bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine megavertebrate migrations connect the global oceans
Authors: Bentley Lily , Nisthar Dina , Fujioka Ei , Curtice Corrie , Deland Sarah , Donnelly Ben , Harrison Autumn-Lynn , Heywood Ellie , Kot Connie , Crespo Guillermo Ortuño , Poulin Sarah , Halpin Patrick , Dunn Daniel
Published: June 2024

Animal migrations are extensive, ubiquitous, and in decline. To effectively protect migratory species, it is often crucial to identify the interconnected sets of sites they rely upon. Gaps between primary ecological research and synthesized information that is useful to policymakers has limited effective conservation of long-distance migrants, particularly in the marine realm. By synthesizing 1304 references to identify 1787 important sites and develop model migratory networks for 109 species, we show the minimum extent of marine megafauna connectivity across the global oceans. Our analyses underscore the importance of transboundary cooperation for migratory species conservation at scales larger than current regional structures afford and provide a free online system that will enable policymakers to efficiently summarize how marine migrants use and connect their jurisdictions.
Effect of pharmacogenomics - oriented Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Followed by P2Y12 receptor inhibitors/Aspirin on Cardiovascular and Bleeding Events in ACS Patients: A Trial Protocol
Authors: Peng Hui , Ji Longyu , Lai Hongmei , Tao Jing , Li Guoqing , Gao Jiong , Wang Zhao , Yao Juan , Guo Zitong , Xi’er Zulipiye , Zhao Peng , Shen Xin , Gu Peipei , Li Jie , Yang Yining
Published: June 2024

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) combined of aspirin and P2Y12 receptor inhibitors is the mainstay of treatment after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but there are some problems remained to be explored, such as the duration of DAPT and choice of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. This protocol is to evaluate the clinical benefit of pharmacogenomics (PGx)-based strategy of DAPT for ACS patients through a real-world study. A total of 6037 ACS patients are expected to be included in the study, with 3185 patients assigned to the PGx group and 3185 patients to the standard treatment group. The primary endpoint is major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary endpoint is main efficacy indicators and composite outcome of stent thrombosis. The safety endpoint is major bleeding (BARC 2, 3, 4, 5) and fatal bleeding. We expect lower incidence of MACE and bleeding events in patients with genotype-guided treatment, compared to treatment as usual. Consequently, this protocol is expected to identify a genotype-based strategy of precise medication of antiplatelet therapy.
Comparative analyses uncover a link between mRNA splicing, stability, and RNA covalent modifications in flowering plants
Authors: Palos Kyle , Dittrich Anna C. Nelson , Lyons Eric H. , Gregory Brian D. , Nelson Andrew D. L.
Published: June 2024

Background
In recent years, covalent modifications on RNA nucleotides have emerged as pivotal moieties influencing the structure, function, and regulatory processes of RNA Polymerase II transcripts such as mRNAs and lncRNAs. However, our understanding of their biological roles and whether these roles are conserved across eukaryotes remains limited.
Results
In this study, we leveraged standard RNA-sequencing data to identify and characterize RNA modifications that introduce base-pairing errors into cDNA reads. Our investigation incorporated data from three Poaceae (Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor, and Setaria italica), as well as publicly available data from a range of stress and genetic contexts in Sorghum and Arabidopsis thaliana. We uncovered a strong enrichment of RNA covalent modifications (RCMs) deposited on a conserved core set of nuclear RNAs involved in photosynthesis and translation across these species. However, the cohort of modified transcripts changed based on environmental context and developmental program, a pattern that was also conserved across flowering plants. We determined that RCMs can partly explain accession-level differences in drought tolerance in Sorghum, with stress-associated genes receiving a higher level of RCMs in a drought tolerant accession. To address function, we determined that RCMs are significantly enriched near exon junctions within coding regions, suggesting an association with splicing. Intriguingly, we found that these base-pair disrupting RCMs are associated with stable mRNAs, are highly correlated with protein abundance, and thus likely associated with facilitating translation.
Conclusions
Our data point to a conserved role for RCMs in mRNA stability and translation across the flowering plant lineage.
Effects of Mesenteric Artery Ligation Level on Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Multi-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Chentong , Zhou Jiaolin , An Yang , Lin Guole , Jia Whenzhuo , Wu Aiwen , Han Jiagang , Liu Qian , Yao Hongwei , Li Ganbin
Published: June 2024

Background and purpose
For patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), there is currently limited research on the optimal level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation during surgery. We carried out a retrospective cohort study to analyze the impact of IMA ligation level on surgical outcomes and long-term patient prognosis.
Methods
The data originated from a multicenter randomized controlled trial conducted across six tertiary referral hospitals in Beijing, involving LARC patients undergoing nCRT followed by radical surgery. Patients were divided into high (HL) and low ligation (LL) groups based on the ligation level of IMA. Evaluation parameters included surgical outcomes, complications, long-term survival, and quality of life questionnaires.
Results
From August 2017 to April 2022, a total of 337 patients were included in the analysis. The number of lymph nodes retrieved was higher in the LL group compared to the HL group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and other factors.
Conclusion
For LARC patients undergoing nCRT, the level of IMA ligation during radical surgery does not significantly impact complications or long-term prognosis. The selection of ligation pattern should be based on a comprehensive assessment of factors including metastatic risk, vascular anatomy, comorbidity (such as atherosclerosis), and surgical skills of the surgeons.
Early Disaster Detection System Based on GPON
Authors: M Devika , S Supriya S , Soumitra R D , Zacharias Joseph
Published: June 2024

Disaster management and response have advanced
significantly with the creation of a novel early disaster detection
system that makes use of a Gigabit Passive Optical Network
(GPON). To enable real-time monitoring and quick information
distribution in the case of impending disasters, this system makes
use of the high bandwidth and wide coverage of GPONs. The
system is intended to identify early indicators of environmental
changes that may precede natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or fires by integrating sensors and sophisticated analytics
throughout the optical network. The network’s sensors gather a
variety of environmental data, which are subsequently processed
by advanced algorithms to forecast and identify anomalies
signifying impending threats. By giving authorities and the public
timely warnings, the GPON’s real-time data processing and high-speed communication capabilities enable prompt and effective
coordination of emergency response activities, potentially saving
lives and minimizing damage. This system is an affordable
option that can be put into practice in a variety of urban and
geographic contexts because it shows how to strategically use the
current telecommunications infrastructure to improve disaster
preparedness and response efforts.
Efficacy study of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with decompression of lacrimal sac
Authors: Li Sha , Zhang Yong , Li Xudong , Zhang Jiang
Published: June 2024

Objective
Study and analyze the clinical effect of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy with decompression of lacrimal sac.
Methods
Prospective randomized controlled trail. 269 patients (302 eyes) with chronic dacryocystitis were diagnosed in Aier eye hospital of Wuhan university from February 2018 to September 2023, and all patients were underwent endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. According to the principle of double-blind random sampling, they were divided into two groups before surgery. Group A was treated with decompression of lacrimal sac during the operation, while the lacrimal sac decompression was not performed during operation in group B. Regular follow-up to 6mo postoperative was carried out to count the postoperative efficacy of two groups of patients.
Results
Five patients (6 eyes) lost to follow-up were removed, a total of 264 patients (296 eyes) were included in the comparative analysis in this study. 136 cases (151 eyes) in the group A were included in the comparative analysis, the cure rate was 82.78%, the improvement rate was 13.25%, the effective rate was 96.03%, and the inefficiency was 3.97%. While in group B, the cure rate of 128 cases (145 eyes) was 62.76%, the improvement rate was 26.90%, the effective rate was 89.66%, and the ineffective rate was 10.34%. The difference in efficacy between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 15.147, P = 0.000).
Conclusion
Dacryocyst decompression performed during endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy can improve the efficacy of surgery and reduce the occurrence of complications.
Altered kinematics and coordination patterns of adjacent joints after anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Wu Danni , Hu Mengling , Li Zhuman , Deng Qian , Zhang Ling , Luo Ye , Li Jian , Wang Shaobai
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries typically demonstrate abnormal motion in multiple planes of the joints. The objective of this study is to investigate the kinematic properties of the knee and ankle joints in patients who have suffered ACL injuries. The alterations in knee-ankle coordination patterns after ACL injury will alsobe evaluated.
Methods
Thirty participants diagnosed with unilateral complete ACL rupture through MRI were included in the study. An optical tracking device was used to measure each joint's kinematics during treadmill gait. Kinematic parameters and joint ranges of motion of participants' knees and ankles were compared. The mean absolute relative phase (MARP) and deviation phase (DP) were further calculated for comparison.
Results
(1) Knee kinematics: The flexion, external rotation , abductionand lateral translation of the ACL injured knee joint increased during the stance phase. The abduction increased during the swing phase, while the anterior translation and proximal translation decreased. (2) Ankle kinematics: The ankle joints of patients with ACL injuries showed increased external rotation during the stance phase and increased plantarflexion and external rotation during the swing phase. (3) The MARP and DP of ACL-injured patients decreased during the stance phase and increased in the swing phase.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that ACL injury may alter ankle kinematics in addition to knee kinematics. This leads to adaptive alterations in knee-ankle coordination as well as coordination variability.
Dynamic Object Recognition and Robot Grasping using CNN-BiLSTM with integration of Double-DQN
Authors: Soumyashree Soumyashree , Singh Gurmeet , Gill Harjot Singh
Published: June 2024

This study introduces a novel object recognition algorithm employing the CNN-BiLSTM technique. Through the integration of advanced sensory technologies and deep reinforcement learning approaches, the proposed system dynamically adjusts its detection parameters to accommodate diverse object geometries, sizes, and surface properties. The approach entails training a neural network agent to discern, from an image window, which objects within a predetermined region warrant focused attention. To effectively handle high-dimensional and time-series data, a Double DQN framework is utilized. The proposed approach amalgamates object recognition algorithms with sophisticated reinforcement learning techniques, notably Double DQN, enabling robots to dynamically perceive and grasp items in varied environments. The outcomes were obtained by conducting comparative research to evaluate the effectiveness of current approaches in comparison to the proposed method. The Q-network is trained to execute two distinct motions, namely "twist" and "push," with the intended motion provided as an assigned parameter (+1 for "push" and-1 for "twist"). Moreover, the network can generate intermediate movements between the learned motions when the task parameter falls between-1 and +1. The findings reveal notable enhancements in grasping success rates and adaptability across diverse item sizes, shapes, and conditions. Notably, the study reports a significant increase in the task completion rate for grasping, achieving a success rate of 90%.
TNF-α and RPLP0 driving apoptosis of endothelial cells as the shared molecular mechanism of high altitude pulmonary edema in sojourners and natives: bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Ge Yi-Ling , Li Pei-Jie , Bu Ying-Rui , Zhang Bin , Xu Jin , He Si-Yuan , Cao Qing-Lin , Bai Yun-Gang , Ma Jin , Zhang Lin , Liu Yong , Xie Man-Jiang
Published: June 2024

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a fatal threat for those sojourners who ascend rapidly without sufficient acclimatization. High altitude natives are insusceptible to HAPE resulting from evolved genetic specializations of adaption. In this study, based on GSE52209, the gene expression profile of HAPE patients was compared with acclimatized sojourners and adapted natives, with the common and divergent differential expressed genes (DEGs) and their hub genes being identified, respectively. Bioinformatic methodologies of functional enrichment analysis, immune infiltration, diagnostic model constructing, ceRNAs and drugs predicting, were performed to detect the potential biological functions and molecular mechanisms. Next, an array of in-vivo experiments in HAPE rat model and in-vitro experiments in HUVECs were conducted to verify the results of bioinformatic analysis. Enriched pathways of DEGs and immune landscapes for HAPE exhibited significant differences between sojourners and natives, and the common DEGs were mainly enriched in the pathways of development and immunity. Nomograms found the upregulation of TNF-α and downregulation of RPLP0 exhibited high diagnostic efficiency for HAPE both in sojourners and natives, which was furtherly validated in the HAPE rat model. Treatment of TNF-α and knock-down of RPLP0 activated apoptosis signaling in endothelial cells (ECs) and enhanced endothelial permeability. Conclusively, TNF-α and RPLP0 are identified as the shared biomarkers and molecular basis for HAPE during the acclimatization/adaption/maladaptation processes in sojourners and natives, which inspire new ideas for the prediction and treatment of HAPE.
CFIR Model for Exploring the Role of Co-creation in the Implementation of Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) in Kenya
Authors: Anindo Michael , Waiganjo Peter , Orwa Daniel , Kagiri Michael , Ireri Salome , Adoyo Maureen , Wanjiru Rachael , Kirui Joan , Pundo Raphael , Kimani Maureen
Published: June 2024

The successful implementation of an Electronic Community Health Information System (eCHIS) in Kenya is pivotal for enhancing healthcare delivery. This study explores the role of co-creation in the implementation of eCHIS, focusing on achieving adaptability, interoperability, and standardization. We employed semi-structured interviews with key informants, including policymakers, implementing partners, and end users. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) guided our thematic analysis. Key findings indicate that co-creation facilitated consensus and synergy among stakeholders. The construct of adaptability was highlighted through the customization of eCHIS to meet diverse needs, as reflected in the stakeholders' emphasis on real-time data access and policy-driven evidence. Interoperability was achieved through collaborative efforts to integrate eCHIS with existing health systems, supported by unified standards and protocols. Standardization efforts were underscored by the establishment of uniform data collection and reporting practices across all counties. Stakeholders perceived strong political support and leadership as critical to overcoming implementation challenges. Effective collaboration, continuous training, and capacity building were identified as essential for sustaining the system. The study also revealed that end users, including community health assistants and promoters, felt confident in their ability to utilize eCHIS, attributing this to comprehensive training and support structures. The co-creation approach significantly contributed to the successful implementation of eCHIS in Kenya by fostering adaptability, interoperability, and standardization. These findings underscore the importance of collaborative frameworks in health information system deployments, aligning with broader literature on co-creation and health systems strengthening.
Food consumption patterns and cardiovascular risk among shift workers: A NOVA-based approach
Authors: Silva Andressa Santana Serra , Ribeiro Silvana Mara Luz Turbino , de Freitas Sílvia Nascimento , Pimenta Fausto Aloisio Pedrosa , Machado-Coelho George Luiz Lins , de Oliveira Fernando Luiz Pereira , Neto Raimundo Marques do Nascimento , de Menezes-Júnior Luiz Antônio Alves
Published: June 2024

Objective: To evaluate the association between food consumption, by extent and purpose of processing, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among rotating shift workers.
Methods: The cross-sectional study included 213 male shift workers. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour recall method conducted by trained interviewers. Food items were classified using two approaches: the first was based on the quantity consumed from each food group. Fruits and vegetables (FV) intake, is classified as recommended at 400g per day by WHO guidelines. Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) were analyzed based on tertiles of daily caloric contribution. The second approach, the NOVA dietary diversity score (DDS-NOVA) assessed the variety of consumed items within each food group, assigning points for each unique item consumed, irrespective of quantity or frequency. The CVD risk was evaluated using the Framingham coronary heart disease risk score (FCRS), categorizing participants as low risk (<5%) or intermediate to high risk (>5%). Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression were used.
Results: CVD-risk was classified as high in 43.7%. In the multivariate model, the recommended consumption of FV was associated with a lower chance of high CVD-risk (OR:0.47;95%CI:0.23-0.98), and there was no association between the amount of UPF consumption and CVD-risk. In terms of variety, fresh-food consumption was associated with a lower chance of high CVD-risk (OR:0.67;95%CI:0.23-0.98), and UPF consumption was associated with higher CVD-risk (OR:1.30;95%CI:1.12-1.87).
Conclusion: Consumption of both variety and quantity of fresh-foods was associated with a lower chance of CVD-risk, while a variety of consumption of UPF items increased this chance.
Closing the internal opening with a rectal advancement flap increases the efficacy of mesenchymal stem-cell injection for complex Crohn's disease anal fistulas
Authors: Fathallah Nadia , Haouari Mohamed Amine , Alam Amine , Barré Amélie , Roland Déborah , Spindler Lucas , Far Eric Saf , de Parades Vincent
Published: June 2024

Background
The efficacy of injections of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for anal fistula treatment may be impaired by the persistence of stools passing into the fistula, causing bacterial contamination and a local inflammatory reaction. We aimed to compare remission rates between patients treated by MSC injection with simple sutures and those treated with a rectal advancement flap.
Methods
This single-center prospective study compared the first patients who underwent internal opening closure with sutures, with the subsequent patients treated with a flap. Complete clinical remission was defined as complete closure of the external opening(s) without pain or discharge, and complete radiological remission was defined as a Magnifi-CD score of 0.
Results
We compared the first 42 patients who had sutures with the 20 subsequent patients who had an advancement flap. The median follow-up was 15.5 months [8.8–24.9 months]. The cumulative incidence of complete clinical response at M12 was 53.8% [38.1–69.6%] in the suture group versus 93.3% [77.4–100.0] in the flap group (p < 0.001). The Magnifi-CD score was 0 for 72.7% [39.0%-63.9%]) of patients treated with a flap versus 41.7% [25.5%-59.2%]) of patients treated with sutures (p = 0.093). Anal incontinence score did not differ between the 2 groups. Practicing an advancement flap was the only significant factor associated with complete clinical remission over time (adjusted HR [95% CI] of 2.6 [1.4–4.9], p = 0.003).
Conclusions
Complete clinical remission rates following MSC injection are significantly higher for the closure of the internal opening with a rectal flap than for closure with sutures, with no consequences for anal continence.
Seasonal Prevalence and Risk Factors of canine Leishmania Infection in Beijing, China
Authors: Chen Yujuan , Tang Han , Yu Yonglan
Published: June 2024

Background
Leishmaniasis, a severe zoonotic disease where dogs act as the main reservoir for Leishmania infantum (L. infantum), poses a significant public health threat. Despite recent cases in Beijing, China, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in this region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CanL in Beijing and identify associated risk factors.
Methods
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti-L. infantum antibodies, and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to identify Leishmania DNA. The study included 737 dogs: 575 were tested with both ELISA using serum samples and qPCR using whole blood samples, while the remaining 162 were tested only with qPCR. Variables related to the dogs were collected and evaluated through univariate analysis (the Chi-square test) and multivariate logistical regression analysis. For dogs that tested positive on ELISA or qPCR and exhibited suspicious clinical symptoms, we collected lymph node punctures and skin scrape material to reconfirm Leishmania infection by qPCR.
Results
ELISA and qPCR prevalence rates were 4.87% (28/575) and 3.26% (24/737), respectively, with all qPCR-positive samples confirmed as L. infantum by PCR amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene. QPCR and ELISA demonstrated strong consistency (P = 0.00) in detecting Leishmania among the 575 dogs subjected to both tests. Multivariate analysis revealed a higher prevalence of CanL during springtime in Beijing (ELISA: OR = 9.31, 95% CI = 2.75–31.47; qPCR: OR = 7.22, 95% CI = 2.49–20.94), and among younger dogs (0-2Y) (ELISA: OR = 5.49, 95% CI = 1.70–17.80; qPCR: OR = 4.51, 95% CI = 1.25–16.24). Univariate analysis identified suburban areas (P = 0.02) and medium to large-sized dogs (P = 0.00) as secondary risk factors. Among the dogs that tested positive on ELISA or qPCR, 16 were subsequently confirmed to have CanL through qPCR test of lymph node aspirates and skin scrapings. The majority of these cases were found in suburban areas (68.75%), with 43.75% detected during springtime. Additionally, 50% of the cases involved medium-sized dogs.
Conclusion
Seroprevalence and molecular prevalence of CanL in Beijing was 4.87% and 3.26% respectively, with a higher prevalence observed in spring and among younger dogs (0-2Y), emphasizing the importance of comprehensive studies to address public health threats.
Elucidation of the mechanism of c-Myc expression in invasive ductal breast cancer using fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Takishita Mariko Nagai , Koike Junki , Saito Kanna , Ito Kazuki , Yamada Miyako , Sugiyama Runa , Arihara Taku , Sakamaki Kaori , Kakimoto Sayoko , Kitajima Mina , Tazo Mizuho , Nakano Mari Hara , Kuroda Takako , Motoyoshi Ai , Nishikawa Toru , Kawamoto Hisanori , Fukuda Mamoru , Tsugawa Koichiro
Published: June 2024

Certain breast cancer treatments are ineffective and develop drug resistance in some cases. In various cancers, the c-Myc protein plays a critical role in cell proliferation regulation and cell cycle control, promoting carcinogenesis and treatment resistance. High c-Myc protein expression is in 30–50% of high-grade breast tumors. This study focused on examining the relationship between c-Myc protein expression and c-myc gene amplification in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) compared with other invasive ductal carcinomas. We performed c-Myc immunohistochemistry and c-myc fluorescence in situ hybridization on 108 invasive ductal carcinoma cases, which had not received preoperative treatment and were resected between January 2019 and December 2021. The proportion of TNBC increased in the group with high c-Myc expression within invasive ductal carcinoma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization divided cases with high c-Myc protein expression into those with and without c-myc gene amplification, suggesting that c-Myc protein expression in breast cancer is induced by c-myc gene amplification. Additionally, cases of high c-Myc protein expression might result from tumor cell polyploidization and epigenomic factors. Given that c-Myc protein is associated with breast cancer malignancy and treatment resistance, determining gene amplification presence or absence can be crucial in developing breast cancer prognostic and treatment strategies.
Continuous-variable Quantum Boltzmann Machine
Authors: Bangar Shikha , Sunny Leanto , Yeter-Aydeniz Kubra , Siopsis George
Published: June 2024

We propose a continuous-variable quantum Boltzmann machine (CVQBM) using a powerful energy-based neural network. It can be realized experimentally on a continuous-variable (CV) photonic quantum computer. We used a CV quantum imaginary time evolution (QITE) algorithm to prepare the essential thermal state and then designed the CVQBM to proficiently generate continuous probability distributions. We applied our method to both classical and quantum data. Using real-world classical data, such as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images, we generated probability distributions. For quantum data, we used the output of CV quantum circuits. We obtained high fidelity and low Kuller-Leibler (KL) divergence showing that our CVQBM learns distributions from given data well and generates data sampling from that distribution efficiently. We also discussed the experimental feasibility of our proposed CVQBM. Our method can be applied to a wide range of real-world problems by choosing an appropriate target distribution (corresponding to, e.g., SAR images, medical images, and risk management in finance). Moreover, our CVQBM is versatile and could be programmed to perform tasks beyond generation, such as anomaly detection.
Bilateral exudative retinal detachment with subretinal light-chain protein in a patient with multiple myeloma
Authors: Gruben Arved Rikus , Ehlken Christoph , Roider Johann
Published: June 2024

Background: Exudative retinal detachment in patients with multiple myeloma is exceedingly rare. Only two Cases are known to us. We successfully identified light-chain proteins in subretinal fluid, allowing for a more precise understanding of the pathogenesis of this complication.
Case presentation: A 68-year-old patient presented with bilateral exudative retinal detachment. The visual impairment was reported one day after stem cell mobilization by granulocyte-conlony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and the additional administration of Plerixafor. The symptoms began during stem cell apheresis. The patient underwent surgical treatment for both eyes through vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade. Light-chain proteins were detected in the collected subretinal fluid through electrophoresis in one eye.
Conclusions: We successfully identified light-chain proteins in subretinal fluid, allowing for a more precise understanding of the pathogenesis of this complication. The pathomechanism likely involves damage to the outer blood-retina barrier due to the deposition of light-chain proteins. Whether mobilization of bone marrow cells with Plerixafor led to a breakdown of the outer blood-retina barrier in these patients is a topic for discussion and has to be considered in the use of Plerixafor.
Evaluation of the efficacy of a brief mindfulness-based intervention on state-rumination and stress response of medical students following an exam: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Guillaumée Théodore , Lutz Antoine , Duclos Antoine , Rimmelé Thomas , Barret Noémie , Berland Alexandre , Rode Gilles , Lilot Marc , Schlatter Sophie
Published: June 2024

Background:
To prevent the medical students from a deleterious psychophysiological activation, it is necessary to provide them a large variety of stress management techniques. The primary aim was to assess the efficacy of a short Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI) to reduce state-rumination following an exam (Objective Structured Clinical Examination: OSCE). The second aims were to assess the efficacy of the short MBI to reduce stress-response and to identify the determinants of state-rumination.
Methods:
Students were randomly allocated to two parallel groups: 6-minute MBI or 6-minute control video. Levels of state-rumination (Brief State-Rumination Inventory) and stress-response (psychological and physiological markers) were assessed. Feelings during the video were reported. OSCE performance, gender, sleep quality, and sport practice were assessed. Participants were blinded to the group assignment, but the administrators and outcome assessors were not. NCT05390879.
Results:
Four hundred eighty-two students participated (n = 239 in MBI and n = 243 in Control). Rumination did not differ between the groups (∆BSRIMBI -5 ± 12, ∆BSRIControl -5 ± 13, ∆BSRI t-test − 0.38 95% CI [-2.61:1.86], p = 0.740). The same applies to psychological stress (all p < 0.05). However, MBI students presented a lower physiological stress and reported more positive feelings during the video (all p < 0.05). Poor exam performance, female gender, poor sleep quality, and no sport practice were positively associated with state-rumination (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
MBI following an OSCE led to positive feelings and reduced physiological stress but neither psychological stress nor state-rumination. Performance, gender, sleep quality, and sport practice are determinants of state-rumination. This study offers insights that can inform the future development of specific interventions to reduce rumination in medical students.
A Volume Rendering Visualization Method Oriented to Explosion Field Features
Authors: Ning Jianguo , Zhao Haitao , Xu Xiangzhao
Published: June 2024

To observe the deformation and the failure process of solid objects in explosion and impact simulations, the clarity and accuracy of simulation image representations should be ensured. However, in the results of three-dimensional (3D) explosion field rendering, surface confusion and blurred images of the microstructure often lead to misunderstandings of the simulation results. In this work, based on the ray casting method and the Blinn-Phong lighting model, a volume rendering method is proposed that can adapt to the characteristics of step changes in the explosion field data and satisfies the requirements of observing the microstructure. The Blinn-Phong lighting model is applied to the light and shade calculation of the resampling point, and the gradient of the resampling point is obtained via interpolation calculations; then, it is normalized to obtain the normal vector. When calculating the material color of the resampling point, the transfer function calculation is performed first; then, the interpolation calculation is performed. Finally, the opacity of the resampling point and the associated material color are substituted into the ray casting synthesis formula.In addition, several groups of examples of visual effects are analyzed from the subjective point of view of human visual effects and the objective points of view of image entropy, the meangradient, image mean and standard deviation. The results show that the new method addresses the problem of interface color confusion, improves the accuracy of microstructure rendering in solid media, increases the spatial sense of visual images, and satisfies the visualization requirements for explosion products and shock waves. At the same time, this approach effectively shortens the time for volume rendering of the explosion field.
Evaluation of Left Heart Function in Heart Failure Patients with different types of Ejection Fraction using Transthoracic Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Heart-Model
Authors: Li Shen-Yi , Zhang Yi , Long Qing-Qing , Chen Ming-Juan , Wang Si-Yu
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Heart failure (HF) can be classified into three types based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The newly developed transthoracic three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography-Heart-Model (HM) can be used to quickly analyze the volume and function of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV). This study aimed to evaluate the value of HM in HF patients.
Methods
117 patients with HF were included. Participants were divided into three groups: HFpEF (EF ≥ 50%), HFmrEF (EF = 41–49%), and HFrEF (EF ≤ 40%). HM was used to analyze the 3D cardiac functional parameters. LVEF was also obtained using the biplane Simpson’s method. NT-proBNP concentrations were measured.
Results
There were significant differences in age, female proportion, body mass index, and comorbidities among the three groups. The 3D volumetric parameters of the LA and LV increased while the LVEF decreased from HFpEF to HFmrEF, then to HFrEF. The LV E/e' in HFrEF patients was significantly higher than that of HFpEF patients. The time required to measure LVEF using HM was significantly shorter than using the conventional biplane Simpson’s method. The increases in NT-proBNP concentrations followed a pattern: HFrEF > HFmrEF > HFpEF. The concentration of NT-proBNP was positively correlated with LV volumes, and negatively correlated with LVEF using both HM and the biplane Simpson's method.
Conclusions
LA and LV volumes increase and the derived LV systolic function decrease with the severity of HF types determined by HM. The functional parameters measured with HM are associated with laboratory indicators. HM is feasible for routine clinical application.
The chronic toxicity and intergenerational effects of environmental concentration of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’- phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) alone and the mixture of 6PPD and Zn 2+ to Daphnia magna (Cladocera)
Authors: Yang Liu , Liu Kexin , Shi Lina , Chen Ming , Liu Junyan , Dai Shiniu , Xi Yilong , Wen Xinli L.
Published: June 2024

N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) and Zn2+ extensively used in the manufacturing process of tires, can be frequently detected in freshwater. However, the chronic toxicity of environmental 6PPD concentrations remains uncertain, and the intergenerational effects of single treatment of 6PPD and joint exposure of 6PPD and Zn2+ at environmental level are still unknown. In this study, the chronic toxicity and intergenerational effects of environmental concentrations of 6PPD (0.02-20 µg/L) and the mixture of 6PPD and Zn2+ (5 µg/L) were conducted based on three-generation bioassays using Daphnia magna. In F0, 6PPD produced a hormesis effect on reproduction of D. magna, and a dose-response relationship was observed for the total number of offspring. In the presence of Zn2+, the reproduction toxicity of 6PPD was exacerbated. Across three generations, the degenerative maternal effect was concurrently observed in the 0.02 µg/L 6PPD alone and the combined treatment of 0.02 µg/L 6PPD and Zn2+, but the adaptive maternal effect was simultaneously shown in the single and the joint exposures with 20 µg/L 6PPD. However, the grandmaternal effect only occurred in the co-exposure treatment with 20 µg/L 6PPD, suggesting that Zn2+ could be capable to stimulate the potential toxicity of 6PPD. Our study would provide the first insight into the intergenerational effects of 6PPD alone and the mixture of 6PPD and heavy metal at environmentally relevant concentrations, and could be conducive to understand the environmental risk of tire-derived chemicals due to the synergistic effect of 6PPD and Zn2+ and the delayed toxicity effect across generations.
The role of postoperative blood pressure management in early postoperative hemorrhage in awake craniotomy glioma patients
Authors: Demetz Matthias , Krigers Aleksandrs , Uribe-Pacheco Rodrigo , Pinggera Daniel , Klingenschmid Julia , Thomé Claudius , Freyschlag Christian F. , Kerschbaumer Johannes
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
Postoperative hemorrhage can severely affect the patients’ neurological outcome after awake craniotomy. Higher postoperative blood pressure can increase the risk of postoperative hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of postoperative blood pressure and other common radiological and epidemiological features with the incidence of postoperative hemorrhage.
Material & methods:
In this retrospective analysis, we included patients who underwent awake surgery at our institution. We assessed the blood pressure both intra- and postoperatively as well as the heart rate for the first 12 hours. We compared a cohort with postoperative hemorrhage, who required further treatment (surgical revision or intravenous antihypertensive therapy), with a cohort with no postoperative hemorrhage.
Results:
We included 48 patients with a median age of 39 years. 9 patients (19%) required further treatment due to postoperative hemorrhage, which was surgery in 2 cases and intensive blood pressure measurements in 7 cases. However, with early treatment, no significant difference in Performance scores at follow-up could be found.
Patients with postoperative hemorrhage showed significantly higher postoperative systolic blood pressure during the hours 3-12 (p<0.05) as well as intraoperatively throughout the procedure (p<0.05).
In ROC and Youden Test, a strong impact of systolic blood pressure over 140mmHg during the early postoperative course could be shown.
Discussion:
Postoperative hemorrhage is a rare but possible complication in awake surgery glioma patients. To avoid postoperative hemorrhage, treating physicians should aim strictly on systolic blood pressure of under 140mmHg for the postoperative course.
Utilizing Vortex pulse and suitable focus distance to improve the stability of laser-induced breakdown spectral (LIBS)
Authors: Gao Jian , Chen Yang , Yang Jiaxing , Sun ShaoHua , Hu Bitao , Liu ZuoYe
Published: June 2024

In order to study the signal stability of reheated double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Utilizing single Gaussian and Vortex pulse, the distance between the lens and sample is changed to exam the focus position effect by measuring the plasma emission spectrum. The maximum signal intensity is achieved when the focal point is behind the target. In the double Gaussian and Vortex-Gaussian LIBS schemes, the variation of spectral intensity with the inter-pulse delay time are also investigated. The change of spectral intensity with the inter-pulse delay time has a great correlation with the energy of Vortex pulse and presents a completely different trend with a low, medium and high laser pulse energy. The spectral intensity of plasma emission is closely related to the plasma temperature. Meanwhile, the Vortex-Gaussian scheme can significantly improve the spectral stability at low laser energy flux. These results show that the combination of Vortex beam and Gaussian beam can greatly enhance the spectral intensity and detection stability, presenting a strong application prospect in nondestructive detection.
A new dynamic shift mechanism based on cyclic group theory for continuous attractor neural networks
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Tang Fengzhen , Zhao Hangpiao , Li Yiping , Feng Xisheng
Published: June 2024

Spatial cognition plays a crucial role in enabling animals to navigate effectively, whether hunting prey or exploring for food. Continuous attractor neural networks (CANNs) have been developed to model spatial cells, such as head direction cells, place cells and grid cells. However, how to maintain long-term spatial memory and accurately transfer network activity in CANNs is still unclear. We design a modified version of CANNs that can maintain long-term spatial memory without external cues. Based on this redesigned CANN, we propose a novel dynamic shift mechanism. It leverages cyclic group theory to dynamically adjust connections between neurons. These synaptic changes effectively shift the network activity according to speed information. Interestingly, our method exhibits anticipatory and delayed transfers, analogous to the predictive coding observed in the brain's entorhinal speed cells and grid cells. Compared to the existing biological shift mechanism, our method demonstrates significant advantages in both computation speed and path-integration accuracy. Notably, our approach facilitates vector-based navigation with high accuracy. We rigorously verified its effectiveness through mathematical analysis and further validated it with simulated and real-world data. Experimental results demonstrate that our method accurately determines the navigation vector, enabling precise navigation between the current location and the target position. This work has established a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing the entire process from inputs to cognition coding, and further extending to vector-based navigation, laying the foundation for practical implementation in bio-inspired robot navigation systems.
Zebrafish casr affects swim bladder inflation by regulating heart development
Authors: Liu Ling , Hu Yuyao , Xie Binling , Zhu Junwei , Zeng Ting , Huang Wen , Huang Jian , Lu Xiaochun , Yang Chengbo , Li Jianzhong , Chen Xiangding , Xie Huaping
Published: June 2024

Background: Calcium is fundamental to biological processes, and the Calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) plays a key role in maintaining calcium homeostasis. This process is intimately related to numerous cardiovascular diseases and various types of cancers. However, the role of CaSR in heart development is yet to be thoroughly understood. To delve into this, we conducted a casr gene knockout experiment, analyzed cardiac physiological functions, and performed transcriptomics to investigate the mechanism of the casr gene in zebrafish heart development.
Results: We successfully established casr gene knockout lines in zebrafish with Tuebingen (TU) backgrounds. Compared to the control, casr mutant embryos exhibited a smaller heart size, reduced heart rate, and diminished cardiac output. Additionally, these mutants exhibited a curved body structure and a mal-developed swim bladder. Zebrafish larvae began to die at 11 days post-fertilization (dpf). Subsequent transcriptome sequencing andbioinformatics analysis revealed that the loss of casr disrupts cardiac muscle contraction, leading to defective swim bladder inflation and ultimately death. Furthermore, we crossbred casr mutant lines with Tupfel long-fin (TL) background nkx2.5: ZsYellow transgenic lines, and subsequently obtained a casr-/- line where the swim bladder developed normally. Furthermore, qPCR results indicated that the expression of genes linked to cardiac muscle contraction turned to normal. Further experimental results demonstrated that the survival rate of casr mutants was influenced by the TL background.
Conclusions: Taken together, casr is vital for zebrafish swim bladder inflation and heart development, exerting its regulatory role through the Wnt signaling pathway and the cardiac muscle contraction. Importantly, the TL background significantly impacts the development of casr zebrafish mutant embryos.
A Comparative Study of RT-PCR, FISH, and Karyotyping for t(9;22) Positive Leukemias, and Their Outcomes in Pediatric Patients in a Low Middle-Income Country (LMIC)
Authors: Bukhari Syed Ibrahim , Altaf Sadaf , Saleem Hira , Fadoo Zehra , Belgaumi Asim Fakhruddin , Moatter Tariq , Ansar Zeeshan
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Various diagnostic tests are available for detecting t(9;22) transcripts in acute and chronic leukemia. This study aims to determine the most effective and cost-efficient testing strategy. Additionally, we analyzed the outcomes of Ph+ leukemias in our population.
Methods: Retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in a LMIC. Online and paper charts from January 2011 till December 2022, of patients <18 years of age were reviewed. The sensitivity (SS), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of RT-PCR, FISH, and karyotyping were compared. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results: The cohort consisted of 13 ALL and 10 CML. The median time and cost for RT-PCR results were 7 days (IQR: 7-9) and $93, respectively. All patients were positive on RT-PCR. Three patients initially categorized as ALL were re-categorized as CML after transcript variant verification by RT-PCR.
The SS, SP, PPV, and NPV of RT-PCR relative to FISH were 100%, 0%, 82.6%, and 0%, respectively. Compared to cytogenetics, these values were 100%, 0%, 73.9%, and 0%, respectively. The median time and cost for cytogenetics results were 14 days (IQR: 12-15) and $48, respectively. The SS, SP, PPV, and NPV of cytogenetics relative to RT-PCR were 73.9%, 0%, 100%, and 0%, respectively. For FISH, these values were 84.2%, 78%, 94%, and 50%, respectively. The median time and cost for FISH results were 10 days (IQR: 9-12) and $57, respectively. The SS, SP, PPV, and NPV of FISH relative to RT-PCR were 82.6%, 0%, 100%, and 0%, respectively, while for cytogenetics, these values were 94%, 50%, 84.2%, and 75%, respectively.
The median survival rate for ALL and CML patients was 44.4% and 78% respectively. A significant survival difference was observed between those who received TKI and those who did not (68.8% vs. 0%; P=0.001).
Conclusions: Qualitative RT-PCR was found to be the most effective and cost-friendly tool for the accurate and timely diagnosis of Ph+ leukemias, in low resource setting. The outcomes in our patients can be improved by timely diagnosis, early initiation of TKIs, treatment compliance, and preventing infections.
Low complexity vector magnetic information detection method based on diamond NV color center
Authors: Ni Zhaoheng , chen Huan , Huang Yuhan , Wang Aoxue , Yang Kai , Chen Peng
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a low-complexity vector magnetic field solution based on a diamond NV ensemble. Firstly, the bias magnetic field of the diamond NV colour centre equifrequency difference optical detection magnetic resonance (ODMR) spectrum is adjusted, and the conversion matrix is derived by utilising the projection of the external magnetic field on the NV axis of the diamond, which exhibits an equal probability distribution, and the preset magnetic field to be measured. The vector magnetic field information solution model is then constructed. Subsequently, the pulse timing system is employed to regulate the antenna, enabling the generation of microwave pulse signals with uniform timing and frequency difference. Finally, the accuracy of the vector magnetic information solution is verified by the established model and the entire detection system. The final vector magnetic field detection exhibits the amplitude difference of coil calculation results is less than 3.6%, and the angle difference of coil calculation results is less than 1.8◦. In comparison to alternative methodologies, the amplitude and angle discrepancies in coil calculation outcomes are simultaneously minimized.