bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Rice Breeding from Association Mapping of 116 Accessions Using 64 Polymorphic SSR Markers
Authors: Singh Alok kumar , Kumar Devendra , Gemmati Donato , Ellur Ranjith Kumar , Singh Ashutosh , Tisato Veronica , Dwivedi D.K. , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Khan Nawaz Ahmad , Singh Ajay Vikram
Published: March 2024

Genetic variability in rice breeding program plays the very crucial role. It provides outstanding pool of superior alleles governing better agronomic and quality characters through association mapping. For the understanding of population structure and genetic relationship among the different rice lines is indispensable prior to setting of correlation among dynamic alleles and traits. In the present investigation, genetic diversity and population structure of 116 rice accessions by using 64 polymorphic SSR markers was targeted for the evaluation of the genetic relatedness and diversity. Genotyping assessment based on SSR markers revealed a total of 225 alleles, with an average PIC value of 0.755. The germplasm lines were classified into three distinct subgroups through population structure analysis, utilizing both model and distance-based approaches. AMOVA analysis showed that 11% of the total variation could be attributed to differences between groups, while the remaining 89% of the variation was likely due to differences within groups. The study suggests that the population structure and genetic relatedness should be considered when working with the core collection of 116 rice germplasm lines for association mapping, aiming to establish marker-trait associations.
Effectiveness of Sodium Metabisulfite against Fungal Rot of Fruit after Harvest and Assessment of the Phytotoxicity Induced in Treated Fruit
Authors: Allagui Mohamed Bechir , Ben Amara Mouna
Published: March 2024

This study evaluates the efficacy of the salts, sodium metabisulfite (SMB), ammonium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate first in vitro against the main postharvest fruit rot fungi, Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum. Results showed that 0.2% SMB completely inhibited mycelium growth of the fungal species. Ammonium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate were less effective at 0.2% in inhibiting mycelial growth, ranging from 57.6% to 77.6%. The least effective was potassium dihydrogen or-thophosphate. Experiments were also performed in vivo on wounded apples inoculated with the most pathogenic fungus, B. cinerea, and treated with SMB at concentrations of 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3%, both preventively and curatively. Results based on the decay size showed that SMB, when used as a preventive treatment, had a reduced efficacy, even with the highest concentration. However, this salt proved to be very effective at 0.5% in curative treatment, since the decay was completely blocked. Our results suggest that the appropriate concentration of SMB for post-harvest treatment is 0.5% as a curative treatment. On the other hand, the 1% dose induced the onset of phytotoxicity around the wound. To assess the extent of phytotoxicity reaction, higher concentrations of 1-4% SMB were applied to wounded fruit. Apples and oranges were inoculated or not with B. cinerea and P. digitatum respectively. Doses of 1- 4% induced phytotoxicity in the form of a discoloured ring surrounding the wound on the epidermis of the fruit; this phytotoxicity enlarged as the concentration of SMB increased. The phytotoxic features were similar on apples and oranges. The methodological procedure made it possible to carry out a quantitative assess-ment of SMB phytotoxicity. This method is proposed as an easy-to-use technique for quantitatively estimating the phytotoxicity of antifungal compounds on post-harvest fruit.
Pancreaticoduodenectomy with Anatomical Vascular Variant in Groove Pancreatitis – a Case Report
Authors: Breaza Gelu Mihai , Dan Radu Gheorghe , Hut Florin Emil , Baderca Flavia , Cretu Octavian Marius , Sima Laurentiu Vasile
Published: March 2024

Groove pancreatitis represents a chronic focal form of pancreatitis affecting the zone between the pancreatic head and the duodenal „C” loop, known as the groove area. This is a rare condition that affects the pancreatic periampullary part, including the duodenum and the common bile duct, associated usually with long-term alcohol and tobacco misuse and being more frequent in men than in women. The most common clinical symptoms of groove pancreatitis include weight loss, acute abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.
This report is about a 66 year old woman with a history of heavy smoking, presenting with weight loss, nausea, and upper abdominal pain. Contrast enhanced computed tomography revealed the existence of a chronic pancreatitis as well as the dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, a cyst of the pancreatic head and enlargement of the biliary tract. Conservatory treatment was initiated but with no improvement of symptoms. Since there was no indication for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, we decided to perform a pancreatoduodenectomy, as surgery appears to be the single effective treatment.
Analysis of Resin-Based Dental Materials Composition Depending on Their Clinical Applications
Authors: Dantagnan Claire-Adeline , Babajko Sylvie , Nassif Ali , Houari Sophia , Jedeon Katia , François Philippe , Dursun Elisabeth , Attal Jean-Pierre , Bosco Julia
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to detail the monomer composition of resin-based dental materials sold in the market in 2023 and to evaluate the proportion of BPA derivatives in relation with their applications. A search on manufacturers’ websites was performed to reference resin-based dental materials currently on the market. Their monomer composition was determined from material safety data sheets and completed with a search on PubMed database. Among the 543 material compositions exploitable, 382 (70.3%) contained BPA derivatives. Among them, 56.2% contained BisGMA, 28% BisEMA, the most frequently reported. A total of 59 monomers of which 6 BPA-derivatives were found. 309 materials (56.9%) contained UDMA and 292 (53.8%) TEGDMA. Less than one third of materials identified contained no BPA derivatives. These proportions vary a lot depending on their applications with materials dedicated to dental care of young populations containing the highest proportions of BPA-derivatives monomers. The long-term effects on human health of the different monomers identified including BPA-derivatives monomers is a source of concern. For children and pregnant or lactating women arises the question to take a precautionary principle and avoid the use of resin-based dental materials likely to release BPA by opting for alternative materials.
C8Mab-21: A Novel Anti-human CCR8 Monoclonal Antibody for Flow Cytometry
Authors: Tanaka Tomohiro , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Li Guanjie , Kaneko Mika K , Kato Yukinari
Published: March 2024

C-C motif chemokine receptor-8 (CCR8) belongs to class A of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). CCR8 interacts with the specific chemokine ligand CCL1/I-309 in humans, which is produced by various cells, including tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells (Treg). CCR8 is highly expressed on Treg and T-helper 2 (TH2) cells recruited to the inflammation site and is implicated in allergy, asthma, and cancer progression. The CCR8+Treg has been suggested to be an important regulator in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME); therefore, it has been desired to develop sensitive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for CCR8. This study developed a specific mAb for human CCR8 (hCCR8), which is useful for flow cytometry by employing the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening (CBIS) method. The established anti-hCCR8 mAb, C8Mab-21, (mouse IgM, kappa) reacted with hCCR8-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary-K1 (CHO/hCCR8) cells, TALL-1 (acute T lymphoblastic leukemia), CCRF-HSB2 (human T-lymphoblastic leukemia), and natural killer cells, which express endogenous hCCR8 by flow cytometry. Furthermore, C8Mab-21 demonstrated a moderate binding affinity for CHO/hCCR8 and TALL-1 with a dissociation constant of 6.5×10-8 M and 2.0×10-8 M, respectively. C8Mab-21, which was established by the CBIS method, could be a useful tool for analyzing the hCCR8-related biological response using flow cytometry.
Optical Design of a Wavelength Selective Switch Utilizing a Waveguide Frontend with Beamsteering Capability
Authors: Patsamanis Georgios , Ketzaki Dimitra , Chatzitheocharis Dimitrios , Vyrsokinos Konstantinos
Published: March 2024

Wavelength selective switches (WSSs) are essential elements for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical networks, as they offer cost-effective, high port-count and flexible spectral channel switching. This work proposes a new hybrid WSS architecture that leverages the beam shaping and steering features of uniform silicon nitride (SiN) based end-fire optical phased arrays (OPAs). By introducing beamforming to a WSS system, the spectral channels on the liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) panel can be tailored and arranged properly, depending on the optical configuration, using the beam control capabilities of OPAs. Combining 3D-FDTD and ray tracing simulations, the study shows that by reducing the input beam dimensions with proper sizing of the OPAs, the WSS design with the null-steering OPAs layout and 4×No switch size features increased spectral resolution. This extensive beamforming study on the steering-enabled layout reveals the acquirement of an even higher input channel number, achieving up to the 8×No WSS scheme with flexible channel routing on the LCoS panel. Such implementation of beamsteerers can unlock an extra degree of freedom for the switching capabilities of hybrid WSS devices. The results show great promise for the introduction of OPAs in WSS systems and provide valuable insight for the design of future wireless communication links and WDM systems.
The Role of Echocardiography in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Kadoglou Nikolaos P.E. , Khattab Elina , Velidakis Nikolaos , Gkougkoudi Evaggelia , Myrianthefs Michael M.
Published: March 2024

The right heart catheterisation constitutes the gold standard for pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis. However, echocardiography remains a reliable, non-invasive, inexpensive, convenient, and easily reproducible modality not only for the preliminary screening of PH but also for PH prognosis. The aim of this review is to describe a cluster of echocardiographic parameters for the detection and prognosis of PH and analyse the challenges of echocardiography implementation in patients with suspected or established PH. The most important echocardiographic index is the calculation of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) through the tricuspid regurgitation (TR). It has shown high correlation with invasive measurement of pulmonary pressure, but several drawbacks have questioned its accuracy. Besides this, the right ventricular outflow track acceleration time (RVOT-AT) has been proposed for PH diagnosis. A plethora of echocardiographic indices: right atrial area, pericardial effusion, the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), the TAPSE/PASP ratio, tricuspid annular systolic velocity (s′) and recently, can reflect the severity and prognosis of PH. Recent advances in echocardiography with 3-dimensional right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction, RV free wall strain and right atrial strain may further assist the prognostication of PH.
Evaluation of Segmentation, Rotation, and Geographic Delivery Approaches for Deployment of Multiple First Line Treatment (MFT) to Respond to Antimalarial Drug Resistance in Africa: A Qualitative Study in Seven Sub-Sahara Countries
Authors: Audibert Celine , Aspinall Adam , Tchouatieu Andre-Marie , Hugo Pierre
Published: March 2024

Background: Several studies recently confirmed the emergence of resistance to antimalarial drugs in sub-Saharan Africa. Multiple first-line treatment (MFT) is one of the measures envisaged to respond to the emergence and spread of this resistance. The aim of this study was to identify perceived advantages and disadvantages of several MFT deployment strategies and to better understand potential implementation drivers and barriers. Methods: A qualitative survey was conducted in seven sub-Saharan countries amongst key opinion-leaders, national decision-makers, and end users. A total of 200 individual interviews were conducted and findings were analyzed following a thematic inductive approach. Results: From a policy perspective, the new MFT intervention would require endorsement at the global, national, and regional levels to ensure its inclusion in guidelines. Funding of the MFT intervention could be a bottleneck due to costs associated with additional training of healthcare workers, adaptation of drug delivery mechanisms, and higher costs of drugs. Concerning the MFT deployment strategies, a slight preference for the segmentation strategy was expressed over the rotation and geographic approaches, due to the perception that a segmentation approach is already in place at country level. Conclusions: The findings highlighted the need for a collective approach to MFT deployment through the engagement of stakeholders at all levels of malaria management.
Optical properties and possible origins of atmospheric aerosols over LHAASO in the eastern margin of Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xia Junji , Zhu Fengrong , Zhao Xingbing , Liu Jing , Liu Hu , Yuan Guotao , Sun Qinning , Xie Lei , Jin Min , Chen Long , Wang Yang , Liu Yu , Song Tengfei
Published: March 2024

The accuracy of cosmic ray observation by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory Wide Field-of-view Cherenkov/fluorescence Telescope Array (LHAASO-WFCTA) is influenced by variations in aerosols in the atmosphere. The solar photometer (CE318-T) is extensively utilized within the Aerosol Robotic Network as a highly precise and reliable instrument for aerosol measurements. With this CE318-T 23, 254 sets of valid data samples in 394 days from October 2020 to October 2022 at the LHAASO site were obtained. Data analysis revealed that the baseline Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and A˚ngstro¨m Exponent (AE) at 440-870 nm (AE440−870nm) of the aerosols were calculated to be 0.03 and 1.07, respectively, suggesting that the LHAASO site is among the most pristine regions on Earth. The seasonality of the mean AOD are the order of spring > summer > autumn = winter. The monthly average maximum of AOD440nm occurred in April (0.11 ± 0.05) and the minimum was in December (0.03 ± 0.01). The monthly average of AE440−870nm exhibited slight variations. The seasonal characterization of aerosol types indicated that clean continental background aerosol predominated in autumn and winter, which is the optimal period for the absolute calibration of the WFCTA. Additionally, the diurnal daytime variations of AOD and AE across the four seasons are presented. Our analysis also indicates that the potential origins of aerosol over the LHAASO in four seasons were different and the atmospheric aerosols with higher AOD probably originate mainly from Northern Myanmar and Northeast India region. These results provide a baseline for comparison to the future on-site measurement of extinction coefficient profile and aerosol phase function by LHAASO-WFCTA, also enrich the valuable materials on aerosol observation in the Hengduan Mountains and Tibetan Plateau.
Protozoan Infections Acquired from Food or Drinking Water: An Update
Authors: Rossi Franca , Amadoro Carmela , Santonicola Serena , Marino Lucio , Colavita Giampaolo
Published: March 2024

This review summarizes the most recent developments of research on protozoan parasite infections ac-quired through food and drinking water and is aimed at gathering updated knowledge on the risk factors, illnesses caused, and measures for prevention.
Reports included dated from 2019 to the present and regarded recent outbreaks and cases of severe infec-tions, prevalence in different population segments and food handlers, and occurrence in food and drinking water. Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii were the microorganisms most frequently involved in large outbreaks and/or severe infections, while Cyclospora cayetanensis was most frequently involved in single case reports. Cystoisospora belli was implied in severe infections in immunocompromised patients, while Blastocystis homi-nis, Sarcocystis spp., Dientamoeba fragilis, Endolimax nana and Pentatrichomonas hominis appeared to be less relevant for number of symptomatic infections and pathogenic potential.
A progressive improvement in surveillance of protozoan infections and infection sources was highlighted, especially in developed countries. The apparent increase in cases was concomitant with the implementa-tion of reporting systems and the application of molecular diagnostic methods that represent valuable in-struments for establishing epidemiological links and preventing or limiting outbreaks. The pathogenic role and sources of infection should be better elucidated for some species.
Longitudinal Associations of Body Fatness and Physical Fitness with Cognitive Skills in Preschoolers
Authors: Reisberg Kirkke , Riso Eva-Maria , Animägi Liina , Jürimäe Jaak
Published: March 2024

The importance of cognitive health for academic success is well-recognized. However, longitudinal data regarding the associations of body fatness, physical fitness and cognition are relatively scarce and mixed. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether body fatness, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF) in preschool are associated with cognitive skills in first grade at school. 133 South Estonian children aged 6-7 years were recruited from 13 kindergartens and again at 7-8 years when they had entered school. Body fat percentage (BF%), CRF, MF as the mean of z-scores of relative handgrip strength and standing long jump tests, and cognitive skills (verbal, conceptual, perceptual) were studied. There were no associations between BF% and CRF in pre-school with perceptual, conceptual or verbal skills in school in boys and girls. In boys, higher MF in preschool predicted higher verbal skills (β = 0.293, p = 0.021) in school after adjustment for con-founders. Cognitive skills at baseline seemed predominantly predict later cognitive performance in school. In conclusion, higher muscular fitness in preschool predicted better verbal skills in first grade at school in boys but not in girls. Body fatness and cardiorespiratory fitness in preschool were not associated with cognitive skills in school.
Stimulating Higher Education Students' Entrepreneurial Intention: Observing the Influence of Entrepreneurship Education and Lecturers' Personal Competence
Authors: Arifia Sariat , Pratondo Katon , Zaid Zaid , Somantri Ace , Al Bahy Mahbub Pasca
Published: March 2024

Entrepreneurship is becoming an increasing topic of discussion. It has attracted the attention of academics worldwide due to its beneficial impact on economic and social development worldwide. For this reason, it is essential to stimulate the intention to engage in entrepreneurial endeavors as early as possible, preferably while still a student. Unfortunately, no research has explored the role of higher education, such as universities, as providers and supporters of a supportive environment in fostering entrepreneurial intentions, which can ultimately produce entrepreneurs. Based on these problems, this research examines essential factors such as entrepreneurship education and lecturers' competencies, which influence students' entrepreneurial intentions. Using a quantitative method involving 314 respondents through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis, this research concludes that entrepreneurship education and lecturers' personal competencies positively and significantly influence students' entrepreneurial intention. This research also offers educational institutions and the government an increase in students' intentions to become entrepreneurs. On the other hand, this study suggests that both the mixed methods approach and longitudinal models should be expanded to provide a more thorough knowledge of the readiness of individuals to engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
Maximizing Network Stability with Automatic Transfer Switch Systems
Authors: Hadidjaja Dwi , Pamungkas Farid Setyo
Published: March 2024

This study examines the functionality and effectiveness of Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) systems in maintaining power continuity in distributed networks. By employing observational and simulation methodologies, we assessed the operational dynamics of ATS systems when primary power sources fail. The results indicate that ATS systems significantly minimize electricity downtime through swift transitions to backup power, thereby enhancing system reliability. Despite the advantages, certain limitations were identified that could potentially impact system performance if not addressed. These findings have crucial implications for the management of distributed power networks, suggesting improvements in responsiveness to power interruptions and reduction in operational disruptions. Highlights: Seamless Power Switching: ATS guarantees uninterrupted power by swiftly transitioning to backup during outages. Resilient Network: Research underscores ATS effectiveness in minimizing downtime, crucial for robust power distribution. Addressing Limitations: Despite benefits, vigilance is needed to mitigate potential shortcomings for sustained system reliability. Keywords: ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch), Power Supply System, Backup Power
Associations between HEXACO personality traits, substance use disorders and behavioral addictions: A protocol for a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sharifibastan Farangis , Erevik Eilin Kristine , Morken Katharina Teresa Enehaug , Pallesen Ståle
Published: March 2024

Background
While ample research has examined the connections between addiction and personality in general, there has yet to be a systematic study that investigates how various substance use disorders (SUD) and behavioural addictions are related to the dimensions of the HEXACO model of personality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to address this gap by comprehensively exploring the association between HEXACO personality traits and addiction disorders, including illegal substances (e.g., all narcotics in one group and cannabis in a separate category), and behavioural addictions (e.g., gambling and gaming problems, social media addiction, and compulsive sexual behaviour disorder; CSBD), within all types of sample populations.
Methods
The present paper will carry out a systematic review of the available literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches will be conducted in databases including APA PsycINFO (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), ProQuest, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Wiley Online Library, and Google Scholar. Included studies will adhere to the following criteria: (1) original articles, published as full papers; (2) studies published in English or other European languages or Persian; (3) published in a peer-reviewed journal; (4) studies investigating the association between HEXACO personality traits and addictive disorders, including illegal substances (e.g., all narcotics and cannabis as separate categories), and behavioural addictions (e.g., gambling and gaming problems, social media addiction, and CSBD), within all types of sample populations. (5) Research reporting Pearson’s or Spearman’s r correlation coefficients of the variables of interest or any data that could be converted into a correlation coefficient, such as Cohen’s d/f, T value, F values, or Fishers Z will be included. Two researchers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and extract data. Risk of bias of the included studies will be assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS), and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Data will be synthesized using a meta-analysis if the data are sufficient. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to investigate the impact of various moderators on effect sizes, and sensitivity analyses will examine the robustness of the results. Data analysis will be conducted in Stata 18 packages.
Discussion
This review and meta-analysis will be the first to systematically explore and integrate the evidence available on the association between the HEXACO personality traits and SUD and behavioural addictions. By consolidating information, the study enhances our understanding of the role of personality traits in the development and maintenance of SUD and behavioural addictions.
Systematic review registration:
PROSPERO CRD42023468153
Associations Between Anemia and Dependence on Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Older Women
Authors: Karismaz Abdulkadir , Pasin Ozge , Kara Osman , Eren Rafet , Smith Lee , Doventas Alper , Soysal Pinar
Published: March 2024

Aim
The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between anemia and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in older female patients.
Methods
540 older female outpatients were included. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin below 12 g/dL. Patients' demographic characteristics, comorbidities, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were also recorded. Handgrip strength (HGS) was measured with a hand dynamometer to detect dynapenia. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional capacity.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 77.42 ± 7.42. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 35%. A significant difference was observed between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of age, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, (DM) coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition, dynapenia, and MMSE, BADL and IADL scores (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, DM, hypertension, CAD and CKD; there were significant associations between anemia and reduced BADL/IADL scores, dynapenia, falls, the risk of falls, MMSE, and malnutrition (p < 0.05). After adjusting for all confounding variables, deterioration in total BADL and IADL total scores were still more common among anemic older females than those without anemia (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
One out of every three older women presenting at outpatient clinic were anemic. Anemia was observed to be associated with dependence in both BADL and IADL measures. Therefore, the presence of anemia in elderly women should be routinely checked, and possible causes should be investigated and treated to improve their functional capacity.
Elucidating the Prognostic Biomarkers and Immune Correlations in the Co- occurrence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hui Li , Qi Wu , Ping Liu , Yuling Tang , Yubin Fan , Wenfang Tang , Yanyan Fang , Linyan Xu , Bin Li , Ting Guo , Xuelian Chen
Published: March 2024

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) elevated the risk of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), but the underlying molecular links and their effects on disease progression were unclear.
Methods: This study performed a comprehensive analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq data from six independent cohorts to identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between COPD and LUSC patients. It conducted survival analysis using the TCGA-LUSC dataset and constructed a risk prediction model for the identified DEGs through LASSO regression, accounting for smoking history in LUSC-TCGA patients. The immune correlations and tumor immunophenotype profiling of the risk model were further analyzed.
Results: Distinct gene expression profiles were identified in patients with both COPD and LUSC compared to those with either condition alone, with seven genes showing significant dysregulation. This suggested a unique molecular signature for combined disease pathology. PTPN3 and ADH1C were pinpointed as potential prognostic biomarkers using a LASSO model. These genes also demonstrated negative correlations with various immune cells and positive correlations with tumor-promoting processes.
Conclusion: This study reveals the molecular connection between COPD and LUSC, pinpointing biomarkers for disease evolution and therapeutic response, and emphasizes the intricate treatment dynamics due to COPD's genetic and immune influences on LUSC prognosis
Agricultural Unmanned Aerial Vehicle image transmission protection scheme based on hybrid hyperchaos and Bonouille-DCT compressed sensing
Authors: Zhou Lingzhi , Xia Han , Lin Qingfa , Yang Xin , Zhang Xiangwei , Zhou Man
Published: March 2024

This study introduces the Two-Dimensional Hybrid Chaotic Fourier Series and Nonlinear Coupled Oscillator Model (2- DHOCFSANCOM), which is integrated with compressed sensing technology, aiming to address the challenge of slow encryption speeds in agricultural Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The principal challenge in enhancing encryption speed is the inher- ently limited capacity of traditional chaos-based systems coupled with the complexity of their computational processes. By employing a sophisticated two-dimensional hybrid chaotic system, the 2-DHOCFSANCOM significantly enhances the security of image transmission in agricultural drones. This model surpasses existing chaos-based methods by integrating advanced Fourier series and nonlinear coupled oscillators, achieving improved pseudo-randomness and robustness in encryption. Moreover, incorporating the Bonouille function into the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) domain results in a sparser measurement matrix, which is pivotal for enabling efficient real-time encryption. The effectiveness of 2-DHOCFSANCOM in securely encrypting images from agricultural drones has been rigorously validated through simulations and analytical evaluations, employing sophisticated row, rotation, and matrix encryption techniques. Comparative analyses have further confirmed its enhanced safety performance. Compared to other models, the 2-DHOCFSANCOM demonstrates a notably higher Lyapunov exponent of 15.1039 and a sample entropy of 2.5, evidencing its superior chaotic performance and reliability in encryption.
Toxicity related with brolucizumab
Authors: Campos António , Tomás Rita , Oliveira Nuno , Mota Carolina , Silva Sara , Sousa João P
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Post-marketing studies identified severe vision-threatening side effects of brolucizumab, including retinal vasculitis (RV) and intraocular inflammation (IOI).
Objective: To present the prevalence of IOI related to brolucizumab in our department, including the first reported case of an occlusive RV with retinal vascular occlusion (RO) and severe vision loss related to brolucizumab in Portugal.
Results: There were 4 eyes with unilateral IOI related to brolucizumab (3.42%), one (0.85%) presenting uveitis, two (1.71%) vitritis and the last one presenting occlusive RV (0.85%), from a total of 117 eyes that were on brolucizumab therapy.
Conclusion: although serious complications from brolucizumab therapy may appear to be rare, they may be distressful for the patient and the ophthalmologist since some of them may lead to irreversible blindness. Moreover, continuous report of serious sight-threatening events is mandatory, since continuous surveillance and evaluation from the regulatory authorities is needed, as it involves health and legal issues.
GolpHCat (TMEM87A), a unique voltage-dependent cation channel in Golgi apparatus, contributes to Golgi-pH maintenance and hippocampus-dependent memory
Authors: Lee C. Justin , Kang Hyunji , Han Ah-reum , Zhang Aihua , Jeong Heejin , Koh Wuhyun , Lee Jung Moo , Lee Hayeon , Jo Heeyoung , Maria-Solano Miguel A , Bhalla Mridula , Roh Woo Suk , Jang Hyun Jun , Yang Jimin , Lee Boyoung , Choi Sun , An Hyun Joo , Kim Ho Min , Kwon Jea
Published: March 2024

Impaired ion channels regulating Golgi pH lead to structural alterations in the Golgi apparatus, such as fragmentation, which is found, along with cognitive impairment, in Alzheimer’s disease. However, the causal relationship between altered Golgi structure and cognitive impairment remains elusive due to the lack of understanding of ion channels in the Golgi apparatus of brain cells. Here, we identify that a transmembrane protein TMEM87A, renamed Golgi-pH-regulating cation channel (GolpHCat), expressed in astrocytes and neurons that contributes to hippocampus-dependent memory. We found that GolpHCat displays unique voltage-dependent currents, which is potently inhibited by gluconate. Additionally, we gained structural insights into the ion conduction through GolpHCat at the molecular level by determining three high-resolution cryogenic-electron microscopy structures of human GolpHCat. GolpHCat-knockout mice show fragmented Golgi morphology and altered protein glycosylation and functions in the hippocampus, leading to impaired spatial memory. These findings suggest a novel molecular target for Golgi-related diseases and cognitive impairment.
Rock-cutting ability and field application research of a novel slurry abrasive water jet cutting system
Authors: Dong Zhuo , Yuan Ruifu , Lang Yingxian , Wu Junjie
Published: March 2024

The abrasive water jet (AWJ) is an innovative technology employed in underground engineering to enhance the stability of surrounding rock, facilitate unconventional oil and gas development, and rock breaking in tunnel engineering. However, current AWJ cutting systems often face challenges related to intricate operational processes and an incontiguous supply of abrasive particles. Here, a novel slurry abrasive water jet (S-AWJ) cutting system has been developed to fulfill the operational requirement of underground engineering. Some rock-cutting experiments under different parameter combinations (cutting method, abrasive type and size, water-to-abrasive mass ratio, standoff distance, jet pressure, nozzle diameter, and traverse speed) were conducted to investigate the rock-cutting ability of the novel S-AWJ cutting system. Additionally, the field application of the novel S-AWJ cutting system in a coal mine was analyzed. The results reveal that the novel S-AWJ cutting system outperforms the pure water jet. The cutting depth increases with increased abrasive particle size, content, and jet pressure. Moreover, the cutting depth shows a trend of initially increasing and subsequently decreasing with the elevation of the standoff distance. The cutting depth is negatively correlated with the traverse speed. Lower traverse speeds result in reduced cutting efficiency and increased abrasive consumption. The cutting depth is not significantly affected by the nozzle diameter. The process parameters are recommended to achieve optimal cutting ability. Combined with the S-AWJ cutting mechanism, there is a higher correlation between cutting depth and rock compressive strength. Furthermore, field cutting tests demonstrate that the novel S-AWJ cutting system exhibits a positive actual application effect. This study provides a theoretical basis for parameter optimization and field applications of the novel S-AWJ cutting system in underground engineering.
High throughput spectroscopy of pL droplets
Authors: Arroyo Jaime Ortega , Sulliger Marc , Quidant Romain
Published: March 2024

Droplet microfluidics offers a versatile platform for analyzing liquid samples. Despite its potential, there is a lack of techniques that allow to reliably probe individual circulating droplets. The prospect of combining droplet microfluidics with sensitive, broadband spectroscopic techniques would therefore unlock new capabilities for various disciplines, including biomedicine and biochemistry. Here we present an integrated optofluidic platform that seamlessly combines droplet microfluidics and advanced hyperspectral imaging. This enables high-resolution, label-free analysis of single picolitre-sized droplets, providing valuable insights into their content. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate the ability of our platform to study rapid dynamic changes in a heterogeneous population of plasmonic nanoparticles with millisecond-time resolution. Furthermore, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the platform in biosensing applied to short DNA strands, achieving a detection sensitivity in the range of 100 pM. Finally, we show that the platform provides the flexibility to monitor samples over extended periods of time (hours) in a multiplexed manner.
Assessing the relationship between the distress levels in patients with irreversible terminal delirium and the good quality of death from the perspective of bereaved family.
Authors: Zhou Pei , Tang Cheng , Wang Jingyi , Zhang Chunhua , Zhong Jun
Published: March 2024

Background
Research on achieving a good death for terminally delirious patients is scarce, with limited knowledge about the level of good death and influencing factors. This study investigates the level of good death among delirium patients, factors influencing it, and the correlation between distress, end-of-life care needs, and achieving a good death by surveying bereaved family members of deceased patients in Chinese hospitals.
Methods
This cross-sectional study from January 2022 to January 2024 was conducted among bereaved family members of patients using an online questionnaire. The questionnaires consisted of (1) participants' demographic and disease-related questionnaires; (2) the Good Death Inventory (GDI) - short form; (3) Terminal Delirium-Related Distress Scale (TTDS) China version; (4) the Care Evaluation Scale - short form (CES) China version. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the associated factors influencing good death were analyzed by multiple linear regression analyses.
Result
A total of 263 subjects were enrolled. More males (63.5%) participated than females (36.5%), the mean age was 75.35±13.90 years. Good quality of death was significantly and negatively related to the distress in patients with irreversible terminal delirium (r = -0.458, P＜0.01).The multiple linear regression model indicates that TDDS score, CES score, types of diseases, smoking history, nutritional deficiency are important factor affecting the good quality of death.
Conclusions
The good quality of death from the perspective of bereaved family, a negative correlation was found between the distress in patients with irreversible terminal delirium and good death. Medical staff should be more aware of good quality of death in patients, future research should expand sample sizes to include more demographic data, and explore the concept of a good death across different cultural contexts.
Assessment of relationships between mitochondrial proteins and ischemic stroke: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Tao Mengjun , Shen Yue , Ye Zi , Su Fan , Zhang Yu , Xue Jing , Xv Jie
Published: March 2024

Background
Increasing evidence suggests an association between mitochondrial function and ischemic stroke (IS). However, whether this association might be causal or explained by reverse causal association/residual confounding is unclear. Therefore, we designed this study to evaluate the causal association of mitochondrial function with IS risk.
Methods
Mitochondrial proteins were considered the exposure factor, and IS was considered the outcome variable. Exposures and outcomes were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS database. First, we obtained 66 mitochondrial protein genome-wide association studies data sets from European populations, as well as IS data. We then performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine associations between mitochondrial proteins and IS. We additionally performed bidirectional MR analysis to examine the directions of the causal associations.
Results
IVW indicated that three mitochondrial proteins were associated with IS: ribosome-recycling factor (mtRRF) was negatively associated with IS [OR = 0.93, 95%CI (0.88–0.98), P = 0.005]; malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MLYCD) was negatively associated with IS [OR = 0.89, 95%CI (0.82–0.97), P = 0.005]; and mitochondrial Lon protease homolog (LONP1) was positively associated with IS [OR = 1.06, 95%CI (1.02–1.10), P = 0.004]. Sensitivity analysis indicated no evidence of reverse causality, pleiotropy, or heterogeneity, thus suggesting that MR was an effective method for causal inference in this study.
Conclusion
Our MR analysis indicated that three mitochondrial proteins are causally associated with IS, and may aid in early detection and prevention of IS at the microscopic molecular level. Our findings provide new insights into IS microscopic mechanisms and clinical research.
Evaluation of Reinforcement Learning in Transformer-based Molecular Design
Authors: He Jiazhen , Tibo Alessandro , Janet Jon Paul , Nittinger Eva , Tyrchan Christian , Czechtizky Werngard , Ola Engkvist
Published: March 2024

Designing compounds with a range of desirable properties is a fundamental challenge in drug discovery. In pre-clinical early drug discovery, novel compounds are often designed based on an already existing promising starting compound thorough structural modifications for further property optimization. Recently, transformer-based deep learning models have been explored for the task of molecular optimization by training on pairs of similar molecules. This provides a starting point for generating similar molecules to a given input molecule, but has limited flexibility regarding user-defined property profiles. Here, we evaluate the effect of reinforcement learning on transformer-based molecular generative models. The generative model can be considered as a pre-trained model with knowledge of the chemical space close to an input compound, while reinforcement learning can be viewed as a tuning phase, steering the model towards chemical space with user-specific desirable properties. The evaluation of two distinct tasks - molecular optimization and scaffold hopping - suggest that reinforcement learning could guide the transformer-based generative model towards the generation of more compounds of interest. Additionally, the impact of pre-trained models, learning steps and learning rates are investigated.
ITER full model in MCNP for radiation safety demonstration
Authors: Juarez Rafael , Belotti Mario , Kolšek Aljaž , Lopez Victor , Alguacil Javier , Pedroche Gabriel , Lopez-Revelles Antonio-Jesus , Martinez-Albertos Pablo , De Pietri Marco , Guijosa Pol , Tonqueze Yannick Le , Loughlin Michael , Polunovskiy Eduard , Pampin Raul , Fabbri Marco , Sanz Javier
Published: March 2024

Development of nuclear fusion as a safe and virtually limitless power source receives growing attention in the context of looming energy crisis and climate change. ITER project stands as the flagship international project and advances steadily. Construction of the Tokamak Complex is nearly finished, and the assembly of core components has started in the site. In parallel, design is getting finalized and the safety case gets more concrete. Current approaches for radiation safety demonstration based in 3D nuclear analysis require sophisticated artifacts due to the consideration of separate MCNP models for the Tokamak and the rest of the facility, resulting in cumbersome studies and thus, debilitated conclusions. To improve this situation, we have built the first integral MCNP model of the ITER facility: the ITER full model. Accompanied by improvements to the D1SUNED code, we illustrate its computational practicality and pertinence in two meaningful simulations for ITER safety case. This work represents the culmination of a two-decades-long effort of ITER modelling seeking to demonstrate the radiation safety. Beyond supporting the remaining design tasks, this model represents a noticeable simplification in the approach to produce the corresponding 3D nuclear analysis. It improves the robustness of the first-of-a-kind ITER safety case.
Bioethics Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Healthcare Professionals in Cameroon: A survey of doctors and nurses in Cameroon's Southwest Region
Authors: Dzi Kevin TJ , Ndong Oscaline N , Menkem Elisabeth Z , Tendongfor Nicholas
Published: March 2024

Knowledge of bioethics could assist healthcare professionals in working ethically, thus enhancing the quality of patient care. We conducted a study to assess physicians' and nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding healthcare ethics in Cameroon's southwest region. 469 healthcare professionals were recruited, with 89.8% being nurses and 10.2% being doctors. Women made up 79.6% of nurses, while men made up 60.4% of physicians. The percentage of healthcare professionals who demonstrated good knowledge regarding the most commonly applied biomedical ethics principles varied from 62.9–73.1%. There were significant differences in agreement levels between doctors and nurses on statements such as physician-assisted suicide, physicians not refusing to assist with abortions if the law allowed it, and seeking informed consent only for operations and not tests. Nurses were three times more likely to agree with the statements that doctors cannot refuse abortion if the law allows it and that patients who want assisted suicide should be assisted to get it. Most healthcare providers were found to consistently adhere to healthcare ethics in their practices. However, there was a significant difference in opinion between doctors and nurses when asked if they ordered tests that were not medically necessary but were ordered for patient satisfaction, with nurses having a lower likelihood of agreeing to such practices than doctors. While participants demonstrated a moderate knowledge of healthcare ethics, additional educational interventions are needed to cultivate more favourable attitudes toward specific aspects of healthcare ethics, such as informed consent, patient autonomy, paternalism, and confidentiality.
Compositional analysis and trophic level study of shrimp trawl by-catch in waters around Lvhua Island, East China Sea
Authors: Liu Zhangbin , Zhang Jian , Chen Lili , Chen Jianqu
Published: March 2024

Shrimp trawling is a primary fishing method in the East China Sea. Based on survey data from fishery resource monitoring vessels and on-site sampling data collected before and after the 2020 fishing moratorium in the waters around Lvhua Island, East China Sea, we employed statistical and stable isotope methods to analyze the composition and trophic levels of shrimp trawl bycatch. The results revealed diverse species in the bycatch around Lvhua Island, primarily consisting of coastal benthic organisms. The composition structure exhibited significant differences before and after the fishing moratorium, with Sebastiscus marmoratus identified as the dominant species, showing relative importance index percentages (%IRI) of 29.49% and 78.05% before and after the moratorium, respectively. Stable isotope analysis determined carbon and nitrogen isotope values for the shrimp trawl bycatch around Lvhua Island before and after the moratorium, estimating average trophic levels of 3.43 and 3.60, placing the trophic hierarchy at level 3. The distribution of carbon stable isotope ratios indicated noticeable ecological niche overlap among various biological groups in the waters around Lvhua Island.