bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Method for XRF and RGB Image Registration
Authors: Amiri Morteza Maali , Messinger David W.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the use of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) imaging has grown in the field of cultural heritage. This type of imaging can be complimentary to multi/hyperspectral imaging systems, providing the conservators with information that is useful to identify materials on paintings or manuscripts. Whereas hyperspectral imaging can provide information at the material molecular level, XRF provides elemental information on the material. To extract the full information from the XRF images it can be of great help to first register them to a reference image, generally a traditional high resolution color image. This helps locate where exactly each element is located on the artifact. Most methods that are used to overcome this issue rely on user input, in which a few reference points on both the XRF and RGB are selected and are then used for the registration process. In this work, a fully automatic method is developed for XRF image registration. First, the reference RGB image is converted into a grayscale image, helping to increase the similarity between these two different modalities. Then the XRF image that has the highest Structural Similarity Index (SSI) with respect to the reference image is specified. That image is then registered to the reference image using Maximization of Mutual Information (MMI). The same transformation is also used for the other XRF images in the dataset leading to all the images being registered. In cases, where none of the XRF images could be registered to the reference image due noise and/or low resolution, it is shown that quantization of the XRF images and the grayscale RGB reference image significantly improves performance. This process suppresses the noise and enhances some features resulting in accurate registration between the two differing modalities. The proposed algorithm was applied to three different sets of XRF and RGB images in terms of resolution and noise level. These different sets showed the usefulness of the algorithm developed herein, in that the sets with good and descent quality XRF images did not need to be quantized as the MMI was able to register the original XRF to the original RGB. However, the set that is comprised of XRF images of very low resolution needed to undergo the process of quantization before being registered to the RGB image using MMI.
Inserting Omp22 into the flagellin protein, replacing its hypervariable region, results in stronger protection against sepsis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii in a mouse model
Authors: Behrouz Bahador , Badmasti Farzad , Rasooli Iraj
Published: August 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii, a common nosocomial pathogen, is known for its rapid acquisition of antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the urgent need to develop an effective vaccine against this pathogen. Outer membrane protein 22 (Omp22) regulates the biogenesis of outer membrane vesicles to transport virulence-promoting factors into the host cells and facilitates the progression of A. baumannii infection. In this study, we used a mouse sepsis model to assess the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a vaccine using recombinant Omp22 protein within the hypervariable region of flagellin (FliC-Omp22). FliC-Omp22 demonstrated superior protection following challenge with a lethal dose of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii strain 58ST compared to Omp22 alone. In addition, it elicited increased IgG1/IgG2a and IL-4/IFN-γ ratios, indicating a predominant Th2 immune response. Furthermore, FliC-Omp22 vaccination elicited strong specific antibodies that inhibited the adhesion and invasion of A. baumannii 58ST and enhanced the opsonic killing activity against the pathogen. FliC-Omp22 immunization significantly reduced bacterial loads in the spleen, lungs, and liver of infected mice, thereby improving their survival against sepsis induced by MDR A. baumannii 58ST. This study suggests that integrating Omp22 into the hypervariable domain of flagellin holds promise for developing an effective vaccine against A. baumannii infections.
Sex hormones and Sjögren’s Disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: jin haonan , ru shanshan , zhang mengdi , li bo , gao lidong , xia jiajia , chen yongde , xu danfeng , guo jingjing , zhang yingzhe
Published: August 2024

Background
Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing Sjögren’s Disease (SjD) than men, indicating the involvement of sex hormones. The objective of this study was to investigate the causal relationship between sex hormones and SjD using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.
Methods
Specific genetic tools obtained from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were used to investigate serum estradiol (E2), total testosterone (TT), bioavailable testosterone (BT), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. A two-sample MR analysis was conducted to examine sex hormone associations with SjD. Sex-stratified designs were employed, with additional databases used for further analysis of the outcomes. A Bonferroni correction was applied to ensure robust conclusions. Additionally, bioinformatics methods were employed to explore the underlying connections between sex hormones and SjD.
Results
The results of the MR analysis showed a significant inverse association between BT levels and the risk of SjD, with each one standard deviation (SD) increase in BT levels associated with a 55% decrease in SjD risk (P = 5.2357E–05). The sex-stratified analysis provided that, for every one SD increase in BT levels, the risk of SjD decreased by 27% in males and 20% in females (P = 0.036, P = 0.0377). Specifically, among females, each one SD increase in TT levels resulted in a 28% reduction of SjD risk (P = 0.0306). However, following a sensitivity analysis, the observed causal association between BT (males) and SjD became non-significant (P = 0.0856), while the remaining causal relationships persisted. The bioinformatics analysis suggested that inflammation and immune-related pathways underlie their connection.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated a definitive causal relationship between androgen levels and the susceptibility to SjD, particularly among females. Androgen deficiency was shown to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of SjD, with inflammation and immune-related pathways underpinning the association.
Dietary patterns and sleep duration in middle childhood
Authors: Zhu Mia , Mora-Plazas Mercedes , Villamor Eduardo
Published: August 2024

High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) has been related to short sleep duration, a risk factor for chronic disease. However, the temporality of the association remains unclear, especially among children. We assessed associations of adherence to dietary patterns and sleep duration in middle childhood longitudinally, among 729 participants in the Bogotá School Children Cohort. Four dietary patterns (UPF, traditional, animal protein, and cheaper protein) were identified through principal component analysis of a food frequency questionnaire. Sleep duration was assessed through parental report after a median 2 years of follow-up. Compared with children in the lowest quartile of UPF pattern adherence, those in the highest quartile slept an adjusted 0.39 hours less (95% CI: 0.10, 0.68; P trend = 0.004). Adherence to cheaper protein was non-linearly related to sleep duration. We conclude that adherence to a UPF dietary pattern is prospectively related to shorter sleep duration in children.
Molecular epidemiological surveillance and complete genome analysis of porcine circoviruses in wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Gyeongnam Province, South Korea
Authors: Yang Jisoo , Kim Cheol-Ho , Jang Guehwan , Lee Changhee
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of porcine circoviruses (PCVs) in wild boars and conduct genotypic and phylogenetic investigations to understand viral dispersal and evolution in the wild boar population in South Korea’s Gyeongnam Province. We found a relatively high prevalence (47/296, 15.9%) of PCVs in serum samples from captured wild boars. Of the 47 PCV-positive samples, 38 tested positive for PCV2, 7 for PCV3, and 2 for PCV2 and PCV3. Genotyping PCR showed that PCV2d and PCV3b are the dominant genotypes. Comparative genetic analysis revealed that wild boar PCV2 and PCV3 viruses closely resemble their corresponding genotypic strains circulating in South Korea.
Waste Material Blended Envelop Construction for Low Energy Building
Authors: Ghosh Avijit , Chowdhury Debasish
Published: August 2024

An attempt has been made to study the effect of coalash usage as partial replacement of sand in building envelop construction material, and the energy conservation aspect thereof. The experimentally obtained thermal transmission values through building envelope’s outer layer component, made of concrete and mortar of specified proportion was validated through simulation program and the overall energy saving by way of reduced cooling energy demand have been quantified for a typical residential building.This study emphasize three aspects in a row, such as i) energy conservation by way of reduced cooling demand in hot and humid regions, ii) utilization of coal ash without further storage in ash ponds of respective thermal power plants, thus avoiding earth, groundwater and air contamination, and iii) responsible management of sand, which is the second most used resource globally after water, since the same is being used at the rate faster than, it can be replenished naturally. By modifying the wall mortar mix and plaster with coalash in a residential building, located within Warm-Humid region in India, cooling energy consumption reduces by 4.03%, and combining the same with modified roof concrete mix with coalash, the same reduces by 6.39%. Further, by placing concrete tiles with modified mix as waterproofing measures, reduction in overall cooling energy demand stands at 7.47%, and applying SRI paint on that surface, the demand reduces drastically to the tune of 42.80%.
Machine Learning on MRI Radiomic Features to Assess Recurrence Risk in High-grade Meningiomas
Authors: Chen Chen , Hao Lifang , Zhang Guijun
Published: August 2024

Purpose
We used radiomics-based machine learning (ML) of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (T1C) for assessing relapse risk in patients with high-grade meningiomas (HGMs).
Methods
279 features were extracted from each ROI. The datasets were randomly divided into two groups, the training set (∼70%) and the test set (∼30%). Data of 192 individuals were used for external validation. Combinations of data preprocessing methods, including normalization (Min-Max, Z-score, Mean) and dimensionality reduction (Pearson Correlation Coefficients (PCC)), and feature selector (max-Number, cluster) were analyzed for their prediction performance (totaling to 60 combinations). Kaplan–Meier curve, Cox proportional hazards regression model were used and concordance index (C-index), integrated Brier score (IBS) were selected.
Results
WHO grade, age, gender, histogram (Mean, Perc.90%, Perc.99%), Gray-level co-occurrence matrix (S(3, -3)DifVarnc, S(5, 5)Correlat, S(1, 0)SumEntrp, S(2, -2)InvDfMom), Teta1, WavEnLL_s-2 and GrVariance were identified as the significant recurrence factors. The pipeline using Mean_PCC_Cluster_10 of T1C yielded the highest efficiency with an IBS of 0.170, 0.188, 0.208 and C-index of 0.709, 0.705, 0.602 in the train, test and validation sets, respectively. The pipeline using MinMax_PCC_Cluster_19 of T2WI yielded the highest efficiency with an IBS of 0.189, 0.175, 0.185 and C-index of 0.783, 0.66, 0.649 in the train, test and validation sets. The pipeline using MinMax_PCC_Cluster_13 of T2WI + T1C yielded the highest efficiency with an IBS of 0.152, 0.164, 0.191 and C-index of 0.701, 0.656, 0.593 in the train, test and validation sets, respectively.
Conclusion
Machine learning on MRI radiomic features can slightly help predict recurrence risk in HGMs. T2WI or T1C yielded better efficiency than T2WI + T1C. The parameters with the best power were Mean, Perc.99%, WavEnLL_s-2, Teta1 and GrVariance.
Dielectric Fano Nanoantennas for Enabling Sub-Nanosecond Lifetimes in NV-based Single Photon Emitters
Authors: Dong Zhaogang , AN SHU , Kalashnikov Dmitry , Shi Wenqiao , Mahfoud Zackaria , Chew Ah Bian , Liu Yan , Wu Jing , Zhu Di , Gao Weibo , Qiu Cheng-Wei , Leong Victor
Published: August 2024

Solid-state quantum emitters are essential sources of single photons, and enhancing their emission rates is of paramount importance for applications in quantum communications, computing and metrology. One approach is to couple quantum emitters with resonant photonic nanostructures, where the emission rate is enhanced due to the Purcell effect. Dielectric nanoantennas are promising as they provide strong emission enhancement compared to plasmonic ones, which suffer from high Ohmic loss. Here,we designed and fabricated a dielectric Fano resonator based on a pair of silicon (Si) ellipses and a disk, which supports the mode hybridization between quasi-bound-states-in-the-continuum (quasi-BIC) and Mie resonance. We demonstrated the performance of the developed resonant system by interfacing it with single photon emitters (SPEs) based on nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers in nanodiamonds (NDs). We observed that the interfaced emitters have a Purcell enhancement factor of ~10, with sub-ns emission lifetime and a polarization contrast of 9. Our results indicate a promising method for developing efficient and compact single-photon sources for integrated quantum photonics applications.
Targeted lipid nanoparticles to prevent trans-placental passage in the ex vivo human placental cotyledon perfusion model
Authors: Kammen Caren van , Terstappen Fieke , Hove Hedwig van , Kapsokalyvas Dimitrios , Schiffelers Raymond , Greupink Rick , Lely Titia
Published: August 2024

Background: Medication use during pregnancy poses risks to both the mother and the fetus. These risks include an elevated potential for fetotoxicity due to placental drug transport. Nanomedicines offer a promising solution by potentially preventing trans-placental passage. Targeted nanomedicines could enhance safety and efficacy in treating maternal or placental pathophysiology. Our study investigates placental transfer kinetics of targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in an ex vivo human placenta cotyledon perfusion model.
Methods: We collected human placentas for dual-side ex vivo placental perfusions. Targeted lipid LNPs with a fluorescence tag were introduced into the maternal circuit of each placenta. To establish if there was trans-placental passage of LNPs to the fetal circuit, we collected samples from maternal and fetal circuits throughout the six hours of the perfusion. We determined the fluorescence signal using a multi-mode microplate reader and Multiphoton microscopy to localize the the LNPs in the placenta tissue.
Results: Data from perfused placenta tissue showed no significant transfer of the fluorescently labeled LNPs across the placental barrier to the fetal circuit. Localization of targeted LNP in tissue samples is mainly observed in the maternal blood space of the placenta.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that targeted LNPs present a promising strategic approach to prevent trans-placental passage to the fetus. Our future perspectives involve investigating the efficacy of targeted LNPs as well as loading targeted LNPs with nucleic acid-based therapeutics to investigate their therapeutic potential.
Search for New Materials Based on Chitosan for the Protection of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Ermolyuk Anna , Avdanina Darya , Khayrova Adelya , Lopatin Sergey , Shumikhin Kirill , Kolganova Tat'yana , Simonenko Nikolay , Lunkov Alexey , Varlamov Valery , Shitov Mikhail , Zhgun Alexander
Published: August 2024

Microorganisms are a significant cause of damage to cultural heritage, including paintings. Currently, the palette of antiseptics that are used in painting has narrowed considerably. This is due to the increased demands placed on such substances. It was shown that low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) obtained from the king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) exhibits high activity against dominant fungi-destructors of paintings in the State Tretyakov Gallery. Nevertheless, the increasing market demand for chitosan has prompted the exploration of alternative sources. Insects, notably the bioconverter black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), stand out as one of the most cultivated options. This study investigates the effectiveness of chitosan, isolated from H. illucens by a novel method developed by authors, in inhibiting fungi that damage tempera paintings. The activity of 33 and 39 kDa chitosans from H. illucens is comparable to the most active chitosans previously studied from P. camtschaticus. However, there are characteristic differences between these compounds, as shown by the results of FTIR spectroscopy, which may affect their consumer properties when used in paint materials. Our studies suggest that LMWC from H. illucens is a promising material that can expand the range of antiseptics used in painting.
Research on the deterioration mechanism and "reinforcement of the same material" of wool cultural relics unearthed in the Astana tomb group in Xinjiang
Authors: Xue Tao , Guo Wei , Zhang Luping , Jiang Peidong , Meng Jiaguang , Kan Pei
Published: August 2024

Taking the textile cultural relics unearthed from the Astana tomb group in Xinjiang as the research object, the combination of NaClO and Ca(ClO)2 is used to simulate the aging environment of cultural relics, the deterioration process and mechanism of wool cultural relics are discussed, and the replacement samples of cultural relics are produced; the keratin extracted from waste blended fabric is used as the reinforcement of the cultural relics. Material, simulated wool aging samples use the "same material reinforcement method" to carry out the reinforcement experiment of glutaraldehyde and ethylene glycol glyceryl ether (EGDE) to compare the reinforcement effect of keratin/glutaraldehyde and keratin/EGDE. The results show that the dissolution rate and keratin extraction rate of wool in the process of optimizing the recovery of keratin in the mixed acid system are about 90% and 50%; the aging conditions of NaClO and Ca(ClO)2 mixed solution are 3%, and the aging cycle is 28 days. Under this condition, the degree of damage to wool is relatively close to Cultural samples; Compared with the reinforcement effects of keratin/glutaraldehyde and keratin/EGDE, the fabric fracture stress and strain has increased by 2.66 times, 3.81 times, 2.40 times and 3.10 times respectively. The effect of the keratin/glutaraldehyde reinforcement system is better than that of the keratin/EGDE reinforcement system.
Nitrogen regulates pollen tube elongation under low-light stress during anthesis to prevent spikelet abortion in rice
Authors: Zhong Yichang , Li Hubo , Li Feifei , Fu Guanfu , Deng Qiao , Zeng Dali , Huang Linzhou
Published: August 2024

Low-light has emerged as a primary environmental stressor limiting rice production, yet there is currently limited research on relevant regulatory measures. In this study, a low-light-intolerant RGA1 gene mutant (d1), and its wild type (Zhonghua 11, WT), along with an overexpressed line (OE-1), were used to investigate the effects of nitrogen levels on rice yield formation under low-light during anthesis, using field shading treatment. Our results indicated that low-light significantly decreased spikelet fertility, with hindered pollen tube elongation identified as a key factor leading to spikelet abortion. Under low-light conditions, the medium nitrogen treatment (160 kg N·ha− 1, MN) notably increased the ratio of pollen tube entry into the ovule and spikelet fertility compared to the low nitrogen treatment (60 kg N·ha− 1, LN), while the high nitrogen treatment (260 kg N·ha− 1, HN) decreased spikelet fertility and yield in WT and OE-1 plants. For the d1 mutant, except for the LN treatment, other nitrogen treatments had minimal effect on spikelet fertility and yield. Furthermore, compared to the LN treatment, the activities of invertase and sucrose synthase, as well as the content of ATP, and ATPase in the spikelets of WT and OE-1 significantly increased when treated with MN under low-light conditions. In conclusion, moderately increasing nitrogen levels can enhance sucrose metabolism, maintain energy balance, and prevent low-light stress from impeding pollen tube elongation and spikelet fertility.
Description of the Mitochondrial Genomes of Sichuan Tetrastes sewerzowi and Phylogenetic Relationship (Galliformes: Tetraonidae)
Authors: Luo Xuequn , Zhou Hang , Li Ao , Du Shizhang , Hua Donglai , Zhang Wenping , Huang Zhaoxia
Published: August 2024

The Tetrastes sewerzowi is a member of the Tetraonidae and is native to China. Research has mainly focused on the Gansu Province, with limited studies in other regions. To evaluate genetic differences between the Tetrastes sewerzowi in the Gansu and Sichuan, the mitochondrial genomes of the Tetrastes sewerzowi from the Wanglang Reserve in the Sichuan Province were sequenced. The total length of the newly sequenced mitochondrial genome is 16,665 base pairs (bp), which contains 37 genes and a control region with a conserved bird similarity box. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods were used for phylogenetic analyses using complete mitochondrial genome data from 13 bird species in the Tetraonidae, resulting in strong topologies. This study demonstrated genetic conservation between the Tetrastes sewerzowi in Gansu and Sichuan, with the Tetrastes bonasia identified as the sister group of the Tetrastes sewerzowi, consistent with previous research and indicating a close relationship between the two bird species.
Experimental study on micro-strain characteristics and damage mechanism of fractured red sandstone subjected to freeze-thaw
Authors: Ren Qingyang , Li Haonan , Li Zhongyao , Chen Yue , Xiao Songqiang
Published: August 2024

Crack size affects the freeze-thaw(F-T) degradation process of rocks. This paper investigates the effects of through-crack size and F-T cycles on the deformation and failure characteristics of red sandstone. The F-T micro-strain evolution law, nonlinear pore compaction characteristics, and the strength deterioration law of red sandstone with different cracks under the influence of F-T are discussed. The results show that during the early stages of freezing and thawing, all sandstones develop significant frost heave strain. As the number of F-T cycles increases, the residual frost heave strain of intact red sandstones and samples with small-sized cracks(Type I) gradually decreases, the compaction strain decreases, and the proportion of the compaction stage increases. In contrast, the red sandstone with large cracks (Type II) has the opposite damage characteristics. The compaction stress and uniaxial compressive strength of all samples gradually decrease. As the crack length increases from 10mm to 15mm, the influence of prefabricated cracks on the mechanical properties of red sandstone exceeds the influence of F-T damage. After 20 F-T cycles, radial cracks appear on the long side of the Type II crack under axial loading, and the strength of the fractured section is severely reduced.
Microplastics in Plastic-Mulched Sandy Soil: Abundance, Characterization, Heavy Metal Accumulation and Risks in Agricultural Fields
Authors: Kumari Akanksha , Chakraborty Sukalyan
Published: August 2024

Microplastics (MPs) significantly impact soil quality and crop health, especially in agricultural systems using plastic mulch and sewage sludge. Detailed studies on their diversity, composition and association with co-contaminants are essential. Therefore, the present study attempted to investigate MP abundance across ten agricultural field soils compared to a control site. Initially, soil physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard protocols. Subsequently, soil samples underwent H2O2 digestion and density separation for MP enumeration and morphological characterization, complemented by ATR-FTIR polymer analysis. Results indicated higher MP concentrations in mulched fields (1412 ± 529 particles) compared to the control (72 ± 41 particles). MPs predominantly comprised fibers, films, fragments, and pellets. Pearson’s correlation revealed positive associations with soil clay, moisture, and organic matter. ANOVA showed significant variations in MP counts among sites and particle types. FTIR analysis identified eight polymer types, with the microplastic Pollution Load Index ranging from 1.97 to 4.43, suggesting increasing contamination. Moreover, MP counts correlated positively with years of mulching (r2 = 0.46 to 0.94). Heavy metal analysis indicated significant accumulation (Fe > Mg > Ni > Cr > Mn > Zn > Cu > Co > Pb > As > Cd) within MP particles. These findings highlight the dual threat of plastic mulching and sewage sludge on agricultural soil is leading to accumulation of diverse MPs in agricultural soil and their interaction with trace elements can pose considerable risks to soil quality, plant productivity, and environmental health.
Damping of timber constructions in earthquake situation:
materials, connections, and structures
Authors: Maître Kylian Jean-Maurice , Lestuzzi Pierino , Geiser Martin
Published: August 2024

Vibration damping is a complex physical phenomenon involving the dissipation of energy and is an essential dynamic property for ensuring the serviceability in wind conditions and resistance of structures to earthquakes. This study presents an evaluation of the damping of timber structures in earthquake situation. It is based on 798 free vibration tests of material, connection, and structure tests. The evaluation of damped free oscillations by fitting a theoretical viscous damping curve identifies the key variables that define damping. The results suggest that timber structures offer greater damping during an earthquake than reinforced concrete or steel. This is due to the connections, which have increased interfacial friction, thanks to a high coefficient of friction and a large pressing force of the connector. In addition, this study also highlights the affinity between the deformation part of the structural elements and their influence on global damping. Based on current knowledge and the results obtained, it offers higher damping values than those in current standards, depending on the type of structure. Finally, this work highlights the importance of further expanding the database of experimental damping measurements to develop a robust calculation model that also considers the contribution of non-structural elements and finishes.
Mass transfer features of the rotation disc column with the asymmetric configuration in relation to lanthanum metal removal from dilute solutions in the extraction and stripping stages
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Torkaman Rezvan
Published: August 2024

One of the significant characteristics in the process of extracting rare earth metals is the selection of the appropriate equipment so that it can reach the maximum extraction efficiency in a short time with the fewer number of stages. In the framework of achieving knowledge of rare-earth metals, removal of lanthanum ions in two stages of extraction and stripping was investigated with a rotation disc column with asymmetric configuration. The target parameter in this study was the coefficient of mass transfer in the aqueous phase. The optimization of its values and the identification of effective parameters on it was performed by using the central composite design approach. The results of the studies described that the mass transfer of La(III) ions depends on the process stage. The amount of metal transfer in the stripping stage with the complex breakage is more accessible than in the extraction stage. The impacts and interaction of operational parameters appear to increase or decrease mass transfer, but agitation speed is a significant parameter that exerts more control and can improve the performance of the column to an optimal level. The results indicated the applicability of the column with high desirability in the removal of rare earth elements.
Impact of Pepsin on Transcriptional Alteration of Helicobacter pylori Virulence Genes
Authors: Alebouyeh Masoud , Ebrahimi Amir , Bakhtiari Ronak , Mirbagheri Seyedeh Zohre , Ghanbarian Marziyeh
Published: August 2024

The Helicobacter pylori pathogenicity depends on the virulence factors and their interplay with the host. Gastric juice contains proteolytic enzymes; however, there is a lack of data to indicate their possible interaction with H. pylori virulence genes. To investigate the effect of pepsin on the pathogenicity of H. pylori, clinical isolates of H. pylori were provided and strains with ureB+/flaA+/cagA+ genotype were selected for the in vitro transcriptional analysis. Relative change in transcription of ureB, flaA and cagA genes was measured after treatment with pepsin at 0.5 and 1 mg/mL concentration for 30 and 90 min using real-time PCR. A diversity in the H. pylori isolates was detected for the carriage of ureB (100%), flaA (94.1%), and cagA (82.3%) genes. The transcriptional analysis showed down-regulation of ureB and flaA (0.2 to 0.008-fold) and up-regulation of cagA (3 to 9-fold) after the treatment. No significant diversity in transcriptional levels was detected in response to different concentrations of pepsin. In conclusion, our study confirmed the effect of pepsin at its normal concentration in gastric juice on the transcription of H. pylori virulence genes. Further studies are needed to show possible outcomes of this interplay on the pathogenesis.
Morphometric Analysis using ALOS-PALSAR radar dataset DEM and Geospatial Techniques of upper Kiul River Basin, Bihar India
Authors: Kumar Tarun , Singh Sunita
Published: August 2024

Morphometric analysis is like a tool that helps us understand any area's geological and hydrological characteristics. With its assistance, we can make proper use of the natural resources of that drainage basin. The upper Kiul River basin lies between latitudes 24033’40’’N & 24052’55’’N & longitudes 85056’49’’E & 86013’55’’E. This is an important river from the southern side of the Ganga River. The study endeavours to explore the drainage basin (i.e. the Upper Kiul River basin) through different morphometric parameters. To achieve this objective, we utilized the “Advanced Land Observing Satellite-Phased Array Type L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar (ALOS-PALSAR)” “Digital elevation model”(DEM) with a spatial resolution of 12.5 meters in ArcGIS 10.3. The basin's “linear, areal, and relief” characteristics are considered. The basin's linear parameter was studied, indicating that the Kiul River basin is of the 6th order, with 78% of its stream being constituted by 1st and 2nd-order segments of the river. The mean bifurcation ratio falls within the range of 2-5.6, suggesting that the area is comprised mainly of highly terrain vulnerable to flooding. The “areal aspect” of the basin, such as the “circulatory ratio, elongation ratio and form factor,” indicates that the basin is oval, suggesting a moderate level of flash flooding risk and providing data for several potential opportunities in agriculture and dam construction. From the relief aspect parameters, it is evident that the infiltration rate and groundwater status are low in the upper part, but they increase as we move downward. The decision-makers can use the study's findings for adequate soil & water resource management.
Investigating Assumptions in Motivational Interviewing among General Practitioners: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Aujoulat Paul , Manac’h Amélie , Reste Catherine , Goff Delphine Le , Reste Jean Yves Le , Barais Marie
Published: August 2024

Background
Unhealthy behaviors contributing to cardiovascular issues, diabetes, strokes, and cancer, pose significant health risks. General practitioners (GPs) are pivotal in guiding behavior change, with Motivational Interviewing (MI) showing promise. MI, developed by William Miller and Stephen Rollnick, aims to enhance motivation for change. Despite its efficacy in areas like smoking cessation and weight loss, its uptake among French GPs remains uncertain.
Methods
This qualitative study was to explore GPs' understanding of MI, its perceived benefits and the obstacles to its implementation in western Brittany (Finistère). Semi-structured interviews, conducted by two female trainees, explored MI knowledge, benefits, and barriers with an analysis inspired by grounded theory.
Results
Between November 2020 and May 2021, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs. They acknowledged MI's potential to enhance patient adherence and engagement, emphasizing intrinsic motivation and change orientation Common motivational strategies included open-ended questions and positive reinforcement. While they recognized MI's benefits in improving patient engagement, especially for the elderly and hesitant participants, they cited barriers such as time constraints, limited training availability, and habitual resistance.
Conclusion
GPs in Finistère exhibit varied understanding of MI but recognize its potential benefits, especially in preventive medicine. Challenges such as time constraints and training availability hinder its adoption. However, GPs appreciate MI's role in patient-centered care and behavior change facilitation. Addressing these barriers through improved training accessibility and integration strategies could enhance MI utilization, fostering more effective patient support and health outcomes in primary care settings.
Trial registration:
not applicable.
Fertility awareness, perceived factors and approaches to improve contraceptive uptake among sexually active adolescent girls in Phalombe, Malawi: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Hajison Precious , Mpachika-Mfipa Felistas , Pitso Lerato , Tshotetsi Lumbani , Chimatiro Chancy Skenard
Published: August 2024

Background
Unintended pregnancies are associated with a range of adverse health outcomes, particularly for adolescents. This study investigated adolescent girls’ level of awareness regarding their fertility. We also investigated the perceived factors and approaches to improving contraceptive uptake among adolescent girls in the Phalombe district of Malawi.
Methods
This mixed-methods study investigated factors and approaches to improve contraceptive uptake. The quantitative component used structured questionnaires to collect data from school-going adolescent girls in three traditional authorities in the Phalombe district, Malawi. The information was triangulated with qualitative data collected through focus group discussions with adolescent girls in the same setting.
Results
Structural barriers such as the desire for contraceptive service delivery by peers significantly increased the odds of contraceptive uptake (AOR: 4.80, 95% CI: 1.31–17.32, P value: 0.008) over those who did not want peers to deliver contraceptives. Additionally, Catholic (AOR: 14.01, 95% CI: 2.50–78.47, P = 0.003) and other Christian faiths (AOR: 5.85, 95% CI: 1.20–28.25, P = 0.029) were more likely to use contraceptives than Muslim girls. Focus group discussions revealed that contraceptives should be available in schools in the same way that iron tablets are provided. Additionally, participants indicated that community midwives and health surveillance assistants should provide contraceptives within the communities to reduce distance. Most adolescent girls had little knowledge about their fertility period and did not know that their fertile period was halfway through their menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
Adolescent girls in the Phalombe district seemingly have low awareness and knowledge of their fertility, which may lead to unintended pregnancies. Structural barriers included non-youth-friendly contraceptive services. Adolescent girls are unable to access modern contraceptives, and there is a need for youth-friendly structures when delivering contraceptive services.
Psychotropic medications: a descriptive study of prescription trends in Tabriz, Iran, 2021-2022
Authors: Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Fakhari Ali , Azimian Ali , Khameneh Amin , Matinkia Mahsa , Aghajani Ehsan
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression, significantly impacted global populations in 2019 and 2020, with COVID-19 causing a surge in prevalence. They affect 13.4% of the people worldwide, and 21% of Iranians have experienced them. Prescription analysis is critical for evaluating and improving medical care in a cost-effective manner. This study examined prescription patterns for psychotropic drugs in outpatient settings to improve the understanding of medication utilization in a variety of patients. It aimed to assist healthcare professionals in making well-informed decisions about drug prescriptions, a topic not much addressed in Iran.
Method
A descriptive study was conducted using data extracted from the Social Security Organization in Iran. We analyzed prescriptions in Tabriz from March 2022 to March 2023. Prescription data were categorized by medication category, physician specialty, age group, and sex. Then statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 2022.
Results
We analyzed the number of psychotropic medication prescriptions issued by 7246 doctors to a group of 413466 individuals over a year representing 44.9% of our target population. The average age of individuals receiving psychotropic drugs was 45.57 years. Gabapentin had the highest prescription rate, followed by sertraline. Antidepressants accounted for 38.1% of all prescriptions, with anxiolytics accounting for 18.6%. Other psychotropic drugs included alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, and valproate. Adults in all age groups had the highest frequency of prescriptions for psychotropic medications. The majority of patients were female (63.5%). General practitioners had the highest number of instances of prescribing psychotropic drugs, with psychiatrists contributing 54.7% of the total prescriptions.
Conclusion
Approximately 45% of the target population received psychotropic medication, which highlights the significant prevalence of mental health issues in Iran. Antidepressants were the most commonly administered class, highlighting the need for training programs that specifically address their possible negative effects and the correct dosage. The goal is to provide healthcare practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of prescription trends, enabling them to administer the most appropriate treatments.
Reliability of in vitro data for the mechanistic prediction of brain extracellular fluid pharmacokinetics of P-glycoprotein substrates in vivo; are we scaling correctly?
Authors: Valkengoed Daan Willem van , Hirasawa Makoto , Rottschäfer Vivi , de Lange Elizabeth Cunera Maria
Published: August 2024

Plasma pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles often do not resemble the PK within the central nervous system (CNS) because of blood-brain-border (BBB) processes, like active efflux by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Methods to predict CNS-PK are therefore desired. Here we investigate whether in vitro apparent permeability (Papp) and corrected efflux ratio (ERc) extracted from literature can be repurposed as input for the LeiCNS-PK3.4 physiologically-based PK model to confidently predict rat brain extracellular fluid (ECF) PK of P-gp substrates. Literature values of in vitro Caco-2, LLC-PK1-mdr1a/MDR1, and MDCKII-MDR1 cell line transport data were used to calculate P-gp efflux clearance (CLPgp). Subsequently, CLPgp was scaled from in vitro to in vivo through a relative expression factor (REF) based on P-gp expression differences. BrainECF PK was predicted well (within 2-fold error of the observed data) for 2 out of 4 P-gp substrates after short infusions and 3 out of 4 P-gp substrates after continuous infusions. Prediction accuracy was influenced by variability in reported ERc and in vitro P-gp expression. Notably, use of Papp and in vitro P-gp expression obtained from a single study did not guarantee an accurate prediction; it often resulted in worse predictions than when using in vitro expression values reported by other labs. Using Papp and P-gp expression as input, LeiCNS-PK3.4 shows promise in predicting brainECF PK but this study highlights that the in vitro to in vivo translation is not yet robust. We conclude that more information is needed about context and drug dependency of in vitro data for robust brainECF PK predictions.
Computational Simulation of Electromagnetic effect on Magnetic alginate Nanosphere: Molecular dynamics approach
Authors: Bahreini Maziar , Bondarian Fereydoon
Published: August 2024

Alginate-based nanoparticles are a promising platform for several applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to encapsulate a variety of drugs. To simulate of Magnetic alginate-based nano nanoparticles which we named alginosome, Various analysis was used to interpret the results of these simulation. The MD system was performed in the NPT ensemble for a certain period of time to obtain the trajectory data for analysis including total and potential energy parameters, RDF and RMSD based on DERIDING forcefield. To calculate atomic behavior, Nano stability and disassembly process, an external electromagnetic field was applied using LAMMPS software package. The simulation results demonstrated total energy of magnetic alginosome was disassembled and converged after 200000 fs and zeta potential of Nano system reach to -1mV in response to an external electromagnetic field. Additionally, the size and shape of magnetic nanoparticles can have a significant impact on the RDF of a magnetic alginate-based nanosphere in molecular dynamics simulations. Overall, it plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of magnetic nanoparticles and can guide the design process to optimize their performance for various biomedical applications. It can provide valuable insights into the behavior of Magnetic Nano particles under different conditions and help optimize Nano system strategies.
Exploring physical, subjective and psychological wellbeing profile membership in adolescents: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Hennessey Alexandra , MacQuarrie Sarah , Petersen Kimberely
Published: August 2024

Background
Understanding wellbeing in adolescents and within education settings is crucial to supporting young people. However, research defining and exploring wellbeing has typically taken a focus on subjective, psychological, social and emotional domains and has failed to incorporate aspects of physical health and wellbeing. This paper aimed to explore how both physical and subjective and psychological wellbeing can be combined to generate different profiles of wellbeing in adolescents, and understand the characteristics associated with this profile membership.
Methods
366 adolescents aged 11-16yrs (mean age 12.75) from three mainstream secondary schools across England completed an online survey capturing demographic characteristics, physical, subjective and psychological wellbeing, physical activity, emotional literacy, school belonging, and perceptions of learning ability. Latent profile analysis used a data driven approach to explore profiles of wellbeing using physical wellbeing and positive emotional state and positive outlook as predictors of profile membership. To understand profile characteristics demographics, physical activity and educational variables were added as co-variates.
Results
Three profiles were identified, 1) low wellbeing (n = 68, 19%) displaying low scores across physical wellbeing, positive emotional state and positive outlook, 2) moderate wellbeing (n = 168, 46%) characterised by average levels across physical wellbeing, positive emotional state and positive outlook, and 3) high wellbeing (n = 128, 35%) showing high score across physical wellbeing, positive emotional state and positive outlook. Compared to the high wellbeing profile, the moderate and low profiles membership was characterised by being older, being a girl, lower perceived socio-economic status, fewer hours of physical activity a week, and lower emotional literacy, school belonging and perceptions of learning.
Conclusions
The results evidence that physical, subjective and psychological wellbeing are closely inter-related, this finding coupled with increased physical activity in the higher wellbeing group signify physical health and activity are important components of overall wellbeing and should form part of a holistic approach to school wellbeing curriculums.
A New Metrics to Manage the Deadwood in FSC Certified Forests
Authors: Ceornea Ciprian , Dragoi Marian
Published: August 2024

The new metrics we calculated is the stochastic dominance index (SDI) given by the squared ratio between the area under cumulative distribution function (CDF) of high-quality trees and the area under the CDF of low-quality trees. SDIs were calculated separately for trees volume and diameter for beech, durmast, and oak trees. The procedure was applied on a set of data collected from 2592 harvestable trees within 35 compartments. where all trees had been grouped in two quality classes: high quality and low quality respectively. We considered three combinations of SDIs that hint to three different decisions: 1) if both SDIs < 1 it is recommended to spare low quality trees as deadwood; 2) if both SDIs > 1 it is preferable to put off harvesting operations for one decade, in order to increase the volume accumulated on high quality trees, and 3) if the two SDIs convey confusing signals, the whole stand shall be harvested in due time, or even sooner, if needed. It was found that only 3 compartments, stretching over 57 hectares, could be entirely spared from harvesting in order to keep low quality trees as habitat for fungi, insects, birds, and small mammals.
Epigenetic reactivation of a neurodevelopmental phosphoprotein program in pituitary adenomas
Authors: Chittiboina Prashant , Mullaney Dustin , Bhatt Shyama , Mandal Debjani , Nwokoye Diana , Stoica Stefan , Bhatt Dhruvall , Johnson Kory , Elkhaloun Abdel , Dampier Chris , Abdullaev Zied , Aldape Kenneth , Maric Dragan , Quignon Clarisse , Wray Susan , Khan-Lewis Nadia , Malik Nasir , Steiner Joseph , Li Yan , Nieman Lynnette , Tatsi Christina
Published: August 2024

Background: The protein kinase-phosphatase equilibrium is essential for eukaryotic development and homeostasis, but its epigenomic dysregulation in human tumors remains unexplored.Objectives/Methods: We employed an omics-based approach to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of pituitary adenomas, which comprise 20% of primary brain tumors. We created paired datasets of human pituitary adenomas and adjacent normal human pituitary glands, assaying chromatin accessibility, DNA methylation, transcriptomic, proteomic, and phospho-proteomic landscapes.Results: Adrenocorticotropin secreting adenoma cells reactivated a postnatally lost neurodevelopmental phosphoprotein program and overexpressed PPP1R17, an inhibitor of tumor suppressor PP2A. PPP1R17 overexpression in murine pituitary cells mirrored the adenoma phenotype, which was reversible with an FDA-approved PP2A agonist.Conclusions: Our study identified the epigenetic reactivation of a neurodevelopmental phosphoprotein program as a potential therapeutic target for human tumors.