bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the Impact of Residual Strains in the Stress Analysis of Patient-Specific Atherosclerotic Carotid Vessels: Predictions Based on the Homogenous Stress Hypothesis
Authors: Mastrofini Alessandro , Marino Michele , Karlöf Eva , Hedin Ulf , Gasser T. Christian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe identification of carotid atherosclerotic lesion at risk for plaque rupture, eventually resulting in cerebral embolism and stroke, is of paramount clinical importance. High stress in the fibrous plaque cap has been proposed as risk factor. However, among others, residual strains influence said stress predictions, but quantitative and qualitative implications of residual strains in this context are not well explored. We therefore propose a multiplicative kinematics-based Growth and Remodeling (G&R) framework to predict residual strains from homogenizing tissue stress and then investigate its implication on plaque stress. Carotid vessel morphology of four patients was reconstructed from clinical Computed Tomography-Angiography (CT-A) images and equipped with heterogeneous tissue constitutive properties assigned through a histology-based artificial intelligence image segmentation tool. As compared to a purely elastic analysis and depending on patient-specific morphology and tissue distributions, the incorporation of residual strains reduced the maximum wall stress by up to $$30\%$$

30
%

and resulted in a fundamentally different distribution of stress across the atherosclerotic wall. Regardless residual strains homogenized tissue stresses, the fibrous plaque cap may persistently be exposed to spots of high stress. In conclusion, the incorporation of residual strains in biomechanical studies of atherosclerotic carotids may be important for a reliable assessment of fibrous plaque cap stress.
Soil quality: an indicator of recovery in a nature reserve in the Colombian Andes
Authors: González O. F. , Baquero-Echeverri S. , Caicedo-García J. P. , Loaiza-Usuga J. C. , Polanía J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSoils provide essential ecosystem services for the existence of ecosystems and biodiversity. It is crucial to understand their quality through the evaluation of ecological processes. However, only some studies estimate the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration based on evaluating soil quality (SQ) indicators. This research evaluated the five most common land-use scenarios in Andean ecosystems within the Natural Reserve of the Civil Society (RNSC) “La Montaña Mágica” under natural forest, coffee plantation, badlands, and active and passive restoration. The main objective was to analyze the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics concerning land use, establish the baseline for SQ indicators in different land use activities, and determine the status of restoration systems for other land uses in the study site. ANOVA and Dunnett's test evaluated SQ parameters. In passive and active restoration, soil bulk density, porosity, and the number of individuals and families of macroinvertebrates were improved. The latter presented low pH and aluminum values but increased potassium compared to other soil uses. The restoration strategies favored changes in SQ indicators due to the contribution of organic carbon, a developed root system, and the recirculation of nutrients in the edaphic system. This study provided information on changes in SQ with soil usage as a practical tool to evaluate ecological restoration methods in natural areas of the eastern Colombian Andes.
A review on graph neural networks for predicting synergistic drug combinations
Authors: Besharatifard Milad , Vafaee Fatemeh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCombinational therapies with synergistic effects provide a powerful treatment strategy for tackling complex diseases, particularly malignancies. Discovering these synergistic combinations, often involving various compounds and structures, necessitates exploring a vast array of compound pairings. However, practical constraints such as cost, feasibility, and complexity hinder exhaustive in vivo and in vitro experimentation. In recent years, machine learning methods have made significant inroads in pharmacology. Among these, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have gained increasing attention in drug discovery due to their ability to represent complex molecular structures as networks, capture vital structural information, and seamlessly handle diverse data types. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various GNN models developed for predicting effective drug combinations, examining the limitations and strengths of different models, and comparing their predictive performance. Additionally, we discuss the datasets used for drug synergism prediction and the extraction of drug-related information as predictive features. By summarizing the state-of-the-art GNN-driven drug combination prediction, this review aims to offer valuable insights into the promising field of computational pharmacotherapy.
Dynamic cultivation of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for the production of extracellular vesicles in a 3D bioreactor system
Authors: Almeria Ciarra , Weiss René , Keck Maike , Weber Viktoria , Kasper Cornelia , Egger Dominik 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
3D cell culture and hypoxia have been demonstrated to increase the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). In this study, a process for the production of MSC-EVs in a novel 3D bioreactor system under normoxic and hypoxic conditions was established and the resulting EVs were characterized.

Methods
Human adipose-derived MSCs were seeded and cultured on a 3D membrane in the VITVO® bioreactor system for 7 days. Afterwards, MSC-EVs were isolated and characterized via fluorescence nanoparticle tracking analysis, flow cytometry with staining against annexin V (Anx5) as a marker for EVs exposing phosphatidylserine, as well as CD73 and CD90 as MSC surface markers.

Results
Cultivation of MSC in the VITVO® bioreactor system demonstrated a higher concentration of MSC-EVs from the 3D bioreactor (9.1 × 109 ± 1.5 × 109 and 9.7 × 109 ± 3.1 × 109 particles/mL) compared to static 2D culture (4.2 × 109 ± 7.5 × 108 and 3.9 × 109 ± 3.0 × 108 particles/mL) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, respectively. Also, the particle-to-protein ratio as a measure for the purity of EVs increased from 3.3 × 107 ± 1.1 × 107 particles/µg protein in 2D to 1.6 × 108 ± 8.3 × 106 particles/µg protein in 3D. Total MSC-EVs as well as CD73−CD90+ MSC-EVs were elevated in 2D normoxic conditions. The EV concentration and size did not differ significantly between normoxic and hypoxic conditions.

Conclusion
The production of MSC-EVs in a 3D bioreactor system under hypoxic conditions resulted in increased EV concentration and purity. This system could be especially useful in screening culture conditions for the production of 3D-derived MSC-EVs.
Derivative-free search approaches for optimization of well inflow control valves and controls
Authors: Bellout Mathias C. , Silva Thiago L. , Bakke Jan Øystein Haavig , Berg Carl Fredrik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDecisions regarding problem conceptualization, search approach, and how best to parametrize optimization methods for practical application are key to successful implementation of optimization approaches within georesources field development projects. This work provides decision support regarding the application of derivative-free search approaches for concurrent optimization of inflow control valves (ICVs) and well controls. A set of state-of-the-art approaches possessing different search features is implemented over two reference cases, and their performance, resource requirements, and specific method configurations are compared across multiple problem formulations for completion design. In this study, problem formulations to optimize completion design comprise fixed ICVs and piecewise-constant well controls. The design is optimized by several derivative-free methodologies relying on parallel pattern-search (tAPPS), population-based stochastic sampling (tPSO) and trust-region interpolation-based models (tDFTR). These methodologies are tested on a heterogeneous two-dimensional case and on a realistic case based on a section of the Olympus benchmark model. Three problem formulations are applied in both cases, i.e., one formulation optimizes ICV settings only, while two joint configurations also treat producer and injector controls as variables. Various method parametrizations across the range of cases and problem formulations exploit the different search features to improve convergence, achieve final objectives and infer response surface features. The scope of this particular study treats only deterministic problem formulations. Results outline performance trade-offs between parallelizable algorithms (tAPPS, tPSO) with high total runtime search efficiency and the local-search trust-region approach (tDFTR) providing effective objective gains for a low number of cost function evaluations. tAPPS demonstrates robust performance across different problem formulations that can support exploration efforts, e.g., during a pre-drill design phase while multiple independent tDFTR runs can provide local tuning capability around established solutions in a time-constrained post-drill setting. Additional remarks regarding joint completion design optimization, comparison metrics, and relative algorithm performance given the varying problem formulations are also made.
Explaining the Stylized Facts of Foreign Exchange Markets with a Simple Agent-based Version of Paul de Grauwe’s Chaotic Exchange Rate Model
Authors: Mignot Sarah , Westerhoff Frank 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We propose a simple agent-based version of Paul de Grauwe’s chaotic exchange rate model. In particular, we assume that each speculator follows his own technical and fundamental trading rule. Moreover, a speculator’s choice between these two trading philosophies depends on his individual assessment of current market circumstances. Our agent-based model setup is able to explain a number of important stylized facts of foreign exchange markets, including bubbles and crashes, excess volatility, fat-tailed return distributions, serially uncorrelated returns and volatility clustering. A stability and bifurcation analysis of its deterministic skeleton provides us with useful insights that foster our understanding of exchange rate dynamics.
Latest pharmaceutical approaches across the spectrum of heart failure
Authors: Bismpos Dimitrios , Wintrich Jan , Hövelmann Julian , Böhm Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite major advances in prevention and medical therapy, heart failure (HF) remains associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in older and frailer patients. Therefore, a complete, guideline-based treatment is essential, even in HF patients with conditions traditionally associated with a problematic initiation and escalation of the medical HF therapy, such as chronic kidney disease and arterial hypotension, as the potential adverse effects are overcome by the overall decrease of the absolute risk. Furthermore, since the latest data suggest that the benefit of a combined medical therapy (MRA, ARNI, SGLT2i, beta-blocker) may extend up to a LVEF of 65%, further trials on these subgroups of patients (HFmrEF, HFpEF) are needed to re-evaluate the guideline-directed medical therapy across the HF spectrum. In particular, the use of SGLT2i was recently extended to HFpEF patients, as evidenced by the DELIVER and EMPEROR-preserved trials. Moreover, the indication for other conservative treatments in HF patients, such as the intravenous iron supplementation, was accordingly strengthened in the latest guidelines. Finally, the possible implementation of newer substances, such as finerenone, in guideline-directed medical practice for HF is anticipated with great interest.
Examine the Impact of Contextual, Personal, and Behavioral Factors on High School Teachers’ Engagement in Teaching Science Using an Integrated STEM Approach
Authors: Sokha Khut 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTeachers’ self-efficacy, attitude, and engagement are influenced by various factors, encompassing personal, school contextual, and behavioral aspects. Nevertheless, prior studies have not thoroughly explored the intricate relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy, attitudes, and engagement, particularly in the context of teaching science through an integrated STEM approach (ISTEMA). Drawing upon the Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study proposes a structural equation model that incorporates school contextual factors: school administrative support and peer or collegial support, along with the personal factor—teachers’ STEM discipline knowledge to predict teachers’ self-efficacy in teaching science through ISTEMA. It also considers school administrative support and teachers’ self-efficacy to teach science through an ISTEMA as predictors for teachers’ attitudes and engagement in the implementation of ISTEMA. Additionally, school administrative support, teachers’ self-efficacy to teach science through ISTEMA, and teachers’ attitude to teach science through ISTEMA are regarded as behavioral factors that predict engagement in the implementation of ISTEMA. The survey was administered to 452 high school teachers hailing from four distinct regions and Phnom Penh City, Cambodia. The results of the full structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis revealed that changes in teachers’ STEM discipline knowledge and peer or collegial support may correspondingly lead to changes in teachers’ self-efficacy to teach science through an ISTEMA (SE), with an indirect effect of school administrative support (AD) on SE via teachers’ STEM discipline knowledge. The enhancement of SE and teachers’ attitude to teach science through an ISTEMA (ATT) significantly influences teachers’ engagement to teach science through an ISTEMA (EGG), whereas AD has a direct impact on engagement and an indirect one via teachers’ self-efficacy and attitude. Furthermore, SE directly and indirectly affects engagement through teachers’ attitude. These findings hold profound significance in shaping policies related to teacher training in integrated STEM education and theoretical foundation for future studies.
Ochratoxin A induces mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to retinal damage in mice
Authors: Fu Miao , Chen Yuanyuan , Yang Anhuai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination of food and feed is a serious problem worldwide. OTA is considered a carcinogen and immunotoxic, nephrotoxic, and neurotoxic mycotoxin. The present study aims to determine the toxic effects of OTA on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and assess the resulting impairment of retinal function in mice.

Methods
RGC-5 cells were exposed to OTA (100 and 200 μg/L) for 3 days, and the mice were fed OTA-contain (100 and 200 μg/kg) diets for 4 weeks. Antioxidant indices were detected by spectrophotometer. The apoptosis of RGC-5 cells was determined by flow cytometry. Mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by immunofluorescence. RGC survival was determined by immunofluorescence staining with Brn3a. Flash electroretinography (ERG) was conducted to assess visual function.

Results
The oxidative-antioxidant balance suggested that OTA-induced severe oxidative stress, including increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the OTA-exposed RGC-5 cells, and the reduced activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the OTA exposed group. Furthermore, OTA exposure led to remarkable apoptosis in RGC-5 cells. The mitochondrial detection showed that OTA caused significant mitochondrial membrane potential reduction and mitochondrial fragmentation, which may be the cause of apoptosis of RGC-5 cells. Additionally, in vivo experiments demonstrated that OTA resulted in significant death of RGCs and subsequent retinal dysfunction in mice.

Conclusion
Ochratoxin A induces mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and RGCs death in mice.
Higher incidence of meibomian gland dysfunction in postmenopausal women with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Wang Guoping , Jin Haili , Sheng Yonghong , Ji Feng , Liu Yin , Han Linfeng , Wang Xiaohu , Chen Xianjie , Ding He , Liu Jing , Fu Qingqing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the incidence of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in postmenopausal women with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) and enables ophthalmologists to pay attention to ocular surface damage before surgery.

Methods
165 postmenopausal women with PANDO and 115 postmenopausal women with a normal lacrimal drainage system were enrolled in this prospective study. Based on the results of lacrimal duct irrigation and age, the participants were further subdivided. The incidence of different severities of MGD in different groups was calculated and analyzed by the chi-squared test.

Results
The incidence of MGD in the PANDO group was 81.21%, and in the control group, it was 46.96%, which was significantly higher in the presence of PANDO (p < 0.001). The incidence of severe MGD in the complete and incomplete PANDO groups was higher than that in the control group (all p < 0.05), and no significant differences were observed between the complete and incomplete PANDO groups. The incidence of moderate MGD was significantly higher in the complete PANDO group than in the control group (p < 0.001). When age was considered an independent variable, the results revealed a significant value for patients aged < 70 years (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Our study revealed a prodominantly high incidence of MGD in postmenopausal women with PANDO, especially in a complete PANDO or aged < 70 years. Ophthalmologists need to pay close attention to MGD in postmenopausal women with PANDO.
Let’s Walk: A Quasi-Experimental Multi-Component Intervention to Improve Physical Activity and Social Engagement for Older Chinese American Adults
Authors: Katigbak Carina , Cheng Ssu-Fang , Matz Christina , Jimison Holly 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhysical activity (PA) is critical for healthy aging, yet < 16% of U.S. older adults meet federal recommendations for moderate to vigorous PA. Asian Americans are a rapidly growing segment of the older adult population, who are less likely to meet these guidelines, and are frequently under-represented in clinical trials. This quasi-experimental pilot study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a culturally tailored walking program to improve PA and social engagement for older Chinese Americans in Boston, MA. Participants at two community organizations were assigned to an enhanced walking or walking only condition for 12 weeks. Mixed effect repeated measures analysis addressed the study aims. The enhanced walking group (intervention) had fewer steps at baseline and less of a reduction in steps by 12 weeks as compared with the walking only (control) condition. Mean social engagement scores were significantly higher at 12 weeks (p = .03) for the intervention group. A culturally tailored walking intervention was feasible and acceptable for older Chinese Americans, improving social engagement and PA scores.
“Illness Calls for Stories”: Care, Communication, and Community in the COVID-19 Patient Narrative
Authors: Crocker Rosalind 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis creative-critical piece reflects on the practices of recording, communicating, and caring that took place on social media and in digital spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using my own experience of contracting COVID-19 as a starting point, the piece looks at the ways in which epidemics have often been recorded in collaborative ways, with the personal, professional, and familial converging in historical texts that could be used as sources of medical authority. COVID-19 has similarly been immortalized across a variety of forms and by different communities. The piece particularly explores the ways in which collective epidemic experience has been represented online through autopathographical Tweets, TikTok cures, and group chat messages and the future purposes that such collaborative patient narratives can serve.
Urban 2D and 3D morphology and the pattern of ozone pollution: a 68-city study in China
Authors: Hong Shengyang , Wang Chengcong , Wang Wenjie , Zhang Peng , Guo Yujie , Ma Zijun , Hong Wenhai , Ren Zhibin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Context
Air pollution significantly impacts urban sustainable development and public health. Urban ozone pollution (UOP) is currently one of the most challenging tasks for urban air pollution control, and is possibly linked to urban morphology. However, the effect of urban two-dimensional (2D) (coverage or density, etc.) and three-dimensional (3D) (density + height, etc.) morphology on the UOP concentration remains unclear.

Objectives
The objective of this study was to explore the influence of urban morphology on UOP concentration and provide useful information to control urban air pollutants.

Methods
First, based on building height and remotely sensed UOP data from 68 Chinese cities, the general spatial pattern of urban 3D morphology and UOP was detected across different climate zones in China. Then, this study used variance decomposition to investigate the contribution of 2D and 3D urban morphology to UOP in China.

Results
The study showed that China's urban morphology was dominated by Medium Rise & Medium Density (MRMD). Large cities had higher UOP levels in summer, especially for the urban morphology with Low Rise & High Density (LRHD). Further, UOP concentrations were substantially higher in the southern temperate zone than in other climatic zones. Anthropogenic factors (rather than natural factors) were always the dominant factors influencing UOP across different seasons; specifically, urban 2D and 3D morphology can explain 40% of UOP variation. The effects of urban 3D and 2D morphologies on UOP concentrations varied seasonally. Urban 2D morphology dominated in spring, whereas 3D morphology dominated in winter.

Conclusions
Our study elucidates the effect of urban morphology on UOP and provides insights for sustainable urban development.