bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends of mortality rate in patients with congenital heart defects in Germany—analysis of nationwide data of the Federal Statistical Office of Germany
Authors: Abdul-Khaliq Hashim , Gomes Delphina , Meyer Sascha , von Kries Rüdiger , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Pfeifer Jochen , Poryo Martin
Published: March 2024

Background

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are still associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze trends of mortality rates in patients with CHD between 1998 and 2018 in Germany.

Methods

Data of registered deaths with an underlying diagnosis of CHD were used to evaluate annual mortality between 1998 and 2018. Polynomial regressions were performed to assess annual changes in CHD-associated mortality rates by age groups.

Results

During the 21-year study period, a total of 11,314 deaths were attributed to CHD with 50.9% of deaths in infants (age < 1 year) and 28.2% in neonates (age ≤ 28 days). The most frequent underlying CHDs associated with death were hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 1498, 13.2%), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 1009, 8.9%), atrial septal defects (n = 771, 6.8%), ventricular septal defects (n = 697, 6.2%), and tetralogy of Fallot (n = 673, 5.9%), and others (n = 6666, 58.9%). Among all patients, annual CHD-related mortality rates declined significantly between 1998 and 2010 (p < 0.0001), followed by a significant annual increase until 2018 (p < 0.0001). However, mortality rates in 2018 in all ages were significantly lower than in 1998.

Conclusion

Mortality in CHD patients decreased significantly between 1998 and 2010, but a substantial number of deaths still occurred and even significantly increased in the last 3 years of the observation period particularly in neonates and infants. This renewed slight increase in mortality rate during the last years was influenced mainly by high-risk neonates and infants. Assessment of factors influencing the mortality rate trends in association with CHD in Germany is urgently needed. Obligatory nationwide registration of death cases in relation to surgical and catheter interventions in CHD patients is necessary to provide additional valuable data on the outcome of CHD.

Graphical abstract
Quantitative whole-body muscle MRI in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies including polymyositis with mitochondrial pathology: indications for a disease spectrum
Authors: Zierer Lea-Katharina , Naegel Steffen , Schneider Ilka , Kendzierski Thomas , Kleeberg Kathleen , Koelsch Anna Katharina , Scholle Leila , Schaefer Christoph , Naegel Arne , Zierz Stephan , Otto Markus , Stoltenburg-Didinger Gisela , Kraya Torsten , Stoevesandt Dietrich , Mensch Alexander
Published: March 2024

Objective

Inflammatory myopathies (IIM) include dermatomyositis (DM), sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and overlap myositis (OLM)/antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS). There is also a rare variant termed polymyositis with mitochondrial pathology (PM-Mito), which is considered a sIBM precursor. There is no information regarding muscle MRI for this rare entity. The aim of this study was to compare MRI findings in IIM, including PM-Mito.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 41 patients (7 PM-Mito, 11 sIBM, 11 PM/ASyS/OLM, 12 IMNM) and 20 healthy controls. Pattern of muscle involvement was assessed by semiquantitative evaluation, while Dixon method was used to quantify muscular fat fraction.

Results

The sIBM typical pattern affecting the lower extremities was not found in the majority of PM-Mito-patients. Intramuscular edema in sIBM and PM-Mito was limited to the lower extremities, whereas IMNM and PM/ASyS/OLM showed additional edema in the trunk. Quantitative assessment showed increased fat content in sIBM, with an intramuscular proximo-distal gradient. Similar changes were also found in a few PM-Mito- and PM/ASyS/OLM patients. In sIBM and PM-Mito, mean fat fraction of several muscles correlated with clinical involvement.

Interpretation

As MRI findings in patients with PM-Mito relevantly differed from sIBM, the attribution of PM-Mito as sIBM precursor should be critically discussed. Some patients in PM/ASyS/OLM and PM-Mito group showed MR-morphologic features predominantly observed in sIBM, indicative of a spectrum from PM/ASyS/OLM toward sIBM. In some IIM subtypes, MRI may serve as a biomarker of disease severity.
Sex impacts treatment decisions in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hegen Harald , Berek Klaus , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas , Enzinger Christian , Guger Michael , Kraus Jörg , Walde Janette , Di Pauli Franziska
Published: March 2024

Background

Individual disease-modifying treatment (DMT) decisions might differ between female and male people with MS (pwMS).

Objective

To identify sex-related differences in DMT strategies over the past decades in a real-world setting.

Methods

In this cohort study, data from the Austrian Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Registry (AMSTR), a nationwide prospectively collected registry mandatory for reimbursement, were retrospectively analyzed. Of 4840 pwMS, those with relapsing–remitting MS, aged at least 18 years, who started DMT and had at least two clinical visits, were identified. At baseline, demographics, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, annualized relapse rate (ARR) in the prior 12 months and MRI lesion load were assessed. At follow-up, ARR, EDSS scores, and DMT were determined.

Results

A total of 4224 pwMS were included into the study and had a median of 10 (IQR 5–18) clinical visits over an observation period of 3.5 (IQR 1.5–6.1) years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that the probability of DMT escalation due to relapse activity was lower in female than male pwMS (HR 4.1 vs. 8.3 per ARR). Probability of discontinuing moderate-effective DMT was higher in female pwMS when they were younger (HR 1.03 per year), and lower in male pwMS at higher age (HR 0.92). Similarly, female pwMS were more likely to stop highly effective DMT than male pwMS (HR 1.7). Among others, the most frequent reason for DMT discontinuation was family planning in female pwMS. All sex-related effects were independent of disease activity, such as MRI lesion load, baseline ARR or EDSS.

Conclusions

Real-world treatment decisions are influenced by sex-related aspects. Awareness of these associations should prevent unwarranted differences in MS care.
Analysis method useful for calculating various interface stress intensity factors efficiently by using a proportional stress field of a single reference solution modeling
Authors: Oda Kazuhiro , Ashikari Shunsuke , Noda Nao-Aki
Published: March 2024

This paper has proposed an efficient analysis method to calculate interface stress intensity factors (SIFs) based on a proportional stress field of a reference problem whose exact solution is available. In the previous proportional methods, the same crack length and the same element size were applied to both reference and unknown problems so that the same FEM error can be produced. Therefore, when analyzing many unknown problems, the conventional method needs to analyze many reference problems at the same time. Since this approach is time-consuming, this paper considers how to calculate many crack lengths efficiently by using only one single reference solution modeling. For this purpose, several general relations of SIFs are derived for the unknown and the reference problems when both crack length and element size are different. To analyze many unknown problems accurately by using a single reference solution modeling, how to choose the most suitable element dimension of the reference model is clarified. The proposed method is especially useful for crack propagation analysis.
Clinical outcomes of patients with CIC-rearranged sarcoma: a single institution retrospective analysis
Authors: Murphy Jacob , Resch Erin E. , Leland Christopher , Meyer Christian F. , Llosa Nicolas J. , Gross John M. , Pratilas Christine A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

CIC-rearranged sarcomas represent a type of undifferentiated small round cell sarcoma (USRCS) characterized by poor survival, rapid development of chemotherapy resistance, and high rates of metastasis. We aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding diagnosis, treatment, clinical course, and outcomes for these patients.

Methods

This case series investigates the clinical courses of ten patients with CIC-rearranged sarcoma treated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital from July 2014 through January 2024. Clinical data were retrospectively extracted from electronic medical records.

Results

Patients ranged from 10 to 67 years of age at diagnosis, with seven patients presenting with localized disease and three with metastatic disease. Tumors originated from soft tissues of various anatomic locations. Mean overall survival (OS) was 22.1 months (10.6–52.2), and mean progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.7 months (5.3–52.2). Seven patients received intensive systemic therapy with an Ewing sarcoma-directed regimen or a soft tissue sarcoma-directed regimen. Three patients experienced prolonged disease-free survival without systemic treatment.

Conclusion

Most patients in this case series demonstrated aggressive clinical courses consistent with those previously described in the literature, although we note a spectrum of clinical outcomes not previously reported. The diversity of clinical courses underscores the need for an improved understanding of individual tumor biology to enhance clinical decision-making and patient prognosis. Despite its limitations, this article broadens the spectrum of reported clinical outcomes, providing a valuable addition to the published literature on this rare cancer.
Laparoscopic versus open surgery in obstructive colorectal cancer patients following stents placement: a comprehensive meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Zeng Kerui , Zhang Faqiang , Yang Hua , Zha Xiaoying , Fang Shixu
Published: March 2024

Background

Over the past decade, the use of stent placement as a bridge to surgery (BTS) has emerged as an alternative to emergency surgery for patients with (OCRC). However, the optimal surgical approach remains indeterminate. This study seeks to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a combined treatment modality involving stent placement and laparoscopic surgery for OCRC presenting with malignant obstruction.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted until June 2023 to identify studies that compared laparoscopic to open surgery in patients with OCBC following stent insertion.

Results

The meta-analysis incorporated 12 cohort studies, encompassing 933 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the 30-day mortality rates between the two groups (relative risk [RR], 1.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26 to 4.48; P = 0.95). Compared to the laparoscopic approach group, the open approach group had a higher rate of overall postoperative complications (POCs) (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.72, P < 0.0001). There was no significant variance in lymph node (LN) dissection number between the groups (mean differences [MD], 1.64; 95% CI − 1.51 to 4.78; P = 0.31). Notably, laparoscopic surgery resulted in less intraoperative blood loss (MD, − 25.84 ml; 95% CI − 52.16 to 0.49; P = 0.05) and a longer operation time (MD, 20.99 mins; 95% CI 2.31 to 39.44; P = 0.03). The laparoscopic approach was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (LOS) (MD − 3.29 days; 95% CI − 5.27 to 1.31; P = 0.001). Conversely, the open approach group had a higher rate of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) (RR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.96, P = 0.04). Although the number of included studies was insufficient to conduct a meta-analysis, several of them imply that laparoscopic surgery may yield more favorable outcomes in terms of the 3-year overall survival rate (OS), 3-year disease-free survival rate (DFS), 5-year OS, and 5-year DFS when compared to open surgery. It is worth noting that these differences lack statistical significance.

Conclusion

In patients with OCRC subjected to stent insertion, laparoscopic surgery arguably presents a modest superiority over open surgery by diminishing the overall postoperative risk and potentially reducing the LOS.
Drought, temperature, and moisture availability: understanding the drivers of isotopic decoupling in native pine species of the Nepalese Himalaya
Authors: Aryal Sugam , Grießinger Jussi , Gaire Narayan Prasad , Bhattarai Tribikram , Bräuning Achim
Published: March 2024

The Himalayas experienced long-term climate changes and recent extreme weather events that affected plant growth and the physiology of tree species at high-elevation sites. This study presents the first statistically robust δ18OTR chronologies for two native pine species, Pinus roxburghii, and Pinus wallichiana, in the lower Nepalese Himalaya. The isotope chronologies exhibited 0.88‰ differences in overall mean isotope values attributed to varying elevations (460–2000 m asl). Comparative analysis of climate response using data sets from different sources and resolutions revealed the superiority of the APHRODITE (Asian Precipitation – Highly-Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation) data set calibrated for the South Asian Summer Monsoon (SASM)-dominated region. Both species exhibited negative correlations with monsoon precipitation and positive correlations with temperature. However, during the peak monsoon season (July-August), daily resolved climate data disentangled statistically insignificant relationships, and revealed that δ18OTR is influenced by atmospheric moisture. Both congeneric species showed a decoupling between the chronologies after 1995. However, no significant change in air moisture origin and monsoon regime between the study sites was observed, indicating a consistent dominant moisture source during different monsoon seasons. Besides, we also observed the decreased inter-series correlation of both δ18OTR chronologies after 1995, with P. wallichiana experiencing a steeper decrease than P. roxburghii. The weakening correlations between and within the chronologies coincided with a regional drought during 1993–1995 in both sites, highlighting the strong regulation of local climate on the impact of regional extreme climate events. Our findings emphasise the importance of employing climate data with optimal spatial and temporal resolution for improved δ18OTR-climate relationships at the intra-annual scale while considering the influence of site-specific local environmental conditions. Assessing climate data sets with station data is vital for accurately interpreting climate change’s impact on forest response and long-term climate reconstructions.
Relative vectoring using dual object detection for autonomous aerial refueling
Authors: Worth Derek , Choate Jeffrey , Lynch James , Nykl Scott , Taylor Clark
Published: March 2024

Once realized, autonomous aerial refueling will revolutionize unmanned aviation by removing current range and endurance limitations. Previous attempts at establishing vision-based solutions have come close but rely heavily on near perfect extrinsic camera calibrations that often change midflight. In this paper, we propose dual object detection, a technique that overcomes such requirement by transforming aerial refueling imagery directly into receiver aircraft reference frame probe-to-drogue vectors regardless of camera position and orientation. These vectors are precisely what autonomous agents need to successfully maneuver the tanker and receiver aircraft in synchronous flight during refueling operations. Our method follows a common 4-stage process of capturing an image, finding 2D points in the image, matching those points to 3D object features, and analytically solving for the object pose. However, we extend this pipeline by simultaneously performing these operations across two objects instead of one using machine learning and add a fifth stage that transforms the two pose estimates into a relative vector. Furthermore, we propose a novel supervised learning method using bounding box corrections such that our trained artificial neural networks can accurately predict 2D image points corresponding to known 3D object points. Simulation results show that this method is reliable, accurate (within 3 cm at contact), and fast (45.5 fps).
Surgical outcome after treatment of thoracolumbar spinal stenosis in adults with achondroplasia
Authors: Urbanschitz Lukas , Jeszenszky Dezsö J. , Ropleato Mario , Fekete Tamás F.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To describe the complications and the outcome of patients with achondroplasia undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients with achondroplasia undergoing surgery within the years 1992–2021 at the thoracic and/or lumbar spine. The outcome was measured by analyzing the surgical complications and revisions. The patient-rated outcome was assessed with the COMI score from 2005 onwards.

Results

A total of 15 patients were included in this study undergoing a total of 31 surgeries at 79 thoracolumbar levels. 12/31 surgeries had intraoperative complications consisting of 11 dural tears and one excessive intraoperative bleeding. 4/18 revision surgeries were conducted due to post-decompression hyperkyphosis. The COMI score decreased from 7.5 IQR 1.4 (range 7.1–9.8) preoperatively to 5.3 IQR 4.1 (2.5–7.5) after 2 years (p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Patients with achondroplasia, the most common skeletal dysplasia condition with short-limb dwarfism, are burdened with a congenitally narrow spinal canal and are commonly in need of spinal surgery. However, surgery in these patients is often associated with complications, namely dural tears and post-decompression kyphosis. Despite these complications, patients benefit from surgical treatment at a follow-up of 2 years after surgery.
Maternal periodontitis may cause lower birth weight in children: genetic evidence from a comprehensive Mendelian randomization study on periodontitis and pregnancy
Authors: Chen Xixiong , Li Xiao , Yang Kun , Fang Jinlin
Published: March 2024

Objectives

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the potential genetic link between periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes using a two-sample Mendelian Randomization approach.

Materials and methods

We employed robust genetic instruments for chronic periodontitis as exposure data from the FinnGen database. Data encompassing various pregnancy stage outcomes, including pre-pregnancy conditions (irregular menstruation, endometriosis, abnormal reproductive bleeding, and female infertility), pregnancy complications (hemorrhage, spontaneous miscarriage, and abnormalities in products), and post-pregnancy factors (single spontaneous delivery, labor duration, and birth weight of the child), were obtained from the UK Biobank. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was utilized to compute primary estimates while diligently assessing potential directional pleiotropy and heterogeneity.

Results

Our findings indicate a negative association between periodontitis and labor duration (odds ratio [OR] = 0.999; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.999 to 1.000; P = 0.017). Individuals with periodontitis are more likely to deliver lower-weight infants (OR = 0.983; 95% CI: 0.972 to 0.995; P = 0.005). We found no evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity in aforementioned two associations. We did not observe casual links with pre-pregnancy conditions and pregnancy complications.

Conclusions

This Mendelian Randomization study underscores the genetic influence of periodontitis on specific adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly concerning labor duration and lower birth weight deliveries.

Clinical relevance

Our study emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining periodontal health during pregnancy and offers genetic evidence supporting these associations. Further investigation is required to delve deeper into the specific underlying mechanisms.
Metacognition in wild Japanese macaques: cost and stakes influencing information-seeking behavior
Authors: Subias Lorraine , Katsu Noriko , Yamada Kazunori
Published: March 2024

Metacognition allows us to evaluate memories and knowledge, thus enabling us to distinguish between what we know and what we do not. Studies have shown that species other than humans may possess similar abilities. However, the number of species tested was limited. Testing ten free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) on a task in which they had to find food hidden inside one of the four opaque tubes, we investigated whether these subjects would seek information when needed. The monkeys could look inside the tubes before selecting one. We varied three parameters: the baiting process, the cost that monkeys had to pay to look inside the tubes, and the reward at stake. We assessed whether and how these parameters would affect the monkeys’ tendency to look inside the tube before selecting one. When they were not shown which tube contained the reward, nine monkeys looked significantly more frequently in at least one condition. Half of them tended to reduce their looks when the cost was high, but only when they already knew the location of the reward. When a high-quality reward was at stake, four monkeys tended to look more inside the tubes, even though they already knew the reward’s location. Our results are consistent with those of rhesus macaques, suggesting that metacognitive-like abilities may be shared by Cercopithecidae, and that, at least some monkeys may be aware of their lack of knowledge.
Sensitivity analysis for a dynamic macroeconomic policy game in a monetary union
Authors: Blueschke Dmitri , Blueschke-Nikolaeva Viktoria , Neck Reinhard
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we examine the sensitivity of the results of an earlier paper which presented and analyzed a dynamic game model of a monetary union with coalitions between governments (fiscal policy makers) and a common central bank (monetary policy maker). Here we examine alternative values of the parameters of the underlying model to show how the earlier results depend on the numerical parameter values chosen, which were obtained by calibration instead of econometric estimation. We demonstrate that the main results are qualitatively the same as in the original model for plausible smaller and larger values of the parameters. For the few cases where they differ, we interpret the deviations in economic terms and illustrate the policies and their macroeconomic effects resulting from the change to the parameter under consideration for one of these cases.
Effects of lifestyle factors on job-related stress and stress responses in police officers in Japan
Authors: Sakuma Sayaka , Nogawa Kazuhiro , Watanabe Yuuka , Suwazono Yasushi
Published: March 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between stress responses and lifestyle factors of police officers in Japan.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design. Of indivudals who underwent legally required health screenings in a Prefectural Police, 9633 men and 1086 women completed the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Then a multivariate analysis for various lifestyle factors was performed with high stress and six stress responses (low vitality, high irritability, high fatigue, high anxiety, substantial depressive feeling, and high somatic symptoms) as dependent variables.

Results

Of the potential covariates, short sleep duration consistently related to various stress and stress responses. The odds ratios of short sleep duration were consistently significant for high stress in men and women, for high irritability in men, for high fatigue in women, for high depressive feeling in men and women, and for high somatic symptoms in men and women. As for factors other than sleep duration, age, rank, marital status, overtime work, and rhythm of daily life were significantly associated with high stress and various stress responses.

Conclusions

The results of this study consistently showed that short sleep duration increases the risk of high stress and stress responses. Overall, more women than men in the police force reported short sleep duration, which may be due to work–family conflicts. Maintaining adequate sleep duration quality would reinforce preventive measures to avoid aggravation of stress status.
Exercise Improves Heart Function after Myocardial Infarction: The Merits of AMPK
Authors: Zhang Xiaodi , Zhao Yi , Guo Dafen , Luo Mingxian , Zhang Qing , Zhang Li , Zhang Dengshen
Published: March 2024

Background

AMPK is considered an important protein signaling pathway that has been shown to exert prominent cardioprotective effects on the pathophysiological mechanisms of numerous diseases. Following myocardial infarction, severe impairment of cardiac function occurs, leading to complications such as heart failure and arrhythmia. Therefore, protecting the heart and improving cardiac function are important therapeutic goals after myocardial infarction. Currently, there is substantial ongoing research on exercise-centered rehabilitation training, positioning exercise training as a significant nonpharmacological approach for preventing and treating numerous cardiovascular diseases.

Objective

Previous studies have reported that exercise can activate AMPK phosphorylation and upregulate the AMPK signaling pathway to play a cardioprotective role in coronary artery disease, but the specific mechanism involved remains to be elucidated.

Conclusion

This review discusses the role and mechanism of the exercise-mediated AMPK pathway in improving postinfarction cardiac function through existing studies and describes the mechanism of exercise-induced myocardial repair of AMPK from multiple perspectives to formulate a reasonable and optimal exercise rehabilitation program for the prevention and treatment of myocardial infarction patients in the clinic.
Chinese Social Work Students’ Attitudes toward Online Social Work Services: A Q Methodology Study
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Jia , Zhou Xiaochen
Published: March 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic in China, the emergence of online social work services has garnered the attention of scholars, particularly as social work students are the future practitioners who will be responsible for delivering these services. This Q methodology study aimed to explore the perceptions and attitudes of 39 Master of Social Work (MSW) students (76.92% female, 23.08% male, Age(mean) = 22.14, SD = 0.48) from Shanghai, China, towards online social work service delivery. Participants were asked to respond to 73 Q statements. Three distinct viewpoints emerged from the factor analysis. Viewpoint One is optimistic about the prospect, believing that online delivery mode will expand the coverage of social services. Viewpoint Two is cautious due to practical constraints, recognizing the challenges that social workers and clients may encounter when participating in online social work services. Viewpoint Three is wary of privacy and ethical risks related to online social work services. The findings suggest that more education and training may be necessary to increase students’ confidence and promote online social work services, thus increasing accessibility to services for a wider population.
A New Modulator of Neuroinflammation in Diabetic Retinopathy: USP25
Authors: Hu Qiang , Zhang Xue , Peng Hongsong , Guan Jitian , Huang Zhangxin , Jiang Bo , Sun Dawei
Published: March 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a diabetes-associated complication that poses a threat to vision, distinguished by persistent and mild inflammation of the retinal microvasculature. The activation of microglia plays a crucial role in driving this pathological progression. Previous investigations have demonstrated that ubiquitin-specific peptidase 25 (USP25), a deubiquitinating enzyme, is involved in the regulation of immune cell activity. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms through which USP25 contributes to the development of DR remain incompletely elucidated. Firstly, we have demonstrated the potential mechanism by which ROCKs can facilitate microglial activation and augment the synthesis of inflammatory mediators through the modulation of NF-κB signaling pathways in a high-glucose milieu. Furthermore, our study has provided novel insights by demonstrating that the regulatory role of USP25 in the secretion of proinflammatory factors is mediated through the involvement of ROCK in modulating the expression of NF-κB and facilitating the nuclear translocation of the phosphatase NF-κB. This regulatory mechanism plays a crucial role in modulating the activation of microglial cells within a high-glycemic environment. Hence, USP25 emerges as a pivotal determinant for the inflammatory activation of microglial cells, and its inhibition exhibits a dual effect of promoting retinal neuron survival while suppressing the inflammatory response in the retina. In conclusion, the promotion of diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression by USP25 is attributed to its facilitation of microglial activation induced by high glucose levels, a process mediated by the ROCK pathway. These findings highlight the importance of considering USP25 as a potential therapeutic target for the management of diabetic neuroinflammation.
Histological analysis of (antral) follicle density in ovarian cortex tissue attached to stripped endometriomas
Authors: de Koning Rozemarijn , Blikkendaal Mathijs D. , de Sousa Lopes Susana M. Chuva , van der Meeren Lotte E. , Cheng Hui , Jansen Frank Willem , Lashley Eileen E. L. O.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

When resecting endometriomas with the stripping technique, in the majority of cases, a thin line of adjacent ovarian cortex is attached to the endometrioma. In this study, we performed histological analysis to determine (antral) follicle density in the ovarian cortex tissue attached to stripped endometriomas and assessed patient- and surgical characteristics that could affect this.

Methods

Histological slides of previously removed endometriomas were assessed. Follicles in the attached ovarian tissue were classified according to maturation, and follicular density was determined. Immunofluorescent staining of antral follicles in a subset of endometriomas was also performed.

Results

In 90 out of 96 included endometriomas (93.7%), ovarian tissue attached to the cyst wall was observed. One thousand nine hundred forty-four follicles at different maturation stages were identified (3 follicles/mm3). Follicle density was negatively associated with age (p < 0.001). Antral follicles (< 7-mm diameter) were present in the ovarian tissue attached to 35 endometriomas (36.5%) derived from younger patients compared to endometriomas where none were detected (30 versus 35 years, p = 0.003). Antral follicle density was 1 follicle/mm3. Based on immunofluorescence, healthy antral follicles were identified in two out of four examined endometriomas.

Conclusions

Ovarian tissue attached to stripped endometriomas holds potential as a non-invasive source for antral follicles. In theory, application of IVM could be an interesting alternative FP option in young patients with endometriomas who undergo cystectomy in order to transform the surgical collateral damage to a potential oocyte source. Our results encourage future research with fresh tissue to further assess the quality and potential of these follicles.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: B21.055 (METC LDD), date of registration 12–08-2021, retrospectively registered.
Merits of photocatalytic activity of synthesized (ZnxCu(1−x)Fe2O4); x = (0–1) magnetic nanoparticles for wastewater treatment
Authors: Abuzeyad Osama H. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Elsayed Mohamed A. , Gobara Mohamed , Tantawy Hesham
Published: March 2024

Synthesis of crystalline zinc copper ferrite nanoparticles was achieved via a simple co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is utilized to give the morphological characterization of the prepared samples. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was employed for further identification and confirmation of the particle size and morphology. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were utilized to examine crystalline structure and chemical structure, respectively. The photocatalytic performance of Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles under UV light was assessed by decolorization of methyl orange (MO) azo dye. The efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of 20 ppm of MO by Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles 15 mg was 96% after 135 min at an ambient temperature of 25 °C and pH value of 3. Further interpretation was carried out and a proposed mechanism for the MO photodegradation over Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles was suggested.
Electrical properties of PVC:BN nanocomposite as interfacial layer in metal-semiconductor structure
Authors: Badali Yosef
Published: March 2024

In this study, a comprehensive examination is assumed to investigate the influence of interfacial layers composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyvinyl chloride-boron nitride (PVC: BN) on the electrical characteristics of the Au/n-Si structure. Two distinct structures, namely Au/PVC/n-Si (MPS1) and Au/PVC: BN/n-Si (MPS2), are fabricated for this purpose. The provided boron nitride (BN) nanostructures are analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns to determine their average crystalline size and surface morphology. Following the structural analysis, current-voltage (I–V) measurements are conducted over an extensive voltage range (± 3 V). Subsequently, the fundamental electrical properties of the developed Schottky structures are determined using various methods and compared. Experimental results indicate that the PVC: BN nanocomposite leads to an increase in the potential barrier height (BH), shunt resistance (Rsh), and rectifying rate (RR = IF/IR), while simultaneously decreasing the ideality factor (n), series resistance (Rs), and surface states density (Nss). It was discovered that the MS structure’s RR was 7 times lower than that of the MPS2 structure. Moreover, the energy-dependent Nss density is also derived using n(V) and ΦB0(V) functions. Based on the ln(IR)−VR0.5 profile at the reverse bias region, the Schottky-emission (SE) type conduction mechanism is effective for MS structures, whereas Poole-Frenkel-emission (PFE) is effective for MPS structures.
Chain Recurrence and Selgrade’s Theorem for Affine Flows
Authors: Colonius Fritz , Santana Alexandre J.
Published: March 2024

Affine flows on vector bundles with chain transitive base flow are lifted to linear flows and the decomposition into exponentially separated subbundles provided by Selgrade’s theorem is determined. The results are illustrated by an application to affine control systems with bounded control range.
Quantum Machine-Based Decision Support System for the Detection of Schizophrenia from EEG Records
Authors: Aksoy Gamzepelin , Cattan Grégoire , Chakraborty Subrata , Karabatak Murat
Published: March 2024

Schizophrenia is a serious chronic mental disorder that significantly affects daily life. Electroencephalography (EEG), a method used to measure mental activities in the brain, is among the techniques employed in the diagnosis of schizophrenia. The symptoms of the disease typically begin in childhood and become more pronounced as one grows older. However, it can be managed with specific treatments. Computer-aided methods can be used to achieve an early diagnosis of this illness. In this study, various machine learning algorithms and the emerging technology of quantum-based machine learning algorithm were used to detect schizophrenia using EEG signals. The principal component analysis (PCA) method was applied to process the obtained data in quantum systems. The data, which were reduced in dimensionality, were transformed into qubit form using various feature maps and provided as input to the Quantum Support Vector Machine (QSVM) algorithm. Thus, the QSVM algorithm was applied using different qubit numbers and different circuits in addition to classical machine learning algorithms. All analyses were conducted in the simulator environment of the IBM Quantum Platform. In the classification of this EEG dataset, it is evident that the QSVM algorithm demonstrated superior performance with a 100% success rate when using Pauli X and Pauli Z feature maps. This study serves as proof that quantum machine learning algorithms can be effectively utilized in the field of healthcare.
Diverging or converging technology capabilities in the European Union?
Authors: Grafström Jonas , Alm Carl
Published: March 2024

The ongoing debate among economists regarding the presence of economic convergence or divergence has been reignited. This paper aims to dissect the extent of technological divergence or convergence among European Union member states, evaluating the effectiveness of the EU’s pronounced goals for convergence. Defining a countries technological level is not straightforward, this study examines six key indicators: (a) scientific journal publications, (b) total patents, (c) high tech exports, (d) Gross domestic expenditure on R&D, (e) government budget on R&D, and (f) human resources in science and technology as a share of the active population. Employing both time-series and longitudinal methodologies, the analysis spans from 2000 to 2019. The findings reveal a gradual catching-up trend in the inventive capabilities across the EU. This modest pace of convergence necessitates a critical reassessment by policymakers of the current EU convergence strategies to ensure they effectively foster technological parity among member states.
Non-Uniformly Weighted Multisource Domain Adaptation Network For Fault Diagnosis Under Varying Working Conditions
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Zhang Yuteng , Wang Rui , Pan Haiyang , Chen Bin
Published: March 2024

Most transfer learning-based fault diagnosis methods learn diagnostic information from the source domain to enhance performance in the target domain. However, in practical applications, usually there are multiple available source domains, and relying on diagnostic information from only a single source domain limits the transfer performance. To this end, a non-uniformly weighted multisource domain adaptation network is proposed to address the above challenge. In the proposed method, an intra-domain distribution alignment strategy is designed to eliminate multi-domain shifts and align each pair of source and target domains. Furthermore, a non-uniform weighting scheme is proposed for measuring the importance of different sources based on the similarity between the source and target domains. On this basis, a weighted multisource domain adversarial framework is designed to enhance multisource domain adaptation performance. Numerous experimental results on three datasets validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
The Optimization of Hydrodynamic Cavitation as an Advanced Oxidation Option for the Removal of Persistent Contaminants in Wastewater
Authors: Kakama Natacha Kabata , Petrik Leslie Felicia , Ojumu Tunde Victor
Published: March 2024

Wastewater is increasingly becoming the primary source of potable water in many cities, thanks to the development of recycling facilities. Persistent contaminants such as dyes and perfluorinated compounds from textile industries as well as other contaminants necessitate the design of removal technologies to treat wastewater to reduce these chemicals before discharge or being used as feed to a potable water plant. Several chemical treatment techniques have been reported but the most utilized advanced chemical treatments lead to high costs and further environmental concerns. This study investigated an alternative approach to wastewater treatment using a hydrodynamic cavitation pilot plant combined with a venturi as a way to remove recalcitrant compounds. The optimization of the removal process was explored by testing the effect of orifices with size 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 mm on the decoloration of orange II dye. The impact of the catalyst: iron(II); oxidizing agent: hydrogen peroxide; and contact time was evaluated to find the ideal conditions under which the removal of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) could be achieved. The decoloration of 20 ppm of orange II dye in simulated industrial textile wastewater was achieved at 90% efficiency when the pressure at the inlet was maintained at 300 kPa, the temperature at 34 °C, the pH at 2, and the orifice size at 2 mm of diameter. The kinetic study proved the decoloration reaction was pseudo first order and the rate of decolourisation of orange II was 0.23/min.Ten parts per million of PFOA could not be degraded by free radical attack using advanced oxidation processes when the inlet pressure was maintained at 300 kPa, the temperature at 34 °C, the pH of 2, and the orifice diameter of 2 mm. This resistance to removal is due to the structure of PFOA which is made up of a fluorine ion which stabilizes the compounds by inductive effects while dye is made up of nitrogen ion and is compatible with the above removal methods. The study demonstrated that the combination of venturi and orifice requires the throat size of the venturi to be similar or equal to that of the orifice for better efficiency.
Characterizing the sprint threshold (25.2 km/h): a case study analysis on how soccer players reach sprint speeds and what relative intensity the threshold represents
Authors: Silva Hugo , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Mendez-Villanueva Alberto , Gomez-Diaz Antonio , Menezes Pedro , Marcelino Rui
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study investigated how soccer players reach sprint speeds (> 25.2 km⋅h−1) and what that fixed threshold represents to each player regarding their individual match peak speeds registered during competition.

Methods

Twenty professional players (n = 20) from a team competing in the Brazilian first division were monitored with a global navigation satellite system during six matches. All efforts with final speeds > 25.2 km⋅h−1 were analyzed according to starting speed, and accelerations’ duration and magnitude. Peak speeds for each player were also retrieved and compared to the sprint threshold.

Results

Most efforts > 25.2 km⋅h−1 (> 91%) start with very short accelerations (< 0.5 s). Efforts started predominately from high starting speeds (20–25 and > 25 km⋅h−1) than low starting speeds (< 5 and 5–10 km⋅h−1) with huge effect sizes (p < 0.001). Most accelerations had magnitudes between 1 and 3 m⋅s−2 (p < 0.05). The 25.2 km⋅h−1 threshold represented an intensity of 71–91% of players’ match peak speed.

Conclusion

The inclusion of accelerations and peak speeds associated to the sprinting events that occur > 25.2 km⋅h−1 was shown to be useful for further characterization of soccer sprinting performance. In addition, the fixed threshold fails to individualize players’ capabilities and performances, misleading load demands performed by players.
Cu nanoparticles grafting on the surface of ZnO nanostructures to boost the porosity and surface area for effective removal of manganese ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Geioushy Ramadan A. , Ali Eman S. , Djellabi Ridha , Abdel-Khalek Mohamed A. , Fouad Osama A.
Published: March 2024

Designing highly adsorptive materials for wastewater treatment via facile approaches is still challenging. To boost the recovery of heavy metals from wastewater, surface and structure modification are considered a successful route. Herein, we report the design of ZnO nanoparticles by a simple thermal decomposition method followed by grafting Cu nanoparticles (Cu NPs) over the ZnO surface. Cu/ZnO was prepared with different Cu ratios, 0.01 and 1%. It was found that incorporating Cu into ZnO improved the porosity and surface area of ZnO. The adsorption ability of Cu/ZnO compared with bare ZnO was studied towards removing manganese ions from wastewater. The effects of several parameters, such as pH, temperature, contact time, and initial ion concentrations, were studied. The maximum removal of manganese was found at pH 2, 20 °C after 60 min in the presence of 1 g/L adsorbent. The role of Cu grafted on the surface of ZnO was discussed. The rates of adsorption were found to follow the pseudo-second-order model. The results showed better fitting to Freundlich isotherm. The thermodynamic study revealed that the sorption process is spontaneous, exothermic, and favorable at low temperatures. The free energy (ΔG°), enthalpy (ΔH°), and entropy (ΔS°) changes were calculated to predict the nature of adsorption.

Graphical Abstract
CheekAge: a next-generation buccal epigenetic aging clock associated with lifestyle and health
Authors: Shokhirev Maxim N. , Torosin Nicole S. , Kramer Daniel J. , Johnson Adiv A. , Cuellar Trinna L.
Published: March 2024

Epigenetic aging clocks are computational models that predict age using DNA methylation information. Initially, first-generation clocks were developed to make predictions using CpGs that change with age. Over time, next-generation clocks were created using CpGs that relate to both age and health. Since existing next-generation clocks were constructed in blood, we sought to develop a next-generation clock optimized for prediction in cheek swabs, which are non-invasive and easy to collect. To do this, we collected MethylationEPIC data as well as lifestyle and health information from 8045 diverse adults. Using a novel simulated annealing approach that allowed us to incorporate lifestyle and health factors into training as well as a combination of CpG filtering, CpG clustering, and clock ensembling, we constructed CheekAge, an epigenetic aging clock that has a strong correlation with age, displays high test–retest reproducibility across replicates, and significantly associates with a plethora of lifestyle and health factors, such as BMI, smoking status, and alcohol intake. We validated CheekAge in an internal dataset and multiple publicly available datasets, including samples from patients with progeria or meningioma. In addition to exploring the underlying biology of the data and clock, we provide a free online tool that allows users to mine our methylomic data and predict epigenetic age.
Investigating the design, participation and experience of teaching and learning facilitated by user-generated microgames on an open educational platform
Authors: Rahmadi Imam Fitri , Lavicza Zsolt , Arkün Kocadere Selay , Houghton Tony , Spector Jonathan Michael
Published: March 2024

Although user-generated microgames, defined as very simple games made by non-professionals on open platforms, are popular and appear to have considerable advantages in facilitating learning, further exploration is needed to establish their potential in instructional practices. The present study investigates the design, participation and experience of teaching and learning facilitated by user-generated microgames on an open educational platform. Through an exploratory experiment research method, four elementary school teachers designed and implemented microgame-based learning utilising these very small games on GeoGebra Classroom attended by 129 students. Data were gathered from lesson plans, classroom activity records and self-reflection questionnaires. This study revealed that teachers designed learning with various user-generated microgames and debriefing methods respecting learning content, but they shared comparatively similar scenarios by inserting microgame-based learning into the middle of the main session. The completion rate for the debriefing activity is minimum although the total joining times overshoot the number of students. Teachers found that user-generated microgames are acceptable to orchestrate short serious gaming sessions even though they are limited to one player with basic interfaces. Notwithstanding several disadvantages of these microgames recognised by students, such as missing learning instructions and inadequate interfaces, they so far enjoy learning by playing the games. The most critical implication of this study is to provide sufficient instructions and additional time for microgaming sessions in elementary schools to ensure sustainable completion of the briefing, playing and debriefing activities.