bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preliminary study of the sponge fauna of Orchid island: denizens of pool-cave-canyon systems
Authors: Cleary Daniel Francis Richard , Huang Yusheng M , Polónia Ana Rita Moura , Plas Martin van der , Gomes Newton Carlos Marcial , de Voogd Nicole Joy
Published: July 2023

In the present study, we describe elements of the sponge fauna sampled from unique pool-cave-canyon systems at a remote island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. 22 demosponge species are described of which 10 are new to science, and possibly endemic. Prokaryotic communities were obtained from all species in addition to sediment. What makes the present study unique is that we were able to sample several understudied sponge taxa, e.g., sclerosponges and lithistids, across a relatively small spatial scale. We present the first prokaryotic community analysis of 10 species new to science in addition to Vetulina incrustans, Sollasipelta ornata, Petrosia corticata, Acanthostylotella cornuta, several lithistid species, two phototrophic sponges, and the sclerosponges Acanthochaetetes wellsi, and Astrosclera willeyana. All cave sponges were enriched with SAR202 members, a group of bacteria involved in the degradation of recalcitrant compounds. We suggest that the cave sponges may play a hitherto unexplored role in nutrient dynamics at the land-sea interface. We also encourage surveys of potentially similar systems in Japan and the Philippines. The sponges sampled here also are only a fraction of the total sponge fauna. When surveyed the system appeared to be in good health. Potential threats include large groups of tourists visiting the pools and the presence of a nuclear waste storage facility directly abutting the largest of the pool-cave-canyon systems.
IGF2 prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss and decreases intracellular alpha-synuclein accumulation in Parkinson’s disease models
Authors: vidal Rene , Arcos Javiera , Grunenwald Felipe , Sepulveda Denisse , Jerez Carolina , Urbina Valentina , Troncoso Paulina , Tirado Daniel , Perez Angela , Diaz-Espinoza Rodrigo , Kubitscheck Ulrich , Rodriguez-Gatica Juan Eduardo , Toledo Jorge , Ahumada Pablo , Rojas-Rivera Diego , Martín-Montañez Elisa , Garcia-Fernandez María
Published: July 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common late-onset neurodegenerative disease and the predominant cause of movement problems. PD is characterized by motor control impairment by extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). This selective dopaminergic neuronal loss is in part triggered by intracellular protein inclusions called Lewy bodies, which are composed mainly of misfolded alpha-synuclein (α-syn) protein. We previously reported insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) as a key protein downregulated in PD patients. Here we demonstrated that IGF2 treatment or IGF2 overexpression reduced the α-syn aggregates and their toxicity by IGF2 receptor (IGF2R) activation in cellular PD models. Also, we observed IGF2 and its interaction with IGF2R enhance the α-syn secretion.
To determine the possible IGF2 neuroprotective effect in vivo we used a gene therapy approach in an idiopathic PD model based on α-syn preformed fibrils intracerebral injection. IGF2 gene therapy revealed a significantly preventing of motor impairment in the idiopathic PD model. Moreover, IGF2 expression prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss in the SN together with a decrease in α-syn accumulation (phospho-α-syn levels) in the striatum and SN brain region. Furthermore, the IGF2 neuroprotective effect was associated with the prevention of synaptic spines loss in dopaminergic neurons in vivo. The possible mechanism of IGF2 in cell survival effect could be associated with the decrease of the intracellular accumulation of α-syn and the improvement of dopaminergic synaptic function. Our results identify IGF2 as a relevant factor for the prevention of α-syn toxicity in both in vitro and preclinical PD models.
Short-term results in a population based study indicate advantage for minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery versus open
Authors: Petersson Josefin , Matthiessen Peter , Jadid Kaveh Dehlaghi , Bock David , Angenete Eva
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to determine if minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for rectal cancer is non-inferior to open surgery (OPEN) regarding adequacy of cancer resection in a population based setting. All 9,464 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer 2012-2018 who underwent curative surgery were included from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. Primary outcomes: Positive circumferential resection margin (CRM <1 mm) and positive resection margin (R1). Non-inferiority margins used were 2.4% and 4%. Secondary outcomes: 30-and 90-day mortality, clinical anastomotic leak, re-operation <30 days, 30-and 90-day re-admission, length of stay (LOS), distal resection margin <1mm and <12 resected lymph nodes. Analyses were performed by intention-to-treat using unweighted and weighted multiple regression analyses. There were no difference in CRM <1 mm or R1 in the adjusted unweighted or weighted analyses. CRM: MIS 3.7% and OPEN 5.4%, risk difference-1.8% (95% CI-2.79%,-0.86%). R1: MIS 2.9% and OPEN 4.6%, risk difference-1.7% (95% CI-2.51%,-0.85%). All analyses demonstrated decreased mortality and re-admissions at 30 and 90 days as well as shorter LOS following MIS. In this population based setting MIS for rectal cancer was non-inferior to OPEN regarding adequacy of cancer resection with favourable short-term outcomes.
Unsupervised classification of brain-wide axons reveals neuronal projection blueprint
Authors: Wheeler Diek , Banduri Shaina , Sankararaman Sruthi , Vinay Samhita , Ascoli Giorgio
Published: July 2023

Long-range axonal projections are quintessential determinants of network connectivity, linking cellular organization and circuit architecture. Here we introduce a quantitative strategy to identify, from a given source region, all “projection neuron types” with statistically different patterns of anatomical targeting. We first validate the proposed technique with well-characterized data from layer 6 of the mouse primary motor cortex. The results yield two clusters, consistent with previously discovered cortico-thalamic and intra-telencephalic neuron classes. We next analyze neurons from the presubiculum, a less-explored region. Extending sparse knowledge from earlier retrograde tracing studies, we identify five classes of presubicular projecting neurons, revealing unique patterns of divergence, convergence, and specificity. We thus report several findings: (1) individual classes target multiple subregions along defined functions, such as spatial representation vs. sensory integration and visual vs. auditory input; (2) all hypothalamic regions are exclusively targeted by the same class also invading midbrain, a sharp subset of thalamic nuclei, and agranular retrosplenial cortex; (3) Cornu Ammonis, in contrast, receives input from the same presubicular axons projecting to granular retrosplenial cortex, also the purview of a single class; (4) path distances from the presubiculum to the same targets differ significantly between classes, as do the path distances to distinct targets within most classes, suggesting fine temporal coordination in activating distant areas; (5) the identified classes have highly non-uniform abundances, with substantially more neurons projecting to midbrain and hypothalamus than to medial and lateral entorhinal cortex; (6) lastly, presubicular soma locations are segregated among classes, indicating topographic organization of projections. This study thus demonstrates that classifying neurons based on statistically distinct axonal projection patterns sheds light on the functional organizational of their circuit.
Fusarium population dynamics in commercial onion fields in Northeastern Israel
Authors: Degani Ofir , Dimant Elhanan , Margalit Eliyahu
Published: July 2023

Fusarium basal rot (FBR) is a significant limitation to Allium production worldwide. The damage of the disease can be observed throughout the entire crop cycle. The current research aimed to understand better the FBR affecting onion (Allium cepa) in northeast Israel by assessing the disease incidences. It also focuses on studying the Fusarium population structure involved in the disease outburst in two representative fields, one in the Galilee (Hula Valley) and the second in the Golan Heights. Using colony morphology, microscopic taxonomic keys, and molecular methods, a new, unreported Fusarium solani species was discovered as a wildly spread member of the Fusarium pathobiome community. This species appeared to be more generalist in its nature since it was found in all three onion cultivars’ samples. It was also less virulent than the other two species identified. While the Galilee yellow Orlando onion cultivar is colonized by F. solani and two other, less abundant species, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae, and F. acutatum, the Golan Heights Fusarium community, show host specificity. In the Golan Heights fields, F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae inhabited the red 505 onion cultivar, whereas F. acutatum colonized the yellow 100 cultivar. A better understanding of this disease complexity caused by different Fusarium species with a divergence in host susceptibility and virulence is critical for developing disease management strategies. Since each Fusarium species reacts differently to pest control treatments, the changes in the species composition may require specifically adapted pest control solutions.
Study on the attenuation relationship of acceleration envelope parameters of Wenchuan earthquake aftershocks: Considering the difference of aftershock focal mechanism and seismogenic region
Authors: Yin Deyu
Published: July 2023

Spatiotemporal distribution of the aftershock sequence of the Wenchuan earthquake shows obvious segmented characteristics, and the aftershock seismogenic region can be divided into two regions, southwest and northeast. Considering that the southwest segment of the Wenchuan earthquake fault plane is dominated by thrust slip, the northeast side is transformed into thrust and strike slip, and strike slip is dominant at the northeast end, aftershock records consistent with the slip type of the Wenchuan earthquake are selected. Thrust type aftershocks are selected in the southwest region and thrust and strike slip and strike slip aftershocks are selected in the northeast region. Attenuation relationships of three acceleration envelope models for the aftershocks (Mw 4.0–6.0) in two regions are established, including the three-segment envelope model, the three-segment envelope model with P and S wave bands, and a single-peak envelope model with P and S wave bands. Results show that there are significant differences in the attenuation characteristics of envelope parameters for different types of aftershocks. (1) For the three-segment envelope model, the durations of the rising stage and stable stage increase as the magnitude and epicentral distance increase. The attenuation coefficient decreases with increasing magnitude and epicentral distance. For the three-segment envelope model with P and S wave bands, the attenuation characteristics of the parameters are consistent with the three-segment envelope model. For the single-peak envelope model with P and S wave bands, the peak times of the P band and S band increase with increasing magnitude and epicentral distance. (2) The envelope parameters related to duration and amplitude in the northeast region of thrust and strike slip and strike slip aftershocks are generally larger than those of the southwest region with thrust type aftershocks. Shallower depths and larger magnitudes of aftershocks in the northeast region may cause this situation.
Low temperature induced quiescence in parasitoids Trichogramma evanescens Westwood and Trichogramma chilonis Ishii reared on Plodia interpunctella (Hübner): Its utilization mass rearing strategies
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahbub , Parvin M. Nishat , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: July 2023

The egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma are important potential biological control agents for a wide range of lepidopteran pests. Cold storage of host eggs has been proposed as a valuable technique for ensuring the release of sufficient parasitoid numbers whenever it is needed. In this context, the impact of low temperatures to induce quiescence in Trichogramma evanescens and T. chilonis was studied using eggs of Plodia interpunctella. Prepupae of the parasitoids were stored for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 d at 4°C, following a 7 d period of acclimation at 10°C. Both parasitoid species seem to survive unfavorable temperature conditions by entering a state of quiescence. Parasitism, adult emergence, sex ratio and progeny quality were not affected by cold storage in either parasitoid species for up to 30 d of storage. Parasitized host eggs of P. interpunctella can be stored for up to 60 d at 4°C for both parasitoids, but there was no emergence at 75 d. General productivity values gradually decreased as the duration of storage lengthened for both species. Our results clearly reveal that the eggs parasitized by these species can be stored for up to 30 d at 4°C in a state of quiescence without much loss of their performance compared to the control eggs.
Retinal OCT Biomarkers Associated with Reading Performance in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy and with Persistent vs. Resolved Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Ricardi Federico , Reccalenda Ilaria , Boscia Giacomo , Gelormini Francesco , Cimorosi Francesca , Novarese Cristina , Marolo Paola , Parisi Guglielmo , Bandello Francesco , Borrelli Enrico , Reibaldi Michele
Published: July 2023

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a common complication of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and a leading cause of visual impairment. Recent advancements in imaging technologies, particularly structural optical coherence tomography (OCT), have improved the understanding of DME pathophysiology and provided valuable biomarkers for disease progression and visual outcomes.
However, the relationship between these retinal biomarkers and reading performance in patients with DME is still unclear.
This prospective study aimed to investigate the association between specific retinal biomarkers identified through OCT imaging and reading performance metrics in patients with previously treated persistent versus resolved DME and good visual acuity. Forty-nine eyes from 35 patients with a history of DME were enrolled. Reading performance was assessed using the Radner reading charts, which include standardized sentences with geometrically progressing print sizes. Structural alterations in the inner and outer retina, as well as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), were graded based on OCT images.
The results showed that reading performance, measured as maximum reading speed and reading acuity score, was associated with specific retinal biomarkers. The disruption of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) in the parafoveal region and the presence of disorganization of the inner retinal layers (DRIL) in the parafovea were correlated with reduced reading speed. These associations were independent of the presence of intraretinal or subretinal fluid. On the other hand, the reading acuity score was mainly associated with distance visual acuity.
These findings highlight the discrepancy between best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading performance in patients with DME. The presence of specific retinal biomarkers, such as EZ disruption and DRIL, can significantly impact reading speed in these patients, even with good visual acuity. Understanding the relationship between retinal biomarkers and reading performance could contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of visual function and quality of life in patients with DME, leading to better management strategies and treatment outcomes.
Influence of Calcium Carbonate Sludge on Cement-Stabilized Subgrade Quality as Investigated by means of Electrical Resistivity Measurements
Authors: Wiwattanachang Narongchai , Vichalai Chanarop , Giao Pham Huy
Published: July 2023

Calcium carbonate [CaCO3] is a key raw material used in the clarification of sugarcane juice for syrup production. The CaCO3 sludge produced during the clarification process is a waste that needs to be stored, creating a geoenvironmental problem. On the other hand, it has been found that cement-stabilized subgrade is a suitable alternative for improving the quality of a subgrade course. This study aimed to investigate the influence of calcium carbonate sludge on the quality of the subgrade. The subgrade was composed of a mixture of 10–30% CaCO3 sludge, 1–3% of original Portland cement (OPC), and 67–100% of unqualified crushed rocks by weight. Modified proctor method was used to compact soil- cement admixture samples, which were then tested for mechanical properties and electrical resistivity. Electrical resistivity measurement using the Wenner electrode array was compared with unconfined compressive strength for 13 mix designs of soil-cement at a 7-day curing time. Experimental results show that the basic properties of CaCO3 sludge, when mixed and compacted with OPC, can produce the highest quality soil-cement. As a result of this study, electrical resistivity was found to be in good correlation with unconfined compressive strength, thus opening up a time-saving and cost-effective way to check the quality of soil-cement
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of children with methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Yan Haibo , zhang zhen , liu jingwei , Li Yumei
Published: July 2023

Background
To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of children with methylmalonic acidemia(MMA), and to improve clinicians' understanding of the disease.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of children who were hospitalized and diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia in the First Hospital of Jilin University from March 2015 to March 2021.
Results
Among the 42 children, 19 were male and 23 were female. The disease is more common in infancy. MMA is characterized by frequent vomiting, disturbance of consciousness, and metabolic acidosis, and the combined MMA The combined type is mostly growth retardation and nervous system damage.
Conclusion
Neurological damage is the most common in children with methylmalonic acidemia, and most children suffer from Growth retardation. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to improve the quality of life of children.
Evaluation of pharmaceutical inventory management challenges at public healthcare facilities in King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Mabizela Sibusiso , Nakambale Hilma N. , Bangalee Varsha
Published: July 2023

Background: Effective pharmaceutical inventory management is essential for optimizing healthcare outcomes and supply chain performance. However, challenges such as stockouts, overstocking, and wastage can hinder this process. This study examines the interrelationships between overstocking, stockouts, and wastage in eight healthcare facilities in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It also explores the extent of these challenges and investigates the use of medicine redistribution as a strategy to address inventory management issues.
Methods: A retrospective quantitative analysis was conducted using pharmacy inventory records from public healthcare facilities. Nine facilities, including hospitals and a community healthcare center in the King Cetshwayo District, were purposively sampled. Pearson's correlation analysis assessed the associations between stockouts, overstocking, and wastage, while linear regression analysis examined their influence on medicine redistribution. Descriptive statistics reported the extent of overstocking, stockouts, and expiry-related wastage.
Results: The study included nine healthcare facilities with pharmacy warehouses managed by pharmacists. A total of 392 medicines were analyzed (49 per facility). Stockouts affected 85.6% of medicines, while overstocking and expiry-related wastage impacted 50.6% and 15.2% of medicines, respectively. The most common stock-out medicines were salbutamol 200mcg inhalant (4.0%), paracetamol 500mg tablets (3.5%), and azithromycin 500mg tablets (3.3%). Overstocking, stock with short-dated expiry, and expired medicines explained 68% of redistribution transactions to other facilities (R² = 0.68). A moderate, statistically significant correlation was observed between overstocking and expiry-related wastage (r² = 0.47, p-value = 0.020). Stockouts had a weak correlation with redistribution, accounting for only 4.5% (p-value < 0.01). A weak correlation was found between stockouts and overstocking (r = 0.10), as well as between stockouts and expired medicines (r = -0.20).
Conclusion: This study highlights significant challenges in inventory management, particularly regarding stockouts, overstocking, and expiry-related wastage in the evaluated healthcare facilities. Medicine redistribution emerged as a viable strategy to address these challenges. Improving inventory management practices and implementing targeted interventions are crucial for optimizing pharmaceutical supply chain performance and enhancing healthcare delivery outcomes in this setting.
Human Gut Microbiota in Multiple Sclerosis- Can We Change it?
Authors: Paraschiv Andreea-Cristina , Vacaras Vitalie , Nistor Cristina , Vacaras Cristiana , Strilciuc Stefan , Muresanu Dafin F.
Published: July 2023

Background
Gut microbiota has complex immune functions, related to different pathologies, including multiple sclerosis (MS).
Aim
This study described the microbiota of people with MS (PwMS) and the influence of treatments.
Methods
The research included 60 participants (39 PwMS and 21 healthy controls-HC). 20 PwMS were prescribed a disease modifying therapy (DMT) either interferon beta1a or teriflunomide and 19 received a combination of classical DMT and an immunoglobulin Y (IgY) supplement. Two sets of gut samples were collected for each participant: once at the study onset and once after two months of treatment.
Results
Alpha and beta diversity analysis led to no major differences between groups. Compared to HC, the MS group had increased Prevotella stercorea and decreased Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. After treatment, PwMS had enriched Lachnospiraceae and Streptococcus. Compared to the first one, the second sample provided increased Bifidobacterum angulatum and reduced Oscillospira for PwMS. The cohort treated with complementary IgY supplement had increased Clostridium perfringens.
Conclusion
The diversity of MS microbiota is not majorly different from HC, but various taxonomic alterations arise that characterize a dysbiosis state. DMT and immunoglobulin Y supplements may be involved in changes in microbial composition that possibly tend to restore a healthier microbiome.
ROR1-AS1can promotes proliferation and invasion of cholangiocarcinoma cells in vivo and vitro
Authors: Li Xueliang , Sun Zhaowei , Wang Qinlei , Zou Hao , Wang Maobing , Cao Guanghua , Yu Yanan , Zhang Bingyuan , Dai Dongdong , Feng Yujie
Published: July 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in many pathophysiological processes, including cancer progression. Namely, lncRNA Receptor-tyrosine-kinase-like orphan receptor-1 antisense 1 (ROR1-AS1) is crucial for cancer occurrence and progression in organs such as the liver or bladder. However, its expression and role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have not been thoroughly explored. Firstly, we assessed cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration using three cell lines (HuCCT-1, QBC399, and RBE) to explore the biological characteristics of ROR1-AS1 in CCA. Secondly, to determine the in vivo effect of ROR1-AS1 on tumor growth, ROR1-AS1 knockdown (KD) HuCCT-1 cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice to evaluate tumor growth. Finally, we conducted a bioinformatic analysis to confirm the role of ROR1-AS1 in the prognosis and immunity of CCA. In this study, we found that lncRNA ROR1-AS1 was increased in CCA samples and patients with higher ROR1-AS1 expression had a shorter overall survival period. siRNA-mediated KD of ROR1-AS1 significantly reduced cell proliferation and inhibited the migration of CCA cells. In addition, ROR1-AS1 KD HuCCT-1 cells injected into nude mice grew slower than normal CCA cells. In summary, our results show that ROR1-AS1 can promote CCA progression and might serve as a new target for diagnosis and treatment of CCA.
The influence of climatic and environmental variables on sunflower planting season suitability in Tanzania.
Authors: Beteri John Maige , Lyimo James Godfrey , Msinde John Victor
Published: July 2023

Crop survival and growth requires identification of correlations between appropriate suitable planting season and relevant climatic and environmental characteristics. Climatic and environmental conditions may cause water and heat stress at critical stages of crop development and thus affecting planting suitability. Consequently, this may affect crop yield and productivity. This study assesses the influence of climate and environmental variables on rain-fed sunflower planting season suitability in Tanzania. Data on rainfall, temperature, slope, elevation, soil and land use/or cover were accessed from publicly available sources using Google Earth Engine. This is a cloud-based geospatial computing platform for remote sensed datasets. Tanzanian sunflower production calendar of 2022 was adopted to mark the start and end of planting across country. The default climate and environmental parameters from FAO database were used. In addition, Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between rainfall, temperature over Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 2000 to 2020 at five-years interval for January-April and June-September, for high and poor suitability season. The results showed that planting suitability of sunflower in Tanzania is driven more by rainfall than temperature. It was revealed that intra-annual planting suitability increases gradually from short to long- rain season and diminishes towards dry season of the year. January-April planting season window showing highest suitability (41.65%), whereas June-September indicating lowest suitability (0.05%). Though, not statistically significant, rainfall and NDVI were positively correlated with r = 0.65 and 0.75 whereas negative correlation existed between temperature and NDVI with r = -0.6 and − 0.77. We recommend sunflower subsector interventions that consider appropriate intra-regional and seasonal diversity as an important adaptive mechanism to ensure high sunflower yields.
Essential Genes Identification Model Based on Sequence Feature Map and Graph Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Hu Wenxing , Xiao Haiyang , Guan Lixin , Li Mengshan
Published: July 2023

Background
Essential genes encode functions that play a vital role in the life activities of organisms, encompassing growth, development, immune system functioning, and cell structure maintenance. Conventional experimental techniques for identifying essential genes are resource-intensive and time-consuming, and the accuracy of current machine learning models needs further enhancement. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a robust computational model to accurately predict essential genes.
Results
In this study, we introduce GCNN-SFM, a computational model for identifying essential genes in organisms, based on graph convolutional neural networks (GCNN). GCNN-SFM integrates a graph convolutional layer, a convolutional layer, and a fully connected layer to model and extract features from gene sequences of essential genes. Initially, the gene sequence is transformed into a feature map using coding techniques. Subsequently, a multi-layer GCN is employed to perform graph convolution operations, effectively capturing both local and global features of the gene sequence. Further feature extraction is performed, followed by integrating convolution and fully-connected layers to generate prediction results for essential genes. The gradient descent algorithm is utilized to iteratively update the cross-entropy loss function, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the prediction results. Meanwhile, model parameters are tuned to determine the optimal parameter combination that yields the best prediction performance during training.
Conclusions
Experimental evaluation demonstrates that GCNN-SFM surpasses various advanced essential gene prediction models and achieves an average accuracy of 94.53%. This study presents a novel and effective approach for identifying essential genes, which has significant implications for biology and genomics research.
Association between arterial stiffness and autonomic dysfunction in participants underwent treadmill exercise testing: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Park Sungjoon , Kim Hack-Lyoung , Park Kyung-Taek , Joh Hyun Sung , Lim Woo-Hyun , Seo Jae-Bin , Kim Sang-Hyun , Kim Myung-A
Published: July 2023

Background
Data on the impact of arterial stiffness on autonomic function are limited. We sought to investigate whether heart rate recovery (HRR), a predictor of autonomic function, is impaired in patients with increased arterial stiffness.
Methods
A total of 475 participants (mean age 55.8 ± 11.1 years, 34.3% women) who underwent treadmill exercise test (TET) for the evaluation of chest pain were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement on the same day. HRR was defined as the difference in heart rate from maximal exercise to one minute of recovery.
Results
participants with the lowest HRR (first tertile) were older and had more cardiovascular risk factors than those with the highest HRR (third tertile). Simple correlation analysis showed that baPWV was negatively correlated with HRR (r = -0.327, P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, there was a significant association between baPWV and HRR even after adjusting for potential confounders (β = -0.181, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
In participants who underwent TET, baPWV was negatively correlated with HRR. Our results suggest that increased arterial stiffness may play an important role in aggravating autonomic function.
Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in the treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing antineoplastic therapy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Cruz Adriana Regina , Minicucci Eliana Maria , Betini Marluci , Almeida-Lopes Luciana , Neto Victor Tieghi , Cataneo Antônio José Maria
Published: July 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation in the treatment of oral mucositis.
Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis encompassing in the electronic databases: LILACS, MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and CINAHL and in CLINICALTRIALS.gov. Eligibility criteria were: randomized, non-randomized and observational studies that used photobiomodulation for the treatment of oral mucositis. The endpoints were reduction in the severity of oral mucositis, duration of lesions, and pain reduction. For data analysis, the Review Manager 5.4 program was used.
Results: 316 studies were identified, 297 in the electronic databases and 19 in Clinicaltrials.gov. After removing duplicates, 260 studies were selected for title and abstract reading, of which 223 were excluded. A total of 37 studies were chosen for full reading, of which 6 were included in the review, totaling 299 patients. The treatment used was photobiomodulation. The patients were divided into two groups: the laser group used photobiomodulation alone or associated with other therapies, and the control group did not use photobiomodulation. For the endpoint reduction in the severity of oral mucositis (OM), the chance of reduction of the OM was greater in the laser group as compared to the control group. For the endpoints duration of OM lesions and pain reduction, it was not possible to carry out a meta-analysis due to the high heterogeneity between studies. In the interpretation of the meta-analysis, the reduction in the severity of oral mucositis was greater in the group that received photobiomodulation.
Conclusion: Photobiomodulation was effective in the treatment of oral mucositis.
The effects of countersink depth on fatigue performance of CFRP joint
Authors: Qi Zhenchao , Liang Guangyue , Dai Yizhi , Qiu Jianping , Hao Haojie
Published: July 2023

Countersink bolts are extensively utilized in aircraft connection structures due to their excellent connectivity performance. However, the countersink depth error that occurs during the manufacturing process of CFRP components is challenging to rectify. Consequently, it is imperative to investigate the impact of countersink depth error on the connection performance of the structure. This study conducted fatigue experiments on the CFRP single-lap joints with different countersink sizes, the failure of the countersink bolts and the structural components were observed. A mechanical model of the contact between the bolt cone surface and the hole wall was established to explain the failure behavior of bolts under different countersink depths. The results indicate that the fatigue life and structural stiffness of CFRP components increase with an increase in the depth error of the countersink hole. When the bolt head is recessed into the connecting plate, the stiffness of the specimen increases by approximately 19% compared to the scenario where the bolt head protrudes from the connecting plate. At the same time, it is more prone to bolt failure when the bolt head protrudes from the connecting plate. As the depth of the countersink hole increases, the extrusion stress gradually decreases, and when the bolt head makes full contact with the hole wall, the extrusion stress reduces to 421.03MPa. As the depth of the countersunk hole increases, the bending moment at the conical surface of the bolt head exhibits a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing, reaching its peak when the bolt head is flush with the upper surface of the connecting plate.
An extranodal Richter's Syndrome presenting with cardiac diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Wang Hua , Yan Wei-hong , Sun Jun-jie , Dong Mei , Zhang Nan , Liu Tong , Song Nian-peng , Zhong Lin
Published: July 2023

Background: Richter’s syndrome (RS) defines the transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia into high-grade lymphoma, which usually involves nodal and bone marrow. Extranodal involvement of the heart is an extremely rare condition. Patients with heart involvement tended to have a low response to chemotherapy and relative poor prognosis. The transformation process of RS is often insidious and nonspecific making it challenging to diagnose.
Case presentation: A 64-year-old woman wih a history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presented with intermittent chest pain and was diagnosed with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, the contrast enhanced echocardiography revealed a large irregular mass, measuring about 75.4 mm×37.5 mm, located on the lateral and posterior wall of the right ventricle. Biopsy of the cardiac mass and the results revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Conclusions: We present a case of a 64-year-old woman with aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the heart. This case could provide some insights in the diagnosis of cardiac lymphoma.
Automated choroidal layer segmentation from en face swept-source optical coherence tomography images of normal eyes using machine learning
Authors: lim JiYoung , Yoon JeMoon , Lee Jee-Hyong , Noh Hoon , Nam Seung Wan , Ham Don-ll
Published: July 2023

The study aims to use machine learning in healthy eyes to develop an automated method to segment the choroidal layers of en-face swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) images. We included 117 eyes of 117 healthy subjects who underwent an SS-OCT volume scan with a 12 x 9 mm range. SS-OCT en face images of the choroid were obtained every 2.6 µm from Bruch’s membrane (BM) to the chorioscleral border. The images at the start of the choriocapillaris, the onset of Sattler’s layer, and the beginning of Haller’s layer were identified, and the image numbers from the BM line were taken as the teacher data. Through the Boundary-Enhancing undersampling and sub-class ensemble learning, we obtained a balanced accuracy of 85.54% with an error range of 0 and 92.82% with an error range of 2. Automated stratification of the choroid in en- face SS-OCT images, including choroidal vessels outside the macula, can be done accurately through machine learning.
Three-dimensional assessment of the nasopharyngeal airway in Down syndrome during the mixed dentition period: a case-control study
Authors: Takizawa Hideomi , Takahashi Masahiro , Yoshida Hiroshi , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro , Maki Koutaro
Published: July 2023

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder caused by the genetic trait of trisomy 21. Children with DS have been reported to have a higher prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is important to undertake nasopharyngeal airway assessment in children with DS during the growing stage to understand the factors causing OSA. However, no studies to date have included three-dimensional assessment of the nasopharyngeal airway in children with DS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nasopharyngeal airway volume of children with DS and compare the results with those of control subjects well-matched for sex and age. We enrolled 15 DS and 15 control subjects. The nasopharyngeal airway volume and the cross-sectional morphology were measured with cone-beam computed tomography taken for orthodontic treatment. Nasal airway and superior airway volumes of DS subjects were significantly smaller than those of the control subjects. Our results indicate that the nasopharyngeal airway volume differs between children with and without DS, and these differences could be a potential risk factor in the occurrence of OSA in children with DS during the growing stage.
Determine the optimal parameters for biogas production from common reed (Phragmites australis)
Authors: Al-Iraqi Ahmed Riyadh , Semple Kirk T. , Folkard Andrew M. , Barker Philip A. , Gandhi Bhushan P.
Published: July 2023

A series of batch assays have been conducted to investigate the optimal factors that can be adopted to improve the anaerobic digestion (AD) performance of Phragmites australis (P. australis) and increase biogas production. The assays were carried out using 125 ml microcosm reactors with a working volume of 80 ml and incubated at mesophilic conditions 37 C. The effect of particle size (10, 5, 2, and < 1 mm) and alkaline pre-treatment of P. australis using various concentrations of sodium hydroxide concentration (0.5, 1, 2, and 4%) on biogas production were examined. Furthermore, the best pre-treatment incubation time (12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours) and the optimal inoculum to substrate ratio (ISR: 4:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4) were also assessed. The results revealed that the highest biogas production from P. australis was achieved at: particle size < 1 mm; 2% NaOH concentration for pre-treatment; 120 hours treatment incubation time; and ISR of 1:2.
Relationships between Anxiety, Attention, and Reading Comprehension in Children
Authors: Barnes Emily D. , Grills Amie E. , Vaughn Sharon R.
Published: July 2023

Many studies link anxiety in children with reading difficulties, but some facets of anxiety have been found to be positively associated with reading achievement. Attentional Control Theory offers a potential explanation for these seemingly contradictory findings, positing that anxiety can both interfere in attentional processes and enhance effort and use of compensatory processing strategies. The current study examines the relationships between anxiety, attentional control, and reading comprehension in a racially-diverse sample of 251 second-grade students, most of whom were struggling readers. Results showed that harm avoidance was positively associated with reading comprehension and physical symptoms of anxiety were negatively associated with reading comprehension. These links were attenuated when including attentional control in the model, suggesting mediation and lending support to Attentional Control Theory. Further research is needed to confirm causal mediation effects between anxiety, attentional control, and reading performance.
Quantifying innervation facilitated by deep learning in wound healing
Authors: Mehta Abijeet Singh , Teymoori Sam , Recendez Cynthia , Fregoso Daniel , Gallegos Anthony , Yang Hsin-Ya , Isseroff Roslyn , Zhao Min , Gomez Marcella , Aslankoohi Elham , Rolandi Marco
Published: July 2023

The peripheral nerves (PNs) innervate the dermis and epidermis, which have been suggested to play an important role in wound healing. Several methods to quantify skin innervation during wound healing have been reported. Those usually require multiple observers, are complex and labor-intensive, and noise/background associated with the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) images could cause quantification errors/user bias. In this study, we employed the state-of-the-art deep neural network, DnCNN, to perform pre-processing and effectively reduce the noise in the IHC images. Additionally, we utilized an automated image analysis tool, assisted by Matlab, to accurately determine the extent of skin innervation during various stages of wound healing. The 8mm wound is generated using a circular biopsy punch in the wild-type mouse. Skin samples were collected on days 3,7,10 and 15, and sections from paraffin-embedded tissues were stained against pan-neuronal marker- protein-gene-product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) antibody. On day 3 and day 7, negligible nerve fibers were present throughout the wound with few only on the lateral boundaries of the wound. On day 10, a slight increase in nerve fiber density appeared, which significantly increased on day 15. Importantly we found a positive correlation (R2 = 0.933) between nerve fiber density and re-epithelization, suggesting an association between re-innervation and re-epithelization. These results established a quantitative time course of re-innervation in wound healing, and the automated image analysis method offers a novel and useful tool to facilitate the quantification of innervation in the skin and other tissues.
Effect of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Composite on the Formability of Multi-Layer Tube Utilizing Hydroforming Technology
Authors: Mohammadhosseinzadeh Majid , ghorbani-menghari hossein
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, due to importance of the lightweight materials in industries and reducing the consumed energy, obtaining a lightweight material with high strength and stiffness is required. A combination of fiber and metal materials can close us reach our goal. Fiber-metal composite tube structures can be one of these ultra-hybrid materials which have high strength and stiffness with flexible material properties like fiber tubes which provide a light structure with improved performance compared to singular tube parts. In this research, a combined tubular structure of AL-6063 and carbon fiber was used. The free bulge hydroforming, lateral 3-point bending test, and axial compression were numerically and experimentally conducted to evaluate the effect of the carbon fiber on the AL-6063 tube. Also, a bi-layer AL-6063 tube was used to compare the result between a bi-layer of metal tube and the fiber metal tube laminates (FMTLs). The results demonstrated that the bi-layer tube of carbon fiber-Al can show a considerable performance in a high pressure while it is not a proper structure where a radial load is applied.
Cultivating Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) to Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Illustrative Example of Partnership and Topic Prioritization in the Food Services Industry
Authors: Hoerger Michael , Kim Seowoo , Mossman Brenna , Alonzi Sarah , Xu Kenneth , Coward John C. , Whalen Kathleen , Nauman Elizabeth , Miller Jonice , Cerda Tracey De La , Peyser Tristen , Dunn Addison , Zapolin Dana , Rivera Dulcé , Murugesan Navya , Baker Courtney N.
Published: July 2023

Background
As an illustrative example of COVID-19 pandemic community-based participatory research (CBPR), we describe a community-academic partnership to prioritize future research most important to people experiencing high occupational exposure to COVID-19 – food service workers. Food service workers face key challenges surrounding 1) health and safety precautions, 2) stress and mental health, and 3) the long-term pandemic impact.
Method
Using CBPR methodologies, academic scientists and community stakeholders conducted a survey, three focus groups, and a rapid qualitative assessment to understand the three areas of concern and prioritize future research.
Results
The survey showed that employers mainly supported basic droplet protections (soap, hand sanitizer, gloves), rather than comprehensive airborne protections (high-quality masks, air quality monitoring, air cleaning). Workers faced challenging decisions surrounding isolation, quarantine, testing, masking, vaccines, and in-home transmission, described anxiety as a top mental health concern, and described long-term physical and financial concerns. Focus groups provided qualitative examples of concerns and narrowed topic prioritization. The rapid qualitative assessment identified key needs and opportunities for helping with a top priority, reducing in-home COVID-19 transmission.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced food service workers to experience complex decisions about health and safety, stress and mental health concerns, and long-term health and financial difficulties. Stakeholders suggest the need for more research aimed at reducing in-home COVID-19 transmission as well as supporting long-term mental health, physical health, and financial concerns. This research provides an illustrative example of how to cultivate community-based partnerships to respond to immediate and critical issues affecting populations most burdened by public health crises.
Delta Radiomics Analysis for Prediction of Intermediary- and High-Risk Factors for Patients with Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Wu Rong-Rong , Zhou Yi-Ming , Xie Xing-Yun , Chen Jin-Yang , Quan Ke-Run , Wei Yu-Ting , Xia Xiao-Yi , Chen Wen-Juan
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based Delta radiomics characteristics extrapolated from the Ax LAVA+C series to identify intermediary- and high-risk factors in patients with cervical cancer undergoing surgery following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 157 patients were divided into two groups, namely, those without high-risk factors and the absence or presence of any intermediary-risk factors (negative set; n = 75) and those with more than one high-risk factor or more than two intermediary-risk factors (positive set; n = 82). Radiomics characteristics were extracted using Ax-LAVA+C MRI sequences. The data was divided into training (n = 126) and test (n = 31) sets in an 8:2 ratio. The training set data features were selected using the Mann-Whitney U test and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) test. The best radiomics features were then analyzed to build a preoperative predictive radiomics model for predicting intermediary- and high-risk factors in cervical cancer. Three models—the clinical model, the radiomics model, and the combined clinic and radiomics model—were developed in this study utilizing the random forest Algorithm. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were used to assess the predictive efficacy and clinical benefits of each model.
RESULTS: Three models were developed in this study to predict intermediary- and high-risk variables associated with postoperative pathology for patients who underwent surgery after receiving neoadjuvant radiation. In the training and test sets, the AUC values assessed using the clinical model, radiomics model, and combined clinical and radiomics models were 0.76 and 0.70, 0.88 and 0.86, and 0.91 and 0.89, respectively.
CONCLUSION: The use of machine learning algorithms to analyze Delta Ax LAVA+C MRI radiomics features can aid in the prediction of intermediary- and high-risk factors in patients with cervical cancer receiving neoadjuvant therapy.