bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microwave-Assisted Reverse Micellar Synthesis of Sm0.42Ca0.58MnO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: . Pratheek , Hegde B G , Bhat SV
Published: January 2024

The control of size and dispersity of particles is a crucial aspect of nanoparticle preparation. In this work we report on microwave assisted reverse micelle method of preparation of nanoparticles of the doped rare earth manganite Sm0.42Ca0.58MnO3 and compare the results with those obtained from conventional sonication assisted reverse micelle method. We find that the microwave assisted method enables the preparation of particles of smaller size and minimal polydispersity. The study of such particles may lead to the resolution of the longstanding issue of the nature of the charge order (CO) melting in nanomangnites, namely whether the size induced melting of CO in nanomangnites is complete or some residual short-range CO still persists.
Defence mechanism through a biochemical pathway in Kabuli chickpea genotypes against Ascochyta blight
Authors: Abassy Omer , Kaur Satvir Grewal , Rani Upasana
Published: January 2024

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), the second-largest global pulse crop, plays a crucial role in providing essential minerals and dietary fiber. Ascochyta blight, caused by the necrotrophic pathogen Ascochyta rabiei, poses a substantial threat to chickpea cultivation. Contemporary cultivars often lose resistance to this disease, necessitating improved management strategies. In this study, six Kabuli chickpea genotypes underwent at treated and controlled conditions, identifying GLK 10–40, GLK 20055, FLIP 09-194C, FLIP 04-219C, and ICCV 55215 resistant and GLK 17301 susceptible to Ascochyta blight. The exploration into the biochemical responses of these genotypes revealed dynamic shifts in enzymatic activities and biochemical components post-fungal infection. PAL enzyme activity witnessed a remarkable 45.5-fold increase at 96 hours post inoculation in the resistant genotype GLK 10–40, underscoring its essential role in the early defense cascade against Ascochyta blight. TAL and PPO activity peaked at 96 hours post inoculation notably in GLK 20055 and GLK 10–40 respectively, emphasizing its participation in the initial defense response. POD activity, a crucial element in plant immunity, reached its peak at 96 hours post inoculation, particularly in the resistant line GLK 20055, signifying prolonged defense mechanisms. Lignin content exhibited a consistent increase till 144 hour post inoculation notably in GLK 20055, highlighting its structural contribution to defense against Ascochyta blight. Total phenol content, crucial in resisting microbial infection, showed heightened levels till 144 hour post inoculation in resistant line FLIP 04-219C maintaining sustained high levels. These findings unveil the biochemical intricacies of chickpea defense mechanisms against Ascochyta blight, laying the groundwork for targeted breeding or genetic engineering. The identified genotypes, such as GLK 10–40, GLK 20055, and FLIP 04-219C, hold promise for developing resilient chickpea cultivars to counter this challenging disease, crucial for ensuring global food security.
Structural, Spectroscopic and Electrical Characterization of Strontium doped Lanthanum Cobaltite (LSC) as Cathode for SOFC
Authors: Kamble B. S. , Chougale U. M.
Published: January 2024

Lanthanum Strontium Cobaltite (LSC) thin films with 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mol % strontium were synthesized by spray pyrolysis technique (SPT). These thin films were sintered at 1100 ℃ and structural characterization has been studied by XRD for confirmation of phase and to find the crystalline size. By using FESEM surface morphological analysis was done to calculate grain size. Elemental analyses were done by EDAX. The morphological structure was studied by AFM and it was found uniform and spongy morphology of LSC thin films. At different positions, FWHM was calculated by using Micro Raman spectroscopy. The surface properties of the thin film were studied by XPS. The D. C. electrical resistivity and dielectric constant were measured with a variation of temperature, and it exhibited semiconducting behavior. Impedance study of LSC samples was studied and it was found that space charge polarization occurs in the samples.
Sports promote brain evolution: A Resting-State fMRI Study of volleyball athlete
Authors: Zhang Jun-Peng , Zhu Ping , Cai Zengliang , Xing Xiang-Xin , Wu Jia-Jia , Zheng Mou-Xiong , Hua Xu-Yun , Gong Bo-Min , Xu Jian-Guang
Published: January 2024

Background
Long-term skill learning can lead to structure and function changes in the brain. Different sports can trigger neuroplasticity in distinct brain regions. Volleyball, as one of the most popular team sports, heavily relies on individual abilities such as perception and prediction for high-level athletes to excel. However, the specific brain mechanisms that contribute to the superior performance of volleyball athletes compared to non-athletes remain unclear.
Method
We conducted a study involving the recruitment of ten female volleyball athletes and ten regular female college students, forming the athlete and novice groups, respectively. Comprehensive behavioral assessments, including Functional Movement Screen and audio-visual reaction time tests, were administered to both groups. Additionally, resting-state magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) data were acquired for both groups. Subsequently, we conducted in-depth analyses, focusing on the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations(ALFF), regional homogeneity(ReHo), and functional connectivity (FC) in the brain for both the athlete and novice groups.
Results
No significant differences were observed in the behavioral data between the two groups. However, the athlete group exhibited noteworthy enhancements in both the ALFF and ReHo within the visual cortex compared to the novice group. Moreover, the functional connectivity between the visual cortex and key brain regions, including the left primary sensory cortex, left supplementary motor cortex, right insula, left superior temporal gyrus, and left inferior parietal lobule, was notably stronger in the athlete group than in the novice group.
Conclusion
This study has unveiled the remarkable impact of volleyball athletes on various brain functions related to vision, movement, and cognition. It indicates that volleyball, as a team-based competitive activity, fosters the advancement of visual, cognitive, and motor skills. These findings lend additional support to the early cultivation of sports talents and the comprehensive development of adolescents. Furthermore, they offer fresh perspectives on preventing and treating movement-related disorders.
Immunogenicity of DNA vaccine encoding spike protein against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in mammalian model
Authors: sherif Mohamed E. Abo , Shama Noura M. Abo , Mahmoud Sara H. , El-Desouky Mohamed A. , Hanna Demiana H. , Ahmed Ali
Published: January 2024

Background:
The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is currently a major threat to public health worldwide. There are, as of yet, no licensed MERS-CoV vaccines or therapeutics. The rapid development and deployment of low-cost and effective vaccines against emerging variants has renewed interest in DNA vaccine technology. So, the aim of the current study is the generation and immunological evaluation of DNA vaccine candidates against MERS-CoV.
Methods:
The spike gene was selected to generate the DNA vaccine, which encodes the spike protein of coronaviruses that plays a pivotal role in viral entry into host cells and serves as a primary target for host immune responses. Moreover, the antibody responses post-immunization with spike-DNA fragment and inactivated coronaviruses vaccines was explored, using a microneutralization assay with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2), and the log2 antibody titers at different time points (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks) post-vaccination was measured.
Results:
The inactivated MERS-CoV and pCDNA3.1-S-MERS-CoV vaccines maintained steady log2 antibody titers, showing no specific response to SARS-CoV-2 in the control group (PBS). Microneutralization against MERS-CoV showed no significant antibody titers for Inactivated SARS-CoV-2, suggesting no cross-reactivity. Sustained antibody titers for Inactivated MERS-CoV indicate vaccine-induced stability.
Conclusion:
This study sheds light on antibody responses induced by these vaccines against MERS-CoV, aiding rapid development and deployment of low-cost and effective vaccines. These insights are crucial for optimizing vaccine strategies, particularly in the context of the evolving MERS-CoV pandemic.
Executive Functions, Anxiety, Social Participation and Quality of Life in Children with Migraine During COVID-19
Authors: Genizi Jacob , Samet Hila , Huseein Zaitoon , Elimelech Uriel , Kerem Nogah C. , Kessel Aharon , Shalata Adel , Nathan Keren , Engel-Yeger Batya
Published: January 2024

Objective: To compare executive functions (EF), anxiety, social participation, and quality of life (QoL) between children with migraine and healthy controls during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to examine these parameters in children in each group who did vs. did not contract COVID-19.
Background: Migraine is among the most prevalent headache disorders in children, especially in adolescents. Migraine is exacerbated by stress, and it holds potential to affect patients’ emotional and cognitive state and, by extension, their functioning and wellbeing – parameters that were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study. The patient group comprised children seen in our pediatric neurology clinic for migraine, and the control group was composed of aged-matched healthy children with no neurological findings or developmental disorders. Participants’ parents completed a health and demographic questionnaire, BRIEF (child/adolescent version), PedsQL, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) and CASP. Participants or their parents furnished information on whether the participant had contracted COVID-19.
Results: 84 children and adolescents aged 6–17.5 participated in the study: 33 with migraine (17 boys, 16 girls); 51 healthy controls (28 boys, 23 girls). Children with migraine showed significantly lower EF due to reduced behavioral regulation, higher trait anxiety, and lower physical, emotional, and school related QoL. Reduced EFs correlated with intensity of migraine attacks, higher anxiety, reduced social participation, and reduced QoL. Lower social participation correlated with reduced QoL and predicted emotional and social QoL. The BRIEF metacognition scale predicted school-related QoL. Healthy children who contracted COVID-19 showed significantly lower EF than children with migraine in the inhibition (56.66±10.56 vs 45.71±7.12-, p=.013) and initiation (60.01±11.89 vs 46.01±6.54, p=.005) BRIEF scales, and in the general metacognition index (65.83±14.48 vs 46.75±9.19, p=.003).
Healthy children who contracted COVID-19 had significantly worse initiation and working memory compared to those who did not contract COVID-19 (initiation: 60.01±11.89 vs 46.81±8.89, p=.007), working memory: 61.16±15.48 vs 47.21±11.06, p=.021).
Conclusion: Migraine has a significant negative impact on executive functions in children and adolescents, even more than contracting COVID-19. Executive dysfunction influences their emotional state, participation in social activities, and quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic had a less deleterious effect on migraine patients compared to the healthy control group. Further research on pediatric migraine is warranted.
A study on the temperature of cutting fluid in the micro-cutting of commercially pure titanium
Authors: Assis João Octávio Marçal , Lauro Carlos Henrique , Pereira Robson Bruno Dutra , Brandão Lincoln Cardoso , Arruda Étory Madrilles , Davim João Paulo
Published: January 2024

The sustainable machining is a delicate issue because it does not depend only on the environment aspects. A simple solution would be to remove the use of cutting fluids, however, in the machining of difficult-to-cut materials, the use of cutting fluid can be strongly recommended. In these materials, the high temperature during the cut can cause damages that compromise the component efficiency, likes cracks, microstructure, and others. In recent years, the micro-cutting has been employed to obtain more detailed components and/or great surface quality, regardless of dimensions. In this work, the orthogonal micro-cutting of commercially pure titanium was investigated, employing the dry condition and the use of cutting fluid at different temperature, room temperature and the cooled. To know the cutting fluids effects, forces, friction, specific cutting energy, chip compression, chip deformation, and shear plane angle was compared. These outcomes indicated that, under the test conditions, the use of cutting fluid, principally when cooled, had a negative effect on micro-cutting performance.
Factors Associated with Antenatal Care Visit and Measles Immunization of Children in Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Maliki Iya , Njoh Andreas Ateke , Castetbon Katia
Published: January 2024

Background
Antenatal care is critical for improving maternal and newborn health. Late-onset antenatal care limits the effectiveness of addressing obstetrical problems. Measles is one of the leading causes of mortality among children, and the utilization of prenatal care relates to child immunization. There is an impact of antenatal care visits on child immunization. This study, therefore, sought to determine the factors associated with the first antenatal care visit and complete measles immunization coverage in children older than twelve months in Nigeria.
Methods
The study is a cross-sectional analysis of household sample demographic and health survey (DHS) in Nigeria from 2008 to 2013. It reviews reproductive-age females 15 to 49 years and their children older than 12 months. Data on gestational age at the first antenatal care (ANC) visit and measles immunization of children were checked. The logistic model was used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted OR, while the Student, ANOVA, and linear regression model eased the evaluation of unadjusted and adjusted mean change in gestational age at the first antenatal care visit. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Data from 5968 females and 3994 children were sampled. The residence type was statistically significant with the age of the first antenatal visit. In univariate analysis, education attainment, wealth index, and occupation were statistically significant. Living in a rural area, wealth index, first ANC, and the child’s age (> 24) increased the odds of measles immunization statistically significantly in logistics regression. The observation was similar except for the wealth index in the multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
The woman’s education level, first ANC by a midwife, and the child’s age (> 24) are determinants of children’s complete measles immunization. These factors demand attention when addressing ANC and measles vaccination in Nigeria.
Research on Image Information Mining Needed for Multi-modal Knowledge Graph Construction and Application
Authors: Peng Jinghui , Hu Xinyu , Yang Jian , Li Yi
Published: January 2024

An image is an important form of information transmission and contains a lot of effective information. With the explosive growth of multi-modal data represented by pictures, the multi-modal knowledge graph (MMKG) has become an effective means to manage and apply. It is necessary to obtain comprehensive and effective image data to construct a high-quality MMKG. This research focuses on the construction of MMKG, mainly from the analysis of graph structure and characteristics. Firstly, the structural characteristics and elements composition of the MMKG are described. Then, introduced the existing forms of image entity recognition, multi-features capture, scene graphs generation respectively, and description text generation is in the graph and summarized the main mining methods. Finally, analyzed several applications of image data in a commodity multi-modal knowledge graph.
Network Dynamics in Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: Insights from Effective Connectivity Analysis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Ruan Zhao , Rao Bo , Li Yidan , Sun Wenbo , Li Tianliang , Gao Lei , Xu Haibo
Published: January 2024

This study investigates post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) by utilizing spectral dynamic causal modeling (spDCM) to examine changes in effective connectivity (EC) within the default mode network, executive control network, dorsal attention network, and salience network. Forty-one PSCI patients and 41 demographically matched healthy controls underwent 3D-T1WI and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging on 3.0T MRI. The study compared the EC among eight representative regions of interest using spDCM and analyzed the correlation between the altered EC and cognitive tests. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on lesion location. The study found a significant increase in EC in the PSCI group, specifically from the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) to the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L_DLPFC and R_DLPFC, respectively), and from the right insula to R_DLPFC (p = 0.01, dNBS-corrected). The study found that these changes were significantly negatively correlated with cognitive scores. Subgroup analysis also showed increased executive control in PSCI patients with left anterior circulation lesions. Validation through low-order functional connectivity analysis revealed abnormalities dominated by large-scale intra- and inter-network functional connectivity increases in patients with PSCI. The study suggests that there is an increase in effective connectivity between networks, particularly within the triple network model. The findings implicate the PCC and R_DLPFC in the pathophysiology of PSCI, which sheds light on its cognitive implications. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding network changes in PSCI from various perspectives and enhances our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying PSCI, establishing a foundation for future research.
Network pharmacology and an in silico-based study to identify proinflammatory pathways and promising bioactive polyphenols for the treatment of sickle cell anemia
Authors: Pérez Lila Rosa Maturana , Lázaro Johana Márquez , Puentes Neyder Contreras , Amador Antístio Álvis , Marrugo-Padilla Albeiro
Published: January 2024

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a disease transmitted as an autosomal recessive Mendelian trait. It causes symptoms that worsen with age, such as acute and chronic pain, chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, stroke, kidney disease, and vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), which are the leading cause of hospitalization and premature death. Although there are existing treatments to manage it, side effects related to VOCs such as patients’ inflammatory state requires the review of options for its control. In this sense, the study of polyphenols represents a potential alternative for the treatment of ACS due to their widely reported anti-inflammatory capacities. This research identified hub genes associated with inflammatory processes in SCA by extracting differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in a GEO dataset collection. Then, polyphenols with anti-inflammatory activity were selected from natural product databases, subsequently, molecular docking was performed with the polyphenols and the key protein derived from the selected hub genes. Finally, molecular dynamics were performed on the promising complexes. The comparative analysis allowed us to find 10 genes associated with proinflammatory pathways in SCA (MX1, FIT1, IFIT3, STAT1, ISG15, GBP1, OAS1, OAS2, OAS3, and RSAD); among them, STAT1 was selected as a central gene by regulating the expression of the rest. Docking and dynamics studies showed good binding energies among STAT1 and the fifteen polyphenolic extracted compounds, with quercetin, diosmetin, and fisetin showing the lowest binding energies. These flavonoids have been described in the past as compounds having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features, as well as possible alternatives for SCA treatment.
Quantifying Human Postural Sway Stability Using Finite Time Lyapunov Exponents and Wearable Inertial Sensors
Authors: Levschuk Adam , Servati Amir , Servati Peyman
Published: January 2024

As the field of predictive modeling becomes more sophisticated, there has been a shift in defining dynamical system not with analytical models, but with experimental data and large-scale simulations. Understanding human biomechanics, balance, and postural sway is no different. Predicting falls and identifying the limits of bipedal balance has been a goal of biomechanics researchers attempting to mitigate falls. Here we present a novel method for calculating a reduced-order finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) model for human postural sway in the frontal and sagittal planes. State-space trajectories reconstructed from position and angular velocity data measured by wearable inertial measurement units on the upper and back were used to characterize the wearer’s postural sway trajectories. Participants stood in four poses of increasing balance-difficulty, and one-way ANOVA testing revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in FTLE models could be appreciated between poses provoking greater instability of postural sway. The FTLE model for human balance presented here could one day be used to predict a person’s likelihood of falling and give therapists an additional method to assess a person’s plane-specific postural control strategies.
Pathogenesis of ossification of ligamentum flavum might be associated with its stem cells
Authors: Li Hui , Li Jie , Ji Zhongyin , Kong Xiangxi , Zhao Yihao , Huang Bao , Tao Siyue , Jin Jiayan , Shan Zhi , Zhao Fengdong , Chen Binhui , Liu Junhui
Published: January 2024

Objective: Ossification of ligamentum flavum(OLF) is a process of endochondral ossification, but the study of its pathogenesis remains incomplete. Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have multiple differentiation potential and they have been isolated in various human tissues. We aimed to deeply illustrate the role of ligament-like stem cells in the pathogenesis of OLF and provide new ideas for potential clinical treatment methods, and hopefully evaluate the progression and severity from another perspective..Methods: The morphological structure of ligamentum flavum ossification was observed by micro-CT. The osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation markers were then detected through the staining sections of ligamentum flavum specimens. Immunohistochemical staining and flow cytometry were performed to observe the localization of MSCs in the ligamentum flavum. Moreover, gene expression microarray data were enriched to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key molecular events in OLF.Results: We found ectopic ossification and atrophic calcification of the mineralized structures in OLF. Osteogenic differentiation, lipogenic differentiation and chondrogenic differentiation occurred in OLF. GO, KEGG and GSEA results elucidated the possible tri-lineage differentiation process of MSCs during ligamentum flavum ossification from the GSE113212 dataset. In addition, CD44 and CD90-positive cells were significantly decreased in OLF tissues. CD44 and CD90-positive cells were enriched around the small blood vessels in the chondrogenic or inflammatory zones, indicating that MSCs were involved in the ossification progression of the ligamentum flavum.Conclusions: A tri-lineage differentiation exists in OLF. A class of ligamentum flavum-like stem cells with similar markers of MSCs can be isolated from ligamentum flavum tissues, which may be involved in the pathological progression of OLF.
Novel Ring for Tricuspid Annuloplasty: A Feasibility Study in Animal Model
Authors: Wang Junjie , Huang Suiqing , Hou Jian , Yang Song , Chen Jiantao , Liang Mengya , Liu Quan , Li Huayang , Shang Liqun , Li Wei , Feng Kangni , Chen Guangxian , Wu Zhongkai
Published: January 2024

Background
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is the most common disease of the tricuspid valve, and tricuspid valvuloplasty is the main treatment method. Currently, most tricuspid annuloplasty rings are incomplete and rigid and can easily cause myocardial tear and prosthesis dehiscence. Therefore, we developed a novel tricuspid annuloplasty ring and evaluated its effectiveness.
Methods
In this study, eight adult pigs were selected, and implanted the novel rings (N = 4) and the commercial Edwards MC3 rings (N = 4) respectively, through median thoracotomy. The perioperative echocardiographic data were recorded, and a 6-month follow-up was completed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the novel rings.
Results
The average weight of the pigs was 70.06 kg. A total of five pigs successfully underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty and completed follow-up. The diameter of the native tricuspid annulus ranged from 25 to 29 mm. Three pigs experienced the decline of tricuspid regurgitation grade after surgery. The average tricuspid transvalvular gradients at one month and six months after the operation were 4.28 mmHg and 4.26 mmHg, respectively. No serious complications related to surgery, such as bleeding, infective endocarditis, or pericardial effusion, were found during the follow-up period. Autopsy confirmed that the tricuspid valves had good morphology and function, and the valve leaflets were completely closed. No deformation of the tricuspid annuloplasty rings was observed.
Conclusions
The novel tricuspid valvuloplasty ring was confirmed to be feasible in this animal model. During the six-month follow-up, the rings showed good effects without significant complications.
A novel cotton bio-scouring using pectinase in combination with Fenton system
Authors: Luo Laipeng , Ding Chenkun , Zhu Qinting , Liu Lei , Wang Ping , Wang Qiang , Yu Yuanyuan
Published: January 2024

Untreated cotton fabrics are hydrophobic due to the high content of pectin and waxes, and the fabrics need to improve the wettability by scouring for the demands of the subsequent processing such as dyeing and finishing. In this study, a new scouring method for cotton fabrics was developed by pectin hydrolase combined with Fenton system (Fe2+/H2O2). The mechanism of pectin degradation by pectinase combined with Fe2+/H2O2 was investigated. The results showed that α-1,4-glycosidic bonds of water-soluble pectin could be degraded more efficiently by pectinase hydrolysis and Fe2+/H2O2 oxidation. The fabrics scoured with pectinase→Fe2+/H2O2 had less wetting time (4.25 s) and higher vertical wicking height (9.80 cm) compared to the fabrics treated with pectinase alone (> 120 s, 5.15 cm). The results of bleaching and dyeing experiments indicated that the whiteness and dyeing properties of the fabrics were not negatively affected by pectinase→Fe2+/H2O2 treatment, and the strength loss of the fabrics (11.79%) was lower than that of the fabrics with conventional NaOH treatment (20.16%). The results of the experiments in the pilot-scale machine showed that various performance indicators of the fabrics scoured by pectinase→Fe2+/H2O2 reached the level of the conventional NaOH treatment, which demonstrated the possibility for practical application of pectinase→Fe2+/H2O2 scouring. The cotton fabric scouring using pectinase→Fe2+/H2O2 is an effective and feasible new method with advantages such as environmental friendliness, mild treatment conditions, and good treatment effect.
A minimum data standard for reporting host-feeding patterns of vectors
Authors: Wehmeyer Magdalena Laura , Sauer Felix Gregor , Lühken Renke
Published: January 2024

Introduction:
Host-feeding patterns provide insights about transmission cycles of vector-borne pathogens. These are investigated by the blood meal identification of engorged vector specimens collected in the field. However, publications on host-feeding patterns often do not report their methods and results in a standardized way. A lot of information is lost due to missing (e.g. GPS coordinates), incomplete (e.g. vector species) or aggregated information (e.g. sampling site and time point). This prevents systematic analysis in a broad context, e.g. in meta-analysis or comparative studies.
Methods:
We identified information important for the comparability and useability of host-feeding data and created a minimum standard data basis for the reporting of methods and results for studies on the host-feeding patterns of vectors. The usefulness of the proposed variables for standardization are demonstrated with the example of a previously published study on mosquito host-feeding patterns in Panama.
Results:
A proposed table with 18 variables in three sections allows a standardized reporting of details of vector host-feeding studies. These comprise details about the field methods (time, location and method of collection), information about the methods used to identify the vectors and the hosts, and subsequently the outcome data regarding vector species, host species and number of specimens.
Discussion:
With the proposed data standard we aim to facilitate the complete reporting of different host-feeding studies in the future. This will help to compare findings of different host-feeding studies allowing to understand pathogen transmission cycles and to direct further research.
Association Between the fibrinogen Level and Stroke-Associated Pneumonia in Patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Du Hui , Song Zhibin , qi Mei , zhang Guifeng , yuan Suhua , Yuan Feng , Wang Hui
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Prior research has indicated a relationship between fibrinogen and stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), yet the nature of this relationship has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study is designed to elucidate the prognostic value of fibrinogen levels in forecasting the occurrence of stroke-associated pneumonia among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, we included 1092 patients who experienced acute ischemic strokes and were admitted to our facility within 72 hours of the onset of their symptoms. Based on the stroke-associated pneumonia diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into two groups: stroke-associated pneumonia and non-stroke-associated pneumonia. The correlation between serum fibrinogen concentration and stroke-associated pneumonia was examined using univariate analysis. Curve fitting and multivariable logistic regression model were utilized for statistical evaluation.
Results: Out of the ischemic stroke patients included in the study, stroke-associated pneumonia was identified in 112 (10.26%) patients. A direct correlation was observed between fibrinogen levels and the incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia. An increase in fibrinogen levels corresponded with a heightened incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant positive association between fibrinogen levels and stroke-associated pneumonia incidence (OR=1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.18, 1.99)).
Conclusion: A linear relationship between serum fibrinogen levels and the incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia in ischemic stroke patients is shown. The serum fibrinogen levels is positively and linearly correlated to stroke-associated pneumonia risk.
EFNA4 as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GBMLGG
Authors: Tang Qingyu , Zhang Zhuomiao , Liu Shixuan , Shao Jinrui , Zhao Xiaoyan , Du Zhaoqing
Published: January 2024

Background
Ephrin-A4 (EFNA4) is present in numerous tissues and is connected to the growth and development of multiple types of cancer. The differences in EFNA4 expression in various types of cancer and its impact on glioblastoma and low-grade glioma (GBMLGG) are not well understood. This research seeks to determine the prognostic value of EFNA4 in predicting the outcomes of GBMLGG and to examine the role of EFNA4 in tumorigenesis in GBMLGG.
Methods
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases were used to examine the differential expression and genetic alterations of EFNA4, and their relationship with patient survival in 33 cancer types. Multiple algorithms were used to examine the correlation between EFNA4 expression and the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts, the immune infiltration landscape, expression of immunomodulatory genes, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and the microsatellite instability (MSI) score of GBMLGG. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models and a nomogram were developed to forecast the outcomes of patients with GBMLGG. We also established protein-protein interaction networks, identified related functional signaling pathways, and conducted drug sensitivity analyses to examine the role of EFNA4 in the progression of GBMLGG.
Results
In most types of cancer, there was an increase in EFNA4 mRNA expression, which was found to be associated with prognosis. The expression of EFNA4 had a positive correlation with cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration levels in various cancer types, and the levels of EFNA4 expression were markedly elevated in tumor tissues in comparison to normal tissues in GBMLGG. Overexpression of EFNA4 was significantly correlated with tumor progression, a poor prognosis, and high immune scores in GBMLGG. The nomogram and EFNA4 expression status demonstrated their ability to accurately predict the outcomes of patients with GBMLGG. Moreover, it was discovered that the expression of EFNA4 had a considerable correlation with the expression of immunomodulatory genes and biological processes such as immune cell infiltration, the tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, neurotransmitter transmission between synapses, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in GBMLGG.
Conclusions
The findings of this research indicate that EFNA4 has great potential as both a prognostic biomarker and a target for the therapy for GBMLGG.
Clinical efficacy and biomechanical analysis of a novel hollow pedicle screw combined with kyphoplasty for the treatment of Kümmell disease
Authors: Zhong Shixiao , Zhong Hui , Huang Kun , Zhao Yayu , Lei Wen , Li Weichao
Published: January 2024

Background Vertebral augmentation is the preferred treatment for Kümmell disease (KD), but there exists a risk of cement displacement resulting in severe back pain and exacerbation of kyphosis. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel hollow pedicle screw combined with kyphoplasty (HPS-KP) for treating KD, effectively preventing postoperative bone cement displacement.
Methods The prospective study included 52 KD patients with no neurological deficit detected during clinical and radiological evaluation who underwent HPS-KP (n=25) and PKP (n=27) surgeries. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI), anterior vertebral height (AVH), wedge-shape affected vertebral Cobb angle (WCA), bisegmental Cobb angle (BCA), and complications were evaluated and compared in both groups. Besides, a finite element (FE) model of T11-L2 was constructed. The Stress distributions, maximum von Mises stresses of vertebrae and bone cement, and maximum displacement of bone cement were compared and analyzed.
Results The VAS and ODI scores at 3 days, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year after surgery significantly improved in both groups (P < 0.05). The AVH, BCA, and WCA significantly improved initially after the surgery in both groups (P < 0.05). The displacement of M2 was larger than other models, especially in flexion, right bending, and left and right rotation, while that of M6 was the lowest under all conditions.
Conclusion HPS-KP was a safe and effective treatment for KD, effectively relieving pain, restoring vertebral height, and correcting local kyphosis, and it had better biomechanical stability and safety than ordinary single PKP and PKP combined with pediculoplasty in avoiding cement loosening and displacement in the long term.
Compliance-based topology optimization of multiple-phase materials related to the scale effect
Authors: Gan Ning
Published: January 2024

With the rapid advancement of technology, the device's size gradually tends to be miniaturized to the micro or nanoscale. However, the traditional framework based on classical mechanics is no longer sufficient to explain the impact of the scale effects on the mechanical behavior of these miniaturized structures. Furthermore, the increasing demand for multi-phase materials with excellent comprehensive performance also drives the growth of reverse design. Therefore, this study proposes a topological optimization design method for multi-phase materials that considers scale effects. The interpolation model of multi-phase materials utilizes elemental density to establish a mapping relationship with each phase material. The improved couple stress theory incorporates intrinsic characteristic length parameters to account for the scale effect in small-scale structures. Several numerical examples demonstrate that when the macroscopic size of the structure approaches the intrinsic characteristic length parameter, a significant scale effect occurs in the small-scale structure, leading to a redistribution of the topological configuration of the weak-phase material.
Algorithm for Detection and Screening of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Lithuanian Population
Authors: Aliosaitiene Urte , Petrulioniene Zaneta , Rinkuniene Egidija , Mainelis Antanas , Brazdziuniene Egle , Smailyte Urte , Sileikiene Vaida , Laucevicius Aleksandras
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most common autosomal dominant diseases. FH causes a lifelong increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which in turn leads to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. FH incidence is widely underestimated and undertreated, despite the availability and effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy. Patients with FH have an increased cardiovascular risk; therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are vital. To address the burden of FH, several countries have implemented national FH screening programmes. The currently used method for FH detection in Lithuania is mainly opportunistic screening with subsequent cascade screening of index cases’ first-degree relatives.METHODS A total of 428 patients were included in this study. Patients with suspected FH are referred to a lipidology center for thorough evaluation. Patients who met the criteria for probable or definite FH according to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) score system and/or had LDL-C > = 6.5 mmol/l were subjected to genetic testing. Laboratory and instrumental tests, vascular marker data of early atherosclerosis, and consultations by other specialists, such as radiologists and ophthalmologists, were also recorded.RESULTS 127 (30%) patients were genetically tested. FH-related mutations were found in 38.6% (n = 49) of the patients. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was diagnosed in 13% (n = 57) of the included patients, whereas premature CAD was found in 47 (11%) patients. CAD was diagnosed in 19% (n = 9) of patients with FH-related mutations, and this diagnosis was premature for all of them.Conclusions Despite the well-known socioeconomic burden of FH worldwide, it is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Accurate diagnosis of FH, as well as detailed examination and evaluation of the FH patient, are important for initiating cascade screening of first-degree relatives. Furthermore, the implementation of such an algorithm is likely to be a cost-effective method for detecting and screening FH cases.
Social and Biological Impact of Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) Plantations in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Manhães Adriana P. , Rocha Flávia , Souza Tatiana , Marques Karoline , Juen Leandro , Montag Luciano , Coutinho Bruno
Published: January 2024

Oil palm plantations are rapidly expanding in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon with high endemism but still are facing deforestation and biodiversity loss. This study in the Belém Endemism Area assessed the impacts of oil palm expansion on both biological and social aspects. The biological impact analysis compared biodiversity in seven taxonomic groups between forests and oil palm plantations. It revealed a decline in diversity for aquatic insects (Hemiptera), amphibians, reptiles, birds, and plants, while fish and Odonata insects increased in plantations. On the social front, local communities' perceptions of socioeconomic and environmental changes due to oil palm expansion were examined. Smallholders and hired workers were less negative in their perceptions regarding socioeconomic factors like contributions to the local economy and job opportunities, as well as environmental aspects like water availability and air and water quality. Our study highlights biological and social factors in the context of oil palm expansion that should be considered to ensure more sustainable development in this ecologically unique and threatened region. Certified companies are encouraged to achieve zero deforestation rates and implement social programs that integrate all local communities into the value chain, aiming for coexistence between oil palm cultivation and biological conservation in the Amazon.
Activation of STING by the Novel Liposomal TLC388 Enhances the Therapeutic Response to Anti-PD-1 Antibodies in Combination with Radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Jhen-Yu , Lin Po-Yu , Hong Wei-Ze , Yang Pei-Chen , Chiang Shu-Fen , Chang Hsin-Yu , Ke Tao-Wei , Liang Ji-An , Chen William Tzu-Liang , Chao K. S. Clifford , Huang Kevin Chih-Yang
Published: January 2024

Rectal cancer constitutes 30–40% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and is a major global cause of cancer-related mortality. The main therapeutic approach for locally advanced rectal cancer patients is chemoradiotherapy (CRT), which controls tumor growth and diminishes distant metastasis. Nevertheless, 30–40% of patients exhibit a partial response to CRT because of the detrimental effects of drug toxicity and because of the potential risk of delaying surgery. In our study, we discovered that the novel topoisomerase I inhibitor lipotecan (TLC388) can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), leading to the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), including HMGB1, ANXA1, and CRT. Lipotecan enhances cancer immunogenicity, stimulating the antitumor immune response that promotes the infiltration of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these findings highlight the capacity of lipotecan to reshape the tumor microenvironment, thereby stimulating anticancer immune responses, as well as holding promise for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of neoadjuvant CRT in patients with local advanced rectal cancer.
Asessment of roughness characterization methods for data-driven predictions
Authors: Yang Jiasheng , Stroh Alexander , Lee Sangseung , Bagheri Shervin , Frohnapfel Bettina , Forooghi Pourya
Published: January 2024

A comparative analysis is undertaken to explore the impact of various roughness characterization methods as input variables on the performance of data-driven predictive models for estimating the roughness equivalent sand-grain size $k_s$.%All models developed in this work are realized in the form of fully connected multi-layer perceptron (MLP).The first type of model, denoted as $\text{NN}_\text{PS}$, incorporates the roughness height probability density function (p.d.f.) and power spectrum (PS), while the second type of model, $\text{NN}_\text{PA}$, utilizes a finite set of 17 roughness statistical parameters as input variables.Furthermore, a simplified parameter-based model, denoted as $\text{NN}_\text{PAM}$, is considered, which features only 6 input roughness parameters.%A training database consisting of 85 artificially generated roughness samples along with their direct numerical simulation results is employed. The models are trained based on identical databases and evaluated using roughness samples similar to the training databases as well as an external testing database based on literature.%those provided in the literature. While the predictions based on p.d.f. and PS achieves a stable error level of around 10\% among all considered testing samples, a notable deterioration in performance is observed for the parameter-based models for the external testing database, %on the external surfaces, indicating a lower extrapolating capability to diverse roughness types.Finally, the sensitivity analysis on different types of roughness confirms an effective identification of distinct roughness effects by $\text{NN}_\text{PAM}$, which is not observed for $\text{NN}_\text{PA}$.We hypothesize that the successful training of $\text{NN}_\text{PAM}$ is attributed to the enhanced training efficiency linked to the lower input dimensionality.
Quaternization-based Graft Modification of Straw Fibers for Conditioning the Sludge Dewatering Performance
Authors: Zhang Qingfang , Zhao Yanbin , Yang Qiyong , Wang Tianfeng , Xu Binjie , Zhang Xinhua , Xiong Houfeng
Published: January 2024

Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a critical influencing factor in sludge dewatering. Disrupting such EPS contributes to the release of bound water in sludge, enhancing the sludge dewatering performance. This study quaternized straw fibers destructive for the EPS structure and components in active sludge were prepared with heterogeneous free radical graft polymerization. Straw fibers, dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC), ammonium persulfate (APS), and acrylamide (AM) were taken as the substrate, grafting monomer, catalyst, and cross-linking agent, respectively. The impacts of reaction temperature, reaction time, catalyst dosage, and monomer dosage on the grafting efficiency of straw fibers were explored. Further, the morphology, elemental composition, and structure of the modified fibers were characterized employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The optimal processing conditions determined for the DMDAAC-based quaternization and graft modification of straw fibers were as follows: reaction temperature of 60°C, reaction time of 5 h, 0.1 g of catalyst APS dosage per gram of straw, and 3 ml of DMDAAC dosage per gram of straw. The optimal processing conditions yielded 1.335 g of modified straw fibers per gram of straw, 33.5% grafting rate, and 31.70% substitution of the quaternary ammonium groups. The modified straw fibers disrupted the sludge EPS, boosting sludge dewatering. They improved the filtering performance of the sludge. The capillary suction time (CST) was conditioned from 243.3 ± 22.6 s in the original sludge to 134.5 ± 34.45 s. The specific resistance to filtration (SRF) was reduced from 8.82 ± 0.51 × 1012 m/kg in the original sludge to 4.59 ± 0.23 × 1012 m/kg. The modified straw fibers disruptively affected the structure of sludge EPS, significantly changing its content and composition. The proportion of tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (T-EPS) in the sludge declined from 77–62% due to such modified fibers. Moreover, the protein and polysaccharide contents in soluble extracellular polymeric substances (S-EPS) and loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (L-EPS) showed an increasing trend.