bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Touch-Driven Advantages in Reaction Time but not Performance in a Cross-Sensory Comparison of Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Sun Wenhan , Ripp Isabelle , Borrmann Aylin , Moll Maximilian , Fairhurst Merle
Published: May 2024

Previous research has highlighted a notable confidence bias in the haptic sense, yet its impact on learning relative to other senses remains unexplored. This online study investigated learning behaviors across visual, auditory, and haptic modalities using a probabilistic selection task on computers and mobile devices, employing dynamic, ecologically valid stimuli to enhance generalizability. We analyzed reaction time as an indicator of confidence, alongside learning speed and task accuracy. Results revealed the fastest reaction times with haptic stimuli, suggesting heightened perceptual confidence, whereas visual stimuli were the slowest, and auditory stimuli were intermediate. Despite these differences, all modalities demonstrated consistent learning speeds and accuracies. These findings support the 'common currency' hypothesis of perceptual confidence, facilitating modality-independent meta-representations for efficient decision-making. Additionally, reaction times were significantly faster on touch-based mobile devices compared to computers, underscoring the metacognitive efficiency of haptic feedback in technology-enhanced environments. The combination of faster reaction time in the haptic modality without sacrificing accuracy and the enhanced efficiency of touch-based interfaces advocates for the integration of haptics in technological designs to boost efficiency while maintaining a high level of precision.
Spatial interactions modulate tumor growth and immune infiltration
Authors: West Jeffrey , Marzban Sadegh , Srivast Sonal , Kartika Sharon , Bravo Rafael , Safriel Rachel , Zarski Aidan , Anderson Alexander , Chung Christine , Amelio Antonio
Published: May 2024

Lenia, a cellular automata framework used in artificial life, provides a natural setting to implement mathematical models of cancer incorporating features such as morphogenesis, homeostasis, motility, reproduction, growth, stimuli response, evolvability, and adaptation. Historically, agent-based models of cancer progression have been constructed with rules that govern birth, death and migration, with attempts to map local rules to emergent global growth dynamics. In contrast, Lenia provides a flexible framework for considering a spectrum of local (cell-scale) to global (tumor-scale) dynamics by defining an interaction kernel governing density-dependent growth dynamics. Lenia can recapitulate a range of cancer model classifications including local or global, deterministic or stochastic, non-spatial or spatial, single or multi-population, and off or on-lattice. Lenia is subsequently used to develop data-informed models of 1) single-population growth dynamics, 2) multi-population cell-cell competition models, and 3) cell migration or chemotaxis. Mathematical modeling provides important mechanistic insights. First, short-range interaction kernels provide a mechanism for tumor cell survival under conditions with strong Allee effects. Next, we find that asymmetric interaction tumor-immune kernels lead to poor immune response. Finally, modeling recapitulates immune-ECM interactions where patterns of collagen formation provide immune protection, indicated by an emergent inverse relationship between disease stage and immune coverage.
Optical polarized orthogonal matrix
Authors: Tan Xiaodi , Zheng Shujun , Tan Jiaren , Xu Xianmiao , Liu Hongjie , Yang Yi , Lin Xiao
Published: May 2024

Orthogonal matrices have become indispensable tools in various fields, including coding, signal processing, and light field regulation. Traditionally, it has been assumed that orthogonal matrices consist of one-dimensional elements capable of modulating only amplitude or phase information. However, light waves have another critical dimension-polarization. Existing polarization orthogonal combinations have faced limitations, with a maximum pairwise orthogonal combination of 2 mapped to the basic Poincaré Sphere, hindering the regulation of polarization. Despite these challenges, we demonstrate the feasibility of constructing Optical Polarized Orthogonal Matrices (OPOMs) without restricted orthogonal numbers. This non-square matrix composed of polarization unit vectors, shows promise for multi-channel information retrieval and dynamic image display. The versatility of OPOM can be extended to various fields such as optical communication, optical storage, logic devices, anti-counterfeiting, and optical encryption.
Porcine parvovirus infection induces necroptosis of porcine placental trophoblast cells via a ZBP1-mediated pathway
Authors: Xu Ning , Du Qian , Cheng Yijiao , Nie Lichen , Ma Peipei , Feng Dingwen , Huang Yong , Tong Dewen
Published: May 2024

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) infection induces germ cell death, leading to reproductive disorders in first-pregnant sows. Porcine placental trophoblast cells (PTCs) are the major target of PPV, and we have previously found that PPV infection leads to the death of PTCs by a non-apoptotic process, which may be related to PPV pathogenicity. The Z-nucleic acid-binding protein 1 (ZBP1) is often activated after virus invasion and mediates subsequent cell death. Here, we found that PPV infection induced ZBP1-mediated necroptosis of porcine PTCs in the presence of the apoptosis inhibitor, AC-DEVD-CHO. ZBP1 expression was upregulated during PPV infection, and ZBP1 knockout or RNA interference significantly reduced its expression along with the PPV-induced necroptosis. We discovered that RIPK3 and MLKL, but not Caspase-8, were involved in downstream signaling of ZBP1 during PPV infection; the phosphorylation levels of RIPK3 and MLKL were enhanced, but Caspase-8 was not significantly cleaved. The knockout of RIPK3 and MLKL significantly reduced the PPV infection-induced necroptosis of porcine PTCs. RIPK3 knockout did not affect the PPV infection-induced upregulation of ZBP1 expression, but blocked the activation of MLKL. MLKL knockout did not affect the upregulation of ZBP1 expression and RIPK3 phosphorylation during PPV infection. UV-inactivated PPV induced significantly less necroptosis of porcine PTCs than non-irradiated PPV. A PPV strain with a mutation in the translation initiation codon was still able to induce necroptosis of PTCs through the ZBP1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway. These results provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of PPV infection and suggest that PPV infection of porcine PTCs induces necroptosis through the viral DNA-dependent ZBP1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway.
Bidirectional Mendelian randomization explores the causal relationship between arthritis and cerebral cortical volume
Authors: Xu Wantong , Ouyang Minghe , Jiang Zhongbiao
Published: May 2024

Background
Mendelian randomization method was used to explore the causal relationship between the occurrence of arthritis disease and volume changes in specific cerebral cortical regions.
Methods
By analyzing the GWAS summary data,SNP data related to arthritis and cerebral cortex volume were selected.Using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the preferred method, MR Egger, Simple Mode, Weighted Median, and Weighted Mode were used as auxiliary analysis to conduct a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis.
Result
IVW analysis showed that Arthrosis was positively correlated with the volume of Left Crus I Cerebellum (OR = 1.18, 95%CI: 1.09 ~ 1.28, P = 9×10− 5).Gout was negatively correlated with the volume of Left Frontal Operculum Cortex (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95 ~ 0.98, P = 5×10− 5).Gout was positively correlated with Left Precentral Gyrus volume (OR = 1.05, 95%CI: 1.04 ~ 1.07, P = 1.9×10− 11).No positive results were obtained by reverse MR analysis.
Conclusion
Arthrosis promotes increased volume of the Left Crus I Cerebellum.Gout promotes decreased volume of the Left Frontal Operculum Cortex.Gout promotes increased volume of the Left Precentral Gyrus.
Modelling pressure dynamics of oil-gas two-phase flow in double-porosity media formation with permeability-stress sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Chen Shijia , Zhu Songbai , Yan Xue , Wang Hui , Wang Yanli , Li Jing-Shun , Nie Ren-Shi
Published: May 2024

In this research, the oil-gas two-phase flow model for a double-porosity media formation with permeability-stress sensitivity was first established for three kinds of outer boundaries. The unified governing equation was deduced by utilizing the H function. The nonlinear mathematical model in consideration of permeability-stress sensitivity was linearized by implementing the canonical perturbation transformation and then solved by using the Laplace transformation. After that, a sequence of typical log-log curves of pressure dynamics influenced by various model parameters were plotted and analyzed. These curves reflect the typical characteristic of a V shape caused by the inter-porosity fluid flow from matrix toward natural fractures. Oil saturation and permeability-stress sensitivity coefficient have much influence on the pressure dynamics. Ultimately, the established model of oil-gas two-phase flow was validated through a well-test fitting interpretation for a real condensate gas well in a sandstone formation. This research can offer insights into the pressure dynamics dominated by the oil-gas two-phase flow in naturally fractured formations and the permeability-stress sensitivity effect.
A Systematic Review of the Influence of Anorexic Voice on the Recovery of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Dev Athulya Thankamoney , Williams Claire
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa (AN) caused increased mortality, and high readmissions or relapse rates indicates a lack of psychological focus on current AN intervention. Pugh and Waller (2017) thematically analyzed the high frequency of inner-voice prevalent in the AN population, similar to voice hallucinations in other psychological disorders. These remained stigmatized and non-disclosed due to correlations with Schizophrenia. The emotional and psychological AV assisting novel AN intervention is needed.
AIM: To review the relationship of AV with self and AN globally, with its influence on recovery using combined research methods.
DESIGN: Inductive thematic analysis of qualitative evidence from included studies. The methodological quality and risk of bias assessments of different studies equipped with appropriate tools.
SEARCH STRATEGY: Cochrane review, Ovid via MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsychINFO, and ProQuest electronic databases searched for relevant studies selection.
REVIEW METHODS: Nine studies (one cross-sectional, one systematic review, four qualitative, and three mixed methods) met the inclusion criterion set. The methodology quality and bias risk assessments employed selective appraisal tool for included combined research methods. All appraisal tools were carefully selected and followed for robust evidence synthesis.
RESULTS: The thematic analysis concluded ‘Not one size fits all' and non-generalizable AV for different AN case. The fluctuating AV was studied subjectively since AN onset. The dissociation of AV in AN case significantly assures recovery.
CONCLUSION: This review demonstrated improved recovery with better insights in AV’s relationship with patient and AV-inclusive therapies. The need for a novel AV-inclusive psychological therapeutic framework was analysed. The improved motivation, hope, support, and empathy assures treatment success. However, AV standardized framework for unidentified AV in AN patients can possibly trigger and worsen illness.
Plasma and CSF neurofilament light chain are stabilized in response to mutant huntingtin lowering in the brain of Huntington disease mice
Authors: Caron Nicholas S. , Byrne Lauren M. , Lemarié Fanny L. , Bone Jeffrey N. , Aly Amirah E.-E. , Ko Seunghyun , Anderson Christine , Casal Lorenzo , Hill Austin M. , Hawellek David J. , McColgan Peter , Wild Edward J. , Leavitt Blair R. , Hayden Michael R
Published: May 2024

Background
Therapeutic approaches aimed at lowering levels of toxic mutant huntingtin (mHTT) in the brain can reverse disease phenotypes in animal models of Huntington disease (HD) and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Sensitive and dynamic response biomarkers are needed to assess the efficacy of such candidate therapies. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a biomarker of neurodegeneration that increases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood with HD progression. However, it remains unknown whether NfL in biofluids may be useful as a response biomarker for assessing the efficacy of disease-modifying therapies for HD.
Methods
Longitudinal plasma and cross-sectional CSF samples were collected from the YAC128 transgenic mouse model of HD and wild type littermate control mice throughout the natural history of disease. Additionally, biofluids were collected from YAC128 mice following intracerebroventricular administration of an antisense oligonucleotide targeting the mutant HTT transgene (HTT ASO) at ages either before or after the onset of disease phenotypes. NfL concentrations in plasma and CSF were quantified using ultrasensitive single-molecule array technology.
Results
Plasma and CSF NfL concentrations were significantly elevated in YAC128 compared to wild type littermate control mice from 9 months of age. Treatment of YAC128 mice with either 15 or 50 µg HTT ASO resulted in dose-dependent, allele-selective reduction of mHTT throughout the brain at a 3-month interval, which was sustained with high dose HTT ASO treatment up 6 months. Lowering of mHTT in the brain with HTT ASO initiated prior to the onset of regional brain atrophy and HD-like motor deficits in YAC128 mice had minimal effect on plasma NfL at either dose but resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of CSF NfL. In contrast, initiating mHTT lowering in the brain after the onset of neuropathological and behavioural phenotypes in YAC128 mice resulted in a dose-dependent stabilization of NfL increases in both plasma and CSF.
Conclusions
Our data provides evidence that the response of NfL in biofluids is influenced by the magnitude of mHTT lowering in the brain and the timing of intervention, suggesting that NfL may represent a promising exploratory response biomarker for HD.
Coordinating Children's Palliative Care in Municipalities: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Trae Gro , Winger Anette , Nordstrøm Marianne
Published: May 2024

Background: Children with palliative care conditions and their families have complex care needs. In Norwegian municipalities, designated coordinators facilitate cooperation between health and social care services to ensure a holistic approach to meeting these needs. However, information is limited concerning how coordinators perform their duties and the factors influencing their work performance.
Aim: To explore the factors influencing coordinators’ motivations and work performance regarding children’s palliative care (CPC) in municipalities.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 coordinators for children in palliative care and analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.
Results: Both internal and external factors influenced the coordinator's work performance, and they experienced a range of barriers in their efforts to achieve holistic care. Four themes were generated: ‘random knowledge on children’s palliative care’, ‘the abstract concept of coordination’, ‘striving to unite the fragmented whole’ and ‘aiming for tailored coordination’. A lack of training and experience in CPC is widespread among the coordinators. Additionally, the municipal systems seem inadequately developed to address the needs of children in palliative care and their families.
Conclusion: Strengthening coordination in municipalities for children in palliative care and their families requires that coordinators receive systematic training in CPC and further development of their support systems.
Deciphering the Protective Effects of Carvacrol Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Retnosari Rini , Ghani Muhamad Adib Abdul , Alkharji Munirah Majed , Nawi Wan Nur Izzah Shazana Wan , Rushdan Ahmad Syafi Ahmad , Mahadi Mohd Kaisan , Ugusman Azizah , Oka Natsuhisa , Zainalabidin Satirah , Latip Jalifah
Published: May 2024

Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapy, extends its impact beyond cancer cells, notably affecting the heart, leading to substantial concerns about DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). However, subclinical DIC remains unresolved, necessitating advanced cardio-protection strategies in cancer therapy. Recent research explores carvacrol (CAR), a natural substance with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as a potential shield against DIC. However, further exploration is warranted, particularly concerning hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. This study investigated CAR’s potential cardioprotective properties against DIC in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and rats. Induction with DOX reduced cardiomyocyte viability, while pretreatment with 0.01 µg/mL CAR enhanced the viability of DOX-induced cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, administration of DOX induced adverse effects in rats, causing decreased total heart weight and left ventricular mass, and lowered blood pressure. DOX also caused cardiac dysfunction, lipid peroxidation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis. In rat models, CAR pretreatment effectively mitigated DOX-induced reductions in blood pressure, hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis. However, the pretreatment kept the heart function, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzymes unaltered. In conclusion, the results show that CAR could be an adjuvant to reduce DIC by ameliorating cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy.
Pharmaceutical Retail Store Performance Enhancement: The Impact of Digital Usage, 3PL Performance and Customer Orientation
Authors: GM Divakar , U Bhojanna , BM Avinash , Tantry Ansarullah
Published: May 2024

In the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical retail industry, staying competitive is important for survival and growth. Digital technologies have significantly altered consumer behavior, making incorporating technology a fundamental aspect of retail operations. In this context, the role of third-party logistics (3PL) providers becomes paramount in ensuring a seamless and efficient supply chain. This study investigated the impact of a store’s digital usage on its business performance and how the 3PL’s performance and the customer orientation of the store can change the effect. Additionally, a store inventory model was employed as a control variable to account for inventory management practices’ potential influence on the outcomes.
Using a quantitative approach, a structured survey was conducted to gather data on 568 respondents from various pharmaceutical retail stores, capturing crucial insights into their operational dynamics. The data analysis employed correlation, regression, and mediation analysis to assess the impact of digital usage on business performance within the dynamics of 3PL’s performance and customer orientation.
The results highlighted that digital integration positively influences overall business performance, indicating that adopting digital solutions enhances customer experiences and operational efficiencies. Further, customer orientation and 3PL’s performance were found to mediate the association between digital usage and store performance. Retail stores with a customer-centric focus demonstrated greater digital adoption, emphasizing the importance of aligning digital strategies with customer preferences and demands. Moreover, the store inventory management style did not modify the overall effect.
The implications of this research extended to pharmaceutical retail industry stakeholders, 3PL providers, and policymakers. The findings provided valuable insights into leveraging digital technologies for competitive advantage. The study also comprehensively explained customer orientation and 3PL performance towards the business performance. The findings contributed to the growing knowledge of supply chain management, digital transformation, and business performance in the pharmaceutical retail sector. By bridging gaps in the existing literature, the study enabled stakeholders to make informed decisions in navigating the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical retail industry effectively.
Calculations of the depth and dynamic frictional resistance upon drilling with a simultaneous casing based on the energy method
Authors: Pan Deyuan , Wang Jie , Fang Guoqing , Xiong Liang
Published: May 2024

Drilling with simultaneous casings of pneumatic DTH (down-the-hole) hammers has been extensively used in various complex formations because it can rapidly, safely and economically drill holes. The maximum depth and the skin friction associated with air DTH hammer drilling with a casing are very important parameters for project design and construction. By analyzing the conversion of impact energy and strain energy based on the energy method during the drilling process with a casing, we focused on the final stage of casing drilling and proposed a theoretical calculation method for the maximum depth and skin friction. At the same time, combined with the relevant technical specifications, the value of skin friction is improved and supplemented by analogy and induction. Finally, the theory was analyzed and validated through relevant construction examples with high accuracy, and then, the strain of the casing string under the action of a double impactor was analyzed with the concept of a neutral point. This distinguishes it from the stress wave method for calculation; its advantage is that both the strain energy and impact energy are incremental parameters at a certain time, without considering the influence of other forces during the construction process, which can greatly reduce the computational difficulty. The important calculation parameters include the casing wall thickness, casing outer diameter, and impactor power, which are exponentially related to the maximum depth and have a relatively small impact on the calculation results. The way to significantly increase the depth of drilling with a casing is to install multiple impactors on the casing string to change the force mode of the pipe string.
Causal effect of the gut microbiota and metabolites on venous thromboembolism: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wang Xiang , Hou Xinran , Luo Hui
Published: May 2024

Background
The gut microbiome plays a significant role in a wide range of diseases, and its regulation is a feasible treatment option for these conditions. Emerging evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolites may be associated with venous thromboembolism. However, it has yet to be definitively established whether these associations imply a causal relationship.
Methods
To explore the causal effects of the gut microbiota and metabolites on venous thromboembolism, we conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) studies using large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs).
Results
We identified five protective causes between the gut microbiota affected by host genetics and venous thromboembolism. These genera included LachnospiraceaeUCG10 ID:11330 (p = 0.036), RuminococcaceaeNK4A214 ID:11358 (p = 0.006), RuminococcaceaeUCG002 ID:11360 (p = 0.007), Sutterella ID:2896 (p = 0.013), and the family Erysipelotrichaceae ID:2149 (p = 0.003). Furthermore, we detected a greater abundance of gut microbiota traits in the phylum Lentisphaerae ID:2238 (p = 0.012), which is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism. We also found twelve positive and fourteen negative relationships between genetic liability in metabolites and venous thromboembolism (all p < 0.05) in terms of plasma metabolites. We did not find any evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity in a series of sensitivity analyses.
Conclusion
our MR analyses revealed a causal connection between the gut microbiota, metabolites, and venous thromboembolism. This finding has significant potential for shedding light on the early detection and diagnosis of venous thromboembolism, offering valuable insights into prevention and treatment in this area of research.
Engineering an Artificial Catch Bond with DNA
Authors: Li Isaac , Yang Micah , Bakker David
Published: May 2024

Biological catch bonds exhibit unique mechanical properties that strengthen with tension. This characteristic in selected receptor-ligand interactions underpins vital biological functions, including adhesion dynamics, cell communication, and mechanosensing. Despite decades of discoveries and modelling, an artificial catch bond has yet to be created. We present the “fish-hook”, the first rationally designed catch bond using DNA. Two mechanically distinct dissociation pathways were designed such that the weak pathway is favoured at low forces and the strong one at high forces. We developed models to design these DNA structures and experimentally validated the catch bond behaviour by single-molecule force spectroscopy. The fish-hook architecture supports a vast sequence and behaviour space, making this a valuable tool for reprogramming biological interactions and engineering novel materials.
Flexible, Ultrasensitive and High-practical Paper/f-TiO2/Ag SERS Chips for On-site, Rapid and Accurate Detection of Tricyclazole Pesticide in Agricultural Products
Authors: Pham Anh-Tuan , Bui Hanh Nhung , Thanh Nguyen Trung , Mai Quan-Doan D. , Le Anh-Tuan T.
Published: May 2024

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing is a powerful and important analytical technique in agriculture and food. Designing flexible SERS substrates that ensure both high sensor efficiency and feasibility in field analysis is highly desirable as it can bring the SERS technique closer to practical applications. Here, we demonstrate a designed Paper/f-TiO2/Ag structure, a flexible, ultrasensitive, and highly practical SERS chip, created by enhancing the self-assembly of Ag nanoparticles on a cellulose fiber matrix through the bridging of smart functionalized TiO2 nanomaterial (f-TiO2), which demonstrates superior detection capability for the hazardous plant protection agent tricyclazole (TCZ) on crops using an advanced, simple, and highly efficient analytical technique. Despite its straightforward fabrication process via a solvent immersion method, the intrinsic smart surface properties of the TiO2 bridging material – both hydrophilic and hydrophobic – enable the uniform and dense self-assembly of hydrophilic Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on the cellulose fiber paper substrate. This innovative design provides superior sensing efficiency for TCZ molecules with a detection limit reaching 2.1 × 10-9 M, a remarkable improvement compared to Paper/Ag substrates lacking f-TiO2 nanomaterials, which register at 10-5 M. This flexible SERS substrate also exhibits very high reliability as indicated by its excellent reproducibility and repeatability with relative standard deviations (RSD) of only 5.93% and 4.73%, respectively. Characterized by flexibility and a water-attractive yet non-soluble surface, the flexible Paper/f-TiO2/Ag chips offer the convenience of direct immersion into the analytical sample, facilitating seamless target molecule collection while circumventing interference signals. Termed the "dip and dry" technique, its advantages in field analysis are indisputable, boasting in-situ deployment, simplicity, and high efficiency, while minimizing interference signals to negligible levels. Through the application of this advanced technique, we have successfully detected TCZ in two high-value crops, ST25 rice, and dragon fruit, achieving excellent recovery values ranging from 90 to 128%. This underscores its immense potential in ensuring food quality and safety. As a proof of concept, flexible Paper/f-TiO2/Ag SERS chips, with a simple fabrication process, advanced analytical technique, and superior sensing efficiency, bring SERS one step closer to field applications beyond the laboratory.
Prevalence, associated factors and clinical implications of subjective cognitive decline linked to frailty in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Jie , Gao Yue , Li Xianghong , Yu Youhui , Li Guiyong , Yuan Huaihong
Published: May 2024

Background
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) significantly increases a patient's risk of long-term cognitive decline and is common in adults. However, few studies have evaluated patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). In addition, the relationship between frailty and SCD in MHD patients remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to assess the potential factors affecting SCD in MHD patients and to investigate the relationship between frailty and SCD.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study. From December 2023 to April 2024, using convenience sampling method, a total of 171 patients from West China Hospital of Sichuan University were recruited to participate in this study. The demographic and sociological characteristics of the participants were assessed using a general information questionnaire. The subjective cognitive decline - questionnaire 9 (SCD - Q9), the Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI), the subjective global nutritional assessment (SGA) and grip dynamometer were used to assess participants' subjective cognitive level, frailty, nutrition status, and grip strengh, respectively. Univariate analyses examined potential factors associated with SCD. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between these factors and SCD. Spearman's correlation was used to assess the association between SCD and frailty.
Results
The 171 maintenance hemodialysis patients with subjective cognitive decline scores were 4.00 (2.00–7.00), and 95 patients (55.56%) with scores > 3 presented SCD. Linear regression analysis showed that gender, work status, grip strength, SGA, and frailty were influential factors in MHD, explaining a total of 38.80% of the total variation in SCD. Spearman's analysis showed that SCD was positively correlated with frailty in MHD patients (r = 0.431, P<0.001).
Conclusions
The prevalence of SCD in patients with MHD is common and correlates with certain patient characteristics, including gender, work status, grip strength, SGA, and frailty. Healthcare workers should pay attention to the assessment of subjective cognitive function in this population, stay alert to the risk factors of SCD, and take targeted interventions as early as possible, which can help to improve the quality of survival and slow down the occurrence of cognitive impairment.
Variability in Inter-segmental Coordination of the Lower Limb in Older Adults during Walking: An Analysis with Toe-only Rocker Sole Shoes
Authors: Hemmati Fatemeh , Rusta Mohammad Mahdi , Karimi Mohammad Taghi , Haghpanah Seyyed Arash , Ghoochani Bahareh Zeynalzadeh
Published: May 2024

Older adults have age-related problems in motor performance during walking. Toe-only rocker sole shoes are one of the most common shoe modifications, facilitating forward movement and, thus, affecting mobility and stability. Due to the importance of studying inter-segmental coordination and the lack of investigation of the effect of such shoes in the literature, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of these shoes in older adults. Twenty-four participants walked on a treadmill under two conditions: standard shoes and toe-only rocker sole shoes with 20° rocker angle. The continuous and mean absolute relative phase were used as sensitive indicators to evaluate the inter-segmental coordination, whereas the coordination variability was analyzed using the parameter of deviation phase. Results indicated that these shoes could lead to a reduction in excessive movement variability, which might be advantageous for gait with minimal discomfort. Statistical analysis also demonstrated a decrease in the variability of coordination patterns, which could lead to a more predictable and stable gait, reducing the risk of falls. The study demonstrated that these shoes enhance gait stability and consistency in older adults, potentially reducing fall risk and aiding those with ankle osteoarthritis. These findings highlighted the clinical importance of footwear in managing gait dynamics and preventing falls. The research suggested that proximal joint adaptations and the rocker function’s limitation of joint movement were beneficial for forward movement and stability. Findings underscored the potential of shoe modifications as a simple yet effective intervention for improving older adults’ mobility and safety.
Correlation between early intervention of periodontal disease and influencing factors in 12-year-old middle school students
Authors: Xuan Peng , Zhang Ziyang , Hu Xiaowen , Xiong Jinfan , Lin Bingliang , Chen Xiaochun , Cui Dan , Wang Chunxiao , Yang Yang , Li Juhong
Published: May 2024

Aim
Periodontal diseases are gradually becoming public health challenges around the world. This study aimed to explore the relationship between periodontal intervention and the risk of early periodontal disease.
Materials and Methods
This survey uses stratified sampling to select Luohu District, Nanshan District and Longhua District. All 12-year-old students in the first grade of junior high school in the project school (or some of the classes) are targeted for the project. We adopted the plaque index (PI), calculus index (CI), and bleeding index as the contents of our periodontal health examination. Descriptive statistical analysis was mainly used. The multi-class data analysis was performed by chi-square test. The analysis of influencing factors and intervention measures adapt logistics regression analysis.
Results
A total of 964 people underwent the periodontal health check and questionnaire in this study. A logistic regression model was used to assess the risk of periodontal disease between the intervention group and the control group. Overall, we found significant differences in the risk of related periodontal diseases (periodontal disease OR 1.999; 95%CI: 1.500 ~ 2.664, buccal gum bleeding OR 1.472; 95%CI: 1.134 ~ 1.910, lingual gum bleeding OR 2.085; 95%CI: 1.576 ~ 2.758 and calculus OR 2.093; 95%CI: 1.600 ~ 2.737) between the intervention group and the control group. Except for plaque, the risk of disease is not significant.
Conclusions
Our study validated the relationship between periodontal intervention and reduced risk of periodontal disease. This research provided a scientific basis for preventing and controlling the occurrence and development of adolescent periodontal disease.
Demographic and coping predictors of severe forms of loneliness in young people aged 12-25 years
Authors: Jong Angelina , Riddleston Laura , Fuhrmann Delia , Lau Jennifer Y. F.
Published: May 2024

Loneliness is common in young people and predicts a range of concurrent psychiatric conditions. Yet, young people feel there are few resources to support them. Who develops severe forms of youth loneliness and which modifiable psychological correlates are associated with loneliness severity could help in developing resources to support groups of young people who are most vulnerable. Here, we explored which demographic characteristics (age, gender, minority ethnic status, and indices of socioeconomic status) predicted more severe forms of loneliness. Based on strategies that young people said they would recommend to a friend to manage loneliness, we also explored whether specific coping strategies and coping flexibility predicted severe loneliness. We explored these questions using loneliness data gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when social restriction policies heightened loneliness experiences. Latent class growth analysis identified five loneliness trajectory classes. Among these was a “high stable” group (11% of the sample) who reported frequent loneliness that also endured across time-points. Other groups included a moderate decreasing (15%), a low increasing (16%), a moderate stable (23%), and a low stable (35%) group. The high stable loneliness class also reported significantly lower wellbeing scores compared to the many of the other groups. Entry into the high stable loneliness group was predicted by being female. Recommendation of approach coping strategies predicted lower likelihood of being in the high stable loneliness group. Future research and clinical work should explore the utility of coping strategies to manage loneliness to reduce the impact on well-being and psychiatric outcomes.
Risk factors for hospitalisation due to exacerbations among adult asthma patients in a district of Sri Lanka: a case control study
Authors: Punyadasa Dhanusha Harshinie , Kumarapeli Vindya , Senaratne Wijith
Published: May 2024

Background
Exacerbations of asthma are a leading contributor to hospitalisations. Information on risk factors for hospitalisations due to exacerbated asthma will help to identify high-risk asthma patients for specialised care. We aimed to identify the risk factors for ‘hospitalisations due to exacerbations’ among adult asthma patients in a district of Sri Lanka.
Methods
A hospital-based, case-control study was carried out among asthma patients aged ≥ 20 years. Sample of 466 asthma patients (116 cases, 350 controls) recruited from all tertiary care hospitals in the district. Data were collected by pre-intern Medical Officers via pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire on asthma control, asthma co-morbidities, risk behaviors, physiological and sociodemographic factors. Risk factors were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results
Risk factors were; age ≥ 60 years (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2–3.7), educated G.C.E. O/Level or less (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.4), having diabetes mellitus (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.7), having symptomatic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.8–6.4), exposure to vehicular traffic (OR 3.2; 95%CI 1.8–5.7), exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.2–3.5), having ever smoked (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2–4.6), ever intubated/given ICU care (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.5-8.0), previous hospitalizations due to exacerbations (OR 5.5; 95% CI 2.6–11.4), having uncontrolled asthma (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.6–7.1) and BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4-4.0).
Conclusions
Preventive strategies need to address the modifiable risk factors: smoking, and obesity and manage comorbid conditions: diabetes and symptomatic GORD appropriately in asthma patients.
Enhancing Autonomous Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments: Integrating Collision Avoidance with Observability-Based Motion Planning
Authors: elahian samaneh , Atashgah M. A. Amiri , Tarverdizadeh Bahram
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces a collision avoidance (CA) method integrated into the Observability Based Motion Planning (OBMP) framework. OBMP facilitates autonomous robot navigation in GNSS-denied outdoor environments, leveraging the concept of observability degree. The CA-OBMP method proposed here is an extension of the OBMP algorithm, which constructs paths based on terrestrial landmarks considering the obstacles. The CA approach is developed by redefining a dataset of in range landmarks while all of the landmark in vicinity of the obstacles are removed from the dataset. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, simulations of the CA-OBMP algorithm are conducted for a 6-Degree of Freedom (DOF) quadrotor using MATLAB. The simulations encompass various arrangements of obstacles and diverse initial positions to assess the efficacy of CA method in different scenarios.
CBLANE: A deep learning approach for Transcription Factor Binding Sites Prediction
Authors: Ferrao Jonas , Dias Dickson , Morajkar Sweta
Published: May 2024

This study explores the application of CBLANE (convolutional bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) attention network) as a deep neural network designed for predicting transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) within genomic data. CBLANE's architecture comprises convolutional, recurrent, and attention layers, tailored to extract essential features and information from DNA sequence data. Initially trained on DNA sequences, CBLANE can also function as an encoder, useful for dimensionality reduction and the extraction of information from genetic sequences. Its architecture enables the extraction of relevant features critical for TFBS prediction. Thoroughly evaluating the model, we find that CBLANE has an average AUC of 0.9386 on the 690 datasets from the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments outperforming other state of the art methods. Further experiments on the 165 ENCODE ChIP-Seq datasets reveal that CBLANE attains an average AUC of 0.9407. This performance surpasses that of other state-of-the-art methods that incorporate DNA shape profiles in their predictions. Notably, this improved performance was attained while substantially reducing the model size, as reflected in the parameter count.
Proteomics analysis of wild and cultivated tomato species challenged with Alternaria solani unveiled differential tolerance mechanisms
Authors: Singh Dhananjaya Pratap , Maurya Sudarshan , Yerasu Suresh Reddy , Chaurasia Anurag , Prabha Ratna , Shukla Renu , Satnami Lovkush , Rai Nagendra , Behera Tusar Kanti
Published: May 2024

Proteomics of wild and cultivated tomato species challenged with Alternaria solani revealed altered protein profile with 1827 proteins in challenged susceptible plants (KTr), 1867 in non-challenged plants (KNTr), 1721 in challenged wild (CTr) and 1715 in non-challenged plants (CNTr). PLS-DA and heatmap analysis highlighted differences in protein composition and abundance as differential response species to pathogen. Compared to 321 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in wild tomato, cultivated plants showed 183 DEPs. Key upregulated proteins in wild tomato included defense-related t-SNARE, glucan endo-1,3-beta-D-glucosidase, pathogenesis-related protein P2, stress responsive DEK domain containing protein, heat shock 70 kDa protein 17, SHSP chaperone, signaling linked DAG, SCP domain-containing protein, Cutin-deficient protein, immunity-related translation initiation factor and RRM domain-containing protein. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis clustered defense related up-regulated chaperonins and other proteins into three distinct clusters in wild tomato. Prominent subcellular locations of up-regulated proteins were extracellular and intracellular regions, cytoplasm and membrane bound organelles. Compared to cultivated species, majority of plant defense, stress response and growth-related protein biomarkers were found up-regulated in wild tomato, suggesting its tolerance against pathogen due to stronger response. We conclude that significant up-regulation of defense, signaling and plant growth-related proteins enabled wild species to mount stronger response against the pathogen A. solani. Higher compositional protein diversity in the wild plants likely provided metabolic plasticity to modulate intrinsic defense mechanisms more effectively. This study enhances our understanding of the proteome-related molecular mechanisms underlying differential responses of wild and cultivated tomato species to this devastating pathogen.
Marker- trait association analysis and population structure in core collection of Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) germplasm
Authors: Zadeh Beheshteh Khandani , AliZadeh Ardalan , Aien Ahmad , Nejad Ghasem Mohammadi , Ebrahimi Fatemeh
Published: May 2024

Context: Henna (Lawsonia inermis L.,) was recognized as an important medicinal plant, its therapeutic potentials, beneficial impact on health (such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects (and cosmetic.
Aims: This study was done to determine relationships among marker loci with important traits in henna and define the most suitable population genetic structure.
Methods: Association analysis was performed between 8 traits to 106 polymorphic loci generated by 9 ISSR primers in 140 ecotypes of Henna. The population structure analysis indicated three main subpopulations with significant genetic differences defined by AMOVA (analysis of molecular variance) results.
Key results: The results of association analysis based mixed linear model (MLM) and general linear model (GLM) indicated that T(GA)9- 5 marker had a highly significant relationship (P < 0.0001) with leaf area trait. Also, T(GA)9- 5, (AG)8T- 1, (GTGC)4- 8 and T(GA)9- 1 markers showed a strong association with dry leaf weight. Four markers T(GA)9- 5, (AG)8T- 1, T(GA)9- 2 and T(GA)9- 1 had a strong relationship (P < 0.009) with dry stem weight. (GA)9T- 12, T(CA)8- 7 and T(CA)8- 12 markers indicated a significant relationship with plant height based on both MLM and GLM models.
Conclusions: Defined markers could be suitable candidates to be used for marker-assisted breeding techniques in henna.
Implications: In association between molecular markers and morphological traits, it is necessary to evaluated population structure to elude a false relationship between markers and morphological traits which was rarely done in henna as an important medicinal plant.
Shingles on the big toe
Authors: Saricicek Mehmet Sinan , Saricicek Ali Taylan
Published: May 2024

Shingles occur after reactivation of latent Varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the dorsal root ganglion. Usually, chickenpox infection is a primary infection that occurs in childhood. After primary infection, VZV can be latent in neural tissue and can be reactive spontaneously or because of various risk factors. The most common risk factors are age >50 years, immunosuppression, infection and mental stress. Symptoms appear in 3 phases: preeruptive, acute exudative and chronic. Symptoms usually start in the preeruptive phase. Typically, patients present with painful or pruritic band-like vesicular lesions that do not cross the midline of the body. The most common site of shingles is the thoracic area. In this case report, we describe the atypical presentation of shingles with rare dermatomal involvement in a 55-year-old female patient who had a history of a significant immunocompromised state.
Validation of Internet Gratification Scale on Indian Undergraduates using Network Psychometrics
Authors: Magray Ajaz Ahmad , Chakraborty Rajib
Published: May 2024

The Internet Gratification Scale, developed by Dhir et al. (2016), measures the Internet Gratifications among adolescents and is based on six factors of Internet gratifications including Information seeking, Exposure, Connection, Coordination, Entertainment and Social influence. In the present study, the scale was validated using the network psychometrics approach for college students in Indian context. The sample subjects were drawn from degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory of India. A total of 662 students were taken from the colleges including both boys (240) and girls (422). We applied Exploratory graph analysis (EGA) by employing the EGAnet package in R/R-Studio, which resulted in the yielding of the five clusters of the scale, wherein the node numbers 17, 18 and 19 getting merged with first cluster. These three items pertained to the ‘Exposure’ cluster/dimension in the original scale and got merged with ‘Information Seeking’ cluster/dimension. These three items showing split loading were dropped from the scale and the EGA was run again. The network analysis plot obtained after the second run showed a clear 5-cluster/factor structure including Information Seeking, Connection, Entertainment, Social Influence and Coordination. Thereafter ordinal Confirmatory Factor analysis was done. we used the estimator WLSMV for ordinal level data using lavaan package. The analysis revealed the values of CFI, TLI, RMSEA robust and SRMR bentler as 0.982, 0.980, 0.086 and 0.064 respectively which are within the acceptable limits thereby indicate a good fit. Furthermore, edge weight accuracy was calculated through the non-parametric bootstrap confidence interval. The correlation stability coefficient and bootstrapped difference tests were also performed. The plots were generated using the package qgraph. Finally, the structural consistency of the clusters was estimated and found to be within the acceptable limits. The educational and psychometric implications of the study are discussed.