bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential miRNA Expression in Neuronal-Derived Extracellular Vesicles as potential biomarker for Frontotemporal Dementia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Serpente Maria , Delvecchio Giuseppe , Fenoglio Chiara , Consoli Lorena Di , Giudici Giulia , Borracci Vittoria , Rotondo Emanuela , Arcaro Marina , Sacchi Luca , Pintus Manuela , Ghezzi Laura , Ferro Adele , Prunas Cecilia , Callari Antonio , Scola Elisa , Triulzi Fabio , Arighi Andrea , Brambilla Paolo , Galimberti Daniela
Published: December 2024

Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) share overlapping symptoms, complicating diagnosis. FTD, especially linked to C9orf72 expansions, often mimics BD, highlighting the need for reliable biomarkers. This study aimed to differentiate FTD from BD using miRNA profiles in neuronal-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs). A cohort of 100 subjects was analyzed: 40 FTD (20 sporadic, 20 C9orf72 carriers), 40 BD, and 20 healthy controls. NDEVs were isolated from plasma and profiled using real-time PCR. Among 754 miRNAs, 11 were significantly deregulated in FTD and BD. miR-152-5p was downregulated in sporadic FTD, while let-7b, let-7e, miR-18b, and miR-142-5p were altered in C9orf72 carriers. BD patients showed distinct patterns in miR-331-5p, miR-335, and miR-345 compared to FTD. Bioinformatics analysis revealed no common protein-coding targets but significant overlap in lncRNA targets, particularly XIST, NEAT1, and KCNQ1OT1, suggesting a shared molecular mechanism. These miRNA signatures can differentiate FTD from BD, especially in C9orf72-related cases, and offer insights into disease pathways. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore their clinical application.
A superconducting metamaterials transmission line resonator: experimental verification of the non-uniform mode spacing
Authors: Tang Qing , He Jia Xin , Chai Ya Qiang , Ouyang Peng Hui , Wei Lian Fu
Published: December 2024

Superconducting transmission line resonators (TLRs) have been widely applied to circuit quantum electrodynamical systems for superconducting quantum computation and single-photon detections. Recently, such a right-handed TLR has been generalized to electromagnetic metamaterials (MTMs), and its unconventional mode structure has been experimentally characterized [H. Wang et al., Phys. Rev. Applied 11, 054062 (2019)]. Here, we demonstrate another kind of MTM TLR, a superconducting quarter-wavelength composite right/left-handed (CRLH) TLR composed of lumped-elements. We design the devices and analyze their transport properties by developing a real-space approach, wherein the physical parameters at the device boundaries are utilized conveniently. Superconducting MTM TLRs with typical three unit cells were experimentally prepared by etching a superconducting aluminum film on a SiO2 substrate, and their microwave transport properties were measured at low temperatures of 50mK. The results show that the modes spacing in such a quarter-wavelength CRLH-TLR is non-uniform due to the nonlinear dispersion relation. This implies that they could be utilized to encode the superconducting qubits, analogously to the usual ones encoded by the Josephson devices.
Levodopa influence on turning dynamics in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pillai Lakshmi , Landes Reid D. , Virmani Tuhin
Published: December 2024

Turning behaviors are affected in people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) leading to falls and Freezing of Gait (FOG). Levodopa therapy is commonly recommended for PwPD to help alleviate motor symptoms. Knowledge of turning dynamics with levodopa therapy is limited and could improve clinical care. We enrolled 44 PwPD already on levodopa therapy and analyzed their turns on an instrumented gait mat. Participants made 180-degree turns in their OFF-state (> 8 hours off levodopa) then ON-state (1 hour after levodopa). Thirteen turn measures were assessed for changes between the OFF to ON-state. Turns in the ON-state had faster stride-velocity, fewer steps, and trending towards lengthier turns, better foot ground contact, and decreased variability in stance-time. Regression modeling suggested greater improvement in turn stride-velocity, better foot contact, and lengthier turns with longer levodopa duration, and fewer steps and lower variability in stance-time with higher FOG severity. Our data suggests worse OFF-state function and retained levodopa responsiveness leading to larger improvement in turn measures in those on levodopa longer (or longer disease duration) and in those with levodopa unresponsive FOG. Our results provide important evidence for continued aggressive levodopa management to improve mobility during turns even in advanced Parkinson’s disease.
A Quantum Chemical, Biological, and Experimental Analysis of Newly Synthesized Schiff-based PEI CA/N-GQDs Nanomaterials: Evaluation of Anticancer Potential in Human Neuroblastoma Cell
Authors: Kilic Murat , Gunes Buket Altinok , Kirlangic Omer Faruk , Aslan Aysenur , Ketenoglu Didem , Kirlangic Fatma Zeynep , Elci Pinar Mualla , Mert Faruk , Gulec Neslihan , Boyacioglu Bahadir , Unver Huseyin , Chaterjee Ashok , Yildiz Mustafa
Published: December 2024

In this study, we synthesized a new material, Schiff base PEI-CA/N-GQDs, from the reaction of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-cinnamaldehyde (CA) with polyethyleneimine-functionalized N-doped graphene quantum dots (PEI N-GQDs). The synthesized material was experimentally characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, SEM, EDX, AFM, XRD, and TGA, as well as theoretically by DFT method. In addition to their biological activities, their cytotoxic, apoptotic and cell cycle arresting effects were investigated in human epithelial neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. According to the UV-Vis data, we observed that the material exhibits phenol-imine/keto-amine tautomerism, a phenomenon common in 2-hydroxy Schiff bases that help to explain the various properties of material. Furthermore, this material predominantly exists in the keto-amine form. The material demonstrated favorable electron transfer properties, making it suitable for electrochemical applications. We showed that it binds to DNA through an electrostatic interaction and causes oxidative and hydrolytic cleavage in DNA, which results in an increase in ROS in the cell, an activation of the CASPASE-3, leading the cells undergo apoptosis, and inhibiting cell division in the G1/S phase. We believe that the chemical properties of the Schiff-based PEI N-GQDs make them a superior carrier molecule for cancer treatment. Furthermore the anticancer properties of the Schiff-based PEI-CA/N-GQDs suggest their potential as a therapeutic agent for neuroblastoma.
Traps suitability to monitor the above- and below-ground insect diversity in different forage production systems of the semi-arid regions of India
Authors: Govindasamy Prabhu , MC Keerthi , Sujayanand G.K. , Bhargavi H.A. , Mahesha H.S. , Sriniv R. , Choudhary Mukesh , Chaudhary Manoj , Prasad Mahendra , Kumar Sonu , Tyagi V.C. , Deb Dibyendu , Sivakumar U
Published: December 2024

Insects play vital roles in ecological processes and are recognized as fundamental elements of global biodiversity. Assessments of insect biodiversity from different ecosystems are essential to knowing the status of insect diversity. Therefore, the insect biodiversity of three different forage production systems (annual, perennial, and grassland) in the Bundelkhand region of India was assessed by employing three sampling methods: manual insect sweep net collection, yellow sticky traps, and pitfall traps. The experiment runs for three seasons (rainy, winter, and summer) from 2019 to 2021. The findings from this study indicate that the choice of insect traps significantly influences the assessment of insect diversity. Yellow sticky traps were more efficient in documenting species richness, abundance, and Shannon-Wiener diversity. However, all three traps were comparable in terms of measuring insect dominance. Seasonal variations were observed, with the summer season exhibiting higher species numbers (16.6±1.3) and abundance (409.7 ±76.4). The study also highlighted the influence of climatic factors and study years on insect diversity, emphasizing the need for suitable sampling techniques to estimate abundance accurately. The interaction effect of year-by-traps showed that yellow sticky traps were more effective than sweep nets and pitfall traps in 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The study identified the most suitable meteorological weeks for each trapping method. Yellow sticky traps were effective during the 4–12th, 21st, 24th, 35th, and 38th standard meteorological week (SMW), while sweep nets and pitfall traps showed efficacy during the 23rd, 24th, 35th, and 36th SMW. The research emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate sampling methods and considering seasonal and yearly variations in estimating insect diversity. Our study findings contribute valuable insights into insect biodiversity in the forage production systems of the Bundelkhand region, providing a foundation for future conservation strategies.
Peptide hydrogel platform encapsulating manganese ions and high-density lipoprotein nanoparticle-mimicking nanovaccines for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Huang Xu , Hong Lin , Lv Yufan , Li Kejun , Zhang Zengxing , Deng JunJian , Shen Lei
Published: December 2024

While chemotherapy and radiotherapy may alleviate symptoms and prolong survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer, their efficacy is constrained. In contrast, immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell transfer therapy, and therapeutic vaccines, demonstrate greater potency in treating advanced gastric cancer. This study developed a single-injection peptide hydrogel-based nanovaccine therapy for gastric cancer treatment. The therapy employs a RADA32 peptide hydrogel, sensitive to metal ion concentration, encapsulating manganese ions and HPPS nanovaccines (containing antigen peptides and CpG-ODN) to facilitate a stable, sustained release of the nanovaccine. This strategy activates both the toll-like receptor 9 and cGAS-STING signaling pathways in antigen-presenting cells, enhancing the body's effective recognition and response to antigens. The system's efficacy was confirmed using the model antigen OVA and the gastric cancer-specific antigen MG7-related peptide. This approach offers a novel strategy for clinical anti-tumor vaccine administration and may be applicable in preventing and treating gastric cancer.
V- and VL-Scores Uncover Viral Signatures and Origins of Protein Families
Authors: Anantharaman Karthik , Zhou Kun , Kosmopoulos James , Dieppa Etan , Badciong Peter
Published: December 2024

Viruses are key drivers of microbial diversity, nutrient cycling, and co-evolution in ecosystems, yet their study is hindered due to challenges in culturing. Traditional gene-centric methods, which focus on a few hallmark genes like for capsids, miss much of the viral genome, leaving key viral proteins and functions undiscovered. Here, we introduce two powerful annotation-free metrics, V-score and VL-score, designed to quantify the “virus-likeness” of protein families and genomes and create an open-access searchable database, ‘V-Score-Search’. By applying V- and VL-scores to public databases (KEGG, Pfam, and eggNOG), we link 38−77% of protein families with viruses, a 9−16x increase over current estimates. These metrics outperform existing approaches, enabling precise detection of viral genomes, prophages, and host-derived auxiliary viral genes (AVGs) from fragmented sequences, and significantly improving genome binning. Remarkably, we identify up to 17x more AVGs, dominated by non-metabolic proteins of unknown function. This innovation unlocks new insights into virus signatures and host interactions, with wide-ranging implications from genomics to biotechnology.
Optimization and Validation of an HPLC Method for the Analysis of Carvedilol and Impurities
Authors: Yuan Lijuan , Zhang Shengshuo , Huang Lihong , Cheng Jiangmin , He Lanxiang , Zhao Hangyu , Yu Yonghua
Published: December 2024

In this study, a liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the accurate determination of Carvedilol content while minimizing interference from Impurity C and N-formyl carvedilol, and allowing precise impurity analysis. The reliability of the method was verified through key parameters such as linearity, precision, accuracy, and stability, ensuring robust performance in the detection and quantification of Carvedilol and related impurities. And, the method was tested under varying conditions, including changes in flow rate, initial column temperature, and mobile phase pH. The results showed that the method demonstrated excellent linearity with R² values consistently above 0.999 for all analytes. Precision tests yielded RSD% values below 2.0%, confirming the method's repeatability. Accuracy assessments revealed recovery rates ranging from 96.5–101%, while stability studies indicated minimal variation in peak areas and impurity content over extended time periods. These results confirm the method’s reliability for accurate quantification and impurity analysis in pharmaceutical samples.
Integrated Stunting Intervention Model with Early Childhood Education Services: Study on ECE Centers in Semarang City
Authors: Mukminin Amirul Mukminin , Bintari Siti Harnina Bintari , Handayani Oktia Woro Kasmini Handayani , Farida Eko Farida , Sumanto Reni Pawestuti Ambari Sumanto , Waluyo Edi Waluyo
Published: December 2024

Efforts to reduce the prevalence of stunting in the city of Semarang are still sectoral. ECE Centers that serve children aged 0 to 47 months have not been involved in this effort. This study aims to analyze ECE Center services, the relationship between services and students’ height according to age and recommendations for an integrated stunting intervention model for ECE services.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to obtain ECE Center services data and anthropometry from all centers in the city of Semarang, totaling 314 centers. Services are categorized as good and poor, while students’ height according to age is categorized as normal and short/stunted which is measured from -2SD. Crosstabs 2X2 analysis with Chi-Square Tests to determine the relationship between services and height according to age, as well as to determine the strength of each relationship.
Results: In general, out of 314 centers providing good services, 56% and 44% providing poor services. After elimination, out of 55 centers, 56.9% provided good services and 43.1% provided poor services. The prevalence of stunting from random data of students from 55 research centers analyzed using the WHO Antro device, resulted in 74.5% of students having normal height and 25.5% being short or stunted. The results of the relationship analysis obtained, of the four existing services, the shared dining services is the only services that has a relationship with height according to age. As many as 21.8% of short/stunted students in the shared dining services are in the poor category and 36.4% of normal students are in good services. Students who receive poor services will have a higher risk of stunting (OR 0.159; 95% CI 0.03-0.80).
Conclusion: Students with normal height as many as 36.4% receive good services and students who receive poor shared dining services have a higher risk of stunting (OR 0.159; 95% CI 0.03-0.80). Special attention needs to be given by all users, to provide interventions in the ECE Center services. The integrated stunting intervention model for ECE services is an alternative that can be implemented to reduce the prevalence of stunting.
Concurrent preoperative eribulin and radiation for resectable retroperitoneal liposarcoma: a phase 1B study
Authors: Davis Lara , Zhu Limin , Mayo Skye C. , Latour Emile , Park Byung , Huang Wei , Moloney Brendan , Davis Jessica L. , Wakeman Kristina , Sheppard Brett , Billingsley Kevin G. , Vetto John , Valenzuela Cristian D. , Eil Robert L. , Rocha Flavio , Hung Arthur , Ryan Christopher W.
Published: December 2024

Background
Management of retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLPS) is challenging and recurrence rates remain high despite aggressive surgical resections. Preoperative radiation alone lacks definitive benefit, thus we sought to evaluate combined chemoradiotherapy with the potential to enhance local efficacy of radiation as well as control micrometastatic disease. We assessed the safety and tolerability of preoperative eribulin, a cytotoxic microtubule inhibitor approved for the treatment of advanced liposarcoma, in combination with radiation in patients with RPLPS.
Methods
In this open-label dose-finding study, patients with primary or recurrent resectable RPLPS received preoperative intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with escalating doses of eribulin. Eribulin was administered for three 21-day cycles at a starting dose of 1.1 mg/m2. Concurrent radiation to 50.4 Gy began during cycle 1. Surgical resection occurred 3–10 weeks after completion of chemoradiation. The primary endpoint was determination of the recommended phase 2 doses (RP2D) of concurrent eribulin and radiation.
Results
Between 2018–2023, fifteen patients were enrolled. Thirteen patients were evaluable for dose-determination. Four patients treated at starting dose level had no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). Two of nine patients treated with escalated eribulin dose had DLTs. The RP2D was established as eribulin 1.4 mg/m2 and IMRT 50.4 Gy. Eleven patients were evaluable for secondary efficacy endpoints. The median recurrence-free survival was 30.4 months (95% CI 12.0-NR) and the median overall survival was 54.1 months (95% CI 9.5-NR). Patient reported outcome data did not show any significant changes over the study period.
Conclusion
A preoperative chemoradiation protocol of eribulin in combination with IMRT showed a manageable safety profile and warrants additional prospective evaluation for treatment of resectable RPLPS.
Trial registration
NCT03361436 (28 Nov 2017)
Testing SCP hypothesis amid growing consolidation in the Indian banking sector
Authors: Bhat Dilawar Ahmad , Seth Himanshu , Rasheed Shahida , Malik Irshad Ahmad
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates market structure, conduct, and performance in the context of the banking industry of India, and, in particular, the effects of consolidation. Using an unbalanced panel dataset comprising 30 banks from 2010 to 2020, the effects of changes in the degree of market concentration, interest rate spreads, and profitability are explored through panel Vector Auto-regression (PVAR) method. By employing Concentration Ratio (CR4) as a measure for consolidation, we analyse how the changes in structure of the sector affect the conduct and performance. Our findings indicate that banks operating in more concentrated markets tend to enjoy sustained profitability in the short term, as reflected by the positive relationship between market concentration (CR4) and interest rate spreads (IRS). However, competition continues to moderate this relationship, and the effects of concentration are not fully captured by market-based performance measures like Tobin's Q. This suggests that market participants anticipate future competition or regulatory intervention, which could mitigate the benefits of concentration over time. The findings provide important implications for the regulatory policy and managerial strategies of the banking system in view of the ongoing banking consolidation processes.
JEL Codes: G21, L11, C33, L13, E44
Using structural equation modeling to assess pathways between structural stigma and tobacco use among sexual and gender minority young adults living in the United States
Authors: Figueroa Wilson , Srid Srini , Jankowski Emma , Ennis Alysha , Trinh Anne , Seiber Eric , Patterson Joanne
Published: December 2024

Background: Sexual and gender minority young adult (SGM YA) populations use tobacco at higher rates than their non-SGM YA peers. Prior studies have identified significant correlations between interpersonal stigma and tobacco use, yet structural stigma may also influence tobacco use among SGM YA. This study aimed to assess the indirect effects of structural stigma on current tobacco use among SGM YA and non-SGM YA via depletion of economic resources, interpersonal discrimination, and perceived psychological stress.
Methods: Structural Equation Modeling was used to conduct a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional parent study. Eligible participants were 18-35 years old and currently residing in the U.S. (N = 2,857). Current use of combustible cigarettes and nicotine vapes was our dependent variable. Our independent variable of interest, structural stigma, was a latent variable comprised of three state-level indicator items: Attitudes toward SGM people, SGM protective policies (absence of), and SGM discriminatory policies (introduced or passed in 2022). We assessed three mediators of interest: Depletion of economic resources was a latent variable, which included two indicator items: food insecurity and financial strain. Interpersonal discrimination and perceptions of psychological stress were also assessed. Covariates included race/ethnicity, age, and educational attainment.
Results: Structural stigma was indirectly associated with current tobacco use via depletion of economic resources for SGM YA, but not non-SGM YA. Interpersonal discrimination was also directly and indirectly associated with current tobacco use via depletion of economic resources for both groups.
Conclusions: Future tobacco intervention research should consider the role of structural stigma when working with SGM YA; specifically, how interventions promoting economic stability may influence tobacco use and cessation in this population.
Clinical manifestations, serotype distribution and incidence of pediatric invasive pneumococcal disease in Catalonia (Spain), 2018-2022.
Authors: de Sevilla Mariona F , Alcaraz Claudia , Soldevila Nuria , Izquierdo Conchita , Esteva Cristina , Moraga-Llop Fernando , González-Peris Sebastià , Ciruela Pilar , Díaz-Conradi Alvaro , Pérez-Argüello Amaresh , Viñado Belén , Domínguez Angela , García-García Juan José , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The global incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) decreased after the switch from PCV7 to PCV13 in 2010. However, serotype 3 remains the leading cause of IPD in Catalonia (Spain), due to the low effectiveness of PCV13 against it. This study aimed to analyze the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological characteristics of IPD in children over five years and evaluate the potential impact of new vaccines (PCV15 and PCV20).
Methods
A 5-year prospective observational study was conducted from 2018 to 2022, including children under 18 hospitalized with IPD at three major children’s hospitals in Catalonia. Data on clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological factors were collected.
Results
220 episodes were identified, with a mean age of 43.9 months (SD 39). Comparing pre-pandemic (2018-2019) to early pandemic years (2020-2021), the IPD rate in children <18 years decreased by 60.6% (p<0.000). However, no significant change was observed when comparing 2022 to 2018. The most common diagnoses were pneumonia (61.8%), meningitis (14.5%), and bacteremia without focus (13.2%). Serotype 3 was the leading cause (35.1%) of IPD and was associated with complicated pneumonia (84.7%) and vaccine failure (73.6%). 93 IPD episodes (45.4%) were caused by PCV13 serotypes, 97 (47.3%) by PCV15 serotypes and 132 (64.4%) by PCV20 serotypes.
Conclusion
The incidence of IPD has remained stable, except for a decrease during the pandemic. Serotype 3 was the most common, often associated with vaccine failures and severe pneumonia. PCV15 and PCV20 vaccines could offer better coverage against circulating serotypes and further reduce IPD incidence in Catalonia.
Critical roles of IL-6 signaling in myogenesis of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Otsuka Takashi , Yamagata Kaoru , Nguyen Mai-Phuong , Ngo Uyen Thi , Sakai Hidenori , Trimova Gulzhan , Anan Junpei , Okada Yosuke , Nakayamada Shingo , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: December 2024

Background: Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disease that is most common in older adults. With no specific pharmacological therapies for sarcopenia, the development of therapies that specifically focus on skeletal muscle regeneration is an urgent issue. Aim is to find a novel myogenic cytokine and its signaling pathway that promotes the differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) – a potential source of new muscle precursor cells – into myoblasts.
Methods: An array kit was used to detect cytokines produced by ADSCs. After treating ADSCs with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine (5-aza-C) and different JAK inhibitors, MyHC1, a myodifferentiation marker, was detected by immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression status of signaling molecules was determined by Western blotting and the recruitment of transcription factors to the MYOG promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).
Results: IL-6 was detected at high concentrations in the culture supernatant of ADSCs. ADSCs stimulated with 5-aza-C became strongly positive for MyHC1 on day 21 post-stimulation. When co-stimulated with 5-aza-C and IL-6/sIL-6R, ADSCs became positive for MyHC1 and expressed MYOG as early as day 14 post-stimulation. Co-stimulation with 5-aza-C and IL-6/sIL-6R resulted in phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3. The addition of a JAK2 inhibitor, but not JAK1/3 inhibitors, abolished the MyHC1 positivity and phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3. Co-stimulation with 5-aza-C and IL-6/sIL-6R during the myogenesis process resulted in the recruitment of STAT1, but not STAT3, to the MYOG promoter. Myoblast differentiation induced by stimulation with 5-aza-C was enhanced by activation of the IL-6/JAK2/STAT1/MYOG pathway.
Conclusions: Therefore, sustained IL-6/JAK2/STAT1 activation may serve as an important driver of skeletal muscle regeneration, providing a therapeutic basis for addressing sarcopenia.
Is there an association between cognitive impairment and urinary adrenaline, norepinephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and taurine levels in children with obstructive sleep apnea?:a case control study
Authors: Ji Jiapeng , Wang Yuqing , Chen Bolin , Xu Xueyun , Lv Mneg
Published: December 2024

Background.
The purpose of this study was to compare the urinary adrenaline (EPI), norepinephrine (NE), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and taurine levels between children with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and then analyze the predictive value of urinary neurotransmitters on cognitive impairment in these patients.
Methods.
Children aged 3–12 years were enrolled and underwent polysomnography (PSG) recording during the whole night. PedsQL and CBCL scales were used to evaluate the cognitive function of these children. Morning urine samples were collected and used to measure the abovementioned urinary neurotransmitter levels.
Results.
A total of 104 cases were recruited, including 30 primary snoring (PS) and 74 OSA cases. Compared with the PS group, the OSA group had a lower social function (Z=-2.506, P = 0.012), school function (T = 2.596,P = 0.011), and total PedsQL (T = 2.546, P = 0.012) scores; the OSA group also exhibited increased withdrawal (Z=-2.121, P = 0.034) and attention problem (Z=-2.176, P = 0.030) scores in the CBCL scale. A total of 39 cases were considered mild cognitive impairment(MIC) in the OSA group (PedsQL total score below 76.13), who had higher urinary EPI (F = 25.725, P < 0.001) and lower taurine (F = 9.515, P < 0.001) levels than both PS and OSA without MIC groups. Logistic regression results showed that the incidence of cognitive-behavioral impairment in OSA children with obesity was significantly higher than in OSA children who had a normal BMI (OR = 6.999, 95%CI: 1.302 ~ 37.617). High levels of urinary NE (OR = 1.023, 95%CI: 1.001–1.046) and low levels of taurine (OR = 0.985, 95%CI: 0.974–0.997) were significantly associated with cognitive-behavioral impairment in children with OSA, and their combination had a comparatively larger area under the curve (0.695), with a sensitivity of 64.1% and specificity of 68.6% (P = 0.004).
Conclusions.
Urinary taurine and EPI can contribute to the prediction of cognitive impairment in OSA children, and combining these two neurotransmitters may have relatively good sensitivity and specificity for the presence of cognitive impairment associated with OSA.
An Improved GAS Algorithm and it's application on the Credit Card Scoring Problem
Authors: Wang Zhijian , He Yuchen , Long Yong , Luan Tian
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces an improved Grover Adaptive Search(GAS) algorithm. The GAS algorithm has been prove to achieve quadratic acceleration in the Constrained Polynomial Binary Optimization (CPBO) problem. Nevertheless, the acceleration effect of the GAS algorithm can be decreased by the poor threshold selection. This article uses the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm(QAOA) to improve the initial threshold selection, thereby accelerating the convergence speed of the original GAS algorithm. The acceleration effect of the improved GAS algorithm is presented by the application on the Max-cut problem and the credit card scoring problem.
Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Rising Temperatures on Ozone Levels in China and the United States
Authors: Bao Jiemeng , Li Xin , Kong Liuwei , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: December 2024

Amid increasing global warming and worsening air pollution, the formation processes of surface ozone (O₃) have gained significant attention. Under high-temperature conditions, ozone concentrations often rise substantially, adversely affecting air quality and human health. However, the response to rising temperatures varies across regions, influenced by regional climate characteristics, pollution sources, and control strategies. To understand these regional differences and their underlying mechanisms, this study systematically analyzed observational data from China and the United States to explore the interactive effects of rising temperatures and extreme heat events on surface ozone pollution. Results indicate that surface ozone concentrations generally increase linearly with temperature, with climate penalty factors of 2.9 μg·m⁻³·℃⁻¹ for China and 2.1 μg·m⁻³·℃⁻¹ for the U.S. However, this linear relationship may break down under extreme heat conditions. In China, the increase in ozone concentrations becomes more pronounced with prolonged heat events, suggesting a more sustained impact of high temperatures on ozone pollution. Even during the COVID-19 lockdowns, ozone levels remained elevated despite reductions in emissions, suggesting that temperature can play an important role in influencing ozone pollution. This study provides important insights into ozone formation mechanisms amid global warming and emphasizes the need for enhanced monitoring and management of ozone pollution, especially as extreme heat events are expected to become more frequent.
Relative humidity is inversely correlated with BPH/LUTS in middle-aged and elderly individuals: A 4-year longitudinal evidence from CHARLS
Authors: Ye Shuchao , Lu Dongming , Liao Shangfan , Chen Jiaqi , Zhou Wenhu , Ye Damei , Wu Yongyang
Published: December 2024

Objective: Relative humidity (RH) is a environmental factor influencing human health, yet its relationship with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH/LUTS) remains unverified.
Methods: This longitudinal study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2015. Participants without BPH/LUTS in 2011 were selected, with RH in the participants' living environment as the main exposure factor and new-onset BPH/LUTS as the outcome. Logistic regression risk models, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and subgroup analysis were used to examine the relationship between RH and BPH/LUTS. Participants were randomly divided into a training group and a testing group in a 7:3 ratio. Predictors were identified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, followed by the development of a nomogram based on independent factors. The model was evaluated via area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC) for discrimination, calibration curves for accuracy, and DCA for clinical efficacy. Additionally, four machine learning model was constructed to enhance robustness and evaluate predictor importance.
Results: Among 2166 participants, 230 developed BPH/LUTS over the 4-year period. The BPH/LUTS group had lower RH levels than the non-BPH/LUTS group (67.95±8.74 vs. 70.30±8.11, p<0.001). All logistic regression models indicated a linear relationship between RH and BPH/LUT. RCS analysis revealed a significant decrease in BPH/LUTS incidence with rising RH (p<0.05), particularly when RH was below 71.29 (p<0.05). Subgroup analysis highlighted a stronger protective effect of RH against BPH/LUTS in urban residents and unmarried individuals (p for interaction < 0.05). The BPH/LUTS risk prediction model, established using LASSO and multivariable logistic regression, includes five independent factors: RH, age, cardiovascular disease, white blood cell, and C-reactive protein, with AUCs of 0.672 and 0.603 for training and testing groups. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis of four machine learning models affirmed RH as a significant negative predictor.
Conclusion: Although the predictive model has low utility, the negative correlation between RH and BPH/LUTS incidence in middle-aged and elderly people is confirmed, especially in urban and unmarried groups.
Authorship Attribution in Hindi Literary Texts: An Exploration of Traditional Linguistic Approaches and Experimentation with Multilingual BERT
Authors: Kiyawat Dhruve , Tiwari Vibha , Agarwal Ocean , Dubey Tijil
Published: December 2024

Authorship attribution, the attribution of a manuscript to an author, has been successfully carried out in English Literature. This study hypothesizes that authorship attribution is better encoded in the semantic structures of Hindi literature rather than its linguistic features. The work serves as a venture into the aforementioned notion by contrasting m-BERT with traditional stylometric methods such as n-grams, Bag of Words (BoW), and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency(TF-IDF), on a curated dataset of Hindi stories. Our findings reveal that, in the domain of authorship attribution for Hindi stories, traditional methods exhibit greater effectiveness compared to the modern m-BERT approach. The dataset preparation, research methodology, and results have been elucidated, as well as a thorough discussion on the insights derived from the findings regarding the future scope of this work.
Realistic finite temperature simulations for magnetic and transport properties of ferromagnet
Authors: Tran Hung Ba , Li Hao
Published: December 2024

Accurately modeling the magnetic and transport properties of ferromagnetic materials at finite temperatures remains a significant challenge in materials science. In this study, we present a comprehensive simulation approach that combines first-principles calculations with Monte Carlo simulations to investigate body-centered cubic (bcc) iron (Fe). We calculate the magnetic exchange coupling constants (Jij) while incorporating thermal lattice vibrations effects, achieving a more realistic temperature-dependent behavior of Jij and the Curie temperature of bcc Fe. Our Monte Carlo simulations employ the classical Heisenberg model enhanced with a quantum fluctuation-dissipation relation, wherein thermal spin fluctuations effects of magnons obey Bose-Einstein statistics. This approach successfully reproduces the spontaneous magnetization curve across a wide temperature range. Our method addresses well-known discrepancies in spontaneous magnetization between the ordinary classical Heisenberg model and experimental results, particularly in the low-temperature regime where spontaneous magnetization follows Bloch’s 3/2 power law in experimental data. Additionally, we demonstrate that our approach accurately reproduces the electrical resistivity and specific heat of bcc Fe, whereas the ordinary classical Heisenberg model fails to capture these temperature-dependent properties. Our findings highlight the importance of considering both thermal lattice vibrations and thermal spin fluctuations effects with Bose-Einstein statistics when modeling ferromagnetic materials, thus enabling more precise predictions of magnetic and transport properties at finite temperatures.
Invariance-based Mendelian Randomization Method Integrating Multiple Heterogeneous GWAS Summary Datasets
Authors: Zhou Xiaohua , Hou Lei , Chen Hao
Published: December 2024

Various geographical landscapes, diverse lifestyles and genetic structures may lead the heterogeneity among the GWAS summary datasets from distinct populations, especially different ethnic groups. This increases the difficulty in inferring global causal relationships from exposures on the outcome when integrating multiple GWAS summary datasets. We proposed a mendelian randomization (MR) method called MR-EILLS, which leverages the Environment Invariant Linear Least Squares (EILLS) to deduce the global causal relationship that invariant in all heterogeneous populations. The MR-EILLS model works in both univariate and multivariate scenarios, and allows the invalid instrumental variables (IVs) violating exchangeability and exclusion restriction assumptions. In addition, MR-EILLS shows the unbiased causal effect estimations of one or multiple exposures on the outcome, whether there are valid or invalid IVs. Comparing with traditional MR and meta methods, MR-EILLS demonstrates the highest estimation accuracy, the most stable type I error rates, and the highest statistical power. Finally, MR-EILLS is applied to explore the independent causal relationships between 11 blood cells and lung function, using GWAS summary statistics from five ancestries (African, East Asian, South Asian, Hispanics Latinos and European). The results cover most of the expected causal links which have biological interpretations and several new links supported by previous observational literatures.
An actuatable ionogel thermoelectric fiber with aligned mesogens-induced unprecedented thermopower for four-dimensional dynamically adaptive heat harvesting
Authors: Wang Lianjun , Cao Liuqi , Sun Tingting , Zhao Huiru , Shang MengHan , Jiang Wan
Published: December 2024

Thermoelectric (TE) ionogel is promising material for harvesting low-grade heat owing to their nature of quasi-solid state and giant thermopower. However, current high-performance ionogel at low humidity present multicomponent systems, resulting in a trade-off between TE property, mechanics, and cost, and their device are integrated on planar substrates, erasing their advantage of adapting to complex-shaped geometry. A TE conversion system dynamically adaptive to any curved heat surface while achieving high intrinsic TE performance remains a formidable challenge. Here, an actuated ionogel TE fiber is designed, where the fine-tuning mesogen orientations can generate unprecedented~3-fold thermopower boost (25.8 mV K-1) at low humidity via enlarging the thermal mobility difference of ion inside the liquid crystal elastomer network, accompanied by a~30-fold electrical conductivity boom. Moreover, benefiting from their actuatable and excellent mechanical properties, and internal torque inside weaving structure, a woven gripper-structured TE device achieves a four-dimensional dynamically adaptive ability to complex geometrical heat source, and thus a stable output over time regardless of changing size or temperature of the heat source. Decoupled identification of size/shape and temperature of the heat source can also be enabled. The design concepts of the actuatable TE ionogel and device pave new ways for commercial ionic thermoelectrics.
Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Antioxidant Activities of the honey bee products
Authors: Selvaraj Jothi
Published: December 2024

Propolis, a resinous substance bees produce, has garnered significant attention for its diverse therapeutic properties. This study investigates propolis's antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities, aiming to uncover its potential as a natural bioactive compound in pharmaceutical and health-related applications. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against various bacterial and fungal pathogens, demonstrating broad-spectrum inhibitory effects. Anticancer activity was assessed using in vitro models, highlighting propolis's ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor cell proliferation. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity of propolis was quantified through standard assays, confirming its role in neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. The results indicate that propolis, with its multifaceted bioactivity, holds promise as a natural agent for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and exploring clinical applications for propolis-based interventions.
Sanctions against russian science: Pros and cons
Authors: Plastun Alex , Vorontsova Anna , Makarenko Inna
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the advantages and disadvantages of imposing sanctions on russian science, along with the measures enacted to penalize or restrict it. Proponents of sanctions argue that accountability is essential, and a tangible cost must be imposed for russia’s actions. Sanctions can serve as a signal to end war and aggression, weaken russia’s economic foundation, and exacerbate brain drain, potentially hindering the development of military technologies and reducing russia’s capacity to sustain its aggression. Furthermore, some russian academics openly support the war and should be held accountable for their stance. However, significant opposition to sanctions exists. A prevailing argument, often mirrored in fields like sports and culture, is that science should remain apolitical. Critics contend that sanctions disrupt the free exchange of ideas, penalize innocent individuals, and may harm global scientific progress and human development, given russia’s integral role in international research. Additionally, sanctions are often criticized as costly and inefficient. Despite these debates, a variety of restrictive measures targeting russian science have been implemented. These include funding cuts, suspension of collaborations, termination of joint projects, and exclusion of academics linked to the russian regime. Other measures involve companies closing R&D facilities in russia, restrictions on scientific equipment and reagents, boycotts of russian-organized conferences, and the suspension of international research partnerships. This study synthesizes the arguments for and against sanctions on russian science and provides an analytical discussion to shape a nuanced perspective on this complex issue.
Anti-inflammatory action and intraocular kinetics of bromfenac in anterior uveitis depending on the composition of topical formulation
Authors: Blinova E. V. , Lyabushev P. A. , Litvin E. A. , Blinov D. S. , Galchin A. A. , Shikh M. V. , Struts I. S. , Blinov K. D. , Yudina S. D. , Vasilkina O. V. , Zotov S. E. , Shikh E. V.
Published: December 2024

Purpose: a comparative study of the main characteristics of the anti-inflammatory effect of the ophthalmic dosage form (ODF) of bromfenac — the drug Broxinac and analogues, their local bioavailability, biodistribution and intraocular pharmacokinetics during the inflammatory process in the anterior segment of the rabbit eye.

Material and methods. The studies were performed on 40 sexually mature male rabbits of the “Soviet Chinchilla” breed with an experimental model of carrageenan anterior uveitis. The anti-inflammatory and local irritant effect on the cornea, bioavailability and intraocular pharmacokinetics in the anterior chamber humor of ODF - bromfenac drops with various auxiliary components when instilled into the conjunctival sac were determined.

Results. Broxinac, containing 0.05 mg/ml benzalkonium chloride as an auxiliary substance, exhibits more pronounced anti-inflammatory properties than existing analogues containing benzalkonium chloride at a concentration of 0.01 mg/ml or not containing it at all. The drug does not cause a local irritant effect when administered every 12 hours for 10 days 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of the eye of an awake rabbit, only minor signs of irritation in the form of closing of the eyelids in some rabbits were noted. When using comparison drugs containing 0.01 mg of the aforementioned preservative, the severity of the local irritant reaction fluctuated in a fairly wide range: from moderate to pronounced. It was established that the dosing form of Broxinac creates high peak concentrations in the anterior chamber humor and vitreous body, which remain within the therapeutic limits for at least 12 hours regardless of the presence of uveitis, with a half-life from the anterior chamber humor, depending on the presence of pathology, from 79 to 89 minutes.

Conclusion. The ability of auxiliary components to change the pharmacology of the dosing form is the basis for optimizing the local bioavailability and pharmacodynamics of bromfenac as the active substance of the drug Broxinac. An increase in the concentration of benzalkonium chloride to 0.05 mg / ml (which is 5 times higher than that of the selected analogues) facilitates the passage of bromfenac through the tissue barrier of the eye and prevents presystemic elimination.
Incidence of PAX6 single nucleotide polymorphisms in congenital iridofundal coloboma and other congenital ocular abnormalities: a tertiary care hospital experience from central India
Authors: Jain Sh. , Lakhtakia S. , Choudhary P. , Pandey S. K. , Chandravanshi Sh. L. , Tiwari A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of this study is to identify selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the PAX6 gene and to assess their correlation with congenital iridofundal colobomas and other congenital ocular anomalies.

Material and methods. It was a case-control study done on 45 patients aged from 75 days to 58 years (mean age 29.36 ± 14.4 years) with irido-fundal coloboma and 45 healthy controls aged 35.23 ± 13.92 years. Ocular examination was done by using slit-lamp microscopy inspection, fundoscopy and intraocular pressure measurement. Genotyping was done by using the polymerase chain reaction — restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method.

Results. Two irido — fundal coloboma patients showed CT (+/-) heterozygous genotype of rs667773 SNP and the rest were wild-type CC (-/-) homozygous genotype. All controls showed CC-/- wild-type homozygous genotype. PAX6 SNP rs3026354 showed CC (-/-) wild-type homozygous genotype condition in all patients. Neither CG (+/-) heterozygous nor homozygous GG (+/+) genotype was reported in patients and controls. SNP rs662702, genotype pattern was CC-/- wild type homozygous in all patients and controls. CC genotype frequency was 95.56 and CT genotype was 4.4% while C allele frequency was 97.78 and T allele frequency was 2.22 % in rs667773 C>T SNP. rs3026354C>G SNP had 100 % CC genotype and C allele frequency in both case and control populations. SNP rs 662702C>T showed 100 % CC genotype and C allele frequency in the case and control respectively.

Conclusion. The elevated frequency of the CC genotype with C allele was more common in irido fundal patients. Two heterozygous CT genotype of rs667773C>T SNP were reported in two irido-fundal coloboma patients.