bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the microstructural and mechanical properties of electron beam welded 2507 duplex stainless steel joint
Authors: Tóth Tamás , Hesse Ann-Christin , Kárpáti Viktor , Mertinger Valéria , Dilger Klaus 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study provides an insight into the microstructural and mechanical properties of an electron beam welded 2507 super duplex stainless steel joint. To compensate the detrimental effect of the nitrogen loss and the cooling conditions on the austenite formation, nickel-based filler wire was fed to the weld pool to increase the amount of austenite stabilizers. A high-frequency beam oscillation combined with a multi-beam technique was applied to realize a good dilution between the base metal and the filler wire even at a large depth-to-width ratio. As a result, a good austenite-ferrite-ratio was achieved in the weld metal, leading to an impact energy of 200–230 J. The heat-affected zone exhibited a balanced microstructure and a narrow width due to the high nitrogen content of the base metal.
Implications of TRAP1 modulate cell invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in liver cancer: evidence from in vitro HepG2 study
Authors: Zou hongling , Yang liu , Zhao Yingqi , Yi Peipei , Lu Liu , Du Yao , lv yuanming 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Although the list of biomarkers is still growing, the molecular mechanisms associated with liver cancer development and progress are still uncertain. We recently confirmed the high expression of molecular chaperone TRAP1 in HepG2 cells. In this context, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of gain or loss function of TRAP1 on cell invasion in HepG2 cells, and to evaluate whether TRAP1 regulate cell invasion by controlling EMT related gene expression.
Methods: The TRAP1 overexpression and knockdown HepG2 cells were constructed by lentivirus method. To investigate the effects of TRAP1 on cell function, cell proliferation was measured by MTT method. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The migration and invasion ability were measured by wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. mRNA and protein expression of TRAP1 and EMT related genes were performed by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively.
Results: TRAP1 overexpression and knockdown cells were successfully established in two recombined cell lines, we studied the general effects of TRAP1 and its association to EMT pathway. The results indicated that TRAP1 promoted cell malignant phenotypes, which including cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration. Besides, TRAP1 inhibited the epithelial markers expression and increased mesenchymal markers expression in both mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions: These results may provide novel approaches in liver cancer with increasing TRAP1 expression, which could be associated with EMT pathway, with potential future intervention in liver cancer invasion and metastasis.
Levetiracetam ameliorated amyloidosis and tauopathy in mice with dexamethasone-induced Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zheng Xiang-yu , Zhang Hai-Chen , Wei Zhi-Wei , Lv Yu-Dan , Jin Feng-Yan , Zhu Jie , Ruan Yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Stress induced by glucocorticoids (GC), such as dexamethasone (DEX), has the potential to detrimentally impact the structure and function of the hippocampus and is closely associated with the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, it remains uncertain whether LEV and TPM can effectively alleviate neuropathological and cognitive deficits in patients with DEX-induced AD by preserving or restoring neuronal network activities. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of DEX on AD development and progression and identify the role of NRP1 inflammasome in APP23/MAPTP301S mice. APP23/MAPTP301S mice were treated with DEX in the absence and presence of levetiracetam (LEV). After treatment, the mice were subjected to various cognitive and behavioral tests. DEX accelerated neuronal impairment by promoting the accumulation of β-amyloid protein and phosphorylation of tau in senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in APP23/MAPTP301S mice. Moreover, DEX significantly upregulated BACE1 and promoted the phosphorylation of cyclin-dependent kinase-5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3α/β, resulting in synaptic dystrophy and apoptosis. NLRP3 siRNA transfection showed that NLRP1 inflammasome activation is pivotal to the observed DEX effects. To counteract the adverse effects of DEX, LEV was administered to APP23/MAPTP301S mice, and it ameliorated DEX-induced AD via NLRP1-dependent mechanisms. This study underscores the detrimental impact of chronic glucocorticoid exposure on AD pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic benefits of compounds such as LEV in counteracting these effects by regulating neuroinflammation and key pathological markers.
Personalized identification of Autism-related bacteria in the gut microbiome using eXplainable Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Novielli Pierfrancesco , Romano Donato , Magarelli Michele , Diacono Domenico , Monaco Alfonso , Amoroso Nicola , Vacca Mirco , De Angelis Maria , Bellotti Roberto , Tangaro Sabina 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) constitutes a pervasive developmental condition impacting social interaction and communication proficiency. Emerging evidence underscores a plausible association between ASD and alterations within the gut microbiome—an intricate assembly of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract. While machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as a valuable tool for unraveling the intricate interactions between the gut microbiome and host physiology, their application faces limitations in assessing the individual contributions of microbial species for each subject. Addressing this constraint, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) emerges as a solution. This paper delves into the potential of the Shapley Method Additive Explanations (SHAP) algorithm for personalized identification of microbiome biomarkers in the context of ASD.
Results
The study demonstrates the efficacy of the SHAP algorithm in overcoming conventional ML limitations. SHAP enables a personalized assessment of microbiome contributions, facilitating the identification of specific bacteria associated with ASD. Moreover, leveraging local explanation embeddings and an unsupervised clustering method successfully clusters ASD subjects into subgroups. Notably, a cluster with lower ASD probability is identified, uncovering false negatives in ASD classification. The recognition of false negatives holds clinical significance, prompting an exploration of contributing factors and insights for refining ASD classification accuracy.
Conclusions
In conclusion, XAI provides personalized insights into ASD-associated microbiome biomarkers. Its ability to address ML limitations enhances understanding of individualized microbial environment in ASD. The identification of ASD subgroups through clustering analysis emphasizes disorder heterogeneity. Additionally, recognizing false negatives within ASD classification introduces complexity to patient care considerations. These findings imply potential for tailored interventions based on individual microbiome profiles, advancing precision in ASD management and classification.
Multi-objective optimization of a metro wheel profile to reduce wheel flange wear and RCF considering the distribution density of wheel−rail contact points
Authors: Gao Ennan , Tao Gongquan , Ren Dexiang , Wen Zefeng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this study, the problem of severe wheel flange wear and tread rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of metro wheels with two wheel profiles, i.e., the LM-30 profile and the DIN5573-30 profile, is investigated. The contact characteristics of the two profiles are compared to analyze the causes of abnormal wheel flange wear and tread RCF. Based on the two-dimensional Gaussian kernel density estimation method, indices combining the density distribution of contact points are proposed to evaluate the wheel flange wear and tread RCF. The optimization region of the wheel profile is defined by eight arc parameters, which is derived from the tangency of the arcs. A penalty function is used to ensure tangency between the arcs during the optimization process. A back-propagation neural network is constructed as a surrogate model for the optimization parameters and the objective function. Four intelligent optimization algorithms are compared and used to solve the optimization problem. The vehicle‒track dynamic model and the wheel wear prediction model are used to verify the performance of the optimized profile. The results show that the critical speed of the optimized profile is between that of the LM profile and that of the DIN5573 profile, and the curving performance of the optimized profile is significantly improved. At the same time, the optimized wheel profile can reduce wheel flange wear and tread RCF. The loss of wheel flange thickness is reduced by 41.9% compared with that of the DIN5573 profile, and the peak value of wheel tread RCF damage is reduced by 33.6% compared with that of the LM profile.
In Vitro Assessment of 177Lu-labeled Trastuzumab-Targeted Mesoporous Carbon@Silica Nanostructure for the treatment of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Tunçel Ayça , Maschauer Simone , Prante Olaf , Yurt Fatma 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of 177Lu-labeled mesoporous Carbon@Silica nanostructure targeted with trastuzumab (TRA/PEI-MC@Si). This study aimed to explore the potential of TRA/PEI-MC@Si as a targeted radiotherapeutic for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, with a focus on understanding its cellular uptake, internalization, and efflux capacity on various cell lines.
Results: The TRA/PEI-MC@Si nanocomposite was successfully labeled with 177Lu, yielding a radiochemical yield of 93.0±2.4%. In vitro studies revealed a higher uptake of the 177Lu-DOTA@TRA/MC@Si nanocomposite in HER2-positive SK-BR-3 cells (44.0±4.6% within the first 24 hours) compared to MDA-MB-231 cells (21.0±2.3%). The IC50 values for SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 were 0.17 nM and 0.09 M, respectively, indicating a higher affinity towards HER-2 receptor-expressing cells. The lipophilic distribution coefficients of the radiolabeled nanocomposites were determined to be 1.7±0.3 for 177Lu-DOTA@TRA/MC@Si and 1.5±0.2 for 177Lu-DOTA@PEI-MC@Si, suggesting sufficient passive transport through the cell membrane and increased accumulation in target tissues.
Conclusions: The 177Lu-TRA@DOTA/PEI-MC@Si nanocomposite demonstrated significant targeting efficacy towards HER2-positive cell lines, showing promise as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment and nuclear imaging of HER2-positive breast cancer. The findings suggest that the TRA-targeted DOTA@PEI-MC@Si nanocomposite, when labeled with Lu-177, could serve as an effective single-platform agent for the therapy of breast cancer.
Surgical Intervention for Lung Cancer in Patients Aged 75 and Above: Potential Associations with Elevated Mortality Rates - A Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Kaprin Andrey , Pikin Oleg , Ryabov Andrew , aleksandrov Oleg , Larionov Denis , Garifullin Airat 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background. Lung cancer, which is diagnosed two to three times more frequently in patients over the age of 70, is a leading cause of cancer-specific mortality. Given the elevated risk of morbidity and mortality, surgical intervention may not always be the most appropriate primary treatment option. This study aims to assess specific risk factors associated with heightened morbidity and mortality rates in elderly patients, with the objective of optimizing patient selection and enhancing surgical outcomes.
Patients and methods. The study encompassed a cohort of 73 patients aged 75 and above who underwent surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncological Research Institute between 2015 and 2021. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation, including PET/CT staging and functional assessment, carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising thoracic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical specialists.
Results. The investigation revealed a postoperative mortality rate of 5.5% and a postoperative morbidity incidence of 16.4%, with occurrences of atrial fibrillation in 41.6%, persistent air leak in 33.3%, and pneumonia in 25% of complicated cases. At the one-year follow-up, 88% of patients remained free from relapse, whereas at three years, this rate stood at 66%. During the follow-up period, 16 patients (22%) passed away, with a median survival duration of 44 months. Survival rates at one year, three years, and five years were 71%, 66%, and 35%, respectively. Multivariate analysis disclosed several significant factors predicting a complex postoperative period, including stage IIIb (p = 0.023), pN1 (p = 0.049), pN2 (p = 0.030), and central location (p = 0.007). Additionally, overall survival was primarily influenced by a Charlson comorbidity index of 6 (p = 0.044), stage Ia2 (p = 0.033), and the necessity for thoracotomy (p = 0.045).
Conclusion. Each case of lung cancer in patients aged 75 and older necessitates an individualized approach. Given the higher mortality rate relative to younger patients, comprehensive risk assessment and preoperative management of underlying comorbidities are imperative, with the involvement of anesthesiologists, intensive care physicians, cardiologists, and other relevant specialists as needed.
A New Unsupervised/Reinforcement Learning Method In Spiking Pattern Classification Networks
Authors: Nazari Soheila 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Computations adapted from the interactions of neurons in the nervous system may be a capable platform that can create powerful machines in terms of cognitive abilities such as real-time learning, decision-making and generalization. In this regard, here an intelligent machine based on the basic and approved mechanisms of the nervous system has been proposed. Therefore, the input layer of the presented machine is adapted from the retinal model and the middle layer and the output layer is composed of population of pyramidal neurons/ interneurons, AMPA/GABA receptors, and excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters. A machine that has a bio-adapted structure requires a learning based on biological evidence. Similarly, a new learning mechanism based on unsupervised (Power-STDP) and reinforcement learning procedure (Actor-Critic algorithm) was proposed which was called PSAC learning algorithm. Three challenging datasets MNIST, EMNIST, and CIFAR10 were used to confirm the performance of the proposed learning algorithm compared to deep and spiking networks, and respectively accuracies of 97.7%, 97.95% (digits) and 93.73% (letters), and 93.6% have been obtained, which shows an improvement in accuracy compared to previous spiking networks. In addition to being more accurate than the previous spike-based learning methods, the proposed learning approach shows a higher convergence speed in the training process. Although the obtained classification accuracies are slightly lower than deep networks, but higher training speed, low power consumption if implemented on neuromorphic platforms, and unsupervised learning are the advantages of the proposed network.
Elevated expression of NXPH4 is associated with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Yu Jinxuan , Cui Qing , Lu Shuai , Xue Lingkai , Liu Hanqing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: NXPH4 is involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors, but its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. The aim of our study was to elucidate the role of NXPH4 in the progression of CRC.
Methods: The expression levels of NXPH4 in pan-cancer and CRC were evaluated using the Tumor Immune Estimate Resource (TIMER), Human Protein Atlas (HPA), and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The diagnostic and prognostic value of NXPH4 in CRC was analyzed using the TCGA dataset. A prediction model for overall survival (OS) in CRC patients was constructed and validated based on the protein expression level of NXPH4 and multivariate analysis results. The UALCAN database was used to analyze the promoter methylation level of NXPH4 in CRC. Additionally, the functional roles of NXPH4 were examined through GO analysis, KEGG analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), immune infiltration analysis, and immune checkpoint correlation analysis.
Results: NXPH4 was significantly upregulated in CRC compared to adjacent normal colonic tissue. High expression of NXPH4 in colorectal cancer was significantly correlated with T stage, N stage, pathological stage, residual tumor, and lymphatic invasion. Increased expression of NXPH4 was associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) in CRC. Univariate analysis results indicated that NXPH4 was an independent prognostic factor for OS in CRC. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested that NXPH4 could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for CRC patients. The nomogram constructed based on NXPH4 outperformed individual prognostic factors and could establish long-term survival rates in CRC patients. The promoter methylation level of NXPH4 was significantly elevated in CRC tissues. GO and KEGG analysis results indicated that NXPH4 and its co-expressed genes were involved in cell signaling function and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways. GSEA revealed that NXPH4 may participate in multiple pathways including tumor formation, cell invasion, inflammatory pathways, head and neck cancer, breast cancer, cytokine interactions, and lipid metabolism. Additionally, NXPH4 was significantly correlated with the infiltration levels of various immune cells including NK CD56bright cells, Cytotoxic cells, aDC, Th1 cells, Macrophages, NK cells, iDC, Tcm, Th17 cells, etc. NXPH4 was closely associated with multiple immune checkpoint markers including TNFRSF9, LAG3, PDCD1, CD276, CD274, IDO1, CTLA4, HHLA2, CD40LG, etc.
Conclusion: Our study revealed a strong correlation between elevated NXPH4 expression and poor prognosis and immune cell infiltration in CRC, suggesting it as a promising independent prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Exploring the influence of role modeling on food consumption among the youth in Uganda
Authors: Kiggwe Musa , Ntayi Joseph , Nabatanzi-Muyimba Annet K. , Byarugaba Jotham , Esemu Timothy , Munene John C. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Certain diseases are associated with individual eating habits. Eating habits of the youth are at times copied from other people and replicated throughout a lifetime. Despite this, the influence of role modeling on food consumption among the youth seems to have received scant attention in the extant literature. Previous studies appear to largely focus on children and adolescent populations within Europe and the United States of America. This study seeks to fill this gap by exploring the influence role modeling has on food consumption among the youth in Uganda.
Methods
Utilizing an exploratory qualitative methodology, we conducted nine in-depth interviews of University students aged between 20–29 years in central Uganda. Discussions covered a range of issues related to how role modeling influenced the youths’ food consumption.
Results
Using thematic content analysis found that role models influence the youth’s food consumption in three ways; live demonstration, abstract shows, and instructional guidance. This means an individual may influence a youth’s eating habits through physically eating in the same social setting, through digital screen platforms, and through advice that may also include written literature.
Conclusion
Parents should, thus, repeatedly eat healthy foods as a way of training their child’s nutrition habits. In addition, health professionals designing screen media campaigns for the youth should consider using healthy foods in their image-related content. Written literature with healthy eating messages should also be prepared to target the youth.
The burden of water insecurity: a review of the challenges to water resource management and connected health risks associated with water stress in small island developing states
Authors: Parker Stephanie Yolan , Parchment Kimalie Fabian , Gordon-Strachan Georgiana Marie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Water resources, whether exceeding per capita water abundance thresholds or below water scarcity thresholds, are health determinants within small island developing states (SIDS). Thresholds indicate water stress vulnerability in SIDS, but underestimate the physicality associated with a lack of water. The objectives of this study were to capture the main challenges of consistently meeting water demand in SIDS and to present their intersection with certain diseases or factors associated with specific health conditions like dengue fever, gastrointestinal disorders, dehydration, and malnutrition. This review utilized archival evidence to categorize the challenges undermining water availability in SIDS with the view that these issues present or exacerbate health outcomes. Seasonal rainfall variations (73%), inadequate distribution infrastructure (64%), saltwater intrusion (61%), contamination (58%), human-induced watershed change (19%), and sea level rise (17%) were identified from 108 country-specific sources as challenges to consistently meeting water demand by 59 SIDS. Any water stress indicator must consider that it is contingent on its human burden. These challenges affect food security through agricultural drought and soil salinization, and the proliferation of vector-borne and sanitation-related diseases across SIDS. This review is the first step in determining the human health burden of water insecurity in SIDS.