bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New-record efficiency in non-doped ultraviolet OLEDs: Hot-exciton emitters by a crossed long-short axis design boosting EQE up to 8.3% and emission peak close to 380 nm
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Lou Jingli , Guo Xuecheng , Zhang Han , Li Baoxi , He Junwei , He Xin , Huang Yu , Chen Yichao , Yang Dezhi , Ma Dongge , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2024

Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) radiating ultraviolet (UV) emission are highly desirable for their unique applications in anti-counterfeit, healthcare, industry, etc. However, high-performance UV-OLEDs using a simplified non-doped process are rarely reported because organic emitters usually face the emission red-shift and quenching problems in aggregates. Herien, two new UV hot-exciton emitters with crossed long-short axis structures, abbreviated p-Cz and m-Cz, are designed by altering the para- and meta- patterns at the long-axis skeleton. Theoretical calculations combined with photophysical measurements indicate that the m-Cz can display a bluer emission because of its shorter π-conjugation and effectively alleviate the negative effects in aggregates. Consequently, a doped UV-OLED is realized based on m-Cz with an electroluminescence peak (λEL) at 382 nm and a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 10.6%. What's more, the non-doped UV-OLED based on m-Cz exhibits an λEL at 382 nm and an EQEmax up to 8.3% and maintains an EQE of 7.0% at 1000 cd m− 2, representing a new record of efficiency in the field. Furthermore, the device shows the longest reported operational lifetimes and can be successfully applied to an excitation light source.
Evaluating Ecosystem Health of the Seven Maar Lakes of San Pablo City using the Phytoplankton Index of Biotic Integrity (Phyto-IBI)
Authors: Pleto John Vincent R. , Ligaray Mayzonee , Magbanua Francis
Published: September 2024

Phytoplankton Index of Biotic Integrity (Phyto-IBI) is a multi-metric index designed to simplify extensive datasets into a single dimensionless value that could assess ecosystem health. The Seven lakes provide various ecosystem services from which different stakeholders’ benefit. However, these lakes are continuously experiencing disturbance because of anthropogenic activities. This research aimed to develop a P-IBI and Organic Pollution Index (OPI) for the seven lakes. P-IBI was developed using 21 ecological phytoplankton indices. The cumulative_R2 and correlation index were used to select the determining indices for the final P-IBI. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) was conducted to test the relationship between the metrics and P-IBI and the environmental variables. The results indicated that aquaculture lakes had lower P-IBI and OPI compared to ecotourism lakes. The four aquaculture lakes were categorized as having “moderate” P-IBI and OPI levels. During the dry season, lakes Bunot and Palakpakin were classified as having “low” P-IBI. Lake Yambo, recognized as having the best environmental conditions among the lakes, was classified as “good” P-IBI. Regarding seasonal variation, the P-IBI is generally lower during the dry season for most of the lakes. CCA revealed that several parameters significantly influenced the variation of the indices during the wet and dry seasons. In addition, regression analysis showed a positive correlation between OPI and P-IBI. These findings imply that P-IBI is indeed impacted by water quality. Based on the results, P-IBI and OPI may serve as indicators of the ecological health of the seven lakes of San Pablo. The local government may establish regulations and make informed resource management decisions based on the study results to improve and protect the lake ecosystem.
From bodily numbness to social connection: unveiling the relationship between depersonalization, self-concept, and social touch
Authors: Salamone Paula Celeste , Dowzuk Nadia Alejandra , Gallo Martina Nayla , Boehme Rebecca
Published: September 2024

This study explores the relationship between depersonalization symptoms, social touch seeking and acceptance, self-concept clarity, and psychological factors in a large sample of Argentinian participants (N = 273). In this online study, we assessed participants' acceptance of (or willingness to receive) touch from strangers, friends/family, and intimate partners. Replicating previous studies, we found a higher acceptance of touch from closer social bonds. Touch acceptance from intimate partners showed weak links with self-concept clarity and lower depersonalization symptoms. However, no definitive link between depersonalization symptoms and touch seeking or acceptance was found. Higher depersonalization symptoms were associated with increased social touch avoidance and decreased self-concept clarity. Mediation analyses indicated that social touch avoidance partially mediates the relationship between depersonalization and self-concept clarity. Additionally, depersonalization was associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and negative affect, and lower levels of positive affect and life satisfaction. Our results underscore the importance of considering touch in creating therapeutic interventions for depersonalization.
Conceiving during the first postoperative year after Bariatric surgery. A retrospective study of pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Kaukonen Sesilia , Pajula Susanna , Gissler Mika , Juuti Anne , Ulander Veli-Matti , Kaijomaa Marja
Published: September 2024

Background
An increasing number of childbearing-agedwomen have undergone bariatric surgery (BS). Although pregnancy outcomes generally improve after BS, concern remains over the impact of rapid weight loss and the catabolic state that occurs soon after BS. At least a 12-monthsurgery-to-conception time (SCT) is recommended, though the reasoning behind this has been questioned. This retrospective study was conducted to compare post-BS pregnancies with SCTs of less (Group 1) or more (Group 2) than 12 months.
Methods
The Hospital Register and Finnish Medical Birth Register were queried for data on BS and subsequent pregnancies. The characteristics of women at surgery and maternal and newborn outcomes in post-BS pregnancies were collected.
Results
Between 2010 and 2022, 113 women gave birthafter BS. This included 17 and 96 patients in Groups 1 and 2. The mean SCTs were 8.0 ± 2.7 and 39.0 ± 24.3 months (p<0.001), respectively. At BS, the characteristics of age (p=0.316), weight (p=0.718), body mass index (BMI) (p=0.114) and surgical technique used(p=0.648) were similar.
During pregnancy, the mean age of Group 1 women was significantly lower (p=0.005). With no difference in weight (p=0.961) or BMI (p=0.567), the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM, p=0.039) was higherin Group 2. The mean gestational age at delivery (p=0.206) and incidence ratesof preterm (p=0.645), post-term (p=1.00) and caesarean deliveries (p=1.00) in the groups were similar. A significantly higherincidence of delivery induction (p<0.001) was detected in Group 2.
The mean newborn weight in Group 1 was lower (p=0.038), but the mean birth weight standard deviation (p=0.883) and incidences of low birth weight (< 2500 g, p=0.345) and small-for-gestational-age newborns (p=0.469) were similar. The 1- (p=0.191) and 5-minute (p=0.174) Apgar points in the groups were similar,and no associationsbetween pregnancy outcomes and surgery technique were detected.
Conclusions
The outcome in pregnancies with an SCT < 12 months was favourable. Considering the high incidence of GDM and delivery induction associated with an SCT > 12 months, postponing pregnancy may not always improve pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, all risks should be weighed when counselling women regarding the optimal time of pregnancy after BS.
Transcriptome sequencing and anthocyanin metabolite analysis involved in leaf red color formation of Cinnamomum camphora
Authors: Wu Xinxin , Li Yan , Du Tong , Tang Fang , Pei Baolei , Zhuang Weibing , Kang Li
Published: September 2024

Cinnamomum camphora, a key multifunctional tree species, serves primarily landscaping. Leaf color, crucial for its ornamental appeal, undergoes a transformation to red. However, the molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored in C. camphora. In this study, green leaf (GL), color turning red leaf (RL) and whole red leaf (WRL) were obtained to measure pigment contents, GL and RL were analyzed transcriptomic alterations. A decline in chlorophylls and a rise in anthocyanins were observed during leaf color from green translate to red. Using LC MS/MS, 11 kinds of anthocyanins showed significant accumulative differences, with Cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside exhibiting the greatest disparity. Comparative RNA-seq identified 22,948 genes against reference genes, revealing 544 novel genes. Of these, 4,065 genes were up-regulated and 8,152 were down-regulated. Among them, 22, 4, and 31 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with chlorophyll biosynthesis, chlorophyll degradation, and anthocyanin biosynthesis, respectively. Additionally, differential expression was noted in 64 bHLH, 54 MYB, and 21 MYB-like transcription factors. These findings suggest a strong correlation between pigment metabolism and transcriptome data to release the mechanism with the leaf color translated to red of C. camphora.
Effect of Childhood Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drugs on Visual Evoked Potential Response and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Moussa Amira Ahmed , M.Nasef Ayman , A.Nada Maha , A.Karim Marwa , S.Khater Shaimaa , deen Nahed Salah El
Published: September 2024

Background: Epileptic seizures arise from an excessively synchronous and sustained discharge of a group of neurons. The single feature of all epileptic syndromes is a persistent increase of neuronal excitability. Visual affection in epileptic children could be attributed to the disease itself or the use of anti-epileptic drugs, these changes may involve abnormal electro-physiological response. This biphasic study, conducted at the neuro-pediatric clinic at neurology department at Ain Shams University, aimed to investigate effect of idiopathic childhood epilepsy per se on (1) visual evoked potential and (2) optical coherence tomography and effect of selected two antiepileptic medications on them. All subjects were exposed to visual evoked potential and only cooperative subjects exposed to ocular coherence tomography before and after anti-epileptic drugs and were followed up over 2 years.
Results: The study included 50 newly diagnosed epileptic children and 50 healthy controls, the mean P100 latency in the right eyes of the control group was 110.4 ± 3.76ms, while in the patients group was 114.94 ± 12.81ms that showed significant difference between the two groups with p-value (0.020). After 2 years of treatment by levetiracetam and valproate, the mean P100 latency of the right and left eyes in the valproate group was 112.34 ± 7.05 and 112.59 ± 5.2ms respectively and it was 114.85 ± 10.39ms and 116.14 ± 9.84ms respectively in the valproate group, which showed insignificant difference between the two groups. The mean average of retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between patients and controls were significant in both right and left eyes with p- value 0.002 and < 0.001 respectively. After 1 year of treatment by levetiracetam in the 1st group and valproate in the 2nd group, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups neither regarding retinal nerve fiber layer thickness nor ganglion cell complex in both eyes.
Conclusion: There was prolonged latency in the epileptic children before starting anti-epileptic drugs more than the control group; also there was thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and average part of the ganglion cell complex thickness more in the epileptic children than in the healthy controls.
Research on the bearing performance of HSCA high-strength preloaded expansion piles in calcareous sand foundation
Authors: Sun Tao , Wang Fang , Liu Jie , Chen Zhenxun , Tuo Mingmin , Yang Yunan
Published: September 2024

With the rapid development of infrastructure construction on oceanic reefs, calcareous sand, as the primary medium of these reefs, exhibits unique physical and mechanical properties such as high void ratio, low strength, and susceptibility to particle breakage. These characteristics reduce the bearing capacity and stability of pile foundations in calcareous sand foundations. This study investigates the bearing characteristics of high-strength preloaded expansion piles in calcareous sand foundations, taking into account the influence of HSCA high-performance expansion agent dosage through a series of indoor model tests and in-situ tests. The research delves into the load-settlement curves of expansion piles, the distribution of axial force and pile side friction resistance of piles, and the effects of Calcareous sand compaction and reinforcement around the piles. The results indicate that adding the HSCA high-performance expansion agent results in compaction preloading of the Calcareous sand around the pile, significantly increasing the expansion stress on the pile side, thereby enhancing the resistance on both the pile side and pile tip. When the expansion agent dosage is 20%, the ultimate bearing capacity can be increased by 56%, and the ultimate pile side friction resistance by 63%. The Coulomb strength theory of non-cohesive soil is employed to accurately calibrate the incremental pile side friction resistance of the expansion section. A prediction model for the bearing capacity of the expansion pile is established by combining the pile side friction resistance prediction model with the ultimate pile side friction resistance load-sharing ratio. The research outcomes provide important guidance for the optimization, design, and construction of high-strength preloaded expansion piles in calcareous sand foundations.
Correlation between Nutritional Intake and Body Composition in Adolescents with Thalassemia Major
Authors: Fitrianto Agus , Wahidiyat Pustika Amalia , Prawitasari Titis , Sekarsari Damayanti
Published: September 2024

Background: Growth failure is common in thalassemia major (TM) patients. Measurement of lean body mass, fat mass, and bone mass density (BMD) are important components in assessing the body composition and nutritional status of TM patients. There are no previous studies in Indonesia that have evaluated the correlation between macronutrient or micronutrient intake and body composition in adolescents with TM.
Methods: This study included 55 subjects with TM aged 10-18 years old at the Thalassemia Center of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital Jakarta. Macronutrient and micronutrient intake were evaluated using a three-day food record. Fat mass, lean mass, and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Vitamin D levels were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The data was analyzed with Pearson and Spearman correlations, depending on the type of distribution.
Results: Energy intake was significantly associated with muscle mass, fat mass, and BMD (r = 0.35, 0.39, and 0.27 respectively, p-value <0.05). There was a significant correlation between protein intake on muscle mass, fat mass, and BMD (r = 0.60, 0.37, and 0.31 respectively, p-value <0.05). There was a mild correlation between energy intake and fat mass percentage in male and female subjects (r= 0,25, p= 0,017; r= 0,38, p= 0,02). There was no correlation between carbohydrate, fat, and protein, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and folic acid on the proportion of muscle mass percentage, fat mass percentage, and BMD.
Conclusion: More than half of adolescent TM patients are malnourished and lack protein intake. Body composition correlates with total calorie intake.
Learner agency in undergraduate dental education- a scoping review through self-regulated and self-directed learning
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Ali Kamran , Jiang Dan , Fink Trine , Du Xiangyun
Published: September 2024

Background
Learner agency (LA) involves students actively engaging in their learning process and shaping their educational experiences through autonomy, self-regulation, and decision-making. In professional education, particularly within health professions, LA is critical for fostering adaptability and lifelong learning. This scoping review explores how LA, alongside concepts such as self-regulated learning (SRL) and self-directed learning (SDL), is addressed in undergraduate dental education, aiming to understand its implications and strategies for enhancing student agency in this context.
Methods
The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework and examined literature on SRL, SDL, and LA in undergraduate dental education from 1994–April 2024 across five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest Central, and Web of Science. A manual search of the cited references was also conducted. Relevant studies were screened, and the findings were summarized to offer a comprehensive overview and identify research gaps.
Results
In total, 33 studies were included in the review. The results revealed a strong interconnection between intrapersonal, behavioral, and contextual dimensions in shaping learner agency (LA) through self-regulated learning (SRL) and self-directed learning (SDL) among undergraduate dental students. The studies analyzed, predominantly quantitative, highlighted the multifaceted relationships among SRL, SDL, and LA, emphasizing its significance for educational practice and policy.
Conclusions
Self-regulated learning (SRL) and self-directed learning (SDL) are crucial for developing learner agency (LA), aiding undergraduate students' transition into independent professionals and fostering lifelong learning behaviors. Educational strategies should prioritize empowering students to become independent learners, reducing their reliance on faculty. Further research is needed to identify effective methods for promoting LA development among dental students.
Effect of Negotiation Skills Training program on Head Nurses' Knowledge and behavior
Authors: Moustafa Hanaa Mahmoud , Badran Fawzia , Mahmoud Rabab
Published: September 2024

Background: Negotiating is a common occurrence and a significant part of everyday tasks for head nurses. The ability of the head nurse to effectively negotiate is a crucial management tool for work management in healthcare facilities.
Aim: The present study aimed to assess the effect of negotiation skills training program on head nurses' knowledge and behavior.
Methods: A pretest-posttest, one-group quasi-experimental design was conducted at Menoufia University Hospitals. It is located in Shebeen, Elkom City, Cairo, Egypt. All head nurses and their assistants and their number 64 head nurses.
Results: The results indicated that a minority of head nurses had satisfactory knowledge regarding negotiation in the pretest phase and obviously increased in the posttest to be more than three quarters and slightly decreased in the follow-up phase. Also, a minority had a high negotiation behavior level in the pretest phase and increased to be more than half in the posttest with a slight decrease in the follow-up stage. There was a highly statistically significant difference between pre-, post-, and follow-up results regarding negotiation knowledge and behavior.
Conclusion: The study revealed that the head nurse’s knowledge and behavior increased markedly after implementing the negotiation skills training program.
Recommendations: Conduct continuous education and training programs for stimulating and developing head nurses’ knowledge, behavior regarding negotiation, and hospital administration should support the importance of negotiation skills to both head nurses and organizations.
Trial Registration Number [TRN] The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University (code number: NUR 23.10.131).
Habitat Suitability Model of Some Important Large Mammals In The Western Black Sea Region
Authors: UGIŞ Abdullah , AKKUZU Erol , Evcin Özkan
Published: September 2024

The Western Black Sea region in Türkiye harbors diverse ecosystems that support a variety of wildlife, including several important large mammal species. Understanding the habitat suitability of these species is crucial for effective conservation and management strategies. In this study large mammal species existing in Kastamonu Balldağ and Kurtgirmez located Western Black Sea region were determined by using the camera trap method. Brown bear (Ursus arctos), jackal (Canis aureus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), wolf (Canis lupus), marten (Martes sp.), badger (Meles meles), otter (Lutra lutra), fox (Vulpes vulpes), lynx (Lynx lynx), wild boar (Sus scrofa), wild cat (Felis silvestris) and Brown hare (Lepus europeaus) were identified. Habitat suitability models were created for Canis lupus, Capreolus capreolus and Ursus arctos mammal species using MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) modeling approach. Presence data of target species were collected through field surveys, to create habitat suitibility models with environmental variables such as slope, aspect, ruggedness index, elevation, topographic position index, solar radiation index, landform, road density, settlement areas, and forest condition. The MaxEnt models were trained using these data to predict habitat suitability across the region. Our results reveal spatial patterns of habitat suitability for each species, highlighting areas of high suitability that may serve as priority conservation areas. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of our findings for conservation planning and management efforts in the Western Black Sea region, emphasizing the importance of integrating habitat suitability models into decision-making processes to ensure the long-term persistence of these important mammal species.
EEG - Based Brain Signals Analysis for Imagined Digit Recognition
Authors: Singh Gaurav , P Adira , Leema Anny , P Balakrishnan
Published: September 2024

A new system of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) is outlined in this paper that can classify the imagined digits (0-9) from a subject through the use of EEG signals captured from industry-standard EEG signal detectors like Muse, etc. [1] training systems based on deep learning models. For this purpose, we used Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) combined as CNN-RNN to capture the spatial and temporal aspects found in electroencephalography signals in a single model. Accurate filtering techniques were applied in this process which include namely bandpass filtering, Independent Component Analysis (ICA), baseline correction, Common Average Reference (CAR), artifact rejection, channel interpolation and z-score normalisation using the standardised 10/20 electrode placement system for non-invasive EEG acquisition. The model is trained on a pre-existing dataset of Visually Evoked Potentials (VEPs) linked with visual stimuli for digits 0 to 9 which contains over 2.5 GB of train-test samples of EEG from MindBigData [1]. The experimental results show that our proposed CNN+RNN scheme outperforms previous state-of-the-art techniques by obtaining an average accuracy rate of 73% on the test set. This research work contributes to advancing EEG-based BCIs, showcasing the potential for real-time digit recognition tasks.
Effect of hyposalivation on masticatory movements while eating several crackers in healthy individuals
Authors: Ikeura Kazuki , Ochiai Yuto , Sasa Anna , Ono Kazuhiro , Takei Ryo , Washio Hideaki , Takahashi Hajime , Magara Jin , Tsujimura Takanori , Inoue Makoto
Published: September 2024

Saliva serves to lubricate the food bolus, which suggests that saliva aids in swallowing. This study aimed to examine how a reduction in salivary flow changes mastication of solid foods with several types of hardness, taste and fat content. Twenty-one healthy adults were instructed to masticate four foods, namely rice crackers with (rice cracker 1) and without fat content and seasoning (rice cracker 2), flour crackers with fat content, and potato starch crackers without fat content, on their habitual masticatory side. Electromyograms of the masseter and suprahyoid muscles on the left and right, and subjective feeling of ease of mastication and swallowing were recorded before and after atropine sulfate administration (1 mg) to reduce salivary flow. Hyposalivation significantly extended the masticatory duration and increased the number of masticatory cycles in all of the test foods with increase of number of masticatory cycles only for rice cracker 1 and flour crackers. An increase in the masticatory cycle time and suprahyoid activity was observed from the middle to late stage of mastication with hyposalivation for rice cracker 2 and flour crackers. For potato crackers, the masticatory cycle time a bit increased throughout the masticatory period with hyposalivation without changes of muscle activity per masticatory cycles in which the size of the bolus was the largest. There was no difference in these values between the various conditions for rice cracker 1. Stimulated salivary flow was the largest for rice cracker 1. Not only fat content but also tastants and/or nutrition facts may compensate for difficulty in mastication.
Morphophysiological and phytochemical properties of peppermint ecotypes: a comprehensive study in 11 provinces of Iran
Authors: Sarkhosh Mahdi Rezaee , Abbaszadeh Bohloul , Ardakani M. Reza , Habibi Davoud , lkaei Mohammad Nabi
Published: September 2024

In order to evaluate the quantity and quality of 11 peppermint ecotypes, rhizomes were collected from the producing provinces and tested at the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands in 2021 and 2022. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference, in years in the morphological traits, shoot yield, the percentage of leaves and shoot essential oil, the yield of shoot essential oil, flavonoid, chlorophyll a, b, all essential oil compounds, total nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, cadmium and lead absorption. Mean comparison of years showed that the highest shoot yield (5656.88 kg/ha), leaf essential oil percentage (2.48 percent), shoot essential oil percentage (1.87 percent) was obtained in the second year. The highest shoot yield with 6559 kg/ha and shoot essential oil percentage with 2.2% was obtained from Markazi province. The most menthone with 23.7% belonged to Mazandaran. The highest amount of menthol was in Kermanshah, with 59%. The result of cluster analysis showed that 11 accessions were placed in three main clusters. The results show the difference in the quantity and quality, absorption of macro, micro and heavy metal elements of different ecotypes and it is better to do preliminary tests and choose the appropriate ecotypes for specific uses (food, medicine, cosmetics and hygiene) before planting peppermint.
Using synthetic data to develop machine learning models to predict the performance of fiber- reinforced concrete
Authors: Silva Victor Hugo Peres , Pessoa Carolina Luiza Emereciana , Sousa Derica dos Santos , Stefani Ricardo
Published: September 2024

Concrete is a widely used construction material due to its high compressive strength. However, its durability is often compromised by the development of cracks caused by tensile stress within structures. These cracks can occur during the drying process, leading to water infiltration and corrosion of the concrete reinforcement, which subsequently require repair. As a result, innovative technologies, such as self-repairing concrete and crack control, have become crucial in reducing the costs associated with structural repairs. Given this context, this study investigated novel crack control technologies in concrete structures using a machine learning model that can accurately predict the performance of a specific fiber in fiber-reinforced concrete using a comprehensive dataset. The dataset was compiled from 18 studies and further augmented using synthetic data generation techniques. It encompassed 13 different fiber types and a total of 1953 fiber-reinforced concrete formulations. The computational model was then implemented in Python, and multiple linear regression (MLR), support vector regression (SVR), Random Forest and GradientBootsting techniques were employed to develop the prediction model. The results showed that Random Forest (R² = 0.887 and RMSE = 0.110), GradientBoosting (R² = 0.868 and RMSE = 0.368) and SVR models (R² = 0.856 and RMSE = 0.376) outperformed its MLR counterpart (R² = 0.587 and RMSE = 0.637). Moreover, Random Forest shows a lower RMSE, making it more suitable to accurately predict the performance of the performance of fiber-reinforced concrete.
Optimizing Brassica napus Resilience to Lead Toxicity: The Combined Effects of Fullerenol Nanoparticles and AMF on Antioxidant Systems
Authors: Shah Anis Ali , Usman Sheeraz , Noreen Zahra , Kaleem Muhammad , Shafique Shiffa , El-Sheikh Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Zakir , Sehar Shafaque
Published: September 2024

Crop plants are severely affected by heavy metals (HMs) leading to food scarcity and economical loss. Lead (Pb) is outsourced by use of lead based fertilizers, lead batteries, mining, smelting and metal processing. It greatly reduced growth, development and yield of crops cultivated on contaminated sites. In this study, ameliorative role of carbon based fullerenol nanoparticles (FNPs) along with AMF inoculation was examined on Brassica napus L. grown in Pb contaminated soil. A pot experiment in 3 way completely randomize fashion with three replicates was conducted under natural conditions. For Pb stress, 200 µM PbCl2 solution was used at rate of 1 L per pot. Fullerenol nanoparticles (FNPs) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich and applied via foliar spray at 3 mM concentration. For AMF inoculation rhizospheric soil was colleccted from Sorghum bicolor fields and used in this experiment. Results of the study showed that Pb toxicity greatly reduced growth of B. napus plants. It lowered photosynthesis and gas exchange related attributes. Pb contamination caused oxidative stress, evident from elevated level of malondialdehye (MDA), lipid peroxidation and electrolytic leakage. It also triggered antioxidant defense system of B. napus. These plants also had high Pb metal ions in their root and shoot compared with control. Foliar application of FNPs along with AMF inoculation effectively mitigated oxidative stress caused by Pb and reduced its accumulation in root and shoot of B. napus plants. These treatments modulated phytosynthetic machinery, antioxidant defense mechanism and nutrients uptake in B. napus plants. It is concluded that use of carbon-based nano particles in combination with AMF can effectively mitigate HMs stress in crop plants grown in contaminated soil.
Optical Semantic Communication through Multimode Fiber: From Symbol Transmission to Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Wu Hao , Zheng Gao , Jiang Ting , Zhang Mingming , Tang Ming
Published: September 2024

We propose and validate a novel optical semantic transmission scheme using multimode fiber (MMF). By leveraging the frequency sensitivity of intermodal dispersion in MMFs, we achieve high-dimensional semantic encoding and decoding in the frequency domain. Our system maps symbols to 128 distinct frequencies spaced at 600 kHz intervals, demonstrating a seven-fold increase in capacity compared to conventional communication encoding. We further enhance spectral efficiency by implementing 4-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM-4), achieving 9.12 bits/s/Hz without decoding errors. Additionally, we explore the application of this system for sentiment analysis using the IMDb movie review dataset. By encoding semantically similar symbols to adjacent frequencies, the system's noise tolerance is effectively improved, facilitating accurate sentiment analysis. This work highlights the potential of MMF-based semantic communication to enhance both capacity and robustness in optical communication systems, offering promising applications in bandwidth-constrained and noisy environments.
Gallium-68 labelled aptamer assay for Staphylococcus aureus detection
Authors: Bargh Saharnaz , Kocak Ceren Ozkul , Ozalp Veli C. , Erdogan Suna
Published: September 2024

Staphylococcus aureus infection can result in a serious inflammatory condition of bone tissue, osteomyelitis with significant challenges in diagnostics. The cell surface components of the bacteria can serve as binding sites for the precise and targeted delivery of diagnostic imaging agents. We created a novel infection imaging substance using a Gallium 68 (Ga-68) labelled aptamer that specifically targets S. aureus bacteria. The targeting aptamer was selected by cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) procedure with affinity constant at 2260 ± 634 CFU/mL. the linear detection range was between 250 and 2 x 10 4 CFU/mL. the limit of detection for s. aureus was 171 CFU/mL. The aptamer was conjugated to Ga-68 by DOTA procedure. Radioactive assays in vitro were specific for S. aureus between 10 3 and 2x10 4 CFU/mL. The encouraging outcomes indicate that this aptamer probe holds substantial promise for future in vivo experimentation, which might aid in clarifying its suitability for diagnosing S. aureus.
Mercury determination in edible oils – A combination of Reversed-Phase Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction and CVG-ICP-MS
Authors: Andriolli Cristian R. , Henn Alessandra S. , Flores Erico M. M. , Flores Eder L. M. , Picoloto Rochele S.
Published: September 2024

A method for Hg determination in edible oils based on reversed-phase dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and cold vapor generation coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed. Operational parameters were 5 g of edible oil, 0.5 mL of n-propanol and 0.5 mL of 6 mol L-1 HCl used as dispersant and extractant solvents, respectively, heating (10 min at 80 °C), stirring (60 s), and centrifugation (5 min). No statistical difference (t-test, 95%) was observed for the accuracy assessment using a certified reference material. Moreover, recovery experiments were performed by addition of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 µg g-1 of Hg, and recoveries were close to 100%. A low limit of quantification (0.35 ng g-1) and relative standard deviation (7%) were obtained. Finally, the proposed method presented advantages, such as high throughput, easy-to-use instrumentation for sample preparation, high pre-concentration factor, low consumption of reagents, and low waste generation.
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by vitamin B6-dependent inflammatory kynurenine pathway dysfunction
Authors: Wilson Edward , Umans Jacob , Swarovski Michelle , Minhas Paras , Midttun Øivind , Ulvik Arve Arve , Shahid-Besanti Marian , Linortner Patricia , Mhatre Siddhita , Wang Qian , Channappa Divya , Corso Nicole , Tian Lu , Fredericks Carolyn , Kerchner Geoffrey , Plowey Edward , Cholerton Brenna , Ueland Per , Zabetian Cyrus , Gray Nora , Quinn Joseph , Montine Thomas , Sha Sharon , Longo Frank , Wolk David , Chen-Plotkin Alice , Henderson Victor , Wyss-Coray Tony , Wagner Anthony , Mormino Elizabeth , Aghaeepour Nima , Poston Kathleen , Andreasson Katrin
Published: September 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex multisystem disorder clinically characterized by motor, non-motor, and premotor manifestations. Pathologically, PD involves neuronal loss in the substantia nigra, striatal dopamine deficiency, and accumulation of intracellular inclusions containing aggregates of α-synuclein. Recent studies demonstrate that PD is associated with dysregulated metabolic flux through the kynurenine pathway (KP), in which tryptophan is converted to kynurenine (KYN), and KYN is subsequently metabolized to neuroactive compounds quinolinic acid (QA) and kynurenic acid (KA). This multicenter study used highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry to compare blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) KP metabolites between 158 unimpaired older adults and 177 participants with PD. Results indicate that increased neuroexcitatory QA/KA ratio in both plasma and CSF of PD participants associated with peripheral and cerebral inflammation and vitamin B6 deficiency. Furthermore, increased QA tracked with CSF tau and severity of both motor and non-motor PD clinical dysfunction. Importantly, plasma and CSF kynurenine metabolites classified PD participants with a high degree of accuracy (AUC = 0.897). Finally, analysis of metabolite data revealed subgroups with distinct KP profiles, and these were subsequently found to display distinct PD clinical features. Together, these data further support the hypothesis that the KP serves as a site of brain and periphery crosstalk, integrating B-vitamin status, inflammation and metabolism to ultimately influence PD clinical manifestation.
A Predictive Model of HIV Infection Among men who have sex with men (MSM): A Cross-Sectional Study in 6 Cities of China
Authors: Li Chenrui , Wang Yuxuan , Zhang Meihui , Zhang Yinghuan , Zhang Jiechen , Xu Gang , Hu Fan , Shang Meili , Wang Ying
Published: September 2024

Background Compared to the overall decrease in infection rates, the prevalence of HIV among key populations like men who have sex with men (MSM) remains high. Understanding the factors influencing HIV in these key populations is crucial. However, currently there are few large-scale studies that can comprehensively incorporate multiple potential influencing factors. Therefore, it is significant to build a predictive model for HIV infection among MSM based on demographic, behavioral, social and psychological characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional study of MSM was conducted in six major regions of China. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews. We screen variables through univariate and multivariate analyses, and construct a predictive model through stepwise regression. We evaluated the model through nomograms, ROC(Receiver Operating Characteristic) curves and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results Among 2,403 MSM, 199 were HIV positive, resulting in a prevalence rate of 8.3%. MSM aged 35–44, with lower education level, higher smoking frequency, having STDs, assuming the receptive role in same-sex intercourse, using drugs before sex and experiencing depression are more likely to be infected with HIV. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed a p-value of 0.3834 for the model. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.783 (95% CI: 0.749–0.816). Conclusions HIV infection among the MSM population arises from a combination of demographic, behavioral, social and psychological characteristics. The development of the predictive model aids in formulating targeted and comprehensive intervention strategies. We need to strengthen our focus on HIV infection in MSM and take targeted measures based on the results of predictive model to curb the spread of HIV.
Defining and Prioritizing the Needs in Surgical Education: A National Survey Study
Authors: Yan Yichuan , Krusing Madeline B. , Awad Michael M. , Stefanidis Dimitrios
Published: September 2024

Background

In a recent study of surgical education leaders, a foundational understanding of educational needs in surgery was established. However, the challenges faced by and needs of the broader surgical education community remain elusive. The aim of this study was to determine the challenges and prioritize the needs of a variety of stakeholders in surgical education.

Methods

An anonymous survey was created using previously defined categories of educational needs, including leadership, teaching, learning, research, and professional development (PD). Participants were asked to submit the challenges faced and rank their needs. The survey was distributed electronically to members of the Association for Surgical Education (ASE) and through surgery-related social media channels from March to April in 2023. The survey results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The survey was completed by 228 respondents. The most common challenges reported were limited faculty engagement in surgical education, lack of protected time for education, limited consistent constructive feedback to trainees, limited research funding, and limited time and direction for appropriate PD. The top priorities of educational needs included improving faculty engagement, providing best-practice teaching guidelines, creating a repository of educational resources for learning, offering training to improve research skills, and getting leadership training and career development.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by a variety of stakeholders in surgical education were determined and their priorities of educational needs were defined. Surgery departments, institutional leaders, and professional organizations representing surgical educators such as the ASE can use this information to develop resources and offerings to address identified needs in surgical education and help improve its quality.
Adjunctive phage therapy improves antibiotic treatment of Ventilator-Associated-Pneumonia with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Weissfuss Chantal , Li Jingjing , Behrendt Ulrike , Hoffmann Karen , Bürkle Magdalena , Krishnamoorthy Gopinath , Korf Imke , Rohde Christine , Gaborieau Baptiste , Debarbieux Laurent , Ricard Jean-Damien , Witzenrath Martin , Felten Matthias , Nouailles Geraldine
Published: September 2024

Bacterial multidrug resistance poses an urgent challenge for the treatment of critically ill patients developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Phage therapy, a potential alternative when conventional antibiotics fail, has been unsuccessful in first clinical trials when used alone. Whether combining antibiotics with phages may enhance effectiveness remains to be tested in experimental models. Here, we used a murine model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced VAP to compare the efficacy of adjunctive phage cocktail for antibiotic therapy to either meropenem or the phage cocktail alone. Combined treatment led to faster recovery of VAP-mice and prevented lung epithelial cell damage. Using human primary epithelial cells to dissect these synergistic effects, we find that adjunctive phage therapy reduced the minimum effective concentration of meropenem and prevented resistance development against both treatments. These findings suggest adjunctive phage therapy represents a promising treatment for MDR-induced VAP, enhancing the effectiveness of both antibiotics and phages while reducing adverse effects.
DPYD (Dihydropyrimidine Dehydrogenase) Variant c.2194G>A (Normal Metabolizer) with Severe Toxicities in Patients Treated with Fluoropyrimidine Based Regimens. A first Case Report from Bihar, India
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Singh Manisha , Upadhyay Avinash , Afroz SK Aman , Suman Samriddhi , kumari Anjali , Kumari Anamika , Niraj Pintoo Kumar , kumar Arun , Ghosh Ashok , Priya Anandi
Published: September 2024

The first-line medications used in clinics for colorectal cancer (CRC) are 5-FU based chemotherapy and its prodrug, capecitabine. Nevertheless, there are still relatively few patients responding to 5-FU/capecitabine-based therapy. Up to 30% of patients treated with 5-FU experience early-onset severe toxicity, including diarrhea, nausea, mucositis, stomatitis, myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, and hand-foot syndrome. The catabolism of 5-FU plays a major role in determining its toxicity. DPD enzyme present in the liver and is encoded by DPYD gene, which inactivates most FPs(fluoropyrimidines) molecules, Patients with a deficit in DPD are more likely to have significant treatment-related toxicity while using FP on a regular basis. In the present case report, we have documented the case of a 49-year-old female diagnosed with mCRC stage 4 and evaluated the toxicity produced by the entire dose regimen. The patient had shown grade 4 toxicity from the first dose (5 FU) and continued until shifting to capecitabine and finally adjusting to the S Trio. Despite the high level of toxicity, the patient was found to be negative for the four most common mutant variants of the DPYD gene (c.1905+1G>A [*2A], c.1129‐5923C>G [HapB3], c.1679T>G [*13], and c.2846A>T). However, the c.2194 G/A variant, which is a normal metabolizer, was found to be positive. Therefore, we document to imply that c.2194 G/A should be regarded as a clinically important SNP and advised for protective testing, particularly in the Indian population.
Climate, not land-use, drives a recent acceleration of Larch expansion at the forest-grassland ecotone in the Southern French Alps.
Authors: Nicoud Baptiste , Bayle Arthur , Corona Christophe , Chambard Rémy Perron , Francon Loïc , Fructus Mathieu , Bensa Marion , Choler Philippe
Published: September 2024

Recent decades have seen significant forest expansions into treeless alpine zones across global mountain ranges, including the Alps, and this is often associated with a complex interplay of climate and land use change. The upward shift of treelines has far-reaching implications for ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and biogeochemical cycling. However, climate variables alone explain only a fraction of treeline migration, leaving substantial research gaps regarding the influence of non-climatic factors. This study addresses these gaps by combining dendrochronological methods, high-resolution bioclimatic data, and historical land use records to examine treeline dynamics in the southern French Alps. Our results reveal a recent acceleration in tree establishment, which began in the early 2000s, and is not attributable to pastoral abandonment in the 19th century but rather to climate change. We demonstrate that historical land use changes serve as a predisposing factor for tree establishment, while recent climate change has increasingly acted as an accelerator of this dynamic. Despite identifying key climatic factors, such as thermal indicators and growing season length, that contribute to treeline shifts, our study highlights the need for further research to disentangle the specific drivers of tree recruitment and survival, particularly in the context of ongoing climate change.
Higgs-confinement transitions in QCD from symmetry protected topological phases
Authors: Dumitrescu Thomas , Hsin Po-Shen
Published: September 2024

In gauge theories with fundamental matter there is typically no sharp way to distinguish confining and Higgs regimes, e.g. using generalized global symmetries acting on loop order parameters. It is standard lore that these two regimes are continuously connected, as has been explicitly demonstrated in certain lattice and continuum models. We point out that Higgsing and confinement sometimes lead to distinct symmetry protected topological (SPT) phases – necessarily separated by a phase transition – for ordinary global symmetries. We present explicit examples in 3+1 dimensions, obtained by adding elementary Higgs fields and Yukawa couplings to QCD while preserving parity \mathsf{P}𝖯 and time reversal \mathsf{T}𝖳. In a suitable scheme, the confining phases of these theories are trivial SPTs, while their Higgs phases are characterized by non-trivial \mathsf{P}𝖯- and \mathsf{T}𝖳-invariant theta-angles \theta_f, \theta_g = \piθf,θg=π for flavor or gravity background gauge fields, i.e. they are topological insulators or superconductors. Finally, we consider conventional three-flavor QCD (without elementary Higgs fields) at finite U(1)_BU(1)B baryon-number chemical potential \mu_BμB, which preserves \mathsf{P}𝖯 and \mathsf{T}𝖳. At very large \mu_BμB, three-flavor QCD is known to be a completely Higgsed color superconductor that also spontaneously breaks U(1)_BU(1)B. We argue that this high-density phase is in fact a gapless SPT, with a gravitational theta-angle \theta_g = \piθg=π that safely co-exists with the U(1)_BU(1)B Nambu-Goldstone boson. We explain why this SPT motivates unexpected transitions in the QCD phase diagram, as well as anomalous surface modes at the boundary of quark-matter cores inside neutron stars.