bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infiltration in Permeable Pavement System
Authors: Oghorodje Emmnauel
Published: March 2024

This study examines a laboratory-scaled infiltration model for the mitigation of stormwater runoff quantity on permeable pavements in a built-up town, Warri in the Niger Delta region. Fast urbanization and further development in traditional impervious asphaltic pavement systems have posed grave stormwater runoff challenges in recent times. The land space has become more impermeable; exposing pavement surfaces to undue hydraulic pressure, flood risks, and other attendant health and environmental impacts. There is a paucity of suitable permeable pavement systems (PPS) models that can promote effective infiltration and detention of stormwater runoffs at peak flash floods around pavement infrastructures and corridors. For this study a laboratory-scaled interlocking permeable pavement full depth of 600mm length x 600mm breadth x 1200mm depth rigs of three permeable interlocking concrete pavement full depth matrix; PICP Rig types 1, 3, and 4 and a fourth (control) made of assembled hot rolled segmented asphalt pavement (HRSA) Rig type 2 were exposed to simulated rainfall head and vertical infiltration process monitored for 30 minutes in stepwise time of 3minutes with several runs of the experiment. The highest infiltration performance of 46.20% from PICP type 3 (which had the most porous aggregates) was observed following the absence of fines used in the volumetric mix ratio in pavement pavers. The experimental results and the regression predicted model have great correlation coefficients of (R2) between 0.9771 and 0.9918 respectively. Infiltration rates of between 3.67mm/min and 4.67mm/min were obtained. Pavement rigs PICP types 3 and 1 had more fines and lesser porous aggregates, which showed infiltration performance of 23.15% and 20.04% respectively, and lower than PICP type 4. Pavement Rig 2 HRSA pavements which served as control in the study showed the lowest infiltration performance and earlier ponding suggesting that a more porous mix supports the best infiltration performance. The model is applicable in the design of PPSs including the estimation and management of stormwater flash floods peaks and flow schemes for developing countries, especially in the wet Niger Delta region.
Dielectric Metamaterials with Effective Self-duality and Full-polarization Omnidirectional Brewster Effect
Authors: Lai Yun , Luo Hao , Luo Jie , Zhang Zhihui , Wu Chao , Li Quan , Liu Wei , Peng Ruwen , Wang Mu , Li Hongqiang
Published: March 2024

Conventional dielectric solid materials, both natural and artificial, lack electromagnetic self-duality and fail to achieve impedance matching with free space. Here, we present a class of dielectric metamaterials that exhibit effective self-duality and also enable full-polarization omnidirectional impedance matching, thereby extending the Brewster effect across all incident angles and polarizations. The self-duality eliminates birefringence despite significant anisotropy in dispersion. Meanwhile, the full-polarization omnidirectional Brewster effect ensures near-zero reflection on interfaces with free space, regardless of incidence wavefront and polarization. These unique properties establish electromagnetic equivalence with "stretched free space" in transformation optics, as substantiated through full-wave simulations and microwave experiments. Our findings open a pathway for realizing unprecedented polarization-independence and omnidirectional impedance-matching characteristics in pure dielectric solids.
Direct patterning of electrical wiring on three-dimensional plastic substrate under ambient air conditions
Authors: Han Woosung , Kwak Jae B.
Published: March 2024

Electronic devices are being produced in substantial quantities and have become an essential component of our daily existence. Furthermore, interest in printed electronics has increased due to the straightforwardness of the manufacturing process, decreased expenses, and diminished ecological footprint. Despite these advantages, there are still some challenges in the field of printed electronics. In this study, a process for manufacturing electrical wiring on a three-dimensional (3D) plastic substrate was developed using a pneumatic dispenser that utilizes a continuous-wave laser for laser sintering, and enables rapid and selective sintering at ambient temperature and pressure. The metal paste consists of spherical Ag-coated Cu with a diameter of 5–10 µm, Sn-Bi powders, and epoxy binders and has a high viscosity. In addition, a thermo-mechanical characterization of the metal paste was performed to explain the metallurgical bonding behavior during sintering. Using a pneumatic-based dispenser equipped with a rotary valve, a high-viscosity metal paste was precisely patterned at a pressure of 1.0 bar and a dispensing speed of 5 mm/s. The patterned metal paste was then sintered with a continuous-wave laser to achieve electrical conductivity. When sintering with a power of 5 W and a scanning speed of 5 mm/s, at which the induced temperature is 280°C, a specific resistivity of 0.193 mΩ·cm was determined. Under these conditions, the metal paste was directly patterned and sintered onto a 3D plastic substrate as electrical wiring, and LEDs were then affixed to the substrate to validate the interconnections’ functionality. In addition, the feasibility of industrial applications was demonstrated by fabricating a garnish model for automotive interiors.
Statin use and in-hospital outcomes among chronic kidney disease patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zheng Xi-Zi , Tang Ling-Er , Xu Da-Min , Xu Ling-Yi , Zhao You-Lu , Zhu Yi-Dan , Lv Ji-Cheng , Yang Li
Published: March 2024

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a significant burden of cardiovascular disease and acute kidney injury (AKI). Statins were recommended in CKD for cardiovascular benefits, while their effect on AKI remains inconsistent.
Methods
All adult hospital admissions between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020 were retrospectively screened, and CKD patients were included. Exposure was defined as any statin prescription within 48 hours of admission. Patients were followed up until death or discharge or a maximum period of up to 30 days. The primary outcome was in-hospital AKI, and the secondary outcome was in-hospital mortality.
Results
Among 5,376 patients enrolled, the median age was 72 years, 3,184 (59.2%) were male, and 2,129 (39.6%) were statin users. In-hospital AKI occurred in 149(7.0%) of statin users and 213(6.6%) of non-users. Statin use was associated with a significantly decreased risk of in-hospital AKI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.96), and in-hospital mortality (aHR 0.44; 95% CI 0.23–0.82). A significantly decreased risk of in-hospital AKI was observed in both atorvastatin users and rosuvastatin users. These findings remained consistent in subgroup analyses stratified by age, gender, baseline eGFR, and cardiovascular disease (All P for interaction > 0.05).
Conclusions
Statins may not only improve survival but also protect against AKI in CKD patients.
Leach’s storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous), a long-lived seabird shows flexible, condition-dependent, feeding strategies in response to poor chick condition
Authors: Haussmann Benjamin D. , Lichtner Kayla E. , Mauck Robert A. , Haussmann Mark F.
Published: March 2024

Background. Parent-offspring conflict represents the sensitive balance of resource allocation between self-maintenance and reproduction. Two strategies have been proposed to better understand how species manage this conflict. In fixed level feeding behavior, parents feed offspring consistent quantities of food. While flexible feeding shows plasticity in parental allocation based on offspring need. Life-history theory predicts that parents of long-lived species prioritize their survival and may favor the fixed level hypothesis to maximize lifetime reproductive success. In this study, we highlight the natural variation of parent-offspring allocation strategies within a unique population of Leach’s storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhous), and through month-long food supplementation and restriction manipulations, we investigate how chick condition affects parental provisioning during the chick-rearing period of reproduction. Results. We show that the parents upregulated chick feeding frequency of nutritionally deprived chicks, resulting in a larger total amount of food delivered during the study period. Additionally, the proportion of nights when both parents fed was highest in restricted chicks, and the proportion of nights when neither parents fed was lowest in restricted chicks, suggesting that storm-petrel parents shorten their foraging bouts to deliver food more often when their checks are in relatively poor condition. Conclusions. Our results support that Leach’s storm-petrels use a flexible level feeding strategy, suggesting that parents can assess offspring condition, and respond by feeding chicks at higher frequencies. These data provide insight on how a long-lived seabird balances the energetic demands of themselves and their offspring during the reproductive period.
Study on risk zoning of regional flood disaster based on GIS
Authors: Jin Peijian , Shi Zhikun , Ge Suling , Yan Weilong
Published: March 2024

Based on natural geographic and socio-economic data, we constructed a regional flood disaster evaluation index system by analyzing the formation and influencing factors of flood disasters. This index system takes into account various indicators such as hazard factor risk, vulnerability of the disaster-bearing environment, and disaster prevention and mitigation capacity. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to give weight to each index, and the weighted comprehensive method was used to construct the comprehensive evaluation index and establish the flood evaluation model. Flood risk zoning for Changchun city based on GIS spatial analysis. The results show that Yushu City, the northern part of Nong 'an County, Dewei City, and Jiutai District are basically low-risk areas because of less rainfall and flat terrain; Although there is rainfall in Kuancheng District, the northern part of Gongzhuling City and Erdao District, the regional disaster prevention and mitigation ability is good, and it is basically a general risk area; However, Lvyuan District, Chaoyang District, Nanguan District, the south of Gongzhuling City and Shuangyang District belong to flood disasters with greater risk and significant risk.
WITHDRAWN: The multi-integrated DNA Bioinspired hydrogel with synergic effect of MB and AuNP with conductive, self-healing, and antibacterial properties as a wearable skin-like sensor
Authors: ELHAM elham , deigner Hans-Peter , faupel Franz , Tjardtsc Tim , daneshmand negin , altintase zynep
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the world of wearable technology has witnessed groundbreaking advancement with the development of hydrogels in transdermal skin wearable patches. However, it remains a huge challenge to develop hydrogel-based wearable skin-like sensors with superconductivity, high sensitivity, and self-healing properties. On the other hand, the use of biomaterials such as borax hydrogel in wearable technology enables the development of flexible but not with excellent electrical conductivity and tensile strain. Here, we introduce a novel DNA bioinspired by PVA-AuNP-DNA-MB-MXene (PADMM)-borax hydrogel, which could bring both improve properties of the highly strain sensitive (GF = 4.9), self-healing (within 10 min, 93% healing efficiency), and excellent antibacterial activity. Here, the ion conductivity and antimicrobial effects could be improved by the synergistic effect of AuNPs and the MB effect in the multi-integrated DNA bioinspired network compared to the PVA-MB-DNA-MB-MXene-borax hydrogel (PDMM)-borax and PVA-MXene (PM)-borax hydrogels. Our hydrogel showed perfect ability as a wearable skin-like sensor to monitor human movement, including large deformations (finger, elbow, wrist) and tiny deformations (mouth movement) in real-time. Thus, our DNA-bioinspired PADMM-borax hydrogel combines therapy appeal with strong functionality as a transparent patch, opening up a world of possibilities in various industries for personalized healthcare monitoring.
Exploring the validity of routine individuated service data for antenatal HIV surveillance in the Western Cape
Authors: Jacob Nisha , Rice Brian , Heekes Alexa , Johnson Leigh F. , Brinkmann Samantha , Kufa Tendesayi , Puren Adrian , Boulle Andrew
Published: March 2024

Background
In the Western Cape, South Africa, public-sector individual-level routine data are consolidated from multiple sources through the Provincial Health Data Centre (PHDC). This enables the description of temporal changes in population-wide antenatal HIV seroprevalence. We evaluated the validity of these data compared to aggregated program data and population-wide sentinel antenatal HIV seroprevalence surveys for the Western Cape province.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all pregnancies identified in the PHDC from January 2011 to December 2020. Evidence of antenatal and HIV care from electronic platforms were linked using a unique patient identifier. HIV prevalence estimates were triangulated and compared with available survey estimates and aggregated programmatic data from registers as recorded in the District Health Information System. Provincial, district-level and age-group HIV prevalence estimates were compared between data systems using correlation coefficients, absolute differences and trend analysis.
Results
Of the 977800 pregnancies ascertained, PHDC HIV prevalence estimates from 2011–2013 were widely disparate from aggregate and survey data (due to incomplete electronic data), whereas from 2014 onwards, estimates were within the 95% confidence interval of survey estimates, and closely correlated to aggregate data estimates (r = 0.8; p = 0.01), with an average prevalence difference of 0.4%. PHDC data show a slow but steady increase in provincial HIV prevalence from 16.7% in 2015 to 18.6% in 2020. The highest HIV prevalence was in the Cape Metro district (20.3%) Prevalence estimates by age group were comparable between sentinel surveys and PHDC from 2015 onwards, with prevalence estimates stable over time among younger age-groups (15–24 years) but increased among older age-groups (> 34 years).
Conclusions
This study compares sentinel seroprevalence surveys with both register-based aggregate data and consolidated individuated administrative data. We show that in this setting linked individuated data may be reliably used for HIV surveillance and provide more granular estimates with greater efficiency than seroprevalence surveys and register-based aggregate data.
Catecholamine concentration as a predictor of mortality in emergency surgical patients
Authors: Suh João Isuk , Roza Daiane Leite da , Cadamuro Filipe Matheus , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá , Sanches Talita Rojas , Andrade Lúcia
Published: March 2024

Background: Trauma and emergency surgery are major causes of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine whether serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine are associated with aging and mortality.
Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in the surgical critical care unit. We included 90 patients who were admitted for postoperative care, because of major trauma, or both. We collected demographic and clinical variables, and the serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Results: For patients in the > 60-year age group, the use of vasoactive drugs was found to be associated with undetectable levels of epinephrine, (OR [95% CI] = 6.36 [1.12, 36.08]), p = 0.05). For the patients with an undetectable level of epinephrine, the in-hospital mortality was higher among patients with a norepinephrine level ≥ 2006.5 pg/mL (OR [95% CI] = 4.00 [1.27, 12.58]), p = 0.03).
Conclusions: There is an association between age and mortality. Undetectable serum epinephrine, which is more common in older patients, could contribute to poor outcomes.
Optimizing Photovoltaic System Performance through the Design and Development of an Artificial Neural Network MPPT Control
Authors: Meddah Mohamed , Belarbi Ahmed Wahid , Negadi Karim , Djaballah Younes
Published: March 2024

This article conducts a thorough comparison of three Maximum Power Point Tracking control techniques for photovoltaic systems: Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance, and Artificial Neural Network. The study aims to identify the most effective MPPT method by subjecting each technique to numerical simulations. The article explores the performance, efficiency, and robustness of Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance and Artificial Neural Network in capturing the maximum power output from photovoltaic panels under varying environmental conditions. Following rigorous testing through numerical simulations, the superior technique is selected for implementation in a grid-connected photovoltaic power conversion chain. This research contributes valuable insights into the optimization of photovoltaic system performance through advanced MPPT control strategies, facilitating informed decisions for practical applications in renewable energy systems.
Low expression of TOX predicts poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer in the real world: a retrospective study
Authors: Tan Chunlei , Wu Danping , Yang Xiaotian , Zhang Shiyuan , Liu Shuqiang , Yu Boqian , Yu Xiao , Xiu Yuting , Huang Yuanxi
Published: March 2024

Background: TOX is a transcription factor that is implicated in the regulation of T cell exhaustion in tumors. TOX has been proven to have prognostic value in some malignant tumors. We aim to analyze the expression of TOX in breast cancer patients, and the association between TOX and prognostic significance in patients with breast cancer.
Methods: 313 breast cancer patients were enrolled into the current study. The expression of TOX was determined by the immunohistochemistry assay in breast cancer tissues. The relationships between TOX and clinical pathological variables in breast cancer were performed via chi-square test. Survival curves were performed by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The potential independent factors were assessed by Cox model regression analyses. Nomogram models, calibration curve, decision curve analyses were applied to analyze the clinical utility of the predictive models.
Results: According the semi-quantitative scoring under electron microscope, 129 breast cancer patient samples were classified into low group, and 184 breast cancer patient samples were classified into high group. Patients with high expression of TOX had survived longer than those with low expression of TOX (DFS: 71.70 vs. 64.05 months; OS: 81.03 vs. 73.72 months), and the difference in survival time between the two groups was statistically significant (DFS: χ2=11.6300, P=0.00065; OS: χ2=11.4200, P=0.00073). Patients with high expression of TOX had survived longer than those with low expression of TOX in patients received adjuvant therapies, especially in patients with chemotherapy (DFS: 72.85 vs. 64.53 months, P=0.00029; OS: 82.06 vs. 74.29 months, P=0.00033). Based on the Cox model regression analyses for DFS and OS, multivariate analysis indicated that TOX [DFS, hazard ratio (HR): 0.412, 95%CI: 0.248-0.684, P=0.001); OS, HR: 0.395, 95%CI: 0.237-0.660, P＜0.0001] was the potential prognostic factor. The established nomogram was used to predict survival and the calibration curve analysis had performed that the predicted line was well-matched with base line in postoperative 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate.
Conclusions: The expression of TOX is a potential prognostic factor, and can be a promising biomarker for predicting survival and guiding treatment strategy in breast cancer patients.
Effects of salt reduction project implemented by local governments in Nakatsugawa City: study protocol and participant characteristics for observational study
Authors: Teshigawara Shiho , Yamada Yohei , Ando Yuichi , Sato Motoki , Sato Juichi
Published: March 2024

Background
The salt intake among the Japanese population exceeds recommended levels, contributing to adverse health outcomes. The age-adjusted mortality rate due to cerebrovascular disease in Nakatsugawa City, a mountain town in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is higher than the national average. The prevalence of hypertension, a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, is also higher than the national average. A leading factor contributing to these health challenges is the high salt intake among Nakatsugawa residents. Consequently, Nakatsugawa City initiated a 3-year salt reduction project modeled on the Aki area as part of its health promotion endeavors, targeting all residents, including adults and elementary school and junior high school students. We present a protocol for our observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this comprehensive salt reduction initiative.
Methods
This salt reduction project will target approximately 2,000 residents of the Aki district, and this study will invite a total of 93 households with elementary or junior high school students in the Aki district for participation. Intervention strategies for this project include classes on the theme of salt reduction and salt reduction in school lunches at elementary and junior high schools, lectures on salt reduction in the community, regular communications on the theme of salt reduction, distribution of low-salt seasonings and blood pressure monitors to households, and evaluation and feedback of individual salt intake.
Discussion
Overall, 69 households (74.2%) and 253 individuals (61.4%) participated in the project's evaluation study. Analysis of urinary salt content measurements revealed that the estimated daily salt intake across various age groups exceeded the standard daily intake specified in the 2020 Dietary Intake Standards for Japanese by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. These findings underscore Nakatsugawa City's suitability as an implementation area for a salt reduction project. The project's first year cost was approximately $45,300, aligning with the project's $150,000 scheduled total budget for the initial year within the 3-year project duration. The first year of the intervention is progressing as planned, encompassing both effective implementation and adherence to budgetary allocations. The findings could provide valuable insights into the impact of this salt reduction initiative on health outcomes.
Trial registration:
This study complies with the "Ethical Guidelines for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects" December 22, 2014 (partially amended on February 28, 2017): Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and was approved by the Bioethics Review Committee of the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine (2020/5/29, approval number 2020-0040).
The effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on platelet aggregation: a real-world clinical trial
Authors: Huang Xiangqian , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhou Da , Lan Duo , Wang Mengqi , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: March 2024

Background and purpose
There were reports that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) combined with aspirin induced bleeding events and the mechanism was not clear. Herein, the effects of GBE on platelet aggregation were discussed.
Methods
A total of 87 patients entered into this real-world study consecutively and finished final analysis, including 37 cases with internal jugular venous stenosis (IJVS) and 50 cases with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients with AIS were divided into synergism group who underwent GBE combined with aspirin (66%, n = 33) and the aspirin group who underwent aspirin only (34%, n = 17). Patients with IJVS underwent GBE intravenous infusion only (n = 37). Data of plasma platelet and coagulation at baseline prior to and day 1 and 5 post-treatment were analyzed. And the antiplatelet activities were determined at baseline and day 5 post-treatment, respectively.
Results
GBE inhibits AA-induced rather than ADP-induced platelet aggregation, a directional trend in reduced rates of platelet aggregation was stimulated by AA on day 1 (P < 0.001) and day 5 (P = 0.040) and prolongs TT and APTT at the same time.
Conclusions
GBE could synergize with aspirin on inhibiting platelet aggregation in the suppression in AA pass way. Long-term combination of GBE and aspirin may increase the incidence of bleeding.
Black Dad Shine: A Concept Mapping Approach to Identifying the Qualities of Black Father Flourishing
Authors: Powe Paula Marie , Tan Amber , Crossett Thea , Durham Aki Jamal , Pedersen Sarah
Published: March 2024

Black men in America face systemic and structural barriers that have persisted for years. These barriers create inequities that can negatively affect their physical and mental wellbeing and their fatherhood and family experiences. Previous research on Black fathers has highlighted deficits, with minimal studies focused on solutions, particularly as conceptualized by Black men themselves. Based in health equity, the current study utilized concept mapping, a community-based participatory research method, to assess what Black men in America need to flourish in the socioecological context in which they live. Black participants (n = 9), from a pre-established community advisory board that is working on a peer intervention to address early childhood adversity and toxic stress in the Black community, brainstormed 60 unique items associated with Black father flourishing and grouped these items into 6 unique clusters. Two clusters focused on Black men seeing themselves, their purpose, and their fatherhood role in a positive light (Positive Internal Mindset; Purposeful Leadership), 2 focused on healthy relationships (Sustained Mentorship and Accountable Growth; Receptivity to Influence), 1 focused on the tools necessary to build and maintain healthy relationships (Tools of Relational Engagement), and 1 focused on equitable access to external resources (Gatekeeper-less Resources). Participants ranked “a sense of purpose” and “positive self-image" as most important to Black father flourishing and “mentorship” and “encouragement” as the most feasible to address through a peer intervention. By centering the voices of Black men and those who support them, this study highlights stakeholder priorities about best practices for Black fatherhood.
Ecologic imprint and taxi costs associated with different fractionation schedules for prostate cancer radiotherapy: An exemplary calculation from Thuringia, that makes you think …
Authors: Wurschi Georg W. , Graf Maximilian , Weimann Steffen , Straube Christoph , Domschikowski Justus , Münter Marc , Pietschmann Klaus
Published: March 2024

Background In times of climate change, energy transition, an aging population and skyrocketing social costs, improving the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of healthcare systems has become increasingly relevant. We evaluated three internationally established fractionation schedules for prostate cancer radiation therapy (RT) with respect to their ecological and health-economic impacts.Methods We analyzed the data of 109 patients with prostate cancer, who underwent outpatient radiation therapy at Jena University Hospital in 2022. Using the distance between their homes and our facility, carbon dioxide (CO2)-emissions and taxi costs were estimated for normofractionated RT (39 fractions), moderately hypofractionated RT (20 fractions) and ultrahypofractionated RT (5 fractions).Results Travel distances of 1616 km, 848 km and 242 km were calculated with corresponding costs ranging from 638 € (ultrahypofractionated RT) to 4255 € (normofractionated RT). The travel distance, CO2-emissions and transportation costs could be reduced by up to 85% by hypofractionation.Conclusion (Ultra-)hypofractionated radiation therapy for prostate cancer has great potential to protect the environment and lower healthcare costs. From this point of view, it should be regarded as new standard of care. However, the new short-term concepts place high demands on the accuracy of dose application which causes increased (technical and personnel) effort. To facilitate general use, adequate pricing structures and reimbursement mechanisms need to be established in the German health care system, ensuring equitable access to this innovative treatment option for all eligible patients.
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and change in tumor load on MRI to assess response and prognosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Janssen L. M. , Vries B. B. L. Penning , Janse M. H. A. , Wall E. , Elias S. G. , Salgado R. , Diest P. J. , Gilhuijs Kenneth G. A.
Published: March 2024

Purpose
In this study, we aimed to explore if the combination of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and change in tumor load on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) leads to better assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer, compared to either alone.
Methods
In 190 NAC treated patients, MRI scans were performed before and at the end of treatment. The percentage of stromal TILs (%TILs) was assessed in pre-NAC biopsies according to established criteria. Prediction models were developed with linear regression by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and cross validation (CV), with residual cancer burden (RCB) as the dependent variable. Discrimination for pathological complete response (pCR) was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). We used Cox regression analysis for exploring the association between %TILs and recurrence-free survival (RFS).
Results
Fifty-one patients reached pCR. In all patients, the %TILs model and change in MRI tumor load model had an estimated CV AUC of 0.69 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.78) and 0.69 (95%CI 0.61–0.79), respectively, whereas a model combining the variables resulted in an estimated CV AUC of 0.75 (95% CI 0.66–0.83). In the group with tumors that were ER positive and HER2 negative (ER+/HER2-) and in the group with tumors that were either triple negative or HER2 positive (TN&HER2+) separately, the combined model reached an estimated CV AUC of 0.72 (95%CI 0.60–0.88) and 0.70(95%CI 0.59–0.82), respectively. A significant association was observed between pre-treatment %TILS and RFS (hazard ratio (HR) 0.72 (95% CI 0.53–0.98), for every standard deviation increase in %TILS, p = 0.038).
Conclusion
The combination of TILs and MRI is informative of response to NAC in patients with both ER+/HER2- and TN&HER2 + tumors.
Atypical varicella-zoster virus meningitis in a young immunocompetent adult during enterovirus epidemic season: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Yaqin , Shi Qiuling , Dai JunJie , Zhang Yu , Chen Rongchang , Shi Fei
Published: March 2024

Background
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can cause acute brain infection manifesting as meningitis or encephalitis, which more likely occurs in winter and population with immunocompromised conditions[1]. During the enterovirus epidemic season, VZV meningitis is easy to be ignored and misdiagnosed, especially when the typical dermatomal rash is absent.
Case presentation
Here, we present an atypical case of a young immunocompetent male with VZV meningitis and encephalitis during summer. The patient presented with fever, headache and vomiting, but without dermatomal rash. Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing (mNGS) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed VZV infection. He was treated successfully with acyclovir and recovered without any neurological sign.
Conclusions
This case report describes a patient with mild diabetes but no immunocompromised condition who developed meningitis and encephalitis resulting from VZV infection in summer. Additionally, there is no dermatomal rash in the patient. It can broaden the understanding of the disease, and keep VZV infection in differential diagnoses of viral meningitis.
Effect of Maternal Time Inputs on Child Outcomes: Does the Gender Matter?
Authors: Bishwakarma Rajan , Bohara Alok K.
Published: March 2024

Even though time inputs are more productive than monetary investments, little is known about how maternal time inputs vary by gender, and how they affect child outcomes in lower-income countries with a strong preference for male children. This paper examines the relationship between a child’s gender and maternal time investment in Nepal. We find no evidence of differential maternal time investment by gender in a sample of preschool children. Mothers equally invest not only in structural activities such as singing and taking children outside, but also in educational activities like reading and storytelling. Son preferences among Nepalese mothers, therefore, may not be an actual preference, but rather may arise due to cultural and social constraints. In addition, we find that maternal time input is an important determinant of a child’s cognitive and behavioral outcomes, implying that mothers may be the pivotal link to help young girls catch up with young boys in later life.
JEL Codes: J13, J15, O15
Genetic Markers Associated with the Widespread Insecticide Resistance in Malaria Vector Anopheles funestus Populations across Tanzania
Authors: Odero Joel O. , Nambunga Ismail H. , Masalu John P. , Mkandawile Gustav , Bwanary Hamis , Hape Emmanuel E. , Njalambaha Rukiyah M. , Tungu Patrick , Ngowo Halfan S. , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Mapua Salum A. , Kahamba Najat F. , Nelli Luca , Wondji Charles , Koekemoer Lizette L. , Weetman David , Ferguson Heather M. , Baldini Francesco , Okumu Fredros O.
Published: March 2024

Background: Anopheles funestus is a leading vector of malaria in most parts of East and Southern Africa, yet its ecology, and responses to vector control remain poorly understood compared to other vectors such as Anopheles gambiaeand Anopheles arabiensis. This study presents the first large-scale survey of the genetic and phenotypic expression of insecticide resistance in An. funestus populations in Tanzania.
Methods:We performed insecticide susceptibility bioassays on An. funestusmosquitoes in nine districts with moderate to high malaria prevalence in Tanzania, followed by genotyping for resistance-associated mutations (CYP6P9a, CYP6P9b, L119F-GSTe2) and structural variants (SV4.3kb, SV6.5kb). Generalized linear models were used to assess relationships between genetic markers and phenotypic resistance. An interactive R Shiny tool was created to visualize the data and support evidence-based interventions.
Results:Pyrethroid resistance was universal but reversible by piperonyl-butoxide (PBO). However, carbamate resistance was observed in only five of the nine districts, and DDT resistance was found only in the Kilombero valley, south-eastern Tanzania. Conversely, there was universal susceptibility to the organophosphate, pirimiphos-methyl in all sites. Genetic markers of resistance had distinct geographical patterns, with CYP6P9a-R and CYP6P9b-R alleles, and the SV6.5kb structural variant absent or undetectable in the northwest but prevalent in all other sites, while SV4.3kb was prevalent in the northwestern and western regions but absent elsewhere. Emergent L119F-GSTe2, associated with deltamethrin resistance, was detected in heterozygous form in districts bordering Mozambique, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The resistance landscape was most complex in western Tanzania, in Tanganyika district, where all five genetic markers were detected. There was a notable south-to-north spread of resistance genes, especially CYP6P9a-R, though this appears to be interrupted, possibly by geographical features such as the Rift Valley.
Conclusion:This study underscores the need to expand resistance monitoring to include An. funestus alongside other vector species; and to screen for both the genetic and phenotypic signatures of resistance. The findings can be visualized online via an interactive user interface and could inform data-driven decision-making for resistance management and vector control. Since this was the first large-scale survey of insecticide resistance in Tanzania’s An. funestus, we recommend regular updates with greater geographical and temporal coverage.
Robust Point Cloud Normal Estimation via Multi-Level Critical Point Aggregation
Authors: Zhou Jun , Li Yaoshun , Wang Mingjie , Li Nannan , Li Zhiyang , Wang Weixiao
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we propose a multi-level critical point aggregation architecture for 3D point cloud normal estimation. It efficiently focuses on locally important points during feature extraction by employing our Local Feature Aggregation (LFA) and Global Feature Refinement (GFR) modules. These modules can accurately identify critical surface-fitting points across local and global levels. Specifically, the proposed LFA module aims to capture local geometric information from nearby points with strong correlation in low-level features, while our GFR module explores global geometric relationships in high-level features space, focusing on critical global points. Furthermore, utilizing a stacked LFA structure, we address indistinguishable features across multiple levels, enabling deep feature aggregation. By integrating multi-level features through the GFR module, our method effectively integrates robust local geometric information into comprehensive global features. This ensures stability and accuracy in subsequent surface fitting and normal estimation tasks, even in the presence of sharp features, high noise, or anisotropic structures. Experimental results demonstrate that our method is competitive and achieves stable performance on both synthetic and real-world datasets. Our implementation is available at https://github.com/CharlesLee96/NormalEstimation.
GeCKO: user-friendly workflows for genotyping complex genomes using target enrichment capture. A use case on the large tetraploid durum wheat genome.
Authors: ARDISSON Morgane , GIRODOLLE Johanna , De Mita Stéphane , ROUMET Pierre , RANWEZ Vincent
Published: March 2024

Background:
Genotyping of individuals plays a pivotal role in various biological analyses, with technology choice influenced by multiple factors including genomic constraints, number of targeted loci and individuals, cost considerations, and the ease of sample preparation and data processing. Target enrichment capture of specific polymorphic regions has emerged as a flexible and cost-effective genomic reduction method for genotyping, especially adapted to the case of very large genomes. However, this approach necessitates complex bioinformatics treatment to extract genotyping data from raw reads. Existing workflows predominantly cater to phylogenetic inference, leaving a gap in user-friendly tools for genotyping analysis based on capture methods. In response to these challenges, we have developed GeCKO (Genotyping Complexity Knocked-Out). To assess the effectiveness of combining target enrichment capture with GeCKO, we conducted a case study on durum wheat domestication history, involving sequencing, processing, and analyzing variants in four relevant durum wheat groups.
Results:
GeCKO encompasses four distinct workflows, each designed for specific steps of genomic data processing: (i) read demultiplexing and trimming for data cleaning, (ii) read mapping to align sequences to a reference genome, (iii) variant calling to identify genetic variants, and (iv) variant filtering. Each workflow in GeCKO can be easily configured and is executable across diverse computational environments. The workflows generate comprehensive HTML reports including key summary statistics and illustrative graphs, ensuring traceable, reproducible results and facilitating straightforward quality assessment. A specific innovation within GeCKO is its 'targeted remapping' feature, specifically designed for efficient treatment of targeted enrichment capture data. This process consists of extracting reads mapped to the targeted regions, constructing a smaller sub-reference genome, and remapping the reads to this sub-reference, thereby enhancing the efficiency of subsequent steps.
Conclusions:
The case study results showed the expected intra-group diversity and inter-group differentiation levels, confirming the method's effectiveness for genotyping and analyzing genetic diversity in species with complex genomes. GeCKO streamlined the data processing, significantly improving computational performance and efficiency. The targeted remapping enabled straightforward SNP calling in durum wheat, a task otherwise complicated by the species' large genome size. This illustrates its potential applications in various biological research contexts.
Prospects of CSF shunt independence among chronically shunted patients
Authors: Koueik Joyce , Broman Aimee , Iskandar Bermans
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives
CSF shunt placement for hydrocephalus and other etiologies has arguably been the most life-saving intervention in pediatric neurosurgery in the past 6 decades. Yet, chronic shunting remains a source of morbidity for patients of all ages. Neuroendoscopic surgery has made shunt independence possible for newly diagnosed hydrocephalic patients. In this study, we examine the prospects of shunt independence with or without endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) in chronically shunted patients.
Methods
After IRB approval, a retrospective analysis was completed on patients whose shunt was ligated or removed to achieve shunt independence, with or without ETV. Clinical and imaging data were collected.
Results
Eighty-eight patients with CSF shunts had their shunt either ligated or removed, 57 of whom had a concomitant ETV. Original reasons for shunting included: congenital hydrocephalus 20 (23%), post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) of prematurity 14 (16%), aqueductal stenosis 10 (11%), intracranial cyst 8 (9%), tumor 8 (9%), infantile subdural hematomas 8 (9%), myelomeningocele 7 (8%), post-traumatic hydrocephalus 7 (8%) and post-infectious hydrocephalus 6 (7%). The decision to perform a simultaneous ETV was made based on etiology. Forty-nine (56%) patients became shunt independent. The success rate was 46% in the ETV group and 73% in the no ETV group. Using multivariate analysis and Cox Proportional Hazards models, age > 4 months at shunt placement (p = 0.032), no shunt revisions (p = 0.01), select etiologies (p = 0.043), and ETVSS > 70 (in the ETV group) (p = 0.017), were protective factors for shunt independence.
Conclusion
Considering the long-term complications of shunting, achieving shunt independence may provide hope for improved quality of life. While this study is underpowered, it provides pilot data identifying factors that predict shunt independence in chronically shunted patients, namely age, absence of prior shunt revision, etiology, and in the ETV group, the ETVSS.
Traction-separation law parameters for the description of age-related changes in the delamination strength of the human descending thoracic aorta
Authors: Petřivý Zdeněk , Horný Lukáš , Tichý Petr
Published: March 2024

Aortic dissection is a life-threatening disease that consists in the development of a tear in the wall of the aorta. The initial tear propagates as a discontinuity leading to separation within the aortic wall, which can result in the creation of a so-called false lumen. A fatal threat occurs if the rupture extends through the whole thickness of the aortic wall, as blood may then leak. It is generally accepted that the dissection, which can sometime extend along the entire length of the aorta, propagates via a delamination mechanism. The aim of the present paper is to provide experimentally validated parameters of a mathematical model for the description of the wall’s cohesion. A model of the peeling experiment was built in Abaqus. The delamination interface was described by a linear traction-separation law. The bulk behavior of the aorta was assumed to be nonlinearly elastic, anisotropic, and incompressible. The numerical values of the material parameters of the bulk constitutive model were adopted from the literature. Our simulations resulted in estimates of the material parameters for the traction-separation law of the human descending thoracic aorta, which were obtained by minimizing the differences between the FEM predicted delamination force and the force observed in the peeling experiment. The results show that, since delamination strength decreases with age, the traction-separation law parameters are also age-dependent. The material parameters provided by our study can be used in numerical simulations of the biomechanics of dissection propagation through the aorta especially when age-associated phenomena are studied.
Protein and solute release from the red seaweed, Gracilaria sp., using a high voltage pulsed electric field and pH shift
Authors: Kashyap Mrinal , Ghosh Supratim , Levkov Klimentiy , Livney Yoav D. , Israel Álvaro , Golberg Alexander
Published: March 2024

This study explores the potential of Gracilaria sp., a red seaweed species, as a source of protein ingredients. We investigated the effects of high voltage pulsed electric field (PEF) pre-treatment, followed by either water-mediated extraction or pH shift, on the total-solute (“dry matter”) and protein release, and the content of essential and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) in the extracts. The PEF was administered using a custom-made generator within a specially designed electroporation cell with sliding electrodes. The treatment parameters comprised 1000 V, a 50 µs pulse duration, 200 pulses at a 3 Hz frequency, and an inter-electrode gap ranging from 3.9 to 4.4 mm. The pH shift extraction was executed through combination of fractions extracted sequentially at pH-shift steps spanning the pH range of 1 to 12. Both PEF and pH played pivotal roles in the fractionation of Gracilariasp., enhancing protein release compared to water-mediated extraction, PEF pre-treatment, or pH shift alone. The combination of PEF and sequential pH washes (pH 1 to 12) resulted in a total solute release of 9.61±0.04% and protein release of 28.02±0.2% with essential amino acid (EAA) content of 63.6±5.3%, and BCAA content of 3.47±0.06%. It is noteworthy that PEF significantly increased the EAA and BCAA content of the protein extracts, irrespective of pH shifts. These findings underscore the promising potential of PEF pre-treatment in producing functional food ingredients derived from macroalgal sources.
Environmental conditions in the preglacial late Ordovician subtropical Iapetus Ocean: geochemistry of the type section of the Lower Hartfell Shales (Katian) at Hartfell, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
Authors: brookfield michael e , garza hector
Published: March 2024

The pre-Hirnantian glaciation Katian Lower Hartfell siltstones were deposited in deep quiet water, comparable to those of the Ulleung basin of the Japan Sea, which suggests, together with the likely paleogeographic position, that Hartfell was on the landward side of a back arc basin. The major element/Al ratios do not vary much up the section and indicate a dominantly continental source, with predominantly physical weathering, but with chemical weathering during transport to the final site of deposition. The abundant quartz silt indicates significant eolian transport. Climate may have changed from hot and arid to hot and humid from the lower to the upper part of the Hartfell siltstones, with possibly an increase in surface water temperature from 25oC to 50oC. Salinity is assumed to be normal marine based on the fauna, despite the freshwater indicated by trace element ratios. Relative paleoproductivity changes suggest a slight fluctuating decrease in productivity from the wilsoni to the linearis zones. The actual productivity seems low compared with the Ulleung basin and very low compared with younger Hirnantian black shales. Overall, the redox sensitive trace elements and ratios suggest that the Hartfell sediments started oxic, became dysoxic to anoxic, and then returned to oxic.