bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Modelling of the TP53 pathway in Colorectal cancer
Authors: Mehaisi Dalia , Ball Graham
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer and the fourth cause of cancer death worldwide. Inactivation of The TP53 pathway is a key genetic alteration in CRC Development. The TP53 gene triggers multiple cellular response by interaction with downstream genes. Researchers are continually seeking to explore such interactions to gain knowledge that can be used for disease management and prevention. This result in several large-scale transcriptomic technologies to estimate whole genome expression profiles for CRC. However, such analytical approaches generate massive volumes of data, which need careful processing to extract meaningful information using statistical and computational approaches. Some of these approaches have been dedicated to studying the disease through interrogation of pathway models based on molecular data and based on mining of the literature corpus in order to obtain deep insights which could help in drug discovery and the achievement of personalized medicine for cancer. These methods tend to address the dimensionality and complexity issues associated with large-scale technologies by presenting the data using signalling network models and pathway knowledge graphs. However, the possibility of identifying novel interactions and disease drivers remains limited, as most of these approaches are based on knowledge obtained from the literature through manual curation. This research applies ANN approaches for pathway data mining through a series of analyses leading to the identification of key interactions and novel drivers associated with the TP53 pathway in CRC. Which can be used to enhance knowledge about the pathway through identifying new elements that can be used to develop novel and effective therapeutic approaches for disease.
Optimal feedback improves behavioral focus during self-regulated computer-based work
Authors: Wirzberger Maria , Lado Anastasia , Prentice Mike , Oreshnikov Ivan , Passy Jean-Claude , Stock Adrian , Lieder Falk
Published: September 2023

Distractions are omnipresent and can derail our attention, which is a precious and very limited resource. To achieve their goals in the face of distractions, people need to regulate their attention, thoughts, and behavior; this is known asself-regulation. How can self-regulation be supported or strengthened in ways that are relevant for everyday work and learning activities? To address this question, we introduce and evaluate a desktop application that helps people stay focused on their work and train self-regulation at the same time. Our application lets the user set a goal for what they want to do during a defined period of focused work at their computer, then gives negative feedback when they get distracted, and positive feedback when they reorient their attention towards their goal. After this so-called focus session, the user receives overall feedback on how well they focused on their goal relative to previous sessions. While existing approaches to attention training often use artificial tasks, our approach transforms real-life challenges into opportunities for building strong attention control skills. Our results indicate that optimal attentional feedback can generate large increases in behavioral focus, task motivation, and self-control – benefitting users to successfully achieve their long-term goals.
netEC: an emergent constraint on Climate Sensitivity based on network analysis
Authors: Nenes Athanasios , Ricard Lucile , Falasca Fabrizio , Runge Jakob
Published: September 2023

The 2015 Paris agreement was established to limit Greenhouse gas global warming below 1.5°C above preindustrial era values. Knowledge of climate sensitivity to greenhouse gas levels is central for formulating effective climate policies, yet its exact value is shroud in uncertainty. Climate sensitivity is quantitatively expressed in terms of Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS) and Transient Climate Response (TCR), estimating global temperature responses after an abrupt or transient doubling of CO2. Here, we use a holistic approach to summarize the behavior of modelled climate systems. Network analysis for Emergent Constraint (netEC) infers networks from complex and highly-dimensional datasets, by first reconstructing meaningful components describing regional subprocesses, and secondly inferring the causal links between these to construct causal networks. We apply this methodology to Sea Surface Temperature (SST) simulations and investigate two different metrics in order to derive an emergent constraint that yields likely ranges of ECS (2.34-4.79°C) and TCR (1.53-2.50°C). These ranges are narrower than the unconstrained distributions and consistent with the ranges of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). More importantly, our simplified representation of simulations suggests the low-sensitivity models (ECS < 3.0°C) and high sensitivity models (ECS ≥ 4.5°C) remain two groups of plausible models.
Dynamic 3D-Cartographic Symbols for VR Geovisualisations
Authors: Olberding Helge , Vetter Mark
Published: September 2023

Geovisualizations that use a virtual reality headset can have a more immersive effect on users than when only a desktop application is viewed. However, to have an overview, a VR 3D map is usually viewed from a top-down perspective. On the other hand, the first-person perspective is used when the scenario is visualized as real as possible, and then the ultimate goal is to feel inside the 3D city. With the help of dynamic cartographic visualization methods, such as animated symbols appearing or a dynamic change of selected or complete visualization, it is possible to convey targeted information despite being inside the 3D city. For this purpose, techniques and ideas from cartography and video games were utilized and combined. The combination resulted in dynamically changeable symbol objects, which can be placed automatically using tables or building information, and dynamically changeable post-processing methods. Users can interactively select a predefined set of visualization methods and show/hide dynamic cartographic symbols in the running application via an interface.
Structural basis for substrate binding and catalytic mechanism of the Se-glycosyltransferase SenB in the biosynthesis of selenoneine
Authors: Long Feng , Huang Wei , Song Jun , Sun Tianxue , He Yue , Deng Zixin
Published: September 2023

Selenium is a multi-functional trace element essential for diverse organisms. SenB is a Se-glycosyltransferase that incorporates selenium into small molecules in the selenoneine biosynthesis pathway and is also the only known Se-glycosyltransferase in nature. Although the biochemical function of SenB has been investigated, its substrate specificity, structure, and catalytic mechanism remain unclear. Here, we revealed that SenB exhibits sugar donor specificity and promiscuity and can utilize six UDP-sugars to generate selenosugars. The crystal structures of SenB complexed with four different UDP-sugars were solved. The residues N20, T23, and E231 were proven as the key elements that determine the sugar donor promiscuity of SenB. Structure-guided mutagenesis further revealed a novel catalytic triad H58/D86/K158 in SenB, which accounts for the C-Se glycosidic bond formation and Se-P bond cleavage during the Se-glycosylation process. Furthermore, we mined, functionally and structurally characterized two other novel Se-glycosyltransferase, CbSenB and RsSenB, which also exhibit sugar donor promiscuity.
Implications of an induced fire on the population ecology of freshwater turtles: an case study on the Coast of Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Grajales Eduardo Reyes , Walde Andrew , Sánchez Jonathan Rogelio Chávez , Rosa Juan Pablo Baldovinos de la , Necochea-Montes Fernando , Reynoso Victor Hugo
Published: September 2023

Annual induced fires have caused significant changes in the composition and structure of wildlife globally. These events are particularly critical for species with limited mobility and small clutch sizes, such as certain small and medium-sized freshwater turtles in the tropics. At the same time, this topic has received limited attention and has not been documented in countries with a high diversity of freshwater turtles, such as Mexico. In this study we report the mortality of the red-cheeked mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides cruentatum) and the Pacific Coast musk turtle (Staurotypus salvinii) caused by a fire in the north portion of the municipality of Suchiate, Chiapas, Mexico. Specifically, our aims were to 1) register the plant species where the turtles occurred, 2) determine the population structure of each turtle species, and 3) estimate the density, size, and sex ratio of the dead turtles of each species. Additionally, we discuss the potential effects of this event on the demography of these turtles in the study site.
Pharmacogenomic Insights in Psychiatric Care: Uncovering Novel Actionability, Allele-Specific CYP2D6 Copy Number Variation, and Phenoconversion in 15,000 Patients
Authors: Stanton Joseph , Patel Jai , Morris Sarah , Torres Raul , Rhead Brooke , Vlangos Chris , Müller Daniel , Brown Lisa , Lefkofsky Hailey , Ali Muneer , Vega Francisco De La , Barnes Kathleen , Zoghbi Anthony , Badgeley Marcus
Published: September 2023

Pharmacogenomic testing has emerged as an aid in clinical decision-making for psychiatric providers, but more data is needed regarding its utility in clinical practice and potential impact on patient care. In this cross-sectional study, we determined the real-world prevalence of pharmacogenomic actionability in patients receiving psychiatric care. Potential actionability was based on the prevalence of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 phenotypes, including CYP2D6 allele-specific copy number variations (CNVs). Combined actionability additionally incorporated CYP2D6 phenoconversion and the novel CYP2C-TG haplotype in patients with available medication data. Across 15,000 patients, 65% had potentially actionable CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 phenotypes, and phenotype assignment was impacted by CYP2D6 allele-specific CNVs in 2% of patients. Of 4,114 patients with medication data, 42% had CYP2D6 phenoconversion from drug interactions and 20% carried a novel CYP2C haplotype potentially altering actionability. A total of 87% had some form of actionability from genetic findings and/or phenoconversion, and genetic variation detected via next-generation sequencing led to phenotype reassignment in 22% of individuals overall (2% in CYP2D6 and 20% in CYP2C19). Ultimately, pharmacogenomic testing using next-generation sequencing identified potential actionability in most patients receiving psychiatric care. Early pharmacogenomic testing may provide actionable insights to aid clinicians in drug prescribing to optimize psychiatric care.
Concomitant Sjögren’s disease as a biomarker for treatment effectiveness in rheumatoid arthritis - results from the Swiss Clinical Quality Management cohort
Authors: Christ Lisa , Kissling Seraphina , Finckh Axel , Fisher Benjamin A. , Adler Sabine , Maurer Britta , Möller Burkhard , Kollert Florian
Published: September 2023

Objective: To investigate the clinical phenotype and treatment response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with and without concomitant Sjögren’s disease (SjD).
Methods: In this observational cohort study, patients with RA from the Swiss Clinical Quality Management in Rheumatic Diseases registry were categorised according to the presence or absence of SjD. To assess treatment effectiveness, drug retention of tumor necrosis factor-α-inhibitors (TNFi) was compared to other mode of action (OMA) biologics and Janus kinase-inhibitors (JAKi) in RA patients with and without SjD. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for time to drug discontinuation were compared in crude and adjusted Cox proportional regression models for potential confounders.
Results: We identified 5974 patients without and 337 patients with concomitant SjD. Patients with SjD were more likely to be female, to have a positive rheumatoid factor, higher disease activity scores, and erosive bone damage.
For treatment response, a total of 6781 treatment courses were analysed. After one year, patients with concomitant SjD were less likely to reach DAS28 remission with all three treatment modalities. Patients with concomitant SjD had a higher hazard for stopping TNFi treatment (adjusted HR 1.3 [95% CI 1.07-1.6]; OMA HR 1.12 [0.91-1.37]; JAKi HR 0.97 [0.62-1.53]). When compared to TNFi, patients with concomitant SjD had a significantly lower hazard for stopping treatment with OMA (adjusted HR 0.62 [95% CI 0.46-0.84]) and JAKi (HR 0.52 [0.28-0.96]).
Conclusion: RA patients with concomitant SjD reveal a severe RA phenotype, are less responsive to treatment, and more likely to fail TNFi.
Notable improvements on LWFA through precise laser wavefront tuning
Authors: Oumbarek-Espinos Driss , Rondepierre Alexandre , Jin Zhan , Zhidkov Alexey , Pathak Naveen , Huang Kai , Nakanii Nobuhiko , Daito Izuru , Kando Masaki , Hosokai Tomonao
Published: September 2023

Laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) continues to grow and awaken interest worldwide, especially as in various applications it approaches performance comparable to classical accelerators. However, numerous challenges still exist until this can be a reality. The complex non-linear nature of the process of interaction between the laser and the induced plasma remains an obstacle to the widespread LWFA use as stable and reliable particle sources.
It is commonly accepted that the best wavefront is a perfect Gaussian distribution. However, experimentally, this is not correct and more complicated ones can potentially give better results. in this work, the effects of tuning the laser wavefront via the controlled introduction of aberrations are explored for an LWFA accelerator using the shock injection configuration. Our experiments show the clear unique correlation between the generated beam transverse characteristics and the different input wavefronts.
The electron beams stability, acceleration and injection are also significantly different. We found that in our case, the best beams were generated with a specific complex wavefront. A greater understanding of electron generation as function of the laser input is achieved thanks to this method and hopes towards a higher level of control on the electrons beams by LWFA is foreseen.
Assessment of Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors Post 5 Year From Surgery: Study from a Community Hospital in India
Authors: Mathur Vasundhara , Swaminathan Niranjana , Gupta Neha , Nathani Priyansh , Bhandarkar Prashant , Sarang Bhakti , Gadgil Anita , Roy Nobhojit
Published: September 2023

Purpose
Breast cancer is the most common cancer afflicting women with an estimated 2.1 million new cases diagnosed globally every year. Breast cancer and its treatment significantly impair the patient’s physical mental health and thereby affect their overall quality of life (QOL). Our aim was to identify differences in long-term QOL between breast conservative surgery (BCS) and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for early breast cancer among sociodemographic and clinical subgroups of patients.
Methodology:
This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) hospital under Universal Health Coverage scheme. We recruited patients who were surgically treated for breast cancer between 2010 to 2015 and were continuing further treatment or follow-up. Their QOL scores were measured using the 37-item Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- Breast, Version 4 (FACT-B) questionnaire and were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Among the 86 patients (46 with BCS and 41 with MRM) included in the study, the mean age was 59 ± 11.5 years with a mean follow-up period of 6.9 years. Functional well-being was significantly better for the BCS group (P < 0.01). However, the QOL scores corresponding to physical, social and emotional well-being as well as body image and attractiveness scores for BCS and MRM at the end of the follow-up period were comparable (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Functional well-being was the only component of QOL that was noted to be higher for BCS for our study population. Future work on understanding the behavioral and cognitive components of body image in this patient population is warranted.
Energy level transition and mode transition in a neuron
Authors: Li Xiaodi , Xu Ying
Published: September 2023

During continuous diffusion and propagation of intracellular ions, energy transition between electric and magnetic field is proceeded to present appropriate firing patterns. For theoretical neuron models, an equivalent Hamilton energy is derived by Helmholtz theorem. For neural circuits, the Hamilton energy can also be obtained by applying scale transformation on the field energy function. External stimuli injects energy into the neuron, and the energy level transition is induced accompanying with mode transition in the neuronal activity. On the flip side, large external stimuli can induce shape deformation of the cell and possible parameter shift occurs to keep neuron on appropriate energy level in the deterministic neuron models. In this letter, energy function for Hindmarh-Rose neuron is estimated and a criterion for transition between energy levels and firing modes is defined and explained. It provides possible clues for understanding the dependencies of pattern selection in discharge mode on energy level and adaptive controllability in neurons, and thus the neural activities in neurons and nervous system can be controlled by regulating energy flow.
LINC01559 promotes lung adenocarcinoma metastasis by disrupting the ubiquitination of VIM
Authors: Feng Hao , Cui Zhilei , Jiang Chenyang , Chen Yuming , Ren Zirui , Li Xiang , Xu Dengfei , Cang Shundong
Published: September 2023

Background: As the predominant proportion of lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) has emerged as a formidable malignancy that poses a substantial menace to human health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the undeniable involvement of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Our investigation aims to elucidate the functional role and intrinsic molecular mechanism of LINC01559 in LUAD metastasis.
Methods: The expression and prognosis of LINC01559 in LUAD were analyzed from the database. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT-PCR) and In Situ Hybridization (ISH) were performed to detect the expression level of LINC01559 in LUAD cell lines and tissues. With RNA interference (RNAi) technology, the biological function of LINC01559 in LUAD cell lines was clarified through transwell assay. Tail vein injection model was established to observe the effect of LINC01559 on LUAD metastasis in vivo. RNA pull down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were utilized to explore the binding proteins of LINC01559. The rescue experiment was conducted to investigate the role of LINC01559 in promoting LUAD metastasis through vimentin (VIM). The molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of VIM by LINC01559 was elucidated using CHX-chase and ubiquitination assays.
Results: LINC01559 exhibited conspicuous upregulation in both LUAD tissues and cell lines, and was identified as a prognostic risk factor for patients with LUAD. Notably, knockdown of LINC01559 expression significantly inhibited the migration and invasion capabilities of LUAD cells. In vivo assay revealed that knockdown of LINC01559 curbed lung metastasis of LUAD. Molecular mechanism studies unveiled that LINC01559 interacted with VIM and modulated its protein level. Further investigations suggested that LINC01559 promoted LUAD metastasis by impeding the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of VIM.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that LINC01559 played a crucial role in fostering LUAD metastasis by stabilizing the VIM protein, which suggested that LINC01559 might be a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting LUAD metastasis.
An integrated approach to identifying ecological sources and constructing ecological security patterns in a rapidly urbanizing region: A case study of Suizhou, China
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Gu kang , Jiefu Xue , Yiwu Wang
Published: September 2023

Context：Over the past decade, China's unprecedented rapid urbanization has brought huge challenges to the stability of regional ecosystems.
Objectives：Hubei Province, positioned as the central region's focal point, holds a strategically important role. Taking Suizhou in Hubei as a case study, we propose a framework for defining ecological security pattern (Esp) within rapidly urbanizing cities to safeguard and rehabilitate mountains, rivers, farmlands, lakes, and grasslands.
Methods：A pivotal objective of this framework is to optimize the selection of ecological sources. We employ the Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) approach to pinpoint areas of high ecological service significance, amalgamating ecological sensitivity and landscape connectivity for source identification.
Results：Approximately 28.7% of Suizhou's territory is enveloped by 15 contiguous and intact ecological sources. Subsequently, using circuit theory, we extract ecological corridors covering 416.08 km2 and stretching 211.43 km.
Conclusions: Due to substantial urban development and construction in central Suizhou, the ecological spaces on its northern and southern flanks are significantly disconnected. Merely two traverse the central urban development zone, establishing a connection between the north and south. Furthermore, numerous ecological bottlenecks are present within these two corridors. Consequently, we propose advancing green infrastructure within urban central areas and augmenting the ecological sensitivity and resilience of natural zones adjacent to developed regions. Furthermore, a focal point should be placed on improving the ecological bottleneck areas within the ecological corridors to enhance species connectivity. The research's applicability can be extended to other rapidly urbanizing areas along the Yangtze River.
Saudi Medical Student Perceptions Concerning Interventional Radiology
Authors: Aldahery Shrooq , Qwader Renad , Asiri Raghad , Al-Alfy Afnan , Alsharif Walaa , Alhazmi Fahad , Suliman Awadia , Alshamrani Khalid , Qurashi Abdulaziz , Yousef Mohamed , Bushara Lubna , Osman Hanady
Published: September 2023

Interventional radiology (IR) is a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology, that uses image-guided radiological methods to carry out minimally invasive procedures. Medical schools in Saudi Arabia minimally expose students to IR unless it is part of an elective rotation. The study aims to gauge how well-informed medical and radiology technology students are regarding the variations in educational and clinical experiences offered at different universities in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, to assess students' interest in IR as a potential career path and their opinions about their life experiences concerning the department's future. This study used a cross-sectional study design. Between April and May 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, students studying radiology technology and medicine who were in their second year to internship year had access to an online questionnaire. The study found that 31.5% of the students reported having poor knowledge of IR, while 7.8% reported not knowing at all. Additionally, 45.9% of respondents felt that their knowledge was adequate, and a minority of 14.7% reported having an excellent understanding of IR concepts. Therefore, in order to enhance the students’ knowledge about IR, an early introduction of IR courses into the curriculum, IR symposiums, and conferences are required.
Deep Learning based Joint Fusion approach to exploit anatomical and functional brain information in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Saponaro Sara , Lizzi Francesca , Serra Giacomo , Mainas Francesca , Oliva Piernicola , Giuliano Alessia , Calderoni Sara , Retico Alessandra
Published: September 2023

Background: The integration of the information encoded in multiparametric MRI images can enhance the performance of machine-learning classifiers. In this study, we investigate whether the combination of structural and functional MRI might improve the performances of a deep learning (DL) model trained to discriminate subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) with respect to typically developing controls (TD).
Material and Methods: We analyzed both structural and functional MRI brain scans publicly available within the ABIDE I and II data collections. We considered 1383 male subjects with age between 5 and 40 years, including 680 subjects with ASD and 703 TD from 35 different acquisition sites. We extracted mor-phometric and functional brain features from MRI scans with the Freesurfer and the CPAC analysis packages, respectively. Then, due to the multisite nature of the dataset, we implemented a data harmonization protocol. The ASD vs. TD classification was carried out with a multiple-input DL model, consisting in a neural network which generates a fixed-length feature representation of the data of each modality (FR-NN), and a Dense Neural Network for classification (C-DNN). Specifically, we implemented a joint fusion approach to multiple source data integration. The main advantage of the latter is that the loss is propagated back to the FR-NN during the training, thus creating informative feature representations for each data modality. Then, a C-NN, with a number of layers and neurons per layer to be optimized during the model training, performs the ASD-TD discrimination. The performance was evaluated by computing the Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve within a nested 10-fold cross-validation. The brain features that drive the DL classification were identified by the SHAP explainability framework.
Results: The AUC values of 0.66 ± 0.05 and of 0.76 ± 0.04 were obtained in the ASD vs. TD discrimination when only structural or functional features are considered, respectively. The joint fusion approach led to an AUC of 0.78±0.04. The set of structural and functional connectivity features identified as the most important for the two-class discrimination supports the idea that brain changes tend to occur in individuals with ASD in regions belonging to the Default Mode Network and to the Social Brain.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the multimodal joint fusion approach outperforms the classification results obtained with data acquired by a single MRI modality as it efficiently exploits the complementarity of structural and functional brain information.
A New Method to Suppress Reflections from Numerical Boundaries in Wave Propagation
Authors: Choudhary Pratiksha , Sharma Anurag
Published: September 2023

To suppress numerical reflections, various boundary conditions, such as the transparent boundary condition (TBC), the absorbing boundary condition (ABC), and the perfectly matched layer (PML), are used in wave propagation methods. We propose a new boundary condition that works directly on the field. We show through examples that the field-domain boundary condition (FDBC) performs as well as the ABC and the PML. It is much easier to implement as it requires only multiplication of the field in the absorbing layer by a factor. Another advantage with the FDBC is that its performance does not depend critically on the choice of numerical parameters such as the absorption profile and the strength of absorption.
Femoral cortical thickness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated with destructive knee joints are significantly thinner in distal anterior and distal medial diaphysis and significantly correlated with bone mineral density and body mass index
Authors: Kakutani Rika , Kondo Naoki , Yamako Go , Mochizuki Tomoharu , Someya Keiichiro , Kawashima Hiroyuki
Published: September 2023

Background
The examination of femoral cortical bone thickness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been notably limited in prior research. We aimed to compare femoral cortical thickness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls and to investigate the association between femoral cortical thickness and clinical parameters within the RA group.
Methods
Forty-four patients (58 limbs) with RA who underwent total knee arthroplasty were enrolled. Preoperative computed tomography images of the lower limbs were analyzed. The femoral cortex was divided into the proximal, central, and distal diaphysis regions and further into the anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral regions. The divisions were measured using Stradwin® software and standardized by femoral length. Femoral cortical thickness was compared between RA and healthy control (n = 25) groups. Correlation analyses between standardized cortical thickness and disease parameters were performed in the RA group.
Results
The RA group had significantly lower standardized femoral cortical thickness at the anterior and medial distal diaphysis than healthy controls. Standardized proximal lateral and central lateral in the RA group were significantly larger than those in the healthy control groups. Standardized femoral cortical thickness was significantly correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) in 11 areas, except the posterior central diaphysis, and with body mass index in 8 areas, except the central posterior, distal lateral, distal anterior, and distal medial diaphysis.
Conclusions
Femoral cortical thinning was noted in patients with RA complicated with destructive knee, particularly at the anterior and medial distal diaphysis. Femoral cortical thickness was significantly correlated with BMD and body mass index (BMI); thus, patients with RA and low BMD and BMI should be cared for to prevent fragility fractures.
The Amazon Deforestation Calendar: Unveiling the role of marked seasonal patterns
Authors: Bezerra Francisco , Silva Felipe , Aguiar Ana Paula , Bezerra Karine , Vinhas Lubia , Maurano Luis , Carvalho André
Published: September 2023

The Amazon biome has experienced significant changes in its landscape, similar to other tropical forests, primarily due to changes in land use in the area. Despite previously established strategies to contain the advance of deforestation, we have observed an increase in deforestation rates recently. Our objective was to analyze deforestation in the biome using clustering and spatial analysis methods to understand deforestation patterns and spatio-temporal dynamics. Regions 1 and 2 stood out as priority areas for monitoring and combating deforestation. Human settlements, agricultural land, and undesignated public forests characterize these areas. Deforestation in these areas presents a significant level of seasonality in its mode and dynamics. The results emphasize that annual deforestation changes require strategies addressing territorial differences. Therefore, prevention and intervention measures must be adapted to seasonal variations and the specific characteristics of each region to combat deforestation in the Amazon biome effectively.
A Rare Case of a Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak and Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension in a Transgender Male
Authors: Smith Isaac , Aoun Raissa , Lalchan Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Background:
The pathophysiology of Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is not fully characterized, and less is known about its development in transgender patients. Cases detailing the natural history of IIH in transgender patients gives us key insights into the development of these diseases in all patients. Several cases of IIH in transgender patients have been reported, but fewer cases have been published that identify a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak as a complication of IIH in this population.
Case:
We describe the case of a 33-year-old obese (BMI: 30.58 kg/m2) female-to-male (FTM) transgender patient on exogenous testosterone who presented with 1-month of acute on chronic headache with profuse rhinorrhea. Fundoscopic exam revealed disc pallor and edema consistent with a Frisen Gade 3 papilledema. Nasal secretion was positive for beta-2 transferrin, consistent with CSF. Computed tomography (CT) head demonstrated a 5-mm defect in the medial left middle cranial fossa and abnormal arachnoid granulations concerning for IIH. After a successful endoscopic endonasal repair of the left lateral sphenoid recess leak, our patient continued to report headaches, was started on acetazolamide, and noted improvement in symptoms.
Conclusion:
The case described herein further supports the growing body of evidence that implicates a hormonal mechanism of action in the development of IIH in all patients. Importantly, it also addresses the need for increased study and conversation about rare neurologic diseases in transgender patients.
Preparation of zirconia/zinc oxide nanocomposites by sol-gel method for highly sensitive determination of dopamine
Authors: Chen Liqiang , Tian Shuangshuang , Zhang Jinghua , Zhang Hong , Sheng Liangquan , Wang Xinxin , Fan Jiajing , Huang Deqian
Published: September 2023

A novel electrochemical sensor based on ZrO2 and ZnO hybrid nanocomposites was constructed for the specific determination of dopamine (DA) with ultra-high sensitivity and selectivity. The structure and electrochemical properties of the composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), automatic gas adsorption apparatus and electrochemistry. The results show that in the ZrO2/ZnO nanocomposite, ZrO2 has a large specific surface area and abundant active site, which can accelerate the oxidation reduction reaction of DA, while ZnO nanomaterials have good conductivity, which can improve the adsorption ability of the sensor to DA. The detection limit of the electrochemical sensor is 94.1 nM in the linear range of 0.5~100 μM. Assays were performed using human serum samples at physiological pH, the recovery rate was 98.5%~101.0%, and the relevant standard deviations were less than 5%. This indicates that the electrochemical sensor is promising for bioanalysis and disease monitoring.
Unresectable Leiomyosarcoma Of The Inferior Vena Cava With Right Atrium Tumor Thrombus: When To Deem This Tumor Inoperable? A Case Report And Literature Review.
Authors: Castellanos Luis D. , Tabbara Marina M. , Livingstone Alan S. , Salerno Tomas A. , Gonzalez Javier , Ciancio Gaetano
Published: September 2023

Background
Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are a rare form of retroperitoneal malignancy and their venous extension to the right atrium is an even rarer event. These tumors pose a unique surgical challenge and often require a multidisciplinary team-based approach for their surgical treatment.
Case presentation:
We present a case of a 68-year-old male with primary LMS of the IVC with a tumor thrombus extending into the right atrium that was initially deemed inoperable.
Conclusions
After extensive neoadjuvant chemo-radiation with minimal tumor effect, the patient underwent en-bloc surgical resection of the tumor along with removal of the infrarenal IVC and right kidney and adrenal without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.
Big Data of Brain-Lung-Heart-Anesthesia via Integrating Transcranial Doppler and Electrocardiogram Monitor for Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia Practice and Research
Authors: Shen Wei , Zang Nailiang , Wang Wei , Liu Jun , Xu Xin , Lan Lan , Liu Zihao , Qing Ai , He Jianxing
Published: September 2023

In the article, dynamic Transcranial Doppler (TCD)application is described to skillfully monitor cerebral blood flow during surgery, differing from the common Bispectral Index (BIS) and cerebral oxygen in the clinic. During cardiothoracic anaesthesia, continuous intracranial hemodynamics is sensitive to operations, anaesthesia depth, and cardiopulmonary and is stably maintained to reduce the risk of cerebral ischemia. The usefulness and limitations are illustrated with examples of the original TCD monitoring Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, Lung Transplantation, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation. The complicated physiopathologic relationship of lung-brain-heart-anesthesia makes it difficult for surgeons and anesthesiologists to regulate cerebral blood flow accurately. The integrated parameters include intraoperative electrocardiogram monitor system and brain multimodal via TCD and Intensive Critical Monitoring (ICM+) software. The core innovation resolves the digital output of the electrocardiogram monitor system to ICM+ and Anesthesia Information Management System to guarantee anaesthetists’ work. The big data recorded per 10 seconds of integrated parameters in ICM+ software helps to explore more research and directly advise anaesthetists and surgeons to reduce post-operative cerebrovascular risk and improve cognitive rehabilitation.
Trial Registration Our study is registered on www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2100052463.
Non-integral boundary slopes of alternating knots
Authors: Ishikawa Masaharu , Mattman Thomas W. , Shimokawa Koya
Published: September 2023

We show, for every positive integer $n$, there is an alternating knot having a boundary slope with denominator $n$. We make use of Kabaya's method for boundary slopes and the layered solid torus construction introducedby Jaco and Rubinstein and further developed by Howie et al.
Platelets as Delivery Vehicles for Targeted Enrichment of NO• to Cerebral Glioma for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ding Yuchen , Ge Min , Yu Juncheng , Xia Donglin , He Jian , Jia Zhongzheng
Published: September 2023

Using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent, MRI has made substantial contributions to glioma diagnosis. Despite that metal-free MRI agents, such as the nano free radical nitric oxide (NO•), can overcome the toxicity associated with metal-based agents in certain patient populations, however, a low spatial resolution in MRI limits their clinical development. In this study, we pretreated platelets (PLTs) and loaded them with nano NO• particles to synthesize NO•@PLT, which can overcome the low contrast and poor in vivo stability of nitroxide-based MRI contrast agents. The PLTs can serve as potential drug carriers for targeting and delivering nano NO• to gliomas and thus increase the contrast in T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) of MRI. This drug carrier system uses the unique tumor-targeting ability of PLTs and takes advantage of the high signal presentation of steady nano-NO• in T1WI, thereby ultimately achieving signal amplification of glioma in T1WI. Because of its unique ability to target PLT surface proteins, NO•@PLT has per-nitroxide transverse relativities of approximately 2-fold greater than those of free NO•, exceptional stability in highly reducing environments, and low toxicity. These features allow a sufficient NO•@PLT concentration to accumulate in murine subcutaneous glioma tumors up from 5 min to 2.5 h (optimum at 1.5 h) after systemic administration. This results in MRI contrast comparable to that of metal-based agents. This study established a promising metal-free MRI contrast agent, NO•@PLT, for glioma diagnosis, because it has superior spatial resolution owing to its high glioma-targeting ability and has significant translational implications in the clinic.
High-speed rubbing behavior between nickel-based superalloy blades and ceramic-based abradable coatings
Authors: Yang Shuai , Gao Siyang , Xue Weihai , Wu Bi , Zhang Jiaping , Duan Deli
Published: September 2023

The tribological behavior of nickel-based superalloy blades with YSZ ceramic-based abradable coatings was investigated using a self-developed high-speed rubbing tester, focusing on the effect of working parameters (linear velocity and incursion rate) on blade and coating damage mechanisms. A non-contact infrared thermometer and a high-speed camera were used to determine real-time changes in coating surface temperature and blade length. The wear morphology and elemental composition of the blade and coating were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, an ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope, and an energy spectrometer. The test results showed that at the same incursion rate, the degree of blade wear tended to increase and then decrease with the increase of linear velocity, and the maximum degree of blade wear was reached at 200 m/s. There was no significant correlation between the degree of blade wear and the incursion rate at the same linear velocity. The linear velocity was the primary influence on driving friction, while the incursion rate became a secondary factor, contrary to the well-known law in metal-based abradable coatings. The main forms of damage to blades included grooving, overheating, and micro-rupture. Plastic removal was the main wear mechanism for blades. The damage mechanism of ceramic-based abradable coatings was mainly characterized by sub-surface cracking. The brittle removal of the coating resulted in “stepped” wear of the blade and a short actual action time of the friction pair. In this paper, the wear mechanisms of nickel-based superalloy blades and ceramic-based abradable coatings were mapped for the first time.
Manufacture of Bamboo Spur Gear and the Dynamic Performance
Authors: Ochi shinji
Published: September 2023

This paper describes the manufacture of bamboo spur gears using bamboo powder and their dynamic performance. This research was compared the accuracy and dynamic performance of the bamboo gear and POM gear. At first, a disk-shaped preformed bamboo product was fabricated, then the product was manufactured into the gear using the gear hobbing machine. Next, the accuracy of the gear was measured, finally, generation noise, temperature of gear, and volume of wear were measured by using dynamic gear testing machine. As results, the accuracy of bamboo gear produced by method in this research was near to injection molded POM gear. The bamboo gear was showed that volume of wear is reduced by an increase in molding temperature. Moreover, the bamboo gear fabricated at 200 °C, under the condition of torque 0.5 Nm and 1.0Nm and number of revolutions from 500 rpm to 1500 rpm showed clearly that temperature, noise and wear have performance equivalent to POM gear as dynamic performance. However, the gear made from 100% bamboo powder could not withstand the load torque of 1.5Nm. It was considered that this is because the flexural strength of POM is 90MPa, while that of bamboo powder molding product is 60MPa. Therefore, when a bamboo gear using bamboo powder reinforced by bamboo fiber bundles was fabricated, it withstood up to 107 rotations even at a load torque of 1.5 Nm.
Western Blot analysis confirms nuclear localization of nodal ERα and PRB protein biomarkers in fractionated axillary node-positive breast cancer tissue: A Case Report
Authors: Ivanovic Vesna , Tepavcevic Snezana , Tanic Nasta Dedovic , Milovanovic Zorka , Stojiljkovic Bratislav , Vasiljevic Tijana , Mandusic Vesna
Published: September 2023

We present herein a Western blot (WB) approach as an extension to our recently developed and published method termed "Fractionation of Nodal Cell Suspension" (FNCS). The method enables an efficient subcellular fractionation into nuclear (N) and cytosolic (C) compartments of extremely fibrous and problematic metastatic Axillary Lymph Node (mALN) tissue. For the purpose of present experiments, a case of an invasive lobular breast cancer (BC) patient, with pT2N3aMx clinico-pathological characteristics and defined primary tumor markers (ERα 8, PRB 8, and HER2 score 0), was selected. Initially, mALN tissue of this patient was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and a positive correlation of nodal ERα, PRB and HER2 biomarkers to those of primary tumor was obtained. Subsequently, the mALN was FNCS-fractionated into N and C and WB analysis demonstrateted a single N band for nodal ERα, PRB biomarkers and nuclear loading control (HDAC1), but not the C band, revealing negligible compartmental cross-contamination. At the same time, HER2 bands were not observed in either of compartments, reflecting lack of HER2 expression consistent with IHC status in both primary tumor and mALN tissue. In conclusion, our results confirm the nuclear expression of ERα, and PRB biomarkers in metastatic loci. Finally, our results clearly demonstrate the purity of the FNCS-generated compartments - the protocol that offers reliable tool for further analysis of nuclear versus cytosolic content in downstream analysis of potential biomarkers in mALN of BC patients.
An investigation of the phytochemical richness of fresh Musa paradisiaca L. (plantain) stem juice and its anticonvulsant potential on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-challenged rats
Authors: Ugwuoke Sabastine Chinweike , Nwanelo Valentine Odirachukwumma , Dawoye Yusufu , Ugwu Obiora Celestine , Osuji Dionysius Obinna , Ogugofor Martins Obinna , Okoro Ikechukwu Jacob , Odo Chigozie Paul , Nelson Treasure Nneka , Anosike Chioma Assumpta
Published: September 2023

This study was aimed at determining the therapeutic value of fresh Musa paradisiaca L. (MP) stem juice as a potential treatment for epileptic convulsions using a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model in rats. Six groups of albino rats (n = 4) were involved in the study. Group I was treated with normal saline (p.o), while group II was untreated and group III received diazepam (4 mg/kg, p.o). Group IV, V and VI received 50, 75 and 100% v/v oral dose of MP stem juice, respectively). The treatment lasted for 10 days, followed by PTZ (85 mg/kg b.w, i.p) administration 60 min later. Lethality test and phytochemical screening were conducted. The rats were closely watched and meticulously monitored for seizure manifestations/episodes with the aid of a stop watch. From the results, the MP stem juice up to 100% (v/v) was safe in mice and numerous bioactive compounds were found with phenols being the most abundant (9.46 ± 0.03 mg/g), followed by alkaloids (5.54 ± 0.98 mg/g) and flavonoids (4.27 ± 1.23 mg/g). For the seizure manifestation, three intermittent seizures (episodes 1, 2 and 3) were observed and the stem juice (75 and 100% v/v) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency periods of episode 1 tonic and clonic seizures. The stem juice at 50% (v/v) delayed the onset of episode 2 seizures for over 10 minutes more than the untreated group. The groups that received 75 and 100% (v/v) of the stem juice did not experience seizures during the episode 2 as seen in episode 1. The standard and the test groups did not experience seizure during the episode 3. The findings of this study have demonstrated that the fresh MP stem juice could prevent convulsions by increasing the latencies and decreasing relatively the durations of seizures in PTZ-challenged rats. This study, however, provides the pharmacological evidence for the folk claim behind the use of Musa paradisiaca stem juice to manage epileptic convulsions or seizure disorders.