bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-destructive testing research on the surface damage faced by the Shanhaiguan Great Wall based on machine learning
Authors: Li Qian , Zheng Liang , Chen Yile , Yan Lina , Li Yuanfang , Zhao Jing
Published: September 2023

The Shanhaiguan Great Wall is a section of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both sides of its basic structure are composed of rammed earth and gray bricks. The surface gray bricks sustain damage from environmental factors, resulting in a decline in their structural quality and even a threat to their safety. Traditional surface damage detection methods rely primarily on manual identification or manual identification following unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerial photography, which is labor-intensive. This paper applies the YOLOv4 machine learning model to the gray surface bricks of the Plain Great Wall of Shanhaiguan as an illustration. By slicing and labeling the photos, creating a training set, and then training the model, the proposed approach automatically detects four types of damage (chalking, plants, ubiquinol, and cracking) on the surface of the Great Wall. This eliminates the need to expend costly human resources for manual identification following aerial photography, thereby accelerating the work. Through research, it is found that 1) compared with manual detection, this method can quickly and efficiently monitor a large number of wall samples in a short period of time and improve the efficiency of brick wall detection in ancient buildings. 2) Compared with previous approaches, the accuracy of the current method is improved. The identifiable types are increased to include chalking and ubiquinol, and the accuracy rate increases by 0.17% (from 85.70% before to 85.87% now). 3) This method can quickly identify the damaged parts of the wall without damaging the appearance of the historical building structure, enabling timely repair measures.
Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients taking metformin, a cross-sectional study in primary healthcare
Authors: Al Quran Thekraiat , Khader Ateka , Allan Hadeel , Al-Momani Rua’a , Aqel Hamzeh T. , Alsaleh Mu’taz , Bataineh Ziad
Published: September 2023

Background

Several studies documented that metformin use contributes to vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there has been a lack of data assessing this issue in Jordan.

Aims

Assess the vitamin B12 serum levels, frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency, and related factors among Jordanian patients with T2DM patients treated with metformin.

Methods

a total of 447 subjects attending a primary health care center were included in this cross-sectional study consisting of T2DM patients who use metformin and a control group of non-diabetics. Serum B12 levels were evaluated and B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 levels ≤ 200 pmol/L. Associations of B12 serum levels or B12 deficiency with other factors like gender, age, and duration of T2DM were analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference in serum B12 levels nor the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency between T2DM metformin-treated patients and control groups. Among metformin-treated patients there was no difference relating to age, type 2 diabetes mellitus duration, proton pump inhibitors use, and metformin use (duration, dose) between patients with or without B12 deficiency.

Conclusion

The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among T2DM patients on metformin treatment in this study was high (48.9%). However, the treatment with metformin and the dose of metformin use was not associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Parameter adaptive model predictive control strategy of NPC three-level virtual synchronous generator
Authors: Yang Xiaoliang , Wang Rui , Jin Nan , Zhao Jiane , Cui Yuyue , Li Yihao
Published: September 2023

The Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) emulates the characteristics of a synchronous generator to provide inertia and damping for renewable energy systems. In the case of using the NPC three-level converter structure, traditional control methods require complex dual-loop control and internal PI parameter tuning. Furthermore, although fixed-parameter VSG control can provide inertia and damping when a significant power load is switched in an islanded microgrid, it cannot guarantee frequency regulation performance. To address these issues, this paper proposes an NPC three-level VSG parameter adaptive finite control set model predictive control strategy. This method eliminates the need for dual-loop control and PI parameter tuning. By incorporating angular velocity deviation and its rate of change into adaptive adjustment, a Tracking-Differentiator (TD) is designed to calculate the rate of change of angular velocity. This approach avoids frequent fluctuation of adaptive parameters during load power switching and improves the frequency stability of the microgrid. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is validated through simulation and experimental verification.
Automatic recognition of complementary strands: lessons regarding machine learning abilities in RNA folding
Authors: Chasles Simon , Major François
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Prediction of RNA secondary structure from single sequences still needs substantial improvements. The application of machine learning (ML) to this problem has become increasingly popular. However, ML algorithms are prone to overfitting, limiting the ability to learn more about the inherent mechanisms governing RNA folding. It is natural to use high-capacity models when solving such a difficult task, but poor generalization is expected when too few examples are available.

Methods: Here, we report the relation between capacity and performance on a fundamental related problem: determining whether two sequences are fully complementary. Our analysis focused on the impact of model architecture and capacity as well as dataset size and nature on classification accuracy.

Results: We observed that low-capacity models are better suited for learning with mislabelled training examples, while large capacities improve the ability to generalize to structurally dissimilar data. It turns out that neural networks struggle to grasp the fundamental concept of base complementarity, especially in lengthwise extrapolation context.

Discussion: Given a more complex task like RNA folding, it comes as no surprise that the scarcity of useable examples hurdles the applicability of machine learning techniques to this field.
Immunological correlates of protection afforded by PHV02 live, attenuated recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vector vaccine against Nipah virus disease
Authors: Monath Thomas P. , Nichols Richard , Feldmann Friederike , Griffin Amanda , Haddock Elaine , Callison Julie , Meade-White Kimberly , Okumura Atsushi , Lovaglio Jamie , Hanley Patrick W. , Clancy Chad S. , Shaia Carl , Rida Wasima , Fusco Joan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Immune correlates of protection afforded by PHV02, a recombinant vesicular stomatitis (rVSV) vector vaccine against Nipah virus (NiV) disease, were investigated in the African green monkey (AGM) model. Neutralizing antibody to NiV has been proposed as the principal mediator of protection against future NiV infection.

Methods

Two approaches were used to determine the correlation between neutralizing antibody levels and outcomes following a severe (1,000 median lethal doses) intranasal/intratracheal (IN/IT) challenge with NiV (Bangladesh): (1) reduction in vaccine dose given 28 days before challenge and (2) challenge during the early phase of the antibody response to the vaccine.

Results

Reduction in vaccine dose to very low levels led to primary vaccine failure rather than a sub-protective level of antibody. All AGMs vaccinated with the nominal clinical dose (2 × 107 pfu) at 21, 14, or 7 days before challenge survived. AGMs vaccinated at 21 days before challenge had neutralizing antibodies (geometric mean titer, 71.3). AGMs vaccinated at 7 or 14 days before challenge had either undetectable or low neutralizing antibody titers pre-challenge but had a rapid rise in titers after challenge that abrogated the NiV infection. A simple logistic regression model of the combined studies was used, in which the sole explanatory variable was pre-challenge neutralizing antibody titers. For a pre-challenge titer of 1:5, the predicted survival probability is 100%. The majority of animals with pre-challenge neutralizing titer of ≥1:20 were protected against pulmonary infiltrates on thoracic radiograms, and a majority of those with titers ≥1:40 were protected against clinical signs of illness and against a ≥fourfold antibody increase following challenge (indicating sterile immunity). Controls receiving rVSV-Ebola vaccine rapidly succumbed to NiV challenge, eliminating the innate immunity stimulated by the rVSV vector as a contributor to survival in monkeys challenged as early as 7 days after vaccination.

Discussion and conclusion

It was concluded that PHV02 vaccine elicited a rapid onset of protection and that any detectable level of neutralizing antibody was a functional immune correlate of survival.
Causal relationships between CD25 on immune cells and hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Luo Hao , Zhu Yong , Guo Bin , Ruan Zhe , Liu Zhi , Fan Zhihua , Zhao Shushan
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Previous research has indicated a potential association between immune factors and osteoarthritis (OA), but the causal relationship between CD25 expression on immune cells and hip OA remains enigmatic. To shed light on this relationship, this study utilized the two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) method.

Methods

Leveraging genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data from the UK Biobank and arcOGEN, the investigation encompasses a substantial European cohort comprising 15,704 hip OA cases and 378,169 controls. Genetic insights into CD25 stem from a subgroup of 3,757 individuals with European ancestry, encompassing 77 CD25-related traits. Several MR methods were applied, and robustness was assessed through heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis.

Results

Among the 77 traits examined, 66 shared the same single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with hip OA. Of these, 7 CD25-related traits were found to be causally associated with hip OA (adjusted P><0.05), with F-statistics ranging from 33 to 122. These traits are specifically related to CD4+CD25+ T cells, exhibiting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) less than 1. Notably, no causal link was discerned with the CD8+CD25+ T cell subset. Within absolute count (AC) and relative count (RC) trait types, a significant causal relationship was observed solely between CD4+CD25+ T cells and hip OA, without subtype localization. A more intricate examination of CD25 expression levels within the CD4+CD25+ T cell subset revealed a correlation with the CD39+ regulatory T (Treg) subset and hip OA, particularly within the CD39+ activated Treg subset. Furthermore, a notable causal relationship emerged between CD25 expression levels in the CD45RA- not Treg subset and hip OA. However, no significant causal link was established with any subsets of B cells.

Conclusion

The genetic prediction suggests that CD25, particularly within the realm of CD4+CD25+ T cells, may exert a protective influence against the development of hip OA. These findings provide a novel therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of hip OA.
Improvement in neoantigen prediction via integration of RNA sequencing data for variant calling
Authors: Nguyen Bui Que Tran , Tran Thi Phuong Diem , Nguyen Huu Thinh , Nguyen Thanh Nhan , Pham Thi Mong Quynh , Nguyen Hoang Thien Phuc , Tran Duc Huy , Nguyen Vy , Tran Thanh Sang , Pham Truong-Vinh Ngoc , Le Minh-Triet , Phan Minh-Duy , Giang Hoa , Nguyen Hoai-Nghia , Tran Le Son
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Neoantigen-based immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for improving the life expectancy of cancer patients. This therapeutic approach heavily relies on accurate identification of cancer mutations using DNA sequencing (DNAseq) data. However, current workflows tend to provide a large number of neoantigen candidates, of which only a limited number elicit efficient and immunogenic T-cell responses suitable for downstream clinical evaluation. To overcome this limitation and increase the number of high-quality immunogenic neoantigens, we propose integrating RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data into the mutation identification step in the neoantigen prediction workflow.

Methods

In this study, we characterize the mutation profiles identified from DNAseq and/or RNAseq data in tumor tissues of 25 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Immunogenicity was then validated by ELISpot assay using long synthesis peptides (sLP).

Results

We detected only 22.4% of variants shared between the two methods. In contrast, RNAseq-derived variants displayed unique features of affinity and immunogenicity. We further established that neoantigen candidates identified by RNAseq data significantly increased the number of highly immunogenic neoantigens (confirmed by ELISpot) that would otherwise be overlooked if relying solely on DNAseq data.

Discussion

This integrative approach holds great potential for improving the selection of neoantigens for personalized cancer immunotherapy, ultimately leading to enhanced treatment outcomes and improved survival rates for cancer patients.
Implicit causality and consequentiality of action verbs
Authors: Solstad Torgrim , Bott Oliver
Published: September 2023

Investigating Implicit Causality (I-Caus) and Implicit Consequentiality (I-Cons) biases associated with action verbs (e.g., Peter praised/healed Mary because/and so …), this paper sheds light on the nature of the coreference and coherence biases associated with Implicit Causality verbs. We provide evidence in support of the Two-Mechanism Account, according to which I-Caus and I-Cons are driven by two different mechanisms: While I-Caus derives from empty explanatory slots for explanations in verb semantics, I-Cons follows from the general discourse principle of Discourse Contiguity. Evidence is provided by three production experiments in German investigating the coreference and coherence properties of agent-evocator and causative agent-patient verbs (e.g., praise vs. heal), which differ with regard to the availability of explanatory slots for I-Caus. Experiment 1 established I-Caus and I-Cons coreference biases for the two verb classes, while Experiment 2 investigated their corresponding coherence biases, showing that they pattern as predicted on the Two-Mechanism Account. Finally, Experiment 3 provided empirical evidence on the fine-grained types of causal relations associated with I-Caus and I-Cons for the two verb types.
Causes of death and survival analysis for patients with retinoblastoma in Jordan
Authors: Bilbeisi Tharwa , Almasry Razaq , Obeidat Mariam , Mohammad Mona , Jaradat Imad , Halalsheh Hadeel , Alni’mat Ayat , Ahmad Danah Kanj , Alsaket Nour , Mehyar Mustafa , Al-Nawaiseh Ibrahim , Yousef Yacoub A.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To analyze causes and prognostic factors for death among Retinoblastoma (Rb) patients treated at a single specialized tertiary cancer center in Jordan.

Methods

We reviewed the mortality causes for all Rb patients who have been treated at the King Hussein Cancer Center between 2003 and 2019 and were followed for at least 3 years after diagnosis. The main outcome measures included demographics, laterality, tumor stage, treatment modalities, metastasis, survival, and causes of death.

Results

Twenty-four (5%) of the 478 patients died from retinoblastoma and 5-year survival was 94%. The mean age at diagnosis was 15 months (median, 18 months; range, 4–38 months); eight (33%) received diagnoses within the first year of life. Eleven (46%) were boys, 16 (67%) had bilateral disease, and 3 (13%) had a positive family history. The stage for the worst eye was C for 1 (4%) patient, D in 6 (25%) patients, and E (T3) in 15 (63%) patients. Two patients had extraocular Rb at diagnosis, and four of the patients who had intraocular Rb at diagnosis refused treatment and then came back with extraocular Rb. In total, extraocular disease was encountered in six eyes (six patients). After a 120-month median follow-up period, 24 patients (5%) died of second neoplasms (n = 3) or metastases (n = 21). Significant predictive factors for metastasis and death included advanced IIRC tumor stage (p < 0.0001), the presence of high-risk pathological features in the enucleated eyes (p = 0.013), parental refusal of the recommended primary treatment plan (p < 0.0001), and extraocular extension (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The 5-year survival rates of Rb patients in Jordan are as high as those in high-income countries. However, 5% are still dying from metastatic disease, prompting the need for awareness campaigns to educate the public about the high cure rates and to prevent treatment abandonment.
Integrons in the development of antimicrobial resistance: critical review and perspectives
Authors: Bhat Basharat Ahmad , Mir Rakeeb Ahmad , Qadri Hafsa , Dhiman Rohan , Almilaibary Abdullah , Alkhanani Mustfa , Mir Manzoor Ahmad
Published: September 2023

Antibiotic resistance development and pathogen cross-dissemination are both considered essential risks to human health on a worldwide scale. Antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRs) are acquired, expressed, disseminated, and traded mainly through integrons, the key players capable of transferring genes from bacterial chromosomes to plasmids and their integration by integrase to the target pathogenic host. Moreover, integrons play a central role in disseminating and assembling genes connected with antibiotic resistance in pathogenic and commensal bacterial species. They exhibit a large and concealed diversity in the natural environment, raising concerns about their potential for comprehensive application in bacterial adaptation. They should be viewed as a dangerous pool of resistance determinants from the “One Health approach.” Among the three documented classes of integrons reported viz., class-1, 2, and 3, class 1 has been found frequently associated with AMRs in humans and is a critical genetic element to serve as a target for therapeutics to AMRs through gene silencing or combinatorial therapies. The direct method of screening gene cassettes linked to pathogenesis and resistance harbored by integrons is a novel way to assess human health. In the last decade, they have witnessed surveying the integron-associated gene cassettes associated with increased drug tolerance and rising pathogenicity of human pathogenic microbes. Consequently, we aimed to unravel the structure and functions of integrons and their integration mechanism by understanding horizontal gene transfer from one trophic group to another. Many updates for the gene cassettes harbored by integrons related to resistance and pathogenicity are extensively explored. Additionally, an updated account of the assessment of AMRs and prevailing antibiotic resistance by integrons in humans is grossly detailed—lastly, the estimation of AMR dissemination by employing integrons as potential biomarkers are also highlighted. The current review on integrons will pave the way to clinical understanding for devising a roadmap solution to AMR and pathogenicity.

Graphical Abstract

The graphical abstract displays how integron-aided AMRs to humans: Transposons capture integron gene cassettes to yield high mobility integrons that target res sites of plasmids. These plasmids, in turn, promote the mobility of acquired integrons into diverse bacterial species. The acquisitions of resistant genes are transferred to humans through horizontal gene transfer.
Natural phenolic compounds as biofilm inhibitors of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli – the role of similar biological processes despite structural diversity
Authors: Buchmann David , Schwabe Michael , Weiss Romano , Kuss Andreas W. , Schaufler Katharina , Schlüter Rabea , Rödiger Stefan , Guenther Sebastian , Schultze Nadin
Published: September 2023

Multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens such as Escherichia coli have become increasingly difficult to treat and therefore alternative treatment options are needed. Targeting virulence factors like biofilm formation could be one such option. Inhibition of biofilm-related structures like curli and cellulose formation in E. coli has been shown for different phenolic natural compounds like epigallocatechin gallate. This study demonstrates this effect for other structurally unrelated phenolics, namely octyl gallate, scutellarein and wedelolactone. To verify whether these structurally different compounds influence identical pathways of biofilm formation in E. coli a broad comparative RNA-sequencing approach was chosen with additional RT-qPCR to gain initial insights into the pathways affected at the transcriptomic level. Bioinformatical analysis of the RNA-Seq data was performed using DESeq2, BioCyc and KEGG Mapper. The comparative bioinformatics analysis on the pathways revealed that, irrespective of their structure, all compounds mainly influenced similar biological processes. These pathways included bacterial motility, chemotaxis, biofilm formation as well as metabolic processes like arginine biosynthesis and tricarboxylic acid cycle. Overall, this work provides the first insights into the potential mechanisms of action of novel phenolic biofilm inhibitors and highlights the complex regulatory processes of biofilm formation in E. coli.
Lead induced structural and functional damage and microbiota dysbiosis in the intestine of crucian carp (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Liu Haisu , Zhang Hang , Yu Qianxun , Zhang Sanshan , Tu Xiao , Zhuang Fenghong , Fu Shengli
Published: September 2023

Lead (Pb) is a hazardous pollutant in water environments that can cause significant damage to aquatic animals and humans. In this study, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) were exposed to waterborne Pb for 96 h; then, histopathological analysis, quantitative qPCR analysis, and 16S high-throughput sequencing were performed to explore the effects of Pb on intestinal bioaccumulation, structural damage, oxidative stress, immune response, and microbiota imbalance of C. auratus. After Pb exposure, the intestinal morphology was obviously damaged, including significantly increasing the thickness of the intestinal wall and the number of goblet cells and reducing the depth of intestinal crypts. Pb exposure reduced the mRNA expressions of Claudin-7 and villin-1 while significantly elevated the level of GST, GSH, CAT, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1, and TNF-α. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis showed that the Shannon and Simpson indices decreased at 48 h after Pb exposure, and the abundance of pathogenic bacteria (Erysipelotrichaceae, Weeksellaceae, and Vibrionaceae) increased after Pb exposure. In addition, the correlation network analysis found that Proteobacteria were negatively correlated with Firmicutes and positively correlated with Bacteroidetes. Functional prediction analysis of bacteria speculated that the change in intestinal microbiota led to the PPAR signaling pathway and peroxisome function of the intestine of crucian carp was increased, while the immune system and membrane transport function were decreased. Finally, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) found that there were correlations between the intestinal microbiota, morphology, antioxidant factors, and immune factors of crucian carp after Pb exposure. Taken together, our results demonstrated that intestinal flora dysbiosis, morphological disruption, oxidative stress, and immune injury are involved in the toxic damage of Pb exposure to the intestinal structure and function of crucian carp. Meanwhile, Pb exposure rapidly increased the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, leading to intestinal disorders, further aggravating the damage of Pb to intestinal structure and function. These findings provide us a basis for the link between gut microbiome changes and heavy metal toxicity, and gut microbiota can be used as biomarkers for the evaluation of heavy metal pollution in future.
Microbial carbohydrate-active enzymes influence soil carbon by regulating the of plant- and fungal-derived biomass decomposition in plateau peat wetlands under differing water conditions
Authors: Xiong Mingyao , Jiang Wei , Zou Shuzhen , Kang Di , Yan Xianchun
Published: September 2023

Peatlands are important carbon sinks and water sources in terrestrial ecosystems. It is important to explore their microbial-driven water-carbon synergistic mechanisms to understand the driving mechanisms of carbon processes in peatlands. Based on macrogenomic sequencing techniques, located on the peatland of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau with similar stand and different water conditions, we taken soil properties, microbiome abundance, CAZyme abundance and enzyme gene pathways as the object of study, investigated the characterization of soil microbial carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) under different water gradients in peatland. According to the results, these three phyla (Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia) differed significantly between water gradients. Under dried wetlands, the abundance of CAZymes involved in hemicellulose and glucan degradation increased by 3.0 × 10−5 and 3.0 × 10−6, respectively. In contrast, the abundance of CAZymes involved in chitin degradation decreased by 1.1 × 10−5 (p < 0.05). It highlights that regulating plant- and fungus-derived carbon metabolism processes by soil microorganisms in highland peatlands is a crucial mechanism for their response to water changes. Most plant-derived carbon fractions are regulated by soil enzymes (endo-beta 1,4-xylanase, alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase, and alpha-L-fucosidase) containing CAZymes functional genes. Additional findings in this enzyme gene pathway indicate that water changes that affect soil carbon fractions indirectly influence the three enzyme gene metabolic pathways related to plant carbon sources (the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, other glycan degradation and amino sugar, and nucleotide sugar metabolism). Overall, this study highlights the significance of microbial CAZymes in highland peatland soil carbon processes and indicates that microbial conversion of plant and fungal biomass carbon is more sensitive to water changes.
Research on the measurement and characteristics of museum visitors’ emotions under digital technology environment
Authors: Zhang Ting , Qi Zipeng , Guan Weiwei , Zhang Cheng , Jin Dingli
Published: September 2023

What kind of emotional experience does the application of digital technology in museums create for museum visitors? Can it be measured accurately and in real-time? What are its characteristics? This paper utilizes EEG signals and the PAD emotional model as research methods to conduct real-time digital measurement of visitors’ emotional experiences at Tianyi Pavilion Museum in Ningbo City, focusing on their physiological and psychological reactions.The results show that: (1) In a quasi-experimental environment, linear SVM, polynomial kernel SVM, and Gaussian kernel SVM can all accurately classify the emotional tendencies of museum visitors with success rate of over 72%. (2) In a quasi-experimental environment, it is feasible and reliable to measure the immediate digital emotional experiences of visitors using EEG signals and the PAD emotion model. Based on this, we can summarize the characteristics of emotional tendencies among different demographic groups of museum visitors.
Differences in small intestinal apparent amino acid digestibility of raw bovine, caprine, and ovine milk are explained by gastric amino acid retention in piglets as an infant model
Authors: Ahlborn Natalie G. , Montoya Carlos A. , Roy Debashree , Roy Nicole C. , Stroebinger Natascha , Ye Aiqian , Samuelsson Linda M. , Moughan Paul J. , McNabb Warren C.
Published: September 2023

Background

The rate of stomach emptying of milk from different ruminant species differs, suggesting that the small intestinal digestibility of nutrients could also differ across these milk types.

Objective

To determine the small intestinal amino acid (AA) digestibility of raw bovine, caprine, and ovine milk in the piglet as an animal model for the infant.

Methods

Seven-day-old piglets (n = 12) consumed either bovine, caprine, or ovine milk diets for 15 days (n = 4 piglets/milk). On day 15, fasted piglets received a single meal of fresh raw milk normalized for protein content and containing the indigestible marker titanium dioxide. Entire gastrointestinal tract contents were collected at 210 min postprandially. Apparent AA digestibility (disappearance) in different regions of the small intestine was determined.

Results

On average, 35% of the dietary AAs were apparently taken up in the small intestine during the first 210 min post-feeding, with 67% of the AA digestibility occurring in the first quarter (p ≤ 0.05) and 33% in the subsequent two quarters. Overall, except for isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, the small intestinal apparent digestibility of all AAs at 210 min postprandially in piglets fed ovine milk was, on average, 29% higher (p ≤ 0.05) than for those fed bovine milk. Except for lysine, there was no difference in the apparent digestibility (p > 0.05) of any AAs between piglets fed caprine milk or ovine milk. The apparent digestibility of alanine was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in piglets fed caprine milk than those fed bovine milk. When apparent digestibility was corrected for gastric AA retention, only small differences in the small intestinal apparent digestibility of AAs were observed across milk types.

Conclusion

Bovine, caprine and ovine milk had different apparent small intestinal AA digestibility at 210 min postprandially. When corrected for gastric AA retention, the differences in apparent digestibility across species largely disappeared. The apparent AA digestibility differed across small intestinal locations.
Multiple cardiac myxofibrosarcomas with complete right pulmonary artery occlusion: a case report
Authors: Zhang Weimin , Tang Qi , Bolathan Balhen , Xing Yan , Sun Xiaoxin , Huo Qiang
Published: September 2023

Primary cardiac myxofibrosarcoma is a rare form of cardiac malignant tumors. MFS usually involves the left atrium and presents as a unicentric or multicentric tumor mass. We reported on a 37-year-old female who presented with chest tightness and dyspnea for a month, dry cough, and occasionally having blood streak sputum for half a month. Echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography and cardiac positron emission tomography revealed multiple tumors in the heart. The right ventricle and right pulmonary artery were involved, with occlusion of the right pulmonary artery. Cardiac tumors were surgically resected and were consistent with low-grade MFS. No recurrence or metastasis occurred at 20 months of follow-up.
Comparison of two echocardiography-based methods for evaluating pediatric left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Xiang Xue , Zhu Xu , Zheng Min , Tang Yi
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To investigate the consistency between the 2016 America Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) guideline-based recommendations and the body surface area (BSA)-transformed Z value-based cut-off for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) in children.

Methods

Clinical data of children with heart failure (HF) and those with a high risk of HF and a low risk of HF were collected from the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between March 2021 and October 2022. The mitral annular e′ velocity, lateral E/e′ ratio, left atrial volume index, and peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity were detected by Echocardiography. The cut-off values recommended by the 2016 ASE/EACVI guidelines and the cut-off value based on the BSA-transformed Z value were used to evaluate LVDF. The consistencies and differences of the two criteria were compared.

Results

A total of 132 children with HF, 189 with a high risk of HF, and 231 with a low risk of HF, were enrolled. The consistency of the two criteria in evaluating LVDF in children with HF and with high risk of HF was moderate, with weighted kappa coefficients of 0.566 and 0.468, respectively (P < 0.001). The positivity rate of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) with Z value-based criteria (HF group, 23.5%; high-risk group, 8.5%) was higher than that with guideline-based criteria (HF group, 15.6%; high-risk group, 3.2%). In children with a low risk of HF, no case with LVDD was found. The consistency between the two criteria for grading the degree of LVDD was moderate, with a kappa coefficient of 0.522 (P = 0.001). The degree of LVDD according to the Z value-based criteria was higher than that of the guideline-based criteria (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

The Z value-based criteria used to evaluate LVDD in children with HF and high risk of HF may be more conducive to the early identification of LVDD, thereby permitting the possibility of early treatment intervention.
Population pharmacokinetics of Amisulpride in Chinese patients with schizophrenia with external validation: the impact of renal function
Authors: Li Anning , Mak Wen Yao , Ruan Tingyi , Dong Fang , Zheng Nan , Gu Meng , Guo Wei , Zhang Jingye , Cheng Haoxuan , Ruan Canjun , Shi Yufei , Zang Yannan , Zhu Xuequan , He Qingfeng , Xiang Xiaoqiang , Wang Gang , Zhu Xiao
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Amisulpride is primarily eliminated via the kidneys. Given the clear influence of renal clearance on plasma concentration, we aimed to explicitly examine the impact of renal function on amisulpride pharmacokinetics (PK) via population PK modelling and Monte Carlo simulations.

Method: Plasma concentrations from 921 patients (776 in development and 145 in validation) were utilized.

Results: Amisulpride PK could be described by a one-compartment model with linear elimination where estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR, had a significant influence on clearance. All PK parameters (estimate, RSE%) were precisely estimated: apparent volume of distribution (645 L, 18%), apparent clearance (60.5 L/h, 2%), absorption rate constant (0.106 h−1, 12%) and coefficient of renal function on clearance (0.817, 10%). No other significant covariate was found. The predictive performance of the model was externally validated. Covariate analysis showed an inverse relationship between eGFR and exposure, where subjects with eGFR= 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 had more than 2-fold increase in AUC, trough and peak concentration. Simulation results further illustrated that, given a dose of 800 mg, plasma concentrations of all patients with renal impairment would exceed 640 ng/mL.

Discussion: Our work demonstrated the importance of renal function in amisulpride dose adjustment and provided a quantitative framework to guide individualized dosing for Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
Planarity in cubic intuitionistic graphs and their application to control air traffic on a runway
Authors: Fang Gang , Ahmad Uzma , Rasheed Ayman , Khan Aysha , Shafi Jana
Published: September 2023

Fuzzy modeling plays a pivotal role in various fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. In comparison to conventional models, fuzzy models offer enhanced accuracy, adaptability, and resemblance to real-world systems and help researchers to always make the best choice in complex problems. A type of fuzzy graph that is widely used in medical and psychological sciences is the cubic intuitionistic fuzzy graph, which plays an important role in various fields such as computer science, psychology, medicine, and political sciences. It is also used to find effective people in an organization or social institution. In this research endeavor, we embark upon elucidating the innovative notion of a cubic intuitionistic planar graph, delving into its intricate properties and attributes. Additionally, we unveil the novel concept of a cubic intuitionistic dual graph, thus enriching the realm of graph theory with further profundity. Furthermore, our exploration encompasses the elucidation of other pertinent terminologies, such as cubic intuitionistic multi-graphs, along with the categorization of edges into the distinct classifications of strong and weak edges. Moreover, we discern the concept of the degree of planarity within the context of CIPG and unveil the notion of strong and weak faces. Additionally, we delve into the construction of cubic intuitionistic dual graphs, which can be realized in cases where the initial graph is planar or possesses a degree of planarity ≥0.67. Notably, we furnish the exposition with a comprehensive discussion on noteworthy findings and substantial results pertaining to these captivating topics, contributing valuable insights on the field of graph theory. Last, we shall endeavor to exemplify the practical relevance and importance of our research by presenting an illuminating real-world application, thus demonstrating the tangible impact and significance of our endeavors in this research article.
Mechanism, prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment caused by high altitude exposure
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhang Jiexin , Lin Yuan , Li Yan , Wang Han , Wang Zhanhao , Liu Huawei , Hu Yonghe , Liu Lei
Published: September 2023

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) characteristics induce impaired cognitive function, reduced concentration, and memory. In recent years, an increasing number of people have migrated to high-altitude areas for work and study. Headache, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment from HH, severely challenges the physical and mental health and affects their quality of life and work efficiency. This review summarizes the manifestations, mechanisms, and preventive and therapeutic methods of HH environment affecting cognitive function and provides theoretical references for exploring and treating high altitude-induced cognitive impairment.
CD51 labels periosteal injury-responsive osteoprogenitors
Authors: Cao Ye , Kalajzic Ivo , Matthews Brya G.
Published: September 2023

The periosteum is a critical source of skeletal stem and progenitor cells (SSPCs) that form callus tissue in response to injury. There is yet to be a consensus on how to identify SSPCs in the adult periosteum. The aim of this study was to understand how potential murine periosteal SSPC populations behave in vivo and in response to injury. We evaluated the in vivo differentiation potential of Sca1−CD51+ and Sca1+CD51+ cells following transplantation. In vitro, the Sca1+CD51+ population appears to be more primitive multipotent cells, but after transplantation, Sca1−CD51+ cells showed superior engraftment, expansion, and differentiation into chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Despite representing a clear population with flow cytometry, we identified very few Sca1+CD51+ cells histologically. Using a periosteal scratch injury model, we successfully mimicked the endochondral-like healing process seen in unstable fractures, including the expansion and osteochondral differentiation of αSMA+ cells following injury. CD51+ cells were present in the cambium layer of resting periosteum and expanded following injury. Sca1+CD51− cells were mainly localized in the outer periosteal layer. We found that injury increased colony-forming unit fibroblast (CFU-F) formation in the periosteum and led to rapid expansion of CD90+ cells. Several other populations, including Sca1−CD51+ and CD34+ cells, were expanded by day 7. Mice with enhanced fracture healing due to elevated Notch signaling mediated by NICD1 overexpression showed significant expansion of CD51+ and CD34hi cells in the early stages of healing, suggesting these populations contribute to more rapid healing. In conclusion, we demonstrate that periosteal injury leads to the expansion of various SSPC populations, but further studies are required to confirm their lineage hierarchy in the adult skeletal system. Our data indicate that CD51+ skeletal progenitor cells are injury-responsive and show good engraftment and differentiation potential upon transplantation.
How job crafting behaviors influence the innovative behavior of knowledge workers in the gig economy: based on the organismic integration theory
Authors: Song Linpei , Jo Sung Jun
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The gig economy is extolled for its potential to stimulate economic and social development. This study examines the mediating roles of controlled and autonomous motivation in the relationship between job crafting and innovative behavior in the context of knowledge workers in the gig economy.

Methods

To examine these relationships, we propose and test a conceptual framework using an online survey conducted among knowledge workers in China. The participants consisted of 302 knowledge workers who voluntarily participated in the study. We used structural equation modeling to test the proposed relationships among the variables.

Results

Controlled and autonomous motivation mediates the relationship between job crafting and innovative behavior.

Discussion

Our study shed light on the knowledge workers’ motivation dilemma in the gig economy, with theoretical implications for research regarding job crafting, motivation, and practice implications about the job crafting and innovative behavior of knowledge workers.
Evaluation of neuropsychological characteristics and attention bias in juvenile offenders, juvenile victims, and juveniles who have not participated in the criminal justice system
Authors: Patiz Büşra , Bayraktar Seda
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The increasing inclusion of children in the criminal justice system as “juvenile offenders” and “juvenile victims” has recently emerged as a severe and multifaceted problem. This study evaluates whether juvenile offenders differ from juveniles who have not participated in the criminal justice system and juvenile victims regarding executive function skills and attentional bias.

Method

The participant group comprised 85 children aged 12–18, and the study setting was Turkey, utilizing one control group and two treatment groups with open criminal case files in Antalya Courthouse. The first treatment group consisted of 30 juvenile offenders; the second consisted of 30 juvenile victims. The control group consisted of 25 juveniles who were not juvenile offenders or victims. In this context, children’s executive functions were measured with the short-form Barratt Impulsivity Scale, the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices Test, the TBAG-form Stroop test, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and the Istanbul 5 Cube Planning Test. Attentional bias was measured using a dot-probe task. Illiteracy, intellectual or developmental disability, and being a non-native Turkish speaker were the exclusion criteria for all three groups.

Results

The study found that the scores of the juvenile offender group on the Barratt Impulsivity Scale were significantly higher than the children in the juvenile victim group and the children in the control group. For other tests measuring executive functions, the control group’s scores were significantly higher than juvenile offenders and juvenile victims. Regarding attentional bias, the children in the control group exhibited less attentional bias to negative stimuli than the juvenile offenders and victims.

Discussion

Researchers have generally addressed the reasons that push children to crime and become victims of crime through individual, familial, and environmental reasons. However, the number of studies investigating the neuropsychological characteristics of children dragged into crime is relatively limited in our country. In addition, there is no study comparing the executive functions and attentional bias of children who are dragged into crime, victimized children, and children without a history of being dragged into crime and victimization. In this context, this study can highlight important implications for the judicial system regarding juvenile delinquency interventions.
HEAR US: a qualitative study of racial discrimination in Boston’s Chinatown and empowering change from within the community
Authors: Chen Siyu , Luo Yajing , Dong Kimberly R. , Yau Yoyo , Hires Ben , Liang Shiwei , Tang Alice M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To qualitatively explore the impact of anti-Asian racism in a Chinese community in the greater Boston area.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews (n = 27) were conducted between June and September 2021. Eligible participants were ethnic Chinese immigrants living in the Boston area, who were recruited through a community-based organization and by word-of-mouth. Interviews were conducted in Mandarin and Cantonese and translated into English. Data were coded and analyzed using a directed approach to content analysis.

Results

The majority of participants reported personal experiences of anti-Asian racism, ranging from microaggressions to violent attacks. Although lockdown and isolation during COVID-19 affected all communities, the Chinese community suffered unique and prolonged trauma stemming from the fear of violent attacks against Asians. The older person/people, in particular, were severely isolated due to fear of exposure to anti-Asian hate crimes. Participants reported a variety of emotional, mental, and physical health effects associated with feelings of fear, anxiety, isolation, and powerlessness. Many preferred to engage in self-protective behavior changes rather than relying on external resources.

Conclusion

Participants advocated for more education, community, and governmental support, and increased allyship between communities of color. These findings provide cultural context on the trauma this population faces and can inform further actions to address the wide range of reported health effects.
Linking lidar multiple scattering profiles to snow depth and snow density: an analytical radiative transfer analysis and the implications for remote sensing of snow
Authors: Hu Yongxiang , Lu Xiaomei , Zeng Xubin , Gatebe Charles , Fu Qiang , Yang Ping , Weimer Carl , Stamnes Snorre , Baize Rosemary , Omar Ali , Creary Garfield , Ashraf Anum , Stamnes Knut , Huang Yuping
Published: September 2023

Lidar multiple scattering measurements provide the probability distribution of the distance laser light travels inside snow. Based on an analytic two-stream radiative transfer solution, the present study demonstrates why/how these lidar measurements can be used to derive snow depth and snow density. In particular, for a laser wavelength with little snow absorption, an analytical radiative transfer solution is leveraged to prove that the physical snow depth is half of the average distance photons travel inside snow and that the relationship linking lidar measurements and the extinction coefficient of the snow is valid. Theoretical formulas that link lidar measurements to the extinction coefficient and the effective grain size of snow are provided. Snow density can also be derived from the multi-wavelength lidar measurements of the snow extinction coefficient and snow effective grain size. Alternatively, lidars can provide the most direct snow density measurements and the effective discrimination between snow and trees by adding vibrational Raman scattering channels.