bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive proteomic analysis reveals omega-3 fatty acids to counteract endotoxin-stimulated metabolic dysregulation in porcine enterocytes
Authors: Sundaram Tamil Selvi , Addis Maria Filippa , Giromini Carlotta , Rebucci Raffaella , Pisanu Salvatore , Pagnozzi Daniela , Baldi Antonella
Published: December 2023

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), such as the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are reported to beneficially affect the intestinal immunity. The biological pathways modulated by n-3 PUFA during an infection, at the level of intestinal epithelial barrier remain elusive. To address this gap, we investigated the proteomic changes induced by n-3 PUFA in porcine enterocyte cell line (IPEC-J2), in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stress conditions using shotgun proteomics analysis integrated with RNA-sequencing technology. A total of 33, 85, and 88 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified in cells exposed to n-3 PUFA (DHA:EPA), LPS, and n-3 PUFA treatment followed by LPS stimulation, respectively. Functional annotation and pathway analysis of DAPs revealed the modulation of central carbon metabolism, including the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pentose phosphate pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation processes. Specifically, LPS caused metabolic dysregulation in enterocytes, which was abated upon prior treatment with n-3 PUFA. Besides, n-3 PUFA supplementation facilitated enterocyte development and lipid homeostasis. Altogether, this work for the first time comprehensively described the biological pathways regulated by n-3 PUFA in enterocytes, particularly during endotoxin-stimulated metabolic dysregulation. Additionally, this study may provide nutritional biomarkers in monitoring the intestinal health of human and animals on n-3 PUFA-based diets.
Pattern recognition of forced oscillation technique measurement results using deep learning can identify asthmatic patients more accurately than setting reference ranges
Authors: Funaita Chiune , Furuie Wakaba , Koike Fumika , Oyama Saki , Endo Junji , Otani Yoshio , Ichikawa Yuri , Ito Minako , Nakamura Yoichi , Komatuzaki Keiko , Hirata Akira , Miyazaki Yasunari , Sumi Yuki
Published: December 2023

No official clinical reference values have been established for MostGraph, which measures total respiratory resistance and reactance using the forced oscillation technique, complicating result interpretation. This study aimed to establish a reference range for MostGraph measurements and examine its usefulness in discriminating participants with asthma from controls (participants without any respiratory diseases). The study also aimed to investigate the effectiveness of deep learning in discriminating between the two aforementioned groups. To establish reference ranges, the MostGraph measurements of healthy controls (n = 215) were power-transformed to distribute the data more normally. After inverse transformation, the mean ± standard deviation × 2 of the transformed values were used to establish the reference ranges. The number of measured items outside the reference ranges was evaluated to discriminate patients with asthma (n = 941) from controls. Additionally, MostGraph measurements were evaluated using deep learning. Although reference ranges were established, patients with asthma could not be discriminated from controls. However, with deep learning, we could discriminate between the two groups with 78% accuracy. Therefore, deep learning, which considers multiple measurements as a whole, was more effective in interpreting MostGraph measurement results than use of reference ranges, which considers each result individually.
Validation of the stratify scale for the prediction of falls among hospitalized adults in a tertiary hospital in Colombia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cortés Olga L. , Vásquez Skarlet Marcell , Mendoza Angie Cristina
Published: December 2023

The STRATIFY scale has been implemented as a preventive strategy for predicting the risk of accidental falls among hospitalized adults. However, there is still uncertainty about its accuracy. This study aimed to perform an external validation of the STRATIFY fall prediction scale in hospitalized adults in one tertiary care hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. The study was a retrospective cohort of adult hospitalized patients in a high-level complexity care hospital. The sample selected included admitted patients (age ≥ 18), consecutively by the institution between 2018 and 2020, with an evaluation of the fall risk measured by the STRATIFY score given to each at the time of hospital admission. For assessing the scale's feasibility, its discriminative capability was obtained by calculating sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, predictive values, and area under the ROC curve. The evaluation included 93,347 patient hospital records (mean 56.9 years, 50.2% women). The overall sensitivity score was 0.672 [IC 95% 0.612–0.723], the specificity score was 0.612 [IC 95% 0.605–0.615], and the positive likelihood ratio was 1.73 [IC 95% 1.589–1.891]. The area under the ROC curve was 0.69 [IC 95% 0.66–0.72]. Subgroups of age obtained similar results. Applying the STRATIFY scale at hospital admission resulted in a lower performance of the tool–predict falls in hospitalized patients. It is necessary to implement an individual evaluation of the risk factors for falls in order to structure appropriate care plans to prevent and improve hospital safety.
Utility of heparin-binding protein following cardiothoracic surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Johannesson Emilia , Erixon Clara , Sterner Niklas , Thelaus Louise , Dardashti Alain , Nilsson Johan , Ragnarsson Sigurdur , Linder Adam , Zindovic Igor
Published: December 2023

Cardiothoracic surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) triggers an inflammatory state that may be difficult to differentiate from infection. Heparin-binding protein (HBP) is a candidate biomarker for sepsis. As data indicates that HBP normalizes rapidly after cardiothoracic surgery, it may be a suitable early marker of postoperative infection. We therefore aimed to investigate which variables influence postoperative HBP levels and whether elevated HBP concentration is associated with poor surgical outcome. This exploratory, prospective, observational study enrolled 1475 patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery using CPB, where HBP was measured at ICU arrival. Patients with HBP in the highest tercile were compared to remaining patients. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify factors predictive of elevated HBP and 30-day mortality. Overall median HBP was 30.0 ng/mL. Patients undergoing isolated CABG or surgery with CPB-duration ≤ 60 min had a median HBP of 24.9 ng/mL and 23.2 ng/mL, respectively. Independent predictors of elevated postoperative HBP included increased EuroSCORE, prolonged CPB-duration and high intraoperative temperature. Increased HBP was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. This study confirms the promising characteristics of HBP as a biomarker for identification of postoperative sepsis, especially after routine procedures. Further studies are required to investigate whether HBP may detect postoperative infections.
Evaluation of barium tungstate nanocrystals for the sorption of radioactive cobalt and europium from aqueous solutions
Authors: Abdel Maksoud M. I. A. , Youssef M. A. , Hassan H. S.
Published: December 2023

Herein, barium tungstate BaWO4 nanocrystals were chemically prepared and then estimated as inorganic sorbent material to eliminate the radioactive cobalt and europium from the waste stream. The characterization of BaWO4 nanocrystals is completed over several analytical techniques. TEM and SEM images show the formation of sphere-shaped BaWO4 structures in the nanoscale range. Also, XRD and FTIR revealed the successful preparation of BaWO4. Optimum factors affected by the sorption process are determined using batch mode. Sorption equilibrium was achieved after 60 min with the initial concentration of metal ion at 100 mg/L and at optimum pH five for both radionuclides, respectively. The different kinetic models are applied. The obtained data shows that the sorption process followed a pseudo-second order. The sorption capacity for 60Co at pH of 5 and 25 °C is 310.6 mg g−1, and 152+154Eu is 409.9 mg g−1. The thermodynamic studies illustrated that the sorption process was spontaneous and endothermic.
A comparative analysis of using ensemble trees for botnet detection and classification in IoT
Authors: Saied Mohamed , Guirguis Shawkat , Madbouly Magda
Published: December 2023

Enhancing IoT security is a corner stone for building trust in its technology and driving its growth. Limited resources and diversified nature of IoT devices make them vulnerable to attacks. Botnet attacks compromise the IoT systems and can pose significant security challenges. Numerous investigations have utilized machine learning and deep learning techniques to identify botnet attacks in IoT. However, achieving high detection accuracy with reasonable computational requirements is still a challenging research considering the particularity of IoT. This paper aims to analytically study the performance of the tree based machine learning in detecting botnet attacks for IoT ecosystems. Through an empirical study performed on a public botnet dataset of IoT environment, basic decision tree algorithm in addition to ensemble learning of different bagging and boosting algorithms are compared. The comparison covers two perspectives: IoT botnet detection capability and computational performance. Results demonstrated that the significant potential for the tree based ML algorithms in detecting network intrusions in IoT environments. The RF algorithm achieved the best performance for multi-class classification with accuracy rate of 0.999991. It achieved also the highest results in all other measures.
Hemostatic capability of ultrafiltrated fresh frozen plasma compared to cryoprecipitate
Authors: Ichikawa Junko , Iba Toshiaki , Okazaki Ryouta , Fukuda Tomoki , Kodaka Mitsuharu , Komori Makiko , Levy Jerrold H.
Published: December 2023

This in vitro study evaluated the potential hemostatic effect of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) ultrafiltration on clotting factors, coagulation parameters, and plasma properties. ABO-specific units of FFP (n = 40) were prepared for the concentrated FFP and cryoprecipitate. Plasma water was removed from FFP by ultrafiltration using a dialyzer with a pump running at a 300 mL/min. The aliquot of each concentrated FFP after 50, 100, 200, and 250 mL of fluid removal were measured the standard coagulation assay, clotting activity, and plasma properties to compare those parameters of cryoprecipitate. Concentrated FFP contained 36.5% of fibrinogen in FFP with a mean concentration of 7.2 g/L, lower than the cryoprecipitate level. The levels of factor VIII (FVIII), von Willebrand factor (VWF):antigen (Ag), and VWF:ristocetin cofactor (RCo) were also lower in concentrated FFP, whereas the levels of factor V, factor IX, factor XIII, antithrombin and albumin was higher in concentrated FFP. Maximum clot firmness (MCF) in thromboelastometry was approximately one-half of that in cryoprecipitate. Although the levels of VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, and FVIII differed depending on the ABO blood types, fibrinogen levels, and MCF were not significantly different among the ABO blood groups in FFP and concentrated FFP.
A machine learning driven nomogram for predicting chronic kidney disease stages 3–5
Authors: Ghosh Samit Kumar , Khandoker Ahsan H.
Published: December 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains one of the most prominent global causes of mortality worldwide, necessitating accurate prediction models for early detection and prevention. In recent years, machine learning (ML) techniques have exhibited promising outcomes across various medical applications. This study introduces a novel ML-driven nomogram approach for early identification of individuals at risk for developing CKD stages 3–5. This retrospective study employed a comprehensive dataset comprised of clinical and laboratory variables from a large cohort of diagnosed CKD patients. Advanced ML algorithms, including feature selection and regression models, were applied to build a predictive model. Among 467 participants, 11.56% developed CKD stages 3–5 over a 9-year follow-up. Several factors, such as age, gender, medical history, and laboratory results, independently exhibited significant associations with CKD (p < 0.05) and were utilized to create a risk function. The Linear regression (LR)-based model achieved an impressive R-score (coefficient of determination) of 0.954079, while the support vector machine (SVM) achieved a slightly lower value. An LR-based nomogram was developed to facilitate the process of risk identification and management. The ML-driven nomogram demonstrated superior performance when compared to traditional prediction models, showcasing its potential as a valuable clinical tool for the early detection and prevention of CKD. Further studies should focus on refining the model and validating its performance in diverse populations.
Integrated omics analysis of coronary artery calcifications and myocardial infarction: the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Møller Amalie Lykkemark , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Levy Daniel , Andersson Charlotte , Lin Honghuang
Published: December 2023

Gene function can be described using various measures. We integrated association studies of three types of omics data to provide insights into the pathophysiology of subclinical coronary disease and myocardial infarction (MI). Using multivariable regression models, we associated: (1) single nucleotide polymorphism, (2) DNA methylation, and (3) gene expression with coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores and MI. Among 3106 participants of the Framingham Heart Study, 65 (2.1%) had prevalent MI and 60 (1.9%) had incident MI, median CAC value was 67.8 [IQR 10.8, 274.9], and 1403 (45.2%) had CAC scores > 0 (prevalent CAC). Prevalent CAC was associated with AHRR (linked to smoking) and EXOC3 (affecting platelet function and promoting hemostasis). CAC score was associated with VWA1 (extracellular matrix protein associated with cartilage structure in endomysium). For prevalent MI we identified FYTTD1 (down-regulated in familial hypercholesterolemia) and PINK1 (linked to cardiac tissue homeostasis and ischemia–reperfusion injury). Incident MI was associated with IRX3 (enhancing browning of white adipose tissue) and STXBP3 (controlling trafficking of glucose transporter type 4 to plasma). Using an integrative trans-omics approach, we identified both putatively novel and known candidate genes associated with CAC and MI. Replication of findings is warranted.
Trophic downgrading of an adaptable carnivore in an urbanising landscape
Authors: Leighton Gabriella R. M. , Froneman William , Serieys Laurel E. K. , Bishop Jacqueline M.
Published: December 2023

Urbanisation critically alters wildlife habitat and resource distribution, leading to shifts in trophic dynamics. The loss of apex predators in human-transformed landscapes can result in changes in the ecological roles of the remaining mesocarnivores. Decreased top–down control together with increased bottom–up forcing through greater availability of anthropogenic foods can result in a predation paradox. Understanding these changes is important for conserving ecological function and biodiversity in rapidly urbanising systems. Here, we use stable isotope analysis to provide insight into longer term changes in trophic position, niche width and overlap of an elusive, medium-sized urban adapter, the caracal (Caracal caracal) in and around the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Using fur samples (n = 168) from individuals along a gradient of urbanisation we find that overall caracals have a broad isotopic dietary niche that reflects their large variation in resource use. When accounting for underlying environmental differences, the﻿ intensity of anthropogenic pressure, measured using the Human Footprint Index (HFI), explained variation in both food subsidy use (δ13C values) and trophic status (δ15N values). The significantly higher δ13C values (P < 0.01) and lower δ15N values (P < 0.001) of caracals in more urbanised areas suggest that predator subsidy consumption occurs via predictable, anthropogenic resource subsidies to synanthropic prey. These prey species are predominantly primary consumers, resulting in shifts in diet composition towards lower trophic levels. Further, caracals using areas with higher HFI had narrower isotope niches than those in less impacted areas, likely due to their hyperfocus on a few lower trophic level prey species. This pattern of niche contraction in urban areas is retained when accounting for caracal demographics, including sex and age. The removal of apex predators in human-transformed landscapes together with reliable resource availability, including abundant prey, may paradoxically limit the ecological influence of the remaining predators, and bring about a degree of predator trophic downgrading. The dampening of top–down control, and thus ecosystem regulation, likely points to widespread disruption of trophic dynamics in rapidly developing areas globally.
The role of internal variability and external forcing on southwestern Australian rainfall: prospects for very wet or dry years
Authors: Rauniyar Surendra P. , Hope Pandora , Power Scott B. , Grose Michael , Jones David
Published: December 2023

The cool-season (May to October) rainfall decline in southwestern Australia deepened during 2001–2020 to become 20.5% less than the 1901–1960 reference period average, with a complete absence of very wet years (i.e., rainfall > 90th percentile). CMIP5 and CMIP6 climate model simulations suggest that approximately 43% of the observed multi-decadal decline was externally-forced. However, the observed 20-year rainfall anomaly in 2001–2020 is outside the range of both preindustrial control and historical simulations of almost all climate models used in this study. This, and the fact that the models generally appear to simulate realistic levels of decadal variability, suggests that 43% might be an underestimate. A large ensemble from one model exhibits drying similar to the observations in 10% of simulations and suggests that the external forcing contribution is indeed larger (66%). The majority of models project further drying over the twenty-first century, even under strong cuts to greenhouse gas emissions. Under the two warmest scenarios, over 70% of the late twenty-first century years are projected to be drier than the driest year simulated during the 1901–1960 period. Our results suggest that few, if any, very wet years will occur during 2023–2100, even if strong cuts to global emissions are made.
Nectin-4 regulates cellular senescence-associated enlargement of cell size
Authors: Katasho Ryoko , Nagano Taiki , Iwasaki Tetsushi , Kamada Shinji
Published: December 2023

Cellular senescence is defined as irreversible growth arrest induced by various stress, such as DNA damage and oxidative stress. Senescent cells exhibit various characteristic morphological changes including enlarged morphology. In our recent study, we identified Nectin-4 to be upregulated in cellular senescence by comparative transcriptomic analysis. However, there are few reports on the relationship between Nectin-4 and senescence. Therefore, we analyzed the function of Nectin-4 in senescence and its biological significance. When overexpressed with Nectin-4, the cells exhibited the enlarged cell morphology closely resembling senescent cells. In addition, the cell size enlargement during DNA damage-induced senescence was suppressed by knockdown of Nectin-4, while there were no significant changes in senescence induction. These results suggest that Nectin-4 is not involved in the regulation of senescence itself but contributes to the senescence-associated cell size increase. Furthermore, the Nectin-4-dependent cell size increase was found to be mediated by Src family kinase (SFK)/PI3 kinase (PI3K)/Rac1 pathway. To explore the functional consequences of cell size enlargement, we analyzed cell survival in Nectin-4-depleted senescent cells. Single-cell tracking experiments revealed that Nectin-4 knockdown induced apoptosis in senescent cells, and there is a strong positive correlation between cell size and survival rate. These results collectively indicate that Nectin-4 plays a causative role in the senescence-associated cell size enlargement via SFK/PI3K/Rac1, which can contribute to survival of senescent cells.
A pan-cancer analysis of anti-proliferative protein family genes for therapeutic targets in cancer
Authors: Zhang Siming , Gu Jue , Shi Ling-ling , Qian Bo , Diao Xun , Jiang Xiaohui , Wu Jindong , Wu Zhijun , Shen Aiguo
Published: December 2023

The recently discovered APRO (anti-proliferative protein) family encodes a group of trans-membrane glycoproteins and includes 6 members: TOB1, TOB2, BTG1, BTG2, BTG3 and BTG4. The APRO family is reportedly associated with the initiation and progression of cancers. This study aims to undertake a comprehensive investigation of the APRO family of proteins as a prognostic biomarker in various human tumors. We performed a pan-cancer analysis of the APRO family based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). With the bioinformatics methods, we explored the prognostic value of the APRO family and the correlation between APRO family expression and tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy in numerous cancers. Our results show that the APRO family was primarily down-regulated in cancer samples. The expression of APRO family members was linked with patient prognosis. In addition, APRO family genes showed significant association with immune infiltrate subtypes, tumor microenvironment, and tumor cell stemness. Finally, our study also demonstrated the relationship between APRO family genes and drug sensitivity. This study provides comprehensive information to understand the APRO family’s role as an oncogene and predictor of survival in some tumor types.
Geostatistical modelling of child undernutrition in developing countries using remote-sensed data: evidence from Bangladesh and Ghana demographic and health surveys
Authors: Baffour Bernard , Aheto Justice Moses K. , Das Sumonkanti , Godwin Penelope , Richardson Alice
Published: December 2023

Childhood chronic undernutrition, known as stunting, remains a critical public health problem globally. Unfortunately while the global stunting prevalence has been declining over time, as a result of concerted public health efforts, there are areas (notably in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia) where progress has stagnated. These regions are also resource-poor, and monitoring progress in the fight against chronic undernutrition can be problematic. We propose geostatistical modelling using data from existing demographic surveys supplemented by remote-sensed information to provide improved estimates of childhood stunting, accounting for spatial and non-spatial differences across regions. We use two study areas–Bangladesh and Ghana–and our results, in the form of prevalence maps, identify communities for targeted intervention. For Bangladesh, the maps show that all districts in the south-eastern region are identified to have greater risk of stunting, while in Ghana the greater northern region had the highest prevalence of stunting. In countries like Bangladesh and Ghana with limited resources, these maps can be useful diagnostic tools for health planning, decision making and implementation.
Small workers are more persistent when providing and requiring help in a monomorphic ant
Authors: Turza Filip , Miler Krzysztof
Published: December 2023

The common sand-dwelling Formica cinerea ants possess monomorphic workers, yet with considerable and easily identified size variation. Considering the importance of body size in polymorphic ants and other animals, we test whether size-dependent differences in behaviour occur in this species. We focus on the behaviour of large and small foragers in the context of rescue occurring between nestmates when one of them is entrapped and requires help. We show that workers of different sizes are characterized by a similar frequency of rescue activity and time delay to the first act of rescue. However, small workers rescue for longer than large workers. These results indicate that, although there is no size-related rescue specialization in F. cinerea foragers, small rescuers behave differently than large ones in terms of rescue persistence. Additionally, we show that small workers are more active when trapped. We suggest that variation in behavioural persistence of differently-sized workers may increase the efficiency of rescue actions. This study is the first to find a connection between body size and rescue behaviour in ants and the first to quantify and analyze the behaviour of individuals in need of rescue. These findings add substantially to our understanding of social insects and, more generally, highlight the need to study among-individual behavioural variation in social animals, including those in which body size is judged minute and irrelevant.
Inflammatory response in mouse lungs to haze episodes under different backgrounds of particulate matter exposure
Authors: Zhang Yuanhang , Zhang Yuteng , Liu Kai , Zhu Ningning , Pang Jianfeng , Qian Xin , Li Huiming , Liu Xuemei
Published: December 2023

Particulate matter (PM) toxicity has mostly been investigated through in vitro exposure or tracheal infusion in animal models. However, given the complexity of ambient conditions, most animal studies do not mimic real-life PM exposure. In this work, we established a novel integrated exposure model to study the dynamic inflammatory response and defense strategies in ambient PM-exposed mice. Three groups of male C57BL/6 mice were kept in three chambers with pre-exposure to filtered air (FA), unfiltered air (UFA), or the air with a low PM concentration (PM2.5 ≤ 75 μg/m3) (LPM), respectively, for 37 days. Then all three groups of mice were exposed to haze challenge for 3 days, followed by exposure in filtered air for 7 days to allow recovery. Our results suggest that following a haze challenge, the defense strategies of mice of filtered air (FA) and low PM (LPM) groups comprised a form of “counterattack”, whereas the response of the unfiltered air (UFA) group could be viewed as a “silence”. While the latter strategy protected the lung tissues of mice from acute inflammatory damage, it also foreshadowed the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. These findings contribute to explaining previously documented PM-associated pathogenic mechanisms.
The IL-17-IL-17RA axis is required to promote osteosarcoma progression in mice
Authors: Yoshimura Naoto , Kariya Ryusho , Shimada Masaki , Tateyama Makoto , Matsunaga Hideto , Shibata Yuto , Tanimura Shuntaro , Takata Kosei , Arima Takahiro , Kawakami Junki , Maeda Kazuya , Fukuma Yuko , Uragami Masaru , Ideo Katsumasa , Sugimoto Kazuki , Yonemitsu Ryuji , Matsushita Kozo , Hisanaga Satoshi , Yugami Masaki , Uehara Yusuke , Masuda Tetsuro , Nakamura Takayuki , Tokunaga Takuya , Karasugi Tatsuki , Sueyoshi Takanao , Sato Hiro , Iwakura Yoichiro , Araki Kimi , Kobayashi Eisuke , Okada Seiji , Miyamoto Takeshi
Published: December 2023

Osteosarcoma is rare but is the most common bone tumor. Diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging development of chemotherapeutic agents have increased the survival rate in osteosarcoma patients, although 5-year survival has plateaued at 70%. Thus, development of new treatment approaches is needed. Here, we report that IL-17, a proinflammatory cytokine, increases osteosarcoma mortality in a mouse model with AX osteosarcoma cells. AX cell transplantation into wild-type mice resulted in 100% mortality due to ectopic ossification and multi-organ metastasis. However, AX cell transplantation into IL-17-deficient mice significantly prolonged survival relative to controls. CD4-positive cells adjacent to osteosarcoma cells express IL-17, while osteosarcoma cells express the IL-17 receptor IL-17RA. Although AX cells can undergo osteoblast differentiation, as can patient osteosarcoma cells, IL-17 significantly inhibited that differentiation, indicating that IL-17 maintains AX cells in the undifferentiated state seen in malignant tumors. By contrast, IL-17RA-deficient mice transplanted with AX cells showed survival comparable to wild-type mice transplanted with AX cells. Biopsy specimens collected from osteosarcoma patients showed higher expression of IL-17RA compared to IL-17. These findings suggest that IL-17 is essential to maintain osteosarcoma cells in an undifferentiated state and could be a therapeutic target for suppressing tumorigenesis.
Systematic reduction of hyperspectral images for high-throughput plastic characterization
Authors: Ghaffari Mahdiyeh , Lukkien Mickey C. J. , Omidikia Nematollah , Tinnevelt Gerjen H. , van Eijk Marcel C. P. , Podchezertsev Stanislav , Jansen Jeroen J.
Published: December 2023

Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) combines microscopy and spectroscopy to assess the spatial distribution of spectroscopically active compounds in objects, and has diverse applications in food quality control, pharmaceutical processes, and waste sorting. However, due to the large size of HSI datasets, it can be challenging to analyze and store them within a reasonable digital infrastructure, especially in waste sorting where speed and data storage resources are limited. Additionally, as with most spectroscopic data, there is significant redundancy, making pixel and variable selection crucial for retaining chemical information. Recent high-tech developments in chemometrics enable automated and evidence-based data reduction, which can substantially enhance the speed and performance of Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NMF), a widely used algorithm for chemical resolution of HSI data. By recovering the pure contribution maps and spectral profiles of distributed compounds, NMF can provide evidence-based sorting decisions for efficient waste management. To improve the quality and efficiency of data analysis on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) data, we apply a convex-hull method to select essential pixels and wavelengths and remove uninformative and redundant information. This process minimizes computational strain and effectively eliminates highly mixed pixels. By reducing data redundancy, data investigation and analysis become more straightforward, as demonstrated in both simulated and real HSI data for plastic sorting.
Hypertension linked to Alzheimer’s disease via stroke: Mendelian randomization
Authors: Tang Chao , Ma Yayu , Lei Xiaoyang , Ding Yaqi , Yang Sushuang , He Dian
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and demonstrate the key role of stroke in this relationship using mediating Mendelian randomization. AD, a neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment, and behavioral abnormalities, severely affects the quality of life of patients. Hypertension is an important risk factor for AD. However, the precise mechanism underlying this relationship is unclear. To investigate the relationship between hypertension and AD, we used a mediated Mendelian randomization method and screened for mediating variables between hypertension and AD by setting instrumental variables. The results of the mediated analysis showed that stroke, as a mediating variable, plays an important role in the causal relationship between hypertension and AD. Specifically, the mediated indirect effect value for stroke obtained using multivariate mediated MR analysis was 54.9%. This implies that approximately 55% of the risk of AD owing to hypertension can be attributed to stroke. The results suggest that the increased risk of AD owing to hypertension is mediated through stroke. The finding not only sheds light on the relationship between hypertension and AD but also indicates novel methods for the prevention and treatment of AD. By identifying the critical role of stroke in the link between hypertension and AD, this study provides insights into potential interventions that could mitigate the impact of hypertension on AD. This could help develop personalized treatments and help improve the quality of life of patients with AD who suffer from hypertension.
Exploration-based model learning with self-attention for risk-sensitive robot control
Authors: Kim DongWook , Lee Sudong , Hong Tae Hwa , Park Yong-Lae
Published: December 2023

Model-based reinforcement learning for robot control offers the advantages of overcoming concerns on data collection and iterative processes for policy improvement in model-free methods. However, both methods use exploration strategy relying on heuristics that involve inherent randomness, which may cause instability or malfunction of the target system and render the system susceptible to external perturbations. In this paper, we propose an online model update algorithm that can be directly operated in real-world robot systems. The algorithm leverages a self-attention mechanism embedded in neural networks for the kinematics and the dynamics models of the target system. The approximated model involves redundant self-attention paths to the time-independent kinematics and dynamics models, allowing us to detect abnormalities by calculating the trace values of the self-attention matrices. This approach reduces the randomness during the exploration process and enables the detection and rejection of detected perturbations while updating the model. We validate the proposed method in simulation and with real-world robot systems in three application scenarios: path tracking of a soft robotic manipulator, kinesthetic teaching and behavior cloning of an industrial robotic arm, and gait generation of a legged robot. All of these demonstrations are achieved without the aid of simulation or prior knowledge of the models, which supports the proposed method’s universality for various robotics applications.
Rapid purification of alkylamides from Zanthoxylum bungeanum by medium-pressure liquid chromatography and the establishment of a numbness prediction model using an electronic tongue
Authors: Wang Pengxiang , Zhang Zhuoya , Li Kaikai , Li Chunmei
Published: December 2023

In the present study, an efficient and rapid method for the preparation of high-purity typical alkylamides from Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Z. bungeanum) pericarps using medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) was developed.
Implantable bioelectrodes: challenges, strategies, and future directions
Authors: Hu Mengyuan , Liang Chunyong , Wang Donghui
Published: December 2023

Four kinds of implantable bioelectrodes are reviewed, and their background, development, and complications caused by FBR after implantation are introduced. Strategies to resist FBR are reviewed. We analyze trends in the development of implantable bioelectrodes and outline future research directions.
Mixed-valence compounds based on heterometallic-oxo-clusters containing Sb(iii,v): crystal structures and proton conduction
Authors: Wen Wei-Yang , Ma Wen , Hu Bing , Xiao Hui-Ping , Pan Tian-Yu , Liu Jia-Ting , Lin Hao-Wei , Li Xin-Xiong , Huang Xiao-Ying
Published: December 2023

Isostructural mixed-valence compounds H9.2[Co(H2O)6]{M0.5(H2O)3.5{M’(H2O)4[SbVO6[Co4.2(H2O)5SbIII6(μ3-O)2(tta)6]]}}2·nH2O (M = Co, M’ = Co, n = 9 (1); M = Cd0.39/Co0.61, M’ = Cd0.24/Co0.76, n = 7 (2)) were synthesized. The proton conductivity of 2 is 1.42 × 10−3 S·cm−1 at 85 °C and 98% RH.
Photochromic single atom Ag/TiO2 catalysts for selective CO2 reduction to CH4
Authors: Ban Chaogang , Wang Yang , Feng Yajie , Zhu Zhouhao , Duan Youyu , Ma Jiangping , Zhang Xu , Liu Xue , Zhou Kai , Zou Hanjun , Yu Danmei , Tao Xiaoping , Gan Liyong , Han Guang , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: December 2023

A new all-in-one design concept of constructing photochromic single atom photocatalysts is proposed to achieve both high activity and selectivity of photocatalytic CO2-to-CH4 conversion.
Bromide-based nonflammable electrolyte for safe and long-life sodium metal batteries
Authors: Zuo Changjian , Dong Dejian , Wang Huwei , Sun Yue , Lu Yi-Chun
Published: December 2023

A new highly efficient bromide-based flame-retardant electrolyte with stable cycling stability for sodium metal batteries
Immobilization of biogenic metal nanoparticles on sustainable materials – green approach applied to wastewater treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Rocha Verónica , Lago Ana , Silva Bruna , Barros Óscar , Neves Isabel C. , Tavares Teresa
Published: December 2023

The simultaneous use of bio-resources and sustainable materials as reducing/capping agents and supporting materials to obtain supported metal nanoparticles is a significant green approach applied to wastewater treatment.
Synthesis and evaluation of WK-X-34 derivatives as P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) inhibitors for reversing multidrug resistance
Authors: Cao Fei , Li Yulong , Ma Furong , Wu Zumei , Li Zheshen , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Cheng Xiangdong , Qin Jiang-Jiang , Dong Jinyun
Published: December 2023

Discovery of a novel P-gp inhibitor with high MDR reversal activity and low intrinsic cytotoxicity.
Enhancing the stability and efficiency of carbon-based perovskite solar cell performance with ZrO2-decorated rGO nanosheets in a mesoporous TiO2 electron-transport layer
Authors: Kumar Anjan , Sayyed M. I. , Taki Anmar Ghanim , Valverde Vanessa , Hernández Eduardo
Published: December 2023

Improving the role of electron-transport layers (ETLs) in carbon-based perovskite solar cells (CPSCs) is a promising method to increase their photovoltaic efficiency.
Heterogeneous reservoir computing in second-order Ta2O5/HfO2 memristors
Authors: Ghenzi Nestor , Park Tae Won , Kim Seung Soo , Kim Hae Jin , Jang Yoon Ho , Woo Kyung Seok , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: December 2023

The mixture of leaky and self-rectifying memristors in the reservoir increases the accuracy in MNIST-digits recognition task.
Synthesis of sulfinamides via photocatalytic alkylation or arylation of sulfinylamine
Authors: Yan Ming , Wang Si-fan , Zhang Yong-po , Zhao Jin-zhong , Tang Zhuo , Li Guang-xun
Published: December 2023

Photocatalytic approach for the convenient preparation of sulfinamides with an alkyl or aryl substituent.
A co-axial structure composed of RuO2 on defective N-doped carbon nanotubes as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for overall water splitting
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Guo Bowen , Zhang Ka , Zhang Heng , Bu Keqing , Chen Haipeng , Feng Xun
Published: December 2023

In RuO2-DNCTs, electrons are transferred from defective N to Ru, modifying Ru electronic structure, optimizing the adsorption energy of intermediate species, resulting in an enhanced reaction kinetics for both HER and OER.
Mesogenic behavior of a 6-oxoverdazyl diradical: towards organic high-spin liquid crystals
Authors: Kapuściński Szymon , Szczytko Jacek , Pociecha Damian , Kaszyński Piotr
Published: December 2023

A mesogenic building block based on a 6-oxoverdazyl diradical possessing a robust triplet ground state (ΔES–T= 1.06(2) kcal mol−1) has been developed.
Directing group-assisted selective C–H activation of six-membered N-heterocycles and benzo-fused N-heterocycles
Authors: Mohanty Smruti Ranjan , Prusty Namrata , Nanda Tanmayee , Mahulkar Pranav Shridhar , Ravikumar Ponneri C.
Published: December 2023

Directing group-assisted selective C–H bond activation of six-membered N-heterocycles and benzo-fused N-heterocycles has been reported.
Fabrication and characterization of g-C3N4 supported Cu-single atom catalysts for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes
Authors: Niaz Zunaira , Tariq Saadia Rashid , Chotana Ghayoor Abbas
Published: December 2023

Methylene blue and Congo red dyes are efficiently mineralized in the presence of g-C3N4/Cu single atoms.
Preparation and performance of semiconductor device bonding joints based on Cu@Sn@Ag preform
Authors: Zhang Honghui , Xu Hongyan , Wang Tianwen , Wang Sheng
Published: December 2023

Herein, a 110 A commercial, Si continuous current diode with high heat dissipation power is attached to Cu@Sn@Ag preform, formed by electroplating and physical vapor deposition, and pressed into a preformed sheet under a pressure of 5–10 MPa.
Photoelectrode/electrolyte interfacial band lineup engineering with alloyed III–V thin films grown on Si substrates
Authors: Piriyev Mekan , Loget Gabriel , Léger Yoan , Le Hanh Vi , Chen Lipin , Létoublon Antoine , Rohel Tony , Levallois Christophe , Le Pouliquen Julie , Fabre Bruno , Bertru Nicolas , Cornet Charles
Published: December 2023

In this work, we demonstrate how the classical concept of band gap engineering usually used in III–V semiconductor devices can be extended to the engineering of the band lineup between semiconducting photoelectrodes and electrolytes.
Reduction of inappropriate principal features of the switched reluctance motor using sinusoidal rotor configuration
Authors: Torkaman Hossein , Sohrabzadeh Alireza
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis, electromagnetic evaluation, and prototyping of a novel motor structure called the sinusoidal rotor switched reluctance motor. In this innovative design, a significant departure from the conventional switched reluctance motor is observed, as modifications are made to the rotor with the goal of reduction torque ripple and radial force characteristics. Importantly, despite these advancements, the proposed motor retains the weight and volume characteristics of the traditional, type. The key attributes of these motors have been thoroughly assessed using the three‐dimensional finite element method, complemented by a sensitivity analysis aimed at identifying the most optimal configuration within the proposed design. The findings reveal that the suggested structure successfully achieves a notable reduction in torque ripple and radial force when compared to the traditional counterpart, albeit with an expected reduction in average torque. These features render the new topology particularly well‐suited for applications that prioritise noise and vibration reduction. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed topology is corroborated through experimental tests, providing empirical evidence of its advantages and potential for practical applications.
Bio-based materials from sunflower co-products, a way to generate economical value with low environmental footprint
Authors: Evon Philippe , Jégat Landry , Labonne Laurent , Véronèse Thierry , Ballas Stéphane , Tricoulet Lucas , Li Jing , Geelen Danny
Published: December 2023

Sunflower co-products (i.e., stalks and heads) were recently used to create a value chain of sunflower biomass. On the one hand, bioactive ingredients extracted through twin-screw extrusion can be valorized as ecologically friendly agricultural products. On the other hand, in this study, the remaining solid,i.e., the extrudate, was used for obtaining bio-based materials, generating economical value with low environmental footprint. It is processable into cohesive boards through hot pressing. According to NF EN 312, optimal board (37 MPa flexural strength, and 33% thickness swelling) containing 9.1% (w/w) sunflower proteins as binder can be used as a type P2 board,i.e., for interior fittings (including furniture) in dry environments. For P3 and P4 types, a thickness swelling lower than 20% and 21%, respectively, will be required. The extrudate can be also separated into long fibers and fines. Long fibers can be compression molded into low-density insulation blocks (49 mW/m K thermal conductivity). Fines can be used as a filler for reinforcing (bio)plastics,e.g., polypropylene and poly (lactic acid). These bio composites could be injected into pots or tutors for plants, or even extruded into window openings or exterior decking.
Chirurgische Vorstellung eines innovativen
Gaumenimplantatsystems
Authors: Jung B. A.
Published: December 2023

Einleitung

Das Tomas System ist ein seit vielen Jahren etabliertes System für
Anwendungen im Bereich der skelettalen Verankerung. Seit einiger Zeit wurde die
Produktlinie durch die Einführung eines Gaumenimplantes (Tomas PI,
Dentaurum, Ispringen, Deutschland) erweitert.
Deutsche Übersetzung und Validierung des
patienten-orientierten Fragebogens „Thumb Disability
Examination“ (TDX) zur spezifischen Diagnostik und Verlaufskontrolle bei
Rhizarthrose
Authors: Mert Sinan , Emelianova Iana , Möllhoff Nicholas , Bader Moritz Christian , Giunta Riccardo , Maria Haas-Lützenberger Elisabeth
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) nehmen einen immer
größeren Stellenwert in der gegenwärtigen
Patientenversorgung ein. Leider sind die gängigsten PROMs in der
Handchirurgie sehr zeitaufwändig und decken meist nicht die
tatsächlichen, diagnosespezifischen Beschwerden der Patienten ab. Zur
Diagnostik und Verlaufskontrolle bei Rhizarthrose entwickelten und validierten
Noback und Mitarb. den Fragebogen “Thumb Disability Examination”
(TDX). Dieser aus 20 Fragen bestehende Fragebogen erfasst gezielt die
Alltagseinschränkungen und Schmerzen sowie die patientenberichtete
Zufriedenheit der Daumenfunktion. Ziel dieser Studie ist die Validierung der
deutschen Übersetzung des TDX, der Thumb Disability Examination
– German (TDX-G), und dessen Vergleich mit den derzeitig als
Goldstandard verwendeten deutschsprachigen Versionen des MHQ und qDASH.

Material und Methoden Die Übersetzung und
Rückübersetzung erfolgte gemäß anerkannten
Richtlinien. Zur statistischen Validierung des TDX-G wurden 30 konsekutive
Patienten mit Rhizarthrose unter standardisierten Bedingungen befragt. Die
interne Konsistenz wurde mit Hilfe des Cronbach’s alpha berechnet. Die
Bestimmung der Test-Retest-Reliabilität erfolgte an 10 Patienten, die
den TDX-G in einem Intervall von 2 Wochen zweimal ausfüllten. Die
Validität des TDX-G wurde durch die Berechnung der
Korrelationskoeffizienten des TDX-G mit dem MHQ und qDASH, der subjektiven
Schmerzempfindung (NRS) und den Kraftgraden der Hand (Grob- und Pinchkraft)
bestimmt. Darüber hinaus wurde die Zeit zur Erhebung der einzelnen
Fragebögen verglichen.

Ergebnisse Der TDX-G weist eine hohe interne Konsistenz
(Cronbach’s alpha 0,932) und Test-Retest-Reliabilität
(Intraklassen-Korrelationskoeffizient 0,963 [0,850–0,991]) auf. Es
besteht eine signifikante Korrelation zwischen TDX-G und MHQ
(− 0,782; p<0,001) sowie qDASH (0,833; p<0,001).
Alle Fragebögen korrelieren signifikant mit den Schmerzen bei Belastung
und der Pinchkraft, wobei der TDX-G jeweils die höchste Korrelation
aufweist. Die Zeit zur Erfassung des TDX-G (110±28 s) ist
signifikant geringer als zur Erfassung des MHQ (413±98 s).

Schlussfolgerung Der TDX-G ist ein reliables Instrument zur Diagnostik und
Verlaufskontrolle der Rhizarthrose, das sowohl in der Patientenversorgung als
auch der klinischen Forschung gezielt eingesetzt werden kann und die Beschwerden
präzise ablichtet.
Transient Perivascular Inflammation of the Carotid Artery as a Poorly Recognized Cause of Neck Pain
Authors: Greutert Sophie , Schlomer Tatiana , Righini Marc
Published: December 2023

Transient perivascular inflammation of the carotid artery (TIPIC) syndrome, historically named idiopathic carotidynia or Fay syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the carotid artery. The diagnosis requires a specific clinical–radiological presentation. We describe a 37-year-old female who presented with headaches and left neck pain and was diagnosed with TIPIC syndrome with temporary perivascular infiltration.