bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocean Literacy Accessibility
Authors: Ahmed Dana , Poto Margherita Paola , Heckman Stéphanie
Published: January 2025

Abstract (English)

This chapter explores the practical aspects of accessibility in ocean literacy, embodying the principles of Dana Ahmed’s approach to blue education as demonstrated in her project, EcoSpectrum. The focus is on pragmatic strategies to enhance inclusivity and accessibility within the realm of ocean education, ensuring that learning about the ocean is an opportunity available to all. Central to the chapter is the embedded ocean literacy activity designed to foster inclusion within educational settings. This activity serves as a practical example of how educators and facilitators can integrate accessible practices into their teaching methodologies. Additionally, the chapter explores various case studies where creativity has been a pivotal element in delivering effective ocean literacy programmes. The case studies highlight innovative approaches that merge artistic expression with educational content, making ocean literacy engaging and accessible to diverse audiences. The chapter concludes with insights from Stéphanie Heckman, our visual facilitator who has collaborated with Dana Ahmed in her projects. Heckman’s contribution through the development of infographics has been instrumental in providing visually engaging formats that enhance understanding and retention. Her work exemplifies the synergy between visual art and education, further emphasizing the role of creativity in making ocean science accessible to all. Overall, this chapter not only highlights the importance of inclusion and accessibility in ocean literacy but also contributes significantly to the toolkit by providing practical tools and inspiring examples that advocate for an inclusive approach to learning about the ocean.
The AURORAL Privacy Approach for Smart Communities Based on ODRL
Authors: Cimmino Andrea , Cano-Benito Juan , García-Castro Raúl
Published: January 2025

Over the past decade, smart cities have developed significantly, while rural areas have lagged. The AURORAL project aims to bridge this gap by offering a decentralised, semantically interoperable platform tailored for rural concerns. This platform not only facilitates the exchange of data but also adds features such as data validation or privacy policies for the users. This paper explores how AURORAL uses the ODRL language to allow users to establish and enforce privacy policies, thereby enhancing data privacy control.
Decentralized Management of IoT Platform Federations and Data Marketplaces
Authors: Pietri Ilia , Darzanos George , Spanos Georgios , Karadimou Dimitra , Papaioannou Thanasis G. , Stamoulis George D. , Votis Konstantinos , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: January 2025

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm has been rapidly adopted in a plethora of application domains, promoting the development of a variety of smart services relying on data from different sources. As a consequence, Sensing-as-a-Service is also gaining popularity, enabling IoT data providers and consumers to share, exchange and trade IoT data. In such a data-driven ecosystem, data marketplaces play a pivotal role, which besides the need for interoperable solutions, necessitates also sophisticated market mechanisms that ensure trusted and secure data exchange. In this paper, we present the IoTFeds solution which offers a complete open source interoperability framework combined with blockchain technologies, and thus provides a decentralized federation management and marketplace platform. The IoTFeds platform enables trustworthy and secure transactions allowing the creation and monetization of composite IoT data services offered by multiple federated data providers.
Higher Social Choice
Authors: Macías-Virgós E. , Pereira-Sáez M. J. , Simón-García I.
Published: January 2025

The problem of finding a social choice function in a given space of preferences has been dominated by Arrow’s and Chichilnisky’s Impossibility Theorems. Based on previous work by Carrasquel, Lupton and Oprea, in this paper, we use tools from Algebraic Topology to introduce a notion of higher social choice complexity that determines the minimum number of local social choices that must be aggregated to cover all possible individual preferences. We prove that this invariant is bounded between two known topological invariants, the higher topological complexity and its symmetric version. This result shifts the focus onto the topological structure of the preference space when studying social choice processes.
Implant irritation and removal rates in operatively treated multiple rib fractures: a 49-month follow-up study
Authors: Peuker Felix , Haveman Roelien A. , Houwert Roderick M. , Bosch Thomas P. , Hoepelman Ruben J. , Minervini Fabrizio , Beeres Frank J. P. , van de Wall Bryan J. M. ,   on behalf of the NEXT study group
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Little is known about the prevalence, impact and change of the symptoms after implant removal due to irritation in multiple rib fractures. This study aims to explore these aspects to improve treatment decision-making.

Methods

Data was collected from two hospitals in the Netherlands and Switzerland. The study included only adults with operatively treated multiple rib fractures, regardless of whether the fractures were flail or non-flail. The primary outcome was the incidence of implant removal due to irritation. Secondary outcomes included implant irritation not leading to removal, other postoperative complications, and remission rates after implant removal. These outcomes were assessed during a follow-up phone call using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Hundred-twenty patients were identified, with 83 (69.2%) completing the final follow-up after a median of 49 months (IQR 40–59). Twenty-five (30.1%) patients experienced implant irritation, of whom four (4.8%) got their implant removed. Two (2.4%) reported significant improvement, one (1.2%) moderate, and one (1.2%) no improvement of symptoms.

Conclusion

Implant irritation in patients with multiple rib fractures is a common problem, even years after surgery, without guaranteed symptom improvement post-removal. These results provide an additional argument to be more selective in offering rib fixation to patients with multiple rib fractures in the first place.
Preventing confounding in observational studies in orthopedic trauma surgery through expert panels: a systematic review
Authors: Groenwold Rolf H. H. , van Rossenberg L. X. , Smeeing D. P. J. , Houwert R. M. , Schoones J. W. , Muijs S. P. J. , Oner F. C. , de Jong Y. , van de Wall B. J. M. ,   for the NEXT study group
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Confounding in observational studies can be mitigated by selecting only those patients, in whom equipoise of both treatments is secured by experts’ disagreement over optimal therapy.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review to identify observational studies in the field of orthopedic trauma surgery that utilized expert panels for patient inclusion in order to limit the potential for confounding.

Results

Four studies were identified that used expert panels to select participants based on expert disagreement. Derived from these studies and our own experience, recommendations were made regarding reporting of the size and composition of the expert panel, the information the expert panel receives, criteria for disagreement, selection of patients, and statistical analysis.

Conclusion

With this review we aim to provide insight into this study design and to stimulate discussions about the potential of expert panels to control for confounding in studies of medical treatments.
In the last 10 years, have our polytrauma patients become geriatric? The emergency trauma bay in the context of demographic change
Authors: Bindrich Sabrina , Mittlmeier Thomas , Falk Steffi S. I.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

One of the key challenges trauma centres are currently facing is the management of polytraumata in an ageing population. The aim of this study is to assess the extent to which demographic changes are reflected in the trauma bay population and the impact on geriatric polytrauma patient outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-centre cohort study of a level one trauma centre in Germany. The data were collected from the DGU TraumaRegister. All patients exhibiting vital signs who were primarily admitted to the trauma bay were included in the study. Patient characteristics were compared for years 2011 and 2021. Polytrauma was defined as ISS > 15, and patients aged 65 and over were assigned to the geriatric group.

Results

The study included 214 patients. During the study period, there was a significant increase in the mean age of patients (from 47.7 to 55.9 years) and in the proportion of geriatric patients (from 30.37 to 40.51%). Injury severity, as measured by the Injury Severity Score (ISS), also increased significantly. In the entire patient population, the proportion of patients discharged to their place of residence decreased, while the hospital mortality (2011: 9.63%; 2021: 21.52%) increased.

Conclusions

The ageing trauma bay population presents new challenges for medical staff, because polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities and frailty become more significant in an ageing population. Enhanced interdisciplinary management, particularly between trauma and geriatric specialists, may mitigate rising mortality rates. Geriatric trauma centres or at least more geriatric expertise might be required to improve the treatment and outcome in this changing population.
Prevalence, incidence, and complications of malnutrition in severely injured patients
Authors: Verheul Esmee A. H. , Dijkink Suzan , Krijnen Pieta , Hoogendoorn Jochem M. , Arbous Sesmu , Peters Ron , Velmahos George C. , Salim Ali , Yeh Daniel D. , Schipper Inger B.
Published: January 2025

Background

Severely injured patients may suffer from acute disease-related or injury-related malnutrition involving a marked inflammatory response. This study investigated the prevalence and incidence of malnutrition and its relation with complications in severely injured patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This observational prospective cohort study included severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16), admitted to the ICU of five level-1 trauma centers in the Netherlands and United States. Malnutrition was defined as a Subjective Global Assessment score ≤ 5. Complications included systemic-, surgery-, and fracture-related complications, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. In-ICU and in-hospital mortality were recorded separately. The complication rate was compared between patients who had or developed malnutrition and patients who remained well-nourished, using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 100 included patients, twelve (12%) were malnourished at admission. Of the 88 well-nourished patients, 44 developed malnutrition during ICU admission, (ICU incidence 50%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 40–60%). Another 18 patients developed malnutrition at the ward (overall in-hospital incidence 70%, 95% CI 61–80%). The 62 patients who developed malnutrition and 12 patients who were malnourished upon admission had more complications than the 26 patients who remained well-nourished (58% vs. 50% vs. 27% respectively; p = 0.03; Odds Ratio 3.4, 95% CI 1.2–9.6).

Conclusions

50% of severely injured patients developed malnutrition during ICU admission, increasing to 70% during hospital admission. Malnutrition was related to an increased risk of complications. Recognition of sub-optimally nourished severely injured patients and assessment of nutritional needs could be valuable in optimizing their clinical outcomes.

Level of evidence

Level III, Prognostic/Epidemiological.
Long-term impact of emergency laparotomy on health-related quality of life
Authors: í Soylu Lív , Kokotovic Dunja , Kvist Madeline , Hansen Jannick Brander , Burcharth Jakob
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Emergency laparotomy can result in a range of physical and neuropsychiatric postoperative complaints, potentially impacting quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effect of emergency laparotomy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and how HRQoL influences the risk of readmission.

Method

HRQoL was assessed in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy during a 1-year period. Patients who completed the baseline HRQoL evaluation underwent a reassessment on postoperative day (POD) 30, 90, and 180. HRQoL was measured with the EQ5D index, and patients were categorized in ‘high’ and ‘low’ HRQoL. A decrease from high baseline HRQoL to low HRQoL by POD 30 was classified as ‘acquired low HRQoL’.

Results

All 215 patients who completed the baseline HRQoL evaluation were followed. On average, patients reported a lower mean (M) HRQoL from baseline (M = 0.876, standard deviation (SD) = 0.171) to POD 30 (M = 0.735, SD = 0.260). On POD 90, HRQoL had somewhat improved (M = 0.763, SD = 0.298), and by POD 180 HRQoL had returned to normal (M = 0.853, SD = 0.235). From the full-record population (n = 73), 20.5% acquired low HRQoL of whom 33% had not recovered by POD180. For patients with acquired low HRQoL, the risk of 180-day readmission was increased, and days alive and out of hospital within 180 days was reduced.

Conclusion

For most patients, HRQoL has returned to normal within 180 days after emergency laparotomy. However, patients who acquired low HRQoL after the procedure had an increased risk of long-term readmission.
Patient-specific implants combined with 3D-printed drilling guides for corrective osteotomies of multiplanar tibial and femoral shaft malunions leads to more accurate corrections
Authors: Oldhoff M. G. E. , Alvarez C. Posada , Ten Duis K. , Doornberg J. N. , Assink N. , IJpma F. F. A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using patient-specific implants (PSI) for complex shaft corrective osteotomies in multiplanar deformities of long bones in the lower extremities. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the added value of these implants by quantifying surgical accuracy on postoperative CT, comparing their outcomes to two commonly used techniques: 3D virtual visualizations and 3D-printed surgical guides.

Methods

Six tibial and femoral shaft corrective osteotomies were planned and performed on three Thiel embalmed human specimen. Depending on the specimen a different respective technique was used; 1) ‘3D Visualization’ using 3D virtual plan preoperatively and free-hand corrective osteotomy techniques with standard manually contoured plates; 2) ‘3D guided’ utilizing 3D surgical guides and manually contouring of conventional implant; and 3)‘3D PSI’ utilizing a 3D surgical guide with a patient-specific implant. Accuracy of the corrections was assessed through measurements for varus/valgus angulation, ante/recurvation, rotation and osteotomy plane error as quantified on postoperative CT-scans.

Results

Twelve corrective osteotomies were performed. For, the median difference between the surgical plan and postoperative CT assessment was 3.4°, 4.6°, and 2.2° for the ‘3D visualization’, ‘3D guided’, and ‘3D PSI’ methods respectively. Regarding ante/recurvation, the differences were 3.8°, 43.8°, and 1.2°, respectively. For rotation, the differences were 11.9°, 18.7°, and 3.5°, respectively. Discrepancies between planned and executed levels of osteotomy plane were 6.2 mm, 3.2 mm, and 1.4 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

PSIs with 3D-printed drilling guides for complex multiplanar corrective osteotomies of femoral and tibial shaft malunions is feasible and achieves accurate corrections. This technique enables precise determination of the osteotomy plane, guides correction in all three planes, and ensures satisfactory implant fitting; thus accurately translating the virtual surgical plan into clinical practice. The 3D PSI method is beneficial for complex cases with significant multiplanar deformities in bone anatomy, particularly with rotational malalignment.
Interpretability of fingerprint presentation attack detection systems: a look at the “representativeness” of samples against never-seen-before attacks
Authors: Carta Simone , Casula Roberto , Orrù Giulia , Micheletto Marco , Marcialis Gian Luca
Published: January 2025

Nowadays, fingerprint Presentation Attack Detection systems (PADs) are primarily based on deep learning architectures subjected to massive training. However, their performance decreases to never-seen-before attacks. With the goal of contributing to explaining this issue, we hypothesized that this limited ability to generalize is due to the lack of "representativeness" of the samples available for the PAD training. "Representativeness" is treated here from a geometrical perspective: the spread of samples into the feature space, especially near the decision boundaries. In particular, we explored the possibility of adopting three-dimensionality reduction methods to make the problem affordable through visual inspection. These methods enable visual inspection and interpretation by projecting data into two-dimensional spaces, facilitating the identification of weak areas in the decision regions estimated after the training phase. Our analysis delineates the benefits and drawbacks of each dimensionality reduction method and leads us to make substantial recommendations in the crucial phase of the training design.
The coupled Legendre-Hadamard condition for fiber-reinforced materials: three-dimensional solids and two-dimensional shells
Authors: Bîrsan Mircea , Shirani Milad , Steigmann David J.
Published: January 2025

Detailed derivations of the Legendre-Hadamard necessary conditions for energy-minimizing states of fiber-reinforced three-dimensional solids and two-dimensional shells are presented. The underlying conceptual framework is Cosserat elasticity theory in which the Cosserat rotation field controls the orientation of the embedded fibers. This is partially coupled to the continuum deformation gradient by the requirement that the fibers convect as material curves with respect to the matrix material in which they are embedded. The conditions obtained combine the effects of deformation and rotation and subsume previously obtained decoupled inequalities involving these effects separately.
Day-case gastrostomy insertion in children: an achievable reality
Authors: Thompson David , Allam Maddie , Dick Karen , Leigh Jo , Taylor Rhoda , Keys Charlie , Kitteringham Lara , Ron Ori , Stanton Michael , Stedman Francesca , Hall Nigel J.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Recent efforts have sought to streamline gastrostomy insertion care, particularly length of stay (LOS). We report our initial experience with day-case gastrostomy (DCG) insertion.

Method

Retrospective review (April 2018–2024) of all primary gastrostomy insertions. Patients discharged the same day as the procedure were defined as DCG. Demographic, operative, and clinical data were recorded. All cases were treated according to a standardized feeding pathway.

Results

Of 432 gastrostomies formed, 15 were DCG; median age 3.5 (0.7–16.9) years, LOS 12 h (9–15 h). The most common indication was nutritional supplementation (n = 9). Gastrostomy technique was single-stage percutaneous rapid insertion of gastrostomy button (SPRING n = 5) or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG n = 10). Prior to insertion, 6/15 DCG were established on nasogastric (NG) feeding, 8 did not use NG feeding, and 1 had occasional NG feeds. The majority (13/15) were performed on morning operating lists. There were 4 minor complications; 2 required readmission.

Conclusion

DCG in selected cases is feasible and safe. Most cases were performed on morning operating list, but fewer than half had prior experience of nasogastric tube feeding. We suggest additional pathway modifications to improve DCG uptake.
Differential analysis of alternative splicing events in gene regions using residual neural networks
Authors: Ciccolella Simone , Denti Luca , Avila Cartes Jorge , Della Vedova Gianluca , Pirola Yuri , Rizzi Raffaella , Bonizzoni Paola
Published: January 2025

Several computational methods for the differential analysis of alternative splicing (AS) events among RNA-Seq samples typically rely on estimating isoform-level gene expression. However, these approaches are often error-prone due to the interplay of individual AS events, which results in different isoforms with locally similar sequences. Moreover, methods based on isoform-level quantification usually need annotated transcripts. In this work, we leverage the ability of deep learning networks to learn features from images and propose , a novel method for event-based AS differential analysis between two RNA-Seq samples. Our method does not rely on isoform abundance estimation, neither on a specific annotation. employs an image embedding scheme to represent the alignments of the two samples on the same region and utilizes a residual neural network to predict the AS events possibly expressed within that region. To our knowledge, is the first deep learning approach for performing an event-based AS analysis of RNA-Seq samples. To validate , we also address the lack of high quality AS benchmark datasets. For this purpose, we manually curated a set of regions exhibiting AS events. These regions were used for training our model and for assessing the predictions of our method. Our results highlight that achieves higher precision at the expense of a small reduction in sensitivity. The tool and the manually curated regions are available at https://github.com/sciccolella/deepSpecas.
The relationships between photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and photosynthetic status in radish species differing in salinity tolerance
Authors: Mohamed Elsayed , Tomimatsu Hajime , Hikosaka Kouki
Published: January 2025

Since photosynthesis is highly sensitive to salinity stress, remote sensing of photosynthetic status is useful for detecting salinity stress during the selection and breeding of salinity-tolerant plants. To do so, photochemical reflectance index (PRI) is a potential measure to detect conversion of the xanthophyll cycle in photosystem II. Raphanus sativus var. raphanistroides is a wild radish species closely related to domesticated radish, and is distributed throughout the coastal regions of Japan, where it is thought to be salt tolerant. In this study, we raised wild and domesticated radishes under various salt conditions and assessed growth, photosynthetic status, and PRI. When grown at mild salt stress (50 mM NaCl), wild radish leaves showed photosynthetic activity levels comparable to control plants, whereas the photosynthetic activity of domesticated radish was suppressed. This result suggests that wild radishes are more salt-tolerant than domesticated radishes. Although photosynthetic rate and the photochemical quantum yield were significantly correlated with PRI in both species, the PRI resolution was insufficient to distinguish differences in salt tolerance between wild and domesticated radish. Wild radish had a lower maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) when grown under moderate salt stress (200 mM NaCl), suggesting chronic photoinhibition. The relationship between non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and PRI was significant when leaves with chronic photoinhibition were eliminated but this relationship was not significant when they were included. In contrast, the relationship between photosynthesis and PRI was significant regardless of whether leaves displayed chronic photoinhibition or not. We conclude that PRI is useful to detect relatively large reductions in photosynthetic rate under salinity stress, and that care should be taken to evaluate NPQ from PRI.
Barriers to product return in a circular supply chain: a case from a retailing industry
Authors: Hashemi Petrudi Seyed Hamid , Sharifpour Arabi Hojatallah
Published: January 2025

The circular supply chain (CSC) plays a pivotal role in delivering sustainable products to end users, profoundly affecting organizational performance and societal welfare. In this ecosystem, effective Product Return Management (PRM) is crucial, as consumers play a pivotal role in returning used products for reuse or recycling. Despite its significance in waste reduction and attaining environmental and economic goals, scant research has explored product return barriers within CSC. This study bridges this gap by investigating and prioritising these barriers to enhance the circular economy. Employing a systematic literature review (SLR), we extracted and screened 13 product return barriers in CSC using the Grey Delphi method. Subsequently, we introduced an enhanced version of the Group Grey-Best–Worst Method (GG-BWM), a novel approach that harmonises expert judgments by addressing uncertainties through Grey Theory and incorporating both individual-level and group-level inconsistency ratios. The findings highlight lack of motivation, lack of consumer awareness, and lack of proper infrastructure as the most critical barriers. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis conducted across 11 scenarios emphasises the significance of our results. This study contributes to the group multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods and CSC literature, while offering actionable insights practitioners seeking to improve the effectiveness of their CSC strategies.
Examination of heavy metal concentrations and their interaction with anthropogenic sources in Ermenek Dam Lake (Turquoise Lake)
Authors: Argun Yusuf Alparslan
Published: January 2025

This study aims to determine the spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution in Ermenek Dam Lake, water quality assessment and pollution sources. For this purpose, samples were taken 6 times a year from 12 points determined in 2024. Physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals were analyzed in the study. Using the analysis results, indexes such as Water Quality Index and Heavy Metal Pollution Index were calculated. The results show that the lake water complies with TS 266 and WHO standards. The index results indicate that the lake water is at low pollution and risk level and is safe. The distribution and sources of heavy metals were examined using correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis. Correlation analyses showed that there were significant relationships between pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and TDS and heavy metals. PCA results revealed that Zn was positively correlated with temperature and pH, while Mn and Ni were inversely correlated. The alignment of Pb, Cu and Cd in the same direction showed that these parameters were affected by common sources. HCA results showed that Cr and Fe have similar transport and source properties, while Mn and Ni are affected by different sources. In general, it was determined that heavy metal pollution in lake water was at low levels and local concentrations were present. The study revealed the effects of anthropogenic activities on the lake ecosystem. The findings of the study provide a guiding basis for water quality management in similar hydrological systems.

Graphical abstract
Oculomotor Function in Children and Adolescents with Autism, ADHD or Co-occurring Autism and ADHD
Authors: Forbes Elana J. , Tiego Jeggan , Langmead Joshua , Unruh Kathryn E. , Mosconi Matthew W. , Finlay Amy , Kallady Kathryn , Maclachlan Lydia , Moses Mia , Cappel Kai , Knott Rachael , Chau Tracey , Sindhu Vishnu Priya Mohanakumar , Bellato Alessio , Groom Madeleine J. , Kerestes Rebecca , Bellgrove Mark A. , Johnson Beth P.
Published: January 2025

Oculomotor characteristics, including accuracy, timing, and sensorimotor processing, are considered sensitive intermediate phenotypes for understanding the etiology of neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism and ADHD. Oculomotor characteristics have predominantly been studied separately in autism and ADHD. Despite the high rates of co-occurrence between these conditions, only one study has investigated oculomotor processes among those with co-occurring autism + ADHD. Four hundred and five (n = 405; 226 males) Australian children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years (M = 9.64 years; SD = 3.20 years) with ADHD (n = 64), autism (n = 66), autism + ADHD (n = 146), or neurotypical individuals (n = 129) were compared across four different oculomotor tasks: visually guided saccade, anti-saccade, sinusoidal pursuit and step-ramp pursuit. Confirmatory analyses were conducted using separate datasets acquired from the University of Nottingham UK (n = 17 autism, n = 22 ADHD, n = 32 autism + ADHD, n = 30 neurotypical) and University of Kansas USA (n = 29 autism, n = 41 neurotypical). Linear mixed effect models controlling for sex, age and family revealed that children and adolescents with autism + ADHD exhibited increased variability in the accuracy of the final saccadic eye position compared to neurotypical children and adolescents. Autistic children and adolescents demonstrated a greater number of catch-up saccades during step-ramp pursuit compared to neurotypical children and adolescents. These findings suggest that select differences in saccadic precision are unique to autistic individuals with co-occurring ADHD, indicating that measuring basic sensorimotor processes may be useful for parsing neurodevelopment and clinical heterogeneity in autism.
ATM Expression and Activation in Ataxia Telangiectasia Patients with and without Class Switch Recombination Defects
Authors: Salami Fereshte , Shad Tannaz Moeini , Fathi Nazanin , Mojtahedi Hanieh , Esmaeili Marzie , Shahkarami Sepideh , Afrakoti Ladan Gol Mohammad Pour , Amirifar Parisa , Delavari Samaneh , Nosrati Hassan , Razavi Azadehsadat , Ranjouri Mohammad Reza , Yousefpour Mahsa , Esfahani Zahra Hamidi , Azizi Gholamreza , Ashrafi Mahmoudreza , Rezaei Nima , Yazdani Reza , Abolhassani Hassan
Published: January 2025

Background

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase plays a critical role in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair. Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) patients exhibit abnormalities in immunoglobulin isotype expression and class switch recombination (CSR). This study investigates the role of residual ATM kinase expression and activity in the severity of A-T disease.

Methods

A-T patients with defined genetic diagnoses were classified based on CSR and based on the severity of their medical complications. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from any patient were evaluated before and after exposure to 0.5 Gy ionizing radiation for one minute. Western blotting was performed to identify the expression of ATM and phosphorylated ATM (p-ATM) proteins compared to age-sex-matched healthy controls.

Results

In severe A-T patients (n = 6), the majority (66.7%) had frameshift mutations, while 33.3% had nonsense mutations in the ATM gene. The mild group (n = 3) had two cases of splice errors and one missense mutation. All patients with CSR defect had elevated IgM serum levels, whereas all switched immunoglobulins were reduced in them. Expression of ATM and p-ATM proteins was significantly lower (p = 0.01) in all patients compared to healthy controls, both pre-and post- and post-radiation. Additionally, low ATM and p-ATM protein expression levels were linked with the clinical severity of patients but were not correlated with CSR defects.

Conclusion

Expression and activation of ATM protein were defective in A-T patients compared to healthy controls. Altered expression of ATM and p-ATM proteins may have potential clinical implications for prognostic evaluation and symptom severity assessment in individuals with A-T.
Gene Silencing of Olfactory Receptor Coreceptor by Systemic RNA Interference in Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Shimomura Kenji , Sakita Keito , Terajima Takehito , Tomizawa Motohiro
Published: January 2025

Seed beetles are pernicious pests of leguminous seeds and are distributed globally. They cause great economic losses, particularly in developing countries. Of this genus, the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) is the most destructive and common species of this beetle. However, there are no effective and sustainable control strategies available for this species. Nevertheless, sustainable pest management strategies using sex pheromone compounds have been proposed, as C. maculatus uses species-specific sex pheromone signals for pre-mating isolation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the attractive capacity of male C. maculatus after RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene knockdown of olfactory receptor coreceptor (Cmac\Orco). The RNAi effect showed more than 90% reduction in transcripts, and a behavioral bioassay using a Y-tube olfactometer indicated that knocking down males impaired sexual attraction toward females, which would be a useful tool for further screening of target molecules for odorant chemical communication.
Structure-Function Analysis of Volatile (Z)-3-Fatty Alcohols in Tomato
Authors: Fisher Kirsten , Negi Harshita , Cole Owen , Tomlin Fallon , Wang Qian , Stratmann Johannes W.
Published: January 2025

Plants emit green leaf volatiles (GLVs) in response to biotic and abiotic stress. Receiver plants perceive GLVs as alarm cues resulting in activation of defensive or protective mechanisms. While this is well documented, it is not known how GLVs are perceived by receiver cells and what the structural determinants are for GLV activity. We tested whether the carbon chain length in (Z)-3-fatty alcohols with four to nine carbons and the double bonds in six-carbon alcohols contribute to bioactivity. In Solanum peruvianum suspension-cultured cells we found that (Z)-3-fatty alcohols, except (Z)-3-butenol, induce medium alkalinization and MAP kinase phosphorylation, two signaling responses often tied to the perception of molecular patterns that function in plant immunity and resistance to herbivores. In tomato (S. lycopersicum) seedlings, we found that (Z)-3-fatty alcohols induce inhibition of root growth. In both signaling and physiological responses, (Z)-3-octenol and (Z)-3-nonenol had a higher bioactivity than (Z)-3-heptenol and (Z)-3-hexenol, with (Z)-3-butenol only being active in root growth assays. Bioactivity correlated not only with chain length but also with lipophilicity of the fatty alcohols. The natural GLVs (E)-2-hexenol and the saturated 1-hexanol exhibited a higher bioactivity in pH assays than (Z)-3-hexenol, indicating that the presence and position of a double bond also contributes to bioactivity. Our results indicate that perceiving mechanisms for (Z)-3-fatty alcohols show a preference for longer chain fatty alcohols or that longer chain fatty alcohols are more accessible to receptors.
Optimizing Magnetic, Mechanical, and Electrical Properties of Cobalt-Substituted Zinc Chromite Spinel via Microwave-Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Hessien M. A. , Khattab R. M. , Sadek H. E. H. , Abo-Almaged H. H. , Taha M. A.
Published: January 2025

Using the microwave-hydrothermal technique, researchers synthesized a cobalt-substituted zinc chromite spinel structure with the formula Zn1 − xCoxCr2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0). The resulting powder underwent analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine the ideal conditions for eliminating organic components from the fired pellet. After establishing the optimal initial calcination temperature, all powder samples were calcined at 600 °C, then compressed and fired at 1300, 1400, 1500, and 1600 °C. The fired pellets were then examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, researchers evaluated the pellets’ physical, electrical, dielectric, magnetic, and mechanical properties. The findings indicated that 1600 °C was the optimal firing temperature for the pellets. The apparent porosity decreased, and the bulk density increased with increasing Co content and firing temperature. Enhancements in magnetization, mechanical, and electrical conductivity, dielectric properties, and elastic moduli were observed by increasing the cobalt content. Porosity has a significant impact on mechanical properties. The mechanical properties were slightly reduced for zinc-rich pellets. The dielectric constant and the dielectric loss increased with increasing Co content at 1 MHz. In addition, the results show that the dielectric constant and dielectric loss factor decreased with increasing frequency, whereas the A.C. electrical conductivity increased with increasing frequency.
The Role of Community Organisation, Religion, Spirituality and Cultural Beliefs on Diabetes Social Support and Self-Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Molla Israel Bekele , Hagger Virginia , Rothmann Mette Juel , Rasmussen Bodil
Published: January 2025

To examine the evidence for the role of community organisations, religion, spirituality, cultural beliefs, and social support in diabetes self-management, we undertook an integrative literature review utilising MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, and grey literature databases. The selected articles were appraised for quality, and the extracted data were analysed thematically. The search yielded 1586 articles, and after eliminating duplicates, 1434 titles and abstracts were screened, followed by a full-text review of 103 articles. Ultimately, 47 articles met the inclusion criteria for the review, utilising various study designs, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and nonrandomised clinical trials. These findings indicate that spirituality and religiosity can positively affect diabetes self-management by providing motivation, coping skills, social support, and guidance for healthy behaviours. A strong social support system enhances diabetes self-management and glycaemic control for individuals with diabetes. However, some aspects of religion and culture, such as beliefs about medications, may also pose challenges or barriers to diabetes self-management. Adherence to medication, food choices, physical activity, and the use of complementary or alternative medicine can be influenced by sociocultural factors. Additionally, cultural beliefs and social norms influence understanding diabetes aetiology, management, and symptom reactions. The findings highlight that it is crucial to understand the cultural, religious, or spiritual influences that can either assist or impede self-management habits in individuals with diabetes and could inform interventions that support personalised and effective care.
Prediction of the shift of the distribution of Pinus brutia Ten. Under future climate model
Authors: Arslan E. Seda , Örücü Ömer K. , Gülcü Süleyman , Dirlik Samet , Hoşgör Ecem
Published: January 2025

This study uses presence data and bioclimatic variables to predict distribution areas of the Pinus brutia Ten., the pine species with the most significant natural distribution in Turkey. The modeling was performed using the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios based on the HadGEM3-GC31-LL model, both current and future distributions. In addition, change analysis was conducted to determine the changes that will occur over the years in the potential distribution areas of the species. In addition to bioclimatic variables, the model incorporated elevation, NDVI, human footprint, slope, and aspect as environmental layers. The model’s performance was evaluated to determine its effectiveness, and the values in the area under the curve (AUC) from the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were analyzed. A Jackknife test was conducted to assess the contribution of each variable included in the study to the model’s performance. The study found that, the SSP2-4.5 scenario shows a slight increase in suitable areas over time, with “not suitable > suitable” regions increasing from 8.91 to 9.11%, while the SSP5-8.5 scenario indicates a net gain of suitable areas by 1.07% despite a 1.94% increase in unsuitable areas from 2081 to 2100. Consequently, Red Pine might experience less competition and have better expansion opportunities.
First Record and Identification of a Microsporidian Pathogen, Nosema Maddoxi in the Population of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha Halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Türkiye
Authors: Eker Samet , Yaman Mustafa , Ertürk Ömer , Güvendik Tuğba Sağlam , Algı Gönül
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive and a highly polyphagous species with a strong dispersal capacity. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective control method that can prevent or reduce the economic loss caused by this pest. Among natural enemies, microsporidia cause infections in insects so that they can generally shorten life span, reduce fertility and inhibit growth.

Methods

Current study involved field study, light and electron microscopy and molecular phylogenic analyses of a microsporidian pathogen in the populations of H. halys in Türkiye.

Results

The microsporidian infection were mostly observed in malpighian tubules and fatty tissue filled with high spore density. Fresh uninucleate spores are oval, measued as 3.73 × 2.01 µm in dimensions. The mature spore wall is relatively thick and measures 75–85 nm and consists of a clear endospore (40–50 nm) and an electron-dense, uniform, thin exospore (25–30 nm). The polar filament is isofilar, 85–110 mm in diameter and has 7–8 coils. It is found to be most closely related to Nosema maddoxi isolate Mn.6 isolated from H. halys in Georgia in phylogenetic tree.

Conclusion

The spore morphology and structural features of the isolate from H. halys identify it as Nosema maddoxi. The phylogenetic analyses confirm both light and electron microscopic observations. This is the first microsporidian record from H. halys and also from the order Hemiptera in Türkiye. It is also confirmed that the invasive pest, H. halys carries its natural pathogen, N. maddoxi to new geographical locations during its distribution.
Impact of Experimental Congenital Toxoplasmosis on the Thyroid Gland: Histopathological and Immunobiochemical Indices Assessment
Authors: Elgawad Hanan Abd , Elmehankar Manar S. , Nabih Nairmen , Sheta Heba , Awad Soha I.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The thyroid gland is one of the most vital endocrine organs. It is responsible for the synthesis and secretion of hormones principally triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play a significant role in the functions and the metabolism of the body. The thyroid gland could be affected by several infections, among them Toxoplasma gondii. Congenital toxoplasmosis took place when the parasite reached the developing fetus and infected any nucleated cells within it. This study assessed the effect of experimental congenital toxoplasmosis on the thyroid gland structure and function.

Methods

We used 34 Wistar rats and allocated them into two groups: normal control group (17 rats) and congenital toxoplasmosis group (17 rats). After euthanasia, the brain and the thyroid gland was assessed through histopathological examination. Thyroid functions examination was performed through measuring the serum levels of T3, thyroxine T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Moreover, serum levels of thyroid antibodies [thyroid-peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and anti-thyroglobulin (TG-Ab)] were examined.

Results

The examination of thyroid tissues of the congenital toxoplasmosis group showed decreased or absent colloid secretion. About 47.1% of follicles showed degeneration with different grades. Parafollicular cells hyperplasia were observed in 23.6% of specimens. The serum concentrations of T3, T4, and TSH were significantly higher in congenital toxoplasmosis group than the control group. The congenital toxoplasmosis group had lower serum concentrations of TPO-Abs than the control group.

Conclusion

These results indicated that congenital Toxoplasma infection could result in a central hyperthyroidism state with alteration of thyroid gland structure in offspring.
Effect of Arum rupicola Boiss rupicola Extracts on Visceral Larva Migrans in Mice
Authors: Akkus Gozde Nur , Atalay Tugrul , Akdeniz Sinem , Ekici Husamettin , Yildiz Dincer , Gurcan I. Safa , Yildiz Kader
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In the present study, the effects of leaf and rhizome extracts of Arum rupicola Boiss rupicola were searched on the infective stage Toxocara canis larvae (L3) in the experimentally infected mice.

Methods

Four-six week-old male BALB/c mice were divided into eight groups (G1-8, each group consisted of 7 mice), and they were infected orally with 500 T. canis eggs with L3. After 24 h, the following treatment protocol was applied to the groups for five days: G-1: Albendazole (ABZ) (100 mg/kg), G-2: Leaf Extract (10 mg/mL) + ABZ (100 mg/kg), G-3: Leaf Extract (40 mg/mL) + ABZ (100 mg/kg), G-4: Rhizome Extract + ABZ (100 mg/kg), G-5: Leaf Extract (10 mg/mL), G-6: Leaf Extract (40 mg/mL), G-7: Rhizome extract, G-8: Negative control. The necropsy was performed on the 45th day of experimental infection.

Results

The rhizome extract significantly reduced the effectiveness of ABZ compared to leaf extracts. The number of larvae in rhizome extract-treated mice (G7) was similar to ABZ-treated mice (G1) (P < 0.05). The larval number in mice administered leaf extract (10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL) was slightly decreased. But no significant difference was detected in the larval number depending on the dose of leaf extracts (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The administration of the leaf and rhizome extracts did not contribute to the effectiveness of ABZ. Also the effect of ABZ on the larvae number obtained from the tissues was reduced by the rhizome extract. The larvae number in the group in which rhizome extract was given alone was almost close to the group in which ABZ was administered. The results provide insight for further research on the antiparasitic properties of A. rupicola Boiss rupicola rhizome extract.
The Potential Role of Sanguinarine as an Inhibitor of Leishmania PP2C in the Induction of Apoptosis
Authors: Ornelas-Cruces M. , Escalona-Montaño A. R. , Salaiza-Suazo N. , Sifontes-Rodríguez S. , Aguirre-García M. M.
Published: January 2025

Leishmania spp. cause a wide range of human diseases, localized skin lesions, mucocutaneous and visceral infections. In the present study, the aim was to investigate the potential role of sanguinarine as a specific inhibitor of Leishmania PP2C that can induce apoptosis in the parasite. The results demonstrated that sanguinarine inhibits, in a dose-dependent mode at 72 h, the growth and phosphatase activity of both Leishmania major and Leishmania mexicana promastigotes. Therefore, all assays were performed from this time period onwards. TUNEL assay was used to identify apoptosis and indicated apoptosis in L. major and L. mexicana promastigotes. Similarly, Western blot assay showed that PARP, a DNA damage indicator molecule, was present in L. major and L. mexicana promastigotes incubated with the inhibitor. In addition, differential expression of the proapoptotic protein Bax and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was observed in both Leishmania species. Finally, the protein phosphatase PP2C expression was not affected, whereas p38 MAPK phosphorylation was increased in L. major promastigotes than in L. mexicana promastigotes. Therefore, sanguinarine proved to be an inhibitor of the growth and PP2C enzymatic activity of L. major and L. mexicana promastigotes, and with it, this inhibition induced apoptosis.