bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Car Accident Prevention System
Authors: Navaneeth K R , N Yashas A
Published: August 2023

The present scenario of the world is a complete mixture of high ended technologies, olden trusted practices and new innovations, which unleashes the extreme power of technology along with safety. This is in order to satisfy people’s level of trust towards the innovation and prevent any loss. The car makers till date are successful in creating safety systems which activate after the accident occurrence in order to safeguard passengers from post effects. Thus, in compliance with this state and need of the world the project was started with the aim and motive of prevention of car accidents with the help of IOT devices and their programming which acts at most strength to deter it. The prevention methods used in this project are with respect to the driver and state of the vehicle. In order to act for any cause, the system requires information or status of the active part of the machine. This is accomplished by sensors, which collect data regarding the state of the driver and car which is driven and sends it to the Arduino which further processes it for preventive action to take place if the safety values are exceeded. Thus, with this safety system most of the accidents occurring due to driver’s health risk can be prevented.
A Classification of the Plantar Intrinsic Foot Muscles Based on the Physiological Cross-Sectional Area and Muscle Fiber Length in Healthy Young Adult Males
Authors: Kusagawa Yuki , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Maeo Sumiaki , Sugiyama Takashi , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Isaka Tadao
Published: August 2023

Background
Plantar intrinsic foot muscles (PIFMs) are composed of 10 muscles and play an essential role in achieving functional diversity in the foot. Previous studies have identified that the morphological profiles of PIFMs vary between individuals. The morphological profiles of a muscle theoretically reflect its output potentials: the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) of a muscle is proportional to its maximum force generation, and the muscle fiber length (FL) is its shortening velocity. This implies that the PCSA and FL may be useful variables for characterizing the functional diversity of the individual PIFM. The purpose of this study was to examine how individual PIFMs can be classified based on their PCSA and FL.
Methods
In 26 healthy young adult males, the muscle volume and muscle length of seven PIFMs (abductor hallucis, ABDH; abductor digiti minimi, ABDM; adductor hallucis oblique head, ADDH-OH; ADDH transverse head, ADDH-TH; flexor digitorum brevis, FDB; flexor hallucis brevis, FHB; quadratus plantae, QP) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The PCSA and FL of each of the seven PIFMs were then estimated by combining the data measured from the participants and those of muscle architectural parameters documented from cadavers in previous studies. A total of 182 data samples (26 participants × 7 muscles) were classified into clusters using k-means cluster analysis. The optimal number of clusters was evaluated using the elbow method.
Results
The data samples of PIFMs were assigned to four clusters with different morphological profiles: ADDH-OH and FHB, characterised by large PCSA and short FL (high force generation and slow shortening velocity potentials); ABDM and FDB, moderate PCSA and moderate FL (moderate force generation and moderate shortening velocity potentials); QP, moderate PCSA and long FL (moderate force generation and rapid shortening velocity potentials); ADDH-TH, small PCSA and moderate FL (low force generation and moderate shortening velocity potentials). ABDH components were assigned equivalently to the first and second clusters.
Conclusions
The approach adopted in this study may provide a novel perspective for interpreting the PIFMs’ function based on their maximal force generation and shortening velocity potentials.
Plausible Photosynthetic Parameters that Contribute to Differences in Grain Protein Content among Rice Genotypes
Authors: Spoorthi Nagaraju , Mohan Ramesh , Vijayaraghavreddy Preethi , Abhishree Ramachandra , Chaitanya Purushothama , Sree Sheshshayee
Published: August 2023

Aim
Attempts to increase grain protein content (GPC) most often resulted in a reduction of yield in cereals. This trade-off between GPC and yield rises mainly because of shared source of reductants for carbon and nitrogen assimilation. The major intent of this study was to understand this trade-off between GPC and grain yield in rice.
Methods
Based on a previous study, we identified two genotypes contrasting GPC with comparable yield and photosynthesis. We articulated the interrelation between carbon and nitrogen assimilation to understand the phenomenon that led to higher GPC without compromising its yield among the contrasts. We also looked at how these genotypes behaved to ambient and low light intensities in terms of photosynthesis and protein synthesis under limiting electron source.
Results
Our findings suggested that under ambient light, the high GPC genotype has adopted the triose phosphate utilization limitation as a traffic switch to limit the flow of electrons to carbon assimilation and divert the excess electrons to other sinks. The diversion of extra electrons particularly to nitrite reduction is boosted by increased substrates from higher uptake, transport and metabolism of nitrogen in leaf. In low GPC genotype under ambient light intensity excess electrons were quenched in the form of heat.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that efficiency in utilization of electrons by adopting a switch called TPU limitation coupled with better remobilization efficiency can be a promising genotype for breeders to develop a high yielding variety complemented with high GPC.
Identifying 1q amplification and PHF19 expressing high-risk cells associated with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Walker Brian , Johnson Travis , Sudha Parvathi , Liu Enze , Blaney Patrick , Morgan Gareth , Chopra Vivek , Santos Cedric Dos , Nixon Michael , Huang Kun , Suvannasankha Attaya , Zaid Mohammad Abu , Abonour Rafat
Published: August 2023

Multiple Myeloma is an incurable plasma cell malignancy with a poor survival rate that is usually treated with immunomodulatory drugs (iMiDs) and proteosome inhibitors (PIs). The malignant plasma cells quickly become resistant to these agents causing relapse and uncontrolled growth of resistant clones. From whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) studies, different high-risk translocation, copy number, mutational, and transcriptional markers have been identified. One of these markers, PHF19, epigenetically regulates cell cycle and other processes and has already been studied using RNA-seq. In this study a massive (325,025 cells and 49 patients) single cell multiomic dataset was generated with jointly quantified ATAC- and RNA-seq for each cell and matched genomic profiles for each patient. We identified an association between one plasma cell subtype with myeloma progression that we have called relapsed/refractory plasma cells (RRPCs). These cells are associated with 1q alterations, TP53 mutations, and higher expression of PHF19. We also identified downstream regulation of cell cycle inhibitors in these cells, possible regulation of the transcription factor (TF) PBX1 on 1q, and determined that PHF19 may be acting primarily through this subset of cells.
Green Synthesis and DFT study of Nickel Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles: A Highly Sensitive Room Temperature VOC Sensing Material
Authors: Mukherjee Chandra , Choudhury Subhankar , Baildya Nabajyoti , Ghosh Narendra Nath , Misra Debabrata , Das J.
Published: August 2023

In the present communication, nanocrystalline nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) has been prepared by co-precipitation method in varied proportions and their alcohol (primary alcohols viz. ethanol, propanol and butanol) sensing behaviour at room temperature is studied. Nanocrystalline nickel zinc ferrite (NZF) Ni1-xZnxFe2O4 (where x = 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7) with varied molar concentration has been successfully prepared by coprecipitation method at controlled spin and temperature. The structural and surface morphological characterizations, porosity and surface activity of the prepared NZFs have been analyzed by Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The variations in electrical resistance of Ni0.7Zn0.3Fe2O4 (NZF1), Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 (NZF2) and Ni0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 (NZF3) are measured with the exposure of 500 ppm ethanol, propanol and butanol vapours as a function of time at room temperature. 89% sensitivity is shown by NFZ1 for 500 ppm of the ethanol vapour at the same experimental condition. The sensing response followed the order of ethanol > propanol > butanol for all the three samples. The increasing trend of VOC (volatile organic substance) sensing properties by NZFs has been verified through extensive DFT (density functional theory) analysis by adopting PAW (projector augmented wave) technique. DFT calculation supports the pulling effect of Ni atoms in NZF nanoparticles which consequently increases the sensing properties of the prepared NZF nanomaterials. ELF (Electron localization function) study also supports the accelerated adsorption capacity of nickel doped nanoferrites.
Effect of heat and mass transfer on the nanofluid of peristaltic flow in a ciliated tube
Authors: Abd-Alla Abdelmooty , Abo-Dahab S. M. , Abdelhafez M. A. , Elmhedy Y.
Published: August 2023

This technical study analyzes heat and mass transfer effects on the flow of a peristaltic flow, incompressible, nanofluid via a ciliated tube. The investigation considers the approximation of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The flow is examined in wave frame of reference moving with the velocity c. The governing equations have been solved to determine velocity, temperature, concentration, the gradient pressure, rise pressure and the friction force. Using MATLAB R2023a software, a parametric analysis is performed, and the resulting data is represented graphically. The results indicate that the various emerging parameters of interest significantly affect the fluid properties within the tube. The present study enhances the comprehension of fluid dynamics in tube and offers valuable insights into the influence of heat and mass transfer in such setups.
Impact of different components of the Skyrme nucleon-nucleon effective interaction on the nuclear density distribution
Authors: Seif W. M. , Hashem A. S.
Published: August 2023

We systematically investigate the impact of the different terms of the Skyrme energy density functional of the effective nucleon-nucleon interaction, and of its associated nuclear matter (NM) properties, on the density distributions of spherical nuclei. Twenty five Skyrme force parameterizations are examined simultaneously, covering a broad range of each characteristic parameter and NM property. The diffuseness and the neutron-skin thickness are found to be the most sensitive density quantities to the force parameterization. The diffuseness is indicated to decrease with increasing the central zero-range and the effective mass terms of the effective force, and the power σ of its density dependent term, as well as with the coefficient of the NM symmetry energy (a sym) and its density slope (L) at saturation density, and the incompressibility (K o). In contrast, the proton and neutron diffuseness tend to increase with increasing the spin-orbit force and the isoscalar effective nucleon-mass (m*), and to increases slightly with the density dependence parameters other than the power σ. Opposite impacts are pointed out for the different parts of the finite-range, and J 2 tensor terms on the proton and neutron density. While the neutron-skin thickness tends to increase significantly upon increasing the central zero-range and spin-orbit force terms, a sym , L, and K o , and to increase slightly with the finite-range and J 2 tensor terms, and σ, it decreases with the effective-mass term, the density-dependence exchange parameter, and with the indicated isoscalar effective mass. The proton and neutron radii exhibit decreasing behavior with the central zero-range and the spin-orbit terms, and with K o , and m*. Increasing a sym and L indicate slightly less (larger) proton (neutron) radius.
Early diagnosis of aortic calcification through dental X-ray examination for dental pulp stones
Authors: Ishikawa Misao , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Kodera Ryo , Sekimizu Takehiro , Wada Satoshi , Tohyama Syunnosuke , Ida Tomomi , Shimoyama Miho , Manase Shugo , Tomonari Hiroshi , Kuroda Noriyuki
Published: August 2023

Vascular calcification, an ectopic calcification exacerbated by aging and renal dysfunction, is closely associated with cardiovascular disease. However, early detection indicators are limited. This study focused on dental pulp stones, ectopic calcifications found in oral tissues that are easily identifiable on dental radiographs. Our investigation explored the frequency and timing of these calcifications in different locations and their relationship to aortic calcification. In cadavers, we examined the association between the frequency of dental pulp stones and aortic calcification, revealing a significant association. Notably, dental pulp stones appeared prior to aortic calcification. Using a rat model of hyperphosphatemia, we confirmed that dental pulp stones formed earlier than calcification in the aortic arch. Interestingly, there were very few instances of aortic calcification without dental pulp stones. Additionally, we conducted cell culture experiments with vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and dental pulp cells (DPCs) to explore the regulatory mechanism underlying high phosphate–mediated calcification. We found that DPCs produced calcification deposits more rapidly and exhibited a stronger augmentation of osteoblast differentiation markers compared with SMCs. In conclusion, the observation of dental pulp stones through X-ray examination during dental checkups could be a valuable method for early diagnosis of aortic calcification risk.
Nuclear quantum effects made accessible: local-density fitting in multicomponent methods
Authors: Mata Ricardo , Hasecke Lukas
Published: August 2023

The simulation of nuclear quantum effects (NQE) is crucial for an accurate description of systems and processes involving light nuclei such as hydrogen atoms. Within the last years, the importance of those effects has been highlighted for a vast range of systems with tremendous implications in chemistry, biology, physics and material sciences. However, while electronic structure theory methods have become routine tools for quantum chemical investigations, there is still a lack of approaches to address NQE which are as computationally accessible and straightforward to use. In an important step forward to change this scenario, we present the first combination of the Nuclear-Electronic Orbital Hartree-Fock approach with both local and density fitting approximations (LDF-NEO-HF). This results in a low-order scaling approach which enables the inclusion of nuclear quantum effects for large systems within a fraction of a day and for small to medium size systems in minutes. Moreover, we demonstrate the qualitative accuracy and robustness of our approach to retrieve NQEs for three real use cases motivated by chemical, biological and material science applications.
Tophi and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Gout patients: Role of Insulin Resistance
Authors: Si Ke , Chi Jingwei , Xu Lili , Dong Bingzi , Huang Yajing , Zhang Haowen , Chen Ying , Wang Yangang
Published: August 2023

Objective
Gout and cardiovascular disease are closely related, but the mechanism linking them is still unknown. Gout may affect the insulin signalling pathway inducing insulin resistance (IR). The study aims to evaluate the association between tophi and carotid atherosclerosis, considering the potential role of IR.
Methods
A total of 595 patients with gout aged 18 to 80 were enrolled in this study. Carotid intima-media thickness, plaques and tophi were evaluated by B-mode ultrasonography. IR was assessed by the HOMA index (hepatic IR) and Gutt index (peripheral IR). Multivariable logistic regression and interaction analysis were used to examine the the accociation between tophi and IR and its impact on carotid atherosclerosis.
Results
Among these participants, the average age was 55.4 (± 12.54) years, and 94.6% were male. Tophi were associated with increased odds of carotid atherosclerosis and burden after adjustment for confounders (P < 0.05). Tophi and IR synergically interacted for inducing carotid atherosclerosis. And the interaction between peripheral IR with tophi was more pronounced than hepatic IR with tophi.
Conclusions
Tophi were independently associated with carotid atherosclerosis risk. IR mediated a significant amount of the effect of tophi on the development of carotid atherosclerosis. Peripheral IR probably plays a more important role than hepatic IR does.
In vivo Knee Kinematics during Step-up Activity after Medial Opening Wedge Distal Tuberosity　Osteotomy of the Proximal Tibia with Hemicallotasis
Authors: Okamoto Nobukazu , Nakamura Eiichi , Masuda Tetsuro , Hisanaga Satoshi , Miyamoto Takeshi
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Hemicallotasis osteotomy (HCO), a type of medial opening wedge distal tuberosity osteotomy of the proximal tibia (OWDTO), aims to correct the alignment of knees with osteoarthritis (OA). HCO shifts the weight burden to the lateral compartment, facilitating the transfer of load from the medial compartment of the joint line to the lateral compartment. This technique results in reduced compartmental pressure on the medial articular surface, and fewer knee adduction movements. However, HCO’s impact on knee joint kinematics is currently unclear. Therefore, we conducted a 3-dimensional analysis of the in vivo dynamics during stair-climbing motions, before and after HCO.
Methods
Six out of 13 patients who underwent HCO to treat unilateral medial knee OA were included in this study. The mean age of subjects at the time of HCO was 61 ± 6 years. Subjects performed the ascending motion using a step platform preoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively, and fluoroscopic lateral images were taken on both occasions. Three-dimensional kinematic analysis was conducted using the model-based image-matching technique.
Results
The tibias exhibited a pattern of external rotation according to the degree of extension, both preoperatively (10°±3°) and postoperatively (8°±4°), but these differences were not significant. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the anteroposterior movement of the femoral condyles, before and after HCO. The lateral femoral condyle was shifted by 10 ± 1 mm from the flexion position to the extension position prior to HCO, and 9 ± 1 mm postoperatively.
Conclusion
Although no significant differences were observed during this study, it is possible for the medial pivot movement to decrease during HCO due to the shift in the center of gravity to the lateral side of the joint line.
3D Printed Mechanical Robust, Anti-swellable Cellulose derived Liquid-free Ionic Conductive Elastomer for Multifunctional Underwater Electronic Skin
Authors: Lu Chuanwei , Wang Xinyu , Shen Yi , Xu Shijian , Wang Chunpeng , Zhang Daihui , Huang Caoxing , Wang Jifu , Yong Qiang , Chu Fuxiang
Published: August 2023

Ionic gel-based wearable electronic devices with robust sensing performance have gained extensive attention. However, the development of mechanical robust, multifunctional, and water resistance ionic gel-based wearable sensors still is a challenge because of their intrinsic structure weakness such as swelling-induced function degradation in a water environment. Herein, we first report the preparation of 3D printed cellulose derived ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs) with high mechanical toughness, multifunctional, and water/organic solvent resistance through one-step photo-polymerization of polymerizable deep eutectic solvents. The well-defined structural design combining multiple hydrogen bonds with strong coordination bonds allows the ICE to be stabilized in aquatic environments. The introduction of polyaniline modified carboxylate cellulose nanocrystals (C-CNC@PANI) not only yields a high conductivity (58.7 mS/m) but also contributes to constructing dense networks to achieve extremely high mechanical strength (4.4 MPa), toughness (13.33 MJ*m-3), elasticity and improved anti-swelling performance. Given these features, the ICE-based multifunctional sensor is used for real-time detecting human motions, respiration, and body temperature. More importantly, the ICE-based sensor shows reliable underwater mechanosensing applications for accurately monitoring human movements in aqueous environments. This work provides a promising strategy for designing the new generation of strong, tough, multifunctional, and water-resistant wearable electronic devices that required multi-scene applications.
Lowering hippocampal miR-29a expression slows cognitive decline and reduces beta-amyloid deposition in 5xFAD mice
Authors: Mei Zhen , Liu Jiaqi , Schroeder Jason P , Weinshenker David , Duong Duc M. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Li Yujing , Jin Peng , Wingo Aliza P. , Wingo Thomas S.
Published: August 2023

microRNA-29a (miR-29a) increases with age in humans and mice, and, in the brain, it has a role in neuronal maturation and response to inflammation. We previously associated higher miR-29a levels in human brain with faster antemortem cognitive decline, suggesting that lowering miR-29a levels could ameliorate memory impairment in the 5xFAD AD mouse model. To test this hypothesis, we generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing GFP and a miR-29a "sponge" or empty vector. We found that the AAV expressing miR-29a sponge functionally reduced miR-29a levels, and improved measures of memory in the Morris water maze and fear condition paradigms when sponge delivered to hippocampi of 5XFAD and WT mice. miR-29a sponge expression significantly reduced hippocampal beta-amyloid deposition in 5XFAD mice and lowered astrocyte and microglia activation in both 5XFAD and WT mice. Using transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing, we identified Plxna1 and Wdfy1 as putative effectors at the transcript and protein level in WT and 5XFAD mice, respectively. These data indicate that miR-29a promotes AD-like neuropathology and negatively regulates cognition, making it and its target genes attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.
Case Report: A woman with schizophrenia who died due to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy occurring after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Muto Takahiro , Kyono Hotsumi
Published: August 2023

Background
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe treatment for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, it has some side effects, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is considered one of the minor complications. Several cases of patients developing Takotsubo cardiomyopathy during a course of ECT have been reported, but none have died. We present a case of post-ECT Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that became fatal.
Case presentation
We experienced a case of a 67-year-old woman who had delusions and catatonic symptoms due to schizophrenia but was resistant to several medications. Her symptoms improved by conducting ECT, but she had difficulty maintaining her improvement, which caused her to receive multiple courses of ECT. A month after her 6th course of ECT, the patient developed Takotsubo cardiomyopathy that had a fatal outcome.
Conclusion
Our patient had numerous cases of aspiration pneumonitis and malnutrition before ECT was preformed, which might have made this case fatal. In conclusion, appropriate supplementation of nutrition and reduction of physical stressors are important to avoid deaths from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy caused by ECT. Prescribing clozapine might have been a solution in the present case, but there are some difficulties, such as the restriction against prescribing this drug in Japan.
Evaluation of the local skin friction drag of turbulent boundary layers over cavities
Authors: Hoang Van-Thuan , Jafari Azadeh , Cazzolato Benjamin , Arjomandi Maziar
Published: August 2023

This research investigates the evaluation of the local friction drag of the turbulent boundary layers over cavities. Two indirect methods, including the composite profile method and the modified Clauser's chart method, were used to estimate the local friction drag of the turbulent boundary layers over a cavity array at four different downstream locations from the first row of the cavity array. Hot-wire probes were used to measure flow velocity at three different free-stream velocities. This resulted in a Reynolds number based on a momentum thickness from 1212 to 3040 and an inner-scaled cavity diameter from about 18 to 44. It was found that the friction coefficient of turbulent boundary layers over the cavity array was decreased compared with those over a smooth wall. A maximum reduction of about 15% was observed in the local skin friction of the turbulent boundary layers over the cavity array, compared to those of the turbulent boundary layers over a smooth wall. It is noted that the reductions in the local friction coefficients, measured at about 14 cavity array diameters from the array trailing edge, were smaller than those measured above the cavity array.
Near-infrared spectroscopy system for quantitative characterization of four biomarkers in biotissue oxygenation
Authors: Hovhannisyan Vladimir , Hu Yvonne Yuling , Chen Liang-Wei , Chen Hsin-Hung , Chang Shin-Tzu , Chen Shean-Jen
Published: August 2023

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a valuable tool for noninvasive and quantitative analysis of biotissue, particularly within the spectral range of 670 to 1000 nm due to the inherent transparency. This technique facilitates the assessment of crucial chromophores including deoxyhemoglobin (Hb), oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and the oxidized state of cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), enabling real-time evaluation of oxygenation and metabolism in human brain and other tissues in vivo. However, the influence of light scattering within tissues and its consequential impact on the accurate quantification of Hb, HbO2, and CCO concentrations were neglected in NIRS measurements. We have developed a portable real-time 4-wavelenght NIRS system to measure the variations in Hb, HbO2, and CCO concentrations, along with concurrent tracking of alterations in biotissue light-scattering characteristics. These measurements were conducted across various modes of respiration and blood circulation in vivo. It is shown that a more precise assessment of the contribution attributable to scattered light does play a significant role in the light absorption of Hb, HbO2 and CCO. Consequently, the precision of quantifying vital biomarker concentration shifts through NIRS technology is markedly enhanced. The assimilation of scattered light data enriches the understanding of oxygenation processes within tissue, thus augmenting the depth and breadth of insights attainable through NIRS studies conducted in vivo. By bridging the gap between light scattering and chromophore absorption, the realm of heightened accuracy and comprehensive physiological interpretation can be achieved.
Variants of the CASP9 gene as candidate markers for primary response to anti-TNF therapy in Crohn's disease patients
Authors: Lykowska-Szuber Liliana , Walczak Michal , Stawczyk-Eder Kamila , Krela-Kazmierczak Iwona , Eder Piotr , Zakerska-Banaszak Oliwia , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Skrzypczak-Zielinska Marzena
Published: August 2023

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is used to induce and maintain remission in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. However, primary non-responders to initial treatment constitute 20–40% of cases. The causes of this phenomenon are still unknown. We aim to investigate the impact of the caspase 9 (CASP9) gene variants on the variable reactions of CD patients to anti-TNF therapy. The study group included 196 diagnosed and clinically characterized CD Polish patients following anti-TNF therapy. The sequence of the CASP9 gene was analyzed using next-generation and Sanger sequencing and was analyzed with the response to biological treatment. Using the RT-qPCR analysis, we estimated the CASP9 gene mRNA level in colon biopsies material from inflamed and non-inflamed tissue (21 CD patients: 14 responders and seven non-responders to anti-TNF therapy and six controls), as well as in vitro in a peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from CD patients (seven responders and seven non-responders to anti-TNF therapy) and eight controls. Our findings indicated association of variants rs1052571 and rs4645978 with response to anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Moreover, we observed tendency for reduced expression after incubation with anti-TNF in the group of CD patients, in contrast to the control group. Our results suggest that response to anti-TNF therapy in CD patients may be an effect of variants of the CASP9 gene as a key effector of the internal pathway of apoptosis, however, further population and functional research are necessary.
Simplicial techniques for operator solutions of linear constraint systems
Authors: Chung Ho Yiu , Okay Cihan , Sikora Igor
Published: August 2023

A linear constraint system is specified by linear equations over the group Zd of integers modulo d. Their operator solutions play an important role in the study of quantum contextuality and non-local games. In this paper, we use the theory of simplicial sets to develop a framework for studying operator solutions of linear systems. Our approach refines the well-known group-theoretical approach based on solution groups by identifying these groups as algebraic invariants closely related to the fundamental group of a space. In this respect, our approach also makes a connection to the earlier homotopical approach based on cell complexes. Within our framework, we introduce a new class of linear systems that come from simplicial sets and show that any linear system can be reduced to one of that form. Then we specialize in linear systems that are associated with groups. We provide significant evidence for a conjecture stating that for odd d every linear system admitting a solution in a group admits a solution in Zd.
Mitochondrial Genome Amplification of Avian Haemosporidian Parasites from Single-Infected Wildlife Samples Using an Innovative Nested PCR Approach
Authors: Musa Sandrine
Published: August 2023

Haemosporidian parasites that infect birds (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) are blood parasites that require multiple hosts for their lifecycle and cause malaria-like diseases. This group of parasites has provided valuable insights into host specificity, virulence, and parasite dispersal. Additionally, they have played a significant role in reshaping our understanding of the evolutionary history of apicomplexans. In order to accurately identify species and to address phylogenetic questions such as the timing of the haemosporidian radiation, the use of a sufficiently large genetic data set is crucial. However, acquiring this genetic data poses significant challenges. In this research, a sensitive nested PCR assay was developed. This assay allows for the easy amplification of complete mitochondrial genomes of haemosporidian parasites in birds, even during the chronic stage of infection. The effectiveness of this new nested PCR assay was evaluated using blood and tissue samples of single infected bird from previous studies. The approach involves amplifying four overlapping fragments of the mitochondrial genome and requires DNA extracts from single infected samples. This method successfully amplified the complete mitochondrial genomes of 24 distinct haemosporidian lineages found in various bird species. This data is invaluable for conducting phylogenetic analyses and accurately defining species. Furthermore, this study proposes the existence of at least 15 new species based on the genetic information obtained. Data regarding pGRW04, previously categorized as Plasmodium relictum like pSGS1 and pGRW11, indicates that the pGRW04 lineage is actually a separate, hidden species.
An Oscillating Reaction Network With an ExactClosed Form Solution in the Time Domain
Authors: Hellerstein Joseph
Published: August 2023

Background: Oscillatory behavior is critical to many life sustaining processes such as cell cycles, circadian rhythms, and notch signaling. Important biological functions depend on the characteristics of these oscillations (hereafter, oscillation characteristics or OCs): frequency (e.g., event timings), amplitude (e.g., signal strength), and phase (e.g., event sequencing).
Results: We develop and conduct a theoretical study of an oscillating reaction network to quantify the relationships between OCs and the structure and parameters of the reaction network. We consider a reaction network with two species that have dynamics that can be described by a system of linear differential equations. This makes it possible to construct a two species harmonic oscillator (2SHO). We obtain exact, closed-form formulas for the OCs of the 2SHO. These formulas are used to develop the parameterizeOscillator algorithm that parameterizes the 2SHO to achieve desired oscillation characteristics.
Conclusions: The OC formulas are employed to analyze the roles of the reactions in the network, and to comment on other studies of oscillatory reaction networks. For example, others have stated that nonlinear dynamics are required to create oscillations in reaction networks. Our 2SHO is a counter example to this claim in that 2SHO is an oscillating reaction network whose dynamics are described by a system of linear differential equations. A further insight of potential interest is that our formulas show that in order to obtain oscillations in the 2SHO, the rate of the reaction that causes negative feedback must exceed the rate of the reaction that causes positive feedback.
Disulfidptosis-related prognostic model based on multiomics and the significance of IL1B in ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Kunyu , Li Bin
Published: August 2023

Background
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a significant health concern for women due to high mortality rates. Disulfidptosis is a newly discovered mechanism of caspase-driven programmed cell death that may be significant for cancer treatment.
Methods
The bulk RNA-seq data of 378 OC patients in TCGA-OV cohort and 174 patients in GSE53963 dataset, and the single-cell RNA-seq data of 4 high-grade SOC patients in GSE154600 were retrieved. The disulfidptosis score was calculated by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) based on the disulfidptosis pathway using the AddModuleScore function of the Seurat package. The patients were divided into the two groups based on the risk score, which were then compared using consensus clustering, WCGNA and functional enrichment analysis. LASSO regression and cox regression were performed to construct a risk score model. Immune cell infiltration was analyzed by xcell and ssGSEA. IL1B was knocked down in OC cell lines, and routine in vitro and in vivo functional assays were performed.
Results
We identified 6 cell clusters in OC and divided them on the basis of the disulfidptosis score. The two groups showed distinct functional difference. Likewise, OC patients divided into disulfidptosis score-related groups showed significant difference in survival status, along with enrichment of immune response-related pathways. Seven prognostic genes related to disulfidptosis were screened by Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses, and the risk score was calculated. The high-risk score was associated with significantly worse survival in the validation cohort. In addition, the abundance of activated T cells was higher, and that of Tregs and MDSCs were lower in the low-risk group compared to the high-risk group. Finally, IL1B silencing inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OC cells in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusion
The disulfidptosis-based risk model can accurately predict the prognosis and immune characteristics of OC patients. IL1B functions as an oncogene in OC, and is a promising therapeutic target.
Aspirin Responsiveness in a Cohort of Paediatric Patients With Bovine Jugular Venous Valves and Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduits
Authors: Kelleher Sean T. , Regan Irene E. , Cox Dermot , Shaw Kathryn , Kenny Damien P. , Walsh Kevin P. , Franklin Orla , McMahon Colin J.
Published: August 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of aspirin responsiveness in a cohort of paediatric patients with in-situ xenograft valved right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduits and/or bovine jugular venous valves (BJV). Aspirin is routinely prescribed to these patients. Optimising anti-platelet therapy could promote valve longevity and reduce the risk of infective endocarditis in this at-risk group.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, observational study. Patients were recruited from both ward and outpatient settings. Patients were eligible if under 18 years and taking aspirin. Non-response to aspirin was defined as >20% platelet aggregation using light-transmission platelet aggregometry (LTA) and <50% platelet inhibition by thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEGPM). Participants were invited to provide a confirmatory sample in cases of aspirin resistance and dose adjustments were made.
Results: Thirty patients participated. Median age was 9 years (2 months – 18 years). The majority (93%) had complex right ventricular outflow tract pathology. 13 (43%) had an RV-PA conduit, 24 (80%) had a BJV, with valve situated in conduit in 7 (23%) cases. Rate of aspirin non-response on initial testing was 23% (n=7/30) with median LTA 25.45% (24.9-40%) and TEG 13.25% (0-44%) in non-responders. Non-responders were more likely to be under 1 year. Two patients required dose increases and one patient non-adherence to dose was identified. In 4 patients repeat testing revealed normal results.
Conclusions The rate of aspirin non-response on laboratory testing in this cohort of patients was 23% and resulted in therapeutic intervention in 10%.
Association between blood lipid levels and risk of liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhihui , Xu Shicong , Song Meixuan , Huang Weirong , Yan Manlin , Li Xianrong
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The association between blood lipid levels and the risk of developing liver cancer remains a subject of ongoing debate. In order to elucidate this association, we conducted a meta-analysis by systematically incorporating data from all relevant prospective cohort studies.
Method: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library, covering data from the inception of these databases up to July, 2023. This study included prospective cohort studies related to lipid profiles (e.g., total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) that reported hazard ratios (HRs) or relative risks (RRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) to investigate their association with the risk of liver cancer. During the analysis process, we used fixed-effect or random-effects models based on the level of heterogeneity among the studies and obtained pooled risk ratios using these models. To ensure the robustness and reliability of the study findings, we also conducted sensitivity analyses and publication bias analyses.
Results: After conducting a systematic search, we identified 12 studies from a total of 11,904 articles, which were included in the meta-analysis. These studies encompassed a combined population of 10,765,221 participants, including 31,055 cases of liver cancer events. The analysis results revealed that the highest versus lowest pooled risk ratio for serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration was 0.45 (95% CI = 0.35-0.58, I2 = 78%). For triglycerides (TGs), the risk ratio was 0.67 (95% CI = 0.46-0.96, I2 = 86%), while for high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), the risk ratio was 0.72 (95% CI = 0.58-0.90, I2 = 65%). Regarding low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), the risk ratio was 0.51 (95% CI = 0.23-1.13, I2 = 93%).
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a negative association between serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein with liver cancer, suggesting that higher concentrations of these lipids are associated with a reduced risk of liver cancer. However, no significant association has been found between low-density lipoprotein and liver cancer at present.
Tonic action of endothelin type B and dopamine D3 receptors in SHR and DOCA hypertensive rats: effects of intrarenally applied selective antagonists
Authors: Bądzyńska Bożena , Baranowska Iwona , Sadowski Janusz
Published: August 2023

Endothelins and renal dopamine contribute to control of renal function and arterial pressure in health and various forms of experimental hypertension, the action is mediated by tonic activity of specific receptors. We determined the action mediated by endothelin type B and dopamine D3 receptors (ETB-R, D3-R) in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. In rats of both hypertension models infused during 60 min into the interstitium of in situ kidney were either ETB-R antagonist, BQ788 (0.67 mg kg-1 h-1) or D3-R antagonist, GR169031 (0.2 mg kg-1 h-1). Arterial pressure (MAP), renal artery blood flow (RBF, Transonic probe) and renal medullary blood flow (MBF, laser-Doppler) were measured along with sodium, water and total solute excretion (UNaV, V, UosmV). Experiments with ETB-R blockade confirmed their tonic vasodilator action in the whole kidney (RBF) and medulla (MBF) in both hypertension models. In SHR only, the first evidence was provided that ETB-R specifically increases transtubular backflux of non-electrolyte solutes, such as urea. In DOCA-salt rats ETB-R blockade caused an early decrease in water and salt transport whereas an increase was often reported from many previous studies. The most striking effect of D3-R blockade in SHR was a selective increase in MBF, which strongly suggested tonic vasoconstrictor action of these receptors in the renal medulla; this speaks against prevailing opinion that D3 receptors are virtually inactive in SHR. In our model variant of DOCA-salt rats D3-R blockade clearly caused a rapid major increase in MAP in parallel with depression of renal haemodynamics
Real-time cross-step detection using center-of-pressure based algorithm
Authors: Zadravec Matjaž , Matjačić Zlatko
Published: August 2023

Background
Gait event detection is crucial for assessment, evaluation and provision of biofeedback of during rehabilitation of walking. Existing online gait event detection algorithms mostly rely on add-on sensors, limiting their practicality. Instrumented treadmills offer a promising alternative by utilizing the Center of Pressure (CoP) signal for real-time gait event detection. However, current methods have limitations, particularly in detecting cross-step events during perturbed walking conditions.
Methods
We present and validate a real-time CoP-based algorithm to detect gait events and cross-steps, which combines thresholding and logic techniques. The algorithm was evaluated on CoP datasets from healthy participants, stroke survivors, and unilateral amputees that underwent perturbation-based balance assessments, encompassing different walking speeds. Real-time detected gait events were compared to offline identified counterparts in order to present related temporal delays and success rate.
Results
The proposed algorithm demonstrated high accuracy in detecting gait events during native gait, as well as cross-step events during perturbed walking conditions. It successfully recognized the majority of cross-steps, with a detection success rate of 94%. However, some misclassifications or missed events occurred, mainly due to the complexity of cross-step events. Temporal delays for heel-strikes during native gait and cross-step events averaged at 78 ms and 64 ms respectively, while toe-off delays were 126 ms and 111 ms respectively.
Conclusion
The proposed algorithm represents an advancement in gait event detection on instrumented treadmills. By leveraging the CoP signal, it successfully identifies gait events and cross-steps in real-time, providing valuable insights into human locomotion. The algorithm's ability to accommodate diverse CoP patterns enhance its applicability to a wide range of individuals and gait characteristics. The algorithm's performance was consistent across different populations, suggesting its potential for diverse clinical and research settings, particularly in the domains of gait analysis and rehabilitation practices.
Breast cancer diagnosed after age 70 years in Israeli BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic sequence variant carriers- A single institution experience
Authors: Bufman Hila , Faermann Renata , Halshtok-Neiman Osnat , Shalmon Anat , Gotlieb Michael , Samoocha David , Yagil Yael , Feldman Dana Madorsky , Friedman Eitan , Sklair-Levy Miri
Published: August 2023

Purpose
A semi-annual surveillance scheme from age 25–30 years is offered to BRCA1/BRCA2 pathogenic sequence variants (PSVs) carriers for early detection of breast cancer (BC). There is a paucity of data on the yield of adhering to this scheme beyond 70 years of age.
Methods
Female BRCA1/BRCA2 PSV carriers followed at the Meirav high-risk clinic, Sheba Medical center, Israel were eligible. Type and frequencies if use of Imaging modalities, breast biopsies and histological outcomes for participants after age 70 years were retrieved and analyzed.
Results
Overall, the study encompassed 88 consenting participants (46 BRCA1 carriers) mean age ± SD 73.7 ± 3.3 years (range 70–90 years), followed for an average of 3.8 years (range 1–11 years). Ten carriers (11.3%) were diagnosed with BC after age 70 years (mean age at diagnosis 72 ± 2 years) and an additional case was diagnosed with breast lymphoma. The imaging modality that has led to most diagnoses was MRI (8/11 cases). Eight of these 10 cases were previously diagnosed with BC prior to age 70 and in six, BC past 70 years was in the contralateral breast. The lesions size averaged 1.29 ± 0.75 cm, with IDC and DCIS diagnosed in 5 cases each, and none had lymph node involvement.
Conclusions
In ~ 10% of BRCA1/BRCA2 PSV carriers BC is diagnosed by breast imaging after age 70 years. If these results are validated in a larger study, the guidelines for the maximum age for BC surveillance in high risk women should be revisited.