bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyethylene Glycol-Based Polymer-Drug Conjugates: Novel Design and Synthesis Strategies for Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy and Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Verma Vinay Sagar , Pandey Aakansha , Jha Arvind Kumar , Badwaik Hemant Kumar Ramchandra , Alexander Amit , . Ajazuddin
Published: November 2023

Due to their potential to enhance therapeutic results and enable targeted drug administration, polymer-drug conjugates that use polyethylene glycol (PEG) as both the polymer and the linker for drug conjugation have attracted much research. This study seeks to investigate recent developments in the design and synthesis of PEG-based polymer-drug conjugates, emphasising fresh ideas that fill in existing knowledge gaps and satisfy the increasing need for more potent drug delivery methods. Through an extensive review of the existing literature, this study identifies key challenges and proposes innovative strategies for future investigations. The paper presents a comprehensive framework for designing and synthesising PEG-based polymer-drug conjugates, including rational molecular design, linker selection, conjugation methods, and characterisation techniques. To further emphasise the importance and adaptability of PEG-based polymer-drug conjugates, prospective applications are highlighted, including cancer treatment, infectious disorders, and chronic ailments.
CD248-targeted BBIR-T cell therapy against late-activated fibroblasts in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction
Authors: Xie Jun , Chen Haiting , Hu Ke , Tang Qi , Wang Junzhuo , Gu Qianyu , Chen Jiayu , Hu Jiaxin , Peng Ningxin , Guo Meng , Jiang Yaohui , Xu Qingbo
Published: November 2023

Excessive cardiac fibrosis is a key cause of heart failure and adverse ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction. The abnormally activated fibroblasts after scar maturation are the chief culprit. Single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse cardiac interstitial cells after myocardial infarction depicts a late-activated fibroblast subpopulation F-Act and initially identifies its characteristic antigen CD248, which is also verified in human hearts. On this basis, we develop a CD248-targeted BBIR-T cell therapy against F-Act to correct cardiac repair disorders. By embedding avidin coupled to the T cell signalling domain onto the membrane, T cells are empowered to recognize and kill target cells labelled by biotinylated antigen-specific molecules. The precise removal of F-Act after the scar matured effectively inhibits fibrotic expansion in the peri-infarct zone and improves cardiac function. This therapy provides a new idea for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis and also promotes the application of engineered T cells to non-tumour diseases.
Financing Fertility through Bank Competition? Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China
Authors: Li Dongxu , Chen Yihui , Li Ting
Published: November 2023

Using the bank deregulation in China as an exogenous shock to bank competition, we investigate how it affects local fertility. We show that the deregulation significantly increases city-level birth rates. This effect is more pronounced among cities with more employment, more household savings, and higher housing affordability. We argue that the deregulation improves local capital supply and boosts local economic vibrancy, which increases households’ income and willingness of fertility. Consistent with this notion, we find that the effect of bank deregulation on birth rates is greater for cities with more entrepreneurship, more private businesses, and more innovative activities. This study sheds light upon the role of financial development in affecting local fertility.
JEL Classification: G21; J13; R11
Progressive Changes in the Protein Expression Profile of Alveolar Septa in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kimura Toru , Akazawa Takashi , Mizote Yu , Nakamura Harumi , Sakaue Miki , Maniwa Tomohiro , Shintani Yasushi , Honma Keiichiro , Tahara Hideaki , Okami Jiro
Published: November 2023

Background
Adenocarcinomas show a stepwise progression from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) through adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) to invasive adenocarcinoma (IA). Immunoglobulin superfamily containing leucine-rich repeat (ISLR) is a marker of tumor-restraining cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are distinct from conventional, strongly α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive CAFs. Fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) has been focused on as a potential therapeutic and diagnostic target of CAFs.
Methods
We investigated the changes in protein expression during adenocarcinoma progression in pre-existing alveolar septa by assessing ISLR, αSMA, and FAP expression in normal, AAH, AIS, and IA lung nodules. Fourteen AAH, seventeen AIS, and twenty IA lesions were identified and randomly sampled. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate cancer-associated changes and FAP expression in pre-existing alveolar structures.
Results
Normal alveolar septa expressed ISLR. The ISLR level in the alveolar septa decreased in AAH and AIS tissues compared with that in normal lung tissue. The αSMA-positive area gradually increased from the adjacent lung tissue (13.3% ± 15%) to AIS (87.7% ± 14%), through AAH (70.2% ± 21%). Moreover, the FAP-positive area gradually increased from AAH (1.69% ± 1.4%) to IA (11.8% ± 7.1%), through AIS (6.11% ± 5.3%). Protein expression changes are a feature of CAFs in pre-existing alveolar septa that begin in AAH. These changes gradually progressed from AAH to IA through AIS.
Conclusions
FAP-positive fibroblasts may contribute to tumor stroma formation in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, and this could influence the development of therapeutic strategies targeting FAP-positive CAFs for disrupting extracellular matrix formation.
Comprehensive application of AI algorithms with TCR NGS data for Glioma diagnosis
Authors: Da Lin , Zhou Kaiyue , Xiao Zhengliang , Liu Qi , Wang Xu , Huo Jiaxin , Wu Xiaoqi , Xu Pengfei , Deng Yunyun , Xiao Wenwen , Sun Tao
Published: November 2023

TCR detection can examine the extent of T-cell immune responses. Therefore, the article analyzed characteristic data of glioma obtained by high-throughput sequencing, to predict the disease with fewer biomarkers and higher accuracy. We downloaded data online and obtained six TCR-related diversity indices to establish a multidimensional classification system. By comparing actual presence of the 602 correlated sequences, we obtained two-dimensional and multidimensional datasets. Multiple classification methods were utilized for both datasets with the classification accuracy of multidimensional data slightly less to two-dimensional datasets. This study reduced the TCR β sequences through dimensionality reduction methods like RFECV. Consequently, using only the presence of these three sequences, the classification AUC value of 96.67% can be achieved. The combination of the three correlated TCR clones obtained at a source data threshold of 0.1 was: CASSLGGNTEAFF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-1, CASSYSDTGELFF_TRBV6_TRBJ2-2, and CASSLTGNTEAFF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-1. At 0.001, the combination was: CASSLGETQYF_TRBV12_TRBJ2-5, CASSLGGNQPQHF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-5, and CASSLSGNTIYF_TRBV12_TRBJ1-3. This method can serve as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool, facilitating diagnosis and treatment of glioma and other cancers.
The Effects of Sirna-mediated Knockdown of Ap-1 on Pulmonary Arterial and Right Ventricular Dysfunction Associated With Cardiac and Pulmonary Fibrosis in Cardiopulmonary Disease
Authors: Comarița Ioana Karla , Tanko Gabriela , Anghelache Iliuță Laurențiu , Georgescu Adriana
Published: November 2023

Background
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex multifactorial vascular pathology characterized by an increased pulmonary arterial pressure, vasoconstriction, remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature, thrombosis in situ and inflammation associated with right-side heart failure. Herein, we explored the potential beneficial effects of treatment with siRNA AP-1 on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), right ventricular dysfunction along with perivascular and interstitial fibrosis in pulmonary artery-PA, right ventricle-RV and lung in an experimental animal model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH.
Methods
Golden Syrian hamsters were divided into: (1) C group-healthy animals taken as control; (2) MCT group obtained by a single subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg MCT at the beginning of the experiment; (3) MCT-siRNA AP-1 group received a one-time subcutaneous dose of MCT and subcutaneous injections containing 100nM siRNA AP-1, every two weeks. All animal groups received water and standard chow ad libitum for 12 weeks.
Results
In comparison with the MCT group, siRNA AP-1 treatment had significant beneficial effects on investigated tissues contributing to: (1) a reduction in TGF-β1/ET-1/IL-1β/TNF-α plasma concentrations; (2) a reduced level of cytosolic ROS production in PA, RV and lung and notable improvements regarding the ultrastructure of these tissues; a decrease of inflammatory and fibrotic marker expressions in PA (COL1A/Fibronectin/Vimentin/α-SMA/CTGF/Calponin/MMP-9), RV and lung (COL1A/CTGF/Fibronectin/α-SMA/F-actin/OB-cadherin) and an increase of endothelial marker expressions (CD31/VE-cadherin) in PA; (4) structural and functional recoveries of the PA (reduced Vel, restored vascular reactivity (NA contraction, ACh relaxation)) and RV (enlarged internal cavity diameter in diastole, increased TAPSE and PRVOFs) associated with a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate; (5) a reduced protein expression profile of AP-1S3/ pFAK/FAK/pERK/ERK and a significant decrease in the expression levels of miRNA-145, miRNA-210, miRNA-21, and miRNA-214 along with an increase of miRNA-124 and miRNA-204.
Conclusions
The siRNA AP-1-based therapy led to an improvement of pulmonary arterial and right ventricular function accompanied by a regression of perivascular and interstitial fibrosis in PA, RV and lung and a down-regulation of key inflammatory and fibrotic markers in MCT-treated hamsters.
Combining Survival Analysis and Machine Learning for Mass Cancer Risk Prediction using EHR data
Authors: Philonenko Petr , Kokh Vladimir , Blinov Pavel
Published: November 2023

Purely medical cancer screening methods are often costly, time-consuming, and weakly applicable on a large scale. AdvancedArtificial Intelligence (AI) methods greatly help cancer detection but require specific or deep medical data. These aspects affectthe mass implementation of cancer screening methods. For these reasons, it is a disruptive change for healthcare to apply AImethods for mass personalized assessment of the cancer risk among patients based on the existing Electronic Health Records(EHR) volume. This paper presents a novel method for mass cancer risk prediction using EHR data. Among other methods, ourone stands out by the minimum data greedy policy, requiring only a history of medical service codes and diagnoses from EHR.We formulate the problem as a binary classification. This dataset contains 175 441 de-identified patients (2 861 diagnosed withcancer). As a baseline, we implement a solution based on a recurrent neural network (RNN) and pre-trained BERT. We proposea method that combines machine learning and survival analysis since these approaches are less computationally heavy, canbe combined into an ensemble (the Survival Ensemble), and can be reproduced in most medical institutions. We test theSurvival Ensemble in some studies. Firstly, we obtain a significant difference between values of the primary metric (AveragePrecision) with 22.8%±2.7% (ROC AUC 83.7%±1.7%, F1 17.8%±2.8%) for the Survival Ensemble versus 15.1%±2.6% (ROCAUC 84.9%±0.8%, F1 21.4%±3.1%) for the Baseline method. Secondly, the performance of the Survival Ensemble is alsoconfirmed during the ablation study. Thirdly, our method exceeds age baselines by a significant margin. Fourthly, in the blindretrospective out-of-time experiment, the proposed method is reliable in cancer patient detection (9 out of 100 selected). Suchresults exceed the estimates of medical screenings, e.g., the best Number Needed to Screen (9 out of 1000 screenings).
Mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate hyperammonemia via IGF1-IGF1R- GLS2 axis inhibiting glutaminolysis in acute hepatic failure
Authors: Cheng Haiqin , Shi Yaqian , Li Xuewei , Jin Ning , Liang YuXiang , Liu Zhizhen , Xie Jun
Published: November 2023

Hyperammonemia is a pernicious and severe consequence of acute hepatic failure (AHF). While prior research suggested the potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in reducing blood ammonia levels, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study utilized a AHF mouse model to investigate the impact of MSCs on hyperammonemia and its mechanism. The study showed that CCL4-induced ALF mice suffered from hyperammonemia. MSCs effectively reduce arterial ammonia levels by downregulating glutaminase2 (Gls2) and upregulating glutamine synthetase (GS), rather than through urea cycle. RFP-labeled MSCs were observed in hepatic sinusoid and co-localized with macrophages. Moreover, the MSC treatment group exhibited elevated expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and its receptor (IGF1R) than the PBS treatment group. Furthermore, Inhibition of the IGF1-IGF1R axis attenuated the ammonia-lowing effect of MSCs. Notably, blocking IGF1-IGF1R axis could affect the MSCs’ inhibition effects on Gls2. The finding indicates that MSCs can mitigate hyperammonemia in AHF mice by suppressing glutaminolysis through IGF1-IGF1R axis, making them a promising resource for treating hyperammonemia in critical conditions.
Coping with extremes: the Rumen Transcriptome and Microbiome Co-regulate Plateau Adaptability of Xizang Goat
Authors: pan cheng , Li Haiyan , Mustafa Shehr Bano , Renqing Cuomu , Zhang Zhenzhen , Li Jingjing , Song Tianzeng , Wang Gaofu , Zhao Wangsheng
Published: November 2023

The interactions between the rumen flora and the host are crucial for the digestive and absorptive processes of ruminants, and they are heavily influenced by the climatic conditions of their habitat. Owing to the harsh conditions of the high-altitude habitat, little is known about how ruminants regulate the host transcriptome and the makeup of their rumen flora. Using the model species of goats, We examined the variations in the rumen flora, Transcriptome regulation, and climate of the environment between high altitude (Lhasa, Tibet; 3650 m) and low altitude (Chengdu, Sichuan, China; 500 m) goats. When compared to goats from low altitudes, the findings showed how hard the environmental climate was for Xizang goats. The results of 16 S rRNA sequencing revealed variations in the abundance, diversity, and composition of rumen flora. Papillibacter, Quinella, and Saccharofermentans were chosen as potential flora for the adaptation of Xizang goats to the harsh climate of the plateau by the Spearman correlation study of climate and flora. Based on Rumen transcriptome sequencing analysis, 244 genes were found to be differentially expressed between low-altitude goats and Xizang goats, with 127 genes showing significant up-regulation and 117 genes showing significant down-regulation. SLC26A9, GPX3, ARRDC4, and COX1 were identified as potential candidates for plateau adaptation in Xizang goats. Moreover, The metabolism of fatty acids, arachidonic acids, The pathway involving cytokines and their receptors could be essential for adaptation to plateau hypoxia and cold endurance. The expression of GPX3, a gene linked to plateau acclimatization in Xizang goats, was linked to the abundance of Anaerovibrio, and the expression of SLC26A9 was linked to the quantity of Selenomonas, according to ruminal flora and host Spearman correlation analysis. Our findings imply that in order to adapt to harsh plateau conditions, Xizang goats have evolved to maximize digestion and absorption as well as to have a rumen microbiota suitable for the composition of their diet.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Neonatal Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study Among 40 305 Consecutively Born Babies.
Authors: albedaywi rajai , Salameh khalil , Abedin Sarfrazul , Viswanathan  , Khedr Abedalkhalik , Habboub Lina
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDD) being highly prevalent in the Middle East, the primary objective was to estimate the incidence of neonatal jaundice among G6PD-deficient neonates and to explore its association with various risk factors.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes 7 years data of neonates diagnosed with G6PDD between 1st January 2015, and 30 September 2022, from Al Wakra Hospital, HMC Qatar.
Results: Among the 40,305 total births, 1013 had G6PDD with an incidence of 2.51%. Of all the G6PDD babies, 24.6% (249/1013) received phototherapy and three babies required exchange transfusion. Statistically significant associations were noted between the need for phototherapy and gestational age, gestational age groups, birth weight, and birth weight groups, but logistic regression analysis showed significant association for phototherapy only with the gestational age group.
Conclusion: Universal screening and proper follow-up is essential for G6PDD as it plays crucial role in neonatal jaundice.
Probable Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease with diabetes retinopathy：A case report
Authors: Li Huan , Wang Wei , Li Zhiyong , Mao Ailing
Published: November 2023

Background: It is rare for a patient with bilateral retinal detachment and choroidal detachment , and he also with bilateral diabetes retinopathy (DR) is even more rare, whicn makes the condition more complicated.
Case presentation: This article reportes a patient with atypical Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease(VKH).The patient developed severe peripheral retinal detachment with choroidal detachment and white pompon-like opacity in the vitreous along with diabetic retinopathy.Finally we considered Probable VKH with DR, and as per the VKH treatment was given with good results.
Conclusions: VKH can coexist with DR, and the manifestations of VKH are diverse.Considering for VKH, it is necessary to give early, aggressive and long-term treatment with high-dose corticosteroids ，DR will make the treatment more complicated, so immunosuppressants should be combined.
Determining occupational exposure to inhalable wood dust in forestry operation
Authors: Dimou Vasiliki , Tioutiountzi Theodora , Malesios Chrisovalantis
Published: November 2023

In the present study, occupational exposure to softwood (Pinus brutia) and hardwood (Fagus sylvatica and Quercus petraea) wood dust was determined during forestry work in a timber yard. In the determination of inhalable wood dust, three operating parameters of the chainsaw were taken into account. The first operating parameter was the chainsaw operating under normal conditions, which means proper maintenance and infrequent throttle pressing. Measurements under normal conditions were referred to as reference measurements and were used for comparison. The experiment continued with measurements of wood dust concentration under two other chainsaw operating parameters, namely, improper chainsaw maintenance and infrequent throttle pressing. The determination of inhalable wood dust concentrations from the ambient air was performed using the Inhalable Organic Matter (IOM) sampler, manufactured by SKC Button Sampler (Dorset, United Kingdom). Out of a total of 108 concentration values of inhalable wood dust, 44 (40.74%) showed concentrations greater than 3.00 mg·m− 3, while in 10 (9.26%) values, the dust concentration exceeded 5 mg·m− 3. The eight-hour time-weighted average exposure to wood dust ranged from 0.99 mg·m− 3 to 12.52 mg·m− 3, with an average of 4.22 mg·m− 3. The results indicated that the increase in wood dust concentration is dependent on improper chainsaw maintenance, while infrequent throttle pressing reduces dust concentration levels. Additionally, an increase in wood dust concentration was observed in species with thick bark (Pinus brutia and Quercus petraea).
Causal Relationship Between Systemic Circulatory Inflammatory Regulators and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Zi-Xuan , Xu Bo , Huang Ze-Ling , Liu Yu-Jiang , Shen Xiao-Feng , Lu Bin-Jie , Lin Jun , Zhang Xian-Da , Li Yu-Wei
Published: November 2023

Background
In the context of the development of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration (IDD), inflammatory mediators play a pivotal role. Nevertheless, due to the influence of the inflammatory microenvironment, the causal relationship between specific inflammatory mediators and the development of IDD remains uncertain.
Methods
We utilized genetic data concerning systemic circulating inflammatory regulators obtained from a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) analyzing 41 serum cytokines in a cohort of 8,293 individuals from Finland. The genetic data for IDD was derived from the most recent Genome-Wide Association Study summary statistics conducted within the FinnGen consortium, encompassing 37,636 IDD cases and 270,964 controls. Our analysis employed bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques, which included several MR methods such as MR Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted mode, and simple mode. Additionally, the MR-PRESSO method was employed to identify horizontal pleiotropy, heterogeneity was quantified using the Cochran Q statistic, and MR Egger intercept analysis was performed to assess pleiotropy.
Results
We established causal relationships between three specific inflammatory factors and IDD. Elevated levels of MIP-1β [OR = 0.956, 95% CI: -0.08 to -0.006; P = 0.02] and IFN-G [OR = 0.915, 95% CI: -0.16 to -0.02; P = 0.01] expression were associated with a reduced risk of IDD. Conversely, genetic susceptibility to IDD was linked to a decrease in IL13 levels [OR = 0.967, 95% CI: -0.063 to -0.004; P = 0.03].
Conclusion
In this study, we have identified inflammatory factors that exhibit a causal relationship with the onset and progression of IDD, as supported by genetic predictions.
Added Value of Frequency of Imaging Markers for Prediction of Outcome after Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Secondary Analysis of Existing Data
Authors: Kuang Lianghong , Fei Shinuan , Zhou Hang , Huang Le , Guo Cailian , Cheng Jun , Guo Wenmin , Ye Yu , Xiong Hui , Wang Rujia , Zou Liwei , Tang Dongfang , Zhang Ji , Qiu Xiaoming , Yu Yongqiang , Song Lei
Published: November 2023

Background:
Frequency of imaging markers (FIM) has been identified as an independent predictor of hematoma expansion (HE) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but its impact on clinical outcome of ICH is yet to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate this association.
Methods:
This study was a secondary analysis of our prior research. The data for this study were derived from six retrospective cohorts of ICH from January 2018 to August 2022. FIM was defined as the ratio of the number of imaging markers (i.e., hypodensities, blend sign, and island sign) to onset-to-neuroimaging time. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale of 3–6 at 3 months.
Results:
1,253 patients with ICH were included for final analysis. Among those with available follow-up results, 713 (56.90%) exhibited a poor neurologic outcome at 3 months. In a univariate analysis, FIM was associated with poor outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 4.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.31–5.74; p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, Glasgow coma scale score, systolic blood pressure, hematoma volume, and intraventricular hemorrhage, FIM was still an independent predictor of worse prognosis (OR = 3.26; 95% CI = 2.37–4.48; p < 0.001). Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a cut-off value of 0.28 for FIM was associated with 0.68 sensitivity, 0.69 specificity, 0.74 positive predictive value, 0.62 negative predictive value, and 0.72 area under the curve for the diagnosis of poor outcome.
Conclusions:
The metric of FIM is associated with 3-month poor outcome after ICH. The novel marker that helps identify patients at risk for worse outcome would be a valuable addition to the clinical management of ICH.
Chemical Analysis, Nutraceuticals, and Infra-Red Characterization of Cassia alata Leaves
Authors: Adebayo O.R. , Oyetade O.A. , Odusina A.O.
Published: November 2023

This Cassia alata leaf is an important medicinal leaf used in folk medicine in the treatment of various skin infections such as ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. The study was carried out to assess the proximate compositions (%) ash contains (8.998), moisture (2.615), crude fat ( 10.557), crude fiber (14.443), protein (12.023), and carbohydrate contents (51.364), mineral elements (mg/kg): magnesium (115.000), potassium (86.900), calcium (72.800), sodium (25.000), iron (9.000), zinc (3.900) and copper (0.860), vitamins (mg/kg): vitamin C (1.904), vitamin B1, (0.527) and vitamin B2, (0.312), phytochemical: Total phenol (20.804), saponins (1.357), alkaloids (14.542), glycosides (9.174) and tannins (2.018) using various analytical standard techniques. The study appraised the impact of the functional groups of the sample using Perkin infra-red spectroscopy to distinct fingerprint regions such as ( 3408.00cm- 1) phenol, (2925.83 and 2365.00 cm- 1) phosphine, (1648.35 cm- 1) carbonyl, alkene, and aromatic ring, (1407.30 cm- 1) phosphate compound, (1252.47 cm- 1) arylethers and (1063.00 cm- 1) thiocarbonyl. The study revealed the leaves to be a potential source of nutrition, minerals, and confirmations of secondary metabolites likewise the presence of functional groups which is a source of information about the leaves in the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs.
SLIM Brain Database: A Multimodal Image Database of In-vivo Human Brains for Tumour Detection
Authors: Martín-Pérez Alberto , Villa Manuel , Olmeda Gonzalo Rosa , Sancho Jaime , Vazquez Guillermo , Urbanos Gemma , de Ternero Alejandro Martinez , Chavarrías Miguel , Jimenez-Roldan Luis , Perez-Nuñez Angel , Lagares Alfonso , Juarez Eduardo , Sanz César
Published: November 2023

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and machine learning (ML) have been employed in the medical field for classifying highly infiltrative brain tumors. Although existing HSI databases of in-vivo human brains are available, they present two main deficiencies. Firstly, the amount of labeled data is scarce and secondly, 3D-tissue information is unavailable. To address both issues, we present the SLIM Brain database, a multimodal image database of in-vivo human brains which provides HS brain tissue data within the 400-1000 nm spectrum, as well as RGB, depth and multi-view images. Two HS cameras, two depth cameras and different RGB sensors were used to capture images and videos from 193 patients. All data in the SLIM Brain database can be used in a variety of ways, for example to train ML models with more than 1 million HS pixels available and labeled by neurosurgeons, to reconstruct 3D scenes or to visualize RGB brain images with different pathologies, offering unprecedented flexibility for both the medical and engineering communities
Coupled variation of pressure and temperature for methane adsorption in coal seam under three initial pressures
Authors: Geng Jiabo , Liu CunYang , Zhong Hong , Zhang Dongming , Tang Shibin , Li Xiaoshuang
Published: November 2023

The methane adsorption test of coal under three initial pressures of 0.50MPa,0.75MPa and 1.00MPa was carried out using the coal bed adsorption simulation test system, and the change law of CH4 gas pressure and coal bed temperature under three initial pressures was studied. The distribution law of methane gas pressure and coal seam temperature on the inner plane of coal seam and the coupling relationship between them are studied by interpolating and plotting the collected data with MATLAB software. The results show that the methane pressure decreases with time, the coal seam temperature increases with time, and there is no linear correlation between the decrease of pressure and the increase of temperature. When coal is adsorbed, the pressure and temperature in the central region are lower, and the temperature in the region with high pressure is also higher, and the distribution of pressure and temperature is synchronized. The higher the initial pressure, the higher the temperature of the coal seam, the more methane adsorbed by the coal, but the strength of the adsorption capacity of the coal can not be measured simply by the amplitude of the pressure drop. The research content can be used as the basis for further investigation of methane occurrence rule in coal seam and evaluation of methane adsorption capacity of coal.
Prevalence, risk factors and liver-related complications of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Ethiopian HIV-infected patients: a cross-sectional study in a tertiary care center
Authors: Birhanu Yohannes , Demissie Zekewos , Amogne Wondwossen
Published: November 2023

Background
Ethiopia is one of the countries with high burden of HIV/AIDS. Although the number of fatalities from AIDS-defining illnesses has dramatically decreased, the incidence of non-AIDS defining comorbidities is increasing. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in particular, continues to be one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Though a few studies have tried to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopian patients with HIV infection, the frequency, risk factors, and potential liver-related outcomes of NAFLD among Ethiopian HIV patients have not been adequately studied.
Method
A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence, associated risk factors, and possible liver-related complications of NAFLD in Ethiopian HIV infected patients was conducted at the HIV clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specialized hospital from April 2020 to December 2020 G.C. A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit participants during their clinic visit. The final analysis included 110 patients, and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results
The study found a 21.8% prevalence of NAFLD using ultrasound examination. 66.7% of participants with disease duration of more than 10 years had NAFLD; 83.3% of patients with NAFLD had a baseline CD4 count of less than 200; and 58.3% of patients had a BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2. Liver fibrosis was detected in 5.4% patients using clinical the clinical scores, APRI and FIB-4. The study found significantly association between NAFLD and baseline CD4 count < 200 and BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 in HIV patients.
Conclusions
In comparison to earlier African research, the current study discovered a higher frequency of NAFLD in HIV patients from Ethiopia. Institutions and hospitals should provide better diagnostic techniques for the early diagnosis of steatosis and fibrosis in light of the worldwide rise in the prevalence of NAFLD.
Assessment of the impact of organic matter discharges from a nuclear power plant with a recirculating cooling water system
Authors: Kuznietsov Pavlo , Biedunkova Olha
Published: November 2023

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) use large amounts of water for cooling, recirculating cooling water systems (RCWS) take water and discharge it to the environment, and concentrate natural constituents and introduce chemicals used to maintain the chemistry of the NPP. Changes in organic matter (OM) content can be caused by natural processes as well as human activities, natural OM content shows seasonal patterns, high OM loads can lead to microbial blooms which further affect water quality. The subject of the research is OM discharges with return water from RCWS NPPs. The research was carried out using the example of the RCWS Rivne NPP and the water of the Styr River, from which the Rivne NPP uses water. The purpose of the research is to study OM discharges, environmental assessment of the impact on the surface water of the Styr River to water discharges of the Rivne NPP. The relevance of the research lies in the assessment of the non-radiative environmental impact of the NPP, with the establishment of a correlation between the OM content and the technological modes of operation of the Rivne NPP. The novelty of the research is the multicomponent evaluation of the OM content by various indicators of TOC, COD and BOD5 control and determination of the dynamics of their changes with the establishment of variability factors. The practical value of the study lies in the possibility of applying the methods to other power plants using RCWS.
Evolutionarily new genes in humans with disease phenotypes reveal functional enrichment patterns shaped by adaptive innovation and sexual selection.
Authors: chen jianhai
Published: November 2023

New genes (or young genes) are structural novelties pivotal in mammalian evolution. Their phenotypic impact on humans, however, remains elusive due to the technical and ethical complexities in functional studies. Through combining gene age dating with Mendelian disease phenotyping, our research reveals that new genes associated with disease phenotypes steadily integrate into the human genome at a rate of ~ 0.07% every million years over macroevolutionary timescales. Despite this stable pace, we observe distinct patterns in phenotypic enrichment, pleiotropy, and selective pressures between young and old genes. Notably, young genes show significant enrichment in the male reproductive system, indicating strong sexual selection. Young genes also exhibit functions in tissues and systems potentially linked to human phenotypic innovations, such as increased brain size, bipedal locomotion, and color vision. Our findings further reveal increasing levels of pleiotropy over evolutionary time, which accompanies stronger selective constraints. We propose a “pleiotropy-barrier” model that delineates different potentials for phenotypic innovation between young and older genes subject to natural selection. Our study demonstrates that evolutionary new genes are critical in influencing human reproductive evolution and adaptive phenotypic innovations driven by sexual and natural selection, with low pleiotropy as a selective advantage.
Dynamic time history analysis of RC frame structures considering damage in the non-principal axis direction
Authors: GAO Chongming , LI Zhenbao , LI Mushan , ZHANG Liang , MA Hua
Published: November 2023

To investigate the damage mechanism of RC frame structures in the non-principal axis direction under seismic loading, low cyclic loading tests were carried out on spatial beam-column joints loaded along the principal axis direction and non-principal axis direction, the finite element analysis and test failure characteristics are compared. The RC frame model was then developed and dynamic time analysis was carried out on the model to investigate the plastic strain, inter-story displacement angle, and base shear force of the frame in the principal axis and non-principal axis direction. The results show that: when seismic waves are input along the principal axis of the structure, plastic hinges are likely to appear at the beam ends, forming damage to the beam hinge mechanism; when seismic waves are input along the non-principal axis of the structure, damage to the column hinge mechanism is likely to form. Under the excitation of different seismic waves, the inter-story displacement angle of the structure in the principal axis and non-principal axis directions can increase by a maximum of 41.2% and the base shear force of the structure along the principal and non-principal axis directions can increase by a maximum of 45.1%. The above results can indicate that the overall deformation needs of the structure are greater when the seismic waves are input in the non-principal axis direction, when the seismic wave is input along the principal axis direction of the structure, the lateral stiffness of the structure is improved. The results of the paper can provide a reference for the seismic design of RC structures in the non-principal axis direction.
Mechanical properties of segmented utility tunnels with ground fissure dislocation
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Liu Xi , Huang Hua , Liu Ruiyang , Zeng Jie
Published: November 2023

Underground utility tunnels provide essential services to the urban population and solve the problem of the shortage of overground space. Although segmented utility tunnels suffer less force and bending moment, their response due to soil movement is more complex, especially when the tunnel crosses the ground fissure zone. This paper investigates segmented utility tunnels' deformation and stress response under different ground fissure dislocations through 3D finite element (FE) simulation. A segmented utility tunnel in Xingfu Forest Belt in Xi’an city, China, is employed as the research object. The simulation results show that, under the orthogonal condition (the utility tunnel orthogonally crosses the ground fissure), the main deformation area of the tunnel was within the range of 30-80m along the longitudinal direction (about 30m away from the ground fissure in the hanging wall and 20m in the footwall). The tunnel showed bending and shear characteristics. The main compression area of the tunnel was mainly concentrated within the hanging wall near the ground fissure, and the stress in the other area was low and generally not changed. Under the oblique condition (the utility tunnel obliquely crosses the ground fissure with an angle of 60°), the main deformation area of the tunnel was within the range of 45-80m along the longitudinal direction (about 15m away from the ground fissure in the hanging wall and 20m in the footwall), and the tunnel showed combined bending-shearing-torsion characteristics. The stress at the tunnel junction changed sharply when crossing the ground fissure. Concurrently, the left warehouse of the tunnel, which was larger than the right warehouse subjected to greater vertical stress. This study provides some reference for the structural design of the segmented utility tunnels when it crosses the ground fissures.
„Das ist doch etwas Totes“ – Funktionsverbgefüge in der digitalen Sprachkritik
Authors: Kabatnik Susanne
Published: November 2023

Funktionsverbgefüge stehen seit jeher in der Sprachkritik, die sich nun auch auf digitale Räume ausbreitet. Vertreten wird dort die These, Funktionsverbgefüge und ihre entsprechenden Basisverben seien äquivalent und könnten in allen Kontexten durch die verbalen Entsprechungen ersetzt werden. Dies kann durch die vorliegende korpusbasierte und textlinguistische Studie am Beispiel des Gefüges Frage stellen widerlegt werden. Anhand eines extensiven Datenmaterials aus den Wikipedia-Artikel-Korpora des IDS zeige ich die semantischen, grammatischen und textlinguistischen Unterschiede zwischen dem Basisverb und dem Funktionsverbgefüge im Gebrauch auf, die sich in der Anreicherung, Verdichtung, Perspektivierung, Gewichtung und Wiederaufnahme von Informationen im Text manifestieren.
With dreams in our hands: Towards transgressive knowledge-making cultures
Authors:   , Knowles Corinne Ruth
Published: November 2023

Knowledge-making in universities is not neutral and takes different forms. This thesis critically examines the politics of knowledge to propose and present a transgressive schema for knowledge-making that is co-created with students. It emerges from teaching and learning encounters in the Humanities Extended Studies (ES) Programme at Rhodes University, where for the past decade we have experimented with different ways of knowledge-making that run counter to conventional pedagogic practices. We set up a project for the thesis that allowed us to work with knowledge in ways that are Afrocentric, and that hold and nurture our dreams. The theory and methodology of the project are explained in the first academic paper for this PhD by publication. The project and its derivatives use an African Feminist framing, and centre the ontoepistemologies of African young people who find themselves alienated and marginalised by a western bias in university curricula. Former ES student volunteers came up with topics, responded to them, reviewed each other’s work, and co-wrote two academic papers that demonstrate a praxis of African Feminist research and pedagogic principles. Two further projects practise the principles that emerge from the primary project, and together they have tested knowledge-making cultures that inspire critical thinking and creative humanity. These are explained in two further academic papers. One is co-written with the copresenter of an online inter-continental short course for PhD students on African Feminist Research Methodology. The other is single authored, and introduces the third project, a Political and International Studies third-year course on African Feminist theory. The schema for knowledge-making uses the hand, which holds our dream, as a descriptive metaphor. Each of the five fingers of the hand represents an aspect of how we have collaborated on the projects and in lecture rooms, and what this has taught us about how to nurture and inspire the dreams of young African people through transgressive knowledgemaking cultures. The five aspects – framing, activating, seeing, creating, imagining – are mutually constitutive elements of knowledge-making that are introduced throughout the thesis, and explained in careful detail in the conclusion as a synthesis of the collaborations.
Kinematics design and statics analysis of novel 6-DOF passive vibration isolator with S-shaped legs based on Stewart platform
Authors: Hung Vu Minh , Pham Van Bach Ngoc , Nguyen Luong Thien , Bui Trung Thanh
Published: November 2023

Optical payloads are widely used in many fields, such as aerospace, drones, autonomous vehicles, or other highly precise instrumentation. Vibration is one of the causes that greatly affect the quality of data of highly precise optical payloads. Recently, many researcher focuses on isolating the vibration for the precise equipment, those study just only mention the overcoming of vibration in one or two directions, but in reality, an object will exist vibration in six directions in space. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new mechanism that can isolate vibration in six axes in space. The parallel mechanism is considered a viable system because of its strengths in accuracy, rigidity, and stability. In this research, the author proposes a novel 6-DOF passive vibration isolator based on the Steward platform with S-shaped legs. We have developed a 6-DOF passive vibration isolator using the S-shaped non-linear stiffness and damping characteristics. In this study, the model parameters of a vibration isolator device with legs using an S-shaped will be proposed. Based on geometrical parameters and vibration sources and some loads assuming the structure's durability problem will be calculated and evaluated the efficiency of the isolator at different frequencies. With the specially designed S-shaped it can be deformity like a spring, and with the change of structural and material parameters, we can adjust the system's stiffness and damping capacity. Due to the high static stiffness and low dynamic stiffness of each leg, and thus it is designable to isolate very well vibration isolation performance in all six directions. This research is organized as firstly the kinematics and 3D model are introduced. Secondly, the stiffness matrix of the novel 6-DOF passive vibration isolators is presented. Statics analysis of the 6-DOF passive vibration isolators revealed that the S-shaped structure provides sufficient load-carrying capacity and isolation due to its very good static nonlinear stiffness. The dynamic stiffness of the isolator in this study in each direction is very low but does not reduce the load-carrying capacity of the structure. By changing the structure and material parameters (which is very simple in a purely passive manner), we can completely adjust both the dynamic and static stiffness of the mechanism. The last series of numerical simulation results on displacement and a statics response in random excitation is carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed 6-DOF passive vibration isolator, as well as the influence of structural parameters on vibration attenuation performance. The simulation results with the different exciting are shown to demonstrate the efficiency of the 6-DOF passive vibration isolators. Considering its simulation results A proposed new 6-DOF isolator will be applied in various engineering practices with multi-degree of freedom vibration isolation such as for precise optical payloads.
Influence of Abiotic Stress on Molecular Responses of Flowering in Rice
Authors: Kumari Chanchal , Yadav Shobhna , Vemanna Ramu S.
Published: November 2023

Rice is a short-day plant, and its heading date (Hd)/flowering time is one of
the important agronomic traits for realizing the maximum yield with high nutrition.
Theoretically, flowering initiates with the transition from the vegetative stage to shoot
apical meristems (SAMs), and it is regulated by endogenous and environmental signals.
Under favorable environmental conditions, flowering is triggered with the synthesis of
mobile signal florigen in leaves and then translocated to the shoot for activation of cell
differentiation-associated genes. In rice, the genetic pathway of flowering comprises
OsGI–Hd1–Hd3a, which is an ortholog of the Arabidopsis GI–CO–FT pathway, and
the Ehd1-Hd3a pathway. Climate change could affect photoperiod and temperature,
which in turn influences heading date and crop yield. In low temperatures and long-day
conditions, the expression of the HD3a gene analogous to FT in Arabidopsis deceased,
which delays flowering. Similarly, during drought, expression of the Ehd1 gene is
suppressed, resulting in a late-flowering phenotype in rice. Drought affects pollen
fertility and reduction in grain yield by reducing male fertility, which affects male
meiosis during reproduction, microspore development, and anther dehiscence. In this
research field, substantial progress has been made to manipulate flowering-related
genes to combat abiotic stresses. Here, we summarize the roles of a few genes in
improving the flowering traits of rice.
Molecular Studies and Metabolic Engineering of Phytohormones for Abiotic Stress Tolerance
Authors: Tiwari Sekhar , Rajwanshi Ravi
Published: November 2023

Agricultural productivity across the world is affected by varied abiotic
stresses, which require the development of crops tolerant to unfavorable conditions
without considerable yield loss. In recent times, considerable importance has been
given to phytohormones because of their versatile functions in plant responses to
environmental constraints and for their role in the regulation and coordination of the
growth and development of plants. Research on phytohormones has shed light on the
role of classical and new members of phytohormones in alleviating the harmful effects
of abiotic stresses on crop plants, so understanding phytohormone metabolism and its
engineering could be a potent and novel approach for developing climate-resilient
crops. The present chapter presents a short description of classical and new members of
phytohormones and their role in alleviating varied abiotic stresses. Furthermore,
molecular and genetic engineering efforts undertaken for the development of crops
tolerant to abiotic stresses are also presented along with research gaps and challenges
for the utilization of phytohormones for the development of abiotic stress-tolerant
plants.
Impact of Heat Coupled with Drought Stress on Plants
Authors: Swapna Battana , Kameswaran Srinivasan , Ramakrishna Mandala , Chandrasekhar Thummala
Published: November 2023

Various stages of plant growth and development could greatly be affected by
abiotic stresses. Among them, two significant abiotic stressors, including drought and
heat, hinder crops’ vegetative or reproductive growth stages, which in turn affect
sustainable agriculture worldwide. The incidence of drought coupled with heat stress is
increasing mainly due to global climate change. It was proved that the effect of drought
coupled with heat stress is additive when compared to individual stresses. This chapter
focuses on the influence of common dual-stress heat coupled with drought stress on
plants. A critical understanding of how different plants respond to heat coupled with
drought stress would pave the way to developing suitable agronomic management
practices for better crop genotypes with improved productivity.