 carrier, a rare aggressive cancer included in CDH1-related malignancies.
Perception Matters: Perceived vs. Objective Air Quality Measures and Asthma Diagnosis among Urban Adults
Authors: Clougherty Jane E. , Ocampo Pilar
Published: August 2023

Urban air pollution is consistently linked to poorer respiratory health, particularly in communities of lower socioeconomic position (SEP), disproportionately located near highways and industrial areas and often with elevated exposures to chronic psychosocial stressors. Fewer studies, however, have considered air pollution itself as a psychosocial stressor and whether pollution may be impacting health through both direct physiologic and psychosocial pathways. We examined data on perceived air pollution exposures from a spatially representative survey of New York City adults through summer and winter 2012 (n = 1183) using residence-specific ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure estimates. We used logistic regression to compare associations for perceived and objective air quality on self-reported asthma and general health, adjusting for sociodemographics and mental health. In models including all exposure metrics, we found small but significant associations for perceived air quality (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.22) but not for NO2 or PM2.5. Neither perceived nor objective pollution was significantly associated with self-reported general health. Results suggest that perceived air quality may be significantly associated with adult asthma, more so than objective air pollution and after adjusting for mental health—associations not observed for self-reported general health.
Exploring the Impact of an Integrated Trauma-Informed HIV and Vocational Intervention for Black/African American Women Living with HIV
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Ying , Johnson Vanessa , Conyers Liza Marie
Published: August 2023

Given the increased recognition of the role of social determinants of health on the prevalence of HIV in the United States, interventions that incorporate and address social determinants of HIV are essential. In response to the health disparities facing Black/African American women living with HIV, HIV activists and mental health specialists developed an innovative integrated HIV prevention and vocational development intervention, Common Threads, that underscores and addresses key economic and other social determinants of health experienced by Black/African American women within a trauma-informed care (TIC) framework. This research study applied grounded theory methods to conduct a qualitative study of Common Threads based on interviews with 21 women who participated in the Common Threads intervention. Participants shared several critical aspects of program components that reflected the TIC principles, endorsing a safe environment, trust building, and a sense of belonging. These components also encouraged transparency and promoted autonomy. Additionally, participants shared perceived program outcomes, including changes of knowledge and skills in four considering work domains (i.e., medical, psychosocial financial/legal resources, and vocational) that facilitate health and vocational development.
S. epidermidis Rescues Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 2-Deficient Skin
Authors: Masuda-Kuroki Kana , Alimohammadi Shahrzad , Di Nardo Anna
Published: August 2023

Recent studies have identified a subtype of the S1P-receptor family called sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), which plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin barrier. It has been observed that S1PR2 and Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) work together to regulate the skin barrier. However, the interaction between these two factors is still unclear. To investigate this, a study was conducted on healthy skin and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) using 3,4-Dibutoxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione (SADBE) on the ears of S1pr2fl/fl and S1pr2fl/flK14-Cre mice and using 1 × 106 CFU of S. epidermidis to examine its effects on the skin. The results showed that in S. epidermidis-conditioned ACD, the ear thickness of S1pr2fl/flK14-Cre mice was lower than that of S1pr2fl/fl mice, and mRNA expressions of Il-1β and Cxcl2 of S1pr2fl/flK14-Cre mice were lower than that of S1pr2fl/fl mice in ACD with S. epidermidis. Furthermore, the gene expression of Claudin-1 and Occludin in S1pr2fl/flK14-Cre mice was higher than that of S1pr2fl/fl mice in ACD with S. epidermidis. The study concludes that S. epidermidis colonization improves the skin barrier and prevents ACD even when S1P signaling malfunctions.
Endothelial Damage, Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Platelet Activation in COVID-19 vs. Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Case–Control Study
Authors: González-Jiménez Paula , Méndez Raúl , Latorre Ana , Mengot Noé , Piqueras Mónica , Reyes Soledad , Moscardó Antonio , Alonso Ricardo , Amara-Elori Isabel , Menéndez Rosario
Published: August 2023

COVID-19 has been a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It has marked a paradigm shift when considering other types of pneumonia etiology. We analyzed the biomarkers related to endothelial damage and immunothrombosis in COVID-19 in comparison to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) through a case–control study of 358 patients with pneumonia (179 hospitalized with COVID-19 vs. 179 matched hospitalized with CAP). Endothelial damage markers (endothelin and proadrenomedullin), neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) (citrullinated-3 histone, cell-free DNA), and platelet activation (soluble P-selectin) were measured. In-hospital and 1-year follow-up outcomes were evaluated. Endothelial damage, platelet activation, and NET biomarkers are significantly higher in CAP compared to COVID-19. In-hospital mortality in COVID-19 was higher compared to CAP whereas 1-year mortality and cardiovascular complications were higher in CAP. In the univariate analysis (OR 95% CIs), proADM and endothelin were associated with in-hospital mortality (proADM: CAP 3.210 [1.698–6.070], COVID-19 8.977 [3.413–23.609]; endothelin: CAP 1.014 [1.006–1.022], COVID-19 1.024 [1.014–1.034]), in-hospital CVE (proADM: CAP 1.623 [1.080–2.439], COVID-19 2.146 [1.186–3.882]; endothelin: CAP 1.005 [1.000–1.010], COVID-19 1.010 [1.003–1.018]), and 1-year mortality (proADM: CAP 2.590 [1.644–4.080], COVID-19 13.562 [4.872–37.751]; endothelin: CAP 1.008 [1.003–1.013], COVID-19 1.026 [1.016–1.037]). In conclusion, COVID-19 and CAP showed different expressions of endothelial damage and NETs. ProADM and endothelin are associated with short- and long-term mortality.
Animal Models for Studying Protein-Bound Uremic Toxin Removal—A Systematic Review
Authors: Ahmed Sabbir , de Vries Joost C. , Lu Jingyi , Stuart Milan H. Verrijn , Mihăilă Silvia M. , Vernooij Robin W. M. , Masereeuw Rosalinde , Gerritsen Karin G. F.
Published: August 2023

Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) are associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated morbidity and mortality. The conventional dialysis techniques are unable to efficiently remove PBUTs due to their plasma protein binding. Therefore, novel approaches are being developed, but these require validation in animals before clinical trials can begin. We conducted a systematic review to document PBUT concentrations in various models and species. The search strategy returned 1163 results for which abstracts were screened, resulting in 65 full-text papers for data extraction (rats (n = 41), mice (n = 17), dogs (n = 3), cats (n = 4), goats (n = 1), and pigs (n = 1)). We performed descriptive and comparative analyses on indoxyl sulfate (IS) concentrations in rats and mice. The data on large animals and on other PBUTs were too heterogeneous for pooled analysis. Most rodent studies reported mean uremic concentrations of plasma IS close to or within the range of those during kidney failure in humans, with the highest in tubular injury models in rats. Compared to nephron loss models in rats, a greater rise in plasma IS compared to creatinine was found in tubular injury models, suggesting tubular secretion was more affected than glomerular filtration. In summary, tubular injury rat models may be most relevant for the in vivo validation of novel PBUT-lowering strategies for kidney failure in humans.
A Risk Model for Prognosis and Treatment Response Prediction in Colon Adenocarcinoma Based on Genes Associated with the Characteristics of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Huang Hongyu , Li Tianyou , Meng Ziqi , Zhang Xueqian , Jiang Shanshan , Suo Mengying , Li Na
Published: August 2023

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process during metastasis in various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, the study of its characteristics and related genes is of great significance for CRC treatment. In this study, 26 EMT-related gene sets were used to score each sample from The Cancer Genome Atlas program (TCGA) colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) database. Based on the 26 EMT enrichment scores for each sample, we performed unsupervised cluster analysis and classified the TCGA-COAD samples into three EMT clusters. Then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to investigate the gene modules that were significantly associated with these three EMT clusters. Two gene modules that were strongly positively correlated with the EMT cluster 2 (worst prognosis) were subjected to Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Then, a prognosis-related risk model composed of three hub genes GPRC5B, LSAMP, and PDGFRA was established. The TCGA rectal adenocarcinoma (READ) dataset and a CRC dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were used as the validation sets. A novel nomogram that incorporated the risk model and clinicopathological features was developed to predict the clinical outcomes of the COAD patients. The risk model served as an independent prognostic factor. It showed good predictive power for overall survival (OS), immunotherapy efficacy, and drug sensitivity in the COAD patients. Our study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the clinical relevance of this three-gene risk model for COAD patients and a deeper understanding of the role of EMT-related genes in COAD.
GelMA Hydrogel as a Promising Delivery System for Osthole in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Targeting the miR-1224-3p/AGO1 Axis
Authors: Zhang Weilin , Li Zhencong , Dai Zhiwen , Chen Siyuan , Guo Weixiong , Wang Zhongwei , Wei Jinsong
Published: August 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifaceted, chronic, progressive autoimmune disease. This study aims to explore the potential benefits of an enhanced drug delivery system utilizing optimized Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) vectors in RA management. We evaluated the levels of miR-1124-3p and AGO1 in RA tissues and cell lines using qPCR, WB, and immunofluorescence. The effects of osthole on inflammatory response and joint morphology were determined by qPCR, H&E staining, and micro-CT. The data showed that miR-1224-3p was downregulated in RA tissues and HUM-iCell-s010RA cells, while the overexpression of miR-1224-3p in HUM-iCell-s010RA cells reduced the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β. Luciferase assay demonstrated that AGO1 was a direct target gene of miR-1224-3p. Additionally, osthole treatment increased miR-1224-3p levels and decreased AGO1 expression. The release data showed that osthole loaded on GelMA was released at a slower rate than free osthole. Further studies in a mouse model of CIA confirmed that osthole-loaded GelMA was more effective in attenuating osteopenia in RA as well as alleviating autoimmune arthritis. These findings suggest that osthole can regulate the miR-1224-3p/AGO1 axis in RASFs cells and has the potential to be developed as a clinical anti-RA drug. GelMA could provide a new approach to long-term RA treatment.
Droj2 Facilitates Somatosensory Neurite Sculpting via GTP-Binding Protein Arf102F in Drosophila
Authors: Rui Menglong , Kong Weiyu , Wang Wanting , Zheng Ting , Wang Su , Xie Wei
Published: August 2023

Developmental remodeling of neurite is crucial for the accurate wiring of neural circuits in the developing nervous system in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and may also contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders, for instance, autism, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and schizophrenia. However, the molecular underpinnings underlying developmental remodeling are still not fully understood. Here, we have identified DnaJ-like-2 (Droj2), orthologous to human DNAJA1 and DNAJA4 that is predicted to be involved in protein refolding, as a developmental signal promoting dendrite sculpting of the class IV dendritic arborization (C4da) sensory neuron in Drosophila. We further show that Arf102F, a GTP-binding protein previously implicated in protein trafficking, serves downstream of Droj2 to govern neurite pruning of C4da sensory neurons. Intriguingly, our data consistently demonstrate that both Droj2 and Arf102F promote the downregulation of the conserved L1-type cell-adhesion molecule Neuroglian anterior to dendrite pruning. Mechanistically, Droj2 genetically interacts with Arf102F and promotes Neuroglian downregulation to initiate dendrite severing. Taken together, this systematic study sheds light on an unprecedented function of Droj2 and Arf102F in neuronal development.
Revealing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein and Specific Antibody Immune Complex Formation Mechanism for Precise Evaluation of Antibody Affinity
Authors: Plikusiene Ieva , Maciulis Vincentas , Vertelis Vilius , Juciute Silvija , Balevicius Saulius , Ramanavicius Arunas , Talbot Julian , Ramanaviciene Almira
Published: August 2023

The profound understanding and detailed evaluation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (SCoV2-S) protein and specific antibody interaction mechanism is of high importance in the development of immunosensors for COVID-19. In the present work, we studied a model system of immobilized SCoV2-S protein and specific monoclonal antibodies by molecular dynamics of immune complex formation in real time. We simultaneously applied spectroscopic ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation to reveal the features and steps of the immune complex formation. We showed direct experimental evidence based on acoustic and optical measurements that the immune complex between covalently immobilized SCoV2-S and specific monoclonal antibodies is formed in two stages. Based on these findings it was demonstrated that applying a two-step binding mathematical model for kinetics analysis leads to a more precise determination of interaction rate constants than that determined by the 1:1 Langmuir binding model. Our investigation showed that the equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) determined by a two-step binding model and the 1:1 Langmuir model could differ significantly. The reported findings can facilitate a deeper understanding of antigen–antibody immune complex formation steps and can open a new way for the evaluation of antibody affinity towards corresponding antigens.
A Deep Neural Network for Working Memory Load Prediction from EEG Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Sridhar Sriniketan , Romney Anibal , Manian Vidya
Published: August 2023

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) are frequently associated with working memory (WM) dysfunction, which is also observed in various neural psychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD. Early detection of WM dysfunction is essential to predict the onset of MCI and AD. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based algorithms are increasingly used to identify biomarkers for detecting subtle changes in loaded WM. This paper presents an approach using electroencephalograms (EEG), time-frequency signal processing, and a Deep Neural Network (DNN) to predict WM load in normal and MCI-diagnosed subjects. EEG signals were recorded using an EEG cap during working memory tasks, including block tapping and N-back visuospatial interfaces. The data were bandpass-filtered, and independent components analysis was used to select the best electrode channels. The Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) algorithm was then applied to the EEG signals to obtain the time-frequency Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs). The EEMD and DNN methods perform better than traditional machine learning methods as well as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for the prediction of WM load. Prediction accuracies were consistently higher for both normal and MCI subjects, averaging 97.62%. The average Kappa score for normal subjects was 94.98% and 92.49% for subjects with MCI. Subjects with MCI showed higher values for beta and alpha oscillations in the frontal region than normal subjects. The average power spectral density of the IMFs showed that the IMFs (p = 0.0469 for normal subjects and p = 0.0145 for subjects with MCI) are robust and reliable features for WM load prediction.
Performance Assessment of Out-of-Hospital Use of Pelvic Circumferential Compression Devices for Severely Injured Patients in Switzerland: A Nationwide Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Balet Lionel , Ageron François-Xavier , Pasquier Mathieu , Zingg Tobias ,   The Swiss Trauma Registry
Published: August 2023

Background: Patients with severe pelvic fractures carry a greater risk of severe bleeding, and pelvic compression devices (PCCD) are used to stabilize the pelvis on the pre-hospital scene. The aim of this study was to describe the use of PCCD in the pre-hospital setting on a nationwide scale (Switzerland) and determine the sensitivity, specificity and rates of over- and under-triage of the current application practices. The secondary objective was to identify pre-hospital factors associated with unstable pelvic fractures. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study using anonymized patient data (1 January 2015–31 December 2020) from the Swiss Trauma Registry (STR). Based on AIS scores, patients were assigned a unique principal diagnosis among three categories (unstable pelvic fracture—stable pelvic fracture—other) and assessed for use or not of PCCD. Secondarily, patient characteristics, initial pre-hospital vital signs, means of pre-hospital transport and trauma mechanism were also extracted from the database. Results: 2790 patients were included for analysis. A PCCD was used in 387 (13.9%) patients. In the PCCD group, 176 (45.5%) had an unstable pelvic fracture, 52 (13.4%) a stable pelvic fracture and 159 (41.1%) an injury unrelated to the pelvic region. In the group who did not receive a PCCD, 214 (8.9%) had an unstable pelvic fracture, 182 (7.6%) a stable pelvic fracture and 2007 (83.5%) an injury unrelated to the pelvic region. The nationwide sensitivity of PCCD application was 45.1% (95% CI 40.1–50.2), the specificity 91.2% (95% CI 90–92.3), with both over- and under-triage rates of 55%. The prevalence of unstable fractures in our population was 14% (390/2790). We identified female sex, younger age, lower systolic blood pressure, higher shock index, pedestrian hit and fall ≥3 m as possible risk factors for an unstable pelvic fracture. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a nationwide both over- and under-triage rate of 55% for out-of-hospital PCCD application. Female gender, younger age, lower blood pressure, higher shock index, pedestrian hit and fall >3 m are possible risk factors for unstable pelvic fracture, but it remains unclear if those parameters are relevant clinically to perform pre-hospital triage.
Aging and Vascular Disease: A Multidisciplinary Overview
Authors: Maier Jeanette A. , Andrés Vicente , Castiglioni Sara , Giudici Alessandro , Lau Emily S. , Nemcsik János , Seta Francesca , Zaninotto Paola , Catalano Mariella , Hamburg Naomi M.
Published: August 2023

Vascular aging, i.e., the deterioration of the structure and function of the arteries over the life course, predicts cardiovascular events and mortality. Vascular degeneration can be recognized before becoming clinically symptomatic; therefore, its assessment allows the early identification of individuals at risk. This opens the possibility of minimizing disease progression. To review these issues, a search was completed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar from 2000 to date. As a network of clinicians and scientists involved in vascular medicine, we here describe the structural and functional age-dependent alterations of the arteries, the clinical tools for an early diagnosis of vascular aging, and the cellular and molecular events implicated. It emerges that more studies are necessary to identify the best strategy to quantify vascular aging, and to design proper physical activity programs, nutritional and pharmacological strategies, as well as social interventions to prevent, delay, and eventually revert the disease.
Contralateral Hip Abductor Muscle Strength Associated with Comfort of Getting into and out of the Car after Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Harada Tetsunari , Hamai Satoshi , Hara Daisuke , Fujita Tsutomu , Fujiyoshi Daisuke , Kawahara Shinya , Yamaguchi Ryosuke , Kawaguchi Kenichi , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: August 2023

There are no studies that have investigated the characteristics of car use across THA patients, including those who do not drive. This study aimed to evaluate, in THA patients, (1) postoperative car usage, (2) comfort while entering and exiting a car, and (3) whether lower limb muscle strength affects action comfort. One hundred seventy-two post-THA patients completed the questionnaire in 2020, along with assessments of hip abductor and knee extensor muscle strength before surgery and at discharge. Patients whose overall comfort level was judged as comfortable were defined as the comfort group; others were placed in the discomfort group. Of the 172 patients, 161 reported car usage at a mean of 5.6 years after THA. Of these, 114 and 47 patients were placed in the comfort and discomfort groups, respectively. Patients in the discomfort group were three times more likely to experience discomfort using the contralateral side door than the surgical side door, and about twice as many patients experienced discomfort when entering as when exiting. Lower preoperative contralateral hip abductor muscle strength was the only independent predictor for discomfort. The take-home messages were that prevention of contralateral-side weakness may improve comfort during the action after THA.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Vestibular Ageing
Authors: Tighilet Brahim , Chabbert Christian
Published: August 2023

While age-related auditory deficits and cochlear alterations are well described, those affecting the vestibular sensory organs and more broadly the central vestibular pathways are much less documented. Although there is inter-individual heterogeneity in the phenomenon of vestibular ageing, common tissue alterations, such as losses of sensory hair cells or primary and secondary neurons during the ageing process, can be noted. In this review, we document the cellular and molecular processes that occur during ageing in the peripheral and central vestibular system and relate them to the impact of age-related vestibular deficits based on current knowledge.
Thalamopeduncular Tumors in Pediatric Age: Advanced Preoperative Imaging to Define Safe Surgical Planning: A Multicentric Experience
Authors: D’Amico Alberto , Furlanis Giulia Melinda , Baro Valentina , Sartori Luca , Landi Andrea , d’Avella Domenico , Sala Francesco , Denaro Luca
Published: August 2023

Background: Thalamopeduncular tumors are challenging lesions arising at the junction between the thalamus and the cerebral peduncle. They represent 1–5% of pediatric brain tumors, are mainly pilocytic astrocytoma and occur within the first two decades of life. To date, the optimal treatment remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients who underwent surgery for thalamopeduncular tumors in the Academic Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit of Padova and Verona from 2005 to 2022. We collected information on age, sex, symptoms, preoperative and postoperative neuroradiological studies, histological specimens, surgical approaches, and follow-up. Results: We identified eight patients with a mean age of 9 years. All lesions were pilocytic astrocytoma. The main symptoms were spastic hemiparesis, cranial nerve palsy, headache, and ataxia. The corticospinal tract was studied in all patients using diffusion-tensor imaging brain MRI and in two patients using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation. The transsylvian approach was the most frequently used. A gross total resection was achieved in two patients, a subtotal resection in five and a partial resection in one. In three patients, a second treatment was performed due to the regrowth of the tumor, performing an additional surgery in two cases and a second-look surgery followed by adjuvant therapy in one. After the surgery, four patients maintained stability in their postoperative neurological exam, two patients improved, and two worsened but in one of them, an improvement during recovery occurred. At the last follow-up available, three patients were disease-free, four had a stable tumor residual, and only one patient died from the progression of the disease. Conclusions: Advanced preoperative tools allow one to define a safe surgical strategy. Due to the indolent behavior of thalamopeduncular tumors, surgery should be encouraged.
Guidelines for the Treatment of Abdominal Abscesses in Acute Diverticulitis: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Cirocchi Roberto , Duro Francesca , Avenia Stefano , Capitoli Matteo , Tebala Giovanni Domenico , Allegritti Massimiliano , Cirillo Bruno , Brachini Gioia , Sapienza Paolo , Binda Gian Andrea , Mingoli Andrea , Fedeli Piergiorgio , Nascimbeni Riccardo
Published: August 2023

Background: This systematic umbrella review aims to investigate and provide an analysis of guidelines regarding the treatment of diverticular abscesses. Material and methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the Cochrane Overviews of Reviews model and the ‘Clinical Practice Guidelines’; at the end of initial search, only 12 guidelines were included in this analysis. The quality of the guidelines was assessed by adopting the “Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II” (AGREE II). The comparative analysis of these guidelines has highlighted the presence of some differences regarding the recommendations on the treatment of diverticular abscesses. In particular, there are some controversies about the diameter of abscess to be used in order to decide between medical treatment and percutaneous drainage. Different guidelines propose different abscess diameter cutoffs, such as 3 cm, 4–5 cm, or 4 cm, for distinguishing between small and large abscesses. Conclusions: Currently, different scientific societies recommend that diverticular abscesses with diameters larger than 3 cm should be considered for percutaneous drainage whereas abscesses with diameters smaller than 3 cm could be appropriately treated by medical therapy with antibiotics; only a few guidelines suggest the use of percutaneous drainage for abscesses with a diameter greater than 4 cm. The differences among guidelines are the consequence of the different selection of scientific evidence. In conclusion, our evaluation has revealed the importance of seeking new scientific evidence with higher quality to either confirm, reinforce or potentially weaken the existing recommendations from different societies.
The Impact of Parental Presence on Invasive Procedures in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Prospective Study
Authors: Hashavya Saar , Pines-Shwartz Naama , Guzner Noa , Ohana Sarna Cahan Lea , Gross Itai
Published: August 2023

Parental presence during invasive pediatric procedures is controversial, and its benefits are under-researched. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of parental presence during invasive procedures on the parents themselves and the physician performing the procedure. This prospective study was conducted at a single tertiary center in Jerusalem, Israel. During 10 shifts, all physicians and the families of patients who underwent invasive procedures in the pediatric emergency department (PED) were asked to fill in questionnaires related to their experiences. A total of 98 parental questionnaires and 101 physician questionnaires were collected. The most commonly performed procedures were laceration repair (65%) and abscess drainage (18%). Sedation was required in 75% of cases. In total, 73% of the cited family members were present during these procedures. The main reason for refusing to allow family members access was the physicians’ concern that the procedure would be hard for parents to watch. However, in more than 85% of cases, the physicians felt that the presence of a family member contributed to the success of the procedure, augmented the child’s sense of safety and lessened the family members’ feelings of anxiety. All parents who opted to be present during the procedure felt very satisfied, compared to 67% of parents who were not present (p < 0.0001). When asked if, in retrospect, they would have made the same decision, 100% of the parents who were present during the procedure indicated that they would have made the same decision, compared to only 68% of the parents who were not present (p < 0.001). Overall, these findings highlight the positive effects of parental presence during invasive procedures performed in the PED, even when procedures were performed under sedation. Encouraging parental attendance during invasive procedures may, thus, enhance family-centered practices in the PED.