bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myf5 and Myf6 gene expression profiles and their relationship with muscle fiber-type composition of Angora, Hair, Honamlı, and Kilis male kids
Authors: BAYRAK Büşra , Şen Uğur , GÖKÇEK Dilek , ŞİRİN Emre
Published: May 2024

In the present study, Myf5 and Myf6 gene expression profiles and their relationship with muscle fiber-type composition and size were evaluated in some skeletal muscles of Angora (n = 6), Hair (n = 6), Honamlı (n = 6), and Kilis (n = 6) weaned male kids. Myf5 and Myf6 gene expression were measurement using real-time PCR. Total RNA amount longissimus-dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) ST muscles was relatively higher (p < 0.05) in Honamlı kids compared to kids born to other breeds. Kids of Honamlı goats had a more increased (p < 0.05) Myf5 gene expression than other kids’ breeds in LD muscle. Expression of the Myf5 gene in ST muscle was lower in kids of Hair goat than those of Honamlı and Kilis goats (p < 0.05). Myf6 gene expression was lower (p < 0.05) in the LD muscle of Kilis kids than those of other kids. The highest (p < 0.05) Myf6 gene expression was found in the ST muscle of Honamlı and Angora kids. Additionally, significant correlations were observed (p < 0.05) among Myf5 and Myf6 gene expression levels and muscle fiber-type composition at different levels in each breed. Results of the current study indicated that alterations in muscle fiber number, type, and size might be associated with interactive activity of Myf 5 and Myf 6 gene expression during muscle development. Moreover, significantly different breed-specific expressions of Myf5 and Myf6 led to the conclusion that these genes can be used to choose more productive goat breed, especially in fattening.
Homocysteine, blood pressure and gene–diet interactions in relation to vascular function measures of Black South Africans
Authors: Plessis Jacomina P , Lammertyn Leandi , Schutte Aletta E. , Nienaber-Rousseau Cornelie
Published: May 2024

Aims
We investigated circulating homocysteine (Hcy), a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, examining its dietary associations to provide personalized nutrition advice. This study addressed the inadequacy of current dietary interventions to ultimately address the disproportionately high incidence of CVD in Black populations. Methods and Results: Cross-sectional analyses of 1,867 Black individuals of the PURE-SA study allowed the identification of dietary intake and cardiovascular measure interactions on three sub-categories: 1) normal blood pressure (BP), hypertension or Hcy-related hypertension (Htype), 2) low, normal or high Hcy concentrations, and 3) Hcy-related genetic combinations. Favorable body composition, but adverse dietary intake and cardiovascular determinants, were observed in higher Hcy categories. H-types, compared to regular hypertensives, had higher alcohol and lower macronutrient and micronutrient consumption. Inverse associations with carotid-radial pulse wave velocity were evident between monounsaturated fatty acid (FA) consumption and H-type hypertension as well as polyunsaturated FA and CBS883/ins68 TT carriers. Energy intake was positively associated with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in variant CBST883C/ins68 and CBS9276 GG carriers. VCAM-1 was also positively associated with plant protein intake in CBS9276 GG and MTR2756 AA carriers and negatively with total protein intake and CBS9276 GG carriers. Alcohol intake was positively associated with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in MTR2756 minor allele carriers. Conclusion: Because Hcy genediet interactions are evident, personalized nutrition, by adjusting diets based on genetic profiles (e.g., CBS and MTR variations) and dietary interactions (e.g., fatty acids and proteins), can enhance cardiovascular outcomes by managing Hcy and related hypertension in genetically susceptible individuals.
Effect of platelet indices on mortality and comorbidity in peritoneal dialysis: a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Qing , Tian Xin-Kui , Wang Ling , Tang Wen
Published: May 2024

Background There were limited data investigating platelet indices in predicting peritoneal dialysis (PD) outcomes on comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between platelet indices and new-onset comorbidity and all-cause mortality in PD patients.
MethodsA single-center, retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in incident PD patients from 28 December 2011 to 24 January 2018, and followed up until 31 December 2022. Time to the first new-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD) and time to the first new-onset infection event after PD were identified as the primary outcomes. All-cause mortality was identified as the secondary endpoint. The correlation between platelet indices and comorbidities and all-cause mortality were assessed by Cox model. Survival curves were performed by Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests.
ResultsA total of 250 incident PD patients with a median follow-up of 6.79 (inter-quarter range 4.05, 8.89) years was included. High mean platelet volume(MPV) was independently associated with high risk of time to the first new-onset CVD (HR 1.895, 95% CI 1.174-3.058, p=0.009) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.710, 95% CI 1.155-2.531, p =0.007). Patients with low mean platelet volume to platelet count ratio (MPV/PC) were prone to occur the new-onset infection events (log rank 5.693, p=0.017). Low MPV/PC (HR 0.652, 95% CI 0.459-0.924, p=0.016) was significantly associated with the time to the first new-onset infection event on PD.
Conclusions Platelet indices were associated with the new-onset CVD, infectious comorbidities and all-cause mortality on PD. Low MPV/PC was associated with time to the first new-onset infection event in PD patients. Moreover, high MPV was associated with new-onset CVD and all-cause mortality in the incident PD patients.
Effects of exercise on depression in postmenopausal women: a pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Han Bing , Duan Yaya , Zhang Peizhen , Zeng Liqing , Pi Peng , Chen Jiping , Du Guoli
Published: May 2024

Background: Exercise is a promising non-pharmacological therapy for depression; however, it is unclear whether exercise interventions are effective for postmenopausal women, and which ones work best.
Methods: Electronic searches in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, CNKI, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL Plus were conducted to identify articles published through 1 March 2024, and included randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness of exercise interventions on depression in postmenopausal women. Mean changes (± standard deviations) in depression scores, assessed using various scales, were extracted to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs). These SMDs were then pooled using a random effects model in a pairwise meta-analysis. Additionally, a Frequentist network meta-analysis employing a random effects model was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different exercise types.
Results: This study included 26 studies involving 2,170 participants. In pairwise meta-analysis, exercise has shown a clinically significant positive impact on depression in postmenopausal women (SMD=-0.71, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=-0.94–-0.48, P<0.001; I2=78%). In network meta-analysis, mind-body exercise (SMD=-0.98, 95% CI=-1.28–-0.68) and aerobic exercise (SMD=-0.58, 95% CI=-0.88–-0.29) significantly reduced the level of depression compared to the control group, and there was a significant trend for stretching, resistance exercise, and concurrent training. Mind-body exercise had the highest probability of being the most effective intervention. Exercise interventions also showed positive effects on anxiety.
Conclusion: For postmenopausal women, exercise interventions are a clinically effective antidepressant therapy, with mind-body exercise most likely being the optimal type, followed by aerobic exercise.
Trial registration: This meta-analysis was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42024505425).
Physics-Informed Masked Autoencoder for Active Sparse Imaging
Authors: McEvoy Luke , Tafone Daniel , Sua Yong Meng , Huang Yu-Ping
Published: May 2024

Imaging technology based on detecting individual photons has seen tremendous progress in recent years, with broad applications in autonomous driving, biomedical imaging, astronomical observation, and more. Comparing with conventional methods, however, it takes much longer time and relies on sparse and noisy photon-counting data to form an image. Here we introduce Physics-Informed Masked Autoencoder (PI-MAE) as a fast and efficient approach for data acquisition and image reconstruction through hardware implementation of the MAE (Masked Autoencoder). We examine its performance on a single-photon LiDAR system when trained on digitally masked MNIST data. Our results show that, with 1.8 × 10−6 or less detected photons per pulse and down to 9 detected photons per pixel, it achieves high-quality image reconstruction on unseen object classes with 90% physical masking. Our results highlight PI-MAE as a viable hardware accelerator for significantly improving the performance of single-photon imaging systems in photon-starving applications.
Management of Traumatic Subaxial Cervical Facet Dislocation：A retrospective study of 10 patients
Authors: Zhang Qin , Ding Tao , Liu Yi , Xue Yun-Tao
Published: May 2024

Objective. To discuss the clinical efficacy of manual close reduction in emergency room and different surgery choices in treating traumatic subaxial cervical facet dislocation patients.
Summary of Background Data. The treatment of traumatic subxial cervical facet dislocation is controversial. Although there are heterogeneous methods, it is challenge for surgeons to make a proper surgery choice to treat the traumatic subxial cervical facet dislocation.
Methods. A retrospective study was performed on 10 case of traumatic subaxial cervical facet dislocation treated by manual close reduction and different surgery procedures from January 2019 to January 2023. There were 8 males, 2 females, with a meal age of 52.7 years (from 32 to 80 yr). Dislocation sites: 2 in C6-7, 5 in C5-6
, 3 in C4-5; 2 cases with unilateral cervical facet dislocation, 8 cases with bilateral dislocation.
Results. All the patients were performed manually close reduction in emergency room as soon as the dislocation diagnosis was made. 5 patients achieved successful manual close reduction. 2 patients achieved successful close reduction through cranial traction. 7 patients undertook anterior approach, or anterior-posterior approach or posterior-anterior approach surgeries and 5 patients were
postoperatively classified as grade E according to Frankel
standard. All patients were followed up for average of 6 months.
Conclusion. Manual close reduction in emergency room may be a good choice for traumatic subaxial cervical facet dislocation patients, if failed, cranial traction may be useful for close reduction. Emergency open reduction, neurological decompression and internal fixation should be performed if close reduction is fail. Different surgical procedures choice should base on the patent’s neurological status and the surgeon’s experience.
EcoSense: A Revolution in Urban Air Quality Forecasting for Smart Cities
Authors: Chatterjee Kalyan , Thara Machakanti Navya , Re Mandadi Sriya , Selvamuthukumaran N. , Priyadharshini M. , Reddy Tummala Abhinav Vardhan , Chakraborty Somenath , Mallik Saurav , Shah Mohd Asif , Li Aimin
Published: May 2024

The Smart City (SC) framework, renowned for enhancing lives and bolstering public safety, encounters challenges due to its reliance on IoT devices, contributing to electronic waste and resource consumption. Integrating weather research and a weather-smart grid into the SC framework becomes crucial to address these issues and safeguard the environment and residents’ well-being. This study proposes a novel approach, EcoSense: A Revolution in Urban Air Quality Forecasting for Smart Cities, which incorporates Bi-directional Stacked LSTM with a Weather-Smart Grid (BlaSt). BlaSt utilizes temporal aggregation and lagged features to capture temporal dependencies and trends in air quality data, considering air pollutants and meteorological factors for future air pollutant concentration prediction. The model is designed for 1-hour prediction intervals and outperforms traditional methods by leveraging feature attribute values, enhancing accuracy, and reducing computational complexity. Experimental results demonstrate the improved accuracy and computational efficiency of the BlaSt model compared to conventional models. Additionally, it effectively handles extensive air quality data and exhibits promising predictive capabilities for future data.
The Role of Neutrophyl-To-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Predictor of Ovarian Torsion in Children. Results of a Multicentric Study
Authors: Delgado-Miguel Carlos , Arredondo-Montero Javier , Moreno-Alfonso Julio César , Basilio María San , Pérez Raquel Peña , Carrera Noela , Aguado Pablo , Fuentes Ennio , Díez Ricardo , Hernández-Oliveros Francisco
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Pediatric ovarian torsion (OT) is an emergency condition that remains challenging to diagnose because of its overall unspecific clinical presentation. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of clinical, ultrasound and inflammatory laboratory markers in pediatric OT.
Methods
We performed a retrospective multicentric case-control study in patients with clinical and ultrasound suspicion of OT, in whom surgical examination was performed between 2016–2022 in seven pediatric hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups according to intraoperative findings: OT group (ovarian torsion), defined as torsion of the ovarian axis at least 360°, and non-OT group (no torsion). Demographics, clinical, ultrasound and laboratory features at admission were analyzed. The diagnostic yield analysis was performed using logistic regression models, and the results were represented by ROC curves.
Results
We included a total of 110 patients (75 in OT-group; 35 in non-OT group), with no demographic or clinical differences between them. OT-group patients had shorter time from symptom onset (8 vs. 12 hours; p = 0.023), higher ultrasound median ovarian volume (63 vs. 51 ml; p = 0.013), and a significant increase in inflammatory markers (leukocytes, neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein) when compared to the non-OT group. In the ROC curve analysis, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) presented the highest AUC (0.918), with maximum sensitivity (92.4%) and specificity (90.1%) at the cut-off point NLR = 2.57.
Conclusions
NLR can be considered as a useful predictor of pediatric OT in cases with clinical and ultrasound suspicion. Values above 2.57 may help to anticipate urgent surgical treatment in these patients.
Prognostic Value of Parapharyngeal Involvement Subclassifications Divided by Parapharyngeal Muscles in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Study of 1752 Patients from Two Centers
Authors: Fu Yue-Chun , Chen Lu-Si , Cui Chun-Yan , Xie Si-Dong , Xu Xiang-Ying , Liang Shao-Bo , Wang Xiao-Hong
Published: May 2024

Background
Parapharyngeal involvement (PI) is common in local invasion but with different degrees in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study firstly assessed the prognostic value of PI subclassifications divided by parapharyngeal muscles in NPC.
Methods
1,752 newly diagnosed NPC patients from two centers were enrolled. The involvement of parapharyngeal muscles including levator veli palatine muscle (LVPMI), tensor veli palatine muscle (TVPMI), medial pterygoid muscle (MPMI) and lateral pterygoid muscle (LPMI) was diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Univariate and multivariate models were constructed to assess the association between PI and survival.
Results
The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) between No-PI and LVPMI were similar, p values were 0.446, 0.337, 0.372 and 0.446, respectively, similar to PFS, OS, DMFS and LRRFS between MPMI and LPMI. So PI subclassifications were divided into four degrees: No-PI/LVPMI, TVPMI, MPMI/LPMI, and (infratemporal fossa involvement, IFI). The survival curves among four degrees were statistically different (p < 0.05), except for PFS, OS, and LRRFS between grade 3 and grade 4. Multivariate analyses indicated PI degree (grade 1/2 vs. grade 3/4) was an independent prognostic factor of PFS, OS, DMFS and LRRFS (p < 0.05). If MPMI/LPMI was classified into the T3 stage, there were only 0.6% (10/1,752) incidence rates changing in T2 or T3 stages, and the predictive value was without statistical difference (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
In NPC patients, it was feasible to divide PI by parapharyngeal muscles. The advanced PI predicted poorer survival outcomes than those with mild PI.
Split Face Randomized, Evaluator Blinded Study on the Effect of Multiple Subcisions on Rolling Acne Scars
Authors: Chen Brian , Haq Misha , Ma Melissa S. , Ahmed Areeba , Shi Victoria J. , Koza Eric , Brieva Joaquin C. , Yoo Simon S. , Lucas Jennifer , Alam Murad
Published: May 2024

Acne scarring results from a common inflammatory condition present in many people. These scars can have an impact on quality of life by influencing self-esteem and social acceptance. Current acne scarring treatments, such as chemical peels and laser treatments, often have limited success due to their time-consuming nature and the variability of acne scar types. The subcision technique has shown promise for the treatment of rolling acne scars. There are few studies to date that examine the effects of multiple subcision treatments on rolling acne scars. We evaluated whether the use of multiple subcision treatments improved the appearance of rolling acne scars compared to no treatment. Five patients with rolling acne scars on both sides of their face who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. One side of the face was randomized to receive treatment, while the contralateral side of the face received no treatment. Subjects underwent five sequential subcision treatments, spaced 4 weeks apart, with two follow-up visits at weeks 20 and 36 from the 1st treatment. Photographs were taken before and after the initial treatment visit and at each subsequent visit. Acne scar appearance was evaluated by the subject, a blinded live rater, and two double-blinded dermatologist raters. Evaluations of treatment outcomes involved overall acne scar appearance on a 5-point scale, acne scar improvement on a percentage scale, a modified quantitative global scarring grading system, and potential treatment side effects. There was a greater decrease in global scarring scores in the multiple subcision side compared to the control side. There was a greater difference in the average acne scar appearance scores between the Week 36 follow-up visit and baseline for the multiple subcision side compared to that of the control side. Fifty percent of patients reported being more satisfied with the treatment side compared to the control side in regard to overall improvement. The study results suggest that multiple subcision treatments may improve the appearance of rolling acne scars compared to no treatment.
Reasons for Gambling in University Students, Loneliness? A study on sports science students
Authors: seydioglu Cüneyt , Yagci Ihsan
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the reasons behind university students' gambling and especially to examine the relationship between loneliness and gambling. The population of the research consists of the students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences in Istanbul. The sample consisted of 1051 volunteer students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences selected by random method. The study data were obtained through Personal Information Form, Reasons for Gambling Scale and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The sample group of the study consisted of students from 5 private and 2 foundation universities with a Faculty of Sports Sciences who had played at least one of the online games, sports betting, horse racing, lottery, card/table games and numerical lotto games with money in the last 3 months. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 package programme and the significance level was set as 0.05. According to the findings obtained as a result of the study, it was determined that students studying at private universities need to gamble for the reason of earning money, while students studying at public universities have a high urge to have fun/excitement as a reason for gambling. In addition, it was determined that students who do not work need to gamble for the reason of earning money. As another result, it was determined that students who do not do sports as a licensed athlete feel themselves more lonely than licensed athletes. In line with the main purpose of the study, it was concluded that loneliness triggers the urge to gamble.
Predictive risk model for radiation-induced pneumonitis in patients diagnosed with advanced esophageal cancer receiving radiation therapy alone or in combination with immunotherapy: A retrospective study
Authors: Qu Wanxi , Wen Xin , Duan Rui , Issa Wadih , Ren Xiuyu , Ren Zhen , Zhang Longzhen , Ding Xin
Published: May 2024

Background
Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential treatment for esophageal cancer with radiation induced pneumonitis (RP) as a possible adverse event. With the emergence of immunotherapy for patients with esophageal cancer (EC), whether in combination with RT or alone it increases RP incidence, which leads to the need of reevaluating the RP risk predication paraments.
Methods
Clinical and physical parameters were collected from patients with clinicopathologically confirmed unresectable locally advanced EC from 1/2020 and 7/2023. The endpoint was Grade ≥ 2 RP occurrence within 6 months after radiotherapy. The χ2 test and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship of categorical and continuous variables with RP occurrence respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to construct a RP risk model by R software, the accuracy of which was further evaluated by ROC and risk curves.
Results
After strict screening, 92 patients receiving RT alone and 84 patients receiving RT + Immunotherapy were eligible for inclusion in this study. The incidence of grade ≥ 2 RP in patients with EC who received RT and immunotherapy was 30.95%, which is higher compared to those who received RT alone (17.39%). Several factors were included for the construction of RP Risk Model by multivariate Cox regression in group RT and RT-I seperatly. Four factors were used for RP prediction risk model in patients who received the RT alone, and five factors were used for RP prediction risk model in patients who received the RT + Immunotherapy. The ROC curve indicated the satisfactory accuracy with AUC value was 0.734 and 0.805 in group RT and RT-I respectively. Risk curves confirmed favorable accuracy that the higher risk score, the higher RP risk, the lower interval times when RP happens after RT.
Conclusions
(1) The immunotherapy may increase the risk of RP. (2) We screened out five indicators (age, total irradiation dose, irradiation segmentation frequency, V15 and V20) for predicting RP incidence in EC patients receiving RT and immunotherapy combination, which provided an important theoretical basis for the RT treatment plan.
Noninvasive cervicovaginal proteomic biomarkers for spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Zhao Zhiguang , Hou Guixue , Cheng Danling , Dong Weiying , Wang Xinghe , Li Jia , Zhou Niya , Peng Huanhuan , Lin Liang , Zhang Huijun , Yan Siyao , Wu Jianfei , Zhang Min , zhou si , Yang Wenzhi , Guan Li-Ping , Qiu Zhixu , Zhao Wenrui , Zhang Xiao , Xu Wenqiu , Yu Guo , Haung Zhanyi , Tian Peirun , Wu Aidi , Mao Zhang , Lu Qiaoyun , Ye Lixin , Jin Fengmei , Deng Caixia , Zhou Tingting , Cheng Zhengyu , Qu Jinghui , Yin Ye , Zhang Jianguo , Zhou Wei , Yu Da , Yang Jinying , Zhao Lijian
Published: May 2024

Preterm birth (PTB), a leading cause of neonatal mortality, presents challenges in prediction with current methods focusing on traditional risk factors or biomarkers, particularly for spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Here, we developed a machine-learning framework based on untargeted cervicovaginal fluid proteomics from 707 individuals (136 sPTB and 571 FTB, Full-term birth) across five hospitals. Our analysis identified 293 proteins with potential predictive value, subsequently distilled into a robust predictive model composed of five protein markers (LUM, AMBP, B2M, FN1, and TIMP1) demonstrating outstanding performance in predicting the risk of sPTB. It achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.89, 0.90, 0.92, and 0.94 in independent validation datasets from four hospitals, with an overall sensitivity = 0.73 and specificity = 0.92. Moreover, we reproduced the predictive performance of these five biomarkers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At system level, integrating proteomics data from all hospitals, we delineated two distinct molecular subtypes of sPTB, revealing functional differences. Concurrently, we conducted a drug target analysis, unveiling potential preventative drugs for sPTB. In summary, this research expands the repertoire of sPTB prediction biomarkers, offers a novel non-invasive predictive model for sPTB and provides valuable data resources for further investigation into the pathogenesis of preterm birth.
Global adaptive stabilization for a class of uncertain multivariable systems with nonlinear parametrization
Authors: Yang Shaohua , Cao Xiaoxi , Sun Zongyao , Li Xia
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes an adaptive stabilization controlscheme for a class of multivariable interconnected nonlinear systems with nonlinear parametrization.It is a systematic result in a sense that the proposed control scheme is a generalone that also applies to systems with linear parametrization, without changing the controllerstructure.A novel integrated framework is built by means ofa functional bounding technique for handling nonlinear parameter/structure uncertainties, a modifiedbackstepping method for designing continuous state-feedback controllers, andLyapunov stability analysis for stabilizing interconnected system states and parameter estimates.A commonly physical simulation and a representative numerical simulation are presented,and their results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis by γ-butylbetaine and L-carnitin in plasma and urine revealed based on untargeted and targeted metabolomics
Authors: Zeng Wenjie , Wang Qitao , Chi Junyu , Gao Yangyang , Yang Zhicong , Li Jingqi , Li Xin , Wang Zhen , Qu Ming
Published: May 2024

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has become an important factor in the global disease burden. In this study, the differential metabolites in urine were screened by untargeted metabolomics to find metabolic markers to compensate for the poor specificity and single defect of D-dimer, γ-butyl betaine (GBB), and L-carnitine (L-CN). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry ( UPLC-MS / MS ) was used to verify the levels of GBB and L-CN in clinical and rat blood and urine at different stages of DVT, and the diagnostic titer and correlation analysis of GBB and L-CN with DVT were analyzed in an all-round manner. The levels of GBB and L-CN in plasma and urine were lower in patients with DVT and in Sprague-Dawley rats than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the trends of GBB and L-CN were similar in plasma and urine of humans and rats with DVT. In human plasma, the area under the curve (AUC) of GBB combined with D-dimer was 0.914 (P < 0.001) in the acute group and 0.895 (P < 0.001) for L-CN combined with D-dimer in the subacute group. In human urine, the AUC of L-CN combined with GBB in the subacute group was 0.855 (P < 0.001). Therefore, GBB and L-CN are closely related to the development and progression of DVT and can be used to screen and diagnose DVT at different phases. Moreover, GBB and L-CN expression levels are similar in humans and rats, providing precise indicators and animal models for the in-depth study of the DVT formation mechanism.
Priming of ash saplings with a low virulent Hymenoscyphus fraxineus strain as a possible disease control approach for reducing symptoms of ash dieback
Authors: Ridley Maia , Demir Özge , Charria-Girón Esteban , Schulz Barbara , Surup Frank , Steinert Michael , Enderle Rasmus
Published: May 2024

Ash dieback is a tree disease caused by the fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Since its introduction into Europe, it has caused widespread and significant losses of the European ash, Fraxinus excelsior. Inoculations of F. excelsior with a low virulent H. fraxineus isolate was assessed as a promising method for reducing symptoms associated with ash dieback, presumably by triggering systemic induced resistance. Two strains of H. fraxineus were chosen based on observations of high and low in planta virulence. Crude extracts obtained from cultures of the highly virulent strain were more phytotoxic in a leaf puncture assay than ones obtained from the low virulent strain. UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS data identified the phytotoxin viridiol and the potential phytotoxin hyfraxin A in both cultures. However, the production of these compounds in vitro did not correspond with virulence in planta.
To test the effects of priming, saplings of F. excelsior were first inoculated with the low virulent strain and subsequently with the highly virulent strain. On average, necrosis expansion on the stems was reduced by 54% in primed saplings at the end of the monitoring period of 14 weeks, thus providing proof of concept for priming. These results contribute to our understanding of a possible integrated biological disease control approach for increasing resistance in saplings and reducing potential damages associated with pathogens, particularly during nursery propagation, out-planting and through the establishment phase. We discuss the results in the context of relevant literature and summarise the limited availability of literature on priming and underlying principles in trees.
A negatively charged cluster in the disordered acidic domain of GPIHBP1 provides selectivity in the interaction with lipoprotein lipase
Authors: Risti Robert , Reimund Mart , Seeba Natjan-Naatan , Lõokene Aivar
Published: May 2024

GPIHBP1 is a membrane protein of endothelial cells that transports lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the key enzyme in plasma triglyceride metabolism, from the interstitial space to its site of action on the capillary lumen. An intrinsically disordered highly negatively charged N-terminal domain of GPIHBP1 contributes to the interaction with LPL. In this work, we investigated whether the plethora of heparin-binding proteins with positively charged regions found in human plasma affect this interaction. We also wanted to know whether the role of the N-terminal domain is purely non-specific and supportive for the interaction between LPL and full-length GPIHBP1, or whether it participates in the specific recognition mechanism. Using surface plasmon resonance, affinity chromatography, and FRET, we were unable to identify any plasma component, besides LPL, that bound the N-terminus with detectable affinity or affected its interaction with LPL. By examining different synthetic peptides, we show that the high affinity of the LPL/N-terminal domain interaction is ensured by at least ten negatively charged residues, among which at least six must sequentially arranged. We conclude that the association of LPL with the N-terminal domain of GPIHBP1 is highly specific and human plasma does not contain components that significantly affect this complex.
A modified GLIM criteria-based nomogram for the survival prediction of Gastric Cancer Patients undergoing Surgical Resection
Authors: Luo Xi , Cai Bin , Jin Weiwei
Published: May 2024

Background: This study aimed to develop a comprehensive model based on five GLIM variables to predict the individual survival and provide more appropriate patient counseling.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 210 gastric cancer (GC) patients undergoing radical resection, among whom 150 patients in the development cohort and 60 patients in the external validation cohort. C-reactive protein (CRP) as an inflammatory marker was included in GLIM criteria and a nomogram for predicting 5-year overall survival (OS) in GC patients was established.
Results: Of the total 210 patients, 16 (7.62%) died within 5 years. CRP improved the sensitivity and accuracy of the survival prediction model (AUC=0.779, 0.563 to 0.849 for the model without CRP; AUC=0.896, 0.645 to 0.963 for the model adding CRP). Besides, a GLIM-based nomogram was established with an AUC of 0.896. The C-index for predicting OS was 0.804 (95% CI: 0.645 to 0.963), and the calibration curve fitted well. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed the clinical utility of the nomogram based on GLIM.
Conclusion: The addition of CRP improved the sensitivity and accuracy of the survival prediction model. The 5-year survival probability of GC patients undergoing radical resection can be reliably predicted by the nomogram presented in this study.
Tracking EEG Network Dynamics through Transitions between Eyes-Closed, Eyes-Open, and Task States
Authors: Krukow Paweł , Rodríguez-González Victor , Kopiś-Posiej Natalia , Gómez Carlos , Poza Jesús
Published: May 2024

Our study aimed to verify the possibilities of effectively applying chronnectomics methods to reconstruct the dynamic processes of network transition between three types of brain states, namely, eyes-closed rest, eyes-open rest, and a task state. The study involved dense EEG recordings and reconstruction of the source-level time-courses of the signals. Functional connectivity was measured using the phase lag index, and dynamic analyses concerned coupling strength and variability in alpha and beta frequencies. The results showed significant and dynamically specific transitions regarding processes of eyes opening and closing and during the eyes-closed-to-task transition in the alpha band. These observations considered a global dimension, default mode network, and central executive network. The decrease of connectivity strength and variability that accompanied eye-opening was a faster process than the synchronization increase during eye-opening, suggesting that these two transitions exhibit different reorganization times. While referring the obtained results to network studies, it was indicated that the scope of potential similarities and differences between rest and task-related networks depends on whether the resting state was recorded in eyes closed or open condition.
The knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians about acromegaly: a survey study with multinational participation
Authors: Fenercioglu Aysen Kutan , Demircan Ebru Unur , Can Gunay , Sulu Cem , Sipahioglu Nurver Turfaner , Ozkaya Hande Mefkure , Kadioglu Pinar
Published: May 2024

Background: Acromegaly is a disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The role of primary care physicians is very important in the early diagnosis of acromegaly. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians about acromegaly in different countries of the world.
Methods: The survey, consisting of 33 questions prepared in English and Turkish, was applied to a total of 396 primary care physicians, 280 of whom were from Turkey, 84 from European countries, 28 from Asian countries, and 4 from Nigeria. Mostly, the survey was administered via Google Forms sent to social media groups of primary care physicians. Some of the surveys were applied face-to-face. The survey included 12 questions about the clinical manifestations, six questions about the diagnosis, 12 questions about the comorbidities, one question about the treatment, and two questions about the prognosis of acromegaly. Data about acromegaly knowledge and attitudes of physicians were evaluated using the Chi-square test.
Results: The presence of acral findings in acromegaly was better known by Turkish physicians (96.8%) compared to Asian/African (84.4%) and European (84.5%) physicians (p<0.001). The presence of generalized visceromegaly and excessive sweating in acromegaly was better known by Asian/African physicians (p=0.01 and p=0.009). “Old photographs can be informative in patients suspected to have acromegaly”, the rate of correct answers to this question was higher in Turkish and Asian/African groups (p<0.001). Only 36.1% of Turkish physicians, 29.8% of European physicians, and 31.3% of Asian/African physicians knew that serum GH and IGF-1 levels were diagnostic tests for acromegaly. Although 64.3% of Turkish physicians knew that serum IGF-1 level was the single best test to be chosen in patients suspected to have acromegaly, the rate of the correct answers to this question was low in European (36.9%) and Asian/African (46.9%) physicians (p<0.001). Only 18.6% of Turkish and 13% of European physicians knew that surgery was the treatment of choice in acromegaly. The rate of correct answers to this question was higher in Asian/African physicians (59.4%) (p=0.003).
Conclusion: The knowledge of primary care physicians about acromegaly should be increased through workshops, seminars, and subject-focused courses.
A Linear Matric Inequality based Multi-loop PI control Design for Coupled Multivariable Liquid Level System
Authors: Mahapatro Soumya Ranjan , Roy Chandramauleshwar , Patel Raju , Das Satyajit
Published: May 2024

This paper presents design and development of a optimal robust PI controller design based on a linear matrix inequalities for a typical industrial process control system.In this method, the design problem has been transformed into a state feedback controller design problem for an augmented uncertainty MIMO system and further, the control problem can be solved by employing constraint optimization problem by satisfying defined LQ cost objective function. To illustrate robust stability, the study incorporates multiplicative input and output uncertainty. Simulation results verify the efficacy of the proposed controller , presenting its effectiveness in achieving both set-point accuracy and disturbance attenuation. Furthermore, the study employs disk margin analysis to ascertain safe ranges for gain and phase margin.
Metals and metalloids as binding antigens in a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Authors: Velez Ana Maria Abreu , Howard Michael S , Permyakov Eugene A.
Published: May 2024

We have previously described an autoimmune orphan disease, a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia. The disease is present in a geological area most rich in polluting metals and metalloids and specifically contaminated by mercury and cyanide widely used for gold and other metals mining. Our aim was to identify potential metal-binding sequences in the canonical antigenic proteins of this disease. We performed a thorough web search for putative metal binding sites in the canonical antigenic proteins of the desmoglein familyusing the machine learning-based methodmebipred and the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot (UniProt), Uniprot.org and the Protein Data Base (PDB). We have found that basically all of these antigens may possess metal binding sites (p<0.05): Desmoglein 1 (Ca, Zn, 2Fe-2S, 3Fe-4S, 4Fe-4S sites); Desmoplakin (Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe binding sites); Myocardium-enriched zonula occlusans-1 associated protein (K, Mg binding sites); Armadillo Repeat Protein deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (Ca, Co, Fe, Ni, Zn binding sites); envoplakin (Co, Mg, K, Mn, K, Ni, Zn binding sites); periplakin (Ca, Mg, Mn, Ni binding sites); Bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 (BP230) (Co, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn binding sites); plakophilin-4 (Co, Mg, Mn, Na binding sites).The FASTA sequences for all known antigens for people affected by endemic pemphigus in El Bagre have putative metal binding sites. Experimental studies of these proteins are needed to confirm these predictions.
Facile synthesis of novel bi-heteroatom functionalized hyper-crosslinked porous polymers with efficient adsorption methylene blue and methyl orange
Authors: Fu Xiao , He Yan , Guo Zhulei , Chen Mingfan , Du Wenlong , Zeng Yuqin , Yuan Dingzhong , Na Bing
Published: May 2024

In this work, we designed and synthesized two novel bi-heteroatom functionalized hyper-crosslinked porous polymers (HCP-CT and HCP-CF) through a simple one-step Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction. The resulted polymers N/S bi-heteroatom functionalized polymer HCP-CT and N/O bi-heteroatom functionalized polymer HCP-CF both have good adsorption properties for organic dyes such as methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution due to its rich pore structure, high specific surface area and rich-heteroatoms of pore surface. It is worth mentioned that the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of cationic dye MB by the polymer HCP-CT at room temperature was reached up to 1571.46 mg/g, which is much higher than that of most reported porous materials. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of HCP-CT for the cationic dye MB was more than seven times that of the anionic dye MO (qmax=212.77 mg/g). Also, the polymer HCP-CF for the MB adsorption capacity (qmax=352.11 mg/g) was more than twice higher than that of anionic dye MO (qmax=131.75 mg/g). The above trends may be because of the stronger electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged N-S/O bi-heteroatom of HCP-CT and HCP-CF with the cationic dye MB than that of MO. In addition, the removal percentage of polymers HCP-CT and HCP-CF still remained above 80% after five adsorption-desorption cycles. Hence, this work provided a convenient synthetic route to develop a novel hyper-crosslinked polymer with high capacity for the entrapment of dyes from aqueous solution.
Antibiotics-use in utero and early-life and risk of chronic childhood conditions in New Zealand: a methods protocol using linked data
Authors: Ram Sharan , Corbin Marine , Douwes Jeroen , Kvalsvig Amanda , Baker Michael G , Mannetje Andrea
Published: May 2024

Background
The incidence of many common chronic childhood conditions has increased globally in the past few decades. A potential role for antibiotic-(over)-use has been suggested with dysbiosis of the gut microbiome hypothesised to play a key role. This linkage study aims to assess the role of antibiotic-use in utero and in early-life in the development of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Methods
The study design involves several retrospective cohort studies using linked administrative health and social data from Statistics New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure. It uses data for all children, and their mothers, born in New Zealand between October 2005 and December 2010 (n = 334,204). Children’s antibiotics-use are identified for four time periods (pregnancy, ≤ 1 year, ≤ 2 years, and ≤ 5 years) and the development of T1D, ADHD, and IBD is measured from the end of the antibiotics-use periods until death, emigration, or the end of the follow-up period (2021), whichever came first. Children who emigrated or died before the end of the antibiotics-use period are excluded. Cox proportional hazards regression models are used whilst adjusting for a range of potential confounders.
Discussion
These studies, using detailed, complete, and systematically collected antibiotic prescription data, will provide critical new knowledge regarding the role of antibiotics in the development of common chronic childhood conditions. Thus, it has the potential to contribute to the development of primary prevention strategies, through, for example, targeted changes in antibiotic-use.
Exploring the Asymmetric Body’s Influence on Interval Timing Behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Liu Zhiqi , Sun Dongyu , Song Yutong , Zhang Tianmu , Kim Woo Jae
Published: May 2024

The roles of brain asymmetry in Drosophila are diverse, encompassing the regulation of behavior, the creation of memory, neurodevelopment, and evolution. A comprehensive examination of the Drosophila brain has the potential to enhance our understanding of the functional significance of brain asymmetry in cognitive and behavioral processes, as well as its role in evolutionary perspectives. This study explores the influence of brain asymmetry on interval timing behaviors in Drosophila, with a specific focus on the asymmetric body (AB) structure. Despite being bilaterally symmetric, the AB exhibits functional asymmetry and is located within the central complex of the fly brain. Interval timing behaviors, such as rival-induced prolonged mating duration: longer mating duration behavior (LMD) and sexual experience-mediated shorter mating duration behavior (SMD), are essential for Drosophila. We utilize genetic manipulations to selectively activate or inhibit AB neurons and evaluates their impact on LMD and SMD behaviors. The results indicate that specific populations of AB neurons play unique roles in orchestrating these interval timing behaviors. Notably, inhibiting GAL4R38D01-labeled AB neurons disrupts both LMD and SMD, while GAL4R42C09 neuron inhibition affects only LMD. Moreover, hyperexcitation of GAL4R72A10-labeled AB neurons perturbs SMD. Our study identifies NetrinB (NetB) and Abd-B as marker genes for AB neurons and highlights the role of 5-HT1B neurons in generating LMD through peptidergic Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) signaling. In summary, this study underscores the importance of AB neuron asymmetry in mediating interval timing behaviors and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of memory formation and function in Drosophila.
Hyperexcitation of Monoaminergic Neurons in the Drosophila Mushroom Body Disrupts Memory for Visually Oriented Rival-induced Prolonged Mating
Authors: Zhou Xinyue , Sun Dongyu , Song Yutong , Zhang Tianmu , Kim Woo Jae
Published: May 2024

Male individuals frequently require a prolongation of their mating duration in order to outcompete their rivals for few reproductive chances. This study looks into the roles of monoaminergic neurons in the Drosophila melanogaster mushroom body (MB) as major regulators of males' rival-induced prolonged mating duration (LMD) behavior. Activation screening experiments revealed that hyperexcitation of monoaminergic neurons in the MB, including serotonergic neurons and dopaminergic neurons, disrupts LMD without affecting copulation latency. The co-expression of MB-specific GAL80 (GAL80MB247) with the monoaminergic GAL4 drivers rescues LMD, confirming the involvement of monoaminergic neurons in the MB. The hyperexcitation of inhibitory GABAergic neurons disrupts mating, but this effect is alleviated by GAL80MB247 inhibitors, suggesting that critical GABAergic neurons for LMD reside within the MB. In summary, the activation of monoaminergic neurons in the MB disrupts LMD memory, while the hyperactivation of inhibitory GABAergic neurons in the MB impairs mating success. These findings implicate the MB as a crucial neural circuit for integrating visual and social cues to generate memory for LMD behavior.