bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity in post COVID-19 patients: a randomized controlled trail
Authors: Elyazed Tamer I. Abo , Alsharawy Laila A. , Salem Shaimaa E. , Helmy Nesma A. , El-Hakim Ahmed Abd El-Moneim Abd
Published: March 2024

Background

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an epidemic condition that compromises various consequences. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity in patients with post COVID-19 syndrome.

Methods

The study was designed as a randomized control trial. A total of sixty-eight patients with post COVID-19 syndrome complaining of fatigue, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 40 to 70 years old. The patients were randomly classified into two equal groups. The control group received usual medical care only, whereas the rehabilitation group received a selected home-based pulmonary rehabilitation exercise program plus the same usual medical care. The Physical Fitness Index (PFI), Chalder fatigue index, SF-36 questionnaire, dyspnea scale, and six-minute walk test (6 MWT) were measured before and after 12 weeks of intervention.

Results

The rehabilitation group showed a significant lower mean of Chalder fatigue (11.1 ± 0.94) and a higher mean of 6MWT (439.7 ± 25.3) and PFI (52.3 ± 10.2), in addition to a higher mean of the SF-36 Questionnaire (66.4 ± 3.7) and a significant improvement of dyspnea in the mMRC score (26.7%), grade 2, (63.3%), grade 1 (10%), and grade 0 with a p-value < 0.001 when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR) for patients with post COVID-19 syndrome is effective and has a potential direct influence on exercise capacity, fatigue, dyspnea, and quality of life. HBPR could be considered an adjunctive, applicable, and low-cost therapy for patients with post COVID-19 syndrome.

Trial registration: The study was registered in Pan African Clinical Trial Registry as a clinical trial ID (PACTR202111640499636), November 2021.
Recent advances in the potential effects of natural products from traditional Chinese medicine against respiratory diseases targeting ferroptosis
Authors: Chen Tian , Ding Lu , Zhao Meiru , Song Siyu , Hou Juan , Li Xueyan , Li Min , Yin Kai , Li Xiangyan , Wang Zeyu
Published: March 2024

Respiratory diseases, marked by structural changes in the airways and lung tissues, can lead to reduced respiratory function and, in severe cases, respiratory failure. The side effects of current treatments, such as hormone therapy, drugs, and radiotherapy, highlight the need for new therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a promising alternative, leveraging its ability to target multiple pathways and mechanisms. Active compounds from Chinese herbs and other natural sources exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects, making them valuable in preventing and treating respiratory conditions. Ferroptosis, a unique form of programmed cell death (PCD) distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and others, has emerged as a key area of interest. However, comprehensive reviews on how natural products influence ferroptosis in respiratory diseases are lacking. This review will explore the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of natural products from TCM in modulating ferroptosis for respiratory diseases like acute lung injury (ALI), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis (PF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI), pulmonary hypertension (PH), and lung cancer, aiming to provide new insights for research and clinical application in TCM for respiratory health.
Decoding the glycoproteome: a new frontier for biomarker discovery in cancer
Authors: He Kai , Baniasad Maryam , Kwon Hyunwoo , Caval Tomislav , Xu Gege , Lebrilla Carlito , Hommes Daniel W. , Bertozzi Carolyn
Published: March 2024

Cancer early detection and treatment response prediction continue to pose significant challenges. Cancer liquid biopsies focusing on detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and DNA (ctDNA) have shown enormous potential due to their non-invasive nature and the implications in precision cancer management. Recently, liquid biopsy has been further expanded to profile glycoproteins, which are the products of post-translational modifications of proteins and play key roles in both normal and pathological processes, including cancers. The advancements in chemical and mass spectrometry-based technologies and artificial intelligence-based platforms have enabled extensive studies of cancer and organ-specific changes in glycans and glycoproteins through glycomics and glycoproteomics. Glycoproteomic analysis has emerged as a promising tool for biomarker discovery and development in early detection of cancers and prediction of treatment efficacy including response to immunotherapies. These biomarkers could play a crucial role in aiding in early intervention and personalized therapy decisions. In this review, we summarize the significant advance in cancer glycoproteomic biomarker studies and the promise and challenges in integration into clinical practice to improve cancer patient care.
TP63 truncating mutation causes increased cell apoptosis and premature ovarian insufficiency by enhanced transcriptional activation of CLCA2
Authors: Fan Yali , Chen Shuya , Chu Chunfang , Yin Xiaodan , Jin Jing , Zhang Lingyan , Yan Huihui , Cao Zheng , Liu Ruixia , Xin Mingwei , Li Lin , Yin Chenghong
Published: March 2024

Background

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a severe disorder leading to female infertility. Genetic mutations are important factors causing POI. TP63-truncating mutation has been reported to cause POI by increasing germ cell apoptosis, however what factors mediate this apoptosis remains unclear.

Methods

Ninety-three patients with POI were recruited from Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for each patient. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm potential causative genetic variants. A minigene assay was performed to determine splicing effects of TP63 variants. A TP63-truncating plasmid was constructed. Real-time quantitative PCR, western blot analyses, dual luciferase reporter assays, immunofluorescence staining, and cell apoptosis assays were used to study the underlying mechanism of a TP63-truncating mutation causing POI.

Results

By WES of 93 sporadic patients with POI, we found a 14-bp deletion covering the splice site in the TP63 gene. A minigene assay demonstrated that the 14-bp deletion variant led to exon 13 skipping during TP63 mRNA splicing, resulting in the generation of a truncated TP63 protein (TP63-mut). Overexpression of TP63-mut accelerated cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, the TP63-mut protein could bind to the promoter region of CLCA2 and activate the transcription of CLCA2 several times compared to that of the TP63 wild-type protein. Silencing CLCA2 using a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) or inhibiting the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) pathway using the KU55933 inhibitor attenuated cell apoptosis caused by TP63-mut protein expression.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a crucial role for CLCA2 in mediating apoptosis in POI pathogenesis, and suggested that CLCA2 is a potential therapeutic target for POI.
Potential ocular indicators to distinguish posterior cortical atrophy and typical Alzheimer’s disease: a cross-section study using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Sun Yan , Zhang Lumi , Ye Hui , Leng Lumin , Chen Yi , Su Yujie , Ren Peifang , Lu Hong , Peng Guoping
Published: March 2024

Background

Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a form of dementia that frequently displays significant visual dysfunction and relatively preserved cognitive and executive functions, thus hindering early diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to investigate possible fundus markers in PCA patients and compare them with those of typical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients to seek potential diagnostic patterns.

Methods

Age-matched PCA and AD patients and healthy controls (HC) completed optometry, intraocular pressure measurement, neuropsychologic assessments, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) examination in one visit. Overall, six outcomes of thicknesses of various retinal layers and seven outcomes of the retinal microvascular network were calculated. After adjusting for age, sex, and years of education, the OCT and OCTA results were analyzed using analysis of covariance and generalized linear models. Correlation analyses were performed using Spearman correlation, and ROC curves were plotted.

Results

Twelve PCA patients, nineteen AD patients, and thirty HC, aged 45–80 years were included. Fifty HC, thirty AD, and twenty PCA eyes were available for foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area analysis; forty-nine HC, thirty-four AD, and eighteen PCA eyes were available for OCT and OCTA assessments. PCA patients had thinner retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer than HC in the 0–3 mm circle and 1–3 mm ring. Few structural differences were observed between the AD group and the other two groups. The flow area of the superficial capillary plexus and the intermediate capillary plexus was smaller in the PCA group than in the HC group in the 0–1 mm circle, 0–3 mm circle. MMSE performed better than any combination of optical parameters in identifying AD and PCA from HC (AUC = 1), while the combination of MoCA, retinal thickness and vascular density of ICP in the 1-3 mm ring, with flow area of ICP in the 0-1 mm circle showed the strongest ability to distinguish PCA from AD (AUC = 0.944).

Conclusions

PCA patients exhibited similar impairment patterns to AD patients in the fundus structure and microvascular network. OCTA may aid in the non-invasive detection of AD and PCA, but still remains to be substantiated.
Squamous cell carcinoma malignant transformation in mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jafari-Nozad Amir Masoud , Jahani Najmeh , Nazeri Narges
Published: March 2024

Background

Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary is classified among the benign ovarian germ cell neoplasms, and its malignant transformation occurs very rarely (in about 2%). As a result of nonspecific signs and symptoms, preoperative diagnosis of theses malignancies is a challenge to clinicians, resulting in delayed diagnosis (in advanced stages) and poor outcomes.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 43-year-old Iranian woman with progressive distension of the abdomen and hypogastric pain, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma transformation in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary confirmed by histopathology examination. Total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingooophorectomy, and comprehensive staging surgery were performed for the patient, and she was scheduled for chemotherapy after the surgery. She responded well to the treatment and is currently continuing her chemotherapy process.

Conclusion

There are a great number of reports in the literature regarding mature cystic teratoma of the ovary transformation into malignancy, so these neoplasms must be considered as a possible differential diagnosis and should be evaluated in older individuals with abdominal pain and palpable mass, or those with considerable tumor diameter and raised serum tumor markers.
Matrix-free human pluripotent stem cell manufacturing by seed train approach and intermediate cryopreservation
Authors: Ullmann Kevin , Manstein Felix , Triebert Wiebke , Kriedemann Nils , Franke Annika , Teske Jana , Mertens Mira , Lupanow Victoria , Göhring Gudrun , Haase Alexandra , Martin Ulrich , Zweigerdt Robert
Published: March 2024

Background

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have an enormous therapeutic potential, but large quantities of cells will need to be supplied by reliable, economically viable production processes. The suspension culture (three-dimensional; 3D) of hPSCs in stirred tank bioreactors (STBRs) has enormous potential for fuelling these cell demands. In this study, the efficient long-term matrix-free suspension culture of hPSC aggregates is shown.

Methods and results

STBR-controlled, chemical aggregate dissociation and optimized passage duration of 3 or 4 days promotes exponential hPSC proliferation, process efficiency and upscaling by a seed train approach. Intermediate high-density cryopreservation of suspension-derived hPSCs followed by direct STBR inoculation enabled complete omission of matrix-dependent 2D (two-dimensional) culture. Optimized 3D cultivation over 8 passages (32 days) cumulatively yielded ≈4.7 × 1015 cells, while maintaining hPSCs’ pluripotency, differentiation potential and karyotype stability. Gene expression profiling reveals novel insights into the adaption of hPSCs to continuous 3D culture compared to conventional 2D controls.

Conclusions

Together, an entirely matrix-free, highly efficient, flexible and automation-friendly hPSC expansion strategy is demonstrated, facilitating the development of good manufacturing practice-compliant closed-system manufacturing in large scale.
Competing anisotropic and Finsler $(p,q)$-Laplacian problems
Authors: Motreanu Dumitru , Razani Abdolrahman
Published: March 2024

The aim of this paper is to prove the existence of generalized variational solutions for nonlinear Dirichlet problems driven by anisotropic and Finsler Laplacian competing operators. The main difficulty consists in the lack of ellipticity and monotonicity in the principal part of the equations. This difficulty is overcome by developing a Galerkin-type procedure.
Project CHARIOT: study protocol for a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation study of comprehensive tele-harm reduction for engagement of people who inject drugs in HIV prevention services
Authors: Bartholomew Tyler S. , Plesons Marina , Serota David P. , Alonso Elizabeth , Metsch Lisa R. , Feaster Daniel J. , Ucha Jessica , Suarez Edward , Forrest David W. , Chueng Teresa A. , Ciraldo Katrina , Brooks Jimmie , Smith Justin D. , Barocas Joshua A. , Tookes Hansel E.
Published: March 2024

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) remain a high priority population under the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative with 11% of new HIV infections attributable to injection drug use. There is a critical need for innovative, efficacious, scalable, and community-driven models of healthcare in non-stigmatizing settings for PWID. We seek to test a Comprehensive-TeleHarm Reduction (C-THR) intervention for HIV prevention services delivered via a syringe services program (SSP).

Methods

The CHARIOT trial is a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation study using a parallel two-arm randomized controlled trial design. Participants (i.e., PWID; n = 350) will be recruited from a syringe services program (SSP) in Miami, Florida. Participants will be randomized to receive either C-THR or non-SSP clinic referral and patient navigation. The objectives are: (1) to determine if the C-THR intervention increases engagement in HIV prevention (i.e., HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis; PrEP or medications for opioid use disorder; MOUD) compared to non-SSP clinic referral and patient navigation, (2) to examine the long-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the C-THR intervention, and (3) to assess the barriers and facilitators to implementation and sustainment of the C-THR intervention. The co-primary outcomes are PrEP or MOUD engagement across follow-up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. For PrEP, engagement is confirmed by tenofovir on dried blood spot or cabotegravir injection within the previous 8 weeks. For MOUD, engagement is defined as screening positive for norbuprenorphine or methadone on urine drug screen; or naltrexone or buprenorphine injection within the previous 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes include PrEP adherence, engagement in HCV treatment and sustained virologic response, and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The short and long term cost-effectiveness analyses and mixed-methods implementation evaluation will provide compelling data on the sustainability and possible impact of C-THR on comprehensive HIV prevention delivered via SSPs.

Discussion

The CHARIOT trial will be the first to our knowledge to test the efficacy of an innovative, peer-led telehealth intervention with PWID at risk for HIV delivered via an SSP. This innovative healthcare model seeks to transform the way PWID access care by bypassing the traditional healthcare system, reducing multi-level barriers to care, and meeting PWID where they are.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05897099. Trial registry name: Comprehensive HIV and Harm Prevention Via Telehealth (CHARIOT). Registration date: 06/12/2023.
Cortical lipid metabolic pathway alteration of early Alzheimer’s disease and candidate drugs screen
Authors: Wang Linshuang , Qu Fengxue , Yu Xueyun , Yang Sixia , Zhao Binbin , Chen Yaojing , Li Pengbo , Zhang Zhanjun , Zhang Junying , Han Xuejie , Wei Dongfeng
Published: March 2024

Background

Lipid metabolism changes occur in early Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Yet little is known about metabolic gene changes in early AD cortex.

Methods

The lipid metabolic genes selected from two datasets (GSE39420 and GSE118553) were analyzed with enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interaction network construction and correlation analyses were used to screen core genes. Literature analysis and molecular docking were applied to explore potential therapeutic drugs.

Results

60 lipid metabolic genes differentially expressed in early AD patients’ cortex were screened. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that up-regulated genes were mainly focused on mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and mediating the activation of long-chain fatty acids, phosphoproteins, and cholesterol metabolism. Down-regulated genes were mainly focused on lipid transport, carboxylic acid metabolic process, and neuron apoptotic process. Literature reviews and molecular docking results indicated that ACSL1, ACSBG2, ACAA2, FABP3, ALDH5A1, and FFAR4 were core targets for lipid metabolism disorder and had a high binding affinity with compounds including adenosine phosphate, oxidized Photinus luciferin, BMS-488043, and candidate therapeutic drugs especially bisphenol A, benzo(a)pyrene, ethinyl estradiol.

Conclusions

AD cortical lipid metabolism disorder was associated with the dysregulation of the PPAR signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, adipocytokine signaling pathway, fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid degradation, ferroptosis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and fatty acid elongation. Candidate drugs including bisphenol A, benzo(a)pyrene, ethinyl estradiol, and active compounds including adenosine phosphate, oxidized Photinus luciferin, and BMS-488043 have potential therapeutic effects on cortical lipid metabolism disorder of early AD.
Diagnostic value of serum COMP and ADAMTS7 for intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Ding Jing-Yu , Yan Xu , Zhang Ren-Jie , Zhang Hua-Qing , Kang Liang , Jia Chong-Yu , Thorne Rick F. , Liu Xiao-Ying , Shen Cai-Liang
Published: March 2024

Objective

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of morbidity and disability. Our study aimed to investigate the potential of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and ADAMTS7 (A disintegrin and metalloproteinases with thrombospondin motifs 7) as biomarkers for IVDD together with their functional relationship.

Methods

IVD tissues and peripheral blood samples were collected from IVDD rabbit models over 1–4 weeks. Tissues and blood samples were also collected from clinical patients those were stratified into four equal groups according to Pfirrmann IVDD grading (I–V) with baseline data collected for each participant. COMP and ADAMTS7 expression were analyzed and biomarker characteristics were assessed using linear regression and receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses.

Results

COMP and ADAMTS7 expression increased in tissues and serum during IVDD progression. Serum COMP (sCOMP) and serum ADAMTS7 (sADAMTS7) levels increased in a time-dependent manner following IVD damage in the rabbit model while significant positive correlations were detected between sCOMP and sADAMTS7 and Pfirrmann grade in human subjects. ROC analysis showed that combining sCOMP and sADAMTS7 assay results produced an improved diagnostic measure for IVDD compared to individual sCOMP or sADAMTS7 tests. In vitro assays conducted on human cell isolates revealed that COMP prevented extracellular matrix degradation and antagonized ADAMTS7 expression although this protective role was uncoupled under microenvironmental conditions mimicking IVDD.

Conclusions

Increases in circulating COMP and ADAMTS7 correlate with IVDD progression and may play regulatory roles. Assays for sCOMP and/or sADAMTS7 levels can discriminate between healthy subjects and IVDD patients, warranting further clinical assessment.
Phthalate exposure and blood pressure in U.S. children aged 8–17 years (NHANES 2013–2018)
Authors: Cheng Tan , Lou Chengcheng , Jing Xiaoping , Ding Sirui , Hong Haifa , Ding Guodong , Shen Li
Published: March 2024

Background

Current evidence from epidemiologic studies suggested that phthalate metabolites might be associated with blood pressure (BP) changes. However, the special relationship between phthalate metabolites and BP changes in children has not been clearly elucidated in existing researches.

Objectives

We investigated the links between phthalate metabolites and various BP parameters, including systolic/diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and the presence of hypertension.

Methods

The population sample consisted of 1036 children aged 8 to 17 years from the 2013–2018 NHANES in the United States. High performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure urinary concentrations of 19 phthalate metabolites. Systolic/diastolic BP were derived from the average of three valid measurements, and MAP was calculated as (systolic BP + 2 × diastolic BP)/3. Hypertension was defined as mean systolic BP and/or diastolic BP that was ≥ 95th percentile for gender, age, and height reference. Linear regression, logistic regression, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were employed to assess the associations between phthalate exposure and systolic/diastolic BP, MAP, and hypertension.

Results

Ten of 19 phthalate metabolites including MCNP, MCOP, MECPP, MBP, MCPP, MEP, MEHHP, MiBP, MEOHP, and MBzP had detection frequencies > 85% with samples more than 1000. MCNP, MCOP, MECPP, MBP, MCPP, MEHHP, MiBP, MEOHP, and MBzP were generally negatively associated with systolic/diastolic BP and MAP, but not protective factors for hypertension. These associations were not modified by age (8–12 and 13–17 years) or sex (boys and girls). The above-mentioned associations were further confirmed by the application of the WQS analysis, and MCOP was identified as the chemical with the highest weight.

Conclusion

Phthalate metabolites were associated with modest reductions in systolic/diastolic BP, and MAP in children, while appeared not protective factors for hypertension. Given the inconsistent results among existing studies, our findings should be confirmed by other cohort studies.
Cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor palbociclib synergizes with BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax in experimental models of mantle cell lymphoma without RB1 deletion
Authors: Malarikova Diana , Jorda Radek , Kupcova Kristyna , Senavova Jana , Dolnikova Alexandra , Pokorna Eva , Kazantsev Dmitry , Nozickova Kristina , Sovilj Dana , Bellanger Celine , Chiron David , Andera Ladislav , Krystof Vladimir , Strnad Miroslav , Helman Karel , Klanova Magdalena , Trneny Marek , Havranek Ondrej , Klener Pavel
Published: March 2024

Background

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a chronically relapsing malignancy with deregulated cell cycle progression. We analyzed efficacy, mode of action, and predictive markers of susceptibility to palbociclib, an approved CDK 4/6 inhibitor, and its combination with venetoclax, a BCL2 inhibitor.

Methods

A panel of nine MCL cell lines were used for in vitro experiments. Four patient derived xenografts (PDX) obtained from patients with chemotherapy and ibrutinib-refractory MCL were used for in vivo proof-of-concept studies. Changes of the mitochondrial membrane potential, energy-metabolic pathways, AKT activity, and pro-apoptotic priming of MCL cells were evaluated by JC-1 staining, Seahorse XF analyser, genetically encoded fluorescent AKT reporter, and BH3 profiling, respectively. MCL clones with gene knockout or transgenic (over)expression of CDKN2A, MYC, CDK4, and RB1 were used to estimate impact of these aberrations on sensitivity to palbociclib, and venetoclax.

Results

Co-targeting MCL cells with palbociclib and venetoclax induced cytotoxic synergy in vitro and in vivo. Molecular mechanisms responsible for the observed synthetic lethality comprised palbociclib-mediated downregulation of anti-apoptotic MCL1, increased levels of proapoptotic BIM bound on both BCL2, and BCL-XL and increased pro-apoptotic priming of MCL cells mediated by BCL2-independent mechanisms, predominantly palbociclib-triggered metabolic and mitochondrial stress. Loss of RB1 resulted in palbociclib resistance, while deletion of CDKN2A or overexpression of CDK4, and MYC genes did not change sensitivity to palbociclib.

Conclusions

Our data strongly support investigation of the chemotherapy-free palbociclib and venetoclax combination as an innovative treatment strategy for post-ibrutinib MCL patients without RB1 deletion.
Frequency and potential risk factors of polyneuropathy in transfusion-dependent Β-thalassemia major patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Risha Amr I. , Hesham Mervat A. , Elsafy Usama R. , Taweel Yosria A. El , Omar Mohammed M. , Saadawy Sara F. , Hanna Diana
Published: March 2024

Background

Neurological complications, including peripheral polyneuropathy, have been reported in β-thalassemia patients that negatively impact their quality of life. Chronic hypoxia, iron overload, average age, and iron chelators-induced neurotoxicity might contribute to the development of neuropathy. However, the leading offender of this complication remains not clear. We aimed to study the frequency and potential risk factors of polyneuropathy in β-thalassemia patients. We performed a cross-section study on 150 transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major patients with a mean age of 16.44 ± 3.32 years. We performed electrophysiological studies for motor and sensory nerves.

Results

We found that 31.3% of cases had neurological manifestations with significant relation to age, duration of the disease, and frequent transfusion. Out of 47 patients with neurological manifestations, 12 (25.5%) had abnormal nerve conduction velocity (NCV). Abnormal median, peroneal, and tibial nerve motor amplitudes were detected in 10.6%, 10.6%, and 14.9% of patients respectively. Abnormal median, peroneal, and sural nerve sensory amplitudes were detected in 4.3%, 2.2%, and 10.6% of patients respectively. Apart from a significant relation between abnormal NCV and older ages, no significant relation was detected with other studied clinical and laboratory parameters.

Conclusion

We detected a high frequency of motor and sensory polyneuropathy in B-thalassemia patients. Polyneuropathy was predominately detected in older ages highlighting that neuropathy in thalassemia patients is probably age-dependent. Other factors including disease duration, transfusion frequency, and iron overload might have a contributing effect, however, that could not be confirmed in this study. Further studies are needed to verify the frequency and predictors of polyneuropathy in B-thalassemia patients.
The uncorroded-part fallacy
Authors: Rugarli Paolo
Published: March 2024

This paper deals with the collapse load of corroded parallel steel units, such as sets of corroded strands alone, or embedded in a concrete core. It is shown that what is relevant is the distribution of the damage between the units, and not the total area loss due to corrosion. The paper also shows that assuming that the area loss is related to the limit load loss is misleading, and potentially dangerous.
Biomaterials and scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Authors: Kim Yang-Hee , Vijayavenkataraman Sanjairaj , Cidonio Gianluca
Published: March 2024

Methods in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are constantly evolving to address the complex challenges of repairing damaged tissues and modeling diseased organs using a library of various biomaterials, cellular therapies, and biofabrication techniques. The BMC Methods Collection ‘Biomaterials and scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine’ will host the most recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine approaches, providing a comprehensive resource for researchers in the field.
Traditional healing for physical and mental problems in the Arab region: past and current practices
Authors: Khoury Brigitte , Rafeh Mira , Bou Dargham Zeina
Published: March 2024

Exploring traditional healing practices in the Arab world unveils a diverse range of methods deeply rooted in ancient beliefs. Traditional healing practices encompass natural remedies, spiritual rituals and physical treatments. These historical practices persist today, reflecting their enduring relevance in Arab culture and their influence on healthcare approaches. Factors such as accessibility to traditional healing services, a lack of affordable medical treatment, cultural familiarity and a strong belief in the efficacy of traditional healing methods in treating mental problems contribute to their continued use. However, potential challenges arise when an exclusive reliance on traditional methods might hinder access to critical medical interventions. Thus, the need for further documentation and research into these deeply ingrained healing traditions is emphasised. Some research has focused on integrating these traditional approaches with the modern medical system, recognising their combined value in healthcare. This balanced approach holds the potential to bridge the gap between culturally informed traditional practices and contemporary medical treatments.
Inflationary α-attractor from type-IIB/F theory
Authors: Sarkar Arunoday , Ghosh Buddhadeb
Published: March 2024

We derive an

potential of slow-roll inflation in the warped D brane set-up featuring three intersecting D7 branes under

type of CY
3-compactification within type-IIB/F theory with some near-conifold regions. The underlying quadratic structure of the kinetic poles is found to arise from a correction in the Kähler potential when an extra contribution of open string moduli is turned on. While the closed string sector of the moduli spectrum is completely stabilized via quantum corrections of perturbative and non-perturbative origin, the open string sector plays the lead role in driving the inflationary expansion in the radial direction. A generic asymptotic behaviour of the inflaton field near the pole boundaries manifests itself as the slow-roll plateau in canonical field space, which becomes responsible for giving universal predictions of the cosmological parameters. We find that the presence of the open strings near conifold regions brings the realization of pole inflation in the present set-up. Finally we compare our results with similar models and discuss the importance of exploring precise values of α in the light of ongoing and forthcoming cosmological surveys.
Textimony: The Grammar of Atrocity
Authors: Donig Deb
Published: March 2024

This essay seeks to understand the complexity of a post-Holocaust discourse of comparative suffering in law and literature, focusing on the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. The essay traces a history of post-1945 discourse about the Holocaust, as the place of Jewish suffering under the Nazis swerves between comparability and incomparability, ineffability and analogy, in legal and literary representations. Focusing on M. NourbeSe Philip’s poetry in her work Zong!, which features an entanglement between the articulative capacity of Holocaust analogies for articulating the suffering of the transatlantic slave trade and the simultaneous tendency for such comparisons to occlude the very subject that such a comparison seeks to articulate, the argument identifies the tensions that inevitably emerge out of a discourse of comparative memory. Moving outside of Zong!, the essay shows how this problem is embedded, with significant impact on the history and the future of the legal recognition of suffering produced by the transatlantic slave trade, opening up new lines of inquiry about the efficacy, and the consequences, of comparison on the terrain of post-Holocaust human rights.
Cause-of-Death Determinants of Lifespan Inequality
Authors: Permanyer Iñaki , Vigezzi Serena
Published: March 2024

We propose a novel decomposition approach that breaks down the levels and trends of lifespan inequality as the sum of cause-of-death contributions. The suggested method shows whether the levels and changes in lifespan inequality are attributable to the levels and changes in (1) the extent of inequality in the cause-specific age-at-death distribution (the “Inequality” component), (2) the total share of deaths attributable to each cause (the “Proportion” component), or (3) the cause-specific mean age at death (the “Mean” component). This so-called Inequality–Proportion–Mean (or IPM) method is applied to 10 low-mortality countries in Europe. Our findings suggest that the most prevalent causes of death (in our setting, “circulatory system” and “neoplasms”) do not necessarily contribute the most to overall levels of lifespan inequality. In fact, “perinatal and congenital” causes are the strongest drivers of lifespan inequality declines. The contribution of the IPM components to changes in lifespan inequality varies considerably across causes, genders, and countries. Among the three components, the Mean one explains the least lifespan inequality dynamics, suggesting that shifts in cause-specific mean ages at death alone contributed little to changes in lifespan inequality.
The South Korean Military Ideological Complex: Transcendent Nationalism in Military Moral Education
Authors: Yang Sungik
Published: March 2024

Since its inception, the South Korean military, like an Althusserian ideological state apparatus, has served to articulate and disseminate state ideology through what is called the military moral education or ideological training program (chŏngsin or chŏnghun kyoyuk), which instructed soldiers in Korean history, society, and politics. A close reading of moral education textbooks from the Syngman Rhee (1948–60) and Park Chung Hee (1961–79) eras thus shows the content and themes of state ideology, which went beyond simple anti-communism and can instead be summed up as “transcendent nationalism”: a potent, fascistic mixture of ethnic nationalism, anti-communism, and anti-liberal collectivism that emphasized individual loyalty and sacrifice to the supreme representative of the Korean nation, the South Korean state. As part of a larger state ideological complex and as an ideological apparatus in its own right, the military moral education program should be examined to offer a better understanding of South Korean ideology and political discourse and the rise of anti-communist nationalist ideological hegemony during the Cold War. This large-scale effort to indoctrinate South Korean men, in which military moral education played a crucial part, arguably contributed to a significant degree of societal consent behind the Park Chung Hee regime.
Application of computer vision techniques for 3D matching and retrieval of archaeological objects
Authors: Jiménez-Badillo Diego , Mendoza-Montoya Omar , Ruiz-Correa Salvador
Published: March 2024

Background As cultural institutions embark in projects oriented to digitise art and archaeological collections in three dimensions, the need for developing means to access the resulting 3D models has become imperative. Shape recognition techniques developed in the field of computer vision can help in this task. Methods This paper describes the implementation of three shape descriptors, specifically shape distributions, reflective symmetry and spherical harmonics as part of the development of a search engine that retrieves 3D models from an archaeological database without the need of using keywords as query criteria. Use case The usefulness of this system is obvious in the context of cultural heritage museums, where it is essential to provide automatic access to archaeological and art collections. The prototype described in this paper uses, as study case, 3D models of archaeological objects belonging to Museo del Templo Mayor, a Mexican institution that preserves one of the largest collections of Aztec cultural heritage. Conclusions This work is part of an ongoing project focused on creating generic methodologies and user-friendly computational tools for shape analysis for the benefit of scholars and students interested in describing, interpreting and disseminating new knowledge about the morphology of cultural objects.
PREDICTION OF ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF 1,2,4-TRIAZOLE DERIVATIVES USING QSAR MODELS
Authors: Osipov Alexander L.
Published: March 2024

Purpose. Development of QSAR models and investigation of their effectiveness for predicting the antifungal activity of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
Materials and methods. Experimental data on the antifungal activity of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were used for scientific research. The data were analyzed using QSAR models based on molecular descriptors automatically generated from structural formulas of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives.
Results. New QSAR models for predicting antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes based on six physico-chemical parameters of chemicals (eeig11r, eeig09x, r6m+, belm2, eeig12r) are presented. During the comparative analysis of the developed QSAR models, a model was identified that has the best statistical parameters and does not have multicollinearity: MAE=0.136; MAPE=12.55; forecast accuracy=87.45%; MSE=0.028; RMSE=0.167. Among the six factors, the most significant ones were identified.
Conclusion. As a result of the conducted studies, QSAR models for predicting the antifungal activity of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes were identified and analyzed. From one to six molecular descriptors were taken as factors in the models. The factors that make the greatest contribution to the prediction of antifungal activity were evaluated. The best models are selected based on the calculated statistical parameters.
La digitalización en la ley de empleo: empleo, colocación e intermediación.
Authors: Román Lemos Jaime
Published: March 2024

La nueva Ley de Empleo destaca, entre otros aspectos y dados los tiempos que corren, por un marcado acercamiento a la tecnología. Se prevén en ella el uso masivo de datos personales, respetando siempre la normativa de protección de los mismos; el uso de algoritmos para la toma de decisiones y recomendaciones; y se incide constantemente en la evolución tecnológica y la necesidad de adaptabilidad a la misma. Este artículo pretende analizar estas novedades tecnológicas, a la par que criticar algunos aspectos negativos que pueden derivarse de las mismas, para finalizar con una visión negativa de la norma dada su falta de concreción en ciertos aspectos digitales, que dejan el análisis de su contenido muy condicionado a la posterior normativa que lo desarrolle.
Traceability Technology Adoption in Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Blaettchen Philippe , Calmon Andre P. , Hall Georgina
Published: March 2024

Modern traceability technologies promise to improve supply chain management by simplifying recalls, increasing visibility, and verifying sustainable supplier practices. Initiatives leading the implementation of traceability technologies must choose the least-costly set of firms—or seed set—to target for early adoption. Choosing this seed set is challenging because firms are part of supply chains interlinked in complex networks, yielding an inherent supply chain effect: benefits obtained from traceability are conditional on technology adoption by a subset of firms in a product’s supply chain. We prove that the problem of selecting the least-costly seed set in a supply chain network is hard to solve and even approximate within a polylogarithmic factor. Nevertheless, we provide a novel linear programming-based algorithm to identify the least-costly seed set. The algorithm is fixed-parameter tractable in the supply chain network’s treewidth, which we show to be low in real-world supply chain networks. The algorithm also enables us to derive easily computable bounds on the cost of selecting an optimal seed set. We leverage our toolbox to conduct large-scale numerical experiments that provide insights into how the supply chain network structure influences diffusion. These insights can help managers optimize their technology diffusion strategy.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01759 .
Equivalent analysis model of a GaN LED used as a receiver
Authors: Xu Zhijian , Ren Jiawei , Wang Chao , Zhu Yi-jun
Published: March 2024

In general, visible light communication (VLC) uses LEDs
as transmitters. However, LEDs
can serve as receivers to construct a simple duplex VLC system that
uses only two LEDs instead of one LED and one photo-diode (PD). There
is a lack of effective equivalent analysis models for characterizing
and evaluating the inherent behavioral characteristics of LEDs used as
receivers. This paper presents an equivalent analysis model for GaN
LEDs as receivers. First, based on the proposed receiving equivalent
circuit model, a third-order signal transmission mathematical analysis
model is established, revealing the transmission relationship between
the photocurrent and output voltage. Further research is conducted on
the impact of parameter changes on the bandwidth, and the model can be
simplified into a first-order low-pass mathematical analysis model
under specific conditions, providing theoretical support for improving
the bandwidth of LED receiving applications. The experimental results
also confirm the theoretical predictions. This research result holds
significant importance for revealing the intrinsic mechanisms and the
improved optical communication performance of LEDs for effective
reception.
Robust autofocus method based on patterned active illumination and image cross-correlation analysis
Authors: Li Caiwei , Liu Kehan , Guo Xiaoguang , Xiao Yinghao , Zhang Yingjun , Huang Zhen-Li
Published: March 2024

For the effectiveness of a computer-aided diagnosis system, the quality of whole-slide image (WSI) is the foundation, and a useful autofocus method is an important part of ensuring the quality of WSI. The existing autofocus methods need to balance focusing speed and focusing accuracy, and need to be optimized separately for different samples or scenes. In this paper, a robust autofocus method based on fiber bundle illumination and image normalization analysis is proposed. For various application scenes, it meets the requirements of autofocusing through active illumination, such as bright field imaging and fluorescence imaging. For different structures on samples, it ensures the autofocusing accuracy through image analysis. The experimental results imply that the autofocusing method in this paper can effectively track the change of the distance from the sample to the focal plane and significantly improve the WSI quality.
Tamm and surface plasmon hybrid modes in anisotropic graphene-photonic-crystal structure for hemoglobin detection
Authors: Hossain Md. Mahbub , Talukder Muhammad Anisuzzaman
Published: March 2024

We propose Tamm plasmon (TP) and surface plasmon (SP) hybrid modes for hemoglobin (Hb) detection in anisotropic graphene-photonic-crystal (GPC) structures. The proposed GPC sensor shows polarization-dependent responses due to the in-plane anisotropic property. The reflection profiles of the proposed sensor exhibit two reflectivity minima due to the simultaneous excitation of TP and SP modes. When used to detect Hb, the TP mode offers a greater figure-of-merit (FoM) than the SP mode. Using a Fourier mode spectral analysis, we observe energy coupling from the TP to the SP mode when the incident light’s polarization changes, providing an option to enhance the sensor’s sensitivity. We propose a double dips method (DDM) to detect Hb based on the simultaneous excitation of TP and SP modes. Using DDM, the proposed sensor offers a maximum sensitivity of 314.5 degrees/RIU and a FoM of 1746 RIU−1 when the Hb level is 189 g/L. The proposed anisotropic GPC sensor offers possible applications for highly sensitive bio-molecule detection with high FoM.
Innovative suspended ring core fiber for SERS application
Authors: Beffara Flavien , Humbert Georges , Auguste Jean-Louis , Olivo Malini , U. S Dinish
Published: March 2024

Solid core photonic crystal fibers (SC-PCFs) have garnered attention as probes for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) due to their potential as optofluidic devices, offering heightened sensitivity and reliability compared to traditional planar/colloidal nanoparticle-based SERS platforms. A smaller core allows for more light interaction but might compromise sensitivity and reliability due to reduced surface area for interaction. Here, we introduce an innovative SC-PCF design aimed at resolving the trade-off between increasing the evanescent field fraction and the core surface area. By substituting a suspended silica rod with a suspended thin-silica ring, we augment the surface area for attached nanoparticles by one order of magnitude while retaining a substantial amount of evanescent light interaction with the analyte. Experimental findings showcase an improved sensitivity in SERS signal compared to previously reported top-performing PCF sensor designs. Importantly, with necessary refinement and optimization, this innovative fiber design extends beyond SERS applications, potentially amplifying the sensitivity of various other fiber-based sensing platforms.
Anti-resonant hollow core fiber with excellent bending resistance in the visible spectral range
Authors: Wan Yukun , Xia Min , Wang Zhehan , Xia Li , Li Peng , Zhang Lei , Li Wei
Published: March 2024

The development of wideband guided hollow-core anti-resonant fiber (HC-ARF) that covers the sensitive range of the human eye's visible spectrum is progressing rapidly. However, achieving low-loss wideband transmission with a small bending radius remains a challenging issue to be addressed. In light of this, we propose a novel, to our knowledge, HC-ARF with a nested double-semi-elliptical cladding structure in the visible spectral region. By employing finite element method simulations, we investigate the confinement loss, bending loss, and single-mode performance of this fiber design. The result shows that the confinement loss of this new fiber exhibits below 10−5 dB·m-1 across almost the entire visible band range, with a minimum loss of 1.55 × 10−7 dB·m-1 achieved for λ = 650 nm. Furthermore, this fiber demonstrates excellent resistance to bending and can maintain an ultra-low bending loss as low as 3 × 10−7 dB·m-1 even under extreme bending conditions with a radius of only 3 cm. Notably, its 3-dB bending radius reaches just 3.5 cm for λ = 532 nm. Additionally, it exhibits outstanding single-mode conductivity under various bending scenarios and achieves a high extinction ratio of up to 104 for higher-order modes after parameter optimization for specific wavelengths.