bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genome-wide association study of Chinese and English language phenotypes in Hong Kong Chinese children
Authors: Lin Yu-Ping , Shi Yujia , Zhang Ruoyu , Xue Xiao , Rao Shitao , Yin Liangying , Lui Kelvin Fai Hong , PAN Dora Jue , Maurer Urs , Choy Kwong-Wai , Paracchini Silvia , McBride Catherine , So Hon-Cheong
Published: March 2024

Dyslexia and developmental language disorders are important learning difficulties. However, their genetic basis remains poorly understood, and most genetic studies were performed on Europeans. There is a lack of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on literacy phenotypes of Chinese as a native language and English as a second language (ESL) in a Chinese population. In this study, we conducted GWAS on 34 reading/language-related phenotypes in Hong Kong Chinese bilingual children (including both twins and singletons; totalN = 1046). We performed association tests at the single-variant, gene, and pathway levels. In addition, we tested genetic overlap of these phenotypes with other neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as cognitive performance (CP) and educational attainment (EA) using polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. Totally 5 independent loci (LD-clumped at r2 = 0.01; MAF > 0.05) reached genome-wide significance (p < 5e-08; filtered by imputation quality metric Rsq>0.3 and having at least 2 correlated SNPs (r2 > 0.5) withp < 1e-3). The loci were associated with a range of language/literacy traits such as Chinese vocabulary, character and word reading, and rapid digit naming, as well as English lexical decision. Several SNPs from these loci mapped to genes that were reported to be associated with EA and other neuropsychiatric phenotypes, such asMANEAandPLXNC1. In PRS analysis, EA and CP showed the most consistent and significant polygenic overlap with a variety of language traits, especially English literacy skills. To summarize, this study revealed the genetic basis of Chinese and English abilities in a group of Chinese bilingual children. Further studies are warranted to replicate the findings.
The extrachromosomal circular DNA atlas of aged and young mouse brains
Authors: Hong Xiaoning , Li Jing , Han Peng , Li Shaofu , Yu Jiaying , Zhang Haoran , Li Jiang , Dang Yonghui , Xiang Xi
Published: March 2024

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) refers to a distinct class of circular DNA molecules that exist independently from linear chromosomal DNA. Extensive evidence has firmly established the significant involvement of eccDNA in cancer initiation, progression, and evolutionary processes. However, the relationship between eccDNA and brain aging remains elusive. Here, we employed extrachromosomal circular DNA sequencing (Circle-seq) to generate a comprehensive dataset of eccDNA from six brain structures of both young and naturally-aged mice, including the olfactory bulb, medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Furthermore, through database annotation, we characterized the properties of mouse brain eccDNA, thereby gaining insights into the potential functions of eccDNA in the mouse brain. In conclusion, our study addresses a previously unexplored area by providing a comprehensive molecular characterization of eccDNA in brain tissues. The data presented in the study can be used as a fundamental resource to associate the molecular phenotypes of eccDNA with brain aging and gain deep insights into the biological role of eccDNA in mammalian brain aging.
Survey data linking coastal visit behaviours to socio-demographic and health profiles
Authors: Hooyberg Alexander , Roose Henk , Lonneville Britt , De Henauw Stefaan , Michels Nathalie , Everaert Gert
Published: March 2024

Coastal destinations are highly popular for leisure, yet the effects of spending time at the coast on mental and physical health have remained underexplored. To accelerate the research about the effects of the coast on health, we compiled a dataset from a survey on a sample (N = 1939) of the adult Flemish population about their visits to the Belgian coast. The survey queried the number of days spent at the coast in the previous year or before and the following characteristics of their visits: how often they performed specific activities, which of the 14 municipal seaside resorts they visited, who they were with, what they mentally and physically experienced, and what reasons they had for not visiting the coast more often. The respondents’ geo-demographic (including residential proximity to the coast), socio-economic, and health profile was also collected. We anticipate that investigations on the data will increase our understanding about the social structuring of coastal visits and give context to the effects of the coast on human health.
New role of fat-free mass in cancer risk linked with genetic predisposition
Authors: Harris Benjamin H. L. , Di Giovannantonio Matteo , Zhang Ping , Harris David A. , Lord Simon R. , Allen Naomi E. , Maughan Tim S. , Bryant Richard J. , Harris Adrian L. , Bond Gareth L. , Buffa Francesca M.
Published: March 2024

Cancer risk is associated with the widely debated measure body mass index (BMI). Fat mass and fat-free mass measurements from bioelectrical impedance may further clarify this association. The UK Biobank is a rare resource in which bioelectrical impedance and BMI data was collected on ~ 500,000 individuals. Using this dataset, a comprehensive analysis using regression, principal component and genome-wide genetic association, provided multiple levels of evidence that increasing whole body fat (WBFM) and fat-free mass (WBFFM) are both associated with increased post-menopausal breast cancer risk, and colorectal cancer risk in men. WBFM was inversely associated with prostate cancer. We also identified rs615029[T] and rs1485995[G] as associated in independent analyses with both PMBC (p = 1.56E–17 and 1.78E–11) and WBFFM (p = 2.88E–08 and 8.24E–12), highlighting splice variants of the intriguing long non-coding RNA CUPID1 (LINC01488) as a potential link between PMBC risk and fat-free mass.
Electrical stimulation of chicken embryo development supports the Inside story scenario of human development and evolution
Authors: Fleury Vincent
Published: March 2024

Animal evolution is driven by random mutations at the genome level. However, it has long been suggested that there exist physical constraints which limit the set of possible outcomes. In craniate evolution, it has been observed that head features, notably in the genus homo, can be ordered in a morphological diagram such that, as the brain expands, the head rocks more forward, face features become less prognathous and the mouth tends to recede. One school of paleontologists suggests that this trend is wired somewhere structurally inside the anatomy, and that random modifications of genes push up or down animal forms along a pre-determined path. No actual experiment has been able to settle the dispute. I present here an experiment of electric stimulation of the head in the chicken embryo which is able to enhance the magnitude of tension forces during development. This experimental intervention causes a correlated brain shrinkage and rotatory movement of the head, congruent with tissue texture, which proves that head dilation and flexure are intimately linked. Numerical modelling explains why the brain curls when it dilates. This gives support to the idea that there exists, in the texture of the vertebrate embryo, a latent dynamic pattern for the observed paleontological trends in craniates towards homo, a concept known as Inside story.
Efficient prediction of attosecond two-colour pulses from an X-ray free-electron laser with machine learning
Authors: Alaa El-Din Karim K. , Alexander Oliver G. , Frasinski Leszek J. , Mintert Florian , Guo Zhaoheng , Duris Joseph , Zhang Zhen , Cesar David B. , Franz Paris , Driver Taran , Walter Peter , Cryan James P. , Marinelli Agostino , Marangos Jon P. , Mukherjee Rick
Published: March 2024

X-ray free-electron lasers are sources of coherent, high-intensity X-rays with numerous applications in ultra-fast measurements and dynamic structural imaging. Due to the stochastic nature of the self-amplified spontaneous emission process and the difficulty in controlling injection of electrons, output pulses exhibit significant noise and limited temporal coherence. Standard measurement techniques used for characterizing two-coloured X-ray pulses are challenging, as they are either invasive or diagnostically expensive. In this work, we employ machine learning methods such as neural networks and decision trees to predict the central photon energies of pairs of attosecond fundamental and second harmonic pulses using parameters that are easily recorded at the high-repetition rate of a single shot. Using real experimental data, we apply a detailed feature analysis on the input parameters while optimizing the training time of the machine learning methods. Our predictive models are able to make predictions of central photon energy for one of the pulses without measuring the other pulse, thereby leveraging the use of the spectrometer without having to extend its detection window. We anticipate applications in X-ray spectroscopy using XFELs, such as in time-resolved X-ray absorption and photoemission spectroscopy, where improved measurement of input spectra will lead to better experimental outcomes.
Assessing heterogeneous groundwater systems: Geostatistical interpretation of well logging data for estimating essential hydrogeological parameters
Authors: Mohammed Musaab A. A. , Flores Yetzabbel G. , Szabó Norbert P. , Szűcs Péter
Published: March 2024

This research presents an unsupervised learning approach for interpreting well-log data to characterize the hydrostratigraphical units within the Quaternary aquifer system in  Debrecen area, Eastern Hungary. The study applied factor analysis (FA) to extract factor logs from spontaneous potential (SP), natural gamma ray (NGR), and resistivity (RS) logs and correlate it to the petrophysical and hydrogeological parameters of shale volume and hydraulic conductivity. This research indicated a significant exponential relationship between the shale volume and the scaled first factor derived through factor analysis. As a result, a universal FA-based equation for shale volume estimation is derived that shows a close agreement with the deterministic shale volume estimation. Furthermore, the first scaled factor is correlated to the decimal logarithm of hydraulic conductivity estimated with the Csókás method. Csókás method is modified from the Kozeny-Carman equation that continuously estimates the hydraulic conductivity. FA and Csókás method-based estimations showed high similarity with a correlation coefficient of 0.84. The use of factor analysis provided a new strategy for geophysical well-logs interpretation that bridges the gap between traditional and data-driven machine learning techniques. This approach is beneficial in characterizing heterogeneous aquifer systems for successful groundwater resource development.
An epidemiological modeling framework to inform institutional-level response to infectious disease outbreaks: a Covid-19 case study
Authors: Ma Zichen , Rennert Lior
Published: March 2024

Institutions have an enhanced ability to implement tailored mitigation measures during infectious disease outbreaks. However, macro-level predictive models are inefficient for guiding institutional decision-making due to uncertainty in local-level model input parameters. We present an institutional-level modeling toolkit used to inform prediction, resource procurement and allocation, and policy implementation at Clemson University throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Through incorporating real-time estimation of disease surveillance and epidemiological measures based on institutional data, we argue this approach helps minimize uncertainties in input parameters presented in the broader literature and increases prediction accuracy. We demonstrate this through case studies at Clemson and other university settings during the Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/BA.5 variant surges. The input parameters of our toolkit are easily adaptable to other institutional settings during future health emergencies. This methodological approach has potential to improve public health response through increasing the capability of institutions to make data-informed decisions that better prioritize the health and safety of their communities while minimizing operational disruptions.
TiO2 supported pallidum-bipyridyl complex as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in aqueous-ethanol
Authors: Gandra Upendar Reddy , Reddy Pogula Sreekanth , Salam Amatus , Gajagouni Surya Prakash , Alfantazi Akram , Mohideen M. Infas H.
Published: March 2024

Owing to their improved catalytic stability and ability to undergo repeated cycles, solid-supported catalysts show great potential for various catalytic reactions. In this study, we synthesized a catalyst comprising a palladium-2,2-bipyridine complex supported on TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2@BDP-PdCl2) fully characterised and investigated its efficacy in Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling reactions involving phenyl boronic acid with various aryl halides under mild reaction conditions. The 2,2′- bipyridine (bp) has shown excellent complexation properties for Pd (II) and it could be easily anchored onto functionalized TiO2 support by the bridging carboxylate ions. The composition and structure of the as-prepared catalyst was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The catalyst easily demonstrated separability, enhancing its practicality in catalytic processes. Subsequent utilization showed a consistent activity level, suggesting the stabilization of the aggregated catalyst species. This research sheds light on the importance of catalyst stability and maintenance during consecutive reaction cycles.
Whole-genome sequence and resistance determinants of four Elizabethkingia anophelis clinical isolates collected in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Commans Florian , Hayer Juliette , Do Bich Ngoc , Tran Thi Thanh Tam , Le Thi Thu Hang , Bui Thanh Thuyet , Le Huu Song , Bañuls Anne-Laure , Bui Tien Sy , Nguyen Quang Huy
Published: March 2024

Four isolates of the opportunistic pathogen Elizabethkingia anophelis were identified for the first time in a Vietnamese hospital and underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genomic characterization by whole-genome sequencing. Complete, fully circularized genome sequences were obtained for all four isolates. Average Nucleotide Identity analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism phylogenetic analysis on the core genome showed that three of the four isolates were genetically distinct, ruling out the hypothesis of a single strain emergence. Antibiotic susceptibility testing highlighted multi-resistant phenotypes against most antimicrobial families, including beta-lactams, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, quinolones, macrolides, amphenicols, rifamycins and glycopeptides. Additionally, in silico genomic analysis was used to correlate the phenotypic susceptibility to putative resistance determinants, including resistance genes, point mutations and multidrug efflux pumps. Nine different resistance genes were located inside a single resistance pocket predicted to be a putative Integrative and Conjugative Element (ICE). This novel ICE was shared by three isolates from two different lineages and displayed similarity with ICEs previously reported in various Elizabethkingia and Chryseobacterium species. The role of such ICEs in pathogenicity, genome plasticity and antimicrobial resistance gene spread within the Flavobacteriaceae family needs to be further elucidated.
Cross-shore transport and eddies promote large scale response to urban eutrophication
Authors: Kessouri Fayçal , Sutula Martha A. , Bianchi Daniele , Ho Minna , Damien Pierre , McWilliams James C. , Frieder Christina A. , Renault Lionel , Frenzel Hartmut , McLaughlin Karen , Deutsch Curtis
Published: March 2024

A key control on the magnitude of coastal eutrophication is the degree to which currents quickly transport nitrogen derived from human sources away from the coast to the open ocean before eutrophication develops. In the Southern California Bight (SCB), an upwelling-dominated eastern boundary current ecosystem, anthropogenic nitrogen inputs increase algal productivity and cause subsurface acidification and oxygen (O$$_{2}$$

2

) loss along the coast. However, the extent of anthropogenic influence on eutrophication beyond the coastal band, and the physical transport mechanisms and biogeochemical processes responsible for these effects are still poorly understood. Here, we use a submesoscale-resolving numerical model to document the detailed biogeochemical mass balance of nitrogen, carbon and oxygen, their physical transport, and effects on offshore habitats. Despite management of terrestrial nutrients that has occurred in the region over the last 20 years, coastal eutrophication continues to persist. The input of anthropogenic nutrients promote an increase in productivity, remineralization and respiration offshore, with recurrent O$$_{2}$$

2

loss and pH decline in a region located 30–90 km from the mainland. During 2013 to 2017, the spatially averaged 5-year loss rate across the Bight was 1.3 mmol m$$^{-3}$$

-
3

O$$_{2}$$

2

, with some locations losing on average up to 14.2 mmol m$$^{-3}$$

-
3

O$$_{2}$$

2

. The magnitude of loss is greater than model uncertainty assessed from data-model comparisons and from quantification of intrinsic variability. This phenomenon persists for 4 to 6 months of the year over an area of 27,840 km$$^{2}$$

2

($$\sim$$
∼
30% of SCB area). These recurrent features of acidification and oxygen loss are associated with cross-shore transport of nutrients by eddies and plankton biomass and their accumulation and retention within persistent eddies offshore within the SCB.
Multichannel mapping of in vivo rat uterine myometrium exhibits both high and low frequency electrical activity in non-pregnancy
Authors: Garrett Amy S. , Roesler Mathias W. , Athavale Omkar N. , Du Peng , Means Shawn A. , Clark Alys R. , Cheng Leo K.
Published: March 2024

The uterus exhibits intermittent electrophysiological activity in vivo. Although most active during labor, the non-pregnant uterus can exhibit activity of comparable magnitude to the early stages of labor. In this study, two types of flexible electrodes were utilized to measure the electrical activity of uterine smooth muscle in vivo in anesthetized, non-pregnant rats. Flexible printed circuit electrodes were placed on the serosal surface of the uterine horn of six anesthetized rats. Electrical activity was recorded for a duration of 20–30 min. Activity contained two components: high frequency activity (bursts) and an underlying low frequency ‘slow wave’ which occurred concurrently. These components had dominant frequencies of 6.82 ± 0.63 Hz for the burst frequency and 0.032 ± 0.0055 Hz for the slow wave frequency. There was a mean burst occurrence rate of 0.76 ± 0.23 bursts per minute and mean burst duration of 20.1 ± 6.5 s. The use of multiple high-resolution electrodes enabled 2D mapping of the initiation and propagation of activity along the uterine horn. This in vivo approach has the potential to provide the organ level detail to help interpret non-invasive body surface recordings.
Development of a formula for estimated glomerular filtration rate in pregnant women from physiological hyperfiltration of serum creatinine
Authors: Ahn Kwangjin , Lee Taesic , Kang Jieun , Choi Seong Jin , Hwang Sangwon , Seo Dong Min , Cho Jooyoung , Uh Young
Published: March 2024

Increased body fluids during pregnancy complicates the application of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) formulas that are based on body surface area. Furthermore, gestational renal dysfunction cannot be identified if the serum creatinine (SCr) concentration is within the non-pregnant reference interval (RI) despite inadequate pregnancy-related renal hyperfiltration. 1484 SCr measurements from 957 healthy pregnant women were collected. The average SCr value of gestational week (GW) 0–3 was the representative SCr value of non-pregnant status. While the distribution of SCr measurements varied across GWs, it was transformed into a normal distribution using the bootstrap resampling method. A polynomial linear regression method was applied to achieve a continuous and smooth transformation of values. The normally distributed SCr values of each GW were compared to the non-pregnant status, leading to the calculation of SCr hyperfiltration. The final equation, (2 − SCr (μmol/L)$$/$$
/
55.25)$$\times$$
×
103.1 $$\times$$
×
55.25/(56.7 − 0.223 $$\times$$
×
GW − 0.113 $$\times$$
×
GW2$$+$$
+
0.00545 $$\times$$
×
GW3 − 0.0000653 $$\times$$
×
GW4), and reference intervals for both SCr and eGFR for each GW were obtained. These RIs and novel equations can be effectively used to monitor renal dysfunction in pregnant women.
Socioeconomic factors and outcome after repair and reconstruction of digital and major nerve trunk injuries in the upper limb
Authors: Frostadottir Drifa , Perez Raquel , Dahlin Lars B.
Published: March 2024

Peripheral nerve injuries in the upper limb can lead to substantial disability and pain. We aimed to assess how socioeconomic factors affect outcomes after repaired or reconstructed digital or major nerve trunk injuries in the upper limb. We identified 670 individuals, who underwent surgical nerve repair or reconstruction using sensory nerve autografts, in the Swedish National Quality Registry for Hand Surgery 2010–2018. Socioeconomic factors, including education, cohabitation, type of work, sick leave, immigrant status and income, were gathered from the Swedish statistical agency (www.scb.se) and National Diabetes Register (NDR). We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) to assess the relationship between socioeconomic factors and surgical outcomes for the nerve injuries. Individuals with a major nerve trunk injury had higher QuickDASH scores and lower income compared to those with digital nerve injury. Individuals with immigration background (adjusted PR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2–3.2), history of > 4 weeks of sick leave the year before surgery (adjusted PR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.1), or education level below tertiary (adjusted PR = 2.8, 95% CI 1.7–4.7) had significantly higher QuickDASH scores. Recognizing impact of non-biological factors, including immigration, prior sick leave, and education level, on outcome after nerve surgery is crucial for improving prognosis in socioeconomically deprived individuals.
In silico analysis of overall survival with YBX1 in male and female solid tumours
Authors: Grimes David Robert , Rassamegevanon Treewut , Marignol Laure
Published: March 2024

The Y-box binding protein-1 (YBX1) gene codes for a multifunctional oncoprotein that is increasingly being linked to the regulations of many aspects of cancer cell biology. Disparities in treatment outcomes between male and female cancer patients are increasingly reported. This study aimed to examine the relationship between YBX1 expression and overall survival in male and female patients with solid tumours. Overall survival and YBX1 expression data for cohorts of male and female cancer patients obtained from freely available databases were analysed with a cox proportional hazard model with covariates of biological sex and YBX1 expression. Kaplan–Meier curves and Violin plots were constructed for segregated male and female cohorts. High YBX1 expression was significantly associated with poor survival in 2 female-only and 4 mixed-sex cancer sites. In female lung cancer patients, better survival and lower YBX1 expression were identified. The clinical importance of YBX1 expression in cancer ought to be evaluated in a sex-specific manner, especially in lung cancer.
Real-time monitoring of mitochondrial oxygenation during machine perfusion using resonance Raman spectroscopy predicts organ function
Authors: Jain Rohil , Ajenu Emmanuella O. , Lopera Higuita Manuela , Hafiz Ehab O. A. , Muzikansky Alona , Romfh Padraic , Tessier Shannon N.
Published: March 2024

Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure affecting over 100,000 people on the transplant waitlist. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major challenge in the field as it can cause post-transplantation complications and limit the use of organs from extended criteria donors. Machine perfusion technology has the potential to mitigate IRI; however, it currently fails to achieve its full potential due to a lack of highly sensitive and specific assays to assess organ quality during perfusion. We developed a real-time and non-invasive method of assessing organs during perfusion based on mitochondrial function and injury using resonance Raman spectroscopy. It uses a 441 nm laser and a high-resolution spectrometer to quantify the oxidation state of mitochondrial cytochromes during perfusion. This index of mitochondrial oxidation, or 3RMR, was used to understand differences in mitochondrial recovery of cold ischemic rodent livers during machine perfusion at normothermic temperatures with an acellular versus cellular perfusate. Measurement of the mitochondrial oxidation revealed that there was no difference in 3RMR of fresh livers as a function of normothermic perfusion when comparing acellular versus cellular-based perfusates. However, following 24 h of static cold storage, 3RMR returned to baseline faster with a cellular-based perfusate, yet 3RMR progressively increased during perfusion, indicating injury may develop over time. Thus, this study emphasizes the need for further refinement of a reoxygenation strategy during normothermic machine perfusion that considers cold ischemia durations, gradual recovery/rewarming, and risk of hemolysis.
Variability and harshness shape flexible strategy-use in support of the constrained flexibility framework
Authors: Pope-Caldwell Sarah , Deffner Dominik , Maurits Luke , Neumann Terrence , Haun Daniel
Published: March 2024

Human cognition is incredibly flexible, allowing us to thrive within diverse environments. However, humans also tend to stick to familiar strategies, even when there are better solutions available. How do we exhibit flexibility in some contexts, yet inflexibility in others? The constrained flexibility framework (CFF) proposes that cognitive flexibility is shaped by variability, predictability, and harshness within decision-making environments. The CFF asserts that high elective switching (switching away from a working strategy) is maladaptive in stable or predictably variable environments, but adaptive in unpredictable environments, so long as harshness is low. Here we provide evidence for the CFF using a decision-making task completed across two studies with a total of 299 English-speaking adults. In line with the CFF, we found that elective switching was suppressed by harshness, using both within- and between-subjects harshness manipulations. Our results highlight the need to study how cognitive flexibility adapts to diverse contexts.
Patient perceptions of disease burden and treatment of myasthenia gravis based on sentiment analysis of digital conversations
Authors: Anderson Ashley , Pesa Jacqueline , Choudhry Zia , Brethenoux Caroline , Furey Patrick , Jackson Louis , Valleta Liliana Gil , Quijano Laura Gonzalez , Lorenzo Alex
Published: March 2024

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare, autoimmune, antibody-mediated, neuromuscular disease. This study analyzed digital conversations about MG to explore unprovoked perspectives. Advanced search, data extraction, and artificial intelligence-powered algorithms were used to harvest, mine, and structure public domain digital conversations about MG from US Internet Protocol addresses (August 2021 to August 2022). Thematic analyses examined topics, mindsets, and sentiments/key drivers via natural language processing and text analytics. Findings were described by sex/gender and treatment experience with steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). The 13,234 conversations were extracted from message boards (51%), social media networks (22%), topical sites (21%), and blogs (6%). Sex/gender was confirmed as female in 5703 and male in 2781 conversations, and treatment experience was with steroids in 3255 and IVIg in 2106 conversations. Topics focused on diagnosis (29%), living with MG (28%), symptoms (24%), and treatment (19%). Within 3176 conversations about symptoms, eye problems (21%), facial muscle problems (18%), and fatigue (18%) were most commonly described. Negative sentiments about MG were expressed in 59% of conversations, with only 2% considered positive. Negative conversations were dominated by themes of impact on life (29%), misdiagnosis problems (27%), treatment issues (24%), and symptom severity (20%). Impact on life was a key driver of negativity in conversations by both men (27%) and women (34%), and treatment issues was a dominant theme in conversations by steroid-treated (29%) and IVIg-treated (31%) patients. Of 1382 conversations discussing treatment barriers, 36% focused on side effects, 33% on lack of efficacy, 21% on misdiagnosis, and 10% on cost/insurance. Side effects formed the main barrier in conversations by both steroid-treated and IVIg-treated patients. Capturing the patient voice via digital conversations reveals a high degree of concern related to burden of disease, misdiagnosis, and common MG treatments among those with MG, pointing to a need for treatment options that can improve quality of life.
Research on predicting the driving forces of digital transformation in Chinese media companies based on machine learning
Authors: Wang Zhan , Li Yao , Zhao Xu , Wang Yuxuan , Xiao Zihan
Published: March 2024

Chinese media companies are facing opportunities and challenges brought about by digital transformation. Media economics takes the evaluation of the business results of media companies as the main research topic. However, overcoming the internal differences in the industry and comprehensively predicting the digital transformation of Chinese media companies from multiple dimensions has become an important issue to be understood. Based on the “TOE-I” theoretical framework, this study innovatively uses machine learning methods to predict the digital transformation of Chinese media companies and to analyze specific modes of the main driving factors affecting the digital transformation, using data from China’s A-share-listed media companies from 2010 to 2020. The study found that environmental drivers can most effectively and accurately predict the digital transformation of Chinese media companies. Therefore, under sustained and stable economic and financial policies, guiding inter-industry competition and providing balanced digital infrastructure conditions are keys to bridging internal barriers in the media industry and promoting digital transformation. In the process of transformation from traditional content to digital production, media companies should focus on policy changes, economic benefits, the decision-making role of core managers, and the training and preservation of digital technology talent.
Compatibilizing of cotton fabric with hydrophobic drug cover layer for anti-inflammatory performance with the implementation of ibuprofen
Authors: Kopańska Aneta , Brzeziński Marek , Gonciarz Weronika , Draczyński Zbigniew
Published: March 2024

This paper presents active analgesic and anti-inflammatory dressings based on cotton woven material with surface functionalization enabling drug implementation. For this purpose, lactide was polymerized on the surface of cotton textiles to achieve better compatibility with hydrophobic drug and polylactide (PLA)-based macromolecules. Subsequently, ibuprofen-loaded PLA and PLA-PEG were implemented through the exhausting method. Such material was tested for cytotoxicity (toward L929 mouse fibroblasts) and anti-inflammatory activity (towards human Hs68 fibroblasts) based on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α. The results showed that the drug attachment and its performance are influenced by a combination of mercerization, bleaching and polylactide grafting, and the release of ibuprofen depends on the drug-loaded layer structure. Moreover, we show that cotton woven fabric with ibuprofen-loaded PLA and PLA-PEG cover layers had anti-inflammatory properties. These new dressings may open possibilities for developing prolonged analgesic and anti-inflammatory materials for wound healing or transdermal drug delivery.
A novel breast cancer image classification model based on multiscale texture feature analysis and dynamic learning
Authors: Guo Jia , Yuan Hao , Shi Binghua , Zheng Xiaofeng , Zhang Ziteng , Li Hongyan , Sato Yuji
Published: March 2024

Assistive medical image classifiers can greatly reduce the workload of medical personnel. However, traditional machine learning methods require large amounts of well-labeled data and long learning times to solve medical image classification problems, which can lead to high training costs and poor applicability. To address this problem, a novel unsupervised breast cancer image classification model based on multiscale texture analysis and a dynamic learning strategy for mammograms is proposed in this paper. First, a gray-level cooccurrence matrix and Tamura coarseness are used to transfer images to multiscale texture feature vectors. Then, an unsupervised dynamic learning mechanism is used to classify these vectors. In the simulation experiments with a resolution of 40 pixels, the accuracy, precision, F1-score and AUC of the proposed method reach 91.500%, 92.780%, 91.370%, and 91.500%, respectively. The experimental results show that the proposed method can provide an effective reference for breast cancer diagnosis.
A novel proteomic signature of osteoclast differentiation unveils the deubiquitinase UCHL1 as a necessary osteoclastogenic driver
Authors: Materozzi Maria , Resnati Massimo , Facchi Cecilia , Trudu Matteo , Orfanelli Ugo , Perini Tommaso , Gennari Luigi , Milan Enrico , Cenci Simone
Published: March 2024

Bone destruction, a major source of morbidity, is mediated by heightened differentiation and activity of osteoclasts (OC), highly specialized multinucleated myeloid cells endowed with unique bone-resorptive capacity. The molecular mechanisms regulating OC differentiation in the bone marrow are still partly elusive. Here, we aimed to identify new regulatory circuits and actionable targets by comprehensive proteomic characterization of OCgenesis from mouse bone marrow monocytes, adopting two parallel unbiased comparative proteomic approaches. This work disclosed an unanticipated protein signature of OCgenesis, with most gene products currently unannotated in bone-related functions, revealing broad structural and functional cellular reorganization and divergence from macrophagic immune activity. Moreover, we identified the deubiquitinase UCHL1 as the most upregulated cytosolic protein in differentiating OCs. Functional studies proved it essential, as UCHL1 genetic and pharmacologic inhibition potently suppressed OCgenesis. Furthermore, proteomics and mechanistic dissection showed that UCHL1 supports OC differentiation by restricting the anti-OCgenic activity of NRF2, the transcriptional activator of the canonical antioxidant response, through redox-independent stabilization of the NRF2 inhibitor, KEAP1. Besides offering a valuable experimental framework to dissect OC differentiation, our study discloses the essential role of UCHL1, exerted through KEAP1-dependent containment of NRF2 anti-OCgenic activity, yielding a novel potential actionable pathway against bone loss.
17 variants interaction of Wnt/β-catenin pathway associated with development of osteonecrosis of femoral head in Chinese Han population
Authors: Shi Chuankai , Li Xin , Sun Yu , Du Zhenwu , Zhang Guizhen , Che Zhenjia , Li Qingyu , Song Shiliang , Guo Jing , Sun Haoyan , Song Yang
Published: March 2024

The genes of Wnt/β-catenin pathway may have potential roles in fat accumulation of Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), but the effects of their variants in the pathway on ONFH development have been remained unclear. To explore the potential roles of the variants in the development of ONFH, we completed the investigation of the paired interactions as well as their related biological functions of 17 variants of GSK3β, LRP5, and FRP4 genes etc. in the pathway. The genotyping of the 17 variants were finished by MASS ARRAY PLATFORM in a 560 ONFH case–control system. The association of variants interactions with ONFH risk and clinical traits was evaluated by logistic regression analysis etc. and bioinformatics technology. The results showed that the genotype, allele frequency, and genetic models of Gsk3β rs334558 (G/A), SFRP4 rs1052981 (A/G), and LRP5 rs312778 (T/C) were significantly associated with the increased and decreased ONFH risk and clinical traits, respectively (P < 0.001–0.0002). Particularly, the paired interactions of six variants as well as eight variants also showed statistically increased and decreased ONFH risk, bilateral hip lesions risk and stage IV risk of ONFH, respectively (P < 0.044–0.004). Our results not only at the first time simultaneously showed exact serum lipid disorder and abnormal platelet function of ONFH in the same study system with the 17 variants polymorphisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway but also shed light on the variants closely intervening the lipid disorder and abnormal coagulation of ONFH.
Low to moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and neurodevelopment in a prospective cohort of early school aged children
Authors: Muggli Evelyne , Halliday Jane , Hearps Stephen , Nguyen Thi-Nhu-Ngoc , Penington Anthony , Thompson Deanne K. , Spittle Alicia , Forster Della A. , Lewis Sharon , Elliott Elizabeth J. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: March 2024

Evidence is strong for adverse fetal effects of high level or chronic prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), but many pregnant women continue to drink at lower levels. The ‘Asking Questions about Alcohol in pregnancy’ prospective cohort aimed to determine the neurodevelopmental consequences at 6–8 years of age of low to moderate PAE. 1570 women from seven public antenatal clinics in Melbourne, Australia, provided information on frequency and quantity of alcohol use, and obstetric, lifestyle and socio-environmental confounders at four gestation timepoints. PAE was classified into five trajectories plus controls. At 6–8 years, 802 of 1342 eligible families took part and completed a questionnaire (60%) and 696 children completed neuropsychological assessments (52%). Multiple linear regressions examined mean outcome differences between groups using complete case and multiple imputation models. No meaningful relationships were found between any of the PAE trajectories and general cognition, academic skills, motor functioning, behaviour, social skills, social communication, and executive function. Maternal education most strongly influenced general cognition and academic skills. Parenting behaviours and financial situation were associated with academic skills, behaviour, social skills and/or executive function. The lack of association between PAE and neurodevelopment at 6–8 years may partly be explained by cumulative positive effects of socio-environmental factors.
Axial compression tests on CFRP strengthened CFS plain angle short columns
Authors: Vivek K. S. , Dar Mohammad Adil , Ali M. I. , Manohar M. , Sreedhar Babu T.
Published: March 2024

A comprehensive test program was performed to experimentally investigate the effect of CFRP strengthening on the axial strength and stability of CFS plain angle short columns subjected to monotonic axial compression. A total of 28 specimens were tested by varying the CFRP strengthening configurations for different column heights. Both uni-directional (CF_UD) and bi-directional (CF_BD) CFRP were considered. The influence of various parameters such as the type of CFRP, fiber orientation, and number of CFRP layers was investigated and discussed in detail. For single layer (ply) of CFRP, CF_UD-0° strengthening configuration resulted in maximum increase of axial capacity by 58.33% and 45.72% (in comparison to bare steel specimens), corresponding to 0.5 m and 1.0 m column lengths respectively. All the bare steel and skin-strengthened specimens failed predominantly due to torsional–flexural buckling mode. Additional layer of CFRP wrapping was found to enhance the axial capacity further and CF_UD-0°/BD was found to possess greater capacity in the case of double layer of CFRP. Adopting cardboard in-fill in addition to CF_UD-0° wrap has prevented the torsional mode of buckling and resulted in a peak increase of axial capacity by 192.55% and 240.61% corresponding to 500 mm and 100 mm long specimens, respectively.
Development of antibacterial collagen membranes with optimal silver nanoparticle content for periodontal regeneration
Authors: Takallu Sara , Kakian Farshad , Bazargani Abdollah , Khorshidi Hooman , Mirzaei Esmaeil
Published: March 2024

The effective control of pathogenic bacteria is crucial in the restoration of periodontal tissue affected by periodontitis. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) membranes are commonly used to aid in the repair of periodontal defects. Therefore, there is a clear advantage in developing antibacterial periodontal membranes that can effectively eliminate infections and promote tissue regeneration. This study aimed to create a collagen membrane with optimal content of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for effective antibacterial properties and minimal toxicity to mammalian cells. Ascorbic acid-reduced AgNPs were incorporated into collagen at the ratio of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% (based on total dry weight). Collagen/AgNPs hydrogels were compressed and freeze-dried to form membranes and then were characterized. Antibacterial activity was tested against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Enterococcus faecalis, and membrane cytocompatibility was accomplished on human gingival fibroblasts. Membranes with 2% and 3% AgNPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity, while 1% showed minimal activity and 0.5% and 0% showed none. HGF cells on the 3% AgNPs membrane had poor viability, proliferation, and adhesion, but 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% AgNPs membranes showed desirable cellular behavior. In conclusion, the collagen membrane with 2% AgNPs demonstrated both antibacterial capacity and excellent cytocompatibility, making it a promising choice for periodontal treatments, especially in GTR approaches.
Study on the effect of different high-voltage electric field polarization process parameters on the vitality of dried chili pepper seeds
Authors: Sun Sheng , Hu Bin , Wu Xinming , Luo Xin , Guo Mengyu , Liu Hanjun
Published: March 2024

To study the effect of different high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment process parameters on the viability of seeds of dried chili peppers. In this study, a high-voltage electrostatic polarisation treatment system was constructed to carry out experiments on the effects of different high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment process parameters on the viability of dried chili seeds. Conduct one-way tests to determine the preferred polarisation method and the preferred interval for output voltage and polarisation time. Two-factor, five-level central combination test with output voltage and polarization time as test factors and seed conductivity as a response indicator. Determining the better combination of parameters for output voltage and polarization time; Conducting seed germination trials to validate the effectiveness of the polarisation process. The results of the one-way test showed that: Negative-voltage polarisation was more effective than positive-voltage polarisation and alternating positive–negative-voltage polarisation in promoting seed vigor, with a better output voltage in the range of 10–14 kV, and a better polarisation time in the range of 20–40 s; The results of orthogonal tests showed that: Under the condition of negative voltage polarisation treatment, the output voltage of 12.08 kV and polarisation time of 30.32 s was the better parameter combination, at which the seed conductivity was minimum 159.87 uS/(cm g). Analyzing the function of cell membrane selective semi-permeability by seed conductivity change and revealing the mechanism of seed viability enhancement by high voltage electric field polarisation treatment; In the seed germination test, compared with the control group, seed germination potential increased by 9.09%, germination rate increased by 20.45%, germination index increased by 3.49, and vigor index increased by 41.66 under high-voltage electrostatic polarisation treatment, and all vigor indexes were significantly improved. The results of this study can provide a basis for the selection of processes and parameters for subsequent high-voltage electric field polarisation treatment of crop seeds.
Spatial and temporal variation in surface nitrate and phosphate in the Northern Gulf of Mexico over 35 years
Authors: Acosta Kailani G. , Juhl Andrew R. , Subramaniam Ajit , Duhamel Solange
Published: March 2024

Dissolved inorganic nutrient concentrations in the surface waters (0 to 5 m) of the Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM) were analyzed from 1985 to 2019 (> 10,000 observations) to determine spatiotemporal trends and their connection to nutrients supplied from the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River (MAR). In the NGoM, annual mean dissolved inorganic P (DIP) concentrations increased significantly over time, while dissolved inorganic N (DIN) concentrations showed no temporal trend. With greater salinity, mean DIN:DIP decreased from above the Redfield ratio of 16 to below it, reflecting DIN losses and the more conservative behavior of DIP with salinity. Over the same time period, annual mean P (total dissolved P, DIP, dissolved organic P) loading from the MAR to the NGoM significantly increased, annual mean DIN and total dissolved N loading showed no temporal trend, and dissolved organic N loading significantly decreased. Though DIP increased in the MAR, MAR DIP alone was insufficient to explain the surface distribution of DIP with salinity. Therefore, increases in surface DIP in the NGoM are not simply a reflection of increasing MAR DIP, pointing to temporal changes in other DIP sources. The increase in NGoM DIP suggests greater N limitation for phytoplankton, with implications for N fixation and nutrient management.
Intensification and shutdown of deep convection in the Labrador Sea were caused by changes in atmospheric and freshwater dynamics
Authors: Yashayaev Igor
Published: March 2024

Labrador Sea winter convection forms a cold, fresh and dense water mass, Labrador Sea Water, that sinks to the intermediate and deep layers and spreads across the ocean. Convective mixing undergoes multi-year cycles of intensification (deepening) and relaxation (shoaling), which have been also shown to modulate long-term changes in the atmospheric gas uptake by the sea. Here I analyze Argo float and ship-based observations to document the 2012-2023 convective cycle. I find that the highest winter cooling for the 1994-2023 period was in 2015, while the deepest convection for the 1996-2023 period was in 2018. Convective mixing continued to deepen after 2015 because the 2012-2015 winter mixing events preconditioned the water column to be susceptible to deep convection in three more years. The progressively intensified 2012-2018 winter convections generated the largest and densest class of Labrador Sea Water since 1995. Convection weakened afterwards, rapidly shoaling by 800 m per year in the winters of 2021 and 2023. Distinct processes were responsible for these two convective shutdowns. In 2021, a collapse and an eastward shift of the stratospheric polar vortex, and a weakening and a southwestward shift of the Icelandic Low resulted in extremely low surface cooling and convection depth. In 2023, by contrast, convective shutdown was caused by extensive upper layer freshening originated from extreme Arctic sea-ice melt due to Arctic Amplification of Global Warming.
Low-temperature synthesis of porous high-entropy (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4 spheres and their application to the reverse water–gas shift reaction as catalysts
Authors: Taniguchi Ayano , Fujita Takeshi , Kobiro Kazuya
Published: March 2024

A porous spherical high-entropy oxide was synthesized via a solvothermal reaction (200 °C) followed by low-temperature calcination (500 °C).