bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The frequency of cardiovascular events caused by second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors may depend on the treatment intensity in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Takahashi Taro , Ohashi Ken-ichi , Ochi Tetsuro , Nasu Kentaro , Nakamura Hiroshi , Harigae Hideo
Published: August 2024

Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2GTKIs) have not improved overall survival compared to imatinib due to an increase in cardiovascular events (CVEs) and deaths unrelated to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of CVEs among CML patients treated with TKIs at our institution and analyzed the risk factors for CVEs.
Method and results:
Fifty-nine newly diagnosed CML patients were included. Imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib, bostinib, and ponatinib were given to 29, 34, 21, 3, and 4 patients, respectively. The cumulative incidence of CVEs was 16.1% at 5 years and 32.4% at 10 years. According to the univariate analysis, a history of vascular events (p=0.046) and the presence of any risk factor for atherosclerotic disease (p=0.046) were significant, and nilotinib (p=0.053) tended to increase the risk of CVEs. According to the multivariate analysis, nilotinib (p<0.001) and a history of vascular events (p=0.04) were significant risk factors for CVEs, but dasatinib tended to decrease the risk of CVEs (p=0.17, hazard ratio (HR)=0.26, 95% CI 0.04-1.76). The only significant difference between nilotinib and dasatinib was the dose intensity of each TKI (1.0 vs 0.5, p=0.001).
Conclusion: In addition to existing interventions targeting atherosclerotic factors, response-adapted dose adjustments may be necessary to reduce CVEs.
Research on predicting microclimate in pig house based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Deng Yongtao , Chen Xiwen , Yin Miao , Wang Cong , Dong Pengyu , Xie Zuojie , Sun Jingyan , Wen Jie
Published: August 2024

Temperature, humidity, ammonia, and carbon dioxide have a significant impact on pig production, so this article studies them as a microclimate in a pig house. Predict the microclimate of the pig house and select the algorithm with the best prediction accuracy for the microclimate in the pig house. Most studies on predicting temperature and humidity, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in pig pens only use a single algorithm for prediction, without comparing multiple algorithms on the same dataset to select the algorithm with the highest prediction accuracy. To solve this problem, seven algorithm models based on GRU, LSTM, BP neural network, XGBoost, SVM, Linear regression, and Random forest were constructed. Each model consists of four modules, namely the correlation factor screening module, data preprocessing module, data normalization module, and training and prediction module. The core module is the training and prediction module of the algorithm. The seven algorithm models use corresponding built-in algorithm layers in TensorFlow to learn from historical data, find relationships between data, and then make predictions for microclimates at the next moment. The experimental results indicate that in the microclimate of the pig house mentioned in this article, all four types of environmental factors achieved the best predictive performance in the model based on linear regression algorithm.
The Anti-tumour effect of Aleurites moluccana on HCT-116 Cells
Authors: NEMALA APPALA RAJU , NANDAGOPAL ANITHA
Published: August 2024

Aleurites moluccanus, commonly referred to as the candlenut or candleberry and also known as the Indian walnut, is a flowering tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. The tree produces large, rounded (sub-globose) or slightly two-lobed fruits measuring 4–6 cm in diameter. The initial phase of this study involved phytochemical screening, revealing that the ethanol extract of Aleurites moluccana fruit contains phenolics, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins. The presence of these compounds might be responsible for the biological activity. The anticancer activity was tested using HCT-116 cell lines and primary colon epithelial (PCE) cell. Different concentration ranging from 7.8 µg/mL to 1000 µg/mL were tested against each cell lines by MTT assay. Ethanol extract of Aleurites moluccanus fruits showed cytotoxic activity when compared to standard control, Fluorouracil (10 µg/mL). In an MTT-based cytotoxic assay evaluating anticancer activity, the ethanol extract was tested on colorectal cell lines HCT-116 and primary colon epithelial (PCE) cells. Cytotoxicity increased over time, with the highest cytotoxicity observed at 72 hours. The 72-hour treatment exhibits the IC50 of 8.54 µg/mL in HCT-116 cells and 196.72 µg/mL in PCE cells, indicating a potent and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on HCT-116 cells.
Association of early hypocalcemia in preterm neonates with hemodynamically 3 significant patent ductus arteriosus- a retrospective study
Authors: Sheikh Mehwish Sajid , Samson Shoji , Wang Yanzhi , Khan Nabeeha
Published: August 2024

Introduction: We hypothesized that early hypocalcemia in the preterm population affects the 33 timely closure of ductus arteriosus.
Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 34 <30 weeks neonates with echocardiographic findings of PDA. The primary outcome was 35 hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). Secondary outcomes include 36 Grade 3-4 Intra-ventricular hemorrhage and pulmonary hemorrhage.
Results: Out of 290 37 neonates, 108 were identified with early hypocalcemia. The rate of hsPDA in the group with 38 hypocalcemia was 76.4%, whereas the rate of hsPDA in the group without hypocalcemia was 39 74.5% (p=0.71). Incidence of grade 3-4 IVH was 16.0% in the hypocalcemia group and 40 16.8% in the no hypocalcemia group (p = 0.85), and pulmonary hemorrhage is 3.7% in the 41 hypocalcemia group and 8.2% in no hypocalcemia group (p = 0.14).
Conclusion: In this 42 retrospective review, we did not find an association of a hsPDA in a preterm baby with early 43 hypocalcemia.
A Subinhibitory Benzalkonium Chloride Concentration Does Not Affect the Performance of Activated Sludge Semicontinuous Reactors
Authors: Orozco A. M. Ferro , Contreras E. M.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the use of disinfectants, such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC), has increased. BAC may alter the normal performance of biological wastewater treatment systems and promote resistance to human-use antibiotics. Thus, the present work aimed to study the effect of BAC on the performance of an activated sludge reactor and the change in the resistance of the biomass to BAC and to three antibiotics. Acclimation to BAC lasted two weeks. Then, the biomass could remove BAC within the first four hours. BAC did not affect the performance of the reactor in terms of oxygen consumption (OC), biomass concentration, or carbon removal. According to OC data, BAC was completely oxidized. Thus, BAC could not be a carbon source for biomass growth under the tested conditions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of BAC corresponding to native sludge was higher than the tested initial BAC concentration, confirming that a BAC subinhibitory concentration was tested. The acclimation to BAC was also evidenced through the increase in the BAC-MIC. BAC also increased the MIC corresponding to ampicillin. MIC corresponding to cephalexin was higher than the highest tested concentration. Finally, activated sludge was highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin.
Neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 (Notch1) SNP informatics coupled with Intrinsically Disordered Region and Post Translational Modifications reveals the complex structural crosstalk of Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD)
Authors: John Pearl , Sudandiradoss C
Published: August 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the foremost histological subtype among the lung cancer which is a fundamental root cause in the cancer mortality rate. Prominent documented modifications in lung cancer are notable rates of mutational and cross talking of the signalling pathways. Here we are seeking insight into addressing the structural and functional role of NOTCH1 and associated SNPs in LUAD progression. Our previous study established that NOTCH1 as prognostic marker having a notable high expression in the LUAD and cross talking of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) signalling even though it is down regulated. With the aid of insilico tools the deleterious SNPs were predicted and designated. The highlighted deleterious mutations were characterized through Molecular Docking and dynamics simulations (MDS) studies. The sequential SNP analysis in NOTCH1 resulted in 43 deleterious SNPs and 13 SNPs resulted deleterious and damaging effect. The structural based analysis results three stabilizing SNPs such as S1464I, A1705V and T1602I in the conserved and functional domain of NOTCH1. In addition, 1660–2555 sequence locations were identified as the Intrinsically Disordered Region (IDR) with a score of above 0.5 in the NOTCH1. Moreover the Post Translational Modification (PTM) analysis revealed two key PTM modifications such as o-linked glycosylation and Phosphothreonine within the IDR region which are functional as well as the conserved domains and the most essential role for the LUAD progression. The outcome of our research reflects a potential backdrop of deleterious SNPs of NOTCH1 in LUAD progression through the crosstalk of the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition signalling.
Non-thermal shelf-life extension of fresh Hummus by High Hydrostatic Pressure and refrigeration
Authors: Shahein Mohammad , Albawarshi Yanal , Al-khamaiseh Ashraf , El-Eswed Bassam , Kanaan Omar , Majdalawi Majdi
Published: August 2024

Consumers are interested in fresher and minimally processed ready to eat foods, therefore this work aimed to investigate the efficacy of the of HHP of 600MPa for 6 minutes against Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh hummus samples, and to study the significance of the combined treatment of HHP and refrigeration on the shelf life of Hummus samples. Results showed that a treatment of HHP at 600MPa for 6 minutes was able to achieve more than 5 log reductions of the tested pathogens, and about 4 logs for aerobic plate count (APC) and Yeast and Mold (YM), respectively. Moreover, pathogens remained undetectable during the period of refrigerated storage for 1 year, while APC and YM were increased to log 2.32 and <1 log, respectively. After 52 weeks of refrigerated storage, HHP treated samples showed no significant differences in respect to sensorial properties of hummus samples and remained microbiologically within the “High quality” standards according to the microbiological criteria of ready to eat foods.
Optimization of Sparse Phenotyping Strategies in Multi-Environmental Trials in Maize
Authors: Mothukuri Srinivasa Reddy , Beyene Yoseph , Gültas Mehmet , Burgueno Juan , Griebel Stefanie
Published: August 2024

The phenotyping needs to be optimized and aims to achieve desired precision at low costs because selection decisions are mainly based on multi-environmental trials. Optimization of sparse phenotyping is possible in plant breeding by applying relationship measurements and genomic prediction. Our research utilized genomic data and relationship measurements between the training (full testing genotypes) and testing set (sparse testing genotypes) to optimize the allocation of genotypes to subsets in sparse testing. Different sparse phenotyping designs were mimicked based on the percentage (%) of lines in the full set, the number of partially tested lines, the number of tested environments, balanced and unbalanced methods for allocating the lines among the environments. The eight relationship measurements were utilized to calculate the relatedness between full and sparse set genotypes. The results demonstrate that balanced and allocating 50% of lines to the full set designs have shown a higher Pearson correlation in terms of accuracy measurements than assigning the 30% of lines to the full set and balanced sparse methods. By reducing untested environments per sparse set, results enhance the accuracy of measurements. The relationship measurements exhibit a low significant Pearson correlation ranging from 0.20 to 0.31 using the accuracy measurements in sparse phenotyping experiments. The positive Pearson correlation shows that the maximization of the accuracy measurements can be helpful to the optimization of the line allocation on sparse phenotyping designs.
The Neurocognitive Burden of Onchocerciasis-associated Epilepsy in an onchocerciasis-endemic zone in Cameroon: a case-control study
Authors: Njohjam Mundih Noelar
Published: August 2024

Background
A specific form of epilepsy called onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy (OAE) is common in onchocerciasis-endemic communities. Data on the prevalence and pattern of neurocognitive impairment caused by OAE is sparse in Africa. This aim of this study was to determine the spectrum and severity neurocognitive impairment among patients with OAE in two onchocerciasis-endemic communities.
Methods
A case-control study was conducted in two rural villages in an onchocerciasis-endemic zone in the central region of Cameroon. Based on diagnostic criteria established in other studies, we diagnosed patients with onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy and matched by age, sex, and educational level to controls. Neurocognitive functions were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test, Frontal Assessment Battery, International HIV Dementia Scale, Dubois’ Five Words Tests and Isaac Set’s tests. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. The threshold for statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
The study included fifty people with OAE and fifty healthy controls. The mean age for the cases was 26.3 years, and for the controls, it was 26.4 years. Cases were more impaired cognitively than the controls, 96% for the cases vs. 78% for the controls (P = 0.007, OR;7.7). The main cognitive functions affected were memory (86% of cases Vs 30% of controls, P < 0.001, OR = 34.4), verbal fluency (80% of cases Vs 42% of controls, P < 0.001, OR = 15.6), attention, and executive functions (80% of cases as against 42% of controls, P < 0.001). The main factors associated with poorer neurocognitive outcomes were longer duration of epilepsy (P < 0.001), frequent seizures (P < 0.001), low educational level (P = 0.027), generalized tonic-clonic seizures (P < 0.001) and early age of onset of epilepsy (0.001)
Conclusion
Onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy causes severe neurocognitive impairment in those affected. The need to eliminate onchocerciasis and, hence, reduce the prevalence of OAE has never been more imperative.
Clinical Efficacy of Pocketing Air-Visco Expanding Detachment Deep Lamellar Keratoplasty for Keratoconus with Scars after Acute Hydrops
Authors: Binghong Wang , tian Tian , Wenjia Xie , Luyi Ying , Yuanfang Zhu , Wenya Qiu
Published: August 2024

Background
To analyze the clinical efficacy of PAVED (Pocketing Air-Visco Expanding Detachment) deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for the treatment of keratoconus with scarring after acute hydrops
Methods
50 eyes from 50 patients with keratoconus who developed scarring after acute hydrops and who underwent PAVED DALK from 2011 to 2021 were included. Patients with irrelevant ocular diseases or surgical history were excluded. Patients who underwent DALK with either femtosecond laser-assisted or manual trephination techniques were followed-up for at least one year. Preoperative corneal characteristics, refractive status, and endothelial cell counts, as well as postoperative vision, refractive status, endothelial cell counts, and complications, were recorded and compared between different surgery groups.
Results
Intraoperative findings revealed that in 28 eyes (56.00%), the scarred stroma was mildly adherent to Descemet's membrane (DM), which could be easily separated, and the DM could be fully exposed. In 12 eyes (24.00%), there was significant adhesion, which required careful multiangle and multiround pushing to achieve complete separation, revealing 1-4 mm long microfissures within the DM scar. In 9 eyes (18.00%), the adhesion was tight, separation was not feasible, and a large fissure was observed within the scar, leaving an extremely thin layer of residual stroma. The last recorded uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.46±0.24 (logMAR), and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.21±0.13 (logMAR), with 16 eyes achieving ≥0.8 and 40 eyes achieving ≥0.5. There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative BCVA (logMAR) (P value = 0.04), with the femtosecond laser group having a BCVA of 0.16±0.11 and the manual trephination group having a BCVA of 0.24±0.14.
Conclusions
Keratoconus with scarring after acute hydrops involving the deep stroma and DM can be effectively treated with PAVED DLK because of the advantage at exposing the DM in most patients. For patients who have DM microfissures or an extremely thin layer of residual stroma, the postoperative vision is generally well restored with few complications. Femtosecond laser assistance not only has limited risk of DM rupture, but also manifests better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity compared to manual trephination.
The expression of transcription factor WRINKLED1 of Dunaliella parva promotes the accumulation of lipids in Auxenochlorella protothecoides
Authors: Wu Han , Qiu Yanhong , Feng Xiaoyun , Zhang Yibo , Xue Yongchang , Xue Weiwei , Liu Changbin B.
Published: August 2024

WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a member of the APETALA2 (AP2)/EREBP (ethylene response element binding protein) transcription factor family and has been shown to be one of the important transcription regulators involved in the oil biosynthesis pathway. To investigate the role of WRI1 in the regulation of oil synthesis in Auxenochlorella protothecoides (A. protothecoides), the wri1 gene, cloned from Dunaliella parva (D. parva), was introduced and expressed in A. protothecoides. We discovered that the oil content of the genetically modified algae strain (A. protothecoides-Dpwri1) increased by 38.3% compared to the wild strain. The transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of Dpwri1 in A. protothecoides up-regulated the expression of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI), 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase (GAPDH), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), which involved in glycolytic pathway and triglyceride synthesis pathway respectively, resulting in the flow of carbon to the synthesis of lipids. In addition, the expression of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX) and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1(ACAT1) were down-regulated, which is beneficial to the accumulation of lipids in cells. This study reveals the important role of the exogenous WRI1 transcription factor in regulating the accumulation of lipids in A. protothecoides, which is of guiding significance for the construction of high-yield oil-producing strains.
Chitosan-Coated Probiotic Nanoparticles Mitigate Acrylamide-Induced Toxicity in the Drosophila Model
Authors: Kumar Swetha Senthil , Mohideen Sahabudeen Sheik
Published: August 2024

The novelty of this study lies in the development of an effective therapeutic agent using natural components—specifically, low molecular weight chitosan and L. fermentum—utilizing the Drosophila model. The design and formulation of chitosan-coated probiotic nanoparticles (CSP NPs) aim to enhance the bioavailability of probiotics in the gut, thereby improving their efficacy against ACR-induced toxicity. Nanoencapsulation, a vital domain of the medical nanotechnology field plays a key role in targeted drug delivery, bioavailability, multi-drug load delivery systems and synergistic treatment options. Chitosan, known for its non-toxic nature, offers additional benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties and immune system stimulation. Lactobacillus fermentum, incorporated for its cholesterol-lowering and potent immunomodulatory effects, also plays a significant role in influencing behavioural and developmental mechanisms in Drosophila. The synergistic effect of chitosan and L. fermentum ensures the stability and sustained release of microbial load and its secondary metabolites, facilitating prolonged exposure in the gut. This slow-release mechanism allows for an extended duration of action, effectively combating the detrimental effects of process-induced toxins like acrylamide. By optimizing bioavailability through nanoencapsulation, this study demonstrated the efficiency of the formulation in rescuing ACR-induced behavioural and biochemical deficits.
Effect of Graded Inclusion of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens, Linnaeus, 1758) Meal in Diets for Gilthead Seabream (Sparus Aurata, Linnaeus, 1758) on Gut Microbiome and Liver Morphology.
Authors: Basili Marco , Randazzo Basilio , Caccamo Letteria , Guicciardi Stefano , Meola Martina , Perdichizzi Anna , Quero Grazia Marina , Maricchiolo Giulia
Published: August 2024

Over the last decades, insect meal has received great attention for finfish diets, due to its nutritional composition and low ecological footprint. In the present study, four experimental diets were formulated in which black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal (HI) was used to replace 0 (HI0), 25 (HI25), 35 (HI35) and 50 (HI50) percent of fish meal. The experimental diets were administered to gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in a 131-day feeding trial in an open recirculating system. At the end of the experiment a remarkable change in gut microbiota composition related to HI inclusion was observed, with a preponderance of Nitrospirota in HI0 and HI25 and of Chloroflexi in HI35 and HI50 groups. Predictive analysis on bacterial metabolic pathways showed a clear separation between HI0-HI25 and HI35-HI50 groups. The microbiota shifts observed suggest a pivotal role of HI in inducing a bacterial-mediated physiological response in this fish species, probably due to chitin content and the fatty acid profile of this ingredient. Liver histology showed a higher hepatocyte size in fish from HI50 group, while a marginal adaptive response was observed in HI25 group. Overall, 50% HI dietary inclusion is not recommended, since possible alteration in lipid deposition, particularly at hepatic level, were highlighted in this fish species.
In-hospital Outcomes of early Versus Late Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants
Authors: Elsisy Mohamed , Nicholson George , Stephens Elizabeth , Sreeniva Gayathri , Gupta Arpit
Published: August 2024

Background
Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in small, premature infants is increasingly performed in the contemporary practice. Data regarding optimal timing of PDA closure are scarce. We therefore decided to compare morbidity and mortality of early and late device closure in preterm infants.
Methods
Hospitalizations of 166,583 newborn infants diagnosed with PDA were identified from the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) in 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2019. Of these, 299 preterm infants (gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks, birth weight <1500 grams) underwent percutaneous PDA closure. Characteristics and peri-procedural outcomes were compared between early (≤ 30 days) (n=120) and late PDA closure (>30 days) (n=179).
Results
Mean age (±standard deviation) for early PDA closure was 18.6 days ± 7 and 67.3 days ± 36.5 in late PDA closure. Co-morbidities including respiratory distress syndrome/bronchopulmonary dysplasia, heart failure and pulmonary hypertension were comparable between the two groups. There was no difference in mortality or referral for surgical ligation between early and late closure. Post-procedural vascular complications were low, but higher in patients with early PDA closure (3.3% vs 0%; p=0.025). Length of hospital stay was longer in late PDA closure group (121.1 days ± 51.7 vs 81.5 days ± 48.8; p=<0.01).
Conclusion
Preterm or very low birth weight infants may benefit from early percutaneous PDA closure as it is associated with a shorter hospital LOS. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality or major periprocedural complications between early and late PDA closure, except vascular complications that were higher with early PDA closure.
Integrated Spatial Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Novel Immunoinflammatory CD8+ T Cells Associated with Tertiary Lymphoid Structure and Immunotherapy Response in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Yuan , Cheng Ranyang , Hu Nan , Lou Kaiyu , Xu Xuemei , Huang Bin , Yang Qinyu , Chen Lijie , Li Tingting , Xiao Zhiyuan , Wang Shuyang , Ye Yaping , Jiao Hongli
Published: August 2024

Background: Based on the spatial distribution of immune cells, tumors are classified into three immunophenotypes: immune-inflamed, immune-excluded and immune-desert, among which the immune-inflamed phenotype exhibits favorable prognosis, high immunotherapy response rate, and abundant CD8+ T cells infiltration. However, there is no existing study elucidating the distinctive features of CD8+ T cells under the background of immune-inflamed in colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods: Bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq), single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics RNA sequencing (stRNA-seq) and pathomics were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Integrated spatial multi-omics, combined with immunofluorescence (IF) revealed immune-inflamed related CD8+ CXCL13+ proliferative T cells as a novel component in tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS). A prognostic model related to CD8+ CXCL13+ proliferative T cell was established, with verifications performed internally and externally.
Results: Our research distinguished three immunophenotypes in CRC and revealed immune-inflamed related CD8+ CXCL13+ proliferative T cells were characterized by exhaustion features, proliferative ability and effector functions. Remarkably, CD8+ CXCL13+ proliferative T cells were predominantly located within TLS, thus likely marking TLS and contributing to TLS formation. The specifically decreased ETS1 transcriptional activity in immune-inflamed related CD8+ T cells and ETS1 mRNA peaking at terminal differentiation indicated ETS1's key role in developing exhaustion. Finally, the CD8+T related prognostic model can serve as a powerful prognostic index to optimize risk stratification and provide new insights for individualized immunotherapy treatment of CRC.
Conclusion: These findings revealed that immune-inflamed related CD8+ CXCL13+ proliferative T cells, predominantly located within TLS, might serve as potential biomarkers for TLS presence, immunotherapy response, and prognosis in CRC. Besides, targeting the ETS1-terminal exhaustion axis was highlighted for enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy for CRC. Our research provides new insights into the determinants affecting TLS and ICI responsiveness.
Electrically Spectral-Switchable Longwave Quantum Cascade Lasers beyond λ~10 μm
Authors: Niu Shan , Sun Yongqiang , Cheng FengMin , Zhuo Ning , Zhai Shenqiang , Sun Ruixuan , Lu Xiyu , Liu Fengqi , Lu Quanyong , Zhang Jinchuan
Published: August 2024

A spectral-switchable longwave quantum cascade laser design emitting at 10.5 μm is reported. The active region features a multi-miniband transition design for broad and multi-band operations. Spectral-switchability between λ~8.59-9.67 μm and 10.20-10.68 μm is achieved from a Littrow external cavity device by varying the voltages. The maximum peak power at room temperature and continuous wave power at 298 K is 1.4 W and 0.32 W, respectively. This multi-spectra switchable laser source would be ideal for selective multi-gas sensing and spectroscopy.
Crowdsourced reviews reveal substantial disparities in public perceptions of parking
Authors: Li Lingyao , Hu Songhua , Dinh Ly , Hemphill Libby
Published: August 2024

Due to increased reliance on private vehicles and growing travel demand, parking remains a longstanding urban challenge globally. Quantifying parking perceptions is paramount as it enables decision-makers to identify problematic areas and make informed decisions on parking management. This study introduces a cost-effective and widely accessible data source, crowdsourced online reviews, to investigate public perceptions of parking across the U.S. Specifically, we examine 4,987,483 parking-related reviews for 1,129,460 points of interest (POIs) across 911 core-based statistical areas (CBSAs) sourced from Google Maps. We employ the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) model to classify the parking sentiment and conduct regression analyses to explore its relationships with socio-spatial factors. Findings reveal significant variations in parking sentiment across POI types and CBSAs, with \textit{Restaurants} showing the most negative. Regression results further indicate that denser urban areas with higher proportions of African Americans and Hispanics and lower socioeconomic status are more likely to exhibit negative parking sentiment. Interestingly, an opposite relationship between parking supply and sentiment is observed, indicating increasing supply does not necessarily improve parking experiences. Finally, our textual analysis identifies keywords associated with positive or negative sentiments and highlights disparities between urban and rural areas. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of a novel data source and methodological framework in measuring parking sentiment, offering valuable insights that help identify hyperlocal parking issues and guide targeted parking management strategies.
4-Methylthiazole Triggers Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Disruption in HL-60 Cells
Authors: Meriç Neslihan , Kar Ezgi , Kar Fatih
Published: August 2024

Thiazole derivatives are gaining prominence in cancer research due to their potent anti-cancer effects and multifaceted biological activities. Notably, in leukemia research, these compounds are studied for their ability to induce apoptosis, disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and modulate cell signaling pathways. This study focuses on 4-Methylthiazole's effectiveness in inducing apoptosis in HL-60 leukemia cells. It significantly disrupts MMP, activates caspase-3, and promotes cytochrome c release, which are key indicators of apoptosis (**** p < 0.0001, *** p < 0.001, ** p < 0.01, * p < 0.05). Additionally, 4-Methylthiazole reduces CD45 and CD123 surface markers, altering the phenotypic characteristics of leukemia cells (**** p < 0.0001). A high-dose treatment with 4-Methylthiazole significantly increases ROS levels, pointing to elevated oxidative stress and intracellular free radicals, contributing to its cytotoxic effects (*p < 0.05). The study also observed a significant rise in TNF-α levels post-treatment, indicating a pro-inflammatory response that may further inhibit leukemia cell viability. While IL-6 levels remained unchanged, a dose-dependent decrease in IL-10 levels was noted, suggesting a reduction in immunosuppressive conditions within the tumor microenvironment (*p < 0.05). Overall, 4-Methylthiazole targets leukemia cells through multiple apoptotic mechanisms and modifies the immune landscape of the tumor microenvironment, enhancing its therapeutic potential. This study highlights the need for further clinical investigation to fully exploit the potential of thiazole derivatives in leukemia treatment.
Investigating the Role of IL-6 in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Insights from Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Zhu Sillang , Li Qian , Wei Shanshan , Yin Li , Zhu Junhao , Yang Shan , Zhang Wenjing , Lai Kuan
Published: August 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a common autoimmune disease. Studies have suggested that defective stem cells could be involved in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus, which leads to changes in the function of immune cells. By observing the cell morphology, autophagy, and senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from lupus mice and normal controls, this study investigated the role of IL-6 in autophagy and senescence of BMSCs and explored relevant mechanisms. Female MRL/lpr and C57 mice with similar weights and sizes at 20–22 weeks old were selected. BMSCs were isolated using the whole bone marrow adherent method. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, β-galactosidase staining, western blotting, and ELISA were used to detect autophagy and senescence. Compared with BMSCs from normal mice, BMSCs from lupus mice exhibited low autophagy and premature senescence with a senescence-associated secretory phenotype. The addition of exogenous IL-6 increased the protein levels of p-STAT3 and Bcl-2, and in the IL-6-treated group, the premature senescence of cells increased and autophagy decreased. The biological functions of BMSCs from MRL/lpr lupus mice were impaired. IL-6 prevents autophagy and subsequently promotes the senescence of BMSCs by activating the IL-6/STAT3 pathway.
Neoantigen evolution and response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Bozic Ivana , Sholokova Alanna , Kaveh Kamran
Published: August 2024

Checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy enables the patient’s immune system to recognize tumor cells that were previously invisible due to immune escape, but these therapies lead to heterogeneous patient outcomes. Focusing on colorectal cancer, in which two subtypes have markedly different responses to immunotherapy, we seek to understand how the mutagenic landscape of the tumor is related to therapeutic outcomes. First, we model neoantigen evolution in growing tumors using a stochastic branching-process model. Neoantigenic peptide sequences arising from colorectal cancer patient data are scored for fitness, giving each in-silico tumor a unique pre-treatment mutational landscape. Next, we use a dynamical systems model of the tumor-immune interaction under checkpoint-blockade therapy, optimized by fitting clinical trial data to model outcomes, to simulate therapeutic trajectories. We relate therapeutic outcomes to the heterogeneity of tumor mutational landscape, quantified by the number of mutations in the tumor, the immunogenicity of these mutations, and the clonality of the neoantigens present in the tumor. A high mutation burden, as well as the presence of highly fit neoantigens, are not sufficient to determine a successful response to therapy; conversely, the presence of a strong clonal neoantigen, present in every cell of the tumor, appears crucial for a successful response to therapy.
Assessing the impact of institutional environment quality on the development of e-commerce in developed and developing countries
Authors: Zhanbozova Aksaule , Azatbek Tolkyn , Myrzakhmet Marat
Published: August 2024

This study uses the new institutional economic theory and demonstrates how the quality of the institutional environment can be correlated with the development of e-commerce in different countries. The goal is to analyze the impact of international indices that assess the institutional environment on e-commerce penetration in countries with varying levels of economic development. The international indices used include the Networked Readiness Index, the E-Government Development Index, components of the Index of Economic Freedom, and indicators from The Worldwide Governance Indicators, such as control of corruption and rule of law. The level of e-commerce penetration was measured by its share in retail trade. The study analyzed developed countries with high e-commerce penetration, like the USA, the UK, Germany, South Korea, and Singapore, alongside developing countries, such as China, Turkey, Mexico, and Kazakhstan. The relationships between e-commerce penetration and international indices were identified using correlation analysis with the calculation of Spearman’s coefficient, followed by an assessment of the statistical significance of the obtained coefficients. The analysis revealed varying degrees of association between institutional quality and e-commerce penetration. Notably, the E-Government Development Index and the Networked Readiness Index showed positive correlations with e-commerce levels in all studied countries. However, the rule of law, control of corruption, and Investment Freedom indices showed varying correlations, indicating that these relationships are influenced by factors beyond economic development, such as political systems and regulatory approaches.
AcknowledgmentThis study has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan (grant IRN AP14871419 “Formation of institutional environment of electronic commerce market in Kazakhstan, its evaluation and development mechanism”).
The Dynamics and Role of Sufism in Turkish Politics and Society
Authors: Darmaiza Darmaiza , Meirison Meirison , Rusli Ayu Rustriana , Muhammadi Qasim
Published: August 2024

Sufism is widespread in Turkey, and most Turkish people sympathise with the Sufis even if they do not adhere to particular Sufi orders. Sufism has been rooted in Turkish society throughout history and has experienced ups and downs. This article is a literature study that used a qualitative approach and descriptive analysis. Data were collected from documents, literature, and journals. This study found that Sufism was not entirely swept up by secularisation, particularly in rural areas. Even in urban areas, many still adhere to Islamic traditions, including Sufism, passed down from generation to generation. Furthermore, Sufism influenced the political world in Turkey and the period preceding the Ottoman Empire's collapse. Even after that, a new pattern of Sufism emerged, namely Sufism without order, which resulted from understanding the Risale-i Nur, written by Said Nursi.  Contribution: This article is expected to explain the role of Sufism in Turkey during the classical period as an agent of moderate Islam propagation who built a spirit of struggle. This study shows that Sufism in Turkey has different understandings from others that distance themselves from political matters, social activities, and state affairs.
The Sufi Poems of Love: Al Busiri’s Burdah through The Lens of Rumi
Authors: Arikhah Arikhah
Published: August 2024

Examining the Maḥabbah concept has unavoidably become an interesting study, particularly via tasawuf lenses. Maḥabbah is a spiritual phase that Sufis encounter in many forms and expressions. Many Sufi leaders documented their experiences in literary works, including al-Busiri’s Burdah poems. A work that is regarded to be high literature consists of compliments to the Prophet Muhammad Saw. The purpose of this study is to discuss the Maḥabbah literature of al-Busiri’s Burdah and how the school of love is internalized in his work, where both concerns are examined through Rūmī's literary conceptions that highlight the Maḥabbah as the means of his tasawuf characteristic. This paper is qualitative library research. This study revealed that the Burdah of al-Busiri matches Jalāluddīn Rūmī's expression, which used metaphors, symbolization of love, and the conception of Maḥabbah.Contribution: By investigating Jalāluddīn Rūmī's notion, this study provides understanding and showing the Maḥabbah values found in al-Busiri's Burdah poems while also illuminating features of the historicity of tasawuf around it.
Prediction of residual life of rotating components based on adaptive dynamic weighting and gated double attention unit
Authors: Liu Chaozhong
Published: August 2024

Gears and bearings play vital roles as essential transmission components in mechanical drivetrains. Accurately predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of these components is paramount to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected failures. To enhance the precision of RUL prediction, a novel method has been developed which involves constructing health indicators (HI) and implementing an adaptive dynamic weighting (ADW) on a gated dual attention unit (GDAU). The process commences by extracting multi-dimensional time-frequency domain features from vibration signals, which are then refined using an improved kernel principal component analysis (Adaptive Kernel Principal Component Analysis – AKPCA) to extract key components. Subsequently, the constructed HI is fine-tuned through an optimization process utilizing the exponentially weighted moving average method. Finally, the ADW strategy dynamically adjusts the input weights of the HI, and the GDAU model is employed to predict the RUL of gears and bearings. Experiment and comparison results have validated the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
LINC00651, A Long Non-Coding RNA, Acts as a Catalyst in the Progression of Breast Cancer by Promoting Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion
Authors: Bhandari Adheesh , Hirachan Suzita , Kong Lingguo
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

The incidence of Breast Cancer (BC), a prevalent malignancy
in women, has gone up recently, although the molecular pathways underlying the carcinogenesis
of BC are still unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become
important tumor progression regulators.

Method:

The present study has revealed increased expression of LINC00651 in BC tissues
through a thorough investigation of whole-transcriptome resequencing on matched
BC and normal tissues from 8 patients. It is yet unknown precisely as to what biological
function LINC00651 serves in BC.
To obtain further insight, 39 matched pairs of breast tumors and normal tissues underwent
Real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) for validation. The
validated cohort's clinicopathologic characteristics were then carefully examined. Following
short interfering RNA transfection, proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion,
and examination of phenotypes associated with the Epithelial-mesenchymal
Transition (EMT) were conducted in BC cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and BT-549).

Results:

Our findings have confirmed that LINC00651 plays a role in augmenting BC
cell lines' proliferation, migration, and invasion. Consequently, LINC00651 can be considered
a potential new therapeutic target for BC treatment.

Conclusion:

As breast cancer remains a significant health concern, understanding its
molecular underpinnings is crucial for developing effective treatments. The identification
of LINC00651 as a promoter of BC cell growth and metastasis has suggested that it
could be a promising target for future therapeutic interventions, potentially offering new
avenues for improved patient outcomes.
Hybrid Materials of Graphene and Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Emerging Applications
Authors: Rehman Rabia , Ali Junaid , Arif Saira , Anam Sohaila , Mahmood Waqar , Naz Gul
Published: August 2024

Recently, nanoparticle-functionalized graphene materials have been in the
spotlight due to their exceptional properties. A pristine graphene sheet is an attractive
candidate for the dispersion of nanoparticles due to its large active surface area
compared to other carbon allotropes. Moreover, pristine graphene possesses electrical
and mechanical strength, which gives it a unique architecture. The chemical
functionalization of graphene intends to revamp its properties and elevate its use in
multiple applications by incorporating different functional groups. There are two main
approaches to the functionalization process, either based on covalent or noncovalent.
This chapter elaborates on the major strategies employed for the nanoparticles
functionalized graphene. The precursors of nanoparticles are metal salts which are
reduced in the solvent of the desired substrate. The strategies above involve the
deposition of metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, and quantum dots on
graphene substrate. The functionalization of graphene improves its dispersion capacity
and sets forth new properties, which broadens its scope of applications. Furthermore,
we aim to focus on the potential of materials derived from nanoparticle
functionalization in various applications such as wastewater management, biomedical
devices, photocatalysis, food additives detection, supercapacitors, electrochemical gas
sensors, and energy storage, flexible electronics, photonics, photovoltaic systems, and
catalysts. We aspire that the readers will learn the synthetic strategies for the
functionalization of graphene along with guidance and inspiration on the emerging
trends towards applications of interest. This chapter surveys various properties and
applications of nanoparticle-functionalized graphene.
Harnessing Graphene-Based Nanocomposites for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Munir Rabia , Ali Junaid , Arif Saira , Aziz Shahid
Published: August 2024

Due to the distinctive 2D lattice structure, graphene, and its derivatives have
received much interest in recent years to advance technology into the era of stretchable,
bendable, and flexible technology. Graphene has advantageous features that create
diversely effective devices when combined with other materials to create composites.
Compared to graphene, its composites exhibit improved features such as excellent
mechanical strength, tunable electrical and thermal conductivity, and optical properties.
Graphene composites utilize graphene fillers, films, or nanosheets with several other
organic and inorganic groups, such as polymers, metal oxides, metal nanowires and
nanoparticles, quantum dots, ceramics, and cement through covalent or noncovalent
interactions. Numerous factors help tune the characteristics of the composites, such as
graphene concentration, filler dispersion, chemical bonding, and others. The chapter
discusses various methods for synthesizing graphene-based composites, including melt
intercalation, in-situ polymerization, solution processing, etc. It also discusses factors
that affect the composite's mechanical, electrical, thermal, photonic, and photocatalytic
properties and its wide range of uses in electronics, sensors, transistors, energy storage,
and environmental remediation. In addition, the problems and obstacles encountered in
the manufacture of composites have been highlighted.
Graphene and its Derivatives: A Potential Solution for Microbial Control
Authors: Ashfaq Ghina , Ali Junaid , Arif Saira , Sajid Memoon , Hassan Gul , Syed Ahmed Shuja
Published: August 2024

Graphene-based materials (GMs) are the most promising materials in this
era of antimicrobial and antiviral materials. Their excellent physicochemical properties
and biocompatibility have opened new doors in this field. Graphene has good
mechanical properties, a large surface area, high barrier mobility, excellent electronic
transport performance, and resistance to degradation. Antimicrobial and antiviral
materials have been used in the health sector for many years to fight off pathogens.
Antibiotics, metal ions, and quaternary ammonium hydroxide are used for bacteria,
while metals and organic materials are effective against viruses. Although metals are
effective against viruses, their toxicity, high cost, and unintended leaching restrict their
use as antivirals. Viral strains are progressively mutating, emerging as new threats to
our species' survival. Bacterial resistance has developed as a result of the excessive use
of antibiotics. The antimicrobial materials used so far have a high cost, cause
environmental pollution, and are complex to process. To overcome these challenges,
graphene-based materials have been in the limelight for antiviral and antibacterial
abilities against pathogens. The combined properties of graphene alongside metals,
polymers, metal oxides, and many other materials enable the perfect tool to protect
human health. Their efficacy and broad-spectrum activities against gram-positive and
gram-negative bacteria can potentially improve the quality of life. This chapter
examines the detailed application of graphene-based materials towards wound healing,
antibacterial coatings, biosensors, bioimaging, antibacterial sutures, anti-bio films,
photocatalytic degradation of bacteria, and antibacterial packaging.