bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Influence of the Professional Structure of Employment on the Growth of the Economy of Modern Russia
Authors: Basovskiy Leonid , Basovskaya Elena
Published: December 2024

The paper attempts to identify the relationship between the professional structure of employment and the growth rate of the economy of modern Russia based on correlation analysis and construction of regression models using regional statistics. The obtained research results show that the expansion of the scale of using the labor of managers can contribute to an increase in the rates of economic growth, which corresponds to the trends in the development of the post-industrial economic system. The use of unskilled labor slows down economic growth, which indicates the use of outdated relict technological structures. The absence of a significant impact of skilled labor on the rate of economic growth indicates that industrial technologies are used that have exhausted the possibilities of increasing labor productivity. The absence of a significant impact on the rate of economic growth of specialists indicates that their role in accelerating scientific and technological progress is insignificant. This may be due to insufficient research and development, limited funding for this area of activity. The use of skilled labor in agriculture and forestry, fish farming and fishing slows down economic growth, which indicates that these industries are based on outdated relict structures.
SGLT2 inhibitors in preventing progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: a literature review
Authors: Szczepański Michał , Kuliga Marcin , Bajak Mateusz , Słowik Julia , Inglot Julia , Inglot Jadwiga , Feret Dominik Maciej , Zapasek Daniel , Mamczur Maciej , Sowa Damian
Published: December 2024

IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an increasing health concern, and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects 30–40% of patients with diabetes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are effective medications used in the treatment of T2DM, which not only improve glycemic control but also slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), reducing the risk of renal and cardiovascular complications. They work by decreasing glomerular hyperfiltration and alleviating inflammation in the kidneys. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits, including a reduction in albuminuria and improvement in renal function. In the future, the development of new drug classes, such as Nrf2 activators and RAS inhibitors, which are currently under clinical investigation, may further advance the treatment of DKD, offering a more personalized approach to therapy. This article reviews the current knowledge on SGLT2i and their impact on the progression of DKD, the future prospects for therapies in managing diabetes and its complications.
Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to gather and analyze available scientific publications regarding the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with T2DM and to determine the future of therapy based on new reports and research into emerging drug classes.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a review and analysis of the literature available in the PubMed database, using keywords such as SGLT2 inhibitors, gliflozins, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes.
Severe depression episode with an incredible improvement after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Rezmer Jakub , Homa Wojciech , Bogusz Paweł , Soroka Ewelina
Published: December 2024

Aim: The primary aim of this article is to present a case study of a patient with severe depressive episode that was refractory to extensive pharmacological treatment, but exhibited remarkable improvement following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Materials and Methods: The patient’s medical records were obtained from II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin. Cited literature was searched on the PubMed database using the following keywords: Major depressive disorder or MDD, Electroconvulsive therapy, and Benzodiazepine dependence.
Results and conclusions: A 55-year-old woman with recurrent depressive disorder and benzodiazepine dependance, unresponsive to multiple medications, requested an ECT. She was then treated with a cycle of 12 Seizure Electroconvulsive Therapy (SECT) sessions. Initially bedridden with severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and no clinical improvement despite maximal pharmacotherapy, she exhibited significant improvement after three SECT sessions. Her anxiety decreased, suicidal ideation resolved, and symptoms of anergy and anhedonia diminished. At the end of the SECT cycle, the patient's mood stabilised, and her activity level and social engagement increased. At discharge, she showed no suicidal ideation, tendencies, or psychotic symptoms.This case demonstrates the effectiveness of ECT in treating severe, pharmacologically resistant depressive episodes. It highlights the importance of considering patient requests in conjunction with clinical assessments to achieve positive outcomes. Raising awareness about ECT's safety and efficacy among the public and mental health professionals is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies for severe depression. Proper qualification and timely administration of ECT can significantly enhance treatment outcomes beyond pharmacotherapy alone.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Biłogras Jan , Karamus Kornelia , Rejmak Rafał , Borowska-Łygan Martyna , Tomaszewski Jakub , Strużek Konrad , Urban Wojciech
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins in affecting the human body. It turns out that its influence is not limited to its health-promoting effect on the skeletal system, but may also play an important role in the immune system. In our study, we focused precisely on this aspect of vitamin D's action. 
Review method
We used materials from PubMed for this purpose. We focused on articles and research papers published between 2019 and 2024. We reviewed the publications in terms of vitamin D supplementation and its effects on immunity, disease processes, patient recovery, COVID-19 patients, and some autoimmune diseases. 
Results
Some studies show that vitamin D supplementation significantly improves immune function. It also improves prognosis and reduces mortality in COVID-19. The number of complications and severity of the course also decreases. Vitamin D supplementation also has a positive effect on the course of autoimmune diseases, allowing a reduction in the incidence and improving the outcome of some of them. Unfortunately, not all studies prove such beneficial effects of vitamin D. What is important, however, is that vitamin D may have a beneficial effect on the course of diseases, and the low cost of its use and high availability may prove to be the key to medical development.
Conclusions
Based on the accumulated studies, it can be concluded that vitamin D contributes to the improvement of immune system function. Some studies prove the beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on the course of some autoimmune diseases. The potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation, as well as its low cost, should be a key argument for further research and knowledge on this topic.
Krytyka polskich biskupów w łacińskich pismach Marcina Kromera (1542–1568)
Authors: Dziuba Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

Artykuł jest próbą opisania krytyki polskich biskupów, która znalazła się w tekstach z lat 1542–1568 jednego z czołowych przedstawicieli kontrreformacji – Marcina Kromera. Treść pracy koncentruje się na analizie passusów z dzieł humanisty, w których pojawiają się słowa nagany pod adresem polskich hierarchów. Tematem refleksji badawczej jest sposób prowadzenia krytyki, jej przedmiot oraz propozycje naprawy obyczajów kleru. Analizie zostaje poddana także postawa Kromera w kontekście stosunków polskiego Kościoła z dworem Jagiellonów.
Sytuacja wyznaniowa rodu Sienieńskich i jej wpływ na losy Rakowa po 1638 roku
Authors: Bem Kazimierz
Published: December 2024

Artykuł w sposób istotny koryguje dotychczasowe ustalenia genealogiczne i religijne dotyczące rodziny Jakuba Sienieńskiego i jego potomków, właścicieli Rakowa po 1638 r. i patronów Kościoła braci polskich. Na podstawie rozsianych i dotychczas niezestawionych razem dokumentów autor pokazuje przemiany religijne w obrębie tej rodziny, często wymuszone przez działanie króla i katolickich krewnych. Przemiany te pozwalają także na częściowe zrekonstruowanie okoliczności zburzenia dawnego zboru braci polskich i wybudowania kościoła rzymskokatolickiego w Rakowie.
Ariańska koncepcja testowania w dokumencie ostatniej woli Stanisława Budzińskiego
Authors: Płonka Mirosław
Published: December 2024

W sporządzonym 2 stycznia 1597 r. testamencie Stanisław Budziński zawarł wiele przemyśleń natury eschatologicznej. Jako zwolennik doktryn antytrynitarskich potraktował testament jako dokument wypaczony przez legaty pobożne, w którym mieszały się sprawy duchowe z ludzkimi. Poza podziałem na testament i libellus, Budziński w treści swojej ostatniej woli m.in. wywiódł testowanie z Biblii, wpisał proces powstawania testamentu w zamysł Boży i uzasadniał, że pochówek w przydomowym sadzie niczym nie różnił się od pogrzebu na cmentarzu. Artykuł, stanowiący omówienie ariańskiej koncepcji testowania w ujęciu Stanisława Budzińskiego, został uzupełniony o edycję źródłową omawianego aktu ostatniej woli.
Mediating Role of Platelet Count Increase in Unfractionated Heparin Treatment for Sepsis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Wang Guangjie , Zou Xiaoyun , Shen Jiawei , Hao Chenxiao , Chen Guanyang , Sun Yao , Zhang Yong , An Youzhong , Zhao Huiying
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background The role of heparin in sepsis therapy has been widely debated. The controversy surrounding heparin’s use as an anticoagulant in sepsis may stem from differences in sepsis definitions, study designs, timing and dosage of drug administration, treatment duration, complications, and patient severity. In this study, we aimed to determine the optimal timing and dosage of heparin in patients with sepsis, identify specific subgroups that could benefit from heparin therapy, and explore laboratory markers to assess its efficacy.

Methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV dataset. Data from patients with sepsis were extracted based on the Sepsis 3.0 criteria. Patients were categorized according to heparin use. The effectiveness of early and appropriate heparin administration was assessed, and a subgroup analysis was performed to identify patients most likely to benefit from heparin therapy. Additionally, factors mediating the improvement in sepsis prognosis following heparin treatment were analyzed.

Results We recruited 4149 participants who met the inclusion criteria, with an overall 28-day mortality rate of 19.5%. There were 2192 individuals in the heparin group and 1957 in the non-heparin group. After propensity score matching, heparin therapy demonstrated a significantly greater effect on reducing both 28-day and 90-day mortality compared to the non-heparin treatment (18.1% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001; 18.8% vs. 12.6%, p < 0.001). However, the heparin group had a higher incidence of major bleeding (10.9% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.001), increased use of mechanical ventilation (54.3% vs. 45.1%, p < 0.001), and a longer intensive care unit stay (3.6 vs. 2.5 days, p < 0.001) compared to the non-heparin group. Early administration of high-dose heparin improved 28-day survival. Early and adequate heparin administration was more effective than late and insufficient dosing (p < 0.01), except in patients with sepsis who had low white blood cell counts, alkalosis, or reduced platelet counts. The increase in platelet count had a significant mediating effect on the entire cohort (p < 0.001 for the causal mediation effect), with a mediation proportion of 14%.

Conclusion Early and adequate heparin administration can significantly improve the prognosis of sepsis. An increase in platelet count may serve as a potential indicator of the effectiveness of heparin therapy in sepsis.
Expression and Clinical Implications of pro-BNP and Soluble ST2 in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Meng Xing , Zhang Kai , Zeng Wan-Jie , Hu Zhen-Hua
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex clinical syndrome resulting from various cardiac diseases, characterized by weakened cardiac pumping capacity and inadequate blood supply to body tissues. This study aims to investigate the expression and clinical implications of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) in CHF to explore their potential in early diagnosis and severity assessment of the pathological condition.

Methods This study included 146 CHF patients treated at our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023, who were classified in the observation group, and 150 concurrent healthy people categorized in the control group. pro-BNP and sST2 levels in the observation and control groups were compared. The diagnostic value of pro-BNP and sST2 in CHF was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Besides, pro-BNP and sST2 levels in patients with different New York Heart Association (NYHA) grades were compared, and their relationships with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial diameter (LAD), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) were assessed by means of Pearson's correlation.

Results CHF cases showed markedly higher pro-BNP and sST2 levels than healthy controls (p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curves for pro-BNP and sST2 in diagnosing CHF was 0.826 (95% CI: 0.778–0.875) and 0.733 (95% CI: 0.674–0.791), respectively. pro-BNP and sST2 levels were similar in grades I and II patients (p > 0.05), but lower when compared with those in grades III and IV patients (p < 0.05). Grade III patients showed lower pro-BNP and sST2 expression than grade Ⅳ patients (p < 0.05). Additionally, pro-BNP and sST2 had an inverse connection with LVEF (r = –0.764 and r = –0.535, respectively) and a positive correlation with LAD (r = 0.752 and r = 0.535, respectively) and LVEDD (r = 0.721 and r = 0.544, respectively).

Conclusion pro-BNP and sST2 exhibit good diagnostic value for CHF, owing to their close association with patients' cardiac function. These biomarkers can be used as effective indicators to evaluate the severity of heart failure.
Starting strong
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

Building positive relationships between infants and carers is key to prosocial behaviour and later mental health. By Annette Rawstrone
The Protein Biomarkers of Feline Mammary Carcinoma
Authors:   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan, Masood Wajahat , Wahab Ali Abdul ,   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan, Shaheen Afnaz ,   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan, Zulfiqar Aeman ,   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan, Saad Ul Haq Muhammad ,   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan, Raza Syed Ali ,   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan, Ashraf Ahsan ,   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan, - Mehrullah ,   Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi (46210), Pakistan
Published: December 2024

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a prevalent aggressive malignancy in cats, characterized by a poor prognosis and limited treatment options beyond mastectomy. This review explores the significance of various protein biomarkers, including HER2, BCL-2, RON, Ki 67, and COX-2, in diagnosing and treating FMC in cats. Early diagnosis and treatment due to the aggressive nature of FMC is important, which often leads to limited therapeutic options and poor responses in later stages. Biomarkers play a crucial role in improving diagnostic accuracy, guiding therapeutic decisions, and monitoring disease progression in cats with FMC. The review highlights the potential of biomarkers to revolutionize diagnostic approaches in veterinary clinics, offering a more targeted and effective strategy for managing feline mammary carcinomas.
Antifungal activity of lactic acid bacteria from Pangasius catfish culture in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors:   Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Vinh Long University of Technology Education, Vinh Long City 89000, Vietnam, Van Cao Thi Quach , Thanh Dung Tu ,   College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 90000, Vietnam, Bao Trung Nguyen ,   College of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 90000, Vietnam, Phuong Thuy Nguyen ,   School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City 87000, Vietnam
Published: December 2024

Fungi are one of the most common pathogens in aquaculture. The study was performed to isolate and select lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antifungal activity. A total of 36 isolates of LAB were isolated from the intestines of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, water and sludge, fermented vegetables, and “com me” in Vinh Long province of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The results revealed that the isolated LAB isolates were inhibitory against five species of fungi: Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Achlya sp., Saprolegnia sp., and Mucor sp. In particular, isolate LN12 showed the highest activity against Aspergillus sp., Fusarium sp., Achlya sp., Saprolegnia sp., and Mucor sp. with inhibition diameters of 20 mm, 19.33 mm, 19.67 mm, 19.0 mm, and 20.33 mm, respectively. An investigation on the influence of culture conditions showed that all four bacterial isolates, LN5, LN12, LN23, and LN31, had the highest antifungal activity at a concentration of 108 CFU/ml after incubation for 48-60 hours, incubation temperature of 30–35oC, pH of 5.0–6.0 in the medium without the addition of NaCl. Four bacterial isolates, LN5, LN12, LN23, and LN31, were identified as Lactobacillus, and LN33 belonged to Pediococcus based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, and 16S-rRNA gene sequencing. The results show the potential application of LAB isolates in the prevention of fungal diseases in catfish.
Extreme point of completely convex state structure
Authors: Khaliullin Samigulla Garifullovich
Published: December 2024

It is well - known that the set of states of a given quantum mechanical system is to be closed from the point of view of the operational approach if we want to make mixed states or convex combinations. That is, $s_1$ and $s_2$ are states, then the same is to be true for $\lambda s_1 +(1-\lambda) s_2,$ where $0 < \lambda < 1.$ We can define a convex combination of elements in a linear space, but unfortunately, in the general case the linear space is artificial for the set of states and has no physical meaning, but the procedure of forming the mixtures of states has a natural meaning. This is why we provide an abstract definition of the mixtures, which is independent of the linearity notion. We call this space a convex structure. In the work we consider state spaces, generalized state spaces, in which we select pure states, define operations and effects associated with the operations. We also consider ultraproducts of the sequences of these structures, operations and effects.
On vector derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Smirnov Aleksandr Olegovich , Shilovsky Stepan Dmitrievich
Published: December 2024

We propose a sequence of Lax pairs, the compatibility conditions of which are integrable vector nonlinear equations. The first equations in this hierarchy are vector Kaup - Newell, Chen - Lee - Liu, Gerdjikov - Ivanov integrable nonlinear equations. The type of vector equation depends on an additional parameter $\alpha$. The proposed form of the vector Kaup - Newell equation has slight differences in comparison with the classical form. We show that the evolution of simplest nontrivial solutions of these equations is a composition of the evolutions of length and orientations of solution. We study properties of spectral curves of simplest nontrivial solutions the vector equations in the constructed hierarchy.
On Zaremba problem for second - order linear elliptic equation with drift in case of limit exponent
Authors: Aliyev Mushfig J , Alkhutov Yuriy Alexandrovich , Chechkin Gregory Aleksandrovich
Published: December 2024

We establish the unique solvability of the Zaremba problem with the homogeneous Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions for an inhomogeneous linear second order second order equation in the divergence form with measurable coefficients and lower order terms. The problem is considered in a bounded strictly Lipschitz domain. We suppose that the domain is contained in an $n$ - dimensional Euclidean space, where $n\ge2$. If $n>2$, then the lower coefficient belong to the Lebesgue space with the limiting summability exponent from the Sobolev embedding theorem. If $n=2$, then the lower coefficients are summable at each power exceeding two. Apart of the unique solvability, we establish an energy estimate for the solution.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions to outer Zaremba problem for elliptic equations with measure - valued potential
Authors: Mukminov Farit Khamzaevich , Stekhun Oleg Sergeevich
Published: December 2024

In the exterior of a ball in the space $\mathbb{R}^n$ we consider the Zaremba and Neumann problems for quasilinear second order elliptic problems with a measure - valued potential. We proved the existence and uniqueness of entropy solution to the Zaremba and Neumann problems.
Low-frequency vibration monitoring system measuring the fringe shift by using linear Fresnel zone plates for shiny surfaces
Authors: Amani Alireza , Tan YiDong
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a vibration monitoring system that measures the fringe shift from the Fresnel diffraction pattern for noncontact measurement of translational and angular vibrations. Conventional vibration systems have some major limitations in practical applications. For example, a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) fails to accurately measure large-amplitude vibrations of a mirrored object undergoing dynamic tilts or rotations. Additionally, achieving the accuracy required for micro/nanomeasurement in precision machines when measuring low-frequency vibrations (LFV) remains a significant challenge. In this study, the vibration measurement system utilizes a linear Fresnel zone plate with parallel strip lines to create the diffraction pattern. Surface vibrations cause shifts in these lines, and the resulting fringe pattern on the vibrating surface carries information about the local vibrational amplitude and frequency. To achieve this, the linear vibration and displacement of the object are accurately verified using a linear motion platform and a rotation stage, with accuracies of approximately 20 nm and 0.002°, respectively. Rotational vibration measurements utilize tracking beam deflection through the image fringe shift measurement method, while out-of-plane displacement is determined both from this method and from changes in the period density of diffraction patterns, which depend on the position of the patterns and the local spatial frequency. A CCD camera captures sequences of images of the deflected fringes due to vibrating object. The system can detect linear vibrations with frequencies above 251.91 µHz and has a displacement uncertainty of approximately 5.8 µm, achieving an angular resolution of 37.67 µrad. Compared to conventional LDV vibrometers and eddy current sensors, the proposed method offers an effective and accurate technique for measuring LFVs of shiny surfaces. Furthermore, it provides a significantly extended measurement range for both translation and rotational angles of objects in engineering applications.
Deep-learning-assisted composite polarized fringe projection profilometry for three-dimensional measurement of high-dynamic-range objects
Authors: Dang Guoqing , Zhu Zhenmin , Cheng Xiaoyan , Xie Dongdong , Zou Bin
Published: December 2024

The presence of highlights on the surfaces of high-dynamic-range objects poses significant challenges to their three-dimensional measurement. Achieving fast and high-precision reconstruction of high-dynamic-range objects has become a primary research focus in the field of optical measurement. Although the polarization coding technique can effectively mitigate the influence of highlights, it also introduces increased nonlinear errors and reduces the signal-to-noise ratio. To address these issues, we propose a deep-learning-assisted composite polarization fringe projection profile measurement method for the three-dimensional measurement of high-dynamic-range objects. This method combines data-driven deep learning techniques with physical-model-based polarization coding to eliminate highlights, reduce nonlinear errors, and mitigate the reduction in signal-to-noise ratio. Experimental validation across various scenes and different methods of highlight removal demonstrates that our proposed method significantly improves both measurement efficiency and accuracy compared to traditional physical models.
Photo-physical mechanism of near-IR femtosecond laser-induced refractive-index change in PMMA
Authors: Kudryashov Sergey , Gulina Yulia , Danilov Pavel , Smirnov Nikita , Rimskaya Elena , Krasin George , Saraeva Irina , Shelygina Svetlana , Rupasov Alexey , Pershin Kirill , Tsygankov Alexander , Gorevoy Alexey
Published: December 2024

Micromodification in bulk undoped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by
single focused (numerical aperture (NA) = 0.25), 1030-nm 250-fs laser
pump pulses was explored by pump self-transmittance; optical,
3D-scanning confocal photoluminescence (PL); Raman micro-spectroscopy;
and optical polarimetric and interferometric microscopy. Starting from
the threshold pulse energy Eth = 0.4 ± 0.1 μJ (peak laser intensity Ith ≈ 8 TW/cm2), visible
bright micro-voxels emerged inside PMMA at the 100 ÷ 300-μm depth,
with their PL-acquired dimensions increasing versus pulse energy.
Optical phase change was interferometrically measured in the voxels at
the 532-nm wavelength, exhibiting versus the pulse energy the
isotropic refractive index increase Δn = +(4 ÷ 10) × 10−4, and a new
1640-cm−1 peak of C=C vibrations emerged in the Raman
spectra. Pump self-transmittance measurements demonstrated the
predominating eight-photon absorption (excited energy level ≈ 9.7 eV,
coefficient β8 ≈ 3 × 10−5 cm13/TW7)
at the sub-threshold I < Ith, implying photoionization of the
PMMA chains (the ionization potential of MMA molecule ≈ 9.7 eV). At
higher peak intensities I > Ith, inverse brems-strahlung
absorption (coefficient ∼103cm−1) of
near-critical micro-plasma (density
>5 × 1020 cm−3) predominates over the
multi-photon PMMA absorption, providing the bulk energy density
>6 × 102 J/cm3 and the temperature rise
ΔT > 2.2 × 102 K, which
are sufficient for PMMA (de)polymerization near the equilibrium bulk
temperature TP ≈ 220°C. These
results uncover the quantitative mechanism of fs-laser modification of
PMMA, justifying the previous qualitative findings and enabling
controllable energy deposition during fs-laser PMMA micromachining of
diverse functional applications.
Analysis of side-lobe generation in graphene reflectarrays, considering the impact of losses
Authors: Hosseini Parinaz , Oraizi Homayoon
Published: December 2024

The surface wave generation in microstrip antennas and reflectarray antennas composed of microstrip patches is an unavoidable phenomenon. The wave incidence on discontinuities and edges causes side-lobe generation and main beam declination. In this paper, the side-lobe production in reflectarrays is analyzed using the Fourier transform technique in relation to its structural parameters. In reflectarray antennas composed of graphene unit-cells, the side-lobe production is quite different from the metal ones due to the graphene intrinsic characteristics, such as Ohmic losses and kinetic inductance. In this paper, a reflectarray composed of graphene cell-clusters is designed and simulated for the investigation of the generation of surface waves and side-lobes in the far-field pattern, in 1 THz. Also a reflectarray structure composed of aluminum unit-cells with structural parameters similar to the graphene reflectarray is simulated and the results are compared. The losses in graphene reflectarray absorbs part of the Surface waves and increases the directivity, In comparison with the metal ones. It is found necessary to design the structure in such a way that the losses be appropriate for optimum gain pattern.
Preserving friendships in school contacts: An algorithm to construct synthetic temporal networks for epidemic modelling
Authors: Calmon Lucille , Colosi Elisabetta , Bassignana Giulia , Barrat Alain , Colizza Vittoria
Published: December 2024

High-resolution temporal data on contacts between hosts provide crucial information on the mixing patterns underlying infectious disease transmission. Publicly available data sets of contact data are however typically recorded over short time windows with respect to the duration of an epidemic. To inform models of disease transmission, data are thus often repeated several times, yielding synthetic data covering long enough timescales. Looping over short term data to approximate contact patterns on longer timescales can lead to unrealistic transmission chains because of the deterministic repetition of all contacts, without any renewal of the contact partners of each individual between successive periods. Real contacts indeed include a combination of regularly repeated contacts (e.g., due to friendship relations) and of more casual ones. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to longitudinally extend contact data recorded in a school setting, taking into account this dual aspect of contacts and in particular the presence of repeated contacts due to friendships. To illustrate the interest of such an algorithm, we then simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on our synthetic contacts using an agent-based model specific to the school setting. We compare the results with simulations performed on synthetic data extended with simpler algorithms to determine the impact of preserving friendships in the data extension method. Notably, the preservation of friendships does not strongly affect transmission routes between classes in the school but leads to different infection pathways between individual students. Our results moreover indicate that gathering contact data during two days in a population is sufficient to generate realistic synthetic contact sequences between individuals in that population on longer timescales. The proposed tool will allow modellers to leverage existing contact data, and contributes to the design of optimal future field data collection.
Differential quantification of alternative splicing events on spliced pangenome graphs
Authors: Ciccolella Simone , Cozzi Davide , Della Vedova Gianluca , Kuria Stephen Njuguna , Bonizzoni Paola , Denti Luca
Published: December 2024

Pangenomes are becoming a powerful framework to perform many bioinformatics analyses taking into account the genetic variability of a population, thus reducing the bias introduced by a single reference genome. With the wider diffusion of pangenomes, integrating genetic variability with transcriptome diversity is becoming a natural extension that demands specific methods for its exploration. In this work, we extend the notion of spliced pangenomes to that of annotated spliced pangenomes; this allows us to introduce a formal definition of Alternative Splicing (AS) events on a graph structure. To investigate the usage of graph pangenomes for the quantification of AS events across conditions, we developed pantas, the first pangenomic method for the detection and differential analysis of AS events from short RNA-Seq reads. A comparison with state-of-the-art linear reference-based approaches proves that pantas achieves competitive accuracy, making spliced pangenomes effective for conducting AS events quantification and opening future directions for the analysis of population-based transcriptomes.
A statistical modelling approach for determining the cause of reported respiratory syndromes from internet-based participatory surveillance when influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 are co-circulating
Authors: McDonald Scott A. , Jan van Hoek Albert , Paolotti Daniela , Hooiveld Mariette , Meijer Adam , de Lange Marit ,   Infectieradar team, van Gageldonk-Lafeber Arianne , Wallinga Jacco
Published: December 2024

Symptom-only case definitions are insufficient to discriminate COVID-like illness from acute respiratory infection (ARI) or influenza-like illness (ILI), due to the overlap in case definitions. Our objective was to develop a statistical method that does not rely on case definitions to determine the contribution of influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 to the ARI burden during periods when both viruses are circulating. Data sources used for testing the approach were weekly ARI syndrome reports from the Infectieradar participatory syndromic surveillance system during the analysis period (the first 25 weeks of 2022, in which SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus co-circulated in the Netherlands) and data from virologically tested ARI (including ILI) patients who consulted a general practitioner in the same period. Estimation of the proportions of ARI attributable to influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, or another cause was framed as an inference problem, through which all data sources are combined within a Bayesian framework to infer the weekly numbers of ARI reports attributable to each cause. Posterior distributions for the attribution proportions were obtained using Markov Chain Monte-Carlo methods. Application of the approach to the example data sources indicated that, of the total ARI reports (total of 11,312; weekly mean of 452) during the analysis period, the model attributed 35.4% (95% CrI: 29.2–40.0%) and 27.0% (95% CrI: 19.3–35.2%) to influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2, respectively. The proposed statistical model allows the attribution of respiratory syndrome reports from participatory surveillance to either influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2 infection in periods when both viruses are circulating, but comparability of the participatory surveillance and virologically tested populations is important. Portability for use by other countries with established participatory respiratory surveillance systems is an asset.
Barriers and facilitators of compliance with infection prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in health facilities in Kampala city, Uganda
Authors: Limenyande Mitima Jean-Marie , Isunju John Bosco , Musoke David
Published: December 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) was crucial to reduce the spread of the virus in health facilities. This study explored the barriers and facilitators of IPC compliance among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kampala City, Uganda. Key informant interviews were conducted with 14 participants in 12 health facilities located in Nakawa division, Kampala City. Of these facilities, 3 were government-owned, and 9 were private not-for-profit. Each health facility’s participant was either the IPC focal person or a HCW knowledgeable about the IPC measures implemented there. Transcripts were coded using a newly generated codebook in Atlas.ti version 9, and thematic analysis was carried out to analyze the study findings. Participants identified the fear of contracting the virus as one of the primary facilitators for IPC compliance among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explained that the sustainability of IPC measures in health facilities was partly due to HCWs’ belief that they served as role models in the community for observing and implementing health-related behaviors, especially regarding COVID-19. Among the barriers, participants mentioned that not all HCWs got the opportunity to be trained on COVID-19 IPC. Only HCWs working in high-risk departments for COVID-19 such as triage or Intensive Care Units were prioritized. However, regardless of the department, all HCWs were exposed to potential COVID-19 patients, and the high workload led them to sometimes skip the required IPC measures. This study found that addressing the spread of COVID-19 among HCWs necessitated a comprehensive approach to IPC in health facilities. This approach should encompass capacity building, as well as provision of necessary supplies. In addition, HCWs, the hospital management and government have a role to play to ensure that IPC is fully implemented in the case of future related outbreaks.
Comparative liver transcriptome analysis in hamsters infected with food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis felineus, Opisthorchis viverrini, or Clonorchis sinensis
Authors: Lishai Ekaterina A. , Zaparina Oxana G. , Kapushchak Yaroslav K. , Sripa Banchob , Hong Sun-Jong , Cheng Guofeng , Pakharukova Maria Y.
Published: December 2024

Background

Epidemiologically important food-borne trematodes Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis are recognized as biological carcinogens of Group 1A, while Opisthorchis felineus is in Group 3 as noncarcinogenic to humans. Mechanisms of the biological carcinogenesis are still elusive. Some studies highlight chronic inflammation as a key factor and common pathway for cancer initiation and progression. Nonetheless, the chronic inflammation alone does not explain why these three species differ in carcinogenicity. We focused this study on genome-wide landscapes of liver gene expression and activation of cellular pathways in Mesocricetus auratus golden hamsters infected with C. sinensis (South Korea), O. viverrini (Thailand), or O. felineus (Russia) at 1 and 3 months after infection initiation.

Methodology/Principal findings

Liver transcriptomes of golden hamsters (HiSeq Illumina, 2X150 bp) were sequenced at 1 and 3 months postinfection. Data processing was carried out using the following bioinformatic and experimental approaches: analysis of differential gene expression, estimates of proportions of affected liver cell types, liver histopathology, and examination of weighted gene coexpression networks. All infections caused enrichment with inflammatory response signaling pathways, fibrogenesis and cell proliferation, and IL2–STAT5, TNF–NF-κB, TGF-β, Hippo, MAPK, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. Nevertheless, species-specific responses to each infection were noted too. We also identified species-specific responses of liver cell types, differentially expressed gene clusters, and cellular pathways associated with structural liver damage (such as periductal fibrosis, epithelial neoplasia, and inflammation).

Conclusions/Significance

This is the first comparative analysis of gene expression landscapes in the liver of experimental animals infected with O. viverrini, O. felineus, or C. sinensis. The trematodes have species-specific effects on the hepatobiliary system by triggering signaling pathways, thereby leading to differences in the severity of hepatobiliary structural lesions and contributing to the pathogenicity of closely related foodborne trematodes.
Schistosomiasis transmission: A machine learning analysis reveals the importance of agrochemicals on snail abundance in Rwanda
Authors: Kagabo Joseph , Tabo Zadoki , Kalinda Chester , Nyandwi Elias , Rujeni Nadine
Published: December 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis is an important snail-borne parasitic disease whose transmission is exacerbated by water resource management activities. In Rwanda, meeting the growing population’s demand for food has led to wetlands reclamation for cultivation and increased agrochemical enrichment for crop production. However, the ecological consequences of agrochemical enrichment on schistosomiasis transmission remain unexplored.

Methods

A malacological survey was conducted in 71 villages selected from 15 schistosomiasis endemic districts. Snail sampling was done in wetlands used for agriculture, along lake Kivu and at constructed multipurpose water dams. Water physico-chemical parameters were collected at all snail sampling sites. Analysis of collected data was performed using Xgboost (gain) and Random Forest (mean decrease in accuracy), machine learning techniques, to construct models that evaluate and categorize the importance of all physico-chemical properties on the presence and abundance of intermediate host snails (IHS).

Results

Different sets of parameters were relevant for the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. and/or Bulinus spp. snails. Electrical conductivity, elevation, magnesium and lead content were deemed to shape the presence and abundance of Bulinus spp. snails. The impact of phosphate ion concentration, ammonia ions, total nitrogen and total organic carbon levels mirrored their importance towards the presence and abundance of Biomphalaria spp. Factors such as pH, electric conductivity, total nitrogen content and total organic carbon influenced the coexistence of both species. Our study highlights the value of integrating a wide range of predictor variables, enabling effective variable selection to uncover important predictors of snail distribution.

Conclusion

The results suggest that agrochemical compounds can enhance the abundance of IHS leading to an increased risk of Schistosoma transmission. Snail surveillance could therefore be integrated into agricultural expansion projects in our match towards schistosomiasis elimination. Recognizing the impact of agrochemicals on IHS is crucial for minimizing schistosomiasis transmission among those working in wetlands while meeting the growing need for food.
Screening of potential regulatory genes in carotid atherosclerosis vascular immune microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Lingmin , Jia Yunfang , Fang Jing , Zhang Shuancheng , Hou Xianming
Published: December 2024

Background

Immune microenvironment is one of the essential characteristics of carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), which cannot be reversed by drug therapy alone. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop novel immunoregulatory strategies to delay this pathological process that drives cardiovascular-related diseases. This study aimed to detect changes in the immune microenvironment of vascular tissues at various stages of carotid atherosclerosis, as well as cluster and stratify vascular tissue samples based on the infiltration levels of immune cell subtypes to distinguish immune phenotypes and identify potential hub genes regulating the immune microenvironment of carotid atherosclerosis.

Materials and methods

RNA sequencing datasets for CAS vascular tissue and healthy vascular tissue (GSE43292 and GSE28829) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. To begin, the immune cell subtype infiltration level of all samples in both GSE43292 and GSE28829 cohorts was assessed using the ssGSEA algorithm. Following this, consensus clustering was performed to stratify CAS samples into different clusters. Finally, hub genes were identified using the maximum neighborhood component algorithm based on the construction of interaction networks, and their diagnostic efficiency was evaluated.

Results

Compared to the controls, a higher number of immune cell subtypes were enriched in CAS samples with higher immune scores in the GSE43292 cohort. Advanced CAS was characterized by high immune cell infiltration, whereas early CAS was characterized by low immune cell infiltration in the GSE28829 cohort. Moreover, CAS progression may be related to the immune response pathway. Biological processes associated with muscle cell development may impede the progression of CAS. Finally, the hub genes PTPRC, ACTN2, ACTC1, LDB3, MYOZ2, and TPM2 had satisfactory efficacy in the diagnosis and prediction of high and low immune cell infiltration in CAS and distinguishing between early and advanced CAS samples.

Conclusion

The enrichment of immune cells in vascular tissues is a primary factor driving pathological changes in CAS. Additionally, CAS progression may be related to the immune response pathway. Biological processes linked to muscle cell development may delay the progression of CAS. PTPRC, ACTN2, ACTC1, LDB3, MYOZ2, and TPM2 may regulate the immune microenvironment of CAS and participate in the occurrence and progression of the disease.
Comparison between DSQIID total / sub-item scores and plasma p-tau elevation in adults with Down’s syndrome
Authors: Shinomoto Makiko , Takeuchi Chisen , Tatebe Harutsugu , Kitani-Morii Fukiko , Ohmichi Takuma , Fujino Yuzo , Menjo Kanako , Terada Naoto , Osako Miho , Mochizuki Yoko , Teramukai Satoshi , Tokuda Takahiko , Mizuno Toshiki , Kasai Takashi
Published: December 2024

The Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID) is an appropriate screening tool for detecting dementia in Down’s syndrome patients. However, whether this questionnaire reflects the neuropsychiatric signs of biomarker-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease in DS (DS-AD) remains unknown. To address this issue, we compared the plasma phosphorylated tau (P181tau: p-tau) level of a representative AD biomarker with the total score and each sub-score of the DSQIID. The DSQIID was completed by 43 of the 56 individuals enrolled in the study. The DSQIID total scores tended to be positively associated with age, and some sub-scores increased in an age-dependent manner. DSQIID total scores and some sub-scores were also positively correlated with plasma p-tau levels, while all significant correlations disappeared after adjusting for age. Moreover, one sub-score appeared to have a significant negative correlation with plasma p-tau levels after adjusting for age. The DSQIID likely reflects age-associated behavioral changes in patients with DS. Meanwhile, their scores did not correlate with plasma p-tau after adjusting for age, suggesting that there might be room for improvement in the DSQIID for detecting DS-AD.