bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unifying DFOS Diagnostics to Describe Fracture Morphology
Authors: Byrd D. , Conner T. , Cox C. , Aljawfi F.
Published: January 2025

Understanding fracture morphology is crucial for oil and gas companies, as it influences well placement, trajectory, completions, stimulated reservoir volume, and overall well economics. This study leverages Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) to provide insights into fracture placement, complexity, flow uniformity, regional stresses, geohazards, and interstage communication effects. By integrating near and far field measurements, a comprehensive understanding of fracture propagation driven by completions and geology can be achieved.

The methodology involves collecting fiber data from both a treatment well and an offset well. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and/or Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) are used to measure flow into each cluster of the treatment well, while Distributed Strain Sensing data are collected from the offset well. These data are overlaid to match flow uniformity with cumulative strain profiles, generating a likeness coefficient to describe the similarity of the two measurements and the relationship between the strain corridor and stage length. The strain profile further provides a measure of far field uniformity, indicating the contribution of clusters to the far field.

Results indicate that fracture morphology for each stage demonstrates a degree of simplification that increases with distance, suggesting that on a macro scale fractures propagate as simple planar structures rather than gaining complexity. Additionally, any stage domain corridor wider than the stage length is attributed to interstage communication. These findings help validate erosional DAS flow models, thermo-hydraulic models, and fracture models, highlighting the relationship between uniformity, volume, and initial response.

This research offers operators a deeper understanding of fracture behavior and stimulated reservoir volume. Notably, it proposes that flow distribution estimations in the far field can be achieved without in-well fiber, based on the strong correlation between cluster flow allocation, cumulative strain profiles, and volume to initial response. Unlike previous studies, this work unifies the mechanisms, applies metrics and calculations, and generates uniformity metrics from the far field, providing novel insights into fracture mechanics.
Folate Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer Reveals Links Between Clinical and Immune Traits, Identifying CYP26A1 as a Target
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhu Yifei , Zhou Teng , Li Doudou , Zheng Yao , Yao Yanxi , Lin Minxi , Zeng Cheng , Yan Yuxin , Zhou Yifei
Published: January 2025

Background:Folic acid plays a key role in cellular regulation and metabolism, commonly found in dietary supplements. However, its complex role in colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly in metabolism and immune evasion, remains unclear.
Methods:We developed the FMRG_score system using machine learning algorithms based on TCGA and GEO databases to assess modification patterns influencing CRC patients' clinical and immune characteristics. The system’s reliability was validated using multiple external clinical cohorts receiving immunotherapy. We further explored the relationships between FMRGs-related features and clinical traits, mutation profiles, biological functions, immune infiltration, therapy response, and drug sensitivity.
Results:By combining in vitro experiments and bioinformatics analysis, we established a 9-gene risk model associated with folate metabolism to predict CRC prognosis. Notably, CYP26A1, a key component of the model, was upregulated in CRC tissues, promoting cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Significant differences in clinical traits, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, therapy response, and drug sensitivity were observed between risk groups.
Conclusion:The folate scoring system can assess CRC prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and immune therapy response. This is the first study proposing CYP26A1 as an oncogene in CRC.
Extracellular vesicles from immortalised human amniotic epithelial cells reduce hepatic fibrosis in mice with Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Goonetilleke Mihiri , Correia Jeanne , Chen Yuan , McDonald Hannah , Chan Siow , Inocencio Ishmael , Cross Jonathon , Greening David , Simpson Ian , Sievert William , Lim Rebecca
Published: January 2025

Background
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) describe progressive stages of liver disease that occurs secondary to inflammation driven by abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation. Treatment that addresses the pathophysiology that underlies MASH/HCC progression is currently lacking. Human amniotic epithelial cell derived EVs (hAEC-EVs) demonstrate anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and reparative properties.
Methods
We aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of immortalised hAEC-EVs (ihAEC-EVs) in a murine model of MASH and HCC and characterize both protein and miRNA cargo to explain therapeutic mechanisms. MASH and HCC was induced in mice following a ‘western diet’ and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) exposure for 12 weeks or 24 weeks respectively. 10µg of ihAEC EVs (treatment) and 10mg/kg obeticholic acid (treatment benchmark) was administered via oral gavage. Serum was collected for metabolic parameter analysis and livers were collected for histological and molecular analysis.
Results
Oral administration of ihAEC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) significantly reduced liver fibrosis and inflammation in MASH by reducing hepatic stellate cells and macrophages. These findings are supported by protein and miRNA analysis that reveals presence of EV cargo that modulates pathways linked to hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and LPC response.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that oral administration of ihAEC-EVs is a promising cell-free therapy for the treatment of MASLD and MASH, having a significant impact on the treatment possibilities for patient's suffering from chronic liver disease. Further, this study allowed us to deduce and validate pathways involved in MASH progression and identify candidate proteins and miRNAs to focus on for future mechanism of action experiments.
Exciton-polariton condensate in the van der Waals magnet CrSBr
Authors: Han Bo , Shan Hangyong , Song Kok Wee , Lackner Lukas , Esmann Martin , Solovyeva Vita , Eilenberger Falk , Regner Jakub , Sofer Zdenek , Kyriienko Oleksandr , Schneider Christian
Published: January 2025

Van der Waals magnets are an emergent material class of paramount interest for fundamental studies in coupling light with matter excitations, which are uniquely linked to their underlying magnetic properties. Among these materials, the magnetic semiconductor CrSBr is possibly a first playground where we can study simultaneously the interaction of photons, magnons, and excitons at the quantum level. Here we demonstrate a coherent macroscopic quantum phase, the bosonic condensation of exciton-polaritons, which emerges in a CrSBr flake embedded in a fully tunable cryogenic open optical cavity. The Bose condensate is characterized by a highly non-linear threshold-like behavior, and coherence manifests distinctly via its first and second order quantum coherence. We find that the condensate's non-linearity is highly susceptible to the magnetic order in CrSBr, and encounters a sign change depending on the antiferro- and ferromagnetic ordering. Our findings open a route towards magnetically controllable quantum fluids of light, and optomagnonic devices where spin magnetism is coupled to on-chip Bose-Einstein condensates.
Representation of Present and Future of Mean and Extreme Precipitation in CMIP6 HighResMIP Simulation over West Africa
Authors: Ajibola Felix Olabamiji , Afolayan Stella Abosede , Okanlawon Abiola Abayomi , Ibiam Aderonke Temilade , Itiowe Oluwatosin Onajite
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the representation of present and future of mean and extreme precipitation in the High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) within the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) simulations over West Africa. The ensemble means of eight high- and low-resolution simulations, referred to as ENSEMBLE-H and ENSEMBLE-L, were analyzed for the period 2025–2049. Future mean and extreme precipitation patterns were examined for two sub regions of West Africa: the Sahel and the Guinea Coast. Projected annual rainfall peaks at 250 mm/month in May and 150 mm/month in both August and September. The onset of precipitation is expected between the 35th and 67th day of the year for the Guinea Coast, and between the 135th and 165th day for the Sahel. Cessation days are projected between the 315th and 330th day for the Guinea Coast, and between the 250th and 280th day for the Sahel. The length of the growing season is anticipated to increase, reaching around 10 months for the Guinea Coast and 4 months for the Sahel by 2045–2049. High rainfall events are projected to occur in 2035 and 2036, exceeding normal levels. The spatio-temporal analysis of extreme precipitation shows a more significant increase in the highest one-day precipitation over the Sahel (approximately 30%) compared to the Guinea Coast (less than 20%). Additionally, heavy rainfall events (r10mm) are projected to see a positive change of around 8% over the Guinea Coast and 12% over the Sahel. These results suggest potential future re-greening of the Sahel. A greater positive change in precipitation is projected over the Sahel compared to the Guinea Coast during the 2025–2049 period.
Unexpected strong paramagnetism of hydrogels containing carbon-oxygen double bonds induced by calcium cations
Authors: Fang Haiping , Chen Ruoyang , Zhang Yueyu , Huang Xing , Wang Liping , Zhang Lei , Song Chao , Dai Lixiong , Zhang Min , Wang Jun , Jian Yong , Xu Weiyuan , Dong Hui , Peng Bingquan , He Shuqiang , Liang Shanshan , Dai Fangfang , Fan Qihui , Ye Fangfu , Zhang Xin , Zhang Feng
Published: January 2025

Hydrogels do not have observable interaction with external magnetic fields as they are conventionally thought to be diamagnetic. If hydrogels alone can be magnetically controlled, they can promise wider applications without concerns about side effects of additives. Here we show that calcium cations can induce strong paramagnetism of hydrogels containing structures rich in carbon-oxygen double bonds, including alginate, carboxymethyl chitosan, polyacrylamide, and N-isopropyl acrylamide. Both experiments and computations reveal that the ubiquitous presence of net magnetic moments, the key to paramagnetism, is induced by the unexpected coupling of one calcium cation and one carbon-oxygen double bond. The paramagnetic phenomenon is also observed in the endogenous biomolecule sodium hyaluronate with calcium cations. We further demonstrate safe applications of the strongly paramagnetic alginate-calcium hydrogel as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging and a carrier in magnetic drug delivery. Our findings provide novel insights into the origin of magnetism and advance magnetism-related biomedical innovations.
Immunomics-guided biomarker discovery for human liver fluke infection and infection-associated cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sadaow Lakhanna , Rodpai Rutchanee , Smout Michael , Nakajima Rie , Boonroumkaew Patcharaporn , Sotillo Javier , Tedla Bemnet , Luvira Vor , Kitkhuandee Amnat , Paonariang Krisada , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Suttiprapa Sutas , Laha Thewarach , Sr Banchob , de Assis Rafael ,   Aarti Jain1, Ittiprasert Wannaporn , Mann Victoria , Wong Yide , Felgner Philip , Maleewong Wanchai , Brindley Paul , Loukas Alex , Intapan Pewpan
Published: January 2025

Objectives. Sensitive diagnostics are needed to improve management and surveillance of opisthorchiasis and opisthorchiasis-associated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), given the major public health problem of this condition in East Asia. We aimed to screen the Opisthorchis viverrini recombinant proteome to identity antibody biomarkers of liver fluke infection and fluke-associated CCA with sera from study participants in endemic populations and evaluate their utility as point-of-care immunochromatographic tests (PoC-ICTs).
Methods. We constructed a proteome array containing 245 mass spectrometry-validated proteins from the O. viverrini secretome and screened the array with sera from endemic populations. Antigens that were IgG-reactive for diagnosing infection as well as infection-associated CCA were recombinantly expressed and incorporated into PoC-ICTs to assess their predictive values for diagnosing liver fluke infection and infection-associated CCA from sera.
Results. Two of the most promising antigens from the proteome array screen, P1 and P9, were each incorporated into PoC-ICTs to further validate their diagnostic performance. Significant correlations were observed between P1-IgG reactivity and fecal egg counts (r = 0.432, p < 0.001) and between P9-IgG4 reactivity and fecal egg counts (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). The P9-IgG4 PoC-ICT was superior amongst the single recombinant antigen tests, yielding a sensitivity of 76.3% and specificity of 87.5%. For diagnosing fluke-induced CCA, both P1-IgG and P9-IgG4 out-performed parasite crude extract-IgG ICTs, including in combination form; 75% of patients were positive for at least IgG or IgG4 against ES products whereas 92% of patients were positive for at least one of the P1-IgG (AUC 0.84) or P9-IgG4 ICTs.
Conclusion. We identified two biomarkers of O. viverrini infection and infection-associated CCA that could form the basis of novel antibody serodiagnostic tests. This study represents a truly bench-to-field approach to advance the development of serodiagnostics for human liver fluke infection and associated cancer.
Numerical and analytical modeling of shear-yielding dampers under lateral cyclic loading
Authors: Ali Yasmin , Elgammal Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Shear-yielding dampers play a vital role in eccentrically braced framed structures, by dissipating seismic energy and safeguarding surrounding structural components. These short members are deliberately designed to yield in shear under lateral loads, enabling efficient energy absorption while minimizing damage to other elements. This study investigates the reliability of numerical and analytical models in capturing the cyclic behavior of shear-yielding steel dampers. A robust methodology for constructing a 3D finite element model is developed, incorporating geometric imperfections and a material model capable of simulating cyclic plasticity. The numerical model is validated against experimental data, demonstrating excellent agreement in predicting key parameters such as yield shear force, ultimate shear strength, and elastic stiffness. Furthermore, a refined isotropic-kinematic hardening analytical model is presented, calibrated using a parametric study of 64 specimens to replicate hysteretic behavior observed in numerical tests. The refined analytical model not only predicts hysteretic curves and skeleton curves with high accuracy but also addresses limitations of existing formulations by incorporating ultimate shear strength criteria.
Biostratigraphy of Late Triassic deposits, based on foraminiferal fauna in the Central Iran Zone (Posht badam Block)
Authors: Hadadi Nooshin , Afghah Massih
Published: January 2025

In order to conformity of the sedimentary environment and biological fauna of Late Triassic deposits in each of blocks of the Central Iran, including Lut, Tabas, Posht badam and Yazd blocks, as well as to study the tectonics of the region, were selected sever sections in these blocks, including one section It was studied in the south of Posht badam block in Kerman region, this section is located in the northwest of Kerman city, and Between the Kohbanan and Posht badam faults. The studied section with a thickness of 112 meters is mostly composed of shale, sandstone and limestone. it has many fossils including Bivalves, Sponges, Corals, Bryozoa, Microgastropods and Cephalopods, especially Belemnite, which generally shows the presence of Late Triassic sediments (Norian-Rhaetian) in this area. According to the identified index foraminifera, 8 interval & Concurrence rang biozones Including 5 interval Zone Rectoglandulina tenuis, Triassina hantkeni, Ophtalmidum exigum, Angulodiscus communis, Planiinvoluta regularis and 3 Concurrence rang Zone Turrispirillina minima, Involutina liassica, Duostomina alta, were recognized in the Upper Triassic deposits. Based on the identified biozones, the age of the studied sequences, Late Norian - Early Rhaetian, Middle Rhaetian, Until the end of the Triassic, Late Rhaetian to the beginning of Lias is suggested that they are formation considered equivalent to the members of Howz Khan and Qhadir members from the Nayband Formation in central Iran.
Flow characteristics of a high-intensity cooling header pipe used to cool hot-rolled strips
Authors: Wang Jian , Shi Jianhui , Sun Xuemei , Xu Chuntian
Published: January 2025

High intensity cooling header is a key equipment in the after rolling cooling process for hot rolled strip. Notably, the internal flow characteristics of the header significantly affect the quality and efficiency of cooling. This study examined the influence of slot outlet shape on the flow characteristics of a high-intensity cooling header pipe during the post-rolling cooling process of a hot-rolled strip. The main dimensionless parameters were buffer platform height versus slot height (h3/h2) and chamfer height versus slot height (h4/h2). Through numerical simulations using FLUENT, the influence of four different outlet shapes on the magnitude and uniformity of outlet velocity were calculated at an inlet pressure of 0.5 MPa. The results showed that type I, II, and III nozzles provide better velocity enhancement than conventional rectangular nozzles. When the outlet cross-section width (w1) and slit height (h2) were set to 2 mm and 5 mm, respectively, certain changes to the slot chamfer size, angle, and shrinkage angle (α) increased the average jet velocity in the central region by about 20% when compared to the use of a rectangular nozzle, and the velocity differences were also reduced by about 50%. When h2 was 10 mm, the effect of chamfer size, angle, and shrinkage angle (α) on the magnitude of the outlet velocity tended to increase. These findings demonstrate the influence of outlet shape on the flow characteristics of high-intensity cooling headers, guiding improvements in the performance of these equipment.
Trimethylamine N-Oxide dysregulates the expression of tight junctions through Highly Upregulated Liver Carcinoma (HULC) in cellular model of colorectal cancer.
Authors: Najafpour Sonya , Moradzad Mohammad , Rahimi Karim , Alighardashi Zahra , Vahabzadeh Zakaria
Published: January 2025

Backgrounds and Aim:Colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis is correlated with dysregulation of tight junction. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) alters the expression of tight junction proteins in a colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line.
Material and Method: The study utilized the CRISPR/Cas13 system for targeted knock down of HULC in Caco-2 cells, followed by treatment with trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO). Tight junction components, including ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin, were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). To investigate the role of the P38MAPK pathway, the specific inhibitor SB203580 was used in cells treated with TMAO to comprehensively assess tight junction regulation. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA to compare the mean ± SD between different groups, followed by paired comparisons using the t-test.
Results: Cells treated with TMAO showed a significant upregulation of the oncogenic long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HULC (Highly Upregulated in Liver Cancer), , accompanied by increased expression of p38 MAPK. Interestingly, a significant downregulation of ZO-1 and Claudin-1 was observed as a result of TMAO treatment, which was modulated by the HULC/p38 MAPK axis. However, Occludin expression was also reduced by TMAO, but it remained unaffected by the HULC/p38 MAPK pathway.
Conclusion: This study revealed a novel TMAO/HULC/p38 MAPK axis involved in the regulation of tight junctions in a colorectal cancer cell line model. TMAO treatment significantly reduced the expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin. Further in vivo research is strongly recommended to clarify the impact of TMAO on the integrity of colorectal cancer cells.
Symptom Clustering of Dysphagia Phenotypes by Unsupervised Machine Learning Using Multidimensional Characteristics: A Cross-sectional Study of the Elderly Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Dai Yinuo , Wang Haifang , Gong Zhina , Cai Jianzheng
Published: January 2025

Background: Dysphagia severely affects the elderly population, but its signs and symptoms are variable. Existing assessment tools fall short in considering the coordination of relevant muscle groups in the pathology of dysphagia and fail to characterize dysphagia in a comprehensive manner.
Methods: Senior dysphagia patients (>65 years old) diagnosed by Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study at several tertiary hospitals in Suzhou were enrolled from June 2022 to October 2024. They were clustered into different phenotypes by the k-means algorithm based on their respiratory, swallowing, and articulatory functions. The characteristics of demographics, medical history, and two dysphagia outcomes were compared across the different clustering results.
Results: The 1,301 enrolled patients were divided into four distinct clusters (phenotypes) that featured minimal impairment (MN, n = 462, 35.5%), respiratory-dominant impairment (RD, n = 305, 23.4%), articulatory-dominant impairment (AD, n = 301, 23.2%), and multimodal impairment (MT, n = 233, 17.9%), respectively. Each phenotype exhibited a unique combination of respiratory, swallowing, and articulatory impairments, and the demographics and medical history differed significantly between phenotypes. The eating ability and the incidence of swallowing-related complications both differed significantly (P < .001) between phenotypes. The impairment ranked in the order of MT > RD > AD > MN.
Discussion: This study identified different phenotypes of dysphagia based on multidimensional patient characteristics with unique clinical features and outcomes. The findings support the development of targeted therapeutic strategies to improve patient prognosis.
Research on the Three-Dimensional Evolution Mechanism and Local Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Lining Crack Damage
Authors: Chen Xiang , Feng Wanlin , lin Zhi , Lv Xilin , Yang Hongyun , Xu Zhanglong , Gou Xiaoying
Published: January 2025

Accurate detection of the internal damage of lining structures is a critical technology for assessing the structural health. Due to the complexity and concealed nature of tunnel structures, detecting internal damage faces numerous challenges. This paper focuses on large-scale reinforced concrete tunnel lining components. By collecting and analyzing the deformation, crack propagation, safety factor, and ultrasonic imaging data during the experimental process, the following main conclusions are drawn:(1) The load-bearing performance evolution of reinforced concrete tunnel linings exhibits distinct four-stage characteristics, namely the elastic, elastic-plastic, plastic, and failure stages.(2) Under the same vertical load, an increase in horizontal load significantly reduces the amplitude of the tensile strain of the component and substantially enhances the structural load-bearing capacity.(3) The crack propagation and evolution of the reinforced concrete lining show clear stages, including the crack initiation stage, Mode I crack propagation stage, Mode II crack propagation stage, and the compression zone failure stage. Initially, crack propagation corresponds to a gradual increase in load-bearing capacity, but when it penetrates the compression zone, there is a sharp decline in load-bearing capacity.(4) A multi-parameter comprehensive analysis method can effectively assess the structural load-bearing performance of reinforced concrete tunnel linings.
Dynamic Graph Convolution and Interaction Network for Traffic Flow Forecasting
Authors: He Hongxia , Li Xi , Chen Peng , Shan Wenyu , Cao Shufeng , Wu Lei
Published: January 2025

The forecasting of traffic flow is crucial for optimizing urban traffic operations, improving public transport services, and reducing environmental pollution. However, due to the complex correlation and nonlinearity of traffic flow over time and space, accurately capturing this dynamic spatio-temporal dependence could be challenging. Most existing approaches could be struggling to fully understand the impact of real-time interactions between different geographic locations and to integrate dynamic data over long time scales effectively. To address these challenges, we propose an efficient Dynamic Graph Convolution and Interaction Network (DGCINet). This method enables the simultaneous capture of temporal and spatial dependencies by embedding the graph convolution network into an interactive learning structure to achieve effective long-term traffic flow forecasting. We also leverage a novel dynamic graph convolution method, using merged real-time generated graphs from adaptive and learnable adjacency matrix, to capture the spatial correlation of real-time changes in traffic networks. Furthermore, we have integrated a spatio-temporal adaptive Transformer that could extract global and local features simultaneously. On four real traffic flow datasets, DGCINet's prediction performance is significantly better than the other nine baseline methods, improving the average prediction precision by 6.3%.
Discerning Human and AI-Generated Content in Short- Form Text
Authors: Jadhwani Somesh , Jain Shreya , Doshi Pankti
Published: January 2025

With the exponential rise in AI-powered language models, distinguishing human-generated text from AI-generated content has become increasingly vital for combating misinformation and maintaining trust on online platforms. This study explores the unique challenge of identifying whether casual, short-form user reviews on e-commerce websites are authored by humans or generated by AI. A comprehensive dataset comprising over 60,000 genuine reviews and 17,645 AI-generated reviews, spanning various product categories, was created through web scraping and the use of advanced language models. Leveraging robust feature engineering, model development, and statistical analysis, this research demonstrates the potential to reliably classify human and AI-generated content in informal, short-form contexts.
HIV and Syphilis in Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from Healthcare Facilities in Southern Tanzania
Authors: Shedura Vulstan James , Kongogwa Rehema Jumanne , Kamori Doreen Donald
Published: January 2025

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is a chronic infection transmitted sexually, through blood transfusion, or vertically from mother to fetus. In pregnancy, it poses a significant public health risk, particularly in developing countries like Tanzania, contributing to perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, data on syphilis and its risk factors, especially among pregnant women living with HIV, are scarce. This study aimed to assess the burden and identify risk factors for syphilis infection among HIV-infected pregnant women attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission clinic services in selected health facilities in the Mtwara region. This health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted over three months among pregnant women living with HIV attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission clinic services in the Mtwara region. A structured questionnaire was used to gather demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. Blood samples (4 ml) were collected for syphilis screening and confirmatory tests. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified significant factors associated with syphilis infection in pregnant women, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. Two hundred and twenty (n=220) pregnant women living with HIV were enrolled in this study. The median age of the participants was 32.7 years (IQR: 27.6-37.6). The majority (45.5%) of the participants were married, 71.4% had primary education, 47.7% were unemployed, 77.7% were multigravida, and 40.5% were in the second trimester. The prevalence of syphilis infection was 10.9% (24/220). In addition, being in the second trimester of the gestation period [aOR=5.69: 95% CI 1.44-22.46, p=0.013] and being infected with hepatitis B virus [aOR=31.39: 95% CI 9.45-104.23, p<0.001] were independent factors associated with syphilis infection among pregnant women living with HIV in the Mtwara region. The study revealed a significant burden of syphilis infection among pregnant women living with HIV in the Mtwara region, with advanced gestational age (especially in the second trimester) and co-infection with hepatitis B virus identified as key risk factors. The findings emphasize the importance of routine, integrated screening for syphilis and other infections, including hepatitis B, to reduce infection burden, prevent vertical transmission, and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Metabolic flux analysis in hiPSC-CMs reveals insights into cardiac dysfunction in propionic acidemia
Authors: Richard Eva , Marchuk Hannah , Álvarez Mar , He Wentao , Chen Xiaoxin , Desviat Lourdes R. , Zhang Guo-Fang
Published: January 2025

Propionic acidemia is an inborn error of metabolism caused by mutations in either the PCCA or PCCB genes. Patients with propionic acidemia experience a range of complications, including life-threatening cardiac dysfunctions. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying propionic acidemia-associated cardiac diseases remain largely unknown. To gain insights into the metabolic alterations in propionic acidemia, we studied human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes generated from a patient with propionic acidemia with two pathogenic PCCA mutations (p.Cys616_Val633del and p.Gly477Glufs9*) and from a healthy individual. Using stable isotope-based metabolic flux analysis, we confirmed that the PCCA mutations lead to impaired propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. In addition to being converted to propionylcarnitine, the accumulated propionyl-CoA can also be hydrolyzed to propionate and exported out of the cell, serving as a secondary “pressure valve” to regulate cellular propionyl-CoA levels. Interestingly, the deficiency of propionyl-CoA carboxylase was found to shift fuel metabolism from fatty acid oxidation to increased glucose metabolism human in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes from patients with propionic acidemia. This metabolic switch is less energy-efficient and may contribute to the development of chronic cardiac dysfunction in patients with propionic acidemia.
Differential expression profiling and functional prediction of circRNA in hypoxia-induced human retinal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Chen Juan , Wang Ning , Li Jing , Luo Xianqiong , Ma Jian
Published: January 2025

Background
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a severe retinal disorder primarily affecting premature infants, characterized by abnormal retinal blood vessel development. The pathogenesis of ROP is closely linked to hypoxic conditions, with human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) being particularly sensitive to hypoxia. Despite advancements in understanding ROP, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its development remain poorly understood. Recent studies have identified the involvement of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in various human diseases, including retinal disorders, but their role in ROP remains unclear.
Methods
This study established a hypoxic cell model of ROP using HRMECs and analyzed the differential expression profiles of circRNAs induced by hypoxia using whole-transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed circRNAs (DE-circRNAs) were validated through qRT-PCR, and functional analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, were conducted. Bioinformatics techniques were employed to construct circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks.
Results
A total of 1,714 circRNAs were differentially expressed between normoxic and hypoxic groups, with 899 upregulated and 815 downregulated (fold-change ≥ 2, p ≤ 0.05). GO analysis revealed that DE-circRNAs were involved in various cellular processes, while KEGG analysis identified several associated pathways. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks indicated that DE-circRNAs may contribute to ROP pathogenesis through the circRNA-targeted miRNA-mRNA axis.
Conclusions
This study identified the differential expression profile of circRNAs in the HRMEC hypoxia model. The findings suggest that the hsa_circ_0140253/hsa-miR-210-3p/ERFR and hsa_circ_0140253/hsa-miR-210-3p/PPARGC1A pathways are involved in ROP development via a sponge mechanism.
Autonomous Airport Runway Recognition for Fixed-Wing Aircraft Based on YOLOv8
Authors: Xiong Xuhai , Zhu Shaoqiang , Zhang Lei , Song Qi , Wang Zhujun , Li Yadong
Published: January 2025

In the scenario of autonomous landing for fixed-wing aircraft using vision as the primary sensor, there is a demand for airport runway recognition. Therefore, this paper introduces three modules—Wavelet Transform Convolutional Layer (WTConv), Context-Guided Network (CGNet), and Lightweight Dynamic Upsampling (DySample)—based on YOLOv8 to improve the model. Experimental results demonstrate that after enhancing the base dataset and applying augmentation, the improved model achieves mAP50 scores of 0.65 and 0.734, respectively, representing improvements of 0.07 and 0.04. The GFLOPs of the improved model decrease to 7.9, and the FPS increases, indicating a reduced computational burden and enhanced real-time performance when processing images. The research presented in this paper reduces the computational load during autonomous landing of fixed-wing aircraft, while improving recognition accuracy and recall rate, making the task safer and more efficient. This work is of great significance in promoting the development of autonomous landing technology. Future efforts will focus on further optimizing the model and exploring multi-sensor information fusion to enhance recognition accuracy and robustness.
Enhancing Energy-Resource Allocation in Cloud Environments: A Hybrid Approach Integrating Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Goyal Shanky
Published: January 2025

The ability to access, modify, and configure data online via the web is provided by cloud computing. The term "cloud" describes an internet network that may be accessed remotely and from any location at any time. Given that more money is invested in real, physical infrastructure than in cloud technologies, cloud computing is unquestionably an innovation. The topic of power consumption by cloud infrastructure is the focus of this paper. Algorithms and methods that can lower energy usage and schedule resources are required for servers to function effectively. Another important component of cloud computing is load balancing, which allows for the balanced distribution of load among several servers in order to meet customers' increasing demands. The current study employed a variety of optimization strategies, including Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Cat Swarm Optimization (CSO), BAT, Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA) optimization algorithm, Whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and Hybrid WOABAT or load balancing, energy economy, and improved resource scheduling. The Whale optimization algorithm performed better than other algorithms in terms of response time, energy consumption, execution time, and throughput when tested with 7 and 8 servers.
In vitro and in silico studies of Vallisneria spiralis for breast cancer treatment.
Authors: Waykar Ravindra , Kumarapillai Srinivasakumar
Published: January 2025

This research article investigates the anticancer potential of Vallisneria spiralis Linnaeus (Vallisneria spiralis L.) for human breast cancer management. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that increasing concentrations of Vallisneria spiralis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) resulted in greater cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The antioxidant potential of Vallisneria spiralis L. was assessed using 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydroxyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, which showed promising results. In silico analysis involved molecular docking of Vallisneria spiralis L. phytocompounds with the target protein (PDB ID: 3CZH). This study presents a novel approach to breast cancer treatment by developing a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system derived from Vallisneria spiralis L.
Single-center experience with laparoscopic diaphragmatic plication for diaphragmatic eventration
Authors: Fang Jie , Shi Zhaoqi , Fan Xiaoxiao , Huang Diyu , Tang Liming
Published: January 2025

Background:
Diaphragmatic eventration is a rare condition characterized by the abnormal elevation of the diaphragm due to muscular deficiency, which impacts respiratory and gastrointestinal functions. Historically, open surgical approaches have been utilized for treatment; however, laparoscopic diaphragmatic plication (LDP) has emerged as a less invasive alternative, offering benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 15 patients with diaphragmatic eventration presenting with respiratory or upper abdominal symptoms. All patients underwent LDP under general anesthesia, which involved diaphragmatic plication and reinforcement with a double-deck complex patch. The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative complications, the descending distance of the diaphragm, symptom improvement, and long-term follow-up to assess recurrence. Secondary outcomes included operative time, blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay.
Results:
The average age of participants was 66 ± 8 years, with all cases involving left diaphragmatic eventration. The mean surgical duration was 106 ± 4 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 11.5 ± 6.6 ml. Postoperative complications included pleural effusion in seven patients, with four requiring drainage. Diaphragmatic plication effectively lowered the diaphragm by 1.7 ± 0.8 intercostal spaces. Thirteen patients showed significant improvement in symptoms, while one experienced persistent epigastric pain and another ongoing dyspnea. Pulmonary function tests revealed improved percent predicted Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1%) and percent predicted Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1%) in four out of five patients. During an 8- to 68-month follow-up, one patient experienced symptom recurrence 18 months postoperatively, attributed to chronic constipation causing increased intra-abdominal pressure.
Conclusions:
LDP is a safe and effective treatment for diaphragmatic eventration, significantly improving respiratory function and symptoms. However, comprehensive preoperative assessment and management of underlying conditions are crucial to prevent recurrence and optimize long-term outcomes. Future studies with larger cohorts and prospective designs are warranted to further evaluate the long-term efficacy of LDP.
Investigation of the Association between Computed Tomography Hounsfield Units and Cerebral Infarction Phases: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ali Babar , Amir Abdullah , Ago Jacob Leonard , Khalid Muhammad Ibtsam
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose: Cerebral infarction is a severe medical condition that requires accurate diagnosis and management and can be achieved with the used of computed tomography (CT). Hounsfield unit (HU) values measured on CT scans may provide essential information concerning the severity of cerebral infarction. This study investigated the association between the HU values and the severity (phase) of cerebral infarction.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to gather data from 102 patients over seven months (August 2023 to February 2024) at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital after the study had been ethically approved by an institutional review board. HU measurements were made with standardized CT protocol on a 4-slice Toshiba equipment. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially to reveal the association between HU measurements and the severity of cerebral infarction (acute, sub-acute, and chronic phases). The inferential statistics included Bayesian ANOVA and one-way ANOVA, assuming significance at p≤0.05.
Results: The study found a significant association between the HU values and the severity of cerebral infarction (p<0.000), with the acute phase exhibiting higher mean values (HU=22.31), while the sub-acute and chronic phases followed with HU values of 14.63 and 7.04 respectively. There was a progressive decrease in HU values from the acute phase (HU range = 19 to 25) to the chronic phase (HU values <10).
Conclusion: This study identified a significant relationship between the CT phases and the HU values in cerebral infarction. The results show the clinical significance of HU values in potentially diagnosing and managing cerebral infarction. An understanding of the association between the HU measurements and CT phase may be useful in accurately evaluating cerebral infarctions and subsequently make informed decisions regarding patient management and treatment. The results also underscore the importance and potential of HU values in evaluating cerebral infarctions, providing a roadmap for improving patient outcomes in the diagnosis of cerebral infarctions with CT.
Towards a Food Secure Future under Changing Climate in Ghana: The Role of Opportunity Crops
Authors: MacCarthy Dilys S. , Adiku Samuel G. , Valdivia Roberto , Freduah Bright S. , Karl Kevin , Wesley Gershom O. , Guarin Jose R. , Yang Meijian , Freeman Comfort , Owusu Justina S. , Castellano Andres A. , Clottey Joseph K. , Narh Stephen , Ruane Alex C. , Jägermeyr Jonas , Contreras Erik Mencos , Amoako Kingsley K. , Rosenzweig Cynthia E.
Published: January 2025

There is a renewed interest in ‘opportunity’ (or underutilized) crops due to their potential to bolster food security, environmental resilience, and nutritional benefits. However, low productivity, underdeveloped markets, and limited research investment constrain their widespread adoption. These crops are generally well adapted to harsh conditions, but their vulnerability to climate change and their economic viability within current agricultural systems remain unknown. This study employed a novel climate-crop modeling framework to assess climate change impacts on the productivity of seven opportunity crops compared to three established reference crops in Ghana. Results indicate that opportunity crops are projected to have significantly higher biophysical resilience to climate change. A literature review suggests they could enhance the macro and micro nutrient content of diets in Ghana. Through multi-stakeholder consultations, markets, cultivation, processing, and utilization, are factors are identified that would strengthen the adoption of these crops. Scenarios for adopting cowpeas, a climate-resilient opportunity crop for mixed-crop farmers in Northern Ghana, suggest a reduction in food insecurity by 18–25%, with adoption rates projected between 60–68%. This study proposes a science-policy framework to support the research and decision-making priorities needed to unlock the potential of these crops for a more resilient future in Ghanaian agriculture.
A review of the irradiation effect on the quality and safety of different types of meat
Authors: Qadr H. M. , Salih N. F.
Published: January 2025

This review explores the benefits of irradiation in improving the quality and safety of different meat types. The process involves exposing meat in a shielded room using one source of radiation that can be gamma radiation, electron beam or X-radiation for a specified period of time. Through the use of this technology, parasites, viruses, insects and bacteria can be effectively reduced, which in turn increases the lifespan and quality of meat products. According to products to be irradiated and the bacteria to be eradicated, the radiation dose could be high, low or medium. Irradiating meat at an appropriate dose does not affect its sensory qualities such as taste, texture and color. The impact of irradiation on nutritional and chemical aspects of different types of meat is complex, since free radicals can cause lipid oxidation and alter vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids. Furthermore, irradiation can also affect physical properties of meat, such as texture and tenderness. This review also summarizes the available information on the impact of irradiation on the extension of meat shelf life.
Gas discharge visualization as a promising tool for meat analysis during its storage
Authors: Shkabrou A. U. , Chernukha I. M. , Raznichenka V. D. , Lazovikava L. U. , Andreeva I. I. , Baitava S. N.
Published: January 2025

Recently a lot of analytical methods have been developed, however, only a few of them have found application in the meat industry, since they do not provide sufficient understanding of the processes that occur in meat during its storage. The use of the GDV method for analyzing the food products quality has got a number of advantages, since it allows for quick and non-invasive getting of information on the food product condition, which capability may be quite promising for meat analysis. The study described in this paper is based on the GDV method application for analyzing the condition of the chilled pork at various stages of its storage and for detecting the peculiar changes in its quality.

The study analyzed samples of Sus scrofa m. longissimus dorsi stored at a temperature of 0 to 4 °C for five days. Using the software ImageJ to analyze the gas-discharge glow of meat, its main parameters were obtained, such as an area, average radius of glow and color characteristics. The most significant characteristics of the gas-discharge glow were determined, among which the glow area, shape factor, uncertainty and dispersion were focused on. It was shown that synchronously with the development of rigor mortis, there was a decrease in the area of the gas-discharge glow, and with its resolution and further storage of meat — a noticeable increase. The dispersion of the radius of meat glow by the end of the storage period increased by 2.03 times in comparison with the original value, and the gas discharge was unstable and featured a large number of streamer branches.

The influence of histostructural changes and fractional composition of proteins on the properties of the electromagnetic field during GDV of meat has been proven. It has been shown that the method of gas discharge visualization, along with histological studies, can be used to analyze meat during its storage and defining the depth of autolytic changes that take place in the meat.
DNAR decisions in the peri-operative period (ARCHIVED)
Authors:   Association of Anaesthetists, Gemmell L , McBrien ME , Heyburn G , Hassell M , Bythell V , Rivett K , Bion J , Wiliams S , Stack C , Cunningham A
Published: January 2025

Do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) decisions pose a conundrum where patients are scheduled to undergo anaesthesia, because techniques routinely undertaken in the course of anaesthesia would ordinarily be classified as resuscitation. Yet it’s increasingly common for patients to be scheduled for anaesthesia and surgery with a pre-existing DNAR decision in place. These guidelines (which apply only to adult patients) are intended for use by all clinicians and healthcare workers involved with adult patients during the perioperative period. They include recommendations and advice on: The definition of DNAR decisions; The ethical framework surrounding DNAR; The legal framework surrounding DNAR; Reviewing DNAR decisions before anaesthesia and surgery; Conflict resolution.