bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SGRR: A two-stage method for removing raindrops from ground-based sky maps
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Zhang Yanchao , Wang Yinan , Ye Xiaoling , Xiong Xiong , Dong Shimiao , Chen Jiajun
Published: December 2024

The ground-based sky map provides real-time meteorological information for photovoltaic power stations and optimizes power generation efficiency by capturing changes in sky clouds. In order to effectively remove raindrops from the ground sky map and obtain a more accurate ground sky map, this paper proposes a new method called “Semantic Segmentation Generative Adversarial Raindrop Removal” (SGRR), which is divided into two stages: raindrop region segmentation and reconstruction. First, the ground-based sky map raindrop region segmentation dataset (GSRRS Dataset) and the ground-based sky map raindrop region reconstruction dataset (GSRRR Dataset) were constructed. During the segmentation stage, the U-shaped network was used in combination with the Depthwise Separable Receptive Field Pyramid module and Convolutional Block Attention Modules. The experimental results showed that the mean pixel accuracy, mean intersection over union, F1 score, and frames per second (FPS) on the GSRRS dataset reached 92.547%, 88.212%, 89.741%, and 120.7, respectively. In the reconstruction phase, a bidirectional interpolation filling module was proposed and combined with the optimization results of efficient channel attention mechanism. The peak signal-to-noise ratio, structural similarity, and FPS on the GSRRR dataset reached 30.23, 0.8751, and 77.6, respectively. The experiment shows that SGRR technology can accurately remove raindrops from ground-based sky images and generate images without obvious artifacts and has excellent performance.
Exploratory behaviour in northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) in Tropical North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Callaway Wendy A. , Kerr Sarah E. , Rymer Tasmin L.
Published: December 2024

Little is known of bandicoot and bilby (i.e. Peramelemorphia) exploratory behaviour (e.g. activity in an open field arena). In a pilot study, we assessed activity of 14 adult male northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus) in a modified open field over two nights. While we found no consistent intra-individual variation, males in poorer body condition were in better breeding condition, suggesting a possible trade-off between reproduction and maintenance. Older males with larger testes and in better breeding condition reduced activity from Day 1 to Day 2, possibly to minimise energetic expenditure. Our pilot study of the exploratory behaviour of northern brown bandicoots suggests interesting avenues for future research in Peramelemorphia behaviour generally.
Repeated global adaptation across plant species
Authors: Nocchi Gabriele , Whiting James R. , Yeaman Samuel
Published: December 2024

Global adaptation occurs when all populations of a species undergo selection toward a common optimum. This can occur by a hard selective sweep with the emergence of a new globally advantageous allele that spreads throughout a species’ natural range until reaching fixation. This evolutionary process leaves a temporary trace in the region affected, which is detectable using population genomic methods. While selective sweeps have been identified in many species, there have been few comparative and systematic studies of the genes involved in global adaptation. Building upon recent findings showing repeated genetic basis of local adaptation across independent populations and species, we asked whether certain genes play a more significant role in driving global adaptation across plant species. To address this question, we scanned the genomes of 17 plant species to identify signals of repeated global selective sweeps. Despite the substantial evolutionary distance between the species analyzed, we identified several gene families with strong evidence of repeated positive selection. These gene families tend to be enriched for reduced pleiotropy, consistent with predictions from Fisher’s evolutionary model and the cost of complexity hypothesis. We also found that genes with repeated sweeps exhibit elevated levels of gene duplication. Our findings contrast with recent observations of increased pleiotropy in genes driving local adaptation, consistent with predictions based on the theory of migration-selection balance.
Permanent cilia loss during cerebellar granule cell neurogenesis involves withdrawal of cilia maintenance and centriole capping
Authors: Constable Sandii , Ott Carolyn M. , Lemire Andrew L. , White Kevin , Xun Yu , Lim Amin , Lippincott-Schwartz Jennifer , Mukhopadhyay Saikat
Published: December 2024

Brain neurons utilize the primary cilium as a privileged compartment to detect and respond to extracellular ligands such as Sonic hedgehog (SHH). However, cilia in cerebellar granule cell (GC) neurons disassemble during differentiation through ultrastructurally unique intermediates, a process we refer to as cilia deconstruction. In addition, mature neurons do not reciliate despite having docked centrioles. Here, we identify molecular changes that accompany cilia deconstruction and centriole docking in GC neurons. We used single cell transcriptomic and immunocytological analyses to compare the transcript levels and subcellular localization of proteins between progenitor, differentiating, and mature GCs. Differentiating GCs lacked transcripts for key activators of premitotic cilia resorption, indicating that cilia disassembly in differentiating cells is distinct from premitotic cilia resorption. Instead, during differentiation, transcripts of many genes required for cilia maintenance—specifically those encoding components of intraflagellar transport, pericentrosomal material, and centriolar satellites—decreased. The abundance of several corresponding proteins in and around cilia and centrosomes also decreased. These changes coincided with downregulation of SHH signaling prior to differentiation, even in a mutant with excessive SHH activation. Finally, mother centrioles in maturing granule neurons recruited the cap complex protein, CEP97. These data suggest that a global, developmentally programmed decrease in cilium maintenance in differentiating GCs mediates cilia deconstruction, while capping of docked mother centrioles prevents cilia regrowth and dysregulated SHH signaling. Our study provides mechanistic insights expanding our understanding of permanent cilia loss in multiple tissue-specific contexts.
Some problems involving Proto-Mǐn onsets and new Old Chinese
Authors: Smith Jonathan
Published: December 2024

The Mǐn languages are crucial for the study of early Chinese, and Baxter and
Sagart’s (2014) new Old Chinese system aims to prioritize Jerry Norman’s Proto-Mǐn of the 1970s. This report describes
three key problems relating to the reconstruction of Proto-Mǐn syllable onsets, observing that, in relation to each problem,
Baxter and Sagart’s new Old Chinese system is affected by serious errors with respect to data and methodology.
Anyway in Irish English
Authors: Hickey Raymond
Published: December 2024

The development of the pragmatic marker anyway in Irish English is of relatively recent date.
From an original adverb of manner there developed a pragmatic meaning when the element shifted to the right periphery (or became
exposed there through deletion of an element to the right of it). A transition period occurred during which varying
interpretations of anyway were possible, facilitating the rise of anyway as a pragmatic marker.
Later it appeared in the prosodically more prominent left periphery where anyway can only have a pragmatic
interpretation. The main theoretical insight of this study is that the discourse function arose from the ambiguous interpretation
of unqualified anyway. Importantly, a prosodic distinction arose between the two functions of
anyway with the discourse use showing considerably less stress on the final syllable [–weɪ] than the
syntactic use.
“Then we’re just two dudes driving around”
Authors: Vásquez Camilla , Akay Melike
Published: December 2024

App-mediated ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft represent a relatively new chronotope that shapes
participants’ identities and relationships through specific space and time configurations. Ridesharing services such as these blur
the boundaries between what is public/private, familiar/unfamiliar, and interactional/transactional, resulting in chronotopically
specific scenarios that are often humorously exploited by stand-up comedians in their routines. In this paper, we analyze several
short video clips of performances posted by comedians on TikTok comprising narratives about Uber/Lyft experiences from the
perspective of the ridesharing passenger. Our findings show that in these comedic performances the ridesharing chronotope is
characterized by various forms of relational ambiguity and that this relational ambiguity structures interactional frames for its
participants. Through their comedic artistry, comedians animate the diverse voices engaged in these types of encounters, shedding
light on variable norms and ideologies underlying ridesharing interactions. This study addresses a novel context and an as-yet
unexplored topic: the language used by stand-up comedians who make their performances available to audiences through their social
media accounts. Methodologically, the affordances of TikTok facilitate the identification of topically similar comedic content,
resulting in a topic-based, rather than a performer-driven, analysis.
Anisotropic mechanical properties and cushioning effectiveness of spruce subjected to different direction loading
Authors: Zhang Zexiong , Zhong Weizhou , Li Jiaxing , Luo Jingrun
Published: December 2024

The arrayed microstructure of wood produced during growth results in anisotropic mechanical behavior at the macroscopic level. In order to assess the cushioning effectiveness of spruce, the microstructural models with regular hexagonal array cells along axial, tangential, radial and 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° relative to the axial direction in tangential section were established. The mechanical responses of spruce along different loading directions were given by numerical simulations and experiments. The anisotropic mechanical properties and cushioning effectiveness of spruce were analyzed comparatively. Three prediction formulas were proposed to investigate the mechanical properties of spruce along different loading directions. The deformation characteristics, energy dissipation pattern and failure mechanism along different loading directions were given, and the influence of spruce microstructure on anisotropic mechanical behaviour with different direction were discussed.
Synthesis, characterisation of agricultural biomass derived activated carbon and its applications
Authors: Priya Shweta , S A Salmataj , Anusha B , Bhat Pushpanjali
Published: December 2024

As the world moves toward greener energy generation methods and cleaner environments, activated carbon produced from ligninocellulosic resources has attracted unexpected interest due to its easy availability, and economic, renewable, and biodegradable properties, which makes it a viable alternative to exhaustible coal. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of a systematic procedure to develop activated carbon from plant biomass, its characterization by simple techniques, and the versatile applications of activated carbon. This includes its role in environmental remediation, from emphasizing its efficacy in removing a wide array of pollutants, to sustainable methods of hydrogen capture and energy storage in supercapacitors. A brief comparison of the key aspects of optimal toxicant adsorption, like batch conditions, the best-fit model, isotherms, and maximum adsorption, are also made. To ascertain the efficiency of the supercapacitors, their strategy in designing it, and their output in terms of specific capacitance, power, and energy density are compared.
Gold nanoparticles decorated multilayer mxene: towards highly selective and sensitive gas sensor at room temperature
Authors: Shi Pu , Wang Zhikun , Shi Fan
Published: December 2024

The catalytic properties of noble metal nanoparticles can enhance the adsorption capacity of sensors for target gases when compounded with MXene. In this study, a nanocomposite of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and MXene was prepared using a simple self-reduction process, and its microstructure, electrochemical valence states, specific surface area, and other properties were characterized. Gas sensitivity tests conducted on the Au@MXene-20 sensor revealed excellent selectivity for NH3 at room temperature. The response value to 100 ppm NH3 at room temperature was 15.1%, approximately three times that of pure MXene, with response and recovery times of 118 s and 219 s, respectively. Moreover, the composite sensor exhibited a low detection limit, demonstrating a response of 3.496% to 5 ppm NH3 at room temperature. Additionally, the Au@MXene-20 sensor possessed good repeatability, long-term stability, and moisture resistance. Therefore, the Au@MXene-20 sensor studied and prepared in this paper has been proven to be well-suited for NH3 detection in harsh environments.
HeatGSNs: integrating eigenfilters and low-pass graph heat kernels into graph spectral convolutional networks for brain tumor segmentation and classification
Authors: Bae Jihun , Lee Hunmin , Hu Jinglu
Published: December 2024

Recent studies on graph representation learning in brain tumor learning tasks have garnered significant interest by encoding and learning inherent relationships among the geometric features of tumors. A prominent challenge in brain tumor MRI datasets is the issue of class imbalance. While deep learning architectures such as CNN- and Transformer-based models have shown promise in addressing this challenge through their complex models with large parameters spaces., Graph-based networks face significant difficulties. Specifically, graph networks often struggle with issues like over-smoothing and oscillation convergence, limiting their effectiveness in such tasks. To address these challenges, we propose novel graph spectral convolutional networks called HeatGSNs, which incorporate eigenfilters and learnable low-pass graph heat kernels to capture geometric similarities within tumor classes. HeatGSNs utilize a continuous feature propagation mechanism derived from the forward finite difference of graph heat kernels, which is approximated by the cosine form of the shift-scaled Chebyshev polynomial and modified Bessel functions, ensuring efficient and accurate performance achievement. Experimental results on the BRATS2021 dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of HeatGSNs, achieving an average Dice score of 90%, a Hausdorff Distance (95%) of 5.45 mm, and an average accuracy of 80.11%. Furthermore, HeatGSNs require significantly fewer parameters than existing methods, with an average of 1.79M parameters, highlighting efficiency and effectiveness.
Formation mechanism of platinum nanoparticles prepared by atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: ZHAO 赵 Ying 颖 , TAO 陶 Ali 阿丽 , CHEN 陈 Zijing 紫荆 , RUAN 阮 Yue 月 , WANG 王 Kunpeng 鲲鹏 , ZHU 朱 Ling 玲 , CHEN 陈 Longwei 龙威
Published: December 2024

An atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) approach is developed to prepare platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) under mild reaction conditions of lower temperatures and without adding chemical reagents. Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) tests revealed that the APPJ contains a large number of high-energy active particles, which can generate solvated electrons in liquid thereby promoting the rapid reduction of Pt(IV) ions into Pt(0) atoms, and these atoms gradually grow into nanoparticles. After 3 min of treatment, PtNPs exhibit excellent dispersibility with a particle size distribution ranging from 1.8 to 2.8 nm. After 5 min, the particle size increases, and aggregation occurs. The zeta potentials for the two situations were −56.0 mV and −12.5 mV respectively. The results indicate that the treatment time has a significant impact on the dispersion, particle size distribution, and sol stability of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, it reveals the formation mechanism of PtNPs prepared by APPJ, which involves the generation and expansion of nanocrystalline nuclei, and the construction of negatively charged colloidal particles. The overall mechanism highlights the importance of the plasma-liquid interaction in the synthesis of PtNPs, offering a new perspective on the controllable production of nanomaterials using plasma technology.
Damage evolution mechanism and low-damage grinding technology of silicon carbide ceramics
Authors: Li Chen , Wang Kechong , Zakharov Oleg , Cui Hailong , Wu Mingtao , Zhao Tianchen , Yan Yongda , Geng Yanquan
Published: December 2024

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics are extensively utilized in aerospace, national defense, and petrochemical industries due to their superior physical and chemical properties. The processing of bulk SiC ceramics necessitates precise and efficient grinding techniques to produce components with satisfactory functionality. However, the inherent high hardness and brittleness of SiC ceramics present significant challenges during grinding, leading to severe brittle fracture and tool wear that compromise both surface integrity and production efficiency. Although ductile-regime grinding of SiC ceramics can be achieved by enhancing machine tool accuracy and stiffness while optimizing wheel performance alongside appropriate selection of process parameters, a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying damage evolution during grinding is lacking, and a mature grinding process for SiC ceramics has yet to be developed. To bridge this gap, the sintering technologies, mechanical properties, and microstructures of SiC ceramics were briefly covered. The grinding-induced damage mechanism and low-damage grinding technologies of SiC ceramics were summarized. The fundamental science underlying the ductile deformation and removal mechanisms of brittle solids was emphasized. Additionally, attention was directed towards the critical role of hybrid energy field grinding in minimizing brittle damages and promoting removal efficiency. This review not only elucidates the intrinsic interactions between the work material and abrasives, but also offers valuable insights for optimizing the grinding processes of brittle solids.
Achieving multi-response optimization of control parameters for Wire-EDM on additive manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy using Taguchi-grey relational theory
Authors: R Murali Krishnan , Ranganathan Rajesh , A Saiyathibrahim , Velu Rajkumar , Jatti Vijaykumar S , Mohan Dhanesh G , Vijayakumar Praveenkumar
Published: December 2024

The current research aims to optimize the multi-response during Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (Wire-EDM) of SLMed AlSi10Mg by using Taguchi integrated Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is one of the most well-known and practical Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods, with the potential to replace many traditional production processes. The complex metallic support structures created during SLM require special attention as they are difficult to remove by hand. Therefore, this study performs post-processing using the Wire-EDM precision machining technique to evaluate the machinability of the SLMed AlSi10Mg as-built part. The multi-response optimization in this study aims to achieve the maximum material removal rate and the lowest surface roughness while considering four important influencing factors (pulse On time, pulse Off time, servo voltage, and wire feed rate) at four distinct levels. The Taguchi integrated Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) revealed that a pulse On time of 118 μs (Level 3), a pulse Off time of 44 μs (Level 1), a servo voltage of 60 V (Level 4), and a wire feed rate of 7 m s−1 (Level 4) are recommended to achieve optimal machining of SLMed AlSi10Mg. Furthermore, the derived optimization results were carefully verified through a confirmatory experiment, which showed a 38.57% improvement in multi-response characteristics compared to the initial Wire-EDM parameter settings. The methodology proposed in this work offers a standardized approach that has the potential to be implemented for the rapid and precise prediction and optimization of surface roughness, while achieving better material removal during Wire-EDM of SLMed AlSi10Mg.
Abnormal temperature rise and discharge characteristics of decay-like composite insulators
Authors: Jia Boyan , Yi Xiaoyu , Li Zhaohui , Ding Likun , Yang Yang , Liu Hongliang , Liu Jie , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhang Peng , Pan Jin
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there have been multiple incidents of fracture faults caused by the deterioration of composite insulators in China, seriously threatening the safe operation of the power system. This article takes a 500 kV decay-like composite insulator collected from the operation site as the research object, conducts visual inspection and analysis of its shed and core rod degradation status, and tests its infrared temperature rise and ultraviolet discharge distribution under power frequency operating voltage and related electrical parameters. Finally, an electric thermal coupling finite element model is established to analyze its discharge and tem-perature rise mechanism. The research results found that the infrared temperature rise characteristics and ultraviolet discharge characteristics of decay-like composite insulators can reflect their degradation status. As the testing distance increases, the measured infrared temperature rise gradually decreases. The distortion of dielectric parameters and the decrease in insulation resistance have caused partial discharge and abnormal temperature rise of decay-like insulators. In addition, compared to ultraviolet imaging detection, infrared temperature measurement can better reflect the internal defects of decay-like composite insulators and is less susceptible to interference from unrelated discharges around them.
Improved quality micro-hole fabrication using backside water assisted laser micro-drilling in titanium
Authors: Mendiratta Mehul , Prakash Shashi
Published: December 2024

Laser micro-drilling is an effective technique for producing micro-scale holes in different materials. However, titanium poses challenges due to its high melting point, low thermal conductivity, and oxide layer formation at elevated temperatures. This study investigates the influence of a thin water layer on the backside of titanium workpiece during laser micro-drilling to mitigate these issues. A 0.5 mm thick water layer was applied at the backside of the workpiece to assess its impact on hole characteristics such as heat-affected zone (HAZ), circularity, and taper angle. Experiments were performed with constant laser power, pulse frequency, and pulse width, while varying scanning speed, number of passes, and input diameters (50 μm, 100 μm, and 150 μm) using the trepanning method. The results revealed that backside water-assisted drilling, particularly with a thin water layer, significantly reduced thermal defects and produced nearly taperless microholes. The formation of cavitation bubbles and related phenomena at the backside enhanced material removal and minimize hole taper compared to open-air drilling. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanism of backside water assisted laser drilling compared to open air drilling and highlights the benefits of backside water layer in reducing thermal damage and enhancing the precision of micro-drilling in titanium.
Assessment of gear failure severity in wind turbines based on few-shot learning and graph neural networks
Authors: Yang Shuai , Deng Chunyan , Chuan Li
Published: December 2024

Distinguishing vibration signals associated with different levels of gear damage, combined with the challenging operating environment of wind turbines, complicates the collection of sufficient data for effective fault diagnosis. This paper proposes a few-shot learning (FSL) based graph neural network (GNN) for evaluating gear tooth fracture levels within small datasets.The short-time fourier transform (STFT) is used to convert the original signal into two-dimensional data for preprocessing. Fault severity features, extracted by a convolutional neural network (CNN), are then input into the GNN for severity classification. A natural wind turbine experiment platform was developed to simulate various operating conditions. To further validate the proposed method, comparative experiments were conducted using Siamese Networks, Matching Networks, and Relation Networks. The results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms these alternatives in evaluating gear damage severity.
Scope+: an open source generalizable architecture for single-cell RNA-seq atlases at sample and cell levels
Authors: Yin Danqing , Cao Yue , Chen Junyi , Mak Candice L Y , Yu Ken H O , Zhang Jiaxuan , Li Jia , Lin Yingxin , Ho Joshua W K , Yang Jean Y H
Published: December 2024

With the recent advancement in single-cell RNA-sequencing technologies and the increased availability of integrative tools, challenges arise in easy and fast access to large collections of cell atlas. Existing cell atlas portals rarely are open sourced and adaptable, and do not support meta-analysis at cell level. Here, we present an open source, highly optimized and scalable architecture, named Scope+, to allow quick access, meta-analysis and cell-level selection of the atlas data. We applied this architecture to our well-curated 5 million COVID-19 blood and immune cells, as a portal called Covidscope. We achieved efficient access to atlas-scale data via three strategies, such as cell-as-unit data modelling, novel database optimization techniques and innovative software architectural design. Scope+ serves as an open source architecture for researchers to build on with their own atlas.

Availability and implementation

The COVID-19 web portal, data and meta-analysis are available on Covidscope (https://covidsc.d24h.hk/). User tutorials on how to implement Scope+ architecture with their atlases can be found at https://hiyin.github.io/scopeplus-user-tutorial/. Scope+ source code can be found at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14174632 and https://github.com/hiyin/scopeplus.
ImmuNet: a segmentation-free machine learning pipeline for immune landscape phenotyping in tumors by multiplex imaging
Authors: Sultan Shabaz , Gorris Mark A J , Martynova Evgenia , van der Woude Lieke L , Buytenhuijs Franka , van Wilpe Sandra , Verrijp Kiek , Figdor Carl G , de Vries I Jolanda M , Textor Johannes
Published: December 2024

Tissue specimens taken from primary tumors or metastases contain important information for diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Multiplex imaging allows in situ visualization of heterogeneous cell populations, such as immune cells, in tissue samples. Most image processing pipelines first segment cell boundaries and then measure marker expression to assign cell phenotypes. In dense tissue environments, this segmentation-first approach can be inaccurate due to segmentation errors or overlapping cells. Here, we introduce the machine-learning pipeline “ImmuNet”, which identifies positions and phenotypes of cells without segmenting them. ImmuNet is easy to train: human annotators only need to click on an immune cell and score its expression of each marker—drawing a full cell outline is not required. We trained and evaluated ImmuNet on multiplex images from human tonsil, lung cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and bladder cancer tissue samples and found it to consistently achieve error rates below 5%–10% across tissue types, cell types, and tissue densities, outperforming a segmentation-based baseline method. Furthermore, we externally validate ImmuNet results by comparing them to flow cytometric cell count measurements from the same tissue. In summary, ImmuNet is an effective, simpler alternative to segmentation-based approaches when only cell positions and phenotypes, but not their shapes, are required for downstream analyses. Thus, ImmuNet helps researchers to analyze cell positions in multiplex tissue images more easily and accurately.
Brain age in genetic and idiopathic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Teipel Stefan J , Hoffmann Hauke , Storch Alexander , Hermann Andreas , Dyrba Martin , Schumacher Julia
Published: December 2024

The brain-age gap, i.e. the difference between the brain age estimated from structural MRI data and the chronological age of an individual, has been proposed as a summary measure of brain integrity in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we aimed to determine the brain-age gap in genetic and idiopathic Parkinson's disease and its association with surrogate markers of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease pathology and with rates of cognitive and motor function decline. We studied 1200 cases from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort, including idiopathic Parkinson's disease, asymptomatic and clinical mutation carriers in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 gene (LRRK2) and the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA), and normal controls using a cohort study design. For comparison, we studied 187 Alzheimer's disease dementia cases and 254 controls from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort. We used Bayesian ANOVA to determine associations of the brain-age gap with diagnosis, and baseline measures of motor and cognitive function, dopamine transporter activity and CSF markers of Alzheimer's disease type amyloid-β42 and phosphotau pathology. Associations of brain-age gap with rates of cognitive and motor function decline were determined using Bayesian generalized mixed effect models. The brain-age gap in idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients was 0.7 years compared to controls, but 5.9 years in Alzheimer's disease dementia cases. In contrast, asymptomatic LRRK2 individuals had a 1.1. year younger brain age than controls. Across all cases, the brain-age gap was associated with motor impairment and (in the clinically manifest PD cases) reduced dopamine transporter activity, but less with CSF amyloid-β42 and phosphotau. In idiopathic Parkinson's disease cases, however, the brain-age gap was associated with lower CSF amyloid-β42 levels. In sporadic and genetic Parkinson's disease cases, a higher brain-age gap was associated with faster decline in episodic memory, and executive and motor function, whereas in asymptomatic LRRK2 cases, a smaller brain-age gap was associated with faster cognitive decline. In conclusion, brain age was sensitive to Alzheimer's disease like rather than Parkinson's disease like brain atrophy. Once an individual had idiopathic Parkinson's disease, their brain age was associated with markers of Alzheimer's disease rather than Parkinson's disease. Asymptomatic LRRK2 cases had seemingly younger brains than controls, and in these cases, younger brain age was associated with poorer cognitive outcome. This suggests that the term brain age is misleading when applied to disease stages where reactive brain changes with apparent volume increases rather than atrophy may drive the calculation of the brain age.
Effects of spironolactone on intradialytic hypertension: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, crossover study
Authors: Vongchaiudomchoke Thanawat , Khumngeon Phimpraphan , Wachiraphansakul Nuttaya , Songwattana Wipada , Luechoowong Jomchai , Nochaiwong Surapon , Ruengorn Chidchanok , Noppakun Kajohnsak
Published: December 2024

Background

Intradialytic hypertension (IDH) is associated with an increase in hospitalization and mortality. Several studies have shown that spironolactone reduces pre-dialysis blood pressure. However, none evaluated its effect on IDH. This study aims to evaluate the effects of spironolactone on IDH.

Methods

A 24-week, two-treatment, four-period, multicentre, double-blind, randomized, crossover study was conducted in stable maintenance haemodialysis (HD) patients who experienced IDH in >30% of their sessions during the past 3 months. Each participant was randomly assigned to one of four treatment sequences. In each intervention period, patients received a single dose of 50 mg spironolactone or a placebo 30 minutes before undergoing HD for 4 weeks according to their preassigned sequence, separated by a 2-week washout period. The primary outcome was an incidence of IDH.

Results

A total of 49 eligible patients were recruited with a total of 1211 dialysis sessions. The mean age was 54 ± 14 years and the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were 145 ± 15 and 75 ± 10 mmHg, respectively. All patients had hypertension. The average number of antihypertensive drugs was 3.5 ± 1.4. Spironolactone reduced the incidence of IDH compared with placebo (57% versus 69%, P for treatment effect < .001). Patients receiving spironolactone had lower peak intradialytic SBP (161 ± 14 versus 165 ± 13 mmHg, P = .003), mean intradialytic SBP (149 ± 13 versus 152 ± 12 mmHg, P = .01) and post-dialysis SBP (152 ± 15 versus 157 ± 14 mmHg, P < .001) than placebo.

Conclusion

In maintenance HD patients who had frequent IDH, a pre-dialysis 50-mg spironolactone administration significantly decreased the incidence of IDH.

Trial registration

Thai Clinical Trial Registry, reference number TCTR20200604013.
Iron nutrition and COVID-19 among Nigerian healthcare workers
Authors: Wander Katherine , Ogunleye Olayinka O , Nwagu Evelyn N , Unigwe Uche S , Odo Amelia N , Chukwubike Chinedu M , Omilabu Sunday A , Salu Olumuyiwa B , Owolabi Bukola S , Osikomaiya Bodunrin I , Ebede Samuel O , Bowale Abimbola , Olaitan Abimbola O , Chukwu Christopher U , Ndiokwelu Chibuzo O , Edu-Alamba Chioma , Azubuike Constance , Odubiyi Oluwasegun A , Hassan Yusuf A , Oloniniyi Nifemi , Muyiwa Kelvin Akinrinlola , Rashidat Abiola Raheem , Saliu Amina , Fadipe Ololade O , Anyanwu Roosevelt A , Orenolu Mercy R , Abdullah Maryam A , Ishaya Onyinye D , Agulefo Chinenye J , Akase Iorhen E , Gauck Megan E , Huang Zifan , Chen Mei-Hsiu , Okoror Titilayo A , Fujita Masako
Published: December 2024

Background and objectives

The optimal iron hypothesis (OIH) posits that risk for infection is lowest at a mild level of iron deficiency. The extent to which this protection results from arms race dynamics in the evolution of iron acquisition and sequestration mechanisms is unclear. We evaluated the OIH with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging infectious agent.

Methodology

We tested 304 healthcare workers at baseline for iron deficiency (zinc protoporphyrin:heme), anemia (hemoglobin), and SARS-CoV-2 (salivary PCR), and followed them for ~3 months with biweekly SARS-CoV-2 tests. We fit logistic regression models based on Akaike Information Criterion.

Results

Adequate data were available for 199 participants. Iron replete (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 0.85, 9.75) and anemia (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 0.82, 7.85) were associated with higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection after control for covariates. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models of the SARS-CoV-2 outcome were similar. Anemia (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 0.88, 3.71) was associated with respiratory symptoms regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions and implications

These findings provide partial support for the OIH: SARS-CoV-2 infection risk was elevated at the high end of the range of iron availability; however, the elevated risk among those with anemia was not, as expected, specific to severe iron deficiency. Narrowly, for COVID-19 epidemiology, these findings accord with evidence that SARS-CoV-2’s ability to establish infection is enhanced by access to iron. More broadly, these findings suggest that the OIH does not hinge on a long history of evolutionary arms race dynamics in access to host iron.
Genome-wide differentiation by geography not species in taxonomically complex eyebrights (Euphrasia)
Authors: Ding Yanqian , Metherell Chris , Huang Wu , Hollingsworth Peter M , Twyford Alex D
Published: December 2024

Most studies investigating the genomic nature of species differences anticipate monophyletic species with genome-wide differentiation. However, this may not be the case at the earliest stages of speciation where reproductive isolation is weak and homogenizing gene flow blurs species boundaries. We investigate genomic differences between species in a postglacial radiation of eyebrights (Euphrasia), a taxonomically complex plant group with variation in ploidy and mating system. We use genotyping-by-sequencing and spatially aware clustering methods to investigate genetic structure across 378 populations from 18 British and Irish Euphrasia species. We find only northern Scottish populations of the selfing heathland specialist E. micrantha demonstrate genome-wide divergence from other species. Instead of genetic clusters corresponding to species, all other clusters align with geographic regions, such as a genetic cluster on Shetland that includes 10 tetraploid species. Recent divergence and extensive gene flow between putative species are supported by a lack of species-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms or clear outlier loci. We anticipate a similar lack of association between genomic clusters and species identities may occur in other recent postglacial groups. Where new species emerge this is associated with a transition in mating system or novel ecological preferences.
An interdisciplinary perspective of the built-environment microbiome
Authors: McAlister John S , Blum Michael J , Bromberg Yana , Fefferman Nina H , He Qiang , Lofgren Eric , Miller Debra L , Schreiner Courtney , Candan K Selcuk , Szabo-Rogers Heather , Reed J Michael
Published: December 2024

The built environment provides an excellent setting for interdisciplinary research on the dynamics of microbial communities. The system is simplified compared to many natural settings, and to some extent the entire environment can be manipulated, from architectural design to materials use, air flow, human traffic, and capacity to disrupt microbial communities through cleaning. Here, we provide an overview of the ecology of the microbiome in the built environment. We address niche space and refugia, population, and community (metagenomic) dynamics, spatial ecology within a building, including the major microbial transmission mechanisms, as well as evolution. We also address landscape ecology, connecting microbiomes between physically separated buildings. At each stage, we pay particular attention to the actual and potential interface between disciplines, such as ecology, epidemiology, materials science, and human social behavior. We end by identifying some opportunities for future interdisciplinary research on the microbiome of the built environment.
Up-regulation of miR-490-3p improves learning/memory disability of sevoflurane exposure by relieving neuroinflammation
Authors: Zhai Shuang , Li Ying , Guo Aili , Zhao Wei , Mou Changliang
Published: December 2024

Our study focused on the potential mechanism of microRNA-490-3p (miR-490-3p) on learning/memory disability of rats resulting from sevoflurane (Sev). The rat model of cognitive dysfunction was established by infection with miR-490-3p mimic and Sev-exposure. Morris water maze and open field test assay were used for the assessment of cognitive deficits. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays were used for the measurements of neuroinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory-related genes in respective order. Bioinformatics analysis was employed for the predictive miR-490-3p-related genes. The targeted interaction was verified via dual-luciferase reporter assay. A significant decline of miR-490-3p was discovered in rats with Sev treatment, while the levels were up-regulated in rats with infection miR-490-3p pretreatment (P < 0.001). For Sev-induced rats, the stay time in the target quadrant was shorten, while distance travelled lengthened significantly with the control group by comparison (P < 0.001). Notably, an increased time of the escape latency and a decreased number of platform crossings were found in the Sev group, which alleviated by infection with miR-490-3p mimic pretreatment (P < 0.001). Moreover, the neuroinflammatory cytokines were elevated in the Sev group, the effects of which were recovered via miR-490-3p pretreatment (P < 0.001). Bioinformatics analysis predicted the miR-490-3p-associated genes. CDK1 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 1) was a potential target gene of miR-490-3p, which confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter detection. MiR-490-3p alleviated the learning and memory deficits in Sev-treated rats via the modulation of CDK1.
Micronutrient status and risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in Indonesian tuberculosis case contacts
Authors: Verrall Ayesha J , Houghton Lisa , Apriani Lika , Atmaja Harold E , van Laarhoven Arjan , Ussher James E , Ruslami Rovina , Sharples Katrina , McAllister Susan , van Crevel Reinout , Hill Philip C , Alisjahbana Bachti
Published: December 2024

Background

Certain micronutrient levels have been associated with the risk of developing TB disease. We explored the possible association of selected at-risk micronutrient levels with the development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) infection.

Methods

This cohort study in Bandung, Indonesia, followed Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) negative TB case contacts with a repeat IGRA test at 3 mo. At baseline, blood was analysed for haemoglobin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, retinol-binding protein, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), ferritin, zinc and selenium. Total body iron was calculated using ferritin and sTfR status. Associations between case contact micronutrient concentration and IGRA conversion were estimated using Poisson regression.

Results

Of 430 contacts, 115 (27%) underwent IGRA conversion. Ferritin concentration (adjusted for inflammation) was positively associated with risk of IGRA conversion (incidence rate ratio [IRR] for ferritin=1.17; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.35; p=0.03), but other select micronutrients were not. This association held for ferritin in the final multivariable model (IRR=1.27; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.47; p=0.002).

Conclusions

The risk of developing M.tb infection, as defined by IGRA conversion, is associated with increasing ferritin. Interventions in TB case contacts to temporarily reduce iron levels, including considering withholding any iron supplementation, may be worthy of evaluation.
The Surgeon’s Digital Eye: Assessing Artificial Intelligence–generated Images in Breast Augmentation and Reduction
Authors: Yassa Arsany , Akhavan Arya , Ayad Solina , Ayad Olivia , Colon Anthony , Ignatiuk Ashley
Published: December 2024

Background:

Given the public’s tendency to overestimate the capability of artificial intelligence (AI) in surgical outcomes for plastic surgery, this study assesses the accuracy of AI-generated images for breast augmentation and reduction, aiming to determine if AI technology can deliver realistic expectations and can be useful in a surgical context.

Methods:

We used AI platforms GetIMG, Leonardo, and Perchance to create pre- and postsurgery images of breast augmentation and reduction. Board-certified plastic surgeons and plastic surgery residents evaluated these images using 11 metrics and divided them into 2 categories: realism and clinical value. Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc tests. Images of the nipple-areolar complex were excluded due to AI’s nudity restrictions.

Results:

GetIMG (mean ± SD) (realism: 3.83 ± 0.81, clinical value: 3.13 ± 0.62), Leonardo (realism: 3.30 ± 0.69, clinical value: 2.94 ± 0.47), and Perchance (realism: 2.68 ± 0.77, clinical value: 2.88 ± 0.44) showed comparable realism and clinical value scores with no significant difference (P > 0.05). In specific metrics, GetIMG outperformed significantly in surgical relevance compared with the other models (P values: 0.02 and 0.03). Healing and scarring prediction is the metric that underperformed across models (2.25 ± 1.11 P ≤ 0.03). Panelists found some images “cartoonish” with unrealistic skin, indicating AI origin.

Conclusions:

The AI models showed similar performance, with some images accurately predicting postsurgical outcomes, particularly breast size and volume in a bra. Despite this promise, the absence of detailed nipple-areola complex visualization is a significant limitation. Until these features and consistent representations of various body types and skin tones are achievable, the authors advise using actual patient photographs for consultations.
Primary Lymphedema: Anatomically Isolated or a Pervasive Systemic Disorder?
Authors: Chen Wei F. , Jou Christopher , Pandey Sonia K. , Lo Shih-Lun
Published: December 2024

Background:

Primary lymphedema, a condition characterized by impaired lymphatic function, has long remained underexplored. Current diagnostic approaches rely on clinical history and genetic testing, yet the genetic underpinnings remain elusive in many cases. Traditional thinking suggests that primary lymphedema is confined to specific anatomical regions, but our experience challenges this notion. We hypothesize that primary lymphedema is systemic lymphatic dysfunction.

Methods:

All patients with clinical diagnosis of primary lymphedema from January 2020 to April 2022 were included in our study. Demographic data, medical and surgical history, and indocyanine green (ICG) lymphographic findings were collected.

Results:

A total of 152 patients met our inclusion criteria. We observed a predominance of female patients (75%) and a mean age of 43.9 years. The onset of swelling varied, with most patients (82.3%) experiencing it in their lower extremities. Notably, ICG lymphography revealed abnormal lymphatic findings in all symptomatic limbs, affecting multiple extremities in 97.4% of patients. Importantly, even among patients initially presenting with limited symptoms, asymptomatic extremities exhibited lymphatic defects. In addition, the extent of lymphatic disease, assessed through ICG lymphography, surpassed clinical symptoms in 80% of cases, underscoring the systemic nature of primary lymphedema.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that primary lymphedema is a systemic lymphatic insufficiency, affecting the entire lymphatic system. This underscores the importance of comprehensive assessments, even with limited symptoms, to facilitate earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment approaches.
The “Pfizer Boob Job”: A Case of Unexplained Gigantomastia
Authors: Balogun Oluwatoba T. , Osei Beverley , Armstrong Kathleen A.
Published: December 2024

True parenchymal breast changes following COVID-19 vaccination are exceedingly rare. Equally rare are incidences of pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia (PASH)–associated gigantomastia. The patient in this case report presented with both occurrences and experienced massive breast enlargement 1 week postadministration of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which worsened after her second dose. Definitive treatment was achieved through reduction mammoplasty, with the final pathology report confirming uniformly dense terminal duct lobular units with interspersed PASH units. The association between the COVID-19 vaccine, PASH, and breast hypertrophy warrants further investigation to comprehend the spectrum of reactions to the vaccine.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Female Sexual Dysfunction
Authors: Prendergast Stephanie A. , Mueller Jandra
Published: December 2024

The pelvic floor muscles, integral to urinary, bowel, and sexual function, can cause various symptoms when impaired, including pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. This chapter explores pelvic floor anatomy, symptoms, and associated diagnoses. It provides screening tools for OBGYNs to use in practice, language to help address patient fears around sexual dysfunction, and emphasizes the role of pelvic floor physical and occupational therapy in treating these conditions.