bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress mitigates osteoporosis in a mouse model of hindlimb suspension
Authors: Al-Daghestani Hiba , Qaisar Rizwan , Al Kawas Sausan , Ghani Nurhafizah , Rani K. G. Aghila , Azeem Muhammad , Hasnan Hijaz Kamal , Kassim Nur Karyatee , Samsudin A. R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHindlimb suspension (HLS) mice exhibit osteoporosis of the hindlimb bones and may be an excellent model to test pharmacological interventions. We investigated the effects of inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress with 4-phenyl butyrate (4-PBA) on the morphology, physicochemical properties, and bone turnover markers of hindlimbs in HLS mice. We randomly divided 21 male C57BL/6J mice into three groups, ground-based controls, untreated HLS group and 4-PBA treated group (HLS+4PBA) (100mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) for 21 days. We investigated histopathology, micro-CT imaging, Raman spectroscopic analysis, and gene expression. Untreated HLS mice exhibited reduced osteocyte density, multinucleated osteoclast-like cells, adipocyte infiltration, and reduced trabecular striations on micro-CT than the control group. Raman spectroscopy revealed higher levels of ER stress, hydroxyproline, non-collagenous proteins, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and CH2Wag as well as a reduction in proteoglycans and adenine. Furthermore, bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were downregulated, while Cathepsin K, TRAP, and sclerostin were upregulated. Treatment with 4-PBA partially restored normal bone histology, increased collagen crosslinking, and mineralization, promoted anti-inflammatory markers, and downregulated bone resorption markers. Our findings suggest that mitigating ER stress with 4-PBA could be a therapeutic intervention to offset osteoporosis in conditions mimicking hindlimb suspension.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with cardiometabolic risk factors among healthcare workers in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa; cross-sectional study
Authors: Adeniyi Oladele Vincent , Masilela Charity , George Jaya A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study assesses the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and its potential association with cardiometabolic risk factors among South African adults residing in the Eastern Cape province. In this cross-sectional study, 1244 healthcare workers (HCWs) completed a self-administered questionnaire and venous blood samples were drawn at two academic hospitals in the Eastern Cape. History of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were self-reported. Participants were categorised as obese if their body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Participants were classified as having metabolic syndrome if they had hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity. Vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency was defined as venous blood concentrations < 50 nmol/L. Associations between vitamin D deficiency and participants’ characteristics were assessed using multivariate logistic regression model analysis. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 28.5% (n = 355), of whom 292 were female. Among the participants who were deficient in vitamin D, the prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome was 64.9% (n = 230), 9% (n = 32), 16.6% (n = 59), 2.3% (n = 8) and 18% (n = 64), respectively. In the adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, black Africans (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI 1.52–5.43) and individuals ≥ 42 years (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.07–1.77) were more likely to exhibit vitamin D deficiency. However, there was no significant association by age, sex, and cardiometabolic markers. More than one in four healthcare workers was deficient in vitamin D among the study sample, especially the black Africans and older individuals. Further studies are needed at the population level to elucidate on the vitamin D status in the region.
Construction of knowledge constraints: a case study of 3D structural modeling
Authors: Lu Cai , Xu Xinran , Zhang Bingbin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe uncertainty of structural interpretation complicates the practical production and application of data-driven complex geological structure modeling technology. Intelligent structural modeling excavates and extracts structural knowledge from structural interpretation through human–machine collaboration and combines structural interpretation to form a new model of complex structural modeling guided by knowledge. Specifically, we focus on utilizing knowledge rule reasoning technology to extract topological semantic knowledge from interpretive data and employ knowledge inference to derive structural constraint information from complex geological structure models, thus effectively constraining the 3D geological structure modeling process. To achieve this, we develop a rule-based knowledge inference system that derives theoretical models consistent with expert cognition from interpretive data and prior knowledge. Additionally, we represent the extracted knowledge as a topological semantic knowledge graph, which facilitates computer recognition and allows estimation of intersection lines during 3D geological modeling, resulting in the creation of accurate models. The applicability of our proposed method to various complex geological structures is validated through application tests using real-world data. Furthermore, our method effectively supports the realization of intelligent structure modeling in real working area.
Sea level variability in Gulf of Guinea from satellite altimetry
Authors: Kemgang Ghomsi Franck Eitel , Raj Roshin P. , Bonaduce Antonio , Halo Issufo , Nyberg Björn , Cazenave Anny , Rouault Mathieu , Johannessen Ola M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCoastal zones with dense populations, low elevations and/or inadequate adaptive capacity are on the frontline of unprecedented impacts from climate change. The Gulf of Guinea (GoG), stretching from Liberia to Gabon, is in particular vulnerable to coastal flooding caused by local and/or climate-induced sea level rise. In this region, interannual to decadal coastal sea level changes remain poorly understood, mainly due to a lack of tide gauge stations. Here we use nearly three decades (1993–2021) of satellite altimetry data to study the link between the Equatorial Atlantic and coastal GoG sea level variability. The rate of mean sea level rise increased from 3.47 to 3.89 ± 0.10 mm/yr from the Equatorial oceanic domain to the GoG coastal area, with an acceleration of 0.094 ± 0.050 mm/yr2. This corresponds to a mean sea level rise of about 8.9 cm over the entire altimetry period, 1993–2021. We focus on the (extreme) warm/cold events that occur in both the GoG during Atlantic Niños, and along the Angola-Namibia coast during Benguela Niños. Both events are driven by remote forcing via equatorial Kelvin waves and local forcing by local winds, freshwater fluxes and currents intensifications. Analysis of altimetry-based sea level, sea surface temperature anomalies, 20 °C isotherm based PIRATA moorings, and the Argo-based steric and thermometric sea level allows us to follow the coastal trapped waves (CTWs) along the GoG, and its link with major events observed along the strong Equatorial Atlantic warmings in 2010, 2012, 2019 and 2021. Both 2019 and 2021 warming have been identified as the warmest event ever reported in this region during the last 40 years. A lag of 1 month is observed between equatorial and West African coastal trapped wave propagation. This observation may help to better anticipate and manage the effects of extreme events on local ecosystems, fisheries, and socio-economic activities along the affected coastlines. In order to enable informed decision-making and guarantee the resilience of coastal communities in the face of climate change, it emphasises the significance of ongoing study in this field.
Pin penetration depths in the neurocranium using a three-pin head fixation device
Authors: Machts René , Schindler Martina , Unterhauser-Chwastek Heike , Mertens Jan , Faust Katharina 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn estimated 10–15% of neurosurgical interventions employing a conventional three-pin head fixation device (HFD) the patient’s head loses position due to slippage. At present no scientifically based stability criterion exists to potentially prevent the intraoperative loss of head position or skull fractures. Here, data on the skull penetration depth both on the single and two-pin side of a three-pin HFD are presented, providing scientific evidence for a stability criterion for the invasive three-pin head fixation. Eight fresh, chemically untreated human cadaveric heads were sequentially pinned 90 times in total in a noncommercially calibrated clamp screw applying a predefined force of 270 N (approximately 60 lbf) throughout. Three head positions were pinned each in standardized manner for the following approaches: prone, middle fossa, pterional. Titanium-aluminum alloy pins were used, varying the pin-cone angle on the single-pin side from 36° to 55° and on the two-pin side from 25° to 36°. The bone-penetration depths were directly measured by a dial gauge on neurocranium. The penetration depths on the single-pin side ranged from 0.00 mm (i.e., no penetration) to 6.17 mm. The penetration depths on the two-pin side ranged from 0.00 mm (no penetration) to 4.48 mm. We measured a significantly higher penetration depth for the anterior pin in comparison to the posterior pin on the two-pin side in prone position. One pin configuration (50°/25°) resulted in a quasi-homogenous pin depth distribution between the single- and the two-pin side. Emanating from the physical principle that pin depths behave proportionate to pin pressure distribution, a quasi-homogenous pin penetration depth may result in higher resilience against external shear forces or torque, thus reducing potential complications such as slippage and depressed skull fractures. The authors propose that the pin configuration of 50°/25° may be superior to the currently used uniform pin-cone angle distribution in common clinical practice (36°/36°). However, future research may identify additional influencing factors to improve head fixation stability.
Oil-in-water emulsion loaded with optimized antioxidant blend improved the shelf-life of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets: a study with simplex-centroid design
Authors: Torres Neto Luiz , Monteiro Maria Lucia G. , da Silva Bruno D. , Galvan Diego , Conte-Junior Carlos A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to obtain optimized mixture with three essential oils (EOs) for maximum antioxidant activity through the augmented simplex-centroid mixture design and evaluate the effect of this optimized blend on total aerobic psychrotrophic count (TAPC), lipid and protein oxidation, instrumental color parameters and texture profile in rainbow trout fillets at refrigerated storage for nine days. Considering the DPPH and FRAP assays, the ideal EO blend was 66% lemongrass and 34% oregano. During refrigerated storage, this blend at 2000 ppm was equally effective as BHT (100 ppm) (p > 0.05), mitigating the discoloration (a*andb*), lipid, and protein oxidation in 38.83%, 12.95%, 76.13%, and 35.13%, respectively, besides shows greater effectiveness for preserving texture changes (p < 0.05) and extending the shelf life in 13 h. The lemongrass + oregano EO blend reveals a promising natural alternative to enhance the quality of rainbow trout fillets under refrigerated storage. Furthermore, the multiresponse optimization showed to be a strong ally in enabling the use of these EOs by food industries.
The association of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis on mitral and aortic valve calcification associated mortality: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chiu Kuan-Jung , Chen Szu-Chia , Su Wei-Yu , Chang Yong-Yuan , Chang Kai-Chao , Li Chiu Hui , Wu Ying-Jhen , Wu Da-Wei , Kuo Chao-Hung 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCardiac valve calcification (CVC), characterized by the accumulation of calcium in the heart valves, is highly prevalent among patients undergoing dialysis. This meta-analysis aimed to provide an updated summary of recent studies on the prognostic value of CVC in patients undergoing dialysis. We conducted a search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify observational studies investigating cardiovascular or all-cause mortality associated with CVC in dialysis patients until March 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the meta-analysis, and the strength and significance of the associations between CVC and mortality outcomes in dialysis patients were assessed. From 6218 initially identified studies, we included 10 critical studies with a total of 3376 dialysis patients in a further meta-analysis. Pooled analyses demonstrated a significant association between CVC and an elevated risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. In our study, we discovered HRs of 1.592 (95% CI 1.410–1.797) for all-cause mortality and 2.444 (95% CI 1.632–3.659) for cardiovascular mortality. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed elevated all-cause mortality among patients with mitral valve calcification (HR 1.572; 95% CI 1.200–2.060) compared to those with aortic valve calcification (HR 1.456; 95% CI 1.105–1.917). Similarly, patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis faced a greater risk for all-cause mortality (HR 2.094; 95% CI 1.374–3.191) than those on hemodialysis (HR 1.553; 95% CI 1.369–1.763). This highlights the possibility of CVC being an independent risk factor for dialysis patients, particularly in relation to mitral valve calcification or peritoneal dialysis.
Alterations in the molecular control of mitochondrial turnover in COPD lung and airway epithelial cells
Authors: Tulen Christy B. M. , van de Wetering Cheryl , Schiffers Caspar H. J. , Weltjens Ellen , Benedikter Birke J. , Leermakers Pieter A. , Boukhaled Juliana H. , Drittij Marie-José , Schmeck Bernd T. , Reynaert Niki L. , Opperhuizen Antoon , van Schooten Frederik-Jan , Remels Alexander H. V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAbnormal mitochondria have been observed in bronchial- and alveolar epithelial cells of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is unknown if alterations in the molecular pathways regulating mitochondrial turnover (mitochondrial biogenesis vs mitophagy) are involved. Therefore, in this study, the abundance of key molecules controlling mitochondrial turnover were assessed in peripheral lung tissue from non-COPD patients (n = 6) and COPD patients (n = 11; GOLDII n = 4/11; GOLDIV n = 7/11) and in both undifferentiated and differentiated human primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBEC) from non-COPD patients and COPD patients (n = 4–7 patients/group). We observed significantly decreased transcript levels of key molecules controlling mitochondrial biogenesis (PPARGC1B, PPRC1, PPARD) in peripheral lung tissue from severe COPD patients. Interestingly, mRNA levels of the transcription factor TFAM (mitochondrial biogenesis) and BNIP3L (mitophagy) were increased in these patients. In general, these alterations were not recapitulated in undifferentiated and differentiated PBECs with the exception of decreased PPARGC1B expression in both PBEC models. Although these findings provide valuable insight in these pathways in bronchial epithelial cells and peripheral lung tissue of COPD patients, whether or not these alterations contribute to COPD pathogenesis, underlie changes in mitochondrial function or may represent compensatory mechanisms remains to be established.
A rapid evaluation method of blasting effect based on optimized image segmentation algorithm and application in engineering
Authors: He Peng , Xu Yifan , Jiang Feng , Wang Gang , Xiao Zhiyong , Zheng Chengcheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo quickly determine the blasting block degree and conduct an accurate and objective analysis of the tunnel blasting effect, this study has enhanced and improved upon the traditional genetic algorithm and Otsu algorithm. It has combined it with the marking watershed method and utilized ground digital acquisition to capture images of blasting debris. These images are then used in our custom-developed blasting analysis software to calculate the blasting block degree distribution and provide a quantitative analysis of blasting block degree. The research results show that the optimized image segmentation algorithm effectively improves the traditional threshold segmentation method on the poor effect of segmentation of the edge of the adherent block or the direct application of the watershed segmentation of the over-segmentation problem, to improve the segmentation accuracy based on the new segmentation technology is close to the traditional technology in terms of time. Through the self-developed software, the construction personnel in the project site to quickly obtain the blasting block degree histogram, block degree cumulative curve and other important indicators of the evaluation of the effect of blasting block degree, to provide data support for on-site construction, to assist in the modification of the blasting program, and to improve the efficiency of construction. This study realizes the rapid detection and block identification of blasting blocks, provides data support for the optimization of blasting parameters, and has good application and promotion value.
Towards unlocking motor control in spinal cord injured by applying an online EEG-based framework to decode motor intention, trajectory and error processing
Authors: Mondini Valeria , Sburlea Andreea-Ioana , Müller-Putz Gernot R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBrain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can translate brain signals directly into commands for external devices. Electroencephalography (EEG)-based BCIs mostly rely on the classification of discrete mental states, leading to unintuitive control. The ERC-funded project "Feel Your Reach" aimed to establish a novel framework based on continuous decoding of hand/arm movement intention, for a more natural and intuitive control. Over the years, we investigated various aspects of natural control, however, the individual components had not yet been integrated. Here, we present a first implementation of the framework in a comprehensive online study, combining (i) goal-directed movement intention, (ii) trajectory decoding, and (iii) error processing in a unique closed-loop control paradigm. Testing involved twelve able-bodied volunteers, performing attempted movements, and one spinal cord injured (SCI) participant. Similar movement-related cortical potentials and error potentials to previous studies were revealed, and the attempted movement trajectories were overall reconstructed. Source analysis confirmed the involvement of sensorimotor and posterior parietal areas for goal-directed movement intention and trajectory decoding. The increased experiment complexity and duration led to a decreased performance than each single BCI. Nevertheless, the study contributes to understanding natural motor control, providing insights for more intuitive strategies for individuals with motor impairments.
Hybrid multimodule DC–DC converters accelerated by wide bandgap devices for electric vehicle systems
Authors: Waheed Abdul , Rehman Saif ur , Alsaif Faisal , Rauf Shoaib , Hossain Ismail , Pushkarna Mukesh , Gebru Fsaha Mebrahtu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn response to the growing demand for fast-charging electric vehicles (EVs), this study presents a novel hybrid multimodule DC–DC converter based on the dual-active bridge (DAB) topology. The converter comprises eight modules divided into two groups: four Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) modules and four Metal–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MESFET) modules. The former handles high power with a low switching frequency, while the latter caters to lower power with a high switching frequency. This configuration leverages the strengths of both types of semiconductors, enhancing the converter’s power efficiency and density. To investigate the converter’s performance, a small-signal model is developed, alongside a control strategy to ensure uniform power sharing among the modules. The model is evaluated through simulation using MATLAB, which confirms the uniformity of the charging current provided to EV batteries. The results show an impressive power efficiency of 99.25% and a power density of 10.99 kW/L, achieved through the utilization of fast-switching MESFETs and the DAB topology. This research suggests that the hybrid multimodule DC–DC converter is a promising solution for fast-charging EVs, providing high efficiency, power density, and switching speed. Future studies could explore the incorporation of advanced wide bandgap devices to handle even larger power fractions.
Centrality angle is a novel nephrometry score to predict tumor complexity and perioperative outcomes for partial nephrectomy
Authors: Miyamoto Shunsuke , Goto Keisuke , Tasaka Ryo , Kohada Yuki , Fukushima Takafumi , Takemoto Kenshiro , Babasaki Takashi , Kobatake Kohei , Sekino Yohei , Kitano Hiroyuki , Ikeda Kenichiro , Hieda Keisuke , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Hinata Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo propose the centrality angle (C-angle) as a novel simple nephrometry score for the evaluation of tumor complexity and prediction of perioperative outcomes in nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) for renal tumors. The analysis was based on 174 patients who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy retrospectively. C-angle was defined as the angle occupied by the tumor from the center of the kidney in the coronal CT images. Other nephrometry scores were calculated and compared with C-angle. Associations between C-angle and perioperative outcomes were examined. Significant differences were found in C-angle between tumors greater and less than 4 cm, exophytic and endophytic tumors, and hilar and non-hilar tumors. C-angle was correlated with other nephrometry scores, including RENAL, PADUA, and C-index. Significant positive correlations with WIT, operation time, and EBL, and significant negative correlations with preserved eGFR. C-angle could predict perioperative complications. Patients with a C-angle > 45° had worse perioperative outcomes, including longer operative time, longer WIT, lower rate of preserved eGFR, and complications. C-angle can be used to evaluate the complexity of renal tumors and predict perioperative outcomes. C-angle can potentially be used for decision-making in the treatment of patients and to guide surgical planning of NSS.
Mortality after major bleeding in Asian atrial fibrillation patients receiving different direct oral anticoagulants: a nationwide, propensity score study
Authors: Yu Jiun-Hao , Li Pei-Ru , Chen Dong-Yi , Huang Wen-Kuan , See Lai-Chu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this research, we assessed mortality after major bleeding events in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients taking four direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Drawing data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2016 and 2019, we focused on AF patients on DOACs who had major bleeding episodes. Using propensity score stabilized weighting, we established four comparable pseudo-DOAC groups. Among 2770 patients (460 dabigatran, 1322 rivaroxaban, 548 apixaban, 440 edoxaban), 85.3% were prescribed low-dose regimens. The 7-day mortality rate was 9.0%, surging to 16.0% by the 30th day. Compared with dabigatran, there was a distinct divergence in 7-day mortality of factor Xa inhibitors (p = 0.012), with hazard ratios of 1.83 (95% CI 1.11–3.00, p = 0.017) for rivaroxaban, 2.13 (95% CI 1.23–3.66, p = 0.007) for apixaban, and 2.41 (95% CI 1.39–4.19, p = 0.002) for edoxaban. This pattern remained consistent when analyzing the subgroup that received lower dosages of DOACs. In conclusion, factor Xa inhibitors were associated with a significantly higher risk of 7-day mortality following major bleeding events than dabigatran among AF patients.