bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive immunity in
Mus musculus
influences the acquisition and abundance of
Borrelia burgdorferi
in
Ixodes scapularis
ticks
Authors: Koloski Cody W. , Adam Hesham , Hurry Georgia , Foley-Eby Alexandra , Zinck Christopher B. , Wei Haomiao , Hansra Satyender , Wachter Jenny , Voordouw Maarten J.
Published: November 2024

The Lyme disease spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi
cycles between immature black-legged ticks (
Ixodes scapularis
) and vertebrate reservoir hosts, such as rodents. Larval ticks acquire spirochetes from infected hosts, and the resultant nymphs transmit the spirochetes to naïve hosts. This study investigated the impact of immunocompetence and host tissue spirochete load on host-to-tick transmission (HTT) of
B. burgdorferi
and the spirochete load inside immature
I. scapularis
ticks. Wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice and mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) were experimentally infected with
B. burgdorferi
. To measure HTT, WT and SCID mice were repeatedly infested with
I. scapularis
larvae, and ticks were sacrificed at three different developmental stages: engorged larvae, 1-month-old, and 12-month-old nymphs. The spirochete loads in immature ticks and mouse tissues were estimated using qPCR. In WT mice, HTT decreased from 90% to 65% over the course of the infection, whereas in the SCID mice, HTT was always 100%. Larvae that fed on SCID mice acquired a much larger dose of spirochetes compared to larvae that fed on WT mice. This difference in spirochete load persisted over tick development where nymphs that fed as larvae on SCID mice had significantly higher spirochete loads compared to their WT counterparts. HTT and the tick spirochete loads were strongly correlated with the mouse tissue spirochete loads. Our study shows that the host immune system (e.g., the presence of antibodies) influences HTT of
B. burgdorferi
and the spirochete load in immature
I. scapularis
ticks.

IMPORTANCE

The tick-borne spirochete
Borrelia burgdorferi
causes Lyme disease in humans. This pathogen is maintained in nature by cycles involving black-legged ticks and wildlife hosts. The present study investigated the host factors that influence the transmission of
B. burgdorferi
from infected hosts to feeding ticks. We infected immunocompetent mice and immunocompromised mice (that cannot develop antibodies) with
B. burgdorferi
and repeatedly infested these mice with ticks. We determined the percentage of infected ticks and their spirochete loads. This percentage was 100% for immunocompromised mice but decreased from 90% to 65% over time (8 weeks) for immunocompetent mice. The tick spirochete load was much higher in ticks fed on immunocompromised mice compared to ticks fed on immunocompetent mice. In summary, the host immune system influences the transmission of
B. burgdorferi
from infected hosts to ticks and the spirochete loads in those ticks, which, in turn, determines the risk of Lyme disease for people.
Complete genome sequence of
Flavobacterium
s
p. strain CFS9, a potential fish probiotic isolated from the body surface of
Silurus asotus
Authors: Kojima Miho , Tobioka Kaho , Okazaki Mika , Yokota Kiyonobu , Anggorowati Dien Arista , Nakatani Hajime , Hori Katsutoshi , Tamaru Yutaka , Okazaki Fumiyoshi
Published: November 2024

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Flavobacterium
sp. strain CFS9, a potential fish probiotic isolated from the body surface of
Silurus asotus
. The
de novo
assembly revealed a chromosome size of 5,370,016 bp with an estimated 4,374 open reading frames.
mSphere of Influence: Venturing outside the biology canon with sex and gender
Authors: Prieto-Echagüe Victoria
Published: November 2024

Victoria Prieto-Echagüe works in the field of signaling by primary cilia, adipogenesis, and obesity. In this mShpere of Influence article, she reflects on how gender studies, feminism, and societal movements such as #metoo may inform all areas of biomedical and health research. She describes how they inspired her to incorporate sex as a biological variable (SABV) principle to her research exploring sex-specific mechanisms in obesity and metabolic diseases and argues that incorporating SABV is crucial for advancing precision medicine and addressing healthcare inequities.
Chromatic aberration in homogeneous diameter expansion growth of AlN crystals by the PVT method
Authors: Qin Zuoyan , Li Wenliang , He Guangze , Tan Jun , Yin Liying , Ji Jianhua , Li Baikui , Sun Zhenhua , Wu Honglei
Published: November 2024

Homogeneous diameter expansion growth is the preferred method for preparing large-sized AlN single crystals using the PVT method. However, chromatic aberration between the expansion and seed regions, as well as localized chromatic aberrations within the expansion region, are commonly observed, but not deeply investigated yet. This paper investigates the homoepitaxial lateral growth of AlN crystals using Al-polar face seeds and analyzes the crystal structure, composition, and optical properties of both the expansion and seed regions. XRD and Raman spectroscopy indicate no significant differences in crystallization quality between the expansion and seed regions. XPS and photoluminescence characterizations reveal that the light yellow color of the seed region is mainly due to $$V_{Al}$$

V

Al

defects. In contrast, the deeper yellow color in the expansion region is caused by $$V_{Al}$$

V

Al

–$$O_N$$

O
N

complex defects. Additionally, etching results exhibit a polarity reversal from the Al-polar to N-polar growth face in localized chromatic aberration region. The bonding angle of approximately $${90}^\circ$$

90

∘

at the $$B_{1}$$

B
1

bond (formation by the half-filled orbitals of the Al and N atoms) site, which occurs during the bonding of Al and N atoms, results in the polarity reversal during m-plane lateral growth. This work provides implications for the preparation of large-sized AlN single crystals.
The Diffusive Lotka–Volterra Competitive Model with Advection Term: Exclusion, Coexistence and Multiplicity
Authors: Ma Li , Zhou Genjiao
Published: November 2024

Earlier, the research was mainly focused on the classic diffusive two-species Lotka–Volterra competitive system (without advection). Averill et al. [ 2017 ] regarded a diffusive two-species Lotka–Volterra competitive system with advection term (with one species having a combination of random dispersal and biased movement upward along the resource gradient, while the other species adopts purely random dispersal). In this paper, we consider a more general diffusive two-species Lotka–Volterra competitive system with advection term (involving both species with a combination of random dispersal and biased movement upward along their respective resource gradients). By utilizing the theory of monotone dynamical systems, spectral analysis, methods of super- and sub-solutions and some nontrivial analytic skills, we finally obtain a rather deep understanding on the global dynamics. Moreover, our results reveal that the dynamical behavior of the system is very complex: exclusion, coexistence and bistability all may happen depending closely on the interspecific competition intensities. More interestingly, by bifurcation theory, we find that the system always admits multiple coexistence steady states when the interspecific competition intensities are near the critical point.
Thumbnail-Preserving Encryption Based on Binary–Decimal Hybrid and a Generalized Coupled Logistic Map
Authors: Chen Yuanlin , Lu Tianxiu , Chen Guanrong
Published: November 2024

Traditional image encryption methods typically make a trade-off between privacy protection and visual usability. To address this issue, a novel thumbnail-preserving encryption scheme is proposed based on a hybrid of decimal and binary pixel values in three pixel groups, utilizing the excellent dynamic characteristics of a generalized coupled logistic map. Theoretically, it is proved that the core algorithm of this scheme is sum-preserving. Experimentally, it is demonstrated that this scheme not only excels in efficiency and resistance to attacks, effectively safeguarding image privacy, but also retains high-quality thumbnails after encryption, achieving both objectives of image privacy protection and visual usability.
INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC LEVEL ON THE BURDEN OF COVID-19 AND CHOLERA CO-DYNAMICS IN HAITI
Authors: OJO MAYOWA M. , GOUFO EMILE FRANC DOUNGMO , MUNGANGA JUSTIN MANANGO W.
Published: November 2024

In this work, we present a deterministic model to examine how socioeconomic levels affect the co-dynamics of COVID-19 and cholera in the Haitian community. The threshold quantities called the basic and control reproduction numbers of both diseases were obtained by using the next-generation matrix method. To validate the model’s ability to predict a realistic result, each respective sub-model was fitted using the reported number of COVID-19 cases from March 20, 2020 to June 25, 2023 and the reported number of cholera cases from October 8, 2022 to August 26, 2023 from Haiti. A numerical simulation was performed to investigate the impact of socioeconomic levels on the threshold quantities and the projected infected cases of each disease. The overall result shows that, in comparison to medium or low socioeconomic levels, a high socioeconomic level lowers the threshold reproduction number more efficiently. This suggests that the burden of COVID-19 and cholera would decrease if Haiti’s socioeconomic status was raised to a better standard and the diseases’ related reproduction numbers were kept below the disease-free thresholds. Additionally, our results show that improving socioeconomic status is essential to reducing the number of predicted COVID-19 and cholera cases among Haitians. Our results also established that cholera disease would dominate in the Haiti population and drive COVID-19 into extinction when they are both at their endemic equilibria (i.e., cholera will dominate when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). However, for COVID-19 to dominate and drive cholera into extinction in the Haiti population, only COVID-19 must be in an endemic state (i.e., COVID-19 will dominate when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). Based on the study’s findings, the government and policymakers of Haiti were advised to ensure that the country’s socioeconomic status is improved in order to lower the population’s burden of disease.
HYERS–ULAM STABILITY OF EBOLA AND NIPAH VIRUS CO-INFECTION FRACTIONAL DYNAMICS
Authors: SUNDAR DHIVYA , GOVINDAN VEDIYAPPAN , VIGNESH P. , SANTRA SHYAM SUNDAR , BALEANU DUMITRU , ALTANJI MOHAMED
Published: November 2024

In this research, the goal is to formulate a mathematical model that predicts the transference mechanisms of Ebola virus (EBOV) and Nipah virus (NIV) infections. They utilize fractional-order derivatives to describe the behavior of the viruses, particularly focusing on the difference in disease manifestation between humans and fruit bats, the putative natural reservoirs. Additionally, they employ fixed-point theory to analyze the qualitative aspects of their model. Also, we investigate the stability of the model using Ulam-Hyers-type results. Furthermore, we utilize the fractional Atangana–Baleanu integral and the Adams–Milton numerical method using MATLAB to provide graphical representations and insights into the behavior of the viruses under various conditions of transference.
ON THE STABILITY ANALYSIS AND NUMERICAL DYNAMICS OF THE NONLINEAR BLACK–SCHOLES EQUATION IN CONFORMABLE ARISING IN ECONOMY
Authors: CHEN QILIANG , YOKUS ASIF , BASKONUS HACI MEHMET , GAO WEI
Published: November 2024

This paper extracts entirely new complex logarithmic prototypes to the nonlinear Black–Scholes equation used to investigate the price in economy. Newly submitted to the literature, [Formula: see text]-expansion method is used, successfully. Complex, logarithmic and hyperbolic non-traveling wave solutions are extracted to the considered model. Examined is the solution’s response for various conformable operator values. To verify the sensitivity of the numerical outcomes, tables with the stability and absolute error analysis findings are also provided. Von Neumann Stability analysis looks at the circumstances in which the model’s numerical findings are stable. Critical features, such as stability analysis and error evaluation, are presented, providing comprehensive information on the reliability and accuracy of the method. Errors that arise during the approximation process and the impact of parameter values are displayed through tables and graphs when employing the numerical technique. It offers a thorough comprehension of the financial phenomenon that the model under examination represents.
Splittings of operations for Lie–Poisson triple systems and related algebraic structures
Authors: Ben Hassine A. , Chtioui T. , Mabrouk S. , Zouidi F.
Published: November 2024

A Lie–Poisson triple system is a Lie triple system together with a commutative associative algebra structure related by a Leibniz rule. In this paper, we study representations theory and [Formula: see text]-operators of Lie–Poisson triple systems. We show that a representation of a Lie–Poisson triple system has a dual representation under an additional condition. Next, we introduce a new algebraic structures corresponding to the splittings of operations of Malcev–Poisson algebras and Lie–Poisson triple systems called pre-Malcev–Poisson algebras and pre-Lie–Poisson triple systems in terms of representations and [Formula: see text]-operators. In fact, we exhibit connections between (pre-)Poisson algebras, (pre-)Malcev–Poisson algebras and (pre-)Lie–Poisson triple systems.
Cohomology and linear deformations of BiHom-left-symmetric algebras
Authors: Hassine A. B. , Chtioui T. , Mabrouk S. , Ncib O.
Published: November 2024

The aim of this work is to introduce representations of BiHom-left-symmetric algebras and develop its cohomology theory. As applications, we study linear deformations of BiHom-left-symmetric algebras, which are characterized by its second cohomology group with the coefficients in the adjoint representation. The notion of a Nijenhuis operator on a BiHom-left-symmetric algebra is introduced. We will prove that it can generate trivial linear deformations of a BiHom-left-symmetric algebra.
Assessing vertical bioturbation intensity from bedding planes
Authors: Melnyk Scott , Coutret Baptiste , Brown Drew , Zonneveld John-Paul , Kavanaugh Jeffrey L. , Gingras Murray K.
Published: November 2024

Bedding planes hold significant value in ichnological analyses as they improve the recognition of ichnotaxa and yield important insights into the distribution and morphology of trace fossils. However, a significant limitation lies in the challenge of accurately estimating bioturbation intensity from bedding planes. This is in part because current approaches do not establish a connection between bioturbation intensity as seen on bedding planes (plan view) and in cross-section (elevation view). This disconnect complicates the integration of bedding plane assessments into more conventional datasets collected from elevation view. Seventy-seven million Monte Carlo simulations were performed on 11 non-palimpsest
Skolithos
assemblages, each with varying constraints on burrow length and diameter. These simulations were used to investigate the range and frequency of cross-sectional bioturbation intensities across a spectrum of bedding plane intensities (2–50%). The results show that elevation view bioturbation intensity can be reliably approximated by multiplying plan view bioturbation intensity by the average burrow length relative to the bed thickness, independent of burrow diameter. These findings improve the ichnological analysis of bedding planes for vertical trace fossil assemblages and offer a framework for future research into more complex assemblages.
Post-Training Attribute Unlearning in Recommender Systems
Authors: Chen Chaochao , Zhang Yizhao , Li Yuyuan , Wang Jun , Qi Lianyong , Xu Xiaolong , Zheng Xiaolin , Yin Jianwei
Published: November 2024

With the growing privacy concerns in recommender systems, recommendation unlearning is getting increasing attention. Existing studies predominantly use training data, i.e., model inputs, as unlearning target. However, attackers can extract private information from the model even if it has not been explicitly encountered during training. We name this unseen information as
attribute
and treat it as unlearning target. To protect the sensitive attribute of users, Attribute Unlearning (AU) aims to make target attributes indistinguishable. In this article, we focus on a strict but practical setting of AU, namely Post-Training Attribute Unlearning (PoT-AU), where unlearning can only be performed after the training of the recommendation model is completed. To address the PoT-AU problem in recommender systems, we propose a two-component loss function. The first component is distinguishability loss, where we design a distribution-based measurement to make attribute labels indistinguishable from attackers. We further extend this measurement to handle multi-class attribute cases with efficient computational overhead. The second component is regularization loss, where we explore a function-space measurement that effectively maintains recommendation performance compared to parameter-space regularization. We use stochastic gradient descent algorithm to optimize our proposed loss. Extensive experiments on four real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed methods.
“They Didn’t Buy Their Smart TV to Watch Me with the Kids”: Comparing Nannies’ and Parents’ Privacy Threat Models for Smart Home Devices
Authors: Abu-Salma Ruba , Choy Junghyun , Frik Alisa , Bernd Julia
Published: November 2024

Smart home devices raise privacy concerns among not only primary users, but also bystanders like domestic workers. We conducted 25 qualitative interviews with nannies and 16 with parents who employed nannies, in the US, to explore and compare their views on and privacy threat models for smart home devices. We found device-specific purposes of use inspired different perspectives among nanny participants. Most were comfortable with employers’ smart speakers and smart TVs, whose purpose had nothing to do with them. However, with indoor smart cameras, nanny participants were often not just bystanders but targets of monitoring; in such situations, they had a wider range of attitudes. In contrast, parent participants tended to have more similar views across devices. We found notable disconnects regarding disclosure, where nanny participants often hesitated to ask about cameras, but parent participants assumed nannies just didn’t care. We recommend prioritizing interventions supporting disclosure, discussion, and sharing control.
Open-Ethical AI: Advancements in Open-Source Human-Centric Neural Language Models
Authors: Sicari Sabrina , Cevallos M. Jesus F. , Rizzardi Alessandra , Coen-Porisini Alberto
Published: November 2024

This survey summarises the most recent methods for building and assessing
helpful, honest, and harmless
neural language models, considering small, medium, and large-size models. Pointers to open-source resources that help to align pre-trained models are given, including methods that use parameter-efficient techniques, specialized prompting frameworks, adapter modules, case-specific knowledge injection, and adversarially robust training techniques. Special care is given to evidencing recent progress on value alignment, commonsense reasoning, factuality enhancement, and abstract reasoning of language models. Most reviewed works in this survey publicly shared their code and related data and were accepted in world-leading Machine Learning venues. This work aims at helping researchers and practitioners accelerate their entrance into the field of human-centric neural language models, which might be a cornerstone of the contemporary and near-future industrial and societal revolution.
Bridging Gaps: Uncovering Cultural and Healthcare Barriers to Maternal Health in Rural Communities of the Global South: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Adio Oluwatobiloba J. , Olugbenga Motunrayo N. , Ikwunne Tochukwu
Published: November 2024

Maternal mortality remains a significant issue in rural communities of Nigeria, influenced by healthcare practices, cultural beliefs, and communication gaps during antenatal care. This research seeks to uncover the root causes of maternal deaths and develop culturally informed and targeted interventions. The initial proposed solution was a mobile app prototype with multilingual educational content to assist caregivers and health practitioners in educating pregnant women on the benefits of good nutrition during pregnancy. Due to notable limitations that came with this solution, the research pivoted to a more human-centered, qualitative approach, exploring different perspectives of participants including, healthcare providers, pregnant women, and nursing mothers in various rural hospitals. Initial findings and observations from data collected reveal how cultural misconceptions about nutrition and poor communication hinder maternal health. This article emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive interventions to improve maternal care.
Challenges and Opportunities in Designing Medical Learning Support Tools for Clinical Student Groups in the Global South
Authors: Akinlade Odunayo W. , Nkwo Makuochi
Published: November 2024

Designing effective learning tools for medical student groups in the Global South presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This is because educational environments in these regions are shaped by factors such as limited resources, varying access to technology, and distinct socio-cultural dynamics [11, 15]. Hence, these conditions influence the development of tools that can meaningfully enhance education [10], particularly in professional fields like medicine. This article provides an overview of our work in designing and evaluating a learning support tool specifically tailored for medical students in Nigeria, exploring key design considerations, challenges, and future directions.
Silver Nanoparticles Formed Directly on a Screen-Printed Electrode/Graphene Oxide: A One-Step Electrochemical Synthesis and an Effective 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol Electrochemical Sensor
Authors: Thi Tran Luyen , Tran Hoang Vinh , Dang Trang Thi Hanh
Published: November 2024

A graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles (GO/AgNPs) nanocomposite was synthesized directly onto a screen-printed electrode (SPE) using a one-step electrochemical synthesis process. The obtained result is that the SPE electrode was modified by AgNPs with an average diameter of 11.5 nm which distributed evenly on GO sheets. A 0.01 M AgNO3 solution dropped onto the SPE/GO electrode and a chronoamperometry (CA) method with a potential of −1.2 V and a time period of 10 s were the optimal synthesis conditions. Then, the SPE/GO/AgNPs electrode was applied in developing an electrochemical sensor to detect 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) using a square wave voltammetry method. A reasonable cost, a wide linear range (0.05–1.0 mM), a low detection limit (0.85 μM), a high repeatability, a good selectivity, a high durability, and especially, a rapid detection time (< 1 min) thanks to the ability to directly detect 2,4,6-TCP were the outstanding advantages of the fabricated electrochemical sensor. Moreover, the electrochemical sensor based on the SPE/GO/AgNPs electrode was also applied to detect 2,4,6-TCP in a tap water sample using a standard addition method.
Investigating Electrodeposition of Platinum Nanoparticles on Stainless-Steel Mesh Electrodes for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Noorwali Naseemah A. , Hardianto Yuda Prima , Shah Syed Shaheen , Dahiru Abubakar , Abbas Syed Ali , Johan Bashir Ahmed , Aziz Md. Abdul
Published: November 2024

Hydrogen production through electrochemical water splitting is a promising approach for sustainable energy generation, yet developing efficient and durable electrocatalysts remains a critical challenge. This study successfully developed a highly active platinum nanoparticles-decorated stainless-steel mesh (Pt/SSM) electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using electrodeposition. The Pt nanoparticles exhibited a unique micro-leaf structure on the SSM surface. The Pt/SSM electrocatalyst demonstrated superior HER performance compared to bare SSM, with a remarkably low overpotential of 121 mV and a Tafel slope of 40 mV dec−1 in 0.5 M H2SO4. This performance was superior to their activity in 0.5 M KOH, attributed to the higher proton concentration, favorable Volmer kinetics, and improved catalyst-electrolyte interactions in the acidic medium. The electrodeposited Pt/SSM electrocatalyst also exhibited more stable HER performance in acidic electrolytes compared to alkaline ones, likely due to the preservation of its morphological integrity in acidic conditions. Overall, this work successfully developed a highly active and durable Pt/SSM electrocatalyst for practical hydrogen production, with the acidic medium providing optimal performance.
Enhanced Grain Boundary Resistance Resulting in High Permittivity and Low Dielectric Loss in CaCu3Ti4O12/LaNiO3
Authors: B. Ramakrishna , P. H. K. Charan , Ch. Jagadeesh , R. Neeraja , M. Ramanaiah
Published: November 2024

(1-X) CaCu3Ti4O12 + (X) LaNiO3 composite ceramics were fabricated using pre-reacted calcium copper titanate CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) and lanthanum nickelate LaNiO3 (LNO) and their crystallographic structure and morphology were studied to measure dielectric, impedance, and conductivity values. X-ray diffraction peaks show that CCTO/LNO composites are in a cubic structure. Scanning electron microscopy images show denser and more uniform grains with thin grain boundaries and a smaller average grain size. The permittivity of CCTO is stable in the range 102–106 Hz, but the composites show huge progress in permittivity by space charge polarization and relaxation in the range 103–104 Hz, demonstrating improved dielectric properties. The 0.98(CaCu3Ti4O12)+0.02(LaNiO3) sample showed a dielectric constant of 2.58 × 104 at 1 kHz, which is superior to pure CCTO (2.28 × 104 at 1 kHz). The electrical behaviour of the metallic filler on the composites was investigated using impedance spectroscopy analysis. The resistance of grain boundary increases with LNO. Activation energies were found to be 0.92, 0.95, and 0.90 eV for x = 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3, respectively, and these values are better than that of pristine CCTO (0.85 eV) sample. These results indicate that the prepared CCTO/LNO samples could be useul for high energy applications.
Effect of MoS2 Morphology on the Photocatalytic Degradation of 4-Nitrophenol to Aminophenol
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Manisha  , Yadav Divya Deep , Singh Sukhvir , Jha Ranjana
Published: November 2024

Nitroaromatic compounds are frequently detected as contaminants in industrial or agricultural wastewaters. Wastewater discharge contributes to nitrophenol pollution of the aquatic environment. Toxicity and carcinogenicity of 4-nitrophenol cause serious impact on water bodies. The present study is devoted to investigates the photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol to aminophenol by MoS2 photocatalyst. MoS2 nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal process and further characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), High resolution transmission microscopy (HRTEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). X-ray analysis revealed the presence of 2H phase of MoS2 and XPS analysis determined its various oxidation states. Fourier Transformation Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) were used to study the functional group and thermal stability. UV-Visible spectroscopy was used to study the degradation of 4-nitrophenol and reaction kinetics. Investigation results showed a significant effect of nanosheets over nanoflower morphology for degradation efficiency of 4 nitrophenol to aminophenol under natural Sunlight.
Adipose tissue insulin resistance in children and adolescents: linking glucose and free fatty acid metabolism to hepatic injury markers
Authors: Bonet J. , Weiss R. , Galderisi A. , Dalla Man C. , Caprio S. , Santoro N.
Published: November 2024

In this study, we applied glucose, Cpeptide, and FFA minimal models to assess insulin sensitivities, insulin secretion, and lipolytic flux in NGT and IGT in adolescents with obesity. The results show that glucose and adipose tissue insulin sensitivities are strongly correlated with each other and with ALT plasma level. The longitudinal results show that changes in FFA insulin sensitivity are inversely associated with changes of beta cell secretion and with biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.
Oscillatory drive is increased and steadiness is impaired when torque but not EMG is matched during a fatiguing contraction
Authors: Magnuson Justine R. , Bruce Christina D. , Dalton Brian H. , McNeil Chris J.
Published: November 2024

Sustained electromyography (EMG) tasks offer valuable insights into fatigue-related changes to neural excitability, yet nothing is known about communication between the cortex and active muscles. A 10-min matched-EMG contraction reduced maximal torque-generating capacity but did not alter corticomuscular coherence (CMC), intermuscular coherence (IMC), or task performance (EMG steadiness). In contrast, a matched-torque contraction increased CMC and IMC yet further impaired maximal torque and compromised torque steadiness, which reveals unique neural strategies for the two tasks.
The geometry of correlated variability leads to highly suboptimal discriminative sensory coding
Authors: Livezey Jesse A. , Sachdeva Pratik S. , Dougherty Maximilian E. , Summers Mathew T. , Bouchard Kristofer E.
Published: November 2024

The brain represents the world through the activity of neural populations that exhibit correlated variability. We assessed optimality of correlated variability for discriminative sensory coding in diverse datasets by developing two novel null models. Across datasets, correlated variability in neural populations leads to highly suboptimal discriminative sensory coding according to both null models. Biological constraints prevent the neural populations from achieving optimality. Together, these results demonstrate that the geometry of correlated variability leads to highly suboptimal discriminative sensory coding.
Human tactile discrimination of pulse shape is possible without preadaptation
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arindam , Antony Harry , Schwarz Cornelius
Published: November 2024

Can humans perceive the kinematic shape of very short tactile events? Textures impose such short events, frictional slips, which could be used for their discrimination. Using a pulse shape discrimination paradigm that enforces local analysis, we find that even the shape of isolated pulsatile skin deflections can be discriminated by humans. Providing an adaptive series of pulses, however, improves the performance, showing that the adaptive context plays an important role in instantaneous shape discrimination.
Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging for detecting the cerebral microstructure changes in patients with CSVD-induced mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhong Hongyan , Wu Liuyang
Published: November 2024

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-measured fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity demonstrate significant correlation with cognitive function, highlighting the diagnostic potential of DTI parameters in cerebral small vessel disease patients with mild cognitive impairment. Current findings emphasize the associations between microstructural brain changes and cognitive function.
Tactile sensitivity to missing tones in complex vibrotactile signals
Authors: Le Thanh-loan Sarah , Bailly Gilles , Vezzoli Eric , Auvray Malika , Gueorguiev David
Published: November 2024

This research investigates the respective roles of frequency range, harmonicity, and complexity on human perception of vibrotactile signals. The results revealed that only pure tones that are close to the lower frequencies of the complex vibration are noticed when they are missing. This finding sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying the tactile perception of complex vibrations.
Sublingual Immunotherapy Decreased the Serum Levels of Interleukin‐36γ in Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Qin Xiaowei , Wang Chunrui , Li Jueqi , Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhang Tianhong
Published: November 2024

Background: Allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a treatment approach for allergic rhinitis (AR), is recognized for its potential to modify the disease course beyond mere symptom relief. Interleukin‐36γ (IL‐36γ), a key player in immune responses, has been implicated in promoting eosinophilic inflammation in AR by activating eosinophils. We aimed to investigate the effect of IL‐36γ on group II lymphoid cell (ILC2) in AR patients who underwent sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Methods: Twenty‐four AR patients were enrolled and administered with SLIT. Serum proteins of IL‐36γ, interleukin‐5 (IL‐5), and interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) during SLIT were quantitatively assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportion of ILC2 was determined by flow cytometry. Sorted ILC2s were stimulated by IL‐36γ and ILC2 cell differentiation, and type II cytokines expression were examined.

Results: SLIT treatment decreased the serum protein levels of IL‐36γ, IL‐5, IL‐13, and the proportion of ILC2 significantly. IL‐36γ suppressed the proliferation of ILC2 by inhibiting the levels of ILC2 transcription factor. IL‐36γ also inhibited IL‐5 and IL‐13 expression from ILC2.

Conclusion: The changes of IL‐36γ during SLIT were related to the inhibited function of ILC2, implying that IL‐36γ may be used as a new biomarker for monitoring the efficacy of SLIT in AR.
Supplementary Table S2 from NAD+ Metabolic Enzyme Inhibitor as Radiosensitizer for Malignant Meningioma and its Modulation of P53 Expression
Authors: Lv Yifan , Deng Yuxuan , Feng Jie , Liu Jinqiu , Yang Mingxu , Pu Zhuonan , Zhang Shaodong , Wu Zhen , Ji Nan , Park Deric M. , Hao Shuyu
Published: November 2024

Supplementary Table S2
Cyclodialysis Cleft after Intravitreal Injection
Authors: Khodeiry Mohamed M. , Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M. , Dorizas Christopher A. , Lee Richard K. , Sayed Mohamed S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction: A cyclodialysis cleft, separating the ciliary body muscle from the scleral spur, can cause ocular hypotony by creating an abnormal aqueous humor drainage pathway. Though rare, this can occur post-intravitreal injection. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old man with diabetic retinopathy presented with persistent hypotony in his right eye after receiving an aflibercept intravitreal injection. On presentation, his visual acuity was 20/200, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 2 mm Hg. Examination revealed a cyclodialysis cleft in the right eye. Despite initial treatment with steroids and atropine, the hypotony persisted, leading to surgical repair via ab-interno cyclopexy. Post-surgery, IOP normalized, and vision slightly improved. At 3 months post-operation, IOP was stable at 16 mm Hg without glaucoma medication, and no signs of hypotony were present, with vision improving to 20/150. Conclusion: Misplaced intravitreal injections can lead to cyclodialysis cleft formation. Ophthalmologists should be aware of this possible complication. Meticulous gonioscopy and the adjunctive use of ocular imaging are crucial for the proper diagnosis of these cases. Ab-interno direct cyclopexy is an effective surgical approach for cyclodialysis clefts non-responsive to medical or laser treatment.
Brodalumab Is Effective for Psoriasis Patients with Difficult-To-Treat Body Regions: Results from an Observational Clinical Study
Authors: Dauth Stephanie , Foldenauer Ann Christina , Hallmann Konstantin , Kunz Christina , König Anke , Haferland Isabel , Möser Christine , Koehm Michaela , Pinter Andreas
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Brodalumab, a human monoclonal antibody that selectively inhibits the interleukin (IL)-17 receptor subunit A, has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The treatment benefit of brodalumab has been clearly demonstrated in multiple clinical studies. However, data on effectiveness for difficult-to-treat body regions, especially in everyday clinical practice, are still limited. Methods: In this exploratory observational clinical study, psoriasis patients suffering from nail and scalp involvement who received brodalumab during routine clinical care were enrolled at 7 centers in Germany. Patients were observed for over 60 weeks. The co-primary endpoints were 75% improvement in Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI75) at week 12 and 75% improvement in Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI75) at week 24. Secondary endpoints included assessment of general skin and disease outcomes, quality-of-life, and patient satisfaction with treatment. Results: Eighty-seven patients were included. Mean age was 46.8 years, 70.1% patients were male, and mean body mass index was 28.9 kg/m2. The co-primary endpoints were achieved by more than 90% of patients who met criteria for effectiveness analyses (n = 62): 93.6% of patients achieved PSSI75 at week 12 and 90.3% of patients achieved NAPSI75 at week 24. Median body surface area involvement improved from 14% at baseline to 1.5% and 1% at weeks 12 and 24, respectively. Median Dermatology Life Quality Index scores improved from 16 at baseline to 2 and 1 at weeks 12 and 24, respectively. Improvements were maintained in the majority of patients throughout the 60-week study. Brodalumab was well tolerated and patients were highly satisfied with the treatment. Conclusion: Outcomes assessed in this study, including assessments of scalp and nail symptoms, improved following initiation of brodalumab therapy. This study of psoriasis patients in a real-world setting supports the long-term clinical effectiveness of brodalumab on difficult-to-treat body regions.
Systemic Statin Use and Pulp Chamber Calcification: A Pilot Retrospective Case-Control Study Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Sisli Selen Nihal , Ozasir Birgul , Ozasir Tufan , Yuzer Derin Bugu , Gulsahi Kamran
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This pilot retrospective case-control study questioned whether systemic statin use causes pulp calcification using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from the patients prescribed oral statins and comparing those of healthy individuals. Subjects and Methods: CBCT scans of 54 patients, including 27 age- and sex-matched patients for the study and control groups, were analysed using Mimics Innovation Suite software. The study included patients using statins regularly for at least 1 year. Only intact teeth with opposing teeth were selected for the study group and matched with the control group. Dental crown and pulp chamber volumes were calculated and proportioned. The data were analysed with chi-square and Shapiro-Wilk tests to assess normal distribution, followed by Mann-Whitney U test if necessary. Results: Statistical analysis showed no difference between the study and control groups (p = 0.505). Statin use duration did not cause statistically significant difference in terms of the reduction of pulp chamber volume (p = 0.141). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, systemic statin use did not cause dental pulp calcification. The results suggest, oral administration of the statin drugs is not an unfavourable condition for dental practice. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to support this conclusion.
Patient Satisfaction with Primary Health Care Services in Qatar: A Quality Improvement Study in a Government Staff Clinic
Authors: Chalhoub Hussein Ali , Thukkaraman Chinnadurai Natesan , Krishnan Jeyaram Illiayaraja , Abulaban Ali Shukri
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Patient satisfaction (PS) is a crucial measure of healthcare quality to ensure effective healthcare systems. Most previous studies focused on PS in primary health care centers, tertiary hospitals, or other settings, while only a few addressed PS in staff/employee clinic settings. This study aimed to measure PS and identify factors affecting PS in a government staff clinic in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative research design based on a self-administered validated questionnaire was employed. The study population consisted of employees who visited the “Primary Health Care Corporation” staff clinic for a “physical” consultation between January and November 2023. Phone numbers were extracted from 942 patients’ electronic medical records. SMS texts containing links to the online questionnaire were sent. SMS and telephone reminders were conducted to reach a sufficient sample size. Results: 262 participants yielded a 28% response rate. 92% were satisfied with the overall primary health care services with aspects involving clinic accessibility (86%), physicians’ skills (84%), consultation duration (90%), condition explanation (87%), screening recommendations (80%), and shared decision-making (86%). These variables correlated significantly with the overall PS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified two key predictors of PS in the staff clinic: satisfaction with overall GP performance (OR = 5.00; 95% CI = 1.27–19.78; p = 0.022) and satisfaction with overall nursing care (OR = 27.88; 95% CI = 5.83–133.27; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The primary health care services provided in the staff clinic exceeded expectations across structural, clinical, and technical aspects. These results align with the “Qatar National Vision 2030” to foster a mentally and physically resilient population.
Relative Benefit of Dual Versus Single Antiplatelet Therapy Among Patients With Atrial Fibrillation on Oral Anticoagulation According to Time After ACS and PCI: Insights From the AUGUSTUS Trial
Authors: Fanaroff Alexander C. , Wojdyla Daniel M. , Granger Christopher B. , Goodman Shaun G. , Aronson Ronald S. , Windecker Stephan , Mehran Roxana , Alexander John H. , Lopes Renato D.
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

In the AUGUSTUS trial (An Open-Label, 2 x 2 Factorial, Randomized Controlled, Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety of Apixaban vs Vitamin K Antagonist and Aspirin vs Aspirin Placebo in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Acute Coronary Syndrome or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), the combination of dual antiplatelet therapy plus oral anticoagulation increased the risk of bleeding without reducing ischemic events compared with a P2Y12 inhibitor plus oral anticoagulation among patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome or elective percutaneous coronary intervention. However, AUGUSTUS enrolled patients up to 14 days after acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention, and there may be a benefit to dual antiplatelet therapy plus oral anticoagulation early after an ischemic event.

METHODS:

In this secondary analysis of AUGUSTUS, we divided patients into groups based on whether they were enrolled <6 days (early) or ≥6 days (later) after their index acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention, and tested the interaction between time from the index event to enrollment and randomized treatment (apixaban versus vitamin K antagonist and aspirin versus placebo) on 30-day and 6-month clinical outcomes using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS:

Among 4605 patients enrolled in AUGUSTUS with data available on time from the index event to enrollment, the median time from the index event to enrollment was 6 (range, 0–14) days. There were no significant interactions between time from the index event and aspirin versus placebo on clinical outcomes at 30 days or 6 months, though patients with time from the index event <6 days had a nominally significant reduction in death or ischemic events at 30 days with aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.30–0.99]), whereas patients with time from the index event ≥6 days did not (hazard ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.54–1.43]; interaction
P
=0.23). There were no significant interactions between time from the index event and apixaban versus vitamin K antagonist on clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with atrial fibrillation with acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, there was no difference in the relative benefit of apixaban versus vitamin K antagonist or aspirin versus placebo when patients were enrolled early versus later after their index event.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02415400.
Enhancing Coronary Revascularization Decisions: The Promising Role of Large Language Models as a Decision-Support Tool for Multidisciplinary Heart Team
Authors: Sudri Karin , Motro-Feingold Iris , Ramon-Gonen Roni , Barda Noam , Klang Eyal , Fefer Paul , Amunts Sergei , Attia Zachi Itzhak , Alkhouli Mohamad , Segev Amitai , Cohen-Shelly Michal , Barbash Israel Moshe
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

While clinical practice guidelines advocate for multidisciplinary heart team (MDHT) discussions in coronary revascularization, variability in implementation across health care settings remains a challenge. This variability could potentially be addressed by language learning models like ChatGPT, offering decision-making support in diverse health care environments. Our study aims to critically evaluate the concordance between recommendations made by MDHT and those generated by language learning models in coronary revascularization decision-making.

METHODS:

From March 2023 to July 2023, consecutive coronary angiography cases (n=86) that were referred for revascularization (either percutaneous or surgical) were analyzed using both ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4. Case presentation formats included demographics, medical background, detailed description of angiographic findings, and SYNTAX score (Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery; I and II), which were presented in 3 different formats. The recommendations of the models were compared with those of an MDHT.

RESULTS:

ChatGPT-4 showed high concordance with decisions made by the MDHT (accuracy 0.82, sensitivity 0.8, specificity 0.83, and kappa 0.59), while ChatGPT-3.5 (0.67, 0.27, 0.84, and 0.12, respectively) showed lower concordance. Entropy and Fleiss kappa of ChatGPT-4 were 0.09 and 0.9, respectively, indicating high reliability and repeatability. The best correlation between ChatGPT-4 and MDHT was achieved when clinical cases were presented in a detailed context. Specific subgroups of patients yielded high accuracy (>0.9) of ChatGPT-4, including those with left main disease, 3 vessel disease, and diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study demonstrates that advanced language learning models like ChatGPT-4 may be able to predict clinical recommendations for coronary artery disease revascularization with reasonable accuracy, especially in specific patient groups, underscoring their potential role as a supportive tool in clinical decision-making.