bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VolcanoSV enables accurate and robust structural variant calling in diploid genomes from single-molecule long read sequencing
Authors: Zhou Xin , Luo Can , Liu Yichen
Published: February 2024

Structural variants (SVs) significantly contribute to human genome diversity and play a crucial role in precision medicine. Although advancements in single-molecule long-read sequencing offer a groundbreaking resource for SV detection, identifying SV breakpoints and sequences accurately and robustly remains challenging. We introduce VolcanoSV, an innovative hybrid SV detection pipeline that utilizes both a reference genome and local de novo assembly to generate a phased diploid assembly. VolcanoSV uses phased SNPs and unique k-mer similarity analysis, enabling precise haplotype-resolved SV discovery. VolcanoSV is adept at constructing comprehensive genetic maps, encompassing SNPs, small indels, and all types of SVs, making it well-suited for human genomics studies. Our extensive experiments demonstrate that VolcanoSV surpasses state-of-the-art assembly-based tools in the detection of insertion and deletion SVs, exhibiting superior recall, precision, F1 scores, and genotype accuracy across a diverse range of datasets, including low-coverage (10x) datasets. Additionally, VolcanoSV outperforms assembly-based tools in the identification of complex SVs, including translocations, duplications, and inversions, in both simulated and real cancer data. In comparison to existing alignment-based tools, VolcanoSV is robust to evaluation parameters and accurately identifies breakpoints and SV sequences.
Experimental Investigation of H-beam to Recycled Aggregate Concrete Column Edge Connections under Cyclic Loading
Authors: yang qinpeng , Liu Jian
Published: February 2024

This paper aims to investigate the cyclic performance of the connections between the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) column and steel H-beam. In this connection system, the steel beam is welded to the end plate to form an integral unit, which is bolted to the column. The differences in seismic performance between the novel casing-type one-side bolted end-plate connection and the conventional all-welded joint with external diaphragm and top-seat angle connection were investigated. Three types of joints with different connection details were designed and fabricated at a reduced scale of 1:2, following the principle of strong columns and weak beams. The low cyclic lateral loading test was performed by beam-end loading to observe the loading process and failure morphology of the joint model. The load-beam end displacement hysteresis curve and the skeleton curve were obtained to analyze the joint load eigenvalues, ductility, energy dissipation, and stiffness degradation. The experimental results showed that all three specimens exhibited beam-end failure and demonstrated good ductility. Furthermore, a finite element model was established. The effects of axial compression ratio, steel tube width-to-thickness ratio, outer tube, and end-plate thickness on the bearing performance of the outer tube one-side bolted end-plate joint under lateral loading were analyzed. It was found that the bearing capacity and stiffness of the specimens increased with increasing steel tube width-to-thickness ratio, outer tube thickness, and end-plate thickness. Changes in the axial compression ratio had little effect on the bearing capacity and stiffness of the specimens.
Unsatisfactory screening rates for Primary Aldosteronism in high risk patients
Authors: Korman Avital Angel , Rapoport Vladimir , German Hadassa Seged , Niddam Naomi Nakash , Katzir Zeev , Hausmann Michael , Leiba Adi
Published: February 2024

The Endocrine Society (ES) guidelines recommend screening for primary aldosteronism (PA) in high risk hypertensive patients presenting with at least one of seven criteria (resistant HTN, hypokalemia, adrenal nodule etc.).
Although guidelines are clear and screening is simple, compliance rates among clinicians are extremely low. This results in underdiagnosis of early disease, leading to cadiovasculaer complications and extra-burden of advanced chronic kidney disease.
We aimed to evaluate the screening rates in the Nephrology and Hypertension clinics at Assuta Ashdod University Hospital, Israel.
Data on adult hypertensive patients was retrieved during January 2018 to December 2020. Included in the study were hypertensive patients who had at least one of the ES criteria for PA screening. Of all suitable patients, we compared those who were screened for PA to patients who were not screened. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis were used for comparison between groups.
Of 661 patients with HTN, 218 patients (33%) met the ES guidelines for PA screening. Forty-six of them (21.1%), were referred for screening. Advanced age and male gender were associated with lower screening referral rates. Odds ratio for age was 0.945 for every year (95% CI 0.915-0.975). There was a trend towards decreased referral rate in advanced kidney disease.
A 21% screening rate, suggests that many cases of PA are likely missed, more often in older patients.We therefore advocate for PA screening of all hypertensive patients, especially elderly patients with CKD, in whom clinicians’ awareness is low but the absolute risk is high.
The difference in patient-centered medical experiences between public fertility care and private fertility care in China: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Liang Jiangying , Jie Qiuling , Xu Wen , Li Juan , Fu Mianai , Liu Ping , Chen Yan , Wang Xiaoman , Li Xianmei , Li Zhaoping , Wang Mingkun , Kang Jinyu , Sun Fei , Li Qi , Ma Yanlin , Li Juan
Published: February 2024

Background High-quality fertility care should be effective and safe but also patient-centered. We aimed to analyze the difference in the patient-centered medical experiences between public and private fertility care in China. Methods A multicenter cross sectional study was distributed among 1900 infertile Chinese patients from July 2021 to April 2022. In this study, 1900 infertility patients completed the survey at ten reproductive medicine centres. Patients' experiences of infertility patients were analyzed. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression model analysis were used to analysis the factors influencing the differences in patients' medical experiences between public and private fertility care. Results The questionnaire was completed by 1694 infertile couples (net response rate of 86%) from 10 centres. Of the eight subscales, 'care organization' received the best ratings, and 'information' received the worst ratings. The total score of private fertility care was significantly higher than that of public fertility care. The subscale scores for 'accessibility', 'information' and 'continuity and transition' were significantly higher for private fertility care than for public fertility care. Further univariate and multivariate analyses found that the distance from the hospital, family income and pregnancy status were the main influencing factors of the patients' medical experiences with public fertility care, while the stage of fertility treatment, infertility duration and pregnancy status were the main influencing factors of the patients' medical experiences with private fertility care. Conclusions The subscale of patient-centered medical experiences for 'accessibility', 'information' and 'continuity and transition' were significantly higher for private fertility care than for public fertility care.
Evidence of Increased Lake Heatwave Indices in a Subtropical Coastal Shallow Lake Estimated From Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Ferrari Carlos Henrique Saldanha , Bravo Juan Martín , Marques David da Motta , Rodrigues Lúcia Helena Ribeiro
Published: February 2024

Water temperature is a driver of chemical, physical, and biological processes in lake systems. Given that these ecosystems are vulnerable to extreme temperature events, it is crucial to assess the potential impacts of climate change scenarios on the structure and functioning of lake systems. Within this context, this study used the concept of lake heatwaves to assess these impacts in Lake Mangueira, a subtropical coastal shallow lake located in the extreme south of Brazil. The Air2Water model was calibrated and used to estimate daily time-series water temperatures using daily time-series air temperatures as the input. The occurrence of lake heatwaves in Lake Mangueira was assessed over a historical period (1985–2014) and according to three future (2081–2100) scenarios — SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 — based on data from 26 global climate models (GCMs). The results were expressed in terms of heatwave indices, which were initially proposed for marine environments and have since been applied to lake ecosystems. Most of the projections obtained indicated positive anomalies for all lake heatwave indices, especially for the average duration and cumulative intensity and in the SSP5-8.5 scenario, compared to the historical period. In addition to the total duration, two of the five indices evaluated were presented for each year associated with the historical period and future scenarios. This analysis revealed an increase in the mean values of these indices in the three future scenarios compared to the historical period, again with SSP5-8.5 standing out. Finally, lake heatwaves lasting more than one season were projected for Lake Mangueira, with some projections indicating the permanent occurrence of these extreme events. Properly studying these events is of paramount importance in the management of lake systems and their associated environmental services.

Keywords: lake ecosystems, water temperature, modeling, remote sensing, extreme events, climate change.
Fear and Challenging behavior: A Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Study of people with public mass shooting attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand
Authors: Imkome Ek-uma
Published: February 2024

Background Public mass shooting attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on victims. Understanding and realizing the biological, psychological, and social impact of the problem and the individual's needs may help the nurse design the nursing intervention to meet the individual needs of the victims, which can reduce mortality and disability rates.
Aim This phenomenological-hermeneutic study aims to describe and interpret the perspectives of people with public mass shooting attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods Data were collected in dialogical conversations with 15 people who were involved in a mass shooting during the COVID-19 attack using a random sampling method: purposive sampling and snowball techniques. Analyze by using thematic analysis. The COREQ guidelines for reporting qualitative studies were performed.
Results A group of people who have been involved in a mass shooting during the COVID-19 outbreak revealed five main themes, which are fear, being in the same boat, impact, coping, and intervention.
Conclusion The fear and challenge behavior will have implications for health care providers, including prioritizing validating interactions and adopting a relational approach to practice.
In search of meaning in loss; Clarification of adaptation strategies of the elderly in the face of the death of a spouse: A qualitative study
Authors: Seraji Asal , Nasrabadi Tahereh , Nayeri Nahid Dehghan , Nasrollah Sepideh
Published: February 2024

The death of a spouse is one of the most profound and devastating events in life for the elderly, which can cause serious problems, especially in people who are not in perfect health, and disrupt their coping capacity, thus making their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle a great challenge that only a small number of them can adapt to. Failure to use the appropriate strategies to adapt to this process can put an elderly person at greater risk of illness or even death. Since the strategies of the elderly in facing the context-based bereavement phenomenon are different from other people, the purpose of this study is to explain the strategies of the elderly in coping with the death of their spouse. Method This qualitative study was conducted with the content analysis approach. 21 elderly participants, who experienced the death of their spouse, were selected purposefully. This qualitative study was conducted with a content analysis approach. Twenty-one elderly participants with experience of spouse death were purposefully selected. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews until saturation was reached. Data were analyzed based onLundmanandGranheim'scontent analysis approach. Findings By analyzing the data, information was explained in two main categories: 1- Mental engagement with the deceased, including six subcategories (constant thinking about the deceased, similarity finding, reminiscence, paying attention to the symbols of remembrance, recalling the efforts and rumination) 2- Recovery of the bond with the deceased, including six sub-categories (participation in the burial, dealing with rituals, holding a memorial, phantom spouse, engaging in the activities of interest of the deceased and preoccupation with the belongings of the deceased). Conclusion Contrary to the written assumption, the Mental engagement with the deceased acts like a double-edged sword, depending on the intensity and duration, and sometimes not only is not destructive and harmful but also helps distract the survivor, thus creating an opportunity to accept the loss. For example some subcategories of the Mental engagement with the deceased among categorized strategies, like constant thinking or rumination with the deceased some of these subclasses like constant thinking of the deceased or rumination, which act in this way, regardless of being different in terms of semantic connotation. In such a way that for example, rumination which is in contrast to adaptation, is not necessarily negative and prohibiting. In recovery of the bond with the deceased category, similarity finding, and phantom Spouse to maintain a new and symbolic relationship with the deceased, among others, are novel strategies that are completely unconsciously utilized by most of the elderly, which are suggested to be considered for their positive effects.
Pressure Ulcer and Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Admitted To The Surgical Wards in The Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Of The Northwest Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Habtamu , Zemene Workie , Tesfaye Mrs.Eleny
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are a serious concern in patients with prolonged bedtime and present with common complications following surgery. It is one of the key performance indicators of the quality of nursing care provided to patients. and several studies have reported the prevalence of pressure ulcers in Ethiopia. There is a lack of evidence regarding its prevalence and associated factors in the current study area. The main objective of this study was to assess pressure ulcers and their associated factors among adult patients admitted to the surgical ward of the Amhara Regional Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia in ,2023.
Method: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from June 15 to June 19 ,2023 in NorthWest Ethiopia.and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select 480 patients . Descriptive data were presented as absolute numbers with percentages , and multivariate analysis was used to assess the statistical association between a ssociated factors and pressure ulcers . P < 0.05 indicated Statiscal significance .
Results: A total of 49 pressure ulcer cases were detected among 480 patients. a prevalence rate of 10.2%, 95% CI (7.7, 12.9). Participants who had smoked (95% CI: AOR 7.46 (2.64,21.06), were bedridden (95% CI: AOR 3.92 (1.28, 11.66), had length of hospital stay of 21days (95% CI: AOR 3.01 (1.13, 8.02), had pain (95% CI: AOR 3.20 (1.06, 7.51), or had friction and shear (95% CI: AOR 5.71 (1.91, 17.08), were found to be significant factors associated with pressure ulcers .
Conclusion: This study showed that a high percentage of Pus among patients had pressure ulcers. Smoking status, pain, bedridden status , friction and shear problems, and length of hospital stay were significantly associated with pressure ulcers . Healthcare providers should educate patients about smoking risk, pain management, mattress installation, and linen care.
Association between different types of physical activities and arthritis among Chinese elderly: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Zeng-qiao , Li Jie , Li Jiang-shan , Chen Jin-tian , Zheng San , Shan Yi-ming , Sun Wu-quan
Published: February 2024

Background
The association between physical activities and arthritis has gained considerable attention. However, current research on the correlation between different types of physical activity and arthritis in middle-aged and elderly individuals remains relatively limited. Gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of exercise behavior on arthritis in this population holds significant importance in comprehending joint health and disease management. This study aims to investigate the relationship between various types of physical activity and arthritis in middle-aged and elderly individuals in China.
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilized the first wave data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), where participants were categorized into either arthritis or non-arthritis groups. Meanwhile, based on the survey questionnaire, physical activity levels were classified into three categories of light, moderate, and vigorous. A logistic regression model was employed to evaluate the association between exercise and arthritis, with odds ratios (OR) reported to indicate the degree of correlation between the two factors.
Results
The cross-sectional analysis included a total of 5334 participants, among whom the overall prevalence of arthritis was 35.0%. After adjusting for all potential risk factors, there was an independent association between types of physical activity and arthritis (vigorous compared to light or moderate activity: OR = 1.473, 95%CI 1.276–1.701, p < 0.001; moderate compared to light activity: OR = 1.182, 95%CI 1.015–1.377, p = 0.032). In subgroup analysis, the association of types of physical activities with arthritis was also significant in participants over 55 years of age, male, BMI ≥ 24, as well as in individuals with hyperlipidemia or hypertension (p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were found in individuals with diabetes or hyperglycemia, gastrointestinal or digestive system disorders, BMI < 24, aged 45–55, or in the female population (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Exercise intensity is an independent risk factor for arthritis in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals. The relationship between exercise and arthritis may be influenced by factors such as gender, age, BMI, and the presence of chronic diseases.
Disease aetiology and progression shape the inter-patient multi-omics profile of clear cell renal carcinoma
Authors: Penha Ricardo Cortez Cardoso , Sexton-Oates Alexandra , Senkin Sergey , Park Hanla A. , Atkins Joshua , Holcatova Ivana , Hornakova Anna , Savic Slavisa , Ognjanovic Simona , Świątkowska Beata , Lissowska Jolanta , Zaridze David , Mukeria Anush , Janout Vladimir , Chabrier Amelie , Cahais Vincent , Cuenin Cyrille , Scelo Ghislaine , Foll Matthieu , Herceg Zdenko , Brennan Paul , Smith-Byrne Karl , Alcala Nicolas , McKay James D.
Published: February 2024

Endogenous and exogenous processes are associated with distinctive molecular marks in somatic tissues, including human tumours. Here, we used integrative multi-omics analyses to infer sources of inter-patient somatic variation within clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) and used them to explore how the disease aetiology and progression are reflected in the tumour DNA methylome, transcriptome, and somatic mutation profile. The main source of inter-patient variation within ccRCC tumours was associated with ageing, particularly cellular mitotic age estimated by DNA methylation (epiTOC2), clock-like DNA mutational signatures (SBS1/ID1), and telomere attrition, independent to chronological age. This component was associated with PBRM1 and SETD2 somatic cancer driver mutations, genome instability, tumor stage, grade, and ccRCC patient survival. Pan-cancer analysis supported the similar role of this molecular component in other cancer types. The ccRCC tumour microenvironment was another source of inter-patient variation, including a component associated with BAP1 driver mutations, epigenetic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes (i.e., IL20RB, WT1) and patient survival. An additional source of ccRCC inter-patient variation was linked to the epigenetic regulation of the xenobiotic metabolism gene GSTP1. This molecular component was associated with tobacco usage and tobacco-related genomic features, implying a relationship with tobacco-related carcinogenesis, but also present in tumours of never-smoking patients, potentially implicating it in other genotoxic effects. By considering how the tumour DNA methylome, transcriptome, and somatic mutation profile vary across patients, we provide novel insights into the endogenous and exogenous processes acting within ccRCC tumours and their relation to the disease aetiology and progression.
3D printed core/shell scaffold based on nano/microspheric hydrogel for osteosarcoma anticancer delivery and bone regeneration
Authors: Ranjbaran Paniz , Esfandyari-Manesh Mehdi , Yourdkhani Alaleh , Ghahremani Mohammad Hossein , Dinarvand Rassoul
Published: February 2024

One of the most common types of bone cancer is osteosarcoma. Currently a combination of therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is used. Bone defects, re-formation of the tumor, or remaining tumor cells after the surgery are the main challenges of osteosarcoma treatments. Scaffolds can be used to overcome the bone defects problem. In this study, we aim to fabricate a bilayer scaffold with the capacity of avoiding tumor recurrence and stimulating bone regeneration which brings a novel idea for osteosarcoma treatments. First, methotrexate was encapsulated in PLGA microspheres with 13.5% loading capacity. Then, coaxial extrusion-based 3D printer via a customized bilayer core-shell nozzle was employed to fabricate the scaffold. The implanted scaffold was printed by using gelatin methacrylol (GelMA) hydrogel containing methotrexate microspheres in the outer layer for anticancer drug delivery, and GelMA/alginate hydrogel containing nanohydroxyapatite and nanosilica in the inner layer for bone regeneration. The outer layer of the scaffold had rapidly degraded within 20 days and it played a great role in drug delivery and inhibiting the tumor cells’ growth. The inner layer with 4% nanosilica had slow degradation rate at about 50% in 60 days and it showed the highest mechanical strength with 225 kPa. Regarding osteogenesis property, ALP enzyme activity was increased considerably within 3 weeks. Also, significant increase in osteogenesis markers of RUNX2, OPN, and COL1A1 was observed. In addition to drug delivery at the tumor site, this bilayer scaffold could be a platform for the placement of healthy bone cells after drug delivery.
Optimizing Product Design Decisions: A Comprehensive Approach Driven by User Requirements
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Jia Dongyi , Qiao Xianling , Zhang Nan
Published: February 2024

User requirements serve as the primary reference content in product design. The effective capture of crucial user requirements, followed by the development of a product technical solution aligned with these requirements, stands as a pivotal approach to enhancing design efficiency. Addressing challenges associated with intricate user requirements, the inherent ambiguity during the trans-formation of user needs into technical solutions, and the elevated design costs resulting from the subjective nature of decision-making in technical solutions, this paper introduces a method for optimizing product technical solution decision-making rooted in user requirements. The method in-corporates the Kano model and pairwise analysis for the collection and analysis of user requirements. It involves acquiring and assigning weights to these requirements. Leveraging the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) theory, user requirements are translated into technical elements. High-value technical elements are determined based on the autocorrelation between user weights and technical elements. Consequently, a solution set for product technical solutions is derived. To optimize the decision-making process for technical solutions, the non-cooperative-cooperative tandem game model is employed. This model operates on the principle of parallel design, facilitating the determination of the overall optimal technical solution. The aforementioned method efficiently addresses the challenge of transitioning from user needs to technical solutions, offering a solid foundation for the selection of product technical solutions. To illustrate and validate the feasibility and effectiveness of this decision-making optimization method for product technical solutions, this paper employs the research and development of a medicinal bath water heater as a practical example.
Comparative effective dose of ciprofol and propofol in suppressing cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation: a single-center, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Liao Min , Wu Xiao-ru , Hu Jia-Ning , Lin Xing-Zhou , Zhao Tang-yuan-meng , Sun Hu
Published: February 2024

Ciprofol, a novel γ-aminobutyric acid receptor agonist, outperforms propofol with minimal cardiovascular effects, higher potency, reduced injection pain, and a broader safety margin. Despite these advantages, ciprofol's clinical research is still emerging. This study compares the median effective dose (ED50) and adverse reactions of ciprofol and propofol, in conjunction with sufentanil, for suppressing cardiovascular responses during tracheal intubation.A total of fifty-three adult patients who required general anesthesia for tracheal intubation were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to either the ciprofol group (group C) or the propofol group (group P) using a random number table. Tracheal intubation was performed using a standardized laryngoscope and endotracheal tube. The Dixon's up-and-down method was employed to determine the ED50 and 95% effective dose (ED95) of ciprofol and propofol in inhibiting cardiovascular responses during tracheal intubation. Based on the pilot study, the initial dose of ciprofol was set at 0.35 mg/kg (with a dose increment of 0.01 mg/kg) and propofol was set at 2.0 mg/kg (with a dose increment of 0.1 mg/kg). Dose-response curves were generated using probit analysis to establish the ED50 and ED95 required to inhibit cardiovascular responses during tracheal intubation. Adverse events following drug administration were closely monitored.A total of 54 participants were included in the study, with 24 in group C (one participant excluded due to repeated intubation) and 30 in group P. Probit analysis revealed that the ED50 and ED95 of ciprofol for inhibiting cardiovascular responses to tracheal intubation were 0.326 mg/kg (95% CI 0.304-0.337 mg/kg) and 0.349 mg/kg (95% CI 0.337-0.470 mg/kg), and for propofol, 1.541 mg/kg (95% CI 1.481-1.599 mg/kg) and 1.656 mg/kg (95% CI 1.599-1.943 mg/kg). Notably, group C demonstrated more stable hemodynamics during induction and showed a significantly lower incidence of injection pain compared to group P. Ciprofol demonstrated more stable hemodynamics and a lower incidence of adverse events during induction. Ciprofol may potentially be used as a substitute for propofol in a wider range of scenarios.
Clinical Trial Registration: hppts://ClinicalTrials.gov; Identifier: NCT06095570(23/10/2023).
Deficiency of UCHL1 results in insufficient decidualization accompanied by impaired dNK modulation and eventually miscarriage
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xue Mingxing , Huang Jiefang , He Shan , Zhu Lingqiao , Zhao Xiaonan , Wang Bei , Jiang Tingwang , Zhang Yanyun , Miao Changhong , Zhou Guoqiang
Published: February 2024

Background
Miscarriage is a frustrating complication of pregnancy that is common in women of reproductive age. Insufficient decidualization which not only impairs embryo implantation but disturbs the fetomaternal immune-tolerance, has been widely regarded as a major cause of miscarriage; however, the underlying mechanisms resulting in decidual impairment are largely unknown.
Methods
With informed consent, decidual tissue from patients with spontaneous abortion or normal pregnant women were collected to detect the expression profile of UCHL1. Human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) were used to explore the roles of UCHL1 in decidualization and dNK modulation, as well as the mechanisms involved. C57/BL6 female mice (7–10 weeks old) were used to construct pregnancy model or artificially induced decidualization model to evaluate the effect of UCHL1 on mice decidualization and pregnancy outcome.
Results
The Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), as a deubiquitinating enzyme, was significantly downregulated in decidua from patients with miscarriage, along with impaired decidualization and decreased dNKs. Blockage of UCHL1 led to insufficient decidualization and resultant decreased expression of cytokines CXCL12, IL-15, TGF-β which were critical for generation of decidual NK cells (dNKs), whereas UCHL1 overexpression enhanced decidualization accompanied by increase of dNKs. Mechanistically, the promotion of UCHL1 on decidualization was dependent on its deubiquitinating activity, and intervention of UCHL1 inhibited the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, resulting in aberrant decidualization and decreased production of cytokines associated with dNKs modulation. Furthermore, we found that inhibition of UCHL1 also disrupted the decidualization in mice and causing adverse pregnancy outcome eventually.
Conclusions
UCHL1 plays significant roles in decidualization and dNKs modulation during pregnancy in both human and mice, and its deficiency indicates a poor pregnancy outcome due to defective decidualization, which makes UCHL1 to be a potential target for the diagnosis and treatment of miscarriage.
Critical load for torsional buckling of Kelvin-type digital materials
Authors: Luo Yuan , Zhang Tong , Yang Liu
Published: February 2024

Torsional buckling is likely to occur when digital materials are subjected to axial compression. There is little research on the torsional buckling of digital materials, which can be easily overlooked in design and pose safety hazards in engineering applications. The finite element method was used to study the bearing capacity of digital material under axial compression. The influences of local boundary conditions, geometric module parameters, and characteristic length on the critical load of torsional buckling of components were studied. The experimental results were compared with the finite element results, and excellent agreement was observed. Furthermore, the mechanism of torsional buckling was investigated by introducing the flexibility functions of digital materials, and a semianalytical solution for the critical load of torsional buckling was given. This formula could be used to estimate the load bearing capacities of digital materials or provide a reasonable assembly plan that could accommodate the preset load conditions for digital materials. This empirical formula could serve as a basis for further theoretical part of the research on the torsional buckling of other digital materials.
Artificial intelligence strategies based on run length matrix and wavelet analyses for detection of subtle alterations in hepatocyte chromatin organization following exposure to iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Pantic Jovana Paunovic , Vucevic Danijela , Radosavljevic Tatjana , Corridon Peter R. , Valjarevic Svetlana , Cumic Jelena , Bojic Ljubisa , Pantić Igor V.
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the development of machine learning models based on the features of the run length matrix (RLM) and wavelet analyses, with the potential to detect subtle alterations in hepatocyte chromatin organization due to iron oxide nanoparticle exposure. A total of 2000 hepatocyte nuclear regions of interest (ROIs) from mouse liver tissue were analyzed, and for each ROI, 5 different parameters were calculated: Long Run Emphasis, Short Run Emphasis, Run Length Nonuniformity, and 2 wavelet coefficient energies obtained after the discrete wavelet transform. These parameters served as input for supervised machine learning models, specifically random forest and gradient boosting classifiers. The models demonstrated robust performance in distinguishing hepatocyte chromatin structures belonging to the group exposed to IONPs from the controls. The study's findings suggest that iron oxide nanoparticles induce substantial changes in hepatocyte chromatin distribution and underscore the potential of AI techniques in advancing hepatocyte evaluation in physiological and pathological conditions.
Beliefs, Taboos, Usages, and Health Perceptions Toward Wildlife Among Different Ethnicities in Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces, Thailand
Authors: Suwannarong Kanokwan , Amonsin Alongkorn , Ponlap Thanomsin , Thammasutti Kannika , Thongkan Worakamon , Balthip Karnsunaphat , Bubpa Nisachon , Kanthawee Phitsanuruk , Pummarak Sipapa , Suwannarong Kangsadal
Published: February 2024

This concurrent qualitative study studied wildlife beliefs, taboos, usages, and health perceptions among ten ethnic groups in four communities in Tak and Mae Hong Son, Thailand, from November 2020 to January 2021. Sixty-five respondents were selected for their extensive knowledge and active participation in wildlife culture and beliefs. Twenty (30.8%) participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs), while 45 (69.2%) participated in eight focused group discussions. The results showed that different ethnicities have different wildlife contact beliefs, taboos, usages, and health perceptions. Wildlife contact and consumption were thought to spread diseases, and cultural beliefs and taboos have helped some ethnic groups preserve nature and wildlife. Various ethnic groups have passed down traditions prohibiting the consumption of certain wild animals. The results may support developing disease prevention and intervention strategies to promote health literacy about wildlife contact risks by adapting villagers' socio-cultural beliefs and context characteristics by ethnicity.
Improving Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Table Grapes cv. ‘Fakhri’ with Foliar Application of Potassium Silicate and Humic Acid
Authors: Rasouli Mousa , Bayanati Mina , Tavakoli Fardin
Published: February 2024

Foliar application of nutrients improves the performance and quality of grapes, and silicon is recently classified as an essential element for plants. For this purpose, a factorial experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design with three replications on grapes cv. ‘Fakhri’. The treatments included three levels of potassium silicate (0, 1000 [S.K1], and 2000 mg.L− 1[S.K2]), combined with three levels of humic acid (0, 1000 [H1], and 2000 [H2] mg.L− 1). Morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, as well as leaf microelements, were measured. The highest yield (10.56 kg/vine) was obtained with 2000 mg.L− 1K2SO3×2000 mg.L− 1humic acid. The interactive effects of these two treatments changed the activity of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, and the content of zinc, manganese, iron, and copper elements in grape leaves increased. This result indicates that potassium silicate and humic acid had a synergistic effect and increased all quantitative and qualitative indices of ‘Fakhri’ grapes studied in this experiment.
Risk of Maculopathy in Tamoxifen Users: Drug Exposure and Risk Factors
Authors: Kwon Hyeon Yoon , Kim Jiyeong , Ahn Seong Joon
Published: February 2024

Tamoxifen, a pivotal therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, is known for its efficacy in reducing breast cancer recurrence and mortality. However, concerns about potential ocular complications, particularly maculopathy, have emerged. This study aims to investigate the risk and associated factors of diverse macular conditions in tamoxifen users, considering drug exposure, demographics, and systemic diseases. A nationwide cohort of tamoxifen users, comprised of 14,267 tamoxifen users, was analyzed using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database in South Korea. Demographic and clinical characteristics were examined, and the cumulative incidence of macular diseases was stratified by age and cumulative tamoxifen dosage. Hazard ratios were calculated for risk factors, including age, sex, and systemic diseases affecting drug metabolism. Cumulative incidences of overall macular diseases, other maculopathy excluding common macular diseases, and macular edema were 26.4%, 11.4%, and 6.5%, respectively. The risk increased with age and cumulative tamoxifen dosage. Significant risk factors included age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease whereas dyslipidemia and liver disease showed no significant association with the macular conditions. Tamoxifen-induced maculopathy poses a concern for prescribing physicians and ophthalmologists, and this study provides valuable insights into its risk and risk factors. The complex interplay between age, cumulative tamoxifen dosage, and systemic diseases highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and screening strategies. This study may contribute to evidence-based guidelines for tamoxifen maculopathy screening, emphasizing the importance of considering multiple factors for recommendation on screening timing and frequency.
Geeks versus climate change: Understanding American video gamers’ engagement with global warming
Authors: Carman Jennifer P. , Psaros Marina , Rosenthal Seth A. , Marlon Jennifer , Verner Marija , Lee Sanguk , Lu Danning , Goldberg Matthew H. , Ballew Matthew , Leiserowitz Anthony
Published: February 2024

As climate change impacts increase, communicators must engage as many audiences as possible in climate action. One potentially underrated audience is video gamers. Two-thirds of Americans play video games, and video games are a potentially effective climate change communication tool. However, little research has examined whether video gamers have unique value as a target audience for climate communication, and if they do, what might be effective ways to reach them. To address this need, we use two surveys including self-identified video game players in the United States to measure their current engagement with climate change, including through video gaming. In Study 1, a nationally representative survey in the United States (N = 1,006), we found that being a video gamer was slightly positively associated with intentions to take collective action on global warming. In Study 2, restricted to gamers in the United States (N = 2,034), we found that having more friends and family who played video games, and/or being exposed to global warming content in gaming, were also positively associated with collective action intentions. These findings were consistent even after controlling for potential confounding variables such as age, political party, and global warming attitudes. Results suggest that video gamers are a worthwhile potential audience for future climate change communication, combatting the stereotype of video gamers as disengaged or antisocial, at least in the context of climate change. Our study also identifies several potential avenues for future communication with video gamers, particularly outreach to and engagement with gaming communities.
Electronic Band Alignment of Aqueous Zinc Anode & Favorable Chalcogenide Cathode- Cu2NiSnS4 (CNTS) Battery and its Performance Analysis
Authors: NILEGAVE DHANARAJ S. , Shaikh Gulistan Y. , Girawale Swapnil , Chaturvedi Smita , Jadhav Vijay
Published: February 2024

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries are one of the most efficient and promising energy storage devices due to immense amount advantages such as non-toxicity, safety, cost-effectiveness, and earth abundance. However, zinc metal has the redox potential of -0.76V which is comparable and suitable for aqueous systems as an anode. Herein, quaternary chalcogenide wurtzite Cu2NiSnS4 (CNTS) has been demonstrated as a stable electrode material for aqueous Zinc-ion battery pouch cell with high capacity and the potential of 1.34V. The band alignment of the Zn/CNTS also has been studied by the combined comparison of the optical band gap of CNTS and cyclic voltammetry curve analysis. CNTS delivers the specific capacity of 261mAh/g at the current density of 62.5mAh/g and good cycle performance in Zn/CNTS pouch cells. The striking electrochemical properties are ascribed to the excellent stability of CNTS while galvanostatic cycling, in which the cation Zn2+ can be intercalated/deintercalated at the chalcogenide cathode CNTS. The intercalation results in the formation of ZnS while cycling which has been analyzed by Raman spectra after the cycling of pouch cell. The mechanism study discloses the reversible shuttling of Zn2+cations into/from CNTS.
Accumulated experience of preying on escaping bait enhances pursuit performance in mice
Authors: Wang Jincheng , Zhang Yueting , Lv Songyan , Pang Ruiqi , Zhang Yanjie , Liu Xue , Deng Qiyue , Zhou Yi
Published: February 2024

As a highly sequentially programmed behavior driven by innate desire, one of the most challenging parts of preying is how the hunter can pursue and capture an escaping prey that is also running for its own survival. Although presumed, it remains uncertain how the experience of competing with escaping prey can enhance preying performance. Here, we developed an interactive platform to study the preying behavior in mice using an escaping bait. This robotic bait was magnetically controlled by a closed-loop system that continuously attempted to evade an approaching threat (e.g., a hungry mouse). By recording the time costs, trajectories and other parameters of both mouse and the escaping bait, we found that mice were not only able to perform preying tasks of varying difficulties, but also that they could improve their preying efficiency over trials, mainly due to the improvements in the pursuit phase. Further investigation revealed that the enhancement in pursuit performance primarily resulted from changes in pursuit strategy and the optimization of velocity control. In conclusion, this study reveals that experienced mice can optimize their pursuit strategies to improve their preying efficiency, and the transition from novice to veteran can be used to study the biological mechanisms of behavioral flexibility in mice.
The Combination of Two Conspiracy-Belief-Scales and a correlational analysis with Epistemic Beliefs
Authors: Hollitzer Peter , Daseking Monika , Ibrahim Fabio
Published: February 2024

Conspiracy belief (CB) describes the extent to which the individual believes a conspiracy narrative. Conspiracy narratives represent anti-empirical theories according to which a minority has secretly come together to pursue sometimes vile goals with sometimes vile means. Over the last decade the scientific interest in CBs increased which led to many different scales to assess CBs. Often CB is measured using the acceptance of different conspiracy theories (CTs) expressed on a dichotomous or Likert scale. The aim of this study is to test the psychometric quality of two of the few validated scales for measuring CB in German-speaking countries and to maximise the validity of the questionnaires based on a test theory. A sample of N = 254 was recruited for this purpose. As a factorial analysis based on the classical test theory showed insufficient results, the item response theory and a graphical item threshold analysis was conducted indicated a dichotomous scale as most informative. As both the GVT-12 scale (Neumann, 2010) and the subscale real CT of van Prooijen et al. (2018) measured the acceptance of real CTs they were merged and jointly examined. The successive exclusion of items with unacceptable fit resulted in two scales, one for real CB and one for fictional CB, which only comprised van Prooijen´s items. As factor analysis was conducted to test the convergence of both scales. The results indicated a two-factorial model as best fitting. However, future studies should investigate a possible bifactorial structure. Moreover, the construct validity of both subscales was assessed through their correlation with epistemological beliefs, supporting the discriminant validity between fictional and real CB.
Analytical Approach to Investigate the Effects of Through-Thickness Stress on Springback in Bending of Isotropic Sheet Metal
Authors: Movahedi Mohammad Reza , Gerdooei Mahdi
Published: February 2024

Within contemporary sheet metal forming processes like electromagnetic forming, the sheet experiences pronounced out-of-plane compression stress. This study focuses on the predicting the springback in the bending of an isotropic sheet metal in the presence of through-thickness compressive normal stress. In the analytical method, the longitudinal stress distribution across sheet thickness was calculated via equilibrium equations and the associated flow rule in incremental plasticity based on the power law hardening model, obtaining the reverse bending moment. During the unloading phase, the external load was lifted, and the springback angle was estimated by assuming linear elastic behavior and neglecting the Bauschinger effect, employing the superposition method. A case study was conducted on an aluminum alloy sheet for different compressive stresses and bend curvatures. Subsequently, the reverse bending moments and springback angles obtained for each case were compared to the numerical outcomes from finite element (FE) modeling. Analytical results indicate that elevating the compressive normal stress on the sheet surface to 75% and 100% of the yield stress will lead to a reduction in springback by 17.4% and 32%, respectively. At the compressive normal stress of 75% of the yield stress, the numerical model exhibited a 4.4% difference from the analytical model. For the validation of the analytical model, a four-point bending test was conducted with varying initial bend curvatures and angles. This involved comparing the experimental springback angle and curvature with both numerical and analytical predictions. In comparison, both the numerical and analytical models demonstrated strong agreement with the experimental results.