bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real world clinical experience using daily artificial intelligence-assisted online adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Blumenfeld Philip , Arbit Eduard , Den Robert , Salhab Ayman , Michaeli Tal Falick , Wygoda Marc , Hillman Yair , Pfeffer Raphael , Fang Marcel , Misrati Yael , Weizman Noam , Feldman Jon , Popovtzer Aron
Published: January 2024

Background: Adaptive radiation therapy (ART) offers a dynamic approach to address structural and spatial changes that occur during radiotherapy (RT) for locally advanced head and neck cancers. The integration of daily ART with Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) imaging presents a solution to enhance the therapeutic ratio by addressing inter-fractional changes.
Methods: We evaluated the initial clinical experience of daily ART for patients with head and neck cancer using an online adaptive platform with AI-assisted workflows on daily CBCT. Treatment included AI-based auto-contour and structure deformation of Organs at Risk (OARs) and target structures, with adjustments by the treating physician. Two plans were generated: one based on the initial CT simulation with the edited structures (scheduled) and a re-optimized plan (adaptive). Both plans were evaluated and the superior one approved and delivered. Clinical and dosimetric outcomes were reviewed.
Results: Twenty two patients with head and neck cancers (7 Nasopharynx, 6 Oropharynx, 1 oral cavity, 8 larynx) stages I-IVA were treated with daily ART. 770 adaptive and scheduled radiotherapy plans were generated. 703 ( 91.3%) adaptive plans were chosen. Median time to deliver ART was 20 minutes (range: 18-23). Adaptive compared to scheduled plans demonstrated improved mean V95 values for the PTV70, PTV59.5, and PTV56 by 1.2%, 7.2%, and 6.0% respectively and a mean 1.4% lower maximum dose in PTV70. Fourteen of 17 OARs demonstrated improved dosimetry with adaptation, with select OARs reaching statistical significance. At a median follow up of 14.1 months, local control was 95.5%, two patients developed metastatic disease and four patients died. 9.1% of patients had acute grade 3 dysphagia and 13.6% had grade 2 chronic xerostomia.
Discussion: These findings provide real world evidence of the feasibility and dosimetric benefit of incorporating daily adaptive AI radiotherapy on CBCT in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Prospective study is needed to determine if these dosimetric improvements translate into improved outcomes.
What fire didn’t take away: plant growth-promoting microorganisms await for plant species' arrival in burned old-growth forests of Los Andes Cordillera.
Authors: Almonacid Leonardo , HERRERA HECTOR , FUENTES ANDRES , VARGAS RODRIGO , TOY OCTAVIO , VALADARES RAFAEL , DE OLIVEIRA PAULO
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims: Wildfires can dramatically alter forests, their biodiversity and goods they provide to society. In the Andes Cordillera, Nothofagus pumilio is a native, fire-sensitive tree that is completely excluded from severely burned areas. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate whether there are differences in the microbial soil communities that could contribute to an improvement in the recruitment of N. pumilio after a fire. We aimed at determining the diversity of soil bacteria and fungi associated with the native tree Nothofagus pumilioin old-growth forests affected by a severe fire in the Andes Cordillera of south-central Chile in 2015.
Methods: Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from selected N. pumiliotrees and bulk soil in fire-affected areas and compared with those from unburned areas using a metabarcoding approach.
Results: We found that beneficial microorganisms such as saprophytic, ectomycorrhizal fungi, ericoid mycorrhizal taxa and N-fixing bacteria were present in the burned area. The most abundant bacterial genera were Mycobacterium, Rhodoplanes and Bryobacter. While Cortinarius and Penicillium were the most common fungal genera identified in burned and unburned sites.
Conclusions: In the burned forest, eight years after the fire, there is little disparity observed in the bacterial and fungal species associated with N. pumilio, when compared to the unburned forest, which could be determinant to N. pumilio establishment and survival after fire. Identifying the microbial diversity associated with native trees is essential to know beneficial microorganisms supporting the recovery of plant species and the restoration of forest ecosystems in fire-affected forests.
2-(morpholino)ethylammonium picrate monohydrate: A novel single crystal for third-harmonic generation applications
Authors: Chidambaranathan B. , Sivaraj S. , Vijayamathubalan P. , Gunaseelan R. , Selvakumar S.
Published: January 2024

A novel compound, 2-(morpholino)ethylammonium picrate monohydrate (MEAPM), was synthesized using the equimolar ratio of 4-(2- aminoethyl)morpholine and picric acid. . With the slow evaporation solution growth technique, single crystals of the synthesized compound were grown. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study revealed that MEAPM crystallizes in a triclinic system with space group P. The functional groups of the title compound were confirmed by FTIR analysis. A UV-Vis-NIR optical study indicated a cut-off wavelength of 370 nm. The UV-Vis-NIR spectrum was also used to calculate the optical parameters, such as the linear absorption coefficient, linear refractive index, and extinction coefficient. The two-photon coefficient absorption coefficient and third-order optical nonlinearity of the grown crystal were investigated using the Z-scan technique. The order susceptibility is found to be 2.96x10-11 esu. A dielectric study on MEAPM revealed a dielectric constant and dielectric loss at higher frequencies. The various hardness parameters were calculated via a Vickers hardness study. The work-handing coefficient is found to be 5.2. The thermal stability of the sample was investigated by TG-DTG analysis.
Exchangeable elements forms in river surface sediments and their influence for migration process of typical elements: a case study from the Nalenggele River basin, Qaidam Basin
Authors: Zhao Huibin , Miao Weiliang , Zhang Xiying , Li Wenxia
Published: January 2024

The occurrence of elements in sediments is significant to show the migration process of typical elements and their influence mechanism. The terminal salt lake regions of the Nalenggele River basin in Qaidam Basin is an important salt lake resource area rich in Li, K, B in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. But, the occurrence fraction of these important resource elements in the migration process is still poorly understood, which hinders the further understanding of the enrichment rule of resource elements in the salt lake area. In this paper, the occurrence states of typical elements (K Li B Ca Mg) in surface sediments of different hydrological environments in the Nalenggele River basin were studied based on the sequential extraction experiments. The results show that the exchangeable elements forms are different in different hydrological environments, which reflects the control of different geological processes on the distribution of exchangeable species of resource elements, including salt mineral precipitation, clay mineral adsorption and Fe-Mn oxide adsorption. ​In particular, the high content of exchangeable Li in the water-soluble fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction in the sediments of runoff plot and salt lake regions in study area indicates that the adsorption of Fe-Mn oxides and the precipitation of salt minerals may play an important role in Li isotope fractionation, besides the adsorption of clay minerals in general. Overall, this study has important implications for understanding the migration process of resource elements in the Nalenggele River basin.
Geospatial analysis of soil erosion and associated geomorphic hazards to avert increasing disaster risk in environmentally stressed eastern Himalaya region
Authors: Rawat Pradeep , Belho Khrieketouno , Rawat M
Published: January 2024

Geo-environmentally, the eastern Himalaya region is highly vulnerable to erosion and soil loss geomorphic hazard due to humid tropical to humid sub-temperate climate (receives 1600-3200mm mean rainfall), young and highly erodible rock formations (mainly comprised of sandstones, siltstones and shales), fragmented reshaping geomorphology, high erodibility of surface and sub-surface soils. Despite that, anthropogenic activities have been enhancing this geo-environmental vulnerability to erosion hazard through rapid unplanned urbanization with associated infrastructural development in urban to suburban areas and shifting cultivation practices in rural areas. Addressing this burning environmental problem, a geospatial technology-based case study of the Kohima district, Nagaland state (India) from eastern Himalaya is presented here. Various experiential models are available for computing soil erosion; however, a Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with the GIS framework was applied in the current study due to its robustness and high accuracy level. Five key RUSLE factors such as erosivity of rainfall (RE), erodibility of soil (ES), erodibility of rock (ER), slope length (LS), crop management (CM) and conservation practice (CP) were calculated using required data sets in a GIS environment. RE ranges between 648.12–1294.15 MJ mm/ha/h/year, ES varies minimum of 0.10 to a maximum of 0.41 among the existing 15 classes of soils, ER factor values ranges 0.01–0.04, LS factor values range between 0 and 1.22, CM factor values vary from a minimum of 0.0 for dense forest area to maximum 1.80 for buildup areas whereas the CP value varies 0.1–1.0 across the study region to land use/cover pattern. The accumulated impact of these erosion and soil loss factors resulted in a quite higher average rate (about 16 t/ha/year) than the threshold value of soil erosion (< 10 t/ha/year). This value ranges from 1–92.18 t/ha/year and poses. Thus, it has been essential to minimize the high rate of erosion through intensifying CP factors at the government level, community level and even individual level by adopting scientific crop patterns, agro forestry and reforestation programs. If these necessary actions were not taken timely, it may lead to other erosion-induced geomorphic hazards such as land degradation, mass movement, landslides, slope failure etc.
Production of New Nano-Bacterial Cellulose with Lactobacillus rhamnosus by Using Whey Waste as Substrate with Optimization Taguchi Method, which has the potential to be used in many biomedical products
Authors: Bayraktar Aytül , Gürsoy Cansu
Published: January 2024

Whey waste, which has a negative impact on the environment, is an important component with high organic content. The fact that it contains lactose, a fermentable sugar, is a suitable substrate for the formation of natural nano-cellulose. Bacterial nano-cellulose (BNC), a type of natural cellulose polymer synthesized by some microorganisms, has been reported to be a promising natural biomedical material due to its distinctive feature, including its unique fibril nanostructure, high water holding capacity, crystallinity, high chemical purity, fine wet mechanical property.
In this study, new BNC production was realized for the first time by using Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria and whey as organic substrate. Optimum condition was determined by Taguchi method under the following condition; pH (5-6), organic source concentration (25-100 % g/L), active culture (10-30 % g/L), incubation period (8-12 day). Whereas Taguchi method was highest performed at at pH 5.5, organic source concentration 25 % g/L, active culture 30 % g/L, incubation period 8 days with 5.41 g BNC yield. Effects of organic source concentration found as decisive factor on Lactobacillus rhamnosus BNC yield with 95% confidence interval. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential / thermogravimetric thermal analysis (DTG/TG) were utilised to evaluate the structure and characterization of BNC.
BNC production by Lactobacillus rhamnosus, with its biocompatible and biodegradable properties, environmentally friendly and low-cost nanomaterials have been produced with the potential to be used in many biomedical applications such as wound dressing and drug coating material.
Integrative and Comprehensive Pan-cancer Analysis of Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 11 (USP11) As a Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker
Authors: Cui Lijuan , Yang Ling , Lai Boan , Luo Lingzhi , Deng Haoyue , Chen Zhongyi , Wang Zixing
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The role of USP11 as a crucial regulator in cancer has gained significant attention due to its deubiquitinating enzyme catalytic activity. However, a comprehensive evaluation of USP11 in pan-cancer studies is currently lacking.
Methods
Our analysis incorporates data from multiple sources, including five immunotherapy cohorts, thirty-three cohorts from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and sixteen cohorts from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), two of which were transcriptomic at the single-cell level.
Results
Our findings show that the aberrant expression of USP11was found to be predictive of survival outcomes in various cancer types. And the highest frequency of genomic alterations occurred in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), and single-cell transcriptome analysis of UCEC further revealed a significantly higher expression of USP11 in plasmacytoid dendritic cells and mast cells. Notably, the expression of USP11 was related to the inﬁltration levels of CD8+ T cells and natural killing (NK) activated cells. Furthermore, in the skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) phs000452 cohort, patients who had higher levels of USP11 mRNA during immunotherapy experienced a significantly shorter median progression-free survival.
Conclusion
Based on our findings, USP11 emerges as a promising molecular biomarker with potential implications for predicting patient prognosis and immunoreaction in pan-cancer.
Enhancing Embryo Quality through Meiotic Spindle- Aligned Microinjection in POSEIDON Group 4 Patients Undergoing ICSI Cycles: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chern Chyi-Uei , Liao Pei-Fen , Li Chia-Jung , Lin Pei-Hsuan , Su Wan-Ping , Chen Yu-Chen , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Lin Li-Te
Published: January 2024

Background
Embryologists have traditionally depended on the polar body (PB) as a reference point for guiding the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, its accuracy in predicting the precise location of the meiotic spindle (MS) is constrained. To overcome this limitation, polarized light microscopy has emerged as a noninvasive technique for visualizing and precisely positioning the MS during ICSI procedures. The primary aim of our study was to assess whether implementing MS alignment in ICSI results in improved embryo quality compared to conventional PB alignment, specifically in the POSEIDON group 4 population.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 315 women who met the POSEIDON Group 4 criteria and underwent ICSI cycles. The study group comprised 168 women who underwent MS-aligned microinjection, while 147 women in the control group underwent the PB-aligned method. We conducted a comparative analysis of baseline and cycle characteristics as well as embryo quality between these two groups.
Results
At baseline, the MS-aligned group had older age and more previous IVF attempts than the PB-aligned group. The spindle-aligned group demonstrated a higher fertilization rate, a greater cleavage rate, an increased rate of top-quality day 3 embryos (TQE), and a larger number of TQE when compared to the PB-aligned group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the MS-aligned group had a positive impact on the likelihood of achieving ≥ 1 TQE (odds ratio [OR] 4.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.24–7.96, P < 0.001) and reaching a TQE rate of ≥ 50 (OR 3.63, 95% CI 2.06–6.39, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that MS-aligned microinjection may enhance embryo quality in older patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing ICSI cycles.
Exosomal miR-378a-3p derived from keratinocytes inhibits transforming growth factor beta-induced fibroblast activation and attenuates bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis
Authors: Yang Lijun , Tian Guiping , Liu Baiting , Li Chenxi , Bo Yunyao , Si Jianjun , Zhang Lin , Yan Yuan
Published: January 2024

The association between microRNAs (miRNAs) and the development of skin fibrosis has been established. Consequently, the investigation of miRNA is crucial for the management of cutaneous fibrotic diseases. Recent investigations have linked miR-378a to several fibrosis diseases. Here, we discovered that miR-378a-3p effectively inhibited the proliferative, migratory, and COL1A1 expression effects induced by TGF-β1 in fibroblasts. Additionally, we found that miR-378a-3p exerts its anti-fibrotic properties by directly binding to FSTL1, a downstream factor involved in TGF-β1 activation. We have also demonstrated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NORAD functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-378a-3p, thereby activating the expression of FTSL1. Additionally, miR-378a-3p can be encapsulated within exosomes derived from keratinocytes and transferred to fibroblasts, resulting in an antagonistic effect against TGF-β1. The subcutaneous injection of miR-378a-3p-overexpressing keratinocytes-derived exosomes significantly attenuated skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM), as evidenced by reduced dermal thickening and decreased expression of COL1A1. Consequently, exosome-mediated delivery of miR-378a-3p holds promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of skin fibrosis.
Adaptive designs in clinical trials: a systematic review-part I
Authors: Ben-Eltriki Mohamed , Rafiq Aisha , Paul Arun , Prabhu Devashree , Afolabi Michael O.S. , Bashaw Robert , Neilson Christine J , Mahmud Salaheddin M , Lacaze-Masmonteil Thierry , Marlin Susan , Offringa Martin , Butcher Nancy , Heath Anna , Driedger Michelle , Kelly Lauren E
Published: January 2024

Background: Adaptive designs (ADs) are intended to make clinical trials more flexible, offering efficient and potentially cost-saving benefits. Despite a large number of methods-based research papers in the literature on different adaptations to trials, the advantages and limitations of such designs remain unfamiliar to large parts of the clinical community including those in pediatric medicine where efficient clinical trials are essential to inform care. This systematic review provides an overview of the use of ADs in published clinical trials (Part I) and compares the application of AD in trials in adult and pediatric studies, providing real-world examples and recommendations for the child health community (Part II).
Methods: Published studies from 2010 to April 2020 were searched in the following databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (Ovid). Protocols, reports, and a secondary analysis using AD were included. We did not include any trial registrations and interventions other than drugs or vaccines. Data from the published literature on study characteristics, types of adaptations, statistical analysis, stopping boundaries, logistical challenges, operational considerations and ethical considerations were extracted and summarized herein.
Results: Out of 23,886 retrieved studies, 317 publications of adaptive trials, 267 (84.2%) trial reports, and 50 (15.8%) study protocols), were included. Most trials included only adult participants (265, 83.9%), 16 trials (5.4%) were limited to only children and 28 (8.9%) were for both children and adults. Dose finding designs were used in the highest proportion of the included AD (82, 22.4 %), followed by adaptive randomization (56, 14.4%), group sequential design in 47 trials (12.8%), then drop-the-losers (pick-the-winner) design in 28 trials (7.6%) and seamless phase 2-3 design in 27 trials (7.4%). Approximately 203 (64%) studies used frequentist statistical methods and 75 (23.7%) used Bayesian methods.
Conclusion: In Part I of this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape and methodological features of adaptive clinical trials. We found that adaptive designs were applied mostly in Phase II oncology trials, aimed to establish efficacy and determine the choice of doses for the Phase III of the trials. Phase I trials of new drugs that included adaptations most frequently aimed to identify the maximum tolerable dose. Adaptation details were not uniformly reported across all trials and were hardly reported in the pediatric trials.
Study protocol registration: DOI:10.1186/s13063-018-2934-7
A minimal Fanconi Anemia complex in Early Diverging Fungi
Authors: Barua Drishtee , Plecha Magdalena , Muszewska Anna
Published: January 2024

Background:
Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway resolves DNA interstrand cross links (ICL), the phenomenon preventing separation of DNA strands and blocking transcription and replication. A typical FA pathway in humans consists of six protein complexes working in an orchestrated manner. This pathway was initially recognized only in vertebrates, but later on was also confirmed in other animals and speculated in fungi. For instance, FANCM, FANCL and FANCJ proteins are present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae but at the same time, their mechanism of interaction to resolve ICL is still unclear. Unlike Dikarya, early diverging fungi possess more traits shared with animals. In this work, we trace the evolutionary history of FA pathway genes across Opisthokonta. We scanned complete proteomes for FA-related homologs to establish their taxonomic distribution and analyzed their phylogenetic trees to trace evolutionary events. We checked transcription profiles of FA genes to test if they respond to environmental conditions and their genomic localizations for potential co-localization.
Results:
We identified fungal homologs of the activation and ID complex, 6 out of 13 core proteins, all of the endonucleases, and deubiquitination proteins. All fungal taxa lack FANCC, FANCF and FANCG proteins responsible for post-replication repair and chromosome stability in animals. The observed taxonomic distribution of the FA components can be attributed to a gradual degradation of the pathway from early diverging fungi (EDF) to Dikarya. One of the key differences is that EDF have the ID complex responsible for recruiting endonucleases to the site of DNA damage. Moreover, 20 out of 26 identified FA genes are not only expressed but also upregulated in response to different growth conditions. We observed that several genes encoding FA proteins are co-localized in fungal genomes which also could facilitate co-expression.
Conclusions:
Our results indicate that EDF share another ancestral eukaryotic trait with their sister evolutionary group, animals. A minimal FA pathway might still be functional in Mucoromycota with a gradual loss of components in Dikarya ancestors.
Clinical accuracy of instrument-based SARS-CoV-2 antigen diagnostic tests: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manten Katharina , Katzenschlager Stephan , Brümmer Lukas E. , Schmitz Stephani , Gaeddert Mary , Erdmann Christian , Grilli Maurizio , Pollock Nira R. , Macé Aurélien , Erkosar Berra , Carmona Sergio , Ongarello Stefano , Johnson Cheryl C. , Sacks Jilian A. , Faehling Verena , Bornemann Linus , Weigand Markus A. , Denkinger Claudia M. , Yerlikaya Seda
Published: January 2024

Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, antigen diagnostic tests were frequently used for screening, triage, and diagnosis because they are faster and less expensive than molecular tests, despite being less sensitive terms of analytical and clinical performance. Novel instrument-based antigen tests (iAg tests) hold the promise of outperforming their instrument-free, visually-read counterparts. Here, we provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 iAg tests’ clinical accuracy.
Methods
We systematically searched MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, medRxiv, and bioRxiv for articles published before November 7th, 2022, evaluating the accuracy of iAg tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection. We performed a random effects meta-analysis to estimate sensitivity and specificity and used the QUADAS-2 tool to assess study quality and risk of bias.
Results
We compiled the data from 117 studies involving 95,181 individuals and assessing the clinical accuracy of 24 commercial COVID-19 iAg tests. The studies varied in risk of bias but showed high applicability. Of 24 iAg tests from 99 studies assessed in the meta-analysis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity compared to molecular testing of a paired NP swab sample were 76.7% (95% CI 73.5 to 79.7) and 98.4% (95% CI 98.0 to 98.7), respectively. Out of the eight tests with sufficient data for test-specific meta-analysis, only LumiraDx satisfied the WHO's sensitivity and specificity standards. Higher sensitivity was noted in individuals with high viral load (99.6% [95% CI 96.8 to 100] at Ct-level ≤ 20) and within the first week of symptom onset (84.6% [95% CI 78.2 to 89.3]), but did not differ between tests conducted as per manufacturer’s instructions and those conducted differently, or between point-of-care and lab-based testing.
Conclusion
Our study reveals that iAg tests' pooled sensitivity increases with lower Ct-values, a proxy for viral load, or within the first week of symptom onset, enabling reliable identification of most COVID-19 cases. While these characteristics are similar to those of instrument-free antigen diagnostics, different types of iAg tests might allow standardized result interpretation to curb human error, automated reporting, upscaling test runs or additional test-specific functions, such as the indication of antigen levels. Depending on their setup, they can be used at the point of care or at a laboratory with high-throughput.
An interface of genetically engineered human forebrain assembloids and polymeric nanofiber scaffolds for multiscale profiling of interneuron migration disorders
Authors: Rauthan Riya , Bharti Vishal , Agashe Atharva , Singh Praveen , York Harrison M , Nain Amrinder S. , Arumugam Senthil , Chakraborty Debojyoti
Published: January 2024

Neuronal migration is a fundamental process during brain development in which different types of neurons migrate from their place of origin to the site where they reside and make networks crucial for the formation of proper brain architecture and its overall function. Interneuron migration anomalies due to genetic or environmental perturbations can lead to malfunctions in the neural circuitry and are observed in the case of multiple neuropsychiatric conditions. Variants in Erb-B2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 4 (ERBB4), a member of Tyr protein kinase family and the epidermal growth factor receptor subfamily that functions as a surface receptor in interneurons, have been associated with human neurodevelopment disorders such as schizophrenia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. Animal studies elucidate the function of ERBB4 in neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. However, the exact mechanistic role of ERBB4 in the migration of GABAergic cortical interneurons in humans is unidentified. In this study, we employ CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout ERBB4 in human induced pluripotent stem cells and report its effect on the phenotype and global gene expression upon deriving dorsal and ventral human forebrain identity organoids. Additionally, fluorescent reporter knock-in using CRISPR/Cas9 at an interneuron-specific marker in the same hiPS cell line allowed distinct temporal fluorescence expression in the derived ventral forebrain organoids allowing the capture of tangential migration of labeled cortical interneurons in intact fused 3D assembloids, to pinpoint the role of ERBB4 in migration and function of these neurons. To capture the changes in migration dynamics of individual ERBB4−/− interneurons in high resolution, we recapitulated the migration behaviour. on nanofiber scaffolds that mimic the in vivo fibrous extracellular microenvironment. Our findings uncover the function of ERBB4 in the context of human interneuron migration.
Structural and functional connectivity associations with anterior cingulate sulcal variability
Authors: Harper Luke , Strandberg Olof , Spotorno Nicola , Nilsson Markus , Lindberg Olof , Hansson Oskar , Santillo Alexander F
Published: January 2024

Background:
Sulcation of the anterior cingulate may be defined by presence of a paracingulate sulcus, a tertiary sulcus developing during the third gestational trimester with implications on cognitive function and disease.
Methods:
In this retrospective analysis we examine task-free resting state functional connectivity and diffusion-weighted tract segmentation data from a cohort of healthy adults (< 60-year-old, n = 129), exploring the impact of ipsilateral paracingulate sulcal presence on structural and functional connectivity.
Results:
Presence of a left paracingulate sulcus was associated with reduced fractional anisotropy in the left cingulum (P = 0.02) bundle and the peri-genual (P = 0.002) and dorsal (P = 0.03) but not the temporal cingulum bundle segments. Left paracingulate sulcal presence was associated with increased left peri-genual radial diffusivity (P = 0.003) and tract volume (P = 0.012). A significant, predominantly intraregional frontal component of altered resting state functional connectivity was identified in individuals possessing a left PCS (P = 0.01). Seed-based functional connectivity in pre-defined networks was not associated with paracingulate sulcal presence.
Conclusion:
These results identify a novel association between neurodevelopmentally derived sulcation and altered structural connectivity in a healthy adult population with implications for conditions where this variation is of interest. Furthermore, they provide evidence of a link between the structural and functional connectivity of the brain in the presence of a paracingulate sulcus which may be mediated by a highly connected local functional network reliant on short association fibres.
Effect of Mn(Ⅱ) from cathode on silicon anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)
Authors: Zeng Yingying , Chen Haihui , Wenming Liao , Yi Xiuguang , Liu Limin
Published: January 2024

It is still unknown how dissolved manganese ions affect the silicon anode's electrochemical performance in thelithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, the damage mechanism of Mn2+ to silicon electrode in LIBs was studied by adding Mn2+ into electrolyte system to simulate the electrochemical environment. Through the comparison between full cell and half cell, the mechanism of the capacity fading of silicon electrode is revealed. In order to compare the amount of SEI growth on silicon anode during the cycling, the heat flux of SEi was analyzed by DSC. Experiments show that the Mn2+ could make SEI more fragile, more easily break, and then accelerate the SEI thickening. So Mn2+ could reduce the coulomb efficiency and electrochemical capacity of the silicon anode. Electrochemical capacity of negative electrode in full cell decays much faster than that in half-cell environment, whose coulomb efficiency of full cell is only 32%, while that of the half cell is higher than 97%. In addition to the damage of the Mn2+ to silicon anode, the depletion of active lithium ion source in full cell is also an important reason for the rapid decline of electrochemical capacity.
Interplay of miR-542, miR-126, miR-143 and miR-26b withPI3K-AKT is a diagnostic signal and putative regulatory target in HPV-Positive Cervical Cancer
Authors: Rahimi-Moghaddam Akram , Ghorbanmehr Nassim , Gharbi Sedigheh , Nili Fatemeh , Korsching Eberhard
Published: January 2024

Human papillomavirus accounts for 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases worldwide. The viral oncoproteins alter normal cell signaling and gene expression, resulting in loss of cell cycle control and cancer development. Also, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play a critical role in cervical carcinogenesis. Especially these are not only appropriate targets for therapeutic intervention in cervical cancer but also early diagnostic signals. The given study tries to improve the sparse knowledge on miRNAs and their role in this physiological context. Deregulated miRNAs were extracted by analyzing the raw data of the GSE20592 dataset including 16 tumor/normal pairs of human cervical tissue samples. The GSE20592 dataset was quantified by a conservative strategy based on HTSeq and SALMON, followed by target prediction via TargetScan and miRDB. The comprehensive pathway analysis of all factors was performed using DAVID. The theoretical results were subject of a stringent experimental validation in a well-characterized clinical cohort of 30 tumor/normal pairs of cervical samples. The top 31 miRNAs and their 140 primary target genes were involved in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. MiR-21-3p and miR-1-3p showed a prominent regulatory role while MiR-542, miR-126, miR-143, and miR-26b are directly targeting both PI3k and AKT. This study provides insights into the regulation of PI3K-AKT signaling as an important inducer of cervical cancer and identified miR-542, miR-126, miR-143, and miR-26b as promising inhibitors of the PI3k-AKT pathway.
Studying the High Loading of Lead-Rubber Nanocomposites as Gamma Radiations Shielding.
Authors: Habeeb Salih Abbas
Published: January 2024

This research aims to prepare a polymeric composite material from styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) reinforced with lead nanoparticles (Pb-NPs) to make protective shields from gamma rays to protect the healthy tissues of cancer patients while receiving treatment and to protect workers in nuclear reactors and malignant tumors centers. The basic principle is to attenuate the gamma-ray photons emitted by the Cesium source (Cs137) with an energy of 663 keV. The basis for studying the shielding properties after adding the 50,100,150,200, and 300 phr lead nanoparticles. The results showed increased mass density, linear attenuation, and mass attenuation coefficients by 743.712%, 390.47%, and 180.95% with increasing loading levels of Pb-NPs in SBR composites up to 300 p h r. At the same time, the half-value and tenth-value layers decrease by 64% compared with the control sample (without Pb-NPs). The field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images show good dispersion and homogeneity of these particles in the rubber matrix, and few agglomerations occur with increasing lead loading. The swelling ratio decreased by 199%, increasing the volume fraction of rubber and cross-link densities by about 7.1% and 14%, respectively. the addition of lead nanoparticles leads to enhanced crystalline properties.
Distinct longitudinal changes in EEG measures reflecting functional network disruption in ALS cognitive phenotypes
Authors: Metzger Marjorie , Dukic Stefan , McMackin Roisin , Giglia Eileen , Mitchell Matthew , Bista Saroj , Costello Emmet , Peelo Colm , Tadjine Yasmine , Sirenko Vladyslav , McManus Lara , Buxo Teresa , Fasano Antonio , Chipika Rangariroyashe , Pinto-Grau Marta , Schuster Christina , Heverin Mark , Coffey Amina , Broderick Michael , Iyer Parameswaran M. , Mohr Kieran , Gavin Brighid , Pender Niall , Bede Peter , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Hardiman Orla , Nasseroleslami Bahman
Published: January 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterised primarily by motor system degeneration, with clinical evidence of cognitive and behavioural change in up to 50% of cases. We have shown previously that resting-state EEG captures the dysfunction in motor and cognitive networks in ALS. However, the longitudinal development of the network-level dysfunction patterns remains unclear, particularly in the networks related to cognitive-behavioural functions. We examined 124 ALS individuals with 128-channel resting-state EEG recordings, categorised by cognitive impairment (ALSci, n = 27), behavioural impairment (ALSbi, n = 58), or non-impaired (ALSncbi, n = 53). Using linear mixed-effects models, we characterised the general and phenotype-specific longitudinal changes in brain network, and their association with cognitive performance, fine motor symptoms, and survival. We observed significant decline in \(\theta\)-band spectral power over time in the temporal region along with increased \({\gamma }_{l}\)-band power in the fronto-temporal region in the ALS group. ALSncbi participants showed widespread β-band synchrony decrease, while ALSci participants exhibited increased co-modulation correlated with verbal fluency decline. Longitudinal network-level changes varied between ALS subgroups, correlating with motor, cognitive, and behavioural decline. Spectral EEG measures can longitudinally track abnormal network patterns, serving as a candidate stratification tool for clinical trials and personalized treatments in ALS.
An ecophysiological basis for the assembly of Australian rainforest tree communities
Authors: Radford_Smith Julian , Weeren Ella Cathcart-van , Lai Hao Ran , Dwyer John
Published: January 2024

Understanding how past climate has filtered different tree strategies into communities is crucial for predicting how future climates will impact species and communities, yet few studies have used physiologically interpretable traits to explain the assembly of entire tree communities across large, continuous climatic gradients. To address this gap, we systematically surveyed rainforest tree communities across the Australian subtropics (spanning 600 to 2,500 mm rainfall yr− 1) and measured functional traits on 285 (91%) of the recorded tree species, including detailed measurements of xylem anatomy to describe species’ hydraulic strategies. The direction and shape of species’ occurrence trends across the regional moisture gradient were strongly related to their hydraulic strategies. Evergreen species with efficient hydraulics were more prevalent in mesic locations, while those with safer hydraulics favoured drier climates. Despite having extremely efficient hydraulics, deciduous species declined along the moisture gradient. At the dry end of the gradient, lower soil fertility increased the prevalence of very safe evergreen strategies and decreased the prevalence of deciduous species, relative to high-fertility sites. Overall, we reveal how climate, soil and biogeography have jointly filtered tree strategies into communities across the Australian subtropics, providing a general foundation for prediction under ongoing climate change.
Mustard ‘Amara’ Benefits from Superelevated CO2 While Adapting to Far-red Light Over Time
Authors: Kennebeck Emily J. , Meng Qingwu
Published: January 2024

Compared with the ambient Earth carbon dioxide concentration (≈415 μmol⋅mol–1), the International Space Station has superelevated carbon dioxide (≈2800 μmol⋅mol–1), which can be a stressor to certain crops. Far-red light can drive plant photosynthesis and increase extension growth and biomass. However, the effects of far-red light under superelevated carbon dioxide are unclear. We grew hydroponic mustard (Brassica carinata) ‘Amara’ seedlings in four growth chambers using a randomized complete block design with two carbon dioxide concentrations (415 and 2800 μmol⋅mol–1), two lighting treatments, and two blocks at temperature and relative humidity set points of 22 °C and 40%, respectively. Each growth chamber had two lighting treatments at the same total photon flux density of 200 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1. Under the same blue and green light at 50 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1 each, plants received either red light at 100 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1 or red + far-red light at 50 μmol⋅m–2⋅s–1 each. At day 15 after planting, far-red light did not influence shoot fresh or dry mass at 415 μmol⋅mol–1 carbon dioxide, but decreased both parameters by 22% to 23% at 2800 μmol⋅mol–1 carbon dioxide. Increasing the carbon dioxide concentration increased shoot fresh and dry mass 27% to 49%, regardless of the lighting treatment. Far-red light decreased leaf area by 16% at 2800 μmol⋅mol–1 carbon dioxide, but had no effect at 415 μmol⋅mol–1 carbon dioxide. Increasing the carbon dioxide concentration increased leaf area by 21% to 33%, regardless of far-red light. Regardless of the carbon dioxide concentration, far-red light promoted stem elongation and decreased chlorophyll concentrations by 39% to 42%. These responses indicate far-red light elicited a crop-specific shade avoidance response in mustard ‘Amara’, increasing extension growth but decreasing leaf area, thereby reducing light interception and biomass. In addition, carbon dioxide enrichment up to 2800 μmol⋅mol–1 increased the biomass of mustard ‘Amara’ but decreased the biomass of other crops, indicating crop-specific tolerance to superelevated carbon dioxide. In conclusion, mustard ‘Amara’ seedlings benefit from superelevated carbon dioxide, but exhibit growth reduction under far-red light under superelevated carbon dioxide.
Reduced Growth in Eustoma under High Nutrient and Phytotoxic Organic Acid Concentrations and Recovery through Hot Water Conditioning of Continuously Cropped Soil
Authors: Wang Mei-Chin , Yeh Der-Ming
Published: January 2024

Stunted vegetative growth and delayed or absent flowering are commonly observed in eustoma (Eustoma grandiflorum) when cultivated continuously in the same greenhouse soil. These effects are likely caused by the excessive accumulation of soluble salts and/or phytotoxic organic acids in the soil. This study aimed to clarify the mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles and formulate prevention measures of eustoma. Seedlings of eustoma ‘Croma III White’ were grown hydroponically with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% (full), 125%, 150%, 175%, or 200% strength of Johnson’s solution. Plant height, leaf area, and shoot dry weight increased steadily as solution strength increased from 25% to 125% [solution electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.4 dS⋅m−1] and then gradually decreased as solution strength further increased from 125% to 200% (solution EC of 3.8 dS⋅m−1). When grown hydroponically in 200% strength Johnson’s solution, plant height, leaf area, and root length increased with increasing equimolar mixtures of organic acids, including maleic acid, benzoic acid, malic acid, and hydroxybenzoic acid, up to 1.2 to 1.6 mM and decreased thereafter. Node number and the percentage of flower bud visibility declined beyond 1.6 mM organic acid mixtures. Plants with 2.0 and 2.4 mM organic acid mixtures had the lowest net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration. Plants had normal growth and produced flower buds when the continuously cropped soil was preconditioned with 100 °C reverse-osmosis water before planting.
‘TO CUT’ VERB AND ITS HYPONYMS IN COOKING: A COMPONENTIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Sumanto Ossa Bodhi tala , Ningrum Ary Setya Budhi
Published: January 2024

In the context of cookery, the article investigates the contrasts between the verb "to cut" and its associated words. The research identifies at least 22 different "to cut" verbs and associated phrases, as well as extensive descriptions of their meanings and variances. Nida's componential analysis method was employed in this study, which is a qualitative descriptive method that collects data using dictionaries and glossaries. According to the research findings, there are significant differences in meaning between the various cutting verbs, which can be attributed to factors such as the purpose of the action, the tools used, the tool's position, the object being cut, the size and shape of the result, and the thickness of the cutting result. The study also discovered that while the term "to chop" is the most widely used verb when discussing a cutting action, it lacks any distinguishing properties when compared to other cutting verbs that may be employed instead.
Early-onset gasrtric cancer (review)
Authors: Pugaev D. M. , Lyubchenko L. N. , Ryabov A. B. , Kaprin A. D.
Published: January 2024

Objective. Early-onset gastric cancer (EOGC) constitutes a serious medical and social problem. Early-onset gastric cancer accounts for approximately 6% of all malignant epithelial neoplasms.

Material and Methods. We reviewed retrospective and prospective randomized trials using Medline and Elibrary databases.

Results. The applied significance of the molecular genetic classifications consist in the formation of groups for evaluating prognosis of the disease using multifactorial analysis. This classification indicates that EOGC diagnosed at a locally advanced stage and primary dissemination is most often caused by GS (TCGA) and MSS/EMT(ACRG) subtypes and is characterized by mutations in CDH1, RhoA, CLDN18-ARHGAP genes. These changes are accompanied by the prevalence of diffuse histological type of gastric cancer according to the Lauren classification and ulcerated or infiltrative type according to the Borrmann classification (type III and IV) with the presence of high-grade adenocarcinoma with a signet ring cell component.

Conclusion. Considering the aggressiveness of gastric cancer in young patients, who more frequently present with locally advanced and metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis, there is a need for increased cancer alertness among physicians of other specialties, early endoscopic controls to detect cancer at early stages and benefit from both surgical and multimodal treatment.
Combined modality treatment of early breast cancer. Literature review
Authors: Akhmetzyanov F. Sh. , Akhmetzyanova R. F. , Ankhimova L. E. , Gorshkova E. S. , Karamanyan A. V.
Published: January 2024

The object of the study was to conduct a systematic literature review on combined modality treatment for early-stage breast cancer using postoperative and intraoperative radiation therapy, and consider new treatment approaches for early breast cancer.

Material and Methods. The search for sources relevant to the review topic was carried out in the Medline, Cochrane Library, and Elibrary systems. A total of 905 studies on combination treatments for early breast cancer were identified, of which 43 were included in the review.

Results. Data analysis showed that the rate of local relapses in early breast cancer was lower in patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery in combination with adjuvant radiation therapy than in patients without adjuvant radiation therapy. Research is ongoing on radiotherapy deintensification using intraoperative radiation therapy for patients at low risk of recurrence. Ongoing clinical trials support the omission of radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery for elderly women with hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer, who receive adjuvant endocrine therapy. Understanding the characteristics of the tumor process will allow us to personalize the treatment of patients with early breast cancer, reduce the risk of local relapses, and avoid unnecessary treatment-related complications.

Conclusion. To improve survival in breast cancer patients is only possible by maximizing the tumor control. The effectiveness of adjuvant radiation therapy, which is an integral component in the combined modality treatment of early breast cancer, has been proven. However, third-generation studies discuss the feasibility of identifying a low-risk group of patients with a favorable clinical prognosis, who receive adequate endocrine therapy, and additional radiation do not provide a significant survival benefit.