bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitory effect of rBCG containing the fusion gene BFNA on EBV-positive tumours
Authors: Zhang Li , Huang Shuo , Shao Shuyang , Fan Liding , Wang Junying , Meng Furen , Wang Changhao , Wang Yuanhui , Xue Qingjie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
To obtain recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (rBCG) containing an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) fusion gene that can inhibit EBV-positive cancer.
Methods
We obtained BZLF1 and EBNA1 cDNA, and overlapped jointly to assemble the fusion gene BFNA. Then pMV-BFNA was transformed into BCG-competent cells after inserting BFNA into pMV38. With western blotting to detect the target fusion protein, specific antibodies were detected in serum by ELISAs and spleen cell-specific cytokines were detected by ELISPOT. CTL activity, tumour weight, tumour formation time and mouse survival were analysed in EBV-positive tumour cell (NPRC18) cancer models, and flow cytometry was performed to analyse the quantities of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells in C57BL/6J mice. Single-factor analysis of variance was performed with SPSS 19.0 to evaluate rBCG inhibition.
Results
The molecular weight of the fusion protein was approximately 55.5 kD. The titer of antibody in the rBCG group was highly significant (P ≤ 0.01)and prolonged that tumorigenesis time, the specific killing ability targeting the recombinant target protein was increased. The rBCG group with the BFNA fusion gene demonstrated a better effect on tumours than BCG-EBNA1 and BCG-BZLF1 groups. Based on flow cytometry analysis, the numbers of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in the blood of the rBCG group were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.01). The mice injected with rBCG had more obvious lymphocyte infiltration in the tumour area.
Conclusions
The rBCG exerts an obvious immune effect in mice and an inhibitory effect on EBV-positive tumour cell cancer models.
Limited Reperfusion Time Benefit of Emergency Medical Service Transportation for Acute Myocardial Infarction in an Urban Area
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsiang , Chang Kang-Wei , Fan I-Wei , Hsu Wan-Ling , Weng Yi-Ming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical condition that typically presents in the emergency department (ED) and expeditious reperfusion therapy is key to better outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the reperfusion time benefit and role of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) activation in patients with STEMI using the model of the county-based EMS system in Taiwan.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted over the four-year period at an urban, tertiary care teaching hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. A total of 236 patients admitted to the ED with a diagnosis of STEMI during the study period were enrolled, of whom 174 (73.7%) arrived at the hospital on their own (self-transported group) and 62 (26.3%) were referred by the EMS (EMS-transported group). More patients in the EMS-transported group than self-transported group were classified as critical at triage (90.3% vs. 73.7%, p = 0.005). The mortality rates of the self-transported and EMS-transported patients were 4.6% and 11.5%, respectively (p = 0.060). In patients who survived to discharge, the median hospital LOS was 4.0 days [IQR: 3.0–5.0 days] in both groups (p = 0.545).
Results: The EMS-transported group had a significantly shorter door-to-ECG time (median: 2.0 minutes vs. 3.0 minutes, p = 0.020). The median D2B time was 68.0 vs. 69.0 minutes for the EMS vs. self-transported group (p = 0.826). Less than 30% of patients (29.0% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.628) achieved the 60-minute goal. Arrival at ED during office was the only factor significantly associated with achievement of the 60-minute goal (61.9 vs. 20.2%, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: EMS activation was not associated with a shorter in-hospital reperfusion time in patients with STEMI in an urban area with a short transportation time. Although they tended to have more severe disease, the EMS-transported patients had comparable clinical outcomes as the self-transported group.
Lightweight Improved YOLOv5 Algorithm for PCB Defect Detection
Authors: Xie Yinggang , Zhao Yanwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A lightweight YOLOv5 improved algorithm-based inspection model is proposed to address the problems of defective printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are difficult to identify. First, the detection part of YOLOv5 is changed to dual-head detection to significantly improve the inference speed of the model on edge devices and adapt to the real-time target detection requirements. Second, the introduction of GSConv in the Neck part helps to further reduce the number of parameters of the model and improve the computational efficiency, which can enhance the model's capture ability.Finally, BiFPN is introduced to fuse multi-scale information to enhance the model's detection ability for targets of different sizes. The experimental results show that the improved lightweight YOLOv5 algorithm in this paper achieves 94.9% in the average accuracy mean (mAP@0.5), which is only 0.5 percentage points less compared to the original YOLOv5s algorithm. However, the improved algorithm has 56.2% fewer floating point operations (GFLOPs) and 53.7% fewer parameters. This improvement not only makes the algorithm more accurate and lightweight, but also significantly improves the efficiency of PCB inspection, which better meets the needs of industrial production.
Cardio-renal Effect of Dapagliflozin AND Dapagliflozin- Saxagliptin combination on CD34+ve Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSCs) and Podocyte specific markers in Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) subjects: a randomized trial.
Authors: Nandula Seshagiri Rao , Jain Arad , Sen Sabyasachi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Effect of Dapagliflozin (Dapa) and Dapagliflozin-Saxagliptin combination (Combo) was examined on peripheral blood derived CD34 + Hematopoetic Stem Cells (HSC) as a cellular CVD biomarker. Both Dapa (a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 or SGLT2, receptor inhibitor) and Saxagliptin (a Di-peptydl-peptidase-4 or DPP4 enzyme inhibitor) are type 2 diabetes mellitus or T2DM medications, but the combo has not been evaluated for cardio-renal risk assessment.
Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Dapa will improve the outcomes when compared to placebo and the Combo maybe even more beneficial.
Methods 15 subjects were enrolled in 16 weeks, double-blind, three-arm, randomized placebo matched trial, with 10mg Dapa + Saxa placebo (n = 4), 10 mg Dapa + 5 mg Saxa (n = 5) Combo, And Dapa placebo + Saxa placebo (n = 6), Placebo groups. T2DM (30–70 yrs) with HbA1c of 7–10%, were included. CD34 + HSC number, migration, mRNA expression along with biochemistry and urine exosomes were measured. Data were collected at week 0, 8, and 16. For statistics, a mixed model regression analysis was used.
Results: Significant HbA1c (p = 0.0357) reduction was noted in Combo group versus Dapa alone and Placebo. hsCRP levels (P = 0.0317) and IL-6, two important inflammatory molecules, were significantly reduced in both Dapa and Combo vs Placebo. Leptin levels decreased significantly in both Dapa alone (p = 0.035) and Combo group(p = 0.015), vs Placebo, however the Adiponectin levels were higher in Dapa alone group. Dapagliflozin alone reduced lipid parameters significantly particularly triglyceride (TG) when compared to placebo, with resultant visit 3 values at 99.5 ± 7.2 vs 129 ± 12.3 and LDL/HDL ratio values were similar at 2.18 ± 0.08 vs 2.13 ± 0.15. CD34 + cell migration improved significantly in both Dapa alone (p = 0.05) and Combo group (p = 0.05) vs Placebo.
Conclusions: Several parameters showed significant improvement with both Dapa and Combo vs placebo. However, other than glycemic control the Combo didn’t seem to offer any further benefit over Dapa alone in terms of CD34 + cell, biochemistry and podocyte markers. Moreover, the combination may have deleterious effect on renal podocyte inflammation which needs to be examined in a larger study.
Trial Registration The trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov number NCT03660683, last updated 06052023.
High Levels of Serum Uric Acid are Associated with Microvascular Complications in Patients with Long-term Diabetes
Authors: Wang Hanying , Gu Liping , Ma Yuhang , Xing Xindan , Qu Yuan , Shi Xin , Liu Xinyi , Wan Hancong , Zhu Qian , Shen Yingchen , Chen Chong , Su Li , Wang Yufan , Liu Kun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aims
To assess the association between serum uric acid (SUA) level and the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with long-term diabetes.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving diabetic patients from Shanghai General hospital during October 2018 and October 2021. Participants underwent measurements of SUA, renal function test and DR assessments via fundus photography. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models assessed odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the progression of DR and CKD. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves identified SUA thresholds, categorizing participants into low and high SUA groups.
Results
Among the 1015 patients with diabetes, SUA levels were higher in individuals with more sever CKD (p < 0.001, compared with CKD1) and those with vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR) (p = 0.019, compared with no diabetic retinopathy (NDR)). Adjustments for potential confounders revealed that each 1 µmol/L increase in SUA was associated with an OR of 1.002 (95% CI: 1.001–1.004) for DR and 1.008 (95% CI: 1.006–1.011) for CKD. The risk of DR and CKD was elevated when SUA levels surpassed 354.0 µmol/L (95% CI: 318.9–393.2) and 361.0 µmol/L (95% CI: 339.2–386.3), respectively, with ORs of 1.571 (95% CI: 1.136–2.099, P = 0.006) for DR and 1.395 (95% CI: 1.033–1.885, P = 0.030) for CKD. Gender-specific analyses also demonstrated a positive correlation between higher SUA levels and the incidence of DR and CKD in both males and females.
Conclusions
Elevated SUA levels are independently associated with increased risks of DR and CKD, highlighting the importance of managing SUA levels in the patients with diabetes.
IFIT1 exacerbates atherosclerosis by activating Macrophage Extracellular Traps via the STING-TBK1 pathway
Authors: Chen Bingxing , Qi Yuan , Yu Xiaochen , Wang Chao , Jiang Peng , Guan Xiuru 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1)'s role has been shown to drive immune regulation and inflammation in many human diseases. However, the exact mechanism of action of IFIT1 in AS is unclear, and the specific mechanism of action on METs is also unknown. In this study, we will explore the potential mechanisms of IFIT1 in the formation of METs during AS.
Methods: We downloaded GSE100927, GSE193336, GSE159677, IRGs, and METs-related genes for analysis and used qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence to detect the expression levels of IFIT1 and METs in plaques from AS patients and mice. The potential association of IFIT1 and METs in macrophages was similarly verified in LPS-induced macrophages. After IFIT1 silencing, the expression levels of METs were detected using qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and WB. In addition, we delved into the potential mechanisms to detect the expression of the STING-TBK1 pathway and explored the interaction between IFIT1 and the STING-TBK1 pathway.
Results: Our results showed that IFIT1 was upregulated in AS patients, mouse plaque tissues, and LPS-induced macrophages. The same changes were observed in METs.The decrease in METs after IFIT1 silencing suggests that IFIT1 is involved in the regulation of macrophages through METs. Notably, with the decrease in IFIT1 levels, we observed a corresponding decrease in the STING-TBK1 pathway, which decreased accordingly, suggesting some connection between IFIT1, STING-TBK1, and METs. Validation of the effect of STING-TBK1 on a macrophage basis showed that the STING activator SR-717 increased the expression of METs, while the STING inhibitor H-151 had the opposite result. Interestingly, we added SR-717 and H-151 to si-IFIT1, respectively, and the same changes occurred in METs.
Conclusion: In summary, our study suggests that IFIT1 activates METs through the STING-TBK1 pathway, thereby aggravating AS.
Publication in the journal “High Temperature Corrosion of Materials” (Peer-reviewed) Microstructure of Cr 2 O 3 Scales Grown in Ar-5H 2 O-(5H 2 ) at 850 o C
Authors: Nguyen Thuan Dinh , Zhang Jianqiang , Young David J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Model alloy, Fe-20Cr (wt.%), was oxidized in two gas mixtures Ar-5H2O-(5H2) (vol.%) at 850 oC. The alloy formed Cr2O3 scales in both gases. The Cr2O3 scale developed faster in Ar-5H2O-5H2 and contained fine pores, whilst that grown in Ar-5H2O was dense. Experiments with inert SiO2 marker revealed that the Cr2O3 scale growth in Ar-5H2O-(5H2) was controlled mainly by outward Cr diffusion. When adjusted for grain boundary diffusion effects, Wagner’s theory was successful in describing the hydrogen effect, provided that the Cr2O3 scales are n-type.
Human-Robot Interactions in Aged Care: Do service robots need to be social robots?
Authors: Macalupu Valeria , Caldwell Glenda , Miller Evonne , Martin Lee 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The rise of robotics in aged care is transforming how older adults are cared for, addressing staff shortages and workload. These service and social robots interact with staff and residents on a daily basis, and there is an urgent need to better understand and improve human-robot interactions. This study investigates how 34 staff interacted with 10 service robots in a regional Australian aged care facility over 5 years, focusing primarily on their experience with service robots that transported meals and laundry. Guided by the Almere model, the research employs a qualitative case study approach, drawing on observations, focus groups, and interviews with management, industry leaders, and staff. Findings are categorised into Use and Adaptivity, Attitudes and Emotions, Social Attributes, and The Environment. Results indicate conditional acceptance of service robots with scepticism about the service robots’ reliability and practical utility. Our study highlights the importance of a supportive environment, including robust infrastructure and adequate training, for successful robotic adoption. It also argues for engaging diverse multi-tiered stakeholders in investigating, designing, and implementing robotics in aged care, emphasising the role of social behaviours and interactions for what we propose as functional social service robots.
Heterogeneity in Mathematical Disabilities: Investigating Cognitive Profiles and Reading Comorbidities among Children
Authors: Hasson Sonia , Ashkenazi Sarit 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Mathematical performance requires quantitative understanding, linguistic comprehension, and working memory. While children with mathematical disorders may share similar traits, they differ in their specific difficulties. Studies have examined such differences, yet the current research is novel as it also examines reading abilities as a means for classifying mathematical difficulties. A total of 186 elementary-school children (grades 3–4) from seven schools in the north of Israel participated in this study, including 110 who were identified as having mathematical difficulties. Domain-specific skills, acquired mathematical skills, and domain-general skills were assessed. Clustering analysis was performed based on multiple domain-general variables (e.g., intelligence, processing speed, reading) and numerical factors (e.g., symbolic and non-symbolic comparisons). Additionally, a clinical diagnosis of the participants’ mathematical and reading difficulties were conducted prior to the clustering analysis. Five clusters were identified, including low mathematical fluency, mathematical gaps, no difficulties, inhibition difficulties, and low intelligence. The low fluency and low inhibition clusters also included children with reading difficulties. Interestingly, numerical factors only played a small role in determining the subtypes of mathematical difficulties, and only domain-general factors were found to differentiate between subtypes. These findings shed light on the heterogeneity of mathematical difficulties, which are mainly associated with non-specific factors, and highlight the connection between reading difficulties and some subtypes of mathematical difficulties. The findings from this study can be used to develop targeted interventions for children with math difficulties.
Integrating Molecular Analyses with the 2021 WHO Classification for a More Precise Diagnosis of Adult Pilocytic Astrocytomas
Authors: Moreno-Torres Beatriz , Manzano-Benito Irene , Cantero Diana , Romo Ángel , de Lope Ángel Rodríguez , Mollejo Manuela , Hernández-Laín Aurelio , Meléndez Bárbara 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a benign grade 1 glioma according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is frequent in pediatric population, but very rare in adults, where it can be associated with worse prognosis. Molecular features of pediatric PA are associated with dysregulation of the MAPK pathway, most often showing BRAF alterations such as the KIAA1549::BRAF (K-B) fusion or the V600E mutation. Here we analyze the molecular characteristics of adult PA through gene-targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and single gene tests (K-B fusion, and TERT promoter and FGFR1 hotspot mutations). In adults, the most frequent molecular alterations detected involved the MAPK pathway, namely affecting with BRAF and NF1 genes (16/29, 55%). Our study reveals that the prevalence of the K-B fusion (44.5%), is higher than what was reported in other adult PA series, probably due to technical difficulties in detecting the fusion. This molecular alteration was not associated with recurrence, but worse outcome was observed in patients with additional alterations, in particular oncogenic ATRX mutations. Furthermore, our results unveiled a subset of cases showing molecular alterations that raise differential diagnosis with other tumor types, thus demonstrating limitations of the current 2021 WHO classification in adult PA. In summary, our study suggests that PA in adults is a single-hit disease, as is the case in the pediatric population.
Mine Fire Emergency Path Planning Based on Imprroved Salpa Algorithm
Authors: QI Yun , YU Kaiwang , WANG Wei , CUI Xinchao , BAI Chenhao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

To tackle the challenge of personnel evacuation following a mine fire, we propose an enhanced SSA (Scyphozoa Swarm Algorithm) simulation algorithm inspired by the intelligent behavior of marine organisms for personnel evacuation path planning. Our approach addresses the issues of local optimal solution trapping and slow convergence in the standard SSA algorithm by incorporating chaos optimization, differential evolution mutation, and non-uniform Gaussian mutation. We evaluate the performance of our improved SSA algorithm in path optimization through comparative testing with the standard SSA algorithm, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and genetic algorithm (GA). Subsequently, we conduct grid-based path planning simulation experiments. Our findings demonstrate that our enhanced SSA algorithm excels in path optimization, achieving a 6% shorter optimal length compared to GA, an 11% improvement over PSO, and a 9% enhancement over the ant colony algorithm. Furthermore, in terms of path stability, our improved SSA algorithm outperforms GA by 75%, PSO by 89%, and the standard SSA algorithm by 83%. These results establish that our enhanced SSA algorithm surpasses other algorithms in obtaining the shortest and optimal paths.
Can the VAT Credit Refund Promote Corporate Innovation? Evidence from the National Tax Survey Data of China
Authors: Huang Zhenxiong , Yang Jingjing , Lai Mingyong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study uses the value-added tax deduction and refund policy implemented in China in 2019 as a quasi-natural experiment, establishes a double-difference model, and empirically examines the impact of value-added tax deduction and refund policy on enterprise innovation. The benchmark regression shows that, on average, the value-added tax retention and refund policy increased the innovation capability of enterprises by approximately 20%. In terms of the mechanism of action, the research results indicate that value-added tax retention and refund policies promote enterprise innovation by enhancing the risk-taking ability of enterprises and reducing their awareness of economic policy uncertainty. Heterogeneity analysis found that the innovative incentive effect of value-added tax retention and refund policies is more evident in high-tech, manufacturing, private, and large- and medium-sized enterprises. This study provides policy recommendations to improve the pertinence and tax neutrality of value-added tax deduction and refund policies, construct a normalized mechanism for value-added tax deduction and refund policies, and improve the collaborative tax credit mechanism for enterprise financing and credit enhancement.
Understanding the Factors behind Non-Adherence to Pesticide Safety Guidelines among Smallholder Farmers in Fogera and Mecha Districts, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Chekol Geteneh Mitku 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objective of the research was to identify key factors influencing smallholder farmers' why not follow the recommended pesticide safety practices in northwestern Ethiopia. The study conducted in 2020/2021 investigated factors influencing smallholder farmers' adherence to recommended pesticide safety practices in northwestern Ethiopia. The survey involving 50 farmers in Fogera and 53 in Mecha assessed pesticide use practices and perceptions, aiming to reveal common challenges in pesticide management. Survey data highlighted significant pesticide application and barriers related to adopting personal protective equipment (PPE), proper pesticide storage, integrated pest management (IPM), and safe disposal of containers.
Result
Statistical analyses indicated non-significant differences between districts regarding these practices, underscoring universal issues such as economic constraints, limited resource access, and inadequate awareness. Crops like maize, faba bean, and cabbage showed high pesticide usage rates in both districts without statistically significant differences, emphasizing their cumulative impact on food safety. This finding underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions. Measures such as subsidized PPE, infrastructure development for safe pesticide storage, enhanced educational campaigns, and strengthened regulatory frameworks are crucial to promote sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate health and environmental risks. In conclusion, the study identifies widespread barriers to effective pesticide management among smallholder farmers in Fogera and Mecha, including economic limitations and resource constraints. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted strategy that includes subsidized PPE, improved storage infrastructure, and intensified educational initiatives to foster sustainable practices and safeguard both human health and the environment.