bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Permissive Hypercapnia's Role in Cerebral Oxygenation and Recovery Quality in Elderly Cerebrovascular Patients During Thoracoscopic Procedures: A Research Framework
Authors: Ni Chenlu , Qiu Yuwei , Zou Yuanyuan , Zhang Yunyun , Zhu Yin , Wu Jingxiang
Published: May 2024

Background
One-lung ventilation (OLV) can disrupt the respiratory cycle and lead to changes in oxygenation and local cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2), which may predispose elderly patients to an imbalance in the ventilation/perfusion ratio and an increased risk of hypoxemia. Permissive hypercapnia has been gradually recommended as a lung-protective mechanical ventilation strategy in recent years, in theory could enhance cerebral blood perfusion and oxygen supply. However, the actual clinical benefits of this physiological response remain uncertain. Our study hypothesizes that permissive hypercapnia during OLV may have a beneficial effect on the cerebral oxygen supply and demand balance in elderly patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery.
Methods
This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled, double-blind clinical study. 270 participants(≥65years) scheduled for thoracoscopic surgery will be included in this study. Participants in the treatment group will use protective lung ventilation strategy during operation, maintain end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 50-65mmHg; Participants in the placebo group will not use protective lung ventilation strategy during operation, maintain end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 35-45mmHg.
Discussion
The primary hypothesis of the forthcoming study is that permissive hypercapnia during OLV might have a beneficial effect on the cerebral oxygen supply-demand balance in elderly patients with a history of cerebrovascular disease who are undergoing thoracoscopic lung surgery, in term of reducing the incidence of event rate of cerebral desaturation.
Trial registration: This trial is registered at www.chictr.org.cn with a registration number of ChiCTR2200064832.
Fatigue resistance of concrete – Influence of time-dependent scattering of compressive strength
Authors: Voß Sören , Schmidt Boso , Oettel Vincent
Published: May 2024

In terms of sustainability and resource efficiency, concrete structures such as bridges and wind turbines should be used as long as possible and – in the case of new constructions (as a replacement) – the cross-sections should be as slender and thin-walled as possible using high-performance or ultra-high performance concrete. A further development of the fatigue design would be useful both for the verification of a possible longer remaining service life and for a safe, but also for economical and sustainable design of these engineering structures, which are particularly exposed to fatigue. The verifications of structural safety for non-static loading of concrete in the national and international design codes and standards provide for high safety margins, particularly for concretes with high strengths. These result, among other things, from the large scatter of the number of cycles to failure in experimental fatigue tests. In this article, current verifications of structural safety for non-static loading of concrete are presented, results of compressive tests on concrete specimens of different strengths, geometries and test boundary conditions are summarised in a database and the scatter of the experimentally determined number of cycles to failure is statistically evaluated. In addition, the compressive strength of concrete, which significantly influence the scatter of the numbers of cycles to failure, are statistically analysed for concretes of different ages. From this, a continuous description of the strength development and its scatter is derived. Finally, the compressive stress levels of the previously analysed fatigue tests are adjusted using a stochastic approach in order to take into account the scatter of the compressive strength of concrete as a function of the concrete age. By applying the time-dependent scatter of the compressive strength of concrete, a significant reduction in the scatter bandwidth of the analysed numbers of cycles to failure in the S-N curve is achieved.
The analysis of plasma proteomics for hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhao meimei , jiang yongwei , kong xiaomu , liu yi , gao peng , li mo , zhu haoyan , deng guoxiong , feng ziyi , cao yongtong , ma liang
Published: May 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the prevailing malignancy among women, exhibiting a discernible escalation in incidence within our nation, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer is the most common subtype. In this study, we aimed to search for a non-invasive, specific, blood-based biomarker for the early detection of HR+/HER2- breast cancer through proteomic studies.

Methods

To explore new potential plasma biomarkers, we applied data independent acquisition (DIA), a technique that combines liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry to quantify breast cancer-associated plasma protein abundance from a small number of plasma samples.

Results

The proteomes of 30 participants in all cohorts were analyzed using the DIA method, and a total of 517 proteins and 3584 peptides were quantified. We found that there were significant differences in plasma protein expression profiles between breast cancer patients and non-breast cancer patients, and breast cancer was mainly related to lipid metabolism pathways. Finally, the optimal protein combinations for the diagnosis of breast cancer were PON3, IGLV3-10 and IGHV3-73 through multi-model analysis, which had a high prediction accuracy for breast cancer (AUC=0.92), and the model could also distinguish breast cancer from HC (AUC=0.92) and breast cancer from benign breast tumor (AUC=0.91).

Conclusions

The study revealed proteomic signatures of patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer, identified multiple differential proteins, and identified three plasma proteins as potential diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer. It provides a reference for the screening of biomarkers for breast cancer.
Alcohol consumption and the incidence of hyperuricemia in Japanese men and women: the ISSA-CKD study
Authors: Ueno Tamami , Kawano Kazumi , Nohara Chihiro , Maki Kaori , Iwanaga Kazuyo , Morinaga Akiko , Funakoshi Shunsuke , Abe Makiko , Satoh Atsushi , Kawazoe Miki , Maeda Toshiki , Yoshimura Chikara , Takahashi Koji , Tada Kazuhiro , Ito Kenji , Yasuno Tetsuhiko , Mukobara Shigeaki , Kawanami Daiji , Masutani Kosuke , Arima Hisatomi
Published: May 2024

The present study investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and the incidence of hyperuricemia separately in Japanese men and women. A total of 5,153 participants without hyperuricemia at baseline were included in the analysis. Alcohol consumption was classified into non-drinkers, occasional drinkers, and daily drinkers (average alcohol intake <22 g/day, 22-43 g/day, 44-65 g/day, or ≥66 g/day). The outcome was incident hyperuricemia (uric acid >416 μmol/L [7.0 mg/dL]). During the follow-up period, hyperuricemia was detected in 624 participants (496 men and 128 women). Increases in the incidence (per 1,000 person-years) of hyperuricemia were associated with the frequency/amount of alcohol consumed among men (33.7 for non-drinkers, 43.9 for occasional drinkers, 41.7 for <22 g/day, 60.6 for 22-43 g/day, 68.0 for 44-65 g/day, and for 92.7 ≥66 g/day; P<0.001). Similar results were observed among women (6.1 for non-drinkers, 10.3 for occasional drinkers, 8.8 for <22 g/day, 15.7 for 22-43 g/day, and 7.7 for ≥44 g/day; P=0.008). Significant differences were also observed after adjustments for potential confounders (P <0.001; in both men and women). In conclusion, the risk of developing hyperuricemia in the future was associated with the amount of alcohol consumed among Japanese men and women.
Applying standardized patients to augment clinical skills in clinical medical students’ national proficiency test
Authors: Wang Haihong , Lv Hanbing , Shi Shuwen , Yang Jingyu , Zheng Liujuan , Fang Xiangming
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To examine the impact of standardized patient encounters (SPEs) on clinical thinking ability and skills of clinical medical students.
Methods: Fourth-year medical students admitted from 2016 and 2017 received curriculum that was not included SPEs while from 2018 and 2019 started to complete a clinical thinking ability and skills curriculum that was expanded to include SPEs. Learners completed 6 SPEs clinical cases. Faculty observers and standardized patients completed checklists focused on history-taking, counseling, and interpersonal communication, and provided learner feedback after each case. The curriculum was evaluated by comparing clinical skills scores in clinical medical students’ national proficiency test each year. National proficiency test included 6 skills stations: 2 stations assessing history collection, 2 stations assessing physical examination and 2 stations assessing basic clinical skills. Changes in clinical skills scores were assessed.
Results: In the study, there were 757 students admitted from 2106 and 2017 received curriculum that was not included SPEs (SPEs group) and 731 students admitted from 2018 completed the skills curriculum that was expanded to include SPEs (Normal group). Learners’ overall clinical scores improved by 2.8 (confidence interval [CI]: 2.29-3.25; P<0.0001) in SPEs group compared with normal group. Similar improvements in station 2, 3, 4 and 5 scores were occurred in SPEs group.
Conclusions: The combination of SPEs with clinical skills curriculum is effective at improving national proficiency test scores for clinical medical students. The comprehensive curriculum allowed learners to better apply knowledge and practice skills.
The causal relationship between hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and osteoporosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Duan Wenyu , Hao Liang , Shuang Wang , Xiaolong Fan , Yulu Wang
Published: May 2024

To investigate the association between hyperthyroidism、hypothyroidism and osteoporosis by bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to clarify the casual relationship. Independent genetic variants for hyperthyroidism、hypothyroidism and osteoporosis were selected as instruments from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS), mainly in European ancestry. Instrumental variables (IVs) associated with hyperthyroidism、hypothyroidism and osteoporosis were extracted separately from the largest GWAS meta-analysis. MR analyses included inverse variance weighting, weighted median estimator, MR Egger regression, and sensitivity analyses with Steiger fltering and MR PRESSO. In the data samples for hyperthyroidism、hypothyroidism and osteoporosis, there was a negative causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and osteoporosis [IVW, OR = 1.001%, 95% CI: 0.999–1.002, ]; while hypothyroidism and osteoporosis [IVW, OR = 2.648%, 95% CI: 2.582–2.715, p < 0.001]. The results of the bidirectional MR Study suggest that hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have negative causal effect on Osteoporosis, which provides implications for clinical treatment decisions in patients with Osteoporosis.
Stress distribution characteristics and crack propagation law of fractured hard rock influenced by opening degree
Authors: Jia Baoxin , Liu Fengpu
Published: May 2024

Fracture opening degree and inclination angle are important factors affecting the crack evolution as well as the strength of the fractured rock body. To investigate the mechanical characteristics and cracking behavior of hard rock specimens under the combined influence of opening degree and inclination angle, we conducted uniaxial compression tests and numerical simulations on pre-cracked hard rock specimens. The study shows that as the crack dip angle increases, the initial crack position of hard rock specimens with prefabricated cracks of the same opening shifts from the short-axis end to the long-axis end. Additionally, when the crack opening is less than 1.5mm, the peak strength of the sample initially decreases and then increases with the increase of the crack dip angle. The peak strength of the sample increases as the crack dip angle increases when the crack opening is greater than 1.5mm. On the other hand, when the crack opening is less than 0.4mm, the peak crack initiation stress of the specimen first decreases and then increases with the increase of the crack inclination angle. When the crack opening is greater than 0.4mm, the crack initiation stress of the specimen gradually increases with the increase of the crack inclination angle. During the compression process, the closure of the crack surface weakens the concentration of compressive stress at the end of the prefabricated crack, thereby increasing the crack initiation stress of the shear crack. For instance, in the 30° inclined specimen, the crack initiation stress of the shear crack is 156.25MPa, 100.95MPa, and 92.02MPa when the openings are 0.2mm, 0.4mm, and 2mm, respectively. Based on the stress distribution law around the detected crack, it is evident that the tensile stress concentration area shifts from the middle of the crack to both ends as the crack dip angle increases. At a dip angle greater than 45°, the concentration area is entirely at the end of the crack. The crack opening has little effect on the crack initiation stress and peak strength of the sample when the prefabricated crack angle is greater than 45°. When the prefabricated crack angle is less than 45°, the opening of the crack significantly affects the stress at which the crack initiates and the peak strength of the sample. To describe the degree of closure of prefabricated cracks at different loading stages, we propose a transition model of 'fixed beam → fixed end and hinged end'. Our study reveals the crack propagation law and mechanical mechanism of prefabricated crack specimens with a certain opening under compressive load.
Deep Learning for Intrusion Detection in IoT Networks
Authors: Selem Mehdi , Jemili Farah , Korbaa Ouajdi
Published: May 2024

The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has transformed our daily lives, introducing innovations like smart homes, wearables, and advanced industrial automation. While these interconnected systems offer convenience and efficiency, they also present significant security challenges. With the expansion of the IoT network comes an increased risk of malicious attacks, making safeguarding these networks a pressing concern. Intrusion detection serves as a crucial defense mechanism, detecting abnormal activities and triggering appropriate responses. In our study, we harness the power of ensemble learning through a technique known as bagging. By combining the strengths of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), we aim to capitalize on their unique advantages and enhance the overall capability of intrusion detection systems.
The network and interactive pattern of social adjustment and psychological symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury: A network analysis
Authors: Liu Hui , Ni Yi , Xie Haixia , Xie Yijun , Fan Chenhui , Li Yao , Shen Weinan , Zhai Hua , Jiang Chenghua , Wu Jing , Wu Hengjing
Published: May 2024

Background: The network approach offers a novel framework for conceptualizing depression, anxiety and social adaptability as a causal system, which helps for the understanding of what may be relevant targets for treatment.
Objective：To find the network and interactive pattern of social adjustment and psychological symptoms in patients with spinal cord injury(SCI).
Methods: A cross-sectional parent-reported study was conducted to use an online survey disseminated from February to April 2023. The survey including Medical Coping Modality Questionnaire (MCMQ), Social Spuport Rate Scale (SSRS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7). 251 subjects were completed . Graphical lasso networks and directed acyclic graph (DAG) were used to visualize and analyze the associations between symptom levels corresponding to the four scales.
Results: The average age of patients with SCI was 54.96 years, 61.4% were male. Network analysis results showed that "Concentration" in depression symptoms and "Trouble relaxing" in anxiety symptoms had the highest centrality strength. Anxiety symptom "Nervousness" and depression symptom "Failure" exhibited the highest bridge strength. The result of directed acyclic graph indicated a key triggering role for "Nervousness" symptoms.
Conclusion: "Concentration" in depression symptoms and "Trouble relaxing" in anxiety symptom play a key role in psychological and social adjustment of patients with SCI. It is essential to pay attention to "Nervousness" as it is at the upper end of the symptom response cascade.
Untypical tuneable emission activated by NIR radiation observed in gadolinium borate nanomaterials doped with Yb 3+ , Ho 3+ and Ce 3+ ions
Authors: Szczeszak Agata , Czajka Justyna
Published: May 2024

New luminescent nanoparticles with adjustable emission properties were synthesized via a hydrothermal method to investigate the effect of Ce3+ concentration on the tuneable emission properties of Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped gadolinium borates. The synthesized samples' comprehensive structural and morphological analysis was conducted utilizing X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. To obtain highly crystalline nanoparticles GdBO3:Yb3+/Ho3+/Ce3+ characterized by intense and bright emission, they were annealed at 525°C and 925°C. Under the excitation of 972 nm, the tunable yellow to green up-conversion emission was observed, while the Ce3+ concentration increased. This change correlated with a difference in the correlated color temperature from 4345K to 5442K, respectively. The untypical changes observed in the red-to-green (R/G) ratio, displaying a declining trend contrary to conventional expectations, allowed for the proposed mechanism for understanding their UC luminescence properties. The results obtained indicate that the Ce3+ doped GdBO3:Yb3+/Ho3+ nanoparticles demonstrate high application potential for anti-counterfeiting.
Causal association between social support and Osteoarthritis: a two- sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liang Ruiming , Liu Gang , Yuan Lixia
Published: May 2024

Objective: We aimed to study whether social support (SS), including the frequency of friend / family visits (FFV), leisure / social activities (LSA), and ability to talk (AC) are causally associated with Osteoarthritis (OA).
Methods: Data of FFV, LSA, AC and OA in the European population was obtained from the UK Biobank public genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics included in the Mrbase.Three Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, including Inverse variance weighted method(IVW), Weighted median method(WM) and MR-Egger regression were used to evaluate the potential causal effect of FFV, LSA, AC on OA ，and the potential causal effect of OA on FFV, LSA, AC. Heterogeneity was tested using the Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic. A leave-one-out analysis and test for directional level pleiotropy by MR-Egger regression test served as a sensitivity analysis.
Results: When assessing the causal effect of SS on OA, the IVW method supports causal relationship between FFV and OA risk (beta = -0.02883, SE=0.01293, P=0.02574), and causal relationship between LSA and OA risk (beta =-0.2255, SE=0.067, P =0.0007641) ; The WM method supports a causal relationship between FFV and OA risk (beta = -0.02968, SE=0.01272, P =0.01965), No significant causal relationship between LSA and OA risk was supported by the WM method (beta = -0.1748, SE=0.09266, P=0.05929); The MR-Egger regression did not support a significant causal relationship between FFV, LSA and OA risk. However, the evaluation did not find a causal relationship between AC and OA, nor find a causal relationship between OA and FFV, LSA, AC.The Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics of FFV showed some heterogeneity (MR Egger P=0.003158, I2=0.53452; IWW P = 0.00282, I2=0.53075), and the Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics of LSA showed low heterogeneity (MR Egger P=0.2916, I2=0.100719; IWWP = 0.4652, I2=0.306336). MR-Egger regression analyses of FFV, LSA on OA showed horizontal pleiotropy unlikely to affect the assessment results (FFV intercept =0.0011, P =0.369; LSA intercept =0.0037, P = 0.65).
Conclusion: The results of MR analysis support that FFV and LSA may be causally associated with an decreased risk of OA.FFV and LSA may reduce or delay the development of OA.
An Alternate Approach involving Trans-alveolar Transplantation in a Case Involving Impacted Canines and Retained Deciduous Teeth.
Authors: Thaller Christian , Nolte Dirk , Ludwig Björn , Venugopal Adith
Published: May 2024

Trans-alveolar transplantation, though rarely employed, stands as a viable adjunctive treatment for individuals grappling with severely impacted or ectopic teeth, particularly when executed by a collaborative, multidisciplinary team. In the case of a 25-year-old woman facing a complex palatal impaction involving both maxillary canines alongside aplasia of both lateral incisors, traditional orthodontic traction posed risks of complications. To navigate this challenge successfully, a blend of deciduous and permanent tooth transplantation coupled with fixed orthodontics was employed. Over a meticulous two-year monitoring period, no indications of root resorption or ankylosis surfaced on the transplanted canines, affirming the efficacy of the surgical intervention.
Successful Treatment of Juvenile Polyposis of Infancy With Sirolimus: a case report
Authors: Xiao Pei , Zhang Ting , Wang Yizhong , Xiao Yongmei , Li Xiaolu , Wang Ruixue , Song Ting
Published: May 2024

Background: Infantile juvenile polyposis syndrome (IJPS) is a rare and aggressive form of juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) typically diagnosed in the first year of life. It often carries a poor prognosis due to chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, protein losing enteropathy, malnutrition, and immune deficiency.
Case presentation: We report a case of a girl initially presented with pallor at 7 months of age, which progressed to gastrointestinal bleeding and protein-losing enteropathy. Genetic testing identified a 2.1 Mb deletion on chromosome 10q23.2q23.31 involving the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IA (BMPR1A) genes. Treatment with sirolimus initiated at 10 months of age led to a reduction in the need for blood and albumin infusions, improved patient growth, and quality of life. While the frequency of endoscopic evaluations decreased with sirolimus, regular endoscopic polypectomy every 5 months remained necessary. However, discontinuation of sirolimus resulted in polyp recurrence after 2 months due to pneumonia.
Conclusion: This case highlights sirolimus treatment can alleviate many complications of IJPS, it does not eliminate the need for aggressive polypectomy.
Metformin regulates LKB1/AMPK/HIF-1α pathways in early stress response to promote angiogenesis and reduce brain damage occasioned by cerebral ischemia
Authors: Chen Hongguang , Yuan Yuting , Zhang Yue , Liu Xiufen , Chen Qingjie , Liu Chao , Yao Qing
Published: May 2024

Purpose
As a difficult-to-treat neurological condition, cerebral ischemia is currently limited to treatments such as intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis and thrombectomy. Metformin, a potent antidiabetic drug, has been reported to have an independent function in enhancing the prognosis of stroke patients, in addition to its glucose-lowering effects. However, the mechanism of metformin in this context remains unclear.
Methods
In vivo, a middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established to measure the infarct area by TTC staining after administering a low dose of 10.5mg/mL metformin, and blood flow in the rat’s cerebral cortex was measured using a Laser Doppler imaging assay. In vitro, the study established human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with cobalt chloride. Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot experiments were performed to observe the expression of angiogenic factors, tight junction proteins, and apoptotic factors. A TUNEL assay was utilized to appraise apoptosis production. A tube formation assay and scratch assay were conducted to determine the endothelial neovascularization status.
Results
Animal experiments have revealed that the administration of the AMPK activator metformin significantly reduced the infarct area, promoted the expression of angiogenic factors, and maintained the stability of tight junction proteins in endothelial cells. Moreover, metformin affects the expression of apoptosis protein in brain tissues through the HIF-1α pathway and reduces the apoptosis of brain cells. In vitro, the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway is activated after hypoxic stimulation, attaining its peak within the early stages of hypoxia (1–12 hours) and gradually weakening thereafter. The administration of AMPK pharmacological agonists (between 36 and 48 hours) can enhance AMPK activity, which can lead to the expression of angiogenic factors, maintain the stability of tight-junction proteins in endothelial cells, and facilitate endothelial cell migration and vascular structure formation. Conversely, the AMPK inhibitors exert the opposite effects.
Conclusion
The early activation of the LKB1/AMPK/HIF-1α signaling pathway by metformin in cerebral ischemia contributes to angiogenesis, promotes tissue repair in the injured area, and enhances neurologically functional symptoms.
Glutathione modified silicon-doped carbon quantum dots as a sensitive fluorescent probe for ClO - detection
Authors: Ma Xue , Hu Qingqing , Yuan Jingxue , Feng Yao , Cheng Zhengjun
Published: May 2024

A selective and agile fluorescence method for hypochlorite (ClO−) was designed using glutathione (GSH) modified silicon-doped carbon quantum dots (GSH@Si-CDs). Then a dual emission ratio fluorescence probe (RF-probe) was obtained based on carbodiimide-activated coupling reaction between GSH and Si-CDs. i.e., when the excitation wavelength was kept at 360 nm, the GSH@Si-CDs exhibited strong blue and weak yellow fluorescence at 430 and 580 nm. Meanwhile, the fluorescence of GSH@Si-CDs could be selectively quenched at 430 nm and enhanced at 580 nm in the presence of ClO−, and corresponding limit of detection (LOD) and linear range were measured to be 0.35 µM and 1.0-33.3 µM. Moreover, the RF-probe with good accuracy was successfully applied to the assay of ClO− in real samples.
Higgs Decay and CP Violation Phase in the CPV TNMSSM
Authors: Zhu Ning-Yu , Chen Hai-Xiang , Hu Huai-Cong
Published: May 2024

In this study, we calculate the Higgs mass matrix and explore the limitations of the minimumconditions of the scalar potential on parameter degrees of freedom in the CP violation TNMSSM.We discuss the contributions of some parameters to Higgs mass, and their impact on the strength ofHiggs decay signals in different decay channels h →γγ, h →VV (V = W, Z) and h →ff (f = b, c). Usage: Secondary publications and information retrieval purposes.
Influence of Mo contents on optimizing the microstructure and tribological properties of Cr-Mo-N films
Authors: Kong Fanlin , Luan Jing , Ju Hongbo
Published: May 2024

The Cr-Mo-N films of different Mo contents are developed by the RF (Radio Frequency) magnetron sputtering. The XRD (X-ray Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy), nano-indenter and tribo-tester will be used to analyze the composition, phase structure, mechanical and tribological properties of films. The results reveal that the Cr-Mo-N film adopts a face-centered cubic structure, primarily oriented along the (111) plane. When the Mo content falls below 17.72%, increasing the Mo concentration leads to a slight increase in film microhardness, accompanied by a significant decrease in the average friction coefficient. On the contrary, exceeding a Mo content of 22.76% triggers structural changes within the film. These alterations are reinforced by solid solution and fine grain strengthening, further compounded by the presence of Mo2N. Consequently, film microhardness undergoes a considerable increase, while the average friction coefficient remains relatively stable irrespective of Mo content. This underscores the consistent low friction coefficient characteristic exhibited by Mo2N films.
The role of beta bursts in top-down inhibition of somatosensory cortex: an OPM-MEG study
Authors: Rivero Gonzalo Reina , Tanner Zoe , Rier Lukas , Hill Ryan M. , Shah Vishal , Rea Molly , Doyle Cody , Osborne James , Bobela David , Morris Peter G. , Mullinger Karen J. , Boto Elena , Holmes Niall , Brookes Matthew J.
Published: May 2024

Human brain electrophysiology is characterised by rhythmic activity – neural oscillations – which play an important role in coordinating brain function. In the somatosensory cortices, the dominant oscillations occur in the beta (13-30 Hz) band and are thought to mediate top-down inhibition of primary cortices. The non-invasive measurement of such oscillations has traditionally been made possible using either electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG), yet both modalities have significant limitations. Here, we use a new MEG technology – based on optically pumped magnetometers (OPM-MEG) – to measure attentional modulation of beta oscillations in the somatosensory cortex. Using piezo-electric crystal stimulators, we present ‘braille-like’ patterns to the left and right index fingers; participants are asked to respond to pre-specified target patterns presented to an attended hand, whilst ignoring patterns presented to their non-attended hand. In agreement with previous findings, we measure significantly decreased beta amplitude during attended stimuli relative to baseline, and to non-attended stimuli, with the most pronounced effect during an attentional cue. Moreover, we extend our analyses to demonstrate that attention has a similar effect on the occurrence of pan-spectral bursts (which are shown to underlie the beta rhythm). Specifically, we measure significant changes in the probability of burst occurrence in primary somatosensory cortices in a time window related to attentional shifts. In sum, our results provide evidence that attentional modulation of beta oscillations is driven by changes in pan-spectral burst occurrence and add weight to the argument that OPM-MEG is the technique of choice for non-invasive electrophysiological measurements.
Down-regulation of TAK1 inhibits migration and invasion of p-NENs by regulating JNK signaling pathway through interaction with PDZD2
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Qiu Jianwei
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasmas (p-NENs) is a rare type of disease among digestive malignancy tumors, but its mechanics are still unclear. It has been found that TAK1 plays a crucial role in the progression of many tumors. We discovered TAK1 was highly expressed in BON-1 compared to two other pancreatic cell lines（CFPAC-1and hTERT-HPNE). Inhibition of TAK1 could significantly suppress the migration and invasion of p-NENs cell line (BON-1). Furthermore, the down-regulation of TAK1 suppressed the process of epithelial mesenchymal transition[1],which increased the epithelial marker E-cadherin and decreased the mesenchymal marker vimentin and N-cadherin. Through mass spectrometry analysis, we found that TAK1 is potentially blinded to PDZ domain containing 2(PDZD2) and negatively regulates its expression. In addition, down-regulation of TAK1 resulted in decrease of p-JNK.JNK activator (Anisomycin) significantly enhanced invasion and migration in comparison with TAK1 knockdown groups without activator. And silence of PDZD2 could rescue the changes in cancer cells’ phenotype and JNK expression caused by TAK1. All in all, the results of this study indicate that TAK1 regulates the JNK pathway in controlling p-NENs migration and invasion through its interaction with PDZD2, providing us with a new target for the treatment of p-NENs.
Low-Dose Oral Misoprostol Versus Oxytocin Infusion For Induction Of Labor In Pregnant Women With Term Premature Rupture Of Membranes in China: A retrospective Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Yike , Yu Zhiheng , Shi Huifeng , Wang Yan , Zhao Yangyu
Published: May 2024

While the use of oral misoprostol for labor induction in premature rupture of membrane (PROM) women is not prevalent in China, the main aim of this study was to validate the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral misoprostol solution compared to oxytocin infusion for labor induction in term PROM women with unfavorite cervix conditions. A retrospective nested case-control study was conducted at a tertiary general hospital in China from March 2020 to February 2024, comparing the efficacy of oxytocin infusion and oral misoprostol for labor induction in term PROM women with a Bishop score < 6. A total of 449 mothers were included, with 282 assigned to the oxytocin group and 167 assigned to the misoprostol group. The duration of total labor time was shorter in the misoprostol group. There was a markedly higher incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and severe PPH observed in oxytocin group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that misoprostol administration demonstrated a negative relationship (aOR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.21–0.95) with failed labor induction outcomes and occurrence of PPH (aOR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27–0.85). Oral low-dose misoprostol has demonstrated both safe and superior efficacy to oxytocin infusion for labor induction and may potentially reduce the incidence of failed induction and associated with a decreased risk of PPH were observed in the misoprostol group in term PROM pregnant women with unfavorable cervical condition.
Evaluation of the Effect of the Pandemic Period on Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Authors: Çoban Sümeyra Başaran , Ulu Kadir , Sözeri Betül
Published: May 2024

Background
Immunoglobulin A vasculitis is a vasculitis that occurs after a triggering infection and progresses with different clinical manifestations. Recent studies have shown an association between coronavirus disease and IgA vasculitis in children. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of the pandemic period on the course of IgA vasculitis.
Methods
Clinical data of 224 patients who were newly diagnosed with IgA vasculitis were retrospectively reviewed and grouped into prepandemic, pandemic and postpandemic periods. The clinical data of the patients in these periods were compared.
Results
In the prepandemic period, pandemic period and postpandemic period the number of patients were 75 [33.5%], 21 [9.4%] and 128 [57.1%], respectively. There was no significant difference between the periods in terms of isolated skin/systemic, gastrointestinal system and renal involvement [p>0.05]. Patients admitted with the diagnosis of IgA vasculitis in the prepandemic, pandemic and postpandemic periods comprised 0.5%, 0.2% and 0.3% of all patients, respectively.
Conclusion
While the number of patients admitted during the pandemic period decreased by 50%, it increased by 50% in the postpandemic period. It was thought that the reducing spread of viral infections with isolation measures may contribute to the decrease in IgA vasculitis cases.
Thermal Impact of Hard and Soft Surfaces in Landscape Design of a University Campus: A Case Study
Authors: Tajer Elnaz , Sat Beyza
Published: May 2024

Campus areas as a microcosm of urban areas; given the context of global warming, are becoming more vulnerable to rising temperatures. This study focuses on the outdoor environment and microclimate effects on the Ozyegin campus by considering the surface and plantation types. Urban green spaces offer a potential solution by lowering air temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration. The selection of appropriate plant types is crucial for effective temperature reduction, as leaves act as barriers to solar radiation. Measurements were conducted in November–December 2023 at 15 designated points in the Ozyegin campus. The measurements are especially conducted in the autumn and diffuse daylight to prevent the effect of direct solar radiation and the high difference in the shading effect of trees. The research seeks to address fundamental questions about how different surfaces, both hard and soft, influence outdoor thermal conditions, explore university campuses, and explore strategies for improvement. Employing comprehensive field surveys and data analysis, including statistical techniques like ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc test, the study reveals temperatures under broad-leaved trees are 1.5 degrees cooler than on hard surfaces. With a practical objective, the research aims to measure outdoor thermal conditions at Ozyegin Campus and make recommendations for creating comfortable campus outdoor environments.
The prevalence of hepatic steatosis and MAFLD based on the liver ultrasound elastography in Chinese breast cancer women
Authors: Xu Zhou , Tian Shen , Li Ren-hua , Tang Juan , Liang Xin-yu , Xiao Jun , Wu Juan , Chen Yu-ling , Song Jing-yu , She Rui-ling , Ma Chen-yu , Feng Jun-han , Wu Kai-nan , Kong Ling-quan
Published: May 2024

Background
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and also shares similar risk factors with fatty liver, especially metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Chemotherapy can lead to hepatic impairment and hepatic steatosis (HS), which seriously affects the treatment and quality of life of breast cancer women (BCW). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the incidences of HS and MAFLD based on liver ultrasound elastography (USE), liver function abnormalities, and metabolic syndrome in Chinese BCW in the initially diagnosed, during chemotherapy and follow-up stages.
Methods
A total of 767 BCW treated at Chongqing Breast Cancer Centre were finally enrolled and classified into initially diagnosed group, chemotherapy group, and the follow-up group. The related conditions of HS and MAFLD as well as liver function abnormalities and metabolic syndrome were assessed by liver conventional ultrasound (US) or USE in all groups.
Results
Compare to US-diagnosed HS (21.7%, 36.7%, 38%), higher incidence of HS (60.4%, 78.6%, 68.0%) were detected by USE in the initially diagnosed, chemotherapy and follow-up groups. 50–70% of US-negative patients were detected by USE as having a fatty liver, which was predominantly mild to moderate. Based on the USE diagnosis, there was a higher prevalence of MAFLD in the initially diagnosed group (49.8%), which increased to 68.1% in the chemotherapy group and decreased in the follow-up group (59.1%), with a predominantly decrease of mild-to-moderate cases. BMI and age subgroups showed a higher incidence of MAFLD in patients with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 or age ≥ 60 years old. In addition, BCW combined with MAFLD had a higher incidence of liver function abnormalities and metabolic syndrome.
Conclusion
Patients treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer have a higher incidence of HS and MAFLD, especially overweight or obese and menopausal patients. Breast cancer patients with combined MAFLD have higher rates of liver function abnormalities and metabolic syndrome. USE has a higher sensitivity than US and can detect more patients with mild to moderate fatty liver disease, enabling early intervention.
Autoimmune encephalitis with coexisting antibodies to GABABR, GAD65, SOX1 and Ma2
Authors: Li pankui , Yang Tingting , Gu Yixin , Zhou Jing , Wang zhenhai
Published: May 2024

Background
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) refers to a heterogeneous group of CNS autoimmune disorders characterized by the production of different anti-neuronal surface synaptic protein-associated antibodies. In recent years, autoimmune encephalitis that is positive for multiple anti-neuronal antibodies has been gradually recognized in the clinic, with complex and varied clinical manifestations, especially in combination with malignant tumours, which have worse treatment and prognosis. Current clinical studies on the coexistence of multiple anti-neuronal antibodies in patients with AE are mainly disseminated case reports. Patients with AE in which four anti-neuronal antibodies coexist are even rarer.
Case presentation:
We report a patient who initially presented with small cell lung cancer and hyponatraemia, followed by seizures and progressive deterioration of consciousness, cognition and psychiatric abnormalities. A cell-based assay (CBA) method was used to detect serum and cerebrospinal fluid anti-neuronal surface or prominent protein antibodies. Patients with AE diagnosed with co-existing anti-GABABR, GAD65, SOX1 and Ma2 antibodies and receiving gammaglobulin, steroid shock therapy, and chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer.
Conclusions
The coexistence or overlap of multiple anti-neuronal surface antibodies with anti-neuronal intracellular antibodies is rare and increases the likelihood of underlying malignancy. Elucidating the impact of individualised immunotherapy and coexisting antibodies on the clinical presentation of patients has the potential to improve long-term prognosis.
Efficacy of adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors in melanoma patients ≥75 years – results of a real-world cohort including 456 patients
Authors: Gawaz Andrea , Wolff Isabel , Flatz Lukas , Forschner Andrea
Published: May 2024

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) applied in patients with melanoma in an adjuvant setting have proved safety and efficacy in several studies, but data on elderly patients aged 75 years or more is scarce. Aim of this study was to investigate efficacy and safety of adjuvant ICI in patients aged ≥ 75 years compared to patients < 75 years in a real-world setting.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data, including occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAE) and outcome of 456 patients that had been treated with adjuvant ICI between January 1, 2018 and December 20, 2022. We then compared patients aged ≥ 75 years (n=117) to patients < 75 years (n=339) in terms of safety and progression-free survival (PFS).
Results and conclusion ICI was well tolerated in both groups, with no significant difference observed in the overall occurrence of irAEs. However, within the elderly subgroup there was a significant higher proportion of skin or nephrological toxicity and colitis/diarrhea compared to the other group. In terms of efficacy there was a significant shorter progression-free survival in patients aged ≥ 75 years. Adjuvant ICI in patients ≥ 75 years was less effective and furthermore associated with an increased risk for skin, renal or bowel toxicity. Therefore, in elderly patients, adjuvant ICI should be used with precaution.
Uncertainties in catastrophe modelling: Focus on seismic hazard uncertainty based on ESHM updates
Authors: Gkimprixis Athanasios
Published: May 2024

Catastrophe models serve as valuable tools for evaluating and managing the impacts of natural disasters, yet their accuracy is susceptible to inherent uncertainties. This article explores the implications of uncertainty within catastrophe models, with a specific focus on the hazard component. The introductory section, presents an analytical framework for developing the three main components of an earthquake catastrophe model - hazard, vulnerability, and exposure – and discussed the associated uncertainties. The subsequent section underscores the crucial role of sufficient data for accurate risk assessment, highlighting the sensitivity of the estimates to hazard modeling assumptions and structural system properties. It discusses the role of extrapolation techniques in refining hazard curves, together with limitations and challenges. The final section presents a comparative analysis of two versions of the European Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM), ESHM13 vs ESM20, examining the effects of hazard variation on risk outcomes across different locations. Lastly, the paper suggests a simplified method to model future updates of the hazard model, assessing the potential implications on RM estimates for different structural systems.
Technology Inflows, Adoption, and Efficiency: The Dichotomy of Exports and Employment in India and China
Authors: Bansal Renu , Maiti Dibyendu
Published: May 2024

This paper analyses the impact of capital inflow with superior technology on the exports and employment of a typical developing economy. A simple duopoly competition between asymmetric domestic firms (one with domestic technology and another with foreign technology) reveals that the efficiency gain of a domestic firm depends on absorption capability (depending on R$\&$D, skills acquisition, etc.) and the efficiency gain can raise the level of exports but not necessarily the employment. In the empirical exercise, we first estimate technical efficiency using the endogeneity-corrected stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) technique applied to cross-section firm-level World Bank Enterprise Survey data for India and China. The results show that firms undertaking R$\&$D absorb foreign technology better, enhancing their technical efficiencies. Finally, the results of the 3SLS model applied to analyse the impact of technical efficiency on exports and employment show that technical efficiency significantly and positively determines exports and employment in China. However, exports are only in India due to lower absorbability.
Characterization of Macroscopic and Microscopic Lesions of the Respiratory System of Guinea Pig (Cavia Porcellus) in Colombian Production Systems
Authors: Chaves-velasquez Carlos Alberto , Paz-Calvache Tatiana , Botero-Espinosa Lucia
Published: May 2024

The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), a hystricomorphic mammal raised by the inhabitants of southern Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and Bolivia, is a food of high nutritional, cultural and spiritual value in the Andean countries. Considering that there is no information on the characterization of respiratory pathologies in the guinea pig destined for human consumption in Colombia, the objective of the study was to characterize lesions and pneumonic patterns in the respiratory system. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in guinea pigs (n = 270) of three weeks of age from 71 guinea pig farms distributed in 14 villages of the municipality of Pasto. In the animals included in the study, lesions in the nasal cavity and respiratory tract were evidenced in a percentage of less than 5%. In the pulmonary functional parenchyma, lesions were observed in 73.3% of the animals. Lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia was the most common finding − 36.6% (n = 99), followed by lymphohistiocytic interstitial pneumonia − 21.4% (n = 58) and multifocal granulomatous pneumonia − 3.7% (n = 10). Animals with concurrence of two morphological patterns of lesion in the same tissue were identified. No bronchointerstitial pneumonic patterns were found. It is concluded that respiratory alterations have a high occurrence (more than 70%) in the guinea pig population in the municipality of Pasto, Colombia. It is evident that most of the pneumonic patterns have a systemic entrance, which highlights the need to carry out new studies to have a more detailed understanding of the etiologies causing pneumonia in guinea pigs.