bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Light-induced topological phase transition via nonlinear phononics in superconductor CsV3Sb5
Authors: Tang Rui , Boi Filippo , Cheng Yi-Han 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe recent observations of exotic quantum phenomena in AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) kagome superconductors have attracted significant attention in materials physics. Here, we propose an innovative two-frequencies laser model for ultrafast control of transient structural distortions. Using first-principles density functional theory in conjunction with the perturbative regime of nonlinear phononics, we investigate the nonharmonic potential energy, the crystal lattice dynamics and the topological properties of CsV3Sb5. We find that driving two infrared-active phonons of different frequencies promotes the desired Raman phonon vibrations, in which the displacement of Sb atoms is closely related to superconductivity. We demonstrate that the dimensional crossover and the topological nontrivial to trivial state transition of superconductor CsV3Sb5 can be triggered by ultrafast optical control. This work can be applied to other layered quantum materials and provide guidance for experiments related to photoinduced topology and superconductivity.
Automatic irrigation system with a fiber-optic pressure sensor regulating intrapelvic pressure for flexible ureteroscopy
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Tsuruoka Noriko , Haga Yoichi , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Lee Sang-Seok , Matsunaga Tadao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIncreased intrapelvic pressure (IPP) due to irrigation during flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) can pose a risk of postoperative severe urinary tract infection associated with pyelovenous backflow. An automatic regulation system for maintaining safe IPP levels could enable surgeons to perform f-URS safely without postoperative complications. This study aimed to assess the measurement accuracy of an ultra-miniature fiber-optic pressure sensor incorporated into a small-caliper ureteroscope for assessing IPP and to develop an automatic irrigation system linked to this sensor. A porcine kidney was used for the ex vivo experiment. The nephrostomy catheter, connected to the conventional pressure transducer, was placed on the renal pelvis to evaluate the actual IPP (a-IPP). For measuring IPP using the fiber-optic pressure sensor (fo-IPP) built into the f-URS, a diaphragm pressure sensor of Φ250 μm was used. To establish an irrigation system, the optimal proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller was explored to accurately adjust the irrigation pump flow rate. A high correlation between a-IPP and fo-IPP was confirmed across irrigation pressure values of 60–180 mbar (all, r ≥ 0.7, p < 0.001). When performing bolus irrigation, although fo-IPP showed relatively a higher peak value than a-IPP, the response time of fo-IPP was equivalent to that of a-IPP. After PID parameter optimization, our automatic irrigation system based on fo-IPP smoothly and accurately regulated the intended IPP set in the 5–20 mmHg range without overshooting. We successfully developed and demonstrated an automatic irrigation system regulating IPP based on the PID controller for f-URS, utilizing a fiber-optic pressure sensor. Further research, including in vivo studies, will be needed to assess clinical feasibility.
Bioinformatics analysis of hub genes as osteoarthritis prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Zeng Junfeng , Jiang Xinhao , Jiang Mo , Cao Yuexia , Jiang Yi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive cartilage degradation disease, concomitant with synovitis, osteophyte formation, and subchondral bone sclerosis. Over 37% of the elderly population is affected by OA, and the number of cases is increasing as the global population ages. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify and analyze the hub genes of OA combining with comprehensive bioinformatics analysis tools to provide theoretical basis in further OA effective therapies. Two sample sets of GSE46750 contained 12 pairs OA synovial membrane and normal samples harvested from patients as well as GSE98918 including 12 OA and non-OA patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using Gene Expression Omnibus 2R (GEO2R), followed by functional enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction networks construction. The hub genes were identified and evaluated. An OA rat model was constructed, hematoxylin and eosin staining, safranin O/fast green staining, cytokines concentrations of serum were used to verify the model. The hub genes expression level in the knee OA samples were verified using RT-qPCR. The top 20 significantly up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs were screened out from the two datasets, respectively. The top 18 GO terms and 10 KEGG pathways were enriched. Eight hub genes were identified, namely MS4A6A, C1QB, C1QC, CD74, CSF1R, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DRA and ITGB2. Among them, the hub genes were all up-regulated in in vivo OA rat model, compared with healthy controls. The eight hub genes identified (MS4A6A, C1QB, C1QC, CD74, CSF1R, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DRA and ITGB2) were shown to be associated with OA. These genes can serve as disease markers to discriminate OA patients from healthy controls.
First basin scale spatial–temporal characterization of underwater sound in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Picciulin Marta , Petrizzo Antonio , Madricardo Fantina , Barbanti Andrea , Bastianini Mauro , Biagiotti Ilaria , Bosi Sofia , Centurelli Michele , Codarin Antonio , Costantini Ilaria , Dadić Vlado , Falkner Raffaela , Folegot Thomas , Galvez Daphnie , Leonori Iole , Menegon Stefano , Mihanović Hrvoje , Muslim Stipe , Pari Alice , Pari Sauro , Pleslić Grgur , Radulović Marko , Rako-Gospić Nikolina , Sabbatini Davide , Tegowski Jaroslaw , Vukadin Predrag , Ghezzo Michol 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAnthropogenic underwater noise is an emergent pollutant. Despite several worldwide monitoring programs, only few data are available for the Mediterranean Sea, one of the global biodiversity hotspots. The results of the first continuous acoustic programme run at a transnational basin scale in the Mediterranean Sea are here presented. Recordings were done from March 2020 to June 2021, including the COVID-19 lockdown, at nine stations in the Northern Adriatic Sea. Spatial–temporal variations of the underwater sound are described, having one third octave band sound pressure levels (SPLs) from 10 Hz to 20 kHz as metrics. Higher and more variable SPLs, mainly related to vessel traffic, were found close to harbours, whereas Natura 2000 stations experienced lower SPLs. Lower values were recorded during the lockdown in five stations. Median yearly SPLs ranged between 64 and 95 as well as 70 and 100 dB re 1 µPa for 63 and 125 Hz bands, respectively. These values are comparable with those previously found in busy shallow EU basins but higher levels are expected during a business-as-usual period. This is a baseline assessment for a highly impacted and environmental valuable area, that needs to be managed in a new sustainable blue growth strategy.
Seasonal variation and its interaction with pre-pregnancy BMI for GDM: a large population-based study in Tianjin, China
Authors: Li Weiqin , Wang Leishen , Guo Jia , Dong Wei , Zhang Shuang , Li Wei , Leng Junhong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo evaluate the independent association of seasonal variation with GDM incidence in Tianjin, China, and to test whether there is an additive interaction between seasonal variation and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) on GDM incidence. A population-based observational cohort study was conducted using the healthcare records data from Tianjin, China. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additive interaction between pre-pregnancy BMI groups and seasons was estimated by using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (S). Among the 112,639 pregnant women, 20.8% developed GDM at 24–28 weeks of gestation. The multivariable adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were 1.00, 1.00 (0.96–1.05), 1.15 (1.09–1.20) and 1.22 (1.16–1.29) respectively based on seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter). Compared with the spring/summer and pre-pregnant BMI < 24 kg/m2 group, co-presence of autumn/winter and pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 increased the OR from 1.00 to 2.70 (95% CI 2.28–3.20), with a significant additive interaction: RERI (0.32, 95% CI 0.19–0.45), S (1.21, 95% CI 1.12–1.31) and AP (0.11, 95% CI 0.07–0.16). Autumn/winter is an independent risk factor for GDM incidence, and can significantly amplify the obesity-associated risk for GDM incidence. The underlying mechanism warrants further investigations. We suggest that seasonality is an additional factor when interpreting OGTT results for the diagnosis of GDM.
Perioperative mortality among trauma patients in Northwest Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Endeshaw Amanuel Sisay , Dejen Eshetu Tesfaye , Zewdie Bekalu Wubshet , Addisu Biniyam Teshome , Molla Misganew Terefe , Kumie Fantahun Tarekegn 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTrauma is the leading cause of mortality in persons under 45 and a significant public health issue. Trauma is the most frequent cause of perioperative mortality among all surgical patients. Little is known about perioperative outcomes among trauma patients in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the incidence and identify predictors of perioperative mortality among adult trauma victims at Tibebe Ghion Specialised Hospital. From June 1, 2019, to June 30, 2021, a prospective cohort study was conducted at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital. Demographic, pre-hospital and perioperative clinical data were collected using an electronic data collection tool, Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). Cox proportional hazard model regression was used to assess the association between predictors and perioperative mortality among trauma victims. Crude and adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed; a p-value < 0.05 was a cutoff value to declare statistical significance. One thousand sixty-nine trauma patients were enrolled in this study. The overall incidence of perioperative mortality among trauma patients was 5.89%, with an incidence rate of 2.23 (95% CI 1.74 to 2.86) deaths per 1000 person-day observation. Age ≥ 65 years (AHR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.04, 6.08), patients sustained blunt trauma (AHR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.30, 8.29) and MVA (AHR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.18, 7.43), trauma occurred at night time (AHR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.56), ASA physical status ≥ III (AHR = 3.84, 95% CI: 1.88, 7.82), and blood transfusion (AHR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.74) were identified as a significant predictor for perioperative mortality among trauma patients. In this trauma cohort, it was demonstrated that perioperative mortality is a healthcare burden. Risk factors for perioperative mortality among trauma patients were old age, patients sustaining blunt trauma and motor vehicle accidents, injuries at night, higher ASA physical status, and blood transfusion. Trauma care services need improvement in pre-hospital and perioperative care.
Limited high-throughput screening compatibility of the phenuivirus cap-binding domain
Authors: Scherf Janna , Vogel Dominik , Gul Sheraz , Reinshagen Jeanette , Gribbon Philip , Rosenthal Maria 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBunyaviruses constitute a large and diverse group of viruses encompassing many emerging pathogens, such as Rift Valley fever virus (family Phenuiviridae), with public and veterinary health relevance but with very limited medical countermeasures are available. For the development of antiviral strategies, the identification and validation of virus-specific targets would be of high value. The cap-snatching mechanism is an essential process in the life cycle of bunyaviruses to produce capped mRNAs, which are then recognized and translated into viral proteins by the host cell translation machinery. Cap-snatching involves cap-binding as well as endonuclease functions and both activities have been demonstrated to be druggable in related influenza viruses. Here, we explore the suitability of the phenuivirus cap-binding function as a target in medium- and high-throughput drug discovery approaches. We developed a range of in vitro assays aiming to detect the interaction between the cap-binding domain (CBD) and the analogue of its natural cap-ligand m7GTP. However, constricted by its shallow binding pocket and low affinity for m7GTP, we conclude that the CBD has limited small molecule targeting potential using classical in vitro drug discovery approaches.
Association between abnormal uterine artery pulsatility index and the risk of fetal congenital heart defects: a hospital-based cohort study
Authors: Zhu Chen , Xu Cheng-Jie , Wu Jiang-Nan , Zhao Wei , Hu Yan-Lai , Yao Ying , Ren Yun-Yun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo explore the associations between high uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA-PI) values and congenital heart disease (CHD) risk and whether they differed between singleton and multiple pregnancies. This hospital-based cohort study involving 52,047 pregnant women who underwent prenatal examinations from 2012 to 2016. Infants born to the included pregnant women were followed until 42 days after birth to identify those with CHDs. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the associations of high right UtA-PI (> 95th percentile) values with maternal preeclampsia and fetal CHDs. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using path analysis models to quantify the effect of high right UtA-PI values on fetal CHD risk. A total of 42,552 women and 43,470 infants (147 with CHDs) were included. Preeclampsia risk was associated with a high right UtA-PI in singleton-pregnant women (adjusted PR, 3.01; 95% CI 2.57–3.52). CHD risk was marginally associated with a high right UtA-PI in singleton-pregnant women (adjusted PR, 2.26, 95% CI 1.03–4.95). Considering only two factors, 96.0% of the fetal CHD risk was mediated by preeclampsia in singleton-pregnant women, while 93.8% of the risk was related to a high right UtA-PI in multiple-pregnant women. A high right UtA-PI was marginally associated with an increased fetal CHD risk in singleton-pregnant women and might play an important role in multiple-pregnant women. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings given the high loss to follow-up rate.
Effect of wearing surgical mask during controlled aerobic training on functional capacity and perceived stress in inactive men: a randomized trial
Authors: Elbanna Rana Hesham Mohamed , Grase Mariam Omran , Elabd Sherif Osama Abdelsalam , Abd El-Monaem Hend Abd El-Monaem 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe study aims to assess the impact of wearing a surgical mask during training on inactive men’s functional capacity and perceived stress. Seventy non-smoker males with body mass index of 25–30 kg/m2 and moderate-intensity activity of fewer than 150 min/week were allocated randomly into two equal groups. The surgical mask group performed a controlled endurance exercise while wearing a surgical mask of three protection layers. The mask-less group performed a controlled endurance exercise without wearing any mask. Functional capacity and Perceived Stress were evaluated before and after the intervention. A significant improvement was observed within groups post-intervention in favor of the mask group regarding the Time Up and Go test (P < 0.05), with a 15.1% percentage improvement. Post-intervention, there was a significant change in the perceived stress score for the mask and mask-less groups (P < 0.05). The improvement in PSS was in favor of mask-less group participants as they changed from being categorized as moderate to mild stress on the PSS, with a 27.1% percentage improvement. Exercising while wearing a surgical mask Positive impacts functional capacity and negatively impacts Perceived Stress in inactive adults. An additional study evaluating the physiological effects of masks on continuous exercise is necessary.
Biotagging method for animal identification using dissolvable microneedle arrays prepared by customisable moulds
Authors: Park Jongho , Kim Beomjoon 
Published: December 2023

AbstractProperly handling animals and understanding their habits are crucial to establish a society where humans and animals coexist. Thus, identifying individual animals, including their possessions, and adequately managing each animal is necessary. Although several conventional identification methods exist, such as the use of ear punch, tattoos, and radio frequency (RF) chips, they require several processes and external apparatus. In this study, we proposed a new biotagging method using a microneedle array for animal identification. Our approach uses dissolvable microneedle arrays as a single patch to deliver dyes directly into the skin layer. Additionally, we developed a new fabrication method for customised female moulds to realise microneedle array patches (MAPs) with patterns of different characters and number. The characteristics and feasibility of the patterned MAPs were confirmed through basic evaluations and animal experiments. Moreover, we confirmed that patterns formed from biotagging using the developed patterned MAPs lasted over one month with clear readability. Finally, we confirmed that our patterned MAPs successfully realised biotagging on rat skin with the designated patterns including characters and number patterns. The proposed method is expected to enable minimally invasive tagging without external equipment or complex processes. In addition, the developed method could be used to embed various tags into the skin of animals and humans in the future.
Middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms are associated with patient age, sex, bifurcation angle, and vascular diameters
Authors: Wang Shu , Li Li , Gao Huili , Zhang Kun , Shao Qiu-Ji , Li Tianxiao , Gao Bulang 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo investigate the relationship of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms with patients’ age and sex, vascular angles at the bifurcation, and diameters of the M1 and two M2 arteries, patients with and without MCA aneurysms were retrospectively enrolled. The lateral angles, MCA bifurcation angle and arterial diameter were measured and analyzed. Totally, 121 (19.0%) patients with and 517 (81.0%) without MCA aneurysms were enrolled. Most (n = 88 or 72.7%) aneurysms were present in the age range of 40–70 years, and significantly (P = 0.01) more women than men had the bifurcation aneurysms. The MCA bifurcation angle was significantly greater (149.2° ± 32.6° vs. 107.2° ± 26.3°; P < 0.0001) while both the smaller and larger lateral (M1/M2) angles were significantly smaller in patients with than without aneurysms (82.0° ± 23.7° vs. 109.1° ± 22.7° with P < 0.001 for the smaller and 123.2° ± 25.2° vs. 139.5° ± 16.9° with P < 0.001 for the larger lateral angle). 109 (90.1%) bifurcation aneurysms deviated towards the smaller lateral angle, and 103 (85.1%) aneurysms deviated towards the thinner M2 branch. The maximal aneurysm diameter ranged 1.6–13.8 (mean 5.4 ± 2.4) mm and was significantly (P < 0.05) positively correlated with the diameter of both M2 arterial branches (R = 0.57 and P = 0.01 for the smaller M2, and R = 0.69 and P = 0.002 for the larger M2) or the MCA bifurcation angle. A significant (P < 0.0001) negative correlation was detected between age and the smaller lateral angle but a significant (P < 0.0001) positive correlation between age and the MCA bifurcation angle in patients without MCA bifurcation aneurysms or in the total patients. MCA bifurcation angle was the only significant (P = 0.0001, odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.6–3.8) independent risk factor for MCA bifurcation aneurysm presence, with the bifurcation angle threshold of 124.1° and an area under the ROC curve of 0.86. In conclusion, significantly more MCA bifurcation aneurysms are present in older patients, females, and patients with a wider MCA bifurcation angle, and deviate towards the smaller lateral angle and the thinner M2 segment. MCA bifurcation angle is the only independent risk factor for presence of MCA bifurcation aneurysms with the threshold of 124.1°.
A study on the fabrication of metal microneedle array electrodes for ECG detection based on low melting point Bi–In–Sn alloys
Authors: Gwak Hyunjong , Cho Sungbo , Song Yoon-Jae , Park Jung-Hwan , Seo Soonmin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study describes the fabrication and characteristics of microneedle array electrodes (MAEs) using Bismuth–Indium–Tin (Bi–In–Sn) alloys. The MAEs consist of 57 pyramid-shaped needles measuring 340 μm wide and 800 μm high. The fabrication process involved micromolding the alloys in a vacuum environment. Physical tests demonstrated that Bi–In–Sn MAEs have good mechanical strength, indicating their suitability for successful skin penetration. The electrode–skin interface impedance test confirmed that Bi–In–Sn MAEs successfully penetrated the skin. Impedance measurements revealed the importance of insulating the microneedle electrodes for optimal electrical performance, and a UV-curable Polyurethane Acrylate coating was applied to enhance insulation. Electrocardiogram measurements using the Bi–In–Sn MAEs demonstrated performance comparable to that of traditional Ag/AgCl electrodes, which shows promise for accurate data collection. Overall, the study demonstrates successful, minimally-invasive skin insertion, improved electrical insulation, and potential applications of Bi–In–Sn microneedle array. These findings contribute to advancements in microneedle technology for biomedical applications.
Poleward intensification of midlatitude extreme winds under warmer climate
Authors: Gentile Emanuele Silvio , Zhao Ming , Hodges Kevin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOur study investigates the global impact of midlatitude cyclones on extreme wind speed events in both hemispheres under a warmer climate. Using the latest version of the high-resolution ≈ 50 km grid-spacing atmospheric climate model AM4, developed by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, we conducted simulations covering the 71-years period 1949–2019 for both the present-day climate and an idealised future global warming climate scenario with a homogeneous Sea Surface Temperature (SST) increase by 2 K. Our findings reveal that extreme near-surface wind speeds increase by up to 3% K−1 towards the poles while decrease by a similar amount in the lower midlatitudes. When considering only extreme wind speed events objectively attributed to midlatitude cyclones, we observe a migration by the same amount towards higher latitudes both in percentage per degree SST warming and absolute value. The total number of midlatitude cyclones decreases by roughly 4%, but the proportion of cyclone-associated extreme wind speed events increases by 10% in a warmer climate. Finally, Northwestern Europe, the British Isles, and the West Coast of North America are identified as hot spots with the greatest socio-economic impacts from increased cyclone-associated extreme winds.