bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic Violence Ends Three Innocent Lives: A Case Series
Authors:   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Dey Arijit , Dalal Deepshekhar ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073, India., Tarafdar Mainak ,   Senior Demonstrator, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, BS Medical College & Hospital, Bankura, West Bengal 722102, India, Sharma Neha ,   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Kanwar Hemant K ,   Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
Published: January 2024

Violence against women is any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life. Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure or wound someone. Domestic violence can happen to any couple irrespective of their race, age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, socio-economic backgrounds and education levels. The management of domestic violence essentially requires combined effort of law enforcement, social welfare and healthcare services. The current article throws light on three separate incidents of domestic violence, where the victim was forced to commit suicide, but employing a different method in each case e.g. hanging, burning & consuming poison.
Depletion Studies on Different Fluorescent Powder Compositions
Authors:   Volunteer, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (Ministry of environment, forest and climate change) IInd Floor, Trikoot-I, Bhikajicama Place, New Delhi 110066, India., .. Smily , S. Sodhi Gurvinder ,   Forensic Science Unit, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India., Kumar Sanjiv ,   School of Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110068, India.
Published: January 2024

A depletion series was used to evaluate the relative sensitivity of a number of fluorescent powder compositions on a non porous surface. A set of exemplar finger impressions of one particular finger successively impinged on to aluminium foil without recharging the sweat secretions was considered in this investigation. Amongst the studied fluorescent dye based compositions, Rhodamine B and Fluorescein based compositions were adjudged to give best results in terms of ridge clarity of depletion marks.
Post Mortem CT (PMCT) in Forensic Medicine and Toxicity
Authors:   Scientific Adviser, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India., Barik Mayadhar
Published: January 2024

Background: The Postmortem in Computed tomography (PMCT) had been started from since 1990. PMCT advantages are more relevant in full-body examination (FBE) through scan is quite helpful to assess the whole body scan with clear evidence and computed recorded data. Material and methods: Here trying to justify the PMCT application, analysis and its interpretation in cadaveric, CT examination test before autopsy test to know the causes of death (COD), cause of injury (COI) and other additional information related to image study. Inclusion Criteria: The original contribution selected form (1990 to 2019) is included in study. Exclusion Criteria: An irrelevant study or any case study subject excluded from this study. Statistical analysis: Here simple statistics used from the available database for interpretation. Results: PMCT in analysis given more than (70-90%) better picture than the autopsy test. It clearly analyzed the cause of death (COD), manners of injury (MOI), and personal of identification (POI) through the postmortem examination (PME) and its development in the field of forensic medicine and toxicological research (FMTR). Conclusion: PMCT technology newly added and highly recommendable for correct information through their slice images. So many types of variables (TOVs) may easily compare and predict through the different informative slice images (DISIs) to use the accurate application on forensic medicine and toxicological angle.
Derivative UV-Vis Spectrophotometric Analysis of Caramel in Some Common Liquor Samples
Authors:   Student, Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India, Britto Candida , Yadav Praveen Kumar ,   Research Student, Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India, Sharma Rakesh Mohan ,   Professor Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India
Published: January 2024

In recent years, awareness regarding the quality of food has gradually increased as per the increase in consumer demands. One of the most important parts of the food is alcoholic beverages. Many additives such as caramel, sugar, water, etc. are added to improve the aroma volume, and color of alcoholic beverages. Caramel colors are dark brown substances often added in alcoholic beverages to give the more alluring appearance. However, many metabolites of caramel colors such as 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5 HMF) are toxic in nature. Many studies show that in controlled concentrations, caramel colors don’t pose any threat. Therefore, it is exigent to monitor the concentration of such additives. Moreover, these colors are present in trace amounts and require extensive sample preparation methods. In the present study, an attempt has been made to identify and detect caramel colors in various factory-made and commercial liquors using derivative Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. It was observed that peak maxima of 281 nm of zero order spectra; in first-order spectra peak maxima of 260nm and peak minima of 290 nm can prove to be very effective in the identification of caramel colors. Derivative UV-Vis spectrophotometry thus, has proved to be an effective, non-destructive technique which requires minimal sample preparation.
Forensic Discrimination of Fake and Genuine Mobil Oils
Authors:   Senior Scientific Officer, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh 474009, India., Dhingra Vinod
Published: January 2024

The major functions of lubricating oils is the reduction of friction and wear by the separation of surfaces, metallic or plastic, which are moving with respect to each other. The few Indian infringers are engaged in cheating, substandard and duplication cases forensic scientist and police facing problems with rapid increase in different types of Mobil oils having hydrocarbons and other additives. Which can be used for comparison purpose keeping in this view a protocol for rapid screening and analysis of these type of material by using physical parameters, thin layer chromatography and FT-IR spectral analysis have developed to differentiate fake (used) Mobil oil and genuine unused branded Mobil oils. The present work describes the discrimination of fake and genuine Mobil oils on the basis of physical parameters, thin layer chromatography and FT-IR analysis.
Medical and Legal Interpretation of Injury report: A Physician’s Dilemma
Authors:   Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi- 110 029, India., Millo T.
Published: January 2024

In India a registered medical graduate having MBBS degree is legally authorized to treat a medicolegal case and prepare the injury report. He is also required to opine about the nature of injury, possible weapon of offence and manner of injury to assist the crime investigation. Forensic Medicine is taught in the MBBS curriculum, but the studentsgenerally don’t get enough practical exposure to deal with medicolegal cases of injury reporting and opining. Most of them learn while on service when situation compel them to handle medicolegal cases and are summoned by the court of law to depose the medical evidence. It has to be realized that medical evidence is animportant corroborative evidence for guiding the investigation and the court of law. It needs to be dealtin a prudent way, scientifically and professionally. This article is an attempt to address the dilemma faced by the physicians, dealing with medicolegal cases of injury reporting and giving expert opiningand evidence in the court of law for the deliverance of justice in the state legal system.
Derivative UV Spectrophotometric Detection of Some Common Pesticides in Simulated Samples of Beverages
Authors:   M.Sc. Student, Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India., Kaur Gursharan , Yadav Praveen Kumar ,   Research Scholar, Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India., Bumbrah Gurvinder Singh ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Forensic Science, Amity School of Applied Sciences, Amity University, Gurgaon, Haryana 122413, India., Sharma Rakesh Mohan ,   Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India.
Published: January 2024

Pesticides are widely used in India because of their applications in agriculture and household purposes. Due to their high toxicity, over use and easy availability they are encountered in suicidal, accidental and homicidal cases. Poisoning with pesticides are common in developing countries as compared to western countries. Because of large number of cases of deaths due to pesticide poisoning it is imperative to develop sensitive, reliable and accurate methods for their detection from the viscera samples, biological materials and common substrates such as beverages etc. recovered from the crime scene. Derivative UV-Vis spectrophotometry is one of the most widely used techniques for detection of pesticides in viscera and other matrices such as beverages etc. In the present study, pesticides were spiked in beverages like Coffee, Tea, Fruity, Mountain dew and Alcohol and then analysed using derivative UV spectrophotometry. Further, the effect of matrices was studied on the UV spectra of pesticides.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Characterisation of Some Common Antidepressans in Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors:   Scientific Assistant, Chemistry Division, Forensic Science Laboratory, Mohali, Punjab 160059, India., Kaur Arshdeep , Yadav Praveen Kumar ,   Research Scholar,Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India., Sharma Rakesh Mohan ,   Professor, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab 147002, India.
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to analyse some common antidepressants in pharmaceutical preparations. The antidepressants taken for analysis were Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRIs]. SSRIs were associated with the significantly lower risk of toxicity, but large number of deaths from SSRIs has occurred in combination with other drugs specifically tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants. There has been a lot of work in the characterisation of antidepressants in pharmaceutical preparations but still a rapid and reliable positive qualitative identification of SSRIs needs to be developed. In the present investigation, Fourier Transform Infra Red [FTIR] spectrophotometer in transmission and Attenuated Total Reflectance [ATR] mode was used to qualitatively identify pharmaceutical preparation consisting of Proxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluvoxamine. The results suggested that both the modes provided greater sensitivity but the ATR mode has great potential for the characterisation of SSRIs.
Forensic Investigation of Explosions: A Review
Authors:   Associate Professor and Coordinator, Forensic Science Unit, S.G.T.B. Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110007, India., Sodhi Gurvinder Singh , Kaur Jasjeet ,   Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women (University of Delhi), Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi 110096, India.
Published: January 2024

An explosion is defined as a violent, shattering action caused by a bomb. The main chemical ingredient of a bomb is the explosive – an endothermic substance which serves as a storehouse of energy. When this energy is suddenly released, in the confined space of the bomb, it causes a devastating effect, resulting in loss of lives and property. As compared to conventional crime scenes, explosion sites are more difficult to process. In many cases a building may have collapsed and the crime scene evidence may have become buried beneath the debris. A vital aspect of forensic investigation of bomb blasts is to establish the explosion seat. Equally important is to identify the type of chemical explosives used to commit the crime. This communication highlights the complications encountered in the management of explosion sites and the difficulties experienced in processing the evidence collected there from. The types of injuries which the victims of explosion suffer are also briefly described.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Road Traffic Safety among Students
Authors:   Professor and Head,  Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, District Satara, Malkapur, Maharashtra 415539, India., Vinayak Patil Ajay , M Kokatnnur Chandrakant ,   Professor,  Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, District Satara, Malkapur, Maharashtra 415539, India., S Bannur Vinay ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, District Satara, Malkapur, Maharashtra 415539, India., Khan Akib ,   Post Graduate, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, District Satara, Malkapur, Maharashtra 415539, India., Yadav Akanksha ,   Post Graduate, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, District Satara, Malkapur, Maharashtra 415539, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Knowledge, attitudes and practice of road traffic regulations and safe driving have an important impact on RTA, few studies of India. Aims: To study and analyse data of the current status of knowledge, awareness and practice about Road traffic safety among the students of age group between 18-25 years. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students of, Krishna Institute of medical sciences, Karad for a period of 2 months. 214 subjects were selected from students between the age group of 18-25 years. Results: All 214 subjects in the study are medical students participated in study in the age group 18 – 25 years. Nearly 80% of the students said that they had adequate knowledge of road traffic regulations and more than one third (36%) mentioned that high speed was the most important cause of RTAs. 39.9 % students are aware of Good Samratian Law. Importance of the use of seat belts, about 90% were strongly convinced of its importance, using seat belts, 38.7% felt convinced of its use. More than half of the students thought that the use of seat belts reduced the disabilities caused by RTAs. 98.1% students know it is compulsory to wear helmet but only 43.9% students actually wear it. 97.6% know it is against the law and safety to use mobile phones while driving but only 51% of students avoid it. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude of the members does not necessarily reflect into their practice. Hence, laws should be made more stringent and public should follow them in good faith.
A Case Report of Acute Yellow Oleander Accidental Poisoning
Authors:   Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology Division, Department of Chemistry, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia,, Bora Debasis , Singh Nivedita ,   Forensic Science Faculty, Police Training College, Uttar Pradesh Police, Uttar Pradesh 261001, India.
Published: January 2024

Yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) is an ornamental cardiotoxic plant found throughout most of the regions of the World. The plant has yellow trumpet like flowers and produces green fruits which turn black with time, and these contain two seeds each. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, particularly the fruit and seeds. Its toxicity is related to a variety of highly toxic cardiac glycosides i.e. Neriifolin, Thevetins and oleandrin. This case report wherein a female victim succumbed to instantaneous accidental death following unknowingly ingestion of yellow oleander fruits. Through this discussion, various parts of society will be aware and enlightened about its toxic effects
Elimination of Chromium (Vl) from Industrial Effluent through the Utilization of Water Hyacinth weed
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Vikramajit Singh Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur 208002, Uttar Pradesh, India,, Tiwari Anuradha , Lal Nand ,   Professor, Department of Chemistry, Vikramajit Singh Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur 208002, Uttar Pradesh, India,, Kr Singh Ashish ,   Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Vikramajit Singh Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur 208002, Uttar Pradesh, India,, Begam Tamanna ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Dayanand Brajendra Swarup College, Kanpur 208006, Uttar Pradesh, India., Pal Neelam ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Vikramajit Singh Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur 208002, Uttar Pradesh, India,
Published: January 2024

Biosorption is a physico-chemical binding of a substance to biological material. Water hyacinth has been successfully utilized for the removal of chromium (VI) from waste water samples. The plants were divided in to two part (i) root (ii) foliage. Each part was dried at 750 C for 48 hours and then its weighed was taken. The tissue samples weight then ash in the muffle-furnace at 3500 C for 5 hours. Ash samples were digested with acids (HNO3, HCl) and diluted with 100 ml of distilled water. The detection of chromium (VI) carried out by Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). This method of removing chromium from water is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and has been shown to be effective in laboratory studies.
Role of Personas in Political Marketing in Canada
Authors: Wesley Jared , Pawluk Mitchell
Published: January 2024

Many political party strategists draw on Big Data to target specific groups of voters. This predominantly quantitative approach is useful for mobilising support, yet there are alternatives that help bring these voter segments to life.  Pioneered in Australia (1996) and perfected in Canada (2006 to 2008), the use of personas in political marketing and communications holds several notable advantages. By personifying the segments – using names like “Phil and Jenny” or “Dougie” – strategists foster both internal cohesion and external consistency around their messaging. The technique is also useful for policy development.  Grounded in an extensive review of campaigns and in-depth interviews, this article analyses the use of personas by the Conservative Party of Canada, pointing to the strengths and shortcomings of the approach.
Colorectal cancer-associated bacteria are broadly distributed in global microbiomes and drivers of precancerous change
Authors: Minot Samuel S. , Li Naisi , Sriniva Harini , Ayers Jessica L. , Yu Ming , Koester Sean , Stangis Mary M. , Dominitz Jason , Halberg Richard B. , Grady William M. , Dey Neelendu
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND & AIMS. The gut microbiome is implicated in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). While a robust body of research has identified several different CRC-associated bacterial species, the full scope of the host-microbial dialogue in CRC is unknown. Here we aimed to define the scale and membership of the body of CRC-associated and health-associated gut bacteria in global populations.
METHODS. We perform a microbiome-CRC correlation analysis of deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing data from published global microbiome surveys, utilizing a de novo (reference-agnostic) gene-level clustering approach to identify protein-coding co-abundant gene (CAGs) clusters significantly enriched in either CRC or in health. We validate predicted microbiome effects in preclinical CRC models and interrogate mechanism via colonic gene expression profiling (including through single-cell RNAseq) and using organoid co-culture systems.
RESULTS. Here we link an unprecedented ~40% of gut bacteria to CRC (split nearly evenly as CRC-associated or health-associated). These microbes encode 2,319 co-abundant genes (CAGs) encompassing 427,261 bacterial genes significantly enriched or depleted in CRC. We validate tumorigenicity of previously unimplicated bacteria in preclinical models. Single-cell RNA sequencing disclosed microbiome-induced senescence in discrete colonic populations including fibroblasts. In organoid co-cultures, primary colon fibroblasts from mice with microbiomes promoted significantly greater growth than fibroblasts from microbiome-depleted mice.
CONCLUSIONS. Our findings suggest that an astounding ~40% of gut bacteria may be carcinogenic or chemoprotective. Many of these had not previously been linked to CRC, thus expanding the scope of “known unknowns” of CRC-associated microbes. These results offer proof-of-principle for gene-level metagenomic analysis enabling wide-ranging discovery of microbiome-induced precancerous effects and cancer prevention opportunities.
Growth reduction of Vibrionaceae and microflora diversification in ice-stored Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) treated with low-frequency electric field
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Chen Haiqiang , Liang Zuanhao , Chen Shanshan , Xia Yu , Zhu Siming , Yu Ming
Published: January 2024

A novel storage technique combining low-frequency electric field (LFEF) and ice temperature was applied to extend the shelf life of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Changes in microbial community composition was investigated in Pacific white shrimp treated with LFEF in combination with ice temperature. LFEF treatment increased diversity of microbial communities and reduced abundance of major spoilage bacteria in Penaeus vannamei. The spoilage microorganisms of shripm samples stored at ice temperature for 11 days included Aliivibrio, Pseudoalteromonas, Photobacterium, Moritella and Psychrobacter. However, Pseudoalteromonas and Psychrobacter were dominant in LFEF-treated samples. Furthermore, due to the modulation of the microbial community by LFEF and ice temperature storage, the microbial structure in shrimp muscle did not tend to be simplistic. In conclusion, LFEF as an auxiliary technology for low temperature preservation is a reliable and potential method for preserving the quality of aquatic products.
The miR-183/96/182 cluster regulates sensory innervation, resident myeloid cells and functions of the cornea through cell-type-specfic target genes
Authors: Gupta Naman , Somayajulu Mallika , Gurdziel Katherine , LoGrasso Giovanni , Aziz Haidy , McClellan Sharon , Pitchaikannu Ahalya , Santra Manoranjan , Shukkur Muhammed , Hazlett Linda , Xu Shunbin
Published: January 2024

The conserved miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183C) is expressed in both corneal resident myeloid cells (CRMCs) and sensory nerves (CSN) and modulates corneal immune/inflammatory responses. To uncover cell type-specific roles of miR-183C in CRMC and CSN and their contribute to corneal physiology, myeloid-specific miR-183C conditional knockout (MS-CKO), and sensory nerve-specific CKO (SNS-CKO) mice were produced and characterized in comparison to the conventional miR-183C KO. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy of flatmount corneas, corneal sensitivity, and tear volume assays were performed in young adult naïve mice; 3’RNA sequencing (Seq) in the trigeminal ganglion (TG), cornea and CRMCs. Our results showed that, similar to conventional KO mice, the numbers of CRMCs were increased in both MS-CKO and SNS-CKO vs age- and sex-matched WT control littermates, suggesting intrinsic and extrinsic regulations of miR-183C on CRMCs. In the miR-183C KO and SNS-CKO, but not the MS-CKO mice, CSN density was decreased in the epithelial layer of the cornea, but not the stromal layer. Functionally, corneal sensitivity and basal tear volume were reduced in the KO and SNS-CKO, but not the MS-CKO mice. Tear volume in males is consistently higher than female WT mice. Bioinformatic analyses of the transcriptomes revealed a series of cell-type specific target genes of miR-183C in TG sensory neurons and CRMCs. Our data elucidate that miR-183C imposes intrinsic and extrinsic regulation on the establishment and function of CSN and CRMCs by cell-specific target genes. miR-183C modulates corneal sensitivity and tear production through its regulation of corneal sensory innervation.
Bacterial association with metals enables in vivo monitoring of microbiota using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Goldhawk Donna , Donnelly Sarah , Nassar Moayyad , Hassan Salvan , Gelman Neil , Thiessen Jonathan , Thompson R. , Prato Frank , Burton Jeremy
Published: January 2024

Bacteria constitute a significant part of the biomass of the human microbiota, but their interactions are complex and difficult to replicate outside the host. Exploiting the superior resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine signal parameters of selected human isolates may allow tracking of their dispersion throughout the body. We investigated longitudinal and transverse MRI relaxation rates and found significant differences between several bacterial strains. Common commensal strains of lactobacilli display notably high MRI relaxation rates, partially explained by elevated cellular manganese content, while other species contain more iron than manganese. Lactobacillus crispatus show particularly high values, 4-fold greater than any other species; up to 60-fold greater signal than relevant tissue background; and a linear relationship between relaxation rate and fraction of live cells. Different bacterial strains have detectable, repeatable MRI relaxation rates that in the future may enable monitoring of their persistence in the human body for enhanced molecular imaging.
Pollution load estimation and influencing factors analysis in the Tuhai River Basin in Shandong Province of China based on improved output coefficient method
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Gao Xiaomei , Dong Shifan , Zhang Yushuo , Xu Weiying
Published: January 2024

Estimating the pollution loads in the Tuhai River is essential for developing a water quality standard scheme. This study utilized the improved output coefficient method to estimate the total pollution loads in the river basin while analyzing the influencing factors based on the STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) model. Findings indicated that the projected point source pollution loads for total phosphorus, COD, and ammonia nitrogen would amount to 3937.22 t, 335523.25 t, and 13946.92 t in 2021, respectively. Among these, COD pollution would pose the greatest concern. The primary contributors to the pollution loads were rural scattered life, large-scale livestock and poultry breeding, and surface runoff. Per capita GDP emerged as the most influential factor affecting the pollution loads, followed by cultivated land area, while the urbanization rate demonstrated the least impact.
Hierarchical First-order and Second-order Topological States in Symmetry-Controllable Grain Boundary
Authors: Kim Hyo Won , Jang Won-Jun , Noh Heeyoon , Kang Seoung-Hun , Ko Wonhee , Park Moon Jip
Published: January 2024

The discovery of topological states localized at the boundaries and dislocations is of paramount importance in the physics of topological phases. Structural imperfections can be a promising testbed to engineer the symmetries and the concomitant topological states, as they genuinely exist in solid-state matters. Here, we present the direct evidence of hierarchical first-order and second-order topological states in symmetry–enforced grain boundaries (GB) of 1T′–MoTe2. Guided by exerted scanning tunneling microscope (STM)–tip press and pulse, we construct two distinct types of GBs, which are differentiated by the underlying symmorphic and nonsymmorphic symmetries. The GBs with the nonsymmorphic rotation symmetry harbor the first-order topological edge state protected by nonsymmorphic band degeneracy. On the other hand, the edge state of the symmorphic GBs attains the band gap. More interestingly, the gapped edge state realizes the second-order topological phase, shown by the additional corner states at the GB ends. We anticipate our experiment will pioneer the material platform for the hierarchical realization of the first-order and higher-order topology.
The risk of micro/nanoplastics to human sperm and the intervention against their toxicity using magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Ying , Cheng Cheng , Xu Wenqing , Cui Yanfan , Tian Yan , Jiang Yulin , Yuan Yangyang , Qian Ruirui , Wang Yujie , Zheng Liping , Chen Houyang , Luo Tao
Published: January 2024

Micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) are novel hazardous materials that pose multiple environmental challenges. Polystyrene (PS)-MNPs (especially those with sizes less than 10 µm) reduce male fertility in murine models. More importantly, microplastics contaminate male reproductive tissues, but whether MNPs truly affect male reproduction in humans is poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the risk of human sperm exposure to NMPs and explore interventions for their toxicity. Using a coculture system, we exposed human sperm to synthetic PS-MNPs, environmental MNPs from disposable paper cups, and a combination of PS-MNPs and bisphenol A (a commonly used plastic additive). In addition, this study examined the ability of magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles to prevent the toxicity of PS-MNPs to human sperm. The results showed that human semen contains approximately 3.6 µg/mL PS-MNPs with sizes less than 10 µm. PS-MNPs of 25–100 nm can penetrate human sperm, while those of 0.5–10 µm can bind to the sperm surface. Only 25-nm PS-NPs significantly affect human sperm functions and physiological parameters at semen-relevant concentration. The 25-nm PS-NPs also exhibited synergistic toxicity with bisphenol A on human sperm. However, environmental MNPs released from disposable paper cups do not pose a significant hazard to human sperm. Furthermore, magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles could aggregate and coprecipitate with 25-nm PS-NPs to eliminate their adverse effects on human sperm. Here, we demonstrated the potential risk of PS-MNPs to male reproduction in humans and provided an effective intervention strategy against their toxicity.
Insights into the Epidemiology, Survival, and Prognostic Factors of T-Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in a Multicenter Retrospective Study: Evaluation of Chidamide as a Promising Therapeutic Avenue
Authors: Huang Yilan , Chen Feili , Huang Ling , Yang Yong , Zhou Shengsheng , Wu Jingsong , Zhao Zhenyu , Li ChengPing , Cheng Shuqin , Zhang Hongyu , Shi Keqian , Wei Xiaolei , Yang Hui , Jiang Yirong , Guo Hanguo , Jiang Xinmiao , Wei Xiaojuan , Liu Sichu , Lin Caidi , Liang Zhanli , Wang Ning , Pan Lu , Li Wenyu
Published: January 2024

Objective
The primary objective of this retrospective multicenter study was to elucidate the epidemiological characteristics, survival outcomes and prognostic factors of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) patients in real-world settings. Furthermore, a secondary aim was to comprehensively evaluate the clinical management strategies, and therapeutic effectiveness of the combination therapy involving Chidamide and chemotherapy.
Methods
The study analyzed a cohort of 118 newly diagnosed T-LBL patients from multiple clinical centers between 2009 and 2022, among whom 17 patients received Chidamide. A comprehensive assessment of patient demographics, treatment schedules, treatment response, prognostic indicators, and prognostic factors was conducted.
Results
The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for the entire cohort were 44.4% and 50.4%. The combination therapy of Chidamide and chemotherapy demonstrated promising outcomes, yielding an 88.2% overall response rate (ORR) and a 70.6% complete remission rate (CRR), indicating its effectiveness and safety for T-LBL treatment. The median PFS and the median OS were considerably longer in the Chidamide group (123.7 months and NE) than the reference group. In addition, the study revealed that peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 4.07 was an independent prognostic factor negatively impacting patients' PFS and OS, with risk ratios of 3.26 (95% CI 1.79–5.95, p < 0.001) and 3.78 (95% CI 1.95–7.30, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
This retrospective multicenter analysis provides compelling evidence that Chidamide, used in conjunction with chemotherapy, is an efficacious treatment modality for T-LBL. Moreover, peripheral blood NLR serves as a valuable independent prognostic factor for predicting T-LBL patient outcomes.
Exploring the cost and emissions impacts, feasibility, and scalability of battery-electric ships
Authors: Park Won Young , Moon Hee Seung , Hendrickson Thomas , Phadke Amol , Popovich Natalie
Published: January 2024

The United States’ ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals, along with targets set by the International Maritime Organization, create an opportunity to explore battery-electric options for the shipping sector. In this study, we generate a life cycle model of costs and GHG emissions from shipping electrification. We estimate that electrifying 6,323 domestic ships under 1,000 gross tonnage would reduce U.S. domestic maritime sector GHG emissions by up to 75% by 2035 from 2022 levels. By 2035, electrifying up to 85% of these 6,323 ships will become cost effective versus internal combustion ships if they cover 99% of historical trips and charge from a deeply decarbonized grid. We also find that charging demands from electrifying these ships will be concentrated at just 20 of 150 major ports nationwide. Further research is recommended to identify optimal locations based on vessel needs and local grid emissions.
Small molecules with hydantoin-containing and spiro-like structures promote devernalization in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shirakawa Makoto , Otsuka Nana , Yamaguchi Ryoya , Sawa Hikaru , Kadofusa Naoya , Kato Nanako , Sato Ayato , Ito Toshiro
Published: January 2024

Monocarpic plants flower only once and then produce seeds. Many monocarpic plants require a cold treatment known as vernalization before they flower. This requirement delays flowering until the plant is exposed to warm temperatures in the spring. Exposure to high temperature following vernalization causes devernalization, which cancels the vernalized state, resulting in delayed flowering and the resumption of vegetative growth. In this study, we screened over 16,000 chemical compounds and identified five small molecules (devernalizers; DVRs) that induce devernalization at room temperature without requiring a high-temperature treatment. Treatment with DVRs reactivated the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), a master repressor of flowering, and delayed flowering time. Three of the DVRs share two structures: a hydantoin-like region and a spiro-like carbon. Treatment with DVR06, which has a simple chemical structure that includes these structures, delayed flowering time, and reduced the amount of repressive histone modification at FLC. Our extensive chemical screening revealed that hydantoin and spiro are key chemical signatures that reduce repressive histone modifications and promote devernalization in plants.
The Universal Zero Markup Drug Policy and Gastric Cancer Hospitalization Expenses: An Analysis of Trends and Influencing Factors in Shanghai from 2014 to 2021
Authors: Gu Yichun , Hao Jiajun , He Da , Sun Hui , Cui Xin , Tian Wenqi , Zhang Yulin , Jin Chunlin , Wang Haiyin
Published: January 2024

Background
The increasing hospitalization expenses for Gastric Cancer (GC) cause a serious economic burden on society. Although the Chinese government has implemented the Universal Zero Markup Drug Policy (UZMDP) to control the growth of hospitalization expenditures, they remain a rising trend. It’s crucial to identify the factors influencing the hospitalization expenses of GC patients. This study aimed to analyze the trends and factors influencing hospitalization expenses of GC patients in Shanghai from 2014 to 2021.
Methods
Study data were sourced from the Health Network of Shanghai Economic Information Center. We employed interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to analyze the trends in various medical expenditures before and after the implementation of UZMDP. The degree of association between various medical expenditures and hospitalization expenditures of GC patients was calculated by using the new gray relational analysis (GRA). Furthermore, we used multiple linear regression to identify the influencing factors of hospitalization expenses for GC patients.
Results
Our study included a total of 23,335 participants. The ITSA results showed an increasing trend in hospitalization expenses following the implementation of UZMDP. Drug expenses decreased instantaneously with the implementation of UZMDP, but subsequently began to trend upwards. After UZMDP, the expenses of medical consumables, examinations, and healthcare services all showed an upward trend. The new GRA indicated that the influencing factors of hospitalization expenses were drug expenses, consumable expenses, healthcare service expenses, and examination expenses in sequence. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that GC patients aged 60 or below had lower hospitalization expenses (Coefficient=-780.06, P = 0.0398). However, factors influencing increased hospitalization expenses included longer length of stay (Coefficient = 1753.01, P < 0.001), surgeries (Coefficient = 29047.26, P < 0.001), and hospitalization in the tertiary hospitals (Coefficient = 25485.19, P < 0.001) or secondary hospitals (Coefficient = 17755.12, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Hospitalization expenses of GC patients in Shanghai have been rising annually from 2014 to 2021. Despite the implementation of the UZMDP policy, drug expenses remain a major factor in escalating hospitalization expenses. The hospitalization expenses of GC patients are significantly influenced by several factors, including the demographic characteristics of patients, the severity of diseases, and the levels of hospitals. These findings provide a scientific basis for effectively managing the hospitalization expenses of GC.
Variations in reproductive output in alpine populations of Ranunculus acris
Authors: Vassvik Linn , Nielsen Anders , Östman Silje Andrea Hjortland , Vandvik Vigdis , Halbritter Aud
Published: January 2024

Plant reproduction is affected both directly by small-scale abiotic heterogeneity in the alpine topography (abiotic), and indirectly through flower density and plant-pollinator interactions (biotic). In this study we investigated how different abiotic and biotic factors influence reproductive output in alpine populations of Ranunculus acris over a two-year period. We used ten snowmelt gradients in an alpine area at Finse, southern Norway, where each gradient contained three stages representing three different times of snowmelt. Reproductive output, measured as both seed mass and number of seeds, in alpine R. acris was affected by different factors, varying between years and timing of snowmelt. Higher temperatures during seed maturation resulted in higher reproductive output in both years, with a lower output later in the growing season. We also found a negative correlation between seed mass and R. acris density in the surrounding vegetation in the second year, when flower density was substantially higher than in the first year. We found no signs of pollen limitation, suggesting that pollinators did not limit reproductive output. Our study shows that reproductive output in R. acris is affected by both abiotic and biotic factors, and since timing and length of the flowering period in alpine environments are expected to change due to climate change, this could have further implications for plants in this study system.
Stochastic Properties of Musical Timeseries
Authors: Geisel Theo , Nelias Corentin
Published: January 2024

Musical sequences are correlated dynamical processes that may differ depending on musical styles. We aim to quantify the correlations through power spectral analysis of pitch sequences in a large corpus of musical compositions as well as improvised performances. Using a multitaper method we extend the power spectral estimates down to the smallest possible frequencies optimizing the tradeoff between bias and variance. The power spectral densities reveal a characteristic behavior; they typically follow inverse power laws (1/f β -noise), yet only down to a cutoff frequency, where they end in a plateau (white noise). Correspondingly the pitch autocorrelation function exhibits slow power law decays only up to a cutoff time, beyond which the correlations vanish. We determine cutoff times between 4 and 100 quarter note units for the compositions and improvisations of the corpus, serving as a measure for the degree of persistence and predictability in music. The histogram of exponents β for the power law regimes has a pronounced peak near β = 1 for classical compositions, but is much broader for jazz improvisations.
Syntalos: A software for precise simultaneous multi-modal data acquisition and closed-loop interventions
Authors: Klumpp Matthias , Embray Lee , Simon Justus , Heimburg Filippo , Groh Alexander , Draguhn Andreas , Both Martin
Published: January 2024

Complex experimental protocols often require multi-modal data acquisition with precisely aligned timing, as well as state- and behavior-dependent interventions. Tailored solutions are mostly restricted to individual experimental setups and lack flexibility and interoperability. We present an integrated software solution, called ‘Syntalos’, for simultaneous acquisition of data from an arbitrary number of sources, including multi-channel electrophysiological recordings and different live imaging devices, as well as closed-loop, real-time interventions with different actuators. Precisely matching timestamps for all inputs are ensured by continuous statistical analysis and correction of individual devices’ timestamps. New data sources can be integrated with minimal programming skills. Data is stored in a comprehensively structured format to facilitate pooling or sharing data between different laboratories. Syntalos enables precisely synchronized multi-modal recordings as well as closed-loop interventions for multiple experimental approaches. Preliminary experiments with different research questions show the successful performance and easy-to-learn structure of the software suite.
Serum albumin and white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Zahr Natalie , Pfefferbaum Adolf
Published: January 2024

Urine albumin, high in kidney disease, predicts cardiovascular incidents and CNS white matter hyperintensity (WMH) burdens. Serum albumin – a more general biomarker which can be low in several disorders – including kidney and liver disease, malnutrition, and inflammation – also predicts cardiovascular events and is associated with cognitive impairment in several clinical populations; relations between serum albumin and WMH prevalence, however, have rarely been evaluated. In a sample of 160 individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), 142 infected with HIV, and 102 healthy controls, the hypothesis was tested that lower serum albumin levels would predict larger WMH volumes and worse cognitive performance irrespective of diagnosis. After considering traditional cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., age, sex, body mass index (BMI), nicotine use, hypertension, diabetes) and study-relevant variables (i.e., primary diagnoses, race, socioeconomic status, hepatitis C virus status), serum albumin survived false discovery rate (FDR)-correction in contributing variance to larger periventricular but not deep WMH volumes. This relationship was salient in the AUD and HIV groups, but not the control group. In secondary analyses, serum albumin and periventricular WMH along with age, sex, diagnoses, BMI, and hypertension were considered for hierarchical contribution to variance in performance in 4 cognitive domains. Albumin survived FDR-correction for significantly contributing to visual and verbal learning and memory performance after accounting for diagnosis. Relations between albumin and markers of liver integrity [e.g., aspartate transaminase (AST)] and blood status (e.g., hemoglobin, red blood cell count, red cell distribution width) suggest that in this sample, albumin reflects both liver dysfunction and hematological abnormalities. The current results suggest that albumin, a simple serum biomarker available in most clinical settings, can predict variance in periventricular WMH volumes and performance in visual and verbal learning and memory cognitive domains. Whether serum albumin contributes mechanistically to periventricular WMH prevalence will require additional investigation.
Effect Of Ultra-Short-Term Treatment of Patients with Iron Deficiency Or Anemia Undergoing Adolescent Scoliosis Correction, A Randomized Controlled Prospective Study.
Authors: Mostafa Tarek Abdel-Hay , Shamhout Ibraheem Ahmed , hagar Alaa Mohammed Abo , Omara Amany Faheem
Published: January 2024

Background: Red blood cell transfusions are necessary both during and after spine fusion surgery for scoliosis. The study aimed to evaluate the response of patients with iron deficiency or anemia undergoing adolescent scoliosis correction to ultra-short-term treatment with ferric carboxymaltose, subcutaneous erythropoietin, subcutaneous vitamin B12, and oral folic acid.
Methods: Forty-four patients aged 13 to 45 years with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis slated for surgical treatment by posterior fusion spine surgery were divided into two groups. One day before the operation, patients in the Therapy group received a gradual intravenous infusion of 20 mg/kg ferric carboxymaltose, 40.000 Unit subcutaneous erythropoietin, 1 mg subcutaneous vitamin B12, and 5 mg oral folic acid. Patients in the Control group got a placebo treatment. The number of red blood cell and platelet transfusions received during the first postoperative seven days, the perioperative Hemoglobin, reticulocyte, platelet, and leucocyte count, reticulocyte hemoglobin content, the need for fresh frozen plasma units, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded.
Results: The therapy group presented significantly lower mean value of intraoperative blood loss, number of patients who required platelet, fresh frozen plasma, and RBC transfusions than in the control group. The therapy group considerably enhances postoperative total leukocyte count and platelet count. In the therapy group, postoperative hemoglobin [HB], reticulocyte [RTC], and RTC-HB values were considerably greater than in the control group.
Conclusion: Preoperative combined administration of ferric carboxymaltose, erythropoietin, vitamin B12, and folic acid in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis correction one day before the surgery, could improve postoperative outcomes by optimizing preoperative anemia, reducing intraoperative blood loss and the number of patients requiring blood products and shorter intensive care unit [ICU] stay.
Trial registration: Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the ID: NCT04343170 on the date of April 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04343170