bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal analysis of influenza vaccination implicates regulation of RIG-I signaling by DNA methylation
Authors: Fu Hongxiang , Pickering Harry , Rubbi Liudmilla , Ross Ted M. , Reed Elaine F. , Pellegrini Matteo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInfluenza virus infection alters the promoter DNA methylation of key immune response-related genes, including type-1 interferons and proinflammatory cytokines. However, less is known about the effect of the influenza vaccine on the epigenome. We utilized a targeted DNA methylation approach to study the longitudinal effects (day 0 pre-vaccination and day 28 post-vaccination) on influenza vaccination responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We found that baseline, pre-vaccination methylation profiles are associated with pre-existing, protective serological immunity. Additionally, we identified 481 sites that were differentially methylated between baseline and day 28 post-vaccination. These were enriched for genes involved in the regulation of the RIG-I signaling pathway, an important regulator of viral responses. Our results suggest that DNA methylation changes to components of the RIG-I pathway are associated with vaccine effectiveness. Therefore, immunization strategies that target this pathway may improve serological responses to influenza vaccination.
Analysis of optimal control strategies on the fungal Tinea capitis infection fractional order model with cost-effective analysis
Authors: Teklu Shewafera Wondimagegnhu , Meshesha Abebe Addise , Ullah Saif 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, we have formulated and analyzed the Tinea capitis infection Caputo fractional order model by implementing three time-dependent control measures. In the qualitative analysis part, we investigated the following: by using the well-known Picard–Lindelöf criteria we have proved the model solutions' existence and uniqueness, using the next generation matrix approach we calculated the model basic reproduction number, we computed the model equilibrium points and investigated their stabilities, using the three time-dependent control variables (prevention measure, non-inflammatory infection treatment measure, and inflammatory infection treatment measure) and from the formulated fractional order model we re-formulated the fractional order optimal control problem. The necessary optimality conditions for the Tinea capitis fractional order optimal control problem and the existence of optimal control strategies are derived and presented by using Pontryagin’s Maximum Principle. Also, the study carried out the sensitivity and numerical analysis to investigate the most sensitive parameters and to verify the qualitative analysis results. Finally, we performed the cost-effective analysis to investigate the most cost-effective measures from the possible proposed control measures, and from the findings we can suggest that implementing prevention measures only is the most cost-effective control measure that stakeholders should consider.
Tracking the carbon flows in municipal waste management in China
Authors: Zhang Jing , Du Huanzheng , Wang Tao , Xiao Peiyuan , Lu Sha , Zhao Gang , Zhao Jianfu , Li Guangming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMunicipal solid waste (MSW), a carbon-intensive waste stream, may create both instant and indirect impacts onto environmental and climate management. Despite multiple studies made for greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions of municipal waste, this research aims to achieve a comprehensive assessment for the carbon cycle by exploring evolution of waste composition and temporal-spatial disparities in waste management. Carbon flows embodied in MSW have been estimated across 31 provinces in Mainland China in the period 2000–2018. This improved estimation could be 15–40% smaller than the conventional estimation employing a constant waste composition. Aggregately some 578 ± 117 megatonnes carbon (MtC) were contained in MSW, including 239 ± 60 Mt of fossil carbon and 339 ± 58 Mt of degradable organic carbon. After treatment, 299 ± 66 MtC were possibly deposited in landfills and dumps. 279 ± 51 MtC were released to the atmosphere, creating net GHGs emissions equivalent to1870 ± 334 megatonnes of CO2 (MtCO2e). MSW generation in China nearly doubled during the period, net GHGs emissions increased by 1.8×, whereas fossil carbon grew by a factor of 3.5, mainly propelled by an increasing content of waste plastic in MSW. More rapid growth was witnessed in provinces in southern China than in northern. Distinct spatial–temporal evolution of waste and carbon metabolism was driven by increment, composition, and management effects. In the long run, the increment and composition effects may drop off. Enhanced practices of waste management integrating the circular economy are needed to fully recycle carbon flows, minimize emissions, and manage carbon deposits in aging landfills and dumps.
Highly efficient emerging Ag2BaTiSe4 solar cells using a new class of alkaline earth metal-based chalcogenide buffers alternative to CdS
Authors: Arockiya Dass Kaviya Tracy , Hossain M. Khalid , Marasamy Latha 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 is a non-toxic, earth-abundant photovoltaic absorber. However, its efficiency is limited by a large open circuit voltage (VOC) deficit occurring due to its antisite defects and improper band alignment with toxic CdS buffer. Therefore, finding an absorber and non-toxic buffers that reduce VOC deficit is crucial. Herein, for the first time, Ag2BaTiSe4 is proposed as an alternative absorber using SCAPS-1D wherein a new class of alkaline earth metal chalcogenide such as MgS, CaS, SrS, and BaS is applied as buffers, and their characteristics are compared with CdS to identify their potential and suitability. The buffer and absorber properties are elucidated by tuning their thickness, carrier concentration, and defect density. Interestingly, optimization of the buffer’s carrier concentration suppressed the barrier height and accumulation of charge carriers at the absorber/buffer interface, leading to efficiencies of 18.81%, 17.17%, 20.6%, 20.85%, 20.08% in MgS, CaS, SrS, BaS, and CdS-based solar cells respectively. Upon optimizing Ag2BaTiSe4, MoSe2, and interface defects maximum efficiency of > 28% is achieved with less VOC loss (~ 0.3 V) in all solar cells at absorber’s thickness, carrier concentration, and defect density of 1 µm, 1018 cm−3, 1015 cm−3 respectively, underscoring the promising nature of Ag2BaTiSe4 absorber and new alkaline earth metal chalcogenide buffers in photovoltaics.
Cardiac vein retroinjections provide an efficient approach for global left ventricular gene transfer with adenovirus and adeno-associated virus
Authors: Lampela Jaakko , Pajula Juho , Järveläinen Niko , Siimes Satu , Laham-Karam Nihay , Kivelä Antti , Mushimiyimana Isidore , Nurro Jussi , Hartikainen Juha , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHeart failure (HF) is a major burden worldwide, and new therapies are urgently needed. Gene therapy is a promising new approach to treat myocardial diseases. However, current cardiac gene delivery methods for producing global myocardial effects have been inefficient. The aim of this study was to develop an endovascular, reproducible, and clinically applicable gene transfer method for global left ventricular (LV) transduction. Domestic pigs (n = 52) were used for the experiments. Global LV myocardium coverage was achieved by three retrograde injections into the three main LV vein branches. The distribution outcome was significantly improved by simultaneous transient occlusions of the corresponding coronary arteries and the main anastomotic veins of the retroinjected veins. The achieved cardiac distribution was visualized first by administering Indian Ink solution. Secondly, AdLacZ (2 × 1012vp) and AAV2-GFP (2 × 1013vg) gene transfers were performed to study gene transduction efficacy of the method. By retrograde injections with simultaneous coronary arterial occlusions, both adenovirus (Ad) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors were shown to deliver an efficient transduction of the LV. We conclude that retrograde injections into the three main LV veins is a potential new approach for a global LV gene transfer.
Outcomes of two-stage type II hybrid aortic arch repair in elderly patients with acute type A aortic dissection
Authors: Xiang Jun , He Ling , Pen Tailuan , Li Donglin , Wei Shuliang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAcute type A aortic dissection (a-TAAD) is a severe disease characterized by high mortality, which can be fatal in elderly patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of two-stage type II hybrid aortic arch repair (HAR) in elderly patients with acute type A aortic dissection (a-TAAD). This was a single-center, retrospective study involving 119 patients with a-TAAD, including 82 males and 37 females, aged 22–81 years old. Eighty-eight patients underwent total aortic arch replacement (TAR) with frozen elephant trunk (FET) implantation (TAR with FET group) and 31 patients underwent two-stage type II HAR (HAR group). Propensity score matching was applied to adjust for preoperative data, and match 25 pairs. The preoperative, perioperative, postoperative and follow-up data were recorded. Fifteen patients died during the perioperative period; 13 cases were in the TAR with FET group and 2 cases were in the HAR group. The age, body mass index, cerebral infarction, renal insufficiency were significantly higher, and the 24-h fluid drainage, the incidence of acute liver injury, acute kidney injury and pulmonary infection were lower in the HAR group (all P < 0.05). Moreover, the mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit time, hospital stay time were shorter in the HAR group (all P < 0.05). The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 54 months, with 7 deaths (9.3%) in the TAR with FET group and 2 deaths (6.9%) in the HAR group. The true lumen of the aortic arch and the middle descending thoracic aorta were larger and the false lumen thrombosis rates of the middle descending thoracic aorta and renal artery level were higher in the HAR group (all P < 0.05). Two-stage type II HAR is a safe and effective method for the treatment of elderly patients with a-TAAD. It may be a good choice for elderly patients with a-TAAD and comorbidities.
Fusion and classification algorithm of octacalcium phosphate production based on XRD and FTIR data
Authors: Nascimben Mauro , Kovrlija Ilijana , Locs Janis , Loca Dagnija , Rimondini Lia 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe present manuscript tested an automated analysis sequence to provide a decision support system to track the OCP synthesis from $$\alpha$$
α
-TCP over time. Initially, the XRD and FTIR signals from a hundredfold scaled-up hydrolysis of OCP from $$\alpha$$
α
-TCP were fused and modeled by the curve fitting based on the significantly established maxima from the literature and nine features extracted from the fitted shapes. Afterward, the analysis sequence enclosed the machine learning techniques for feature ranking, spatial filtering, and dimensionality reduction to support the automatic recognition of the synthesis stages. The proposed analysis pipeline for OCP identification might be the foundation for a decision support system explicitly targeting OCP synthesis. Future projects will exploit the suggested methodology for pinpointing the OCP production over time (including the intermediary phases present in the OCP formation) and for evaluating whether biological variables might be merged with biomaterial properties to build a unified model of tissue response to the implant.
Association between environmental mercury exposure and allergic disorders in Korean children: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycles 3–4 (2015–2020)
Authors: Lee Ji-youn , Choi Yun-Hee , Choi Hyeon-il , Moon Kyong Whan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAlthough previous studies have suggested potential adverse effects of mercury on a child’s immune system, the associations have been inconsistent. We aimed to determine the association between urinary mercury levels and allergic diseases in Korean children with high mercury exposure. Data from 853 and 710 children aged 6–11 years in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015–2017) and cycle 4 (2018–2020) were analyzed. We examined the association between mercury exposure and the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and allergic multimorbidity. After adjusting for all covariates, the urinary mercury level was positively associated with AD in the 2015–2017 study (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.79) and AR in 2018–2020 study (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.01, 2.10). Pooled effects showed OR of 1.34 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.79) for AD and 1.47 (95% CI = 1.01, 2.12) for allergic multimorbidity. The association with allergic multimorbidity was greater in boys (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.01, 3.49) than in girls (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.73, 2.14). These results suggest that environmental mercury exposure may exacerbate symptoms of atopic dermatitis and allergic multimorbidity in children.
Static magnetic stimulation induces structural plasticity at the axon initial segment of inhibitory cortical neurons
Authors: Beros J. L. , King E. S. , Clarke D. , Jaeschke-Angi L. , Rodger J. , Tang A. D. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStatic magnetic stimulation (SMS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that alters neural activity and induces neural plasticity that outlasts the period of stimulation. This can modify corticospinal excitability or motor behaviours, suggesting that SMS may alter the intrinsic excitability of neurons. In mammalian neurons, the axon initial segment (AIS) is the site of action potential initiation and undergoes structural plasticity (changes in length and position from the soma) as a homeostatic mechanism to counteract chronic changes in neuronal activity. We investigated whether the chronic application of SMS (6 and 48 h, 0.5 T) induces structural AIS plasticity in postnatally derived primary cortical neurons. Following 6 h of SMS, we observed a shortening in mean AIS length compared to control, that persisted 24 h post stimulation. In contrast, 48 h of SMS induced an immediate distal shift that persisted 24 h post-stimulation. Pharmacological blockade of voltage gated L/T-type calcium channels during stimulation did not prevent SMS-induced AIS structural plasticity. Our findings provide the foundation to expand the use of chronic SMS as a non-invasive method to promote AIS plasticity.
Numerical evaluation of cutting strategies for thin-walled parts
Authors: Lassila Andreas Andersson , Svensson Daniel , Wang Wei , Andersson Tobias 
Published: January 2024

AbstractStatic form errors due to in-process deflections is a major concern in flank milling of thin-walled parts. To increase both productivity and part geometric accuracy, there is a need to predict and control these form errors. In this work, a modelling framework for prediction of the cutting force-induced form errors, or thickness errors, during flank milling of a thin-walled workpiece is proposed. The modelled workpiece geometry is continuously updated to account for material removal and the reduced stiffness matrix is calculated for nodes in the engagement zone. The proposed modelling framework is able to predict the resulting thickness errors for a thin-walled plate which is cut on both sides. Several cutting strategies and cut patterns using constant z-level finishing are studied. The modelling framework is used to investigate the effect of different cut patterns, machining allowance, cutting tools and cutting parameters on the resulting thickness errors. The framework is experimentally validated for various cutting sequences and cutting parameters. The predicted thickness errors closely correspond to the experimental results. It is shown from numerical evaluations that the selection of an appropriate cut pattern is crucial in order to reduce the thickness error. Furthermore, it is shown that an increased machining allowance gives a decreased thickness error for thin-walled plates.
Host-specific growth responses of Larix kaempferi and Quercus acutissima to Asian gypsy moth defoliation in central Korea
Authors: Jung Jong Bin , Kim Eun-Sook , Lim Jong-Hwan , Choi Won Il 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAs the risk of gypsy moth outbreaks that have detrimental effects on forest ecosystem in the Northern Hemisphere increase due to climate change, a quantitative evaluation of the impact of gypsy moth defoliation is needed to support the adaptive forest management. To evaluate the host-specific impact of gypsy moth defoliation, radial growth and annual carbon accumulation were compared for one severely defoliated (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carrière) and one moderate defoliated (Quercus acutissima Carruth.) host, in defoliated and non-defoliated site using tree-ring analysis. Finally, the resilience indices of radial growth variables were calculated to assess the ability of sampled trees to withstand defoliation. Gypsy moth defoliation mainly decreased latewood width and caused reduction in annual carbon absorption more than 40% for both tree species. However, L. kaempferi, showed the reduced growth until the year following defoliation, while Q. acutissima, showed no lagged growth depression and rapid growth recover. The findings show how each species reacts differently to gypsy moth defoliation and highlight the need of managing forests in a way that takes resilient tree species into account.
Health effects of carbonaceous PM2.5 compounds from residential fuel combustion and road transport in Europe
Authors: Paisi Niki , Kushta Jonilda , Pozzer Andrea , Violaris Angelos , Lelieveld Jos 
Published: January 2024

AbstractExposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In Europe, residential fuel combustion and road transport emissions contribute significantly to PM2.5. Toxicological studies indicate that PM2.5 from these sources is relatively more hazardous, owing to its high content of black and organic carbon. Here, we study the contribution of the emissions from these sectors to long-term exposure and excess mortality in Europe. We quantified the impact of anthropogenic carbonaceous aerosols on excess mortality and performed a sensitivity analysis assuming that they are twice as toxic as inorganic particles. We find that total PM2.5 from residential combustion leads to 72,000 (95% confidence interval: 48,000–99,000) excess deaths per year, with about 40% attributed to carbonaceous aerosols. Similarly, road transport leads to about 35,000 (CI 23,000–47,000) excess deaths per year, with 6000 (CI 4000–9000) due to carbonaceous particles. Assuming that carbonaceous aerosols are twice as toxic as other PM2.5 components, they contribute 80% and 37%, respectively, to residential fuel combustion and road transport-related deaths. We uncover robust national variations in the contribution of each sector to excess mortality and emphasize the importance of country-specific emission reduction policies based on national characteristics and sectoral shares.
Neutrophil extracellular trap-related mechanisms in acne vulgaris inspire a novel treatment strategy with adipose-derived stem cells
Authors: Yu Honghao , Zhang Boyu , Zhan Yuanyuan , Yi Yi , Jiang Qiong , Zhang Qi , Wu Yiping , Wu Min 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAcne vulgaris is a type of chronic skin disorder caused by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). Neutrophil extrinsic traps (NETs) play key role in many types of inflammatory skin diseases. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was reported modulate immune responses and neutrophil activity. Here, we explored the potential role of ADSCs and the potential mechanism associated with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in relieving acne vulgaris. In the P. acnes-infected ear skin model, histological staining was used to evaluate the inflammatory infiltration and NET formation in control, P. acnes, and P. acnes + ADSCs groups. Besides, western blot was used to detect the expression levels of cit-H3, MPO, and Nrf2 in ear tissue. In vitro, the immunofluorescence staining of MPO and cit-H3, and SYTOX green staining were performed to measure the NET formation. CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, and wound healing assay were used to detect the proliferation and migration abilities of keratinocytes. ELISA assay was utilized to detect the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In P. acnes-infected ear skin, ADSC treatment significantly attenuated inflammation and NET formation via activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. In vitro, the conditioned medium of ADSCs reduced the formation of P. acne-induced NETs. Besides, ADSCs could inhibit that the NETs efficiently promoted the proliferation, migration, and inflammatory cytokine secretion of keratinocytes. Our study suggested that ADSCs could attenuate P. acne-related inflammation by inhibiting NET formation. This study provides a novel therapeutic perspective of ADSCs in combating acne vulgaris.
Development of a claims-based risk-scoring model to predict emergency department visits in older patients receiving anti-neoplastic therapy
Authors: Suh Yewon , Jeong Jonghyun , Park Soh Mee , Heo Kyu‑Nam , Lee Mee Yeon , Ah Young-Mi , Kim Jin Won , Kim Kwang-il , Lee Ju-Yeun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study developed and validated a risk-scoring model, with a particular emphasis on medication-related factors, to predict emergency department (ED) visits among older Korean adults (aged 65 and older) undergoing anti-neoplastic therapy. Utilizing national claims data, we constructed two cohorts: the development cohort (2016–2018) with 34,642 patients and validation cohort (2019) with 10,902 patients. The model included a comprehensive set of predictors: demographics, cancer type, comorbid conditions, ED visit history, and medication use variables. We employed the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to refine and select the most relevant predictors. Out of 120 predictor variables, 12 were integral to the final model, including seven related to medication use. The model demonstrated acceptable predictive performance in the validation cohort with a C-statistic of 0.76 (95% CI 0.74–0.77), indicating reasonable calibration. This risk-scoring model, after further clinical validation, has the potential to assist healthcare providers in the effective management and care of older patients receiving anti-neoplastic therapy.