bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing geophysical anomaly detection using combined electrode arrays through image processing
Authors: Yousefi Mohammadreza , Zarinjoy Mohamad Ghayeghi
Published: March 2024

The use of a single electrode array in geophysical surveys can lead to increased uncertainty in anomaly detection. To address this, we took advantage of image processing to produce a wide range of data from a limited one and subsequently enhance data manipulation capabilities. Three geophysical anomalies—rectangle block, dyke, and fault—were modelled using four typical electrode arrays (Wenner, Pole-Pole, Dipole-Dipole, and Schlumberger) with RES2DMOD software. The synthetic data were then inverted using RES2DINV software. Python software facilitated the conversion of inverted resistivity models from RGB to real resistivity values, enabling the application of various statistical approaches. We plotted the resistivity sections using the reconstructed data to ensure that our conversion procedure was correct. Next, the resulting models were evaluated using mean resistivity value (MRV), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) criteria. Our study revealed that combined models outperformed individual arrays in detecting underground anomalies. However, increasing the number of electrode arrays combined does not necessarily give rise to an ideal result. By identifying and eliminating an electrode array that significantly deviated from real resistivity values, new combined models were plotted. In all three models, we can see that three combined electrode arrays provided more accurate results than the four conventional ones if the less relevant array was properly recognized.
Synergistic effect of RGO loaded Al2O3 on microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 aluminium alloy
Authors: Wang Hongding , Zheng Haitao , Hu Mingshuai , Ma Zhonglei , Liu Hong
Published: March 2024

Al6061 alloy matrix composites reinforced with nano-reduced graphene oxide loaded Al2O3 (Al2O3/RGO) were successfully fabricated using high energy ball milling and hot extrusion techniques, with varying mass fractions. The microstructures of these Al2O3/RGO/Al6061 aluminium matrix composites (Al MMCs) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) attached with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The tensile properties and Vickers hardness of the alloy were tested. The results show that Al2O3/RGO were uniformly distributed in the Al6061 matrix and tightly bonded to the matrix. Al2O3 encapsulation on RGO surface eliminates Al4C3 brittle phase in matrix, indicating that there was no reaction between the reinforcement and the matrix Al6061. The tensile strength and vickers hardness of Al MMCs increased after Al2O3/RGO were added. Tensile tests revealed that the yield strength and tensile strength of Al MMCs with a 0.1 wt.% reinforcement were 49% and 43% higher, respectively, compared to pure Al6061 prepared under the same process. And the alloys showed the best strength and considerable plastic deformation capability for that of 0.1 wt.% Al2O3/RGO.
Design of CMOS 45nm SAR ADC for ECG Signal Applications
Authors: Pradeep Jinka , Ramashri Tirumala
Published: March 2024

Research demonstrates the efficacy of utilizing an 8-bit CMOS 45nm SAR-ADC for acquiring biomedical signals efficiently. The study proposes incorporating a DAC to enhance energy efficiency at the nanowatt level, facilitating zero energy consumption comparisons and significantly improving energy utilization. Notably, optimizing the comparator by adjusting transistor sizes obviates the need for specific offset-canceling methods. Leveraging the 45nm CMOS technological node, the SAR-ADC architecture achieves impressive performance, boasting an SFDR of 64.12 dB while consuming only 1.89uW of power. Operating at a sampling frequency of 1.1MHz and a voltage supply of 1V, these results underscore the effectiveness of the implemented design.
ER-anchored protein sorting controls the fate of two proteasome activators for intracellular organelle communication during proteotoxic stress
Authors: Üstün Suayib , Langin Gautier , Raffeiner Margot , Biermann David , Franz-Wachtel Mirita , Spinti Daniela , Börnke Frederik , Macek Boris
Published: March 2024

Proteotoxic stress, characterized by the accumulation of damaged proteins, poses a significant challenge to cellular homeostasis. To mitigate proteotoxicity eukaryotes employ the proteasome that is regulated by proteasome activators, e.g. transcription factors that promote gene expression of proteasome subunits. As proteotoxicity originates in different compartments, cells need to perceive signals from various locations. Understanding which components integrate signals to address proteotoxicity is essential to develop strategies to cope with proteotoxicity but remain elusive. Here, we identify that the proteasome autoregulatory feedback loop acts as a gatekeeper to facilitate the communication between nucleus and chloroplast. We reveal that the ER-anchored protein sorting system (ERAPS) controls the proteasomal degradation or nuclear translocation of proteasome activators NAC53 and NAC78. While both transcription factors activate the proteasome gene expression, they repress photosynthesis-associated nuclear genes during proteotoxicity through association with a conserved cis-element. Our data implicate a general trade-off between proteasome function and energy metabolism unravelling an unprecedented mechanism of how eukaryotic cells cope with proteotoxicity. Collectively, our discoveries provide a novel conceptual framework in which the proteasome autoregulatory feedback loop coordinates subcellular proteostasis and the trade-off between growth and defence.
Sugar sweetened beverages consumption is associated with metabolic alterations in an independent manner of body mass index and body fat in young population.
Authors: Anaya-Loyola Miriam Aracely , Camacho-Calderon Nicolás , Villagran-Herrera María Elena , Lopez-Velazquez María Guadalupe , Aguilar-Galarza Adriana , Palacios-Delgado Jorge , Campos-Ramírez Cesar
Published: March 2024

Background Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption are widely associated with metabolic and anthropometric dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between SSBs consumption and its attributable caloric intake with metabolic and anthropometric variables. We hypothesize that SSBs consumption is positively associated with metabolic dysfunction independently of the body composition.
Methods A cross-sectional analysis was carried out in healthy university students, information was collected on metabolic and anthropometric measurements using standardized procedures as well as SSBs consumption patterns through validated questionnaire to describe associations and interactions.
Results A total of 504 students, 208 men (41.3%) and 296 women (58.7%), with an average age of 19.0 years (SD = 1.5), were evaluated. The 35.4% of men and 32.6% of women presented body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg / m2. The average SSBs consumption was 20.3 servings / week (SD = 14.0). A positive association was found between SSBs consumption and the concentrations of triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL- C) and total cholesterol (TC) in men, while women presented a positive association with visceral fat and LDL. Men consume more calories than women with an average of 2174.9 kcal / week (SD = 1380.0) from SSBs and 1526.9 kcal / week (SD = 1070.3) respectively (p <0.01). The general linear model do not show interactions between the body fat or the obesity diagnosis and the SSBs consumption for the variables TC, TG and LDL-C in men and very low density lipoprotein in women.
Conclusion This study shows that the concentrations of the metabolic variables seem to be associated with the SSBs consumption independently of obesity or body fat.
Temporal Single-Cell Sequencing Analysis Reveals That GPNMB-Expressing Macrophages Potentiate Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Chen Yu-Fan
Published: March 2024

Macrophages play a crucial role in coordinating the skeletal muscle repair response, but their phenotypic diversity and the transition of specialized subsets to resolution-phase macrophages remain poorly understood. To address this issue, we induced injury and performed single-cell RNA sequencing on individual cells in skeletal muscle at different time points. Our analysis revealed a distinct macrophage subset that expressed high levels of Gpnmb and that coexpressed critical factors involved in macrophage-mediated muscle regeneration, including Igf1, Mertk, and Nr1h3. Gpnmb gene knockout inhibited macrophage-mediated efferocytosis and impaired skeletal muscle regeneration. Functional studies demonstrated that GPNMB acts directly on muscle cells in vitro and improves muscle regeneration in vivo. These findings provide a comprehensive transcriptomic atlas of macrophages during muscle injury, highlighting the key role of the GPNMB macrophage subset in regenerative processes. Targeting GPNMB signaling in macrophages could have therapeutic potential for restoring skeletal muscle integrity and homeostasis.
Metabolites mediate the causal associations between gut microbiota and NAFLD：a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ouyang Chen , Liu Pengpeng , Liu Yiwei , Lan Jianwei , Liu Quanyan
Published: March 2024

Background
Although gut microbiota and serum metabolite composition have been observed to be altered in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), previous observational studies have demonstrated inconsistent results. As this may be influenced by factors such as confounders and reverse causality, we used Mendelian randomization to clarify the causal effect of gut microbiota and blood metabolites on NAFLD.
Methods
In this research, we performed a two-step Mendelian randomization analysis by utilizing genome-wide association study (GWAS) data obtained from MiBioGen and UK Biobank. To mitigate potential errors, we employed False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction and linkage unbalanced regression (LDSC) analysis. Sensitivity analyses including cML-MA and bidirectional Mendelian randomization were performed to ensure the robustness of the results.
Results
In this study, a total of nine gut microbiota and seven metabolites were found to be significantly associated with NAFLD. MR analysis of the above findings revealed a causal relationship between Ruminococcus2 and cysteine-glutathione disulfide (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.006–1.369, P = 0.041), as well as 3-indoleglyoxylic acid (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.011–1.370, P = 0.036). For each incremental standard deviation in Ruminococcus2 abundance, there was a corresponding 26% reduction in NAFLD risk (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.61–0.89, P = 0.0012), accompanied by a 17% increase in cysteine-glutathione disulfide levels (OR = 1.17, 95%CI = 1.01–1.37, P = 0.041) and an 18% increase in 3-indoleglyoxylic acid levels (OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 0.81-1.00, P = 0.036). The proportion mediated by cysteine-glutathione disulfide is 11.2%, while the proportion mediated by 3-indoleglyoxylic acid is 7.5%.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that increased abundance of specific gut microbiota may reduce the risk of developing NAFLD, and this relationship could potentially be mediated through blood metabolites.
Ectopic expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors in relation to immune cell infiltration, prostate cancer recurrence
Authors: Zhang Jialong , Huang Cong , Wang Hongzhi
Published: March 2024

Background
Interleukins can nurture a tumor promoting environment and simultaneously regulate immune cell infiltration. However, the potential roles of interleukins in the prostate cancer immune landscape remain abstruse.
Methods
We comprehensively investigated the interleukin expression patterns and tumor immune landscape of prostate cancer patients. And explored the interleukin expression patterns with immune infiltration landscape. The interleukin score was established using LASSO cox regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was employed to assess the prognostic value of the interleukin score.
Results
We identified two distinct interleukin clusters, characterized by different immune cell infiltration, tumor promoting signaling pathways activation and prognosis. The interleukin score was established to estimate the prognosis of individual prostate cancer patient. Further analysis demonstrated that the interleukin score was an independent prognostic factor of PRAD. Finally, we investigated the predictive value of interleukin score in the programed cell death protein (PD-1) blockade therapy of patients with prostate cancer.
Conclusions
This study demonstrated the correlation between interleukin and tumor immune landscape in prostate cancer. The comprehensive evaluation of interleukin expression patterns in individual prostate patients contribute to our understanding of the immune landscape and helps clinicians selecting proper immunotherapy strategies for prostate patients.
The Effect of Selinexor on Prostaglandin Synthesis in Virus-Positive Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Narayanan Deepika , Bartley Brooke , Landes Jennifer , Moore Stephen A. , Kulkarni Veda , He Qin , Simonette Rebecca , Doan Hung Q. , Rady Peter L. , Tyring Stephen K.
Published: March 2024

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer with high rates of metastasis and mortality. In vitro studies suggest that selinexor (KPT-330), an inhibitor of exportin 1, may be a targeted therapeutic option for MCC. This selective inhibitor prevents the transport of oncogenic mRNA out of the nucleus. Of note, 80% of MCC tumors are integrated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and virally encoded tumor-antigens, small T (sT) and large T (LT) mRNAs may require an exportin transporter to relocate to the cytoplasm and modulate host tumor-suppressing pathways. To explore selinexor as a targeted therapy for MCC, we examine its ability to inhibit LT and sT antigen expression in vitro and its impact on the prostaglandin synthesis pathway. Protein expression was determined through immunoblotting and quantified by densitometric analysis. Statistical significance was determined with t-test. Treatment of MCPyV-infected cell lines with selinexor resulted in a significant dose-dependent downregulation of key mediators of the prostaglandin synthesis pathway. Given the role of prostaglandin synthesis pathway in MCC, our findings suggest that selinexor, alone or in combination with immunotherapy, could be a promising treatment for MCPyV-infected MCC patients who are resistant to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Early Prognosis Prediction for Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Intensive Care Unit: Based on Interpretable Machine Learning
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxu , Wei Shuxing , Pan Yujie , Qu Kunlong , Yan Guanghao , Wang Xiya , Song Yuguo
Published: March 2024

Introduction: This study aims to construct a mortality prediction model for patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) in the intensive care unit (ICU), employing advanced machine learning algorithms. The goal is to identify high-risk populations early, contributing to a deeper understanding of patients with NVUGIB in the ICU.Methods: We extracted NVUGIB data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV, v.2.2) database spanning from 2008 to 2019. Feature selection was conducted through LASSO regression, followed by training models using eleven machine learning methods. The best model was chosen based on the area under the curve (AUC). Subsequently, Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) was employed to elucidate how each factor influenced the model. Finally, a case was randomly selected, and the model was utilized to predict its mortality, demonstrating the practical application of the developed model.Results: In total, 2716 patients with NVUGIB were deemed eligible for participation. Following selection, 30 out of a total of 64 clinical parameters collected on day 1 after ICU admission remained associated with prognosis and were utilized for developing machine-learning models. Among the eleven constructed models, the Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) model demonstrated the best performance, achieving an AUC of 0.853 and an accuracy of 0.839 in the validation cohort. Feature importance analysis highlighted that Shock, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), renal disease, age, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALP) were the top six features of the GBDT model with the most significant impact. Furthermore, SHAP force analysis illustrated how the constructed model visualized the individualized prediction of death.Conclusions: Patient data from the MIMIC database were leveraged to develop a robust prognostic model for patients with NVUGIB in the ICU. The analysis using SHAP also assisted clinicians in gaining a deeper understanding of the disease.
Causal Relationship between the Gut Microbiota and Haematological Malignancies: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Xiang Biyu , Li Qianyuan , Zhang Hongfei , JI Shuqi , Peng Yuzhen , Yao Chenjiao
Published: March 2024

Background
The gut microbiota has been implicated in the occurrence and development of haematological malignancies. However, the causal relationship between specific gut microbiota and haematological malignancies remains unclear.
Methods
In this study, we employed the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and haematological malignancies. We selected the human gut microbiota as the exposure variable from the human whole-genome association analysis (GWAS) dataset of International Alliance MiBioGen. GWAS data of eight haematological malignancies from the FinnGen database were used as the outcome. We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using inverse-variance weighting (IVW), the weighted median estimator (WME), and MR‒Egger. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to assess the stability of all MR results.
Results
Our findings revealed that 57 gut microbiota species may be causally related to haematological malignancies. Specifically, the family Oxalobacteraceae (OR = 1.828, 95% CI = 1.284 to 2.602, p = 0.0008) exhibited a strong positive correlation with the occurrence of ML. Additionally, the presence of the class Erysipelotrichia (OR = 8.738, 95% CI = 2.469 to 30.930, p = 0.001), the order Erysipelotrichales (OR = 8.738, 95% CI = 2.469 to 30.930, p = 0.001), and the family Erysipelotrichaceae (OR = 8.738, 95% CI = 2.469 to 30.930, p = 0.001) exhibited strong positive correlations with the occurrence of MCL. On the other hand, the class Methanobacteria (OR = 0.525, 95% CI = 0.338 to 0.816, p = 0.004), order Methanobacteriales (OR = 0.525, 95% CI = 0.338 to 0.816, p = 0.004), and family Methanobacteriaceae (OR = 0.525, 95% CI = 0.338 to 0.816, p = 0.004), as well as the class Actinobacteria(OR = 0.394, 95% CI: 0.209 to 0.746, p = 0.004), and genus Lachnospiraceae UCG001 (OR = 0.411, 95% CI = 0.232 to 0.728, p = 0.002), exhibited strong negative correlations with the occurrence of mature NK/T-cell lymphoma. These results suggest that the gut microbiota may play a significant role in the development of haematological malignancies.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest a causal relationship between the gut microbiota and haematological malignancies, which may contribute to providing new insights into the mechanisms of microbiota-mediated hematological malignancies. Additionally, these findings might lead to the identification of risk factors and early prediction of haematological malignancies.
Purity Control of Simulated Moving Bed Based on Advanced Fuzzy Controller
Authors: xie chaofan , Zhang Hong , Chen Xiong
Published: March 2024

Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) technology is considered one of the most successful techniques for chromatographic separation. However, due to its complex model and sensitivity to numerous separation performance parameters, controlling SMB systems poses challenges. In recent years, the application of fuzzy controllers in industrial settings has gained popularity due to their simplicity and robust performance. Nevertheless, the traditional fuzzy controllers used in industry often neglect the consideration of error acceleration, leading to a slight deviation from the target value in steady-state conditions and oscillatory behavior when system parameters change. This study proposes the implementation of an advanced fuzzy controller for controlling purity in simulated moving bed systems, and it demonstrates improved robustness compared to traditional fuzzy control methods.
Using digital technology as a platform to strengthen the continuum of care at community level for maternal, child and adolescent health in Tanzania: Introducing the Afya-Tek program
Authors: Dillip Angel , Kahamba Gloria , Sambaiga Richard , Shekalaghe Elizabeth , Kapologwe Ntuli , Kitali Erick , Kengia James Tumaini , Haonga Tumaini , Nzilibili Simon , Tanda Mark , Haroun Yasini , Hofmann Rachel , Litner Rebecca , Lampariello Riccardo , Kimatta Suleiman , Ketende Sosthenes , James Johanitha , Fumbwe Khadija , Mahmoud Fatma , Lugumamu Oscar , Gabunda Christina , Salim Ally , Allen Megan , Mathew Eden , Nkaka Melania , Liana Jafary , Norman Toby , Mbwasi Romuald , Sarkar Nandini
Published: March 2024

Poor quality of care within Tanzania’s primary health system contributes to thousands of preventable maternal and child deaths, and unwanted pregnancies each year. A key contributor is lack of coordination between three primary healthcare actors: public sector Community Health Workers (CHWs) and health facilities, and private sector Accredited Drug Dispensing Outlets (ADDOs). The Afya-Tek program aims to improve the continuity of care amongst these actors in Kibaha district, through a mobile-application based digital referral system that focuses on improving maternal, child and adolescent health. The digital system called Afya-Tek was co-created with users and beneficiaries, and utilises open-source technology in-line with existing government systems. The system guides healthcare actors with individualised decision support during client visits and recommends accurate next steps (education, treatment, or referral). From July 2020 to June 2023, a total of 241,000 individuals were enrolled in the Afya-Tek program covering 7,557 pregnant women, 6,582 postpartum women, 45,900 children, and 25,700 adolescents. CHWs have conducted a total of 626,000 home visits to provide health services, including screening clients for danger signs. This has resulted in 38,100 referrals to health facilities and 24,300 linkages to ADDOs. At the ADDO level, 48,552 clients self-presented; 33% of children with pneumonia symptoms received Amoxicillin; 34% of children with diarrhoea symptoms received ORS and zinc; and 4,203 referrals were made to nearest health facilities. Adolescents preferred services at ADDOs as a result of increased perceived privacy and confidentiality. In total, 89% of all referrals were attended by health facilities. As the first digital health program in Tanzania to demonstrate the linkage among public and private sector primary healthcare actors, Afya-Tek holds promise to improve maternal, child and adolescent health as well as for scale-up and sustainability, through incorporation of other disease conditions and integration with government’s Unified Community System (UCS).
Effect of concentrated growth factor(CGF) on postoperative patient comfort in impacted lower third molars undergoing coronectomy: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Dudak Muharrem Ergun , Calis Aylin , Koca Huseyin
Published: March 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CGF on post-operative patient comfort following coronectomy in impacted third molars with roots associated with the nervus alveolaris inferior.
Materials and Methods Thirty-five patients with bilateral vertical impacted wisdom teeth with roots associated with the nervus alveolaris inferior were included in the study with an indication for coronectomy. Coronectomy was performed on both sides followed by cgf on one side. Pain levels were monitored with the VAS scale for 7 post-operative days. In addition, the amount of edema occurring on post-operative days 2 and 7 was also measured. All data were statistically evaluated. Statistical significance was determined as p<0.001.
Results The first 6 days showed significantly lower (p<0.001) pain on the CGF-treated side, while the difference between the sides was not significant on the 7th day (p=0.627). On the 2nd day, significantly lower (p<0.001) edema occurred in the tragus-pogonion and angulus-lateral canthus planes on the CGF treated side. On day 7, there was no significant difference in edema between the sides. Uneventful healing was observed in all patients.
Conclusion It is possible to prevent possible nerve damage with coronectomy. In addition, CGF can successfully improve patient comfort in the early post-operative period.
Clinical Relevance Post-operative pain and edema, which are very important for patients, can be significantly reduced with the application of CGF, an easily obtainable autogenous product. The results obtained may provide valuable contributions to clinicians.
Analysing Roman itineraries using the GIS tool: the case of the road XIX
Authors: Argüelles-Alvarez Patricia Ana , Trapero-Fernández Pedro
Published: March 2024

Reconstruction of the Roman road network must be approached from various methodologies of multidisciplinary character. When traditional approaches have been exhausted without achieving a historiographical consensus, the problem may appear insurmountable. However, leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides an avenue for re-evaluating existing proposals and suggesting more fitting layouts. This can be accomplished through a meticulous analysis that incorporates topographic and non-Euclidean correlations, allowing for a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the subject matter than conventional methods might offer. We explore a case study in the Galician territory, where we have detected methodological shortcomings when it comes to being able to identify and reconstruct the route of the XIX road: Item Bracaram Asturicam. One of the sections that has aroused the most debate is the case of Tude to Lucus Augusti, based on several basic problems that are the identification of the mansions, the lack of consensus in the measurements of the distances of the miles referred to in the classical sources, and the complex orography of this territory. To propose answers and theories that solve the current problem of the description of this route of the XIX road, it is proposed a work that, through applications of Geographic Information Systems, settles the debate of the current state of the question.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed genes in the ovary and testis and identification of transformer-2 gene of Athetis dissimilis
Authors: Song Yueqin , Han Shengjie , Zhang Tiansi , Hao Haohao , Sun Hui-Zhong
Published: March 2024

Background
Insects have developed a variety of sex-determining regulatory mechanisms throughout their evolution. Not only do different insects use different genes and regulatory mechanisms for sex differentiation, but different subspecies populations of the same insect species can have different sex determination mechanisms. We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the ovary and testis transcriptomes of A. dissimilis. The function of DEGs was analyzed from various databases. The results of this research will aid in the understanding of the sex-determination mechanisms of this species.
Results
A total of 11,065 DEGs between the ovary and testis were identified, of which 6,685 genes were up-regulated and 4,380 genes were down-regulated in testis. 6,656 DEGs were annotated in NR (6,616, 99.40%), GO (1,484, 22.30%), COG (1,696, 25.48%), KEGG (2,483, 37.30%), Swiss-Prot (3,077, 46.23%), Pfam (3,967, 59.60%), and eggNOG (5,808, 87.26%). A Adistra-2 (525 bp) gene was obtained from the transcriptome of A. dissimilis, and sequence alignment with other related species revealed a highly conserved RRM domain. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Adistra-2 protein is a close relative of the lepidopterous tra-2 protein. The temporal and spatial expression pattern of the Adistra-2 showed that it is more abundant during embryonic development than other stages, and its expression was higher in ovaries than in testes.
Conclusions
We analyzed DEGs from the ovary and testis transcriptomes of Athetis dissimilis. The characteristics of Adistra-2 gene were identified and analyzed. This work provides a theoretical reference for the sex differentiation and genetic manipulation of this insect.
Quantum interference comparison between benzene, naphthalene, and azulene single molecular junction
Authors: Baker Naji Abdulrazzaq , Al-Jobory Alaa A.
Published: March 2024

The ability to build devices from single-molecular junctions depends on the fabrication of molecular structures. Here we report significant changes in the transmission coefficient for different connectivities for polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, we are using density functional theory DFT compared with the single orbital tight binding TB to investigate the transmission coefficient for three different molecules which are benzene, naphthalene and azulene with different point connections with electrodes. In the case of benzene the para connection, are leads to constructive quantum interference CQI, and the meta link is distractive quantum interference DQI. Next naphthalene and azulene have the same number of atoms, with five different connections, the result shows the even-even or odd-odd connection are DQI while the even-odd is CQI. This result is supported by the wave function molecular orbital plot. Finally, the TB calculations are in good agreement with DFT.
Decreased expression of the HDAC2 disrupts the SLIT-ROBO signaling pathway and induced angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells in preeclampsia
Authors: Fan Xufei , Zheng Xiujuan , Malik Samiullah , Yu Jianyun , Yang Yali
Published: March 2024

Background: Preeclampsia is characterized by reduced histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) expression in placental tissue HDAC2 enrichment positively affects angiogenesis as it helps prevent endothelial cell dysfunction. Additionally, research has demonstrated that the SLIT2-ROBO signaling pathway influences preeclampsia. Bioinformatics analysis has suggested that HDAC2 may have a transcriptional regulatory effect on SLIT2. Consequently, investigations have examined the relationship between low HDAC2 expression and the SLIT-ROBO signaling pathway in placental angiogenesis in patients with preeclampsia.
Objective: To investigate how decreased HDAC2 expression disrupts the SLIT-ROBO signaling pathway and induces angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells in preeclampsia.
Methods:The study included patients with preeclampsia as the observation group, while the placental tissue of normal pregnant women was used as the in vivo control model. In vitro endothelial models using human umbilical veins and microvascular endothelial cells were also used to examine the effects of interference with the expression of HDAC2 and SLIT2. Cell viability CCK-8, colony formation, and tube formation assays were conducted to evaluate angiogenesis. Furthermore, Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and Western blot analyses were used to examine the expression of genes in cells and tissues.
Results: The expression of SLIT2 and ROBO1 was increased, and the protein and mRNA expression of CD34, HDAC2, and vonWillebrand factor(vWF) were lower in preeclampsia placentas than in normal placentas. Using an in vitro endothelial model, the knockdown of HDAC2 inhibited colony formation and impaired neovascularization by reducing vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and vascular endothelial growth factor -2 (VEGFR2) activity, while SLIT2 and ROBO1 were highly expressed. The changes caused by HDAC2 knockdown were reversed by SLIT2 knockdown.
Conclusion: Preeclampsia progression is promoted by low HDAC2 expression, which inhibits the SLIT-ROBO signaling pathway and induces angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells.
Accurate Analysis of The Distribution of Medical Imaging Technologies: The Case of Türkiye
Authors: Temiz Hakan , Kara Tuncay
Published: March 2024

The distribution of medical diagnostic imaging technologies (MDIT) between the regions of Türkiye were analyzed through hierarchical clustering of the capacity and use (CAU) variables. Statistics yearbooks’ data of the Ministry of Health for the years 2013 and 2018 were used. Analyses were performed on the entire CAU data and its six subsets generated according to the characteristics of MDIT. The dissimilarities of the clusters were measured by Euclidean distance between z-score standardized data points. The experiments showed that analyzing the CAU variables together may lead to the formation of the clusters that do not reflect reality and therefore to make erroneous judgments. To ensure more accurate and detailed analysis, they should be analyzed on a per-device basis. This study also showed that 12 Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) regions of the country could be clustered within 3 to 5 groups. According to our analysis method, with some negligible exceptions, it is seen that Turkey is in a very good position in ensuring the equity in access to the health services, in terms of MDIT distribution.
Examining Emotional and Behavioural Trajectories in Siblings of Children with Life-Threatening Conditions
Authors: Tay Joanne , Widger Kimberley , Steele Rose , Stremler Robyn , Pole Jason D.
Published: March 2024

Background
Healthy siblings of children with life-limiting conditions often experience emotional and behavioral struggles over the course of the ill child’s condition(s). Resources to support these siblings are limited due to the lack of understanding about the needs of siblings. Therefore, this study was designed to characterize the emotional and behavioral trajectories of siblings of children with progressive, life-limiting genetic, metabolic, or neurological conditions over a 12-month observation period.
Methods
Seventy siblings were recruited from a large survey-based study (Charting the Territory) that examined the biopsychosocial health outcomes of parents and siblings. Linear mixed effect models were used to assess the associations between siblings’ emotions and behavior trajectories and selected demographic variables. Siblings’ emotions and behaviors were measured with Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
Results
The mean age of the siblings was 11.2 years at baseline, and the Internalizing, Externalizing, and Total Behavior Problems mean scores were within normal ranges across time. However, 7–25% of the siblings had scores within the clinical range. Brothers had higher levels of internalizing problems than sisters, whereas sisters had higher levels of externalizing problems than brothers. When treatment was first sought for the ill child less than a year prior to study participation, the siblings had higher levels of internalizing and externalizing problems than did the siblings who participated more than one year after treatment was sought.
Conclusion
Healthy siblings experience emotional and behavioral problems early in the child’s disease trajectory. Although these problems improve with them, our findings show that brothers and sisters experience different types of challenges. Therefore, timely support for siblings is important as they navigate through these uncertainties and challenges.
Perceptual Autoencoder and Exemplar Selection for Lifelong Learning in Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
Authors: Nugroho Hermawan , Tay Gee Yang , Dube Swaraj
Published: March 2024

Lifelong learning or incremental learning in convolutional neural networks (CNNs) has encountered a challenge known as catastrophic forgetting, which impairs model performance when tasks are presented sequentially. While a simple approach of retraining the model with all previously seen training data can alleviate this issue to some extent, it is not scalable due to the rapid accumulation of storage requirements and retraining time. To address this challenge, we propose a novel incremental learning strategy involving image data generation and exemplar selection. Specifically, we introduce a new type of autoencoder called the Perceptual Autoencoder, which reconstructs previously seen data while significantly compressing it, requiring no retraining when new classes are introduced. The latent feature map from the undercomplete Perceptual Autoencoder is stored and utilized to reconstruct training data for replay alongside new class data when necessary. Additionally, we employ example forgetting as an exemplar detection metric for exemplar selection, aiming to minimize the number of old task training data while preserving model performance. Our proposed strategy achieves state-of-the-art performance on both CIFAR-100 and ImageNet-100 datasets.
Towards new bioactive fluorine-containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole-amide derivatives: Synthesis, antibacterial activity, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Xiong Fei , Zhang Yanjun , Jiao Jinlong , Zhu Yiren , Mo Tianlu , Li Yeji
Published: March 2024

Through the approach of molecular hybridization, this study rationally designed and synthesized new trifluoromethyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole amide derivatives, denoted as 1a-1n. The findings reveal that these novel molecules exhibit potent inhibitory effects against various bacterial strains. Thereinto, compounds 1c, 1d, 1i, 1j and 1n, demonstrate relatively superior antimicrobial performance against B. cereus FM314, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.03907 µg/mL. Molecular docking analysis suggests the potential importance of the Ser57 and Thr125 amino acid residues in contributing to the inhibitory activity against B. cereus. The consistency of these results was further corroborated through subsequent molecular dynamics simulations and MMPBSA validations. The insights gained from this study serve to facilitate the rational design and efficient development of novel eco-friendly antimicrobial inhibitors based on the trifluoromethyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole amide scaffold.
Determination of COVID-19 intensive care costs in Germany and assessment of the economic impact on the healthcare system - a nationwide retrospective cohort study from January 2020 to March 2022
Authors: Lottes Matthäus , Kaier Klaus , Graves Nicholas , Wolkewitz Martin
Published: March 2024

Background
In late 2021, the German statutory health insurance (SHI) funds reported average expenditures for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) intensive care patients without mechanical ventilation at €8,000 and even more than €30,000 for those with mechanical ventilation. In this context, there is currently no further information on the total COVID-19 intensive care costs or an assessment of the economic impact on the German health care system.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 01, 2020, to March 31, 2022, using nationwide inpatient billing data and the proportion of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 intensive care patients in Germany. The COVID-19 intensive care costs were then determined based on reported cost accounting estimates for nonventilated and ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) bed days. The health economic impact was assessed by relating the COVID-19 intensive care costs to SHI expenditures and the cost of illness for the German hospital sector.
Results
By the end of March 2022, German hospitals had spent a total of 2.2 million ICU bed days, including 1.2 million (55%) ventilated ICU bed days, for COVID-19 intensive care patients. Up to this point, the corresponding treatment costs were almost €3.0 billion. The annual COVID-19 intensive care costs more than doubled from €776 million in 2020 to €1.7 billion in 2021. This meant a cost increase of €203.1 million to €486 million for nonventilated ICU bed days and €573.2 million to €1.2 billion for ventilated ICU bed days. The cost share of COVID-19 intensive care in SHI expenditures for hospital treatment was predominantly less than 2.0%, and approximately 6.0% of the cost of illness for the hospital sector in 2020.
Conclusions
In conclusion, COVID-19 intensive care has become a rapidly growing cost factor for the German healthcare system, with the frequent use of mechanical ventilation being an important cost driver. However, compared to the SHI expenditures and cost of illness for the hospital sector, the cost share of COVID-19 intensive care appeared rather low. A more valid assessment of the health economic impact of COVID-19 intensive care in Germany requires case-specific billing data and consideration of costs associated with the displaced treatment of non-COVID-19 patients.
Research on WiFi human gesture recognition system based on hybrid model of DSC-SGRU
Authors: He Yulang , Zhao Zhibiao , Li Shanshan , Li Zhen
Published: March 2024

Wi-Fi wireless sensing technology has become a research hotspot in the field of perception, which can realize the intelligent perception of human activities and the surrounding environment. Aiming at the problem that the existing wireless sensing models have a large number of parameters, which makes it difficult to sense in real-time in scenarios with limited computing power, such as mobile devices, a lightweight feature extraction module based on Depthwise Separable Convolution (DSC) mixed with Stacked Gate Recur-rent Unit (SGRU) is proposed as a recognition model. The model first captures the spatial features of human gestures using DSC and keeps the temporal characteristics of the features unchanged, and then learns the spatio-temporal characteristics of the gestures using the SGRU network. The performance of the model is validated using the open source dataset Widar. The results show that the proposed DSC-SGRU model has only 236.891 K parameters with an accuracy of 77.6\%. Compared with existing gesture recognition models, DSC-SGRU greatly reduces the number of parameters of the model with approximate performance.
Evaluation of surgical strategies and long-term outcomes in pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Karayazili Merve , Celtik Ulgen , Ataseven Eda , Nart Deniz , Ergun Orkan
Published: March 2024

Purpose: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the second most common pediatric malignant liver tumor after hepatoblastoma, represents 1% of all pediatric tumors.
Methods A retrospective study was conducted on children with HCC treated at our center from March 2002-October 2022, excluding those with inadequate follow-up or records. Demographic data, initial complaints, AFP values, underlying disease, size and histopathological features of the masses, chemotherapy and long-term outcomes were analyzed.
Results Fifteen patients (8 boys, 7 girls) with a mean age of 11.4 ±4.1 years (0.8-16.4 years) were analyzed. The majority presented with abdominal pain, with a median AFP of 3.9 ng/mL. Hepatitis B cirrhosis in one patient (6.6%), metabolic disease (tyrosinemia type 1) in two patients (13.3%) were the underlying disease. Histopathological diagnoses were Fibrolamellar HCC (n:8; 53.3%), HCC (n:6; 40%). Four of the 15 patients underwent liver transplantation, 9 underwent surgical resection. Due to late diagnosis, 2 patients were considered inoperable (13.3%). The survival rate for the four patients who underwent liver transplantation was found to be 75%.
Conclusion: The surgical treatment of various variants of HCC, can be safely performed in experienced centers with a multidisciplinary approach and outcomes are better than in adults.
The Role of Parental Consanguinity and Familial Aggregation in Development of Multiple Sclerosis: A Case-control Study
Authors: Vaheb Saeed , Panah Mohammad Yazdan , Afshari-Safavi Alireza , Ghaffary Elham Moases , Shaygannejad Aysa , Shaygannejad Vahid , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: March 2024

Background
Several studies pointed out the importance of genetic risk factors such as parental consanguinity (PC) and familial multiple sclerosis (FMS) in the risk of MS. This study aimed to investigate the PC and FMS among people with MS (pwMS) in Isfahan, Iran.
Methods
This case-control study was conducted on pwMS from the MS clinic of Kashani Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, between September 2022 and September 2023. Healthy controls (HC) were also recruited from the MS clinic. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics and history of PC and FMS were collected from participants. The relationships between PC, FMS, and developing MS were assessed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The Odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed.
Results
A total number of 4264 pwMS and 400 HCs were included. The prevalence of PC and FMS among pwMS were 29.3% and 24%, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression adjusted for age and sex indicated that the odds of developing MS were significantly associated with a history of PC (OR = 3.03, 95%CI: 2.23 to 4.13, p < 0.001) and FMS (OR = 5.42, 95%CI: 3.51 to 8.38, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
PC and FMS can increase the risk of developing MS. PC and FMS should be considered along with other risk factors for developing MS. A comprehensive conclusion requires further research.
Associations of serum Cu, Zn, and Se with Chronic Respiratory Diseases in the American adults: Data from NHANES 2013–2016 and a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yu Hanming , LV Taihong , Ji Zishuo , Wang Shuo , Liu Shi , Chen Yuru , Zhao Qi , Ma Li , Gu Xiu
Published: March 2024

Background
Despite studies on trace metals and Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs), their causal relationship in American adults is uncertain. Our research applied observational and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to ascertain this association.
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential linkages between serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) and the incidence of chronic respiratory diseases within the adult demographic of the United States.
Methods
Drawing on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 data, our study incorporated 2807 adults to examine serum Cu, Zn, and Se impacts on CRDs risks using logistic regression and cubic spline analysis. Subsequently, bidirectional MR assessments were conducted to ascertain the causative linkages pertaining to these associations.
Results
Employing adjusted-weighted logistic models, high serum Cu significantly escalated the risks for emphysema (OR: 3.83) and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR: 2.14–3.33), while elevated Cu and Zn levels corresponded to respective OR of 1.82 and 1.91 for chronic tracheitis and COPD. Conversely, moderate Se reduced tracheitis risk (OR: 0.64). MR indicated no genetic causation between Cu and respiratory diseases (p > 0.05), yet Cu exposure was causally linked to COPD (p = 0.003), as was Zn (p = 0.014). selenium’s protective genetic association with chronic tracheitis was confirmed (p = 0.010).
Conclusion
High serum Cu links to increased emphysema, tracheitis, and COPD risk; Zn equally raises COPD risk; Se may lessen tracheitis risk. This observation warrants confirmation through additional large-scale, prospective cohort studies with sufficient sample sizes and extended follow-up durations.