bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers to participating in an online family- and group-based prevention programme for parents with depression: an online survey
Authors: Joder Angela , Geissler Svenja , Dengl Petra , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Platt Belinda
Published: May 2024

Background
Children of parents with depression have an increased risk of mental illness themselves and there is an urgent need to implement effective prevention programmes for this population. "Growing Up Healthy and Happy" (“GuG-Auf-Online") is an online family- and group-based cognitive-behavioural preventive programme with a strong evidence base. The aim of the current study was to understand what factors might hamper parents with depression from participating in the programme.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Germany with 274 parents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the programme (parental history of depression and a child aged eight to 17 years with no mental illness). The survey included several a priori-defined barriers (e.g. online format, feelings of shame) which parents rated in terms of (a) whether the barrier was relevant to them and if so, (b) how much it held them back from participating. Open-ended questions identified additional barriers. In addition to qualitative content analysis according to Mayring (2008), Pearson correlations were calculated to determine whether the current severity of parents’ symptoms influenced their responses.
Results
The following aspects emerged as relevant barriers: (a) shame regarding one's depression, (b) overburden and (c) avoidance (not wanting to be reminded of depression). There was no evidence that the online setting was a significant barrier. Most of the correlations between the current severity of parent’s symptoms and their responses were statistically significantly (p < .0037).
Conclusions
The main barriers to participation in prevention related to individual characteristics/ emotional experiences rather than structural issues. Addressing these barriers in the advertisement of future programmes could improve uptake.
Novel, Green, Focal Length Tunable Micro-Lenses from Chiral Cellulose For Micro-displays
Authors: Xu Xuezhu , Meng Ziwei , Tang Xuying , Hu Xiaowen
Published: May 2024

The assembly and integration of liquid crystal (LC) lenses into micro-displays such as virtual reality (VR) optical systems presents specific challenges in improving imaging quality. Cholesteric LCs possess unique properties, such as voltage-dependent pitch and the capability to selectively reflect or transmit circularly polarized light. In terms of environmental sustainability, cellulose, including its derivative ethyl cellulose (EC), is recognized as an eco-friendly LC material. This study aims to explore the potential of EC as a green, eye-conforming material and investigate its optical features for application in state-of-the-art virtual reality. The research encompasses the dissolution behavior, optical and anisotropic properties, and optoelectronic performance of EC. A notable focus of this study is the exceptional assembly of focal length tunable micro-lenses (FLTMs) for pontential virtual reality uses. These findings shed light on the previously untapped attributes of a well-understood material, paving the way for advancements in cutting-edge micro-display devices.
Development and evaluation of an autism pig model
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Bing , Qiu Shuai , Jia Jingyan , Xu Benlei , Wu Nan , Cao Huaqiang , Xie Shuangyi , Cui Jialong , Ma Ji , Pan Yi-Hsuan
Published: May 2024

Developing cost-effective and disease-relevant animal models is essential for advancing biomedical research into human disorders. This study investigates the feasibility of a pig model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug known to increase ASD risk. We established experimental paradigms to assess the behavioral characteristics of these pig models. Administration of VPA to Bama miniature pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) during critical embryonic stages resulted in abnormal gait, increased anxiety levels, reduced learning capabilities, and altered social patterns, while largely preserving social preference of treated piglets. Notably, we detected significant neuroanatomical changes in cortical regions associated with ASD in the VPA-treated pigs, including cortical malformation, increased neuronal soma size, decreased dendritic complexity, and reduced dendritic spine density and maturation. Transcriptome analysis of the prefrontal cortex of VPA-treated pigs further revealed substantial alterations in the expression of genes linked to ASD, especially genes of the dopamine signaling pathway, highlighting the model’s relevance and potential for shedding light on ASD’s underlying neuropathological and molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that pig models could serve as a promising alternative to traditional rodent models and provide an ethical substitute for using primates in the translational research of neurodevelopmental disorders.
SIRT3 involves high glucose-induced endothelial impairment in diabetic retinopathy through OPA1-mediated mitochondrial dynamics imbalance
Authors: Shi Jiemei , Liu Min , Zhu Haohao , Jiang Chunhui
Published: May 2024

Background
The oxidative stress of endothelial cells plays a key role in diabetic retinopathy (DR), and mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for oxidative stress.
Aim
To explore the potential roles of mitochondrial sirtuins (SIRTs) in oxidative stress-related endothelial impairment in DR and of mitochondrial homeostasis damage.
Methods
The activity of retinal microvascular endothelial cells was detected via the cell counting kit-8 experiment. The dead or alive cells were assessed by calcein-AM/PI staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells were labeled using the DCFH-DA fluorescence probe method. The expression of mitochondrial SIRTs (SIRT3–5) and key molecules of mitochondrial homeostasis regulation pathway was detected using qPCR and further verified by western blot. Mitochondria morphology was labeled with an electron microscope and MitoTracker fluorescence probe, and quantitative analysis was performed with Image J software.
Results
Cell viability significantly decreased after 48 h of high glucose (HG), and HG led to a significant increase in the proportion of dead cells and the ROS level, accompanied by a decrease in SIRT3 and the level of mitochondrial dynamics-related molecules. SIRT3 overexpression reversed the proportion of dead cells and ROS levels and had a significant effect on the expression of mitochondrial dynamics-related molecules, especially the mitochondrial fusion-related molecule OPA1. Mitochondrial morphological changes increased mitochondrial fusion after SIRT3 overexpression under HG. However, MYLS22, the OPA1 inhibitor, blocked the protective effect of SIRT3 overexpression, which was manifested by increasing the number of dead cells, the ROS level, and the intensification of mitochondrial fragmentation.
Conclusion
This study found that SIRT3 involved an imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics caused by HG-induced endothelial impairment in DR, possibly through the OPA1 pathway.
A Study Based on BIS Standard IS9845:1998 for Assessing the Migration of Bisphenol A from Food Contact Plastics
Authors: Shrinithivihahshini Nirmaladevi D , Mahamuni Duraisamy
Published: May 2024

Plastics are extensively utilized in the food packaging industry, where they come into direct contact with food products. During processing or storage, the influence of physical factors may cause these plastics to release chemicals into food. This study applied the testing conditions outlined in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) method IS9845:1998 to evaluate the migration of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, from plastic containers intended for food contact. We selected three types of polymers for analysis: polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). The investigation involved the use of five different food simulants under a variety of temperature and storage duration conditions. The BPA that migrated into the simulants was extracted via solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed using a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Data analysis and interpretation were performed using the SPSS and R software packages. The results suggest that aqueous food substances, regardless of their acidity, are more susceptible to BPA contamination when in contact with PC containers subjected to elevated temperatures and/or extended storage periods.
Intelligent remaining useful life prediction of equipment based on digital twin
Authors: Huang Lei , Shi Xiaojun , Shi Haotian , Tang Aochun , Qing Guo
Published: May 2024

In the cutting-edge field of smart manufacturing, accurately predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of intelligent devices plays a crucial role in enhancing production efficiency and ensuring equipment safety. Digital Twin (DT) represents an emergent technology in equipment health management, where high-fidelity digital twin models facilitate the reflection of device operational states, and dynamically updated data aids in the precise prediction of RUL. This paper introduces a DT-based framework for the intelligent prediction of equipment RUL, utilizing a high-fidelity digital twin system to comprehensively capture the operational data of devices, enabling extensive and multi-level monitoring of device operational states. Building upon this foundation, a RUL prediction model (MSCPS) incorporating Multi-Scale Convolution (MSC) and ProSparse Self-Attention is proposed, significantly enhancing the extraction of key features and thereby improving RUL prediction accuracy. Furthermore, through the implementation of a transfer learning strategy supported by the digital twin system, this study successfully addresses the challenge of data scarcity in the target domain, achieving high-accuracy RUL prediction under conditions of limited data. Extensive experiments conducted on two full-lifecycle bearing datasets validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, with results demonstrating its superiority in RUL prediction compared to existing data-driven technologies. This research not only provides a new perspective for equipment health monitoring and management but also lays a solid foundation for the advancement of health diagnosis and prediction technologies in intelligent systems, indicating new directions for future research.
Seasonal Changes of Food in Tench (Cyprinidae, Pisces) Inhabiting Macrophytes Habitats
Authors: Shcherbina G. K. , Bezmaternykh V. V.
Published: May 2024

The food consumption in the tench of Lake Vistytis is uneven during season. It has a distinct peak in spring followed by quite low values in the latter months. Primary food components here are two Chironomus species at spring, replaced by two species of crustaceans in latter, adding 3 mollusk species at the end of vegetation. The food consumption in the tench of Krugly Pond is more stable during season and gas higher values. The major food component here during the whole season is amphibiotic insects.
Synthesis, Characterization and antibacterial study of Ag-loaded TiO 2 Electrospun nanofibers: Mechanistic insights of nanofibers interacting with bacteria
Authors: Khanam Bisma , Anwar Shahzad , Zakria Muhammad , Khan Taj Muhammad , Rahman A. , Adnan Ahmad , Shan Nida Ali , Khan Rafaqat Ali , Raffi Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Pristine TiO2 nanofibers with a range of Ag-loading (wt.% 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) were prepared by electrospinning technique whose mechanistic insight into their improved antibacterial activity against E.coli as a model microorganism has been investigated. Calcination of as prepared electrospun nanofibers was carried out in ambient air at 500℃ for 3h to promote transformation crystalline phase of TiO2 from anatase to the rutile, removal of reaction moieties and genesis of Ag clusters in these nanofibers. The physicochemical properties of nanofiber samples were analyzed and observed by employing Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. On the whole, these nanofibers have been found to exhibit a smooth surface morphology with minimal beading effect and sustained compositions of the original elements. Heat treatment of the as prepared samples lead to preferential formation of rutile phase as a function of wt.% loading of Ag that strongly supported phase transformation of TiO2 from anatase to rutile. These nanofibers have been tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against the E. Coli bacterium by Well plate method. The results have exhibited formation of consistent zones of inhibition and log10 CFU/mL with the rising content of Ag loading in the TiO2 matrix, while highest antimicrobial efficacy has been observed with the sample containing 8 wt.% of Ag loading. Confocal microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy analysis of treated bacterial samples has disclosed the interaction between nanofibers and bacterial cells, resulting into disruption of cell membrane. This disruption led to the leakage of cell contents and ultimately causing bacterial cell death.
Double cystic artery originating from the superior mesenteric and right hepatic artery: A case report
Authors: Rao Tanish , Saini Saransh Kumar , Ranaweera Chamath , Dissabandara Lakal
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
The cystic artery serves as an essential anatomical reference in both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. In this report, we present a unique case featuring two rare anatomical variations: double cystic arteries, along with a superficial branch originating from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) a previously undescribed combination that has significant clinical and surgical implications, necessitating a surgeon’s awareness of its anatomical and embryological basis.
Methods:
The cadaver examined in this study was donated to Griffith School of Medicine for medical education and research purposes. A macroscopic examination was conducted to identify anatomical variations and elucidate the relationships between the atypical cystic artery and surrounding abdominal structures.
Results:
The typical cystic artery originated from the right hepatic artery, passing posterior to the common hepatic duct within Calot’s triangle, to supply the superomedial (dorsal/deep) surface of the gallbladder. The wider calibre, 100mm long accessory cystic artery originated 35 mm distal to the SMA origin, with a retro-pancreatic and sub-calot course, bifurcating to supply the cystic duct and inferolateral (superficial) surface of the gallbladder, respectively; almost resembling the calibre and positioning of an aberrant right hepatic artery. This configuration necessitates increased care by a surgeon, as it can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and injury during laparoscopic hepatoduodenal ligament dissection, Kocherisation/duodenal mobilisation, and pancreatic inflammatory/neoplastic processes.
Conclusion:
We believe accumulating knowledge of such variations will significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of cholecystectomy and pancreatic procedures.
Clinical Characteristics and Booster Vaccine Effectiveness of the Omicron Variant
Authors: Sun Lijun , Zhou Biye , Guo Yijia , Huang Yunfei , Tang Zihui , Wu Zhaojun , Li Yuwei , Zhao Liping , Shan Yi , Xu Xiaolong , Jiang Hui
Published: May 2024

Background Although many people received the COVID-19 vaccine, shortly after the Chinese government announced that the three-year COVID-19 restrictions were being eased, the first large number of Omicron infections appeared in Beijing. We describe epidemiological characteristics, clinical severity, and time-to-event distribution of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Beijing Omicron outbreak, comparing those who received the booster vaccine with cases of full/partial vaccines.
Methods We collected epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and clinical management data from the hospital information system (HIS) for 1495 cases. We also collected illness onset time, diagnosis time, hospital admission time, and start and end times of each treatment. In addition, we collected the time of vaccination, inoculation times, and type of COVID-19 vaccination thorough the vaccination system. We described the epidemiological characteristics across vaccine inoculation doses, and estimated the risk of death, mechanical ventilation, and admission to the intensive care unit for patients admitted to hospital. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the survival rate and plot the survival curve, and the Cox proportional hazards model to assess the effect of covariates on survival time.
Results Of the 1495 cases, 58.1% were male. The median ages in the non-vaccinated and vaccinated groups were 80 and 47 years. Elderly with underlying medical conditions and lower BMI less willing to vaccinate(p<0.05). Both the inactivated vaccine and adenovirus vaccine could reduce clinical severity and prolong survival time, and the protective effect of booster vaccination was the best. The clinical severity increased linearly from the booster vaccinated group to the full vaccinated group and non-vaccinated groups, and the death risk of COVID-19 cases without vaccination was the highest.
Conclusion Booster vaccines of COVID-19 can provide greater protection against severe illness and death, and continuous monitoring and regular assessment are needed to minimize the risk of a recurrence of the pandemic.
Internal carotid artery dissection in a patient with Parkinson’s disease after COVID-19 infection
Authors: Okubo Takanobu , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Matsuura Keita , Tamura Asako , Miyashita Koichi , Umino Maki , Maeda Masayuki , Shindo Akihiro
Published: May 2024

Background
Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is a relatively rare cause of acute ischemic stroke. Stretching and compression of the ICA owing to sudden acceleration, deceleration, and rotational forces are risk factors for ICA dissection. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is believed to trigger an inflammatory response exacerbating endothelial dysfunction leading to arterial dissection. Although levodopa-induced cervical dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease often manifests as choreiform movement, dissection has not been reported in such patients.
Case Presentation:
A 51-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease (PD) presented with gradually worsening neck pain and transient aphasia one week after mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The patient presented with levodopa-induced cervical dyskinesia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute ischemic stroke in the left parietal lobe and an intramural hematoma with an area of stenosis in the left ICA. The patient was diagnosed with a left ICA artery dissection.
Conclusions
The quick cervical movement under COVID-19-related vessel wall vulnerability may cause ICA dissection. Although patients with PD often have neck pain, ICA dissection should be included as a differential diagnosis if the patient has COVID-19.
Human tNeurons reveal aging-linked proteostasis deficits driving Alzheimer’s phenotypes
Authors: Frydman Judith , Chou Ching-Chieh: , Vest Ryan: , Prado Miguel , Wilson-Grady Joshua , Paulo Joao , Shibuya Yohei , Losada Patricia Moran , lee ting-ting , Luo Jian , Gygi Steven , Kelly Jeffrey , Finley Daniel , Wernig Marius , Wyss-Coray Tony
Published: May 2024

Aging is a prominent risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal phenotypes remain elusive. Both accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain1 and age-linked organelle deficits 2-7 are proposed as causes of AD phenotypes but the relationship between these events is unclear. Here, we address this question using a transdifferentiated neuron (tNeuron) model directly from human dermal fibroblasts. Patient-derived tNeurons retain aging hallmarks and exhibit AD-linked deficits. Quantitative tNeuron proteomic analyses identify aging and AD-linked deficits in proteostasis and organelle homeostasis, particularly affecting endosome-lysosomal components. The proteostasis and lysosomal homeostasis deficits in aged tNeurons are exacerbated in sporadic and familial AD tNeurons, promoting constitutive lysosomal damage and defects in ESCRT-mediated repair. We find deficits in neuronal lysosomal homeostasis lead to inflammatory cytokine secretion, cell death and spontaneous development of Aß and phospho-Tau deposits. These proteotoxic inclusions co-localize with lysosomes and damage markers and resemble inclusions in brain tissue from AD patients and APP-transgenic mice. Supporting the centrality of lysosomal deficits driving AD phenotypes, lysosome-function enhancing compounds reduce AD-associated cytokine secretion and Aβ deposits. We conclude that proteostasis and organelle deficits are upstream initiating factors leading to neuronal aging and AD phenotypes.
Baseline correlates of functional impairment at 12 months in young people with borderline personality disorder: Findings from the MOBY randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chanen Andrew M. , Andrewes Holly , Nicol Katie , Jackson Henry J , Cotton Sue M , Gleeson John , Davey Christopher G , McCutcheon Louise , Perera Sharnel , Rayner Victoria , Betts Jennifer K
Published: May 2024

No studies have investigated baseline predictors of improved functioning among young people receiving treatment for BPD. The current study aimed to identify the baseline demographic, psychopathological and treatment correlates of improved functioning at 12 months among young people with BPD, who received early intervention in the Monitoring Outcomes of BPD in Youth (MOBY) randomised controlled trial. Of 139 randomised young people (aged 15 to 25 years) who completed interview and self-report measures at baseline (pre-treatment), 98 (Mage = 18.7, SD = 2.7) provided data on the same measures at 12 months (primary endpoint). Adjusting for other demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics, hierarchical regression analyses revealed that better social adjustment at 12 months was predicted by having at least one caregiver engaged in employment at baseline (β = -0.25, p = 0.04, F2 = 0.41). Higher levels of interpersonal functioning at 12 months were predicted by fewer interpersonal problems (β = 0.41, p = 0.02), fewer co-occurring personality disorder diagnoses (β = -0.31, p = 0.04), and lower BPD severity (β = -0.31, p = 0.04) at baseline (F2 = 0.52). These findings suggest that young people presenting with lower severity of BPD, better interpersonal functioning at baseline, and at least one caregiver in employment are more likely to have better functional outcomes following early intervention. The findings did not support suicide attempts and self-harm as predictors of functional outcome. Future research should focus upon individual or household indicators of social disadvantage as moderators of outcome in early intervention for BPD.
Suppression of methane–air explosions using air-jet-driven NaHCO3 powder and porous barrier
Authors: Qiao Zhenglong , Miao Qianfei , Ma Heng , Xu Liang , Li Rong , Gao Jie
Published: May 2024

The inhibition of methane–air explosions by air-jet-driven NaHCO3 powders and porous barriers was investigated in this study. Flame images and overpressure data were recorded using high-speed cameras and pressure sensors. The inhibition mechanism of NaHCO3 powder was further investigated using the reaction mechanism of sodium-containing substances and methane combustion. The results showed that NaHCO3 powder driven by high-pressure gas jets reduces the average propagation speed of flame fronts and the rising rate of overpressure. The presence of porous barriers increases the turbulence intensity in the pipe and the travel time of the NaHCO3 particles. Thus, the contact time between the large particle powder and the flame increases, and the inhibiting effect on flame propagation gradually increases as the obstruction rate increases. NaHCO3 powder inhibits methane–air explosions through physical and chemical mechanisms. From a chemical perspective, sodium-containing radicals preferentially react with CO in the system to form CO2, reducing the production of H* and OH* radicals in the reaction system. The cycle of gaseous Na and NaOH also consumes H* and OH* radicals in the system, blocking the chain reaction.
Grinding heat theory based on trochoid scratch model: Establishment and verification of grinding heat model of trochoid cross point
Authors: Zhao Pengcheng , Lin Bin , Zhou Jingguo , Zhao Feifei , Sui Tianyi
Published: May 2024

Grinding is an ultra-precision machining technology. The grinding force and grinding heat emerge as pivotal physical parameters. Excessive grinding temperature can engender unwarranted thermal damage to the processed material. In cup grinding wheel face grinding, employing a singular abrasive grain discrete heat source method enables a more precise establishment of the face grinding temperature field. Cross tracks of abrasive exist widely in cup grinding wheel, and the influence of cross point temperature should be considered in order to accurately establish the grinding temperature field model. Thus, a single-grain discrete point heat source superposition temperature field analytical model was established. Through trochoid feed scratch experiments, the variation law of thermal effect of cross points under different cutting depth is verified. The experimental findings reveal conspicuous changes in cutting force and cutting heat at the entry and exit positions of the scratch intersection region. Moreover, the abrasive grain scratch sustains more severe damage compared to other regions. The energy change caused by the impact effect is the key factor leading to the temperature change at the intersection. The energy lost at the entrance of the intersection position is close to the energy of the impact effect. With the increase of the cutting depth, the ratio of the two tends to converge towards 1, ranging from 0.868 to 0.932 to 0.965. The error between the theoretical model and experimental verification is less than 5%, indicating the single-particle discrete heat source superposition temperature field model can well characterize the grinding surface temperature field caused by crosspoint effect, which lays a foundation for the grinding heat theory based on trochoid model.
Real-time ultrasound to assess the umbilical catheter position in neonates: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Ruangkit Chayatat , Ponin Lalita , Ruangwattanapaisarn Nichanan , Nuntnarumit Pracha
Published: May 2024

Objective
To compare real-time ultrasound (RT-US) use as an adjunct tool to verify umbilical catheter placement versus standard care without ultrasound.
Study Design:
Neonates requiring umbilical venous catheter (UVC) and umbilical artery catheter (UAC) placement were randomized into the standard formula (No-US) and the RT-US groups. X-rays were used to confirm the catheter position.
Result
Fifty and forty-nine neonates were in the RT-US and No-US groups, respectively. RT-US showed a significantly higher rate of initial X-ray-confirmed proper catheter position than No-US (p < 0.001). The rates of proper positions of UVCs and UACs were significantly higher in the RT-US group than in the No-US group (both p < 0.001). Neonates in the RT-US group required fewer catheter adjustments and subsequent X-rays than those in the No-US group.
Conclusion
RT-US enhances the accuracy of UVC and UAC placement, reduces catheter adjustments, and the number of X-rays required.
Trial Registration
TCTR20190622001
The Impact of Dietary Copper Intake on Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality among Hypertensive Patients: A Longitudinal Analysis from NHANES (2001-2018)
Authors: Xu Haibin , Liu Zhou , Yao Baohong , XU Ziqi
Published: May 2024

While the impact of macronutrients on health is well-understood, the influence of micronutrients such as copper on cardiovascular health remains less explored. Copper, vital for heart function and antioxidant defense, may affect cardiovascular health through its role in enzymatic activities that reduce oxidative stress. This study evaluates the relationship between dietary copper intake and cardiovascular outcomes in hypertensive patients using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2018. Findings reveal that higher dietary copper intake is associated with significantly lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence and mortality rates. A non-linear relationship was identified, indicating an optimal copper intake threshold of approximately 2.85 mg/day. Notably, the protective effects of copper were more pronounced in men, non-diabetic individuals, and those with higher educational levels. These results underscore copper’s potential role in preventing cardiovascular complications in hypertensive patients and support the inclusion of copper intake in dietary recommendations to improve cardiovascular health. This study enhances our understanding of how micronutrients influence cardiovascular disease management and aids in developing targeted nutritional interventions.
Reduced Vittel Score: A New Pre-hospital rule for trauma patients Triage
Authors: Laajimi Sondes , Bhiri Sana , Chebbi Nabil , Bradai Haifa , Loghmari Dorra , Belkhiria Amal , Chebili Naoufel , Mbarek Rabeb , Kahloul Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Prehospital triage is a crucial step in the management of trauma patients, as it can impact outcomes by ensuring patients are directed to the most suitable treatment facility. The use of validated triage tools like the Vittel criteria and ISS is essential to support this process and improve patient care.
The aim of this study is to simplify the version of the French Vittel score in pre hospital trauma patients within the Center-Est territory of Tunisia, between November 2021 and 2023.
Methods: A longitudinal analytical study on trauma patients transported by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) teams of the Tunisian EMS03 over a two-year period from November 2021 to November 2023. Socio- demographic and clinical data were collected using a predefined questionnaire, and the Vittel score, and ISS were calculated for each patient. Statistical tests led to the formation of three alternative algorithms. The Vittel algorithm was compared to the three alternative algorithms using the Delong et al. method.
Results: Men in their thirties were particularly prone to trauma (83.5% male with a sex ratio of 5.3), mainly due to road traffic accidents (77.2%). Blunt trauma was the predominant mechanism of injury (47.3%), followed by penetrating trauma (15.6%). Among the 461 trauma patients included in the study, 41% had an ISS greater than 15, 25% were admitted to the intensive care unit, and 23.9% died within 30 days of transfer. In the multivariate analysis, no kinetic-related criteria showed a significant correlation with ISS > 15, 30-day mortality, or ICU admission. However, three categories of the French Vittel score - physiological variables, prehospital resuscitation, and physical injuries - were significant indicators of major trauma (ISS > 15), unlike kinetic elements which lacked this predictive ability.
Conclusion: the study highlights the importance of coordination between prehospital and hospital care, and the potential of a simplified Vittel score to predict severe trauma. However, challenges remain in prehospital triage, underscoring the need for continued research and evaluation to improve trauma patient management.
Integrative Bioinformatics Analysis for Identifying the Mitochondrial-Related Gene Signature Associated with Immune Infiltration in Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Lu Minjun , Li Wenxin , Zhou Jiamin , Shang Junyu , Lin Li , Liu Yueqin , Zhu Xiaolan
Published: May 2024

Background
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a reproductive disorder characterized by the cessation of ovarian function before the age of 40. While mitochondrial dysfunction and immune disorders are believed to contribute to ovarian damage in POI, the interplay between these factors remains understudied in patients with this condition.
Methods
In this research, transcriptomic data related to POI were obtained from the NCBI GEO database. Hub biomarkers were identified through the construction of a protein‒protein interaction (PPI) network and further validated using RT‒qPCR. Moreover, their expression across various cell types was elucidated via single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Comprehensive investigation into the mitochondrial and immune profiles of POI patients was carried out through correlation analysis. Furthermore, potential therapeutic agents were predicted utilizing the cMap database.
Results
A total of 119 mitochondria-related differentially expressed genes (MitoDEGs) were pinpointed, showing significant enrichment in metabolic pathways. Among these genes, Hadhb, Cpt1a, Mrpl12, and Mrps7 were confirmed both in a POI model and in human granulosa cells (GCs), where they were found to accumulate in GCs and theca cells. Immune analysis revealed variations in macrophages, monocytes, and 15 other immune cell types between the POI and control groups. Notably, strong correlations were observed between seven hub-MitoDEGs (Hadhb, Cpt1a, Cpt2, Mrpl12, Mrps7, Mrps51, and Eci1) and various aspects such as mitochondrial respiratory complexes, dynamics, mitophagy, mitochondrial metabolism, immune-related genes, and immunocytes. Additionally, nine potential drugs (calyculin, amodiaquine, eudesmic acid, cefotaxime, BX-912, prostratin, SCH-79797, HU-211, and pizotifen) targeting key genes were identified.
Conclusions
Our results highlight the crosstalk between mitochondrial function and the immune response in the development of POI. The identification of MitoDEGs could lead to reliable biomarkers for the early diagnosis, monitoring and personalized treatment of POI patients.
ABDS: a bioinformatics tool suite for analyzing biologically diverse samples
Authors: Du Dongping , Bhardwaj Saurabh , Lu Yingzhou , Wang Yizhi , Parker Sarah J. , Zhang Zhen , Eyk Jennifer E. Van , Yu Guoqiang , Clarke Robert , Herrington David M. , Wang Yue
Published: May 2024

Bioinformatics software tools are essential to identify informative molecular features that define different phenotypic sample groups. Among the most fundamental and interrelated tasks are missing value imputation, signature gene detection, and differential pattern visualization. However, many commonly used analytics tools can be problematic when handling biologically diverse samples if either informative missingness possess high missing rates with mixed missing mechanisms, or multiple sample groups are compared and visualized in parallel. We developed the ABDS tool suite specifically for analyzing biologically diverse samples. Collectively, a mechanism-integrated group-wise pre-imputation scheme is proposed to retain informative missingness associated with signature genes, a cosine-based one-sample test is extended to detect group-silenced signature genes, and a unified heatmap is designed to display multiple sample groups. We describe the methodological principles and demonstrate the effectiveness of three analytics tools under targeted scenarios, supported by comparative evaluations and biomedical showcases. As an open-source R package, ABDS tool suite complements rather than replaces existing tools and will allow biologists to more accurately detect interpretable molecular signals among phenotypically diverse sample groups.
Modified inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for lamellar macular hole
Authors: Keyal Khusbu , Bing Li , Chunyu Liu , Zhongping Tian , Shao Yuting , Bi Yanlong
Published: May 2024

Background
Lamellar macular hole (LMH) is a partial-thickness macular defect thought to be caused by vitreofoveal traction, anteroposterior and tangential forces exerting traction on the fovea.
Methods
This is a retrospective study involving 19 eyes. 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), fovea sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling combined with modified inverted ILM flap under air for treatment of LMH was used.
Results
The study comprised 14 females and 5 males, involving 13 right and 6 left eyes, with a mean age of 69.52 ± 8.13 years. Symptom duration averaged 498.94 ± 646.96 days. The preoperative residual foveal thickness, which initially averaged 62.26 ± 46.21µm, increased to a post-operative central foveal thickness of 85.05 ± 48.11 µm after 6 months. Foveal configuration was improved in 15 of 19 eyes (78.94%), one patient had persistent macular edema, and 3 eyes had irregular foveal contour. Among 19 eyes examined, 13 eyes (68.42%) showed intact external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) lines both before and after the surgery, resulting in a smooth restoration of the foveal contour. Conversely, in 6 eyes (31.57%) assessed before the operation, the ELM and EZ lines were disrupted. Of these, 3 eyes (15.78%) exhibited improvement, while in the remaining 3 eyes (15.78%), the ELM and EZ lines remained disrupted even after 6 months of follow-up. The mean pre-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in LogMAR was 0.66 ± 0.43 and the mean post-operative BCVA in LogMAR at 1 months was 0.55 ± 0.24, at 3 months was 0.53 ± 0.25 and at 6 months was 0.51 ± 0.24, indicating an overall improvement in BCVA compared to pre-operative levels. Mean BCVA improved from 0.66 ± 0.43 logMAR pre-operative to 0.51 ± 0.24 logMAR at 6 months post-operatively (p = 0.058). There were no instances of full thickness macular hole and no foveal detachment.
Conclusion
PPV with fovea sparing ILM peeling combined with modified inverted ILM flap under air results in good morphological and functional outcomes.
Trial registration:
The study project registration number (Tongji Hospital affiliated with Tongji University School of Medicine (Number: K-W-2024-001)).
Bilateral Idiopathic Recrudescent Multifocal Retinal Pigment Epithelial Detachments in a Patient underwent intraocular surgery after Eye Injury: a Case Report
Authors: Wang Siyu , Hu Yuedong , Liu Limin
Published: May 2024

Background
Bilateral multifocal retinal pigment epithelial detachment (RPED) is a rarely observed entity. Such condition is mostly seen in some idiopathic ocular or systemic pathologies. We report a case of bilateral idiopathic recrudescent multifocal retinal pigment epithelial detachment in a patient after eye injury and traumatic cataract surgery.
Case presentation
The patient is a middle-aged Asian male who developed bilateral multifocal RPED in both eyes following left eye trauma and surgery. The RPED disappeared after conservative treatment but recurred after the implantation of the secondary intraocular lens. There are currently few reports of similar cases involving recurrent bilateral multifocal RPED.
Conclusions
Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations and thorough systemic assessments are crucial to rule out underlying conditions. While some reports suggest that treatment may not be necessary, appropriate non-invasive treatment may help accelerate the pace of recovery.
Fractal analysis of the mandibular ramus in class II and III patients undergoing orthognathic surgery: Retrospective study trough Cone-beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Kussaba Isabela Inoue , Felipe Beatriz Caio , Poluha Rodrigo Lorenzi , Filho Liogi Iwaki , Silva Mariliani Chicarelli da , Iwaki Lilian Cristina Vessoni
Published: May 2024

One of the challenges of orthognathic surgery (OS) is maintaining condylar position during osteosynthesis. It is believed that the post-surgical condylar position is related to postoperative morphological changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), as well as surgical stability. Therefore, the aim of this study is to perform fractal analysis of the mandibular ramus in class II and class III patients undergoing OS, analyzing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images one month before surgery (T0), one month after surgery (T1), and six to eight months after surgery (T2). Fractal analysis was performed on coronal and sagittal reconstructions. Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected for each patient and evaluated region. The ROIs underwent a processing method described by White & Rudolph in 1999. After processing, fractal analysis calculation was performed using the box-counting method by the "Fractal Box Count" function of the ImageJ software. When examining the different periods (T0, T1, and T2) among class II and class III patients, no statistically significant differences were identified (p > 0.05). This finding suggests stability in the fractal characteristics of the analyzed region, regardless of skeletal class. Thus, OS for correction of Class II and Class III malocclusions did not demonstrate a significant impact on the microstructure of the mandibular ramus over time.
Restless Legs Syndrome; Inflammation, Electroneuromyography Findings, and Disease Severity
Authors: eliaçık sinan , tutan duygu
Published: May 2024

Background
The pathophysiology of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is poorly understood, although inflammation has been suggested to probably play a role. But how much peripheral nerves may be affected? In this study, we aimed to correlate the progression of idiopathic RLS (iRLS) with electrophysiologic changes in both systemic inflammation and peripheral nerves of the lower extremities.
Methods
In this study, we planned to analyze the inflammation markers and electroneuromyography findings of a total of 70 idiopathic iRLS patients according to severity level.
Results
Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant associations between disease severity, various biomarkers, and different levels of RLS severity. Especially neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/high-density lipid ratio, C reactive protein/albumin ratio and C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, red cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, ferritin, serum iron, bilirubin, and uric acid, vitamin D levels showed significant differences between severity groups. Correlation analysis also revealed statistically significant relationships between nerve conduction parameters and inflammatory and hematologic markers. Furthermore, peripheral nerve parameters, including all lower extremity nerve conduction velocities and amplitudes, also exhibited significant correlations with RLS severity (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
We found an association between iRLS and inflammatory markers. In addition to this relationship, we also found a positive correlation between the electrophysiological findings of the peripheral nerve of the lower extremities. To confirm the influence of inflammatory factors and inflammation on peripheral nerves in the pathogenesis of iRLS, neurophysiological studies with a large number of participants, including nerve biopsy, are needed.
CARM1 inhibitor TP064 attenuates endothelial cell dysfunction via inhibits inflammatory response in vitro model of subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Qingtao , Zhang Ping , Liang Yidan , Yang Qiang , Xu Lei , Deng Yongbing , Cui Min , Zhou Weiduo , Sun Chao , Liu Liu , Wu Min
Published: May 2024

Cerebral endothelial cell dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of vascular injury subsequent to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), yet the precise molecular mechanism remains largely speculative. Inflammation stands out as a pivotal contributor to an unfavorable prognosis post-SAH, with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways being initiated and ultimately leading to inflammation activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release following SAH. In this study, we explored the impact of the Coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) inhibitor TP-064 on inflammation using an in vitro SAH model. Exposure of endothelial cells to TP-064 resulted in a significant reduction in CAMR1 and NF-κB expression upon hemoglobin exposure. Similarly, endothelial cells treated with TP-064 following hemoglobin incubation exhibited decreased expression levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokine production including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-12 (IL-12), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in response to hemoglobin exposure. Moreover, subsequent investigations demonstrated that CARM1 transcriptionally regulates NF-κB via methylation. Additionally, TP-064 notably mitigated endothelial dysfunction. Collectively, our findings identify TP-064 as a CARM1 inhibitor targeting inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, offering new insights into therapeutic strategies for addressing endothelial cell dysfunction following SAH.
RETRACTED: Using Iterative Learning Control in a Walking Beam Motion System with a Flexible Coupled Robotic Mechanism
Authors: Kostić Dragan , Matijević Milan
Published: May 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Domesticated cannabinoid synthases amid a wild mosaic cannabis pangenome
Authors: Michael Todd , Lynch Ryan , Padgitt-Cobb Lillian , Garfinkel Andrea , Knaus Brian , Hartwick Nolan , Allsing Nicholas , Alyward Anthony , Mamerto Allen , Kitony Justine , Colt Kelly , Murray Emily , Duong Tiffany , Trippe Aaron , Crawford Seth , Vining Kelly
Published: May 2024

Cannabis sativa is a globally significant seed-oil, fiber, and drug-producing plant species. However, a century of prohibition has severely restricted legal breeding and germplasm resource development, leaving potential hemp-based nutritional and fiber applications unrealized. Existing cultivars are highly heterozygous and lack competitiveness in the overall fiber and grain markets, relegating hemp to less than 200,000 hectares globally1. The relaxation of drug laws in recent decades has generated widespread interest in expanding and reincorporating cannabis into agricultural systems, but progress has been impeded by the limited understanding of genomics and breeding potential. No studies to date have examined the genomic diversity and evolution of cannabis populations using haplotype-resolved, chromosome-scale assemblies from publicly available germplasm. Here we present a cannabis pangenome, constructed with 181 new and 12 previously released genomes from a total of 156 biological samples from both male (XY) and female (XX) plants, including 42 trio phased and 36 haplotype-resolved, chromosome-scale assemblies. We discovered widespread regions of the cannabis pangenome that are surprisingly diverse for a single species, with high levels of genetic and structural variation, and propose a novel population structure and hybridization history. Conversely, the cannabinoid synthase genes contain very low levels of diversity, despite being embedded within a variable region containing multiple pseudogenized paralogs and distinct transposable element arrangements. Additionally, we identified variants of acyl-lipid thioesterase (ALT) genes2 that are associated with fatty acid chain length variation and the production of the rare cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol varin (THCV) and cannabidiol varin (CBDV). We conclude the Cannabis sativa gene pool has only been partially characterized, and that the existence of wild relatives in Asia remains likely, while its potential as a crop species remains largely unrealized.