bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harnessing an integrated glyco-nanovaccine technology for enhanced cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Niimura Mayumi , Sakamoto Yasuhisa , Shimoda Mayuko , Harada Narumi , Maeda Ayato , Wada Shiho , Murata Koki , Liu Saisai , Ohara Haruka , Iwamoto Asuka , Kanamori Yohei , Nita Akihiro , Wakao Masahiro , Suda Yasuo , Oshiumi Hiroyuki , Hayashi Tomoko , Carson Dennis , Shinchi Hiroyuki , Moroishi Toshiro
Published: November 2024

Cancer immunotherapy, particularly using immune checkpoint inhibitors, has revolutionized cancer treatment; however, its efficacy remains limited to a subset of patients. Nanoparticles have potential in cancer treatment because they offer advantages such as biocompatibility, greater stability, and precise targeting capabilities. In this study, we investigated the potential of an integrated glyco-nanovaccine (iGN) comprising gold nanoparticles conjugated with a synthetic Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) ligand, sugar chains, and peptide antigens for cancer immunotherapy. In murine models, iGN effectively induced antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells, demonstrating prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against tumor growth. iGN stimulated antigen-presenting cells via the TLR7–MYD88 pathway, enhancing antigen presentation and priming of cytotoxic T cells. Combination therapy with iGN and anti-PD-1 antibodies further enhanced the therapeutic outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of iGN as a promising strategy to enhance cancer immunotherapy, particularly when used in combination with immune checkpoint blockade, to bolster antitumor immune responses and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Association between Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Cognitive Function: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wang Long , Wang Na , Li Weihua , Liu Huanbing , Nie Lizhong , Shi Menglian , Xu Wei , Zuo Shuai , Xu Xinqun
Published: November 2024

Background: Population aging is increasing annually, and cognitive dysfunction is a prevalent issue among the elderly.
Aims:This study aims to investigate the association between the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and cognitive function.
Methods:The study included 2,653 participants aged 60 years and older, who had complete valid data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The assessment utilized the CERAD Word Learning subtest (CERAD WL), the Animal Fluency Test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) to evaluate cognitive function, subsequently categorizing participants into normal cognitive function and cognitive impairment groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted individually based on a control risk factor model to investigate the relationship between the elderly nutritional risk index and cognitive function.
Results: Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that older adults, those with a partner, individuals with low educational attainment, and those with diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (P < 0.05). Conversely, a low nutritional risk index in older adults was significantly linked to a reduced risk of cognitive impairment (P < 0.05). In contrast, both low to moderate nutritional risk and high nutritional risk did not show significant associations with cognitive impairment risk when compared to no nutritional risk (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Moderate to high nutritional risk (low GNRI levels) was independently associated with cognitive decline related to processing speed, sustained attention, and executive function.
Occupational Burnout and Resilience among Palliative Care Practitioners in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tan Fang , Wu Yan , Li Na , Zhang Chuan , CHen Shan , Huang Lan , Chen Yang , Jiang Jianjun , Deng Qian
Published: November 2024

Background
Compared with other health practitioners, medical practitioners who are engaged in palliative care face negative emotions caused by painful patients and grieving from family members at any time, which results in enormous psychological pressure for medical staff, and the risk related to job burnout is significantly greater.
Objective
To investigate the factors influencing job burnout and the resilience of palliative care practitioners.
Methods
Semistructured interviews were employed to gather the data. Data analysis was guided by Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Face‒to-face interviews were carried out from September 2023–April 2024 in the palliative care ward of one of the top three hospitals in a province of China.
Results
A total of 22 palliative care practitioners were interviewed. The interview data were organized, and relevant topics were extracted and summarized from two perspectives: factors influencing job burnout among palliative care practitioners and effective strategies for addressing job burnout.
Conclusion
The factors influencing job burnout among palliative care practitioners in China include personal factors, career advancement, salary and welfare, work-related factors, and environmental factors. Effective measures to address job burnout include self-regulation, social support, and targeted intervention strategies.
Endoscopic and imaging evaluations of the primary tumor response in patients with proficient mismatch repair colorectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy
Authors: Li Yuegang , Han Chengcheng , Cheng Yao , Hu Gang , Zhuang Meng , Wang Xishan , Tang Jianqiang
Published: November 2024

Background
Neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy is a potential treatment option for patients with proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. Preoperative screening via endoscopy and imaging exams could help identify patients who may potentially achieve a complete response after neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of endoscopy and imaging examinations for predicting pathological complete response after neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy.
Methods
This single-center, retrospective, observational study included patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer by biopsy between 2015 and 2023 at a tertiary referral center. The main outcome measures included endoscopic examination, imaging findings, and pathological results after neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy.
Results
This study included 36 patients with locally advanced proficient mismatch repair colorectal cancer. Postoperative pathology revealed that 17 patients (47.2%) achieved a complete response (ypT0N0). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the endoscopic ypT0N0 diagnosis were 62.5%, 80.0%, and 80.6%, respectively; those of imaging-based ypT0N0 diagnosis were 43.8%, 100%, and 75.0%, respectively; and those of the combined diagnosis were 37.5%, 100%, and 72.2%, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the endoscopic and imaging ypT0N0 diagnoses were 0.768 and 0.706, respectively.
Conclusions
The specificities of endoscopy and imaging for diagnosing complete response after neoadjuvant combination immunotherapy for colorectal cancer were high, however, sensitivities were low. Therefore, radical surgery should still be recommended for patients with an incomplete response based on either examination. Larger-scale studies are required to determine if a watch-and-wait strategy is suitable for patients with a complete response based on these two examinations.
Small Traffic Sign Recognition Method Based on Improved YOLOv7
Authors: Meng Bo , Shi Weida
Published: November 2024

As autonomous and assisted driving technologies progress rapidly, the significance of traffic sign recognition intensifies. Currently, the detection accuracy of algorithms for traffic sign recognition remains suboptimal, particularly when identifying small traffic signs amid complex backgrounds and under inadequate lighting, leading frequently to errors in detection. This paper introduces an enhanced method for small traffic sign recognition, underpinned by an improved version of YOLOv7. Initially, The Spatial Pyramid Pooling Fast and Cross-Stage Partial Connection (SPPFCSPC) strategy was used to improve the feature extraction of small targets. Subsequently, a ShuffleAttention-CARAFE (S-CARAFE) upsampling operator is crafted. S-CARAFE refocuses on key features within the input data, boosting the information detail and improving feature recombination. Finally, the introduction of a new Normalized Wasserstein Distance (NWD) method resolves the traditional IoU measurement's sensitivity to small-target traffic signs. Experimental results show that the mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5:0.9 values of the model trained on the TT100K dataset are increased by 3.48% and 2.29%, respectively. Additionally, the algorithm's improvements are validated on the small-target characteristics of the CCTSDB dataset and the sorted foreign traffic sign dataset, effectively elevating the recognition of small traffic signs across varying environments, consequently advancing the traffic sign recognition capacity of autonomous driving systems.
Automated Pipeline for Leaf Spot Severity Scoring in Peanuts Using Segmentation Neural Networks
Authors: Larsen Joshua , Dunne Jeffrey , Austin Robert , Newman Cassondra , Kudenov Michael
Published: November 2024

Background: Late and early leaf spot in peanuts is a foliar disease contributing to a significant amount of lost yield globally. Peanut breeding programs frequently focus on developing disease-resistant peanut genotypes. However, existing phenotyping protocols employ subjective rating scales, performed by human raters, who determine the severity of leaf spot infection. The objective of this study was to develop an objective end-to-end pipeline that can serve to replace an expert human scorer in the field. This was accomplished using image capture protocols and segmentation neural networks that extracted lesion areas from plot-level images to determine an appropriate rating for infection severity.
Results: The pipeline incorporated a neural network that accurately determined the infected leaf surface area and identified dead leaves from plot-level cellphone imagery. Image processing algorithms then convert these labels into quality metrics that can efficiently score these images based on infected versus non-infected area. The pipeline was evaluated using field data from plots with varying leaf spot severity, creating a dataset of thousands of images that spanned conventional visual severity scores ranging from 1-9. These predictions were based on the amount of infected leaf area and the presence of defoliated leaves in the surrounding area. We were able to demonstrate automated scoring, as compared to exprt visual scoring, with a root mean square error of 0.996 visual scores, on individual images (one image per plot), and 0.800 visual scores when three images were captured of each plot.
Conclusion: Results indicated that the model and image processing pipeline can serve as an alternative to human scoring. Eliminating human subjectivity for the scoring protocols will allow non-experts to collect scores and may enable drone-based data collection. This could reduce the time needed to obtain new lines or identify new genes responsible for leaf spot resistance in peanut.
Impact testing of 2,4-dinitroanisole-based melt-cast explosive under low-intensity loading with adjustable amplitude and duration
Authors: Ying Wujiang , Li Zhuoheng , Liu Pan , Miao Feichao , Zhou Lin , Zhang Xiangrong
Published: November 2024

Laboratory testing with adjustable loading amplitudes and durations remains the primary method for assessment of the safety of explosives under either launch or penetration environment. In this study, a novel impact testing laboratory equipment with loading amplitudes ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 GPa and pulse durations ranging from 1 to 8 ms is established. It was used to investigate the safety of a 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN)-based melt-cast explosive subjected to impact loading in either launch or penetration scenarios. The explosive's response to the impact loading depends not only on the loading characteristics (peak pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise) but also on the confinements of the explosives. The ignition events of the explosives exhibited some randomness. A logistic regression analysis method was utilized to analyze such ignition events. This method can predict the ignition events of the DNAN-based melt-cast explosive with a high accuracy, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the method. The effect of the confinements of the explosives on the accuracy of this method was also investigated.
Healthy at Home for COPD: An Integrated Digital Monitoring, Treatment, and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Intervention
Authors: O'Connor Laurel , Behar Stephanie , Tarrant Seanan , Stamegna Pamela , Pretz Caitlin , Shirshac Jeanne ,   Thomas Scornavacca2, Wilkie Tracey , Fisher Kimberly , Tigas Emil , Mullen Marie , Hyder Michael , Wong Steven , Savage Brendon , Toomey shaun , Wang Biqi , Zai Adrian , Alper Eric , Lindenauer Peter , Dickson Eric , Broach John , McManus David , Kheterpal Vik , Soni Apurv
Published: November 2024

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Frequent exacerbations result in higher use of emergency services and hospitalizations, leading to poor patient outcomes and high costs.
Objective: Demonstrate the feasibility of a multimodal, digitally enhanced remote monitoring, treatment, and tele-pulmonary rehabilitation intervention among patients with COPD.
Methods: In this pilot clinical trial, community-dwelling adults with moderate-severe COPD were enrolled in a multimodal digital monitoring and treatment program including a Fitbit wearable device, study app that tracked COPD-related symptoms, on-demand mobile integrated health (MIH) services for acute home-based treatment, and tele-pulmonary-rehabilitation. Participants were enrolled in the program for six months. COPD severity and health-related quality of life assessments were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Primary feasibility outcomes include recruitment and retention rate, and participant protocol fidelity, which were reported descriptively. Exploratory clinical outcomes included patient-reported quality of life, activation, and intervention satisfaction.
Results: Over 18 months, 1,333 patients were approached and 100 (7.5%) were enrolled (mean age 66, 52% female). Ninety-six participants (96%) remained in the study for the full enrollment period. Fifty-five (55%) participated in tele-pulmonary-rehabilitation. Participants wore the Fitbit for a median of 114 days (IQR 183.6) and 16.85 hours/day (4.05), resulting in a median of 1133 minutes (243) per day. Completion rates for scheduled instruments ranged from 78-93% . Nearly all participants (85%) performed COPD ecological momentary assessment at least once with a median of 4.85 recordings. On average, a 2.48-point improvement (p=0.03) in COPD Assessment Test Score was observed from baseline to study completion. The adherence and symptom improvement metrics were not associated with baseline patient activation measures.
Conclusions: A multimodal intervention combining preventative care, symptom and biometric monitoring, and home treatment was feasible in adults living with COPD. Participants demonstrated high protocol fidelity and engagement and reported improved quality of life.
Reveals of a Shifting Climate: A Regional Analysis of Rainfall and Temperature Trends at Mymensingh Division in Bangladesh (1950-2020)
Authors: Haque Md Khairul , Hassan Md Rakibul
Published: November 2024

Professional resource allocation and planning in response to climate change in developing regions such as the Mymensingh Division of Bangladesh requires comprehension of trends in temperature and precipitation over long periods of forecast. This is the reason why this study examines the temperature and precipitation from the years 1950 to 2020 in order to provide a reasonable view of local climatic conditions and facilitate the policymaking process. By using climactic research unit (CRU) TS data sets in creation of raster layers using ArcGIS tools we undertook data processing research which involved statistical analysis methods. Mann-Kendall test has generated a very encouraging result as it has found relative increase in annual precipitation, averaging about 2760.52 mm and oscillating between 1752 mm and 4338 mm. Kendall’s tau correlation τ = 0.156, p-value = 0.024, shows a possible change over a period of time. Slope of sen demonstrated that precipitation regime has increase by 1.9 mm annually. The analyses of autocorrelation and partial autocorrelation confirmed that the precipitation data upside and trends are clearly delineated. Progressive warming trend as regards the average annual temperature was observed, as the years went by, the average annual temperature increased from 24.77 0 c to 25.170c, more so in recent years where there have been high degree of warming. This study highlights the need for ongoing climate and the enhancement of global warming policies to prevent worsening situations.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Turkish European Chestnut (Castanea sativa) Genotypes Assessed Using Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT) Markers
Authors: Orman Erdal , Çakar Deniz , Alkan Mehtap , Özer Göksel , Güler Emrah , Gündoğdu Muttalip
Published: November 2024

The European chestnut (Castanea sativa) is an important nut crop that grows naturally in the Black Sea and Aegean regions of Turkey. This study examined the genetic diversity and population structure of chestnut genotypes from prominent regions in Turkey using Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT) markers. A total of 44 Turkish chestnut genotypes from the Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea regions, along with a control group of French variety, were analyzed. The SCoT primers underwent tests to select the most suitable ones, producing 8 selected amplified fragments, 65.34% of which were found to be polymorphic. The UPGMA and PCoA analyses showed clear discrimination between two populations based on their origins, which was supported by the population structure analysis. The AMOVA analysis revealed that 3% of the genetic variation was within populations and 97% was among individuals. The out-group (French variety) showed the furthest genetic similarity, and genetic similarity values decreased with increasing geographic distance. The SCoT primers successfully fingerprinted chestnut genotypes and could be used in future studies to analyze the phylogeny of chestnuts using genomic DNA.
Nitrous Oxide activates layer 5 prefrontal neurons via SK2 channel inhibition for antidepressant effect
Authors: Cichon Joseph , Joseph Thomas , Lu Xinguo , Wasilczuk Andrzej , Kelz Max , Mennerick Steven , Zorumski Charles , Nagele Peter
Published: November 2024

Nitrous oxide (N2O) induces rapid and durable antidepressant effects. The cellular and circuit mechanisms mediating this process are not known. Here we find that a single dose of inhaled N2O induces rapid and specific activation of layer V (L5) pyramidal neurons in the cingulate cortex of rodents exposed to chronic stress conditions. N2O-induced L5 activation rescues a stress-associated hypoactivity state, persists following exposure, and is necessary for its antidepressant-like activity. Although NMDA-receptor antagonism is believed to be a primary mechanism of action for N2O, L5 neurons activate even when NMDA-receptor function is attenuated through both pharmacological and genetic approaches. By examining different molecular and circuit targets, we identify N2O-induced inhibition of calcium-sensitive potassium (SK2) channels as a key molecular interaction responsible for driving specific L5 activity along with ensuing antidepressant-like effects. These results suggest that N2O-induced L5 activation is crucial for its fast antidepressant action and this effect involves novel and specific molecular actions in distinct cortical cell types.
Autoradiography of intracerebral tumours in the chick embryo model: A feasibility study using different PET tracers
Authors: Krause Sandra , Florea Alexandru , Choi Chang-Hoon , Worthoff Wieland A. , Heinzel Alexander , Fischer Saskia , Burda Nicole , Neumaier Bernd , Shah N. Jon , Lohmann Philipp , Mottaghy Felix , Langen Karl-Josef , Stegmayr Carina
Published: November 2024

Purpose: In addition to rodent models, the chick embryo model has gained attention for radiotracer evaluation. Previous studies investigated tumours on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), but its value for radiotracer imaging of intracerebral tumours has not yet been demonstrated.
Procedures: Human U87 glioblastoma cells and U87-IDH1 mutant glioma cells were implanted into the brains of chick embryos at developmental day 5. After 12-14 days of tumour growth, blood-brain-barrier integrity was evaluated using in vivo MRI contrast enhancement or ex vivo with Evans blue dye. The tracers O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([18F]FET) (n=5), 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine ([18F]FDOPA) (n=3), or [68Ga] labelled quinoline-based small molecule fibroblast activation protein inhibitor ([68Ga]FAPI-46) (n=4) were injected intravenously if solid tumours were detectable in MRI. For time-activity curves for [18F]FET, additional micro PET (µPET) was performed. The chick embryos were sacrificed 60 minutes post-injection, and cryosections of the tumour-bearing brains were produced and evaluated with autoradiography and immunohistochemistry.
Results: Intracerebral tumours were produced with a 100 % success rate in viable chick embryos at experimental endpoint, however, 52% of chick embryos (n=85) did not survive the procedure on a long term. For the evaluated radiotracers, the tumour-to-brain ratios (TBR) derived from ex vivo autoradiography, as well as the tracer kinetics derived from µPET for intracerebral chick embryo tumours, were comparable to those previously reported in rodents and patients: TBRmean for [18F]FET was 1.69 ± 0.54 (n=5), and 3.8 for one hypermetabolic tumour and < 2.0 for two isometabolic tumors using [18F]FDOPA, with TBRmean of 1.92 ± 1,11 (n=3). The TBRmean of [68Ga]FAPI-46 for intracerebral chick embryo tumours was 19.13 ± 0.64 (n=4). In one of U87-MG tumours (n=5), an intact blood-tumour barrier was observed. Conclusions: Radiotracer imaging of intracerebral tumours in the chick embryo offers a fast model for the evaluation of radiotracer uptake, accumulation, and kinetics. Our results indicate a high comparability of chick embryo intracerebral tumour imaging to xenograft rodent models or brain tumour patients.
Impact of RNF213 p.R4810K variant on Postoperative Temporal Muscle Swelling Used in Encephalo-Myo- Synangiosis After Combined Revascularization for Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Mizushima Makoto , Ito Masaki , Uchino Haruto , Sugiyama Taku , Fujimura Miki
Published: November 2024

Postoperative neurological deterioration due to brain compression by the swollen temporal muscle pedicle used in encephalo-myo-synangiosis (EMS) is a potential complication of combined revascularization for Moyamoya disease (MMD). However, the factors contributing to this phenomenon remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify factors associated with postoperative temporal muscle swelling following combined revascularization. A total of 37 consecutive combined revascularization using temporal muscle pedicle performed between 2021 and 2023 were analyzed. Postoperative temporal muscle volume was measured through serial CT scans on postoperative days (POD) 0, 1, 7, 14, and 30. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess factors contributing to swelling, including RNF213p.R4810K variant, a known genetic risk for Asian MMD. Surgical outcomes and collateral vessel development were also examined. Results showed a significant increase in muscle pedicle volume on POD 1 and 7 across all 37 hemispheres, followed by a marked decrease by POD 30, compared to POD 0. These chronological volume changes were significant in adults (n=31) but not in pediatric patients (n=6). Multiple regression analysis identified the RNF213 p.R4810K as sole significant factor positively associated with maximal muscle volume (regression coefficient 0.485, P=0.0078). Favorable surgical outcomes were achieved in 36 of 37 cases (97.3%) over a mean follow-up of 2.2 years, with indirect collateral development confirmed in 27 adult (87%) and 6 pediatric (100%) hemispheres. Results suggest the RNF213 p.R4810K variant is associated with increased postoperative temporal muscle swelling after combined revascularization, especially in adult MMD patients, indicating a potential genetic influence on this complication.
Recent advancements in nanoscale materials from biomass waste demonstrate efficacy in removing Fe2+ and Ni2+ from water
Authors: Farouz Mohamed , Okil Mohamed , Mostafa Ayman M. , ElFaham Mohamed M.
Published: November 2024

Elevated concentrations of heavy metal ions are in many ways considered to be an affront to the aquatic ecosystems; their sources being attributed mainly to industries and agricultural sectors and, and a lesser extent, urban water runoff during storms. Heavy metal ions that are easily found in water sources include lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and copper. These metals, if ingested or inhaled, cause many health hazards and present great risks to water bodies because they reduce the oxygen available to fish and other aquatic animals. One way to prevent this problem is to use nanoparticles at the nano level obtained from industrial and agricultural waste products for the removal of heavy metals from water. In the adsorption process, heavy metal ions tend to attach to the exterior surfaces of these nanoscale biomass particles, with possible removal from the aqueous phase. They also affirmed that the technical effectiveness of nanowaste biomass in water desalination reduces the availability of heavy metal contaminants in water in a relatively cheaper and more sustainable manner than conventional methods. In the present study, synthesized (45–60 nm) pomegranate nanoparticles (PGSN) were used as biosorbents, which yielded high removal performances of 85% for Fe²⁺ and 83% for Ni²⁺ ions. The biosorbent was characterized using zeta size and zeta potential analyses, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis, and High-, X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Goal-oriented preoperative biliary drainage is more precise and conducive to seize the opportunity for pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Cao Hongtao , Li Tianyu , Li Zeru , Zhao Bangbo , Liu Ziwen , Wang Weibin
Published: November 2024

Background
Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) for selected patients with severe juandice has been shown to improve clinical conditions for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and reduce the risk of post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH). However, the determination of an optimal end-point for PBD remains unclear. The aim of this research is to introduce the concept of goal-oriented biliary drainage, which may serve as a reasonable target and identify the optimal surgery time window.
Methods
The clinical data of 194 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and obstructive jaundice were retrospectively analyzed. Serological laboratory examinations including total bilirubin (TBIL) within one week before PBD and PD were recorded and labeled as TBIL-pre and TBIL-post respectively. PBD and PD were performed by experienced medical teams. PPH with grade B and C were enrolled.
Results
TBIL-post less than 93.0µmol/L (sensitivity 83.78%, specificity 72.61%) or TBIL decay more than 68.5% (sensitivity 86.49%, specificity 69.43%) identified through ROC curves and multivariate analysis were independent protective factors for reducing the risk of PPH (OR 0.234 and 0.191 retrospectively, P<0.05) and were established as PBD goals. The Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated the median time to achieve both PBD goals was 3 weeks. Additionally, the proportion of patients achieving both goals failed to increase with the PBD duration over 6 weeks (P > 0.05). The proportion of TBIL-post ≤ 93.0µmol/L (70.8% vs. 51.1%, P<0.05) and TBIL decay ≥ 68.5% (67.0% vs. 50.0%, P<0.05) were higher in EBS group than those in PTCD group.
Conclusion
A goal-oriented PBD with the target of TBIL ≤ 93.0µmol/L or TBIL decay ≥ 68.5% can reduce the morbidity of PPH. In general conditions, PBD duration within 3 weeks would be sufficient, while exceeding the duration beyond 6 weeks could not provide additional benefits. Both EBS and PTCD are safe and EBS is more recommended due to its superior performance in achieving the goals.
Relationship Between Age, Conditioning Intensity, and Outcome After Allografting in Adults Age ≥60 Years with AML
Authors: Vo Phuong , Sandmaier Brenda , Othus Megan , ali naveed , Rodríguez-Arbolí Eduardo , Orvain Corentin , Davis Chris , Basom Ryan , Storb Rainer , Walter Roland
Published: November 2024

Methodological advancements now allow older adults with AML to receive allografts although conflicting data exist regarding relative outcomes across age groups and benefits of different conditioning intensities. We retrospectively analyzed 495 adults aged 60–64 (n = 184), 65–69 (n = 189), or ≥ 70 (n = 122) who underwent allogeneic HCT for AML in remission at our institution from 2006 to 2023. There were no significant differences in relapse or relapse-free survival (RFS) among the 3 age cohorts after multivariable adjustment. Patients aged ≥ 70 years had a higher risk of non-relapse mortality (NRM) than those aged ≥ 60–64 (P = 0.022) but their overall survival (OS) was only statistically non-significantly shorter (P = 0.11). There was an important interplay between age, conditioning intensity, and outcomes. Age ≥ 70 years was associated with a higher risk of relapse (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.47; P = 0.012) and NRM (HR = 3.88; P = 0.001) with reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), leading to shorter RFS (HR = 3.79; P < 0.001) and OS (HR = 3.46; P < 0.001), while no association was found with nonmyeloablative conditioning. Conversely, patients aged 60–64 and 65–69, not those aged ≥ 70, had a significantly lower risk of relapse with RIC, but NRM risk increased with age. Our findings support allogeneic HCT for adults with AML in remission even if aged beyond 70, especially with nonmyeloablative conditioning.
Dynamics effect of the droplet impacting on heated solid surface
Authors: Dou Xiaoxiao , Wang Chun , Zhang Guangwen , Lang Xuqing , Cheng Yiwei , Zheng Yi , Jiao JinQing
Published: November 2024

Dynamic effect of the droplet impacting high-temperature surfaces affects their cooling and heat transfer efficiency. In this paper, the effects of viscosity, surface tension, and landing speed of droplets on the maximum diffusion factor were studied through experiments. Four typical impact states during droplet impact to surfaces of different temperatures are observed, including spreading, bubble nucleation, transition from bubble to atomization, and fogging, and a dimensionless mathematical model is established to describe the relationship between droplet physical and kinetic parameters and the spreading state, and an empirical correlation equation for predicting the dimensionless maximum spreading diameter based on the experimental results is presented, which provides theoretical basis for the calculation of the cooling efficacy of the droplet impact on high temperature surfaces. The empirical correlation formula for predicting the dimensionless maximum spreading diameter based on experimental results provides a theoretical basis for calculating the cooling efficiency of droplet impact on high temperature surface.
Associations Between Perceived Stress and Cortisol Biomarkers in Predominantly Latino Adolescents
Authors: Sanogo Fatimata , Ruth Avaion , Cortessis Victoria K. , Ding Li , Watanabe Richard M. , Weigensberg Marc J.
Published: November 2024

Objective
The relationship between cortisol and perceived stress is poorly understood. We sought to determine whether perceived stress is associated with cortisol biomarkers in adolescents.
Methods
We examined 229 adolescents (mean age = 15.8 years). We measured perceived stress with the 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire, serum cortisol (sCOR), salivary Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR: 30-minute post-awakening - awakening), salivary Diurnal Cortisol Slope (DCS: evening-awakening), and total daily salivary cortisol (TDC). We used multivariable linear regression to estimate baseline associations between PSS, TDC, sCOR, and FBG. We used mixed effects linear regression to estimate baseline associations between PSS and CAR and DCS. We tested twelve-week longitudinal associations between PSS and cortisol biomarkers using random effects regression. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, and BMI.
Results
There were statistically significant associations between PSS and TDC (beta= -104.36 ± 34.3; p = 0.002) at baseline and between PSS and DCS at 12 weeks (beta= -0.058 ± 0.02; p = 0.01), but no association between PSS and sCOR or CAR (p > 0.26 for all) at baseline or 12-weeks. There were no associations between change in PSS and change in cortisol biomarkers longitudinally.
Conclusion
In adolescents, perceived stress measured by the PSS was inconsistently associated with TDC and DCS, and consistently unassociated with CAR and sCOR. Studies reporting on PSS outcomes should exercise caution when making conclusions about cortisol biomarkers. There’s a need for an instrument that captures a global measure of perceived stress and is sensitive to HPA functioning.
Contextual learning requires rapid Ser408-409 phosphorylation of the GABAA receptor β3 subunit and GABAergic plasticity at hippocampal CA1 synapses
Authors: Sakimoto Yuya , Yang Y , Kida Hiroyuki , Mitsushima Dai
Published: November 2024

Contextual learning requires plasticity at both AMPA receptor-mediated excitatory and GABAA receptor-mediated inhibitory synapses in CA1 neurons, but detailed mechanisms of learning-induced plasticity at GABAA receptor-mediated synapses have been unclear. To further investigate the causal relationship between Ser408–409 phosphorylation, GABAergic plasticity, and learning, we developed a novel peptide-based phosphorylation inhibitor targeting the Ser408–409 site using a cell-permeable HIV-tagged peptide (Tat pep β3-SS). In the behavioral analysis, the peptide was microinjected bilaterally into CA1 under freely moving conditions 60 min before IA training. Tat-pep β3-SS but not Tat-pep β3-AA significantly impaired contextual learning performance without altering sensory or motor functions. In Western blot analysis, injection of Tat-pep β3-SS but not Tat-pep β3-AA into CA1 attenuated the rapid phosphorylation of Ser408–409. In patch clamp analysis, we microinjected Tat-pep β3-SS-FITC into CA1 and successfully prevented the training-induced increase in postsynaptic Cl- current of GABAA receptors in labeled CA1 neurons. For histological analysis, membrane clusters of GABAA receptors were reduced in Tat pep β3-SS-positive neurons compared to Tat pep β3-AA-positive neurons. Our study provides novel evidence that contextual learning requires GABAA receptor-mediated plasticity at inhibitory synapses.
China’s business environment and firm productivity: A meta-analysis
Authors: Lyu Jinge , Xu Haiping , Zhang Chuqiao , Jiang Qunyong , Wei Haixia , Zhang Shenfan , Zhang Xingyu
Published: November 2024

Business environment and firm productivity are inextricably linked and there are many unsolved questions about their relations. The study aims to scrutinize the relationship between business environment and firm productivity by synthesizing existing empirical studies and utilizing a meta-analysis method. Through a systematic review of the literature, this paper identifies 52 pertinent studies from 2014 to 2023 in China, and obtains 52 independent samples. The primary finding corroborates that a favorable business environment exert a positive impact on firm productivity. Furthermore, it reveals that the six dimensions of business environment have different degrees of influence on firm productivity. Additionally, the findings indicate that factors such as firm size, nature, and type serve as moderators in the relationship between business environment and firm productivity. In general, the results of the study can provide decision makers with insights into optimizing productivity in dynamic business environments, and offer prospects for future research directions.
JEL Classification: D20·F10·G38·H20·H54
Deep Learning Frameworks for Histopathological Image Processing in Colorectal Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Frasca Maria , Cutica Ilaria , Pravettoni Gabriella , Torre Davide La
Published: November 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of pathology and medical diagnostics has rapidly evolved, with applications focused on analyzing histopathological images. These images, obtained from biopsies or surgical procedures, are crucial for diagnosing diseases, particularly cancer, and provide essential insights into tissue structure. Traditionally, pathologists faced a challenging task in accurately analyzing the cellular features within these images. However, the introduction of deep learning, has significantly improved diagnostic reliability. In this study, two convolutional neural network models were implemented and compared. Both were trained on a multiclass dataset of histological images related to colorectal cancer. Among the two tested models, VGG-19 demonstrated the best performance, achieving a precision rate of 98%. Using a Python-based graphical interface, we employed the "Grad-CAM" technique to gain deeper insight into the model's classification process and identify key regions during training. The application of artificial intelligence to colon histopathological images also has the potential to improve patient outcomes and early cancer diagnosis. By combining AI with intuitive interfaces, we can enhance diagnostic accuracy and accelerate the analysis process.
Aberrant promoter methylation, expression and function of RASSF1A gene in a series of Italian parathyroid tumors
Authors: Verdelli Chiara , Fabrizio Federico Pio , Maroni Paola , Morotti Annamaria , Tavanti Giulia Stefania , Carrara Silvia , Guarnieri Vito , Cetani Filomena , Scillitani Alfredo , Maggiore Riccardo , Perticone Francesca , Vaira Valentina , Muscarella Lucia Anna , Corbetta Sabrina
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Aberrant epigenetic features are key events involved in parathyroid tumorigenesis, including DNA methylation, histone methylation, and non-coding RNAs. Ras Association Domain Family Protein1 Isoform A (RASSF1A) and Adenomatous Polyposis of Colon (APC) are frequently downregulated in human cancers. Here, we investigated their deregulated expression and the potential role in parathyroid neoplasms.
Methods: methylation of RASSF1A and APC promoters was analyzed in a series of parathyroid adenomas (PAds, n=80) and parathyroid carcinomas (PCas, n=9) from Italian patients with primary hyperparathyroidism,
Results: RASSF1A and APC promoter methylation occurred in about 90% of PAds samples. PCas displayed RASSF1A promoter methylation, while APC promoter was methylated only in 2 samples. Of note, RASSF1A promoter methylation negatively correlated with PAds tumor size. However, RASSF1Atranscript and protein levels were reduced in PAds and PCas compared with parathyroid normal glands. Investigating the potential mechanism involved in RASSF1A promoter methylation, we found that DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) activity was variable in PAds and inversely correlated with RASSF1A protein levels. In addition, the RASSF1A promoter methylation negatively correlated with long-non-coding Antisense Intronic Noncoding RASSF1A (ANRASSF1A) mRNA levels, excluding the involvement of ANRASSF1 in RASSF1A regulation. In HEK293A cells transfected with the calcium sensing receptor (CASR), loss of RASSF1A increased basal phosphorylated Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK/ERK) levels blunting the CASR-induced increases.
Conclusion: RASSF1A and APC promoter methylation is a hallmark of parathyroid tumors; deregulation of DNMTs activity contributes to modulation of RASSF1Aexpression. Loss of RASSF1A may be involved in the tuning of ERK pathway in parathyroid tumors.
3D Creatine Kinase Imaging (CKI) for In Vivo Whole-Brain Mapping of Creatine Kinase Reaction Rates with 31P-Magnetization Transfer MR Fingerprinting
Authors: Widmaier Mark Stephan , Kaiser Antonia , Lim Song-I , Pandurevic Pontus , Döring Andre , Huang Zhiwei , Wenz Daniel , Xiao Ying , Jiang Yun , Xin Lijing
Published: November 2024

The creatine kinase (CK) is a key enzyme involved in brain bioenergetics, but imaging its activity noninvasively in the human brain remains a significant challenge. This study aims to advance the magnetization transfer (MT)-31P magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) framework for 3D Creatine Kinase Imaging (CKI), delivering the first whole-brain CK reaction rate maps. The method was implemented and validated on a clinical 7 Tesla MRI scanner with a 49:30-minute acquisition time and the within-session reproducibility was assessed. The CKI method successfully enables the whole-brain mapping of CK reaction rates, showing robust reproducibility with coefficients of variation (CV) below 11% for 25-minute scan sessions. Furthurmore, CKI acquisition provided simultaneous mapping of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentrationratios, PCr longitudinal relaxation time (T1PCr), and phosphorus-based B0 maps at a 7.2 × 7.2 × 20 mm3 resolution. CKI provides, for the first time,3D whole-brain mapping of kCK rates in high resolution, using a user-friendly, push-button approach. A functional CKI (fCKI) study demonstrated the first CK activation cluster map in response to visual stimulation, revealing a mean 17% increase in CK rates in the visual cortex. The novel imaging modalities, CKI and fCKI, have the potential to offer new insights into brain bioenergetics both at rest and during activity.
Improve Life Satisfaction among Adolescent: The Role of Natural exposure, Mindfulness and Chemosensory Hedonic Capacity
Authors: Teng Shan , Chunxin Tan , Su Waxun , Zhang Jianqiang , Zhao Jiubo
Published: November 2024

Purpose This study explores the influence mechanism of
nature-deficit disorder on life satisfaction of adolescent，and the
possible mediating role of mindfulness and chemosensory hedonic
capacity between them. Methods A survey was conducted on 1417
adolescents using the Adolescent Nature-Deficit Scale（ANDS）, the
Mindful Attention Awareness Scale—Children(MAAS-C), The
Chemosensory Pleasure Scale for children (CPS-C), and the
Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Results Correlation analysis
showed that, nature-deficit disorder, mindfulness, chemosensory
hedonic capacity and life satisfaction significantly correlated
with each other. Path analysis indicated that nature-deficit
disorder can negatively impact on life satisfaction of adolescent;
Nature-deficit disorder affected life satisfaction indirectly not
only through the mediating effect of mindfulness and chemosensory
hedonic capacity respectively, but also through the chain mediating
effect of mindfulness and chemosensory hedonic capacity. Conclusion
nature-deficit disorder could exert effect on life satisfaction
among adolescent through the mediational chains of mindfulness and
chemosensory hedonic capacity. Keywords nature-deficit
disorder; life satisfaction; mindfulness; chemosensory hedonic
capacity; chained meditation
Influence of weather and climate variability on the incidence of groundnut thrips across five agro climatic zones of India: A decadal analysis
Authors: Prabhakar M , Vennila S. , Nisar Shabistana , Chandra Puran , Yadav Satish Kumar , Srinivasa M , Prasad YG , Thirupathi M , Kaplana M , Kumar Nallagatla Vinod , Singh VK
Published: November 2024

Population dynamics and damage levels of insects on crop is influenced by changing weather patterns and variability in climate over short and long scales of time. Temporal changes in abundance and infestation of thrips (Thripidae: Thysonoptera) over six seasons at five groundnut growing agro ecologies of India were related to changing weather and climatic variability in addition to deducing future status of thrips. The Onset of thrips abundance (nos/three leaves/plant) and infestation (%) over crop seasons varied spatially. Thrips abundance and infestation compared for crop seasons (2011-20) showed significant inter seasonal differences within locations for seasons. Lower abundance and infestation at Junagadh (Gujarat) and Virudhachalam (Tamil Nadu) over Dharwad (Karnataka), Jalgaon (Maharashtra) and Kadiri (Andhra Pradesh) were noted. Statistical comparisons of seasonal weather, climatic deviations and magnitude of temperature and rainfall indicated within and between seasonal as w ell as spatially differing variability. All significant associations of climatic deviations with thrips dynamics were positive and increased thrips infestation was predicted for 2050 and 2080 at Junagadh. At least one or more changing climatic variables had positive significance with either thrips abundance or infestation at each study location and it is needful to practice relevant thrips management studying at local levels. Projected increased thrips infestation at Junagadh for future periods sets the research agenda for development of resistant cultivars and adjustments in a local cropping system.
Effect of Photobiomodulation on Root Covering Associated with the Connective Tissue Grafting Technique - Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Guimarães Camila Coelho , Ferreira Anderson Jara , Sperandio Marcelo
Published: November 2024

Introduction:Gingival recessions are very common periodontal defects that result in aesthetic impairment of the patient due to disharmony and asymmetry of the gingival contour, as well as complaints of dentin hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on root coverage of gingival recessions using the connective tissue graft technique in a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study.Materials and Methods:40 patients were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups with Miller Class I and II gingival recession on canines or premolars without the presence of cervical wear. The test group underwent tunneling with connective tissue grafting for root coverage and BMF application, while the control group underwent tunneling with connective tissue grafting for root coverage and placebo BMF application. The data was analyzed using the Friedman test (repeated measures) and the Wilcoxon test (baseline and final), with p<0.05.Results:Among the clinical parameters, there was no difference between the control group and the test group in any of the parameters investigated. Regarding patient-centered parameters, dentin hypersensitivity was significantly reduced after 6 months in both groups. There was also an improvement in aesthetics at the end of treatment in both groups and, with regard to post-operative discomfort, there was a significant difference in the group treated with MBF.Conclusion:Photobiomodulation reduced patients' post-operative discomfort without significantly affecting clinical parameters.