bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Causality Between Mean Platelet Volume and Sepsis: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.
Authors: Yu Xueshu , Xu Wen , Ruan Xiangyuan , Xu Luwei , Ye Yincai
Published: February 2024

Background:
The potential relationship between Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and the progression of sepsis has been proposed; however, the nature of this association, whether it entails causation or a subsequent outcome, remains a topic of debate. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of MPV on sepsis using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization framework.
Methods:
Genetic associations related to sepsis were derived from the most extensive and current genome-wide association study (GWAS) available, encompassing 11,643 cases and 474,841 controls, serving as the dataset for outcomes. Additionally, genetic associations linked to Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) were drawn from another GWAS, constituting the dataset for exposure. Estimates were computed through inverse-variance weighting, supplemented by sensitivity analyses using MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Moreover, Cochran's Q test and “leave-one-out” analysis were also taken into account.
Results:
The results obtained from the inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis failed to provide evidence in support of a causal relationship between MPV and sepsis (β = -0.119, SE = 0.280, P = 0.671). Consistent estimates were derived from the MR analyses conducted using the IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Examination of heterogeneity through Cochran's Q test revealed no indications of variability among IV estimates derived from individual genetic variants. Additionally, the outcomes of the "leave-one-out" analysis demonstrated that no individual single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) exerted undue influence on the IVW estimate.
Conclusion:
The outcomes of the MR analysis did not substantiate a causal connection between MPV and sepsis.
Study on General Practitioners' Cognition of Antibacterial Drugs Use
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Zheng Yuanyuan , Yang Kaichao , Ren Jingjing
Published: February 2024

Background Rational use of antimicrobial drugs play an important role in improving clinical efficacy. However, inappropriate antibiotic use accelerates antimicrobial resistance, We aimed to assess the general practitioner's understanding of the use of antibiotics.
Methods A self-designed online questionnaire was conducted among general practitioners. The content includes basic information, general practitioners' understanding of the use of antibiotics,training needs for general practitioners (GPs) on use of antibiotics.
Results A total of 772 GPs participated in the survey,with an average age of 40.97±8.87 years, of which 46.63%(360) were male.724（93.78%）GPs agree“High rates of antibiotic use could lead to bacterial resistanc”.657（85.10%）GPs agree“A serious problem of antibiotic abuse in China”.711（92.10%）GPs agree “Abuse of antibiotics is one of the main reasons for bacterial resistance”.661(85.62%) GPs agree“Need fast and effective diagnostic techniques to assist me in using antibiotics”. 561(72.67%) GPs often promote rational medication knowledge to patients, 582(75.39%) GPs often study adverse reactions of drugs and inform to patients.496(64.25%) GPs often actively learn about antibacterial drug related knowledges, 424(54.92%) GPs often require clinical or laboratory evidence of bacterial infections when using antibiotics. On average, 247（32.05%） GPs master in the use of antibiotics, and 364（47.18%） GPs indicate that they are familiar with the use of antibiotics. On average, 627(81.21%) GPs have chosen appropriate answers regarding the use of antibiotics. 754(97.67%) GPs consider it was necessary to participate in training on the rational use of antibiotics, and 745(96.51) GPs have training needs. 713(92.36%) GPs believe that clinical pharmacist intervention is necessary when using antibiotics.
Conclusions The rational application of antibiotics is the key to improving efficacy. Most GPs have a good understanding of when to use antibiotics and the plan for using antibiotics, but there are significant differences on some issues.More than 90% of GPs believe that training on antibiotics and intervention from clinical pharmacists are necessary. So, it is recommended to strengthen the training of general practitioners, based on evidence-based medicine, strictly grasp the indications for the use of antibiotics, strive for targeted treatment, reduce experiential treatment, and ensure that the indications, variety selection, administration route, dosage, and course of treatment for the use of antibiotics are suitable for patients.
Long-Term Evolution of Percutaneous Groin Access in Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: A Study of the Sequential Suture and Plug Vascular Closure Devices Technique
Authors: Xu Chen , Xu Guo-xiong , Chen Lei , Zhang Zhi-xuan , Jin Yi-qi
Published: February 2024

Objective
This study aimed to assess the long-term complications and evolution of groin access using the sequential suture and plug vascular closure devices (VCDs) technique during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data from all patients who underwent EVAR with more than 12 months of follow-up at our center between January 2022 and September 2022. The study included 64 patients with a mean age of 66.3 ± 13.9 years and a male-to-female ratio of 82.8%. We employed the sequential suture and plug VCDs technique as the standard practice for access closure. Technical success was defined as achieving complete hemostasis without needing bailout endovascular or surgical interventions. Access-related complications were assessed at 30 days and during the most recent follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan, with the severity graded according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) classification.
Results
The sequential suture and plug VCDs technique demonstrated a 100% success rate across the study population. The mean follow-up time from the procedure to the most recent scan was 16.1 ± 2.2 months, and the mean sheath size used was 20.5 ± 2.3 Fr. Short-term complications occurred in 4.1% of cases, comprising minor access bleeding incidents (n = 3) and pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). No long-term complications were observed during the study period, with no major complications reported. Additionally, the accessed vessels exhibited a significant increase in calcification score (1.02 ± 1.05 vs. 1.36 ± 1.08; p = 0.027) between the baseline and the last follow-up scan, while there were no significant changes in diameter.
Conclusions
The sequential suture and plug VCDs technique represents a safe method for access closure during EVAR, demonstrating low rates of short-term and long-term complications. However, further investigation through larger multi-center studies is warranted.
HSP47 Destabilizes CD155 Through TRAF2 in Synergistic Anti-TIGIT Treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ye Zhaoming , Mou Haochen , Zhang Wenkan , Chen Shixin , Chen Liang , Wang Zenan , Wang Zhuli , YINWANG Eloy , Shao Zhenxuan , Zhou Hao , Chen Tao , Xue Yucheng , Sun Hangxiang , Wang Fangqian , Xu Kaicheng , Chai Xupeng , Zhang Jiahao , Yao Minjun , Zhao Shenzhi , Lei Jiangchu , Ji Xiaoxiao , Lu Senxu , Wang Shengdong , Wang Chenhuan , Qu Hao , Li Binghao
Published: February 2024

Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) plays an essential role in correcting protein folding, and abnormal protein folding is closely related to tumorigenesis. However, the relationship between HSP47 and cancer immune response is poorly studied. Herein, HSP47 was found to be frequently overexpressed in human osteosarcomas. In animal models, HSP47 inhibition resulted in enhanced immune cell infiltration and function. Transcriptome data revealed that HSP47 negatively regulated CD155, a ligand of TIGIT. Immune checkpoint blockade therapy targeting the novel immune checkpoint molecule TIGIT is effective in limited patients. Further investigations are urgently needed to harness a robust response of this treatment. TIGIT antibody and HSP47-targeted therapy significantly inhibited the progression of osteosarcoma in mice and consequently prolonged survival. Mechanistically, inhibition of HSP47 attenuated TRAF2 protein ubiquitination and subsequently facilitated NF-κB-mediated CD155 transcription in HSP47-overexpressed osteosarcomas. Similarly, CD155 expression was significantly weakened in TRAF2-inhibited osteosarcoma cells. Collectively, our data revealed that targeting HSP47 could reinforce the expression of CD155 and therefore enhance the efficacy of anti-TIGIT treatment, providing a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
X-ray Electronic Pair Distribution Functions for Validating Experimental and Theoretical Electronic Densities of Materials
Authors: Sonobe Kazutaka , Tominaka Satoshi , Machida Akihiko
Published: February 2024

The states and properties of materials are governed by the constituent atomic structures defined by the positions of nuclei and electrons. Although quantum chemical simulations and other measurements, such as synchrotron X-ray scattering, are used to elucidate the atomic structures of materials under development, experimental data are required for verification and adjustment. Scattering measurements, based on empirical models focused on nucleus positions, are at the core of experimental analyses. However, structure determination way sensitive to the electron shape is limited and not applicable to materials in any state of matter. In this study, electronic pair distribution functions were derived from X-ray scattering data and were used to validate the electron positions in covalent materials on a sub-angstrom scale. This approach is expanded from atomic pair distribution functions analysing wide materials including crystalline and non-crystalline materials, and enables direct comparison of experimental and theoretical electronic structures to validate material's structures beyond atomic configurations.
Motor learning in multijoint virtual arm movements with novel kinematics
Authors: Inubashiri Nagisa , Hagio Shota , Kouzaki Motoki
Published: February 2024

Humans move their hands towards precise positions, a skill supported by the coordination of multiple joint movements, even in the presence of inherent redundancy. However, it remains unclear how the central nervous system learns the relationship between redundant joint movements and hand positions when starting from scratch. To address this question, a virtual-arm reaching task was performed in which participants were required to move a cursor corresponding to the hand of a virtual arm to a target. The joint angles of the virtual arm were determined by the heights of the participants’ fingers. The results demonstrated that the participants moved the cursor to the target straighter and faster in the late phase than they did in the initial phase of learning. This improvement was accompanied by a reduction in the amount of angular changes in the virtual limb joint, predominantly characterized by an increased reliance on the shoulder joint as opposed to the wrist joint. Moreover, increased shoulder joint use relative to that of the other joints was positively correlated with the number of successful target acquisitions. These findings suggest that the central nervous system selects a combination of multijoint movements that minimize motor effort while learning novel upper-limb kinematics.
Airport Time Profile Construction Driven by Flight Delay Prediction
Authors: GAO Wei , Pang Dingying
Published: February 2024

The time structure is the equilibrium outcome resulting from the interaction between market demand and the availability of time resources, with time parameters reflecting the operational support capability of the aviation system.The construction of time parameters and time structure should not only reflect changes in market demand, but also meet the constraints of operational efficiency.Constructing a reasonable 18–24 hour timetable profile for busy airports that meets normal expectations for declared capacity and seasonal scheduling is a challenge in civil aviation slot management.This study utilizes historical data on airport flights and weather conditions to establish a regression prediction model for the time structure using K-means clustering and Partial Least Squares Regression. Additionally, Ensemble learning is employed to forecast flight delay levels. The findings demonstrate that Random Forest yields favorable results in regression and prediction tasks, allowing for the integration of upper(good weather) and lower(severse weather) limits of the time profile with delay predictions as time parameter intervals. Consequently, the flights falling within these intervals achieve an average delay level of less than 15 minutes.That is, it meets the expectations of flight normality.
Application of the fractional-order theory of micro-polar thermoelasticity in the solid cylinder
Authors: Khader Shaaban , Marrouf Ayman , Khedr Mona
Published: February 2024

This work examines the heat transfer efficiency of CuZnFe2O4-water and NiZnFe4O4-water magnetic nanofluids when subjected to forced convection with an external magnetic field. The experiments were carried out utilizing nanofluids that were generated with volume concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% in a mini-channel. The studies were conducted with consistent heat flux boundary conditions within the Reynolds number range of 300–1300. A magnetic field within the 22–38 mT range has been produced by using two electromagnets positioned at a right angle to the direction of flow. The collected data has shown substantial improvements in the Nusselt number when using nanofluids. Applying an external magnetic field to nanofluids led to substantial improvements in heat transfer. The influence of the magnetic field on the transport of heat was particularly noticeable in situations characterized by low Reynolds numbers and nanofluids containing a high concentration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, it was noted that the magnitude of the magnetic field also has a substantial favorable impact. The highest rates of increase in the Nusselt number were attained for both nanofluids when the volume concentration was 1.0%, the Reynolds number was 300, and the magnetic field intensity was set at 38 mT. In addition, the CuZnFe2O4-water nanofluid exhibited a greater susceptibility to the magnetic field in comparison to the NiZnFe4O4-water nanofluid. Relative to the scenario without a magnetic field, the NiZnFe4O4-water nanofluid exhibited a maximum Nusselt number increase rate of 24.62%, while the CuZnFe2O4-water nanofluid demonstrated a higher increase rate of 39.34%.
Long-Term Memory Plasticity: A Decade-Long Connectivity Study Post Anterior Temporal Lobe Resection
Authors: Fleury Marine , Binding Lawrence , Taylor Peter , Xiao Fenglai , Giampiccolo Davide , Buck Sarah , Winston Gavin , Thompson Pamela , Baxendale Sallie , Koepp Matthias , Duncan John , Sidhu Meneka
Published: February 2024

Approximately 40% of individuals undergoing anterior temporal lobe resection for temporal lobe epilepsy experience episodic memory decline. Despite the importance of early memory network changes, long-term plasticity and its impact on memory function are unclear. Our study investigates neural mechanisms of memory recovery and network plasticity over nearly a decade post-surgery. From 3–12 months to 10 years postoperatively, we assessed memory network changes in 25 patients (12 left-sided resections) relative to 10 healthy matched controls, using longitudinal, task-based functional MRI and standard neuropsychology assessments. In a predominantly seizure-free cohort, our findings highlight the potential for sustained cognitive improvement and reduced medication needs over a decade after epilepsy surgery. We observed specific changes in memory networks and identified regions crucial for long-term verbal and visual memory recovery. These findings endorse strategic approaches in epilepsy treatment: advocating for conservative surgeries and promoting the long-term use of cognitive rehabilitation for ongoing recovery.
Predicting Malignancy in Breast Lesions: Enhancing Accuracy with Fine-Tuned Convolutional Neural Network Models
Authors: Li Li , Pan Changjie , Zhang Ming , Shen Dong , He Guangyuan , Meng Mingzhu
Published: February 2024

Objectives.
This study aimed to explore which convolutional neural network (CNN) model is best for predicting the likelihood of malignancy on dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-BMRI).
Materials and Methods.
A total of 273 benign (benign group) and 274 malignant lesions (malignant group) were obtained, and randomly divided into a training set (benign group: 246 lesions, malignant group: 245 lesions) and a testing set (benign group: 28 lesions, malignant group: 28 lesions) in a 9:1 ratio. An additional 53 lesions from 53 patients were designated as the validation set. Five models (VGG16, VGG19, DenseNet201, ResNet50, and MobileNetV2) were evaluated. The metrics for model performance evaluation included accuracy (Ac) in the training and testing sets, and precision (Pr), recall rate (Rc), F1 score (F1), and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in the validation set.
Results.
Accuracies of 1.0 were achieved on the training set by all five fine-tuned models (S1-5), with model S4 demonstrating the highest test accuracy at 0.97. Additionally, S4 showed the lowest loss value in the testing set. The S4 model also attained the highest AUC (Area Under the Curve) of 0.89 in the validation set, marking a 13% improvement over the VGG19 model. Notably, the AUC of S4 for BI-RADS 3 was 0.90 and for BI-RADS 4 was 0.86, both significantly higher than the 0.65 AUC for BI-RADS 5.
Conclusion.
The S4 model we propose emerged as the superior model for predicting the likelihood of malignancy in DCE-BMRI and holds potential for clinical application in patients with breast diseases. However, further validation is necessary, underscoring the need for additional data.
Changes in the Nutritional Value of Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) Biomass as a Response to Varied Organomineral Treatment
Authors: Wiśniewska-Kadżajan Beata , Malinowska Elżbieta
Published: February 2024

The aim of the experiment was to determine the impact of the interaction of slurry with soil conditioners used in organic farming on selected feed parameters of Phleum pratense biomass.
The research was conducted in three replications at the experimental facility of Siedlce University (52°10′03"N; 22°17′24"E, Poland) in years 2015 - 2017. The fertilizers used in the experiment were cattle slurry used separately and supplemented with leonardite extract and vermicompost extract, as well as mineral NPK. Cattle slurry was used each year at a total dose of 30 m3 ha-1, divided into individual cuts. Soil conditioners were used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. NPK mineral fertilization was applied at doses: N – 100, P – 30, K – 100 kg ha-1. The tested plant in the experiment was forage grass of the species Phleum pratense of the Secesja variety. The content of the neutral detergent fiber fraction and acid detergent fiber fraction was analyzed in the plant material samples using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The relative nutritional value was determined based on the neutral and acid detergent fiber fraction content. It was shown that the addition of vermicompost and NPK extract to the slurry improved the values of the tested parameters compared to the slurry alone. The feed value of biomass collected from facilities fed with slurry and NPK was higher than the feed value of biomass fertilized with slurry with leonardite extract, but comparable to the value of biomass fertilized with slurry supplemented with vermicompost extract.
Impact of haemogregarine parasite infections on the behaviour of Podarcis lizards
Authors: Faria J. Filipe , Harris D. James
Published: February 2024

Modern studies have shown how parasites add extra complexity to species interactions with their ecosystems by the way they affect their host. Haemogregarine parasites are common in lizards, although various studies have suggested varying degrees of repercussions for the host. In this study, we investigate effects of haemogregarine infection on the boldness and aggressiveness of male lizards of two sympatric species living in North Portugal: Podarcis bocagei and Podarcis lusitanicus, known hosts of haemogregarine and coccidian parasites. We used mirror interaction tests to assess aggressiveness, which did not identify any influence of the infection on either species. Boldness was evaluated through exploratory tests, with our results suggesting P. lusitanicus parasitized with Hepatozoon sp. alter their behaviour, with an increase in their exploratory activity and willingness to expose themselves for longer periods. Infection with Hepatozoon sp. appears to be enough to cause this abrupt behavioural change, independently of intensity of infection. These changes were only identified in P. lusitanicus, with P. bocagei maintaining their behaviour independently of infection status. Our results suggest a link between the observed behavioural changes for P. lusitanicus and thermoregulation, although further experiments to clarify this hypothesis are required.
Identification of Shared Gene Signatures and Pathways for Diagnosing Osteoporosis with Sarcopenia through Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Chen Guangdong , Chen Yang , Zhang Zepei , Miao Jun
Published: February 2024

Background
Prior studies have suggested a potential relationship between osteoporosis and sarcopenia, both of which can present symptoms of compromised mobility. Additionally, fractures among the elderly are often considered a common outcome of both conditions. There is a strong correlation between fractures in the elderly population, decreased muscle mass, weakened muscle strength, heightened risk of falls, and diminished bone density. This study aimed to pinpoint crucial diagnostic candidate genes for osteoporosis patients with concomitant sarcopenia.
Methods
Two osteoporosis datasets and one sarcopenia dataset were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Differential expression genes (DEGs) and module genes were identified using Limma and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA), followed by functional enrichment analysis, construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and application of a machine learning algorithm (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)regression) to determine candidate hub genes for diagnosing osteoporosis combined with sarcopenia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and column line plots were generated.
Results
The merged osteoporosis dataset comprised 2067 DEGs, with 424 module genes filtered in sarcopenia. The intersection of DEGs between osteoporosis and sarcopenia module genes consisted of 60 genes, primarily enriched in viral infection. Through construction of the PPI network, 30 node genes were filtered, and after machine learning, 7 candidate hub genes were selected for column line plot construction and diagnostic value assessment. Both the column line plots and all 7 candidate hub genes exhibited high diagnostic value (area under the curve ranging from 1.00 to 0.93).
Conclusion
We identified 7 candidate hub genes (PDP1, ALS2CL, VLDLR, PLEKHA6, PPP1CB, MOSPD2, METTL9) and constructed column line plots for osteoporosis combined with sarcopenia. This study provides reference for potential peripheral blood diagnostic candidate genes for sarcopenia in osteoporosis patients.
Experts’ views on the implementation of digital interventions for eating disorders: A Delphi study
Authors: Lemmer Diana , Mayer Gwendolyn , Schrader Pauline , Michelsen Ina , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Bauer Stephanie
Published: February 2024

Background Eating disorders (EDs) constitute a considerable burden for individuals and society, but adequate and timely professional treatment is rare. Evidence-based Digital Mental Health Interventions (DMHIs) have the potential both to reduce this treatment gap and to increase treatment effectiveness. However, their integration into routine care is lacking. Understanding practitioners' attitudes towards DMHIs for EDs is crucial for their effective use.Aims To investigate the consensus among German ED treatment experts on the relevance of different influencing factors for DMHI use in EDs.Methods Semi-structured qualitative telephone interviews with N = 24 ED experts (Mage=41.96, SDage=9.92, n = 22 female) were conducted to explore attitudes, experiences, and expectations towards DMHIs. Ten interviews were used for this Delphi study. Content analysis identified 63 influencing factors, grouped into three main categories: contextual conditions, design, and content of DMHIs. In two rounds, participants rated the factors’ importance on 10-point scales. Group percentages and individual ratings of the first round (n = 23) were presented in the second round (n = 21). Consensus was calculated for each item (defined as IQR ≤ 2).Results Importance ratings were high across items (M = 7.88, SD = 2.07, Mdn = 8). In the first round, a consensus rate of 48% was reached, with its most important (Mdn = 10) factors referring to data security, evidence base, technical requirements, usability, and to specific DMHI content (psychoeducation, crisis intervention). In the second Delphi round, consensus was reached for 73% of the items. No consensus was reached for 17 items.Conclusions The findings on practitioners' attitudes and priorities have relevant implications for subsequent DMHI development, dissemination, and implementation strategies, indicating that the highest-rated factors should be highlighted in the process.
Enasidenib causes clinically relevant rosuvastatin accumulation leading to toxic myopathy
Authors: Mason George , Cashion Catelyn , Parratt Jonathon , Stevenson William
Published: February 2024

A woman in her 80s developed AML while on rosuvastatin secondary prevention. IDH2 mutation was identified and Enasidenib was commenced as second line therapy and later presented with clinical, biochemical and radiographic evidence of myositis, without an alternative cause. We report the first case of enasidenib induced statin toxic myopathy, and discuss implications for AML patients most likely to receive this therapy.
Management of open craniocerebral injury in a patient with a skull defect: a case report
Authors: Qi Haihui , Song Mengruo , Xu Ya , Chen Zhenglou , Gui Qunfeng
Published: February 2024

Background: Open craniocerebral injury is a bodily injury that is characterized by high mortality and poor prognosis. This type of trauma occurs in patients with skull defects; this is a peculiar accident and is relatively rare. Because of its rarity, the treatments for such injuries are complex and nonstandardized.
Case presentation: We present the case of a 66-year-old male with a right frontotemporal skull defect who was hit by a tractor in his head and was accompanied by loss of consciousness for 3 h. Computer tomography (CT) demonstrated a hit on the left frontal area and a multifragmented fracture of the bilateral frontal and orbital bone with partial defects and partial elevation of the fractured bone fragments. A hemorrhagic contusion in the bilateral frontal area directly next to the injury was accompanied by a subdural hematoma at the skull defect site, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or ventricular hemorrhage. Early debridement, hematoma evacuation, and decompressive craniectomy were performed, and the patient achieved good postoperative recovery.
Conclusions: In this study, we discussed the clinical presentation and successful management of this unique injury in a patient with a skull defect. Our goal is to demonstrate certain general management principles that can improve patient outcomes.
Heat transfer enhancement on the rectangle microchannel heat sink
Authors: Li Qing-wen , Shang Xue-shuo , Cao Qun , Cui Zheng , Shao Wei
Published: February 2024

Microchannel heat sink is widely used in the aera of heat dissipation of electric device. This paper establishes a numerical model of rectangle microchannel heat sink and an experimental platform for validation. To enhance the thermal performance, the models of interrupted and staggered-interrupted channels are simulated. By comparing the Performance Evaluation Criterion (PEC) the results indicates that the performance of interrupted microchannels increases by approximately 10% to the continuous microchannels, while the staggered microchannels showed the best performance of up to 23% enhancement. Additionally, temperature uniformity increases by about 14% at Reynolds numbers below 150.
Whole genome-based surveillance for human adenovirus-related diseases in Kobe City, Japan, 2018–2022
Authors: Tanimoto Yoshihiko , Ohyama Minori , Ito Erika , Akiyoshi Kyoko , Onishi Yuka , Mori Ai , Nomoto Ryohei
Published: February 2024

Background: Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) cause various diseases, and they frequently undergo recombination. As adenoviruses are susceptible to recombination, whole-genome sequencing and analysis are essential approaches to understanding viral properties. In the present study, we performed whole-genome sequencing to characterize adenoviruses and assess the prevalence of adenovirus-related diseases in Kobe, Japan.
Methods: Eighty HAdV cell culture-positive strains isolated from clinical specimens in Kobe City, Japan, between 2018 and 2022 were used. Whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic analyses, and recombination analyses were performed.
Results: Disease-specific HAdV species were detected, with species B and C being the primary species detected for pharyngoconjunctival feverand species F for infectious gastroenteritis. All species B strains belonged to the HAdV-3 genotype. Multiple genotypes were detected in species C, including five strains in which the new genotype, P85H5F5, was identified in PCF specimens.
Conclusions: Whole-genome analysis of HAdV is an important approach not only for understanding local epidemics, but also for monitoring the emergence of recombinant genotypes.
Aberrant left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery with patent ductus arteriosus - A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Amer Ahmad , Shai Hanita , Assa Sagi , Mitler Avital , Sternfeld Alona Raucher
Published: February 2024

Background: Aberrant left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a very rare congenital heart defect. Its coexistence with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is extremely rare. The high pressures created by the left-to-right shunt in the pulmonary arteries can delay symptoms and create a real challenge in diagnosing ALCAPA. Missing this diagnosis can have severe results, including extensive ischemia and sudden death.
Case presentation: We present a case of an infant born with a large PDA. Initially treated conservatively; however, due to congestive heart failure and lack of weight gain, she underwent surgical ligation of the PDA at the age of four and a half months. Following surgery, she developed pulmonary edema. Echocardiography revealed decreased ventricular function. ECG revealed ST elevations on lateral leads, and serum troponin was significantly increased. The patient underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which revealed signs of wall ischemia and decreased function of the left ventricle (LV) with unclear coronary anatomy. Diagnostic catheterization revealed an ALCAPA. She underwent surgical intervention, and the left coronary artery was re-implanted in the aortic sinus. Follow-up revealed slow improvement of cardiac function.
Discussion and literature review: The coexistence of PDA and ALCAPA is a very rare occurrence. We found at least 10 reported cases in the literature. Delayed diagnosis might be detrimental. The prognosis of these patients is variable.
Conclusion: An unusual post-surgical course following PDA repair requires a high index of suspicion and appropriate evaluation for ALCAPA, preferably with angiography.
CBL0137 and NKG2A blockade: a novel immuno-oncology combination therapy for Myc-overexpressing triple-negative breast cancers
Authors: Raninga Prahlad , Zeng Bijun , Moi Davide , Saletta Federica , Venkat Pooja , Mayoh Chelsea , D'Souza Rochelle , Day Bryan , Shai-Hee Tyler , Vittorio Orazio , Mazzieri Roberta , Dolcetti Riccardo , Khanna Kum Kum
Published: February 2024

The MYC proto-oncogene is upregulated in > 60% of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs), it can directly promote tumor cell proliferation and its overexpression negatively regulates anti-tumor immune responses. For all these reasons, MYC has long been considered as a compelling therapeutic target. However, pharmacological inhibition of MYC function has proven difficult due to a lack of a drug-binding pocket. Here, we demonstrate that the potent abrogation of MYC gene transcription by CBL0137 induces immunogenic cell death and reduces proliferation in MYC-high but not in MYC-low TNBC in vitro. CBL0137 also significantly inhibited the in vivo growth of primary tumors in a human MYC-high TNBC xenograft model (MDA-MB-231). Moreover, CBL0137 inhibited the tumor growth of highly aggressive mouse 4T1.2 syngeneic TNBC model in immunocompetent mice by inhibiting the MYC pathway and inducing Type I interferon responses. Immune profiling of CBL0137-treated mice revealed significantly enhanced tumor-specific immune responses and increased proportions of tumor infiltrating effector CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and NK cells. CBL0137-induced immune activation also resulted in increased exhaustion of immune effector cells. In particular, NKG2A up-regulation on activated effector cells and of its ligand Qa-1b on tumors in vivo was identified as a possible immune evasive mechanism. Indeed, NKG2A blockade synergized with CBL0137 significantly inhibiting the in vivo growth of 4T1.2 tumors. Collectively, our findings provide the rationale supporting the exploitation of CBL0137-induced anti-tumor immunity in combination with NKG2A blockade to improve the treatment of TNBC expressing high levels of MYC.
Why has ‘miracidium’ of Notocotylidae (Trematoda: Digenea) lost all stage-specific traits?
Authors: Smirnov Peter A. , Gonchar Anna
Published: February 2024

Digeneans of Notocotylidae family stand out of the range with their peculiar eggs. The eggs feature a pair of long filaments extending from their poles, and their content differs significantly from what we expect to observe in the eggs of digeneans. Instead of a ciliated larva miracidium, the egg of Notocotylidae contains a tiny few-celled mother sporocyst. This sporocyst infects a snail host following accidental ingestion of the egg. Previous transmission electron microscope studies elucidated the structure of the sporocyst and proposed a mechanism of the injection relying on the structure called opercular cord, but the data were insufficient to describe certain details. Here we present ultrastructural data on the egg of Paramonostomum sp., clarifying the nature of the injection apparatus and providing the missing details of the in-egg mother sporocyst structure. We found the opercular cord to be part of the eggshell associated with the vitelline membrane. We also elucidated the intertwining connection between the germ cells and the sporocyst’s tegument, and explored nuage granules present in the cytoplasm of the germ cells, providing evidence for identification of these cells as the germ ones. We discuss our findings in the context of transition of miracidia to a passive strategy of snail infection.
Early Childhood General Anesthesia and Intellectual Disability: A Pediatric Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Mingyang , Chen Wan-Ming , Wu Szu-Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: February 2024

Background: The neurotoxicity of general anesthesia (GA) on the developing human brain is a topic of ongoing debate. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between GA exposure before the age of 3 and the risk of intellectual disability (ID).
Methods:We enrolled individuals aged 0 to 3 years who underwent GA and were hospitalized for more than one day in Taiwan between January 2004 and December 2014. The study's final follow-up date was December 31, 2021.
Results:Using propensity score matching, we identified 15,036 infants and toddlers (7,518 in the GA group and 7,518 in the no GA group). Cox regression analysis showed that the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for ID in the GA group was 2.38 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94-2.91) compared to the no GA group. Children who underwent GA once and more than once had aHRs of ID of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.03-2.64) and 2.86 (95% CI: 1.52-3.11), respectively. The aHRs of ID for children who received GA for less than 3 hours and 3 hours or more were 1.86 (95% CI: 1.13-1.98) and 2.77 (95% CI: 1.44-2.92), respectively. The IRs of ID for the no GA group and GA group were 15.34 and 36.05 per 10,000 person-years, respectively.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that GA exposure before the age of 3 is associated with an increased risk of ID. Furthermore, age at first GA, duration of GA, and number of GA exposures are all significant risk factors for ID.
Running Head: ID Risk in Children after GA
Polynomial quantum computing algorithms for solving the dualization problem for positive Boolean functions
Authors: Mezzini Mauro , Gomez Fernando Cuartero , Gonzalez Jose Javier Paulet , Calvo Hernan Indibil de la Cruz , Pascual Vicente , Pelayo Fernando L.
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present quantum computing algorithms for solving the dualization problem in polynomial time with respect to the asymptotic dimensions of the positive irredundant Disjunctive Normal Form. Furthermore, we give a quantum annealing algorithm for solving the dualization problem using a quantum annealer. Moreover, we reduce the dualization problem to the problem of counting all the hitting sets of a hypergraph
Design Study of a Camera System for Earth Observation as a Payload on the Small Satellite Romeo
Authors: Starzmann Dominik , Loeffler Thorben , Petri Jona , Bargiel Damian , Eidmann David , Denk Michael , Conrad Christopher , Klinkner Sabine
Published: February 2024

The importance of a safe food supply has increased due to climate change and its consequences. The number and severity of floods, droughts and plant diseases are rising which causes massive crop failures. Early and precise detection of plant diseases can lower crop failures as it enables early containment. Moreover, it promotes the targeted use of pesticides to protect the biodiversity. Satellite sensors improve the detection of plant diseases by enabling frequent and extensive vegetation observation. Hence, we present the design of a camera system for Earth observation on small satellites with a focus on the detection of plant diseases. The disease detection of sugar beets was chosen as the primary objective due to their importance for the German agriculture. This work is divided into two parts. First, the spectra of sugar beets are analyzed to determine spectral channels for a camera system. Second, a camera system is defined to capture spectral information within the previously defined wavelength ranges. The spectra of healthy and diseased sugar beets were measured in fields for agricultural research in Central Germany using a portable spectroradiometer. The investigated diseases are Cercospora leaf spot and virus yellows, which are among the most important pathogens worldwide. Based on the measured data, the so-called Normalized Difference Sugar Beet Index (NDSBI) is defined, which is a custom index to detect these diseases. We can prove that this index enables more precise detection of these sugar beet diseases than existing indices like the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The camera system is designed as a payload for the small satellite Research and Observation in Medium Earth Orbit (ROMEO), which is being developed at the University of Stuttgart’s (US) Institute of Space Systems (IRS). The proposed design fulfills the high radiation requirements as well as the system constraints of mass and volume. Three different options for the camera system are developed: two designs for the development at the US, one with lens optics and one with mirror optics, and an adjusted commercial camera system. All defined camera systems permit the measurement of the NDSBI to precisely detect sugar beet diseases.
Prediction of rubber fatigue life using an assimilation-based learning approach and incremental crack propagation model
Authors: Fang Congzhuo , Chen Yanfu , Yang Zihao , Zhang Yiyuan , He Xindang
Published: February 2024

Accurately and efficiently predicting the fatigue life of rubber materials has beena long-standing challenge due to limited understanding of the fatigue mechanism.In this study, a variational assimilation-based machine learning method assistedwith incremental crack propagation model is proposed to predict the fatigue lifeof rubber materials. Firstly, according to the fracture mechanics theory, a newrubber fatigue life prediction model based on incremental crack propagation andsparse experimental data is established, which owns higher accuracy than theclassical crack energy density model. Further, a rubber fatigue life solver coupled incremental crack propagation model and nonlinear finite element method isintroduced to generate a dense fatigue life dataset of rubber materials with highaccuracy. Finally, the artificial neural network model is trained, cross-validatedand tested using the dense dataset, and the three-dimensional variational assimilation model is employed to merge the predicted values of artificial neural networkwith experimental data. By comparing against the experimental data, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified, thereby we offer an accurate andefficient approach to predict the rubber fatigue life.
Innovative Engine Test Bench Setup for Testing of Exhaust Gas Aftertreatment and detailed Gas Species Analysis for CNG-SI-Operation
Authors: Tomin Sebastian , Keller Kevin , Wagner Uwe , Lott Patrick , Koch Thomas , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: February 2024

For an efficient reduction of methane slip, a precise understanding of exhaust gas aftertreatment under real conditions is essential. Since it is not possible to produce catalytic converters in near-series geometry on a laboratory scale, it is necessary to resort to significantly smaller sample catalysts. Therefore, an engine test bench was designed to ensure real operating conditions for such samples with the help of space velocity and temperature control. A comparison between the actual and reference values of the space velocity results in a small deviation of 0.1% on average. Furthermore, the pressure conditions at the catalyst have been measured showing a propagation of pressure oscillations from the engine outlet which in combination with the space velocity regulation show that real conditions could be applied to the catalyst sample. Subsequently the exhaust gas concentrations were monitored with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The catalyst material used is Pd on Al2O3 common for methane oxidation. The measurements show that the CH4 conversion is higher under lean conditions, but is below complete conversion. In a final comparison between purely stoichiometric operation and dithering, the course of the CH4 conversion rate over the test period is examined more closely. In addition to sampling pre- and post-catalyst, the exhaust gas composition is measured spatially resolved within a catalyst channel using special measurement technology. In the temporal course of the CH4 emissions, a stabilising effect due to the change of the operating mode can be seen showing that dithering seems to prevent further deactivation.
Intelligent Feature Engineering Based Intrusion
Detection System for IoT Network Security
Authors: Sadhwani Sapna , Sriwast Asmi , Muthalagu Raja , Pawar Pranav M
Published: February 2024

Internet-of-Things (IoT) helps create smart systems by allowing physical environments to be controlled or monitored by users through extensive sensor networks. Such networks are heavily resource constrained due to the low processing power and decentralized placement of sensors. Having been implemented in several backbone sectors such as industry, healthcare, etc, they often deal with sensitive information. Thus, there is an imminent need to secure IoT networks using lightweight intrusion detection systems. To this end, existing works that use BiLSTM for network intrusion detection are explored. Experiments involving the UNSW-NB15 dataset are recreated, and the results are compared. Early stopping is implemented to improve model performance and enable better analysis of the results. Finally, a novel machine learning and feature engineering-based intelligent network intrusion detection framework, dubbed FEIIDS, is proposed. Its working is explained in depth and its time complexity is analyzed. It is tested on the UNSW-NB15 dataset and found to be competitive with existing works, achieving classification accuracies up to 98.8%. Discussions on the results reveal that FEIIDS is more stable, transparent, and lightweight than deep learning models. In fact, FEIIDS can process 2,032,038 records of the dataset in 280.44 seconds, whereas BiLSTM requires 1901.2 seconds to process just 14,000 records. A case study on FEIIDS’s real-world application is also presented. Finally, it is concluded that FEIIDS is highly suitable for use as a real-time intrusion detection system in resource-constrained IoT networks, and its possible future applications are listed.
Leishmania infantum (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) detection in Nyssomyia neivai (Diptera: Psychodidae) and dogs in Southern Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Sabrina Fernandes , Guesser João Victor Costa , Rodrigues Andressa Alencastre Fuzari , Brazil Reginaldo Peçanha , Rona Luísa Damazio Pitaluga , Pitaluga André Nóbrega
Published: February 2024

Background
The sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It has been frequently found in visceral leishmaniasis foci in Santa Catarina (Brazil), a region where Lutzomyia longipalpis, the main vector of Leishmania infantum and the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas, has not been identified. In the absence of the main Leishmania vector, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and dogs in a region with a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak in the South of Brazil.
Methods
We report here a sand fly fauna survey on the Zoonosis Control Center of Tubarão Municipality (Santa Catarina, Brazil). We also conducted molecular testing to detect Leishmania spp. natural infection on captured sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, followed by PCR.
Results
We collected 3,419 specimens from five sand flies genera. Nyssomyia neivai (85.75%) was the most abundant species, followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.31%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.82%), Evandromyia edwardsi (0.03%), and the genus Brumptomyia spp. (0.09%). Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in two of the 509 analyzed females, yielding a natural infection rate of 0.4%. The L. infantum infected sand flies’ specimens were morphologically and molecularly identified as Ny. neivai. We analyzed 47 dogs’ conjunctival swabs for Leishmania spp. with two positive individuals for L. infantum (infection rate of 4.2%).
Conclusions
Our results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil. We emphasize the significance of DNA barcoding in supporting the sand flies’ identification, and the conjunctival swab technique proved effective in obtaining enough biological material for detecting L. infantum in dogs.